Good Thoughts

Bye 2011!

2011-12-31T13:33:00.003-05:00

Hello, 2012! It has been a good year for us, flew by quite quickly even with being pregnant for 42 weeks of it. Went to Indiana for Church of God convention, Pennsylvania for Hershey Park, went camping at Jellystone and finally to Flordia for Disney World where I saw my family and a few of my siblings.

I am looking forward to the next year; homeschool, running, little league games, a growing infant and studies into God's Word. I'm not going to make any new year's resolutions, I mostly want to maintain and exceed the progress I made last year in the areas of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

Alright, off to finish 2011 in style!

See you next year, dear Readers.

Christmas Gifts

2011-12-22T15:23:00.007-05:00

I pray that you are receiving "blessed moments" from God this Holiday season. This past month has gone by so quickly that I have hardly taken time to count my blessings of 2011 and grabbed those peaceful moments of reflection. I hope you are able to if not now, for awhile this weekend!

My Christmas gifts are probably not going to be too many, it was a very busy year for us. However, non-material things are so much more important and include friends who have welcomed me into their lives and given us so much to help us through the transition to a family of six. Family who are willing to invest in our lives through notes, phone calls and emails. A sister who is truly my best friend. A husband who has been with me through the good and the bad (and the ugly, if you want the truth). And finally (and most importantly) a Savior, the Christ in Christmas; Jesus. I hope you know Him!

If you have to do any last minute shopping (like my husband and I tomorrow!) I'll leave you with these Christmas gift suggestions from Oren Arnold:

"To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect."

p.s. this post is a revised version of 2008. Merry Christmas, dear Readers :)

New Addition

2011-12-11T22:35:00.003-05:00

Our wonderful, newest addition arrived November 28 at 3:35 a.m. Only at the hospital for 2 hours before he was born, God had His hand all over this entire delivery (one of my most intense, yet best)! To make a detailed story short: all I can say is that it's a good thing I didn't have the epidural, or it would have meant a "stat" c-section (emergency at 9.5 cm). But that didn't happen, I was able to push on the operating table and no stitches means I'm healing quickly and baby makes six!

These really are his feet, I'm not sure how I feel about posting baby pictures on here, maybe after I put the little stamp across it...

Christmas is coming and it's going to be a good one.

2011-11-23T22:39:00.004-05:00

Praise the Lord!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others
and always do what is right. ~Psalm 106:1-3

Any Day

2011-11-12T22:46:00.002-05:00

Baby is coming any day now. A few who know me well ask if I'm "nesting" yet. Very tricky question since I usually clean that way- in sudden spurts especially if I think company could be coming over. So on days that I think "Baby Day?" is the day I clean really well. Not just vacuum, dishes and bathroom- but company-may-be-checking-this-hall-closet-if-they-get-a-paper-cut-while-they-are-visiting clean.

One of my beautiful sisters-in-law is due about the same time I am (plus or minus the two weeks that all midwives/doctors give you) and it'd be really neat if our babies shared a birthday. The only thing is, I would rather not go the two weeks overdue to meet her two weeks early baby!! Ah well, another reason to surrender to God's Will and not my own.

Psalm 18:30 says, "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."

What better time to mull over these words! I doubt many of you are expecting a baby as I am: but there are certainly other things that you are waiting on (see last blog entry). The important thing is when we remember God's way is perfect and hold fast to the Word of the Lord, He will keep us steady in these trials great and small and our anxiety and stress will disappear.

In Due Time

2011-10-31T13:12:00.003-04:00

Romans 5:6 says, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly."

At just the right time is when God does his best work. We may be waiting anxiously for the letter from the college saying our child has been accepted or denied, we may be waiting for our Christmas bonus to buy the gifts on layaway. Whatever it is, it seems that there is the potential for an indeterminate amount of wait time. For me, it's waiting the birth of our fourth child (officially due on 11/11/11).

But the most important timing for God was when he sent Jesus to be our Savior. I'm sure there are many reasons for why Mary was chosen and that evil King Herod was in power during that time. God did not have a backup plan for when he'd become flesh and dwell among us. No, "it was just the right time, when we were still powerless."

Maybe that is the key to waiting for God's timing: being powerless. Being in the state of total dependence on Him and knowing that he will do what he does best at just the right time.

What are you waiting on? Deliverance for your teenager from a bad relationship? The birth of a child, or the completion of the adoption? A phone call telling you that the job you need is being offered?

God has a plan. And it is for good, not for evil. The secret to peace and joy in the waiting is in complete trust that God's timing is perfect. In those troubling and unsettling times when our hopes are dashed and the deadline has sped by without an answer; that too is an answer as difficult as it is to hear it.

Finally, dear Readers, remember that all things work together for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Take this scripture to heart and trust the One who loves you best.

Light and Momentary

2011-10-11T09:00:00.002-04:00

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I'm in a place (mentally) that I tend to "lose heart" at least twice a day. Once in the morning when I realize all I ought to do, and once around dinner prep when the kids need to do something besides being in my space while I work. My life is a bit overwhelming at times, and I am sure that you experience this too. From the a single person faced with long office hours, biological deadlines, and aging parents; or a stay-at-home-mom with kids to run to baseball games and another job interview to dress up for; life can be overwhelming. And when you try to balance in relationships with God, children, spouses, friends... forget-about-it! Nearly impossible in our own strength.

Paul says that the troubles we face are "light and momentary" compared to the "glory that far outweighs them all." My word of encouragement: the glory that we will experience in heaven will be even more wonderful and amazing if we finish our Christian walk strong.

Confession: I had a difficult two weeks getting in any quiet time with God, it seems to be more of a struggle everyday even though I am walking in obedience to God's call. Could be because I am not prioritizing the way I should. My relationship with God has to be more important than any of this temporary stuff I see around me; the clutter, the baby coming soon, our homeschool, the work deadlines. Do what I did this morning: glance around the room you're in and label everything as "Seen" or "Unseen." People's bodies, the pictures on the wall, the technology at your hands, the dishes in the sink, the pile of clothes to put away... all seen with our eyes, yet the Bible states (more than once) that what we see is not going to last. What is unseen? Relationships, souls, possibly experiences- all unseen and going to be around forever.

How can we invest our time focusing on the unseen and not on the "light and momentary troubles" we will find ourselves in (often daily)? Dear Readers, put Christ first. Ask Him to guide you with the Holy Spirit to do what needs to be done with the emphasis on making the best life here in the "seen" as an investment in the "unseen."

Unappreciated

2011-09-27T12:13:00.004-04:00

And no, it's not me that's feeling unappreciated! I truly doubt the person whom is doesn't need appreciation for his sake, but knows that it's healthy for us to notice all he has done. I should probably just start using the capital "H" and you'd know God is the one who often goes unappreciated.

My friend, an agnostic, has many needs that she's shared with me, and I've prayed earnestly about and God has come through for her over and over! From needing a nanny, to buying a house, to a great school for her daughters and a pay raise; God has poured His love on her. And she doesn't recognized it...yet.

I don't hold judgement on her, for I am the same way. For the health of my children, a house perfect for our family, to a pay raise for the first time in three years and His providing for all my mistakes through Jesus' sacrifice, I don't appreciate Him the way I ought. If you have a few minutes, sink into this song and let your thankfulness and appreciation for the Savior go straight to the Father's heart.

Your Love is Stronger
Jon Foreman

Timeline

2011-08-22T23:06:00.004-04:00

In just one week we will be starting homeschool for our 9-year-old and sending our 7-year-old off to public school on the bus. The 5-year-old misses the cut-off for school, so he'll be at home doing phonics and math. It was a leap of faith for us to send our kids to public school to begin with and a leap of faith now to begin home educating.

In three weeks we will be going to Disney World as a sort of "baby moon" with our children. Hubby and I had taken our youth to a convention last year to Florida and the day we spent at Disney made us realize we needed to take the kids in a year or so, and then a "surprise" baby helped us speed up the process. I feel a little bad for Baby, probably won't see Disney until he's 10 with how much this trip will cost :)

Speaking of baby, he will be a true blessing: Since he's going to come around Thanksgiving, it will be one of the few big dinners I'll have an excuse not to cook. And I do know that Christmas shopping will be done early (mostly the stocking stuff is my responsibility); and that Baby will be the perfect size for our church's first live nativity (provided it's not too cold!).

So that's all that's on my mind, short version anyway. I'm preaching again in a couple weeks, excited about digging into the Word to share for the glory of God, won't go into that now. So much to share now that I'm back to this dusty blog, but I won't bore you with too many details now, dear Reader. I'll save the boring details for another night.

We All...

2011-07-21T10:26:00.005-04:00

In this age of self-realization and self-expression, we need to be reminded that Jesus did not come that we would discover ourselves. He came telling us that He already knows who we are and wants to do something about it.

Who are you without Christ? Perhaps you don't know your deep need for a Savior. Perhaps you, like so many, are skeptical of anything that seems too good to be true, that answers all the questions in our hearts. Why is this? Is there fear of letting go of the familiar, or not knowing what the cost would be of accepting Jesus as Savior.

The Bible says, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Our own way is a dangerous place to exist. We seek to find ourselves, find our path and trust that somehow we will find the path to God. The Bible is very clear that we all have failed to find God on our own and without Jesus we can't be "fixed." At least not in a way that lasts forever.

Our Father

2011-07-13T08:26:00.002-04:00

The Lord's Prayer is one of the most familiar congregational prayers in church you could start it in a shopping mall and probably 80% of the people would be able to say it with you. We attend a very non-traditional church with a relaxed "liturgy," yet everyone still enjoys when we all say the Prayer together. The problem with any memorized prayers is that they become rote and can lose meaning. When there is a desire to seek God in real terms, in real words, there are ways to turn even the routine into something special.

A number of years ago Max Lucado published a book called, "The Great House of God." It de-mystified the words in the Lord's Prayer through each chapter and made it personal and thoughtful. Ever since then, when I recite the Lord's Prayer I try to take my time and really think of what the words say, not just say them.

Here is what I do:

Our Father- Daddy who loves me, I come as a trusting child
Who is in Heaven- You live in Heaven, yet have your Holy Presence here on earth
Hallowed be Your name- holy are you, O Lord, the mention of Your Name causes the angels to cry out, "Holy, Holy, Holy."
Your Kingdom come- Your Kingdom is one of righteousness and a Holy life.
Your Will be done- Not my will by Yours. I surrender to whatever you have for me.
On earth- That which I can see,
As it is in Heaven- And that which I cannot see, yet where You live.
Give us today our daily bread- You tell me not to worry about my life, and I trust you to provide for my daily needs.
And forgive us our debts- I owe you so much, and my sin cost you so much.
As we also have forgiven our debtors- I will forgive those who hurt me and extend grace through the grace that You've given me.
And lead us not into temptation- I know if I follow You and not my desires, You will keep me on the right path.
But deliver us from the evil one- Sometimes I am in trouble just because I live in a sinful world and am under attack from Satan, yet You say that not only are you with me always, You can deliver me from all my troubles.

The last line, "For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, and ever. Amen" is not in the Scripture, but was added in (if my research is correct) in 1662 and adopted by all congregations as part of the Lord's Prayer. It is to me a long amen, but I don't rush it either.

Anyway, this is just an example of how to make the Lord's Prayer more meaningful. I think we all get too caught up in our lives at times and really need to slow down and meditate on the Word. You could do this with any scripture and re-word it to make sense to you. Perhaps try it on another verse that you've had memorized and bring God's Word deeper into your heart.

Creator of the Coaster

2011-07-05T14:08:00.005-04:00

This is the summer of preparation. I feel every morning I hear the chink chink chink of the roller coaster of life going up to the apex of the drop. Every so often I raise my hands in surrender to the "fall," but other times I'm double checking the safety strap to make sure that it's tight across my shoulders (and looking over at the rest of family to look at their harnesses too).

When I speak to people about all that God has coming up for us, some have said, "I am surprised you are so calm." Believe me, calm is only dependent on how much I've been in the Word reaching for my Savior's hand to guide, protect and keep the coaster on the tracks He laid down. Preparation on God's part to plan good things for me, preparation on my part to trust His ways. Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

I see the top of the roller coaster as the birth of our baby in November, then twist number one as being our first year of homeschool for two of the kids, the hill that goes up and down (creating butterflies in my stomach) is the call to being a pastor God gave me a year ago and that I'm now acting in obedience to. Finally, there are quite a few more twists and turns that I know are coming, but cannot see due to some that will be in tunnels of darkness, and others are in bright sunlight, yet still hidden from sight. I know that there is much coming up that will cause joy or suffering, yet it isn't so bad if it's taken one turn at a time.

One additional thought: in real life I don't enjoy roller coasters, but in the world of metaphors they work pretty well. The thing is if I continue in learning about the "Creator of the Coaster" and how careful He is to craft my "ride," I will be able to look back on my life and see His hand at work. I hope that the same is true for you, that you will be able to trust God to plan your own roller coaster knowing deep in your heart that He has the best in mind for you and good works for you to be a part of. And after all those twists, turns and hills, the good news is our ultimate destination is heaven when we fix our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ.

Is That My Body?

2011-06-01T22:17:00.002-04:00

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:1-2

A woman is designed to offer her body as a sacrifice to create the next generation. Your mom gave up a lot to get you here and if you have given birth (or know someone who has) you know that nothing transforms your body more than becoming a mother. Here's a sad truth: As the baby grows, the mom's insides get pushed up and over, skin stretches, often leaving permanent marks, and once the baby is no longer inside messing you up, he’s on the outside messing your house up.

The change that happens to a person when he or she becomes a Christian should be as drastic as being host to another person. The Bible says God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways. We do not understand all that God has for us, but we still offer ourselves as living sacrifices, no matter the consequences to ourselves. It is troubling that we usually must try out the world’s ways of living life before we surrender to God’s way, but He is a Master at transforming us- no matter how much work we need!

God’s transformations are not always attractive to the world; same might be said for a woman's idea of what her body looks like after a baby. So like a new mother struggling with her body image, a Christian may struggle with not fitting into the life they used to enjoy before offering their bodies as a "living sacrifice." I could go on, Challenged Readers, so I'll end with this: A transformed life sacrificed to God is like parenthood: totally worth it!

Distracted

2011-05-24T12:58:00.003-04:00

I'm still here, Faithful Readers. We had a huge youth fundraiser on Sunday for which we've been preparing for a few months, I'm 15 weeks pregnant now (surprise!), and lots of sick days here at the house.

The great news is, God is still on His throne, I can rest in His care and He will provide for all our needs according to His glorious riches. What scripture promises do you stand on when life gets out of your hands?

[Maybe I've shared this before:] There was a young woman going through some serious trials in her life, loss of job, loss of home, husband's lost job, etc. and I asked her if she had a scripture she held onto during these uncertain times. "Yes," she replied, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."

Dear Readers, the beautiful poems that we read that may encourage us for our trials, must not be mistaken for God's Word. The stories of people who have seen heaven (which I just finished "Heaven is For Real," a wonderful book) should not be mistaken for your experience of reading Revelation and "seeing" heaven for yourself. The movies of Christ and His life of sacrifice and dedication cannot be a trade for actually reading about Him in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Don't take someone else's experience replace the Word of God, let it enhance your growing knowledge. And by-the-way, I'm struggling with this myself. I have read so many wonderful, encouraging books the past two weeks that I've gotten away from digging into the only Book that will last for eternity.

On Your Marks, Get Set

2011-04-29T18:23:00.004-04:00

The part of a race that has the potential to make or break a contestants' success is not necessarily the finish line, sometimes it's on the firing of the starting pistol. In any race there is a penalty for a false start, too many times beginning on your timing, before the BANG, can even get you serious penalties!

In the race of life, God's timing is not our own. He often holds the starting pistol on an area of our lives and watches for the proper time to let us begin. If it were up to us we would find the job we need, the house we want and the children we desire- the minute we decided it was good for us. Sometimes it's frustrating that He is better at deciding the "When," (and sometimes we are faced with "No") but we learn a valuable thing about His character and ours when the timing is His.

We learn that with His Spirit in us we can live above the desires in our hearts that may not be His desires for this moment. We also learn that it's a peaceful place to be, in the center of His Will. And when you think about it we do not know the future like God does. There are several situations that I can look back on and see how much God was at work, even when I was resisting His desires for me and my family.

I found this scripture to be encouraging, although wordy, full of the meat of today's "Good Thought:"

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:3-8

Resurrection Sunday!

2011-04-23T14:11:00.004-04:00

Enjoy the continuous hope we have in the knowledge that Christ has set us free from the bonds of sin and death! We no longer live but He lives in us. And because He lives in us, we are enabled to run on the heights and through the valleys with no fear.

Currently we still live in a dark and lonely world, but one that has been won. Life is not easy, it's not simple, and it's incredibly messed up. But we do not have to live that way. We can keep our eyes firmly fixed to the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ. He is the only hope this place has, and we are witnesses to His power and saving grace.

Christ has risen, just as He said! All of God's promises in Christ are "Yes and Amen." Do not get bogged down in the ordinary, press into the better things and grab hold of the Resurrection for yourself.

Maundy Thursday

2011-04-21T17:51:00.003-04:00

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:14-17

Tonight is our Foot Washing Service. It has been the most uncomfortable Church of God (out of Anderson, IN) practice since I've been involved with this church movement. But as Christ washed his disciples feet as an example of servant's heart and what the disciples' ministry should look like, so I go and learn to be cheerful as I serve and am served by this simple (yet humbling) act.

In one church that my husband and I served in, the heart's of the people were selfish, so this was one service I did my best to avoid- and quite successfully most years.

The church body we serve today is one that is also servant-minded and loving- so the Foot Washing Service is not as uncomfortable as it could be. It is still humbling, absolutely, but as my sister's serve me as Christ served his disciples, I feel loved and forgiven. It really can be a beautiful thing.

In Memory

2011-04-13T15:06:00.003-04:00

A dear woman in our congregation, Lorraine, went Home today. Her husband, Lynn, had only been waiting a couple months. So happy they are together and in eternity with their Savior.

There Was No King

2011-04-11T20:40:00.003-04:00

I read the last few chapters in Judges today. How sad! The people were not following God, and had nothing to govern their lives but themselves so everyone did as they saw fit. What a mess they made of things!

Always when I read the Bible I ask myself "What can I learn?" and "How is this relevant to today?" So today when I flipped open to Judges and read one account after another of the atrocities happening among God's chosen people, it was very disturbing. In fact, I will let you just read it and see for yourselves since I don't know how to narrow the violence and bizarre behaviors down to a few sentences.

How do I begin to see what God was doing during that time? And more importantly, how do I make these chapters relevant to my life?

The key is in the text around each account: In those days Israel had no king. In fact, they did not even have a casual relationship with God. A lot of counterfeits for God, one guy had the great idea to make an idol out of some silver coins he found and then hired a runaway Levite to be his "High Priest" (see Judges 17-18).

Here is the relevant bit. There is a thought in this world that we do not need God, or even a list of "Do's and Don'ts." That we can do what we feel is best, and as long as we don't hurt anyone and keep to our own business everyone can be happy. The problem with this is given to our own devices we don't stay in our own business, and we especially have a hard time not hurting anyone else. We may not kill anyone, but we are terribly self-centered and that ends up wounding others' souls.

The world is not spinning into a better place on its' own. Always we have the tendency to spin into chaos rather than into peace, love and harmony. Peace, love and harmony are hard work and do not come easily. When we (personally and in a cultural sense) deny the existence of God who has a plan for us and expect ourselves to just "be good" we end up miserable.

This problem isn't just something that happened in 500 BC. Every day we see on the news examples of people and nations who have "no king." The King of Kings who has the world in His hands desires to help us be in control and to be good. We can't expect anyone to become in control and "good" on their own and we cannot expect sinners to not sin.

Our responsibility to ourselves is to be obedient to Christ's call on our lives and press into Him as the world tries to ignore it and fix problems in their own way. Our responsibility to our children is to teach them to discern right and wrong, and introduce them to the One who loves them better than we do. Our responsibility to our community is to be the best representation of our faith. This is especially difficult in areas that busyness and self-promotion is the driving force (but that's for another time).

We only have a little while to serve our King. Let's make the most of it and pray for opportunities to change lives around us. Oh, and crack open Judges and be amazed!

Bites of Bliss

2011-03-25T19:33:00.002-04:00

Cookies...that's a "Good Thought," am I right? The best chocolate chip cookies I've ever made I found on AllRecipes.com. They are called "The Best Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies." And they are! I loved that the butter is melted and that the dough is measured out with a 1/4 cup. Perfect for a Bake Sale or making your husband and kids taste the love.

Rated: 4.5 stars from over 4,800 people!
Submitted By: ELIZABETH
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Ready In: 40 Minutes
Servings: 18

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.
4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2011 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 3/26/2011

No Where, Now Where?

2011-03-19T06:35:00.005-04:00

I've been around. Busy as everyone else, yet sadly neglecting my blog. Baseball practice started yesterday for the 7-year-old, I go to a knit/crochet club every Friday, and now we are now in the planning phase to homeschool next year!

Homeschooling have always been my heart's desire since my daughter was a little girl. But since my plans were not God's plans my husband and I sent her (and then her brother) off to public school. It's been a good situation for us, but last year when I went to put them on the bus to start first and third grade, I really felt I didn't want to do that again. The summer was so nice to feel like a complete family, and I love this idea (we shall see how it looks in reality) of giving my children the best education and the best start in life. Not all parents can, and I'm blessed to have the support of a husband, inspiration from my mom (whom homeschooled all but me), and the guidance from our Creator to make it happen.

I have to confess the plethora of home education materials is a bit overwhelming. It's not just one child to find stuff for, but three! And there are just as many opinions and reviews on each of the curriculum. I'm amazed at the resources available which causes concern that we may buy the wrong one and even more so, over-buy and spend way too much material. I have seen websites for used materials, but that's a whole other complicated mess.

So, that's where my brain has been. It's a good place, though and I'm excited to be here. Happy March!

Messy, Messy

2011-02-19T13:48:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to post for the last two days, but words seem to be failing me. All I can say is that I am realizing genuine relationships are messy and sometimes complicated. I'm not in any troubling relationships right now, but the closer I draw to people and the more I open up myself to hear them, their burdens become my own. That is scriptural, but not easy to do.

For your consideration:

Galations 6:2 "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

And what is the law of Christ?

Mark 12:28-30 "One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

There you have it. Simple to say, often arduous and difficult to do.

Amazed!

2011-02-11T21:17:00.005-05:00

How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be
How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior's love for me.

I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene
And I wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.

For me it was in the garden He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs, but sweat drops of blood for mine.

He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary, and suffered and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see,
'Twill be my joy through the ages to sing of His love for me.

How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be
How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior's love for me.

~Charles H. Gabriel

L-O-V-E

2011-01-31T17:46:00.004-05:00

We love, because God first loved us.
We don't love because we have to, we love because we want to.
Is God sometimes hard to love? Yes.
Are you sometimes hard for God to love? Never.
How fickle our love is, but as we learn from the Best, we learn how best to love.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

I John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

That is our challenge for February. Loving as God loves. Not with blinders on to the problems people have, but rather knowing that all people are loved by God and therefore, we love them also.

What's in a name?

2011-01-27T13:38:00.006-05:00

Two stories:

1. The tiny blue flowers of my childhood have such a poignant name, Forget-me-not. I love little pillows with them embroidered on them, or the framed pictures of their dried petals. They have a few legends attached to them, one of which is that the flower cried out to God when he was naming the flowers, "Forget me not, O Lord!" And God said, "That shall be your name."

2. In the book, "Hind's Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard, is an allegory of the life of a person from lost to becoming a child of God. The main character is called "Much-Afraid," who undergoes a transformation as she journey's from her village to the High Places. In the end of the story she is given a new name, "Grace-and-Glory" as her life no longer is one lived in fear, but rather a life of sacrificed love for her Shepherd.

What is your name? Not the given one that you have been given by your parents, but rather the one that your Creator would call you. Is it Victory in Christ? Called to Holiness? or a name that reflects a deep need like Wanting Much? or Lost Purpose?

Read this found in Isaiah 62:

2The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
3You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,a
and your land Beulahb;
for the LORD will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
5As a young man marries a maiden,
so will your sonsc marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.

If you have not surrendered to God, if you have not cried out, "forget me not, O Lord" and allowed Him to rename you, your purpose in Him may still be the question mark in your soul. Like the people of Israel, God can change you and rename you. Please trust that He will take delight in whatever you have to offer and allow him to bestow a new name upon you.

If you are already living with that new name and with a new purpose, ponder for a moment if you are living up to the name God has given you, or are allowing the world's desires to make you forget who you are and what God has brought you from. I slip into this when I forget that although I am gifted in certain things, God still needs to get the glory. My name was Pride in Self (lots of hurt in that) and now I try to live my new name (which I'm keeping it to myself for now).

(By the way, Hephzibah means my delight is in her and Beulahb means married.)

Homework

2011-01-21T16:46:00.003-05:00

So I've got my work cut out for me. Since realizing God's call on my life is to deeper study and beginning the process to using it in a public setting, I've come to understand why my pastor dad was always up late every Saturday night. Now me having an involved life with MOPS, church worship, piano lessons and part-time job watching two girls, as well as my own house and kids? Forget-about-it. God alone can create the balance. Especially now that I'm back to a nearly daily exercise routine and am looking intently into homeschooling.

It's easy for me to pass by the Bible sitting on the table when I'm figuring out what to do first after the two older ones leave for school. But God keeps bringing to mind that when He is first, when I do my "homework" with him, the rest of my home and work goes easier.

I know it's the same story with anyone. Life gets busy and our unseen God gets forgotten. From the business woman in the corporate office, balancing a commute and husband, to the stay-at-home dad who struggles with keeping the checkbook balanced and the kids happy for when mom comes home.

Read what God said to Asa in 2 Chronicles 15, do you think God could be saying the same thing to you?

"The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them. In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress. But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Today, it's not cities being crushed due to not following the law, it's our lives and busy-ness of our days. I encourage you to do your "homework" with God every morning. Try it for 30 days and make a note of the difference that those 10-30 minutes everyday make for the rest of your life. He will be worth it and your work will be rewarded!

Bored Post with Cute Picture

2011-01-03T15:54:00.002-05:00

First day of kids back in school and a day for my "real" vacation. My company left this morning, it'd been 4 weeks of different relatives visiting, and the house was clean from having friends over for lunch yesterday after church. So I read a bit, watched a move, walked the dog, and played with Playdoh for an hour (with my youngest, of course!), and etc. Yawn. Vacation ends tomorrow, but I'm feeling good about a down day. I should've gone on the treadmill. Oh well, it'll still be there, like the chili pot from yesterday.

Tree is still up since I have been enjoying the quiet time looking at it. The tree is a "pagan symbol," but I believe God can redeem anything. And besides, it reminds me of years past and Christmas traditions of our Christian faith. So the tree stays up for a bit longer. If it would start being more of a nuisance and drop lots of needles I may feel differently about it.

I don't know why the post title is 2011. Trying to get used to the idea of a new year I guess.

Better post next time, I promise. :)

End of It

2010-12-30T21:00:00.004-05:00

This will be the last post of 2010. Amazing how quickly the year went, but I guess that's what we always say. It was a good year, for the most part. Some hard things, but some great things, too. In looking to the coming year, I probably won't do any resolutions, but will do a spiritual check-up and make sure I'm on the right track with God.

Spiritual Checklist:
1. Is God the center of my existence? Have I put Him in a lesser position in my life as a result of busy-ness?
2. Have I forgiven everyone who has wronged me (intentionally, or not)?
3. Am I reaching out to others' needs, not just caught up in my own problems and concerns?
4. Is my devotional life still as strong as it could be? Am I having quiet time?
5. Am I staying connected to other believers by attending church or Bible study at least once a week?

Dear Readers,

There is a life that is caught up in Self. And that life passes quickly, with little to show for it in eternity. Then there is a life caught up in Christ. This is a life richly blessed, purposeful and lived with meaning, even if few notice it here on earth. The Creator of Life notices and remembers, and will reward those who earnestly seek after His heart.

Make 2011 a year for the things that matter. The life lived for Christ matters, get on track with Him now and know you are important and loved! Seek the One that loves you best.

Happy New Year,
Rita

The One Year Bible

2010-12-19T21:29:00.004-05:00

Reading the Bible through from cover to cover has always seemed like a good idea, until I tried putting it into practice. I'd get through the first few books; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus... and then get stuck. By the time March rolled around I'd give up and get a bit discouraged about my spiritual walk.

So this year I tried just reading a bit out of every book, to try to get a small amount of each one and find out it's purpose for being written. That worked better, but still not a perfect system since I would forget where I left off, and sometimes the Chronicles ran together. The online parallel Bible has a great summary of each book, and that seems to be easier to see the big picture of a particular book. But still, I need to be the one in the Word, not depending on others to read it for me.

Other ideas I have tried include memorizing at least one scripture from each book, reading a chapter of both Testaments, and opening randomly into a certain book and reading wherever my eyes landed. I've even tried a few different reading plans. Some were better than others, unfortunately, still too much pressure on me.

It comes down to this: God doesn't care if you read through the Bible in one year or ten years, just that you read it! Picking up the Bible everyday and saturating yourself in a short passage is much better than becoming overwhelmed with the enormity of 1,189 chapters on January 1, leaving the Bible to collect dust on your bedside table.

So as the new year inches closer, think of creative ways to get closer to your Creator and His Word. Then share them with me, I'm very interested in what works for you!

Makin' Sense

2010-12-09T22:36:00.003-05:00

Life doesn't make sense. Not always. We lose a job, lose a wallet, lose a friend. But God's way of doing things rarely does make sense, at least not from our point of view. You know where I'm going, right? Think of it. An unexpected pregnancy, a long journey at nine months pregnant, and no room to deliver when the contractions are coming in at 10 minutes apart. God's way is amazing and not necessarily the way we would do it. But we must always remember to let God be God and run things the way He sees is best. For in the end, it's all for the sake of His glory.

Luke 2:1-7
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Peace Be Still

2010-12-03T14:58:00.004-05:00

Your resolve to keep the season "merry and bright" may be falling a little already. It's one thing to look forward to the end of Christmas, through Epiphany, and realize that it'll soon be over, but harder as we travel through it to stay positive and worry-free.

So take a mental break. Shut the door on the room stacked with decorations and laundry, grab your Bible, and settle your heart to rest in the "Christ" of Christmas for a time. It may be helpful to even set a timer so you don't worry about the next thing on your to-do list until after your break.

Some beautiful songs from Psalms, or a good-ole' Proverb or two is just enough to get back to a healthy state. And if you want to treat yourself, flip two books over and read a romance in Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon, depending on your Bible translation). Then, when your timer goes off light the Yankee Candle, turn on some music, and get back to it- it'll be amazing how much those few minutes with Christ will help with all the other details!

The best I could do?

2010-11-18T15:00:00.005-05:00

And now to "jump the gun."

My Favorite Traditional Christmas Songs:

O Come All Ye Faithful (when not congregationally sung)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
White Christmas
The Christmas Song (Chesnuts Roasting)
Away in the Manger (when done with kids)

Silver Bells and Come On Ring those Bells remind me of mom so are feel-good tunes also. And I love the Swingin' Christmas playlist from Pandora (online radio station). Something about the brass and easy vocals that is just wonderful fun, not as obtrusive as the contemp songs always on the radio this time of year.

Christmas songs I'd love to never hear again:
Santa Baby
Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas
Anything Mariah Carey
That loud, screechy stuff played in the dollar stores :)

Boring post, but had to write something to change it up!

Off to take out a few more holiday decorations. 'Tis the season.

November

2010-11-10T09:54:00.002-05:00

It has hit full-blown, the preparations and thoughts about the coming holidays. It seems like we were just celebrating the kids going off to school! And only now am I glad that we left the white Christmas lights on the house. They will be coming down in February, but it was our first time to put lights up so we weren't sure about the protocols when the lights blend in to the roof (excuses, excuses).

When I checked into my blog I couldn't believe how long it had been. I've been spending my time preparing for the Ladies Retreat that was last week, as well as deal with all the extra homework a third-grader brings home (did not see that coming and math is the worst).

Do your best to simplify your life this season. Sometimes we simplify out of necessity, but I challenge you to simplify as a discipline. It will force you to slow down and enjoy that which is really important and lasting. You will remember if your holiday was full of cooking prep and anxiety, but not what you cooked. You will also remember if you spent too much and the results of debt, but maybe not the things purchased.

So decide to make the holidays beautiful by keeping it simple. The old KISS method of Keep It Simple Stupid, should rather be KISS Keeping It Simple is Smart! Blessings to you, dear readers! Happy Preparations!!

The Canvas

2010-10-18T21:04:00.004-04:00

Four straight lines, all connected. Above that, three straight lines, all connected. On the lower right side is a rectangle, slightly above the rectangle to the left is a box. On top of the second figure (the one with three straight lines) place another rectangle.

Go ahead, draw it. The simplest of all shapes; rectangles, triangles, squares. If placed correctly they could look like this (or much better):

With my instructions you could draw anything, really. It may take awhile for me to get you to do it just right, but eventually we could come up with a fairly decent drawing. But if we were to take that picture to an art gallery and hang it up, who would get the credit for the picture? Me or you?

When we raise our children, we have a picture of what they could be, We see their strengths and weaknesses and know what sort of career they could be really great at. But our picture is not always what our child ought to become. It is tempting to see successful people and force our kids to pursue that greatness. And like an artist taking directions from an outside source, our child could try to build their lives exactly the way we see fit- but never quite be able to live up to the perfect picture in our minds. Because it isn't the will of God for their life.

What we must do is give them the proper building blocks, the basic shapes if you will, then let them become what God needs them to be. Because in the end, our child will have to give an account for his or her life. We can over-control and fear the building process in our children, or we can be a witness and stand alongside them in prayers and encouragement.

There is the letting go I have yet to experience, when our kids are in their teen years, to let them develop as they need to and yet maintain the role of authority/protector over them. But what we do is stay faithful to the "basic shapes" and trust the scripture when it says"train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." And gradually let God take over the parental role as our child ages and becomes independent.

The one thing we must never let go of, though, is the responsibility of being an example. And that is the best we can do for our children, become a blueprint of a surrendered life. A holy life set apart to the glory of God.

Scheduled for God

2010-10-15T23:19:00.002-04:00

With the changing of seasons I always get excited about all the new things coming up. Not only do the leaves change color as the trees prepare for winter, but we start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. The problem with this time of year is with all the seasonal things to do creates a lot busy-ness to our schedules and we may find ourselves not living with balance, just living to make it through until spring.

When it comes to ordering our lives, living with balance and purpose- we may forget that God is the God of order- He is able to bring chaos into line.

In the creation story of Genesis the Bible says that the earth was formless and void, doing it’s own thing; having no purpose. But all God had to do was say “Let there be...” and the light and darkness, heavens and earth, and land and sea all snapped into place. Chaos brought to order.

As our lives become filled with the extra activities of the season we forget that we don’t have to bring order to our lives, we can ask the God of peace to do it for us. God is a loving father who longs to come beside us and bring order out of our crazy schedules. Matthew 7:7-11 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Women today are tough, strong and independent. Our society began culturing women of independence (pull yourselves up by the bootstraps philosophy) seventy years ago when the men left to fight in WWII leaving the job force in desperate need of workers. It’s good that we work and show ourselves faithful to the task at hand, but we are not supposed to do it alone. We still need to be in submission to the balance of Christ.

Last month I started watching 2 little girls, they were dropped off at 8 am and picked up at 6. It became tough at times, and was wearying to me, but I had God’s word on two things that kept me balanced. 1: God would supply for all my needs according to His glorious riches. I would not have to worry about the tough stuff, that God would meet my needs of time with my own children, time with my husband, and time to clean the house. 2: My time to bless the two little girls was limited; I would not have them forever. Children grow up, family circumstances change and I need to enjoy the busy while I had it. God allowed me time every morning to get His perspective on the day so I wouldn’t worry about what I couldn’t do, only that I ought to focus on the most important things.

Long story short, 3 weeks into this experience, my friend found a nanny and so I only have the girls for shorter times, twice a week. Because I had a good perspective on it, even though I complained some during the experience, we were able to drop to the shorter amounts of time without the guilt that I’d missed an opportunity.

We will receive what we need when we ask God. We must remember to do it before we get desperate, though. Every day needs to be a day dedicated to Him, and scheduled around what God wants for us then we will encounter the balance in the midst of changing seasons and busy schedules.

Preparations

2010-10-12T11:46:00.005-04:00

I love fall for it's color, it's smell and it's suggestion. Fall suggests that change is coming. That soon all that we see will be transformed into something different, but familiar. Maybe we can be ready for change like the maple tree when we stay attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading. We can watch for the way God is moving and changing things around us and then move along side of Him.

In Matthew 6 Jesus talks about the Pharisees and Sadducees being able to predict the weather by looking at the sky, yet not see the things that heralded His coming. They wanted a miracle that was huge and overwhelming, yet didn't believe the reports of the ordinary people (the shepherds and Magi) about angels singing and stars leading the way to a miracle child.

We have the opportunity to move in Christ and see where He is leading. Of course, knowing exactly what's going to happen is not likely (example: will there be six feet of snow, or just ice for our winter?). All we know is God is beginning to move and it's time for us to read up in His Word, pray up in the Spirit and strap on the full armor of God. We ought to be prepared in season and out of season, but when we see that the "season" is changing, our minds can be prepared doubly so.

Do not fear the changing season, enjoy the colors, the smell, the journey. Enjoy this God who loves us enough to give us gradual change and plenty of time for preparation.

Quick Minute

2010-10-01T16:09:00.003-04:00

I'm preparing for a big wedding tonight and tomorrow. The couples has one of those God-sized stories that just blesses everyone who hears it. Which is what I'm praying for tomorrow for my performance (and my husband's, we're "dueting"); that we'll be a blessing to the listeners, and the bride and groom.

That's the thing about any work. That it doesn't have to be just a job, or just a performance (no matter what the job description might be), it can be glory for God. There was a teacher I was listening to on iTunesU, who said that when we invite God into every part of our existence, including the papers we must write for school, or the check book we must balance for our home that He will turn it into a wonderful thing. Check out the premise and info on the book at

Anyway, lots of prep for that and for the babysitter coming by at noon. So I can't believe I'm blogging at a time like this, but really needed the 15 minutes to sit and collect my thoughts. Coming soon: Why I Love Fall!!!

Family and Faith

2010-09-19T21:26:00.003-04:00

Where does the time go? Seriously. Youth is wasted on the young, but so is time. I remember my great-grandma, Viola, telling me how quickly time goes by and not believing her. Well, that's the truth. The nice thing is I realize it now, and only being 32 means that I can use the time I have and enjoy it.

So that's what I've been up to; a new (temp) job, baseball practice, church events, piano students, and so on. I'm guessing this doesn't just "go away" after awhile. That at some point life could really spiral out of control with busy-ness and I lose priority with family and faith. I think that's when life passes us by. We get caught up in the "doing" of life and forget it's going to fly away like the grass of the field.

God has a plan for all of us and it's not a crazy-busy existence (not all the time anyway). It is one of trust. Trust that He'll provide for us and guide us. And in the times of chaos, He still is peace. Then life won't get away from us, instead we'll remain in the center of His will. And in 60 years (give or take) we'll be on our death bed with a peace that we did just what we ought to have, we kept our priority of family and faith.

MOPS

2010-09-01T16:55:00.003-04:00

We had a great first MOPS meeting. MOPS is Mothers of Preschoolers, a support group for women that provides fellowship, food and childcare (the best part, I think). If you go to their website (linked above)there is a resource to find locations around your area. Even moms without preschool age and younger children can be a support to the group.

Anyway, I'm on the "Steering Team" this year as the discussion leader. Basically, I give all the ladies a topic to discuss and then sit down. I did feel a bit of nerves with the group this morning, but thanks to the Holy Spirit, after I stumbled over my words at first, it all fell into place. I think the first clue that it was a successful meeting was when we played "Speed Date" and the sound level was at an all time high. All the new ladies were as anxious to talk and be heard as the returning ones. Yay!! God blessed it, that's for sure.

Booked Out

2010-08-27T15:19:00.007-04:00

It's been a good summer for me, got to read a lot of books- I am a book worm like my daughter (or she like me?). Anyway, as I am going to be starting back to working from home when the kids go to school next week, I'll have to remember all the good things I've learned and experienced as my leisure time will be brief. Here's my list:

An Emerald Ballad" by B.J. Hoff. A book series I owned but haven't read in 8 years. It begins during the Potato Famine in Ireland in the 1840's, and follows the lives of three friends. I could tell the author wrote it while bathed in prayer, since as I read I'm reminded of people and stop to pray for them.

And speaking of prayer, "The Power of a Praying Church" by Stormie Omartian has been amazing. Read it! Read any of her books and then do it. God can work through imperfect people when they pray.

"The Firstborn Advantage" by Dr. Kevin Leman was good. Not great, but certainly educational. I did love this book by him, but it's only for married people (or those about to be married): "Sheet Music." You will not be disappointed *wink*.

For a good laugh (even though I've read it before) you gotta read "A Comedian's Guide to Theology" by Thor Ramsey. His point of view is surprisingly intelligent and hilarious. I sometimes wish I could just read bits of it out loud to people just to hear them giggle.

Okay, last two are fiction and re-reads: "Hadassah, One Night with the King" by Tommy Tenney, the story of Esther with historical information hid cleverly inside the Biblical account (now a major motion picture). And "A Bride Most Begrudging" by Deeanne Gist. It's about a young woman kidnapped from her home in England and taken to a new colony in Virginia to be a "tobacco bride." Also historical fiction. In retrospect, I do love me a good historical fiction.

What have you read and recommend? Besides the idea that a Kindle is perfect for my birthday next week (hint, hint).

Finally Family

2010-08-08T17:30:00.003-04:00

We take the kids to Hershey Park tomorrow. We'll camp there and spend the week visiting the place in small increments. It should be fun and tiring, but in a good way. Oh and while we're there, my hubby will turn 32. That means it's just 3 weeks (exactly) until my birthday, then I also will be that age. Wonder what angst I'll go through with that?

Sum-sum-summertime

2010-07-30T21:58:00.002-04:00

It's really flying by now, isn't it, dear readers?

And that was a lot of commas.

Summer Time Fun

2010-07-08T22:33:00.003-04:00

To recap briefly the events of the past couple weeks: Brother Micah married a beautiful girl and my husband helped them find their first apartment. My sister moved to Austin, Texas two days after we left for the second leg of our journey. Brother Karl announced his new wife was pregnant. The kids had a lot of cousin time and very little fight time, wonderfully peaceful. Took a family picture at the wedding of all us kids with mom and dad- priceless picture in which I didn't look the oldest!

And that was just the first week. After that we went to the North American Convention of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and were blessed, filled and refreshed. God spoke grace and truth the entire week. The theme was "Transforming Culture by Being the Body of Christ," a very timely word. Highlight: got to sit next to and rub elbows with, literally, one of the top 50 preachers in America, Dr. James Earl Massey. I doubt anyone is as impressed with my seat choosing ability as myself, but I felt honored for the 2 hour service.

Next week we're taking nine in our youth group to the International Youth Convention in Orlando. Will have husband's parents and brother to watch the kids, it's good to have gracious family that seems to enjoy being "imposed upon."

So that's all the update. I'm hoping all of my dear readers are enjoying their summer as much as me. God is up to good things, we just have to be mentally prepared to join Him when He invites us!

Family Ramble

2010-06-14T11:50:00.003-04:00

One of my brother's is getting married next weekend. Another brother got married Memorial Day weekend, my sister has been married 8 years and three kids, so slowly, the "K" family is growing. It's nice and more the merrier, I always thought. There are nine of us kids, mom and dad are amazing parents and were more concerned about God's plans (for their family) than the world's perspective on what is perfect.

The hard part, I think, for my family will be finding out how we work together as adults. All the times I was babysitting and being a big sister (with the loads of advice and opinions) has to be replaced with being a good example and waiting for them to ask for help before I offer it. My sister, Eva, and I have learned over the years to get along and not be too pushy when we disagree. The boys (there are six of them between the ages of 12-27) may have a bit more to understand from each other as they mature.

There are big changes in family dynamics with my dad being different from his stroke last year, my mom needing to be more independent and in charge, and of course, teenagers. Lots of teenagers who went through all types of different life experiences. My slight concern is we may compare too much with each other, instead of learning the new love of adults for each other and respect for those who are different (or too similar, as the conflict may be).

Well, it will be an eventful week. Fun, of course, and a good start for Micah and his fiancee to have all of us at their weeding celebration. Hoping it will be good for the family and cause us to remember what we've been missing by being so far away. Love grows when it's watered. That's the only kind of rain we ask for next week!

New Song

2010-06-12T21:28:00.003-04:00

A beautiful melody, sung from the heart,
Where once was pain and hidden guilt.
Sing, o lonely one, who now has friends,
Sing one who was lost and now is found.
Know that you are loved, and beloved.
Understand that you are a daughter of the King.

Happy Anniversary!

2010-06-05T14:49:00.005-04:00

To my husband, my love. Today marks eleven years married. Amazing how much God has allowed our love to grow and how He has used each other to make us better people, and four little people through us (Andrew (waiting in heaven), Lydia, Matthew and Samuel. I know I'm better for knowing you and pray that we will continue in unity. We're in this for the long haul. I love you!

A Thought

2010-05-29T22:03:00.002-04:00

And God said, "Let there be light, and there was light."

God said.

And it was so.

It took Thomas Edison twelve years to invent the light bulb.

"Some may trust in horses,
and some in chariots,
but we will trust in the name of the Lord."
Psalm 20:7

Networking

2010-05-27T13:03:00.004-04:00

First it was MySpace, then Xanga, Facebook, Twitter, Bebo, LinkedIn, etc, etc, etc. All this networking has not made us more connected, just more informed. You know "Anne" has a cute daughter graduating Kindergarten this week, and "Joseph" has stayed up for three nights studying for his college finals. Oh, and we love that "Jill" has visited her grandma, and that "Charlie's" dog had puppies last night (can we have one?). But is there a drawback to all this exclusively online social life?

There are a few that the experts talk about, from productivity loss at work to internet scams and identity theft. But the one problem that I'm most concerned about is thinking that the internet relationships are enough. They are good for getting the quick updates and maintaining contacts, but in order for a true friendship and effective ministry to occur, nothing is better than old fashioned phone call or cup of coffee.

That weekly cup of coffee with my friend has become one of my favorite nights of the week (second only to family game nights). Getting away from everything and being able to sit in quiet, or disrupt Borders with laughter is so wonderful for my emotional state. I found this interesting:

Researchers haven’t figured out exactly how, but friends boost your immune system. Good friends help you relax, take a deep breath, and remember what really matters – and why. The connection and relationship you feel when you’re with your friends boosts your feelings of hope, faith, and belief that things will be Okay. Friends provide comfort and companionship, laughter and honesty. A strong support network can also keep you motivated and energized! This is why it's important to know how to be a good friend.

Read more at Suite101: 6 Ways To Be A Good Friend: The Health Benefits of Friendship and a Strong Support

SWAGGER WAGON

2010-05-24T21:50:00.000-04:00

Driving a mini-van is now cool. We can be cool parents, right?

Week 11

2010-05-17T15:10:00.005-04:00

I started earnestly praying for God's help with my weight in December. Of course, deep down I was hoping I'd just wake up one morning and be 20 lbs lighter and able to fit into all my clothes. God doesn't work that way, I'm sad to report. However, after two months of praying my husband says, "Rita, I'm ready to get healthy. Can we work on this together?" Wow. Talk about an answer to prayer!

God does huge miracles for some. But some of the ordinary miracles we can testify to best are those that God did on our insides. This is my testimony. My husband and I started the diet/exercise program 11 weeks ago today. The time has gone remarkably fast, and we both are seeing results. David has lost 30 pounds, and I've lost 12. I'm now running (ran my first 5K last month) and doing some weight training. We are sleeping better, are less stressed, and our kids are picking up on some of our new habits. The other day, my 8-year-old daughter asked to walk on the treadmill for awhile. She was on it for 20 minutes!

And that is when it's worth the work. When you see those around you inspired to do something better for themselves, whether it's our co-worker or child. And then you know that it is one of God's miracles.

Psalm 103

2010-05-13T13:05:00.001-04:00

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!

Ps. 103:1-6 NLT

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-07T23:25:00.006-04:00

As many of you know, my husband and I work every Sunday leading worship in the mornings and the youth group in the evenings. It's a great life that I wouldn't exchange for all the coffee-sipping, paper-reading peaceful Sunday mornings that so many people enjoy (even if they do still attend services). However, one complication for this life is that Mother's Day and Father's Day is always scheduled for us, often leaving us too drained to do much pampering of the mother or father. So this year, I selfishly informed the family that we'll celebrate me tomorrow, instead of Sunday. (Sidenote: I think I'd be happy with just a handmade card and sleeping until 9:30, but know that the kids are getting old enough to enjoy the other Mom's Day things.)

It's a good idea that I saw on the MOPS website. There was a mom who shared that one year life was too crazy to have a good Mother's Day brunch with her family, so they scheduled it for the following week and the tradition has stuck. Another family I know had to "reschedule" Christmas to make sure all the grown kids could be together. It was New Year's Day when they exchanged gifts and had the beautiful holiday dinner. Oh, and my husband's family always has July 4th fireworks the last weekend in June, so we can all be together.

Perhaps there is something we can learn from this. We ought to make the fun things in our lives really fun by making them fit us, instead of forcing us to fit them. The extra events that we do should be for the purpose of strengthening family bonds and making good memories.

Man's Best Friend

2010-05-05T22:07:00.005-04:00

Tonight I watched the last 30 minutes of "Marley and Me" with the kids. Although, I did know that the dog dies in the end (sorry to spoil it for you), but did not know that my children would pick up all the sadness and internalize it. My poor six-year-old started tearing up and said, "I think it's the onions you were cutting." So I sat down and talked through the fact that we'll be having our dog for 12-14 years and not to worry about losing her anytime soon. My eldest (8) just got a little red-eyed, but determined that we should be able to get another dog if anything happened to Ella.

Lesson learned: don't watch the serious stuff unless you're willing to put in the comforting and counseling that go with it. A friend said that she plans on paying her son's co-pay when he moves out and realizes he needs therapy for all the trauma she's put him through. I hope she was kidding.

Inevitable

2010-05-04T14:17:00.005-04:00

I think that we would all keep our children from going through pain if we could. Our heavenly Father doesn't think the same. He actually likes to make us go through some discomfort in life. For some of us, He knows we can handle a lot of discomfort, bordering on miserable at times. Romans 5 explains:
2 And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

But some pain can be avoided. The pain that stems from our disobedience and our separation from God is one that we do not have to suffer with anymore. My heart goes out for those who refuse to bend to the will of God and the promptings of His Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, there are too many who live with this pain daily, and don't know that there is freedom from it.

Can we speak this truth into those relationships? Can we be loving enough to speak to those far from God that they don't have to be miserable anymore? Some pain is inevitable, but not all. And people need to hear it!

If a relationship is totally closed to any Christ-centered conversation than do what Paul suggests in Phillipians 2:14-16,
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Shine like the stars, dear readers, and illuminate the way Christ has provided to get through pain, or even how to get out of it.

Easier Said...

2010-05-01T21:14:00.005-04:00

I love when the calendar turns over for May. It's so refreshing to me to know that the wet of Spring is behind us, and the best of Summer is ahead. Already, the temperature here is quite warm (86 degrees today), and I need to lather sunblock on four sets of ears (Hubby burns easily, too).

This May marks a good milestone for me, too. After months of praying God would help me get healthy, my husband decided he wanted to get healthy, so now we're losing and gaining (muscle) together. He does better at the food side, and me at the exercise portion of health, so we are a good team. Anyway, we began March 1 and have successfully made it 2 months of consistent health. I even ran my first 5K a few weeks ago (and finished in 34:40!). So that's been encouraging.

The difficult part for me is to be on the treadmill and doing weights and not see the number on the scale slide downward at a predictable pace. The encouraging side is some of my pants are starting to slide just a bit, so gotta jump down a size.

Getting healthy is easier said than done. But isn't that the way it is with most things? When God puts a vision in your heart for your family, or business, or finances, or health- it takes work to get the vision realized. And perseverance so that the vision doesn't become stagnant and fail later on due to neglect. A great book I'm reading is called "Visioneering" by Andy Stanley. It's all about living and realizing the dreams/visions that God has put into your heart. Of course, I'm a bigger dreamer than my husband, so I'm tempered a bit through him- but it's another proof that God has His own timing. Even in living health, there needs to be a plan, a goal and a commitment to sticking with it, even when discouraged. (More on this if you READ THE BOOK!!)

"New visions die easily. And understandably so. There is little to go on. Praying and planning willhelp you keep your vision alive...When your vision dies, part of you dies as well... Pray for the people who could help you launch your vision. And while you wait, plan! Develop a strategy. Dream on paper. Find the one or two things you can do and get busy." Andy Stanley

God Morning

2010-04-20T08:15:00.004-04:00

Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Starting my day off with God has been the defining moment for the rest of the day. Even if it is a conversation with my Creator in the shower, and whispered prayers for my friends while I make lunches for the kids, it's what my soul needs.

My thoughts aligned with His, my heart aligned with His and my attitudes... need I go on? Yes, my attitudes also, aligned with His. Later on, I will realize that He's provided time for me to sit down with the Bible, time to clean what needs it, and time to make the necessary phone calls and emails to connect with those dearest to me. Other things that aren't important for that day seem to find their place the following day, and I am relaxed to know God has even the unpredictable days under control.

To everything there is a season, and God knows what I need for each of those seasons. It's a matter of having a "God" morning.

Mini-Easter Sermon

2010-04-04T22:48:00.004-04:00

It is still Resurrection Sunday, although the clock says ten minutes to 11 p.m. It was a good day at our church (like thousands of other churches), although no one came running up the aisle to fall at the altar in repentance. However the message of the cross was preached in a way that won't soon be forgotten.

We are given three choices when face to face with our sin and our Savior.
1. Repentance-for those far from God.
2. Renewal- for those who just need a fresh anointing.
3. Running- but be aware, God will get you-either this side of eternity or the other.

Of course this was the shortened version, Happy Easter!

Mighty is the Power of the Cross
by Chris Tomlin

Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the holy cross
Where the Lamb laid down His life
To lift us from the fall
Mighty is the power of the cross

Verse 2:
What restores our faith in God?
What reveals the Father's love?
What can lead the wayward home?
What can melt a heart of stone?
What can free the guilty ones
What can save and overcome?

Father's Expectations

2010-03-19T17:00:00.002-04:00

We finally signed our middle child up for some extra-curricular activities. This spring, it's coach-pitch baseball. We've been outside practicing with him a few times this week and are happy to see that Matthew can hit the ball fairly well and knows to run to the right. I think he's off to a good start.

Lydia has been going to a dance class once a week and had her first performance in an assisted living facility. It was fun, but crowded. I think we were expecting a bit more of the professional side of dance, but this seems to be merely a recreational dance class, even though it is grounded in the fundamentals. It's a well-rounded blend of lyrical, tap, jazz and ballet. She got a late start in the class, but does seem to be picking it up as well as some of the other girls.

I wonder how God feels when we try something new? Especially if it's something He has asked us to do. Probably a lot like we feel when we see our children. We groan a bit if they strike out or trip on stage, and applaud at the close of the game or performance when they did their best. Scripture tells us that God will rejoice over us in singing. We also know that if He tells us to rejoice with those who do rejoice and weep with those who weep, He does the same. There must be a reason He is referred to as our Heavenly Father and when we are good parents to our children we are simply modeling what we see in our Father.

What wonderful news that we are God's children when we accept the gift of life that Jesus gave us. And in our acceptance of that gift we also receive the role of child. As the perfect Father, He loves us with an everlasting love, and trains us with just discipline. If only we could always show that love to our children as he does to us. "Behold what manner of love is this that we should be called the children of God!" 1 John 3:1

Uplifted

2010-03-09T12:48:00.003-05:00

God is near to the brokenhearted. He comforts those in mourning. But He also rejoices over us with singing. He is the Creator of laughter and the Originator of all joy. Every good thing comes from God alone. In our dark hours He is there. In our bright days He is there. And He never, never leaves us or forsakes us.

Be encouraged. God is near. Open your Bible and feel renewed.

Psalm 34:

3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

Bible Studiously

2010-02-27T20:19:00.005-05:00

I attended a Lifeway women's conference, Going Beyond this weekend. Priscilla Shirer was the speaker and the morning session was so wonderful I thought I'd share it with you. It's centered around the idea that it may be easy to hear from God when it is at a conference like this one, or on Sundays from the pastor, but that cannot be enough for us who are called to be daily Christ-followers.

So here is my slightly-edited format (I combined 2 steps) on how to gain insights into scripture in a simple way. I'm going to go through them with a scripture I randomly felt led to on BibleGateway.com and encourage you to try this, too. What's so great about this "formula" is it gets us in a place to hear from God and builds our relationship with Him so we don't have to depend on someone else's take on the Holy Bible, we can go into the Holy of Holies and hear God's voice directly.

Step 1. Position yourself to hear from God. Find a quiet place that you will be able to sit with Jesus and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Bring your Bible and a notebook (or do it on the computer for ease of saving it where you can find it again).

Step 2. Pour over a short passage of scripture. Only use two or three verses. Here is my example from Psalm 111:

Vs. 2- Great are the works of the Lord;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.

Vs. 3- Glorious and majestic are his deeds,

and his righteousness endures forever.

Vs. 4- He has caused his wonders to be remembered;

the Lord is gracious and compassionate.

Step 3. Paraphrase the scriptures, verse by verse, keep it simple using the actual words from the Bible.

Vs. 2- The Lord's great works are pondered by all who enjoy them.
Vs. 3- The Lord does glorious/majestic things and his righteousness will go on forever.
Vs. 4- The Lord will remind us of his wonders, He is gracious (or merciful) and full of compassion.

4. Pull out the spiritual principals and pose the questions. At this point, close your Bible and consider the words of God you wrote. Ask God for guidance on hearing what he wants you to hear. What questions come to mind for each of the verses?

Vs. 2- Do I consider the works of God, his miracles for me? And if I don't, how am I supposed to enjoy them? What can I do to better notice his works and, therefore, enjoy them?
Vs. 3- What has the Lord done for me? Do I realize in my heart of hearts that his righteousness will go on forever, even after everything I know is gone?
Vs. 4- Lord, remind me of your wonders. I get too busy to pay attention. But I see that you are merciful toward my failings and full of compassion toward me. Do I show others that same mercy and compassion?

Step 4. Plan obedience and pin down the date. This is where after pouring over it, pondering it, and pulling out the questions God has for me in the scripture, I am convicted of my short comings or simply reminded of the presence of God in my life.

Conviction is good. It's not condemnation, but rather a gentle scrubbing of the Holy Spirit on my insides to make me holy. If my conviction is (from doing this exercise) that I've not been recognizing the greatness of God on a daily basis, I set a time daily to "get my praise on." I'm thinking first thing every morning is a good time to be reminded of the wonders of God. The other revelation I got is that just as God's compassions are new every morning, I also should extend that mercy and compassion new every morning, not hold past faults or unforgiveness over my friend's or family's heads.

I'd love to hear how this plan works for you! Keep me posted. And check out the other great resources from Lifeway, a great resource for small groups, large churches or individuals.

Friendly Advice: My Way or His?

2010-02-24T12:33:00.004-05:00

"The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-9

That peace that "transcends all understanding" is one of the gifts given to all those who call on God. There is a song that is called "Held" sung by Natalie Grant, one of my favorites although it's sad. The song speaks about bad things happening in people's lives with no answer of why it happened. But as Christians they do know they are being held by God and they have the comfort of His love and hope in their future because of Jesus.

When your friends go through tragedy, do you speak hope to them? When their marriage is falling apart, do you tell them there is still a way with Christ? When their kids are struggling in school, or being head-strong teenagers, do you pray?

The alternative is to be a "Negative Nelly." And instead tell your friend that fifty percent of all marriages will fall apart, so expect it sometimes, or that all kids struggle and it's a matter of just getting them out the door. This is not the Godly way of speaking with people. Jesus was kind and compassionate, we must encourage the same. He forgave quickly and loved immeasurably, that is also our challenge. Certainly we must be wise and allow those in abusive marriages to get help quickly. And for those rebellious teens to learn the hard way without taking advantage of their poor parents. But we must encourage our friends in a Christ-centered manner, unselfishly and with great hope.

I don't know what it's like to have a crumbling marriage, or even raise teenagers yet, but I do know God's Word. And God's word says that Jesus hears our prayers and answers them to bring God glory. God's word says we have a Counselor and Comforter in the Holy Spirit and we can depend on Him to counsel and bring comfort. Christians must stop giving worldly advice and once again look straight to the Bible to hear from God. It takes fasting, prayer and spending time in the Word in order to be the right kind of advice-giver. This will be difficult at times, but that is the way that we must operate in order to be effective in this dying world.

Happy 8th Birthday!

2010-02-23T12:19:00.005-05:00

February 23, 2002

February 23, 2010

Profitable

2010-02-22T11:25:00.003-05:00

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith." Philippians 3:7-9

What do we consider a profit? Well, for example, most would agree that a profitable family has money in the bank and not in credit cards, has a clean house with a good dinner on the table, and every day perfectly organized and executed. But according to scripture if we leave Christ out, it is all worth nothing.

Considering these "profits" as a loss may be confusing without the right perspective on how God views things. Money is a tool, not a benefit in God's eyes. God wants more than cash, He wants to be loved heart, soul, mind and strength. However, without our obedience in giving (the scriptural tithe of 10%)we are not demonstrating love for God. And He won't be able to use us also as a tool for His glory. Money must be considered loss compared to the greatness of knowing Christ(vs. 10), since all that money will only stay here when you die.

A clean house is profitable, but it is only the visible part of living in a home, just a reflection of the amount of time mom/dad/kids put into it. In some families, however a clean house is a mask for hurt or dysfunction going on within it. Keeping a balanced life with Christ as the fulcrum is key to a truly clean house, inside and out. And if Christ is the head, He will help you be a good steward, not so caught up in the fun stuff to forget your responsibilities (as He has done with me).

My pastor on Sunday preached on healthy marriages, teaming up with his wife for a great Q & A formatted sermon. One of his points was on the difference between a Christian home, and a Christ-centered home. Christians can live a good life with great scheduling of activities and involvement in community and home, but are they living Christ-centered? Is God the reason we do things, or are we trying to just be a successful family? Our house may look like Christians live there (crosses on the wall, scriptures on the blackboard) but does it translate into real-life? Do the children know that the reason we love, encourage, trust, pray, hope and even discipline is because God is our center of attention?

All this world will fade away. What we do now with our finances, home, and family ought to count for eternity, not for the moment or to make a good impression on our peers. What is eternal? Our soul and the souls we have been entrusted with. That is it, nothing else, let's commit to losing the temporal and gaining the eternal- pressing "on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (vs. 14)

Happy 6th Birthday!

2010-02-13T09:31:00.004-05:00

February 13, 2004

February 13, 2010

Family Ties

2010-02-09T23:11:00.004-05:00

My sweet husband is from a line of very responsible adults, David is the youngest of five children, all of whom continued in their education going to college. All of them are still pursuing greater knowledge and experience in the professional and ministerial worlds. And I love them. I love the fact that they are just wired to pursue more. I've got a bit of that, too. But they are mostly serious, except for once a year during the annual "B-Family Fourth of July Fireworks Show" (it's always a week before the actual 4th of July and funded by the parents' credit card). Yeah, it's great. Join Facebook and see even Brother Jason with a sparkler doing a "liturgical" dance.

That being said: I miss my family. Recently it's gotten a bit harder being away from them. I go through phases of this, and now with a brother getting married in June and the knowledge that I'm going to see them and have all of us together, just makes me more anxious to see them. And unlike David's on occasion, too-serious family, mine is all about fun and the next fun thing. Not always easy for me, trying to be the responsible big sister (and not easy for my planner Grandmother). But I need that. I need the fun (and so does she!).

I'm sure at some point my siblings will grow up and become responsible, well-learned men and women. In fact, one brother, Karl, is finishing up college while working full-time. My sister, Eva, is mommy to three and doing great at that career. Micah, one of the middle ones, will be the first boy to get married, and we all know how marriage makes one responsible. And so everyone else will follow, too. Except for Evan, even if he should get married and get a job that requires a suit and tie, he'll still be fun and light-hearted; encouraging his brothers and sisters to get into all sorts of trouble! At least, I sincerely hope so.

Well, thank you for listening. Maybe this will inspire someone whose last name starts with "K" to come and visit (~hint, hint). Could I use any more parenthesis??

A shout-out to my immediate family members not mentioned in this post: Jens, Gabriel, Anna, Nate, I promise to embarrass you in front of my tens of blog readers sometime!

From Kids to Personal Revelations

2010-02-07T21:19:00.004-05:00

I don't want to be that random poster, that leaves comments on everyone's blog, but then forgets to post her own. Yet, here I am :)

Can I just say SNOW! Over 30 inches where I live and more predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday. It's been a good couple of snow days so far, I even got to the treadmill for the first "real" session in a long time. That, and the crafts the kids did with daddy, piano time for me and my eldest, Lydia, a couple of fun movies and we're surviving and thriving.

We've been blessed to still have our power, some of our friends haven't had it since the "Blizzard of 2010" took it out Friday night. Cannot imagine how we would survive that with three little ones. I guess we could go check into a hotel like others have done, or go to the shelters that opened today. Yikes. Praise the Lord that we still are warm, entertained by each other and media, and looking forward to digging out the van sometime tomorrow.

Went to the library Friday morning about the time that the first flakes made their appearance and saw multitudes checking out stacks of DVD's and books. I did too. In fact, one of the books was "Dare to Discipline" by Dr. Dobson. So far it's been very encouraging for me to stick to my guns and balance love and discipline. My children do respond very well when I keep my emotions in check, but stay real with them.

The struggle we've been having is a little stubbornness with the baby of the family. Who now being three is not quite as cute when he's naughty, and badgers me until I "give." Gotta stop that one! My sweet, almost 8-year-old has begun some talking back and strange teen-'tudes that Hubby and I did not expect. And my middle-child is good as long as we stay consistent and attentive. Welcome to Parenthood! Don't always feel qualified for this challenge. Thank you, Dr. D for the advice, I shall endeavor to put it to good use.

The other book I got was, "How to Raise Children You Want to Keep" or something like that. I figure between those two books and this snowed-in opportunity for serious one on one parenting we should make some headway on the small troubles. It's a strange new world we have to face, but Godly advice from the Bible and a new perspective on what's going inside my small kid's minds should help me give my children the best start they can to this life.

I heard once that parenting is a cumulative event. We spend years telling our children the same instructions over and over and over. And one day we realize they just put their coats in the closet, or brushed their teeth, or applied Biblical teaching to a difficult situation, without me saying a word! Let's all keep on working toward that goal. With God on our side, we cannot fail- although we can make a million mistakes for Him to work on and forgive.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 Never thought of myself in this scripture, only as a mom training my child. But I am God's child. He is training me the same way; in repetition and accumulation. And the results from His work on my life will be seen, eventually. Maybe even tomorrow when I do something the right way that I've always messed up before!

Good night and God bless you!

Small Steps

2010-01-14T23:19:00.005-05:00

It feels like forever since sitting down at the computer to blog. Well, even sitting down at all. But it's a good busy, not a stressed, or worried busy. God has everything exactly the way it should be and I'll just follow where He leads.

Our church is moving to a school starting this Sunday. It's a step of faith, much like Abraham's, not knowing the details of the journey, just with Whom we are journeying. The church has the permits to build onto our current facility, expanding the sanctuary and adding classroom space. But we do not yet have the money, nor the bank loan. So it's all hinging on that proviso and God's provision.

Amidst all the flurry of this change I feel peace. It comes from many other small steps of faith taken in uncertainty and having God provide the footpath one moment at a time. That is the thing to know, that we would not be so comfortable in this uncomfortable situation if we didn't have that assurance of our faith.

My prayer for you is that you see every step of faith you need to take this year as preparation. God wants to work in you in huge ways, but all this starts out as small steps in the right direction.

So call that woman who seems lonely and invite her out for lunch. Pay off that credit card that has such a ridiculously high interest rate. Look at your children with their possibilities in mind, not their failings. Take that small step of faith and see how God not only asks bigger things of you, but is able to do greater things through you.

New Beginnings- 2010

2010-01-01T08:22:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

This is going to be a good year with lots of God-sized possibilities. Just be ready to step out in faith with whatever God puts in front of you. Because this could also be a year full of missed opportunities to make a difference for your King. Let's pray that we focus on Him so we can make that difference, not be a hindrance.

Top Priorities for 2010:

1. God first- read Bible early in the day

2. God second- pray without ceasing

3. God third- watch for Him in action and join Him there

Family Christmas

2009-12-15T13:22:00.005-05:00

I lived in Seattle, Washington until I was twelve years old. Back then, Christmas Eve was always spent with my mom's side of the family at my Aunt Anita and Uncle Mel's home. It was a big, fun family event that everyone looked forward to all year long. All the extended family that could be there was, so some years there were upwards of twenty people all crowded around the long family dinner table.

The family we celebrated with are from Sweden (came on a ship when Grandpa was 15) so we ate a Swedish smorgasbord, a multi-course dinner. Lutefisk (jellied herring), boiled new potatoes, ham, cheese and cracker plates, sil, silta, liver pate, beets, potato sausage (hard to find), rolls, and desserts. I'm sure there are some items I've forgotten, but I do remember it was a feast.

After all that food we went to the family room in the basement and played with the cousins while the men talked sports and the women did dishes and packed up the leftovers. Then it was time for the gift exchange and Santa Claus. Santa Claus was always someone different every year, I think it might have been a neighbor one year, my cousin's fiancee another, my uncle, my grandpa.

The wonder of Santa Claus was he had jingle bells to announce his arrival to the basement's back door and a bag full of gifts for the kids. Whomever was Santa Claus then had to sneak back into the house and pretend that he'd missed all the fun. This was fun for the grown-ups, too, I remember hearing them recounting the stories of it years later.

The drive home was only a forty-minutes, but we inevitably fell asleep and had to be lugged up to our rooms by Dad one at a time (while he's complaining that we are "like a sack of potatoes." Then the next morning was Christmas and stockings and a day to play.

I miss those big family Christmases. My great-grandparents are gone now, as is my Aunt Anita (cancer took her a few years ago). But the warm memories go on. And as I remember them, I remember why it's important to do family things. Why it's good to have the traditions and the food and the fun. It's what makes life alive and wonderful.

The Color of Christmas

2009-12-10T23:16:00.008-05:00

In an earlier post I talked about my mom's silver tree decked out with peaches 'n cream colored bulbs. Even the house had the peach and white lights. I remember one year when Dad had to go get replacement bulbs and bought out the rest of the stock in order to make Mom's matching house and tree a reality.

My sister, Eva, has inherited that love of monochromatic Christmas decoration. I think she went all silver, white and green this season. One idea she had for the green candles was to spray them with glue and roll in "sparkles" to break up the greenery on her fireplace mantle. I think it sounds lovely and she's promised pictures when it's all put together.

In our house, I enjoy decorating in a more traditional way with red, green, and white- but like my family, have to have lots of sparkles. A woman in our church eight years ago started giving me the hand-blown German style ornaments every year. After she passed away we kept that going by finding them at the after-Christmas sales (something that Ronna would be proud of, I'm sure). My favorite is probably the first one Ronna gave us, a large glass sleigh filled
with gifts.

Of course, I also have the kids special ornaments on the tree and all the gift ornaments from friends. It is a tree of memories as I did some editing of what got hung on it. Actually, the real reason only the important ones are hanging from the boughs is because our tree is barely five feet tall and on a coffee table because of the puppy.

The Stockings

2009-11-28T00:05:00.007-05:00

The best part of Christmas morning when I was a kid, were the stockings. Mom must have loved that tradition, too, since she started buying things for it in August. So by the time December 25th rolled around, the red and white stockings could not hold all the little gifts of candy, lip balm, socks and, of course, scrunchies.

Santa Clause never filled those stockings. We never did "believe" in Santa Claus. Instead, my very wise mom and dad would stuff the Christmas stockings in their bedroom on Christmas Eve and leave them propped up along their wall. It was really a smart move on their part so they could just point from the warmth of their bed whose stocking belonged to whom, and not need to come out to the cold living room for that Christmas morning ritual.

The kids would all wake each other up (I was a good sleeper, rarely the first one up) and race to our parents' room search for our heavily stuffed stockings. Then we would all cram onto mom and dad's water bed to unload (quite the task when there were nine of us kids).

The most interesting stocking stuffer for my sister, Eva, and me was always a jar or two of canned baby food. The fruit or desserts, of course, none of that veggie stuff. I don't remember exactly when it started, or when it ended but it came about when we begged mom to try some of our brother's food. It was great. Don't remember if any of the other kids ever got that, or if it was just our thing. I'm hoping Eva or mom will post to this and remind me!

Those were the Christmas stocking memories that I try to pass along, although with only three kids it's not quite as chaotic keeping the treats separated and they don't quite understand the Apple Cobbler Dessert in the toe. But they do understand the family time and the importance of sneaking onto our bed and not leaping. . . I still treasure my sleep, even on Christmas morning.

The Tree

2009-11-27T23:39:00.005-05:00

Christmas is coming, how joyful we will be. The family will gather around the Christmas tree.

This is the theme song that runs through my head as we enter into the Christmas season and the decorations come up from the basement. I think it's a song my mom used to sing, or play a lot.

Mom loves Christmas. When I was a kid she would start playing the Holiday tunes in mid-October and make dad hang peach and white lights on our ranch-style home to match her peach and silver tree. For a few years the silver on the tree was also the tree, one of those aluminum ones popular when she was a young girl. Of course, my sister and I begged for a real tree, but did secretly like the novelty of having a piece of history in our living room (complete with color changing light wheel).

I'm sure Mom is still the same way, and it makes me happy to think that I can make those kind of traditions and memories with my kids. It may not be a silver tree for us, but maybe if I found one (at a thrift shop how she found hers) I'd set it up just to have my mom with me in spirit for Christmas. Wouldn't my kids like that?

The Rainy Day

2009-11-19T13:31:00.005-05:00

What a dreary day it's been. But the sunshine is always there, right above the clouds. We could see it if we'd get in an airplane and soar above the heaviness. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote it this way:

The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the moldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.

My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the moldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast
And the days are dark and dreary.

Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.

~The Rainy Day

Puppy Picture

2009-11-14T10:03:00.003-05:00

Meet Ella, now 11 weeks old at this posting.
Don't Boston terriers just look so serious all the time?

Randomness

2009-11-14T09:55:00.002-05:00

1. House stays much cleaner with an absent husband. I had heard that men make 7-8 hours more work for you, and now, I am a believer.

2. Kids complain just as much when you make French toast for dinner as they do for meatloaf.

3. Puppies are hard to understand, but fun if you stay relaxed.

4. I've thought about getting a tattoo. No worries, mom, I'm too "mature" for that. I think I'll wait until the kids have moved out so I'm not a bad example.

5. God story: A friend is looking for a job as hospital secretary and so visits our church to talk with the woman in charge of hiring at the hospital. This is the same job that another friend turned down, but because of it, also is coming to church.

6. One of my brothers is getting married in June. He's just 19, but that's how old I was, too, when I got engaged. Amazing thing is he is the fourth son, but first to be married out of the boys.

7. I've been blogging to avoid laundry. Enough procrastination!

Bueno.

2009-11-06T22:15:00.004-05:00

My husband, David, is in Guatemala on a service project with a group from our church. They are going to be putting walls up for classrooms on a church and a few other things. Our pastor went down a few days early to teach a group of pastor's there, and to do the prep work (buying supplies, etc.). Anyway, he posted pictures of the place on Facebook and I don't know if it didn't make Hubby a bit concerned. Especially the toilet which was just a cement seat over a hole in the ground surrounded by rubble from the building project in process.

I had the privilege to go to Mexico when I was fifteen and it changed my entire perspective. I'm really looking forward to hearing how David's experience turns out to be. He emailed tonight and was impressed that they sold Macs in their "Costco." Not the same memories I had of the markets full of candy and fresh bread (mmm, love bread). Oh well, the people are the same, smiling and accepting. Making friends that will last a lifetime.

There was a little boy whose nickname was Paco who said when he grew up he wanted to come to the U.S. and marry me. We all thought it cute, I was flattered, and Paco and I wrote each other a few times. After that we lost contact. Two months ago I got a Facebook friend request from a Carlos and couldn't place the name. Turns out it's Paco. The age of small world and big technology brought us back in contact.

Carlos is married (phew, I'm off the hook!) and has a new baby daughter. I was blessed to hear that he pastor's a church there and is doing well. Goes to show, some of our briefest relationships can have a long return~so be careful how you treat those you come in contact with.

Just wish my Spanish was better. I can barely help a woman with directions at the DMV, let alone carry on a meaningful conversation. Thankfully, most people are learning English, too, so we can mix and match and find a happy medium.

Dog News

2009-10-24T14:22:00.004-04:00

We finally got our dog! The one that I've been praying for, waiting for, and was not even certain would ever happen. And it was unexpectedly (although carefully thought through and discussed) a puppy.

We love the Boston terrier breed, they are the perfect family dog, low maintenance, energetic and a couch potato. The one we got is a little girl puppy. It is good that she'll grow with us, but a challenge (as I knew it would be) to keep the kids and puppy safe while playing together. But when it is going well, it sure is sweet. When it's not it's time outs for either puppy or kids, or both.

Oh, we named her Ella, with apologies to any human Ellas out there. It was my husband's name choice and it is a likeable name, a characteristic I want others to expect from her.

Ella does sit on command, jump on laps when asked, and chases her tail (silly since she doesn't have one. She also has occasional accidents in the house, but usually I'm on top of getting her outside when she needs to.

Pictures to follow sometime. She is a cute little thing.

Camping

2009-10-10T06:39:00.003-04:00

Sweatshirts
Folding chairs
Food packed tightly against bears

Sticky hands
Cocoa stains
Campfire songs' familiar refrains

Sleeping bags
Flapping tent
A night with family well-spent

Sweet dreams
Cool breeze
Leaves rustling in the trees

Dawn breaks
Morning chill
Awakened gently by songbird's trill

Camping
by Rita Bullock

GoD and DoG

2009-09-22T20:09:00.004-04:00

We wait and wait and wait. God says yes and we still wait. And finally, in His time the thing that has been promised us is in front of us, or inside us, and in our hands. This may be a husband we prayed for and married at the age of 39 (my sister-in-law newly married Saturday), or the child we prayed for and finally carried to full term.

I'm waiting on God bringing the perfect dog for our family. I know it's not as life-changing as marriage and children, but in our family, the wrong dog could be the difference of happiness or stress, and argument between my husband and I. David is an animal lover by nature, but not when it comes to animals in the house... that's another story. I can't explain why I like dogs, especially dogs that like me back, but I do. And I've had the blessing of watching my brother-in-law's two chihuahuas the past two weeks and when they leave I miss them.

The dog I would choose would be any that is a good fit for our family. But David has to like it, so I prayed that he would choose the dog that he could like (and maybe love, someday?) and he chose: Boston terrier. That friends, is a double edge sword. It is a great dog that will fit really well in our family. However, Boston's are a popular breed, quickly adopted out of the shelters as quickly as they arrive, so we have a dog in mind, but can't find it. Yet.

Just like everything else, God will bring it in His timing. And it's been nice because I can gather the dog supplies a little at a time, David can adjust to the idea and there is peace.

Along those lines, I saw this video and hope you enjoy it too:

God is Not Finished with You, Yet.

2009-09-13T21:17:00.002-04:00

How can we prevent making spiritual mistakes? By "spiritual mistake" I am talking about times when God has called you into a greater service and we fall short. It can be taking glory from God when God works through you, forcing your will on a situation (or person), or not stepping up from elementary teachings and pursuing deeper things (just to name a few).

Last summer I attended a church whose preacher that Sunday was not the senior pastor. The preacher taught on Esther and, in my opinion, made a lot of mistakes his lesson from it. He called Esther "crafty and cunning" instead of "wise and God-led." He also said gallows was a noose, where I learned awhile ago that gallows was really a tall pole to impale your enemies and keep them on display. There were a few other things I knew that this preacher slipped up on, but then as I was listening objectively God brought to mind that it could very easily be me up there making similar mistakes.

It scared me a little, not that I have many opportunities to get behind a pulpit, but I do have a lot of time to either put God (and myself) to shame, or step up and be a mature Christian. The question for myself was: How can I prevent spiritual mistakes? Here is what God brought to my heart.

1. Live in the Word. The Bible time we give ourselves is not just for a few moments in the morning or evening, but should be our companion to measure our actions and thought life.

2. Breathe in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God living in us. But many may not know that we have to ask Him to dwell in us and must surrender our lives completely to His control. The song goes, "This is the air I breathe...your Holy presence living in me." The Scripture says, "It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me."

3. Don't fear being close to God. I know He knows everything about us, but He is also the One who loves us the most. Some people are afraid of getting close to God thinking that He'll ask for more than they want to give up. That is somewhat true, at times. But living for Self will do the same thing.

4. Be aware of sin issues. We cannot ignore the faults in our lives thinking "This is just the way I am." That mind-set will only hold us back and stunt our spiritual growth. Confessing sins, receiving forgiveness and striving toward holiness will result in a mature Christian, a spotless Bride for Christ. Won't it also be wonderful to have a clear conscience that we are doing everything we should regardless of anyone else's opinion?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T12:46:00.001-04:00

Sandpaper Trials

2009-08-26T15:04:00.007-04:00

Trials don't last forever, not even the really bad ones that eventually take your life (such as battling a terminal illness). Trials have a purpose to make us a better place for God's Spirit to dwell and a more beautiful bride for Christ. Some are super painful and others are just moments that rub us the wrong way until we learn a lesson or an attitude.

Recently, I've been feeling a strong desire to spend time in God's word. The only problem with that is if done correctly with study and prayer, will often put you through a trial. Not a "bad things are happening" trial, but rather a polishing type of trial.

I had a rough couple of days with not doing or saying things the right way, and laying in bed sleepless one night I finally realized that it I felt like I was being sandpapered by the Holy Spirit. It was like a was a rough board that was being sanded with grade #80 to get off some splinters and clean me up.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." This sharpening, or sanding, is done by other people in our lives, usually a spouse, but sometimes our children and friends. The thing about sanding is it doesn't feel good; I was feeling raw and on edge during my sandpapery trial, but others may feel exposed, defensive, or emotionally charged.

It is interesting to note that if the wrong type of sandpaper grade is chosen you can either end up gouging non-repairable grooves in your project, or sanding forever and getting nothing accomplished. That is why if it is a trial from God, it will be exactly what we need. And did you know that sometimes fine grit sandpaper is used to "roughen" down glossy paint in preparation for applying more paint? It is not always that we are particularly ugly and need sanding, but sometimes we can looks quite nice and God sees the potential of applying second coat of "paint."

Once I realized what was happening, my perspective changed. Instead of feeling really upset at those who were "trying" me, I began to ask God to show me what His plan in all of it was. I gave up some of my ideals and prayed for wisdom and strength. Our "Sandpaper" trials won't end as long as we have imperfections, but it will be less irritating to our spirit when we surrender to our Maker's hand.

"In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Ephesians 2:21-22

Real-Life Faith

2009-08-21T23:41:00.004-04:00

What does faith in action look like for you? Is is handing out tracts in the park? Is it feeding the hungry every Saturday? Is it giving God the full ten percent tithe? Is it opening your heart to that hurting relative or friend even though every conversation drains you? OR do you turn away from opportunity to be a blessing and be blessed because of fear or selfishness?

It is a wonderful thing to have a saving knowledge of Christ (for you will be in heaven when you die), but your life's journey will fall severely short of it's full potential (and your full blessing) if your faith does not translate into real world scenarios.

As Christians we have a huge responsibility to stop being self-centered and think of others. Matthew 24:12 says, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." This is true even for those who are professing Christians. Faith in action will look like love for others, and often requires dying to self.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." According to this scripture in John 13, love is not just a step of faith, but a direct command from Jesus. And it does take faith to be obedient to that command. Of course we have some great examples of obedient and faithful people; from Mother Teresa's compassion and love for the poor, to the grandma figure in our lives who never stopped praying for her children and grandchildren until she died. But what does your faith, your love, look like?

At one time Mother Teresa was not wearing the nun's habit. At one time that grandma struggled to find the peace she now exudes. But it took a real-life step of faith, a step of obedience, (which will never makes sense to those on the outside of a relationship with God) in order for those role models to become what they did. God gave them faith for each step leading them to that place of surrender, they did not have to become it on their own. Often we think we need to force ourselves to do something for God, but that isn't living in faith, that is just making ourselves worn out!

The best thing about real-life walking with God is that He will equip you for each step of faith. He probably won't ask you to do great things right away, He starts off with little tasks to obey. And when we obey in faith, we see results, we experience joy in life and a fulfillment in our Christian walk.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help me to be sensitive to obey in small things. I pray for opportunity to make a difference for your glory. Teach me how to love the way that you loved, and to give the way that you gave. I confess that I am not capable to take the steps of faith that you need from me without your help, so strengthen me please, and let me become a person you can use. Amen

Quick Update

2009-08-18T17:25:00.004-04:00

I had a fun time this past week. My parents made an unexpected trip up to see us, bringing three of my eight siblings with them. It was a really good time for talking, sharing hopes and dreams, but most importantly it really helped me deal with the grief and acceptance of my dad's new condition post-stroke.

So that's where I've been, I'm hoping to get back to "real" blogging soon. School starts in two weeks the same day as my birthday and of course that means a lot of fodder for my blogger's fire.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T14:19:00.004-04:00

Sunset somewhere off the Bahamas.

Arrows for My Quiver

2009-07-31T12:49:00.005-04:00

It seems to me that lately I've gotten a lot of strangers saying to me that "it looks like you have your hands full." It strikes me as a funny statement since none of my kids need to be carried, their birthdays are all spread out around two years each and very seldom do they make excessive noise (although it's been known to happen).

I wonder if it's because I look young for my age (not quite 31). Or if I'm buying too much at the store and the opinionated strangers know that I'll have a lot of groceries to carry in. If anything, I'd think they'd take a look at the number of kids compared to the amount of store goods and say, "looks like you will have a lot of help putting away the groceries today." And I sure will. For an answer to that odd comment I finally had a good reply this morning that my hands were "Not full enough."

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:3-5 (NAS)

A Second Option

2009-07-29T15:11:00.005-04:00

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! ~Psalm 139:16-17

A woman sits in the doctor's office after her 12 week ultrasound and learns that her baby won't every see it's second day. The doctor offers the first solution: interruption of the pregnancy.

"Do you mean abortion?" the woman asks.

"Yes, it is still early enough in the pregnancy for it to be a minor procedure. Only a couple hours, a couple days recovery and then you'll be fine."

Shocked, the woman shakes her head and says, "What is my other option?"

"Option two, is you go through with the pregnancy and the fetus still dies."

As tears begin to well up in the woman's eyes, the doctor tells her to make another appointment with the front desk for tomorrow and hurriedly leaves.

What would you do? If you are truly pro-life, that may the first thought, but when it came time to decide what would be easier in the long run, maybe your views would to waver.

Online searches will reveal most of the information is on grieving the loss of a baby, not how to go through with a pregnancy if you knew the sad ending. Realistically it's more troublesome to carry the pregnancy since strangers will always ask about the baby's due date and bring to mind that it may be the baby's only day. And it would be easier to claim a miscarriage to friends and family than a fatal prognosis.

What it comes down to is what is best? A death now, or a death later? For me the question also involves how I would want to die. There are so few meaningful gifts we can give our children, shouldn't a dignified death be one of them (if that is all they will have?) Fact: A newly developing baby can feel pain at the age of 8 weeks. And it's been observed that the baby will move in order to get away from the mother's uncomfortable backbone if it is lying on top of it (my source). Whether the baby never takes it's first breath, or will take just a few as it's being cuddled in it's mother's arms and kissed by it's daddy's lips, that is the life that is deserved.

I encourage you to visit the website String of Pearls for a clear picture of the beautiful, caring death experience that these parents gave their daughter. This is also a place for encouragement and resources for anyone who may be going through this life changing experience. And I am glad that there is another option to the world's opinion on what is best the mother.

Readin' and Writin'

2009-07-27T15:21:00.005-04:00

I'm considering writing a book. I have the first line written already (sometimes the hardest part). I think it will be a story on adoption. The few books I've read on the subject have always been great, but there are too few in the fictional section that are Godly. And too, even if you weren't adopted, or even considering it for your family, we all have that basic need to belong and to be loved to which everyone will be able to relate. Just something I needed to share with someone.

My sister always said I should write a book on our family. Kind of like "Cheaper by the Dozen" written by Ernestine Gilbreth. Truthfully, we do have an interesting family story, nine kids, stay-at-home mom, and a dad who worked really hard to keep the finances afloat. Thinking about it, I probably could. I would have to ask Eva (sister) for stories, as well as the younger ones, as me being the oldest and more forgetful (as well as out of the house before 18) do not have the same memories. The only catch is that my family is "so stinkin' private" (thank you, hubby, for putting that so delicately) it may be difficult to get the really interesting stories.

I've always loved to read, and only a few times have books really fallen short for me. Usually it's either too many details, or not enough character development. Or this one book series that truly disappointed where the author did so much research he just "name dropped" Biblical and historical fact without any purpose... boring.

I always liked the thought of online books, until I go to read one and get bogged down with all the scrolling. Not sure if I'm supposed to print it out and staple it, or what. Perhaps I am old fashioned that I like the feel and smell of the pages, and being able to disappear outside to just read. I see other bloggers with online books to buy and wonder how good the sales are (not that I'm really concerned with readership, but it'd be nice to put in that work and have something to show for it). Any ideas?

Good Thought Thursday

2009-07-23T14:17:00.002-04:00

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 1 John 1:1

We do not have the privilege that the authors of the New Testament (except Paul, to my knowledge) had, to see Jesus with our eyes and touched him with our hands (or hug his neck as I would like). If we did, would our testimony be stronger?

Jesus told his disciples that he had to leave them, but the Counselor would come. We know the Counselor is the Holy Spirit of God who would dwell within all Christians who welcomed him. And because of the Holy Spirit in us we are full of God (though our sin nature is at war against it).

And here is the "Good Thought": We will get the opportunity to see and touch Jesus one day, but until then He is dwelling within us (John 14:20). The testimony we have for those lost in sin should be as strong as those who witnessed Jesus' life firsthand. Also, if you think of it, we are a witness to Jesus' life, if we are witnessing the life of a Christian fully walking in the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus did.

Imagine All the People

2009-07-20T11:14:00.006-04:00

I always imagined myself having a large family. Not the nine kids like my mom had, but maybe the 5 like my mother-in-law. After we gave our 16-month old son back to God, the doctors said that we had a 25% chance of having another with his same prognosis (a missing chromosome causing failure to thrive). But God prevailed and we have three healthy children. Now we're not sure if more children are in our future. I've had it with being pregnant, but not feeling like I'm "done" with the younger ages (since I still have a lifetime of mothering the three here on earth).

My husband, the more logical one, says right now is the time to enjoy our children growing up and becoming more independent. I have to agree that it is nice to have an almost three-year-old as the youngest. Only one child who needs assistance with getting buckled into the car, who is in diapers, who still climbs in bed with us. On the other hand (uh-oh says hubby), we are mostly good parents (a great dad and sometimes too vocal mom) who love God and want the best for our children (not unlike others out there), oh and love large families. I love how they look after each other, how there is a sense of community within the family, seen also in smaller size families when the extended family is nearby and get together a lot. This is why my heart is torn: there are millions of children who don't have parents, who could really really use the love and care.

We don't live around a lot of family. The family we have nearby consists of an uncle and our church who have stepped into that family role for us. I just don't know. I am content right now with where God has us. I just want more out of life whatever that might be (more kids or not). So I have been praying if God wants us to have more children (through adoption, please :) that God will tell my sweet husband. Life is miserable when I move outside the covering of our marriage and manipulate to get my way. I can be quite convincing when I want to be :)

If you have a moment, say a prayer that God will reveal His will to me and David. I am happiest and most at peace when I am waiting on Him. I think it's partly because the two older ones going off to school leaving me with just one child at home I sense a bit of empty nest syndrome (if that's possible at the age of not quite 31). But like I said before, I love large families, too.

Only three of these children are mine (this is some of our church family), but I loved the picture of what a large family could look like without stealing someone's picture off google.

Quoted

2009-07-19T20:42:00.002-04:00

A Little Less Lazy

2009-07-14T15:43:00.005-04:00

Ah, laziness, how I loathe you. You come in many forms such as books, television, blogs (to name a few). You cause a multitude of problems, but have the same underlying theme; to make me happy for a moment, but to live with consequences for a lot longer.

Of course I wouldn't say I'm just being lazy, I'd rather call you by names that are more "educated". Let's see, in "procrastination" I am tempted to put off until tomorrow what should have been done today, with "disorganization" you make me think it's too hard to stick to a schedule for a smoother running house and family. In all this I am deprived of joy since I am always trying to play "catch up."

But now that I know what you look like; beware. I'm going to stop listening to your temptations and start living the way God intended me to; with purpose, with a plan, and with the desire to make a difference. And through this I will find satisfaction, fulfillment, joy, strength, peace, endurance.

The Bible says that I should study to show myself approved. That I should work with my own hands. That I should love the Lord with all my strength. All these things I have not been entirely successful at (it's way too hard), but with God's help I will get better. And you can, too.

Next blog entry perhaps we'll discuss the opposite issue of laziness, and that is overworking. Balance is needed, but how to find it? How to maintain it? And the big question: is it possible to think we are doing everything right and still not feeling satisfied with life?

Lord of the Dance

2009-07-11T19:43:00.003-04:00

What holds us back from living our dreams? Maybe you already do and are experiencing a life of joy and fulfillment. For others of you there are hindrances and setbacks that keep you frustratingly at arms length from your heart's passion. And some are slowly working their way toward it.

Why aren't our dreams/plans/hopes not realized? Perhaps it's because our dreams aren't in God's plan. Or perhaps we aren't willing to put in the work or make the sacrifices required. Or maybe, just maybe we are scared. There is a fear to step into the "unknown," but the reward could be beyond our imagination.

I stumbled across a woman's blog that really made me pause and think*. She is in a wheelchair and takes dance lessons. She kept talking about falling and getting back up as she learned the mechanics of leaning back in the chair and maintaining her balance. Amazed at the thought of dancing without the use of your legs, I looked it up on youtube.com and found a whole world of competitive ballroom dancing, hip hop dancing, and Christian dance ministries (just to name a few) with people in wheelchairs. And they were good, not just hobbyists.

That is what brought up the question that I opened this blog with: What is keeping us from living our dreams? If God has placed it on your heart, then swallow fear, step out in faith and make it happen.

In Phillipians 2:12-18, Paul says something a more "eternity-focused" than "me-centered" when he is encouraging those Christians who were given a task, a dream for what God had for them. And when we live this way, God is glorified:

Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

And I, too, will share your joy when you take those steps to live out God's plans for your life.

*I won't link it, because of moral differences, but you could find it "Wheelchair Dancer."

Prepared

2009-07-06T08:15:00.004-04:00

"O Sovereign Lord," I said, "I can't speak for you! I'm too young!"

The Lord replied, "Don't say, 'I'm too young,' for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" ~Jeremiah 1:6-8 (NLT)

Not always do we read about the hesitation in Jeremiah when God first calls him. We remember the story of the bold and effective Jeremiah who spoke God's words to His people. Such things as "For I know the plans I have for you... (29:11)" and "I have had to punish you because your sins are many and your guilt is great.(30:15)"

God soothed Jeremiah's fears in the beginning and told him all that he needed for the huge responsibility facing him. The excuses that Jeremiah didn't say, God calmed.

What excuses do you have for God when He calls you to a seemingly daunting task? I'm too old, unprepared, disabled, the wrong body type? There will always be an excuse for not doing something that is "scary" or not "normal" in the eyes of the world. Like a young Jeremiah asked to prophesy to the nation of Israel, or an senior woman seeing a need in children's music ministry and jumping in (she attends our church), or a husband deciding that it would be a blessing to have more children despite the world's perspective on what is enough (my father).

If God has spoken to your heart about a need, ministry, or life decision that will come to pass soon, get prepared. Prepare by reading His Word and spending time in God's presence, for God will act when it's time and we need to be ready. God gave Jeremiah promises and instructions that we can hold onto, first during our season of preparation and then, through the season of fulfillment.

...I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans (1:12)

...Do not be afraid of them... (1:17b)

They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken. (1:19)

Fortified

2009-07-04T21:47:00.005-04:00

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:7-8 (NIV)

This was my scripture I studied this morning. And oh, how God reinforced it today.

I am dog-sitting my brother-in-laws two chihuahuas, both sweet girls but one (Lucy) is quite nervous around loud sounds and sudden movements. We had a few firework "poppers" for the kids and "Someone" threw it near me, scaring me to death, and poor Lucy. When I ran inside the two dogs followed me in, but not seeing Lucy after I forgave that certain "Someone," I thought the worst that she was still outside.

Thirty minutes calling for Lucy and searching the whole house, there was no sign of her. Husband David and I were sick that she has vanished, and being scared, won't come back to the house. This is when my scripture came to mind. Especially the last part that says God will answer a request in Jesus' name, if I remain in Him. So I knelt in the yard, prayed this scripture and felt the worry rise off of me and the praise begin.

Of course, I had no idea how God would answer because I have also been studying the idea of failure as a stepping stone forward. Our brains become smarter when we fail at something. But I did not want to fail at the cost of a poor little doggie and her owner, but whatever the outcome, I knew God would use it for His glory.

I got my jogging shoes on to begin a new search further away from familiar territory when my daughter interrupted me, whining about not being able to find something in her room. Slightly annoyed I go into her room and a very scared Lucy creeps from under her dresser! To God be the glory!!

David and I still haven't quite recovered from the shock of the "What if's?" But this failure has been good for me to see the great importance of getting your daily dose of God's Word. And not just skimming, but really letting it soak in (although the application of it may not be so immediate for you like this experience was for me) in order for you to be fortified for the trial when it comes.

Clean Start Saturday

2009-06-20T13:21:00.005-04:00

Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don't look too close for blemishes,
give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don't throw me out with the trash,
or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I'll let loose with your praise.
~Psalm 51:7-15, The Message

Ten Down...

2009-06-04T22:44:00.005-04:00

To my husband, David,

I am so glad to be your wife. We've been married for ten years and I am amazed at how our love has grown. Looking at pictures of our wedding, I am really glad that I did not know everything that was to come, but am so, so thankful that everything we faced we did it together.

I love remembering how your voice caught my attention when you were singing, "Maria" from "West Side Story." I whispered to my roommate that it sounded like you could be saying "My-Rita," and when she told you, you somehow got the nerve to sing the whole song (with my name in it) on my answering machine. What a sweet gesture I will always treasure. Did you know I kept that message until the end of the semester?

That is a good memory. So is the one that has you selling your motorcycle to buy my engagement ring. I know you regret that, wishing now that you had taken out a loan for the ring instead. Someday I hope to make it up to you- if giving you four beautiful children didn't do that already :)

The hard times when I wasn't sure our arguments could end up with a happy ending, your dedication to me and our marriage kept you fighting for us, instead of against me. In fact, that is one of my favorite things you have said to me, "I am on your side."

You are persistent, patient, kind, sensitive, thoughtful, gentle and loving. There is no one else who I'd want to be with, and no one else who could put up with me. I love you, honey. Happy Anniversary.

God Thoughts

2009-06-01T23:17:00.005-04:00

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

Say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you." Isaiah 35:4

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:35-37 (emphasis mine)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart..." Jeremiah 29:11-12

Read This!

2009-05-26T11:29:00.007-04:00

This book should be on the top reading list for every person. It was recommended to me by a man who has 7 children, four biological and three adopted from Ethiopia. I could not put it down and although it's a big book, the stories of these children and the heroin of it all, Haregewoin Teferra, kept me riveted. I laughed, cried and prayed as I was going through it for although I knew about the problems in Africa, I had not had the opportunity to put a face and name on it. Read an excerpt here.

"There is No Me Without You" by Melissa Faye Greene (hear her on youtube), opened my mind and heart to almost 6 million children in Ethiopia who are true orphans. Although the HIV/AIDS epidemic does have something to do with it, poverty seems to be the primary cause, because three-quarters of children born to mothers infected with AIDS do not "acquire" it at birth. If there were the resources available to get the medicine to these fathers and mothers, they would be able to live an almost normal lifespan.

The other problem is the overall state of the state (and this is true of many parts of Africa). Even those who do go to school and graduate college cannot get the work to get themselves out of poverty. It is sobering and important, especially to the Christian. James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." What a big calling, and only God knows where we should start, and what we can do as individuals and as a country.

It is a very complete look at the problem in that part of Africa, because this book also shows some of the good things that are coming out of it. For example, the provision of God for Mrs. Teferra*. Time and again, He came through when she was most hopeless, when there seemed to be no way to provide for herself or the children under her care. Of course, she was not perfect, making mistakes like the rest of us. But that's enough of that. Read this book, it may cause you to love better and appreciate better. Or it may inspire you to do something great for one of the countless stories out there.

Adoption from Ethiopia has a good reputation for having quick placements, a simpler dossier and somewhat lower costs (relative to the discussion, anyway). Read about some stories if you'd like. At Ethiopia.adoptionblogs.com.

*Haregewoin Teferre died March 17, 2009 of natural causes. It is good that her orphanages are still running smoothly and there are many who will keep her legacy alive.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T07:45:00.003-04:00

We remember, and we thank you.