The Many Hats of James Michael McDonald

Her “mama voice” knows the songs
Her babies like to hear.
She needn’t sing a single word,
Soft humming keeps them near.

When naughtiness is stirred within
Her little ones at play
Her “mama hand” trains them well,
then teaches them to pray.

At times the days seem oh so long
And fear and doubt attack
And schooling seems to not get done
And household chores just stack.

Skeptics sing their siren song,
Wooing from the street,
Tempting her to forsake her call
And for self glory seek.

Yet, one glimpse upon her little ones
And she sees beyond the day
The shaping of the little souls
Where generations lay

Changing a diaper with holy hands
And wiping a messy face—
Are all part of the tapestry,
This masterpiece of grace

Happy is the godly mother,
Who sees within her child
The gift of His eternal peace
A tamed heart that was wild.

The storms of life fret her not
She smiles at the wind
She knows from Whom her strength will come,
His mercy never ends

God fashioned her with smaller hands,
So she would know His strength.
He made for her a weaker frame,
When measured by her length.

Posted by jm at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)

May 14, 2006

Prayers Answered

Stacy flew home from Illinois Wednesday. She went to the doctor early Thursday morning. This doctor found that while the infection was severe, it was not in the bone. Over the past few days, we have seen the infected area turn pink with new skin! We are rejoicing in the Lord for His healing! God has answered our prayers, and many of yours. Thank you so much for your kindness to our family.

Today marked the first day in four weeks that we were able to worship at our home church. While we certainly enjoyed our time of travel, meeting new friends and seeing new sites, it was a blessing to return to the familiar surroundings of Katy, Texas. Our worship today was a joyful experience!

We will return to the road in a few weeks when we will head to Missouri to keynote the state homeschool convention. Stacy's foot should be completely healed by that time!

Posted by jm at 10:15 PM | Comments (5)

May 10, 2006

Update and Prayer Request

Monday of this week found us sitting in an ER in southern Wisconsin. We had been on the road for three and a half weeks, speaking at New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Michigan, as well as ministering at churches along the way. But an emergency has come up.

As background, my wife Stacy has no feeling in her left foot. Over a month ago, she injured her foot, but did not notice it until it became infected. Our doctor in Houston cleared out the area and prescribed an antibiotic.

We noticed the infection returning Thursday evening while at the INCH conference in Michigan. Stacy’s podiatrist called in a prescription of antibiotics Friday. At the Michigan conference Saturday, we met with a homeschooling mother who was also an ER doctor. She doubled the antibiotics and told us to watch the infection. Monday, while visiting with friends in Illinois, it looked worse than ever, which brought us to the hospital.

The doctor here believes Stacy’s foot infection has entered into her bone. She has recommended we return to Houston as soon as possible. Stacy, Tiffany and William will fly home today and go directly to Methodist Hospital in Houston for evaluation. The rest of us will take the long route home. Christa and Jessica will stay in Arlington to set up for the convention tomorrow and I will come home to be with Stacy.

This condition could be quite serious, but we are trusting in the Lord and His Sovereignty. We ask for your prayers.

We are thankful God allowed us to meet with and minister to so many families on this trip. This is not the way we would have seen it end, but we know God is in control.

Posted by jm at 07:15 AM | Comments (0)

May 02, 2006

2006 Travel Diary 3

Massachusetts to Canada!

Another quick update from the McDonald Clan!

God gave us a busy and meaningful conference in Massachusetts. Families came from across the state to be encouraged at the convention. Not only were we given many speaking opportunities, but God also gave us many ministry moments. We met and prayed with families with real needs. I also had many side meetings to discuss issues important to the new revival and reformation many of us are praying for – solid doctrine, family-integration, biblical worship. This was an enjoyable time!

Before the conference, we visited Old Sturbridge Village, a recreation of an early 1800’s community. A fascinating and relaxing walk. We learned some rather interesting facts, such as in the early 1800’s, 60% of the US population was made up of those under the age of 18. Today, this segment accounts for only 25% of the total population. Could it be we have forgotten Psalm 127?

On Sunday afternoon, we met with Stacy’s sister Michelle who lives in Boston. The children enjoy their Aunt Michelle and since she has not married and had the opportunity for children, she enjoys her nieces and nephews even more. Driving around Boston is a real test of faith! No one seems to appreciate the basics of defensive driving. Good thing we drive an E-350 (except when it comes to parking in Boston!).

Yesterday, we started west, deciding to cross into Canada, which cut many miles off the trip – and also off our travel weary van! Coming across the border was a bit of a challenge as we did not bring birth certificates. The immigration folks did not know what to make of this odd homeschooling family. But they begrudgingly let us in. We will stay here today, catching up on laundry and possibly seeing the Canadian side of Niagara.

Tomorrow we head for Michigan! That is, if the US Customs folk allow us to return.

Thank you all for your prayers!

Posted by jm at 08:49 PM | Comments (0)