7 Quick Takes (Volume 84)

1) I enjoyed my first full week of summer with all my kiddos at home. We got some projects done and had fun. It's always hard for me to switch into summer mode. Every day is different. I suddenly have more time on my hands, but also more activity in our actual house. I stress over the most effective way to use the time (and the free labor force). A verse I must recite over and over is 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.
2) Ladies Man received his award for winning the logo contest for our local Homestead Days. When the committee asked what his inspiration was, I held my breath hoping he wouldn't give them a toned down version of "Show me the money!" But he did well in a room full of adults he didn't know and said something about always loving art.


Nice work, Ladies Man. We're proud of you!

3) Drummer Boy secured a job in our town, so it looks like we'll be seeing more of this for the next couple months.


Don't worry. There's nothing wrong with this boy. He likes to freak us out crossing his eye like that. I'm quite happy he'll be around this summer. And so are his siblings. He's a fun guy to have around.

4) Miss Innocent One found some pink pots in our shed and decided to claim them for some flowers of her own. I guess she got tired of tending them and took a short cut to watering them.


She sets an ice cube in the top of each little pot a few times a day and lets Mother Nature do the rest. Do you suppose she puts the seeds in hypothermia in the process? Is she producing season confusion?

5)
Poor Elmo and his chronic shedding problems. It's a wonder the poor lizard is still alive. We're learning his shedding habits now and know exactly where his little body leaves some behind and needs help. If he doesn't clear it all, his body convinces his mind brain he isn't done and he continually sheds which is tough on the little guy. The skin left behind lodges in moist places and can cause infections. I've developed new skills in digging shed out of three strategic places--his mouth and gums, his backside and his right eye. Every single time he sheds, his right eye won't open afterwards and I have to go digging for the gunk stuck over his eye ball. It's a problem because with only one eye his depth perception is all off and he can't catch his worms to eat. I've actually held a worm in a tweezer right in front of him and he pounces just to the left of it.

Digging hunks of gunk out of gecko orifices may sound completely gross to some of you, but I rather enjoy it. It makes me feel like a hero, bringing someone back from the brink of death. C'mon. Humor me. He is much happier and healthier than he was a year ago. Plus digging around on Elmo suppresses my urge to pick at family members' zits.

I'm saving a lizard life and sparing my family all at the same time. Beautiful.

6) Kevin and I decided to go out to dinner last weekend leaving Miss Innocent One and Ladies Man at home to fend for themselves. I think they had a little too much fun with their food. What do you think?



7) Kevin unwound with the kids last night getting in some video game action. Take a look at these pictures and see if you can tell where Drama Queen gets her drama.




Plan a little down time into your weekend, friends and enjoy yourself! You've got an extra day to take in some other Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

A Prayer for Trust in Jesus

"O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of your presence, your love, and your strength. Help us to have a perfect trust in your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to you, we shall see your hand, your purpose, your will through all things."

Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)



Photo Credit: Fergal OP

Trying to Be a Better Mom

Every year it's the same thing. Our family goes fast forward through Spring, activities consuming every moment and then out of nowhere school's out. I wake up one morning shell shocked thinking, "How am I going to keep everybody busy and off the computer all summer?" Dreams of more family time and a lazier schedule evaporate as I discover now there's more meals to prepare, kids who want to go places or have friends over and I'm spending WAY more time in the grocery store.

I confess I'm the type of mom who hasn't always expected a lot of her kids. I let them sleep in on free days. Am I a terrible mother for relishing the extra quiet I get when they're sleeping? My kids don't have consistent chores they must do every day, but when the house needs to be cleaned, I make a list and everyone picks a couple jobs. I allow my kids, even my eleven-year-old, to have an active social life even when their rooms are not clean (GASP!).

But occasionally I find myself getting annoyed, resenting all their free time. I decided I've been too lax. It's time to reclaim my status. I'm the mom after all. I get to call the shots. Summer should be the time I dictate our schedule, right? It is well within my control to order our days in a way that we ALL have fun. So Sunday night I made an announcement to my kids.

"Everyone needs to be up and ready to go at 9:00. We're getting rid of the brush pile and cleaning out the garage."

I got a few sighs and a screwed up face, but no eye rolls, at least not in my presence. Now I'm no ogre workaholic. I want summer to be fun just as much as they do. I have my own things I want to accomplish, so I added,

"We'll do whatever we can get done until noon and then the day is yours."

I worried about being the bed police and we did get a little later start Monday morning, but no one uttered a complaint. Do you think knowing I only expected a few hours helped? After we got going and everyone quit worrying about how much the others were doing, they almost seemed to enjoy completing a project together. They were very helpful and a mess I hated looking at every time I stepped out the back door is now gone.

Plus, I liked hanging out with them. They had fun working together and seeing progress, getting a little sun and exercise and feeling useful. Ladies Man actually said yesterday, "It's nice to have the garage cleaned out."

But the biggest change I noticed was in myself. I didn't feel crabby as they enjoyed their time the rest of the day. I smiled as I listened to their laughter while playing Super Mario Brothers. Knowing they'd done their part around the house that day, made me a much easier mom to live with. I'm sure I can come up with more of these little morning projects throughout the summer. I may actually get my house organized! Woo Hoo! And they'll learn a better work ethic than I've taught them thus far.

I suppose many of you are out there thinking, "Duh, Tami." I know. Cut me some slack. I may be slow, but at least I'm still learning.

Who Can Fix the Church?

I'm delighted to be this week's host of In "Other" Words. Read the quote below and give us your impression by linking up with fellow contributors at the end of this post.

"Our view of the Holy Spirit is too small. The Holy Spirit is the One who changes the church, but we have to remember that the Holy Spirit lives in us. It is individual people living Spirit-filled lives that will change the church.”

Francis Chan
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

Churches are getting lots of flak lately.

That church is a mile wide and an inch deep.

Churches don't preach enough about the blood of Jesus or the cross.

They're stuffy and impersonal.

That church is all about the show.

What happened to calling people out on their sin?

They only say what people want to hear.

There's not enough discipleship.

We need more churches with a heart for missions.

There's no compassion for the underprivileged.

Churches are more concerned about their numbers than their hearts.

I could go on and on. It's true. Churches struggle. Flaws abound. They could do better.

But who is "they?" Who is "the Church?" Isn't the Church a body of individuals? Isn't anyone who calls themself a believer or Christ follower responsible for its flaws?

The Church is suffering, but through Spirit-filled individuals real change can occur. We can't wait around for "the Church" to do it on its own. Exactly WHO do we blame? ALL OF US! Each member of the body of Christ must seek God, draw upon the inherent power of the Holy Spirit within and come alongside those who are weak. Any team is only as strong as its weakest member, right? We affect a genuine difference in our world through personal devotion and obedience, individual relationships and commitments.

Only then will the Church effectively reach a crooked and depraved generation. Only then will we represent the Bride adequately.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

What do you think? Are you dying to share your perspective? We'd LOVE to hear from you. Link your post here and be sure to visit others.

Let Me Try That Again

He doesn't say it often, so I should have responded with more appreciation. But after I exercised, cleaned my house and weeded out the strawberry bed I wasn't feeling attractive. I sat on the couch taking a breather from the day's activities, my hair the way it looked when I got out of bed, no makeup, mud under my fingernails, feeling grimy and emitting some unpleasant odors.

So when my husband, just showered, freshly shaven and smelling very nice, leaned into me and said, "You're pretty," you'll understand why I had a hard time believing him.

"Wow," I said, "love truly is blind."

My flippant words wiped the smile right off his face and immediately I wished for a redo.

What is the matter with me?! If he's rebuffed when he gives compliments, why should he bother? Why didn't I plant a big one on him instead of making him feel foolish? Why did I belittle his comment and ruin his attempt to make me feel beautiful?

Why didn't I believe him?

I learned my lesson. Reacting negatively hurts my chances of ever hearing nice things again. This girl's going to assume if he says it he means it and reward him accordingly. What harm can that do?

Join Me on Tuesday

I'm the host of In "Other" Words this coming Tuesday. Consider the following quote:

"Our view of the Holy Spirit is too small. The Holy Spirit is the One who changes the church, but we have to remember that the Holy Spirit lives in us. It is individual people living Spirit-filled lives that will change the church.”

Francis Chan
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

Join us on Tuesday by linking up here to share your thoughts on this quote.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 83)

1) School is out and our family hit a milestone. We are officially finished with elementary school. We figured we've been part of our current elementary for fifteen years! We felt pretty good about having one less school to visit and closing this chapter in life until we considered one thing.

How many years of college do we have to look forward to?

Suddenly fifteen years of elementary school doesn't seem like such a big deal.

2) I signed up Drama Queen and Ladies Man for a kick-boxing class. Ladies Man is super stoked, talking about how he's going to get "ripped." I hate to break it to him, but four kick-boxing sessions does not a ripped man make (try saying that really fast). As I registered them, the lady at the front desk suggested I join too, but it's hard enough for me to get my sorry self to the Y on the weekdays. I shouldn't have to go Saturday too, should I?

But if my kids get a little big for their britches and need to be taken down, I'll be donning some gloves. This mama's gonna do whatever it takes to keep putting the smack down at my house.

3)
Kevin and I had a lovely time in Colorado, but WOW did the conference wear me out! I've had the toughest time concentrating on anything all week and until yesterday I walked in a fog, lacking any source of motivation. My voice developed that hoarse, tired sound by 8:00 each night. On Wednesday I even took a nap at 10:30 A.M.!

Does this mean I'm a lightweight or that I'm getting old? Or worse yet, an old lightweight? Wait, don't answer those questions. I guess I can thank the Lord for Tazo Awake tea which has kept this lady in a semi-moving state.

4) Thanks to all my smart readers for cluing me in to my "condition." Many of you suggested my freaky finger issue (see #5) may be Raynaud's disease. After doing some online research myself, I think you're probably right. Does this require my family to give me special concessions? I should at least get out of scooping ice cream for everyone, right? Maybe someone else will have to make hamburger patties or defrost the freezer. Shoveling snow must be a no-no, as well as scraping ice off vehicle windows. Hey, this could work to my advantage. Send the suggestions, folks!

5) I had another weird dream this week where I got some new clothes and wore them all day before realizing I had the capris on wrong. I couldn't put my finger on why they felt strange until I discovered both my legs resided in one leg of the capris with the other empty pant leg flapping behind me like a tail. What in the world?! How was I able to walk? And what does this say about my psyche? Do I long to be an ostrich? Do I wish for a tail to call my own or do I have a secret desire to walk like the hunchback of Notre Dame? Or am I so tired I can't even put my pants on straight in a dream?!

6) You'd think since school is out we'd be done with school related activities, but no. We had ONE more the day AFTER school recessed for the summer. Last night we attended a drum line banquet. Drummer Boy and Drama Queen enjoyed functioning as instructor and student with little conflict.


I wish I could figure out how Drummer Boy made himself so huge in Drama Queen's estimation. He can do little wrong in her eyes. I need that kind of power, don't you think?

7) After a cool and wet week, we're looking forward to some warmer temperatures this weekend. This is good news for me and everyone else who's been looking at my lily white appendages far too long. You better believe I'll be looking for reasons to work outside.

May you enjoy your weekend too, my friends. Take a little time to visit some other Quick Takers at Conversion Diary.

A Word to the Waiting

The following devotional is taken from the classic book, Streams in the Desert. These daily messages are also available online.


Waiting is much more difficult than walking, for waiting requires patience, and patience is a rare virtue. We enjoy knowing that God builds hedges around His people, when we look at the hedge from the aspect of protection. But when we see it growing higher and higher until we can no longer see over it, we wonder if we will ever get out of our little sphere of influence and service, where we feel trapped. Sometimes it is hard for us to understand why we do not have a larger area of service, and it becomes difficult for us to "brighten the corner" where we are. But God has a purpose in all of His delays. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" (Psalm 37:23 KJV).

Next to this verse, in the margin of his Bible, George Mueller made this note: "And the stops too." It is a sad mistake for someone to break through God's hedges. It is a vital principle of the Lord's guidance for a Christian never to move from the spot where he is sure God has placed him, until the "pillar of cloud" (Exodus 13:21) moves. from Sunday School Times

Once we learn to wait for the Lord's leading in everything, we will know the strength that finds its highest point in an even and steady walk. Many of us are lacking the strength we so desire, but God gives complete power for every task He calls us to perform. Waiting--keeping yourself faithful to His leading--this is the secret of strength. And anything that does not align with obedience to Him is a waste of time and energy. Watch and wait for His leading. Samuel Dickey Gordon

Must life be considered a failure for someone compelled to stand still, forced into inaction and required to watch the great, roaring tides of life from shore? No--victory is then to be won by standing still and quietly waiting. Yet this is a thousand times harder to do than in the past, when you rushed headlong into the busyness of life. It requires much more courage to stand and wait and still not lose heart or lose hope, to submit to the will of God, to give up opportunities for work and leave honors to others, and to be quiet, confident, and rejoicing while the busy multitude goes happily along their way.

The greatest life is "after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13). J.R. Miller



Photo Credit: h.koppdelaney

You know you're tired when. . .

your bed looks inviting at 9:AM.

though the bottle rests in your hand, you can't remember if you just put on perfume or not.

you yawn more than you blink.

you find yourself saying, "Now what?" after every other sentence spoken to you.

while sitting in church you forget what day it is.

you take a shower at 1:AM thinking it's morning.

everything, and I mean everything, even water running, is loud.

you find yourself enthralled with the toaster.

you cross your fingers putting on eyeliner.

you rest your eyes only to wake up wondering where you are and what day it is.


I know you've got more, friends. Let's have a little fun and fess up!

The Short Cut to Hearing His Voice

God whispers to us in our pleasure, but He shouts to us in our pain.

by Rick Warren in Daily Hope Devotional, titled “Tuning in to God”

She lay prostate on the cold tile floor, her head resting in a puddle of tears.

"Why God?" she asked, "Where are You?"

It will be okay.

"How? How will it ever be okay again?"

Do not fear. I am with you.

"I'm scared and tired and I can't do this anymore."

You don't have to. Let me.

"Can it really be that simple, Lord?"

Trust Me. I will be with you. I'll see you through.

With every sob a bit of tension released and soon her body could expel no more.

Do not fear.

She lay quiet, her breathing returning to its normal rhythm.

I am with you.

She sat up and dried her face.

I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you.

Though no circumstances changed, a miracle occurred. As she gave up control to trust His plan, her heart allowed hope to enter.

None of us like experiencing pain, but pain is the short cut to hearing God's voice. It forces us to seek Him like nothing else and He promises we will find Him when we seek Him.

Is pain stalking you, stealing your joy, making your life miserable? Take it to Almighty God. Take advantage of the awesome privilege to listen to Him speak specifically to you.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:17-18

Visit Debbie at Heart Choices to read more impressions of this quote.



Photo Credit: Megyarsh

God's Message in Song

(Note to Facebook readers--Click "View Original Post" to see this video.)



Oh Lord, You're beautiful.

How I need more of You, God.

Your face is all I seek.

Can I honestly say that?

For when Your eyes are on this child,

Why Lord? Why would You give attention to one as insignificant as me?

Your grace abounds to me.

I am nothing without Your touch. I am everything in You. I am nothing and yet You fill in my many gaps.

Oh Lord, You're beautiful.

Who am I to look on You?

Your face is all I seek.

Forgive my selfishness. Make me more faithful.

For when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me.

I cannot fail.

Oh Lord, You're beautiful.

Yes Lord, Your way is perfect.

Your face is all I seek.

Make my heart pure.

For when Your eyes on on this child, Your grace abounds to me.

Thank you, Lord. I go in Your love. I go in Your grace.

Oh Lord, You're beautiful.
Your face is all I seek.
For when Your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

Go in His love, friends. Seek His face. Go in His grace.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 82)

1)
Greetings from snowy Estes Park, Colorado! It feels more like February than May with temperatures in the thirties and snow falling off and on since we arrived Wednesday evening. I admit I panicked when I read the weather reports early in the week, putting Estes Park in a Winter Weather Warning expecting 12-24 inches of snow by Wednesday night. I rattled the prediction to everyone I saw, entreating their prayers, but God showed me yet again how worry is a complete waste of time. The roads were great and the drive breathtaking.


If you were one who prayed for travel mercies, THANK YOU! Your prayers were answered.

2) I'm in Estes for a writer's conference. Each day is PACKED with workshops, panel discussions, continuing sessions, and speakers. So much information dished out to my tired, soggy brain is wearing me out, but I'm soaking up as much as I can and praying for my next step (Remember what happened the last time I prayed for that?). So far all I'm hearing is "keep doing what you're doing."

I'm reminded of 2 Samuel 22:26, "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless."

I guess that's all I need to know, huh?

3) I e-mailed my snowy pictures pictures back to my kids and had to laugh when Miss Innocent One replied, "Wow! That's awesome! But if you don't like it we feel your pain back in Beatrice. It hasn't changed AT ALL since you left. I hope you're having fun though. I'm sorry if you haven't gotten to wear your cute heels yet! Love ya!"

Should I be worried my 11-year-old is more concerned about my fashion woes than my personal safety?

4) Hallelujah, glory be and praise the Lord! Every time I've talked with other conference participants and they ask how old my kids are, they've responded with, "You look too young to have kids that old." One should keep in mind, however, that all of us are running on little sleep and probably aren't focusing too well. One should also consider the glazed eyes from information overload. Yeah, now it makes sense. No one is seeing straight. But, hey, I'll take whatever I can get!

5) All winter I've been trying to show you this freaky phenomenon that happens to my fingers whenever my hands get cold. I've tried to take pictures myself, but I can hardly take a decent picture with two hands, let alone one. The cold weather in Colorado produced the effect again and Kevin was there to document it. When my hands get cold, some of my fingers will go numb and look dead. Can you tell which of my fingers are numb in these pictures?



Now do you see why I latch onto any suggestion I'm not old?

6) I've met some delightful people here and enjoyed hearing their stories of how God has led them on their writing journeys. One woman carried a dream of writing for 46 years, and now at 62 is seeing it come to fruition with God's blessing. Another lives with a difficult illness, losing her job, her home and even friends, but found God's good in it by publishing books which help others deal with the same illness. I love the reminders of God's creativity and perfect timing.

7) I'm sorry this week's Quick Takes seems a little lackluster. Is it because I wasn't home enough to regale you with stories of my goofy kids? What will I ever find to write about once they move on? Let's attribute it to my mushy brain, okay? I don't want to think about the other.

Have a great weekend, friends. Check out some other Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

No Pretensions Releases My Best

“A sentence from Psalm 101 has been both challenging and convicting for me: 'I will walk in my house with blameless heart' (Psalm 101-2, NIV). When God speaks to me about being more loving, this verse reminds me to make application in my family first—and then to others. It forces me to ask, 'Am I more spiritual, more loving, or more fun somewhere else? Who gets my best—my family or others?”

by Jean Fleming
A Mother’s Heart: A Look at Values, Vision, and Character for the Christian Mother

Who gets my best--my family or others?

Hmmm. . .tough call. I blow up more at my family. I throw hissy fits and cry in my bathroom. I expect, nag and criticize more freely. I don't hide scowls or growls. My temper rears its ugly head.

But, I give my family more than I give others too. Apologies leave my lips. Only my family robs my sleep. I let my guard down. I perform disgusting tasks for their benefit. They see my silly. I spend way more time with them and sacrifice to a greater extent.

I may be more pleasant somewhere else at times. I may use spiritual language to a greater degree in my conversations with adults. I may have a longer fuse and better attention span outside my house. But if I am REAL no matter where I am, if my personality does not change when I leave my home, I can walk with a blameless heart. I make it my mission to be myself in any situation. (Of course, this means you may get to see my ugly from time to time too. Lucky you!) If I set up no pretensions, either inside or outside my home, if I stay consistently connected to Almighty God, I am giving my best to everyone I encounter.

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart

Psalm 15:1-2

Join our host, Loni, at Writing Canvas for more thoughts on today's quote.



Photo Credit: PKMousie

Five Questions

My dear sister-in-law tagged me in a fun, little meme last week. Since I kinda like her (and I needed an easy post for a Monday morning) I decided to play along.

I'm supposed to give five answers for five questions. Here goes nothing!

Where were you five years ago today?
1. In the same town, same house, same church, same family I am today.
2. In our first year of having a child in every level of our local public school--one in high school, one in middle school and two in elementary.
3. Wondering what this new stage in life (having all my kids in school) required of me.
4. Just beginning a tough journey with my dad's health problems.
5. Living in lala land with no inkling of what a "blog" was.

Where would you like to be five years from now?
1. In the same town, same house, same church, same family I am today.
2. Getting used to the idea that all but one of my kids has moved out of the house.
3. Further down the path God has placed me on, with better understanding.
4. Able to easily write 2000-3000 words every day.
5. In a CLEAN house with beautifully organized closets and storage spaces.

What is on your to do list today?
1. Attend a funeral.
2. Get groceries.
3. Make food for a potluck dinner tonight.
4. Laundry, laundry, all kinds of laundry.
5. Collect writing samples to take to a conference.

What five snacks do you enjoy?
1. nuts, nuts and more nuts
2. popcorn
3. dried berries and raisins
4. prunes
5. granola

What would you do if you were a billionaire?
1. Buy my husband a grand piano and a new vehicle.
2. Build a new garage.
3. Pay off the church building debt.
4. Buy a new laptop for me (yea!!).
5. Take my family on an exotic vacation.

Feel free to play along if you're so inclined and let me know if you did so I can get the juice on you! Have a great day, friends!

7 Quick Takes (Volume 81)

1) We've just about survived the marathon of concerts and school activities. In the last week and a half we have attended Field Day, a middle school vocal concert, a kids program at church, a high school band concert and another band concert for grades 5-8. Today I go to a 5th grade picnic. Tonight is a high school vocal concert, Monday night is a band banquet and Tuesday brings the final concert for the high school show choir (which I can't attend due to another activity--yikes!). Then, I think we're out of the woods. Whew!

You think I'm getting ready for summer?!

2) So I burned another plastic handle on my stove top this week (see #4 here). As my husband witnessed me discovering my blunder, he had to stifle his laughter.

"You have to admit it's kind of funny," he said, wrapping me in his arms.

For some reason he finds this flaw endearing.

"Yeah, here's what will become of us," he said, "I'll die young. . ."

I finished his sentence for him.

"And I'll burn the house down when I'm 90!"

3) And now a public service announcement to you parents of teens.

Having trouble keeping up with the latest slang your kids use? A word I'm hearing quite frequently around my house is "legit. Suddenly anything of value is "legit" as in "That car is legit" or "These waffles are legit, Mom" or "We totally nailed that song. It was legit." The word seems to be interchangeable with "sweet" or "awesome."

If you haven't heard your teens use this word yet, why not beat them to the punch and use it with them?

Maybe then they'd think YOU were legit (but don't count on it).

4) Miss Innocent One: Last night I dreamed I had a cell phone.

Me: Yeah, keep dreaming, babe.

5) Ladies Man got some good news yesterday. He won a logo contest for our local Homestead Days celebration! His design will appear on t-shirts and posters all over town. He was pretty pumped. Here's the winning logo.


6) And now more adventures in slang.

Drama Queen: Oh, hey, b, t, dub. . .

Kevin: b, t, dub?

Drama Queen: Come on, Dad, don't tell me you don't know what that means.

Kevin: I know what it means, but why would you use it?

Drama Queen: Why wouldn't I use it?

Kevin: Think about it. B, t, dub, has the same amount of syllables as by the way. You're not saving any time saying b, t, dub. I s'pose you think it sounds cool, but why not just say what you mean?

Drama Queen: You just don't understand, old man.

7) Drummer Boy turned twenty this week. TWENTY! How can I be the mother of a twenty-year-old?! Yes, I'm plenty old enough and I caught my sister looking at my head and smirking yesterday due to the, shall we say, high number of pigment free hairs she saw there, but inside I'm barely twenty myself. But what can you do? I'll roll with it and try to take good care of myself.

Speaking of which, I've made it my personal mission in life to do everything I can to keep myself healthy so I won't have to ride around in one of those Little Rascal contraptions at Walmart someday. I know some things are beyond my control, but the thought of needing to be reliant on one of those things makes me grit my teeth.

Now watch. I'll break an ankle next week and be forced to do it.

That's a wrap for this Friday, folks. Be sure to hug your mommies this Sunday and if you have a chance, check out some other Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Prayer When Words Won't Come

O my Father, I have moments of deep unrest--moments when I know not what to ask by reason of the very excess of my wants. I have in these hours no words for Thee, no conscious prayers for Thee. My cry seems purely worldly; I want only the wings of a dove that I may flee away. Yet all the time Thou hast accepted my unrest as a prayer. Thou hast interpreted its cry for a dove's wings as a cry for Thee. Thou hast received the nameless longings of my heart as the intercessions of Thy Spirit. They are not yet the intercessions of my spirit; I know not what to ask. But Thou knowest what I ask, O my God. Thou knowest the name of that need which lies beneath my speechless groan. . . . Thou knowest that because I am made in Thine image I can find rest only in what gives rest to Thee; therefore Thou hast counted my unrest unto me for righteousness, and has called my groaning Thy Spirit's prayer.

George Matheson
taken from the Mosaic Bible, p. 179



Photo Credit: Chase Cash

A Lesson from the Puritans

In the dead of night, I'll wake abruptly, my thoughts whirring rapidly. In my weary state, worry overtakes reason and my faith seems little comfort.

I know God CAN do anything, but WILL He?

Some situations I've prayed over for years and He seems silent. Where is He? Why won't He answer? Why is He so mysterious?

Yet what do I have to lose, bringing it before Him another time? Nothing. But if I don't BELIEVE He will make it right, I rob peace from myself. If I don't BELIEVE He's in control, fear shadows me. If I don't BELIEVE His plan is best, doubts shake me.

I don't have to FEEL the Truth. I only have to BELIEVE it. If I base my faith on how I FEEL, I have no faith at all. I'm trusting human emotion (which is pretty fickle) rather than Almighty God.

Prayers arising from my needs are preparations for further mercies; Help me to honour thee by believing before I feel, for great is the sin if I make feeling a cause of faith.

Valley of Vision
A collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

The Puritans understood you can't trust feelings. They realized only God never changes. They knew the value of bringing their requests before God, entreating His mercy. Disbelief steals the good God has for us. Faith must be MORE than feelings. It must be based on Truth.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

Join this week's host, Karen, at her blog In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus for more thoughts on this quote.





Photo Credit: David Clow - Maryland

Talking Turkey When You’re Feeling Like a Chicken

My heart beat fast. I didn't really want to talk about it, but knew I needed to. How could things ever get better if I didn't say anything? How could I know what he was thinking if I didn't ask? Was my timidity causing me to keep something from him? Wouldn't that eventually hurt our relationship? Yet this was so personal. It made me so vulnerable. Did I really want to know his honest opinion? Could I handle the truth?

I approached the subject after we'd gone to bed. In the dark. Where I didn't have to face him or see his reaction. But bringing up a tender subject when he was ready to call it a day annoyed him. We can talk about anything else. For hours. Even late at night, after we're already in bed. But this topic. . .wow, we've struggled with this. He gets defensive. My feelings get hurt. And we end up back to back, me wanting to kick him out of bed as he falls asleep too easily, while I lay awake stewing.

Why is it so hard to talk about sex?

It exposes more of us than we like, doesn't it? But if nothing is said, the problem doesn't go away. It grows. And if it's not addressed, soon it creeps into other areas of our marriage, building up walls as we learn to hide our true thoughts from each other. It's important to spill our guts, friends, especially about sex.

But how?!

In my own experience, it's never easy, but if I remember a few communication principles, it can be bearable and lead to good resolution.

I need to swallow my pride. I want my marriage to be the best it can be. If I am not willing to risk some brief embarrassment to make it so, I am selfishly hampering our relationship. I love him more than my ego. My actions should prove it.

I need to consider him in my approach. I need to think of him in my timing, not saving my bombshell until bedtime. This never turns out well. So now I say to him, "I want to talk about _______. When would be a good time to do this?" He doesn't feel attacked and has a chance to consider how he feels about it before I expect answers. My old ineffective way of bringing up sexual matters was pretty unfair. I had all the advantages. He was left feeling blindsided with no time to form an opinion.

Don't do all the talking. LISTEN too. This is pretty self-explanatory. If you've swallowed your pride enough to bring up a problem, be sure to hear what he says about it! Ask questions if you don't understand what he's saying. And above all, don't take what he says personally (I've learned this the hard way, people-trust me in this.). Hear him out before you react.

The more we talk about it, the easier it gets. Just like the hardest part of peeling an orange is getting it started, once ground has been broken, once you've uttered those difficult words, the next time isn't as painful and awkward. The only way to improve your communication is to keep working at it.

Here's the bottom line. It's TOUGH to talk about sex (BELIEVE me, I know!), but if I truly love my husband and value our relationship, I am willing to risk the conflict and momentary discomfort to make things better. After all, when things improve for me in the bedroom, they get better for him too, don't they?

Take a deep breath and venture forth, my friends. You can do it! Your marriage will thank you (and probably your husband too!).

Visit other Marriage Monday contributors by clicking over to Chrysalis.