Heart of Clay

A cleaning tip

2012-02-03T06:01:00.000-05:00

I had a huge mistake happen a few weeks back.

I'm not going to tell you the full version of this tale because I don't want to bore you and basically I am not very proud of my blunder.

But I had a huge spill happen in my bedroom.

I have never been so obsessed with getting a stain out of a carpet as I have this.

It's in a very conspicuous place AND we are renting.

Now trust me the carpet does have plenty of stains but to know I caused it makes me SICK!

I spilled a brand new bottle of somewhat...over the top...unusually high priced shampoo.

Because my hair was not looking as healthy as I wanted it to...and because my husband was throwing a party for my 40th and I wanted to make an attempt at fixing it. (So maybe it IS his fault) no... Unfortunately I get all the credit for this stain.

Every time I wash my hair I think about the stain.

It's haunting me like a BAD burrito!

So guess what.

I have scrubbed.

Rented a steamer.

Had my mom come and scrub it with her fool proof stain out concoction.

But still I see it.

It glows in the dark.

Well okay so that's my imagination.

On Pinterest I saw a solution for getting out stains.

So I decided to try it.

It's 1 part ammonia to 1 part hot water.
Mix this and pour in a spray bottle.
Spray heavily over spot that you want to clean.
And then lay a towel over spot and steam with iron.
This is what the spot looked like before.

It stinks like crazy cakes!!
But let it steam a bit.
After 6 applications my spot looks like this.

I may keep trying to get the remainder out but I think it looks so much better!
If I didn't have 4000 sq feet of carpet in this house I may think of trying it on other spots throughout the house but for today I was pretty pleased with the outcome.

It's not gone.
But it certainly is lighter!!

Woo Hoo! That makes my day!

Is that weird?

I know!

It's just how I roll!

Grown up Cheesy Chicken Croissants

2012-02-02T10:14:00.004-05:00

Do you have a "go to meal".

When my kids were little this was made at least every other week.

Cheesy Chicken Croissants.

It was so easy and I knew they would eat it without fuss.

Well this week I decided to make it again because

1. I was feeling a need to be affirmed in the kitchen.
2. I didn't have time to make grilled chicken.
3. Because I had everything on hand.

But I made it with a twist.

I added leftover ham and bacon to it....Yes. I. Did.

So here it is.
I'll call it...
Grown up Cheesy Chicken Croissants

2 cans of croissants
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup Sour cream
1/2 cup milk
3/4 Cup diced cooked ham
1 pint of cooked chicken and the broth
1 8 oz cheddar cheese...shredded
1/2 lb baked bacon( I bake this on a baking sheet in the oven while my casserole bakes. For like 15 minutes)
Place your croissants on bottom of 9 x 13 baker

Mix soups,sour cream,milk,ham,chicken in a bowl and pour over the croissants.

Bake for 40 min at 350.
Take out of oven and put cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Bake for 5 more minutes.
It's really very good.

And your family may love it as much as mine does.

A crafty project

2012-01-31T09:24:00.004-05:00

Since our move there was a window that was exposed to the world.

It was my kitchen window. And I stand at this window All.The.Time.

I am sure everyone passing by loved to see me in all forms...
In my bathrobe. With my hair twisted up in a towel.
One friend mentioned she saw me washing dishes last night.

It was a a thorn in my side.

I eventually decided to figure something out for myself. This is unusual. I am very dependent on Jason for these kinds of fixer upper jobs. I don't like drills and screw guns and measurements. I like to eyeball a project and have it done within minutes.

So I saw a picture of a cafe curtain and decided that would do the trick!
Indeed!

I went out to buy my suspension rod and hooks. But couldn't find a cute curtain.
So you know what I did?

I found some cloth napkins on clearance. 4 napkins for $5.
I got some clips. Hung 2 napkins per window pane.
And ta da! My curtain was ready to hang.

Just so simple.

And yet so private!

The best part? It all can be taken with me when I go.
And perhaps I can use those napkins as napkins one day.

Saturday morning bliss

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

What a great morning.
No where to go.
Love Saturdays like this!
We woke up with the sun. Which rises late in January.
And then out of the blue my eighth grader says... I wanna make something for breakfast.
Wow! Alrighty then!
Okay how about some pancakes?
How about these cinnamon roll pancakes like we had a IHOP last weekend?

And so we made these.

Pancakes from this girls blog
Which were amazing!

And then I had some of the cinnamon glaze left so I used it up in my buttermilk cookies this afternoon.
It was almost as good.
I just made buttermilk cookies and swirled the cinna-sugar glaze on them and baked.
And then I made more cream cheese frosting to add to the flavor.

In the evening we made pretzels.

We used up some more of the cinna-sugar-butter ontop of the the pretzels. Swirling that sugar right into the pretzel.
It was like a giant piece of breaded delight!
Do you want my pretzel recipe?
Go HERE.
I still have some of that cinna glaze left.

Maybe I should try it on toast in the morning!!

In other news and notes we took our kids to a live concert last night....
Which consisted of a rockus time.
It was great!

And loud!
It was called Winter Jam...With Kari Jobe, Newsong, Peter Ferlick, 429,Sanctus real, and Skillet.
Skillet was a stretch for these old ears but with my plugs I faired okay.

And they were quite the entertainers.
The best thing was looking over and seeing my musical sons in the height of bliss.
And I loved being a part of their first real concert.

I sure will miss them when they grow!

Lord...I want to know you.

2012-01-24T09:14:00.000-05:00

On Sunday's we have been talking about being filled with the Spirit.
I am a big fan of the Spirit.
Because as Pastor says... "It is the primary work of the Spirit to reveal who Jesus is to us".
And I want to know Jesus.
Don't you?
It's through Jesus that I have found my joy. My identity. My will to live. My Strength to continue. My Hope for the future life.
And I love all those things about Jesus.
When he speaks to my heart I hear him call me by my first name.
Not my given name.
But the name I knew as a child.
Rosy.
He says "Rosy".
And I tear up because I know it's him and I know He is with me.
But the past number of years I have been faced with the reality that I have never known all of Jesus. And I am still learning who he is.
The question I ask is this.. How can you and I know who Jesus is if we only know what he can do for us?
He truly has done great things!

But it is not the only part of relationship.
Maybe it's like this...
I thought I knew Jason when we were dating.
But when we got married I experienced a whole new side of Jason.
And if I really wanted to be in relationship and continue to grow together I needed to stay engaged in figuring out how to relate to this guy.
And Just when I think I know him...
I still find out something new.
Now He's not Jesus.
But I think that is the way this relationship with the Spirit and Jesus and the Father works.
I can't know him fully if we just keep dating.
I need to marry Him in order to know Jesus fully.

I grew up in the church.
And I know God.
At least I think I do.

But what happens when Life is cruel.
And we face a Crisis in our Faith?
I'll tell you what happens to me.
I am shaken down until there is nothing left.

No Church can make me feel good.
No friend can help.
Not facebook.
Or Pinterest.
Not being a better wife or mother.
No job or self made identity can make it better.
Nothing.

But Jesus.

And I find that while I would never beg for him to make me uncomfortable it is in those awkward desperate places that I find him all over again.
I am the closest to Jesus when I am in a state of nothingness.
Where I count my life as little value unless it is invested in him.
It is here that I am best able to know the Jesus I proclaim.
But I have to be willing to go to the dark and vulnerable places.
I have to be willing to stay married to him and trust that he will lead me to the place he wants to take me through.
Usually it's not a a physical place but a strengthening of my character or a breaking of my will.
A place where I can truly say as Paul.

Philippians 3:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

"Becoming like him in his death".
And The Spirit that he puts in us as a deposit will be the helper when we participate in his sufferings.
When we become like him in his death...Surrendered.
His Spirit will be the one who brings comfort and peace to our troubled minds.
The Spirit will help us love when we feel like rejecting.
And the Spirit will bring us joy even when we can't figure out how we could feel any joy with our present conditions.

As I said.
I am a Big fan of The Spirit!
And I ask him to fill me daily....Because I leak.

You can have all this world.... Just Give me Jesus.

Insecurity

2012-01-18T10:31:00.001-05:00

As I was listening to this today I thought maybe somebody else needs to know how much they have been forgiven. I love the grace that is poured out on all who receive it. And Jesus wants us to know we don't need to live comparing ourselves to each other or living with other insecurities.If you have the time this is well worth the listen!

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/living-proof-with-beth-moore/

A New Year...A new beginning

2012-01-16T12:10:00.010-05:00

Over Christmas I had some moments to just enjoy my time at home. With all that extra time along with being inspired in all areas of craftiness and food from my new love...pinterest.... I ended up making a couple of new things for relatively very little cost.

First I made some new pictures.

Because I love cherry blossoms.

And then I found these cute little glass dishes at the dollar store.

For a dollar a piece.

I painted it glued them together and lookie there a little pop of color for my mantel.

And then one of my favorite verses.

On canvas where we can remind ourselves of this every day.

My feet + the little ones hands + a heart = A powerful exhortation from Micah 6:8

And here is one of many of the new tasty treats I have been trying.

Here's the link to this delicious cake.

It has been a month full of inspirations and change.

A new year.

A milestone birthday.

What does the next decade have for me?

I don't know but I know sometimes I just need an outlet and I think that is why the surge of crafty projects.

Someday I may get brave enough to share with you some of the songs I've been working on writing. I'm not gonna lie... Sharing a recipe makes me a lot less vulnerable. Not that this has stopped me before. I'm guessing sometimes my vulnerability is scary to read. Trust me it's scary on this end too.

I have been reevaluating much.

I am not sure where it's all going to lead but of course I have lots of thoughts swarming my brain.

Life has been very colorful for us and it seems like just when I think I've got a handle on it....

There is another turn.

I'm hoping for a few years of tranquility.

But I'm not placing any money on it.

So for today I give you this inspiration and I address it to myself first...

And being around these guys makes it a whole lot of fun too!

I want to live like I'm dying.

2011-12-31T05:36:00.006-05:00

Last night I had a dream.

And now at 4:30 a.m. I'm awake.

Because it was one of those dreams that you wake in a cold sweat thankful it's not real and still emotionally distraught from it.

I was on my death bed.

Literally I was dying in a hospital bed.

My children were there some of the time.

But at a certain time I was alone.

And I needed to get up.

But I couldn't.

So I called the nurse to help me.

When my family came back in the room I was trying to explain to the little one how much I wanted to be at an upcoming event but wasn't able to promise.

I was so torn up inside because I knew I had not prepared them for everything they will face.

I was not ready to leave them.

It was heartbreaking.

I didn't feel fear in leaving.

I felt sorrow for leaving.

Because I knew they needed me still and my departure seemed premature.

As I awoke and started processing it all, this is what I thought about.

1. Maybe all that fish I had last night wasn't such a great idea.

2. And the table conversation we had with the people we were eating fish with included death. And several of their close friends and relatives recent passing.

3. What if I really am dying?

4. I need to get on a regular supplement.

5. What would I tell my loved ones if today was it?

6. I wonder if being the last day of the year is significant.

Reflections back on the past year and thinking of starting a new one plus a milestone birthday for me next week has got me thinking.

What if anything am I doing to make a difference in this world?

Just like in the dream I am not afraid to go. In fact most days in the past few years I have asked God.. "Is today the day? Come quickly Lord Jesus". Heaven has never seemed more exciting!

But it's the people I leave that I feel obligated to. The ones that I would never be able to make it better for.

I think living in the moment every moment is my goal for this next year.

Trying to make the most of every second.

It's too easy to miss the good ole' days. Or Wish for the future with made up fantasies.

But living today on purpose with purpose is my goal.

That means squeezing those necks as often as I can.

Tucking that little one in every night and sometimes even curling up beside her even when I'm tired because I know she won't always want that.

It means engaging in conversation about what makes them happy or scared even if I'd rather be off by myself doing something mind numbing.

It means saying yes to them when the lazy me would rather say no.

It's telling my husband I love him every day.

If I knew I was dying tomorrow my last day would surely include lots of moments that I would hope my family would remember. Not big ticket items but time well spent and special conversations.

One day I will leave this body and this earth but my hope is that the mark I leave on those I love will be one that will lead them to the place I am going.

Today I purpose to live like I am dying.

Because truly I am.

The nights before Christmas

2011-12-22T22:44:00.009-05:00

I love traditions.
Especially good ones.
I grew up with them and even if we don't practice all of those particular traditions I still think back and fondly remember the "sameness" of each year.
There is something about anticipation and knowing what to expect each year that brings warm feelings to mind and spirit.

I have started many traditions, especially at Christmas, for my own little pack of humans.
From the time they were wee small tikes we have "rung in Christmas" and ate similar foods and looked through stockings at a certain time and opened pj's at another. We have read the Christmas story and I have a nativity set they have played with. We sing the same songs and eat the same favorite candies.

Including new things is also fun..
So several years ago, the year the "polar express" movie came out a blog showed how they surprised their kids with their own version of it..And I thought what a great tradition to start.
The kids loved it.
And we enjoyed surprising them.
You can read it here. Mini-van Express

However, some traditions won't work forever.
I figured the older ones were probably over that whole thing.

Until...
My 12 year old told me that he was writing a paper about our family traditions at Christmas. He could only pick one.
Of course it made me curious which one he would choose to write on and to my amazement it was the polar express ride.

So...
That made my mind start churning as to what we could do that would bring surprise and excitement to our teens and the little one all at the same time.

And this idea popped into my head.
How about a progressive supper?
We could dress in Pj's... take a ride in the van ... collect our favorite dishes from some of our favorite restaurants .. and gas stations...and eat it all at the food court. After that we could Finish it up with some donuts from our favorite donut shop and look at this cool subdivision that specifically invites us to come see the lights.

So the fun began...

The kids unwrapped their unmarked packages.
(I hardly ever write names on their gifts...that way they don't know which one to shake..sneeky me:)
I kidded with them and told them to choose their package wisely because they have to wear whatever gift they open! Ha! They didn't fall for it.

So they opened their gifts and Jason and I told them to go get in the van..we're going for a ride.
It was fun to hear all the guesses of where we may be headed.. Movies, lights, donuts...
Notice the fear in some of their eyes...

Making them wear pj's in public. We kept reminding them it was fine for tonight.

Our first stop was a gas station.

"Everyone pile out and pick out any drink"

Frozen Mt. Dew and Black Cherry.
Big sis chose a coffee drink.
Me?
A coke.

Stop #2.. One of my favorite places to eat.

A classy joint where I was no doubt out of place in my under-dressed attire.

Some Bang-Bang shrimp for an appetizer.

I've made this at home for the kids but they had never had it from the Restaurant.

We had ordered these items ahead of time so we could just run in and get them.

Stop #3

Papa Vino's.

The girls retrieved the salad from another favorite place.

And since we haven't been here for awhile we did not realize they had changed the take out counter to the back of the restaurant so they had to walk through the entire place for it :~)

I got a text...

"Take out is at the back... Thanks alot!" ~Malaina
They were good sports! And we laughed about it.

Stop #4

Then the boys gathered our fries from "Five Guys".

They even got to eat peanuts inside while they waited.

People were trying to get in the picture with them. We laughed as they posed from all sides.

Stop #5
And then we went to the food court where we let them pick out their favorite entree...

Pizza for the little one.

Subs for the boys.

And Chick-Fil-a for Sophomore.

Jason and I thought we would start with salad and bang bang and see if we were still hungry.

The best salad ever!!

And thank you five guys for your fries.

The kids ate the bang bang right up! I think I got 2 :)
Here we are at the food court.

And finally our last food stop..... Stop #6
Krispy Kreme!!!
Where the "HOT NOW" light was on!!
Which meant 6 free donuts for us!!

And we found some matching strangers who were also pj clad.

We watched the donuts go through the fountain of frosting.

Funny guy thought he should lie down on the belt and stick out his tongue hoping to coat it like a pastry.

And the beautiful gems that melt in your mouth when they are straight from the oven.

Here are some of us looking mighty pleased with our sugar rush!

And some who started acting strange after all the sugar...

He thought maybe they wouldn't recognize him at the counter if he did this..talked in a funny voice,and asked for another free donut :) we laughed alot.

Side note... those are his wrists. They look a little double jointed don't ya think?

And finally saying goodbye to a fun night.

We went to look at lights and while we did that listened to a a Christmas story from the Inn Keepers point of view.

We got home and curled up on the couch for some movies.

I think this may be one of those traditions that we will try to do each year.

The element of Surprise may not be there but the anticipation of what's coming will be fun.

Being with these guys is the best Christmas gift I could ask for!

Carmel Winner Reveal

2011-12-21T07:03:00.003-05:00

So this is how my scientific method of choosing a winner worked....
(I wish I could've just sent everyone a box)!

Me: Jason choose a number between 1 and 4
Jason: 2
Me: Thank you!

That means....

Trula you are the WINNER!!

You and your daughter Dawn each have won a sweet treat of Carmels

Congratulations and a Merry Christmas!

Thank you ladies for playing!

May you all have a wonderful Christmas!
And the happiest of New Years!

It's time to win some Carmels

2011-12-15T18:11:00.006-05:00

So I told you last week that I would be giving away some carmels this week.

And that is just what I intend to do.

I love making these little sweet treats and love sharing them even more.

Soooo...

Maybe today you will win yourself a little Christmas package.

It's very simple,
Just leave your comment below along with the name of one friend who you would like to see win.
If I draw your name ..I will send a package to you and your friend.

If you won last week you can still win this week.
It's just a little something from me to you.
And... to your friend.

I know this time of year can be hard for many people.
If you know of someone who could use a little love in a package I would just love to send them this gift! So two names... Yours and your friend.
That would be just groovy! (Do we use groovy anymore? Did we ever?)

I will post the winners on Wednesday, December 21 so make sure to get your names in!

Wedding Bells at Christmas time

2011-12-15T08:20:00.010-05:00

Well how do I tell you about last weekend without writing a book.

Our niece had her wedding.
O boy did she ever.

It was a grand event with 500 people to serve.

She did such a fantastic job organizing and letting her assistants know what she wanted. It all came together so beautifully.

And more importantly she married a man who loves Jesus. And her.

Jason's family stayed with us.
It was such a treat to be able to host them.

Here are many of the cousins...whoever we could round up at a moments notice...and tie down and make smile...
What a stunning group~ Proud of you guys~

Family of the bride...Jason's brother,and his ladies.

These little guys had a very important job...

And they were very concerned about doing it properly.
They were fabulous!

The happy couple~ Sharon and Mark.

These next pictures were snapped at the reception.
Cousins having a great time serving and just in general messin' around.

Sophie, Erin and Katie

The thinkers...Micah and James

Jalen and Mitch...nope not twins or even brothers. Just cousins. But I have always thought they look alike.

Anthony and Tori serving up some sweets.

Z and her daddy. My lone bro-in-law.

Here I am with my groom.
Seems like we just did all this a few days ago...wait! 18 years? That's nutty~

More sweet treats with a sweet heart...Mikayla

And my pretty girl. With her buddy and cousin Neil.

Our kids love Sharon.
She has been our built in sitter for like 7 years. And when she would sit for us she would never fail to bring a large group with her.
I have many memories of coming home to a house full of kids. And I loved it!
And so did our kids!
They hope this whole marriage thing won't be the death of all that :)

So Micah got up at open mic and told the masses how much he loved when Sharon came over and his parents got out of the house.
Wow!
Well it sure is nice to know they were in good hands.

More pretty faces at the wedding.

Rindy and below is Janae and Justin.

What a beautiful start to a new journey together.
I think you deserve each other!
And I'm so very glad you found each other!
We love you Sharon and Mark!

A compelling letter from the boy

2011-12-13T20:21:00.008-05:00

Every child of ours has had the assignment of writing a persuasive letter their first year of middle school. So it wasn't a big surprise when our 6th grader presented us with this letter.

With his permission I am sharing it with you because I thought it was that good.

Dear Mom and Dad,

You know at the old house when Jalen and I would pitch to each other? If so, then you will recall how almost every time we did one of us got hurt. Whether it was one way or another, it happened and it happened painfully (I'll go into further detail on just how we got injured in the next paragraph). This, along with other reasons, is why I would like you to consider getting me a set of catchers gear for Christmas.

The first reason I would like a set of catchers gear is that I would be lot safer practicing with it. Almost every time I practiced without gear, I'd get hurt. Sometimes it would be from a misplaced fastball, or the occasional tree, or a ball that bounced funny, or something along those lines. The point is that things could get really ugly really fast. If I had catchers gear, I wouldn't get hurt so easy. That's why I would be safer with gear.

The second reason that I would like to bring to your attention is that it would make my baseball experience a whole lot easier. Playing at home would be less stressful because I could stop the ball without the fear of getting nailed. It would also be easier playing organized baseball because I wouldn't have to spend time getting caught (no pun intended) up to speed when baseball starts in April. That's why catchers gear would make things easier for me in baseball.
Now, I know that one of the prevailing problems that you have is the cost of the gear. Speaking honestly, I can see why cost is an issue. I looked it up online and a good set of catchers gear could be anywhere from $80 - $150. However, I remember that one time when we were younger that you guys paid Jalen $80 for working with dad 4 or 5 times. If I worked 2 months worth of weekends with dad for free, that would be more than enough to pay you back and I would be perfectly willing to do that. Working with dad would help me learn about stuff that I'll use in life too.
So as I conclude this letter, I'd like to tell you how happy I would be if you made this my Christmas gift. Getting it is easy. You could get a set online at Amazon or you could go MC Sporting goods. Thanks for reading this letter and taking the time to think about it.

Sincerely, Micah

I am very tempted to run out and purchase him a set.

In fact it sounds so compelling I am thinking about buying myself a matching set...Just for safety purposes.

What would you do?

Chocolate cake recipe

2011-12-08T08:46:00.005-05:00

So I have some exciting things going on...

Jason's Niece is getting married on Saturday.

She has been like a daughter/sister/friend to us.

And we are so delighted for her!

She is a gem of a lady and we pray that this new journey will bring her great joy!

So since Jason's family lives out of state and the wedding will be taking place here we are anticipating the great arrival of many family members.

And I have approximately 20 staying here.

Yes.

It will be early Christmas for us.

I will be posting pictures on all that later but today I wanted to share with you that Chocolate Cake.

Chocolate cake with a chocolate fluff filling and chocolate butter cream icing.

The recipe for the cake was from Hershey's.

It's called

Hershey's black magic cake.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk* 1 cup strong black coffee OR 2 teaspoons powdered instant coffee plus 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions

1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans or one 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

2 Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes (Batter will be thin). Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

3 Bake 30 to 35 minutes for round pans, 35 to 40 minutes for rectangular pan or until wooden pick
inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool
completely. Frost as desired. Yields 10 to 12 servings.

I made 2 round cakes and put a fluff between them.

This is simply

1 Cup of whipping cream

3TBSP Coco

1/8 tsp salt

Whip this until stiff

add

1 C sugar

Yum! I could eat this by the spoonful.

On top I used a butter cream icing.

I use this icing for so many things!

1/2 C Shortening

1/2 C butter

1 tsp. vanilla

4 C. powder sugar

2 TBSP milk

cream shorting and butter add vanilla gradually add sugar a cup at a time. whip in milk and beat until fluffy.

Spread over top and lick the spoon clean.
Uh huh that's right!

Now for my give away I baked mini cakes.

I used a chocolate cake mix and scooped out the centers.

I filled it with chocolate fluff and laced it with some real whipping cream on top.

Topping it off with a chocolate truffle.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend.
I have a couple things to get together before the crowd arrives.

Peace on Earth? How about peace at home.

2011-12-07T08:31:00.006-05:00

We have an advent book we are going through right now.

It's been a nice little change in routine in the morning.

This morning we read this...

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer." I Peter 3:8-12

Now this was on the heels of some loud argument I heard coming from the pubescent males room. So it was quite difficult not to give some directed stares as I read.

To live in peace and harmony is a direct command.

It is much easier to see my sons need for that at the moment than my own.

How am I doing with that?

Do I seek to live in peace?

And the end of that phrase tells me to... PURSUE it.

I am challenged again to bless others and not curse. To show sympathy and compassion. To love when insulted.

To do good.

And the reward is this... I will inherit blessing.

My heritage is one that promotes peace and anti war sentiments.

I would agree that most often we must first seek to understand rather than fight for freedom.

Saying this, I stand in honor of those who would risk their life for me.

And on a personal note, I am concerned, how many from my heritage would rather talk about peace in the world than pursue it on a personal level.

Peter's admonishment to us is not to lay down weapons in a way of promoting peace but rather watch our speech, because words matter.

I am also reminded of Paul's exhortation to Timothy who was a young sprout in the ministry...

¹⁴ Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. II Tim 2

So as I watch my sons argue and quarrel about disputable matters, I am reminded that there is a better way.

The Word is truth.

It has been my healing balm.

And a sharpening sword that pierces my heart in ways that nothing else can touch.

My truth on a matter is only my opinion.

God's truth is the Way and Life.

And my prayer to end our time was this...

God,

Today bring us peace not only in the nations but more importantly in our homes. In our relationships. In our hearts. May we pursue peace in our neighborhoods, in our families and all around. And Thank you for the promise that one day there will be peace all over the earth.

Amen

WINNER~~~

2011-12-06T09:58:00.003-05:00

Well today is my Chocolate Cake give away!!

I decided today to do something I haven't done before!

I wanted you all to win so much that I decided I am not drawing this time.

I am going to make you all winners!!!!!

That's right!

I think you deserve a little treat for being such great moms, sisters, daughters, friends and faithful readers. You are loved!

So I made each of you a mini cake!!

And I will deliver it promptly.

I have the cakes made and will have them to your dwelling places within 24 hours!

I'm like fed ex that way.

SO happy day to you my little winners!

Next week I'm giving away my carmel candy.

This is open to anyone because they mail well.

So long and good day!

O come to my heart...

2011-12-05T07:58:00.006-05:00

Rejection.

The very sound of this word brings pain to my heart.

To reject means:

verb (used with object)

to refuse to have, take, recognize, etc.: to reject the offer ofa better job.

to refuse to grant (a request, demand, etc.).

to refuse to accept (someone or something); rebuff: Theother children rejected him. The publisher rejected the author'slatest novel.

to discard as useless or unsatisfactory: The mind rejectspainful memories.

to cast out or eject; vomit.

No one picks to be rejected.

The adolescent who tries out for the team and is told they won't be playing this year. The woman whose husband tells her he has found someone else. The hard working employee who is overlooked for the promotion. The man who is told there is no place for him any longer in this organization. The boy who gets a no from the girl. The girl whose best friend gossips to others about her.

When friends betray.
It cuts like a knife.

Who chooses rejection?

Most of us typically guard our hearts, steeling it against such rejection.
We take all kinds of precautions so we won't set ourselves up for heartbreak. Some of us put on masks acting like the rejection didn't hurt that much. When inside we are torn to pieces. Some of us hide our talents so we don't have to face the rejection of not being good enough to qualify. Others of us hide physically away from people so we can shield our hearts from the possibility of being turned away or criticized.

But the one who made us?
Well plan A was he made a man and a woman and an entire earth full of beauty.
He made it for his pleasure and his glory.
And what happened?
He gave the man and woman a choice and they rejected him for a lesser object.

I may have said... Fine. You picked your love. I'm over you.
But not him.
Not God. The Jealous God.
Did you know God is Jealous for his own?
Not in a self serving way but in a "I care for you too much to let you go" way.
So because he cared so much about mankind, his creation, he chose Plan B.

Which included coming down to earth himself, walking with us and intentionally setting himself up to be rejected again not only while he was here but for thousands of years to come.

And he says to us... “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Rev 3:20
He will meet with us as a friend.
But we must take the action of opening our hearts to him.

Do you feel rejected today?
It stings.
The King of all Kings Knows that pain better than anyone else.

He knows the kiss of betrayal.
He hears the mockers and lies.

And if we look in the mirror we will see who the betrayer is.
We will realize that we have all sinned against him.

And yet our Jealous God says... "I still choose you".

It makes me want to fall at his feet in repentance and thanksgiving.

He is a friend to the broken.
If you find yourself in a place of brokenness. Know that he is very close.
You are not alone in this world of rejection.
You are in the best company.

Because Jesus Christ who came from a virgin to this world one starry night, was born in a place where only animals dwell, and was nailed to a cross to take our sin. And on the third day he rose again so we could live with him forever.

He knows your hurt. And he longs to come to your heart today and have dinner with you and be your best friend.

O Come to my heart Lord Jesus! There is room in my heart for thee.

WHAT FORGIVENESS IS NOT

2011-12-03T09:30:00.006-05:00

This was a message by Mark Driscoll.

It was so good I thought I'd share it with you today.

It is true we will all have to journey down the path of forgiveness many times through our life.

It is one thing that sets Christianity apart from other religions. Jesus Came to forgive sinners and calls us to do the same. The question becomes How do we do that?

Maybe we want to but it's just so hard we give up.

Or Maybe we don't really want to at all. So we've just decided we'll keep a private stash of buried yuck in our hearts.

I don't know what you've been told but I believe that forgiveness is actually often more important for the forgiver than the forgiven.

So the question is What is Forgiveness?

And What Forgiveness is not.

Have a looksee at the video.

I think he is spot on.

http://youtu.be/QB0OhnhJe-M

What can I do with a gallon of black paint?

2011-12-02T15:36:00.006-05:00

When We moved we sold all our kids beds. They were in bunks because of necessity. I was very ready to move them to ground level.

So we needed to find some new beds. I have been looking for twin frames.
And then last Saturday I decided I was ready to buy.
Jason and I headed to a local new and used furniture store.
We found these 2 little beds that looked like they could do the trick.

I went right out a bought some black shiny paint.
I am happy as a clam with a new gallon of paint!

After all the boards were painted and dried. I went back and abused them with a sanding block.
Until they looked like this.

This is what they look like now.

Well since I had the paint handy I went ahead and drug this out of storage. I had bought this at a yard sale this summer for $5.

Kind of scratched and ugly right?

But look what a little black paint can do :)

Well now Since I had the paint out I remembered I had been wanting to paint my $15 garage sale find dresser for a long time. I regret that I got so anxious to paint it that I didn't take before pictures but it wasn't very pretty. Look at the shine on this dresser now!

I started telling the children not to stand still or I may paint them.

I wanted to.

But I didn't.

It's just hard to stop when I get started!

I think I may do one of my hutches next.

But right now it's time to think of dinner.

How about some black-eyed-pea's?

Kids...They make me smile!

2011-12-01T15:40:00.004-05:00

I love watching people.

Especially little people.

Like last night.

I was supposed to be singing in the choir. We are preparing for our Christmas musical. I'm sorry to admit that every once in awhile I just observed what was going on around me. Especially while our director was working with the orchestra. I figured it wasn't really important that I pay attention how to play the gong or violin during measure 34. So I zoned in on the little one who had already finished her practice and was patiently sitting there watching us with her little face perched between her hands. I smiled and then noticed a little boy was peeking around the bench at her. She didn't see him right away and that seemed to encourage him to creep around the side and slowly slide onto the bench quite some distance away. I watched him as he inched closer until she spotted him. At that point he wasn't exactly sure what action he should take. I could see he wanted to say something to her but I was far enough away I couldn't make out what he was saying...And then I saw him slide over right beside her and show her something in his mouth. Oh wait...Is that a wiggly tooth little fellow? Yes. I see my little one nod and acknowledge that it was indeed a loose tooth. She smiled and I could see she was saying something to satisfy him.

And then that was it. He just slid on down the bench again smiling all the while.

Interaction over.

I smiled as I refrained from chuckling out loud. I was imagining adults doing that to each other.

"Hey look at my tongue..see what I can do with it? I can roll it left or right."

"Can you wiggle your ear? I can. Watch this."

"I got a blister on my toe..wanna see it?"

I love the honesty and uninhibitedness of children.

But I think if you tried that on me as another adult I may have a few questions of my own.

It's not a day when I have a lot of extra thoughts with that little story.

I just thought it was funny and wanted to share it with someone. :)

Don't forget to sign up for that Free Chocolate cake.

Tomorrow I will post some pictures of some projects I've been working on.

Giving Thanks, Chocolate Cake and Soup

2011-11-29T09:56:00.021-05:00

So we've been loving the holidays.

We went to the tree lighting of a quaint little town we live close to. It was fun and nostalgic and a not too cold night. We ate some pretzels and rode the Carousel to end the evening.

And then a few days later it turned a little colder and rainy and it was time to break out the soup recipes. So I made this.

Potato soup with bread bowls. Nothing says get into my tummy on a cold and rainy day like a combo of potato's, cheese and bread.

This year I got to host Thanksgiving for my family.

I was so giddy.

Seriously.

I was never able to do this before because of the size of our dining room and table. But here we have room to spread out so have it I did.

We fried us a turkey. It was also a first. And I liked it. Especially the fried parts. :/ But seriously I would recommend it. Thaw your turkey completely. Rub it with whatever seasoning you like, plus Tender Quick. We fried it in Peanut oil for 1 hour. Fair warning: Peanut oil is like Gold. You will pay for your oil. But you can reuse it again if you want to fry anymore throughout the season.

I had fun finding natural centerpieces. And branches that we used for our Thanksgiving Tree.

We made name tags with some spray paint, raffia, and Clothes pins.

And Candy that was so simple it makes me cry!

These are rolos on top of waffle pretzels. Simple and Cute little turtles. Just place the rolo on top of the pretzel. Melt in a 200 degree oven for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and place pecans on top. They are something else.

And these little gems...well try to stop eating them! It's a hugs kiss on top of a waffle pretzel. Melt in oven at 200 degree for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and top with another.

Much easier then dipping pretzels and I think they are just as good.

The place we are temporarily staying in happens to have an indoor basketball court. It's very fun. So the uncles and nephews went out after the turkey had settled to burn off some of that pumpkin pie. Well the little one did get a few shots before the boys started playing.

It made me sweat just watching them.

Look at that form! I think I compulsively yelled "You're Hot" about right here.

And...

I may have yelled out a time or two when I thought my son was being unfairly beaten up. It just slipped out. I don't know what else to say. I'm sure my 14 year old man child was proud.

You can see it was all very serious.

Kami and Megan watching and smiling from the "bleachers".

Grandpa even got in for a quarter. Watch out for his wicked hook shot.
We grew up on basketball . My brothers played this all the time. It is still the sport I know and love to watch best.

Lauren and Malaina snuggled in trying to stay warm.

And then my funny guy turned 12 over the weekend.

Next year he will officially be my 3rd teen.

Can not believe that.

But this year he took an interest in the banjo. Last summer he had been looking online for one. I stored that away in my bank of things I keep stored somewhere in my brain. And that's what we ordered him. Although I know nothing about banjos I think they're fun to listen to. So have at it preteen. Teach yourself every instrument. I would be deeelighted!

He requested Chocolate cake.So this is my amateur cake.

Trust me it tastes ALOT better then it looks.

Chocolate cake with a chocolate fluff filling and chocolate butter cream icing.

Is your mouth watering?

Do you want the recipe?

How about I give you a Cake already baked?

Yes I'm going to give away a free Chocolate cake today.

Just because I can.

And want to.

But you must live local for this giveaway since I wouldn't know how to ship this without making a big mess.

So unfortunately if I can't get to your house in a 1/2 hour you can't win today.

:( Sorry!

Just leave me a comment and I will pick a winner next Tuesday, December 6.

Have a wonderful day and Good Luck!!

I am Thankful to the owner

2011-11-22T08:38:00.006-05:00

When it comes to Thanksgiving I think we can all look at our lives and say...
"We have much".
I'm not just talking stuff.
I mean we have so many riches it is beyond compare.
The kind of riches that no one can put a dollar amount on.
It's like looking into a Huge Box of priceless jewels and realizing what is really in the box.

My greatest riches are the little people that I am raising.
And the man that I said "yes" to.
I look at my heritage and the family that I came from as being a gem in my treasure box of jewels.
I think of my friends past and present that have each dropped a pearl into my box.
I think of simple things,
Like a ride in the car with a boy who is fast turning into a young man. His young mind trying to understand the world in ways that I am still trying to comprehend myself.
Or the admission from the little one as she helps make the food that "when she grows up she wants to be a lunch lady..so she needs practice in the kitchen." A reminder that I am still her hero...No matter what I do.
As I hear the sound of music coming from each room...Children practicing piano,guitar,drums...and Rap?
The accumulation of sound and breath and joyful praise makes me pause and say.
I am Rich.
When I sit with a friend and chat I know that I have been given a gift.
When My guy says "I'd pick you all over again". I realize that I am cherished and loved even though he knows my weak spots like no other.
This makes me feel like I am the richest gal on earth.

And Yet...
Somehow it's easy to believe I own it.
Like I deserve it.
That somehow I must have everyday what I have today.... always.
But I know in my heart the truth.

It is not mine to keep.
It is mine to enjoy.
Like a borrowed car or the rental I live in.
I am not promised that tomorrow the owner will not say..
"I must have it back".

The challenge to me becomes
"What does my response look like When He chooses to have what is rightfully his"?

Will I as Job say... "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord".
Or am I little more like that wife of his?
The one who said (In my words) Job, this is ridiculous! God is not the good God we thought him to be...Let's not talk to him anymore. He is not to be trusted.

Ahhh that I would be as Job. Who doesn't sin with his lips. Who praises God in the storm. Who blesses the Lord when the sun shines and when it rains.

May I have that kind of spirit this Thanksgiving and everyday.
One that holds loosely to all he has given me to enjoy.
It is His.

I am his.

And he is in control of it all.

I am thankful today that He is a good Father. He takes care of his children. And if you are his....
You are the richest person of all.
Because the owner who's loaning it to you...
He owns it all.

Dreaming about the future...

2011-11-17T08:28:00.005-05:00

I have been thinking about some things lately.

Things like...

~What do I want my house to say when people walk through the doors.

~Where should I set my antique cabinets.

~Will my old furniture work in my new house.

~I wonder if our house will close this week....WHAT!!!! It's still not closed? I assume that's the response you had because that's a pretty typical one I get these days. Yes, it's been over 30 days since we were told we must move out because it was going to close by October 15. And we wait... And we pray. And we try not to think about all that we could have saved. And we try to learn whatever it is that we are supposed to get in this process.

So that's that.

But back to future planning.

I have been weighing all the decisions that comes with building.

And the most important is.

How does my building honor Jesus.

How will he be glorified in this?

I really think he can be.

I just want to remember it's his house. What does he want it to look like?

Creating something out of nothing is so exciting. I can't

even imagine how the Creator must have felt when he had this canvas of nothingness and just BAM there it was, a star here, a waterfall there. How he must have stood back

and smiled as it all took shape!

So I want this home to be just another way people

are drawn into relationship with him.

And as I look at picture after picture of magnificent homes I try to remember it's his, what would he want?

What is my motive in what I choose?

I think hospitality and a warm inviting environment is top. What makes someone feel like coming in and propping up their feet? How do I show gracious warmth in my spirit and home?

Our previous house had a front porch. We LOVE front porches!

There is something so perfectly peaceful and yesteryear about sitting there drinking tea and watching the world go by while chatting about the day with a friend.

I have been trying to figure out my style.

eclectic laundry room design

I think I would have a chandelier in every room if it were socially acceptable.

I am an eclectic styler. Which basically means I can mix and match anything I want and call it style.

I don't fall into just one category. Cottage is lovely! It's just if I'm not building a cottage it may not work.

I love Pottery Barn.

I think barn stuff is cool.

I like unusual, and often nontraditional.

But then again I like straight lines like mission style.

It's all very complex.

Does this door say "Howdy" and "how are ya" or what? I like!

And of course you know I like fixing up old things.

Isn't this fun?

It may get kids to actually wash their hands!

The verdict is still out on the kitchen...Black, Cherry, Distressed cream, Dark Maple. We are leaning toward changing it up a bit with several woods and stains.

I think the mix is yummy! The floor could be darker. And the lines on the cabinets are a little too fancy.

I know I am drawn to soft color and dark woods. I love mixing wood and mortar together...whether its bricks or stone.

That floor is perfect!

As I ask people who have built what they would do different. From like 98% I have heard...I would change my laundry room.

eclectic laundry room design by raleigh media and blogs Home & Harmony

So I ask how?
More space. Or some have advised Square it off instead of a walk through. I'm trying to figure out how I can do that on our plan.

I think cream colors and wrought iron is fantastic!

eclectic laundry room design by oklahoma city interior designer Rhonda Kieson Designs

And we will most certainly have a mud room.
For mud. And other stuff that falls off my kids.

eclectic entry design by boston general contractor ARCHIA HOMES

HELLOOO pretty room!!!

eclectic dining room design by media and blogs Dreamy Whites

I am crazy about this room.
However,I am not crazy about the ladder. It looks like a big fat accident waiting to happen. And really maybe they should have just put it away after they were finished painting the ceiling.

I think faces of people I adore on a wall are the best art money could buy!

eclectic living room design by baltimore interior designer April Force Pardoe, AFP Interiors LLC

And my sweet little one came down crying again this morning because she misses her play house :( Awwwh baby! Daddy will build you another one!

traditional kids design by phoenix general contractor Fieldstone

I think this space below is cozy and dreamy!
I'm just sayin'

eclectic living room design by interior designer Design Associates - Lynette Zambon, Carol Merica

I could totally make myself at home here!

eclectic living room design by interior designer Design Associates - Lynette Zambon, Carol Merica

It's so much fun to dream...

I'm sure there will be many dreams that never touch reality.

But that's why we dream.

And since I've started this post we got word that our house on 24 is scheduled to close tomorrow at 3 o clock!

And that my friends will be a very good dream come true!

I am blessed

2011-11-08T22:07:00.002-05:00

We are entering the season that helps us pause to think about the bounty of the harvest. The history of our country.

Reflections on our blessings.

And I, Like you, feel blessed.

And I want to reflect on it because honestly it's just too easy to see hard and injustice and forget about how my life has been blessed because of injustice.

I have not been treated as I deserve. And that my friends is something to be thankful for. For if it had not been for a merciful God, I would be far from him. If it had not been for his unconditional love I would be lost without hope.

So today I am thankful for an "unfair" God who doesn't give me what I deserve.

And I'm also thankful for boys that are running around acting like baboons. Who challenge my rules. Who kiss me good morning and good night. Who make me laugh harder than anyone else. That means they can move their bodies, show compassion, have a funny bone and can think outside the box.

For girls that spill nail polish or ruin my stuff. Who giggle and talk too loudly with their friends. Who ask me questions about life and relationships. This shows me they are creative and carefree. They are developing friendships and learning how to relate.

I'm thankful for difficult people to love...because it makes me aware of how much I need Jesus. I can't love them without his help. And He knows I have been difficult to love and still he loved me even to death.

I'm Thankful that he gives me this promise in Isaiah 43.... "WHEN I pass through the waters he will be With me. And WHEN I pass through the rivers they will NOT sweep over me. When I walk through the fire I will Not be burned." The word When indicates we will all face high water and fire but He will be faithful to walk through it with us. That is indeed a high praise.

I am grateful for the love of my life who works hard for his family. And I'm grateful that I could have a disagreement with him yesterday after I came home from a funeral because that means he's still here and alive and we could continue to practice forgiveness towards each other and I still had his warm feet to keep me cozy as I slept.

Today I am grateful for the harvest... For Apples and hot cider. Pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes with cinnamon and butter. For creamy mashed potatoes with some Sweet Corn. All blessings that come right from the earth.

I can't help but feel lighter in my spirit as I think of all I have been given.

For shelter and food. For laughter and friends. For the Church and His Word.

When I start adding it all up it's hard to stop.

Yes, there is no doubt, I indeed have been blessed.

Have you stopped to consider what your blessings are?

I'd love to hear how you feel blessed today.

Home I just want to go home

2011-11-08T22:06:00.001-05:00

I wake with a stretch and a humph as I roll over to look at the time. I can feel my surroundings aren't familar and realize even as my eyes are barely open that I am away from my home.I smell campfire on my clothes remembering where I am.

As I roll back to center I murmur.." I just want to go home". And then the thought hits me like a thundering thud.

I'm not sure what home looks like anymore.

And I say aloud..." Although I'm not sure where home is".

Transitions.

Are Hard.

And Messy.

And sometimes Adventurous.

They never seem to be what I dream them to be.

I am a romantic to the core. I want to be joyful. I want to think of positive. And lovely. But far too often life is nothing like that. Sometimes we are dealt things that are not pretty to gaze on and we must in Faith believe there is something larger that we can't see. Something that is far reaching and preparing us for future hills and valleys.

As a child I knew nothing of hard. Life was cake. And I had all my needs met and most of my wants. I didn't worry about bills,death,disease,housing and relationships. I just lived. And my problems were tiny although they seemed big to my little brain.

I keep wondering how God looks at us.

It's hard to be us.

He knows it.

Because he formed us.

And he recognizes our eyes see here in front of us. And that's why he tells us to trust Him. And believe. To walk by Faith.

But really to God our problems are tiny. In light of his knowledge and understanding my momentary troubles are easy peasy for him.

And while I wait for him to clear a way.... I will praise.

And believe that he knows exactly what my real home looks like.

I think he may just be working on it right now. And it's going to be more beautiful than I could ever in my most romantic mind imagine.

I am trusting that he has my life figured out and when it jogs left instead of right I can follow the path knowing it's for a greater purpose.

And As I hear of the death of another saint I can't help but feel a bit of envy. They have finished strong and have now gone on to their final and ultimate home where there will be no more tears and disappointments. And we are left to mourn the loss of a loved one.

But while I'm here I want to live with the hope of a new tomorrow. A brighter day. Believing there is a place where I will finally be home.

And it will be grand.

Home.

I just can't wait to be home.

editors note....Tonight we mourn the loss with our friends and our family as they say farewell to their sweet loved ones.

What are you here for?

2011-11-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

First of all thanks so much for all your kind messages. Jason and I got away over the weekend with 3 other couples Relaxing,laughing, telling stories and laughing some more and also having some time of serious discussions of how we can pray for one another. It did wonders for our spirits. Your sweet words of encouragement and prayers meant so much as well!

This morning as I was still blinking sleep from my eyes I scrolled down across my Facebook page to see what had happened over the last 24 hours in the lives of those people I call my Facebook friends. It's odd how this social media site has linked me with people from my past, present and some I hardly know. I like it most days. I am inspired, humored, unmoved, and sometimes troubled as I read down through my home page. It's such a Hodge podge of ideas and feelings swirling around in cyberspace.

But today..

I was moved.

By a link to Francis Chan's video on eternity.

And I realized once again how God can use anything including social media to proclaim truth.

I wanted to share with you what one of my FB friends shared.

http://youtu.be/86dsfBbZfWs

Over breakfast the kids were spell bound as I repeated this example. It drives home the point that what happens here is but a blink of an eye compared to how and where we will spend the rest of our lives!

I press on toward the prize...Not looking behind or around me is my goal. To be invested for a higher purpose.

How about you?

Do you know where you will spend eternity?

Jesus made a way for us to spend it with him forever.

If you don't know how I'd love to share with you his truth.

Message me and I promise to respond!

Hugs to you in cyberville!

Unmerited Favor

2011-11-08T22:04:00.002-05:00

It's still dark and my mind is focused on all that lays around me. I want my anxious thoughts to be still. I pray, "God it's yours I am laying it at your feet."

The children gather around the table with bowls of marshmellowy cereal. Our time of reading is from the book of Titus.

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us.But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, NOT because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life.

"Kid's", I say, "this is grace. Grace means getting something we don't deserve. And this tells us that while we were still sinning and doing horrid things Jesus came and freely showed us kindness. We don't deserve any of this but he gave it anyway.

Can you understand what that means?

Let me give you an example."

I shared with them a very raw and difficult example of something happening to us at this moment.

"We need to give as much grace and mercy as we have been shown".

It made the little one instantly well up with tears. This decision effects her very much. I held her and cried with her.

It went against my son's sense of justice and anger was shown.

I still am weepy as I type.

God has once again given us the opportunity to live out the very thing that we read. Not just hearers but doers of his Word.

Father today...

I am thankful that you count me worthy to be tested and tried. May I come forth as gold. Not to my glory but yours O God. You are the one who unselfishly and freely laid down your life while I was deeply entrenched in my sin. You are the one who showered your mercy on me while I didn't deserve it. You are the one who pours your Holy Spirit out. You are the one who is preparing our hearts for eternity with you. I want to live my life for you alone. You know what's best for us and we trust you today.

May it be as you desire.

Craftiness and other news

2011-11-08T22:04:00.001-05:00

We had several big events over the past few months.

2 Birthdays and a wedding in the family.

We got to celebrate Jalen's birthday over labor day at a water park in Cincinnati. It was HOT and a perfect time to be in the water. The rest of the weekend we spent at Ikea(heart heart) and hanging out.

Where J thought he should be the door greeter and tour guide for his brother in law. And anyone else who would listen....That man is crazy!

Allen seemed quite impressed and decided to stay.

I think I love this kitchen. What do you say? Think my new kitchen should be black or will that date too quickly?

This girl hit sweet 16 last week.

Time you are stealing away too quickly!!!

And my oldest brother's son got married in the past couple of weeks...

New happenings for my family. First nephew to say I do.

This is my dad, brother and his son.

And we love his pick for a bride. She is the sweetest!

So we celebrated again this weekend with a reception for people who couldn't make it to the out of state wedding.

Several months back I got this brainy idea to make them a coffee table with an old window that would lift up so it would be similar to a shadow box.

When we sold the house and started packing I kind of gave up the idea thinking maybe I'll just give them a pretty plate.

But....

Yesterday when I woke up at 4 with J getting out of bed I said...

"Hey I printed out an idea of how that table could look..it's down on your desk".

And do you know what that fantabulous guy did?

He went out and built that table!

With stuff from his shop that we didn't want to move :)

The only problem was... We liked it so much we thought maybe a pretty plate would still be an okay gift :)

I printed out some black and whites from the wedding and put them on display. But they can put whatever they want in there.

Just one more way to reuse old windows.

In other news...

We are starting the great move.

Today and the next 2 weeks.

I will be glad when these weeks are done.

This next weekend we will be having a Gigantic moving sale. If you know where we live come take a looksee! Tables, chairs, hutches, all kinds of household items. Out grown clothes and toys. I think Jason may have some things on there for men too!

You won't want to miss it! :) :) :)

O happy day!

http://youtu.be/yu5tOL4CWus

My Rescue

2011-11-08T22:03:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered why bad things seem to come in clusters?

Like if the car breaks down the washer will too. And the kids must start acting out as well?

What is that?

Do you think it's just bad luck?

Do you wonder if you're doing something wrong?

It's easy to go down that road...Oh so easy to go there.

Sometimes the circumstance I'm facing is because of my own bad choices.

But then again sometimes it's not.

It's just plunked there in my lap as an unwelcome gift and I would like to return to sender!

If I only knew who that sender was!

Sometimes if I'm honest I decide the sender is the one who controls the universe and then things get really dark.

Because if he is behind all these shenanigans I'm not laughing and I don't think it's funny. At all.

So how do I cope?

How do we not lose our faith when the valley of the shadow is looming?

How do I move forward when all I feel like doing is staying in bed with the covers pulled high and tight right over my bed head?

This is what I have come to discover... The truth is the one who controls the universe could stop this pain. I know it. I have seen him work. But sometimes he doesn't do it the way I ask him to. And I don't like it. Do you ever wonder if when Jesus walked on earth he chose not to perform some miracles? Like he looked at the one girl in the corner and said, "Actually you need to learn from your sickness so I'm going to let you go through this one". That's hard to imagine. But all through history people have gotten sick. They've experienced war and famine and heartache of unimaginable proportions. And where was he? That great healer we sing of and exalt. The one who holds the universe in his hands.

I don't know answers to all those questions.

But this I do know.

He is here.

Now.

With us.

And he is accomplishing his purpose.

In my life.

And yours.

So when I face anxious circumstances that make me want to scream out....Not now! How can you do this to me or my loved one?

I have come to believe this now more than ever before...

He is not doing this to me. He is doing this with me.

He never promised us that here on earth he will take it away. But he did say he will walk it with us.

And that has become my hope I cling to in my valleys.

When it's my own fault.

And when it's not.

He is with me.

And if you are his...He is with you.

Know this today,

When you are at your weakest He has a chance to shine the most.

It's the place we have the opportunity to let his glory shine. Not at the top of the heap but at the bottom. Not always with bells and whistles but sometimes just a quiet strength. A peace in the middle of the storm.

It's really the place I found rescue.

And I believe he wants to do that for you too!

He is Able

2011-11-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

There's a story in the book of Daniel.

I heard it as a child. And Sunday School's all over the world teach this story to their little students. In fact, It's so popular it was made into a veggie tales book and perhaps movie... These 3 they call Rack, Shack and Benny.

The Bible calls them Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego. 3 guys who were men of integrity. Men who stood when many, even their friends and neighbors did not. These guys were the inner circle of Daniel. He called on them to earnestly pray for him when the king was threatening to kill all his wise men for not being able to interpret his dream.

Well now the arrogant king decided to have all the people of the nation come together and by force they were all supposed to bow down to an image that he had made. A huge statue. I don't get all their bowing down to idol stuff in the old testament but it seemed to be the trendy thing to do. And I think perhaps if we are honest there are many more options of things to bow to today then they had in the OT.

So the king has issued this command and these guys won't do it. Now these 3 are actually high-ranking officials in the land. They aren't just mere mortals. And people tend to follow people in higher ranks so this lack of bowing was even more of a threat to the king's command.

Some people who saw this went to the king and reported this insubordinate attitude. And the king was FURIOUS! So he gave them another chance saying..." Now look guys, maybe you didn't understand but if you are ready to fall down now excellent... But... if you don't you will be burned alive. And no god will be able to save you."

And this is the part that I love.

They replied... "O Nebuchandnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it and he will rescue us from your hand., O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up".

Is that not the coolest verse of faith ever?!

I love that they proclaimed God as being able to do whatever he wants... Whether to keep them alive here or take them but either way he is still God.

Nothing the king could do to them would deter their steadfast stand.

We could use some more Rack Shack and Benny's today.

People who aren't afraid to stand when everyone else is bowing.

Men and women who say... I am standing on this with no fear of what anyone will do or say of me.

Followers of Jesus who don't compromise for the sake of being liked or popular.

The end of the story is great... In the furnace they are thrown. And what happens? Jesus does indeed come and save them from the flames. In fact the king sees 4 men walking around in that hot furnace. The furnace that had already killed the strong soldiers who threw them in. It was that hot. But these 3 guys came out totally unharmed! They didn't even smell like campfire smoke! No scorched eyebrows no blazing trail or smell of rubber from their feet!

God had saved them and he still saves today.

There are choices we are making every day.

Will we stand or not?

Do we allow God to save us from the furnace or do we just bow so we never get to see him work his miraculous power?

Reasoning if I don't bow now I may not get that promotion.

If I don't go along with this shady thing... I won't fit in.

If I can't stand for the small things I will never be able to stand when the big test comes.

Every time we say no to sin, every time we turn away and look stupid or dull or old-fashioned in the eyes of the crowd...

we have stood.

These are the hero's I want to stand beside.

Men of strong character.

Let it be said of us that we gave God a chance to be God.

That we stood for the right no matter the cost.

That we would not bow to idea's, trends or anything that keeps us from being true followers of Jesus.

Today know that he is able to save you from your furnace.

Let him be your Savior today.

http://youtu.be/ABdZDDKQObU

Packing it up and moving it out

2011-11-08T22:01:00.000-05:00

I have once again been reminded that packing and moving and upsetting a home environment can add some stress to life. Everyone seems so eager to help at this point so that's not the problem. It's just that all of us lean on the side of sentimentalism.

We all love to hang on to special blankets and first drawings and some even like to keep their baby teeth... It's all rather much when you start to weed out and sort through and decide whether it goes to the trash, garage sale or keep piles. I was thinking about the security of stuff and how some of us like to be surrounded with memories of the past...in fact some people like stuff so much that they make it on this show called hoarders... Which I can't watch because I get too overwhelmed and then my head starts hurting and I have to lie down with a damp rag. I would rather burn the house down than try to sort through all of that. ICK!

I digress.

I want to keep memories alive. Making sure that my kids remember at least parts of the first 20 years of their lives. And there is something so precious about holding that first outfit again and trying to imagine that tall lanky boy back in that little baseball cap or that little girl in her 0-3 month ruffly dress.

I'm odd that way.

Why is it that our memories often block out the night feedings and painful births?

My mind tends to remember the good memories which makes me think it was a better time.

But in my heart I know that there were some rough times...oh yes I know it!

I wrote them down. So I wouldn't forget. It's my attempt to be more understanding when others face that thing. Oh who am I kidding... It's so I have ammo when those crazy kids get out of line :)

This is why I have so much to pack.

Because I'm raising kids just like me. All but one. He would just rather pitch it than pack it.

So my countdown is now at about 25 days till closing. I think it's a good thing that I move every so often or my junk would just keep piling up. Closets that contained so many important games and art projects are being excommunicated from the family treasures.

It feels good.

I Keep taking it one day at a time.

One room. One closet. One drawer.

But I keep hearing my walls say... "How can you leave? You breathed new life in us".

Is that creepy that my walls talk to me?

It's all been quite a ride.

And for some reason I have this crazy feeling I just jumped onto a new one.

Something new

2011-11-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

For I know the plans I have for you...

Plans to bring you a hope and a future...

For you have brought me to a spacious place.

These are pictures of the land we purchased 4 1/2 years ago. We have been all over the chart on what we should do with it as we wait for our house to sell.

And now... Well it appears like using this land for our home may be a reality.

It's a bit overwhelming and exciting at the same time!

I can't believe it...but I already have a dozen boxes packed! It's gonna be a trip!

Meanwhile I have 29 more days to get my belongings together.

I have felt God's hand strong during these past years and this week he has just cracked me up as I watched him work.

If I am not blogging much the next 4 weeks you will know why. Thanks my dear friends.. you who have supported us through prayer and your sweet words of encouragement! You make life more exciting and I'm so glad I can share it with you!

It's always great knowing he goes before us... I have been singing this song the past 24 hours...

http://youtu.be/1zo3fJYtS-o

Learning to let him make the way has been a life long lesson for me.

It continues... If he walks somewhere I didn't plan to go I must be willing to drop my ideas for his.

When he isn't moving as fast as I would like I am learning to quiet my heart and smell the daisies while I wait.

While I am praying to be released from the dry and weary dessert I am learning to satisfy myself in his word and refresh myself with his presence.

I have not learned it all yet... I'm still here so there's more he wants to teach me.

I see it and I rejoice that he has put a song on my lips.

But today I especially rejoice that he has provided a way.

And that time of waiting has passed.

It's a new day and I'm going forth with him.

Sweet Stolen Water

2011-11-08T21:59:00.002-05:00

I have a younger friend who was on a mission assignment in another country. I remember shortly after she returned we were having a meal together. As she was sharing about her time away she said something that stuck with me.

"The cakes and pastries all look so delicious there but they are actually a lot like sin...They look beautiful so it's tempting to try them but they are nasty going down."

What a perfect example!

Of course the tempter would not choose to make temptation ugly...Who would be tempted?

He makes it look like Stolen sweet water that appears far better than plain old paid for water.

Proverbs 9 refers to the woman of folly as this.

She sits in the high ranks in the city calling out in her soothing voice...

"Come, I will show you. It will be the most delicious water and bread you will ever eat".

Just as our first parents did so many years ago many will be beguiled by the thought of the forbidden. We are born with the nature to crave what we do not have. But what she doesn't tell us is that many have already tasted and are living as a dead corpse. Walking around in their secret sins all the while continuing to drink the oppressive stolen sweet water...Many are living in their own hell on earth and more have already died in their dark graves.

She is fashionable and pretty. And she makes you think you've missed it if you don't try it. Everyone is doing it...They seem glad they did and encourage you to join them in the sweet treat.

But Her ways always lead to the grave.

She will look for the simple. Those who seem to be easy to swallow. They are always a sure thing.

And she will call out urgently to the educated and well-bred. She will make them believe they are smart and don't need to play by the rules. They, after all are the elite. Answering to no one but their own desire for pleasure.

But in the end the destruction will look the same.

Empty shallow graves with hollow hearts and shattered lives.

How can we be sure to walk in the opposite direction?

The fear of the Lord is the Beginning of wisdom. And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. proverbs 9:10

Reverence of God's law...of his person... and his character, this is the start of wisdom. And knowing him will bring greater understanding.

Every day a decision to fear him first. In a spirit of humility recognize we are weak on our own...so we must stay very close to the one who hands out wisdom.

My prayer today for my children and for all of us is this...

Guide our paths today oh Lord. Keep us far from the stolen sweet water of the tempters trap. Set our face like a flint that we would look neither to the right or left. May our ears be deaf to the call of the seducer. May our hearts be quick to fear you. Give us understanding and wisdom beyond our years that we may be discerning and obedient. Preserve our lives from the grave for your honor and your name. ~Amen

Living on a cross

2011-11-08T21:59:00.001-05:00

I just have to share with you how God has been working in this heart.

I sat in service yesterday as Pastor Bill was teaching out of John 12..

The cross of Christ.

One of his quotes was this... "the mark of an authentic gospel is if it begins with a cross".

I must admit that about 10 minutes into his sermon I kind of went down a road in my head and didn't hear everything else he had to say... But I think it was the Spirit and I think it may be something I'm supposed to share with someone today.

The question that I wrote down was.... What Cross am I running from?

Not intentionally.

Or rebelliously.

It's just a thing or place or a putting to death of something.

Maybe you can relate.

When I was a kid I loved life. But I didn't love being a preachers kid sometimes. That's putting it mildly. I didn't like it most times. For different reasons. But when I got to adulthood I very clearly remember going up at a revival saying God if you want me to be a pastor's wife or in full-time ministry... I will do it.

And that was that. I felt free from having made that "I will never" statement.

And yesterday it was another one of those times God just plopped another thing right there in my mind. And I knew the answer to my own question.

It was a place I was unwilling to even consider...And God said "I want to know that you are willing to run into danger. That you are available to lay down your own plans and die to yourself for my sake. That reputation and self preservation are far from you"....

Me: "Awhhhkkk. Really? Okay. But you're sure you don't want to send me to Afghanistan? I'm not sure but I think that may be more fun".

Today I am thanking him for giving me freedom to choose. He doesn't force me into a head lock and stick a needle in my eyeball. He gently reminds me... "Here's an area, a place that needs polishing. A room that needs to be uncluttered."

My job here is to follow the one who bore a cross and voluntarily laid down his life for me.

How on earth do I think I should be exempt from the cross?

And the thing that keeps going through my head is this...

I will never live more at peace than when I am crucified.

And I must do it every day.

It's actually when the real power begins.

Because it's not mine but his.

Galatians 2:20

King James Version (KJV)

²⁰I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

For the Hand of God was on him

2011-11-08T21:58:00.000-05:00

I have been inspired by A Man named Ez.

He's got his own book in the OT.

God used this man to help bring his children back together after captivity. They were in process of rebuilding the temple until the unbelieving nations around came in with paid staff and discouraged the children of Israel. Then those pot stirrers and malcontents went to the king with a letter asking him to stop the children from rebuilding. And he did. So here we have a discouraged people who were going about God's business and yet the plans for the temple were brought to a standstill...In fact the scripture says..."they compelled them by force to stop."

In chapter 7 Ezra uses this phrase about himself....

"The hand of the Lord his God was on him".

How did he know that?

And later he says... "The gracious hand of his God was on him".

Would you like to know that?

That God's hand was gracious and it was over you now?

How could he be so sure of that?

How could he know?

The next verse gives us the key...

10. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

We get it so messed up sometimes..

We may pray for a week or study for a few days and then we give up... Nothing seems to happen and we wonder if God cares about our situation. Maybe there are people in your life that discourage you. You're just trying to do what God has asked you to do but those few voices make you feel like giving up.

But devotion requires a long-term commitment.

It's not enough to just cry out when things get bad, We must in our time of plenty consistently throw ourselves into his word.

In our wealth we must see our nakedness before God.

In our lack for nothing we must pray as we would in our desperate times.

In our mountain top we must prepare ourselves in his word for the valley.

This kind of living is what pleases God.

Honestly it takes a lot more energy trying to be the one in control.

When we recognize God's hand we can relax knowing he's got it figured out and all we have to do is surrender our plans to him.

We can confidently as Ezra know that the Gracious hand of God is on us.

Even when it looks scary. Yes,even then.

I'm sure it was a little scary for Abraham to set out into an unknown land. I think Moses was a little terrified to go before Pharaoh and give him the message God had for him. Esther knew she could be put to death for going before the king unsummoned.

But as Ezra says... "Because the hand of the Lord was on me I took courage".

This past month has been a bit of a bumpy ride.

I'm not complaining. Because I know there is one who knows every little thing and he is in charge of my life.

I can say that today because he has shown me that though the night may be long he will be the light in the morning.

I must renew my mind in his word to ward off any stray thoughts of anxiety.

Because I know that I know that the Gracious hand of the Lord my God is on me.

Is that what you desire?

Tell him. And then press into him. He welcomes your devotion.

And my prayer for everyone reading this today is...

Take courage and May the hand of God be upon you today my friend.

I will follow you

2011-11-08T21:57:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago in a sermon pastor Bill said this.... "Many people talk about their conversion experience as accepting Jesus. While I never find him to invite us to accept him, I do see in the New Testament that he invites us to follow him over and over."

I thought it was a remarkable insight.

The difference between accepting someone into my circle and following someone is night and day.

I can accept you without accepting that you have anything of value for me. But if I follow you it indicates you have something I too desire.

I thought about the difference it would make in the lives of many people if they decided to follow Jesus instead of just accepting him.

While it is true we accept what he has done for us it can not end there. His grace is given freely, open for all to accept, but he didn't invite the rich young ruler to accept his grace. Instead he asked the ruler to make a choice... Follow me or follow your dreams of riches.

In the old testament book of Zephaniah God is warning his people of coming destruction. He is angry. And his holiness can no longer withstand the choices the people were making.

Zephaniah 1:4-6

English Standard Version (ESV)

4"I will stretch out my hand against Judah

and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;

and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal

and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,

5 those who bow down on the roofs

to the host of the heavens,

those who bow down and swear to the LORD

and yet swear by Milcom,

6 those who have turned back from following the LORD,

who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."

What grabs me about this passage is this...

These are the chosen people. Just like us. They were his children. But he was willing to wipe them out for this reason...

They wanted to follow 2 gods.

And the creator will not compete for our affection.

We have the choice... We follow him or we follow something else.

So this is my question today...

Who or What do I follow?

Honestly.

How do I spend my day?

Who do I spend my time with?

What are my goals?

If I am desiring to follow Jehovah God how will I look different than these people did?

They were in fact still acknowledging him. They may have even gone to church.

But he was not their only leader.

And that's what he wants his followers to understand.

He must be the only leader.

Or we can't follow him at all.

Some will choose as the rich young ruler did to turn and walk the other way. I don't believe It was so much about the riches but the man's allegiance was the heart of the matter.

The following will require a sacrifice. But as a friend recently told me...The sacrifice is always worth it on the other side.

It's no secret following him costs us.

It may be our wealth, family, reputation, friends, dreams, or comforts.

But I have made the choice.

I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back...

No turning back.

http://youtu.be/yTw_oIRqyHI

Above all else...

2011-11-08T21:55:00.002-05:00

It's a monday morning. My body is tired from too much running on the weekend. I pull myself from bed and trudge down the steps... calling out names and picking up laundry as I head down.

I pour myself a cup of coffee and wearily start fixing the lunches.

Children start arriving at the counter for some toast and cereal but not without some encouragement.

I quickly get my Bible and pick up where we left off on friday...

Soon I come to this verse and announce it as the verse of the day...

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

Guard your heart above all else,for it determines the course of your life.

It reminds me of the movie..."Cheaper by the dozen". One of the take away lines for me in that movie was when the punk boyfriend of the older daughter is all stressed out that someone may touch his car. It's a Lebaron. As the children approach he yells, "HEY keep a perimeter around the lebaron".

It made me laugh when I saw it the first time and it makes me laugh today.

"KEEP A PERIMITER AROUND THE LEBARON"!

We had some discussion about what it means to Guard our heart...

The perimeter factor comes up.

The children are quick to point out that we should guard our heart from evil.

Yes.

There are many evils that we should be guarding against...

Examples for them are violent games and movies. Language and dirty jokes. Lieing, cheating and stealing.

It's Very important for us to keep far away from things that sear our conscience and destroy our inner man.

But could it mean something beyond those obvious sinful choices?

Could this be talking about another griping vice that ties our hearts in knots?

Do we know what it means to be wise in the way we guard our hearts?

Do we confuse "guard you heart" with "harden your heart"?

It's easy to mix those two up.

For example, I have learned to guard against certain sins. I can flee them rather quickly. I'm on alert and a radar goes off in my head and heart...RUN! Run as fast as you can.

My walls go up and I guard myself against the enemy's trap.

However, God never asks us to harden ourselves to people.

We get hurt. And alarms start ringing in our heads...Ouch, Ouch run for cover. The walls are raised and the drawbridge closes.

Boom.

We shut it tight. Peaking out only on occasion but never, never will we allow anyone to get that close again.

We call it guarding our hearts when actually we have taken the seed of hurt and carefully planted it causing a root of bitterness to begin to grow right there in our inner man.

And we wonder why the world seems so much dimmer inside these walls. We fear going back out while the vine grows tighter and tighter around our heart.

We reason that wisdom says stay aloof.

Don't involve yourself.

Don't be vulnerable again.

It's tricky.

And it's dangerous.

We change who we are. We see others with jaded eyes.

We become cynical and easily angered.

We doubt others sincerity and we question integrity.

It's bitterness.

And we plant it saying we are "guarding our hearts"... But instead it splits our hearts in two.

And we are left with broken hearts.

Fortunately for all of us there is a healer.

He binds up the broken hearted and sets the captive free.

We just need to ask him to come.

It may mean that we have some tearing out to do first. Those roots can run deep.

Guarding my heart from all kinds of traps including bitterness will determine the outcome of my life.

Not just for today but for eternity.

Who's the wise Guy?

2011-11-08T21:55:00.001-05:00

I have been reading the Proverbs with my kids for the past 2 weeks.

It has been good.

In fact there is something so exciting about reading words straight from the Bible like..." My son listen to your father's instructions. Take heed to your mothers warnings". They look at me like I may have inserted those words on my own.

One of the things that I pray for more than anything else in my personal life is for wisdom and discernment.

We need it so badly.

I need it so badly.

Every day in every situation. I am constantly weighing the decision... is it wise? So Proverbs is just the book to read when talking about Godly wisdom.

The thing is, wisdom isn't something we buy, or decide we're going to have. It's not a commodity. True wisdom can only come by asking the living God to give it to us. "For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." proverbs 2:6

Proverbs repeat this over and over...Search for wisdom and understanding like a hidden treasure.

But this is the caution...

Proverbs 3:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

So if I ever think I'm kind of smart. A little bit wise. Pretty full of understanding...

I am not.

True wisdom says all the credit goes to the one who gave it.

And I am not that one.

As I was reading the words to my boys yesterday I became increasingly fascinated with this thought.

What would our world, our churches, or neighborhoods look like if we were all looking for wisdom like buried treasure. IF we all sought understanding from our creator. If we asked for wisdom more than we ask for health, wealth, healing, or protection.

Not so we could be the wise guy but so he would be honored in us.

What if?

What if we trusted God with all our heart and didn't try to lean on our own understanding. And in all our ways we would acknowledge him....He promises to direct our path. proverbs 3:5

I have some paths that need straightening right now.

Do you?

I could use wisdom for making some large decisions.

How about you?

I think this is God's message to me today...

Relax in me. Ask for my wisdom. Don't rely on what seems rational in your thinking. I will direct your path. I will make a way for you. In fact,Trust me.

It's really the wisdom I've been asking for all along.

That's it.

True wisdom is understanding I can't know it all but I am friends with someone who does and he will lead the way.

In fact he not only leads the way but sometimes he makes a way in the desert.

He gives words when we need it.

He gives grace to endure it.

He brings light to dark situations.

He. Is. the wise guy!

Troyer Camp 2011

2011-11-08T21:54:00.001-05:00

So we had our anual Campout last weekend.

It was packed with fun.

We welcomed some new friends and future family members to our ever growing population.

We were missing Aaron and Jasmine. But here are the Troyer Grandkids.

With uncle Steve High jacking the picture.

He does this a lot.

I don't know why...Maybe it's from being locked in his closet as a child. (jk)

You will often find him in the picture with a goofy pose.

Gotta love him.

We made shirts and played indoor games.

This was a game my uncles used to play at family events. We dug it out and tried it out on these guys. Allen and Jason fought to the death for their 2 cups. They provided some good entertainment.

Dale Always proves to be a crowd pleaser! He had just gotten done with some arm wrestling and moved on to some sumo wrestling. We were in stitches at the end.

We played pass the shoe from me to you...

Grandpa stood on his head...Not bad for 71! Jus' sayin!

Risk was a BIG hit!

And than we moved the fun outside.

The girls took a boat ride.

And jumped off the dock.

These 2 guys picked up where they left off inside.

And the game of choice was Greased watermelon football.

Tyler was apparently the watermelon police. Making sure there were no cheaters or sneaky moves.

It was a fight to the death. No man woman or child were given a break...

As you can see...

We also played some messy, Whipped cream whiffle ball.

What a hoot!

It proved to be a slippery, mess but it was fun!

mmmm! Yummy! What a delicious snack.

Of course we had to eat sometime so for dinner we had a hog roast with all the fixin's

We enjoyed hearing these 2 play together on Sunday for worship.

We will look forward to celebrating their marriage next month In Virginia.

It was a great weekend being together and making more memories.

I love these people.

And what's kind of cool...

I really like them too.

Didn't see that coming

2011-11-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

We have lots of trains around here.

I'm not a fan of waiting on trains.

I do everything I can to avoid them. In fact Sometimes I drive out of my way to make sure I don't have to sit and wait. My theory is ...At least I'm moving!

But sometimes I get right up to a track and the light starts blinking and the arms go down and there I sit stuck waiting on that train.

I didn't see it coming.

And if I am intent on getting somewhere it makes me crazy. I try to occupy my thoughts so I don't focus on the inconvenience that is currently traveling at an all too slow of speed in front of my vehicle.

Trains aren't the only things that I don't see coming. At times I am completely taken off guard by other circumstances in my life and it's not that easy to just "occupy" my thoughts as I wait for the inconvenience to pass. Sometimes the intensity of the situation

ROCKS MY WORLD

and I am left with a large question mark...

What now?

I didn't see that coming.

And all the what if's and why now's come marching in a parade blowing their horns. There is no candy in this parade. No sweet drippings. Only loud noises and confusing messages.

So I look up to my papa and say, "Is there room on your lap for me? I'm scared. And I don't like these loud noises. "

And he always says, "Yes come... Come sit, I will give you rest. Wait here while I make all things new".

And sometimes the thing that makes us tremble the most becomes the exact thing he uses to build something new in us.

The things that hit us out of the blue are never out of his control.

I am believing this today.

"Be still" when all is crashing in.

"Be still" When the waters rise.

"Be still" When the noise is more than you can stand.

"Be still and know that I am God". ps 46:10

School's in

2011-11-08T21:49:00.002-05:00

Well we did it all over again.

Another year of school.

Freshman is now Sophomore. 7th grader has turned to 8th. 5th grader has become a middle schooler and the little one is now a 3rd grader.

The passage of time. It is moving forward with no thought for my feelings.

This year I didn't have such huge adjustments. I do have a middle schooler but I'm not going to pretend it's as hard as the first one going or the thought of the last one. He's a secure boy that one is. Although he was a little nervous about getting lost the first day. Because I am such a great mom I may have in my most mature voice dared my 8th grader to hold his little brothers hand to his locker. In which they both responded "MOM!! That would be AWKWARD!"

I was just trying to help...I don't know what all the fuss is about.

So instead as I dropped them off I told them they needed to kiss their mama goodbye :)

Those boys! I love to give them grief! We all know they deserve it!

Fall is always super busy! Between all the start-up paper work and extracurricular activities we are pretty normal....Running.....Running.

Malaina is at it with volleyball and Show Choir. Jalen is going to start Drums this fall. Micah has football, Bible Quizzing and piano. And Sophie has dance and socializing. That little butterfly needs someone to talk to every waking moment.

So we're off and running. Here we go~!

Help yo' self honey!

2011-11-08T21:49:00.001-05:00

Let's just say it...

School Lunch is not always the most appreciated.

Children who can't stomach the lumpy potatoes and the disgusting Mac n Cheese pack their little brown bags filled with Cookies, chips and A Peanut Butter Sandwich.

Well Not at our school.

No sir. I have been told we have the best lunches around.

And I am officially joining the ranks of Lunch Lady.

When I told my children that I will be working in the lunch room this year my 2 boys gave me very generous advice.

"Mom", My funny new 6th grader said, "when you're a lunch lady don't call kids Honey.Last year I went up to my lunch lady and asked for a fork, she lifted up her shirt to expose the belt around her mid section that held all the spoons and forks and said...'Help yo' self honey'. "Don't do that! Can you believe she called me honey? My friend over heard and I was teased all year about that!"

"Yeah", my soon to be 8th grader agreed. "Don't call anyone honey!"

Alrighty then!

So now I know.

No Honey.

And no telling anyone to help themselves to anything that's located on my person.

Very good advise from my Boys.

Yes I am pleased to serve your children. It will be a joy!

And I am currently, for a small fee, offering my spying eyes, for any and all parents who need a little feedback on your child's lunch habits. :)

Let the good times roll....

Friends who are yours?

2011-11-08T21:48:00.000-05:00

I love people.

I do. I love them in a box I love them with some sox.

I love the way they make me laugh. I love them if they take a bath... :)

I know we are all made different.

Some people only like to have a small circle of friends. Others delight in large groups. People of various personalities and beliefs. All sizes, colors and ages.

I have tried to instill the concept of being friendly to all in my children. Not that we are on top of our game all the time. Some weekends I just like to crash with my little family and lock the world out. I think we need that too.

But the idea that I would only have 2 friends in the world seems a bit restrictive to me. So I always encourage my kids to play with many kids on the playground, not just the same one every day. You never know who might need you...and you've gained a new friend.

But is there a downside to friends?

Are you vulnerable with your friends or do you keep all your inner secrets to yourself? Do you have certain friends that you know are only around for what you can give them?

Who do you trust?

What about when the friends you thought you could trust aren't loyal to you? What about when the money runs out and they decide they don't really want to hang with you anymore? What about friends who believe the bad report someone else gives them about you and they no longer call? Or perhaps even spread the news along.

What do you do with that?

It hurts doesn't it? And sometimes it's easy for us to take that pain and spew it out all around and over everyone we see. Even if others are not interested. They hear us rant about our horrible friends.

What about when your friends disappoint you ?

When they don't come through in your crisis?

Maybe in your mind you tally up how many times you were there for them and of course they should return that favor. Of course they of all people better step up when you need them most.

And then they don't. And you wonder if they really care about you at all.

Have you ever heard this... "You really know who your friends are in times like this".

Or maybe this... "They were my friends, and they call themselves Christian, but they haven't been very Christian to me ".

What do you think of comments like that?

What does a "Christian" look like?

They are followers of Christ right? So we try to follow what he did right?

I go back to how Jesus treated his friends.

He had many friends. Jesus knew everyone he saw. And I believe most of them had heard of him as well.

But He picked a group of close friends to be in his inner circle. He asked them to follow him and learn from him. So he has these guys who live with him. They saw him in his down times and in his upfront ministry...when he's teaching and working miracles. They had constant access to their friend who is also the Messiah.

But when Jesus needed them most...When he could've used a friend.... Judas betrayed him. Peter swore he didn't know him. And the others disappeared.

Could Jesus have said... "Well I certainly know who my friends are in times like this"?

But instead what did he do?

He said, "Father forgive them. They don't know what they do."

Do you think you could do that?

The thing is... If I say I'm a Christ follower it doesn't matter what other people do. I am accountable to him for the way I followed. And sometimes we have to repent that we haven't followed him at all. Instead we have chosen a fleshly response that looks no different from what we may be accusing our friend of.

Sometimes my kids fight. I know.. we're unusual... but I see one of them whacking the daylights out of the other and I say "Hey, Hey.. quit hitting". Invariably the child responds... "well he hit me first". Justification that he has the right to hit back harder because he was not the initiator of the fight.

Doesn't it simplify our lives to simply acknowledge, "yes, that was hurtful, but I was forgiven, how can I withhold forgiveness? Even if they didn't ask for it."

I'm not talking about reconciliation. We could not be reconciled to the Father without first coming and confessing our sins and accepting Jesus as the payment for us.

The same is true for us. We cannot be reconciled to some relationships unless both are willing to confess the sins we commit against each other. Sometimes Trust is completely destroyed and it would not be wise for us to enter into such a close relationship with that friend again.

Judas could not grasp that he could ever be forgiven and he destroyed himself.

But Jesus used Peter to build his church.

That betraying, cussing, no good friend of his, was used to bring about God's great plan for the message to go out to all ends of the earth.

Could we consider how we cast stones at other friends who aren't always so gracious to us? Could we stop for a moment and the next time we hear that phrase..."well you really know who your friends are in these times".... and simply say, "Father forgive them... they just don't know."

Could it be that God is actually teaching us how to forgive in those moments? Maybe it's about us relying more fully on Jesus to be the friend that no one else could ever fill. It is never God's will that we sin against each other but perhaps God is using that experience to draw you in.

I am convinced that as I walk the path he walked and learn to die to my self daily I am happier.

Not a self gratifying happy. But a happy in my soul. A happy that I can be free to love when I haven't been shown love. A Happy because I am forgiven. And in turn I can forgive my friends. Even when they disappoint me.

How about it?

If we are truly following him.... How will we respond differently when our friends mistreat us?

When our dreams turn to nightmares

2011-11-08T21:47:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted something so much it was all you could think about?

I remember back as a child I used to live for summer camp. We would go to camp in the hills of Kentucky every year. I did it for 9 years. There was nothing all that cool about the camp. In fact, still today whenever I smell mold or coast soap I think of the house with bunks where I slept that week.

I would dream of camp. In fact I remember the night before it was time to take that long bus ride to camp how I would plead Jesus to wait to return until after camp was done.

It seems so silly now. Who would want to trade a smelly camp over heaven's amazing beauty?

I can think back to so many prayers that I have prayed through the years. My dreams at the time seemed so important. My wants and even sometimes my needs were not always met the way I prayed. And I'm so glad.

God has been teaching me to pray for his dreams to become my dreams.

Instead of trying to make God bend to give me the dreams that I think would make me happy. Asking him "God what is your dream for me?"

What about when we pray for a dream and God grants it to us? Or at least allows us to have it. What happens when that dream becomes a nightmare?

Maybe it's a job you thought would be your dream job. But after you started it you realized there was elements of this position that you had not factored in. It's become a place you hate to go. You feel in bondage and you're just so tired.

Or a relationship you wanted so much. And yet now that you're in it you wonder if you'll ever make it through the rough patch you seem to be stuck in.

Or When the baby you prayed for grows up and turns his back on you and God.

Maybe its the time you prayed for a material possession, like a house or car and after you got it you lost your job and couldn't make payments on it anymore.

What about dreams that seem noble and God honoring that turn into the deepest pains you will ever encounter?

What happens when the big dreams we had...become our biggest nightmare?

What happens to our faith?

What if we really felt God opening doors to the dream and now we wonder if we heard correctly at all.

We lose faith in our ability to hear from him and we struggle within the recesses of our minds asking the hard questions. We may want to just run away. Or worse yet, end it all.

How does Faith and hope to press forward work in those times? How do we get back up and run again?

God has been impressing on me this truth in recent days.

Sometimes while my eyes see a nightmarish circumstance God is working out something that goes way beyond me and my little small minded dreams.

Joseph was a dreamer and he had big dreams of his brothers bowing down to him. His brothers didn't really like his dreams. In fact he made them so stinkin' mad they wanted to KILL him!

He was the bratty little spoiled brother who was now telling them they would bow to him. They decided to throw him into a pit and then sell him to slave traders.

Did God give Joseph the dream?

He sure did. And yet I wonder how many times Joseph wondered if God had really given it to him. I'm sure it didn't seem all that promising when he spent all those many years away from his family.

Do you think he may have been asking some questions?

Like what's wrong with me?

What did I do?

Did I hear you correctly?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

God may give you a dream...But what will you do with it when it looks harder than you thought.?Or a door seems to slam shut. Or you get thrown into a cell.

What happened the night after Jesus spent praying to his Father about what he was going to be facing within the next few days?

This is what I read.

He was betrayed. Falsely accused. Struck so severely he was beyond recognition. His closest friends said they didn't even know him. And ultimately he was hung on a cross looking down on those he had created begging God to forgive us for not understanding what we were doing.

Not really what you're looking for?

He was without sin. And yet still these unimaginable nightmarish events happened to him.

Why? Because God had a bigger dream that included me and you.

His dream was to bring all of his lost children home. And Jesus was the only vessel he could use to make that happen.

When God births a dream in us, it may not even be something we choose in our natural thinking but a passion that he gave us, we must be careful not to discount the dream just because it seems impossible. Or even when the door closes for a season. God is working behind the scenes and you and I must stay close to hear his voice.

Don't listen to the enemy who says... "See, you can't really trust God.... See how stupid you were to think God could use you? You just need to stay in control. God doesn't have a place for you. Depend on yourself".

The story isn't over.

If Joseph had quit half way through the journey just think of the blessing he would have lost!

If Jesus would have given up because he knew what lay ahead of him think of how much you and I would have lost!

It's not time for us to give up either.

The dream may look different from what we imagined in the beginning.

We may have lessons to learn along the way.

But our stories aren't written.

Today God's word of encouragement is this.......

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

The new Circumcision

2011-11-08T21:46:00.000-05:00

I am emphatic about this. The moment any one of you submits to circumcision or any other rule-keeping system, at that same moment Christ's hard-won gift of freedom is squandered. I repeat my warning: The person who accepts the ways of circumcision trades all the advantages of the free life in Christ for the obligations of the slave life of the law. ^4-6I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior:faith expressed in love. ~ Galatians 5:2-6~ the message

Were you taught certain things as a child that you believed to be true. It was what everyone in your circle practiced.And anyone who didn't practice these things was an outsider. They could be reached but you must not step too close or you may get sucked in to their belief system that was unlike your own.

In the church, we are especially "good" at this.

And it looks like the church of today is not that far from what the Galatians were struggling with. Paul is telling them essentially throughout the whole letter... Stop it! He's even rebuking other leaders...such as Peter. Some important church leaders were requiring circumcision for those who were not of Jewish decent.

The Jews knew circumcision. They were raised on it. It was of utmost importance. God had said so. So for generations their people had practiced it. It had always been done this way.

And here comes Paul telling them it's not the most important thing. It's in fact a side issue. No longer the main player in deciding who the people of God were. And it was troubling to many.

It prompted me to start thinking about what the new circumcision is for the church today?

Maybe its style of worship. Maybe its certain programs in the church that are "sacred cows". Things that are fine and good in themselves but have become too important in your body. Maybe its dress. Perhaps it's a fruit of the Spirit such as Peace, Or Feeding the hungry, or Prison Ministry. Maybe it's clothing poor people or taking in orphans. Perhaps it's visiting the sick or helping widows. Maybe it's which denomination you are a part of. Or how you interpret end times. Perhaps it's tongues or words of prophecy.

What would Paul say to your church? Would he tell you that you have exalted something above Salvation through Faith in Christ alone.

Do we get "disappointed" with each other because someone isn't following the traditions (some are very good ones) that I have been taught and hold tightly to. Maybe people don't know the language we were raised with so we discount one another. Reasoning if they were truly saved they would not say such things. Or they would know how important these teaching are.

What are we doing?

We are making those things as important as the circumcision was to the Galatians and early Jewish Christian. We have in essence made a mockery of Christ's death. And Faith through Believing in him alone.

While we may not say certain things save us. We live as if they do. We condemn and look down our noses on others who haven't seen the light.

Does that mean that works aren't important?

They absolutely matter.

^13-15It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

If we are saved we should be showing more fruit this year than we did last.

But the fruit doesn't save me.

And it doesn't save you.

The fruit is an expression of our walk.

But so often we take the fruit or perhaps the tradition and we make it our walk. We make it a test of faith for others.

^16-18My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?

If I live by the Spirit I will not make the Law my salvation.

I will allow Christ to live through me so the law can still be my guide. But not my salvation. ~So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. gal 3:24...meaning the law was a child guide bringing us to Christ.

It's tricky. And it seems we get it turned around.

If I live to my flesh this is my result...

^19-21It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.

This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.

And when we are walking in the spirit our fruit looks like this...

^22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

All good things right? But when we take anyone of those and make it the star of the show...

We have made it the new circumcision.

Faith in Christ alone.

We start there. And when we truly grasp what he saved us from.....When we truly give our lives in surrender..... The outpouring is lives that want to bring him honor. Lips that speak of what he has done. Hearts that love more compassionately than they did before.

^25-26Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

That my friends is so exciting!

You can be exactly what Christ called you to be.

Not comparing ministries with your neighbor. Not deciding your call is what everyone else should be passionate about. But living out your walk in the way his Spirit directs you.

It's liberating to know that he has called us to be free in Christ.

Free not to live a lifestyle that is hurtful to ourselves and others. But free to live for him.

Not under the law of circumcision but not apart from it either. It was that which led us to Faith.

Anything that sets itself up as most important. Anything... no matter how good can replace our worship to God.

It's not about what others think of us. It's not comparing ourselves with each other.

It's about being changed from the inside.

It is about Faith alone.

Anything other than that takes credit from the one who freely laid down his life so we could live.

What's that smell?

2011-11-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

It's six days before Passover, a week before Jesus will be crucified. Jesus arrives in Bethany where Lazarus lived. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead in the chapter before. There was a dinner party thrown in Jesus' honor. In Marks account it is recorded that it was in the home of Simon the Leper. So a former dead man and leper were throwing this party. I think that's kind of cool.

Martha served, Of course, Lazarus reclined at the table with Jesus, and Mary the one who seemed to always be at his feet, brought an expensive jar of perfume. She poured it on Jesus feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas, the one who was stealing from the wallet and was also about to betray Jesus, objected to this.

He asked, "Why wasn't the perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages". He didn't care about the poor, he wanted her to donate the money to their collective pot so he could have it.

In Mark when this story is told it indicates that more than just Judas were rebuking Mary.

"Leave her alone", Jesus said, "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

This was Pastor Bill's sermon last week. The text is John 12.

My heart was stirred. I have heard this story so many times. I have sung the song that preceded the sermon numerous times...dating all the way back to high school..."Broken and spilled out". And yet God's Word revealed pierced my heart yet again.

Who am I? Am I Mary at the feet of Jesus worshiping the one who raises the dead and heals all my sorrows. The perfect one who came to earth for the sole purpose of saving me from death. The one who I can trust my heart to?

Or am I Judas...None of us like to think of ourselves as a thief. Or people of wrong motives.

But think of this, Judas and the others...The closest followers of Jesus... were critical of the worship sweet Mary was offering to Jesus. To them, her worship seemed extravagant and over the top. Weird. Unnecessary. They were not impressed with the outpouring of her gift.

These rebukers of the worshiper no doubt were judging her wisdom, intellect, motive, action.

Am I the one who stays at the feet of Jesus, offering what I have no matter how strange I may appear to even others who know Jesus. Am I the Mary, who brings my best in reckless abandonment to pour out whatever he has given me. My life. My most costly possession.

Or am I the one standing in the back of the room whispering to the person next to me how foolish the offering appears. Because I lack understanding. Because perhaps it's not the way we usually do things. Or maybe I, along with the others in this room, listen to negative talk about someone and start to believe it and chime in with my own criticisms because it makes me uncomfortable. I have a hunch these men weren't feeling at ease with this woman being so emotional in their presence. Awkward.

Or have I tried to give my life as Mary did, pouring out her precious perfume but after being rebuked by others for lack of understanding I have pulled away from the Master's feet into the corner where it seems safer. Have I believed the Judas and his band of critics?

Have you?

I think it's easy to see myself in any of these roles. I have been each of these people.

I want to be a Mary with a heart that doesn't count the cost of reputation. Without thought to how it appears to other people...even other believers.

The perfume smelled sweet.

But to the critics it stunk.

Who did it smell sweet to? Jesus.

Who was she doing it for? Jesus.

Does it matter if it stinks to the crowd? Does it matter if no one else understands? Does it matter if everyone around doubts the integrity of the gift?

Who is the gift for?

Them?

Nope.

It's for Jesus. And so when it smells sweet to him, you and I have accomplished what he requires.

A mind that believes fully in him. An undivided heart that shares him freely. The life that has been changed radically by his grace.

I want to be careful not to be the critic. The one who judges heart and motive. I may have an opinion about how certain things should be done but I am not God. I cannot read hearts. I cannot know motive. It is very destructive to others when I am fault finding and cynical.

If it smells sweet to him I want to sniff the same aroma.

Think of the position of Mary.

I think Mary had the best spot at the table.

The one at his feet.

It's where I want to stay. In complete adoration of "the friend of sinners". The one who offered me grace and forgiveness.

If I'm at his feet it's a lot harder to be standing in the back or sitting at the head in judgement of those around me. I can't really see others when I'm looking at his feet.

An act of worship that involves my most costly gift.

My life and all I have been given.

I offer it up to you Master.

It's all I got but I believe you when you say...it's all you want.

Charleston...When I grow up...

2011-11-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

Our family trip consisted of a very short trip all the way down to the coast. We had never been to this side of the ocean and it was a treat.

We arrived in Charleston and headed straight for a plantation. Knowing which one to hit was the tricky part. We had talked to others who have been there, looked online and at ads as we decided which would be most interesting to our family.

Well it finally came down to this. We were closest to Boone Hall and since it was so widely advertised..Including being on american idol and several other movie sets we decided on this one.

We learned a lot. I am always very drawn to the Victorian era.

It's good to be reminded that the books and movies depict much of it in romantic ideals but really there was a lot of hard work done. Kitchens had to be detached from the house. Many times the kitchen would burn down several times a year. Plumbing and running water was not the norm.

The boat house. Where people of Charleston would travel by ferry to get to this particular Homestead. Our guide told us it would take around 12 hours to get here from Charleston..Which is now about a 15 minute drive.

And worst of all... many of the beautiful structures, roads, fields were built on the backs of slave labor.

[caption id="attachment_2392" align="aligncenter" width="742" caption="Gullah...The language , the food, The African people."][/caption]

A wonderful monologue this lovely lady did for us. She gave us a great picture of life for her people on the plantation.

She told us how the slaves would use songs to send messages to each other. The root doctors and the natural remedies they used. How the slave would eat off the masters table from a trough. They were timed and so they would eat as quickly as they could until the second shift of slaves would get their turn. She explained that the master would let them eat low on the hog..this included things like the foot.Which is why they are known for making foods such as pickled feet. "But now, she said...We eat high off the hog".

The house pictured above would sometimes house numerous families. They weren't allowed to have church weddings so they would jump over a broom stick on the thresh hold of the house to signify their union. Whoever landed first was the boss of the house. The term "I worked from can't see to can't see" meant I worked from before sunrise to after sunset.

As I listened and walked through the slave houses I couldn't help but wonder what people were thinking. Treating other humans as less than who God had created them. His precious possessions.

This truly is a dark spot on our nations history.

The tree lined lane was planted by a son of the owner years later. There were so many old beautiful trees.

How small does the little one look?

[caption id="attachment_2394" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Micah and Sophie in the hobbits house"][/caption]

We enjoyed this very much. And after about a 3 hour tour and sweaty backs we headed down to look at the coast...We also visited Fort Moultrie....

[caption id="attachment_2409" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="My boys."][/caption]

Yes...please don't look down the barrel. It makes me nervous.

They crack me up~

After we drove around on Sullivan Island, and Saw Ft Sumter, we traveled across the bridge to downtown Charleston for seafood.

We ate stuffed hush puppies at Fleet Landing. It was recommended to us by a local. We sat out with the birds and the heat. But seafood is always better on the deck.The waitress suggested the Shrimp n Grits...

After this we decided to head for our hotel. As we passed the Battery our mouths fell wide open. It really was something to see! House after House, street after street of the most gorgeous houses! With porches and flickering lamps. Rod Iron fences and beautiful landscaped court yards. Wide trim with Large welcoming front doors and porches.We were amazed that even at night many doors stood wide open.

Cobblestone streets and brick of all breeds. It was just fantastic. The architecture was so extravagant.

The next morning we woke to rain. Rain all day. We went to the market downtown to acquire some goodies. It's so interesting to me what my children choose. It gives me a window into who they are. Malaina took the longest...In fact, all day. She finally settled on a sun dress that she liked. Jalen Saw what he wanted instantly. It was $30 over the allotted cash prize given by the Father. He didn't care. He said he'd pay the difference. It was a Knife that had a stand and a sheath. Micah saw a rock with a Gecko carved in it and wanted that. Sophie...A small sweet grass weaved basket and a Fancy Oriental style fan. All went over the allowance given except for Micah. He, for the most part, is a saver. In Fact he had $2 left over.This is the old slave market which is now a museum.

After eating lunch at the Crab House with the upside down Sign we headed out to the beach. It had stopped raining long enough and it was plenty warm enough to play in the ocean.And I had to once again tell myself to breath.I used to love the ocean with the kids. I sat on the shore and watched and decided I was going to try to understand what had changed. I LOVED big waves all the way up through my 20's. Now I felt completely different as I watched the water crash on the shore. As I was pondering I heard yelling coming from the ladies beside us..."Watch out"! I looked over to see this little Crabby pants scurrying around...They had dug him out of his hole. After he was safely back in his hole I went back to the thoughts swirling in my head.. And then it hit me. Of course! I had once again forgotten when this changed... 6 yrs ago when Sophie was 2 we lost her for a few minutes on a very crowded Siesta Key. Jason had been sitting closer to the water with the boys and Sophie building something. I was about 10 feet away on the blanket with Malaina. Sophie decided it was time to take a walk. When we realized she was gone we both went into full panic mode. The threatening ocean was just steps away and we weren't sure how long she was missing. I was sure she had been overtaken by the water. I ran into the ocean desperately trying to find her..I remember scanning the vast shoreline to see if there was a bobbing head. I screamed...Has anyone seen my baby? I was frantic..It felt so surreal! A few moments later...which felt like hours...the crowd helped us spot her..she was headed off the beach away from the water. OF course I wanted to leave as I clung to her crying.

Tears streamed down my face as I thought of the emotion of that day. Jason wisely had strongly encouraged me to go back the following day...He knew if I didn't I would never return.

So even now...that emotion fills me.

I always say...I just want to bring you all back home with me. So Please be careful.

Remembering That Jesus has his eye on them where ever they go helps me through the times when worry wants to crowd out peace. Asking his presence to overwhelm the fear is what helps me relax. I do enjoy the water. Especially from the shore. With my kids beside me...building sand castles.

Some of the Observations and Lessons I learned on this trip...

~ Prejudice is an ugly sin no matter who it's against.

~ We teach with our words...We LEAD with our lives.

~ Never set a mouse trap and then leave on Vacation!

~ There is a shortage of good grits and biscuits in the North.

~ BoJangles rocks the house! It's Bo time!

~ The Ocean is dramatically noisier than the Mountains are.

~ It seems fittin to talk with an accent at about the Kentucky line.

~ My husband is an amazing sacrificial human being and I love him!

~ Hotel rooms with 4 growing children have become smaller.

~ I'm not gonna lie I am thankful not to wear petticoats in 97 degree weather!

~ Someday I would like to catch shrimp down in the river behind my house.

~ Our God is a magnificent God. The majesty of his creation overwhelms my senses~

~ Boiled peanuts are growing on me.

~ In my garden the weeds grew like thunder while the flowers drooped..How does that happen?

~~ There is no place in the world like home. (even with the yummy smell of dead mouse :()

Christmas in July

2011-11-08T21:43:00.000-05:00

Well guess what?

I still blog.

Let me introduce myself... My name is RosyRose and I like to write in this little blog and sometimes I record events that I want to remember.

This past week was one of those. Every July we look forward to spending time with Jason's family.

He comes from a tribe of 9. And let me tell you it's a noisy mess when we all get together. But I think it's pretty cool how the nieces and nephews still try to come...I love the stuffing out of those kids!

Who many by the way are no longer kids. It's the weirdest thing but they are catching me...Almost 30~~Some of them are! Having babies... I love it! We are missing 5 of the grandkids in this picture. We missed you Monica, Janae, Jeremy and Kim! Sharon was already gone when we took this.

So this year Jason's oldest brother Steve and his wonderful wife Deb hosted in their new home town in North Carolina. When they said we could come we very quickly accepted. We made our way across the country up through the hills of West Virginia.

It was a scary night. Mountains + Torrential rain + Hail + Dusk = SCARED.TO.DEATH!

Very tense driving for awhile. I was praying for all I was worth and encouraging Jason that I wouldn't mind if he'd stop. He seemed to think he could follow the tail lights in front of us and be fine. I doubted. And sat white knuckled. But he was right we did make it. But an hour later than we hoped because of the weather.

When we arrived it was dark. But if it would have still been light this is what we would have seen.

If you notice up above it says..."You're gonna LOVE this place".

And we did!

It was simply breath-taking!

In the morning I got up early to see the sun rise. Well there were a couple early birds already up...making some yummy muffins!

Look at those little honeys! How can you resist that?

So after sitting on the balcony (which is pictured above) a spell. Some of us decided to go pick blueberries in the 80 + morning temps...Yikes!

We talked about missing Jason's mother and how much she would have loved picking. We figured she may be picking for the king's table right then.

We drove to this sweet little place to pick. It had this shack at the patch which I was tempted to dig up and take home with me..It was that cute! I also considered retaking my senior pictures but decided against it when I remembered an elderly lady asked if I was my mom's sister last week. Really? What is that about?

It was a Very cute barn.

And we got such a chuckle out of this sign...encouraging people to "blow their horns".

We picked blueberries until we started passing out like Tennessee fainting goats and decided it was time to head home.

What a lively group!

We spent several hours at a mine finding some pretty rocks. They told us we could find some Very expensive gems... Did not happen. But it was a ton of fun for the kids. And Rocks travel well. They make great pets. So it worked out okay.

In the evening we hung out and initiated the new guy...Jonathon.Well he's not really new. I mean he married Jason's niece Amber 2 years ago and they now have this sweet sassafras, Jada, who everyone wants to hold, talk to and squeeze... I mean good grief can you blame us? She is such a heart stealer! She made Jason a great-uncle.

I think she probably liked me best. The reason I know this is because whenever I held her she said "mommy" most of the time. Which some could interpret that she actually wanted her mommy. I decided it was because she liked me that much! :)

There is always so many conversations and games going on. You just need to pick which one you want to jump into...Watch out!

Jalen and James.

Zaundra...aka...Julia Roberts and her dad Jon...my lone brother-in-law on this side.

With Jason's sister Zonya.

Jason and his oldest nephew Justin....

And of course there is always work to be done. The little one was a busy bee..stirring the pot.

These 2 have been friends since birth. They still love to hang out with each other. I love that! Malaina and Neil.

And before we knew it..it was time to pack back up and take off.

We certainly did love it there.

North Carolina is a little piece of heaven! I think we may need to go back soon.

After we left we traveled on down to the low country. But that's for another day.

Jason and I feel so very blessed to have come from 2 family's of rich Godly heritage. I take it for granted far too often. It's times like these that help us remember to pause and thank God for this blessing. I love how the next generation is serious about the important things. They are running their races in different places but all for the same prize.

Until next year...when we will be making more memories in Pennsylvania!

A good Start to the day

2011-11-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

Its 5:30am and I hear the door to my daughter's room creaking. She is heading over to the neighbors for her summer babysitting job. I roll over but sleep won't come. I grudgingly plod to the bath and soon the big guy follows. After a bit I decide to try once again to get a few more winks so I head back to bed. He heads down the steps. I lay there asking God what he has in store for today. Talking with him in the morning has become my favorite thing to do. I hear my phone alert me that I have a new text. It's from J. He's downstairs inviting me to join him on the front porch for a 20 minute coffee date. The smell of coffee is strong and I am delighted to think of sharing a cup with him on our porch. I pad down the stairs and head to the coffee machine. There's nothing like that first sip of coffee in the morning. MMMM! That's good!As we sit in silence for a few moments I watch the birds do their morning routine.Chirping and fighting for worms. I hear the distant sound of a whistle... A factory is beginning production. I smell the freshly cut hay. I feel the slightly cool but sticky air and I know it's gonna be a good day in Indiana.

I love these days. I wish they would last all year. But for today I am grateful to sit on the porch with the man I married. Knowing the little ones are snoozing in their beds and realizing how blessed I am to have been given so many rich gifts. I mentally check off my things to be grateful for list in my head.

~ Children who are growing to be more responsible and considerate.

~ Helping my mom get ready for her company...Many times while I was at my mom's house yesterday I was thinking and praying for my friend Leslie who is sitting at her mom's house beside her mama as she fights for her life.

~A husband who has worked long hard days this summer providing for us.

~ A God who is not distant.

~ Friends who have been faithful in their love and loyalty through the years.

~ A front porch.

~ Food in my cupboard.

~ Music that ministers to my soul.

~ Green Grass..Trees...Shrubs. Everything is so green!

~ Knowing that it's Friday and Sunday is 2 days away. I love Sunday!

~ Realizing that I have 6 more months until I'm 40. That's a long time to live!

I Like this start! I think its gonna be a good day!

Love God...Love others...The end.

2011-11-08T21:41:00.000-05:00

Isn't it cool how the words of long ago are still alive today?

I love that I can read something in the word and it beams a light on situations I may be facing.

It's one of the best things about following Jesus.

He speaks through his written word.

If I let him.

Sometimes.... I confess I don't want to hear it.

It may hurt.

I may have to change.

But when I surrender and realize he is speaking to me....

I do change.

And everyone is pleased. :)

Especially him.

And really shouldn't that be who I want to please?

This morning he spoke to me from these words of old...

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[e] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[f] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[g] There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12

Love God.

Love others.

The end.

Sounds simple right?

So why is it so hard?

We, of course, say we do... And we may try. But when it's so cut and dry I wonder if I'm doing it right.

And I see that I have room to grow.

What Does loving God look like?

Dependence. Obedience. Relationship. Trust. And....Faith

Not just a law keeper but a true believer. Someone who walks by Faith.

He says "step out" and I say "I will".

He says "be still" and I say " I will."

He says "wait" and I say "how long"...what? I meant "I will".

By Faith.. looking to the one who began a good work to complete what he has started. In his time.

And then we've got the tricky little loving others as we love ourselves.

What does this mean?

It means my speech will include only things that I would want someone to say of me.

It means I will recognize needs around me and reach to help.

It means I will share your burden as I would want mine to be carried.

It means I will forgive you as I would want you to forgive me.

If I focus more on how I am helping others than how they are helping me...I will not fall into the snare of loving others only so they will love me.

If my perspective remains on speaking only things of others outside of their presence as I would with them in the room... It helps me to remain pure in my speech.

The heart issue is this...do I have pure love for God and people I rub elbows with?

They go hand in hand.

Remember that Sunday School Song...

JOY JOY must be...JESUS first...Yourself last...Others in between.

It's true.

When I live my life like this...it brings joy.

When I live to please myself first and then squeeze everything else in when I get around to it, I become selfish and me centered.

Living in this way...

Waking up with the thought, "God what can I do today that will bring you the most Glory?"

This normally, automatically brings others to mind.

Who does he want me to love on today?

What pleases him is that we have a listening relationship to him that recognizes his great love for all mankind and we in turn can love the people he created.

God,

Today this is my hearts cry...Make me a lover of all people. Not just the nice ones. But the hard ones to love. The ones who hurt me. And the ones who smell. The ones who I don't get. And the ones who don't get me. Let me love with pureness of heart. Forgive me for my lack of love. Forgive me for my self focus. Fill me with your power that I may love as you do!

Give me a heart like yours O God!

Did you know you're a super hero?

2011-11-08T21:40:00.000-05:00

IT has been said that our enemy seeks to get us one of two ways...

Either through

Distraction

Discouragement.

He knows he can't have our soul but he sure can keep us tied up.

Either through our ultra busy schedules or his accusations that keep us bound by guilt, shame,or humiliation.

The accuser is nasty and he comes at times when we may least expect him.

Like after a victory or a great accomplishment.

Maybe it's after a time of intense intimacy with Jesus.

He sneaks in to the party uninvited and starts to whisper in your ear.

"Who do you think you are? You aren't anything. If everyone knew that you messed up yesterday they would recognize that you really have nothing to bring to this party".

He keeps us low and discouraged.

He makes us feel insecure and fearful.

Because he knows if we really knew the kind of power God has given us we would tear him to shreds.

So the coward makes us believe we are the coward.

"Don't say anything....Only perfect people are allowed to talk. Sit in the corner and feel miserable about your lack of perfectness." Yes he knows that will keep us ineffective.

"Feel sorry for yourself...that will make you feel better". Oh he loves to make us the victim.

"You deserve to hold that grudge....they need to pay for the way they behaved". This one is a sure poison eating like a worm at our soul.

"Don't you dare confess that sin... if people know that about you they will stone you behind your back." He LOVES it when we keep sin hidden.

"You're just not as good as..." Oh my! He likes to tempt us to compare ourselves with others!

The accuser attacks us because he is Scared of us!

Why?

Because

He saw.

He still sees.

Not our power and smartness but the power of Jesus.

And that is EXACTLY what he doesn't want us to use.

Jesus gave us grace by giving us what we didn't deserve.

And he also gave us power.

Like a superhero!!

The power that raised Jesus from the dead is in the life of every true believer!

It's the power to crucify the flesh when we are tempted to walk in it.

It's the power to confess our sins when we fail.

It's the power to forgive as we have been forgiven.

It's the power to live life, however hard our circumstances may seem, with a peaceful presence.

It's the power to move mountains.

It's the power to stand strong in persecution.

It's the power to be humble and broken.

And it's the power to tell the nasty old accuser to hit the road!!

If you find yourself in this place today. Know that you are not alone.

I too, face the father of lies...he is on my doorstep waiting to get his foot in.

...Cause I just kicked him out... yesterday...again.

And I know that I will battle him until the day I am safe in the arms of the one who saved me from him.

And for today?

I am so very grateful for God's daily sufficient Grace!

http://youtu.be/51LGsPMKeAE

Crazy Days

2011-11-08T21:39:00.002-05:00

I'm playing catch up... Because my book is in progress and I want this to be included.

So...

This is what has happened over the past weeks.

Life has been happening way fast and I am frankly dizzy, and tired and a little worn out tonight.

I feel like my eyes have sprung a leak and I'm hoping it will be fixed by morning.

Sometimes good sleep can fix the leakiest of hearts.

But right now I'm gonna think back to these moments that I don't wont to forget.

Sophia has had a busy end to the school year. Including several field trips, one to a ballgame, that never happened, because of a thunderstorm. :( Daddy and her got some bonding time on the school bus at least. And then she played softball for the second year. She is mighty cute in her little pants and shirt but I will have to post a picture of that later. She also had her end of year dance recital. She will be going into 3rd grade next year! Slow down little one! I can't let you grow too quickly!

[caption id="attachment_2270" align="aligncenter" width="768" caption="A girl and her daddy. What's sweeter than that?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2269" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Sophie's dance school/2011"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2272" align="aligncenter" width="722" caption="My sweet ballerina"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2271" align="aligncenter" width="521" caption="Proud of our little princess"][/caption]

I love that little one!

Our Friends, Conrad and Leslie, from Alabama took the time to stop by for an overnighter. We loved having them and their family. What a sweet treat in June!

[caption id="attachment_2282" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="The Weber's"][/caption]

With the end of school Freshman turned into sophomore. And a very scary thing has happened. Most incidents of her passage make me cringe and hold my breath a bit...I am slow to participate in "what everyone else my age is doing"....I just think kids grow up so fast. But this one I can hold off no longer...She is officially allowed to drive. I feel most awful because usually by the time it happens I come around and I'm ready to celebrate the new thing...but this time I am just in total denial. I cannot tell you how cranked up my stomach is from this earth shattering event. Not that she can't or won't do a great job. She will do fabulous. It just rocks my world to have her driving me around.

I DO NOT FEEL THAT OLD!!

But here are a couple of other things she has been up to...

Summer Volleyball league.

And Starlights end of the year concerts.

I think my sophomore is beautiful inside and out! I feel blessed to be her mom!

My eyes are starting to water again...

But one look at these faces and I smile.

They are full of mischief, these two. I don't know how in the world my mother in law raised 7 boys if they were anything like my two. Full of ornrie's!

But these two also have brought tears of joy to my eyes in the past 6 weeks. Jalen won an award for showing sportsmanship and leadership on his tennis team. I was overjoyed for him!

And Micah had some very nice words from his teacher about his inclusion and compassion for some extra special kids in the class this year. I cannot tell you how those words ministered to this mama.

Both boys have made it through the year with wonderful report cards and character lessons. I feel fortunate to be growing up in the same house with them.

[caption id="attachment_2290" align="aligncenter" width="768" caption="I love this kid!"][/caption]

I will miss Mr Micah and my chats in the van on the way to school. We had about 5-10 minutes every day just he and I. It was one of my most cherished times in the day. This year He is moving up to middle school. And once again... My tears fall. Transitions. All the time. I was not prepared for so many.

Baseball is the word on the street for these two. Jalen's season has ended but Micah will be playing for another month or so.

And Jalen...

He will be 14 in just two short months!An 8th grader!What a young man! I love to hear him call "Good Morning" in his cheerful deep voice in the morning. I also love that he is very willing to kiss me and that even though he doesn't toss around a compliment easily last week as we were riding alone in the van he looked at me and told me he thought I was pretty! Awhhh! He makes me melt like buttah when he talks like that!

[caption id="attachment_2295" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="I love this kid too!"][/caption]

And Father's day came last week. Right after camp and before Bible School and Swim lessons.

I am grateful that these kids get to have a dad who loves them so much.

And me?

Well... I'm the taxi and the grocery retriever and chore giver and listening ear and hair advice giver, and dishes and laundry captain. I am exactly where I want to be. And although sometimes I'm grouchy and moody I am so thankful to be your mom! I count it an honor that I have been given such a task!

I think you guys are worth the tears.

And I think one day I will look back on these crazy days and I will wish for just one back.

I love you my Sweet ones!

I hope one day you will understand how much!

Calling all No bodies

2011-11-08T21:39:00.001-05:00

You know what I think?

I think most of us have something inside that cheers for the underdog.

I mean really who cares if a famous person has a child that grows up and becomes famous? We expect that. A king's son is the one who will take the throne. A famous singer will have a child with the name behind him and what do ya know...they too get the spotlight and record deals.

But what about an average, hard-working person who has no background, no money, no power... when over night they become a success we cheer and all talk about how exciting this is.

It's all over the news.

Who doesn't like a cinderella story?

My favorite movies and books almost without exception take a nobody and turn them into a somebody.

The stories I read in the Bible that hold that kind of fascination for me are David and Esther. Average people like Moses and Abraham. Women like Ruth and Mary. It's the disciples that he called.... Matthew and Mark, Peter and John.

Nobodies.

Not people of royal birth... just people like you and I.

And yet he called them to do great things. And we still talk about them today.

Jason and I were at a pastors conference in Texas a couple of years back. It was a small conference of about 50 - 75 couples but there were some "big" name speakers at the conference. People like Howard Hendricks and the president of Moody, Michael Easley.

We had dinner one evening seated at a table with 2 other couples. One pastor and his wife were from a church in Dallas.They were very nice but quite soon after we started getting acquainted I made a discovery. This was a young man who had high aspiration of climbing the church rank and status ladder. He wanted to know what church we were from and how many attended. After realizing we couldn't do much for his aspirations I felt his attentions were no longer on our conversation as he started looking over our heads like he was straining to see the "big dogs". He appeared to be looking for the somebody in the room. People that could make his own dreams come true.

I think God strains to look for the nobodies in the room.

Without exception he personally calls each of us to follow him. Both People of royal and pauper positions.

But when Jesus walked the earth it was people like Peter, the fisherman, who he called by name.

And the children were the ones he held and said we must be like. He didn't tell us to try to be like the important teachers but the little children.

The nobodies.

The powerless.

People who find no self-esteem from our name, position, wealth or rank.

Rather people who find their esteem only in knowing him.

I think that's why he called David, the shepherd boy, and claimed he had a heart like his Father's.

David did not see himself as mighty king and so try to make it happen. He saw himself as the shepherd who cared for his father's flock. Routing out the lions and bears. Keeping the little flock safe.

I believe that's why God esteemed him.

Because he did not esteem himself.

And in the process God took that little boy and made him king.

Turning his name from a nobody into a somebody.

God always does that.

If we let him.

He takes average normal( and sometimes abnormal :p ) people and makes them royal.

Royalty.

If you esteem him he esteems you as royalty.

Oh my.

That is some kind of story.

I think it's the kind that should make the front page.

You are his and that makes you on the most amazing list of somebodies you'll ever find.

We don't have to look for it.

He's already got that covered.

Instead accept it...

and spread the news that he's looking for more nobodies to add to His wedding feast!

Weekend Reflections

2011-11-08T21:38:00.000-05:00

I had several inspirations this weekend.

One was a book I read... " Heaven is for real". It's a true story of a little boy who seems to have encountered a heavenly experience. What was especially touching to me was his description of Jesus. He repeated numerous times how much Jesus loves us. His eyes are full of kindness. He loves us so much.

I don't know about you but when I think of good motivation I am much more inclined to be motivated by a God who loves me then a God who watches to make sure I never mess up.

When I think of a Jesus who is overflowing with love for me it causes me to NOT want to hurt him. And it also makes me want to spend time with him. Who doesn't want to be with someone who loves them fully? And accepts us for who we are?

But when I think of a rules and condemnation Jesus I worry that I won't ever do it good enough and it makes me nervous to be too close to someone like that. I'm afraid to move or not move. And I don't typically run to be in relationships with people like this.

When we start with a wrong perception of our Maker we will undoubtably lose touch with him on a personal level. How then do we keep a strong vibrant relationship with God? How do we live our lives so that when we reach heaven we will know him and he us?

Yesterday in Sunday School our teacher gave us several ideas of how to keep every minute of our lives devoted to Jesus.

As he started giving out different thoughts on daily disciplines of reading scripture one idea caught my attention.

Read 2 chapters from the OT and 1 from the NT And one Psalm every morning.

Well I've been reading out of Kings so I just continued that but added 1 NT chapter as well.

But this is what really peaked my interest. Out of those chapters ask God to give you 1 verse or phrase that you meditate on throughout the day.

I liked that idea because it gives me a consistent method. I don't know about you but when I was growing up I didn't really fix my bed at all. It remained unmade most of the time. Sometimes when I cleaned my smelly teen room it would get fixed but it wasn't a routine and therefore I never realized how good it felt to crawl into my made bed at night.

When I was getting ready to marry at the tender age of 22 my mother gave me a little piece of wisdom. "Never have a messy bedroom. Even if the rest of the house is chaotic make sure your bedroom is a haven." Well, that has stuck with me and when I got into the routine of fixing my bed every morning it drives me crazy to have it unmade now. If I walk into my room with my bed messed up I quickly fix it again.

I think that's what a consistent patterns does for us. We feel like somethings missing when we don't continue following the pattern.

So thinking about one verse today is what I'm doing...

And my phrase today is "Jesus heal me if you want to...and Jesus said.. I want to, be healed".

I love that Jesus responded with I want to. And then he went ahead and healed the leaper.

I am thinking of some people that I know that need some physical healing and others who need emotional healing. I am praying for some of my friends that feel like mental healing is what they need. And I'm thinking of others who need healing in their marriages and family relationships. I know you Jesus are the great healer. I ask if you are willing...bring healing to your children. Thank you for your amazing love that flows from your throne and fills our hearts.

Do you have a method you use to walk daily in the word? What helps you to stay close to the Jesus who loves you?

But Why?

2011-11-08T21:37:00.002-05:00

Do you have children? Or been around them much?

What is their favorite question?

Why?

And often it is asked with a slight lilt in the voice.

"BUT WHY"?

It can drive a mama up the crazy tree.Which is why parents will often resort to the age-old...

"BECAUSE I said so"!

MMm Hmm. That's right. Because I said so!

And that's that.

I have been reminded by pastors sermons the past few weeks how I have not always grown up in that area.

Sometimes I like to know why.

Why God?

Why me?

Why didn't you answer that situation the way I wanted?

But this is the deal...

If I get caught up on the why I miss the what.

When did I start thinking that God had to explain the why to me?

Like somehow he should have to explain everything to my understanding.

If I instead say....

What?What did you want me to learn from this?

What do you have in mind next?

What do you have to say about that.

I will become a lot less frustrated with trying to figure out the why.

And

I will be able to follow Jesus for who he really is and not for who I want him to be.

Which if I'm being honest with you I will say that I wish life would have no pain or suffering or death or dishes or anything that brings me discomfort and stretches my patience.

And when it's not like that.... And my circumstance start to feel overwhelming and sad I wonder if Jesus is going to be "good" to me like everyone says he is when he answers in the way they prayed.... And it turns out happy.... And "God is good" is heard all over.... It makes me turn to why?

Lets just say it...sometimes Jesus gives us some Hard pills to swallow.

It doesn't make him less good. But we do have a tendency to wonder if we believed a lie about him. And we do have a bent to go down the road of "Don't you love me like you do those people"?

"Why God...just tell me why and maybe in time I'll trust you again".

Actually if I really want to know the real Jesus I realize that figuring out "the What" is how Jesus looked at his life. He knew what his life on earth was about.

And if I say I follow...I must look at the "what" just like he did.

What next God?

I'm a wide open book...write your story on my heart.

Message of Hope

2011-11-08T21:37:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you but sometimes I can get a little anxious when I hear predictions about our country's future.

It looks bleak.

And if I turn on the news it becomes worse.

I feel this ball start to form in the pit of my stomach. It can gnaw on me as I think about all the " what if's".

Then I remember this....

My trust should not be in people. OR any country.

My trust is in the MAKER of HEAVEN and EARTH.

He has a plan.

He knows the plan.

And He will accomplish His plan.

There is nothing so reassuring to me then to be reminded of this.

My Father is not worried about our economy.

Or health.

Or presidential election.

Or housing crisis.

He is not wringing his hands or cringing in fear.

Maybe you need to be reminded of this word today....

Psalm 146

New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 146

1 Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord.

2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live.

I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.

3 Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;

there is no help for you there.

4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,

and all their plans die with them.

5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel[a] as their helper,

whose hope is in the Lord their God.

6 He made heaven and earth,

the sea, and everything in them.

He keeps every promise forever.

7 He gives justice to the oppressed

and food to the hungry.

The Lord frees the prisoners.

8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.

The Lord loves the godly.

9 The Lord protects the foreigners among us.

He cares for the orphans and widows,

but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

10 The Lord will reign forever.

He will be your God, O Jerusalem,[b] throughout the generations.

Praise the Lord!

That's the kind of news that brings hope.

A hopeful message that he is still in charge.

He will reign! And if it all falls apart...

He is Still the one who can be trusted.

May your day be filled with the hope that Jesus wants to fill you with.

The peace that passes understanding.

The joy that makes your life worth living.

First Camp of the year

2011-11-08T21:36:00.002-05:00

Memorial Day weekend we took our little family and headed up north to camp.

We met a group of friends up there.

It was 4 families with 4 kids each...we make quite a tribe. :)

I like camping.

I really liked camping as a kid.

And that's mostly why I still go. Because I have kids. And they like it.

Don't get me wrong I love being with our camping buddies 24/7...Sitting around the fire and roasting things.

But it is work.

And that part is not always so fun. And is probably why you don't see lots of seniors sitting around in tents and campers.

They have moved up and now bring their homes to the park. They look fresh and bright-eyed as they walk their dogs in the morning.

It was a stormy weekend. Which always means one thing....Dirt and laundry prevails!

On Sunday night the camp directors came around telling us that winds of 60 mph were expected. So everyone was to come to the shelter.

Well someone in our group had already hatched another plan...

We had spotted an ice cream place on our way up that looked like it could house all of us, so we loaded up and headed out.

All 24 of us!

The ice cream was amazing!

And it felt more comforting to be in a building.

After 20 minutes or so the storm blew over and we headed back to camp.

The weekend ended with sunshine on Monday.

Just in time to take a COLD dip into the pool. (My feet were all that got dipped...WAY too cold!)

It was a great time.

I love this time of year!

Even with the storms!

I love coming back home to my house and bed.

I love making memories with the little people who are getting bigger every day!

Even the winds and waves

2011-11-08T21:36:00.001-05:00

I have become very uninterested in TV viewing for the most part over the past few years.

I found I was becoming so discouraged....so I just stopped watching.

We love our DVR and anything we want to watch usually gets recorded for viewing at a conveinient time.

Well in my lack of TV consumption the large catastrophic tornadoes that have hit the US in the last month have missed my attention. So I had to watch some clips online to understand the devastation. I didn't watch because they bring encouragement but rather empathy for the poor, poor families that have undergone such tragedy!

My heart aches for the many losses.

This morning I awoke early from a dream. I was crying. In my dreaming I had gotten everything stolen from my van. Which included my purse and my camera with my 2 sd cards that held over 3000 pictures. I didn't care so much about the wallet all though I knew it would be a pain to replace but the camera and pictures I knew could not be. I had such an empty feeling as I woke. My emotions were heavy.

And then I awoke so glad to realize it was just a dream. But I instantly thought of all the people who have been affected in some way by the storms in the past weeks and I thought of all they had lost. Some precious memories that will never be replaced, others homes and cars and places to work. And finally others have lost their family members.

And my heart breaks as I think of their tremendous loss.

I think God cares about it too.

Do you remember the story of Jesus in the boat?

His disciples were in the middle of the biggest storm of their life. They were trained on the sea. They had spent years as fishermen. They knew that the storm they were in could kill them. And they were scared out of their ever lovin skin.

And Jesus slept.

It must have felt like he wasn't really getting the picture.

What was he doing?

Why didn't he use this moment to step in and save them?

Did he care?

Was he punishing them?

They were completely out of control of their environment! Rockin' on the boat without land in sight.

But Jesus knew that the sound of his voice would make the wind be still.

And that's what makes him different than you and I.

He knows the wind and rain.

He is in charge of the direction the wind blows and how much or little the rain falls.

He wasn't punishing the disciples...they were with Jesus.

He was with them.

And as they cried out to him he stopped the wind and rain.

But what about when he doesn't stop it?

What about the people who cried out this past week and Jesus seemed to continue sleeping?

Those are hard questions. Ones I can't answer.

But I don't think it's punishment nor do I think he sleeps.

He watches every hair on our head. He knows when the sparrow falls and he knows when my toe gets stubbed.

So you better believe he is very awake when his children face storms.

Yes he is very awake.

And he is right in the boat with us...speaking peace.

Peace...fall into my arms when your world falls apart.

Peace...Give me a chance to bring you clarity in your storm.

Peace...Be still and know that I AM God.

He is.

And while a storm is so huge and furious that it can rip apart a city in 20 minutes is hard for me to understand...

I can rest knowing that if that happens here to my house and neighbors he is still in charge and the winds still have to submit to him.

I want to have a calm assurance that no matter what the storm looks like today. ...

Jesus is in the boat!

I love him for that!

Great Finds

2011-11-08T21:35:00.000-05:00

I LOVE me a good garage sale!

I don't know where I got that gene from...I didn't grow up garage saling at all. My mother is not a fan of rummaging through people's trash.

However garage saling and auction going would probably be pretty close cousins and my Father is an avid auction goer...a collector of boxes of good deals:) However, I did not pick up that love. Mostly I don't like auctions..they take time and I feel foolish not knowing what I'm doing or what the auctioneer is actually saying. So I just stick with Garage sales. It is a rush like non other.

I love to buy clothes, bags and shoes for my family. I have supplied my children with scooters, bikes and toys. Video games, TV's and countless household items.I'm truly a sucker for furniture....But J is threatening if I buy any more he may open a consignment furniture store.

Sometimes I shop and find really amazing steals that I could never ever buy new for a fraction of the price.

And sometimes I really get lucky and find things I actually need.

Like last weekend.

I needed ball pants, a new helmet and a bat for my son.

I had been looking but wasn't finding any sales...

Oh but guess what I found?

That's right! All of the above for a grand total of $7.25

And then I found this...

My music man is playing in his spring concert...He has taught himself the guitar! I think he's pretty good! But he had been using his dads big guitar and I found him a jr size one for $5! Nice!

And then I got this amazing steal...I have been looking for one of these for years! No one seems to want to part with theirs.

A BUNN!!!!! For $20! It is a happy time in my house! J and I LOVE coffee! And now we can have it instantly! How thrilling!

And...finally we have been having trouble with our racks rusting in our dishwasher. It looked horrid! So we were thinking we may just have to purchase a new one. Ours was only 8 years old. Stink!

Saturday morning J and I went out to look a little and came across a dishwasher just like ours. Except our exterior was in better shape but the racks in the slightly used one looked perfect! So for $5 we decided to buy it for the racks....

And they worked perfectly!!!

I Love that!!

I also have bought 3 tennis racquets over the course of a week and so last night we took the kids and had a family tennis night.

I think I'm gonna love that sport!

My back makes me feel a little old this morning but it was worth it!

If I could I would garage sale for a living. I would!

In fact I have started making some money on others people's stuff.

If I can find name brand good clothes I take it to consignment where they in turn give me cash for my finds. It's risky but I made $20 last week. :)

That supports my coffee habit.

I know it's not for everyone and frankly I'm kind of glad it's not. That leaves better deals for the rest of us! :)

As one of my fellow garage sale friends said..."there is something so invigorating about getting out each spring and digging through someone elses junk!" :)

When the church bells go ding dong

2011-11-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

Did you grow up in church?

What's the first image you think of when you think of your memories of church?

Was your church fun?

Was it long?

Did people talk above your head?

Were you more concerned with what friend might be there then what you would receive from the message?

Did you sit and smell odors coming from the fellowship hall that made your stomach rumble with hunger?

Which row of pews did you sit?

Did you play tic tac toe and count the ceiling tiles while you waited for the big people to wrap it up?

Or wonder why all the songs? And what did all those words mean?

What did you wear?

And How much time did you spend dozing off on your moms shoulder while drool escaped the corner of your mouth.

In your waking moments did your dad have to squeeze the flap of skin right under your knee? Or was that just me?

What about flies...did you have flies swarm your head?

Do you remember the sound the ceiling fans made as they circulated round and round.

Well I just recently came across something...

It was my 11 year old sons thoughts on church....

He said... " Church is a place where someone stands up and says....Blah Blah Blah and would you like to help with Dee Dee Dah...Then someone else stands up and says Someones family needs prayer. After that we stand for what seems like forever and sing...then we sit down and the pastor talks about God being faithful and Just and then we stand while he prays which also takes forever because he has a lot to say to God. Then he dismisses us we shake hands and our parents talk a long time while us kids wait for them to finish up."

Sounds about right.

I think that may have been similar to my thoughts as a child. Maybe church hasn't changed all that much from one generation to the next. :)

A beautiful thing

2011-11-08T21:33:00.001-05:00

I love going out to the garden this time of year!

It's so fun!

Today I got rhubarb, garden tea,cilantro,basil and lettuce. Along with a non food item....Lilacs.

This was my armful coming in.

And this was after...

rhubarb bars!

And this...

Garden tea and fresh smells of lilac!

I love it!

Suffering...It's a hand I would not care to hold

2011-11-08T21:31:00.000-05:00

Suffering.

It's a word that drips pain.

I don't like it.

I was born with a sunny disposition. I love to smile. And crack a joke.

Suffering doesn't hold my hand well.

When it does its grip is too hard.

I want to let go. I tell it to leave me alone. To find another who likes it more than I do.

But it persists claiming to be my friend. It tells me I must embrace the pain for my growth.

I say, "who needs growth". I'm fine with short.

But it replies, "not growth in stature but in your inner man".

I resist.

I can't be sad.

No one will want to play with me.I won't have anything to bring to the party.

Suffering is not for me.

I am strong. I am independent. I don't want to hold its hand.

"If you let me I will walk with you. I will lead you through the valley. You will not be alone."

"I am not going that way". I reply.

"I have found another road. I can do it all by myself".

I have my dignity to think about.

What will people say if I hold suffering's hand and stumble down the rocky path into the valley?

I will have nothing left if I go.

But the road that I choose dead ends and I have to go back.

There stands suffering once again. Waiting for me.

I hesitate wondering if I should try another way.

But suffering reaches out its hand and I slowly grab hold.

Ouch! It hurts! I start to cry.

"Why must you squeeze so hard"? I moan.

As we navigate the rocky path I struggle to see through my hot tears.

"I don't like this. Please let go". I beg.

But suffering holds on.

And I weep.

I am thirsty so I ask for a drink.

Suffering offers me a cup.

But the liquid is bitter. I spit it out.

I feel no hunger as the pain envelopes me.

We stop for the night but I can't sleep and tears drench my clothing. I am sure I won't make it to morning.

The night is long. I cry until the tears no longer come. It hurts my skin to be touched. I wonder if morning will ever come.

And then slowly, slowly the light breaks a crack in the sky. I have made it through the dark night. I look back and wonder how I came so far.

It is then I recognize I am still holding the hand of suffering.

It's not gone.

But it doesn't hurt as much as it did yesterday.

The strangeness of this is even though I am spent in my emotions I feel stronger in my spirit.

As I stand suffering stands with me.

I feel its tight grip and I still wince.

But the new day gives me new hope.

I know my tears aren't through.

But the hand of suffering isn't as scary as it used to be.

I know it will be hard.

But my inner man is growing.

And I can say it is well with my soul.

I am beginning to understand more clearly what Paul writes.."when I am weak then I am strong".

~NLT II COR 12

5 That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

We will all experience suffering in this life.

It will look different for each of us.

The question is not will we but when we go through the valley how will we respond.

Will we allow it to grow us up or make us slide off into the pit?

To be as Paul understanding that in our weakness, in our persecution, in our trial, God can be made strong through us. This is the way it was meant to be.

God shows us his glory when we allow him to be Glorified through our suffering.

Becoming like him in his death and rising again in his power.

It's the path of the Christian.

And in the end there will be a big party and I will skip and dance and smile. I'm sure there will be need for a joke and some light-hearted banter. And at that party my Jesus will be the guest of honor and in his hand will be healing and life. His words will be sweet. And his laughter will be deep and rich. He will pass out crowns and we will throw them down at his feet praising the one who saved us from the grip of death.

And he will wipe away all our tears and there will be no more sorrow.

How I long for that day.

The day when we will say goodbye to suffering forever.

But for today I must take suffering by the hand and allow it to make me stronger for tomorrow.

Batter up... It's your day!

2011-11-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

My weekend was full.

It was full of things that matter to me. So I don't mind full.

We had ballgames, a cookout with friends, Worshiping with our church family, a piano recital and actively participating in community with our small group.

And now as I reflect on some of the highlights I think about Saturday morning.

I'm sipping my coffee, watching my son play baseball.

I had the best seat in the house. Inside my van with the windows rolled down.

My oldest son is up to bat...2 on base.

"Come on baby you can do it" I mutter under my coffee breath.

Flashback with me two years ago.

My firstborn son has always loved baseball. He calls it his sport. He felt confident as he would hit and run. He just loved it. But half way through the season a pitcher beamed him with a wild pitch. My son's instinct was to protect his front and so he turned half way and the pitch got him in the back. He fell, grimaced, tried to be cool, as he took his base. But there were silent tears and a bruise on his body.

His confidence at the plate changed. He would jump out of the box causing the umpire to call strike. The last 2 years have been painful to watch as he seemed to just pull away. All the while still really wanting to play but as he approached the plate he looked scared and timid. No amount of our encouraging seemed to help.

He was scared of the hard ball seemingly forever.

But this year as the season opened he and his dad were on their way to the ball park for his first practice. "Dad this year I've decided I'm not going to be scared at the plate."

And that was that.

He has gotten on base at every game. With a number of hits. It has been amazing to see the transformation.

And here he is up to bat. And I'm holding my breath.

CRACK!

He hit that ball out to right field.

The runner scores and he brings the 2nd runner to third as he rounds first looking to see if he should keep running. Tears are filling my eyes and falling down my cheeks as I watch. It's not the game winning point or anything but my son is overcoming the struggle that had paralyzed him with fear.

In that moment I felt God whispering to me...."That's how I feel about my kids. I am so glad to see them succeed. I am for my children and when one is struggling after a bruise or injury I want so much for them to realize they really are overcomers. I love them. I know they can do all I ask them to do."

And my heart melted.

I have my own paralyzing fears. Fears that I won't ever be able to hit the ball again. Beyond that lacking the desire to even get up to the plate.

And I realized that God was using this baseball game and my son's battle to speak to me.

And I love him for the way he loves his own.

Like a mother loves her son.

Our Father loves all his kids and even when we don't realize it he is right there cheering for us.

"Get back in the game"...Strikes to the back will come but it will make you stronger.

You will learn from it.

And One day you will hit the ball again.

One day my child.

One day.

Do you see what I see?

2011-11-08T21:18:00.002-05:00

(I think you may need to click on the red x to see the picture...having trouble with it)

Are you familiar with this slogan? I mean of course you are! You can't live in the United States and not at some point have encountered this truck!

Several weeks ago my son and I were busily trying to get to a baseball game and suddenly came upon this truck.

He said, "Mom do you see the arrow?"

Me: What arrow?

He: Right there. Between the E and X.

Me: What are you talking about?

He: It's right there, mom. It's so obvious!

I looked for an arrow but one pointing parallel with the rest of the letters. For almost a minute I thought I was losing my mind! He kept repeating "It's right there mom!" To be fair I was navigating a vehicle while trying to see this mysterious arrow. It was crazy!

But then all of a sudden I spotted it. The arrow between The E and X. You may have thought I won a thousand dollars. It was so exciting to spot. We laughed together at my blindness.

Of course I thought instantly of a life example to feed my son. You can't let these moments pass.

Do you ever feel like you're missing the arrow? Like when you are in a situation where you and at least one other person are staring at the exact same thing but you see two different things.

OR...

You see the arrow.

You know you do.

But they don't.

And you can't get them to see it.

What happens next? Would it have helped me if he would have started calling me names for not spotting it?

Would it have helped him if I would have started calling him names for lieing and deceiving me about the arrow?

What is most helpful?

Hmmmm...You treckin with me?

I think there are far too many times when we haven't tried to find the arrow because we don't like to be wrong. We like to be the one to point out the arrows and when someone ...like a child...or worse someone who doesn't respect us much to begin with... comes along and enlightens us it feels a little intimidating. And so we just refuse to see what they are talking about. We just call them names. Or dismiss them because they aren't as enlightened as we feel we are.

We stop looking altogether. Because really if we see it from their point of view it will just mess up our whole theory and it takes a whole lot of energy re-routing our path.

And what if I'm Wrong? How will that make me look? Can I say "I was wrong?"

It stinks to be wrong!

I don't know of one person that enjoys that! But to admit it proves one to be the wise teacher.

And what if I am the one seeing the arrow?

But you can't.

What does it mean to be gracious when I know something that someone else has not yet grasped?

Would it be wise of me to tell you how ignorant you are? Would you receive that well?

Nope.

I wouldn't.

To be a peacemaker I will do what I can to lovingly help you see the arrow but if you refuse I must back away. Sticking your nose up next to the truck is not going to help as much as I may want to. Guilt doesn't work. Manipulation won't do it.

I Can pray that God will show you what I can't and then I can only stand back and wait for you to find it for yourself.

Also not fun.

But it is relationships 101.

Giving grace as I have received it.

Saying I was wrong when I am. Or maybe even if I don't realize it yet...I can say,"I might be wrong".

It makes us better people to live with when we treat others the way we want to be treated.

I think the golden rule is a good measure when you and I are staring at the FedEx truck.

~Do unto others as you would have them do unto you~

p.s. Do you think it's ironic a FedEx truck just went by my house?

Musings of a confessed female

2011-11-08T21:18:00.001-05:00

I've been a mother for 15 years.

That means 15 years to learn.

15 years only to realize I'm still learning.

Every day.

But I've been a girl for almost 40 years. I think that would almost qualify me as a professional female. 40 years of experience.

I've been thinking a lot about women and girls and feminine kinds of thoughts over the past month.

It started when I was in Florida. Alone. With no one to interrupt my thoughts. Well, except my sister. But sometimes she was quiet and I took those moments to ponder. :)

I was sitting on the beach and watching people. Do you do that on the beach? It's kind of fun. And alarming. And sometimes funny. I like to think about where all these people came from. And what their story is. And why they chose that very ill-fitting suit. And if they own mirrors. Because they might not have chosen that particular outfit if they did. And then I spot a jogger In a perfectly fitting tiny suit, who has definitely been jogging for a while because the warm up yoga stretches that she did before she started jogging are proof that she can turn heads. Including mine. I'm feeling my head turn like a dog's as I wonder How in the world she gets her body to turn into a pretzel like that? Now it appears Men are coming out from all corners of the beach to enjoy the show and to be honest I can't turn away. But as she finishes up her act and turns to run down the beach I lay my head back and my wheels start to turn. Thoughts are running wild in my head.

What does it mean to be a woman? To be created distinctly different from man. What messages have I come to believe about being a woman?

Sometimes I think we go from one ditch to the other.

On one side we buy into the culture saying it's all about looks. Judging people solely by first appearances. The exterior is of utmost importance. It's an obsession on what is worn, brand names, what ones skin looks like, figures, make up, and hair. It's a complete focus on the shell. But the inside is shallow and never goes below the surface. She turns up her nose at the woman dressed beneath her pay grade. Mocking others who are style challenged. She gives no thought to modesty or how her dress is affecting others because the goal of this woman is to gain attention to herself entirely through her carefully crafted image. There is power in this ditch and that is most certainly why women can fall into it.

And then there's the other ditch... This one says dress is not important. I don't care what I look like. I'm proud that I'm not like the women in the other ditch who care so much about their appearance. In fact wearing a dress for any occasion make this woman want to vomit. They may point fingers at the other side of the road saying "you guys are wrong and shallow and all into yourselves. We care about important things over here." We dress only for need and we most certainly wouldn't ever want to be classified as a girly girl. And it enrages her if men think women who dress feminine should be paid any attention at all. This woman focuses on "important" matters such as career and her children, spiritual disciplines or thrifty living. This woman takes pride in her non conformist attitude.

The thing that hit me as I sat there was that both ditches are trouble. It should never be a womans goal to gain attention to herself for power. Whether we do it through our dress or our attitude. If it's about control it's a ditch. We sometimes want to justify our ditch so badly that we will become very judgemental of others who don't live there.

A woman can take her clothes off and people will look. Whether we want to or not. We just will. But if a women is truly beautiful to the bone we will look at her and admire her beauty while she is fully clothed. And if she posses an inner spirit of kindness and thoughtfulness of those around her she will truly be a woman who is sought after not for her body but for who she is. Uniquely feminine. divinely created to be so.

We shouldn't be afraid to be women. We are different from men. Praise God. Cause I think I'd be an ugly man~ :)

Sometimes along the way we pick up messages that being a girl is weak and beneath men. Phrases like "you throw like a girl, you scream like a girl, you giggle like a girl"... can make some of us feel disrespected. But when I've heard my boys tell their sisters that I simply have said..."And that's good...cause she's a girl". It's okay. It's how God made it.

I like girl clothes. And bling. And I love to play with hair. I do. And I'm not ashamed of it. But I like baseball and digging in the dirt as well. I can camp and get dirty from head to toe. I can bait a hook with a slimy night crawler. But put me in a store with bags and shoes and my eyes will light up like a Christmas Tree. (Especially if its garage sale prices)I love to talk to intellectual women who challenge me to deeper thoughts. I love non brain activity of laughing and being light-hearted. I deeply enjoy time in the Word that strengthens my inner being giving me joy that I can't explain. I love being goofy with my kids...and then I love those serious talks about life and emotions.

Women we must not be afraid to live life in the middle of the street. It's too easy to live in the ditch throwing rocks at the other side. Instead let's think about what each side has to offer. It is important to focus on things other than exterior. We must grow deep in our relationships, being vulnerable at times. It is very important to read more than romance novels and style magazines. To challenge our thinking. We must learn to focus on the eternal more than the temporal.

We must know who we have been made to be.

Created masterfully. And that means that we will look, feel and think different then men do at times. It's okay. In fact it's part of our DNA.

And it's good to clean up the outside because even though God sees our hearts and loves us no matter if we have brushed our teeth or combed our hair...others have to look at us so if the fence needs painting we may want to give it a coat.

I am thankful to be created woman.

Now let's go play in the street. It's not as safe as the ditch but we most certainly can run faster.

Pick up your pretty little feet and dance with me as we enjoy being girls.

Giggle a little.

Skip

Or Drive a tractor if that's what you like to do.

Just rejoice that you have been created different in so many ways.

And when God made you he said.... "This is Very good".

Springtime...I think you forgot me this year!

2011-11-08T21:17:00.000-05:00

I love Spring. It used to be my fav. But I'm sort of over it this year. My tulips which are normally dancing around right now are scared to peep their little heads out of hiding. One opened this morning but I think it may have just gone back into hiding. It is clearly not the sunniest or warmest spring. So one day we shall wake up....AND BOOM! It will be July 4th and we will have heat.

We have never gone away over spring break. We may leave for a few days but it's not a good time for us to leave. Especially since Jason's spring break doesn't fall on that week. Which by the way... I am going to take this opportunity to brag on him...He just finished an entire year of Greek. Have you ever looked at the Greek language? Well, let's just say it looks like Greek! This Genius of mine just got an A on the entire class! O My! If you know how many times he said he was going to give up you would understand how exciting it is to be on this side of the class!

So while he was finishing up finals and Malaina was in New York City with Show Choir... Me and the other 3 were trying to be happy for everyone who was in warmer places. We would practice saying, "Good for you". A hundred times a day. :)

So after a very non exciting week I got a text from my sister who happened to be in one of those places..."I am extending my stay through next week....You wanna come?" Are you kidding me? Yes Please! I will be on the next plane.

So 4 days later I hopped right on that plane and flew down to stay with her for 5 days! What a treat! It was hot. There was nothing to do but enjoy the Sun...Who frankly I had to reintroduce myself with because of lack of it in the North. I had a little visit with Mr Sun and begged him to stop ignoring us up North. I encouraged him that we will applaud him if he ever decides to show up. But so far...No luck.

We sat in the sand day after day. Taking in the smell and watching the people walk past. It was splendid!

And then in the evening we didn't cook! Wow!

I had Breakfast with my Beautiful friend Heather who lives here...

Her heart matches her face.

We spent time with Our Aunt Fran and Uncle Wayne. They took us to see the Sun set one night. It was beautiful.

With all of that beauty I was still so ready to get back to see the sweet faces that stayed behind. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder! But it was a nice break in the middle of a dreary spring.

Thanks Cindy for inviting me! I had a wonderful time.

Thanks Jason for encouraging me to go! You are selfless and generous!

Thank you God for granting me safe travels and for smiling your sunny face on me! :)

Spring will come sometime.

I keep hoping today will be the day!

If God is for us why does it feel like he's against us?

2011-11-08T21:16:00.000-05:00

Have you ever asked God..."Why do you hate me?"

I have.

There have been times when I wondered if I had done something to make God really angry with me. Angry enough that he would make everything in my life miserable.

I mean we can talk all day long about his mercy and kindness and love....but sometimes it doesn't feel like he loves us.

When 10 bad things happen all in row we may ask what we did to deserve such contempt. We wonder.

We might not even know that we've done anything at all but it sure feels like God is against us.

And we hear the preacher tell us nice things about God and read blogs and listen to people who tell us how good he is and we wonder why we aren't experiencing God like that.

Maybe if we were better or had a godly title then he would be good to us too. Maybe everyone is just fibing to us...if they would just be real they would admit that they too think God is fickle. He would like to pound us and if we aren't careful that's exactly what he will do.

But maybe it's like this...I wonder if God is so for us that sometimes it feels like he is opposing us.

I tell my kids all the time.... I am for you! That's why I'm asking this of you. I want you to be the best you can be so we need to take care of this issue. Sometimes it's not even because they have done anything that needs correction. Sometimes we ask them to do something to help them grow in responsibility. Or we ask them to wait to stretch them in patience. Maybe we don't give them everything they ask for because we know it's not good for them. It's because we want them to be all they were called to be. We hope they will be responsible citizens of heaven and earth. We ask things of them to help them grow up.

It's because he is for me....

Romans 8:31....If God is for us, who can be against us?

that sometimes I feel like he is against me.

I Peter 4:5...God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Is He For me?

Yes.

Does that mean he doesn't need to correct me?

Or that I don't need to grow up?

No.

As long as I breathe on this planet I will need to grow. He is preparing me for another life. The life to come. And so while I should be making strides in the growing up direction I have not yet arrived.

So...I will need to have lessons all along the way.

And if I look at those lessons thinking God hates me I will become hard and bitter.

God's word will no longer mean anything to me...because his word is only for those he loves...and I am obviously not one.

I become a victim and victims always need someone to blame. So I turn away from the very one who could heal me and give me all I need.

In Judges after Joshua had led the children of Israel into their promised inheritance, the next generation grows up and forsakes the God of their fathers. Judges 2 says that the Lord's hand was against his people. He had promised them that if they worshiped other gods he would be against them. Then it says...He raised up judges(or leaders) who saved them out of the hands of their enemies. And they still didn't listen. Because God had compassion on them he continued to raise up leaders and the people refused to give up their ugly ways. So God finally decided to turn them over to other nations to test Israel and see if they would obey his commands.

God continued to fight for his people even when they refused to recognize him. He can't seem to get their attention so he measures out different methods of discipline.

He is for them.

If we are his he is for us!

Even when it doesn't feel like it.

I would dare say my kids don't always feel like I am for them. Especially after I have issued out correction to them.

But I love them like Crazy!

And if I, in my imperfect love, know what they need how can I ever doubt that the perfect love of the Father knows exactly what I need. He will go to great lengths to bring us back to himself.

I think maybe his opposition is the very thing that can bring me back.

It is the very thing that I need for growth and maturity.

It's painful. And I'm not gonna say I love it.

But I need it.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ffdbo9Hypo&w=480&h=390]

He is for us!

Why Can't I hear you... Part 3

2011-11-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

If we have taken care of sin in the camp and we have been faithful to inquire of our Father but we still can't hear....what should we do?

There are certainly times that we know our hearts are clean but the way ahead looks foggy and unclear. We have no certain direction for the future. We may only be able to see enough for today. And maybe that's even a struggle. So we cry out... "show us the way". But God seems silent.

I wonder if the silence gives us the urgency to press in harder and be more vigilant about hearing him correctly. And sometimes God says wait I am not ready to move yet....so we stand at attention....Waiting.

Is waiting as hard for you as it is me?

O my goodness! When I'm waiting in line behind that person who forgot to bring the tag along with the item....or they have a question that requires the clerk to look through her flyer...and the light pops on for additional help and a phone call is made....and I wait....while others check out in the lanes beside me. It's all I can do to stay calm without even one eye roll.(that may or may not be visible)

It all seems so trivial as I type because really what's 30 extra minutes? But at the time it seems like 300 years....and it's always stretching. I do think I am getting a little bit better at waiting. Sometimes I try to think of other things or distract myself with magazines or browsing the web on my phone. And that usually works but it's when I'm trying to get out of that store to the next thing I have scheduled that makes me get a little crazy.

And so it is when I am waiting on God to open a door. When I have no agenda but simply to do what he has asked me to do and lay down what he asks me to lay down I am able to rest and smile in the middle of the wait. I can faithfully do the right thing.

Simply saying... "Okay God, I know you're in control and if this isn't moving as fast as I think it should....I know you have a different plan. If this is moving me in a completely different direction than I had dreamed....I see it as your hand and even though I don't understand it, I am moving with you. Bring me a new dream. And God, if this is the way you want to be glorified in me than no matter what you bring me I want you, more than my own agenda...even if it costs me my life."

One of the many things I'm struck with is how God gives specific directions for each battle the Israelites faced. He didn't tell them ahead of time what the next 30 years would look like. He gave them specifics for the day. The last chapters of Joshua God is silent. He allows the Israelites rest from battle. He brings them to a land, gives them their inheritance and lets them rest.

They had been reminded through a theophany (a physical manifestation of God) for years back in the desert. He had led them with a pillar of fire. He had spoken directly to their leader..Now God hasn't been as visible to the Israelites, But that doesn't mean he isn't very involved with them. He is still right there with them.

Joshua exhorts the people in the final chapters... "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses(their only Bible) without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast(or CLING) to the Lord your God, as you have until now."23:6-8

God speaks to us through his Word. And God speaks to us through those who teach us His Truth.

Sometimes we are looking for a voice like we were sitting across the table from him. But most times God speaks to us through his Written Word and Through those who teach us his Word.

Joshua was telling the people the Truth of the Word God had already spoken. God's truth doesn't change. Not from month to month, year to year or century to century. His truth remains the same. We can be sure we are following God if we are following his truth... "not turning aside to the right or to the left".

I love what Joshua reminds them of.... "The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the Lord your God." 23:9 -11

GOD FIGHTS FOR YOU! That is so powerful! God is fighting for his own. He may not be speaking in a loud physical voice but if you are walking in his paths and loving him with your heart and soul... he is Fighting for you! Doesn't that give you confidence?! He is with you!

Joshua finally says my very favorite part of the passage...this is So good!

He says "Now I am about to go the way of the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord you God gave has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. But....just as every good promise of the Lord your God has come true, so the Lord will bring on you all the evil he has threatened, until he has destroyed you from this good land he has given you. if you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord's anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you." Joshua 23:14-15

Joshua was reminding them of the faithfulness of God...He has fulfilled EVERY promise!! And then he's encouraging them "don't be unfaithful to God". God is Justice and he will bring about your sure destruction.

That's the healthy fear of God that we need to embrace. He will be faithful when we love and obey him but he will withdraw his blessing if we turn away from him.

God is still faithful to us today. He loves us and fights for us. He is Mighty to save his people!

My encouragement for you today is this... To hear God's voice go to his Word. Seek him. Ask him to speak his revealed word to you. What is he saying? Check it with people you trust who also seek God's face.

He may just say walk faithfully in my commands...just keep doing what you're doing. Don't turn away from me. Stay close, in fact, Cling to me. I will show you the way for today.

Sometimes he says, "Today is the day. I will do something new. Hang on to me...this ride is gonna be bumpy."

And Other times he simply says..."Take your inheritance. Rest in the land I have brought you to. Be faithful to me in the land...Don't forget me. I will not forget you."

Father, You are a good and gracious God. You have faithfully led us never forgetting your promises! May we love you more and more each day. Give us a Love for your law. Give us a love for obedience. May we have clear hearing and unveiled eyes to be willing to walk into a new thing if you call us to that. We are your humble servants. We love you and want you near. Thank you for teaching us your ways!

Open our eyes to be fully seeing. Open our ears to hear your voice! We will move when we hear you speak. We wait for you.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI_1YliutzA&w=480&h=390]

Heart of Clay

A cleaning tip

Grown up Cheesy Chicken Croissants

A crafty project

Saturday morning bliss

Lord...I want to know you.

Insecurity

A New Year...A new beginning

I want to live like I'm dying.

The nights before Christmas

Carmel Winner Reveal

It's time to win some Carmels

Wedding Bells at Christmas time

A compelling letter from the boy

Chocolate cake recipe

Peace on Earth? How about peace at home.

WINNER~~~

O come to my heart...

re·ject

WHAT FORGIVENESS IS NOT

What can I do with a gallon of black paint?

Kids...They make me smile!

Giving Thanks, Chocolate Cake and Soup

I am Thankful to the owner

Dreaming about the future...

I am blessed

Home I just want to go home

What are you here for?

Unmerited Favor

Craftiness and other news

My Rescue

He is Able

Packing it up and moving it out

Something new

Sweet Stolen Water

Living on a cross

Galatians 2:20

For the Hand of God was on him

I will follow you

Above all else...

Who's the wise Guy?

Proverbs 3:7

Troyer Camp 2011

Didn't see that coming

School's in

Help yo' self honey!

Friends who are yours?

When our dreams turn to nightmares

The new Circumcision

What's that smell?

Charleston...When I grow up...

Christmas in July

A good Start to the day

Love God...Love others...The end.

Did you know you're a super hero?

Crazy Days

Calling all No bodies

Weekend Reflections

But Why?

Message of Hope

First Camp of the year

Even the winds and waves

Great Finds

When the church bells go ding dong

A beautiful thing

Suffering...It's a hand I would not care to hold

Batter up... It's your day!

Do you see what I see?

Musings of a confessed female

Springtime...I think you forgot me this year!

If God is for us why does it feel like he's against us?

Why Can't I hear you... Part 3