No lies. This transition has been tougher than I ever imagined. As my earlier post noted we've been through quite a lot and this week it has continued. I'm documenting some of these events so one day when we look back we'll be able to see how far God has led us. He is Faithful. He is Sovereign. He has a Plan.
But, I forget.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
To Want For Nothing
I've sat down to blog my thoughts many times in the last few weeks, but every time the words just don't come and the ones that did echoed my whiny complaints. Our circumstances within the last year or so don't seem to make sense and I've asked the question, "Why?" too many times to count.
Not to bore you with the details of our life drama, know we've dealt with trials that encompass a cross-country move, loss of friends (due to move), sale of what we thought was our dream house, health issues, financial strain, insurance problems, auto issues, new school, renter issues, hotel living, court dates (to deal with non-paying renter), worries about our kids making friends, and as of Friday I learned my identity was stolen.
Not to bore you with the details of our life drama, know we've dealt with trials that encompass a cross-country move, loss of friends (due to move), sale of what we thought was our dream house, health issues, financial strain, insurance problems, auto issues, new school, renter issues, hotel living, court dates (to deal with non-paying renter), worries about our kids making friends, and as of Friday I learned my identity was stolen.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Covered By Prayer
In the last 24 hours a lot has happened. Thankfully there are the faithful prayer warriors out there doing what they do and I'm witnessing the results of their intercession.
Yesterday, I met with the director of the homeschool program our kids were planning on attending. After our brief meeting, I sensed some misgivings about attending. First off, driving to the location required a commute on toll road that often has traffic delays. Second, I sensed an air of conflict with the director. Third, it was a new program lacking years of experience.
The first day of this school was supposed to be today, but I was really hesitating being part of this group. Stress began to set in. What to do with little or no time to make changes?
Yesterday, I met with the director of the homeschool program our kids were planning on attending. After our brief meeting, I sensed some misgivings about attending. First off, driving to the location required a commute on toll road that often has traffic delays. Second, I sensed an air of conflict with the director. Third, it was a new program lacking years of experience.
The first day of this school was supposed to be today, but I was really hesitating being part of this group. Stress began to set in. What to do with little or no time to make changes?
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Never Let Me Go
We've packed up and headed east. In making this job transfer we've left behind palm trees, beautiful beaches, the hustle and bustle of Orange County and countless friends. It's hard. My heart aches to be close to the rushing waves. I've lived close to the Pacific for the last 25+ years. I didn't realize how much I'd miss it or how claustrophobic I'd feel without it.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
It's Not About the Money
The Bug.
I was so excited to have two parties interested in the little green bug, but I didn't realize how hard making a decision between the two was going to be. Many people would suggest to go with the highest offer price, but I soon found that didn't sit well with me.
Both interested parties were teenage girls. Girl #1, was my first caller. She is 18 years old and in the process of getting her driver's license. She's heading off to college in the fall and is currently employed as a Disney Princess. Girl #2 is also about 18. She lost her previous car to an unexpected engine fire. In the fire she lost her purse, iPhone and other personal belongings so dear to a teenage girl. Her family does foster care. You know how I love that!
I was so excited to have two parties interested in the little green bug, but I didn't realize how hard making a decision between the two was going to be. Many people would suggest to go with the highest offer price, but I soon found that didn't sit well with me.
Both interested parties were teenage girls. Girl #1, was my first caller. She is 18 years old and in the process of getting her driver's license. She's heading off to college in the fall and is currently employed as a Disney Princess. Girl #2 is also about 18. She lost her previous car to an unexpected engine fire. In the fire she lost her purse, iPhone and other personal belongings so dear to a teenage girl. Her family does foster care. You know how I love that!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
God's Faithfulness in the Small Things of Life
This morning I'm reminded once again of God's amazing faithfulness and the love He has for each one of us. He knows my inner fears and anxieties and provides in the most amazing of ways.
As we continue to prepare for this upcoming move, we're trying to downsize our belongings. I have a little green bug that I have LOVED for the last 10 years. This little bugger has brought a smile to my face every time I look at her and is a reflection of my youth and fun-loving spirit. But sadly, it's time for the little bugger, or Sweetpea as my mom calls her, to find a new home. She needs a vivacious young gal who will love her, care for her and find Bug-owner joy driving her.
As we continue to prepare for this upcoming move, we're trying to downsize our belongings. I have a little green bug that I have LOVED for the last 10 years. This little bugger has brought a smile to my face every time I look at her and is a reflection of my youth and fun-loving spirit. But sadly, it's time for the little bugger, or Sweetpea as my mom calls her, to find a new home. She needs a vivacious young gal who will love her, care for her and find Bug-owner joy driving her.
Friday, May 25, 2012
It Could Be Worse...I Could Be A Tribute
Remember Job? We're having a Job kind of week. If you're not familiar with this book named after a faithful man of God, Protestantism Suite 101 describes it as,
"The biblical book of Job that gives an account of Job's sufferings and his trust in God has great quotes about the immensity of God's love, power and greatness.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Simplicity...Continuing to Let Go
"Simplicity in your lifestyle will ensure you a happy life."
That was the fortune I found in a cookie last week. I'm not really one to believe in fortunes stashed inside the fortune cookie, unless they're verses I place inside homemade fortune cookies, but this one did spark interest as we continue to try to simplify by shedding the extra "stuff" accumulated.
That was the fortune I found in a cookie last week. I'm not really one to believe in fortunes stashed inside the fortune cookie, unless they're verses I place inside homemade fortune cookies, but this one did spark interest as we continue to try to simplify by shedding the extra "stuff" accumulated.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Heart Changes
I think I could be in the process of a heart change, maybe a growth spurt, or maybe like The Grinch, my heart is growing more love and compassion.
After reading Francis Chan's book Crazy Love last year, I was impressed to do something in service to the homeless. In that previous blog entry I shared my feeling about the homeless and about specific homeless folk in our area.
We've been faithful handing out baggies and backpacks (We have an abundance of drawstring backpacks we've been using too. They work great!) filled with goodies when we come in contact with the homeless. The kids really love it. They're always disappointed if we see a homeless person and don't have a baggie. I hear, "Mom, we need to get another baggie in the car."
Yes we do.
This year Francis Chan spoke twice at our church. One service was a pre-Easter worship service and the other was on Easter morning.
After reading Francis Chan's book Crazy Love last year, I was impressed to do something in service to the homeless. In that previous blog entry I shared my feeling about the homeless and about specific homeless folk in our area.
We've been faithful handing out baggies and backpacks (We have an abundance of drawstring backpacks we've been using too. They work great!) filled with goodies when we come in contact with the homeless. The kids really love it. They're always disappointed if we see a homeless person and don't have a baggie. I hear, "Mom, we need to get another baggie in the car."
Yes we do.
This year Francis Chan spoke twice at our church. One service was a pre-Easter worship service and the other was on Easter morning.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
What's Your Impact?
Throughout your busy day, are your thoughts constantly wrestling with the multitude of philosophical questions plaguing society? I grapple consistently with so many topics bouncing around my overactive brain. Perhaps, my obsessive tendencies cause me to return to these questions, or perhaps I just want to know the answers. The world gives us one answer to life's questions, but God gives us a much different answer. His Word tells us:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
For My Facebook Friend
Truth is... I really like Facebook.
Facebook has brought friendships that I never dreamed I'd have. I have found common interests with so many unexpected people.
One Facebook friend whom I've never met in person is a gal who attended the same church we did in Washington. I know her kids through AWANA back in the days when I was a leader. She's an amazing woman and momma to 5 kids, most adopted. She's also a single mom. She's home schooled. I admire her in so many ways!
Where is Home?
Where is HOME to you?
Where are your roots?
Hmmmmm....
These are questions often asked.
Makes me think and wonder...Where is my home?
Do we have a home? or a hometown?
Where are your roots?
Hmmmmm....
These are questions often asked.
Makes me think and wonder...Where is my home?
Do we have a home? or a hometown?
Friday, January 13, 2012
Raising "Different" Kids
I love our kids. More than life itself.
Before I was a mom, I knew I would dedicate my life to raising up godly, respectful, blessed children. If being a MOM was a recipe I knew the main ingredient would be LOVE.
With each child, I gave them a song during my pregnancy. Our oldest son's song is "Blessed" by Elton John. Drawing from the lyrics of the song, I knew he'd be blessed; I'd give him my best; I promised him that.
When you commit to raise children, promising to give them your best, you make choices and sacrifices along the way. I can't say I know how they will turn out as adults, but it is my desire to raise kids who are different. By different I mean they don't fit in the "teenager" box or the "terrible two's" box or whatever other box the world wants to put them in. Too often the world wants to place our kids a box. It is our hope that they are who God says they are. They are gifts packaged by God, different from any other kid who has hit this earth! I'm honored to be given the gift of being their mom.
Parenting = Leaning heavily on God and His Word. My plan in parenting was simple: pour vast amounts of love on our kids, correct self-centered behavior and teach them compassion for others. Along the way, in addition to love and compassion we hoped to teach them honor, respect, courtesy, kindness, generosity and more. We acknowledge their gifts and celebrate the way God made them.
There are times I look at them completely honored. Now I'm the one who is blessed.
Last night, our kids displayed their kindness, compassion and caring hearts.
I'm not sharing this to blow my own horn, but to celebrate what I see as the "different" behavior I had hoped and prayed for.
The kids accompanied me to the CrossFit gym for my workout. They are so patient! They've endured countless hours at the gym waiting.
Last night's workout consisted of:
3 Rounds
800 meter run carrying 35 pound weight
3 rope climbs up a 15 foot rope
12 thrusters (I did 55 pounds)
So they wouldn't be bored, I suggested they run with me. They love to workout, and jumped at the opportunity.
I found carrying 35 pounds while running is really tough. Actually, it was more of a shuffle. Our kids are incredible encouragers. Throughout the run, they consistently repeated, "Go, Mom! You're doing great!"
I forgot to mention we were running in the dark. I make it a practice to never run alone in the dark. I've mentioned numerous times about safety while running; running alone in the dark is not a good idea.
I have a friend, Suzie, who attends the gym at the same time. Suzie is incredible. She's made amazing progress! She was running alone last night when I was with the three kids. I noticed during round two of the workout, our younger two kids were close to my side, but my oldest was holding back. I sensed he was keeping tabs on Suzie making sure she was okay.
By round three, he was jogging alongside her offering encouragement. He finished round three with her.
When she walked in, she breathlessly said, "You're kids are awesome."
This melted my heart.
He is different.
How many teenage boys would hold back not looking to run for their own glory, but to ensure the 40-something made it in safely?
His heart is HUGELY kind and compassionate!
I love that!
I didn't tell him to run with Suzie. He just did it.
Developing your child's character isn't something you set out on a weekend to build. It's something that takes place everyday as you invest in your kids. It takes time, patience, and diligence. It's not easy, but so worth it! Be encouraged!
I read this quote the other day and it seems applicable:
Before I was a mom, I knew I would dedicate my life to raising up godly, respectful, blessed children. If being a MOM was a recipe I knew the main ingredient would be LOVE.
With each child, I gave them a song during my pregnancy. Our oldest son's song is "Blessed" by Elton John. Drawing from the lyrics of the song, I knew he'd be blessed; I'd give him my best; I promised him that.
When you commit to raise children, promising to give them your best, you make choices and sacrifices along the way. I can't say I know how they will turn out as adults, but it is my desire to raise kids who are different. By different I mean they don't fit in the "teenager" box or the "terrible two's" box or whatever other box the world wants to put them in. Too often the world wants to place our kids a box. It is our hope that they are who God says they are. They are gifts packaged by God, different from any other kid who has hit this earth! I'm honored to be given the gift of being their mom.
Parenting = Leaning heavily on God and His Word. My plan in parenting was simple: pour vast amounts of love on our kids, correct self-centered behavior and teach them compassion for others. Along the way, in addition to love and compassion we hoped to teach them honor, respect, courtesy, kindness, generosity and more. We acknowledge their gifts and celebrate the way God made them.
There are times I look at them completely honored. Now I'm the one who is blessed.
Last night, our kids displayed their kindness, compassion and caring hearts.
I'm not sharing this to blow my own horn, but to celebrate what I see as the "different" behavior I had hoped and prayed for.
The kids accompanied me to the CrossFit gym for my workout. They are so patient! They've endured countless hours at the gym waiting.
Last night's workout consisted of:
3 Rounds
800 meter run carrying 35 pound weight
3 rope climbs up a 15 foot rope
12 thrusters (I did 55 pounds)
So they wouldn't be bored, I suggested they run with me. They love to workout, and jumped at the opportunity.
I found carrying 35 pounds while running is really tough. Actually, it was more of a shuffle. Our kids are incredible encouragers. Throughout the run, they consistently repeated, "Go, Mom! You're doing great!"
I forgot to mention we were running in the dark. I make it a practice to never run alone in the dark. I've mentioned numerous times about safety while running; running alone in the dark is not a good idea.
I have a friend, Suzie, who attends the gym at the same time. Suzie is incredible. She's made amazing progress! She was running alone last night when I was with the three kids. I noticed during round two of the workout, our younger two kids were close to my side, but my oldest was holding back. I sensed he was keeping tabs on Suzie making sure she was okay.
By round three, he was jogging alongside her offering encouragement. He finished round three with her.
When she walked in, she breathlessly said, "You're kids are awesome."
This melted my heart.
He is different.
How many teenage boys would hold back not looking to run for their own glory, but to ensure the 40-something made it in safely?
His heart is HUGELY kind and compassionate!
I love that!
I didn't tell him to run with Suzie. He just did it.
Developing your child's character isn't something you set out on a weekend to build. It's something that takes place everyday as you invest in your kids. It takes time, patience, and diligence. It's not easy, but so worth it! Be encouraged!
I read this quote the other day and it seems applicable:
Sunday, January 01, 2012
A Different Kind of Resolution
A new year brings new beginnings and fresh starts. Each January my hub and I sit down and compile a list of goals. Every year I hope to be thinner, fitter, smarter, and wiser. I strive to be a better wife and mom. I hope for big accomplishments and attain a few.
But the reality is every year I have just about the same body I had the year before. I'm just about as fit as I was the year before. I've read a few more books, seen a few more museums and checked a couple more items of the bucket list of life.
Ultimately, my life goal is to be a Proverbs 31 woman. At the end, I hope it can be said, as in Miss Rumphius, (with God's help and guidance) I've done my part to make the world a little more beautiful.
This year rather than taking the same approach to goal setting, I'm going to proceed a bit differently and go back to basics. Thinking about the new year and setting goals, I was impressed to consider Exodus and the 10 Commandments. A fresh look at these well known Commandments offers guidelines to everyday living in 2012. After each commandment, I'll insert my own personal application.
1) YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME
No other gods before the One True Holy God.
My resolution: Do not bow to the god of materialism, the god of security, the god of comfort, the god of gluttony/food, the god of obsessive behavior, the god of money, the god of health and fitness, the god of busyness, the god of perfectionism, or any other god that would take first place in my life over GOD. I shall be loyal to God.
2) YOU SHALL NOT MAKE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE
Worship shall be directed to God alone.
My resolution: Continuing to develop, know and worship God will be a daily part of life. I will continue to share God's love with our kids.
3) YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAIN
Speaking God's name shall be done in respect and with honor.
My resolution: When I speak of God, I will honor His goodness and blessings He's placed in our life. One of my favorite sayings will still ring true, "God is Good All the Time!"
4) REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY
Honoring God by slowing down and resting.
My resolution: This is a hard one for me. Taking time to slow down feels like wasting precious hours. It will be hard to take time to slow down, rest and allow time for God to speak, restore, and rejuvenate, but as a commandment, I realize it must be important. I will rest. When I don't, please remind me of #4! Seeking accountability here!
5) HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER
God has blessed me with great parents, grandparents and in-laws.
My resolution: I will respect and honor my parents, grandparents and in-laws. They were placed in my life by God. I will cherish family history and strive to learn more about our forefathers who were so instrumental in making us who we are today. It is a goal to begin an ancestry study this year.
6) YOU SHALL NOT MURDER
Have reverence for life and respect those around you.
My resolution: I will continue to support organizations who work to support and honor life. I will continue to support organizations like Childcare Worldwide that seek to save the lives of children around the globe. I will be open and consider opportunities God places in our lives in which we can support those who are seeking new beginnings. I want to encourage those around us to succeed. I want to be a dream encourager not a dream killer.
7) YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
Marriage is sacred. I don't know if there has been a year in all our married life that we've seen more marriages of Christian couples blow up. It's heartbreaking! My hub and I have discussed this and it saddens us. When we married we made a covenant commitment before God until death do us part.
My resolution: We will stay married. I know that sounds strange, but with so many marriages falling apart I think it should be announced we will commit to make this marriage work with a Christ-centered focus, and open communication. We will do this because it's a commandment, and also because we have a history, three beautiful children and there's nothing in this world worth blowing it up.
8) YOU SHALL NOT STEAL
I will not take what doesn't belong to me. I will work diligently.
My resolution: If I didn't work for it, and it wasn't a gift; it's not mine. I think this also applies to time. There are certain hours in the day that are designated to our kids schooling. I will not take their hours for my own.
9) YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR
Be truthful. Reserve judgement until all the facts are known. No gossiping.
My resolution: My words shall be used to build up others and not tear down or wound. Be a source of encouragement.
10) YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR'S POSSESSIONS
Do not be jealous about what someone else has or what they've earned.
My resolution: It is my desire to be content. This is hard when we live in the land of the O.C. or better known as the OH WOW!
Although I see many around us with more and better, my heart shall be content with what we have.
Although I see those around me lifting more weight and doing more pull-ups, I shall be content.
When I see a gal with beautifully manicured eyebrows or a wonderful Brazilian blowout, I will be content with my home blown hair and self-tweezed brows.
When I see cute, thin yoga-momma in her Lululemon's, I will be grateful for my curvy figure- I hear curves are making a comeback.
I will appreciate and compliment others on the blessings they receive and I will refrain for wishing for more. Contentment. It's a good thing!
And lastly...
Love this year as I've never loved before.
As commanded in Luke 10:27
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Happy New Year!
But the reality is every year I have just about the same body I had the year before. I'm just about as fit as I was the year before. I've read a few more books, seen a few more museums and checked a couple more items of the bucket list of life.
Ultimately, my life goal is to be a Proverbs 31 woman. At the end, I hope it can be said, as in Miss Rumphius, (with God's help and guidance) I've done my part to make the world a little more beautiful.
This year rather than taking the same approach to goal setting, I'm going to proceed a bit differently and go back to basics. Thinking about the new year and setting goals, I was impressed to consider Exodus and the 10 Commandments. A fresh look at these well known Commandments offers guidelines to everyday living in 2012. After each commandment, I'll insert my own personal application.
1) YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME
No other gods before the One True Holy God.
My resolution: Do not bow to the god of materialism, the god of security, the god of comfort, the god of gluttony/food, the god of obsessive behavior, the god of money, the god of health and fitness, the god of busyness, the god of perfectionism, or any other god that would take first place in my life over GOD. I shall be loyal to God.
2) YOU SHALL NOT MAKE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE
Worship shall be directed to God alone.
My resolution: Continuing to develop, know and worship God will be a daily part of life. I will continue to share God's love with our kids.
3) YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAIN
Speaking God's name shall be done in respect and with honor.
My resolution: When I speak of God, I will honor His goodness and blessings He's placed in our life. One of my favorite sayings will still ring true, "God is Good All the Time!"
4) REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY
Honoring God by slowing down and resting.
My resolution: This is a hard one for me. Taking time to slow down feels like wasting precious hours. It will be hard to take time to slow down, rest and allow time for God to speak, restore, and rejuvenate, but as a commandment, I realize it must be important. I will rest. When I don't, please remind me of #4! Seeking accountability here!
5) HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER
God has blessed me with great parents, grandparents and in-laws.
My resolution: I will respect and honor my parents, grandparents and in-laws. They were placed in my life by God. I will cherish family history and strive to learn more about our forefathers who were so instrumental in making us who we are today. It is a goal to begin an ancestry study this year.
6) YOU SHALL NOT MURDER
Have reverence for life and respect those around you.
My resolution: I will continue to support organizations who work to support and honor life. I will continue to support organizations like Childcare Worldwide that seek to save the lives of children around the globe. I will be open and consider opportunities God places in our lives in which we can support those who are seeking new beginnings. I want to encourage those around us to succeed. I want to be a dream encourager not a dream killer.
7) YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
Marriage is sacred. I don't know if there has been a year in all our married life that we've seen more marriages of Christian couples blow up. It's heartbreaking! My hub and I have discussed this and it saddens us. When we married we made a covenant commitment before God until death do us part.
My resolution: We will stay married. I know that sounds strange, but with so many marriages falling apart I think it should be announced we will commit to make this marriage work with a Christ-centered focus, and open communication. We will do this because it's a commandment, and also because we have a history, three beautiful children and there's nothing in this world worth blowing it up.
8) YOU SHALL NOT STEAL
I will not take what doesn't belong to me. I will work diligently.
My resolution: If I didn't work for it, and it wasn't a gift; it's not mine. I think this also applies to time. There are certain hours in the day that are designated to our kids schooling. I will not take their hours for my own.
9) YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR
Be truthful. Reserve judgement until all the facts are known. No gossiping.
My resolution: My words shall be used to build up others and not tear down or wound. Be a source of encouragement.
10) YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR'S POSSESSIONS
Do not be jealous about what someone else has or what they've earned.
My resolution: It is my desire to be content. This is hard when we live in the land of the O.C. or better known as the OH WOW!
Although I see many around us with more and better, my heart shall be content with what we have.
Although I see those around me lifting more weight and doing more pull-ups, I shall be content.
When I see a gal with beautifully manicured eyebrows or a wonderful Brazilian blowout, I will be content with my home blown hair and self-tweezed brows.
When I see cute, thin yoga-momma in her Lululemon's, I will be grateful for my curvy figure- I hear curves are making a comeback.
I will appreciate and compliment others on the blessings they receive and I will refrain for wishing for more. Contentment. It's a good thing!
And lastly...
Love this year as I've never loved before.
As commanded in Luke 10:27
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Happy New Year!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Where to begin...
My brain is swirling with too many thoughts and ideas for posts. My camera is filled with food photos of recipes to share, but there's just not enough time in the day.
This blog is primarily a journal so I can pass down family history, stories, ideas, recipes, and examples of God's goodness witnessed. I don't want to ever take anything for granted and hope to teach our kids that God is GOOD ALL THE TIME!
Yesterday I was feeling down, in despair, and destitute- actually quite pitiful. The word that came to mind was RAW. I know on the blog, and in life, I may seem upbeat and cheery, but there are times when I feel like the scales are tipping to the side of uncertainty, "What do we do now?" It's at these moments when I realize I'm not in control. God has a plan. He's making me and molding me into the person He desires me to be. Reliant on Him, rather than reliant on self.
This has been a tough year on us. Like many Americans, we've been hit pretty hard with the economic downturn. Living on one income is difficult. Unexpected expenses can really rock the financial boat. We've had a number of unexpected expenses arise. I feel like we've had a financial earthquake and the aftershocks keep rolling in. I wonder when it will end, but I'm afraid to even ask.
Through all of this God continues to teach us lessons.
The Stuff Doesn't Matter
In 2007, my hub was offered a job position in Southern California. We had a comfortable life in the Pacific Northwest. We had a lot of friends, a GREAT church, a wonderful community, newly built custom home, a view of majestic mountains, everything we could dream of. I remember walking our property talking with God. I didn't want to move. I loved all we had. I loved the comfort and security. I sensed Him asking me, "Do you love this house, more than you love what I have in store for you? Do you love this property more than the plans I have for you? Do you love that view more than what awaits?"
These are tough questions!
At that time He gave me the following verses:
Genesis 12:1
I knew God was asking me to jump out of the comfort zone and head to a new land with new adventures in store. He was dealing with my heart and my stuff. I took to heart, "throw off anything that hinders." I had a lot of sentimental stuff hindering me from moving. We began to move things out, but that was only the beginning.
Even after paring down, we moved to SoCal with A LOT! I really felt for our poor movers. Over the last couple years we've thrown off probably thousands of pounds of hindrances, but there's still more to be done. I'm giving away and selling so much. It's freeing! And I've realized so much of it just doesn't matter temporarily or eternally. It's cluttering up our house, my heart, and our family freedom.
God, Where Are You?
Over the last six months or so, I feel like I've been in a boxing match getting knocked into the rings, finding strength to get up only to get hit again. God's blessed us with amazing resilience, but it gets exhausting. I can't tell you how many times I've had "Job" moments. Now there's a man who went THROUGH it!!
Over the last few months we've lost friends to illness, our cat died, we've had financial strains, broken bones, dental issues, and we're looking at being transferred once again. We're living in a state of uncertainty. I've noticed anxiety creeping into life again. Living in the moment has gone out the window while my mind is preoccupied with worries about how this is all going to work out. Since I'm such a control-freak, I'm so quick to try to grab the reins from God thinking He has NO IDEA where we're going. I'm just like the Israelites during the Exodus. You'd think I'd learn something along the way, but apparently I haven't grasped the concept yet!
I'm reading Beth Moore's Breaking Free right now. Could there be a more perfect book, besides the Bible, for me to read? I'd quote the whole book because it's that good, but that would make for one HUGE blog, so I'll keep it short.
God does know where we're going. He hears the cries of uncertainty and reassures. He's been consistently revealing himself through His Word, other books, sermons, and my kids.
Listen to the Kids
I may not have mentioned it yet to day, but our kids are awesomeness! They provide great perspective and wisdom continually.
Yesterday, when I had the look of a stressed out mom, our oldest son said to me, "Mom, this is just like Soul Surfer. When Bethany lost her arm and thought she had lost it all, she went to Thailand. God gave her perspective in her situation. Mom, you just need to check your perspective."
Oh my word! Was that my precious child who just spoke these amazing words? Love Him! The wisdom of youth is priceless!
I had lost perspective. He guided me back on the path.
Last Thoughts...
When the Israelites were full of doubt in their weakness Moses reassured them,
So, I will be still, or as The Message reads, "keep your mouth shut!" God has a plan. He is the potter, I am the clay. Sometimes this molding process can just be a bit uncomfortable.
This blog is primarily a journal so I can pass down family history, stories, ideas, recipes, and examples of God's goodness witnessed. I don't want to ever take anything for granted and hope to teach our kids that God is GOOD ALL THE TIME!
Yesterday I was feeling down, in despair, and destitute- actually quite pitiful. The word that came to mind was RAW. I know on the blog, and in life, I may seem upbeat and cheery, but there are times when I feel like the scales are tipping to the side of uncertainty, "What do we do now?" It's at these moments when I realize I'm not in control. God has a plan. He's making me and molding me into the person He desires me to be. Reliant on Him, rather than reliant on self.
This has been a tough year on us. Like many Americans, we've been hit pretty hard with the economic downturn. Living on one income is difficult. Unexpected expenses can really rock the financial boat. We've had a number of unexpected expenses arise. I feel like we've had a financial earthquake and the aftershocks keep rolling in. I wonder when it will end, but I'm afraid to even ask.
Through all of this God continues to teach us lessons.
The Stuff Doesn't Matter
In 2007, my hub was offered a job position in Southern California. We had a comfortable life in the Pacific Northwest. We had a lot of friends, a GREAT church, a wonderful community, newly built custom home, a view of majestic mountains, everything we could dream of. I remember walking our property talking with God. I didn't want to move. I loved all we had. I loved the comfort and security. I sensed Him asking me, "Do you love this house, more than you love what I have in store for you? Do you love this property more than the plans I have for you? Do you love that view more than what awaits?"
These are tough questions!
At that time He gave me the following verses:
Genesis 12:1
"Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you."Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,"
I like how The Message rephrases it too:
Hebrews 12:1-3
Discipline in a Long-Distance Race
"Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"
Even after paring down, we moved to SoCal with A LOT! I really felt for our poor movers. Over the last couple years we've thrown off probably thousands of pounds of hindrances, but there's still more to be done. I'm giving away and selling so much. It's freeing! And I've realized so much of it just doesn't matter temporarily or eternally. It's cluttering up our house, my heart, and our family freedom.
God, Where Are You?
Over the last six months or so, I feel like I've been in a boxing match getting knocked into the rings, finding strength to get up only to get hit again. God's blessed us with amazing resilience, but it gets exhausting. I can't tell you how many times I've had "Job" moments. Now there's a man who went THROUGH it!!
Over the last few months we've lost friends to illness, our cat died, we've had financial strains, broken bones, dental issues, and we're looking at being transferred once again. We're living in a state of uncertainty. I've noticed anxiety creeping into life again. Living in the moment has gone out the window while my mind is preoccupied with worries about how this is all going to work out. Since I'm such a control-freak, I'm so quick to try to grab the reins from God thinking He has NO IDEA where we're going. I'm just like the Israelites during the Exodus. You'd think I'd learn something along the way, but apparently I haven't grasped the concept yet!
I'm reading Beth Moore's Breaking Free right now. Could there be a more perfect book, besides the Bible, for me to read? I'd quote the whole book because it's that good, but that would make for one HUGE blog, so I'll keep it short.
"God surpasses our dreams when we reach past our personal plans and agendas to grab the hand of Christ and walk the path He has chosen for us."
"His Word, 'is a lamp to my feet.' meaning a guide for the steps I'm taking right now. His Word is also 'a light for my path,' meaning a guide for my immediate future. God's Word sheds light on our 'present' path and our immediate future so we'll know what steps to take, but for further instruction we'll have to walk today and check again!"
God does know where we're going. He hears the cries of uncertainty and reassures. He's been consistently revealing himself through His Word, other books, sermons, and my kids.
Listen to the Kids
I may not have mentioned it yet to day, but our kids are awesomeness! They provide great perspective and wisdom continually.
Yesterday, when I had the look of a stressed out mom, our oldest son said to me, "Mom, this is just like Soul Surfer. When Bethany lost her arm and thought she had lost it all, she went to Thailand. God gave her perspective in her situation. Mom, you just need to check your perspective."
Oh my word! Was that my precious child who just spoke these amazing words? Love Him! The wisdom of youth is priceless!
I had lost perspective. He guided me back on the path.
Last Thoughts...
When the Israelites were full of doubt in their weakness Moses reassured them,
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:13-14
So, I will be still, or as The Message reads, "keep your mouth shut!" God has a plan. He is the potter, I am the clay. Sometimes this molding process can just be a bit uncomfortable.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Modern Day Eye Openers
The thing about volunteering to be an audience member on the Dr. Drew Lifechangers show is you basically have no idea what the show will be about until you arrive and are getting "warmed up" by funny guy, Roger.
I have to be honest. There are a lot of things I know nothing about. I wouldn't say naive, just unaware. As a stay-at-home, homeschool, sports-minded mom, there's not much time to watch television. I find it nearly impossible to keep up on the latest programming, celebrity gossip, fashion trends, and the like unless it's part of news talk radio updates I catch in the early morning. I don't know who is on Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, or Survivor. I've never watched any of them, but I do know Lindsay Lohan evaded another trip to the clink.
I hoped the topic of discussion on Lifechangers would be something I could relate to. After visiting Dr. Drew's website, I was a bit nervous to learn what the episode would be about. I secretly hoped we'd be sitting in on a talk about finicky eaters or quick wardrobe fixes and not a topic familiar to the set of Jerry Springer.
I was hoping.
Well, when we arrived Roger told us we'd be part of a taping following up on the "Bunny Ranch." I'm thinking 4-H, lopped-eared, little hoppers.
I looked at my friends. I don't think they knew anything about it either.
Once again I felt like, country girl in the Big City.
Huh?
As it turns out, the bunny ranch is nothing sweet and innocent like I was thinking. It's apparently a place, in Nevada, where women go to become prostitutes.
Sad.
Dr. Drew followed two gals who were considering going into this age old profession to earn big bucks to support their families during this season of economic downturn.
Seriously?
The owners of the "ranch" talked about it like it was Disneyland or something. "It's so fun! So glamorous. So exciting!"
Give me a break! Such lies!
Dr. Drew, knowing the price that would actually be paid if either of the girls chose this profession, did his best to talk them out of it.
One gal opted not to seek a life of prostitution and said she'd continue on as an in home nurse. Thank goodness! She has a three year old.
The other gal was questionable. There was a distinct strangeness about her. One minute she'd sit crying her eyeballs out and the next she's checking herself out on the prompters, messing with her hair, lips and dress. Something was just not right about her and her family. She left telling Dr. Drew she was going to "give it a try." Yikes!
So...what came to mind watching this?
Well, first off...WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?????
There is NO money in the world worth making this type of decision! Money will never buy happiness, peace of mind, purity, or fill the voids of life. The cost of making a decision to live the life of selling your body will never be matched by dollars. My momma heart wanted to walk up to the stage, give those girls a hug and say, "Don't do it!"
I couldn't help but think of International Justice Mission. They go around the world rescuing girls from the terrible life of prostitution and yet these gals were willing to walk into it. They made it sound like it's all about money. So sad! Around the world young girls are being sold into sexual slavery- all for money. Fathers sell their daughters. Young girls and young women are unknowingly captured or persuaded into the slave trade in the hopes of providing for the family. This is SO wrong! This is why people from organizations like IJM are risking their lives to help these girls, yet here in Nevada, we have beautiful young women willingly walking into the same deceptive trap. Heartbreaking!
So what to do?
Recognize the reality of the world. Prostitution is nothing new. Even in Jesus's own lineage he had a prostitute, Rahab. As we learned with Rahab, there is a renewed life of blessing for those willing to live lives surrendered to God.
Support International Justice Mission or similar organizations that fight against these evils.
I heard Mark Driscoll once talk about Annie Lobert and Hookers for Jesus. These gals have experienced the life of prostitution and escaped it. They have found a new life through Christ. I read Annie Lobert has also been on Dr. Drew's Lifechanger's program. Too bad she wasn't there for this episode.
Reading Annie's story reminds me there is always hope. Hope for something better. Hope for tomorrow.
I hope these gals figure out there are other options in life than seeking out the lies leading down the road of destruction.
I have to be honest. There are a lot of things I know nothing about. I wouldn't say naive, just unaware. As a stay-at-home, homeschool, sports-minded mom, there's not much time to watch television. I find it nearly impossible to keep up on the latest programming, celebrity gossip, fashion trends, and the like unless it's part of news talk radio updates I catch in the early morning. I don't know who is on Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, or Survivor. I've never watched any of them, but I do know Lindsay Lohan evaded another trip to the clink.
I hoped the topic of discussion on Lifechangers would be something I could relate to. After visiting Dr. Drew's website, I was a bit nervous to learn what the episode would be about. I secretly hoped we'd be sitting in on a talk about finicky eaters or quick wardrobe fixes and not a topic familiar to the set of Jerry Springer.
I was hoping.
Well, when we arrived Roger told us we'd be part of a taping following up on the "Bunny Ranch." I'm thinking 4-H, lopped-eared, little hoppers.
I looked at my friends. I don't think they knew anything about it either.
Once again I felt like, country girl in the Big City.
Huh?
As it turns out, the bunny ranch is nothing sweet and innocent like I was thinking. It's apparently a place, in Nevada, where women go to become prostitutes.
Sad.
Dr. Drew followed two gals who were considering going into this age old profession to earn big bucks to support their families during this season of economic downturn.
Seriously?
The owners of the "ranch" talked about it like it was Disneyland or something. "It's so fun! So glamorous. So exciting!"
Give me a break! Such lies!
Dr. Drew, knowing the price that would actually be paid if either of the girls chose this profession, did his best to talk them out of it.
One gal opted not to seek a life of prostitution and said she'd continue on as an in home nurse. Thank goodness! She has a three year old.
The other gal was questionable. There was a distinct strangeness about her. One minute she'd sit crying her eyeballs out and the next she's checking herself out on the prompters, messing with her hair, lips and dress. Something was just not right about her and her family. She left telling Dr. Drew she was going to "give it a try." Yikes!
So...what came to mind watching this?
Well, first off...WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?????
There is NO money in the world worth making this type of decision! Money will never buy happiness, peace of mind, purity, or fill the voids of life. The cost of making a decision to live the life of selling your body will never be matched by dollars. My momma heart wanted to walk up to the stage, give those girls a hug and say, "Don't do it!"
I couldn't help but think of International Justice Mission. They go around the world rescuing girls from the terrible life of prostitution and yet these gals were willing to walk into it. They made it sound like it's all about money. So sad! Around the world young girls are being sold into sexual slavery- all for money. Fathers sell their daughters. Young girls and young women are unknowingly captured or persuaded into the slave trade in the hopes of providing for the family. This is SO wrong! This is why people from organizations like IJM are risking their lives to help these girls, yet here in Nevada, we have beautiful young women willingly walking into the same deceptive trap. Heartbreaking!
So what to do?
Recognize the reality of the world. Prostitution is nothing new. Even in Jesus's own lineage he had a prostitute, Rahab. As we learned with Rahab, there is a renewed life of blessing for those willing to live lives surrendered to God.
Support International Justice Mission or similar organizations that fight against these evils.
I heard Mark Driscoll once talk about Annie Lobert and Hookers for Jesus. These gals have experienced the life of prostitution and escaped it. They have found a new life through Christ. I read Annie Lobert has also been on Dr. Drew's Lifechanger's program. Too bad she wasn't there for this episode.
Reading Annie's story reminds me there is always hope. Hope for something better. Hope for tomorrow.
I hope these gals figure out there are other options in life than seeking out the lies leading down the road of destruction.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Psalm 8:1-2
LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
Once a month I volunteer at our church nursery. It's my opportunity to hold babies and enjoy the wonder and amazement only seen in the eyes of children. I love it when they look at a Cheerio with complete interest and abandon or, when over the raucous of kids playing, they hear music and start bouncing to the beat. I especially love it when they look up with big, innocent eyes and whisper in a faint voice something VERY important, perhaps even earth-shaking. The wisdom of children should never be overlooked. I've found they're privy to the truths the aged have adulterated. I was reminded once again to listen to the children, for from their innocence they still know the truth of our Creator.
Yesterday as the children were arriving, leaders were greeting, entertaining and inviting them to play. Some of the younger ones began to cry. I usually hold the crying babies until they're settled. While holding them I watched the older children who were excited to see the array of toys, puzzles, play-dough, books, and friends.
Shortly after arriving, a little two-year old girl, named Faye, walked up to me. She had sparkly blue eyes and very short, slightly curly blond hair. Faye wanted to tell me something. I squatted to the floor, and listened intently over the drum of racing cars and battery powered toys. My ears were straining to make sense of the language of this precious two year old. I felt like I needed an interpreter. I looked at her and asked her to repeat. Faye delivered her message again. Again, I couldn't understand. I started to offer suggestions for what I "thought" I was hearing. Patiently, she repeated herself again, and again, and again. My brain was working overtime, trying to decipher the two-year old English. Finally, I was beginning to put it together. Faye began to smile at this persistent 40-something. She was being understood.
Faye said again, "JESUS IS POWERFUL!"
Oh my word, Faye, your are right! What an amazing collection of three words!
It doesn't get much better than that!
Jesus knew I needed to hear those words that morning. He knew the delivery would come from a precious two year old. He knew I'd listen to a 2-year old.
So many times we look to the "intellectual" or "learned" men to explain the truths of the universe to us, but often all we need to do is look in the eyes of a child to remind us what is REALLY important.
So today, my reflection will be on the following verse. May my words be pleasing to the Lord, as Faye's were.
Psalm 19:14
New International Version (NIV)
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Handling Criticism...Not One of My Strengths
Hello. My name is Kimberly, and I'm People Pleaser. I wish I could say, "I'm a recovering people pleaser," but that's not the case as of yet. I've worked on Boundaries, recovery and the like for years, but the people pleasing is a flaw that I'll probably take with me to the grave.
If you follow this blog, you may know I was recently defriended on Facebook. Honestly, the rejection from the defriending really threw me for a loop. I tend to be the type of person who is loyal to the end in friendships, often at my own expense. I don't like friction and will choose being agreeable rather than making waves. Some people have no issue expressing their displeasure to your face, but I'd just about rather experience another root canal than confront someone who intimidates me. Hurting the feelings of another makes my heart hurt, so I avoid. I know this isn't being honest about your feelings with others, but sometimes being this kind of honest is just really hard.
I found a great article on being a people pleaser. If you're unsure of what constitutes a People Pleaser, check out these signs:
I love what Jesus said to Judas,
There are times in life when accusations and unkind words will come our way. I love that fact that I can turn to the Bible and find answers for the brokenness I experience in everyday life. I know that in those pages I can find people who have walked sinful lives, just like me, and found sweet forgiveness. I can find people who struggle with the same life stuff I struggle with. I find real people who are rejected and broken. I can also find people who are restored and made whole.
In my defriending, I learned one reason (I'm sure there were more) I was defriended was because of my pro-life stance. I guess if I'm to be defriended for loving the unborn, that's okay. I will always stand for LIFE, because I know my God loves life!
I can't help but wonder, even though Jesus told Judas to leave Mary alone, if she felt the sting of the words from someone who was in the "inner circle." Judas was one of Jesus's disciples. At this point, they didn't know Judas was going to betray Jesus. Jesus knew, but the rest of those present might have been thinking, "Yeah, Mary! What are you doing?"
I wonder if Mary had a moment wondering if she had done the right thing? I wonder if Mary anticipated her actions would be pleasing to Jesus, but criticized by the others present? I wonder if she went to Martha afterward and discussed the event? Did she wonder if she did the right thing? Afterward, did Mary want to crawl under a rock and say, "I'm never going to go out again. I can't handle the criticism and rejection."
I wish we knew more of what Mary was thinking. What I do know, is we know what we were supposed to know of Mary.
I guess one thing I've learned through all of this may sound cliche:
If you follow this blog, you may know I was recently defriended on Facebook. Honestly, the rejection from the defriending really threw me for a loop. I tend to be the type of person who is loyal to the end in friendships, often at my own expense. I don't like friction and will choose being agreeable rather than making waves. Some people have no issue expressing their displeasure to your face, but I'd just about rather experience another root canal than confront someone who intimidates me. Hurting the feelings of another makes my heart hurt, so I avoid. I know this isn't being honest about your feelings with others, but sometimes being this kind of honest is just really hard.
I found a great article on being a people pleaser. If you're unsure of what constitutes a People Pleaser, check out these signs:
Signs of a People Pleaser
- Someone who says yes, even when their mind says no.
- Someone who is devastated when they think someone doesn’t like them.
- Someone who would rather feel personal pain than displease another.
- Someone who cringes at the first sign of friction.
- Someone who is willing to fail in the name of pleasing another.
- Someone who has lost their own sense of unique personality and belief.
- Someone who is not willing to speak up for themselves.
- Someone who loses sleep over the slightest altercation with another.
- Someone who feels out of control when they think another human being may disagree with what they’re doing.
- Someone who starts to see their desire to please others as a separate part of themselves. Separate from the rest of who they are as an individual.
Sadly, despite all the efforts to break out of and overcome this disease of people pleasing, one glance at this list causes me to once again realize I continue to be held hostage by the reactions of others.
I told my sweetheart the other day, I wish more people would criticize or knock me down me so I could toughen up a bit. I remember when I worked selling real estate I had to learn to deal with rejection. It was very hard at first. I remember not being chosen for various jobs. At first I'd wonder, "Why didn't they choose me?" As time went on, I began to roll with it all. Sometimes, I'd get bent, but overall I felt what was meant to be happened.
This morning I was working on my Bible study and once again the story of Mary and Martha was the topic of examination. Why does God always bring back Mary and Martha? I can't seem to escape those two sisters. Perhaps I haven't yet learned what I need to learn from them.
The study question was focusing on John 12:3
Precious Mary, here she is, once again choosing the right thing to do. She took the perfume (pure nard), which was supposed to be her dowry, and poured it on the feet of Jesus. This was a big deal! This perfume could have held her future. She was sacrificing possibly her most valuable earthly possession for her Savior. Unbeknownst to her, she was preparing Jesus for his burial by pouring this perfume on him.
She was honoring and living for Christ, at his feet. Precious. Oh, how I wish I was Mary! But just when I think I may have a Mary moment, I realize I'm a Martha.
While Mary was pouring out this expensive gift on Jesus, the criticism began. Judas piped up, criticizing her. The Bible doesn't tell us what Mary did right then. I want to know what the expression on her face looked like. Did she look hurt? Did she start crying? Did she look up at Jesus and seek his protection? Did He give her a reassuring look? Did He look at her with approval? Did Mary feel like she was defriended by one in Jesus's inner circle? Accusations started pouring out regarding her actions.
She was honoring and living for Christ, at his feet. Precious. Oh, how I wish I was Mary! But just when I think I may have a Mary moment, I realize I'm a Martha.
While Mary was pouring out this expensive gift on Jesus, the criticism began. Judas piped up, criticizing her. The Bible doesn't tell us what Mary did right then. I want to know what the expression on her face looked like. Did she look hurt? Did she start crying? Did she look up at Jesus and seek his protection? Did He give her a reassuring look? Did He look at her with approval? Did Mary feel like she was defriended by one in Jesus's inner circle? Accusations started pouring out regarding her actions.
"Leave her alone..."This is music to my ears! Jesus is our Protector!
There are times in life when accusations and unkind words will come our way. I love that fact that I can turn to the Bible and find answers for the brokenness I experience in everyday life. I know that in those pages I can find people who have walked sinful lives, just like me, and found sweet forgiveness. I can find people who struggle with the same life stuff I struggle with. I find real people who are rejected and broken. I can also find people who are restored and made whole.
In my defriending, I learned one reason (I'm sure there were more) I was defriended was because of my pro-life stance. I guess if I'm to be defriended for loving the unborn, that's okay. I will always stand for LIFE, because I know my God loves life!
I can't help but wonder, even though Jesus told Judas to leave Mary alone, if she felt the sting of the words from someone who was in the "inner circle." Judas was one of Jesus's disciples. At this point, they didn't know Judas was going to betray Jesus. Jesus knew, but the rest of those present might have been thinking, "Yeah, Mary! What are you doing?"
I wonder if Mary had a moment wondering if she had done the right thing? I wonder if Mary anticipated her actions would be pleasing to Jesus, but criticized by the others present? I wonder if she went to Martha afterward and discussed the event? Did she wonder if she did the right thing? Afterward, did Mary want to crawl under a rock and say, "I'm never going to go out again. I can't handle the criticism and rejection."
I wish we knew more of what Mary was thinking. What I do know, is we know what we were supposed to know of Mary.
I guess one thing I've learned through all of this may sound cliche:
"You can please all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot please all the people all the time."
That's the way it goes. No matter how hard we think we try, we won't please all the people all the time. And that needs to be okay.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Nothing New Under the Sun
What has been will be again.what has been done will be done again/there is nothing new under the sun.Ecclesiastes 1:9
This morning during our Bible time we read about Elisha prophesying to the future leader of Syria, Hazael in 2 Kings 8. God allowed the prophet, Elisha, to see Hazael's evil heart and the murderous plan he had to kill the ruling Syrian king and then take the throne. In seeing Hazael's future, Elisha also saw what the Syrian king would do to the Israelites. I thought to myself...Syria. Israel. Conflict. Nothing new under the sun.
In the book study classes I'm teaching, one class is reading The Drinking Gourd (also included Follow the Drinking Gourd) and the other class is reading Out of the Dust.
In Follow the Drinking Gourd a family of slaves is risking their safety and their lives to reach FREEDOM. Others assisting them working on the Underground Railroad are risking their lives and safety to help the slaves reach FREEDOM. FREEDOM is valuable! FREEDOM is worth risking your life just to attain. I tell our kids and the students in my class to never take FREEDOM for granted. It is lost all too quickly and is hard to gain back, just look at history...Please!
Having the FREEDOM to homeschool is such a gift! I'm thankful for everyday that we live in a country where we can homeschool, but I never take it for granted as the right can be taken away.
On a quick search I found at least 39 countries where it is actually illegal to homeschool. Included in the list are:
Germany, Greece, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Croatia, Georgia, Iceland, Netherlands, Spain, Lithuania, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine, Cuba, Greenland, Guatemala, Turkey, Brazil, and China to name a few.
Freedom is such a gift and if we truly examine history when people want for a change and turn over personal rights and freedoms to leadership or government in hopes that they'll be taken care of...they lose. Remember, nothing new under the sun. Just ask the Israelites what happened when they wanted a King and then make your way down the history timeline.
Before I leave the topic of slavery, let's not fool ourselves and think it's no longer around. Just as evil is alive and thriving, so is slavery. In fact, according to International Justice Mission,
More children, women and men are held in slavery right now than over the course of the entire trans-Atlantic slave trade: Millions toil in bondage, their work and even their bodies the property of an owner.This is an outrage that it still exists. Nothing new under the sun.
In the Out of the Dust book study we're all getting a glimpse of what true poverty, tragedy, and desolation look like. The people who lived through the Depression and Dust Bowl experienced hardship I don't think any American now knows unless they lived through it in their youth. We are a blessed and spoiled people. We don't understand the hardship experienced in the 30's. My heart aches for what Americans during this era experienced, but what amazes me is their willingness to work hard (for meager pay), persevere, and be strong during this tough time. I've watched many videos from survivors of the Dust Bowl on Living History Farm. These were tough times! What the farmers of Middle America experienced caused me to think on the plagues Egypt experienced. In addition to dust storms, those in the Dust Bowl saw drought, destruction, grasshoppers eating everything, including their clothing, famine, then day turning into night, death, disease, etc.
Finally, thinking on the poverty of the era. The families we're reading about in Out of the Dust basically lived in extreme poverty, yet if someone stumbled onto their doorstep, or if a baby was born, they continued to find ways to give. If we turn back to history, God tells us, "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." Give to the poor, don't expect someone else to take care of it. God's command was to us, the individual. Doing without, scraping by, being creative in providing for yourself and your family is nothing new and in this process give some of what you're blessed with to someone else.
There are many other correlations I've seen through our learning, but these were the few that have occupied my thoughts. Disunity, strife, conflict, poverty, slavery, greed...nothing new under the sun.
I cannot close on the negativity though. I also believe that faithfulness, truth, perseverance, hard work, honesty, humility, surrender, obedience, giving, compassion, kindness, and sacrifice are nothing new under the sun. We each just need to make a choice where we're individually going to invest ourselves.
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Book Study: Out of the Dust Week 3
Week 3- Spring 1934 and Summer 1934
but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Proverbs 12:25
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
Proverbs 16:24
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 17:9
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:22
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Genesis 1:28-30
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
1 The LORD said to Moses at
2 Chronicles 36:21
Mark11:25
Colossians 3:13
13
Matthew 7:1-4
1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
Ecclesiastes 9:11
11 I have seen something else under the sun:
The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.
Luke 13:1-5
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in
Last week we introduced an art project, self-portraits. In our hour long class, many students were only able to make it through the drawing of the face, so we will continue working on this project this week at the end of class.
Review assigned Out of the Dust Study Guide pages from Progeny Press.
This was a really tough week for readers. Learning of the devastating accident Billie Jo's family experienced created a heaviness for the class. I had one student tell me while her mom was reading, she began to cry. Crying is a good thing. As readers we're grieving along with the character. In a sense, we've come to know and have grown attached to Billie Jo. We've gotten a sense of the hardships she experienced with her family in Oklahoma during the 1930's. It was difficult to read of yet another difficult time for this young girl.
Through reading a chapter like this the door is opened for discussion on dealing with unexpected accidents, death, and grief. As an additional activity, students may research the grieving process more thoroughly. This discussion also invites readers to examine the way the different characters handled the situation: Billie Jo, her dad, the ladies who came to help.
Because of the heaviness of this week, I decided to make something that would lighten the mood a bit before students left the class.
Billie Jo talks of apples just about every week. This week we learned of her mother's apple trees failing due to the harsh dust storms and weather. Since it is apple season, I made Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze (recipe following) and gave each student a copy of the recipe.
The Bible verses from this week covered everything from speaking words of encouragement to a Biblical view on conservationism and environmentalism. They are as follows:
Bible Verses for Out of the Dust Spring and Summer 1934
Proverbs 11:9
9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Proverbs 12:25
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
Proverbs 16:24
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 17:9
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:22
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Genesis 1:28-30
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
Psalm 8:6-8
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their[a] feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
Leviticus 25:1-7
The Sabbath Year
1 The LORD said to Moses at Mount Sinai , 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the LORD. 3 For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. 4 But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the LORD. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. 5 Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. 6 Whatever the land yields during the sabbath year will be food for you—for yourself, your male and female servants, and the hired worker and temporary resident who live among you, 7 as well as for your livestock and the wild animals in your land. Whatever the land produces may be eaten.
Leviticus 26:34
34 Then the land will enjoy its sabbath years all the time that it lies desolate and you are in the country of your enemies; then the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths.2 Chronicles 36:21
21 The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah.
Matthew 18:21-22
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]Mark
25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Colossians 3:13
13
Matthew 7:1-4
1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
Ecclesiastes 9:11
11 I have seen something else under the sun:
The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.
Luke 13:1-5
Repent or Perish
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem
Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze
Makes 9 X 13 Cake
Apple Cake Ingredients:
3 cups all purpose flour
2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 eggs
1 cup canola oil
2 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups finely chopped apples
1/2-1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
Brown Sugar Glaze:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoon heavy cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 9 X 13 rectangular pan Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir with a whisk to mix everything together.
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until light in color and foamy. Add the oil and vanilla and mix well.
Add egg mixture to dry ingredients and stir until flour disappears. Do not over mix. Add apples and nuts (if using).
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
After removing cake from oven, make glaze.
Makes 9 X 13 Cake
Apple Cake Ingredients:
3 cups all purpose flour
2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 eggs
1 cup canola oil
2 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups finely chopped apples
1/2-1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
Brown Sugar Glaze:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoon heavy cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 9 X 13 rectangular pan Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir with a whisk to mix everything together.
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until light in color and foamy. Add the oil and vanilla and mix well.
Add egg mixture to dry ingredients and stir until flour disappears. Do not over mix. Add apples and nuts (if using).
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
After removing cake from oven, make glaze.
Brown Sugar Glaze
Combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and heavy cream in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Cook 3-5 minutes.
Combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and heavy cream in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Cook 3-5 minutes.
Spoon hot glaze over the hot-from-the-oven cake. Let the glazed cake cool completely before serving.
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