Too soon to tell...

Justice Prevails

2009-07-09T22:09:00.003-05:00

Three and one half hours at traffic court was very interesting. Dan, Chase and I walked up to the municipal court where half a dozen young men with twisted ball caps waited outside. We went 20 minutes early only to find ourselves at the end of a very long twisty line. It was like going to Six Flags-waiting in line, apprehensive about what's coming up next, watching the faces of those leaving to see if they were happy or going to throw up.

Chase and I decided to rest at home for awhile and join Dan back in line later. But, a message was waiting for us to come back. The line seemed to be moving quickly, and he couldn't take his cell phone in with him. (Neither can you wear shorts, tube tops, or pants below your buttocks-which qualifications Dan had already passed.)

The deceptively quick line ended in a courtroom that held 70-80 "guests". There were a lot of DWI's, driving without a license, and failures to pay. One woman insisted she didn't pass the school bus, but paid the fine so she wouldn't have to pay court costs or get an attorney.

There were several attornies. Young with slicked back hair. Of the "guests" and attornies, I preferred the guests. Most pleaded guilty. One poor guy that refused to plead anything was laughed at by all the others.

Part way through, someone decided this was a good time to bring in some people from jail to appear before court. I guess they have a more important schedule than the young families that had their children with them.

Finally, it got so late that there was a break. Most everyone went to their cars to use their cell phones or smoke.

After the break, someone who works every day for a school district, came forward for his citation of passing a school bus, while he was at work. The judge thought something was fishy, and dismissed his case. A little later a woman who couldn't find the street where she had supposedly illegally passed a school bus had her case dismissed, and the judge asked the bailiff to find the file of the woman that had plead guilty earlier. Something was wrong.

Finally, Dan was called, and very "Night Courtish" the judge asked Dan where he really was when he illegally passed the school bus. "Austin, TX., " Dan said, and showed the plane ticket, the hotel and meal receipt from that day. Case dismissed. The court took copies and attached them to his file, along with the stacks of all the bus incidents. Someone's got some splainin' to do!

The few people left in the court were very pleased with the turn of events. And so were we.

Answered Prayers

2009-07-02T20:24:00.004-05:00

Several months ago I was talking with God about my 24+ year old furniture. We were going to be hosting "The Truth Project", and the sofa and love seat were back breaking. So I laid out my desire for new furniture, and just a few minute later, Dan was at my side telling me that he was getting some unexpected money.

To say that the source of the money was a sad affair is an understatement. It made for many sleepless nights, chest pains, tears (on my part), and a wrestling with forgiveness.

Then the economy happened.

Listening to all the doomsayers, I thought we should hold on to our so called windfall and look for God to provide furniture some other way.

For instance, in the way we received our kitchen table and chairs-gift! The swimming pool-gift! One of our cars-insurance for the totaled car from a horrible hailstorm (gift!)

But nothing happened, and we proceeded with our Friday night get togethers. Sorry if we broke your back.

Nine days ago, I was telling the women at TLC about my dilemma. I so distinctly heard God telling me (in my heart and head), "I provided for that furniture months ago. Trust me for the future, not that." So, as soon as Dan was home for the weekend, we went shopping.

We didn't see anything that day, but I was peaceful that God had a plan, and we would find the right stuff at the right time. Same way it happened with our home.

The next day we ran out to look at some chairs I had seen, and Dan called to me from across the store, "Honey, I found them."

I can not begin to tell you all the ways that God gave us "immeasurably more that all (we) ask or imagine." (Ephesians 3:20)

It's Always Something

2009-06-30T17:24:00.002-05:00

Exhaustion, bright red cheeks, swollen eyes, sore throat and a cough were the souvenirs Chase brought home from church camp.

He did grow closer to God. Yeah! But he was home sick and physically sick, and that put a damper on things.

He really had me worried about dehydration when he first got home. You know you're a mom when you are happy to hear your son peeing at 2:30 a.m. (12 hours after he arrived home!)

Rehydrated and a little sleep under his belt didn't improve him as much as I had hoped. He wasn't eating or moving, two things he does in usual great quantity.

A trip to the doctor revealed a sinus infection. One dose of antibiotic, then seven hours later an allergic reaction. He had a rash and that uncontrollable, "I gotta itch, or I'm gonna die".

Benadryl, bed, and a call to the doctor. Chase started his new antibiotic an hour ago.

And, he was able to provide fodder for my 100th post!

Found Money

2009-06-25T21:30:00.002-05:00

Haven't you heard those storied about "unclaimed money" that the government is holding for you?

Have your thoughts been that it's a scam, or that there would be no money that you didn't know about, or you've lived in the same spot for so long anyone could have found you?

Me, too.

Then I found the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. I started with the states my husband has lived in. Nothing for him, but over $300 for a nephew.

I finally started looking in my current state, under my current name, and my state is holding $29 for me! I can't begin to describe how excited I am.

Then I found over $50 for my son and more than that for my brother.

I have no idea what the $29 is from. They have listed my last known address as my current one. Someone didn't go to much trouble to find me.

I'm mailing in my claim form tomorrow, and I'll let you know when I get the money.

In the meantime, try it yourself. It only takes a few minutes. You don't need to register for anything.

What have you got to find?

Produce Co-op

2009-06-24T17:12:00.003-05:00

For $21, I received 2 bunches broccoli, 3 large white onions, 1 pineapple, 1 lb. strawberries, 3 kiwis, 2 bunches bananas, 1 carton grape tomatoes, 1 cantaloupe, 3 avocados, 1 large head romaine, 2 bunches green onions, 1 pint blueberries. 2 ginormous carrots, 5 lemons, and 5 ear of corn.

Produce co-op is every other week, and I never know what I'm going to get. Last week we had oven Parmesan sweet potatoes, eggplant Parmesan, and guacamole dip (Which I discovered Jeff had never tried. "It's green." But he liked it.).

I've always used yellow or red onions. What is the difference in white onions?

We've already eaten some of the strawberries and blueberries. It's definitely guacamole time again. Yum!

Happy Father's Day, Dan

2009-06-21T22:19:00.002-05:00

Once a kind hearted man fell in love with a woman with two children ages 4 & 2. He married that woman and loved those children. Horsey back rides, wrestling matches, jokes, movies, baseball, treehouses, bunkbed building all done with the boys.

He brought two more children in the world and continued video taping, raquetball, driving lessons, golf, attending band concerts, and choir concerts, football games, hockey matches. He always planned his schedule around their events and tried to bring home something special when he had to be out of town.

He drove cars into the dust, resoled his boots for over a decade, repaired creatively anything that could be so that money could be spent on camps and books and lessons and things for the kids because "that is an investment".

Today, on his day, he helped with dishes, served ice cream, gave one of the kids a head start on the lawn mowing because he is a servant leader that loves his family with all his heart.

We could never give him enough honor. Thank you, God, for Dan.

All Because of Jesus

2009-06-20T22:46:00.003-05:00

To watch a video of Chase at Camp edge in a special black light number,click on VBS Power Team performing All because of Jesus. Chase is the one in the back with the tall flag on the right/right center.

He would arrive early (8:00 A.M.), rehearse, then help with leading the kids (750) in worship. The kids loved it! Then he would rush off to be an assistant crew leader, back for closing worship for the preschoolers, back to the crew, then ending the day in worship at 3:00.

He was in bed by 9:00 p.m. every night without complaint. How great that he was given the chance to serve the Lord at such a young age! I'm so proud of him.

I asked him if any of the kids had accepted Jesus as their Savior, and he said that about half of his first through third graders had! Chase said that it made him so happy that he got all bubbly inside! Me, too.

Keeping the Last Half of July Open

2009-06-19T22:03:00.003-05:00

My son Brad is going to be a father! I still can't really wrap my brain around it. Brad and Stefanie were a couple for a long time, and there was a lot of preparation around the wedding. I was ready for them to be married.

And honestly, they will both be great parents. Stefanie is a teacher, aunt, and very loving. Brad had a few weeks at the part of Camp Kanakuk that is for the disadvantaged children. Can't remember the name. He commanded the respect of those kids, but I know he had a soft heart for them, too.

But I still can't wrap my brain around it. Maybe if more of my friends were grandparents already? Or if they lived closer.

It will all be a mute point in a few weeks. Baby Abigail will be here soon, stealing all of our hearts.

Oh happy day.

Contemplating Confidences

2009-06-18T22:36:00.002-05:00

People have all kinds of problems. Some seem more severe, or more urgent, or more difficult than others. I can't really compare them with one another. But I keep trying.

Remember the old analogy of putting your troubles in a bag and laying them at the foot of the cross. (For some reason my imagery is of throwing them over a fence.) The important question is would you pick up some other random bag. No way.

I don't even have to have the randomness or secrecy. I wouldn't change my "baggage" for anyone else's. I hope that doesn't mean that I've become comfortable with my weaknesses. I think it means that I've accepted where God has me and trust that He knows what is best for me.

Today.

Missing Intern (Read both Ways)

2009-06-17T19:21:00.003-05:00

How cool I thought it must be to have an intern for the church youth group living with you for the summer. But my friends told me they never (rarely) saw their intern.

But, when it's your own son? Surely, (don't call me Shirley) he'll bring all the high school kids over for some fun in the pool or at the pool table. I was certain we could tempt him with a bonfire in the wooded area behind our house.

There's still several weeks left, but for now I can say...

We have an intern for the church youth group staying with us for the summer, and we never (rarely) see him.

TLC and Promises to Myself

2009-06-16T22:12:00.003-05:00

TLC (Tuesday Ladies at Calvary) had our kick off tonight. It was so pretty and inspirational. Five different women spoke about God's faithfulness in their "season" of life. They were fantastic.

That means it was a year ago that I was the speaker at our inaugural event. Since that day I have been planning to put a short snippet from it on You Tube.

Wish I was better at the to-do list. Or I guess I mean got-done list.

The plan is now in print, so look for it this weekend.

Two Days Shy of Six Months

2009-06-15T13:51:00.003-05:00

The pressure has been here all along. I've just finally caved into it. It's time to be blogging again. However. today I fight the pressure of a fabulous first post back by writing a very mundane first post back.

This post is all about routine. Specifically, my morning routine. Although it varies slightly, it typically includes the following elements.

Breakfast of oatmeal and an apple. Boring, but I got at least one healthy meal in that day.
Bible reading, journaling, prayer. Best part of the day. And Bible Study, if I'm doing one. I am currently starting "Live a Praying Life". Very good.
Checking my email. Not too good at returning said email.
Three games on Brainbashers. Nonograms (love the big weekend puzzle), Bridges (only the largest), Filimino (I don't really like it, but it's not complicated).
Online jigsaw puzzle.

And now, writing in my blog. Although I might save this for evening when I plan on checking Facebook.

If you haven't fallen asleep yet, thank you for encouraging me to come back.

Happy Birthday, Mamer!

2008-12-17T20:53:00.003-06:00

My mother married at 17, right out of high school, and promptly became pregnant. It was me! Her age, many of the circumstances in her life, and that daughter were all challenges to which she rose valiantly. I wish I could be with her on her birthday, but she knows how much I love her.

In her relatively short life, she's suffered through divorce, widowhood, abandonment, but also reared two great children☺, started her life over again many times, and is now happily married, retired, and refurbishing her bathroom. Can't wait to see it.

Happy Birthday, Mom.

Influences

2008-12-08T10:21:00.006-06:00

Any piece of rope or string was an exciting chance for my oldest son Brad to create a "trap" à la the movie Home Alone.

I wish I had taken a picture of one of his many contraptions. This movie also influenced my second son Jeff to repeat some of the less desirable phrases. (Which led to it being put away for a while)

I knew I was greatly influenced by the book Little Women, as have been many girls. But I realized it even more when I attended Little Women the Musical the other night. My friend won tickets and invited me along. It was very enjoyable with a few, but not too many, liberties taken from the original story.

I read the book when I was around 12 or 14, and I wanted to be Jo. I wanted to be a writer, I still do. I wanted to be original and not confined to the mores of the times. Still do. I wanted my family to stay close forever and love me as much as I treasured them. I still want that. I didn't want some things to change, yet longed to be bold and adventurous. That's still me. I have never been as bold as Jo, however.

She was such a great character. A good influence, I think.

If I think about it long enough, I'm sure I can come up some good influences from that movie the boys loved. Building traps, dodging criminals, thinking on your feet, cherishing your family...

Oh yeah, that's a good one.♥

Shhh! Don't Tell, and if You're Rachel Don't Look

2008-12-04T21:05:00.002-06:00

Rachel's my only offspring that actually reads this blog, so I'm pretty safe in telling about a cool Christmas gift idea I heard about yesterday.

Take a box (perhaps a computer paper box) and glue a mirrored tile to the inside bottom. Wrap and gift tag it to Jesus. On Christmas morning ponder whose birthday we are celebrating and what gift would be acceptable/appropriate for Jesus. What could we possibly give Him?

One at a time, open the gift and look inside to see You, Me, Us! That's what Jesus wants.

What a great reminder.

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh Or How We Get Away with Giving only Three Gifts

2008-12-03T12:21:00.006-06:00

Beginning last year, our new tradition is to give each of the "kids" three presents, each corresponding to gifts of the Magi.

For instance, the gift of Gold was highly valued in that poor economic time. This gift probably helped finance this young couple. We try to wrap in gold paper or tie with gold ribbon a present that is highly valued by the giftee. It's the "big" present (or most expensive).

Frankincense was used for incense, a way of meeting with God. Wrapped in silver then, is a gift that helps our children in their meeting with God. A new Bible, devotional, or Christian C.D. fits along these lines.

Myrrh was used to anoint the body and is still used as a fragrance in many items. Lotions, fuzzy socks, pajama pants or anything else used in comfort for their precious bodies are wrapped in deep reds.

We like to talk about the significance of the gifts given to Jesus and how the gifts we give reflect the same. This article explains the idea more fully.

Let The Joy Begin

2008-11-29T08:27:00.003-06:00

I went to sleep after a huge crying jag, woke up to puffy eyes and started again this morning. I told my dh that I don't want to be sad. He wanted to know what he could do, but I said I just needed to make the decision. Then I read this post. So simple, but so true. Count your blessings.

I got to spend time with all my children (and new daughter-in-love), my mom and her husband, my only brother and his wonderful wife, two of my nieces and one nephew, and laugh a lot. My mother-in-law was able to return home a couple of days ago (heart surgery). Dan has relented and is allowing Sassy in the house. God has answered some very specific prayer requests. Everyone is healthy! Kiersten invited Rachel and me to do some Christmas baking. Did I mention that my sister-in-law Julie is a treasure?

I still have a lot of growing to do. It's pretty painful, but God is merciful and loving, patient and kind. He gives me a lot of grace and so do a ton of other people. I'm still becoming all the things I wish to be, but it's two steps forward, one step back. Sometimes it feels harder than that. But He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.

Knowing that, how can I be sad?

Crying Binge

2008-11-25T16:40:00.002-06:00

Life got really crazy at the end of September. So that's partly my excuse for not blogging for two months. The other reason is I was too busy crying.

It was like a binge. A sudden urge would come over me to cry. I would cry over anything and everything I could get my mind on. I would cry in secret, but the urge became so overpowering, I didn't care who was watching. I had no self control.

The aftermath took its toll. A frightened husband and children. Kleenexes were hoarded. Contacts were probably ruined. Excedrin stock went up, while everything else plummeted.

The purging was a giant list of excuses and reasons. Some were intolerable. Like the two weeks I blamed the watching of the movie "Hitler, the Rise of Evil". None of it made the binging stop.

Then...

Two days of blogging. Two days of Bible reading. Two days of on the knees praying. Two days of watching my daughter find immense joy in the midst of intense suffering.

It may be safe for the Kleenexes to come out of hiding.

Party Meatballs

2008-11-24T17:04:00.008-06:00

I've promised this recipe to several people, so I thought someone else might like it, too.

3 lb. ground beef
1 c. milk
2 c. oatmeal
2 eggs
minced onion
1/2 T. garlic
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. salt

Mix ground beef mixture well and form into small balls. Put onto a sheetcake pan. Bake at 350° while you make the sauce.

SAUCE

1 1/2 c. ketchup
1 c. water
2 c. brown sugar
1 T. liquid smoke
1/2 tsp. garlic salt

Heat in saucepan and bring to a boil. Drain grease off of the meatballs, and pour the sauce over the meatballs. Total baking time will be 45 min. to 1 hour.

Make a Cornucopia that's Good Enough to Eat!

2008-11-23T21:44:00.004-06:00

As promised, here are the directions to make the awesome Thanksgiving Cornucopia I make every year. First take a long piece of aluminum foil.

Wrap it around itself into a long cone shape, and stuff with loose balls of aluminum foil to help retain the shape. Twist the end.

Using three cans of refrigerated breadsticks (that come in the the cannisters like biscuits), wrap around the foil form, reserving three. Braid the three remaining and put at the "mouth" of the cornucopia. Brush with a mixture of egg white and water, and bake in oven till browned.

Let it cool, then pull out the aluminum foil.

Stuff and surround with assorted. colorful fruits and vegetables.

Enjoy the oohs and aahs!

Passing On The Torch

2008-09-22T21:49:00.002-05:00

Moms, in particular, remind themselves of every failure, mistake and error. We are slow to celebrate the victories, big and small, in our parenting choices. Even when we enjoy a moment of triumph, we're quick to cast some kind of negative slant on the whole thing.

Case in point. My 15 year-old daughter Rachel attended a special class, on Sunday, for teens that want to develop a deeper walk with God. She came home with some homework that included several spiritual disciplines. One was to be spiritually aware.

What a great discipline that I'm also trying to develop. I just plain forget to include God in some of the things I do.

Then, surprise! Rachel told me that she thought I had helped her develop this really well. She remembered how we pray in the car. A lot. How I often point out something God created or did for us, or thinking of how we need to be as Christians.

Wow. It was a grip your heart, thrilling moment.

Then my second thought was, I guess I haven't done a very good job at teaching the other disciplines.

Stop right there. Rewind. Go back to Yea, Mom! I did something right. Praise the Lord. I could have never done it on my own. He has manifested himself through me to my daughter.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me the privilege of raising four wonderful, talented, awesome kids. They all love you! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of that.

Oklahoma/Texas Border Wedding Part II

2008-09-16T20:26:00.002-05:00

The groom's family had a pet deer! It licked Chase. Leaving town for the reception, I made Dan pull over to take a picture of these goats. Someone pulled up behind us, and I commented that they were wondering if we had never seen a goat before....
We have seen goats, just not the kind that freely wander from house to house like cats. No leash law, I guess.
It was so great to see my son Jeff for the entire weekend. We miss him so much. He thrilled my mom by dancing with her. She told me that he really wants tennis shoes that light up. Anyone know where I can get them in a size 11?

Wedding on the Oklahoma/Texas Border Part I

2008-09-16T20:20:00.003-05:00

We attended my niece's wedding and had a lot of fun. The groomsmen arrived by stagecoach. Here come the Bride and her attendants.
Mother of the bride, my sister-in-law Julie. Doesn't she look so happy! We both married off our first born this summer.
Officially married on the groom's family's porch, in the shortest ceremony I've ever attended.
It's really flat out there. My husband (being from Nebraska) loved it!
Go to the next post for part II.

Seventeen Years Ago Today

2008-09-14T22:35:00.003-05:00

The blushing bride! I just couldn't stop smiling all day, I was so happy! I was so excited about having my hair put up and the flowers arranged into it. I was still finding flowers the next day.Brad (6) held the rings and Jeff (3) was supposed to hold my flowers, but he got bored and sat down and made Brad do it all. Any other kids, and I would have been annoyed. But I was so delighted with every thing my OWN children did that day. Funny how that works.
Finally a picture of the Groom. He was so dashing. He sang to me during our wedding. (That's my aunt Suzie). Notice the CHOCOLATE cake? Yum.
I'm still smiling today. What a wonderful marriage (cause I got a great guy). Yea, me!

Predators, Prey, and Natural Selection

2008-09-12T22:13:00.006-05:00

Homeschooling can be difficult, challenging, rewarding, but throw some M & M's into your science experiment, and it's melt in your mouth, not in your hand fun!

At Least He Didn't Ask Me to go To Ninevah

2008-09-11T21:52:00.003-05:00

"I'm okay with being single, but there is a part of me that wants to contribute to someone else's life," or something to that effect I told my mother while I was a single mom.

And on Sunday I will be celebrating seventeen years of being married to the man to whom I eventually decided to offer my contributions.

I really did long to be the cheerleader, companion, helper.

However, too often I begin to think that life is all about me, and he entered this marriage to serve me. He has a servant's heart. He does so much for me with such a loving, cheerful attitude.

In this God-walk, me trying to obey Him and be more the person he's called me to be, I purposed in my heart that the next time my dear husband asked me to do something for him, I would respond joyfully.

I've been doing so-so until the other day. I was overwhelmed, and thinking of all the "important" things that I had to accomplish, when I received the request. I remembered my pledge, waited for the joy....

It didn't come.

So I said yes, but in an if I must voice.

Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.

Conviction came quickly. I had been reading about Jonah, his disobedience and second chance. Fortunately, I didn't have to spend three days in the belly of a big fish before I got the opportunity to do something for my wonderful husband. This time I was joyful.

But, obedience is responding with the right attitude. Even when it's not in me.

What Can We Learn From a Measly Quarter?

2008-09-10T16:31:00.004-05:00

Internet savvy panhandlers, please avert your eyes. My husband will turn around on the highway to buy a meal for someone alongside the road. He used to pick up hitchhikers quite frequently, until I convinced him that he had a responsibility to stay alive for his family. (Right, honey?)

I just want to let you know that he is a giver, and I thought about him today. I was returning a shopping cart at Aldi's for my deposited quarter when a man approached me offering to take my cart. Aldi frequenters know that this is a common practice to "save" us all from the trouble of operating the deposit mechanism. However, when I happily gave the man my cart and asked for my quarter, he responded that he was just trying to be helpful.

I explained that I could return my own cart for the retrieval of my quarter and proceeded. But I was praying and thinking, wondering if he needed a cart, but didn't have a quarter. Or maybe he just needed the quarter. When he came near me to let me know that (again) he was just trying to be helpful, I put the retrieved coin in his hand. He thanked me at least twice. But I returned to the van with an uneasy feeling.

Obviously, he was "working" the shopping carts for quarters. And sure enough as I pulled out of the parking lot, I saw him approaching an elderly couple that was almost done unloading their cart.

I told 10 year old Chase what had happened, and he seemed a little concerned. But thinking out loud, I told him that obviously this man needs some money for something. It might be food, but it might be alcohol or drugs. He needs it so badly, that he's trying to get quarters one at a time from unsuspecting people. I think the unsuspecting is what bothered me. I felt protective of the older couple, afraid that they would be taken advantage of and too polite to ask for their quarter. (Which he had now).

Minimum wage in our state is $6.65 an hour. I had to research that. So to "earn" minimum wage, this man would have to hustle around 26.6 carts per hour. So, Chase and I prayed for the man that needed money that desperately. We also prayed that he would know Jesus, because that is what he needs most of all.

We picked up Rachel and told her the story. This made her really explore some questions she was having, because this morning she had just memorized Luke 6:27-30.
6:27
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
6:28
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
6:29
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.
6:30
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you. "

We had a great discussion about how to know when to give. How to respond to someone who steals. I didn't have all the answers. I may have been wrong in some of my answers, but we turned to scripture, a good application, and talked it over together.

Vote For...Kiersten

2008-09-08T22:17:00.002-05:00

I have been so busy the past few days, that I haven't had a chance to write anything or download any photos. But now's a good chance for me to plug my friend Kiersten Venezia.

She has a song on this website. Go there, scroll down to her name, listen to her song and give her five stars!

She is greatly talented and totally sold out to God. You'll be glad you took the time to find out.

Sea World Fun!

2008-09-04T16:37:00.003-05:00

Mom wanted to know if I had gotten my pictures "back" yet. I so rarely get any photos developed any more. Maybe she'll see something she wants a copy of here.
It was so cool to see the kids feed the dolphins!
Upfront, I must say that Rachel took most of these pictures.
The jelly fish were absolutely amazing. They looked just like the ones in "Finding Nemo", only real.
The Coral was so beautiful. I can see why people fall in love with scuba diving. It was like looking at a beautiful garden.
This octopus was freaky and fascinating. I was glad to have glass between us.

All Hail, President Chase!

2008-09-03T16:50:00.004-05:00

Women's Bible study started today. It was like the first day of school! So fun seeing familiar faces, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

My youngest son takes a home-school class at the same time. He was excited, too. Yesterday he said, "Guess what, Mom? Tomorrow is Friend to Friend."

Later my friend sent me this email

"...when I walked in to help with child care - it was already 10:10. Chase was in the Greece class and (the teacher) was holding up a globe. She pointed to Iraq - then Chase yelled out something about the war. She talked about the constitution (I'm not exactly sure why - I wasn't paying close attention, but) then Chase yelled out something about how it's been changed and it's wrong. Both teachers smiled and agreed... then one of the teachers said -'That boy will be president some day!'" ☺

The Most Spiritual Thing You Can Do--Sometimes

2008-08-30T11:07:00.002-05:00

Unmotivated, lethargic and a little cranky, I realized I was tired. God's been waking me up early every morning. Unfortunately, the kids have been keeping me up late at night or during the night.

When women ask when my children started sleeping through the night, I tell them I'm still waiting. Ha!

But I digress.

A short "rest" quickly turned into a short nap. My motivation, energy level and attitude all took a turn for the better.

Upon confessing to a pastor that I kept falling asleep during my prayer time, he commented that sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is take a nap.

Amen, brother.

Celebrating a Milestone

2008-08-28T21:30:00.009-05:00

The green machine (our '94 Ford van) has reached a milestone. 200,000 miles! It rolled over in Texas.

It's been through a lot. Many, many repairs. An accident that totalled it. (I was driving, but it was the other guy's fault).

We have a pole in the middle where we used to mount a 13" television when we had long trips to Nebraska.

We wanted to buy a special antennae ball for it, or at least a bumper sticker that said "This van made it all the way up and down Pike's Peak!"

I've mentioned before how thankful I've been for it, even though people point and laugh.

This van has been prayed over and been given thanks for many times. Several times a day when the transmission is acting funny.

Who Shot JFK?

2008-08-27T20:44:00.002-05:00

The smirk on my face is facetiously saying, "Hey kids, let's stand in front of the place our president was murdered and smile!" I think Rachel's is saying, "More pictures?"

I guess this stop in Dallas could be considered a loooong field trip, since we are studying U.S. history from the turn of the 20th century.

This layover reminded me of the funniest Saturday Night Live skit I saw many, many years ago. A man goes to Heaven and asks someone (St. Peter, I think) everything he always said he would ask once he got there.

One of his questions was who shot JFK. I don't remember the answer, but what I enjoyed most was all the answers. Hard to describe, but funny.

If my daughter produces a skit like it for this year's youth group's Academy Award, I'll try to post it here.

Does anyone remember it?

Third Time's A Charm Warning

2008-08-26T20:17:00.005-05:00

A Warning that could be considered a charm if adhered to, noted my good friend.

How exciting that God was showing me where he wanted me to focus. How encouraging that He showed me enough times that I got it through my thick skull. How great that He's going to use this charge to help me with so many of the things about which I've been praying.

Then I read 2 Corinthians 13:1-2 "This is the third time I am coming to visit you. The Scriptures tell us that if two or three have seen a wrong, it must be punished. Well, this is my third warning, as I come now for this visit. I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there last; now I warn them again, and all others, just as I did then, that this time I come ready to punish severely and I will not spare them."

Scary.

In verse 10 "I am writing this to you now in the hope that I won't need to scold and punish when I come: for I want to use the Lord's authority which he has given me, not to punish you but to make you strong."

So I am doubly (triply?) determined to follow the Lord's commands immediately. The dishes are done. The kids and I have played cards. The planning for school is almost complete.

I'm listening.

Third Time's A Charm

2008-08-21T10:05:00.007-05:00

On our quaint little porch (on vacation), I was attempting to catch up on my Bible study, "Experiencing God". This particular lesson was a reminder to pay attention to what happens immediately after we pray. Sometimes we pray for God's direction, then unusual things happen. We see them as distractions, when God may have intended them as answers.

As admonished, I prayed, "Help me understand what you are doing in my life."

I hadn't even formed all the words when dh Dan and son Chase joined me on the porch. Okay, I see the humor, didn't look at them as a distraction, but didn't want to read too much into it either. After all, I hadn't even gotten my entire thought out of my mouth!

I did some more of the study. Committed to reading God's Word and letting that be a confirmation of what He's trying to tell me.

Then again I asked, "What are you trying to show me?"

Immediately, some combination of family came out on the porch.

I put aside my study and joined them. Later I read my scripture and again the next day (yesterday). I was totally reminded of the things God has been telling me.

Take care of the small things. Obey immediately. Put aside my own selfish desires, and live to please Him.

I've been asking Him to help me be more disciplined, and He obviously is.

One more time, I sat down yesterday to finish that particular lesson. On the prayer portion I wrote "God, what are you doing in my life? Preparing me for something big in which I must learn to take care of the small details and Big -meaning my family-(at which point Rachel joined my solitude) giving myself to God alone, not pleasing myself but spending time pleasing God."

Three times God interrupted my prayer to show me my family. This isn't the "small things" after all.

Being Spontaneous

2008-08-19T21:35:00.003-05:00

Spontaneity is not my strong suit. Neither is flexibility. But I try.

Last week dh Dan reminded me that he would be working in San Antonio this week. With our van newly fixed, our cat no longer an issue, and school not starting until Aug. 25, we were free to consider going with him. On a lark, I looked into the price of gas compared to the price of an airline ticket which would be reimbursed. It looks like the cost of driving would be only 50 or so dollars more.

Dan's base price of a hotel for only him would be reimbursed. He had one free night's stay certificate. So minimal cost as far as a place to stay.

I've been wanting to take the kids to Sea World ever since I went around four years ago. Motivation.

I held my breath and made the reservations, arrangements, and took the plunge into going.

That's where we are right now.

We are having so much fun. It was such the right decision. I wish I would be braver about "going for it" more.

Remembering this success may encourage me.

Remembering Emily

2008-08-15T12:34:00.009-05:00

A newly single mom and two boys, one barely two, the other just turning five, broke. The home hadn't had much laughter and needed something new. Enter pet. Dog? Too much trouble. Fish? In my experience didn't live long. Cat? Okay. Yeah. Short hair, female, not a kitten but not too old, already spayed, declawed, indoor, FREE. That would work.

I borrowed a newspaper and found exactly that description, plus she was only one year old and black (childhood memories for me)!!

The previous owner also gave us cat food and a dish, cat litter and a litter box. Did I mention we were broke?

They had called her Ebony, but Brad renamed her Emily. She was his birthday present a few days late. She was a gift from God. A very tangible act of love that gave us many moments of joy. Eighteen years worth.

Thank you, God, for loving us so much. Thank you for all you've done for my children. And me.

Isn't That the Way it Goes?

2008-08-14T21:22:00.006-05:00

We were all so sad yesterday walking around the house missing our cat Emily. Chase and I both thought we heard her meow. I suggested he spend some time with our outdoor cat Sassy.

He stepped into the garage to find Sassy "toying" with a couple of baby rabbits.

At least we didn't end the evening by watching "Old Yeller".

Choose Life But Have Dominion: A Theology Lesson from a "Cat Lady"

2008-08-13T21:26:00.004-05:00

Gift from God, 19 year old, Emily the cat had advanced kidney failure. She took a turn for the worse three days ago. At least 30 hours of being too weak to move beyond her head every now and then and her tail, and just as long refusing water, she began to look like she was suffering. She started to cry if we left her side. We've had her for over 18 years. In another post, I'll write what she has meant to me and my family. It's a lot. I was just so torn about what to do. We had prayed over her and for her. I knew we could take her to the vet for a quick and painless ending, but I kept thinking about how God has commanded us to choose life.

An argument could have been made when my grandmother "Mamarie" was in a lot of pain over Christmas to end her life. That argument could not be won in my family. Thank you, Lord.

Torn, I called my cousin Kim. Kim is the "cat lady". She has so many cats that I think it's probably illegal. She's had a ton of pets, and right now she is breeding Siamese kittens. She loves her animals so much. I knew that she would understand my struggle. I don't know what I was expecting exactly, but she surprised me.

She empathized with me totally of course, but ironically told me how "Mamarie" had warned her not to humanize her pets. That through the years she has realized that choose life is a mandate for us Humans. And as humans we have been given dominion over the animals of the earth. We have the responsibility to treat them well. We are not playing God in making a decision to ease their suffering, because they are NOT human. No matter how much we love them. Our emotions get in the way. But we've been charged with a responsibility.

Wow. I love my cousin. It's amazing to find how alike we think about so many things. It meant so much for me to hear these words from her, someone who has loved her animals so much!

So I gathered three of the kids around (though Jeff is 20 and just happened to be visiting), and I shared with them my knew found understanding. I hadn't thought they could handle it, but there they were, totally understanding. Ready to put Emily out of her misery.

We all huddled in the vet's office together.

Yuck. Sometimes making the tough decisions in life really stinks. But I still choose it.

Ties That Bind

2008-07-30T11:31:00.002-05:00

I stood at the sliding glass door holding my breath, willing myself to stay, when all I wanted to do was stand behind little Bradley as he climbed the ladder to the slide on his swing set.

I cried myself silly dropping him off at mother's day out for the first time.

I watched him play inline hockey, football, and rugby. I watched him get injured. All the while I was purposefully standing back.

I've always felt like I had to pry my own fingers off of my first born son's life one at a time. It was so hard.

But when he married Stefanie, my hands were totally open. All the letting go had been done. Brad is his own man. He is the Lord's. He is wise and mature and ready for life.

How wonderful to be able to rejoice at his wedding!!

Technical Difficulties

2008-07-30T11:29:00.001-05:00

This delay in blogging was due to an unforeseen stomach bug. You may return to your regularly scheduled reading.

Brad and Stefanie's Wedding!

2008-07-24T23:16:00.003-05:00

But I Don't Want to Brush My Teeth

2008-07-23T22:58:00.003-05:00

Ten year old Chase was so tired last night that when I told him to brush his teeth he said, "I don't want to." Like he had a choice.

There may be numerous reasons why he doesn't want to brush, and we've tried to address them all, but this is a very common scenario in our home. We tell him to get ready for bed, and he stalls. He has perfected the stall beyond what all three of the other kids have done. When I tell him to brush his teeth now, but he finds many reasons to delay said brushing, he is being disobedient.

I didn't want to write this post, because I think I've said it before, which just goes to show how little I've progressed in this area. However, last night I had to show Chase much mercy in his disobedience, because God had been showing me much mercy in my disobedience. All day He had been telling me to do certain things, one of which was to finish my Bible Study, and I had been whining and stalling.

Of course the lesson in the Bible study was about when God tells us to do something, we must respond immediately. Ouch.

I have some potentially challenging things coming up. It's so important that I take care of the "little things". That's always been the hardest for me. I've begged Him to help me, and I really see how He has been trying to teach me. He has been so patient.

What is God waiting to do through me that I'm prohibiting by my stalling?

Tonight, I made Chase brush his teeth immediately.

(After giving the rabbit water)

A Rose by Any Other Name

2008-07-22T12:29:00.006-05:00

When my mind wanders about the future, I picture Dan and I travelling in a R.V. to visit our children one by one. Hopefully, they'll all live so close to one another this will never have to happen. I would hope however that our visits would be a blessing.

To my horror, a beautiful R.V. parked in our neighborhood...

Is named... THE INTRUDER. What?!!

I'm sure it is an awesome R.V. The people who own it, I'm sure, are just lovely. But who was the advertising genius that came up with this name?

If we were to visit our children in the future R.V., I would like it to be called something hopefully more fitting. Like...

The Blessing

or Welcome Guest

or even We Promise Not to Stay More than Four Days!

But THE INTRUDER? No way.

Swooshing Angel Wings

2008-07-21T22:57:00.004-05:00

I'm reading the book "90 Minutes in Heaven", and Don Piper tells of hearing the swooshing of Angel wings. That reminded me of the coolest experience I had last week.

I had just fallen asleep, when I heard a swooshing noise, and I awoke with a start thinking, "Jesus is coming!" I was so excited and filled with Joy! Then nothing happened.

Several thoughts all at once...

Did He take everyone but me? But no, I wasn't worried about that.

Nothing, no trumpet or other noise and Dan wasn't stirring, so I knew He wasn't really coming. Imminently , I mean.

And just pure joy.

And how great is that? I'm glad to know that Jesus' return will fill me with such gladness, and not fear or worry.

Even now when I think about it, I can still feel that joy. Neat.

Home Alone

2008-07-20T17:05:00.002-05:00

Well, not quite alone. Chase and I are without Dan (off to teach teenagers about the constitution, etc. at Freedom Generation Camp) and Rachel (off to New Orleans on a mission trip).

This after a week of Grandma Dodie visiting. Brad here with one of his groomsmen the week before. Four groomsmen one night. A set of grandparents another night. A cousin/nephew another. What a crazy, fun, busy time.

But, we've recovered from the wedding, and we're alone. Today we saw everyone off (including Brad & Stefanie back from their honeymoon), went to church, grocery shopping and home. We finished 10,000 B.C., ate lunch and swam away the whole afternoon.

Tomorrow we have a lunch invitation, then Chase has a friend over all afternoon till evening. Good thing, too. I'm teaching two Frugal Living classes Tuesday night, and I'm not ready. So Chase and his buddy will have fun, and I'll have the freedom to finish prepping.

Still, it feels a little lonely. It won't be long until Rachel is gone off to college, so I guess we better start getting used to it.

Back to Blogging

2008-07-19T09:30:00.003-05:00

Some very cool things have happened, are happening, will happen. So much to blog about that I haven't known where to start. Hopefully these things will spill out in the days and weeks to come.

In doing a Bible study, I'm reminded that I'm supposed to be God-centered, not self-centered. Duh. Why do I keep forgetting that?

In asking God how I can remember to keep Him and His provisions and abilities and desires first, He reminded me of the times where I spent my day asking God, "What next?"

I can do that. So, I asked God, "What do you want me to do now?"

He told me to write in my blog. Isn't God fun? He has so totally blessed my socks off, and this blog is one of the ways I've wanted to share the cool things He does in my life. Yet, I've left it stagnant. Time for fresh water.

Above All Again

2008-06-12T23:37:00.004-05:00

Seventeen years ago, I was at a single's conference with two friends. One of those friends (Renee) and I have stayed in touch over the years even though I moved away. During that conference, I felt like God put a desire and call in my heart to speak for him. As in some type of public speaking.

But I remarried and had two more children. I've been busy homeschooling them and participating in various ministries. Over time, I've been able to speak a little here and there. Usually just short five to seven minutes segments.

But I was given the opportunity to be the speaker at a women's event two nights ago. I was able to share how women reflected God's love to me throughout my life. It was awesome, and I might tell more.

One of the coolest things was that my friend Renee "just happened" to be in town that night. How appropriate and so very special that Renee was able to be there for the culmination of this very old dream!! God is so good indeed.

Above and Beyond All that We Can Think or Imagine

2008-06-11T05:46:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I spoke at a women's event. It was the fulfillment of a 17 year old calling. More about that later. Something very cool happened to me that morning.

I went out on my deck to pray and study my speech a little more. I was thanking God for this tiny wooded view he's given us in the middle of the city. Thanking him for the pool he's given us. The green trees and the blue skies. It's just so pretty, and all the things in nature just fill me with wonder at God's awesomeness. I looked up, and there in the wooded area was a deer!! Never in the 13 years we've lived here have we ever seen a deer! It stayed for so long. I was able to call my son to see it. He grabbed my camera and I got a couple of shots. He was even able to go down to our fence and call for the deer. After awhile, it slowly went down to the little creek area. If you can call it that. It's just stagnant water.

It was as if God were telling me that scripture in Ephesians about being able to do abundantly more than we can think or imagine. I could never have imagined there would be a deer in my back yard. What a wonderful gift from God on a special day. Thank you, thank you, Jesus.

My Television is Possessed

2008-04-11T11:22:00.005-05:00

There is no other logical explanation. I don't know how long it's been going on, because we use the T.V. mostly for movies and video games. There are certain channels we don't watch too often. I think it was last weekend that my daughter Rachel and I were watching a movie, and while we had it stopped turned over to PBS for a Masterpiece Theater. Only it was extremely annoying because it was broadcast for the blind! Which meant that they narrated and explained every motion.

Later, my son Chase was watching a cartoon on PBS, and they were doing the same thing. I looked just now, and they aren't doing it.

Then, again flipping through the channels, I noticed that "Dancing with the Stars" was being broadcast in Spanish. Weird, but we weren't watching it, so I ignored it.

Then last night, we turned on "Survivor", and we could here the music, but no dialogue. The T.V. in the kitchen was fine. After the first commercial, the dialogue came back on. But, while I was flipping through the channels trying to figure out what was wrong, "Desperate Housewives" was broadcasting Spanish again. In the kitchen it was purely English. All the other channels were fine.

Oh, and if I received the channel through the VCR, everything was normal.

So it sounds like the TV right? I went through the menu, all the buttons I could find, but to no avail. There seems to be no logical reason.

A couple of weeks ago, one of the channels was mysteriously missing, so I did the automatic reconfigure which stations we receive. So, I thought maybe there are stations broadcasting in these special "features". We looked at the online TV guide, but there were no stations listed like this.

By the way, we don't have cable or satellite. Something's in the air...

God's Big Plans for Me

2008-04-09T14:36:00.004-05:00

At Bible study today, we watched a slide show and heard about an orphanage in Mexico that we are helping. This "retired" couple, only in their 40's, bought a home in Mexico and waited upon the Lord. He brought them an orphan on their doorstep. Soon he brought another and another. And now they have something like 24 girls and 14 boys. I actually think it's more than that. Every month they have more bills than money. But they just keep trusting God.

If the following sounds repetitious, it's because it's a reoccurring theme in my life. When will I learn? Anyway, I want to do that!! Not that in particular, but something where I'm using my life in a big, no holds bar kind of way for Christ.

I've always been the Braveheart disembowel me for Christ kind of person. But don't ask me to gather firewood in the rain.

What I mean is, I'm one of the blessed ones that actually recognizes when and what God is telling me, if I listen. Right now, He doesn't tell me to retire and move to Mexico to start an orphanage. He tells me to send an encouraging email, make a meal for a hurting friend, play along with my son when he tries to hire me for pretend money so I can buy his stuff. It doesn't seem sacrificial enough. Big enough.

But apparently it is. Because it's so hard for me to do. My flesh doesn't want to. And it may be bigger than I think, because God knows the big plan. He knows my place in it.

So guess what he's telling me now? Back to that same old thing again...

Unload the dishwasher.

Overlooking the Grammar

2008-04-07T10:11:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time since I posted, but this is appropriately the post after my birthday post. My son (9 at the time) wrote me this letter.

Mom. I love you so very much!! Who could ask for a beter mom. Your so awsome!!! here are the ways your awsome.
Good at cooking
teaching
tutoring
and most of all....
.....being a mom.
happy birthday mom.
your ever
loving
son,
Chase

Happy Leap Birthday To Me!

2008-02-29T14:32:00.002-06:00

What fun! There are web sites and you tube videos supporting us Leap Day Babies!! It's hilarious. Here are some interesting facts I found on one of these sites today...

Roughly 200,000 Americans are quadrennials

More than 2.1 million people throughout the world are quads

There is a 1 in 1,506 or 1,461 chance that a child will be born on Leap Day

I never knew. Tongue-in-cheek, I'm sure, "they" complain about discrimination. Not being able to vote or get a driver's license.

Not only have I never had these problems, I'm getting a free pizza from Papa John's today because it's my birthday.

I love my birthday. It seems like people remember it. Maybe not every year, but once every four years I get a lot of cards and often a party! Only two snail mail cards so far, but tons of e-cards. Sign of the times I guess. They're just as great.

On my off years, I get birthday wishes for two days because no one remembers if I celebrate February 28 or March 1. I do March 1, for the record.

When I was little, my daddy teased me mercilessly that I didn't have a birthday. But it is a treasured memory for me now.

In second grade the teacher asked us to write down our birthday, and I asked which one. She retorted rather snottily, "You only have one birthday." Which is technically true, but a little confusing for a seven-year-old, who had only celebrated one birthday on the actual birth day.

It seemed weird to me that I get so excited about this once every four year birthday celebration, but after watching some of the you tube videos, I see I'm not the only one!

Thanks, Mom. You did good. ♥

First Date

2008-02-28T16:05:00.003-06:00

Seventeen years ago today I went on the first date with my now husband. We drove sixteen or more hours to Colorado to go snow skiing. We picked up one of his friends along the way. Thinking about it now, I guess it was a leap of faith for both of us. What if we'd hated each other? That would have been one really long date.

A mutual friend (Mom) had introduced us a couple of weeks earlier. But, we really didn't start talking until right before the date/trip. My mom had been friends with him for around six months, and I knew she liked him. When pressed if he was "...the one?", she had to say, "He might be."

He barely knew me, though maybe Mom filled him in a bit.

He was going to CO skiing with a friend anyway, so the idea was he needed my help with the driving since it was such a long trip. We cleared the air that neither of us thought anything inappropriate was going to occur.

We were both adults. In fact he a bachelor, and me a single mom of two boys.

I had a computer class at the college, so he picked me up around 9:00 p.m. on a Thursday, and we drove probably twelve hours before we picked up his friend.

So many things I loved about this date.

We had time to talk and talk. I asked him every question in the book, from what's your favorite toothpaste, and how do your parents resolve conflict, to what was your favorite Christmas gift?

It was my birthday (sort of), and an anniversary of my husband leaving me. This was God's restoration.

I'd never been skiing, and I was eager to find out how he would treat me. Much to my pleasure, he signed me up for lessons, helped me get my gear on, took me to the class. He met me for lunch and just took great care of me.

In the hotel room, he gave me the bed and slept on the floor.

The truck broke down on the way home. He had tools, but couldn't quite get it fixed (what a wizard he is at fixing everything). But we were close to his family, so they met us and helped us. I got to meet his family. They were so warm and loving. Dan's mom gave me a hug goodbye, and that touched my heart. I was so excited when the truck broke, because I wanted to see how he would handle it. He was so patient and calm.

At the end of that long, long date, he gave me a hug goodbye. What a gentleman!

He probably didn't realize how much of a test he was taking, but he passed with flying colors.

And he continues to amaze me. I am so blessed.

I Did it My Way

2008-02-28T11:36:00.002-06:00

I feel almost flooded with new information about myself, and the things God wants to change in me. It is exciting to feel like He is preparing me for something challenging and big. It is odd that it's taken this long for me to realize these things about myself. It is scary to think that there's so much more wrong with me than I ever knew.

I'm still working on my tongue and hence my attitude. But I'm aghast at some of the things that flew out of that portal last night!

And yesterday, I had another startling revelation about myself. Not only am I a more critical person than I believed I was, I'm also controlling!

For those of you that have wrestled me over the remote, stop laughing. I knew I liked things my way. I knew I could be bossy. I attributed a lot of that to being the oldest child and being selfish and prideful. That I knew.

Wow. Controlling people can really annoy me. I guess that's the one finger pointed at you, three pointing back at me kind of thing.

But I'm willing to change. If I can just be the one to decide when, where and how much. Ha! ☺

Sergeant York

2008-02-17T16:02:00.006-06:00

With Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan, this movie featuring World War One was a delight. Most of the movie tells about York's background before the war. He was a drinker and a fighter, then turned to Christ. He changes quite dramatically and is a conscientious objector to the war because he doesn't believe he can kill and follow God. He faces quite a dilemma of following God or honoring his country or reconciling how he can do both.

It lead to some good discussions with the kids. It also prompted me to look up how much of the movie was true.

Most of it was! Even the most difficult part to believe was true, which was his heroism in the war. I don't want to give it away, but it was pretty amazing.

The war scenes are hokey. Unfortunately, we've seen much more realistic death. But that nor the lack of color bothered us. If you watch it, let me know what you thought of the picture of his mother. We laughed pretty hard at that scene.

Nine year-old son, fourteen year-old daughter, Mom and Dad all give the movie five stars.

So Brad, is Sayid Still the Man?

2008-02-15T13:23:00.006-06:00

You will be lost by this post if you're not a LOST fan. Which I am. Big time.

I had a dream last night that I figured out the whole space time continuum thing, but this morning it didn't make sense because the pilot wasn't wearing his wedding ring.

Sayid must have sold his soul.

Why????? (cried with anguish)

BTW, if you want to know all the theories and get screen caps, this site is awesome. http://www.darkufo.blogspot.com/

Valentine Blow-Out

2008-02-15T10:01:00.003-06:00

Dr. Phil, Weight Watchers, Thin Within, Weigh Down, plus every nutritional article I've ever read are in my brain as I try to lose weight. But, I'm trying to combine my knowledge with following God's guidance. So I try to listen to Him and not be tied up with diet "rules".

I've come to have the same thing for breakfast every morning. At first I had a fruit and whole grain, plus a protein and milk. But I can hardly choke it down even though I stop eating by 7:00 the night before. So now I have an apple cut up into 3/4 of a serving of oatmeal and some hot tea.

I've been feeling pleased about my eating habits, but last night was a blow-out.

We had a romantic dinner at home with steak, baked potato, asparagus, and wine. Not too bad, I had a very small potato with low-fat sour cream and a small piece of steak. It was so good. I did have 2 1/2 glasses of wine. And then we had Moellieux au Chocolat, known in America as Oozing Chocolate Lava Cake. Ohhh, it was roll your eyes in the back of your head good. I don't have any ramekins, so I used a muffin tin and made six individual cakes instead of four. And it was so rich I didn't know if I could eat all of that one, but I did.

Then I prayed for the leftover two to be gone, because I just wanted to eat more and more. My husband and son polished those off, so yea!

And I woke up feeling lousy this morning. Do you think it was all the sugar?

That was fun last night, but my oatmeal tasted really good this morning.

Who ARE You Talking To?

2008-02-13T12:48:00.005-06:00

Last night, my nine year-old Chase climbed into bed with us after a nightmare. I could then no longer sleep. My husband Dan snuggled in close to Chase and said quietly, "I'm not done with you."

Chase raised concern, "What?!"

In another quiet (read sinister) voice Dan replied, "I'm not talking to you."

"Okay, you're totally scaring the daylights out of me," Chase panicked.

Amidst my outburst of laughter, I told Chase that his dad was talking in his sleep. Then we both laughed so hard.

I still didn't get any sleep.

My Mother Teaching me to Do Without

2008-02-12T12:48:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I posted about some things I do without. But it really got me to thinking about the things my mother did without when I was a child, and how much our society has changed.

1. I don't think we took the newspaper until I was at least 12. I could be wrong, but I remember reading my Aunt Diane's.

2. I never even heard of satellite until I was 15. When was it invented anyway? We had an old black and white television until I was 10 or 11.

3. I remember my mom having a Redbook subscription when I was in my early teens. She denies it, but I liked reading the, "Can this Marriage be Saved" column. She tore out the sex column so I couldn't read it.

4. When I was in elementary school, Mom & Diane would load us kids into the car and we'd go to the drive-in. We could bring our own popcorn & soda. I guess this was doing without going to the theater, but it was great fun.

5. We seldom ate out. But I don't know that many people did. I remember the first McDonald's came to town when I was 9 or 10. Our school class took a field trip there.

6. I don't remember having a phone until my brother was born. I was six. It was black, and we had a party line.

Then there are all the things I see as a necessity now. No washer until brother was born, and the dryer came later. No second car. Many trips to the grocery store and library with the wagon. No central air conditioning, except for a couple of years we lived in a townhome. Did we have any a/c before that? No dishwasher until I was around 16.

So many things that I never even knew we "needed". I'm a big believer in doing without. It's not always fun, but it builds an attitude of gratitude for the things we have.

Doing Without

2008-02-11T19:42:00.001-06:00

Doing without seems like I phrase I heard a lot, spoken with respect, while I was growing. I never hear it anymore.

What I do hear is this catchy commercial, "I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now." And he buys a big screen T.V.

It's important to me to point out those type of commercials to the kids and to myself. It is such an easy mindset to slip into.

Instead, I will be glad for some of the things we have chosen to do without.

Daily & weekend newspaper (we get a free paper Wed., Fri., and Sun.)
Cable or Satellite
Magazine subscriptions (though my kids have some given as gifts from grandparents)
Video rentals (we use the library)
Eating out (I can't say totally, but I try very hard to cook.)
Cell phone (my husband needs one for work, but he's the only one with the cell.)

I must admit, the cell phone is the hardest one. I wonder if there are some things that I wouldn't even think of because we've gone without them for so long.

On the other hand, we may do with some things that you would always chose to do without.

Pinching Pennies

2008-02-11T19:27:00.000-06:00

Every January, our Pastor encourages us to sign a commitment card that we're going to put God first in our finances. We already do, but we always fill out the card anyway, because he promises to pray for us.

A couple of years ago, I noticed that coincidentally the first few months of the year are always the most difficult for us.

Besides having just paid our personal and property taxes, we've always just finished Christmas, which usually entailed a long trek out of town. Add to that tag renewals in January, a life insurance payment, and car insurance due in February.

This year included some serious dental expenses for my youngest, and some serious car repairs for the old (but appreciated) van.

We're a frugal family. I love to read frugality blogs. I'm always trying to learn something new on trimming the expenses. There doesn't seem to be too many things left.

So, I've finally given up soda. For the most part.

I've tried in the past to limit myself to one a day, but inevitably would have a day when I drank five or six. Also, my youngest son has gotten into the bad habit of thinking he needs one soda a day. Call it old age, but I never would have allowed this with the older kids.

So, now he can only have one a week. And I can have one occasionally. In the past three weeks, I've probably had three. Diet Rite Cherry. Yum. My favorite.

I'm really doing fine without it. I figure we'll be saving around $150 a year. Every little bit helps.

The Heart of The Matter

2008-02-07T12:26:00.000-06:00

Giant cookies, home made breads, boxes of chocolates were all left over from Bible study on Wednesday. Last semester there wasn't enough food to go around! A lot of women must be dieting. I even heard someone say, "I wish there were vegetables."

It will be interesting to see how soon the snack table starts to clear off. Will it be by the end of February or hold out until April?

How many diets have I been on? Have you been on? Lifestyle changes. Better eating choices. It's now or never.

The willpower only lasts so long. Then gradually, or in one big bag of oreo crunching, the new me/you is out and the old me/you is baaaack!

Lasting change will never happen for me without the help of God. All the positive thinking. All the willpower. All the powders, pills, plans. It won't work.

The change I'm focusing on (dare I admit it?) is my tongue. The words that exit my mouth originated in my heart. So I'm trying to listen to the words before they have the chance to escape. Then I'm looking at my heart condition to see what those words really meant.

And this is really all related to food and lasting change. Yesterday I really struggled through wanting to indulge in some unhealthy food. What I really wanted was to indulge in some unhealthy speaking. That old criticism thing again. So if I had the tasty morsels of food, I could forgo the tasty morsels of slander.

Ah. Heart check time. I spent some time in prayer. Confessing, admitting my powerlessness, asking for strength. He delivered.

Help me, Lord. You alone know how wicked is my heart.

Rewards and Consequences

2008-02-06T17:34:00.000-06:00

I'm fairly obtuse. My poor sweet husband doesn't understand that I don't get "hints". When he said that he'd like to have his coat washed by Wednesday, I didn't put it together that he meant he'd like for me to wash it by Wednesday. He tries to be so sweet, but I don't do subtle.

In fact, in a lot of my prayers I ask God to hit me over the head with His answer, because I just don't get it.

This Fall a friend shared in Bible study how her daughter was ready for a big girl bike. Same daughter had a problem with being respectful. Mom had tried many negative consequences, but struck upon the idea of rewarding her daughter with a dollar in a jar towards the bike every time she voluntarily said things like, "Thank you, Mommy." It worked wonderfully.

I mentioned and have thought since wouldn't it be great if God gave us these negative consequences and positive attaboys for our choices?

A wise woman said, "He does in my life all the time."

I bet He does in mine, too. Again, I'm obtuse.

So I've been praying and asking God to show me the rewards and consequences of my choices.

I've been choosing to keep the dishes hand-washed and picked up better than when we still had use of the dishwasher. I'm seeing the positive cleaning spilling over to keeping other things picked up, too.

I'd love to hear some of your rewards and consequences!

Uncommonly Beautiful

2008-02-06T17:05:00.000-06:00

This video features a friend of mine. She says it better than I ever could.

Still doing the dishes

2008-02-04T20:36:00.000-06:00

A while back I posted on the Holy Spirit's constant answer to the question of what to do now as the dishes.

Since that time, my precious, spoils me, mother-in-law came for a visit. As long as I cooked, she did the dishes. Not only that, but cleaned the counters, table, sink. Two whole weeks I had the star treatment. And when she left I declared, "It will stay this way." Clean and picked up I mean.

But, it didn't.

I thought how wonderful of the Lord to send this angel to my house right after I grumbled about there always being dishes to do.

I thought this break was what I needed to get myself in a good habit.

Ha!

So, the Lord is trying a new tactic.

For a while the handle on the dishwasher has not worked correctly. In fact, dear mother-in-law had to learn the secret of getting the door opened. My daughter had written an explanatory paper on how to get the door open.

Two days ago the handle finally broke. I managed to wrench the door open to get the clean dishes out, but dear hubby said we couldn't use it anymore until it got fixed.

The part is on back order and won't be in until the end of the month. So at least three more weeks of doing dishes by hand.

I can't help but remember when I started washing the Sunday afternoon dishes when I was eight or nine. It was either that or take a nap like my parents and little brother. So I washed and dreamed I was Cinderella (pre-Fairy Godmother).

My nine year-old son helped me dry the first load. And he washed part of a load tonight. He's enjoying it. My daughter has also cheerfully volunteered to help. And of course, dear hubby has pitched in, too. I didn't realize I was depriving them all.

Laughing Gas Honesty

2008-02-01T09:36:00.000-06:00

Yesterday the dentist mentioned in front of my son that he liked to watch a certain program on TV.

To which Chase said, "That's a bad show"

Doctor: "Well, it's not a show for kids your age, right Mom?"

And he kind of gave me a look that suggested I was not monitoring my son.

So Chase asked, "Why would you watch that show?"

He pretended not to hear and went on to the procedure.

I actually enjoyed this exchange very much.

Motivation for Lasting Change

2008-01-31T09:46:00.000-06:00

At the end of January, most people's New Year resolutions have flown south. I can say that I didn't really have anything, just everything. Everything that I'm trying to be and change and do. All the time, not just New Year's.

Motivation is always a big problem, and today Chip Ingram really spoke about that. He talked about three motivations...

Guilt
Self-interest
Being deeply loved

Let me pick something as an example. This morning I woke to a fairly clean house because we had youth group here last night. It was such a joy and encouragement. Every time this happens, I think, this time I will keep it this way. But it never lasts for long.

I can be motivated by guilt for awhile. I feel guilty that we lose things. I feel guilty that I don't offer my husband the kind of house cleaning he grew up with. I feel guilty that I'm privileged to stay home and school the kids, but don't keep it cleaner.

I can be motivated for awhile by self-interest. It does make me feel better about myself to keep it clean. I can really enjoy it, invite people over on a whim, and relax.

But these motivations only last for awhile...

What if I was motivated because God loves me so much. He has given me so much! And my spiritual act of worship is to offer my body as a living sacrifice. It is my chance to honor God. To obey him. To show him how much I love him.

I don't think that it makes it easy. But if I can really get a grasp, really chose to be motivated that way, it should be a lasting and permanent change.

What's in a Word?

2008-01-30T14:48:00.000-06:00

I was all warm and snuggly in my new velour "sweats" and hoodie. Mom got them for me for Christmas. My son asked me, "So Mom, are those your saloon clothes?"

What?!

After some struggling, I finally figured out that he meant lounge clothes!

Munching Peanut Brittle

2007-12-13T18:30:00.000-06:00

This recipe makes a good peanut brittle. Plus it is super easy to make using the microwave. I never trust those candy thermometers anyway!

MUNCHING PEANUT BRITTLE

1 c. Sugar
1/2 c. white corn syrup
In 1 1/2 qt. casserole stir together sugar and syrup.
Microwave at High (10) 4 minutes.

1 c. roasted, salted peanuts
Stir in peanuts.
Microwave at High (10) 3 to 5 minutes, until light brown.

1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Add butter and vanilla to syrup, blending well.
Microwave at High (10) 1 to 2 minutes more.
Peanuts will be lightly browned and syrup very hot.

1 tsp. baking soda
Add baking soday and gently stir until light and foamy.

Pour mixture onto lightly greased cookie sheet.
Let cool 1/2 to 1 hour. When cool break into small pieces and store in air -tight container.

Begging for Myrrh

2007-12-11T23:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas has become very stressful. We're as busy as usual, only now there's the added pressure of decorating, shopping, cooking, wrapping. We have a tradition that I'm guilty of starting. Almost every year we have cut down our own tree. This year, I'm not sure if any of the farms are open when we're free to go. Plus the weather has been bad. Really wet and/or icy. I'm not sure what we're going to do.

I heard about an idea for presents the other day and searched for it in between chauffeuring today. It's about giving the kids three presents each to represent the three gifts of the magi. Each gift has a tie-in to the original gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It's titled "Begging for Myrrh".

Instead of another thing to do, it seems like something that will fit in with what we already do, with the terrific bonus of pointing our eyes toward Christ as we celebrate His birthday.

Read it. I think you'll like it.

I Blew It!

2007-12-09T22:14:00.000-06:00

Last night I was very critical. I made a lot of snide comments, at least to myself if not to too many others. I apologized to God and vowed to do better today.

This morning I read and wrote down Philippians 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. "

Then promptly went to church and got irritated that something that should have been taken care of wasn't. And I let that irritation turn to criticism.

I did feel convicted, however, and apologized, and spoke about this verse.

A few hours later I was yelling at someone I love very, very dearly.

I think that among other things, I was trying to be "good" on my own. And honestly, I can't be what I'm not. I needed to take more time to really surrender my self to the power of the Holy Spirit, so that He would be working through me. In the busyness of the day, I hadn't taken the time on my knees that I so desperately need.

I could tell you the whole story and then some. And you probably would really sympathize with me. But honestly, I'm just feeling sick.

I know the Lord forgives me. My family still loves me. But I feel so rotten that I didn't stay on the right path. So I'm hoping that I can turn this into a lesson of how much I have to stay on my knees. Guard against trying to do it myself. And hopefully God will give me some grace tonight, because right now it feels too hard.

I Really Wanted to Complain

2007-12-08T12:49:00.001-06:00

I had the phone in my hand. I was ready to call a friend and dump my hurt feelings. Then I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit telling me to stop! Talk to God about it instead.

So I put the phone down and said a brief prayer. I really felt better, and I was kind of disappointed, because I really wanted to complain. I know I could have gotten some sympathy. Someone would have told me I was right to be hurt and angry.

But as God has been working on my heart, I really see how arrogant it is to complain that someone didn't live up to my expectations. I wasn't hurt intentionally. I wasn't sinned against. I was just disappointed.

And without thinking it through, I could've really injured someone's reputation, just because I was hurt. Really, when you think about it, telling anyone how someone hurt, or injured, or disappointed you is damaging to their reputation.

And that's not really love.

If I had disappointed someone, would I want them telling others how I didn't live up to their expectations? Or would I want them to give me some grace? Or give me a little allowance in my behavior, realizing that my priorities might not match theirs?

So the Holy Spirit spoke, and I listened. That's a good day. No complaints.

Update on Spirit Guided Weight Loss

2007-12-07T20:40:00.000-06:00

I've been looking in the mirror, thinking I've lost some weight, but I really don't have a giant urge to get on the scale. In fact, I don't plan on getting on the scale until...? I don't even have a plan for that. I'm trying to let God be the focus of my life, particularly in what I eat, so I don't want to let the scale be my judge.

As I've been seeking God instead of hiding out in the snack department, I've noticed a few things. I'm a lot more critical than I realized. It's easier to hide my feelings in food than to be honest about things I'm not proud of feeling. I'm taking these to the Lord.

As I've let God know how powerless I am to do this on my own, I've also noticed a few helps. For the first week, ice cream lost all of its appeal to me. I have however perservered to like it again. But a half cup or so suits me just fine.

I have had a greater thirst for plain old water. We have a new refrigerator with water in the door, and the filter makes our otherwise nasty water very tasty. In the past, I've tried to limit my intake of soda to one Diet Rite a day, but now sometimes I go without one for the whole day. And there are other days I have more than one. I'm trying to let the Holy Spirit be my guide, not some hard and fast rule.

Hunger has not been a problem. Also, the sugar cravings I usually have disappeared after I started reading my Bible daily and praying the Armor of God.

None of this to say I feel victorious. This is a big battle for me. The only way I can win it is not in my own power. I really, truly have to pray each day and ask God to fight this battle for me. And guess what? He does!!♥

Starting the Day Right

2007-12-06T20:11:00.000-06:00

Ever since I said I was going to try to not complain, I've been sick with a head cold. Not a complaint, just a fact. It's been one of those weeks, where I'm not sure I'm thinking straight.

That said, I wanted to say more about the Spirit-guided life.

This Fall, I participated in a women's Bible study, where our small group of ladies studied Seeking Him: Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival . It was a terrific book that really spoke to me. In the last chapter, Nancy Leigh DeMoss says, "Your relationship with Christ will never be any greater than your relationship with His Word."

I have been getting daily devotionals in my inbox from The Purpose Driven Life and a daily Bible verse from Christ Notes, but for too long I've allowed that along with my Bible study to be my time in God's word.

So for the past three weeks, I've spent most days reading my Bible. Most days I read one or more chapters before I do anything else. Sometimes I look words up in The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible/New International Version. Then I get on my knees and pray over my day. Often that prayer has to do with what I've just read. Always, I pray to release my control over my life and ask God to work in me, through me.

Lately. I've been reading both Philippians and Romans 12 over and over again. I'm trying to meditate on it and really apply it to my life.

I've seen a difference in how much more powered by the Holy Spirit I feel after I've spent time in God's word that way. It seems to be a real key for me. As long as I do it everyday, it's easy. I want to open the Bible first thing. But if I miss a day, the next day is hard for me to open His word. Keeping the pull of the flesh at bay begins with seeking God first. We all know it, I'm just saying it's been working for me.

No Complaints

2007-12-03T10:31:00.000-06:00

I'm planning to spend the next several days updating my progress with walking by the Spirit.

For the past few days, God has been showing me and reminding me of the Scripture, Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without complaining or arguing, ". In fact my daughter Rachel and I have been having a conversation about it. How we like to "complain". And I put it into quotes because we don't look at it as complaining. We're explaining how someone, or something happened to mess with our plans, feelings, or opinions. We're women, and we need to talk it out to understand what's going on with us. Right?

Lately, I'll apologize for complaining mid-rant, and invariably the person I'm speaking to says that it's okay. We all need to vent, and they understand.

But as God kept teaching me about complaining, I saw that it is the opposite of something else he has commanded us. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". I thought about the Israelites complaining in the desert about how tired they were of God's provision of manna.

And wow, isn't that just like me? My pride, my selfish desires, even my righteous indignation gives way to complaining, instead of remembering all of God's provision. Nothing comes to me without first going through God's hands.

Maybe the very thing I complain about was sent to grow me. "He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you." Deuteronomy 6:18

I must admit I feel pretty humbled. Lately I think I've been failing the test. This walking in the Spirit is eye-opening.

There may still be something to talking it out, but first I need to talk it out with Jesus, instead of the person from whom I'm going to get the desired response. Because this is God's will for me in Christ Jesus.

Celebrating $2.82 a Gallon Gas

2007-11-29T10:16:00.000-06:00

I'm not actually celebrating the price of a gallon of gas being so high. I was on empty on a day I had to drive all over, which is pretty much every day. So, I had to stop and fill up. Sometimes I only get $5 or $10 worth because I'm hoping the price will drop. But gas was $2.82, and it had been that for quite some time, so I risked getting the full tank.

Next day...$2.98! A .17 jump!

What does it say about me that buying gasoline feels like playing the stock market?

Parents, Teenagers, Friends?

2007-11-27T08:52:00.000-06:00

I read an interesting post titled High Hopes over at Rocks In My Dryer, yesterday. It was about Miley Cyrus who plays Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel, which we don't get but can see the Saturday morning version.

She and her dad, Billy Ray, were interviewed, and he said something about wanting to be her best friend. The post was positive about Miley's character with the hopes that she's able to retain it. The interesting part was a deep concern about her father wanting to be her friend. That lead to many posts agreeing, some vehemently, that parenting and friendship never mix.

I understand the sentiment. We've all seen parents trying to be "friends" that let their kids run down the path of destruction.

Maybe the problem is what one calls a friend.

My daughter is awesome. I'm so proud that she thinks of me as her mom and her friend. We have shopping "dates" where we eat pretzel bites and drink smoothies when we need a break. We talk about friends, music, movies, boys, and cars (more about that later). She trusts me, and I love that she feels like I'm on her side. But I'm still the mom. I still have to say, "Go to bed. Do your school work. Be nice to your brother."

As much as some are scared by parents who want to be friends with their children, I am scared by those who think parenting and friendship are mutually exclusive. I think there's room for both. What do you think?

You Want Me to What?

2007-11-26T13:28:00.000-06:00

One great thing over the Thanksgiving week was my dear husband being off of work. He is such a great help, and he kept the dishes going. Which was pretty tricky considering the timing of eleven or so people trying to take showers.

Trying to walk by the Spirit all day makes me stop, a lot, and ask,"So what should I do now?". It feels like the answer is always, "Unload the dishwasher". Which leads to many questions. Who loaded it to begin with? How can four people make so many dirty dishes? And didn't I just do this?

I've realized that I dislike intensely unloading the dishwasher. So this week of Dan serving his family was especially appreciated by me. Any time in the future he wants to serve this way will be appreciated by the kids, because I've decided they need to learn to use the same cup more than once a sip. Translation: Dishwasher duty. ☻

Fun & Games

2007-11-24T12:53:00.001-06:00

With family all together, it's time to play games! We all love games, and it's a good break from all the movie watching. Last night my family caved in and finally played my favorite game with me-Boggle. I could barely get to sleep last night after all the excitement. Just as I was drifting off, it occured to me that Boggle might be on software. And it is! So hey, hey all friends and family members, here is what I would like for Christmas.

Boggle/Upwords/Hangman/Word Hunter Collection

Thankful Today

2007-11-22T08:51:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving holds so many happy memories for me. Only one or two sad ones. It's always been a big deal to get together for that day in our family. So much so that the oldest boys' dad and I worked it out so that even after the divorce, I would have them with me over every Thanksgiving. Where we get together and who actually comes has changed many times over the years. But today, I woke up with all four of my children under the same roof. God helped me stay on top of getting the house and food almost done. I couldn't have done it without the great help of my great husband and Rachel and Chase. It is a very good day. I am very thankful.

Making Your Vote "Count"

2007-11-20T10:14:00.000-06:00

It seems like many people I know either don't vote or when they do, feel like they're voting for the lesser of two evils. A few years ago, I personally came to the conclusion that I needed to vote my conscience and trust that God would deliver the leaders He chose. This year so many of the "Religious-Right" are really torn about which way to go. Well, there is a candidate who I've never felt better about. And that is Congressman Ron Paul.

What do you think?

Lesson in Forgiveness

2007-11-19T21:07:00.000-06:00

There's probably a lot I learned about forgiveness as a child from my mother, but another lesson has been on my mind.

I thought I was over it. That I wasn't really hurt. Then finally confessed some bitter feelings to a friend the other day. About someone else. To be honest, she isn't the only one I've "confessed to". I woke from a dream that really expressed how I was feeling, but ended in the other person being humiliated and me laughing about it. Wow. I felt terrible and let my friend know how sorry I was that I had involved her in my anger.

Something I thought I had forgotten came flooding back to me. In high school, a friend and I had a falling out that ended up involving quite a few people. It culminated in a diminished Prom for several. I was very angry and woke from a dream one morning. This friend had been physically hurt in the dream, and though it wasn't at my hands, I knew I was directing the dream.

That's the first time I remember consciously realizing how unforgiveness can really hurt ourselves. I forgave her, apologized for my transgressions, tried to make restitution, and lost a friend anyway.

So, I keep taking my feelings to the Lord. I know I'm taking things personally that have nothing to do with me. Sometimes I have feelings that my mind can't talk me out of. But God can and will, and I'll keep asking Him to do so.

Reason

2007-11-18T21:57:00.000-06:00

This is an awesome video, but comes with a warning. There are some graphic scenes from The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition) and you will need to watch with a tissue.

Bring a Great Dish to your Gathering

2007-11-17T22:31:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time, I was a single mom with a very limited budget. I attended a small church that had potluck gatherings, which I loved. It was so great to eat from a variety of terrific dishes that I didn't have to prepare. Plus, my two young boys got fed. Not that I didn't feed them, but one mom and two small children can't eat a whole casserole. Anyway, I found a dish that I could make that was easy, inexpensive, yet really enjoyed. That dish is Deviled Eggs. Ironic, huh? The recipe is stolen right out of the New Cook Book, 75th Anniversary Limited Edition So many people just add mayonnaise, but be brave, try the recipe. It's really good.

Something else that has simplified my life is having one or two recipes that I'm "known" for, like my mother who is known for her pecan pie, and my brother who is known for his fudge. It came about quite accidentally that a friend of mine was involved in several of the same events as I was. When it came time for me to bring a dish, she would always request my Oriental Cabbage Salad. After a while it dawned on me that I could take this dish everywhere. It was always popular and easy for me. I don't have to think long and hard about what I'll bring, and I remember the ingredients so it's pretty easy for me at the grocery store, too.

Putting on the Armor

2007-11-16T22:21:00.000-06:00

Praying the armor of God is something that has helped me tremendously deal with difficult circumstances. Most particularly when I've had advanced warning. But I wanted to share how I've been gearing up in my battle with the flesh and my weight. Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV

I took liberties to pray them out of order, but this is what I have done.

To be strong in the Lord, I ask Him to fill me with the Holy Spirit, because I do not have the power to do this on my own.
Since I have the helmet of salvation I know that I have access to the mind of Christ. I also ask to take every thought captive.
The belt of Truth is Jesus. I ask that I hear the truth from Him about my habits, eating choices, etc.
The breastplate of righteousness reminds me that I am totally accepted by God. No matter how I do today, He will not love less.
I pray for my feet to be quick to tell others about Jesus, but also to be quick to talk about what he's doing in my life, and to be a peacemaker.
The shield of faith is my protection against the fiery arrows of satan. I pray that I will remember to have faith that all things are possible with Christ when satan tells me I will fail again.
I ask for the Holy Spririt to bring scripture to my memory throughout the day to keep me standing strong against the lies that will be thrown at me.
And finally, I ask God to help me remember to pray at all times.

Was this concrete enough?

Spirit Guided Weight Loss?

2007-11-15T18:58:00.000-06:00

Two days ago I weighed myself. It was bad. Very bad. But not as bad as I was expecting. For the past two or three years I've seem to hit a plateau. On the way up that is. The scary thing could be that we're heading into the eating season.

So, part of this spirit walk with God includes the trial with my weight . I'm trying to put concrete examples to how this is working for me.

Today has been a good day. I prayed upon rising. I read Daniel 1, after hearing it suggested on the radio program that woke me. Part of the prayer was putting on the armor of God. I reminded myself that the flesh is an enemy. I asked God to show me what and when to eat. Then I tried not to make any eating plans.

I read about Daniel purposing in his heart to not eat the choice food and wine of the king. He challenged the guard to let him and his buddies eat only vegetables and water for ten days. At the end of the ten days, they looked healthier than all the other young men. So they were allowed to eat this way for three years. The young men grew greatly in knowledge and understanding during that time.

Of the many lessons that could be gleaned from this story, I was struck by the fly-in-your face opposition to what is considered sound nutritional science. I don't know why that surprises me. God is the creator of our bodies, our digestive system, and the food items we put into it. It's not a new concept, but I felt I'd gotten more encouragement to walk by the Spirit and not by flesh.

Then the daily Bible verse I receive in my email was, "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. " Galatians 6:8 (New International Version)

Journey of a Lifetime

2007-11-14T22:17:00.000-06:00

Isn't it amazing how you can read or hear just the right thing at the right time. That's how I felt when I read this post about the Way to Weigh Less on Wonder Women a few days ago. It hit me right where I'm at in my journey of learning to walk with the Spirit and deny the flesh.

It's such an ethereal concept that I'm hoping to flesh (excuse the pun) out for some future posts. Some areas of my life are really plugged into the Holy Spirit and his leading. But some have been miserable failures.

I was having a great conversation about this (especially in regards to weight) earlier this evening with two beautiful, wonderful women. We all agreed that living our lives isn't about following a chart, be it chores, eating, whatever, but instead following God's leading. How do we apply that practically in our lives?

Stay tuned.

Ten Trials That I Might Not Count as Joy, but for Which I am Thankful

2007-11-13T19:38:00.000-06:00

James 1: 2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,"

I've waited all week for the last day of the ten things I'm grateful for challenge. I knew what I wanted to list, but I wanted to make certain that I was honestly grateful. I've put it off for as long as I can, so here goes.

The trial with my weight. This reminds me that I keep needing to choose to live according to the Holy Spirit and not my flesh.

The trial with staying organized and on top of things. This keeps me humble.

The trial of leaving friends and of them leaving me. Without the void, I wouldn't have had room in my heart for women I'm so privileged to call friends.

The trial of losing loved ones. I am looking more and more forward to Heaven, where there will be such an awesome reunion.

The trial of not having near as much control over pain in my kids' lives as I would like. What joy to see how God loves them so much more than I do. He's allowed growth opportunities in their lives that I never would have. Yea, God.

The trial of a family member that's removed us all from her life. I have unshattered faith that one day we'll have a great reconciliation. It's the hope of unseen things.

The trial of seeing my brother so unjustly hurt. Where sin abounds, grace abounds that much more.

The trial of being abandoned. Nothing else has hurt so much or brought me so close to the throne of God and His ever-lasting mercy and grace.

The trial of my will. It is always in the way. It reminds me how much patience God has with me.

The trial of thinking I have to live up to certain standards. It keeps me chasing grace.

What about you? Leave a comment with a trial you're learning to count as joy.

Ten Things I Use Every Day that Honestly, I Don't Take for Granted

2007-11-12T21:11:00.000-06:00

My Shower I love my shower, and I thank God for it almost every day. It's best when no one flushes.

Contact lenses I had to wait until I was 16 to get them. Now I need to look into bifocal contacts. They really do make them!

The Van It's old, and people actually make fun of it. But it's paid for, and prayed over a lot.

VCR So, I really want a DVR, but this is still so nice. Now Dan can watch "Heroes" tonight.

Tylenol Unfortunately, my legs ache every night, but this works like a charm so I can sleep.

Electricity We're so fortunate to hardly ever have our power go out, while nearby has lost power for days, several times this year!

Furnace/Air Conditioner We've had to call the service man on both this year. Might have to get a new A/C next summer. The times they weren't working makes us really appreciate them.

My new fridge! It filters the water, which now tastes so great, and makes ice. We danced in front of it for many days after we first got it.

Kitchen floor I waited for so many years for this. It really is great. No more holes. No more excuses not to mop, but that's another post.

Internet Of course there are problems with it, but just this week we were able to find out where to go next in Banjo Kazooie, find Hawk Nelson socks, see what a 14 year-old's blood pressure should be, see exactly where Dan hunted, and check the TV Guide.

I know some people long for the "good old days", but we often say around here that we're glad to be living during this time. Thank you, God, for sharing your creativity with us mere men.

Ten Reminders of God in Nature for Which I'm Thankful

2007-11-11T16:50:00.000-06:00

I love nature. Most of it. I don't like bugs. I don't like to get dirt under my fingernails. I don't like to sweat. You've probably figured out by now that I'm not much of a gardener. But I love beautiful. And nature is beautiful. These ten sights make me sigh with praises to our heavenly Father.

A clear blue sky. I especially love the look in late summer and early fall, in the southeast sky, in an afternoon. Not that I'm picky.

A field of sunflowers. Have you noticed their "faces" following the sun? It's so neat to see them all standing and facing the same way.

Autumn leaves. Finally our leaves have changed colors. What a great delight!

A rainbow. Too obvious, but I'm a sucker for one every time.

God clouds. These are rain clouds that the sun is shining through just the edges, or streaming sunlight through holes. There are glowing qualities to these that make me feel like a little bit of God's glory is shining for us.

Sunsets. I'm up when the sun is rising, but civilization is in the way. But sunsets are seen when we're out and about. Crayon makers have nothing on these colors.

Dark blue sky, clear Moon, and Venus. Most mornings I see this when I walk out the door to meet my walking buddy. I always take a few seconds to appreciate the simple beauty.

Lightning. It's beautiful to watch, but I must say I enjoy it most from a great distance.

Mountains.

An ocean of lightning bugs. One night Jeff (ds) and I were driving in the country and saw the most amazing sight. Millions of lightning bugs! Because we were going so fast, their lights seemed to blaze. I can't even describe it, but it was very moving.

Ten Gifts That I've Loved

2007-11-10T15:12:00.000-06:00

These are all things that were given to me and my family out of generosity. None of the items were "typical" presents as in birthday or Christmas. They are just items that, "Hey, I'm not using this any more, and I wondered if you could?" I believe they were given from the hand of God through the hands of His people. Thank you.

Kitchen table and chairs
Leather coat for me
Ar moire used for much needed coat closet
Very large freezer
Dresser that's being used a china hutch
Swimming pool
Patio chairs
Merry-go-round & (scare you to death) tall slide
Clothes for Chase including snow suits, coats, shoes, cleats, pajamas...
School Books

Mom Sense

2007-11-10T14:19:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share with you one of my all time favorite videos.

Ten Great Things about my Kids!

2007-11-09T17:48:00.000-06:00

This is an exciting topic. I could take one a day, but in order to keep embarassment to a minimum, I'll lump them all in the same day.

Here we are in Nebraska about three years ago.

1. All my kids love the Lord.

2. I see them making wise decisions.

3. They are all intelligent.

4. Each of them is creative.

5. They are so funny.

6. They are respectful.

7. And honest.

8. And loving.

9. Each one from age nine to twenty-two, put God first.

10 . And I have to admit, they are all great-looking!

Thank you, Lord.

Here we are with Brad's fiance, Stefanie, at
Brad's college graduation this May.

Ten Things About my Husband for which I am Thankful

2007-11-08T20:10:00.000-06:00

I thank God for my husband because...

1. He loves me unconditionally

2. He makes me laugh

3. He listens to me without trying to fix me

4. He loves God first

5. I catch him reading his Bible

6. He is a wonderful father

7. He prays before making decisions

8. He accepts me for who I am

9. And doesn't try to change me

10. He is trustworthy

Another day that I could go on and on. I don't really know if these are the top ten, just the first ten that popped into my mind. Again today, I am reminded that I am very blessed.

Ten Faraway Friends for Whom I am Thankful

2007-11-07T14:05:00.000-06:00

Our women's bible study leader has challenged us to write ten things we're grateful for each day for seven days. No repeats. So today in honor of my friend Katara (it's her birthday), I will list ten friends I have been blessed with that I have loved and have loved me. Unfortunately, I don't live near these friends, and even though I think about them very often, I don't pick up the phone, or type the email nearly as often as I should. But when we get together, all the time apart seems minimal, and it seems like we pick right back up where we left off. Truthfully, it was hard to keep it at ten. How blessed I am.
So grateful for...
Sherry you saved my life in 10th grade by becoming my life-long friend
Ann you not only loved me, but my kids, too
Annette 12 years is too long for us to not be in touch
Jody you will never know how much your friendship helped me
Dawnelle a true friend that stood by me
Renee how hard it was to move away from you
Robi proof that a great friend can be made in a short time
Barb building into your life was a lifeline for me
Karen your fingerprints are all over my life
and of course, Katara. Happy, happy birthday my dear, sweet friend.

Allure of the Lesser, Choosing the Better Part 2

2007-11-07T07:22:00.000-06:00

My dh (Dan) offered to do something with our son Chase, that he had been longing to do. Go to Game Stop and look at all the tantalizing video games. How fun! Only it wasn't. Nine year-olds don't understand the concept of window shopping. Do any of us really? Four dollars to his name wasn't enough for any game. It took a few chats to foster the idea of gratitude that his dad chose to do something with him (that Chase desired), instead of being angry that he couldn't buy anything.

After some of my time on the computer, the electricity went out! I laughed and said okay, God. I get it. My kudos to the people who had to suffer the power outage because of me. Ha! I got into my bible study and enjoyed it very much.

We both chose the lesser. Then got second chances. And faced disappointments of not enough money or electrical power. One had the chance to learn gratitude and attitude. One showed the appreciation of discipline. It doesn't always work out this way, but that was a good day.

Allure of the Lesser, Choosing the Better, Part 1

2007-11-06T11:18:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, my son Chase stayed home with his dad, while I went to a women's conference and ran the bookstore, and Rachel went to Bible Quizzing. Dan (dh) offered to shoot baskets, shoot BB guns, shoot bow and arrows, clean a rifle to get ready for hunting, and on and on. Chase, however, preferred to watch a tape of cartoons from that morning. We all hear how kids don't want more things, they want more of us! And I think it's true. But the allure of the cartoons won out over the better time spent with his dad.

And then I had part of a beautiful Sunday afternoon to myself. I could have gone with Dan & the kids, but there were too many things to be done, I protested. The day was warm and sunny and beautiful. I was behind in the bible study that I'm so enjoying. I had a friend waiting for me to email her some more specifics of a conversation we were having that she was benefiting from. I had a friend in need that had left a message for me to please call. I felt a sense of urgency to get some clutter cleared out and given away before holiday visitors. But I stayed on my computer and played a meaningless game.

God was calling me to so much better. I would have enjoyed it more. But the allure of the easy kept me preoccupied with the lesser.