Are you a flower or....

This weeks Bible study is going to be dealing with a critical spirit. Check out this definition on criticism:
to dwell on the perceived faults of another person with no aim to their good

Notice the bold letters. How many times do we criticize someone or what they do? As if they should be perfect. As if we don't have our own faults. As if we have no intention of really helping a situation, but rather just vent. This week, I've really tried to think about the "faults" of others around me as an opportunity to just be a blessing instead to them, especially if they don't even know it. Like my kids for instance...sometimes they don't mean to be messy or leave things around...they're just kids....or my husband who might leave clothes around, but who does so because he's willing to change into grubby clothes and stay up til 1:30 am working on our house...Are you getting what I'm saying?! Yes, there are some legitimate areas we all need to work on, BUT first, it's not our job to judge them especially if we cannot help them, and second we need to let God deal with them and take care of ourselves!!! Novel idea, huh?

Another thing the author said this week that really made me think....it's something so simple, yet so often forgotten by myself when dealing with issues around me. Ya ready, here it is:

People were made to be loving and kind!

Duh, right?...but how often do I think my job is to "make" everyone right. I have to admit when I'm in a sticky situation, I often do not think to myself "my job is to be loving and kind". Of course, I want to be that always, but when we are critical, we are NOT being loving and kind. Add to this Oswald Chambers quote, "Whenever you are in a critical temper, it is impossible to enter into communion with God." Instead of being critical, I pray my responses will be changed to being loving and kind...with Christ this too is possible!

Last, here's a little story(wish I wrote it, but I didn't)...relating to the title of my post:

A little seed lay on the ground and soon began to sprout.
"Now which of all the flowers around," it thought,"shall I come out?
The lily's face is fair and proud, but it is a trifle cold.
The rose I think is rather loud, but it very soon grows old.
The violet is very well, but not a flower I would choose.
Nor the Canterbury bell, I've never cared for blues."
And so it criticized each flower this sour judgemental seed,
until it woke one summer morn and found itself a weed.

Lord, make into the flower of your choice!

these are few of my favorite things...starting with L

I agreed to play along, so...ten things I enjoy that start with the letter L:

1. Lori - sorry to all my other friends whose names don't start with L
I always enjoy time with you!

2. Leslie - I couldn't forget you either!

3. Lynsey - my sister in law. She's great!

4. Licorice - black or red, and I love the licorice mix at Winco's bulk section

5. my lapdog - ok, you knew I'd find a way to throw my Zoeydog into this :)

6. leisure time - looking forward to that in Hawaii in a couple of months

7. lipgloss - don't go anywhere without this

8. lunch with my daughter when she gets out of school early

9. laughing - who doesn't enjoy this?! And it's good for you!

10. learning more about God through Bible study

Whew! That was a lot harder than I thought...maybe it was just the letter...After Jamie's Sesame Street picture all I could think of was Bert's song about the letter L...do you remember?
la la la la lemon, light bulbs, linoleum....actually that makes one more thing I enjoy...lemon meringue pie! Yumm-o!

update on attitude...mine that is

Just thought I'd let you know how I'm doin'. If you haven't yet, see my previous post. Honestly, I've had to confess coveting at least a few times. With my hubby gone on a business trip, it doesn't make it easier either - read: golfing, dining - fine dining I'm sure, even a trip to the outlet mall, and oh yeah, going to David Jeremiah's church, where Tim LaHaye happened to be also. I'm sure you get the point. I'm really not trying to complain, just giving you the facts. If I was complaining I'd mention too that while my hubby's on this rough trip, I've been home with sick kids, eating leftovers and whatever I could find in the freezer, not so fine dining...BUT, just pretend I didn't mention all this ;).

Really, I've been learning a lot, mostly that I've still got a lot to learn and I'm thankful that God is still willing to teach me and bare with me in the process. Regardless, there is always much more to be thankful for than I could ever covet. I'll keep you updated....

It's all about attitude!

I am in a new Bible study on Thursday mornings at church. It is called, "Lord, change my attitude." And it is a wonderful study; I highly recommend it whether you think you need it or not. I just thought I'd share some of what I've learned and pass it on to you.

The first week was focused on complaining and the scripture was in Numbers 11 and 14. I am sure you're familiar with this passage where the Israelites are led out of Egypt, to freedom, but as soon as they are, they start complaining, grumbling, whining and moaning about their awful circumstances. Of course, God hated to hear these complaints. It is like a slap in His face! It made me think how often I've complained, and truly I am sorry for all of them. To know how God hates this ingratitude is really humbling.

The second week was about turning our complaints into thankfulness. Think for a minute about something you have or could complain about. Now, find something in it to be thankful for. Even our worst things, when we really think about it can be used as an opportunity to give thanks. I hear all kinds of complaints all the time from lots of people, some from myself. So and so's not happy about a relationship, someone else has no money, another might just complain about the weather...regardless of the situation, we really should be thankful. Thankful to have that someone in our life...thankful that God meets our needs...thankful that even though the weather is cold, we at least have a new day to live. I was also reminded that even if Jesus never gave me anything but himself and salvation, that would be enough. How many times, though, do we not look at things this way? It has really helped me to see things differently. I may not have my complaining problem licked, but now I recognize it and hopefully, will stop and turn it into thanks instead. I encourage you to do the same!

This week, the third week, was on covetousness. Ouch! As I listened this morning, I realized again how many times in the past (or present) I have had that kind of attitude. Once again, God hates it and it is called sin! For the Israelites, God provided everything they needed - manna from heaven. Were they grateful? No!!! They wanted meat! So much so that they whined until they got it. Well, God answered them in Numbers 11:19-20 and told them they would have so much meat that they would become sick of it. Each household collected 50-60 bushels full of quail each! That is a lot of meat!!! Plus, they would be eating meat for a whole month. As much as I love a good burger, I don't think I would want to eat 50-60 bushels of hamburgers for a whole month :). When we covet, we are essentially saying to God " what you've given me isn't good enough. You need to do better". I am sure this greatly grieves our Father, our Creator and Provider. And coveting is deeply connected to materialism. In a poll, 80% of Americans are said to want more money. And for what??? A better, easier, more fun-filled life! We are so selfish. This is something I really need to think about, because I don't want to displease my Heavenly Father. I don't want to covet that which I don't have. I don't want to turn from all I've been blessed with, from all God's given to me, and focus on what I still don't have. Lots to learn! Needless to say, I can't wait for next week's lesson on contentment!

Some questions to ponder:

Do I think more about impacting people with Christ or getting "things"?
Do I think more about stuff that will gratify me or actions that will bless others?

Please only answer these in your heart, between you and God. But, there is always hope in the Lord. If we answer these in ways that are not pleasing to Him, we can always repent and start anew.

Since I am in this class for 11 weeks, and will probably need practice applying all that I learn for a long time, I've decided that "having a Godly Attitude" will be my theme for the year!
Thanks for "listening" to what I've been learning...

A little insight, please?

Hello ladies! I've been reading in Genesis this week and have come upon many things that I need clarification or insight on, so I thought I'd ask you. I love God, know He works all things out for the good of those that love Him, but, honestly, I don't often times understand His ways...no mystery there...none of us really can since His ways are higher than ours. But, I really do want to know as much as I can. So, when I don't get something in scripture it does bother me. If given the choice between knowing how something works and why it works, I'd want to know why. That's just the way I am. I like to understand things, and could care less how as long as I know what I need to know and why, then I'm good.

Okay, so today I read in Genesis 21 and verses 8-14 are where my questions reside. Sarah didn't like Hagar and Ishmael ( I understand all that- bad decision from the get go), but what I don't understand is why God went ahead and told Abraham to send off his son and Hagar? I am sure that greatly upset Abraham, as scripture says. It seems to me that they got into this mess and dealing with a stepson of sorts is just one consequence for Sarah to deal with. She really had a lot of influence here, doesn't she? I mean, she gave Hagar to Abraham and now Ishmael's making fun of Isaac, so she wants to get rid of him, and SHE DOES! She gets her way! Please check this scripture out for me. Again, I just want to know why? Can any of you shed some spiritual light into this for me? Maybe you have more biblical understanding on this than me!

Time for Change

Good morning and Happy New Year! I've been encouraged/harassed about my lack of blog content, SO once again, I will rise to the challenge. I guess I need lots and lots of motivation :).

Well, as I've seen in other blogs, I too have been thinking of the new year and what that means for me. I know this is going to be a big year of change for our country, but what I'm really, really concerned about is change I need in my life. Right now there are some mountains I see in my life that really need to be moved, but I am at a loss as to how to move them. Obviously, I need the Lord's help here! So, I am going to rest in Him to give me the answers in His time and His way. Interestingly, I challenged my middle school S.S. girls to memorize our week's verse, so here it is Thursday, and I thought I really should also learn it. Remember my plans to memorize a verse a week? Well, that only lasted about 5 weeks, so this verse will be my first for the new year:

1 Peter 5: 6,7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift up in due time. Cast all your care/anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

Wow, that's ironic, isn't it? The very thing I need - to humble myself and cast my cares on Him - is staring me right in the face! Thank you Jesus! With you (Jesus) I know these mountains can be moved.

Thank you all for being my friend. I know we will have many opportunities to continue to make many memories this new year! I look so forward to it!!!





On a side note, my sister in law told me of this website she's using to read the Bible through in one year, and I've joined her in this, so I thought I'd share it with you too. Check it out at http://bible.oneplace.com/

My Christmas Cuties

Ok, I'll play...I guess it's the only way to get me to blog...

A little Christmas time questionnaire...

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Actually, both!

2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
We wrap the presents, Santa can't because Santa lived a real long time ago according to legend.

3. Colored lights on house/tree or white?
White, red and green lights outside and white on our tree

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
My husband hung what we call mistletoe, but I looked and it's actually holly.

5.When do you put your decorations up?
We put them up the first weekend in Dec. and take them down New Years day. same as Lori

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
BBQ brisket that bakes all night Christmas Eve. Delicious!

7.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I don't remember. 2nd or 3rd grade

8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
sometimes one gift but the rest on Christmas morn.

9. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Lots of homemade ornaments or special ones we've collected over the years.

10. Snow. Love it or dread it?
Dread it...one day is enough for me, just so I can feel good that the kids can say they played in it and maybe made a snowman.

11. Can you ice skate?
NO

12. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Hmmm...all of them

13. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
I'd rather give.

14. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Oh Holy Night, same as you Lori

15. Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck?
Yum!

16. Do you attend an annual Christmas party?
Not really.

17. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's?
We wear something nice for Christmas Eve Service.

18. Do you own a Santa hat.
Yes.

19. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
We always stay home Christmas day and I love it! Grandparents come over to visit and usually have Christmas dinner with us.

untitled...

Praise God! Delaney's friend went through Judgement House with us last night and made a decision for the Lord!!! Please pray for Sam as she enters this new relationship with the Lord of the Universe, and for Delaney to be the encouragement Sam needs. Also, Timmary's teacher came to JH and made some decision (I'm not sure exactly what yet). I am so proud of Timmary to invite her teacher. I know it made Timmary's day too. I saw her teacher at school this morning, but didn't really get a chance to talk. She mentioned she was going to write a note to me, so I will keep you posted. Please pray for opportunities to continue to share with her about Jesus' love. It was so awesome to see the two people we invited (actually, I had nothing to do with it) come and respond.

It was nice to have my hubby home for the weekend, but now he is off again! The time flew as he put away our pool (we're slow), washed the suburban, coached the twins bball team, took care of other household chores with me and watched the final show of my daughter's school play. It was a busy weekend and I can't wait til he's home again.

Here's a couple of pictures I've recently taken: on the right, my husband after I decided to give a mohawk (very temporary!- we were tempted to leave it like this for Delaney's play and church on Sunday, but thought we'd better not- I really didn't wan't to be seen with him like that! Sorry, sweetie) and below our precious puppy(with the twins- aren't they all so cute?!) , who celebrated her 1st Birthday Friday! Happy Birthday Zoey! (This is for you, Leslie)
Click on her picture to really see how adorable, she was as a puppy!

just for fun

I know, I know, you all wondered if I've dropped off the face of the earth - or at least fell out of the blog world!!! Well, sorry but I've just been busy, lazy, distracted, focused on other things...you pick.

But I did think you'd get a kick out of a taste of Austrian folk music that we heard while on our trip. It was really amazing and different! These two are quite talented and can play 5 instruments (one being the harp - beautiful!) and sing!!! So, enjoy!

The Hills are alive....

After a long, uneventful trip we made it to Munich, Germany, where we then got a rental car (Mercedez, not bad) and drove on the Autobahn for a couple of hours to Innsbruck, Austria. The autobahn was not quite what I expected. It looked like a regular divided two lanes (each way) highway. They do have some speed limits sometimes, but then there are lighted signs above telling you when the speed limit is unlimited. Actually, we figure that's what it meant as we don't know what European signs mean, but concluded that due to everyone speeding up and passing us at this time. So, of course, my husband doesn't have to be asked twice, or once for that matter, to speed up. It was great! I don't know how fast we were going because their cars only display speed using khm. I was wishing they had both so we could know for sure. I just had to look it up. From what I found we were going at our fastest 100 mph!!! Wow!!! This was legal, I'll remind you. When we arrived, I realized everyone at home was just waking up for the day!!! It's weird to be on such a different time zone. Now, I can relate to those of you who have already traveled abroad.

Tuesday, my husband didn't have to work, so we decided (actually more of it was me) to drive to Salzburg where they filmed the Sound of Music. We didn't know what we were doing, but when we got there we found an information booth and went to inquire. The person directed and sold my husband two tickets for a bus tour of the Sound of Music. I am sure this isn't what he really wanted to do, but he ended up enjoying it anyway. We were driven around on a big bus and saw lots of the places where they filmed the movie. It was so neat standing across the lake that was used several times and seeing the abbey and other places. I took pictures, but haven't been able to see if I can get them on my husbands computer yet. It was another long, but fun day!!!

I'll try to post again sometime this week. So long, farewell, alvederzein, adiou....

Here's your chance...

This fall I signed up for my church's FAITH class, which is our program for visitation. Something new is that we need two prayer partners; someone who is willing to pray, encourage and follow up with me as I go about visiting Monday nights for 11 weeks, telling people about Jesus. I was trying to think of who to ask and thought I could use this forum of my closest friends to find a partner. So, if you are willing I would greatly appreciate. If not, it's ok too. Just let me know if you'd be willing and we'll go from there. Thanks a bunch!

URGENT REQUEST

UPDATE and PRAISE!

Little Oliver is doing better. He is breathing on his own and playing in his crib. He had a viral infection he couldn't fight on his own that caused the breathing problems. He will hopefully get to go home tomorrow. Thank you so much for the prayers. Prayer really does work and God loves to make himself known when we call out to Him. I am sure this is a great testimony to the family of God's love and care for them.


Please pray for my sister in law Lynsey's nephew, Oliver. He is about 10 mos. old and was airlifted to Seattle (3 hours away) because he stopped breathing. Right now, I hear, he is on oxygen and if they remove it he cannot breathe on his own. How heartbreaking!!! Pray for his parents too dealing with this, especially the mother who is expecting another baby. Thank you and I'll update you as I can.

got energy???

Is it only me who has a serious energy drain? Lately, it seems I have little energy and wonder what's going on! I know I've been busy, running around like crazy since before school started, but aren't we all busy??? Of course!!!! So, I'm just wondering if anyone else has this problem, or if you have any suggestions for energy boosters besides energy drinks. I really don't want to be dependent on those ;)

On another note, I was reading in Luke 18:18-19 where a rich ruler was asking Jesus how to have eternal life. What struck me this time was how the man called Jesus "Good Teacher" to which Jesus replied,"Why do you call me good? No one is good - except God alone." Certainly, his point was that since Jesus is God, He is good, but it just made me think how many times I have told my kids they were "good". Now, I have definitely tried to say they did a good job rather than simply telling them "good girl", but I know at times that is exactly what came out. If God alone is good, (and He is) then we should really be careful at how we use the word good. After all, how many people if polled whether we are good or bad, would say they are good? I would venture to say, most, Christian or not, would say they are good. The fact is, like it or not, we are actually bad at heart, which backs up the Bible in many places like Romans 3:23. I'm not saying we tell our kids they are bad, but I think they innately know even as little kids that they aren't all "ok" on there own. And you know, that IS A GOOD THING. It just backs up once again, the fact that we all need a savior. It gives us a chance to share that, yeah, on our own we're hurting, but with Jesus we can be healed.

You asked for it...

For those of you who wanted this fabulous recipe, here it is:

Roast Beef sandwiches:

1 3-4 lb. roast (the kind that will shred, I think it's shoulder or chuck, I don't know)
1 package of Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 cup water

Trim fat off roast and place in crockpot. Pour soup mix and water over. Cook on high for 8 hours. Shred meat, you can just do this in the crockpot itself. Serve on potato rolls ( best buy at Costco) with cream cheese as a spread. The cream cheese is also really yummy when mixed with green chilis. Sometimes we have cheesy potatoes (my mom's recipe) with it or another side salad. This makes quite a bit. Enjoy!

First you see it, now you don't...

As you can see, my house is under construction! Yeah! This is day 3 and I am so proud of my man for all the hard work he and his dad, brother and friends did. It is really weird to walk out to the garage and see the sky. Talk about a skylight! Hopefully, this weekend the floor (above the garage) will go up and the framing as well. I'll keep you posted.

Sanctuary vs. survival

I know Jill has been talking about creating a sanctuary at her home, but right now I think this fall will just be survival mode for us due to several changes (albeit temporary) in our lives. While I spent the last week working at our churches preschool (it went quite well), my husband started ripping off our roof today for an addition we've been planning. Yeah! So, he will be pretty busy in his free time and I'm not having all the free time I thought I would. Now, I am not complaining. I am glad to help my friend by filling in for her, and of course, I am not complaining about the addition. It's just that I think my sanctuary ideas will be put on hold for a while. In the meantime, I still hope to create as much of a calm atmosphere amidst the construction chaos around us.

Personally, I always find it much easier to have this calm in the fall and winter, especially when it starts getting dark early. The kids will be in the house, and if we're home, we can actually do more activities together as a family than it seems we do in the summer. I love having each of just read our own books with some quiet time, or play a game together, or watch our favorite family show, The Waltons.

Directing my paths...

My life is taking a new direction temporarily... something I certainly didn't plan.... something out of my league and comfort level...but, nevertheless I have accepted the challenge...

As of this post, I am the fill in preschool director at our church. Our current director, who I worked with prior in a classroom, is on a leave of absence. Her daughter, Ana, is in a hospital two hours away with kidney failure caused by of all things a bad case of flu! She is doing better each day, and they expect a full recovery, but this could take a couple weeks to a few months. So, of course, please pray for a quick recovery for this little girl.

And please pray for me as I fill in. I must say I love it when God works in our lives in ways we never would imagine. While I thought I would have "free time" this fall, the wonderful Lord had other plans for me. Of course, I never would have wanted someone's suffering to turn into my employment, but I am glad I can help at this time. Had this been last year it wouldn't have been possible, but since my youngest will be in first grade, it will be do-able.

This all just reminds me of my life verse, in my sidebar, Proverbs 3:5-6. And I believe with God's strength, I can do whatever He calls me to.

Praise!!!

I have a praise!!!
Today we parked our van up the street hoping someone would see it as they were looking for yard sales. This is how Ginger sold her van...at her own yard sale, so I thought we'd copy although we didn't have a yard sale. Anywho, we got a call at 4:50 this afternoon from someone wanting to test drive it. Ten minutes later, my husband was taking this family for a test drive and they wanted to buy!!! We did come down in price, but I just didn't want to take any chance at not selling it soon. Thank you Jesus!

Delaney's Room

Delaney's room before:































And after:














Since it seems redecorating children's rooms is a common theme recently, I thought I'd post before and after pictures of my daughter's room. Her "old" room was a two tone blue/white with pink hearts at the top for a border and a Cinderella I painted using a transparency. As you can imagine, at age 12, Cinderella has lost all appeal for my daughter. She was ready for a more grown up room. She and I were both happy with the results, and I hope it will last for the next 6 years at least!!!