Sudoku.Still my favorite addiction.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Photo: June 19, 2008
This is Ruben. I realized today I hadn't introduced him yet.
He's our gentle giant.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Photo: June 18, 2008
Found these in the backyardshaded by some pretty tired pines.
It was comforting to see something pretty
in the midst of all the heat.
It gave me hope.
It won't be this hot forever!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Photo: June 17, 2008
VBS is over. No excuses.Home Improvement Summer Season 2008 Begins.
Wistful Beige in the living areas.
I'm being daring and painting the front bath Red Ginseng.
Wish us luck!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Photo: June 16, 2008
Oh, sure, he sleeps now. It was a different story at 3:30 this morning...
Wakey, wakey, Coco-NUTS!!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Photo: June 15, 2008
He requested the Rambo Complete Boxed Set....on Saturday. Of course, it's sold out all over town - it's the PERFECT Father's Day gift!
(tongue firmly in cheek)
Got a raincheck, some workshirts and two classics to tide him over.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Food for Thought from Tozer
"If you want to pray strategically, in a way which would please God, pray that God might raise up men who would see the beauty of the Lord our God and would begin to preach it and hold it out to people, instead of offering peace of mind, deliverance from cigarettes, a better job and nicer cottage....What good is all our busy religion if God isn't in it? What good is it if we've lost majesty, reverence, worship--an awareness of the divine? What good is it if we've lost a sense of the Presence and the ability to retreat within our own hearts and meet God in the garden? If we've lost that, why build another church? Why make more converts to an effete Christianity? Why bring people to follow after a Savior so far off that He doesn't own them?
We need to improve the quality of our Christianity, and we never will until we raise our concept of God back to that held by apostle, sage, prophet, saint and reformer. When we put God back where He belongs, we will instictively and automatically move up again; the whole spiral of our religious direction will be upward." A. W. Tozer, The Attributes of God, 194-195
We worship God. He's more than our friend, our buddy. He is omipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. We are His. He OWNS us! I wonder how our daily lives would look if we really believed that.
We need to improve the quality of our Christianity, and we never will until we raise our concept of God back to that held by apostle, sage, prophet, saint and reformer. When we put God back where He belongs, we will instictively and automatically move up again; the whole spiral of our religious direction will be upward." A. W. Tozer, The Attributes of God, 194-195
We worship God. He's more than our friend, our buddy. He is omipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. We are His. He OWNS us! I wonder how our daily lives would look if we really believed that.
Photo: June 14, 2008
Do Not Adjust your Screens!The church lost power 15 minutes before our
VBS Grand Finale Night.
God is Good.
Our Music Leader for VBS can actually play the piano,
so the kids sang their songs in the dark.
The Show Must Go On!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Photo: June 13, 2008
I know it's not the healthiest choice,but it's 100° outside and the last night of VBS.
Besides, it's yummy!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Photo: June 12, 2008
All the Bible study materials have arrived! I can't wait to start Stepping Up with my Sisters-in-Christ on June 26!
Studying with Miss Beth is going to be great!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Abstinence Pledges (PG-13)
A study by the Rand Corporation research institute found that 34 percent of youths who took such pledges as teens had had sexual intercourse within three years compared to 42 percent of similar teens who did not make virginity pledges.
"These findings do not suggest that virginity pledges should be a substitute for comprehensive sexual education programs, or that they will work for all kinds of kids," said Martino. "But virginity pledges may be appropriate as one component of an overall sex education effort."
Full Story Here
I know that's only an 8% difference, but 8% is a pretty large number of kids who are protected from disease and unplanned pregnancy.
On the other hand, I am one who has been a bit dubious in the past regarding purity pledges. I have watched parents push their kids into signing purity pledges, then breathe a sigh of relief that "now their kids are safe." That attitude is naive at best; at worst, it's poor parenting. The article doesn't differentiate between correlational relationship vs. causal relationship between pledge signing and virginity. Possibly teens who sign purity pledges are often also teens who choose to remain pure. Maybe it's causal in the opposite way than they are alluding. It is quite possible that choosing to sign a purity pledge comes as the result of a teen's previous decision to delay intimacy until marriage. In other words, maybe they decide to stay virgins, then sign as apposed to signing a pledge then remaining virgins because they signed a contract stating they would.
I'm wondering if the difference lies in the type of kids who choose to sign purity pledges. Maybe they're simply more likely to wait for marriage to become sexually active as a result of their family values. My guess is that this is the most likely reason for that 8% difference.
Either way, signing a pledge is meaningless if there aren't core values instilled to back up that pledge.
Now I'm just rambling, but it's something to think about anyway.
"These findings do not suggest that virginity pledges should be a substitute for comprehensive sexual education programs, or that they will work for all kinds of kids," said Martino. "But virginity pledges may be appropriate as one component of an overall sex education effort."
Full Story Here
I know that's only an 8% difference, but 8% is a pretty large number of kids who are protected from disease and unplanned pregnancy.
On the other hand, I am one who has been a bit dubious in the past regarding purity pledges. I have watched parents push their kids into signing purity pledges, then breathe a sigh of relief that "now their kids are safe." That attitude is naive at best; at worst, it's poor parenting. The article doesn't differentiate between correlational relationship vs. causal relationship between pledge signing and virginity. Possibly teens who sign purity pledges are often also teens who choose to remain pure. Maybe it's causal in the opposite way than they are alluding. It is quite possible that choosing to sign a purity pledge comes as the result of a teen's previous decision to delay intimacy until marriage. In other words, maybe they decide to stay virgins, then sign as apposed to signing a pledge then remaining virgins because they signed a contract stating they would.
I'm wondering if the difference lies in the type of kids who choose to sign purity pledges. Maybe they're simply more likely to wait for marriage to become sexually active as a result of their family values. My guess is that this is the most likely reason for that 8% difference.
Either way, signing a pledge is meaningless if there aren't core values instilled to back up that pledge.
Now I'm just rambling, but it's something to think about anyway.
Photo: June 11, 2008
A bouquet of coffee bean-center flower pens
to use at a BIG party I get to do
at a restaurant downtown tonight for my business.
I'm excited!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Photo: June 10, 2008
Nerds fill up my purse.Forgot they were there - heavy!
Until end of day.
(that's a Haiku...well, a redneck Haiku, anyway!)
Monday, June 09, 2008
Photo: June 8, 2008
My first day back as Summer nursery worker. Man, I missed those silly toddler knees!
(they were taking turns hiding in the "boat")
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
Loving When We Disagree
I was cleaning up some old files and found an unpublished draft I was working on over a year ago. Funny thing is, the subject is still something I find myself considering on an ongoing basis. I suspect it will be something we contend with until we meet Jesus face-to-face.
When we form relationships and attachments with others, one thing is bound to happen sooner or later: We WILL disagree. And I'm not just talking about what to have for dinner. As similar as God made us, He also blessed each of us with the ability to think and reason for ourselves. We aren't simply puppets on strings that he choreographs to His delight. We are individuals with life experiences that contribute to the conclusions we form and the decisions we make. Because all of us have unique compilations of experience from which to draw, the results of our thought processes can lead us to polar opposite conclusions, even when we are supposed to love each other.
It is perplexing and disappointing when those we love make decisions with which we fundamentally disagree. The little stuff isn't so bad. We can all make adjustments for those who insist the best weekend diversion is golf when we'd rather cruise through town on our bicycles. We find ways to compromise between watching mysteries on TV versus comedies. Sometimes, however, our sensibilities diverge on some deeper issues; things some of us might consider deal-breakers.
I could make a short list of such deal-breaker issues, but all of us have them and know exactly what they are. The issues themselves are not the point. It is how we are supposed to treat each other when those issues rear their ugly heads that is the center of this rambling post.
What I write next is more for me than for anyone else.
I am called to love my neighbor as myself. Period. When I am standing toe-to-toe with a brother or sister in Christ, I must do it with the express purpose of being unified, not because I need to be acknowledged as "right." I don't know about the rest of you, but this is probably the toughest thing God has asked me to do, especially when I-know-that-I-know-that-I-know that my position is the unequivocally correct position. How do I pursue unity - how to I LOVE someone when I know they are wrong and they won't budge? How do I pursue unity and love someone if our disagreement turns ugly and maybe both of us say things we shouldn't?
Here's the other hard thing God called me to pursue: Humility. Ouch. It is my job to find a way to mend that relationship. That doesn't mean we need to be BFFs forever, but I do need to make every effort to get the two of us pointed in the same direction, pressing toward the goal to which we were called.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-5
That may mean I don't get my way even when I'm 100% right. I have learned how to be OK with that, though. God always gets His way, even when I don't. If I am living my life to glorify Him, it won't be about winning the argument, but about doing what He called me to do. And from what I read, that boils down to this:
Surrender Myself to Him
Make Disciples
Love Each Other
For me, that's enough of a job description to keep me busy until I am finally ushered into Glory.
If you disagree, that's OK. I love you still! Let's stay pointed in the same direction, no matter what.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:12-21
When we form relationships and attachments with others, one thing is bound to happen sooner or later: We WILL disagree. And I'm not just talking about what to have for dinner. As similar as God made us, He also blessed each of us with the ability to think and reason for ourselves. We aren't simply puppets on strings that he choreographs to His delight. We are individuals with life experiences that contribute to the conclusions we form and the decisions we make. Because all of us have unique compilations of experience from which to draw, the results of our thought processes can lead us to polar opposite conclusions, even when we are supposed to love each other.
It is perplexing and disappointing when those we love make decisions with which we fundamentally disagree. The little stuff isn't so bad. We can all make adjustments for those who insist the best weekend diversion is golf when we'd rather cruise through town on our bicycles. We find ways to compromise between watching mysteries on TV versus comedies. Sometimes, however, our sensibilities diverge on some deeper issues; things some of us might consider deal-breakers.
I could make a short list of such deal-breaker issues, but all of us have them and know exactly what they are. The issues themselves are not the point. It is how we are supposed to treat each other when those issues rear their ugly heads that is the center of this rambling post.
What I write next is more for me than for anyone else.
I am called to love my neighbor as myself. Period. When I am standing toe-to-toe with a brother or sister in Christ, I must do it with the express purpose of being unified, not because I need to be acknowledged as "right." I don't know about the rest of you, but this is probably the toughest thing God has asked me to do, especially when I-know-that-I-know-that-I-know that my position is the unequivocally correct position. How do I pursue unity - how to I LOVE someone when I know they are wrong and they won't budge? How do I pursue unity and love someone if our disagreement turns ugly and maybe both of us say things we shouldn't?
Here's the other hard thing God called me to pursue: Humility. Ouch. It is my job to find a way to mend that relationship. That doesn't mean we need to be BFFs forever, but I do need to make every effort to get the two of us pointed in the same direction, pressing toward the goal to which we were called.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-5
That may mean I don't get my way even when I'm 100% right. I have learned how to be OK with that, though. God always gets His way, even when I don't. If I am living my life to glorify Him, it won't be about winning the argument, but about doing what He called me to do. And from what I read, that boils down to this:
Surrender Myself to Him
Make Disciples
Love Each Other
For me, that's enough of a job description to keep me busy until I am finally ushered into Glory.
If you disagree, that's OK. I love you still! Let's stay pointed in the same direction, no matter what.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:12-21
Photo: June 6, 2008
Chopped all my hair off for the Summer and forgot to bring the camera to the beauty shop. Trust me, it's short. I love it!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Photo: June 5, 2008
Giving out Snowcones, inviting kids to Vacation Bible School(that's not my hairy arm)
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Photo: June 3, 2008
Son's 8th grade graduation last Thursday
I read a moving article about a gentleman who took a polaroid picture every day for 18 years. His friends posted his pictures online after his death from cancer. Some pics are silly, some mundane and some are heartbreaking. They tell a beautiful story. You can see his pics here. I want to give it a try.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Stockpiling
Now that gas has officially topped $4/gallon, I am becoming obsessive about maximizing any trip we take with the car. As my husband came home from a trip to his office Sunday evening, I asked him to stop by the grocery store to pick up stuff I'd need for this coming week; you know, cereal, bread and the like.He came home with 12 pounds of ground beef. 12 Pounds.
I now remember why I don't ask him to make quick grocery stops on a regular basis.
He happened to show up at the butcher counter when they were drastically marking down the remains of the day's ground beef and shutting down for the night. When he saw 15% ground beef for .99, he couldn't help himself. I have to give credit where credit is due, though; he only purchased half of the 24 pounds they were trying to unload. Oh, yes; he also got a deal on two pounds of bulk Italian sausage. What a bargain hunter he is!
I now have two bags of mini-meatloaves, three spaghetti entrees, two bags of seasoned taco meat, two shepherd's pies and a dozen hamburger patties safely stored in my deep freezer. I have a little over four pounds of ground beef left and am running out of creative ideas. I'm thinkin' sloppy joes and maybe a batch of ground beef enchiladas. There's only one problem. Making those would require another trip to the store and I don't have enough errands piling up to justify putting my car into service.
I guess I could ask my husband to pick up what I need on the way home from work, yes?
;-P
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Fireproof: Love is Not a Fight
Warren Barfield knocks it out of the park with this one. He wrote this song for the movie Fireproof. I can't wait for the movie to open this Fall! This film has the potential to save marriages. Watch the video...clips from the movie are included. I got this widget from the Fireproof website. Click on the "Warren Barfield" video first, then watch the rest!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Catching Up
This has been a wild couple of weeks.
UPDATES:
Living Proof Live with Beth Moore in San Diego was such an encouragement to me. Travis Cottrell and his praise team/band knocked it out of the park. To say Mrs. Moore spoke some important truth into my life is a great understatement. If you ever have a chance to go to Living Proof Live, don't ask, don't think, just buy the ticket, make the hotel reservations and go. She is speaking in Las Vegas in September at the Deeper Still conference with Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirrer. Again I say don't think, just do it.
I'm in!
Before LPL I attended Wired, a women's ministry training event put on by Lifeway. I sat at the feet of some of the most incredible women I have ever met! Leighann McCoy blessed and encouraged me with her compassion and energy. She spoke about helping women in crisis and spoke eloquently from personal experience. Loved her. Debbie Stuart lit a fresh fire in my heart to minister specifically to women. I wish she lived closer because I know we'd be friends. She was so funny and challenged us to be about the business of Kingdom Work (focusing our efforts on glorifying God), not busyness. Chris Adams was so real when she spoke. She gave us some helpful tools to prevent burnout and shared a bit about the challenges she has faced as a woman ministering to women. Kelly Minter is a woman loving the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul and strength! She shared something with us from scripture that I had never considered and I'm still pondering two weeks later! She is using her many talents to glorify God! This woman knows how to worship!
I was educated, humbled and encouraged.
Hubby was asked to speak in front of a Legislative committee in Sacramento this week. One of the companies in town flew him and another gentleman up there in their private plane (...I know, oh my gosh!) and through witnessing the behavior in the room during the meeting, came to an understanding of why some people would think we evolved from lower life forms. My husband, while pretty abrupt most of the time, is refreshingly gracious with most people. When he came back from that meeting he told me it was all he could do to keep himself from smacking a few of those people upside the head.
Them's strong words from my man.
Took husband and son to see Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed last weekend. My son and I were on the edge of our seats in total fascination, but hubby nodded off a couple of times. Just being honest. I guess watching a bunch of guys talk for two hours is more than some people can take. That said, I'd see it again. There is very little that is more attractive to me than an articulate man. Maybe I shouldn't see it again...
I'm just sayin'.
My Scentsy business has taken off like a rocket! It is so nice to spend my time doing something I enjoy and brings other people such ...hmmm...how shall I put it...pleasure doesn't quite cover it: delight and giddiness. Yup. I have actually had women call me giggling over their Scentsy stuff. These are professional business women! I refuse to name names!
I love my new job!
The puppy is about to break my spirit. Pray when you think of it. Remember the patio furniture I got for my birthday last year? He chewed through one of the ottomans. Today he ate a rubber ball. He treats the cat like a chew toy. He chewed the sheer curtains right off the french doors. He tinkled on husband's shoes.
It's a good thing he's adorable.
I think I'll leave it at that.
UPDATES:
Living Proof Live with Beth Moore in San Diego was such an encouragement to me. Travis Cottrell and his praise team/band knocked it out of the park. To say Mrs. Moore spoke some important truth into my life is a great understatement. If you ever have a chance to go to Living Proof Live, don't ask, don't think, just buy the ticket, make the hotel reservations and go. She is speaking in Las Vegas in September at the Deeper Still conference with Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirrer. Again I say don't think, just do it.
I'm in!
Before LPL I attended Wired, a women's ministry training event put on by Lifeway. I sat at the feet of some of the most incredible women I have ever met! Leighann McCoy blessed and encouraged me with her compassion and energy. She spoke about helping women in crisis and spoke eloquently from personal experience. Loved her. Debbie Stuart lit a fresh fire in my heart to minister specifically to women. I wish she lived closer because I know we'd be friends. She was so funny and challenged us to be about the business of Kingdom Work (focusing our efforts on glorifying God), not busyness. Chris Adams was so real when she spoke. She gave us some helpful tools to prevent burnout and shared a bit about the challenges she has faced as a woman ministering to women. Kelly Minter is a woman loving the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul and strength! She shared something with us from scripture that I had never considered and I'm still pondering two weeks later! She is using her many talents to glorify God! This woman knows how to worship!
I was educated, humbled and encouraged.
Hubby was asked to speak in front of a Legislative committee in Sacramento this week. One of the companies in town flew him and another gentleman up there in their private plane (...I know, oh my gosh!) and through witnessing the behavior in the room during the meeting, came to an understanding of why some people would think we evolved from lower life forms. My husband, while pretty abrupt most of the time, is refreshingly gracious with most people. When he came back from that meeting he told me it was all he could do to keep himself from smacking a few of those people upside the head.
Them's strong words from my man.
Took husband and son to see Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed last weekend. My son and I were on the edge of our seats in total fascination, but hubby nodded off a couple of times. Just being honest. I guess watching a bunch of guys talk for two hours is more than some people can take. That said, I'd see it again. There is very little that is more attractive to me than an articulate man. Maybe I shouldn't see it again...
I'm just sayin'.
My Scentsy business has taken off like a rocket! It is so nice to spend my time doing something I enjoy and brings other people such ...hmmm...how shall I put it...pleasure doesn't quite cover it: delight and giddiness. Yup. I have actually had women call me giggling over their Scentsy stuff. These are professional business women! I refuse to name names!
I love my new job!
The puppy is about to break my spirit. Pray when you think of it. Remember the patio furniture I got for my birthday last year? He chewed through one of the ottomans. Today he ate a rubber ball. He treats the cat like a chew toy. He chewed the sheer curtains right off the french doors. He tinkled on husband's shoes.
It's a good thing he's adorable.
I think I'll leave it at that.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Mom Frustration: A Memory to Share
We were cleaning out a file this evening when we found this. After passing it around the entire family (and the boyfriend) and laughing hysterically, I KNEW I had to share this one! At 14 and 17, I know I am blessed with the two most interesting, loving, creative children on the planet, but when they were younger I sometimes wasn't so sure....
This is for all you moms in the trenches with your pre-k and elementary-aged siblings. My two must have been 8 and 5 when this was drafted. I don't even remember writing this, but I must have been really mad. In all honesty, I don't think I could have really gone through with my final threat, so thank goodness they didn't call my bluff. For your edification, enjoyment and encouragement (and my embarrassment), I give you
...I made them sign it.
Sheesh.
This is for all you moms in the trenches with your pre-k and elementary-aged siblings. My two must have been 8 and 5 when this was drafted. I don't even remember writing this, but I must have been really mad. In all honesty, I don't think I could have really gone through with my final threat, so thank goodness they didn't call my bluff. For your edification, enjoyment and encouragement (and my embarrassment), I give you
The Contract:
I will be polite to my brother/sister when we go with Mom to pick up transcription.
The first time I am mean to my brother/sister in the car when we go to pick up transcription I will go to bed at 7:00pm.
The second time it happens I will go to bed at 6:00pm.
The third time it happens I will go to bed at 6:00pm for 1 week.
The fourth time it happens, Mom will get a job outside the house and I will have to go to daycare.
...I made them sign it.
Sheesh.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Choosing our "Christian" music wisely
I have commented in the past here about some songs that we sing in church, but somehow don't seem doctrinally sound to me. For example:
"I'm trading my sickness, I'm trading my pain, I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord."
Please don't hate me. I know many people LOVE this song. I'm just not one of them.
While I like the thought, it doesn't jibe with what scripture says. We can't just lay down our sickness, walk away from it and have only the joy of the Lord to contend with. Sometimes, no matter how much we'd like to dump pain on the side of the road and leave it there, our suffering instead becomes a part of our lives and, hopefully, a part of our witness. We can, however, rejoice in our suffering (Romans 5:3-5), knowing it will mature us in our faith. We can also count our trials (i.e. suffering and pain) as joy (James 1:2-4) for the same reason. But that is not the same thing as laying down our sickness and pain. That is only one example, of course, and many, MANY, songs are written that are consistent with scripture. Some favorites:
Shout To the Lord -All time #1 (Psalm 98:4-8)
He Knows My Name (Brings my thoughts directly to Psalm 139 every time we sing it)
How Great is Our God - A new favorite! (Only touches the surface of Psalm 104. Lovely.)
I bring the issue up again, first, in the hopes that it might be a reminder that just because a song seems to be "Christian," doesn't mean it is biblically accurate. We need to be careful what we listen to, especially when it comes to songs written for Christian audiences. Turning our radio to the Christian station does not give us permission to put our thoughts on auto pilot. Think about the words being sung in the song. Yes, it may have a catchy beat or make you feel special, but is it TRUE?
Lifeway is getting ready to release a new 2008 edition of the Baptist Hymnal. Baptist Press published an article on the subject that included some really important stuff. First, Jon Duncan, state music director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, said something that is so true I needed to read it twice just to take it in:
I believe that, along with most Baptists, my theology was shaped through the singing of hymns... Although I didn't understand everything I was singing as a young boy, the theological deposits being made during these formative years provided anchors for my life. As a result, the teaching impact through singing our hymns cannot be understated.
He is absolutely right! Much of our personal theology is shaped through the music we listen to and sing! Think about it! We need to be careful that the music we expose our children to presents the Gospel accurately or they may grow up to have an inaccurate understanding of God. That's big stuff.
The committee took their job of selecting songs to include in the hymnal very seriously. Here is the criterion they used:
Each song's suitability is based on these questions:
-- Does the hymn speak biblically of God?
-- Is it God-honoring?
-- Does the hymn present a biblical view of man?
-- Does the song help us to cover the depth and breadth of our theology?
-- Does the hymn call us to true discipleship, service, repentance, witness, missions and devotion?
-- Does the hymn speak biblically of salvation?
-- Does it engage the whole person - allowing a person to express his deepest feelings?
-- Does the hymn emphasize that Christ is the Christian's Lord, Master and King? (the idea of total submission)
-- Does the hymn present an Americanized/Westernized gospel? (civil religion)
-- Is there a balance with corporate and individual response in worship? (immanence and transcendence)-- Does the hymn speak biblically about the church, the body of Christ?
If we used such a criterion to consider the songs we allow in our homes, cars and even our churches, do you think it would change anything?
I'm just askin'.....
The new hymnal will include about 650 songs, 300 of which are brand new to the hymnal. Some of the titles are:
Amazing Grace
Awesome in This Place
Better Is One Day
Breathe
Change My Heart, O God
Draw Me Close
God of Wonders
Have Thine Own Way, Lord
He Knows My Name (YES!)
I Give You My Heart
I Worship You, Almighty God
Just As I Am
Made Me Glad
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Shout to the Lord (Double YES!!)
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
You Are My King [Amazing Love]
and the list goes on...
I am not saying the Baptist Hymnal is the "bible" to be used to judge whether or not a song is Biblically accurate! What I am clumsily trying to express is that we need to use discernment regarding everything we expose ourselves and our children to, including music written for Christian audiences. The list of criterion the committee who chose the songs to be included in the hymnal impressed me as something that could be applied in many circumstances. That's all.
You can read Mr. Duncan's interview through this link.
You can read the Baptist Press article, which lists the criterion, through this link.
You can find the complete song list at http://www.lifewayworship.com/
"I'm trading my sickness, I'm trading my pain, I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord."
Please don't hate me. I know many people LOVE this song. I'm just not one of them.
While I like the thought, it doesn't jibe with what scripture says. We can't just lay down our sickness, walk away from it and have only the joy of the Lord to contend with. Sometimes, no matter how much we'd like to dump pain on the side of the road and leave it there, our suffering instead becomes a part of our lives and, hopefully, a part of our witness. We can, however, rejoice in our suffering (Romans 5:3-5), knowing it will mature us in our faith. We can also count our trials (i.e. suffering and pain) as joy (James 1:2-4) for the same reason. But that is not the same thing as laying down our sickness and pain. That is only one example, of course, and many, MANY, songs are written that are consistent with scripture. Some favorites:
Shout To the Lord -All time #1 (Psalm 98:4-8)
He Knows My Name (Brings my thoughts directly to Psalm 139 every time we sing it)
How Great is Our God - A new favorite! (Only touches the surface of Psalm 104. Lovely.)
I bring the issue up again, first, in the hopes that it might be a reminder that just because a song seems to be "Christian," doesn't mean it is biblically accurate. We need to be careful what we listen to, especially when it comes to songs written for Christian audiences. Turning our radio to the Christian station does not give us permission to put our thoughts on auto pilot. Think about the words being sung in the song. Yes, it may have a catchy beat or make you feel special, but is it TRUE?
Lifeway is getting ready to release a new 2008 edition of the Baptist Hymnal. Baptist Press published an article on the subject that included some really important stuff. First, Jon Duncan, state music director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, said something that is so true I needed to read it twice just to take it in:
I believe that, along with most Baptists, my theology was shaped through the singing of hymns... Although I didn't understand everything I was singing as a young boy, the theological deposits being made during these formative years provided anchors for my life. As a result, the teaching impact through singing our hymns cannot be understated.
He is absolutely right! Much of our personal theology is shaped through the music we listen to and sing! Think about it! We need to be careful that the music we expose our children to presents the Gospel accurately or they may grow up to have an inaccurate understanding of God. That's big stuff.
The committee took their job of selecting songs to include in the hymnal very seriously. Here is the criterion they used:
Each song's suitability is based on these questions:
-- Does the hymn speak biblically of God?
-- Is it God-honoring?
-- Does the hymn present a biblical view of man?
-- Does the song help us to cover the depth and breadth of our theology?
-- Does the hymn call us to true discipleship, service, repentance, witness, missions and devotion?
-- Does the hymn speak biblically of salvation?
-- Does it engage the whole person - allowing a person to express his deepest feelings?
-- Does the hymn emphasize that Christ is the Christian's Lord, Master and King? (the idea of total submission)
-- Does the hymn present an Americanized/Westernized gospel? (civil religion)
-- Is there a balance with corporate and individual response in worship? (immanence and transcendence)-- Does the hymn speak biblically about the church, the body of Christ?
If we used such a criterion to consider the songs we allow in our homes, cars and even our churches, do you think it would change anything?
I'm just askin'.....
The new hymnal will include about 650 songs, 300 of which are brand new to the hymnal. Some of the titles are:
Amazing Grace
Awesome in This Place
Better Is One Day
Breathe
Change My Heart, O God
Draw Me Close
God of Wonders
Have Thine Own Way, Lord
He Knows My Name (YES!)
I Give You My Heart
I Worship You, Almighty God
Just As I Am
Made Me Glad
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Shout to the Lord (Double YES!!)
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
You Are My King [Amazing Love]
and the list goes on...
I am not saying the Baptist Hymnal is the "bible" to be used to judge whether or not a song is Biblically accurate! What I am clumsily trying to express is that we need to use discernment regarding everything we expose ourselves and our children to, including music written for Christian audiences. The list of criterion the committee who chose the songs to be included in the hymnal impressed me as something that could be applied in many circumstances. That's all.
You can read Mr. Duncan's interview through this link.
You can read the Baptist Press article, which lists the criterion, through this link.
You can find the complete song list at http://www.lifewayworship.com/
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Ben Stein's Expelled...A MUST SEE!
Opens April 18, 2008!
The website for this movie is up, running and stuffed with great things! Check it out at http://expelledthemovie.com/
This one looks really good, people! Finally, someone in "Hollywood" who is willing to blow the lid off the myth of evolution and the censorship forced on those in acadamia who disagree with Darwin's theory.
Do any of my Bakersfield buddies want to go as a group? It's going to be playing at the Pacific Theatre by the Mall (although the Expelled website calls it the Bakersvield Stadium 14). Any takers? C'mon! Let's support the good stuff together!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
My New Business
For those of you who were curious about what kind of business I have started, this is it. I'm not the lovely lady demonstrating the warmer in the video, but she does a great job!
This particular warmer is an older model. The tops no longer have handles or pour spouts. You can see the whole Scentsy catalog here.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Easter Evolution
My children asked me if we could dye eggs tomorrow. They also asked what I was making for Easter dinner. My answers? OK and Ham. Whatever.
Is this what Easter has evolved into?
This has been a very eventful week at our house. The kids are on vacation from school this week, I launched a new business on Monday, my Mother-in-Law was hospitalized for two days (comfortably home now) and the puppy got into my closet, chewed up two of my favorite slippers and apparently buried 1/2 of my last precious pairs of Vans. He also pulled books off the bookshelf to use for his chewing pleasure. He thinks trash is best enjoyed scattered throughout the house, freed from the confines of the garbage bag in which it was placed. Coco is not my friend. These situations took on an urgency in my life that needed to be addressed as each issue arose. Preparation for Easter became an afterthought. I been occupied with Ham, hospitals and canine homicide all week. Even now I'm not sure how to approach Easter. I am tired and would like nothing more than to rest this weekend.
Our church is hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza tomorrow. Work.
The praise team needs to spend a couple of hours rehearsing tomorrow evening. More work.
We will have tons of visitors at church who need to be welcomed. Even more work.
Dyeing eggs, ham dinner, dressing up (pantyhose-yuck). Work. Work. Work.
Just thinking about what needs to be done this weekend makes me tired. Somehow, they feel like chores. I hate chores.
My thoughts go back to Monday; the day of my business launch. Friends were coming over that evening to sample my wares (thanks, ladies; you're the best!) and I cleaned like a maniac to get ready; I even dragged the kids into the effort. You know what? I didn't mind it at all! I was so filled with anticipation of the evening festivities I didn't even think of what I was doing as "chores." It was a labor of love - I wanted my friends to feel comfortable, welcome and free to be as excited as I was about what I wanted to share with them.
Maybe that's why I am struggling with Easter. I have lost sight of my goal, allowing myself to be distracted by the minutia of the individual tasks themselves. My ultimate purpose for this weekend is what matters. Do I just want to get through the Eggstravaganza or do I want to share Jesus with children and their parents who may never have the opportunity to make a decision to follow Christ again in their lives? Why should I look at the preparation for Sunday morning as anything less than a labor of love? The Good News shared on this Easter morning is the most important message anyone will ever have the good fortune to hear! I have the opportunity to contribute to a comfortable, welcoming environment for people who may only visit our church once a year, or even once in their lifetime!
Wouldn't it be great if some of those occasional attenders saw a body of believers who were so genuinely loving to each other and to their Savior that they wanted nothing more than to come back the following week and learn more about whatever filled all of us with such joy? It would be a shame for them to see frazzled, impatient people, so caught up in the minutia of Easter dresses, our favorite seats and lunch plans that we aren't excited about the joyous celebration this Holy day commemorates!
HE IS OUR REDEMPTION!!
He paid our bond, our debt, through His sacrifice on the cross. Although we deserve eternal punishment for our disobedience to His law (our sin), He took on the punishment Himself, so we could be in fellowship with Him for eternity.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14
HE IS ALIVE!!
He didn't just rise from the dead, then fade into history. HE IS ALIVE RIGHT NOW!! He is physically in Heaven, preparing a place for us, his children, so we can one day join Him there.
Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. - Mark 16:6
And that is the crux of the matter, isn't it?
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
How can we not be excited about that? If we believe God is who He says He is, how can we keep that a secret? Why would we want to keep it a secret??
Now I'm getting excited! I can keep it simple and to the point. The kids can help prepare the Ham dinner, I'll happily wear a dress and Coco can spend the afternoon in the backyard. I'm going to keep the most important thing as the most important thing and let the people know that Jesus cares this weekend!
UPDATE:
1. I found my missing Van (sneaker) in the laundry room. The puppy left it beside the laundry hamper.
2. I have decided to wear boots.
God is Good!
Is this what Easter has evolved into?
This has been a very eventful week at our house. The kids are on vacation from school this week, I launched a new business on Monday, my Mother-in-Law was hospitalized for two days (comfortably home now) and the puppy got into my closet, chewed up two of my favorite slippers and apparently buried 1/2 of my last precious pairs of Vans. He also pulled books off the bookshelf to use for his chewing pleasure. He thinks trash is best enjoyed scattered throughout the house, freed from the confines of the garbage bag in which it was placed. Coco is not my friend. These situations took on an urgency in my life that needed to be addressed as each issue arose. Preparation for Easter became an afterthought. I been occupied with Ham, hospitals and canine homicide all week. Even now I'm not sure how to approach Easter. I am tired and would like nothing more than to rest this weekend.
Our church is hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza tomorrow. Work.
The praise team needs to spend a couple of hours rehearsing tomorrow evening. More work.
We will have tons of visitors at church who need to be welcomed. Even more work.
Dyeing eggs, ham dinner, dressing up (pantyhose-yuck). Work. Work. Work.
Just thinking about what needs to be done this weekend makes me tired. Somehow, they feel like chores. I hate chores.
My thoughts go back to Monday; the day of my business launch. Friends were coming over that evening to sample my wares (thanks, ladies; you're the best!) and I cleaned like a maniac to get ready; I even dragged the kids into the effort. You know what? I didn't mind it at all! I was so filled with anticipation of the evening festivities I didn't even think of what I was doing as "chores." It was a labor of love - I wanted my friends to feel comfortable, welcome and free to be as excited as I was about what I wanted to share with them.
Maybe that's why I am struggling with Easter. I have lost sight of my goal, allowing myself to be distracted by the minutia of the individual tasks themselves. My ultimate purpose for this weekend is what matters. Do I just want to get through the Eggstravaganza or do I want to share Jesus with children and their parents who may never have the opportunity to make a decision to follow Christ again in their lives? Why should I look at the preparation for Sunday morning as anything less than a labor of love? The Good News shared on this Easter morning is the most important message anyone will ever have the good fortune to hear! I have the opportunity to contribute to a comfortable, welcoming environment for people who may only visit our church once a year, or even once in their lifetime!
Wouldn't it be great if some of those occasional attenders saw a body of believers who were so genuinely loving to each other and to their Savior that they wanted nothing more than to come back the following week and learn more about whatever filled all of us with such joy? It would be a shame for them to see frazzled, impatient people, so caught up in the minutia of Easter dresses, our favorite seats and lunch plans that we aren't excited about the joyous celebration this Holy day commemorates!
HE IS OUR REDEMPTION!!
He paid our bond, our debt, through His sacrifice on the cross. Although we deserve eternal punishment for our disobedience to His law (our sin), He took on the punishment Himself, so we could be in fellowship with Him for eternity.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14
HE IS ALIVE!!
He didn't just rise from the dead, then fade into history. HE IS ALIVE RIGHT NOW!! He is physically in Heaven, preparing a place for us, his children, so we can one day join Him there.
Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. - Mark 16:6
And that is the crux of the matter, isn't it?
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
How can we not be excited about that? If we believe God is who He says He is, how can we keep that a secret? Why would we want to keep it a secret??
Now I'm getting excited! I can keep it simple and to the point. The kids can help prepare the Ham dinner, I'll happily wear a dress and Coco can spend the afternoon in the backyard. I'm going to keep the most important thing as the most important thing and let the people know that Jesus cares this weekend!
UPDATE:
1. I found my missing Van (sneaker) in the laundry room. The puppy left it beside the laundry hamper.
2. I have decided to wear boots.
God is Good!
Monday, March 10, 2008
First Fireproof Trailer
From the group that gave us Facing the Giants and Flywheel (their less-known first effort) comes their next effort. I am so excited about this one! They posted their first trailer today and I had to share it here. So, for your viewing pleasure, here's the first trailer for FIREPROOF, opening this Fall, 2008:
I can't wait!!
If you'd like to keep up with the final production of the movie, release dates, maybe get a peek or two behind the scenes, check out the Fireproof Blog.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Finding Answers
The world says we shouldn't care, we should just seek pleasure wherever it can be found. That's what the world says. In reality, we all want the same thing. Answers.
The answer to the important question not answered in this video?
Follow this link
Sorry about the bad word used in the beginning of this video. I debated about sharing it, but it speaks to a very real need we all have that can only be met in Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Law and Order...and Grace
Driving my children to school is often very frustrating for me. Although there are signs indicating how traffic should flow, who should go and who should wait, the majority of drivers seem to be unaware or uninterested in the posted information. We've all been sent home specific guidelines for how to safely drop off our children, but every day I see people walking their children through dangerous areas that were designed for only cars to pass through. The whole thing makes me so crazy I often end up lecturing everyone from my driver's seat, much to my children's embarrassment. I can't help it! If they would just READ THE INFORMATION given to us, there would be NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!! ARGH!!!On my way home, I entered a neighborhood where an elementary school has been built in the center of all the homes...it's a great idea in theory, but the traffic can be maddening and nerve wracking with many drivers apparently believing the rules were put in place for everyone but them. It drives me nuts.
Today, as I approached the school, the road was just as crowded as usual, but everyone was driving safely - appropriately. I was in shock. I could not believe how lovely everyone was being! No one was driving over 25 mph, parents were not double parking and making their children jump out of their cars on the traffic-filled side of their cars (that one makes me want to slap someone in the back of their head, btw). I was so impressed! I was taking this orderly scene all in when I found the source for the order: A police car, lights flashing without the siren, was setting the pace in front of the usually erratic pack. Bless that officer!! We all made it past the school and all of the children were safely deposited in their classrooms. It felt great to be a part of such an organized procession and I was so thankful for that officer taking the time to keep us all in line, in spite of ourselves.
Isn't that just like our walk with God? He placed all of us here on this planet and gave us all the information we needed to be successful here (The Ten Commandments). So, what did we do with that information? We may have read it, but we pretty much disregard it whenever it conveniences us. Our behavior puts ourselves and those around us at risk for not only physical/emotional injury, but spiritual death. So, did God just throw in the towel and give up on us? Nope. He sent His Son, God made man, to step in front of us and set the pace.
Jesus came here and led the way. He showed us how to live our lives to glorify God. He knew we already had the rules for living set before us, but he loved us enough to also reduce Himself into the form of a man to show us it could actually be done. He came here, waved his arms and said, "This is how it's done. Follow me, mimic my example, and you'll get through this the way God wants you to get through this." That alone would have been miraculous, but He went further and went ahead and paid the penalty for the multitude of times when we disregarded God's law and instead pursued our own pleasure. He suffered and died to pay restitution for our selfishness. Because of Him, we can approach God as His children, forgiven and adopted into His family. What a gift.
That's grace.
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2, NLT
Monday, March 03, 2008
1-800-Calorie Count
Well, not exactly; but this is as good or even better. Now you can send a text message requesting either calorie/nutritional info or requesting Weight Watcher's points for many popular menu items served at restaurant chains across the country. You'll get a text reply that will include calorie counts or points info. The picture to the left shows the points value of a Turkey sandwich from Subway. To get calorie info, text the name of the restaurant and the menu item (example: Subway Turkey Breast Sand) to DIET1 (34381). To get WW points info, add either "pt" or "points" to your text message (example: pt Subway Turkey Breast Sand) and send to DIET 1 (34381)
Visit their website and try it out for yourself there before you try it on your phone if you'd like.
Finally a good reason to use my text message feature!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Check Those Due Dates!
link to article
"Beloit Public Library director said when books aren't returned, the library sends three overdue notices. After the third notice, a citation is sent that could include court date.
[The library patron] said she was in the process of moving so she never got the notices. When a police officer pulled her over for a traffic violation in November, the officer found out about her outstanding warrant and took her to jail. She and her family couldn't afford to pay her fine so she remained in jail for six days."
I'm speechless.
"Beloit Public Library director said when books aren't returned, the library sends three overdue notices. After the third notice, a citation is sent that could include court date.
[The library patron] said she was in the process of moving so she never got the notices. When a police officer pulled her over for a traffic violation in November, the officer found out about her outstanding warrant and took her to jail. She and her family couldn't afford to pay her fine so she remained in jail for six days."
I'm speechless.
Update: I found an article that does a pretty good job of giving the library's side here.
The Beloit Public Library sends three overdue notices at two weeks late, four weeks late and six weeks late, said library director Dan Zack. After a third and final notice, a citation is sent, which includes a mandatory court date, or some kind of action.
The municipal fine that Givhan says she never saw included $172 in court fees and another $159 in restitution from the library for the items that were not returned, said Zack.
Notices were sent to Givhan to no avail, Zack said. And when court appearances were missed in March, April and June of last year, a warrant was issued.
Hmm...
Friday, February 29, 2008
God, Creator - Elohim
Elohim (e-lo-HEEM): God, Mighty Creator.
In the beginning God (Elohim)...Genesis 1:1
It is the first name ever used for God. Before He was anything else to us, He was our creator.
He created light when there was only darkness, He created land, sea, and living creatures when there was only void and silence. He created man from the clay of the earth and His very breath.
He created order from chaos. He created companionship. When He was finished, He looked it all over and declared it to be "very good."
Elohim (e-lo-HEEM): Plural form of El.
Then God said, "Let us make..." Genesis 1:26
He is God of gods. He is Three in One. He is magnified above all others, the One True God. He is bigger than what can be contained in one, singular, name.
Elohim (e-lo-HEEM): Giver of Life
"Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." Genesis 1:26
We are made in the image of God. Does my life reflect His likeness? Do I bear His image to the world?
Do I live a life of order? Of companionship? Of generous creativity? Of gratitude to the One who created me? Do I show Him proper respect? Do I reflect His light? When I go to bed tonight, will I be able to reflect on this day and say it was "very good?"
....meditating on this today.
In the beginning God (Elohim)...Genesis 1:1
It is the first name ever used for God. Before He was anything else to us, He was our creator.
He created light when there was only darkness, He created land, sea, and living creatures when there was only void and silence. He created man from the clay of the earth and His very breath.
He created order from chaos. He created companionship. When He was finished, He looked it all over and declared it to be "very good."
Elohim (e-lo-HEEM): Plural form of El.
Then God said, "Let us make..." Genesis 1:26
He is God of gods. He is Three in One. He is magnified above all others, the One True God. He is bigger than what can be contained in one, singular, name.
Elohim (e-lo-HEEM): Giver of Life
"Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." Genesis 1:26
We are made in the image of God. Does my life reflect His likeness? Do I bear His image to the world?
Do I live a life of order? Of companionship? Of generous creativity? Of gratitude to the One who created me? Do I show Him proper respect? Do I reflect His light? When I go to bed tonight, will I be able to reflect on this day and say it was "very good?"
....meditating on this today.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sucking up the Word
A couple of weeks ago, I found a vacuum cleaner on clearance at Sam's Club and bought it. I needed a new one which was evidenced by the amount of icky stuff I pulled out of my living room carpet when I used my new Hoover for the first time. Yuck.Last weekend, one of my loving family members graciously tidied up the house while I was running errands, including vacuuming the entire house. Lord, please bless them! As they finished up their task in the master bedroom, the brush in the vacuum stopped spinning. We checked to see if there was something stuck in it and couldn't find anything. We declared the belt to be broken and decided to stop by the home improvement store to purchase a replacement.
After taking a couple of days to locate the replacement belt, I waited not-so-patiently for either my husband or the daughter's boyfriend to fix the vacuum for me. They were busy, so it didn't get done. The mess of five grown people, two adult dogs, one cat and a rambunctious puppy was accumulating quickly. Today I couldn't take it anymore and decided to examine the vacuum cleaner myself. There was note on the vacuum cleaner to consult the manual for instructions on changing a belt. Check. I pulled out the manual and followed the instructions to the letter.
Guess what I discovered when I opened up the vacuum? The belt wasn't broken. It had just slipped off the "motor shaft," whatever that is. I slipped it back on, put the vacuum back together and plugged it in. It works like brand new (which it is, by the way)! I felt so good about myself when I was done. I knew more about how the vacuum cleaner works and am completely confident that, if a belt does break one day, I can handle it.
After I got the dogs all riled up from all my celebratory jumping around and high five-ing myself, I realized how much time I wasted by not tackling the issue myself in the first place. I knew there was a problem, but I waited for someone else to solve the problem for me. The longer I waited, the more annoyed and discouraged I became. If I had just turned to the manual written by the company that made the vacuum cleaner in the first place, I would have been able to tackle the issue immediately, eliminating the mess that piled up as a result.
I started thinking about how much we treat our spiritual lives the way I treated that vacuum. We feel like something is amiss and start blaming it on our Sunday School class or our Pastor or the lack of a special Bible study that we'd like to complete. We think, if our church would get all its ducks in a row, I'd be so much happier. We might even take it further and decide that the church isn't "feeding" us the way we need to be fed.
Instead of pointing the finger at everyone else when we feel a bit spiritually dry, maybe we should look at the manual our Creator left for us. The Bible. He left it for us to encourage and instruct us until He returns. We don't need to wait for our Sunday School teacher to read it to us; we don't need our Pastor to explain it to us; and we don't need a special Bible study to help us make sense of everything. All those things are wonderful blessings to us, but they aren't the most essential thing. Knowing God's Word for ourselves; seeking His truth on our own and applying it to our lives and circumstances as His Word instructs is such a better plan. Once we begin to understand for ourselves how God has set up this planet and how He expects us to live in it, we can deal with a lot of stuff without waiting for someone else to solve our problems for us. We will be able to live in confidence, knowing that when the day-to-day stuff happens, God and the Truth of His Word can get us through.
Of course, there are times we all love a supportive group around us as we find our way. That's why we have churches and families. God set up this world to provide those support systems for us. But knowing what our Savior expects of us, understanding our role in this world, is really our responsibility, not our Pastor's, Sunday School Teacher's, Deacon's, etc.
I'm certainly not saying there aren't times we NEED some outside guidance when things get overwhelming. When we really can't do it on our own, we absolutely should run to Godly counsel. I thank God He has placed people in our midst with the ability to shine a light for us when our spiritual batteries seem completely dead. But, for the daily stuff, and even some of that angsty why-isn't-my-life-turning-out-the-way-I-want baggage, the answers can be found in the truth found in our operating manual, the Bible. The problem is, if we don't read it, consider it and apply it to our lives, we'll never really know how effective His Word can be for us. We were created to function well; we just need to read the manual.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
I Am Enchanted
If you have a chance to take your kids to see this one, you HAVE to do it! Our internet was down for most of the day yesterday and I took my daughter to see Enchanted. It was so fun! If you don't have any kids to take to see it, borrow some or be brave and go sans children. It is so worth it!
I dare you to watch this video and not smile!
That's How You Know
Friday, February 22, 2008
Schooled in the Wal-Mart Parking Lot
As rain fell sporadically this afternoon, I popped into the store I hate to love to pick up some diet cola and eye makeup remover. You guessed it, I'm planning an amazing night of soda consumption and beauty treatments. It is Friday, after all!
$50 later (never knew eye makeup remover was so expensive, did ya!), I took my full cart through the checkout line and headed for the car, only I can't see my car. I knew exactly where I parked it, but I couldn't see it. I sped up my pace, hoping to be able to see past the minivan blocking my view to confirm my car is still where I already know it is. Confusing and silly enough? Oh, it gets better, my friends!
This obsession with laying my peepers on my car has me all befuddled. I'm pushing the cart, craning my neck, rushing to find a better vantage point when it happens: I skip into the deepest, dirtiest, widest puddle in at least a 100 foot radius. Muddy, smelly water fills my last pair of Vans (lost my other pair in the bathroom flood last week - still not ready to talk about the loss), soaks the lower half of my right leg and splashes me up to the waistband of my jeans. Yuck.
I swim my way out of the muck and realize that, from the other side of the cavernous puddle, I can see my car perfectly fine. It is exactly where I left it. Duh. I was so embarrassed! Thankfully, no one I knew saw me...at least I don't think they did.
After shaking the drippy water off, loading my trunk with shopping bags dotted with mud and heading home, I had a moment of clarity.
How often do I waste my time focusing on things that either don't matter or I already know the answer to while neglecting to be alert regarding the stuff that really does matter?
Who cares if so-and-so said something thoughtless that bothers me? God already knows about it! Why should it matter if my efforts are not recognized? God sees the heart. He knows my motivations. So what if I don't know exactly what is in store for me in my life over the next few years? God is already there and will equip me for whatever comes my way.
In the meantime, I didn't read my Bible this morning. I was running late. I neglected completing a task I need to finish. I didn't want to face it. I ate cookies for breakfast. I didn't feel like going to the trouble of making my planned oatmeal (and it didn't sound appetizing). As a result, I am not meditating on God's word, I have an unfinished task nagging at every thought and my stomach is not happy. Wouldn't it be better to focus on those things I can control, knowing God's got the unseen stuff covered? At the very least, I'd have more peace in my life as a result. That, and I'd have less clean up to deal with this afternoon.
Class dismissed.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:33-34
$50 later (never knew eye makeup remover was so expensive, did ya!), I took my full cart through the checkout line and headed for the car, only I can't see my car. I knew exactly where I parked it, but I couldn't see it. I sped up my pace, hoping to be able to see past the minivan blocking my view to confirm my car is still where I already know it is. Confusing and silly enough? Oh, it gets better, my friends!
This obsession with laying my peepers on my car has me all befuddled. I'm pushing the cart, craning my neck, rushing to find a better vantage point when it happens: I skip into the deepest, dirtiest, widest puddle in at least a 100 foot radius. Muddy, smelly water fills my last pair of Vans (lost my other pair in the bathroom flood last week - still not ready to talk about the loss), soaks the lower half of my right leg and splashes me up to the waistband of my jeans. Yuck.
I swim my way out of the muck and realize that, from the other side of the cavernous puddle, I can see my car perfectly fine. It is exactly where I left it. Duh. I was so embarrassed! Thankfully, no one I knew saw me...at least I don't think they did.
After shaking the drippy water off, loading my trunk with shopping bags dotted with mud and heading home, I had a moment of clarity.
How often do I waste my time focusing on things that either don't matter or I already know the answer to while neglecting to be alert regarding the stuff that really does matter?
Who cares if so-and-so said something thoughtless that bothers me? God already knows about it! Why should it matter if my efforts are not recognized? God sees the heart. He knows my motivations. So what if I don't know exactly what is in store for me in my life over the next few years? God is already there and will equip me for whatever comes my way.
In the meantime, I didn't read my Bible this morning. I was running late. I neglected completing a task I need to finish. I didn't want to face it. I ate cookies for breakfast. I didn't feel like going to the trouble of making my planned oatmeal (and it didn't sound appetizing). As a result, I am not meditating on God's word, I have an unfinished task nagging at every thought and my stomach is not happy. Wouldn't it be better to focus on those things I can control, knowing God's got the unseen stuff covered? At the very least, I'd have more peace in my life as a result. That, and I'd have less clean up to deal with this afternoon.
Class dismissed.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:33-34
A REAL SUPERBOWL VICTORY!!
Churches can return to having Superbowl Parties beginning next year!YAHOOOOOO!!!! Here's an excerpt from the article:
The NFL, which found itself on the receiving end of protests and controversy after it objected to churches showing the Super Bowl on big-screen televisions, has reversed course and will now permit the viewings.
In a letter to Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league would not object to "live showings -- regardless of screen size -- of the Super Bowl" by religious organizations.
In response to questions from Hatch, Goodell said in the letter, dated Feb. 19, the NFL will implement the policy starting with next year's Super Bowl.
Read whole article here
I LOVE THIS!!! Bring on the 7-layer Mexican Dip!! Better yet, I propose my church have a Chili Cook off next Superbowl Sunday!!! (Of course, I nominate Cynthia to plan the whole thing. I may not be able to pass a football, but I can sure pass the buck!)
Here's my blogging history regarding this issue. I can now put this issue to rest. Yay!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Planner Pages : FlyLady Control Journal
I'm moving full steam ahead with my day planner, adding an item or so per day. So far, it has not become overwhelming at all. I am so grateful to Donna Partow for getting me started through her study: Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be.Today, I decided to incorporate some home management tools I have used in the past into my new planner. Many of you probably already know about FlyLady. She has a GREAT website with fabulous tools to help those of us who are organizationally challenged get our lives in order. One tool she offers is a "control journal." It breaks down household obligations/chores into daily activities, reserving a specific day each week to tackle recurring tasks and reminding us what things need to be done daily.
Her plan is extremely useful, so I decided to format this list to fit my planner. Since I went to all the trouble to put it together, I thought I'd share it with others who can use it here.
Control Journal 5.5 x 8.5 **sorry, link doesn't work anymore. I'll post it somewhere else and re-link soon**
Set it up to print by telling your printer you want to print two pages per sheet after clicking the "properties" button before you actually print the page. Also, tell it to print two-sided. The pages look out of order in my pdf document, but when you print two to a page, two-sided, you'll cut each page in half and they'll be set up perfectly, beginning with the Monday routine on the front page and finishing with the Weekly Checklist on the back. I put it behind my tab marked "daily" in my planner.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Don't Tug on Superman's Cape or Mess Around with My '70s Music!
Travis Cottrell spent some time compiling a list of his favorite '80s music on his blog today. I was a teen in the '80s, but had older sisters who sowed their wild oats in the '70s and took me along for the ride. Without my precious big sisters, I might still think "I've Got a Mansion," is the most rockin' tune ever. Although I still like that song a lot (and In the Garden), I cut my musical eye teeth on popular music in the '70s and feel like I need to represent for my fellow flower children.
I have to say first, though, that my most favorite popular song in the history of history is Respect by Aretha Franklin. I even named my Ford FiveHundred Aretha. I am serious. Ask my kids. Since that amazing song was done in the late '60s, I can't officially put it on this list. Just know it's #1 on any list for me.
The title of this blog entry comes from one of the songs listed here. Any idea which one?
Now, without further ado, the best of the '70s according to me:
I Go Crazy (No smarmy comments, please. Too obvious.)
Just The Way You Are (Sing to me, Billy!)
The Closer I Get To You (I'm getting swoony!)
Reminiscing (top ten for sure)
Always And Forever (theme for my 8th grade graduation)
Whenever I Call You Friend
Car Wash (Go ahead, start clapping to the beat!)
Fly Like An Eagle
Easy (like Sunday mornin'. Yeah.)
Don't Stop
Cold As Ice
Boogie Nights
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)
Love Machine
Boogie Fever
Right Back Where We Started From
Baby, I Love Your Way
Shining Star
Best Of My Love
I'm Not In Love
When Will I Be Loved (Those three listed consecutively like that make me look pathetic)
You Are So Beautiful
How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you)
Show And Tell
Time In A Bottle (Jim Croce wrote it for his newborn son. Sweet)
Then Came You
Crocodile Rock
You're So Vain
Superstition
Midnight Train To Georgia
Papa Was A Rolling Stone (kind of an angry sort of song, but I really dig it)
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Lean On Me
You Don't Mess Around With Jim
Joy To The World (Jeremiah was a bullfrog)
You've Got A Friend
Aint No Sunshine
Amos Moses (One of the great story songs of the '70s)
Mr. Bojangles
Proud Mary
If (Don't judge me)
Close To You
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
O-o-h Child
Signed Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
Fire And Rain (It's cool to hear my name in a song even if this particular Suzanne met an untimely end)
Admittedly, most of these songs are from the early 70's. Something happened in the music industry in the latter part of that decade that no one seems to be able to explain. (My Sharona? Y.M.C.A?)
So, did I leave any of your faves off the list?
I have to say first, though, that my most favorite popular song in the history of history is Respect by Aretha Franklin. I even named my Ford FiveHundred Aretha. I am serious. Ask my kids. Since that amazing song was done in the late '60s, I can't officially put it on this list. Just know it's #1 on any list for me.
The title of this blog entry comes from one of the songs listed here. Any idea which one?
Now, without further ado, the best of the '70s according to me:
I Go Crazy (No smarmy comments, please. Too obvious.)
Just The Way You Are (Sing to me, Billy!)
The Closer I Get To You (I'm getting swoony!)
Reminiscing (top ten for sure)
Always And Forever (theme for my 8th grade graduation)
Whenever I Call You Friend
Car Wash (Go ahead, start clapping to the beat!)
Fly Like An Eagle
Easy (like Sunday mornin'. Yeah.)
Don't Stop
Cold As Ice
Boogie Nights
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)
Love Machine
Boogie Fever
Right Back Where We Started From
Baby, I Love Your Way
Shining Star
Best Of My Love
I'm Not In Love
When Will I Be Loved (Those three listed consecutively like that make me look pathetic)
You Are So Beautiful
How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you)
Show And Tell
Time In A Bottle (Jim Croce wrote it for his newborn son. Sweet)
Then Came You
Crocodile Rock
You're So Vain
Superstition
Midnight Train To Georgia
Papa Was A Rolling Stone (kind of an angry sort of song, but I really dig it)
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Lean On Me
You Don't Mess Around With Jim
Joy To The World (Jeremiah was a bullfrog)
You've Got A Friend
Aint No Sunshine
Amos Moses (One of the great story songs of the '70s)
Mr. Bojangles
Proud Mary
If (Don't judge me)
Close To You
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
O-o-h Child
Signed Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
Fire And Rain (It's cool to hear my name in a song even if this particular Suzanne met an untimely end)
Admittedly, most of these songs are from the early 70's. Something happened in the music industry in the latter part of that decade that no one seems to be able to explain. (My Sharona? Y.M.C.A?)
So, did I leave any of your faves off the list?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Dessert
Chocolate Heart-Shaped cookies piled atop a scrumpdiddlyumptious
Red Velvet Cupcake.
Placed on my favorite thrift store find ever...fine china!
Tied with an adorable ribbon,
Dusted with powdered sugar.
Perfect!
Valentines Madness
This morning, the hubby surprised us all by actually participating in Valentine's Day! Indeed, he did write "This is a made up holiday" on the envelope of each of our cards, but he actually gave us cards! Then, if that wasn't enough, he gifted us with an entire CASE of our most favoritest chips in the WORLD...Taco Works Tortilla Chips! You can only get them on the California coast (they're based in San Luis Obispo). He went there for business last week and bought a case in anticipation of Valentines Day. Will wonders never cease??The kids and I were already in total awe at his generous gift and amazing advanced planning when, nestled in the case of chips, we discovered a jar of the most amazing honey we have ever tasted. Lavender Honey from Clairmont Farms in the Santa Ynez Valley region of California (they filmed the movie "Sideways" there).
If I wasn't feeling loved already, I was able to go to church this morning for a special praise and prayer time before I took the kids to school. We lifted up love songs to our Lord and He loved us right back. I was a weepy mess!
Fresh off my Jesus high, as I am driving the kids to school, we spot an elderly lady crossing the street using a walker. The cars in front of us slow down to give her some comfort space as she crosses and we notice her waving at everyone as they pass once she is safely across. I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy with love until I notice she's only waving with her middle finger.
Sometimes you just have to laugh.
Happy Love Day, everyone! Don't forget to wave with all five fingers!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Planner Pages to Print
I am on day 8 of Donna Partow's newest Bible study: Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. You can still access the FREE downloadable study here. I am really enjoying the process of getting my life in order one day at a time.One problem: The forms she offers in the downloadable book are not formatted for my 5.5x8.5 planner and the link she provides for finding the forms online are not yet active. So, I used the information provided in her study and formatted the forms to fit my planner. Since I went to the effort, I thought I'd try to share the forms I have completed so far here.
When you click on the link provided, the PDF file will open up on your computer. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read them, though.
Let me know if these are helpful to you. Please.
You'll notice a bit of naked space in the margins, especially on that last page. That's because the pages actually have to be a bit shorter than 5.5 inches to fit in the binder and still be able to see the divider tabs easily. I printed each form on two sides of the same sheet of paper, trimmed about 1/2" off the edge, then cut the page in half. All you have to do after that is punch holes and put them into your planner.
Posting this now. Fingers crossed! Hope this works!
Friday, February 08, 2008
The Great Bathroom Flood of 2008
Dateline: Bakersfield, California
The sun was shining for the first time in many days. One recently-returned-to-homemaker status woman was capitalizing on all the warmth and clear skies by giving her oven a good scrub down. She was expecting her sister, niece and nephew the following day for a weekend of family togetherness and wanted everything to be nice for them.
Then it happened. She felt the urge to visit the most private of rooms. She drew closer and a chill ran down her spine as a distinctive hissing sound emanated from behind a closed door.
::cue theme from Jaws::
She opened her bedroom door and every nerve in her body leaped to full alert status. A lake was forming throughout her master bathroom, threatening to engulf her bedroom as well.
RED ALERT!! DEFCON 5!! WHOMP-WHOMP-WHOMP!!!
Faster than she thought she could move, she swiftly lept over the pile of clean laundry at the foot of her bed, threw open the door, navigated the torrential waters spilling from the shower drain and spun the shut off valve into full stop mode! Now ankle-deep in water, she frantically searched the far reaches of her mind for any tool she could think of that would help her in this situation.
She remembered the Wet-Dry vacuum, purchased at a yard sale over 20 years ago and rarely used. Wading out of the bathroom, she squished her way to the garage where she last gazed upon her saving hope. It was perched on a window sill. She embraced it lovingly and carried it to her source of distress. But, alas, the yard-sale find had a power cord that had obviously been repaired more than once; it was only about 2 inches long.
Again, homemaker-woman sought a source for rescue in the garage. This time, she found an industrial extension cord. Dragging it up from the ground and winding the cord as she ran, she approached the flood zone one more time. With both tools hooked together, the suction device sprang into life, only to be gummed up by the dirt already inside the tank - a small detail missed by H.W. Following a quick and messy mud removal surgery, extraction began with gusto.
Nearly one hour and 25 full tanks later, the bathroom was spongy but navigable. By that time, the husband had come home to help with the heavy lifting. Dressers were moved, desks rotated, carpet and pad cut out and dumped; after 4 hours of hard work, most of the damage had been mitigated.
Assessment:
Lost in flood:
Favorite Cook Book. That's what I get for reading while indisposed and not picking up after myself. I'll miss you, Angel Biscuits.
Digital Scale with body fat analyzer. Purchased recently. Full understanding of product functions not yet realized by any member of this family.
Most beloved pair of Vans. Not ready to talk about it.
Gained in flood:
A renewed respect for the way hubby and I work together in a crisis. We may be impatient and demanding from time to time, but, when the chips are down, I wouldn't want anyone but him by my side.
Getting rid of that nasty bathroom carpet. Who puts carpet in a bathroom? It was there when we bought the house, so we lived with it. I'm glad I don't have to live with it any more...even though I may have to put up with nothing to walk on but a cement floor for a few months while we save the money for tile/re-tile supplies.
Confidence in myself. I didn't collapse into a heap when everything was crashing around me. I handled it, messy as it was. Good for me!
An opportunity to discuss with hubby how we can have joy in all situations; not because we like the situations, but because we serve a BIG God who is going to bring something good from this.
Hopeful anticipation of what good God is going to bring from this. Will we improve our budgeting skills? Will we end up with a beautiful retreat when all is done? I can't wait to find out!
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. - Romans 8:28, NLT
The sun was shining for the first time in many days. One recently-returned-to-homemaker status woman was capitalizing on all the warmth and clear skies by giving her oven a good scrub down. She was expecting her sister, niece and nephew the following day for a weekend of family togetherness and wanted everything to be nice for them.
Then it happened. She felt the urge to visit the most private of rooms. She drew closer and a chill ran down her spine as a distinctive hissing sound emanated from behind a closed door.
::cue theme from Jaws::
She opened her bedroom door and every nerve in her body leaped to full alert status. A lake was forming throughout her master bathroom, threatening to engulf her bedroom as well.
RED ALERT!! DEFCON 5!! WHOMP-WHOMP-WHOMP!!!
Faster than she thought she could move, she swiftly lept over the pile of clean laundry at the foot of her bed, threw open the door, navigated the torrential waters spilling from the shower drain and spun the shut off valve into full stop mode! Now ankle-deep in water, she frantically searched the far reaches of her mind for any tool she could think of that would help her in this situation.
She remembered the Wet-Dry vacuum, purchased at a yard sale over 20 years ago and rarely used. Wading out of the bathroom, she squished her way to the garage where she last gazed upon her saving hope. It was perched on a window sill. She embraced it lovingly and carried it to her source of distress. But, alas, the yard-sale find had a power cord that had obviously been repaired more than once; it was only about 2 inches long.
Again, homemaker-woman sought a source for rescue in the garage. This time, she found an industrial extension cord. Dragging it up from the ground and winding the cord as she ran, she approached the flood zone one more time. With both tools hooked together, the suction device sprang into life, only to be gummed up by the dirt already inside the tank - a small detail missed by H.W. Following a quick and messy mud removal surgery, extraction began with gusto.
Nearly one hour and 25 full tanks later, the bathroom was spongy but navigable. By that time, the husband had come home to help with the heavy lifting. Dressers were moved, desks rotated, carpet and pad cut out and dumped; after 4 hours of hard work, most of the damage had been mitigated.
Assessment:
Lost in flood:
Favorite Cook Book. That's what I get for reading while indisposed and not picking up after myself. I'll miss you, Angel Biscuits.
Digital Scale with body fat analyzer. Purchased recently. Full understanding of product functions not yet realized by any member of this family.
Most beloved pair of Vans. Not ready to talk about it.
Gained in flood:
A renewed respect for the way hubby and I work together in a crisis. We may be impatient and demanding from time to time, but, when the chips are down, I wouldn't want anyone but him by my side.
Getting rid of that nasty bathroom carpet. Who puts carpet in a bathroom? It was there when we bought the house, so we lived with it. I'm glad I don't have to live with it any more...even though I may have to put up with nothing to walk on but a cement floor for a few months while we save the money for tile/re-tile supplies.
Confidence in myself. I didn't collapse into a heap when everything was crashing around me. I handled it, messy as it was. Good for me!
An opportunity to discuss with hubby how we can have joy in all situations; not because we like the situations, but because we serve a BIG God who is going to bring something good from this.
Hopeful anticipation of what good God is going to bring from this. Will we improve our budgeting skills? Will we end up with a beautiful retreat when all is done? I can't wait to find out!
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. - Romans 8:28, NLT
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
My Life in Six Words...
...My Faith has set me FREE!
From an article in the LA Times about a challenge issued by "SMITH, our online magazine" to summarize your life in six words. Try it yourself!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Go RED Today!
February 1 is National WEAR RED Day!The goal is to raise awareness of heart disease among women. We are more at risk than we want to consider, ladies. We have people whom we love very much depending on us. As busy as we are, it is in the best interest of not only ourselves but also our loved ones to take the time to assess our risk for heart attack and stroke. I lost my father to heart disease seven years ago and know I am at risk of facing the same fate. Still, it has been awhile since I've visited my doctor to have my heart health evaluated.
Take the time to go to Go Red For Women and take the FREE Go Red Heart Check Up. If you know your Cholesterol level, Blood Pressure and Fasting Blood Sugar level, they'll send you a FREE Red Dress pin when you complete the Check Up online. Do it for your family. I will if you will!
And WEAR RED TODAY!!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Cool Bible Study Freebie
Becoming the Woman God Wants Me To Be: A 90-Day Jumpstart for Living the Proverbs 31 Lifeby Donna Partow
Follow the link to recieve a FREE PDF copy of her newest devotional/study. The formatting of the book is not completely finished (you'll see some notes where she mentions future editing possibilities), but if you're looking for a study to help you "get it together," and have limited funds or time to leave the house to seek out a study for yourself this looks like an excellent option.
The study has to be started on a Monday and requires some preparation/supplies before you begin. If you look at it today and decide to do the study, you can have everything ready by next Monday. In this study, Mrs. Partow covers every aspect of a woman's life that I can think of: Faith, Family, Fitness, Personal Appearance, Finances & Retirement Planning, Household Management, Ministry, Business, and Self-Management are areas she specifically addresses in the overview.
The book is scheduled to be released June 1, 2008. Once you complete the study, you may want to get some copies to share with friends. It looks pretty good to me!
You can learn more about Donna Partow at her website: http://www.donnapartow.com/
UPDATE: I found a notebook on my bookshelf that will hold the paper size required for the organizer used for this study. I found one identical to the one I have at staples.com for $3.49. Tab dividers (5), also needed, can be found on the same page (check "recommended items") for $1.49.
Then I tripped over this website that is the ultimate resource for setting up a personal organizer on the cheap. They even have templates you can download and print so you don't have to buy that expensive 5.5 x 8.5 paper!
www.diyplanner.com Wowser. This is going to suck up waaaay too much of my time today!!
Eeeeww! A Game Day Caviat
Finally, a useful study!Students at Clemson University decided to test the issue brought up in an old episode of Seinfeld: Is double-dipping unsanitary?
In short: Yes.
One exerpt:
"On average, the students found that three to six double dips transferred about 10,000 bacteria from the eater’s mouth to the remaining dip.
Each cracker picked up between one and two grams of dip. That means that sporadic double dipping in a cup of dip would transfer at least 50 to 100 bacteria from one mouth to another with every bite. "
Gross. No double-dipping, people!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
You are Not Alone!
Beth Moore's LPM blog is in the midst of a conversation with women that will bless you. If you have ever felt like you weren't "good enough" or "spiritual enough," you need to read these two blog entries and the generous comments other women left behind for you to explore. We all struggle, we all trip and fall. God is merciful and loves each one of us exactly where we are. I have set up a link to the two blogs. Read the oldest (last) one first.
link: Breaking Free/Living Free
link: Breaking Free/Living Free
Legos ROCK! Happy Anniversary LEGO!!
"It was at 1:58 p.m. on January 28, 1958, that then-L
ego head Godtfred Kirk Christiansen filed a patent for the iconic plastic brick with its stud and hole design. Since then, the company has made a staggering 400 billion Lego elements, or 62 bricks for every person on the planet."Complete article here.
Those little plastic bricks have meant the world to us in our family. Anyone else? I was one of the "earthy" young moms who was adamant about my children never owning toy guns. Guess what my son built out of legos when he was three? Yup. Of course, he had chewed his toast into the shape of a gun at least one year earlier.
From there he graduated to towers and action figures. He loved Bionicles. We have visited Legoland in Oceanside, CA, about 30 minutes north of San Diego. I've included some pics here from our times there. What a blast!
For the longest time, the boy planned on putting himself through college (he told us he wanted to be an engineer when he was 5 and has never wavered in his decision) by being a lego builder at Legoland. Now that he wants to go to CalTech, he thinks he'll try to find work closer to Pasadena.
For those of you who love legos, but would love to take them to the next level, I found this book recently. I haven't seen it in person, but it looks like lots of fun for Legomaniacs who may have gotten older but never completely grew up.
Hint: We have TONS of lego bricks, but paid very little for them. If you have lego lovers in your home, I highly recommend getting up early on Saturday and visiting some yard sales. You can get buckets of legos for just a couple of bucks.
What great memories!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Moses Code - Are You Kidding Me??
Don't shoot the messenger. Coming to a screening venue near you some time in early April, 2008. If "The Secret" wasn't blasphemous enough, this ought to do the trick. Have Mercy.
Update: This link is better, I think:
I found a document that appears to be a version of the book "The Moses Code" that is being released March 1, 2008. You can find that document by clicking here.
From my quick perusal of the document, it appears that the "code" that will unlock all wealth and power into your life is to understand what "I am" means, at least in the author's ( James Twyman) eyes. It appears to be a reworking of that whole prosperity doctrine, taking Jesus completely out of the picture though. You know, ask for whatever you want in my name and it will be given to you; only this time it is referring to the most Holy name of our Creator. The author, Mr. Twyman, seems to think invoking the Holy name of God (I AM) is some sort of magic enchantment that will draw anything you ask for to you. The author asserts that everything is one with God, so if we name something as part of us (ex: "I am wealthy"), and we are one with God and that thing is one with God, we are one with that thing. We just have to claim that thing as part of us and it will come to us.
In short, invoking God's name, Twyman claims, will bring us anything we ask for.
Dare I mention the third commandment? I'm just sayin'....
And that's just in the first 20 pages! It goes downhill from there. Read this:
"The Moses Code doesn't work when you ask for what you
want, but rather, when you "feel" then "know" that you
already have the thing you are seeking. Then the very
thing you are seeking is automatically drawn to you
because the Universe does understand lack. It
understands only abundance simply because God only
gives, or expands."
I'll end with this:
"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." - Jeremiah 17:9-10
As soon as we start relying on our fleshly "feelings," we're in serious trouble.
Wow.
Update: This link is better, I think:
I found a document that appears to be a version of the book "The Moses Code" that is being released March 1, 2008. You can find that document by clicking here.
From my quick perusal of the document, it appears that the "code" that will unlock all wealth and power into your life is to understand what "I am" means, at least in the author's ( James Twyman) eyes. It appears to be a reworking of that whole prosperity doctrine, taking Jesus completely out of the picture though. You know, ask for whatever you want in my name and it will be given to you; only this time it is referring to the most Holy name of our Creator. The author, Mr. Twyman, seems to think invoking the Holy name of God (I AM) is some sort of magic enchantment that will draw anything you ask for to you. The author asserts that everything is one with God, so if we name something as part of us (ex: "I am wealthy"), and we are one with God and that thing is one with God, we are one with that thing. We just have to claim that thing as part of us and it will come to us.
In short, invoking God's name, Twyman claims, will bring us anything we ask for.
Dare I mention the third commandment? I'm just sayin'....
And that's just in the first 20 pages! It goes downhill from there. Read this:
"The Moses Code doesn't work when you ask for what you
want, but rather, when you "feel" then "know" that you
already have the thing you are seeking. Then the very
thing you are seeking is automatically drawn to you
because the Universe does understand lack. It
understands only abundance simply because God only
gives, or expands."
I'll end with this:
"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." - Jeremiah 17:9-10
As soon as we start relying on our fleshly "feelings," we're in serious trouble.
Wow.
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