Monday, September 28, 2009

A Toy Named Earl

They walked in the back door laughing, my thirteen year old who will be taller than me by the end of the school year and his little sister who's gaining on me every day.

Ladies Man: What did you do with it?

Miss Innocent One: It's got a huge whole in the side.

All kinds of laughter and chattering erupted.

Me: What's so funny?

Miss Innocent One: We found this toy outside a few days ago and decided to name it Earl. We've been having lots of fun with it, doing all kinds of tricks with it. But it's getting kind of worn out.

Me: Earl? What kind of toy is Earl?

Miss Innocent One: Oh, it's just a plastic bag we found blowing down the street.

A plastic bag named Earl.

Keep in mind these kids are 13 and 11. Who says this generation screams for high-tech entertainment? Playing with a plastic bag for a few days is just about as old-fashioned as playing with a stick, isn't it?

Unfortunately, about the time I was aware of Earl, he met his demise. Ladies Man took the matter into his own hands.

Miss Innocent One: What did you do with Earl?

Ladies Man: I put him in a happy place.

Miss Innocent One: Where?

Ladies Man: In the trash.

May Earl rest in peace. Next time you go to Walmart, tell his cousins hello.

Friday, September 25, 2009

7 Quick Takes (Volume 52)


1) Wow! A whole year of Quick Takes. Can you believe it? Let me sound like a complete old person and say, "Where does the time go?"

2) "Hey, Mom," Ladies Man said, "I learned how to edit profile pics on Facebook. I could take the gray out of your hair if you want."

Ouch.

And if it wasn't bad enough, he couldn't leave it alone. The next day I heard, "So, Mom, do you want me to take the gray out of your profile pic?"

When I just stared at him, he added, "but I don't really see any right now. . ."

Yeah. Good save.

3) GREAT news, people! My husband conceded in the Facebook war! I win!

Can I get a whoop, whoop?!

Of course, Drama Queen put a new crick in my neck suggesting I can't beat her. She had the audacity to patronize me while I was buying her a new cell phone (does she not understand who has the power in said situation?).

"You need to realize that half of your friends are really MY friends," she said with tone.

"No way," I reacted, "you don't even know most of my Facebook friends."

"Well, at least a fourth of them are really my friends that added you. You'll never catch up to me."

I played it cool. You would have been proud.

"Yeah, just you wait," I told her, "I'm like the turtle who kept at it, little by little, while the cocky bunny played around and talked big until the turtle squashed him."

She snickered and gave me a look which said, "Oh, you poor delusional woman."

But I'll get the last laugh. Mark my words, bunny girl!

4) I made an exciting purchase this week--a teeny purple mouse for my laptop. It's stinkin' cute with its retractable cord and sleek design. Purple always makes me happy, but when I can combine it with my laptop, another of my favorite things, I am plain giddy. Yeah, I'm a simple gal. It doesn't take much.

5) My husband and I rode in the van and I reviewed part of my to do list out loud.

"I really need to wax my moustache," I said, "I really need a haircut. I really need to do my toenails."

Kevin said nothing. He's a very smart man.

I turned to him and said, "I guess there's grooming in store for my future."

He burst into laughter.

"What?" I didn't get the joke, but laughed along, mostly because he was having such a good time.

"How come the funny things you say never end up on your blog?" he asked.

Here you go, honey. Your wish has been granted. I hope everyone finds it as funny as you did.

6) Power play number 5,871 between Dad and Drama Queen:

Dad: Go get that right now.

Drama Queen: You're such a Nazi.

Dad: Do it or you're not going to the game.

Drama Queen: You're greatly abusing your power as my father.

Dad: I think I'm going to throw up.

So who won?

7) Lest you think we're a bunch of warring barbarians, let's leave on a sweet note today. Last Sunday Drama Queen and some of her friends did a little photo shoot for fun and posted the pictures on Facebook. Drummer Boy noticed and commented on photo of Drama Queen all by herself.

"My sister is pretty! :)"

Yep, go ahead and say it. Aaah!

Have a great weekend, friends. Find more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Giving Your Heart Away


I've had lots of good friends over the years.

And I've LOST lots of good friends over the years.

People I love are taken away for jobs or love or personal pursuits. Circumstances change. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings alter relationships. People come and go into our lives and personally, it's always rough on my heart.

In today's transient world, giving our hearts to others feels like too much to ask, so many of us don't. It's tempting to protect ourselves by guarding our emotions and not letting many people in. We're merely defending our sensitive hearts. If we're vulnerable, we're bound to get hurt. It's likely, of course and probably prudent to distance ourselves to prevent it, except for one thing.

We NEED other people. Something within us craves to be known. We desire others to come to us, to wonder what we think, to be interested in our lives. When we guard our hearts, protecting our real thoughts and feelings, saying what we should instead of what we really think, we don't give any indication of who we are or what is unique about us. We don't encourage inquiry.

And we suffer for it. We're left feeling very alone. We may be protecting ourselves from future hurt, but mostly we're depriving ourselves of present joy.

My life is richer because I've risked the pain, because I've let people in, shared personally and allowed myself to care. Yes, it has and will cause heartache, but I think it's worth it. As Tennyson said, "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

Do you have trouble giving your heart away?



Photo Credit: bored-now

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

A Tricky Temptation


“We deny Jesus every time we disregard His truth and put ourselves down. That hurts us. We deny Him every time we fail to see our value in Him. That hurts us. We deny Him every time we continue to hang on to our self-condemning thoughts and lies. That hurts us too. And then, it’s as if Jesus turns and looks straight at us with His eyes of love and compassion, and something dawns on us. We have, in a sense, denied our Lord Jesus, and I wonder if that hurts Him.”

by Marilyn Hontz
Shame Lifter
Ow. Ow. Ow.

I'm guilty, VERY guilty, I-have-no-business-writing-this-post guilty.

But I know I'm not alone. Show me any woman and I'll show you someone who struggles with self-image. The problem is not in understanding we are uniquely made in God's image, but in believing it.

My head knows I am "fearfully and wonderfully made," but my mirror reveals dark circles under my wrinkled eyes. My thighs still dimple after countless hours on elliptical machines, exercise bikes, crosstrainers, miles around the track and hundreds of pounds lifted faithfully. My spirit cringes every time I say something stupid. I am smack dab in the middle of my failures every stinkin' moment. I know who I am.

I'm not trying to deny Jesus or tell Him He did a bad job on me.

Or am I?

Oh boy, we've got to stop, ladies. Our self-centered attitudes are hampering His work. What's a woman who loves her God and desperately wants to please Him to do? It's as easy as ABC.

Allow and delight in the gifts of others.
As much as I would like to, I will never be a professional dancer, but I can take pleasure in watching the grace in others. Instead of envying her beautiful skin, I should enjoy the view. Her insightful comments should bring a smile to my face.

Believe the Truth.
I AM fearfully and wonderfully made. He has given me special skills and talents. HE enables me. He is the reason I can do or be anything. I am everything in Him.

Change my focus.
Where am I looking? Am I concentrating on myself or a perfect God who lives in me?

Deny the lies.
Do dark circles and wrinkles, dimpled thighs or mistakes make me unusable or unworthy? Perhaps He shines brighter because of my weaknesses. His glory is clearly seen through our inadequacies.

Eliminate wandering eyes.
God's wasn't looking around when He made me. It isn't fair to myself or others when I try to compare results of His work.

I know this is tough, friends. Believe me, I know (you IRL friends are fully aware of my struggles)! But if we don't work on it, how are we failing God?

Lord, we are guilty. I am guilty. Forgive us. Show us clearly who we are in You. Enable our hearts and minds to believe it. Give us the proper perspective. And use us as You see fit. May we be faithful.


Join our host, Loni, at Writing Canvas for more In "Other" Words.


Monday, September 21, 2009

What if we Believe Them?

I tell her she's beautiful and she laughs with a "Yeah, right."

After I express my respect and admiration, she quietly responds, "That's kind of you to say."

When I greet her with a "How's this classy lady today?" she giggles nervously and shakes her head.

I point out her good qualities and hear, "I don't know why you say that."

Before any of you start waving madly and shouting at me, I know, I know. I'm guilty too.

When compliments come my way, I want to believe them, I really do, but often shrug them off, thinking others are only being nice. Or I think them blissfully ignorant to the real me. If only they knew, they'd change their tune.

But what if I believed it?

Is there any danger in accepting a compliment at face value? How would our lives be different if we truly believed the nice things people say about us?

Would we stand taller, live better, relish more? Would we be happier? Worry less? Would our interactions with others be more meaningful? Would we represent our Creator better? Would we be more effective?

Why the struggle? What is Satan trying to squelch?

The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

Psalm 45:11


Believe it.

And see how your light can shine.

Friday, September 18, 2009

7 Quick Takes (Volume 51)


1) "I think I finally found my funk to studying," Ladies Man announced.

To him "funk" was a good thing. He found his groove. It only took 8 years, but at least he got there. The answer? Making his own flash cards with index cards to review terms.

Now, since he's found his funk, can I get out of mine?

2) It's time for the Facebook war report. As of this moment, I am in the lead by 10 friends. TEN! Yee Haw! I was feeling content, thinking I was pulling away from him, knowing just a little more would make him concede, and then Drama Queen had to pipe up.

"I'm WAY ahead of you both," she said, with a little patronizing grin.

"Oooh, well whoop de do," I bristled, "Now that I'm beating him, maybe I should come after you next."

"There's NO WAY you'll get ahead of me," she said.

You know what has to happen now, right?

This is for all you mothers out there dying to put a smug little girl in her place. Game ON!

3) I heard on K-Love that the No. 1 baby boy name in London is now Mohammed, providing evidence of the rise in the Muslim population. The name was two times as popular as the No. 2 name, Daniel. I'm not sure what, if any, other conclusions should be drawn from this or what it means, but it certainly is interesting. It got a "hmm" out of me.

4) I enjoyed a wonderful, LONG phone conversation with my college roommate this week. She called because she'd been going through old stuff and found a letter I'd written her in 1998 when I was pregnant with my youngest child. She said it reminded her of things I'd been talking about on this blog lately.

As she read a portion of the letter where I described my anxiety about having enough money to raise four children and how it meant I needed to rely even more on God's faithfulness and provision, I got a little choked up. Eleven years later I have seen His hand clearly on our family. He HAS provided. He has done what I couldn't see possible and I STILL worry about how we'll get them through college and into their adult years. Have I learned nothing?!

Oh Lord, I need Your forgiveness for my lack of faith. You have always been the Master of the Impossible for us. Why do I worry about anything?

5) Drummer Boy is FINALLY coming home for a weekend. He hasn't been here since he moved to college over a month ago. While I've been stressing and moping and sad, he's been in plenty of transition himself. Take a peek at it on his blog, The Drummer Diaries. God is at work in him. I'm so proud of his attitude and so thankful, so very, very thankful (Like I said, why do I worry about anything?!).

6) Ten minutes after I dropped Miss Innocent One off with detailed instructions on what would be taking place in her little world, she called my cell phone.

"Mom, I was trying to remember what you said, but I thought I better make sure."

I went through the litany again.

"Sorry, I got to thinking, now what and I couldn't remember . . ."

And she was off, telling me every tiny thing that went through her head, leaving me to wonder if she recalled yet what I actually told her instead of what her thought process was.

"Do you got it now?" I asked.

"Okay, yeah, well I just couldn't remember, so I thought I better call."

"Yeah, you said that already."

"Well, I wanted to make sure. . ." Yet another explanation came forth.

I couldn't help it. I started laughing. She does this. She can look right at you, nod, agree, say okay and still doesn't remember specifics, yet her explanation of WHY she doesn't goes on forever.

"Why are you laughing?" she asked mid sentence.

"Nothing, it's just funny," I said.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Well, I thought I better call."

"I know, " I said, smiling, "Good idea. You got it now?"

"Yeah, I wanted to make sure."

"Okay. See ya later."

"Okay. I love you."

I love you too, babe, quirks and all.

7) Since I've talked about everyone else in my family, it seems only right to mention my dear husband. His birthday is Monday. Though he thinks he's getting old, I think he's getting better and better. I won't let you be a fuddy duddy, babe!

He's not perfect (for one thing, he's got the most frustrating wife!), but I sure do love him. So very much.

I watched an interview with Patrick Swayze and his wife before his death and Barbara Walters asked her, "Have you come to terms with the possibility of life without him?" She had a hard time answering the question, and as I thought about my own response, I had to leave the room. The thought of living without Kevin. . .well, let's just say I'm trusting God for more than providing for my kids.

Happy Birthday, honey. I would not be who I am today without your consistent, patient, faithful love. I adore you.


Have a splendid weekend, my friends. Catch more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Do My Expectations of Myself Give the Wrong Message?

For as long as I can remember, truly, since I was a kid, I've struggled with my weight. I've prayed for God to make it a non-issue over and over and over, but He doesn't. I guess it's my "thorn in the flesh," my eternal weakness God doesn't take away so I am forced to rely on Him.

Okay.

Yeah, I say that now. Believe me, I've had plenty of temper tantrums about it. I wish I could say I've quit obsessing about it, but I'd be lying. I'm working on not, or rather, God's working on me. Today He brought me a new reason to get over it already.

If I obsess about it publicly, even if it's only with my closest friends, do I project my expectations of myself onto them? If I expect myself to look a certain way, will my friends think they should too? If I cannot be happy with myself, will they start to believe they must be a certain way to gain my love and acceptance?

Even worse, what do I say to my daughters?

Do I inadvertently place expectations on my loved ones when I put them on myself? I don't want that. I don't want to place ANY expectations on those I love. I want them to feel valued and important no matter what. I want them to know I'm in their corner at all times, that they are deeply loved , that they are safe and esteemed, no matter what their circumstances.

But if I don't give myself the same courtesy, why should they expect me to give it to them?

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Which Way Will Your Troubles Take You?



"Affliction will either warm you up toward spiritual things or turn you cold."

Joni Eareckson Tada


My grandfather was a scary man.

When I was a child, he would pinch my sister and me, pinch us hard, just to see what we'd do. He'd say terrible things to my mother. He'd get angry easily and go on verbal tirades, red-faced, spit flying. My mother has horrible stories from her childhood, stories of beatings and fleeing his anger. The first word that comes to mind when I think of my grandpa is evil.

After I became an adult I learned he came from a family with a rich Christian heritage. I heard him sing old Baptist hymns with passion and fervor. His grandparents even set money aside for him to attend seminary--my evil, abusive grandfather! What happened?!

My mom tells stories of sporadic church attendance as a child. When things were going well, they'd go to church, until something unexpected happened, like a hailstorm wiping out a crop. Then Grandpa would scream to the heavens and be mad at God for a while and they'd be out of church until he got over it.

His afflictions made him cold. He spent his life fighting God, trying to prove he didn't need a Savior, making himself miserable and angry.

And evil.

He left a legacy of hurt when he should have left one of light.

He makes me realize I have a choice and so do you. I can let my afflictions make me bitter and angry and hurt everyone around me, or I can use them to bring me into the lap of Jesus. I've seen first hand how cold it can be to turn the other way, how destructive and life sucking bitterness is, how it affects generations. I won't do that do my family and I praise God my mother didn't either.

My grandfather led a tormented life, but he didn't have to. If he would have chosen to turn TOWARDS God in his troubles instead of away from Him, he could have had more peace. If he accepted the afflictions were not personal, were not a punishment, but meant to bring him closer to his Savior, his life would have been different. And so would have my mother's.

"Choose this day whom you will serve," Joshua said.

Which will you pick, a life of peace or one of torment?

"In this life you will have trouble," Jesus tells us.

Which way will your troubles take you?

Join our host Debbie at Heart Choices for more In "Other" Words.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Surviving This Life of Grief

I miss my son. It's silly, I know. I saw him Saturday and he lives less than an hour away, but still I miss him and the ability to fix his problems or ease his stress level. I want to take care of everything for him the way I did when he was little, but I can't and I shouldn't. He has to learn to be an adult on his own, but it hurts my heart to know he will have struggles like we all do. I grieve his loss of childhood. And I miss him.

I dread what the next few years brings. In two, too short years, our daughter will join her brother into young adulthood and move out of our house. Just the thought puts a pit in my stomach and fills my eyes with tears. I have to let four children go. I want them to experience all life has to offer and am excited to see what God has planned for them, but my heart just can't take it, this gradual pilgrimage of my children out into the world. It feels like we've started a slow leak that leads to my heart becoming flat. I know it's part of life and natural and that good things will come from it, but every child's exodus will start another grieving process.

Then I hear of friends having cancer and losing their jobs and couples splitting up and kids who've lost their way and I'm aware in any tough circumstance, people grieve for what was, for the safety of before. It's hard to live in this world, this cruel place, full of pain and changes. Today is one of those days I'm not sure I have it in me to be here a lifetime. Today I fully recognize my need for power beyond what I have and I cling to my only life line.

Forever God is faithful.

He will supply what we need.

Forever God is strong.

He will lift us above the muck.

Forever God is with us.

We never walk alone.

Forever.

Forever.


We will make it, friends. If we lay our hearts into the hands of a merciful, compassionate God, we will make it through. Besides, what is the alternative? I know I don't have it in me to do it alone. I choose to latch onto THE source of strength, the same power which has comforted generations.

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:19-23)

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed. Because of the Lord's great love, we will survive this life of grief and move on to something beyond our imagination.

Forever God is faithful.
Forever God is strong.
Forever God is with us.
Forever.
Forever.



Friday, September 11, 2009

7 Quick Takes (Volume 50)

1) Drummer Boy made his debut at the University of Nebraska last Saturday. Pretty exciting stuff. Husker football is huge in our state and known for its streak of sellout games, 298 so far. Memorial Stadium seats 85,000, making it the third largest city in Nebraska on a game day. It's over five times the population of the town we live in! Can you imagine what it would feel like to step onto that field with 85,000 people cheering you on? Drummer Boy got to experience it firsthand and thanks to some very generous friends we got to watch him do it. Wow. God is good!

Having a kid on the Husker drum line is causing my husband some grief as he's made it known he's not a huge football fan (proven by the shirts he bought for us to wear!). Poor guy had to endure all kinds of ribbing about actually attending a football game. Don't you love how opportunities for humility abound?

2) Feeling guilty inspired because of my friend, Nicki, and her tales on Facebook of her organizational escapades, I got three more drawers and a MAJOR messy closet cleaned out this week. SCORE ME (or Nicki?)!

3) Wondering where we're at in the Facebook war? (Or wishing we'd move on already?) It's neck and neck. We've been back and forth with the lead all week, but at the time of publication we were TIED! Because we've had little contests like this before, I know there will be no end in sight until one of us completely puts the other in the dust. Let's let it be him. Send me suggestions, people!

4) The Ladies Bible study groups I'm a part of started this week--with a bang! WOO HOO! I'm super excited to see what God's going to teach us and to bond with some people I don't know very well. I'm inspired by the women in my Bible study groups. As they share their hearts and empathize with one another, I often sense the Holy Spirit among us. When women open up about their weaknesses or struggles and their desire to overcome them, others come alongside both physically and in prayer and I understand what the Body of Christ is supposed to look like.

Thank you, my Bible study friends. You have impacted my life with your desire, your understanding, your insight and your love. I look forward to what God will do in our midst this fall.

5) Our fruit fly infestation is tapering. I don't know what brought 'em and I don't know what took 'em, but I'm glad to see them go. There's nothing that screams "You must be a horrible housekeeper" like a swarm of fruit flies.

6) My nephews taught Ladies Man's how to ride a RipStik last weekend. A RipStik is like a skateboard with less surface area (Click on the name to see a picture.). I'm sure Ladies Man could recite many more distinguishing characteristics for you, but hey, I'm the mom who's not expected to know anything. I may as well be stupid about it and give him one more thing to roll his eyes over. Anyway, in the learning process, Ladies Man had a major wipe out on said RipStik, bruising BOTH elbows (we're talking bruises with four inch diameters!) and generally demolishing his knee. The scrape is a little bigger than a half-dollar and the multi-colored bruise covers half his leg! We're STILL icing the leg down every night and changing bandages three times a day. Of course he thinks it's "awesome," making him look tough, and has been begging me all week to let him buy his own RipStik.

I'd show you a picture of Ladies Man's coveted wound, but if you read the blog on Tuesday, you'll recall my new camera is already busted. Poop. The tragedy occurred while Drama Queen and Ladies Man were trying to document their exciting Labor Day activities for Facebook. Don't ask me why that included a plastic bowl, water and dishwashing liquid, but they were giggling and having a good time instead of talking about how bored they were, so whatever. Somehow the camera got knocked off the counter and the lens bent, preventing it from closing. We can't even turn the puppy on anymore. Anybody know of a place we could take it?

7) I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the the horrible anniversary this day brings. I remember the queasiness in my stomach after hearing of the World Trade Center. I wondered if it marked the end of the world, or at least the end of the world as we knew it. I worried my life would drastically change and feared what it may mean for my kids. Thankfully my greatest fears were not realized, but I must say I do miss the way it caused people to flock into churches and appeal to God. I found it ironic to have a National Prayer Meeting called and televised, when prayer is not allowed in our schools. Yet, no one objected. As crazy as it sounds, I miss the days when we truly came as one nation under God to seek His favor and protection.

That's a wrap this beautiful Friday morning. Take a gander at more Quick Takes by visiting Conversion Diary.



Thursday, September 10, 2009

Trusting God, NOT my Money


Is there anybody out there NOT concerned about money these days?

We've got a kid in college and a garage that's about ready to fall over. Our van needs new tires (Side note: I HATE spending money on tires. I know they're necessary, but how unsatisfying is it to spend hundreds of dollars on hunks of rubber with no aesthetic value whatsoever?! A new washing machine can make your life easier and even look pretty, but TIRES?! Bleh!) We promised our daughter a new bedroom in the attic over a year ago. We have two teen drivers with cell phones and another chomping at the bit to join their ranks. My kitchen sink drips, a constant reminder it needs to be replaced. We are a family of six living on a single income and God's been faithful, but. . .

Okay, you're getting the idea. I've been TOO worried about money. We've had many years with MUCH less than we have today and I've seen the supernatural power of God supply our needs on many occasions. What is my problem?!

Somewhere along the way I've lost my trust in God.

How can this happen? I go to church. I read my Bible. I serve God. I make Him part of my every day. How has my peace evaporated? How have I lost my trust?

It started as I breathed easier when my bank account was bigger. And then when an unexpected bill occurred, instead of thinking, "God is in control. He will handle it," I thought, "I've got money in savings." A slight variation in my thought process led me down a bad road. Something's not right about me being comfortable in my financial situation. It makes me rely on numbers on a page rather than an Almighty God.

So I'm regrouping. I'm reminding myself of God's faithfulness to us in the past, which has truly been nothing short of miraculous. I'm praying for peace. And I'm retraining that thought process, meditating on Bible verses to transform my mind.

Psalm 9:10: Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 13:5: But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.


I've only worked on this a few days and already God's been faithful, restoring my peace and security. Can you hear me sighing?

Where are you at these days? Are you fretting or stewing or making yourself ill over money? Won't you appeal to a gracious God to bring you lasting peace?

Psalm 25:1-2a,3: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame.




Photo Credit: Steve Wampler

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Persevering


“What makes authentic disciples is not visions, ecstasies, biblical mastery of chapter and verse, or spectacular success in the ministry, but a capacity for faithfulness.”

Brennan Manning, Ragamuffin Gospel

It was a bad day.

There was a sick husband and daughter, a flat tire, a bill coming in twice as much as expected (and my initial estimate was already gagging me), an infestation of fruit fleas, a broken camera we've owned for only a month, lots of tears and angry words and a very bad reaction on my part.

After all that, I sat down to work on preparations for Bible study, hours later than planned, the bad feelings still simmering, irritated I had been pulled away from it so long. I cracked open our new study book and read:

Jeremiah 9:24
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.


And the tears came. I'd exercised plenty of judgment, but not enough lovingkindness and righteousness. I tried, but I couldn't comprehend anything I read after those words.

Who am I to lead Bible study? I can't keep my own family happy. I'd written down verses on trust that very morning, but couldn't recall them throughout the day. I aggravated an already bad situation by thinking worldly instead of eternally. I completely messed things up. I'm no model Christian, no leader at all.

But God says in James 5:11, As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. Not those who have acted perfectly. Not those with spotless houses and saintly children and beautiful lesson plans for Bible study. Not those who have a Bible verse on the tip of their tongue for any and every situation.

Those who have persevered.

Since I'm kind of a wimp, my opportunities to persevere are plentiful. That verse gives me hope. It goes on to say, You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

If I hang in there, I can experience God's compassion and mercy. If I am faithful, I am a servant like Job or Abraham or Moses. Being faithful to Him this day meant making things right with my kids. It meant putting on heavenly eyes instead temporary ones. It required me to apologize even when I didn't feel like it. I am His authentic disciple not when I am perfect, but when I persevere through trials and remain faithful to Him.

Now it's YOUR turn. What are your thoughts? Link up here.







Photo Credit: gwen

Friday, September 04, 2009

Come Link Up


Hey, hey, hey. Guess what, y'all?

I'm the host of In "Other" Words this coming Tuesday!

Yippee doodle, whoopin' annie, c'mon everybody join the fun! I get comments from some of you saying you enjoy this meme, so why not jump on the bandwagon and play along? Let's see some new names. Make me look good in my debut as a host.

Here's the quote to think about:
“What makes authentic disciples is not visions, ecstasies, biblical mastery of chapter and verse, or spectacular success in the ministry, but a capacity for faithfulness.”

Brennan Manning, Ragamuffin Gospel

Now don't just think about--DO IT! Come back on Tuesday, link up with the gang and tell us what you think.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 49)


1) The Facebook war has been tight. Most of the time my husband's been edging me out, but as of late Thursday night I was ahead by ONE. I need you now more than ever, friends. The game is still on! It's too close to call. We MUST KEEP AT IT!

We haven't determined what the winner gets. I suppose we're both winners for gaining some great friends, which I'm perfectly happy with as long as I win. Ha.

2) Are you up for another odd interchange from our dinner table? Drama Queen was discussing a homework assignment and said, "I edited it."

Now pause for a moment to actually say that out loud. Reading it doesn't do it justice. Say it--I edited it. It sounds like a severe stutter. The conversation went like this.

Drama Queen: I edited it.

Dad: You what?

Drama Queen: I edited it.

Dad: Are you sure you're saying that right?

Drama Queen: I'm right. I know I'm right. I edited it.

Dad: I don't know.

Ladies Man: Sounds weird.

Drama Queen: I'm made fun of every day. Why am I belittled all the time? I didn't do anything wrong. I edited it. It's right. What else am I supposed to say?

Ladies Man: How about, I made some changes.

Touche´.

3) I thought it was time you saw a classic Drama Queen pose:


We get this look on a daily basis. The deep crease between her eyes proves it. I keep telling her when she's my age she'll regret it. Somehow that doesn't stop her. Don't let her tough look fool you, though. She's a softie on the inside with a big heart. Sorry, babe. I got your number.

4) How quickly we learn that identifying with Christ has consequences. Miss Innocent One, who just turned 11, got this news from a friend after school.

"While I was waiting for you, _______ came up and asked me what I was doing. When I told her I was waiting for you, she said, 'Yeah, I used to hang out with her a lot, but not much anymore. She talks about Jesus.'"

Thankfully, Miss Innocent One wasn't upset.

"Oh well," she said, "It's not like I'm going to stop."

Atta, girl.

5) I tried to take a picture of a hair I pulled from my head. It was white on the end, back to its natural black in the middle, and then faded back to light brown at the root. The difficulty came in finding a background that could adequately display all three colors. I wanted the picture to prove how whacked my hormones truly must be, but the fact that I spent thirty minutes photographing a single hair probably makes my point. Oh brother.

6) More from the files of silly discussions at our house:

Drama Queen to her brother, Ladies Man: You're a pessimistic dummy head.

Ladies Man: You're just trying to sound smart.

Dad: Pessimistic dummy head does not sound smart. If you wanted to sound classy, you'd call him a large-headed buffoon.

Yeah, that's better.

7) All work and no play makes Tami a dull girl or at the very least a tired one, so I'm calling this deed done. Have a terrific weekend, friends.

Be sure to visit our entertaining host, Jennifer, at Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes.





Facebook Photo credit: pshab

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Bringing the Sticky Back


Earlier this week I wrote a post about how sex provides bonding for a couple, like two pieces of tape stuck together. I wholeheartedly believe it to be true, but I am aware of another important fact.

We do not live in a perfect world.

People make mistakes. Things happen, sometimes out of our control. I know that. Despite our best intentions, sometimes our tape gets damaged. Does this mean we're destined for a life of unfulfilled relationships? Is our bond with our potential spouse forever marred?

Absolutely not.

We have a great big God in the business of healing. He can restore. It would be easier on us if He never had to, of course, but He is the God of fresh starts, the Lord of the hurting. He never abandons used tape.

If I'm talking about you, please don't despair. Don't think you've ruined your chances of having a good marriage. Don't think you are damaged. Ask God for healing. Ask for His hand upon you. He will not disappoint you.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3



Photo Credit: LuluP

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Excuses


“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs his heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Proverbs 21:1-3
King Saul learned this lesson the hard way. When told to completely destroy the Amalekites, he carried out God's instructions. . .kind of. He destroyed everything except the best of the livestock and the Amalekite king. When Samuel confronted him with his slight variance from his directions, Saul says, "The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal."

I don't know about you, but it sounds like an excuse made up on the spot. But, but, we did it for the Lord! Uh huh. I think Samuel thought it was an excuse too, because he responded, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

How many times have I done the same thing, given an excuse for my wrong behavior?

I just wasn't awake enough to comprehend Your Word properly, so I checked Facebook while I woke up and then the kids got up early.

Lord, I couldn't stop to talk to that lady, because my kids were waiting in the van and I have to be a good mother first.

But if I brought her flowers, I might not have enough money for my church offering, plus the time involved takes away from other activities I do for You.

Visiting her in the hospital would be awkward for her too.

You know how long she keeps me on the phone. If I call, I probably won't get my Bible study lesson finished.

Yeah, right. Who am I kidding? I can use all sorts of good reasons to excuse my behavior, but God's not buying it.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable than sacrifice. To obey is better than sacrifice.

May God help us recognize our excuses and motivate us to obey.

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

John 14:23


Join Nina at Mama's Little Treasures for more thoughts on this quote.



Photo Credit: TheTruthAbout