We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. ~ Albert Einstein
Hmmm???
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Might Be Fall...
Driving down the road today, I spotted a rare beauty fall brings (at least in other places around the world)....leaves dancing with color! I love it! We don't get too much in the way of seasons here, summer, more summer, just a bit more summer, and something which resembles a cold front once in awhile! Right now, one of those cold fronts are coming through-dropping our temperatures to freezing at night, and barely topping 60 during the day...chilly for us Louisianans. The sudden weather change has turned some of our normally green trees all kinds of colors...and it is just gorgeous!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Dancing
I have been trying to pinpoint the moment in time when I learned to dance around the truth, that place where I lost confidence in my ability to speak the truth. There was a time when I had no problem speaking....giving my thoughts or opinions...even when I was wrong...but now, I can't seem to get it out even when I am right!
My husband and I have had this conversation a few times now, and he goes back to an incident with our sister-in-law a few years back. I thought we had freedom to speak and be who we are, and that was turned around and manipulated. Everything we said was turned into a lie to be used against us. There was absolutely no truth in any part of that situation: the result-a lost relationship with a brother, no opportunity for us to watch our neices to grow up, and broken relationships with other family members. Nothing but brokeness is left in this wake of manipulation and deception. Even worse, our son bought into it and this idea that somehow parents no longer have a right to say anything to their children when their children aren't walking in truth. We are supposed to sit by and watch them dive off into an abyss of darkness and destruction, all under some idea that they are "adults now." We no longer have any freedom to disagree with our childrens' choices and vocalize that, because they are "adults." All these years invested in them training them to live in Christ-gone-poof...just like that. All the years they came to us with questions, with conflicts...not a thing has changed on our end...actually we are more Spiritually sound than we were...have more answers than we did...and more tools to resolve conflicts.
Where on earth did someone get the crazy idea that being a "majic age" makes you an adult-suddenly able to do whatever your mind can conceive! How can a perfectly compliant child who has submitted to authority, studies and memorized the Scriptures, knows the truth of God's Word, suddenly think that just because they are an "adult" nothing applies??? How can God's Word be truth and authority one day, and not another? Where in our culture did it happen that drinking is wrong....unless you are legal? Where did it become ok to have sexual relationships as long as you are a consenting "adult"? I stand back, ponder all of that, and am absolutely blown away...and then I look at the situations in our nation, our communities, our families,
...and it is no wonder-no one wants to take a stand for what is true...we all want to dance around it. Sure you can make your own decisions. Sure you can live a life of sin. Hey...so can I, but why would I want to when my Heavenly Father knows so much more than I do! It makes me think of the Israelites when they were under the judges...over and over they "did that which was right in their eyes." What a difference it is to do that which is right in our eyes as opposed to that which is right in God's eyes. There is only one truth, there is only one way, there is only one life I want to live...in Jesus. How do I get that truth to stick in not only my life, but in the lives I touch? How do I speak the truth without fear? How can I love people and not condone the choices they are making? How can God possibly use me when I keep wanting to dance?
My husband and I have had this conversation a few times now, and he goes back to an incident with our sister-in-law a few years back. I thought we had freedom to speak and be who we are, and that was turned around and manipulated. Everything we said was turned into a lie to be used against us. There was absolutely no truth in any part of that situation: the result-a lost relationship with a brother, no opportunity for us to watch our neices to grow up, and broken relationships with other family members. Nothing but brokeness is left in this wake of manipulation and deception. Even worse, our son bought into it and this idea that somehow parents no longer have a right to say anything to their children when their children aren't walking in truth. We are supposed to sit by and watch them dive off into an abyss of darkness and destruction, all under some idea that they are "adults now." We no longer have any freedom to disagree with our childrens' choices and vocalize that, because they are "adults." All these years invested in them training them to live in Christ-gone-poof...just like that. All the years they came to us with questions, with conflicts...not a thing has changed on our end...actually we are more Spiritually sound than we were...have more answers than we did...and more tools to resolve conflicts.
Where on earth did someone get the crazy idea that being a "majic age" makes you an adult-suddenly able to do whatever your mind can conceive! How can a perfectly compliant child who has submitted to authority, studies and memorized the Scriptures, knows the truth of God's Word, suddenly think that just because they are an "adult" nothing applies??? How can God's Word be truth and authority one day, and not another? Where in our culture did it happen that drinking is wrong....unless you are legal? Where did it become ok to have sexual relationships as long as you are a consenting "adult"? I stand back, ponder all of that, and am absolutely blown away...and then I look at the situations in our nation, our communities, our families,
...and it is no wonder-no one wants to take a stand for what is true...we all want to dance around it. Sure you can make your own decisions. Sure you can live a life of sin. Hey...so can I, but why would I want to when my Heavenly Father knows so much more than I do! It makes me think of the Israelites when they were under the judges...over and over they "did that which was right in their eyes." What a difference it is to do that which is right in our eyes as opposed to that which is right in God's eyes. There is only one truth, there is only one way, there is only one life I want to live...in Jesus. How do I get that truth to stick in not only my life, but in the lives I touch? How do I speak the truth without fear? How can I love people and not condone the choices they are making? How can God possibly use me when I keep wanting to dance?
Friday, October 24, 2008
So unmotivated!
When life is soooo busy all the time, it sure is hard to stay motivated and moving at high speed! I am ready to crawl into bed and stay there, but....so much that needs to be done! The hardest thing about this train I am on is there isn't one day that is completely down...that I am at home ALL day..the kind of days you can stay in your pj's, curl up under a blanket, maybe read a little, that kind of thing...
Well who am I to complain? It is after 10 am and I AM still in my pjs! No blanket or book at the moment, but 2 out of 3 isn't bad! I am a Florida girl so I like it warm...this winter weather that has blown definitely robs me of any motivation to get out there and do anything....cuz....I am cold! Maybe it will warm up enough that I can go over my door trim today!
As I write this, I am listening to Klove and they are talking about us being so busy being busy! LOL...
Well who am I to complain? It is after 10 am and I AM still in my pjs! No blanket or book at the moment, but 2 out of 3 isn't bad! I am a Florida girl so I like it warm...this winter weather that has blown definitely robs me of any motivation to get out there and do anything....cuz....I am cold! Maybe it will warm up enough that I can go over my door trim today!
As I write this, I am listening to Klove and they are talking about us being so busy being busy! LOL...
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Covered in Paint
It seems like I am perpetually covered in paint/drywall dust/primer/texture...or any combination of the above! Progress has been moving forward, sometimes at a hectic rate, other times not so much! The tiling turned out to be a lot more tedious than projected, and with our schedule, getting it done has been a challenge! While that is in progress, we are hanging sheetrock, pri
mering, painting, and texturing...all over the place. This week we have 
sheetrocked the breakfast room, primered it, and put the texture on it (today). It has another coat of primer to go and then paint. It will be relatively back in order this weekend. Tiling-not quite done, we are planning on finishing that up tonight..also working on the front door and porch. It has been all primered and the first bit of trim work painted. Realllllllllly hope to have it painted by this weekend too!
sheetrocked the breakfast room, primered it, and put the texture on it (today). It has another coat of primer to go and then paint. It will be relatively back in order this weekend. Tiling-not quite done, we are planning on finishing that up tonight..also working on the front door and porch. It has been all primered and the first bit of trim work painted. Realllllllllly hope to have it painted by this weekend too!As hard as these last months have been, and still are, I won't look back on it as a negative! We have gained so much more than we lost!
By the way...painting a ceiling with a spackling knife is quite messy-no matter how thick the paint is or how hard I tried to be neat I got it everywhere...and I do mean everywhere! (Just in case someone else gets the idea to do that!)
The "how do you eat an elephant?" has become a way of life around here. It is hard to imagine how different we approach things...our attitudes are different, our priorities are different, the very way we live is different...all because of a little rain!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Stop and Smell the Roses
Every once in awhile, not often enough for sure, we stop just because. The American Rose Center in Greenwood, LA hosted a fall moonlight stroll through the gardens this past Friday night. We hadn't been out there in years, so decided to take the night off, go to dinner and out to the garden. It was very quiet and serene. Amazingly enough...there were still roses on some of the bushes! We did stop and smell them!
We took a few pix, walked hand in hand, had a complimentary glass of soda (wine was offered, but.....), listened to the mini orchestra playing under one of the gazebos, and talked about just stuff! Empty nest...not quite...but...don't think we are going to have a big problem with the syndrome...maybe...have had some time to kind of ease into it! Sure do like being able to stop and smell the roses!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Staying Connected
Keeping in touch with people and sharing their lives takes time and effort...sometimes I need a reminder of that. I am also learning that relationships are give and take. You can't build a relationship with someone who doesn't contribute anything to it. I can minister, I can share once in awhile, make a phone call, send a note, but relationships can't be forced. When I do try to force them, I end up on the end of a very short stick-giving and being used to meet someone else's need while my needs go totally unnoticed. I am often disappointed when I realize how powerless I am to do anything about anyone else, especially when I had hoped to build a relationship, sustain a relationship, or mend one.
God has opened doors in such expected ways lately! Many people I have given to-those one sided relationships-have dropped out of sight. I am tempted to keep trying...but they aren't really interested so I am filing them away in the ministry folder...pray when God brings them to mind, call if He lays them on my heart, maybe send a note. Others have appeared through doors that I could never have opened myself! I am loving sharing my life with Shelly and Natalie. Shelly just walked into my life and began to share in this remodel with me. The time I have spent with her is priceless! I love her! Natalie was just someone I knew in church, then she came over...those moments spent with her have opened up a myriad of other doors-Facebook for example. Natalie wanted me to get a Facebook account...hmmmm I thought. (Not a big fan of all of that stuff) She sent a request and next thing I knew, my box was flooded with friend requests. As a result I have renewed connections with people I haven't seen or heard from in awhile, and have begun a new friendship with Natalie. :)
There are so many things important in life and so many that aren't.
God has opened doors in such expected ways lately! Many people I have given to-those one sided relationships-have dropped out of sight. I am tempted to keep trying...but they aren't really interested so I am filing them away in the ministry folder...pray when God brings them to mind, call if He lays them on my heart, maybe send a note. Others have appeared through doors that I could never have opened myself! I am loving sharing my life with Shelly and Natalie. Shelly just walked into my life and began to share in this remodel with me. The time I have spent with her is priceless! I love her! Natalie was just someone I knew in church, then she came over...those moments spent with her have opened up a myriad of other doors-Facebook for example. Natalie wanted me to get a Facebook account...hmmmm I thought. (Not a big fan of all of that stuff) She sent a request and next thing I knew, my box was flooded with friend requests. As a result I have renewed connections with people I haven't seen or heard from in awhile, and have begun a new friendship with Natalie. :)
There are so many things important in life and so many that aren't.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sweet Assurance
Sometimes the efforts of my life, trying to live my life in Christ in the midst of life situations and endless criticism, seems futile. There have been more moments than I would like to admit that failure seemed imminent, and I just wanted to throw my hands up and quit. One such "falling" down moment resulted in me going through my house and throwing away every Scripture posted above every door, putting away every Christian magnet on the frig, and refusing to go to church. That faith struggle was a rough one, but God challenged me with a simple phrase from my pastor, "A faith not tried is a faith that can't be trusted." It seems like every moment of my life the past four or five years has been a trying of my faith to see if it could indeed be tested. These moments have changed my perspective on what faith is.
Yesterday, Kat came walking in the house, put down a few groceries, and walked back out all the while talking on the phone. I walked through and heard her encouraging her friend in Christ, and then...praying over the phone with her friend. That touched my heart in such a remarkable way-she has heard me do that a thousand times. Her and I have prayed together over the phone. I don't know hardly anyone that stops and does that, yet it is so powerful...to just stop...pray with someone, over someone..not to say, "I will pray for you." Not saying...doing then, right at the time that person needs it!
She was talking to me a bit later about the situation-one she could relate to and understood-God was using her and her life struggles to encourage someone else to turn to Christ in their need! Awesome hardly describes the amazement I felt hearing her speak. God, at that moment, gave me sweet assurance that He is indeed working through me and teaching my daughter to live her life in the power of His Word!
Yesterday, Kat came walking in the house, put down a few groceries, and walked back out all the while talking on the phone. I walked through and heard her encouraging her friend in Christ, and then...praying over the phone with her friend. That touched my heart in such a remarkable way-she has heard me do that a thousand times. Her and I have prayed together over the phone. I don't know hardly anyone that stops and does that, yet it is so powerful...to just stop...pray with someone, over someone..not to say, "I will pray for you." Not saying...doing then, right at the time that person needs it!
She was talking to me a bit later about the situation-one she could relate to and understood-God was using her and her life struggles to encourage someone else to turn to Christ in their need! Awesome hardly describes the amazement I felt hearing her speak. God, at that moment, gave me sweet assurance that He is indeed working through me and teaching my daughter to live her life in the power of His Word!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Living in Grace
Thought:
"...if you do not appropriate in faith God's all-sufficient grace in the trials of life, it will affect your service for God. Without appropriating His grace, your trials can overwhelm you or consume your thoughts, thereby distracting you from God's calling upon your life...it's one thing to have access to the grace of God but another to appropriate it..." (p 177)
-Arthur, Kay. Lord, I Need Grace to Make It Today. Waterbrook Press. 2000
"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:" Hebrews 12:28
"...if you do not appropriate in faith God's all-sufficient grace in the trials of life, it will affect your service for God. Without appropriating His grace, your trials can overwhelm you or consume your thoughts, thereby distracting you from God's calling upon your life...it's one thing to have access to the grace of God but another to appropriate it..." (p 177)
-Arthur, Kay. Lord, I Need Grace to Make It Today. Waterbrook Press. 2000
"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:" Hebrews 12:28
Encouragement
God is so gracious to always provide in ways beyond my comprehension. I have a sweet friend that pops into my life periodically-always to bless me! I love her muches and muches! I don't always get to spend the time with her I would like as life gets in the way; however, I never leave her presence without being challenged to live my life in such a way that honors the Lord!
Tina... Knowing Jesus is such a wonderful reason to become dear friends with you... I am glad God gave me you when HE did.. our boys growing up together.. coming to know Christ.. the attitude adjustments.. even within our own hearts as we try and discern what God was doing with them.. and then see how God works it all out. Of course I cannot leave out ms. Priss...otherwise known as KAT.. lol.. she was almost 1 when I met her.. that girl.. she practiced then for singing. but it wasn't as lovely then to the ears. as it is now..... screaming .. to endure it .. then to rejoice in what God has done for her through the years.. and now. I cannot put prices on friendships.. but I know that a friend loveth at all times.. all the times I was down and needed a different friend..you'd send notes.. I cherish them still.. and your friendship.. I love to see God's progress in YOU!.. and I will not forget your sweet husband.. that in such a quiet way.. lets you know he respects you and loves you dearly! -Kayla
Thank you, Kayla, for being such a faithful friend to me. Not only do I count you as a true friend and sister, you are one of my heroes. I have had the privilege of watching your family grow in the Lord too! I too cherish every moment, every prayer, every phone call, every gift of your time to us. God always knew what I needed and when I needed it!
Tina... Knowing Jesus is such a wonderful reason to become dear friends with you... I am glad God gave me you when HE did.. our boys growing up together.. coming to know Christ.. the attitude adjustments.. even within our own hearts as we try and discern what God was doing with them.. and then see how God works it all out. Of course I cannot leave out ms. Priss...otherwise known as KAT.. lol.. she was almost 1 when I met her.. that girl.. she practiced then for singing. but it wasn't as lovely then to the ears. as it is now..... screaming .. to endure it .. then to rejoice in what God has done for her through the years.. and now. I cannot put prices on friendships.. but I know that a friend loveth at all times.. all the times I was down and needed a different friend..you'd send notes.. I cherish them still.. and your friendship.. I love to see God's progress in YOU!.. and I will not forget your sweet husband.. that in such a quiet way.. lets you know he respects you and loves you dearly! -Kayla
Thank you, Kayla, for being such a faithful friend to me. Not only do I count you as a true friend and sister, you are one of my heroes. I have had the privilege of watching your family grow in the Lord too! I too cherish every moment, every prayer, every phone call, every gift of your time to us. God always knew what I needed and when I needed it!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Fear and Faith
Last week I taught my Sunday School girls on "fear" from the life of David, this week we are discussing "faith" also from the life of David. I have always known that you learn by teaching because obviously you have to study to teach....as I am studying these two things and connecting them in my own heart (in order to connect them for the girls), God is convicting me of how guilty I am. I have lived so much of my life in fear and have failed so much of the time to live in faith.Todd is such a good guy, and he has been really good for Katie, but I have had the hardest time giving my heart away this round. Jumping in has always been so easy for me. Being hurt, struggling with the situations of my own life, and then there is my family, my kids, and extended family members..giving and being taken advantage of....that being "used" feeling which always shuts me down... all of that has left "fear" in its wake.
Todd took Kat out for her birthday Friday night. (I took the first picture I have taken of them, because I was hesitating accepting them as a couple) I was good up until I had calculated about when the dinner and movie should be done, and she wasn't home yet. Fear crept in and panic started to bubble up to the service. Instincts said "text" and find out where she is, but reason said "be patient." I prayed instead for their safety, and she of course returned home safe and sound. Some areas of my life are incredibly difficult for me to let go and let God-my kids are way at the top of that list. They are all grown now, but it isn't any easier not to "fear," for them, even though I know God's got this. "Faith" believing in the promises of God's Word that I have yet to see. What kind of faith is it when I have to see to believe? It isn't of course. Praying.....and trying to trust...
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Friday, October 10, 2008
Mission Accomplished
The coulottes were certainly a success...in that we finished them on time, and most of them fit. Of all that we sewed, only three pairs need to be redone! That was such a blessing and a testimony that God was in that. No way could we have done that on our own!
It was a week of Spiritual battes though. I struggled with where Kat is in her life, and once again I was faced with the reality that people seek their own, not the welfare of others. It seems as if everywhere I turn, I have to deal with that reality...has it always been that way, or is it a testimony of the sin sick world we live in!? I keep trying to keep my feet under me, because I know with every Spiritual victory, a mountain, there is also a valley. I hit the valley way sooner than I was prepared for. I was on such a high from the week before, all the opportunities God had opened for us to share and give to someone else, not the giving so much, but the amazing truth that you can't outgive God that was also being showered on us. Then I hit the point where I needed someone to commit to me just because they cared, and I was once again disappointed. Doing something out of love and doing something out of obligation are not the same thing. That truth goes beyond physical life, and challenges my heart to serve my Lord and others not because I have to or am obligated, but because Jesus love me, and I love Him. It sure seems like it would get easier to remember that, but being a "Martha" hinders me when I so want to be a "Mary."
I am so thankful for my husband. He is indeed a covering for me. He holds me when I cry, listens to me when I am unreasonable, brings balance into my life, and lightens my burdens. How God must have known when He gave him to me, and how I need to listen to him so much more than I do.
It was a week of Spiritual battes though. I struggled with where Kat is in her life, and once again I was faced with the reality that people seek their own, not the welfare of others. It seems as if everywhere I turn, I have to deal with that reality...has it always been that way, or is it a testimony of the sin sick world we live in!? I keep trying to keep my feet under me, because I know with every Spiritual victory, a mountain, there is also a valley. I hit the valley way sooner than I was prepared for. I was on such a high from the week before, all the opportunities God had opened for us to share and give to someone else, not the giving so much, but the amazing truth that you can't outgive God that was also being showered on us. Then I hit the point where I needed someone to commit to me just because they cared, and I was once again disappointed. Doing something out of love and doing something out of obligation are not the same thing. That truth goes beyond physical life, and challenges my heart to serve my Lord and others not because I have to or am obligated, but because Jesus love me, and I love Him. It sure seems like it would get easier to remember that, but being a "Martha" hinders me when I so want to be a "Mary."
I am so thankful for my husband. He is indeed a covering for me. He holds me when I cry, listens to me when I am unreasonable, brings balance into my life, and lightens my burdens. How God must have known when He gave him to me, and how I need to listen to him so much more than I do.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Sewing Fever
It is funny how just walking into a fabric store gets the juices flowing! I haven't sewn anything since January, but I have sure been thinking about it. I start musing over craft patterns, curtain ideas, all the variety of fabrics...and then...reality kicks in again...don't really have time for that right now! It is hard enough maintaining the house and getting done what needs to be done without adding another thing!
We started sewing coulottes this week, Tuesday to be exact. Before I cut a single piece of fabric, I had devotions and prayed...then I took a deep breath. I knew I was in for a very long week...sewing 17+ coulottes, having to work, keep up the house, and etc...was not going to be an easy task. The week started with a battle in my own heart-sometimes God has to remind me that just because He burdens my heart about something, doesn't mean everyone has the same concern or burden. I get so frustrated with that! Another Spiritual battle-lack of commitment in people. I was praying about that and as always God opens my eyes to my own life and reveals where I am weak. It sure is easy to look faithful and look committed, but the heart??? A whole other issue...my heart isn't always pure, and I am not always faithful in my heart where it matters the most since God doesn't see like man sees. God has so been working in my heart through a study I am doing on grace, people He is bringing into my life, and just these circumstances of my life.
Sewing....back to the subject. Dived in on Tuesday, and amazingly enough had five pair half way put together in 3 hours. Worked Tuesday night and Wed. morning. Wed. morning, finished one pair completely, cut and sewed part way 3 more. I took that set up to SCA to try them on. With one exception-they were a nearly perfect fit! That has never happened! That is God's hand in answer to prayer and these girls' needs! Still praying...still have lots more to go....and I am feeling the stress in my shoulders and hands. I not only need God to guide my hand, but I need Him to hold back the arthritis in my aging hands long enough for me to complete this task! It is certainly going to be a testimony of His power and His grace...and I LOVE it when He does that!
We started sewing coulottes this week, Tuesday to be exact. Before I cut a single piece of fabric, I had devotions and prayed...then I took a deep breath. I knew I was in for a very long week...sewing 17+ coulottes, having to work, keep up the house, and etc...was not going to be an easy task. The week started with a battle in my own heart-sometimes God has to remind me that just because He burdens my heart about something, doesn't mean everyone has the same concern or burden. I get so frustrated with that! Another Spiritual battle-lack of commitment in people. I was praying about that and as always God opens my eyes to my own life and reveals where I am weak. It sure is easy to look faithful and look committed, but the heart??? A whole other issue...my heart isn't always pure, and I am not always faithful in my heart where it matters the most since God doesn't see like man sees. God has so been working in my heart through a study I am doing on grace, people He is bringing into my life, and just these circumstances of my life.
Sewing....back to the subject. Dived in on Tuesday, and amazingly enough had five pair half way put together in 3 hours. Worked Tuesday night and Wed. morning. Wed. morning, finished one pair completely, cut and sewed part way 3 more. I took that set up to SCA to try them on. With one exception-they were a nearly perfect fit! That has never happened! That is God's hand in answer to prayer and these girls' needs! Still praying...still have lots more to go....and I am feeling the stress in my shoulders and hands. I not only need God to guide my hand, but I need Him to hold back the arthritis in my aging hands long enough for me to complete this task! It is certainly going to be a testimony of His power and His grace...and I LOVE it when He does that!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
