Weddings...*sniff, sniff*

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the royal wedding this morning (dark and early)...

...I was 2 when Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married.  I watched it on You-tube though...don't worry.

Today's ceremony was beautiful...and the music...I hope they listened to the words.  WOW...deeply Biblical. 

I can't watch a wedding without thinking of my own elegant, candlelit ceremony...

I felt like a princess that day!  We look more and more like kids each year I look back on these pictures.  Now we have kids!  Ha..I know it's cliche but...time flies!

Hodgeity-Podgeity!

1. What is something that bothers you if it is not done perfectly?

I thought it would be fun to ask my Loverbrains this question...just to see what he'd say since he was sitting next to me...At first he said, "Everything."  When I told him that wasn't very nice and he gave it a bit more thought he said, "Hanging things...drapes, pictures!"  Oooo...that is SO true...I'm nuts about placement.  When we first moved here things were hung too high...and I recently went around and moved them down...and the tops of drapes have to be pulled up and evenly pleated. 

2. What is one of your best childhood memories?

I used to have a little play house with red shutters...with my initials in them.  It had creeping vines painted on it.  I played in there for hours.  I even made an addition from a big snowball bush that grew in our yard.  I was an only child for 10 odd years...and I had a great imagination!

3. Do you plan to watch the Royal Wedding and when was the last time you wore a hat?

Yes, yes and double yes.  I don't know that I've ever seriously worn a hat...other than a camping/gardening/ball cap.  It sure would be fun.  I'm really looking forward to sharing Friday's event with my little Emmer-bean.  She'll love it!

4. Where do you fall in the birth order in your family? Do you think this has influenced your personality?

I'm a first born...and I'm a textbook case of it....in both the strengths and weaknesses.  I googled it...

Greater level of confidence, taken seriously, patient, organized, strong powers of concentration, confidence to dream and plan, feel supported, and feel they will be respected for what they do.  

Have an innate fear of being dethroned, perfectionists, overachievers, feel as though they are never good enough, tend to be selfish with possessions and attention.

5. Where do you think you spend most of your money?

For practical or pleasure?  Practical...probably groceries.  Pleasure...(money I should probably be saving)...probably crafting and fabric.

6. When you need to confront someone would you rather communicate in person, on the phone, by email or by letter? Why?

I think most people like emails and letters when they are frightened of the person's reaction...and won't have to deal with them in the future.  My experience says (ahem) "just muster up some strength and talk to them in person" though.  I believe that's probably the more Biblical way too.  It might be unpleasant but at least you showed the chutzpah to be straight forward.  There have been times I haven't...and although I'd like to justify my actions with real fears...I have often regretted it since.

7. Dodge ball, freeze tag, kickball or jump rope? You have to pick one.

Aw Joyce, come on...Pick ONE!?  Well, I guess...kickball.  All ages can play and it's lots of fun.  I have good memories of playing kickball at church picnics...with toddlers, elderly, and everyone thrown in.

8. Does anyone else LOVE Triscuits?

My little Caleb is chicken to try new things.  He'll tell you it "makes him sick"...because he is allergic to many things.  BUT, he's also just stubborn and very THREE.  Anyhew, I talked him into trying a Triscuit...and it turns out he LOVES them. 

I have occasional dorky moments...where I break into song for no apparent reason...and I made up a silly song, "A Triscuit and Trasket...a green and yellow basket..."  My poor Loverbrains, who sometimes misses my humor...corrected me and said, "You know, it's Tisket and Tasket..." Duh, in my opinion it should be Triscuit and Trasket because, as much as I love them, they do look and have the texture of a BASKET.  HA!

WIW: Left with Hope...

"And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here." ~ St. Augustine

"We live and die; Christ died and lived!"  ~John Stott

"The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances."  ~Robert Flatt

Evangelism on Aisle 5!

Repost from Easter 2010

I hear a lot these days about the importance of being genuine. I like to remind myself that all the genuine truth I speak also needs to be done in love (Eph. 4:15 NIV).  I don’t know about you, but I long to be most genuine when it comes to my faith…my love for Jesus, my Savior!

I was musing recently that as a Domestic Engineer my mission field is perhaps small, but also rather specific. Mine goes something like this….neighbors, library, zoo, playground….grocery store!

Yes, I was thinking to myself that although I’m already one of the most friendly grocery shoppers I know….I’m not exactly fully genuine, ya know? I mean…I’ll smile at everyone and talk to anyone…about anything but I’m not sharing my most genuine, heart held LOVE with these strangers I meet each week!

Why not…well…cuz I tend to think of what could go wrong.
-they could embarrass me and pick on me…
-they could roll their eyes or swear at me…
-they could stick their tongue out at me….
…okay…so the list is looking super lame! When I consider true persecution…um, yeah…really no excuses.  Seriously, if I can talk to them about toilet paper and tampons…surely I can share the awesome love of Jesus.

So, I took the plunge…and I want to share…not to toot my own horn but to encourage the other “tiny mission fielder ladies” out there…to think about WHAT COULD GO RIGHT!!!

This week, I was standing in the check out…chatting with my fellows in line and my cashier…and I said…

“See these Grands Biscuits? Yeah, they’re on sale…but I just have to tell you about this awesome idea for sharing the story of Easter with kids.”
*Okay…breathe…keep going….nothing scary happening yet*

“Yeah, you let the kids roll a big marshmallow in butter and cinnamon sugar and then seal the biscuit up around it…and then lay it pinched side down on a cookie sheet.”
*picture me using my coupon filled hands to demonstrate*

“And then when you bake them…the marshmallow melts…and the inside is empty…just like the tomb… HE IS RISEN!!! Because…it’s so important to me to remember that Jesus, not only died for our sins…but also rose again on the third day!”
*Phew…conversation is rolling…everyone is happy…yeah….inner high five!*

I just can’t tell you how wonderful it felt to really share my genuine heart for this season, my children and JESUS at the grocery store!! No, no one made a profession of faith right there in the WallyWorld check out…or even came to visit me at church (yet)…but I was fully genuine and shared something so much more important to me than milk or eggs… the love of Jesus! So, see?…focus on what could go RIGHT! Take those opportunities you’re given…to plant the seeds of truth around you.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV Emphasis mine

Dear Precious, Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending Your Son….to die for our sins….and to RISE and give us hope! Thank you for encouraging me to be zealous in my love for you…and my love for others. Please bless each one who realizes the unique mission field they’ve been given. Give them boldness and the gift to be fully genuine with Your Love! Use us to talk to everyone…the moms and cashiers and librarians out there…who desperately need a Savior!
Amen.

For me...For you...

Who has believed what he has heard from us?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
  For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes  an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see  and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53

{pretty, happy, funny, real} Holy Week Edition!

{pretty}

My Loverbrains and Sweet Boobahs picked out pretty hyacinths for an early Mother's Day surprise.  We used it to make a nice, mini Calvary in our kitchen.

{happy}

In order to free up egg cartons for the craft below...I emptied all my brown eggs into a pretty bowl...and was amazed at how happy it made me.  God is wonderful to give us such beautiful brown eggs...and pretty bowls...and cozy homes...and Easter...He is Risen!!  Hallelujah!

{funny}

I wanted to teach the kids about the Lord's Supper...and a little about each disciple.  Emmer insisted the beardless ones were girls and colored them pink and purple...lol!  Lubby had evidently heard all about Judas Iscariot (he was BAD)...but insisted that the picture of Peter with the sword was really Judas...I mean, duh MomE...what threat is a bag of money??  Someday, they will think this is funny too!

{real}

Sigh...Here are the matching Easter skirts that will NOT be...they will be matching Mother's Day skirts instead.  How long do you think I can get her wear matching outfits on Mother's Day? 

Baby Love & Happy Hodgepodge...

Hodgepodge is coming up....but first....

Remember when I asked your binding opinion on my first baby quilt project?  It was for my dear friend, Hannah.

She tried it on last week...and we wondered if I should have made a bigger quilt...hehehe....

Judah arrived safely on Monday...10lbs and 13oz....and absolutely succulent...as I like to say about truly kissable babies!

I love those grunty noises new babies make.  Awww....The quilt fit just fine!!  Thanks to my Mom for helping me bind it.  If it wasn't for her I might still be stitchin'...I'm slow.

Now, on to the Happy Easter Hodgepodge...


1. What are your plans for Easter Day/weekend?

I was inspired by Joyce to make an Easter Lamb...so, I'm setting it up the night before.  I'm making a blueberry bread pudding for our Easter Breakfast at church...it's right after the Sunrise Service.  Our Easter Cantata is after the Breakfast.  I will be setting up the meal, clothes, etc. the night before to prevent morning insanity.  Well...as much as possible.

2. Besides Jesus, what one person from The Bible would you most like to meet and why?

I think I'd like to meet Peter.  I feel like I'm a lot like him...I have a real heart for Jesus but my big mouth gets in the way and I'm rather impulsive.  I end up looking like a dope a lot and needing God's reproof.  I think that meeting Peter would be helpful...he could give me good advice and encouragement to be a better follower of Christ.

3. What is one modern day convenience you didn't have as a child that was easy to live without?

A cell phone.  I'm thinking a lot of people were happier without them.  They are nice for safety and all.  People can get a hold of you easily...but well...people can get a hold of you easily.  Ya follow me?

4. Are you more right brained or left brained? If you don't know what that means there is an interesting little quiz here.

I was going to say that I'm really left brained but I took the test and I'm a lot more balanced then I thought...60-40.  My intuitive abilities are high for my right brain.  Who knew?  My verbal skills are my most dominant.  Big surprise...har har!

5. What is something you intended to do today but didn't? Why?

I intended to organize Emmer's room and finish the toy rehaul/downsize I started last week.  Between morning Bible Study, a very rainy day (makes me snuggly), and going to see new lovie baby...I ran out of oom-papa.  Tomorrow, it will get done.

6. Cadbury Creme Eggs or Reeses peanut butter?

I like Reeses but don't bring them into the house because of my peanut allergic baby boy.  I only eat one Cadbury a year...but I sure enjoy it!

7. Who was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?

I had a Smurf lunchbox when I started school.  Who knew it was foreshadowing for my future stature?

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Why is it when you hold a scrumptious baby and obviously enjoy yourself...people always say..."Oooo, does it make you want another one?"  Cuz, NO, it doesn't.  I love babies...love them...loved my own...but holding one is quick to remind me that they don't sleep at night so hot (I like sleep)...and I'm done with diapers, thanks...Now, hand over the baby, please!  After typing the above, I must say that adoption does flitter through my mind occasionally...but there are so many barriers between me and there...who knows how God will work.  Somehow, I doubt if it happens that they will be an infant though.

Book Review: The Life of Andrew Jackson

When I decided to write book reviews for various publishers, in exchange for free books, I thought it would be loads of fun.  I found instead, that I read much slower when I know I have to write a review...I take notes...and it can take some of the joy out of it.  Such was the case with Life of Andrew Jackson by John S. Jenkins, A.M.  I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd been reading it at my leisure instead of for review.

First off, I'd like to say that this book is beautiful.  It's bound in a stately blue with those raggedy, antiqued pages.  I love it...I'd love to have a bunch of them on my shelves.  It enhanced the reading experience to be holding such a nicely bound volume in my hands.

I enjoyed the accounting of Andrew Jackson's early days much more than his days in politics.  I'll admit that I got VERY bogged down in all of the speeches and documents from his days as president and beyond.

My favorite part of the book is where they speak of his mother, "She possessed many excellent qualities, both of head and heart; and her children were, early in life, deeply imbued with the straight forward resoluteness of purpose, and Spartan heroism of character, for which she was distinguished.  Among the many noble mothers, whose sons have reaped the rich harvest of renown springing from the seed planted by their hands, none deserve higher praise or commendation."  That was amazingly inspiring to me!

She indeed raised a great son.  Andrew Jackson went to battle at the age of 14.  He married and ardently loved his wife, turning down a high position in Europe because he wanted to be buried beside her.  He fought in all sorts of horrific battles...against the British and the Indians.  I was touched by how, after one battle, he took an infant Indian baby, and nursing it on honey, took it home to his wife and raised it as his own son.  In a similar case, he helped stitch up a young Indian brave and then sent him to his wife, to regain health, and started him in business.  He fought valiantly for "the cause" but was also incredibly just and humane.  A difficult balance...I was surprised.

Some of the writing from his times in Washington are bombastic and pompous.  One eulogy had me giggling...if I was Andrew Jackson I couldn't have sat through the ridiculous glories they were heaping upon him.  I guess that's not really too different from how people exalt different candidates during campaigns nowadays though.  They probably use slightly smaller vocabulary words but...still ridiculous glories that no man could ever hope to measure up to entirely.

Overall, a good read and it will look lovely on my shelf.

I received this book free from the New Leaf Publishing Group, Inc in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Loverbrains, my hero!

One of the many dis-services women's liberation has given christian women is to make their need for a hero husband obsolete.  I'm strong and intelligent and I don't need my husband for anything.  With this attitude comes a certain level of disrespect and lack of submission.  Nothing kills my husband's valor like a swift kick to his respect. 

And, it's a mixed message.  I want him to see me as this strong and independent person but at the same time I want him to always be available to do what I want, when I want it;  Like he's my slave or something.  Like he doesn't have his own very demanding job.  And, Oui, if he suggests that his job is more stressful than mine...lookout...may the laundry list of past grievances and turmoil flow.

I say all this to be funny...but it's not...and I wasn't.  I was making everyone miserable...and putting my marriage and children in a dangerous environment.  Our pastor split open Ephesians 4:32 for us...and my heart was really broken.  "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. "  

So, I started with being kind. I suggest starting one day at a time...and determine not to say anything negative or unkind about your husband or to your husband.  If nothing else this will really humble you.  When I was in this cycle of bitterness and selfishness I was FAR from being kind.  This exercise helped me recognize this, repent of it, and seek ways to show kindness again.  My Hero valiantly stepped up to the plate.  When I was lady-like and kind, he became full of chivalry and kindness himself.  Go figure, eh?

Next, I worked on tender-hearted.  Of all of these...this was probably the hardest for me.  Independent, strong women do NOT like to be vulnerable ya'll.  It's uncomfortable and scary.  I can truly say that God is faithful and protected my heart when I put it out.  This really showed my Loverbrains that I was genuine in my desires for change.  It helped him to trust me, talk with me, and be vulnerable in return.  It gave him some Hero back...because after all, he is the God given head of this home.  Seeing and understanding my heart....me, the weaker vessel...allowed him to champion my days.  Knowing my struggles helped him lead our family spiritually.  None of this would have happened if I hadn't repented of my hardened heart and allowed God to tenderize it. Remember how meat is tenderized?  Bang, bang, bang...some of us are pretty tough chickens.  But, the end result tastes much better.

Amid the process of tenderizing...forgiveness was a rather natural step.  It's hard to become truly tender-hearted when you are holding on to the bitterness of un-forgiveness.  And, it's not JUST simple forgiveness.  Christ forgives completely.  Psalm 103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." Real forgiveness prepared us for any subsiquent disagreements.  I noticed this recently.  If I don't bring up past junk and bitterness when we fight (yes, we still do occasionally)...We are both more tender to the current situation, how to fix it, how to make it better.  Incidentally, my hero hates conflict.  He's a quiet and thoughtful man...married to a hot-headed, LOUD woman.  I can see him as my quiet, peace-making hero now.  I used to see him as weak...but God has changed my view...and I can respect him as my leader and lover.  That's a supernatural change, ya'll.  There's no other answer for it.  

Chrysalis is bringing Hero Husband back today on Marriage Monday...

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

My mini daffodils...just THAT much happier than the big ones in my front garden beds!

My children are happy travelers.  They were thrilled to try on sunglasses and dance to the sample CDs while we waited to watch the fish feeding at Bass Pro.  Entertainment on a dime.  What a happy day!

Those who know me know that I HATE squirrels.  Truthfully, I'm a little afraid of them.   Long story for another blog.  However, it was pretty hilarious when my children shrieked with glee to show me this squirrel that makes authentic squirrel noises.  Bass Pro has every stuffed, authentic noise animal you can imagine.  The kids thought they'd played a good joke on MomE.

I love listening to my Emmy think about God.  Here in the hotel we watch WAY more TV than at home...and I worry about it's nonsense-jabber...They were watching Dora and and Dora said, "Who do we ask when we have a problem and don't know which way to go?"  The answer is "The Map"...which Lubby loudly answered...Then Emmy sagely added, "But we have God...and He helps us when we have a problem and don't know which way to go!"  I praised her wise discernment!  Praise the Lord for how He is working in her little heart and mind.

Hodgepodge on the Go....

 We are traveling with Loverbrains...but I didn't want to miss my Hodgepodge week.  I've been alternating between WFW and Hodgepodge each week.  It's a guilt thing...don't ask.  Anyhew...here is a cute picture of our Sweet Boobahs from days gone by...*sigh*....it really does go by so fast!

1. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time or have a significant conversation with two people?

I would rather have a significant conversation with two people but in reality I float about the room and chat a little bit with everyone.  Why?  Sometimes I'm the hostess and want to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves...Sometimes I have this sense of fairness/prideful vanity...like I need share my fabulous attention with everyone and not just let one person hog me to them self...Sometimes I'm just nosey and can't settle down and focus on two people alone.  I'd rather set up a specific date for just those two people, I guess.  Cuz, I do care....and want more significant conversations.  I think I'm over thinking this one.

2. What objects do you remember from your parent's living room?

I remember cleaning the oval, glass coffee table that is now in my home.  I remember going through the records and being "mature enough" to listen to them alone...especially the Carpenters.  I remember where everything was on the bookshelves.  Interesting, they don't have bookshelves in their current living room.

3. Do you hog the bed? Steal the covers? Snore?

I must tend toward bed hog...I say that because when my Loverbrains is traveling,  I wake to find myself in the middle of the bed...He's not there to shove me back, I guess.  HE is a cover stealer...When I get up in the night I come back to find a little Loverbrains Burrito...argh!

4. Speaking of Easter dinner....what is your favorite way to cook/eat lamb? Or does just the thought of that make you squeamish? If you're not cooking lamb what will be your entree du jour on Easter Sunday?  

I like Lamb...but I've never tried to cook it before.  I know when my Grandma made it we always had mint jelly with it, as a side.  Is that weird or normal?  Seems...ew...but I'd try it again just to see if I like it.  I really like this idea...the symbolism of the Lamb of God.  I might make it this year.

5. Let's throw some politics into this week's mix-oooohhh...Do you know the whereabouts of your birth certificate and when was the last time you had to produce it to prove you're you?

To be all political...I don't think the current issue is really proving that you're you...it's proving nationality and immigration status.  But...anyhew....Mine is in our fireproof lock box and I had to show it to get my Passport many years ago.  I guess that counts as showing it to prove I'm me, right?

6. As a child, how did people describe you?

Petite, very blond, talks A LOT.  Gee, nothing's changed.  Har, har!  Well, not quite as petite, the blond gets doctored up (shhhh), and I'm working on the talking.  Really, I am...stop laughing!

7. What do you complain about the most?

I've been trying to not complain so much...been keeping that gratitude journal...but I think if I had to narrow it down...I probably complain about my kids the most.  I'll admit it...*sigh* I'm human.  I get worn down and tired... and to feeling a little (a lot) hen-pecked...and I complain.  This MomE thing is NOT easy ya'll...and greatly under appreciated...*ahem.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I love languages.  Someday I'm going to be fluent in another language...not sure which one...but someday.  That's one of the things I like about traveling with Loverbrains.  At breakfast you can listen to so many languages.  This morning...Hindi, Swedish, Japanese, and French...oh, and a very nice British gentleman told us our daughter was beautiful.  Which she is...of course!

JOIN THE HODGEPODGE

with Joyce

HERE

Traveling Soli Deo Gloria

I'm traveling with my Loverbrains.  I make a good traveling wife...I LOVE having a crisp, clean bed to slip into every night.  Ahhhh....

Yes, yes...the kids are here too.  It's still SO peaceful and nice.  Granted, we are in our old hometown...visiting LOTS of friends...dinner engagements every.night.  But, the peace I'm getting at...is inner peace.  Yeah, peace with God.

See, about a year ago...I was NOT handling the "my husband travels alot" thang very well.  AT.ALL.  I threw a couple of temper tantrums...pouted and made everyone miserable.  It was suggested to me that I travel with him...


At first, I scoffed and rolled my eyes.  I threw several more temper tantrums about the impracticality of such an idea.  Don't people see these two blond munchkins?  Don't they see I have a life??  I can't just drop it and go.  Don't people realize how difficult and hard and impossible that would be?

Life was not good.  I was in a valley and there was no where to look but up.  I started to pray about it. 

And then, God started working on me.  He opened my eyes... to how much my husband really did miss me and the kids.  He opened my heart...so that I cared more about Loverbrains, and us, than any temporary inconvenience.  He urged me to go.  So, I did.

AND...surprise, surprise....

God blessed it.  Whether the hotel is small or large...whether they have an indoor pool or not...whether we know everyone or no one...we are together.  We enjoy it.  They are like mini vacations.  True, we miss him during the work day...but we do that at home, too.  He sometimes has to work after dinner...but sometimes he has to do that at home, too.  My perspective has changed.

I still have my bad days.  I get grouchy, Oscar green with envy when he goes to Paris without me.  I get frustrated when it rains and we are stuck inside.  But, hopefully...I recover my perspective a little quicker these days.

He's changing me, My Blessed Savior.

I'm not the same person that I used to be.

Well, it's been slow goin', but there's a knowin'...

that some day perfect I will be.

Little by little and day by day,

Little by little in every way

Jesus is changing me (He's changing me)

Since I made a turnabout face

I've been growin' in His grace

Jesus is changing me (He's changing me)!

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"

First posted: September 2010 

 

Five Minute Caffeinated Randomness: Perseverance...

If you ever met me...or even if you just read my blog... You'll soon recognize my big type A personality...and my very independent driven-ness.  Yes, I know that's not a word.  Perseverance...that was the name of the game yesterday. 

After posting about my bluebirds the other day...but having no actual pictures with my birdhouse....I decided I was going to stay outside until I got a good shot.  They must be Amish...they don't like having their picture taken.  As soon as I'd sit down and turn my camera off to preserve the battery...they'd be all over.  Pick the camera up and turn it on...poof...gone!

So, I did take a beautiful picture of a white violet poking it's head up...

And my freshly painted toes in flip-flops...It was 75 and Sunny!!  Did you know that if you paint your toes right before you get in the shower they dry super hard and shiny?  My Loverbrains suggests that this is due to the rapid evaporation of the alcohol content...Whatever the cause it's a pretty handy trick!

Then this morning...I bounded out the door...and caught a few pictures of my bluebird couple!  YEAH!

One is lighter and brighter than the other...I need to do some research and discover if this is due to sex or just individuals.  See!?  I was telling the truth...I do have bluebirds in my city back yard!!

What would you like to drink?

I worked to memorize Isaiah 55 earlier this year...and in truth, I'd sort of forgotten that I had it memorized.  I started to read it while working on my favorite Bible Study and thought...whoa, I know this!  Very cool.

I'd gotten the main jist of the meaning before, of course...but had failed to notice the significance of the three different drinks offered.

Water, alludes to salvation.  In John 7:28 Jesus says, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"  Earlier in John 4:14 Jesus said, "but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Wine, points to a zest for life.  Joy.  As a Christian I need to act like I've drunk His Wine.  I need to be full of zest for life and confidence in the future He has planned for me.  I don't want to be like the bumper sticker I once saw, "If you're a christian, someone should inform your face!"

Lastly, milk stands for nourishment/nurture.  I need to be studying and growing.  What am I going to study and learn this summer when my favorite Bible Study is on summer break?  I need to be encouraging and teaching.  When did I last send a card or made an encouraging phone call?

Word FILLED Wednesday: It's Free!

Generally speaking, I enjoy sharing Christ with others. I feel slightly sick to my stomach while doing it...a lot of pumping adrenaline...but I feel elated and happy when I get the chance to share the hope of salvation with others;  Even in itty bitty seed form.

I did say generally speaking though, didn't I.  I love sharing the gospel with cashiers, library moms, hair dressers, etc. etc.  However, I don't enjoy sharing with my sweet college buddies or certain hard-headed relatives.  Well, I say I don't enjoy it...the truth is that I just don't share.  I'm shut up tighter than a tick around them.  And...God has really been working on me...at least on my willingness. 

I learned this week that the same verses that show me that my salvation is secure, are the verses that  remind me of the Holy Spirit's presence with me.  How can I fear...rejection, scorn, angry comments, pain, death...if God is with me?  "This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed."  Is. 6:1  I must respond with OBEDIENCE.

I know about the precious Living Water...free life water...because the price was paid and credited to my account.  It is not only available to all but the invitation is open.  Salvation is sure...and in a world of changing everything...this hope through Jesus is something I can share that is a firm foundation.

I think it's harder to share with people you know really well.  Especially when they are "pretty good" by the world's standards.  I have trouble finding openings...I worry about subsequent visits...awkwardness.  They are on the brink of hell and I'm worried about awkwardness?  And they are searching;  Filling their lives with emptiness in all it's busy little forms.

I need to be Obedient to open my mouth and share.  I have nothing to fear...the Holy Spirit is right there with me.  It isn't about my skills of persuasion anyway...It's about the mighty work of God!

Tube Tuesday: Catchy Tune...Wrong Words!

It would be fair to say that my musical tastes are eclectic!  Pretty much the only genre I won't listen to resembles banging trashcans and garbled lyrics. 

This tune is SO catchy...and I finally saw the original music video...evidently it was done in one take...WOW!



BUT...the funny thing is that I sing THESE words...cuz that's what I heard first! LOL!

Bluebird of Happiness or Anxiety!?

We have a couple of bluebirds nesting in our box.  Usually, this box is inhabited by cute, bossy wrens...and I'm worried that they will "peck" the bluebirds out...but for now...I'm really enjoying the splashes of blue in my backyard.  

  Early in life, I was visited by the bluebird of anxiety.
- Woody Allen

I think Satan uses discouraging circumstances (even within the church) to drag us down.  I'm really super focusing on my gratitude journal today.  Even with little speed bumps, and people acting worse than my three year old...I can count a multitude of blessings.  

The bluebird carries the sky on his back.

- Henry David Thoreau, Journal, April 3, 1852

My bluebird family....

...a rainy day all cozy inside...

A bluebird, famous for the scrap of sky
Borne on his back - an indigo so bright
That just a glimpse of his distinctive flight,
All swoop and flurry, captivates the eye ...
- George Bradley, "New Yorker", p. 146, Mar. 19, 2001

...comfort from His Word...

...a week and weekend of normal ahead...

Blue skies Smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies Do I see
Bluebirds Singing a song
Nothing but bluebirds All day long
- Irving Berlin, Blue Skies, 1927