I was browsing the internet (looking for something totally unrelated) and the above caption caught my eye. Thought I would read what these "secrets" were. I found it to be an entertaining, interesting article. Written from a purely secular point of view, a form of faith still managed to enter in as a key point, despite the lack of understanding about what that means ~ no surprises though the power and purposes of God are not always understood nor considered, somewhere inside I do believe we all sense our need for Him. I do believe that people can be "happy" without knowing God, but I equally believe it is a hollow happiness that is never really full; like the cup with the holes in the bottom; the Holy Spirit fills those holes and our joy runneth over instead of running out (I have heard that somewhere) ~
Anyway, if you wanted to read the article (it really was pretty cute), here it is: 5 Secrets
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
God's Pleasure to Share
This week has been continuing the saga that was started in mid-June with more bumps in our path and more challenges to embrace. My posting yesterday had been put to words after many weeks of multiple struggles ~ with "icing" added to the cake of our affliction on Monday this past week. Monday's trial was one of abiding in faith during difficult circumstances. God has given me a Spirit of deep faith in these issues, so it has not shaken me (though I believe it is affecting my dear husband differently). But ~ I have been shaken this week.
God did not depart from me on Monday, nor has He ever left me. However, the relational trials our family continues to face (as they escalate and ebb regularly, with a culmination this week on Friday) keep knocking me off center. I know intellectually that God desires for me to experience His peace and purpose my heart to focus upon His sovereignty during these trials. I have many moments of sheer joy in His presence despite the evils, but I have not yet experienced complete rest in Him
Well, I know that He would have me not blow in the winds of moods. He loves me and He desires me to walk in the joy and peace of the Lord at all times. I have not been as blessed in walking away from the influence of my heart/mind combination related to our relational trials. It has frustrated and disappointed me.
God blessed me tonight with His Word ~ speaking directly to me in so many ways as Bo and I participated in a sermon series wrap up at a friend's church. It was the first night I had had the gumption to attend (I often participate with them in studies, but had been out of the loop for a couple of months); I was pleased Bo and I could have an evening together to focus upon something real and meaningful with brothers and sisters after this week's fiascos. I now know why God prompted me to go.
Here is what He shared through the speaker:
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Romans 8:18
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
2 Peter 3:13
13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
And, finally: 1 Corinthians 2:9 9
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Praise God that He sees all, knows all, and loves us so ~ and what pleasure awaits in the things He promises to come...This life is so short in light of eternity. These trials such a blip on the radar screen of what is real and lasting. We have so much more than we can imagine, and He desires to pour out upon us so much more than we could ever dream. We are so blessed. Thank You, Lord.
God did not depart from me on Monday, nor has He ever left me. However, the relational trials our family continues to face (as they escalate and ebb regularly, with a culmination this week on Friday) keep knocking me off center. I know intellectually that God desires for me to experience His peace and purpose my heart to focus upon His sovereignty during these trials. I have many moments of sheer joy in His presence despite the evils, but I have not yet experienced complete rest in Him
Well, I know that He would have me not blow in the winds of moods. He loves me and He desires me to walk in the joy and peace of the Lord at all times. I have not been as blessed in walking away from the influence of my heart/mind combination related to our relational trials. It has frustrated and disappointed me.
God blessed me tonight with His Word ~ speaking directly to me in so many ways as Bo and I participated in a sermon series wrap up at a friend's church. It was the first night I had had the gumption to attend (I often participate with them in studies, but had been out of the loop for a couple of months); I was pleased Bo and I could have an evening together to focus upon something real and meaningful with brothers and sisters after this week's fiascos. I now know why God prompted me to go.
Here is what He shared through the speaker:
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Romans 8:18
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
2 Peter 3:13
13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
And, finally: 1 Corinthians 2:9 9
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Praise God that He sees all, knows all, and loves us so ~ and what pleasure awaits in the things He promises to come...This life is so short in light of eternity. These trials such a blip on the radar screen of what is real and lasting. We have so much more than we can imagine, and He desires to pour out upon us so much more than we could ever dream. We are so blessed. Thank You, Lord.
Friday, August 22, 2008
This and That
We have been on a whirlwind here in the sweet land of Pride-ville. It has been such a bittersweet summer for me. Although we had a lovely time overall with the kids, enjoyed a delightful swim team season (taking first in the three counties we swim against), enjoyed many visits with friends and family, and had some wonderfully fun times, I have struggled with an ever-evolving bitterness toward one particular person who has pushed me deeper into God's arms seeking respite from my negative feelings.
I have been praying daily, hourly, moment by moment that God would redeem my heart to His and allow me to flow with love and grace and prayerful petition toward her and for her. I keep slipping down the slippery slope of evil with each new event that pries at my very soul. Father, forgive her for she knows not what she is doing. This I truly believe. However, she is a professing Christian who is fully involved with, and working for, her church and it hurts me that I see the opposite fruits.
Lord, I do NOT want to be this way in my heart's response. Please, dear Father, heal my spirit and let me rest in Your sovereign will. You allow all things for our greater good and Your good purposes. May I rest in You and hold fast in the faith that I KNOW all things work together for good for those of us who love You and are called by You. Bless you, Lord that You have allowed this challenge into my life and the lives of those whom I love. Thank you for the opportunity to embrace grace and grow!
Aside from some very difficult weeks of pressing in and pressing on at the end of June and early to mid July, we have recently entered into a new phase of difficult and my dear hubby is, at this very moment, in mediation with his former wife. I trust God will carry this through, but today I have been off my center because of some telephonic interactions he has had which have been really hurtful in addition to all the other stuff he is facing.
It feels like it will never end. I pray hearts soften and children be given the freedoms to be children and to be free to love both parents without constraint. Dissension between former spouses is not the ideal for children; nor is separation from either parent for any length of time when young.
So, what is something that could be garnered here? Blended families are quite difficult in ideal circumstances. They are destructive to children in less than ideal ~ please listen if you are hesitating in your marriage. Seek God, pray, submit, seek outside help for the challenges if need be ~ protect your family. God can hold anything together, but you must be willing to sacrifice and trust. Life is not necessarily better on the other side, and things are so much more complicated for the children. My first marriage dissolved upon God's release, and this one occured with His leading...but our children have suffered tremendously, and while God can and will heal them and redeem the time while using it all for His glory, it has been hard to walk through, especially knowing that many of their trials could have been prevented (and, given the obvious circumstances, there will be many more to come).
Other co-parenting issues ~ while I had thought the home schooling decision had been clarified between my former husband and myself, two days before our Hilton Head vacation he told me our children needed to be enrolled in the public schools or he would take me to court to force the issue. Just like that ~ I thought we were through all concerns, but evidently not. Perhaps he didn't hear me in my last assertion that was never challenged in June...or perhaps he believed I might change my mind about my decision...I don't know. This is not typical for us, and I was baffled.
Since God led the homeschool decision, I knew He could make it pass but I really didn't look forward to my own court involvement after the heavy summer. Steve (my former husband) and I had always worked things out without the courts (even our divorce). I just started praying internally while stating my surprise and expressing my concerns related to why I had intended to home school in the first place and why it was best for our fifth grader. While he was out to dinner with the girls I continued praying as well as gathering the curriculum I had selected (with him in mind when I chose it, knowing his triggers and concerns).
I brought it out to show him when he returned, again explained my position and why I believed it was best for our daughter and for her future and what I hoped to accomplish with this time at home (leaving the Lord's will out of the discussion because of his immense fear and belief that we are becoming somewhat cultish with our faith). God blessed me ~ Steve allowed me to home school Michelle. Kari he would not concede, but that is okay. At the beginning my intention was to spend the year with Michelle alone, anyway, because of her special needs. Kari just really wanted to be a part, and I saw no reason why she could not. Praise God that He is faithful in establishing those things that He calls us to.
So, Kari went to meet her teachers today at her new school (we were rezoned). They seem delightful. God provided an added bonus to tie this all together ~ Michelle will be allowed to participate in the art room with Kari's class (with the teacher who actually taught her father years ago) while I serve as a volunteer during that time. How cool is that?! We serve an awesome and amazing God. :-) I am sure that this afternoon will also prove to be to His glory despite how it feels. I am grateful that we are so blessed as to have God who loves us so despite our total depravity and lack of deserving for anything good. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!
I have been praying daily, hourly, moment by moment that God would redeem my heart to His and allow me to flow with love and grace and prayerful petition toward her and for her. I keep slipping down the slippery slope of evil with each new event that pries at my very soul. Father, forgive her for she knows not what she is doing. This I truly believe. However, she is a professing Christian who is fully involved with, and working for, her church and it hurts me that I see the opposite fruits.
Lord, I do NOT want to be this way in my heart's response. Please, dear Father, heal my spirit and let me rest in Your sovereign will. You allow all things for our greater good and Your good purposes. May I rest in You and hold fast in the faith that I KNOW all things work together for good for those of us who love You and are called by You. Bless you, Lord that You have allowed this challenge into my life and the lives of those whom I love. Thank you for the opportunity to embrace grace and grow!
Aside from some very difficult weeks of pressing in and pressing on at the end of June and early to mid July, we have recently entered into a new phase of difficult and my dear hubby is, at this very moment, in mediation with his former wife. I trust God will carry this through, but today I have been off my center because of some telephonic interactions he has had which have been really hurtful in addition to all the other stuff he is facing.
It feels like it will never end. I pray hearts soften and children be given the freedoms to be children and to be free to love both parents without constraint. Dissension between former spouses is not the ideal for children; nor is separation from either parent for any length of time when young.
So, what is something that could be garnered here? Blended families are quite difficult in ideal circumstances. They are destructive to children in less than ideal ~ please listen if you are hesitating in your marriage. Seek God, pray, submit, seek outside help for the challenges if need be ~ protect your family. God can hold anything together, but you must be willing to sacrifice and trust. Life is not necessarily better on the other side, and things are so much more complicated for the children. My first marriage dissolved upon God's release, and this one occured with His leading...but our children have suffered tremendously, and while God can and will heal them and redeem the time while using it all for His glory, it has been hard to walk through, especially knowing that many of their trials could have been prevented (and, given the obvious circumstances, there will be many more to come).
Other co-parenting issues ~ while I had thought the home schooling decision had been clarified between my former husband and myself, two days before our Hilton Head vacation he told me our children needed to be enrolled in the public schools or he would take me to court to force the issue. Just like that ~ I thought we were through all concerns, but evidently not. Perhaps he didn't hear me in my last assertion that was never challenged in June...or perhaps he believed I might change my mind about my decision...I don't know. This is not typical for us, and I was baffled.
Since God led the homeschool decision, I knew He could make it pass but I really didn't look forward to my own court involvement after the heavy summer. Steve (my former husband) and I had always worked things out without the courts (even our divorce). I just started praying internally while stating my surprise and expressing my concerns related to why I had intended to home school in the first place and why it was best for our fifth grader. While he was out to dinner with the girls I continued praying as well as gathering the curriculum I had selected (with him in mind when I chose it, knowing his triggers and concerns).
I brought it out to show him when he returned, again explained my position and why I believed it was best for our daughter and for her future and what I hoped to accomplish with this time at home (leaving the Lord's will out of the discussion because of his immense fear and belief that we are becoming somewhat cultish with our faith). God blessed me ~ Steve allowed me to home school Michelle. Kari he would not concede, but that is okay. At the beginning my intention was to spend the year with Michelle alone, anyway, because of her special needs. Kari just really wanted to be a part, and I saw no reason why she could not. Praise God that He is faithful in establishing those things that He calls us to.
So, Kari went to meet her teachers today at her new school (we were rezoned). They seem delightful. God provided an added bonus to tie this all together ~ Michelle will be allowed to participate in the art room with Kari's class (with the teacher who actually taught her father years ago) while I serve as a volunteer during that time. How cool is that?! We serve an awesome and amazing God. :-) I am sure that this afternoon will also prove to be to His glory despite how it feels. I am grateful that we are so blessed as to have God who loves us so despite our total depravity and lack of deserving for anything good. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!
Monday, August 18, 2008
I'm Back
Hilton Head, SC ~ our families' annual beach retreat. What a blessing it was to get away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives in Virginia, Chicago, Iowa, Denver, and Los Angeles to gather together at Barony Beach Resort in Hilton Head. I finished three books, and enjoyed the heck out of seeing my family again.This summer has been a tough one for me; many whom I love are suffering, and my heart is breaking in parts because of my own personal challenges as well. It has been quite draining and unsettling, but through it all God remains the constant. He is my hope and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
While in Hilton Head this past week, we celebrated my dear Aunt Sharon's 60th birthday. It was so nice that she and her husband could join our gang this year, especially for such a fun occassion. My dad and stepmom had planned a surprise dinner for her at the conference resort next door. They had an incredible buffett and a great location for our large group to sit with all the kids and hang out without disturbing the rest of the diners (believe me, with 12 kids it can get pretty loud).
When she finished opening her cards and gifts, she laughed and said to me "Do you remember what you told me in the card you gave me for my 30th birthday?" Of course, I had no idea what I had written, but I knew that I had loved her so much, even then, because we had such a close relationship and she spent a lot of time with us. She went on to tell me that because she had been having some hesitation about being thirty (I was 12 at the time, so it made sense to me), I had written her a note saying "Don't worry about turning thirty, Moses lived until he was 120 so you have only lived 1/4 of your life so far!" (or something of the sort). Too funny! Of course, I decided at that moment to take this information and further assure her that this meant that she was only 1/2 way through living at this point, then. It didn't sound as comforting at 60 somehow. :-)
Oh it was such fun to be together again. Next family stop; Pella, IA for our annual thanksgiving gathering. We have been here at my home for several years, but we try to get out to Iowa every few years as my dad has a huge home there on a beautiful acreage, and the kids just have a blast. We tend to keep it here only because of the confusing logistics with my family's blended needs; everyone else would probably be happy to rotate around.
I hope those reading have also had a chance to connect with family, do something they love, and find some respite from daily life this summer. May God's face shine blessings upon you all.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Move Over Cookies...Fruit is #1!
That title comes off of the circular for our local grocery store. I was so excited to read it that I wanted to share the news ~
"Great news! Fruit is now the number one snack given to children under age six, according to a new survey by the NPD research group. Fruit has replaced cookies, which previously held the number one spot, but is now second in popularity. All forms of fruit count, so offer children a variety of choices. Try fresh fruit, fruit cups, dried fruits, 100% fruit frozen pops.
"Other good news - cake and carbonated soft drinks are off the top ten list of snacks given to young children, and popcorn, a whole grain food, has been added.
"Improving snack choices for kids is an important step, so kudos to all the parents and caregivers who are helping improve the health of the next generation!"
Andreas Astrachan, Consumer Advisor Giant Foods Corporation
I am delighted ~ I guess the more chemicalized things become, the less the taste is appealing. This is good news. Perhaps our food suppliers will begin to change back to use of more natural substances in baked goods and treats!
"Great news! Fruit is now the number one snack given to children under age six, according to a new survey by the NPD research group. Fruit has replaced cookies, which previously held the number one spot, but is now second in popularity. All forms of fruit count, so offer children a variety of choices. Try fresh fruit, fruit cups, dried fruits, 100% fruit frozen pops.
"Other good news - cake and carbonated soft drinks are off the top ten list of snacks given to young children, and popcorn, a whole grain food, has been added.
"Improving snack choices for kids is an important step, so kudos to all the parents and caregivers who are helping improve the health of the next generation!"
Andreas Astrachan, Consumer Advisor Giant Foods Corporation
I am delighted ~ I guess the more chemicalized things become, the less the taste is appealing. This is good news. Perhaps our food suppliers will begin to change back to use of more natural substances in baked goods and treats!
New Title
I have been mulling over my blog title. I know that I am a fallen person, redeemed by God's grace ALONE ~ and ever so blessed to be! Lately, Spirit has shown me that Fallen is not appropriate as I am no longer fallen, having been born again in His love and grace ~ (Hallelujah!).
So, as I sifted through what I could shift in the title, without having to change my entire linking, I thought about how I want to live FOR HIM. It is my heart's cry during every trial. I fail often in my responses, but my heart rallies so quickly to seek His grace and forgiveness, and to get back up and try again ~ during times of significant faith testing, I find myself thinking "I know that You are in charge of this, I know that You have allowed this, I trust implicitly that it will all be OK under your divine hand...I am just hurting..." That is not really fallen, because I am carried upon His wings. Praise God.
Any ideas for a "title" would be great. My first two blogs were called "Crock Pot Mom" ~ now that is my name, but not my title. I want this spot to shine for God at the outset. I may not always have His interests in what I share, but I do have a heart for Him in all I do ~ would love to hear your input. :-)
Blessings,
Christie
So, as I sifted through what I could shift in the title, without having to change my entire linking, I thought about how I want to live FOR HIM. It is my heart's cry during every trial. I fail often in my responses, but my heart rallies so quickly to seek His grace and forgiveness, and to get back up and try again ~ during times of significant faith testing, I find myself thinking "I know that You are in charge of this, I know that You have allowed this, I trust implicitly that it will all be OK under your divine hand...I am just hurting..." That is not really fallen, because I am carried upon His wings. Praise God.
Any ideas for a "title" would be great. My first two blogs were called "Crock Pot Mom" ~ now that is my name, but not my title. I want this spot to shine for God at the outset. I may not always have His interests in what I share, but I do have a heart for Him in all I do ~ would love to hear your input. :-)
Blessings,
Christie
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