Modesty

Modesty is something I feel very strongly about. Jules at Everyday Mommy has started an online petition to get retailers to offer girls more modest clothing. She said, "Many retailers, marketing and PR firms review mommy blogs for trends and opinions. If we speak as one we may be able to effect change. " Just looking at what is available today for little girls is appalling. Some might think the shorts with writing across the rear end is "cute," but it just invites someone to look. The same goes for the t-shirts with "Drama Queen", "Sassy", "Man Eater" and the like emblazened across the chest. It saddens me that as my son gets older he can/will be taunted, even at church, by what some women and girls choose to wear. What's the mother of a boy supposed to do when girls dress immodestly, even at church?

Modesty is not just an issue for moms and dads of little girls. It's an issue for everyone. I do not have a daughter (I may or may not ever have one), but I am raising one little boy to be a man of God, so I wholeheartedly support this mission statement:

Moms & Dads for Modesty Mission Statement

• As a Mom or Dad for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.
• I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.
• I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
• I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
• I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.

I encourage you to head over to Everyday Mommy, read her post, and "sign" your support as well.

Here are what a few others are saying on the issue. I encourage you to read their thoughts as well, since they are mothers of little girls:

Shannon
Rabbit
Lindsey, Part One, Part Two

New Creation

I've been tinkering with my template.

It's taken me forever to learn how to do even these small things.

Meme Day

I've been tagged for two memes and since Caleb actually slept last night, I have a brain to think about them!

Heather tagged me for this weird meme. I have to list 5 weird things about myself. Shouldn't be too hard since I'm pretty weird (most people just don't know it, though. I keep it hidden!). Hubby will fully attest to this fact.

1. My favorite number is 5, so you can imagine my delight when my son was due on the 25th (5x5) of September, 2005. Oh, the joys! (He was born on the 19th, but at least the year is still a multiple of 5.) Hubby says I should have been a math major because I'm a little neurotic about numbers. Which leads me to...

2. My second favorite number is 2. When I was little, I would count telephone poles (and other things) in the car in multiples of 2. Or 5. Loads of fun. I got really upset when I ran out of telephone poles on a odd number. 5 is the only odd number I like.

3. I must have chapstick at all times. I put it on multiples times an hour. I cannot stand for my lips to be dry. If I can't find any, beware! I usually have them everywhere...the bathroom, my bedside table, in the car, in my purse, in the kitchen...you get the idea. My favorite kind is Burt's Bees, but if I'm desperate I will settle for other, lesser brands.

4. I cannot wear shoes in the house. It feels wrong. And weird.

5. I count by 2's, 3's, or 4's on my fingers all the time. I start with the thumb and go 1, 2 (thumb, forefinger)...1,2 (middle finger, 4th finger)...1,2 (pinky, thumb)...and so on until the pinky is the end of the 2, 3 or 4 set. Did you know that if you count (using one hand) by 2's, 3's, or 4's on your fingers until the pinky is the last in the set, you will have done 5 sets no matter how many you're counting at once (5 sets of 2, 3 or 4)? Weird, I know. I probably just lost some readers with that last one. I'm too weird! :-)

For more random/weird things about me, see this post.

Melissa also tagged me for the Pizza Box Meme. No idea why it's called that, but here goes:

What was your favorite thing about being a kid?
I would have to say living across the street from my grandparents. We lived out in the country (sort of) on 4 acres. Our house sat across the "street" from my grandparents. It was great growing up so close to them.

What was your favorite subject in school?
I'd have to go with English on this one. I was always pretty good at it in school, even though I really didn't put much effort into writing papers or reading the books we were assigned (but still managed to pull out an A). In college, my favorite class was US Government. It changed the course of my studies (mostly because the professor I had was an amazing teacher...hard to find in college professors sometimes). I changed my major to Political Science and got my teaching certificate in Government and English. I later taught high school English for 3 years (mostly because if you teach Government, they want you to teach Economics, also, and that would have been BAD for everyone involved!! I love numbers, but NOT statistics or graphs or anything of the sort.)

Who was your best friend when you were 10?
Janie Chapman. We were in the same class in 1st grade and 3rd grade. Our moms were really close, too, so we spent a lot of time together. Once we pretended to run away. We packed a bag and headed into her neighbor's backyard. No one missed us. We probably got hungry and decided to go home!

If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I really wouldn't like to be an animal at all, but I'll play along. I would probably say one of my dogs. They are spoiled rotten.

What would you change about your school, occupation, life right now?
I wouldn't change a thing. I have a great marriage, I am able to stay home with our son, and my husband works really hard for that to happen. Ok, I'd have hubby home more. That's it!

What is your favorite color?
Blue. Pretty much any shade of blue, but usually the darker ones. Navy. Royal. I heart blue.

What's your favorite type of crust and topping on a pizza?
Canadian bacon and pineapple on deep dish. So healthy, I know! But if we're ordering from Mr. Gatti's, then it's hamburger on hand tossed.

I'm tagging anyone who hasn't done these two memes and wants to. Don't let me be the only weird one out there!!

Studying His Word

The Rabbit is hosting a weekly Bible study starting September 15. I can't wait to learn how to study God's Word more in depth. The more I learn about His Word, the more rich and relevant to my life it becomes.

Debi was talking about structure on Monday, and I definitely could use more of that in my study time. Consider joining us, won't you?

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
~Psalm 119:9-16

Coffee, anyone?

Shalee and Melissa wanted to know, so here it is.

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Come Back, Jesus

Have you seen the guy from Puerto Rico who claims he's Jesus, reincarnated? Seriously, he says he is the second coming of Jesus. I saw him and his followers on the news this morning. It's pretty scary, actually.

I don't think Jesus will have to have rallies for support and appear on television to let people know when He comes back. I think we'll just know.

Oh, and just so you know, the guy from Puerto Rico says sin doesn't exist anymore and neither does the devil. Ok. Good to know. I don't think I'll take my chances with that, though.

Scary, I tell you.

Advice

Before hubby and I married, we met with several older couples at the church we were attending. We wanted a "seasoned" perspective and good Godly advice.

One of the best pieces of advice we received was this: at the end of the first year of marriage (or the 34th year!), both of us should have a hole in our bottom lip from biting it when we want to say something that's best left unsaid.

We are not always good at this (me, mostly), but it has helped a great deal in our marriage. We have seen too many couples tear each other down with their words. You can always apologize and ask forgiveness, but can never take back the hurtful things you said.

"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." ~James 3:5

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." ~Ephesians 4:29

Sometimes

...things don't come out of hubby's mouth quite like he had planned. We laugh about this often (as we laugh about my silly quirks, too).

I wasn't exactly laughing last Thursday at what he said, at least not at first. Thursday, as you know, we celebrated our 4th anniversary. We were getting ready for bed that night talking about how we can't believe it's been 4 years and how much has changed since that day. Hubby says, "Well, 4 down, 34 to go."

Huh?

34?

What does he mean by that? I won't even be 65 years old by then.

He said he just picked a random number. I'd say so.

I said next time you decide to pick a random number to romanticize about the years we will spend together in this life, it should be over 50.

This is when the "I love all of you" part of our vows is appropriate. :-)

The Wedding Day--4 Years Later

Happy Anniversary, Babe!

On this day 4 years ago we stood before our family and friends and pledged our lives to one another. Our vows were very special, compiled by us, and still are true today.

What I said then is even more true now:

J, today I give myself to you in marriage
God has prepared me to be your wife,
And I think Him for the blessing of you.
With Christ as my example, I will encourage, comfort,
strengthen, and serve you with patience and love.
I promise to always put my heart and effort
into the continued growth of our relationship.
I promise to be faithful to you always, to hold you up in prayer,
to honor God's guidance in our lives,
to always be open and honest with you
and to cherish you as my husband as long as God gives us life together.
I love you, all of you, now and always.

These vows are not always easy to follow through with; my patience in serving my husband has certainly not always been present, encouragment is sometimes far from my lips, and I don't pray for him as much as I need to. But these words are my goal.

Babe, God blessed me beyond my wildest dreams when He brought you into my life. I never knew a love like this was possible, and I stand in awe at His care for us and His infinite wisdom.

I love you, all of you, now and always.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Our Story, Part Three

So, it's February of 2002 and life is great with future hubby. He's finishing graduate school and I'm finishing my senior year of undergrad (I took 2 semesters off to go to Thailand).

We talked about getting married A LOT those days. Once you know you want to marry someone, it's hard to go on with life and wait for that magical day down the road to finally get here. :-)

So, on February 20, 2002, we were sitting in my apartment in Bryan, TX and I asked future hubby, "Have you talked to your mom about us getting married?" "No" was his reply.

WHAT?!?!? I could not believe my ears. You must know that future hubby adores his mother and respects her opinion a great deal. The fact that he had not even discussed us getting married with her floored me and angered me to no end. I thought if I really meant anything to him, he would have at least discussed the matter with his mother. I think I said as much to him

Well, I was mad. I had to take him up to campus for a meeting and would pick him up after church (it was Wednesday night). Well, I didn't go to church that night because I was so furious with him for not caring enough about me to talk to his mother about our plans, so I went to dinner with my sister instead and complained about this situation the whole time. I was quite a joy to be around, let me tell you (actually, she'll probably tell you in the comments on this post!). At one point during dinner she said, "well, if he's not going to propose, why don't you just break up with him?" What? How could she say such a thing? I just wanted to complain, I wasn't actually going to do anything about it.

So, I wait until time to pick him up and drive to where we were supposed to meet. Well, he doesn't show up. (You can imagine that I'm a little peeved by now!) Instead, a mutual friend pulls up beside my car and said he saw future hubby on campus and he said I was supposed to meet him at the Systems Building. What? That's weird, but okay.

So, I drive all the way across campus. This seems a little weird to me and I start to get suspicious that he's up to something. I parked my car because I didn't see him right away. I get out and still can't find him. I walk to the front of the building and see a candle lit on the steps of the building. Then it hits me. He's proposing tonight. OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!

I walk up to the steps and see a note beside the candle. It read, "This candle represents our past." Halfway up the stairs is another candle with a note that read, "This candle represents our present." At the top of the staircase was a third candle and note..."This candle represents our future." And out comes future hubby carrying a dozen yellow roses (my favorite!). I think I start crying now (or maybe I was crying beforehand, I don't remember). He gets down on his knee and asks me to marry him. I say yes (obviously). :-)

And do you know the first thing he says to me? "Yes, I've talked to my mother." And I say, "I was so mad at you." He says, "I know." (It was pretty obvious!)

That stinker. He had even gone the week before to my hometown and talked to my parents without my knowledge. How could I not love him?
(I'm trying to post a picture of the building he proposecd at, but Blogger isn't letting me. I'll try again later.)

Stay tuned tomorrow for an anniversary tribute to hubby.

(oh yeah, the friend who pulled up beside my car was supposed to catch me at church to relay the message about the new meeting place so it wouldn't be so obviously planned, but I didn't go to church. serves me right.)

Our Story, Part Two

(sorry to leave you hanging on that last one...here's the next installment)

After our time at the children's home, I began to see this guy (future hubby) in a different light. I had never thought about him in that way before, but God was working something out. I confided in my friend, Lisa, who said she had noticed that he and I always seemed to find our way to one another in a crowd. I just wanted to be wherever he was.

One night in February, future hubby broke his finger playing basketball. Lisa and I were supposed to hang out with him that night, but Lisa got sick (really, she did!) and I offered to cook him dinner since he didn't have full use of his hands to do so for himself (a lame excuse, I know). We had a great time talking and hanging out and after that we just started hanging out all the time, exclusively. We never had the DTR (defining the relationship) talk, but one day at my house he suggested that we pray because he "wanted to start our relationship out on the right note." Hmmm...I thought to myself, so this really is a relationship. Good to know. :-)

Now, you must know that all this time I was preparing to return overseas for 6 months to be a missionary intern in Thailand. We knew going into this relationship that I was leaving in June, which is why future hubby told himself not to date me.

We were inseparable for the next several months. I had found the guy who fit all the items on my list, and now I was about to move around the world when we were really getting to know each other.

Getting on that plane was hard, but not as hard as the next 6 months would prove to be. We talked on the phone occasioanally and emailed incessantly, but when you are living two completely separate lives in two completely separate worlds, there is going to be a lot of disconnect. One of the missionaries confided in me a few months into it that he was worried about my transition back into life with future hubby. I quickly dismissed his worry because I was a lot more concerned about living with my sister upon my return to the States (we haven't always gotten along so well, especially when we live under the same roof! Love ya, Sis!). I thought it would be an easy transition back into life with a man I knew I wanted to marry (and had known since before I left...he's THAT wonderful!!).

I was wrong to be so confident (read: arrogant).

I returned home, after what is really considered a very short time, to find my feelings about everything had changed. I had learned so much and grown so much that I didn't know what to do with myself. I found myself longing to be back in Thailand where I felt "normal." I surely didn't know what to do with this guy who wanted my attention, and I just started getting really annoyed. I was staying at my parent's house since it was the Christmas holidays and future hubby was there as well. You could probably cut the tension in that house with a knife. One morning early, future hubby left to go back to his college apartment about an hour and a half away. I had a lot of things to sort out, and I was supposed to be going with him to visit his family in New Mexico in a couple of weeks.

Long story short, it took a little time to adjust to life here again. Once my foggy head cleared and I had time to sort through lots of emotions, I knew what I had always known...I loved future hubby and wanted to marry him (after all, I had had a wedding gown made while I was in Thailand. Think I was jumping the gun a little on that one???).

So, we were back to normal and had plans to marry in August of that year. Now, he just had to propose. :-)

To see why I was mad at future hubby the day he proposed, stay tuned for Part Three of Our Story.

Our Story, Part One

In February of 2000, at age 21 and after recently ending a 3-year relationship, I sat down with my journal and decided to make a list of what I wanted in a husband. I was confused. I had sort of lost myself in the last 3 years and didn't have a clear idea of what the kind of man I wanted to marry would look like.

Here was my list (2/5/00):

The Man I Want To Marry Must:
-Love God above all things (or strive to)
-Pray with me
-Pray for me
-Talk to me
-Be my best friend
-Help me grow spiritually and want me to help him on his walk as well
-Be able to be the Christian leader of our home (I must trust that he will make decisions based on prayer and what God wants for our lives)
-Love children
-Hold me accountable
-Encourage others
-Be loving and sincere
-Make me want to be a better person
-Want to live his life as an example to others
-Strive to be more Christ-like

Staggering, huh? I didn't show this list to anyone; I just kept it hidden away until I found "him." There were many people I wanted to fit into this mold over the next year or so, and I kept telling myself that being single, for the time, was a good thing for me, but I did NOT like it! Didn't God know I was about to graduate from college and that my plan for my life included marrying soon after that??? I was beginning to think He had his own agenda (imagine that!).

In May of 2000, I went on a 7-week overseas mission trip to SE Asia. This is when I met the man I would marry 2 years later. But we were not interested in each other at the time! He sat behind me for months during our singing practice each week and I NEVER once spoke to him or even knew who he was. Well, it was on that trip that we met and formed a mutual respect for one another. I saw so many qualities in him that were admirable. He was so kind and always willing to put others needs above his own (he would definitely disagree with this, but this is what I saw).

We returned from the trip and life as usual, but in January of the next year, we ended up going on a week-long trip to the same children's home and things began to change...(at least for me!)

Home Again

Caleb and I are home again. It's time to catch up on housework and your blogs, of course. :-)

Coming later this week..."Our Story"--as hubby and I approach our anniversary later this week, the story of us will be presented here, including why I was angry with him the day he proposed (BEFORE he proposed, not after!!).

See you soon.

Sister's Blog

My sister has finally updated her baby blog! She's now 13 weeks pregnant and is finally showing.
Go see how beautiful she looks at Awaiting a Miracle.

I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOO excited I'll be an aunt!!!

Praising God

Thank you for all your prayers for Dad's surgery. It went better than expected! The damage was minimal and the doctor was able to find out why the cyst came back after only 4 years (Dad's ear drum had folded in on itself, creating a pocket of fluid...or something like that!). He is home now and trying to take it easy.

I prayed for Dad the morning of his surgery 1) that the damage would be less than they expected, 2) that his hearing would be better than it was before, and 3) that they wouldn't have to do the radical procedure they had discussed. God answered all of these prayers. Dad says he feels like his hearing is better already, even though he has tons of packing in his ear! Praise the Lord!!

Caleb wasn't too sure who Dad was with that huge bandage on his head. He didn't want to have anything to do with him, but once the bandage was taken off, Caleb practically leapt into his arms. He was glad to have his Poppa back!

There are lots of restrictions on what Dad can do for the next 4 weeks (no bending at the waist, no lifting anything over 25 lbs, no driving for at least a week, etc.), but he'll be well taken care of here at home.

Nana will be coming home tomorrow from the hospital and will not be able to be left alone since she cannot get out of a chair by herself. Mom's not exactly sure how it will work out since she has to work 2 days a week, but we know God will provide a way.

Thank you again for praying for my family. God is so faithful to us.

"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God." ~Psalm 40:3 

So Far

Things are going pretty well so far here at my parent's house. Thank you all for your prayers; they are needed and very much appreciated.

My Nana is doing well in the hospital. She is getting stronger and they are working on getting her right foot stabilized (it "dropped" after her surgery due to a pinched nerve). This is hard for her, mentally, because her right foot was her good one and she is frustrated with her lack of progress. She still is having trouble lifting herself out of a chair to a standing position. I think she will come home on Tuesday, but I guess that depends on her progress over the next few days.

My dad is scheduled to be at the hospital at 7am on Monday, so we'll be dividing out time between there and the hospital where my Nana is staying. They expect Dad to be in surgery no fewer than 4 hours, all depending on how much work they have to do once they get in there.

We would be honored to have your prayers for healing, recovery, and patience for the whole family.

Blessings.

*UPDATED* We're Back...for now

We have returned from northern New Mexico where we were visiting hubby's parents. It was WONDERFUL!!! Thank you all for your prayers for our plane trip--it went much better than expected!

The weather in New Mexico was incredible--60s and 70s with 40% humidity or less! It still amazes me that there are people who can live in houses without air conditioners and survive. Leaving the windows open day and night is actually pleasant. Incredible. If we tried to do that here in SE Texas, we would suffocate from all the humidity. It was a nice break from the day-to-day here. We spent quite a bit of time outdoors, which we don't do too much lately due to the heat and humidity. I'll try to post some pics of our trip later.

Things in my family are quite stressful right now. My maternal grandmother (who lives with my parents) had hip replacement surgery last Monday (the 24th). It has been a rough week now, as she is just beginning to walk again. She had to be given two units of blood in the middle of last week because her counts were too low and now she is suffering from some nerve issues in her ankle due to a pinched nerve around her knee area. My mom has been spending days and nights at the hospital, and since my dad works out of state in Mississippi, she's been bearing the burden pretty much on her own (with help from friends and family, of course).

My dad is returning from MS on Thursday because he will have major ear surgery on Monday to remove a cyst in his ear that has grown back. **The cyst is called cholesteatoma, which "occurs because of poor eustachian tube function as well as infection in the middle ear." It is the type that eats away at what is around it as it grows. My dad had several sets of tubes in his ears when he was a child and this can be caused from complications with those tubes. You can read more here if you like.** In his last surgery, he had to have an artificial hearing bone put in. I know he is nervous about the procedure because it is VERY painful for quite a long time afterward. (I'll spare you the gruesome details)

My grandmother will not be released from the hospital until next Tuesday (what they said this morning, anyway). My dad will have surgery on Monday at a different hospital. You can see why my mom is dealing with some stress.

So, probably tomorrow Caleb and I will be heading to my parent's house to try and help out as much as possible. Two people recovering from surgery and a 10-month-old in the same house should be very interesting!

If you remember, could you say a prayer for my family? With so much going on at once, emotions run high. Patience is probably not the virtue any of us is known for, so we need a supernatural measure of that!

If you don't see me for a while, it's because I'm knee-deep in cooking, cleaning, and taking care of my family (extended and immediate).

Oh, and did I mention that my paternal grandmother, who lives about 5 miles from my parents, just found out she has Rheumatoid Arthritis and will have surgery on both of her feet in the next couple of weeks as well? When it rains, it pours!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
~Psalm 91:1

My Home

It's time for the Blog Tour of Homes hosted by BooMama...so here's your personal tour.

First, Welcome!

Here's where I do my blogging. I decided not to clean up my desk for y'all. No offense. I'm just being real. This is what it really looks like most of the time. I really hate filing. I love a clean desk, but just can't keep up with all the paper coming into this house!


Our family room...this is where we spend most of our time. The toys are the new decor!


Where meals are made. Again, real. Between cooking and eating, the kitchen is hardly ever spotless. I'm okay with that!


Our master bedroom. That black chair is my new quiet time spot. I love it. The basket beside it has my Bible, devotional books, journals, notebook paper, and anything else I might like to have while I'm studying The Word.

We are so thankful to God for this humble abode. We love to have guests and try as much as possible to use our house to bless others. God has been so good to us!

Thanks for stopping by! You're always welcome here (my blog and my house, if you know how to find it!).

Wow

I'm supposed to be finishing packing and getting things ready to leave, but I saw this article referenced at MommyLife and after reading it I couldn't walk away from the computer without saying something. It makes me sad that some women feel this way about their children:

"And yet many women have spent years studying and then working so that we would not have to do a job as menial as full-time motherhood. I consider spending up to 30 hours a week sitting behind the wheel of a 4x4, dropping children off at play centres or school, to be a less-than-satisfactory reward for all those years of sweat." ~Helen Kirwan-Taylor

Wow. Motherhood is hard, as any mom will tell you, but menial? I think not.

Lord, help me to always find joy in the little things of motherhood. My child is a precious gift from You. May I never see this incredible responsibility you've given me as menial, for raising Godly children is the most important job I will ever have. Thank you for the blessing of Caleb. Forgive me for the times I have been frustrated with him and the work you have given me.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Today's the day. We're taking Caleb on a plane for the first time. I think we're about as prepared as we can be, but now we have the weather to contend with. It's been raining A LOT here lately and we're hoping it won't be a factor later today when we take off. My sister flew out of here on Monday and was stuck on the runway for 2 hours waiting for the storm to pass. That's pretty much the worst case scenario for us with a baby on board! We know God will take care of us!

Thanks again to everyone for the advice on what and how to pack. It really helped me formulate a plan. Now we just need a plan for getting all the stuff (3 suitcases, car seat, stroller, 2 back packs, and a baby) from the car into the airport! :-)



I'll be participating in the Blog Tour of Homes on Friday, so be sure to come back. I hope you all will participate, too so we can see how God has blessed you through your living space.

If you didn't see the post below this one about encouraging a sweet girl whose husband is being deployed to Iraq, go read it and consider sending her a note.

Have a great day in the Lord!

"You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever."
~Psalm 118:28-29

Sending Encouragement

Joy over at Joy in the Journey has asked us to send "a real, touchable, keepable, snail mail letter" of encouragement to a friend whose husband will be deployed to Iraq soon. Jennifer (aka Mississippi Girl) will be a single mom while her husband is away and could really use encouragement and lots of prayer during this difficult time. Please go read this post by Joy and consider encouraging a sister in the Lord.

I was praying for Jennifer this morning and asking God what verses I could use to lift her up. This is what came to my mind:

Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
~Psalm 61:1-4

Thank you, Lord, that your body of believers reaches around the world.

Wisdom

I read Proverbs 18 yesterday morning and several things stood out to me. All are things that I have struggled with...

2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in airing his own opinions.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

13 He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame.

These Proverbs spoke to me. I often struggle with pride and wanting to be heard.

My prayer is found in verse 10 of Proverbs 18...that I would call on the name of the Lord and He would be my shelter:

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

WFMW-Shoe Organizer

This idea is nothing new, but it sure Works for Me!

I just put a shoe organizer on my closet door, located right next to my bathroom sink, to hold all my "stuff"--hair dryer, hair spray, lotion, medicine, face cleanser, makeup, sunscreen, etc. I am the queen of disorganization and my bathroom countertop can get cluttered in a matter of seconds. Putting everything under the sink for some reason doesn't work well for me. Having everything organized, accessible, and in plain sight (when I want it to be seen) works GREAT for me!

My bathroom counter is free of clutter!

See Shannon's blog for more great ideas!

Tour of Homes and Nerds

BooMama is hosting a "Bloggy Tour of Homes" on Friday, July 28. I can wait to see how my blogging friends have made a house a home. It should be lots of fun! See BooMama's site for all the details.


My best friend, who now lives in Alaska, is coming to visit on Thursday. I can hardly contain my excitement! I'll try to get a good picture of us to post.

In other news...
When I saw this quiz, "How Nerdy Are You?," at The Tate School, I had to take it. I'm married to an engineer, a self-proclaimed nerd. His grades in school were insanely high, whereas mine were average. I love that he is so smart and like to tease him about being a nerd. When I took the test, I scored so low they said I'm probably cool. I don't know about that--I just don't remember many elements from the Periodic Table and never did homework on Fridays! It also says I despise nerds, but that's not true, I LOVE mine! :-)



By the way, hubby scored a 52--Somewhat Nerdy.


"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17

Date Night

(Updated to add: this is the concert we're going to. I'm so excited to hear these awesome Christian bands!)

Hubby and I are finally getting a whole evening to ourselves! (Well, I guess we're really spending it with thousands of other people, but whatever.) This Saturday evening we're going to a concert and leaving Caleb in the capable hands of a delightful college-aged girl from church. We are so excited and need some couple time.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon playing board games. It was great fun--no stress and no money spent. Can't beat it!

Fat

That's how I feel these days. (This is not a plea for compliments and please don't send me Scriptures about how beauty is on the inside. I know them already and I really believe them. This is only a post about my laziness.)

I'm lazy when it comes to excercising. I eat like I'm still in high school and playing volleyball, marching in the band, and cheerleading all at the same time. I had high metabolism. Before I had thryroid problems. Before I had a baby.

You see the problem.

Mel over at The Amazing Shrinking Mom has helped encourage me to eat less brownies and move more. I can do it. So can you. Go check her out. She's been there and she's already lost almost 30 pounds since Easter. Amazing. Shrinking. Mom. :-)

A Mother's Ministry

(If you have ever flown with a baby, please go to my other blog and leave your much-needed advice! Thanks.)

I've been reading A Mother's Heart: A look at values, vision, and character for the Christian mother by Jean Fleming at the suggestion of Ann. I found my copy for $1.50...what a deal!

"It is easy to feel frustrated by the seemingly conflicting demands of children and ministry to those outside the home. Reaching the world for Christ with a toddler hanging on your skirts isn't easy...Much of this frustration can be eased when we realize the family is an important part of God's strategy for propagating the faith and redeeming a people for Himself."

"[T]here is no more natural way for a mother to influence her world for Christ than through her own children."

"Although our children should not be the total focus of our lives, if we neglect them to pursue other opportunities we may one day find we lacked a biblical vision of mothering."

Motherhood has changed me. I've noticed things about myself since I became a mother 9 1/2 months ago that I don't particularly like. I'm selfish. Really selfish. I have spent so much time focused on myself that I have missed so many of God's beautiful gifts.

Laura at Here and Now has been pondering thoughts like this herself lately, and today she wrote about how we often try to water fields all over the world but neglect the little garden right here God has planted for us. Go read the rest of her thoughts on this.

Here's part of my comment on Laura's site: "Our God is truly using this time to refine you, and you are indeed changed by Him. It hurts, doesn't it, but the result is so sweet...a life lived in closer communion with Him. I, too, have spent too much time the last 9 months mourning the loss of "my" time that I haven't fully enjoyed what God has granted me. May we never make this mistake again.

Be blessed today by watering the beautiful garden He has planted just for you."

I echo Ann's prayer for today:

"Lord, quiet time isn't relationship with You. Living with You is. So I come. Let's spend all of today together."

Go read Ann's post today about relationship with God in the midst of (crazy) family life. You'll be blessed!

"How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God...
Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere"
~Psalm 84:1-2, 10

WFMW--Prayer Calendar

We have recently decided to institute a "prayer calendar" with another family we are close to. We chose something to pray about for that family each day of the week. This is one of the most precious and valuable things we can do for one another, and it is such a blessing to be able to pray for our friends and know they are praying for us.

This is what we pray for:

Sunday--God's wisdom for parenting
Monday--husband of other family
Tuesday--my husband
Wednesday--kids of other family
Thursday--my child (& future children)
Friday--the mommies (me and other mommy)
Saturday--extended family (siblings, parents, grandparents, etc.)

Of course we pray for our own families more often, but this is a great guide for us. Our two families don't always get to spend as much time together as we'd like, so this is a great way for us to stay connected. We always let each other know if there is something specific to pray for. (Urgent needs are prayed for immediately.)

This has really helped us, maybe it will help you too!

Check out all the ofther Works for Me Wednesday ideas over at Rocks in My Dryer.

"We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." ~2 Thes. 1:12

Stained Glass

I took this picture on Sunday at my parents' church. I couldn't resist. Isn't it precious? That's my dad holding Caleb in front of one of my favorite things...a stained glass window.

"...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16

"Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell." ~Psalm 43:3

"May Stained Glass be all that remains in this place. A vaulting cathederal, a glorious gallery of stained glass, light shafts in a blackened, hushed space.
Simply the brilliance of You illuminating through the the black spaces around these words." ~Ann V., Holy Experience


Read the rest of what Ann has to say about stained glass here.  

Blogs of Beauty Awards

Sallie at A Gracious Home announced today, "It is time to begin nominations for the 2006 Blogs of Beauty Awards! These awards are given to honor women who bring the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ to the blogosphere."

I've only been blogging for about 5 months and I'm amazed at what I have learned through women I've never met! I'm submitting my nominations for women who have blessed me through their blogs by pointing me toward Jesus. Who has blessed you?

Go over to A Gracious Home to check out all the categories and submit your nominations, too.

"Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." ~Psalm 119:2

Blessing

This new banner was a gift to me by a dear fellow blogger, who wished just to bless me and not be named here. I am overwhelmed by her generosity, talent, and humility.

From way down deep in my heart, thank you.

(Isn't it beautiful??!!??)

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. ~Numbers 6:24-26

Submission

Jetty Betty has some great thoughts on submission over at her blog. She leads a Bible study at work on Tuesday and this issue came up. She's looking at God's design for marriage in preparation for discussing this tomorrow, and here are some of her thoughts from part 3 of a study on submission/marriage:

"Marriage is not all about me. I might have gotten married because I found someone that made me feel good and enjoyed the same things I did. What I have learned (and am still learning) after marriage is that God wants me to put what makes my spouse feel good, what he likes way ahead of what I want and like. Marriage is an opportunity to learn some intense lessons in serving.

God designed marriage as a part of his bigger love story of Jesus. If my response in my marriage is one of love, grace and mercy back to my spouse--I think not only will I be amazed at the wisdom of God and how I am blessed--but if another person observes--s/he should understand a little more of THE love story."

Amen!

The Amazing Shrinking Mom

Mel, The Amazing Shrinking Mom, posted this on her blog and I had to put it here too. Luckily as I was reading this I was eating cottage cheese and a peach for lunch. Whew! And to think I could have been eating Marie Callender's Herb Roasted Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Florets & Carrots (as they say, "You'd never guess that the "Complete Dinner" has 530 calories, 12 grams of saturated fat, and 1,270 mg of sodium"). YIKES!!!

Go check it out and stop by Mel's place often!

That's an order.

Everyday Things

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

Philippians 4:11

True friends are hard to come by. Those people you allow into your life and trust enough to share what's really on your heart--they are special people. It is always a blessing when I meet someone I connect with and form a lasting relationship. You know, most of my close friends over the years have been people I thought I wouldn't have much in common with. But when we share a love for Christ and a desire to raise our families to know Him, personality differences don't seem so important. We may not have everything in common, but we have the most important thing in common. We share the same goals. In Jesus, we are one.

A phone call from a good friend can make my day. When a friend lets me know what I can pray for, I am honored. Spending time with friends is a blessing.

Great friends...few or many, I am content.

I thank my God every time I remember you. ~Philippians 1:3

Thanks to Jules at Everyday Mommy for starting this great column. Head over to her place for more Everyday Things.

Works for Me Wednesday 3

My tip for "Works for Me Wednesday" is how I organize my silverware in the dishwasher. I put all the small forks in one section, small spoons in another, knives in one, big forks in another, and so on. When I unload the dishwasher, it saves a lot of time sorting silverware...each section of silverware I pull out of the dishwasher has its own section in the silverware drawer organizer. (This doesn't always work as efficiently if I've cooked several things that day and have lots of "odds and ends," but it still saves time by sorting somewhat-like things together.) Works for me!

Disclaimer: You might get the idea that I am super-organized. This is not the case. I have very few things that "work for me" and most of them I didn't not think up on my own--this one included! I am perfectly okay, however, stealing other people's organizational tips and trying to apply them to my semi-organized life! :-) Thanks to my friend Rhonda at church for this one...

Go check out all the other great tips at Shannon's blog

Longing

Mary at Owlhaven had this quote on her blog and I thought it was interesting.

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The comments were really interesting, especially PastorMac's...he won an award for it!

What do you think about the quote? How can we apply it to our everyday lives?

Let me know and then go check out what the others had to say over at Mary's.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Dad,
Growing up, I never had to wonder how much you loved me. It wasn't always because you said it, but you showed it. I know there must have been activities of mine that you missed, but I can't remember a single one. You were always there. You worked so hard to give us a wonderful life, and I am so thankful for that.

I think most of the guys I dated were scared of you :-), but that "tough guy thing" is only skin deep. (Remember when you told me I'd have to paint the whole fence by myself when I got that speeding ticket??? You didn't actually make me do it...thanks!) Inside you are one of the most tender people I know whose not afraid to be emotional about the people he loves. I know that you are proud of me because you've never been afraid to tell me. That means a lot.

To see you now in your new role as "Poppa" to Caleb is so special to me. I get to witness how excited you are when you see him and that fills my heart with joy. I promise I'll let him go fishing with you when he's older, but NO four-wheelers until he's at least 20, okay? :-) You're a big kid, Dad, and I love that about you.

God truly blessed our family by giving us a Dad like you. I'm so excited that next year you'll be Poppa to K's little one. I can't wait.

I love you, Dad. More than you know. 

Quiet

I've been quiet here in blogland for a while...at least on this blog. I've been involved in some pretty heavy discussions on other blogs about serious spiritual matters, and I feel God is leading me through and to something. I don't know what yet. I'm just trying to listen. I'm exhausted from everything that is going on in my head and I'm just asking Him to sort it all out and show me His Truth. Until then, I'm still reading blogs and commenting occasionally, but I can't seem to formulate any complete thoughts for this one.

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a croddked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." ~Philippians 2:12-18

"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!...Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne." ~Psalm 47:1-2,6-8

Is HE worth it?

6[Jesus],Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. ~Philippians 2:6-11

2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~Hebrews 12:2-3

9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. ~Hebrews 2:9-10

"Christ reached the goal (our salvation and His exaltation) through suffering. His road to greatness was a rocky one. A painful one. He knew it in advance, and yet He set His face resolutely toward the goal and accomplished it. Simply put, we were worth it to Him.

No matter how resistant we may be to the call, our road to true greatness is also the highway of humility. At times, it, too, will involve suffering, rejection, betrayal, and yes, even death--to self. The question becomes, "Is He worth is to us?" ~Beth Moore, Jesus, The One and Only (emphasis mine)

Is He worth is to me? Am I willing to humble myself, to die to my selfish desires daily--all for the sake of my call? Am I willing to put aside my pride and my self-absorption to take care of my family the way God intends? Can I climb out of the pit of self-pity when things don't go my way?

The highway of humility is painful at times.

A rocky road, indeed, made so by my "self-stuff."

But it is worth it.

However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"
~Philippians 2:9

Welcome Home

It's time to celebrate! MomRN2's little girl is coming home from the hospital!! It's been a long couple of weeks, but the Lord has answered our prayers.

Welcome home, little one...We thank God for your recovery thus far and ask His continued blessings on you as you head home. We PRAISE HIM for his faithfulness! We know you will rest much better at home in your familiar surroundings. We're SO happy for you!

More surprises await you at Carol's place!

Anyone wanting to leave a note of encouragement for this family, head over to Carol's to register your own post or leave a comment at My Quiet Corner

Answered Prayer

Well, as you can tell from reading this blog the last week or so, I've been thinking a lot about Titus 2. And God has already answered a prayer I've had.

Today I went to a Bible study at the home of a lady from our church (she and her husband are the mentor couple for our Life Group). What a blessing she is! She had arranged childcare for all of our children (7 of us, 15 kids), provided us lunch (taco salad--yummy!), and prepared an awesome intro study on the names of God. She is truly living out Titus 2 for us, and I am so thankful to God for a mentor like her.

(Oh, and apparently it's raining again, or at least I assume it is because a kid outside is yelling "Raindrops keep falling on my head" at the top of his lungs!! Too cute.)

About that article

Thanks to all of you who shared your thoughts about the article in this post. I promised you my thoughts, so here they are.

I have only recently begun to accept that my main ministry is to my family. I have always known that I wanted to stay home with any children that we were blessed to have, but seeing that as my ministry wasn't a natural thought process for me. I have learned so much in the last few months from Ann at Holy Experience and Laura at Here and Now. Ann wrote recently (May 17) that "Waves lap…wind brushes by…trees rustle and dance and wave. All of Earth sings Your praises. In rhythmic, daily constancy. Without end. Quotidian praises to You. Quotidian: occurring or returning daily. Over and over and over again. Like the work I do: cooking meals, baking bread, hanging laundry, changing diapers, sweeping dirt. Quotidian work. Like the endless waves lapping on the shore, quietly lilting its song of adoration, so we dance our quotidian dance of praise: dishes and dusting, laundry and… liturgy."

I have struggled with these new roles I find myself in. Deciding that cleaning and laundry and changing diapers is my ministry has not been easy. I love my husband and I love my son, but this list of things I do not love. Sacrifice. Worship. Quotidian work. Again, Ann encourages me with her words: "I frame this cleaning as my monastic beauty, my daily wrestle, to create, in imperfect ways, a world for these loved ones... like You created so perfectly for humanity when the world began...."

It's not easy, this ministry of mine. But I have learned to find the utter joy in it. I struggle daily with my attitude, but am learning to think of everything I do around this house for my family as worshiping my Father. He has graced me and blessed me with this family; my thanks to Him comes in the form of laundry and dishes and dusting and diapers. It blesses my family and it blesses me.

Recently I was made to feel guilty for not volunteering to participate in our church's VBS coming up in a couple of weeks. I've been begged on more than one occasion to teach that week. I never had a good feeling about it, and I put off giving an answer. I had been mulling over some things in my head and didn't want to give an answer until I was sure my guilty feelings were not just from a desire to be anywhere else that week but at the church building. Finally, I was prepared. Again, I was begged to please come and help. I know they need help, and I desperately wanted to answer that plea with a resounding, "Yes, I'll come save you and teach those precious children at VBS!" But, I just couldn't. Why? Because my son would suffer. VBS is from 9-12 for 5 days in a row. That is naptime and lunchtime for my little sweetie. One day wouldn't hurt him, but 5 days in a row of a messed-up schedule would be torture. My main ministry is to my family; everything else comes second to them.

What I first read the journal, I wasn't sure what to think. I don't agree with all the points, but am thankful to have read it and considered my ministry opportunities here at home.

I do participate in ministries at church, go to Bible study weekly away from home, and occasionally need to get out of the house or spend some time alone. I don't think these things are bad or sinful. In fact, it's a good time for some "daddy time" with Caleb without me trying to tell him how to do everything the "right" way. The vast majority of my time, though, is spent with and for my family. My attitude about everything is really what matters. If I fulfill my ministry at home begrudingly and desire more and more opportunities to be away from home, I am not heeding God's call on my life. My attitude toward serving my husband and my son are of utmost importance. God is glorified when I serve my family humbly with love. I'm still learning how to do this. Every day.

Updated to add: This turned out much longer than I expected! Thanks for reading it if you made it all the way through!

Works for Me Wednesday, Part 2

It's time for another installment of Works for Me Wednesday. Another laundry tip. I have two laundry baskets in our closet. One is white for light/white clothes. The other is blue for dark/colored clothing. The dirty clothes are put immediately into the proper basket which saves time sorting later. I just take the one that's almost full to the washing machine and start the process. Works for Me!

A Spiritual Meme

I was tagged by GiBee to do this spiritual meme made up by the oh-so-wise-beyond-her-years Heather. Here goes:

1. What is your life verse? Psalm 139. So many of my daily struggles can be answered here. "I don't like the way I look." Answer: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (v. 14) "I'm afraid." Answer: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (v. 7) "I feel invisible." Answer: "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand." (v. 17-18) "I'm not good enough, smart enough, etc." Answer: "...your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (v 14) My prayer for a long time has been v. 23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

2. Give a bit of your testimony: I was raised going to church since I was about a week old. During my growing up years, we lived across the street from my mom's parents (in the country, we were the only ones on this "street") and attended church with them. It was very conservative and legalism thrived there. When I was quite young, I could spout off the reasons why it was wrong to celebrate Christ's birthday on December 25, celebrate Easter on any specific day, use instruments to glorify God in anyway, why we shouldn't eat in the church building (actually, I couldn't have answered this one; I just knew it to be true), and why every other denomination was wrong. Now, don't get me wrong, I am so thankful that my parents raised me in a Christian home!! As I got older, I began to question why I believed some of these things and whether or not they were really that important. In my early college years, I didn't go to church unless I was at home with my parents. My junior year, I started attending a church with a friend that had the same name as the church I grew up in, but was very different! What I found here changed my life and my relationship with Christ forever. I went on a mission trip with a group of college students to SE Asia the summer after my junior year, then went back and spent 6 1/2 months working with a college student ministry in northern Thailand in 2001. I am continually growing in my faith and learning more about who God is everyday.

3. Do you have a favorite preacher? Not really. I love the preacher at our church now, though. I have learned so much through many people God has placed in my life.

4. What's the best Bible Study you've ever done? I did Beth Moore's A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place this past Spring. It was amazing!

5. What do you feel God's calling is on your life? to be a Godly wife and mother; to serve my family joyfully and with humility. (I'm with GiBee...do I win a million dollars?) :-)

And, there you have it! Thanks for tagging me GiBee. Anyone else game for this one? I would love to learn more about the spiritual side of you.

On His Knees

my son. on his knees.

That's what I saw when I went in his room earlier. There he was on his hands and knees inside his crib. This is the first time he's actually stayed like that for any length of time.

And I almost began to cry. Why? Because I want him to stay like that forever. No, I don't want him to stay a crawling baby forever. I want him to stay on his knees forever. In prayer.

Lord, help me to teach my son to get on his knees long after he learns to walk. May he see his mommy and his daddy on their knees often. In prayer. To you. For him. Our greatest desire is for him to know you and love you. Grant us the wisdom to teach this child what it means to be Yours. And may the tiny carpet burns remain as evidence that he has met You there. On his knees.

Working is Prayer

Ann's words today are priceless. You must read them. Be blessed.

Works for Me Wednesday

Shannon over at Rocks In My Dryer has a weekly column called "Works for Me Wednesday" where everyone shares tips that make life easier for them. My tip this week is homemade laundry detergent. It's easy and cheap! Works for me.

The ingredients:




The storage container:





The recipe:
1 cup grated bar soap (I use Zote Mexican laundry soap--we get it at the dollar store 3/$1)
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup washing soda (made by Arm & Hammer; in the laundry aisle)

Mix together and store in a container with a lid. Use 1 TBS per load, 2 if heavily soiled. This mixture is a fraction of the cost of store bought laundry detergent.

It's that easy!!

(I found another homemade laundry detergent I want to try here, but I need to obtain a 5 gallon bucket first.)

Homemade laundry detergent saves me money and works for me!

One Surrendered Day at a Time

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Jesus, Luke 9:23

Jesus calls us to surrender our lives to Him daily. I'm just beginning to figure out that it takes a daily commitment...committing my life over and over to Him...for it to work. When I don't, this life takes over and my mind and heart become flooded with other things. I am amazed at how I can let the things of this life, the things God has given me to do and to enjoy, take control. That's not how He designed it. That's not how it works. So many times I feel like Peter...one minute I'm focused on the things of God and the next minute I'm trying to fit my thinking and my will into His divine plan. It just doesn't work.

"Life life one surrendered day at a time. Eyes to the East. Hands to the cross. Feet to the path." ~Beth Moore

Your thoughts, please

I read this article the other day and wanted to know what you think about it. The subject is women in ministry. At first it angered me, but the more I read it and thought about it, I realize she makes some really good points. I would really like to know what you think.

Mothering From the Heart Journal

After you've read it, go here to read her explanation of why she wrote it.

I'll post my thoughts later. It's sparked some interesting discussions in my head and with others lately.

ABC's about Me

A...B...C...D...MEME!

Heather tagged me for this Meme, so here it is...

Accent: I don't think I have much of one, but those from the north might disagree! I'm from Texas, but my accent is not heavy.
Bible Book that I like: Psalms, Isaiah, Hebrews, James, 1 John, All of Paul's Epistles...I really can't narrow it down.
Chore I don't care for: Laundry
Dog or Cat: Dogs
Essential Electronics: Cell phone, computer
Favorite Cologne: for girls: Very Irresistible by Givenchy, for guys: Obsession
Gold or Silver: Gold...my wedding ring and Aggie ring are all I wear most of the time (both gold)
Handbag I Carry Most Often: Diaper Bag
Insomnia: No
Job Title: Mommy
Kids: 1 adorable baby boy--8 months old
Living Arrangement: hubby, me, baby, 2 dogs in a house in suburbia
Most Admirable Trait: Compassion
Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: I convinced my sister to climb out her window with me after bedtime (it was summer and still light outside) and run across the street and touch the fake windmill our neighbors had in their front yard. We were about 4 (me) and 2 (her).
Overnight Hospital Stays: tonsils out (age 6), appendix out (age 15), baby by c-section (age 26)...I think that's all
Phobias: people seeing me when I can't see them (blinds are closed when night falls at our house, can't stand people dressed up as animals/cartoon characters at amusement parks and other places)
Quote: "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." ~Theodore Roosevelt
Religion: I follow Christ.
Siblings: 1 sister (younger), 3 brothers-in-law (1 married to my sister, 2 my hubby's brothers)
Time I Wake Up: 6:00 or earlier thanks to the little one!
Unusual Talent or Skill: Coming up with a song (real or made up by me) for ANY occasion or moment of the day
Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Cauliflower, Asparagus
Worst Habit: Popping my knuckles
X-rays: So many...hip (fracture), feet (2 bunion surgeries), shoulder (dislocation), etc.
Yummy Stuff I Cook: King Ranch Chicken w/ extra green chile for my New Mexican hubby
Zoo Animal I Like Most: Elephant

Convicted

Last night at Bible study, I was totally convicted about "loving your enemies." I don't feel I really have enemies, so I usually think, "yeah, yeah, I know." But there is a certain someone that I don't really care for who's dating one of my family members . Ok, I really dislike this person. Mostly because of the way this person treats my family member and other family members and the lack of moral value I see in this person's life. It hurts to see my family member in a relationship with someone who doesn't value a relationship with God. I always say, "you can fall in love with a non-Christian just as soon as you can fall in love with a Christian;" we have to be smart about these things! So, it hit me last night as we were studying about Christ's words to "love your enemies" that I need to love this person. And, it needs to be sincere love, not just the fakey nice kind I've been doing so far. This is really hard! I am definitely going to have to "live beyond myself" with this one (as Beth Moore would say). It is much easier just to complain about this person's behavior and put up a good front when I have to be around this person. But, God has called me to LOVE everyone, even those who say nasty things to me, about me, in front of me, etc. Even those who hurt my family members. Even those I would rather not have to spend any amount of time with WHATSOEVER. How they act is not my concern; how I act is completely my concern. I have been called to a life of love, forgiveness, humility, self-control, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness...and so many other things that are "beyond" me. This is not easy. No one ever said it would be.

Praying for a mighty work of the Spirit on this one.

A quick thought

I'll post later on my continued study of Beth Moore's Jesus, The One and Only. It's incredible so far.

But, just a quick thought from what I studied earlier. Mary's song in Luke 1 and Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2 are quite similar. Both were praising God and rejoicing in the blessing of their children (present or soon-to-be). I had never connected these two women before, and it was interesting to me. I have admired Hannah for some time, and if we had a girl that would have been her name (and probably still will if we ever have a girl), and I love the idea of looking at these two women side by side. Both had incredible faith in God, in His Word, and in His promises. What incredible examples they are.

And, now a prayer from Stormie Omartian's A Book of Prayer...

"Lord, increase my faith. Teach me how to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Give me stregnth to stand strong on Your promises and believe Your every word. I know that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Make my faith increase every time I hear or read Your Word. Increase my faith so that I can pray in power. Help me to believe for Your promises to be fulfilled in me. I pray that the genuineness of my faith...will be glorifying to You, Lord.
If you have faith like a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." -Matthew 17:20"

"For nothing is impossible with God." ~Luke 1:37 PRAISE HIM!!!

A Song

On my other blog, I asked everyone to pray Psalm 121 for our family. Here is the chorus of "Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns that references Psalm 121. It's beautiful. Enjoy...

"I'll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm"


Click here to listen.

Blessings!

Zechariah's News

Jesus, The One and Only Day One:

"The an angel of the Lord appeared to [Zechariah], standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." ~Luke 1:11-17

Can you imagine what it would be like to know these things about your child before they are even conceived? We pray all the time that Caleb will grow up to be strong in his faith, and that we, as his parents, will be able to guide him to God. How incredible it would be to know that your child would "be great in the sight of the Lord" and "turn the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous." What a blessing for Elizabeth and Zechariah to know so much about their coming son!

What a great God we serve!

Tagged!

I was tagged by Diane to list 6 random things about myself. So, here goes...

1. I am afraid of the dark. No kidding! When the sun goes down, so do the blinds in our house.

2. I greatly dislike (read: am afraid of) people dressed up as cartoon characters, animals, etc. (like at Disney World or anywhere else.) It creeps me out. Clowns, too.

3. When hubby gets me a glass of water, he asks how many pieces of ice I want in it because I actually care how many pieces go in. Too many makes it too cold and I can't get enough water for all the ice. Too few and it's not cold enough. Neurotic, I know.

4. I taught high school for 3 years before becoming a mommy. I learned a lot, but am not sure I want to do it again. Will be praying about that when the time comes that I choose to/need to return to work. Hopefully not before our children are all in school (we only have one now, but I've decided I would like 4. Hubby's not convinced!)

5. I lived in Thailand for 6 1/2 months my last year in college with Lisa working with a college ministry. It was an incredible experience that helped to shape my faith.

6. I dated hubby (then boyfriend!) while I was gone and we were married 8 months after I returned (we don't recommend dating across the world, but it worked for us). Been happy ever since!

There you have it! Now I'm tagging Lisa, VJ, erinlo, Heather, Laura, and Mary Have fun!!

New Bible Study

Tonight some friends and I are starting another Beth Moore study, Jesus, the One and Only. I am so excited to start this study, and I need a kick in my spiritual appetite these days. I know I will be blessed by what God has to show me through this study. I'll let you all know how it goes!

Here is an excerpt about the book from Lifeway:

"In her previous books, Beth Moore has introduced her readers to David and Paul. In Jesus, the One and Only, Beth introduces them to an intimate Savior as they get a close-up and personal portrait of the life of Jesus the Messiah.

But this is far more than just a work on the life of Christ. As He has done in the past, God uses Beth's words to woo the reader into a romance with the One and Only. The reader comes to know Christ personally, watching and listening as He breaks up a funeral by raising the dead, confronts conniving religious leaders of His day, teaches on a Galilean hillside, or walks on the waves and calms the storm."

I am anxiously awaiting my time with Him.

Holiness

"How little people know who think that holiness is dull. ...When one meets the real thing, it's irresistible." ~C.S. Lewis

Oh, Lord, I desire to be more holy. May I never think that holiness is dull, but that becoming more like you is irresistible!

Thirteen Old Testament Scriptures That Bless Me! 1…. "The have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell with them." ~Exodus 25:8 2…. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your sould and with all your strength. These commandments I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." ~Deuteronomy 6:4-7 3…. "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." ~Joshua 3:5 4…. "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." ~Exodus 14:14 5…. "Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, 'What message does my Lord have for his servent?" ~Joshua 5:14b 6…. "I have prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be fiven over to the LORD." ~1 Samuel 1:27-28 7…. "...This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." ~Nehemiah 8:10b 8…. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." ~Psalm 1:1-2 9…. "But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies--make straight your way before me." ~Psalm 5:7-8 10…. "For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God. It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." ~Psalm 18:31-32 11…."Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." ~Isaiah 64:8 12…. "...And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." ~Micah 6:8 13…. "The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." ~Habakkuk 3:19 Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. aggiejenn 2. Faith 3. Heather

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!