Leaving is a hard thing to do.
Today is the first Sunday that we visited another church--meaning we have finally made the break from the congregation where we had been attending. I know I've only blogged about this recently, but it's something that has been happening over a period of several years.
E talked to the preacher this week and then we both went and talked to one of the Elder's and his wife. We wanted them to know why we were leaving. We thought that doing that was the right thing to do, rather than just leaving.
It really isn't easy. We leave behind family. We always sit in the same pew with our son and his family. I missed them today. We leave behind friends. One of them called last night and said "We'll see you in the morning!" Well......uh....no, we won't be there. Today was fellowship Sunday--all that good food and fun visisting with people. This has been a long time in coming. A hard decision to make.
But.....the truth is more important than all of that. And feeling like we belong. And that we're useful in the kingdom. And that we're not just warming the pew. And that there is more to worship than just hearing negative things from the pulpit.
So....today we went someplace else. And you know what??? We came away feeling like we had been EDIFIED!!! Now please don't mistake what I am saying....I KNOW it isn't all about me--it's all about GOD! But it can be BOTH! And today it was! I was actually humming today when we left the building!! WOW! That hasn't happened in a long time.
We went where we already know a lot of people. They were very glad to see us. They hope we will come back.
Bible class was good. The elder who taught it came in and listed MANY scriptures on the board. And then he began to speak. It was about "Why we sing". It was very positive. The scriptures were used in a positive way. We sing when we're happy. We sing to teach scriptures. We sing to be full of the SPIRIT!! The teacher didn't go over every scripture he had on the board, but he used several of them to show how important our singing is to our worship and to our relationship with God. People were interested in the class. Discussion ensued. Various points of view were brought out. We didn't feel threatened.
After services this morning, E and I were talking about how the same lesson would have been presented where we had been going. It would have been quite different. We would have heard that you should never use intstruments. (That was mentioned only in passing in the class this morning). We would have heard how there are songs we shouldn't sing because the words are "not scriptural". We would have heard how we shouldn't clap or raise our hands. (Which by the way, I can go with either way. But this teacher didn't even address the issue. It wasn't the time or place. It would have been an important part of the discussion at our old church.)
Then the worship service began. The songs were shown on the overhead. With words AND music. I like that. There was a mix of old and new songs. YEA!!!! And it wasn't just 2 songs and a prayer!!!!! The men who were in charge of the Lord's supper had good and uplifting comments about what we were doing. I was able to focus on taking the bread and the cup. A young man (John T) gave a stirring message before the giving--this was a special time of giving for missions. The sermon continued the subject matter of Bible class. Again in a very positive manner. We were given a loaf of bread after the service was over--with a note welcoming us to the church and stating that their purpose is to share the True Bread of Life!
We went to lunch with friends. We had a great visit.
Emerson commented on the way home that he felt like we were on vacation!!
Tonight we are attending a Life Group from the same congregation. We are looking forward to it!!
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Just "Poolin" Around
Just a couple of notes first:
1). For those of you who work full-time and still blog regularly....WoW! I am impressed--how do you find the time???? I've been doing some "fill-in" work for people on vacation, etc., at a couple of the local newspapers--usually just mornings--and I do well to read blogs, let alone write them!! So to my regular readers....sorry I've been so sporadic in blogging...and to my regular readees....thanks for all you entries. I love reading what you write!!
2.) The title of this entry is dedicated to my husband, Emerson--this is his kind of humor!!
Now, for the real post. Just a little humor! :)
Jayme and I were in the pool playing volleyball with a beach ball. No net. Just hitting it back and forth. Sometimes it went into the deep end. And one of us had to go get it.
Jayme: "We need somebody really tall to play the deep end. Hey, Goliath, over here!!!"
Jayme (reading a CAUTION on the beach ball): "ONLY to be used in water in which the user is withing its depth. WHAAATT? Oh, Made in China."
Neal joins us in the pool. The beach ball is a big yellow with a big smiley face on it.
Neal (missing the beach ball): "I lost the big yellow ball in another big yellow ball." Translation: "The sun was in my eyes."
And Ellie! Ellie is just too cute. She loved the Happy Ball! The first picture is such fun...the second picture is to prove SHE thinks its fun too!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Gunpowder to Home Made Ice Cream
The previous pictures are of 3 of my grandchildren--whom I love dearly. These pictures are representative of the following post:
I have always loved the Fourth of July! I love the Red, White, and Blue; the patriotic music; the burgers on the grill; home made potato salad; the gatherings of family and friends; the heat of the summer day and coolness of the summer evening; the laughter and squeals of small children; and most of all, the smell of spent gunpowder and the smoke gathering in a low haze in the backyard.
In junior high ( oh, that DOES show my age--now I guess it would be middle school), I was a cadet girl scout. One of the ways we raised money for our yearly big camping trip was to sell fireworks. We had to sign up for 2 hour shifts. I always worker way more than my fair share of shifts. It was soooo much fun to see all the different kinds of fireworks, and of course, it helped that we had a girl scout leader who thought we should sample many of them to "see what they do". Oh, what fun we had!!! From then on, my Mom always said I had gunpowder running in my veins. At family gatherings, I was the one who picked out the fireworks, because I knew which ones gave you the most bang (or the most sparkle) for your bucks. And it was then that the privilege of lighting them for the family display passed from Dad's hands to my own. Ooooh, how I loved to hold that punk to the fuse and see those sparks begin to fly, and then dash back to the viewing area!
Now the punk has passed from my hands to my daughters hands (she is 24 now), and I find my place in the "viewing stands" holding whatever grandchild needs attention at the moment. This has been a gradual change. I still love the smell and the sights of the fireworks. And there is quite a bit of nostalgia on my part for the days when I was the "lighter" of the fireworks. But I am content with my new position.
Now, I find much joy in preparing for the evening's food feast. The summer salads, the fare for the grill, but most of all, the desserts! Yesterday I made cherry pie (picked from our own tree), and strawberry-rhubard pie (the rhubard came from a garden-club friend). And of course, the home made ice cream!! My mother's recipe. Everyone says it is the best!! We always had it for family events like birthdays, and the Fourth of July, Labor Day, etc.. This is a traditon that I follow today with my family. I mix it up, and Emerson freezes it--no, not with a hand crank--it's electric. And when the freezer has done it's work and shuts off, MMmmmMMM--it's time to pull out the dasher. We race with our spoons to get the fresh creamy just-frozen delight as it starts sliding off the dasher--in my opinion the very best of the ice cream!! However, I will still *force* myself to eat another bowl or two before the evening is over!
What precious, precious times these are to me. Even having gone from gunpowder to ice cream running through my veins! I still love it. I love being with my family. I love being blessed by living in this great nation! God Bless America!! He has, He is, and I pray that He will continue to bless us!
I have always loved the Fourth of July! I love the Red, White, and Blue; the patriotic music; the burgers on the grill; home made potato salad; the gatherings of family and friends; the heat of the summer day and coolness of the summer evening; the laughter and squeals of small children; and most of all, the smell of spent gunpowder and the smoke gathering in a low haze in the backyard.
In junior high ( oh, that DOES show my age--now I guess it would be middle school), I was a cadet girl scout. One of the ways we raised money for our yearly big camping trip was to sell fireworks. We had to sign up for 2 hour shifts. I always worker way more than my fair share of shifts. It was soooo much fun to see all the different kinds of fireworks, and of course, it helped that we had a girl scout leader who thought we should sample many of them to "see what they do". Oh, what fun we had!!! From then on, my Mom always said I had gunpowder running in my veins. At family gatherings, I was the one who picked out the fireworks, because I knew which ones gave you the most bang (or the most sparkle) for your bucks. And it was then that the privilege of lighting them for the family display passed from Dad's hands to my own. Ooooh, how I loved to hold that punk to the fuse and see those sparks begin to fly, and then dash back to the viewing area!
Now the punk has passed from my hands to my daughters hands (she is 24 now), and I find my place in the "viewing stands" holding whatever grandchild needs attention at the moment. This has been a gradual change. I still love the smell and the sights of the fireworks. And there is quite a bit of nostalgia on my part for the days when I was the "lighter" of the fireworks. But I am content with my new position.
Now, I find much joy in preparing for the evening's food feast. The summer salads, the fare for the grill, but most of all, the desserts! Yesterday I made cherry pie (picked from our own tree), and strawberry-rhubard pie (the rhubard came from a garden-club friend). And of course, the home made ice cream!! My mother's recipe. Everyone says it is the best!! We always had it for family events like birthdays, and the Fourth of July, Labor Day, etc.. This is a traditon that I follow today with my family. I mix it up, and Emerson freezes it--no, not with a hand crank--it's electric. And when the freezer has done it's work and shuts off, MMmmmMMM--it's time to pull out the dasher. We race with our spoons to get the fresh creamy just-frozen delight as it starts sliding off the dasher--in my opinion the very best of the ice cream!! However, I will still *force* myself to eat another bowl or two before the evening is over!
What precious, precious times these are to me. Even having gone from gunpowder to ice cream running through my veins! I still love it. I love being with my family. I love being blessed by living in this great nation! God Bless America!! He has, He is, and I pray that He will continue to bless us!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Fruit of the Spirit
I am reading a book called "The Holy Spirit Makes No Earthly Sense" by Terry Rush. In it, he makes the point that the Holy Spirit dwells in the inner man--that part of us that dies at baptism and is reborn throught spiritual rebirth. That inner person consists of mind, emotion, affection, determination, motivation, conscience, etc. Then Terry points us to Gal. 5:22 and 23--the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Hmmmmm.....lets see. If THOSE are the fruits of the Spirit, how can anyone say that He (the Spirit is only active today thru the written word???? Seems to me, it is the Spirit acting UPON us in our knowledge of the written word that would result in those fruits!!
As I was mulling all of this over today, I began thinking about when Jesus was baptized, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him, and the Voice from heaven says: "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy!" Sure seems like there is a lot of affection and emotion in that statement!!
And from Jayme--Jesus promised that He would send the "Comforter"--it doesn't say He said He would send a book!!
I also find it quite interesting that the one sin Jesus himself names as the "unforgiveable" sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit! "Every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven--except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come." Matt. 12:31-32
Romans 8:26 talks about how the Spirit helps us in our weakness. When we can't find the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes with "groanings that cannot be expressed in words". That seems to be beyond the scope of the written word to me!!
Let me just say that I am in NO WAY minimizing the importance of the written Word. Knowing what the Word says allows the Spirit to "bring to rememberance" the things we have learned. He can't help us remember what we haven't learned!
But I still believe He (the Holy Spirit) is so much MORE to us than just the written Word.
It is good for me to use this venue for working through all of this. It helps me to focus and organize my thoughts instead of just being angry.
Father, I pray that you will allow your Holy Spirit to dwell within me ABUNDANTLY! I ask this in the name of your precious son, Jesus. Amen
Grace to you and all kinds of Peace in believing!
Hmmmmm.....lets see. If THOSE are the fruits of the Spirit, how can anyone say that He (the Spirit is only active today thru the written word???? Seems to me, it is the Spirit acting UPON us in our knowledge of the written word that would result in those fruits!!
As I was mulling all of this over today, I began thinking about when Jesus was baptized, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him, and the Voice from heaven says: "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy!" Sure seems like there is a lot of affection and emotion in that statement!!
And from Jayme--Jesus promised that He would send the "Comforter"--it doesn't say He said He would send a book!!
I also find it quite interesting that the one sin Jesus himself names as the "unforgiveable" sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit! "Every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven--except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come." Matt. 12:31-32
Romans 8:26 talks about how the Spirit helps us in our weakness. When we can't find the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes with "groanings that cannot be expressed in words". That seems to be beyond the scope of the written word to me!!
Let me just say that I am in NO WAY minimizing the importance of the written Word. Knowing what the Word says allows the Spirit to "bring to rememberance" the things we have learned. He can't help us remember what we haven't learned!
But I still believe He (the Holy Spirit) is so much MORE to us than just the written Word.
It is good for me to use this venue for working through all of this. It helps me to focus and organize my thoughts instead of just being angry.
Father, I pray that you will allow your Holy Spirit to dwell within me ABUNDANTLY! I ask this in the name of your precious son, Jesus. Amen
Grace to you and all kinds of Peace in believing!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
The Gardener
This morning I was enjoying the great out-of-doors before it got too hot (it's supposed to get to 101 or so today). I have many flower gardens and flowers pots that needed to be watered so they could withstand the heat. As I was watering this morning, I decided it was time to deadhead a lot of plants. I hate deadheading. Usually, most of the bloom is gone, but there are always a few pretty parts left. Now I KNOW that cutting those blooms off encourages the plant to put on even more blooms, but when you cut them off, for awhile there isn't any bloom!
Well.......as I was working at that unpleasant task, I began to realize that sometimes I need to be deadheaded! And perhaps that is what is happening to me right now. God is cutting off some old growth in order to encourage new growth! I pray that I might grow to bloom even more abundantly for Him.
I continue to seek your prayers.
Grace to you and all kinds of peace in believing!
Well.......as I was working at that unpleasant task, I began to realize that sometimes I need to be deadheaded! And perhaps that is what is happening to me right now. God is cutting off some old growth in order to encourage new growth! I pray that I might grow to bloom even more abundantly for Him.
I continue to seek your prayers.
Grace to you and all kinds of peace in believing!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Holy Spirit - Alive or Dead?
I am discouraged beyond words. I went to "church" yesterday and sat and listened to our preacher proclaim that the Holy Spirit does NOT urge, nudge, guide by intuition, or in any other way actively work in our lives. The preacher claims that the Holy Spirit works ONLY through the written word.
So is there a Trinity or isn't there? Or is it just a Duo?
I think back to the many times the Spirit has been active in my life:
Who else whispered the verses in my ear, when I was so discouraged I despaired even of life when I found out my husband (now ex) was abusing my daughter. (i.e. "Joy cometh in the morning." "The Lord's lovingkindesses indeed never cease, His compassions never fail. They are new every morning." "I will restore the years that the locust has eaten." "I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope." "I will bind up the wounds of the broken hearted." "He is faithful and He will bring it to pass." And a host of others. I am NOT downplaying the value of the Word. The knowlege base had to be there--but just because I knew those verses did not mean I could call them to mind in those horrendous circumstances! I could barely put one foot in front of the other!!
Who else danced with me on those dark nights when I could do nothing but praise Him? And who gave me the ability to do just that even though my heart was breaking?
Who held me up when all I wanted to do was lay down and die?
Who brought people into my life at just the right time who would say just the right thing to me?
Who filled up all the other cars so that I had to be the front seat passenger in a van with the man who would become my husband--who loves me and tenderly cares for me like none other before him?
So.... He only works through the written word????
How many of you can share Holy Spirit experiences from your own lives?
As for me, I believe I will claim I Thessalonians 5:19 "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit."
My heart is breaking!! Please pray for me and my husband as we struggle through this.
So is there a Trinity or isn't there? Or is it just a Duo?
I think back to the many times the Spirit has been active in my life:
Who else whispered the verses in my ear, when I was so discouraged I despaired even of life when I found out my husband (now ex) was abusing my daughter. (i.e. "Joy cometh in the morning." "The Lord's lovingkindesses indeed never cease, His compassions never fail. They are new every morning." "I will restore the years that the locust has eaten." "I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope." "I will bind up the wounds of the broken hearted." "He is faithful and He will bring it to pass." And a host of others. I am NOT downplaying the value of the Word. The knowlege base had to be there--but just because I knew those verses did not mean I could call them to mind in those horrendous circumstances! I could barely put one foot in front of the other!!
Who else danced with me on those dark nights when I could do nothing but praise Him? And who gave me the ability to do just that even though my heart was breaking?
Who held me up when all I wanted to do was lay down and die?
Who brought people into my life at just the right time who would say just the right thing to me?
Who filled up all the other cars so that I had to be the front seat passenger in a van with the man who would become my husband--who loves me and tenderly cares for me like none other before him?
So.... He only works through the written word????
How many of you can share Holy Spirit experiences from your own lives?
As for me, I believe I will claim I Thessalonians 5:19 "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit."
My heart is breaking!! Please pray for me and my husband as we struggle through this.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
The Real Tooth and nothing but the Tooth
I'm afraid I must confess to being just a tiny bit onery. I had to go to the dentist today to have a crown put on. I had already had the prep work done and was wearing a temporary crown. All they had to do today was remove the temporary and replace it with the permanent (and very expensive) crown.
As the dentist walked in, he asked (as he always does), "Well, how are you getting along? I replied (with straight face) "Well, I got along really well with this temporary. It only came off once and I just stuck it back on with Super Glue." I watched the dentist and his assistance exchange one horrified look!! "Just kidding" says I. Big collective sigh of relief. I grin.
Now was it just my imagination or did I hear him laughing while I was paying my bill?!?
As the dentist walked in, he asked (as he always does), "Well, how are you getting along? I replied (with straight face) "Well, I got along really well with this temporary. It only came off once and I just stuck it back on with Super Glue." I watched the dentist and his assistance exchange one horrified look!! "Just kidding" says I. Big collective sigh of relief. I grin.
Now was it just my imagination or did I hear him laughing while I was paying my bill?!?
Struggles
Today on the radio I listened to the report about the 11 year old boy scout in Utah that had been missing since last Friday. The following quote really struck me:
"People say that the heavens are closed and God no longer answers prayers. We are here to unequivocally tell you that the heavens are not closed, prayers are answered, and children come home," his mother said.
While I am truly rejoicing with this boys parents, I pause to wonder what the parents of the girl misssing in Aruba are thinking when they hear such statements. I KNOW these people are pleased, and I KNOW they are giving God the glory for the safe return of their son.
Do I believe God answers prayers? OF COURSE I DO!! But what are we saying to the parents of a missing child who didn't come home. "Your faith isn't great enough." or "You didn't pray hard enough." or "You must be living in sin" or "The heavens are closed and God doesn't answer prayer."
We need to be learning that God DOES INDEED answer prayer. Always. All the time. And with our best interest at heart!! Do we always understand the answer? No. Do we agree with the answer? No. Do we continue to beg and plead? OF COURSE WE DO!! Because we know that GOD IS FAITHFUL. Even when the answer is "NO".
Please don't misunderstand me. I am DELIGHTED for that family. I just want to be mature enough in my faith, to still believe God hears and the heavens are ALWAYS open, even when He says "NO!"
Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!!
May God richly bless you and Jesus give you all kinds of peace in believing!!
"People say that the heavens are closed and God no longer answers prayers. We are here to unequivocally tell you that the heavens are not closed, prayers are answered, and children come home," his mother said.
While I am truly rejoicing with this boys parents, I pause to wonder what the parents of the girl misssing in Aruba are thinking when they hear such statements. I KNOW these people are pleased, and I KNOW they are giving God the glory for the safe return of their son.
Do I believe God answers prayers? OF COURSE I DO!! But what are we saying to the parents of a missing child who didn't come home. "Your faith isn't great enough." or "You didn't pray hard enough." or "You must be living in sin" or "The heavens are closed and God doesn't answer prayer."
We need to be learning that God DOES INDEED answer prayer. Always. All the time. And with our best interest at heart!! Do we always understand the answer? No. Do we agree with the answer? No. Do we continue to beg and plead? OF COURSE WE DO!! Because we know that GOD IS FAITHFUL. Even when the answer is "NO".
Please don't misunderstand me. I am DELIGHTED for that family. I just want to be mature enough in my faith, to still believe God hears and the heavens are ALWAYS open, even when He says "NO!"
Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!!
May God richly bless you and Jesus give you all kinds of peace in believing!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Roaring Semi
I was on my way to town yesterday to do work for a few hours at the Gazette. Our road is a 2-lane road. Minding my own business and driving just a little over the speed limit, I look in the rearview mirror and a semi comes ROARING up behind me. Literally within seconds all I could see was truck grill! He must have been late either picking up or delivering a load because he sure was impatient! Thankfully it was only about 2 miles before I turned off and he went on.
As I relaxed a bit at the wheel, I was pondering things that ROAR! Semis (is that really how you spell the pural of semi) and lions. God tells us that Satan goes around like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour. Well, I haven't met too many lions in my life, but the semis--I've certainly encountered a LOT of those. I think the picture remains the same. That roaring semi would have eaten my lunch without a second thought if he thought he could get away with it. We drive through life, usually exceeding the speed limit (sometimes more than others!) If we aren't aware of what's happening around us, some semi will devour us. We need to be watchful--sometimes a semi (Satan), comes up behind us and we aren't looking in the rearview. Somestimes we meet that semi face to face--I've been run off the road a time or two. By semis and by Satan.
So we need to constantly be on the watch: checking in the rearview, monitoring who is turning on and off the road we're on, watching for what's coming directly at us, and being careful of what's trying to pass us.
In the context of that scripture, God tells us how to go about dealing with this:
"...And all of you, serve each other in humilty, for 'God opposes the pround but favors the humble.' So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for HE CARES ABOUT YOU [emphasis mine]. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion [Semi] looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strenghten you, and he will place you on a Firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen." I Peter 5:5b-11
May God richly bless you and may you have all kinds of peace in believing in Him!
As I relaxed a bit at the wheel, I was pondering things that ROAR! Semis (is that really how you spell the pural of semi) and lions. God tells us that Satan goes around like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour. Well, I haven't met too many lions in my life, but the semis--I've certainly encountered a LOT of those. I think the picture remains the same. That roaring semi would have eaten my lunch without a second thought if he thought he could get away with it. We drive through life, usually exceeding the speed limit (sometimes more than others!) If we aren't aware of what's happening around us, some semi will devour us. We need to be watchful--sometimes a semi (Satan), comes up behind us and we aren't looking in the rearview. Somestimes we meet that semi face to face--I've been run off the road a time or two. By semis and by Satan.
So we need to constantly be on the watch: checking in the rearview, monitoring who is turning on and off the road we're on, watching for what's coming directly at us, and being careful of what's trying to pass us.
In the context of that scripture, God tells us how to go about dealing with this:
"...And all of you, serve each other in humilty, for 'God opposes the pround but favors the humble.' So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for HE CARES ABOUT YOU [emphasis mine]. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion [Semi] looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strenghten you, and he will place you on a Firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen." I Peter 5:5b-11
May God richly bless you and may you have all kinds of peace in believing in Him!
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Light Switch
Company is coming Wednesday. So....I've been cleaning things that have needed cleaning for quite some time! Yesterday it was the corner turn-table cupboard in the kitchen. It REALLY needed to be cleaned!! You know, sometimes things have a tendency to get slung off when the turn-table is going around. Some *unknown substance* had done just that and it was really a sticky mess. So, I had unloaded all the shelves and started cleaning them. The top one was easy...there was nothing above it to drip down on it. And because it was the top shelf, I could easily see what needed to be cleaned. And the second shelf wasn't bad either. But then, oh my, the bottom shelf and the bottom of the cupboard. What things lingered there only the imagination could tell. I started spraying and wiping and the paper towel I was using was....well....disgusting! I couldn't really see what I was doing, where the gunk was coming from, or what it was. And THEN, it occurs to me. TURN ON THE LIGHT!! Rats! Why didn't I think of that sooner!! On goes the light. Amazing what a difference that makes!! I could see that on the bottom of the cabinet was a circle of the *unknown substance* where it had dripped from the round turn-table shelves. That was what was making everything sticky and disgusting. Much more spraying. Much more wiping. LOTS of paper towels!! But at last all of the gunk was gone and I felt good about putting everything back in the cupboard.
As I was spraying and wiping and scrubbing, the Holy Spirit kept whispering to me about how Jesus is the true Light and what He does for our lives. We all (and I certainly speak of myself above all) have some pretty disgusting *gunk* lurking in the dark corners of our lives. If we allow them to remain there, they simply become stickier and gunkier (is that REALLY a word??) by the day. We need to expose every dark corner of our lives to His wonderful light. And you know, things are much scarier and uglier and awful in the dark, but when exposed to His light, they lose much of their gunkiness (now there's ANOTHER one for you). When I was cleaning out the bottom of the cupboard in the dark, it made me shudder to stick my hand back in that far dark corner, but once I turned on the light, I could see what I was dealing with. Life is like that. We are often afraid to deal with the things that lurk in the dark corners of our souls. But when we expose them to His light--the light of His love. THEN we are able to deal with them.
Help me Father, to always let your light shine to the very depths of the darkest recesses of my life. Let me see the things that need to be cleaned. Help me to realize that when the light is on, that it is easier to clean. And then, dear Father, help me to fill those corners with things that are pure and clean and good.
"For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit...." Eph. 5:8-18
"So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time--before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due." I Cor. 4:5
"Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. when your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when you eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!" Matt. 6:22-23
As I was spraying and wiping and scrubbing, the Holy Spirit kept whispering to me about how Jesus is the true Light and what He does for our lives. We all (and I certainly speak of myself above all) have some pretty disgusting *gunk* lurking in the dark corners of our lives. If we allow them to remain there, they simply become stickier and gunkier (is that REALLY a word??) by the day. We need to expose every dark corner of our lives to His wonderful light. And you know, things are much scarier and uglier and awful in the dark, but when exposed to His light, they lose much of their gunkiness (now there's ANOTHER one for you). When I was cleaning out the bottom of the cupboard in the dark, it made me shudder to stick my hand back in that far dark corner, but once I turned on the light, I could see what I was dealing with. Life is like that. We are often afraid to deal with the things that lurk in the dark corners of our souls. But when we expose them to His light--the light of His love. THEN we are able to deal with them.
Help me Father, to always let your light shine to the very depths of the darkest recesses of my life. Let me see the things that need to be cleaned. Help me to realize that when the light is on, that it is easier to clean. And then, dear Father, help me to fill those corners with things that are pure and clean and good.
"For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit...." Eph. 5:8-18
"So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time--before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due." I Cor. 4:5
"Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. when your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when you eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!" Matt. 6:22-23
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Faster & Higher!!
We're keeping 2 of our granddaughters this weekend--Addy & Ellie. What a joy!!
Addy (3) loves to swing. We just bought our neighbors wooden swing set to keep her from going to their house (we live in the country so it's more than "just next door")!
Grandpa went out with her after supper to swing and I stayed inside with the baby. Then we traded--he came inside and I went outside--to swing Addy, of course! As I started pushing her she yelled, "FASTER! HIGHER! FASTER!" And then she titled her head back and just GIGGLED! Her long blonde hair was streaming out around her face, catching the fading golden rays of the sun. c *GIGGLE* *GIGGLE* " I'm FLYING!! *GIGGLE*"This is SO FUNNY!!", she says.
Pure, utter, absolute, sheer JOY!! No wonder Christ loved children! How many of us still remember how to experience that joy in such a simple act as swinging with the breeze blowing your hair as you FLY back and forth?? Won't heaven be sweet, when we are all able to throw off the cares and burdens and hindrances of this world, tilt our head back and yell...."FASTER! HIGHER! FASTER!" *GIGGLE* " I'm FLYING!!
Jud 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy!
Rom 15:13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Addy (3) loves to swing. We just bought our neighbors wooden swing set to keep her from going to their house (we live in the country so it's more than "just next door")!
Grandpa went out with her after supper to swing and I stayed inside with the baby. Then we traded--he came inside and I went outside--to swing Addy, of course! As I started pushing her she yelled, "FASTER! HIGHER! FASTER!" And then she titled her head back and just GIGGLED! Her long blonde hair was streaming out around her face, catching the fading golden rays of the sun. c *GIGGLE* *GIGGLE* " I'm FLYING!! *GIGGLE*"This is SO FUNNY!!", she says.
Pure, utter, absolute, sheer JOY!! No wonder Christ loved children! How many of us still remember how to experience that joy in such a simple act as swinging with the breeze blowing your hair as you FLY back and forth?? Won't heaven be sweet, when we are all able to throw off the cares and burdens and hindrances of this world, tilt our head back and yell...."FASTER! HIGHER! FASTER!" *GIGGLE* " I'm FLYING!!
Jud 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy!
Rom 15:13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
The Dead Grass Carp
For the second time in 7 years, we've had so much rain that our pond has run over. And I don't mean just a little runoff--I mean a torrent around one end of the damn. The first time was in 1998, and the nearby town flooded BIG TIME. This time the town hasn't flooded, but the two rivers have both been out of their banks. But back to our pond.... For some reason when there is this amount of water going around the dam, the grass carp feel compelled to follow it, and then end up floundering around behind the dam without enough water to swim in. When it happened in '98, we found them in time, and Emerson was able to wrestle them back into the pond. This time, however, a very LARGE one--almost 3 feet long, and E said maybe 25 lbs.--went around with the water and we didn't find him until it was too late. Now just what do you suppose possesses a HUGE carp like that to swim in what had to have been pretty shallow water, to a place where he doesn't have enough water to survive??? And are we ever like that??? Do we swim in a rush of current and find ourselves in a place where we aren't able to breathe?? I've been there. The world rushes on, and sometimes it looks very inviting. But in reality, it's a pretty rough place to be. Thankfully, I managed to swim back into God's pond and the living water that is life to me. And you know, I think He is constantly scanning the dam looking for those who go around, and He is MORE than willing to scoop us up and carry us back to safety!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Cattle on a Thousand Hills
I drove home from Jayme's tonight just as evening was beginning to settle into night. We've had so much rain--I can't remember ever having seen the flint hills (which are normally beautiful green rolling hills anyway) so lush and green and gorgeous. The sun had just gone down, but there was still that pink-orange-gold glow in the sky. There was not a whisper of a breeze. The many ponds echoed the colors in the sky. And there were "cattle on a thousand hills". I looked up that verse (Ps. 50:10) and I am reminded that what God really wants from us is RELATIONSHIP. He owns everything there is (I guess it would tough to buy HIM a Father's Day present!), and needs nothing. So what does He want from us? THANKFULNESS. Not money, though that's not a bad thing--he tells us to give of our means. Not time--and that's not bad either. But, THANKFULNESS! And to keep the vows we make to Him. And then I was struck by the result of the thankfulness and the vow keeping: "Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." I don't know about you, but I'm thinking that's just a pretty good deal!! And pretty simple to comply. He's done all the hard work. And HE is FAITHFUL. I love His promises!
Monday, June 13, 2005
Lois Lane
I worked at the Gazette today. Ok, so maybe I'm not Lois Lane, but I like it at any rate. I just fill in occasionally now. This started when I worked for 6 weeks while a lady was out on medical leave. I do ad composition and whatever else they ask me to do. Today was a real shocker thought. I hadn't been there for about a month and they have gone to total pagination. We used to run everything thru the waxer and physically put the pages together. But while I was gone, they entered into a new era!! So while I remembered most of what I knew before, there was still a lot of new stuff to learn today! I enjoy the people there, and find the work fun, so it was a good morning. I just worked until about 1:00.
AFter I got off work, I dashed home, had a bite of lunch with E, and threw a few things in a suitcase. Then I had to have a little nap. I knew I would fall asleep on the way to Jayme's if I didn't. My RLS has been bad again lately and I was up until almost 2 this morning and then up at 6 to get to work. After napping for 30 minutes (when my timer went off I tried to answer the phone!!!), I loaded my stuff in the van and then made E and I an fruit smoothy. I made one for us last night to--fresh strawberries from our neighbors, a dead banana (over ripe), and mixed berry yogurt, pineapple sherbet, and some crushed ice. Boy are they yummy.
Then it was off to Emporia to be with Jayme, Neal, Addy & Ellie! We've had so much rain that the flint hills were really lush and green. Several of the rivers around home and Emporia are out of their banks.
Got to Jayme's house around 3:30. Its always fun to be greeted by the grandkids!!
We made a marathon trip to Wal-mart (I'm sure Neal thinks that's the only kind I make...hmmmm....I suppose he might be right, too). Came home, unloaded everything and went to eat at Carlos O'Kelly's. Then I kept the kids while Jayme and Neal went to the building to work on VBS stuff. Sweet babies.
It's really hard to type right now because I am twitching so bad from the RLS, so think I will close for now and try to be more clever tomorrow.
Grace and Peace to all.
AFter I got off work, I dashed home, had a bite of lunch with E, and threw a few things in a suitcase. Then I had to have a little nap. I knew I would fall asleep on the way to Jayme's if I didn't. My RLS has been bad again lately and I was up until almost 2 this morning and then up at 6 to get to work. After napping for 30 minutes (when my timer went off I tried to answer the phone!!!), I loaded my stuff in the van and then made E and I an fruit smoothy. I made one for us last night to--fresh strawberries from our neighbors, a dead banana (over ripe), and mixed berry yogurt, pineapple sherbet, and some crushed ice. Boy are they yummy.
Then it was off to Emporia to be with Jayme, Neal, Addy & Ellie! We've had so much rain that the flint hills were really lush and green. Several of the rivers around home and Emporia are out of their banks.
Got to Jayme's house around 3:30. Its always fun to be greeted by the grandkids!!
We made a marathon trip to Wal-mart (I'm sure Neal thinks that's the only kind I make...hmmmm....I suppose he might be right, too). Came home, unloaded everything and went to eat at Carlos O'Kelly's. Then I kept the kids while Jayme and Neal went to the building to work on VBS stuff. Sweet babies.
It's really hard to type right now because I am twitching so bad from the RLS, so think I will close for now and try to be more clever tomorrow.
Grace and Peace to all.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Real Life Stuff
I was complaining to my very wise daughter, Jayme, that I might stop blogging because no one ever commented on my blog. (What happened to you MH--you were my only faithful commenter!! Did I do something wrong???) She reminded me that blogging is really for yourself. Hmmmm. Maybe so. She made some good points about it being theraputic and so on. She told me just to write about real life--everyday stuff. She said it would be interesting to look back on it in a year and see where I've been. How did she get to be soooo smart?!?!?
Today was just another Sunday. I just really have a hard time getting excited about going to church here, having been basically relegated to being pew warmers. But I guess that would be another blog.
Emerson just keeps on slugging away. Maybe we'll be disfellowshipped and we'll HAVE to go somewhere else. Today, in class, he sidetracked the whole class by starting a discussion on the work of the Holy Spirit. He contends (as do I BTW) that the Spirit is active in our lives. Everyone else in class thinks the Spirit today works only thru the written Word. Well, there was quite a lively discussion, and I (hating discordance) was very uncomfortable. I stared holes in the desk--don't think I ever looked up once during that discussion. Scary!!! E and I were talking about it on the way home and he said "It would be easier to just agree that the Spirit only works thru the Word". I must commend him for his boldness--and ask God's forgiveness for my own timidity.
We had a fellowship dinner after church. LOTS of good food. If there's one thing Church of Christ people do well--it's having fellowship dinners!!! There is a story about a grade school class where the teacher asked the students to bring something that represented the religion. One girl brought her rosary. Another girl brought her first communion dress. A boy brought his choir robe. But one little girl brought a casserole dish. She was the one from the Church of Christ! Heeeeehee! We were in charge today. Everybody helps set up because everybody is hungry!! But when it's time for cleanup, whoosh, everybody is out the door! Well, ok, there was a bridal shower after the dinner today, so most everybody was involved in that. I FORGOT about the shower. RATS. I'll have to take a gift later.
I cleaned this afternoon. My sister and her husband and son are coming on the 22nd. And then 3 of my sister's friends are coming on the 23rd and all of us ladies are going to go antiqueing! Thus, the urgent cleaning. I'm going to Emporia tomorrow and the next day to help with Jayme's girls while she gets ready for VBS. She might just have to return the favor the next week to help me get ready for company!! :)
Tonight E and I watched a movie on TV and I finally put away Easter decorations during the commercials.
E has promised me a massage, but I better go or he will be asleep!!
Today was just another Sunday. I just really have a hard time getting excited about going to church here, having been basically relegated to being pew warmers. But I guess that would be another blog.
Emerson just keeps on slugging away. Maybe we'll be disfellowshipped and we'll HAVE to go somewhere else. Today, in class, he sidetracked the whole class by starting a discussion on the work of the Holy Spirit. He contends (as do I BTW) that the Spirit is active in our lives. Everyone else in class thinks the Spirit today works only thru the written Word. Well, there was quite a lively discussion, and I (hating discordance) was very uncomfortable. I stared holes in the desk--don't think I ever looked up once during that discussion. Scary!!! E and I were talking about it on the way home and he said "It would be easier to just agree that the Spirit only works thru the Word". I must commend him for his boldness--and ask God's forgiveness for my own timidity.
We had a fellowship dinner after church. LOTS of good food. If there's one thing Church of Christ people do well--it's having fellowship dinners!!! There is a story about a grade school class where the teacher asked the students to bring something that represented the religion. One girl brought her rosary. Another girl brought her first communion dress. A boy brought his choir robe. But one little girl brought a casserole dish. She was the one from the Church of Christ! Heeeeehee! We were in charge today. Everybody helps set up because everybody is hungry!! But when it's time for cleanup, whoosh, everybody is out the door! Well, ok, there was a bridal shower after the dinner today, so most everybody was involved in that. I FORGOT about the shower. RATS. I'll have to take a gift later.
I cleaned this afternoon. My sister and her husband and son are coming on the 22nd. And then 3 of my sister's friends are coming on the 23rd and all of us ladies are going to go antiqueing! Thus, the urgent cleaning. I'm going to Emporia tomorrow and the next day to help with Jayme's girls while she gets ready for VBS. She might just have to return the favor the next week to help me get ready for company!! :)
Tonight E and I watched a movie on TV and I finally put away Easter decorations during the commercials.
E has promised me a massage, but I better go or he will be asleep!!
Auditions
My daughter, Jayme, and I used to communicate by letters a lot when she was in high school. It sometimes seemed in those "tough years" we communicated better that way--maybe we were able to say more of what we meant than we could face to face. I ran across one today when I was de-cluttering a storage room (which still has a long way to go!). Jayme was in Drama in high school--so that is the setting for this note.
"Aren't you glad we don't have to audition for heaven? God has given each of us a unique part in this play of life--no one else can fill our role. And you don't have to worry if Summer S. is better than you are. Or Amber. And I don't have to worry if I am as good as Barb. Or Judy S. We are who God created us to be and He is the Great Director. he teaches us how to play our parts the best way that we can. This "play" called life is really only a dress rehersal for eternity. And, if we believe in Him and are obedient, we don't even have to audition for eternity, because Jesus has played His part--and He is the great equalizer. And He wants all of us to be in that Final Play where the curtain never closes."
Funny thing is, I don't remember if I ever gave this to Jayme or not. She'll have to tell us!!
"Aren't you glad we don't have to audition for heaven? God has given each of us a unique part in this play of life--no one else can fill our role. And you don't have to worry if Summer S. is better than you are. Or Amber. And I don't have to worry if I am as good as Barb. Or Judy S. We are who God created us to be and He is the Great Director. he teaches us how to play our parts the best way that we can. This "play" called life is really only a dress rehersal for eternity. And, if we believe in Him and are obedient, we don't even have to audition for eternity, because Jesus has played His part--and He is the great equalizer. And He wants all of us to be in that Final Play where the curtain never closes."
Funny thing is, I don't remember if I ever gave this to Jayme or not. She'll have to tell us!!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Last Thursday was my Mom's birthday. She would have been 88. She died in 2003. I still miss her terribly. If you looked up "unconditional love" in the dictionary, her name would come right after God's name. She taught me many, many things--like what a soda fountain is (this after having pressed my nose up against the window of the drugstore many times), how to sing harmony parts (I learned this while doing dishes--we sang silly songs, songs in rounds, pretty songs, Christmas carols--you name it), how to make home made playdough, how to blow out eggs to make an Easter egg tree (I still have eggs that we made back in the 60's), how to make dried beef gravy (and almost everything I know how to cook--that was just one of the first), how to make Christmas cut-out cookies and decorate them, and countless other things for which I am very grateful. We had fun together, she and I. I remember her taking me to the "Buzz Inn" after school on Fridays (she was a teacher) and we would have french fries. We did craft projects together. When I got older (after I was married), we took a cake-decorating class together. We played together in a trio (she played violin, I played cello, and a wonderful lady named Wallace played piano). We went shopping together. We talked on the phone almost every day.
I miss her. I sang Happy Birthday to her on her birthday while I was driving home from El Dorado. I cried. I miss her. I wish I could hug her.
I miss her. I sang Happy Birthday to her on her birthday while I was driving home from El Dorado. I cried. I miss her. I wish I could hug her.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Fire Flies (aka Lightning Bugs)
I was headed out to the shop this evening to do some more work on a couple of quilt racks for a friend, only to find Emerson closing up the shop. Rats. Hmmmmm. So I grabbed my fishing pole and headed for the pond. I thought that it must be a sign from God :>)
We have had a LOT of rain, so I knew it probably wouldn't be great fishing, but still, I knew I'd have fun. I got a couple of little bass along the edge of the pond. Then I thought I'd go up and try a couple of casts off the dam.
It was getting dark. There was a cool breeze making the cottonwood tree leaves dance. Everything is very green. It even has the smell of green growing plants. Lots of ivies growing--I'm sure some of it is poison ivy and oak--but I don't seem to be allergic to any of it.
The frogs were croaking out a dissonant song--in several different frog languages! The big bull frogs with their deep resonating song, and then several other kinds of frogs that I don't know the name of--but hear their songs all the time. The ones that give a long bbbzzzzt, those that are almost a metalic sound click, and then the ones that sort of whhhhrrRR!
And then, my most favorite--the fire flies. Doing their own little mid-air waltzes and minuettes. They just look so.....happy!! I love watching them!!! Then I started thinking about a verse in Phillippians (2:15):
"...prove yourselves to be blamesless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world..."
And I think just maybe we are fire flies for God. As you watch fire flies your eyes are just naturally drawn to where they are because they are such a contrast to the darkness. By our own daily living, we can be like that for God, walking in His steps, a stark contrast to the ugliness of this dark world. And you don't ALWAYS see fire flys. Their lights shine for a few seconds and you see just a streak behind them as their light goes out. Then our eyes are drawn to the next fire fly. And the next, and then, maybe back to the first. We don't ALWAYS have to be front and center, in the spotlight to be a light for Him. Just as there are many fire flies, so there are many Christians, and we don't always have to be the most brilliant one out there. We just have to keep on flying, and make sure our light doesn't go out completely. And you know, you can't really SEE fire flies in the light. If you ever have, you'll know they are not a particularly attractive little bug. And that, I think, is how we will appear when we are bathed in HIS light! Just plain looking bugs. His brilliance will be so glorius!! But we can have a great impact on the darkness in this world.
Father, let me be a fire fly for you! I love you.
Grace to you, and all kinds of peace in believing!
We have had a LOT of rain, so I knew it probably wouldn't be great fishing, but still, I knew I'd have fun. I got a couple of little bass along the edge of the pond. Then I thought I'd go up and try a couple of casts off the dam.
It was getting dark. There was a cool breeze making the cottonwood tree leaves dance. Everything is very green. It even has the smell of green growing plants. Lots of ivies growing--I'm sure some of it is poison ivy and oak--but I don't seem to be allergic to any of it.
The frogs were croaking out a dissonant song--in several different frog languages! The big bull frogs with their deep resonating song, and then several other kinds of frogs that I don't know the name of--but hear their songs all the time. The ones that give a long bbbzzzzt, those that are almost a metalic sound click, and then the ones that sort of whhhhrrRR!
And then, my most favorite--the fire flies. Doing their own little mid-air waltzes and minuettes. They just look so.....happy!! I love watching them!!! Then I started thinking about a verse in Phillippians (2:15):
"...prove yourselves to be blamesless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world..."
And I think just maybe we are fire flies for God. As you watch fire flies your eyes are just naturally drawn to where they are because they are such a contrast to the darkness. By our own daily living, we can be like that for God, walking in His steps, a stark contrast to the ugliness of this dark world. And you don't ALWAYS see fire flys. Their lights shine for a few seconds and you see just a streak behind them as their light goes out. Then our eyes are drawn to the next fire fly. And the next, and then, maybe back to the first. We don't ALWAYS have to be front and center, in the spotlight to be a light for Him. Just as there are many fire flies, so there are many Christians, and we don't always have to be the most brilliant one out there. We just have to keep on flying, and make sure our light doesn't go out completely. And you know, you can't really SEE fire flies in the light. If you ever have, you'll know they are not a particularly attractive little bug. And that, I think, is how we will appear when we are bathed in HIS light! Just plain looking bugs. His brilliance will be so glorius!! But we can have a great impact on the darkness in this world.
Father, let me be a fire fly for you! I love you.
Grace to you, and all kinds of peace in believing!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Nana Work
After some encouraging words from family and friends, I have decided that right now my "calling" is just to be Nana/Grandma and just me!! So here are a few "happenings" from my "calling":
Yesterday, we celebrated Addy's third birthday. What do you get when you cross a just-turned-three-year old and dinosaurs?? A Dinosaur bithday party!!!! Cousins Aaron and Daniel were here, in addition to Addy and her sister Ellie. Addy and Daniel helped mix the colors into the frosting for our dinosaur cake! Daniel was especially helpful--he was very good at his "licking" job!! Jayme and I baked the cakes at about 9:00 a.m. We put the finishing touches on them about 6:00 p.m. Now, I'm not saying that we spent that ENTIRE time decorating them, but it did take a lot of hours!! Especially with all the kiddos around! And I guess there was the 2 hour block of time I spent in the dentist chair (I'm sure they wondered why I had a purple tongue [purple icing, of course]), and the 2 hours Jayme and Neal were gone with Aaron, Daniel and Addy to the movies.
Not only did we make 2 dinosaur cakes, but we also fixed a meal for 11 people--bar-b-que chicken, deviled eggs, creamed corn, and homemade ice cream. Daughter-in-law, Donna, brought 2 salads.
Jayme decorated the table, complete with dinosaur tablecloth, dinosaur napkins, dinosaur plates, dinosaur cups and dinosaur decorations. It was VERY VERY cute!
About mid-day I started stressing about getting everything done. But then I decided that if being Nana was my calling, my Father certainly wouldn't wat me to be stressing about everything and not having a good time--and maybe keeping others from having fun, too! So, I DECIDED that I would NOT stress. I managed to do a pretty good job of it too. Stressing over these kind of things is a bad habit for me, so this was an excellent day!! Thank you, God!!!
So maybe now I truly can....
ReJoyce in Living!
Yesterday, we celebrated Addy's third birthday. What do you get when you cross a just-turned-three-year old and dinosaurs?? A Dinosaur bithday party!!!! Cousins Aaron and Daniel were here, in addition to Addy and her sister Ellie. Addy and Daniel helped mix the colors into the frosting for our dinosaur cake! Daniel was especially helpful--he was very good at his "licking" job!! Jayme and I baked the cakes at about 9:00 a.m. We put the finishing touches on them about 6:00 p.m. Now, I'm not saying that we spent that ENTIRE time decorating them, but it did take a lot of hours!! Especially with all the kiddos around! And I guess there was the 2 hour block of time I spent in the dentist chair (I'm sure they wondered why I had a purple tongue [purple icing, of course]), and the 2 hours Jayme and Neal were gone with Aaron, Daniel and Addy to the movies.
Not only did we make 2 dinosaur cakes, but we also fixed a meal for 11 people--bar-b-que chicken, deviled eggs, creamed corn, and homemade ice cream. Daughter-in-law, Donna, brought 2 salads.
Jayme decorated the table, complete with dinosaur tablecloth, dinosaur napkins, dinosaur plates, dinosaur cups and dinosaur decorations. It was VERY VERY cute!
About mid-day I started stressing about getting everything done. But then I decided that if being Nana was my calling, my Father certainly wouldn't wat me to be stressing about everything and not having a good time--and maybe keeping others from having fun, too! So, I DECIDED that I would NOT stress. I managed to do a pretty good job of it too. Stressing over these kind of things is a bad habit for me, so this was an excellent day!! Thank you, God!!!
So maybe now I truly can....
ReJoyce in Living!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Are you Calling???
I guess I'm feeling old. I've not really ever felt this way before. Maybe it's because the 'ole body just isn't what it used to be! Or maybe it isn't old I'm feeling, maybe it's useless. Just sorta seems like I'm treading water or slugging through sand or something. I don't really have a job right now (and that by choice, not circumstance), I don't feel useful at church. I love my husband--more every day really, although we're both human and have faults and we get on each other's nerves sometimes, E is really a wonderful husband. So I do things for him and try to please him. But that's all within the norm. I love my children; my daughter is precious beyond words, and I love my step-sons and daughter-in-laws more and more. And the Grandkids!! Oh, the Grandkids!! What joy they bring to my life.
And hopefully I bring joy to theirs! [Collin, our 3-year old Grandson in Houston was saying goodbye to us when we were getting ready to leave. He put his little arms around my neck, as well as the string to a wind-up toy, and says (while hanging tightly on to the string around my neck) "Grandma, I'm NEVER going to let you go!! ] And what fun I have with all of them! We just spent 4 1/2 days with the 3 in Houston. The last day we were there, the girls started verbally listing all the fun things we had done: went to see Madagascar, went swimming, took 2 long bike rides/walks with Grandpa, made Bedrock Catapillar cookie with Grandma, looked at and tried on all of Grandma's jewelry, rough-housed with Grandpa, had a picnic at the pool, went to kids baseball games, played Badmitten, ate Breakfast at Denny's, played with the dogs.....whew! We managed to do a lot in those few days!!
And tomorrow evening, the Emporia crew comes to prepare for the Tuesday celebration of Addy's 3rd birthday. So that will be a family dinner with lots of fun, making a dinosaur cake, and more fun time with Addy and Ellie and their cousins Aaron and Daniel.
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of that.
But then I think.....what in the world am I doing for your Kingdom, Lord? We've tried to do so many things at church, only to be shot down. We've basically been reduced to pew warmers. I hate that!!!
I feel like God has given me many talents. I'm creative, I work well with teenagers, I love teaching ladies classes, and we have some great ideas to get the community involved in our church. But nothing.
Our prison ministry work was a disaster. We struggle with what we want to try next.
So I've been doing mostly a lot of things I like to do for myself. Quilting, gardening, scrapbooking, reading, doing stuff on the computer (BLOGGING....!!). And it seems like we are always busy running here or there......
But--what am I doing for you, Lord? You've given me these talents....am I using them for you? Are you calling me to do things for you and I'm not listening...not paying attention...not hearing? Are you calling????
Oh, Father, I believe. Help my unbelief!! Help me to love you more...to serve you more...to be more like you. Help me to be less concerned with earthly possessions and more focused on you. Are you calling??????
M.H. I miss being able to communicate with you. BTW, I wrote this entry before reading your most recent entries!
And hopefully I bring joy to theirs! [Collin, our 3-year old Grandson in Houston was saying goodbye to us when we were getting ready to leave. He put his little arms around my neck, as well as the string to a wind-up toy, and says (while hanging tightly on to the string around my neck) "Grandma, I'm NEVER going to let you go!! ] And what fun I have with all of them! We just spent 4 1/2 days with the 3 in Houston. The last day we were there, the girls started verbally listing all the fun things we had done: went to see Madagascar, went swimming, took 2 long bike rides/walks with Grandpa, made Bedrock Catapillar cookie with Grandma, looked at and tried on all of Grandma's jewelry, rough-housed with Grandpa, had a picnic at the pool, went to kids baseball games, played Badmitten, ate Breakfast at Denny's, played with the dogs.....whew! We managed to do a lot in those few days!!
And tomorrow evening, the Emporia crew comes to prepare for the Tuesday celebration of Addy's 3rd birthday. So that will be a family dinner with lots of fun, making a dinosaur cake, and more fun time with Addy and Ellie and their cousins Aaron and Daniel.
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of that.
But then I think.....what in the world am I doing for your Kingdom, Lord? We've tried to do so many things at church, only to be shot down. We've basically been reduced to pew warmers. I hate that!!!
I feel like God has given me many talents. I'm creative, I work well with teenagers, I love teaching ladies classes, and we have some great ideas to get the community involved in our church. But nothing.
Our prison ministry work was a disaster. We struggle with what we want to try next.
So I've been doing mostly a lot of things I like to do for myself. Quilting, gardening, scrapbooking, reading, doing stuff on the computer (BLOGGING....!!). And it seems like we are always busy running here or there......
But--what am I doing for you, Lord? You've given me these talents....am I using them for you? Are you calling me to do things for you and I'm not listening...not paying attention...not hearing? Are you calling????
Oh, Father, I believe. Help my unbelief!! Help me to love you more...to serve you more...to be more like you. Help me to be less concerned with earthly possessions and more focused on you. Are you calling??????
M.H. I miss being able to communicate with you. BTW, I wrote this entry before reading your most recent entries!
Friday, June 03, 2005
Road Rash
Ok, I did it again. Stepped off the curb, and the momentum just kept going and my feet couldn't keep up! I tried, valiantly I might add, to keep my balance, alas to no avail. I ended up in the street face down, spread eagle fashion (not to flattering I'm sure). I stayed there for a few seconds hoping either a) that no one saw me and if I just stayed there I could just quietly get up and no one would ever know, or b) that I was really just dreaming. Unfortunately, neither of these worked. I started hearing the voices almost immediately (and not from heaven either!). "Oh, Joyce, are you ok?" "How did THAT happen?" etc., etc., etc. RATS! Hmpf! I got up (with SOME assistance--one on each side of me) and brushed myself off. "I'm OK!", I say to the repeated question of "Are you OK?" "Are you SURE?" But all the while I'm thinkin, "Oh, brother! MORE physical therapy. Later that evening, I was surveying the damage. Road rash on the knees, plus bruising and minor swelling. Significant bruises on both hands--you know, you just instinctively put them out to stop your face from smacking into the pavement. But amazingly enough, the elbow and shoulder seem to be in pretty good shape.
As I was considering the long-term outcome, I started thinking about how we go through life. Just stepping off a curb, like we've done a hundred thousand times before. Maybe its taking a new job, or making a commitment of time or money, or promising something to a child. Maybe even something as normal as just getting out of bed in the morning. And then the momentum takes over, and WHAM!, we end up face down on the pavement with road rash.
If we took the time to have a *different* kind of road rash on our knees, maybe our spiritual life wouldn't have so many bruises and torn ligaments! If we got down on our knees and had a conversation with our heavenly Father, maybe that pavement wouldn't be coming up to meet and greet our faces! I know, for myself, that I could use a lot more prayer road rash, and a lot less self-induced road rash.
Father, help me to be on my knees more in conversation with you. I know I can count on you to lift me to my feet with your strong arms and gentle hands. Thank you for caring for me. I love you.
For those who are concerned--I seem to be recovering nicely.
Bless you all!
As I was considering the long-term outcome, I started thinking about how we go through life. Just stepping off a curb, like we've done a hundred thousand times before. Maybe its taking a new job, or making a commitment of time or money, or promising something to a child. Maybe even something as normal as just getting out of bed in the morning. And then the momentum takes over, and WHAM!, we end up face down on the pavement with road rash.
If we took the time to have a *different* kind of road rash on our knees, maybe our spiritual life wouldn't have so many bruises and torn ligaments! If we got down on our knees and had a conversation with our heavenly Father, maybe that pavement wouldn't be coming up to meet and greet our faces! I know, for myself, that I could use a lot more prayer road rash, and a lot less self-induced road rash.
Father, help me to be on my knees more in conversation with you. I know I can count on you to lift me to my feet with your strong arms and gentle hands. Thank you for caring for me. I love you.
For those who are concerned--I seem to be recovering nicely.
Bless you all!
Friday, May 27, 2005
320 vs. 896
We just returned from my nephew's high school graduation. He was in the top 10% of his class of 896. The ceremony took place in the new Reliant Stadium. A very impressive place. At least 2 other area high school graduation ceremonies took place there today. His graduation was to take place a 8:00 p.m. We left the house at 5:30 to be there on time. There was a "booklet" of instructions on how to get there, where to park, what door to go in, where to sit, what door to go out, and how to leave. A DVD of the ceremony could be purchased. The students did not really receive their diploma's--only a scroll of paper. They are to collect their diploma next week (if they have no outstanding obligations).
This was a far cry from my own HS graduation in the seventies. I graduated in the top 10% of my class of 320. We left our house 30 minutes ahead of time to be there on time. It didn't matter where we parked, what door we went in, where our family sat, or where or how we left. Parents and families took their own pictures. We really did receive our diplomas. (Some were not signed).
However, many things remained the same. The same music was played at both ceremonies. Pomp & Cirumstance (it just took many more repitions to get all 896 of them marched in). There were student speakers at both events. The names of all the graduates were read and the students marched across the stage. The graduates tossed their caps into the air at the end of the ceremony.
And proud parents and family members cheered for their graduate. Pride and love was in abundance.
It's good that some things remain the same.
I'm proud of my nephew. He has a great future ahead of him.
This was a far cry from my own HS graduation in the seventies. I graduated in the top 10% of my class of 320. We left our house 30 minutes ahead of time to be there on time. It didn't matter where we parked, what door we went in, where our family sat, or where or how we left. Parents and families took their own pictures. We really did receive our diplomas. (Some were not signed).
However, many things remained the same. The same music was played at both ceremonies. Pomp & Cirumstance (it just took many more repitions to get all 896 of them marched in). There were student speakers at both events. The names of all the graduates were read and the students marched across the stage. The graduates tossed their caps into the air at the end of the ceremony.
And proud parents and family members cheered for their graduate. Pride and love was in abundance.
It's good that some things remain the same.
I'm proud of my nephew. He has a great future ahead of him.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
"Swinging"
Daniel and Addy love to swing.
Our neighbors next door had a wonderful swing set they wanted to sell.
We bought it. But we were a little slow in getting it moved.
Grandpa (Emerson) took Addy and Daniel next door to go swing since we hadn't gotten it moved yet. He discussed with them how they should never go next door (in the country, next door is QUITE a ways!) without an adult.
But the temptation was tooooooo great. Daniel (almost 5) wandered over in the afternoon. MaryLou (our next door neighbor) called and asked if we knew Daniel was over swinging. We thought he was downstairs with his brother and Addy. Grandpa went to get him. And sternly lectured him all the way home and then made him sit in a chair until he told him he could get down. (After about 10 minutes he was fast asleep!)
Next is was Addy (almost 3). MaryLou said Addy told her she was looking for her cousins (hoping they were swinging???). When we missed Addy, of course all sorts of terrible things go through your head--we have several bodies of water on our place. So we were outside calling her name....and here came MaryLou carrying her back home.
The swingset was moved the next day. :o)
Swinging, in and of itself, is not bad. Neither are many of the things that tempt us in this old world. But they draw us away from home. It is so easy to become distracted and pulled away. Even though some things we are pulled away by are not evil, we tend to leave God out. Unlike us (we didn't know where Addy & Daniel were), God always knows where we are. But like us, He is always thrilled when we return home, when we remember Him, when we engage Him in conversation.
Next time I sit down to swing in our porch swing, I think I'll have a conversation with Him!!
Grace to you and all kinds of peace in believing!
Our neighbors next door had a wonderful swing set they wanted to sell.
We bought it. But we were a little slow in getting it moved.
Grandpa (Emerson) took Addy and Daniel next door to go swing since we hadn't gotten it moved yet. He discussed with them how they should never go next door (in the country, next door is QUITE a ways!) without an adult.
But the temptation was tooooooo great. Daniel (almost 5) wandered over in the afternoon. MaryLou (our next door neighbor) called and asked if we knew Daniel was over swinging. We thought he was downstairs with his brother and Addy. Grandpa went to get him. And sternly lectured him all the way home and then made him sit in a chair until he told him he could get down. (After about 10 minutes he was fast asleep!)
Next is was Addy (almost 3). MaryLou said Addy told her she was looking for her cousins (hoping they were swinging???). When we missed Addy, of course all sorts of terrible things go through your head--we have several bodies of water on our place. So we were outside calling her name....and here came MaryLou carrying her back home.
The swingset was moved the next day. :o)
Swinging, in and of itself, is not bad. Neither are many of the things that tempt us in this old world. But they draw us away from home. It is so easy to become distracted and pulled away. Even though some things we are pulled away by are not evil, we tend to leave God out. Unlike us (we didn't know where Addy & Daniel were), God always knows where we are. But like us, He is always thrilled when we return home, when we remember Him, when we engage Him in conversation.
Next time I sit down to swing in our porch swing, I think I'll have a conversation with Him!!
Grace to you and all kinds of peace in believing!
Monday, May 23, 2005
Fun-Sun-Summertime!!
Sure signs of summertime: (These are a few of my favorite things--especially the first two--ok, well, maybe all of them!!)
Frogs singing in the evening
Lightning bugs, fireflys
Crickets chirping (only a good thing if they're OUTSIDE!)
Family get-togethers and dinner on the deck
Sweet, sweaty, sandy children
The cover is off the pool
Relaxing in the hot tub after a long day in the garden
Beautiful sunsets
Little blonde heads getting even blonder
Tan lines (ok, right now their sunburn lines)
Thunderstorms (God sits as King above them!)
The smell of fresh-cut grass
Ice water, ice tea, ice lemonade, ice anything!
Green, green, green!
Sweet bird-song in the air (ok, there was that one pesky one that started before daylight)
The gurgling sound of the garden pond
The flicker of goldfish in the water
Shade!!
Rare quiet moments sitting in the shade with Emerson
Goldfinches--back to being gold
I'm so glad God gave us the seasons. Another reminder that life circumstances will eventually turn in season as well. But there is always one constant, never changing, never failing thing--God is faithful!!
I think I might just go listen to Vivaldi!
Frogs singing in the evening
Lightning bugs, fireflys
Crickets chirping (only a good thing if they're OUTSIDE!)
Family get-togethers and dinner on the deck
Sweet, sweaty, sandy children
The cover is off the pool
Relaxing in the hot tub after a long day in the garden
Beautiful sunsets
Little blonde heads getting even blonder
Tan lines (ok, right now their sunburn lines)
Thunderstorms (God sits as King above them!)
The smell of fresh-cut grass
Ice water, ice tea, ice lemonade, ice anything!
Green, green, green!
Sweet bird-song in the air (ok, there was that one pesky one that started before daylight)
The gurgling sound of the garden pond
The flicker of goldfish in the water
Shade!!
Rare quiet moments sitting in the shade with Emerson
Goldfinches--back to being gold
I'm so glad God gave us the seasons. Another reminder that life circumstances will eventually turn in season as well. But there is always one constant, never changing, never failing thing--God is faithful!!
I think I might just go listen to Vivaldi!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Peace, Perfect Peace
This is in response to a new friend, Mike Hall, and his blog, Seek God Now.
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thought are fixed on you!" Is. 26:3
"The song, "Peace, Perfect Peace" was written by Edward Henry Bickersteth under unusual circumstances. He was visiting his aged relative, Archdeacon Hill of Liverpool, who was sick unto death and his mind greatly clouded. Eager to comfort him, the Bishop read to him the text from Isaiah, and then in a few minutes at the bedside composed this hymn and read it to the dying man......The questions form a series of challenges to our faith: in each case Jesus is the key that resolves the dilemma." Quoted from the book "The Gospel in Hymns:
Backgrounds and Interpretations" by Albert Edward Bailey copyright 1950.
Here are the words:
"Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus--this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
It is enough; earth's struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to heav'n's perfect peace."
Mike, may you continue to be blessed and find all kinds of peace in believing!!
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thought are fixed on you!" Is. 26:3
"The song, "Peace, Perfect Peace" was written by Edward Henry Bickersteth under unusual circumstances. He was visiting his aged relative, Archdeacon Hill of Liverpool, who was sick unto death and his mind greatly clouded. Eager to comfort him, the Bishop read to him the text from Isaiah, and then in a few minutes at the bedside composed this hymn and read it to the dying man......The questions form a series of challenges to our faith: in each case Jesus is the key that resolves the dilemma." Quoted from the book "The Gospel in Hymns:
Backgrounds and Interpretations" by Albert Edward Bailey copyright 1950.
Here are the words:
"Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus--this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
It is enough; earth's struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to heav'n's perfect peace."
Mike, may you continue to be blessed and find all kinds of peace in believing!!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Heaven in a Hot Dog!
Last night we had a family cookout and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. We always make enough for leftovers, so lunch today was a hot dog. I had a hamburger last night. I decided to make my hot dog Chicago style (my humble apologies to anyone who is from Chicago and has actually EATEN Chicago style dogs--this is just my version). So on my tiny little hot dog bun goes Ketchup, mustard, onion, tomato, dill pickle, and of course, the hot dog (that plumps when you cook it!). Do you know how hard it is to keep all that on the bun while you're eating it?!?!? There's just too much good stuff to keep it all in there. I'm sure that's what heaven is going to be like....just so much good stuff you can't hold it all in there!! I'll take mine with everything, thank you!!
Addyism: Happiness is a Very Important Thing!
Addyisms:
(Nana using a sunscreen stick on baby sister Ellie)
Addy: "Are you gluing Ellie?"
(Addy spinning around and around on Kitchen bar stool)
Addy: "This is a WONDERFUL way to travel!!"
(Nana playing the piano and singing with Addy--"Just Whistle a Happy Tune". Addy adding her discordant melody on the piano and singing:)
Addy: "Happiness is a very important thing!"
Hmmmm...."Happiness is a very important thing!" That has given me quite a lot to think about. I have learned through various trials and just plain 'ole daily living that our goal should NOT be "happiness". Our goal in life should be to honor and praise the One who made us. But I also know that Jesus loved the little children--He loved the way they thought, the things they said, and what they did. So, I try very hard to observe these little ones around me and try to learn their child-like ways. So when Addy was singing "Happiness is a very important thing", it really made me think. Now, just what makes a 2-almost-3 year old happy?
* Relationship! Having those she loves with her. The whole piano playing episode was a result of her melt-down when her parents left to go to the movie. So I scooped her up and said let's go play the piano. Sob, sob. We walk to the piano. Nana: "Wanna play and sing?" Sniffle, sniffle. Addy nods her head. So I clear off the piano book. Tears have ceased like a water faucet has been turned off. We play and sing and BOTH of us are happy.
* Security! Addy knows Nana loves her. Addy knows her parents love her, and that even if they go away for a little while, they will come back. (Hmmmm.....didn't Jesus have something to say that sounded a lot like that?) As long as she is with people she loves, even when someone goes away, she is secure enough in their love to trust they will come back.
* A full tummy! It doesn't usually take much! A sippy cup full of milk will ususally do the trick! An occasional piece of ham or cheese and a few M's never hurt anything either.
* A place to sleep! Now when a 2-almost-3 year old asks, "Nana, can you put me to bed now?", you know life is good!! I need to learn this lesson from her. When you're tired, you go to bed. With me it's always, I'll do this "one more thing" before I go to bed!
These are just my observations of what makes Addy happy. Simple things. Things that are good with God. Now, what is on my "list" of things that make me happy? I'm embarrassed to say it isn't all that simple. I think I'll have to do some paring of my "list". And I'm sure that when I have been able to accomplish that, God will be pleased.
Now I haven't really ASKED Addy what makes her happy. I'll have to do that. It will be interesting to see what she says! I'll keep you posted.
May you have Peace in Believing!!
(Nana using a sunscreen stick on baby sister Ellie)
Addy: "Are you gluing Ellie?"
(Addy spinning around and around on Kitchen bar stool)
Addy: "This is a WONDERFUL way to travel!!"
(Nana playing the piano and singing with Addy--"Just Whistle a Happy Tune". Addy adding her discordant melody on the piano and singing:)
Addy: "Happiness is a very important thing!"
Hmmmm...."Happiness is a very important thing!" That has given me quite a lot to think about. I have learned through various trials and just plain 'ole daily living that our goal should NOT be "happiness". Our goal in life should be to honor and praise the One who made us. But I also know that Jesus loved the little children--He loved the way they thought, the things they said, and what they did. So, I try very hard to observe these little ones around me and try to learn their child-like ways. So when Addy was singing "Happiness is a very important thing", it really made me think. Now, just what makes a 2-almost-3 year old happy?
* Relationship! Having those she loves with her. The whole piano playing episode was a result of her melt-down when her parents left to go to the movie. So I scooped her up and said let's go play the piano. Sob, sob. We walk to the piano. Nana: "Wanna play and sing?" Sniffle, sniffle. Addy nods her head. So I clear off the piano book. Tears have ceased like a water faucet has been turned off. We play and sing and BOTH of us are happy.
* Security! Addy knows Nana loves her. Addy knows her parents love her, and that even if they go away for a little while, they will come back. (Hmmmm.....didn't Jesus have something to say that sounded a lot like that?) As long as she is with people she loves, even when someone goes away, she is secure enough in their love to trust they will come back.
* A full tummy! It doesn't usually take much! A sippy cup full of milk will ususally do the trick! An occasional piece of ham or cheese and a few M's never hurt anything either.
* A place to sleep! Now when a 2-almost-3 year old asks, "Nana, can you put me to bed now?", you know life is good!! I need to learn this lesson from her. When you're tired, you go to bed. With me it's always, I'll do this "one more thing" before I go to bed!
These are just my observations of what makes Addy happy. Simple things. Things that are good with God. Now, what is on my "list" of things that make me happy? I'm embarrassed to say it isn't all that simple. I think I'll have to do some paring of my "list". And I'm sure that when I have been able to accomplish that, God will be pleased.
Now I haven't really ASKED Addy what makes her happy. I'll have to do that. It will be interesting to see what she says! I'll keep you posted.
May you have Peace in Believing!!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Wake Up!!
Several of the last few nights have found me up pacing the floor because of Restless Leg Syndrome. I suffer from it to quite a severe degree--to the point of wearing holes in the sheets on our bed. I take medication to control it, but it doesn't always work. One night I was up until 4 a.m. and another up until 2 a.m. Unfortunately, I still wake up about the same time--between 6:30 and 7:00. So the sleep hours during the last several days have really been on the short side!
Today, I had to drive about an hour and a half to do a Southern Living At Home party. The drive there wasn't too bad. I was going over how I was going to set up my display, and mentally rehearsing the things I wanted to say.
However, the trip home was quite a challenge. I had something cold to drink and I had my pumpkin seeds--my usual arsenal of things to keep me awake while I drive. I even had the radio on listening to a public radio program which was rather entertaining. But, still, I was really struggling to stay awake. All of a sudden, I heard the rumble strips under the tires of the van. I had nodded off to sleep! Scary!! What if I had veered the other way instead of off to the shoulder?!? I know God must have had His hand on the steering wheel!
I found a place to pull off and walked around for a bit, before continuing on home. Oh, My! That was NOT a fun experience.
As I continued on home, I was thinking about how the church seems to be in a similar situation. We are content to do the same old "two songs and a prayer" and heaven forbid if someone tries to do something a little new. So we sit in same old pews, sing the same old songs, at the same old slow pace, with the same people playing the same roles, blah, blah, blah, blah....and because of complacency and following the same old traditions that have become sacred cows, we grow sleepy and nod off. (Now for me, unfortunately, this is true not only figuratively, but in reality as well. The RLS cycle keeps me from getting enough sleep, makes me really drowsy during the day, and the more tired I am the worse the RLS gets, and I lose even more sleep and so on...)
It is the newer roads that have the rumble strips. Some smart person decided that was a great way to wake some one up who had nodded off and veered off the road. For people like me, they need to go back and install them on all the old roads as well.
I believe the church needs rumble strips. We seem to have gotten so comfortable in our car (or in our box) that we are in danger of falling asleep. We want things to be just like they always have been. Sort of the "If it works, don't fix it" mentality. Unfortunately, "it" doesn't seem to be working any more. I fear that we are veering off and in danger of a head on collision. If the church is not growing, it is dying. We need to wake up, kill some sacred cows, and let the church continue to grow into the embodiment of Christ that it was designed to be.
Thank you, Father, for rumble strips. Please continue to guide me. Wake me up! Make me more like Christ!
Today, I had to drive about an hour and a half to do a Southern Living At Home party. The drive there wasn't too bad. I was going over how I was going to set up my display, and mentally rehearsing the things I wanted to say.
However, the trip home was quite a challenge. I had something cold to drink and I had my pumpkin seeds--my usual arsenal of things to keep me awake while I drive. I even had the radio on listening to a public radio program which was rather entertaining. But, still, I was really struggling to stay awake. All of a sudden, I heard the rumble strips under the tires of the van. I had nodded off to sleep! Scary!! What if I had veered the other way instead of off to the shoulder?!? I know God must have had His hand on the steering wheel!
I found a place to pull off and walked around for a bit, before continuing on home. Oh, My! That was NOT a fun experience.
As I continued on home, I was thinking about how the church seems to be in a similar situation. We are content to do the same old "two songs and a prayer" and heaven forbid if someone tries to do something a little new. So we sit in same old pews, sing the same old songs, at the same old slow pace, with the same people playing the same roles, blah, blah, blah, blah....and because of complacency and following the same old traditions that have become sacred cows, we grow sleepy and nod off. (Now for me, unfortunately, this is true not only figuratively, but in reality as well. The RLS cycle keeps me from getting enough sleep, makes me really drowsy during the day, and the more tired I am the worse the RLS gets, and I lose even more sleep and so on...)
It is the newer roads that have the rumble strips. Some smart person decided that was a great way to wake some one up who had nodded off and veered off the road. For people like me, they need to go back and install them on all the old roads as well.
I believe the church needs rumble strips. We seem to have gotten so comfortable in our car (or in our box) that we are in danger of falling asleep. We want things to be just like they always have been. Sort of the "If it works, don't fix it" mentality. Unfortunately, "it" doesn't seem to be working any more. I fear that we are veering off and in danger of a head on collision. If the church is not growing, it is dying. We need to wake up, kill some sacred cows, and let the church continue to grow into the embodiment of Christ that it was designed to be.
Thank you, Father, for rumble strips. Please continue to guide me. Wake me up! Make me more like Christ!
Friday, May 13, 2005
Addy and the Flowers
Recently, my almost 3-year old granddaughter, Addy, was helping me plant flowers in my garden. What fun we had! I dug the hole, loosened the dirt in the bottom, and then she added compost to the hole. I mixed it and the loose dirt with the shovel and she helped with her hand shovel. Then she poured in some root starter solution and I put the plant in and and replaced the dirt around the plant. Then Addy would take her little plastic watering can and water the newly planted flower.
We repeated this process many times. After we had planted several flowers, I was watching her water with her little watering can. Then she stepped back and just stood there looking at the plant.
Nana: "What are you doing Addy?"
Addy: "Watching the flower grow!"
Nana: (smiling) "Oh!"
Addy: "Isn't it pretty?"
This scenario and conversation has really stuck with me for the last couple of weeks. I've been planting more flowers on my own and thinking about how Addy would "watch them grow". I know my Heavenly Father stands back and watches me "grow". I'm sure at times, the watching isn't all that interesting and surely must be imperceptable.
Things I've learned from Addy and the flowers:
* Look at things from a child's perspective--"I'm watching it grow."
* Appreciate things as they are--"Isn't it pretty?"
* Some things (and people) are worth of being watched even if it looks like nothing is happening.
* God watches us patiently.
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the kingdom belongs to those who are like these children." Mark 10:14b
We repeated this process many times. After we had planted several flowers, I was watching her water with her little watering can. Then she stepped back and just stood there looking at the plant.
Nana: "What are you doing Addy?"
Addy: "Watching the flower grow!"
Nana: (smiling) "Oh!"
Addy: "Isn't it pretty?"
This scenario and conversation has really stuck with me for the last couple of weeks. I've been planting more flowers on my own and thinking about how Addy would "watch them grow". I know my Heavenly Father stands back and watches me "grow". I'm sure at times, the watching isn't all that interesting and surely must be imperceptable.
Things I've learned from Addy and the flowers:
* Look at things from a child's perspective--"I'm watching it grow."
* Appreciate things as they are--"Isn't it pretty?"
* Some things (and people) are worth of being watched even if it looks like nothing is happening.
* God watches us patiently.
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the kingdom belongs to those who are like these children." Mark 10:14b
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Just a Simple God Song
Daniel is our 4 year old grandson. I got to sit in on his Bible class tonight since I didn't have any babies in my nursery class. His mom teaches his class this quarter. She began by asking if the kids wanted to sing. The reply was a resounding "YEEESSSSSS!" Donna asked them what they wanted to sing. Logan, the only other child there tonight, replied with the usual "Jesus Loves Me". That's what I expect from most children their age. And we sang it and I love hearing those sweet little voices sing about Jesus.
But then, Donna asked Daniel what song he wanted to sing. "God is Good" was his reply. And Donna said, "I could have guessed." So this was not an unusual request on his part. But it surprised me. It's not a song we often sing at church. His grandpa and I sang it to each other at our wedding 9 years ago, but that was before he was born. So, I'm not sure where he's heard it often enough for it to be his favorite song. We sang:
God is so good.
God is so good.
God is so good, He's so good to me.
He answers prayers.
He answers prayers.
He answers prayers, He's so good to me.
I love Him so.
I love Him so.
I love Him so, He's so good to me.
Just a simple song. Simple enough for a child to love it. But powerful enough for those of us who've been around a little longer to love it as well.
So simple. God is good. All the time. Not just years ago. Not just yesterday. Not just tomorrow. All the time. Always. Everyday. In every way. There is no shadow or turning. He doesn't change or vary. He is good! His mercies are new every morning!! He's so good to me.
He answers prayers. Always. Not always how we want. But He always listens and He always responds. And He does what it best for us. He's so good to me.
I love Him so. He's always good. He answers prayers. He gave himself to die for me. I love Him so. He's so good to me!!
I love it that Daniel loves this song. I'm sure he doesn't realize all the things I do about this song, but that will come in time. And when trouble comes his way, as it surely does to all of us, I hope that little song continues to play in his mind....God is so good....
But then, Donna asked Daniel what song he wanted to sing. "God is Good" was his reply. And Donna said, "I could have guessed." So this was not an unusual request on his part. But it surprised me. It's not a song we often sing at church. His grandpa and I sang it to each other at our wedding 9 years ago, but that was before he was born. So, I'm not sure where he's heard it often enough for it to be his favorite song. We sang:
God is so good.
God is so good.
God is so good, He's so good to me.
He answers prayers.
He answers prayers.
He answers prayers, He's so good to me.
I love Him so.
I love Him so.
I love Him so, He's so good to me.
Just a simple song. Simple enough for a child to love it. But powerful enough for those of us who've been around a little longer to love it as well.
So simple. God is good. All the time. Not just years ago. Not just yesterday. Not just tomorrow. All the time. Always. Everyday. In every way. There is no shadow or turning. He doesn't change or vary. He is good! His mercies are new every morning!! He's so good to me.
He answers prayers. Always. Not always how we want. But He always listens and He always responds. And He does what it best for us. He's so good to me.
I love Him so. He's always good. He answers prayers. He gave himself to die for me. I love Him so. He's so good to me!!
I love it that Daniel loves this song. I'm sure he doesn't realize all the things I do about this song, but that will come in time. And when trouble comes his way, as it surely does to all of us, I hope that little song continues to play in his mind....God is so good....
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Fishing & Faith
Our friend, Ray, that we go fishing with is an early riser. He likes to be out on the water by 6:15 casting his net for bait. I love fishing. So it's not hard to get out of bed to go. Except....when we've gotten our bait and boated over to our favorite fishing spot, baited the hooks, tossed them in and.......nothing happens. Ray's wife, Nancy, says that the fish don't wake up until 8:30. It's truly amazing how many mornings that was true!! We never went a day without catching fish, but most days it was after 8:30!
As I sat there, watching the end of my fishing pole--willing it to move, it was easy to think--"Hey, I could have slept another 2 hours!" Now I am a pretty patient fisherperson. My husband on the other hand....if he hasn't had a bite in 5 minutes, he's ready to go do something else. That is especially true at home on our pond. There is too much work calling his name for him to just sit and wait for a fish to bite. Out on the boat, far away from home, he is much better. But he still takes a book to read!!
As I sat out on that boat waiting for that 30" striper to wake up, I began to think about faith. We have our fishing poles of faith cast out into God's great ocean and we sit watching our poles. We want God to give a mighty tug and let us know He is there. We want the end of that pole to bend, and the line begin to scream off the reel. But, it isn't "8:30" yet. We have to sit and be patient. And continue to be watchful.
I admit, sometimes out on the boat with the gentle rocking motion and the wind in my face, I would begin to nod off. When I began to do that, I would take the fishing pole out of the holder and lock my hands around it so that I wouldn't miss that tug. I sure didn't want to miss that fish!! And all it took was one little bump and I would be WIDE AWAKE!!! It might be several minutes before another bump came along, but, oh, how thrilling that was!! And then once a fish took that line--Wow!--I was up out of my seat in a flash, tugging and reeling and squealing with delight!! Now it wasn't just me that was excited, everyone in the boat became more animated and watchful. And once we started catching those 22'-24' fish, don't you know we were all really excited.
We may wait for a long time for a little tug on our pole that lets us know our faith in God does not go unanswered. But once it comes, oh, aren't we pleased and excited and willing to wait for the next tug. And if a really big TUG comes, our joy can not be contained! We might even cause other people to become excited.
But you know who I'm really impressed with. The person who just keeps his pole in God's great ocean--never getting even a little bump. And yet, stays. Keeps that pole in the water. Trusting. Surely, surely, God is a great rewarder of those who patiently continue to wait.
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Father, help me to be patient. Help me to be watchful and very aware of even the tiny "bumps" that let me know you are there. But even when there are no "bumps", Father, help me to continue to trust, to have faith. And help me, Father, to continually bring to mind the "whales" that have tugged on my line--that prove to me You are who you say You are.
"Now may the God of Peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you [and tugs on your line] is FAITHFUL. I Thes. 5:23-24
As I sat there, watching the end of my fishing pole--willing it to move, it was easy to think--"Hey, I could have slept another 2 hours!" Now I am a pretty patient fisherperson. My husband on the other hand....if he hasn't had a bite in 5 minutes, he's ready to go do something else. That is especially true at home on our pond. There is too much work calling his name for him to just sit and wait for a fish to bite. Out on the boat, far away from home, he is much better. But he still takes a book to read!!
As I sat out on that boat waiting for that 30" striper to wake up, I began to think about faith. We have our fishing poles of faith cast out into God's great ocean and we sit watching our poles. We want God to give a mighty tug and let us know He is there. We want the end of that pole to bend, and the line begin to scream off the reel. But, it isn't "8:30" yet. We have to sit and be patient. And continue to be watchful.
I admit, sometimes out on the boat with the gentle rocking motion and the wind in my face, I would begin to nod off. When I began to do that, I would take the fishing pole out of the holder and lock my hands around it so that I wouldn't miss that tug. I sure didn't want to miss that fish!! And all it took was one little bump and I would be WIDE AWAKE!!! It might be several minutes before another bump came along, but, oh, how thrilling that was!! And then once a fish took that line--Wow!--I was up out of my seat in a flash, tugging and reeling and squealing with delight!! Now it wasn't just me that was excited, everyone in the boat became more animated and watchful. And once we started catching those 22'-24' fish, don't you know we were all really excited.
We may wait for a long time for a little tug on our pole that lets us know our faith in God does not go unanswered. But once it comes, oh, aren't we pleased and excited and willing to wait for the next tug. And if a really big TUG comes, our joy can not be contained! We might even cause other people to become excited.
But you know who I'm really impressed with. The person who just keeps his pole in God's great ocean--never getting even a little bump. And yet, stays. Keeps that pole in the water. Trusting. Surely, surely, God is a great rewarder of those who patiently continue to wait.
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Father, help me to be patient. Help me to be watchful and very aware of even the tiny "bumps" that let me know you are there. But even when there are no "bumps", Father, help me to continue to trust, to have faith. And help me, Father, to continually bring to mind the "whales" that have tugged on my line--that prove to me You are who you say You are.
"Now may the God of Peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you [and tugs on your line] is FAITHFUL. I Thes. 5:23-24
Turkey Moments
The fishing trip was a GREAT success. We dressed out over 100 fish. We caught mostly stripers (some up to 24") and a few catfish and sandbass. The lake was beautiful. It was really nice to get away from all the regular everyday stuff and be with good friends and enjoy this wonderful world God has made for us.
We got home about 5:30 p.m. yesterday. One of the things I did last night was to go through and read the regular blogs that I always read. It was fun to read them and catch up!
This morning, very early, before I went to work, I looked out our back door and saw a Tom turkey and three hen turkeys. It was such fun to watch them saunter along looking for bugs to eat. The Tom was huge. I grabbed my binoculars to get a better look. (I keep them on top of the fridge next to the back door for just such opportunities.) I was hoping to get a good look at him before he went behind the shed. He turned toward me for just a brief moment, and I got to see his beard--it was so long it nearly hung to the ground! I was excited to get such a good glimpse of him. And then! He turned around with his back to me, and just before he went behind the shed, he fanned out his feathers! Wow! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself!! It was tempting to go wake up my husband, but since he had done all the driving the day before, I refrained.
I ran to the front room to see if I could see the turkeys coming around the other side of the shed. Sure enough, there they were. I watched until they went out of sight behind some brush. It was worth giving up a few minutes of my morning and having to hurry through what was already a quick breakfast, to see those turkeys strutting through our yard.
I 'm sure God watches us like that. He watches us going about our own daily routines, and He is fascinated. We don't even realize that He's watching. And once in a while, we do something really good, and we "fan out our feathers" for Him--still not knowing He is watching. But He is so thrilled! I'm sure he must be calling all the angels over--"Look! See what she's doing! I made her, she belongs to me!"
I pray that each day, I do more and more things that please my Father.
We got home about 5:30 p.m. yesterday. One of the things I did last night was to go through and read the regular blogs that I always read. It was fun to read them and catch up!
This morning, very early, before I went to work, I looked out our back door and saw a Tom turkey and three hen turkeys. It was such fun to watch them saunter along looking for bugs to eat. The Tom was huge. I grabbed my binoculars to get a better look. (I keep them on top of the fridge next to the back door for just such opportunities.) I was hoping to get a good look at him before he went behind the shed. He turned toward me for just a brief moment, and I got to see his beard--it was so long it nearly hung to the ground! I was excited to get such a good glimpse of him. And then! He turned around with his back to me, and just before he went behind the shed, he fanned out his feathers! Wow! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself!! It was tempting to go wake up my husband, but since he had done all the driving the day before, I refrained.
I ran to the front room to see if I could see the turkeys coming around the other side of the shed. Sure enough, there they were. I watched until they went out of sight behind some brush. It was worth giving up a few minutes of my morning and having to hurry through what was already a quick breakfast, to see those turkeys strutting through our yard.
I 'm sure God watches us like that. He watches us going about our own daily routines, and He is fascinated. We don't even realize that He's watching. And once in a while, we do something really good, and we "fan out our feathers" for Him--still not knowing He is watching. But He is so thrilled! I'm sure he must be calling all the angels over--"Look! See what she's doing! I made her, she belongs to me!"
I pray that each day, I do more and more things that please my Father.
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