Blogging Along

Command Center!

2012-01-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

Now that little Emma-bean is in Kindergarten...papers and homework have been piling up and taking over my life. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but not by much.

SO, I started pinning interesting organizational tools from my new favorite place to hang out...Pinterest! Woo....wooot!

AND...I went for it...purchasing some SERIOUS heavy duty command strips and file trays...and VOILA! It's a thing of beauty! I'm very pleased! Don't worry...those leapfrog number/letter fridge toys are now on the front...in their own rectangular boundary on the freezer side! HA!

Organization makes me SO happy...I feel so...in COMMAND...now that I have a command center! Hehehe!

Linked up to:

Murmuration...

2012-01-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

This truly gave me goosebumps and brought to mind several Scriptures...

Then God said, "Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens." Genesis 1:20

"O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24

The Rusty Memorizer Returns!

2012-01-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

I decided to memorize Colossians this year. I used to do Memory Mondays with Joann...and well, her life is forever changed...and I sort of fell out of the habit of daily/weekly memorizing. I lacked discipline.

Why does it matter? Sometimes, you don't always have a Bible handy...or you're lying awake at night and it's dark. Verses don't pop into your head as readily in those important moments...unless you're storing them up in your heart! I can do plenty of praying...or singing (some of those songs are verses)...but Scripture itself...is such a corrector, such a comfort!

But, I'm rusty. The ole memorizer is creakin' and a groanin' ya'll! The first two weeks required minimal effort but this week...Oui, I had to work for it!

I'd been chanting away...
"the faith and love that springs from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world...just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace." SEE it IS long isn't it!?

But, my heart was really struck when my kids noticed my memory mutterings the other day. Whatcha doin' Mom? Oh, you're learning your Bible verses? I didn't know you did that??

OUCH...I practice their verses with them for Sunday School...but I've never modeled memory for them. The whole point of being a role model is to show that something is IMPORTANT...has VALUE...and should be perservered through....for an eternal purpose.

Thank God for putting this resolution on my heart. I hope my children see the LIGHT from His Word...shining off my silly head!

If you read this...and want a little accountability of your own...just sent me a comment about what Bible Verse you're trying to memorize...and I'll pray for you and check in again to see how you're doing! Just some Sisterly love from me to you.

My word for 2012...LISTEN: Hilarity Alert!

2012-01-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

So, I thought I'd show you my new pixie hair cut...well, that's not really true....but it is cute isn't it?

Anyhew...I have been thinking about God's great sense of humor. You see, I picked a word to focus on last year. OBEDIENCE. I looked for it when I read my daily Bible reading or examined my life. It was a hard word...but a good word.

SO, this year...I prayed about it...and chose LISTEN. I wasn't going to tell anyone. Cuz, well...I am a bit of a chatterbox...and I didn't want any comments (funny or otherwise slightly hurtful) about that particular word. BUT...I did genuinely desire to understand this word better in it's connection to my relationship with Christ.

So...I started doing a Word word study...Listen, Listening, Hears, etc. It was great...and I was relieved to see that God was dealing with me gently...He was helping me understand that LISTEN...had a lot to do with prayer. With hearing His voice...with being aware of the Spirit's guidance. Of course, that does mean that I have to SHUT UP and...er, LISTEN.

Proverbs 15:31 "The ear that LISTENS to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise."

SO, these two pictures are to show you my cute cut...and my very damaged tongue. Yup, I tripped over a bunch of shoes in the foyer and SERIOUSLY bit my tongue. It was flapping on the side...Loverbrains almost made me go get stitches. It hurt SO BADLY! But, I figured it was a rather like breaking ribs...nothing much they can do. I texted my Dad for some first aid suggestions....and he said I probably wouldn't bleed to death. Very comforting. Unfortunately, he was busy so didn't stop me from putting camphor on it. I thought it would numb it...it just stung...a lot. Orajel...now that's some good stuff. But...I digress...

God will just do ANYTHING to shut me up. Hehehehe. I googled healing tongues and (aside from many pentecostal sites) I read that until things heal up it is best to not move it...ie...not talk. SO, I was only allowed to go to Bible Study if I promised not to talk. Every time I talked it bled some more. So, I promised...and it was SO HARD...but I did LISTEN a lot more...and I learned a lot.

Today, it's finally feeling a bit better....but I'm scared I might bite it again...so, I'm still not talking much. Hmmm...very interesting beginning for the word LISTEN. The future may hold acute laryngitis! HA!

Proverbs 19:20

"LISTEN to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."

Marriage Monday: Me, myself and I

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

I am…..a daughter of THE KING! That makes me a princess, ya know!
I want…..more snow...I'm the only one but, hey...somebody has to like it!
I have…..not enough hours in the day.
I wish…..I wasn't so tired.
I hate…..exercising...but I'm doing it anyway. Every day.
I miss…..my Grandpa...and wish he could have known my Loverbrains. They would have liked each other. In heaven they're gonna hit it off.
I fear…..change.
I feel…..like I need to take a nap. Oh wait, one of the kids is up already.
I hear…..the tea kettle whistling...Blueberry Acai Green Tea, anyone? It's decaf!
I smell…..summertime in my cup...BLUEBERRIES!
I crave…..a closer walk with God.
I search…..the web...way too much....with nothing to show for it.
I wonder…..as I wander? Sorry, first thing that popped out. Know that song?
I regret…..yelling at my kids...whenever I do...I regret it.
I love…..God...my family...life!
I ache…..cuz I did so many lunges today! Ugh!
I care…..deeply...even when I laugh on top of my hurt feelings.
I always…..never say never...or always.
I am not…..thinking this list will ever end.
I believe…..in the Father...and in the Son and in the Holy Ghost! Anyone else know that song?!
I dance…..at the end of Kung Fu Panda with the kids. I crack myself up!
I sing…..quite well actually. I went to college on a vocal scholarship...but changed my major to education. I miss singing the "serious" stuff. Now, I just sing at church. Someday, I'm gonna sing in heaven!!!
I cry…..when I'm angry. And it makes me SO mad!
I don’t always…..say I'm sorry in a timely manner.
I fight…..my pride. I usually lose.
I write…..because it's cathartic. Look it up.
I never….never say never...or always. I'm sticking to it!
I listen…..but not nearly as much as I interrupt!
I need…..to be still and know He is God...and just LISTEN.
I am happy…..when I do.

5 Minute Friday: Awake

2012-01-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

Awake...

Somehow my alarm clock is all messed up. My real alarm clock finally died over the holidays. I've had it since college...so it doesn't owe me anything. But, my inner alarm clock is just whacked! I feel like this baby...upside down. I've always been an early to bed, early to rise...no problems in the sleep department kind of gal. Now, suddenly, I'm laying awake at night...tossing and turning. It's miserable. Then, in the morning...this gal doesn't jump up for her time with Jesus. I'm so far from AWAKE...I'm actually almost in PAIN...ugh...coffee, coffee.

And speaking of coffee...That's not it so don't even go there. I only drink one cup in the morning...and no, I'm not giving it up...I'm drinking more water and exercising more than I ever have...ever. And, I don't have any major worries. Honestly, I was thinking about what I might wear to my husband's company dinner last night.

So, I'm resorting to prayer...RESORTING...yeah, duh! Why is it my last resort? When will I ever learn??

Oh, Dear Lord, Please help me to come to you right away about all things...great and small. Please help me to begin sleeping WELL...Be my sleeping aide! Allow me to be AWAKE in the morning...and up sitting quietly in my chair...AWAKE and listening for Your voice!! Amen!!

"Gettin in the Groove" Hodgepodge

2012-01-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English in 2012-

amazing, baby bump, shared sacrifice, occupy, blowback, man cave, the new normal, pet parent, win the future, trickeration, ginormous, and thank you in advance.

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Go here to read more about how the words are chosen.

"Thank you in advance"...grrr...don't get me started on the state of thank you writing in America. I guess it's just plain old fashioned ingratitude. The only thank yous I get are the ones I self address at baby/bridal showers and "thank yous in advance"which are somehow grammatically disturbing and manipulative. I had no idea that trickeration was a word at all. Use that in a sentence, please. Huh?

2. Are you easily embarrassed?

Despite my talkative, outgoing personality the answer is YES! Why do people think that they can't hurt or embarrass extroverts. Be nice, people!!

3. What is your go-to snack?

Lately, whole almonds.

4. Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? If not do you have any desire to go? What site/attraction would you most want to see in that city? If you have been, what's your favorite site/attraction?

I've been multiple times...always with my grandparents. I like the Lincoln Memorial best. I have a stunning picture of myself standing in front of it when I was about 9 in a mustard sweatsuit with teal scrunchy socks. Cool man!

5. sit ups-planks-lunges-squats...which do you hate the least?

Love this question...hahaha...I hate planks the least...and lunges the most!! I'm still sore from Monday....ouchie!

6. What's a small act of kindness you were shown that you've never forgotten?

Loverbrains and I corresponded via e-mail for weeks before our first date at Cracker Barrel. I was early (no surprise) and fell asleep in a rocker out front while waiting for him. When I woke up he was sitting kindly and quietly beside me...He didn't make me feel bad about it either. SO, I married him. HAHA!

7. Have you ever been a blood donor?

No...I've always thought about it though...maybe I should look into it again. I'm an organ donor according to my driver's license.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm having the worst time getting into "my groove" since the holidays. My house is showing this...but I'm just worn out. Today, I'm doing laundry...and that's it. Well, and picking Emma up from school, of course. But...I'm happy to get back into the groove of Hodgepodge. I missed it!

Flattered/Party Pooper!?

2012-01-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

It is always delightful to have engaged followers and be tagged by a new friend. I was flattered to be tagged my Marti of Marti's Musings...but as has become my general rule...I'm a party pooper when it comes to these tag thangs. They just feel eerily like chain letters. No matter how much I like the catchy ideas or questions, I just can't find the time to do all the linkage involved in this process. I barely get out coherent blogs these days anyway, it seems. So, I shall graciously bow out. I did answer Marti's fun questions quickly though...

1. Where do you like to vacation?

Every year I go on vacation with my family for a week in Upstate New York to our family homestead. It's peaceful...as all vacations should be!

2. Do you have pets?

We have a Shih Tzu/ Yorkshire Terrier (Shorkie) named Scruffy. She's a year and a half old...and very calm and precious!

3. What is your favorite color?

I love red and turquoise!

4. How many are in your family?

Our little family is made up of me, (Bobbi), my sweet Loverbrains Darren, Schoolgirl Emma and Homeboy Caleb.

5. What is your least favorite thing to do?

Empty the dishwasher!

6. What is your most favorite thing to do?

READ!

7. If money were no object what would you like to do when you retire?

Take a world tour....maybe by cruise.

8. What is your favorite season?

Autumn.

9. What book are you currently reading?

When We Were Strangers by Pamela Schoenewaldt for my bookclub. So far, so good.

10.What time do you go to bed, get up in the morning?

I try to go to bed by 9:30...and get up at 5. This hasn't been going so well lately. Ugh!

11.How long have you been blogging?

Three years? I think...not on this blog...I started with my MomE blog.

I love my Geek!

2012-01-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is entirely too awesome being married to a math head. I LOVE that man! I wanted to make this pillow I'd been ogling on Crazy Mom Quilts. I knew I needed some 80 paper equilateral triangles to do this project. I wasn't too keen on her method of cutting them out individually. SO, I asked my sweet Loverbrains if he could figure a faster method.

I think he sort of thought it was a fun challenge. He figured it up so that I can get 10 out of one sheet of printer paper. Yeah!!! Much faster!!! For those interested, you cut the paper down to 10 1/2" by 6 1/16"....then measure 3.5" on the long side and connect the dots/corners diagonally...and then connect the bisecting lines down the center.

Ta-da....I'm a cutting queen!

I have a huge bag of bitty scraps...and love the whole "waste not, want not" concept!

Here are the first 2...Just 78 more to go. SEE? I did MATH too!

Bulls-Eye!

2012-01-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14

At my exercise class Monday, we were sharing with each other about our New Year's decisions, what we were thankful for, our hopes... our dreams. Ya know, the stuff women share when they're comfortable enough to sweat together...hahaha! During our devotional time at the end, our leader shared the verses above.

The part that really struck me was the part I underlined....forgetting what lies behind. Personally, I like to cuddle my hurts. I tell myself that "those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it" and other ridiculous nonsense. In reality, I'm afraid. Afraid that God can't heal, won't protect, doesn't have the best plan for me.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Snuggling my hurts and reminding myself of them (notice: the exact opposite of what I'm supposed to be doing) is also based in PRIDE. I tell myself how good I am...and how I don't have to like such and so cuz they are bad and mean and they hurt me. Um, yeah...sort of realized I missed the point.

"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25

As we discussed some of these thoughts, one gal said she had this drawing in her Bible of a target/bulls-eye. She said, that JESUS should be our bulls-eye.

Unfortunately, we aim for the outside edge of the target. We start with BEHAVIOR...those things that we want to change. I'm going to eat healthier, exercise more, control my anger, etc. Sound familiar?

Maybe we hit a little closer into the BECAUSEs...the reasons we give ourselves for not quite focusing on Jesus. The BECAUSEs can be legitimate hard things to get around. They are those things that did happen and maybe they happened to us and BECAUSE of them...we aren't quite on target.

But, we can hit the bulls-eye if we aim at JESUS! He IS perfect grace, TRUSTworthy, and MIGHTY TO SAVE!

So, I'm going to attempt to fix my eyes...right on the bulls-eye of my life...JESUS!

A Flurry Of Christmas!

2011-12-31T14:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a silly picture from my Dad! Doesn't he look all dignified and pastorly?

Now, that he's out of the way you can see the picture of my Mom's lovely hearth.

Oooo...very pretty.

Here are the kids...scoping out their presents.

Here are the lovebirds chatting, while Emma sits playing her game. See that pretty clock to the far LEFT? That's Lyric...she's my Christmas present!

Here are two very CUTE boys playing games on DadE's Kindle Fire.

My Mom's baby grand is SWEET! We enjoyed singing...and we played a duet too!!

Awww....

On Christmas Eve we lit our Advent candles...and were reminded of what we were remembering...CHRIST the perfect gift!

The Sweet Boobahs opened only their stockings on Christmas morning. They are cute!!!

After the morning service we opened gifts together with everyone.

The next day we drove out to see Uncle Dave's truck.

Everyone sat in the driver's seat! Here's Caleb the truck driver.

And Emma the truck driver.

And...with a very adjusted seat...Here am I!

Here's my Mom actually driving the truck around the lot.

COOL!

WIW: Christmas-tide w Gingerbread Men!

2011-12-20T07:48:00.000-08:00

From our happy home

Through the world we roam

One week in all the year,

Making winter spring

With the joy we bring

For Christmas-tide is here.

Now the eastern star

Shines from afar

To light the poorest home;

Hearts warmer grow,

Gifts freely flow,

For Christmas-tide has come.

Now gay trees rise

Before young eyes,

Abloom with tempting cheer;

Blithe voices sing,

And blithe bells ring,

For Christmas-tide is here.

Oh, happy chime,

Oh, blessed time,

That draws us all so near!

"Welcome, dear day,"

All creatures say,

For Christmas-tide is here.

by Louisa May Alcott

Jingly Hodgepodge

2011-12-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

Not EVERY room....no....The entire downstairs and the landing upstairs. Good grief...if I decorated every room...I'd still be putting things away the following summer!

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

Norway. I remember a missionary from my childhood...and she sure loved that country and the people. I'd like to see the fjords!

3. What does the word faith mean to you?

"To hear with my heart
To see with my soul
To be guided by a hand I cannot hold
To trust in a way that I cannot see
That's what faith must be"  ~Michael Card

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?

This was really tough for me. I think I'd go back to about age 6...when I had a little playhouse that I played in for hours and hours of uninterrupted imaginative play. Life with no cares.

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.

A golden anniversary celebration at our church. The punch at my wedding was wonderful...but I'll have to ask my mother for the recipe. I think it had raspberry sherbet and ginger ale in it...and real raspberries floating about. It was yummy!

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?

I think the stockings are better than the big presents. My parents always put oranges in the toes. Evidently, this had more to do with my Dad being in seminary and them scrapping by to fill my stocking. The year that they felt they could leave out my oranges...I was VERY disappointed in the loss! SO, now it's tradition...there MUST be oranges in the toes of the stocking!! They are also always opened before the big gifts.

7. What takes your breath away?

A good kiss from Loverbrains! Hahaha...just teasing. Well....

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I was late in getting the Christmas rush stress disease this year. BUT...it's officially arrived and I have lots to skitter about and do...and all I WANT to do is sit and read. Humph! This is what then leads to a Bah Humbug attitude. HEhehe! "FOCUS...focus, Bobbi...remember the reason for the season!!!"

Tick, tock...slow the clock!

2011-12-13T10:52:00.001-08:00

The Kitchen Clock

I am the Kitchen Clock.

A friend, not a slavedriver to be feared.

The guide to leisure, not a whip.

I measure the minutes that make up life.

I tick serene and steady in joy or catastrophe.

Often I had best be forgotten, for watching

me too closely means time lost, not gained.

I am not your mentor.

There is but One.

He does not recognize me,

For I cannot measure the infinite.

When is the tomorrow that you fear?

Do today the thing's that are today's.

Let me work happily with you.

Let me play with you.

Forget me--and win a race with time.

--Anon.

Tube Tube Tuesday Christmas Special!!!

2011-12-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. I watched it two more times just now and tears came out of the corners of my eyes from my silent fit of giggles. The kids are napping...I'm trying to laugh quietly! HEHEHEHE!

WIW: Thoughts on Advent!

2011-12-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

"In eight days, we shall celebrate Christmas and now for once let us make it really a festival of Christ in our world...It is not a light thing to God that every year we celebrate Christmas and do not take it seriously. His word holds and is certain. When he comes in his glory and power into the world in the manger, he will put down the mighty from their seats, unless ultimately, ultimately they repent."

~Sermon to a London church on the third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 17, 1933

"Only when we have felt the terror of the matter, can we recognize the incomparable kindness. God comes into the very midst of evil and death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And by judging us, God cleanses and sanctifies us, comes to us with grace and love....God want to always be with us, wherever we may be--in our sin, suffering, and death. We are no longer alone; Go dis with us.

~The Coming of Jesus in Our Midst by D. Bonhoeffer

SOLI DEO GLORIA: It was a dark and stormy night....

2011-12-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

Well, it wasn't really dark or night...but it was stormy! I was out and about doing many errands yesterday. Thanks to Loverbrains being home...and taking some comp time...I was even doing these errands alone in the daytime. Well, the only down side to all of this freedom, was the COLD, pouring rain!

At last, I came to the grocery store...with a big list. The parking lot was nuts because people lose their minds in December. All the close empty spaces were filled with the shopping carts people hadn't nicely taken two steps to return to the corral in the rain. I nudged into a space...bumping one poor little cart gently forward.

I gathered my stuff and stepped out of the car into a puddle...Nice! Then I turned to see an older man looking at me from under his big black umbrella. He smiled and said, "Are ya coming in? Hurry!" I thanked him as I hurried under the shelter of his umbrella. He said something like "we might all float away" and I said, "Yes, I sure wish it would SNOW!"

As we entered the store to part ways he said, "Well, Happy Holidays!" And I did something that is uncharacteristic...even for forward, big mouth me. I said, "Oh, NO sir! It's Merry CHRISTmas!!...Christ is the whole reason for the season! Do you know the story of Jesus and why he came as a baby?" He stood stunned for a moment...and a small smirk came across his face. He patted my arm and said, "You're right, young lady! Shame on me for being all PC and not saying so myself! Merry Christmas, dear!" We chatted briefly about how easy it is to get sucked into "the easy way"...of not offending. I don't remember exactly what I said, but I did say that Jesus' light is something that I don't think I could ever hide! I invited him to our church's Christmas program and proceeded with my shopping. Then today some applicable thoughts came up at my favorite Bible Study!

If I believe that Christ is Superior (in truth, in everything)...Do I move forward in obedience? Do I obey because I can't NOT obey...because it just breaks my heart when I disobey? Obedience brings freedom. Believers must resist the temptation to settle for superficial spirituality. I want to go deeper and be more like my High Priest.

Now, sometimes being real isn't that painful. Oftentimes, we can say, "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" and still be happily received. I'll warn you...this has gone very differently for me. I had an Atheist about "take my head off" in Walmart not that long ago for the same sort of comment. But I will continue to be obedient to the tugging of the Holy Spirit on my heart...even when the TRUTH is offensive. I will not bend my integrity.

1 Pet. 2:11, says we are "strangers in this world"...but that's okay!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Go be strange!!

Much more to Christmas!

2011-12-03T16:47:00.001-08:00

"For unto us a child is born, a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

There's more, much more to Christmas

Than candle-light and cheer;

It's the spirit of sweet friendshipThat brightens all the year;

It's thoughtfulness and kindness,

It's hope reborn again,

For peace,

for understanding

And for goodwill to men!

My sweet friend Maria had us over to ~~mess up her kitchen~~ make Christmas cookies! It was a wonderful afternoon. Lots of adult conversation for me...with lattes and sugar cookies...and very happy and flour covered children!

They played so nicely together.

And they enjoyed the eating part too...YUMMO!

My New Advent Read!!

2011-11-29T14:15:00.001-08:00

Each Advent I re-read certain books... "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens...."The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson...and now I'm going to add another...

"God is in the Manger" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer...

Here's one of my favorites from a letter he wrote from prison to his fiance Maria von Wedemeyer in 1943...

"Be brave for my sake, dearest Maria, even if this letter is your only token of my love this Christmas-tide. We shall both experience a few dark hours - why should we disguise that from each other? We shall ponder the incomprehensibility of our lot and be assailed by the question of why, over and above the darkness already enshrouding humanity, we should be subjected to the bitter anguish of a separation whose purpose we fail to understand...

And then, just when everything is bearing down on us to such an extent that we can scarcely withstand it, the Christmas message comes to tell us that our ideas are wrong, and that what we take to be evil and dark is really good and light because it comes from God. Our eyes are at fault, that is all. God is in the manger; wealth in poverty, light in darkness, succor in abandonment. No evil can befall us; whatever man can do to us, they cannot but serve God who is secretly revealed as love and rules the world and our lives."

Powerful stuff, eh? And that was only part of one day!!

Baby Jack!!

2011-11-23T12:20:00.001-08:00

I had the MOST wonderful morning. My super special neighbor came over to watch my coughing kiddo...so that I could be free to jet out for an hour to hold...Mr. Scrumptious. Little Jack came home just yesterday. He is SO tiny and perfect!

I held him almost the entire time I was there! *SQUEALLLL OF JOY* I even changed a poopy diaper! Tee hee!! God is so amazing! That's what I think every time I see a newborn...and a preemie is just a whole other level of God's awesomeness!!

Oh, Jack...you are a delight! We prayed so hard for you...and will keep praying!!

Marriage Monday: Got Time?!

2011-11-21T10:25:00.001-08:00

I am spending quite an elongated period of TIME solo. It's one of the "burdens" of marrying a brilliant man; I share him with the company sometimes! I need to stay proud and supportive and remember that he's missing me just as much as I'm missing him.

As I swallow the fact that this holiday will be...~~lonely without him~~ different...I am still thankful for so many things. One of those things is TIME! First off, I've been most comforted by the realization that God holds and controls all my TIME...til death! He knows...He cares...none of this is a surprise to Him.

I'm thankful...because my sweet Loverbrains is willing to work so hard and so well, I am able to stay home and focus my full attention on the love and care of my children. I have the TIME to slow down and play games, watch cartoons, snuggle on weekends. While I'm at it I also have TIME for myself...sewing, reading...blogging.

I'm thankful for the things that occupy my TIME during the days and nights...activities, friends, gym memberships, bible studies, playdates, ministries...When sad and upset I generally tend towards being an isolationist. I want to pull back and away, hole up and have a grand pity party for myself. BUT...that's just what Satan would like me to do...so, I'm not. I'm going to get out and do things and be THANKFUL...cuz He's worthy of my praise!!

I'm thankful for the TIME I live in...where technology is full of helps...Where would we be without phone calls and SKYPE!? I try to makes those TIMES of connection special. We gather things throughout the day that we want to show DadE! How special...I've never really considered the blessings of technology in my marriage til now!

A comforting thought came to me only recently...I realized that this stressful TIME is just a drip in the bucket of our marriage. We will look back at it...and barely remember it. Even if it feels HUGE right now...It'll be but a snippet in our future. We're gonna grow old together...I'm not old...yet...so, we've got TIME ahead!

Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be
When our time has come
We will be as one

God bless our love
God bless our love

Grow old along with me
Two branches of one tree
Face the setting sun
When the day is done
God bless our love
God bless our love

Spending our lives together
Man and wife together
World without end
World without end

Grow old along with me
Whatever [God] decrees
We will see it through
For our love is true

God bless our love
God bless our love

by John Lennon and Robert Browning

(I changed the word fate to God...cuz it bugs me. Why would I be saying God bless our love...if I don't also acknowledge that God puts any and all decrees on my life. Duh!)

Fuax Cookie Dough?!

2011-11-19T12:48:00.001-08:00

To begin with, I should say that I'm not usually one of those chiccas that eats raw cookie dough. I've been taught that you can get salmonella from the raw eggs and I don't even let my kids lick the beaters.

BUT...this low GI diet and my sweet tooth don't always go together. So, I was seriously craving something sweet...anything sweet and gooey goodness and then I saw IT while cruising Pinterest...I HAD to try it! Chocolate-Covered Katie really has something good going! It's eerie....

Fuax Cookie Dough

1 1/2 c. chickpeas ( 1 can. garbanzo beans)

1/8 + t. salt

1/8 + t. bkg soda

2 t. vanilla

1/4 c. nut butter (I used almond butter)

2/3 c. brown sugar (I used 2/3 c. Splenda and 1 T molasses)

2-3 T. oats

Blend in food processor while slowly adding up to 1/4 c. milk or until dough like consistancy.

Hand mix 1/3 c. chocolate chips

REMEMBER...all things in moderation. Eating the whole thing of faux cookie dough still wouldn't be good for you.

BUT...a few spoonfuls when you really need it is pretty awesome!!

Soli Deo Gloria: REAL love!

2011-11-15T09:53:00.001-08:00

I've mentioned before (HERE...and HERE...and HERE)...the gap I see among Christians between forgiveness and reconciliation. Often, we only say we forgive someone...and nothing in our attitude proves that it was a fact. If our only form of proof is that we don't yell at them in the church hallways or say nasty things about them to others...well, that's pretty lame.

Seriously, the church is a BODY...it has to work together. I was recently very much convicted by this fact. A family I'm not particularly close to...and have been hurt by in the past...extended love to me very unexpectedly. As I accepted their love to me and my children, I realized that I had been holding back from them. I hadn't been rude...not even close...but neither had I treated them like someone I called my brother and sister in Christ. I'd kept distant and silent...aloof from my family.

I read a blurb from my Real Simple magazine...that I thought would be a good idea for those of us struggling. In the life lessons section a Dr. recommends focusing on something good about your criticizer. Her research showed that if you are anticipating hurtful comments you relay fear or dread with your eyes and/or body language---which generally led to more negative things happening. Finding something positive about that person...even as simple as their pretty fingernails or nice laughter...changes you. It changes the warmth and demeanor you give off. If that criticizer feels respected...odds are they will reciprocate. And honestly, what have you got to lose?

Well, WAIT...I know the answer to that question...after my experience I'll tell you what there is to lose...UNITY! I realize that I've been missing out on closeness and fellowship. I've missed out by not knowing them well enough to give ultimate, detailed prayer support! I hope to learn from this mistake...I want to work out my faith...Talk the talk and walk the walk alongside of my friends.

I'd stop here but the truth is...my heart feels most broken about this in connection to dealing with those outside of church. John 13:35, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." They are to know us by our LOVE...our love should be a reflection of GOD'S love...and His is PERFECT LOVE! No grudges, no holding back...praying for blessings on our enemies. If I'm not showing that...what kind of testimony do I really have?? I need to be pointing to GOD...all the time...in every way...

‘But what is the ultimate good in the good news? It all ends in one thing: God himself. All the words of the gospel lead to him, or they are not gospel.

For example, salvation is not good news if it only saves from hell and not for God.

Forgiveness is not good news if it only gives relief from guilt and doesn’t open the way to God.

Justification is not good news if it only makes us legally acceptable to God but doesn’t bring fellowship with God.

Redemption is not good news if it only liberates us from bondage but doesn’t bring us to God.

Adoption is not good news if it only puts us in the Father’s family but not in his arms.’

I tried to site this quote...but had a hard time. I think it might be John Piper's from his book "50 Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die"...but I'm not sure.

Faux Friday

2011-11-11T05:47:00.001-08:00

I've been on a low glycemic diet for several weeks now. I decided to make something new and interesting yesterday.

Sidenote: I love cooking...in my opinion if you're going to prep food it should go into pretty dishes...makes me just a little bit happier!

So, I tried this Spanish Rice recipe. Of course, white rice is NOT a low GI food...so...

...a little lean burger...onions and peppers...tomato/chilies...garlic...cumin...Worcestershire sauce...

...THEN, I added FUAX RICE...otherwise known as shredded cauliflower.

It was awesome! SOOOO delicious!

YUMMO!!

Okay, maybe not everyone thought so...but they ate it anyway. Such is life.

Our family motto: Where HE leads me I will follow...What HE feeds me I will swallow!

I Heart Library Booksales!!

2011-11-10T11:22:00.001-08:00

What Is A Book?

A book is pages, pictures, and words;

A book is animals, people, and birds.

A book is stories of queens and kings,

Poems and songs - so many things!

Curled in a corner where I can hide,

With a book I can journey far and wide.

Though it's only paper from end to end,

A book is a very special friend.

by Lora Dunetz

Soli Deo Gloria: The Unlikely Ones...

2011-11-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

After studying on Acts 15 today, I was reminded how very prone I am to subconsciously add requirements to salvation. There are certain important changes that do need to happen after salvation...but they have nothing to do with the power of God's saving grace.

Those baby Gentile believers were SO different from the Jewish believers..it was a leap out of the 'ole comfort zone to welcome them. And we all like our comfort zones. I cracked up today when I heard it compared to a city girl going camping...hahaha! The Jews were really worrying needlessly though because when someone gains new life in Christ, they then have new desires. The Holy Spirit changes our outlook. 2 Cor. 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Some Jews seemed to be missing a bigger point however...that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation. His sacrifice is undeserved, Acts 15:11, "We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus."...Jesus paid it all!

I think this has become a most twisted thought among people today..."God loves me in my sin (immorality, homosexuality, addictions, etc.), therefore, I do not need to change...everyone else needs to accept my lifestyle" seems to be their premise. Rom. 5:8 does say, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." True, Christ loved us while we were sinners...but once we are that new creature...and the Holy Spirit dwells within...our desires dramatically change. Romans 6:1-2, " What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" People can't have it both ways...if you are truly saved your life will reflect it.

We suddenly see our sin for what it is...It's anything we think, say or do that does not please God! We find His standard in His Word. And, oh how it breaks our hearts to grieve him. 1 Jn. 3:9, "Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God."

The more I ponder this...the more I have to ask myself...How am I limiting God's grace? Who do I consider to be most unlikely to come to Christ? Oh, Lord...help me see them with new eyes...with Your eyes. I've written it several times here...hate the sin, not the sinner...

For nothing good have I

Whereby Thy grace to claim;

I’ll wash my garments white

In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down,
All down at Jesus’ feet.

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

by: Elvina M. Hall, 1865

More than fine!!

2011-11-07T06:03:00.000-08:00

"More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok." ~Switchfoot

With news of Loverbrains trip being elongated...I needed an attitude change yesterday. I took a page from the Jewish phylacteries idea...and carted verses around in my pockets, purse, etc. I know verses like...2 Cor. 12:9, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."...but I often don't "own it" in my attitude.

Recently, I was deeply convicted by the following, "Do you believe and depend on your Lord so that He alone is sufficient for you in your present circumstances and need (Acts 14:35) Is He so sufficient to you that you do not even need to complain and seek sympathy and pity from others."

Now, at first I struggled against this teaching. I believe that sharing our burdens is essential within churches. Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." But when I scrambled to look it up I realized that the same passage talks about not boasting and bearing your own share of burdens too.

Then, as I was trotting along on the treadmill...the Switchfoot lyrics above came buzzing through my head. It made me think of how I become irritated by greetings among Christians. We ask how the other is doing without really caring about the answer. We don't have time...expect the answer to be "fine"...I need to slow down and take my time with my brothers and sisters.

That being said...I also realize that in Christ I'm "more than fine...more than bent on getting by...I'm more than just OK!" I'm not suggesting we should be annoying on this point. It always makes me grit my teeth a bit when people answer, "Better than I deserve." Although it's the truth it's sort of like "socking it to ya!" The truth is I should be saying, "I'm great, blessed..." with a joyful (JOY FULL) demeanor. Even though I'm missing Loverbrains terribly...I really tried to share my blessings through this trial. He loves us...He is working hard...He will be home soon.

God provides more than I need...God is more than enough for me. Because I believe that is true...I was able to put a smile on my face and act out Eph. 2:10, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Hodgepodgity Podgity!

2011-11-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

1. Who taught you how to cook?

My Mom taught me to cook. Then, she went back to work when my brother was learning to cook. My Dad took over most of the cooking so he taught him to cook. Therefore, as a newly married gal I would call the house for cooking advice and ask to speak to Mom...my brother would say, "But it's a cooking question...don't you want to talk to Dad??" LOL...both are great cooks...and I still call often.

2. Have you been told you think too much? Are too much of a perfectionist? Are too sensitive? Were they right?

Wasn't it Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, "Our strengths grow out of our weaknesses." Yeah...I think it's a vice versa sort of situation.

3. As a child did you have a favorite blanket or toy? Tell about it.

I had lambie and silky blanket. Lamby came from an older lady that lived in my parent's apartment building when I was born. He came sitting on a plate of brownies. Now he is smooshed flat and has one fadded blue eyeball. The fuzz is worn off of his ears. Silky blanket is a patchwork pinks quilt that my mother made (I think?)...it has a strange backing...Not silk...but sort of crepy and light weight...It always felt cool on my face! I have them in a box (along with my husbands lovies)...I should find a way to display them somehow.

4. What 'institution' do you have the most faith in?

None. At least not consciously.

5. Chrysanthemums-pansies-burning bush-ornamental cabbage...your favorite in an autumn garden?

I love burning bush...so bright when everything else seems to be fading and dying.

6. What superpower do the kids in your neighborhood seem to posses?

The ability to cram into my van on a chilly morning at the bus stop. This might be more of an ability for circus clowns...hahaha! I say "bus" and they all pile out...and out....and out...

7. Are you a fan of the cranberry?

I like them dried in nut mixes...and I like a little dallop with my turkey at Thanksgiving. Ooo...and I love those Ocean's Spray commercials with those guys in the bog!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Yesterday my van broke down...and I had to walk to the mall and feed the kids in the food court...due to nerves or the few pieces of halloween candy I had consumed I experienced intestinal woe and had to use the mall restroom. This song was blaring...and it gave me a chuckle.

At first I thought about how there are always little "private eyes" watching me in the bathroom...and then I thought about how they were watching me handle this stressful situation...and how God was watching too! Interesting...how the Holy Spirit used a totally secular song to grasp my attention and change my attitude...pointing me back to Christ!

Soli Deo Gloria! Evangelistic Opportunities

2011-11-01T04:59:00.001-07:00

And yes, I'm going to answer the burning question I've been asked multiple times this weekend.
Your kids go trick or treating?

My kids do go trick or treating. After some prayer and consideration we decided that it would be effectively slamming the door on any evangelistic attempts with our neighbors to turn off our lights and pretend we aren't home. We pass out candy bags and tracks (cute ones)...and we get to know our neighbors.

We've even had some great conversations. Some were shocked we let the kids go, too...they said, "Aren't you religious?" That was a great opportunity to say that we aren't religious...we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...and "please, let me tell you what that means."

We've built friendships...and they come to us with their prayer requests...cuz they know we pray...and that we believe in prayer. How neat is that? It makes me soooo happy that I open my mouth and ask how they are...and take the time to listen to their problems...and tell them about the power of prayer in my life because of my ALL POWERFUL GOD.

I do have opportunities to express my concerns with Halloween (evil, Satan, scary, etc.) but I have countless more opportunities to share about Jesus Christ. Remember, it's like I said last week...

When talking with sinners the issue is not their present sin but their need of a Savior!

~Reposted from 2009

Right Routine

2011-10-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is hopefully one of Sweet Loverbrains last trips to China for a while. And it's a LOONNGG trip! I was musing over how good we're all doing with trips nowadays. We've gotten adjusted to the odd routine.

Loverbrains has gotten really sweet and sensitive about it all too!! He brought home flowers his last night...2 bouquets...in the hopes they live the whole time until he returns to me!

The kids are understanding that DadE is gone but loves them and is coming back...eventually...(don't you just love how Calubby stacks his graham crackers and eats one at a time...teehee)

I'm glad God works this way in me...bringing me to the understanding of just how 2 Corinthians 12 works..." For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

It really has EVERYthing to do with understanding that God is the ONLY one with enough strength for each test. Yes, living alone with no tag team partner is considered a test. I have to come to the end of me...remember Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Funny isn't it...how it all comes together when you get those things right? Then we see...Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I can wake up the kids...get everyone ready...watch the neighbors...pray at the bus stop...be a light here...shining brightly...all.by.my.little.lonely.self! Cuz...I'm never really alone! Duet. 31:8, "It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Hodgepodge Halloween

2011-10-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

1. What gives you goosebumps?

Those total "God thing" stories. Wooohooo!

2. Halloween-are you a lover or a hater? Okay, that sounds harsh...Halloween-yay or nay?

I think Halloween is a great opportunity to talk to people about life after death. Shutting of my lights and pretending I'm not home is a cowards way out...and I'd just like to say...party.pooper!

3. Can you respect someone you do not trust, and can you trust someone you do not respect?

By God's grace I can do anything...I hope. Some things are easy to understand...but not to explain to your heart.

4. Apples or oranges? Yes, you have to choose.

Apples...in all their many forms too! Applebutter, applesauce, apple slices, apple chips....ooo...apple cake...apple pie...

5. What is something you wish was in your town? (shop, restaurant, attraction, etc)

I live close to the heart of Indy...so...this is hard. Hmmm....I wish they had a Trader Joe's on the South side instead of WAY up North. You have to take a field trip just to get there.

6. What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer?

I have candle waxed candlesticks in my freezer...(waiting to be cleaned)...and blue boo boo packs in my fridge for the occasional bump on the noggin.

7. Are you at all superstitious?

NO.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I had such a good time looking back at Halloween pictures...Today I get to spray paint a box silver...can you guess what Lubby is going to be for Halloween??

Less is More

2011-10-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

Take heed that the misdeeds for which thou correctest thy children be not learned them by thee. Many children learn that wickedness of their parents for which they beat and chastise them.~John Bunyan

We did have a nice lunch together today.

Of course, that was after I started out the day trying to get WAY too many things done ...and I decided I don't like myself all rushed and short-tempered. I don't think anyone else was enjoying it either.

Slowing down...grabbing my camera...capturing the precious...focusing on the eternally important...

...it made the day all better!

PS...I used my new periwinkle bowl, Mom! Thanks!

Solo Deo Gloria...Fresh Prayer!

2011-10-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

In prayer it is better to have a heart without words thanwords without a heart. -- John Bunyan

I'm generally not aweepy sap...I'd like to say that for the record. But I felt weepy theother night as I prayed with a new believer. She was nervous aboutpraying together...out-loud...and rather than hide or leave early, sheunderstood the blessings that might come from shared prayerful worship; sheagreed to pray with me. I told her that it wasn't for those around her tohear...she was praying to God..."so just talk like you would in your heador at home."

WOW...what a remarkableblessing...to hear the tender love of a person who newly understands thespecial love of Jesus...and is rejoicing every second in theirsalvation. It was convicting and amazing. She ended with, "OhLord Jesus...I just love you so very much...amen! *...See! I'mgetting weepy all over again while I type this...isn't that just precious!?

Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude—anattitude of dependency, dependency upon God.

--Arthur W. Pink

The more I pray...reallyreally pray...I'mconvicted of what Mr. Pink is saying. It's about being broken in myattitude and really seeing who God is...just like my friend, it's realizing thejoy of salvation for an awful sinner like me. I certainly don't deserveit...and how dare I only come to Him with list of suggestions and requests. I need to realize He's already in perfect control. I want to pray that Hewill just see fit to use me...however, whenever...And let Him worry about therest.

Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.

--Oswald Chambers

Prayer is always God'sway. It honors Him. God can break any chains in answered prayer. I've felt convicted lately that I don't pray for things that I think areimpossible. Come on, I know everyone out there has those situations thatseem like there's no light at the end of tunnel. That loved one willnever come to Christ, this job will never change, my spouse willalways/never...etc. Often it's about our mental attitude...and our understanding ofChrist.

Who is this God Iserve...and what is he really capable of? And if He chooses to answer meNO...or WAIT...do I love Him and understand that He is loving me perfectly inHis answer?

Caffeinated Randomness...VERY!

2011-10-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here I sit pondering the state of my caffeinated randomness. Frankly, I'm bit low on caffeine and high on the random. Try to keep up!

Tonight my sweet Loverbrains and I are headed out for a date! I must say, for the record, that I love, love, LOVE babysitting swapping with our dear friends. Every other month I have a FREE babysitter...and on the other month I get to know their kids better and really serve them in a practical way!

And another for the record (toldja this was random)...we are back to making a list of 7 things to talk about for date nights. Why 7? Cuz it's the perfect number, right? It was between 7 and 12 and er, 7 won! AND...why questions...cuz sometimes married folks with kids have numb brains and need to think of fun things to say...other than serious stuff and the kids. HA! Honestly, it just gets the ball rolling....and we learn all sorts of fun things about each other. I mean, heh...someday when you're old I sure hope your pride doesn't keep you from making lists if you need them! And if you're just more creative and lovey dovey than us...well, good for you...here's a cookie!

Speaking of old...I did get older on Monday. In retrospect, I think I would have planned less for this natal week because here I am at the end of it...very tired and feeling every bit of my age...which I'm not sharing...okay...I'm 32...and I'm only sharing cuz...I have a funny RANDOM story to tell...My sweet Loverbrains made my cake...caramel with caramel frosting. To represent my age he put three candles on one side and two on the other. My sweet Emmer-bean said, "Hey MOM....you're 5??" It was TOO cute! Thanks to my great Mom-in-law who is making me my most favorite kind of cake (the kind the others can't choke down)...carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

AND...all this cake leads me to my last random subject...I'm joining a fitness program. Yes, my pants are tight...but really...my GI stuff is kicking up again...and I'm feeling crummy. Also, considering my age...and the changes in metabolism...yadayadayada...yeah, I signed up and paid for some accountability. I start Monday...I'm a bit nervous. I don't exercise in front of others as a general rule...and I've always eaten whatever I wanted...Goodbye...those days are over. Here comes HEALTHY! I hope.

I'm off to slap on some beautiful for my date tonight. Hope ya'll have a random and lovely caffeinated Friday!

Saved, not inoculated.

2011-10-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday night was very special in our house.

Emma, in her own words, "asked Jesus to be her Savior from her sins!"

Now, I have spent a lot of time thinking about whether to post about this event or not. All things blogged are for posterity, right? My children have LONG and very detailed baby books. HA!

No, the reason I wasn't sure about writing on this subject is because I have such strong feelings about it. We have been very careful to not lead Emma in some pretty little prayer...so she'll feel inoculated with salvation from her sins. As if this was how it happened at all. We wanted this to be something that she was prompted to do by the Holy Spirit...not something to just please us or escape the fears of hell and death.

That's easier said than done...when you have a beautiful, little firstborn so eager to please....and all of ETERNITY is on the line. But that's the point...I could have gotten her to say the WORDS months ago...but what she did Sunday night was her own personal decision....because God was at work in her heart and mind.

As I tucked her in I sang one of the favorites in our house..."Change my heart oh God..." As I sang she was feeling for her heartbeat. She couldn't feel it so I helped her. As she felt her heart beat she said, "What about Caleb's heart...is it beating?" I told her that if your heart stops beating you die. I told her that's why the words of the song talk about changing your heart to be like God...because all of our hearts are sinful.

She pondered this a bit...and tearfully said, "I don't want to die with sins in my heart!" NOW...here's the point where I could have just said, "Well, pray this prayer dearie and you've received your salvation shot...don't ever worry about it again."...but I didn't...As Jesus so often did, I asked another question..."What do you know about that sin in your heart? Who could do something about it?"

She said, "If I pray and tell Jesus I'm sorry for my sins...he'll wash my sins away." I asked if she had ever done that before...and she said no. I told her that she could pray at any time and he would save her. She said she wanted to pray right then...

Yes, she is still a very small girl. The days ahead will show the fruit of this decision. This is just the starting point. As she grows and matures...I'm praying her understanding of what it means to be saved will grow too...but for now we are rejoicing with the angels!

Luke 15:10, "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Autumnal Hodgepodge

2011-10-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

1. What's your favorite meal to serve on a chilly autumn evening?

Beef Stew with warm, homemade bread. So cozy!

EZ Recipe= 1 lb. stew meat, 1 can. tomato soup, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 packet dried onion soup mix, 1 lb. mixed veggies frozen...Put all in crockpot on low for 6 hours. Or...high for 3! I've done tons of scratch recipes and this remains the one that everyone loves best. Go figure.

2. Are you a creature of habit? Explain.

Yes, and I tend to get a little too comfortable in my routines. I need to work on my flexibility and spontaneity. I have the ability to be creative but it just takes that little added effort that so often I don't take.

3. What food product (no longer readily available) do you remember and miss from days gone by?

No longer readily available??...sheesh...Joyce these questions make you sound ancient...which you are NOT!! I miss those little oatmeal cakes. I know they still exist but I never buy them...cuz I'd eat them all. I remember my Mom having them for snack sometimes.

4. What's something you've lost that you've never been able to find? Any theories as to what happened?

Of all the things I've ever lost, I miss my mind the most. Theories...hmmm? Children...lost brain cells by the millions...yup!

5. Zoo~circus~ carnival...your favorite?

I guess I'll say the zoo...since I go so often with the Sweet Boobahs. It's very relaxing and interesting. When you live close you can make friends with different zoo keepers and connect with animals by name, etc. That has given the zoo added dimension for me.

6. What song makes you feel instantly happy?

7. To what extent are you an argumentative person?

In my family we argue for fun....and I'm not kidding. This is fine until it gets out of hand, of course. We like to debate and play "devil's advocate"...It really taught me to think through issues...especially spiritual issues. I love that my husband has embraced this part of my family over the years. At first I think they freaked him out...but now he'll join right into the fray...er, discussion!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

God's timing amazes me. Just a few posts ago I talked about wanting to shine and not shake...and about leaky pipes. God has a sense of humor ya'll. Yesterday we discovered a pipe was broken under the huge tree in our front yard. As the guy from the water company was telling me it was pouring 1.5 gpm (gallons per MINUTE)...and I was feeling a bit pale and seeing huge dollar signs...I was also struggling internally...cuz I wanted to act Christ-like...*remember I'd just written that "I don't want to just appear...I want to really BE."...trusting God*...So, I took a deep breath and prayed for peace...and it came. Full peace that God knew about this leak and would take care of it. Then I called my Loverbrains...and he discovered that the sewer insurance we'd purchased 3 years ago was actually for sewer, gas and WATER...so we are covered. Praise God....for His faithfulness and for waiting long enough to show me that it would be okay regardless. He's even giving me ample time to get my laundry done this morning before they shut the water off...cuz we all know they never start on time. Haha!

WHAM! Pride check.

2011-10-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

I just love it when I'm studying a well known Bible story and something strikes me that never did before. It just shows that God's Word is indeed living!

So, I was reading Acts 5...the story of Ananias and Sapphira. For those of you who aren't fresh on the story, I shall sum up....They were a couple in the early church that sold some property and said they gave all of the profits to the church when in reality they didn't. And...they lied about it. They were struck dead...and the church was purified.

It's one of those favorite childhood stories...first the husband comes in and lies...WHAM! He drops dead...they cart him out. Then the wife comes in and lies...WHAM! She drops dead...they cart her out. Kids love that stuff.

Over the years I've taken away the truths that God takes lying (sin) very seriously. It is stupid to try to lie to God...er, He knows everything. But today...I gained another teensy insight.

Ananias and Sapphira wanted to look better than they were. Don't say, "no duh" to me. I hadn't looked at it from this angle. Previously, they'd been dead so I only looked at the after affects and not the initial issue.

It would have been perfectly okay for them to sell the property and give part of the profit...but they knew it would make them appear super good if they said they gave it all! So, they lied.

I was struck that sometimes I want to look better than I am. For me...spiritual circles can be the worst. I want to appear strong and godly...but this keeps any blessings from being real. Fellowship should be Christian care at it's finest.

Sometimes that means being very real...letting the whole pride thing go. I know this does work from the handful of times I've tried it. There are huge blessings from just being ME and letting God do the work.

Simple obedience...having friends over when the house has seen cleaner days. Accepting babysitting and admitting exhaustion when I should. Scheduling a playdate when I feel like I don't have anything left to offer...and realizing Christ is all I need.

I think when we act in OBEDIENCE and we resist the desire to appear better than we are...God is able to really use us in powerful ways.

Ah...there's nothing like a little pride check to start the week, eh?

Loverbrains Returns...again!?

2011-10-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, he's home again from another China trip. He even found a tiny silk robe for Emmer-bean! AW! Yes, that's the whole reason he was gone so long...it was hard to find one just her size. Oh, and a teeny tiny Chinese tea set with Pandas. Hehehe!

Caleb is enjoying his gifts too...most namely a small, brass dragon and a huge, green dung beetle (captured in amber and made into a key chain.) Dragons and beetles...what could be better!

I'm happy too...I can sleep again. Any crashes in the night are now NOT my problem. Not that I won't still get up and deal with stuff, of course...Just not alone. Phew!

In reality, I am most blessed when he is gone. I have a GREAT network of friends and church family that actually would come to my house in the middle of the night if I needed them. Just thought I should say that...cuz I do so appreciate them.

Caffeinated Randomness...Friday's Poem

2011-09-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Learning to knit...as I'm sharing Christ bit by bit.

Makin' a few yo-yo....while I'm on the go-go!

Keeping first things first...Praying for continued and greater thirst!

God's blessings galore...and my cute doggie snores!

Leaky with the holy faucet running?

2011-09-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share a few good excerpts from my reading on the Holy Spirit...

D.L. Moody, when asked if he was filled with the Spirit said, "Yes, but I leak."

"Well, what of that? what if you are a poor, cracked vessel, letting out the blessing which you receive ? ... and supposing that I turn the tap, don't you think that if there is a bountiful supply behind, it will keep the vessel full ? But the glass may leak.  Yes, but the fountain will keep it full.  Be not discouraged; these wonderful blessings are ours, not because we are worthy but because Christ loves us.  Christ loves us!  We love also...O Jesus!  Partakers of thy endless life, let us know what it is to reproduce that beautiful life over again for Thy glory.  Spirit of God, strengthen us with might in the inner man.  AMEN."  ~Henry Varley

Are you shining or shaking?

2011-09-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

"Anything that comes across our path and puts us in difficulty, at once shows whether we believe in Him and trust in Him, by our response and reaction to it.  We must never allow ourselves to be agitated and disturbed whatever the circumstances because to do so implies a lack of faith, a lack of trust, a lack of confidence in our blessed Lord and God."  ~D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

I've come a long way in the area of letting these agitations show. I was thinking, as I re-read this quote, wouldn't it be so great if I could control those stomach knotting, hands freezing, shaking knees responses...the subtle and often unobservable. Cuz, that's the stuff that God still sees. Even when I'm able to pull off looking confident...He knows that I'm not wholly trusting Him. I don't want to just appear...I want to really BE.

This is such a tall order...I think sometimes I respond in agitation and disquiet simply as an expected response. For example, when Loverbrains is gone people expect me to be upset, tired and flakey...so, I gladly oblige. Ugh...no more. True, I miss him and I'm not going to pretend I don't...but I'm a strong woman when he's by my side and equally when he's not. He lovingly provides for me while he's gone...and faithfully corresponds and communicates with us too. Besides the BIG POINT...that God hasn't changed position one teensy bit. He's my rock solid foundation. How dare I behave as if it's anything less.

On Sunday we learned about Jehovah Shammah...The Lord is there. At first, I thought it was going to be all fluffy and lovey..."Aw, God's there...don't be afraid little sheepies." I was surprised to find that it connected to a much larger part of God's character. He is ALL-POWERFUL, ALL-KNOWING, and EVERYWHERE PRESENT...and because he's with every believer there is no reason for discontent. GOD IS THERE...he will never leave me or forsake me...

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

When people ask me how I'm doing...I don't want to give the conditioned or expected response...I want to give the response that shows that I am placing my faith, trust and confidence in my Jehovah Shammah...my Lord who is there...guiding me through every trial and storm, as well as the sunny, Fall days.

I want to be a brightly shining light...a spot of brightness that makes those in darkness come close and inquire...Why are you shining??

"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life."  Philippians 2:14-16

Hi, I'm an Extroverted Spirit Quencher?

2011-09-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

BSF, my favorite bible study of all time, has started up again for this year. We are studying the Acts of the Apostles. And let's just say that week two, as we delve into Acts 2...I'm not super comfortable with the study of the Holy Spirit. Turns out...I think I'm an ESQ...Extroverted Spirit Quencher.

Considering that to most people I am bubbly, energetic and VERY outgoing...I'm not so comfortable with showing the Holy Spirit's outpouring in me...at least in times of worship, public displays of, etc. I was raised in pretty, proper ~~uptight~~ New England...in a very conservative church. I just don't communicate with God that way, ya'll.

I'll never forget one time in college, when Jim Cymbala came to Cedarville University. My Dad happened to be there for a pastor's conference. At one point, Cymbala encouraged ~~commanded~~ people to literally raise holy hands. I was like, "Nuh, uh...nope"...then my Dad lifted his hands...and I yanked on his sleeve and hissed, "Put your hands down!" He said, "Why?" We've had many interesting discussions about it since.

And I guess this study is bringing that all back up for me. Although I'm becoming pretty outspoken in my evangelistic quests--trying to encourage others that it can be indeed be done and we live to share another day...I don't get the expected response. Instead of encouragement and joy, I feel like many fellow believers look at me like I'm crazy. Maybe it embarrasses them...or they wish I'd shut up...who knows...but I do know that it's not comfortable being different...and yet I've never been more okay with it.

God sent His Spirit so that believers could sustain a right relationship with Him. He's not satisfied with mechanical obedience. I should know, cuz I'm really really good at mechanical obedience. But that's just it...I don't ever want to be afraid to share or express what God is doing in me. God's Word is meant to set our hearts on fire in a way that we can't possibly hide...so why do I spend so much time worrying about what other people think...and what He thinks last?

"What the disciples wanted was not numbers but an essential quality that would keep them BEING the church God intended. Boldness can only be imparted by the Holy Spirit."  ~Jim Cymbala

Hodgepodge Chili...(sounds like a recipe, eh?)

2011-09-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?

Yes, yes....YES!!! Well...no spice is often a bit rough to choke down but I'd try!

2. Red~Orange~Gold...your favorite fall color?

I love red trees...and I always think if the temperatures are just right I might get a red one in my yard...but alas it never happens. There is one on the street over that is blindingly spectacularly red...I LOVE IT!

3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up?

That sort of thing was really encouraged in my home...no posters, etc. I guess if I had to pick a person...probably my Dad...I'm still a Daddy's girl.

4. When was the last time you did something 'arts and craftsy'? Share please.

I have small children...so we are often playing playdoh, painting pictures or some such thing. I recently moved and reorganized my craft cabinets...and sewing stuffs. Now that I know where everything is...I've sparked some creative thoughts and plans.

5. What's a place that makes you really nervous?

I'm not naturally a nervous person...so this took some thought. I think I'm most uptight and nervous in downtown, inner city traffic...all those one ways, etc. YIKES!

6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh?)

I think most girls go through a horse loving phase. I sure did...I took riding lessons and rode whenever I could. I still enjoy having the skill.

7. What is your favorite cliche?

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

I think I use these a lot. Yesterday I used "apples to apples" and "a thing of beauty is a joy forever"...and that was only one blog's worth.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I think I'm doomed to never sleep a full night through again. And please don't say I have to wait until they go to college...cuz that's just not nice. My kid's are taking turns not sleeping...(I think Lubby has an ear infection or something...He's going to the Dr.)...The dog got sick and was up hurling and whining in the night. Of course, that same night....neither kid got up. Argh! And then...I just don't sleep well with my Loverbrains. *Sigh* I'm weird without sleep. I admit it.

Congrats!!

2011-09-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

I always wanted a sister. Don't get me wrong...I was pleased with my baby brother David Andrew...but sometimes wondered what it would have been like if he'd been Beverly Joy instead. Hehehe...

Now he went and got me a sister. Wasn't that nice?? Her name is Jess!! She's nice. We LOVE her!!

Has anyone else realized that she'll be creating a rhyme...I feel a poem comin' on...Jessica LeE DennY!!! Okay...maybe I should cut back on the Dr. Suess intake.

Welcome to my world...

2011-09-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

"the person who would do great things well must practice daily on little ones; and she who would have the assistance of the Almighty in important acts, must be daily and hourly accustomed to consult His will in the minor affairs of life." 

~Emily Judson (wife of American's first foreign missionary Adoniram Judson)

I read this quote in one of Elisabeth Elliot's devotionals on "interruptions, delays and inconveniences." It was something I needed to read. Raising little children is full of such things.

I'll be honest...I often find the cyclical duties of wife and mother tedious and frustrating. They become more so when I lose eternal focus and allow myself to be controlled by my own selfish desires. I want to get x, y and z done so I can read my book, sew on my quilt, etc etc. But, this is not the way...or the journey to sanctification that I am on.

So, I'm going to post this quote on my fridge for a bit...to remind myself that because I want to do great things for God and have Him act mightily in my life...I need to keep the eternal perspective that ALL things are to be done for HIS glory... alone.

And as a good, godly friend reminded me recently...

"Finally, [sister], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phil. 4:8

Fall Egyptian Hodgepodge

2011-09-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

You can read more about my trip to Egpyt at my other blog...MomE & Loving It!

1. What do you do at the first sign of a cold? Will you get a flu shot this year?

Use the Neti pot...tea time for the nose. It's AMAZING!!! I did get my flu shot this year...and my arm was it's usual sore...but now I'm fine and ready for anything!!

2. What advice can you give about how to conquer fear?
When my children are afraid we sing a little song with words from Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." It really helps when we remember GOD is in control...sometimes I hear Emma singing it to herself at night.
Jer. 1:8, ""Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD."

3. Share two good things about your life right now.

*Positive reinforcement is a working option in shaping the behavior of my children.

*I have a church family that loves and cares for me when my Loverbrains travels (before and after). They are my family away from family.

4. A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to sixties style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few. How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style?
I like the pencil skirts. The tunics with pants remind me too much of maternity...'nough said. I do have a few bohemian tops but not many.

5. Were you involved in scouting as a kid? How about as an adult?

Nope. I think I might have been a brownie once...for a short time. Not sure though. I eat them now...er, and thin mints!

6. Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor?

PUMPKIN!

7. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher?

That they love learning and can teach their students to love learning too!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I'm in one of those cleaning binds....ya know, where you've cleaned out one area...and now you have to clean out two others in order to make room for the stuff you cleaned out of the first area. Yikes...will it ever end??

Marriage Monday: Geeky Love Notes...

2011-09-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Amid the "you don't send me flowers, you don't sing me love songs" emotional moments of my marriage there are little bits of loving communication that I overlook. Sometimes, I'm just selfish and want all the love and fresh ardor of early courtship...and I need to learn that married love matures and changes.
I started to grump about "you don't write me love notes" to my Loverbrains the other day...when I stopped abruptly...because it occurred to me that in his very GEEKy sort of way he WAS sending me love notes. He's a texting poet.

I held out on the text thang for a long time. Too expensive...too many ways for people to contact me ALL the time...but since I've given in...I find that I love it. It's a good way for me to send love and encouragement to my friends and family....and my Loverbrains has noticed this too, as he sends me LONG texts and *tiny* texts of love to me throughout the day.

Ahh...the source of my discontent...it has nothing to do with lack of blessings...and everything to do with lack of gratitude. Sometimes being married to a quiet man means that I need to LOOK and listen for his attempts at speaking LOVE to me.

COVERT WAYS MY LOVERBRAINS HAS COMMUNICATED LOVE TO ME THIS WEEKEND:
Remade beds and helped in wee hours with a sick Lubby (Don't worry he's fine now...dinner just didn't agree with him)
Sent an extremely sleep deprived MomE to bed early the next night.
Emptied the dishwasher (and cleaned off kitchen counters)
Was kind and sweet to me after I backed into garage door and broke it.
Sent me a text of reassurance of his love after I felt bad about same said garage door.
Asked me out for this Saturday night...a romantic dinner.

These little bits of communication really pave the way for the longer and deeper conversations.

Caffeinated Randomness: Reading Realities...

2011-09-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a very happy little bookworm. I LOVE to read....and then read some more. So, when I saw these quotes on Pinterest I just HAD to share...

Books aren't just filled with words, ya know...they're also filled with places and people to meet.

I get absolutely and undeniably attached to book characters to the point where I cry and laugh with them, and physically miss them when I finish reading the book.

Every time I go into a bookstore, I stop for a while in a secluded aisle and just inhale the scent of print and paper. I get really excited knowing that books are just within my reach.

I have amazing parents who believed that we always had enough money to buy books…even when we really, really didn’t. Thank you!

Hodgepodge Worth 1000 Words

2011-09-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

1. What is one piece of advice you would give a 'just turning' 21- year old adult?

Don't dream too far ahead...I remember always pushing towards what was next. I think I missed really enjoying early parts of my twenties. Enjoy the life of a student...enjoy the life of being SINGLE...enjoy the early beginnings of responsibility. Don't be afraid...God will give you the grace to handle more when it comes. Sorry...that was more than one piece of advice but...well, sue me.

2. Besides cooler weather (or warmer weather, depending on your hemisphere) what is one thing you are looking forward to this fall?

I enjoy the snuggly-ness...Warm drinks, weiner roasts, beautiful colors and brisk breezes.

3. What sound lulls you to sleep?

I MUST have white noise...usually a fan blowing or humidifier (depending on the season.

4. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency 'kit' and/or disaster plan in place?

We have a HUGE first aid kit...has everything in it but the EMT. We have smoke alarms, etc. but the kids are old enough that we should set up a meeting place scenerio, etc. I was just thinking about this the other day...

5. How has your blog changed since you started blogging? Or has it?

I think my blog has become more spiritually focused...and hopefully balanced with funny, quirky things. I think it better represents me...as I grow in Christ but still remain my funny lil self.

6. What's something you've recently learned to do on the computer?

I'm learning how to create a website...the learning curve is steep...I paid for the technical support. They are worth their weight in GOLD.

7. Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

8. Insert your own random here.
I'm really enjoying this new phase of life...Emmer-bean is in AM Kindergarten...which she LOVES! Calubby is my homeboy and we snuggle and go to the park and have lots of time each morning. I still get a "naptime" and they play pretty well most afternoons. Life is good. I am SO blessed. My Loverbrains is SUPER busy...but PTL he has such a good job that allows me to stay home and enjoy these Sweet Boobahs.

Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood: Coffee, Tea or Me?

2011-09-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

I heard one of the strangest sayings the other day.

Instant coffee, instant tea, instant love for you and me.

I think the person who was using it was trying to say that the world is full of ~~bratty~~ children who only understand instant gratification. True enough.

But wait a minute...I don't think it's just the "kids today." Where am I seeking my happiness? Satisfaction? Joy?

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Col. 3:1-4

Sometimes living with this eternal perspective is elusive. I just lose focus. I start trying to solve problems the world's way. I become the crazy checklist queen. I get so busy I don't pray or study...I don't look on little things with an eternal perspective...and then so quickly I'm unhappy, discontent, and frazzled.

I talk a lot but don't act a lot. Today...although there are LOTS of legitimate things on this queen's checklist...I'm going to s l o w d o w n....read the Scripture planted about my home. Meditate on it while I scrub the potties. I'm going to focus on my children...my precious gifts from God...and lovingly teach them to live for God's glory at the grocery store.

This isn't instant gratification...the sanctification process takes discipline and hard work...but there is instant LOVE for you and me. John 3:16...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever  believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Flip Out Friday

2011-09-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just have to get this out.

OBEY THE TRAFFIC LAWS AND STOP TRYING TO BE A NICE PERSON. JUST DRIVE!!!!!

I am now taking a new route through various subdivisions to pick up my darling daughter from half day Kindergarten. This involves several left hand turns onto busy-ish roads. I have no problems with making left hand turns. I'm a very decisive driver...just as my parents taught me.

My problems come with drivers who are headed straight across the busy road. They are going straight...so, they have the right of way. BUT instead of taking the right of way when a gap finally appears in the traffic...they wave their hand to indicate that I should go first.

Isn't that nice??

...UM, NOOOO...

I would like to scream (and if they could lip read they would hear)...

JUST GO!!!..YOU have the right of way. I don't trust YOU too see vehicles that you are blocking...that will hit ME...And just about the time I decide to go in front of you...you will decide to go and probably hit me yourself. I just want you to follow the traffic law...Please...puh-leaze...just Drive...so we could all just get there some day!!! AHHHH!

Phew...

Thank you...I feel better now! Anyone else have things like this that just drive them mad!?

Hehehe...didja see that nifty little pun there....I feel so witty!

WORD Filled Wednesday: No yo-yo Ma!

2011-08-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting how God works all things together...for the good of those who love Him. It can be downright funny at times. At quilt camp I decided I needed a "hand work" project...and I found a quilt pattern that required that I make 500 plus fabric yo-yos. Even with a nifty tool a loving friend gifted me...it's slow going.

Yo-yos make me think of that old fashioned toy...that goes up and down...up and down. AND...so have my emotions lately.

Happy, sad...Loving, angry...Kind, nasty! It hasn't been pretty. Sure, there are reasons. Loverbrains erratic travel schedule...allergy season...hormones...new school schedules...etc. etc. etc. BUT...the more I consider it...the more I think God is displeased with this little yo-yo Ma! (That's a little joke for all you cello lover's out there.)

If I'm truly walking in the Spirit...I should be steadfast...steady...So, I did a quick study of the word steadfast...and found the verse I shared in the graphic above. Here are some other goodies too...

Psalm 112:7, "He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD."

1 Cor. 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

So, here's hoping the only yo-yos in my house are the fabric kind...NO YO-YO MA!

Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday: Precious or Petulant?

2011-08-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

I like to think of myself as God's precious child. And I am. But how often am I better described as God's petulant child? *sigh*...Amid blessings aplenty and blessings galore...I am sulky and bad-tempered. That's perhaps putting it mildly.

I was in a bit of funk this weekend...and I'm still struggling. Many of those who love me the best tried to help me put life into perspective...but knowing that others are experiencing much worse did not help straighten out my attitude problems.

Truthfully, I was being God's very petulant child...I wanted His provision in just my own way, my own timing, me me me!

So, Sunday...I finally heard what God was saying. I wasn't initially thrilled to hear it either...it took some good old conviction, hurty tearful moments. But oh, the sweet reunion of coming to those "ends of self" and finding Christ. His forgiveness and love are ready and waiting when we come with truly repentant hearts.

So, what did I learn to turn my heart around?

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision is linked to testing. A test is when your faith is tried and crowned. This is how God grows me!

James 1:2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith  produces endurance. And let endurance have its  perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in  nothing." 

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision is always linked to faith. This faith must be shown in my actions and words. Oh, how guilty I am of not speaking and acting as if I faithfully expect God's perfect provision for all my needs. I must do better at modeling faithfulness...in all circumstances...Maybe more than showing it, I need to be fully convinced in my heart.

Gal. 4:3-5, "So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the  elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came,  God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were  under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."   

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision sometimes comes at the last minute. His timing is not ours! In Gen. 22:14...Abraham's hand was on the knife...I like to believe it was mere millimeters from full obedience of sacrificing his only son...before JEHOVAH JIREH...God provided a substitute! He always does you know!

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision should always be linked with our thanksgiving and gratitude. Not just emotional words listed in a journal. Real recognition of what HE has done for me; directly from His hand to my life!

Do you know God? Do you know Him as JEHOVAH JIREH? The LORD my provider!

I have some issues...

2011-08-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

Loverbrains returned from yet another trip to China on Wednesday evening. Thankfully he usually handles jet lag fabulously well...BUT this time he was VERY sick...and tired.

Before he hit "the wall" he shared his treasures with us...He was given a fancy box of moon cakes by a colleague...and we greatly enjoyed trying them all out. It led me to realize that our SWEET is a lot sweeter than the Chinese equivalent. I'm evidently more addicted to SUGAR than I thought.

And...speaking of minor addictions...

We had NO PHONE and NO INTERNET for F.O.U.R days!! I think I almost went crazy!! I couldn't find the answers to conversions, recipes, trivia, weather...

...it was awful!

Before you pick on me...take a moment to ponder how you'd have felt! Overall, it was a good "perspective giving" time. NOT that I want to repeat it any time soon! Sorry...no major changes of conviction coming out of this one.

I'm all for monitoring your TIME...making sure you put FIRST THINGS FIRST (GOD, family, work, etc)...but absolutely NO access was brutal. AND going cold turkey with no choices. Oh, it was rough...rough! *Phew!

Hodgepodge Facebook Returns

2011-08-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

1. What is something that bothers you if it's not done perfectly?
Having small children has helped me to mellow in this area. Initially, how they made beds and set tables sort of irritated me...but now, I see it as their "best" and I'm happy with it. When I tell them how happy it makes me...it increases my happiness!

2. Do you think a 6th sense exists? Explain.
I think women can have a kind of intuition about situations and people. I've had "a gut feeling" about something that's proven best to follow. Maybe that's the Holy Spirit guiding and protecting me...

3. Do you say your goodbyes slowly, quickly, or not at all?
The quicker the better...no crying!!

4. On a scale of 1-10, with ten being hot hot hot, what level of spice do you like in your food? What's your favorite 'spicy' dish?
Loverbrains and I LOVE spicy food...Our favorite places are Yats (Cajun/Creole), Mark Pi's (Asian), and Thai Spice...I probably choose around a 6-7....Loverbrains normally chooses 8-10.

5. What is one of your all time favorite commercial jingles?
"Rice a roni, The San Francisco treat...*ding *ding!"

6. Plane, train, boat or auto...your preferred method of travel?
Plane...I love airports and air travel...I have never had a really bad flight...Well, there was one in Germany...small plane, fumes, turbulence...sort of scary...I block it out though!

7. What is something you take for granted?
Far too many things, I'm afraid. "What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"

8. Insert your own random *rant alert* thought here.
After much thought (and grumbling), I decided to give Facebook another chance.
*gasp, I know, I know*

I created an entirely new (tricky) identity...and am being VERY selective in my friend selection. The whole un-friending thing gives me issues...as does the blending of friend/association groups...BUT...it seems that I will be essentially cut out of everyone's life, baby pictures, news and networks if I don't use this social media...so, because I love people and think their babies are cute...*sigh* I hope you're happy.

My blog is posting directly to it...that's sort of nice...in case I don't feel like checking it for a while.

I do continue to have some BIG issues with it...Here's a few biggies...

I think married Christians should be careful...getting in touch with "old flames" is just that...playing with FIRE...just don't do it!

I am NOT interested in a re-cap of "mean girls" from highschool or churches...DUH people!..everyone can read everything so don't talk about things you shouldn't. Gossip is still gossip whether you type it or say it. It still hurts!

I have friends from all walks of life...and I will hide some from general view (nice new feature by the way) cuz the groups offend each other. I find it very interesting that generally it's my "worldly" friends that are crushed by the less than sensitive christian comments. Don't burn other people's bridges to sharing the gospel with others. Oui! FYI--NO people group should be pushed off the face of the earth. Hate the SIN...not the sinner! Speak the truth in LOVE!

Thank you...I had to get that out! I feel better now. *phew*

Tuneful Tube Tuesday

2011-08-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

I just started a study of the gospel of Mark...this song keeps coming to mind...so I thought I'd share it!

Seems I've imagined Him all of my life

As the wisest of all of mankind

But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to men

He must have seemed out of His mind

For even His family said He was mad

And the priests said a demon's to blame

But God in the form of this angry young man

Could not have seemed perfectly sane

Chorus

When we in our foolishness thought we were wise

He played the fool and He opened our eyes

When we in our weakness believed we were strong

He became helpless to show we were wrong

And so we follow God's own fool

For only the foolish can tell-

Believe the unbelievable

And come be a fool as well

So come lose your life for a carpenter's son

For a madman who died for a dream

And you'll have the faith His first followers had

And you'll feel the weight of the beam

So surrender the hunger to say you must know

Have the courage to say I believe

For the power of paradox opens your eyes

And blinds those who say they can see

Chorus

So we follow God's own Fool

For only the foolish can tell

Believe the unbelievable,

And come be a fool as well

~Michael Card

God cares...

2011-08-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

With complete childish innocence she asks..."Does God really care about Spelling tests and his bruised knee...and other little things like that?" "Aren't there bigger problems for Him to take care of than these?"

"Well, I believe that God is BIG and powerful...so big...that He takes care of the bigger problems and my little ones too. The Bible tells me that He is all-powerful and all-knowing...He cares about little birds...and numbers all the hairs on our heads. He loves us so much He sent His Son to die for our sins...so whoever believes in Him can go to heaven..."

"So, my short answer...Yes, He does care about your Spelling tests too! Let's hurry up and pray before the bus comes!"

You never know what God's gonna use from Sunday...to prepare you for Monday. Another name of the God...JEHOVAH SABAOTH...Lord of hosts.

Not only does this name show His military might and super-power strength...It shows that He is a God of power in my personal battles.

So, here's to another day of planting seeds and praying at the bus stop. Cuz, as I say after we've prayed..."It's always good to remember WHO'S in charge of the day!"

"Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where  she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my  God."  Psalm 84:3 

God is bigger than my trials...He is in full power and control!!

My brother or sister, there is something about our God that is different, that is beyond us, that is above us—transcendent. We must be humbly willing to throw our hearts open and to plead, "God, shine Thyself into my understanding for I will never find Thee otherwise."

~A.W. Tozer

Radically Faithful in the Little Things

2011-08-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Caffeinated Randomness

For the purpose of peaceful dreams, I usually read my Bible only before I go to bed...but I'm suffering from Loverbrains insomnia (for those of you who can't sleep when your spouse is traveling either...send me your prayers).

So, in desperation I stayed up to read until I exhausted my brain and caused it to snuff out. I'm nearing the end of Radical by David Platt. This man does NOT pull punches. It hurts my feelings...in a very good way. I laughed out loud at this next bit...until I almost cried...

"In the middle of a Christian culture asking, "How do I find God's will for my life?" I bring good news. His will is not lost. With 1.4 million Bedouins in Algeria who have never even heard the gospel, it makes little sense for us to sit over here asking, "What do you want me to do, God?" The answer is clear. The will of God is for you and me to give our lives urgently and recklessly to making the gospel and the glory of God known among all peoples, particularly those who have never even heard of Jesus. The question, therefore, is not "Can we find God's will? The question is "Will we obey God's will?"

I think this can be as easy as starting in your "moments by moments." I'm not saying that a larger radical change isn't on the way. You should be praying about and considering overseas missions, adoption and drastically down-sizing. But, for many of us, it would be radical enough to just start looking for opportunities and open doors for the gospel right where we are every day...and then WALKING THROUGH THEM.

This book has helped renew my zeal to open my heart and arms to the lost. AND...they are all around (at the library, grocery store, playground, work, play). Yup...I invited a lady I just met at the library over to teach me to knit...so I can teach her to sew/quilt. Which is a hoot...cuz I'm just a beginner...but she'll be here in my house...and I'll be scattering seed like a crazy person. I'm thinking of advertising it...calling it "Bartering Skills"...

No, it's not always comfortable but that's sort of the point. We weren't called to comfortable...we are called to share in His sufferings. I say I want to be like Christ...but he suffered and died for the sins of the world! What are the most terrible things that could happen...embarrassment, upset stomach, angry words. In our country death is highly unlikely...and you probably won't even lose your job without a warning or five.

...I do get butterflies and knots in my tummy...(and not everything is well-received)...but if I don't start where I am...and be faithful in the small things...Why would I expect God to use me for greater things?

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one  who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."  Luke 16:10

* Just so you don't think I was saying we shouldn't risk death...Even death, to the believer, should not be a deterrent to sharing the gospel. "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

Imaginary Duct Tape?

2011-08-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tis the season when I dump the fiction and plunge headlong into non-fiction. It's a pre-hibernation thang. I also tend to organize drawers and closets...something that's supposed to be done in the Spring. I'm a bit behind...

So, what am I reading, you ask? Well, maybe you didn't ask but I'm telling you anyway.

I'm STILL reading Spiritual Depression by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones...not cuz I'm a slow reader or that it's uber deep either; He's very understandable. It's just a lot to chew on and swallow down. It might surprise those of you that consider me a bubbly, optimistic extrovert...but I do hit my walls of spiritual depression from time to time. It's good to be brought to the end of yourself...God has a purpose for all things...and this book is a great teaching tool. It's so closely paired with God's Word, the end all and be all of instruction.

Here's one bit that came like a stick *whack* between the eyes...He's speaking of temperaments and feelings..."We all know the person who says: "I always speak my mind. I always say what I think." They say: "I am that sort of person". The answer to them is that they should not be! That does not mean that they can change their temperament, but it does mean that they should control it. In other words, temperament is a gift of God, but as the result of the Fall, and of sin, temperament is to be kept in its place. It is a wonderful gift, but to be controlled. It is the same with feelings."

Yeah, that's pretty much a big ouch to me! So, I've been trying to control it...As my Dad has often told me..."You don't need to tell everyone everything that you know about every subject; It's a real mark of maturity to know that." And God is blessing my efforts. I'm "imaginary duct taping" my mouth in various arenas...and seeing unexpected doors of opportunity fly open.

Anyone who wants to buy me that T-shirt that says "Silence is Golden, Duct Tape is Silver" be my guest. *smile*

I had other books to share...but this is long enough for one day. Anyone wanting to borrow my imaginary duct tape is welcome to share it...I hope it helps you too!

Hodgepodge Fab 40!

2011-08-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

Volume 40

1. Using what's in your frig right now what sort of meal would you be able to make for guests who are knocking at the front door this very minute?

Vegetables with Ranch Dip and Fruit salad...iced tea, water.

2. What is something about yourself that you hope will change but that probably never will?
That I grow in height to pass 5'! My feet have grown since having babies...so, ya never know.

3. What's something about yourself that you hope will never change?
My heart's desire to grow closer to God each day!

4. Do you usually send serious or funny greeting cards? Why?
They are generally bright and optimistic...I love Dayspring Wooly cards.

5. Bird watching, shell gathering, or star gazing- your choice for whiling away the hours?
Bird watching...hands down. I've had several nests of Bluebirds all this year. It was fabulous. Right now I have a bunch of Goldfinches eating my Black-eyed Susans and Coneflowers.

6. Do you double or triple check things? If so, what?
When we're leaving for vacation...I check the trashes and the toilets...I don't like to return to yucky smells. I also check for the Sweet Boobahs lovies and that all lights are off. Usually twice.

7. What's your favorite place for people watching?
Bible Study. This is a recent development for 'lil talkative me. I'm trying to be a better listener...so I watch people before and after their responses. You learn a lot...about who you can comfort and encourage later.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today was Emmer-bean's second day of school. I'm putting my neighbor's two kids on the bus too. I had the opportunity to pray with everyone at the bus stop today...and it was really neat.

I told them I was going to pray for Emma...and just being quiet was all I asked. But when Emma asked me to pray for her bugbite...others started requesting for things to be mentioned...like Spelling tests and nervousness...so I prayed for them all by name. And I had a small chance to say why I think prayer is SO important.

Planting the seed...one day at a time! Who knows what God will do...

Shepherding my children...

2011-08-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

"And those who are happy to be sheep, and who hear the voice of the Great Shepherd calling them, and who follow him as their only hope, and trust in his sacrifice on their behalf—those sheep are now, and always will be, more than sheep. They are children of God (1 John 3:1), heirs of the universe (Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 3:20-23), co-rulers with the King of kings (Revelation 3:21), the bride of Christ (John 3:29; Revelation 21:9), shining like the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43)." ~John Piper...Desiring God

I'm a "lover of details." This sounds much nicer than some of the other adjective available...perfectionist, control freak, worrier...

I usually find it very UN funny that I am now raising a little "lover of details"...Yes, my sweet Emmer-bean doesn't just look like her MomE...she is very much like me in temperment as well. Poor child.

As I strive to raise her in "the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Eph.6:4....I find my own heart growing and changing too. As I've said before...I never expected the incredible spiritual lessons I would be given through child rearing.

So, my ears perked up when I heard my Pastor explain a certain part of Psalm 23 yesterday. We are working through the many names of God...and I mean MANY! This series could be LOOONNG!

The Lord is my....SHEPHERD! Some things were obvious...pastures green are the provision for physical needs and wants; what is needed and necessary. He provides spiritual growth and direction by leading us on good paths.

But when Pastor explained vs. 4...the shadow of death...he said, "we can want all the details but we know His desire is for our growth...for us to move towards righteousness...to be more like Christ." I must stop to smirk at this point...cuz it was one of those times where you feel like your Pastor is really talking about just you...and it's embarassing. LOL...of course he's not necessarily...but he does know my control tendancies so I guess it's possible...

So, those of us who are "lovers of details" can keep wishing and hoping but there are certain things we know about God's plans. He knows what He has planned for us..."For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

...and He is with us. "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Duet. 31:8

He might need to use his rod and staff to correct and keep me on the path...but it's out of His great LOVE...and even if I don't know the details I can just stick close to Him ...through prayer and His Word...and He will comfort and lead me in the way I should go!

Hopefully, I can teach my daughter these things about this GREAT SHEPHERD that I love...

Home from camp!

2011-08-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

I spent the last several days enjoying the warmth and acceptance of a small group of quilters in Ohio. I also completely quilted and bound the baby quilt. Phew.

I was able to reconnect and spend HOURS with my childhood friend, Charity. We hadn't seen each other since her wedding 11 years ago. We might have only gotten 3 hours of sleep the first night because of this...hahaha!

My Aunt Bev helps lead this group of quilters...and was able to extend us a gracious welcome. She is my Aunt by adoption. I'm not sure if I adopted her, or she adopted me...but it doesn't much matter! Although she sees and talks to my Mom often...she hadn't seen me for almost 8 years...since my wedding. She gives the best hugs!

My Mom and I had a lot of fun! I mean A LOT. I was a bit nervous about going to join a group of women I didn't know. You know me and my slight phobia in this area...the cliques, the cattiness, etc. BUT THIS GROUP...they were warm and wonderful....gracious and generous with ideas, information and materials...

SO, I worked...and learned...and added "wonky" to the group's vocabulary. Wonky- to skew a geometric shape on purpose. Dancing around and singing the "wonky" song is optional.

...and auditioned my ideas...."Yup, she's gonna be gorgeous"...

...played quilt "I spy"...the all time best question dealt with an airplane. Because this was my Mom's quilt, I had an unfair advantage. The fabric was from an ugly skirt I used to wear. HAHA!

...and I was inspired and encouraged. I can't wait for next year!! I have about 500 yo-yos to make and about three quilts to finish before then...but don't bother me with trifles...I'm excited...

...and probably just a bit exhausted too. Looonnnggg drive...with storms and wobbly wheels...It's good to be home!

Kiss me quick...I'm off...Goodbye!

2011-08-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

I carefully gave my children extra lovin' and affection....wrote out instructions for Loverbrains...

...packed all my sewing duds...

...and sprinted off to QUILT CAMP! I'll be finishing this baby quilt...among many other fun things...*cartwheels of happiness*

Many pictures of quilt camp (and the Sweet Boobahs Campout with DadE) coming Monday!

School Time Hodgepodge!

2011-08-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

Emmer-bean met her Kindergarten teacher last night at the Open House! We liked Miss Rausch!

1. If you could work for any one government agency which would you choose and why? (if you're in the US here's a helpful list)

I'd work with Advance America. We greatly appreciate them now...and I'd gladly give them my time because I'm sure of their Biblical values based work within government.

2. How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?

Very...I'm doing better than I used to...but I wish that turn around was faster in my own heart.

3. What is your favorite meatless supper?

Zucchini Combo...It has fresh yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes and motz. and parmesan cheese. SO good!! Hmm...maybe that should go on the menu again soon? I don't generally make cheesed dishes (due to Lubby's allergy) but I could make this a side, right?

4. Wednesday August 10th is National Lazy Day...will you be celebrating? If so, tell us how so we can be lazy too.

Nope...I have ALOT to do today! Sorry...but I don't think that MomEs can get by with that...plus, laziness isn't something I'd like to promote.

5. As a child did you have any special back to school traditions and if so, what were they? If you're a parent did you carry on those traditions with your own children?

I remember my parents praying with me before school started...especially when there was a test I was worried about or something. I'm going to pray with my kids daily...to remind them that God's in charge of each day!

6. Write a summer tongue twister.

Big Blue Butterflies Bring Big Black Bugs Back (Yeah, this was harder than I thought!)

7. Would you be interested in observing a surgery or do you turn away when the nurse brings out the needle?

I used to watch the surgery channel at my grandparents house when I was a teenager. TOO cool! If I felt more confident in my Math and Science skills I might have tried the medical field.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

You'll NEVER guess where I'm going tomorrow...leaving Loverbrains alone with the Sweet Boobahs until Saturday night! Go ahead...guess! I'll post ya the answer tomorrow. (Those who know are NOT allowed to answer, duh...that's cheating!)Here's your clue:

Kelly's baby quilt

FORGIVENESS or I've told you a thousand times....

2011-08-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of one of our NY mornings. Pretty and peaceful!

When I think of FORGIVENESS, and my issues with it, I usually think of my marriage or adult relationships. So, it came as a bit of shock to hear several parenting applications yesterday morning.

"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him"

Luke 17:3

My working definition of forgiveness is "choosing to forget the offense as Christ forgave (completely, as far as east is from west)" But, do I treat my kids that way? When they misbehave and are disciplined...The next time they do it (and we all know there's a next time)...do I say, "I've told you 15 times to STOP doing that..!" Or...is it really forgiven and do I handle it with love and full forgiveness AGAIN...and again...

Honestly, my husband and I chewed on this a bit after church...and I'm not saying that punishment shouldn't increase or there isn't a point where you say, "Dearest Child, you seem to be having a problem with X behavior and continue to do it repeatedly...I want you to understand that being truly sorry means that you will try to correct your behavior in this area. If you can't, your consequences will increase!"

I guess, this touched my heart because I'm feeling tender to it. I know the potential I have towards a critical spirit...to be an impatient and unkind MomE. So, this is good for me to think about and focus on...It'll hopefully balance me out a bit. I'm working towards a kinder, gentler MomE. Don't worry, there's no real worries that I'll turn into one of those spineless mothers that "reasons" with her children instead of disciplining/parenting them. I simply see the need for a bit of balance in my own heart.

We also heard a neat quote/definition of forgiveness that a couple was using...I looked it up and found out David Augsburger wrote these three really goodies...

-"forgiveness is not holy amnesia that erases the past---instead, it is the experience of healing that draws the poison out. You may recall that hurt, but you will not relive the hurt."
-"the hornet of memory may fly again, but forgiveness has drawn out the sting."
-"the grease of forgiving love can reduce the friction and salve the irritation."

Obviously, I need to get my hands on his two books... The Freedom of Forgiveness and Caring Enough to Forgive/ Caring Enough Not to Forgive.

God loved us when we were SINNERS...not after he saved and cleansed us.

"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:6-8

BLT anyone??

2011-08-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

Five Minute Friday: STILL??

2011-08-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

After typing this post on the STILL prompt, I realized that I had the wrong week. Oops...and my 5 minutes are up! I'm linking it anyway...thought it might give some other poor flustered soul out there a chuckle too!

For directions on Five Minute Friday go HERE today!
Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word on the prompt, “Still.”

READY, SET, GO!

This picture is from a STILL moment during vacation. A moment where I was taking pictures of everyone's cuteness and looked down at my vacationing feet and snapped a memory.

It's a good thing to have these memories to look back on...because those first few weeks back can be a doozy! Today, I feel anything but STILL. In fact, the whole reason I chose 5 Minute Friday was because that's all the time I had to spare to blog today.

Yes, I'm not STILL today...Just a living BLUR! I've been running about doing errands, cleaning house for company, making birthday cake, quilting baby quilts and planning baby showers. I'm caring for a very allergic Loverbrains too. Does that count? Personally, I find him harder to care for than my children. I struggle for full sympathy and love...imagine that! *sigh*

God knew about today though. He knew that I needed to take 5 minutes to focus on STILL. To remember that if I am STILL and remember HE is God...I will have the peace and grace I need to finish this day well. Just like looking down at my happy feet during vacation...I need to look into my heart for the WORD that sustains me!

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Ps. 46:10

Musical Hodgepodge

2011-08-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

1. Share a favorite song lyric.

"Sing, sing a song...sing out loud....sing out strong. Sing of good things, not bad. Sing of happy, not sad. Sing, sing a song. Make it simple to last your whole life long. Don't worry that it's not good enough...for anyone else to hear. Just sing. Sing a song!" ~The Carpenters

2. When was the last time someone yelled at you?

A few months ago...Made me mad too...but we dealt with it...We're past it now. I think.

3. Money, fame, happiness...are they mutually exclusive?

Mutually exclusive...meaning they cannot occur at the same time? Hmmm? Probably not.

4. What is your favorite dish to prepare for family and friends that doesn't require turning on the stove, oven or an outdoor grill?

No cooking/ No heat? Um...I have serious carnivores to nourish so, nothing...we AT LEAST must use the outdoor grill. I can think of a side dish...fruit salad. Sorry...that's it. I have mayo haters and egg/milk allergy people to feed.

5. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week. What is one thing you could do this week to simplify your life? Will you do it?

Nothing comes to mind...If it did...I'd DO IT! HA! I probably could learn to say NO...that'd probably help! HAHAHA! Already got myself in stuff up to my eyeballs and there's no backing out now.

6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being 100% and 1 being not at all) how tuned in are you to your country's national political scene?

I'm about a 5...I read the news but not often. I can't handle the stress. I tend to put issues in my own hands and yank it out of God's hands. I've blogged about this before so I won't bore you with the sermon!

7. What are your final parting words to the month of July?

Bye bye July...Too HOT...WAY too HOT...next year...more rain, please! Okay...K!?

8. Insert your own random thought here. Another good one...

Fit for a King!

2011-08-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Our table looked so cute...I just had to take a picture!

One days worth of baby tomatoes...well, at least the ones I rescued from my little tomato sharks!

Today's lunch...the first BIG red tomato..WOW! I'd feed it to a King. Well, only if he liked tomatoes!

Call me Ishmael...er, CORNY!

2011-08-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Or maybe call me "Industrious Housewife of the Year"...or "slightly loony!"

OR..."very tired and sore."

Yes, it's true...after my fabulously corny experience last year...and the delicious corn we gobbled up by early January...I decided to make not double...

...not triple...

...but FOUR times the amount I froze last year.

I'm nuts! It's official!

After talking Loverbrains into shucking all 20-odd dozen ears...and stacking them on my kitchen table...And after drinking my second cup of coffee and talking my darling daughter into helping her MomE...

...We started the assembly line! She did help...pulled the corn for the ice bath to drain/dry...

...scooped corn into freezer baggies...for almost a full half hour! Tee hee! Oh well...

There are questions as to how much she "helps" me anyway at this point. She WILL be a big help someday...I'm sure.

So, they both roared around and I listened to praise songs...LOUDLY!

What a blessing...a huge blessing...tears down my cheeks so I had to stop chopping kind of blessing...

"Oh, I am not redeemed by corruptible things--Not by silver, not by gold--And not by aimless tradition--But by the blood of God's sacred Son, Jesus---Oh You alone my living hope--And my inheritance is Incorruptible---
Incomparable---Inconceivable----Your plans for me---Shall always be---And for the day that You're revealed---My heart is forever sealed---With the promise of mercy---And the hope of all your glory!!" ~Watermark, 1 Peter 1:18-20; 23-25

Sunday, it was proposed that FORGIVENESS is one of the most important words to understand. We were asked to guess which word was so important. Grace, Love, Praise, Glory...were all suggestions made...and it was a bit like a sucker punch to hear FORGIVENESS...wow, how come we didn't think of that one? Our Pastor's on a well deserved vacation...so his Dad (sort of our pastor emeritus) spoke to us.

He reminded us that FORGIVENESS is a universal need...Rom 3:23, Jn. 3:36, Jn. 3:18...all things that I knew but probably take for granted...but what really spoke to me was his question...

How do people know your sins are forgiven? 2 Cor. 5:17...You should act like a new creature. His point on this surprised me too...He told a story from his youth...and said, "You can TRY to fake this...but change must be inside and out. A real change! AMEN!! He encouraged us not to be careless in how we live each day.

As I put away my 24 1/2 qts of corn....I heard...

"The more I know Your power, Lord/ The more I'm mindful/ How casually we speak and sing Your name/ How often we have come to You/ With no fear or wonder/ And called upon You only for what we stand to gain/ God forbid, that I find You so familiar/ That I think of You as less than who You are/ God forbid, that I should speak of You at all/ Without a humble reverence in my heart/ God forbid..." Point of Grace, 1996

So, of all the things you MIGHT call me today...Call me BLESSED...Call me CONVICTED!!!

Shrewdly Smart Saturday...with Starbucks!

2011-07-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

I've been holding onto this idea from a bit o'shine for years now! My Emmer-bean is a gift giving kind of gal...and wants to give her teacher a pretty gift at her approaching Kindergarten open house. I had two of these delightful Starbucks Frappuccino bottles. No, they aren't endorsing this blog in anyway....bummer!

I depended on my faithful Sharpie (also not paying me) and my teacher cursive for my labels. I wanted one to be a toothbrush holder...so I wrote "pearly whites"...the other for her teacher says "teach love"...

I'll admit the gluing got a bit...er, sticky...at times. Around the tag it is best to pre-measure and pre-cut those pieces...or you'll end up a gluey mess. Trust me on this, okay?

Too cute...on our way upstairs to put it in the master bath. I ended up pouring rice in the bottom to hold the brushed up a bit higher and more stable.

Now isn't that a shrewd use of empty Starbucks bottles? Smart too!!

I love Shrewdly Smart Saturdays...don't you?

Now, I need to figure out the flowers part. Should I make some that live forever like a bit o'shine's or put fresh Black-eyed Susans from the garden in it to take to the teacher? Any opinions??

Embrace the Camera: Refocus...

2011-07-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

In downloading the 200 odd pictures from our vacation, I realized that I'm in only two of them. TWO. While I'd like to say that it's because I'm humble and don't like having my picture taken, the truth is that I'm just generally too busy taking pictures of everyone and everything else.

There's a part of me that's nervous to embrace the camera too tightly. I know the potential of my vanity and pride. I already worry that there are too many pictures of me on my blog right now. I don't want people to be thinking that I think life is all about me.

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." 1 Tim. 1:17

I've been thinking about these things a lot...because my "few and faithful" are increasing in number almost daily. I'm not sure why and it does makes me tickled and happy. But, I don't want to change to please a crowd...I want to be focused on pleasing my audience of ONE. As my header proclaims my goal needs to be..."Therefore also we have as our ambition...to be pleasing to the Lord." 2 Cor. 5:9

So, today is a refocus...whether behind the camera or in front of it...

Hodgepodge Frogs

2011-07-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

1. July is National Ice Cream month...your favorite flavor? Soft served, hand dipped, or frozen yogurt...which do you prefer? And technically yogurt is not ice cream but its hot outside so I'll let that slide for today.

I love Butter Pecan...but don't eat it often because Loverbrains does not. Pint sized, anyone??

2. When you travel do you tend to pack too much or too little?

Just right? I guess if I tend one way it'd be towards too little. I find that you really just don't need that much when it comes down to it.

3. What's your favorite cleaning product?

Vinegar...I use it on my floors with tea tree oil...and it can make sinks look NEW. I also use it in my laundry rinse cycle. And, NO...my house and family do not smell like pickles...at all.

4. Which is the greater tragedy-an innocent person imprisoned or a guilty person set free? Explain.

I think a guilty person set free. It affects all of society negatively. I'm not pro the incarceration of the innocent but it wouldn't hurt our justice system to err on the side of caution. It's disgusting...justice my foot...humph!

5. What's the longest trip you've taken by car?

Probably NY to FL when I was a kid. It takes two days. As an adult...IN to NY...with two littles...it's LOOONNNG!

6. Tennis-golf-canoeing-biking...pick one.

Biking.

7. What sound drives you crazy?

Whining children. I have two. Now I'm whining...*gasp* it's catchy!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Loverbrains caught a tiny tree frog for the kids to see....and I got these great pictures!

I want to be more like Jesus!

2011-07-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

As each day passes by,

I feel my love run dry.

I get so weary, worn,

And tossed around in the storm.

Well I'm blind to all his needs,

And I'm tired of planting seeds.

I seem to have a wealth,

Of so many thoughts about myself.

I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus.

I want to, I need to, be more like him.

Our Father's will was done,

By giving us His Son,

Who paid the highest cost,

To point us to the cross.

And when I think of him,

Taking on the whole world's sin,

I take one look at me,

Compared to what I'm called to be.

I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus.

I want to, I need to, be more like him.

Remember, there's no greater love,

Then to lay down your life for a friend.

The end of all my prayers,

Is to care like my Lord cares.

My one and only goal,

His image in my soul.

Yes my weakness is revealed,

When by his stripes I'm healed.

He's faithful and he's true,

To complete the work he begins in you.

I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus.

I want to, I need to, be more like him.

I'm not really HOME...yet.

2011-07-25T04:27:00.000-07:00

"Heaven is not here, it's There. If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next. God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to Himself and His still invisible Kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keenly long for."

~Elisabeth Elliot

Although I was vastly enjoying God's creation during this recent vacation....I was also churning and worrying about the threat of Horizontal Fracking on this beautiful place that I've loved for so long. Several neighboring states have destroyed their watersheds and beauty...and I shudder and allow my mind to freak out about that possibility for my place.

But, then I read EE's words above...and I'm also reminded of..."Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys [nor fracking pollutes] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:33-34

Funny, I just said to a friend of mine..."God always seems to bring me back to His attributes and character." He NEVER changes...He's ALWAYS in control. He's ALL-POWERFUL (He can keep it from happening or allow it)...He's ALL-KNOWING (He knows the politics of it all...and He knows my emotions about it all)...

And...although the beauty can be mesmerizing...It's NOT heaven.

Sunday I was reminded of that song...

This world is not my home I'm just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world anymore

"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Sunday's really juicy tidbit was..."There is only true peace when you know Jehovah Shalom" based on Judges 6. This is shown by our faith, true obedience and it's influence on those around us. How will the world know I'm different if I panic and run in circles with the rest of them?

There IS hope...and it's in JESUS CHRIST...alone!

I'm back!

2011-07-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have bunches of pictures and funtimes to share...AND a fridge to restock, luggage to unpack and a little girl to register for Kindergarten. But here's a great family shot...and some important advice via video...

Our family at Lake Chautauqua on our way to Upstate NY!

It is important to have the Little Wigglers get out for a wiggle every now and then! Hopefully, they don't fall on their faces...Don't worry...he was fine! Nice soft ~~face full of~~ grass!

I'm on blogcation!

2011-07-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

Harry Hodgeity Podgity!

2011-07-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

1. How has your hometown changed since you were a kid? What has changed most about the neighborhood you grew up in?

Although I spent most of my childhood in Upstate NY...I don't really consider any town my hometown. I tried to answer this...but kept deleting. I wonder if other Pastor's kids...who move in high school...feel the same way?

2. What song makes you laugh?

3. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Read the books? Seen any/all of the movies? Will you be standing in line somewhere close to midnight later this week? For those of you playing along today who live outside the US or UK is Harry Potter a phenomenon in your part of the world?

I really enjoy Harry Potter but live in the world of many unamused and over-reacting christians. It's FICTION...just be sure your kid can understand what FICTION means...and discuss the ins and outs of that and all the other details of the books. Incidentally, that's something you should with ALL books. I have never watched the movies...I generally do NOT watch the movies based on favorite books. They just frustrate me in their inability to do books justice.

4. If the truth hurts, will you tell a lie? Are we better off as a society in a world that allows no form of deception whatsoever?

I think...Ephesians 4 (GOD) has it right, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ"...He's talking about the body of Christ working well together in unity ...I'm not saying it's always easy...but honesty IS always the best policy. A world without sin...um, heaven?!

5. What is your favorite 'sauteed in garlic and butter' food? Or garlic and olive oil if that makes you feel better.

Mushrooms are the first thing that came to mind. Fresh ones, of course.

6. Attending any reunions this summer/year? High school? family? Other? Do these events stir up excitement or dread?

Nope-ity, nope...just an approaching vacation that we are ALL more than ready to enjoy.

7. Lilac, hydrangea, peony...pick one.

Unfair...pick ONE, she says. Grrr...okay...Peony! I have a long line of the lovely bushes along one side of my house. I call them the poor man's rose. A bit scraggeldy around the edges but BOY, do they smell sweet.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I was struck this week that A LOT of the things I find myself currently doing...are like AMUSEMENT PARKS. I think they'll be fun...and exciting...but in reality I find myself hot, grouchy, and telling myself that I will NEVER do it again. Until next year.

Do you see what I see??

2011-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

WIW: Scruffy Update!!

2011-07-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read"

-Groucho Marx

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as much as the dog does."

-Christopher Morley

"The more people I meet the more I like my dog"

-Unknown

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear."

-Dave Barry

Five Minute Friday: Grateful...

2011-07-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Want to take five minutes with me and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. Here’s how we do it:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing. 2. Link back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my right side bar} 3. Go and tell the person who linked up before you what their words meant to you. Every writer longs to feel heard.

OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes for the prompt:

GRATEFUL:

GO.

Do you know that hymn? Great is Thy Faithfulness....Oh God, my Father. There is no shadow of turning in Thee. Thou changest NOT...Thy compassions they fail not...As Thou has been, Thou FOREVER wilt be!

I'm GRATEFUL for a God that doesn't change. Who's always full of compassion. Especially, when I see how crabby I'm feeling about other people being crabby to me. Ironic, I know. But, I've said it before and I'll say it again. Women are moody. I don't do well in large (or small) groups of them. Ugh.

I can't tell if I'm coming or going with people...BUT thankfully, my God...He is faithful...the same...unchanging.

I'm so Grateful.

It's funny, focusing on God's PERFECT attributes really helps me leave the uglies behind. I see how it's supposed to be done...and hopefully I change course for the day with a better attitude.

A Grateful one.

STOP.

Heroines of the Faith...

2011-07-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

As a young, Christian wife and mother, I long to be inspired and encouraged by those Godly women around me. Some in real life...some via book or blog.

I recently purchased Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot. I've long been inspired by her life story. If I were ever put in even a remotely similar situation, I hope I would behave as she did...to the glory of God. I guess, I'd consider her a heroine of the faith. Someone who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, displayed courage and the will for self sacrifice....for the greater good. God's good and glory.

I notice that E.E. quotes Amy Carmichael quite often. She is another of my heroines of the faith. She wrote, "Missionary life is simply a chance to die."

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Now, I started this post with the intention to share some good literature around the blogosphere. But, as is often the case, I've had an epiphany along the way. I've realized that what makes these WELL KNOWN women so inspiring is that they were ordinary in themselves...but due to their willingness and obedience God was able to use them for great things. He was glorified through their lives.

And it hit me...when I first heard of Amy Carmichael...it was through another of my heroines of the faith. Someone most of you have never heard of...another ordinary (extraordinary) woman. A simple, godly lady that took each day as a "chance to die."

When I was a little girl, Geraldine Iversen did the most special VBS Bible story time ever. She had beautiful sketched story boards...and would tell the story of Amy Carmichael, who as a little girl was very disappointed that God hadn't answered her prayer request for blue eyes. She was stuck with brown eyes.

As she told the story of Amy's call to India, Mrs. Iversen would mix a coffee/brown solution...and proceed to paint her face and arms....just like Amy Carmichael had done. It was fascinating. She never broke the story as she painted...and I don't recall anyone interrupting to ask what she was doing.

She CLEARLY taught me about trusting God's BIG plans for our lives. Sometimes we might not understand the whys (even greater than why we have brown eyes) but God knows what He wants for our lives. Amy couldn't have been used to rescue orphan temple slaves if her eyes had been turned blue...God gave her brown eyes on purpose. He knew from the very beginning what lay in store for her life.

Someday, I hope that I can be counted by God as one of His heroines of the faith. All three of these women...whether well known or unknown...would tell you that it wasn't through their own goodness that they were ever used. They were simply willing and obedient. They knew the power was in GOD and not them.

Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow,

Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea,

What matter beating wind and tossing billow

If only we are in the boat with Thee?

Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute

While Thou art silent, and the wind is shrill:

Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?

Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?

Amy Carmichael Toward Jerusalem

WFW: What kind of flower are you??

2011-07-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

I've been missing Word FILLED Wednesday...at least for today, I thought I'd use my recent photo of my pink coneflowers and stop in for a visit.

I started researching verses dealing with flowers... it was a good mini Bible study. Every time flowers are mentioned it's a reminder of the brevity of life. Life is SHORT...fleeting...minute by minute...second by ticking second...

"Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain."

Job 14:2

For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,"

1 Peter 1:24

I might be a fine, pert little flower...or even already drooping in areas...but am I pleasing God with my life? Today? Tomorrow?? I'm fading fast...am I glorifying Him in how I act? Am I sending up a sweet smell??

The other verses I found about flowers deal with the brevity of life but from the slant that we don't need to worry. God will meet my needs. This is a point I need to make...He will NOT be needing my help. Really, really! His way is best every.single.time!!

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin."

Matthew 6:28

Hope these Scriptures stick in your minds as you look at your own pretty flowers!!

Internet Cafe Devotions

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

2011-06-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

~capturing the context of contentment in everyday life~
{pretty}

My coneflowers have just started blooming!

{happy}

I took a great picture of "cave bacon" on my halfversary with Loverbrains!

{funny}

Listening to the Sweet Boobahs squeal with joy in their icy pool water!

{real}

Doubly real...My pine tree is dead...sadness...AND, I can't get this picture loaded straight on blogger. Grrr!

Patriotic Hodgepodge

2011-06-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Notice DadE holding on to Lubby's hood...just in case he decided to dart out into the road!

1. What makes you stand to your feet and cheer?
A parade...a few years ago we taught the kids to stand and salute (cross their hearts) when they saw the American flag. Emma said, "It's the one with all the stars and stripes." I thought that many flags have stars and stripes...but ours is stars and stripes FOREVER!!

2. What's your favorite patriotic song?

God Bless America!

3. Do you believe that opposites attract? If you have a significant other are you opposites?

Yes, most definitely...My Loverbrains and I are certain proof. We have often mentioned that if we'd met in high school we'd have hated each other. I was the intense, dramatic Advanced English, bubbly extrovert. And he was the intense, reserved, Advanced Math and Sciences introvert. We still are those things...but somehow it now works. We've each mellowed a bit too. That helps. Okay, I'VE mellowed. LOL!

4. You're going to get a behind the scenes look someplace...where would you like that someplace to be?

The Olympics? That's a harder question than it at first appears.

5. How far would you have to travel to ride a carousel (merry-go-round)?

There's one at the children's museum downtown...about 20 minutes?

6. When was the last time you saw fireworks? What was the occasion? Do you enjoy fireworks?

Since having little children...we usually see them from the high way as we travel home from our fourth festivities. I'm in a bad mood about all things fireworks because the rednecks around here think it's jolly good fun to set them off for weeks prior (and no doubt after) the big day. All hours of the day and night. I am a much lighter sleeper than I ever realized. GRRRR!

7. Of all the 'beauty products' you own, what item do you consider to be the most overpriced?

Eyeliner...what is it made of...gold??

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Thanks for all your sweetness last week regarding Caleb's smashed finger. He's doing much better. The nail is bright purple...and he's annoyed that it has to stay taped to it's neighbor...but other than that he's fine. Praise the Lord!!

Stigma & Soli Deo Gloria

2011-06-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

I am a homemaker. I joke about being a Domestic Engineer. I am NOT unemployed.

Last week, when my sweet baby boy hurt his finger, I took him to immediate care. One of the first questions they ask you is where you work. FYI, they ask whether you carry the insurance or not. Why do they need this information? I said that I was a homemaker. A few HOURS later when I was asked to sign for my minor child, I read that it said I was UNEMPLOYED. At that point I was too emotionally drained to take it on...but now that I've churned on it for a week...I have stuff to say.

I am not unlike many other Mom's. I greatly struggled (and still occasionally do struggle) with the way society treats Mom's who stay at home. Notice, you won't hear me say that I'm a SAHM...because it feels like a put down to me. I've heard many people question whether there even is a negative societal attitude towards homemakers. I believe that my experience is proof.

Saying that I'm unemployed denotes several things. It suggests that I do not WORK...and that I am LAZY. I'd just like to see them keep up with my kids and my family. I earn my sleep at night, ya'll. It also suggests that whoever is storing this data does not value "the home"...and the making of those homes to society as a whole. And that's sadly the truth about the world. They see no value in what I do...therefore, I am as a good as unemployed to them.

I may not earn a paycheck...but I'm storing up lots of treasures in heaven. If anything...stewing on this a bit has encouraged me to be the BEST Domestic Engineer, MomE, wife, homemaker, SAHM out there. I want to be sure to build up others like me...who are doing their best...and going uncounted. I know it can be a depressing stigma...but...

Don't worry...God knows our hearts...He knows what we do in secret...even if the world says we are IDLE and NOT BEING USED.

He is using me...for GREAT things. How about you?

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

WIW: Cave Bacon and others...

2011-06-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior.
~ Sir Francis Bacon
This makes me think of Proverbs 17:9,"Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends." and Proverbs 19:11, "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense."

"Better beans and bacon in peace, than ale and cakes in fear" ~Aesop
And if that doesn't sound like Proverbs 17:1, I don't know what does..."Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife."

Wish us a happy...

2011-06-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

...half-versary. We are super excited to be leaving the Sweet Boobahs for a few nights while we go off alone! Our December wedding was beautiful but not practical for anniversary celebrating.

I hope to take pictures...we are planning to investigate some caves and go canoeing. They said not to bring a camera but I'm not planning to tip over, so all should be well! Hehehe!

Sunshine and Summertime Hodgepodge

2011-06-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

1. Summer's here-whoohoo! What's your favorite sight, sound, AND smell associated with summer?

The sight of the lush GREEN everywhere....so nice!! The sound of children scooping sand and splashing water...nicely, of course. The smell of sunscreen and happy, sweaty babes during storytime.

2. Fireflies or lightning bugs...what are they called in your neck of the woods?

Fireflies...but I think I called them lightning bugs when I was little and caught them in a jar.

3. What is something from the past week that reminded you of your childhood?

I got out an "old" Bible that I hadn't used in a while...and found feathers and four leaf clovers inside. My grandma started me collected those things...and putting my treasures in my Bible...which is full of info. on eternal treasures. It was fun to reminisce.

4. Define 'the good life'.

When this term is used I think it's usually a slam on the person. They are either living outside of their means or irresponsible or insensitive to the feelings of those around him. I know it's not always that way...but that's what I thought of first.

5. Tell us what we'd see if you took a snapshot of your desk/work space?

My desk is non-existant...I generally write on the screen porch table or my lap...which is usually nestled among a current book I'm reading, a can of coke/ice coffee and my cell phone.

6. Peaches or watermelon...yes, you have to choose.

Peaches...hands down. The more I try it the more I think I just don't like watermelon. It's a texture thang. Peaches...oooo...yummm...drip off your chin goodness.

7. Ever been skinny dippin'? Is that too much for the Wednesday Hodgepodge? Rest assured we won't need details...unless of course you feel you must but remember, this is a family friendly blog so keep it G rated.

Nope...not sharin.'

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My baby boy smashed his finger in the church doors yesterday when I was there preparing for VBS. I usually handle crisis pretty well...but will admit when I saw it's smashed mess I went white and scared. I was grateful that our Pastor was there and took over until I got a grip. It's broken and taped to it's neighbor until tomorrow when we see the orthopedic doctor. Poor baby! Poor MomE...I was keyed up all night...couldn't get to sleep and when I finally did drift off he rolled onto his hand and cried out. He was hurting and confused, "Mom...something is WRONG with my hand!" Poor kid!!

Week In Words: Ouch...too deep...

2011-06-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

...Sometimes I hold onto these quotes thinking I'll write a post with them...but there are some that are just painful and too deep to explain their effects on the heart.

How shalt thou bear the cross that now

So dread a weight appears?

Keep quietly to God, and think

Upon the Eternal Years.

~E.W. Faber

"I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare…If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us,… they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditures excludes them." ~CS Lewis

In regards to John 21:18-22..."So I was refreshed by Jesus’ blunt word to me (and you): “What is that to you? You follow me!” Peter had just heard a very hard word. You will die—painfully. His first thought was comparison. What about John? If I have to suffer, will he have to suffer? If my ministry ends like that, will his end like that? If I don’t get to live a long life of fruitful ministry, will he get to?

That’s the way we sinners are wired. Compare. Compare. Compare. We crave to know how we stack up in comparison to others. There is some kind of high if we can just find someone less effective than we are. Ouch. To this day, I recall the little note posted by my Resident Assistant in Elliot Hall my senior year at Wheaton: “To love is to stop comparing.” What is that to you, Piper? Follow me."

~John Piper, Desiring God.org

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

2011-06-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

{pretty}

I didn't notice the bug until I was loading the pictures. What a fun surprise!

{happy}

A beautiful old copy of The Giving Tree...found on a fabulous date night with my Loverbrains!

{funny}

It's almost naptime...hehehe!

{real}

My herbs are dying so I moved them to the end of the garden bed...and my HUGE tomatoes are now wired up in a doubled tomato cage. I'm not sure they'll stay up in the next thunderstorm...I sure hope the BIG tomatoes are worth it.