I find it interesting that I've just always considered John 3:16 to be about Jesus' death on the cross. When Jesus says "God so loved the world that He have His only begotten son - that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have eternal life" - I never thought that he was referring to Himself in His discussion with Nicodemus. He was explaining that He was God's son - and that He was here to save the world from sin - individually.
The people in the day - including Nicodemus - a religious teacher, a member of the Pharisees, had to grasp the fact that Jesus was directly from God. I wonder if faith in Jesus is easier now - because He isn't here in the flesh. He is "somewhere out there" or "in our hearts." If a man walked up today and said He was Jesus, we would truly think him crazy. Now I know we aren't waiting for the promised Messiah to appear as the people were in Jesus' day - and they had the prophecies to check that all things lined up, then had to recognize that the time had come. But - that must have been terribly complicated. They put their faith in a man who did miracles - it's no wonder they were asking for more and more - Satan thrives on doubts of believers. Imagine a Pharisee, sure he had begun to focus more on the rules, but what else did He have to focus on, there wasn't grace yet. So when Jesus appeared - the common old Pharisee had to totally shift gears, figure out if this man was who He said He was, then believe and change his whole method of living life - moving from following the ten commandments - to following the whole Law. Yes I'm making excuses for the Pharisee. But I can imagine this rule-following was easy to fall into. Don't we do it today? The normal Christian gets so busy doing God's work - that we fail to recognize His grace and peace in our present times. We fail to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and deny His power in our lives.
To believe in the grace and mercy of Jesus and live by following the Holy Spirit takes great faith. I know mine falters daily - so give that Pharisee some credit. He was trying to do well - He was just a sinner as I am - who had to believe and test a man claiming to be the Messiah. I really don't know who has it easier.
John 1:10-13
"He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, chidren born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God."
Choose today to test him -to believe. Be like the Pharisee, Nicodemus, who questioned God and tried really hard to understand. Don't be like the Pharisee who walks away and continued in His vain, lifeless attempts at religion.
the hopefully-getting-it-right-in-Christianity writer
15 August 2012
24 July 2012
A Time to Refocus
In the past few weeks, I have been sinking lower and lower in the doom and gloom of this current society – this seriously sliding “nation under God.” I don’t know why, but I have often felt like Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. I hate that almost everything I write sounds pessimistic or negative. I’m just not that comical, uplifting, optimist writer that most desire to read. Never fear though, I am a happy person, and I love comedy and jokes and being silly and laughter, and I have the joy of the Lord, but my heart is often heavy over the state of this world. I understand a little of God’s heartache for His creation.
Step back in time with me for just a moment.
A loving and all powerful God chooses to give origin to mankind, then because of His love for the man, He creates the man a helpmate and friend, woman. He fashions both after Himself, breathes life into them, then because He loves them so much, He instills within them a free will. Risky? Yes, but necessary. They have the ability to choose a relationship with Him or to walk away and live without Him. His heart is for them; every bit of Him desires to walk with them– but He holds all wisdom, so He understands that true love must be given freely – if He forces them to love, serve, and obey Him, they are nothing more than robots; the relationship will lack depth and passion, in an essence, heart. Because man is limited in wisdom, man chooses the immediately gratifying option and ultimately decides to walk away and live by his own accord, thus God can no longer live in perfect union with man. In fact, because He is so perfect, God must now judge the man righteously, according to His perfection. God’s Holiness and Perfectness cannot stand to be in the presence of the antithesis of Himself. Sin or unholiness is now present in mankind’s life. So – God, in His ever loving and perfect way, devises a plan for man to be reunited to Him – through a Savior. Wonderful news, yes? The problem is, the same mankind that freely walked away from God, must now recognize his need for a Savior and accept God’s gift of that Savior, God’s only Son, Jesus Christ.
Now, let’s return to today.
It must break God’s heart each time a person ignores His desire to be a part of his or her life. Don’t get me wrong; I understand the importance of free will to a relationship, but it is apparent that not everyone recognizes or is willing to recognize that he or she is sinful in nature, and has been from birth, but that there is a way to be reunited with his or her One True Love.
So – with all that being said here is what I meant to write.
I feel surrounded by bad news. From the deplorable state of our nation’s economy to the gross apathy of university professors over sexual abuse and the recent courtroom drama in Pennsylvania. From the disturbing eyewitness reports and aftermath of the massacre in Colorado to the recent disappearance of a six year old girl and the discovery of the gruesome abuse and death she experienced from her own neighbor in Iowa. From the cynicism of a President who apparently believes in socialism over excellence and aspiration in the private sector to a military who openly supports gay Pride, but not national pride and individual rights in political activity. I am appalled and almost ashamed to be called an American. Now, I know America is not God’s chosen country. I have said it before and heard it many times recently – America is not God’s priority – but thankfully His people are.
I can easily wallow in this miserable state of America, or I can turn my eyes to the Lord for direction and hope. Before I even take a step towards God, He is standing before me with open arms waiting for me to hide in the shelter of His wings.
Isaiah the prophet lived in a similar time. We aren’t the first to watch as our nation’s leaders turn away from God and turn towards idols. Yes, idols: money, power, prestige, and the number one idol today, self.
God says in Isaiah 40 – “Comfort, comfort, my people.” Then He describes that He is making a path for the glory of the Lord to be revealed to all mankind.
God goes on to explain that men are like grasshoppers to Him; and nations are just “a drop in the bucket,” “dust on the scales.” I think we forget that He is the one “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand.” According to Isaiah, He has “marked off the heavens with His hand.” He has held the dust of the earth in a basket. He has weighed the mountains on the scales. Before Him all nations are nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth and its peoples are like grasshoppers.” “He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” He reduces the rulers of the nations to naught. He blows on them and they wither then he sweeps them away like dry wheat. No one is His equal. He brings out the stars and “calls them each by name. Because of Him, “not one of them is missing.”
The people were saying “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God.” But God says, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”
Then God, through Isaiah, goes on to calm us . . . gently . . . with His loving care, just as He always intended. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” And one of the first verses I ever learned from Scripture – “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
We cannot lose hope. God hasn’t. He has always existed, and He has always had eyes for us! And God will always be and will forever have eyes for us! There is no more comforting thought than to know that I have relinquished control of my life and my will to the all-powerful God who created mankind and nations; who sustains mankind and nations; and who will determine the last day of each man, of each nation, and of this earth. Nothing is in my hands. It’s not even for me to worry about. He tells me not to fret, but to hope in Him – to bind myself to Him and He will give me strength to soar on wings like eagles, to walk this life’s journey until He says I’m done – without ever fainting.
Thank you Lord for refocusing my eyes on You and Your truth – which was before America and will be after America. No matter what happens in this crazy world, I know that You hold me and this world in Your hands. May You bless America, but even if that is not Your will – to You, Holy Father, be the Glory. I am Yours and You are mine. Amen and Amen.
the refocused writer
P.S. If you are just recognizing your need for a Savior or if you are ready to accept His gift of Jesus Christ – don’t wait – do it today. He is waiting for you. Just tell Him what’s going on – He will listen and respond lovingly to You. He loves you with an everlasting love and wants to be invited to walk with you today and every day, for the rest of your life.
09 July 2012
Breathe It
It’s only July, but I’ve begun seeing Christmas advertisements in the stores. Hallmark is advertising their keepsake ornament soon to arrive. Hobby Lobby has Christmas décor filling the shelves. So I have been thinking a little bit about Christmas, and one of my favorite parts of Christmas is the special music we get to enjoy during the season.
One of my all-time favorite Christmas songs is “Breath of Heaven.”
“Breath of heaven, Hold me together, Be forever near me, Breath of heaven. Breath of heaven, Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness, For you are holy. Breath of heaven.”
(Songwriters: Chris Eaton, Amy Grant)
There is something in the word breath that is inexplicable. Something miraculous. In Genesis 2, “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” From the very beginning, God’s breath is life giving. I imagine Him imparting His very life into the life of man with just a mere breath. The power is astounding.
I’m sure you can think of numerous examples of the miracle of a breath. When a baby is born, everyone waits in expectation for the baby to take his first breath. Miraculous. Imagine a dire situation when someone is lying unconscious and not breathing, and emergency workers are furiously performing rescue breathing. When the person finally takes a breath, everyone sighs in relief. Miraculous. If you’ve ever fallen or been hit in the stomach and gotten the breath knocked out of you, you were probably quite panicked until you were finally able to breathe again. It’s amazing. Miraculous. Breath is life.
Breath is air taken in and air blown out. Breath is warm because it’s been within a living body. If breath stops for too long, life ends. Breath is life.
Now follow me to another passage and just watch how this plays out.
2 Tim 3:17: “All Scripture is God-breathed . . . .”
I love the description of the Bible that Paul gives us in His second letter to Timothy. God-breathed.
So how does that translate?
Scripture has the very breath of God inside of it. Just as man was brought to life with the breath of God, so to God’s Holy Word – the Bible is brought to life with the breath of God. What does that mean? Experiment for yourself. Try to read one verse out of the Bible today. Often, when I attempt to read just one verse, I find myself reading several verses, a paragraph, or even a chapter. God engages me through His Word. The breath-of-God endowed Word of God nourishes my soul – it feeds my spirit – it enriches my life. But most of all, the Word of God connects me to my Father. It’s His breath – His life – His Word I’m absorbing. And you better believe, He is alive. He meets me there. The Holy Word of God is alive.
Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews gives us more information about that living, breath of God.
Hebrews 4:12- “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
God’s breath is not just alive; not just in existence – it is active! There is vitality to the Word of God. The living word of God penetrates the minutia of our existence. Can you imagine something so sharp that it can separate our soul and spirit? Who understands where those two differ anyway? Only the God that created them can separate them. The Word of God is sharp; it pierces our facades, our masks, our walls. God knows me, and when I read His word, His very life, His very breath, penetrates my real self. It touches my innermost feelings, my thoughts – dividing my soul and spirit.
If you want to know God and be known by Him– read His breath. Life is in the breath.
I’ll go a step further – so stop now if you don’t want to be pricked.
Why is it so easy to pick up a book of fiction or log onto Facebook – but not find five minutes to read the Bible? Shocker – most of us don’t want to know what God thinks of us. We are scared. Another shocker– we would rather escape into someone else’s reality – whether that be made up or only the good highlights of what someone wants to present as their life – than know what God wants to breathe into us that day.
It should not be. He created and formed you; He breathed His life into you; and He loves you. Let Him breathe into you today.
Enjoy life. Live life. Experience life. Life exists because of breath – and we have the very breath of God.
Breathe it. Read it.
the breathing writer
One of my all-time favorite Christmas songs is “Breath of Heaven.”
“Breath of heaven, Hold me together, Be forever near me, Breath of heaven. Breath of heaven, Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness, For you are holy. Breath of heaven.”
(Songwriters: Chris Eaton, Amy Grant)
There is something in the word breath that is inexplicable. Something miraculous. In Genesis 2, “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” From the very beginning, God’s breath is life giving. I imagine Him imparting His very life into the life of man with just a mere breath. The power is astounding.
I’m sure you can think of numerous examples of the miracle of a breath. When a baby is born, everyone waits in expectation for the baby to take his first breath. Miraculous. Imagine a dire situation when someone is lying unconscious and not breathing, and emergency workers are furiously performing rescue breathing. When the person finally takes a breath, everyone sighs in relief. Miraculous. If you’ve ever fallen or been hit in the stomach and gotten the breath knocked out of you, you were probably quite panicked until you were finally able to breathe again. It’s amazing. Miraculous. Breath is life.
Breath is air taken in and air blown out. Breath is warm because it’s been within a living body. If breath stops for too long, life ends. Breath is life.
Now follow me to another passage and just watch how this plays out.
2 Tim 3:17: “All Scripture is God-breathed . . . .”
I love the description of the Bible that Paul gives us in His second letter to Timothy. God-breathed.
So how does that translate?
Scripture has the very breath of God inside of it. Just as man was brought to life with the breath of God, so to God’s Holy Word – the Bible is brought to life with the breath of God. What does that mean? Experiment for yourself. Try to read one verse out of the Bible today. Often, when I attempt to read just one verse, I find myself reading several verses, a paragraph, or even a chapter. God engages me through His Word. The breath-of-God endowed Word of God nourishes my soul – it feeds my spirit – it enriches my life. But most of all, the Word of God connects me to my Father. It’s His breath – His life – His Word I’m absorbing. And you better believe, He is alive. He meets me there. The Holy Word of God is alive.
Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews gives us more information about that living, breath of God.
Hebrews 4:12- “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
God’s breath is not just alive; not just in existence – it is active! There is vitality to the Word of God. The living word of God penetrates the minutia of our existence. Can you imagine something so sharp that it can separate our soul and spirit? Who understands where those two differ anyway? Only the God that created them can separate them. The Word of God is sharp; it pierces our facades, our masks, our walls. God knows me, and when I read His word, His very life, His very breath, penetrates my real self. It touches my innermost feelings, my thoughts – dividing my soul and spirit.
If you want to know God and be known by Him– read His breath. Life is in the breath.
I’ll go a step further – so stop now if you don’t want to be pricked.
Why is it so easy to pick up a book of fiction or log onto Facebook – but not find five minutes to read the Bible? Shocker – most of us don’t want to know what God thinks of us. We are scared. Another shocker– we would rather escape into someone else’s reality – whether that be made up or only the good highlights of what someone wants to present as their life – than know what God wants to breathe into us that day.
It should not be. He created and formed you; He breathed His life into you; and He loves you. Let Him breathe into you today.
Enjoy life. Live life. Experience life. Life exists because of breath – and we have the very breath of God.
Breathe it. Read it.
the breathing writer
29 March 2012
Our Return to the Resurrection
This is my rendition of Easter Activities – wish I was better with adding pictures, etc. You'll have to do this the old fashion way - with your imagination. Shocker!! In planning, I considered the age of my children, their interests, and what they already know from previous Easters, church, and school. I have borrowed much information and many ideas from two blogs. Unfortunately I have committed one of my pet-peeves and cannot give credit to one of them – I can no longer find the source. I have changed everything to fit my family. The following is one of the great blogs.
http://impressyourkids.org/a-sense-of-the-resurrection/
I also spent a considerable amount of time with my Bible open, looking at what I wanted to highlight. Of course, we could do an activity every day of the year and never exhaust the life of Christ. My goal is to turn their eyes heavenward. I planned for the number of days I have remaining until Easter. I can’t wait to begin this evening. I hope that you too can find time and energy to focus your and your families’ hearts toward our Savior. For He truly is the reason for this celebration. Please forgive that these are brief and sometimes grammatically incomplete. I will “fly by the seat of my pants” or “walk in the Spirit” as we read Scripture – allowing God to speak through His word and through me as I comment on the verses.
Day 1: Match or Flashlight (perhaps with box)
Matthew 1: 18-2:23; Luke 8:16-18; John 3: 19-21
Discuss that Jesus was born as the light of the world; now we are to be the light of the world. World is described as darkness. Play with flashlight in dark areas, hiding it under the box in a dark room. Discuss also the things we would rather be hidden in our lives and how Jesus reveals all the darkness within us.
Day 2: Feather and Wind (Fan)
Luke 3:21-22 and John 3:7-8
Discuss Jesus's baptism and how the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove. Allow kids to blow feather and us fans to blow feather. Compare which blows best. Discuss how Holy spirit blows in like the wind, unseen and unheard. God also blows breath of life in us and in Scripture- keeping us alive; and allowing the Scripture to be living (2 Tim. 3:17-18)
Day 3: Scroll made of newspaper – Make and send Easter cards to two people (cross and butterfly)
Luke 4:14-30
Jesus revealed himself in His hometown. He quoted from Isaiah. Discuss what Scriptures the Jews read – and how they wouldn’t have had the New Testament yet.
Discuss the importance of memorizing Scripture and instances in which Jesus quoted it. Here, and in the desert during His temptation. Discuss how persecuted Christians in other countries memorize their Bibles so that when they are taken from them – they have it in their heart. Psalms says it lights our path. Pick a verse to share with others. Make cards to send to two family members or friends.
Day 4: Perfume or potpourri supplies
Luke 7:36-50
Jesus was anointed by a sinful woman. Why would she waste her oil on his feet? She displayed a worshipful heart, in the moment. Discuss who showed more love – the hosts of the dinner or the woman? What do people do today to worship Jesus? What about in the moment?
What did Jesus do to his servants feet later on – washed them. Why? What’s the dirtiest part of your body? Who likes feet? What is a real servant?
Day 5: Grass seeds, rocks, sticks, soil
Mat 8
Jesus says some seeds were trampled; the Devil removes the seeds. Some fell on rocks. Some fell among thorns. Some fell on good soil.
Jesus also says, we sow seeds, others may water – but He makes them grow. We’ll plant grass today in a large enough pie plate to later turn into tomb garden.
Day 6: Plastic Eggs with three items inside; some with treasures inside.
Luke 15
Hide three eggs with sheep, coin, and picture inside; maybe some empty. Discuss the three parables. “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous person who do not need to repent.”
Jesus always accepts us when we come back. When we ask others for forgiveness, they may have a hard time because they are hurt or angry, but Jesus never turns us away or holds a grudge. Heaven holds a celebration when the prodigal son returns. Finish with eggs hidden in another location full of great treasures.
Day 7: Grape juice, bread (maybe matzo bread)
Luke 22:1-46
Read history of Passover, because Jesus was Jewish. (Deut 16:1-8) (Ex. 11:12-following)
Talk about communion in our church for believers to remember Jesus sacrifice; just as Jesus and the Jewish church were remembering God’s judgment and faithfulness.
Day 8: Purple cellophane
Luke 22:47-23:25
Discuss the cruelty, lies, and evil committed leading up to Jesus’ death. Form a cross with soap and water on our window, cover with pieces of cut-up purple cellophane to remind us of our King’s death.
Day 9: Nails, hammer, wood. Rocks and pot with lid; old material to rip.
Luke 23:26-49
Let the kids hit nails into wood in shape of cross. Shake rocks in a pot to simulate the earthquake. Rip material to hear the sound of the curtain in the Holy of Holies. Discuss the Holy of Holies and how the curtain kept people out except for the priest once a year. Explain how Jesus opened up that Holy Place so that now we could enter ourselves. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Day 10: Rocks, grass tomb from earlier, sticks, leaves, potato, bandage.
Luke 50-56
Form a garden tomb using the grass planted earlier. Carve a hole in a potato, put bandage inside (significant to stories of Samaritan, Lazarus, Jesus). Put dead sticks, leaves, etc. all around tomb.
Make Tomb cookies – retelling the story of Jesus life and death. Tape the oven door and wait until morning.
http://www.allhomemadecookies.com/recipes/drop/easterstorycookies.htm
Day 11: Large Empty Eggs
Luke 24
Resurrection Sunday – finish the story. Replace dead leaves with beautiful flowers. Remove tape from oven. Have a large empty egg in their baskets. The Gift of Jesus’ life is the best gift of all – He is Risen!!
http://impressyourkids.org/a-sense-of-the-resurrection/
I also spent a considerable amount of time with my Bible open, looking at what I wanted to highlight. Of course, we could do an activity every day of the year and never exhaust the life of Christ. My goal is to turn their eyes heavenward. I planned for the number of days I have remaining until Easter. I can’t wait to begin this evening. I hope that you too can find time and energy to focus your and your families’ hearts toward our Savior. For He truly is the reason for this celebration. Please forgive that these are brief and sometimes grammatically incomplete. I will “fly by the seat of my pants” or “walk in the Spirit” as we read Scripture – allowing God to speak through His word and through me as I comment on the verses.
Day 1: Match or Flashlight (perhaps with box)
Matthew 1: 18-2:23; Luke 8:16-18; John 3: 19-21
Discuss that Jesus was born as the light of the world; now we are to be the light of the world. World is described as darkness. Play with flashlight in dark areas, hiding it under the box in a dark room. Discuss also the things we would rather be hidden in our lives and how Jesus reveals all the darkness within us.
Day 2: Feather and Wind (Fan)
Luke 3:21-22 and John 3:7-8
Discuss Jesus's baptism and how the Holy Spirit descended from heaven in the form of a dove. Allow kids to blow feather and us fans to blow feather. Compare which blows best. Discuss how Holy spirit blows in like the wind, unseen and unheard. God also blows breath of life in us and in Scripture- keeping us alive; and allowing the Scripture to be living (2 Tim. 3:17-18)
Day 3: Scroll made of newspaper – Make and send Easter cards to two people (cross and butterfly)
Luke 4:14-30
Jesus revealed himself in His hometown. He quoted from Isaiah. Discuss what Scriptures the Jews read – and how they wouldn’t have had the New Testament yet.
Discuss the importance of memorizing Scripture and instances in which Jesus quoted it. Here, and in the desert during His temptation. Discuss how persecuted Christians in other countries memorize their Bibles so that when they are taken from them – they have it in their heart. Psalms says it lights our path. Pick a verse to share with others. Make cards to send to two family members or friends.
Day 4: Perfume or potpourri supplies
Luke 7:36-50
Jesus was anointed by a sinful woman. Why would she waste her oil on his feet? She displayed a worshipful heart, in the moment. Discuss who showed more love – the hosts of the dinner or the woman? What do people do today to worship Jesus? What about in the moment?
What did Jesus do to his servants feet later on – washed them. Why? What’s the dirtiest part of your body? Who likes feet? What is a real servant?
Day 5: Grass seeds, rocks, sticks, soil
Mat 8
Jesus says some seeds were trampled; the Devil removes the seeds. Some fell on rocks. Some fell among thorns. Some fell on good soil.
Jesus also says, we sow seeds, others may water – but He makes them grow. We’ll plant grass today in a large enough pie plate to later turn into tomb garden.
Day 6: Plastic Eggs with three items inside; some with treasures inside.
Luke 15
Hide three eggs with sheep, coin, and picture inside; maybe some empty. Discuss the three parables. “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous person who do not need to repent.”
Jesus always accepts us when we come back. When we ask others for forgiveness, they may have a hard time because they are hurt or angry, but Jesus never turns us away or holds a grudge. Heaven holds a celebration when the prodigal son returns. Finish with eggs hidden in another location full of great treasures.
Day 7: Grape juice, bread (maybe matzo bread)
Luke 22:1-46
Read history of Passover, because Jesus was Jewish. (Deut 16:1-8) (Ex. 11:12-following)
Talk about communion in our church for believers to remember Jesus sacrifice; just as Jesus and the Jewish church were remembering God’s judgment and faithfulness.
Day 8: Purple cellophane
Luke 22:47-23:25
Discuss the cruelty, lies, and evil committed leading up to Jesus’ death. Form a cross with soap and water on our window, cover with pieces of cut-up purple cellophane to remind us of our King’s death.
Day 9: Nails, hammer, wood. Rocks and pot with lid; old material to rip.
Luke 23:26-49
Let the kids hit nails into wood in shape of cross. Shake rocks in a pot to simulate the earthquake. Rip material to hear the sound of the curtain in the Holy of Holies. Discuss the Holy of Holies and how the curtain kept people out except for the priest once a year. Explain how Jesus opened up that Holy Place so that now we could enter ourselves. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Day 10: Rocks, grass tomb from earlier, sticks, leaves, potato, bandage.
Luke 50-56
Form a garden tomb using the grass planted earlier. Carve a hole in a potato, put bandage inside (significant to stories of Samaritan, Lazarus, Jesus). Put dead sticks, leaves, etc. all around tomb.
Make Tomb cookies – retelling the story of Jesus life and death. Tape the oven door and wait until morning.
http://www.allhomemadecookies.com/recipes/drop/easterstorycookies.htm
Day 11: Large Empty Eggs
Luke 24
Resurrection Sunday – finish the story. Replace dead leaves with beautiful flowers. Remove tape from oven. Have a large empty egg in their baskets. The Gift of Jesus’ life is the best gift of all – He is Risen!!
05 March 2012
Where are you headed?
Do you have a purpose statement for your life?
Business leaders will confirm that without a plan and destination, your business will likely fail. If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time.
Let’s hop over to our personal lives. At the end of your life (there will be one) as you look back, will you have gotten where you wanted to? Will you have accomplished the things you wanted to? Will you think about your time (those mere 70 to 80 years on this earth) and wonder what you did with them? I’m not trying to be a downer, not at all – in fact, I want to be an encourager.
As I am considering this question for myself- I am thinking– wow – I really have time to do something right now. But what?
Let me encourage you to take time in prayer to lay out your goals before God and ask him to direct your paths? For example:
*Do you and your spouse have a mission for your marriage? Is there a reason God put the two of you together – a common purpose?
*Is there a purpose behind raising your children? What talents and loves do you think God has created them with? What do you want for them as adults? Are you making choices for them that help to achieve those purposes?
What are the determining factors for what you say yes and what you say no to in your daily activities and plans? Or do you accept things mindlessly – aimlessly?
As I said, I am exploring these questions for my own life and finding some interesting information. I’ll just leave a few ideas for you to contemplate. Please share your thoughts with me.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (great devotional)
“It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires.”
Andy Stanley, Visioneering ( I highly recommend)
“Everybody ends up somewhere in life. You can end up somewhere on purpose!”
“God’s visions for your life are the things that will give your life impact beyond this life.”
Ephesians 2:10 (greatest Book ever)
“For we are His [God’s] workmanship, created in Jesus Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Acts 20:24 (greatest Book ever)
“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.
Psalm 25:12 (greatest Book ever)
“Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He [The Lord] will instruct him in the way chosen for him.”
the Perfect-path-seeking writer
Business leaders will confirm that without a plan and destination, your business will likely fail. If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time.
Let’s hop over to our personal lives. At the end of your life (there will be one) as you look back, will you have gotten where you wanted to? Will you have accomplished the things you wanted to? Will you think about your time (those mere 70 to 80 years on this earth) and wonder what you did with them? I’m not trying to be a downer, not at all – in fact, I want to be an encourager.
As I am considering this question for myself- I am thinking– wow – I really have time to do something right now. But what?
Let me encourage you to take time in prayer to lay out your goals before God and ask him to direct your paths? For example:
*Do you and your spouse have a mission for your marriage? Is there a reason God put the two of you together – a common purpose?
*Is there a purpose behind raising your children? What talents and loves do you think God has created them with? What do you want for them as adults? Are you making choices for them that help to achieve those purposes?
What are the determining factors for what you say yes and what you say no to in your daily activities and plans? Or do you accept things mindlessly – aimlessly?
As I said, I am exploring these questions for my own life and finding some interesting information. I’ll just leave a few ideas for you to contemplate. Please share your thoughts with me.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (great devotional)
“It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires.”
Andy Stanley, Visioneering ( I highly recommend)
“Everybody ends up somewhere in life. You can end up somewhere on purpose!”
“God’s visions for your life are the things that will give your life impact beyond this life.”
Ephesians 2:10 (greatest Book ever)
“For we are His [God’s] workmanship, created in Jesus Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Acts 20:24 (greatest Book ever)
“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.
Psalm 25:12 (greatest Book ever)
“Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He [The Lord] will instruct him in the way chosen for him.”
the Perfect-path-seeking writer
24 February 2012
Bruchko
This week I had the privilege of substituting at Aletheia Christian Academy. While the eighth graders were quietly working on an assignment, I picked up a copy of the book they have been recently assigned to read, Bruchko. I have heard of the book, thus my curiousity compelled me to read the first couple of pages. I could not put the book down. For the past two days I read voraciously every chance I could - and finished the book just before the last class let out today.
I've have been thinking lately that I should read more biographies. In the past, every time I have started a biography, I have found the writing dry or the subject matter too slow to grasp my attention. God heard the desire of my heart and placed before me the most intense life story of which I have ever heard. It is first-hand life experiences of missionary Bruce Olson.
In the book, Bruce tells how he came to know Christ as Lord and Savior, which is in itself engaging and heart-breaking. As a child, Bruce was raised by strict Lutherans who completely missed the point of our Savior. God joined Bruce right where he was as a young boy, and Bruce met Jesus Christ and gave his life to our Lord. The Lord put a fire in Bruce that has since that day burned brightly .
As a young adult, still in his teens, Bruce gave up all he had and began a journey which he is still living today. He boarded a plane for South America and headed for the jungles of Columbia. He communicates honestly and with great detail the torture he underwent, the diseases he contracted, the uncivilized Indians he encountered, and the near death he experienced on more than one occasion. However, the gripping tale he expresses is underlaid with the presence of God.
Bruce's faith deepened as he devoted his life to a tribe known only for mutilating the bodies of oil workers caught in the region.
I was mesmerized, convicted, but definitely encouraged by Bruce's vivid first-hand experiences. I will probably never know the power of the Holy Spirit the way Bruce Olson does. And the amazing thing to me is that he is still there today - ministering to the same Indians.
I hope I haven't given too much away from his story. If you want to read a challenging, eye-opening, true tale of bravery, love, and the work of the Holy Spirit, find Bruchko. I assure you, you won't regret it.
Bruce Olson's website: http://www.bruceolson.com/english/english.htm
the moved writer
I've have been thinking lately that I should read more biographies. In the past, every time I have started a biography, I have found the writing dry or the subject matter too slow to grasp my attention. God heard the desire of my heart and placed before me the most intense life story of which I have ever heard. It is first-hand life experiences of missionary Bruce Olson.
In the book, Bruce tells how he came to know Christ as Lord and Savior, which is in itself engaging and heart-breaking. As a child, Bruce was raised by strict Lutherans who completely missed the point of our Savior. God joined Bruce right where he was as a young boy, and Bruce met Jesus Christ and gave his life to our Lord. The Lord put a fire in Bruce that has since that day burned brightly .
As a young adult, still in his teens, Bruce gave up all he had and began a journey which he is still living today. He boarded a plane for South America and headed for the jungles of Columbia. He communicates honestly and with great detail the torture he underwent, the diseases he contracted, the uncivilized Indians he encountered, and the near death he experienced on more than one occasion. However, the gripping tale he expresses is underlaid with the presence of God.
Bruce's faith deepened as he devoted his life to a tribe known only for mutilating the bodies of oil workers caught in the region.
I was mesmerized, convicted, but definitely encouraged by Bruce's vivid first-hand experiences. I will probably never know the power of the Holy Spirit the way Bruce Olson does. And the amazing thing to me is that he is still there today - ministering to the same Indians.
I hope I haven't given too much away from his story. If you want to read a challenging, eye-opening, true tale of bravery, love, and the work of the Holy Spirit, find Bruchko. I assure you, you won't regret it.
Bruce Olson's website: http://www.bruceolson.com/english/english.htm
the moved writer
18 January 2012
Attempt no. 23,252
Once again, I revisit my attempt to blog. I think my goal was set too high - but what is life but a series of trials and errors.
I still feel compelled to write; however, as Paul explained in Romans - that which I want to do I do not do - but that which I do not want to do I find myself doing (a loose paraphrase). I have spent way too much time cleaning, and not nearly enough studying and writing.
One thing I have begun that I am loving is sewing. My darling husband bought me a sewing machine for Christmas and I have found a sewing partner. We have met twice on Friday mornings to sew. Thus far, I have made a reusuable snack bag, a skirt, a cover for one of my daughter's games, and a travel-sized pillow case. This weekend we will take on pajama pants. I am thoroughly enjoying this creative outlet, and I've been so proud of my end results. I'll keep you updated.
Another sidetrack that has taken up some time is pinterest. I love it, but I have to now set a goal of completing something that I've repinned. It should be interesting to narrow that one down - why don't you let me know how you're accomplishing this task.
Well -I'm out of time for today, but I'll try to revisit soon. Until next time . . .
the continual attemptor!!
I still feel compelled to write; however, as Paul explained in Romans - that which I want to do I do not do - but that which I do not want to do I find myself doing (a loose paraphrase). I have spent way too much time cleaning, and not nearly enough studying and writing.
One thing I have begun that I am loving is sewing. My darling husband bought me a sewing machine for Christmas and I have found a sewing partner. We have met twice on Friday mornings to sew. Thus far, I have made a reusuable snack bag, a skirt, a cover for one of my daughter's games, and a travel-sized pillow case. This weekend we will take on pajama pants. I am thoroughly enjoying this creative outlet, and I've been so proud of my end results. I'll keep you updated.
Another sidetrack that has taken up some time is pinterest. I love it, but I have to now set a goal of completing something that I've repinned. It should be interesting to narrow that one down - why don't you let me know how you're accomplishing this task.
Well -I'm out of time for today, but I'll try to revisit soon. Until next time . . .
the continual attemptor!!
28 September 2011
The Real Me
Well – I think it's clear I have two personalities. There is the me that keeps the house running, gets the kids to school, then comes home to exercise, read my Bible, and write down my thoughts to share with others (the one with the easy-going routine). Then there is the other me. The me that works outside the home and can't handle it.
The longest length of time I've ever taken off without working since graduating from college is about three months (summertime). But, there has always been the school year in plain view just a few weeks away. When C (my oldest) was a year and a half, I made a decision to stay home permanently to be homemaker and stay-at-home mom. I still did some work on the side though. Then, I had R. I continued to do some side work (not much, but some). When R. was just over one, I couldn't do it anymore (it being stay at home every day which I really hadn't done anyway). I went back to work part-time and still managed to do some work on the side. Thus, some weeks I was really a full-time inside-outside-the-home worker (confused yet?).
This year I decided to take some time off to see what I really want to be and where God might want to place me in the future. (Ha). So – I quit my part-time job. Um – then I agreed to substitute, and still do some side work (still couldn't do just the stay-at-home-only thing).
There were about three and a half months where there was no work outside the home and no school year in plain view. It took three months for me to come to terms with the idea of not reporting to a job and to embrace it. I thoroughly enjoyed the two weeks after I got into a routine and began writing. The "nice" me took over. My home was kept –not to perfection, but kept. My kids and husband were happy, because mommy was happy and pleasant. My PMS wasn't as bad; my mood swings weren't as noticeable. I felt right with God and things were going well.
Then I started substituting -three days in a row one week. Three days this week. Guess who reared her head over the weekend? The other me – the one who works outside the home and can't handle it.
Let me stop here and get something straight lest I upset someone unintentionally. I do not think that working moms have it harder or easier; I do not think that stay-at-home moms have it harder or easier. I am not making a statement on which one works harder or is Biblical. I'm not going there – believe me! I know we all have too much to do these days which ever we choose. I'm just sharing my experience. (And, no I'm not minimalizing the seriousness of mental health disorders either.)
I guess cannot accept myself as a stay-at-home mom. I feel compelled to work outside the home. I don't know why – I think it has something to do with earning a paycheck. Somehow I link a paycheck to my worth – and believe me I know that is far from the truth. (Yes, I have seen all the email forwards describing the worth of a stay-at-home mom). I also know I am ugly when I am too busy. I am ugly when I feel too much pressure in the schedule. I was more pleasant when I did not have an employer to report to – when there was no paycheck. This is my problem. God will work to clean me up, I am certain.
I'm not sure where to go with this, other than to confess that I haven't followed my own advice this weekend – much less God's commandments. I was constantly losing my temper, acting foolish, complaining, and displaying many other selfish behaviors. There is a clear discrepancy between who I want to be and what I know I can be, and what I am when I am working outside the home. I know Paul expounds on this in Romans chapter 7.
"I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway." Romans 7:19
It goes to show me that real life interferes with the ideal. It's the reason we can't do it alone; we must give each day to the Lord and ask Him to walk us through. We must constantly return to him throughout the day and receive His guidance as we walk – whether that be throughout our house or throughout an office or school.
It's also the reason I long for heaven. I feel that we will have responsibilities in heaven, but I know that we will also be in the constant presence of Jesus. I know that somehow we will be restored and rid of this transitory body and mind with all of its flaws.
"Dear friends, now we are children of God and what we will be has not yet been made known.
But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him." 1 John 3:2
Until then – I must travel this journey called life to the best of my ability – always asking forgiveness of those I hurt in the meantime – always asking forgiveness from my Father whom I have taken up the calling to represent – always seeking to place His will before my own. It's easier said than done.
And one day – probably not until I'm on the other side of life, my two personalities will sync – and I'll be the nice (Godly) me all the time.
So – if you feel compelled – say a prayer for both of me (haha) and for the family who has to deal with both of me. J
The two-sided writer
19 September 2011
Slivers of Dust
Looking around my bathroom as I blow dry my hair, I see slivers of dust that I missed when I cleaned the bathroom yesterday. You know, the beveled edge of the door engravings, the crack where the door closes, one corner of the chair rail by the linen closet. These are places that are not noticeable – and really, who sees them except for me and my husband – no one else comes into our bathroom – but to a perfectionist with an eye for detail, these minor remnants remind me that this room isn’t as clean as I think it is. Now my paranoid mind begins to ponder where else dirt and grime may be that I can’t see. In the end, I remind myself that I never claimed to be a great house cleaner, and probably could not win an award for housecleaning in most contests, even if I tried.
Does this relate to my spiritual life? I think so. To be frank, I have been plagued lately with some indications that I haven’t been as sensitive to some groups as the Lord would have me to be. I hope I don’t step on any toes, because this doesn’t mean I don’t love these individuals, or that I don’t want to be more sensitive to them – it just indicates that there are slivers of dust in my heart that I have been previously unaware of.
It was first brought to my attention a few days ago when a friend invited me to a MOPS group. I thought to myself – now why in the world would I want to attend a Mothers of Preschooler’s group – when I no longer have a preschooler? Why would I want to subject myself to all that whining (the babies), and sleep- deprived talk (the mommies) about bottles, breastfeeding, diapers, and such? I’m past that phase – and right now, I have no interest in going back. And honestly, the more I thought about it – the more irritated I started to feel at the thought of toddlers interrupting my all-important conversations. At first, I just felt a little tap from God – like maybe that’s not the best reaction to have to such an invitation. But, as you and I know, when God wants to make us aware of something – He does. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that my insensitivity to this group of moms is not right; in fact, it’s downright sinful. Yes, I have made it through that phase, but I’m just in another one that may annoy someone else when I complain and talk nonstop about discipline and other elementary problems. Perhaps I should stop to look back and determine what could have made that time more pleasurable and less dreaded for me. Then, maybe I’d know how I can minster to these individuals.
This is not the only sliver of dust on my “supposedly-cleaned-up heart.” What about the homeless? Oh – you don’t want to go there? Well, neither do I – but didn’t God say “the righteous care about justice for the poor” (Pro. 29:7)? The pan-handlers are everywhere in our town. I rarely stop at a corner where there isn’t someone holding a sign asking for money or food, or a job. My reaction – look away, don’t make eye contact, try to read the sign if possible without them knowing just out of curiosity, glance around the car to see if I have anything to give them, then pull away as soon as the cars ahead move on. The whole time, I’m rationalizing – thinking of excuses and the stories we’ve all heard. There are agencies who help them; some haven’t accepted a job when they were offered because they make more on the corner; many will buy booze (we can see that evidence for ourselves under the overpass); some have tossed away the food given when the car pulled away, and one robbed and stole from the very church that was inviting him in. But for all of these excuses –there have been some good stories too. The one that ran over to share his food with his friends; the lady who practically dove into the leftover salad my friend handed to her; the one who stole the car so he could get to his grandson because he was desperate to see him before it was too late. So, how do I figure out what to do with this information? How do I discern which ones to help and which ones to avoid at all cost? I don’t know. I do know that God wouldn’t allow me to see them on every corner and constantly convict my heart about them if there wasn’t something I could be doing to minster to them. In fact, when was the last time I gave to that ministry that exists to help them? When was the last time I tried to give them food? Not recently enough.
My point is what are your slivers of dust -those hidden dirty areas that no one really sees except for you and God? What are the issues that God keeps nudging you on that you know are keeping the room of your heart from being spotless? Let’s be honest with ourselves. Scripture says “there is no one righteous, not even one . . .” Romans 3:9. If you love the Lord and want to walk in His ways, then ask Him to examine your heart and show you the unclean areas. (Ps. 139:23-24). Then let’s pray that God would help us to look sharp in His ways.
After all – we are only fooling ourselves if we think we haven’t missed anything.
the dusty writer
Does this relate to my spiritual life? I think so. To be frank, I have been plagued lately with some indications that I haven’t been as sensitive to some groups as the Lord would have me to be. I hope I don’t step on any toes, because this doesn’t mean I don’t love these individuals, or that I don’t want to be more sensitive to them – it just indicates that there are slivers of dust in my heart that I have been previously unaware of.
It was first brought to my attention a few days ago when a friend invited me to a MOPS group. I thought to myself – now why in the world would I want to attend a Mothers of Preschooler’s group – when I no longer have a preschooler? Why would I want to subject myself to all that whining (the babies), and sleep- deprived talk (the mommies) about bottles, breastfeeding, diapers, and such? I’m past that phase – and right now, I have no interest in going back. And honestly, the more I thought about it – the more irritated I started to feel at the thought of toddlers interrupting my all-important conversations. At first, I just felt a little tap from God – like maybe that’s not the best reaction to have to such an invitation. But, as you and I know, when God wants to make us aware of something – He does. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that my insensitivity to this group of moms is not right; in fact, it’s downright sinful. Yes, I have made it through that phase, but I’m just in another one that may annoy someone else when I complain and talk nonstop about discipline and other elementary problems. Perhaps I should stop to look back and determine what could have made that time more pleasurable and less dreaded for me. Then, maybe I’d know how I can minster to these individuals.
This is not the only sliver of dust on my “supposedly-cleaned-up heart.” What about the homeless? Oh – you don’t want to go there? Well, neither do I – but didn’t God say “the righteous care about justice for the poor” (Pro. 29:7)? The pan-handlers are everywhere in our town. I rarely stop at a corner where there isn’t someone holding a sign asking for money or food, or a job. My reaction – look away, don’t make eye contact, try to read the sign if possible without them knowing just out of curiosity, glance around the car to see if I have anything to give them, then pull away as soon as the cars ahead move on. The whole time, I’m rationalizing – thinking of excuses and the stories we’ve all heard. There are agencies who help them; some haven’t accepted a job when they were offered because they make more on the corner; many will buy booze (we can see that evidence for ourselves under the overpass); some have tossed away the food given when the car pulled away, and one robbed and stole from the very church that was inviting him in. But for all of these excuses –there have been some good stories too. The one that ran over to share his food with his friends; the lady who practically dove into the leftover salad my friend handed to her; the one who stole the car so he could get to his grandson because he was desperate to see him before it was too late. So, how do I figure out what to do with this information? How do I discern which ones to help and which ones to avoid at all cost? I don’t know. I do know that God wouldn’t allow me to see them on every corner and constantly convict my heart about them if there wasn’t something I could be doing to minster to them. In fact, when was the last time I gave to that ministry that exists to help them? When was the last time I tried to give them food? Not recently enough.
My point is what are your slivers of dust -those hidden dirty areas that no one really sees except for you and God? What are the issues that God keeps nudging you on that you know are keeping the room of your heart from being spotless? Let’s be honest with ourselves. Scripture says “there is no one righteous, not even one . . .” Romans 3:9. If you love the Lord and want to walk in His ways, then ask Him to examine your heart and show you the unclean areas. (Ps. 139:23-24). Then let’s pray that God would help us to look sharp in His ways.
After all – we are only fooling ourselves if we think we haven’t missed anything.
the dusty writer
13 September 2011
Driving Crazy
As a mom, I am constantly confronted with attitudes, behaviors, and speech that are not Godly (and no, I am not talking about my own this time – though I could . . . for a long time). Usually, I find these attitudes, behaviors, and speech to be annoying. This annoyance could indicate one of two things in me and one of two things in my children: my unGodliness , through my lack of patience; or just my misunderstanding; and my child’s unGodliness or just plain childishness).
God has assigned to me the responsibility of training my child in righteousness. So, when I come across these behaviors or attitudes, it is my job to discern the situation, correct the child if needed, and guide us all back on course. As with any correction, whether it be correcting a car, a spaceship, or a line; small corrections lead to large results. If I make a minute correction of the steering wheel, then it leads the car on a new path. In order to drive straight down the highway, I am constantly making small adjustments to the steering wheel. Making a major adjustment would send me off the road or out of control. When guiding my child, can I look at the situation the same manner?
An attitude is displayed, or a behavior is exhibited, then I go into crazy mom mode and punish, correct, lecture, worry, and/or stress over my child’s attitude or behavior. I fret, wondering if I have done the right thing, questioning how this child got this way, pondering what I should continue to do or what I should redo or change. This would be like that major correction of the steering wheel I mentioned – if I remain on this course I could be driving my child away from the Lord, or we are just plain out of control (which would also be away from the Lord). Instead, I should look at the situation and ask God to help me determine what small correction is needed.
Christ doesn’t try to teach me every truth from Scripture all at once. If he yanked the wheel every time I messed up, I would feel overwhelmed and certain that there would be no reason to try because I’d be unsuccessful anyway. He understands my immaturity and takes me, one little correction at a time, in the right direction.
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”
Ex. 34 6-7
This would be the reason I have been a Christian for almost twenty years and some days behave the same way I would have twenty years ago. Now, don’t get me wrong, overall I feel that I have gained Christlikeness and matured in many areas. I now at least realize I am not a slave to sin; however, by no means am I just like Christ.
My children on the other hand have been expected to produce every fruit God mentions. It’s almost as if I expect that because I’m teaching them young, because they are being brought up from birth bathed in the Word of God, they will just naturally walk in the ways of God. Not true. God says that we are all under the curse of Adam (Eph. 5:1). Believe it or not, even that sweet baby who looks so innocent has a heart that is bent towards wrong; he just hasn’t had the opportunity to act on it. God says we are all born with a sinful human nature.
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Ps. 51
I know my sinful unrealistic expectations of my children are doing them harm, but how do I stop? How do I stop expecting them to live perfect Christian lives, to be naturally bent towards God – when I know the truth is that none of us are.
(Indulge me a moment) I need to make a "u-turn" on the road of parenting. I need to begin to look at these behaviors as normal human nature. And when the occasions arise, as they will every day, many times, I need to trust God to guide me in making small corrections. One attitude today isn’t going to predict my child’s adulthood. Now, left on that path, it certainly may. (Of course then we could get into trusting the Lord to detour the child, or place another car in the way – agghhh – this could go on forever). But, what I think the Lord is teaching me today is to relax – not catastrophize every behavior, word, or attitude my child has. He is human, after all; he got it from me and great grandfather Adam. :)
“Help me Lord, today – to accept my children for who they are, the natural born sinners. Help me to guide them gently on your path, not “drive” them crazy as an attempt to direct their course. Give me the patience, the wisdom, and the knowledge through your Holy Spirit on this moment-by-moment parenting adventure. And above all, help me to love them unconditionally, as you have loved me and given yourself for me.”
the still immature writer
06 September 2011
Faith, In What?
I have a question for you today - just to get you thinking. Do you walk in faith in God or do you say that you believe, then walk in faith in something of this world?
I am a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, yet I tend to place more faith in the things of this world than I do in God. For example, do I trust my security system to keep me safe at night or my Father God who promises to love, protect, and never forsake me? (Joshua 1:5) I am not saying that setting my security system is wrong or against Scripture. What happens though when I have set it, and I hear a sound in the night? Do I immediately think I'm okay because the alarm will go off and scare the burglar, or do I think I'm okay because my God will take care of me? I have to admit, there have been many times that I have fallen asleep only because I was sure I had set the alarm.
Another example is my current leap of faith. I quit my "day" job to pursue other areas of passion and talents (skills). But what have I found myself doing? First, I started doing crazy surveys to earn fifty cents here and a dollar there. Second, I stooped even lower to opening junk emails to earn five cents or even a penny. What was I thinking? I'll tell you exactly what I was thinking - I've got to make things happen. I've been fretting and stressing over getting work so much that I have failed to enjoy this adventure with God. Do I trust him to make things happen? I say I do, then I walk in disbelief.
Moses and the Israelites were on the edge of the Red Sea, and the Egyptians were quickly approaching. Moses told the people that God would deliever. "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on'." What? Was Moses thinking, "The sea is in front of us, should we build a bridge, make some floats, what should we do to move on?" No, God said He would make a way if they just believed. He told Moses to raise his hands over the sea, and God parted the Red Sea.
This passage is not a reproach to spending time in prayer, but an encouragement to walk in faith. Moses spent much time with God. What I believe God is now saying is, "It is time to walk in it!" After visiting God in a matter, we don't have to fret over what He's directing us to do, but walk forth as we are trusting Him to make a way when a way can't be seen.
What do I trust in really? Do I trust in what I can see and worry when that doesn't seem to be panning out? That's not faith. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
I hope you stop to consider your faith walk today; I'm trying,
the sometimes faithful writer
I am a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, yet I tend to place more faith in the things of this world than I do in God. For example, do I trust my security system to keep me safe at night or my Father God who promises to love, protect, and never forsake me? (Joshua 1:5) I am not saying that setting my security system is wrong or against Scripture. What happens though when I have set it, and I hear a sound in the night? Do I immediately think I'm okay because the alarm will go off and scare the burglar, or do I think I'm okay because my God will take care of me? I have to admit, there have been many times that I have fallen asleep only because I was sure I had set the alarm.
Another example is my current leap of faith. I quit my "day" job to pursue other areas of passion and talents (skills). But what have I found myself doing? First, I started doing crazy surveys to earn fifty cents here and a dollar there. Second, I stooped even lower to opening junk emails to earn five cents or even a penny. What was I thinking? I'll tell you exactly what I was thinking - I've got to make things happen. I've been fretting and stressing over getting work so much that I have failed to enjoy this adventure with God. Do I trust him to make things happen? I say I do, then I walk in disbelief.
Moses and the Israelites were on the edge of the Red Sea, and the Egyptians were quickly approaching. Moses told the people that God would deliever. "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on'." What? Was Moses thinking, "The sea is in front of us, should we build a bridge, make some floats, what should we do to move on?" No, God said He would make a way if they just believed. He told Moses to raise his hands over the sea, and God parted the Red Sea.
This passage is not a reproach to spending time in prayer, but an encouragement to walk in faith. Moses spent much time with God. What I believe God is now saying is, "It is time to walk in it!" After visiting God in a matter, we don't have to fret over what He's directing us to do, but walk forth as we are trusting Him to make a way when a way can't be seen.
What do I trust in really? Do I trust in what I can see and worry when that doesn't seem to be panning out? That's not faith. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
I hope you stop to consider your faith walk today; I'm trying,
the sometimes faithful writer
01 September 2011
I'm Back
I'm Back
Once again, I am revisiting my own blog. Amazing, right? There is so much to say - so much has happened and changed since I last wrote. I told you I would be entering a new phase of life, didn't I? Well - I'm here and I'm literally here!
My goal is to post a short blog at least three times a week. Unlike some of you, my writing takes time. I might rewrite a sentence three to five times before returning to the original sentence, and still not be happy with it. That's just me.
Today I have a bit of a rant - humor me, please?
Are you familiar with the security box most websites now utilize to ensure that we are not robots? You know the ones that require you to enter the "letters you see above." Now, I don't know much about how the Internet works; in fact, it blows my mind to begin considering how much information is literally floating through the air we breathe . . . hey, maybe that's where my more frequent allergies are coming from . . . but really, can't they find a way to make these letters readable to the normal person? Is my brain that much more advanced than a computer's that I am expected to translate their messy fonts? For years I have had to grade papers handwritten by America's (and other countries') high school students, and I still miraculously manage to see without glasses.
Anyway - several days this week I have encountered these torturous devices, and I have gotten stuck. I enter what I see, and the page reloads and says I have entered the letters incorrectly. So, I try again, and again, and again. Then I ask for new letters, and try again, and again. One day I tried three sets of letters before I could move along with my task. By the time I had finished that exercise, my brain was spent and I had forgotten what it was I had intended to complete.
Whatever! Please forgive me. My first blog back and I'm confessing my ignorance. Hah -just like someone who wants to be taken seriously, right?
Well - until next time - it has been fun! Got a girl I got to go get! (My attempt at alliteration.)
the hopeful non-writer
Once again, I am revisiting my own blog. Amazing, right? There is so much to say - so much has happened and changed since I last wrote. I told you I would be entering a new phase of life, didn't I? Well - I'm here and I'm literally here!
My goal is to post a short blog at least three times a week. Unlike some of you, my writing takes time. I might rewrite a sentence three to five times before returning to the original sentence, and still not be happy with it. That's just me.
Today I have a bit of a rant - humor me, please?
Are you familiar with the security box most websites now utilize to ensure that we are not robots? You know the ones that require you to enter the "letters you see above." Now, I don't know much about how the Internet works; in fact, it blows my mind to begin considering how much information is literally floating through the air we breathe . . . hey, maybe that's where my more frequent allergies are coming from . . . but really, can't they find a way to make these letters readable to the normal person? Is my brain that much more advanced than a computer's that I am expected to translate their messy fonts? For years I have had to grade papers handwritten by America's (and other countries') high school students, and I still miraculously manage to see without glasses.
Anyway - several days this week I have encountered these torturous devices, and I have gotten stuck. I enter what I see, and the page reloads and says I have entered the letters incorrectly. So, I try again, and again, and again. Then I ask for new letters, and try again, and again. One day I tried three sets of letters before I could move along with my task. By the time I had finished that exercise, my brain was spent and I had forgotten what it was I had intended to complete.
Whatever! Please forgive me. My first blog back and I'm confessing my ignorance. Hah -just like someone who wants to be taken seriously, right?
Well - until next time - it has been fun! Got a girl I got to go get! (My attempt at alliteration.)
the hopeful non-writer
08 March 2011
Only Time Will Tell
April 29, 2009 -the date of my last post.
Unbelievable! I cannot and yet I can believe that I haven't taken time to write since then. Time to close facebook and dust off the keyboard. Mute the television, leave the dirty dishes, ignore the buzzing dryer, delay the necessary sleep and open up my mind.
Wow - dusty in there too. Time to weed through Barney jingles, preschool themes, and the responsiblities of a mom of two young children.
Why? I've got a seven-year-old and a five-year-old with her first loose tooth. They are growing up quickly. I at least have every other minute or so to take a breath now. Guess what , I am still me - just hidden under a few layers. If I can't see me, you can't.
"What the Memory Holds" - boy does that say it all. I am not sure - but I will attempt to delve in again and discover what may be hanging on.
A new season feels close by. No, not springtime in the south - but school-age children and a bit more time.
I seek the road my Father has for me - will you walk with me - challenging me - pointing out the obvious (to you).
I hope it's not all hot air - only time will tell.
Au Revoir
Unbelievable! I cannot and yet I can believe that I haven't taken time to write since then. Time to close facebook and dust off the keyboard. Mute the television, leave the dirty dishes, ignore the buzzing dryer, delay the necessary sleep and open up my mind.
Wow - dusty in there too. Time to weed through Barney jingles, preschool themes, and the responsiblities of a mom of two young children.
Why? I've got a seven-year-old and a five-year-old with her first loose tooth. They are growing up quickly. I at least have every other minute or so to take a breath now. Guess what , I am still me - just hidden under a few layers. If I can't see me, you can't.
"What the Memory Holds" - boy does that say it all. I am not sure - but I will attempt to delve in again and discover what may be hanging on.
A new season feels close by. No, not springtime in the south - but school-age children and a bit more time.
I seek the road my Father has for me - will you walk with me - challenging me - pointing out the obvious (to you).
I hope it's not all hot air - only time will tell.
Au Revoir
24 February 2009
A feel a change coming on
Yep, cheesy - but I am posting - so this is a change; I added some gadgets - therefore more change. Ha.
Well - can't say much because this computer is on its way out of life (battery is dying). Enjoyed a wonderful trip to Disney this weekend with my sweet husband - sans kiddos. It was marvelous to be just a couple again - although we did miss those babes greatly. The best part was knowing it was just a vacation - much needed.
We had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, then walked the expensive Millenia Mall (even had security guards within stores - such as Tiffany's). Saturday we went to the Magic Kingdom where we rode Space Mountain (I am not a rollercoaster lover, but I did it). Saturday night we ate at O'Hanas (which is at the Polynesian Resort). To say it was delicious is an understatement. I insist you go when you visit Disney. That was our second time and we will go back. Sunday we drove home. It was a splendid time. No pictures though - just good memories.
The kids went to two Mardi Gras parades, stayed up very late, and I am sure ate lots of junk. They were happy to see us though - Riley was attached the night we returned.
I thank God for my wonderful husband who planned this great belated Valentine's weekend for me, and for wonderful in-laws who would care for our children in such a way that we could relax knowing they were doing just fine without us.
Life is good - and the memory will be special always.
We have decided that our weekend away without kids will be an annual event from now on. If you haven't tried it - do it soon.
Until the memory works again - I'll put my mind to rest.
Well - can't say much because this computer is on its way out of life (battery is dying). Enjoyed a wonderful trip to Disney this weekend with my sweet husband - sans kiddos. It was marvelous to be just a couple again - although we did miss those babes greatly. The best part was knowing it was just a vacation - much needed.
We had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, then walked the expensive Millenia Mall (even had security guards within stores - such as Tiffany's). Saturday we went to the Magic Kingdom where we rode Space Mountain (I am not a rollercoaster lover, but I did it). Saturday night we ate at O'Hanas (which is at the Polynesian Resort). To say it was delicious is an understatement. I insist you go when you visit Disney. That was our second time and we will go back. Sunday we drove home. It was a splendid time. No pictures though - just good memories.
The kids went to two Mardi Gras parades, stayed up very late, and I am sure ate lots of junk. They were happy to see us though - Riley was attached the night we returned.
I thank God for my wonderful husband who planned this great belated Valentine's weekend for me, and for wonderful in-laws who would care for our children in such a way that we could relax knowing they were doing just fine without us.
Life is good - and the memory will be special always.
We have decided that our weekend away without kids will be an annual event from now on. If you haven't tried it - do it soon.
Until the memory works again - I'll put my mind to rest.
05 February 2009
Lazy, Lazier, Laziest
We tried on our hats and then took a family drive in them. It was a wildly entertaining and freeing evening.
Icicles in Florida - the homemade kind of course. Thanks, Daddy. We did them again last night but I am too lazy to download those pics. Maybe later.
Riley just got her ballet outfit. She was practicing before practice. Only thirty minutes later and the knees were both stained with grass, then pavement and blood. I haven't been able to get the stains out. Just like an almost three year old. Thought I'd update some pics and list my most recent meals. Just to note - I stayed in my pj's until 3:00 today and only changed so my husband wouldn't freak. :) Loved every minute of it. Caleb never changed. It was a rare, yummy, cozy day at home.
Meals
Red Beans and brown rice with low sodium turkey sausage, wheat yeast rolls (Caleb eats this about every other time I make it, the other nights he just doesn't eat; both pick out the sausage and sometimes the rice.
Nacho salad made with multigrain chips, ground turkey ground meat, spinach lettuce; guacomole, tomato, black beans, and light sour cream. Kids avoid most except for meat and cheese.
Peas, Mashed potatoes, and grilled steaks (thin)
Now my mind blanks, but those are a few recent ones - I'll post more later. Nacho salads are my favorite and have so many redeeming qualities.
07 January 2009
Rite of passage
Just thought I'd catch up on some of the kids antics.
Today Riley completed a Glazier child rite of passage. She got her leg caught in the end table. Caleb did this a few years ago; I freaked while Bryan lotioned his leg and carefully removed it. I can remember it like it was yesterday, his leg was bent with the knee sticking through two bars of the mission style end table. Today I hear Riley calling that she was stuck, with a quiet cry. When I saw what was going on, I thought I'd seen that before. Same position. This time I didn't freak. I calmed her down and asked her not to move, then I went to get her favorite lotion. I covered her leg and she helped me remove it. She said it hurt, but was too preoccupied with rubbing in the excess lotion, then trying to get some for her hands too. So, for girls, lotion works double time.
Antic number two, yesterday I was sitting on the couch catching a glimpse at the news while the kids played out back. I had opened the window so I could hear them better. Next thing I hear is, let's try this. Then I see and feel dirt flying in front of my face. They had tested the screen to see if dirt would go through or bounce off as it does on a window. Needless to say, they had to wipe up the windowsill, floor, etc. It was very messy (but you do have me beat, Amanda).
I'm sure I'll add more soon, these things tend to happen every day. :)
Today Riley completed a Glazier child rite of passage. She got her leg caught in the end table. Caleb did this a few years ago; I freaked while Bryan lotioned his leg and carefully removed it. I can remember it like it was yesterday, his leg was bent with the knee sticking through two bars of the mission style end table. Today I hear Riley calling that she was stuck, with a quiet cry. When I saw what was going on, I thought I'd seen that before. Same position. This time I didn't freak. I calmed her down and asked her not to move, then I went to get her favorite lotion. I covered her leg and she helped me remove it. She said it hurt, but was too preoccupied with rubbing in the excess lotion, then trying to get some for her hands too. So, for girls, lotion works double time.
Antic number two, yesterday I was sitting on the couch catching a glimpse at the news while the kids played out back. I had opened the window so I could hear them better. Next thing I hear is, let's try this. Then I see and feel dirt flying in front of my face. They had tested the screen to see if dirt would go through or bounce off as it does on a window. Needless to say, they had to wipe up the windowsill, floor, etc. It was very messy (but you do have me beat, Amanda).
I'm sure I'll add more soon, these things tend to happen every day. :)
22 December 2008
12 December 2008
19 November 2008
The Blues flying high in formation.
My two models on a helicopter.
In front of a big airplane (I'm so technical).
Only a few minutes into the show - still sitting.
Caleb and a pilot who decided his career at five when he attended his first Blue Angel's air show.
Just checking in. We had a great weekend with the Blue Angels and my family in town to celebrate Caleb's birthday. I never get tired of watching fast airplanes - maybe I missed my calling. Not - they do need spectators.
Now trying to make it through Thanksgiving festivities at school.
Riley is creating more stories each day. She definitely has an imagination and her own mind. She is not easily swayed.
Caleb is getting so big - and testing his limits again.
Both have entered the "whine zone." I never thought I'd say I'm tired of all of the whining - I have often heard other mothers say that. Now I know. I thought I'd be better at preventing it - nope! That's what I get for thinking. Ha Ha
03 November 2008
My baby's 5th birthday
Today is Caleb's 5th birthday. Happy Birthday, Caleb. It seems just like yesterday I was leaking water while I talked to my mom on the phone at 8PM on Sunday night. I told her we'd let her know what was going on. That night she and my sister drove four hours to make it in time for Caleb's birth - only to wait in the waiting room for 13 hours. Yes, I didn't have him until 1 PM Monday afternoon. He was slow a coming. :)
We celebrated today with cupcakes at school, then family time at Chuck E Cheese. Bryan was out of town, but I sent him lots of pictures. We'll celebrate again in two weeks when my family comes to see the Blue Angel's Homecoming show. We have purchased front row seats with food included. Yippee!! I should have some great pics after that.
One of our friends/co-teachers at preschool asked Caleb this morning if he had gotten a haircut. I said a week ago. She said he just looked older today. I must admit I'm teary eyed thinking about that right now. She didn't even know it was his birthday. How ironic. I thank God for him every day - even on those trying days.
He is my sweet, affectionate, touchy-feely child with my melancholy personality. Probably will be type A, and definitely serious-minded. He is always thinking, worrying about something - but sure knows how to be silly. We really are a lot alike. And, he is so photogenic. I love most pictures of him - so handsome and adorable.
Thank God for my five year old baby boy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)