Monday Musings...

Spring is coming...see my mini irises peeking up?! Yay!!

Humbling---via Barbara's Stray Thoughts---  Next Avenue's "8 Things Not to Say to Your Aging Parents"--  This makes me wince...to think of how I speak to my grandparents and parents sometimes.  My impatience...sigh...my pride...is so, so ugly.  I resolve to do better.  Oh Lord, please put a guard on my lips!

The Gospel Coalition had Greg Forster's great article about the Frozen movie...The Cold that Bothers Us!  Very interesting! ---I'd rather watch this stuff with my kids and be their spiritual filter than forbid it...Teach them to discern....by being discerning yourself.

It's all about Perspective!  WOW...this is so neat!!  I have a very colorful favorite!!!  Check out the Netherland Tulip Fields...among many others.  What a marvelous Creator!!

New City Catechism with John Piper ROCKS!  We are loving it...check it out.  We are using the short version because our kids are young.

HEY, it's Friday!!

Heartbreaking-  I had never heard of a baby hatch before...I can't begin to imagine.

Hilarious-  As an extrovert, I think this is hilarious.  I had enough bashing thank you very much.

Hmmm-  This is interesting.  Jesus Calling has always bothered me...but after looking at it I decided it was just Scripture put into God's voice.  It still made me uncomfortable but I figured I was just too uptight.  This article put the finger on exactly what bothered me...

Humility-  How to Fight the Sin of Pride, Especially when you are praised...

Happy-  Julie Andrew's voice and Flash Mob...YES!!!

Springing It...Hodgepodge!

*Better late than never...
1.  Thursday marks the first day of spring...to celebrate would you rather plant a garden or go for a walk in the woods? Would either of those activities be possible on Thursday where you live?
It's way too early to plant a garden here...although I did rustle about in my garden beds to see if my irises and daffodils were peaking out...they are!  *squeal*  A walk in the woods would be a bit gray and muddy but the birds are pretty happy so...I'll go for a walk!

2. When did someone last spring something on you? (or when did you last spring something on someone?)
My Loverbrains just sprung a surprise business trip on me.  Those are always fun, not.  HA!
3.  We often think of spring as a time for new beginnings. What's something you'd like to start doing this spring?
A better use of my time.  I removed some apps from my phone, sort of as an experiment.  I was interested to see how much time I was really wasting by mindlessly checking my various social and creative apps.  I check them on my computer but rarely.  I find that when I'm on the computer I'd rather blog.  Interesting.  I've been really awed at the amount of time I have...the actual withdrawal I've felt (embarrassing)...and how much I really want to keep this boundary in place.  Spiritually it's been really good...renewing.
4. Where do you like to sit in a movie theatre? When did you last sit there, and what were you watching?
In the middle about a third of the way up.  We took the kids to see Frozen in January.
5. When you meet someone for the very first time, what do you want them to think about you?
That I love Jesus and Jesus loves them....but I'm genuine and fun-loving and not a bit uptight or pretentious!  Yes, really!!
6. March is frozen food month (yes, really!). Besides ice cream (gotta make you think a little) what's your most often purchased frozen food item?
Stir fry veggies...snap peas, water chestnuts, baby corns...

7. What's something you avoid?
Being sick.  I haven't avoided it very well lately...but if I can...I do!!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
I have a busy few weeks ahead...but they will be great fun!  I have my Mom visiting first...and we're planning all sorts of fun stuff...then, I'm getting together with a girlfriend I don't see much, and then one of my lifetime friends is coming to visit spelled F.U.N.  I'm so excited.
 

 

Monday Musing...

I Cannot Do This Alone

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:

I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;

I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.

In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…

Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.

Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Spring Snow Hodgepodge...

It was 73 F yesterday and today it's snowing...ahhhhhhh!

1. Do you have an interest in learning about your family's heritage? Why or why not? If you know a little bit about your roots, share an interesting piece of trivia or a fun fact about someone who goes way back on your family tree.
I know a little bit about my Denny (maiden name) roots...and I've been to Denny, Scotland.  It was very small, very green, and very sheep-covered.  I know more than that but that's all I'm sharing here...
2. Branch Rickey, the baseball exec credited with signing Jackie Robinson, is quoted as saying-

"Luck is the residue of design."

Agree or disagree? Why?
Not to be a theme party pooper but...I believe in a Sovereign God...luck doesn't really factor in for me.  He is The Designer.
3. In the town where you currently reside, what's your favorite green space?
Since Spring hasn't arrived there are no green spots currently.  When there are leaves about...I enjoy my backyard hammock or a local park.
4. Who is your favorite comedian?
I don't have one.  Well...maybe my Dad...or myself.  We're both pretty funny...well, we think so!!  We drive Mom nuts!!
5. March is National Nutrition Month, and almost everyone needs to improve their diet in some way.  What about you? How can you improve your nutrition on a daily basis? Will you try?
I need to get back to drinking more water.  I know it keeps me healthier overall...it's just getting back into the habit...sigh.
6. Which of these green expressions have you 'experienced' in recent weeks -green with envy, green thumb, green around the gills, or give the green light? Explain.
I was "given the green light" from my chiro for my back/neck.  Between falling and an exercise injury I didn't think I'd ever get to maintenance.  HA! Now I have to be a good girl and do my exercises.
7. Where is one place you don't mind waiting?
I enjoy waiting during my daughter's piano lesson...I hear her interact with her teacher, watch my son play, read my ministry notes...it's a half an hour of productive calm at the end of a busy day.
8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My throat is sore...I swear I'm sick every other week.  I've had enough of this...Does it mean I have a strong immune system that I can fight something different off every other week?  OR...is it weak because I get something every other week??  I'm moving somewhere warm...just sayin'...AHHH!

Tune Tuesday: Still...

The more I get alone
The more I see I need to get alone more, more
Cause just when I think that I'm alone
Your Spirit calls out to me
And even silence has a song
Cause that's when you come
Sing over me 

Still, let me be still
Let me be OK
With the quiet in my heart
Still, I want to be still
I'm so quick to move
Instead of listening to you
Shut my mouth
Crush my pride
Give me the tears
Of a broken life,
Still 

Oh this world, it falls around me
And flutters all it's beauty in my eyes
But let me choose the solitude
Simplicity has always simply changed my life
Cause even stillness makes me move
Cause that's when my heart
Learns to dance with you 

Still, let me be still
Let me be OK
With the quiet in my heart
Still, I want to be still
I'm so quick to move
Instead of listening to you
I'm your child
Tame my heart
Obedience
To me impart
Still 

La la la la la, Hold me
La la la la la, Cleanse me
La la la la la, Change me, Oh God
Change me while I am
Still, let me be still 

And know that you are God
And you are always enough 

Still, I want to be still
To take all that I am
And simply lift it up

Shut my mouth
Crush my pride
Give me the tears
Of a broken life,
Still

 by Watermark

Monday Musing...

AWE-FULL
Great and holy God
awe and reverence
fear and trembling
do not come easily to us
for we are not
Old Testament Jews
or Moses
or mystics
or sensitive enough.
Forgive us
for slouching into Your presence
with little expectation
and less awe
than we would eagerly give a visiting
dignitary.
We need
neither Jehovah nor a buddy--
neither "the Great and Powerful Oz" nor
"the man upstairs."
Help us
to want what we need...
You
God
and may the altar of our hearts
tremble with delight
at
Your visitation
amen.

--Frederick Ohler

Five Minute Friday: Willing...

Willing...

 Go!

Willing and able.  That's the first thing that pops into my mind.  Although, lately...I've felt anything but.  I've been unwilling to do what I'm able to do...because my heart is hurting and my brain is rattled.

And yet, thankfully...there's been lots and lots of grace dumped on me...and I've been told to just breathe...and let God heal the brokenhearted.  And He is so faithful.

Then just yesterday when I told a friend I was finally willing and able again but I wanted God to write His plan clearly in the sky...she chuckled...and said, "don't make it harder than it is..."

And a phone call out of the blue...was as crystal clear blue as if He had written it in the sky.  My heart was ready...the Spirit moved on my willingness.  He knows where he wants me.  I will trust Him.

Stop.

 

Thoughtful Thursday: Creativity died.

As I stood in front of the sliding doors, marveling at the flurry of feathered friends fighting for food in the snow, a poetic spirit filled my heart...and I wanted to create a poem of praise for my Creator.  But...in that same moment...Creativity died. 

My pride said, "There are probably a million such poems and pictures composed already.  All part of the public domain.  Why bother."

And I pondered how creativity is tied to pride.  Either the oblivious pride that my ideas are original and marvelous and better than everyone elses...or the reversed pride that there is nothing new under the sun so why bother.

Why bother?

Because He deserves my praise.  In my heart or published abroad.  If He is marvelous and mighty...I should shout it!  Sing it!  Cry it out!!

Oh stupid pride...die, die, die.  Stop making me think I'm more than I am...God is all to me and more than enough.  His grace is sufficient and efficient.  Stop discouraging me from praising my worthy Savior.  Without His mercy I'd be stuck in the darkness and gloom you promote.  Oh Stupid pride...I was made for the Light...so, go away!

The only good in me is Jesus...whatever else you see...the only good in me is Jesus, Jesus.   

Oh, Lord...Turn me inside out so that I can be a reflection of the One who made me...so the world can see that it's Christ in me, Lord...Turn me inside out.

Giver of every breath I breathe
Author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing
To You be the glory
Maker of Heaven and of Earth
No one can comprehend Your worth
King over all the universe
To You be the glory

And I am alive because I'm alive in You

It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
I'm alive, I'm alive

Giver of every breath I breathe
Author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing
To You be the glory
Maker of Heaven and of Earth
No one can comprehend Your worth
King over all the universe
To You be the glory

And I am alive because I'm alive in You

It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covers me and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus

Every sunrise sings Your praise
The universe cries out Your praise
I'm singing freedom all my days
Now that I'm alive

I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive  
(by ZOE All Because Of Jesus)

March Hodgepodge!

1. The expression 'mad as a March hare' originated with a fictional character who is distracted and frantic. When were you last 'mad as a March hare' and what was it that made you that way?
The only time I can think that I've been distracted and frantic has been when our son has allergic reactions...the ones that end up in ER.  I try very hard to stay under control and I actually handle the crisis just fine...but everything feels in slow motion and crazy fast all at once when your baby can't breathe...or is getting IVs. 
2. Mardi Gras this year falls on Tuesday, March 4th. Have you ever been to Mardi Gras, and if so what did you think? If not, do you have any interest in going?  Purple, green, and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras. Which one is most prevalent in your wardrobe? How about in your home?
I'm not a Mardi Gra-er...but one of my favorite restaurants is Yatz Cajun Creole and their decor is very Mardi Gra...does that count?  Green is probably most seen around my house.  I only wear gold jewelry...and I really don't care for purple.  I'm not gonna say hate....but...
3. Are you old fashioned?
Let's just say for someone in their mid-30s I relate really well to people older than me....generally a lot older.  I read, quilt, can, garden....Hahaha...spelled BORING!  But, I make it fun!!!
4. Do you carefully plan your vacations, or do you prefer the days to be more spontaneous?
I control freak it out to the minute carefully plan our vacations.  Actually, I'm getting better.  I do have trouble planning to do nothing.  I need nothing defined.
5.  March is National Sauce Month...what's your favorite sauce, and what do you most often top with this sauce?
Montgomery Inn BBQ Sauce.  I will eat it with a spoon.  Oh, and I would generally tell you I hate BBQ sauce.  Yeah...I didn't say it was logical.
6.  What's something that easily brings a tear to your eye?
Those youtubes of soldiers coming home. 
7. If you could own any sports team, which one would it be and why?
I have no idea...I don't watch sports.  Really.  :-)
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
It just shows to go ya...that we humans are never satisfied.  I've been belly-aching about this long winter for...well, all winter...and now that Spring approaches I caught myself complaining about the mud.  Somebody shut my mouth!!
 

 

Tune Tuesday: Before The Throne Of God Above

Monday Musings...

Guess who's thinking of ditching Facebook again?  ME!  Here are some various and a sundry thoughts on social media in relation with spirituality...Do I check in with God as often as I check in online?  What if I treated my Bible like my phone?
 Email and the Holy Spirit
What if...
Should Christians be on Facebook?

Lent approaches...and just as I use Advent as an opportunity to teach my Sweet Boobahs spiritual lessons I've embraced this too.  My friend Janna shouts it best...so rather than recreate the wheel I'll just let you hear it from her soapbox.  Like her, I was not raised celebrating lent...but have found it useful in teaching my children and talking to people about Christ.  She shares books, songs, decor and more.

I found these awesome FREE calendar downloads in case anyone other than myself loves this stuff!

Occasionally, I quilt in my friend Tammy's basement...and her sister, Trisch Price, just wrote a quilting book called Accentuate the Negative....and she also blogs with several others at My Stars.  Neat...nothing like name dropping on a Monday.  Snort...harhar.

I'm off to get some sewing and reading done...and maybe a cup of tea.  I've just discovered TAZO...ahhh, help me!

Sew Saturday: progress...

I'm making progress on my three baby quilts. The I-Spy top is almost together...

...this Sock Monkey just needs sashing out in polka dots and gray to have the top done.

This one will take some time...I have a design in my head and I'm going to borrow a friend's computer program to help me with the math. It's for a long awaited baby...so needs to be super special!