2007 has been a year of changes. God called us to leave one church family and brought us into another. God called RC to leave one vocation for another. God called us to move from one state to another. God called us to homeschool. And the work God is doing in us began to dramatically increase. At least, that's how it feels.
Over the past week I have been asking God what He wants for this next year. It is something I have been doing for the past few years and each year God has revealed something different. Last year at this time I felt the Spirit telling me that 07 was going to be a really good year. My best friend felt like the Spirit was telling her it was going to be a year of miracles. While 2007 was a VERY hard year, RC and I are more in love with Jesus than we have ever been and I know God calls that good. My best friends daughter has had four brain surgeries this year, and now crawls, talks (her own language :-)), and is progressing wonderfully and God added a new blessing to their family through a baby girl born in September. I know God calls that His miracle.
As for 2008 one word keeps coming up: SIMPLE
God wants me to keep my life and things simple this year. I am to focus on learning gentleness and humility. Particularly with my children. I know that this is going to be harder than it seems, but I am looking forward to it. My focus is to be running my home and teaching my children until God says otherwise.
Titus 2:4-5
These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
Happy 2008!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
No Night There
Frankly, I'm not even sure anyone reads this, but still, it does me good to write it. Through the extreme life circumstances of my best friend this past year I have become aware of a very special website. It is called CaringBridge and is serves to allow families with very sick children to keep everyone updated on their journey. When God leads my best friend to a new CaringBridge site she usually passes it along via her daughter's own CaringBridge site. It is amazing and one thing I have noticed is how CaringBridge has almost become it's own community that allows families to connect with other families experiencing the same or similar things and hence not feel so alone.
Anywho...I just visited the site of one young man who is 13 and about to be taken to heaven unless God chooses to pull an 11th hour miracle. We all know God can, but does He will? On this young man's site a visitor had posted a song that I wanted to also post. Just the words but if you will allow Him I'm sure the Spirit will sing the melody for you. This is what we are looking forward to! Praise the God of the Universe!!!
NO NIGHT THERE John R. Clements (c.1899)
“In the land of fadeless day
Lies the city foursquare;
It shall never pass away,
And there is no night there.
Refrain:God shall wipe away all tears,
There’s no death, no pain, nor fears,
And they count not time by years,
For there is no night there.
All the gates of pearl are made,
In the city foursquare;
All the streets with gold are laid,
And there is no night there.
All the gates shall never close
To the city foursquare;
There life’s crystal river flows,
And there is no night there.
There they need no sunshine bright,
In that city foursquare;
For the Lamb is all the light,
And there is no night there.”
Anywho...I just visited the site of one young man who is 13 and about to be taken to heaven unless God chooses to pull an 11th hour miracle. We all know God can, but does He will? On this young man's site a visitor had posted a song that I wanted to also post. Just the words but if you will allow Him I'm sure the Spirit will sing the melody for you. This is what we are looking forward to! Praise the God of the Universe!!!
NO NIGHT THERE John R. Clements (c.1899)
“In the land of fadeless day
Lies the city foursquare;
It shall never pass away,
And there is no night there.
Refrain:God shall wipe away all tears,
There’s no death, no pain, nor fears,
And they count not time by years,
For there is no night there.
All the gates of pearl are made,
In the city foursquare;
All the streets with gold are laid,
And there is no night there.
All the gates shall never close
To the city foursquare;
There life’s crystal river flows,
And there is no night there.
There they need no sunshine bright,
In that city foursquare;
For the Lamb is all the light,
And there is no night there.”
Monday, December 24, 2007
Family
I'm about to end my five day stay with my parents. It has been good. My sister's and I redecorated (actually, decorated) my parent's bedroom for their Christmas present. They loved it! And we semi-redecorated (clean sweeped) our Nana's room. (She lives with my parents)
The kids have had a great time and got lots of presents! I got my Mema's beautiful china! I'm so excited! It's white with black long stem roses on it. Fabulous!
Today we go to Woodward to spend time with my Dad's side of the family. It's huge and there are lots of kids so it's a chaotic blast!!! Then back home this evening so "Santa" can come!
Merry Christmas!!!
The kids have had a great time and got lots of presents! I got my Mema's beautiful china! I'm so excited! It's white with black long stem roses on it. Fabulous!
Today we go to Woodward to spend time with my Dad's side of the family. It's huge and there are lots of kids so it's a chaotic blast!!! Then back home this evening so "Santa" can come!
Merry Christmas!!!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Paint (sigh)
So...I have just finished repainting my kitchen. Yes, REpainting.
My living, dining, and kitchen are all open to each other. They were all a very creamy, beautiful navajo white. Looking back I don't know what was causing me to so desperately want to paint my kitchen...but I wanted to...bad. The problem was I kept feeling the Spirit say "no".
You see, I had just painted my daughter's bedroom a very bright teal. In my mind I could mix the left overs from her room with a gallon of creamy white and make it light enough to work in my kitchen. WRONG!!!! The worst part isn't that the mixing didn't work, but that I proceeded to paint to whole kitchen and dining room with this awefull color. I had convinced myself that this was going to work and nothing was going to stop me.
After I had finished and had left the house for awhile I returned to discover that I had made a mistake. Not only had I painted the kitchen an embarrassingly bright teal, but in not following the guiding of the Holy Spirit, I realised I had questioned God's motives in telling me "no". I'm sure that God would have prefered me to spend my time doing something else, but I believe that at the core of His "no" was the simple fact that He knew it wouldn't work. The color would not be right and I wouldn't like it. His "no" was to spare me work that I would just have to redo, not to surpress my creative spirit. ;-)
I have been on what I can only label a spiritual growth spurt this past year. I guess I forgot that God isn't just interested in removing all the things in us that don't look like Jesus and adding the things that do. He is very much interested in enjoying this life with us. He is interested in being a part of everything that we do. Even the things that seem to have no spiritual significance. Our God is the Creator. He knows everything about everything.
Including decorating.
...and now my kitchen and dining are a creamy, beautiful navajo white once again. :-)
My living, dining, and kitchen are all open to each other. They were all a very creamy, beautiful navajo white. Looking back I don't know what was causing me to so desperately want to paint my kitchen...but I wanted to...bad. The problem was I kept feeling the Spirit say "no".
You see, I had just painted my daughter's bedroom a very bright teal. In my mind I could mix the left overs from her room with a gallon of creamy white and make it light enough to work in my kitchen. WRONG!!!! The worst part isn't that the mixing didn't work, but that I proceeded to paint to whole kitchen and dining room with this awefull color. I had convinced myself that this was going to work and nothing was going to stop me.
After I had finished and had left the house for awhile I returned to discover that I had made a mistake. Not only had I painted the kitchen an embarrassingly bright teal, but in not following the guiding of the Holy Spirit, I realised I had questioned God's motives in telling me "no". I'm sure that God would have prefered me to spend my time doing something else, but I believe that at the core of His "no" was the simple fact that He knew it wouldn't work. The color would not be right and I wouldn't like it. His "no" was to spare me work that I would just have to redo, not to surpress my creative spirit. ;-)
I have been on what I can only label a spiritual growth spurt this past year. I guess I forgot that God isn't just interested in removing all the things in us that don't look like Jesus and adding the things that do. He is very much interested in enjoying this life with us. He is interested in being a part of everything that we do. Even the things that seem to have no spiritual significance. Our God is the Creator. He knows everything about everything.
Including decorating.
...and now my kitchen and dining are a creamy, beautiful navajo white once again. :-)
Saturday, December 15, 2007
SNOW!!!
Yes, we had snow. No, it was not alot. It was, however, enough to thrill my children. Popeye and Princess had never seen snow in person. When we awoke this morning there was snow, there was also sun so I knew the snow would not be around long. As soon as breakfast was over we dressed and headed outside!
It is now almost 4:00 and the snow is gone! :( The kids keep saying, "Maybe it will snow again tomorrow!" What optimists! Popeye thought it should be Christmas day because of the snow. He was pretty dissappointed when he realized he wasn't going to get to open presents!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Starbucks
I'm currently sitting at my computer drinking a caramel apple spice cappuchino from starbucks. It is one of their holiday favorites. I think it tastes like malted apple cider. It's OK, but not one of my holiday favorites.
My sons are very much into Pokemon on the Gameboy. Frankly, It bugs me and we have rules like no talking about Pokemon during dinner to keep my sanity. While Princess has no idea what is going on she likes to do whatever she sees her brothers doing. She found a new place to play the gameboy tonight. Yes, the clothes are clean.
I've been trying to stop preaching at everyone since Thanksgiving, but Jesus is teaching me something that I know isn't something that is just important for me. I am in a season right now where the small everyday things are a very big deal. Not because I'm living through serious life circumstances, but because God is saying to me, "If I can't trust you with the little things then I won't ever be able to trust you with the big things." I desperately want God to be able to trust me with the big things. I want to live a life that is overwhelmed by the power of God. By the glory of God. I want to stand in front of Jesus and hear Him say, "Well done, My good and faithful servant." The Spirit is teaching me to go to Him for EVERY decision I need to make. It is surprisingly hard and I have realized how much I want to control everything. It becomes very clear when you want to go get a coke from the Tunnel and in trying to do everything God's way you ask Him what He wants and He says no. Do I really trust that God knows and wants what is best for me and is going to give me something even more fulfilling than that coke? Or when I want to decorate someone's bedroom for their Christmas present and again trying to do things God's way I ask Him His plans. He says no. Do I trust that God is going to give my family member something better than I could? I use these examples of God saying "no" because when He says yes I don't bat an eye. I am getting what I want so I don't even think about it. I am reading a book called The Reason for My Hope by Charles Stanley and in it he says, "Your destiny will unfold before you as you OBEY the daily prompting and leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit." I truly believe that to live a powerful and victorious Christ following life we MUST be obedient in the small day to day mundane things and somehow, someday God will call us to obedience in the big things. I am NOT going to miss my call!!! My prayer is that you don't either.
Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.
NLT
Friday, December 7, 2007
Changes
The kids got their picture taken with Santa tonight. Princess did great. Just walked right up to him and said hi. She was even the first one to go. Popeye asked for a Nintendo DS, Bear asked for a digital video camera, and Bobo asked for an i-pod. ?????
R.C. is currently working at KVWC radio in Vernon. On Dec. 20th he begins his new job at KWHW radio in Altus. We are very excited!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
eat your vegetables
Yesterday at lunch Bobo and Bear had a great conversation. It was as follows:
Bear: Bobo, do you believe in Christmas?
Bobo: Yes.
Bear: Do you believe in God?
Bobo: Yes.
Bear: Me too. God is strong, and mighty, and He eats his vegetables.
:-)
Don't ask me where that came from. I can't tell you the last time we had vegetables with lunch.
Bear: Bobo, do you believe in Christmas?
Bobo: Yes.
Bear: Do you believe in God?
Bobo: Yes.
Bear: Me too. God is strong, and mighty, and He eats his vegetables.
:-)
Don't ask me where that came from. I can't tell you the last time we had vegetables with lunch.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Indoor?
Well...Gigi remained an indoor dog for aproximately 17 hours. Yep, I have given up. The dog has no interest in being inside and I just figure why fight it? :-) She whined all night. I expected that because she had to sleep in her cage. What threw me was once the kids got up I thought all would be well. Nope. She kept right on whining. Finally, I caved and put her outside. I know you're thinking, "Well, you need to let her outside sometimes and she probably needed to pee." The problem with that is she won't get within ten feet of me now and she had already peed all over the kids bedroom floor. After having her outside for a little while I just realized that I really don't want/need the extra hassle of an indoor dog especially when she prefers to be outside. So, Gigi, enjoy the great outdoors and I'll enjoy my dog odor free house!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Happy Birthday, Nana!
Sept. 2006: We 'adopt' Bravo and Gigi
July 2007: Bravo gets fixed
Sept 2007: four little puppies join our family (oops)
We have been able to get rid of the two little girls and one of the boys is going to R.C.'s sister and her husband so...If anyone wants a cute little all white puppy for a GREAT Christmas present just call me!
We have given Bravo to R.C.'s parent's and have decided to make Gigi an indoor dog. We went to Walmart today and bought dog shampoo and a new pink collar. I ran water in the bathtub and then went to get Gigi. Of course, I had to corner her first and then carry her to the bathtub. When I got there I found a surprise guest waiting for us. She removed her shirt herself.
The kids are really excited about having Gigi inside and I'm sure Gigi will love it, eventually.
R.C.'s Nana turned 81 on Dec. 2nd. We watched The Santa Clause 2 and ate dinner and cake. Thank God for Nana's and Mema's and Grandma's and Bea's. What a blessing the older generations are!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
My Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
-Edward Mote
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
-Edward Mote
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
funniest thing ever (not really, but really funny)
this is one of the funniest posts I have ever read. Erin (the author) is a highschool friend of my husbands. She is a homeschooling mother of four (one girl and three boys)and I think she is brilliant!:-)
Another Reason I'm not a Cat Person
DOG DIARY
8:00 AM - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 AM - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bast!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food.
I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.
For now...
Another Reason I'm not a Cat Person
DOG DIARY
8:00 AM - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 AM - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bast!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food.
I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.
For now...
Princess
This is harder than I thought. I've actually gone six days without posting something, not because I'm too busy to sit down and type, but because I actually don't have anything to say. Not that that has changed now, I just figured I ought to post something.
Thanksgiving was good. We ate lots of turkey and nana's rice krispy treats (they are the best!). We visited with lots of family and we put up our Christmas decorations.
The kids are doing good with their schooling. We are preparing for a Christmas show that we will be putting on for the fam when Christmas gets closer. Some poems, stories, songs, and dances. Fun stuff.
Ok. Good. That just reminded me of a good story to share. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we had our Thanksgiving dinner with my mom's side of the family. My aunt Abby decided it would be fun and smart for us to have an activity to fill the time. (can anyone say lots of family issues?) She chose kareoke. While it took everyone a little time to warm up to it we all eventually relaxed and had lots of fun. The great part of the story concerns Princess. Once we gave her a mic (there were two) she was unstoppable. No matter who was singing she was up there with them singing and dancing. We kept her mic turned off and she never noticed. Sometimes a duet or trio would sing and we would have to take the mic away from her and she would sit on someone's lap and pout until she got the mic back. I'm not kidding. She did this until about 9:30pm. It was very funny and cute and helped us all get into it. I wish I had some video to post.
I'm going to try to be better at remembering the little daily things my children say and do and share them with you all. Kids are priceless and such a joy.
Thanksgiving was good. We ate lots of turkey and nana's rice krispy treats (they are the best!). We visited with lots of family and we put up our Christmas decorations.
The kids are doing good with their schooling. We are preparing for a Christmas show that we will be putting on for the fam when Christmas gets closer. Some poems, stories, songs, and dances. Fun stuff.
Ok. Good. That just reminded me of a good story to share. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we had our Thanksgiving dinner with my mom's side of the family. My aunt Abby decided it would be fun and smart for us to have an activity to fill the time. (can anyone say lots of family issues?) She chose kareoke. While it took everyone a little time to warm up to it we all eventually relaxed and had lots of fun. The great part of the story concerns Princess. Once we gave her a mic (there were two) she was unstoppable. No matter who was singing she was up there with them singing and dancing. We kept her mic turned off and she never noticed. Sometimes a duet or trio would sing and we would have to take the mic away from her and she would sit on someone's lap and pout until she got the mic back. I'm not kidding. She did this until about 9:30pm. It was very funny and cute and helped us all get into it. I wish I had some video to post.
I'm going to try to be better at remembering the little daily things my children say and do and share them with you all. Kids are priceless and such a joy.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
H S M
For those of you unaware, HSM stands for "High School Musical". It is a very popular Disney Channel Movie. This past August HSM 2 came out. Apparently every high school in America is doing the play version. It is very close to the movie. RC's mom bought tickets for herself, me, and Bobo. It was fun. The kids worked had and had fun and Bobo loved it. They had over 50 kids on stage for the finale which for a school of roughly 800 that seems like alot. It of course was cheesy, but the choreography was cool and appropriate and the only kissing scene was at the very end and was very short. (same as the movie) It has been a while since I have been to a play or production and I had forgotten the joy of it. Anywho...next time you have the opportunity to go to a play or musical I recommend going. It's great fun!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Thanksgiving
I know... today is Monday, not Thursday.
One thing RC and I love about our new pastor is He doesn't preach a certain message just because of the calendar. On Veterans Day he spoke to us about "Hearing God" and it wasn't until RC and I were on our way home that we remembered it was Veteran's Day. I'm not against any holidays, I'm just not on board with bringing it into the pulpit without God's strong leading.
Anywho...Our pastor was planning to continue his lesson on "Hearing God" this past Sunday but he said that the Holy Spirit led him to Thanksgiving. (the holiday) It was great. Spoke to RC and I on a very personal level that had nothing to do with Thanksgiving. But his main point was that there is so much untruth being taught as truth out there and us Christians are becoming less and less aware and starting to buy into some of it. We MUST (here I go again with the capitalizing) remember. and we MUST remember correctly. So... and little Thanksgiving lesson.
The motivation of the Pilgrims as written by William Bradford (one of the Pilgrims, an eye witness, who was actually there)was "a great hope for advancing the kingdom of Christ."
William Bradford also wrote about the first Thanksgiving. "The Lord sent them such seasonable showers," Bradford writes, "that through His blessing there was a fruitful and liberal harvest, for which mercy, they set apart a day of thankgiving."
Your probably thinking "I know that."
Well, there are teachers and writers who are saying something different. Like Jean Craighead George (a twentieth century writer, not an eye witness, was not there) who wrote in her book called The First Thanksgiving, "the pilgrims left Europe to seek their fortune in the new world." and she says of Thanksgiving "This was not a day of Pilgrim thanksgiving"- thanksgiving to God that is- "This was pure celebration."
This is only one example, but many more instances like this are out there. We must know the truth and we must teach it to our children. Do you just celebrate Thanksgiving, happy to have days off from work, or do you celebrate Jesus with thanksgiving and talk to your children about these things. This holiday is about more than turkey and family and sitting around the table saying what we are thankful for. It's about recognizing our complete dependance on God and His faithfullness in providing. Let's celebrate this Thanksgiving completely and correctly (hearts on Jesus) and lets teach our children to do the same.
OK, I could go on and on, but I won't. I do however want to leave you with one last thing. Lilian Monk stated in her book Old Pilgrim Days "From the earliest period many of the colonists were scholars and thinkers. There were men and women in the wilds of New England whose dignity of character and fine intelligence would have graced a palace. With all it had practicality, it was always a life of books and ideas, of ideals, too, so fine and elevated. Perhaps intense spirituality and intellectual vigor were never more perfectly combined with common sense and the practical management of affairs. These wise old forefathers and foremothers of America were practical idealists, and with keen vision and sure hand they laid strong and deep the foundation of many generations."
Let's follow in the footsteps of our foreparents. Let's combine intense spirituality and intellectual vigor with common sense and practical management of our affairs so we can lay a strong and deep foundation for many generations. It's found in the Word of God.
OK. Tonight I'm going to the Altus Highschool's performance of "High School Musical" with my mom in law and Bobo. Tomorrow I'll write about that and not preach to everyone. Promise. :-)
One thing RC and I love about our new pastor is He doesn't preach a certain message just because of the calendar. On Veterans Day he spoke to us about "Hearing God" and it wasn't until RC and I were on our way home that we remembered it was Veteran's Day. I'm not against any holidays, I'm just not on board with bringing it into the pulpit without God's strong leading.
Anywho...Our pastor was planning to continue his lesson on "Hearing God" this past Sunday but he said that the Holy Spirit led him to Thanksgiving. (the holiday) It was great. Spoke to RC and I on a very personal level that had nothing to do with Thanksgiving. But his main point was that there is so much untruth being taught as truth out there and us Christians are becoming less and less aware and starting to buy into some of it. We MUST (here I go again with the capitalizing) remember. and we MUST remember correctly. So... and little Thanksgiving lesson.
The motivation of the Pilgrims as written by William Bradford (one of the Pilgrims, an eye witness, who was actually there)was "a great hope for advancing the kingdom of Christ."
William Bradford also wrote about the first Thanksgiving. "The Lord sent them such seasonable showers," Bradford writes, "that through His blessing there was a fruitful and liberal harvest, for which mercy, they set apart a day of thankgiving."
Your probably thinking "I know that."
Well, there are teachers and writers who are saying something different. Like Jean Craighead George (a twentieth century writer, not an eye witness, was not there) who wrote in her book called The First Thanksgiving, "the pilgrims left Europe to seek their fortune in the new world." and she says of Thanksgiving "This was not a day of Pilgrim thanksgiving"- thanksgiving to God that is- "This was pure celebration."
This is only one example, but many more instances like this are out there. We must know the truth and we must teach it to our children. Do you just celebrate Thanksgiving, happy to have days off from work, or do you celebrate Jesus with thanksgiving and talk to your children about these things. This holiday is about more than turkey and family and sitting around the table saying what we are thankful for. It's about recognizing our complete dependance on God and His faithfullness in providing. Let's celebrate this Thanksgiving completely and correctly (hearts on Jesus) and lets teach our children to do the same.
OK, I could go on and on, but I won't. I do however want to leave you with one last thing. Lilian Monk stated in her book Old Pilgrim Days "From the earliest period many of the colonists were scholars and thinkers. There were men and women in the wilds of New England whose dignity of character and fine intelligence would have graced a palace. With all it had practicality, it was always a life of books and ideas, of ideals, too, so fine and elevated. Perhaps intense spirituality and intellectual vigor were never more perfectly combined with common sense and the practical management of affairs. These wise old forefathers and foremothers of America were practical idealists, and with keen vision and sure hand they laid strong and deep the foundation of many generations."
Let's follow in the footsteps of our foreparents. Let's combine intense spirituality and intellectual vigor with common sense and practical management of our affairs so we can lay a strong and deep foundation for many generations. It's found in the Word of God.
OK. Tonight I'm going to the Altus Highschool's performance of "High School Musical" with my mom in law and Bobo. Tomorrow I'll write about that and not preach to everyone. Promise. :-)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Ruined
Well, to be honest I had some concerns. I really thought I would have to fight the urge to blog everyday. Now, I've discovered I'm actually having a hard time coming up with something to talk about. So...I just did some research (other blogs) and have decided to just share family happenings and what God is doing here.
For those of you not aware, I am homeschooling this year. Bobo is in third grade and Bear is in first. The transition has been hardest for me. The boys love being home and often tell me how much they like having me for their teacher. I have discovered that to be successful at homeschooling you must first HAVE a schedule and then you must STICK TO IT. Being the creative music type, this is hard for me. Though, the joy I have at the end of a successfully scheduled and executed homeschooling day has given me motivation to press on. Scheduling is the way to go. Also, after a while the kids catch on to the schedule and I don't have to keep telling everyone what to do. They know what to do and usually :) do it.
I've had to buy Popeye and Princess their own "workbooks". Every morning they ask if they can do their schoolwork. It's precious. I'll take a picture and post it sometime.
I said I was going to tell you what God is doing here, but frankly I'm having trouble putting words to it. He is being so gentle and patient with us. He is telling us to stop striving... and experience His greatness, His provision, His ability. He has told us to "chill out". and Yes, God does say "chill out". :-)We talk about how good our God is and we say things like "I know God will take care of it.", but do our actions reflect that? Do we go through discomfort or pain focused on Jesus or do we start striving in our own strength to fix it? I have a friend I told you about in the last post that is learning a similar lesson. The difference is that our circumstances are made by our own choosing. Her circumstances are completely out of her control. We are convinced (through much prayer and seeking God in the Word and our spiritual leadership) that this is what He wants of us. Many would disagree. However, we are going to seek God's favor, not man's. And we are going to see God work for us in mighty ways.
I have to throw this in here. If you don't feel like you hear God like you want to or like others talk about, then listen up. God speaks first in HIS WORD. You MUST read the Bible often. If you want to know what God's voice sounds like, you first learn it in HIS WORD. I know I keep capitalizing that but it is true. These are not my own thoughts, these are also the thoughts of men and women who have gone much farther than me with God. Eventually you will begin to "hear" his voice in your spirit. But it starts by listening to His voice in His Word. Start at the beginning of the New Testament and read a chapter a day. Read it in the morning and think about through out the day. Pray that God will give you understanding and talk to Him about what you read. It will change your life.
I used to struggle with "sharing Jesus". I had a hard time "witnessing". Now I am completely convinced that Jesus is so amazing I am failing for words right now. He is completely fulfilling. He meets my EVERY need and He does is because He loves me. Period. Now, I can't help but talk about Him because basically He is the absolutely coolest thing happening in my life. Don't get me wrong, things are hard and uncomfortable right now, but I am getting more and more of Jesus and it is ruining me for anything else. I pray the same for you all. He is SO worth it!
Obviously, I had more to say than I thought. My prayer is that this has blessed you and it motivates you to run to Jesus and find your every need fulfilled at His feet. I love you all.
Psalm 3:3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high.
For those of you not aware, I am homeschooling this year. Bobo is in third grade and Bear is in first. The transition has been hardest for me. The boys love being home and often tell me how much they like having me for their teacher. I have discovered that to be successful at homeschooling you must first HAVE a schedule and then you must STICK TO IT. Being the creative music type, this is hard for me. Though, the joy I have at the end of a successfully scheduled and executed homeschooling day has given me motivation to press on. Scheduling is the way to go. Also, after a while the kids catch on to the schedule and I don't have to keep telling everyone what to do. They know what to do and usually :) do it.
I've had to buy Popeye and Princess their own "workbooks". Every morning they ask if they can do their schoolwork. It's precious. I'll take a picture and post it sometime.
I said I was going to tell you what God is doing here, but frankly I'm having trouble putting words to it. He is being so gentle and patient with us. He is telling us to stop striving... and experience His greatness, His provision, His ability. He has told us to "chill out". and Yes, God does say "chill out". :-)We talk about how good our God is and we say things like "I know God will take care of it.", but do our actions reflect that? Do we go through discomfort or pain focused on Jesus or do we start striving in our own strength to fix it? I have a friend I told you about in the last post that is learning a similar lesson. The difference is that our circumstances are made by our own choosing. Her circumstances are completely out of her control. We are convinced (through much prayer and seeking God in the Word and our spiritual leadership) that this is what He wants of us. Many would disagree. However, we are going to seek God's favor, not man's. And we are going to see God work for us in mighty ways.
I have to throw this in here. If you don't feel like you hear God like you want to or like others talk about, then listen up. God speaks first in HIS WORD. You MUST read the Bible often. If you want to know what God's voice sounds like, you first learn it in HIS WORD. I know I keep capitalizing that but it is true. These are not my own thoughts, these are also the thoughts of men and women who have gone much farther than me with God. Eventually you will begin to "hear" his voice in your spirit. But it starts by listening to His voice in His Word. Start at the beginning of the New Testament and read a chapter a day. Read it in the morning and think about through out the day. Pray that God will give you understanding and talk to Him about what you read. It will change your life.
I used to struggle with "sharing Jesus". I had a hard time "witnessing". Now I am completely convinced that Jesus is so amazing I am failing for words right now. He is completely fulfilling. He meets my EVERY need and He does is because He loves me. Period. Now, I can't help but talk about Him because basically He is the absolutely coolest thing happening in my life. Don't get me wrong, things are hard and uncomfortable right now, but I am getting more and more of Jesus and it is ruining me for anything else. I pray the same for you all. He is SO worth it!
Obviously, I had more to say than I thought. My prayer is that this has blessed you and it motivates you to run to Jesus and find your every need fulfilled at His feet. I love you all.
Psalm 3:3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
hmmm...
Yes, that is my daughter. On Tuesday. Today (Thursday) it is much too cold to run around with your shirt on your head. Praise God, she somehow understands this! Yesterday the kids went out in the morning and shortly after I heard crying. The real, something is hurt crying. They ran into each other. I had to laugh... and take a picture.
So...God has been especially encouraging lately. Man, do we need it! In March of 2006 we started asking God to either send us like minded people or to send us to like minded people. He has answered! What a blessing it is! While we didn't (still don't) know God's full purpose for bringing us back to Altus we now know that part (a big part) of that purpose was for us to experience Altus Christian Fellowship. I am so excited to experience God growing these relationships He's begun. What a joy!
On another note, one of my best friends lives in Waco. For those of you who don't know, Her name is Marianne (I mentioned her in the last post) and she has a three year old daughter who since March of this year has had four brain surgeries in which they have removed the back three lobes of the right side of her brain. Her name is Makenna and she is precious. Her brain did not form properly and is causing almost constant seizures. Her last surgery was four weeks before her little sister was born. Obviously, I ask you to pray for the whole family. Matt, Marianne, Micah-6, Makenna-3, and Marlee-7weeks. But I do have a praise report: Makenna has been seizure free for eight days! We are so excited!
Have a great evening!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Scary
It's only day two and I've already gone through three titles and two blogspace layouts. Not that anyone would know, but I wonder if that's normal? I know that most people who have a myspace page are usually all gung ho at first and visit it three times a day and decorate their wall and all that, but it feels like an actual blog is somehow more grown up and serious. Like I should be able to make simple decisions and then move on with my life. Last night I spent far too long looking at some more blogs. All from people I don't know and I've learned some things about blogging:
1. Do NOT blog every day. If you are cool enough to warrant a blog you must have a life that is full enough to keep you from being able to blog everyday. Of course, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Like, if you are experiencing life circumstances that people need/want to be updated on (Marianne) or if you are unusually funny or interesting (Marianne). I, however, do not fall into either of these catagories.
2. Blogs with pictures are much more interesting. We are a visual society. What can I say?
3. There is such a thing as too much information.
I will try to follow these rules and provide everyone (all two of you :)) with a positive and enjoyable blog reading experience. One more thing. Of course, I sent out a mass email advertising my new blog. One friend replied: "Conversing with you is one thing. Actually knowing what is going on in your head? That's just scary." How right you are, Chris!
1. Do NOT blog every day. If you are cool enough to warrant a blog you must have a life that is full enough to keep you from being able to blog everyday. Of course, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Like, if you are experiencing life circumstances that people need/want to be updated on (Marianne) or if you are unusually funny or interesting (Marianne). I, however, do not fall into either of these catagories.
2. Blogs with pictures are much more interesting. We are a visual society. What can I say?
3. There is such a thing as too much information.
I will try to follow these rules and provide everyone (all two of you :)) with a positive and enjoyable blog reading experience. One more thing. Of course, I sent out a mass email advertising my new blog. One friend replied: "Conversing with you is one thing. Actually knowing what is going on in your head? That's just scary." How right you are, Chris!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Everyone else is doing it!
I couldn't help it. I wanted to be like everyone else. (okay, not everyone, but lots of people) I have some friends that blog. Some for the heck of it and others for necessity. Anywho, I know that their life can be mundane just like mine, but when I read their blog it always seems less so. Hence, my need to blog. God is teaching me some really important lessons through this season of less, most importantly to put my everything and everyneed in Him and find myself completely fulfilled. My hope for this blog is to be able to look back over everything God has done and rejoice! Also, to share it with you all.
Here's the fam:
Dad-R.C., Mom-Bridget, Bobo-9, Bear-6, Popeye-4, and Princess-2
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