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.

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

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

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

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

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