I have wondered what to say about the news coming out of Fairhaven. In all honesty, I have to say that my sorrow over the information outweighs all words that would come to me.
Proverbs 16:6--By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Notice it is the fear of the Lord that causes men's hearts to change. It is not the fear of man.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Strange answers to prayer
I have, a few times, posted a link to Amy Bixby's blog. Amy went home to Jesus this morning. We thank Him for His goodness to her and her family, though as we watched, it was hard to understand some of the things that happened in the past few days.
1. One of the children came down with chicken pox. The very hard decision was made to move the children out of the home with other families. As it turns out, this was God's blessing for them. Within 24 hours, Amy had confusion set in and the decision had to be made to move her into a hospice care home. We had prayed that the children would not have to see her in a confused state. We would not have chosen chicken pox, but God allowed them to be with their mother until the very last moment, and then moved them all out.
2. Amy's father-in-law had hand surgery that wasn't/isn't healing well and he had to go home to see his doctor about it. While he was there, he had a heart attack. We wouldn't normally think of a heart attack as a blessing, but this allowed him to be home for his children (although they are all adults, they adored their sister-in-law) for the moment of her passing.
My heart aches for my friend and her family, but I know that God was very good to them in Amy's last few days.
If you pass by and read this, say a prayer for this family as they learn to live without wife and mother.
1. One of the children came down with chicken pox. The very hard decision was made to move the children out of the home with other families. As it turns out, this was God's blessing for them. Within 24 hours, Amy had confusion set in and the decision had to be made to move her into a hospice care home. We had prayed that the children would not have to see her in a confused state. We would not have chosen chicken pox, but God allowed them to be with their mother until the very last moment, and then moved them all out.
2. Amy's father-in-law had hand surgery that wasn't/isn't healing well and he had to go home to see his doctor about it. While he was there, he had a heart attack. We wouldn't normally think of a heart attack as a blessing, but this allowed him to be home for his children (although they are all adults, they adored their sister-in-law) for the moment of her passing.
My heart aches for my friend and her family, but I know that God was very good to them in Amy's last few days.
If you pass by and read this, say a prayer for this family as they learn to live without wife and mother.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Apologies
I think we should take a moment and understand what an apology looks like when it constitutes true sorrow over an act. I have been seeing a lot of apologies fly around that make a mockery of repentance.
An apology that is truly meant is an apology that says, "I offended you when I(________). I am so sorry that I came across/acted out so badly." An apology that smells of truth owns the offense and humbly admits it to the person offended.
Unfortunately, too many apologies I have heard in the last 5 years go along the lines of, "I'm sorry you took what I said/did the wrong way. You misunderstood me." When your apology makes you the victim, you have not apologized; you have made the offended person the person who is wrong for being offended.
Matthew 18:7 says, "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!"
People are going to be offended, but Christ did not pronounce woe upon the offended; He proclaimed woe unto the offender. If you know you have offended someone, make it right. Just admit the person was offended and be sorry--truly sorry-- that you offended them. It doesn't matter how silly it was. Maybe the offended person was having a bad day; maybe you said something without knowing some of their history and you touched a sore spot. It isn't that person's fault for being offended.
We need to get over ourselves and take care of the offended instead of blaming them for being offended.
An apology that is truly meant is an apology that says, "I offended you when I(________). I am so sorry that I came across/acted out so badly." An apology that smells of truth owns the offense and humbly admits it to the person offended.
Unfortunately, too many apologies I have heard in the last 5 years go along the lines of, "I'm sorry you took what I said/did the wrong way. You misunderstood me." When your apology makes you the victim, you have not apologized; you have made the offended person the person who is wrong for being offended.
Matthew 18:7 says, "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!"
People are going to be offended, but Christ did not pronounce woe upon the offended; He proclaimed woe unto the offender. If you know you have offended someone, make it right. Just admit the person was offended and be sorry--truly sorry-- that you offended them. It doesn't matter how silly it was. Maybe the offended person was having a bad day; maybe you said something without knowing some of their history and you touched a sore spot. It isn't that person's fault for being offended.
We need to get over ourselves and take care of the offended instead of blaming them for being offended.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Ephesians
I'm not sure what it is, but when I read through Ephesians or listen through it, I always feel that I can stop after 1:6.
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Monday, July 25, 2011
You need to read this
If you are a facebook friend, you've seen me post this already. If you are just happening by, you need to read this.
She is where we all will be someday.
How will you handle it?
She is where we all will be someday.
How will you handle it?
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Last minute family outings are probably the best
Saturday morning, when I woke up (Rod woke early and went for a drive and cup of coffee), Rod asked me if I wanted to go to Fort Stevens. I thought it sounded like fun, so off we packed the kids and took off. My gps is named "Google Maps" which has several unpleasant nicknames due to its propensity to send us the scenic route. We learned about Whiskey Road and never did figure out how Del Laura Beach Road fit into the equation.
Finally we got there only to learn there was a "living event" that day. In other words, there would be live people doing some sort of re-enactment. It was WWII day. All in all, it was a good day.
Finally we got there only to learn there was a "living event" that day. In other words, there would be live people doing some sort of re-enactment. It was WWII day. All in all, it was a good day.
No trip to the northern Oregon Coast is complete without a stop at Camp 18 for a meal. You may not go there for the food, but you certainly stop for the atmosphere.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Yes, I forgot to list a few books
I have books stashed all over the place and I read different books based on where I am. I have a lot on the iPad, but there are still a few real books around.
1. It Is Well With My Soul, by Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson. This is subtitled The Extraordinary Life of a 106-Year-Old Woman. It is her autobiography. It's very straightforward as was her life. In the middle of hard times, she flourished.
2. Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo is another one I've never read.
3. Alonzo Fitz and Other Stories, by Mark Twain.
1. It Is Well With My Soul, by Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson. This is subtitled The Extraordinary Life of a 106-Year-Old Woman. It is her autobiography. It's very straightforward as was her life. In the middle of hard times, she flourished.
2. Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo is another one I've never read.
3. Alonzo Fitz and Other Stories, by Mark Twain.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
On the bookshelf
I am reading several different things; some are personal and some are for the kids' school. Don't be alarmed at the number of books I may read at one time.
For school:
1. Conquistadors, by Michael Wood. This book chronicles the journeys of Cortes, the Pizarros, Orellano, and others in the conquest of the Americas and the heathen Indian cultures of the day. While the brutality of the indigenous peoples was great, we have to keep in mind that the brutality of the Spaniards at the time was just as hideous. Both peoples believed they were doing right.
2. Belize, by Leslie Jermyn. This is a general overview of the country. We have covered Greenland, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and now working on Belize.
3.The Disease Book: A Kid's Guide, by Margaret O. Hyde. This book is a general overview of various diseases sorted by system. It does not get in to great scary detail, but just gives a brief synopsis of what the disease is and whether there are cures or treatments.
4. The Prince and the Pauper, by Mark Twain.
Personal:
1. War of the Worlds, by H. G. Wells. This one I've never actually read before. The kids want to read it when I am done.
2. Radical, by David Platt. I am reading this for a book group. First chapter down and it really sounds a lot like Your God Is Too Safe, by Mark Buchanan. If you have stumbled across my bookshelf before, you know how much I appreciate Buchanan's book. Radical is a challenge to leave the status quo of mainstream Christianity and launch out in to greater things.
3. Nonsense Books, by Edward Lear. This is just for kicks. His poems amuse me.
I think I started one more on iBooks last night, but last night was pretty rough for me and I don't rightly recall.
For school:
1. Conquistadors, by Michael Wood. This book chronicles the journeys of Cortes, the Pizarros, Orellano, and others in the conquest of the Americas and the heathen Indian cultures of the day. While the brutality of the indigenous peoples was great, we have to keep in mind that the brutality of the Spaniards at the time was just as hideous. Both peoples believed they were doing right.
2. Belize, by Leslie Jermyn. This is a general overview of the country. We have covered Greenland, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and now working on Belize.
3.The Disease Book: A Kid's Guide, by Margaret O. Hyde. This book is a general overview of various diseases sorted by system. It does not get in to great scary detail, but just gives a brief synopsis of what the disease is and whether there are cures or treatments.
4. The Prince and the Pauper, by Mark Twain.
Personal:
1. War of the Worlds, by H. G. Wells. This one I've never actually read before. The kids want to read it when I am done.
2. Radical, by David Platt. I am reading this for a book group. First chapter down and it really sounds a lot like Your God Is Too Safe, by Mark Buchanan. If you have stumbled across my bookshelf before, you know how much I appreciate Buchanan's book. Radical is a challenge to leave the status quo of mainstream Christianity and launch out in to greater things.
3. Nonsense Books, by Edward Lear. This is just for kicks. His poems amuse me.
I think I started one more on iBooks last night, but last night was pretty rough for me and I don't rightly recall.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A fact of life
Let's face it. It is wet in the PNW. There are a lot of gray gloomy days and a lot of rainy days. We don't really expect sun before July 4th. It isn't good to get our hopes up.
That is a small price to pay for the beauty that we endure. We get to go to places like Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River, Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, and Devil's Punchbowl just south of Lincoln City. We have Mount Hood on our east which is a vista that never fails to mesmerize me. We have Mount St. Helen mostly north of us, and on clear days we can still see her cropped top. We can't forget the little things, too, that brighten our days.
That is a small price to pay for the beauty that we endure. We get to go to places like Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River, Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, and Devil's Punchbowl just south of Lincoln City. We have Mount Hood on our east which is a vista that never fails to mesmerize me. We have Mount St. Helen mostly north of us, and on clear days we can still see her cropped top. We can't forget the little things, too, that brighten our days.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
One of the greatest moments of my life
On June 11, 2011, Rod and Mike tested for black belt, first dan. I knew Rod's test would be a breeze. I was very apprehensive about Mike's testing. The testing judges divided the testers into 6 groups. Three groups were current black belts looking to receive their next dan. The first test was forms. When Mike's group was finished, they were called to attention and Chief Master Shin asked them how many were nervous. Five or six little ones raised their hands. I was completely focused on Mike and his errors, so when CM Shin asked that question, I breathed a sigh of relief. Many of them must have been making silly errors.
Board breaking was my next concern. He had to break the boards this time. For his power break, he set his holder into position and then stepped back. He stepped back some more. He stepped back some more. I sat in seat next to the black belt who has spent a lot of time working with Mike. I looked at her and said, "He's too far." She nodded. I began an attempt at some type of mother to son psychic communication. "You are too far away, Mike. You are too far." Then, I gave a cry of a prayer, "Lord, he's too far away!" Don't you know, that that boy scooted forward about 2.5 feet. He got himself into a good board-breaking position. Do you mind if I say that an angel pushed him?
The following Monday, Mike came running in from taekwondo shouting, "I'm home!" Now, just so you know, he never does that. He likes to come in quite inconspicuously so that he doesn't have to share his Slurpee. Then, he came around the corner with a brand new do bok and a beautiful black belt.
Board breaking was my next concern. He had to break the boards this time. For his power break, he set his holder into position and then stepped back. He stepped back some more. He stepped back some more. I sat in seat next to the black belt who has spent a lot of time working with Mike. I looked at her and said, "He's too far." She nodded. I began an attempt at some type of mother to son psychic communication. "You are too far away, Mike. You are too far." Then, I gave a cry of a prayer, "Lord, he's too far away!" Don't you know, that that boy scooted forward about 2.5 feet. He got himself into a good board-breaking position. Do you mind if I say that an angel pushed him?
The following Monday, Mike came running in from taekwondo shouting, "I'm home!" Now, just so you know, he never does that. He likes to come in quite inconspicuously so that he doesn't have to share his Slurpee. Then, he came around the corner with a brand new do bok and a beautiful black belt.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
I hate my kitchen
I have a galley kitchen. I keep looking online and in magazines for ideas on how to remodel my kitchen to make it more practical for a family of seven, but my kitchen is backwards to every other galley kitchen I've been able to find.
In the average galley kitchen, you can walk through to the dining room. Not so in my house. In my house, the dining room is on the other side of the kitchen. On the wall between the two rooms is a huge built-in designed to hold dishes and small appliances. My sliding door to the backyard is also in a very different place than in all of the other kitchens I've seen. This makes the remodel options I've seen useless.
I cannot have more than 2 people in the kitchen at a time. That makes preparations difficult...as does the small amount of counter space I have.
I guess I can just hold on a few more years and my family will shrink. Shrinkage, however, will only be temporary as my children marry and have their own families. Then, the kitchen will be entirely too small for any family get togethers.
I will get some pictures to put up of my layout. Maybe some poor soul who wanders across my blog will have some great ideas.
In the average galley kitchen, you can walk through to the dining room. Not so in my house. In my house, the dining room is on the other side of the kitchen. On the wall between the two rooms is a huge built-in designed to hold dishes and small appliances. My sliding door to the backyard is also in a very different place than in all of the other kitchens I've seen. This makes the remodel options I've seen useless.
I cannot have more than 2 people in the kitchen at a time. That makes preparations difficult...as does the small amount of counter space I have.
I guess I can just hold on a few more years and my family will shrink. Shrinkage, however, will only be temporary as my children marry and have their own families. Then, the kitchen will be entirely too small for any family get togethers.
I will get some pictures to put up of my layout. Maybe some poor soul who wanders across my blog will have some great ideas.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Posting Lull
I'm sorry I have not been posting of late. I have been unable to reach my blog. I keep getting a 404 error. Today I went the long way around and googled it. I finally got home. This is a busy week but maybe Monday I can put up another real post.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
WWJD or Christians and the law
I had been reading Galatians through when the sermon came. I hadn't read it through once or twice; I had read it through about 6 times and the context was fresh in my head. The speaker intimated that we as parents were too stupid to raise our children without the help of Christian schools and youth groups. He said that Galatians 4:2 showed it was biblical. I knew he was wrong, but he was unabashed. That sermon sealed my reasons for leaving the legalism I had been bound in.
Christ himself is the fulfillment of the law. The purpose of the law was to show me how far short of God I fell and to prove that I needed help. Christ was that help. Now, according to Ephesians 1, I am in Christ. He is my righteousness and I am no more dependent upon the law.
Good. But what does that mean to me now in terms of the law?
A recent extreme time and further study of Galatians has been very helpful to me. Before the hard time hit, there was a lesson I was supposed to get from Galatians, but I missed it. I've got it now. I'm sure that some of you that happen by and read this will say, "Duh!" Please remember we are not all there yet.
First of all, I am no longer measured by the law. Christ is my covering. All of the burden has been removed from me and I hide safe in Christ's righteousness.
Yet all Scripture is profitable and inspired. What do I learn now from the law?
I learn who God is. I can see who HE is when my days and ways are dark and heaven seems quiet. I read the law and find his holiness and righteousness and then I read Malachi 3:6 which tells me God doesn't change. So, even if I can't hear Him or spiritually see Him, I know that the law teaches me who He is.
There is also still the message of WWJD--What Would Jesus Do. Do you need to know what He would do in any given situation? You can find it in the law.
We all know those pet owners that we all hate. They are the ones who animals are forever pregnant or running the neighborhoods or just general nuisances. We have that family in our neighborhood. I came home one day to find 3 of their puppies in the road. By the time Tabitha and I rounded up the wayward pups and our other neighbor took to putting them back in their own fence, the male dog took off like a shot and was tormenting the neighborhood cats. We saved the puppies, him we could not get.
Well, two days later, he was out running again. This time he was behind our house tormenting our dogs. I had to make a decision. I had to decide whether to allow the dog to get out into the busy road and get hit by a car (which would be just desserts, you know?) or to get them over here to get their dog. Getting them over here was a challenge. It meant getting my frenzied dogs in the house (and Lugnut is extremely powerful. If he wants to break from me, I can't stop him.) It meant my dinner was overcooking, too. I had a deadline.
Then the Holy Spirit stepped in and gave me a bit of the law. Deuteronomy 22:1-2 Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray , and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again
Now, I tried to reason with Him by saying that the ox and sheep were for the welfare of the family and the dog was just a pet. That didn't go over well and I had to put myself out and get the family over. There! At least I tried (they couldn't get him either.)
It was a clear cut case of the law telling me what Jesus would do.
The law is not to make me righteous so that God will accept me. I am accepted in Christ. The law is to tell me what Christ would do. It helps me know God to know how I should behave in this world. It turns out that it was a very easy conclusion to the matter.
Christ himself is the fulfillment of the law. The purpose of the law was to show me how far short of God I fell and to prove that I needed help. Christ was that help. Now, according to Ephesians 1, I am in Christ. He is my righteousness and I am no more dependent upon the law.
Good. But what does that mean to me now in terms of the law?
A recent extreme time and further study of Galatians has been very helpful to me. Before the hard time hit, there was a lesson I was supposed to get from Galatians, but I missed it. I've got it now. I'm sure that some of you that happen by and read this will say, "Duh!" Please remember we are not all there yet.
First of all, I am no longer measured by the law. Christ is my covering. All of the burden has been removed from me and I hide safe in Christ's righteousness.
Yet all Scripture is profitable and inspired. What do I learn now from the law?
I learn who God is. I can see who HE is when my days and ways are dark and heaven seems quiet. I read the law and find his holiness and righteousness and then I read Malachi 3:6 which tells me God doesn't change. So, even if I can't hear Him or spiritually see Him, I know that the law teaches me who He is.
There is also still the message of WWJD--What Would Jesus Do. Do you need to know what He would do in any given situation? You can find it in the law.
We all know those pet owners that we all hate. They are the ones who animals are forever pregnant or running the neighborhoods or just general nuisances. We have that family in our neighborhood. I came home one day to find 3 of their puppies in the road. By the time Tabitha and I rounded up the wayward pups and our other neighbor took to putting them back in their own fence, the male dog took off like a shot and was tormenting the neighborhood cats. We saved the puppies, him we could not get.
Well, two days later, he was out running again. This time he was behind our house tormenting our dogs. I had to make a decision. I had to decide whether to allow the dog to get out into the busy road and get hit by a car (which would be just desserts, you know?) or to get them over here to get their dog. Getting them over here was a challenge. It meant getting my frenzied dogs in the house (and Lugnut is extremely powerful. If he wants to break from me, I can't stop him.) It meant my dinner was overcooking, too. I had a deadline.
Then the Holy Spirit stepped in and gave me a bit of the law. Deuteronomy 22:1-2 Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray , and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again
Now, I tried to reason with Him by saying that the ox and sheep were for the welfare of the family and the dog was just a pet. That didn't go over well and I had to put myself out and get the family over. There! At least I tried (they couldn't get him either.)
It was a clear cut case of the law telling me what Jesus would do.
The law is not to make me righteous so that God will accept me. I am accepted in Christ. The law is to tell me what Christ would do. It helps me know God to know how I should behave in this world. It turns out that it was a very easy conclusion to the matter.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
20/20 IFB episode
This was big news in my circles. If you missed it, you can watch it here. It is the story of child abuse that seems to fly under the radar. This is one story of many. How is it that things like this are allowed to be buried in our churches? These are churches who claim to have cornered the market on God's Word and the truth. If you aren't of them, then you are not right with God.
The importance of hiding such sin is one of appearances. We have fostered an attitude of appearances above truth. (Please note that not all churches are allowing such corruption to be hidden. There are enough, however, to warrant television media attention.) As long as we appear good to outsiders, then by all means we are good. Christ talked about this when he addressed the pharisees and called them whited sepulchres. They were beautiful outside but the inside was corrupt.
God has given us the means of taking care of sin in our midst. We love to tout Matthew 18 and church discipline. Let's face it, church discipline is hard. It hurts. The thing is, it works to keep us pure. So, instead of dealing with the sins of our leaders, we let it go. We blame the abused and ship them off to places like Hephzibah House. We cause our children to flee our religion because our religion tolerates sin in the leadership because leadership is never wrong. It is never to be called to answer because leadership speaks for God.
What is the proper course of action in questions like this? We must turn the abuser over to the law of the land. This is a crime. We must allow the sin to be pointed out and dealt with publicly in our churches, and then allow the law to take its course. So what if that means a preacher goes to jail for molesting children? So what if that means the good name of the church is called into question? How much better is it for the church to respond nobly and properly than to wait for 20/20 to pull it through the mud?
I Corinthians 11:31 says that if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. What a mockery of Christ's name when we try to cover our sin. Have we not spent years hearing sermons about sin being brought to light? We must be honest people above all others. We must not handle the Word of God deceitfully. We have got to trust that when we do what HE has commanded us, we will be safe in HIS hands. We can trust HIM when we follow HIM.
The importance of hiding such sin is one of appearances. We have fostered an attitude of appearances above truth. (Please note that not all churches are allowing such corruption to be hidden. There are enough, however, to warrant television media attention.) As long as we appear good to outsiders, then by all means we are good. Christ talked about this when he addressed the pharisees and called them whited sepulchres. They were beautiful outside but the inside was corrupt.
God has given us the means of taking care of sin in our midst. We love to tout Matthew 18 and church discipline. Let's face it, church discipline is hard. It hurts. The thing is, it works to keep us pure. So, instead of dealing with the sins of our leaders, we let it go. We blame the abused and ship them off to places like Hephzibah House. We cause our children to flee our religion because our religion tolerates sin in the leadership because leadership is never wrong. It is never to be called to answer because leadership speaks for God.
What is the proper course of action in questions like this? We must turn the abuser over to the law of the land. This is a crime. We must allow the sin to be pointed out and dealt with publicly in our churches, and then allow the law to take its course. So what if that means a preacher goes to jail for molesting children? So what if that means the good name of the church is called into question? How much better is it for the church to respond nobly and properly than to wait for 20/20 to pull it through the mud?
I Corinthians 11:31 says that if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. What a mockery of Christ's name when we try to cover our sin. Have we not spent years hearing sermons about sin being brought to light? We must be honest people above all others. We must not handle the Word of God deceitfully. We have got to trust that when we do what HE has commanded us, we will be safe in HIS hands. We can trust HIM when we follow HIM.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Nice little updates
Well, it appears that we finally have the results of Michael's black belt test. He failed two areas of the test. Normally if one fails two areas, he must retake the test at a later date. If he fails one area of the test, it is called a conditional pass and you must complete that area successfully before you get your belt. However, in Michael's case it is being called conditional pass. He will have to redo forms and board breaks in June at the next test. I guess that's okay.
My dishwasher arrived, but they wouldn't install it because the shut off valve leaks. Of course, at halfway closed, it streams water. If they had closed it all the way, they would have seen two drips a minutes and I'm pretty sure they could have worked with that. I have to call and have them come out again. I think the issue may have been that it was Friday and they wanted an early day. Anyway, my dishwasher is now sitting in my garage where it won't be manhandled while we wait for installation.
My toaster died. It was a nice 4 slice Krups and it lasted about 5 years. You have to understand that appliances around here get heavy use. Dishwashers only live out half their expected lifetime. When another family might get a toaster that lasts through the children and then some, ours gets used every day, several times a day. We don't fix minor appliances. The dishwasher is the only major appliance we don't fix. Rod has fixed my dryer. He's fixed my washing machine until he can't fix it anymore. But for some reason, we don't mess with the dishwashers.
My dishwasher arrived, but they wouldn't install it because the shut off valve leaks. Of course, at halfway closed, it streams water. If they had closed it all the way, they would have seen two drips a minutes and I'm pretty sure they could have worked with that. I have to call and have them come out again. I think the issue may have been that it was Friday and they wanted an early day. Anyway, my dishwasher is now sitting in my garage where it won't be manhandled while we wait for installation.
My toaster died. It was a nice 4 slice Krups and it lasted about 5 years. You have to understand that appliances around here get heavy use. Dishwashers only live out half their expected lifetime. When another family might get a toaster that lasts through the children and then some, ours gets used every day, several times a day. We don't fix minor appliances. The dishwasher is the only major appliance we don't fix. Rod has fixed my dryer. He's fixed my washing machine until he can't fix it anymore. But for some reason, we don't mess with the dishwashers.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Local happenings
Two weeks ago (about) Michael had the privilege of testing for his black belt, first Dan. It takes about two weeks for the results. The results are in and...we still don't know whether he passed or failed because his name is listed in both columns. We hope to know by tomorrow night what the deal is with that.
Rod is travelling abroad for work again. The climate is warm and sunny for him. As long as he keeps away from public crowded places, he will probably be safe. His luggage was waylaid in Toronto, and then again in Tel Aviv. He was in Ashkelon for 5 days before he got it.
This is a view of the Mediterranean from Tel Aviv. Incredible, isn't it?
We have been down with various illnesses for most of the past three weeks. It hasn't been a lot of fun here. Someone coughing, someone puking, someone just not feeling up to par has been our order.
Tomorrow, my new dishwasher will arrive. I've been without for about 5 months now. I assure you that I will be grateful for this piece of machinery.
These may seem like such small things, but I need to describe it like this: God has chosen to define my life as wife and mother. My family is my world. I want nothing else; I need nothing else but those things which help me in these roles.
Rod is travelling abroad for work again. The climate is warm and sunny for him. As long as he keeps away from public crowded places, he will probably be safe. His luggage was waylaid in Toronto, and then again in Tel Aviv. He was in Ashkelon for 5 days before he got it.
This is a view of the Mediterranean from Tel Aviv. Incredible, isn't it?
We have been down with various illnesses for most of the past three weeks. It hasn't been a lot of fun here. Someone coughing, someone puking, someone just not feeling up to par has been our order.
Tomorrow, my new dishwasher will arrive. I've been without for about 5 months now. I assure you that I will be grateful for this piece of machinery.
These may seem like such small things, but I need to describe it like this: God has chosen to define my life as wife and mother. My family is my world. I want nothing else; I need nothing else but those things which help me in these roles.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sometimes, I'm just on the verge
Sometimes, the urge to write becomes unbelievably strong. I know that there is an earth-shattering subject close at hand--just on the tip of my brain. I have that feeling tonight, but I cannot quite get to it. My heart is full of rejoicing, so I could cheat and copy one of the Psalms. I could write my own poem. The problem is that I am not quite certain of the source of this joy.
I take that back. I do know the source of this joy. It is Christ. It is the greatness of HIM who loves me beyond anything that I deserve. When I see HIM answer prayers just because HE can and I know that it isn't because I deserve it--but because HE loves to do great things--I am amazed. When I know that all of my moments are securely in HIS hands, I am at peace.
When my heart is overwhelmed and I cannot look up to HIS face, HE comes and lifts my head for me.
I have a God who is for me all that I cannot be. Where are the words to express all of that? I'm sure they do not exist in this world.
I take that back. I do know the source of this joy. It is Christ. It is the greatness of HIM who loves me beyond anything that I deserve. When I see HIM answer prayers just because HE can and I know that it isn't because I deserve it--but because HE loves to do great things--I am amazed. When I know that all of my moments are securely in HIS hands, I am at peace.
When my heart is overwhelmed and I cannot look up to HIS face, HE comes and lifts my head for me.
I have a God who is for me all that I cannot be. Where are the words to express all of that? I'm sure they do not exist in this world.
Friday, March 25, 2011
The oddest discovery
I discovered last night that cabbage seems to have some very powerful medicinal uses. I am sensitive to wheat, but can tolerate it now. Sometimes I over do it and my respiratory system is affected. My sinus get inflamed and occasionally my soft palate swells. I typically take Benadryl but now, I believe I have found a new remedy.
Last night I ate some leaves of raw cabbage. About an hour later, I noticed that my sinuses felt more open. When I got home from church I did some searching on cabbage and found that it seems to have anti-inflammatory properties.
This morning, I tried again. I had toast for breakfast. I had enough to cause the swelling. I ate a few cabbage leaves and once again, the swelling is gone. If I can take care of the swelling with a natural food and avoid the Benadryl, I'm very happy with that. I don't really have the time to hit the drowsy period always brought on by the Benadryl.
You can read about cabbage here.
This doesn't mean I'm going to start eating wheat just because I can eat cabbage. It just means that I'm going to start experimenting with what cabbage can do.
Last night I ate some leaves of raw cabbage. About an hour later, I noticed that my sinuses felt more open. When I got home from church I did some searching on cabbage and found that it seems to have anti-inflammatory properties.
This morning, I tried again. I had toast for breakfast. I had enough to cause the swelling. I ate a few cabbage leaves and once again, the swelling is gone. If I can take care of the swelling with a natural food and avoid the Benadryl, I'm very happy with that. I don't really have the time to hit the drowsy period always brought on by the Benadryl.
You can read about cabbage here.
This doesn't mean I'm going to start eating wheat just because I can eat cabbage. It just means that I'm going to start experimenting with what cabbage can do.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Heartaches
Heartaches--we all have them. Some people feel them more acutely than others do. Some people stuff them deep inside. Others wear them on their proverbial sleeves.
Some people want desperately to talk to someone about the heartache, but they don't know where to go. Others talk to whoever will listen or pretend to listen.
Heartaches are common among humans. Yet, we typically go around thinking we are alone in what we feel.
I have my own heartaches to deal with. Yet, I also have to deal with the heartaches of my family members.
What does one do when he feels he cannot handle one more? I, myself, just stuff them deeper and cram them down more compactly to make more room. When it comes times to empty the emotional trash, I don't know what's going to happen. It's so compacted now, I don't think it's going to come out easily.
Some people want desperately to talk to someone about the heartache, but they don't know where to go. Others talk to whoever will listen or pretend to listen.
Heartaches are common among humans. Yet, we typically go around thinking we are alone in what we feel.
I have my own heartaches to deal with. Yet, I also have to deal with the heartaches of my family members.
What does one do when he feels he cannot handle one more? I, myself, just stuff them deeper and cram them down more compactly to make more room. When it comes times to empty the emotional trash, I don't know what's going to happen. It's so compacted now, I don't think it's going to come out easily.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A few pictures
Monday, February 28, 2011
Is duty enough?
I ran across a question a couple of weeks ago that has caused a great deal of thought on my part.
Question: If your child weren't serving God out of love, would you rather he serve out of duty or not at all. I posed the question on Facebook but didn't get a lot of response.
My first response when I saw the question was that I would rather my children serve not all. I got 2 responses on FB, one said not at all because they've missed the heart. Another said duty because then they would at least not have the repercussions of regret that might come with not at all.
I have continued to think about it. My answer hasn't changed. I still say not at all because of several reasons.
1. At least with not at all, I know where my child stands. There is no hidden rebellion because it's all out in the open.
2. Duty carries a negative light in Scripture. Luke 17:7-10 (But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do) See also Matthew 7:21-23 where the duty was done, but God still did not recognize it as worthy.
3. It carries the conotation of selfishness in that duty is often self-seeking. We don't want others to look upon in a negative light; we don't want to be thought of badly; we don't want to disappoint someone. That goes against our greatest commandment to love God above all. In duty we do not see love of God, but love of something baser.
4. It also seems to be lukewarm. I'll do it because I have to. It isn't because I want to (hot); it isn't left undone (cold.) It is done but not wholeheartedly.
I think that there are more reasons that will come to mind as I continue to think about it. Until then, I welcome your views and reasons.
Question: If your child weren't serving God out of love, would you rather he serve out of duty or not at all. I posed the question on Facebook but didn't get a lot of response.
My first response when I saw the question was that I would rather my children serve not all. I got 2 responses on FB, one said not at all because they've missed the heart. Another said duty because then they would at least not have the repercussions of regret that might come with not at all.
I have continued to think about it. My answer hasn't changed. I still say not at all because of several reasons.
1. At least with not at all, I know where my child stands. There is no hidden rebellion because it's all out in the open.
2. Duty carries a negative light in Scripture. Luke 17:7-10 (But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do) See also Matthew 7:21-23 where the duty was done, but God still did not recognize it as worthy.
3. It carries the conotation of selfishness in that duty is often self-seeking. We don't want others to look upon in a negative light; we don't want to be thought of badly; we don't want to disappoint someone. That goes against our greatest commandment to love God above all. In duty we do not see love of God, but love of something baser.
4. It also seems to be lukewarm. I'll do it because I have to. It isn't because I want to (hot); it isn't left undone (cold.) It is done but not wholeheartedly.
I think that there are more reasons that will come to mind as I continue to think about it. Until then, I welcome your views and reasons.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
On the bookshelf
I grew up in a small town with a small library. I went from the public school with a library to a small Christian school without a library. My reading world shrank somewhat at that time. Then, I got a job. Then, I went off to college where the only things I had time to read were textbooks and assigned reading.
From college, I entered the real world with more work than I ever could have imagined. Reading was something I could only dream of. The kids came and I began reading. You know the books I mean. Hop on Pop and If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and such things.
Then the kids began going to school and I realized I had a bit of time to read. These days, you will rarely find me without two or three books going at a time.
So, what do I have going?
A Tale of Two Cities is one of my all-time favorites. I have it downloaded on Nook so that it's easy to carry around. On iBooks, I have War of the Worlds which I've never read before. I also have A Journey to the Center of the Earth that I'm reading aloud to the kids.
Two other books sitting close by but not receiving as much attention are Lord, Heal My Hurts by Kay Arthur, and What's So Amazing about Grace by Phillip Yancey.
All of these books, I recommend. I will admit that I am having a hard time with the Yancey book. I can't read without tears. God's grace is a marvelous thing.
From college, I entered the real world with more work than I ever could have imagined. Reading was something I could only dream of. The kids came and I began reading. You know the books I mean. Hop on Pop and If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and such things.
Then the kids began going to school and I realized I had a bit of time to read. These days, you will rarely find me without two or three books going at a time.
So, what do I have going?
A Tale of Two Cities is one of my all-time favorites. I have it downloaded on Nook so that it's easy to carry around. On iBooks, I have War of the Worlds which I've never read before. I also have A Journey to the Center of the Earth that I'm reading aloud to the kids.
Two other books sitting close by but not receiving as much attention are Lord, Heal My Hurts by Kay Arthur, and What's So Amazing about Grace by Phillip Yancey.
All of these books, I recommend. I will admit that I am having a hard time with the Yancey book. I can't read without tears. God's grace is a marvelous thing.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Safety first!
Life changes when you become a parent. You begin this crazy thing called "baby-proofing." You put pads on sharp corners and stuff plastic things into electrical outlets. You lock cabinets and put harmful cleaners up high. You bookmark the CPSC recall page and check it daily for any new recalls on baby products that you might have.
You buy expensive car seats. You measure the distance between the railings of the crib. You check for sharp corners and loose bits on toys. You wonder if that paint is lead free.
You cut all the straps off the hoods of the jackets. You call baby-proofing professionals to make sure your house is safe for that little one.
Then, little one grows and begins new challenges. He has to have helmets and elbow pads and knee pads for any activity he is going to participate in. It's crazy, really. We put so much time and effort into making sure our little ones are physically safe from harm.
How much time, though, do we put into their spiritual safety? Do we know what they are watching on television? Do we know what they are saying on Facebook? Do we know what is in those books they are reading?
Have we talked to them about loving God and neighbors? Do we leave that all up to the preacher?
Have we really stopped and taken careful stock of what the preacher is preaching? Have we taken the messages apart and put them to the Scripture test? Have we put as much thought and effort into that as we have the physical safety?
How spiritually safe are our children?
You buy expensive car seats. You measure the distance between the railings of the crib. You check for sharp corners and loose bits on toys. You wonder if that paint is lead free.
You cut all the straps off the hoods of the jackets. You call baby-proofing professionals to make sure your house is safe for that little one.
Then, little one grows and begins new challenges. He has to have helmets and elbow pads and knee pads for any activity he is going to participate in. It's crazy, really. We put so much time and effort into making sure our little ones are physically safe from harm.
How much time, though, do we put into their spiritual safety? Do we know what they are watching on television? Do we know what they are saying on Facebook? Do we know what is in those books they are reading?
Have we talked to them about loving God and neighbors? Do we leave that all up to the preacher?
Have we really stopped and taken careful stock of what the preacher is preaching? Have we taken the messages apart and put them to the Scripture test? Have we put as much thought and effort into that as we have the physical safety?
How spiritually safe are our children?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there.
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Laying aside every weight
Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us that we have to lay aside weights and sins that easily beset us.
In the last thirty years, I have often been told that the weights are things like bad attitudes, or difficult pasts and such things. While those may be true weights, I have in these past seven years been learning that the weights are also the ideals that my religion has called fundamental to the faith. (I have already addressed some of those ideals, but there are others. Many others.)
Some of these ideals that have become fundamental to our faith are music standards and dress standards among other standards. We base our fellowship upon who follows or does not follow our standards. I know of a pastor who has in the past five years quit fellowshipping with churches of "like" faith in his area because he disagreed with some of their "low" standards. There are churches in his area that he tolerates because their students attend his school, but he has something negative to say about them all.
If the "high" degree of our ideals forces us to judge other believers to the point of separating from them, then I must ask whether our ideals have become a weight.
In my case, when the trial of my faith hit me so hard, what I found was that the ideals were indeed a weight. They neither sustained me through my trial and grief, nor did they give me hope or increase my faith. I found them to be in the way of my view of God. Because they provided absolutely no benefit to me in the trial, I was forced to rethink them.
When I found that they were merely ideals and not true fundamentals, I was able to look at them in a new light. I was able to set some of these things aside as weights. These are things that caused me to judge my fellow Christians unjustly. These are things that caused me to think too highly of myself. These are things that are not necessary to my Christian walk. These are the things that were producing unnecessary guilt.
These are the weights that must be put aside. If I am to thrive in Christ, I must lose those things that hindered me.
I suppose that this and my previous posts can be considered my own 95 Theses. I have nailed them to the wall. I refuse to judge another Christian based upon my own ideals. Any ideals that I choose to live by are mine alone. I have no right to impose them upon another.
This does not mean that there are not sins that I or others commit. Gossiping is still a sin. Fornication is still a sin. Pride is still a sin.
This has been a long hard journey for me. Some of my steps to freedom have been scary. But God has not been displeased with me. He still is faithful to point out my areas of loving myself more than Him and others. He still shows me my areas of bitterness and pride. But I confess to having a new joy in my Christian walk. The ideals of others that I once believed to be commands are no longer my measuring stick. Yes, I am free.
In the last thirty years, I have often been told that the weights are things like bad attitudes, or difficult pasts and such things. While those may be true weights, I have in these past seven years been learning that the weights are also the ideals that my religion has called fundamental to the faith. (I have already addressed some of those ideals, but there are others. Many others.)
Some of these ideals that have become fundamental to our faith are music standards and dress standards among other standards. We base our fellowship upon who follows or does not follow our standards. I know of a pastor who has in the past five years quit fellowshipping with churches of "like" faith in his area because he disagreed with some of their "low" standards. There are churches in his area that he tolerates because their students attend his school, but he has something negative to say about them all.
If the "high" degree of our ideals forces us to judge other believers to the point of separating from them, then I must ask whether our ideals have become a weight.
In my case, when the trial of my faith hit me so hard, what I found was that the ideals were indeed a weight. They neither sustained me through my trial and grief, nor did they give me hope or increase my faith. I found them to be in the way of my view of God. Because they provided absolutely no benefit to me in the trial, I was forced to rethink them.
When I found that they were merely ideals and not true fundamentals, I was able to look at them in a new light. I was able to set some of these things aside as weights. These are things that caused me to judge my fellow Christians unjustly. These are things that caused me to think too highly of myself. These are things that are not necessary to my Christian walk. These are the things that were producing unnecessary guilt.
These are the weights that must be put aside. If I am to thrive in Christ, I must lose those things that hindered me.
I suppose that this and my previous posts can be considered my own 95 Theses. I have nailed them to the wall. I refuse to judge another Christian based upon my own ideals. Any ideals that I choose to live by are mine alone. I have no right to impose them upon another.
This does not mean that there are not sins that I or others commit. Gossiping is still a sin. Fornication is still a sin. Pride is still a sin.
This has been a long hard journey for me. Some of my steps to freedom have been scary. But God has not been displeased with me. He still is faithful to point out my areas of loving myself more than Him and others. He still shows me my areas of bitterness and pride. But I confess to having a new joy in my Christian walk. The ideals of others that I once believed to be commands are no longer my measuring stick. Yes, I am free.
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