I love how bloggers encourage one another to keep at it. I know that these awards may not mean anything special to anyone else, but to me it means that somebody reads what I write and enjoys it. Which makes me all warm and fuzzy.
I want to thank Barb at Spotlis for passing the Friends award to me. I am blessed to know that at least one person likes me here on the www! (Even if my husband does think we bloggers are a silly breed.)
The rules say that I am to pass this award on to eight other bloggers. Normally, I am a hard-core rule follower. But fact is, I LOVE all the blogs I read, and even some I don't read regularly. So here's the deal - if you find your blog name in my list (in the first sidebar), consider yourself awarded. If you're not there (maybe your blog is private, so then you're not listed b/c I don't want to tease people with the possibility of reading your awesomeness *grin*), but I have left you a comment anytime in the month of January, please consider yourself awarded, too!
If you want to follow the rules: paste the picture in your blog, nominate 8 other bloggers (and link to them), print the following... "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."
P.S. If you accept the award, make sure you comment so others can come visit and congratulate you! :)
Because I'm still feeling slightly frazzled/frantic/crazy/nutso, I am going to share my morning gymnastics routine with you in point form. Imagine me talking really, really fast, and breathing too loud.
- Abbey is sick - joy - Kai is grouchy (and naughty) - excellent - Shea is home today - is kindergarten really still two whole years away? - getting Meg out the door for school without her sister - fun; chasing after her halfway down the block to put her lunch in her backpack - even more fun - having tummy troubles that keep me running - wonderful - seeing Braeden's bus pull up, when I have not yet seen the boy - fantabulous - going out in sub-sub-sub zero weather to start the beast - great
- putting grouchy boy to bed for morning nap, in spite of the fact that I know he will not give me an afternoon nap - totally worth it - plugging in a movie for sick girl and little girl and letting them munch granola bars in my bed - even more worth it
In spite of what my "self" wants to feel, I will have joy. These are things that could break my day, if I choose to allow them. I won't. I will laugh at the silly crazy morning. I will enjoy a few minutes of slow-breathing and sipping my steaming coffee. Then I will throw the peed on sheets in the wash (from two beds) and set to my daily work. This work that God has called me to do - no matter how mundane.
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24
In my quiet time this morning, I felt the Lord leading me to the book of James. There is so much wise counsel on those six pages, I had a difficult time deciding what to underline. I decided to pick a couple small sections to ponder throughout my day.
Trials and Temptations Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. ~James 1:2-4
Right from the beginning of his letter, James packs a punch. I know I want to be mature in my faith, not lacking. I even accept that oftentimes maturity is only developed through adversity. But to consider it pure joy? Whew.
Listening and Doing My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires...If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. ~James 1:19-20, 26 (also read all of chapter 3)
It seems straightforward - watch your mouth. But how? God needs to remind me of this command often. You know, "thou shalt not gossip/yell/complain/nag." That one. It seems I'm a bit slow in learning, or forgetful. I think the tongue is an area that a lot of women stumble in. Isn't it? Please tell me I'm not the only one!
Are there any passages that God has laid on your heart lately, that you are taking the time to ponder?
I've got nothing profound for today, just an odd thought that's been bugging me.
Today, I am 31. (Don't feel obligated to comment today and send birthday wishes. No, really. It's okay. I'm not an affirmation junkie. I totally understand - you're busy. It's all good. Well, okay, if you insist!)
Anyhoo...
Thirty-one is different than 30. Everyone asked me how I felt when I turned 30 - Was it sad? Did I feel old(er)? How did I feel about people using feline names to describe me?
It was nothing. Just like any other birthday.
In fact, I kind-of enjoyed being able to say "I'm thirty." Finally, it seemed, I wasn't getting the shocked response relating the number of kids, my age, and how young I must have been when we started. Thirty was great!
Thirty-one, though, is OVER thirty. Now people will say, "she's thirty-something" about me - which could lead others to believe I'm (gasp) 35, or even older! This birthday has aged me. I now feel, well, over 30.
Nearly two years ago, I was burgeoning under the weight of carrying my fifth blessing in my womb. Ahem, I realize there are some of you doing the math - Malakai is 16 months old, 20-some-odd months ago I was probably only 5 months along. You go ahead and do it a few times, then you'll realize that the burgeoning phase begins earlier each time. Back to the story...
At our women's time out event (which has saved my life almost every Wednesday morning for the past five years), we participate in "Secret Sisters." The basic idea is this - draw a name, bless the girl who's name you drew, pray for her, encourage her...anonymously.
I was sitting at a table with my coffee (no lectures about pregnancy and caffeine, thankyouverymuch) and having a little bit of a pout fest. You see, Mother's Day was coming up, and I desperately wanted to be spoiled with a spa day pedicure. Since one of my jobs in our family is to track the finances, I was well aware that my wish would not be coming true.
The guest speaker began, so I stopped whining and temporarily forgot about my woes.
A while later, one of the girls running the SS program brought me a gift bag. Yay! I loved getting stuff from my Secret Sister - she was awesome! I began digging through and found a wonderful little "pregnancy relaxer kit," as I fondly call it - herbal tea, aromatherapy candles, bubble bath, lotion, and a card.
I opened the card, and a paper fell out onto the table. My girlfriend scooped it up, looked at it, smirked, and handed it to me. A gift certificate for a pedicure. I burst into tears - not the sweet, adorable tears; more like the hiccuping, snot dripping kind. (I don't think I ever did read what was written in the card.)
God knew the desire of my heart, and knew that it wasn't within my means to pursue it, so He found another way. My Secret Sister was beyond generous (pedicures are darn expensive). I was so blessed. And there was no doubt in my mind that God had provided.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4
The God Chronicles (click for background info) is a place for us to keep a record of the ways we've seen God at work in our lives.
Here's how it works...
Each month, on the 20th, I will write my own post. I'd love it if you'd join in by writing your own blog post for The God Chronicles (if you don't blog, feel free to participate in the comments).
Once you've written your post, get the URL for that specific post (not just your blog URL) and put your name and URL into Mr. Linky - which will be at the bottom of my post.
How do I link to my specific post, you ask? Well, once your post is written and published to your blog, click on the title of your post. That will bring you to a slightly different URL than that of your blog (for example, http://titus2345.blogspot.com/2009/01/god-chronicles-rules.html). If you click on your post's title and nothing changes, you will need to make a small change in your settings. If you're on blogger, you can go to your dashboard, click on the settings tab, then select archiving, beside "enable post pages" select yes, and save.
I would love for you to use the awesome graphic that Judi from Doodlebug Designs created (for now, you can just right click, save it to your computer, and put it on your post).
I also ask that you include a link back to my God Chronicles post in your blog post - that way others can find Mr. Linky and read everyone's stories.
Go ahead and visit other's God Chronicles posts. And don't forget to leave comments wherever you visit.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
We all know these words are Truth, and I'm sure we've quoted them in reference to one situation or another, but do we truly believe them?
I find myself saying these words, praying these words, then turning around and attempting to do the work in my own strength.
For example...
If you've been reading for a while, you know I struggle as a mother. I lose my cool. I yell. I throw tantrums. I cry, repent, ask forgiveness (from God, my husband, and my children), I commit to changing, and for a few weeks or months it's better. But then we have one of those days, and it starts all over again.
Don't get me wrong, I have no unrealistic goals of being the perfect mother all the time. But I do have a reasonable expectation that I can be free from the bondage of anger, which would dramatically change the way I parent.
After years of this cycle, why am I not free? After all, I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
I suspect that my freedom lies in the method. My current method involves two steps: asking for God's help, then trying to be more patient and loving. Sure, the praying aspect is good. But from there I operate under my own efforts. I try.
Sometimes, though, trying is just not enough. So what does it really mean - through Christ?
I'm going to ponder this some more, later in the week. But I'd like to know your thoughts. How does one move from their own strength into Christ's power?
Reminder: The God Chronicles tomorrow. Mr. Linky will just be open for the one day; 24 hours. Write your own post about how you've seen God working in your life, link up here, and connect with others who want to write these things on their hearts (Proverbs 6:21) and leave a heritage of God's grace for the next generation (Joel 1:2-3).
A while back, I received some stellar parenting advice from a bloggy friend (Jenny). Thank-you, girlfriend! Let me just tell you...Jenny is chalk full of wisdom, and she is willing to take the time to answer personal questions (not a lot of wise people are also willing, but that's just one of the beautiful things about her). Here, this post is part of an email she sent me.
We've been pretty slow at getting started, but little by little we are changing the way we teach our children. Rather than tell them what to do and punish them when they do wrong, we are attempting to show them.
The best way to form a habit is to repeat it. Over and over again. (Kinda like how it's Pat's habit, after years of rehearsing, to hit the snooze button at least 4 times each morning.) "Practice makes perfect." Right?
Katherine talks some more about this concept at her place, Raising Five (look for the post titled "Rip and Burn"). I love her analogy!
Some things I like to use the "rip and burn" method with are: sibling rivalry, disrespect, feeling frustrated/needing help, hurt feelings. Because our kids are still pretty young, Pat and I typically play the roles first. It's fun to act out the wrong behaviour and ask the kids how we could have done it differently. Then, we ask them to show us. It's the act of...well, acting, that brings it home for them. They are rehearsing the appropriate responses for certain situations, which makes those responses feel more natural in the actual situations.
If you're like me, and finding that the "traditional" parenting methods are not really effective, I challenge you to try this. Not only does it work, it can even be a little bit fun!
I just wanted to remind you all that The God Chronicles is coming upon Tuesday. I know that I usually need some time to ponder and prepare if I'm writing on a specific topic, so this is my "get ready" as much as it is yours. :) My hope is that a few of you, my bloggy friends, will join me in recording what God has been doing in our lives.
I want to send out a huge "hurrah" and "thank-you ever so much" to Judi from Doodlebug Designs for the fantastic button. As before, when she did my blog design, Judi was oh-so-patient with this girl who couldn't really figure out what she wanted. If you've ever considered having a custom design made for your blog, I definitely recommend Judi - she is terrific! Go ahead and look at some of the great designs she's done recently.
In the shadow of the wintry morning I sit, waiting.
Children, out long past the sun, continue in their slumber.
I feel it rise up in me - the impatience. We must move! Go! Hurry! Get there! There is work to be done. Ministry. School. Errands.
I resist the urge to awaken Sleeping Beauty and her brother. This rest is needed. For them. For me.
In the frantic of this life, God interrupts. Rest, He whispers. Be still, and know that I am God.
I struggle against the rest, like an angry child pushes away from her mother's embrace. Like the child, I come to the crossroads, the decision point - pull away, run away, ignore the warm comfort or release a shuddering breath and sink into mother's arms.
One last thrash of resistance. Then release. Sweet rest. Life, interrupted.
Thank-you, Lord, that you love enough to intervene in my chaos, stop me in my tracks, and return my gaze to Your face.
One of these days I'll get all high-tech and figure out how to take a "screen shot" of the winning numbers. I used Random.org and asked it to choose a number between 1 and 15 (inclusive) and the genie in the computer chose #11. If you look back, you'll see only 12 comments and you may wonder if I've forgotten how to count. I did promise the first-time commenters that I would give each of them two entries, though, so Michelle was #13, Rachelle from The Beys were #14, and Angie was #15.
Here's something funny for ya - comment #11, as you will notice, is from Louise. Louise lives right here in town, less than a five-minute drive from me!
Louise, to show you what you have won, heeeeeeeer's Vanna Pat!
(Insert deep, booming, game show voice.) "Louise, you have won this fabulous prize from Casa Del Rowan." (Envision perfectly manicured hands, holding up object, waving in front of object enticingly.) "Look at your amazing prize..." "It's your very own pair of the ugliest, most comfortable shoes ever made!" (Host's eyes focusing right on the camera.) "Louise, please send me your shoe size, along with three colour preferences (in case your first choice isn't in stock) in order to receive your prize in a timely manner. And folks, don't forget to have your pets spayed or neutered." (Little side note here - I asked Pat to do this on video for me, but no amount of pleading would convince him to make a fool of himself on the www. Party pooper.)
Pat's initial prize choice was a pickle, so these faux fur-lined clogs are a massive step up. Pat hopes you will enjoy wearing yours around your house and yard as much as he enjoys his.
Thanks to you all for delurking and giving me some comment love!
And on a bizarre and interesting (and totally unrelated) side-side note, suddenly yesterday afternoon I began to receive emails informing me of comments. Hooray! So I will turn off comment moderation and bask in the glory of receiving an email theverysecond someone comments on a post. :) Happy me.
Mary likes to encourage us to record those cute things our kids say. If you want to see what other kids are saying, go to Not Before 7 and visit the links.
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Megan (5) is a bit of a drama queen. She often picks up little sayings she's heard on movies, or from who knows where.
Lately, when speaking to someone and wanting their full attention, she will walk up, hold their face in her hands, and say "my darling, listen to me."
Her newest exclamation is, "oh my goodness to glory!"
We have two wonderful childcare providers, who are both adult women. One of them is expecting - twins! The kids have all been quite thrilled to discover this.
Abbey (6) was informing us that C is "getting two babies." So Pat asked, "where's she getting them from?" (Smart alec.)
Abbey says, "in her tummy," with a 'duh, you should know this' tone in her voice.
Shea (3) pipes in, "No, I think it's from her mouth."
Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." ~Luke 14:12-14
As a general rule, I believe the Bible to be the straightforward and literal Word of God. I don't think that most passages are intended to be ambiguous strings of words that required "interpretation" in order to be understood. I believe that God created the earth in a literal six days and rested on the seventh. I believe that people literally lived until they were 800 years old. I believe that Noah really did, literally, live on a big boat containing two of every kind of [stinky] creature for months. And so on...
This means that I also understand the words of Jesus to mean exactly what they appear to mean. I don't see the above passage as an allegory of some sort. No, Jesus is literally saying that I am supposed to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind into my home.
I'll be honest, I struggle with this. The idea of inviting, for example, the unpleasant smelling homeless man outside the grocery store to my house - very uncomfortable...and a little scary! Especially in this day and age, where tales of horrible things done to kind strangers are everyday fare on the news channel.
So I've been asking God how I can obey Him in this in a way that also protects my family. He showed me that I don't need to drive downtown and look for unknown homeless people (not that He someday won't ask this of me - or you - but perhaps not during this season of young children at home). He showed me that we already know a number of poor, crippled, lame, and blind people whom we can welcome and show His love to.
A sibling...certainly not considered poor by the world's standard...spending money like it were going out of style on all kinds of items for personal enjoyment...feeling an emptiness and trying to fill it the way this world says it can be filled...but poverty-stricken in spirit - no hope, no joy, no love, no Jesus.
An old friend...strong legs and back, employed and hard working...struggling with depression and unable to break free...aching, empty, lonely, and unable to step out of the quicksand that is pulling and sucking...crippled and without the freedom that comes only from Christ.
Another friend from days gone by...addicted and strangled by the grip of drugs...grasping for something - anything - to break free, yet unable to move forward...injured...lame.
Another sibling...searching for meaning wherever it can be found...spirituality in any possible form - yoga, new age, meditation, positive-thinking-power-of-attraction...completely blind to the Truth, unable and unwilling to see the Source of Real Spiritual Meaning.
We're surrounded by those who are poor, crippled, lame, and blind. And we hold the key to their healing and freedom. All it takes is a simple invitation to the dinner table.
First, don't forget to head over to this post, "delurk," and enter to win a prize (to be determined by Pat - my great apologies if you receive a package of pork rinds or beef jerky in the mail). Comments will be closed before I head to bed tonight.
Below, is the only evidence that I was present and active for our day on the hill. Really, I was up and down enough times to earn myself FIVE EXTRA POINTS for dinner.
Grandma can always be counted on to join in on the fun.
We even managed to drag Grandpa along - as you can see by the "clutching for dear life," Grandpa was a little bit concerned about his 50-some-odd-year-old brittle bones.
Braeden worked hard to catch some air on that bump. Sadly, Mom missed the picture of his good air.
These girls (Meg and Shea) giggled all the way down the hill.
Abbey needed to prove she could carry the big tube. This was after her first run down the hill - by the last run she was crawling, sled dragging behind her, fingernails bleeding as she clawed her way up. Just kidding...maybe.
Daisy was in her glory, chasing sledding children down the hill. I think she's still tired!
Best air of the day - Daddy. Best timing of the day - Moi! Though I certainly won't win any photography awards with that sunlight glaring in the background.
Greetings from the top of the hill, from Kai to you!
More greetings from Shea.
And Abbey.
Braeden says "hi," too.
This is where I would put Meg's picture, if she had willingly posed for one, which she didn't. (deep breath)
Tyler just realized that she listened to the entire "Kidmo" CD, even though all children had left the room after the first song.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Don't forget to delurk for the Canadian National Delurking WeekEND. I love to know who's reading! (And, there is a prize involved.)
Lurk - verb (used without object) 1. to lie or wait in concealment, as a person in ambush; remain in or around a place secretly or furtively. 2. to go furtively; slink; steal. 3. to exist unperceived or unsuspected. 4. Chiefly Computers. to read or observe an ongoing discussion without participating in it, as in an Internet newsgroup.–noun Australian Informal. 5. an underhand scheme; dodge. 6. an easy, somewhat lazy or unethical way of earning a living, performing a task, etc. 7. a hideout.
Lurker - noun One of the `silent majority' in a electronic forum; one who posts occasionally or not at all but is known to read the group's postings regularly. This term is not pejorative and indeed is casually used reflexively: "Oh, I'm just lurking." Often used in `the lurkers', the hypothetical audience for the group's flamage-emitting regulars. When a lurker speaks up for the first time, this is called `delurking'.
My friend Jenni has informed me (via her blog) that it is National Delurking Week. What nation - I don't know! Nor do I care. Because this blog world is all very official-like, I now pronounce it National Delurking WeekEND here in Canada - that way I can justify my participation.
So, what are you waiting for?! Tell me who you are. Say "hi." Even if you are a faithful reader and commenter, say "hi" just for kicks. What's that? You need incentive??? Oooooh, incentive I can do. Comment on this post, and I'll put your name in the drawing for a super-duper prize. If it's your FIRST TIME leaving a comment, let me know and I will enter your name TWICE! Just because I want you to feel loved and welcomed.
And....go!
Oh, sorry, you want to know what the super-duper prize is. So do I. But I'm going to let Pat decide (you're free to make suggestions to him, but if he never listens to me I'd be surprised if he listens to you). :)
Happy National Delurking WeekEND!
P.S. Comments will be closed at my bedtime (around 10pm MST) on Sunday. You know, when the nationally recognized holiday ends.
Winter is an unpleasant reality in these parts. Winter that lasts from Halloween 'til after the long weekend in May. If I had my way, we'd all hibernate for five or six months (with the exception of December, of course) and wake from our slumber when the sun comes out to play. I have five darling children and a husband, though, who think snow and ice are (ahem) thrilling.
I think we have found a solution that makes everyone happy. Dad, kids, and dog can play out there all they want. Mom can observe from the cozy warmth of the kitchen window.
In this picture, everyone's in their boots. But many-a-day you will find a couple of them out there attempting to slide around on boots fitted with skinny and dangerous blades, whilst praying that their ankles don't bend in unnatural positions and snap in two ice-skating.
As you can see, our backyard rink has been outfitted with all the latest in flood lighting technology (being that it is dark before dinner is even on the table, and after the many hours and gallons of water, it was necessary to ensure that the rink got the most use possible).
Even the wee ones, neighbours, and puppies like to get in on the action.
In case you're wondering... Yes, we do anticipate a large mass of dead grass in the backyard this spring. Yes, the concept of cementing the entire backyard has been broached (and vetoed). Yes, we have sat around the fire pit in the garage when it's raining. Yes, we have - in the past - used a washing machine drum as a fire pit. Mmmm-hmmmm. You might be a redneck if....
I am a blue jeans, t-shirt, and running shoes kind of girl. Even as a child, the prospect of dressing up did not appeal to me. It's just never made sense to me - why would someone deliberately choose to wear clothing and footwear that pulls and squishes and needs to be adjusted all day long? Why in the world would I want to go to all that effort, just to see those nice clothes get dirty before I walk out the door?
As a stay-at-home mother, my uniform consists of stretchy yoga pants, tank top, and hooded sweater - socks are optional. For Church, I go to the effort of putting on make-up, styling my hair, and wearing a "nice" pair of jeans. Back when I was a student, I elevated my wardrobe choices as far as corduroy overalls (they were black, therefore considered "dressy"). Even during my brief time in the workforce, I was lucky enough to be in positions where "office casual" was considered dressed-up.
Comfort is important to me.
Every now and then, though, I have cause to be uncomfortable. Christmas parties, special events and the like. For certain occasions, my regular uniform is simply unacceptable. So I primp and preen, iron my clothes, purchase a pair of nylons, and get myself all gussied up. On these occasions, my new look garners a reaction from every. single. person. who knows me.
The compliments of others, and maybe even the look itself, transform me. I stand taller. I hold my tummy in (well, I try to). My shoulders are back. There's a big smile on my face. I'm confident, friendly, social. My feet ache in the heels, I can barely eat for fear of popping the buttons at my waist, I feel the need to obsessively check my lipstick, I am secretly praying that the little hole in my nylons doesn't turn into a giant run for all to see. Yet all of my discomfort fades into the background in light of my "new persona."
Perhaps all my comfort has not been as wonderful as I thought it should be. I realize that, in my comfy sweats, I feel a bit shy...reserved...insecure...sloppy...ugly even. In my comfort it has been easy to let things go. The waistband of sweatpants doesn't tell a person nearly as much about their weight as the waistband of a skirt. Comfort has become so important, that I've forgotten to push myself.
Sometimes, it's good to be uncomfortable - it changes you in ways you would not have expected. It helps you to realize that you were, in fact, stuck.
The same is true of our walk with the Lord. Settling down into a comfortable routine feels good. It feels secure. It feels safe.
But God is far from safe! He's strong and bold and adventurous. (What greater sense of adventure than to lead the Israelites on an exodus from their slave masters, part the sea to allow for their escape, then dramatically allow the sea to close and swallow up the enemy?!)
If we get too "settled" in any relationship, we begin to lose that sense of adventure. Take marriage, for example - get comfortable, feel safe, little by little you forget to do those special things for your spouse, lose the sense of romance, feel "stuck."
If, like me, you are feeling a bit too comfortable in your relationship with the Lord, maybe it's time to change out of those sweat pants. Get dressed up, and try something different. See what God will do in you...in me. Let Him unsettle you from the rut you're stuck in, get a little uncomfortable, and be transformed.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Romans 12:2
This blog is the closest thing I've had to a journal in about 15 years. When I've gone on to Glory, my hope is that my words here will hold meaning and memories for my children. My prayer is that they will see and understand who God is, was, and ever will be through my story. I trust that they will find, buried among these web pages, truth, wisdom, reality, humour, forgiveness, grace, understanding, and joy.
Our pastor encourages us to make "God Stories" a part of our everyday lives at home. It is the experience of looking for - and seeing - God actively at work in our lives and hearts that helps our children to make our faith their own. These moments, where we see our LORD's hand on our lives, are not to be secrets buried deep within the recesses of our memories. They are treasures, meant to be put on display, so that His greatness is known!
Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your forefathers? Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. ~Joel 1:2-3
"Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." ~Joshua 4:5-7
Every month, I will be writing a story for "The God Chronicles." These stories will be my memorial stones. It may be something that I recently experienced, or a story from the past that begs to be shared. Sometimes, it might look something like this. Other times, maybe not. What's important is that the reality of God's active participation in our lives is recorded. Not only to pass the stories on throughout the generations of our family, but to look back on and remember (especially during difficult times).
I'd like to invite you to join me in chronicling how the Great One is working in your life and in your heart. Each month, on the 20th, I will put up my post along with a Mr. Linky. If you are a blogger, you can write your story for "The God Chronicles" on your blog and link to your story using Mr. Linky (so other readers can visit one another and hear how God is working). If you are not a blogger, you can still participate by posting your story in the comments (don't worry, I'm cool with really long comments).
It would be great to have a button to accompany the series! So, if you (or someone you know) has a knack for these things, please be in touch with me.
This post by Ann @ Holy Experience is a must read. I'm sure we all are thinking about "How to Eat Differently this Year." I know I am...my heart's desire is to savour the bites of Truth and Wisdom He has written in His love letter to me.
Not only does Ann have an amazing gift with words, and shares wisdom and beauty through her blog, but she has a son with the same name as mine. :) Until finding her, I had never seen Malakai spelled this way.
I may (or may not) have a more substantial post later today.
FYI, we still have these days. More frequently than I would like. My prayer is that God will continue to teach me to show grace, to be patient, and to speak and act in love - especially to those I love the most.
This big girl lost her first tooth last week. She told me that even though she knows I am the tooth fairy, she would pretend to believe so her sisters wouldn't be sad. (I think she was a bit afraid that if she didn't believe she might not find any money under her pillow the next morning.)
This trip was definitely one of our most memorable family times. The kids still ask if we can go on another long trip and stay in cabins, "but a cabin with two rooms, so the kids get their own." (For two of our seven nights we were able to stay in a 2-room cabin - what a treat!)
Here's a funny thing I noticed. When I get lots of comment feedback, I feel affirmed and loved and encouraged, therefore I write more (and I think - better). When I begin to lose that [comment] lovin' feeling, whoa that [comment] lovin' feeling I get a wee bit discouraged, and write less often (and of lesser quality). Which begets fewer comments. It's like the "circle of life" only not quite as sweet and beautiful.
As you can tell, I do enjoy posting a meme or participating in a "tag" on my blog. Gives some fun fodder to jot down, without too much deep thinking (which would be especially painful after staying up TWO WHOLE HOURS past my bedtime in order to count backwards from 10).
A lot of my prayer life is spent asking God about me. You know the prayers: What is your plan for me? Help me be a better wife/mother. Financial provision. Direction for the family.
I have spent months years praying that God show me clearly how many children we should have. (Not specifically, as in - how many? - but when was the right time to stop.) Then, when it seemed He gave some direction, I spent many more months asking Him to help me feel "settled" with it.
Over the years, I cannot count the times that we have found ourselves with time left in the month and no money left in the account. Each of those times, my prayer life launched into all-day conversations with the Lord.
Basically, my prayers tend to be quite selfish in nature. Me, me, me.Answer my prayer. Show me. Tell me. Guide me. Help me. Speak to ME!
I wonder what would happen if I became selfish for God? If I asked Him what He needs, what He wants, what He's passionate about...And then I allowed His desires to be the driving force behind my prayers?
The only thing I can imagine the Holy God being "selfish" for, is us. (Another way I've heard it said is that He is jealous for us, for our affections and devotion.) He wants His people to know Him and love Him, to be in a relationship with Him. God's desire for US is so strong that He allowed the murder of His Son to make an easier way for us to know Him.
Just think on that for a moment - God is jealous for YOU.
If I look at each person I encounter in my day as someone that He is jealous for, how would that change me? Would I be cranky on the phone with the telemarketer if I were cognizant of the fact that God WANTS her? If I were reflecting on how God DESIRES him, would I step back in shame/fear/disgust/sadness at the sight of the disheveled man, smelling of alcohol, on the sidewalk downtown?
But what if I take it even deeper into my heart? What would happen if I allowed God's Spirit to fill me with His passion for people? I would WANT them to know Him. My heart's DESIRE would be for them to discover His love. Our prayers are filled with the stuff of our hearts, so it stands to reason that my prayer life would take a dramatic turn. No more me, me, me.
Lord, hear and answer the telemarketer's prayer, so that she will know You.
Father, show the homeless man Your plan for his life, so that he will find hope in You.
Holy One, tell them about Your Son.
Majesty, guide them in Your ways.
Saviour, help them live for You.
I wonder... In the grand scheme of eternity, which of my prayers would really matter?
I have this crazy bad habit of giving myself reams of projects to work on whenever the kids are on school holidays. I realize that this makes no sense. It would be much more sensible to work while at least a couple of them are at school - less kids means less distraction. So, I'm going to blame it all on Pat and tell you that when it's vacation time he gets motivated. I'm just going with the flow...
For the last few years, we have invited friends with kids over for New Year's Eve. This way, no one needs to get a sitter, kids can be put to bed if needed, and the basement is totally kiddo friendly. It's always a fun evening filled with board games, food, and noise. I would like to point out that NYE is Wednesday and today is SundayMonday. The deadline for project completion looms dangerously close!
Pat suggested that we should finally refinish the kitchen cabinets. After all, we have lived here nearly three years now. And they are especially ugly. Since I am not willing to get in the way of my husband's motivation, we went for it. Pat is making the doors beautiful for me, by stapling a "frame" around the outside edges of the front. He has also (bless his heart) taken care of all the sanding. I am the painter of the house.
We would be right on track to completion before D-Day NYE, except for this pesky little thing called work. That Pat has to go to. All day today and tomorrow. Maybe even Wednesday. So here I am, major project on hand, five kids home from school, and a large social gathering in my home in just three days.
And you know what large gatherings mean, right? Cleaning, creating food trays, putting away Christmas decorations, organizing the kids' space, more cleaning, and um - of course - not having your entire kitchen cupboards strewn across the kitchen table and counters.
How can it be possible, that no matter what time the children go to bed - whether 7:30pm or 10pm or somewhere in-between - they are fully capable of waking up just after 6am?
When did the word "holidays" become synonymous with the phrase "completely pig out until you're so full that you might throw up"?
No matter how simple I attempt to make the gift-giving aspect of Christmas for the kids, why do we end up needed to completely rearrange the house to fit their new haul?
Who knew that a completely gluten-free Christmas day could taste so good that I would "holidays"?
And now, a brief statement on my character...
For a girl who prides herself on being quite practical, I was surprised to realize that the thought of my husband buying me a brand new vacuum for Christmas wasn't all that exciting. I was relieved, overjoyed (and a bit embarrassed at seeing my true, completely non-practical side take over) when I opened my gift to find a gorgeous new family ring. Seven stones, two of them glimmery diamonds for our April babies. It's very "blingy" - I love it! Just a brief note to any men - this is a very important lesson - never. ever. buy your wife a vacuum as a gift. Seriously, don't do it! She really isn't nearly as practical as she thinks she is.
Another surprising bit of self-discovery: my vain side also made an appearance when I was holding out my hand to show off my gift (yes, if you're counting, it seems there are at least three sides to my personality). #1 - I need to get acrylic nails; my hands are ugly! #2 - It is really not attractive for a nearly 31-year-old woman to bite her nails down to the quick.
Merry Christmas, happy holidays, try to sleep in a bit, and enjoy your gifts (even if there are far too many of them kicking around your house). The most important thing, though, is that you teach your kids to sleep in. Geeeeesh!
Our family has been on a new adventure lately. Together, we are trying to listen to the nudges of the Holy Spirit and act on what we hear. It all started a while back with one (of an awesome series) on Acts...
A few weeks ago at church, our pastor told a story about a pastor friend of his. This friend was going to be preaching a message that very morning where he would ask his congregation to leave their coats on their seats when the service was over; they would be given to the large homeless population in their area.
You could sense our congregation squirming in their seats. Much to our relief, no such request was made. Much to my chagrin, before the service ended Pat told me that he felt God calling our family to leave our coats.
Pat talked to all the kids about it, prayed with them, and coats were unzipped. Shea freely and willingly passed her winter coat to Daddy. Abbey was a bit reluctant (she was wearing a special coat that she didn't want to part with). As Meg removed her fantastically puffy winter coat, she reassured Abbey, "don't worry, Abs, God will give us new coats." Together, they tossed their parkas onto the stage (the sanctuary was empty by this time). I reluctantly put my one and only ski jacket on top of theirs, and even more reluctantly unzipped Kai's red Baby Gap coat (a treasured hand-me-down from cousins). Braeden wasn't sure about all this business, and he's the kinda guy who needs to think things over, so he wore his coat home and offered it up just moments following his baptism.
During the following service, an additional 32 coats were left. All were donated to the homeless in our town.
Pat and I talked about buying them new coats, to help them see how God (sometimes) rewards us tangibly when we obey him. But we just didn't feel settled about it. God did provide, though, because when we came home and checked our closet of extra winter gear we found a coat in the right size for each of the girls and Kai. They were last year's hand-me-downs, so not the best quality as far as warmth, but they would do...
Today, our children received brand new winter coats - good, thick, puffy, top quality parkas (in matching colours, teehee)! A gift from our church, inspired by the Executive Assistant. We talked with them about their obedience a few weeks ago...how God saw that and used our church family to return what they had freely offered.
As we were walking out the doors of the church, Pat overheard Shea tell some children, "God gave me this new coat!" Yes. He sure did.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Phew. I am all done doing housework. Three hours of scouring and scrubbing, spraying and wiping. Worked my buns off, and it looks great! I won't be enjoying the freshness, though, because it wasn't my house.
There's a woman in our church family struggling with post-partum depression. She and her hubby have six kids. She's maxed out. It's hard to think of how to help someone in her shoes.
Because I've been there, as have some of my friends, we knew right away. The hardest parts of coping with the day-to-day are cooking and cleaning. When you're emotionally drained, the last thing you can muster up the energy for is housekeeping.
So we rallied up a small group of gals (thanks for joining in Frieda, Lynne, and Lindsey), brought our cleaning supplies, gave the family some coupons for swimming and McDonald's, and set to work.
I don't tell you this story to "toot my own horn." I assure you, there are many opportunities I've had to bless others that I have not taken. Many friends and family whom I haven't helped in their time of need. This is just one small thing.
I tell you because it's such a small thing to make someone's life feel cope-able (I made that one up, do you like it?). As women, we see other women who are stressed out and overwhelmed all the time (sure, we often try to hide it from one another, but there comes a point when the truth starts to peek through). What do we do? How do we respond to the needs of our sisters? A ready-to-cook meal, a couple hours of babysitting, a few bags of groceries, a gift card for a meal out, a bouquet of flowers, an invitation for coffee or a play date, help with folding laundry, a big hug, a cleaning bee...just a few of the small things that hold BIG meaning.
I remember after Shea was born, Braeden came home on the school bus and his bus driver waves me over. He handed me two huge boxes. Unpacking them on my kitchen table, I found a freezer meal from each of his teachers and aides (total of five in that class) with recipes included, an adorable baby girl outfit, a stuffed toy for Braeden, and fancy hairbands for the girls. I had never before received the gift of food, and I was amazed. The way that blessed me and made life easier for me in those first weeks after a new baby - words cannot describe.
I want to be more in touch with the needs of the women around me. I want to really listen, so that I don't miss any more opportunities to make someone's day-to-day a bit easier. A little bit of my time can change the landscape of someone else's week (or month). How about you? I encourage you to try it - just once - and you'll be hooked. Come on, think generous!
The sad part of the story is, I still have to clean my own house on Monday. Sigh.
In the past several months, I personally know at least six couples who are divorcing. In all of these couples, at least one partner is a believer; in most of them, both are Christians (a couple of them missionaries).
I feel so helpless to support and encourage them. All I want to do (and have done) is cry and pray.
I know that God's heart absolutely breaks at the very thought of divorce. I also know that sometimes a marriage is abusive in many ways and is not a safe place to be.
I only know one side of the story in most of these cases, but my understanding is that emotional and verbal abuse were rife in several of these marriages...there have been some hints of physical abuse as well...infidelity, lies, and betrayal.
The enemy is at work here. He is insidiously and systematically destroying what God has brought together. Why? Your guess is as good as mine - havoc, chaos, destruction...anything to get in the way of God's Kingdom coming here on earth (Matthew 6:10). Among the shock and sorrow that echo in my mind, one question resounds - how has the evil one infiltrated our churches? What have we done, as a Church (not my church, specifically, but the Church that is the Bride of Christ), to allow the darkness and destruction to enter?
I don't know what to do, besides weep and pray...pray and weep.
Here are some random Scriptures that I've been rolling over in my heart and mind... Luke 21:5-36 - Yay! All this mess means Jesus is ever closer to coming back to earth. James 1:27 - We - other women, families, the Church - need to be caring for those who are broken and bruised among us. Ephesians 6:10-20 - The key to stopping the destruction of marriages in the Church really is prayer!
If you are in a strong, committed, Godly marriage, please take a moment to thank the Lord for that blessing. Don't take it for granted. And ask God's protection over it daily.
If you are in the broken place, where life as you've known it has fallen apart, please don't turn away form the One who loves you. He will always love you. He can restore what has been broken in your soul. He can give you so much more than what you have lost. He can restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:24-26). And please, don't give up on us - your friends. Sometimes we don't know what to say or how to help - don't take that to mean that we don't care. In reality, we care so much that your hurt becomes our own.
I have been in that broken place, so please know that my words are not spoken casually. Someday, with Pat's permission, I will share what God has done in our marriage...the wicked that He has redeemed and now uses for His purposes.
In the words of a very wise song from the Seeker play (if you'd like to listen to the song, click the link below the lyrics):
I'm gonna keep on prayin'. (x4) Pray, pray, every day, And my prayers will accomplish much!
Look out dragons 'cause you're gonna go down; We're gonna stomp you into the ground. Look out dragons, can't you hear that sound? I don't think you better stick around.
Put on your running shoes, We're here with the Good News. Light is pushing darkness away!
The prayer of the righteous is a powerful thing. You are fighting evil forces that you can and cannot see. But there's strength and there's help when you call upon the King. So be strong, keep keepin' on!
Keep on praying and don't give up. Resist the dragons and they will run. Shout out praises to the King of Kings. Keep believing and keep. on. prayin'.
I tend to have a case of ADD when TV watching, so bear with the incomplete details...
I spent one hour of my time last night flipping channels back and forth between NCIS and The Biggest Loser (grand finale).
There's something about TBL that just inspires a girl! I mean, those folks made me really believe I could do it! Eat right, work out HARD, and get back down the slender 130 lbs of my dreams.
So I sat, watching a man who had been dead renew relationship with his family (NCIS) and people who had been dangerously obese gain new life (TBL), and I cried. Not just an "awwww how sweet I'm getting a little choked up" sorta cry. More like an "all out sobbing and hiccuping and snot dripping from my nose" kinda cry. The only explanation I have for this behaviour is hormones.
Seriously, who SOBS with joy seeing people lose 135 lbs in six months? Something had to be done to stop my absurd display of, well, sobbing.
So as I watched an alive-again man hug his granddaughter and a woman win $250,000 for losing nearly 50% of her body weight, I self-medicated with a most wonderful and gigantic piece of chocolate cake soaked in canned evaporated milk. (Don't knock it till you try it, people. It's sheer yummy heaven. Heaven, I tell you!)
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family - It profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure
You know what I love about Christmas? The craziness.
Yep, you heard me. I LOVE CRAZY!!! (Like you didn't already know that.)
That first weekend of December, when Pat drags out the boxes of decorations and the tree so I can "deck the halls" around this place - that is just about my favourite day of the year (it's definitely in the running, right after Christmas day, my birthday, the last day of school, and the first day of school).
There is something so deeply satisfying in taking a day (or six) of shopping and reaching the point of being able to say, "I'm done!"
I especially enjoy the anticipation in the children's eyes as they admire the wrapped gifts under the tree.
The busy-ness of running from Christmas concerts to work parties to friend's houses is a joyful kind of insane. It's even worth the tired and cranky little ones who've been allowed to stay up a wee bit late a time or two.
The best part of the craziness, though, is the family. For a couple weeks of the year I can count on everyone available to make an appearance. Weddings, funerals, and Christmas - those special times that really bring people together. If only for a couple days...
You see, my brother and sister are technically my "step" siblings. Our families merged when I was about 12 years old. This often leaves me as "odd man out" when it comes to sibling stuff. It doesn't help that I have a pack of five kids, and they are both child-free at this time in their lives. (Not only does it mean that we don't have a lot in common as far as what we do in our free time, who we hang with, etc.; I am, quite frankly, not very available for just hanging out kinda stuff.)
This divide is often just what I accept as life. Embrace what time we do get together, but try not to get hung up on the loss of my dream (you know, the Cleavers...laughter, love, connection, being the best of friends). Every now and then, though, it makes me a little sad. But this season - this month - for just a short bit of time, wipes that divide away. We're all together, crammed into small loud places, celebrating as a family. It's crazy, it's busy, but it is oh-so-beautiful.
I planned to just leave it alone, let Braeden come to me. I didn't want to push or pressure him in any way. Baptism needs to be a decision made of your own will, with no convincing or cajoling.
I believed that God had put it on Braeden's heart to be baptised, but fear overcame obedience. Regardless of that belief, I still wasn't about to "suggest" anything.
Before climbing in the tub tonight, he told me again, "Mom, I want to get baptised. Tonight. In the bathtub." (If you know Braeden, it really sounded more like, "Mom, Ina get 'tised. 'Night. Buhtub.") I told him to get clean while Pat and I talked.
The conversation went a little like this...
In the bathtub? Really? Can we do that?
Um, well, I don't know if it's technically how it's typically done. But should we really say no?
Hmmm. Yeah. Okay. Let me look in my Bible.
Okay. Let me go scrub the tub for pictures.
Braeden's earthly Abba sharing some words from the heart of his Heavenly Daddy.
Triple yay, King Jesus!
A couple notes: - I do not believe you need to have someone "official" to make a baptism real, true, or meaningful. (It's nice, but not necessary. I also can't find anywhere in the Bible that says it must be a Pastor/Reverend.) - I do believe that when God tells us to act we need to do so immediately. But for those times when we let fear get in the way of our obedience (like Braeden did yesterday), He is faithful to give us another chance. Braeden told me that God TOLD him last night, "Braeden, you need to get baptised TOMORROW." Who am I to question what the Almighty Lord commanded my son to do. - I could not be more proud of both Braeden and Abbey for taking a bold step of faith, moving forward in their walk with the Lord.
And a weird side-note... If you were wondering what the heck that thing is that Abbey was baptised in, but were too polite to ask, I'll answer (because I just realized it looks like a big metal garbage can). It's a horse trough. Our baptismal tank is under our stage and is about 4.5' deep - a fair bit deeper than most of yesterdays' baptisees are tall. Our children's pastor improvised!
We have had the privilege of celebrating a couple of exciting milestones in our family this week.
#1 - Meg sang in the chorus for a play called "Seeker: The Armor of Light." The plays (and books that they're based on, and songs) are a great ministry that share the Truth of God's Love through allegory. Seeker and his friends live in the Kingdom with the King, and they are part of His army. They fight off dragons (the dragons in this particular story were Anger and Abuse) and bring people out of the darkness and into the Light, where the King gives each of them a new name.
(Meg's at the front right. I apologize for the quality of the photo - forgot my camera and don't really know how to work the camera on my Blackberry yet.)
I can't say enough great things about the plays and the songs. They minister to me, bringing home God's Truths in a new way. As their "creator," Dian Layton says, they are most definitely "divine downloads!" I think I may just need to have a giveaway relating to Seeker in the new year...
Anyway, at the end of each performance, the audience is told that there is a Real King who loves them. The Good News is shared and an invitation is offered. On Saturday, while watching the play with my parents (I was backstage helping), Shea decided that she wanted to go pray and ask Jesus into her heart! Yay, King Jesus!
#2 - Sunday afternoon was a special occasion in our Church, called the "Big Birthday Bash." The reason - celebrating new life for 16 children. Two of mine were included in the sixteen children who chose to be baptised!
Unfortunately, Braeden was intimidated by the crowds of people (there were at least 150 in attendance), and he decided not to be baptised right then. Apparently, he wants to be baptised in the bathtub tonight. If so, we'll put on some trunks and take pictures to document the special moment.
Abbey, though, pushed through her fears and acted in obedience to what God had called her to do! Double yay, King Jesus! (I should mention that all the kids being baptised were given invitations to hand out. Abbey's teacher and principal came. Man, do I ever love our school!)
(As you can see - on the left - Abbey's Daddy had the honour of assisting in the baptism. Go Pat!)
After the baptism, while we were enjoying our birthday cake, I was telling Abbey how very proud I was of her. She was giggling and grinning and bouncing up and down. She said to me, "I'm so happy, Mommy!" I told her that maybe she felt so happy because Jesus was smiling. With the confidence of a child, she replied, "Of course He is! There's a party in Heaven right now!"
(There I am crouching with the towel, clapping and cheering. You can see our family and other guests gathered behind us - Pastor Mike asked everyone who was invested in these children's lives to come up and be a witness, as well as offer their commitment to encourage each child in their walk with God.)
Precious.
I ask that you pray for protection over our family during the next couple of weeks, that the children's faith decisions will settle deep within their spirits, and that the enemy will not be able to mess with God's work in them (or in our family). As a family, we have been strapping on our Armor of Light at bedtime and in the morning...
Ever struggle with your faith? With understanding how God has it all figured out? All taken care of? Worried about finances this Christmas? Read this awesome post!
The Generosity Project is celebrating advent daily. Read this post first; if you're like me you'll be unable to resist taking 10 minutes to read through the archives. Consider creating your own experiment in generosity.
Here are two scriptures shared at The Generosity Project that spoke to me:
Matthew 5:42 (NIV, UK version) Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Romans 12:13 (unknown version, perhaps her own paraphrase - but I like it) Get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner.
In my vast boredom (read: when I should have been folding laundry, but chose to sit on the computer instead), I decided it was time to add a playlist to my blog.
I am aware that the jury is hung as to whether the playlist is fun or annoying. Personally, it depends on my mood that day (and the time of month *wink*).
I just feel as though there are so many aspects of a person's personality that can't come through in writing. For example, knowing that I LOVE country music might completely alter your opinion of me. Maybe you'll think I'm more fun-loving than you assumed. Or wonder if I'm a bit of a dork in real life. (Both are accurate.) So here - get to know me a little better through my song picks.
If you are from the camp of "I hate stupid playlists; they are so annoying," well, the strategic placement of my playlist RIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE FIRST SIDEBAR is just for you. Hitting the little pause button is oh-so-simple. You don't need to hate me or leave me forever - just pause my tunes. I don't mind, honest.
What I do want to know, though, is if this playlist thingie causes any trouble with page loading. So definitely let me know if my page has now turned into one of those that takes eeee-tern-it-eeee to load. Because, obviously, that is not a problem I want to have. (I already have enough issues going on with this silly bit of technology.)
Have fun listening! And we'll change it up a bit after Christmas...maybe some good ol' hoe-down music for ya'll.
P.S. You may notice that you cannot read the artist's names. This is due to my greed in needing two sidebars...resulting in smaller space for putting cool stuff in. If you really want to know the artist of a particular song, just let me know.
But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: "In the last days there will be people who don't take these things seriously anymore. They'll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts." These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There's nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
The rules: 1. Post the rules on your blog. 2. Fill out the questions below 3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post. 4. Pass on the tag. Have FUN!!
1.Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Both. But only very occasionally.
2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He likes to fill up stockings with unwrapped gifts (such as toothbrushes and underwear), but he also usually gives one gift to the whole family that is unwrapped (last year, we got Tinkerbell - farewell, Tink).
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? This year, I finally had a bit of money to buy my own lights (rather than using my parents' cast-offs). We have blue LED lights outside, with silvery-white on our posts. Those same silvery-white (did you know you can buy lights with different shades of white?) on the tree.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but I've always thought I should. It would be great fun to make the kids go stand under the mistletoe when they're arguing.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually right around December 1st.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? I am VERY fond of stuffing...I like to mix it up with my mashed potatoes and pour gravy all over it. (Anyone still wondering why I'm having weight "issues?")
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child. We used to go to Manitoba and have Christmas with my Grandparents and Aunties and Uncles. Someone (Grandpa, I think) invented an excuse to give all the kids money - we put on a "show" and the relatives tossed dollar bills our way (I know, I'm dating myself with the dollar bill thing). One year my cousin, Nick, and I did a lip sync to Kenny Rogers' & Dolly Parton's "I'll Be There with Bells on." I can still see the tears streaming down my Grandma's face as I pulled the 14 pairs of rolled-up socks out of my shirt.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I'm sad to say that some mean kids at school ruined it for me! They were running around and blabbing about how smart they were and how dumb the rest of us were. I went home to ask my Mom, and she told me the story of Saint Nicholas. I was very relieved that she agreed to continue filling a stocking for me on his behalf.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We do - the kids always get pyjamas. Pat and I, in our early days, bought each other several gifts and would open one daily for about a week before Christmas. Not so much now.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Much to my stress, we let the kids decorate it (and I fight my inner urges all month to keep from making it more symmetrical).
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Dread it - ugh. I'm perfectly happy having a brown Christmas.
12. Can you ice skate? Not anymore, my ankles are weaker than an eighty-year-old woman's.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Honestly, I can't remember a single gift that I didn't love. I pretty much always get what I want! (I think often because the list isn't very long - this year it includes some new pots and pans. LOL.)
14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Definitely that my kids know and understand the first Christmas and why we celebrate - Jesus coming to earth to save us.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pumpkin pie. Or banana cream pie. Or raisin butter tarts. Maybe marshmallow peanut butter squares. Caramel popcorn. (Mom - you better get to baking! Mmmmmm.)
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I enjoy a new tradition we started just a couple of years ago... Our kids each fill a shoebox for a child of the same age and gender, and they get sent off for Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan's Purse. It's the perfect way to begin the season where God gave more than we can ever imagine or understand - by giving of ourselves.
17. What tops your tree? Currently (and in years past), an angel. But I have several requests in to find a great big star for this year. I'm working on it...
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I love giving - love planning, shopping, wrapping, and watching the gifts being opened. But I'd be lying if I said I don't enjoy the receiving as well. Opening presents is so much fun! (I especially love being surprised.)
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I'm going to reveal my age again, my childhood favourite (and still today) is "Mary's Boy Child" as sung by Boney-M (video embedded below for your listening enjoyment).
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? One is yum (one per year, that is).
21. What do you want for Christmas? I mentioned pots and pans earlier (all my non-stick surfaces are getting sticky). Maybe jewelry, or a purse (I've been desperately searching for a red purse that is divided into two compartments - impossible!).
22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? Pat's work usually has a party - this year it's dinner and a dance at the local Legion. We often have a women's ministry party, as well (which I attend and plan) - this year we'll be bowling in January.
23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? I usually dress up slightly from my pjs - yoga pants are nice and stretchy for overeating.
24. Do you own a Santa hat? I don't, but I believe the four older kids each have one.
25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? We go over to my parents' place, and my brother and sister and their spouses come, too.
In the spirit of winter tag, imagine me tossing a snowball at each of the following bloggers (I am trying to hit people whom I've never tagged or linked to before):
Joy @ Joy in the Journey, Stacy @ my simple walk, Starr @ Threshold Moments, Christy @ Life as a Mom, and Moi @ Life as Moi (sorry, I know her real name, but I don't know if she wants everyone to know, lol). If I haven't tagged you, but you want to play anyway - feel free! It's fun for everyone. :) (Cheesy, I know.) Just leave a comment telling me and everyone else that you're playing, too. And if you don't have a blog, go ahead and leave a super-duper long comment. (I LOVE comments!)
Look at this adorable award that got sent my way!
Braeden's earthly Abba sharing some words from the heart of his Heavenly Daddy.
Triple yay, King Jesus!
(Meg's at the front right. I apologize for the quality of the photo - forgot my camera and don't really know how to work the camera on my Blackberry yet.)
(As you can see - on the left - Abbey's Daddy had the honour of assisting in the baptism. Go Pat!)
(There I am crouching with the towel, clapping and cheering. You can see our family and other guests gathered behind us - Pastor Mike asked everyone who was invested in these children's lives to come up and be a witness, as well as offer their commitment to encourage each child in their walk with God.)