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."
Thursday, August 31, 2006
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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