Buyer's Remorse or I'm a dork!

 Here is my birthday present...it came yesterday....

I slaved to make this cute little cover...and one for Loverbrain's too....I actually broke my sewing machine (story for another blog).  AND...*sigh*....I can't stomach it...I worried this might happen...and managed to talk myself into it anyway....BUT... I'm a dork...

 I'm returning her today...I just can't justify it.  It feels like a racket for someone like me.  I mean, I go to the public library at least once a week...and pay nothing for even NEW RELEASES....I can WRITE in my Bible now...

The books that are FREE are one's I've either read (classics) or could easily get from the library and read once and return.  I mean, if I ever read War and Peace...I'm thinking it will be a one time thing, ya know?  Things like Agatha Christie cost 99 cents....and I fear I'd be tempted to spend money on something I can "get up the energy" to go and borrow for FREE.

Now, for my Loverbrains this is an ideal tool.  He travels ALOT...and cannot carry all the manuels, mp3s, fiction and non fiction books, bibles, etc. that he would need/enjoy while in the air or international.  For him, this totally makes sense and is SUPER wonderful.  For one of my best friends, this is an easy tool to use while waiting out piano lessons and soccer practices...and for church too.

For right now, it's not me....and to get rid of my HORRIBLE BUYER'S REMORSE...I'm returning her today for a complete refund.  Anyone want a cute case? 

WFW: Peace Cafe...

I was recently reminded that...For God's own there is hope and peace for today and the future.  We need to seek peace and pursue it.

I'm not a "woman's woman" kind of girl.  I've always been put off by large groups of women...and all the nasty details that cliques include.  I'm the friend that gets told, "I call you to get my head put back on straight!  All my other friends tell me what I want to hear.  You talk straight up!"  This could all be why I withdraw from ministry/bible study/mom's group activities periodically.  There is so much UNREST...and DISUNITY...and UNFORGIVENESS.

A stiff apology is a second insult…. The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt. — G.K. Chesterton

I'm going through yet another time...where I'm watching several situations thinking, "do these people NOT understand that forgiveness and reconciliation cannot be separated...or forgiveness didn't really even take place!"  Some of you will remember my not too distant epiphany on forgiveness.  Yesterday, it really blew my socks off to hear our leader at BSF say..."we can have peace even amid unforgiveness."  She was talking about times where you seek forgiveness and don't find it.  I was so convicted.  Cuz...I'm really letting my peace be stolen...and I'm not even part of the actual mess!

I know, some of you are thinking that I just said I don't do bible studies and women's groups and here I am mentioning BSF...so, let me do my little commercial.  Bible Study Fellowship is BY FAR...the best...women's Bible study I have ever been a part of...  BECAUSE...it is highly disciplined...you must control your tongue, your attitude, your thoughts, your behavior.  I LOVE IT....don't knock it til you've tried it...and don't try it if you aren't willing to be really disciplined in ALL those AREAS!

So, do you just say you forgive...just because that's what's expected?  Cuz you have to?

Do you go the extra mile...to restore peace and rebuild relationships...even though it stings a little!  Okay, stings ALOT!

Tube Tuesday: Chili Con Carne

Take some ripe and fresh tomatoes,

put them in a bowl with oil.

Add the onions, strong and tasty,

on the stove you let it boil.

Choose the finest meat you get from cow or pig,

it doesn't matter.

Beans and jalopeáno peppers, necessary is to this.

But don't forget the mexican spices,

the heart of the art of the cooking. Oh no!

Don't forget the mexican spices,

without them you won't get the flavor of sunshine.

Chili con carne aha

let's make chili con carne aha that's good!

Eat your chili nice and slowly

to prevent a stomachache,

crisp tortillas on your plate

will sound so nicely when they brake.

When your mouth gets full of fire

you might need something to drink,

one or two or three or four or seven beers

will be enough.

But don't forget the mexican spices,

the heart of the art of the cooking. Oh no!

Don't forget the mexican spices,

without them you won't get the flavor of sunshine.

Chili con carne aha

let's make chili con carne let's eat!

Caffeinated Randomness: Tagged...You're it!

Barbara from Stray Thoughts tagged me with an 8 Questions meme, in which she asks 8 questions, I answer them, then make up 8 new questions to tag 8 others with. I'm choosing to tag all the lovelies that participate in Caffeinated Randomness today!  First, here are Barbara’s questions and my answers:


1. What is the greatest benefit you receive from blogging?
 The ability to share my kiddos funtimes with missionaries and extended family....The chance to throw out my thoughts...zany, spiritual, deep or otherwise....AND SOMETIMES...even get comments.  Yeah!!
2. What was your childhood nickname? How did you get it? Are you still called that now? (Oops — I guess that’s three in one!)
My given name is Roberta...I go by Bobbi...but my parents still call me Bobbi Jo...ugh!  My Daddy calls me The Schmoe...based on a song he wrote that has rhyming lyrics...Bobbi Jo is a schmoe!  Only he calls me that!
3. Miracle Whip or mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise...the other is sickly sweet.  If you're at my house you'll have to sprinkle the potato salad with Splenda if you want a comparable taste.  Yucko...more power to ya!
4. What is your favorite season and why?
I always say I love Fall...and I do love the crisp air and changing leaves...BUT somehow I manage to block out the horrible HORRIBLE allergies part.  Humph!
5. When you are sick, do you like a lot of attention and pampering, or do you like to be left alone?
I would love to simply have MY TURN to be sick...but it seems that, being the MomE, I'm generally caring for someone else or needed to bounce back on my feet and keep going.  Ugh...not so fun..but this is my life!
6. Share one pleasant childhood memory.
I used to play for hours by myself.  I was an only child for 10 years.  I remember playing in these huge bushes in our yard...maybe they were lilacs.  I'd spread blankets among the branches and create rooms in my house.  I'd care for all my babies and dream.  Now I live in my dreams...I am the MomE, taking care of my babies...in our own little house!
7. Share a time a hymn ministered to you in a special way.
O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go by George Matheson and Albert L. Peace
Especially the second verse...O Light that follow'st all my way, I yield my flickering torch to Thee;  My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in Thy sunshine's glow its day May brighter, fairer be.
Go here to hear a clip...HERE! 
8. Describe your favorite coffee mug (or show us a photo of it). Why do you like it?
If I have to choose...I'll say this mug with no handles.  It has inlaid pearl pieces and you can curl your fingers all around it.  My Mom and I have matchy mugs!  
 

 I also like these handthrown mugs...because they fit my hand perfectly.  The owl one makes me think of seeking TRUE wisdom...and the other is just plain pretty!

Here are my 8 questions for the CR lovelies!!

1.  What is your favorite childhood story and why?
2.  What christian book, other than the Bible, has deeply affected you lately?
3.  What was your Pastor's sermon on last week??
4.  Chips or Popcorn?
5.  What is your favorite Christmas cookie?  I'm up for recipes too!!
6.  Do you have a favorite chair?  Are you brave enough to share a picture??  At least share why.
7.  How much (and of what type) CAFFEINATED (or, okay...sigh...decaf) RANDOMNESS do you daily indulge??  (I love Starbucks Verona...about 4 cups a day...iced, espressoed, latted, etc.)
8.  How did you choose your childrens' names?

SO, join in chiccies!!  Smiles and love to you today!!  Remember, Michelle is now hosting CR...

Lights on??

People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed
only if there is a light from within.

Elizabeth Kübler-Ross

I love this quote...it makes me think of all those Bible verses about walking in the Light...especially...

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 Jn. 1:7

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4:6

If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” Luke 11:36

WFW: Repetition and Context!

I find myself in that familiar place of repetition and context. Repetition wise...this verse is popping up everywhere lately. It was this week's memory verse for my Sunday School kids, the crux of our Pastor's Sunday sermon, and in a book I'm reading... repeatedly.

As you know, that means PAY ATTENTION!

So, a few things I've learned so far....

We taught our Primaries that "casting" was like fishing. You "cast" the line or net out into the water. We let them "cast" pennies into a container. We said that when we have worries (pennies)...we don't want to hold onto them. We instead can "cast" them to Jesus (container) because He wants to get rid of them and help us.

Context wise...our Pastor pointed out that this verse is connected to HUMILITY. Verse 6 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you," We are trusting that the mighty hand of God is wise and powerful and full of love. All humility is related to submission...and in this sense is an act of faith that He'll treat us well in the process of sanctifying us. PRIDE is a terrible sin. Our anxieties are intertwined with that Pride. He will care for us.

Have you given Him all your discontentment, discouragement, questions and pain?

You can trust Him!!

Tube Tuesday: Like, Ya Know?

Barbara over at Stray Thoughts shared this last week...and I just had to make it a Tube Tuesday!

Caffeinated Randomness: NyQuil, Hidden Barista Talents, & GoodByes

Whoa...can I just say at the moment I am super loving Nyquil...My Loverbrain's came home last night (I know, sneaky me not telling you he was even gone...I'm protecting myself against those cyber stalkers...HA!) I was afraid to take any SUPER drugs while he was gone...in case the kids needed me in the night and I wouldn't hear them. BUT this morning I feel GREAT...okay...maybe not great but ALOT BETTER today!

So, here's the random question..Why do I always say that Fall is my favorite season when my ALLERGIES ALMOST KILL ME every year? I'm a lot better at blocking things from my mind than I thought...because one year to the next I totally forget about allergies. Guess it falls right in there with childbirth...you forget the pain. Sort of.

I had a latte lovin' friend over the other day for lunch...and I'd forgotten how much fun I have with my espresso machine. I think I'm going to keep it out on the counter...maybe I'll even try to make the fancy foam tops?? Ya, never know...I could have hidden talents people!!! HEY, no laughing!! I heard that!!

I'm super sad to see Andrea leave the blogosphere...but I kind of figured that this would be the outcome of her media sabbatical this summer. I've thought similar thoughts about the future of my own blogging. Once the kids are in school...I'm not sure how God will lead me...but I hope that I am as faithful to listen to HIS voice as our friend Andrea has been. May God bless her richly in her next phase of life!

NEW HOME....with Michelle...where she is....

My Name is Pride...

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny…

because you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment…

because you “deserve better than this.”

I cheat you of knowledge…

because you already know it all.

I cheat you of healing…

because you are too full of you to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness…

because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.

I cheat you of vision…

because you’d rather look in the mirror than out a window.

I cheat you of genuine friendship…

because nobody’s going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love…

because real romance demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven…

because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth.

I cheat you of God’s glory…

because I convinced you to seek your own.

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you.

Untrue.

I’m looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don’t worry…

If you stick with me you’ll never know.

By Beth Moore "Praying God's Word"

WFW: Comfort up!

My allergies have blessed me with a wickedly sore throat. I have awakened each morning of this week with a sorer and sorer throat. I'm drinking LARGE quantities of honey tea...heavy on the honey. It not only eases my throat but also comforts me.

My sweet children, who just need a reason to employ their handy Dr. kit, have fully examined and taken care of me. I thought it was cute...my Emmer-bean told her brother, Ca-Lubby, that "we needs to comfort up MomE...so she can take us out to rides our bikes." Well, at least she's figured out that MomE needs to get back on top of things!!

Yesterday, I was reminded that comfort means to give strength. It's interesting all the things God's given to comfort us....tea, blankets, soft tissues, allergy meds, etc. BUT even more amazing, by far, is the incredible gift of salvation. I have reliable and eternal hope for today and the next day...and the next day.

May God bless you with a continual and comforting hope today, too!

Tube Tuesday: Be Thou My Vision!

Oh, so...are you RELIGIOUS?

As many of you know, I count myself among the oober-friendly population. I'll talk to anyone anywhere...anytime. So, true to form, I recently found myself sitting in the children's play area in our local library...watching my kids play...and observing the other mom's.

One mom, I'd never seen before...and she was really trying to start conversation. You may think this funny...that I just sat and watched this for a bit...but I kind of like to give others a chance to be friendly before I am...doesn't usually happen sadly...but ya never know. *Many mom's who frequent libraries come to meet their other mom friends...and they only really talk to each other. Sigh...another blog for another day....* Anyhew...

It turns out that this mom is new to the area...and has been walking her eldest to school and then walking to the library for coffee and playtime before heading back home. Sounds like something I would totally do too. IF I lived closer to the library and didn't have to cross a major thoroughfare, that is. Her tiniest crawled up to me and patted my leg...so I smiled...and started to chit chat.

So, I can tell right off the bat, that this woman is very type A (like me) and has her own opinions FORMED. So, I'm trying to learn to be kinder and gentler...and a better listener...so I hold back and just let her talk for a bit. I kindly ask if she's interested in finding a pediatrician, etc. etc. Immunizations come up...yikes, what a topic!

Then, as often happily happens...the fact that I'm a Christian leaks out...I can't even remember what I said...but what she said really bugged me....

"Oh, so...are you RELIGIOUS?"

I ended up totally choking. For those of you who know me...maybe you're shocked or disappointed but I wasn't sure how to answer. I ended up saying I was Baptist...which although I am, I'm not sure if I had it to do over that I'd have blurted that necessarily either....and then I just let it die in the air.

I gave myself a good KICK before I left and exchanged numbers with her so that I WILL get another chance to talk to her...but the whole way home I just kept thinking... "Bobbi, what is your problem?" "Why is being called religious a turn off to you."

So, here it is in a nutshell....

Technically, yes, I am....

Religious: (ri li juh s) - adj. - exhibiting religion; pious; devout; godly; noun- a member of a religious order, congregation.

Baptist: (bap-tist)- noun- a member of a Christian denomination that baptizes believers by immersion.

From her tone I gathered a few things at literal lightning speed....she'd had experiences with the RELIGIOUS before...and probably not good experiences. I didn't really want to be affiliated with just any old RELIGIOUS folks out there. And sometimes, I'm sorry to say, I don't want to be connected with the Baptist out there either.

I want to be connected with Christ.

What I should have said was, "I'm a Christian. Yes, I have a personal relationship with Him. I am a Christ follower...trying to be like Christ! But, I'm a lousy sinner like all Christians...and without His grace and mercy I'd be headed to hell...but He loved me...and because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross...I'm saved and headed to heaven. He died for the whole world. Did you know that?"

Whoa...okay, maybe that woulda blown her socks off. I just wish I'd answered anything of substance...other than just letting it sink into silence.

All told...this was a good SLAP for me...I fully plan to get together with her again...and BRING THIS BACK UP...."Hey, you remember when you asked me if I was religious? Yeah, I thought about it and I'd like to give a better answer to that question...." And God will help me and give me the right words to say...

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," 1 Pet. 3:15

CR: Like weak coffee...made strong!!

Lord Jesus, I give you my life.

I invite You to have your way in me.

Take me and break me. Shake me and make me.

Fill me and spill me. Change me and rearrange me.

But whatever You do, Lord…don’t leave me the same.

Spirit of wisdom and revelation, I welcome your work.

Open my eyes so I can see…my ears so I can hear…

I choose truth over comfort, challenge over complacency.

Lord, make me forever Yours.

And most of all, make me like You.

Amen.

Weak but Made Strong

By Joanna Weaver *emphasis mine*

Happy Apple Season!

I just love it when they get along...awwww....which thankfully is most of the time!!
I LOVE gadgets that live up to the hype and THEN SOME!!! I love my gorgeous RED kitchenaide and her newest attachment! I jokingly say she's my third baby! Hehehehe!
I love the feeling of accomplishment and industry I have when I look at one day's haul and add it to my under the stairs shelves!! YEAH!!!

Happy Apple Season ya'll!!

WFW: Singing Along...

My favorite Bible study is about to start for this year. We're going to be studying Isaiah! Interesting coincidence (haha) my Bible In A Year is going through Isaiah. I get a head start...oooahh! I was looking for verses to go with this picture of our mountain stream in NY picture...and came across this one. Of course, being the musical nut that I am, it makes me think of the hymn A Shelter in the Time of Storm...and I was interested to see if it mentioned the part I was focusing on today...about streams! Unfortunately, nope!

The words, by Vernon Charlesworth are still great. Turns out the words were originally set to a weird minor tune...and the fishermen would sing this song as they came into port...but Ira Sankey created the more singable version we all know and love today.

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

So, does anyone else stop and sing along while reading Scripture? Sometimes, I want to sing the whole song right there...almost hum along. Ha! Have a great day ya'll!

Tube Tuesday: Sven, I dare ya!

This is a tongue twister gone wild...and fun. So, go ahead and try it out...at the very least it will make you smile!!

Gotta love...reading between the LIONS!

CR: How are things...beneath the surface?

If you were to spend time with me, right now...you'd see calm and order. I'd appear to have it all together. And, in a general way...I do. I guess, it's what's beneath the surface. I feel like this cup of coffee...mixing below the surface. My heart feels churned...and I'm struggling to find peace in God.

I always come back from vacation and feel...weird. I feel totally random. I'm fluttering here and there trying to regain some semblance of normal home life again. The coffee we drink on vacation is not as strong as we tend to make (ahem, sorry Papa) and so we load up on super strong when we get home. Maybe that's it...I'm jittery. Well, it's part of that odd feeling below the surface.

But, that's not all of it...it's also the beginning of Fall...and ALL the activities that entails. In particular, church takes off at break neck speed. We're teaching SS together this year (so excited), I'm teaching Wed. night club, singing solos/duets, fall festivals, mini golf, bible studies...etc. etc. I'm not complaining...I LOVE those things. I find summer rather tedious because there isn't a real schedule...but it just takes my breath away...PHEW! On the surface VERY organized...churning and planning below...

And, we have friends moving...and I just hate change. I know, it is God's plan...it will be good for EVERYONE...but it hurts and I don't like it. I understand it perfectly in my head...but God is still comforting my heart. THAT's below the surface churning around in my guts.

Randomly today, I just wanted to say that you need to be examining and dealing with your heart struggles. Admit that you have them, for one thing. I'd like to add that I'm not against "surface shows"...cuz everyone doesn't need to know our business all the time or deal with our emotions. Just make sure that when it's just you...below the surface...that you are right with the Person that sees your heart!!

"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." I Sam. 16:7

Deep Thoughts: Fancy Nancy?

I've been enjoying the writings of Nancy Leigh DeMoss lately. I thought I'd gather up a bunch of the quotes I'm currently mulling over. Life changing...painful stuff ya'll! Good pain. No pain, no gain...right?

Choosing Gratitude
"I have learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship! And I can't worship without giving thanks. It just isn't possible. When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance, a radiance, that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others."

"God's Will is what we would choose if we knew what God knows."

A Quiet Place of Rest
"An evidence that our will has been broken is that we begin to thank God for that which once seemed so bitter, knowing that His will is good and that, in His time and in His way, He is able to make the most bitter waters sweet."
"Though my natural instinct is to wish for a life free from pain, trouble, and adversity, I am learning to welcome anything that makes me conscious of my need for Him. If prayer is birthed out of desperation, then anything that makes me desperate for God is a blessing."

Holiness: The Heart God Purifies
"We do need to guard against making absolutes out of personal standards that are not specified in Scripture, or assuming that others are sinning if they don't adopt our standards about issues that may not be traps for them. But why are we so prone to defend choices that take us right to the edge of sin, and so reluctant to make radical choices to protect our hearts and minds from sin?"
"It's bad enough for me to make choices that hurt my own relationship with God. How much more serious is it to be the cause of someone else deciding to sin? Not only must I choose the pathway of holiness for God's sake and for my own sake; I must also do it for the sake of others."

I thought I'd link this with my friend's WIW blog too. Barbara always has such great stuff to share.

WFW: Bumblebees...God's Laws...scripture link!

Thought I'd share a vacation picture with a favorite scripture! Love to ya'll this mid-week!!