Refresh

We, or probably more I, am in need of some refreshing. Time away with my family and time with God without distractions. I always know I should spend more time with God and of course always see a difference when I do. Yet, that doesn't override my choices ... Time away from everyday life seems to be a good place to start fresh and be refreshed. I'm going to read a couple good books (I open to suggestions) and spend time listening to my Maker. I'm very much looking forward to this!
Sometimes we think that because we don't feel close to God He isn't there but He is always with us,sometimes we move farther away... God says in James 4:8
"Come near to God and He will come near to you."
So it's up to us, it's up to me. I'm going to go:)

Momma Monday ...on Tuesday!

My boy Matthew is a joy to be around. He brings a smile to our faces and lights up the rooms he enters. This Christmas in each of our stockings he had a verse for us that God gave him to share. They are always the most perfect and appropriate verses for each of us. My stocking verse came from the book of Proverbs chapter 14 verse 30 and says " a peaceful heart leads to a healthy body " As a mom, part of my job is to bring and enable peace in our home. Sometimes I do just the opposite, this was a good reminder for me from my precious tender hearted boy!

Merry Christmas to All!

It finally snowed!  Of this I'm very happy!  It feels so much more like Christmas with the ground being covered in a clean white layer!  Hopefully the rain holds off, or some more snow comes in the next couple of days!  

Visiting with (Great) Grandma Sibley :)

Merry Christmas to you!  Please take time to look ahead to Christ's coming!  Prepare your heart.  Love. Serve. Give.  Make your Christmas season different than the world's - Christ centred, as each day should be.  Give Him time.  Enjoy one another :)

Light of the World!

In the beginning when God started to create, in Genesis 1:4

God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

The word light is found many many times in the Bible.  We are drawn to light and captivated by it.  Of course, as the Bible says as well in John 3:19 people do love darkness.  

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil

However, we still have that choice.  Darkness, being the absence of light, is so hopeless.  We can have an eternal hope in Christ.  To live forever with Him where there will be no need of the sun because the glory of God will shine so brightly!  How awesome!  Jesus says, in John 9:5

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Momma Monday

My "little drummer boy" showed his talent today at our Christmas lunch.  We had a couple of neighbours over for a yummy meal and visit and they requested some singing.  So I brought out the guitar and we all sang some Christmas carols.  It was really lovely, I enjoyed it a lot!  All of my kids were more than willing participants, we even had a few songs already out from Sunday morning's service so they were ready to go.  Ryan sang with us for a few songs, then realized what was missing.  He went and got the djembe (hand drum) and played along.  He's got music in him and can really play the drums well!  It amazes me how well he can play at such a young age and without any training.  He plays the drum kit at church when I lead the music.  He also plays during the week every other Wednesday for youth and every Thursday for Boys and Girls Club.  There have been a few times that we'll be worshiping God through music and I completely forget that my son, now 11 years old, is the one on the drum kit.  God has truly gifted him.  He continues to improve more and more each time he plays.  It doesn't take him long to figure out new patterns and rhythms.  Music has such a way to show emotion.  It can bring joy in our hearts and release emotion.  All through the Bible music was used to celebrate, soothe hearts, and praise God!  In 2 Samuel 6:5 it says,

David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.

I pray that my little drummer boy will continue celebrating and praising his Lord and Saviour!

Food Friday :)

I like potatoes...almost in any form, I can't think of a way I don't like them.  But I also like things that crunch...these shredded potato pancakes (at least that's what the kids called them)  were absolutely delicious with some scrambled eggs and fruit.  mmmm.  Another food experiment gone well!  And very simple to do, just shred the potatoes, and dry with paper towel (this is the most difficult part)  they sure do have a lot of water in them!  Then put in a pan - that already has some heated oil and cook until golden brown, flip until the other side is the same!  You can of course add salt and pepper for seasoning.  :)

A mostly unrelated but encouraging verse from Matthew 6:31-32

Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things

God knows us and loves us and will provide what we need.

White Christmas

Please, we need snow for Christmas!!

Loneliness

I have often prayed that God would show me needs in my community.  I would love to be able to help, and often feel I have time that could be used in a better way to show Christ's love to others, but I don't know what the needs are, or necessarily how to find out what they are.  In some ways, I know people are hungry, so we can give to the food bank, I know people are cold, so we can buy/make scarfs and mittens, things like that but there are more needs, deep needs, like loneliness.  I think we have all felt loneliness so we can relate to those who are lonely.  Even in my own home with my family there have been times that I have felt alone, so with those who don't live with family, I imagine the loneliness is even stronger.  I guess I have been wanting God to just say, hey - go here, visit this person, chat with so and so....well, today He did just that.  I had a phone call from someone who, until tonight was a stranger to me, and now I feel like I've known her for such a long time!  Rachel and I went to visit and chat, craft, and help out and it was such a wonderful time!  She let me know of some needs of those around her, and I just feel so blessed to know this and be able to help love these people.  It's really amazing when God speaks and we listen.  I especially like when He makes it so clear for me :)  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 sums up what I've felt this evening...

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.


I think, more than anything, I enjoyed the company, I enjoyed talking, listening, sharing...it was so refreshing and...such a blessing!  We are certainly able to use those cleaning skills (and ideas from 31 Days to Clean) in homes other than our own too :)

Momma Monday

Funny that I posted a picture of myself for Momma Monday :)  However, it does make sense!  A couple of weeks ago I was making a newborn owl hat, I finished it on a Wednesday evening while I wasn't at home.  Thursday, the kids did their school work in the morning, then the afternoon was a bit of free time until we had to leave.  About 2 PM the boys got so excited and said that Rachel had a surprise for me!  They were jumping all around and just overwhelmingly excited and proud of this mysterious surprise.  I thought, maybe she made me a card, or ...something along those lines, I was shocked!  when she gave me this crocheted hat!  It was unbelievable! Literally!  She didn't use a pattern, had never made a hat before, and had only watched me make hats!
Titus 2 is a very cool chapter in the Bible that talks about how important it is that we teach the younger generation, and that we learn from the older generations.  Also, how important it is that we do what is right for Christ.  In verses 3-5 it says,

 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

I didn't really teach Rachel how to make a hat, but she did learn by watching, and also by a lot of wisdom in what she had been previously taught, and God must have given her some wisdom as well.  She whipped up 4 hats in a few days, the boys were more than anxious to have one of her creations, and she made one for herself.  She sure is a super talented and beautiful young lady!

Foooood :)

We really love food.  Of course I guess most people do :)  But we love making food, trying new recipes (if it sounds/looks good)  and of course, eating it!  Last week we made the most delicious sweet potato fries!  The problem with things like this is .... haha...the kids find out they like it!  That shouldn't be a problem I know, but when  we've been to a restaurant with my mom, and she's ordered sweet potato fries and offered them, the kids have always declined thinking it wouldn't taste very good (which of course they were wrong!)  But sometimes, in my selfish nature I'm ok with them not trying so that I can have more!  But, when we made them at home, I said everyone should try some, as we always try to do...and they found out they are DELICIOUS!  Click here to see the website we looked at when first making them.  We've since made them a few times and they never let me down...mmmm so good!  I think we'll make some more again today.  Thinking about the kids not wanting to try things I remember a story Tim always tells about when the kids were younger and he would serve bacon, they would turn their nose up at it and refuse to eat it.  They thought it didn't look too appealing and so they wouldn't try it.  Now it doesn't last on the plate very long and there isn't extra for Daddy anymore :)

Hebrews 6:4-6 is a pretty hard passage to swallow - nice word play ha- but it relates so much to this illustration of a child's unwillingness to try new things, and then the transformation that happens once they have tasted the goodness.

 ⁴ It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵ who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age ⁶ and who have fallen^[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 

Once you've had the bacon, or the sweet potato fries, you can't deny how good they are, nor will you be likely to refuse them when they are offered to you.  As with Christ, when we have heard/read/seen his goodness we can't deny who He is.  And when we think of it as with kids and foods....it makes it seem really silly that with Christ sometimes we tend to deny or doubt Him, when we have tasted and seen that He is good.  There are eternal consequences, let's be careful in the choices we make, and remember that God is good.

Cleaning...ugggh

Here I am posting twice in one day!  Can you say procrastination? :)  My house needs to be cleaned, we were away for a couple of days...and the house shows, Christmas Concert time is here and all that comes with it.  A while ago, I bought this e-book  31 Days to Clean and it has been amazing in our home.  It can be really easy to not have time to clean my house, but the way that Sarah Mae writes helps make it a little easier, and doesn't make you feel awful about yourself if you get a little behind.  You can take cleaning your own pace, but really feel great when you see what you've accomplished, I know I do anyway!  Some of those things I just don't remember on a daily basis are put in throughout the 31 days.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who might need that little encouragement with cleaning, and with having a "Martha home, the Mary way."  She challenges the heart as well as helping organize the home.  The great thing is it doesn't have to end in 31 days, you can do it over.  I know when I did it, it was longer than 31 days, since I took it at my own pace.

31 Days to Clean

Luke 10:38-42 shares the story,

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

   ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴²but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

It is important to keep our house in order, but so much more important to spend time with Jesus :)

Purity

How is your life in terms of purity in devotion to God?  This is a question that was in my devotional book this morning.

It really made me think.  I know often when I think of the word “purity”….it’s not in terms of my relationship or devotion to God.  But I guess, when I think about it, keeping myself from other things would be having a pure relationship with Christ.  I was doing a youth devotional last night and talking about not serving God our leftovers, referring to the verse in Mark 12:30 that says,

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

The same passage is in a few of the Gospels.  Anyway, we were talking about how we have a tendency to give our time, talents, money, ect. To other places and things first, then remember, oh yeah…God…um…here God I’ve got a few minutes left, or a few dollars left, here ya go!  But God wants all of us.  I wouldn’t have a good marriage with my husband if I gave him my leftovers.  I wouldn’t have good friendships if I only gave what was left.  We all set our priorities, and I think we do this sometimes without really thinking about what we’re leaving out…oftentimes God. 

You know those purity rings, the one our daughter has says this, “Today, I promise I will wait agreeing to stay pure, because I know God loves me and His blessing is in store.”  When you think about it, it can really be relevant in our relationship with Christ as well and our devotion to Him.  Our heart should not be shared be other influences, by TV, internet, other medias, temptations, cravings, desires, God should be the one we are devoted to. 

So, purity in devotion to God.  Hmm.  I’m going to make it more of a thought-out goal.  I challenge you to as well.  Put God first, purely, wholly. 

Momma Monday

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Ryan's love of basketball is very strong.  What I love to see is that his love for God is growing even stronger each day.  He is learning how to use the gifts that God gives for God's glory, and thanking God for them.  He is also learning how to be a light where God places him.  He is, I think my most focused child.  He knows what he likes, and he does it.  He practices, alll day long, or as long as he can anyway.  He tries drills over and over, shoots baskets over and over, loves every part of the game.  He's been blessed to be able to do a competitive league that continues into the New Year.  He was so thankful to God and to us for this opportunity, and that we said we would make the time.  It was sweet seeing my boy mature and see how important this is to him, to play the game he loves :)

Broken.

God has plans.  His plans are good.  I've got that part.  Now...how exactly does this work.  It doesn't mean that everything works out, even  if we try to follow Him, and think we're following Him.  sigh.   Ok.  Ahhh...just had to get that out, and maybe there's a bit more to get out here.

I have the tendency to get involved, full heartily, with most things.  It can be good of course, but this week...it was bad, very bad.  It's kind of like just before vacation, you get all ready, you're packing, imagining yourself on the beach, the waves lapping, ahh isn't it nice...and then, you get to the airport and...they cancelled your flight, they will not be rescheduling done. over. go home.

Doesn't that just make your heart sink.  My heart. sank. broke. And over more than a vacation.

Through it all I try to remember...God know's what's best.   He has plans.  Good plans.  In fact, in Psalm 18:30 it says...  

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. 

He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

So.  I will continue to try putting this in my heart.

mmmmm

Chocolate fondue, best way to eat lots and lots of fruit!

God speaks in dreams and visions.

We had a... "situation" in our house about a week ago...these grey scissors were being used, which is fine....but then they mysteriously disappeared.  It was a bit of a nuisance since Christmas crafting is happening in our home and these scissors are vital for most projects.  However, the crafts had to change (we got a lot of crocheting done) and the scissors were left mysteriously in an unknown place.  As with most things we encourage each other to pray and ask God to help.  We know that He knows all things, that He answers us, and that nothing is impossible with Him.  So, the family member prayed, and said that God showed them a picture of the scissors in the button tin.  WoW!  How amazing right?  I mean, God still does that?  Can it really happen?  You might think that they just remembered, but I know, and they know, it was God.  In Acts 2:17 it says,
  

"'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Ok, but here's a funny part (not really funny)...this family member decided not to listen to God and just scan over areas of the house, hoping to find it on their own.  Isn't it funny how we sometimes do that, at least I know I have before.  I know that God has told me something, yet I want to think I might be able to do it on my own...or in my own way.  Even when I asked!  and He answered!  I took, well, over a week.  I finally said, listen, these scissors are really important to us finishing Christmas gifts and we're going to have to find them, or buy new ones.  I know they are in the house, let's find them.  At that time, when they thought about having to buy new ones...they thought, this is serious!  Looked for a few minutes, then remembered the picture that God put in their mind.  Immediately they went looking, not for the scissors, but for the button tin.  Which they found, and of course, the scissors were in it!  This true story is amazing to me, and to my family of God's incredible reality.  He spoke in a picture, so clearly to my child's mind, and thus, taught us all a lesson.

Momma Monday

Matthew LOVES pictures, he loves taking them, drawing them, setting people up to be just right, and most of all, being IN them!  He was so proud of this snowman that he and Ryan built last Wednesday, it just needed a picture!  Matthew makes a lot of good memories and is great at trying to keep them through photographs (as well as verbally...over...and over... and over...) :)   For his birthday in September we bought him a disposable camera - it had 30 pictures and it the prints and CD came with the price of the camera.  It was pretty great for Matthew.  He just finished taking the last picture on Saturday.  When I first bought it I thought for sure it would be done so quickly since Matthew loves to take pictures, but really, he was so very careful about each picture he took.  He put a lot of thought into each one, bringing his camera everywhere we went, but only taking it out when he was sure he wanted a picture.  Seeing the finished results I was impressed at how good his pictures were, considering it was a disposable!  There was only 1 that was taken of the floor because it was wound already and he forgot...not too bad!  My wonderful bubbly son the photographer :)

What will we do tomorrow?

Last night as I was putting the kids to bed, two of them, at separate bed times...asked, Mommy, what are we doing tomorrow?  What is exciting for tomorrow?  They love to look forward to what the next day will bring....it was pretty funny because before they got ready for bed I saw both of them go to the magnetic calendar we have on the fridge and check..they saw there was nothing there :)  If you know our family, you know this is unusual.  The kids knew this was unusual.  And they didn't like it.  But I thought it was quite funny!  This morning when they came into my room to say good morning they asked again, Mommy, what are we doing today?  What is special today?  I asked them why did they think we should do something special and they said because we always do special things and it's fun!
I love my kids, I think it's funny the way they learn things sometimes...and things they come to expect or anticipate.  I was thinking about the verse in Matthew 6:34 that says,

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own

I don't think they were worrying, but I think it's a great thing to put into practice, not worrying about tomorrow and what things might come, but focus on today and being obedient to God for the day He's given! :)

Benefits of Homeschooling :)

Waking up this morning I had the nearly uncontrollable desire to go play in the snow!  At the breakfast table of course that was heightened even more as the kids could barely contain themselves to even sit and eat!  It was quite ridiculous, but I imagine many homes were the same way! 
What I can't imagine, and don't envy, is teachers today!!  Those kids are going to have the uncontrollable desire! Yet they are supposed to be in a classroom!  I'm sure there are creative things to do..but I'm so glad that we have the option to play, then do some schooling...not having to wait!  We made a fun fort - which the kids are packing the walls in, and there's a snowman as our "guard" but he seems to be camouflaged in my picture. 

I found this really neat verse in the Bible about snow, it's in Job 38:22

Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail

It's such a cool picture of God having these storehouses filled with snow, and hail, just waiting for the right time when the earth needs it, or when kids want to play:)  I know snow can be seen as a hassle and a negative things sometimes too, but today I'm just enjoying the snow, the way it makes everything look clean and fresh, and the excitment of playing in it!  And also being thankful that we homeschool so we can enjoy it together!

Momma Monday

Rachel Patricia is becoming such a beautiful young lady.  Most days are a lot of fun with her as we learn together and share in funny moments.  Lately we have been doing a LOT of crafting together.  We`ve been pumping out sock monkeys....they take a lot of work, but I like the sewing, she likes the stuffing, so it all works out!  And I`ve been scrapbooking while she stuffs.  We sure do make a good mess together!  But, we`re ok   :) at cleaning up afterwards.  This day, in the picture, we were hard at work crafting away, I was still in my pj`s....in the late afternoon, and we decided we wanted to dress up!  We both went to our closests and took the most fancy thing we could find and put it on.  We twirled around and danced freely, took a few pictures and laughed and laughed.  It was a really beautiful time together with my girl (the boys were away at an After School Club, and Tim at work) so it was a precious time, just the two of us, being girls!  I love my girl!

I like what Colossians 3:12 says,

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Sometimes I get so stuck in the slump of the day, and forget to clothe myself with a changed, freshness of Christ.  I mean this literally and figuratively.  It`s often easy for me to stay in my pj`s....on days when I don`t have to be anywhere that I just don`t make the choice to get changed.  But when I do, whether I have  to or not, I feel a lot better!  Same with us in Christ.  When we realize that we are God`s chosen people, and clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience we feel so much better and ready for whatever God has for us...!

Fill my cup!

So, in our home, we all love a good cup of hot chocolate, or tea, maybe a French Vanilla Capuccino...mmmm...these cooler days they are even more inviting!  We like to look for the best...sometimes biggest cup that we can enjoy our sweet relaxing drinks in.  There's this song I like to sing with the kids, or little tune rather...Fill my cup - up - let it overflow, fill my cup - up - let it overflow, fill my cup-up-let it overflow, let it overflow with love! 

Well, Ryan was given a few gifts with a gingerbread man theme for appreciating his help.  He just loved this, and felt so special!  One of his gifts was a set of gigantic mugs!  He very kindly said one of them could be mine!  I must say, I have used my mug more than once each day and love love love it!  This picture doesnt' really do them justice since they are on their own, I'll have to take one with someone holding them!  But here, they are so big, they have our popcorn snack in them, one mug for two people!  They are so  wonderfully massive!  Anyway, when we look at these mugs and we sing our song, I think WHOA! that would be a lot! To let this cup overflow, and overflow with love....hmm...that would be a lot of love.  1 John 3:1 shares of this kind of love.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"



Feet

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7

Crazy Love

I've been, quite slowly, reading and working through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  Great, great book!  I'm not even half way through it yet, but each chapter is so. powerful. in describing God's love.  Of course, as a follower of Christ, I know that He loves me.  But to read a book that so specifically describes this love is ... precious.  This weeks chapter that I'm chewing on is around the verse in Revelations 3:16

¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,^[a] I will vomit you out of My mouth.

This really puts into perspective and makes quite serious how we live our life.  It makes choices seem so much more...eternal.  I do not want to be lukewarm.  And in my heart, I know I'm not.  However, some choices that I make throughout my day...they certainly aren't for the glory of my Lord and Saviour.  I was re-reading again some of the passages that describe how the disciples were just hanging out, doing their normal everyday routine and Jesus comes along and says follow me. And they do!  Just like that!  Things are going well and fine, catching their fish, and then, all of a sudden, they leave everything behind to follow Jesus.  Am I willing to give everything to follow Jesus?  Well...theoretically...but I really love my comfy bed, I really like having the internet on hand whenever I feel like it...I like to be able to eat the foods I like, when I like to eat them....And, I know that  I am and can follow Jesus where I am right now, where He has placed me to serve, but I wonder...do some of these things come ahead of God in my life....if I had to sleep on the floor for the rest of my life....I don't know, maybe this is just silly thinking.  But I know even in my choices I want to be more intentional about praying about choices and really following God's will, not my own.  I know that God is crazy in love with me, and with you!  If I make a choice from selfish ambition, it's not going to be what's best for me in the long run. 

All in all.  I love God, with all my heart.  I want my life to reflect that in my home and out of my home.

Momma Monday

Matthew is ... I don't know where to start!  Being Matthew's mom is such a blessing.  It's...frustrating :) but it's so fabulous. He has soooo much energy!  And sooo little focus.  But he has the biggest heart of anyone I know.  He loves so strongly and cares so deeply.  Matthew has taught me an incredible about faith.  In Mark 10:15 it says,

¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Matthew has a faith in God that goes deep, it is the foundation of who he is.  Often times at our family devotions Matthew is the one to help everyone understand what it is the passages are saying.  It really blows me away at his comprehension of the scriptures and Biblical truths.  Aside from that Matthew loves.  He loves hugs, all day long, He loves giving gifts, getting gifts, making cards and crafts to give people that he thinks about, both in our family and out, mulitple times a day!  He is a wonderful son, and really a gift from God :)

Family Night

We know that laughter is the best medicine. It's so refreshing to laugh, and then realize that laughter comes from God!  In Job 8:21 it says,

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.

God has really blessed be with a family who loves to laugh, and loves to make each other laugh!  Part of our laughter tonight came from our family night time together.  We had been doing family nights on a weekly-ish basis, then it was just too much to plan and think about.  It was being missed and so we decided that we would have family nights, but the kids would plan them.  It's been a lot of fun!  We've been playing board games, had scavenger hunts, went to a college basketball game, and played hide-and-seek.  All of these things create so many great memories and soo much laughter!  My kids are so great, and we have a fun time together.  I highly recommend adding Family Night to your week if you don't already have it!

Lift my Eyes

You know those days when you don't want to get out of bed.  Then when you do, you think it might not have been such a good idea...yeah..so I know the right thing to do, but really want to just crawl back into those warm, inviting covers and pull them right over my head, drifting off into...anyway.  I got up.  And, as Momma's know, (at least in my house!) when I  wake up like this, it's quite tough not to let that spoil into everyone else. 

I was sharing a story at a board meeting about a "tactic" I had used once in the past.  When I was really upset and didn't know how to pray, but knew I needed to, I decided to go to the Word.  What better words to bring before our Maker than straight from the Bible.  So, I thought....David sure did splurt off some pretty negative things to God, 'laments', I'll try starting there for my prayer!  So, I opened up the Word, tried to find the most negative lament I could and prayed with all the gusto I could manage.  It was going ok for a few verses, I was getting right into my lamenting until...it turned to praise.  This wasn't exactly going along with the plan I had for this time of prayer, however, this is exactly what was needed for my time of prayer.  And all times. 

From this experience it has been slightly easier for me to remember to turn to God in praise, to look to God, where my help comes from.  This morning I'm pondering Psalm 121 and resting in it.

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore.

Choices...

 I was coming home from a meeting and had some things in mind of what "needed" to be done, and the schooling that the kids "should" do today, ect. ect. and the lists really can go on and on forever...however...in the grand scheme of things, I figured, we'll have a much better day, and a lot more fun if we make sock monkeys!  Ha...crazy idea...



I underestimated the time ...and effort it takes!  However, we did complete most of the task, with a lot of fun, and a LOT of mess (which was somehow cleaned up - Thanks to Ryan!)

 I was thinking about some recent conversations and how very important our choices are, and that the choices we make, specifically about the way we spend our time, can reap either blessings or consequences.  Sometimes life can look rather bleak...tasks can look daunting, circumstances may seem insurmountable, however, we still have choices to make.  While looking for a verse to accompany this post, I found it interested that the first 20 or so times the word "choose" is mentioned in the Bible - it refers to God choosing, then, it comes to Deuteronomy 30:18-20,

¹⁸ I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

 ¹⁹ This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live ²⁰ and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

When it comes to this verse, the choice is pretty clear as to which one is best, however it is still that, a choice.  I guess what I'm getting from all of this is we really need to love God first.  Listen to His voice and hold fast to Him.  For He (God) is our life!  What an amazing passage.  I'm glad today that we made sock monkeys, and that the dishes are not done (well...not entirely) but I'm glad that I choose life - not necessarily in an eternal sense, but it sure made a difference in my home today.  So, lets choose life, make God the love of our life and truly listen to Him.  Be careful when making choices.  Be careful in choosing how to fill time in a day, choose life!



Momma Monday

I thought I could add my kids in her more regularly by having "Momma Mondays" some proud Mom moments :) 

Westport Fun Run 5 Km



One of Ryan's loves and gifts is athletics.  He is built to run, and play.  It has been really fun watching and encouraging him to build on his love this past summer and fall.  I think it was in August that we talked together about what he loves to do, and setting a goal for himself.  He really wanted to run in some type of race, we decided to start small and do a 5K.  Small for him seems impossible for me!  But anyway, he was running usually 2-4 times a week.  He had his own system, we went out with the car and marked off certain points at each km so he would know his distance.  He loves numbers as well, so each time he would time himself and chart the time and distance on a chart he had on the computer.  He was always striving to get farther, or to beat his time in the distance he was comfortable with.  I am so proud of how he really kept to it.  I mean, I know he loves to run, but he didn't always want to go out, he even ran a couple times on rainy mornings and afternoons.   

1 Corinthians 9:24 says,

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

I think of Ryan when I read this.  I think of his dedication and persistance.  He ran.  In October he ran the Westport Fun Run and did so great!  It was a different course than he'd been practicing, in the woods rather than by the road but with his training, he really did an amazing job!  I am so proud of him!  And, he feels a big accomplishment.  Maybe I'll have to get myself into gear and train with him for another run...maybe!  I sure can learn some things from this blessed boy that God has allowed me to parent :)

Even the Rocks will Cry Out!

We went on a beautiful hike yesterday to Rock Dunder with some families from church.  Our family loves this place, there are three different trails at different levels of difficulty.  The most difficult brings the most reward in terms of the view, so I opt to do that one as long as time isn't restricted!  This time there were six in our gathering that went to see the amazing view that God laid out for us.  It never seems to be less amazing, no matter how many times I go and see it. 
Tim was carrying a walking stick with him,  and kept pointing out a "burning bush" which was what looked like burned trees, but they still had the trunk and a few pokey branches on them, however Rachel, our fearless guide made sure we held pace (a very fast pace!) and kept moving in the front.  She was soon called Aaron, since he was Moses' helper of sorts.  Anyway, once we got to the lookout I asked, so, Moses, Aaron, what is our message from the Lord?  And my witty husband replied, as Jesus did in Luke 19:40,

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they (WE) keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

No one had much to say about that one, as you can imagine us looking out, perhaps we should have started to praise aloud, I know I was praising...rather quietly, my Majestic Lord.  It did make me stop and wonder, praise, and marvel at the Greatness of God.  And look at these trees, and the massive rocks that we were atop of, thinking that this, in all it's grandeur, is just a glimpse of Creator God's fingerprints.  It's so incredible.  

A Day with my Girl

This morning I didn't know what to do with Rachel.  I thought it would be nice to go somewhere, but we were both pretty zonked and just wanted to have a lazy morning.  It was SO nice, and so refreshing, just the two of us hanging out together.  We listened to music and did some scrapbooking, made some cookies and really truly just relaxed together.  It was uninterrupted and blissful really.  I guess I'm just feeling really blessed to have such a precious daughter and to have had such a wonderful time together with her this morning!

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

My kids aren't perfect, but I'm sure not either!  And that's good, because then we know, that God can change us to be more and more like Him!  But what good and perfect, even precious gifts He gives us.  Sometimes I overlook these gifts and dwell too much on other things.  But Praise God that He loves me and is patient with me, not shifting like a shadow, but constant in His goodness!

Possible

So, I realized only after I put that last post on there that it was quite similar to the previous post!  That certainly was not intentional!  Oh well...oh with things:) 

With Tim and I going through the process to adopt through CAS there have been a lot of emotional journeys as we both look back at what brought us to where we are not.  Also, that uncertainty and hope of what will come is a huge emotional journey in itself!  Last night we were talking after both having spent some one on one time with the social worker and I had a lot of hope, and a lot of faith - not to say Tim didn't but his was much more...conservative.  He gave his heart thoughts and hopes that wouldn't allow them to fail. 

In our short drive that was separate (after picking up the other vehicle at his mom's) I was slowly getting more discouraged in thinking that God's timing might be years and years away, as Tim always refers to Abraham and Sarah....but here's the cool part!  Tim was talking to God about all these things on his heart and God gave him a visual message.  There's a part in his truck that shows words, but only 2 words has he ever seen it show.  Last night, for the blink of an eye, he clearly saw the word "possible" and knew in his heart that, as Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, he was saying to Tim

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I think it's just so amazing how God can speak with us, can refresh us.  This didn't give us all the answers we don't know the answers to, it didn't tell us anythign specific in terms of what we're going through but it sure did remind us to keep our ees on Christ and TRUST that He is who He says He is, and He is a God of the Possible!

pos·si·ble/ˈpäsəbəl/

Pasting on the smile :)

It's been a while since I've written anything on here.   A few things have been put into my computers memory never to make it to this page, but not enough typing and unloading what's been on my heart.  My recent struggle is with the perception of, what I'm going to call the outward appearance.  By this, I mean, that pasted on smile when things are broken and empty inside.  It's kind of a different way to look at 1 Samuel 16:7 

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”


I have felt, all too many times, the fear that I am so alone.  I don't mean without God, but I mean without people.  Something Josh McDowell said last week, at a meeting in Kingston really stood out to me.  He said that Jesus is not all we need.  Certainly, for salvation, Jesus IS all we need.  But to live, we NEED people, we need, the body of Christ.  He pointed out examples in scripture as well to back this up, with the disciples, even during the missionary journeys they were teamed up and truly sought fellowship with other believers.  But...what I'm getting to is, sometimes that fellowship only seems to go to the point of "outward appearance."   It is so wonderful to know that God knows my heart, that He knows the things that I struggle with, the loneliness I feel.  He knows what brings me joy and peace.  There are, however, so many times when I just long for more of that in my relationships everyday.  That closeness that goes beyond the appearance and gets deep into the heart where hurts and pains get dug up so there is room for growth.  Part of the difficulty there is making myself vulnerable, and open to not only be loved, but be hurt.  To realize that these hurts and pains I have, others have too. To know that people will fail me, as I have failed others.  Praise God!  That He never fails us, that His love us never ending, that He knows our hearts, and that He really does provide all that we need, when we need it.  
There have been so many times that I have cried out to God, please Lord, bring me someone, anyone, I feel so alone.  And He does.   

So, all in all, I'm not perfect, I'm a sinner saved by grace.  I hurt.  I need people, I need that body of believers.   I've been learning more and more what that means.  Coming to the cross for forgiveness and love is the hope that we have in life.  Holding each other up, and putting others before ourselves brings that joy and comfort, knowing we're not alone.  As I continue to learn and grow, it seems the pain of feeling let down doesn't get easier, but maybe that's a good thing, so I can see the importance of it from the other side.  Also realizing once again that God is consistent, never failing, and always looking at our heart.  He loves and shows us how to love.

A look at the heart

1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

I wish I could look at the heart, automatically, without looking at any outward appearances.  Praise God that He looks at our heart....although sometimes that's not quite where it should be...but He is gracious, I'm learning God's grace. 

A lot of times when I hear this passage being talked about it is referenced to age, and not being too young to live for God, or too old in the same way....but, regardless of age, we as humans, at least I, as a human, find it very difficult to think and look first at the heart of someone or even something as more important or more quickly than the outward appearance.  I'm even thinking of a mango...kind of strange but I was getting groceries and mangos are so tricky because all you can see is the outward appearance...you can feel if it is tender or not, but sometimes it is too tender and you can't tell the difference, or it feels tender, but it's really not the best it can be yet!  I haven't yet mastered the art of finding the perfect mango, but when I get one...ohhhh it's so good :)

Anyway, I think about that with people sometimes, and how such different personalities can really either let you in, or really leave you with an impression that may not be what is really on the inside.  I know myself, I sometimes seem very quiet and reserved, and sometimes I certainly am!  But people who really know me, often think the opposite, that I'm not very reserved, a strong leader and...not very quiet!  I don't necessarily try to behave or act differently, it's just a different comfort level, or something, I haven't quite figured myself out yet...but I'm glad that God knows who I am, He sees my heart and it doesn't really bother Him if I'm having a bad hair day or my clothes don't match or I really can't think of anything to say, He knows my heart and He loves me.

This is something I really want to do.  I really want to love like God loves, to love and know people's hearts and not judge by outward appearances!  Ah this journey.... :)

Soak it Up

Deuteronomy 32

 ¹ Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;
   hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.
² Let my teaching fall like rain
   and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
   like abundant rain on tender plants.
 ³ I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
   Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
⁴ He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
   and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
   upright and just is he.

Everything seems so fresh and new...aside from the fallen trees and some power outages...but the smells, the sounds, the breeze, it's all crisp and clean.  My garden is well watered, the heat has subsided, and God is GOOD.

Sometimes storms can be troubling, stressful, perhaps make us feel anxious, but it's that peaceful calm after the storm, the smells, the fresh, crisp, clean air that overtakes everything so beautifully. 
I don't really know where I'm going with this aside from, God's ways are perfect, there are storms, and there are calms, if His teaching falls like rain, we need to soak it up for all it's work and GROW from it!  God IS faithful and He does no wrong, His name is to be praised!  PRAISE GOD!

Am I growing? Am I soaking up the teaching from God that He pours down like rain?  Sometimes His teaching is so gentle, and other times, like todays storm, it comes violently, rushing and blowing with intensity that gets our attention!  God longs for us to desire Him, to Know Him, so Serve Him, to Love Him...we must soak Him up so we can Grow, so we can Love...praise God for His goodness, praise God for His grace!