Maybe you were thrown off by the title of this blog entry the same way Kara was when she saw it written on the calendar for today. Leave it to Kara to come up with the "play on words" joke in our family without even realizing it!
We were heading out of our neighborhood at 10:15 this morning on our way to the dentist. Kara says from behind me, "Gee mommy, today sure is a big day for you." I said, "It's not that bad Kara. Just driving to Reading for Keaton's dentist, then home, some school, ballet for Kendall...." (I kind of trailed off) Then she insists, "But you have to become something today!" I said "What?" She said "Yeah, you have to become something today....the calendar square said 'Mom and Dad become' on todays's date." My mouth dropped open as I realized what she meant. I had written "Mom and Dad B. come" because that stands for Mom and Dad Bunting come...meaning Keith's parents were supposed to come today for a visit, but won't actually arrive til tomorrow. I could not believe the hilarity of Kara's words. Does she just sit around planning this stuff out, or does it genuinely just roll out of her mouth? I don't know, but I love when it happens! (Refer back to the entry "In God we Trust" for further Kara-ish humor!)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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Williamsburg
Keeping to my once a month quota, here I am...October 19th! Well, realistically, we were gone from Oct. 3rd-10th, then had an extremely busy week last week, trying to get back to normal. I do wish to write more, but it seems that the regular needs of life simply fill my days and by nighttime, when I have an hour or two, I am too pooped to think!
Vacation was wonderful! Aside from a few less-than-desirable things that happened our very first day, the trip went off without a hitch. God blessed us with amazing weather, a beautiful place to stay, and 3 trooper-children who rarely complained about the 3 days of history-rich walking and touring that we did. If you ask Kendall, 5, what she liked about Williamsburg, she might say "all the Amish people." Go ahead and laugh! We did! We of course, set her straight. Keaton liked all the family time, swimming and getting to see lots of horses. And Kara...well..."going in the outdoor pool." Ok, so maybe it was pretty cool to be swimming outside in October when all the rest of their friends were back in PA wearing coats.
I hope to upload some great pictures of our trip...here goes.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
God's Icebox
Oddly enough, since I said I probably wouldn't be blogging much from now on, I've actually been fairly regular!
A "divine moment" happened after lunchtime today, and since I cannot get away from thinking on it, I want to share it with you. I was simply serving my girls some ice cream, their one dessert for the day (and a few spoonfuls for myself), when something struck me. "The ingredients that make up this ice cream would not taste at all like ice cream if they weren't frozen" I mused. The sugar, cream, and vanilla in their room temperature would be nothing like the treat my girls were enjoying. I pondered this concept for a few minutes. How did this apply to me? (You may be laughing, but I truly do think like this. It must be how God wired me!) The freezer, or more poetically, the "ice box" was preserving this item in the form my girls were enjoying so much. But, if I had served it to them melted, at room temperature, unpreserved, they would not have responded with the happy faces I was seeing. They probably would have said "no thank you, mommy!"
The more I thought about all of this, the more I saw what God was leading me to see. He has preserved me, in an "ice box" of sorts, of His grace. Inside His shelter, I am kept in the state at which is most truly enjoyable, both to me and to others. If I were to be outside His care...living like the world, I would not be what I am. I might look the same, have the same abilities and talents, but they would look very different and be used in pointless venues. I would be less than what God could make of me, for with Him, all things are made beautiful and used for good.
This is especially poignant for me right now. You see, just last week, we were out with friends who lovingly asked, "If God keeps you where you're at, what would or do you fear the most?" I replied, "Wasting my life. If my life were a million dollars, I'd want to invest it in the most strategic, high-yielding way. I don't want to have regrets of how I spent my life." They lovingly reminded me that God is in charge of how my life is "spent." And they were right.
But today, I believe God is pointing out to me not just that my life is not being wasted, but that it IS being used to the fullest, because it is God who is preserving me, keeping me at my most fruitful, effective "taste"--both for Himself, for others, and for me. If I were not God's possession, my life would look much different. I would not be doing most of the things I am now. I would not be homeschooling my girls so that they grow up seeing all truth as God's truth, supporting a husband in his service to the local church, helping to lead a young adult care group in their pursuit of God, or any of the other God-ward things. What would I be doing? I really don't want to imagine, because it wouldn't be bringing God glory or bearing good fruit. I hope you can relate to me today. If you belong to God, please see His amazing preservation at work in your life. You are effective for His kingdom, because He makes you so. That is something I can savor, long after the ice cream is gone.
A "divine moment" happened after lunchtime today, and since I cannot get away from thinking on it, I want to share it with you. I was simply serving my girls some ice cream, their one dessert for the day (and a few spoonfuls for myself), when something struck me. "The ingredients that make up this ice cream would not taste at all like ice cream if they weren't frozen" I mused. The sugar, cream, and vanilla in their room temperature would be nothing like the treat my girls were enjoying. I pondered this concept for a few minutes. How did this apply to me? (You may be laughing, but I truly do think like this. It must be how God wired me!) The freezer, or more poetically, the "ice box" was preserving this item in the form my girls were enjoying so much. But, if I had served it to them melted, at room temperature, unpreserved, they would not have responded with the happy faces I was seeing. They probably would have said "no thank you, mommy!"
The more I thought about all of this, the more I saw what God was leading me to see. He has preserved me, in an "ice box" of sorts, of His grace. Inside His shelter, I am kept in the state at which is most truly enjoyable, both to me and to others. If I were to be outside His care...living like the world, I would not be what I am. I might look the same, have the same abilities and talents, but they would look very different and be used in pointless venues. I would be less than what God could make of me, for with Him, all things are made beautiful and used for good.
This is especially poignant for me right now. You see, just last week, we were out with friends who lovingly asked, "If God keeps you where you're at, what would or do you fear the most?" I replied, "Wasting my life. If my life were a million dollars, I'd want to invest it in the most strategic, high-yielding way. I don't want to have regrets of how I spent my life." They lovingly reminded me that God is in charge of how my life is "spent." And they were right.
But today, I believe God is pointing out to me not just that my life is not being wasted, but that it IS being used to the fullest, because it is God who is preserving me, keeping me at my most fruitful, effective "taste"--both for Himself, for others, and for me. If I were not God's possession, my life would look much different. I would not be doing most of the things I am now. I would not be homeschooling my girls so that they grow up seeing all truth as God's truth, supporting a husband in his service to the local church, helping to lead a young adult care group in their pursuit of God, or any of the other God-ward things. What would I be doing? I really don't want to imagine, because it wouldn't be bringing God glory or bearing good fruit. I hope you can relate to me today. If you belong to God, please see His amazing preservation at work in your life. You are effective for His kingdom, because He makes you so. That is something I can savor, long after the ice cream is gone.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Reflections
OK, OK, the protests from loved ones and friends over my last entry (saying I probably wouldn't be blogging much) has hit me right on target! I will try to arrange my schedule more strategically to get entries in. So I have 8 minutes right now before I give the girls breakfast and start school. Here goes....
Last night at the Planks, Doug asked to take our picture (along with the Hannas) for the church website...young adult Care group leaders, etc. I always Looooove having my picture taken (NOT!), so it was a tense moment in my heart. Add to that the new haircut, and the struggle I've had lately with feeling old, and you get a woman who wishes the camera was out of film or something. But in these days of digital, that just isn't the case! So pictures were taken, none of which I was pleased with. (There is a reason why photographers always tilt your head down before a shot....so your face doesn't look extra wide!) But I knew God wanted me to humbly accept my picture looking as it did.
It strikes me this morning that if Scripture is to be a mirror for our inner person, our souls, than what we see there should be massively more important that what we see on the digital camera screen. And hopefully, as time progresses, instead of disliking what we see more and more, we should see with joy, all the fruit God has brought about in us, and have hope for all the rest. Yes, we will see ourselves in light of a perfect image...Christ, and that can bring godly sorrow as we see our failure to match Him. But, there is not condemnation there, but rather, hope, that God "Will be faithful to complete that which He began in us." I'm asking God to forgive me for being more consumed with dissatisfaction over my outward image than my inward. And to give me more grace to be walking toward Scripture's ideal over the outer-worldly ideal. Have a great day!
Last night at the Planks, Doug asked to take our picture (along with the Hannas) for the church website...young adult Care group leaders, etc. I always Looooove having my picture taken (NOT!), so it was a tense moment in my heart. Add to that the new haircut, and the struggle I've had lately with feeling old, and you get a woman who wishes the camera was out of film or something. But in these days of digital, that just isn't the case! So pictures were taken, none of which I was pleased with. (There is a reason why photographers always tilt your head down before a shot....so your face doesn't look extra wide!) But I knew God wanted me to humbly accept my picture looking as it did.
It strikes me this morning that if Scripture is to be a mirror for our inner person, our souls, than what we see there should be massively more important that what we see on the digital camera screen. And hopefully, as time progresses, instead of disliking what we see more and more, we should see with joy, all the fruit God has brought about in us, and have hope for all the rest. Yes, we will see ourselves in light of a perfect image...Christ, and that can bring godly sorrow as we see our failure to match Him. But, there is not condemnation there, but rather, hope, that God "Will be faithful to complete that which He began in us." I'm asking God to forgive me for being more consumed with dissatisfaction over my outward image than my inward. And to give me more grace to be walking toward Scripture's ideal over the outer-worldly ideal. Have a great day!
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Long and the Short of it....
Amazingly, I hit this date almost smack-dab on the 1 month mark! August 13th was my last entry, and here we are on Sept. 12th. Well, here's the Long and the Short of it....
The truth is, life has simply gotten "kicked up a notch" for the Buntings. It is by far a much busier schedule than a year ago when I began this blog. I still long to write and keep this "diary" of sorts that our friends and family can read, but I can't let it become more important than my primary roles and responsibilities. That being said, if you can endure never knowing from day to day (or month to month) if there'll be a new entry, please keep checking on me here. As time allows, I will find my way up the two flights of stairs to this attic room to blog, providing none of my three angels are on Webkinz, or Horseland, nor my husband on the church website, itunes, or weather.com.
In the spirit of www.girltalk.blogs "Friday Funnies," I have to include this comment from Kara, 7, said yesterday. The context: as an American history study, we watched some of the coverage of the 9/11 memorial services on the news. The comment: "Mommy, that man looks like daddy!" (Kara) "What man?" I ask. "That one!" Kara replies, pointing to our president, George W. Bush. I laugh. "You're right! He does kind of look like daddy!" I say. Then, turning to Keaton, I say "Wow, I look like George Washington and daddy looks like George Bush!" (Must see my blog entry entitled "I look like George Washington" to understand this.)
I love the Savior. I love spending quiet time with Him daily. I love myhusband. I love my kids. I love my extended family, and trying to have phone conversations with them. I love Crossway Church. I love our Young Adult Care Group. I love my friends. I love teaching kindergarten, second, and fourth grades to my three children. I love driving my girls to ballet, choir, and waiting on them to come back out to me. I love cooking for my family and anyone else in need of a meal. (I don't love grocery shopping for it!) I love cleaning my home. I love laundry. (answer to prayer...see last year's entry on that) I love running errands that keep our home functioning properly. I love catching up with old friends via facebook. I love date nights, and babysitting for the other family when they take their date night. I love Thursday movie night with my husband. I love family worship nights and dance parties with my family. I love when friends and family come to visit for the weekends. I love chat sessions with young adults in my living room. I love having our neighbors over for dinner, and other friends. And I love blogging. But, if I'm not blogging, I am probably doing something else from the list above. Life is full. God is gracious. See you next month, or maybe before!
The truth is, life has simply gotten "kicked up a notch" for the Buntings. It is by far a much busier schedule than a year ago when I began this blog. I still long to write and keep this "diary" of sorts that our friends and family can read, but I can't let it become more important than my primary roles and responsibilities. That being said, if you can endure never knowing from day to day (or month to month) if there'll be a new entry, please keep checking on me here. As time allows, I will find my way up the two flights of stairs to this attic room to blog, providing none of my three angels are on Webkinz, or Horseland, nor my husband on the church website, itunes, or weather.com.
In the spirit of www.girltalk.blogs "Friday Funnies," I have to include this comment from Kara, 7, said yesterday. The context: as an American history study, we watched some of the coverage of the 9/11 memorial services on the news. The comment: "Mommy, that man looks like daddy!" (Kara) "What man?" I ask. "That one!" Kara replies, pointing to our president, George W. Bush. I laugh. "You're right! He does kind of look like daddy!" I say. Then, turning to Keaton, I say "Wow, I look like George Washington and daddy looks like George Bush!" (Must see my blog entry entitled "I look like George Washington" to understand this.)
I love the Savior. I love spending quiet time with Him daily. I love myhusband. I love my kids. I love my extended family, and trying to have phone conversations with them. I love Crossway Church. I love our Young Adult Care Group. I love my friends. I love teaching kindergarten, second, and fourth grades to my three children. I love driving my girls to ballet, choir, and waiting on them to come back out to me. I love cooking for my family and anyone else in need of a meal. (I don't love grocery shopping for it!) I love cleaning my home. I love laundry. (answer to prayer...see last year's entry on that) I love running errands that keep our home functioning properly. I love catching up with old friends via facebook. I love date nights, and babysitting for the other family when they take their date night. I love Thursday movie night with my husband. I love family worship nights and dance parties with my family. I love when friends and family come to visit for the weekends. I love chat sessions with young adults in my living room. I love having our neighbors over for dinner, and other friends. And I love blogging. But, if I'm not blogging, I am probably doing something else from the list above. Life is full. God is gracious. See you next month, or maybe before!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Loving the Home
I love how God is always doing 10,000 things for every one thing we may see Him doing. (That was a realllly loooooose paraphrase from John Piper!) Because, lately, the thing I've been seeing Him doing is shaping my little 9 year old girl into quite a lover of children. I mean, she has more winsome, "pied-piper-ness" in her little finger than I have in my whole body. Kids, little kids, love to follow her lead. She is fun, imaginative, firm, and loving with them. We keep seeing it in her and affirming her skill. This past weekend, our friends the Garners asked Keaton to go along with their family to an amusement park and just be there, to have fun and be a friend for their two year old son, who has really taken to Keaton like she's a big sister. She loves this little guy! And many other kiddos have and are benefitting from her interaction. Why is this so exciting to me?
Well, as a mother who loves being in the home (albeit I have much growing to do!) I want my 3 daughters to grow up loving the home as well. And loving children is a large part of that. As God would have it, I happened to wander over to http://www.girltalk.blogs.com/, a favorite site, and saw that their current series is on instructing daughters in the skills of home-making! Keaton is at a ripe age for all of this. Though she's not quite old enough to officially babysit, she is a great "mothers helper." It is probable that she will thrive in this area with children, while perhaps my other two little gems will lean towards cooking prowess or cleaning and organization skills. But for now, I am rejoicing in this gift rising to the surface in Keaton. Someday, she will make a great babysitter, and Lord willing, an even better mother. I am humbled at this. God is taking my inept, frazzled attempts to love and train my daughters up in His ways, and making something beautiful out of it all. "O Taste and See that the Lord is Good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing." Ps. 34:8-9
Well, as a mother who loves being in the home (albeit I have much growing to do!) I want my 3 daughters to grow up loving the home as well. And loving children is a large part of that. As God would have it, I happened to wander over to http://www.girltalk.blogs.com/, a favorite site, and saw that their current series is on instructing daughters in the skills of home-making! Keaton is at a ripe age for all of this. Though she's not quite old enough to officially babysit, she is a great "mothers helper." It is probable that she will thrive in this area with children, while perhaps my other two little gems will lean towards cooking prowess or cleaning and organization skills. But for now, I am rejoicing in this gift rising to the surface in Keaton. Someday, she will make a great babysitter, and Lord willing, an even better mother. I am humbled at this. God is taking my inept, frazzled attempts to love and train my daughters up in His ways, and making something beautiful out of it all. "O Taste and See that the Lord is Good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing." Ps. 34:8-9
Friday, August 8, 2008
Friday Flashbacks
I'm here...back from the Worship God 2008 conference in Gaithersburg, MD. Last time we went, in 2006, we ran into a friend and his wife from all the way back to our college days. This time, I recognized a girl from high school who graduated 4 years ahead of me. She had played "the Artful Dodger" in the muscial "Oliver" and I had been one of the orphans. There she was...looking exactly the same as ever. I found her alone after a seminar and just introduced myself...telling her how glad I was to see she was a fellow Christian. Neat how God lets us see His children are all around us.
Well, I don't know what to say to sum up the conference.... but it was timely. God used it in ways I didn't really expect. For instance, the lady whose home we stayed in was an amazing woman of God. And in the days we stayed with her, I learned alot about hospitality. She wasn't trying to impress us with her skills, she was hoping to be a blessing to us spiritually. And she was. I got to see firsthand how much more it means when a hostess puts people above things.
I also was challenged to be more strategic in releasing my husband to write music for the church. Nobody preached on this, nor did I hear it in a seminar, but I realized how much releasing the wives of these men must do in order for them to write worship music that builds up and blesses the church. I know firsthand how difficult it is to write Biblically informed, singable, and plain old good music for the church today. And I can't imagine how many hours, days, weeks, and months went into all the songs that made it onto the latest "Psalms" CD put out by Sovereign Grace Music. Our own Doug Plank has two great songs on this new release, and I don't doubt for a second that his wife Brenda has surrendered this man time and again for him to contribute his skill so significantly. You are both an example to us!
Well, I need to attend to other things on this lovely afternoon. Blessings!
Well, I don't know what to say to sum up the conference.... but it was timely. God used it in ways I didn't really expect. For instance, the lady whose home we stayed in was an amazing woman of God. And in the days we stayed with her, I learned alot about hospitality. She wasn't trying to impress us with her skills, she was hoping to be a blessing to us spiritually. And she was. I got to see firsthand how much more it means when a hostess puts people above things.
I also was challenged to be more strategic in releasing my husband to write music for the church. Nobody preached on this, nor did I hear it in a seminar, but I realized how much releasing the wives of these men must do in order for them to write worship music that builds up and blesses the church. I know firsthand how difficult it is to write Biblically informed, singable, and plain old good music for the church today. And I can't imagine how many hours, days, weeks, and months went into all the songs that made it onto the latest "Psalms" CD put out by Sovereign Grace Music. Our own Doug Plank has two great songs on this new release, and I don't doubt for a second that his wife Brenda has surrendered this man time and again for him to contribute his skill so significantly. You are both an example to us!
Well, I need to attend to other things on this lovely afternoon. Blessings!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thoroughly Godly
Over the last few months the words "thoroughly godly" have been pressing on my mind and heart. I have been praying for God to make me true, thorough, in my Christian walk. I think you know what I mean, as we are all on this journey of sanctification! But there are areas of our lives that may not necessarily look directly ungodly, yet are lurking there, bringing a weak link into our armor. Things like how we spend our free time (tv? How much and what kind of programs are we viewing?, internet surfing), how we talk to (or raise our voice at) our children when nobody from church is listening, what we allow in our minds, what we meditate on, covetousness of others, self-righteous thinking when we look at other Christians or non-Christians. Lack of love or compassion for others. All of these "little things" are actually enormous planks in our eyes that we are carrying around.
And yesterday, like only God can orchestrate, our Pastor's teaching on Ephesians 5:8-14 really brought home all that God is intending for me, and for His church. These verses were the ones I had run to initially when I sensed God speaking to me about being "thorough" in my pursuit of godliness. But hearing the pastor preach on them brought new perspective for me.
We are to be discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. "And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." Eph. 5:10a. We are to be working at our discernment skills. This only happens as we spend time in the Word and in prayer, allowing God to give us "a new mind" that is not conformed to the World. This also means following the prompt we feel ever so slightly when we start viewing, thinking, saying, or doing something we KNOW is NOT PLEASING to God. Our conscience is a gift from God that helps us pursue holiness, but we must yield to it! This is something I try to teach my girls, and yet I need to teach to myself! We are to shun life in the dark. Pete gave the helpful analogy of the way the Amish "Shun" those who've been cut off from the church...they are not permitted to do business, give rides to, or even shake hands with these shunned people. Not that we are to treat others like this, but that we are shun dark living like this. And finally, we are to fight darkness with light by exposing, or bringing into the light, that which is dark in our lives. In other words, by confessing it to another trustworthy Christian. The great promise here is that when we bring something that is dark in us into the light by confessing it to someone, it "becomes visible" and then, "anything that is visible becomes light." Eph. 5:13. This means God will actually take that which was darkness and transform it into light, or godliness in us! I have seen God do this hundreds of times. He is the only One holy and Powerful enough to take that which was meant for evil and turn it into good, both for us, and for His own glory. This is so provoking and encouraging. I hope you are encouraged today too, as I was yesterday, that God wants to make us "thoroughly godly" as we walk with Him, and that He will do it as we bring any dark ways in us into the light. God is so merciful and kind to do this. What hope there is in His word!
"Take me life and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my will and make it thine, It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thy own. It shall be Thy royal throne.
It shall be Thy royal throne." (Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879)
And yesterday, like only God can orchestrate, our Pastor's teaching on Ephesians 5:8-14 really brought home all that God is intending for me, and for His church. These verses were the ones I had run to initially when I sensed God speaking to me about being "thorough" in my pursuit of godliness. But hearing the pastor preach on them brought new perspective for me.
We are to be discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. "And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." Eph. 5:10a. We are to be working at our discernment skills. This only happens as we spend time in the Word and in prayer, allowing God to give us "a new mind" that is not conformed to the World. This also means following the prompt we feel ever so slightly when we start viewing, thinking, saying, or doing something we KNOW is NOT PLEASING to God. Our conscience is a gift from God that helps us pursue holiness, but we must yield to it! This is something I try to teach my girls, and yet I need to teach to myself! We are to shun life in the dark. Pete gave the helpful analogy of the way the Amish "Shun" those who've been cut off from the church...they are not permitted to do business, give rides to, or even shake hands with these shunned people. Not that we are to treat others like this, but that we are shun dark living like this. And finally, we are to fight darkness with light by exposing, or bringing into the light, that which is dark in our lives. In other words, by confessing it to another trustworthy Christian. The great promise here is that when we bring something that is dark in us into the light by confessing it to someone, it "becomes visible" and then, "anything that is visible becomes light." Eph. 5:13. This means God will actually take that which was darkness and transform it into light, or godliness in us! I have seen God do this hundreds of times. He is the only One holy and Powerful enough to take that which was meant for evil and turn it into good, both for us, and for His own glory. This is so provoking and encouraging. I hope you are encouraged today too, as I was yesterday, that God wants to make us "thoroughly godly" as we walk with Him, and that He will do it as we bring any dark ways in us into the light. God is so merciful and kind to do this. What hope there is in His word!
"Take me life and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my will and make it thine, It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thy own. It shall be Thy royal throne.
It shall be Thy royal throne." (Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879)
Sunday, July 13, 2008
More Than Picnics
Summer is about alot more than picnics...although lately, I'd say that is the most common weekly happening for us. Since our church is doing another "Summer Picnic Series" (which means we have picnics every Sunday after our morning worship meeting) I've thought alot about why pinicking was and is such a popular thing. I don't particularly like hot sun and bugs to distract me while I'm eating, but I'm finding joy this summer in going to these and other picnics we've been invited to. Today I waded up the creek on our church property with Kara and Kendall and the Wenger clan. Now this is normally Keith's thing...the outdoor side to life, but I truly enjoyed being in nature with my little ones...feeling the cold water on my legs and feet...seeing all the uniquely colored dragonflies and butterflies that seemed to escort us as we went. What is happening to me as I age is that I am increasingly aware of God's grandeur in creation, and I am beginning to want to be outside more and more. This was also true during my week in Butler. I just wanted to sit on my parents big back porch and watch the kids play, taking in the sounds and sights of nature.
So, I think what picnics do for us is they bring us to nature...where we meet God as He first met with mankind...in His beautiful world. And we meet with God's people...so we're able to talk about God together in His world. And we're able to eat! ...The food God has given us out of His world He created. And it all sings of God's goodness to us. His provision, His creator-power, and His fellowship with us both directly and through others. So, "I once was blind, but now I see" when it comes to being out in nature. God is good.
Another great moment today was seeing 7 of our young people be baptized. Seven lives that God has changed forever. Some day my 3 little girls will be among the group to be baptized, and I am praying for them each step of the way. Happy Picnicking Everyone. Don't forget to Thank God for His Goodness!
So, I think what picnics do for us is they bring us to nature...where we meet God as He first met with mankind...in His beautiful world. And we meet with God's people...so we're able to talk about God together in His world. And we're able to eat! ...The food God has given us out of His world He created. And it all sings of God's goodness to us. His provision, His creator-power, and His fellowship with us both directly and through others. So, "I once was blind, but now I see" when it comes to being out in nature. God is good.
Another great moment today was seeing 7 of our young people be baptized. Seven lives that God has changed forever. Some day my 3 little girls will be among the group to be baptized, and I am praying for them each step of the way. Happy Picnicking Everyone. Don't forget to Thank God for His Goodness!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Not So Young Anymore
Well, in case there was any shred of wondering whether I've aged or not, yesterday was the proof that I have indeed arrived at 35! We had chosen yesterday as our "Amusement Park Day" trip and the destination was Dorney Park in Allentown. First of all, I began wondering the night before how I was going to have energy for such a trip when I was already barely feeling my pulse! I dragged myself out of bed yesterday morning, asking God for help just to get down the stairs to make the coffee. Lots of things I could go on about physically, but I'll spare you. Well, the day was absolutely gorgeous weather-wise.
Wildwater Kingdom (the water-park side to the fun) was our first planned segment. Nothing like donning your bathing suit at 10am for a bunch of strangers so you can humiliate yourself by flopping into a large inner tube and careen down a hair-do and makeup drenching river of ice-cold water! But at least the kids loved it. Then on to "Water Works" where teenage boys aimed at me from fifteen feet above with water guns twice the size of their heads. I begged Kendall to move on to the more tame parts of the water park, but for some reason, she loved this torture chamber of water.
Finally, Keith and the two older girls joined back up with us (they had been going down some slides Kendall was too little for) and informed me that the little kids' Lollipop Lagoon, which I thought we were in, was just twenty feet or so past where we had been. All that time I'd been tortured with pelting water, I could have been watching cute little toddlers slide happily down froggy-slides and run through little fountains.
Finally, after a few hours of water-logged slides and sunburn for mommy, we left for the drier side of the park. (Just wanted to point out here that to all of my friends who have more sons than daughters...np complaining. Oh, for one time when it wasn't me that had to run someone to the bathroom at a public place! Little girls simply can not go into a public men's room. I believe we spent about 1.89 hours in the bathrooms yesterday!) By about 4 pm I was plain cranky. I was not recounting the gospel. I was not thinking of how my greatest need had been met in Christ. I was thinking of how it was highway robbery to charge $4.50 for a regular sized bottle of water! We were all soooo thirsty, and of course the rule is there is no food or drink allowed to be brought in to the park. Which means you're trapped...you simply have to pay their outrageous prices or die of dehydration. We did beat their game though, by purchasing one drink, then filling up the cup with water at the public water fountains! HA! By dinner time, I was becoming increasingly thankful for how cheap food and drink is here at home. And with the increasing prices these days, I needed that perspective. Things can ALWAYS get worse. That may be my motto. Be thankful for where you're at, because things really can always get so much worse. And by 9:30 pm last night, I was ready to be home, in my bed, where there is a bathroom right in the hall (albeit small) and hot dogs in the refrigerator that aren't $4.00 a piece!
Today, I am weary. Weary from a day of walking, hot sun, and watching the world live it's life. I was caught by surprise when my Keaton said yesterday night, as the sun began to set, "Mommy, I don't like hearing and seeing all the things people say and do to each other out here in public." I couldn't agree more. But the truth is those people are no different than me, except that I know my Savior. Well, I know I dabbled in the complaining pool here on this entry. But please know that my heart is full of God's goodness, even in the weariness of yesterday's trip. I love my girls with all my heart and I hope they remember days like yesterday with much fondness!
Wildwater Kingdom (the water-park side to the fun) was our first planned segment. Nothing like donning your bathing suit at 10am for a bunch of strangers so you can humiliate yourself by flopping into a large inner tube and careen down a hair-do and makeup drenching river of ice-cold water! But at least the kids loved it. Then on to "Water Works" where teenage boys aimed at me from fifteen feet above with water guns twice the size of their heads. I begged Kendall to move on to the more tame parts of the water park, but for some reason, she loved this torture chamber of water.
Finally, Keith and the two older girls joined back up with us (they had been going down some slides Kendall was too little for) and informed me that the little kids' Lollipop Lagoon, which I thought we were in, was just twenty feet or so past where we had been. All that time I'd been tortured with pelting water, I could have been watching cute little toddlers slide happily down froggy-slides and run through little fountains.
Finally, after a few hours of water-logged slides and sunburn for mommy, we left for the drier side of the park. (Just wanted to point out here that to all of my friends who have more sons than daughters...np complaining. Oh, for one time when it wasn't me that had to run someone to the bathroom at a public place! Little girls simply can not go into a public men's room. I believe we spent about 1.89 hours in the bathrooms yesterday!) By about 4 pm I was plain cranky. I was not recounting the gospel. I was not thinking of how my greatest need had been met in Christ. I was thinking of how it was highway robbery to charge $4.50 for a regular sized bottle of water! We were all soooo thirsty, and of course the rule is there is no food or drink allowed to be brought in to the park. Which means you're trapped...you simply have to pay their outrageous prices or die of dehydration. We did beat their game though, by purchasing one drink, then filling up the cup with water at the public water fountains! HA! By dinner time, I was becoming increasingly thankful for how cheap food and drink is here at home. And with the increasing prices these days, I needed that perspective. Things can ALWAYS get worse. That may be my motto. Be thankful for where you're at, because things really can always get so much worse. And by 9:30 pm last night, I was ready to be home, in my bed, where there is a bathroom right in the hall (albeit small) and hot dogs in the refrigerator that aren't $4.00 a piece!
Today, I am weary. Weary from a day of walking, hot sun, and watching the world live it's life. I was caught by surprise when my Keaton said yesterday night, as the sun began to set, "Mommy, I don't like hearing and seeing all the things people say and do to each other out here in public." I couldn't agree more. But the truth is those people are no different than me, except that I know my Savior. Well, I know I dabbled in the complaining pool here on this entry. But please know that my heart is full of God's goodness, even in the weariness of yesterday's trip. I love my girls with all my heart and I hope they remember days like yesterday with much fondness!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Back to Abnormal
Back from Butler last night....what a week! It was truly remarkable in many ways. Answers to prayers, childhood memories revisited, good friends, great fellowship, and family time all rolled in to one week.
For starters, God is at work in good old Butler, PA. Some neighbors of my parents were friends of ours while we lived there, and over the years , we've had some very "tip of the iceberg" conversations that hinted of their ripe-ness for the Gospel. Then, this week, my mom just started opening up to the neighbor-friend of mine. As the three of us stood there, mom let loose talking about the faithfulness of God in her life through the years. I chimed in with some verses and references to eternity, and before the talk was over, I knew that God was planting seeds! Then, throughout the week, rather than become distant, the neighbors kept coming over, playing frisbee with us, talking, and letting the kids play with Sparklers together. It was a bit hard to leave, knowing the follow-up I'd love to have with my friend.
Then, there was the trip to the Cypher family farm. What a great time we had. My dad's cousin has inherited the Cypher farm in Marwood, PA, and boy, has he made it beautiful! I was amazed at the extensive groundskeeping, power toys, and the renovations he has made. The girls got to ride the four-wheeler, the golf-cart, and sit in a real Conestoga wagon, as well as eat blackberries right off the bush. They kept asking if I was sure it was safe! Then my dad and I pawed through the dusty antiques in the old "summer kitchen" looking for family treasures to keep. Keaton ended up with a ceramic statue of a mother and baby horse. I found all my grandmother's old year books from high school and college...in mint condition! Of course, I didn't remember to take the camera, so we'll be going back soon for some pictures!
A big highlight for us was the Sunday meeting at White Stone Fellowship in Fairview, PA. This is a little church that has weathered many storms over the last several years, and has been placed under the help and guidance of Sovereign Grace Ministries for the last two years or so. These dear people are so hoping that the little church will be adopted by SGM soon, and we are praying that God will grant this desire. If not, these people that have come to know and love SGM as we have will probably move (perhaps even here to Lancaster) in order to be part of a strong local Sovereign Grace Church. This is great faith. While we'd love to have them here near us, we'd rather God invade the Butler area with a Sovereign Grace Church!! Keith led worship there yesterday, and I accompanied on violin and vocals. What fellowship we had with these people!
Well, I will close this raving report before I burst with excitement. God was so kind to provide relaxation and biblical fellowship. I was able to just sit and enjoy my girls as they splashed in the pool, ran around catching frisbees, and jumped on the neighbor's trampoline. No housework to get back to, no bills to pay, no phone calls screen. Thank you, Lord! Now it's back to Abnormal!
For starters, God is at work in good old Butler, PA. Some neighbors of my parents were friends of ours while we lived there, and over the years , we've had some very "tip of the iceberg" conversations that hinted of their ripe-ness for the Gospel. Then, this week, my mom just started opening up to the neighbor-friend of mine. As the three of us stood there, mom let loose talking about the faithfulness of God in her life through the years. I chimed in with some verses and references to eternity, and before the talk was over, I knew that God was planting seeds! Then, throughout the week, rather than become distant, the neighbors kept coming over, playing frisbee with us, talking, and letting the kids play with Sparklers together. It was a bit hard to leave, knowing the follow-up I'd love to have with my friend.
Then, there was the trip to the Cypher family farm. What a great time we had. My dad's cousin has inherited the Cypher farm in Marwood, PA, and boy, has he made it beautiful! I was amazed at the extensive groundskeeping, power toys, and the renovations he has made. The girls got to ride the four-wheeler, the golf-cart, and sit in a real Conestoga wagon, as well as eat blackberries right off the bush. They kept asking if I was sure it was safe! Then my dad and I pawed through the dusty antiques in the old "summer kitchen" looking for family treasures to keep. Keaton ended up with a ceramic statue of a mother and baby horse. I found all my grandmother's old year books from high school and college...in mint condition! Of course, I didn't remember to take the camera, so we'll be going back soon for some pictures!
A big highlight for us was the Sunday meeting at White Stone Fellowship in Fairview, PA. This is a little church that has weathered many storms over the last several years, and has been placed under the help and guidance of Sovereign Grace Ministries for the last two years or so. These dear people are so hoping that the little church will be adopted by SGM soon, and we are praying that God will grant this desire. If not, these people that have come to know and love SGM as we have will probably move (perhaps even here to Lancaster) in order to be part of a strong local Sovereign Grace Church. This is great faith. While we'd love to have them here near us, we'd rather God invade the Butler area with a Sovereign Grace Church!! Keith led worship there yesterday, and I accompanied on violin and vocals. What fellowship we had with these people!
Well, I will close this raving report before I burst with excitement. God was so kind to provide relaxation and biblical fellowship. I was able to just sit and enjoy my girls as they splashed in the pool, ran around catching frisbees, and jumped on the neighbor's trampoline. No housework to get back to, no bills to pay, no phone calls screen. Thank you, Lord! Now it's back to Abnormal!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Phew!
Marvel of marvels, I'm back in blogland. (Am I beating my three-week lapse?) The reason for the title "Phew!" is because that is exactly how I feel after finally turning in my Homeschooling Portfolio for my second year completed. We live in a somewhat tricky school-district that prides itself on it's quality of education. Great for the kids using the school-system. Not so great for those of us living in it, but not partaking of it. So, I won't tell you how many pages this portfolio was, but let's just say we can use it for self-defense in case a robber ever breaks in! I've decided these yearly portfolios might also serve as back-up to my resume if I ever get back into professional teaching!
Looking back over Keaton's year in 3rd grade was also very rewarding. I could not believe all that we were (by the grace of God), able to accomplish in 180 days. God is so kind to enable us to be doing this. I had not the slightest hint that someday I'd be schooling my own children. All the passion for teaching I have is able to have an outlet...and best of all, the outlet is in my own home. I don't even have to dress for the job and be on the road by 8!
So, although we have a tight schedule this weekend (three major responsibilities on Sunday alone), the girls and I will be heading off to Butler, PA on Monday to spend some time with my parents and our dear friends, the Killeens. Can't wait! Upcoming thrills this next week will include: swimming in my parents "pool" (OK, so it's one they put up and take down every year, but it's perfect for the girls), going to see the new American Girl "Kit" movie that comes out on July 2nd, going to the Killeen yearly Independence Day Picnic and Swimming Bash, and to end up our week, getting to be with the dear people at Whitestone Church next Sunday, where Jamie Maxim will be preaching and Keith will be leading worship. The last time we worshipped with these folks, we ended up at Old Country Buffet and asked for a table that seated 23!! And that wasn't including the highchairs! I can only imagine what heaven will be like when we're all seated at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. But there won't be any highchairs there! Have a great weekend.
Looking back over Keaton's year in 3rd grade was also very rewarding. I could not believe all that we were (by the grace of God), able to accomplish in 180 days. God is so kind to enable us to be doing this. I had not the slightest hint that someday I'd be schooling my own children. All the passion for teaching I have is able to have an outlet...and best of all, the outlet is in my own home. I don't even have to dress for the job and be on the road by 8!
So, although we have a tight schedule this weekend (three major responsibilities on Sunday alone), the girls and I will be heading off to Butler, PA on Monday to spend some time with my parents and our dear friends, the Killeens. Can't wait! Upcoming thrills this next week will include: swimming in my parents "pool" (OK, so it's one they put up and take down every year, but it's perfect for the girls), going to see the new American Girl "Kit" movie that comes out on July 2nd, going to the Killeen yearly Independence Day Picnic and Swimming Bash, and to end up our week, getting to be with the dear people at Whitestone Church next Sunday, where Jamie Maxim will be preaching and Keith will be leading worship. The last time we worshipped with these folks, we ended up at Old Country Buffet and asked for a table that seated 23!! And that wasn't including the highchairs! I can only imagine what heaven will be like when we're all seated at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. But there won't be any highchairs there! Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 6, 2008
6/4/08
June 4th was my 35th birthday. And as God had also planned, Keith's sweet Grandma Rose's last day on Earth. She entered paradise that afternoon, while I was contemplating the 35 years God has given me, and what I have done with those years.
What must she be experiencing right now? I can only dream of it. To think of seeing Jesus' face after a life of 93 1/2 years of hearing, singing, and learning about Him! Grandma Rose was a hard worker, a sweet and thoughtful woman (I even got a birthday card from her on Monday!) and a lover of God. I know she will or has heard the words "Well done Good and Faithful Servant. Enter into the joy of your rest." She always wanted to serve the biggest meal to whoever came...everything made by her loving hands. Once we just called while we were on our way to see her, (she lived in the Pocono area) so she wouldn't have time to prepare anything...and told her WE were bringing the meal this time! And even then, she had things to share that she had made. Hospitable to the "enth" degree. We went to see her just two weeks ago, knowing she was very weak. I'm so grateful God gave us that last time together. She raved at how big our girls had gotten. She always liked to point out to people that she had three daughters, and that we had three girls too. She always said what a nice family it had made, and I couldn't agree more! She told me how much she enjoyed my "letters." What she meant were these blog entries, which my mother-in-law, Jacky, has been printing out and giving to Grandma Rose. Thank you Mom #2 for doing that all this time!
Grandma Rose will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters and nieces and nephews. Her husband passed on nearly 40 years ago, so I am sure there will be some sort of glorious reunion in heaven. Tomorrow we travel up to Waymart, PA, for the funeral...and to say good-bye to this Loving Lady. Blessings on you all.
What must she be experiencing right now? I can only dream of it. To think of seeing Jesus' face after a life of 93 1/2 years of hearing, singing, and learning about Him! Grandma Rose was a hard worker, a sweet and thoughtful woman (I even got a birthday card from her on Monday!) and a lover of God. I know she will or has heard the words "Well done Good and Faithful Servant. Enter into the joy of your rest." She always wanted to serve the biggest meal to whoever came...everything made by her loving hands. Once we just called while we were on our way to see her, (she lived in the Pocono area) so she wouldn't have time to prepare anything...and told her WE were bringing the meal this time! And even then, she had things to share that she had made. Hospitable to the "enth" degree. We went to see her just two weeks ago, knowing she was very weak. I'm so grateful God gave us that last time together. She raved at how big our girls had gotten. She always liked to point out to people that she had three daughters, and that we had three girls too. She always said what a nice family it had made, and I couldn't agree more! She told me how much she enjoyed my "letters." What she meant were these blog entries, which my mother-in-law, Jacky, has been printing out and giving to Grandma Rose. Thank you Mom #2 for doing that all this time!
Grandma Rose will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters and nieces and nephews. Her husband passed on nearly 40 years ago, so I am sure there will be some sort of glorious reunion in heaven. Tomorrow we travel up to Waymart, PA, for the funeral...and to say good-bye to this Loving Lady. Blessings on you all.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Mom Tribute (Finally!)
As you can probably see, when I say something about blogging "tomorrow," that's Kristin-ese for "like...three weeks from now." Just a little "head's up" on that for all of you faithful friends and family. In my defense, (cause we all need to defend ourselves, right?), we have been very extra-busy lately. A friend recently commented on the unusual amount of things that are on our plate right now, and I must say it does seem a bit unusual! Thank goodness school for Keaton is at least over. Well, on to the Mother's Day Tribute I promised!
I don't know how many of you know my mom, but you're about to get to know her better by reading this. Earliest memories of my mom are...sitting on her lap in the big wing-back chair in the corner of our living room. Lots of affection. School days...I remember being so proud of my mom for helping with the make-up for a school play...she even painted her face up like a clown to practice, and we have the picture to prove it! I remember her encouraging me to practice the piano and to sing, sing, sing. She is still my biggest fan! I remember how hard she worked at being "Room mother" for one or two of the years in elementary school, where she would organize the holiday parties, bake special cookies (I remember the candy cane cookies that where red and white and twisted into candy cane shapes!), and get other parents to help. (She probably did this for my older brother too, which meant she was room mother many times!) I remember her cheering like crazy at my brother's tee-ball games, and later his baseball games. She had been a cheer-leader in high school and I think she never gave up that role! I remember the talks, talks, and more talks we had about God, school, fears, and later about boys. I remember shopping with her for hours to find "the perfect gift" for a relative. I remember her beautiful piano playing, both at home and at church, practicing for hours. I remember her cooking...pot roast with carrots, spaghetti and meatballs, her coconut-cream/ice cream dessert, lemon graham cracker dessert, and especially her famous cherry pie....amazing!
But the most important thing about my mom that has left a lasting impact on me is her love for God. I remember time after time...finding her in the living room, either with Bible open or with her eyes closed in prayer. She would often question me about my own quiet times (and I didn't like it....when I wasn't being consistent with them). I remember her leading my brother and I in before-school devotions out of the little "Daily Bread" booklets we had. I remember her crying out to God when life was hard, and never abandoning her faith. I remember her counseling me to forgive others when they had wronged me, even to the point of having me go to the other person and ask THEIR forgiveness...and this when I was only about 6-7. I remember her praying with me when I was ten...I wasn't sure I was saved. I wasn't seeing fruit, and I was concerned that I had never really become a Christian. So my mom prayed with me, and from that moment on, I began to see fruit. My mom was the one that first helped me see the relevance of spiritual gifts, as she would often have a "burden" for someone, and would stop and pray. One of those times had been when I was only 18 months old, and I had fallen out of a 2-story window while she was vacuuming. She had prayed all morning, knowing someone was in danger, but not knowing who. I only had to get 4 stitches, and was dancing around after we returned from the ER that day.
The year my mom turned 50 and Keith and I were to be married, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in her uterus. I was on summer music tour, and knew I needed to get home quickly. She seemed strangely at peace when I arrived home, confident that God was in control. I prayed fervently for Him to heal her. I was not ready to say good-bye to this woman I loved. God did heal her. Her surgeon said it was such a small amount of cancer that he was not even going to follow up with radiation. My mom rejoiced. She also used her time in the hospital to try to encourage her room-mate, Nan, who had had a re-lapse of cancer. She spoke to her of the Lord and His work in her life. Nan was sad to see my mom go, and they hugged each other tightly, knowing Nan may not make it through this time. My mom continued to pray and keep in contact with Nan. This is just part of who my mom is, compassionate.
This is what I remember of my mom. She has recently had alot of health issues, and I know she is discouraged in many areas right now. She may not see it, but I see God growing her in wonderful ways. I have told her this, and I am praying she will see God bring to her "the desires of her heart." I believe that, by the grace of God, I am following the Lord today because of this woman's influence and prayers. She may not feel as though she is being "used" by the Lord right now, but she is. I am seeing God continue to work in her life, and I am convinced He will be faithful to complete that which He started so many years ago in her! I love you Mom!!
Now, my mother-in-law, Jackie...
When I first met Keith's parents, Keith and I were not yet dating. I'm glad of that, because I probably would have been more nervous! They (along with his sweet grandma Rose) had driven to Toccoa, GA where we were in college, for a short visit. They came to our music-team practice and listened to us. I remember thinking they were all very nice and friendly. Little did I know, I'd be seeing ALOT of this family in the years to come!!
A few months later, Keith asked me to date him, and we knew it was going to be the "serious" kind, where marriage was the goal. I remember going to Florida for a few days that spring, to stay with Keith and his family. It was easy to feel "at home" with them, due in large part to his mom's sweet and gentle way. I never felt scrutinized by her as a potential daughter in law. Never felt like she was "testing" me to see my true colors. The "mother-in-law" stigma never remotely came into my mind with this woman. I felt so fortunate, so blessed, that this woman would be the "other mother" God would give me. As the years passed and we grew to love and know each other better, I often would have good talks with her about many things, and she was always such a good listener! So encouraging, too. She always saw the "bright side" of things, which wasn't necessarily how I saw things. (This accounts for why Keith has this perspective too, I guess!) She would often speak of how she had seen God be faithful in her life, and that, we could trust Him. After Keith and I were married, I never felt like I had to "prove myself" as a wife through great cooking or housekeeping, (though I still tried to do things really well when they came for a visit!)
Soon, the grandbabies started coming, and in this, Jackie was excited! All but one of their grandchildren were boys, so we were able to supply lots of granddaughters for them! I remember her coming to New York after Keaton was born and wanting to help any way she could. When she asked what the most helpful thing was that she could do, I asked her if she could clean out the fridge! She did it! (I can't believe I asked her to do that, but she never missed a beat!) All I can say it here is humility!
I know when we moved to Butler and had our two other little ones, it was probably hard, knowing that my parents would have wayyyy more time with the grandchildren. But she never showed any sign of struggling with our decision to move there, and was supportive all the way...including helping us pack and load our moving van and travel with us to PA to start our new phase of life. Throughout our five years there, Paul and Jackie came 3 or 4 times a year it seemed, driving all the way from FL. Our children are so fortunate to have two sets of grandparents who love the Lord and them so much! Near the end of our time in Butler, we went through some very difficult circumstances, and Jackie was praying and loving us through it all. When a child goes through suffering, it may be worse for the parents as they watch their beloved children suffer while there is very little the parents can do to ease it. I know this must have been a tremendously difficult time for them, yet they only ever showed support and concern for us. We knew they would have done anything for us, and still would!
About 18 months after our difficult times in Butler, Jackie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The news hit us all like a ton of bricks. It was a tremendously difficult year that first year for them, and when I saw her for the first time after all her battling of the cancer, she seemed so frail...so different from the strong, vibrant woman I had always known. But in her heart, she remained unshaken, knowing God was in control. And this is what she spoke of. Again and again, she would reaffirm that God had a plan, and she was just living one day at a time. This spoke volumes to me about her faith in God. She was changed in the sense that anyone who has battled a terminal disease is changed. Reckoning your heart to the realization that each day is uncertain. Only God is our constant. Jackie reflected all of this in her words. And little by little, she was regaining her strength.
It has been nearly three years since Jackie was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since that time, she has not only reaffirmed God's love to her, but she's been a vessel He's used to impact others. She and Paul recently went on a fishing trip with some other Senior Adults in their church, and they were asked to share their testimonies. I wish I could have been there!
These are the two women God has blessed me with. I am amazed at His goodness. Such a heritage for my children. Such a gift to me. I love them both and thank God for the gifts that they are. May He continue to bless them with a long, fruitful life!
I don't know how many of you know my mom, but you're about to get to know her better by reading this. Earliest memories of my mom are...sitting on her lap in the big wing-back chair in the corner of our living room. Lots of affection. School days...I remember being so proud of my mom for helping with the make-up for a school play...she even painted her face up like a clown to practice, and we have the picture to prove it! I remember her encouraging me to practice the piano and to sing, sing, sing. She is still my biggest fan! I remember how hard she worked at being "Room mother" for one or two of the years in elementary school, where she would organize the holiday parties, bake special cookies (I remember the candy cane cookies that where red and white and twisted into candy cane shapes!), and get other parents to help. (She probably did this for my older brother too, which meant she was room mother many times!) I remember her cheering like crazy at my brother's tee-ball games, and later his baseball games. She had been a cheer-leader in high school and I think she never gave up that role! I remember the talks, talks, and more talks we had about God, school, fears, and later about boys. I remember shopping with her for hours to find "the perfect gift" for a relative. I remember her beautiful piano playing, both at home and at church, practicing for hours. I remember her cooking...pot roast with carrots, spaghetti and meatballs, her coconut-cream/ice cream dessert, lemon graham cracker dessert, and especially her famous cherry pie....amazing!
But the most important thing about my mom that has left a lasting impact on me is her love for God. I remember time after time...finding her in the living room, either with Bible open or with her eyes closed in prayer. She would often question me about my own quiet times (and I didn't like it....when I wasn't being consistent with them). I remember her leading my brother and I in before-school devotions out of the little "Daily Bread" booklets we had. I remember her crying out to God when life was hard, and never abandoning her faith. I remember her counseling me to forgive others when they had wronged me, even to the point of having me go to the other person and ask THEIR forgiveness...and this when I was only about 6-7. I remember her praying with me when I was ten...I wasn't sure I was saved. I wasn't seeing fruit, and I was concerned that I had never really become a Christian. So my mom prayed with me, and from that moment on, I began to see fruit. My mom was the one that first helped me see the relevance of spiritual gifts, as she would often have a "burden" for someone, and would stop and pray. One of those times had been when I was only 18 months old, and I had fallen out of a 2-story window while she was vacuuming. She had prayed all morning, knowing someone was in danger, but not knowing who. I only had to get 4 stitches, and was dancing around after we returned from the ER that day.
The year my mom turned 50 and Keith and I were to be married, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in her uterus. I was on summer music tour, and knew I needed to get home quickly. She seemed strangely at peace when I arrived home, confident that God was in control. I prayed fervently for Him to heal her. I was not ready to say good-bye to this woman I loved. God did heal her. Her surgeon said it was such a small amount of cancer that he was not even going to follow up with radiation. My mom rejoiced. She also used her time in the hospital to try to encourage her room-mate, Nan, who had had a re-lapse of cancer. She spoke to her of the Lord and His work in her life. Nan was sad to see my mom go, and they hugged each other tightly, knowing Nan may not make it through this time. My mom continued to pray and keep in contact with Nan. This is just part of who my mom is, compassionate.
This is what I remember of my mom. She has recently had alot of health issues, and I know she is discouraged in many areas right now. She may not see it, but I see God growing her in wonderful ways. I have told her this, and I am praying she will see God bring to her "the desires of her heart." I believe that, by the grace of God, I am following the Lord today because of this woman's influence and prayers. She may not feel as though she is being "used" by the Lord right now, but she is. I am seeing God continue to work in her life, and I am convinced He will be faithful to complete that which He started so many years ago in her! I love you Mom!!
Now, my mother-in-law, Jackie...
When I first met Keith's parents, Keith and I were not yet dating. I'm glad of that, because I probably would have been more nervous! They (along with his sweet grandma Rose) had driven to Toccoa, GA where we were in college, for a short visit. They came to our music-team practice and listened to us. I remember thinking they were all very nice and friendly. Little did I know, I'd be seeing ALOT of this family in the years to come!!
A few months later, Keith asked me to date him, and we knew it was going to be the "serious" kind, where marriage was the goal. I remember going to Florida for a few days that spring, to stay with Keith and his family. It was easy to feel "at home" with them, due in large part to his mom's sweet and gentle way. I never felt scrutinized by her as a potential daughter in law. Never felt like she was "testing" me to see my true colors. The "mother-in-law" stigma never remotely came into my mind with this woman. I felt so fortunate, so blessed, that this woman would be the "other mother" God would give me. As the years passed and we grew to love and know each other better, I often would have good talks with her about many things, and she was always such a good listener! So encouraging, too. She always saw the "bright side" of things, which wasn't necessarily how I saw things. (This accounts for why Keith has this perspective too, I guess!) She would often speak of how she had seen God be faithful in her life, and that, we could trust Him. After Keith and I were married, I never felt like I had to "prove myself" as a wife through great cooking or housekeeping, (though I still tried to do things really well when they came for a visit!)
Soon, the grandbabies started coming, and in this, Jackie was excited! All but one of their grandchildren were boys, so we were able to supply lots of granddaughters for them! I remember her coming to New York after Keaton was born and wanting to help any way she could. When she asked what the most helpful thing was that she could do, I asked her if she could clean out the fridge! She did it! (I can't believe I asked her to do that, but she never missed a beat!) All I can say it here is humility!
I know when we moved to Butler and had our two other little ones, it was probably hard, knowing that my parents would have wayyyy more time with the grandchildren. But she never showed any sign of struggling with our decision to move there, and was supportive all the way...including helping us pack and load our moving van and travel with us to PA to start our new phase of life. Throughout our five years there, Paul and Jackie came 3 or 4 times a year it seemed, driving all the way from FL. Our children are so fortunate to have two sets of grandparents who love the Lord and them so much! Near the end of our time in Butler, we went through some very difficult circumstances, and Jackie was praying and loving us through it all. When a child goes through suffering, it may be worse for the parents as they watch their beloved children suffer while there is very little the parents can do to ease it. I know this must have been a tremendously difficult time for them, yet they only ever showed support and concern for us. We knew they would have done anything for us, and still would!
About 18 months after our difficult times in Butler, Jackie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The news hit us all like a ton of bricks. It was a tremendously difficult year that first year for them, and when I saw her for the first time after all her battling of the cancer, she seemed so frail...so different from the strong, vibrant woman I had always known. But in her heart, she remained unshaken, knowing God was in control. And this is what she spoke of. Again and again, she would reaffirm that God had a plan, and she was just living one day at a time. This spoke volumes to me about her faith in God. She was changed in the sense that anyone who has battled a terminal disease is changed. Reckoning your heart to the realization that each day is uncertain. Only God is our constant. Jackie reflected all of this in her words. And little by little, she was regaining her strength.
It has been nearly three years since Jackie was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since that time, she has not only reaffirmed God's love to her, but she's been a vessel He's used to impact others. She and Paul recently went on a fishing trip with some other Senior Adults in their church, and they were asked to share their testimonies. I wish I could have been there!
These are the two women God has blessed me with. I am amazed at His goodness. Such a heritage for my children. Such a gift to me. I love them both and thank God for the gifts that they are. May He continue to bless them with a long, fruitful life!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Romantic Getaway
I wanted to include this entry about a wonderful surprise! Two weeks ago, May 1st-2nd my sweet husband planned a little overnight getaway to Chesapeake City, MD. In only two days, we were able to find childcare (thanks Guyers!) and this wonderful B&B to stay at--the Shipwatch Inn. Definitely would recommend this place to anyone! We had a fantastic time in our 22 hour trip away, and want to do it again soon. Keith had been planning to take me away for my birthday in a few weeks, but saw that his work schedule was not going to work well for that, so he made some quick calls and planned it sooner.
First, we dropped off the girls at Tony and Tracy's...about 5 pm Thursday. Then we headed down to Maryland, a short 90 minute trip. Keith prepared a special CD of some of our favorite music to listen to and we talked without any interruptions from the backseat!! We arrived at our Inn about 7-ish, and let ourselves in with the key the innkeeper left for us. All the rooms were vacant and all the doors were open, so we sort of "snooped around" to see what they all looked like. Ours was on the top floor and had a walk out balcony, shared by the other two rooms on the top floor. Lovely decor. We dropped off our luggage and headed out to find dinner at a local Italian restaurant.
When we arrived back, we walked the little town of Chesapeake City by moonlight and went down by the canal-river front. Just perfect. The smell of lilac and cherry blossoms thick in the air. When we finally decided to stay "in" for the night, Keith tried to draw a bath in the jacuzzi tub, but found the jets wouldn't turn on. Hmmmm....what to do? We had paid more for a jacuzzi room, so we really wanted our money's worth. Keith called the innkeeper, and she told him we could choose a different room from our price range...and boy did we! It was so fun to look at the rooms and decide which one was the best. As it turned out, the "Cecil" was much more lovely than our first room, and it had a gorgeous tub as well as a remote-controlled fireplace! Keith had fun flipping it on and off, and making the fire grow brighter.
We had a fabulous stay, and were welcomed to a yummy breakfast of ham and cheese omelets, fresh fruit, buttered toast, hash browns, and juice and coffee the next morning. The innkeeper was delightful to talk to, and soon we were off to explore the town by morning light. A gorgeous day...we felt so blessed. We headed out of town about 11 am and decided to do some exploring (our favorite pre-children pasttime!) We drove to Georgetown, MD which is a lovely little college town (Washington College) and got out down by the river docks. Later, we had lunch at a town favorite cafe, then started back for Lancaster. All in all, a very memorable trip. Thank you Sweetheart, for valuing our marriage like this. I love you with all my heart!
Life Changes
OK...3 weeks since my last entry. I'm starting a new pattern here! I know it is probably frustrating for my faithful blog followers (Hi Mom and Dad Florida!) that I can't be more consistent, but life is just crazy right now. We've either been travelling, having company, babysitting, having extra meetings, trying to keep up with school and ballet, or just doing the laundry (UGH!).
This past Wednesday, Keith and I had our last corporate care group with the Wenger (Rothsville) Care Group. This is because, in a few weeks, Keith and I will be linking arms with Doug and Brenda Plank and Quay and Shannon Hanna as Young Adult Care Group Leaders. This is a BIG CHANGE for us! We have loved being in the Wenger Group, and will dearly miss our friends there. Three years of friendship, serving alongside and being served by these dear people....our set of stability as we moved to Lancaster and were incorporated into Crossway Church. So now, we move into a completely different element! Young adults, aged 18-25....(emphasis on YOUNG!) I'm feeling older by the minute. We are THRILLED to be linking up with these wonderful people, and can't wait to begin. But there is no doubt that our pace of life is about to be shaken up! Keith and I will have to drag out our "young" file from the attic, as it's been a good decade since we have fit this 18-25 category! Excitement for life, spontaneity, facing pivotal decions, independence....and most importantly, pursuing God as young adults will be the things we will be surrounded by. Are we up to the challenge? Not in ourselves! But, by the grace of God, we will be able to serve and care for these awesome young people.
On a different note, we are close to the end of school...Hip, Hip, Hooray!! Only 7 days left. (Kara may have a few more...) But the end is in sight. And actually, I'm sort of disappointed. I have really been enjoying the last few weeks of school, and believe God has "moved a mountain" of sorts for me in this area. I praise Him for that. I'm tempted to keep right on going, but know my family needs the break. And really, I do too. Time to do some heavy cleaning, painting, and general organizing. Catch me tomorrow for what will be a tribute to my 2 moms! Love you!
This past Wednesday, Keith and I had our last corporate care group with the Wenger (Rothsville) Care Group. This is because, in a few weeks, Keith and I will be linking arms with Doug and Brenda Plank and Quay and Shannon Hanna as Young Adult Care Group Leaders. This is a BIG CHANGE for us! We have loved being in the Wenger Group, and will dearly miss our friends there. Three years of friendship, serving alongside and being served by these dear people....our set of stability as we moved to Lancaster and were incorporated into Crossway Church. So now, we move into a completely different element! Young adults, aged 18-25....(emphasis on YOUNG!) I'm feeling older by the minute. We are THRILLED to be linking up with these wonderful people, and can't wait to begin. But there is no doubt that our pace of life is about to be shaken up! Keith and I will have to drag out our "young" file from the attic, as it's been a good decade since we have fit this 18-25 category! Excitement for life, spontaneity, facing pivotal decions, independence....and most importantly, pursuing God as young adults will be the things we will be surrounded by. Are we up to the challenge? Not in ourselves! But, by the grace of God, we will be able to serve and care for these awesome young people.
On a different note, we are close to the end of school...Hip, Hip, Hooray!! Only 7 days left. (Kara may have a few more...) But the end is in sight. And actually, I'm sort of disappointed. I have really been enjoying the last few weeks of school, and believe God has "moved a mountain" of sorts for me in this area. I praise Him for that. I'm tempted to keep right on going, but know my family needs the break. And really, I do too. Time to do some heavy cleaning, painting, and general organizing. Catch me tomorrow for what will be a tribute to my 2 moms! Love you!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Not Always What We Think
Have you ever just started to read something or hear something (book, blog, radio broadcast...) and you were thinking, "Wow, I really like what I'm hearing (reading, seeing,). This is exactly how I think about this!" When all of a sudden....ALARM!!! The similarity comes to a dead stop! You realize whatever you're reading, hearing, or seeing is not at ALL what you subscribe to, but in fact something you are very much an OPPONENT of? This has happened to me more than once, I can assure you. In fact, it just happened tonight. I was checking out Homeschooling Curriculum for next year, and happened to read through some comments on the website for my current curriculum. I found myself agreeing with one mom, then followed a link to her own blog where I found under her biographical description category "Religion" "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" and "What is Mormonism?" I was shocked, I must say. How can this mom think so similarly to me on some things (even down to the music that was being podcast on her blog) and yet be so far from me theologically? Why is she even using the curriculum I'm using? It's not a "Mormon" curriculum! From the outside, she seems like another church mom I'd swap ideas with, share homeschool info. with and want to have over to catch up on what God is doing in her life. I'm not saying I still couldn't do those things to some extent, but her beliefs about the Savior I love and adore are fundamentally opposed to the truth of the gospel. I wonder if she knows this. Has she sought out the scriptures for the truth that is revealed, or has she blindly believed lies told to her? I don't know. But I can pray for God's grace to let the scales fall from her eyes. This is so strange to think about. So similar to me in outward things, yet so far in the truth. It just goes to show that appearances aren't always what they seem. It also tells me that it's only the grace of God that keeps me from being a false worshipper.
I just started reading the new Bob Kauflin book, Worship Matters, yesterday. Really good. It is provoking me to think about worship and idolatry. We are all worshipping something. What is our "functional" god? What are we orienting our lives around? Is it God and His gospel, or a false "god" and it's "gospel?" A gospel of works, a gospel of success, a gospel of personal fulfillment or happiness. Where do our minds travel when we have a free minute? What do we turn to when our minds are left unoccupied for a second? Anything and everything can try to fill that place in our lives. Keeping Christ at the center of our lives does not happen by osmosis. It is a daily choosing, a daily yielding. Sounds like an oxymoron, but it is a daily choice to yield to the Holy Spirit. A daily choice to not have any other god before the one True God. To think that only by God's grace are we kept from stumbling into "another gospel" is humbling. But for the grace of God, I might be the one with my religion listed as Mormonism. We are all prone to follow a false god. Look at Aaron and the golden calf!! His brother is literally a short mountain climb away, meeting with the Mighty God, and down below, good old Aaron is crafting an idol for the people so they can have something to worship til Moses gets back. If this doesn't lay it out for us, nothing will. We are all like the people at the foot of that mountain. We are so desperate to worship something, we will accept the most ridiculous imitation. And we do it all the time. We run to food for comfort, to money for security, to people for acceptance, and to our own understanding for counsel. This is all idolatry. May God deliver us from the sin that lurks in our own deceptive hearts, that we might be true to Him.
"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing....I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
I just started reading the new Bob Kauflin book, Worship Matters, yesterday. Really good. It is provoking me to think about worship and idolatry. We are all worshipping something. What is our "functional" god? What are we orienting our lives around? Is it God and His gospel, or a false "god" and it's "gospel?" A gospel of works, a gospel of success, a gospel of personal fulfillment or happiness. Where do our minds travel when we have a free minute? What do we turn to when our minds are left unoccupied for a second? Anything and everything can try to fill that place in our lives. Keeping Christ at the center of our lives does not happen by osmosis. It is a daily choosing, a daily yielding. Sounds like an oxymoron, but it is a daily choice to yield to the Holy Spirit. A daily choice to not have any other god before the one True God. To think that only by God's grace are we kept from stumbling into "another gospel" is humbling. But for the grace of God, I might be the one with my religion listed as Mormonism. We are all prone to follow a false god. Look at Aaron and the golden calf!! His brother is literally a short mountain climb away, meeting with the Mighty God, and down below, good old Aaron is crafting an idol for the people so they can have something to worship til Moses gets back. If this doesn't lay it out for us, nothing will. We are all like the people at the foot of that mountain. We are so desperate to worship something, we will accept the most ridiculous imitation. And we do it all the time. We run to food for comfort, to money for security, to people for acceptance, and to our own understanding for counsel. This is all idolatry. May God deliver us from the sin that lurks in our own deceptive hearts, that we might be true to Him.
"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing....I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
Monday, April 14, 2008
Refreshed and Refocused
I had a great opportunity this weekend to just get away...Our Care Group Ladies' retreat that happens about once a year took place this Friday night-Saturday dinner. Lots of relaxing atmosphere in a lovely "Woods House, " lots of fellowship with care group ladies and lots of time...time to listen, read, respond, pray, and plan. I am grateful for all the guidance God gave me this weekend, both through friends and His Word. I was able to focus some energy on writing a love letter to my husband, telling him all the amazing evidences of grace I see in His life, make plans for organizing the home better, plans for organizing our day better, and perhaps most neccessary was the time I spent reflecting on God's goodness to me. I was overwhelmed with all He has done and brought in my life, and my eyes welled up with tears several times.
Ironically, after such a restful and refocusing time, God had a big challenge awaiting me yesterday. As most of my close friends could tell you, I battle the "tidy house" idol. Yes, it's not just a preference or a liking or even a healthy ideal. It is an idol. You will see that as I explain. Last night at 5:30 we were expecting to drop off our kiddos at another family's home while we had a "date night." We had napped as a family and generally "taken it easy" on this Sabbath. However, at about 5:25, the family pulled up in front of our house instead. "Um....they're here....??" Keith announced. "This can't be happening," I reason. My heart temporarily stops beating...I look around at toys, dishes, and general "untidy" plots of house. I take action...quickly rushing to clean up as much as possible before this family makes the 5o foot walk from their vehicle to my front door. I know it is pointless, but my prideful heart is making every attempt to "save face" by rushing around like a mad woman, picking up and trying to bring order in about 30 seconds. Then it's time to welcome them in...and I'm in the kitchen, trying to wash up a casserole dish left from lunch. (My heart is battling embarrassment, fear of judgement, fear of being found "messy." ) I am quiet as we leave the house. Keith knows this "date night" will not be spent lingering over dinner, talking about the kids or our upcoming plans for the house or anything like that. It will be spent gently helping me talk through how the gospel speaks to this issue in my life! And so it went....sitting for a long while in the parking lot of the restaurant we were supposed to go to...talking...tears being shed as I realize how deep this battle goes for me. And my wonderful husband pointing me back to the truth. The truth that God is intent on my heart above all else. And that I am fearing man...wanting approval. And that God is the only one I should fear. Our friends had no intentions of bringing on such a revealing time, they simply came to serve. And they certainly did not come to monitor my housekeeping on a Sunday afternoon. My husband helped me gently see these things. By the time we returned to the house, I was still weak-kneed, but generally thankful that God had planned this moment.
When we ask God to "conform us to the image of His Son" we don't get to choose the venue in which He will do it. This certainly was true for me yesterday. Do I want to be conformed to the humility of Christ? Absolutely. Do I want people to ever see my house untidy. No please!!! Does God plan to cross-reference the two. Apparently. Many times, the gospel will show it's worth to us when the sin we struggle with the most and the incident which exposes that sin the most collide. What will we do in that moment? Will we react or respond? Will we be angry or grateful? This, I'm convinced, is what the rest of our lives, "sanctification" as we know it, will be about. This is so hard, and yet so kind, of God. I hope this encourages you today. God is intent on not just my heart, but yours. What area are you afraid God will expose in order to kill an idol? Do not fear it, it is for your good and God's glory.
Ironically, after such a restful and refocusing time, God had a big challenge awaiting me yesterday. As most of my close friends could tell you, I battle the "tidy house" idol. Yes, it's not just a preference or a liking or even a healthy ideal. It is an idol. You will see that as I explain. Last night at 5:30 we were expecting to drop off our kiddos at another family's home while we had a "date night." We had napped as a family and generally "taken it easy" on this Sabbath. However, at about 5:25, the family pulled up in front of our house instead. "Um....they're here....??" Keith announced. "This can't be happening," I reason. My heart temporarily stops beating...I look around at toys, dishes, and general "untidy" plots of house. I take action...quickly rushing to clean up as much as possible before this family makes the 5o foot walk from their vehicle to my front door. I know it is pointless, but my prideful heart is making every attempt to "save face" by rushing around like a mad woman, picking up and trying to bring order in about 30 seconds. Then it's time to welcome them in...and I'm in the kitchen, trying to wash up a casserole dish left from lunch. (My heart is battling embarrassment, fear of judgement, fear of being found "messy." ) I am quiet as we leave the house. Keith knows this "date night" will not be spent lingering over dinner, talking about the kids or our upcoming plans for the house or anything like that. It will be spent gently helping me talk through how the gospel speaks to this issue in my life! And so it went....sitting for a long while in the parking lot of the restaurant we were supposed to go to...talking...tears being shed as I realize how deep this battle goes for me. And my wonderful husband pointing me back to the truth. The truth that God is intent on my heart above all else. And that I am fearing man...wanting approval. And that God is the only one I should fear. Our friends had no intentions of bringing on such a revealing time, they simply came to serve. And they certainly did not come to monitor my housekeeping on a Sunday afternoon. My husband helped me gently see these things. By the time we returned to the house, I was still weak-kneed, but generally thankful that God had planned this moment.
When we ask God to "conform us to the image of His Son" we don't get to choose the venue in which He will do it. This certainly was true for me yesterday. Do I want to be conformed to the humility of Christ? Absolutely. Do I want people to ever see my house untidy. No please!!! Does God plan to cross-reference the two. Apparently. Many times, the gospel will show it's worth to us when the sin we struggle with the most and the incident which exposes that sin the most collide. What will we do in that moment? Will we react or respond? Will we be angry or grateful? This, I'm convinced, is what the rest of our lives, "sanctification" as we know it, will be about. This is so hard, and yet so kind, of God. I hope this encourages you today. God is intent on not just my heart, but yours. What area are you afraid God will expose in order to kill an idol? Do not fear it, it is for your good and God's glory.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Hope Rising
I have been trying to listen to Debra Bell (Homeschool guru) all day (ok, well, not alllllll day) and it just won't play on my computer. Frustrating. I really wanted to hear this encouraging talk that she gave to homeschool families back in February. You see, I have been battling alot of discouragement lately in regards to the homeschooling endeavor. My friend Tina W. encouraged me to listen to this message by Deb Bell that she was able to benefit from. And I finally had some time to do this, but it just won't play.
But even though I haven't gotten to hear this famous homeschooling mom who literally "wrote the book" on homeschooling, something neat is happening in my heart today. Hope is rising. God is at work. As I looked at my children, all three sitting at the dining room table working on various schoolwork (well Kendall was just coloring, but let's call it "small motor development") I saw fruit from my labor. Kara is reading fluently for just turning seven. She whipped through three pages of math that dealt with tens and ones like it was nothing. She knows all of the Old Testament books of the Bible in order, and is almost finished learning all the New Testament books as well. Keaton is looking up things like the Gobi desert on the internet, reporting on it, and able to show me on a map of Asia where it's located. She writes beautiful cursive letters and loves to create stories. She is a read-a-holic and loves to draw and paint in her spare time. These are good signs! Education is happening! All I did was show up, teach the stuff, and pray my socks off! I can't tell you how BIG this is for me, friends and family! The tricky thing about homeschooling, along with every thing else in this life, is that you simply can't compare yourself to others or you will soon become frustrated, anxious, and defeated. But God is graciously helping me to see the glass as half-full today. Full of hope, full of answered prayer, full of Him. And that's where I need to start and end each school-day.
But even though I haven't gotten to hear this famous homeschooling mom who literally "wrote the book" on homeschooling, something neat is happening in my heart today. Hope is rising. God is at work. As I looked at my children, all three sitting at the dining room table working on various schoolwork (well Kendall was just coloring, but let's call it "small motor development") I saw fruit from my labor. Kara is reading fluently for just turning seven. She whipped through three pages of math that dealt with tens and ones like it was nothing. She knows all of the Old Testament books of the Bible in order, and is almost finished learning all the New Testament books as well. Keaton is looking up things like the Gobi desert on the internet, reporting on it, and able to show me on a map of Asia where it's located. She writes beautiful cursive letters and loves to create stories. She is a read-a-holic and loves to draw and paint in her spare time. These are good signs! Education is happening! All I did was show up, teach the stuff, and pray my socks off! I can't tell you how BIG this is for me, friends and family! The tricky thing about homeschooling, along with every thing else in this life, is that you simply can't compare yourself to others or you will soon become frustrated, anxious, and defeated. But God is graciously helping me to see the glass as half-full today. Full of hope, full of answered prayer, full of Him. And that's where I need to start and end each school-day.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Grace Unexpected
A neat thing happened the other day that I failed to post. It was in the midst of all the birthday-Easter business, and I almost let it slip unnoticed. I shop at ALDI usually weekly, and had seen a model of a corner dining table/bench unit they were selling. The model was doll-sized and was made from solid wood. I thought, "how cute! I wonder who gets things like that when they're done selling the actual people-sized product?" I was thinking how much my girls would love it for their American Girl dolls--the perfect size. So about a week after I'd first seen it, my mom and I were shopping at ALDI for some Easter groceries and we saw the manager move the model set to one of the front register lines. They were done advertising the "real" set. My mom (always a bargain-hunter) called out, "are you selling that?" He said "Why, do have a little girl?" My mom said "well, I have grand-daughters who would love that for their dolls" He said "How much do you think it's worth?" Now, clearly, were you to buy something like this from American Girl, you'd be looking at about $120 or more. My mom hesitated to say anything, thinking he'd laugh at any offer she made. Then to our great surprise, the manager said "How 'bout you give me a dollar for it?" A DOLLAR? This was a miracle. Our checker said "You wouldn't believe how many people wanted to buy that this week!" I smiled, because I had been one of those people, but never dreamed they'd sell it to me for a measly dollar. What moved this manager to sell it to us for a buck? My only explanation is that it was God's grace extended to us. And what a teachable moment for our girls when we presented it to them. Keaton had seen it too at the store and had asked about it, and I had told her it wasn't for sale. Guess I was wrong! God had it staked out for us from the beginning! I love it when Grace catches us unexpectedly.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
He Does Not Treat Us As Our Sins Deserve
Yesterday was one of those hard days. You probably know what I mean. Just one of those days where, due to the pressures around you, relationship issues, and your general outlook, you wish you could just go hibernate somewhere until all the yuck goes away. But this is not what God would desire for us...to run and hide. Facing difficulty is part of the Christian walk. Taking up our cross daily is a must if we are to develop the character of Christ. I was reading in Valley of Vision again and these words really struck me:
"My trials have been fewer than my sins, and when I have kissed the rod it has fallen from thy hands. Thou hast often wiped away my tears, restored peace to my mourning heart, chastened me for my profit. All thy work for me is perfect, and I praise thee." (from "Choices" p. 105, The Valley of Vision)
Here are some more good words from C.H. Spurgeon in his "Morning and Evening":
"If we have been partakers with Jesus in His shame, we shall be bearers with Him in the lustre which shall surround Him when He appears again in glory....Does a vital union knit thee to Him? Then thou art today with Him in His shame; thou hast taken up His cross, and gone with Him without the camp bearing His reproach; thou shalt doubtless be with Him when the cross is exchanged for a crown." (March 26..evening)
I will go about today with these viewpoints in mind. Cross-bearing is no easy business. It causes me to cast myself on God's mercy. This is exactly what God has in mind! Surely my trials really are not even comparable to all that I've been forgiven of. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. This is a great comfort.
"My trials have been fewer than my sins, and when I have kissed the rod it has fallen from thy hands. Thou hast often wiped away my tears, restored peace to my mourning heart, chastened me for my profit. All thy work for me is perfect, and I praise thee." (from "Choices" p. 105, The Valley of Vision)
Here are some more good words from C.H. Spurgeon in his "Morning and Evening":
"If we have been partakers with Jesus in His shame, we shall be bearers with Him in the lustre which shall surround Him when He appears again in glory....Does a vital union knit thee to Him? Then thou art today with Him in His shame; thou hast taken up His cross, and gone with Him without the camp bearing His reproach; thou shalt doubtless be with Him when the cross is exchanged for a crown." (March 26..evening)
I will go about today with these viewpoints in mind. Cross-bearing is no easy business. It causes me to cast myself on God's mercy. This is exactly what God has in mind! Surely my trials really are not even comparable to all that I've been forgiven of. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. This is a great comfort.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Celebrations Galore!
I know it's been nearly a month since I last made an entry, but we've been crazy busy!! Both my parents-in-law and my parents were here these last few weeks, Keaton and Kara celebrated their 9th and 7th birthdays, we celebrated Easter and found a new family for Copper! Whew! The time has not been generous for me to blog, so now I'll try to catch up. Now for some pictures.... Well, actually the post published the pictures first I guess. I need to figure out how to change that! But the events in pictures are backwards. This is the correct order: Keaton's 9th birthday--March 18th, Kara's 7th birthday--March 21st, and Easter weekend...egg hunt, egg dying, and Easter Sunday dresses. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Blessed
Praise God for a beautiful, spring-y day! What a welcome respite for all of us northerners! (My parents-in law come this friday from Florida, maybe they'll bring spring with them!!)
Lately, in light of some of my recent entries, I've been hearing the still small voice of God in gentle promptings. Thankfulness, contentment, showing love...these are huge issues for me. Only a humble heart can mirror these things. I am increasingly aware that my lack of love is sticking out like a sore thumb, or a "clanging cymbal."
I can become so weary of homeschooling somedays, I'm not sure I can keep going. My steadfastness and faith wavers. Talking to Tina (Thanks dear friend!) yesterday was a big help, as well as getting back in contact with a friend from the past who just started homeschooling her 3rd-grader this year (Love ya Heather!). These conversations have boosted me to re-evaluate some of what I'm doing with my girls. Fresh perpective to go along with a fresh time of year is so, well....refreshing!
But I have to say hands down one of the most blessed "voice of God" moments was last night at home. 3/5's of us were sick, so we did not attend our Sunday meeting (church), which I had been looking forward to. Instead, we gathered everyone around the piano and Keith led us in a time of family worship. Each of us got to pick our favorite worship song. I have never heard such precious children's voices as my 3 little girls' last night. Kara's pick was:
"Gracious and astounding, God's love so confounding appears to us, in a crimson flow of blood. The Son left throne and glory, bore the Father's wrath and fury in our stead, and for the sins of all He bled....Stand in awe and Worship, Raise a Voice in Worship come Adore, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
This stood out to me because the theology is rich and our girls knew the words!
My pick was "Give Me Jesus" which is on my list for what I want at my funeral...done in the Fernando Ortega style. These little girls sounded so angelic...each taking a verse to sing as a solo, and the rest of us joining in on the chorus. Keith and I definitely had tears in our eyes.
It was at that moment that I realized how Blessed we were. That God has entrusted us with these little ones. It was humbling and promoted thanfulness in my heart. These little ones were worshipping God. You should have been here!
Yes, life is hard. Yes, there always seems to be more needing done than time to do it in. Yes, I am going to fail. But God's love is surrounding me. He calls to me in the hardships, whispers in the sweetness, but all of it is blessing. He alone knows exactly the mixture of both that I need in order to stay reliant on Him. That only shows His care all the more. I am a blessed woman.
Lately, in light of some of my recent entries, I've been hearing the still small voice of God in gentle promptings. Thankfulness, contentment, showing love...these are huge issues for me. Only a humble heart can mirror these things. I am increasingly aware that my lack of love is sticking out like a sore thumb, or a "clanging cymbal."
I can become so weary of homeschooling somedays, I'm not sure I can keep going. My steadfastness and faith wavers. Talking to Tina (Thanks dear friend!) yesterday was a big help, as well as getting back in contact with a friend from the past who just started homeschooling her 3rd-grader this year (Love ya Heather!). These conversations have boosted me to re-evaluate some of what I'm doing with my girls. Fresh perpective to go along with a fresh time of year is so, well....refreshing!
But I have to say hands down one of the most blessed "voice of God" moments was last night at home. 3/5's of us were sick, so we did not attend our Sunday meeting (church), which I had been looking forward to. Instead, we gathered everyone around the piano and Keith led us in a time of family worship. Each of us got to pick our favorite worship song. I have never heard such precious children's voices as my 3 little girls' last night. Kara's pick was:
"Gracious and astounding, God's love so confounding appears to us, in a crimson flow of blood. The Son left throne and glory, bore the Father's wrath and fury in our stead, and for the sins of all He bled....Stand in awe and Worship, Raise a Voice in Worship come Adore, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
This stood out to me because the theology is rich and our girls knew the words!
My pick was "Give Me Jesus" which is on my list for what I want at my funeral...done in the Fernando Ortega style. These little girls sounded so angelic...each taking a verse to sing as a solo, and the rest of us joining in on the chorus. Keith and I definitely had tears in our eyes.
It was at that moment that I realized how Blessed we were. That God has entrusted us with these little ones. It was humbling and promoted thanfulness in my heart. These little ones were worshipping God. You should have been here!
Yes, life is hard. Yes, there always seems to be more needing done than time to do it in. Yes, I am going to fail. But God's love is surrounding me. He calls to me in the hardships, whispers in the sweetness, but all of it is blessing. He alone knows exactly the mixture of both that I need in order to stay reliant on Him. That only shows His care all the more. I am a blessed woman.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Progress
Progress....such a buzz word, and yet, so subjectively defined. My progress would not be your progress. What I deem as progress might be completely unappealing to you, or perhaps, something to which you would say "been there, done that!"
Progress reports in school (aka: Report Cards!!)
Progress in labor/delivery
Progress in technology
Progress in medicine
Progress...................................................
But, the other side to progress is what gets left behind. You can not move forward without leaving something back. And there may be a bitter-sweetness to that trade-off.
I just finished reading about a working mom who desperately wishes she were out of the work-force and at home with her two little ones. She feels trapped by an economy where living on one-income is growing increasingly more difficult. She is not a believer, but says if she were, she would probably "let go and let God." She actually watches clips of her children at daycare on her computer at work. (Where's Johnny? Oh, there, in the corner. Forty minutes have passed and he's still sitting there. Does he have a book? Yes, I think that's a book...) I had no idea there was video streaming available for this type of thing! But the point of the article by this mom was that the very freedom her mother's generation fought so hard for her to have (working alongside men, getting comparable salaries), is the "freedom" that keeps her bound. Is this progress?
Job opportunities may have increased for women, but unfortunately, with that comes the inflation of everything else. Real Estate today is unbelievably expensive...especially for a one-income family. The prices we pay in America often reflect the assumption that families exist on 2 lower middle-class incomes, rather than one. Some studies have shown that the actual rate of salaries for men has not kept up with former days because there is an assumption that the men don't need to make a healthy, support the entire-family type of income...now that their wives can work too. I don't know enough about this to say much more, but I know families where although the husband has at least a bachelor's degree, his full-time professional-grade job pays nowhere near what is needed to support a family of 5 or 6. And these are not families that live "high on the hog." We're talking bare minimum here! So husbands/dads are forced to take 2 full-time jobs to provide for their family, if they believe the wife should be at home. This is definitely a case where what once was thought of as "Progress" has come back to bite us all.
But the real reason I was thinking about "Progress" has to do with a spiritual nature. You see, the season that I've been in lately has been one where I don't see much progress on any tangible level. My home's beauty and order, my children's education, my physical fitness...all seem to be stuck right in the same spot. Nothing "feels" like it's moving forward, getting better, progressing. I haven't really talked much about this....other than to my husband and an occasional friend who catches me on a particularly emotional day. But I was reading through the recent posts at www.girltalk.blogs.com (our family of churches' resource for women), and saw that they've been addressing spiritual progress in the midst of things like PMS, postpartum depression, and menopause. This quote by nineteenth century pastor's wife Elisabeth Prentiss took my heart:
"God never places us in any position where we cannot grow. We may fancy that He does. We may fear we are so impeded by fretting, petty cares, that we are gaining nothing; but when we are not sending any branches upward, we may be sending roots downward. Perhaps in the time of our humiliation, when everything seems a failure, we are making the best kind of progress."
This is profound faith in God's purposes for us. This is "boasting in our weaknesses" as Paul says. This is remembering that in our weakness, God is strong. And this is one area where progress doesn't come back to bite us. Because we are becoming more like Christ and gaining an incorruptible treasure that is not of this world. I guess the neat thing about this is...when you can't see results...it's probably because they're all in heaven! Take heart.
Progress reports in school (aka: Report Cards!!)
Progress in labor/delivery
Progress in technology
Progress in medicine
Progress...................................................
But, the other side to progress is what gets left behind. You can not move forward without leaving something back. And there may be a bitter-sweetness to that trade-off.
I just finished reading about a working mom who desperately wishes she were out of the work-force and at home with her two little ones. She feels trapped by an economy where living on one-income is growing increasingly more difficult. She is not a believer, but says if she were, she would probably "let go and let God." She actually watches clips of her children at daycare on her computer at work. (Where's Johnny? Oh, there, in the corner. Forty minutes have passed and he's still sitting there. Does he have a book? Yes, I think that's a book...) I had no idea there was video streaming available for this type of thing! But the point of the article by this mom was that the very freedom her mother's generation fought so hard for her to have (working alongside men, getting comparable salaries), is the "freedom" that keeps her bound. Is this progress?
Job opportunities may have increased for women, but unfortunately, with that comes the inflation of everything else. Real Estate today is unbelievably expensive...especially for a one-income family. The prices we pay in America often reflect the assumption that families exist on 2 lower middle-class incomes, rather than one. Some studies have shown that the actual rate of salaries for men has not kept up with former days because there is an assumption that the men don't need to make a healthy, support the entire-family type of income...now that their wives can work too. I don't know enough about this to say much more, but I know families where although the husband has at least a bachelor's degree, his full-time professional-grade job pays nowhere near what is needed to support a family of 5 or 6. And these are not families that live "high on the hog." We're talking bare minimum here! So husbands/dads are forced to take 2 full-time jobs to provide for their family, if they believe the wife should be at home. This is definitely a case where what once was thought of as "Progress" has come back to bite us all.
But the real reason I was thinking about "Progress" has to do with a spiritual nature. You see, the season that I've been in lately has been one where I don't see much progress on any tangible level. My home's beauty and order, my children's education, my physical fitness...all seem to be stuck right in the same spot. Nothing "feels" like it's moving forward, getting better, progressing. I haven't really talked much about this....other than to my husband and an occasional friend who catches me on a particularly emotional day. But I was reading through the recent posts at www.girltalk.blogs.com (our family of churches' resource for women), and saw that they've been addressing spiritual progress in the midst of things like PMS, postpartum depression, and menopause. This quote by nineteenth century pastor's wife Elisabeth Prentiss took my heart:
"God never places us in any position where we cannot grow. We may fancy that He does. We may fear we are so impeded by fretting, petty cares, that we are gaining nothing; but when we are not sending any branches upward, we may be sending roots downward. Perhaps in the time of our humiliation, when everything seems a failure, we are making the best kind of progress."
This is profound faith in God's purposes for us. This is "boasting in our weaknesses" as Paul says. This is remembering that in our weakness, God is strong. And this is one area where progress doesn't come back to bite us. Because we are becoming more like Christ and gaining an incorruptible treasure that is not of this world. I guess the neat thing about this is...when you can't see results...it's probably because they're all in heaven! Take heart.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Faith that Acts
Two nights ago, my wonderful husband took our oldest, Keaton, to the Emergency Room to have her breathing checked out. For about 24 hours, she had been wheezing and sounding out of breath. I had called the pediatrician and they could not see her that day, so our option was to either hope she made it through the night or take her to the hospital! (No time wasted in deciding there!) Well...suffice it to say, Keaton is now using a nebulizer after being diagnosed as being in an "asthmatic" state. Not a huge surprise here, we have family members who struggle with this too.
The night before the trip to the ER, we had prayed over and annointed Keaton at my husband's leading. There have been times in the past where we have seen God mightily work in this way. And He still may. But our main cry that night was, "give us your wisdom in this Lord." I thought about the groups of religious people out there who believe either God heals without medicine or you just let the person progress in their sickness and die. "If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:16 Aren't we called to walk by the light we're given? If God offers us a way to endure, we need to act on it, still praying that He will intervene and deliver us completely. We could apply this to so many situations.
For instance, some may say we should not formally educate our children at all, but simply let them grow up, learning from the environment by osmosis, and really hope they become intelligent. I sure am glad the doctors who have operated on my loved ones weren't trained by osmosis. This is concerning. I know there are actually "homeschoolers" out there who actually lean this direction. But to me "train up a child in the way he should go" shows there is a plan of action in place. "Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12. (This was my 6 year old's first bible verse of the school year and we both still remember it!) This also applies to discipline. I recently went on a Christian mom's blog (nobody I know) and read the comments on whether to spank/not spank. Amazing input from people on both sides. However, many people tend to act on subjective experience (how they were raised, their personal experience with results) rather than on Biblical revelation. One mom in particular had it right, I believe, out of about 44 comments. Many people are afraid to spank because of how it affected them as children (done poorly) or that they will lose control and abuse their kids. Once again, faith and action is required. It's difficult to discipline effectively when the parent him/herself is not in daily fellowship with God. It's impossible, really, to parent well without daily fellowship with God and his word.
Well, I will get off my soapbox for now. But please know that as always, I write these things to remind myself of how the Lord has taught me and from whence I've come. Amazingly, there will be tons of believers in Heaven with me who parented differently, schooled or homeschooled differently, worshipped God differently, and in general, whose lives were lived much differently than mine while here on earth. But one thing will be the same...we will all have been called out of darkness into the glorious Light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "For it is by Grace you have been saved, through faith, and not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not of works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
The night before the trip to the ER, we had prayed over and annointed Keaton at my husband's leading. There have been times in the past where we have seen God mightily work in this way. And He still may. But our main cry that night was, "give us your wisdom in this Lord." I thought about the groups of religious people out there who believe either God heals without medicine or you just let the person progress in their sickness and die. "If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:16 Aren't we called to walk by the light we're given? If God offers us a way to endure, we need to act on it, still praying that He will intervene and deliver us completely. We could apply this to so many situations.
For instance, some may say we should not formally educate our children at all, but simply let them grow up, learning from the environment by osmosis, and really hope they become intelligent. I sure am glad the doctors who have operated on my loved ones weren't trained by osmosis. This is concerning. I know there are actually "homeschoolers" out there who actually lean this direction. But to me "train up a child in the way he should go" shows there is a plan of action in place. "Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12. (This was my 6 year old's first bible verse of the school year and we both still remember it!) This also applies to discipline. I recently went on a Christian mom's blog (nobody I know) and read the comments on whether to spank/not spank. Amazing input from people on both sides. However, many people tend to act on subjective experience (how they were raised, their personal experience with results) rather than on Biblical revelation. One mom in particular had it right, I believe, out of about 44 comments. Many people are afraid to spank because of how it affected them as children (done poorly) or that they will lose control and abuse their kids. Once again, faith and action is required. It's difficult to discipline effectively when the parent him/herself is not in daily fellowship with God. It's impossible, really, to parent well without daily fellowship with God and his word.
Well, I will get off my soapbox for now. But please know that as always, I write these things to remind myself of how the Lord has taught me and from whence I've come. Amazingly, there will be tons of believers in Heaven with me who parented differently, schooled or homeschooled differently, worshipped God differently, and in general, whose lives were lived much differently than mine while here on earth. But one thing will be the same...we will all have been called out of darkness into the glorious Light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "For it is by Grace you have been saved, through faith, and not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not of works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
Monday, February 18, 2008
2/15/72
Rarely have I posted twice in one day, but this occasion merits a second entry. My sweet husband turned 36 three days ago, and I have been waiting for such an occasion to honor him. I titled this entry after Stephen Curtis Chapman's "11/6/64" song, which he wrote about the day his wife was born...the world being a whole lot brighter and having a lot more meaning for him on the day she was born, etc... I was thinking about all the ways in which Keith blesses the girls and me....too many to count, really. Here is just a start of the things he is currently striving to accomplish:
1. Lead me as his wife
2. Lead our children
3. Set a family schedule
4. Set a family budget and keep us sticking to it
5. Have consistent family devotions
6. Serve in worship/music leading at our church
7. Write worship music for the church
8. Arrange music to aid church leaders
9. Work with integrity in the car sales industry 45+ hours a week
10. Meet regularly with men for spiritual accountability
11. Meet regularly with a friend to do a book study on "Everyday Talk"
12. Plan and keep up bi-weekly date nights with me
13. Plan a family vacation
14. Serve in Children's Ministry with me at church
15. Pursuing God in his own quiet times daily
Friends, this is really just the top 15...there are so many more. He is trying to start exercising, which we can commiserate about together! He is trying to inspire our family with fun times...like a run to Baskin Robbins or a trip to Reading to find the Pagoda. He is a wonderful friend to me, listening, responding, offering spiritual help and observations when needed (as well as back rubs, cleaning up after dinner, and bathing the girls). Best of all, He is pursuing God in it all. To really send the message about what this man is like, here is an excerpt from a client who actually flew all the way from Milwaukee to Lancaster, just to buy a car from my husband. He wrote this letter to Keith's manager, and handed Keith a card with a $50 gift card in it.
"I am sure you are probably well aware of the fine attributes that Keith possesses. I have over 20 years of customer service experience, and am very aware when I come across individuals who excel in this area....I know the $8900 vehicle is not the biggest sale you ever made, however, I assure you that Keith treated me as if I was purchasing an $89,000 vehicle...Most of all, I would like him (Keith) to get the recognition for his outstanding attitude and his dedication to make things happen."
I was so proud of my husband when I read this letter. Clearly, people see what I see. God is at work in this man, making him resonate with the character of Jesus! Happy Birthday, my sweet husband. And many, many more! My love to you always.
1. Lead me as his wife
2. Lead our children
3. Set a family schedule
4. Set a family budget and keep us sticking to it
5. Have consistent family devotions
6. Serve in worship/music leading at our church
7. Write worship music for the church
8. Arrange music to aid church leaders
9. Work with integrity in the car sales industry 45+ hours a week
10. Meet regularly with men for spiritual accountability
11. Meet regularly with a friend to do a book study on "Everyday Talk"
12. Plan and keep up bi-weekly date nights with me
13. Plan a family vacation
14. Serve in Children's Ministry with me at church
15. Pursuing God in his own quiet times daily
Friends, this is really just the top 15...there are so many more. He is trying to start exercising, which we can commiserate about together! He is trying to inspire our family with fun times...like a run to Baskin Robbins or a trip to Reading to find the Pagoda. He is a wonderful friend to me, listening, responding, offering spiritual help and observations when needed (as well as back rubs, cleaning up after dinner, and bathing the girls). Best of all, He is pursuing God in it all. To really send the message about what this man is like, here is an excerpt from a client who actually flew all the way from Milwaukee to Lancaster, just to buy a car from my husband. He wrote this letter to Keith's manager, and handed Keith a card with a $50 gift card in it.
"I am sure you are probably well aware of the fine attributes that Keith possesses. I have over 20 years of customer service experience, and am very aware when I come across individuals who excel in this area....I know the $8900 vehicle is not the biggest sale you ever made, however, I assure you that Keith treated me as if I was purchasing an $89,000 vehicle...Most of all, I would like him (Keith) to get the recognition for his outstanding attitude and his dedication to make things happen."
I was so proud of my husband when I read this letter. Clearly, people see what I see. God is at work in this man, making him resonate with the character of Jesus! Happy Birthday, my sweet husband. And many, many more! My love to you always.
Miracles Never Cease
This might not be the most spiritually informed entry of my life, but I wanted to post regarding two things:
A. My dog is definitely "reformed" in his ways after being Neutered. This is a huge answer to prayer. Even my mother, who doesn't particularly like our dog, has been praying that he would get better with his housetraining and aggression so we can keep him.
B. People other than my five friends/family are reading this blog. I was just tagged by "julie" (not to be confused with dear friend Julie Garner) who apparently has read my blog. I'm going to respond to her tagging here by posting 7 interesting things about myself...this could take a while!
1. I fell out of a two-story window at 18 mos. of age and only needed a few stitches.
2. From the ages of 10-18, I thought God wanted me to be a foreign missionary. To this day, I have never been overseas.
3. I play piano, violin, trumpet, and have attempted guitar.
4. I never moved until I was 18. Since then, I have moved 7 times.
5. I have been in a television commercial with my husband.
6. I lived on the street where "Stepmom" was filmed...met actor Ed Harris during the filming, and was neighbor to Rosie O'Donnell on that same street.
7. I have played the parts of a drunk singer (Vera in "Mame") a nun (Maria in the "Sound of Music") and an adulterous woman (In a church Easter production).
Whew...that took some thinking. The truth is, I am a simple, stay-at-home, homeschooling mom who can't imagine being in the workforce outside. I am called to this!
A. My dog is definitely "reformed" in his ways after being Neutered. This is a huge answer to prayer. Even my mother, who doesn't particularly like our dog, has been praying that he would get better with his housetraining and aggression so we can keep him.
B. People other than my five friends/family are reading this blog. I was just tagged by "julie" (not to be confused with dear friend Julie Garner) who apparently has read my blog. I'm going to respond to her tagging here by posting 7 interesting things about myself...this could take a while!
1. I fell out of a two-story window at 18 mos. of age and only needed a few stitches.
2. From the ages of 10-18, I thought God wanted me to be a foreign missionary. To this day, I have never been overseas.
3. I play piano, violin, trumpet, and have attempted guitar.
4. I never moved until I was 18. Since then, I have moved 7 times.
5. I have been in a television commercial with my husband.
6. I lived on the street where "Stepmom" was filmed...met actor Ed Harris during the filming, and was neighbor to Rosie O'Donnell on that same street.
7. I have played the parts of a drunk singer (Vera in "Mame") a nun (Maria in the "Sound of Music") and an adulterous woman (In a church Easter production).
Whew...that took some thinking. The truth is, I am a simple, stay-at-home, homeschooling mom who can't imagine being in the workforce outside. I am called to this!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
In God We Trust
Whew...Well, I couldn't let a "teachable moment" pass right now without recording it. I know I'd forget the details if I didn't write it down immediately. So here goes:
Keaton was diligently reading for school. I was busy sorting through clothes, drawers, closets, hampers...just basically trying to get organized, when I heard my two younger daughters talking about "stickers." My 5 year old baby said to her almost 7-year old sister, "No, Kara, mommy won't like us playing with those..." I didn't stop to see what they were talking about. My lack of leadership. So after the second time of Kendall telling Kara not to play with "those." I looked up, to see my postage stamps on their fingertips. Kara had run upstairs with her stamps, out of my sight...Kendall was caught, red-handed (or stamp-handed!) I immediately yelled, "NO, stop! Those are my stamps!! You can't play with those...that's bad!...Give them to me! Go To your rooms immediately!" (to my shame, I cared more about the money being lost than in how I treated my children...no grace) The girls ran upstairs crying and obediently went to their rooms. I quickly (by God's grace) humbled my heart, realizing how my anger lashed out, and went upstairs to find my girls. When I had pulled them in together I confessed my sin of anger and asked their forgiveness, addressed their sin of stealing for which they eagerly asked forgiveness. I was explaining that by playing with the stamps, it was like throwing money in the garbage can, when Kara interrupted me and said, "Yes, but the money says, 'In God we Trust.'" I said, "You're right, Kara, but what does that have to do with this." She said, "well, you shouldn't be so picky about money, you should trust God to take care of you." WHAM!!! Now for those of you who know how much I have struggled with fear of money/loss, you will find this a huge moment of God's grace to me "out of the mouths of babes." Kara had cut through the mustard and seen my true heart, why I lashed out at them. It was not because they were stealing from me and I was concerned about their hearts, it was because I was going to lose money over this. Mommy was getting a teachable moment from her 6 year old child. And although Kara had taken from me what she knew she shouldn't, I was the bigger sinner! Oh, I hope I remember this scenario thirty years from now when Kara is a mother herself! I am humbled and blessed by the Lord to have such wise children! They are a treasure and a means of grace from the Lord.
Keaton was diligently reading for school. I was busy sorting through clothes, drawers, closets, hampers...just basically trying to get organized, when I heard my two younger daughters talking about "stickers." My 5 year old baby said to her almost 7-year old sister, "No, Kara, mommy won't like us playing with those..." I didn't stop to see what they were talking about. My lack of leadership. So after the second time of Kendall telling Kara not to play with "those." I looked up, to see my postage stamps on their fingertips. Kara had run upstairs with her stamps, out of my sight...Kendall was caught, red-handed (or stamp-handed!) I immediately yelled, "NO, stop! Those are my stamps!! You can't play with those...that's bad!...Give them to me! Go To your rooms immediately!" (to my shame, I cared more about the money being lost than in how I treated my children...no grace) The girls ran upstairs crying and obediently went to their rooms. I quickly (by God's grace) humbled my heart, realizing how my anger lashed out, and went upstairs to find my girls. When I had pulled them in together I confessed my sin of anger and asked their forgiveness, addressed their sin of stealing for which they eagerly asked forgiveness. I was explaining that by playing with the stamps, it was like throwing money in the garbage can, when Kara interrupted me and said, "Yes, but the money says, 'In God we Trust.'" I said, "You're right, Kara, but what does that have to do with this." She said, "well, you shouldn't be so picky about money, you should trust God to take care of you." WHAM!!! Now for those of you who know how much I have struggled with fear of money/loss, you will find this a huge moment of God's grace to me "out of the mouths of babes." Kara had cut through the mustard and seen my true heart, why I lashed out at them. It was not because they were stealing from me and I was concerned about their hearts, it was because I was going to lose money over this. Mommy was getting a teachable moment from her 6 year old child. And although Kara had taken from me what she knew she shouldn't, I was the bigger sinner! Oh, I hope I remember this scenario thirty years from now when Kara is a mother herself! I am humbled and blessed by the Lord to have such wise children! They are a treasure and a means of grace from the Lord.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Contradictions and Neutering
Hope you like my title for this entry! I realized that I had two complete opposite things I wanted to convey to my faithful readers, and I wasn't sure it was possible to do it smoothly.
So I'll start with the second half....my dog is finally FIXED!! Hip hip hooray for us, not so much for him. I will have to include a picture of his pathetic little head in his "lampshade" in the next few days. Yep, that's right, he's a neutered boy now...is he still a boy? Cause I'm guessin' that "neutered" and "neutral" come from the same latin root or something. But in any case, we should see some good fruit come of this. And if we don't ....well let's just say some well-deserving person will be gaining a 20 month old jug in the near future. I cannot even go into it all here...it would just be another "woe is me" story and be complaining. But, ladies, I tell you...when you imagine the poster dog for "bad dog" just imagine our Copper. He is still sniffing poor Kendall and Kara ALOT...but seems to be way less "interested" in them, if you know what I mean. The "marking" of his territory on everything cornered or that he deems worthy seems to also be way less so far. Let's hope he sticks to that.
Now for the more serious side to this entry... On the way to taking Copper to his surgery on Thursday, I was sitting at a light coming out of our neighborhood, when I noticed the cute little lime green VW bug idling in front of me. My thoughts of "what a cute little car" quickly turned sour when I read it's solo bumper sticker : "I Like Your Christ. I do NOT like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." Wham! I was provoked to reflection. What had this young lady driver seen of Christians to warrant such a statement? It's not like I don't know there are people who feel strongly that we are all a bunch of hypocrites. Sadly, often we are more known for what we are against than what we are for. But as my husband said, when I shared this statement with him, "She's missed the whole point. We are sinners. Christ was/is not." And for me to take offense at this statment is proof of that! Instead of immediate compassion, I felt anger. That's probably exactly what she's talking about. But, the fact is, in "not liking" Christians, she really doesn't like Christ either. We are his bride. We are his children. We reflect his glory. Jesus tells us that just as the world hated him, so it will hate us also. I don't think there'd be alot of "liking" of Christ if he were walking the earth here and now. Just as there wasn't in his days on the earth. His words bring conviction, not compromise. He came to "cause the rising and falling of many," not make the world a more peaceful, unified place to live. Sinners either repented or cringed when he came to town. Of course our presence in the world is not what is should be. We are a sinful people in need of grace. I think most Christians who are true disciples are aware of that. But the fact is, we are directly opposed to most of what the world wears, watches, says, and does. It should be like that. We should stand out. We should not make the world more comfortable with sin. Love yes. Condone no. My temptation is to hide who I am, to hide my Christian identity, when it comes to "keeping up a relationship" with someone. When talking with my neighbors, instead of being forthwright about my reliance on God through prayer and leaning on His faithfulness, I try to water-down my words so they won't sound "preachy." I am secretly afraid they will think I'm weird and cult-ish if I speak about my life the way I would around my church family. We were challenged on this at the "Proclaim" course this past summer. How am I doing with it? Maybe slightly better. I need the Lord to make me "bold as a lion." All for his glory. And not think that trying to improve someone's opinion of me is the goal. Fearing God over fearing man.
So I'll start with the second half....my dog is finally FIXED!! Hip hip hooray for us, not so much for him. I will have to include a picture of his pathetic little head in his "lampshade" in the next few days. Yep, that's right, he's a neutered boy now...is he still a boy? Cause I'm guessin' that "neutered" and "neutral" come from the same latin root or something. But in any case, we should see some good fruit come of this. And if we don't ....well let's just say some well-deserving person will be gaining a 20 month old jug in the near future. I cannot even go into it all here...it would just be another "woe is me" story and be complaining. But, ladies, I tell you...when you imagine the poster dog for "bad dog" just imagine our Copper. He is still sniffing poor Kendall and Kara ALOT...but seems to be way less "interested" in them, if you know what I mean. The "marking" of his territory on everything cornered or that he deems worthy seems to also be way less so far. Let's hope he sticks to that.
Now for the more serious side to this entry... On the way to taking Copper to his surgery on Thursday, I was sitting at a light coming out of our neighborhood, when I noticed the cute little lime green VW bug idling in front of me. My thoughts of "what a cute little car" quickly turned sour when I read it's solo bumper sticker : "I Like Your Christ. I do NOT like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." Wham! I was provoked to reflection. What had this young lady driver seen of Christians to warrant such a statement? It's not like I don't know there are people who feel strongly that we are all a bunch of hypocrites. Sadly, often we are more known for what we are against than what we are for. But as my husband said, when I shared this statement with him, "She's missed the whole point. We are sinners. Christ was/is not." And for me to take offense at this statment is proof of that! Instead of immediate compassion, I felt anger. That's probably exactly what she's talking about. But, the fact is, in "not liking" Christians, she really doesn't like Christ either. We are his bride. We are his children. We reflect his glory. Jesus tells us that just as the world hated him, so it will hate us also. I don't think there'd be alot of "liking" of Christ if he were walking the earth here and now. Just as there wasn't in his days on the earth. His words bring conviction, not compromise. He came to "cause the rising and falling of many," not make the world a more peaceful, unified place to live. Sinners either repented or cringed when he came to town. Of course our presence in the world is not what is should be. We are a sinful people in need of grace. I think most Christians who are true disciples are aware of that. But the fact is, we are directly opposed to most of what the world wears, watches, says, and does. It should be like that. We should stand out. We should not make the world more comfortable with sin. Love yes. Condone no. My temptation is to hide who I am, to hide my Christian identity, when it comes to "keeping up a relationship" with someone. When talking with my neighbors, instead of being forthwright about my reliance on God through prayer and leaning on His faithfulness, I try to water-down my words so they won't sound "preachy." I am secretly afraid they will think I'm weird and cult-ish if I speak about my life the way I would around my church family. We were challenged on this at the "Proclaim" course this past summer. How am I doing with it? Maybe slightly better. I need the Lord to make me "bold as a lion." All for his glory. And not think that trying to improve someone's opinion of me is the goal. Fearing God over fearing man.
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