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.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
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.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Are you a Sheep?
Wednesday morning I sat down with Matthew and Annie to read our daily chapter of John, which happened to be John 10 - Jesus is the Good Shepherd and knows his sheep. His sheep hear his voice and know him. They listened very carefully and when I was finished, Annie says, "I'm not a sheep yet. I'm just a kid." I said, how do you know you're not a sheep. She said, "because I'm not saved." Matthew says, "It's okay Annie someday you will be saved and you'll be a sheep like me."
Now that may not be profound to you, but to just read that chapter out loud to my babies and have them understand the significance of Jesus' words to those who believe in Him was mind-numbing to me. Of course Jesus did say that those who believe in him are his sheep, and that's what Annie heard.
Good job, Lindsay and Jeremy, in teaching them that salvation is a future event and not a lifetime one. Annie is eagerly awaiting the time she gets saved - never doubting that it will happen. And Matthew rejoices in his salvation and the fact that Jesus lives inside him.
Except you become as little children...................................
Now that may not be profound to you, but to just read that chapter out loud to my babies and have them understand the significance of Jesus' words to those who believe in Him was mind-numbing to me. Of course Jesus did say that those who believe in him are his sheep, and that's what Annie heard.
Good job, Lindsay and Jeremy, in teaching them that salvation is a future event and not a lifetime one. Annie is eagerly awaiting the time she gets saved - never doubting that it will happen. And Matthew rejoices in his salvation and the fact that Jesus lives inside him.
Except you become as little children...................................
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Rambling
It's been a while since I've rambled. But today I got to thinking about the upcoming elections. Every time there is an important election - I get a knot in my stomach. I think about what if the conservatives lose control of the Congress -- the thought of us going backwards to the way things were eight years ago is not a pretty thing. Some of you might not care, but there is a defensiveness in me about this.
Eight years (and a few more) ago, I was introduced to a side of politics that was new to me. We met some friends who were close friends with our former Republican Congressman Steve Stockman. We went to several meetings the Congressman had here in Beaumont and came away with a respect for that man and his beliefs. It was hard watching him lose the next election and then start on the roller coaster to get Ted Poe elected.
We tried to get involved with our local Republican Party but can't get a lot of information about meetings, etc. And don't really have the time to add anything else to our lives. But it did open our eyes a lot to the importance of at least voting. One vote might not mean much - but then again, I don't want my vote to be the one needed that wasn't cast.
What difference does it make? It seems like very little in the grand scheme of things. But with our grandkids' future at stake, it is important that, with this war in Iraq, the immigration problems, the gasoline reserves, the decision-making people in places of power be as wise as we can possibly get. If no conservatives vote, then we'll get non-conservatives to make all the decisions. They will un-do a lot of what President Bush has done and backwards we will go.
I hope it doesn't happen. I pray it doesn't happen. But it takes people to vote to make sure it doesn't happen.
Eight years (and a few more) ago, I was introduced to a side of politics that was new to me. We met some friends who were close friends with our former Republican Congressman Steve Stockman. We went to several meetings the Congressman had here in Beaumont and came away with a respect for that man and his beliefs. It was hard watching him lose the next election and then start on the roller coaster to get Ted Poe elected.
We tried to get involved with our local Republican Party but can't get a lot of information about meetings, etc. And don't really have the time to add anything else to our lives. But it did open our eyes a lot to the importance of at least voting. One vote might not mean much - but then again, I don't want my vote to be the one needed that wasn't cast.
What difference does it make? It seems like very little in the grand scheme of things. But with our grandkids' future at stake, it is important that, with this war in Iraq, the immigration problems, the gasoline reserves, the decision-making people in places of power be as wise as we can possibly get. If no conservatives vote, then we'll get non-conservatives to make all the decisions. They will un-do a lot of what President Bush has done and backwards we will go.
I hope it doesn't happen. I pray it doesn't happen. But it takes people to vote to make sure it doesn't happen.
Kirk Cameron's Mystery Goo
Mystery Goo - By Kirk Cameron
Chelsea and the kids and I had been out to dinner. I returned home and was walking down the hall toward my bedroom, when I almost stepped in it. I looked further down the hall and saw another small pile of "don't step in that". How many more might there be? I found more on the kitchen stove. Another one on the top of the living room chair. Like Sherlock Holmes, I searched for clues and followed the trail and found more on my bedroom rug. I turned toward my daughter's bedroom and noticed things were a little more disheveled than usual. As I tiptoed into a dimly lit bathroom, I found lotions, papers, and other various things strewn all over the floor with more mystery goo in both sinks. Whoever the intruder was, I was closing in on him.
I flipped on the lights. Suddenly, from behind me, I heard a sheepish "Braaaaaaaaaak, brak, brak, brak..." I turned around. It was "Whitey"- one of our pet chickens! She sat perched upon the edge of the tub, blinking her eyes as she adjusted to the bright lights, and had an incredulous look on her face, almost as if she was saying, "What?! Why are you looking at me like that? You're the one who left the door open and forgot to tell me the dog was in the house!! How do you think I've felt hiding in bathroom for the last five hours?!" I laughed, picked her up, and carried her out to the rest of the family, and demonstrated my macho, manliness by declaring that Dad had "solved the mystery once again, and the Cameron family could safely return to their rooms."
I know what happened. Whitey, not content to peck and scratch in the backyard with the other chickens, ventured up to the house, saw an open door, and made her bold move. She entered the forbidden territory. No sooner were her feet in the door when a savage beast (our dog Sadie) lunged at her with teeth barred! Fearing for her life, she let out a squawk and flew to the top of the stove! Then to the chair, down the hall, into my bedroom, into the bathroom, up on the sinks, kicking everything off the counters, trying to find a safe place from the vicious enemy. (Obviously, the reason she left so many piles of converted grass and bugs in my house was because she literally had them scared out of her as she fled for her life.)
There are times, as a Christian, I've felt a lot like Whitey. I'm often discontent with the typical Christian lifestyle and instead look for an adventurous life lived on the edge of faith. Specifically, I want to step out of my comfort zone to seek and save the lost. So I rub shoulders with sinners. I see an open door to share the gospel, and I make my move. "So what do you think happens to you when you die?" I ask.
Every time I do this, I enter forbidden territory--the enemy's domain. All of a sudden, out of nowhere I'm attacked by the savage beast of fear. It lunges at me, and I panic! In my mind, I squawk and struggle not to fly away. I try to reposition with another question like "Would you consider yourself to be a good person?" But the fear doesn't let up. Like an unrelenting hound, fear has even sent me running into the bathroom to pray. I pray for courage. I pray that God would soften the heart of the one to whom I'm speaking. And I thank God for my own salvation, determining to be a true and faithful witness for my Lord.
In case you are wondering, Whitey is doing just fine. In fact, I think she's even bolder now because of the experience. I have no doubt that she will enter the forbidden territory again, because it's in her very nature to do so.
As a Christian, you have been given a new nature. You desire to enter enemy territory and sharing your faith, but perhaps in the past you have allowed fear to keep you from even getting your foot in the door. Take a lesson from my pet Whitey and just go for it. Make a bold move and fight the good fight of faith for the sake of the lost. Put it all on the line for someone you love. God is with you. You may feel like a chicken, but the experience will make you bolder in the end.
May it be said at our funerals and written on our tombstones, "Here lays a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, a truly courageous chicken."
[For more information about Kirk Cameron's ministry, go to www.livingwaters.com]
Chelsea and the kids and I had been out to dinner. I returned home and was walking down the hall toward my bedroom, when I almost stepped in it. I looked further down the hall and saw another small pile of "don't step in that". How many more might there be? I found more on the kitchen stove. Another one on the top of the living room chair. Like Sherlock Holmes, I searched for clues and followed the trail and found more on my bedroom rug. I turned toward my daughter's bedroom and noticed things were a little more disheveled than usual. As I tiptoed into a dimly lit bathroom, I found lotions, papers, and other various things strewn all over the floor with more mystery goo in both sinks. Whoever the intruder was, I was closing in on him.
I flipped on the lights. Suddenly, from behind me, I heard a sheepish "Braaaaaaaaaak, brak, brak, brak..." I turned around. It was "Whitey"- one of our pet chickens! She sat perched upon the edge of the tub, blinking her eyes as she adjusted to the bright lights, and had an incredulous look on her face, almost as if she was saying, "What?! Why are you looking at me like that? You're the one who left the door open and forgot to tell me the dog was in the house!! How do you think I've felt hiding in bathroom for the last five hours?!" I laughed, picked her up, and carried her out to the rest of the family, and demonstrated my macho, manliness by declaring that Dad had "solved the mystery once again, and the Cameron family could safely return to their rooms."
I know what happened. Whitey, not content to peck and scratch in the backyard with the other chickens, ventured up to the house, saw an open door, and made her bold move. She entered the forbidden territory. No sooner were her feet in the door when a savage beast (our dog Sadie) lunged at her with teeth barred! Fearing for her life, she let out a squawk and flew to the top of the stove! Then to the chair, down the hall, into my bedroom, into the bathroom, up on the sinks, kicking everything off the counters, trying to find a safe place from the vicious enemy. (Obviously, the reason she left so many piles of converted grass and bugs in my house was because she literally had them scared out of her as she fled for her life.)
There are times, as a Christian, I've felt a lot like Whitey. I'm often discontent with the typical Christian lifestyle and instead look for an adventurous life lived on the edge of faith. Specifically, I want to step out of my comfort zone to seek and save the lost. So I rub shoulders with sinners. I see an open door to share the gospel, and I make my move. "So what do you think happens to you when you die?" I ask.
Every time I do this, I enter forbidden territory--the enemy's domain. All of a sudden, out of nowhere I'm attacked by the savage beast of fear. It lunges at me, and I panic! In my mind, I squawk and struggle not to fly away. I try to reposition with another question like "Would you consider yourself to be a good person?" But the fear doesn't let up. Like an unrelenting hound, fear has even sent me running into the bathroom to pray. I pray for courage. I pray that God would soften the heart of the one to whom I'm speaking. And I thank God for my own salvation, determining to be a true and faithful witness for my Lord.
In case you are wondering, Whitey is doing just fine. In fact, I think she's even bolder now because of the experience. I have no doubt that she will enter the forbidden territory again, because it's in her very nature to do so.
As a Christian, you have been given a new nature. You desire to enter enemy territory and sharing your faith, but perhaps in the past you have allowed fear to keep you from even getting your foot in the door. Take a lesson from my pet Whitey and just go for it. Make a bold move and fight the good fight of faith for the sake of the lost. Put it all on the line for someone you love. God is with you. You may feel like a chicken, but the experience will make you bolder in the end.
May it be said at our funerals and written on our tombstones, "Here lays a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, a truly courageous chicken."
[For more information about Kirk Cameron's ministry, go to www.livingwaters.com]
Monday, October 09, 2006
Blogging and Faith is the Victory #3
I've been reading everyone's blogs today - trying to catch up with everything going on. I finally was able to get all the web addresses. Some very interesting tidbits out there.
I'm still reading Faith is the Victory and remember now why it was life-changing. It was the first book that I read that explained to me that the Promised Land is not heaven and crossing the Jordan River is not death. All those songs we sing are not out of the Scriptures. Pretty scary, huh?
The Promised Land was full of enemies and war. It was full of giants and walled cities. But also filled with milk and honey and the juciest grapes you've ever seen. It was the land that God gave to Abraham for an inheritance for ever. And from Abraham down to Isaac and then on to Jacob and his 12 sons. For ever. They just had to take it back from the enemies. Or, well, let God give it back to them.
Crossing the Jordan River was an act of faith. It wasn't a really wide river but it must have been deep because there was concern about getting across it when Israel (after 40 years) was finally ready to follow Joshua and Caleb. Just like the Red Sea, God opened it up and they walked across on dry land. 12 men stopped in the middle of it to place stones as a memorial as to what God had done for them. When they were across, the waters covered that memorial. (I'd like to swim down there to see if the stones are still there). Then those same men placed 12 stones again to make another memorial so that when their children asked what that memorial stood for, they would tell them how God brought them out of the wilderness and gave them back Abraham's land.
All they had to do was believe and it was theirs. Faith? Believe? How hard can that be?
You tell me.
I'm still reading Faith is the Victory and remember now why it was life-changing. It was the first book that I read that explained to me that the Promised Land is not heaven and crossing the Jordan River is not death. All those songs we sing are not out of the Scriptures. Pretty scary, huh?
The Promised Land was full of enemies and war. It was full of giants and walled cities. But also filled with milk and honey and the juciest grapes you've ever seen. It was the land that God gave to Abraham for an inheritance for ever. And from Abraham down to Isaac and then on to Jacob and his 12 sons. For ever. They just had to take it back from the enemies. Or, well, let God give it back to them.
Crossing the Jordan River was an act of faith. It wasn't a really wide river but it must have been deep because there was concern about getting across it when Israel (after 40 years) was finally ready to follow Joshua and Caleb. Just like the Red Sea, God opened it up and they walked across on dry land. 12 men stopped in the middle of it to place stones as a memorial as to what God had done for them. When they were across, the waters covered that memorial. (I'd like to swim down there to see if the stones are still there). Then those same men placed 12 stones again to make another memorial so that when their children asked what that memorial stood for, they would tell them how God brought them out of the wilderness and gave them back Abraham's land.
All they had to do was believe and it was theirs. Faith? Believe? How hard can that be?
You tell me.
Friday, October 06, 2006
What's So Amazing About......My Testimony?
Hey Allies: This website reminded me of some of the emails I've received from you all about my testimony at your Bible study a couple of weeks ago. I think it would be good and rewarding for you to go to this website and read the article. It's from Christianity Today.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2005/003/9.34.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2005/003/9.34.html
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Faith is the Victory - #2
Y'all won't believe this - but someone gave me a copy of "Faith is the Victory." You can't imagine my joy in receiving this book. It is out of print so it is something I will take very good care of and no, I won't loan it out! Thank you so much, whoever gave it to me.
Here's a sample of Chapter 1 - "The Pattern of the Christian's Life"
The pattern of the Chrisian's life is laid down in symbol in the journey of God's people from Egypt to the Promised Land. It is divided into three general phases: (1) From Egypt to Kadesh-barnea, representing a period of education of the believer under the special direction of God. (2) From Kadesh-barnea to the river Jordan, which represents a phase of disciplinary experience in which God deals with the self life. (3) The conquest of Canaan, which represents the life of victory through faith.
This book is concerned with the last phase of this great experience, its application to the church life of God's people and to their lives as individuals.
In this journey the life of the believer is dramatically portrayed. In Paul's letter to the Romans the life of the believer is theologically expounded. The same message is set forth in both. Thus, the apostle in 1 Cor. 10:11 says: "Now these things happened unto them for examples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." Here, and other places in God's Word, we are told that God has recorded in the history of His chosen people, the Israelites, the great truths which we need to guide us and empower us along our pilgrimage here on earth.
The reader would do well to review the account of this great journey, and note how utterly dependent upon God were His people, and how the incidents along the way give that marvelous display of divine grace in behalf of an unworthy people, simply because somebody believed God. Since many others have led us with such great profit along this pathway, and have pointed out with such diligent observation the wonderful truths revealed in this journey of symbolic teaching, we shall content ourselves with a simple restatement of the symbolisms, and press on to where the message begins.
Egypt represents the bondage of sin in which all of us are born. The "passover lamb is a type of Christ our Saviour, the "lamb slain from the foundation of the world." The blood applied to the door posts represents the sinner's trust in Christ to save, while the baptism at the Red Sea depicts the experience actualized in the sinner's heart.
....
...This is the sense in which the Holy Ghost baptizes us into the death and resurrection of Christ. This is not the so-called "baptism of the Holy Ghost," but is rather that baptism spoken of by Paul in Romans 6:3, 4: "Know you not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Thus, the child of God, by death, is cut off from the world and pronounced dead to sin. Thus, also, he is raised up from the dead and made alive unto Christ, and is ready now to begin his walk as a believer, a child of God.
......
The events which follow in the next few weeks are full of teaching, but we must leave this to other studies. We should like to repeat that all these events up to Kadesh-barnea were educational and were designed by the Lord Himself to instruct His children in the ways of God, as well as to wean them from the life in Egypt. At Sinai they camp for a while to learn the three great truths which we have indicated in the introduction: (1) that man is utterly sinful. (2) that God is utterly holy. (3) that Jesus is the only Savior. The first two of these great truths are taught through the Ten Commandments; the third is taught through the tabernacle and the offerings.
[end] [for today]
Does this seem dry to you? Studying the O.T. used to seem that way to me until I studied "The Covenant" and several other books (Habakkuk, Daniel) and saw how much those books related to my life. It opened up the N.T. to me in a way that no preaching had ever done. When I read these things, I realize that a large part of my faith has come from seeing how God dealt with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and through them, the entire nation of Israel. They were normal people and God treated them with love and mercy. That's the story of my life - God's love and mercy transforming me from what I am "normally" to being more like Him and His character.
As I begin reading this book again, I hope to share more of this book with you. Since it is out of print, there shouldn't be a problem copying it here. (I'll write the publisher just to be on the safe side!)
Just remember that the victory in our life is not reached by faith. The victory is faith.
(and thanks again, my anonymous friend, for this precious gift)
Here's a sample of Chapter 1 - "The Pattern of the Christian's Life"
The pattern of the Chrisian's life is laid down in symbol in the journey of God's people from Egypt to the Promised Land. It is divided into three general phases: (1) From Egypt to Kadesh-barnea, representing a period of education of the believer under the special direction of God. (2) From Kadesh-barnea to the river Jordan, which represents a phase of disciplinary experience in which God deals with the self life. (3) The conquest of Canaan, which represents the life of victory through faith.
This book is concerned with the last phase of this great experience, its application to the church life of God's people and to their lives as individuals.
In this journey the life of the believer is dramatically portrayed. In Paul's letter to the Romans the life of the believer is theologically expounded. The same message is set forth in both. Thus, the apostle in 1 Cor. 10:11 says: "Now these things happened unto them for examples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." Here, and other places in God's Word, we are told that God has recorded in the history of His chosen people, the Israelites, the great truths which we need to guide us and empower us along our pilgrimage here on earth.
The reader would do well to review the account of this great journey, and note how utterly dependent upon God were His people, and how the incidents along the way give that marvelous display of divine grace in behalf of an unworthy people, simply because somebody believed God. Since many others have led us with such great profit along this pathway, and have pointed out with such diligent observation the wonderful truths revealed in this journey of symbolic teaching, we shall content ourselves with a simple restatement of the symbolisms, and press on to where the message begins.
Egypt represents the bondage of sin in which all of us are born. The "passover lamb is a type of Christ our Saviour, the "lamb slain from the foundation of the world." The blood applied to the door posts represents the sinner's trust in Christ to save, while the baptism at the Red Sea depicts the experience actualized in the sinner's heart.
....
...This is the sense in which the Holy Ghost baptizes us into the death and resurrection of Christ. This is not the so-called "baptism of the Holy Ghost," but is rather that baptism spoken of by Paul in Romans 6:3, 4: "Know you not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Thus, the child of God, by death, is cut off from the world and pronounced dead to sin. Thus, also, he is raised up from the dead and made alive unto Christ, and is ready now to begin his walk as a believer, a child of God.
......
The events which follow in the next few weeks are full of teaching, but we must leave this to other studies. We should like to repeat that all these events up to Kadesh-barnea were educational and were designed by the Lord Himself to instruct His children in the ways of God, as well as to wean them from the life in Egypt. At Sinai they camp for a while to learn the three great truths which we have indicated in the introduction: (1) that man is utterly sinful. (2) that God is utterly holy. (3) that Jesus is the only Savior. The first two of these great truths are taught through the Ten Commandments; the third is taught through the tabernacle and the offerings.
[end] [for today]
Does this seem dry to you? Studying the O.T. used to seem that way to me until I studied "The Covenant" and several other books (Habakkuk, Daniel) and saw how much those books related to my life. It opened up the N.T. to me in a way that no preaching had ever done. When I read these things, I realize that a large part of my faith has come from seeing how God dealt with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and through them, the entire nation of Israel. They were normal people and God treated them with love and mercy. That's the story of my life - God's love and mercy transforming me from what I am "normally" to being more like Him and His character.
As I begin reading this book again, I hope to share more of this book with you. Since it is out of print, there shouldn't be a problem copying it here. (I'll write the publisher just to be on the safe side!)
Just remember that the victory in our life is not reached by faith. The victory is faith.
(and thanks again, my anonymous friend, for this precious gift)
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thought for the Day - Friday - Sept 29
At the foot of an apple tree, a snail started up the root to climb the tree, a worm came by and said it ain't no use, there's no apples up there.
The snail said there will be by the time I get there… We work everyday toward the heavenly prize that awaits us.
Adrian Rogers
Friday, September 22, 2006
The Red Ribbon
The Red Ribbon Everyone wants a blue ribbon. Blue. First place. The best. Even kindergarteners want that blue ribbon. In sports, I was never a blue-ribbon person. In a race I was always last. In baseball I was as likely to get hit on the head as to drop the ball. In basketball I was fine as long as there weren't nine other players on the court with me. Where I got my horrible sports ability, I don't know, but I got it. And I got it early.
During the spring of my kindergarten year, our class had a fieldtrip to a park in a town about 20 miles away. Making that drive now is no big deal, but when you're six and you've lived in a town of 300 all your life, going to a town of a couple thousand is a very big deal. Nonetheless, looking back now, I don't remember much of that day. I'm sure we ate our little sack lunches, played on the swings, slid down the slide, typical six- year-old stuff. Then it was time for the races.
However, these were no ordinary races. Some parent had come up with the idea to have the picnic kind of races, like pass the potato under your neck and hold an egg on a spoon while you run to the other side. I don't remember too much about these, but there was one race that will forever be lodged in my memory, the three-legged race. The parents decided not to use potato sacks for this particular race. Instead, they tied our feet together.
One lucky little boy got me for a partner. Now what you have to know about this little boy is that he was the second most athletic boy in our class. I'm sure he knew he was in trouble the second they laced his foot to mine. As for me, I was mortified. This guy was a winner. He almost always won, and I knew that, with me, he didn't have a chance.
Apparently he didn't realize that as deeply as I did at the time. He laced his arm with mine, the gun sounded, and we were off to the other side. Couples were falling and stumbling all around us, but we stayed on our feet and made it to the other side.
Unbelievably when we turned around and headed back for home, we were in the lead! Only one other couple even had a chance, and they were a good several yards behind us.
Then only feet from the finish line, disaster struck. I tripped and fell.
We were close enough that my partner could have easily dragged me across the finish line and won. He could have, but he didn't. Instead, he stopped, reached down, and helped me up, just as the other couple crossed the finish line. I still remember that moment, and I still have that little red ribbon.
When we graduated 13 years later, I stood on that stage and gave the Valedictory address to that same group of students, none of whom even remembered that moment anymore. So, I told them about that little boy who had made a split-second decision that helping a friend up was more important than winning a blue ribbon.
In my speech I told them that I wouldn't tell which of the guys sitting there on that stage was the little boy although he was up there with me. I wouldn't tell because in truth at one time or another all of them had been that little boy, helping me up when I fell, taking time out from their pursuit of their own goals to help a fellow person in need.
I told them why I've kept that ribbon. You see to me, that ribbon is a reminder that you don't have to be a winner in the eyes of the world to be a winner to those closest to you. The world may judge you a failure or a success, but those closest to you will know the truth. That's important to remember as we travel through this life.
You may not have a red ribbon to prove it, but I sincerely hope you have at least a few friends who remember you for taking time out from your pursuit of that blue ribbon to help them. I'm thinking those will be the ones that really count. I know it's the one that counted the most to me.
The author is Staci Stallings ©2003. Looking for continuous doses of inspiration? Come to the Staci Stallings' blog http://stacistallings.blogspot.com Staci shares her thoughts on God and life twice a week! Come check it out. You'll feel better for the experience! ~
During the spring of my kindergarten year, our class had a fieldtrip to a park in a town about 20 miles away. Making that drive now is no big deal, but when you're six and you've lived in a town of 300 all your life, going to a town of a couple thousand is a very big deal. Nonetheless, looking back now, I don't remember much of that day. I'm sure we ate our little sack lunches, played on the swings, slid down the slide, typical six- year-old stuff. Then it was time for the races.
However, these were no ordinary races. Some parent had come up with the idea to have the picnic kind of races, like pass the potato under your neck and hold an egg on a spoon while you run to the other side. I don't remember too much about these, but there was one race that will forever be lodged in my memory, the three-legged race. The parents decided not to use potato sacks for this particular race. Instead, they tied our feet together.
One lucky little boy got me for a partner. Now what you have to know about this little boy is that he was the second most athletic boy in our class. I'm sure he knew he was in trouble the second they laced his foot to mine. As for me, I was mortified. This guy was a winner. He almost always won, and I knew that, with me, he didn't have a chance.
Apparently he didn't realize that as deeply as I did at the time. He laced his arm with mine, the gun sounded, and we were off to the other side. Couples were falling and stumbling all around us, but we stayed on our feet and made it to the other side.
Unbelievably when we turned around and headed back for home, we were in the lead! Only one other couple even had a chance, and they were a good several yards behind us.
Then only feet from the finish line, disaster struck. I tripped and fell.
We were close enough that my partner could have easily dragged me across the finish line and won. He could have, but he didn't. Instead, he stopped, reached down, and helped me up, just as the other couple crossed the finish line. I still remember that moment, and I still have that little red ribbon.
When we graduated 13 years later, I stood on that stage and gave the Valedictory address to that same group of students, none of whom even remembered that moment anymore. So, I told them about that little boy who had made a split-second decision that helping a friend up was more important than winning a blue ribbon.
In my speech I told them that I wouldn't tell which of the guys sitting there on that stage was the little boy although he was up there with me. I wouldn't tell because in truth at one time or another all of them had been that little boy, helping me up when I fell, taking time out from their pursuit of their own goals to help a fellow person in need.
I told them why I've kept that ribbon. You see to me, that ribbon is a reminder that you don't have to be a winner in the eyes of the world to be a winner to those closest to you. The world may judge you a failure or a success, but those closest to you will know the truth. That's important to remember as we travel through this life.
You may not have a red ribbon to prove it, but I sincerely hope you have at least a few friends who remember you for taking time out from your pursuit of that blue ribbon to help them. I'm thinking those will be the ones that really count. I know it's the one that counted the most to me.
The author is Staci Stallings ©2003. Looking for continuous doses of inspiration? Come to the Staci Stallings' blog http://stacistallings.blogspot.com Staci shares her thoughts on God and life twice a week! Come check it out. You'll feel better for the experience! ~
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Faith is the Victory
One of the books that changed my life is called "Faith is the Victory" by Buell Kazee. Our only copy of the book was burned up in the church fire we had at Park North Baptist 10 or so years ago. I have been looking for this book - it is very old and out of print - and finally found a copy of it at Abebooks - but the cost is prohibitive! It is a classic and probably worth every penny, if I had enough pennies.
But, I did find this chapter in a document online and thought I'd at least share this with you. As you can see, the depth of this man's desire for a relationship with God that is unique is very obvious. He writes with his heart and it speaks to my heart. I hope you find this as awe-inspiring as I did and that it turns your heart's desire towards God.
Others May, You Cannot
By Buell H. Kazee
If God has called you to be really like Christ in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility and put on you such demands of obedience, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will not let you do.
Others can brag on themselves, and their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.
The Lord will let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hid away in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice fragrant fruit for His glory, which can be produced only in the shade.
Others will be allowed to succeed in making money, but it is likely God will keep you poor because he wants you to have something far better than gold and that is a helpless dependence on Him; that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day - out of an unseen treasury.
God will let others be great, but He will keep you small. He will let others do a great work for Him and get credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work you have done, and this will make your reward ten times greater when He comes.
The Holy Spirit will put strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.
So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do what He pleases with His own, and He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle you, reason in His dealing with you. He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and let other people say and do many things that you cannot do or say.
Settle it forever, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that others are not dealt with.
Now, when you are so possessed with the Living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this particular personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven.
-From Faith is the Victory
But, I did find this chapter in a document online and thought I'd at least share this with you. As you can see, the depth of this man's desire for a relationship with God that is unique is very obvious. He writes with his heart and it speaks to my heart. I hope you find this as awe-inspiring as I did and that it turns your heart's desire towards God.
Others May, You Cannot
By Buell H. Kazee
If God has called you to be really like Christ in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility and put on you such demands of obedience, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will not let you do.
Others can brag on themselves, and their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.
The Lord will let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hid away in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice fragrant fruit for His glory, which can be produced only in the shade.
Others will be allowed to succeed in making money, but it is likely God will keep you poor because he wants you to have something far better than gold and that is a helpless dependence on Him; that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day - out of an unseen treasury.
God will let others be great, but He will keep you small. He will let others do a great work for Him and get credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work you have done, and this will make your reward ten times greater when He comes.
The Holy Spirit will put strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.
So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do what He pleases with His own, and He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle you, reason in His dealing with you. He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and let other people say and do many things that you cannot do or say.
Settle it forever, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that others are not dealt with.
Now, when you are so possessed with the Living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this particular personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven.
-From Faith is the Victory
Monday, September 18, 2006
Thoughts for today
It's Monday. It has rained today and I've been so busy at work I've hardly looked up. I did go to the potty once without clocking out on "Break". But I'm taking a smoke break right now. (The employees who smoke get to go outside periodically to smoke, so I just yell "smoke break" and sit at my desk and rest!) Thought I'd ramble.
Sunday was a refreshing day for me. I just enjoyed being there at church. I enjoyed the music, the Sunday School class, the message Raymond preached, hearing his Dad and even the business meeting (?!) When I got home Sunday evening, I felt like I had had a weekend. That doesn't always happen - especially when I have three of my babies on Saturday night. (But I think we've found a creative solution for lack of sleep on Sat. nights.) I enjoyed the afternoon with Rick and Angie and six teenagers in my living room. How I've missed that. We used to have kids come in all the time, raiding our refrigerator, drink up all the soda, take showers, hang out. Since Lindsay and Landra are grown and gone, right now we just have babies. I'm not complaining, mind you, just stating facts.
I enjoyed the Scripture memory class on Sunday evening. My first one back since end of school last year. I enjoy the camaderie and accountability. And I especially enjoy Gale's challenges.
So I guess I was ready for today. First we got news that Ron's broken-down car was fixed and would cost us all but $57 of our emergency fund. Thank you Dave Ramsey, at least we had it. Then I was late getting to work - only an hour - but with our new "timeclock" every minute is recorded. Then I got chosen to do the "not that attorney" work without having a vote, but before I could get more than three pages into it, I got the "oh, no, really not that attorney" work and now here it is 10:05 at night and I'm still working on that one. Guess I'll be late getting home.
But I'm off for two days and get to sleep in to 8:00 and play all day with my babies.
Goodnight from Granny
Friday, September 15, 2006
Awana and Edward
This is Edward. Isn't he a doll?
He passed his Start Zone this week in Awana. AFTER TWO YEARS... he now has his uniform and handbook.
He was so excited to tell me about it when I went into the council time room. I hugged and kissed him and embarrassed him to death -- (but I think secretly he was glad I did.)
When I get tired and think it's just too much work, I think about Edward - that sweet boy - and all the others just like him - and get a renewal of heart - and keep on going.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Another forward
Sorry - two forwards in two days is just too much. But I think this is worth taking a look. Let me know what you think after you've listened to it.
http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes
http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes
The Dash
I received this as a forward -- and it touched my heart. I wanted to share it with you as well.
Let the page load then allow the film to load.... not long.
http://www.TheDashMovie.com
Let the page load then allow the film to load.... not long.
http://www.TheDashMovie.com
Thursday, September 07, 2006
My Greatest Challenge
Thanks for sharing your challenges - we all have them - and mostly new ones come by all the time. Sometimes we conquer them and sometimes they just move over and make way for another. (Those that move over always come back though!)
My greatest right now is spending time with Ron. Since he started working we have conflicting schedules. He used to be home all the time and when I'd come home, there he'd be. We'd have time together until I went off somewhere else.
For those who don't know, I've worked like this - three days a week in Houston - staying overnight at least once - sometimes more -- for about 15 years. So me not being home is not new. What's new is that he's not there all the time when I get there. We meet in passing sometimes - like this morning - I got home from Curves just as he was leaving for work - We kissed as he got in his car and drove off.
When I'm not working there's Awana, there's church, there's babies, there's shopping, there's my Mom, there's something else..... I've had to stop and really think about what's happening to our relationship. We tried the Homebuilders class this summer - I think we actually made about two or three of them - but it didn't accomplish what I wanted it to for us. Those of you who actually pray for prayer requests, will you pray for us? We need to get back in tune with each other.
So that's my challenge!
My greatest right now is spending time with Ron. Since he started working we have conflicting schedules. He used to be home all the time and when I'd come home, there he'd be. We'd have time together until I went off somewhere else.
For those who don't know, I've worked like this - three days a week in Houston - staying overnight at least once - sometimes more -- for about 15 years. So me not being home is not new. What's new is that he's not there all the time when I get there. We meet in passing sometimes - like this morning - I got home from Curves just as he was leaving for work - We kissed as he got in his car and drove off.
When I'm not working there's Awana, there's church, there's babies, there's shopping, there's my Mom, there's something else..... I've had to stop and really think about what's happening to our relationship. We tried the Homebuilders class this summer - I think we actually made about two or three of them - but it didn't accomplish what I wanted it to for us. Those of you who actually pray for prayer requests, will you pray for us? We need to get back in tune with each other.
So that's my challenge!
New Awana Website for Parents
http://www.awana.org/kidmatters/default.aspx
This is a website Awana has created for parents called "Kid Matters" - there are parenting tips and other info.
Awana is branching out into some new areas right now that I think are going to be more beneficial for families than just about anything I've seen in a long time. All of it is in bite-size pieces and pressure-free - just information parents can take or leave. I hope that all of you will at least look at it, read it and let Awana know what you think about it.
While I was at the conference there this summer, I really gained a respect for the Awana staff and their mission that I haven't had toward an organization in a long time. Their goal truly is to lead children and youth to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ and everything they do is geared toward that. They have been working with George Barna and some of his research has been valuable in changing Awana's mindset of reaching kids and expanded into really reaching families - and equipping parents to do the job God gave them.
Take a look at it and let me know what you think.
This is a website Awana has created for parents called "Kid Matters" - there are parenting tips and other info.
Awana is branching out into some new areas right now that I think are going to be more beneficial for families than just about anything I've seen in a long time. All of it is in bite-size pieces and pressure-free - just information parents can take or leave. I hope that all of you will at least look at it, read it and let Awana know what you think about it.
While I was at the conference there this summer, I really gained a respect for the Awana staff and their mission that I haven't had toward an organization in a long time. Their goal truly is to lead children and youth to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ and everything they do is geared toward that. They have been working with George Barna and some of his research has been valuable in changing Awana's mindset of reaching kids and expanded into really reaching families - and equipping parents to do the job God gave them.
Take a look at it and let me know what you think.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Thursday - this week I'm early
There's not a lot going on at work today so I thought I'd post this while I had the time. I SO enjoyed Bible study this morning. It has been a long time since I've had a captive audience that I could share God with. Telling all of that made me just thank Him later for bringing to my memory all that He has done in making my life different than it could have been.
I loved the group of girls. (Sorry, ladies I mean) There's a unique bond there - I'm sure it's the result of consistent time spent with each other and opening up your lives and sharing. I miss that and wish I didn't work on Thursdays so I could be a part of it. But....
Today I'd like to give you a thought to consider:
What would you consider the greatest challenge in your life right at this moment? It might be a person, a situation, a problem, etc. Pick only one and tell me about it. After I hear from a few of you, I'll tell you mine.
"Jesus said to His disciples... "let the little children come unto me and forbid them not -- for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
I loved the group of girls. (Sorry, ladies I mean) There's a unique bond there - I'm sure it's the result of consistent time spent with each other and opening up your lives and sharing. I miss that and wish I didn't work on Thursdays so I could be a part of it. But....
Today I'd like to give you a thought to consider:
What would you consider the greatest challenge in your life right at this moment? It might be a person, a situation, a problem, etc. Pick only one and tell me about it. After I hear from a few of you, I'll tell you mine.
"Jesus said to His disciples... "let the little children come unto me and forbid them not -- for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
True love
"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each
other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This was just too good to not share here.
other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This was just too good to not share here.
Friday, August 25, 2006
It's Friday Again
It seems like Friday is the only day I have to write.....
Awana began this week and I do believe things will slow down for me. The summer was full of training and planning and now we'll see if it all paid off. The kickoff night was good - a few glitches and problems we have to work through -- but one thing that happened that reminded me of what it is all about. My little friend Edward - the one with the gorgeous eyes that change colors every few minutes -- finished half of his Start Zone Wed night. Now to some of you, you might think "what's the big deal?" Well, the big deal is that he's had that Start Zone since September of 2005 and had done NOTHING. He came up to me after Awana Wed and told me how he'd done during Handbook Time. I hugged him and told him how proud I was of him and I thought he needed a special treat. He said, "No, ma'am. I had a snack already. I just wanted you to know how I'd done tonight." Is that not the beginning of a "relationship"?
Edward has been my thermometer. President Bush began a thing called "No Child Left Behind" when he first took office. My "thingy" is "no child gets ignored" -- so last year I started watching Edward. I'd send him a card every few weeks. He just would not work on his handbook. Never did. He didn't enjoy games. But he came to Awana. Not every week, but most weeks. This summer I'd send him a card and remind him to work on his Start Zone and when I saw his Dad I'd give him a candy bar and ask him to take to Edward. Just continually reminded him that someone was thinking about him.
Who knows what will come of it. But I do know for sure that Edward is getting God's Word into his heart and mind. He may not respond to it for years, but he'll remember me. Just like I remember my GA teacher from years ago. I don't remember her name, but I remember she helped me memorize verses that today mean more to me than bread and water!
Anyway, that's my special blessing for the week. Do any of you have "special people" you focus on? Anyone you can shower your love on (that's not your own child?) I was reading out loud in Luke this week while Matthew was at my house. I read the part in Chapter 5 or 6 where Jesus said "Love your enemies - do good to them that hate you - if they ask for your coat, give them your cloak also," etc. Matthew was listening to me reading and said "God doesn't want us to love enemies and people that hate us." I said, "Well, this is Jesus talking and he's the one telling us to do this." Matthew said, "WHAT? Jesus wants us to do that?" I said "yes, if we only love those who love us, what good is that? Everyone does that. It's loving those you don't know or those who don't love you that shows Jesus is in your heart." He was flabberglasted. He said, "I'll have to find someone who hates me!"
Don't you love it? Well, I've gotta go work. They pay me here to do things other than write blogs! Write and tell me the person you focus on and I'll pray for you if you'll pray for me and Edward!
Awana began this week and I do believe things will slow down for me. The summer was full of training and planning and now we'll see if it all paid off. The kickoff night was good - a few glitches and problems we have to work through -- but one thing that happened that reminded me of what it is all about. My little friend Edward - the one with the gorgeous eyes that change colors every few minutes -- finished half of his Start Zone Wed night. Now to some of you, you might think "what's the big deal?" Well, the big deal is that he's had that Start Zone since September of 2005 and had done NOTHING. He came up to me after Awana Wed and told me how he'd done during Handbook Time. I hugged him and told him how proud I was of him and I thought he needed a special treat. He said, "No, ma'am. I had a snack already. I just wanted you to know how I'd done tonight." Is that not the beginning of a "relationship"?
Edward has been my thermometer. President Bush began a thing called "No Child Left Behind" when he first took office. My "thingy" is "no child gets ignored" -- so last year I started watching Edward. I'd send him a card every few weeks. He just would not work on his handbook. Never did. He didn't enjoy games. But he came to Awana. Not every week, but most weeks. This summer I'd send him a card and remind him to work on his Start Zone and when I saw his Dad I'd give him a candy bar and ask him to take to Edward. Just continually reminded him that someone was thinking about him.
Who knows what will come of it. But I do know for sure that Edward is getting God's Word into his heart and mind. He may not respond to it for years, but he'll remember me. Just like I remember my GA teacher from years ago. I don't remember her name, but I remember she helped me memorize verses that today mean more to me than bread and water!
Anyway, that's my special blessing for the week. Do any of you have "special people" you focus on? Anyone you can shower your love on (that's not your own child?) I was reading out loud in Luke this week while Matthew was at my house. I read the part in Chapter 5 or 6 where Jesus said "Love your enemies - do good to them that hate you - if they ask for your coat, give them your cloak also," etc. Matthew was listening to me reading and said "God doesn't want us to love enemies and people that hate us." I said, "Well, this is Jesus talking and he's the one telling us to do this." Matthew said, "WHAT? Jesus wants us to do that?" I said "yes, if we only love those who love us, what good is that? Everyone does that. It's loving those you don't know or those who don't love you that shows Jesus is in your heart." He was flabberglasted. He said, "I'll have to find someone who hates me!"
Don't you love it? Well, I've gotta go work. They pay me here to do things other than write blogs! Write and tell me the person you focus on and I'll pray for you if you'll pray for me and Edward!
Friday, August 18, 2006
BOOK REVIEW: Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg
I just finished reading this book this week and I want to highly recommend it to all of you. If possible you should "read" it on tape or CD. The author reads it herself and provides the "authenticity" of the people she's writing about. To summarize, it's about a small town called Elmwood Springs, Missouri, and spans the time period of the 1920's through the 1990's. You will hear all about Neighbor Dorothy, Bobby Smith, Minnie Oatman, Hamm Sparks and many other "characters" that will make you laugh, cry and become so involved in their lives you'll hate to have the book end. I believe it will be a classic like the Mitford Series.
Happy Friday
What a busy week. Mom and I were talking this morning about how fast the last 9 years have passed by. This November will be 9 years since my Dad died. The four and a half years before that seemed to have been forever. All our attention was focused on him and taking care of him. Since his death, although we have been busy every day, unless we stop and really think, it seems like a blur.
But taking the time to think, we remembered Matthew's birth, Ron's two to three year illness, getting Katie from Dallas, Annie being born, Maddie being born, me going to Iraq, changing churches, Andrew being born, and I remember -- we have been busy.
And now it seems our life is going by quickly -- too quickly and I hope that I'm taking advantage and "redeeming the time" because I don't want to look back and feel time was wasted. I hate the phrase "I meant to..." It sounds so lame. Good intentions unfulfilled are worthless.
So this weekend do something that will last - like rest or kiss your kids or visit someone you haven't seen but have been "meaning to call" -- something to do with people -- those are the things that will last -- we can't take any thing with us when we leave this world, but we can take people.
Love you all.
But taking the time to think, we remembered Matthew's birth, Ron's two to three year illness, getting Katie from Dallas, Annie being born, Maddie being born, me going to Iraq, changing churches, Andrew being born, and I remember -- we have been busy.
And now it seems our life is going by quickly -- too quickly and I hope that I'm taking advantage and "redeeming the time" because I don't want to look back and feel time was wasted. I hate the phrase "I meant to..." It sounds so lame. Good intentions unfulfilled are worthless.
So this weekend do something that will last - like rest or kiss your kids or visit someone you haven't seen but have been "meaning to call" -- something to do with people -- those are the things that will last -- we can't take any thing with us when we leave this world, but we can take people.
Love you all.
I read this today on "Religion Today Summaries" and wanted to pass it on to you all. Things like this happen all the time and we seldom hear of it Would you please take a moment today and pray for this family? They didn't say anything further about the daughter so it is uncertain if she is alive or not.
Philippine Ministry Leader Killed in Ambush
Rev. Mocsin Lumimbang Hasim, leader of a ministry to Muslims in the Philippines, was killed in an ambush on June 3, according to Missions Insider. He was 49 years old. He and his daughter, Mercy, 21, were on their way home via motorcycle from a wedding that he officiated not far from his house. He was shot 19 times in the head, and Mercy was shot six times. Before his death, Hasim received threats to his life, as well as his wife and four children. His motorcycle, wallet and cell phone were not stolen during the ambush, but his Bible, notes, address book and other papers were taken. Hasim was a Muslim by birth, but became a Christian and started a ministry to his own people. Christian Aid recently had recently begun assisting the ministry. Hasim also led a church, which is still without a pastor. He also leaves behind a wife in need of food and medicine for her several physical problems, including diabetes, tuberculosis and a lung disorder.
Philippine Ministry Leader Killed in Ambush
Rev. Mocsin Lumimbang Hasim, leader of a ministry to Muslims in the Philippines, was killed in an ambush on June 3, according to Missions Insider. He was 49 years old. He and his daughter, Mercy, 21, were on their way home via motorcycle from a wedding that he officiated not far from his house. He was shot 19 times in the head, and Mercy was shot six times. Before his death, Hasim received threats to his life, as well as his wife and four children. His motorcycle, wallet and cell phone were not stolen during the ambush, but his Bible, notes, address book and other papers were taken. Hasim was a Muslim by birth, but became a Christian and started a ministry to his own people. Christian Aid recently had recently begun assisting the ministry. Hasim also led a church, which is still without a pastor. He also leaves behind a wife in need of food and medicine for her several physical problems, including diabetes, tuberculosis and a lung disorder.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
I told Ron this morning that I had planned to decorate our house this summer and get my garage emptied out, have a garage sale and return things to their proper place since the hurricane last year. Well, Awana starts back next week and I have actually hung one picture in my kitchen and a shelf over my kitchen sink. That's it. All the time I thought I had is now gone. Ron says, "Don't worry, it'll get done." (This from the man who took two years to change a tire on the girls' bicycle.)
But, I feel good about starting Awana next week. All the leaders have been great to attend the planning meetings when they could and I think we will really be a team this year. There is a little 10 year old boy that I feel really special about this year. His name is Edward. Please pray for him. He is the cutest little guy and needs a friend. Please pray that I can be that friend for him.
What is it about teaching? There's just something about it that stirs me up. There's an old hymn called "I Love to Tell the Story" that I remember - one verse goes like this: "I love to tell the story to those who know it best - seems hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, it will be the old, old story, that I have loved so long."
I just want to express clearly and plainly what God has done for me -- knowing that he can do the same for you. Which brings to mind another song - "It is no secret what God can do. What he's done for others, He'll do for you. With arms wide open, he'll pardon you. It is no secret what God can do."
Here I am sitting at my desk, silently singing away. Guess I'd better get this speech done or I'll be singing in the homeless food line.
Love to you all, Granny.
By the way, Annie got signed up for ballet Tuesday. Matthew was a tad upset - he thought Annie wouldn't do ballet until he was playing college baseball. (Wonder what he thinks "college" is?)
But, I feel good about starting Awana next week. All the leaders have been great to attend the planning meetings when they could and I think we will really be a team this year. There is a little 10 year old boy that I feel really special about this year. His name is Edward. Please pray for him. He is the cutest little guy and needs a friend. Please pray that I can be that friend for him.
What is it about teaching? There's just something about it that stirs me up. There's an old hymn called "I Love to Tell the Story" that I remember - one verse goes like this: "I love to tell the story to those who know it best - seems hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, it will be the old, old story, that I have loved so long."
I just want to express clearly and plainly what God has done for me -- knowing that he can do the same for you. Which brings to mind another song - "It is no secret what God can do. What he's done for others, He'll do for you. With arms wide open, he'll pardon you. It is no secret what God can do."
Here I am sitting at my desk, silently singing away. Guess I'd better get this speech done or I'll be singing in the homeless food line.
Love to you all, Granny.
By the way, Annie got signed up for ballet Tuesday. Matthew was a tad upset - he thought Annie wouldn't do ballet until he was playing college baseball. (Wonder what he thinks "college" is?)
Thursday, August 10, 2006
It's Thursday -- I'm still trying to work on this blog thingy. I will master it one day. In the meantime, I thought I'd ramble.
First, I have Kari Bradley and her family on my mind this morning. As you know, her brother and sister-in-law were involved in a serious accident this week and her sister-in-law was killed. She's in Tulsa with her family and my heart aches for them. Remember to pray for God's comforting presence and that He uses this in their lives in ways that they can clearly see Him.
Second, I had a very enjoyable day with my babies yesterday. "Enjoyable" is relative. Matthew did his Kindergarten school work and half of Annie's (sorry, Linds) before I knew which pages were his. I thought he was pretty smart! He was fun to work with - he learned to color inside the lines with the comment, "Wow, Granny, I didn't even know I could do that." It's amazing what Grannies can teach. Brought back some memories of home schooling.
Annie never did get around to school work. She was too busy getting into trouble with Maddie. They found some red and blue markers in a cabinet and decided to see if they worked on my stairwell wall. They did. Maddie came running to me to tell me what they had done and Annie was crying, hiding behind the front door, saying "I accidentally colored on your wall!" After spankings, naps and hugs, all was well. Clorox bleach works well on walls too in case you're wondering if it came off.
Andrew was an angel! No kidding. He didn't get into anything other than the crackers, cookies, cashews, bubble gum, candy and cereal. But he was so sweet about it how could you refuse him anything? (No, I didn't let him have everything!)
I enjoy them so much. It's getting easier since they're getting bigger. It's also getting harder. I see time slipping away - Matthew is already 5 years old. Did I spend enough time sitting down reading books to him? Or telling stories? It was easy when there was one of them - with five now (including Katie - and I don't spend near enough time with her) - I either have to do it in groups or try to have them one at a time. I think I'll try to have them alone once a month - and all together once a month and a couple in between!
Anyway, I'll post photos later.
First, I have Kari Bradley and her family on my mind this morning. As you know, her brother and sister-in-law were involved in a serious accident this week and her sister-in-law was killed. She's in Tulsa with her family and my heart aches for them. Remember to pray for God's comforting presence and that He uses this in their lives in ways that they can clearly see Him.
Second, I had a very enjoyable day with my babies yesterday. "Enjoyable" is relative. Matthew did his Kindergarten school work and half of Annie's (sorry, Linds) before I knew which pages were his. I thought he was pretty smart! He was fun to work with - he learned to color inside the lines with the comment, "Wow, Granny, I didn't even know I could do that." It's amazing what Grannies can teach. Brought back some memories of home schooling.
Annie never did get around to school work. She was too busy getting into trouble with Maddie. They found some red and blue markers in a cabinet and decided to see if they worked on my stairwell wall. They did. Maddie came running to me to tell me what they had done and Annie was crying, hiding behind the front door, saying "I accidentally colored on your wall!" After spankings, naps and hugs, all was well. Clorox bleach works well on walls too in case you're wondering if it came off.
Andrew was an angel! No kidding. He didn't get into anything other than the crackers, cookies, cashews, bubble gum, candy and cereal. But he was so sweet about it how could you refuse him anything? (No, I didn't let him have everything!)
I enjoy them so much. It's getting easier since they're getting bigger. It's also getting harder. I see time slipping away - Matthew is already 5 years old. Did I spend enough time sitting down reading books to him? Or telling stories? It was easy when there was one of them - with five now (including Katie - and I don't spend near enough time with her) - I either have to do it in groups or try to have them one at a time. I think I'll try to have them alone once a month - and all together once a month and a couple in between!
Anyway, I'll post photos later.
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