...and really, that's not all it's about.
Walking with Christ is almost the best part. The heaven thing, that's the cherry on top.
And last night, when I was stuffing laundry into the dryer, Flynn called to me from the spring horse,
"Mom, I want God & Jesus in my heart."
"Well baby, we prayed about that before...do you want to pray about it again?"
And she nodded. And I was across the room at the speed of light. To squat beside her, take her hand, & be sure that she knew how huge it is. So she sweetly took my hands & repeated my prayer. About sin being the icky stuff we do. And once we ask Jesus to be our friend forever, that God doesn't even see that junk. (which is hard for even me to believe at times)
This morning, I greeted her with, "Remember the prayer you prayed last night?"
And in her grovelly morning voice she sweetly replied, "That Jesus could live in my heart forever."
Good stuff.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
1.12.2009
1.09.2009
Couldn't Resist part 2
I love my kids. And some nights, after they're all tucked in, my love gushes a little more (than other nights where the silence of bedtime finds me only relieved that it's quiet & I'm not breaking up fights).
Tonight's one of those nights. Because the end of the day gave me only appreciation of two of God's greatest gifts to me.
My girl, who begged all night to make banana bread. And looking at her, standing on the kitchen chair at the counter, so eager to be busy. And mid-mixing, when she looked up at me, giant round dark eyes, and asked if she was doing it 'right', I didn't pass up the opportunity to tell her that I'm the luckiest Momma in the world, because God made me her Momma.
And Gabe, who broke into hysterics because I told him that his rectum is where his "poop comes out". I've been teaching my kids the anatomically correct terms during their whole lives. Yet, tonight, when I re-explained it, it suddenly struck him as hilarious. I looked at Jeff, who had a front row seat to the circus, & said to him, "You know, Flynn never found this stuff funny." And right about then, Gabe burst out, "POOP!!! Hahahahaha." (picture with his deep grovelly voice)
And all I could do, was laugh along. Because poop is pretty darn funny.
And now, coupons clipped & filed away. Kitchen clean. Guacomole made. Heroes in the dvd player. And a hot hubby waiting for me to join him. I can't help but gush. At the end of a day of stress, staring at a computer screen with a low checking account balance, trying to find a way to cook without milk, wondering how much longer I can work part time, planning to take our house for sale sign down because it never sold... all those things. Can't take away the awesomeness.
Tonight's one of those nights. Because the end of the day gave me only appreciation of two of God's greatest gifts to me.
My girl, who begged all night to make banana bread. And looking at her, standing on the kitchen chair at the counter, so eager to be busy. And mid-mixing, when she looked up at me, giant round dark eyes, and asked if she was doing it 'right', I didn't pass up the opportunity to tell her that I'm the luckiest Momma in the world, because God made me her Momma.
And Gabe, who broke into hysterics because I told him that his rectum is where his "poop comes out". I've been teaching my kids the anatomically correct terms during their whole lives. Yet, tonight, when I re-explained it, it suddenly struck him as hilarious. I looked at Jeff, who had a front row seat to the circus, & said to him, "You know, Flynn never found this stuff funny." And right about then, Gabe burst out, "POOP!!! Hahahahaha." (picture with his deep grovelly voice)
And all I could do, was laugh along. Because poop is pretty darn funny.
And now, coupons clipped & filed away. Kitchen clean. Guacomole made. Heroes in the dvd player. And a hot hubby waiting for me to join him. I can't help but gush. At the end of a day of stress, staring at a computer screen with a low checking account balance, trying to find a way to cook without milk, wondering how much longer I can work part time, planning to take our house for sale sign down because it never sold... all those things. Can't take away the awesomeness.
12.23.2008
Two More Days...
The excitement's in the air. And at any given moment, Flynn can spit out the exact count of days until she wakes up to see that baby under the tree...you know, the one that praises herself for the poo poo in the potty.
Gabe's along for the ride this year. He's pickin' up what we're layin' down -- just not to the full realm that Flynn understands it. He knows he's getting presents. He knows he's getting to eat lots of cookies. In his world, that equals bliss.
Know what I really hope they get? That this isn't about them. That it's about Him. That tons of years ago, God gave them the ultimate gift. The one that doesn't run on batteries, or take an hour to untwist & untwine from a insanely taped box.
Can you imagine being there? Can you imagine being Mary? Knowing that you were not only about to give birth, but it wouldn't be with an epidural...or even running water. That you'd be responsible for bringing God to earth. And you'd be the one putting band aids on His boo boos?
I hope that through these next few days, those last minute gifts, or my kids' sugar high hyperactivities, or throwing together a last minute dessert I forgot about, don't derail me from the reason we wear red & green.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”- Luke 2:11-14
Gabe's along for the ride this year. He's pickin' up what we're layin' down -- just not to the full realm that Flynn understands it. He knows he's getting presents. He knows he's getting to eat lots of cookies. In his world, that equals bliss.
Know what I really hope they get? That this isn't about them. That it's about Him. That tons of years ago, God gave them the ultimate gift. The one that doesn't run on batteries, or take an hour to untwist & untwine from a insanely taped box.
Can you imagine being there? Can you imagine being Mary? Knowing that you were not only about to give birth, but it wouldn't be with an epidural...or even running water. That you'd be responsible for bringing God to earth. And you'd be the one putting band aids on His boo boos?
I hope that through these next few days, those last minute gifts, or my kids' sugar high hyperactivities, or throwing together a last minute dessert I forgot about, don't derail me from the reason we wear red & green.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”- Luke 2:11-14
12.15.2008
Not Ready
I woke up to notice Jeff not beside me. Which was strange. And when I got up to look for him, I saw both kids' beds were empty. I started to panic. No one should be awake so early. The cars were still here, he couldn't have taken them anywhere. And as I searched through the house yelling their names, I got the strangest feeling.
At some point, after I'd made phone calls, listened to the radio, turned on the tv, it became clear to me. And after preparing for it my whole life, it happened & I got left behind.
This was a dream I had Saturday night. And although, through the course of the dream, it evolved into me not being the main character, yet me watching this happen to someone else; it was still enough to shake me to my core & leave such an impression on it, that 30 hours later, I can't get it off my mind.
And I want to be sure that you are ready. That anyone who thinks my blog is of any interest, has read with their own eyes, perhaps something you'd never known before. It's the other side of what we live. A side that isn't talked about much.... it's not fluffy or heartwarming. It's not rainbows & doves & kittens & sunshine. It's not 'God Bless You' or 'Peace to You.'
I was surprised to recently read that Rapture has become something that is believed in by just evangelical religions.
According to the Word of God, the next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy will be the coming of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself into heaven both His own who are alive and remain unto His coming, and also all who have fallen asleep in Jesus, and that this event is the blessed hope set before us in the Scripture, and for this we should be constantly looking (John 14:1:3; 1 Cor. 15:51:52; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thess. 4:13:18; Titus 2:11:14).
Hey, someone a long time ago must've thought so too -- graves are still buried facing the east.
No matter -- whether you believe that people are going to instantly be taken up (some films depict the clothing left behind, the cars left driving) --- or believe in a different order of events... pretribulation, post, etc., I feel confident in saying that most Christian religions believe that Jesus is coming again, the dead will be resurrected, and the problem of sin will be fully and finally resolved.
Isn't that a much better eternity to think of; rather than, you live, you die, that's it. ?
Maybe I won't be arround for Christ's return. Maybe I'll die today. Maybe you will. Either way, isn't it best to know what will happen if we do die?
I pray often for Christ's return. I don't want to be around to bury one of our parents...to see more sadness in this world.... for 50 more years of back pain. Hopefully that doesn't come across as morbid. But just reading a glimpse of the glory of heaven, is enough for me to be excited for it.
Why did I have such a real dream? Why did God lay it on my heart? I don't think it was the pork loin I ate Saturday for dinner.
How do you know you're ready for Christ? How do you make sure that once you live, you die, you can "firm up" plans for eternity in heaven?...
So easy. So important -- in fact, inarguably, the most important thing you will have ever done. Here's how:
Know & believe that Jesus Christ was God's son - sent to earth to rescue a world full of people like us, sinners.... SO THAT, we could have the promise of heaven for eternity.
In the bible, in the book of John (3:16) is says,
God loved the world so much that He sent His son, so that the people who believe, don't have to just die -- but that we can live FOREVER in HEAVEN. (that's paraphrased by yours truly)
Then it's ABCs (can you tell I'm a teacher?!):
Admit/Accept -- "God, I know I sin. I do awful things. Please forgive me for all the bad stuff. For the years of not always doing the right thing...
Believe -- ....You are God. You sent Your son Jesus who died for me & rose from the deal. I want Him as my savior, as my friend. I accept Him as the One I live For. I trust in only Him......"
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts (4:12)
Confess -- ...to others. No, I'm not suggesting that you get a bible & stand on the corner on a box, screaming to passers-by. But what I believe was of huge importance in the bible, is spreading the gospel. Best done by you sharing w/ others, just how you feel about Christ. My goodness, some of us go on & on about a new facial cleanser, or a new recipe or sport, more than we do about the guy who let himself be killed for us!
And those others you confess Him to. More beneficial if they don't believe. Otherwise, you're literally preaching to the choir. Certainly uplifting to other believers! (& easy & stress free!) -- however, not so much effectice, eh?!
If you happen to be reading my silly little blog ... and have never heard any of this stuff... will you email me? (tightwadmomma@gmail.com) Or maybe you've heard it all before, but are at a place in your life where it all just makes sense. Please let me know. God doesn't intend for you to make such a step then wander aimlessly alone in your walk. He wants you to be supported. And He wants you to keep learning.
Now, onto a post about my kids, baby poop, & all the other ridiculous stuff I usually talk about...
At some point, after I'd made phone calls, listened to the radio, turned on the tv, it became clear to me. And after preparing for it my whole life, it happened & I got left behind.
This was a dream I had Saturday night. And although, through the course of the dream, it evolved into me not being the main character, yet me watching this happen to someone else; it was still enough to shake me to my core & leave such an impression on it, that 30 hours later, I can't get it off my mind.
And I want to be sure that you are ready. That anyone who thinks my blog is of any interest, has read with their own eyes, perhaps something you'd never known before. It's the other side of what we live. A side that isn't talked about much.... it's not fluffy or heartwarming. It's not rainbows & doves & kittens & sunshine. It's not 'God Bless You' or 'Peace to You.'
I was surprised to recently read that Rapture has become something that is believed in by just evangelical religions.
According to the Word of God, the next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy will be the coming of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself into heaven both His own who are alive and remain unto His coming, and also all who have fallen asleep in Jesus, and that this event is the blessed hope set before us in the Scripture, and for this we should be constantly looking (John 14:1:3; 1 Cor. 15:51:52; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thess. 4:13:18; Titus 2:11:14).
Hey, someone a long time ago must've thought so too -- graves are still buried facing the east.
No matter -- whether you believe that people are going to instantly be taken up (some films depict the clothing left behind, the cars left driving) --- or believe in a different order of events... pretribulation, post, etc., I feel confident in saying that most Christian religions believe that Jesus is coming again, the dead will be resurrected, and the problem of sin will be fully and finally resolved.
Isn't that a much better eternity to think of; rather than, you live, you die, that's it. ?
Maybe I won't be arround for Christ's return. Maybe I'll die today. Maybe you will. Either way, isn't it best to know what will happen if we do die?
I pray often for Christ's return. I don't want to be around to bury one of our parents...to see more sadness in this world.... for 50 more years of back pain. Hopefully that doesn't come across as morbid. But just reading a glimpse of the glory of heaven, is enough for me to be excited for it.
Why did I have such a real dream? Why did God lay it on my heart? I don't think it was the pork loin I ate Saturday for dinner.
How do you know you're ready for Christ? How do you make sure that once you live, you die, you can "firm up" plans for eternity in heaven?...
So easy. So important -- in fact, inarguably, the most important thing you will have ever done. Here's how:
Know & believe that Jesus Christ was God's son - sent to earth to rescue a world full of people like us, sinners.... SO THAT, we could have the promise of heaven for eternity.
In the bible, in the book of John (3:16) is says,
God loved the world so much that He sent His son, so that the people who believe, don't have to just die -- but that we can live FOREVER in HEAVEN. (that's paraphrased by yours truly)
Then it's ABCs (can you tell I'm a teacher?!):
Admit/Accept -- "God, I know I sin. I do awful things. Please forgive me for all the bad stuff. For the years of not always doing the right thing...
Believe -- ....You are God. You sent Your son Jesus who died for me & rose from the deal. I want Him as my savior, as my friend. I accept Him as the One I live For. I trust in only Him......"
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts (4:12)
Confess -- ...to others. No, I'm not suggesting that you get a bible & stand on the corner on a box, screaming to passers-by. But what I believe was of huge importance in the bible, is spreading the gospel. Best done by you sharing w/ others, just how you feel about Christ. My goodness, some of us go on & on about a new facial cleanser, or a new recipe or sport, more than we do about the guy who let himself be killed for us!
And those others you confess Him to. More beneficial if they don't believe. Otherwise, you're literally preaching to the choir. Certainly uplifting to other believers! (& easy & stress free!) -- however, not so much effectice, eh?!
If you happen to be reading my silly little blog ... and have never heard any of this stuff... will you email me? (tightwadmomma@gmail.com) Or maybe you've heard it all before, but are at a place in your life where it all just makes sense. Please let me know. God doesn't intend for you to make such a step then wander aimlessly alone in your walk. He wants you to be supported. And He wants you to keep learning.
Now, onto a post about my kids, baby poop, & all the other ridiculous stuff I usually talk about...
10.07.2008
7.08.2008
VBS Night #1
included dry ice...
a white lab coat adding 10 (or 100) pounds...
and my little darling LOVING her evening filled with new songs, yummy snacks, a fun craft, & learning even more about Jesus.4.24.2008
Conversations about Heaven
The other day, Flynn & I had a pretty intense conversation about HEAVEN. I think she's actually excited about going. Right now, how we came about conversing with such a mature topic, escapes me.
She asked if we just lay there & 'sleep' at the hospital, after we die.
"No, I'm pretty sure right then & there we go to heaven."
"So, does Jesus come down & get us?"
"I'm not sure....maybe an angel escorts us up there."
She squealed (a strong fondness of angels).
"So, the angel takes us up throught the clouds?"
"Yep, and there you wait for the other people you love to join you. So, if Momma were to die first, I'd wait there for you....and dad...and Bubs...."
"So, if I die, I wait there. If Bubby dies first, he waits there."
"Yep." (altho, not thrilled with thinking about such things).
"Flynn, heaven is going to be so wonderful. Guess what? In heaven, you WON'T be allergic to ANYTHING!!"
She got a huge grin on her face. All the while, I'm praying that she gets to experience such freedom BEFORE heaven.
"Do we have to die to get to heaven?"
"Probably. BUT, there is a chance that you'll be here on earth when Jesus comes back for everyone. And everyone here on earth, still alive, will have the chance to go back with Him...to heaven...if they have Him in their heart. You do, right?"
"Yes."
I didn't get into the whole splitting of the clouds...the trumpet....the graves opening. I figured, that was all a bit heavy for her four year old mentality.
But, we did talk a lot about the clouds.
She asked if we just lay there & 'sleep' at the hospital, after we die.
"No, I'm pretty sure right then & there we go to heaven."
"So, does Jesus come down & get us?"
"I'm not sure....maybe an angel escorts us up there."
She squealed (a strong fondness of angels).
"So, the angel takes us up throught the clouds?"
"Yep, and there you wait for the other people you love to join you. So, if Momma were to die first, I'd wait there for you....and dad...and Bubs...."
"So, if I die, I wait there. If Bubby dies first, he waits there."
"Yep." (altho, not thrilled with thinking about such things).
"Flynn, heaven is going to be so wonderful. Guess what? In heaven, you WON'T be allergic to ANYTHING!!"
She got a huge grin on her face. All the while, I'm praying that she gets to experience such freedom BEFORE heaven.
"Do we have to die to get to heaven?"
"Probably. BUT, there is a chance that you'll be here on earth when Jesus comes back for everyone. And everyone here on earth, still alive, will have the chance to go back with Him...to heaven...if they have Him in their heart. You do, right?"
"Yes."
I didn't get into the whole splitting of the clouds...the trumpet....the graves opening. I figured, that was all a bit heavy for her four year old mentality.
But, we did talk a lot about the clouds.
4.07.2008
More on Oprah, Views: Christian vs New Age
I completely stole this from crosswalk.com.
Just thought it was interesting the way it was broken down.
What's Bothering Oprah, Eckhart Tolle and Today’s New Age Thinkers
Frank Pastore
"The Frank Pastore Show," KKLA, Los Angeles
March 28, 2008
I have a few questions—but they are not about whether Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart Tolle or Marianne Williamson are good, smart and nice people. I’m sure they are. My concern is about the ideas they hold—since good, smart, nice people can hold false beliefs and be wrong about all kinds of things. Sometimes, even the most important things.
I have questions about their worldview.
A worldview is made up of the answers we give to life’s most fundamental and profound questions. It includes the answers we give to questions of philosophy, religion, ethics and theology. And they are questions that have been asked and answered by every culture in world history.
When comparing and contrasting religions, worldview categories are the most basic level of inquiry.
If you know a person’s worldview, you know a whole lot about them. Oftentimes, you even know more about their thinking processes than they do.
Right now, Oprah is co-teaching an online class with author Eckhart Tolle, based upon her current Book of the Month, his “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.” And, Oprah’s promoting a daily radio show on her XM channel featuring Marianne Williamson teaching from “A Course in Miracles.”
Both Tolle and Williamson are New Age thinkers. Oprah says she’s a Christian—arguing that she can reconcile “her” Christianity with what they’re teaching. If she’s a Christian, she’s an ignorant one, because Christianity is incompatible with New Age thought.
Here’s how the two opposing worldviews, Christianity (C), and New Age (NA), answer some of the most basic worldview questions. The New Age answers are ones that would be commonly held, though certainly not universal, as the belief system is loose, eclectic and unique to each individual adherent.
1. Why is there something rather than nothing?
Christianity (C): God created the universe at the moment of the beginning of time, matter and space. Big Bang cosmology and all modern science affirms this.
New Age (NA): The universe is beginning-less, endless, eternal.
2. Does God exist?—and is He personal?
C: Yes, God is personal, and the Bible teaches God is three persons sharing one essence, what Christians refer to as the Trinity. More specifically, God is tri-personal.
NA: Yes and No. Yes, God is an impersonal force that exhaustively fills every atom of the eternal universe: All is God, God is all, God is all of us and God is each of us. No, there is no personal creator called God who is outside of time, matter and space.
3. Who am I?
C: A creation of God.
NA: God.
4. How did I get here?
C: God created man with moral freedom and invited him to join the presence of the Trinity. But man exercised his freedom in rebellion to God, and now only through the work of the incarnate God and second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, can that severed relationship be restored.
NA: Through the infinite process of karma. As God, you are eternal, and have been reincarnating from object to object for trillions of years, and when you ultimately achieve enlightenment, and remember that you are God, you will then lose your individual sense of self and consciousness and become One with the One. (Remember, there is no personal God. God is a force. You must return to being a force.)
5. Why am I here?
C: The Westminster Catechism answers this question beautifully: The chief end of man is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” I am called to make a decision with eternal consequences: either accept or reject God’s offer of salvation in Jesus Christ. I am also called to help others make a correct choice; to advance the true, the good, and the beautiful; to fight evil and injustice; to work with God at reconciling the world to Himself.
NA: To pay off previous karmic debt gathered over trillions of years.
6. What is the meaning of life?
C: To glorify God.
NA: To achieve enlightenment.
7. What is the true, the good, and the beautiful?
C: God—and his goodness can be seen through his creation.
NA: Since there is no distinction between creator and creation, there can be no distinctions between true-false, good-bad, right-wrong, ugly-beautiful, or pain-pleasure.
8. What is the best life?
C: A life in the full presence of God.
NA: The life immediately before enlightenment, since you will no longer exist as a person once you remember you are God.
9. Who is the best man?
C: Jesus Christ, the Man who never sinned.
NA: “Best” is a nonsensical moral category.
10. Why is there evil, pain, suffering, and injustice?
C: The Fall. Man exercised his freedom in rebellion to God and these are the consequences.
NA: People are paying off their karmic debt. As God, we are responsible for the reality we create for ourselves through our thinking and choices. If we are suffering, it is because we are choosing to suffer. If we think differently we can alter the external world and create our own reality.
11. Why do bad things happen to good people?
C: We live in a fallen world with moral freedom. Evil and sin exist. Men hurt themselves intentionally and accidentally. Our hope is only in God who is able to bring good out of evil.
NA: Karma.
Karma and reincarnation have all kinds of fatal logical problems. Who started karma and reincarnation and why? Who decides what behavior gets rewarded and what gets punished, especially since there are no moral categories? How can there be a “who” to all this when God is a “what,” an impersonal force like gravity? How can an impersonal force help you in your relationships, heal your hurts, illnesses and wounds, help with your addictions and bad habits, lead you to confront social evils, poverty, crime, corruption, broken families, broken hearts?
12. Will good or evil ultimately triumph?
C: The resurrection of Jesus proves that good ultimately triumphs over evil.
NA: These are only apparent moral categories, they don’t really exist.
13. Is there life after death?
C: Yes! In either heaven or hell. Our destination is based on our response to the person and work of Christ.
NA: Yes and No. Yes, in that you may have trillions of more reincarnated bodies to inhabit as you pay off your karmic debt before reaching enlightenment. No, in that once you’re enlightened, you will cease to exist, since you will have remembered you’re really an impersonal force that New Age thinkers call “God.”
The New Age Movement is intellectually and spiritually bankrupt. But, it is making Tolle and Williamson—and especially Oprah—a whole bunch of money.
Frank Pastore is host of “The Frank Pastore Show,” recognized by the National Religious Broadcasters as Talk Show Host of the Year in 2006. His program is heard on KKLA in Los Angeles 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact Frank at Frank@kkla.com.
Just thought it was interesting the way it was broken down.
What's Bothering Oprah, Eckhart Tolle and Today’s New Age Thinkers
Frank Pastore
"The Frank Pastore Show," KKLA, Los Angeles
March 28, 2008
I have a few questions—but they are not about whether Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart Tolle or Marianne Williamson are good, smart and nice people. I’m sure they are. My concern is about the ideas they hold—since good, smart, nice people can hold false beliefs and be wrong about all kinds of things. Sometimes, even the most important things.
I have questions about their worldview.
A worldview is made up of the answers we give to life’s most fundamental and profound questions. It includes the answers we give to questions of philosophy, religion, ethics and theology. And they are questions that have been asked and answered by every culture in world history.
When comparing and contrasting religions, worldview categories are the most basic level of inquiry.
If you know a person’s worldview, you know a whole lot about them. Oftentimes, you even know more about their thinking processes than they do.
Right now, Oprah is co-teaching an online class with author Eckhart Tolle, based upon her current Book of the Month, his “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.” And, Oprah’s promoting a daily radio show on her XM channel featuring Marianne Williamson teaching from “A Course in Miracles.”
Both Tolle and Williamson are New Age thinkers. Oprah says she’s a Christian—arguing that she can reconcile “her” Christianity with what they’re teaching. If she’s a Christian, she’s an ignorant one, because Christianity is incompatible with New Age thought.
Here’s how the two opposing worldviews, Christianity (C), and New Age (NA), answer some of the most basic worldview questions. The New Age answers are ones that would be commonly held, though certainly not universal, as the belief system is loose, eclectic and unique to each individual adherent.
1. Why is there something rather than nothing?
Christianity (C): God created the universe at the moment of the beginning of time, matter and space. Big Bang cosmology and all modern science affirms this.
New Age (NA): The universe is beginning-less, endless, eternal.
2. Does God exist?—and is He personal?
C: Yes, God is personal, and the Bible teaches God is three persons sharing one essence, what Christians refer to as the Trinity. More specifically, God is tri-personal.
NA: Yes and No. Yes, God is an impersonal force that exhaustively fills every atom of the eternal universe: All is God, God is all, God is all of us and God is each of us. No, there is no personal creator called God who is outside of time, matter and space.
3. Who am I?
C: A creation of God.
NA: God.
4. How did I get here?
C: God created man with moral freedom and invited him to join the presence of the Trinity. But man exercised his freedom in rebellion to God, and now only through the work of the incarnate God and second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, can that severed relationship be restored.
NA: Through the infinite process of karma. As God, you are eternal, and have been reincarnating from object to object for trillions of years, and when you ultimately achieve enlightenment, and remember that you are God, you will then lose your individual sense of self and consciousness and become One with the One. (Remember, there is no personal God. God is a force. You must return to being a force.)
5. Why am I here?
C: The Westminster Catechism answers this question beautifully: The chief end of man is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” I am called to make a decision with eternal consequences: either accept or reject God’s offer of salvation in Jesus Christ. I am also called to help others make a correct choice; to advance the true, the good, and the beautiful; to fight evil and injustice; to work with God at reconciling the world to Himself.
NA: To pay off previous karmic debt gathered over trillions of years.
6. What is the meaning of life?
C: To glorify God.
NA: To achieve enlightenment.
7. What is the true, the good, and the beautiful?
C: God—and his goodness can be seen through his creation.
NA: Since there is no distinction between creator and creation, there can be no distinctions between true-false, good-bad, right-wrong, ugly-beautiful, or pain-pleasure.
8. What is the best life?
C: A life in the full presence of God.
NA: The life immediately before enlightenment, since you will no longer exist as a person once you remember you are God.
9. Who is the best man?
C: Jesus Christ, the Man who never sinned.
NA: “Best” is a nonsensical moral category.
10. Why is there evil, pain, suffering, and injustice?
C: The Fall. Man exercised his freedom in rebellion to God and these are the consequences.
NA: People are paying off their karmic debt. As God, we are responsible for the reality we create for ourselves through our thinking and choices. If we are suffering, it is because we are choosing to suffer. If we think differently we can alter the external world and create our own reality.
11. Why do bad things happen to good people?
C: We live in a fallen world with moral freedom. Evil and sin exist. Men hurt themselves intentionally and accidentally. Our hope is only in God who is able to bring good out of evil.
NA: Karma.
Karma and reincarnation have all kinds of fatal logical problems. Who started karma and reincarnation and why? Who decides what behavior gets rewarded and what gets punished, especially since there are no moral categories? How can there be a “who” to all this when God is a “what,” an impersonal force like gravity? How can an impersonal force help you in your relationships, heal your hurts, illnesses and wounds, help with your addictions and bad habits, lead you to confront social evils, poverty, crime, corruption, broken families, broken hearts?
12. Will good or evil ultimately triumph?
C: The resurrection of Jesus proves that good ultimately triumphs over evil.
NA: These are only apparent moral categories, they don’t really exist.
13. Is there life after death?
C: Yes! In either heaven or hell. Our destination is based on our response to the person and work of Christ.
NA: Yes and No. Yes, in that you may have trillions of more reincarnated bodies to inhabit as you pay off your karmic debt before reaching enlightenment. No, in that once you’re enlightened, you will cease to exist, since you will have remembered you’re really an impersonal force that New Age thinkers call “God.”
The New Age Movement is intellectually and spiritually bankrupt. But, it is making Tolle and Williamson—and especially Oprah—a whole bunch of money.
Frank Pastore is host of “The Frank Pastore Show,” recognized by the National Religious Broadcasters as Talk Show Host of the Year in 2006. His program is heard on KKLA in Los Angeles 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact Frank at Frank@kkla.com.
3.21.2008
They Don't Call it Good Friday For Nothin'!
The kids were more excited than ever to dye the eggs for Easter.
Everyone has to have their turn at adding vinegar,
adding food coloring,
struggling with the lid...
We decorated the eggs in many different ways,
by coloring on them, writing our names,
drawing crosses, drawing Jesus complete with crown of thorns,
wrapping them in rubber bands, to make stripes,
adding glitter, stickers, etc.
These were voted most artistic by moi:
(note: my soccer ball made the cut)
And Good Fridays are for resting with Dad.
Seeing the new life this season will bring.
(can you see the birdhouse, attached to the tree?
Dad & Flynn made this last year & this year it's
becoming a home for some birds who found it today)
Good Friday is for singing praises, HOSANNA in the highest!
Making our own palm branches & waving them to the words I cry when I hear Flynn sing,
"Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to the Son of Da-a-vid.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest!"
What Christ sacrficed for us has always been so valuable,
but oh, how much more meaningful to see the story learned by my children.
2.22.2008
Inviting You Along My Journey
There's change beyond the horizon for the Perrys. I write this must more positively than I previously thought of it.
When the discussion began, I was a mess. I was so scared for Flynn. But I prayed. And we prayed. And we tried to trust. And we asked more people to pray. And we trusted some more. And I'd like to say that I've 'given it over to God'.
You see, when I married a teacher, it was pretty much assumed that this would always be a two-income family (& I don't just mean his two jobs). And to tell you the truth, I was never one of those girls who esteemed to be a stay at home mom. I had nothing against that lifestyle, it was just never a goal of mine. I worked pretty hard at earning all my degrees & by golly, I'd use them.
Then we had Flynn. And we found out she had such a severe allergy. And when I realized that not only could she die if accidentally handed the wrong milk, or snack, but for crying out loud, if her neighbor at the day care table spilled his milk, she'd have a reaction from that as well; well, you would be right by assuming this made me panic.
When I went back to work when Flynn was a baby (6 mos), before we knew of her allergy, poor Grammy was watching her when she had - what was probably her very first anaphylaxis. Only, we had no clue. None of us knew a thing about food allergies. And when Grammy gave her a bottle, of breast milk mixed with formula (I was in a week-long conference & couldn't pump as much as this baby drank), her eye swelled, she began a series of sneezes, wheezed, then vomited more than she drank. After that, she went right to 'sleep' & slept for hours.
We had no clue.
So, when it just got too hard to get family to watch her, here & there, (along w/ a gamut of other complaints about the job), we decided I would just stay home & babysit.
I did stay home & babysat, for the next two years (which I did until one year ago, exactly, to the day). Along with being on staff at church, which I still am. I also sell some things on eBay when I can. Sold all our college textbooks & any other book we finish or that is collecting dust. I do any odd job that pays enough, I use coupons & rebates, I gladly accept hand-me-downs & cast-offs, & when the warm weather hits, you can find me every Saturday morning (before the sun rises), at every 'good' garage sale in the area.
Do I like doing these things? Meh, not really. Do I need to do these things? Yep.
For the last four years, our life has been a series of being broke, barely making it, & having to be content with the bare bones (by the way, there is nothing wrong with living with just the necessities, I almost like it). It's been wondering if there'll be enough in the account to cover the bills that are due. Or even conversations like, "Don't buy anything until payday, even gas." A few weeks ago, I had to take cash from my wallet, to deposit into the checking account so a bill would pass through.
It gets old I tell ya.
I've had to do lots of praying for contentment & have also had to force myself not to wallow in pity. I had to fight back the thought that we've worked hard for our educations, are currently paying for those educations, and why, by golly, do we have to struggle.
But you know what? It has been worth the struggles. Not only has this scenario lent itself to the reassurance that Flynn is in a safe environment each & everyday, is here in case something happens (so that we can rely on my judgement rather than a daycare teacher's), but I've had this sweet, precious opportunity to be here, almost everyday, & have seen every inch my babies have grown. I heard every grunt, every sound, some days - to my distress - every cry. I never had to wonder if the babysitter just didn't tell me that Gabe took his first steps, so I'd think when I saw them later that evening at home, that I'd witnessed his very first step. I never had to wonder if Flynn's diaper was changed often enough, or if she had to cry herself to sleep at nap, if she was sat in front of a tv all day, or if the toys she played with were germ laden.
And when one of the kids was sick, Jeff & I didn't have to stress or argue about "Can you take off this time? I took off last time."
I got to be in MOPS. Flynn has had play dates. And story time at the library. Gabe has gotten to run the roads with me while Flynn is in preschool. The kids have gotten to dictate their own schedule, stay in their pjs 'til late morning, bake muffins for breakfast, play with their own toys, take naps in their own beds, and when they've gotten hurt - or been sick, it's momma that's there to comfort them.
I say all that in order to thank God again for the last four years of bliss. It was a gift I never asked for & sometimes those are the best gifts. A surprise in a package.
But last month in a series of bad snippets of news (called reality) - combined with a burning desire to move within the next 18 months, we had to once again reevaluate the situation. Anyone who doesn't believe that God literally provides can take a look at our finances. We have a ton of debt. You know that commercial where the guy displays all his cars & his home, then says through his teeth, "And I'm swimming in a sea of debt"? -- that's us. We're certainly not being irresponsible right now in our lifestyle. But, like I said, five years ago, we never dreamt we'd be a one-income family. And the medical bills - oh the medical bills. Flynn's on about four meds per month, me three, Jeff two. Gabe, thankfully, just hits the vitamins.
Somehow, we have $1,000 more going out, than in. How does that work? I really don't know. But it does. And we never miss a bill. We never starve. We always pay our tithing. And we never manage to miss a birthday or leave anyone out on Christmas.
So, we decided it was time. It was really really time. And with tears in our eyes, we considered a decision that for four years now we've shuddered at.
Are we all of a sudden lowering our standards for Flynn's safety & care?
No, sirree Barbara.
However, we've happily given thought that perhaps her sensitivity has slightly decreased. Along with how overjoyed we've been with her new preschool & how safe & loved she's been there. The fact that, hey, that situation has worked out -- maybe other situations could work out. Not to mention, they do have an extended day & by golly, I trust her teachers!
Do I have a clue how this will work out? Nope. And, being the control freak, planner, need to know right this very minute how the next year of my life will be... well, this not-knowingness, it's downright killing me.
But this I know, in the book of Matthew (in the bible), it says this:
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[d] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Hey, read that again in my current favorite version, the message:
25 -26"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
27 -29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
30 -33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
So, the journey has begun, along with I'm sure - the good variety of emotions I'll no doubt experience -- as I make this transformation from Life & Times of Life at Home to Life & Times of Life Wherever.
In lieu of a ticket, this ride will only cost you prayer. For me. For the job God has in store for me. For Flynn's safety when she's in someone else care. For ease in Gabe's transition from being with the Momma he loves, to learning to love someone else 10 hours each day. Pray that our home will be harmonious despite the change in atmosphere (& atmospheric pressure). And although many many homes are lovely & wonderful & work perfectly with mom at work all day, it will be different here. Just different. But I hope better. There will be less stress.
I will journal my journey. And this is entry one. And if you've read this far, congratulations...
When the discussion began, I was a mess. I was so scared for Flynn. But I prayed. And we prayed. And we tried to trust. And we asked more people to pray. And we trusted some more. And I'd like to say that I've 'given it over to God'.
You see, when I married a teacher, it was pretty much assumed that this would always be a two-income family (& I don't just mean his two jobs). And to tell you the truth, I was never one of those girls who esteemed to be a stay at home mom. I had nothing against that lifestyle, it was just never a goal of mine. I worked pretty hard at earning all my degrees & by golly, I'd use them.
Then we had Flynn. And we found out she had such a severe allergy. And when I realized that not only could she die if accidentally handed the wrong milk, or snack, but for crying out loud, if her neighbor at the day care table spilled his milk, she'd have a reaction from that as well; well, you would be right by assuming this made me panic.
When I went back to work when Flynn was a baby (6 mos), before we knew of her allergy, poor Grammy was watching her when she had - what was probably her very first anaphylaxis. Only, we had no clue. None of us knew a thing about food allergies. And when Grammy gave her a bottle, of breast milk mixed with formula (I was in a week-long conference & couldn't pump as much as this baby drank), her eye swelled, she began a series of sneezes, wheezed, then vomited more than she drank. After that, she went right to 'sleep' & slept for hours.
We had no clue.
So, when it just got too hard to get family to watch her, here & there, (along w/ a gamut of other complaints about the job), we decided I would just stay home & babysit.
I did stay home & babysat, for the next two years (which I did until one year ago, exactly, to the day). Along with being on staff at church, which I still am. I also sell some things on eBay when I can. Sold all our college textbooks & any other book we finish or that is collecting dust. I do any odd job that pays enough, I use coupons & rebates, I gladly accept hand-me-downs & cast-offs, & when the warm weather hits, you can find me every Saturday morning (before the sun rises), at every 'good' garage sale in the area.
Do I like doing these things? Meh, not really. Do I need to do these things? Yep.
For the last four years, our life has been a series of being broke, barely making it, & having to be content with the bare bones (by the way, there is nothing wrong with living with just the necessities, I almost like it). It's been wondering if there'll be enough in the account to cover the bills that are due. Or even conversations like, "Don't buy anything until payday, even gas." A few weeks ago, I had to take cash from my wallet, to deposit into the checking account so a bill would pass through.
It gets old I tell ya.
I've had to do lots of praying for contentment & have also had to force myself not to wallow in pity. I had to fight back the thought that we've worked hard for our educations, are currently paying for those educations, and why, by golly, do we have to struggle.
But you know what? It has been worth the struggles. Not only has this scenario lent itself to the reassurance that Flynn is in a safe environment each & everyday, is here in case something happens (so that we can rely on my judgement rather than a daycare teacher's), but I've had this sweet, precious opportunity to be here, almost everyday, & have seen every inch my babies have grown. I heard every grunt, every sound, some days - to my distress - every cry. I never had to wonder if the babysitter just didn't tell me that Gabe took his first steps, so I'd think when I saw them later that evening at home, that I'd witnessed his very first step. I never had to wonder if Flynn's diaper was changed often enough, or if she had to cry herself to sleep at nap, if she was sat in front of a tv all day, or if the toys she played with were germ laden.
And when one of the kids was sick, Jeff & I didn't have to stress or argue about "Can you take off this time? I took off last time."
I got to be in MOPS. Flynn has had play dates. And story time at the library. Gabe has gotten to run the roads with me while Flynn is in preschool. The kids have gotten to dictate their own schedule, stay in their pjs 'til late morning, bake muffins for breakfast, play with their own toys, take naps in their own beds, and when they've gotten hurt - or been sick, it's momma that's there to comfort them.
I say all that in order to thank God again for the last four years of bliss. It was a gift I never asked for & sometimes those are the best gifts. A surprise in a package.
But last month in a series of bad snippets of news (called reality) - combined with a burning desire to move within the next 18 months, we had to once again reevaluate the situation. Anyone who doesn't believe that God literally provides can take a look at our finances. We have a ton of debt. You know that commercial where the guy displays all his cars & his home, then says through his teeth, "And I'm swimming in a sea of debt"? -- that's us. We're certainly not being irresponsible right now in our lifestyle. But, like I said, five years ago, we never dreamt we'd be a one-income family. And the medical bills - oh the medical bills. Flynn's on about four meds per month, me three, Jeff two. Gabe, thankfully, just hits the vitamins.
Somehow, we have $1,000 more going out, than in. How does that work? I really don't know. But it does. And we never miss a bill. We never starve. We always pay our tithing. And we never manage to miss a birthday or leave anyone out on Christmas.
So, we decided it was time. It was really really time. And with tears in our eyes, we considered a decision that for four years now we've shuddered at.
Are we all of a sudden lowering our standards for Flynn's safety & care?
No, sirree Barbara.
However, we've happily given thought that perhaps her sensitivity has slightly decreased. Along with how overjoyed we've been with her new preschool & how safe & loved she's been there. The fact that, hey, that situation has worked out -- maybe other situations could work out. Not to mention, they do have an extended day & by golly, I trust her teachers!
Do I have a clue how this will work out? Nope. And, being the control freak, planner, need to know right this very minute how the next year of my life will be... well, this not-knowingness, it's downright killing me.
But this I know, in the book of Matthew (in the bible), it says this:
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[d] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Hey, read that again in my current favorite version, the message:
25 -26"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
27 -29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
30 -33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
So, the journey has begun, along with I'm sure - the good variety of emotions I'll no doubt experience -- as I make this transformation from Life & Times of Life at Home to Life & Times of Life Wherever.
In lieu of a ticket, this ride will only cost you prayer. For me. For the job God has in store for me. For Flynn's safety when she's in someone else care. For ease in Gabe's transition from being with the Momma he loves, to learning to love someone else 10 hours each day. Pray that our home will be harmonious despite the change in atmosphere (& atmospheric pressure). And although many many homes are lovely & wonderful & work perfectly with mom at work all day, it will be different here. Just different. But I hope better. There will be less stress.
I will journal my journey. And this is entry one. And if you've read this far, congratulations...
1.19.2008
Headbands
Who knew they'd be such a source of creativity...and drama!
The other night, as a treat, the kids werewatching a movie in our room.
Apparently, they'd gotten into a little set of drawers where I keep headbands.
They emerge, she wearing a somewhat hard, ornate headband (it was stiff enough that it could flip up on its side); he wearing a thin orange elastic band.
As they enter the livingroom, she announces their presence, "It's the Princess and Jesus!"
I looked at her, a little shocked (I'm thinking Jesus?, how ya figure?).
So she 'clears things up', "I'm the Princess & Bubby is Jesus."
I must have still been wearing my look of confusion because she walked over to him, placed her hand on his hairband & explained to me,
"It's a halo."
The other night, as a treat, the kids were
Apparently, they'd gotten into a little set of drawers where I keep headbands.
They emerge, she wearing a somewhat hard, ornate headband (it was stiff enough that it could flip up on its side); he wearing a thin orange elastic band.
As they enter the livingroom, she announces their presence, "It's the Princess and Jesus!"
I looked at her, a little shocked (I'm thinking Jesus?, how ya figure?).
So she 'clears things up', "I'm the Princess & Bubby is Jesus."
I must have still been wearing my look of confusion because she walked over to him, placed her hand on his hairband & explained to me,
"It's a halo."
1.07.2008
LUV
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
That scripture was provided by my verse o' the day on my side bar...
over there (imagine arrow).
I've been thinking lots. About my personality. My demeanor (sometimes vicious if I may confess).
The fact that I've always prided myself on my honesty, frankness, crudeness, (do I have to keep going?).
First of all, it's not that great to be prideful about anything...but especially those things. yikes.
What must I give up, for God to work in my life?
Read yesterday's post. I was angry. I wanted revenge. Granted, my feelings were valid, and I felt responsibility for my family, but why couldn't I just go to sleep & let it go?
Do I love enough? Let me say, my life oozes with love. I don't need to mention again how much I love my husband. And I love my kids so much it hurts. And you wouldn't believe how much I love all children. The kids at church, I'd do anything for.
And I love food too, in case you hadn't noticed.
But do I live a life of love?
Do I? Really?
So, do I show love everywhere I go? All the time? To everyone? EveryONE?
I think what I make the mistake of doing, pretty commonly actually, is pick & choose what I want to obey out of the bible. You know, the easy ones, like not killing people (altho I considered it yesterday morning, see previous post), and going to church (kinda my job), oh yah-and the one about not fornicating -- I don't do that. But what about the hard ones... like loving. Oh boy, just talking about the changes I need to make ... I'm starting to squint my left eye up like a pirate.
But self, this is not optional.
And if there was one thing that Jesus did all the time, to everyone, all of the time, it was love.
1.03.2008
SAYONARA 2007
Omigosh, where does the time go & why does it go so quickly?
Jeff & I were so busy going as many places as we could, without the hindrances of car seats & telling a certain little boy not to lick the handle on the target cart, we didn't talk about this past year.
I think while you have small children, the biggest mistake you make is to not slow down... to not sit down & play. It's always running out the door to dance, to a doctor's appointment, to work, to a party. It's always 'no Momma can't play right now, I've got to fold these clothes', or 'make a phone call' or 'vacuum'.
After our relaxing break, we barely yielded back into the fast lane. Today was our first official back into the swing of things & we were gone most of it.
So, this is my ode to reflection - and thinking of this past year & what it meant to us.
The year started out with sick kids. And Jeff on the mend from his emergency appendectomy. Then, he lost his grandma. Then -- a miracle for the St. Louis area, Shawn Hornbeck & Ben Ownby were found, & returned home to start restoring their young lives.
We found out my aunt was cancer free & rejoiced in that. The kids saw their first movie.
We went to the zoo, to the Science Center, fell in love with Bambi.
We got a "new" playset, was 'promoted' to the position I currently hold, had a great Egg hunt, Flynn started Dancing School.
Went to Grant's Farm, inherited a swimming pool, had a terrible scare with Flynn & an accidental exposure to an "unsafe" cookie.
We celebrated our Cinqo de Anniversary @ a B & B...a complete surprise for me by my romantic hubby.
Bubs got his first Big Boy haircut, we enjoyed yet another wonderful trip to the Beach.
We went camping, Bubs turned 2 (& gave up his beloved Binks). We enjoyed a Cardinal's baseball game.
Flynn started soccer, I made a big butt of myself at a US Women's soccer game, we camped again (& had yet another close call). We trick or treated with the best of them...as a princess & her frog.
Flynn turned 4, we were thankful at Thanksgiving. Flynn officially started preschool.
We were caught up in the merriment of the season, Santa visited us, we were thankful that God sent us His son Jesus, celebrated His birth, & are thankful once again that God has brought us through yet another year.
We anticipate what this year, 2008, will hold for us. The excitement, the growth, the changes, the opportunities.
Our family is not perfect -- pretty far from it actually.
But find freedom in Christ,
“... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
Joshua 24:15
Oh yeah,
Happy New Year!
12.28.2007
I Was on a Holiday High
We were on our way to church... it was Christmas Eve.
The kids looked adorable (so did Jeff) & we were excited about the evening & what it would hold.
We were literally singing carols - along with the Baby Einsteins Christmas cd, when Jeff let out a sad sigh, like a twinge of pain.
When I jerked my head in his direction, he motioned to a car on the side of the road. With a driver who was placing wreathes
on crosses.
It quickly jolted me back to reality...their reality at least. My eyes welled up with tears. I couldn't sing again.
But I was thankful. And reminded how truly blessed we are.
bless·ed
–adjective
1.
consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified: the Blessed Sacrament.
2.
worthy of adoration, reverence, or worship: the Blessed Trinity.
3.
divinely or supremely favored; fortunate: to be blessed with a strong, healthy body; blessed with an ability to find friends.
4.
blissfully happy or contented.
5.
Roman Catholic Church. beautified.
6.
bringing happiness and thankfulness: the blessed assurance of a steady income.
7.
Informal. I'm blessed if I know.
8.
Informal. (used as an intensifier): every blessed cent.
The kids looked adorable (so did Jeff) & we were excited about the evening & what it would hold.
We were literally singing carols - along with the Baby Einsteins Christmas cd, when Jeff let out a sad sigh, like a twinge of pain.
When I jerked my head in his direction, he motioned to a car on the side of the road. With a driver who was placing wreathes
on crosses.
It quickly jolted me back to reality...their reality at least. My eyes welled up with tears. I couldn't sing again.
But I was thankful. And reminded how truly blessed we are.
bless·ed
–adjective
1.
consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified: the Blessed Sacrament.
2.
worthy of adoration, reverence, or worship: the Blessed Trinity.
3.
divinely or supremely favored; fortunate: to be blessed with a strong, healthy body; blessed with an ability to find friends.
4.
blissfully happy or contented.
5.
Roman Catholic Church. beautified.
6.
bringing happiness and thankfulness: the blessed assurance of a steady income.
7.
Informal. I'm blessed if I know.
8.
Informal. (used as an intensifier): every blessed cent.
11.14.2007
Thank God He doesn't Take Offense to her Comments
Sunday mornings are always crazy around here. For my work, Sundays are like the show day... what I have been working all week to prepare for & I can usually count on some surprise waiting for me at church, someone not showing up, or some kind of snag. So while I am rushing everyone along, that's always in the back of my mind. I have a million things to get together & out the door.
It would be great if I had a leisurely morning to not hurry my kids or let them sleep in or lay on the couch & watch cartoons.... but it is what it is & that's that.
Flynn had a HORRIBLE night Saturday night. We were up 'til about 3 am with her night terrors. Since her allergies are bothering her, we have been doping her up with everything under the sun to try to keep her allergies from settling in her chest/asthma... to keep her out of the hospital... so that we can enjoy our holidays, medical emergency-free.
I don't care if it's not a side effect mentioned, I swear that Flynn's zyrtec makes her have horrible dreams. She was thrashing around in her bed & even had a fist fight with the wall. We took turns for a while, going in the comfort her. They say you shouldn't wake a child who is having night terrors, it only confuses them. And that they don't remember a thing when they wake up. But who likes to hear their child screaming NO as they roll around on their bed. It's awful. So, I would pick her up & even though she was punching me, I was singing to her & rocking her...and she would finally settle down. For about 30 minutes.
Long story short, she slept in our bed. And ultimately, I slept in HER bed.
So we all wake up Sunday, after about 4 hours on very LOW quality sleep.
We were rushed, getting gifts together, food, etc., for a party we'd go to later that day. I got snacks together for after church because I knew we'd be killing time driving around between church & the party. When you live in the sticks, you can't just run home between obligations.
On top of that, Flynn was still not feeling good. And sadly, I didn't have the time to just sit down & hold her.
On top of on top of that, the time change is still messing with these people around here. Example, it's 8:11 am & my early riser is still counting sheep. I wouldn't mind, except it just seals the deal that later she won't nap.
Okay, back to Sunday morning...
Excluding the fact that she was proud of her cute dress that she'd never worn & her hair, Flynn was not wanting to be anywhere but laying on the couch in front of the tv.
She does typically ask questions about where we're going, which always include a WHY. And even tho she knows & we've gone over it countless times in her young life, she asks again,
"Mom, why do we go to church?"
"Because Flynn, we love God & want to learn more about Him. Besides, us going to church is a way to worship Him... it's a way to show Him that we love Him."
She just shrugged me off, even though she did listen to what I said.
Fast forward to after church. We were sitting in the car, killing time, eating chips, & hoping the little nap Gabe was getting would get him through the day. She was still not being as pleasant as she should or could be & gets my attention,
"Mom?"
"Yes."
"I did not learn about God."
It would be great if I had a leisurely morning to not hurry my kids or let them sleep in or lay on the couch & watch cartoons.... but it is what it is & that's that.
Flynn had a HORRIBLE night Saturday night. We were up 'til about 3 am with her night terrors. Since her allergies are bothering her, we have been doping her up with everything under the sun to try to keep her allergies from settling in her chest/asthma... to keep her out of the hospital... so that we can enjoy our holidays, medical emergency-free.
I don't care if it's not a side effect mentioned, I swear that Flynn's zyrtec makes her have horrible dreams. She was thrashing around in her bed & even had a fist fight with the wall. We took turns for a while, going in the comfort her. They say you shouldn't wake a child who is having night terrors, it only confuses them. And that they don't remember a thing when they wake up. But who likes to hear their child screaming NO as they roll around on their bed. It's awful. So, I would pick her up & even though she was punching me, I was singing to her & rocking her...and she would finally settle down. For about 30 minutes.
Long story short, she slept in our bed. And ultimately, I slept in HER bed.
So we all wake up Sunday, after about 4 hours on very LOW quality sleep.
We were rushed, getting gifts together, food, etc., for a party we'd go to later that day. I got snacks together for after church because I knew we'd be killing time driving around between church & the party. When you live in the sticks, you can't just run home between obligations.
On top of that, Flynn was still not feeling good. And sadly, I didn't have the time to just sit down & hold her.
On top of on top of that, the time change is still messing with these people around here. Example, it's 8:11 am & my early riser is still counting sheep. I wouldn't mind, except it just seals the deal that later she won't nap.
Okay, back to Sunday morning...
Excluding the fact that she was proud of her cute dress that she'd never worn & her hair, Flynn was not wanting to be anywhere but laying on the couch in front of the tv.
She does typically ask questions about where we're going, which always include a WHY. And even tho she knows & we've gone over it countless times in her young life, she asks again,
"Mom, why do we go to church?"
"Because Flynn, we love God & want to learn more about Him. Besides, us going to church is a way to worship Him... it's a way to show Him that we love Him."
She just shrugged me off, even though she did listen to what I said.
Fast forward to after church. We were sitting in the car, killing time, eating chips, & hoping the little nap Gabe was getting would get him through the day. She was still not being as pleasant as she should or could be & gets my attention,
"Mom?"
"Yes."
"I did not learn about God."
9.21.2007
Even Without a Turkey Dinner
I thank God today for a thankful spirit He has given me.
Unfortunately, and because of my own downfalls, it often takes hearing of someone's misfortune, to be gracious for my blessings.
Unfortunately, and because of my own downfalls, it often takes hearing of someone's misfortune, to be gracious for my blessings.
The photos I post alone, could display how much God blesses us.
We don't have a lot of money. Our home is modest. Our "possessions" are nothing to brag about. But the more I bask in God's greatness, the more aware I am that those things sometimes just get in the way.
Here are a few of the many ways that God blesses us...
About once a month, someone gives us clothes for one of the kids. They're hand-me-downs, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Did you know, that I only have to buy my kids clothes about twice a year? -- and at that, the spending is usually in the clearance aisle?
About once a month, I find a really great garage sale treasure. Like tap shoes for Flynn, for when she grows out of these. Or a J Crew wool green sweater for Flynn (then, Gabe when she grows out of it). Or dress-up slips, for the few times a year that I 'doll' Flynn up. Or "Marble Works", a Discovery Toys game (the kids' favorite game for the last few months).
An occasional curb-side find. Like our new grill, or the bookshelves which serve as Flynn's "chest of drawers" (chest of baskets).
Or the way certain family members help us out to make sure our kids get to enjoy the extra things. Or that we are always able to get all of Flynn's meds.
We have family, and church family, and tons of friends, who love our kids so much. Our family is showered in affection.
My body, though it's seen its better days & I've had my share of weird diagnoses, was strong enough to bring two babies into the world... and it works well enough everyday to play with and take care of those two babies.
I was raised with the skill & creativity to be frugal & inventive. I'm sure when my mom brought me up the way she did, she had no idea how she was instilling me with values I'd depend on in my adulthood.
And if none of the previous reasons existed,
I'd still be so thankful....
Because of these two.
7.04.2007
FREEDOM
The kids made a flag this morning. As I showed Flynn a 'real' flag, I felt the need to explain what it symbolized. I told her about the stripes & stars & what they each represented. When I was trying to explain the concept of states (remember, just a year ago, Flynn thought we lived at Home Depot), I thought I'd best explain it by, "We live in Missouri, but people like us live all in other states. Mommy has a friend in Texas."
"I have a friend named Alex."
I could see I wasn't really getting anywhere.
So I started talking about freedom. I told her that in America, we're so lucky because we can do all sorts of things & get to have a lot. I pointed to the backyard, at the plethera of playthings, "In some countries, little girls like you don't have things to play with outside. Some can't even play outside."
That kinda struck home with her.
"But why?"
"Because, it's not safe."
It got me thinking...
We aren't rich, by any stretch of the imagination. As a matter of fact, I'd be willing to wager that we fall in the lower bracket. There's a lot that we can't afford to get; even what some people consider basic stuff like cable, electronics, a tv from this decade, etc.
But there is so much we have....
We get to get up on a Sunday morning & go to church.
We get to go to the doctor, one of our own choosing (with a lot to choose from!!).
Then, we're able to go get medicine.
We have a slew of stores to choose from, as we grocery shop, with coupons I might add.
There are parks, safe ones, that we can have fun at.
There are garage sales, and hand me downs, and great things that other people don't need.
There are libraries, where we can enjoy literature, and No David (my fav) board books.
We have two vehicles (well, the bank owns them, but are letting us pay them for the cars, and letting us care for them and ride in them).
We can go on a vacation, drive across the country, and not have to pass a border or explain ourselves to someone who could just deny us our trip.
We don't just have enough, we have plenty.
And, if we were by chance born in another country, one without the fine things & opportunities that ours offers,
Flynn might not have lived when I gave her the wrong cookie.
Do you think Ethiopia has epi pens?
Would I be able to get a cortisone shot in Zimbabwe?
If Flynn was born prematurely in Nairobi, would she have lived? Would I have died of a preclamptic stroke?
My prayer is that I remember those things, when I start foolishly feeling sorry for myself because we live check to check. Or when I groan as I adjust our "rabbit's ears antenae", as we're only able to receive 4 channels. Or if our current state of flat broke means forgoing next year's vacation or declining on invitation to join someone for dinner.
Blessed beyond measure...
2 CORINTHIANS 4:
7However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
8We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;
9We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;
10Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [[a]resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies.
11For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, that the [[b]resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death.
12Thus death is actively at work in us, but [it is in order that [c]our] life [may be actively at work] in you.
13Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak,(B)
14Assured that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and bring us [along] with you into His presence.
15For all [these] things are [taking place] for your sake, so that the more grace (divine favor and spiritual blessing) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase [and redound] to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.
17For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!],
18Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.
Thank You God for our freedom & for the plenty.
"I have a friend named Alex."
I could see I wasn't really getting anywhere.
So I started talking about freedom. I told her that in America, we're so lucky because we can do all sorts of things & get to have a lot. I pointed to the backyard, at the plethera of playthings, "In some countries, little girls like you don't have things to play with outside. Some can't even play outside."
That kinda struck home with her.
"But why?"
"Because, it's not safe."
It got me thinking...
We aren't rich, by any stretch of the imagination. As a matter of fact, I'd be willing to wager that we fall in the lower bracket. There's a lot that we can't afford to get; even what some people consider basic stuff like cable, electronics, a tv from this decade, etc.
But there is so much we have....
We get to get up on a Sunday morning & go to church.
We get to go to the doctor, one of our own choosing (with a lot to choose from!!).
Then, we're able to go get medicine.
We have a slew of stores to choose from, as we grocery shop, with coupons I might add.
There are parks, safe ones, that we can have fun at.
There are garage sales, and hand me downs, and great things that other people don't need.
There are libraries, where we can enjoy literature, and No David (my fav) board books.
We have two vehicles (well, the bank owns them, but are letting us pay them for the cars, and letting us care for them and ride in them).
We can go on a vacation, drive across the country, and not have to pass a border or explain ourselves to someone who could just deny us our trip.
We don't just have enough, we have plenty.
And, if we were by chance born in another country, one without the fine things & opportunities that ours offers,
Flynn might not have lived when I gave her the wrong cookie.
Do you think Ethiopia has epi pens?
Would I be able to get a cortisone shot in Zimbabwe?
If Flynn was born prematurely in Nairobi, would she have lived? Would I have died of a preclamptic stroke?
My prayer is that I remember those things, when I start foolishly feeling sorry for myself because we live check to check. Or when I groan as I adjust our "rabbit's ears antenae", as we're only able to receive 4 channels. Or if our current state of flat broke means forgoing next year's vacation or declining on invitation to join someone for dinner.
Blessed beyond measure...
2 CORINTHIANS 4:
7However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
8We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;
9We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;
10Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [[a]resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies.
11For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus' sake, that the [[b]resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death.
12Thus death is actively at work in us, but [it is in order that [c]our] life [may be actively at work] in you.
13Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak,(B)
14Assured that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and bring us [along] with you into His presence.
15For all [these] things are [taking place] for your sake, so that the more grace (divine favor and spiritual blessing) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase [and redound] to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.
17For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!],
18Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.
Thank You God for our freedom & for the plenty.
6.13.2007
Monkey Butts
I got these photos from my friend Lynn, who took them at the zoo last week.Lynn is funny. She & I met at Missouri Southern State my first semester there.
Our first conversation was about poop... it's no wonder if you know either of us, that upon hearing that topic, we knew we'd be good friends.
She lives in Texas now with her hubby & cute boy & we've managed to keep in touch for over 10 years now. I was delighted to see these disgusted photos on her Instant Messager & immediately asked her to send so I could share with you....
Aren't you glad??
The good thing about monkeys?
They just don't care. They have a neurotic, retentive need to pick bugs off each other...and they don't care who's watching. This picking is their nature & I'd imagine that when God made them with this habit, He did so under the pretense that they wouldn't be stuck behind a pin or sheet of glass with humans watching their hiney-picking.
Well, I guess He knew that'd be happening, being He made the universe, knows the future, and all that other omniscient stuff.
Anyway, these primates are kinda cool like that if you ask me. Not the bobo-scratching stuff (well, maybe that too), but the ability to keep doing what they're supposed to, despite the fact that people are watching in disgust (or in my case, delight) at what they're doing.
Everyday, everywhere, people are worried about what other people think. Individuals feel the need to do or not do according to what a family member, a friend, or even a stranger, thinks they should be doing (or not doing)...
I'm pretty sure there's only one person we should worry about pleasing.
It's not the group of people watching us from the other side of the zoo glass.
Now you know how I love my hot hubby & my kids (so cute they could win a contest)... and you're wondering why they wouldn't be grouped into the ONE I should please. But the truth is, that all falls under the 'God umbrella', in that if I'm working on pleasing Him, I'm most likely pleasing them. Since the bible is full of stuff like, taking care of your kids, respecting your husband, etc.
I'm glad... that the person I was made to worship (the being rather), cares about all that stuff.
Remember that, the next time you see a baboon inspecting the hemorrhoids of another baboon.
And only I could somehow turn monkey butts into talking about God.
6.12.2007
I Hated to Add Today...
As I know this entry will pop up over Mae West & I think that picture should be on top of the blog for a while...
but...
I'm worried.
I just saw the dr for a lump in my breast & am now getting ready to leave for a mamogram.
As soon as I had a moment, and considered blogging, I talked myself out of it... knowing that if I wait a few hours, I'll have 'real' info; perhaps nothing to even blog about.
But I think thoughts & reflections are important (otherwise I wouldn't blog) and I consider it part of my prayer life (meditation)...
I truly believe that God allows us to walk through certain shadows & valleys... I'm sure everyone agrees that it builds your faith, your trust, etc. Even non-believers quote that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
So, here I am with lots of thoughts (most worrisome thoughts), coursing through my mind.
You know, before 4 or so years ago, my health didn't concern me that much. Sure, I wanted to be healthy, but what happened to me ultimately, didn't WORRY me.
I'm not afraid of death, as I know where I'm headed & the glory that awaits me there.
BUT
I do not want to leave these two wonderful kids, who so depend on me... and whose lives would be more full with two parents.
So, that's what I'm thinking about this afternoon....
But on the way home from dr #1, I told God,
'I trust You Lord.
No matter what.'
And I do.
but...
I'm worried.
I just saw the dr for a lump in my breast & am now getting ready to leave for a mamogram.
As soon as I had a moment, and considered blogging, I talked myself out of it... knowing that if I wait a few hours, I'll have 'real' info; perhaps nothing to even blog about.
But I think thoughts & reflections are important (otherwise I wouldn't blog) and I consider it part of my prayer life (meditation)...
I truly believe that God allows us to walk through certain shadows & valleys... I'm sure everyone agrees that it builds your faith, your trust, etc. Even non-believers quote that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
So, here I am with lots of thoughts (most worrisome thoughts), coursing through my mind.
You know, before 4 or so years ago, my health didn't concern me that much. Sure, I wanted to be healthy, but what happened to me ultimately, didn't WORRY me.
I'm not afraid of death, as I know where I'm headed & the glory that awaits me there.
BUT
I do not want to leave these two wonderful kids, who so depend on me... and whose lives would be more full with two parents.
So, that's what I'm thinking about this afternoon....
But on the way home from dr #1, I told God,
'I trust You Lord.
No matter what.'
And I do.
6.09.2007
Reasons to thank God,
Who Always Has His Hand in Every Situation...
- First of all, there was a dr in attendance at the party... and it's worth mentioning that he wasn't there at first, his wife made a 2nd trip & went & got him
- The party was at a location approx 2 mi from a hospital
- Flynn came AND GOT ME when she was having the reaction, she could've just laid in the ball pit a while & we would've been none the wiser
- She possibly displayed that she maybe be slightly less sensitive than before (as in the past, her reactions have happened IMMEDIATELY upon her tongue touching the food), this time it took 5-10 minutes for her reaction
- We had planned to be leaving sooner than we did, which would've meant her having a reaction in the car, with me, alone, on the way home (& much further from the hospital)
- She only ate 2 or so cookies
- The cookies were eaten while she was w/ me.... she could've eaten them while I was working & she was with a babysitter (aka fam member), who might not have realized what was going on, which would mean her being at home (by the hospital that would NOT save her life)
- The first epi-pen injection helped, thus saving her life... sometimes the first one doesn't "take"
Psalm 18:
1-2 I love you, God— you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout.
3 I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty, and find myself safe and saved.
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