Hey everyone - it's been a while since I've blogged. Been a busy summer. I guess most all of you have heard the news that the Search Committee at Westgate asked me to take the position of Preschool and Children's Ministry Coordinator. There are still some things to come that will need to be done - like church vote, etc. - important things to be sure. But I am so excited - first of all that they consider me qualified to do this job and second that God would place me there.
Since I was saved I have dedicated, surrendered, given -- whatever words you want to use - my life to God. It is His to be used for His purposes and His glory. Several times I've renewed that commitment to Him and reminded myself by doing so that my life is not my own. I have been bought with a price and He is free to do with me what He wants. In saying that, though, I have had my input with Him. Two times in the last 25 years I have asked Him for something that I wanted whether it was His will or not. I just wanted to do those two things so much that I asked Him to just let me do them whether they were His will or not. Both times he said "okay" and after I got what I wanted, I was so very unhappy.
One of those times resulted in just a short-term effect that didn't matter too much - a little inconvenience really, but not so bad. I had some experiences with it and when it was all done, I was sort of glad I did it. It didn't turn out like I wanted or solve all my problems, but it wasn't a life-shattering event.
But the other time was life-altering for me. He gave me a freedom from a burden He had placed in my care that was too heavy. I asked to be free from it and He said "okay" and even though in years since I have asked Him to give that back, He hasn't. I've never been able to do that ministry again.
So when this opportunity of church ministry came up, I learned from my past. Never again do I want to make life-changing decisions without His guidance, His direction, His presence with me in it and His purposes being at the forefront. This is what I asked when I began to pray about the position at Westgate and I desperately searched my heart to be sure my reasons for wanting this position was to further His kingdom through my life.
So whichever way it turns out, yes or no, I'm happy with it. Of course, living in my own home and sleeping in my own bed every night would be nice too.
The final decision of this - the if and when of it - is already known by the One Who knows everything! He'll tell us when He's ready.
I appreciate your prayers for me as well as Westgate during the next few weeks as final decisions are made.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Titus 2
I don't know how many are reading blogs lately. Other than Lindsay's I don't read many these days. There seems to be so much more to do. So I don't know if anyone will see this anytime soon. If you do, think with me about Titus 2. Paul gives Titus some instructions for the church. He says to tell the older women to teach the younger women -- then gives a list of the things they are to teach. He says the same about the older men teaching the younger men.
I wonder how this is supposed to be done? I know that mothers should teach their daughters these things (love your husband, love your children, be discreet, chaste, keepers at home). But these instructions here in Titus are to the church ladies. One of the spiritual gifts God provides believers is teaching. So the church ladies have this responsibility as well as the mothers.
So how is it to be done? Sunday school classes are good. Bible studies are good. Most of the ways we know of are done in formal teaching settings - non-threatening and non-personal. I've talked with lots of young women who need teaching in these areas. Some of them know they need it and some of them will know soon. But what about the older ones teaching it? I've talked with lots of older women who know the younger ones need it but I'm not sure they are ready to teach it. Some don't think they can teach. Some don't think the teaching will be received.
How about some brainstorming - older or younger -- if you read this - please give me your ideas from either side. Do you want to be taught? Do you want to do the teaching? Where? How? Are you willing to sacrifice to learn? Are you willing to sacrifice to teach?
Titus 2 is not an option. It is a command.
I wonder how this is supposed to be done? I know that mothers should teach their daughters these things (love your husband, love your children, be discreet, chaste, keepers at home). But these instructions here in Titus are to the church ladies. One of the spiritual gifts God provides believers is teaching. So the church ladies have this responsibility as well as the mothers.
So how is it to be done? Sunday school classes are good. Bible studies are good. Most of the ways we know of are done in formal teaching settings - non-threatening and non-personal. I've talked with lots of young women who need teaching in these areas. Some of them know they need it and some of them will know soon. But what about the older ones teaching it? I've talked with lots of older women who know the younger ones need it but I'm not sure they are ready to teach it. Some don't think they can teach. Some don't think the teaching will be received.
How about some brainstorming - older or younger -- if you read this - please give me your ideas from either side. Do you want to be taught? Do you want to do the teaching? Where? How? Are you willing to sacrifice to learn? Are you willing to sacrifice to teach?
Titus 2 is not an option. It is a command.
Monday, March 19, 2007
GOSSIP
Well, I've had this posted for about 10 days and have had one response - Georgia - do you have your opinion ready yet? No one else has been brave enough to respond.(or haven't read this) So I'll just put in my two cents.
I agree that gossip is a problem and most of what the article says about the cause of it. However, I think there is more of a solution. I'm more inclined to think a true cleansing of the sin of gossip will come from 1 John 1:9 - if we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The desire and enjoyment of gossip comes from our flesh - no matter what root we try to pull out or fix or change, or whatever, only the cleasing of sin from the Lamb of God will remove it from us. He is in heaven seated on the right hand of God making intercession to God for us. Our enemy -- the accuser -- is there accusing us of factual and true sins. But as we confess our sins, Christ intercedes with the Father and those sins too are forgiven and we are cleansed.
This may be a process rather than a one time event because God desires truth in the inward man. We need to see the truth of what we are and God will do whatever is necessary to bring it totally to the surface -- even leave us with the effects of it for a while -- until our confession is truly an agonizing cry to HIM - "who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord."
And that's my two cents. I probably have about a quarter's worth more and after I think about it I may add that too.
I agree that gossip is a problem and most of what the article says about the cause of it. However, I think there is more of a solution. I'm more inclined to think a true cleansing of the sin of gossip will come from 1 John 1:9 - if we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The desire and enjoyment of gossip comes from our flesh - no matter what root we try to pull out or fix or change, or whatever, only the cleasing of sin from the Lamb of God will remove it from us. He is in heaven seated on the right hand of God making intercession to God for us. Our enemy -- the accuser -- is there accusing us of factual and true sins. But as we confess our sins, Christ intercedes with the Father and those sins too are forgiven and we are cleansed.
This may be a process rather than a one time event because God desires truth in the inward man. We need to see the truth of what we are and God will do whatever is necessary to bring it totally to the surface -- even leave us with the effects of it for a while -- until our confession is truly an agonizing cry to HIM - "who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord."
And that's my two cents. I probably have about a quarter's worth more and after I think about it I may add that too.
Friday, March 09, 2007
GOSSIP -- Please read below and tell me if you agree with the answer given.
Can't Stop Gossiping!
Q: At the beginning of the new year, I resolved to stop gossiping. For some reason, it's so hard for me to bite my tongue and not get caught up in the snare of talking about other people. I know it's not right, but no matter how much I want to change, I keep reverting to my old ways. Is there any way to break this habit once and for all?
A: Most people who gossip aren't seeking to disparage another human being. They gossip because they want to be connected with and valued by other people. In divulging "inside" information, you become connected through the shared secret. Because you know more than others, you may feel elevated or valued in their eyes. Who doesn't like to feel valued? While the temptation to gossip is understandable, the fact remains: It's wrong. So how do we find ways to meet our need for belonging without sacrificing someone else's reputation in the process?
The only way to break a bad habit is to feed the need at its root. By identifying what benefit you derive from gossiping about others, you may discover some basic needs that are going unmet. Perhaps your self-esteem is flagging, or you're feeling left out. No matter how old we get, that girlhood need to be part of the "in" group never goes away.
Once you've identified the real need you're trying to fill, you can work on meeting it in healthy, productive ways. And you can practice a new way of communicating with others. To break one habit, you need to replace it with a new pattern. Try to identify patterns in the times you're most tempted to gossip. Are you the gossip initiator, or do you get sucked into others' gossip sessions? Are there certain people with whom you fall into this habit more easily? I've noticed that sometimes when I feel insecure socially, I fall into the same pattern as whomever I'm talking with. If they tend to talk negatively about events and people, I chime in on that level. We tend to mirror what we hear and see in others, again often as a way to identify and connect with them.
The next time you're with a person or group that you're typically tempted to gossip with, be prepared to switch topics. You can head off a full-blown gossip session by changing subjects completely. Say something like, "Did you see Oprah today?" If the conversation still turns to gossiping, particularly if it's about an individual you all know, try to deflect responses with phrases like, "That surprises me. I've never seen her act like that before. She must have been having a really bad day." In this way, you're not contributing to the negativity, and you're admitting the reality that we all do things out of character.
For more help on how to break bad habits, visit TodaysChristianWomanStore.com. We've just added a new download called Breaking Bad Habits. It provides an extensive look at all kinds of habits women struggle with and ways to effectively eliminate them. Ultimately, only God can do a transforming work in us. With his strength and some good tools to guide you, we're confident you'll have at least one less item on your New Year's resolutions list for next year!
Here's to good habits!
Marian V. LiautaudManaging Editor, Women's and Family ResourcesChristianity Today International
Please leave a comment as to your opinion of this answer.
Q: At the beginning of the new year, I resolved to stop gossiping. For some reason, it's so hard for me to bite my tongue and not get caught up in the snare of talking about other people. I know it's not right, but no matter how much I want to change, I keep reverting to my old ways. Is there any way to break this habit once and for all?
A: Most people who gossip aren't seeking to disparage another human being. They gossip because they want to be connected with and valued by other people. In divulging "inside" information, you become connected through the shared secret. Because you know more than others, you may feel elevated or valued in their eyes. Who doesn't like to feel valued? While the temptation to gossip is understandable, the fact remains: It's wrong. So how do we find ways to meet our need for belonging without sacrificing someone else's reputation in the process?
The only way to break a bad habit is to feed the need at its root. By identifying what benefit you derive from gossiping about others, you may discover some basic needs that are going unmet. Perhaps your self-esteem is flagging, or you're feeling left out. No matter how old we get, that girlhood need to be part of the "in" group never goes away.
Once you've identified the real need you're trying to fill, you can work on meeting it in healthy, productive ways. And you can practice a new way of communicating with others. To break one habit, you need to replace it with a new pattern. Try to identify patterns in the times you're most tempted to gossip. Are you the gossip initiator, or do you get sucked into others' gossip sessions? Are there certain people with whom you fall into this habit more easily? I've noticed that sometimes when I feel insecure socially, I fall into the same pattern as whomever I'm talking with. If they tend to talk negatively about events and people, I chime in on that level. We tend to mirror what we hear and see in others, again often as a way to identify and connect with them.
The next time you're with a person or group that you're typically tempted to gossip with, be prepared to switch topics. You can head off a full-blown gossip session by changing subjects completely. Say something like, "Did you see Oprah today?" If the conversation still turns to gossiping, particularly if it's about an individual you all know, try to deflect responses with phrases like, "That surprises me. I've never seen her act like that before. She must have been having a really bad day." In this way, you're not contributing to the negativity, and you're admitting the reality that we all do things out of character.
For more help on how to break bad habits, visit TodaysChristianWomanStore.com. We've just added a new download called Breaking Bad Habits. It provides an extensive look at all kinds of habits women struggle with and ways to effectively eliminate them. Ultimately, only God can do a transforming work in us. With his strength and some good tools to guide you, we're confident you'll have at least one less item on your New Year's resolutions list for next year!
Here's to good habits!
Marian V. LiautaudManaging Editor, Women's and Family ResourcesChristianity Today International
Please leave a comment as to your opinion of this answer.
ALL WASHED UP by Liz Curtis Higgs
Welcome to the la-la land of laundering instructions
by Liz Curtis Higgs
Our great-grandmothers faced the dreaded domestic duty known as "Laundry Day" once a week—Mondays. Granted, it involved rollers and wringers and saggy outdoor washlines, but come Tuesday morning, it was over. Not only did people own a mere 4 outfits instead of 40, they wore them (horrors!) many times before they washed them again.
At the dawn of this new millennium, however, I've decided Grandma got off easy. In our household, the closets are bulging, the kids change clothes hourly—whether or not they need to—and piles of dirty clothes call my name from every corner of the house.
The fact is, sisters, every day is laundry day.
And what can't be washed clean must be dried clean. Often. The dry cleaners on the corner not only know my name and phone number by heart, they recognize my entire wardrobe on sight.
"Oh, is that green plaid dress back again? Liz must be home from Poughkeepsie. Don't forget to treat the spot."
I never need to point out where the Caesar dressing or the linguini sauce landed. It's always in the same place—six inches below my chin. Sigh. The cleaners must think I keep a food magnet in my bra.
At least such professionals are well paid for their efforts. Very well paid. My hubby has learned to visit the bank before he picks up my dry cleaning.
Wet cleaning is my department!
Bless the creators of laundry detergent for doing their level best to make this thankless task more enjoyable. Such upbeat names! Cheer. All. Fab. Other brands bring to mind a sun-kissed Hawaiian vacation: Surf and Tide. Then there's the detergent that strikes fear in the heart of dieters everywhere: Gain.
When it comes to softening clothes, we're urged to think of duck bottoms—Downy—or childlike activities—Snuggle and Bounce.
Stubborn stains got you down? Just Wisk and Shout. (Wasn't that a Beatles hit in 1964?) I vote for more realistic product names that accurately capture the experience: Whine and Pout.
In protest, I've started marking my own Xs over the irons on all my labels.
Grandma's clothes also didn't have the intimidating care labels we face every washday. Consider the hidden messages in these examples plucked from my laundry basket:
Wash Separately. Separately? As in one item at a time? Surely they jest. If that's the case, we're talking 37 loads of laundry!
Machine Wash with Similar Colors. Hmmm. I own a dress the color of overripe mulberries. Must my whole wardrobe revolve around that shade, or will everything I own become berry-flavored if I wash it with the dress in question?
Hand Wash USA. When traveling overseas, you can leave your hands at home and wash your clothes any way you please.
Made in Morocco. This garment included no laundry instructions whatsoever. Obviously it must be sent back to Morocco to be cleaned.
Hand Wash in Cool Water. Use only one hand to wash the item and use only cool water. But what makes water "cool"? Wearing a hip style of shades, or the right platform shoes?
Mild Detergent, Gentle Cycle. A kinder, gentler laundry experience. Your clothes will send you thank-you notes afterwards.
Tumble Dry Low. How low should you go? And really, what's the alternative? Tumble dry high? Throw your clothes up in the air? Nail your dryer to the ceiling?
Iron Low. Low dryers may be scarce, but low ironing boards are legion. In most hotels, full-size ironing boards have given way to economy models with two-foot-long boards that hover mere inches above the floor. The good news? You can pray while you iron.
Drip Dry. A long process this, producing dangerously invisible drips on our bathroom floor. Appropriate warning signs are posted on the door. "Watch Your Step! Drying Drips Next 10 Feet!"
Hang to Dry.A drastic measure. If your clothes won't drip quietly, you have no recourse but to sentence them to a long swing from a short rope.
Dry Flat. But where? The kitchen floor? Your dining room table? The front lawn? Once dry, these flat clothes can be worn only by a paper doll or a woman trapped in the second dimension (consult A Wrinkle in Time for further details).
Damp Dry. Oh, honestly! Make up your mind—is it damp or is it dry?
Touch Up with Cool Iron. A cool iron? Now there's a contradiction in terms. Aren't irons, by definition, hot? Does this mean we could just as easily press our clothes with a frozen beefsteak?
Do Not Iron If Decorated. If what is decorated? The house? The iron? Me, while I'm ironing? What happens if an iron and decorations get together—other than flat decorations, of course.
Then, There Are the fabric care labels that feature no words at all, just a row of pictures. Oh dear. Would someone kindly send me an Official Secret Decoder Ring?
The first enigmatic symbol looks like a tulip, but probably is meant to be a washing machine. Although tulips are my favorite flower, as tiny washing machines they would allow garden-variety housewives such as me an alarmingly short laundry season. Two weeks of mad washing every spring, then nothing but dirty clothes the other 50 weeks of the year. Talk about soil!
The next symbol is a triangle that looks like a … well, triangle. Uh-oh. The triangle has a big x over it. Fear not: I promise not to put my dress inside a triangle, no matter how tempting it is.
The picture of an iron really looks like an iron. Unfortunately, it does not have a big x over it. Bad news for a woman who lives in a "No Ironing Zone." In protest, I've started marking my own Xs over the irons on all my labels, even the linen and cotton ones. Such a feeling of power, that.
Then there's the symbol of a p in a circle. Hmmm, "Press this garment while walking around in circles?" No, we already have the little iron graphic. "Polyester spoken here," perhaps?
Finally, a picture that can only be described as a Victorian door window: a tall rectangle with an oval inside, crisscrossed by another x. I'd play it safe and avoid wearing the garment in an historic home.
Another challenge: What happens when the ink on a label disappears? Stop wearing the garment? Stop washing it? Stop worrying and wash it any way you like?
My husband, Bill, has three labels he'd like to see on future wardrobe purchases:
Do Not Iron While Wearing He suggested this while spotting me attempting to iron a pleated skirt with half the pleats still circling my body. (Maybe that explains the "p in a circle" graphic. … )
Do Not Use Lip-stick While Wearing. Bill recommended this one after watching me carefully line and color my smackers in Daytona Red lipstick, then step outdoors on a breezy day. When my oversized collar blew up in my face, pressing a bright, red kiss on my blouse, it was not a pretty picture.
Considering the complexity of fabric care instructions, Bill votes for one simple label that says it all: For Best Results, Leave on Hanger.
As for me, I'm left scratching my head over the labels that dangle from both my shower curtain and my raincoat—by job description, two items meant to handle water swimmingly. The instructions? Dry Clean Only.
Liz Curtis Higgs, TCW regular contributor, is the author of 13 books, including Bad Girls of the Bible (Water Brook). A busy conference and retreat speaker, Liz lives with one husband, two children, and one gently used washing machine in Kentucky.Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian Woman magazine.
by Liz Curtis Higgs
Our great-grandmothers faced the dreaded domestic duty known as "Laundry Day" once a week—Mondays. Granted, it involved rollers and wringers and saggy outdoor washlines, but come Tuesday morning, it was over. Not only did people own a mere 4 outfits instead of 40, they wore them (horrors!) many times before they washed them again.
At the dawn of this new millennium, however, I've decided Grandma got off easy. In our household, the closets are bulging, the kids change clothes hourly—whether or not they need to—and piles of dirty clothes call my name from every corner of the house.
The fact is, sisters, every day is laundry day.
And what can't be washed clean must be dried clean. Often. The dry cleaners on the corner not only know my name and phone number by heart, they recognize my entire wardrobe on sight.
"Oh, is that green plaid dress back again? Liz must be home from Poughkeepsie. Don't forget to treat the spot."
I never need to point out where the Caesar dressing or the linguini sauce landed. It's always in the same place—six inches below my chin. Sigh. The cleaners must think I keep a food magnet in my bra.
At least such professionals are well paid for their efforts. Very well paid. My hubby has learned to visit the bank before he picks up my dry cleaning.
Wet cleaning is my department!
Bless the creators of laundry detergent for doing their level best to make this thankless task more enjoyable. Such upbeat names! Cheer. All. Fab. Other brands bring to mind a sun-kissed Hawaiian vacation: Surf and Tide. Then there's the detergent that strikes fear in the heart of dieters everywhere: Gain.
When it comes to softening clothes, we're urged to think of duck bottoms—Downy—or childlike activities—Snuggle and Bounce.
Stubborn stains got you down? Just Wisk and Shout. (Wasn't that a Beatles hit in 1964?) I vote for more realistic product names that accurately capture the experience: Whine and Pout.
In protest, I've started marking my own Xs over the irons on all my labels.
Grandma's clothes also didn't have the intimidating care labels we face every washday. Consider the hidden messages in these examples plucked from my laundry basket:
Wash Separately. Separately? As in one item at a time? Surely they jest. If that's the case, we're talking 37 loads of laundry!
Machine Wash with Similar Colors. Hmmm. I own a dress the color of overripe mulberries. Must my whole wardrobe revolve around that shade, or will everything I own become berry-flavored if I wash it with the dress in question?
Hand Wash USA. When traveling overseas, you can leave your hands at home and wash your clothes any way you please.
Made in Morocco. This garment included no laundry instructions whatsoever. Obviously it must be sent back to Morocco to be cleaned.
Hand Wash in Cool Water. Use only one hand to wash the item and use only cool water. But what makes water "cool"? Wearing a hip style of shades, or the right platform shoes?
Mild Detergent, Gentle Cycle. A kinder, gentler laundry experience. Your clothes will send you thank-you notes afterwards.
Tumble Dry Low. How low should you go? And really, what's the alternative? Tumble dry high? Throw your clothes up in the air? Nail your dryer to the ceiling?
Iron Low. Low dryers may be scarce, but low ironing boards are legion. In most hotels, full-size ironing boards have given way to economy models with two-foot-long boards that hover mere inches above the floor. The good news? You can pray while you iron.
Drip Dry. A long process this, producing dangerously invisible drips on our bathroom floor. Appropriate warning signs are posted on the door. "Watch Your Step! Drying Drips Next 10 Feet!"
Hang to Dry.A drastic measure. If your clothes won't drip quietly, you have no recourse but to sentence them to a long swing from a short rope.
Dry Flat. But where? The kitchen floor? Your dining room table? The front lawn? Once dry, these flat clothes can be worn only by a paper doll or a woman trapped in the second dimension (consult A Wrinkle in Time for further details).
Damp Dry. Oh, honestly! Make up your mind—is it damp or is it dry?
Touch Up with Cool Iron. A cool iron? Now there's a contradiction in terms. Aren't irons, by definition, hot? Does this mean we could just as easily press our clothes with a frozen beefsteak?
Do Not Iron If Decorated. If what is decorated? The house? The iron? Me, while I'm ironing? What happens if an iron and decorations get together—other than flat decorations, of course.
Then, There Are the fabric care labels that feature no words at all, just a row of pictures. Oh dear. Would someone kindly send me an Official Secret Decoder Ring?
The first enigmatic symbol looks like a tulip, but probably is meant to be a washing machine. Although tulips are my favorite flower, as tiny washing machines they would allow garden-variety housewives such as me an alarmingly short laundry season. Two weeks of mad washing every spring, then nothing but dirty clothes the other 50 weeks of the year. Talk about soil!
The next symbol is a triangle that looks like a … well, triangle. Uh-oh. The triangle has a big x over it. Fear not: I promise not to put my dress inside a triangle, no matter how tempting it is.
The picture of an iron really looks like an iron. Unfortunately, it does not have a big x over it. Bad news for a woman who lives in a "No Ironing Zone." In protest, I've started marking my own Xs over the irons on all my labels, even the linen and cotton ones. Such a feeling of power, that.
Then there's the symbol of a p in a circle. Hmmm, "Press this garment while walking around in circles?" No, we already have the little iron graphic. "Polyester spoken here," perhaps?
Finally, a picture that can only be described as a Victorian door window: a tall rectangle with an oval inside, crisscrossed by another x. I'd play it safe and avoid wearing the garment in an historic home.
Another challenge: What happens when the ink on a label disappears? Stop wearing the garment? Stop washing it? Stop worrying and wash it any way you like?
My husband, Bill, has three labels he'd like to see on future wardrobe purchases:
Do Not Iron While Wearing He suggested this while spotting me attempting to iron a pleated skirt with half the pleats still circling my body. (Maybe that explains the "p in a circle" graphic. … )
Do Not Use Lip-stick While Wearing. Bill recommended this one after watching me carefully line and color my smackers in Daytona Red lipstick, then step outdoors on a breezy day. When my oversized collar blew up in my face, pressing a bright, red kiss on my blouse, it was not a pretty picture.
Considering the complexity of fabric care instructions, Bill votes for one simple label that says it all: For Best Results, Leave on Hanger.
As for me, I'm left scratching my head over the labels that dangle from both my shower curtain and my raincoat—by job description, two items meant to handle water swimmingly. The instructions? Dry Clean Only.
Liz Curtis Higgs, TCW regular contributor, is the author of 13 books, including Bad Girls of the Bible (Water Brook). A busy conference and retreat speaker, Liz lives with one husband, two children, and one gently used washing machine in Kentucky.Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian Woman magazine.
Texas Children's Hospital
I have two friends at work - one has a child and one has a grandchild - undergoing treatment for leukemia at Texas Children's Hospital. Please read the following and if you care to, please go to the website and vote. Thanks for your support.
And please pray for Nicky and Malachi and their families.
Texas Children's Hospital is in a contest with hospitals throughout the U.S. to receive a Fun Center from the Starlight Starbright Foundation for seriously ill children. All you need to do is click on the link below and choose TCH. Then send on to all your friends and families to help Houston win. I believe they are awarding 3 all together. We will know by April if TCH wins!!!
http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/Corp/CommunityPrograms/Starlight/HomePage/South.cvsp
And please pray for Nicky and Malachi and their families.
Texas Children's Hospital is in a contest with hospitals throughout the U.S. to receive a Fun Center from the Starlight Starbright Foundation for seriously ill children. All you need to do is click on the link below and choose TCH. Then send on to all your friends and families to help Houston win. I believe they are awarding 3 all together. We will know by April if TCH wins!!!
http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/Corp/CommunityPrograms/Starlight/HomePage/South.cvsp
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Reason for the Season
I received this as a forward and it reminded me again of the reason Christmas is so special:
A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of walking down row after row of toys and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the store elevator with her two children in hand. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, overwhelming pressure to
go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened revealing a crowd in the car. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids and all her bags of stuff in with her . As the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and blurted out, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot."
From the back of the car, a quiet calm voice responded, "Don't worry, we've already crucified Him." The rest of the trip down was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all would, just think how much better this world would be.
A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of walking down row after row of toys and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the store elevator with her two children in hand. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, overwhelming pressure to
go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened revealing a crowd in the car. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids and all her bags of stuff in with her . As the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and blurted out, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot."
From the back of the car, a quiet calm voice responded, "Don't worry, we've already crucified Him." The rest of the trip down was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all would, just think how much better this world would be.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Santa Claus
I read an article in Christianity Today giving two sides of the "Santa controversy". I found it very interesting even though Ron and I came to our conclusions about it all years ago. It's interesting that the subject is still around and such a sensitive area still. Wednesday night Matthew came home with me from Awana and we stayed up late and watched the original "Miracle on 34th Street" which he has never seen before. In fact, the idea that someone didn't believe in Santa puzzled him. There is one man in that show who says "it's silly to believe that Santa Claus is real" and Matthew says "That man doesn't know anything Granny." I agreed with him and the movie reminded me again of the miracle of childhood. The magic of the imagination and anticipation and hope.
I was thinking what it would be like if we didn't have Santa at Christmastime. What else is there that brings that excitement and sparkle to the eyes of kids. As exciting as they are, even birthdays do not bring the same magic as Christmas.
Knowing that Christmas is centered around the birth of Christ does not diminish the magic, but actually in our family increases it. The mysteries of the birth, the shepherds, the wise men, the stable, the angels and star -- all are re-lived each and every year and the culmination of that truth is emphasized on Christmas morning with the personal receiving of gifts of love. I think that's why our Christmas traditions have endured so many years. The awe of the story of Mary, Joseph and the baby in the manger has not diminished as years go by and neither has the Christmas of our childhoods. We repeat them over and over every year and this season of the year is still our most special.
[This is the opinion of this author and does not reflect the view of management! So please don't pick a fight with me about this!)
I was thinking what it would be like if we didn't have Santa at Christmastime. What else is there that brings that excitement and sparkle to the eyes of kids. As exciting as they are, even birthdays do not bring the same magic as Christmas.
Knowing that Christmas is centered around the birth of Christ does not diminish the magic, but actually in our family increases it. The mysteries of the birth, the shepherds, the wise men, the stable, the angels and star -- all are re-lived each and every year and the culmination of that truth is emphasized on Christmas morning with the personal receiving of gifts of love. I think that's why our Christmas traditions have endured so many years. The awe of the story of Mary, Joseph and the baby in the manger has not diminished as years go by and neither has the Christmas of our childhoods. We repeat them over and over every year and this season of the year is still our most special.
[This is the opinion of this author and does not reflect the view of management! So please don't pick a fight with me about this!)
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Parenting vs Grandparenting
This is a subject near and dear to my heart - Grandparenting that is. You just have to do the parenting to get to it. I'm having a lot of fun watching young mothers (my daughters included) parenting and seeing myself about 20 or so years ago. I do remember my Mom telling me - just wait, payback will come. And although I do enjoy some of their "paybacks", my perspective on it is wobbling from "you deserve that" to "oh, I wish I had done that better."
Being a granny is very different from being a mommy. I want the same end result for my babies that their mommies do, but I now want to get there a different way. Not that the mommies are not "mommying" correctly - just that I see things a bit differently from this side of it.
For example, both my girls wanted to sleep with us when they were little. But I was determined they needed to sleep in their own beds - they would grow up to be axe murderers or something horrendous if they didn't. So I got up and put them back to bed night after night, spanked, bribed, begged, and anything else to get them to sleep the majority of the night in their own beds. (I must confess that after Landra got about 5 or 6 I gave up and just moved over when she came to get in our bed. She finally stopped at about age 12).
But it is totally different now with my sweet babies. When they were too young to get out of the baby beds, when I kept them overnight, I did get up with them during the night, change diapers, feed them a bottle and put them back in the bed. But once they were out of that baby bed and able to walk from their room to Granny's bed - I couldn't wait to move over and let them crawl into bed with me. I snuggled close and wanted to be no place else in the world. The hardest part is having more than two in the bed at once and being able to touch all of them. I'm still learning how to do that, but I'm getting there! But of course, Grandaddy doesn't feel the same way and instead of kicking him out of the bed, I now just go to bed when my babies do and sleep with them all night. That way we all get sleep and I get to cuddle all night.
You might say that if I had to keep them every night I would think about it differently. And that's true - I do want to sleep sometimes with my husband alone. But what I think about when I'm in the bed with those babies is how time flies -- before too long they will be so big they won't want their Granny to lay beside them, touching their hair and telling silly stories - kissing them goodnight ten times in one minute and saying "I love you guys - I'm glad you're at my house" and hear them say "Granny, you always say that." Before too long, they'll be too big to want to come stay at Granny's house and I'll miss that so much.
That's what I remember about my girls. Before I blinked, they were grown. The time for "mommying" is gone and I'm now a Mom or Mother. It's different. So when I cuddle their babies, I see them again. I re-live some of the joy I had with them when they were little and soak up the hugs and smiles and kisses that I had forgotten and yet had missed so much.
Part of the joy of being a Granny is that I almost get to be a "parent" all over again. I get to treat my grandkids the ways I wish I'd treated my girls more but couldn't because besides enjoying them, I was given the responsibility of training them up as well. Having that responsibility overwhelms a young mother and I think it must be only on this side of parenting you realize that there can also be great joy. There is such a desire to have the kids "turn out" well that we can miss the joy for worrying if we're doing things right.
I remember reading about Mary and how she "pondered" in her heart all the things about her Son. I think I was too busy to "ponder" when my girls were growing up, but God's given me another chance with more babies. When I have them with me, I really look at them. I look into their eyes and focus on them as people and my heart is full.
I hope all of you young mothers who read this will understand me when I say, slow down, enjoy your babies, don't be so intense that you miss the joy of looking into the eyes of those little people and knowing them better. Someday real soon, you'll be looking into the eyes of your babies' babies and wish you had.
Being a granny is very different from being a mommy. I want the same end result for my babies that their mommies do, but I now want to get there a different way. Not that the mommies are not "mommying" correctly - just that I see things a bit differently from this side of it.
For example, both my girls wanted to sleep with us when they were little. But I was determined they needed to sleep in their own beds - they would grow up to be axe murderers or something horrendous if they didn't. So I got up and put them back to bed night after night, spanked, bribed, begged, and anything else to get them to sleep the majority of the night in their own beds. (I must confess that after Landra got about 5 or 6 I gave up and just moved over when she came to get in our bed. She finally stopped at about age 12).
But it is totally different now with my sweet babies. When they were too young to get out of the baby beds, when I kept them overnight, I did get up with them during the night, change diapers, feed them a bottle and put them back in the bed. But once they were out of that baby bed and able to walk from their room to Granny's bed - I couldn't wait to move over and let them crawl into bed with me. I snuggled close and wanted to be no place else in the world. The hardest part is having more than two in the bed at once and being able to touch all of them. I'm still learning how to do that, but I'm getting there! But of course, Grandaddy doesn't feel the same way and instead of kicking him out of the bed, I now just go to bed when my babies do and sleep with them all night. That way we all get sleep and I get to cuddle all night.
You might say that if I had to keep them every night I would think about it differently. And that's true - I do want to sleep sometimes with my husband alone. But what I think about when I'm in the bed with those babies is how time flies -- before too long they will be so big they won't want their Granny to lay beside them, touching their hair and telling silly stories - kissing them goodnight ten times in one minute and saying "I love you guys - I'm glad you're at my house" and hear them say "Granny, you always say that." Before too long, they'll be too big to want to come stay at Granny's house and I'll miss that so much.
That's what I remember about my girls. Before I blinked, they were grown. The time for "mommying" is gone and I'm now a Mom or Mother. It's different. So when I cuddle their babies, I see them again. I re-live some of the joy I had with them when they were little and soak up the hugs and smiles and kisses that I had forgotten and yet had missed so much.
Part of the joy of being a Granny is that I almost get to be a "parent" all over again. I get to treat my grandkids the ways I wish I'd treated my girls more but couldn't because besides enjoying them, I was given the responsibility of training them up as well. Having that responsibility overwhelms a young mother and I think it must be only on this side of parenting you realize that there can also be great joy. There is such a desire to have the kids "turn out" well that we can miss the joy for worrying if we're doing things right.
I remember reading about Mary and how she "pondered" in her heart all the things about her Son. I think I was too busy to "ponder" when my girls were growing up, but God's given me another chance with more babies. When I have them with me, I really look at them. I look into their eyes and focus on them as people and my heart is full.
I hope all of you young mothers who read this will understand me when I say, slow down, enjoy your babies, don't be so intense that you miss the joy of looking into the eyes of those little people and knowing them better. Someday real soon, you'll be looking into the eyes of your babies' babies and wish you had.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)