Thursday, October 31, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday

 I know right off the bat that there are going to be people who are going to tell me that this isn't true for them but I've discovered something really neat lately.  When I commit to pray about something or someone and I actually DO it sticks in my brain for years.  Delayed prayer is delayed care.  That'll stop you from saying "I'll pray about it, for you, etc." really fast....unless you fully intend to pray!  It shouldn't be simply a social nicety to tell people we're praying... unless we really truly pray!!

Praying improves my memory.  Now to be fair, I am one of those extroverted lovers of all people.  I do not know a stranger.  I delight in learning names and remembering them.  I like that extra level of connection.  But in the last few years I've really put it to the test.  I've been asked to memorize not only the names of the children I minister to but their caregiver's name as well, through daily specific prayer.  In my delight with this ministry, I have fully committed to doing just that...and wow, what a blessing.  I've run into people at the grocery store, children's museum, zoo, years later and remembered them....completely.  That's GOD, my friend!!

Because, when we pray...REALLY pray...we start to care about people in the right ways.  We inquire and pray not just for the physical but for the spiritual.  Life's not about circumstances...it's about the heart's true health.  That eternal perspective I keep mentioning.  Ever notice that the Lord's Prayer is a lot more GOD focused than anything else??

Lately, I've been attempting to pray Scripture back to God.  This is something that I had heard about but never tried.  It's been such a blessing.  I've discovered that if I pray the same Scripture repeatedly...it becomes a memorized part of me in a way just flat trying to recall it never would have accomplished. 

Try it...I know you'll love it.  Even if your memory doesn't improve your heart health will!!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Tricky HodgePodge!!

 
1. What's something you're dealing with that might be described as tricky?
Being solo parent for over night or weeks is always a bit tricky.  I find myself wondering if I did something or just thought I did it.  Did I take out the trash...or was that last week?  Dang, I hate taking out the trash!

2.  What's your treat of choice?
Snickers Bars!!

3. Did you/will you carve a jack-o-lantern this month? Which real (living or dead) or fictional 'Jack' would you most like to meet in person? Why?
This year we modgepodged...see...HERE!

4.  In your opinion, what's the grossest sounding word in the English language?
Booger.  Vomit.  Now that's just what I was wanting to ponder to day Joyce, thanks!!

5. When did your heart last skip a beat?
A baby in my care choked the other day...my heart stopped beating completely for a bit, I think.  He's fine now, praise the Lord.  Phew.  I think you probably meant in a lovey way...the cards from my Loverbrains and kids were super sweet for my bday this year.  My heart went pitter pat...that's close.

6. Monster Mash by Bobby 'Boris' Picket, Michael Jackson's Thriller, Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, or Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters...your favorite 'scary' tune?
I like Monster Mash.  It's silly and funny to sing with the kids.

7.   It was a dark and stormy night when______________________________.
Bobbi freaked out and checked all the doors, windows, beds, and closets before going to bed.  Oh, wait...that's every night.  HAHAH!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Halloween is being moved to Friday night due to weather around here.  The kids will be bummed I think.  This Mom is just happy that I won't get soaking wet and don't have to worry about bedtime so much now that's it's Friday and not a school night.  Phew.

Belated Tube Tuesday....Overcome!


Monday, October 28, 2013

Morbid Much? Monday

I am teased by some for my tendency to be morbid. I think this is actually a result of my attempts to be more eternally focused. I want to settle now how I will respond to trials and death. So, on a beautiful Fall weekend I was struck by the beauty of death. All these trees are dying beautifully.

Well, to be fair some are dying beautifully. Others are crunchy and brown. In studying trees with my kids last year, I learned that often those trees that endure the edge of the frosty street or the pocket of misty air are the ones that turn the most vibrant colors.

So, as I morbidly ponder my life...and the approaching loss of loved ones that is inevitable...I just have to make an application...not for the sake of morbid, dark thinking...but in an effort to live with the right things in view. With my eyes on the PRIZE...the high calling of Jesus Christ. I will keep my eyes on HIM!

I desire to live to die...beautifully. Not settling for comfort...or groveling in bitterness...because that will just make me brown and crunchy.  Life can make you better...or bitter.  Instead, rejoicing in the lonely cold of trials and the misty air of times where I cannot see His plan clearly. Because...those things are His perfect way of making me more beautiful at the end.

And I suppose the neatest application of all...is that in death I will live! I may be stripped bare...but Christ lives in me...and one day, I will live with Him eternally. Even so come Lord Jesus!

Friday, October 18, 2013

Smudges...

My own five minute Friday...Smudges...GO!
Although you may think I haven't been blogging, it's not entirely true.  I just haven't been publishing.  I have been wasting spending whole mornings crafting intense concepts into prose, only to determine them too snarky, too honest, or too...well...smudged with pride and other icky stuff.  So, they will forever sit and gather dust...

I also was lamenting the process of blogging with lousy iphone pictures.  I love my iphone and the ease with which my camera is always with me and linked to my blog, etc. etc.  but the picture quality is less than okay.  So...I broke out my real camera...which is by no means these great guns behemoths I regularly have to repent of coveting.  *sigh*  BUT...it's good enough that in this pleasant picture of my quiet time today...you can even see the smudges on my Kindle Fire!  Nifty!  There is something special about taking a real teacup from the china cabinet and using it to drink your tea!  I feel so refined I just don't know what I'll do!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Your Hands...






I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands

Your Hands...JJ Heller

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

October Hodgepodge!!

1. What's one thing you learned in September? 
'Real comfort...involves having my identity rooted in something deeper than my relationships, possessions, achievements, wealth, health, or my ability to figure it all out. When my identity is rooted in him, the storms of trouble will not blow me away.' ~ PD Tripp
2. Acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, yellow squash, zucchini squash, or blech! hold the squash... what's your favorite squash? What's your favorite way to prepare your favorite squash?
I love it pretty much any way it can be served...and any kind.  You didn't say we had to pick one...so I won't.  I just tried the squash soup at Panera...WOW, I want the recipe!!
3. The older I get the_______________________________.
...more things go downhill..literally!  Bwah hahaha!  It's a fight against gravity!  I do like my developing laugh lines though...no they are NOT wrinkles around my eyes!!
4. What's your favorite television theme song ever?
Oh that's easy...and I'll bet you've never heard it...All Creatures Great and Small on PBS...
5. What do you wish you'd spent more time doing five years ago?
Enjoying the mundane moments of life...the babyhood of my babies.  I realize everyone says this...and I scoffed and grumbled every time people told me...I thought, "good grief I just want to survive it!" but now...I wish I'd cuddled and cooed more instead of wishing them to grow up and sleep through the night.  They do now...but I'm waking up at 3 and staring at the ceiling.  Duh!
6. What item do you most need (or want) to add to your wardrobe this fall?
Orange.  I'm noticing it everywhere and realizing I have none!  Not the rusty orange either...the pop your eyes out almost neon orange!  I know it's last year's color, right?  I'm always a bit behind.  Ha!
7. On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts cartoon was introduced to the world. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
Smurfs.  Lala la lalala...la lala la la...lala la lalala...la lala la la!!!
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Yeah, I've got nothin' sorry!  :-)  If I share my thoughts it'll be a "post for another day" kinda thang.

A late Tune Tuesday



What are we waiting for 
Matt 28:19-20, 25, John 14:15 
He says Go, take the news to every nation 
We say no, you know I just don't feel called 

But oh the Lord of all the universe 
Has called us all to go, so 
What are we waiting for 
A message in the sky 
A miracle, a sign 
From up above, is not His Word enough? 

What are we waiting for 
He's given us a choice 
He's given us a voice 
And right now, if He is Lord 
Then what are we waiting for 

He says now give your life to serve the broken 
We say how will this fit into my plans 
But oh the Lord of all the universe 
Has spilled His blood, 
His precious blood 

Bridge: 
If we love Him we will keep His word 
keep His word 
If we know Him we will tell the world 
tell the world