Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12 - I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
Think about all the things we think about every day. Is that a lot of stuff? Mine sure is! Here's just a sample of my today: Get the kids dressed, we need to go faster, they need more sleep, not another breakdown, where's Josh, where did Josh go, let's get out the door, watch out for the traffic, why is Jamion fighting, why has CJ been so emotional lately, why does it have to be so cold with no snow, I need to make more labels, I don't have enough binders, I need to pick up lunch, I hope they got it right, why is Jamion fighting again, how can we help him learn to choose better, what are we going to have for dinner, is there rehearsal tonight....
So, the list can go and go because this isn't even HALF of what I've thought about today! But lets say we take all of our standard every day thoughts or even just our thoughts about one of our children, and take them to the future. We would absolutely crumble under the load of stress, worry, joy, sadness, anxiety, etc that comes with all those thoughts pouring through us. "If I start thinking about all these things at once, I will implode...I literally can't handle it...My back will break under the weight of it all."
How do we find peace in all of this? "...Peace does not come from what we believe, our doctrine. It comes from whom we believe, an almighty God.....our concerns...we take them imeediately to God's throne and we place them at His feet. And He will remain, steady and abiding, watching over and guarding what we have entrusted to Him for that day. We don't have to concern ourselves with every day, just today, and have the faith that He is on guard."
Of all the things we can think when we get to thinking, just remember that God has them all under control. We cannot control our days...what will happen, who will say what, etc. But God has it all under control. He will work out all things to the greater good.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Where to Look - Daily Devotional - December 6, 2012
Scripture: Revelation 1:7 - Look, he is coming with the clouds.
"I love the idea that the stormiest or most muddled moments of our lives are when God is most recognizable on the horizon." Do you find that God only shows up when we are going through these trials or do you find that you only look for him during those times?
"Our reaction to trials, or clouds, in life will color our children's manner of facing adversity. They will remember how we handled disappointment, how we dealt with loss, how we went about rebuilding when things fell apart...our first reaction to trouble is not to hit the panic button but to turn to God..."
We must remember that our children are sponges and they soak up EVERYTHING. If we have problems and do not seek God, we are telling our children that God is a last resort. However, if we bow before God in our hour of need, we teach them they can depend on their heavenly Father to see them through all things.
We can teach them through example that God is always with us and we can show them that sometimes we only see him when the clouds and storms roll into our lives. "They don't need to grow up with fear as a default reaction to stress; we can help them set their default to faith, not fear. After all, every difficult moment holds an opportunity to grow in trust. But first we have to be walking this walk...Do you share your coping methods with your children?"
I've learned as a foster mother that it is very important to teach your kiddos how to cope. It is very important to teach them that God is the best resource in their hour of need. We teach them to talk through the issue and then we pray about how God can use the situation. Coping is an important skill that all people need to learn.
"Footprints in the Sand"
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belongingto him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
"I love the idea that the stormiest or most muddled moments of our lives are when God is most recognizable on the horizon." Do you find that God only shows up when we are going through these trials or do you find that you only look for him during those times?
"Our reaction to trials, or clouds, in life will color our children's manner of facing adversity. They will remember how we handled disappointment, how we dealt with loss, how we went about rebuilding when things fell apart...our first reaction to trouble is not to hit the panic button but to turn to God..."
We must remember that our children are sponges and they soak up EVERYTHING. If we have problems and do not seek God, we are telling our children that God is a last resort. However, if we bow before God in our hour of need, we teach them they can depend on their heavenly Father to see them through all things.
We can teach them through example that God is always with us and we can show them that sometimes we only see him when the clouds and storms roll into our lives. "They don't need to grow up with fear as a default reaction to stress; we can help them set their default to faith, not fear. After all, every difficult moment holds an opportunity to grow in trust. But first we have to be walking this walk...Do you share your coping methods with your children?"
I've learned as a foster mother that it is very important to teach your kiddos how to cope. It is very important to teach them that God is the best resource in their hour of need. We teach them to talk through the issue and then we pray about how God can use the situation. Coping is an important skill that all people need to learn.
"Footprints in the Sand"
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belongingto him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
Monday, December 5, 2011
What Do You Want - Daily Devotional - December 5, 2011
Scripture: Mark 10:36 - "What do you want me to do for your?" [Jesus] asked.
Can you answer this question? If I asked you this question right this minute, would you be able to answer it without thinking? Do you know what you want? "Part of being emotionally healthy and mature is in knowing how to recognize our needs and how to get them filled."
Think about a child who has not yet learned how to speak...they must be frustrated! They cannot tell us how they feel, what they want, why it hurts, what happened, etc. Instead they throw tantrums, cry, scream, and throw it down to the ground. "We are exactly the same when we get out of practice, which happens when we put everyone's needs far ahead of our own. We forget the language of the heart and how to express ourselves in this way...we express our needs in other ways: withdrawing, smoldering glares, snapping, nagging, or chilly extended silence."
The next time you start to feel frustrated take a moment to remember when youre needs were fulfilled first. Remember to do a self check and ask "What do I want or need?" and be honest about your answer. If you know what you want or need, go obtain it. By first fulfilling our needs, we can be much more useful in God's plan for his kingdom.
Can you answer this question? If I asked you this question right this minute, would you be able to answer it without thinking? Do you know what you want? "Part of being emotionally healthy and mature is in knowing how to recognize our needs and how to get them filled."
Think about a child who has not yet learned how to speak...they must be frustrated! They cannot tell us how they feel, what they want, why it hurts, what happened, etc. Instead they throw tantrums, cry, scream, and throw it down to the ground. "We are exactly the same when we get out of practice, which happens when we put everyone's needs far ahead of our own. We forget the language of the heart and how to express ourselves in this way...we express our needs in other ways: withdrawing, smoldering glares, snapping, nagging, or chilly extended silence."
The next time you start to feel frustrated take a moment to remember when youre needs were fulfilled first. Remember to do a self check and ask "What do I want or need?" and be honest about your answer. If you know what you want or need, go obtain it. By first fulfilling our needs, we can be much more useful in God's plan for his kingdom.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Return of Devotionals - December 4, 2011
So, by popular demand, I am resuming the daily devotional posts with the intent of doing them daily. I initially stopped the posts because I was bed-ridden with a horrible flu/strep/stomach flu and I couldn't even find energy to haul my rear out of bed. Of course this led to Josh running the house which is NO good at all! I spent the next few months trying to regain control...and I'm still losing at that challenge!
I thought I would give a quick background on myself so anyone following the blog will know where my influences, knowledge-base, and opinions side from.
The early years of my life were spent with my Granpa and Granny McPherson 1/4 mile south of our farm house...Granny and Granpa would always make it a point to tell me about Jesus and God even though we never attended church. "Farm work always has to get done, but the Lord's work has to as well." is what they would often say. They prayed for rain, they prayed for a good crop season, they prayed for the rain to stop, they prayed for safety...they prayed. I learned all the hard work that anyone would growing up on a farm. But, I learned to trust God despite it all.
My parents divorced when I was 7. This was hard for me to handle, but I trusted God. I knew that He would bring me through. There were perks to it. My parents weren't fighting all the time and we only lived 30 minutes away. However, I think living through a divorce at a young age can make you have one of two opinions: 1) Marriages will never work. If my parents who were madly in love can't fix their problems, how will I be able to fix any my husband and I have? or 2) I will make my marriage work because I don't believe in divorce and I believe a marriage can work...especially a Christ-centered marriage.
When I was 9, I was sexually molested by a family friend throughout one summer. This happened to my cousin, a friend, and myself. I, again trusted God. (For those wondering why I didn't go to my parents, it wasn't fully that I didn't think they wouldn't believe, but it was more out of embarassment...which is what you will see of any child who goes through this.) I asked that He remove this summer from my mind as much as possible and that He just let me move on with life. God is a faithful God and I all but forgot the summer. Over time I came to forgive the man "'...for vengence is mine,' says the Lord." My cousin didn't do this and unfortunately has a very large black mark on her heart that has not left yet. I use this experience to help others who have had a similar experience or who an adult might think has had this to help them. God gave me this situation to help others and oddly, I'm thankful for it as I'm the only one in my church who works with children who can spot this type of abuse.
In 5th grade, I met my best friend, Becky, and her family. After spending time with them, I decided being baptized is where my path was leading. Through the fellowship and love of my "other" family, I grew more faithful and trusting in my relationship with God. Becky often called me a "roast beef eating Christian" as compared to those of my age who were eating "Gerber". I guess God called me to a more intellectual understanding of the scripture at an earlier time. I was also very interested in the missionary field and doing good for others...afterall, that is what Christ did while on earth.
When I went away to college (earlier than any of my friends), I was worried that I would lose God. However, I found a great church in KC (Holmeswood Baptist) where I have been attending since my first Sunday in town. With the help of great leaders like Rick and Keith, and many adult friends who showed interest in me, I have been able to keep up with God.
It was on my first Sundat at Holmeswood that I met my future husband, Josh. The story about Josh is long and somewhat arduous at times, so let's just say, we married on August 13, 2005 after knowing each other for 4 years. Josh and I decided we would not have any biological children of our own but would become foster/adoptive parents. We have had two placements since becoming foster parents last year. Our first placements (Daeon 13, Adriele 9, & Mondrea 1) lived with us for 6 weeks before being successfully reunified with their mom. We see them weekly for chuch! Our second placement is still in process and has been for over a year (Jamion 5, CJ 3, CeKariya 2, and London 1). We are currently praying about child #5. Pray for us.
So, the to sum it up: 1) I was born and bred on a farm, 2) My parents divorced when I was 7, 3) I was sexually molested when I was 9, 4) I grew up in small town America, 5) I moved to a big city, 6) Was 3rd in my high school class and 7th in my college class, 7) Have my Bachelor's of Business Administration - graduating when I was just 21, 8) Have worked in sales, marketing, and business administration all in the corporate world, 9) Love to help others, spend time with family, and travel, 10) Believe God can overcome all my minuscule things to bring me to greater glory in him.
Now, the devotional: Wounds from a Friend - December 4, 2011
Scripture: Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
So, this is a little deep. Who wants friends who are going to cause wounds? Who wants enemies that kiss? Well, the answers are we do and we don't. We all should want friends who are going to cause wounds because these are the tried and true friends who will tell it to us like it is...not the kind who will cover it over.
Take a quick survey of all your friends...young, old, new, or existing. Do you have the kin dof friends who will tell you the truth? Will they hold you accountable for your actions? Will they tell you when you're going to make a mistake and still love you when you ignore their advice? Will they tell you if you have salad in your teeth, or lipstick on them, or that you forgot to zip your pants, or that the static electricity is causing your skirt to rise? Will they go deeper when you answer, "Fine"?
If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then you've got friends who are going to cause wounds. But their wounds are not intended to tear you down, but to help build you up and heal your pain. "They will never exploit your weakness, but they won't allow it to be your excuse either. They challenge, they encourage, they love, they laugh, and they don't walk out when things get tough." These are the friends who are in it for good or bad.
In doing my evaluation, I find I only have a handful of friends that I can say this about...It's a very small handful as well. (I can't even think of 10 who have stood by me in all the things I've been through!) And yes, I've had screaming matches with each of these friends, walked out during fights, said mean things to them, and cried over them. But with each rough patch came a much greener and brighter patch...the kind you find in paradise alone! These friends (yes, some are men) have seen me on my best days where nothing will bring me down and on my worst days where I cannot redeem myself or even get out of bed. They have hurt me to my core, but when that wound heals, I'm a better person for it.
On the flip side, I've had many friends who fall into the latter part of the verse "...but an enemy multiplies kisses." These friends are only there while the good is there to get. They want to be there when you're on the up and up and things are sunny and bright. They would be the friends you go party with, but bail when you get pulled over on the drive home. Or the friends who stay with you through some of the bad...like when it's raining only because there's always a rainbow, but they won't stay if a blizzard hits. I guess I've had more of these friends because sometimes we all need superficial love to feel justified at some point. But the older I get, the more I realize that I'd rather have fewer friends willing to inflict wounds when needed than have more friends who shower me with kisses as a falsehood for their selfish desires.
So, remember when your friend who has been there for over 20 years looks you in the eyes and makes you cry, it's because they love you. And remember, you should be a friend willing to wound them when it's needed.
I thought I would give a quick background on myself so anyone following the blog will know where my influences, knowledge-base, and opinions side from.
The early years of my life were spent with my Granpa and Granny McPherson 1/4 mile south of our farm house...Granny and Granpa would always make it a point to tell me about Jesus and God even though we never attended church. "Farm work always has to get done, but the Lord's work has to as well." is what they would often say. They prayed for rain, they prayed for a good crop season, they prayed for the rain to stop, they prayed for safety...they prayed. I learned all the hard work that anyone would growing up on a farm. But, I learned to trust God despite it all.
My parents divorced when I was 7. This was hard for me to handle, but I trusted God. I knew that He would bring me through. There were perks to it. My parents weren't fighting all the time and we only lived 30 minutes away. However, I think living through a divorce at a young age can make you have one of two opinions: 1) Marriages will never work. If my parents who were madly in love can't fix their problems, how will I be able to fix any my husband and I have? or 2) I will make my marriage work because I don't believe in divorce and I believe a marriage can work...especially a Christ-centered marriage.
When I was 9, I was sexually molested by a family friend throughout one summer. This happened to my cousin, a friend, and myself. I, again trusted God. (For those wondering why I didn't go to my parents, it wasn't fully that I didn't think they wouldn't believe, but it was more out of embarassment...which is what you will see of any child who goes through this.) I asked that He remove this summer from my mind as much as possible and that He just let me move on with life. God is a faithful God and I all but forgot the summer. Over time I came to forgive the man "'...for vengence is mine,' says the Lord." My cousin didn't do this and unfortunately has a very large black mark on her heart that has not left yet. I use this experience to help others who have had a similar experience or who an adult might think has had this to help them. God gave me this situation to help others and oddly, I'm thankful for it as I'm the only one in my church who works with children who can spot this type of abuse.
In 5th grade, I met my best friend, Becky, and her family. After spending time with them, I decided being baptized is where my path was leading. Through the fellowship and love of my "other" family, I grew more faithful and trusting in my relationship with God. Becky often called me a "roast beef eating Christian" as compared to those of my age who were eating "Gerber". I guess God called me to a more intellectual understanding of the scripture at an earlier time. I was also very interested in the missionary field and doing good for others...afterall, that is what Christ did while on earth.
When I went away to college (earlier than any of my friends), I was worried that I would lose God. However, I found a great church in KC (Holmeswood Baptist) where I have been attending since my first Sunday in town. With the help of great leaders like Rick and Keith, and many adult friends who showed interest in me, I have been able to keep up with God.
It was on my first Sundat at Holmeswood that I met my future husband, Josh. The story about Josh is long and somewhat arduous at times, so let's just say, we married on August 13, 2005 after knowing each other for 4 years. Josh and I decided we would not have any biological children of our own but would become foster/adoptive parents. We have had two placements since becoming foster parents last year. Our first placements (Daeon 13, Adriele 9, & Mondrea 1) lived with us for 6 weeks before being successfully reunified with their mom. We see them weekly for chuch! Our second placement is still in process and has been for over a year (Jamion 5, CJ 3, CeKariya 2, and London 1). We are currently praying about child #5. Pray for us.
So, the to sum it up: 1) I was born and bred on a farm, 2) My parents divorced when I was 7, 3) I was sexually molested when I was 9, 4) I grew up in small town America, 5) I moved to a big city, 6) Was 3rd in my high school class and 7th in my college class, 7) Have my Bachelor's of Business Administration - graduating when I was just 21, 8) Have worked in sales, marketing, and business administration all in the corporate world, 9) Love to help others, spend time with family, and travel, 10) Believe God can overcome all my minuscule things to bring me to greater glory in him.
Now, the devotional: Wounds from a Friend - December 4, 2011
Scripture: Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
So, this is a little deep. Who wants friends who are going to cause wounds? Who wants enemies that kiss? Well, the answers are we do and we don't. We all should want friends who are going to cause wounds because these are the tried and true friends who will tell it to us like it is...not the kind who will cover it over.
Take a quick survey of all your friends...young, old, new, or existing. Do you have the kin dof friends who will tell you the truth? Will they hold you accountable for your actions? Will they tell you when you're going to make a mistake and still love you when you ignore their advice? Will they tell you if you have salad in your teeth, or lipstick on them, or that you forgot to zip your pants, or that the static electricity is causing your skirt to rise? Will they go deeper when you answer, "Fine"?
If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then you've got friends who are going to cause wounds. But their wounds are not intended to tear you down, but to help build you up and heal your pain. "They will never exploit your weakness, but they won't allow it to be your excuse either. They challenge, they encourage, they love, they laugh, and they don't walk out when things get tough." These are the friends who are in it for good or bad.
In doing my evaluation, I find I only have a handful of friends that I can say this about...It's a very small handful as well. (I can't even think of 10 who have stood by me in all the things I've been through!) And yes, I've had screaming matches with each of these friends, walked out during fights, said mean things to them, and cried over them. But with each rough patch came a much greener and brighter patch...the kind you find in paradise alone! These friends (yes, some are men) have seen me on my best days where nothing will bring me down and on my worst days where I cannot redeem myself or even get out of bed. They have hurt me to my core, but when that wound heals, I'm a better person for it.
On the flip side, I've had many friends who fall into the latter part of the verse "...but an enemy multiplies kisses." These friends are only there while the good is there to get. They want to be there when you're on the up and up and things are sunny and bright. They would be the friends you go party with, but bail when you get pulled over on the drive home. Or the friends who stay with you through some of the bad...like when it's raining only because there's always a rainbow, but they won't stay if a blizzard hits. I guess I've had more of these friends because sometimes we all need superficial love to feel justified at some point. But the older I get, the more I realize that I'd rather have fewer friends willing to inflict wounds when needed than have more friends who shower me with kisses as a falsehood for their selfish desires.
So, remember when your friend who has been there for over 20 years looks you in the eyes and makes you cry, it's because they love you. And remember, you should be a friend willing to wound them when it's needed.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A Walk In The Park
Last Thursday Josh and I enjoyed a stroll through Loose Park while the kids were at McDonald's. While we can't post pictures of the kiddos, here are some of Josh and I strolling through the park. Hope you all enjoy them.
I can be naughty, but it never looks quite right...
Josh at age 102...crazy eyes and crazy mouth...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!
I'm coming for you!
I just got done doing my Ricky Bobby hands impression and am laughing at Josh's reaction....a true smile from me on camera is rare.
The happy couple...We've been married for 6 years. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, some fish, and 4 kiddos...can you tell?
This is one of my favorites of Josh. He's so handsome and so darn photogenic!
This is what it looks like to kiss him...hmm...second thoughts anyone?! =o)
Taking a moment after Josh is caught taking chest pictures...sometimes that man!
No, it's not a strip tease! I'm buttoning my jacket!
This is what it looks like to kiss me...any takers?
This is what awesome looks like!
I can be naughty, but it never looks quite right...
Josh at age 102...crazy eyes and crazy mouth...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!
I'm coming for you!
I just got done doing my Ricky Bobby hands impression and am laughing at Josh's reaction....a true smile from me on camera is rare.
The happy couple...We've been married for 6 years. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats, some fish, and 4 kiddos...can you tell?
This is one of my favorites of Josh. He's so handsome and so darn photogenic!
This is what it looks like to kiss him...hmm...second thoughts anyone?! =o)
Taking a moment after Josh is caught taking chest pictures...sometimes that man!
No, it's not a strip tease! I'm buttoning my jacket!
This is what it looks like to kiss me...any takers?
This is what awesome looks like!
Enjoy!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
More Than Conquerors - Devotional Day 16 - October 6
Scripture: Romans 8:37 - In all these things we are more than conquerors through im who loved us.
"Every day we face challenges of varying degree, but even seemingly small challenges can have larger implications later. We must determine from the outset, like at the beginning of the day, that we are going to adopt a victorious outlook." How do you start your day? How do you handle the everyday challenges? Do they make you blow up or do you handle them with grace and gratitude?
"If we know already how the story ends, that we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loves us, then we can begin with gratitude, no matter where we find ourselves from moment to moment." Think about that a minute. As a Christian believer, we know that the "end" is won by God and that we believers will be triumphant with Christ Jesus. We know the end of the story...where's the suspense?! Where's the mystery?! Where's the worry?! We shouldn't have any suspense that we don't create, the only mystery should be Christ's return, and we shouldn't be worrying about anything. We know we win!!!
What an amazing story to look forward to each and every day! "Just as in order to be successful you have to visualize your success; in order to be faithful you have to visualize God triumphing over your challenges....open ourselves up to the power and possibility of God."
Just remember...We win through Christ Jesus!
"Every day we face challenges of varying degree, but even seemingly small challenges can have larger implications later. We must determine from the outset, like at the beginning of the day, that we are going to adopt a victorious outlook." How do you start your day? How do you handle the everyday challenges? Do they make you blow up or do you handle them with grace and gratitude?
"If we know already how the story ends, that we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loves us, then we can begin with gratitude, no matter where we find ourselves from moment to moment." Think about that a minute. As a Christian believer, we know that the "end" is won by God and that we believers will be triumphant with Christ Jesus. We know the end of the story...where's the suspense?! Where's the mystery?! Where's the worry?! We shouldn't have any suspense that we don't create, the only mystery should be Christ's return, and we shouldn't be worrying about anything. We know we win!!!
What an amazing story to look forward to each and every day! "Just as in order to be successful you have to visualize your success; in order to be faithful you have to visualize God triumphing over your challenges....open ourselves up to the power and possibility of God."
Just remember...We win through Christ Jesus!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Be Nice - Devotional Day 15 - October 5
Scripture: Psalm 133:1 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
How many of you have a "sand paper" person...someone who rubs you the wrong way all the time? You can't seem to get a handle on yourself when this person (or persons) are around...Perhaps we should turn the mirror to ourselves and see if we are a root cause. I know I often find that there is something within me that is the root of my feelings...whether good or bad.
"...prayed to God and asked Him to reveal Himself and He did, everytime." Sometimes when we walk into a rage or an arguement or get in a huff, we don't think. But, we should and we should pray that God will guide us through the situation so we can live in harmony.
"Why am I so annoyed by this? What is it about me that is reacting so strongly? What is my part here? Certain irritating or frustrating people and situations in our lives, particularly the ones we cannot escape, are put there on purposse by God to refine us. Once we get over being bugged, we can get on with being healed."
So, let the sand paper people of your life refine you into a one of a kind!
How many of you have a "sand paper" person...someone who rubs you the wrong way all the time? You can't seem to get a handle on yourself when this person (or persons) are around...Perhaps we should turn the mirror to ourselves and see if we are a root cause. I know I often find that there is something within me that is the root of my feelings...whether good or bad.
"...prayed to God and asked Him to reveal Himself and He did, everytime." Sometimes when we walk into a rage or an arguement or get in a huff, we don't think. But, we should and we should pray that God will guide us through the situation so we can live in harmony.
"Why am I so annoyed by this? What is it about me that is reacting so strongly? What is my part here? Certain irritating or frustrating people and situations in our lives, particularly the ones we cannot escape, are put there on purposse by God to refine us. Once we get over being bugged, we can get on with being healed."
So, let the sand paper people of your life refine you into a one of a kind!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Lay Your Burdens Down - Devotional Day 14 - October 4, 2011
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understand, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is a huge chunck of scripture! Let's put into steps what it is telling us to do.
1) Rejoice in the Lord always. - That's a pretty easy line. How often do you rejoice in the Lord? How often do you thank Him for your day or your life or your kids or your wife or your husband or the chance to sit down and take a load off?
2) Let your gentleness be evident to all. - This one is also an easy line. How often are you gentle with others? Some other words that mean gentle...for those who like descriptors...carefulness, caution, kindness, tenderness. So, it should be evident to all...that's the whole world, everyone who knows you or doesn't know, etc...we should be careful, cautious, kind, and tender. I can think of a few choice words used this week that do not express those words. =o(
3) FYI - The Lord is near. - This really isn't a step of things to do, it's just an FYI.
4) Do not be anxious about anything. - For some people, this is very easy. For others, there is no telling them not to worry. Anxious can also be worried, tense, afraid, aghast, antsy apprehensive, basket case, bugged, butterflies, careful, chocked, clutched, concerned, jittery, jumpy, nervous, restless, troubled, strung out, or watchful. So God is telling us to not be any of these things. Just the opposite, we should be assured, calm, content, cool, happy, indifferent, peaceful, tranquil, unconcerned, and unworried. Oh, to be in that place all the time!
5) In everything present your requests to God. - Oh, to lay down our burdens! It feels great doesn't it...to take a little break from our burdens before we pick them back up. But, God wants us to lay our burdens down and NOT pick them up again. Just lay them down and leave it! "...we select a few stones from the gravel on the ground...we quietly assign them the burdens du jour. We say a short prayer and each place our burdens on the ledge before we turn and head...home....leave them at the foot of the cross. I have a tendency to trust God initially, but then run back and reclaim my troubles in the vain hope that I can rectify them on my own." Amen, because we can't do it alone!
6) FYI - The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - This is just an FYI...after we lay down our burdens, God's peace will transcend upon us and guard our hearts and minds...if we let it.
Let me leave you with this verse for thought: Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
This is a huge chunck of scripture! Let's put into steps what it is telling us to do.
1) Rejoice in the Lord always. - That's a pretty easy line. How often do you rejoice in the Lord? How often do you thank Him for your day or your life or your kids or your wife or your husband or the chance to sit down and take a load off?
2) Let your gentleness be evident to all. - This one is also an easy line. How often are you gentle with others? Some other words that mean gentle...for those who like descriptors...carefulness, caution, kindness, tenderness. So, it should be evident to all...that's the whole world, everyone who knows you or doesn't know, etc...we should be careful, cautious, kind, and tender. I can think of a few choice words used this week that do not express those words. =o(
3) FYI - The Lord is near. - This really isn't a step of things to do, it's just an FYI.
4) Do not be anxious about anything. - For some people, this is very easy. For others, there is no telling them not to worry. Anxious can also be worried, tense, afraid, aghast, antsy apprehensive, basket case, bugged, butterflies, careful, chocked, clutched, concerned, jittery, jumpy, nervous, restless, troubled, strung out, or watchful. So God is telling us to not be any of these things. Just the opposite, we should be assured, calm, content, cool, happy, indifferent, peaceful, tranquil, unconcerned, and unworried. Oh, to be in that place all the time!
5) In everything present your requests to God. - Oh, to lay down our burdens! It feels great doesn't it...to take a little break from our burdens before we pick them back up. But, God wants us to lay our burdens down and NOT pick them up again. Just lay them down and leave it! "...we select a few stones from the gravel on the ground...we quietly assign them the burdens du jour. We say a short prayer and each place our burdens on the ledge before we turn and head...home....leave them at the foot of the cross. I have a tendency to trust God initially, but then run back and reclaim my troubles in the vain hope that I can rectify them on my own." Amen, because we can't do it alone!
6) FYI - The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - This is just an FYI...after we lay down our burdens, God's peace will transcend upon us and guard our hearts and minds...if we let it.
Let me leave you with this verse for thought: Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Monday, October 3, 2011
Pray for Our Children - Devotional Day 13 - October 3
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:19 - Give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees.
"I need to pay greater attention and place higher emphasis on the desire for my children to be obedient to God than the desire fo rthem to be obedient to me. It's one thing for a child or teenager to make a good choice because they fear getting grounded and it's another thing to make a good decision because they genuinely want to please God." What a statement! Pray our kiddos will be obedient to God versus obedient to us? No, no, it's stating that we should pray they are obedient to God first and then to us. When we put things in God's hands it tends to work out much better for everyone involved.
"The former has a shorter shelf life...The latter, the desire to please God, is a lifetime pursuit, a joy. One linfe of reasoning produces an adult whose actions depend on who's watching, the other will eventually become a part of an adult's good character that reveals itself regardless if anyone is around to observe or not." Have you ever used "You need to do this or else..." line on your kids? How long does that behavior last? In my household, it's literally as long as I am watching them. If I tell them to sit down or to put the toys away and turn my back, they are all over the room playing. But, if I'm watching them, they will do as they're told. However, how great would our household be if they did what they were asked to do because they wanted to please God and honor their mother and father?!
"It is a deeper way to pray, for the formation of a heart that follows and longs for God rather than for a mind that makes good choices." Have you ever sat down and really poured your heart out to God about your kiddos? Have you the desire to see your kiddos live for God and God's purpose?
"Solomon was able to finish the temple that his father only dreamed about. King David was a good man, in spite of his many flaws, but Solomon was a man of impeccable character. The Lord highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed upon him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before. The prayers of a faithful parent have incredible power." Imagine your children becoming so much more than you can ever hope for...more than they can ever dream because you faithfully pray for them to be in God's will?!
Start your intimate prayer today for the sake of your children!
"I need to pay greater attention and place higher emphasis on the desire for my children to be obedient to God than the desire fo rthem to be obedient to me. It's one thing for a child or teenager to make a good choice because they fear getting grounded and it's another thing to make a good decision because they genuinely want to please God." What a statement! Pray our kiddos will be obedient to God versus obedient to us? No, no, it's stating that we should pray they are obedient to God first and then to us. When we put things in God's hands it tends to work out much better for everyone involved.
"The former has a shorter shelf life...The latter, the desire to please God, is a lifetime pursuit, a joy. One linfe of reasoning produces an adult whose actions depend on who's watching, the other will eventually become a part of an adult's good character that reveals itself regardless if anyone is around to observe or not." Have you ever used "You need to do this or else..." line on your kids? How long does that behavior last? In my household, it's literally as long as I am watching them. If I tell them to sit down or to put the toys away and turn my back, they are all over the room playing. But, if I'm watching them, they will do as they're told. However, how great would our household be if they did what they were asked to do because they wanted to please God and honor their mother and father?!
"It is a deeper way to pray, for the formation of a heart that follows and longs for God rather than for a mind that makes good choices." Have you ever sat down and really poured your heart out to God about your kiddos? Have you the desire to see your kiddos live for God and God's purpose?
"Solomon was able to finish the temple that his father only dreamed about. King David was a good man, in spite of his many flaws, but Solomon was a man of impeccable character. The Lord highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed upon him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before. The prayers of a faithful parent have incredible power." Imagine your children becoming so much more than you can ever hope for...more than they can ever dream because you faithfully pray for them to be in God's will?!
Start your intimate prayer today for the sake of your children!
Share and Share Alike - Devotional Day 12 - October 2
Sorry I missed yesterday! I was busy making homemade applesauce and apple crisp.
Scripture: Hebrews 13:16 - Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrific es God is pleased.
"From the time they are toddlers, we nag our children to share....Before they even have a chance to fully appreciate the fleeting "Mine" stage, we are already on them to share and take turns." I remember always being told to share and be nice. We learn alot from our kiddos as we go through the "Mine" and "Share" stages. The best example of this happened just a few days ago. Jamion had on a toy cat watch and CJ was playing with a yo-yo and toy disc thrower.
Jamion: CJ, can I play with the yo-yo?
CJ: No, I playing with it.
Jamion: CJ, you need to share.
CJ: Okay. You get the yo-yo, but I want the cat.
Jamion: No! You don't get the watch. It's mine and you can't have it. Now share the yo-yo with me.
CJ: NO!
Josh: Jamion, do you think it's fair for you to tell CJ to share when you won't share with him?
Jamion: Yeah. It's not nice. He needs to share.
Josh: Well, don't you think it's mean of you to not share?
Jamion: I guess.
CJ: Can I have a doughnut?
Isn't it amazing how much we can learn from our kids? "Just like love, forgiveness, and a sense of humor - you have to know you have it for yourself before you can freely give it away....need to see us sharing things not only with them but with our friends, our spouses, and our extended families. We typically grow up to treat others the way we have been treated."
We all want our kiddos (and all people) to share and share alike. However, the means by which we teach our children to share is in our hands. "Acting out the lesson of sharing as a parent is far better than nagging." What a concept for us to be on their level and share with them and others. It's a great reminder for adults on a lesson we sometimes forget.
"Let's be mindful today of our treatment of others." As the Golden Rule states: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31
Scripture: Hebrews 13:16 - Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrific es God is pleased.
"From the time they are toddlers, we nag our children to share....Before they even have a chance to fully appreciate the fleeting "Mine" stage, we are already on them to share and take turns." I remember always being told to share and be nice. We learn alot from our kiddos as we go through the "Mine" and "Share" stages. The best example of this happened just a few days ago. Jamion had on a toy cat watch and CJ was playing with a yo-yo and toy disc thrower.
Jamion: CJ, can I play with the yo-yo?
CJ: No, I playing with it.
Jamion: CJ, you need to share.
CJ: Okay. You get the yo-yo, but I want the cat.
Jamion: No! You don't get the watch. It's mine and you can't have it. Now share the yo-yo with me.
CJ: NO!
Josh: Jamion, do you think it's fair for you to tell CJ to share when you won't share with him?
Jamion: Yeah. It's not nice. He needs to share.
Josh: Well, don't you think it's mean of you to not share?
Jamion: I guess.
CJ: Can I have a doughnut?
Isn't it amazing how much we can learn from our kids? "Just like love, forgiveness, and a sense of humor - you have to know you have it for yourself before you can freely give it away....need to see us sharing things not only with them but with our friends, our spouses, and our extended families. We typically grow up to treat others the way we have been treated."
We all want our kiddos (and all people) to share and share alike. However, the means by which we teach our children to share is in our hands. "Acting out the lesson of sharing as a parent is far better than nagging." What a concept for us to be on their level and share with them and others. It's a great reminder for adults on a lesson we sometimes forget.
"Let's be mindful today of our treatment of others." As the Golden Rule states: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Cannot Be Shaken - Devotional Day 11 - October 1
Scripture: Hebrews 12:27 - "...so that what cannot be shaken may remain."
"All of us go through a time or times in our life when the walls quake around us and the earth seems to move under our feet...Our lives get shaken up now and then..."
What have you gone through lately that has shaken your life? What has knocked the wind out of you, swept your feet out from under you, etc? For me it was leaving Heartland Services to put my family first. This was a big feat for me and for Josh. You see, I had been working at Heartland since January 2004...it was a staple in my life and in our relationship. But, it wasn't the right staple once we became parents. While it was a chosen shake, it was still a hard shake...Should I look for another job? Should I be a stay-at-home mom? Should I find a full time job? Should I find a part time job? Where was God going to take me?
"Knowing that God is sovereign and nothing can happen to us that does not pass His approval, I sometimes wonder why He allows such rigorous and often painful upheavals...When the shaking stops and we try to put back misplaced and broken items, we realize that not everything has survived the quake." Have you ever broken something that was important to you and tried to glue it back together...no matter how hard you try, it will never look the same or be the same as it was before it was broken. Do you choose to keep it in its new light or do you throw it out and get a new one? If it has meaning to you, there is no easy answer.
"It is this: When all else is shaken, He remains." Remember the next time your world is shaken, turned upside down, toppled over, stepped on, run over, ravaged, etc, God is still the same. He will love you and keep you and help you through it all.
"All of us go through a time or times in our life when the walls quake around us and the earth seems to move under our feet...Our lives get shaken up now and then..."
What have you gone through lately that has shaken your life? What has knocked the wind out of you, swept your feet out from under you, etc? For me it was leaving Heartland Services to put my family first. This was a big feat for me and for Josh. You see, I had been working at Heartland since January 2004...it was a staple in my life and in our relationship. But, it wasn't the right staple once we became parents. While it was a chosen shake, it was still a hard shake...Should I look for another job? Should I be a stay-at-home mom? Should I find a full time job? Should I find a part time job? Where was God going to take me?
"Knowing that God is sovereign and nothing can happen to us that does not pass His approval, I sometimes wonder why He allows such rigorous and often painful upheavals...When the shaking stops and we try to put back misplaced and broken items, we realize that not everything has survived the quake." Have you ever broken something that was important to you and tried to glue it back together...no matter how hard you try, it will never look the same or be the same as it was before it was broken. Do you choose to keep it in its new light or do you throw it out and get a new one? If it has meaning to you, there is no easy answer.
"It is this: When all else is shaken, He remains." Remember the next time your world is shaken, turned upside down, toppled over, stepped on, run over, ravaged, etc, God is still the same. He will love you and keep you and help you through it all.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Strength - Devotional Day 10 - September 30
Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-13 - Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Talk about strength...I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open today because I'm physically drained. But add to the lesson strength! Good thing the lesson isn't really focussed on physical strength because I get an upper body work out every day thanks to kids!
"We need variety and we need specific training goals in order to prepare, grow and heal. Our spiritual muscles, just like our phsical muscles, will become stronger only as they are used. Left idle, they will atrophy." How do you strengthen your spiritual muscles? I know sometimes I feel spiritually unmotivated to stretch them out and move them around, but I know it has to be done.
Spiritual workouts are a great way to do this. Maybe you start easy: reading a chapter in the Bible, picking a verse a day to learn and meditate on. Maybe it's joining a Bible study group. Several years ago when I was feeling spiritually empty and nothing at church was feeding my need for roast beef Christianity, I formed an intimate Bible study with my husband and another married couple...just enough to have variety, but just too little to have so much drama.
This group really helped me for the year that we had it. It was a chance to fill up my spiritual gas tank, pump up my spiritual muscles, andfeed my need to grow closer to God all at the same time. It was awesome! We had just 4 of us telling what we thought a particular lesson meant to us, how it impacted our week, how God had used it to motivate or teach us. It also taught two men to pray daily.
Are you challenging yourself in all areas of your being...Are you growing stronger in your relationship with Christ and his plan for you? How can you strengthen your weaknesses so they can become useful to you?
Talk about strength...I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open today because I'm physically drained. But add to the lesson strength! Good thing the lesson isn't really focussed on physical strength because I get an upper body work out every day thanks to kids!
"We need variety and we need specific training goals in order to prepare, grow and heal. Our spiritual muscles, just like our phsical muscles, will become stronger only as they are used. Left idle, they will atrophy." How do you strengthen your spiritual muscles? I know sometimes I feel spiritually unmotivated to stretch them out and move them around, but I know it has to be done.
Spiritual workouts are a great way to do this. Maybe you start easy: reading a chapter in the Bible, picking a verse a day to learn and meditate on. Maybe it's joining a Bible study group. Several years ago when I was feeling spiritually empty and nothing at church was feeding my need for roast beef Christianity, I formed an intimate Bible study with my husband and another married couple...just enough to have variety, but just too little to have so much drama.
This group really helped me for the year that we had it. It was a chance to fill up my spiritual gas tank, pump up my spiritual muscles, andfeed my need to grow closer to God all at the same time. It was awesome! We had just 4 of us telling what we thought a particular lesson meant to us, how it impacted our week, how God had used it to motivate or teach us. It also taught two men to pray daily.
Are you challenging yourself in all areas of your being...Are you growing stronger in your relationship with Christ and his plan for you? How can you strengthen your weaknesses so they can become useful to you?
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Our Legacy Long Haul - Devotional Day 9 - September 29
Scripture: Hebrews 6:11-12 - We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Wow! It's telling me I must be diligent in my faith, not to become lazy, but through my diligent faith and patience, I can inherit what has been promised (eternal life). That's a lot to take in right at the start of this study!
"We have a long haul ahead...91, 95, 90...Dispite growing older, they have not grown lazy. They faithfully and patiently love god and their family and friends. They remember birthdays, holidays, and are always up for a visit." When was the last time you visited with your grandparents? I remember talking to my Grandpa Howerton before she was hospitalized. I loved going to her house, just across the street from mine, and looking at her calendar. It had everyone's birthday and anniversary written down with the age or years next to it. She would always send a card...never forgot.
"They have never abandoned hope or their faith, in turbulent times or in ordinary ones. They give generously, from their pocketbooks, their refrigerators, and their hearts." It seems that through thick and thin, both my grandparents (McPherson & Howerton) that they stuck to it until the end. They always seemed to be able to provide a little money if needed and yep, their fridge was always open...hungry or not! But the best thing about all my grandparents was their openness and willingness to let me talk to them about whatever was on my mind. They were always supportive and understanding of my thoughts and goals and never criticized me. And, they always had something to laugh about!
"Thank God for the history and the legacy that si your family tree, both the roots of the past and the branches growing into the future." How lucky I am to have known all 4 of my grandparents and 3 of Josh's. It has made a great impact on me.
Have you spoken to those cultivating your legacy yet? Remember when you do, tell them that you love them!
Wow! It's telling me I must be diligent in my faith, not to become lazy, but through my diligent faith and patience, I can inherit what has been promised (eternal life). That's a lot to take in right at the start of this study!
"We have a long haul ahead...91, 95, 90...Dispite growing older, they have not grown lazy. They faithfully and patiently love god and their family and friends. They remember birthdays, holidays, and are always up for a visit." When was the last time you visited with your grandparents? I remember talking to my Grandpa Howerton before she was hospitalized. I loved going to her house, just across the street from mine, and looking at her calendar. It had everyone's birthday and anniversary written down with the age or years next to it. She would always send a card...never forgot.
"They have never abandoned hope or their faith, in turbulent times or in ordinary ones. They give generously, from their pocketbooks, their refrigerators, and their hearts." It seems that through thick and thin, both my grandparents (McPherson & Howerton) that they stuck to it until the end. They always seemed to be able to provide a little money if needed and yep, their fridge was always open...hungry or not! But the best thing about all my grandparents was their openness and willingness to let me talk to them about whatever was on my mind. They were always supportive and understanding of my thoughts and goals and never criticized me. And, they always had something to laugh about!
"Thank God for the history and the legacy that si your family tree, both the roots of the past and the branches growing into the future." How lucky I am to have known all 4 of my grandparents and 3 of Josh's. It has made a great impact on me.
Have you spoken to those cultivating your legacy yet? Remember when you do, tell them that you love them!
New Foster Care Policy
There is a new foster care policy that states foster childeren are not to be displayed on social networking sites or blogs, etc. Also, pictures of the kids are not to be emailed or sent via text. I am removing all their pictures from this blog. I apologize for the inconvenience, but this is a state-sanctioned policy and as foster parents Josh and I must comply.
Thank you for your understanding and we'll keep you updated on the kiddos.
Love & God Bless.
Thank you for your understanding and we'll keep you updated on the kiddos.
Love & God Bless.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
A Burning Faith - Devotional Day 8 - September 28
Scripture: Daniel 3:17-18 - If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
What a statement of faith! I love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It is a dramatic tale of faith, stubborness, and miracles. Let me give you a quick run down of the story: King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge statue of gold and required everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do. The king was very angry at them. He threatened to throw them into a huge furnance that was heated to 7 times hotter than normal...it was so hot it burned the guards alive who opened the doors. Now the awesome thing is that the 3 friends were thrown into the furnance and came out without even the smell of smoke on them! Now that's awesome power!
So, what's remarkable in this story to me? The fact that they had so much faith, they'd go into the furnace? Nope. The fact that they were willing to do it without knowing God would save them...that is what is truly great! That is the kind of faith we are called to...that childlike faith that would see us through everything no matter what. That trust that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that he would see us through our greatest trial no matter what they be.
Oh, to have that great of faith! These were men though. Logical, methodic, intelligent men. Most of us wouldn't have openly gone against the king much less spoke that boldly to him. What's more, is that they went into the furnance...accepting whatever their fate may bring them...burnt death or miraculous escape.
This is a powerful story of faith. How many of us even has faith that God will see to our day to day needs? We question God often and yell at him when he doesn't pull us through a trivial trial. I think it's great to check out our faith meter daily. We can lose faith on a daily basis...We lose faith in people, in governments, in things...
How's your faith doing today? Rest in the peace and knowledge that no matter what awaits you today or tomorrow or the next day, God will see you through according to his good will and plan.
Have faith!
What a statement of faith! I love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It is a dramatic tale of faith, stubborness, and miracles. Let me give you a quick run down of the story: King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge statue of gold and required everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do. The king was very angry at them. He threatened to throw them into a huge furnance that was heated to 7 times hotter than normal...it was so hot it burned the guards alive who opened the doors. Now the awesome thing is that the 3 friends were thrown into the furnance and came out without even the smell of smoke on them! Now that's awesome power!
So, what's remarkable in this story to me? The fact that they had so much faith, they'd go into the furnace? Nope. The fact that they were willing to do it without knowing God would save them...that is what is truly great! That is the kind of faith we are called to...that childlike faith that would see us through everything no matter what. That trust that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that he would see us through our greatest trial no matter what they be.
Oh, to have that great of faith! These were men though. Logical, methodic, intelligent men. Most of us wouldn't have openly gone against the king much less spoke that boldly to him. What's more, is that they went into the furnance...accepting whatever their fate may bring them...burnt death or miraculous escape.
This is a powerful story of faith. How many of us even has faith that God will see to our day to day needs? We question God often and yell at him when he doesn't pull us through a trivial trial. I think it's great to check out our faith meter daily. We can lose faith on a daily basis...We lose faith in people, in governments, in things...
How's your faith doing today? Rest in the peace and knowledge that no matter what awaits you today or tomorrow or the next day, God will see you through according to his good will and plan.
Have faith!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Something Beautiful - Devotional Day 7 - September 27
Scripture: Proverbs 30:23 - ...an unloved woman who is married...
This is an open sentence...it can many many different things. Today's devotional is actually about feeling up the "love" cup of our husbands. Afterall, they may be big and strong and sturdy, but they need love just as much as we do.
"Husbands need attention, too. It's easy to get so caught up in the needs of our children that the needs of our husbands slide down the priority scale into oblivion. Our personal needs can fall somewhere even lower if we aren't careful." How many times have you gotten caught up in the needs of your kiddos or even your own needs that you forget your spouse exists? For those who are in a dating relationship...have you ever forgotten your man/woman? Have the tables ever been turned on you...you've been forgotten? If you have, you know it hurts. It makes you feel miserable, unloved, maybe even depressed.
"No relationship can survive on autopilot." What a statement! Is your relationship currently running on autopilot? Maybe you didn't even know it is on autopilot. It amazes me when I look back on my previous years of marriage...I can pinpoint several areas where the relationship was on autopilot. Oddly enough, we made it through those areas and continue to grow and thrive. It's especially clear to see the autopilot if I look back to when Josh and I first began dating. When you begin a new relationship, there's lots of work to be done....like a garden or growing a tree.
The right spot has to be chosen for the tree...or in this case, it has to be the right person. This is a hard thing because you don't know when you begin if he/she is the right one for you. Likewise, the "right" spot for a tree may not actually be the "right" spot.
After finding the right spot, you have to cultivate the soil. This would be much like the blind date stage...where you think you have enough information to at least see if it could be something. Then, once you know it might work, you're ready to plant the seed and water it. This would relate to the bonding period of a relationship. The time taken to really get to know each other. This is the time where everyone is minding their P's and Q's and doing what they can to make good impressions.
Eventually the tree's roots get deeper and the branches spread out. Now the tree appears to be on autopilot. It can reach it's own water via the water table and the branches gather the ran as it falls. It's a beautiful thing! Strong enough to "fend" for itself, yet vulenerable to the elements. You can see it's full potential in sight, but just one strong storm can take it down.
And you thought taking care of a new tree would be easy! It's the same for a relationship. While our trees are growing big and strong, we still need to trim off dead branches, pull down dangerous vines that begin to grow on it, make sure the kids don't peel the bark off of it, etc. There is always some form of work that the tree needs help with. This is the same with a relationship. While it might seem self-sustaining, there is always work that needs to be done to keep it growing, thriving, and beautiful.
What fruit will you choose to sow? Will you choose to nurture your relationships and make sure they thrive?
Show everyone something beautiful!
This is an open sentence...it can many many different things. Today's devotional is actually about feeling up the "love" cup of our husbands. Afterall, they may be big and strong and sturdy, but they need love just as much as we do.
"Husbands need attention, too. It's easy to get so caught up in the needs of our children that the needs of our husbands slide down the priority scale into oblivion. Our personal needs can fall somewhere even lower if we aren't careful." How many times have you gotten caught up in the needs of your kiddos or even your own needs that you forget your spouse exists? For those who are in a dating relationship...have you ever forgotten your man/woman? Have the tables ever been turned on you...you've been forgotten? If you have, you know it hurts. It makes you feel miserable, unloved, maybe even depressed.
"No relationship can survive on autopilot." What a statement! Is your relationship currently running on autopilot? Maybe you didn't even know it is on autopilot. It amazes me when I look back on my previous years of marriage...I can pinpoint several areas where the relationship was on autopilot. Oddly enough, we made it through those areas and continue to grow and thrive. It's especially clear to see the autopilot if I look back to when Josh and I first began dating. When you begin a new relationship, there's lots of work to be done....like a garden or growing a tree.
The right spot has to be chosen for the tree...or in this case, it has to be the right person. This is a hard thing because you don't know when you begin if he/she is the right one for you. Likewise, the "right" spot for a tree may not actually be the "right" spot.
After finding the right spot, you have to cultivate the soil. This would be much like the blind date stage...where you think you have enough information to at least see if it could be something. Then, once you know it might work, you're ready to plant the seed and water it. This would relate to the bonding period of a relationship. The time taken to really get to know each other. This is the time where everyone is minding their P's and Q's and doing what they can to make good impressions.
Eventually the tree's roots get deeper and the branches spread out. Now the tree appears to be on autopilot. It can reach it's own water via the water table and the branches gather the ran as it falls. It's a beautiful thing! Strong enough to "fend" for itself, yet vulenerable to the elements. You can see it's full potential in sight, but just one strong storm can take it down.
And you thought taking care of a new tree would be easy! It's the same for a relationship. While our trees are growing big and strong, we still need to trim off dead branches, pull down dangerous vines that begin to grow on it, make sure the kids don't peel the bark off of it, etc. There is always some form of work that the tree needs help with. This is the same with a relationship. While it might seem self-sustaining, there is always work that needs to be done to keep it growing, thriving, and beautiful.
What fruit will you choose to sow? Will you choose to nurture your relationships and make sure they thrive?
Show everyone something beautiful!
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Test from God - Devotional Day 6 - September 26
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:17 - I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent.
That's a packed verse! Let's break it down.
Test: The means by which the presence, quality, or genuiness of anything is determined; a means of trial. The trial of the quality of something.
So, now our verse would read, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials..." Have you had trials? I know the answer is "Yes" because we've all had trials. They can be simple things like trying to get yourself and 4 kids dressed and out the door in time. It can be a bigger trial like a car accident, natural disaster, fire, etc. It could also be a long term trial like overcoming debt or battling a medical illness. Have you ever thought that these trials could be tests?
Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character.
Now we read, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials and are pleased with my adherence to moral and ethical principles..." I believe the majority of people are "good" people...people with integrity. But, I know humans come with boundries or our comfort zones. Sometimes we fail to leave our comfort zone to do what we know is right. Have you ever seen a fight going on and just rushed by it, went around it, etc without doing anything? I have. Then I started to think, I could at least call security or the police to break it up because, maybe, one of the people in the fight didn't want to be in the fight...they need help and morally that is what I need to do. Or, you see someone drop their wallet...do you return it as is or take money out and return it or not return it at all? Let your daily decisions be morally and ethically right.
Honest: Upright and fair. Genuine or unadulterated
Finally it reads, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials and are pleased with my adherence to moral and ethical principles. All these things have I given willingly and with upright and fair intent." My 5 year old believes the world revolves around him. If he wants to race his siblings, he must win or it's not fair! If he gets a regular size candy bar and CJ gets two of the bite size candy bars, it's not fair because CJ has two...it doesn't matter that in reality, Jamion has more. This is the reality of our lives. In today's society we are told "It's all about me!" and we should strive to meet our needs first and make sure we are happy. And above all, it must be fair to us! Well, what about others?
"I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly with honest intent."
We will be tested...not physically, but our hearts for integrity. We should give our hearts to God willingly and openingly with the intent of God finding us with integrity.
"I have begun to set intentions at the beginning of each day before I do anything else. It's a way of checking in with God, with my heart, with my integrity and with my purpose. It keeps my intent honest. If God is going to be testing my heart, I may as well test regularly, too."
Will you be ready for your test? Will your heart contain integrity and will you give your intentions willingly for your test?
Sometimes I find it easier to break things down to get the full effect of what the verse is trying to tell me.
That's a packed verse! Let's break it down.
Test: The means by which the presence, quality, or genuiness of anything is determined; a means of trial. The trial of the quality of something.
So, now our verse would read, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials..." Have you had trials? I know the answer is "Yes" because we've all had trials. They can be simple things like trying to get yourself and 4 kids dressed and out the door in time. It can be a bigger trial like a car accident, natural disaster, fire, etc. It could also be a long term trial like overcoming debt or battling a medical illness. Have you ever thought that these trials could be tests?
Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character.
Now we read, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials and are pleased with my adherence to moral and ethical principles..." I believe the majority of people are "good" people...people with integrity. But, I know humans come with boundries or our comfort zones. Sometimes we fail to leave our comfort zone to do what we know is right. Have you ever seen a fight going on and just rushed by it, went around it, etc without doing anything? I have. Then I started to think, I could at least call security or the police to break it up because, maybe, one of the people in the fight didn't want to be in the fight...they need help and morally that is what I need to do. Or, you see someone drop their wallet...do you return it as is or take money out and return it or not return it at all? Let your daily decisions be morally and ethically right.
Honest: Upright and fair. Genuine or unadulterated
Finally it reads, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials and are pleased with my adherence to moral and ethical principles. All these things have I given willingly and with upright and fair intent." My 5 year old believes the world revolves around him. If he wants to race his siblings, he must win or it's not fair! If he gets a regular size candy bar and CJ gets two of the bite size candy bars, it's not fair because CJ has two...it doesn't matter that in reality, Jamion has more. This is the reality of our lives. In today's society we are told "It's all about me!" and we should strive to meet our needs first and make sure we are happy. And above all, it must be fair to us! Well, what about others?
"I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly with honest intent."
We will be tested...not physically, but our hearts for integrity. We should give our hearts to God willingly and openingly with the intent of God finding us with integrity.
"I have begun to set intentions at the beginning of each day before I do anything else. It's a way of checking in with God, with my heart, with my integrity and with my purpose. It keeps my intent honest. If God is going to be testing my heart, I may as well test regularly, too."
Will you be ready for your test? Will your heart contain integrity and will you give your intentions willingly for your test?
Sometimes I find it easier to break things down to get the full effect of what the verse is trying to tell me.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A Time for Everything - Devotional Day 5 - September 25
Scriptsure: Ecclesiastes 3:6 - ...a time to search and a time to give up.
"Sometimes this is easy to discern - when to keep looking...Other situations are more complicated." Have you ever lost something and had to search for it, but after exhausting yourself given up on ever finding it? This has happened to Josh and several occasions and to me on a few. However, there was one time that we lost something very important and we had to find it...it was the expiration sticker for the tag of our popup camper and we needed it for vacation! We looked high and low, in and out, and all around for that stupid little 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch sticker just to be disappointed and give up. We headed out with his family towards Colorado without it...It was very frustrating to me! Of course, there was a laundry list of worries about not having this little sticker. We called the DMV and they said they could not fax us a copy or letter or any proof that we were actually within the dates and that only the sticker would do.
We made it to Topeka and decided we must return home to try and track it down. We left the family and dogs at the rest station hoping to only be gone about 2 hours. However, when Josh and I made it to Lawrence our truck's water pump went out...talk about a harsh blow...we were now 30 minutes from home and 30 minutes from the family with no way of getting either places! It was very frustrating! During our wait for a tow truck, I was crying out inwardly for God to just shoot me...what a horrible start to a week long vacation. I was also crying out for him to have this repaired timely so we could carry on.
We got "lucky", some might say, and were able to find a shop to take us in the same day to repair the truck...that only took 6 hours! By the time we made it to our house to do another search for this little sticker, we had used 8 hours...a whole day! We whirled around the house looking for this sticker and Josh was just sure he knew where it was, but he couldn't locate it. After an hour, I went to our bedroom...I was tried, sore, sunburned, frustrated, mad, and a lot more. I cried out in a whiny voice, "God, just lest us find that stupid sticker! Please!" Just as I finished breathing my "last" breath, Josh yelled, "I've got it! Let's get out of here!" I've had to search for a lot of things in my life, but this little sticker got the best of me for sure!
On a happier searching note, you'll love the Elk story about Josh...this story is about searching for a thing you desire. On a week long trip through Colorado, Josh had a main themed goal...to see an elk or several elk. We were on the last 2 days of the trip and we still had not spotted any elk. Josh was very sour about it. It became a top of discussion in the truck.
Josh: I just want to see an elk. Is that such a big deal? Is it too much to ask for a vacation?
Jana: Well, why don't you ask God to let you see an elk? It's not too big or too much for him.
(Josh rolled his eyes at this point and was teetering on a decision.)
Jason: Yeah, you should pray about it.
Josh: Okay. Dear God, I want to see an elk. I've been looking on this trip and haven't seen one yet. Is it too much to ask to see an elk? I just want to see an elk. Please.
Everyone: Amen.
The topic shifted only slightly as we continued down the road. About 10 minutes after Josh's prayer, we spotted an elk with HUGE antlers...It was a prize just laying in the grass regal and tall. Did I mention the elk was on an Elk FARM? We all laughed at Josh and he was mad because it wasn't a wild elk to which I responded, "You didn't specify. God answered your prayer quite literally...it's just an elk!"
"Prayer is the key idea here. I think we all have to do our own part in any given situation, but we also have to know when to stop, have faith, and wait for God to move." Sometimes we can get caught up in our own search for things (money, happiness, love, affirmation, appreciation, definition, etc) that we forget there is a time to give up and move on. Sometimes the moving on part is the hardest, but it's what we need most...to carry on and to live.
What are you searching for? Is it worth the search or is it time to give up and go on living?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtdAJqETcmg&feature=related
"Sometimes this is easy to discern - when to keep looking...Other situations are more complicated." Have you ever lost something and had to search for it, but after exhausting yourself given up on ever finding it? This has happened to Josh and several occasions and to me on a few. However, there was one time that we lost something very important and we had to find it...it was the expiration sticker for the tag of our popup camper and we needed it for vacation! We looked high and low, in and out, and all around for that stupid little 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch sticker just to be disappointed and give up. We headed out with his family towards Colorado without it...It was very frustrating to me! Of course, there was a laundry list of worries about not having this little sticker. We called the DMV and they said they could not fax us a copy or letter or any proof that we were actually within the dates and that only the sticker would do.
We made it to Topeka and decided we must return home to try and track it down. We left the family and dogs at the rest station hoping to only be gone about 2 hours. However, when Josh and I made it to Lawrence our truck's water pump went out...talk about a harsh blow...we were now 30 minutes from home and 30 minutes from the family with no way of getting either places! It was very frustrating! During our wait for a tow truck, I was crying out inwardly for God to just shoot me...what a horrible start to a week long vacation. I was also crying out for him to have this repaired timely so we could carry on.
We got "lucky", some might say, and were able to find a shop to take us in the same day to repair the truck...that only took 6 hours! By the time we made it to our house to do another search for this little sticker, we had used 8 hours...a whole day! We whirled around the house looking for this sticker and Josh was just sure he knew where it was, but he couldn't locate it. After an hour, I went to our bedroom...I was tried, sore, sunburned, frustrated, mad, and a lot more. I cried out in a whiny voice, "God, just lest us find that stupid sticker! Please!" Just as I finished breathing my "last" breath, Josh yelled, "I've got it! Let's get out of here!" I've had to search for a lot of things in my life, but this little sticker got the best of me for sure!
On a happier searching note, you'll love the Elk story about Josh...this story is about searching for a thing you desire. On a week long trip through Colorado, Josh had a main themed goal...to see an elk or several elk. We were on the last 2 days of the trip and we still had not spotted any elk. Josh was very sour about it. It became a top of discussion in the truck.
Josh: I just want to see an elk. Is that such a big deal? Is it too much to ask for a vacation?
Jana: Well, why don't you ask God to let you see an elk? It's not too big or too much for him.
(Josh rolled his eyes at this point and was teetering on a decision.)
Jason: Yeah, you should pray about it.
Josh: Okay. Dear God, I want to see an elk. I've been looking on this trip and haven't seen one yet. Is it too much to ask to see an elk? I just want to see an elk. Please.
Everyone: Amen.
The topic shifted only slightly as we continued down the road. About 10 minutes after Josh's prayer, we spotted an elk with HUGE antlers...It was a prize just laying in the grass regal and tall. Did I mention the elk was on an Elk FARM? We all laughed at Josh and he was mad because it wasn't a wild elk to which I responded, "You didn't specify. God answered your prayer quite literally...it's just an elk!"
"Prayer is the key idea here. I think we all have to do our own part in any given situation, but we also have to know when to stop, have faith, and wait for God to move." Sometimes we can get caught up in our own search for things (money, happiness, love, affirmation, appreciation, definition, etc) that we forget there is a time to give up and move on. Sometimes the moving on part is the hardest, but it's what we need most...to carry on and to live.
What are you searching for? Is it worth the search or is it time to give up and go on living?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtdAJqETcmg&feature=related
Saturday, September 24, 2011
A Time for Everything - Devotional Day 4 - September 24
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:4 - ...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to morn and a time to dance.
"If I am annoyed or frustrated or have gotten my feelings hurt, I often explode and the dust settles quickly afterward." How many times have you "gone off the handle"? Sometimes when we blow up, it is quickly over and we move on with life.
However, "...there are times when I simmer for a while, when I am irritated or I hapen to be in a sour mood....I give myself an allotment of time to indulge my feelings and often that is enough to validate them and bid them adieu." Have you ever been made and just left the feelings to sour in your tummy for a while? Taken time to mull them over, talk yourself through them, and then spit them back out?
I'll admit it first then. I talk to myself all the time! I talk to myself when I'm talking the kiddos to and from daycare and, of course, when I'm by myself driving each way. I also talk to myself when I've had an upset customer yelling at me. I talk to myself when I'm going to bed. I guess a blog is a bit like talking to myself as well...it lets me get it all out in the open...whether good or bad. Talking through the situations, even with yourself, can help alleviate so much! (And actually, I consider it as talking to God which makes me feel way better!)
"...we have to run the gamut of emotions to work our way back, but we have to come back. Ancient times required a grieving widow to wear ashes...for a prescribed time...then she had to clean up and rejoin the living. We have to do the same thing." What a statement! We can weep and mourn, but we have to come back! That says a lot. God knew that we would be a people who could be hurt and he prepared for this. But, he also knows we cannot stay in that weeping and mourning state forever. Have you ever lost someone you really loved? I can remember several losses that took their heavy toll on me from family members to friends to co-workers. For some it was old age, or cancer, or car accidents...for some, it was too soon! Can you imagine wha tyou would be like if you held in your weeping and your mourning of the loss...what a bitter person you would be...like Naomi in the book of Ruth..."'Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almight has made my life very bitter..."' (Ruth 1:20) I cannot imagine being so bitter that I would change my name to be Bitter!
Even Jesus wept...it's in the story of Lazarus in the book of John, chapter 11. '"Jesus wept....Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"....Lazarus, come out!...Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."' While the story in John is left with a less than satisfactory ending, one can assume that since Jesus loved Lazarus so deeply, he must have greatly rejoiced with his Father answered his prayer! He must have rejoiced with Mary and Martha and the rest of the friends!
While there is a time for weeping and mourning, two very good and happy things follow...laughter and dancing! So, pull out the funnies and kick up your legs!
"If I am annoyed or frustrated or have gotten my feelings hurt, I often explode and the dust settles quickly afterward." How many times have you "gone off the handle"? Sometimes when we blow up, it is quickly over and we move on with life.
However, "...there are times when I simmer for a while, when I am irritated or I hapen to be in a sour mood....I give myself an allotment of time to indulge my feelings and often that is enough to validate them and bid them adieu." Have you ever been made and just left the feelings to sour in your tummy for a while? Taken time to mull them over, talk yourself through them, and then spit them back out?
I'll admit it first then. I talk to myself all the time! I talk to myself when I'm talking the kiddos to and from daycare and, of course, when I'm by myself driving each way. I also talk to myself when I've had an upset customer yelling at me. I talk to myself when I'm going to bed. I guess a blog is a bit like talking to myself as well...it lets me get it all out in the open...whether good or bad. Talking through the situations, even with yourself, can help alleviate so much! (And actually, I consider it as talking to God which makes me feel way better!)
"...we have to run the gamut of emotions to work our way back, but we have to come back. Ancient times required a grieving widow to wear ashes...for a prescribed time...then she had to clean up and rejoin the living. We have to do the same thing." What a statement! We can weep and mourn, but we have to come back! That says a lot. God knew that we would be a people who could be hurt and he prepared for this. But, he also knows we cannot stay in that weeping and mourning state forever. Have you ever lost someone you really loved? I can remember several losses that took their heavy toll on me from family members to friends to co-workers. For some it was old age, or cancer, or car accidents...for some, it was too soon! Can you imagine wha tyou would be like if you held in your weeping and your mourning of the loss...what a bitter person you would be...like Naomi in the book of Ruth..."'Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almight has made my life very bitter..."' (Ruth 1:20) I cannot imagine being so bitter that I would change my name to be Bitter!
Even Jesus wept...it's in the story of Lazarus in the book of John, chapter 11. '"Jesus wept....Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"....Lazarus, come out!...Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."' While the story in John is left with a less than satisfactory ending, one can assume that since Jesus loved Lazarus so deeply, he must have greatly rejoiced with his Father answered his prayer! He must have rejoiced with Mary and Martha and the rest of the friends!
While there is a time for weeping and mourning, two very good and happy things follow...laughter and dancing! So, pull out the funnies and kick up your legs!
Friday, September 23, 2011
A Time for Everything - Devotional Day 3 - September 23
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6-7 - A time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.
Today's lesson looks at a time of relationships...which ones are forever relationships, which ones are the ones that are just for a short period of time, which should be let to pass silently, and which are the ones to go loudly? Relationships are hard. They can be tricky. They take work even if it's just a brief relationship. Good businesses establish relationships with their customers and work to keep them.
"It's easier to purge when it comes to things, harder when it comes to people." When was the last time you actually did "spring" cleaning at your house? Josh and I are getting ready to do it this weekend as we change out summer clothes with fall clothes and tidy the house for a home visit from our foster worker. It's easy for me to let go of most material items...I guess I've watched too many of the hoarder shows and seen how it can wreck relationships. I also realize that I will not be able to physically use most items, don't have a place to store them, or know that they are no longer needed/wanted. But what do you do when it comes to purgine people or relationships from your life?
"...there are times when we have to decide if we are going to maintain certain friendships, cut them abruptly loose, or quitely let them slip away. We have to discern if a difficult or broken relationship warrantes mending or tearing, if we need to speak up and reach clarity or closure, or if it's best to let things go unspoken and allow the relationship to die of natural causes."
Maintaining friendships can be a chore. They take work especially if that friendship is long distance. My best friend, Becky, and I have been friends since the 5th grade when her family moved to Eads...that's a total of about 18 years that we've known each other. (Goodness! I never realized I was so OLD!) Our relationship has been through it all! Jealousy, Rage, Happiness, Joyfulness, Idleness. It has had it's ups and downs, it's twists and turns, but it's been worth it. We were brought together by God and will be friends until the end, no matter what. It's a relationship that both of us know is worth it. Our relationship was very easily maintained while we both went through high school. But after we graduated, I parted for KC and she stayed in Eads for a while. Then there came Dallas for her and that first summer, Michael (good friend) and I drove down to see her for a week. Then she we didn't see each other for 2 years. We were able to meet her fiance on a beach trip that year. The next time I saw her was the day before her wedding...I actually got to see her whole family too! Then we went again without seeing each other for several years. But a relationship like ours is worth maintaining. Through each phase of our relationship where we go long periods without contact, I think of the song Becky wrote down for me on a card once..."Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them."
Hear the full song "Friends" by Michael W Smith at (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF0UPv20kUA)
Cutting a relationship abruptly loose can hurt very much and yet at the same time be the best thing you do. The relationship that was hardest for me to cut loose (at least at the time) was my engagement to Rich. Rich is from Canada and we had know each other for many years. My first year of college I took a trip to see him and he proposed. I said "Yes". I knew this long distance relationship would be tough to maintain...as I wouldn't go back until my last semester of school...or so was the plan. The relationship had lots of opposition...my mom was against me which was tearing deeply at me and Rich's family wasn't supportive of his happiness at the time. What tore at me more was that at the time, Rich had decided he would only go to church on the big days, not weekly with me. This weighed heavily on me because God is very important in my life. After several thought crippling weeks of thinking it through and calls to Rich and emails back and forth, I knew I could not marry him if he could not commit to God...it wouldn't work. I called him and cut it off. The next several months were the worst months of my life. Rich had been a staple for years and now? Now, I couldn't talk to him for fear I would let the wrong choice reign. I cried myself to sleep almost every night for 2 months...it cut deep and hurt so much! But, it was the right decision. After Rich, came Josh.
Quitely letting a relationship slip away is almost a mutual decision made by both parties. Because, let's face it, if one side wanted the relationship to continue, they would attempt to keep it afloat. The relationship that strikes me here is my friendship with Heidi. We became great friends during college spending much of our free time together or with the "gang" (Josh, Bill, & Burning). During our friendship, she said she liked Josh. She was the shy type so, being Josh's friend for 24 months at the time, I told her all my tips...his likes, dislikes, and ways to flirt with him. After 8 months of divulging all my secrets about Josh, I realized that I really, really liked him. I went to Heidi and told her this...any good friend would be open about it and not conive around their friend's back. She assured me it was okay because he wasn't her type afterall. Within 3 weeks she refused to return my calls and the last time I spoke with her was 3 weeks before my wedding when she came to church before leaving for Iowa. This was a relationship that she didn't want to carry on and a relationship I had to learn to let slip by. It was meant only to last us through our trials of college and be no more. We learned great leasons from each other and had many great memories, but it's not a relationship to take you full hilt.
"But I do know that when we pray and bring these situations before God, He will direct us in how and when to resolve them." This line gives me comfort. It let's me know that our God is willing to take time to deal with a minimal item such as our feelings and dealings. He is willing to look through time and tell us how we should go forth with each friendship.
"The forever ones [relationships] sparkle even more when we realize how rare they really are." How many forever relationships do you have? How do you cultivate your forever relationship? Have you thanked God for the forever relationship?
Today's lesson looks at a time of relationships...which ones are forever relationships, which ones are the ones that are just for a short period of time, which should be let to pass silently, and which are the ones to go loudly? Relationships are hard. They can be tricky. They take work even if it's just a brief relationship. Good businesses establish relationships with their customers and work to keep them.
"It's easier to purge when it comes to things, harder when it comes to people." When was the last time you actually did "spring" cleaning at your house? Josh and I are getting ready to do it this weekend as we change out summer clothes with fall clothes and tidy the house for a home visit from our foster worker. It's easy for me to let go of most material items...I guess I've watched too many of the hoarder shows and seen how it can wreck relationships. I also realize that I will not be able to physically use most items, don't have a place to store them, or know that they are no longer needed/wanted. But what do you do when it comes to purgine people or relationships from your life?
"...there are times when we have to decide if we are going to maintain certain friendships, cut them abruptly loose, or quitely let them slip away. We have to discern if a difficult or broken relationship warrantes mending or tearing, if we need to speak up and reach clarity or closure, or if it's best to let things go unspoken and allow the relationship to die of natural causes."
Maintaining friendships can be a chore. They take work especially if that friendship is long distance. My best friend, Becky, and I have been friends since the 5th grade when her family moved to Eads...that's a total of about 18 years that we've known each other. (Goodness! I never realized I was so OLD!) Our relationship has been through it all! Jealousy, Rage, Happiness, Joyfulness, Idleness. It has had it's ups and downs, it's twists and turns, but it's been worth it. We were brought together by God and will be friends until the end, no matter what. It's a relationship that both of us know is worth it. Our relationship was very easily maintained while we both went through high school. But after we graduated, I parted for KC and she stayed in Eads for a while. Then there came Dallas for her and that first summer, Michael (good friend) and I drove down to see her for a week. Then she we didn't see each other for 2 years. We were able to meet her fiance on a beach trip that year. The next time I saw her was the day before her wedding...I actually got to see her whole family too! Then we went again without seeing each other for several years. But a relationship like ours is worth maintaining. Through each phase of our relationship where we go long periods without contact, I think of the song Becky wrote down for me on a card once..."Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them."
Hear the full song "Friends" by Michael W Smith at (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF0UPv20kUA)
Cutting a relationship abruptly loose can hurt very much and yet at the same time be the best thing you do. The relationship that was hardest for me to cut loose (at least at the time) was my engagement to Rich. Rich is from Canada and we had know each other for many years. My first year of college I took a trip to see him and he proposed. I said "Yes". I knew this long distance relationship would be tough to maintain...as I wouldn't go back until my last semester of school...or so was the plan. The relationship had lots of opposition...my mom was against me which was tearing deeply at me and Rich's family wasn't supportive of his happiness at the time. What tore at me more was that at the time, Rich had decided he would only go to church on the big days, not weekly with me. This weighed heavily on me because God is very important in my life. After several thought crippling weeks of thinking it through and calls to Rich and emails back and forth, I knew I could not marry him if he could not commit to God...it wouldn't work. I called him and cut it off. The next several months were the worst months of my life. Rich had been a staple for years and now? Now, I couldn't talk to him for fear I would let the wrong choice reign. I cried myself to sleep almost every night for 2 months...it cut deep and hurt so much! But, it was the right decision. After Rich, came Josh.
Quitely letting a relationship slip away is almost a mutual decision made by both parties. Because, let's face it, if one side wanted the relationship to continue, they would attempt to keep it afloat. The relationship that strikes me here is my friendship with Heidi. We became great friends during college spending much of our free time together or with the "gang" (Josh, Bill, & Burning). During our friendship, she said she liked Josh. She was the shy type so, being Josh's friend for 24 months at the time, I told her all my tips...his likes, dislikes, and ways to flirt with him. After 8 months of divulging all my secrets about Josh, I realized that I really, really liked him. I went to Heidi and told her this...any good friend would be open about it and not conive around their friend's back. She assured me it was okay because he wasn't her type afterall. Within 3 weeks she refused to return my calls and the last time I spoke with her was 3 weeks before my wedding when she came to church before leaving for Iowa. This was a relationship that she didn't want to carry on and a relationship I had to learn to let slip by. It was meant only to last us through our trials of college and be no more. We learned great leasons from each other and had many great memories, but it's not a relationship to take you full hilt.
"But I do know that when we pray and bring these situations before God, He will direct us in how and when to resolve them." This line gives me comfort. It let's me know that our God is willing to take time to deal with a minimal item such as our feelings and dealings. He is willing to look through time and tell us how we should go forth with each friendship.
"The forever ones [relationships] sparkle even more when we realize how rare they really are." How many forever relationships do you have? How do you cultivate your forever relationship? Have you thanked God for the forever relationship?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
A Time For Everything - Devotional Day 2 - September 22
Scripture (It's only verse 1, but I wanted to add all the verses): Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
(Listen to the Byrd's Turn, Turn, Turn as it incorporates all verses into an awesome song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9_H9AWwQOs.)
That scripture is a huge chunk to take a bite out of! But if you read it again, it's saying there is a time for everything we do, feel, and go through. It was written down and prepared for us to read thousands of years before we came into our existence today.
"We cannot be and do all things for everyone all the time - there are indeed seasons." How many times have you tried to be a people pleaser...doing what someone asks when they ask even though it's outside your range or want? I know I'm guilty of it. My husband, Josh, is also very guilty of it. He's a big people pleaser and it causes him grief sometimes. I think we all fall into this trap on occassion.
The author of the devotional talks about taking her kids to visit their father and how it "would cause me physical pain to part from them. I felt like I had an unending ache, an emptiness, a lake of equilibrium. The only way to get over it was prayer and the passage of time." For those of you who know Josh and I, you know that we are foster parents. The hardest part of being a foster parent is taking your kiddos to a visit with the bioparents when you don't trust them or like their decisions in life. (This kinda ties in with yesterday's lesson to not judge...which is super hard when you have great kids who have a potentially great parent if they'd make better choices!) It used to physically pain me to leave the kiddos at the visit, especially our little man, London. He would cry pathetically for me and put his arms out to me and he still does. It still hurts to leave him, but not as much.
I just keep thinking to myself when I leave him, "In 2 hours, I'll be the hero. I'll come sweep him up into my arms and make him laugh for joy." And, sure enough, that what I do. I'm his mommy...not biologically, but at 16 months, I'm his mommy and that's who he wants.
"The only possible way to love and let go gracefully is to first have enough faith to remember that God is utimately in charge of our children and only He can really keep them safe." This is big for me. There are so many scenarios that can occur at visits, things the kiddos are told, things the bios tell us, so much negativity. It's hard for me to remember that God has these little kids on HIS tracker and has had them there since before Josh and I came into the picture. How many times have you sent your kiddos (or someone you loved) off and thought that they wouldn't be okay because you're not there to see to them?
I remember my mom having a cow when I was deciding on which DeVry to attend. I thought it would be awesome to go to Phoenix, but mom was not going to have that since I didn't know anyone and I'd be so far away. She was concerned for my safety and concerned that I wouldn't have anyone to lean on that far away. She preferred that I attend DeVry in Kansas City because I had family 3 hours away in Iowa. In the end, to satisfy her worry, I moved to KC. I guess God knew what he was doing because I met Josh on the first Sunday out here!
"We need to know tha tlove is not limited to time and space, and our love does not start or stop; it flows continuously whether we are with our childeren (loved one) or not." It's amazing to think of agape love...that ever-present, no strings attached, love of loves that just flows down. It's what we all dream of. A love that loves us no matter what we look like, how we act, what we eat, where we live, our nationality, our color, our creed, who we're related to, how much money we have, how smart we are, etc. Just plain and simple, truly and perfectly love. The kind of love we are all wanting defies all restraints the world puts on it. It is transcendant, and omnipitant...it's everywhere. That's what our love can be when we act on our love instead of mulling it to death.
"We need to trust God that He has ordained our separations as well as our togetherness." It's funny how God works things out. Josh and I were discussing the visit the kids had today and our version of the pros and cons. I hadn't read my devotional yet, but when I cracked it open and read, I was amazed. He puts it all out in the open with us if we care to see it. Do you care to see yours?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
There is so much time and so little time. How will you spend yours?
(Listen to the Byrd's Turn, Turn, Turn as it incorporates all verses into an awesome song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9_H9AWwQOs.)
That scripture is a huge chunk to take a bite out of! But if you read it again, it's saying there is a time for everything we do, feel, and go through. It was written down and prepared for us to read thousands of years before we came into our existence today.
"We cannot be and do all things for everyone all the time - there are indeed seasons." How many times have you tried to be a people pleaser...doing what someone asks when they ask even though it's outside your range or want? I know I'm guilty of it. My husband, Josh, is also very guilty of it. He's a big people pleaser and it causes him grief sometimes. I think we all fall into this trap on occassion.
The author of the devotional talks about taking her kids to visit their father and how it "would cause me physical pain to part from them. I felt like I had an unending ache, an emptiness, a lake of equilibrium. The only way to get over it was prayer and the passage of time." For those of you who know Josh and I, you know that we are foster parents. The hardest part of being a foster parent is taking your kiddos to a visit with the bioparents when you don't trust them or like their decisions in life. (This kinda ties in with yesterday's lesson to not judge...which is super hard when you have great kids who have a potentially great parent if they'd make better choices!) It used to physically pain me to leave the kiddos at the visit, especially our little man, London. He would cry pathetically for me and put his arms out to me and he still does. It still hurts to leave him, but not as much.
I just keep thinking to myself when I leave him, "In 2 hours, I'll be the hero. I'll come sweep him up into my arms and make him laugh for joy." And, sure enough, that what I do. I'm his mommy...not biologically, but at 16 months, I'm his mommy and that's who he wants.
"The only possible way to love and let go gracefully is to first have enough faith to remember that God is utimately in charge of our children and only He can really keep them safe." This is big for me. There are so many scenarios that can occur at visits, things the kiddos are told, things the bios tell us, so much negativity. It's hard for me to remember that God has these little kids on HIS tracker and has had them there since before Josh and I came into the picture. How many times have you sent your kiddos (or someone you loved) off and thought that they wouldn't be okay because you're not there to see to them?
I remember my mom having a cow when I was deciding on which DeVry to attend. I thought it would be awesome to go to Phoenix, but mom was not going to have that since I didn't know anyone and I'd be so far away. She was concerned for my safety and concerned that I wouldn't have anyone to lean on that far away. She preferred that I attend DeVry in Kansas City because I had family 3 hours away in Iowa. In the end, to satisfy her worry, I moved to KC. I guess God knew what he was doing because I met Josh on the first Sunday out here!
"We need to know tha tlove is not limited to time and space, and our love does not start or stop; it flows continuously whether we are with our childeren (loved one) or not." It's amazing to think of agape love...that ever-present, no strings attached, love of loves that just flows down. It's what we all dream of. A love that loves us no matter what we look like, how we act, what we eat, where we live, our nationality, our color, our creed, who we're related to, how much money we have, how smart we are, etc. Just plain and simple, truly and perfectly love. The kind of love we are all wanting defies all restraints the world puts on it. It is transcendant, and omnipitant...it's everywhere. That's what our love can be when we act on our love instead of mulling it to death.
"We need to trust God that He has ordained our separations as well as our togetherness." It's funny how God works things out. Josh and I were discussing the visit the kids had today and our version of the pros and cons. I hadn't read my devotional yet, but when I cracked it open and read, I was amazed. He puts it all out in the open with us if we care to see it. Do you care to see yours?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
There is so much time and so little time. How will you spend yours?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Do Not Judge - Devotional Day 1 - September 21
I've decided to blog daily about my devotional and to share it and my thoughts and experiences with you all. It should be a real adventure especially trying to find time on the weekends to do this! Enjoy the Ride!
Scripture: John 7:24 - Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.
Devotional: The devotional talks about having her kids watch Susan Boyle's first appearance on Britian's Got Talent. "A frumpy, small-town, middle-aged woman takes the stage. Her hair is graying and frizzy and she's wearing a lumpy housedress with bad shoes..." This sets the stage. She says she wants to be a famous singer.
Picture what Susan looks like based on the above description. What goes through your mind? I can tell you that in mine, (without knowing how great she is)I thought she was aiming high. She should go home and clean house. What do you think?
Now, hear this! "It's as if an angel overtakes her, and the heavens spill out of her mouth. Her voice is sublime, rich, and resonant and perfect." Imagine the surprise of the judges and the whole audience as she sings beautifully! Does your initial judgement match the outcome? Mine didn't. I thought after watching the video..."I bet she sings Amazing Grace beautifully and I'd like to try and find it online!"
"Amazing talens lurk in the most unlikely packaging." How many times have you been wrong judged by others? I've been judged much of my life and it's has taken a hard toll on me. I mean, growing up in a small town being pudgy with red hair, freckles, and a gape in your front teeth wasn't exactly easy. I was teased by my brother, friends, and classmates daily...sorta like Dumbo.
Being teased throughout much of my life has made me tough (last blog was Bloody Bess Flint) and a fighter. I can remember wanting to fit in with the others, but knowing that I was different. I would never look classy like them or be popular like them. At least that is what I thought...I had low self-esteem on the inside, but portrayed a huge since of confidence on the outside.
As I got older and learned more about God and his relationship with me, I realized that I had a lot to offer and that God didn't want me to be like everyone else. He made me different for a reason. For those who know me today, you know I have talent and it tends to be on the artsy fartsy side I would say. I'm creative, funny, intelligent, and quick-witted.
One would think that as someone who was judged daily, I would know not to judge. But judging others gives us justification and makes us feel important in our own sphere. We've all judged. The first time this was thrown in my face was on my last trip to Glorietta, New Mexico. It was the first time our group had participated in CenterFuge and it was a crazy great blast! There was college preacher for us and he discussed how we needed to befriend "Mingo". He talked aboug judging others and how looking at Mingo you'd want to run the other way. It wouldn't be cool to be his friend. It wouldn't look good to your friends and what could he possibly offer that your current friends didn't already offer? Then he paused for a few minutes and asked us again to picture Mingo - that kid that no one likes...wears funny clothes, has a lop-sided smile, thick glasses perhaps, a knitted sweater...whatever you picture as "untouchable". He asked us, "What could Mingo offer you, that your other friends did not currently offer?" Several answered "Nothing". Then he said, "How can you know, if you don't get to know Mingo?"
It's really amazing to think about everything you can miss if you don't take a chance. Many people don't want to befriend Mingo because they know they will be judged. Funny, we jugde, but don't want to be judged! Don't fear though! God does not judge us by our looks! Could you image only being admitted to heaven if you met God's judgement gaze...would any of us be good enough then? Think on this verse for the day as well: 1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
You may see the debut of Susan Boyle on Britian's Got Talent via YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk - Be warned, this brought tears to my eyes...
Good luck not judging today!
Scripture: John 7:24 - Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.
Devotional: The devotional talks about having her kids watch Susan Boyle's first appearance on Britian's Got Talent. "A frumpy, small-town, middle-aged woman takes the stage. Her hair is graying and frizzy and she's wearing a lumpy housedress with bad shoes..." This sets the stage. She says she wants to be a famous singer.
Picture what Susan looks like based on the above description. What goes through your mind? I can tell you that in mine, (without knowing how great she is)I thought she was aiming high. She should go home and clean house. What do you think?
Now, hear this! "It's as if an angel overtakes her, and the heavens spill out of her mouth. Her voice is sublime, rich, and resonant and perfect." Imagine the surprise of the judges and the whole audience as she sings beautifully! Does your initial judgement match the outcome? Mine didn't. I thought after watching the video..."I bet she sings Amazing Grace beautifully and I'd like to try and find it online!"
"Amazing talens lurk in the most unlikely packaging." How many times have you been wrong judged by others? I've been judged much of my life and it's has taken a hard toll on me. I mean, growing up in a small town being pudgy with red hair, freckles, and a gape in your front teeth wasn't exactly easy. I was teased by my brother, friends, and classmates daily...sorta like Dumbo.
Being teased throughout much of my life has made me tough (last blog was Bloody Bess Flint) and a fighter. I can remember wanting to fit in with the others, but knowing that I was different. I would never look classy like them or be popular like them. At least that is what I thought...I had low self-esteem on the inside, but portrayed a huge since of confidence on the outside.
As I got older and learned more about God and his relationship with me, I realized that I had a lot to offer and that God didn't want me to be like everyone else. He made me different for a reason. For those who know me today, you know I have talent and it tends to be on the artsy fartsy side I would say. I'm creative, funny, intelligent, and quick-witted.
One would think that as someone who was judged daily, I would know not to judge. But judging others gives us justification and makes us feel important in our own sphere. We've all judged. The first time this was thrown in my face was on my last trip to Glorietta, New Mexico. It was the first time our group had participated in CenterFuge and it was a crazy great blast! There was college preacher for us and he discussed how we needed to befriend "Mingo". He talked aboug judging others and how looking at Mingo you'd want to run the other way. It wouldn't be cool to be his friend. It wouldn't look good to your friends and what could he possibly offer that your current friends didn't already offer? Then he paused for a few minutes and asked us again to picture Mingo - that kid that no one likes...wears funny clothes, has a lop-sided smile, thick glasses perhaps, a knitted sweater...whatever you picture as "untouchable". He asked us, "What could Mingo offer you, that your other friends did not currently offer?" Several answered "Nothing". Then he said, "How can you know, if you don't get to know Mingo?"
It's really amazing to think about everything you can miss if you don't take a chance. Many people don't want to befriend Mingo because they know they will be judged. Funny, we jugde, but don't want to be judged! Don't fear though! God does not judge us by our looks! Could you image only being admitted to heaven if you met God's judgement gaze...would any of us be good enough then? Think on this verse for the day as well: 1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
You may see the debut of Susan Boyle on Britian's Got Talent via YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk - Be warned, this brought tears to my eyes...
Good luck not judging today!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Just Another Post - Who is Josh?
So, I had to take Josh through the National Pirate Day pirate name quiz to see who he would be.
His pirate name would be Dirty John Kidd...which is funny because his middle name is John. You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!
If you want to take the quiz, you can take it at: http://www.piratequiz.com. If you take it, comment and let me know your pirate name!
Enjoy!
His pirate name would be Dirty John Kidd...which is funny because his middle name is John. You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!
If you want to take the quiz, you can take it at: http://www.piratequiz.com. If you take it, comment and let me know your pirate name!
Enjoy!
No Pictures, Just a Post on National Pirate Day
So, it was beautiful today in KC. Bright and sunny with a high in the 80's and low humidity...light breeze to round it out...B E A U T I F U L!!! Josh and I took the kiddos to the park near the zoo to enjoy some pizza and fun. The kiddos love going to the park so it was just perfect.
After showing London the stairs twice, he figured out he didn't need anyone to help him get to the slides. He is a big boy and he can do it by himself. He would climb up the stairs, choose his slide and then ride down feet first or head first...one time it was feet first, but he went on his tummy instead of bum. It was really great! He is only 16 months old and has figured out how to do so much by himself! The most joyous (and I mean real true joy) was hearing him laugh as he slid down each time. He thinks the slide is just the greatest invention in the whole world and he lets you know it.
On the potty front, CeKariya now owns big girl panties. She wore them today at preschool. (She wears a pull-up from home to school because it takes about an hour to get there since I drop of Jamion and Josh first.) She went all day (even THROUGH nap time) completely dry until the end. She was on her way from outside to the potty but didn't make it in time. I'd say 8 hours in big girl panties at the age of 2 years 2 months is pretty darn good! Now, if we could just get CJ on the same page as her...
So, lastly, today is National Pirate Day or so I heard on the radio. I took a quiz to see what my pirate name would be. You're reading a blog by Bloody Bess Flint! Every pirate lives for something different. For you, it's definately the fighting. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky...Think it has anything to do with me being Scottish Irish?
Enjoy!
After showing London the stairs twice, he figured out he didn't need anyone to help him get to the slides. He is a big boy and he can do it by himself. He would climb up the stairs, choose his slide and then ride down feet first or head first...one time it was feet first, but he went on his tummy instead of bum. It was really great! He is only 16 months old and has figured out how to do so much by himself! The most joyous (and I mean real true joy) was hearing him laugh as he slid down each time. He thinks the slide is just the greatest invention in the whole world and he lets you know it.
On the potty front, CeKariya now owns big girl panties. She wore them today at preschool. (She wears a pull-up from home to school because it takes about an hour to get there since I drop of Jamion and Josh first.) She went all day (even THROUGH nap time) completely dry until the end. She was on her way from outside to the potty but didn't make it in time. I'd say 8 hours in big girl panties at the age of 2 years 2 months is pretty darn good! Now, if we could just get CJ on the same page as her...
So, lastly, today is National Pirate Day or so I heard on the radio. I took a quiz to see what my pirate name would be. You're reading a blog by Bloody Bess Flint! Every pirate lives for something different. For you, it's definately the fighting. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky...Think it has anything to do with me being Scottish Irish?
Enjoy!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Kiowa County Fair & Rodeo
We went to Colorado for the first full week of September to visit family, visit friends, and attend the fair and rodeo. It would be the first time our kiddos had seen a fair or rodeo. Everything was a new experience for them and they greatly enjoyed their time.
They loved seeing Uncle Dony & Aunt Ginger...in the past CeKariya & CJ have been a little timid around Uncle Dony, so we started touting them a week before the trip and the transition was great with no worries. They also loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa and getting to ride their bikes around.
We had lots of fun on our trip and even though I had to work, the kids got the chance to watch the rodeo and have tons of fun. They got to eat good food, drink some soda, and stay up past bedtime a few times. It was a great time.
Enjoy!
They loved seeing Uncle Dony & Aunt Ginger...in the past CeKariya & CJ have been a little timid around Uncle Dony, so we started touting them a week before the trip and the transition was great with no worries. They also loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa and getting to ride their bikes around.
We had lots of fun on our trip and even though I had to work, the kids got the chance to watch the rodeo and have tons of fun. They got to eat good food, drink some soda, and stay up past bedtime a few times. It was a great time.
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
My Day at the Zoo
So, Josh and I have been Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members since we started dating. This allows us to get into the zoo as often as we want to. Our membership also allows us to ride the train, tram, and carousel unlimited during our visit.
I've been working on the house and Friday, I was done...I mean physically and mentally, I was done with the house. I needed some grown-up time. I invited my friend, Ms Kim, to go to the zoo with me...she'd get in free too thanks to my FOTZ membership. We spent 3 1/2 hours walking the whole zoo and just talking like adults. It was A W E S O M E !!!! I really needed some time to talk to someone about things other than the kiddos or someone other than Josh who has been a little out there this week.
I also went back to the zoo last night with the whole family to see Captain America. The kiddos had a visit and we picked them up from the visit and went straight to the zoo. We rode the tram to Africa and stood in line for 20 minutes to meet Captain America. We got Marvel comic cards autographed for all 4 kiddos and Jamion and CJ got their picture taken with him. While I was waiting in line, Josh was walking Africa with CeCe and London.
After meeting Captain America, Jamion, CJ, and I took off for our safari. We got to see most of the animals. Although, some of the animals were ready for dinner so they had already headed toward their meal tickets and we couldn't see them.
We finished our safari and then had to wait in a VERY long line to board the tram for the return to the front of the zoo...we were in this line for about 45 minutes. The kiddos played in the misters while mommy moved the stroller forward in line...Josh had wandered off with CeKariya and London again. It was a great day at the zoo. Though last night the temperature was about 95 degrees with 75% humidity...it was hot and sticky...everyone's clothes were sticking to their bodies and water was dripping from our bodies...that was the only miserable part of the evening!
Below are some of the pictures I took from my dual trips to the zoo with Ms. Kim and the family. Enjoy!
I've been working on the house and Friday, I was done...I mean physically and mentally, I was done with the house. I needed some grown-up time. I invited my friend, Ms Kim, to go to the zoo with me...she'd get in free too thanks to my FOTZ membership. We spent 3 1/2 hours walking the whole zoo and just talking like adults. It was A W E S O M E !!!! I really needed some time to talk to someone about things other than the kiddos or someone other than Josh who has been a little out there this week.
I also went back to the zoo last night with the whole family to see Captain America. The kiddos had a visit and we picked them up from the visit and went straight to the zoo. We rode the tram to Africa and stood in line for 20 minutes to meet Captain America. We got Marvel comic cards autographed for all 4 kiddos and Jamion and CJ got their picture taken with him. While I was waiting in line, Josh was walking Africa with CeCe and London.
After meeting Captain America, Jamion, CJ, and I took off for our safari. We got to see most of the animals. Although, some of the animals were ready for dinner so they had already headed toward their meal tickets and we couldn't see them.
We finished our safari and then had to wait in a VERY long line to board the tram for the return to the front of the zoo...we were in this line for about 45 minutes. The kiddos played in the misters while mommy moved the stroller forward in line...Josh had wandered off with CeKariya and London again. It was a great day at the zoo. Though last night the temperature was about 95 degrees with 75% humidity...it was hot and sticky...everyone's clothes were sticking to their bodies and water was dripping from our bodies...that was the only miserable part of the evening!
Below are some of the pictures I took from my dual trips to the zoo with Ms. Kim and the family. Enjoy!
Poop Happens
So, it's always an adventure when you have 4 kiddos! We had an incident that caused CeKariya to go to time out which is in the dining room. CeKariya kept getting out of her chair so we moved her to her crib to serve her 3 minutes. Sometime between the time she was in the dining room to the crib, she went poop in her pullup.
While serving her time in her crib, she undressed herself completely. She also took off her pullup and began playing in her poop. She smeared the poop all over the crib bars, her hair, her feet, her face...including her lips!
We took pictures of her after we got her out of her room. It's very typical for kiddos to go through a poop stage where they want to play with or touch their poop. They also go through a stage where they don't want clothes on...I would rather have that than the poop stage!
Enjoy!
While serving her time in her crib, she undressed herself completely. She also took off her pullup and began playing in her poop. She smeared the poop all over the crib bars, her hair, her feet, her face...including her lips!
We took pictures of her after we got her out of her room. It's very typical for kiddos to go through a poop stage where they want to play with or touch their poop. They also go through a stage where they don't want clothes on...I would rather have that than the poop stage!
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunnyside Waterpark
What a busy weekend we've had! To round out our weekend with the kiddos, we went to the Sunnyside Waterpark just up the street from our house. The kiddos had such a blast at the park. They absolutely loved it. It's a simple waterpark, but the kids loved running all over it and spraying each other.
London especially loved the water park because he could splash in it, jump in it, or try to spray others.
CeKariya tried to drink the water on several occassions! We had to keep an eye on her because about every 3-5 minutes she was hanging her head over a sprayer with her mouth open trying to take a drink!
CJ had a blast splashing Josh and I. He would keep running around yelling, "You can't get me! Mommy! Mommy! You can't get me, Daddy!" He also had fun trying to "crush" the rushing water!
Jamion was Mr. Ninjaman! He was chopping the water, kicking the water, and stepping around the water. He was pretending the water was a trap and then kicking it with a roar to get out of the cages.
Josh and I mainly did crowd control...though we did get into a small splash war...not sure who won, but it sure was fun!
Enjoy!
London especially loved the water park because he could splash in it, jump in it, or try to spray others.
CeKariya tried to drink the water on several occassions! We had to keep an eye on her because about every 3-5 minutes she was hanging her head over a sprayer with her mouth open trying to take a drink!
CJ had a blast splashing Josh and I. He would keep running around yelling, "You can't get me! Mommy! Mommy! You can't get me, Daddy!" He also had fun trying to "crush" the rushing water!
Jamion was Mr. Ninjaman! He was chopping the water, kicking the water, and stepping around the water. He was pretending the water was a trap and then kicking it with a roar to get out of the cages.
Josh and I mainly did crowd control...though we did get into a small splash war...not sure who won, but it sure was fun!
Enjoy!
Our Adult Night Out - Celebrating 6 years of marriage
Last night Josh had his mom watch the kiddos all night while we went out. Josh got us a room at the Hyatt Crown Center for one night to celebrate our 6 years of marriage (August 13, 2005 is when we said our "I do's").
We stayed in room 2016 on the 20th floor with a great view of the downtown Kansas City skyline. We got to the hotel early so we could check-in and spend some time relaxing before our late night with friends.
We met up with Burnie and Starla at Milano for our dinner. We all enjoyed a nice meal with great conversation. Afterwards, we had Sheridan's custard for dessert...a cold creamy ending to our meal time. We then made our way to the American Heartland Theatre for the production of Honky Tonk Angels...it was a wonderful production!
After the show, we all went our separate ways. Josh and I went to our room to change from dressy to drab so we could go walking around Crown Center. While we were walking, we took several pictures at several different f-stops and speeds to get different effects.
We finished our time at the Hyatt with breakfast at the Terrace. You know you're at a fancy establishment when the jams come in a miniture glass jar instead of the plastic square stores! It was a great breakfast.
Josh did a fantastic job planning our night out. He got me 3 new cookbooks and a book about shutter speeds. He also got me a new betta with its own tank. We also got 2 new Red-finned sharks and 5 golden snails for our big tank. Josh, of course, got the big tank cleaned with a new bridge as part of his gift. His 2nd gift was a book.
Enjoy our experience!
We stayed in room 2016 on the 20th floor with a great view of the downtown Kansas City skyline. We got to the hotel early so we could check-in and spend some time relaxing before our late night with friends.
We met up with Burnie and Starla at Milano for our dinner. We all enjoyed a nice meal with great conversation. Afterwards, we had Sheridan's custard for dessert...a cold creamy ending to our meal time. We then made our way to the American Heartland Theatre for the production of Honky Tonk Angels...it was a wonderful production!
After the show, we all went our separate ways. Josh and I went to our room to change from dressy to drab so we could go walking around Crown Center. While we were walking, we took several pictures at several different f-stops and speeds to get different effects.
We finished our time at the Hyatt with breakfast at the Terrace. You know you're at a fancy establishment when the jams come in a miniture glass jar instead of the plastic square stores! It was a great breakfast.
Josh did a fantastic job planning our night out. He got me 3 new cookbooks and a book about shutter speeds. He also got me a new betta with its own tank. We also got 2 new Red-finned sharks and 5 golden snails for our big tank. Josh, of course, got the big tank cleaned with a new bridge as part of his gift. His 2nd gift was a book.
Enjoy our experience!
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Zoo Time
Yesterday we took Jamion, CeKariya, and London to the zoo. We all had a great time in the rain looking at the animals and feeding some of them as well. London absolutely loved feeding the animals. However, we had to watch him because he would try to put the animal treats into his mouth!
They all loved riding the Carousel except London's ride was 3 turns too many...he was done! They all loved playing in the water and stamping through it. It was a great time at the zoo!
Enjoy!
They all loved riding the Carousel except London's ride was 3 turns too many...he was done! They all loved playing in the water and stamping through it. It was a great time at the zoo!
Enjoy!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Our Clean Fish Tank
So, they say you should do a full tank cleaning on your fish tank every 6 months...and there is a reason for this! Our tank was dark green and you couldn't see our fish except when you fed them...because they would come up to the surface for the food.
I spent all day (5 hours worth) cleaning the tank. I took the fish out and put them in a new trash can with some of the water from the dirty tank and our spare air-rator to keep them going...I had to almost empty the tank to catch the last 3 fish...they were super quick!
I then spent time emptying the rest of the water from the tank...it's a 25 gallon tank and I was emptying 4 1/2 gallons each time...but it takes forever using the syphon! I took out all the items that were in the tank and everything went to the bathtub minus the items with cords and the actual tank.
I spent a good hour emptying the tank. An hour deep cleaning all the plants, statues, and an extra 30 minutes for the fish gravel. I also cleaned the heater, the filtration system, and the hood.
Part of my 6 year anniversary gift to Josh was cleaning the tank. But I also moved it to the location I wanted it (I've asked him for 2 years now, but I've done it without him so YAY!). I also bought him a new bridge (since he loves bridges so much) to go in the tank...It looks super awesome!
I then had to reassemble it all! I put in the bridge first, the sign, and the neon rock. I then added all the fish gravel, the log and the plants. At this point, it's time for water. I added water at about 4 1/2 gallons each time. But you have to be careful when adding the new water at 4 1/2 gallons at a time because it can rearrange your tank without want. I used Josh's new bridge to my advantage for this...pouring the water on the bridge to disperse it.
Once all the water (which had water conditioner added at the tap), I had to add some of the ammonia remover and then some non-iodized salt to balance it out. While you'd like to add the fish immediately, there's many factors that have to be considered. For one thing, I had added warm water to the tank, but it was too warm for the fishes. Secondly, you have to use pH sticks to make sure the water is right for the fish. Since the water was too hot and the full tank of water was not yet balanced, I didn't get to add the fishes until after dinner tonight.
All in all, it was a VERY loooooooooooooooooooong day today cleaning the tank. However, the end result is a beautifully clean fish tank that looks brand new from afar!
Below is a few snap shots of the tank and a couple of videos. The first video is of CeKariya talking about the tank and the fishes...she absolutely loves them, but still isn't sure that they can't get to her. She just keeps gibbering in the video and you can only make out part of the conversation. Jamion is in the back ground asking what the "sign" says (NO SKINNY DIPPING) and I ignored his question until I ended the video. The 2nd video is of the fish swimming, The Lion King playing in the background, and Roscoe talking to me about the fish.
Enjoy!
I spent all day (5 hours worth) cleaning the tank. I took the fish out and put them in a new trash can with some of the water from the dirty tank and our spare air-rator to keep them going...I had to almost empty the tank to catch the last 3 fish...they were super quick!
I then spent time emptying the rest of the water from the tank...it's a 25 gallon tank and I was emptying 4 1/2 gallons each time...but it takes forever using the syphon! I took out all the items that were in the tank and everything went to the bathtub minus the items with cords and the actual tank.
I spent a good hour emptying the tank. An hour deep cleaning all the plants, statues, and an extra 30 minutes for the fish gravel. I also cleaned the heater, the filtration system, and the hood.
Part of my 6 year anniversary gift to Josh was cleaning the tank. But I also moved it to the location I wanted it (I've asked him for 2 years now, but I've done it without him so YAY!). I also bought him a new bridge (since he loves bridges so much) to go in the tank...It looks super awesome!
I then had to reassemble it all! I put in the bridge first, the sign, and the neon rock. I then added all the fish gravel, the log and the plants. At this point, it's time for water. I added water at about 4 1/2 gallons each time. But you have to be careful when adding the new water at 4 1/2 gallons at a time because it can rearrange your tank without want. I used Josh's new bridge to my advantage for this...pouring the water on the bridge to disperse it.
Once all the water (which had water conditioner added at the tap), I had to add some of the ammonia remover and then some non-iodized salt to balance it out. While you'd like to add the fish immediately, there's many factors that have to be considered. For one thing, I had added warm water to the tank, but it was too warm for the fishes. Secondly, you have to use pH sticks to make sure the water is right for the fish. Since the water was too hot and the full tank of water was not yet balanced, I didn't get to add the fishes until after dinner tonight.
All in all, it was a VERY loooooooooooooooooooong day today cleaning the tank. However, the end result is a beautifully clean fish tank that looks brand new from afar!
Below is a few snap shots of the tank and a couple of videos. The first video is of CeKariya talking about the tank and the fishes...she absolutely loves them, but still isn't sure that they can't get to her. She just keeps gibbering in the video and you can only make out part of the conversation. Jamion is in the back ground asking what the "sign" says (NO SKINNY DIPPING) and I ignored his question until I ended the video. The 2nd video is of the fish swimming, The Lion King playing in the background, and Roscoe talking to me about the fish.
Enjoy!
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Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Jamion's First Day of Big Kid School
Today is Jamion's first day of "big kid" school...He's a kindergartener! We've been talking about his transition to big kid school for two weeks. On Sunday, he was telling everyone that..."In 2 weeks, uhm, I mean 2 days, I'm gonna be a new kindergarten."
Josh and I had a bet as to how whether he would cry on his first day or not. Josh said he would cry and I said he wouldn't cry. Welp, Josh owes me a large rootbeer tonight because Jamion could barely wait to leave my sight!
Below is a quick slideshow from back to school night last night. We took Jamion to see his classroom, meet his teacher (Mrs. Coleman), and see the school on the inside. We took a few pictures last night and then some more this morning for him.
Enjoy!
Josh and I had a bet as to how whether he would cry on his first day or not. Josh said he would cry and I said he wouldn't cry. Welp, Josh owes me a large rootbeer tonight because Jamion could barely wait to leave my sight!
Below is a quick slideshow from back to school night last night. We took Jamion to see his classroom, meet his teacher (Mrs. Coleman), and see the school on the inside. We took a few pictures last night and then some more this morning for him.
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
BS & J Photography Preview
Friday, August 12, 2011
Attitude!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Our Lives
Attached is a slideshow of our recent lives since the last post. There are pictures of CeKariya's birthday...cause I couldn't remember if I had posted any yet. There are pictures of all the kiddos. There are also pictures from when Dad, Dony, & Ginger came out to visit last weekend. We had a good time with them.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Fireworks & Such
Attached is a slideshow of some of our 4th of July fun and some around town pictures. For the 4th of July we went to Uncle Seth & Aunt Melody's house. We shot off some of our own fireworks from small poppers to big fireworks and we got to watch big fireworks being shot off all around us.
We also went on a bike ride that morning...13 miles pulling 2 trailers with kiddos in them. It was long and hard and hot! We took some pictures at the halfway point at a park. The kiddos enjoyed the ride and so did Josh and I, but we were plain worn out! Enjoy!
We also went on a bike ride that morning...13 miles pulling 2 trailers with kiddos in them. It was long and hard and hot! We took some pictures at the halfway point at a park. The kiddos enjoyed the ride and so did Josh and I, but we were plain worn out! Enjoy!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Cakes
Well, last year I requested cake decorating items for my Christmas gift. Uncle Bill and Aunt Brenda bought me an awesome Wilton cake decorating caddy that was filled to the brim with all the tools you need to decorate awesome cakes.
Below are pictures of two cakes that I've decorated just this week. The first is of a carrot cake. I made this carrot cake for a non-for-profit dinner party we had Friday night. The cake is from scratch and so was the cream cheese icing. I should have taken a picture of the side of the cake because it had finely chopped walnuts all along the side.
The 2nd cake was for CeKariya's 2 year birthday. Her birthday was actually yesterday, but we celebrated it today with her. She loves Elmo and the Wal*Mart near us didn't have an Elmo pan so I had to do my own. I think it came out great! The cake was a box cake (German Chocolate), but the buttercream icing was homemade. Enjoy!
The big view of the cake...it' states: "Elmo says Happy Birthday!"
A view showing the start and shell border on the side of the cake.
The big view of the cake...it' states: "Elmo says Happy Birthday!"
A view showing the start and shell border on the side of the cake.
A broader view of the cake from the top-side.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Our May Trip to Colorado
In late May, our brood travelled to Colorado to visit family and friends. As Becky posted, we stopped to see her clan. That was 9 kiddos and 3 adults to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo...it was quite an interesting trip.
Below is the slide show giving just a glimpse to our week long trip. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the boys riding their new bikes, but we'll post some when they become available.
Enjoy!
Below is the slide show giving just a glimpse to our week long trip. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the boys riding their new bikes, but we'll post some when they become available.
Enjoy!
London Turns 1
Monday, May 23 brought a big day for our family. London turned the BIG 1! How exciting to get to celebrate a birthday for the Little Man! The slideshow is just a snippet of what the afternoon held for us.
We all went to Grandma Barb & Grandpa John's house to celebrate. Aunt Melody and Uncle Andy were both there as well! We had some yummy food and a yummy cake.
It took London a little bit to figure out what the cake was, but once he tasted it...He realized he had to get it off the paper plate so he could eat the plate! Enjoy!
We all went to Grandma Barb & Grandpa John's house to celebrate. Aunt Melody and Uncle Andy were both there as well! We had some yummy food and a yummy cake.
It took London a little bit to figure out what the cake was, but once he tasted it...He realized he had to get it off the paper plate so he could eat the plate! Enjoy!
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