To List or Not to List. . .

"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."

~ Elisabeth Elliot ~

I like lists.

If I write it down, I remember it better and give myself permission to forget about it for a while (it makes sense to me).

When I was a new mother and began this SAHM gig, I made a list every day of what I hoped to get done. I even put down the tiniest of jobs, stuff like "Make bed" or "Take a shower" or "Unload dishwasher." It wasn't that I was THAT forgetful, I was merely groping for things to scratch off my list. The more I checked off, the more evidence of my accomplishments. The problem came when my plan for the day didn't always materialize. Sometimes a baby would be especially crabby or an unexpected visitor stopped by or an impromptu trip to the store was necessary. At the end of many days I would look at my list and the war zone I called my living room and shake my head thinking, "What d'you do today, Tami, anything?"

Yet I realize you can't put a value on rocking a child or comforting a hurting soul. Extending lunch with a friend is more enriching than time-consuming. When I help a kid with trigonometry, I'm building a relationship. Plopping on the couch late at night, watching syndicated reruns is not wasted time. It is relaxing with my husband. Reading a good book does more for me than a spotless kitchen floor.

Now I'm more realistic. I allow for changes in my schedule. When I make my lists today, I don't limit them to time. My goal is to check things off within a span of a week or so. I don't include daily things like "Cook dinner" or "Pick up kids from school" or even "Exercise" (yes, I know what you're thinking). I WISH for unexpected phone calls or visitors to pull me away from things. I'd pick hanging with you any time over cleaning! My prayer each morning comes from Psalm 90:17,

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands.

Amen, Lord. Your will be done.


For more In "Other" Words impressions, visit To Motherhood and Beyond

What Would Jesus Say. . .To Me?

I've been tagged by my online pal, Shalene of A Proverbs 31 Woman Wannabe to describe what I think Jesus would say to me if I were to meet Him face to face. To be honest, I don't think Jesus' message to me would be any different than it is to me every day. I think He would reiterate what He consistently says to me. But MY response. . .whoa baby, I imagine that would be completely different. I envision the scene something like this:

I am cleaning up the breakfast dishes, grumbling under my breath about how I have to do all the dirty work and no one appreciates what I do, when there is a tap at my back door. I holler, "Come on in," knowing that my close friends and family are the usual back door rappers. At the sight of Jesus, I am stunned. I know who He is, though He doesn't resemble anything Ive ever imagined. Involuntarily, my knees give way and I find myself on the floor.

Reaching down a hand to me, Jesus says, "Do not fear."

Like being caught in a dream, I try to speak, but nothing will come out.

"Come," He says, flexing His fingers, "You are wholly and dearly loved."

I lift my own hand, but the weight of who I am causes me to drop it again.

"Why don't you trust Me?" His eyes narrow as He looks straight into my soul. "Here," He says as He slips His hands beneath my arms and pulls me up slowly.

My eyes become lost in His and tears start welling up.

"What is it?" He asks softly.

"I. . .this. . .this is all I am," I mutter.

"I know who you are," He says smiling, gently moving the stray hair out of my eyes. "Be faithful to what I have given you."

"I love You, Lord," I whisper as I bury my head in His chest.

"Mmm. . .," He replies, wrapping His arms around me, "and I love you, My child."

His words to me, the same as nearly every day:
Do not fear.
Come.
You are wholly and dearly loved.
Why don't you trust Me?
What is it?
I know who you are.
Be faithful to what I have given you.
I love you, My child.

My words to Him, few. Most notably missing are the questions, the requests, the pleading.

I've asked God many, many times, to give me a glimpse of Him, knowing that even a tiny peek at His glory will forever change me. I'm not sure why He hasn't answered this request, but I have a sneaking suspicion it has something to do with trusting Him and building my faith. Until I meet Him face to face, I wait in eager anticipation and heed the words He gives me now.

I'm supposed to tag a few other bloggers to do this. I'm choosing some I know IRL.

Brenda of Living with RAD
forgiven of Seeking Him
Rachelle of Surrendering to God's Gift of Ellie Grace

The challenge is on girls! Take a whack at it!


Photo Credit: kalieye

Group Writing Project Entries

On the Horizon

The Next Step

and A Proverbs 31 Woman Wanna Be

proudly present their first-ever Group Writing Project:

"I am thankful to be a Christian because . . . "


We invite you to read and be inspired by all of the wonderful submissions included in this Group Writing Project! Please take a moment to leave a comment letting the authors know how much you appreciate their efforts. Share some of the reasons why you are feeling grateful this Thanksgiving.

Here are the posts included in this Group Writing Project:

• e-Mom at Chrysallis is thankful that "Jesus has promised me a rich, abundant life in the present, and an an unending eternal life in the future." She shares the "Top 13 Christian Books Every Thinking Christian Should Own". Check out her list and note how many of them are on your bookshelf.


• My delightful co-sponsor, Shalene, at A Proverbs 31 Woman Wanna Be literally uses her fingers to tick off five reasons she is thankful. "Being a Christian has taken my focus off of myself, and put it on those around me," she tells us.


• Donetta at A Life Uncommon explains why she is "thankful for a relationship that is a friendship with God."


• Sandy Carlson of Writing in Faith also submitted a post. Click here to read her article in which she describes her faith and challenges us to look at our own: "Imagine it. With a glad and grateful heart, imagine it."


• Denise of Shorty Bear's Place is well-known among Christian bloggers. She is a dear spirit, wonderful friend to us all, and needs our prayers this Thanksgiving as she is not feeling well. Nonetheless, she submitted a post for this Project that will bring you to tears. Make sure that you stop by and read Denise's testimony.


• JHS of Colloquium explains that she is thankful for her faith because she does "not know how to be anything else." Click here to read her entry about growing up in a Christian home and maintaining her faith over the years.


• Lori at All you have to give describes in an eloquent and heart-felt manner how Christians are able to endure the challenges of living in a world that can be "incredibly bad." Click here to read her devotional.


• Dan King, aka Bible Dude, is thankful to be a Christian, in part, because his faith makes him part of a community that, in his estimation, might just approximate “what Heaven might be like.”


• You know I had to put my two cents in too, right? You can see what I have to say about being a Christian by scrolling down or clicking here.

Still working on your entry? We will continue to accept, read, and link to additional submissions through Sunday, November 25, 2007. Just send the link to your post to hopefulspirit at comcast dot net!

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.

Love you,
Tami

I'm thankful to be a Christian because. . .

I know this life is not all there is.

Peace comes at unexpected times in unexplainable ways.

When I don't understand, I am comforted knowing a bigger plan is in place.

No matter the circumstance, I can be happy.

Each day contains purpose.

There is no end to the wonder in my world.

There are no mistakes.

When anxiety wakes me up in the middle of the night, meditating on Truth and uttering the name of Jesus stills my heart.

Nothing is insignificant.

Even if the rest of the world cannot find my value, God tells me I am chosen, holy and dearly loved.

I know how to live, guided by the inspired Word and Holy Spirit.

I am never alone.

Lord Jesus, thank You for a gift I can't comprehend. Thank You for grace and peace and love. I have been changed, for the better. Thank You.


Click here to read why others are thankful to be a Christian.


Photo credit: aewolf

Asking for Blinders

When I confessed my feelings of weakness to her, she came back with an unexpected response. She said, "I found that I did not feel strong even when people said it until I faced some fears I have. I have really dealt with those and it has made a huge difference in how strong I feel."

Hmm. . .I had to think on that for a while and pray over it.

Lord, is there something I'm afraid of? Do I have some fears I need to face?

You're afraid people won't like you.

What's wrong with that? I know I want people to like me and what I have to say, and it bothers me when they don't, but why is that a problem? I'm discovering that doing what God has asked me to do does not shelter me from conflict. Some people may be critical and judgmental and assume all kinds of things about me that may or may not be true. There will be some I love and respect who disagree with me. I have a hard time reconciling that. How can that be? How can believers see things so differently sometimes? Yet, situations like this are documented throughout the Bible. Job and his friends did not see his situation the same. Paul and Barnabas did not see eye to eye. Jesus' own people, the Jews, thought Him a radical.

What does my fear reveal? Distrust. Doesn't the Holy Spirit work within me? If I am seeking God and consistently in His word and praying and growing in my faith, how can I mess things up? Can't God take even disagreements that may arise and make them into something good? Am I trying to please men instead of God?

I know this is a pretty simple concept and in my head I understand I can't please everybody, but apparently my heart hasn't accepted the message. Worrying about what other people might think is holding me back. The same woman who gently suggested I deal with my fear also said, "If you're living a life without conflict or pain, you're playing it awfully safe." If I'm playing it safe, am I burying my talent? If I drag my feet in God's work, worried about the impressions of others, is that sin?

Any great work for God requires risk. Just ask Moses, Gideon, Esther, Paul, and Rahab. Why should I be immune? Am I willing to sacrifice acceptance, even by other believers, to obey God? Do I really have a choice?

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10

Fearing people, and what they may think of me, rather than Almighty God is sin. I cannot do that anymore. Lord, help me confidently forge ahead in focused determination for You.


Photo Credit: minusbaby

Group Writing Project

Announcing the first-ever group writing project sponsored by On the Horizon, The Next Step, and Proverbs 31 Woman Wanna Be:

“I AM THANKFUL TO BE A CHRISTIAN BECAUSE . . . “
Write a post with that title and submit it no later than Tuesday, November 20, 2007, at midnight (Pacific time).

All entries will be collected and the link to each published at On the Horizon, The Next Step, and Proverbs 31 Woman Wanna Be on Wednesday, November 21, 2007, just in time for Thanksgiving.

One post per blog, please, but you may submit a post that you write specifically for this group project or one that you have previously published on your site. There is no minimum or maximum number of words required and, in fact, you may feel free to submit a post containing a video presentation, artwork, or other media so long as it is consistent with the theme, i.e., conveys to the reader the basis and rationale for your belief that Jesus Christ is the One true son of God and died for your sins in order that you might have eternal life. This project is open to members of any and all or no specific church or denomination. (No vulgarity, profanity or hate speech, please. The owners of the individual host sites will have discretion and the final authority regarding the appropriateness of posts to which they will link from their blogs.)

Questions? Concerns? Drop an e-mail to admin at hopefulspirit dot com!

Hopeful Spirit, Shalene, and I look forward to reading your wonderful thoughts about being thankful!

November 16, 2007 Update: If you have submitted a post, we apologize but must ask you to resubmit via email to hopefulspirit at comcast dot net. It appears that there is a problem with the submission form and notifications are not being received. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

No Coincidence

We tried to wait to tell them until the next day, but circumstances and respect for our children required us to spill the news sooner.

"I don't know how to tell you this guys," my weary voice cracked, "but Grandpa died tonight."

We consoled each other for a while and finally the question I hoped wouldn't be thought of until later came out.

"You mean," my younger son said, "he died on my birthday?"

I had prayed all week God would help my dad hang on until after this day, yet it wasn't His plan. I was pretty broken up about it. I didn't want my son's birthday forever carrying the shadow of his grandfather's death. But it was out of my control.

Before breaking the news to our kids, I talked with a very wise woman, one who has been my dear friend since sitting on the bench in freshman volleyball, one who I may not talk with for months, but always pick up easily with, my forever friend. She tells me she is usually not so lucid at the time I called her that night, yet God used her despite her sleepiness. She told me, "Really, if you think about it, it's kind of neat . Your dad's birthday in heaven is the same as your son's on earth." Hmmm. Weird, I thought, especially since this son bears my father's name.

So when the question came, "You mean he died on my birthday?" I had a ready answer. And when I gave it, a light went on in his eyes.

"Hey, that's cool," he said, "I'm going to tell my friends at school that one." And he did. He forever has a special connection with Grandpa, one that goes beyond sharing a name. He has never forgotten it and neither will anyone he tells about it.

Now, two years later, I am still a bit sad about it, that anticipating my son's birthday brings up tough memories of a very difficult week. Oh, I'm thankful for the need to suck it up and celebrate instead of dwelling on the past and its pain, but I wonder what God was thinking. Of all days, why THIS day?

I know this is one of those things I won't get an answer to, at least not one other than Because I said so. And He can say that. He IS God. This is yet another time I am forced to accept God's plan without understanding it. I'm not crazy about that, but there's nothing I can do. If I love God, and I do, I have to accept it with thanks. So today, on my son's birthday and the anniversary of my father's death, I thank God for turning what could seem like a curse into a blessing for my son. And I am thankful His plan is not dependent on my understanding.

Party Protocol

Nearly twenty-four hours earlier, he started getting the living room ready for the big party. Three video game stations were set up and he made a poster to hang in the living room in order to dress things up a bit. He even surprised his mother with a sign saying "PLEASE USE COASTERS. HOUSE RULES."

And now half a dozen twelve-year-olds have invaded our house. The living room is littered with words like, "sweet" and "dude" and "awesome." Just when I wonder how I'll survive the next few hours of activity, my older son brings in the pizza. The birthday boy gets his friends in line for food, making sure his guests go first, and directs them into the dining room. He reminds them to wash their hands when they're finished so they don't get grease on the controllers. My ears perk up as I hear him say, without provocation from parents or older siblings, mind you, "Okay, we're gonna pray now." Suddenly the mayhem stops as my son, comfortably and unapologetically leads his peers in prayer.

"Dear Jesus, thank You for my family. Thank You for this food. Thank You that my friends could come for my party. I hope everyone has a good time. Amen."

It's a simple prayer, but it makes me smile and say a little prayer of my own, thanking God that this very important detail, communication with Him, is just as natural for my son as swinging a Wii remote."



To read more posts about the details in life, visit lori at I will take it Lord, all you have to give.

All is Well

A summer breeze with its distinctive aroma blows softly, enticing me to lift my head, close my eyes and inhale deeply.

All is well.

My family banters back and forth at the dinner table and I smile, not needing to say a word, watching God's hand bond us together effortlessly.

All is well.

The peaceful serenity of the baby asleep in my arms makes me relax, savor the warmth and take my time in prayer.

All is well.

There is no mistaking the Holy Spirit at work as I watch ordinary women, from all walks of life, connect with one another by taking a risk, allowing themselves to be vulnerable and sharing real struggles in hopes of either gaining a better understanding of God or building up a friend.

All is well.

In the soothing tranquility after making love, the world does not seem so cold and I feel free to "be", safe and loved, without expectations, responsibilities or fear.

All is well.

I want to bottle up this all-is-well feeling and take a big swig when life is not so hot, yet I understand these moments are precious gifts, a glimpse of what is to come.

Hope for a fantastic future in heaven.

Respite from this world.

Confirmation of a very good God.

All is well.

Join Blair for more Carnival of Beauty posts.

The Dirty "S" Word

Want this button?
SUBMISSION.

Ick.

Even though I think it an important, Biblical concept, the word makes my eyes roll back in my head. It causes me to picture a giant with his thumb on my head, smashing me to the ground, all the while chuckling, "Heh, heh, heh." That's not MY husband and honestly, I'm not sure I know any husbands like that. Isn't there a less volatile word we could use?

I submit for your consideration (pun completely intended) one word: TRUST.

My computer's dictionary defines trust as "firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something".

I can already see my husband standing taller.

Now I know it can be hard to submit to a guy you see in his underwear every day, but can you TRUST him? Can you trust that the man who comes home to you each day, the man who has CHOSEN to share his life with you, the man whose own body warms you to sleep every night, has your best interests at heart? Can you love him enough to believe in him? He may not even think he has it in him, but if you do, he'll want to try harder. And when life tears him down and he needs a boost, he'll come running home to refill.

I must admit this hasn't (and doesn't) always come easy for me. In the early years of our marriage I "submitted" to my husband by thinking I knew more than he did without telling him. I was very quiet and gentle in my "suggestions", yet he saw right through it. He sensed my distrustful attitude. And it made him feel he didn't quite measure up. There's something very sad about that. The world is tough enough without feeling like a failure at home too. I love him too much to do that to him any more. I mess up quite a bit and when I can't let go of doing things my way I have to remind myself this attitude says to him, "I know better. You can't handle this. I don't trust you." That isn't fair. He works very hard to make me happy. I want to do the same for him. I want him to find his home truly HIS, a place where he can be loved and accepted and respected and TRUSTED. Providing such a place may mean sacrificing what I want, but doing that over and over makes him work just as hard to please me.

My husband says submission would not be an issue for women if men truly loved their wives and served them like the Bible teaches and I think he's right (See, men DO have good ideas!). My husband loves me by helping me and listening to me, valuing my opinion and making me a priority. He makes me want to love him more and I do so by trusting him. It's no easy task on anyone's part, but it produces a cyclical effect that strengthens a marriage and provides great security.

SUBMISSION.

It doesn't have to be a dirty word. It is not holding women down. It is building men up. And when men are strengthened, they can carry us up with them.


Join e-Mom at Chrysalis this week to see what others think about submission.

Simple Blessings

The stillness of a quiet house, not yet awake for the day.

The warmth of a cup of cappuccino.

The knowledge I do not walk through the coming day alone.

Aaahhh. . .


For other reasons to be thankful, visit Crystal at *God is in Control.....NOT ME!