Raving Rebecca's Rantings

Taking a break...from non-reality

2008-08-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

In posting this I realise that I rarely update this in the first place, but lately I've just been thinking a lot about how shallow this online world is making me, so I'm really taking a break - don't know for how long.

But I wanted to post this link called "Nurturing Intimacy in a Facebook Generation"

Here is an excerpt:

"If ever the phrase “too much information” were true, it is now. We are daily slapped with way too much information. In the 1600’s a well-read individual had worked through all of the great literary works in history. Even if I sat down and did nothing but read the "best of the best" I could not hope to finish that list before I was 100. I am reminded of the disconcerting fact once heard that one daily issue of today's New York Times contains more information than a person of the seventeenth century would be exposed to in a lifetime. Too much information.Are we better off because we know so much? We can share articles, ideas, pictures, and videos--but do we purposefully, sacrificially share our lives with one another? Do we have better, deeper friendships because we can text, email, instant message, and poke our friends 24/7? Hardly. "

This article goes on to realistically talk about how shallow we can get in this instant communication society. So I'm talking a break - not because of this article, it just said what i've been thinking for a while. I want to write people letters - remember those? Pen, paper, envelope, stamp? I want to talk face-to-face with you, with others - I want to live in reality, not some cyber world where we can reamain anonymous and emotion-less. So hopefully we will chat sometime soon, or letters will cross in the mail.
Until then take a book outdoors and enjoy the simpler joys of life!

Joy of Marriage

2008-06-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Zach & Lori!

It seems like just yesterday Zach was writing home about this young woman and now she is his beloved wife. Weddings are always special, but just thinking about Zach & Lori brings tears of joy to my eyes because they have sought to hononr God first in every aspect their lives individually and as a couple. I pray my children will be able to get to know their aunt and uncle and follow their Godly example. God bless you two!

Have you met my wife...I mean wives?

2008-06-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

UGH!!!!
I am once again DISGUSTED! I have been out of the loop I guess for a while, but today I was searching a bit, wanting to find some info on the YFZ Polygamist ranch - wanting to know what it was like for women who escaped, left, what a former member would say. Alas, my search for that has not been very frutiful. BUT I found something that made me want to PUKE!!!

It's this TV Show called "Big Love" on HBO. Now HBO has been raunchy since its beginning, so it's not shocking. But it reminded me of my college days (my major was Radio/TV Broadcasting) where we heard for the first time in ethics class "The medium is the message." We debated that thought and never came to conclusions, but instead to these questions:

1. Does the media simply give a picture of life as it really is or does it create a reality that the world then reflects?

2. Does media influence reality or reality influence media?

*side note* Francis Schaffer had something to say along these lines.

Here's my query - why is being "gay" considered acceptable to most people today? 20 years ago most homesexuals were still "in the closet" but now it's no problem. How about single parents? Living together? Divorce?
Dare I say remember Murphy Brown? The nation was aghast at her pregnancy....
How about the 80s show "My 2 Dads" or "Perfect Strangers" hmm...were they or wern't they...
Then suddenly it was "Will & Grace" and everyone loved it....

So I ask is the medium the message? Or is it just a reflection of reality?
Because This Show "Big Love" is about a polygamist family - living in Utah, of course - and looking like your typical upper middle class white, anglo-saxon respectable folks - just trying to work out family issues like everyone else only with 1 man and 3 wives.

So at the moment we are all utterly shocked at this YFZ Ranch in Texas, but what about the TV show? Well, these wives are all ascenting, 20-somethings, what's the big deal? That's just it. You present something you know people can deal with...oh aren't they so happy? Then slowly things spiral downward until marrying 13 year old girls to 50 year old men doesn't seem so bad anymore. After all, it's a free country and they're free to leave at any time. Um hmmm....

I say all this as a reminder (to myself and others) to filter everything through the TRUTH of scripture. Do we just say "Oh, I just watch it because it's funny..." Is it funny? Can we truly find something funny that derives its humor from things so clearly unbiblical? Today we laugh, tomorrow we think maybe it's ok, and next year we see no problem at all because our minds become numb through the constant messages of the world that we think we can handle because it's just "funny."

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in h=me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

Philippians 4:8

The antics of little "Z"

2008-05-20T17:33:00.001-07:00

Z is beginning to do some very funny things...so here's today's funnies:

While I was in the kitchen this afternoon, the kiddos were playing in the living room. I get stuff put in the oven and come out, asking E "Where's Z?" Oh, he's in the closet...hmmm..in the closet...that would be the front room coat closet where all the hymnals from church are currently stashed. Hmm...is he ripping them to shreds?

Upon entering the closet I find Z in the midst of the hymnals, one open, he's going "la la la la" and bopping his head back and forth - Too funny! One of those moments when I really should have had a video camera!

Then tonight it was the ever frightful event of the green vegetable. Lately he's been refusing to eat all vegetables that are not cleverly disguised by layers of cheese, gravy, etc. Well, I debated mixing the green beans in with the stew, but decided he would just have to eat them straight up. I began with the stew, which he ate pretty well, could tell it wasn't a favorite. So then I brought out the green beans. You would have thought I'd brought out the ice cream! He pointed and smiled and reached and chattered away - so I put a few on his tray (not wanting a whole serving to be sent to the floor...) He tested one...made a face, tested another, made a face then smiled and downed them all and wanted more! He made it through almost four helpings of green beans, giggling and laughing all the way like it was a real treat.

I tell you, it was a real treat for mommy to have one meal not turn into a battle of wills. little miss E loves her green beans, too. But tonight she passed up an extra helping of them for some jell-o salad - yes, classic potluck orange jell-o with evaporated milk, mayo and mandarin oranges. Not too bad, but I'll refrain from adding the tuna. (and the olives...)

Shallow Women

2008-05-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

Are we American women so shallow?

This was my thought today as I purveyed the choice of women's magazines at the doctor's office. If I am to define the top 5 issues for women today according to these magazines they are:

1. Losing weight
2. Makeup
3. Body Image/clothing
4. Stylish housekeeping
5. Food

These magazines have articles such as:

"10 steps to taking off that baby weight."
"All the makeover tips you requested!"
"________ Lost 55 lbs. in 2 months - here's how she did it!"
"Get that bikini body before summer"
"You can be a mom without dressing like one!"
"Summer fashions - __________ is in!"(I can't rember what was in...not me probably)
"Top 25 entertaining recipies."

So there I sat, my unpainted toenails and lack of anti-wrinkle cream usage making me wonder if today's women are really that shallow. When we get together do we chat about weight loss, makeup, clothes and food? Hmmm...yes. To be honest, even my very un-stylish self does. Those tend to be conversation starters - but does the conversation stay there forever? Do we never get past the weight loss tips and recipe exchanges? What about Titus 2? I don't think Paul had in mind the older women giving the younger women fashion tips - unless perhaps it pertains to dressing modestly.

So I've been getting a good dose of L.A.F. lately and decided to put down the style magazines and focus my mind on being a woman of God. Perhaps I'll come up with some new conversation starters besides my post-pardom weight-loss strategy.

"In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives as they observe your chaste and respectful behaviour. Your adornment must not be merely external - braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelery or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God."

I Peter 3:1-4

Country Girl....

2008-04-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

10 ways to know a "country girl" has lived in the city too long

1. At dinner she asks you who shot the chicken.

2. When pretending the broom is a horse she makes sure he has a leash.

3. She thinks Laura Ingalls' family was Amish.

4. She pretends her bike is a tractor.

5. She "makes" maple syrup from the Lilac bush.

6. Her favorite movie is "How to Cook on a Wood Cookstove."

7. She asks "Is this pork from a pig?" when eating bacon for breakfast.

8. She offers to "Hoe poppop's garden" with her sand toy hoe.

9. Boots are everyday footwear.

10. Every night she wants to cook dinner "over the fire."

Little "E" is full of fun ones this week!

Life

2008-03-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

I got this as an email forward and I just love the miracle of life...

"A picture began circulating in November. It should be 'The Picture of the Year,' or perhaps, 'Picture of the Decade.' It won't be. In fact,unless you obtained a copy of the US paper which published it, you probably Would never have seen it.

The picture is that of a 21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander Armas, who is being operated on by surgeon named Joseph Bruner.The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother's womb. Little Samuel's mother, Julie Armas, is an obstetrics nurse in Atlanta . She knew of Dr. Bruner's remarkable Surgical procedure. Practicing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville , he performs these special operations while the baby is still in the womb.During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby.

As Dr.Bruner completed the surgery on Samuel, the little guy reached his tiny, but fully developed hand through the incision and firmly grasped the surgeon's finger. Dr.Bruner was reported as saying that when his finger was grasped, it was the most emotional moment of his life, and that for an instant during the procedure he was just frozen, totally immobile.

The photograph captures this amazing event with perfect clarity. The editors titled the picture, 'Hand of Hope.' The text explaining the picture begins, 'The tiny hand of 21-week- old fetus Samuel Alexander Armas emerges from the mother's uterus to grasp the finger of Dr. Joseph Bruner as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life.' Little Samuel's mother said they 'wept for days' when they saw the picture. She said, 'The photo reminds us pregnancy isn't about disability or an illness, it's about a little person.' Samuel was born in perfect health, the operation 100 percent successful. "

A most precious child...

2008-03-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

This video will make you weep. And remind us that every life, no matter how short, is precious in the sight of God.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c975d005cd2c4d261f7f

"Eliot was born with an undeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it and DNA that placed faulty information into each and every cell of his body. However, that could not stop the living God from proclaiming Himself through this boy who never uttered a word."

The hair chronicles...

2008-03-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

So I've had two rather ranting blogs, thought I'd post some humorous thoughts - especially for you, Rachel, who knows of my hair discontentment issues.
It's not that I'm discontent with my hair itself, just the style...

My senior year of HS my dark hair was long and flowing down my back - it had taken me 4 long years to grow out the hideous orangy-yellow hair diye I ventured to use the summer before 9th grade. Every morning I curled, braided, bobby-pinned or barretted my long locks into an array of styles.
But alas, upon graduation the idea occurred to me that I should cut my hair and get a "new look" just before going to college. Oh the dreadful day I let the salon woman slice over 12 inches off. Then the adventure began...

I could never get quite the right style - went to every stylist within 30 miles of college who charged less than $20, never quite finding the right look. Don't quite know what I was looking for.

Now it has been nearly 10 years since that first chip chop and I have tried unsuccessfully twice to grow back those long lovely locks. But I will not give up! The time has come once again to face the horrid in-between stage with vigor. It WILL grow and it WILL be long once again.

I wish I could come up with some religious conviction or that my dear hubby would beg me to grow it out. Then at least there would be some outside force carrying me through the shoulder-length blahs. But alas, I have not the conviction and my hubby says he loves me and whatever I want is wonderful. I could shave it all off and he'd think that was cool...

It WILL grow and it WILL be long once again.

photo taken from:

http://community.travelchinaguide.com/photo/7061/70616114908725.jpg

Saddened and Disgusted

2008-02-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

**CAUTION** this will be a LONG blog entry....

There are some things that just get to me. THIS is one of them.
It's a news article from yesterday about a couple in Illinois who left their 5 month old baby boy strapped in his car seat for 8 days while they were home in the house - ignoring his cries, and he finally died with his eyes wide open, fists clenched, sitting in his own waste.
This kept me up last night. I partly hoped the parents would be found to have been doing drugs or something. I just can't imagine two people ignoring a child so long it would starve to death in their own house! A few months ago an Ohio woman's baby was found dead, an autpsy discovering the baby died of internal burns that could only have been caused by putting her into the microwave!
The list goes on, we all know it. I'd like to give my opinion.
We live in a society that treats children as a burden. I was reminded of this as I sat in my doctor's office for my first appointment and she said "Didn't they [my other doctor] give you any birth control?" Or the question "Was this a planned pregnancy?" to which I always reply "Yes, planned by God..."
We unwittingly give the impression - or outright state it - to young women that children are a burden. Programs in schools have young women take home a doll that cries, wets and needs to be picked up, etc. This is to detur them from getting pregnant as teens. I do not know what statistics say about this program, it's not working in our county that's for sure.
Then there's the abortion option. Oh, well, this child is going to be a burden, I don't want it and "poof" it's gone. There are a myriad of tests done in the first 12-15 weeks of pregnancy so that you can "terminate" an unwanted "fetus" with a possible "defect." Oh, that would just be an added burden, right?
Why do we not instead teach our young women to rejoice in the joys of motherhood? That children are not a burden that get in the way of us realising our dreams - our dreams are misaligned if they get in the way of caring for our children!
Yet, sadly I know the answer - the answer that even creeps unwittingly into Christian society as young women go to high school constantly having to answer "What do you want to be...?" and then to college where if they do not enter a career immediately or they desire to have children and stay at home they are "wasting their education."
I am not saying pressure to succeed in a career caused those parents aforementioned to kill their children, but it is a part of our society that says children are a burden, pursue your own desires. There is so much emphasis on birth control for young women it's staggering - like that is the cure-all to a society that does not believe in self-control.
So what are we going to do about it?
I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to teach my children a family is something to rejoice in. That children are a blessing from God, not a burden. I'm going to teach my daughter(s) as best as I can how to be a "keeper at home" as Titus 2 instructs and teach my son(s) as best I can and my husband can, how to care for a wife and family - to be a provider and a protector. And above all I am going to pray, and ask others to pray that God will work in the individual lives of families (and in my family) to give us wisdom in raising sons and daughters in an age of wanton neglect of these things.
I know our society will not change by lobbying for new laws, by more social workers, by more "education" etc. We cannot mandate change as a "quick-fix" for sin. But we as believers can one by one do all to the glory of God and have an effect on all we come into contact with.

"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands so that the word of God will not be dishonored."

Titus 2:3-5

2008-01-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Or the LORD will see it and be displeased, and turn His anger away from him."

Proverbs 24:16-17

I was reading these verses today and thought how timely. We are in the midst of chaotic times. Ie. the elections. Ie. the candidates.

It is a time when people wait like lions ready to devour their prey - watching for their opponent to slip, to say one wrong thing, to stumble in some way. Then they can stand back and rejoice within that their opponent has fallen.

If you know me you know I pay no attention to the political hodgepodge of candidates backbiting or boasting of great achievements, making great promises. Our nation has turned running for president into a game of who can find the most things wrong with someone else so that they're still standing in November. That is the way the world works. The world is about self-promotion. We should not be surprised at that.

Yet we should not participate in that.

When those we are not going to vote for end up "stumbling" due to a moral failure, we should not stand and rejoice at that. We should pray for them. We should weep and mourn that our nation, which once upheld at least the moral laws of God, now seeks to tear them down. But we should not stand and laugh at the failure of those we do not agree with.

This scripture speaks of "enemies" but these people are NOT our enemies. They are our mission field. Somewhere in Washington D.C. there are true believers who live and work there so that they can witness one-by-one to those we see in the public eye every day. When we see someone stumble, may we pray that God would send a witness to that person and save their soul.

Our nation will stand or fall depending on God's will, not man's.

"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes."

Proverbs 21:1

Recipe of the Day

2008-01-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

This one takes the Cake!

Peanut Butter-Jelly Strata

12 slices white bread
3/4 cup chunk-style peanut butter
1/2 cup grape Jelly
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can milk
4 eggs slightly beaten
Cinnamon
Maple-flavored syrup
Make 6 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches: cut in half diagonally. In 2 1/2 quart shallow baking dish (13x9) arrange sandwich halves overlapping slightly. In bowl, combine soup, milk, and eggs; pour over sandwiches. Sprinkle with cinnamon. cover; Refrigerate 1 hour. Uncover; bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until set. Serve with syrup. Makes 6 servings.
UGH!!!! PB & J with Cream of Mushroom soup??? What in the world are people thinking? I was looking through my vintage Campbell's Cookbook from the 70s and that one really made me laugh. The worst thing is someone must have really, truly made that and thought, hmm...this isn't too bad!
Anyways...
In other news...Went to the doc yesterday and heard the heartbeat - steady and strong at 160. And due to my strong aversion to any sort of raw meat I'm betting on this little one being a girl. We'll see!

Quote of the Day

2008-01-11T10:59:00.001-08:00

E: "H - S - A - H ... fish."

Me: "Not quite, it's F-I-S-H"

E: "Well, I'm doing it in Spanish."

Sweet little E

2007-12-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

This morning Little E came to me very seriously and asked "Mommy, where's grandma Ha Ha's present?"
I replied "Sweetie, Grandma Ha Ha died and is in Heaven with Jesus this year, she doesn't need a present from us."
This must have been the first time she realised Grandma Ha Ha was really, truly gone. She started to cry as I reminded her that it was ok, she'd been so sick and now she was all better with Jesus. Then very bravely she looked at me and said "I have other grandmas, right?" To which we thanked Jesus for other Grandmas and that Grandma Ha Ha loved Him and was with Him in Heaven.
What a blessing to know Grandma was saved - that I could tell little E that her grandma is with Jesus, and has no need for gifts, because she's perfectly content at her Savior's feet.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest

you sorrow as others who have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For this we sayto you by the word of the Lord that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaen with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.

And the dead in Christ will rise first. The we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Ladies Against Feminism

2007-12-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

I have found a wonderful website!
Ladies Against Feminism
This site totally rings true with me!
10 years ago when I was graduating from HS and going off to college, I had a very small desire to have a family, and a very LARGE desire to have a great career. The Christian university did little to squelch the desire for career and little to encourage the desire for family.
But upon getting engaged, graduating from college and being offered "the opportunity of a lifetime" (so called by the boss offering it to me) all I could think of was a friend of my mother who had gotten the "opportunity of a lifetime" while I was in high school. She moved 2 states away from her husband and 3 children, bought a house and they were supposed to follow when the house back home sold. They never moved out and she never moved back and a family was divided because the wife was so concerned about advancing her career. Perhaps an extreme example, but it stuck in my head and when offered that job it was all I could do to shout NO WAY! I was going to marry the love of my life and my career could wait. Somehow I knew basing our lives around my job was not how God would want it to be.
Praise the Lord, He has done many a miracle in my life to bring me to the point I am at now where I can say I love that web site. It's all about going back to the Biblical roles of men and women. Encouraging girls to be - ahhh! Homemakers! Dare we even speak of it! And encouraging men to be yes, Leaders of their homes! Radical for even those in the church.
I love being radical.
I love that the Lord calls us to be different for His sake. I love Titus 2. I also love my husband and my children and desire to serve them and see them grow in their love for the Lord.
I'm just totally on a rush after reading a great book (which I cannot mention, because it's actually a christmas gift...so commentary will come after christmas) and then finding all the articles on this website.

When I first had my dear daughter I was excited but so concerned - I did not want her to grow up like I did, an emotional wanderer and leaning toward feminist ideals. I wanted her to be a viruous woman who could fight the culture and grow up loving the Lord. I had no idea where to turn and now I'm finding so many resources that say exactly what I was looking for. I'm just so thankful and I look forward to teaching my little ones these things.
So anyways...check it out.
You'll love it or hate it.

btw - I'm posting a new lillypie ticker...for anyone who may not know yet :o)

She makes me laugh...

2007-12-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

Little E is just full of it this week!
This morning she kept talking about the "underware parade" and how she watched it - it was a "different parade, you know, the underware one." Sorry, E, I have no idea, where did you watch an underware parade?
"On TV at grandma D's house - and all kinds of different people were in their underware!"
She is talking about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and the Rockettes and other such dancers/batton twirlers in their "underware" too funny!

Yesterday after leaving her for "rest time" I heard the thump, thump of little feet getting out of bed and when I went to check on her she said, "I was just looking out the window at God's wonderful creation!"

Not feeling so hot this morning, I was laying down on the couch and she brought me one of her "special" chocolates from poppop - "Here is a chocolate mommy, it will help you feel better."
*she says "choc-o-late" very enunciated, I have her say it just so I can laugh~

Z, on the other hand is being a stinker this week. He is refusing to drink from a cup more than a few sips a day. So he gets 2 bowls of milky, soupy cereal fed to him and 1 bowl of watery applesauce. If anyone has had this problem (he won't take a bottle either, only wants mom...) what in the world did you do? Though yesterday we had ham and mac and I think the salt drove him to drink at least 1/2 a cup on his own.

Pic taken from http://www.boston.com/yourlife/home/stylephile/gwyn.jpg

The deal of a lifetime...

2007-11-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we took a detour home and stopped at Lehman's, a store in Ohio specializing in necessities for life lived off-grid. Wood stoves, non-electric appliances, Amish tools, Oil lamps, etc. Upon venturing up to the clearance level we discovered this:

The James Hand Washer for all your off-grid clothes washing needs. This washer is usually $450.00. But we got this washer for (drumroll please...) a mere $50!!!!!!!!!! To those of you who have no desire whatsoever to live off grid, this is not very exciting. But it was like it had just been waiting for us! I've searched ebay, classifieds all over for someone selling a used one of these and alas, here was a used one (but hardly used from what we can tell) fully intact at the store way marked down. Wooo Hooo!!!!

So anyways...I do not know if in the future the Lord will give us this desire we have to live out in the boonies (or the not so booniesh boonies) but if that never happens we can at least wash clothes the "green" way! But just the way it worked out, it's like the Lord was saving that one washer just for us. I used it this morning and it's as good as it says!

And by the way...Happy late Thanksgiving! Hope the turkey was good and everyone is rested.

Hard to Believe

2007-11-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading a ton of reviews for John MacArthur's book "Hard to Believe" at Amazon.com. It's very interesting - people get VERY defensive when it comes to JM's writing - it was either 2 stars or 5 stars - hated it or loved it. I'm thinking about getting this book for some family members for Christmas, so I just wanted to check it out.
It amazes me that people can read John MacArthur (and some people claimed to have read all his books) and think he is advocating works salvation. If he was advocating that why in the world is he teamed up with RC Sproul? No one contends more for the Gospel according to Romans than RC. No one contends more for the Gospel according to Jesus than John MacArthur! And they are the same Gospel!
Well, anyways, I don't need to rehash the arguement. But it just amazes me - John exposits scripture in all of his books and encourages people to search it out like the Bereans to see if it is true to Scripture.
I spent 4 years in a "no lordship" / "easy believism" university. Trust me, I came out more confused than ever. It is thanks to men like John MacArthur and my pastor, who diligently study and preach the truth that I know what I believe and can be sure that I will stand before the throne of God clothed in the righteousness of Christ because my own merrit could do nothing but dam me to hell. Harsh, I know. But that is reality, that is truth.
I think of the Puritans - would anyone dare to accuse them of being romanists? Yet they emphasized works VERY strongly. They also searched the scriptures and produced remarkable sermons, letters and prayers that showed above all else they were devoted to their Christ.

Ok, I'm done ranting for now.

Story of my life...(at least my hair)

2007-11-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

This is NOT what my hair looks like.

This is what I WANTED my hair to look like.

I knew better than to go to the cheapie salon...but I did it anyways. I went, I saved 9 measly bucks and now I reap the consequences. I now have the same hair style I had in 6th grade. It was all the rage then, but is regrettably not the style desired at the moment.

So upon running from the cheapie joint, nearly in tears, little E says "Mommy, are you going to cry?" I say, "maybe." "It's ok Mommy, Grandma D can fix it when she comes for Christmas. Don't be mad at your hair." She makes me laugh at myself.
I ponder my next move, do I head over to my regular girl and shell out the $20 to have her chop it all off and make me look great. Or do I go home, blow dry it and see if I can live with it for another month or two?
I went home. It's not as dreadful as it looked in the salon, unstyled but I have a picture of me in 6th grade, fushia turtleneck sweater dress and all, with the same style. Minus the pink sweater dress I'm looking about the same.

So anyways...I just had to get it out of my system. I feel like Jo on little women - I've cut off my "one beauty" and alas, life seems temporarily most dreadful.

True Beauty

2007-08-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:30
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

This past week I spent time with the most beautiful woman I know. She is almost 82 years old. Her hair is white. She never pierced her ears, never wore makeup in her life. Her clothes are not necessarily the latest style. She's never been one to follow the trends. But she has an inner beauty that shines on her face. I can't help but want to be around her. I can't help but desire that when I'm 82 I look like her - inside and out.

She's my Nana, and she's beautiful.

My grandpa calls her his "glorious wife." She laughs and says "oh, paul..." But it's true. She has spent nearly 60 years loving him - being the helpmate he needs. Oh, she cooks, cleans, does the laundry, sews and all that. But she does more. She supports him - she submits to him - she loves him. Every morning they read the Word of God together and pray - all while growing up I loved hearing Nana pray for everyone - by name. Her kids, her grandkids, her friends, her siblings, she prayed that God would bless them all. She prayed God would save them.

She has opened her home to any and all that would need or desire to spend a day, a week, a year with them. She has budgeted money and kept her family within their means no matter the income so that there was always money to give to those in need. She baked cookies by the hundreds at Christmas time and hand delivered them to all the neighbors on her country street.

Her house is decorated with pictures of those she loves the most. And her heart is ready to meet her King - the Lord Jesus Christ - at any moment he should call her home.

As I read Proverbs 31 I realise I have been so blessed to have my Nana before me for all my life. She is worth "far above rubies" not only to her husband but to me and my family as well.

Who needs sleep...no...not me!

2007-07-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

This past week I did what I did when I wanted to get little E to sleep all night. I got a bunch of books out of the library and looked up a ton of websites that all say something different, read them all, said "hmm...that's a good thought..." then threw them all out the window and followed my motherly instincts.

It's a matter of sleep...a matter every mother encounters some time. Except all those mothers whose kids sleep 12 hours a night at two months and wonder what the rest of us are whining about. But anyways...I did find an interesting website that very truly described my dilemma. I never heard it put so clearly.

She started by saying "It's most likely your own fault your child isn't sleeping through the night yet." (heard that one before...) But she was right! Part of me wants to sleep so bad I'll do anything - pay top dollar! But the other part of me lies awake at 2am wondering if he's ok and if perhaps I should just peek in on him just to make sure he's still breathing. And the part of me that knows sooner rather than later cuddling with mom will be the furthest from his mind and in the middle of the night he's as snuggly as he'll ever be. Yes, that's the part of me that has a hard time letting him "cry it out."
It's in the middle of the night that his tiny little hand grips my finger and holds on like he's saying "mom, you're not going to leave me all alone are you?" But it's also in the middle of the night that a thousand thoughts run through my mind like " if I go in there, it's going to teach him that if he cries long enough mom will always give him what he wants....If I go in there he'll be up in 2 hours - and I'll never sleep! If I don't let him cry, he'll be up all night for the next 10 years..." So while I lie awake debating what to do, his cry turns into a whimper and then he drifts back to sleep and I don't feel like a cruel mother because I did spend those 10 minutes contemplating what to do.
But unil my children are 48, don't ask me if they're good sleepers. It doesn't matter, they keep me up at night whether they sleep or not. And that's part of the joy of being a mother. Honestly, it is a joy and no matter how many times I'm up in the night, the morning is always a new day full of more opportunities to love and train my children...Even if I do complain a wee bit at times...

Project....

2007-07-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, it's getting to be that time again...little E's birthday is quickly approaching.

Last night I finally decided what to give her. We've become rather avid fans of Little House on the Prarie lately, and so I picked up this pattern and some lovely purple fabric with tiny flowers to make her a bonnet. I originially planned on the whole outfit - dress & apron, too, but decided that might be too much at the moment. But she will love the bonnet. She is really into dressing up - mostly in hats and scarves and some old shoes. So this will be fun for her. I'll try to get a pic on here of the finished product!

mmm...mmm...good!

2007-06-21T09:51:00.001-07:00

"It's crazy!....It's like hair!...It's yellow~"

little "e"

picture from www.kingkullen.com

Some Thoughts...

2007-06-20T09:34:00.001-07:00

Crystal's comment on my post about Amy Carmichael made me think a moment. Well, many moments actually. Amy Charmichael may have had some odd quirks and things outright wrong, yes, but as Crystal said, she was a woman 100% sold out to do her Master's work.
- She was the first "white" missionary woman to wear the Indian "Sari" so her odd western clothing wouldn't distract from her ministry
- She never took "furlough" from her mission work. Believing the people she was ministering to needed her much more than friends or family back home she only went back once or twice in all her years of ministry.
- She led the way in saving hundreds, perhaps thousands of young girls from being temple prostitutes in India.

And the Lord did use her to do much good. Thanks, Crystal, for the reminder of her sacrifice to serve the King.

Wuv....twu wuv....

2007-06-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

June 19, 1997. In walks a tall, handsome red-head, and our lives have never been the same.

Today marks 10 years since my true love and I first laid eyes on each other. He can still remember what I was wearing that night. We spent endless hours that summer talking about who knows what, and very quickly became best friends. By the end of that summer I knew if I was ever going to get married, He would be the one.

Ten years later we have been married nearly 5 years, have two children and are more in love than we could ever imagine.
I praise the Lord for bringing us together and keeping us together.

"Grandma Ha Ha"

2007-06-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

thanks to AF for the beautiful tulips pic

Tonight is the memorial service for my husband's grandmother. Little "E" has called her "grandma ha ha" since the beginning. Her middle name, Simhah, means "rejoice" so my husband told grandma (who had altzheimers) she could remember it by saying "ha ha ha" after her name. For some reason that stuck. All other names were gone from her memory, but her little great granddaughter's stuck. It was so neat to see Grandma's face perk up when she saw little E. She had no clue who I or my husband (her grandson) were - but you could just see it click when you said "Little E's here to see you."

Now it's the task of explaining to little E just what we are doing tonight and why we won't see "grandma ha ha" anymore. Since she's only 2 and we haven't seen grandma in a few months it really won't be that hard. She only remembers "ha ha" and a big bunny she had in her nursing home room.

But I do not dread this funeral (or memorial service). It's an opportunity for people to hear the gospel one more time. Yes, grandma was old, ill and ready to go. But death awaits us all and at a funeral people have to come to grips with that. I pray that as scripture is presented those in attendance will realize this life is soon to be over - are they ready for the next?

I Corinthians 15:55-59
"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. "

Book Review

2007-05-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's been a while since I read this book, but I would like to know if anyone else has. I personally thougt this book atrocious. It paints a picture of a domineering, controlling woman who thought she was hearing the voice of God and no one dare contradict her. I bought this book for someone for Christmas but did not give it to them after reading it. I've heard so many wonderful things about Amy Carmichael, but this book seemed to point out every thing contrary to scripture about her life and very little about the influence of her ministry. It's mostly pointing out Amy's personality as if she were someone who had a better link to God than the rest of us, constantly stating her downfalls were few yet the whole book is full of stories that reflect such error.
So I am wondering if anyone has read any other biographies on Amy Carmichael. Is this the true image of her life and ministry or is there a better resource out there?

Material World

2007-05-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

www.sportsgoodsindia.in/Images/toys.png

Sometimes I just look at all the STUFF and get sick to my stomach. Toys, decorations, pillows, blankets, dishes, flowers, candles, clothes, clothes, clothes, etc. etc. etc. STUFF EVERYWHERE!

We've been reading "Little House" series to little E and you know what - children used to survive with only one doll. Sharing a room or even a bed. Toys? They were few and hand made and special. Not cheap and overabundant. And they knew what it was to work - to work hard and knew where their food, shelter and clothing came from . Did they appreciate those things more? I don't know. The grass is always greener, you know...

But I daily ask God for wisdom in teaching my children this world is empty. The idols of our hearts are everywhere and so available today more than ever. I sometimes wonder if "homesteadding" would make a difference. Not just in my children's view of material goods, but in my own. Not having everything so available, so cheap, right at my fingertips. Am I being ungreatful? Hmmm...that can be a struggle. For I am sure if things were flipped there would be days where I would long for the instant gratification.

But how do we do it? How do we raise our children to be givers instead of always receiving? How do we teach them that the gift of salvation is far better than all the toys in the world. How do we get them not to idolize their possessions.

Yes, I know the answer, don't I? Model it myself. Give, be content and rejoice always in God alone - ready at any time to part with any thing because it is His. And be constantly thankful. Yet still I sometimes wonder if in times past the task may have been a little easier.

2007-05-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Little "Z"

Sunrise...Sunset...

2007-05-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Swiftly go the days...

Isn't that so true? As I watched my little E on the playground this week I realized she has grown so much! Last summer she struggled to climb the steps to the slide, two summers ago she was just learning to walk. And now she's climbing all over, running and jumping and telling all kinds of interesting stories.

Tonight as I cuddled little Z before bed time I decided to revel in these moments. Snuggle him just a moment longer. Feel his baby-soft toes just one more time. Kiss those soft cheeks just another moment.

Just 2 1/2 short years ago E gazed at me with those same adoring mother-can-do-no-wrong eyes that he has. Now she's a "big girl" and doesn't need to cuddle (unless, of course, she does...) and doesn't need to hold hands (unless of course...she does...) you know what I mean. So independent, so dependent all at once.

The other night as I was complaining to my dear love about the lack of sleep little Z is causing he told me not to wish for him to grow up too soon. I thought that a rather silly thing to say just then, but it's true. Sleep comes eventually and so does another challenge. Once one hurdle is over, another one arises.

So for these few moments I will snuggle with my children and enjoy just one more sleepless night before they get too big for "huggies" and "zurbits".

Oh Joy!

2007-05-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

I've got about 2 minutes before E wakes up from her nap - just wanted to post some of her silly musings today:

"I've got two eyes, so I can see...I've got...four tongues!"

(very loudly, while I'm on the phone) "Auuuuuugahhhhh!! I'm a HIPPOPOTAMOS!"

"I put a little bit of water on the poodle...his feet were dirty from walkin' around on the ground."

"I just want a little bit of lick!" (no, E, you can't eat butter) "Just a little bit of lick!"

"Help!...The pillow is on my ear!"

"Oooohhh...this is beautiful mommy..." (holding up a baby boy's snowsuit at a garage sale)

Thats all for today....

Been a while...

2007-04-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

To all those who faithfully check this thing...mainly my in-laws....sorry for such a long delay in posting. Now that we are hooked up with DSL, I have gotten my google act. and can now log in!
So huraah! But still no guarantee that I will be posting very often. Time is of the essence with two little ones...

But anyways, thought I'd post about a recent experience in book-buying.

The other day I took the little ones to Salvation Army to check out the stack of 49-cent books. Usually there's one or two good ones among the pile. So I stumbled across this beautiful Bible story book. Hardcover, beautiful illustrations, Adam & Eve sufficeintly hiddn by leaves to appear "modest." I thought "Oh, this is a winner!" I flipped through the stories a bit and saw it even had portions from Ezekiel, Ezra, not just the regular Noah's Ark stuff. I thought wow, this is too good to be true!
Alas, it was. Thankfully I only spent 49-cents on it. Little E was so excited so as soon as we got home we opened to "In the Beginning" and began to read..."God made the angels...God made a special angel called Jesus." WOE!!!!! Talk about total error - what in the world!
Then I flipped to the back to see who published it. Oh, yes, Watchtower books. I wanted to burn it, but instead gave it to E and told her to put it in the trash can. Then we had a good conversation about people writing lies about God and how God would not be pleased with us if we kept that book and read it because it was full of wrong things about Him.
Now I will never forget to first check the publisher (which, I might add, on this book was rather hidden, not on the binding or in the open...) and read a few stories before purchasing a book for my kiddos.
But I praise the Lord first for the knowledge to discern the falseness right on page 1 and also that it gave opportunity to talk with E about the truth.

Hebrews 1:5-8

"For to which of the angels did He ever say: 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You?"And again: 'I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son"? But when he again brings the firstborn into the world, he says: 'Let all the angels of God worship Him.' And of the angels he says: 'Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire.'"

But to the son He says:

"Your throne, O God is forever and ever..."

New adventures...

2007-02-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

The princess has moved up in the world...
I finally caved in and moved the "big girl bed" into the "big girl's room." It's not this bed, thankfully. She would never sleep I don't think!
I finally had to face the facts, potty training would never be completed until she could climb off the bed and go. But that also means that when she wakes up at 5:30am she can now run into our room shouting "Mommy, daddy, wake up - I need to eat greffast!"
But grandma & grandpa are comming this weekend. She can wake them up!

Smooooch!

2007-01-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this face just scream kiss me?

Well, anyways, the computer was left plugged in and on all day, so I figured I'd hop on for another quick blogging moment.

Tonight as we were reading to little E#1 before bed, she grabbed daddy's Bible and said "I'm going to read the Bible - about the erf!" We smiled and talked about God creating the earth for a few minutes, then said it was really time to go to bed now. To which she scrunched up her face and cried (very believably) "No! I WANT TO READ THE BIBLE!"

So what do you say to that? "No, kid, you can't read the Bible."?

We told her she could read it all she wants tomorrow, but now it's time for bed.

Too crazy. I pray that when she's older and reading with a flashlight under the covers she's still thinking the same thing!

The Boy

2007-01-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

December 2, 2006

8:25pm

7lbs. 2oz.

20 1/4" long

So before he goes off to college I'd better update my blog, eh?

Here is our bundle o'joy all wrapped up for Christmas.

Though he entered this world so small, he is over 10 pounds and climbing. Praise the Lord for a healthy little boy!
Little E loves her new brother and is being alittle mommy to all of her dolls & stuffed animals.

I may only update sporadically - 2 kiddos takes some getting used to, and sleep sounds better than computing most days!

But he has arrived and we are so thankful to God for this new blessing (and challenge).

Birfdey Cakes!

2006-12-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

As little E poured her crayons onto the table this morning, this is how they landed with one sticking straight up. Her eyes got big and immediately she said "Birfdey cakes!" and began to sing "Happy birfdey to you!" So funny how her little mind works. We've had quite a few family birthdays lately and she keeps asking "when my birfdey?" or "I want MY birfdey cake!" I think this will work to an advantage this month as we look forward to Jesus' birthday and trying to explain simply but truthfully why that is so very important.

As I think about the joys (and struggles) of mothering and teaching, I recall a recent conversation with a young mom that opened my eyes to the mindset of our culture. Her little girl is in daycare 8 hours a day and this mom was saying how inadequate she felt to be teaching her daughter and how thankful for daycare for fear that if she were not in daycare she wouldn't learn anything. "They have degrees in this stuff..."
I guess I never even thought about that before. That any woman could feel inadequate to teach her child the simplest things like eyes, nose, mouth, 1,2,3, etc. May we not be duped by our culture that trys to tell women they don't have the knowledge or skill to be a "teacher" to even preschool children. God gave children to parents, not communities. If you're a mom be encouraged knowing He has equipped you with something way more important than a degee in preschool education. He equipped you with love - parental love - for your child. A love that teaches, disciplines and plays all day, every day if you stay home. That's so much more important than being "smarter" than all the other kids at daycare.

Anyways...off my soapbox...Enjoy being a mom! It is such a gift from God!

And the girth grows on...

2006-11-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd update you with another look at how the babe groweth within. I had to give both front & side views because the side view is ENORMOUS!!!

Maybe part of it is just the dress, but I've resigned myself to the knowledge that I carry babies LARGE.

The other day in the Post Office a girl 9 mos. pregnant said "oh, are you due any minute too?" I said "oh, not necessarily until December" She said "Oh, I'm due any minute, and the doctor says the baby's almost 6lbs.!"
Ok, so um...I'm due the 10th of December and the doctor says my baby's about 6 lbs. too...

As much as I joke, I really am thankful that the baby is growing well and as far as they are able to tell is doing just fine. It's so amazing to be kicked from inside by teeny-tiny feet and punched by itsy-bitsy hands. It's fun just to guess - oh was that a foot? Or maybe a knee? It's so amazing to know there is a tiny life growing within. Gives a whole new perspective to how we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."

"A wife of noble character...who can find?"

2006-11-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

'I hope God will never suffer me to say, "I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come."'

- George Whitefield

I would not have made George Whitefield a very good wife. I would have been rot in his bones, I am sure.

Once again I make my recommendation for the two volue set by Arnold Dallimore on George Whitefield. He was a man mightily used by God. A man who saw his whole life as but one continuous stream of pouring forth the Gospel until his life was entirely poured out.

But what of Mrs. Whitefield? We are talking mid-18th century England, not an ideal time for our idealistic mindset of love and marriage. Most people married for money or position in society. George and Elizabeth believed it was the will of God for them to marry. They had scarcely had a conversation before their wedding day, and in fact Elizabeth dearly loved another man. It was that other man that told Whitefield he should marry Elizabeth because she was a woman worthy to be his wife.

What a commendation!

What a position to be lived up to!

The man traveled every possible moment he could all over England, Scotland, Whales and America. He had people rushing to speak with all hours of the day and night. She knew this before marrying him. Perhaps in the back of her mind she hoped it would change when he was married, but perhaps she had no such ideals and entered the relationship soley based on desiring to be a helpmeet to such a man of God.

She had 4 miscarriages and one son who died as an infant. No other children.

Oh how I wish she had kept a journal. But perhaps she was human after all and would have taken up the pen at the most vexing of moments - when George was hundreds of miles away while she struggled at 8 1/2 months pregnant; When she fixed a beautiful anniversary dinner only to be told by an errand boy he had gone away at the last minute; When she miscarried four babies without a husband by her side to cling to in her distress.

Oh yes, modern psychology would have a heyday with the awfulness of George Whitefield as a husband. That too was my first reaction - why even marry? Why could he not bring himself to "just say no " to other people's demands?

His wife left no journal, no biography has been written, just glimpses here and there of her devotion to God and to her husband as well as brief hints to her humanity and emotional weakness. What it would have been like to sit by her side and hear from her heart how utterly she had to depend on God alone for strength. To hear her describe why she married him. Truly she must have been a "Wife of noble character" and when I get to Heaven I would so love to meet her and see the joy radiating from her face as she worships her King, who she had to learn to depend on so much here on earth.

Sometimes I just wonder....

Combine Pics...finally!

2006-11-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

This was little E's adventure of the year! Sorry it took 2 weeks! My computer, not necessarily Blogger - is being disagreeable!

"I Ride the combine!"

2006-10-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

For some reason my pics aren't loading!

Tune in later - I've got pics of little E riding the combine!
(and a pic of a combine, for you city slickers like myself who have no clue what a combine looks like!!)

Give me a break

2006-10-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

"Fly with Jesus"

That phrase is on the window of a door in the neighborhood. I've noticed crosses in the windows & fish bumper stickers on the cars in the driveway. But this morning "Fly with Jesus" was surrounded by glow-in-the-dark spiderwebs, a ghoulish, hideous-looking bat thing, jack-o-lantern sign and of course "Happy Halloween" signs.

"After all, Halloween is a Christian holiday!"

Ok, if Halloween is Christian, lets do some quick research. Go to google.com...type in "History of Halloween" - the first ten links all talk about celtic/druid origins. And last time I checked, celtic/druid was pagan, not Christian. And it's about contacting the dead - which the Bible speaks very strongly against.
Next go to Google image search (I don't really advise this, it's gross). The first page of images is full of ghouls, nastiness & witches.
How about the latest Jo-Ann Fabrics add - covered front to back with witches, vampires and gobblins.

My friends, if ever there was a celebration of the world's to stay out of it's Halloween. If you're in the 20-30 year old range think back to high school - what did all the girls dress up as?
1) Vampires
2) French Maids
3) Hippies
4) Prostitutes
At least that's the way it was in my school. It's the one chance people have to be something they are not, and most often the hideous and suggestive is chosen.

I do not think our children will miss out on life if they sit this one out. But sit it out in wisdom. Let's not be afraid to point things out that are evil. Witchcraft, fornication, paganism & contacting the dead are all dealt with by God in scripture. Let's open our hearts to HIS Word and look honestly at this "holiday" for what it is.

Contradictions

2006-10-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

You, know, it's funny the things we say when we are young and know everything.
This is a "chocolate" set that was given to my parents 31 years ago for their wedding. I have no idea of if she ever used it, I only saw it once, when we were packing to move while I was in college and I said "Oh that is soooo cool - leave it to me in your will!" To which my mother said - go ahead and take it now!

When I was young my mother had these dishes she called the "Crystal Beach" dishes. They were also "Breakfast dishes" and very beautiful. They were kept in a glass-windowed cupboard, and rarely used. I always wanted to use those dishes for breakfast, lunch, brunch, whatever! But no, they were special.
So I vowed I would never have special dishes. I would use my good dishes every day.

Last week as I looked at my kitchen shelf with this "chocolate" set nicely placed on it I laughed. In the year since placing them on the shelf, I'd only brought them down to dust. So in realization that I'd done the very evil I vowed never to do - shutting those mugs up for "something special" I took down the pot, filled it with coffee and felt like a proper Englishwoman enjoying my hot beverage with a cup and saucer.

I wonder how much of our lives are lived like that. We have our "special" clothes for Sunday. Do we also have "special" attitudes for Sunday? Oh, it's Sunday, better put on my "worship" attitude. Then back on the shelf it goes, looking great but doing nothing until next week. I fear that we in America live our lives so fragmented, myself included. We so easily fall into the system of dividing our lives into pieces, each placed on the shelf for it's "special" moment. Ok, now it's time to worship, now it's time to study, now it's time to read to E, now it's time to talk with so-and-so. What if every moment of our lives we lived our faith - living and real. What if we obeyed the command of Deuteronomy 6? Oh that our "spiritual" times would never be separated from everyday life. Each moment is a moment to worship the King of Glory.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them dilligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

Round is a shape

2006-10-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

It's time for a rousing game of - you guessed it:
Guess That Girth!!
Give your estimate on inches around!
No, that's not a basketball in my shirt, but put one in yours and try to walk without waddling!

I have no prize to give the winner, so I will give a clue.
The distance around is the answer to life's most important question, according to Douglas Adams.

Ah, sillyness for a moment, but I thought it'd be fun for those not around to see how the peanut grows within.

Musings...from a 2 year old...

2006-09-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

" I paintin'...yep...I paintin'!"

Those were little E’s sentiments yesterday as she expressed her artistic abilities with a "paint with water" book.
Here are some other quotes of the day:
"I need stickers on my leakin’"
"I not scared…" (as she runs and hugs my leg)
"I sleeped all day!"
"Sompin’ weird…I weird (hee hee hee)"
"Daddy...he wash his neck."
And (especially for Rachel...)
here is our new door made by my one true love. Don't you love it???!!!

Creator God

2006-09-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

"...He made the stars also." Genesis 1:16

About 4 years ago my pastor was going through a series on creation and this passage has always stuck in my head. Today as I was making up a coloring sheet for little E about creation, it stood out to me again.
That phrase "He made the stars also" is tossed in there like nothing. Like "Oh, yeah, he made a few stars." WHAT?? Talk about understatement. There are millions and billions and trillions and billions of trillions of stars out in the universe that we have not even discovered yet and God puts it in his Word like it was nothing, just a drop in the bucket.

Isn't our God so Awesome?

Do you realise how puny our earth, moon & sun are compared to some stars that exist? Yet God made them to display His glory - so man would look up at the sky and have no excuse to deny that there is a creator God.

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made..."
Romans 1:20

Shout to the Lord!
All the Earth let us sing -
Power, and Majesty, Praise to the King!
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your Name,
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I'll love You,
Forever I'll stand!
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You!

Taking it slow

2006-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

What better way to enjoy a drizzly Wednesday morning than by taking it slow?

This morning, bright and early E and I headded to the doctor to "hear baby's heartbeat." Since we only have one car, I ususally have a ton of stops to cram inbetween appointment time and nap time. But since the apt. was at 8:45 (which means quick in-quick out!) I decided that for once we could take it slow.
The library doesn't open until 10am, so I asked E if she'd like to go "out" for a snack. To which she replied with a big grin and "oohh yes!" So off to Timmy Horton's to share a bagel and decaf hazelnut coffee (for mom - not E). It was something simple, but she had so much fun just watching all the old people "talkin'" over their daily coffee & donuts. She sat there with a big grin on her face until she finished her bagel and I said we were going to go to the library. Usually I rush the library thing, too, only putting in a dime to the meter so we have 20 minutes. But I splurged :o) and put in a quarter, so we took our time. First it was mom's turn and I checked out such books as "Pottytraining for Dummies," (seriously) "Making Your Own Books" and "Space-saving Wood Projects for Around the Home." We chose the old Hailey Mills version of "Pollyanna" to watch if the rain doesn't let up and then it was off to the children's section. We played with puzzles and picked out books to take home (we've never taken kids books home because I'm always afraid they'll end up torn or missing) but E was so very excited to get some new books to read for a few weeks. So we used up our hour at the meter and headded off to do all mommy's errands like going to the bank, the fabric store, etc.
She was perfectly pleasant through all the running around and charmed everyone with her big grin. We still made it home in time for nap (actually in time to read all the "Mortimer Bear" books before nap time) and both of us in pleasant moods.
Perhaps this is so non-exciting for you. But it was just so nice to take it slow and actually enjoy a morning out and about on the town with my 2-year-old. I think the trip to Timmy's topped it off for her - feeling all grown up with mommy. I need to remember more often to take things slow and just enjoy every moment, taking the time to be an example and an encouragement while she is so young.

Projects...

2006-09-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

Ah, canning time. The smell of cinnamon & apples cooking.
This has been my project for the past two days and the result is 14 quarts of oh-so delicious apple pie filling canned and to be given away before I eat it all!

The recipe I use is available from the Clemson Extension website (which I do not have at my fingertips, but search it and you'll find yummies galore!)

Dreaming...

2006-09-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched a movie that sets you dreaming of another time and place?

Ok, so I watched the new "Pride & Prejudice" three times in less than a week and am anxious to get to the library and actually read the book, which I confess I have not done though it is considered classic literature.

There is something so appealing about the late 18th/early 19th centuries. Long dresses, british accents, proper placement in society and oh, yes, chivalry. The days when men referred to women as "Miss ______" and helped them in and out of the carriage. When the showing of an ankle was deemed inappropriate let alone a midriff top!

Oh, yes let us not forget the lack of deodorant, indoor plumbing and proper garbage disposal. Also the poor who were always dirt poor while the rich were abundantly wealthy.

But wouldn't it be fun to just live that way for a week? Just dwell in a society so different from our own? Ah, well, tis a dream far fetched for I live in a world where women prancing around in bikini's has lost it's shock value, everyone is free to speak their mind whenever they please, and to expect a strange young man to open a door for you would send him laughing on his way.

So perhaps we women no longer have to marry well to "make our way in the world."

And being so proper all the time makes sharing the Gospel even more "foolish" in the eyes of the world.

But truly I wonder if deep down inside some of the feminists of the 21st century there is not the desire to be treated like a lady - to be called by a proper name and be helped here and there by strong men simply because you are a woman. Oh, yes, I will gladly be called the "weaker sex" and accept all the chivalrous help given, for it is far better than having some young boy shout obseneties at you as you walk down the street simply because you are female. No, I would give much to go back to the days when "good" men were protected women rather than feared them stealing their jobs.

All this from Pride and Prejudice?? Perhaps I am over-analytical. But it is a good chick flick (and for a romantic guy as well, for my dear love has watched it as many times as I have).

You've Come A Long Way Baby

2006-08-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Read this news story .

I Timothy 2:12 "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet."

"ALL scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." (2 Tim 3:16).
If ALL scripture is inspired by God than I want to obey ALL scripture. Not take the bits and pieces I like and have my own mish-mash of theology. If God said it, shouldn't that settle it?

Is this cultural? 1 Timothy 2:11-15:
"A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But i do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint."

I had a whole blog on this, but perhaps it's best to read the scripture and decide - am I going to stand with God or against Him and His Word?

A blast from the past...

2006-08-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those moments where you want to crawl under a rock but all you do is stand there bumbling like an idiot, sweating profusely?

Ah, yes. Happens to the best of us, I guess.

It's amazing to think the past is all in the past and then someone from the past pushes their way into the present and reminds me of all I'd rather forget. Mainly reminds me that I was totally depraved and without merrit before Christ took control of my life, which is not necessarily a bad thing to remmeber.

Last week as I looked into the face of a former friend I stumbled over my words, mentioned the nice weather and excused myself, running in the opposite direction. The more I think of my actions the more I think of what an opportunity i missed. Why didn't I say "Oh ______ it's so nice to see you. Got time for a cup of coffee? I've heard you're struggling - can we sit and chat about what an awesome change God is made in my life in the past 10 years since we've spoken?" But instead all I could think of was the way I had acted then and couldn't get beyond it.

But praise the Lord for His grace. The past IS the past. I am no longer the same person bobbing through life without a purpose.

"For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, dceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds whih we have done in righteousness, but acording to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ, our savior."

Titus 3:3-6

So now I am prepared. The next time I see that individual or another that I have not in 10 years, I want to stand and speak of the glory of Christ and His power to overcome all that selfishness of the past. May I not blow an opportunity like that one again.

Coke Dreams

2006-07-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as E and I made the trek back from some sweaty running around the playground, what should cross our path but the Coca-Cola truck making a delivery. As it pulled up and stopped in front of the store, I could just taste a cold swig of Coke running down my parched throat. There was water in the stroller, but oh for a refreshing Coke! So quickly I scrounged through the stroller looking for spare change, only managing to come up with a mere 11 cents. Sadly I turned the opposite direction and headed for home, the whole time thinking how nice just one drop of Coke would be…

I had to laugh at myself later, knowing the advertising people had done a good job and would have counted me a success had I possessed 89 more cents to put in the machine. But I also realized how similar my attitude toward the Coke had been to the form temptation leading to sin takes in our hearts.

James 1:14 "But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust."

Before the truck crossed our path, I had nary a thought of buying a Coke. But seeing that bottle on the side of the truck gave me an idea that I could taste in my mouth. The only thing that kept me from fulfilling my desire was a lack of money. (note – I’m not saying drinking coke is wrong – read on…). Then I began to wonder, is that my reasoning for choosing not to sin at times, a lack of "money" or whatever I would need to accomplish what I am tempted to do? The next time I’m thirsty and have $1 on me, I’ll probably get a Coke. If the only thing that holds me back from some kind of sin is a lack of ability at the moment to do that sin, that’s not really victory over temptation. That’s temporary delay of sin.

James 1:15 "Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death."

Is my reasoning behind not giving into temptation fear of God and a desire not to sin? Or is it just a lack of means? My pastor has been going through James, and it’s been very good to think on these things. For it’s not just the action, whatever that may be, that is sin. It’s the dwelling on the desire. For in the end, once the lust has conceived, it "gives birth to sin."
All the way home, though I didn’t have a coke in my hand, I imagined the cool sugary goodness running down my throat. Do I deal with temptation that way? Imagining something but not taking action? It’s still sin. That’s what Jesus always dealt with – the condition of the heart, not just the outward actions. May we always remember that God is looking at our hearts and may my inmost desire be to please Him and give Him all the glory!

And with all this hot, stick weather, go have a cool refreshing Coke, it’s on the house!

my love

2006-07-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by my very artistic love...

Today is the celebration of the day my dear love was born into this world!
The big 25.
Tonight we will have pizza, his favorite food as long as it’s covered in greasy pepperoni.
Then he will be heading out to load up the dumpster in our front yard.

That’s my love.

He’s probably been thinking more about getting all the roofing junk into that dumpster today than about his birthday.
That’s ok. We celebrated last night with a pack of fig bars and two glasses of milk.

***
So happy birthday love! I am so thankful to be married to such a wonderful man.

***

Inspired by Rachel

2006-07-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

More projects...

These are some purses I've been having fun putting together. They are merely copies of a majorly cool purse done by Rachel. I was amazed at how easy they were to put together and it's a great way to get rid of those scraps!

And here's a photo with my lovely model - who wishes not to be revealed, but notice the conspicuous bowl of ice cream in the background...

Projects

2006-07-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s been forever since I’ve posted. But I’m feeling so excessively wonderful now, I’m doing other projects instead of being online. So I figured I’d post a little of what I’ve been working on lately…
2 pairs of maternity jeans for $5!
I was searching forever for a pair of comfy maternity jeans and having no luck. So I bought 2 pairs at a thrift store (both had 50% off stickers…) for $2.50 each and put my own panel in. I just put them on, zipped the zipper as far as it would go comfortably, hand-stitched down the fly and cut out the front. Then I used some knit I’d gotten at Jo-Ann’s for $1 a yard to make a panel to fit, put in the elastic and voila! 2 pairs of oh-so comfy jeans!

And here’s my other project…jean purses.
5 down, 7 to go! These are to give away to all the ladies at our family reunion coming up in August. These are so simple to make I can make 2 in one naptime!
So that’s what’s keeping me busy. Lots of sewing and of course chasing after the little one who just can’t get enough of dresses, purses and "pretties". She takes every purse after I finish and totes it around for a while saying "purth," and trying to fill it with all her goodies.

Tonight I make my first attempt ever at cooking a whole chicken. Hmmmm… I hope it works out ok, wish me luck!

p.s. not sure why the pics are so grainey...not sure if it's me or the camera...I'll work on that...

die to self

2006-05-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

"On the last evening of his life George Whitefield started to mount the stairs of the Presbyterian manse at Newburyport, Massachusetts. Though but fifty-five, he was tired and weak, utterly worn out from his lifetime of evangelistic labours, and for days he had been so infirm that he ought not to have left his bed.
But as he ascended the stairs people came pressing in at the door, begging to hear the Gospel form his lips once more. In response he paused and began to preach. There he stood, candle in hand, and such was his zeal that he spoke on, heedless of the passing of time, till the candle finally flickered, burned itself out in its socket and died away."

Taken from "George Whitefield" by Arnold Dallimore c.1970 Bath Press

Do you see in those words the dedication of this man's life to the truth? This was the last night of his life, no doubt he was as sick and weak as can be imagined. Yet he preached on and on into the night, oblivious of his ailments or of the clock. So full of desire to see men come to knowledge of the truth.
When I read those words immediate conviction came to my lazy heart. How many times have I neglected studying or presenting truth because I was tired or sick or out of sorts? May we learn from this man greatly used by God that if one wants to be great in God's kingdom, he must be slave and servant on earth to all. Serving the greatest gift ever given - Truth - to men.

in HIS hands

2006-05-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Grace By Which I Stand

Lord, the feelings are not the same,
I guess I'm older, I guess I've changed.
And how I wish it had been explained,
that as you're growing you must remember,
That nothing lasts, except the grace of God, by which I stand, in Jesus.
I know that I would surely fall away, except for grace, by which I'm saved.
Lord, I remember that special way,
I vowed to serve you, when it was brand new.
But like Peter, I can't even watch and pray, one hour with you,
And I bet, I could deny you too.
But nothing lasts, except the grace of God, by which I stand, in Jesus.
I'm sure that my whole life would waste away,
except for grace, by which I'm saved.
But nothing lasts, except the grace of God, by which I stand, in Jesus.
I know that I would surely fall away, except for grace, by which I'm saved.
- By Keith Green copyright to Sparrow Records

These words rung true in my ears today as I was playing this cd. If not for the grace of God where would I be? I would be on my way to hell. All the human effort in the world cannot bring me one inch closer to Him. And He is so gracious, so forgiving. Like the song says, I've made those vows to pray more, to study more...to do whatever more. And every time I come up short of my own goal. If I come up short of my own goal, it is so obvious I could never even begin to reach the goal of perfection required by Christ. Hebrews 12:14 is so clear "Without [holiness] no one will see the Lord." That excludes everyone. No one can see the Lord on his own efforts. Only through the grace of God in Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. Only when HIS righteousness is imputed to us through regeneration (II Corinthians 5:21).

Like the song, and more importantly, the scripture says. If it were up to me, to my efforts, I would surely fall so utterly far away. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But it is not dependent on me - it is Christ who does the work and praise Him for Philippians 1:6:

"And I am sure of this,

that He who began a good work in you

will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

It's all in the cupholder...

2006-05-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Today as E and I strolled through Wal Stuff Mart I had to laugh at the photo on a carseat box.
The picture on the front is of a smiling 4-ish little boy quietly reading a magazine with his sippie cup neatly settled into the cupholder. Yes, if you purchase the deluxe model with pull-out cup holder and magazine rack, your little one will have hours of car-ride excitement.

The cupholder would be a wasted expense for my little one, sad to say. The cup would be up, down, all around the car, but definitely NOT in the cupholder when she decided she wanted to take a sip. Then while driving 65 mph down the highway I would unbuckle my belt, reach around searching for lost cup only to find it under the seat. Then we must pull over, get out of the car, reach under seat and grab sippie cup for screaming baby. But the cupholder would not be empty, oh, no it would be a wonderful place to stash shoes and socks, which are the most exciting things to play with in the car. Instead of the cupholder, I'll just be sure to pack some extra cups and all will be well.

Just wanted to make a note for my faithful readers....Due to an overwhelming desire to nap and eat animal crackers during the afternoon, my blogging is sparce. Hopefully once June hits, the nautiousness will be over and I'll be my old self again. Until then, checking once every 2 weeks might see an update or two!

Jelly Bean Theology

2006-04-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so last week I headded to the library and picked up the classic "Eating When You're Expecting" book, ready for 9 months of totally healthy eating, exercising and feelin' great. Then Saturday I headded to the grocery store and loaded my cart with strawberries, kiwis, spinach, broccoli, squash, chicken, fish, whole-wheat bread, cottage cheese...you name it. If it's healthy I got it.

So today I open the fridge and all I really want is a bagel and some jelly beans. All other food sounds completely repulsive and just the thought of spinach makes me nautious.

In a way, sometimes I think I have Spiritual "morning sickness." My shelves are stocked with comentaries, Bible dictionaries, study guides, books on sin and holiness and the Gospel. I'm gung-ho ready to do some "healthy studying." Then one day I look at the shelf and think, oh I could just go for something...fluffy. I don't want a brain challenge right now. No Jonathan Edwards tonight, I think I'll just read a story. Then once I've "indulged" in my fluff, I feel just like after I indulge in those jelly beans - like something's missing. Where's the meat? Where's all the good stuff? Oh, I don't get the good stuff when I'm indulging my flesh.

So well I can compromise in my eating habits and feel the effects physically, I compromise in my study habits and come up short Spiritually. So hey, it's off to both sets of shelves for some healthier fare.

Happy Resurrection Day!

2006-04-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, has anyone noticed that there is no big debate about "Easter" like there is over "Christmas"? There's no one saying "Oh, we can't say Easter, we can only say "Happy Spring."

Well, of course there's no debate because Easter is the celebration of the fertility goddess Ishtar. Have you never wondered what bunnies and eggs have to do with the resurrection of Christ? Why don't the same Christians who get all riled up about Christmas get riled up about the change of what should be called "Resurrection Day" to the name of a pagan goddess? We're not celebrating Spring, or fertility or rabbits, we're celebrating the reason for our faith!
After all, Paul said that "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless you are still in your sins...If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." (I Cor 16:17,19)

So this weekend as you go about your festivities, whatever they may be, muster up the courage to tell people to have a wonderful "Resurrection Day" and may it be a chance to share our faith or at least to remember the reason why we have such hope!

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved bretheren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
I Corinthians 15:51-58

Oh Baby!

2006-04-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Got the official word...

There's a little one on the way...

Due in December...

Praise the Lord...he has given us the desire of our hearts and another challenge to live what we believe.

Rumpspringe

2006-04-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Some Amish groups have what they call "rumshpringe" (sp?) It's when a child turns 16 they get to "run around" in the world for a year or more and decide whether they would rather join the world or join the church. It's done in secret. Some choose to stay within the bounds of their church's rules, court and get married after a year. Others get pregnant, buy cars, and do all kinds of "worldly things" and then choose the church. Others just choose the world and never return.

What an awful practice! Yet I'd like to put a comparison to the "rumshpringe" and the college years. Do we in the church not have a similar practice of sending 17-22 year olds off to get the "college experience?" "They need to experience life away from mom and dad." or "They need to experience the 'real world'". Is what I've heard so often. So we send them away to live in a dorm, do whatever they wish all unbeknownst to parents until after the worst has happened. And even in the most conservative of colleges, the worst still happens.

Yet the same 3 situations come about. Some know what they believe, obey it and enjoy college without rebellion. They meet a fine man/woman, marry and continue life as always. Others rebel to their heart's content. So "free" for the first time in their lives from mom and dad. Then when those years are over they "settle down" and turn to God. Some of those repent and regreat horribly the things they have done, while others only turn halfheartedly, if that's possible. Others rebel and never "return" to their parents' faith.

I'm not saying Christians should never go to college. I'm not saying if you send your kids to college, you're sending them into rebellion. But I do wonder - how many "church" kids are grounded in what they believe long before they leave the confines of mom & dad's four walls? How many moms & dads just say "oh well, they need to experience the world if they're ever going to appreciate Christ." And turn a blind eye to their child's rebellion? How many think that at college they will get a sound understanding of their faith? And how many think their children are being obeidient, yet once out of sight, they are anything but?

I'm not perfect, and right now my daughter is not even 2 years old. I pray that she will grow to love the Lord and her heart's desire will be to obey Him. But I need to be a dilligent teacher. I can't let her college professors one day teach her theology - My husband and I need to instruct her now and all through her growing up years. We need to hold her accountable for her choices and not write them off as simply "teenage rebellion."

Are we being faithful to "teach [the scriptures] diligently to your children...talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise...?" (Deuteronomy 6:6) My prayer is that the church will wake up and realise that our children need solid, Biblical Truth now, not just "when they're older." And we as parents need to be an example in "speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (I Timothy 4"12b)

independence

2006-03-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

Ah, yes, sunshine abounds! Oh glorious sunshine! The only reason I am indoors is because it's naptime. When nap is over, it's back out for more fun in the sun.

This week my brave little girl decided she still needed her mommy.
We went to the park for some good fun on the "side" (slide). E was all about the "big" ones. Last summer she loved the smaller ones, but not now. She is "big." So I let her adventure to the point of even climbing all the way up, sitting herself down and then taking off. She wanted to do it all herself, so I stood right behind her. But on one try down a big slide she didn't quite sit just right and bumped her lip. She cried and ran to mommy's "huggy" and decided the small slides might just be fun too.

It's hard on a mom to know how much independence to give. I don't want her to bump her lip, or bump anything else either. But she wants to do things herself, and sometimes the best way for her to know she's not quite ready is to let her try it on her own.

Aren't we the same? Sometimes God allows us to fall so that we can learn from our failures. Yet unlike an earthly parent, He knows the outcome before the beginning. He allows us to be put through the fire so that we can come out as gold.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jeus Christ. - I Peter 1:6-7

Courderoys

2006-03-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

I have a favorite pair of pants.

Let me tell you about them.

I've had them since spring break, 1997. They are brown courderoy levi's that I bought in a thrift store in Orlando, FL along with a red T-shirt (I still own) that says "we're #1 - Palmetto Tigers". The T-shirt has reached unwearable status and will soon be turned into a pillow memoir. But the pants I just cannot seem to get rid of. I wear them constantly even though they are well worn, ripped and repaired numerous times and still look dirty even right out of the washing machine. But they've reached that soft, comfy stage and I just hate to part with them.

I no longer wear them to special outings, only on walks and trips to Wal*Mart. They fit just right. But I admit, they make me look poorer than dirt and like a teenage mom.

So if you see a woman who looks like a girl in worn out courderoys, take pity on her because they're like an old friend and it's difficult to part with an old friend.

I realise this post is meaningless and contains no uplifting spiritual content. I just wanted to do a tribute to such a great pair of pants. Hope you are amused!

Jehovah Jireh

2006-03-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

There is a song that goes like this:
"Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, His grace is sufficeint for me..."

I can't believe it's been almost a year since we left BC. Just a year ago I was fretting about where we would live, where my love would work and just what was going to happen next. Time and time again I just had to rest in that remembrance that "His grace is sufficeint." And remember Matthew 6:31-34:

"Do not worry saying 'what shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficeint for the day is its own trouble."

As I look back over the past 3 1/2 years that we've been married, I see God's hand in all our steps along the way. There were times when people thought we were jumping off the deep end, and at times they were justified in thinking so. But God brought us through many crazy things so that we could know truth...His Truth! He brought us to the point where we had to question everything we believed - and had to decide if we really believed it. But praise the Lord as Ephesians 2:9 says - He gave us the gift of true faith! And true faith cannot wander far because God is the one doing the work.

Romans 8:28 says "God causes all things to work together for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose."

He has. He does. He will.

I'm off on a whim, here, but that reminds me of our Wed night Bible Study. God cannot lie, change His mind or repent. (Numbers 23:19).

If that were not true, Romans 8:28 couldn't be true! If God were shaky on what was going to happen in the future, we couldn't quote that verse with full assurance that we need not worry because HE is in control. But praise be to God - He IS in control and as Matthew 6 says, don't worry about tomorrow, rest in that. Rest in His provision.

Rest.

A year ago I was not resting, I was trying to, but failing utterly. I have learned much, but still need that daily reminder that HE is in control of ALL things, past, present and future. Amen.

It's Spiring!

2006-03-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know I never hear the weather predictions. I never know from one day to the next what the weather will bring. I like to be surprised, I guess. And when I wrote the last post I had no idea spring was just a day away!

Yesterday E and I went to the park and played on the swings (and in the mud!) for an hour, just soaking in the fresh air. The back of my jeans got all muddy and E decided to see if dirt doubled as chocolate, but we had a good time and slept well last night.

I have no idea how long the warm weather will last, it can snow in May around here, but rain or shine, I'm geared up to get outside!

Psalm 148:1-6
Praise the Lord!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
Praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
Praise him, all his hosts!
Praise him sun and moon,
Praise him all you shining stars!
Praise him you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created,
And he established them forever and ever;
He gave a decree, and it shall not pass away!

One of those days...

2006-03-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's one of those days.
You know - those "it's been winter way to long, I'm ready to play outiside in the sunshine" type of days. I'm trying to be content no matter what - God gives us the weather and each day is a gift from Him. But sometimes it's a battle with my flesh. I'm ready to put on my capris, sandals and no jacket and just walk everywhere and anywhere. I'm ready to take E to the playground and go up and down the slide a zillion times. Ready to feed the "duts" and well...be warm.
Oh I am warm now. Our cozy cottage is a lovely 72 degrees right now and there is beautiful sunshine streaming through the window. But somehow it's not the same when I look out and see people Ice fishing. Yeah, not quite time for those capris yet.

Oh well. Content I will be to strap on my boots and bundle up as we head off to see "doggies", "suks", "caws", "soks" and "sooow" (trucks, cars, rocks and snow) with the little one after her nap. Spring will come. It always does, yet March seems to drag on and on sometimes in anticipation of emerging to the outdoors.

Part of looking forward to going outdoors is the projects there are to do. I'm going to hang at least one window box with petunias. Then there's all the plants the E's helped put in last fall - can't wait to see what they look like in full bloom! And I hope to at least plant some pots of tomatoes.

What are you planning to do this spring?

A comment worth posting

2006-03-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

"Lord I give up all my plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my time, my all, utterly to Thee to be thine forever. Fill me and seal me with thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, and send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now forever."

Betty Scott Stam

She and her husband were martyred in China by the Communists. Check out the story of their life www.us.omf.org

Wow, thanks so very much, Claudia. Thought that deserved more than just comment status.

hope

2006-02-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

"Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the ines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls -

Yet I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The LORD God is my strength;

He will make my feet like deer's feet,

And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Habakkuk 3:19

Oh that this was constantly the cry of my heart - no matter what I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! Or like Job that I would cry "Though He slay me, still I will trust in Him."

Think of the indication of this passage from Habakkuk - these people relied on the land to live. If there was no crop, no animal in the stalls, no blossoms on the trees...the writer would soon starve to death. But instead of wallowing in grief and worry he says "yet I will joy in the God of my salvation." God. The Sovereign God of the universe.

The God of Abraham - giving life to the barren womb

The God of Isaac - providing atonement at just the right time

The God of Jacob - fulfilling His promises

This is the God who created Heaven and earth - will we doubt Him? Will we seek men to meet our needs instead of the One who has created all things?

"Shall we indeed accept Good from God,

and shall we not accept adversity?"

Job 2:10b

"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;

Blessed be the name of the LORD."

Job 1:21b

Why do we get so caught up in the things of this world? Like Paul may we die daily to our selfish desires and do battle with our flesh. May we be able to stand with Job and with Habakkuk and say we "joy in the the God of my salvation."

Without question.

Without looking back.

Without desiring to have things go "my way."

Oh that my sole source of joy would be Him and Him alone.

"The Simple Life"

2006-02-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Due to a random trip to the library and taking out a book on tape, I've been lost in PA Dutch country via my imagination for the past couple weeks.

There's something strongly appealing (yet, I make my disclaimer - theologically wrong..I'm not endorsing the Amish religion here...) about these people who live on dirt roads, working the land and surviving without electricity, indoor plumbing, "worldly" entertainment, etc. Yes, I dare say the thought of living in a close community raising a slew of kiddos and working the land has a strong appeal to this city girl. My hubby would like growing a beast of a beard too!
Perhaps it's just my desire to escape the reality of an ever-changing world. To me waking up every morning, putting on the one style of dress I own and going about house chores, not worrying about whether or not my bonnet is of the latest fashion or what I'm going to do to occupy my time (or my toddler) today, it sounds like a dream life. Living close to family and friends, cooking, baking, quilting and taking care of my hubby and kiddos.
Ah, yes, my dear hubby has said it a million times - we were both born in the wrong century. (though I do enjoy indoor plumbing...)
So I'm off to finish the last book in the series...while my supper cooks in the crock pot and the bread machine kneads my dough for supper rolls. Funny how we can imagine and desire certain things but don't put too much effort into making it a reality.

Oh well. Maybe someday, if it's the Lord's will, my darling will be able to work the land around our log bungalow while, barefoot and dressed in a flowing cotton dress, I hang clothes on the line and chase pigs and chickens back to the barn. So much for the city girl I always thought I wanted to be.
But for now I'll let the Bread Machine work and enjoy the ease with which I live...might be easier to dream about these things than actually try to live them.

Two Peas in a Pod

2006-02-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

Ah, yes. The old saying describes us well, my love and I. In lieu of the upcomming pink festival, I thought I would dedicate this blog to my darling hubby. So here is a humorous, yet loving top ten list of things I love about my dearest in no particular order:

1. He looks up to three men who were all great theologians, named John and had enormous beards: John Calvin, John Knox and Jonathan Edwards. He studies their writings and studies the Scripture and seeks to apply these truths to His life. I admire his dilligence.

2. If I make him something - he will wear it.

3. If I cook something - he will eat it.

4. He has a rustic creativity and on a whim he'll be carving faces into twigs (bearded men, of course) or building a bent willow chair - without practice or training, he just has an eye for creating things with wood.

5. He delights in being a father to our crazy little girl. He chases her around the room or hides in the corner so she's all giggles when she finds him. She used to chant "Daddy" constantly when she didn't know any other words!

6. I've always been a sucker for that red hair!

7. He would rather be outdoors than anywhere else. This makes for long walks through the woods or camping overnight somewhere. And he can start a fire without lighter fluid!

8. He uses his skills and talents to glorify God whether it's plumbing or playing guitar he sees his whole life as serving HIM.

9. He loves me unconditionally.

10. He loves the Lord fist and foremost and is following the Biblical pattern of leadership for our home.

And of all these things I know he would say "Only by the grace of God I am what I am - praise the Lord, not me." It's been almost nine years since I met my love and every day is better than the last.

I love you!

2 Timothy 2:15

2006-02-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

"Study to show yourself approved unto God,

a worker who does not need to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the Word of Truth."

When Paul wrote these words, he was writing to a young pastor named Timothy. He was instructing him with how to deal with his flock. Another verse that stands out is I Peter 3:15

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts,

and always be ready to give a defense

to everyone who asks you a reason

for the hope that is in you,

with meekness and fear.

Peter here was writing to a group of believers who were suffering horribly on account of their faith. In both cases above, it is blatantly obvious what we are called to do - study so that we can know what we believe and why! I just finished reading a letter on a friend's blog from a teen in his youth group (he is a leader). It made me sad to see the emptiness there. The writer of the letter had no knowledge of why church was of any importance, and no knowledge of the true character of God.

As adults it is our responsibility to study these things - to know what and why we believe what we believe so that we can "give a defense for the hope that is within" us! As I read the blogs of many "church" teenagers I see the same emptiness. Oh they go to church, some are children of pastors. Some go to Christian schools. But most are empty. Many have no faith - no grounding. Is it their own fault? Perhaps...we are all responisible for our choices that go against God. But what of parents? What of youth pastors and leaders? What of pastors? What of Christian school teachers? Are we giving them the "reason for the hope" that is within us? Or are we giving them a list of "distinctives" or "dos & dont's" without really giving them the why? Do we know ourselves why we believe and do the things we do?

We cannot wait until tomorrow, the next generation is here - is passing us by every day. If you don't give them the answers they are looking for - if you don't know the what's and why's they will look somewhere else. They are already looking somewhere else.

Molasses

2006-02-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

Mmmmmm....

That was what little E kept saying as she watched me mix the ingredients for "Ginger Chews" this morning. She'd been rather whiny all morning, so in a last-ditch effort to make her cheerful, I handed her the measuring cup and spatula with the remaining molasses. She giggled and giggled as her face, hands, bib and sleeves became covered in the sticky brown goo. She finally handed me the cup & spatula and said "aw duh" (all done). And yes, every reachable bit of molasses was licked, scraped or spilled from them. Then she danced around the room as cheerful as can be, driving her cars up the wall and singing the "yah yah" song.

So there you have it - molasses. Works like a charm.

Ginger Chews
1 c. butter or margarine
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup molasses
2 2/3 cup flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/3 teaspoon each of cinnamon, cloves and ginger
extra sugar

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses, beat well. Mix dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Roll by teaspoon into balls, then roll in additional sugar. Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 11-12 minutes. Cookies will puff up and then flatten.

Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them,
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127

Time for a REAL boycott!!

2006-02-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Ok, people. Can we all agree that much of television is a great waste of time?

If you question that statement, please click here .

It seems to me the entertainment industry is reaching for new ideas and hitting rock bottom. Do they think we're all a bunch of bumbling idiots who will laugh at anything? No wonder 100 years ago a 6 year old child could quote poetry, learn latin and sit still for more than 2.5 seconds. "Entertainment" ususally was also educational...not mind numbing!

Instead of boycotting NBC, CBS, CNN, TBC, OLD and DUL why don't we just buy more books? Listen to more classical music? Or, oh no, this one's a duzzie - speak to each other audibly - face to face! Amazing!

Ok, so I've been rather sarcastic. But really, these producers must think people my age (beacuse that's who they're aiming at) are stupid. I say we are NOT - now I'm off to learn latin and play croquet....

Makes you wonder...

2006-01-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

"Anyone who knows [R.C.] Sproul knows he teaches the great evangelical doctrine in Romans, justification by faith alone, in unmistakable terms."

I heard this quote today from seemingly the strangest source. From Chuck Colson on "Breakpoint" - his 3 minute radio commentary heard on Christian stations.

Why is this worth blogging about?

Ok, here's Colson, major proponent of "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" talking about Sproul, one of the men who tried to convince him before the doument came out what a travisty it was to true Christianity. RC Sproul is adamant about "Justicification by faith ALONE" (Alone being the key word - Catholics believe in faith + works). What gives?

Ok, so the point of his story was to emphasize the need to read, which I thought he could have illustrated a million better ways...but am glad he chose Sproul because perhaps someone will type in "RC Sproul" and come up with some good teaching rather than the eccumenical tendencies of "Breakpoint."

You can read the whole transcript here at The Breakpoint Website if you want.

Or you can read about RC Sproul at Ligonier Ministries website.

The Artist at Work

2006-01-30T11:11:00.000-08:00

Oh, yes, there is an artist in the house!

Friday, little E took a "P" (pen) and drew on the wall. She then came to show me and said "doggie!"

So, no more pens for little E (I know, I know, not supposed to let her play with them in the first place....oh well). But it was too cute. I couldn't punish her because well, first of all she didn't know she wasn't supposed to write on the wall, also I was laughing so hard.
The good thing is we just painted the wall, and there is lots more paint to go over it agian...

Here's a song that I've been singing a lot lately - from the book of Job - no matter what, Job will bless the Name of the LORD - something I need to take to heart daily.

by Tree63
Blessed be Your name,
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow,
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing you pour out, I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Oh, There's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

You give and take away, You give and take away
My heart will choose to stay,
Lord Blessed be Your name

Distracted

2006-01-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

Today I am distracted. Much is running through my mind, so much I need to "study to show [myself] approved unto God." (I Timothy 2:15) My mind is such a whirlwind that as I was giving my sweet girl lunch today I hadn't noticed how dreary-eyed she was. As I kept spooning rice and beans into her mouth, telling her "you know how to use a spoon...come on!" Her little eyelids slowly fell and I managed to rescue her face from being smeared with rice, got her upstairs and into bed. My brain is just not focusing on the necessary tasks of the day.

But alas nap time has come and I'm ready for some deep reading. Lately I've been doing a lot of study on motherhood, and here are some awesome links I've been reading:

Biblical Response to the Feminist Agenda
Biblical Position on Women's Roles
Role of Young Women
Women's Ministries

These are all sermons by John MacArthur that can be found at the Bible Bulletin Board website which I go to often because I know I can count on the Theology to be right-on.
Keep pressing on my friends who love the Lord. Keep studying, keep "hungering and thirsting after righteousness." (Mat.5)
And may we never forget:
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence..."
2 Peter 1:3

There are so many songs that say "more of you Jesus, I need more of you..." or "Send the Holy Spirit, we need more..." yet we already have "all things" that we need - we just need to submit to the Holy Spirit and live!

Too busy

2006-01-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

"I'm just so busy"

"I don't know where the time went..."

Do you find yourself saying this at the end of the day? I so often do. Last week a dear friend reminded me of these thoughts. That we in 21st century America are so busy with stuff we neglect the "One thing needful" as Kregel would say. At first when she said that I was like, oh yeah, so many people are busy doing "the Lord's work" they don't have time for the Lord. But then as I thought about it more, that's not really what she was saying. She was saying we're busy doing our own thing. Shopping...cooking....cleaning...reading...blogging...looking in the mirror...whatever. So busy we neglect to spend time with the Lord.

I hear you my sister, loud and clear. As I went though the past week I was amazed at how much time I really do have. But I feel like I have to be constantly moving - cooking something, straightening up, re-organizing, etc. I'm more exhausted now at the end of the day sometimes than when I was "working"! I realize some things are necessary, of course. But how much is too much? That's not really a hard question, really. When I don't purposefully make time to read and pray, then I'm too busy.

I wish I could put scripture in here, and I'll try to come back to this later, but even right now being online has gone on too long and it's tie to click the "off" button. But in reality I do have the time and if I'm "too busy" for someone or for time with the Lord, it's not because I'm busy with needful things, but busy being busy.

Musings...

2006-01-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

Got a gas bill today.
FOR $0!!!!
Last month they overestimated so we overpaid an arm and a leg (not to complain too much, my in-laws paid the arm, leg, spleen and big toe of gas bills) So this month we have a credit - I've never gotten a bill that said $0 in the pay slot - didn't even get a nice little envelope to send back! Praise the Lord for His provision of a pellet stove! (btw...HE provided one for the in-laws, too so no more amputations needed there either!)

Now for the latest antics of the darling daughter...
She is now all about painting. We're painting the downstairs this week, and she discovered the BIG paintbrush on Sunday afternoon. As soon as she spies that thing in the morning she's off "painting" everything in sight...the doorway...the high chair...daddy's head...she's having a blast and thinking she's soooo big!
Another thing is at dinner. For those who've eaten a meal with us, you know my love and I have an "appetizer" before each meal (a kiss). Well, Eliora gets very upset if we don't hold her hands while we pray and she has to get a kiss from daddy, too. It's too cute!! She smacks her lips together until he gives her one. She's got to be a part of the action!
She also loves to bark, meow, moo, cluck and neigh while looking out the window. There may not be any animals in sight, but she's calling to them all. We can sit for a good 1/2 hour looking outside together just saying animal sounds. It's her way of conversing, I guess. Then she giggles...then I giggle...then daddy giggles...we're all reduced to children.

Last and most certainly least...
Anyone know how to get the song from veggietales Jonah movie out of your head?
There's only so many times you can say "It might behoove me to be heaved" and not go berzerk...

Motherhood

2006-01-19T10:52:00.000-08:00

Is being a mom a worthy career choice?

What kind of question is that? Well, it's one that many women debate every day because they have bought into the world's system. They've bought the lie that being "just a mom" is a waste of a good mind, good education etc. This even goes on in Christian colleges. I remember at Cedarville the push to be a "professional" woman was so strong, there were special awards given to women who were students with a 4.0, married and pregnant! Like, go, girl, go make something of yourself. I have no problem with women getting a college degree (have one myself, and I enjoy being a student) but what about recognizing that a woman who gets married and especially one who has children should see her first priority as her home and family. And should look to that responsibility as a joy, not a burden!

Before Lukas and I got married, we attended a sunday school class going through the book of Titus. Titus 2:4-5 says:
"[Older women] admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, haste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."

This launched a deep discussion on just what it meant for the women to be "homemakers." The teacher said something I'll never forget (paraphrasing) "I cannot tell you that a woman can or cannot work outside the home, all I can tell you is what the Bible says. And the Bible says her first priority is to be her home and family. If she can work 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week and still maintain her home and family as the Lord desires that is what she needs to consider."

I remember talking to Lukas and we both wondered what this meant for us, since we'd never heard this passage presented like it were for here and now. I didn't know the half of what "homemaking" consisted of and just what it was to work 40 hours a week. I think John MacArthur makes a very good point in his book "What the Bible Says About Parenting" in a chapter titled "The Mother's Role"

"One of the great disadvantages of a wife who is in the workforce full time is this: She is often forced to subit to men other than her own husband. God's prescribed order is overturned. Clashes between the woman's authority figure at work and her husband in the home are inevitable. Many bosses have no compunctions about ordering a woman in the workplace to sacrifice her prioriteites in the home...it therefore becomes practiccally impossible for most career woimen to fulfill the comand to be "keepers at home." p.192

Perhaps all students at Christian colleges should take a class on what the Bible says about marriage, wives, husbands and child rearing. One whose sole authority is the Bible. Because I did take "Marriage and the family" but it was a lot of psychology and opinion. Or perhaps before they even get there, we as mothers should teach our children what it is to be "keepers at home,." After all, that's what Titus 2 is talking about. I praise the Lord my mother was a homemaker - she sewed, cooked, created, cleaned and I don't remember her ever wishing she were a bigwig professional. She had the biggest job of all that those pro women could never do - raise two girls into responsible young women. A job at times I'm sure she felt entirely unqualified for, but the Lord gave her grace (especially when it came to raising me...)

"Children are an heritage from the Lord"

2006-01-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

Oh how true that verse is! I can't believe God has given me this little treasure to teach and care for. Such an awesome blessing to be able to watch my little girl get to know the world around her.

With the past few beautiful days of sunshine and warmth, we've been headding out doors for some walks around town. Eliora loves these walks! She loves to touch everything from dirt to pine cones and listen to the sounds - cars going by, birds chirping and dogs barking. She mimicks all the sounds and then giggles with glee. Her vocabulary is growing every day, and until last night I thought she must be an absolute genius!

Last night her little friend Kaylee came over and she's doing all the same things - so I guess Eliora's normal :o) But for us mom's watching our first child grow is just amazing. Last night was pretty fun, too. At first Eliora was just not sure about this other little person her size playing at her house with her toys...but as the evening progressed they ended up sharing toys, sharing "Bubba" (kaylee's baby brother) and actually hugging long enough for a picture to be snapped before having to part.

At the same time it causes me to pause and feel a twinge of sadness. She's not yet 2 years old, but every day she's gaining more and more independence from Lukas and myself. She's learning to play with other kids, climbing all over the playground, and communicating her needs and wants. Sometimes I just want her to cuddle in my arms all day like when she was a newborn. Oh, she still cuddles for a few moments, but then she wiggles out of my grasp to go find something more interesting.

So now I find myself having to let go bit by bit - let her climb the playground....let her play with a friend....and find myself praying more and more that the Lord open her eyes at a young age to her need for Him. Mom and dad can only do so much, and be faithful stewards of this precious treasure. But she is in the Lord's hands and there are some things I cannot control...I must let go...

Love dies not seek it's own

2006-01-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

I Corinthians 13:4

On Sunday's we're going through I Cor. 12-14 talking about Spiritual Gifts and smack dab in the middles of that is the "Love" portion of scripture which has made for a "mini series" on love the past 2 months or so. It's been a few weeks since this verse was the base for the message, but every day it rings back in my head.

As I look back over situations I've been over the years, at times I am so ashamed of my actions. The thing that makes me the most sad is 4 years I spent clamouring after my own desires in college.
At Cedarville I attended a "support group" for women with "eating disorders." It was psychologically based and could better be titled a support group for people angry at God, Life and their parents. My desire to be thin and beautiful in the world's eyes made me bliind to the needs of others around me. I was so hung up on my looks it's disgusting!
One of the books we read in this group was about what's causing these behaviours, a psychological evaluation of ourselves. After reading that book I dropped out of the group. It made me even worse, not better. It legitimized my anger and told me my parents, church and school life was the cause of my actions.

Finally my mom, who was studying Biblical counseling, told me I was sinning and gave me a book to read. I never read the book, was way to prideful. But I knew she was so right on. My "disease" was really sin in my heart - wanting things on my terms and not on God's. In other words "seeking my own". Of course I didn't admit that to her right away....had to break down my pride.

But those years spent in slavery to my body have given me a whole new perspective when I hear a sermon on I Cor. 13. I wasted so much time seeking my own that I missed out on being able to bless and encourage others. I wish with all my heart that first day I'd walked into that meeting they'd thrown the book at me and said "Hey, you claim to be a Christian - where's the proof?" Because all that psychology did was legitimize our anger and fuel our habits. From my own expericene, I don't know how psychological "help" really helps anyone. I'm afraid so many Christians are going to these types of counselors because it appeals to the flesh. It legitimizes the "victim" mentality.

Anyways...I've gone on long enough. Praise the Lord for His forgiveness and that in Him we are "a new creature." Amen? But let us not get caught up in the ideas of the world - the Bible must be the One Book we go to for "doctrine for reproof and for instruction in righteousness."

Just some thoughts...

Sovereignty of God

2006-01-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been so struck with the Sovereignty of God. It's on every page of scripture from Genesis to Revelation - HE is in control!
I've been reading "The Genesis Record" by Henry M. Morris, a Creation research scientist. It's 1/2 commentary, 1/2 scientific study, and I love it. I just love thinking about creation. God, in His infinite wisdom created plants, animals, birds, fish and us! Our bodies are so intricate, made to work in precise ways. To think our bodies came from some sort of primordial slime is absurd to me. Yet I can look from the evolutionist's perspective and understand their forcefulness in believing that - they have to have something tangible, something knowable, something that's not God. If God created us then that means there are things we cannot know and that means that there is an "afterlife" and a myriad of other things. So yes, I see why they are so adamant, but it must tear them up inside to go home at night knowing that their view is even more un-provable than creation. To think we oozed out from some chemical concoction is depressing. What they lack is faith "...the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen." Hebrews 11:1
But to know and believe that an all-sovereign God breathed life into our lungs and directs our every step is beyond amazing! To read of the account of adam and eve, the fall, the flood, and finally redemption through Jesus Christ makes me want to shout "God is AWESOME!" And so I will! It also makes me want to shake people and say "wake up - can't you see it?" Yet I know in His sovereignty there will be those (Romans 9) who will never see....never taste of the fullness that comes from the Spirit revealing Truth to one's heart. Yet at the same time I rejoice because the Sovereign God holds me in His hands, changes my heart and makes me a "new creation."
So I say with the Psalmist:
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens!
Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with trumpet sound,
Praise Him with lute and harp!
Praise Him with tambourine and dance;
Praise Him with strings and pipe!
Praise Him with sounding cymbals;
Praise Him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 100

FFH

2005-12-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

"You take the Wheel, I will work the radio..."

I think that if Jesus were driving my car, I would't be listening to the radio.

Anyways, hope one and all had a very merry Christmas. Nothing wonderfully fantasmo is happening in my life and the 'rents are visiting this week, so check back after the new year b/c I'll not be posting again until then.

In the mean time, check out this quick and easy recipe for Chicken and Orzo - this is what we'll be feasting on for supper tonight:

TOMATO CHICKEN

6 chicken breasts, remove skin
1 lg. can crushed tomatoes
1/2 bottle Italian dressing (lite)
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1/4 c. white wine (optional)
Cooked Orzo

Remove skin from chicken breasts. Mix tomatoes, dressing and soup mix together. Pour over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours covered. Prepare rice and use tomato mixture over orzo when serving.

Abortion

2005-12-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

I know it's Christmas and we're thinking about all things bright and beautiful and wonderful, but today in a little online studying I came across this Message on Abortion and it made me want to weep - it's kind of graphic, so don't read it unless you want to feel torn up inside.

Just makes me so sad - that's my little Eliora - I can't imagine not wanting her to live - seeing her little squirming 8-lb body and wanting her dead. I just cannot fathom anyone having that desire.

I can't really say much about this, just read the message if you want a dose of reality.

Pink

2005-12-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

Well, my faithful readers....my family....today I did an awful thing. But I must justify myself. You see, today I made a purchase that will forever mar my image in your eyes. The non-conformist, earth-tone girl, yes, for the deal of $1 that she could not pass up....I bought a pink shirt.
There, it's out, deal with that thought as you must, but the part of me that can't pass up a shirt for a dollar won out over the part that would never wear pink.

Well, it's been a while since I've talked of what Eliora is up to...

The past week it's been an adventure in cookie making. While I roll and cut dough for gingerbread men, she manages to get completely covered in flour from head to toe and sneaks about a cookies worth of dough that I tried to get back out of her little hand, but she has quite a death grip when it comes to cookie dough. She likes to pick out the cutter to use, but doesn't understand that we don't need to use all the cookie-cutters, and ended up throwing dough, flour and cookie cutters all around the kitchen. What a mess. But she giggles away uncontrollably so I can't get upset with her, just having good old-fashioned fun.

Also lately she loves to take things and throw them away. Bits of paper or pellets that didn't make it into the stove...whatver. Yesterday she got a little too excited that she could open the trash can lid herself and started "throwing away" her toys....had to explain as best I could that toys don't go in there. One day I'll tell her that she cried about not being able to throw away her toys...

"I used to be the perfect parent....then I had children."

"My parents used to know nothing...then i became a parent and now I know nothing and they know everything."

Oh so true! Eliora is my little humbling experience and I love her and praise the Lord HE has given me such a blessing in both her and Lukas.

Merry Christmas my faithful readers...

May your days be filled with the Peace that only comes from the

Prince of Peace,

Jesus Christ.

What' is going on?

2005-12-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

I feel like screaming, like crying, like throwing up! I'm angry, I'm sad I'm a bundle of emotions and I feel helpless to do anything - anything!!!

Why are the teenagers in the churches in this area so weak? How can they swear right and left and think nothing of it? How can they watch the filth on TV and laugh? How can they sleep around and not feel guilty?

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT???????

I'm praying, Lord, yes, I'm praying. But I want to take them all under my wing, I want to open the WORD and share with them what I've learned the past two years - how GOD has changed my life through HIS WORD! That the Gospel is "The POWER of GOD unto salvation!" And that salvation will change you because of that POWER!

These kids think they are saved because they prayed some prayer a million years ago (as I at age 8, age 9, 10, 12, 14, 16.....) but they are lost because they do not know TRUTH!

Watched a video recently (thanks rach & jeff) about witnessing using the 10 commandments. After all they are a "tutor (schoolmaster) to lead us to Christ." Galations 3:24. Do the teens in today's church know the purpose of the 10 commandments or do they (like I did) think they were how OT people were saved - by keeping them? And as a result think they are obsolete? Yet when you look at yourself in light of them, you see what a wretched person you are. I put things before God - there's #1, I make God who I want Him to be - that's idolatry, #2, I steal, I lie, I want what others have, I look with lust...on and on we've all broken them and we're all sinners on our way to hell - do we really see our position before Christ as we truly are? We are lost without Christ, we are fully deserving of punishment for even one sin because way back in Genesis 2 God told Adam and Eve that the day they ate of the tree, they "would surely die." No one can keep the commandments perfectly - not in the OT, not now, not ever, only Jesus. If we saw ourselves continuously as wretched sinners snatched out of the pit of Hell by a merciful God - would we fail to constantly give Him thanks and live in light of that?

Oh, Lord, open their eyes before it is too late!

War

2005-12-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

This is not going to be a very spiritualy encouraging post, just some thoughts as I try to sort out the realities of war. I hate to even think about war, it's fine fought somewhere else. I like to picture people fighting in a big field somewhere, not venturing into villages, leaving the innocent untouched. But that is not the reality of war. Some men struggle for power and notoriety, others seek revenge, others believe they are fighting on the side of God - their god.

Then reality hits me - our country is at war at this very moment. Someone's son, someone's daughter is scared to death and fighting for his or her life at this very moment. That is reality. Generations have passed since war was fought on our soil. Since men, women and children had to run for their lives - flee their homes, their towns, to...well, to somewhere else...never safe. But that is what is going on in Iraq - people fleeing, women trying to protect their children, fathers fearing for their families and soldiers fighting a war that seems to have no end.

I'm not for or against the war. I'm not informed enough to stand behind anything, I don't really understand it all. Perhaps I'm just a product of my generation - distancing myself from it all so it's not reality. If I don't know what's going on I don't have to feel for the people, I dont have to feel helpless to do anything. I can just ignore it and go on with Christmas shopping, fashion news and worrying about what kind of cookies to make.

Sounds so shallow, doesn't it? But then tonight the cold hard reality of war breaks back in and I remember....I remember my friend who lost her husband back in 2001 - her husband of only 5 months - because he was a soldier on his way to Afganistan and got bombed. I remember my father, that he fought in Vietnam while people my age back home protested a war they didn't understand and didn't care about the men when they returned - men who were young like them and without a choice to fight or not, men who also didn't understand it all but were fulfilling their duty. I remember a young man afraid to be in large groups of people - afraid and always watching his back - even when he's home, because the sights and sounds of war never leave his mind. I think of a woman trying to raise 3 children while her husband is in Iraq for a year - then trying to come together again when the year is over and it's like he's a total stranger. I think of the men who killed themselves when they returned from Iraq last year to find their wives had deserted them.

War is an ugly thing. I don't care what they're fighting for - if it's your son out there dying, you've got to decide if you believe in the cause or not. I guess there are times that no resolution can be found in my mind. Nothing can justify all the death and destruction. There are real people, with real families, real children, dying every day.
I've got to let that sink in. But I don't know what to do about it.

Egypt

2005-12-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

I don’t want to leave here
I don’t want to stay
It feels like pinching to me either way
The places I long for the most
Are the places where I’ve been
They are calling after me like a long lost friend
It’s not about losing faith
It’s not about trust
It’s all about comfortable
When you move so much
The place I was wasn’t perfect
But I had found a way to live
It wasn’t milk or honey
But then neither is this

I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacked
The future seems so hard And I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me
Cannot hold the things I"ve learned
And those roads closed off to me
While my back was turned

The past is so tangible
I know it by heart
Familiar things are never easy to discard
I was dying for some freedom
But now I hesitate to go
Caught between the promise
And the things I know

If it comes too quick I may not recognize it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?
If it comes too quick I may not appreciate it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?
-Sara Groves Conversations/Painting Pictures of Egypt

Glorious Appearing

2005-12-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

"...We should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. "

Titus 2:12b-14

Glorious Appearing "Lit. 'the appearing of the glory' This will be our salvation from the presence of sin." (note from MacArthur Study Bible)

I've often felt rather unworthy to be in the presence of saints who just cannot wait for the Lord to return. It seems so foreign to me - so abstract. Yes, as I told my sister when she asked what I thought of the possibility that we could be raptured before Lukas and I got married, that's fine because in my head I know that in Heaven I will not care about being married or anything that gives pleasure on earth, I know that. But it's one thing to know and another thing to really know - you know?

But today that verse and the note stood out to me "...salvation from the presence of sin." I nearly jumped out of my chair. THAT's IT! That's what I so long for more than anything else - and that's what will culminate in the Lord's return.

On that day I will bow at the feet of Jesus and worship Him completely in "Spirit and in Truth." with nothing holding me back - no sinful thougts, no distractions, just worshiping my savior because that is my purpose.

Here on earth I don't struggle (as some dear ones do and I'm not making light of this) with pain or with tremendous sorrow over human events, the Lord has not yet brougth those things into my life. And some people look forward to Heaven for relief from those things. That is wonderful, that will be there. But I often wondered - where's my zeal? Don't I want relief from all that? Yes. But the thing that I struggle with most is that lingering sin in my flesh. Those times when I've just "mastered" something and BAM I fall again...ugh!

But in Heaven there is no sin, there are no "issues" that need to be dealt with - there are no questions of who is right or who is wrong, there is no need for "self-esteem." All true believers will worship the Lamb who they battled to love completely on earth and can now love completely in Heaven.

Yes, Heaven will be a "wonderful place, filled with glory and grace" as the old hymn says. There will be the mansion of gold, and jewels, and streets paved with gold, but we will not look at those and marvel, we will look upon the face of Him who died for us and tears of joy will stream down our faces as we realise eternity has just begun.

"He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly."

Amen! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

Revelation 22:20

Forgive...

2005-11-30T17:43:00.000-08:00

Mark 11:25
"And whenever you stand parying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses."

So how many times have I totally blown this verse? Got to thinking about it today...don't worry, I'm not holding resentment against anyone. It just reminded me of how petty I can be sometimes. Reminded of occasions where I didn't want to forgive because "I was right." And going to the other person would mean....you guessed it....humbling myself.
It's so easy to be prideful...to think I've got the answers to everyone's problems.
I remember a friend I had in college who I fought with constantly. I don't usually fight at all but he always told me when I was wrong. And I never wanted to admit that I was wrong so I got mad at him (I even did this when Lukas came to visit and he saw a rare side of me that day but he loves me anyways...and he tells me when I'm wrong, too...)
Why is it so hard to just go to another person and say "I forgive you" or "Please forgive me"? Many times we can sit and steam about someone wronging us and they are happily going about their lives because they don't even realise we feel this way. It's pride - and it's sin.
It's so easy to be full of pride and so hard to be humble (for me anyways). But I'm wrong most of the time...or someone else has a better idea.
Anyways...
Just some random thoughts that struck me - humility is key to so much. Even if we are right, we need to go to the other person and forgive - even if they don't ask for forgiveness! And it swings the other way too...we need to be quick to repent and ask for forgiveness, even if the other person isn't willing to forgive us!!!
And praise Jesus that HE was our supreme example...we are without excuse.

Brought Low

2005-11-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

He's brought me here, where things are clear, and trials turn to gold.
He shared with me, His victory, He won in days of old.
Oh Lord, I don't deserve, the riches of your word,
But You've changed my filthy rags to linen white as snow.
The view from here is nothing near to what it is for You.
I tried to see Your plan for me, but I only acted like I knew.
Oh Lord forgive the times, I tried to read your mind.
Cause you said if I'd be still, then I would hear your voice.
My Lord, my King, my urge to sing and praise the things above.
No words can say the glorious way you changed me with your love.
He's brought me low, so I could now the way to reach the heights.
To forsake my dreams, my self esteem and give up all my rights.
With each one that I lay down, a jewel's placed in my crown.
Cause His love, the things above, is all we'll ever need.
He's brought me here, where things are clear, and trials turn to gold

Keith Green - Trials Turn to Gold

Today was one of those days that the Lord had to bring me low. No great trial or anything - just some inner pride that had to come down - way down. Still reading in I Peter and reading about submission and humility. Just when you think you've got something down - "oh yeah, i've got that one under my belt." The Lord shows me how much farther I need to go. Sometimes it's like I want to say "But Lord, I know I'm right on this one...I have rights!!!!" Yes, He says, you have the right to be submissive, humble and obedient. The Christian walk is about self-sacrifice, not self-esteem. But you know, it's not crushing to be brought low, it's awesome because like that song says - when you're brought low, then you reach the heights. I don't know why (well, yes I do - it's called sinful flesh) I struggle with certain things when I know that when I'm being obedient to His word life is so full of joy and peace.

"It's all about YOU, JESUS...

It's not about me as if You should do things my way,

You alone are God and I surrender..."

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

2005-11-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

Nightmare on My Street!

Ok, laugh at me now folks, this has been the week of insanity.

Start out yesterday morning - never so glad to be married to a plumber as yesterday. Toilet totally overflows all over the bathroom floor!!! So I quickly stick Eliora into her playpen and call Lukas frantically going "what do I do???? it won't go down!!!!! It's all over the floor...HELP ME!!!!!" So finally the plunger works and the waters recede. But what an awesomely gross mop up job! The bill for the plumber...Cinnamon rolls and a kiss goodbye :o)

THEN Eliora and I head to the library to get a video or two. Suddenly as we enter the video room she releases from deep within the most horrifying scream you ever heard - I'm sure they heard it down the street. Apparantly she couldn't reach a video on the shelf - sheesh...So after selecting whatever videos were in plain sight and appeared non-questionable we headded out, getting questioning looks like "Man, lady, why do you bring the kid to the library?" So I point my face toward the door and don't look back. None of those old men understand anyways....

THEN last night I had to go pick up Lukas who was hunting at Dave's place. The roads were icy and our tires are SO BAD. I was going uphill at about 30 mph when Lukas called my cell phone and I started to slide toward the ditch, caught it and then over to the other side of the road - slipping and sliding totally convinced that this was the end, crying into the phone "Lukas, just ride down the road with Dave...I'm...slipping...ahhhhh....oh no....ahhh...um...you really need to....ahhhh....change the .....ahhh tires!!!! So I get myself together and back down the hill in neutral until I see the truck comming. Woe. Totally not going to drive again until the tires are changed.

THEN this morning I decided to make cinnamon rolls so I turned on the oven to 450 and started mixing. All ready - open the oven and AHHH!!! My big PLASTIC mixing bowl with butter softening for cookies is IN the OVEN!!!! (which has been heating for 15 minutes...) So of course I freak out because I'm so good at that and spill melted butter into the oven which then burns and smokes up the entire downstairs, sets off the smoke alarm and about puts me to my limit. And it's only 8:00am....

So I put in Helmut Lotti singing "From Russia with Love" at full blast which eliora is captivated by and proceed to clean the oven and make a big pot of coffee. I think that this afternoon we'll just chill - read books and play in the snow.
Right now I'm ready for a nap - how about you?

Mother-in-Law

2005-11-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

For the past two weekends on some early Saturday morning program on the radio they've had this woman being interviewed about a book she wrote about how to get along with your mother-in-law. So it got me thinking man, I must be an odd duck - I get along great with my mother-in-law. In fact I consider her a near and dear friend...along with the whole in-law family. But in light of all this mother-in-law angst there is in the world, and since it is her birthdy on Monday, here are the top 10 things I love about Ma Emmott:
(and no, this is not buttering her up....she would love me anyways...)

10. She can make some mad good apple pie!!!

9. Even though she doesn't like to cook, her family never went hungry even when money was extremely tight throughout the years because - hey, get this - she was thinking of them and not herself. (btw - she's a really good cook - see #10)

8. She talked with her boys (3 of them...) about all the things most moms neglect to talk to their boys about...and my husband is definitely a better man because of it.

7. She was an art teacher - Rock on! Some day she'll (hopefully) be able to teach Eliora all kinds of artsy things.

6. She can sew/crochet/smock/embroider/paint/etc. just about anything and it all looks beautiful when she finishes - way better than any craft show stuff (unless of course he stuff is in a craft show...)

5. Ma & Pa Emmott have been married over 30 years and they love each other and are an awesome example of a Godly couple.

4. She has good advice and knows how to give it so you really think about what she says.

3. She (unlike some of the angst talked about on the radio) has never told us what to do, how to raise our children, yadda yadda, she's a friend...not a nag...and that comes naturally to her.

2. She loves the Lord with all her heart and studies His Word faithfully.

AND THE NUMBER 1 THING ABOUT MY MOTHER-IN-LAW IS...

1. She's beautiful from the inside out and well, Lukas, Eliora and I love her very much!

The lightbulb goes on

2005-11-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

Today I was reading in the I Peter New Testament Commentary by John MacArthur, Ch. 23 on "Shepherding the Flock." As always I'm hit with something not so profound but something I never thought of before. I realise lately I've not been so kind to the church as a whole, but there's some things that just bother me and so once again my thoughts are a not so wonderful reflection of past church experiences.
Here is the quote that got my attention:

"The plurality of godly leaders, as designed by the Lord, not only provides more ministry care (cf. Ex. 18:13-26) but offers some important safegurards (cf. Prov. 11:14). First, it helps protect the church against error. The apostle Paul told the church at Corinth, "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgement...and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets" (I Cor. 14:29, 32). No one was to speak or minister independently (cf. 1 Cor. 14:26-33), teaching strictly on his own and not being accountable or subject to the knowledge of other teachers." (p.264)

In many churches, many people, including deacons and those given leadership positions, are not students of the Scriptures. They do not "Study to show [themselves] approved unto God..." as I Timothy calls us to do. So then the pastor becomes the only one who knows the Bible. The pastor could (and I've been in churches where pastors have) preach a total erroneous message and no one will tell him he's off because they either don't know the Bible well enough to know he was in error or they do not feel they have the authority to do so. In fact I've sat through sermons SO off and afterward heard people tell the preacher what a wonderful message it was!

I firmly believe that if my pastor was to preach something in error, the elders and men of our church would confront him on it. Even if it was a few weeks later that they discovered otherwise...because the TRUTH is of utmost importance, to the people and to the pastor.
But I've been to churches where socialization was of utmost importance and if the pastor preached over 20 minutes, Bibles got slammed shut....but I drift from my point.
There is accountability in having people and elders in a congregation that study dilligently the Word of God and can sort out truth from error. Pastors and elders are not infallible...that is why God calls all of us to be dilligent students of the Word.

May we be like the Bereans who searched the scriptures to know if the apostle Paul was preaching the truth or not. May we never think we know it all.

Rainy Day Thoughts

2005-11-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

Ah, yes, friends. Fall is on it's way out the door and the cold winds of winter are bursting through. It is snowing right now, though it's too warm to stick to the ground. The wind has been howling off the lake and rattling the back door so it sounds like someone is trying to break in. And perhaps someone is...perhaps Old Man Winter is knocking on my door and I'm rather reluctant to let him in. Yet, I can't wait to have Eliora play in the snow - that will be so much fun!
But in the mean time Eliora and I must amuse ourselves within the house. As we were sitting in front of the window, me on my knees at the chest reading the penny saver and Eliora on her stool looking over my shoulder, I unconsciously patted her on the back. So she thought that was pretty neat and patted me on the back for a while, too. Life is good when you're 1. Lightening? Howling wind? Rain streaming down the window panes? No problem. As long as mom's ok, life must be just fine.
So now she's down for a nap, curled up with a picture of mommy and daddy that's almost 8 years old - but she found it amongst some things I was cleaning out this morning and said "Daddy!" and wouldn't let go of it for a second. Eliora just loves her daddy. Every morning she chants "dad-dy, dad-dy, dad-dy" as he heads out the door to work. Then I let her stand on the chest and wave out the window as he gets in the car. In the evening, no matter how upset she is with me (which she usually is mad that I'm making supper and not playing) the minute he walks in the door she's all smiles and daddy's little giggly girl.
Today has just been special...it's only 11:00 but when she awakes at 5, 11 seems like a day to me...There's no going to see the "duts" today, so I've been playing more than usual. She loves it when I sit on the floor and she stands behind me. When I turn to either side to see her she just cackles so loud! She loves to be chased all around the house, too, especially if I'm on my knees, right at her level. She hasn't realized yet that headding into the kitchen only gets her cornered by the fridge - Tickle time!
So i'm sure after nap time she'll be all geared up for more excitement...hopefully I will be too...

Spices

2005-11-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I know that at least my father is dying to know what Eliora has been up to lately, so here's an update on my crazy little one.
Today was baking crazy day for the great hunters, Lukas and Dave. The both are cookie-holics so I baked "ginger chews" (ginger snaps to everyone else but they like them doughy) and cinnamon rolls. Not exactly rugged outdoor food, but it must gear them up for the big hunt.
ANYWAYS....As I was opening and closing the upper cupboards Eliora was grunting and pointing like something of hers was up there. So I looked and lo and behold she was pointing to the spices (which I have an overabundance of ones i never use). So I took the ones like Steak seasoning, Seasoned salt and cayenne pepper to name a few down out of the cupboard for her to play with. She had a grand old time. She moved them all around the house. Frist they all went onto the stool in the kitchen, then onto the chest in the living room, then Lukas' drum, then the cupboard in the front room, the bathroom...chatting and giggling the whole time (about what she was cooking up i'm sure)... and now they are scattered throughout the house and I must round them up before I go to bed.
It's so funny to watch her play. She hardly touches her toys without prompting and would much rather play with a broom, dustpan or, well, spices than anything else. I guess she's just at that stage that she wants to do whatever mommy is doing, and most of the time that's just fine with me because I know one day she probably won't even want to be in the same room as me let alone think what I'm doing is the coolest thing in the world.
So I'll revel in these moments as they last...

TRUTH...TRUTH...TRUTH...TRUTH

2005-11-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

Ok, lately my heart has been very saddened on the state of the church...here are some comments made by people I know on their opinion of their churches:

"...people don't talk to me outside of the "social circles" in which i find myself. if you can consider work and the five minutes i'm in the church building exchanging trite cliches and next to meaningless plesantries "social circles"

"I compare this high school to my church. On the outside it looks fine and the people are doing the right things. But if you dig deeper the corruption goes all the way to the top. Same thing in my church. All the deacons do not show up on Wednesday Night prayer meeting, unless they have to kuz there is a meeting. Same exact thing with the trustees. AND these are ourexampls? I'm ashamed these days, to call [name of church], my home church. Where I go. Where I was raised. I think at the next deacons meeting, I'm going to ask for my membership back. I don't want any part of this."

I haven't asked their permission to quote them, and I doubt they read this so perhaps they won't mind. The reason this makes me so sad is that I felt the same way for so many years. But the problem is TRUTH!!! and TRUTH MATTERS!!! If the TRUTH is not affecting people's lives then they don't care about the flock or "studying to show oneself approved unto God." These two quotes are from young people...and you know what they are crying out for? TRUTH!!! I heard a quote the other day on a program I actually can't stand but it was a good quote...I think it was Josh McDowell speaking and he said teens come up to him all the time and say "You know, our youth leaders think all we want is to eat pizza and watch movies, but we really want to know the TRUTH about the Bible." TRUTH TRUTH TRUTH
Ok, last fall this young speaker from BBC came to a camp rental retreat and spoke on Sanctification to high schoolers. You know why? Because he was MAD that when he was in high school no one addressed the "Big words" of the Bible. When he got to college he had to re-learn (or really learn for the first time) what it meant to really be a Christian!
If you want a church that stands for TRUTH give me a call...I'm not just trying to plug our church but I'm like that speaker, 2 years ago I began learning for the first time what it is to be saved, to have joy in salvation, to be filled with the Spirit and what true fellowship is all about! TRUTH!!

"I am the way, the TRUTH and the life, no man commeth unto the Father but by me."
- Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

Keith Green

2005-11-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I pledge my head to heaven for the Gospel,
And I ask no man on Earth to fill my needs.
Like the sparrow up above, I am enveloped in His love,
And I trust Him like those little ones, He feeds.
Well I pledge my wife to heaven, for the Gospel,
Though our love each passing day just seems to grow.
As I told her when we wed, I'd surely rather be found dead,
Than to love her more than the one who saved my soul.
I'm your child, and I want to be in your family forever.
I'm your child, and I'm going to follow you,
No matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost.

Well I pledge my son to heaven for the gospel.
Though he's kicked and beaten, ridiculed and scorn.
I will teach him to rejoice, and life a thankful praising voice,
And to be like Him who bore the nails and crown of thorns.
I'm your child, and I want to be in your family forever.
I'm your child, and I'm going to follow you,
No matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost.
Oh no matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost.

Well I've had the chance to gain the world, and to live just like a king,
But without your love, it doesn't mean a thing.
Oh no matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost,
Oh no matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost.
Well I pledge my son, I pledge my wife, I pledge my head to heaven,
I pledge my son, I pledge my wife,
I pledge my head to heaven, for the gospel.

Thanks, keith.

Can I say those things? Or do I love ________________ more than "The One who saved my soul?"

Still Laughing

2005-10-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

I hope you find this as funny as I do... I am still laughing a day later.

Ok, yesterday Lukas called from work and I thought he said "Dave (his boss) has a telescope that he's getting rid of and he's willing to sell it to us for $700 - I know we've talked about getting one, and that's a good price with all the trimmings." Has Lukas gone mad? A $700 telescope???? So I replied "Lukas, we don't have money to buy a telescope. " He actually sounded surprised that I wasn't going for it - and I couldn't remember ever talking about getting a telescope - we live in the city!!! Then I launched into this story about telescopes that I'd heard on NPR that "You can spend a ton of money to get a big telescope but if you're just starting out you can get a $50 one and a map of the stars and it may be a bit more challenging to find things, but it's all the same."
To this Lukas replied, sort of bewilderedly "Wow, Rebecca, nice story...." Something wasn't getting across here...He seriously wanted this telescope?
Then he said something along the line of saving money on heat...Hmmm... Perhaps he was not talking about a telescope after all.
Then he said the word again...."PELLET STOVE" which over a cell phone can sound an awful lot like telescope...trust me. So while I was telling this story about telescopes he was trying to figure out some spiritual analogy that I was trying to pass on to him about being content with what you have or something, when in reality I was just talking about telescopes.

So, we will not be getting a telescope...but Lord willing we will be getting a pellet stove. And after all, the telescope story went on to say that before you buy anything just go look at the stars from a meadow somewhere with a pair of bionoculars and see if you're really into it in the first place. And I really can't come up with a spiritual analogy out of that.

Weeping for the children...

2005-10-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Wow. I was so not going to blog about anything tonight, but my heart is instantly heavy.
I just finished reading the blog of a 15 year old girl, a pastor's daughter, and I am weeping for the children because they are no longer children. And my heart is heavy because when I was 15, my heart was in the same place hers is - focused on finding love in a relationship with some guy, not with Jesus Christ. But that quest is so empty - and leaves you only with regrets later in life (even if you don't have sex).
Ok, this leads me to another thought. Senior High week at Bethany Camp 1998 - Pastor Mike Hammons (if anyone knows where he is from or how I can contact him, let me know...) I thought the guy was totally gone. He passed out a survey and one question was something like this: (speaking to Sr. highers about sexual purity)
"How far is too far...should hands touch? Should lips touch? Should bodies touch?..."
He said NOTHING should touch, except that which does not cause you to lust. So some of us shouldn't even have had our eyes open. But seriously he hit purity to the core. So many young people (including myself as a teenager) ask "how far is too far" and youth leaders are so afraid to give a standard. The answer should be "he that looketh upon a woman and lusteth has commited adultery already." If you're lusting after a member of the opposite sex that you're not married to, you've already gone too far. I wish I could take these young girls ("CHRISTIAN" girls...pastors' daughters...) ...and love them, and teach them truth. And I know it is TRUTH that matters.
You see I know of young women who love the Lord and find all their worth in HIM. For an example check out Ednella's Blog . This girl is 15 as well - and she loves the Lord. I can think of three blonde girls from Erie, my cousin's daughter and a teenager in our church. Yes, there are girls out there who are not trying to find their worth in guys. But there are so many in the "church" who are doing just that! Again, my heart is heavy and I weep for them all. I pray the Lord will show me how I can help change these young girls lives with the truth.