I have been blessed to be allowed to homeschool my 11 year old daughter again this year. She is the child whom God gave me specifically ~ to both reach her heart when it would crumple, and to work in me more patience, understanding and temperance as I strive to understand her way of thinking and relating to the world, which is so very foreign to mine.
Today we are in another time of push and pull, though it is more peaceful. The rebellion of youth came to a head a few weeks ago ~ with backtalk, eye rolling and the like coming at me in response to nearly every word I spoke. While I have often been willing to understand her impulsive speech challenges (as I have some of those, myself), I cannot allow blatant disrespect nor habitual independence from instructions given by mom (aka: authority that is loving, therefore to be ignored in her mind).
I hate having to "parent hard." I would much prefer talking to my kids and having them "get it." Why can't we all just get along and be loving is a persistent thought in my head. However, with this one ~ when I give an inch of concession, a yard is most often stolen. When I crack down lightly, obedience is not maintained. So, once again I needed to get tough and play bad guy; *sigh* staying tight, firm, and consistent (anyone with kids knows how incredibly tough that task can be).
What a joy it has been to see her starting to "get it" this time around. After consistent discipline (aka: loss of many privileges for about three weeks stemming from correction for every incident of "backtalk," regardless of how strong or slight) I have seen some improvements. Today we lost the privilege of attending a birthday party tomorrow because of lack of willingness to do what we were supposed to related to morning school work (half-way approach versus diligence)...that was a tough one...however, once the tears were finished, and she knew I wasn't budging, she complied with the need to call and cancel her participation.
Oh, the trials of shaping character in children ~ I often wonder if the parents hurt as much (if not more) as the children during this process. I am thankful that not all of my children are the same, and likely I will not have to resort to such extremes with the other two, but I am also prayerful that my eldest will soon rise up to grasp the full picture, that she might integrate it into her spirit and become the beautiful lady God created her to be. Still a pistol, still uniquely creative and gregarious, but obedient and blessed by boundaries that provide us a cocoon from which to live.
Although I am sure we have much more to accomplish in this current pre-teen behavior, I am certain that without the opportunity to be home with her each day, this growing period would have been so much harder to nip in the bud. For that, I say a hearty Thank You, Lord, for the daily lessons You provide, and the opportunities to grow as we nurture and train our children.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
As I have continued to recognize my impurities (see prior post) and seek more deeply to listen to the incredible joys the Lord desires to share with us, I have been coming out of my fogginess. I am still fatigued,but seeking ways to combat that more consistenly (more vitamins, going to bed earlier when possible, getting going more slowly on the mornings I can do so...). In the process, our loving Lord and Daddy has been bringing some great things to my attention...things He began in me long ago that had been shelved for lack of pressing~ness in my life. I have been really enjoying recognizing His hand and His work in me as He has unveiled a few mysteries...
Years ago (likely twelve or thirteen), I was taking a 9 week class that used a 12 circuit labyrinth for meditation and focus ~ the church I belonged to at the time had a labyrinth on their grounds and it was a very peaceful place to wander. Learning to wander along the path, praying "to God" in in the form of questions or musings as the circuitous directions took me away from center more times than toward (e.g. no quick prayer or ability to focus upon the end), then resting in the middle, while standing or kneeling in one of the clover leaves, supplicating myself and trusting Him to respond...eternally grateful that He even cared, let alone specifically for me...then returning on the path while "listening" for inner promptings of His Spirit's response ~ was good discipline for me regarding not just talking to God in prayer, but waiting on Him as well.
One of our weekly lessons focused upon what God's name for us might be. In the Bible, God often renames His people when he imparts His breath ~ His very purpose for creating them ~ more directly their lives - Abram, Sarai, Jacob, Simon, Paul... We were studying this aspect of God and then given the opportunity to explore that with Him in the labyrinth. I was at a difficult time in life related to my marriage and I really wanted to matter to God. I was hoping for something that would illumine me and make me feel good (of course, this was not God's plan, but I thought He might indulge me). God did respond to my prayers that day ~ and He gave me the word "Honor." While I argued with Him about this (it didn't make sense to my limited mind and didn't seem "important" related to my life and the great things I wanted to do for Him). I know that sounds silly to anybody reading this, as it is an amazing word ~ but at that time, given my circumstances, it was not what I wanted to hear.
However, I did take it to heart (somewhat reluctantly) and began exploring the "what" about Honor; how to honor others more fully with His heart, and how I might be dishonoring Him with choices, activities, and thoughts. That experience soon worked its way out of my perceptual lens as life went on and I continued to treat our precious Savior as if he were my co-pilot more often than I thought about Him as Lord.
In my desperate pursuit to understand what He has been working in my life ~ for what purposes and why...as well as what I am missing in my learning (it seems I keep coming to the same darn areas of sin and challenge) and what I can be doing to grow faster and better embrace what He is trying to teach me (ha ha, I am way too intellectual often and just really want to get off this roller coaster at times)...He has recently blessed me beyond measure. My season of wilderness is coming to a close (Hallelujah!!) and I am seeing the fruit He has been forming as I look back over the years of struggle ~
God has shown me that He still wants me to learn "honor" toward everyone in my life. He worked honor through me as a child ~ toward parents, friends, those in authority and those whom others did not consider "worthy" of respect or attention. I had many instances in my younger years where I was the lone person standing up for the spark of goodness in others. I went to bat for the "underdog" so often, and saw the possibilities rather than the failures in the lives of those around me. It was as natural to me as breathing and I really couldn't jump in with the alternatives. I just didn't know then that it was God working through me creating and allowing this vision of my heart. And I didn't understand why others couldn't see things this way.
As I progressed toward independence and into adulthood, I continued to see the good in everyone. I honored where they were, where they had come from, and the divine in their spirit. I trusted that everyone had a purpose and nobody was better than anybody else. I had such a wide variety of friends, many of whom would not be caught in the same location let alone the same room. People were so interesting to me, and there was so much wonder to capture when choosing to see through their eyes for a moment. I loved the many experiences I had and things I discovered during that time. I didn't embrace the realities of all of my friends, by any means, but I enjoyed learning about them.
In the last fourteen years, I have been challenged to honor those who dishonor me by their choices and actions as well as have been challenged to step up and honor those who dishonor themselves either flagrantly or more passively. As I grew in God's strength with this very important talent, He continued to refine me and take me deeper into awareness of His sufferings for His very own who live such dishonoring lives (myself included) as well as His great and incredible love and forgiveness for them. He has given me new opportunities in the last few years to learn how to honor, with His love, those who actively seek to hurt and dishonor me. He has shown me how He was preparing me for a "time such as this." I am still ill-equipped and highly imperfect, but He is showing me a deeper place of intimacy with His heart for us...a place that loves us completely despite our imperfections, hatreds, evil thoughts and disputes with His purity and holiness. He is working with me in learning how to reflect this to everyone in our world. What an incredible privilege ~ to share the heart of God ~ isn't that what we are all called to do? Thanks be to God, our Father and Lord...Glory to Him on high.
Years ago (likely twelve or thirteen), I was taking a 9 week class that used a 12 circuit labyrinth for meditation and focus ~ the church I belonged to at the time had a labyrinth on their grounds and it was a very peaceful place to wander. Learning to wander along the path, praying "to God" in in the form of questions or musings as the circuitous directions took me away from center more times than toward (e.g. no quick prayer or ability to focus upon the end), then resting in the middle, while standing or kneeling in one of the clover leaves, supplicating myself and trusting Him to respond...eternally grateful that He even cared, let alone specifically for me...then returning on the path while "listening" for inner promptings of His Spirit's response ~ was good discipline for me regarding not just talking to God in prayer, but waiting on Him as well.
One of our weekly lessons focused upon what God's name for us might be. In the Bible, God often renames His people when he imparts His breath ~ His very purpose for creating them ~ more directly their lives - Abram, Sarai, Jacob, Simon, Paul... We were studying this aspect of God and then given the opportunity to explore that with Him in the labyrinth. I was at a difficult time in life related to my marriage and I really wanted to matter to God. I was hoping for something that would illumine me and make me feel good (of course, this was not God's plan, but I thought He might indulge me). God did respond to my prayers that day ~ and He gave me the word "Honor." While I argued with Him about this (it didn't make sense to my limited mind and didn't seem "important" related to my life and the great things I wanted to do for Him). I know that sounds silly to anybody reading this, as it is an amazing word ~ but at that time, given my circumstances, it was not what I wanted to hear.
However, I did take it to heart (somewhat reluctantly) and began exploring the "what" about Honor; how to honor others more fully with His heart, and how I might be dishonoring Him with choices, activities, and thoughts. That experience soon worked its way out of my perceptual lens as life went on and I continued to treat our precious Savior as if he were my co-pilot more often than I thought about Him as Lord.
In my desperate pursuit to understand what He has been working in my life ~ for what purposes and why...as well as what I am missing in my learning (it seems I keep coming to the same darn areas of sin and challenge) and what I can be doing to grow faster and better embrace what He is trying to teach me (ha ha, I am way too intellectual often and just really want to get off this roller coaster at times)...He has recently blessed me beyond measure. My season of wilderness is coming to a close (Hallelujah!!) and I am seeing the fruit He has been forming as I look back over the years of struggle ~
God has shown me that He still wants me to learn "honor" toward everyone in my life. He worked honor through me as a child ~ toward parents, friends, those in authority and those whom others did not consider "worthy" of respect or attention. I had many instances in my younger years where I was the lone person standing up for the spark of goodness in others. I went to bat for the "underdog" so often, and saw the possibilities rather than the failures in the lives of those around me. It was as natural to me as breathing and I really couldn't jump in with the alternatives. I just didn't know then that it was God working through me creating and allowing this vision of my heart. And I didn't understand why others couldn't see things this way.
As I progressed toward independence and into adulthood, I continued to see the good in everyone. I honored where they were, where they had come from, and the divine in their spirit. I trusted that everyone had a purpose and nobody was better than anybody else. I had such a wide variety of friends, many of whom would not be caught in the same location let alone the same room. People were so interesting to me, and there was so much wonder to capture when choosing to see through their eyes for a moment. I loved the many experiences I had and things I discovered during that time. I didn't embrace the realities of all of my friends, by any means, but I enjoyed learning about them.
In the last fourteen years, I have been challenged to honor those who dishonor me by their choices and actions as well as have been challenged to step up and honor those who dishonor themselves either flagrantly or more passively. As I grew in God's strength with this very important talent, He continued to refine me and take me deeper into awareness of His sufferings for His very own who live such dishonoring lives (myself included) as well as His great and incredible love and forgiveness for them. He has given me new opportunities in the last few years to learn how to honor, with His love, those who actively seek to hurt and dishonor me. He has shown me how He was preparing me for a "time such as this." I am still ill-equipped and highly imperfect, but He is showing me a deeper place of intimacy with His heart for us...a place that loves us completely despite our imperfections, hatreds, evil thoughts and disputes with His purity and holiness. He is working with me in learning how to reflect this to everyone in our world. What an incredible privilege ~ to share the heart of God ~ isn't that what we are all called to do? Thanks be to God, our Father and Lord...Glory to Him on high.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Going Deeper
I have been in a bog (kind of like "blah" and "fog" combined) over the past several months and struggling in my relationship with God ~ I experienced a feeling almost like a big wet blanket has been laying on me, keeping me somewhat inert, and I had not been able to find the source to remove it...I had many times where I felt connected and in sync, but just as many more where I felt almost beaten down...I think the over-arching experience I have been having is one of pure and deep bone weariness, and when I am tired, I tend to not spend as much time in prayer or Bible reading...I tend to be more of a drifter from idea to idea, option to option, book to book. I pray ~ but not as consistently nor as deeply. I read, but not as long, nor as focused. Boy, does that mess with hearing clearly and knowing God's will...I also experienced my first year since 1999 where I was not involved in a formal bible study ~ I really missed it, but wasn't able to work one into my schedule as I embraced home schooling and other kids' activities and needs. That probably had something to do with my sense of detachment ~
However, lately I have been getting glimmers of that sweet fellowship again. Boy have I missed it deeply. I want to sit and drink it in, alternating with begging for more and praying not to lose it again. Last night God took me to two different dates in "My Utmost for His Highest" to read. I think it showed me a bigger work that has been in effect in my life ~ it was really cool. I wanted to share that here ~ I figured if I typed it, I would recall it even better and be able to look back and read it in another six months as well :-)
The first was:
However, lately I have been getting glimmers of that sweet fellowship again. Boy have I missed it deeply. I want to sit and drink it in, alternating with begging for more and praying not to lose it again. Last night God took me to two different dates in "My Utmost for His Highest" to read. I think it showed me a bigger work that has been in effect in my life ~ it was really cool. I wanted to share that here ~ I figured if I typed it, I would recall it even better and be able to look back and read it in another six months as well :-)
The first was:
July 26 The Account with Purity
"Out of the heart proceed..." Matthew 15:19
We begin by trusting our ignorance and calling it innocence, by trusting our innocence and calling it purity; and when we hear these rugged statements of Our Lord's, we shrink and say - But I never felt any of those awful things in my heart. We resent what Jesus Christ reveals. Either Jesus Christ is the supreme Authority on the human heart, or He is not worth paying any attention to. Am I prepared to trust His penetration, or do I prefer to trust my innocent ignorance? If I make conscious innocence the test, I am likely to come to a place where I find with a shuddering awakening that what Jesus Christ said is true, and I shall be appalled at the possibility of evil and wrong in me. As long as I remain under the refuge of innocence I am living in a fool's paradise. If I have never been a blackguard, the reason is a mixture of cowardice adn the protection of a civilized life; but when I am underessed before God, I find that Jesus Christ is right in His diagnosis.
The only thing that safeguards is the Redemption of Jesus Christ. If I will hand myself over to Him, I need never experience the terrible possibilities that are in my heart. Purity is too deep down for me to get to naturally: but when the Holy Spirit comes in, He brings into the center of my personal life the very Spirit that was manifested in the life of Jesus Christ, viz., Holy Spirit, which is unsullied purity.
Right after, He led me to June 3:
The Secret of the Lord
"The secret (friendship, RV) of the Lord is with them that fear Him" Psalm 25:14
What is the sign of a friend? That he tells you secret sorrows? No, that he tells you secret joys. Many will confide to you their secret sorrows, but the last mark of intimacy is to confide secret joys. Have we ever let God tell usany of His joys, or are we telling God our secrets so continually that we leave no room for Him to talk to us? At the beginning of our Christian life we are full of requests to God, then we find that God wants to get us into relationship with Himself, to get us in touch with His purposes. Are we so wedded to Jesus Christ's idea of prayer-"Thy will be done" - that we catch the secrets of God? The things that make God dear to us are not so much His great big blessings as the tiny things, because they show His amazing intimacy with us; He knows every detail of our individual lives.
"...Him shall He teach in the way the He shall choose." At first we want the consciousness of being guided by God; then as we go on we live so much in the consciousness of God that we do not need to ask what His will is, be3cause the thought of choosing any other will never occur to us. If we are saved and sanctified God guides us by our ordinary choices, and if we are going to choose what He does not want, He will check, and we must heed. Whenever the is doubt, stop at once. Never reason it out and say "I wonder why I shouldn't?" God instructs us in what we choose, that is, He guides our common sense, and we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually saying- "Now, Lord, what is Thy will?"
God is reminding me that He is working all things for good in My life ~ He is with me, He is guiding me, and I don't need to keep worrying about every little step I take or move I make (I was beginning to be bogged down by fear that I was not walking in His will, or would miss His prompts by stepping forward, but it has been all that my heart has cried out for for so long that I realize I shouldn't fear this as I am not giving Him enough credit in communication :-)) He first had to break me free from my ignorance of innocence to place me firmly on His path, and not my own. Praise Him that He loves us so ~
Friday, August 28, 2009
Contentment
I have not posted in awhile - have had many great ideas and events to share, but never got organized enough to download them from my mind and heart to the keypad...and then they were gone ~ whoosh ~ as happens frequently in my life. God gives me such glimmers of wonder and delight so often (I thank Him for that!!!) and insights or revelations that are really neat or meaningful...I would like to get back in the habit of writing them down. I have been out of journaling for awhile, among other things that have fallen out of practice ~ I am striving to return to self-discipline for these things...had some *moments* of return this summer, but overall still way off. Ah, but I digress...
So last weekend I was attending a planning meeting for an upcoming event, and after arriving about an hour late based upon some unexpected and distressing "turbulence" in my home that morning, I settled in to participate in the day (I had listened to a terrific CD from Integrity, given to me by a dear friend, Lorna, a couple of years ago ~ it got me right back into a better state of mind and heart as I was driving to my meeting place) :-)
Anyway, a question was asked (as an ice-breaker) "If you had a day, and money was no object, how would you spend it?" (or something to that effect)...My mind first went to the orphans in Haiti ~ they are found in the gutters sometimes, mere infants without hope ~ and I had a desire to serve them. My husband and I know a couple who own/run an orphanage in Haiti and are always looking for help as they live here and eke by while traveling there and doing what they can when they can. My own family of origin also has ties to Haiti with medical missionaries and some pastors who had hearts for there ~ but, here is the kicker, I hadn't anticipated this being what would come to mind.
So, as others were talking about some GREAT escapes (believe me, many of them sounded terrific!) ;-) I kept searching my heart for a different idea for me (one that was more fun and lighthearted), but this persisted. Each time I thought about alternatives (e.g. taking my family to Norway to see my relatives and travel around the country visiting all of my cousins and viewing the incredible scenery...or going to a tropical island and having a pampered vacation...or paying off my home ~ or even purchasing a home that is more typical of what I am familiar from childhood and family...)...I couldn't experience them as *important* to me, really.
For instance, the trip to Norway is something I have wanted to do as it is too expensive to travel with the seven of us, in general, that far. Last time I visited was in the summer of 1997, which is a long time ago considering I used to spend much of my summers there while growing up. One would think this would be my priority ~ but I figured that the Lord could provide for that opportunity again one day, as well as for the other things I mused about such as beaches and other travels ~ and the orphanage I would NEVER be able to do for it what I would like...not on my own or with the lifestyle I currently lead, as it stands now (I shouldn't say Never as God IS the God of amazing things). God has always provided for the daily, with a bit extra thrown in for fun ~ I imagine HE will continue to do so :-)
So then I began musing ~ I have had SO many incredible opportunities and experiences that many don't get to enjoy. I have traveled all over the world, been independent since the age of 16 and have had a adventurous streak since I was a child. I am as at home at a formal event with black tie and gowns (you know the kind; appetizer, salad, soup, lemon sorbet to cleanse the palat, main course, dessert, coffee...lots of chit chat and such, some dancing...) as I am hanging out with my old redneck friends in their garage, chit chatting over a barrel filled with fire for warmth (here's the picture - cowboy hats and worn jeans, women in tight tank tops, men in plaid shirts...cans of Budweiser abundant in sight, all working together to build an ultralight airplane that will have its maiden voyage the owner's tree farm in Charlottesville).
I have been to plays in New York and Washington DC, concerts, benefit events, art shows, etc. I have played on boats and watercraft on all kinds in rivers, oceans and waterways in many different places - even cruising the intercoastals in Florida's neat, amazingly expensive areas in a fun and fancy speedboat (with a male friend who promised me he would buy me this INCREDIBLE house there if I married him...hahaha). I got to ride the railways and travel Europe via the Eurarail passes as a teen living in Belgium ~ spent the night in a bar on a table with girlfriends while returning to Belgium from touring Amsterdam and Holland...I also skied the alps (and took lessons from a really good swiss skier) among other locations while living overseas.
I have seen sunsets and sunrises on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts, alone as well as with friends and loved ones...I even drove up to see the sunrise over Mt. Rushmore one day (another VERY interesting adventure I chose to partake in). I have traveled through or in most of the States, and lived in several ~ enjoying many different parks, rivers, lakes, beaches, mountains, etc. I have been to stock car races, horse races and hound races (dressed a bit differently for each one ;-) ), I have visited many beaches, been scuba diving, snorkeling, swam with dolphin and took pictures of some incredible sea life (I used to want to be a marine biologist). I have fished, been to rodeos, flown in a twin engine plane with a friend who had a ranch in Colorado, and hiked amazing mountains. I have even rappelled and rock climbed (limited) as well as shot rifles and pistols. I have attended a variety of outdoor concerts and dance events (Riverdance is amazing), as well as indoor rock concerts and garage band events. I have written songs for friends garage bands, published poems and even had one put to music and produced...
What more could I ask for? There is so much more I have experienced - it just came back to me in snippets as I sat there musing at the meeting. God has been so good to me. I grew up with so many opportunities, had great support for schooling and extra-curricular events, got to travel with my family and visit many theme parks, historic monuments, etc...what more could I really want?? Since college (which I started at barely 17 since I couldn't wait to move on to independence, and graduated a year early so I could get out and know more of the world) I have been allowed so much more as well. I have experienced the position of director for a few companies, as well as worked as the lowest man on the totem pole. I have also served in pizza joints at night to pay bills while working forty hours per week as an intern post college to complete my training...I have gotten many neat alternate work experiences than what I have been privileged with during my cool career. I have worked as a vet assistant, a dispatcher, a movie theater employee (at a tiny theater), a Wendy's employee (back in the day of "try our hot and juicy" - ugh), an adminstrative assistant for a college summer school dean (that was very busy), a paper girl, an editor, and a church youth director... Whatever it is to be, I follow that lead as has been my way...
As for extra curricular through high school and college, I have enjoyed cheerleading, soccer (men's team in high school as they didn't have a girls team overseas), basketball, volleyball, student council, sorority participation (and several offices with that), and many clubs. I have taken ballroom dance lessons by myself (fun when you get to learn with the instructor!), household maintenance classes, auto mechanic classes, and was working toward a PhD in two areas before quitting my studies while my current marriage got underway. Now I study when I can, read voraciously, and love spending time with my kids as well as retreating to aloneness in my gardens or on the back deck in the mornings...something about the sound of birds and quiet is so peaceful and amazing. :-)
So, I have been given so much - so incredibly much...that to even ask for more that is frivolous seems unnecessary and so incredibly selfish. I am so grateful for my life thus far as I have experienced just about everything I have ever wanted to try. Giving to those who have had nothing but struggle seems like such a blessing, and is incredibly freeing to my spirit to consider. Overall, though some things are not as I would desire in my life, I am wholly content with all that God has provided me over the years...and I trust fully that He will continue to provide. Praise Him ~
So last weekend I was attending a planning meeting for an upcoming event, and after arriving about an hour late based upon some unexpected and distressing "turbulence" in my home that morning, I settled in to participate in the day (I had listened to a terrific CD from Integrity, given to me by a dear friend, Lorna, a couple of years ago ~ it got me right back into a better state of mind and heart as I was driving to my meeting place) :-)
Anyway, a question was asked (as an ice-breaker) "If you had a day, and money was no object, how would you spend it?" (or something to that effect)...My mind first went to the orphans in Haiti ~ they are found in the gutters sometimes, mere infants without hope ~ and I had a desire to serve them. My husband and I know a couple who own/run an orphanage in Haiti and are always looking for help as they live here and eke by while traveling there and doing what they can when they can. My own family of origin also has ties to Haiti with medical missionaries and some pastors who had hearts for there ~ but, here is the kicker, I hadn't anticipated this being what would come to mind.
So, as others were talking about some GREAT escapes (believe me, many of them sounded terrific!) ;-) I kept searching my heart for a different idea for me (one that was more fun and lighthearted), but this persisted. Each time I thought about alternatives (e.g. taking my family to Norway to see my relatives and travel around the country visiting all of my cousins and viewing the incredible scenery...or going to a tropical island and having a pampered vacation...or paying off my home ~ or even purchasing a home that is more typical of what I am familiar from childhood and family...)...I couldn't experience them as *important* to me, really.
For instance, the trip to Norway is something I have wanted to do as it is too expensive to travel with the seven of us, in general, that far. Last time I visited was in the summer of 1997, which is a long time ago considering I used to spend much of my summers there while growing up. One would think this would be my priority ~ but I figured that the Lord could provide for that opportunity again one day, as well as for the other things I mused about such as beaches and other travels ~ and the orphanage I would NEVER be able to do for it what I would like...not on my own or with the lifestyle I currently lead, as it stands now (I shouldn't say Never as God IS the God of amazing things). God has always provided for the daily, with a bit extra thrown in for fun ~ I imagine HE will continue to do so :-)
So then I began musing ~ I have had SO many incredible opportunities and experiences that many don't get to enjoy. I have traveled all over the world, been independent since the age of 16 and have had a adventurous streak since I was a child. I am as at home at a formal event with black tie and gowns (you know the kind; appetizer, salad, soup, lemon sorbet to cleanse the palat, main course, dessert, coffee...lots of chit chat and such, some dancing...) as I am hanging out with my old redneck friends in their garage, chit chatting over a barrel filled with fire for warmth (here's the picture - cowboy hats and worn jeans, women in tight tank tops, men in plaid shirts...cans of Budweiser abundant in sight, all working together to build an ultralight airplane that will have its maiden voyage the owner's tree farm in Charlottesville).
I have been to plays in New York and Washington DC, concerts, benefit events, art shows, etc. I have played on boats and watercraft on all kinds in rivers, oceans and waterways in many different places - even cruising the intercoastals in Florida's neat, amazingly expensive areas in a fun and fancy speedboat (with a male friend who promised me he would buy me this INCREDIBLE house there if I married him...hahaha). I got to ride the railways and travel Europe via the Eurarail passes as a teen living in Belgium ~ spent the night in a bar on a table with girlfriends while returning to Belgium from touring Amsterdam and Holland...I also skied the alps (and took lessons from a really good swiss skier) among other locations while living overseas.
I have seen sunsets and sunrises on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts, alone as well as with friends and loved ones...I even drove up to see the sunrise over Mt. Rushmore one day (another VERY interesting adventure I chose to partake in). I have traveled through or in most of the States, and lived in several ~ enjoying many different parks, rivers, lakes, beaches, mountains, etc. I have been to stock car races, horse races and hound races (dressed a bit differently for each one ;-) ), I have visited many beaches, been scuba diving, snorkeling, swam with dolphin and took pictures of some incredible sea life (I used to want to be a marine biologist). I have fished, been to rodeos, flown in a twin engine plane with a friend who had a ranch in Colorado, and hiked amazing mountains. I have even rappelled and rock climbed (limited) as well as shot rifles and pistols. I have attended a variety of outdoor concerts and dance events (Riverdance is amazing), as well as indoor rock concerts and garage band events. I have written songs for friends garage bands, published poems and even had one put to music and produced...
What more could I ask for? There is so much more I have experienced - it just came back to me in snippets as I sat there musing at the meeting. God has been so good to me. I grew up with so many opportunities, had great support for schooling and extra-curricular events, got to travel with my family and visit many theme parks, historic monuments, etc...what more could I really want?? Since college (which I started at barely 17 since I couldn't wait to move on to independence, and graduated a year early so I could get out and know more of the world) I have been allowed so much more as well. I have experienced the position of director for a few companies, as well as worked as the lowest man on the totem pole. I have also served in pizza joints at night to pay bills while working forty hours per week as an intern post college to complete my training...I have gotten many neat alternate work experiences than what I have been privileged with during my cool career. I have worked as a vet assistant, a dispatcher, a movie theater employee (at a tiny theater), a Wendy's employee (back in the day of "try our hot and juicy" - ugh), an adminstrative assistant for a college summer school dean (that was very busy), a paper girl, an editor, and a church youth director... Whatever it is to be, I follow that lead as has been my way...
As for extra curricular through high school and college, I have enjoyed cheerleading, soccer (men's team in high school as they didn't have a girls team overseas), basketball, volleyball, student council, sorority participation (and several offices with that), and many clubs. I have taken ballroom dance lessons by myself (fun when you get to learn with the instructor!), household maintenance classes, auto mechanic classes, and was working toward a PhD in two areas before quitting my studies while my current marriage got underway. Now I study when I can, read voraciously, and love spending time with my kids as well as retreating to aloneness in my gardens or on the back deck in the mornings...something about the sound of birds and quiet is so peaceful and amazing. :-)
So, I have been given so much - so incredibly much...that to even ask for more that is frivolous seems unnecessary and so incredibly selfish. I am so grateful for my life thus far as I have experienced just about everything I have ever wanted to try. Giving to those who have had nothing but struggle seems like such a blessing, and is incredibly freeing to my spirit to consider. Overall, though some things are not as I would desire in my life, I am wholly content with all that God has provided me over the years...and I trust fully that He will continue to provide. Praise Him ~
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Why God Made Moms
I had some fun this year for Mother's Day, and had my kids fill out a questionnaire that I had found in an email that was circulating. I wanted to share, some of their answers are downright funny :-)
M is 11, K is 8 and R is 5 ~
1) Why did God make mothers?
M - To take care of us
K - So we could be born
R - So the kids could listen to their moms and listen to the Lord, the Christ
2) How did God make mothers?
M- Through a rib of a man
K - He took the rib out of the man and made a woman
R - With His powers
3) What ingredients are mothers made of?
M - Love, warmth, sadness, happiness, much much more
K - a rib
R - bones and hair
4) Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
M- because she was meant for me
K - So we could be born and love on her and so we could have a mom
R - Cause He thought she was Christ-ly
5) What kind of little girl was your mom?
M - Quiet, shy, pretty, sensible, Christian
K - nice one
R - I don't know cuz I was the last to grow up, Max did cuz he was the first one! (Max is 15)
6) What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
M - About him, example: his history and what he was like
K - what he likes
R - that he was Christ-ly
7) Why did your mom marry your dad?
M - Because #1 she thought God had picked him out, and #2 God actually picked the 2nd one
out
K - so she could have a child
R - cause he was Christ-ly
8) Who's the boss at your house?
M - Daddy Bo, mommy
K - Mom and Dad
R - Jesus and Mom and Dad
9) What's the difference between moms and dads?
M- well, one's a man and one's a woman (when queried further...) dads play different, moms
do more at home
K - one is a boy and one is a girl
R - that dads are tall and moms are a little bit shorter
10) What does your mom do in her spare time?
M - read bible, pay bills, get disturbed (when asked what she meant by this, she reminded
me that she or someone else was always interrupting me with needing something) :-)
K - read, rest, get on computer
R - Enjoys reading her Bible
11) What would it take to make your mom perfect?
M - Nothing she already is!
K - Powers
R - wearing a dress and a skirt and telling me what to do, doing everything
12) If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
M - I wouldn't change a hair on her head
K - Make us get everything we want
R - Changing her to not ever be angry...or my dad either
Blessings to all, I am laughing again as I type this. Children are such delightful joys! :-)
M is 11, K is 8 and R is 5 ~
1) Why did God make mothers?
M - To take care of us
K - So we could be born
R - So the kids could listen to their moms and listen to the Lord, the Christ
2) How did God make mothers?
M- Through a rib of a man
K - He took the rib out of the man and made a woman
R - With His powers
3) What ingredients are mothers made of?
M - Love, warmth, sadness, happiness, much much more
K - a rib
R - bones and hair
4) Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
M- because she was meant for me
K - So we could be born and love on her and so we could have a mom
R - Cause He thought she was Christ-ly
5) What kind of little girl was your mom?
M - Quiet, shy, pretty, sensible, Christian
K - nice one
R - I don't know cuz I was the last to grow up, Max did cuz he was the first one! (Max is 15)
6) What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
M - About him, example: his history and what he was like
K - what he likes
R - that he was Christ-ly
7) Why did your mom marry your dad?
M - Because #1 she thought God had picked him out, and #2 God actually picked the 2nd one
out
K - so she could have a child
R - cause he was Christ-ly
8) Who's the boss at your house?
M - Daddy Bo, mommy
K - Mom and Dad
R - Jesus and Mom and Dad
9) What's the difference between moms and dads?
M- well, one's a man and one's a woman (when queried further...) dads play different, moms
do more at home
K - one is a boy and one is a girl
R - that dads are tall and moms are a little bit shorter
10) What does your mom do in her spare time?
M - read bible, pay bills, get disturbed (when asked what she meant by this, she reminded
me that she or someone else was always interrupting me with needing something) :-)
K - read, rest, get on computer
R - Enjoys reading her Bible
11) What would it take to make your mom perfect?
M - Nothing she already is!
K - Powers
R - wearing a dress and a skirt and telling me what to do, doing everything
12) If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
M - I wouldn't change a hair on her head
K - Make us get everything we want
R - Changing her to not ever be angry...or my dad either
Blessings to all, I am laughing again as I type this. Children are such delightful joys! :-)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
My Descent into Hell by Howard Storm
I just finished a really interesting book...I found it randomly when browsing through Amazons vast library of options (getting my summer reading list together) :-) While the book has some parts I question, the overall theme is amazing and compelling...I wanted to share bits and pieces that struck me as I started trying to process the profundity of the author's words.
In a chapter about the past and the future (wars and such), he states "the way to prevent war is to love aggressively and care for all people. Sufficient wealth, food and resources exist for every person in the world. Wars result not because there is a scarcity of resources, but because of our desire to possess resources to the exlusion of others. God loves every man, woman, and child on this planet more than we love our own children. God wants all people to have food, shelter, meaningful work, and an opportunity to be creative; to learn the truth, have freedom from fear, have self-esteem, be procreative, live in community, find complete joy, trust in God, and become the wonderful people that God created us to be.
"Our purpose is to know and do God's will in this life, and we do this when we love one another as God loves us. Every person without exception needs to be loved by us. This is the most difficult and most important lesson of our life. this is what has shaped the past and this is what will create the future. We have failed to learn this fundamental lesson that God has been teaching us from most religious traditions since the beginning of human consciousness."
In another chapter..."The love of God, the love of neighbor, and the love of self are inseparable parts of a whole that cannot be divided. Without the love of God, there cannot be true love of another. It is only through the overarching Spirit of God that one can love another person. Love comes from God, and relationships not grounded in the love of God are based on the exploitation of other people. Only through love of God can we see the true value and beauty of another person.
"It is impossible to love another person unless we love ourselves. Without the love of God, it is impossible to love ourselves because every human being is aware of their flawed nature and sinfulness. We can find ourselves truly lovable only by receiving the love that our Creator has for us. When there is no love of God, there is only the counterfeit love of narcissism, which is a gross attempt to prove ourselves lovable. The only authentic love in this world is achieved when there is balance between love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self."
One last thought worth sharing (in the same flow, though much further in the book)..."Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to love one another as he loved us. I don't know how to practice this radical kind of love in a world that exploits love. One who takes Jesus Christ's command seriously must live in constant tension with the world. The fervent desire of the Spirit of God working in and through the church to make the world more loving is thwarted by the passion of the world to undermine the church.
The Bible teaches - from Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation - that each of us is free to choose whether we are proponents of God's will or opponents of God's will. The question is: Are you seeking God's will or are you not? Knowing and doing God's will is the curriculum in this life. The church, as flawed as it may be, is the instrument to help us know God's will. The church is the closest we will get to God outside of heaven. The secular world is the place where we are sent to do the work of the Spirit of Christ."
I really enjoyed reading Mr. Storm's book...will likely re-read it as it is filled with testimony speaking toward God's love and truths ~
Blessings ~
Christie
In a chapter about the past and the future (wars and such), he states "the way to prevent war is to love aggressively and care for all people. Sufficient wealth, food and resources exist for every person in the world. Wars result not because there is a scarcity of resources, but because of our desire to possess resources to the exlusion of others. God loves every man, woman, and child on this planet more than we love our own children. God wants all people to have food, shelter, meaningful work, and an opportunity to be creative; to learn the truth, have freedom from fear, have self-esteem, be procreative, live in community, find complete joy, trust in God, and become the wonderful people that God created us to be.
"Our purpose is to know and do God's will in this life, and we do this when we love one another as God loves us. Every person without exception needs to be loved by us. This is the most difficult and most important lesson of our life. this is what has shaped the past and this is what will create the future. We have failed to learn this fundamental lesson that God has been teaching us from most religious traditions since the beginning of human consciousness."
In another chapter..."The love of God, the love of neighbor, and the love of self are inseparable parts of a whole that cannot be divided. Without the love of God, there cannot be true love of another. It is only through the overarching Spirit of God that one can love another person. Love comes from God, and relationships not grounded in the love of God are based on the exploitation of other people. Only through love of God can we see the true value and beauty of another person.
"It is impossible to love another person unless we love ourselves. Without the love of God, it is impossible to love ourselves because every human being is aware of their flawed nature and sinfulness. We can find ourselves truly lovable only by receiving the love that our Creator has for us. When there is no love of God, there is only the counterfeit love of narcissism, which is a gross attempt to prove ourselves lovable. The only authentic love in this world is achieved when there is balance between love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self."
One last thought worth sharing (in the same flow, though much further in the book)..."Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to love one another as he loved us. I don't know how to practice this radical kind of love in a world that exploits love. One who takes Jesus Christ's command seriously must live in constant tension with the world. The fervent desire of the Spirit of God working in and through the church to make the world more loving is thwarted by the passion of the world to undermine the church.
The Bible teaches - from Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation - that each of us is free to choose whether we are proponents of God's will or opponents of God's will. The question is: Are you seeking God's will or are you not? Knowing and doing God's will is the curriculum in this life. The church, as flawed as it may be, is the instrument to help us know God's will. The church is the closest we will get to God outside of heaven. The secular world is the place where we are sent to do the work of the Spirit of Christ."
I really enjoyed reading Mr. Storm's book...will likely re-read it as it is filled with testimony speaking toward God's love and truths ~
Blessings ~
Christie
Friday, April 10, 2009
An Unexpected Delight
My sister emailed me this time last week (Thursday or Friday) and asked "how would you like some company for Easter?!" Would I?!! Of course!!!
Fast forward - I was delighted to pick she and two of her children up at the airport on Wednesday, her hubby and other two kiddos arrived by car a couple of hours later. My sister and her husband are following God's prompts to decrease material comforts and increase eternal focus, so they have sold their house in Chicago (amazingly fast ~ so they are renting back until June) and are on an avid search for *where* the LORD would have them go.
I have been praying for them that God would lead, while trying to keep my desires out of the picture. God gave me a vision, which I shared with them (which looked like a possible South Carolina perspective, and they did have a head hunter from there contact them) but more recently He has clarified some things from that which suggest it might actually be Virginia which would be awesome to me...I am all the more eager to see what He has in store. Yesterday and today she has been interviewing with five different OB/GYN practices in Fredericksburg, which is not far away. She loves the town and the hospital, but hasn't yet gotten a good feel for her fit. Today was the day she was to speak to the doc that she had sensed a good connection with over the phone. The sense I got in my prayers was the Richmond area, which is further away, but still relatively close (especially compared to Chicago) ~ however, I really just pray the right door will open, and His perfect plan will be illumined in time (they have also had a good sense at a location in Texas)
While she is in Fredericksburg, I have been delighted to have my niece, nephews, and brother-in-law staying with us. I so enjoy their company and really miss them between visits (all of them). This pic was taken Thursday morning (Lexie, their youngest, was still sleeping)
What a blast we have had - I have to share them with my brother this evening and tomorrow before they head back to Illinois, but will get to join all of them Saturday evening for an early Easter celebration. I wish they could join us for church on Sunday as I know they would really appreciate our church family, but they will go with my brother's family which is okay, too (do I sound like I hate sharing?) *smile*
So ~ can't wait to see the plan, delighted to share the time. Florida, Texas or Virginia (all places where family exist for them)...in time we shall know. To God be the Glory ~
Friday, March 27, 2009
Fasting for Lent
Discipline seems to be a non-valued quality in our culture these days. As I was reflecting on the current season of Lent and how many denominations encourage Christians to give something up during the days preceeding Easter (television, chocolate, video games...), I realize that this is a good training ground for some people in the area of self-control and drawing closer to God, while just an exercise in religious games for others.
How often, when participating in a Lenten fast, do we really think about why we are giving things up? I know that before I pursued a deeper relationship with the Lord (versus the one I had growing up, where I heard His Spirit nudging me throughout my life as I "tried" to do what was right), I had a pretty *decent* relationship with religion and religious practices. This included attending church, following rules, and taking notes during sermons as a way of trying to understand God, while being somewhat unaware about how church attendance and following these practices drew me closer to God. I often felt closer to God outside of this Sunday attendance practice ~ during my prayer times and hours spent admiring the beauty of His Creation. I sometimes wondered as to how to related what attending church was for, besides the intellectual pursuit of understanding God coupled with the "good feeling" I got while being there.
During those days, when I fasted from meat,ice cream, chocolate, or whatever (during Lent), it was without true understanding of purpose. I did it to agree with the system ~ to participate with "God", and I did it half-focused. Today, though I am not fasting during this Lenten season, I fast for different reasons, forgoing various things whenever I feel led by the Lord to do so. I have learned so much about God and myself during these times of fasting; so much more than when I gave something up for Lent...It has been a true delight and a period of growing closer to our Lord as well as loving Him more and being more awed by His power and grace and mercy.
I remember my feelings of amazement during the first few times I "fasted for a day" in order to draw closer to God in obedience. Everything suddenly became so much more tempting, my mind would play tricks on me about what I was missing, how I wouldn't have a chance to taste this or that if I didn't have it (e.g. it always seemed that parents would drop off baked goods or candies for the teachers at the school those days when I was working) ~ I had to actively CHOOSE to deny myself, often telling God "no, You are more important and I am going to honor my agreement." It was truly a bittersweet time as I was getting *nothing* out of the fast that served my conscious fleshly body, and at times felt that it was silly to even be pursuing. Gradually, over time, I discovered that it was during this time that I understood the power God gave to us through His Spirit. I understood the cravings of my body, driven by my mind more often than not and how "taking each thought captive to the obedience of Christ" was a powerful tool of victory in pursuit of sacrificial living...even relatively *small* sacrifice.
Stepping stones...each that we step upon can bring us closer to the edge of ourselves, into the arms of our Heavenly Father...or can topple and roll ~ causing us momentarily to lose our balance and/or bearings, until the path is laid clear before us once again...
Praise God for His stabilizing Hands as we cross our river of stones ~ slowly but steadily approximating Christ's control over our own desires
How often, when participating in a Lenten fast, do we really think about why we are giving things up? I know that before I pursued a deeper relationship with the Lord (versus the one I had growing up, where I heard His Spirit nudging me throughout my life as I "tried" to do what was right), I had a pretty *decent* relationship with religion and religious practices. This included attending church, following rules, and taking notes during sermons as a way of trying to understand God, while being somewhat unaware about how church attendance and following these practices drew me closer to God. I often felt closer to God outside of this Sunday attendance practice ~ during my prayer times and hours spent admiring the beauty of His Creation. I sometimes wondered as to how to related what attending church was for, besides the intellectual pursuit of understanding God coupled with the "good feeling" I got while being there.
During those days, when I fasted from meat,ice cream, chocolate, or whatever (during Lent), it was without true understanding of purpose. I did it to agree with the system ~ to participate with "God", and I did it half-focused. Today, though I am not fasting during this Lenten season, I fast for different reasons, forgoing various things whenever I feel led by the Lord to do so. I have learned so much about God and myself during these times of fasting; so much more than when I gave something up for Lent...It has been a true delight and a period of growing closer to our Lord as well as loving Him more and being more awed by His power and grace and mercy.
I remember my feelings of amazement during the first few times I "fasted for a day" in order to draw closer to God in obedience. Everything suddenly became so much more tempting, my mind would play tricks on me about what I was missing, how I wouldn't have a chance to taste this or that if I didn't have it (e.g. it always seemed that parents would drop off baked goods or candies for the teachers at the school those days when I was working) ~ I had to actively CHOOSE to deny myself, often telling God "no, You are more important and I am going to honor my agreement." It was truly a bittersweet time as I was getting *nothing* out of the fast that served my conscious fleshly body, and at times felt that it was silly to even be pursuing. Gradually, over time, I discovered that it was during this time that I understood the power God gave to us through His Spirit. I understood the cravings of my body, driven by my mind more often than not and how "taking each thought captive to the obedience of Christ" was a powerful tool of victory in pursuit of sacrificial living...even relatively *small* sacrifice.
Stepping stones...each that we step upon can bring us closer to the edge of ourselves, into the arms of our Heavenly Father...or can topple and roll ~ causing us momentarily to lose our balance and/or bearings, until the path is laid clear before us once again...
Praise God for His stabilizing Hands as we cross our river of stones ~ slowly but steadily approximating Christ's control over our own desires
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Do You Know What Faith Is?
I liked this simple summary; wanted to share :-)
A Prophetic Exhortation
By Patricia Bankhead
Date: Mar 17, 2009
Do you not know what faith is? Faith has nothing to do with your eyes or what you can see in the natural. Faith is standing on My promises in spite of your circumstances.
Faith is waiting patiently on Me, no matter how long, until I perform My word. Faith is running to Me when your heart has been broken instead of running to the alcohol bottle. Faith is receiving your healing when there is nothing but pain in your body. Faith is knowing I will provide when there is no food on the table. Faith is not worrying when you hear bad news. Faith is when you stand up face-to-face with your problems and say, "I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus."
Faith is walking in My victory; it is believing in an manner that ushers forth the mighty move of My hand that this generation so longs to see.
Abba
A Prophetic Exhortation
By Patricia Bankhead
Date: Mar 17, 2009
Do you not know what faith is? Faith has nothing to do with your eyes or what you can see in the natural. Faith is standing on My promises in spite of your circumstances.
Faith is waiting patiently on Me, no matter how long, until I perform My word. Faith is running to Me when your heart has been broken instead of running to the alcohol bottle. Faith is receiving your healing when there is nothing but pain in your body. Faith is knowing I will provide when there is no food on the table. Faith is not worrying when you hear bad news. Faith is when you stand up face-to-face with your problems and say, "I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus."
Faith is walking in My victory; it is believing in an manner that ushers forth the mighty move of My hand that this generation so longs to see.
Abba
Friday, March 13, 2009
God is SO in Control
I was reading Genesis this week, and was enjoying the story about Abram and Sarai again...How God told Abram he would have a son from whom would come descendants as numerous as the stars (I am not sure I would believe that if I were over 80 and childless, frankly)....That they had trouble believing is not even in question here to me, and after several years I would imagine that of course Sarai felt like she was not capable of fulfilling the promise (and perhaps thought she wasn't qualified, since God had promised her husband, not her)...
So goes Sarai to take matters into her own hands and tell her husband that the her maidservant could bear this anointed son....It would appear, as well, that Abram agreed with her that perhaps *she* was the problem in the fulfillment of His promise...
Do I ever do things like this? Take over when it *appears* that what God has promised me might not be happening and what I believe about my inability makes more sense than what God has said? Do I doubt His very word to me ~ the Creator of our Universe, Alpha and Omega, Father of all, capable of all things?! I have to laugh at that questi0n as I often do doubt ~ Lord increase my faith!
However, what was most interesting to me this week was the longer range of God's plan and perfect provision ~ let me share with you some of Chapter 15 (before Sarai takes matters into her own hands)
4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." 5 He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. "
God then cuts covenant with Abram as a binding agreement to be responsible for the fulfillment of what He has promised...
12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. 13 Then the LORD said to him, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. 15 You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."
This was the part that stood out to me...God is talking about the next FOUR HUNDRED YEARS.
He also states fourth generation they would return ~ Let's count...Abraham begat Isaac, Isaac begat Jacob, Jacob begat Joseph...one, two, three...during the fourth generation (Manasseh's), Moses delivered Israel (descendants of Jacob, who was renamed "Israel" by God) from the Egyptians. They had been enslaved for just over 400 years.
Now, God got Israel to Egypt through Joseph and his brothers (sons of Jacob). They became slaves after Joseph died, and were mistreated until Moses came along, upon God's hand, and got them out of Egypt to return to their "promised land."
If God can plan so much in advance, knowing all that would transpire and orchestrating it *just so* to work in His perfect timing, despite our waywardness, lack of faith, and all other sinful life choices, how much more can He walk us through the current economic and dark times?! Praise God that He is always faithful to His promises ~ "But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast "(Hebrews 3:6) Amen?
So goes Sarai to take matters into her own hands and tell her husband that the her maidservant could bear this anointed son....It would appear, as well, that Abram agreed with her that perhaps *she* was the problem in the fulfillment of His promise...
Do I ever do things like this? Take over when it *appears* that what God has promised me might not be happening and what I believe about my inability makes more sense than what God has said? Do I doubt His very word to me ~ the Creator of our Universe, Alpha and Omega, Father of all, capable of all things?! I have to laugh at that questi0n as I often do doubt ~ Lord increase my faith!
However, what was most interesting to me this week was the longer range of God's plan and perfect provision ~ let me share with you some of Chapter 15 (before Sarai takes matters into her own hands)
4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." 5 He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. "
God then cuts covenant with Abram as a binding agreement to be responsible for the fulfillment of what He has promised...
12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. 13 Then the LORD said to him, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. 15 You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."
This was the part that stood out to me...God is talking about the next FOUR HUNDRED YEARS.
He also states fourth generation they would return ~ Let's count...Abraham begat Isaac, Isaac begat Jacob, Jacob begat Joseph...one, two, three...during the fourth generation (Manasseh's), Moses delivered Israel (descendants of Jacob, who was renamed "Israel" by God) from the Egyptians. They had been enslaved for just over 400 years.
Now, God got Israel to Egypt through Joseph and his brothers (sons of Jacob). They became slaves after Joseph died, and were mistreated until Moses came along, upon God's hand, and got them out of Egypt to return to their "promised land."
If God can plan so much in advance, knowing all that would transpire and orchestrating it *just so* to work in His perfect timing, despite our waywardness, lack of faith, and all other sinful life choices, how much more can He walk us through the current economic and dark times?! Praise God that He is always faithful to His promises ~ "But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast "(Hebrews 3:6) Amen?
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Are We the Master??
I was attending a lecture series on Revelation this weekend (which was fascinating and engaging, btw), and found this entry in my flip journal while I was taking notes. I had written it late one night after struggling with some things a few months ago. As I scanned it, I thought I would share to see if anybody else ever felt this way...
Everyone is not a master of their own world, though we often strive to be. I need to stop reacting to the externals as if I am the master, and responding to the internals, fully knowing that I am not ~ trusting the Lord to lead and have perfect timing for all things...
I so desperately hurt when hearing from others how much I have let them down...where I have fallen short of their expectations which somehow I feel obligated to meet. Why am I not good enough to be valued just as I am?...
Why me, Lord? Do I let You down, as well, when I disappoint or hurt or confuse others? Am I really supposed to meet their percieved needs as I am supposed to have a heart of compassion and love toward them...? We are called to consider others as more important than ourselves, forgive 70 times 7, turn the other cheek, pray for those who persecute, bless our enemies, etc. The taunting ringing in my ears says "yes, God knew I would fail Him, God knew I would never measure up to His holy standards no matter how desperately I desired to..." ...
but that is a mockery of truth, from the father of lies himself ~ the father of pride and self-absorption. A mockery of the reality that we were NEVER supposed to even try to measure up ~ we are designed to recieve that we might give ~ the enemy of our souls would have us reverse this...
A still small voice presses in; gracious and encouraging ~ Hush, my child. Be still. You are loved. You are forgiven. I have loved you with an everlasting love ~ the depth of which knows no bounds. I expected your 'failing' ~ you weren't leaning on Me. You see, you can do nothing apart from Me, but with Me and in Me All things are possible...When will you understand, my child, what true love and rest really mean? When will you see yourself through My eyes? My masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made.
I can do no wrong ~ was I wrong in creating you? Not at all. Did I somehow create you with dysfunction? No - I gave you exactly what I intended to do. Your heart, your mind, your very breath came from Me. I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were, I Am.
How then, child, can you not see the beauty that lies before Me, in you? Your eyes, your heart toward Me ~ such joy and pleasure. I delight in these things. You have been made perfect in Me. Fret not, my dear, for you truly are forgiven of your failings. They are but human error, I am divine.
I love you just as you are ~ I in thee, thee in Me. We can do all things. Trust Me, abide in Me, draw closer to Me, rest. I am Love.
And then the truth hits me more profoundly. My heart is willing, but my flesh is weak. The truth screams to me ~ I am often unwilling to give up my life....Why? "I Want...."
Lord, until YOU become more than "I want," my life will not be a powerful witness to you. May I grow in stature of love for You that I lose the I in that statement and transform it to YOU. Amen.
Everyone is not a master of their own world, though we often strive to be. I need to stop reacting to the externals as if I am the master, and responding to the internals, fully knowing that I am not ~ trusting the Lord to lead and have perfect timing for all things...
I so desperately hurt when hearing from others how much I have let them down...where I have fallen short of their expectations which somehow I feel obligated to meet. Why am I not good enough to be valued just as I am?...
Why me, Lord? Do I let You down, as well, when I disappoint or hurt or confuse others? Am I really supposed to meet their percieved needs as I am supposed to have a heart of compassion and love toward them...? We are called to consider others as more important than ourselves, forgive 70 times 7, turn the other cheek, pray for those who persecute, bless our enemies, etc. The taunting ringing in my ears says "yes, God knew I would fail Him, God knew I would never measure up to His holy standards no matter how desperately I desired to..." ...
but that is a mockery of truth, from the father of lies himself ~ the father of pride and self-absorption. A mockery of the reality that we were NEVER supposed to even try to measure up ~ we are designed to recieve that we might give ~ the enemy of our souls would have us reverse this...
A still small voice presses in; gracious and encouraging ~ Hush, my child. Be still. You are loved. You are forgiven. I have loved you with an everlasting love ~ the depth of which knows no bounds. I expected your 'failing' ~ you weren't leaning on Me. You see, you can do nothing apart from Me, but with Me and in Me All things are possible...When will you understand, my child, what true love and rest really mean? When will you see yourself through My eyes? My masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made.
I can do no wrong ~ was I wrong in creating you? Not at all. Did I somehow create you with dysfunction? No - I gave you exactly what I intended to do. Your heart, your mind, your very breath came from Me. I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were, I Am.
How then, child, can you not see the beauty that lies before Me, in you? Your eyes, your heart toward Me ~ such joy and pleasure. I delight in these things. You have been made perfect in Me. Fret not, my dear, for you truly are forgiven of your failings. They are but human error, I am divine.
I love you just as you are ~ I in thee, thee in Me. We can do all things. Trust Me, abide in Me, draw closer to Me, rest. I am Love.
And then the truth hits me more profoundly. My heart is willing, but my flesh is weak. The truth screams to me ~ I am often unwilling to give up my life....Why? "I Want...."
Lord, until YOU become more than "I want," my life will not be a powerful witness to you. May I grow in stature of love for You that I lose the I in that statement and transform it to YOU. Amen.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A Story I Read This Morning ~
I have two husbands: A polygamist’s diary
A polygamist on her ‘non-traditional’ lifestyle — and why ‘Big Love’ is silly
"Non-traditional" is a popular catchall phrase that seems, in common usage, to mean anything that differs from the mainstream. It also describes a large portion of my life.
My upbringing was entirely unremarkable, and certainly included nothing of this sort. I was first introduced to such alternative relationships in college when a female friend of mine and I knowingly decided to share the same boyfriend.
No, not a threesome, just going out with the same guy. It was partially a matter of convenience, and partially the fact that we were close friends. We both liked him very much, didn't want to fight over him, and he wasn't anxious to choose between us. As this was my first intimate relationship and it became polyamorous, it is hardly surprising that I ended up in a polygamist marriage. My first husband was Alan.
We fell together like a couple of old shoes, somehow instantly comfortable with each other. We had similar opinions about plural relationships, and neither of us was averse to the idea. Around a year and a half after we were married, we met Eric. He and I were instantly attracted to each other and, as Alan had no objection, we began getting to know each other better. Over time, I found myself falling in love with Eric. Alan certainly wasn't blind to this, so we all got together to discuss it. This turned out to be one of the most important conversations of my life, and led to an increase in my family’s size.
Alan and Eric let me make the sleeping arrangements, and I worked to make sure I spent time with both of them. To all outward appearances we were a married couple with a male friend living with us. While some found it awkward when the three of us occasionally attended parties and such together, very few people attempted to pry. To avoid legal troubles, I remained legally married to Alan, and we all decided a larger house was in order when we met Leslie.
Fast forward to today, and our family is now composed of Alan, Eric, Leslie, Amber, and myself, plus our children: Todd, Steve, Jennifer, Lisa, and Amber is currently pregnant. Eric and Leslie are legally married, and we've added a few rooms to the house. We have two family meetings a week, one of which is for adults only, both of which can get lively and loud. We've had our arguments over money, people monopolizing other people's time, dealing with children's issues, and so forth — like any other family — but we just have more voices in the discussion.
As far as finances are concerned, Alan, Eric and Leslie all work, and Amber intends to go back to work after the baby is born. I kind of became the head Mom and housekeeper, and we all take turns at cooking except for Eric. (We all try to keep him out of the kitchen. We've decided we like the house, and we don't want him to burn it down.) We have main household accounts for bills and home improvements, and we all have our own personal accounts as well. Alan keeps all the books balanced, as he's best at it. Amber and I both receive a kind of salary for what we do around the house.
Our respective families are aware that Alan and I are married, that Eric and Leslie are married, and that Amber is living with us. If they are suspicious of anything else, they've never mentioned it. Fascinating how people avoid asking uncomfortable questions.
When ‘Big Love’ came out, we all thought it was pretty silly. To start with, we all consider ourselves to be one family, not three separate but connected families. The ideas that plural marriage is restricted to the one man and several wives model — and that it has to have a religious basis — are both ridiculous. We also don't consider the political jockeying, the backbiting, and the attempts to get more of the husband's attention or money, to be loving behavior. If the youngest wife is so insecure, she should go find herself a nice monogamous man.
This lifestyle really isn't for everybody. We are all here because we love each other and we choose to be together. Those who think it is all about sex really don't understand. Those who think something kinky must be going on seriously don't understand. Incidentally, for those who insist on knowing, we are all straight. This did not keep me from sleeping in Leslie's bed for a few nights and holding her as we cried after she had a miscarriage. We all love and support each other, and try to see that everyone's needs are met. And, as most eventually discover, people's needs extend beyond sex.
With all the traditions we have coming from other cultures and various parts of the country, who's to say what is or isn't mainstream? Kind of makes "non-traditional" lose its meaning.
Your turn!
What’s your take on polygamy?
Mine is *UGH, WRONG* (though somewhat fascinating in a curious sense), and to agree with any form of "non-traditional" marriage certainly would be cheating myself out of the delight and challenge of really growing into an intimate relationship with someone, that ultimately not only chisels and refines us if we persist in love, but also has potential to reflect God's love to a dying world...How sad if I were just to "play house" with a bunch of friends and swap partners sometimes...something about that just doesn't seem right...and how do the kids manage to get it all straight?? What do they tell people at the school when their mom and another mom's dad had them?? Waaaay too messed up for my book. I am amazed this exists, shows how "sheltered" I am. Praise God for that! :-)
A polygamist on her ‘non-traditional’ lifestyle — and why ‘Big Love’ is silly
"Non-traditional" is a popular catchall phrase that seems, in common usage, to mean anything that differs from the mainstream. It also describes a large portion of my life.
My upbringing was entirely unremarkable, and certainly included nothing of this sort. I was first introduced to such alternative relationships in college when a female friend of mine and I knowingly decided to share the same boyfriend.
No, not a threesome, just going out with the same guy. It was partially a matter of convenience, and partially the fact that we were close friends. We both liked him very much, didn't want to fight over him, and he wasn't anxious to choose between us. As this was my first intimate relationship and it became polyamorous, it is hardly surprising that I ended up in a polygamist marriage. My first husband was Alan.
We fell together like a couple of old shoes, somehow instantly comfortable with each other. We had similar opinions about plural relationships, and neither of us was averse to the idea. Around a year and a half after we were married, we met Eric. He and I were instantly attracted to each other and, as Alan had no objection, we began getting to know each other better. Over time, I found myself falling in love with Eric. Alan certainly wasn't blind to this, so we all got together to discuss it. This turned out to be one of the most important conversations of my life, and led to an increase in my family’s size.
Alan and Eric let me make the sleeping arrangements, and I worked to make sure I spent time with both of them. To all outward appearances we were a married couple with a male friend living with us. While some found it awkward when the three of us occasionally attended parties and such together, very few people attempted to pry. To avoid legal troubles, I remained legally married to Alan, and we all decided a larger house was in order when we met Leslie.
Fast forward to today, and our family is now composed of Alan, Eric, Leslie, Amber, and myself, plus our children: Todd, Steve, Jennifer, Lisa, and Amber is currently pregnant. Eric and Leslie are legally married, and we've added a few rooms to the house. We have two family meetings a week, one of which is for adults only, both of which can get lively and loud. We've had our arguments over money, people monopolizing other people's time, dealing with children's issues, and so forth — like any other family — but we just have more voices in the discussion.
As far as finances are concerned, Alan, Eric and Leslie all work, and Amber intends to go back to work after the baby is born. I kind of became the head Mom and housekeeper, and we all take turns at cooking except for Eric. (We all try to keep him out of the kitchen. We've decided we like the house, and we don't want him to burn it down.) We have main household accounts for bills and home improvements, and we all have our own personal accounts as well. Alan keeps all the books balanced, as he's best at it. Amber and I both receive a kind of salary for what we do around the house.
Our respective families are aware that Alan and I are married, that Eric and Leslie are married, and that Amber is living with us. If they are suspicious of anything else, they've never mentioned it. Fascinating how people avoid asking uncomfortable questions.
When ‘Big Love’ came out, we all thought it was pretty silly. To start with, we all consider ourselves to be one family, not three separate but connected families. The ideas that plural marriage is restricted to the one man and several wives model — and that it has to have a religious basis — are both ridiculous. We also don't consider the political jockeying, the backbiting, and the attempts to get more of the husband's attention or money, to be loving behavior. If the youngest wife is so insecure, she should go find herself a nice monogamous man.
This lifestyle really isn't for everybody. We are all here because we love each other and we choose to be together. Those who think it is all about sex really don't understand. Those who think something kinky must be going on seriously don't understand. Incidentally, for those who insist on knowing, we are all straight. This did not keep me from sleeping in Leslie's bed for a few nights and holding her as we cried after she had a miscarriage. We all love and support each other, and try to see that everyone's needs are met. And, as most eventually discover, people's needs extend beyond sex.
With all the traditions we have coming from other cultures and various parts of the country, who's to say what is or isn't mainstream? Kind of makes "non-traditional" lose its meaning.
Your turn!
What’s your take on polygamy?
Mine is *UGH, WRONG* (though somewhat fascinating in a curious sense), and to agree with any form of "non-traditional" marriage certainly would be cheating myself out of the delight and challenge of really growing into an intimate relationship with someone, that ultimately not only chisels and refines us if we persist in love, but also has potential to reflect God's love to a dying world...How sad if I were just to "play house" with a bunch of friends and swap partners sometimes...something about that just doesn't seem right...and how do the kids manage to get it all straight?? What do they tell people at the school when their mom and another mom's dad had them?? Waaaay too messed up for my book. I am amazed this exists, shows how "sheltered" I am. Praise God for that! :-)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Fun Comparisons
I was in a really neat place with God last night, and this song from Air Supply (remember them?) began running through my head ~ well, the main chorus did...so, this morning I looked it up. I thought it was an appropriate love song to our LORD ~
I can't fight this feeling any longer
I can't fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
I tell myself, that I can't hold out forever
I say there is no reason for my fear
Cause I feel so secure when we're together
You give my life direction, you make everything so clear
And even as I wonder I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window on a cold dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shoreand throw away the oars forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby I can't fight this feeling anymore
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I've been running around in circles in my mind
Baby it always seems that I'm following you
Cause you take me to the places that alone I'd never find
And even as I wonder I'm keeping you sight
You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting forIt's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby I can't fight this feeling anymore
Friday, February 6, 2009
A Poem from Last night
As I was praying last night and getting ready for bed, this came to me...I wanted to share.
From the depth of darkness
the beam of light
penetrates
Illumining all in its path
casting glow to the shadows...
Shinmering fresh and pure, it emerges
freely traveling
through the fleeing darkness.
Possessing powerful simplicity;
quiet, yet determined
inch by inch it reaches the corners~
None can change its path...
steady and true from its origin
Inviting, beckoning...
seeking to expand and fill the space.
Formless blobs take on shape and meaning;
as the glow gets brighter and brighter
revealing all with its gentle caress ~
these long forgotten things...
bumps, etchings, scratches, boulders~
illumining hidden beauty
and tarnished treasures...
giving freedom
and hope
for new life.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some Quotes
I used to cut things out of papers, write little notes down, etc. when something struck me. As I have been cleaning this week, I found these three quips on "love" and wanted to put them somewhere so I could throw away the papers. I figured sharing them here was a fun place to do that. :-)
From the movie "How to Make an American Quilt" (remember that one??!)
"Young lovers seek perfection, Old lovers learn the art of sewing shreds together and seeing the beauty in a multiplicity of patches."
Not sure where these two were from :
"There are no justified resentments ~ all things can teach us a deeper connection to love."
"The funny thing about love ~ it's the only game you lose by refusing to play."
Enjoy! :-)
From the movie "How to Make an American Quilt" (remember that one??!)
"Young lovers seek perfection, Old lovers learn the art of sewing shreds together and seeing the beauty in a multiplicity of patches."
Not sure where these two were from :
"There are no justified resentments ~ all things can teach us a deeper connection to love."
"The funny thing about love ~ it's the only game you lose by refusing to play."
Enjoy! :-)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Purging 2
Part of my urge to purge includes "completing" projects. Completing the playroom and transitioning Michelle upstairs was one of those projects. My office is another (it has been in process for about three years, and has improved over time, but still has LOTS of things that need a home/shredder/file so will continue to be in process for awhile). My bedroom is a third, and I am about half-way through with what I am doing there - it is feeling lighter as well, though in general has always been very restful for me because I am very careful to keep excess out in there.
However, this is where my "completing" needs to happen versus purging. I have way too many books stacking up next to my bed again; I continue with a tendency to start reading many books at the same time (whenever one draws my interest). I LOVE books ~ I read often and can spend hours reading (when not playing my new word games addiction). Each night after the kids are in bed and Bo is studying for his classes, I will read and rest with quiet joy/peace. I started "finishing" books awhile back, which helped, but I started so many recently that it needed to be a focused effort. I re-started recently and have begun to make a dent in the piles.
I received a book called "More Whispers of Angels" for Christmas which I loved and read quite quickly (little vignettes that bring our attention to God's hand in our everyday lives). I also finished three novels in a series I had started (six total; these were the last three). But those books don't really count to me as I always read novel type books very quickly. It is the ones that are informational or teaching oriented that I take longer with, though still enjoy immensely. I would say 80 to 90 percent of what I read falls in this category. I have also challenged myself to continue to read the bible through EACH year since I finished last year, as I tend to read the new testament much more than the old, in general, when doing devotions.
I have now finished "How To Forgive...When You Don't Feel Like It" by June Hunt (which I started almost a year ago, then put aside; it is/was a very good book with much food for meditative thought and lots of scripture which I appreciated). and "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace ~ which also was a book I started nearly a year ago, but put aside. It, too, was an excellent tool for learning and encouragement.
The last book I re-started after many months of rest was "The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life" by Charles Spurgeon. This book is meaty and each chapter took a long time for me to read (relative to my normal speed) as I tended to have to focus more closely on what he was trying to convey. I had stopped reading it because of fatigue (fatigue in my life for deep topics that took too much out of me ~ which was the same with the other two books) but I had a fresh wind recently and was renewed in my yearnings for prayer as an ongoing part of each day ~ some really neat quotes from his book included:
"Faith is not believing fanatically but believing the truth. There is a wonderful difference between believing your imaginations and believing what God has distinctly promised. Faith and imagination are two very different things. God keeps us from the falsehood of folly and leads us into the truth of wisdom! "
"How can the ways of the world be followed and the communion with God maintained?...If we could but stand on this earth as upon a mere shadow and live as those who will soon be done with this poor transient life! If we held every earthly thing with a very loose hand, we would not be caring and worrying and fretting, but we would be praying, for thus we grasp the real, the substantial, and plant our feet upon the invisible - which is, after all, the eternal."
I have also been reading many Jerry Bridges books; "The Discipline of Grace" is one I recently finished (also "Respectable Sins, Confronting the sins we all tolerate" which was great). I will post on it at another time - I am really getting a lot out of how this author shares the gospel message and expands upon it's truths.
Praise God for Books! :-)
However, this is where my "completing" needs to happen versus purging. I have way too many books stacking up next to my bed again; I continue with a tendency to start reading many books at the same time (whenever one draws my interest). I LOVE books ~ I read often and can spend hours reading (when not playing my new word games addiction). Each night after the kids are in bed and Bo is studying for his classes, I will read and rest with quiet joy/peace. I started "finishing" books awhile back, which helped, but I started so many recently that it needed to be a focused effort. I re-started recently and have begun to make a dent in the piles.
I received a book called "More Whispers of Angels" for Christmas which I loved and read quite quickly (little vignettes that bring our attention to God's hand in our everyday lives). I also finished three novels in a series I had started (six total; these were the last three). But those books don't really count to me as I always read novel type books very quickly. It is the ones that are informational or teaching oriented that I take longer with, though still enjoy immensely. I would say 80 to 90 percent of what I read falls in this category. I have also challenged myself to continue to read the bible through EACH year since I finished last year, as I tend to read the new testament much more than the old, in general, when doing devotions.
I have now finished "How To Forgive...When You Don't Feel Like It" by June Hunt (which I started almost a year ago, then put aside; it is/was a very good book with much food for meditative thought and lots of scripture which I appreciated). and "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace ~ which also was a book I started nearly a year ago, but put aside. It, too, was an excellent tool for learning and encouragement.
The last book I re-started after many months of rest was "The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life" by Charles Spurgeon. This book is meaty and each chapter took a long time for me to read (relative to my normal speed) as I tended to have to focus more closely on what he was trying to convey. I had stopped reading it because of fatigue (fatigue in my life for deep topics that took too much out of me ~ which was the same with the other two books) but I had a fresh wind recently and was renewed in my yearnings for prayer as an ongoing part of each day ~ some really neat quotes from his book included:
"Faith is not believing fanatically but believing the truth. There is a wonderful difference between believing your imaginations and believing what God has distinctly promised. Faith and imagination are two very different things. God keeps us from the falsehood of folly and leads us into the truth of wisdom! "
"How can the ways of the world be followed and the communion with God maintained?...If we could but stand on this earth as upon a mere shadow and live as those who will soon be done with this poor transient life! If we held every earthly thing with a very loose hand, we would not be caring and worrying and fretting, but we would be praying, for thus we grasp the real, the substantial, and plant our feet upon the invisible - which is, after all, the eternal."
I have also been reading many Jerry Bridges books; "The Discipline of Grace" is one I recently finished (also "Respectable Sins, Confronting the sins we all tolerate" which was great). I will post on it at another time - I am really getting a lot out of how this author shares the gospel message and expands upon it's truths.
Praise God for Books! :-)
Purging 1
I have been in a mood to get rid of stuff ~ my home seems to accumulate things that get used for awhile and then left to the side in favor of other things. That, in addition to the paper trail that always comes through, leaves me feeling a bit crowded at times. This is one of those times.
I was able to give away so many boxes before Christmas; Salvation Army, freecycle, friends who could use what we no longer were needing...but it is hard to see that things have been removed. Well, that isn't completely true; I am feeling a freshness in the home and sensing a bit more flow through the rooms as I continue on my mission, but I still feel OVERWHELMED with the amount of *stuff* we accumulate. I don't know if anybody gets the same sense as I do when walking into a room that has lots in it, but I get overloaded and tune out. I am pretty certain if we had a larger home, it wouldn't feel so crowded, as I tend not to collect things just to fill rooms, but I still believe we could stand to continue to purge.
In the last three days, because of school holidays and snow days, I have been enlisting the help of my girls to cleanse our home from excess. We have freecycled out MANY things that are no longer serving us, given to several people who are delighted to have what we no longer need. What a wonderful way to share it is!
Michelle has now moved into Kari's room, and her room has become a playroom downstairs. That has freed up our living space downstairs to feel less crowded and perhaps stay a bit cleaner (so I won't have to step on small barbie toys or beads on the floor any more, hopefully). It has also allowed the wood stove some breathing space which I prefer for fire hazard concerns.
Today there are five bags sitting on my front porch glider with things in them for various families. I passed on six yesterday and four the day prior. It is such a nice way to share. I hate throwing away perfectly good things that have outlasted their interest or need here. For instance, one of my three drawer containers that the girls used for years at their art table, with pens, scissors, markers, crayons, etc. in the drawers ~ had become a holding tank for miscellaneous junk as they had found other locations for pencils/crayons and spread them out to multiple ares and caches (of course, since I set up the order they had to find what worked best over time). yesterday I gave that drawer stack to a lady in Remington who was starting a home business and had very little extra $$ to purchase office needs. The drawers were sized for 8 1/2 X 11 papers so perfect for her. I love that!
I was able to give away so many boxes before Christmas; Salvation Army, freecycle, friends who could use what we no longer were needing...but it is hard to see that things have been removed. Well, that isn't completely true; I am feeling a freshness in the home and sensing a bit more flow through the rooms as I continue on my mission, but I still feel OVERWHELMED with the amount of *stuff* we accumulate. I don't know if anybody gets the same sense as I do when walking into a room that has lots in it, but I get overloaded and tune out. I am pretty certain if we had a larger home, it wouldn't feel so crowded, as I tend not to collect things just to fill rooms, but I still believe we could stand to continue to purge.
In the last three days, because of school holidays and snow days, I have been enlisting the help of my girls to cleanse our home from excess. We have freecycled out MANY things that are no longer serving us, given to several people who are delighted to have what we no longer need. What a wonderful way to share it is!
Michelle has now moved into Kari's room, and her room has become a playroom downstairs. That has freed up our living space downstairs to feel less crowded and perhaps stay a bit cleaner (so I won't have to step on small barbie toys or beads on the floor any more, hopefully). It has also allowed the wood stove some breathing space which I prefer for fire hazard concerns.
Today there are five bags sitting on my front porch glider with things in them for various families. I passed on six yesterday and four the day prior. It is such a nice way to share. I hate throwing away perfectly good things that have outlasted their interest or need here. For instance, one of my three drawer containers that the girls used for years at their art table, with pens, scissors, markers, crayons, etc. in the drawers ~ had become a holding tank for miscellaneous junk as they had found other locations for pencils/crayons and spread them out to multiple ares and caches (of course, since I set up the order they had to find what worked best over time). yesterday I gave that drawer stack to a lady in Remington who was starting a home business and had very little extra $$ to purchase office needs. The drawers were sized for 8 1/2 X 11 papers so perfect for her. I love that!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Good Article "for" Life ~
Helen M. Bowerman
Submitted By: Cemetery of the Innocents
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 2009 (Rappahanock News)
Three thousand, three hundred white flags have been planted in the lawn of Saint Peter’s Catholic Church on Route 211 in Washington, Va. Each flag in the lawn represents each human life taken by abortion each day. This Cemetery of the Innocents bears witness to the drastic loss of life caused by this American Holocaust.
While a great deal of attention is centered on the Jewish Holocaust, many choose to ignore the Holocaust occurring here in the United States. The number of Jewish children killed through abortion is twice as many as the Jewish people killed by Hitler. Blacks, who make up about one-eighth of the U.S. population, have more than one-third (37 percent) of America’s 2.1 million annual abortions.
If there was ever a racial crime, abortion is it. According to the Guttmacher Institute, which compiles reproductive health statistics, black women abort their children at five times the white rate and twice the Hispanic rate. The current rate is 11 abortions per 1,000 white women, 28 for every 1,000 Hispanic women, and 50 per every 1,000 black women.
But most surprisingly, women who have had abortions say that they never felt they had any other choice. They felt coerced into having an abortion by the baby’s father, or their family, or even by the fact that they could not afford to care for the baby.
A former abortion clinic owner has said than an abortion occurred every 50 seconds in the clinic. Even former clinic employees have spoken of the horrors of the clinics. Women are prevented from seeing their child on a sonogram, the baby is described as tissue, and they are rushed into the procedure to prevent them from changing their minds. Abortions are painful for women. They cause physical pain, and emotional pain. Many women who have had an abortion go through counseling, through programs such as Project Rachel. This program helps women who have endured pain caused by abortions, through a confidential phone line, referrals for professional counseling, and the assistance of a priest to provide spiritual counseling.
Women are not the only persons affected by abortion; men are also deeply affected by abortions. Many men suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by the abortion of their child. Many of the boyfriends and husbands of women who have had abortions experience emotional numbing, diminished interest, detachment from others, reduced communication, a limited range of feelings, and a sense of a foreshortened future. Many also experience difficulty sleeping, eating disorders, anger, an inability to concentrate, and even suicidal thoughts. Clearly, the pain caused by an abortion is much greater than assumed by many, or even mentioned by abortionists.
One of the signs frequently seen at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. says, “Abortion: One dead, One wounded.” Clearly, this is a fact. The only way to prevent this pain is to prevent the massive numbers of abortions provided in the United States. The Saint Peter Parish Committee for Life is devoted to reducing the number of abortions. They planted these flags to ensure that the devastating number of lives ended and affected by abortion each day will not be forgotten.
A great deal of help is needed to prevent abortions. United States citizens need to make their opposition to the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) known. This can be done by calling your senators and congressmen. Please join the Saint Peter Parish Committee for Life to bring an end to this Holocaust. For more information, please write to
Saint Peter Parish Committee for Life
P.O. Box 27
Washington, VA 22747
Additional Resources:
Project Rachel
www.arlingtondiocese.org/familylife/rachel.php
Sarah LaPierre, Project Director
Jo Balsamo, Program Coordinator
200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 814
Arlington, VA 22203
Telephone Number: (703) 841-2504
Helpline: 1-888-456-HOPE (4673)
E-mail: projectrachel@ arlingtondiocese.org
Submitted By: Cemetery of the Innocents
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 2009 (Rappahanock News)
Three thousand, three hundred white flags have been planted in the lawn of Saint Peter’s Catholic Church on Route 211 in Washington, Va. Each flag in the lawn represents each human life taken by abortion each day. This Cemetery of the Innocents bears witness to the drastic loss of life caused by this American Holocaust.
While a great deal of attention is centered on the Jewish Holocaust, many choose to ignore the Holocaust occurring here in the United States. The number of Jewish children killed through abortion is twice as many as the Jewish people killed by Hitler. Blacks, who make up about one-eighth of the U.S. population, have more than one-third (37 percent) of America’s 2.1 million annual abortions.
If there was ever a racial crime, abortion is it. According to the Guttmacher Institute, which compiles reproductive health statistics, black women abort their children at five times the white rate and twice the Hispanic rate. The current rate is 11 abortions per 1,000 white women, 28 for every 1,000 Hispanic women, and 50 per every 1,000 black women.
But most surprisingly, women who have had abortions say that they never felt they had any other choice. They felt coerced into having an abortion by the baby’s father, or their family, or even by the fact that they could not afford to care for the baby.
A former abortion clinic owner has said than an abortion occurred every 50 seconds in the clinic. Even former clinic employees have spoken of the horrors of the clinics. Women are prevented from seeing their child on a sonogram, the baby is described as tissue, and they are rushed into the procedure to prevent them from changing their minds. Abortions are painful for women. They cause physical pain, and emotional pain. Many women who have had an abortion go through counseling, through programs such as Project Rachel. This program helps women who have endured pain caused by abortions, through a confidential phone line, referrals for professional counseling, and the assistance of a priest to provide spiritual counseling.
Women are not the only persons affected by abortion; men are also deeply affected by abortions. Many men suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by the abortion of their child. Many of the boyfriends and husbands of women who have had abortions experience emotional numbing, diminished interest, detachment from others, reduced communication, a limited range of feelings, and a sense of a foreshortened future. Many also experience difficulty sleeping, eating disorders, anger, an inability to concentrate, and even suicidal thoughts. Clearly, the pain caused by an abortion is much greater than assumed by many, or even mentioned by abortionists.
One of the signs frequently seen at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. says, “Abortion: One dead, One wounded.” Clearly, this is a fact. The only way to prevent this pain is to prevent the massive numbers of abortions provided in the United States. The Saint Peter Parish Committee for Life is devoted to reducing the number of abortions. They planted these flags to ensure that the devastating number of lives ended and affected by abortion each day will not be forgotten.
A great deal of help is needed to prevent abortions. United States citizens need to make their opposition to the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) known. This can be done by calling your senators and congressmen. Please join the Saint Peter Parish Committee for Life to bring an end to this Holocaust. For more information, please write to
Saint Peter Parish Committee for Life
P.O. Box 27
Washington, VA 22747
Additional Resources:
Project Rachel
www.arlingtondiocese.org/familylife/rachel.php
Sarah LaPierre, Project Director
Jo Balsamo, Program Coordinator
200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 814
Arlington, VA 22203
Telephone Number: (703) 841-2504
Helpline: 1-888-456-HOPE (4673)
E-mail: projectrachel@ arlingtondiocese.org
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Disgusting!
I have never been so disgusted in all of my days. While I knew that our culture was becoming much more permissive, and children were being educated to be "safe" versus abstain. Planned parenthood has taken the cake ~ the worst of it is that OUR tax dollars fund their efforts. Here is information a friend sent me in September (I am just now getting around to previewing; I wish I hadn't had the opportunity quite frankly...but I surely don't want my kids being taught by this ~)
"Planned Parenthood, the billion dollar corporate abortion provider, has taken immorality to a whole new level and is using your taxpayer dollars to spread its toxic propaganda.
"A new Planned Parenthood promotional Web site which targets youth and is called "Take Care Down There," features short "public service" video vignettes which, among other things, promote casual sex, immodesty, homosexuality and even group sex. For example, one video on this new Web site depicts what appears to be an African-American male teenager relegated to performing oral sex on a white male teenager while another white male (an adult authority figure in a suit) stands nearby giving instructions.
"During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, Planned Parenthood received a total of $336.7 million from government grants and contracts. In 2008, $300 million was given to family planning clinics, under the Title X program. These funds were used to service over five million people, a third of which received "care" from a Planned Parenthood clinic."
How do we fight governmental support of this?! I don't know, but I will definitely be praying about it.
"Planned Parenthood, the billion dollar corporate abortion provider, has taken immorality to a whole new level and is using your taxpayer dollars to spread its toxic propaganda.
"A new Planned Parenthood promotional Web site which targets youth and is called "Take Care Down There," features short "public service" video vignettes which, among other things, promote casual sex, immodesty, homosexuality and even group sex. For example, one video on this new Web site depicts what appears to be an African-American male teenager relegated to performing oral sex on a white male teenager while another white male (an adult authority figure in a suit) stands nearby giving instructions.
"During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, Planned Parenthood received a total of $336.7 million from government grants and contracts. In 2008, $300 million was given to family planning clinics, under the Title X program. These funds were used to service over five million people, a third of which received "care" from a Planned Parenthood clinic."
How do we fight governmental support of this?! I don't know, but I will definitely be praying about it.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Anointing the Inaguration ~ Blessing our President
Planning in advance of the Inaguration ~ and the anointing and prayer that has already been occuring....here is where I recieved this information:
"Some doors only Heaven can open."
That was the case yesterday when I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to do something that in my mind I knew could not be accomplished. When we notified the Capitol Hill police of our intentions they told us in no uncertain terms we would be arrested for our actions. Yet, in obedience to what I knew to be a divine prompting, I proceeded, along with my colleague, Rev. Pat Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, to the Capitol Building...and there experienced a miracle.
It just so happened (as it so often does for people of faith), when we entered the Capitol complex we met Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia, in the hallway. Congressman Broun is a dynamic and unapologetic Christian. I told him what God had prompted me to do. He immediately agreed and joined me, along with Rev. Mahoney and our chief of staff, Peggy Birchfield, as together we held a prayer service inside the US Capitol that included anointing the doorway President-Elect Barack Obama will pass through on his way to the platform to be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States on January 20th. (To see this brief but powerful prayer and anointing service, please click here above.)
Anointing with oil is a rich tradition both in the Bible and in the history of the US Capitol. Oil symbolizes consecration, or setting something apart for God's use. George Washington used oil during the dedication of the US Capitol. We used the oil to set apart the walkway and doors that will be the literal right-of-passage for Barack Obama as he ascends to the highest office in our land. Bear in mind this is one of the most cordoned off and highly secured sites in America. It is virtually inaccessible. Yet, there we were, holding a consecration service in obedience to God - the very thing He had placed in my heart.
Rep. Broun delivered a short sermon-like talk on the need to obey God and His will, and for the future president to do what is right. I read Bible passages and applied sacred oil to the doorposts of the arched doorway leading out of the Capitol and onto the inaugural stage, immediately in front of the riser where Obama will stand with Chief Justice John Roberts who will administer the Oath of Office. Rev. Mahoney read a powerful inaugural prayer by Dr. Billy Graham, delivered 40 years ago.Congressman Broun referred to the location of the prayer service as "the doorway that (President-Elect Obama) will enter through to start of his presidency."That doorway has now been consecrated and anointed for the purposes of God."
You and your friends, family, and fellow church members can now join us in prayer for our nation and the transition to a new administration by simply watching the video and praying with us.The more people who watch this video, the more powerful it becomes. That's why we also need you to forward it on to as many people as possible.If Christians across the nation will join together in prayer, I know God will "hear from Heaven and heal our land."
Then forward it on to your family, friends, and fellow church members so together we can raise our voices to God on behalf of our nation in an act of repentance and dedication.Your missionary to our nation's leaders.
Rob Schenk
The Reverend Rob Schenck, D.D., is an Evangelical minister and president of the National Clergy Council and its lay affiliate, Faith and Action in the Nation’s Capital.
Reverend Schenck holds degrees in Bible, Theology and Divinity. During his over 25 years of full-time Christian ministry he has been a youth minister, pastor, missionary-evangelist and minister to elected and appointed officials.
Rev. Schenck has traveled extensively, preaching and teaching in over 40 nations. He has most recently led religious diplomatic missions to Sudan (Darfur) and Morocco. He is founder of Operation Serve International, a Christian humanitarian outreach working with the poorest children in the world; Hearts for the Homeless, a mobile advocacy program and the National Memorial for the Pre-born and their Mothers and Fathers, the premiere indoor pro-life event held annually inside the U.S. Capitol complex in Washington, DC.
Rev. Schenck serves on the boards of numerous organizations including the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, the National Pro-Life Religious Council and Capitol Hill Executive Service Club. He makes frequent appearances in the media, is a popular conference speaker and is the author of two books.
"Some doors only Heaven can open."
That was the case yesterday when I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to do something that in my mind I knew could not be accomplished. When we notified the Capitol Hill police of our intentions they told us in no uncertain terms we would be arrested for our actions. Yet, in obedience to what I knew to be a divine prompting, I proceeded, along with my colleague, Rev. Pat Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, to the Capitol Building...and there experienced a miracle.
It just so happened (as it so often does for people of faith), when we entered the Capitol complex we met Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia, in the hallway. Congressman Broun is a dynamic and unapologetic Christian. I told him what God had prompted me to do. He immediately agreed and joined me, along with Rev. Mahoney and our chief of staff, Peggy Birchfield, as together we held a prayer service inside the US Capitol that included anointing the doorway President-Elect Barack Obama will pass through on his way to the platform to be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States on January 20th. (To see this brief but powerful prayer and anointing service, please click here above.)
Anointing with oil is a rich tradition both in the Bible and in the history of the US Capitol. Oil symbolizes consecration, or setting something apart for God's use. George Washington used oil during the dedication of the US Capitol. We used the oil to set apart the walkway and doors that will be the literal right-of-passage for Barack Obama as he ascends to the highest office in our land. Bear in mind this is one of the most cordoned off and highly secured sites in America. It is virtually inaccessible. Yet, there we were, holding a consecration service in obedience to God - the very thing He had placed in my heart.
Rep. Broun delivered a short sermon-like talk on the need to obey God and His will, and for the future president to do what is right. I read Bible passages and applied sacred oil to the doorposts of the arched doorway leading out of the Capitol and onto the inaugural stage, immediately in front of the riser where Obama will stand with Chief Justice John Roberts who will administer the Oath of Office. Rev. Mahoney read a powerful inaugural prayer by Dr. Billy Graham, delivered 40 years ago.Congressman Broun referred to the location of the prayer service as "the doorway that (President-Elect Obama) will enter through to start of his presidency."That doorway has now been consecrated and anointed for the purposes of God."
You and your friends, family, and fellow church members can now join us in prayer for our nation and the transition to a new administration by simply watching the video and praying with us.The more people who watch this video, the more powerful it becomes. That's why we also need you to forward it on to as many people as possible.If Christians across the nation will join together in prayer, I know God will "hear from Heaven and heal our land."
Then forward it on to your family, friends, and fellow church members so together we can raise our voices to God on behalf of our nation in an act of repentance and dedication.Your missionary to our nation's leaders.
Rob Schenk
The Reverend Rob Schenck, D.D., is an Evangelical minister and president of the National Clergy Council and its lay affiliate, Faith and Action in the Nation’s Capital.
Reverend Schenck holds degrees in Bible, Theology and Divinity. During his over 25 years of full-time Christian ministry he has been a youth minister, pastor, missionary-evangelist and minister to elected and appointed officials.
Rev. Schenck has traveled extensively, preaching and teaching in over 40 nations. He has most recently led religious diplomatic missions to Sudan (Darfur) and Morocco. He is founder of Operation Serve International, a Christian humanitarian outreach working with the poorest children in the world; Hearts for the Homeless, a mobile advocacy program and the National Memorial for the Pre-born and their Mothers and Fathers, the premiere indoor pro-life event held annually inside the U.S. Capitol complex in Washington, DC.
Rev. Schenck serves on the boards of numerous organizations including the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, the National Pro-Life Religious Council and Capitol Hill Executive Service Club. He makes frequent appearances in the media, is a popular conference speaker and is the author of two books.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Infant Swimming
When I was growing up, we spent summers in a cottage next to the ocean in Norway. One night my brother climbed up onto a stool and crawled out the kitchen window in the middle of the night. This was a tiny window, but the only thing open in the house. He was a toddler at the time. He fell to the ground and toddled over to our pier, walking along it and then falling into the ocean (from the story I got; not sure of all the details; I was an infant at the time). My parents awoke during his commotion and when figured out what the noises were, ran to save him. If they had not, it could have been a tragedy.
I know many people who have swimming pools in their back yards, others who take their kids to the lakes and such; the ability not to panic is such an important skill. This video demonstrates a program that goes one step further ~ it is amazing to me to watch (I was getting teary eyed; I am not sure how the mother was able to film this without wanting to jump in and rescue this toddler)...
Blessings on your day ~
I know many people who have swimming pools in their back yards, others who take their kids to the lakes and such; the ability not to panic is such an important skill. This video demonstrates a program that goes one step further ~ it is amazing to me to watch (I was getting teary eyed; I am not sure how the mother was able to film this without wanting to jump in and rescue this toddler)...
Blessings on your day ~
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Poetic Musings
I was reading a book of inspirational vignettes last night before bed, and these thoughts came to me as I closed the cover ~
In this imperfect world,
With my imperfect life,
I'm an imperfect person,
and an imperfect wife.
Dust bunnies abound,
Kids leave streaks on the walls,
Stacks of books grace some tables~
Stained rugs in some halls.
Routines are attempted,
But often not kept
Critters are fed,
without cages swept.
The list of "to do"
Is longer than "done."
And play, versus work,
Seems so much more fun.
My house, I'd admit,
Is not what I knew~
But my children's sweet smiles
Make up for this skew.
But I'll take my ole house
And imperfect ways,
Over anything fancier
That doesn't have frays.
In this home, I've learned,
through good and through bad,
Life's the most precious
Gift that I have.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
No School
We live in Fauquier County, Virginia ~ a county that resonates with beauty and back roads. Today we have no school. As I walked outside to get some wood for our wood stove this morning, I felt rain and coolness - but nothing more. It was only 6:15 a.m. Schools are closed because of icy conditions...????
The weather forecasts a day with temps around 34 for the low ~ so not freezing conditions. I am only using our wood stove because our heat pump is not working and any time we need heat to keep us at 68 here, the emergency/resistive heat kicks on which draws much more energy, so I am trying to keep the house warm so we don't use the emergency heat source.
Growing up in Northern Virginia while my dad was stationed at the Pentagon, I used to listen to school closings on snowy mornings and be jealous of Fauquier county as they "always" seemed to be closed. Now, I probably don't remember as much as I think I do ~ especially since I remember many more snowy winters in Virginia, and we have not had much of that lately (ice storms because of the humidity with the cooler weather, but not snow which requires the drier air).
Fauquier County DOES have many back roads and mountainous roads for buses to traverse. With trees on the sides of the roads, icy patches are more evident and dangerous. To this, I would agree. However, with todays' weather I would have expected a possible delay versus a closing. Especially since the kids JUST WENT BACK yesterday. Can you imagine the poor teachers trying to get things started again tomorrow (provided it doesn't ice up again overnight, which is shouldn't according to the weather). We still have Martin Luther King Day holiday, two half days, and two days off this month based upon the school calendar. It will be a choppy month as it is.
Michelle is home today, as well. The Classical Conversations community also closed due to icy possibilities. While she and I are both disappointed, this is probably the best thing since both of her sisters are home and I don't have a sitter available for them. They are making waffles now, and looking forward to another day of play. I desire to get Michelle to do some work, but that will be tough with the other two playing ~ praying for creative ideas as I type this ~ may those who are reading be blessed this day. I hope to get back on track with blogging as I have had lots of great thoughts that were blogged in my head over the past few weeks, just none that actually made it to the computer :-) Happy New Year!
The weather forecasts a day with temps around 34 for the low ~ so not freezing conditions. I am only using our wood stove because our heat pump is not working and any time we need heat to keep us at 68 here, the emergency/resistive heat kicks on which draws much more energy, so I am trying to keep the house warm so we don't use the emergency heat source.
Growing up in Northern Virginia while my dad was stationed at the Pentagon, I used to listen to school closings on snowy mornings and be jealous of Fauquier county as they "always" seemed to be closed. Now, I probably don't remember as much as I think I do ~ especially since I remember many more snowy winters in Virginia, and we have not had much of that lately (ice storms because of the humidity with the cooler weather, but not snow which requires the drier air).
Fauquier County DOES have many back roads and mountainous roads for buses to traverse. With trees on the sides of the roads, icy patches are more evident and dangerous. To this, I would agree. However, with todays' weather I would have expected a possible delay versus a closing. Especially since the kids JUST WENT BACK yesterday. Can you imagine the poor teachers trying to get things started again tomorrow (provided it doesn't ice up again overnight, which is shouldn't according to the weather). We still have Martin Luther King Day holiday, two half days, and two days off this month based upon the school calendar. It will be a choppy month as it is.
Michelle is home today, as well. The Classical Conversations community also closed due to icy possibilities. While she and I are both disappointed, this is probably the best thing since both of her sisters are home and I don't have a sitter available for them. They are making waffles now, and looking forward to another day of play. I desire to get Michelle to do some work, but that will be tough with the other two playing ~ praying for creative ideas as I type this ~ may those who are reading be blessed this day. I hope to get back on track with blogging as I have had lots of great thoughts that were blogged in my head over the past few weeks, just none that actually made it to the computer :-) Happy New Year!
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