Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Friday, June 15, 2012
Consider it pure joy
“Consider is pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” –James 1:2-4
Pure joy amidst my trials? Surely God is joking, right? I mean, it’s human nature to sulk and throw a pity party when things aren’t going well. It’s all too easy to get into a slump and be depressed when life throws up and bad things happen. I’ve cried the ugly cry and screamed the blood curdling scream when things just didn’t make sense; when my reality didn’t fit with the life I was accustomed to. How could I have considered it pure joy?
My faith had been weak and I was thrust into a position I wasn’t prepared to handle. I fought tooth and nail to hang on to a reality that no longer existed and at the same time, growing in my faith and trusting that God would hold me and see me through. And see me through is exactly what He did! In my weak faith, I couldn’t see the joy that God was working in my life. As my faith grew through the process of these trials, God showed me how to look for the joy. The joy comes in knowing that through the trials, God is teaching me, pruning me, shaping me to be the woman He wants me to be and I’ll never be the same.
Two years later and God is still teaching me to look for the joy and is showing me how he works all things for good. I had been contemplating purchasing a new car in order to accommodate my growing family. 6 of us just don’t fit in a 5 seater car and in order for us to all go out, we have to take 2 vehicles. However, I just couldn’t justify the added expense of a car payment, especially when my car was paid for. I kept the thought in the back of my mind and rolled it around from time to time. Even more so were these thoughts of a new car brought to mind when I took it in for an oil change and the mechanic told me it was having engine problems. Still, I just couldn’t bring myself to start looking.
As June approached and the anniversary of when life threw up started to near, anxiety started to creep in and vacation in my heart. I prayed this year wouldn’t be as intense as the previous year, but the memories continued to flood the forefront of my mind. The morning of said anniversary, which also happened to be a Tuesday (I hate Tuesdays), I got into my car to start my day and the engine would not turn over. 10 minutes of frustration, panic, and “OH MY GAWD! WHAT DO I DO” running through my mind and I gave up. I sent the boys back inside, called in sick, and prayed. Even though I had been contemplating a new car I still didn’t want to admit defeat. As I sat there praying and my mind wondering, I remembered the date. It was the day that, 2 years prior, life had thrown up. The day the whole process of learning to consider these trials joy had begun. It had come full circle, just as God had planned. He answered my prayer by giving me a day to relax and enjoy my family while giving me the go ahead to purchase the vehicle my family needs.
God is good – all the time!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The difference in randomition
Today’s random post is different then the normal randomonium in that my regular random posts have no rhyme or reason to them. I just sit down and write whatever comes to mind. Today’s random post is due to several things on my mind that could probably fill 2 or 3 posts, but I’m too lazy to write that much. Either that or when I write more then one post a day, my comments suffer for it. *Yes, I’m a comment whore. I freely admit it. kthanksbye
First on today’s agenda: Bloggy Boot Camp – and my confession to being a social retard.
I blame my brother, my elementary school, the bullies who picked on me; pretty much anything to shift the blame off myself for my social awkwardness. Yes, I know I’m a grown up now, and the vices that held me down are gone, but those fears of rejection still hold me in their tight grips. All I wanted was to be accepted, have a group of friends to call my own, a posse. But that was hard when you had a brother 1 year older then you who spent his time terrorizing teachers, drinking behind the band room and smoking in the bathroom. His reputation for being horrid and weird passed on to me and I was too much of an introvert to do anything about it. They called me names, threw rocks at me and destroyed my property. I had one saving grace in elementary school and that was my friend Ginger. She didn’t care that I was unpopular and she didn’t let what the other kids say get to her. She was unpopular by association, but she still remained my friend.
I guess, I’ve let my past fears grow with me and my natural introvertedness (is that a word? MS Word says it’s not) has stayed with me. This is not a good combination when you’re thrown into a social setting of (mostly) perfect strangers. It’s not so bad when that social setting is online. I have my computer screen to hide behind. My thoughts come out exactly as I want them to. There’s no awkward silence when you’ve said something dumb (that happens a lot, just warning the BBC girls now); but face to face? Where people can hear my voice, see my face and my expressions?! They get to know the real me behind all the insanity that is this blog. I’m terrified.
But it’s time I put my big girl panties on; and if the BBC girls don’t like me or my weirdness, then that’s ok. I’m stepping out of my fear. I’m no longer going to let the past decide my future. God has me in the palm of his hand and He says ‘Fear Not’ 365 times.
Second on today’s agenda: Gary – and an official diagnosis
We’ve struggled the past couple years with Gary and school. This year has been especially hard, and I think each year will get progressively harder (I’m fairly certain that’s how school works, but I can’t be sure). Gary is a very disorganized kid. In second grade his teacher took everything out of his desk and made him use a bucket until he could keep the bucket organized. When his bucket got out of control, she moved his stuff to a shelf in the class room. All his school work remained on the shelf until the end of the school year. Organization is not his strong suit.
Neither is getting school work done. It’s not that he’s having difficulties learning. When you ask him a question about what was taught, he’ll not only give you the answer, but he’ll give you all the additional information that is not required to know. This kid is smart! But he’s not very good at putting it down on paper. He goes off into his own little world when he’s made to sit still and do paperwork. At the end of any given week, he’ll be sent home with 6-10 class room assignments that were due on Friday. But because he didn’t get them done, they are sent home to do over the weekend. Then I stand over him with “whip and chain” just to make sure he gets them done and even then I’ll go over them and there’ll be answers left blank.
These issues with school have led us to a child psychologist. He gave me a booklet with 300+ questions and a ‘bubble test’ for lack of a better word. The next session included playing games with Gary that had him following directions and demonstrate patience. The official diagnosis is ADHD. That is not what I wanted to hear, but it is what we suspected. He said it wasn’t so severe that he recommended medication, but he gave us some idea’s to use with him to help change some of the behavior issues we’re having. I think just having the diagnosis is a weight off my shoulders. We know what we’re dealing with and we can help him in a way that best suits him. There are many different options to look and pray through; but at the end of the day he’s still my sweet boy.
***
Last on my agenda: John – and the fact that he’s a monster.
He’s the cutest, wildest, funniest little monster in the whole wide world.
First on today’s agenda: Bloggy Boot Camp – and my confession to being a social retard.
I blame my brother, my elementary school, the bullies who picked on me; pretty much anything to shift the blame off myself for my social awkwardness. Yes, I know I’m a grown up now, and the vices that held me down are gone, but those fears of rejection still hold me in their tight grips. All I wanted was to be accepted, have a group of friends to call my own, a posse. But that was hard when you had a brother 1 year older then you who spent his time terrorizing teachers, drinking behind the band room and smoking in the bathroom. His reputation for being horrid and weird passed on to me and I was too much of an introvert to do anything about it. They called me names, threw rocks at me and destroyed my property. I had one saving grace in elementary school and that was my friend Ginger. She didn’t care that I was unpopular and she didn’t let what the other kids say get to her. She was unpopular by association, but she still remained my friend.
I guess, I’ve let my past fears grow with me and my natural introvertedness (is that a word? MS Word says it’s not) has stayed with me. This is not a good combination when you’re thrown into a social setting of (mostly) perfect strangers. It’s not so bad when that social setting is online. I have my computer screen to hide behind. My thoughts come out exactly as I want them to. There’s no awkward silence when you’ve said something dumb (that happens a lot, just warning the BBC girls now); but face to face? Where people can hear my voice, see my face and my expressions?! They get to know the real me behind all the insanity that is this blog. I’m terrified.
But it’s time I put my big girl panties on; and if the BBC girls don’t like me or my weirdness, then that’s ok. I’m stepping out of my fear. I’m no longer going to let the past decide my future. God has me in the palm of his hand and He says ‘Fear Not’ 365 times.
***
We’ve struggled the past couple years with Gary and school. This year has been especially hard, and I think each year will get progressively harder (I’m fairly certain that’s how school works, but I can’t be sure). Gary is a very disorganized kid. In second grade his teacher took everything out of his desk and made him use a bucket until he could keep the bucket organized. When his bucket got out of control, she moved his stuff to a shelf in the class room. All his school work remained on the shelf until the end of the school year. Organization is not his strong suit.
Neither is getting school work done. It’s not that he’s having difficulties learning. When you ask him a question about what was taught, he’ll not only give you the answer, but he’ll give you all the additional information that is not required to know. This kid is smart! But he’s not very good at putting it down on paper. He goes off into his own little world when he’s made to sit still and do paperwork. At the end of any given week, he’ll be sent home with 6-10 class room assignments that were due on Friday. But because he didn’t get them done, they are sent home to do over the weekend. Then I stand over him with “whip and chain” just to make sure he gets them done and even then I’ll go over them and there’ll be answers left blank.
These issues with school have led us to a child psychologist. He gave me a booklet with 300+ questions and a ‘bubble test’ for lack of a better word. The next session included playing games with Gary that had him following directions and demonstrate patience. The official diagnosis is ADHD. That is not what I wanted to hear, but it is what we suspected. He said it wasn’t so severe that he recommended medication, but he gave us some idea’s to use with him to help change some of the behavior issues we’re having. I think just having the diagnosis is a weight off my shoulders. We know what we’re dealing with and we can help him in a way that best suits him. There are many different options to look and pray through; but at the end of the day he’s still my sweet boy.
***
Last on my agenda: John – and the fact that he’s a monster.
He’s the cutest, wildest, funniest little monster in the whole wide world.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Truth VS Lies
Wednesday night bible study – oh how I’ve missed you so. Until last night, we haven’t met since before Christmas; and really, that’s just too long. Yes, I realize I had the opportunity to meet you last week and I have a slew of excuses for you as to why I couldn’t make it but none of them are very good. So let’s just skip the part where I missed last week and celebrate my return to Wednesday night bible study.
I’ll be honest, last night’s study was hard on me. I was convicted and I hate that because I rarely follow up on my convictions; but I think this one is different. Different because this conviction came with a realization that I need to change some things. Not that I’m doing anything bad, just that I’m not living what I believe. Or maybe I’m not really believing what I live. Either way, I need to start believing what God says and my life need to show the reflection of God’s truths. And I’ve figured out the secret to getting there. Wanna know what it is? Come here and I’ll tell you.
It’s the bible!
Wait, let me say that again.
It’s the Bible!
There, now I know you heard me! Now I’ll wait for your ears to stop ringing before I continue.
Are you better now? So what’s all this got to do with Truth VS Lies? Our Wednesday night bible study is doing The Truth Project by Focus on the Family. {hi Lori}
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
The world is full of lies, both subtle and obvious. The world tells us in so many different ways that there is no God and everything that exists can fit inside this nice sized box. Even spirituality fits in this boxed worldview.
I got to thinking about this scripture verse and how our human tradition and the basic principles of this world deceive us. In class they talked about the difference between morals and ethics.
Morality: The rightness or wrongness of conduct; that which is. Habits of life or the practices of an individual or culture.
Ethics: The standard, the line, that which ought to be. The principles of conduct governing a person or group of people.
I copied these definitions directly from The Truth Projects website and take no credit for them. I don’t think I could have come up with a better definition anyway!
The morals of this world are deceiving. Take abortion for example. People in this world try to tell us that abortion is ok and with the increasing popularity of abortion, other’s are coming to accept this as the norm. The morals of this world are saying this is how it is, but ethically, should it be this way? These are the lies the world keeps telling us.
Does God exist? We only have to look around us to know that He does. Creation itself is proof that God exists and then he gave us a book! He gave us His own word so that we can know Him. God didn’t create the 10 commandments so that he could observe us from afar and see if we follow them. He created them because they are an extension of who He is. He tells us not to lie because He himself does not lie.
What I really took from last night’s study was this:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
For so long I’ve been asking God to change my heart. My heart is sarcastic and hurtful a lot of the time and it’s not something I’m proud of. It’s just who I am. I’ve gotten to a point of acceptance with that (there’s the morals) but I know deep down it’s not right (the ethics). So I’ve been asking God to change my heart. What hit me last night is that I can’t change my heart, but I can change my mind. I can renew my mind to be more Christ like, but that kind of renewal requires knowledge. Who is Christ? I can only know that by reading my bible. Something I have not been very good about. Then take it one step further and believe what I’m reading is true. Then God can work on my heart.
I’ll be honest, last night’s study was hard on me. I was convicted and I hate that because I rarely follow up on my convictions; but I think this one is different. Different because this conviction came with a realization that I need to change some things. Not that I’m doing anything bad, just that I’m not living what I believe. Or maybe I’m not really believing what I live. Either way, I need to start believing what God says and my life need to show the reflection of God’s truths. And I’ve figured out the secret to getting there. Wanna know what it is? Come here and I’ll tell you.
It’s the bible!
Wait, let me say that again.
It’s the Bible!
There, now I know you heard me! Now I’ll wait for your ears to stop ringing before I continue.
Are you better now? So what’s all this got to do with Truth VS Lies? Our Wednesday night bible study is doing The Truth Project by Focus on the Family. {hi Lori}
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:8
The world is full of lies, both subtle and obvious. The world tells us in so many different ways that there is no God and everything that exists can fit inside this nice sized box. Even spirituality fits in this boxed worldview.
I got to thinking about this scripture verse and how our human tradition and the basic principles of this world deceive us. In class they talked about the difference between morals and ethics.
Morality: The rightness or wrongness of conduct; that which is. Habits of life or the practices of an individual or culture.
Ethics: The standard, the line, that which ought to be. The principles of conduct governing a person or group of people.
I copied these definitions directly from The Truth Projects website and take no credit for them. I don’t think I could have come up with a better definition anyway!
The morals of this world are deceiving. Take abortion for example. People in this world try to tell us that abortion is ok and with the increasing popularity of abortion, other’s are coming to accept this as the norm. The morals of this world are saying this is how it is, but ethically, should it be this way? These are the lies the world keeps telling us.
Does God exist? We only have to look around us to know that He does. Creation itself is proof that God exists and then he gave us a book! He gave us His own word so that we can know Him. God didn’t create the 10 commandments so that he could observe us from afar and see if we follow them. He created them because they are an extension of who He is. He tells us not to lie because He himself does not lie.
What I really took from last night’s study was this:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Gift
Just before Christmas, I was listening to the radio. Not that that is of any significance because I listen to the radio everyday; but on this particular day the DJ’s asked their audience what their worst gift ever was. I tried to think of all the gifts I had received and my immediate thought went to the chickens; but in all honesty, I wouldn’t say they were a bad gift. Weird, yes; but not bad.
Then I remembered Christmas 2008. James handed me a bright red box with silver snowflakes on them. At first, I was amazed at my husband’s new found ability to wrap gifts; then I realized it wasn’t wrapped. The box itself was the wrapping for the gift. It was such a pretty box, that I held on to it for a while without opening it. Watching the kids tear into their gifts and enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas, and my box. I just wanted to look at the box with its swirling silver snowflakes. It was the best box any gift had ever been put in! James noticed I hadn’t opened my gift yet and prompted me to open it. I reluctantly lifted the lid of the pretty box, and there inside was the second most gorgeous box I had ever seen. The only way to retrieve the second box was to turn the first box upside down. The second box plopped into my lap and there, in all its red glory, sat a smaller version of the red box. More silver snowflakes to delight my eyes! I was giddy with excitement. I didn’t dare go on, I just wanted to enjoy my box. But the boys were watching me by now and giggling, waiting to see the prize inside. I removed the lid from the second box, and Oh.My.Word! I must’ve been dreaming, because inside was yet another red box with those beautiful silver snowflakes. Smaller then the second box, I turned it over and out slid the beautiful box. I placed the second box back into the first box and thought “surely, the gift itself must be quite special to be placed in such beautiful boxes!” I wasn’t even thinking about the boxes now, because I was ready for the gift. Tearing off the lid of the 3rd box, my eye’s peered inside and to my amazement and delight– a 4th box! Same as the other 3 only smaller; I slid this box out of the 3rd box, and quickly removed the lid. Inside was – no, not a box; a bag! A red velvet sack with green drawstrings, much like I imagine Santa Clause himself would use on a much smaller scale. In those 4.8 seconds before opening the bag, I ran through the possibilities of the treasure stored inside the little sack. A diamond ring perhaps? Maybe a pearl necklace? Definitely something valuable, because something this small must be expensive. I opened the little bag and turned it upside down, letting the contents fall into my eagerly waiting hand. There it was; the gift that was wrapped so beautifully, resting in my hand was a lump of coal. As I inspected the bag for the real gift, I noticed white lettering that I had missed before. On the bag was written, “You’ve been naughty”.
I will admit, I wasa little miffed. All those beautiful boxes wasted on THIS? I wanted to cry! James and Gary were both laughing hysterically. They thought this was funny! I’m sure the look on my face was priceless. After the initial shock had worn off, I outwardly laughed with them at the joke they played on me, but inwardly I was still sore. All that expectation really played with my emotions. The Christmas chaos ensued, and James handed me another gift. This was considerably small and plainly wrapped in snowmen wrapping paper. I knew he had wrapped it from the distinctive way only men can wrap! I will still feeling the sting of the joke, so I wasn’t terribly enthusiastic about unwrapping this gift. Tearing the wrapping paper away, inside was a pair of earrings. They were beautiful. Silver dangle cross earrings; but wait, if you look at them just right, they were fish as well. This plainly wrapped gift was the best gift I had received. As I quickly removed the packaging from the earrings and placed them in my ears, I had completely forgotten about the practical joke. All was right with the world again.
As I think back on that Christmas, I can’t help but see a parallel to Jesus. Our expectation is great when we see something pretty or shiny. Something that is pleasing to look at must be spectacular, only to be sorely disappointed by what’s inside. That can be said about things and people alike. A woman can have all the money, the looks, the perfect man, the perfect kids, the perfect house; but without Jesus in her heart she might as well be a lump of coal for satans fire. BUT JESUS – he was plain. He was born to an unwed woman, in a barn, wrapped in sack clothes, and placed in a manger. Yet, he was and is the best gift of all!
Praying you accept the best gift of all today.
Linking up with Rachel and Mr. Daddy for True Story Tuesday. For more true stories, head on over and check them out!
Then I remembered Christmas 2008. James handed me a bright red box with silver snowflakes on them. At first, I was amazed at my husband’s new found ability to wrap gifts; then I realized it wasn’t wrapped. The box itself was the wrapping for the gift. It was such a pretty box, that I held on to it for a while without opening it. Watching the kids tear into their gifts and enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas, and my box. I just wanted to look at the box with its swirling silver snowflakes. It was the best box any gift had ever been put in! James noticed I hadn’t opened my gift yet and prompted me to open it. I reluctantly lifted the lid of the pretty box, and there inside was the second most gorgeous box I had ever seen. The only way to retrieve the second box was to turn the first box upside down. The second box plopped into my lap and there, in all its red glory, sat a smaller version of the red box. More silver snowflakes to delight my eyes! I was giddy with excitement. I didn’t dare go on, I just wanted to enjoy my box. But the boys were watching me by now and giggling, waiting to see the prize inside. I removed the lid from the second box, and Oh.My.Word! I must’ve been dreaming, because inside was yet another red box with those beautiful silver snowflakes. Smaller then the second box, I turned it over and out slid the beautiful box. I placed the second box back into the first box and thought “surely, the gift itself must be quite special to be placed in such beautiful boxes!” I wasn’t even thinking about the boxes now, because I was ready for the gift. Tearing off the lid of the 3rd box, my eye’s peered inside and to my amazement and delight– a 4th box! Same as the other 3 only smaller; I slid this box out of the 3rd box, and quickly removed the lid. Inside was – no, not a box; a bag! A red velvet sack with green drawstrings, much like I imagine Santa Clause himself would use on a much smaller scale. In those 4.8 seconds before opening the bag, I ran through the possibilities of the treasure stored inside the little sack. A diamond ring perhaps? Maybe a pearl necklace? Definitely something valuable, because something this small must be expensive. I opened the little bag and turned it upside down, letting the contents fall into my eagerly waiting hand. There it was; the gift that was wrapped so beautifully, resting in my hand was a lump of coal. As I inspected the bag for the real gift, I noticed white lettering that I had missed before. On the bag was written, “You’ve been naughty”.
I will admit, I was
As I think back on that Christmas, I can’t help but see a parallel to Jesus. Our expectation is great when we see something pretty or shiny. Something that is pleasing to look at must be spectacular, only to be sorely disappointed by what’s inside. That can be said about things and people alike. A woman can have all the money, the looks, the perfect man, the perfect kids, the perfect house; but without Jesus in her heart she might as well be a lump of coal for satans fire. BUT JESUS – he was plain. He was born to an unwed woman, in a barn, wrapped in sack clothes, and placed in a manger. Yet, he was and is the best gift of all!
Praying you accept the best gift of all today.
Linking up with Rachel and Mr. Daddy for True Story Tuesday. For more true stories, head on over and check them out!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
All things Christmas - in a random sort of way
I stare at the glowing green numbers on my alarm clock. It’s 4:06am. As I reach over and turn off the alarm buzzing in my ear, I continue to stare at the numbers until everything surrounding it turns black and all I can see are green numbers. As consciousness replaces the grogginess of sleep from my mind, I’m reminded that today is Christmas Eve.
I roll over on my back and look towards the ceiling of my bedroom and imagine Jesus there watching over me. I smile and once again, thank him for his wonderful Gift. As with previous days leading up to now, I play a game in my mind. One I’ve been playing with Gary on our way to and from the babysitters. I try to imagine what Mary and Joseph were doing right now 2009 years ago.
Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
It is 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem and Joseph didn’t own a car. By donkey, the trip could have taken 8-10 days. I imagine Mary riding on a donkey, 9 months pregnant with our Savior, and by now – on Christmas Eve, she’s probably exhausted and in pain. Looking for a place to stay, Joseph and Mary were turned away because all the inns were full.
At this time on Christmas Eve 2009 years ago, I imagine Mary and Joseph were just pulling into Bethlehem and starting their journey to find a place to rest.
***
On a completely random, but still Christmas side note – as promised, the cookies I made this week.
***
Additional side note and un Christmas related, but baking related (you like how I tie everything together?) - check out what I did to my baking supply shelf.
Before
After
Dear Friends,
I pray this Christmas will bring more then tangible gifts, but that you'll remember the gift from God that he gave us on this day. I pray for your health and happiness as you travel and spend time with loved ones. May God bless you today and always.
In Jesus Name
Amen
I roll over on my back and look towards the ceiling of my bedroom and imagine Jesus there watching over me. I smile and once again, thank him for his wonderful Gift. As with previous days leading up to now, I play a game in my mind. One I’ve been playing with Gary on our way to and from the babysitters. I try to imagine what Mary and Joseph were doing right now 2009 years ago.
Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
It is 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem and Joseph didn’t own a car. By donkey, the trip could have taken 8-10 days. I imagine Mary riding on a donkey, 9 months pregnant with our Savior, and by now – on Christmas Eve, she’s probably exhausted and in pain. Looking for a place to stay, Joseph and Mary were turned away because all the inns were full.
At this time on Christmas Eve 2009 years ago, I imagine Mary and Joseph were just pulling into Bethlehem and starting their journey to find a place to rest.
***
On a completely random, but still Christmas side note – as promised, the cookies I made this week.
Thank you to Amanda for the icing recipe and Bridget for the cookie recipe and both of you on the decorating idea’s!
***
Additional side note and un Christmas related, but baking related (you like how I tie everything together?) - check out what I did to my baking supply shelf.
Before
After
Dear Friends,
I pray this Christmas will bring more then tangible gifts, but that you'll remember the gift from God that he gave us on this day. I pray for your health and happiness as you travel and spend time with loved ones. May God bless you today and always.
In Jesus Name
Amen
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgivings
Thanksgiving -
A day to stop and remember all the things we are thankful for. And here are mine...
Jesus Christ who sacraficed his life so I could have one.
My husband, James, who gives up his un-traditional thanksgiving so that I can have my traditional one.
My son, Gary, who gives lots of hugs and says the most profound things.
My son, John, who likes to help, loves to dance, and play with his monster trucks.
My FIL who makes the yummiest bread cakes, even though he hates them.
Jesus
My mom, who thinks I'm funny.
My husband
My dad, who probably thinks I'm weird.
Jesus
My brother, Stephen, who took pity on us and accepted our invitation to thanksgiving dinner.
My husband
My sister, Rhiannon, who graciously allows uninvited neighbor kids to participate in her sons birthday activities.
Jesus
My brother, David, who never gives up.
My husband
My job, that pays the bills.
Jesus
Hope Church, which keeps me filled with the word.
My husband
All you wonderful bloggers, especially the ones who leave comments. But still thankful even if you don't.
Jesus
Chocolate chip cookies - why not?
My husband
Extension cords, so I can use the electric mixer from the kitchen island.
Jesus
Wal-mart's price matching and coupons so I can save a ton of money without switching to Geico... again.
My husband
Diet Dr. Pepper so can stay as fat as I all ready am without gaining more.
Jesus
Sex. Oops... was that taboo? Did I break a blogger rule? Oh well. I'm thankful for sex.
My husband - see, perfect for the previous entry!
Oh and Jesus. I'm thankful for him too.
A day to stop and remember all the things we are thankful for. And here are mine...
Jesus Christ who sacraficed his life so I could have one.
My husband, James, who gives up his un-traditional thanksgiving so that I can have my traditional one.
My son, Gary, who gives lots of hugs and says the most profound things.
My son, John, who likes to help, loves to dance, and play with his monster trucks.
My FIL who makes the yummiest bread cakes, even though he hates them.
Jesus
My mom, who thinks I'm funny.
My husband
My dad, who probably thinks I'm weird.
Jesus
My brother, Stephen, who took pity on us and accepted our invitation to thanksgiving dinner.
My husband
My sister, Rhiannon, who graciously allows uninvited neighbor kids to participate in her sons birthday activities.
Jesus
My brother, David, who never gives up.
My husband
My job, that pays the bills.
Jesus
Hope Church, which keeps me filled with the word.
My husband
All you wonderful bloggers, especially the ones who leave comments. But still thankful even if you don't.
Jesus
Chocolate chip cookies - why not?
My husband
Extension cords, so I can use the electric mixer from the kitchen island.
Jesus
Wal-mart's price matching and coupons so I can save a ton of money without switching to Geico... again.
My husband
Diet Dr. Pepper so can stay as fat as I all ready am without gaining more.
Jesus
Sex. Oops... was that taboo? Did I break a blogger rule? Oh well. I'm thankful for sex.
My husband - see, perfect for the previous entry!
Oh and Jesus. I'm thankful for him too.
Friday, November 20, 2009
What I learned this week
When my husband puts his mind to it, he can and will make the necessary changes to accomplish his goals.
John does NOT like hydrogen peroxide poured onto his open wound.
Even though he gave himself a rug burn doing it, it will NOT stop John from break dancing!
Pretending to fall out of a little tikes car and landing on my butt will result in a fit of laughter like you wouldn’t believe
It’s very difficult to teach an 8 year old how to play ‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’ on the keyboard.
If I bring a snack with me to pick up Gary from school, he most likely won’t fake feeling ill. Also, 8 year olds can go from doing the chicken dance with a friend to being so ill he can’t do anything in 5 seconds; which is about the time it takes to get from the wall to the car. Oh, and said 8 year olds don’t like it when I say “Oh, that’s too bad” and don’t provide an explanation.
I want to live in Virginia in the fall.
There are too many theologians in the world. As much as I love the diversity of our world, when it comes to the bible I just want to know what the truth is. But ultimately, God knows what he’s doing and I’m going to leave it in his hands. Bible study is studying Roman’s and we were discussing the reason God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. One theology presented in class was that Pharaoh had hardened it first and wasn’t going to repent, so God used that to show his glory. After researching the internet, other theologians have different opinions that also make sense. After all that, I got a headache and decided to leave all that in heaven with God, and came back here to finish writing. Theology is not my thing.
When making Amanda’s icing: 1. double, triple, or more the recipe so I have enough icing. 2. when making the ‘fill’ icing, thin it out a lot. 3. I am not a clean baker. (Okay, I actually didn’t learn that this week because I’ve always been a messy baker. I just wanted to throw that in there.)
Too much stuff to do + too little time = stuff not getting done. It’s simple math ya’ll. Math doesn’t lie.
I love the smell of babies. I know I used to know this, but it’s been 3 years since I’ve had a baby and have forgotten what they smell like. This week, I got to hold 2 of them! They are scrumptious!
God loves me even when I’m unlovable.
John does NOT like hydrogen peroxide poured onto his open wound.
Even though he gave himself a rug burn doing it, it will NOT stop John from break dancing!
Pretending to fall out of a little tikes car and landing on my butt will result in a fit of laughter like you wouldn’t believe
It’s very difficult to teach an 8 year old how to play ‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’ on the keyboard.
If I bring a snack with me to pick up Gary from school, he most likely won’t fake feeling ill. Also, 8 year olds can go from doing the chicken dance with a friend to being so ill he can’t do anything in 5 seconds; which is about the time it takes to get from the wall to the car. Oh, and said 8 year olds don’t like it when I say “Oh, that’s too bad” and don’t provide an explanation.
I want to live in Virginia in the fall.
There are too many theologians in the world. As much as I love the diversity of our world, when it comes to the bible I just want to know what the truth is. But ultimately, God knows what he’s doing and I’m going to leave it in his hands. Bible study is studying Roman’s and we were discussing the reason God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. One theology presented in class was that Pharaoh had hardened it first and wasn’t going to repent, so God used that to show his glory. After researching the internet, other theologians have different opinions that also make sense. After all that, I got a headache and decided to leave all that in heaven with God, and came back here to finish writing. Theology is not my thing.
When making Amanda’s icing: 1. double, triple, or more the recipe so I have enough icing. 2. when making the ‘fill’ icing, thin it out a lot. 3. I am not a clean baker. (Okay, I actually didn’t learn that this week because I’ve always been a messy baker. I just wanted to throw that in there.)
Too much stuff to do + too little time = stuff not getting done. It’s simple math ya’ll. Math doesn’t lie.
I love the smell of babies. I know I used to know this, but it’s been 3 years since I’ve had a baby and have forgotten what they smell like. This week, I got to hold 2 of them! They are scrumptious!
God loves me even when I’m unlovable.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Healing rain
Once again, I find myself staring out the window above my cubical walls. There are 3 large trees in the middle of a lush green patch of grass. The leaves on the trees are just starting to turn yellow and fall to the ground. This will be my first winter in my current location, so it will be interesting to see what the trees will look like when winter really hits.
It’s weird that I’ve never really paid attention to the changing of the leaves before. As I sit here watching the wind sway the branches and blow the leaves off the trees, I’m once again, in awe of God’s artwork. His fingers are his paintbrush and his canvas is the world, and me, and you. He’s crafted everything with his own two hands, right down to the smallest detail; exactly how he wants it. Right down the tiniest leaf on a tree, to the slight crookedness of a smile.
He knows when the leaf has fallen or when the smile has turned to a frown. Like the cold winter months, when the trees remain bare and seem lifeless, life also has its seasons. Seasons of sadness and despair; times when it seems like everything is fuzzy.
Like the cold winter months however, the season passes. Cleansing rain is poured on the earth, removing all remnants of the cold, and refreshes the ground. Colorful arrays of God’s handiwork is displayed everywhere you look. Spring has sprung. As with the season of sadness and despair, it will pass. God will cleanse and refresh the soul, and once again the world will be beautiful.
I am grateful to God who created me exactly how he wanted me, crooked smile and A.D.D. included. And when my smile turns to a frown, I will remember that my spring is right around the corner. For right now though, the healing rain is pouring down!
It’s weird that I’ve never really paid attention to the changing of the leaves before. As I sit here watching the wind sway the branches and blow the leaves off the trees, I’m once again, in awe of God’s artwork. His fingers are his paintbrush and his canvas is the world, and me, and you. He’s crafted everything with his own two hands, right down to the smallest detail; exactly how he wants it. Right down the tiniest leaf on a tree, to the slight crookedness of a smile.
He knows when the leaf has fallen or when the smile has turned to a frown. Like the cold winter months, when the trees remain bare and seem lifeless, life also has its seasons. Seasons of sadness and despair; times when it seems like everything is fuzzy.
Like the cold winter months however, the season passes. Cleansing rain is poured on the earth, removing all remnants of the cold, and refreshes the ground. Colorful arrays of God’s handiwork is displayed everywhere you look. Spring has sprung. As with the season of sadness and despair, it will pass. God will cleanse and refresh the soul, and once again the world will be beautiful.
I am grateful to God who created me exactly how he wanted me, crooked smile and A.D.D. included. And when my smile turns to a frown, I will remember that my spring is right around the corner. For right now though, the healing rain is pouring down!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Back to the 'normal' random musings...
You know, the one written by the overworked, underpayed, under appreciated (by the kids, never by the ogre husband), and stressed out mommy! The randomonium was all started by Mrs. Nurse Boy over at Poop on Jelly. So head on over to her blog too and check her out. She's awesome!
***First thing on my husbands honey-do list this weekend was 'Clean Bathroom'. Ask me if the bathroom got cleaned?
**Answer is: No, of course!
*I really think he waits a really long time until I get too disgusted with it and clean it myself.
_____________
***Only in AZ -
**Is it still flip-flop weather in late October
**Can you watch the kids get off the school bus in all various forms of winter/summer dress. One kid was wearing shorts and short sleeves, one girl was wearing capri pants and short sleeves, some wearing pants and short sleeves, some wearing pants and jackets, and one was wearing shorts and a sweater... hmmm, go figure.
____________
Last week, when I was sick and off work - John and I played Guitar Hero. John was getting upset with me because I only let him think he was playing, but really his guitar wasn't even plugged in. So finally, I decided to let him actually play.
***First thing on my husbands honey-do list this weekend was 'Clean Bathroom'. Ask me if the bathroom got cleaned?
**Answer is: No, of course!
*I really think he waits a really long time until I get too disgusted with it and clean it myself.
_____________
***Only in AZ -
**Is it still flip-flop weather in late October
**Can you watch the kids get off the school bus in all various forms of winter/summer dress. One kid was wearing shorts and short sleeves, one girl was wearing capri pants and short sleeves, some wearing pants and short sleeves, some wearing pants and jackets, and one was wearing shorts and a sweater... hmmm, go figure.
____________
Last week, when I was sick and off work - John and I played Guitar Hero. John was getting upset with me because I only let him think he was playing, but really his guitar wasn't even plugged in. So finally, I decided to let him actually play.
The next day I was home again, and apparently, I didn't get around to making lunch in a timely enough manner to suit John. So he took matters into his own hands.
Yep, he got the sandwich stuff out all by himself, then grabbed the peanut butter. Why 4 pieces of bread? Because I apparently wanted a PB&J sandwich as well. And yes, John got the one with the finger dents in it!
______________________
I hate it when my kids get sick. I especially hate it when I was probably the cause of them being sick. So once again, I am home. Only this time with a sick Mustard. Asthma issues...
and a temperature...
John has gotten rather used to the breathing treatments, so last night after putting the mask on (he's very independant these days and wants to do everything himself, so he had to turn the machine on), I turned around and saw him playing with the steam that came out of his mask. Did you know that by holding your breath and then taking short breathes out you can make the steam do some pretty wild stuff? Of course, I had to make him stop because he had to get it down into his lungs. Poor baby...
______________________
You're probably also wondering where I found his monster trucks this morning. I actually got up in the middle of writing this to go find them. Can you guess where they are this morning?
Yep, I actually found them in the toy box! *GASP* I know! Frightening, isn't it? My kids actually do put their stuff away. Shocked me too.
__________________________
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Did you see the moon this morning?
I know - most of you are still snuggled under the protection of your warm blankets at 5:30 in the morning. But I work early hours and I was just dropping John off at the babysitters at this time.
I, normally, am not one to stop and smell the flowers. I miss a lot of God’s beautiful artwork because I’m always in a hurry and running late. This morning however, I got a glimpse of how powerful God’s creations and artwork is. Last night was a full moon. This morning, as I stepped out of the house after dropping John off at the babysitter’s, I found myself bathed in light. Not the light from street lamps. Her house is in a cul-de-sac that has no street lamps. This light was from the moon. It covered the entire cul-de-sac in light, and illuminated her house making it look like it was glowing. As I got in the car and started the engine, I didn’t dare turn on my headlights. I did not want my last memory of this morning being tainted by the glow of my headlights. But as I sat there in front of her house, waving bye-bye to John and blowing kisses, I thought how wonderful it would be to sit on the front porch with a cup of hot cocoa and admire God’s handy work.
After I had turned the corner and turned my headlights on, I got to thinking about God some more. My mom works the grave yard shift as a patrol driver for a security company. On her breaks, she tries to find the darkest spot she can to take a nap. She sets the alarm on her watch and settles in for a quick snooze. I imagine last night was a little more difficult trying to find a dark spot. No matter where she went, the moon was their too. Shining in all its glory and disrupting her nightly routine. I’m sure my mom was not as awestruck as I was at God’s artwork. She might have even been upset at having her sleep disturbed.
That’s so much like God, though. Isn’t it? God is always there. No matter where you go, He is there. You can’t hide from Him, just as my mom couldn’t hide from the moon last night. Sure, you can turn your eyes away or bury your head under a blanket. But as soon as your turn your head back, He’s right there. Shining in all His Glory, waiting to disrupt whatever plans you’ve made for yourself, because His ways are not our Ways.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)
God Promises –
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them
Romans 8:28(NLT)
I pray that God will disturb you and me today. I pray that when we turn our face towards God, His light will shine on us and disrupt whatever plans we’ve made. So that when God shows up in whatever situation we find ourselves in, He will turn it around for the good and He will be glorified through it.
God Bless you my friends!!
I, normally, am not one to stop and smell the flowers. I miss a lot of God’s beautiful artwork because I’m always in a hurry and running late. This morning however, I got a glimpse of how powerful God’s creations and artwork is. Last night was a full moon. This morning, as I stepped out of the house after dropping John off at the babysitter’s, I found myself bathed in light. Not the light from street lamps. Her house is in a cul-de-sac that has no street lamps. This light was from the moon. It covered the entire cul-de-sac in light, and illuminated her house making it look like it was glowing. As I got in the car and started the engine, I didn’t dare turn on my headlights. I did not want my last memory of this morning being tainted by the glow of my headlights. But as I sat there in front of her house, waving bye-bye to John and blowing kisses, I thought how wonderful it would be to sit on the front porch with a cup of hot cocoa and admire God’s handy work.
After I had turned the corner and turned my headlights on, I got to thinking about God some more. My mom works the grave yard shift as a patrol driver for a security company. On her breaks, she tries to find the darkest spot she can to take a nap. She sets the alarm on her watch and settles in for a quick snooze. I imagine last night was a little more difficult trying to find a dark spot. No matter where she went, the moon was their too. Shining in all its glory and disrupting her nightly routine. I’m sure my mom was not as awestruck as I was at God’s artwork. She might have even been upset at having her sleep disturbed.
That’s so much like God, though. Isn’t it? God is always there. No matter where you go, He is there. You can’t hide from Him, just as my mom couldn’t hide from the moon last night. Sure, you can turn your eyes away or bury your head under a blanket. But as soon as your turn your head back, He’s right there. Shining in all His Glory, waiting to disrupt whatever plans you’ve made for yourself, because His ways are not our Ways.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)
God Promises –
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them
Romans 8:28(NLT)
I pray that God will disturb you and me today. I pray that when we turn our face towards God, His light will shine on us and disrupt whatever plans we’ve made. So that when God shows up in whatever situation we find ourselves in, He will turn it around for the good and He will be glorified through it.
God Bless you my friends!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday is totally random. Like when you pick a name out of a hat... or something.
Everybody put your fine china away, bubble wrap your knick-knacks, and carefully hide all thinks breakable. The princess of Randomville has entered the room. I say princess, because Mrs. Nurse Boy started this whole random-mess, so she is the queen!
Let the randomonium commence…
***I wonder how many times I can use the word ‘random’ in a post.
***Startling little boys is the most fun thing ever.
***Rented convertible + top down + little boys in the back seat, putting their hands in the air pretending they’re on a rollercoaster is precious.
***While at our softball game Friday night, I actually hit the ball. It always surprises me when I hit the ball. Of course, being fat and slow, I was out before ever hitting first base. When I sat back down on the bleachers, John came over to me and asked what happened. I told him they got me out. He patted me on the back and said, “That’s ok mommy, you tried.” He spent the next 2-3 minutes comforting me.
***YAY for daylight savings time!! With the time change, most people are coming in an hour later, and I got a prime parking space in the first row! AZ doesn’t change their time, we just change our time zone.
***I was listening to the weather report late one night last week. The weather man said we would have Fall between 2 and 5pm the next day. Then it would be winter. How true that was.
**People who aren’t Native Arizonan’s don’t understand why native’s are freezing right now. 55° is cold people. That’s heavy jacket, sweater, scarf, hat, and gloves weather.
*I would not survive in the snow.
***I found a new shopping partner! I am as random in real life as I am in the blogging world. And this includes the way I shop for clothes. Well, apparently, so is my friend Molly. No one wants to shop with either of us because we are so indecisive, we hem, we haw, we try a million things on and put most of it back. Then we try on hats and laugh. Then wonder the store, checking out the cameras in electronics, find books the kids would like, and generally just have fun. Most people don’t like this kind of shopping. But it’s perfect for the 2 of us!
***Gary’s parent/teacher conference scared me this past week. Apparently, he’s been writing some very dark stuff lately. Like, the teacher’s were worried he was going to harm himself and they were going to report the writings to the principal. This worried me too, until my husband googled the words and discovered one of the papers were lyrics to a Jonas Brother’s song. Why would a band, who plays on the Disney Channel, be singing songs like this:
Tried to turn on the TV to get you out of my head
Tell me Why? Why? Why?
Does it hurt so bad
Tell me Why? Why? Why?
Does it make me mad
These are the lyrics Gary had written verbatim. Of course, a teacher who had never heard this song before would be worried. I was worried too until I figured out this was a song. I think I’m going to boycott the Disney Channel until they can clean up their act.
**The best part, however, was when Gary read Ephesians 4:23-30 on Sunday morning.
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[d] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[e] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
He said anytime he starts thinking violent thoughts, he would remember this scripture and let God renew his thoughts. I was so proud and so scared in the same moment. Why is my baby thinking violent thoughts? At the same time, realizing he’s so grown up that he’s aware they aren’t good and letting God take hold of him. I was very near tears on the way to Church.
***Remember – we are not of the law, but were saved by Grace through Jesus Christ. We did not earn it, nor do we deserve it. Remember that today when you just don’t feel like extending the same grace and forgiveness when someone hurts you.
Let the randomonium commence…
***I wonder how many times I can use the word ‘random’ in a post.
***Startling little boys is the most fun thing ever.
***Rented convertible + top down + little boys in the back seat, putting their hands in the air pretending they’re on a rollercoaster is precious.
***While at our softball game Friday night, I actually hit the ball. It always surprises me when I hit the ball. Of course, being fat and slow, I was out before ever hitting first base. When I sat back down on the bleachers, John came over to me and asked what happened. I told him they got me out. He patted me on the back and said, “That’s ok mommy, you tried.” He spent the next 2-3 minutes comforting me.
***YAY for daylight savings time!! With the time change, most people are coming in an hour later, and I got a prime parking space in the first row! AZ doesn’t change their time, we just change our time zone.
***I was listening to the weather report late one night last week. The weather man said we would have Fall between 2 and 5pm the next day. Then it would be winter. How true that was.
**People who aren’t Native Arizonan’s don’t understand why native’s are freezing right now. 55° is cold people. That’s heavy jacket, sweater, scarf, hat, and gloves weather.
*I would not survive in the snow.
***I found a new shopping partner! I am as random in real life as I am in the blogging world. And this includes the way I shop for clothes. Well, apparently, so is my friend Molly. No one wants to shop with either of us because we are so indecisive, we hem, we haw, we try a million things on and put most of it back. Then we try on hats and laugh. Then wonder the store, checking out the cameras in electronics, find books the kids would like, and generally just have fun. Most people don’t like this kind of shopping. But it’s perfect for the 2 of us!
***Gary’s parent/teacher conference scared me this past week. Apparently, he’s been writing some very dark stuff lately. Like, the teacher’s were worried he was going to harm himself and they were going to report the writings to the principal. This worried me too, until my husband googled the words and discovered one of the papers were lyrics to a Jonas Brother’s song. Why would a band, who plays on the Disney Channel, be singing songs like this:
Tried to turn on the TV to get you out of my head
Tell me Why? Why? Why?
Does it hurt so bad
Tell me Why? Why? Why?
Does it make me mad
These are the lyrics Gary had written verbatim. Of course, a teacher who had never heard this song before would be worried. I was worried too until I figured out this was a song. I think I’m going to boycott the Disney Channel until they can clean up their act.
**The best part, however, was when Gary read Ephesians 4:23-30 on Sunday morning.
23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”[d] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[e] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
He said anytime he starts thinking violent thoughts, he would remember this scripture and let God renew his thoughts. I was so proud and so scared in the same moment. Why is my baby thinking violent thoughts? At the same time, realizing he’s so grown up that he’s aware they aren’t good and letting God take hold of him. I was very near tears on the way to Church.
***Remember – we are not of the law, but were saved by Grace through Jesus Christ. We did not earn it, nor do we deserve it. Remember that today when you just don’t feel like extending the same grace and forgiveness when someone hurts you.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Photoshop stuff, and oh, my brain won't shut off.
So, I've been reading a bunch of blogs, blog tutorials, and playing around in Photoshop. I thought I'd share my first 'crafty' photo with you!
I seriously have no idea what I'm doing, but I think it's cute!
By the way, my brain won't shut off. It's on hyper mode right now.
Gonna go get my weekly dose of Bible Study.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Conversations that really happened
Matthew 19:14 ...for the kindom of Heaven belongs to such as these.
Have I mentioned recently
How much
I love this boy!
Tonight at the dinner table, John grabs a packet of sweet & sour sauce and 'breaks' it. S&S is all over his hands and he's crying for a napkin. He gets himself all cleaned up - here's the conversation:
John: Dad, did you break it?
Dad: No, John. You broke it.
John: I break it?
Mom: John, are you defective?
John: Huh?
Mom: Do we need to take you to the little boy store and exchange you?
John: No
Mom: Can I return you to the little boy store and buy a girl?
Gary: Mom, you can't return a gift from God.
Have I mentioned recently
How much
I love this boy!
Tonight at the dinner table, John grabs a packet of sweet & sour sauce and 'breaks' it. S&S is all over his hands and he's crying for a napkin. He gets himself all cleaned up - here's the conversation:
John: Dad, did you break it?
Dad: No, John. You broke it.
John: I break it?
Mom: John, are you defective?
John: Huh?
Mom: Do we need to take you to the little boy store and exchange you?
John: No
Mom: Can I return you to the little boy store and buy a girl?
Gary: Mom, you can't return a gift from God.
Go clean your room!
I’m a sarcastic, sometimes funny (not really, but in my head I’m hilarious! I crack myself up all the time), mess! That’s what I am. I’m a mess. I leave dirt piles every where I go, both literally and figuratively.
When I was 4 (I don’t actually remember this, but my mom loves to tell this story) my mom told me to clean my room. I sat in my room and played for hours, never once putting something away. Finally, my dad came home from work. My dad was my hero! Surely, he wouldn’t make me clean up my room. He’d side with me because I was his princess. Or so I thought. Apparently, my mother had spoken to my daddy before I did. So when I tried to leave my room, she was standing there. Daddy was in another room, but I could hear him say “you’re not allowed out of your room until it’s clean.” I looked at my mother and screamed, “YOU’RE A MEAN, NASTY, ROTTEN, OLD WITCH”
Since that fateful day, my love for cleaning has not improved. However, I have concluded that a clean home makes for a happy husband, mostly. There are other things that make him happy, but I won’t get into that. Then I’d have to change my settings to 18 or over and I’m just too lazy for that.
Ahem
So, my house does get cleaned once a week, most weeks. But, when we are planning to have people over, the house has to be especially clean. Floors are vacuumed and mopped, furniture is dusted, counter tops are cleared and wiped down. And it doesn’t matter who the company is. We could have the Queen of England over or our best friends we’ve known for years. They will get the royal treatment before they even step foot in the house and they don’t even know it! The best part is that nobody even knows just how messy I really am! How awesome is that? (except you guys do now. Shhh, don’t tell anybody, ok?)
But what about those ‘unexpected’ visitors? You know, when your mother-in-law calls you from her cell phone and says, “Hey, I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by and see the kids. Is that all right?” Hey, at least she posed it as a question to make me THINK I could tell her no. Of course, that would be the one week (right, just the one week?) that I didn’t get the housework done. So now, I’m running around the house with a laundry basket in hand throwing toys, dishes, dirty laundry, garbage and everything else in it. Then the laundry basket gets shoved into a remote location to (hopefully) be retrieved later. (This technique, by the way, was introduced to me by my mother-in-law!)
I don’t like to clean my spiritual room either. When I do try to clean up my spiritual room, it all gets stuffed under the spiritual bed or in the spiritual closet. Then the dust will gather again and I won’t clean it for another month or more. Then I go to get something out of the spiritual closet and all the mess that was stuffed in there from before comes piling out. And do I bother to sort through it and put it away where it belongs? No, of course not. I just pick it all up and stuff it back in the closet.
Praying… well, that would be inviting God into my spiritual room, right? So, should I apply the same logic of cleaning up before inviting guests over? Everything has to be in order before God comes over. I think God just laughs when He see’s his children trying to get it right before they invite Him in. He all ready knows what a mess I am! He saw me get into the messes I get into, He see’s me stuffing the mess into the closet, and HE’S the one asking me to retrieve something from that closet.
So, I encourage you today to NOT be afraid to invite God in for fear he’ll see your mess. He all read knows you’re a mess and He wants to come over and help you sort through and clean up your mess.
When I was 4 (I don’t actually remember this, but my mom loves to tell this story) my mom told me to clean my room. I sat in my room and played for hours, never once putting something away. Finally, my dad came home from work. My dad was my hero! Surely, he wouldn’t make me clean up my room. He’d side with me because I was his princess. Or so I thought. Apparently, my mother had spoken to my daddy before I did. So when I tried to leave my room, she was standing there. Daddy was in another room, but I could hear him say “you’re not allowed out of your room until it’s clean.” I looked at my mother and screamed, “YOU’RE A MEAN, NASTY, ROTTEN, OLD WITCH”
Since that fateful day, my love for cleaning has not improved. However, I have concluded that a clean home makes for a happy husband, mostly. There are other things that make him happy, but I won’t get into that. Then I’d have to change my settings to 18 or over and I’m just too lazy for that.
Ahem
So, my house does get cleaned once a week, most weeks. But, when we are planning to have people over, the house has to be especially clean. Floors are vacuumed and mopped, furniture is dusted, counter tops are cleared and wiped down. And it doesn’t matter who the company is. We could have the Queen of England over or our best friends we’ve known for years. They will get the royal treatment before they even step foot in the house and they don’t even know it! The best part is that nobody even knows just how messy I really am! How awesome is that? (except you guys do now. Shhh, don’t tell anybody, ok?)
But what about those ‘unexpected’ visitors? You know, when your mother-in-law calls you from her cell phone and says, “Hey, I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by and see the kids. Is that all right?” Hey, at least she posed it as a question to make me THINK I could tell her no. Of course, that would be the one week (right, just the one week?) that I didn’t get the housework done. So now, I’m running around the house with a laundry basket in hand throwing toys, dishes, dirty laundry, garbage and everything else in it. Then the laundry basket gets shoved into a remote location to (hopefully) be retrieved later. (This technique, by the way, was introduced to me by my mother-in-law!)
I don’t like to clean my spiritual room either. When I do try to clean up my spiritual room, it all gets stuffed under the spiritual bed or in the spiritual closet. Then the dust will gather again and I won’t clean it for another month or more. Then I go to get something out of the spiritual closet and all the mess that was stuffed in there from before comes piling out. And do I bother to sort through it and put it away where it belongs? No, of course not. I just pick it all up and stuff it back in the closet.
Praying… well, that would be inviting God into my spiritual room, right? So, should I apply the same logic of cleaning up before inviting guests over? Everything has to be in order before God comes over. I think God just laughs when He see’s his children trying to get it right before they invite Him in. He all ready knows what a mess I am! He saw me get into the messes I get into, He see’s me stuffing the mess into the closet, and HE’S the one asking me to retrieve something from that closet.
So, I encourage you today to NOT be afraid to invite God in for fear he’ll see your mess. He all read knows you’re a mess and He wants to come over and help you sort through and clean up your mess.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
I love my husband!
I got an email a few minutes ago from him complaining that my last post was on Tuesday Aug 4th and what was he suppose to do? Read the Aug 4th post again? Why not? It was totally inpiring. Actually, I have no idea what I wrote on Aug 4th, but I believe I was inspired to write it. Why else would I have written it? I guess he was just bored and wanted to read the twisted thoughts that sometimes run through my head. I try to keep them at bay, but at times they come out in my writing.
Some funny stuff that's gone on in our house lately:
John likes to mix up the names of the family members, so at times I'll be Papa, Dad will be mom, papa will be Gary, John will be Dad, and Gary will be mom - not necessarily in this mixed up way, but in some form someone is someone else. (Did that make sense?)
Anyway - the other day, I was Travis (a friend who stayed with us last week) Dad was mom, and John was dad. John walks up to his dad, and this is out the conversation went:
John: "Mom"
Dad: "Yea dad?"
John: "Can I go play in the playroom?"
Dad: "Sure"
John: "BOO YEAH" as he pumps his fists in the air
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Swine flu - When pigs used to fly
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My friend is not talking to me, again. And as much as I'd like to pretend I don't care, I really kinda do. Most of the time I'm angry and I wanna say hurtful things and just be done with the whole relationship, but the christian in me wants to extend grace and forgiveness, even when I don't think she deserves it. Afterall, isn't that was grace is? During these times of... ahem... waiting and quietness from my friend, I find I have to ask forgiveness from my Father all too often. My thoughts revert to what I would say when she decides to start talking to me again, and believe me, the conversations are NOT pretty. Or should I just confront her about it and find out what her problem is, again. Or just wait it out. Every time, the thoughts turn ugly, so I crank up the radio and listen to the christian songs reminding me of God's love, forgiveness, and what really matters. That God loves her, no matter what - and so should I.
Crap.
That usually kills the ugliness in my head and puts me at peace once more.
Some funny stuff that's gone on in our house lately:
John likes to mix up the names of the family members, so at times I'll be Papa, Dad will be mom, papa will be Gary, John will be Dad, and Gary will be mom - not necessarily in this mixed up way, but in some form someone is someone else. (Did that make sense?)
Anyway - the other day, I was Travis (a friend who stayed with us last week) Dad was mom, and John was dad. John walks up to his dad, and this is out the conversation went:
John: "Mom"
Dad: "Yea dad?"
John: "Can I go play in the playroom?"
Dad: "Sure"
John: "BOO YEAH" as he pumps his fists in the air
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swine flu - When pigs used to fly
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My friend is not talking to me, again. And as much as I'd like to pretend I don't care, I really kinda do. Most of the time I'm angry and I wanna say hurtful things and just be done with the whole relationship, but the christian in me wants to extend grace and forgiveness, even when I don't think she deserves it. Afterall, isn't that was grace is? During these times of... ahem... waiting and quietness from my friend, I find I have to ask forgiveness from my Father all too often. My thoughts revert to what I would say when she decides to start talking to me again, and believe me, the conversations are NOT pretty. Or should I just confront her about it and find out what her problem is, again. Or just wait it out. Every time, the thoughts turn ugly, so I crank up the radio and listen to the christian songs reminding me of God's love, forgiveness, and what really matters. That God loves her, no matter what - and so should I.
Crap.
That usually kills the ugliness in my head and puts me at peace once more.
Audience of one
To my audience of one
You are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise you.
And now just to know you more
Has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come
And your will be done
I only desire to be yours,
Lord
-Big Daddy Weave
You are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise you.
And now just to know you more
Has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come
And your will be done
I only desire to be yours,
Lord
-Big Daddy Weave
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I will wait...
I'm trying to learn to wait upon the Lord. It seems like so many things are up in the air right now and the uncertainty is making me anxious. Uncertainty probably only describes half of the anxiety, the other half is the waiting for the certain things to come to fruition.
We are looking forward to a very busy schedule in the next week or two.
My baby boy is starting 3rd grade next week. I had just found pictures of him from when he was just a toddler, and now he's entering 3rd grade. Where does the time go? How many mothers have asked that question? I know I'm not the first, nor will I be the last. His teacher set up is a little odd though, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. He has 2 part time teachers. One will come in the morning and stay until lunch, the other comes in after lunch. Gary does not do well with transition as it is, so I'm not so sure this is going to work well for him. But, we will put it in the Lord's hands and know that He knows best.
James will also be going back to school, going to college to get his associates degree. He starts 2 weeks after Gary. Although, James only has to go 1 day a week. I'm sure if Gary had his way, he'd only go 1 day a week too!
James and I are both going to play softball for the fall season. We start practice this weekend. I'm hoping to not have another one of these incidents this season!
I'm looking forward to purchasing Photoshop Elements 7 this Friday! I can't wait to edit more photo's and update more of my blog! This is going to be entirely too much fun. (Is there really such a thing? I think I just made that up!)
As for the uncertain things, well, I guess there will be more praying and waiting upon the Lord. Something I've learned from my Wednesday night bible study.
We are looking forward to a very busy schedule in the next week or two.
My baby boy is starting 3rd grade next week. I had just found pictures of him from when he was just a toddler, and now he's entering 3rd grade. Where does the time go? How many mothers have asked that question? I know I'm not the first, nor will I be the last. His teacher set up is a little odd though, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. He has 2 part time teachers. One will come in the morning and stay until lunch, the other comes in after lunch. Gary does not do well with transition as it is, so I'm not so sure this is going to work well for him. But, we will put it in the Lord's hands and know that He knows best.
James will also be going back to school, going to college to get his associates degree. He starts 2 weeks after Gary. Although, James only has to go 1 day a week. I'm sure if Gary had his way, he'd only go 1 day a week too!
James and I are both going to play softball for the fall season. We start practice this weekend. I'm hoping to not have another one of these incidents this season!
I'm looking forward to purchasing Photoshop Elements 7 this Friday! I can't wait to edit more photo's and update more of my blog! This is going to be entirely too much fun. (Is there really such a thing? I think I just made that up!)
As for the uncertain things, well, I guess there will be more praying and waiting upon the Lord. Something I've learned from my Wednesday night bible study.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tired Ramblings
I know I can't be nearly as tired and distraught as MckMama, but nevertheless, still tired. My prayers and thoughts are with her and her family today as she struggles with her son being in the hospital and not knowing what's going to happen next.
Nevertheless, I'm still tired.
Not nearly as tired as all those moms who have to spend too much time in the hospital with a sick child, praying for a miracle, hoping against hope that God's will is NOT to let their child die, but to heal them fully. And at the same time, wanting to follow God's will, regardless of what that is. Knowing that, no matter what, God will be there at the beginning, during the trials, and at the end of whatever journey you might be on.
Nevertheless, I'm still tired.
I might not be as tired as so many people in the world in so many different situations. But I am tired today, and I just want to go home and crawl into bed and go to sleep. Let the day pass without my stamp on it, and wake up to a brand new day.
Praying for Stellan and that God's mercies are new for him too.
Nevertheless, I'm still tired.
Not nearly as tired as all those moms who have to spend too much time in the hospital with a sick child, praying for a miracle, hoping against hope that God's will is NOT to let their child die, but to heal them fully. And at the same time, wanting to follow God's will, regardless of what that is. Knowing that, no matter what, God will be there at the beginning, during the trials, and at the end of whatever journey you might be on.
Nevertheless, I'm still tired.
I might not be as tired as so many people in the world in so many different situations. But I am tired today, and I just want to go home and crawl into bed and go to sleep. Let the day pass without my stamp on it, and wake up to a brand new day.
Praying for Stellan and that God's mercies are new for him too.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Getting Serious
Usually, I like to write all about my kids and my husband and all the fun and funny stuff that goes on in my household. But today, I've had something weighing on my heart that I need to get out and share with whoever reads my blog. (I know it's not many, but still... )
My dear friend, Lori, invited me to join her bible study class. Their new study was going to be on Esther, and they were going to follow the Beth Moore DVD/Workbook series. This was a difficult decision for me, not because it was bible study, but because of where it would take place. The bible study is at the church where Lori attends. The same church my family left about 6 months ago for many reasons that are not applicable to this particular story, so I won't get into them, except to say it wasn't for religious beliefs. The doctrine of the church is sound. *sigh* After much prayer and talking it over with my husband I decided to accept Lori's invitation.
Now - how do I start this journey without droning on and on and boring the crap out of my readers and still get in the key points I'm trying to make and get to the point of this post?
Ah ha! I see it now. Bullet points! :)
My dear friend, Lori, invited me to join her bible study class. Their new study was going to be on Esther, and they were going to follow the Beth Moore DVD/Workbook series. This was a difficult decision for me, not because it was bible study, but because of where it would take place. The bible study is at the church where Lori attends. The same church my family left about 6 months ago for many reasons that are not applicable to this particular story, so I won't get into them, except to say it wasn't for religious beliefs. The doctrine of the church is sound. *sigh* After much prayer and talking it over with my husband I decided to accept Lori's invitation.
Now - how do I start this journey without droning on and on and boring the crap out of my readers and still get in the key points I'm trying to make and get to the point of this post?
Ah ha! I see it now. Bullet points! :)
- Lately, I've been feeling like my faith is 'plastic' for lack of a better word
- Week 1 of bible study for me, which was actually week 2 for everyone else, was all about beauty, and how beauty is a treatment and something you do, not something you are. WOW!
- Week 2 of bible study (again, for me) was about meanness. How meanness has a history and talked about Haman being an agagite and Mordecai a Jew and how the two groups were mordal enemies since Genesis. Beth Moore encouraged us to find the threat that caused the meanness to come out and take care of it before that happens. Again, WOW!
- Week 3, for me started chapter 4. I was not able to attend the bible study due to a sick kid, but I did watch the DVD and did the homework in a hurry (8 chapters in 3 days) so I didn't really absord the lessons from this week. Perhaps I'll go back and do that at a later time.
- OH MY GOD! Week 4!!! This was just last night, so it's a little fresher in my mind, but this is where I'd like to settle on and where the focus of this post is on.
Ok, so far so good? Have I lost anybody yet? I suppose if I did, you wouldn't be reading this sentence anyway, and if you are still reading, than I obviously haven't lost you... yet!!
So Beth Moore really wanted to drive home a point in last night's lesson. A lesson on fear and courage. The last couple verses of Esther talks about the choice Esther had to make. Mordecai had sent a copy of the edict that all Jews were to be killed through Esther's servant. I imgane the conversation would sound a lot like this:
Mordecai to servant: Hey, give this to Queen Esther. Make SURE she understands what this says.
Servant: Oh, yeah - sure man. Whatever.
Mordecai - Hey, hey... tell Esther she needs to speak to King Xerxes about all this. Tell her to ask him to remove this edict.
Servant to Queen Esther: Uhhh... Mordecai sent back this edict from Haman. It says that all the Jews in the land are gonna be killed. Oh, and he want you to talk to the king and ask him to remove this edict.
Queen Esther: WHAT! I can't do that! Everyone knows that if you approach the king without being summoned, you'll die. Only if he exents his golden sceptor will you live. Go tell Mordecai that it's just impossible. I can't do it.
Servant to Mordecai: Repeats what Queen Esther said. In the meantime, Esther in her bedchamber pacing the floor and ranting. "I can't believe he'd ask me to do such a thing. My own uncle of all people. No worries, I've settled the matter. He won't ask again. I know he wouldn't want me to be killed by my own husband."
Servant returns with Mordecai's response.
Servant to Queen Esther: Mordecai says do you really think that 'cause you live in the palace you'll be the only jew spared from Haman's edict? He says that if you don't talk to the king, God will find someone else to get the job done, and you'll die anyway because you're a jew. He says that maybe you were made Queen for such a time as this.
Queen Esther: *Jaw drops and turns a lovely shade of white* Oh crap, I hadn't thought about that. All right, tell Mordecai that he and the jews need to fast for 3 days. I and my maids will do the same and when the fasting is over, I'll go talk to the king. And if I die, I die.
Oh my! What bravery. What valor. To have the kind of conviction must be so freeing. So what if something bad happens. Bad things are going to happen whether you stand on the side lines and let them pass or face them head on. In the end, God will be there. Will you?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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