Tuesday, July 25, 2006
P.S.
My friend Claud is doing great and is healing well. Thank you for all your prayers. I still do not know what the surgery results are but, I am praying they are good. Pray for his salvation.
Rainbows and dancing shoes
This past Saturday we were blessed to see not one, but four rainbows. FOUR! As we drove down to Glen Echo for a night of swing dancing there was a mixture of rain and sunshine; a perfect mixture for making rainbows. I am always so excited when I see one because it reminds me so clearly of God’s promises.
The dancing was fun to watch and the live band was most enjoyable. I love the music of the 1940’s in itself, but I love it also because it reminds me of my dad so much. He loved swing music and was in a band himself as a single man. He played the trumpet and he and my mom could really “cut the rug” as they say.
I made a rather quick observation as I watched the dancing. The really good lady dancers wore a special kind of unattractive tie shoes. I think they had a smooth leather bottom which enabled them to slide across the wooden floor with ease as their partner swung them around. So… with that, I was able to watch the rather good dancers and wish all the while I had those ugly tie shoes on instead of my floppy, rubber flip flops, leather top, red ones. It’s all in the shoes I’m convinced, not so much the years of practice and talent. It’s all in the shoes, yep, it’s the shoes.
There was also; as life usually presents itself, a spiritual lesson in the teaching that night. The instructor was talking about the men leading the ladies in dance and the ladies job was to follow. He quickly said, “that if the man did not lead, the ladies would.” We need men to be leaders not only on the dance floor but more so in the home. To be a servant leader is a high and godly calling. And if you lead, women will follow. However, not only on the dance floor but in this dance of life. It is so right when a man will take the hand of his maiden and give her the gift of leadership. The dance of your life will be so much more beautiful and the world will not be looking at your shoes I can assure. The world will see a glimpse of what God had in mind.
Blessings to all.
The dancing was fun to watch and the live band was most enjoyable. I love the music of the 1940’s in itself, but I love it also because it reminds me of my dad so much. He loved swing music and was in a band himself as a single man. He played the trumpet and he and my mom could really “cut the rug” as they say.
I made a rather quick observation as I watched the dancing. The really good lady dancers wore a special kind of unattractive tie shoes. I think they had a smooth leather bottom which enabled them to slide across the wooden floor with ease as their partner swung them around. So… with that, I was able to watch the rather good dancers and wish all the while I had those ugly tie shoes on instead of my floppy, rubber flip flops, leather top, red ones. It’s all in the shoes I’m convinced, not so much the years of practice and talent. It’s all in the shoes, yep, it’s the shoes.
There was also; as life usually presents itself, a spiritual lesson in the teaching that night. The instructor was talking about the men leading the ladies in dance and the ladies job was to follow. He quickly said, “that if the man did not lead, the ladies would.” We need men to be leaders not only on the dance floor but more so in the home. To be a servant leader is a high and godly calling. And if you lead, women will follow. However, not only on the dance floor but in this dance of life. It is so right when a man will take the hand of his maiden and give her the gift of leadership. The dance of your life will be so much more beautiful and the world will not be looking at your shoes I can assure. The world will see a glimpse of what God had in mind.
Blessings to all.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Presents Now Day; a new concept
Thank you for your prayers for my friend Claude. He is coming home from the hospital today and we still do not know the results of his surgery. I can only pray it is good.
In other news… we were at our friend’s house this past weekend and have a very nice time catching up whit their news. I brought the two girls home with us and they are currently at their grandmom’s and aunt’s house. They will both return on Friday and stay through the weekend.
Tyler has presented us, as a family, with the idea of “Presents Now Day”. It will be celebrated instead of gift giving at Christmas time. That way we can keep Christmas as Christ’s birthday and not have it crowded with the pressure and distraction of buying things. I would like to take it a step further and do some kind of good deed for one another or someone as a gift in Christ’s name and reveal the gift to each other on Christmas morning. For example; volunteering at the mission, working in a soup kitchen, giving money to a person in need anonymously or even washing a brother’s car. We still need to talk this through; but the concept is palatable as well as charitable. It may not be perfect, yet it gets our eyes off self and turns it around towards the needs of others. In that; I think Jesus would be pleased. The true blessing in all of this would be to keep the momentum going all through the year. Any thoughts? Personally, the name Presents Now Day needs tweeking.
Until Jesus returns or I leave this earth, I pray to be his faithful servant.
In other news… we were at our friend’s house this past weekend and have a very nice time catching up whit their news. I brought the two girls home with us and they are currently at their grandmom’s and aunt’s house. They will both return on Friday and stay through the weekend.
Tyler has presented us, as a family, with the idea of “Presents Now Day”. It will be celebrated instead of gift giving at Christmas time. That way we can keep Christmas as Christ’s birthday and not have it crowded with the pressure and distraction of buying things. I would like to take it a step further and do some kind of good deed for one another or someone as a gift in Christ’s name and reveal the gift to each other on Christmas morning. For example; volunteering at the mission, working in a soup kitchen, giving money to a person in need anonymously or even washing a brother’s car. We still need to talk this through; but the concept is palatable as well as charitable. It may not be perfect, yet it gets our eyes off self and turns it around towards the needs of others. In that; I think Jesus would be pleased. The true blessing in all of this would be to keep the momentum going all through the year. Any thoughts? Personally, the name Presents Now Day needs tweeking.
Until Jesus returns or I leave this earth, I pray to be his faithful servant.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Request for prayer
We will leave for WV on Friday instead of Thursday. This will give our ills a chance to die!
My dear friend; an older gentleman, is going in for surgery this morning. He has a mass in his stomach and I am concerned as you can imagine. The surgery will be six hours and a 10 day stay in the hospital. Please pray for him. His name is Claude Steger. He does not know the Lord which concerns me even more.
Today is a good day. It is said, “Any day above ground is a good day”, and I would have to agree with that. In light of my friend, and many like him, what do we have to complain about? Even the three H’s are of little concern. And today there are two; hazy and humid.
Carson still lies in bed trying to recover what ails him. Hopefully by tomorrow he will feel as good as new. Taylee is well and is making up for lost words… if you know what I mean.
May the God of peace reign in your heart this day.
Blessings
My dear friend; an older gentleman, is going in for surgery this morning. He has a mass in his stomach and I am concerned as you can imagine. The surgery will be six hours and a 10 day stay in the hospital. Please pray for him. His name is Claude Steger. He does not know the Lord which concerns me even more.
Today is a good day. It is said, “Any day above ground is a good day”, and I would have to agree with that. In light of my friend, and many like him, what do we have to complain about? Even the three H’s are of little concern. And today there are two; hazy and humid.
Carson still lies in bed trying to recover what ails him. Hopefully by tomorrow he will feel as good as new. Taylee is well and is making up for lost words… if you know what I mean.
May the God of peace reign in your heart this day.
Blessings
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
and why not?
Because I currently live in an infirmary and germs are rapidly spreading I seek shelter in the corners and recesses of my home. Thank goodness this computer is housed in such a place. Yet, as I dodge this nasty bug, I am thankful it has not bothered me so far. The battle is not over and we fight to rid this place of the enemy lurking behind and in every cough and sneeze. Uck!
We have started a new campaign in lowering our household electric usage. I say we because everyone is expected to comply with this change. It will most likely involve me the most and I am not in the least complaining. The modern conveniences we enjoy as a family and moreover as a nation are convenient to be sure however; they are the very things that create the high cost of energy use. It has gotten way out of hand and I feel it is my personal challenge to see what I can do to lower our usage which will lower our bill. So people will notice lint stuck to our shirts and the wrinkles that are not ironed out by the heat of the drier will most likely be noticeable. Our jeans will be stiff as well as our towels. We will carry critters in the house from time to time as they have clung to the clothes as they dry on the line. Yet, it is okay. The sunshine smell will linger on the clothes and the good feeling of doing things “the old fashion way” will bring me a satisfaction the easy way could not. This simple change causes me to be more in touch with the weather. The phrase “a good laundry day” is used and understood without further explanation. I have replaced warm water for cold when washing clothes and have yet to turn on an air conditioner. And considering my dislike for the three H’s (hazy, hot and humid) the air conditioner will be used when needed. The clothes will suffer however, I will not! That is, unless I am forced to reconsider that thought and will then spend the hottest part of the day at the mall sipping a Chick-fil-a iced-tea; three lemons please.
I must stop writing. 500 watts of power is needed to power this computer and monitor.
God bless.
There’s a big blue sky out there; try hanging up some laundry and you will see it.
We have started a new campaign in lowering our household electric usage. I say we because everyone is expected to comply with this change. It will most likely involve me the most and I am not in the least complaining. The modern conveniences we enjoy as a family and moreover as a nation are convenient to be sure however; they are the very things that create the high cost of energy use. It has gotten way out of hand and I feel it is my personal challenge to see what I can do to lower our usage which will lower our bill. So people will notice lint stuck to our shirts and the wrinkles that are not ironed out by the heat of the drier will most likely be noticeable. Our jeans will be stiff as well as our towels. We will carry critters in the house from time to time as they have clung to the clothes as they dry on the line. Yet, it is okay. The sunshine smell will linger on the clothes and the good feeling of doing things “the old fashion way” will bring me a satisfaction the easy way could not. This simple change causes me to be more in touch with the weather. The phrase “a good laundry day” is used and understood without further explanation. I have replaced warm water for cold when washing clothes and have yet to turn on an air conditioner. And considering my dislike for the three H’s (hazy, hot and humid) the air conditioner will be used when needed. The clothes will suffer however, I will not! That is, unless I am forced to reconsider that thought and will then spend the hottest part of the day at the mall sipping a Chick-fil-a iced-tea; three lemons please.
I must stop writing. 500 watts of power is needed to power this computer and monitor.
God bless.
There’s a big blue sky out there; try hanging up some laundry and you will see it.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Why?
Why is it that when I go to work in my garden the rocks seems to rise as if planted and were waiting to be harvested and the rocks in my driveway seems to disappear as if hiding from some dreadful occurrence? And why is it that air bubbles in chocolate chip cookies seems to deflate not only the cookies but the cook as well? Yet, these same air bubbles seem to raise an Angel Food cake so deliciously? Why is it when we look at the same thing we see an entirely different image? And when two people listen to a message they hear two totally different points of view? Why do some people understand math equations and leave others in the dust of confusion? We all have the same size brain don’t we? How in the world does one gain an appreciation for opera? Is it like smoking of drinking coffee; one must acquire a taste for it? And how in the world can one learn to throw a frisbee straight and steady yet alone catching one from the heights of the nearby sycamore? I am curious about these things and hunger for the answers to these and other riddles in life.
Until He comes, or we leave, may the greatest wonder of all, bless your life and direct your path.
Until He comes, or we leave, may the greatest wonder of all, bless your life and direct your path.
Monday, May 01, 2006
A Day in the Life
Many of you may not appreciate this narritive; however, it will serve as a reminder to me of the joy in simple things and the love found in family bonding. Time marches on much too quickly and we must see and experence the silly and lighter side of life to endure the harder times that always seem to come. May God who gives us all good things, bless you with a smile today. Don't just keep it; pass it on!
Something made them snap; at least to this woman’s point of view. Perhaps it was the rendezvous after I went to bed or perhaps it’s just what guys do. I should know this by now, don’t you think?
After coming home from their wild outing at the local Sheetz for some slushies; which they sadly reported the machine was broken and buying themselves some highly caffeinated beverage in a can to save for the ride to church in the morning. Along with the chocolate donuts, I would say they were ready to praise the Lord when we could pry them out of the van. By the way my husband was a part of this evening’s homage and I would have been dragged out as well if it were not for a little sister tucked snuggly in her bed.
I was aroused quite unceremoniously from the warmth of my covers and was dragged out into the kitchen for the contest upon their return. Yes, you may have guessed it; an arm wrestling showdown. Each one crouched in a squatting position, arms readied on the counter island. Tee-shirts pulled well over the biceps as not to miss the display of the iron pumping steel.
The contest began with an unusual counting in Korean. Veins popped and egos were on the line. The winner, after many hoops and hollers, took on another brother and the night wore on as the perspiration beaded on the forehead of just one. The beaded one lost, however, a gallant effort was displayed. Brother # 2 took his stance once again (not necessarily in birth order) and took on the winner and the looser. The beaded one lost again. Again and again the contest drew cries from the beaded one. I being the mother of this motley crew couldn’t find a favorite to cheer and I began to feel real sorry for the looser. Knowing his ego was on the line I decided to do the only compassionate thing I could think of and bring down his sleeping sibling. What a mother will do.
It took awhile for the house to settle, but overall memories were made in the wee early hours of the evening. And as the non-beaded one says… Cheers!
Something made them snap; at least to this woman’s point of view. Perhaps it was the rendezvous after I went to bed or perhaps it’s just what guys do. I should know this by now, don’t you think?
After coming home from their wild outing at the local Sheetz for some slushies; which they sadly reported the machine was broken and buying themselves some highly caffeinated beverage in a can to save for the ride to church in the morning. Along with the chocolate donuts, I would say they were ready to praise the Lord when we could pry them out of the van. By the way my husband was a part of this evening’s homage and I would have been dragged out as well if it were not for a little sister tucked snuggly in her bed.
I was aroused quite unceremoniously from the warmth of my covers and was dragged out into the kitchen for the contest upon their return. Yes, you may have guessed it; an arm wrestling showdown. Each one crouched in a squatting position, arms readied on the counter island. Tee-shirts pulled well over the biceps as not to miss the display of the iron pumping steel.
The contest began with an unusual counting in Korean. Veins popped and egos were on the line. The winner, after many hoops and hollers, took on another brother and the night wore on as the perspiration beaded on the forehead of just one. The beaded one lost, however, a gallant effort was displayed. Brother # 2 took his stance once again (not necessarily in birth order) and took on the winner and the looser. The beaded one lost again. Again and again the contest drew cries from the beaded one. I being the mother of this motley crew couldn’t find a favorite to cheer and I began to feel real sorry for the looser. Knowing his ego was on the line I decided to do the only compassionate thing I could think of and bring down his sleeping sibling. What a mother will do.
It took awhile for the house to settle, but overall memories were made in the wee early hours of the evening. And as the non-beaded one says… Cheers!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
In other word, "Reflection"
Let me share with you a quote I read the other day that I have read over and over.In fact you can say that I have meditated upon it and found a lacking in my own life.
"Why does the intake of God's Word often leave us so cold, and why don't we have more success in our spiritual life? Puritan pastor Thomas Watson has the answer. "The reason we come away so cold from reading the Word is, because we do not warm ourselves at the fire of meditation." DONALD WHITNEY
For a great book of Puritan prayers is "The Valley of Vision".
Have a glorious day in the Lord.
"Why does the intake of God's Word often leave us so cold, and why don't we have more success in our spiritual life? Puritan pastor Thomas Watson has the answer. "The reason we come away so cold from reading the Word is, because we do not warm ourselves at the fire of meditation." DONALD WHITNEY
For a great book of Puritan prayers is "The Valley of Vision".
Have a glorious day in the Lord.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Inspired and soon to be fired!
Nothing inspiring to post today, yet I had two inspiring sermons to listen to which did some inspiring. One encouraged me to think of my eternal treasure beginning here on earth and how we invest our “earthly treasures” or as the Bible calls it, “unrighteous wealth” (Luke 16:11). I never thought about being a shrewd manager of God’s money. Shrewd always had a negative connotation to me and I would never have wanted to be call by that name, yet I can see how it could further the kingdom of God if I could shake loose a few extra coins on a regular basis. So, I am inspired to take a full month’s grocery money and give it away. My family is not happy in the least, in fact they are all aghast at the mere thought of such a foolish idea. Hey, the way I look at it, their reaction makes it all the more right. I plan on saving the rest of this month’s money and buy milk and salad stuff as needed as the month of May becomes the month the Fogarty’s “died”; at least that is their thoughts. I will keep you posted as the month of May unfolds. Pray for us!!!
The other excellent sermon was an “oh me and oh my” kind. It was on the flesh which come to think about it serves to fortify the first one very nicely. Nothing can kill the flesh faster than a month where mama does no grocery shopping. In all honesty though, it is accurate it say that it is hard to kill something that we love. We love our flesh and it is the enemy of our souls. We indeed cry “give” much too easily where as our Lord never did. Jesus felt the full weight of our sins, and to think of it causes me to pause in deep gratitude. “Each day look for a chance to die”. Amy Carmichael. I think she was talking about this thing we love that rules our lives. God will be faithful and give us these tests each day, and each day he will be faithful to see us through them.
I guess I was inspired in two ways today after all.
May your day be inspired as you look for His hand upon your life and listen to His voice as He whispers your name. He is pleased even in with all the work that is yet to be done. One step at a time. Blessings!
Hi to Bethany. Thank you Amy. Debora, the coffee was delicious.Today was great fun.
Love to a cool family!!!
The other excellent sermon was an “oh me and oh my” kind. It was on the flesh which come to think about it serves to fortify the first one very nicely. Nothing can kill the flesh faster than a month where mama does no grocery shopping. In all honesty though, it is accurate it say that it is hard to kill something that we love. We love our flesh and it is the enemy of our souls. We indeed cry “give” much too easily where as our Lord never did. Jesus felt the full weight of our sins, and to think of it causes me to pause in deep gratitude. “Each day look for a chance to die”. Amy Carmichael. I think she was talking about this thing we love that rules our lives. God will be faithful and give us these tests each day, and each day he will be faithful to see us through them.
I guess I was inspired in two ways today after all.
May your day be inspired as you look for His hand upon your life and listen to His voice as He whispers your name. He is pleased even in with all the work that is yet to be done. One step at a time. Blessings!
Hi to Bethany. Thank you Amy. Debora, the coffee was delicious.Today was great fun.
Love to a cool family!!!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
A life that smiles
Sometimes, and if you look just a little, God will show you things that will bring a smile to your face. Something to lighten the day and take the heaviness from your heart. Yesterday as I was getting ready for the Titus 2 meeting at church and I happened to look out my bathroom window to see a warrior in my front yard.
Earlier in the day I mentioned to Carson that the “carpenter bees” were becoming a huge problem and boring holes in our house. I had called the University of Maryland’s Corporative Extension Service and found out these things are like salmon and return to the same place year after year. And since bees lay more than one egg, we have many returning home boring sometimes 2 feet into our home. Our fort was in danger and the enemy was invading. Yet my solders in the reserve unit were on duty; something the enemy was not aware of.
I could see clearly in my minds eye this solder just outside my window dressed in his battle gear. The helmet was in place and the breastplate securely fitted. He was ready for battle. With a hose in one hand and a broom in the other, war was declared. One by one the enemy was brought to its (bees) knees. It is so comforting to know that my battalion is equipped and ready at all times. So, groundhogs go for cover, ants say your last rights and bees be aware we are armed and dangerous. Just as the green faces bring terror to the enemies of the United States, so the solders on the hill with brooms in their quiver and hose pistils packed on their sides.
Today, a tennis racket stands by the front door; another weapon in our vast artillery.
There is a saying that goes, “You see what you are prepared to see”. Look just a little and I promise God will give you something to smile about today.
Tennis anyone?
Earlier in the day I mentioned to Carson that the “carpenter bees” were becoming a huge problem and boring holes in our house. I had called the University of Maryland’s Corporative Extension Service and found out these things are like salmon and return to the same place year after year. And since bees lay more than one egg, we have many returning home boring sometimes 2 feet into our home. Our fort was in danger and the enemy was invading. Yet my solders in the reserve unit were on duty; something the enemy was not aware of.
I could see clearly in my minds eye this solder just outside my window dressed in his battle gear. The helmet was in place and the breastplate securely fitted. He was ready for battle. With a hose in one hand and a broom in the other, war was declared. One by one the enemy was brought to its (bees) knees. It is so comforting to know that my battalion is equipped and ready at all times. So, groundhogs go for cover, ants say your last rights and bees be aware we are armed and dangerous. Just as the green faces bring terror to the enemies of the United States, so the solders on the hill with brooms in their quiver and hose pistils packed on their sides.
Today, a tennis racket stands by the front door; another weapon in our vast artillery.
There is a saying that goes, “You see what you are prepared to see”. Look just a little and I promise God will give you something to smile about today.
Tennis anyone?
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Please sit down Martha
Today is the day before Easter. The breeze is delightful as I sit here by the window and there is a hint of fragrance in the air. Spring is in all its glory and I am loving it.
As I prepare for my extended family for Easter dinner, I am turning into a Martha; busy, busy, busy, again. I am making sure all things are done today so I can relish in the day tomorrow. Yet, today is the only day I know I have and it is a glorious one at that. Is it not silly to work so hard today for tomorrow? Where is the balance? I wonder.
Please pray for us, as we are the host tomorrow to many who do not truly know the Lord; some even hostile towards Him. Even though I will rejoice in the day, I will be somewhat sad I am not in the company of fellow believers. However, I will take comfort in knowing that my Lord and Savior will be here with us.
HAPPY EASTER!!
As I prepare for my extended family for Easter dinner, I am turning into a Martha; busy, busy, busy, again. I am making sure all things are done today so I can relish in the day tomorrow. Yet, today is the only day I know I have and it is a glorious one at that. Is it not silly to work so hard today for tomorrow? Where is the balance? I wonder.
Please pray for us, as we are the host tomorrow to many who do not truly know the Lord; some even hostile towards Him. Even though I will rejoice in the day, I will be somewhat sad I am not in the company of fellow believers. However, I will take comfort in knowing that my Lord and Savior will be here with us.
HAPPY EASTER!!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Pauses and ponderings
When I was younger I was always perplexed by the term “Good Friday”. I couldn’t for the life of me think of anything that was good about it. It had to be the saddest day of the year, yet now that I have been able to reflect on the day, I can see why it is called such.
Think about what happened on that day and one can tend to feel the burden of the moment. Jesus, perfect in all ways, chose to die a hideous death for the sins of His beloved; you and me. I have a hard time wrapping my arms around that thought yet, I know that it is true.
In the scope of eternity, God always does things for a good and perfect reason.Besides the obvious, the Lord says in this “Good Friday” that no matter what things look like from our perspective, He works ALL for good. If God can call something good that was as gruesome as the “crucifixion”, who are we to say something is bad?
I would like to encourage all who read this blog to take a moment out of this day and feel the weight of the memory. In pondering this, your Sunday will be all the more joyful and amazing.Today is indeed Friday, but Sunday's a commin'.
Jesus lives!!! Halleluiah!
Think about what happened on that day and one can tend to feel the burden of the moment. Jesus, perfect in all ways, chose to die a hideous death for the sins of His beloved; you and me. I have a hard time wrapping my arms around that thought yet, I know that it is true.
In the scope of eternity, God always does things for a good and perfect reason.Besides the obvious, the Lord says in this “Good Friday” that no matter what things look like from our perspective, He works ALL for good. If God can call something good that was as gruesome as the “crucifixion”, who are we to say something is bad?
I would like to encourage all who read this blog to take a moment out of this day and feel the weight of the memory. In pondering this, your Sunday will be all the more joyful and amazing.Today is indeed Friday, but Sunday's a commin'.
Jesus lives!!! Halleluiah!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
"Band of Brothers"
It has been more than a few years now that whenever we would go out as a family people would comment that we had such a large family. I would even take some pride in the fact that I indeed have my quiver more full than most. Until recently, when we had the privilege of befriending two dear families with many more arrows in their quivers. Like about twice as many. Now, I am humbled by their sacrifice and jealous of the amount of joy that surrounds big families. Please don’t get me wrong, I am totally grateful for what God has given me and I love these guys that I have watched turn into fine young men. It has been awesome to be their mother and it has been such a joyful experience for me. Yet, it was not always so.
As I was about to give birth to my fourth, I was convinced this bundle was going to be the girl that would round out our family. Everyone told me so, and I chose to believe them. I even went out and bought new little onesies with pink rose buds. Nevertheless, this was also not to be. Carson was born all boy and I said right there in the hospital room that if I was to have one more baby you might as well take me from the delivery room straight to the neighboring mental institution. Yes, the oneies went back and the faded, limp, blue ones that were his brothers before him were used. It funny how casual one gets after a couple.
Anyway, as things usually are revealed in time, having all boys was a great thing and a huge blessing. They grew up to be each others best friends and they became this “band of brothers” as they like to be called. You know the kind, when you mess with one you must take on the whole crew. I’m talking loyalty here.
As I look back, it was a lifetime ago and yet it was yesterday. The greatest days in my life circles around these boys. And now, I even have my girl. And even though I had to fly half-way around the world to get her; she was worth every inch, even if I had to walk. My life is full and though I don’t have 10 or 11 children I am happy with my lot. God has been so good to me. My hat goes off to those families that gave God free reign in family planning. I respect you and admire you more than you know. Blessings and a blessed Easter to ALL.
As I was about to give birth to my fourth, I was convinced this bundle was going to be the girl that would round out our family. Everyone told me so, and I chose to believe them. I even went out and bought new little onesies with pink rose buds. Nevertheless, this was also not to be. Carson was born all boy and I said right there in the hospital room that if I was to have one more baby you might as well take me from the delivery room straight to the neighboring mental institution. Yes, the oneies went back and the faded, limp, blue ones that were his brothers before him were used. It funny how casual one gets after a couple.
Anyway, as things usually are revealed in time, having all boys was a great thing and a huge blessing. They grew up to be each others best friends and they became this “band of brothers” as they like to be called. You know the kind, when you mess with one you must take on the whole crew. I’m talking loyalty here.
As I look back, it was a lifetime ago and yet it was yesterday. The greatest days in my life circles around these boys. And now, I even have my girl. And even though I had to fly half-way around the world to get her; she was worth every inch, even if I had to walk. My life is full and though I don’t have 10 or 11 children I am happy with my lot. God has been so good to me. My hat goes off to those families that gave God free reign in family planning. I respect you and admire you more than you know. Blessings and a blessed Easter to ALL.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Ant epilogue and Easter thoughts
Looking outside today it looks warm and inviting, yet when I step outside I think that it would be better to sit closer to the fire and get warm. So, inside I go longing for a more pleasant (which will be soon) day to be outside. Even the ants are in hiding finding some warm corner of the house, hidden away, all hunkered down eating what is left of their winters provisions.
So for an ant update. You’ve heard of the saying; If you can’t beat them feed them”. Well, something like that. The last thing I want to do is allow these little urchins to have their way while I patiently wait them out to see where they go. To be a really good ant eradicator one must watch where they come in and where they make their retreat. Having these rude things slapped for the hundredth time I decided to do as the experts do and watch. And my patience won out. I found where they were coming and going and I placed a little bit of ant food in the corner of their entryway. Little did they know, ha-ha, that this tiny tasty concoction was laced with poison. One by one they came, telling all the other ants in their little kingdom that there was a delicious meal not far from their home. Others came and went and before long, none came. Not one! So, I guess this is the end of my ant story. That is for now. I sleep in peace once more. That is also for now!
To turn to other thoughts…
Today, I have been thinking a lot about this coming week and its meaning to the Christian community. It is Passion Week and it is THE most holy time of the year for us. Once again I turn my head at the commercialism displayed in all the malls and stores and feel sorry for all the people who believe that the Easter bunnies with their creamed and colored eggs is what this time of year is all about.
I find myself fighting the tears as I sit in church thinking of the sacrifice Jesus did on my behalf. I want to cry not only for what He did for me, but moreover for what little I have done for Him. Just when have I truly suffered and when has my faith cost me something? My extended family members don’t understand my faith which leads to misunderstandings, I must be gracious when an unkind word would feel better to my flesh, I must serve when I would rather be served and I must forgive when holding a grudge would be the worldly thing to do; and much more satisfying. Yet, these things are bearable and I do them with a glad heart; most of the time; and I am deeply grateful for the blessings that are totally underserved. A quote that I heard last week in church keeps haunting me as I run the thought through my head over and over. “The only thing we deserve from God, is His judgment”. There has never been a truer statement. Everything the Lord grants me is underserved and given by his gracious hand, BECAUSE He loves me and calls me His own. I am a daughter of the KING. I sit at his table as an invited guest and I can talk with Him whenever I want, and the amazing thing is, He listens. I am truly a blessed person, grateful He has chosen me and honored to be in the company of many other saints that point the way safely home.
Have a blessed Easter week to those I love and to those I have yet to meet and call friend. Ponder His goodness in your life; it is definitely worth the thought.
I love you!
So for an ant update. You’ve heard of the saying; If you can’t beat them feed them”. Well, something like that. The last thing I want to do is allow these little urchins to have their way while I patiently wait them out to see where they go. To be a really good ant eradicator one must watch where they come in and where they make their retreat. Having these rude things slapped for the hundredth time I decided to do as the experts do and watch. And my patience won out. I found where they were coming and going and I placed a little bit of ant food in the corner of their entryway. Little did they know, ha-ha, that this tiny tasty concoction was laced with poison. One by one they came, telling all the other ants in their little kingdom that there was a delicious meal not far from their home. Others came and went and before long, none came. Not one! So, I guess this is the end of my ant story. That is for now. I sleep in peace once more. That is also for now!
To turn to other thoughts…
Today, I have been thinking a lot about this coming week and its meaning to the Christian community. It is Passion Week and it is THE most holy time of the year for us. Once again I turn my head at the commercialism displayed in all the malls and stores and feel sorry for all the people who believe that the Easter bunnies with their creamed and colored eggs is what this time of year is all about.
I find myself fighting the tears as I sit in church thinking of the sacrifice Jesus did on my behalf. I want to cry not only for what He did for me, but moreover for what little I have done for Him. Just when have I truly suffered and when has my faith cost me something? My extended family members don’t understand my faith which leads to misunderstandings, I must be gracious when an unkind word would feel better to my flesh, I must serve when I would rather be served and I must forgive when holding a grudge would be the worldly thing to do; and much more satisfying. Yet, these things are bearable and I do them with a glad heart; most of the time; and I am deeply grateful for the blessings that are totally underserved. A quote that I heard last week in church keeps haunting me as I run the thought through my head over and over. “The only thing we deserve from God, is His judgment”. There has never been a truer statement. Everything the Lord grants me is underserved and given by his gracious hand, BECAUSE He loves me and calls me His own. I am a daughter of the KING. I sit at his table as an invited guest and I can talk with Him whenever I want, and the amazing thing is, He listens. I am truly a blessed person, grateful He has chosen me and honored to be in the company of many other saints that point the way safely home.
Have a blessed Easter week to those I love and to those I have yet to meet and call friend. Ponder His goodness in your life; it is definitely worth the thought.
I love you!
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
ANTS
Spring is officially here. The calendar need not tell me it is so, for there are little creatures that tell me and cause the hair to stand up on my arms and the back of my neck when they enter a space unsolicited. I can tolerate them at picnics and you might even say, I expect them, yet when they come into my house, uninvited I can’t and I won’t. These creatures are ANTS. I hate them and will do just about anything to eradicate them from my presence. I shiver just thinking about the little things on super fast feet scurrying up my walls and onto my counters. They enter an unfriendly environment and PETA can cry all they want and I will still kill each and every one of them with all the vengeance needed. Let this stand as an official warning to all the ants in ant kingdom, I am ready! Come on spring and all the other more glorious signs of its arrival.
Jesus LIVES!!!And I will live for him.
"Lord, promise me there won't be ants in Heaven".
Jesus LIVES!!!And I will live for him.
"Lord, promise me there won't be ants in Heaven".
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Hats
I am now wearing a blogger hat among the many other hats that I currently wear. I feel I have made it to the unseen world where everyone who wishes will read these thoughts. It’s a little scary doing something in a world I know little about. But, I will tread where others have tread before to make a path and add my two cents for whatever they are worth. I will enjoy this new adventure. Thank you Tyler for inviting me into your world.
There is a quote from a movie that I identify with which says, “I live a small life; valuable but small, and I wonder if I do the things I do because I want to, or do I do them because I have not been brave.” I know one thing; today is my 29th anniversary and does it not take someone with a little bit of bravery to be able to say that? I am definitely not a quitter!
There is a quote from a movie that I identify with which says, “I live a small life; valuable but small, and I wonder if I do the things I do because I want to, or do I do them because I have not been brave.” I know one thing; today is my 29th anniversary and does it not take someone with a little bit of bravery to be able to say that? I am definitely not a quitter!
Operational
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters."
- Jane Austen, in the opening line of her work, "Pride and Prejudice".
- Jane Austen, in the opening line of her work, "Pride and Prejudice".
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