Blogcation!

Busy with the Best of Blogging Intentions

I am having a SUPER packed week...my thoughts are full...my lists are long...then, I broke my tooth (sneaking candy, argh) and had to make extra time to get that fixed.  *sigh*  I must say that I find it a bit ironic...or as I like to say creepy God thang...when both books I'm reading honed in on the same concept and Scripture today.  

So, as I push about heavy thoughts for sick loved ones and heavy to do lists...I get the kids coloring peacefully...I begin making dinner...saying over and over,  
"I am strong for all things in the One who constantly infuses strength into me."  Phil. 4:13

Christ is all-sufficient for every circumstance, for every eventuality and for every possibility. ~Lloyd-Jones

So, no...I haven't fallen off the planet...or the blogosphere...just thinking more thoughts than I'm writing in my spare time...

I collect my first tomatoes...and focus on hearing God say, "Bobbi, let Me be the Blessed Controller.  Surrender.  Accept my timing.  Accept my ways.  Accept my outcome.  Let your trust be in Me alone.  Though no one sees your choices or knows how difficult they are, make them for Me." ~Linda Dillow

Yes, it's been a Philippians 4 focused day.  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  If I make the choice to pray instead of worry, I will personally experience God's peace.  What a promise!!

stitch by stitch...promise by promise....prayer by prayer

I am so thankful for God's Word...It says to fix my mind on the positive and take every thought captive (2 Cor. 10:5)...He renews my mind when I take the negative thoughts captive and dwell on the positive. 

So, I'll wrap it up... ending with another gem from Paul's fabulous letter (just for me today)..."

Finally, SISTER, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

Caleb's Grandma Quilt!

Grandma Denny and Aunt Jess came for a visit!  With them, they brought the long awaited Caleb Quilt.  My Mom made a duckie quilt for Emma when she was born.  True to all things "first" she zipped through it...and Emma had it soon after she was born.  Caleb...has had to wait.  

Now, no being hard on my Mom.  She created an amazing airplane quilt...bi-planes on the sky with ribbon propellers and a little plane with a banner....OH, and did I mention...these quilts are HANDQUILTED! 

Around each cloud on that border...wowsers!  It's a work of art...and love!  And...

....He ADORES it...he couldn't be more tickled!

His sister's been teasing him for years with hers...and now he has his quilt!

It was worth the wait! 

BUT, note to self:  when I have grandchildren I will be machine quilting their quilts!  Just sayin'...hahaha!

Topsy Turvy Quilt !

I'm so happy...it's done! Now, to create a backing from a vintage sheet...

...and some batting...

...and then off to the quilters!  YEAH!

Hot hot Hodgepodge!

 

1. How often do you check the weather? How do you check the weather?

I generally check the weather on Saturday when I'm picking out the kid's outfits for the week and putting them in their cubbies.  It doesn't always work, but it helps me plan for...I was gonna say RAIN but I'm not sure I remember what that is anymore!  I usually check the weather via my Kindle Fire..."Ruby."

2. Since this is volume 84 of the Wednesday Hodgepodge, and since I got married in 1984, and since I'm attending a wedding this weekend it only seems right to post something related here.

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."

Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Agree or Disagree. Why? Hmmm...interesting.  I think I shall agree just because I think the majority will disagree.  I think long engagements are not only tedious but can be dangerous to the purity of the couple.  I think if you know the "important" factor (ie. their commitment to Christ) you can be assured that whatever trials and vexations you might share in marriage you will stay together and work them out by God's grace. 

3. Do you like to dance? Have you ever taken dance lessons?

I enjoyed "shaking my groove thang" at my brother's wedding....and slow dancing with my husband.  I understand the reason dancing has been banned from certain religious circles...and although I agree that certain sexually provocative dancing is wrong...I do not think dancing is forbidden in the Bible...(um, David danced before the Lord in his undies) so...we're probably missing out somehow in our worship.  Anyhew...moving on...I learned some choreography when I was a music student...and took a swing dancing lesson once. 

4. Fresh from the oven peach pie or home made peach ice cream? Pick one.

Neither...can I just have a fresh peach...dribbling down my chin?  Okay, ok...Jo's rules...peach ice cream...I'll force it down somehow!  LOL!

5. Should people accept unfairness and learn to make the best of it?

Life's not fair.  John 16:32-33, “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

6. The top five all time summer movie blockbusters (released between May and August and grossing at least 100 million dollars) are-Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars (the original), Ghostbusters, and ET. Which one's your favorite?

Star Wars

7. If given the chance, would you like to visit the moon?

Er, well...there's not a lot to do up there...and I'm not much for camping out.  Hello?  Space travel...OF COURSE, I want to try that someday!!...but I'm thinking...probably not happening!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I'm thinking it's sort of hilarious...after having triple digits here in Indiana for a few weeks...the upper 80s feel cool and relaxing.  Something has happened to my blood.  I used to tease my grandparents when they started wintering in FL that their blood was thinning.  Does that really happen??  WEIRD!

Casting Crowns

Until recently, I didn't really understand the "laying crowns at Jesus' feet" concept.  I had a vague idea that it had a lot to do with how I live my life here on earth...and something perhaps to do with the amount of people that I led to Him.  Of course, that's a pretty prideful view...putting people's professions of faith as little notches in my belt or er, crowns in my bag.

Crowns are all throughout Christian music...There are old hymns like Jesus Paid It All which says "And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete...I’ll lay my trophies down, all down at Jesus’ feet." There are new groups...most obvious is er, Casting Crowns...and new songs like We Fall Down which says, "We fall down, we lay our crowns...at the feet of Jesus...the greatness of mercy and love...at the feet of Jesus...and we cry Holy Holy Holy is the Lamb."  Beautiful sentiments!


So, I decided I'd go all Berean and start digging through my Bible for some answers.  Sidenote:  I used to only think of Berean as the name of a christian bookstore...but lately latched onto Acts 17 mention of them, "they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." 

So, I dug into my Bible with gusto to see what it said about crowns.  I got a bit tangled up in it...and eventually called to chat with my parents...don't worry they're used to these odd theological discussions.  Basically, "laying crowns at His feet" is only mentioned in Rev. 4 and it's the elders doing it.  So, we've no guarantees we will be doing that too.  BUT...it's a good metaphor to hold onto because the Bible is clear that someday I will stand before Christ to give an account of how I lived my life.  1 Corinthians 3 talks about how my life will be tested for quality as by fire...only the fine quality gold will last.  Aha..the crowns must be gold.  Just kidding!

Paul talks about life being a race...and we want to finish well...
 2 Timothy 4:8, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."


They are our crowns to wear...and the metaphor of putting them at Jesus' feet signifies that we recognize that we couldn't run this race without Him...not one single step of the way.  Any victory is HIS!  When we get to heaven we aren't going to be toting in various sized bags of crowns and proudly showing God how good we did "hunting for Him."  Ick!  I dare say, that being before God will be HUMBLING...a full recognition of WHO He is and His incredible, wonderful mercy on my wretched sinful soul!  I also think it will be sort of giddy celebratory feeling too...my Dad said, "sort of like throwing off your caps at graduation."  How unspeakably wonderful to be in heaven with our LORD! 


As my Mom pointed out, it's not bad to hold onto these expressive metaphors...and I think it's good to PLAN what we want to do when we stand before Him because it's basically planning how to live out our faith "in fear and trembling."  It's unwise to be going about with the attitude of "oh, I'm getting into heaven anyway and God will just take whatever I do covered with His forgiveness."  Although, in a sick sense that's true...it doesn't take a very healthy look at the precious quality of Jesus' blood.  


James 1:12, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  Wow...what an encouragement to live rightly under trials of any and every kind.  It shows the Lord's forethought and love for us...that he wants us to persevere and will help us! A crown of life could just be as simple as eternal life...no matter what we go through...we are promised it!

1 Corinthians 9:24-25, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

Real Lasting Compassion

I always said that I'd never be one of those women that had seemingly forgotten what it was like to be sleep deprived MomE of young babes.  But, yesterday I was confronted by my own selfishness.  One of my dearests is  currently slogging through the trenches and my initial reaction was to think "seriously, get over it...we've all been there...welcome to motherhood...buck up, girlfriend!"  So glad I didn't say that out loud! 

It really shocked my socks.  I have no doubts that she will weather this hazy valley with flying colors...but right now it wouldn't be helpful or encouraging to point out that she should be enjoying each little moment.  Oui, that has to be one of the MOST annoying things that people say when you are looney tired out of your gourd.  I mean, you know it's true...and it really IS...you miss those soft babies when they grow into crazy little kids, er, I mean Sweet Boobahs...but perhaps it would be most helpful to offer to watch the babe and let the poor mama take a shower ALONE...and nap for a few hours. 

Personally, I can do with some baby holdin' time any old day...especially when I can catergorize it under ministry and encouragement.  Hehehe!

Deep Morbid Thoughts

Our whole family went to the funeral of a dear Christian man today.  It's led me to think many deep thoughts...which I figured I'd share.  My lack of blogging lately isn't due to my lack of thoughts...just the courage to share them.  Therefore, I shall preface these thoughts with making the point that these are just my thoughts...and not intended criticisms of the grieving.

In the last year I've attended several funerals.  Aside from my closeness in relationship to the person, the quickest way to start crying is if they have pictures of the newly departed.  The one person you weren't expecting to see, but are missing terribly...*boom*right there in front of you...It makes my heart race and tears fill my eyes.  This dear man today had a gorgeous Irish Tenor voice.  Even in his 80s he sang with beautiful timbre and power.  Considering his several recordings, it made perfect sense to have him "sing at his own funeral."  Again, the one voice no one is expecting to hear, but are all missing...gloriously singing about heaven!  Oh, it was breathtaking...tear jerking stuff!  I loved it!  I have full intentions of singing at my own funeral...and I'm already picking songs to sing...now, while I can sing them without crying!  maybe.

Now, I'll warn you here come the "deep thoughts"...I've noticed:...even, and maybe especially, in Christian circles that the people speaking, often directly address the corpse.  I don't get this!  Um, psst!  They can't hear you!!  The Pastor just said the earthly body remains here...only a shell...And...they're sort of busy worshiping God up in heaven right now.  Many people, when addressing the dead body in the casket, also say things like, "watch out for us until we get there, etc."....God is the only person who watches out for us in any way. Sadly, speaking, or praying, to the deceased doesn't do us any good.

Aside from the story in Luke 16 where the rich man speaks with Abraham and is told of the fixed chasm between heaven and hell...I don't know of any communication between the eternally living and the eternally dying.  Of course, we can have a great WIRELESS connection to God via prayer if we have a personal relationship with Him while here on earth.

Incidentally, although I know it's a parable and they shouldn't be pushed too far, isn't the point of the story in Luke that the refusal to repent and believe the gospel isn't due to lack of evidence (or seeing Lazarus' ghost) but due to hardened hearts!?  Aside from God changing the heart...it doesn't happen.

Whoa...a little off topic...but continuing on into deep thought territory...I also notice: a lot of speculation as to the activity of the deceased in heaven.  Our dear brother today LOVED to sing...and many talked of how he's singing with the choirs of angels.  Being a singer myself, this sentiment appeals to me, but I'm not sure it can be backed with Scripture.  When I look into myself...I deem it to really be pride...cuz I'm betting that the angelic creatures God created for the sole purpose of worshipping Him, sing a whole lot better than me.  Is my voice a gift from Him that I'm to use for the furthering of His Kingdom while I'm on earth?  You'd better believe it...but He isn't needing me to do anything up there...except fall at His feet in worship!  I'd like to clang a bunch of crowns at His feet too! Rev. 4:9 (ooo, a blog subject for another time)

Which leads me to the whole NEED thang.  I hear this more at the unexpected deaths of loved ones...especially children.  "God must have NEEDED another little angel."  Or..."God must have NEEDED another tenor."  I know it's people's way of comforting themselves when things don't make sense...and they struggle to trust that God has a plan, even in death!  It IS hard when people can't understand the WHY of God's timing for death!  But, let's be absolutely clear...God does not now, nor has He ever, needed anything from us.  He is Sovereign!  His ways are perfect...past finding out...and we must TRUST HIM in His plans for us.   

Romans 11:33-36, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."

Hopefully many years from now, I want my funeral to be SHORT...a tear jerking song from me myself to those left behind...and a clear gospel message.  Today's funeral was sweet...with several cute anecdotes and happy memories...but the best part was the SHORT message based on this man's very own life verse, 1 Corinthians 2:2, "For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified."


Finally Home...


When engulfed by the terror
Of tempestuous sea
Unknown waves before you roll
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity
Though fear and conflict seize your soul


But just think of stepping on shore
And finding it heaven
Of touching a hand and finding it God's
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial
Of waking up in glory and finding it home


When surrounded by the blackness
Of the darkest night
O how lonely death can be
At the end of this long tunnel
Is a shining light
For death is swallowed up in victory


But just think of stepping on shore
And finding it heaven
Of touching a hand and finding it God's
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial
Of waking up in glory and finding it home


by Don Wyrtzen

Thankfulness...

I am thankful for a FREE Country...gotta start with that today!  Although, I hear many complaining about the state of politics in our country and our freedoms at risk (albeit true)...it's great that we can be displeased without fear of death or imprisonment.  AND...we need to take advantage of the freedoms we currently still have!!  Many Christians would spit nails if they were told they couldn't share tracks or literature (gospel) freely....but many probably couldn't remember the last time they took advantage of their freedom to do this...or have shared ANYTHING at all.  *OK...I'm done for now...getting off the soapbox!*

I am thankful...for dappled shade and BIG, old trees.  On a day that started in the 80s...and quickly rose so that by 10 AM it was 88....

...chalk drawings in the shade was such a blessing.  Cuz, there's only so much you can do inside!

The Sweet Boobah's drawing abilities have really improved lately!  I love my SUN flower!!

This is  ROBOT...VERY very cool...on a hot day!  We're supposed to be back in the 100s today!

This is a fire breathing dragon!!

I am thankful for sweet children...and shade on a hot day...and...

...an Air Conditioned house to go into when I can't take it anymore.  I am PRAYING for those families across our nation without power (and AC) right now....that they will find a cool place to take shelter!

"You [Lord God] have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat"  Is. 25:4