I like to be happy! I do my best to order my life in such a way as to make myself & the people in my life happy. The problem with this approach is that I often get angry when my plans go awry. Happiness is a great gift, but only so long as I submit to God's ultimate control over my days. I was pondering this recently when my plans for a day got rearranged. It just hit me that God ordered that day for me long before I was even born! And He is using that change of plans, and the sin that often surfaces to make me more like my Savior.
O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
Psalms 39:4-5
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Seasons
I love the seasons, & I'm almost always ready for the change of season when it comes! I was so excited for summer when our school year ended back in May. I couldn't wait to go swimming, do projects, get in some reading... =) Swimming has been a bit of a let-down for me this year, as I tend to get chilled... =( My projects ended up being different ones than what I had on my list. And I think I've read a total of 4 books over the summer-- that would have been a two week quota a few years ago! ;) I was thinking yesterday as I was painting my shelves that I will be glad for summer to be over! I'm so excited for the fall! Cooler temperatures, more spices in the menu, lower electric bill... ;) And I feel quite confident that in a few months I'll be talking about how I'm ready for winter, & bringing my snowmen out of hibernation! =)
This school year will be a real adjustment for me. I will have all 4 of my Crew in school for the first time. I'm excited, but a bit nervous about teaching 4 different grades at once! I'm also changing up our curriculum a bit, and trying something new there. It seems unreal that the "Babyland" season is so far behind me. And EVEN MORE unreal that I will soon have a teenager!-- Hey, three years gets shorter every year! ;) I loved naps when my Crew were all small. Now I LOVE that we have a whole shelf full of games that we can all play & enjoy TOGETHER! =) I LOVE that the Lord gives us seasons! Enjoy whatever season you are in, for now, because soon you'll be moving on...
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
This school year will be a real adjustment for me. I will have all 4 of my Crew in school for the first time. I'm excited, but a bit nervous about teaching 4 different grades at once! I'm also changing up our curriculum a bit, and trying something new there. It seems unreal that the "Babyland" season is so far behind me. And EVEN MORE unreal that I will soon have a teenager!-- Hey, three years gets shorter every year! ;) I loved naps when my Crew were all small. Now I LOVE that we have a whole shelf full of games that we can all play & enjoy TOGETHER! =) I LOVE that the Lord gives us seasons! Enjoy whatever season you are in, for now, because soon you'll be moving on...
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Daddy's Girl
I am very much a "daddy's girl". I even have a couple of pictures from my wedding day where I am sitting on his lap! =) I am SO THANKFUL that my Daddy lives nearby, that I am able to see him often, & that my children have the privilege to know him. He came over yesterday to help me put in shelves to finish off one of my projects. ;) And it was such a BLESSING to me because my house behaved in typical fashion, & what I thought I had, & was going to be able to do didn't work out. =P If I had been working by myself, I would have been pulling my hair out! It barely even phased Daddy, he just said, "Well, we have two options..."
Daddy was my first, and maybe favorite teacher. He taught me our need for a Savior, what a man should be like, how a woman should be treated, "reading, writing, and 'rithmetic", the value of hard work, how to drive... and I've probably drawn this list out way too long! ;) One of my favorite things that Daddy has done for me over the past 11 years has been that he encourages me to honor my Shorty. He is so faithful to remind me when we are together, that Shorty is my priority. =) I love my Daddy! <3
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 19:20
Daddy was my first, and maybe favorite teacher. He taught me our need for a Savior, what a man should be like, how a woman should be treated, "reading, writing, and 'rithmetic", the value of hard work, how to drive... and I've probably drawn this list out way too long! ;) One of my favorite things that Daddy has done for me over the past 11 years has been that he encourages me to honor my Shorty. He is so faithful to remind me when we are together, that Shorty is my priority. =) I love my Daddy! <3
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 19:20
Monday, August 13, 2012
Tools
I love power tools! And I'm a fan of having the right tools for a job! ;) Reanna got a game for her birthday called "Hedbanz". If you've never seen it, it is an INCREDIBLY FUN game where you have a card with a picture stuck to your forehead & you have one minute to ask questions & try to guess what it is. While we were playing with my parents a few weeks ago, it struck me that the word "tool" can cover a BROAD spectrum of items. You see, we called everything-- from ladders, to toasters, to spoons, to pencils-- "tools". And it's true, a tool is something you use to reach a goal, and is not used up in the process.
Another reason that this has been on my mind is because we have been having discussions with our Crew about our "stuff". I read a book a few years ago about parenting, & in it, the author said they had done a survey in their church youth group asking the youth if their parents would be more angry if they broke a lamp or if they committed a sin. The answer was overwhelmingly breaking a lamp. That made me start thinking about how my (then small) children would answer that question. I had to rethink how I approached "stuff". It took a few years to formulate, but when Judah tore up a part of one of Chaya's toys, I was able to explain to him in a way that-- hopefully-- will help him have a healthy view of "stuff". I told him that God entrusts our things to us for two purposes: 1) to build up the church, and 2) to spread the gospel. And the reason that we should try to take care of the things we DO have is so that we can devote more time, energy, & resources to doing those two things, rather than having to replace things that we need, but didn't take care of.
This morning as I was praying & pondering what I've been reading in the Bible, I began thinking of all the "tools" God has entrusted to me. Obviously my "stuff" and my money, but also "my" time, my talents, my body. Everything I have has been given to me so that I can serve my King by building up His church, and spreading His gospel.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Another reason that this has been on my mind is because we have been having discussions with our Crew about our "stuff". I read a book a few years ago about parenting, & in it, the author said they had done a survey in their church youth group asking the youth if their parents would be more angry if they broke a lamp or if they committed a sin. The answer was overwhelmingly breaking a lamp. That made me start thinking about how my (then small) children would answer that question. I had to rethink how I approached "stuff". It took a few years to formulate, but when Judah tore up a part of one of Chaya's toys, I was able to explain to him in a way that-- hopefully-- will help him have a healthy view of "stuff". I told him that God entrusts our things to us for two purposes: 1) to build up the church, and 2) to spread the gospel. And the reason that we should try to take care of the things we DO have is so that we can devote more time, energy, & resources to doing those two things, rather than having to replace things that we need, but didn't take care of.
This morning as I was praying & pondering what I've been reading in the Bible, I began thinking of all the "tools" God has entrusted to me. Obviously my "stuff" and my money, but also "my" time, my talents, my body. Everything I have has been given to me so that I can serve my King by building up His church, and spreading His gospel.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Success
I had to start rethinking my definition of success last night. It's been a crazy busy week around our house & I got very little accomplished that was on my "to do" list. That's not to say we didn't do anything, just not the things I'd had planned. I like my list to consist of things I can point at, at the end of the day or week and say, "That's what I did today." This week had almost NONE of those things, and so, as I looked around my house last night & thought about all the things happening this weekend, I was stressed & a little irritated with myself. I was thinking, "I should have prepared more... been more diligent... worked longer..."
Shorty told me to relax, & reminded me of all the TIME I've spent this week with my people. When you count all the visits & all the time trying to help my Crew with new projects, That's "what I've done this week". It was just really hard for me to see for myself because I can't see it with my eyes! So, after Shorty talked to me for a little bit, and pointed out what I couldn't see, I figured I need to reevaluate my definition of success...
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:1-8
Shorty told me to relax, & reminded me of all the TIME I've spent this week with my people. When you count all the visits & all the time trying to help my Crew with new projects, That's "what I've done this week". It was just really hard for me to see for myself because I can't see it with my eyes! So, after Shorty talked to me for a little bit, and pointed out what I couldn't see, I figured I need to reevaluate my definition of success...
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:1-8
Friday, August 10, 2012
Big Toe
I love being married! My sister has often referred to me as a "happy little married person". =) Shorty & I got married 2 weeks after I graduated from high school. We've had bumps, but for the most part, we have enjoyed a happy marriage. I love sharing my life with Shorty! When something happens around the house or with the Crew, he is the first one I want to tell. And he feels the same way-- as evidenced by the number of texts he sends me on any given day! =) I can't imagine a greater gift this side of glory!
So, what does this have to do with a big toe? Well, when Shorty whistles at me, I often reply with, "What are you whistling at?" He gave various answers for a while, but one day he was feeling particularly silly and answered, "My big toe." I laughed and responded that the big toe gives you balance, so I could be his big toe. I just had to check my facts on that before I actually posted it though, so I googled the purpose of the big toe. It was really cool! Not only is the big toe essential for balance, it carries 40% of the weight on your foot and it supports your arches! Now I feel really special because I get the distinct privilege of being my Shorty's "big toe"! =)
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:18-24
So, what does this have to do with a big toe? Well, when Shorty whistles at me, I often reply with, "What are you whistling at?" He gave various answers for a while, but one day he was feeling particularly silly and answered, "My big toe." I laughed and responded that the big toe gives you balance, so I could be his big toe. I just had to check my facts on that before I actually posted it though, so I googled the purpose of the big toe. It was really cool! Not only is the big toe essential for balance, it carries 40% of the weight on your foot and it supports your arches! Now I feel really special because I get the distinct privilege of being my Shorty's "big toe"! =)
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:18-24
Thursday, August 9, 2012
I'm Rich
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Galatians 4:4-7
I read Galatians this morning. This really stuck out to me. As I was listening to a sermon recently, the pastor was talking about how adoption differed in Roman times, compared to how we think of adoption. He said that older, wealthy men would adopt a grown man to inherit their wealth, rather than have it return to the Roman government. So when a man was adopted a couple of things happened simultaneously. As soon as the papers were signed, or however they made it legal/official, the adopted son no longer had any debt AND he was an heir to great riches. I LOVE how God speaks to us using pictures and things we can understand! As soon as I received the gift of faith, my debt to God for my sin was cancelled through Christ! And because my sin has been paid for, I have a relationship with my Creator & King! I have access to the King! And the Spirit lives IN me!
I was thinking about how in Europe the monarchs would make alliances with one another. Usually the deal was sealed by sending a princess to the ally's court, & ultimately to marry one of their princes. Now I know that analogies always fall short, but the most lasting alliances were built on blood. God the Father sent God the Son to pay my sin debt with His blood, and then They sent God the Holy Spirit to live with me-- IN me! So I was pondering how I should live. I just tend to forget that I have the Spirit in me. I live too many days with little or no thought of my God, but He is faithful! =)
Galatians 4:4-7
I read Galatians this morning. This really stuck out to me. As I was listening to a sermon recently, the pastor was talking about how adoption differed in Roman times, compared to how we think of adoption. He said that older, wealthy men would adopt a grown man to inherit their wealth, rather than have it return to the Roman government. So when a man was adopted a couple of things happened simultaneously. As soon as the papers were signed, or however they made it legal/official, the adopted son no longer had any debt AND he was an heir to great riches. I LOVE how God speaks to us using pictures and things we can understand! As soon as I received the gift of faith, my debt to God for my sin was cancelled through Christ! And because my sin has been paid for, I have a relationship with my Creator & King! I have access to the King! And the Spirit lives IN me!
I was thinking about how in Europe the monarchs would make alliances with one another. Usually the deal was sealed by sending a princess to the ally's court, & ultimately to marry one of their princes. Now I know that analogies always fall short, but the most lasting alliances were built on blood. God the Father sent God the Son to pay my sin debt with His blood, and then They sent God the Holy Spirit to live with me-- IN me! So I was pondering how I should live. I just tend to forget that I have the Spirit in me. I live too many days with little or no thought of my God, but He is faithful! =)
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