Saturday, May 16, 2009
FILTERS
My four year old daughter was either born with no filter or it's very underdeveloped. Going in public places is always an adventure. Today while grocery shopping she discovered a girl with a piercing in her chin area and was appalled! But did she whisper her despair, oh no, no. That would be far too "polite". She loudly says "Mom, mom that girl has a nail stuck in her face! Mom, Mom, did you hear me? She has a nail STUCK in her FACE!!". Okay, once again we have "the talk". The bad thing is she's not ever truly being mean but stating the obvious LOUDLY! Like the time a friend had food delivered after the baby and she was so surprised at the size of the gentleman she let the whole house, uh, I mean, the whole neighborhood know that he was rather large. And in case anyone missed hearing her state it, she repeated it until everyone, including him, heard. I yi yi. Of course, we're all giving her the "eye". You know what I mean. The "be quiet until I have a chance to explain to you" eye. With the older kids, they get the eye signal or the shaking hand to the throat signal to stop while you're ahead quite well but then there's Emily who doesn't understand why if it's the truth...you just don't tell it. It was while pondering this that I realized my filter may be clogged. I mean, if it's He's the Truth, the Way and the Life, why not just tell it. See, my filter isn't totally clogged because I don't mind sharing Him in the food pantry ministry with strangers who come for food and we pray for. I don't mind sharing Him when it's easy or convenient either. BUT, my filter seems to struggle when I'm in a hurry, have an agenda to accomplish or just don't feel like it! So, I'm praying that my filter gets changed or cleaned quickly and that when the Holy Spirit prompts me to share....I share Jesus with all. Because if it's the Truth why not just tell it; and maybe, just maybe, like Emily I'll let the whole neighborhood hear too, who knows?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Crazy Days
We've been incredibly busy lately. Celebrated a great Resurrection Day at Moms last Sunday with the family. Only thing missing was Brian's family, Fran & Mike. Nicholas was able to go with friends to Florida on spring break,John Russell took his spring break beginning today going with his sister to the beach. Timothy had unexpected dental work yesterday. Emily had an unexpected dr. appt 2 days ago. Christopher has a "planned" dr appt tomorrow. All on top of the normal craziness of homeschooling, running a warehouse, maintaining a home, trying to eat well and exercise and wanting to read sooo many books but having soo little time.
The good news at the dentist appt I was able to read "Liberty and Tyranny". It's a great read. A great quote from James Madison in Federalist 51 was ...."you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." I'm also reading "Nourishing Traditions" and thus far it's an interesting read. Confirms a lot of what I've learned in other health books. Now to make more application of all the great stuff I know in this busy life. Done well this week with juicing and soup. Hope I can continue to make good choices in this area instead of fast and easy choices. Rereading "Matthew" in the Bible. Read some interesting history surrounding the time Matthew was written (and the time after Malachi until Matthew ~400 years). Some of it new information and some if I've read before I have forgotten.
Getting off this computer to teach some children. Once finished, it's such a beautiful day I'm going to plant some plants and take the children to the library followed by a visit to the park. I LOVE spring and flowers and my children and my grandchildren and my husband and the Lord!! "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!"
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Quote from Secure in the Everlasting Arms
Was reading Elizabeth Elliot's "Secure in the Everlasting Arms" at the doctor's office yesterday and found this great quote.
My goal is God Himself --- not joy, nor peace
Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God.
'Tis His to lead me there, not mine, but His --
"At any cost Lord, by any road!"
So faith bounds towards it's goal in God
and love can trust her Lord to lead her there;
Upheld by Him, my soul following hard,
'Til God has full fulfilled my deepest prayer.
No matter if the way be sometimes dark,
No matter that the cost be oft-times great,
He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark--
The way that leads to Him must needs be strait.
One thing I know; I cannot say Him nay;
One thing I do; I press towards my Lord:
My God my glory here from day to day,
And in the glory, there my Great Reward.
(source unknown)
My goal is God Himself --- not joy, nor peace
Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God.
'Tis His to lead me there, not mine, but His --
"At any cost Lord, by any road!"
So faith bounds towards it's goal in God
and love can trust her Lord to lead her there;
Upheld by Him, my soul following hard,
'Til God has full fulfilled my deepest prayer.
No matter if the way be sometimes dark,
No matter that the cost be oft-times great,
He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark--
The way that leads to Him must needs be strait.
One thing I know; I cannot say Him nay;
One thing I do; I press towards my Lord:
My God my glory here from day to day,
And in the glory, there my Great Reward.
(source unknown)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Christopher Alexander Tordoff has arrived!
He's here! He's here!
Born February 2, 2009
Weighing in at a whopping 8# 14 1/2 oz and 21" long!
Check out the double chin!!
The picture was taken his "birth day".
Praising God for a healthy baby boy.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
It's a Girl!! What????
My husband is the rescuer of animals. Every pet we have now has been rescued or from a litter of a rescued pet. Well, our recent "rescue" came early in December with a phone call from my husband. It went something like this:
Hubby: "Hey hon, don't you think the kiddos need a dog?"
Me: "Ummm, no"
Hubby: "Well, I was helping this little old lady at the grocery store [hold your applause people] and she has 2 male puppies that she really needs to get rid of."
Me (8 months pregnant, 6 kiddos still at home, 1 married daughter with 2 grandbabies, 2 cats, homeschooling, running a business and children's church): "And?"
Hubby: "They really need a home, it would help her out and they are adorable white huskies"
Me: "Honey, if you want dogs at your shop to be guard dogs and pets that's fine. I don't have time for one more thing."
Hubby: That's a good idea.
1st day: puppies at shop
2nd day: puppies at shop
3rd day leading to weekend: Hubby: "I'm going to bring them home just for the kiddos to see how cute they are."
Me: "uh-huh" knowing the inevitable has already begun to happen. The puppies will be adorable, the kiddos will fall in love with them and I'm stuck.
And it happened just as I knew. These two little snow ball, fluffy fat puppy dogs come in, kiddos squeal "can we keep them, can we keep them" yada, yada, yada. And I have to once again give my little spiel that really amounts to a hill of beans but I feel better giving.
Me: "Fine, I'm not watering, feeding, taking out, cleaning up after, training, yada, yada, yada."
Kids: Hooping, hollering and screams of delight.
Me: Big Sigh
Dad: Fat grin!
Well, my married daughter sees the puppies and also falls in love and asks if she could have one for the grand babies. Being the generous soul that I am, I gladly give up the puppy of her choosing and the kiddos agree since he's still in the family.
The pups potty train easy. They have to be gotten on to for snapping while they are playing but are improving. My daughter's pup is named Moe and ours Buddy.
We had Buddy in the cage a few days before Christmas at home while we went to my daughter's. Came home to a huge gash in his head and neck. Spent $100 on pup stuff at the pet store (I know, I know....the "free" dog) to doctor him up. Looked a bit better for a few days but came home Monday evening from being out to his neck opened up like he had been filleted. The E.R. vet wouldn't see him because we didn't have cash that night so we bandaged him up 'til morning and took him to the vet near our home.
I head to work with the kiddos. Hubby heads to the vet first thing that morning.
Phone rings.
Hubby: "Michelle, did you know Buddy was a girl - why'd y'all name HIM her Buddy?"
Me: "Remember, you said she had 2 boy pups to give us when you first called? I guess nobody turned over the rolly polly fluffy pups to check out inventory?"
Background at vet's office: Large roars of laughter!
So, long story short, puppy comes home after surgery from a rubber band that we guess our 3 year old had put on his fluffy little head. It had dug in so deep we never saw it and eventually filleted his throat. Poor baby. SHE is doing great, happy, incredible appetite and the vet's office all voted on the name Abby which we like. So our boy puppy came home healthy and a girl!!
P.S. Other pup is a boy :).
Hubby: "Hey hon, don't you think the kiddos need a dog?"
Me: "Ummm, no"
Hubby: "Well, I was helping this little old lady at the grocery store [hold your applause people] and she has 2 male puppies that she really needs to get rid of."
Me (8 months pregnant, 6 kiddos still at home, 1 married daughter with 2 grandbabies, 2 cats, homeschooling, running a business and children's church): "And?"
Hubby: "They really need a home, it would help her out and they are adorable white huskies"
Me: "Honey, if you want dogs at your shop to be guard dogs and pets that's fine. I don't have time for one more thing."
Hubby: That's a good idea.
1st day: puppies at shop
2nd day: puppies at shop
3rd day leading to weekend: Hubby: "I'm going to bring them home just for the kiddos to see how cute they are."
Me: "uh-huh" knowing the inevitable has already begun to happen. The puppies will be adorable, the kiddos will fall in love with them and I'm stuck.
And it happened just as I knew. These two little snow ball, fluffy fat puppy dogs come in, kiddos squeal "can we keep them, can we keep them" yada, yada, yada. And I have to once again give my little spiel that really amounts to a hill of beans but I feel better giving.
Me: "Fine, I'm not watering, feeding, taking out, cleaning up after, training, yada, yada, yada."
Kids: Hooping, hollering and screams of delight.
Me: Big Sigh
Dad: Fat grin!
Well, my married daughter sees the puppies and also falls in love and asks if she could have one for the grand babies. Being the generous soul that I am, I gladly give up the puppy of her choosing and the kiddos agree since he's still in the family.
The pups potty train easy. They have to be gotten on to for snapping while they are playing but are improving. My daughter's pup is named Moe and ours Buddy.
We had Buddy in the cage a few days before Christmas at home while we went to my daughter's. Came home to a huge gash in his head and neck. Spent $100 on pup stuff at the pet store (I know, I know....the "free" dog) to doctor him up. Looked a bit better for a few days but came home Monday evening from being out to his neck opened up like he had been filleted. The E.R. vet wouldn't see him because we didn't have cash that night so we bandaged him up 'til morning and took him to the vet near our home.
I head to work with the kiddos. Hubby heads to the vet first thing that morning.
Phone rings.
Hubby: "Michelle, did you know Buddy was a girl - why'd y'all name HIM her Buddy?"
Me: "Remember, you said she had 2 boy pups to give us when you first called? I guess nobody turned over the rolly polly fluffy pups to check out inventory?"
Background at vet's office: Large roars of laughter!
So, long story short, puppy comes home after surgery from a rubber band that we guess our 3 year old had put on his fluffy little head. It had dug in so deep we never saw it and eventually filleted his throat. Poor baby. SHE is doing great, happy, incredible appetite and the vet's office all voted on the name Abby which we like. So our boy puppy came home healthy and a girl!!
P.S. Other pup is a boy :).
Laughter is Such Good Medicine
With a large household, there are always opportunities for laughter. One can find humor in so many things and it's obviously true that laughter is good medicine because it lightens so many days with joy. I wish I wrote all the funny things my little ones have said over the years. My granddaughter has definitely gotten in on the act and is so much fun. In fact, as I recall the funny stories and things they say, I may just add them to this post.
This week's funnies have occurred at the doctor office as my kiddos had to get check ups and a few immunizations. My eldest son hadn't been to the doctor in 5 years and was not thrilled with the idea at all. My family has just been blessed with great health and I don't usually do yearly check-ups but the kiddos hadn't been in a loooong time and I was feeling a twinge of being that good parent guilt. He and my 11 yo son had their appt's yesterday. We only do certain shots so he was curious if they'd be getting any and if so why, why, why. As we waited, we were being pretty silly and I suggested how the needles would be rather large and they would have to bear their bottoms and was having a little fun with them. (I know a mom with a warped sense of humor.) They weren't quite sure whether to take me fully serious or if it was like my little Christmas pranks of "Fort Penguin" and "Wannabekins" (funny story for another post). As they got silly with one another, I told them to remember they had a camera hiding in the corner. Well, our pediatrician also has a great sense of humor and came in and made the boys feel very at ease. He heard them giggling as he came in and I assured him they weren't quite as silly as their 3 year old sister had been the day before who was Miss. Giggly the entire visit. He checked them out and said they were healthy as could be and he suggested a few immunizations and asked what I wanted to do. (I'm not an easy parent...I investigate a lot before we do anything but fortunately he's used to me.) So we decided on a few and he jokes about where they want the shot, the size of the needle, and how the nurse would be back after she sharpened the needles. Of course, I jumped on the bandwagon and let the boys know "see, there is a camera...he agreed with everything I told them". Then he told them the truth, after we all finished laughing, and we waited for the nurse. The boys didn't even hardly feel the shots (for which we are thankful) and we all left smiling and joking with one another.
Last night, I just reflected on how the mundane things like dr. appt.'s, going to work, doing school, doing chores could really drag us down if we let them overwhelm us or we can find joy as we go. I'm so very thankful the Lord blessed me with children full of joy and life that make life full.
This week's funnies have occurred at the doctor office as my kiddos had to get check ups and a few immunizations. My eldest son hadn't been to the doctor in 5 years and was not thrilled with the idea at all. My family has just been blessed with great health and I don't usually do yearly check-ups but the kiddos hadn't been in a loooong time and I was feeling a twinge of being that good parent guilt. He and my 11 yo son had their appt's yesterday. We only do certain shots so he was curious if they'd be getting any and if so why, why, why. As we waited, we were being pretty silly and I suggested how the needles would be rather large and they would have to bear their bottoms and was having a little fun with them. (I know a mom with a warped sense of humor.) They weren't quite sure whether to take me fully serious or if it was like my little Christmas pranks of "Fort Penguin" and "Wannabekins" (funny story for another post). As they got silly with one another, I told them to remember they had a camera hiding in the corner. Well, our pediatrician also has a great sense of humor and came in and made the boys feel very at ease. He heard them giggling as he came in and I assured him they weren't quite as silly as their 3 year old sister had been the day before who was Miss. Giggly the entire visit. He checked them out and said they were healthy as could be and he suggested a few immunizations and asked what I wanted to do. (I'm not an easy parent...I investigate a lot before we do anything but fortunately he's used to me.) So we decided on a few and he jokes about where they want the shot, the size of the needle, and how the nurse would be back after she sharpened the needles. Of course, I jumped on the bandwagon and let the boys know "see, there is a camera...he agreed with everything I told them". Then he told them the truth, after we all finished laughing, and we waited for the nurse. The boys didn't even hardly feel the shots (for which we are thankful) and we all left smiling and joking with one another.
Last night, I just reflected on how the mundane things like dr. appt.'s, going to work, doing school, doing chores could really drag us down if we let them overwhelm us or we can find joy as we go. I'm so very thankful the Lord blessed me with children full of joy and life that make life full.
Monday, November 24, 2008
WHAT A DAY!!
Today has been one of those days if it could go wrong it just might. Things were to begin later at work than usual so I redid my day to include a trip to the bank to get $ for a couch deal we made Saturday at a yard sale in my daughter's neighborhood. Must admit I was quite smug this morning thinking of all I had gotten done by 9:30 (because I was WIDE AWAKE at 5 - Lord help me, I'm becoming my mother). I knew this was a day of great accomplishments and that I could get all my stuff done and be home from work by 1 at the latest while fitting in all my hours. My living room would be finished and I'd have a great dent in the kitchen and dining room this afternoon before I cooked dinner. I had the day "all figured out".
Sooo, I take my oldest son to work with me to work on shelves and we drop off movies to the library, run an errand to the church, hit the bank to get the $ for the couch. I was so psyched to get this for her family. My daughter had just redone her whole home in beautiful warm colors and this would be the perfect fit for her living room. Not to mention I was so excited that my daughter was sooo excited to get this for her home as a Christmas gift. I was going to haul off her old couch Saturday after she finished painting her home to make room for the new one but told her we best wait to be sure she had something to sit on in the meanwhile. (Thank you Lord for wisdom!) My fabulouso sister was going to help me at work today so I could get back home quick today to work on the house. Went to work, got labels a moving and work a rolling for my mom and John Russell and then went to pick up the couch for Cindy to only find out the lady I made the deal with had sold it to somebody else although we had made a deal for me to come pick it up today. I was sooo bummed! Not to mention, I hate time stealer's too. I would've never fit in the bank and trip to Cindy's around working hours to make a longer day out had I known she wasn't going to hold her part of the deal. Well, at least I got to see my beautiful grand babies for a minute and my daughter's cute decorated home (for Christmas).
I'm driving back to work and would you believe, clunk-clunk, the insides of my door fell apart as I rolled my window down at the drive-thru for my ice fix from Sonic. (Can't drown my sorrows in chocolate but I can do sonic ice and it's less than a buck.) Now my door only locks and doesn't unlock. My husband will have to take apart the whole door to see if he can get the assembly back together. Last time I had a dealership fix that it cost me over $400!! And that was with "the family deal!". I yi yi. My door lets you out but you can't get in :).
I get back to work and realize our cell bill came in that should've been ~$200 for our whole family and it says a whopping $925...so we spend an hour with the phone company trying to get it straight and we're not there yet. Call home and kiddos are doing good (of course, I find out later that's because they decided to veg out!!). At last, I finished my work and should've told my mama I didn't have time because now I'm 3+ hours behind getting back home to the kiddos but noooo, not me, I volunteered to go to her house to turn off her window heater that she thought she'd left on (but didn't)and hit a poor raccoon on the way. My son John Russell and I were yelling at it "run, run" (as if it was really listening) as I was hitting the brakes but still had a ka-thunk and "aw darn" before the poor guy could make it.
Get home and to my utter dismay, my home is still a disaster because I'm in the middle of trying to get it all painted before Thursday (what was I thinking???) and now I'm too totally exhausted to even think about getting back at it today. Not to mention my usual productive kids were slugs today and I think I have "symphis pubic dysfunction" this pregnancy because I can only do so much at a time and my bones hurt so bad I have to sit for a bit. What homeschooling mom of 7 with one on the way, who runs a book business and does children's church has time to sit? The temptation to load up on chocolate or carbs was definitely there but then would've had to turn in sorry levels to the dr next week when I show the doc my gestational diabetic readings that I turn into my appts every other week. [And since when is 42 so old you have to go to a high risk doctor every 2 weeks along with your regular doctor every 2 weeks. And since when can doctors justify making you sit for 4 hours a visit as if your time isn't as important as theirs. But that's a rant for another day. Although I'm now a big Favre fan - they said he was too old too in his field too!!!]
So now I'm in my p.j.'s while my 9 year old daughter just finished cooking yellow rice and black beans for the troops (yum) while I work on my cell phone bill trying to figure out what in the world happened. I'm seriously considering of applying for a bail out from the govt. It's working for everybody else. I hear Atlanta even has their hands out. I don't feel like actually restructuring my bills when I could just get the the money handed out to me.
But God!! The best thing is that although this day is in so many ways shot - I have happy, healthy children, a great marriage, my thanksgiving is all planned out and paid for, we have money coming in to pay our bills, and Lord willing, I know I will begin tomorrow very optimistically with grandiose plans of finishing my work, painting, housecleaning, sewing my middle daughter's Christmas dress with a pleasant attitude and fabulous, helpful children. Did I mention I'm sure the birds will be singing happy around our home, Christmas music will be playing in the background with the aroma of fresh cookies and banana bread wafting through the house. (Hey, if we're going to dream let's do it big!!) More importantly no matter how bad things seemed, I serve a God who loves me. I know that I know that I know he loves me unconditionally. What more could I ask for? I thank Him and praise Him for another day and for the ability to go to bed tonight in His perfect peace no matter the circumstances. The Lord is good and His love endures forever!!
Sooo, I take my oldest son to work with me to work on shelves and we drop off movies to the library, run an errand to the church, hit the bank to get the $ for the couch. I was so psyched to get this for her family. My daughter had just redone her whole home in beautiful warm colors and this would be the perfect fit for her living room. Not to mention I was so excited that my daughter was sooo excited to get this for her home as a Christmas gift. I was going to haul off her old couch Saturday after she finished painting her home to make room for the new one but told her we best wait to be sure she had something to sit on in the meanwhile. (Thank you Lord for wisdom!) My fabulouso sister was going to help me at work today so I could get back home quick today to work on the house. Went to work, got labels a moving and work a rolling for my mom and John Russell and then went to pick up the couch for Cindy to only find out the lady I made the deal with had sold it to somebody else although we had made a deal for me to come pick it up today. I was sooo bummed! Not to mention, I hate time stealer's too. I would've never fit in the bank and trip to Cindy's around working hours to make a longer day out had I known she wasn't going to hold her part of the deal. Well, at least I got to see my beautiful grand babies for a minute and my daughter's cute decorated home (for Christmas).
I'm driving back to work and would you believe, clunk-clunk, the insides of my door fell apart as I rolled my window down at the drive-thru for my ice fix from Sonic. (Can't drown my sorrows in chocolate but I can do sonic ice and it's less than a buck.) Now my door only locks and doesn't unlock. My husband will have to take apart the whole door to see if he can get the assembly back together. Last time I had a dealership fix that it cost me over $400!! And that was with "the family deal!". I yi yi. My door lets you out but you can't get in :).
I get back to work and realize our cell bill came in that should've been ~$200 for our whole family and it says a whopping $925...so we spend an hour with the phone company trying to get it straight and we're not there yet. Call home and kiddos are doing good (of course, I find out later that's because they decided to veg out!!). At last, I finished my work and should've told my mama I didn't have time because now I'm 3+ hours behind getting back home to the kiddos but noooo, not me, I volunteered to go to her house to turn off her window heater that she thought she'd left on (but didn't)and hit a poor raccoon on the way. My son John Russell and I were yelling at it "run, run" (as if it was really listening) as I was hitting the brakes but still had a ka-thunk and "aw darn" before the poor guy could make it.
Get home and to my utter dismay, my home is still a disaster because I'm in the middle of trying to get it all painted before Thursday (what was I thinking???) and now I'm too totally exhausted to even think about getting back at it today. Not to mention my usual productive kids were slugs today and I think I have "symphis pubic dysfunction" this pregnancy because I can only do so much at a time and my bones hurt so bad I have to sit for a bit. What homeschooling mom of 7 with one on the way, who runs a book business and does children's church has time to sit? The temptation to load up on chocolate or carbs was definitely there but then would've had to turn in sorry levels to the dr next week when I show the doc my gestational diabetic readings that I turn into my appts every other week. [And since when is 42 so old you have to go to a high risk doctor every 2 weeks along with your regular doctor every 2 weeks. And since when can doctors justify making you sit for 4 hours a visit as if your time isn't as important as theirs. But that's a rant for another day. Although I'm now a big Favre fan - they said he was too old too in his field too!!!]
So now I'm in my p.j.'s while my 9 year old daughter just finished cooking yellow rice and black beans for the troops (yum) while I work on my cell phone bill trying to figure out what in the world happened. I'm seriously considering of applying for a bail out from the govt. It's working for everybody else. I hear Atlanta even has their hands out. I don't feel like actually restructuring my bills when I could just get the the money handed out to me.
But God!! The best thing is that although this day is in so many ways shot - I have happy, healthy children, a great marriage, my thanksgiving is all planned out and paid for, we have money coming in to pay our bills, and Lord willing, I know I will begin tomorrow very optimistically with grandiose plans of finishing my work, painting, housecleaning, sewing my middle daughter's Christmas dress with a pleasant attitude and fabulous, helpful children. Did I mention I'm sure the birds will be singing happy around our home, Christmas music will be playing in the background with the aroma of fresh cookies and banana bread wafting through the house. (Hey, if we're going to dream let's do it big!!) More importantly no matter how bad things seemed, I serve a God who loves me. I know that I know that I know he loves me unconditionally. What more could I ask for? I thank Him and praise Him for another day and for the ability to go to bed tonight in His perfect peace no matter the circumstances. The Lord is good and His love endures forever!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Fantastic Weekend
What a great weekend I had. I spent Sunday afternoon at my daughter Cindy's and we finished up making lots of jars to sell for Christmas (and for Christmas gifts). You can check out our store at www.TheHandmadeHoliday.etsy.com. We'll be adding little girl Christmas dresses and princess nightgowns, pinecone wreaths, candles, other types of jars and more. Check back often. It's been a lot of fun and it's always great to spend time with the family!
Now I need to get busy and finish up work so I can get school done early with the children.
Let's embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving this holiday season!! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever!!
Now I need to get busy and finish up work so I can get school done early with the children.
Let's embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving this holiday season!! Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Get Out and Vote!!
I'm unsure how a Christian can vote for any candidate that doesn't support life but especially a candidate that has no problem with partial birth abortion. Put all other political ideals aside. Whether you believe in socialistic or capitalistic ideals, do you believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are you willing to put a price on life? Willing to look the other way while babies are killed and mother's lives are affected, so the economy may get better? Willing to look the other way so that you can get more money from the government? Willing to look the other way so you can get health care, education or any other item that may be swaying your vote enough to ignore the rights of unborn children?
"Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption." ~ James Garfield
"The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all." ~ John F. Kennedy
"The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.... It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world,and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn." -George Washington.
"And if we now cast our eyes over the nations of the earth, we shall find that, instead of possessing the pure religion of the Gospel, they may be divided either into infidels, who deny the truth; or politicians who make religion a stalking horse for their ambition; or professors, who walk in the trammels of orthodoxy, and are more attentive to traditions and ordinances of men than to the oracles of truth." - Samuel Adams
"It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." - Samuel Adams
"Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption." ~ James Garfield
"The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all." ~ John F. Kennedy
"The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.... It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world,and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn." -George Washington.
"And if we now cast our eyes over the nations of the earth, we shall find that, instead of possessing the pure religion of the Gospel, they may be divided either into infidels, who deny the truth; or politicians who make religion a stalking horse for their ambition; or professors, who walk in the trammels of orthodoxy, and are more attentive to traditions and ordinances of men than to the oracles of truth." - Samuel Adams
"It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." - Samuel Adams
Friday, October 24, 2008
Early morning rambling thoughts
In a recent sermon, I heard this quote from C.S. Lewis and thought it was pretty profound. "The opposite of love is not hate but apathy". It goes well with the quote from Edmund Burke that says, "The only thing necessary for the triumph [of evil] is for good men to do nothing."
The first quote reminds me of when my friend Nigel admitted that there were tragic things he became immune to living in aids stricken Africa because they were so common living where his family lived. So he asked the Lord to give him His heart on those things. He asked for a change of heart. I definitely want my heart to break with the things that break the Lord's heart.
Do we really love people when we ignore the sins in their lives or pretend they are okay without knowing Jesus? Do we really love when we get so busy in our own lives we don't even pray against the enemy in the lives around us? It's easy for some sins to become "common" to our culture that we don't see them as "big deals" anymore. But sin is sin. And the wages of sin is death. Not life!! We need to show people LIFE and that life is found alone in Christ Jesus.
Are we willing for evil to triumph? We know the devil is defeated so are we going to allow him to destroy lives around us because we are too busy to press into God to pray? Are we going to be too busy to help those who are struggling? Let us be the hands and feet of the One who lives within us to a lost and dying world around us. We can't save anyone....but WE never could. It's all the Holy Spirit's working but we can be available for the Holy Spirit to work through us and give hope and freedom to a lost and dying generation.
The first quote reminds me of when my friend Nigel admitted that there were tragic things he became immune to living in aids stricken Africa because they were so common living where his family lived. So he asked the Lord to give him His heart on those things. He asked for a change of heart. I definitely want my heart to break with the things that break the Lord's heart.
Do we really love people when we ignore the sins in their lives or pretend they are okay without knowing Jesus? Do we really love when we get so busy in our own lives we don't even pray against the enemy in the lives around us? It's easy for some sins to become "common" to our culture that we don't see them as "big deals" anymore. But sin is sin. And the wages of sin is death. Not life!! We need to show people LIFE and that life is found alone in Christ Jesus.
Are we willing for evil to triumph? We know the devil is defeated so are we going to allow him to destroy lives around us because we are too busy to press into God to pray? Are we going to be too busy to help those who are struggling? Let us be the hands and feet of the One who lives within us to a lost and dying world around us. We can't save anyone....but WE never could. It's all the Holy Spirit's working but we can be available for the Holy Spirit to work through us and give hope and freedom to a lost and dying generation.
Monday, October 20, 2008
New Bible Study
I began a new Bible Study in yahoo groups today under "Counting It All Joy" using the book "Created to be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl. Everyone is welcome to join.
Right now we are doing Monday Night Football at my daughter's house and enjoying her and her hubbies new bambino and their two year old with the rest of our crew. Jackson is now 2 weeks old and has gained over a pound.
God is good ... all the time!!
Right now we are doing Monday Night Football at my daughter's house and enjoying her and her hubbies new bambino and their two year old with the rest of our crew. Jackson is now 2 weeks old and has gained over a pound.
God is good ... all the time!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hallelujah!!
My new grandbaby boy Jackson was born Saturday weighing in at 7# 12oz, 19" long! He's sooo beautiful. Mama and baby are doing fabulous!!
Also, we found out our new baby will be due February 7th. Making this uncle much younger than his niece or nephew. When my computer gets back home from gateway, I'll post some pics of Jackson and the little fella I'm carrying. I wasn't going to find out what this baby was but it was a bit too obvious in the sonogram to not notice :).
I'm beginning a new Bible Study on 10/20 from the book "Created to be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl. You can join by going to my yahoo group link on this page.
Also, we found out our new baby will be due February 7th. Making this uncle much younger than his niece or nephew. When my computer gets back home from gateway, I'll post some pics of Jackson and the little fella I'm carrying. I wasn't going to find out what this baby was but it was a bit too obvious in the sonogram to not notice :).
I'm beginning a new Bible Study on 10/20 from the book "Created to be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl. You can join by going to my yahoo group link on this page.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Brother Andrew Quote
I believe God heals more people through obedience than through prayer. ~Brother Andrew
Sermonindex.net
Sermonindex.net
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Shack
Read "The Shack" this weekend. Great picture of redemption and the love of God. I loved "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers more but this was a good, quick read.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Edge of Eternity Quotes
There is no such thing as a private moment, God is our audience for everything we do in the dark.
We live our lives in eternity's lobby, walking toward a door that will forever seal our destiny.
To be disappointed in yourself is to have believed in yourself. Be careful in whom you trust. Trust the King, not your ability to follow him.
By believing man to be better than they are, you diminish how amazing the King's grace really is.
Those who know their unworthiness seize grace.
We live our lives in eternity's lobby, walking toward a door that will forever seal our destiny.
To be disappointed in yourself is to have believed in yourself. Be careful in whom you trust. Trust the King, not your ability to follow him.
By believing man to be better than they are, you diminish how amazing the King's grace really is.
Those who know their unworthiness seize grace.
The Doctrine of Repentance
"Repentance is purgative; fear not the working of this pill. Smite your soul, said Chrysostom, smite it; it will escape death by that stroke. how happy it would be if we were more deeply affected with sin, and our eyes did swim in their orb. We may clearly see the Spirit of God moving in the waters of repentance, which though troubled, are yet pure. Moist tears dry up sin and quench the wrath of God. Repentance is the cherisher of piety, the procurer of mercy. The more regret and trouble of spirit we have first at our conversion, the less we shall feel afterwards. "
The Doctrine of Repentance
Thomas Watson
25 May 1668
The Doctrine of Repentance
Thomas Watson
25 May 1668
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sutter's Cross by W. Dale Cramer
The book I read last night was a great piece of fiction set in the GA mountains. If you want a fast, entertaining read with a great message. This is a great summer read.
Well, better get back to work and finishing postaging books to send out so I can go home and get things done while I'm feeling half decent. Good news at our home....nobody hugging a toilet today :). Wooo hooo!
Well, better get back to work and finishing postaging books to send out so I can go home and get things done while I'm feeling half decent. Good news at our home....nobody hugging a toilet today :). Wooo hooo!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Edge of Eternity
Finished Randy Alcorn's Edge of Eternity on our beach trip. GREAT BOOK!! Gives a neat perspective on life and how we effect the now for eternity and in the spiritual. Definitely a recommended book.
Had a fabulous time with family at the beach. I always wished I was a consistent journaler that wrote down all the great things we do as a family, the funny things the children say, the "special times" in life that the Lord touches and more. But as much as I love to write, it's a discipline I have not mastered. Same idea with pictures. I thought as a young mom I could "NEVER" forget some of the great faces the children make or those beautiful "moments" would always last in my mind's eye but I remember far less than I'd like.
I guess my prayer now as a mom is that although I've had "ENORMOUS" goals that I've not even come close to accomplishing, I hope the Lord will use me to make good deposits in my children that will benefit them and their relationships with the Lord. I pray He'll fill all the gaps I leave with good and holy things. That the things I mess up, He'll reveal to me that I can make "right" with my children before they leave home and that I'll have ears to hear Him. That my children will be able to overlook all our flaws and see Jesus in our home. And that in finding Him, they'll find purpose and passion for living EXTRAORDINARY HOPE-filled lives in Jesus.
Had a fabulous time with family at the beach. I always wished I was a consistent journaler that wrote down all the great things we do as a family, the funny things the children say, the "special times" in life that the Lord touches and more. But as much as I love to write, it's a discipline I have not mastered. Same idea with pictures. I thought as a young mom I could "NEVER" forget some of the great faces the children make or those beautiful "moments" would always last in my mind's eye but I remember far less than I'd like.
I guess my prayer now as a mom is that although I've had "ENORMOUS" goals that I've not even come close to accomplishing, I hope the Lord will use me to make good deposits in my children that will benefit them and their relationships with the Lord. I pray He'll fill all the gaps I leave with good and holy things. That the things I mess up, He'll reveal to me that I can make "right" with my children before they leave home and that I'll have ears to hear Him. That my children will be able to overlook all our flaws and see Jesus in our home. And that in finding Him, they'll find purpose and passion for living EXTRAORDINARY HOPE-filled lives in Jesus.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Glory to God
What a busy season I'm in. We just finished swim team and the children got their trophies the other night. Michael waltzed down from the stage with his trophy in hand and said "This isn't real gold!". I had to break it to him he was not in the Olympics. This week on top of working we are also taking care of Sandi's horses, cats and dogs. It's been fun. The Lord has revealed to me more and more this summer His great favor upon our lives. At every turn, He seems to be blessings us in incredible ways. First of all with another blessing due next year. Then when I'm at my sickest in this pregnancy, He has provided meals (free) almost daily. Without me asking, without my hand out, He has given me a friend that has treated us to lunch in her restaurant several times, given us free coupons to chick-fil-a, the children found free coupons in my car for the kiddos to have Krispy Kreme (not healthy - I know), invited to eat with others and more. He gave the boys a free weekend at the lake in a gorgeous home with jet skis. He gave us a week at the beach free in a week 1/2. He's given us a membership at a tennis/pool club. He provided free bathing suits, goggles and a swim cap when we went to purchase at the swim supply store.
I will now give you the 5 steps to gaining favor with God - NOT!! The only thing I have done is to open my eyes to His abundant generosity to us every day from the cooler morning, the tomatoes on our vine, the blooming flowers, the sky blue pink sky He paints for me in the evening. He is always available to us, speaking to us, loving us. What an awesome God!! The only thing I know of why He's so generous with us is that my heart's desire is to live a life fully given to Him. Trust me it doesn't look the way I want it to. In my dream world I'd always be the perfect patient Mother; the dream wife that lives to serve her husband - waking before him and always having the perfect spread on the table before he even gets out of the shower and of course, always available to meet his every need; the perfect servant of God who always devotes hours of time to spend with Him in study, worship and prayer and a fantastic housekeeper and homemaker on top of giving my children the most amazing God-filled education in the world. Trust me, I'm far short from attaining any of these. I dream and strive for big goals and fall far short.
I do wonder if part of His generosity is due to the fact that against family wishes, doctor's wishes, and sometimes common financial sense we still allow Him to bless us with children in His timing and ways. I have found when we allow Him to give us His children to raise for His glory He truly does provide in AMAZING ways for His own. I have probably spent far less over the last 22 years on the 7 blessings He gave us than most folks spend in 2 years providing for their blessings. If I don't allow my pride to get in the way, people will bend over backwards to give us hand me downs that are in like new condition. We've been given furniture when people were redecorating. We've been given a dishwasher because on my husband's cabinet job the folks wanted to update their kitchen. He's allowed me to stretch my husbands pay to spend far less on groceries than some families I know that have only 2 children. That doesn't mean we've not had hard financial, relational, or other times because we have. BUT GOD, in his infinite mercy, has never left us nor forsaken us, given up on us due to our shortcomings and failings. He continues to guide us and teach us and love us. He is an amazing God and I hope to continually, daily, moment-by moment all my days fall more and more in love with Him. And NEVER settle for the mundane, no purpose life of "making it" day - by - day. May I always be passionate for Him and live zealously to further His kingdom and allow Him to make me a trophy of His grace. And I better end my praises to Him or the horses will never get fed today. :) Praise you Lord Jesus and I do give you ALL the glory for anything good in my life. And I know it's nothing that I can do or earn but your abundant grace and favor upon my life. Praises to the King of Kings!!!
I will now give you the 5 steps to gaining favor with God - NOT!! The only thing I have done is to open my eyes to His abundant generosity to us every day from the cooler morning, the tomatoes on our vine, the blooming flowers, the sky blue pink sky He paints for me in the evening. He is always available to us, speaking to us, loving us. What an awesome God!! The only thing I know of why He's so generous with us is that my heart's desire is to live a life fully given to Him. Trust me it doesn't look the way I want it to. In my dream world I'd always be the perfect patient Mother; the dream wife that lives to serve her husband - waking before him and always having the perfect spread on the table before he even gets out of the shower and of course, always available to meet his every need; the perfect servant of God who always devotes hours of time to spend with Him in study, worship and prayer and a fantastic housekeeper and homemaker on top of giving my children the most amazing God-filled education in the world. Trust me, I'm far short from attaining any of these. I dream and strive for big goals and fall far short.
I do wonder if part of His generosity is due to the fact that against family wishes, doctor's wishes, and sometimes common financial sense we still allow Him to bless us with children in His timing and ways. I have found when we allow Him to give us His children to raise for His glory He truly does provide in AMAZING ways for His own. I have probably spent far less over the last 22 years on the 7 blessings He gave us than most folks spend in 2 years providing for their blessings. If I don't allow my pride to get in the way, people will bend over backwards to give us hand me downs that are in like new condition. We've been given furniture when people were redecorating. We've been given a dishwasher because on my husband's cabinet job the folks wanted to update their kitchen. He's allowed me to stretch my husbands pay to spend far less on groceries than some families I know that have only 2 children. That doesn't mean we've not had hard financial, relational, or other times because we have. BUT GOD, in his infinite mercy, has never left us nor forsaken us, given up on us due to our shortcomings and failings. He continues to guide us and teach us and love us. He is an amazing God and I hope to continually, daily, moment-by moment all my days fall more and more in love with Him. And NEVER settle for the mundane, no purpose life of "making it" day - by - day. May I always be passionate for Him and live zealously to further His kingdom and allow Him to make me a trophy of His grace. And I better end my praises to Him or the horses will never get fed today. :) Praise you Lord Jesus and I do give you ALL the glory for anything good in my life. And I know it's nothing that I can do or earn but your abundant grace and favor upon my life. Praises to the King of Kings!!!
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