My IKEA order is in.
My living room is taking shape!!!
There are 2 chairs that are pretty and one delightful RED couch.
The other couch... just as red.. will be here tomorrow. The van can
only carry so much at once!!
Caitlyn's friend, Jenna, called it ... something I had never heard before and forgot...
but she says it means she likes it and maybe I'd understand the word trendy instead.
I am officially a mom of teens... I have no idea what they are saying half the time and I'm hearing them actually talk. I've also been told that I am a Kewl mom. That's cool for all you folks out there who speak actual English... like me!
One of the neighbor's helped us bring in the couch for me and actually wanted the old couches that are dreadfully ugly. Seems he wants them for his shop for when his buddies come over or for when he needs to get away from his all female family for a good nap.
Whatever the reason, he was happy to cart off one tonight and will take the other tomorrow.
One person's junk, another man's treasure!!!
I'm enjoying this little house so much. Its fun to do it up... though it may take 10 years to finish.
We had parent/teacher interviews yesterday and it was actually quite fun. I really like both teachers. The kids are doing great academically and socially. I just want them home. But, if they are out there... this is the best thing. Some of the issues I had were already noticed by staff and principal and were already being dealt with. This was very good.
Christmas is coming. I'm trying to pretend I can put it off but it won't be put off. The kids are ready to decorate and the decorations aren't even here yet!!
They will be soon though.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Redemption
You'd think that I would learn by now not to purchase a book because I like the title and the book is purple. You'd think that someone with my book reading experience would know how to flip the book over to check out the plot before PURCHASING a book.
No.
I think... "Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley writing a book series together.... I like K. K..... I like G.S. and its a SERIES... I can pick up one a month to treat myself until I get the set... "
I am an IDIOT!!
You say, how can you miss with those outstanding authors?? And its a series?? Maybe you have read the book!! If you know me and you've read the book maybe you know where I am headed here.
First of all, its an amazing, well written, God honouring book that will help a lot of people.
BUT...
I really wanted this, my first NEW book for I don't know how long, to be one where I could lose myself in someone else's life... just for a little while. How was I to know that the main character in the book was living my life. OK, mine is still a little worse. God knows that I needed this book so I could remember that only He can work in people's hearts. All is not lost. I need to believe and be faithful.
Never have I had such a hard time forcing myself to continue reading. I've cried like a baby.. and Caitlyn has a friend over for the night who must think her mom has lost her marbles... its OK though because as a mom I can do weird things and they just blame it on my advanced age!!
I won't ruin the story line for you book lovers out there. I do recommend this book because you will understand me :) and others like me that have gone through a marital breakdown... how we really feel and, most importantly to me, why I feel that I must move towards marital togetherness with my husband. It isn't that I am crazy or out of touch with reality. I am married. I need to be reconciled to my husband... regardless of how much he doesn't want to be reconciled to me. Even when he has royally screwed up, his sin is no worse than mine. "Let he that is without sin cast the first stone.." How can I stone him with hatred when I am a sinner as well?
I need to go to bed.
I do need to say one more thing. Many people are reading my blog and have been asking questions about Dave and what is going on. I'm not picking on anyone. Many people are asking. I value all of my friends and acquaintances... but... please stop asking! I blog as carefully as I can to get my feelings down and try to be honoring to my husband. I share with a few close friends more, but not all. I hope I'm not blundering the way I feel like I am... bottom line is, Dave is not accountable to my friends, no matter how dear my friends are. I trust I'm not stepping on toes here. I love my husband and am willing to forgive him. Whether you agree with that or not is OK. You are entitled to your opinion!! Please don't put me on the spot by asking what he is doing... or not doing.
That's all!! Please keep praying. Someday I'll move past blog world and get back into getting together with friends world!! Whoo hoo!!!
I'll just need to stock up on some hot choc and Christmas tea!!
Happy December everyone!!!
24 days until Christmas!!!
No.
I think... "Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley writing a book series together.... I like K. K..... I like G.S. and its a SERIES... I can pick up one a month to treat myself until I get the set... "
I am an IDIOT!!
You say, how can you miss with those outstanding authors?? And its a series?? Maybe you have read the book!! If you know me and you've read the book maybe you know where I am headed here.
First of all, its an amazing, well written, God honouring book that will help a lot of people.
BUT...
I really wanted this, my first NEW book for I don't know how long, to be one where I could lose myself in someone else's life... just for a little while. How was I to know that the main character in the book was living my life. OK, mine is still a little worse. God knows that I needed this book so I could remember that only He can work in people's hearts. All is not lost. I need to believe and be faithful.
Never have I had such a hard time forcing myself to continue reading. I've cried like a baby.. and Caitlyn has a friend over for the night who must think her mom has lost her marbles... its OK though because as a mom I can do weird things and they just blame it on my advanced age!!
I won't ruin the story line for you book lovers out there. I do recommend this book because you will understand me :) and others like me that have gone through a marital breakdown... how we really feel and, most importantly to me, why I feel that I must move towards marital togetherness with my husband. It isn't that I am crazy or out of touch with reality. I am married. I need to be reconciled to my husband... regardless of how much he doesn't want to be reconciled to me. Even when he has royally screwed up, his sin is no worse than mine. "Let he that is without sin cast the first stone.." How can I stone him with hatred when I am a sinner as well?
I need to go to bed.
I do need to say one more thing. Many people are reading my blog and have been asking questions about Dave and what is going on. I'm not picking on anyone. Many people are asking. I value all of my friends and acquaintances... but... please stop asking! I blog as carefully as I can to get my feelings down and try to be honoring to my husband. I share with a few close friends more, but not all. I hope I'm not blundering the way I feel like I am... bottom line is, Dave is not accountable to my friends, no matter how dear my friends are. I trust I'm not stepping on toes here. I love my husband and am willing to forgive him. Whether you agree with that or not is OK. You are entitled to your opinion!! Please don't put me on the spot by asking what he is doing... or not doing.
That's all!! Please keep praying. Someday I'll move past blog world and get back into getting together with friends world!! Whoo hoo!!!
I'll just need to stock up on some hot choc and Christmas tea!!
Happy December everyone!!!
24 days until Christmas!!!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
What have I done now???
To say this has been a traumatic summer/fall would be an outrageous understatement.
Have I seen God's provision, love and direction?? Absolutely!!!
Have I learned to trust in all of this?? Obviously not.
In being overwhelmed and trying to do everything, in my "wisdom" I determined I wasn't doing a good job homeschooling and decided to put my kids in school. This was a stupid, stupid, and once more STUPID thing to do. 3 of the kids are back home. This was not working for them ... and 2 of them are still there. I am leaving them there until my HSLDA membership is in the works, just in case. Their marks are great, mainly because they are at least a grade level higher than their age appropriate peers. They fit in socially and even are complimented for their ability to take discipline well. Which unfortunately means that some discipline has been required... that is another story. Actually, it IS this story!!
One of the children has been having some "anger issues"... do ya think??
He's 11. The testosterone is hitting and there are some issues there for all boys to start with, then his Dad left, Mom was incredibly busy having a baby/surgery/house hunting and hunting and..../moving/attending a new school/making new friends, etc.. etc...
Do you think he might feel like exploding a few times?? I do. I can control it better as I am 28 years older than him!! He is learning control as well.
So, on the advice of many, and because I felt out of control, I took my son to a counsellor for anger management. Another BIG mistake. I should know better by now!!
Monday morning, to start my week I got blasted by this lady.
Apparently, I must be exaggerating the events of this year or I couldn't be so calm.
She doesn't believe that "giving my problems over to God for Him to take care of" is a viable way to handle stress.
I shouldn't be asking my kids how their day went when they come home from school, it is invasive of their privacy.
I have been HIDING my children from the world because of homeschooling and they are socially stunted because of it... Caitlyn's teacher's would strongly disagree to that one... as would anyone else who heard that!!
I am manipulating my answers to what I think she wants to hear because NO ONE could have 8 kids, love it, and be calm. I am *obviously* not telling of my real frustration of being a stay at home, housebound mom.
I say I still love my husband because I am trying to look like the sweet, innocent victim here where in "her experience" in a marriage breakup the 2 parties are equally responsible.
Amazing that she has such vast knowledge of my life before she even spoke to me. It was an hour and 45 min of constant haranguing.
My "homework" is to challenge my core belief system as my faith in God is *obviously* not working for me!!
I am wondering how some people keep their jobs!
What a load of crockery. She is supposed to be the best. I had thought a good counsellor listened first, asked questions, and gentle guided you to a workable solution. Apparently not.
She wanted to play "devil's advocate" as she put it. I told her I had enough stress in my life without scheduling someone in to criticize me just to "play" and I'm not interested.
I will send a lovely card to her as well to let her know that our world view, personal and educational philosophies are completely different and any further "discussion of my core beliefs" would at best be fruitless and at worst be driving me insane. I don't need or want this kind of "help."
I called two good friends who assured me this lady was the wacko and not me.
She had an educational background, which I found out after the first hour, and tried to explain to me why the public system was so much better for my kids in every way and told me the issues I have had a the school did not exist. She does not believe them. I must be a liar.
Not much you can do with that.
Feels good to get it out.
Parent/teacher interviews are rescheduled for Friday I hear. The teacher's haven't called me yet, though the voice mail from the school has said they would. If I don't hear from them, I'll just show up.
There is more.
I'll put another post up later.
Sorry to bore you with more problems, I do want this documented though and blogging gives me a chance to get it all down and have it dated.
Its a good thing!!
Have I seen God's provision, love and direction?? Absolutely!!!
Have I learned to trust in all of this?? Obviously not.
In being overwhelmed and trying to do everything, in my "wisdom" I determined I wasn't doing a good job homeschooling and decided to put my kids in school. This was a stupid, stupid, and once more STUPID thing to do. 3 of the kids are back home. This was not working for them ... and 2 of them are still there. I am leaving them there until my HSLDA membership is in the works, just in case. Their marks are great, mainly because they are at least a grade level higher than their age appropriate peers. They fit in socially and even are complimented for their ability to take discipline well. Which unfortunately means that some discipline has been required... that is another story. Actually, it IS this story!!
One of the children has been having some "anger issues"... do ya think??
He's 11. The testosterone is hitting and there are some issues there for all boys to start with, then his Dad left, Mom was incredibly busy having a baby/surgery/house hunting and hunting and..../moving/attending a new school/making new friends, etc.. etc...
Do you think he might feel like exploding a few times?? I do. I can control it better as I am 28 years older than him!! He is learning control as well.
So, on the advice of many, and because I felt out of control, I took my son to a counsellor for anger management. Another BIG mistake. I should know better by now!!
Monday morning, to start my week I got blasted by this lady.
Apparently, I must be exaggerating the events of this year or I couldn't be so calm.
She doesn't believe that "giving my problems over to God for Him to take care of" is a viable way to handle stress.
I shouldn't be asking my kids how their day went when they come home from school, it is invasive of their privacy.
I have been HIDING my children from the world because of homeschooling and they are socially stunted because of it... Caitlyn's teacher's would strongly disagree to that one... as would anyone else who heard that!!
I am manipulating my answers to what I think she wants to hear because NO ONE could have 8 kids, love it, and be calm. I am *obviously* not telling of my real frustration of being a stay at home, housebound mom.
I say I still love my husband because I am trying to look like the sweet, innocent victim here where in "her experience" in a marriage breakup the 2 parties are equally responsible.
Amazing that she has such vast knowledge of my life before she even spoke to me. It was an hour and 45 min of constant haranguing.
My "homework" is to challenge my core belief system as my faith in God is *obviously* not working for me!!
I am wondering how some people keep their jobs!
What a load of crockery. She is supposed to be the best. I had thought a good counsellor listened first, asked questions, and gentle guided you to a workable solution. Apparently not.
She wanted to play "devil's advocate" as she put it. I told her I had enough stress in my life without scheduling someone in to criticize me just to "play" and I'm not interested.
I will send a lovely card to her as well to let her know that our world view, personal and educational philosophies are completely different and any further "discussion of my core beliefs" would at best be fruitless and at worst be driving me insane. I don't need or want this kind of "help."
I called two good friends who assured me this lady was the wacko and not me.
She had an educational background, which I found out after the first hour, and tried to explain to me why the public system was so much better for my kids in every way and told me the issues I have had a the school did not exist. She does not believe them. I must be a liar.
Not much you can do with that.
Feels good to get it out.
Parent/teacher interviews are rescheduled for Friday I hear. The teacher's haven't called me yet, though the voice mail from the school has said they would. If I don't hear from them, I'll just show up.
There is more.
I'll put another post up later.
Sorry to bore you with more problems, I do want this documented though and blogging gives me a chance to get it all down and have it dated.
Its a good thing!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Settling In
Things are settling in here at the ugly on the outside/nicer on the inside little house of mine. All my wood is in.. and enough stacked so that I can safely manoever downstairs. I believe the rest may just stay in a pile as it is handy to the stove and will just be burned anyway. All the diehard wood burning people out there will cringe at the thought of a messy woodpile, but hey!! I don't care. I do need to clear a path to the water shutoff valve JUST IN CASE!! Other than that, about 2 and a half cords are neatly stacked and the rest is just done.
My dining room is lovely. People can walk into my kitchen, sit down and see all my pretty things. The wood in the table, sideboard and hutch is very restful. Teacups are everywhere... ladies bring your daughters for a teaparty anytime! I just need to get a new kitchen door (long story which will not be blogged) and gorgeous curtains. The navy gingham curtains are OK, Andrea LOVES them so they will be hers soon, but I am looking for something beautiful for there. Someday I'll have an hour or 3 to spend in a fabric store with no kids and.... who am I kidding?? Someday I'll drive the kids crazy with boredom as I crazily look through fabric at Walmart with at least 4 of the kids screaming to go to the toy dept, one will be teething and the ladies trying to peacefully browse will be giving me the "take your bratty kids and get out of this dept" look. Can't wait!!
My wonderful friend, Diane, lives 10 mins from the IKEA in Calgary and is shipping me my living room curtains. She also tried out a couch for me and made some recommendations on chairs for my living room that were invaluable.
Did I mention... no I did not... the furniture I have been eyeing for the living room is buy one get one half price this month? My wood was $400 less than my budget and the kids are forgoing Christmas presents until January so we can get our furniture!!!
They were liking the fact that if we saved money on the couches and then saved money with post Christmas sales, they could probably get more on the gift side.
That would be my sweet yet mercenary brood. My parents are up and have taken Molly and Caitlyn into town for groceries and gas. I thought later that they are notorious for getting lost. They've been gone a looooonnng time. Hope they aren't heading the wrong way up the highway.
Matt and Connor had a bunch of boys in today. 3 that stayed for hours and a couple more that flew in and out. I finally sent them on a scavenger hunt. They thought they were too big for it, but they sure are having fun!!
The little guys are jumping on the couch cushions on the floor, which is probably not a great thing for them to do, but... oh well.
The kids are all coming in. One of the Dad's called and said they were having deer burgers for dinner. I'm not sure if that is good or not.
Annnd they're gone.
I need to make supper.
The boys are off to Tae-Kwon-Do tonight.
Boys are wonderful, but I am tired!
My dining room is lovely. People can walk into my kitchen, sit down and see all my pretty things. The wood in the table, sideboard and hutch is very restful. Teacups are everywhere... ladies bring your daughters for a teaparty anytime! I just need to get a new kitchen door (long story which will not be blogged) and gorgeous curtains. The navy gingham curtains are OK, Andrea LOVES them so they will be hers soon, but I am looking for something beautiful for there. Someday I'll have an hour or 3 to spend in a fabric store with no kids and.... who am I kidding?? Someday I'll drive the kids crazy with boredom as I crazily look through fabric at Walmart with at least 4 of the kids screaming to go to the toy dept, one will be teething and the ladies trying to peacefully browse will be giving me the "take your bratty kids and get out of this dept" look. Can't wait!!
My wonderful friend, Diane, lives 10 mins from the IKEA in Calgary and is shipping me my living room curtains. She also tried out a couch for me and made some recommendations on chairs for my living room that were invaluable.
Did I mention... no I did not... the furniture I have been eyeing for the living room is buy one get one half price this month? My wood was $400 less than my budget and the kids are forgoing Christmas presents until January so we can get our furniture!!!
They were liking the fact that if we saved money on the couches and then saved money with post Christmas sales, they could probably get more on the gift side.
That would be my sweet yet mercenary brood. My parents are up and have taken Molly and Caitlyn into town for groceries and gas. I thought later that they are notorious for getting lost. They've been gone a looooonnng time. Hope they aren't heading the wrong way up the highway.
Matt and Connor had a bunch of boys in today. 3 that stayed for hours and a couple more that flew in and out. I finally sent them on a scavenger hunt. They thought they were too big for it, but they sure are having fun!!
The little guys are jumping on the couch cushions on the floor, which is probably not a great thing for them to do, but... oh well.
The kids are all coming in. One of the Dad's called and said they were having deer burgers for dinner. I'm not sure if that is good or not.
Annnd they're gone.
I need to make supper.
The boys are off to Tae-Kwon-Do tonight.
Boys are wonderful, but I am tired!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Another storm... a real one this time
Matt and I just got in from the great outdoors...
As I went downstairs to feed the fire I noticed the plywood over one of the "windows" blew off.
Yes, I need 2 windows. I think I will actually give this out as a prayer request as I can't swing buying and installing windows right now.
The storm is starting and will only get worse so Matt and I with hammer in hand went out to put the plywood back on... only we had no nails bigger than finishing nails and it looked like someone took the nails out of our wood... I hope not!!
We asked 2 neighbors for nails. The second one gave us a bucket of screws and a cordless drill... that was great!! Except we were doing this in the dark with buckets of rain falling and the wind whipping around. I wanted to grouse about men who let women and children do men's work, but realized this is MY responsibility now. I helped Matt do some drillin' and then he got a shower. He is now wrapped in a blanket on the couch and I'm getting him some cocoa... then I'll get a shower.
I am soaked and in soaked jeans... lovely!!
Thankfully my leather jacket is waterproof so I'm not as drenched as Matt. I also found that the eaves trough is in sad shape!!
I can only fix so much at a time. The roof isn't leaking... or doesn't seem to be so that's good.
I'm having a hard time tonight to not be ticked off at Dave.
That's my attitude though and only I am responsible to change that. God is good and He is helping!!
Off for the hot choc!
As I went downstairs to feed the fire I noticed the plywood over one of the "windows" blew off.
Yes, I need 2 windows. I think I will actually give this out as a prayer request as I can't swing buying and installing windows right now.
The storm is starting and will only get worse so Matt and I with hammer in hand went out to put the plywood back on... only we had no nails bigger than finishing nails and it looked like someone took the nails out of our wood... I hope not!!
We asked 2 neighbors for nails. The second one gave us a bucket of screws and a cordless drill... that was great!! Except we were doing this in the dark with buckets of rain falling and the wind whipping around. I wanted to grouse about men who let women and children do men's work, but realized this is MY responsibility now. I helped Matt do some drillin' and then he got a shower. He is now wrapped in a blanket on the couch and I'm getting him some cocoa... then I'll get a shower.
I am soaked and in soaked jeans... lovely!!
Thankfully my leather jacket is waterproof so I'm not as drenched as Matt. I also found that the eaves trough is in sad shape!!
I can only fix so much at a time. The roof isn't leaking... or doesn't seem to be so that's good.
I'm having a hard time tonight to not be ticked off at Dave.
That's my attitude though and only I am responsible to change that. God is good and He is helping!!
Off for the hot choc!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Happy Anniversary
I'm looking at my last post, which was rather long, and noticed the date. This would be my 16th wedding anniversary which I spent picking lice out of kids hair!! ... with no husband... and I'm ok with that. I really am.
I thought this would be a terribly, horrible, very bad day for the old emotions... and I'm sailing through fine.
Mom called at about 2 this afternoon to make sure I was going to be ok on the anniversary and I had to ask her what the date was so I would be able to find something to do that would be fun on the 19th.
I was a little surprised to find out it is the 19th. I haven't thought about it all day and wouldn't have known until this last blog posting that I missed my anniversary.
I should have had some cake.
I need to get my cake pic of the week (mom is emailing it to me) so you can get a chuckle.
That was my first real stressor of Thursday morning, but it has to be seen to be appreciated!
I thought this would be a terribly, horrible, very bad day for the old emotions... and I'm sailing through fine.
Mom called at about 2 this afternoon to make sure I was going to be ok on the anniversary and I had to ask her what the date was so I would be able to find something to do that would be fun on the 19th.
I was a little surprised to find out it is the 19th. I haven't thought about it all day and wouldn't have known until this last blog posting that I missed my anniversary.
I should have had some cake.
I need to get my cake pic of the week (mom is emailing it to me) so you can get a chuckle.
That was my first real stressor of Thursday morning, but it has to be seen to be appreciated!
The Circus leaves town
This has been the most stressful couple of days... good and bad... in a while.
My parents came up on Weds afternoon. Yes, this was the first day of school for my little chickies and I thought that would be difficult. Actually, it worked though. When you have 5 kids that all have amazing stories and all want to talk at once it was good to have a couple more sets of ears to listen!!
Gwen was having a good day (she slipped a disk in her lower back a couple weeks ago) so she brought her brood over for a visit. For about 15 min it was utter mayhem until we got smart and sent them to the park... all but the 2 youngest boys. We figured at 3 and 6 mos, they may not enjoy the park as much as staying home with mom(s).
We were down to 2 kids and 4 adults with the kids not talking much. It worked far better that way. We were able to chow down on lemon and coconut cream pie.. with coffee served with International delight hazelnut coffee cream. Ok, I'm a sucker for anything that has the word "delight" in it, but this coffee cream is amazing!!
That turned out to be the calmest few moments of the next 48 hours.
The kids came back.
The McQuarries left.
Non stop talking until bedtime.
Thursday brought more interviews at the school for me ... with the little guys enjoying having Gramma and Papa to themselves as THAT never happens... and then...
The crew arrived from Rothesay to help get this house together.
They were scrubbing in the cellar.
The lawn is mowed... stove cleaned out... boxes unpacked...
Mr Brown built me a boot rack and is fixing to make me a bona fide mudroom by the backdoor.
He also listed everything I need to do for the house so if someone asks what they can do I can give them the list and say "pick something". Hopefully they will understand shop talk because I discovered I can't even change a fuse.
That's another story.
I need to update the fuse box to a breaker panel.
Its on the list!!
There were many stressful little issues including baby blankets (and some other useful things) almost going out with the trash. Thankfully Mom suggested we check the garbage that was put out as there seemed to be too many trash bags.
I need to get clear trash bags...
Making my own list!
We went through all the trash bags and boxes.. tons of fun late Thursday night. Garbage day being Friday morning a lot of it was bona fide garbage so going through it was a treat. The things you don't expect ever to say...
"Yes, last night Mom and I spent a good 2 hours going through trash bags for toys for the kids."
Barbies, lego, dolls... it would have been sickening if we hadn't noticed we were missing things until the next day!!!
The problem is now fixed.
We have our goods and the real garbage is gone.
Mom and Dad left this morning. Everyone else had left before we noticed the missing stuff Thursday afternoon. By 10 am today I was back by myself. With sore feet, but a much calmer home!!
For the first time, when the kids came home from school I could sit and talk with them. And did. After about an hour some of the kids new friends came by and they all went to the park for an hour before dinner. Then at dinner, they had a whole new set of stories.
This move will be good.
Caitlyn made the basketball team. Gotta love small towns. She showed up for an info meeting for the BB team. The coach asks, "Who was not on the team last year?" Caitlyn and her friend (either Jessica or Jamie) put up their hands. "What size uniform do you need?"
They are getting new uniforms this year. They will also have sweatshirts that will have their last name on their backs and first name going down the sleeve.
Too cool.
One child came home with a detention... first week of school!!!
Connor and Courtney went to Nacawick for the participation track day. They had a 1.5 kilo run through a trail in the woods. They were some wiped out tonight. They all asked if they could go to bed.
I'm liking this.
One child has lice nits in her hair... uh, make that a few kids.
Not liking that.
Tonight I went through 2.5 heads. Lots of nits, no real lice so far. It took about 5 hours. 2.5 heads to go through tomorrow. Whoo hoo!!
Monday they will walk both to and from school. I have been driving them in the morning and letting them walk home. They will now walk both ways, unless the weather is bad.
On a final note...
I ordered a bunch of stuff from IKEA!! I'm so excited!! My dining room and office part of the living room will look great in a couple of weeks.
My friend Kathy is excited because she loves to put furniture together as much as I do and she's coming over to help me with it.
Its like an adult size puzzle, putting furniture together.
Anyone with a decent amount of Rouse in them will understand the fascination!!
My parents came up on Weds afternoon. Yes, this was the first day of school for my little chickies and I thought that would be difficult. Actually, it worked though. When you have 5 kids that all have amazing stories and all want to talk at once it was good to have a couple more sets of ears to listen!!
Gwen was having a good day (she slipped a disk in her lower back a couple weeks ago) so she brought her brood over for a visit. For about 15 min it was utter mayhem until we got smart and sent them to the park... all but the 2 youngest boys. We figured at 3 and 6 mos, they may not enjoy the park as much as staying home with mom(s).
We were down to 2 kids and 4 adults with the kids not talking much. It worked far better that way. We were able to chow down on lemon and coconut cream pie.. with coffee served with International delight hazelnut coffee cream. Ok, I'm a sucker for anything that has the word "delight" in it, but this coffee cream is amazing!!
That turned out to be the calmest few moments of the next 48 hours.
The kids came back.
The McQuarries left.
Non stop talking until bedtime.
Thursday brought more interviews at the school for me ... with the little guys enjoying having Gramma and Papa to themselves as THAT never happens... and then...
The crew arrived from Rothesay to help get this house together.
They were scrubbing in the cellar.
The lawn is mowed... stove cleaned out... boxes unpacked...
Mr Brown built me a boot rack and is fixing to make me a bona fide mudroom by the backdoor.
He also listed everything I need to do for the house so if someone asks what they can do I can give them the list and say "pick something". Hopefully they will understand shop talk because I discovered I can't even change a fuse.
That's another story.
I need to update the fuse box to a breaker panel.
Its on the list!!
There were many stressful little issues including baby blankets (and some other useful things) almost going out with the trash. Thankfully Mom suggested we check the garbage that was put out as there seemed to be too many trash bags.
I need to get clear trash bags...
Making my own list!
We went through all the trash bags and boxes.. tons of fun late Thursday night. Garbage day being Friday morning a lot of it was bona fide garbage so going through it was a treat. The things you don't expect ever to say...
"Yes, last night Mom and I spent a good 2 hours going through trash bags for toys for the kids."
Barbies, lego, dolls... it would have been sickening if we hadn't noticed we were missing things until the next day!!!
The problem is now fixed.
We have our goods and the real garbage is gone.
Mom and Dad left this morning. Everyone else had left before we noticed the missing stuff Thursday afternoon. By 10 am today I was back by myself. With sore feet, but a much calmer home!!
For the first time, when the kids came home from school I could sit and talk with them. And did. After about an hour some of the kids new friends came by and they all went to the park for an hour before dinner. Then at dinner, they had a whole new set of stories.
This move will be good.
Caitlyn made the basketball team. Gotta love small towns. She showed up for an info meeting for the BB team. The coach asks, "Who was not on the team last year?" Caitlyn and her friend (either Jessica or Jamie) put up their hands. "What size uniform do you need?"
They are getting new uniforms this year. They will also have sweatshirts that will have their last name on their backs and first name going down the sleeve.
Too cool.
One child came home with a detention... first week of school!!!
Connor and Courtney went to Nacawick for the participation track day. They had a 1.5 kilo run through a trail in the woods. They were some wiped out tonight. They all asked if they could go to bed.
I'm liking this.
One child has lice nits in her hair... uh, make that a few kids.
Not liking that.
Tonight I went through 2.5 heads. Lots of nits, no real lice so far. It took about 5 hours. 2.5 heads to go through tomorrow. Whoo hoo!!
Monday they will walk both to and from school. I have been driving them in the morning and letting them walk home. They will now walk both ways, unless the weather is bad.
On a final note...
I ordered a bunch of stuff from IKEA!! I'm so excited!! My dining room and office part of the living room will look great in a couple of weeks.
My friend Kathy is excited because she loves to put furniture together as much as I do and she's coming over to help me with it.
Its like an adult size puzzle, putting furniture together.
Anyone with a decent amount of Rouse in them will understand the fascination!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Another new adventure
Well, life is about to take another major change.
First, I'm a single mama.. then a baby... hand surgery... the big MOVE... and now..
Tomorrow will be the first day of real school for most of my kids.
Yes, I am sending my kids to school.
I love homeschooling, but have decided that for the moment its too much to do if I want it done well. I am not homeschooling well this year.. not by a long shot. Its time to admit that I need some help and I'm taking it.
The school here is K-12 so all the kids will be in one place, just more kids!
Most of the teachers, I hear, are Christians.
I had a tour and the kids were all attentive and not even fidgeting in class.
My kids just may be the troublemakers!!
The kids are excited/nervous about going.
I feel strangely at peace about it, even though I am a homeschooling at heart mom.
It sure will be weird at home with mighty Jack (3) as the oldest!!
Spending more time with the wee three will be good for us.
A new adventure, yes??
First, I'm a single mama.. then a baby... hand surgery... the big MOVE... and now..
Tomorrow will be the first day of real school for most of my kids.
Yes, I am sending my kids to school.
I love homeschooling, but have decided that for the moment its too much to do if I want it done well. I am not homeschooling well this year.. not by a long shot. Its time to admit that I need some help and I'm taking it.
The school here is K-12 so all the kids will be in one place, just more kids!
Most of the teachers, I hear, are Christians.
I had a tour and the kids were all attentive and not even fidgeting in class.
My kids just may be the troublemakers!!
The kids are excited/nervous about going.
I feel strangely at peace about it, even though I am a homeschooling at heart mom.
It sure will be weird at home with mighty Jack (3) as the oldest!!
Spending more time with the wee three will be good for us.
A new adventure, yes??
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Internet is finally going!
Hey, we have internet!!
I was hoping to have the super duper wireless modem/router that we had before... but they now charge $2.95 a month for the privilege of having one. So we are hooked up to the wall again. Of course, its the wall in the dining room that is still the workspace for the guys who are fixing up the house soooo... I'm sitting on the floor (and its not comfortable at all anymore) with the kids tripping over me. They do NOT get the fact that the computer must be where the phone jack is at all time if we want to be connected to the internet.
They are also getting very cranky.
I think I should go feed the baby and get the kids busy with something... anything!!
Martha
I was hoping to have the super duper wireless modem/router that we had before... but they now charge $2.95 a month for the privilege of having one. So we are hooked up to the wall again. Of course, its the wall in the dining room that is still the workspace for the guys who are fixing up the house soooo... I'm sitting on the floor (and its not comfortable at all anymore) with the kids tripping over me. They do NOT get the fact that the computer must be where the phone jack is at all time if we want to be connected to the internet.
They are also getting very cranky.
I think I should go feed the baby and get the kids busy with something... anything!!
Martha
Monday, October 08, 2007
One More Night
This is our last night in the old place.
Tomorrow night will be in our new home.
It looks good... actually great since Laun, her Dad and friend Janice stayed there all day until late tonight to finish it. This is how good people have been to me. I don't even know Janice... well, I do now!! She has been so generous to me and I am humbled by such help.
The girls room is sweet. They didn't want to leave today. The boys can't wait to see how their room looks... I can't either since it wasn't done when I had to leave today.
Joy, Laun's mom, baked cookies, a pie, a cake, a casserole, made sandwiches... yum, yum... I love other people's cooking!!
Tomorrow we will take whatever we can fit in the car and then Dave will bring the rest out little by little.
I think we have almost everything we need.
I'm excited... and very sad.
This was not what I had planned... to move on without Dave.
I can't let myself be sad though. I'm choosing to trust that God knows what is best for me even when the world isn't making sense. I have a Bible study called "Trusting God when the world doesn't make sense." Dave bought it for us to do in January and then didn't have time to do it with me. Now I will be happy to have it and do it myself.
I will learn many new things this year, including how to run a wood furnace.
Never done that.
I will learn how to manage 24/7 on my own. This is scary.
I can do this.
I need to go to bed earlier.
I need curtains... or else we will be going to bed when the sun sets!!
Tomorrow I'm picking up curtain rods... tonight would have been more convenient except that everyone who is everyone took today off for dinner.
Thanksgiving is everyday, but our feast will be in a week or 2.
We are too tired to cook a turkey dinner... that was a Victorian we, meaning me.
Mom tried to convince me to drop everything, play hooky and eat turkey with them... but I'm glad I didn't. The work is done (not much thanks to me!) and tomorrow starts a new adventure.
G'night and God bless,
Martha
Tomorrow night will be in our new home.
It looks good... actually great since Laun, her Dad and friend Janice stayed there all day until late tonight to finish it. This is how good people have been to me. I don't even know Janice... well, I do now!! She has been so generous to me and I am humbled by such help.
The girls room is sweet. They didn't want to leave today. The boys can't wait to see how their room looks... I can't either since it wasn't done when I had to leave today.
Joy, Laun's mom, baked cookies, a pie, a cake, a casserole, made sandwiches... yum, yum... I love other people's cooking!!
Tomorrow we will take whatever we can fit in the car and then Dave will bring the rest out little by little.
I think we have almost everything we need.
I'm excited... and very sad.
This was not what I had planned... to move on without Dave.
I can't let myself be sad though. I'm choosing to trust that God knows what is best for me even when the world isn't making sense. I have a Bible study called "Trusting God when the world doesn't make sense." Dave bought it for us to do in January and then didn't have time to do it with me. Now I will be happy to have it and do it myself.
I will learn many new things this year, including how to run a wood furnace.
Never done that.
I will learn how to manage 24/7 on my own. This is scary.
I can do this.
I need to go to bed earlier.
I need curtains... or else we will be going to bed when the sun sets!!
Tomorrow I'm picking up curtain rods... tonight would have been more convenient except that everyone who is everyone took today off for dinner.
Thanksgiving is everyday, but our feast will be in a week or 2.
We are too tired to cook a turkey dinner... that was a Victorian we, meaning me.
Mom tried to convince me to drop everything, play hooky and eat turkey with them... but I'm glad I didn't. The work is done (not much thanks to me!) and tomorrow starts a new adventure.
G'night and God bless,
Martha
Saturday, October 06, 2007
On the MOVE!!
I am taking a break from packing!
This has been a crazy couple of days of packing, lugging, sorting, trucking, unloading, moving, moving, MOVING!!
I commented (rather vainly) two days ago how good my nails were looking. My fingernails almost never look good so I was pretty impressed.... I now have ONE fingernail left and its discoloured from when I got my hair dyed this week!
So much for vanity.
On Friday Pastor Steve and Arthur (with the help of Chester's truck) moved ALL my beds for me to the new house. Thanks guys... not that you ever read blogs, but you are thanked all the same.
Andrea came up and helped all day yesterday and today.
Laun and Jodie came up yesterday... brought a ton of stuff with them!!! ... and thoroughly cleaned the new place.
Andrea's husband Andrew came up today with his truck.
My brother Jeff brought up his truck and my nephew Trevor.
Last but certainly not least, my friend Pat brought over her wonderful new truck (its a Chevy Avalanche and its loaded.. that's who I drove with!!) and helped a bunch. Then she went home and bought a bunch of Greco pizzas for supper.
Do I have great friends or what??
I do need to mention Eugene. He is the angel I'm buying this house from. Not only is it a superb deal and he's holding the mortgage for me, he is constantly at the house putting on new trim, doors, siding, etc.. He is giving us the history of the house and the low down on the town, making me feel like this is my home. He is essentially giving me roots.
He wants to put some extra shelving for me when he's done his work.
He looks like Santa...
We had a few mishaps... somehow I was expecting to chase down baby clothes on the highway... and wasn't disappointed!!! Though I wasn't expecting to see the wicker bookshelf fly off Andrew's truck and over our truck.... I needed the exercise though to chase down my stuff and pick up pieces of this and that off the new super duper twinned highway!!
Jeff and Trev got their pictures taken by the big axe.. that was a thrill... ha! ha! I'm expecting to be sent those pics if Jeff can get them off his phone.
I have more stuff to pack here. The old house is a disaster, which is pretty amazing given all the things that were taken out of here!! How could it possibly look messier than on Weds??
I am at a loss.
There is a mouse in the back of my stove making terrible clicking noises... at least it was until I kicked the oven door a few times... right after telling Connor not to kick it. He doesn't think this was fair, but it is my stove after all, at least until Tuesday.
On Tuesday we move!!! Yep out the door and into Canterbury.
Dave is helping us finish moving Monday.
That will be weird... my husband finishing moving us out of his home.
Oh well.
He will be getting back from Atlanta tomorrow night. I wanted to be out before he got back, but just couldn't do it.
He is most likely getting the biggest award he will ever achieve in his career this weekend.
It the PMI award for Professional Development of the Year. He is accepting the award with some people from Global Knowledge. He is the only one accepting for Skillsoft. Skillsoft and Global Knowledge won it together for the Project Manager Development program that Dave headed up the creation of.
I am trying to be happy for him. This was one of the major things that Dave put in front of his family and makes him happy. We are in the way of his career. Its so sad. He thinks he'll be happy... he's not so far.
Right now he's out to some fancy dinner with the others from Global.. its a Brazilian Restaurant.
I'm wondering what Brazilian food is.
The mouse is acting up again. Our cat is a waste of time and airspace. It couldn't catch a mouse to save its hide... unless its bringing one in from outside... or killing one beside the dinner table when I am at dinner.
And people wonder how I'm losing the baby weight so fast!
I'm off to do more packing. I'm going until I'm out of boxes. Tomorrow is my day off. Monday we move these boxes, unpack some at the other house and then bring more back to pack.
Its almost over.
It will be nice to be done.
This has been a crazy couple of days of packing, lugging, sorting, trucking, unloading, moving, moving, MOVING!!
I commented (rather vainly) two days ago how good my nails were looking. My fingernails almost never look good so I was pretty impressed.... I now have ONE fingernail left and its discoloured from when I got my hair dyed this week!
So much for vanity.
On Friday Pastor Steve and Arthur (with the help of Chester's truck) moved ALL my beds for me to the new house. Thanks guys... not that you ever read blogs, but you are thanked all the same.
Andrea came up and helped all day yesterday and today.
Laun and Jodie came up yesterday... brought a ton of stuff with them!!! ... and thoroughly cleaned the new place.
Andrea's husband Andrew came up today with his truck.
My brother Jeff brought up his truck and my nephew Trevor.
Last but certainly not least, my friend Pat brought over her wonderful new truck (its a Chevy Avalanche and its loaded.. that's who I drove with!!) and helped a bunch. Then she went home and bought a bunch of Greco pizzas for supper.
Do I have great friends or what??
I do need to mention Eugene. He is the angel I'm buying this house from. Not only is it a superb deal and he's holding the mortgage for me, he is constantly at the house putting on new trim, doors, siding, etc.. He is giving us the history of the house and the low down on the town, making me feel like this is my home. He is essentially giving me roots.
He wants to put some extra shelving for me when he's done his work.
He looks like Santa...
We had a few mishaps... somehow I was expecting to chase down baby clothes on the highway... and wasn't disappointed!!! Though I wasn't expecting to see the wicker bookshelf fly off Andrew's truck and over our truck.... I needed the exercise though to chase down my stuff and pick up pieces of this and that off the new super duper twinned highway!!
Jeff and Trev got their pictures taken by the big axe.. that was a thrill... ha! ha! I'm expecting to be sent those pics if Jeff can get them off his phone.
I have more stuff to pack here. The old house is a disaster, which is pretty amazing given all the things that were taken out of here!! How could it possibly look messier than on Weds??
I am at a loss.
There is a mouse in the back of my stove making terrible clicking noises... at least it was until I kicked the oven door a few times... right after telling Connor not to kick it. He doesn't think this was fair, but it is my stove after all, at least until Tuesday.
On Tuesday we move!!! Yep out the door and into Canterbury.
Dave is helping us finish moving Monday.
That will be weird... my husband finishing moving us out of his home.
Oh well.
He will be getting back from Atlanta tomorrow night. I wanted to be out before he got back, but just couldn't do it.
He is most likely getting the biggest award he will ever achieve in his career this weekend.
It the PMI award for Professional Development of the Year. He is accepting the award with some people from Global Knowledge. He is the only one accepting for Skillsoft. Skillsoft and Global Knowledge won it together for the Project Manager Development program that Dave headed up the creation of.
I am trying to be happy for him. This was one of the major things that Dave put in front of his family and makes him happy. We are in the way of his career. Its so sad. He thinks he'll be happy... he's not so far.
Right now he's out to some fancy dinner with the others from Global.. its a Brazilian Restaurant.
I'm wondering what Brazilian food is.
The mouse is acting up again. Our cat is a waste of time and airspace. It couldn't catch a mouse to save its hide... unless its bringing one in from outside... or killing one beside the dinner table when I am at dinner.
And people wonder how I'm losing the baby weight so fast!
I'm off to do more packing. I'm going until I'm out of boxes. Tomorrow is my day off. Monday we move these boxes, unpack some at the other house and then bring more back to pack.
Its almost over.
It will be nice to be done.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Bloggin' again!!
This will have to be quick, as I really should be getting lunch... tuna melts today and my stomach can't wait!!
After the summer hiatus from this thing, I am ready to be back. I really didn't want this blog to be negative and really had to deal with a bit of an attitude problem on my part before I could really be positive.
This summer has been really, really good and really, really horrid.
I have a wonderful new son who is a blessing to all of us... and when I have friends over I only get to see him to feed him... thankfully I'm nursing him!
The gross thing is off my finger!!! YEAH! The stitches have finally dissolved and I'm sure the feeling in it will right itself in time.
My husband has decided he no longer wants to be a husband to me or a good Daddy for his kids. I have found out there have been MAJOR problems that I was unaware of and feel rather like an idiot about that BUT its ok. God is in control of the situation and He knows what I can handle and what I need.
In fact, I am in the process of buying a new house... new to me at least. Its 30 years old, 1500 sq ft, 3 big bedrooms, living room is 19 by 19.5 feet, all new wiring, plumbing, insulation and decks... and its $35000. Yep, it will be paid off in 2 years!!
Tomorrow we go to paint. A few good friends are coming to help. The paint is in the van, ready to go. Caitlyn and her friend Daniella are coming too. They will paint A LITTLE, just to make them happy. They will really be taking care of the baby so I can really paint up a storm.
The stroller is also in the van so I don't forget.
My fridge went on sale yesterday for $800 off. Mom found that out a few days ago. It has now been ordered and will come the 3rd of Oct. My new phone has been ordered as well.
The kids are doing school very well. They are zipping through the work. We are finishing up from last year as the end of the year/summer was shot for schoolwork. They are looking forward to starting their new work... At least some of them are!!!
Caitlyn is off to get milk and eggs. Justin is crying for her. They have a connection. He actually stinks so I should go change him.
If anyone wants to help paint tomorrow....
Martha
After the summer hiatus from this thing, I am ready to be back. I really didn't want this blog to be negative and really had to deal with a bit of an attitude problem on my part before I could really be positive.
This summer has been really, really good and really, really horrid.
I have a wonderful new son who is a blessing to all of us... and when I have friends over I only get to see him to feed him... thankfully I'm nursing him!
The gross thing is off my finger!!! YEAH! The stitches have finally dissolved and I'm sure the feeling in it will right itself in time.
My husband has decided he no longer wants to be a husband to me or a good Daddy for his kids. I have found out there have been MAJOR problems that I was unaware of and feel rather like an idiot about that BUT its ok. God is in control of the situation and He knows what I can handle and what I need.
In fact, I am in the process of buying a new house... new to me at least. Its 30 years old, 1500 sq ft, 3 big bedrooms, living room is 19 by 19.5 feet, all new wiring, plumbing, insulation and decks... and its $35000. Yep, it will be paid off in 2 years!!
Tomorrow we go to paint. A few good friends are coming to help. The paint is in the van, ready to go. Caitlyn and her friend Daniella are coming too. They will paint A LITTLE, just to make them happy. They will really be taking care of the baby so I can really paint up a storm.
The stroller is also in the van so I don't forget.
My fridge went on sale yesterday for $800 off. Mom found that out a few days ago. It has now been ordered and will come the 3rd of Oct. My new phone has been ordered as well.
The kids are doing school very well. They are zipping through the work. We are finishing up from last year as the end of the year/summer was shot for schoolwork. They are looking forward to starting their new work... At least some of them are!!!
Caitlyn is off to get milk and eggs. Justin is crying for her. They have a connection. He actually stinks so I should go change him.
If anyone wants to help paint tomorrow....
Martha
BACK!! for a freebie
Enter to win the complete set of Terrestria Chronicleson the HSB Company Porch!
This looks like an amazing book series that I would love to have... and intend to for Christmas!!
Take a look!!
This looks like an amazing book series that I would love to have... and intend to for Christmas!!
Take a look!!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Yes, I'm still here!!!
This has been a wild few weeks. Not that pleasant actually. My mother-in-law has been diagnosed with cancer around her eye and has her first round of chemo. Thankfully it went very well. The combo of steroids and chemo has already made a very noticeable difference in the size of the tumors (there are several) and the irritation level in her eye. 2 rounds to go then radiation and she may lose the sight in that eye, but she can at least open her eye again and we praise God for her great attitude and His healing. They believe this is the primary source of the cancer and they will get it all.
I have also had this ridiculous, large, raw, open growth on the end of my left ring finger. It has been so painful that I could not type (its the e-s finger y'know!).
I have had my first biopsy. First cauterization, and actually found out that that means BURNING YOUR FLESH and not what I had thought it meant.
I also found I have a place at the end of my left ring finger that is resistant to freezing. That means when you chop off something on the end of your finger and then torch it you find you can make a noise that you never thought possible.
This thing seeps stinky ooze through 3 or 4 bandages a day and hurts like fury if touched. Today I learned its benign which is wonderful. None of the doctors have seen anything like this before and they are all looking forward to seeing what it is. I personally don't care what it is (as long as its benign) I merely want it to go away.
Then, to top it off we are having some really wretched family issues going on here.
But ...
DO YOU KNOW WHAT????
This is very important. Please listen carefully.
Satan can attack and attack and attack. He can hurt you, distress you and keep coming back with more attacks BUT .... HE CAN NEVER, NEVER WIN!!!
God is bigger that all of this. His love is greater far than whatever hate Satan can come up with and His faithfulness endures forever.
Regardless of anything else God chose me and drew me to Himself. His son died for my sins. He has bought me with His own blood and marked me with the seal of His Holy Spirit that guarantees me an inheritance as His precious and well loved child.
Do you know what else matters?? NOTHING!
My thought on the book of Judges for the past weeks I have missed.
God uses whom He chooses. He allows all kinds of bad stuff to happen so that He may be glorified. Whether its a cowardly Benjamite whom God chooses as His mighty warrior, a mother in Israel who is a prophet and warrior, a woman with a tent, a glass of milk and a tent peg, a son of a hooker or a foolish and blind strong man. God's chooses whom He chooses for His own reasons.
Why has God chosen me for the particular path I'm walking today? I don't know. I'd sure love too though!! He chooses whom He will and my job is to be faithful and obedient. I've had it worse before and God has been faithful. For a little while the other day I was questioning if God remembered me at all, but still faithful He gave me someone to encourage and uplift me.... thanks Ang!!
God is good. Very good. He is absolutely worthy of our trust and praise. He is ever faithful and loving to us. He will never forsake me. I can fully rest in Him.
I have also had this ridiculous, large, raw, open growth on the end of my left ring finger. It has been so painful that I could not type (its the e-s finger y'know!).
I have had my first biopsy. First cauterization, and actually found out that that means BURNING YOUR FLESH and not what I had thought it meant.
I also found I have a place at the end of my left ring finger that is resistant to freezing. That means when you chop off something on the end of your finger and then torch it you find you can make a noise that you never thought possible.
This thing seeps stinky ooze through 3 or 4 bandages a day and hurts like fury if touched. Today I learned its benign which is wonderful. None of the doctors have seen anything like this before and they are all looking forward to seeing what it is. I personally don't care what it is (as long as its benign) I merely want it to go away.
Then, to top it off we are having some really wretched family issues going on here.
But ...
DO YOU KNOW WHAT????
This is very important. Please listen carefully.
Satan can attack and attack and attack. He can hurt you, distress you and keep coming back with more attacks BUT .... HE CAN NEVER, NEVER WIN!!!
God is bigger that all of this. His love is greater far than whatever hate Satan can come up with and His faithfulness endures forever.
Regardless of anything else God chose me and drew me to Himself. His son died for my sins. He has bought me with His own blood and marked me with the seal of His Holy Spirit that guarantees me an inheritance as His precious and well loved child.
Do you know what else matters?? NOTHING!
My thought on the book of Judges for the past weeks I have missed.
God uses whom He chooses. He allows all kinds of bad stuff to happen so that He may be glorified. Whether its a cowardly Benjamite whom God chooses as His mighty warrior, a mother in Israel who is a prophet and warrior, a woman with a tent, a glass of milk and a tent peg, a son of a hooker or a foolish and blind strong man. God's chooses whom He chooses for His own reasons.
Why has God chosen me for the particular path I'm walking today? I don't know. I'd sure love too though!! He chooses whom He will and my job is to be faithful and obedient. I've had it worse before and God has been faithful. For a little while the other day I was questioning if God remembered me at all, but still faithful He gave me someone to encourage and uplift me.... thanks Ang!!
God is good. Very good. He is absolutely worthy of our trust and praise. He is ever faithful and loving to us. He will never forsake me. I can fully rest in Him.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Happy Mother's Day!!
This would not be a special day in 2007 if things went as normal!! I woke up in the morning with a wicked sore throat and NO VOICE...nope.. couldn't even croak until after supper!!
Connor made me breakfast in bed... It didn't hurt to eat, thankfully. Justin was coughing up a storm, so we stayed home from church. I was very happy when he decided that he needed a nap very soon after everyone left. I napped too!!!
The kids made pearl bracelets for me in church. I'm told they brought flowers home too, but I haven't seen any!!
It was a very quiet day!!
Dave had cleaned out the porch on Sat. as I had this vision of sitting serenely on the screen porch, cross stitching, babies playing at my feet, bigger kids playing happily in the yard where I could hear their laughter and enjoy the games....
It was not to be.
It was freezing on the porch as I was running a fever.
Dave watched the kids out there with the babies at his feet as he worked on his laptop... we love our wireless Internet!!
I stayed in the dining room, alone.. where I could see Dave and the babies on the porch between dozing, cross stitching and tons of hot green tea and Halls cough drops.
It was actually kinda nice.
The kids have run to the store for more cough drops.
We made it to the next pay day!!
Justin seems better.
I'm able to croak a bit today... just not enough to carry on a decent conversation. A few words and its major coughing time.. not much fun in your 3rd trimester when you know too much coughing can be terribly hard on your belly!
At my last Dr appt I had lost a pound.
Just had to fit that in. I don't think I was supposed to, but I spent a lot of last week sneezing and guzzling green tea.
Didn't keep me from getting sick though.
Molly wants to see her name in type.
MOLLY... is so much fun!
MOLLY SUSANNE PERRY.... yup, that's my name!... she says.
Off to reality.
Connor made me breakfast in bed... It didn't hurt to eat, thankfully. Justin was coughing up a storm, so we stayed home from church. I was very happy when he decided that he needed a nap very soon after everyone left. I napped too!!!
The kids made pearl bracelets for me in church. I'm told they brought flowers home too, but I haven't seen any!!
It was a very quiet day!!
Dave had cleaned out the porch on Sat. as I had this vision of sitting serenely on the screen porch, cross stitching, babies playing at my feet, bigger kids playing happily in the yard where I could hear their laughter and enjoy the games....
It was not to be.
It was freezing on the porch as I was running a fever.
Dave watched the kids out there with the babies at his feet as he worked on his laptop... we love our wireless Internet!!
I stayed in the dining room, alone.. where I could see Dave and the babies on the porch between dozing, cross stitching and tons of hot green tea and Halls cough drops.
It was actually kinda nice.
The kids have run to the store for more cough drops.
We made it to the next pay day!!
Justin seems better.
I'm able to croak a bit today... just not enough to carry on a decent conversation. A few words and its major coughing time.. not much fun in your 3rd trimester when you know too much coughing can be terribly hard on your belly!
At my last Dr appt I had lost a pound.
Just had to fit that in. I don't think I was supposed to, but I spent a lot of last week sneezing and guzzling green tea.
Didn't keep me from getting sick though.
Molly wants to see her name in type.
MOLLY... is so much fun!
MOLLY SUSANNE PERRY.... yup, that's my name!... she says.
Off to reality.
Friday, May 11, 2007
BRF -- 1 Corinthians 13-16
Plenty of familiar verses this time around. ch 13... memorized... ch 15 full of AWANA verses that I go over regularly with the kids.
Plenty of relatively unfamiliar verses as well.
How can people read chapter 14 and believe that tongues are the be all and end all of gifts?
How can the pentecostal churches allow tongues with no interpretation in their services?
I was in a service palm Sunday where there were tongues with no interpretation and yes, Paul is right, they seem like they are out of their minds!!
However, tongues are not obsolete like some Baptists like to preach! It is a viable gift for a specific purpose. Even Paul spoke in tongues!
"Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues, Let all thing be done decently and in order." ch 14: 39-40
We need to find a balance. So far, I have not seen a church where this is balanced. Its everyone c'mon and speak in tongues!!! Whoo hoo!! or Tongues?? Never happens!!
My roommate in University... good Baptist gal... went to Bolivia on a mission trip. While there she was given the gift of praying in tongues. It was a beautiful experience for her to pray and have the interpretation there with the ladies she prayed with.
Then back to Canada, where she hardly dared admit she prayed in tongues. Its not done you see. I do not have this gift. I believe many have it and don't dare admit it. "Do not forbid to speak with tongues" is what scripture says.
"Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.' Awake to righteousness and do not sin." 15:39-40 This is the crux of a lot of problems. For instance, there are 3 boys in this neighborhood who aren't saved, could care less about spiritual things and have ungodly home lives. In the past few years Matt has tried to tell them about the Lord and has prayed for them. We encouraged Matt to reach out to them, BUT they still aren't saved, Matt no longer witnesses to them and Matt's attitudes and actions have been coming down to where they are. This is not good. We were deceived. Yes, these boys can come to know the Lord and we can't shun them... but now its hard to get rid of them!! I don't want Matt with them all the time. Matt is not allowed to go to their homes.. we foolishly let him try that once last year and once this year.. neither time was a blessing.
Sometimes, I think God made a mistake in giving us kids... they get hurt from our mistakes and when we try to backpedal, they just get confused. Who can blame them? Where are the christian kids?? The ones we know are worse than the non christian ones here and my kids are getting weary of being different than EVERYONE else.
15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain..."
I am where I am because of the grace of God. Loving that!! He has never expected me to be the perfect one who made it through life without ever messing up. Perfection in parenting was not expected either. Its by His grace that I can experience forgiveness, daily fresh starts... multiple new starts each day and direction for our family.
15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
In the light of everything we've read in 1st Corinthians, this verse means much, much more than it has in the past. In the light of all we have learned, we need to stand on this scripture and not budge. We need to know the gospel of Jesus Christ WELL... If you don't remember it go back over ch 15... we need to be truly discerning.. we need to judge sin in the church and not back down from it... we need to truly love... we need to not be deceived when it comes to choosing friends... we need to KNOW we have victory over sin and death... we need to stand against sin and not be moved!!! If we "get" the church doctrine here and live it we will have plenty of work to do!! We will be abounding in work!... If we are labouring for the Lord, it may be tough, but it will NEVER be in vain. People may not like us too much.. some may slander us, tell us off, stone us or have us flogged or jailed... who cares? Look at Paul. He stood for what was right. Plenty of folks loved him and did everything they could for him. Plenty of folks didn't like what he had to say.. in and out of the church, but did he change his message? Did he compromise? Did he tactfully change the subject and try to make them feel ok about their sin? No
We do.
One more thing... about giving. Note Paul makes a request for a gift for the Christians in Jerusalem who were desperately needing funds. Did Paul ask for them to tithe a gift for the collection? Nope. Does Paul ever ask the church to tithe?? Nope. Neither did Jesus.
The more I study, the more I see we are duped on tithing.
Remember back in Haggai?? We all were really feeling like we had been stealing from God. Lets get back to reality. What was the temple of the Lord then? What is it now? A church building?? NO!! We are the temple! God does not dwell in houses that men build.. He dwells in US!!
What was a tithe in the OT?? Money?? NEVER!! It was grain, food, oil... for the priests!!! Only a Levitical priest could accept the tithe as this was his sustenance. They were not landowners. They didn't grow crops. This was the sustenance for his family. God never said to give them any money.
In fact the only time money and tithing are mentioned together is when the temple is too far away for you to take an offering, you are to convert your offering to money and then when you get to the holy city you are to have a grand ole time, spending it on whatever your heart desires, feasting with your family. Then keep some extras on hand for those who God brings to you to feed.
We are to give cheerfully to those in need. Our money should not be wasted on new pews or overhead projectors or programs.... especially those that would elevate women and children over men which would be.... almost all of them!!
We need to take care of our pastor. We work them to death!! I keep looking at Paul though. He preached and travelled and never took a penny from those he preached to. He always worked as did his companions.
Look how far we have strayed from the model of the church. I see no record of building plans for larger sanctuaries or gymnasiums... not because they didn't have them back then... the pagans had them.. not the Christians. Their money went to take care of their families, widows, orphans and those in need. Yet, we are guilted into thinking God wants a monetary tithe from us when he doesn't!! He wants us to give as He gives to us. Is it honoring to God to get into debt to pay the church what He doesn't ask for?
Its not honoring to spend, spend, spend and never give either. We need to spend more time in prayer about where God wants our money than listen to more words of men.
We need to be in the loop so we know men who are really godly and those who aren't. We also need to treat all of them the same. None higher than others. Paul wanted Timothy, Apollos and whoever else may come to Corinth treated in the same loving way as he. We shouldn't treat some visiting missionaries with red carpet treatments and then barely entertain others as though they were less important. I've seen some people come to the church and are put in hotel rooms, potlucks are put on in their favor... everyone wants to host them for dinner!! and then... some are basically left on their own. It isn't right. Some are given both services to speak at and some are given 5 min in the morning and an honorable mention at night. Not right.
So... how do you get a church where sin isn't tolerated, everyone loves each other, gives to those in need, makes wise decisions, doesn't ask for what isn't their due, has pastors and teachers who are self sufficient??? AAAGGGGHHHHH! Mind boggling! Read the book!
By the way, guilted isn't actually a word (like AAAGGGGHHHHH is!!).. I just couldn't think of how to properly phrase that sentence so I used creative liscense there. Just because I can cuz its MY BLOG!
Plenty of relatively unfamiliar verses as well.
How can people read chapter 14 and believe that tongues are the be all and end all of gifts?
How can the pentecostal churches allow tongues with no interpretation in their services?
I was in a service palm Sunday where there were tongues with no interpretation and yes, Paul is right, they seem like they are out of their minds!!
However, tongues are not obsolete like some Baptists like to preach! It is a viable gift for a specific purpose. Even Paul spoke in tongues!
"Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues, Let all thing be done decently and in order." ch 14: 39-40
We need to find a balance. So far, I have not seen a church where this is balanced. Its everyone c'mon and speak in tongues!!! Whoo hoo!! or Tongues?? Never happens!!
My roommate in University... good Baptist gal... went to Bolivia on a mission trip. While there she was given the gift of praying in tongues. It was a beautiful experience for her to pray and have the interpretation there with the ladies she prayed with.
Then back to Canada, where she hardly dared admit she prayed in tongues. Its not done you see. I do not have this gift. I believe many have it and don't dare admit it. "Do not forbid to speak with tongues" is what scripture says.
"Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.' Awake to righteousness and do not sin." 15:39-40 This is the crux of a lot of problems. For instance, there are 3 boys in this neighborhood who aren't saved, could care less about spiritual things and have ungodly home lives. In the past few years Matt has tried to tell them about the Lord and has prayed for them. We encouraged Matt to reach out to them, BUT they still aren't saved, Matt no longer witnesses to them and Matt's attitudes and actions have been coming down to where they are. This is not good. We were deceived. Yes, these boys can come to know the Lord and we can't shun them... but now its hard to get rid of them!! I don't want Matt with them all the time. Matt is not allowed to go to their homes.. we foolishly let him try that once last year and once this year.. neither time was a blessing.
Sometimes, I think God made a mistake in giving us kids... they get hurt from our mistakes and when we try to backpedal, they just get confused. Who can blame them? Where are the christian kids?? The ones we know are worse than the non christian ones here and my kids are getting weary of being different than EVERYONE else.
15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain..."
I am where I am because of the grace of God. Loving that!! He has never expected me to be the perfect one who made it through life without ever messing up. Perfection in parenting was not expected either. Its by His grace that I can experience forgiveness, daily fresh starts... multiple new starts each day and direction for our family.
15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
In the light of everything we've read in 1st Corinthians, this verse means much, much more than it has in the past. In the light of all we have learned, we need to stand on this scripture and not budge. We need to know the gospel of Jesus Christ WELL... If you don't remember it go back over ch 15... we need to be truly discerning.. we need to judge sin in the church and not back down from it... we need to truly love... we need to not be deceived when it comes to choosing friends... we need to KNOW we have victory over sin and death... we need to stand against sin and not be moved!!! If we "get" the church doctrine here and live it we will have plenty of work to do!! We will be abounding in work!... If we are labouring for the Lord, it may be tough, but it will NEVER be in vain. People may not like us too much.. some may slander us, tell us off, stone us or have us flogged or jailed... who cares? Look at Paul. He stood for what was right. Plenty of folks loved him and did everything they could for him. Plenty of folks didn't like what he had to say.. in and out of the church, but did he change his message? Did he compromise? Did he tactfully change the subject and try to make them feel ok about their sin? No
We do.
One more thing... about giving. Note Paul makes a request for a gift for the Christians in Jerusalem who were desperately needing funds. Did Paul ask for them to tithe a gift for the collection? Nope. Does Paul ever ask the church to tithe?? Nope. Neither did Jesus.
The more I study, the more I see we are duped on tithing.
Remember back in Haggai?? We all were really feeling like we had been stealing from God. Lets get back to reality. What was the temple of the Lord then? What is it now? A church building?? NO!! We are the temple! God does not dwell in houses that men build.. He dwells in US!!
What was a tithe in the OT?? Money?? NEVER!! It was grain, food, oil... for the priests!!! Only a Levitical priest could accept the tithe as this was his sustenance. They were not landowners. They didn't grow crops. This was the sustenance for his family. God never said to give them any money.
In fact the only time money and tithing are mentioned together is when the temple is too far away for you to take an offering, you are to convert your offering to money and then when you get to the holy city you are to have a grand ole time, spending it on whatever your heart desires, feasting with your family. Then keep some extras on hand for those who God brings to you to feed.
We are to give cheerfully to those in need. Our money should not be wasted on new pews or overhead projectors or programs.... especially those that would elevate women and children over men which would be.... almost all of them!!
We need to take care of our pastor. We work them to death!! I keep looking at Paul though. He preached and travelled and never took a penny from those he preached to. He always worked as did his companions.
Look how far we have strayed from the model of the church. I see no record of building plans for larger sanctuaries or gymnasiums... not because they didn't have them back then... the pagans had them.. not the Christians. Their money went to take care of their families, widows, orphans and those in need. Yet, we are guilted into thinking God wants a monetary tithe from us when he doesn't!! He wants us to give as He gives to us. Is it honoring to God to get into debt to pay the church what He doesn't ask for?
Its not honoring to spend, spend, spend and never give either. We need to spend more time in prayer about where God wants our money than listen to more words of men.
We need to be in the loop so we know men who are really godly and those who aren't. We also need to treat all of them the same. None higher than others. Paul wanted Timothy, Apollos and whoever else may come to Corinth treated in the same loving way as he. We shouldn't treat some visiting missionaries with red carpet treatments and then barely entertain others as though they were less important. I've seen some people come to the church and are put in hotel rooms, potlucks are put on in their favor... everyone wants to host them for dinner!! and then... some are basically left on their own. It isn't right. Some are given both services to speak at and some are given 5 min in the morning and an honorable mention at night. Not right.
So... how do you get a church where sin isn't tolerated, everyone loves each other, gives to those in need, makes wise decisions, doesn't ask for what isn't their due, has pastors and teachers who are self sufficient??? AAAGGGGHHHHH! Mind boggling! Read the book!
By the way, guilted isn't actually a word (like AAAGGGGHHHHH is!!).. I just couldn't think of how to properly phrase that sentence so I used creative liscense there. Just because I can cuz its MY BLOG!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
sometimes God gives you cool things to say
Someone asked me today what was the catalyst to make the decision to make wholehearted decisions for God. I wish I could remember exactly how she worded her question, but we had systems failure and my memory is... 3rd trimester pregnancy... yeah.
This is my answer.
When I KNEW who Jesus really is and what He really did for me, what choice did I have?
I was saved at 4 and knew that Jesus died for my sins. When I was older and KNEW what He did for me, and saw who and what I was... a sinner who actually sinned... not a good kid... a SINNER!! How could I not choose to run with all my heart towards Him?
A speaker today told the difference between running to and running from. I'm no longer running from hell and the consequences of sin... I am running as hard and as fast as I can towards my Saviour and the lover of my very soul. Sometimes I fall. I get hurt. I get bashed, bruised and bloody but I CAN'T stop running.
Others may laugh and tell me its easier to stroll and picnic along the way, but I can't. I NEED to be near Christ. I am running towards the Father... Jesus is running with me, picking me up, cleaning the wounds with His word... still running. Jesus never says slow down, this
is a race.
When I am tired, hungry or thirsty HE gives me rest, food and water... its all Him.
How can I stop?
I can't. If I slow down, will one of my dear running mates kindly kick me in the rear and get me moving again.
Thanks.
The room is back up.. what timing... back to the conference!!
This is my answer.
When I KNEW who Jesus really is and what He really did for me, what choice did I have?
I was saved at 4 and knew that Jesus died for my sins. When I was older and KNEW what He did for me, and saw who and what I was... a sinner who actually sinned... not a good kid... a SINNER!! How could I not choose to run with all my heart towards Him?
A speaker today told the difference between running to and running from. I'm no longer running from hell and the consequences of sin... I am running as hard and as fast as I can towards my Saviour and the lover of my very soul. Sometimes I fall. I get hurt. I get bashed, bruised and bloody but I CAN'T stop running.
Others may laugh and tell me its easier to stroll and picnic along the way, but I can't. I NEED to be near Christ. I am running towards the Father... Jesus is running with me, picking me up, cleaning the wounds with His word... still running. Jesus never says slow down, this
is a race.
When I am tired, hungry or thirsty HE gives me rest, food and water... its all Him.
How can I stop?
I can't. If I slow down, will one of my dear running mates kindly kick me in the rear and get me moving again.
Thanks.
The room is back up.. what timing... back to the conference!!
For DAWN and ANDREA and anyone else who stumbles upon this
I am relinking this very cool
and yet controversial post on tithing. What is it? Do we actually believe what the Bible says about tithing? Where does God ask for money?
You girls go and read!! Pray for wisdom and discernment and let me know what you think.
ps BRF is late because I am at the Ultimate Homeschool Expo and having a ball. I will post tonight or tomorrow.
Gotta run..
TTFN!!
and yet controversial post on tithing. What is it? Do we actually believe what the Bible says about tithing? Where does God ask for money?
You girls go and read!! Pray for wisdom and discernment and let me know what you think.
ps BRF is late because I am at the Ultimate Homeschool Expo and having a ball. I will post tonight or tomorrow.
Gotta run..
TTFN!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
I have obviously failed
I have failed at my job. My kids do NOT understand their own mother tongue... English. A simple request brings on a "I don't know what you mean!" type of response.
Please wash the dishes... brings "What ME wash dishes?? You don't mean the dishes on the kitchen counter? Me?? You mean someone else. I'll just go read a book!!"
Please bring down the books on poetry off the shelves upstairs... "Huh? What's that? Yeah, I know what a poem is, duh!! Yeah, I know what a book is. A book with poems in it? I don't think we have those. I don't know what you mean!"
I think I'm going nuts.
This is ridiculous!!
Feed the dog please... an hour later?
Did you feed the dog yet?
Oh, did you mean me? You looked at me when you asked but you didn't SAY MY NAME so I figured you didn't really mean me.
Was I this stunned as a child? No I didn't ask them that question.
They would tell everyone I said they were stunned. That they would remember!!
I'm going to pray now.
Should have done that before ranting!!!
Please wash the dishes... brings "What ME wash dishes?? You don't mean the dishes on the kitchen counter? Me?? You mean someone else. I'll just go read a book!!"
Please bring down the books on poetry off the shelves upstairs... "Huh? What's that? Yeah, I know what a poem is, duh!! Yeah, I know what a book is. A book with poems in it? I don't think we have those. I don't know what you mean!"
I think I'm going nuts.
This is ridiculous!!
Feed the dog please... an hour later?
Did you feed the dog yet?
Oh, did you mean me? You looked at me when you asked but you didn't SAY MY NAME so I figured you didn't really mean me.
Was I this stunned as a child? No I didn't ask them that question.
They would tell everyone I said they were stunned. That they would remember!!
I'm going to pray now.
Should have done that before ranting!!!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Another Sunday towards peace?
This was another weird one for the record. I really want to remember the steps we are taking to get through this church mess.. for lack of a better word.
We went back to our church.
The pastor's message was great. He is in 2 Corinthians as opposed to our BRF 1 Corinthians.
The sermon was on chapter 2 dealing with forgiveness, repentance and restoration. How apropos. It was hard hitting but left us with what do we do if no repentance is offered. You can still forgive and not trust y'know. Forgiveness is what we are called to do. Trust without seeing repentance on the other side is just plain old stupid!! Yet, we can be nice at the same time.
To begin this little story with... I'm not a really touchy type of person. I like my space. If I give a hug its gotta mean that I am completely comfortable with someone and genuinely like and trust them. I very rarely have ever spontaneously hugged my mother. I will hug her because that is something she seems to need... but its not real natural. I don't hug men that aren't my husband... and hate it when men seem to think that touching someone else's wife IN ANY WAY... except a quick hand shake.... is appropriate. Dave had to speak to someone about that this winter. This other man hugs all the ladies and was shocked that I would find it offensive, but he was sensitive enough to know that I don't hate or even dislike him. It ended well.
I love to hug my children, on the other hand. Almost any child. Definitely my husband!!! The occasional friend on special occasions.... not many.
Therefore...
It nearly bowled me over when the woman who has been slandering us, whose husband told us royally off, who had us pretty near blacklisted, who caused all the problems for us in the church, who I most definitely do not trust and am NOT comfortable with... ran down from the choir and made a big show of giving me a hug during the handshake/welcome/family of God time.
Dave admits I looked as repulsed as I felt. It was like hugging a snake.... rephrase.. being hugged by a snake. I didn't hug her back.
This was not what I bargained for. Who hugs people they have seriously wronged?
This was not an apology.
Remember waaaay back in high school when some guy you weren't remotely interested in, but were nice to cuz you were nice to everyone (yeah..), asked you out and you got that queasy sick feeling in your stomach cuz you felt on the spot in a bad way?
That was this morning in church.
In front of everyone.
With my husband laughing.
When she left I could laugh too.
None of the kids got what we were laughing at and hate that Dave and I have our little private jokes.
Not that this is all out...
Nothing else can floor me at church now. I hope.
I can now naturally counter the "Oh, you're back. We thought we'd lost you." comments with a smile and a "Nope, we are still at the same address and phone number. Sorry we missed your call." without missing a beat.
We have an answering machine and call display.
There haven't been calls.
It sure ends the conversation quickly!
I hope that isn't mean. "The kids have grown so much!!" is another comment. Its been 2 months they haven't grown that much!!
I haven't noticed that any of the other kids in the church have changed so much so I'm assuming mine haven't either. They haven't changed hair colour or styles. Same wardrobes. Same faces. We still aren't ready for evening service. That used to be my fave. Testimony and sharing times are sweet fellowship times. This is where the 2 things I actually shared in the 2.5 years we were there were twisted completely around and thrown back in my face.
I am waiting for healing from the Lord from that one.
I don't usually share in public either. Its my private space issue. All those people hearing my private thoughts is intimidating.
Its much easier to just blog everything and then let half the world ... including complete strangers READ my private thoughts.
Yep, I'm not making sense anymore.
Blogging is done for the day.
G'night.
We went back to our church.
The pastor's message was great. He is in 2 Corinthians as opposed to our BRF 1 Corinthians.
The sermon was on chapter 2 dealing with forgiveness, repentance and restoration. How apropos. It was hard hitting but left us with what do we do if no repentance is offered. You can still forgive and not trust y'know. Forgiveness is what we are called to do. Trust without seeing repentance on the other side is just plain old stupid!! Yet, we can be nice at the same time.
To begin this little story with... I'm not a really touchy type of person. I like my space. If I give a hug its gotta mean that I am completely comfortable with someone and genuinely like and trust them. I very rarely have ever spontaneously hugged my mother. I will hug her because that is something she seems to need... but its not real natural. I don't hug men that aren't my husband... and hate it when men seem to think that touching someone else's wife IN ANY WAY... except a quick hand shake.... is appropriate. Dave had to speak to someone about that this winter. This other man hugs all the ladies and was shocked that I would find it offensive, but he was sensitive enough to know that I don't hate or even dislike him. It ended well.
I love to hug my children, on the other hand. Almost any child. Definitely my husband!!! The occasional friend on special occasions.... not many.
Therefore...
It nearly bowled me over when the woman who has been slandering us, whose husband told us royally off, who had us pretty near blacklisted, who caused all the problems for us in the church, who I most definitely do not trust and am NOT comfortable with... ran down from the choir and made a big show of giving me a hug during the handshake/welcome/family of God time.
Dave admits I looked as repulsed as I felt. It was like hugging a snake.... rephrase.. being hugged by a snake. I didn't hug her back.
This was not what I bargained for. Who hugs people they have seriously wronged?
This was not an apology.
Remember waaaay back in high school when some guy you weren't remotely interested in, but were nice to cuz you were nice to everyone (yeah..), asked you out and you got that queasy sick feeling in your stomach cuz you felt on the spot in a bad way?
That was this morning in church.
In front of everyone.
With my husband laughing.
When she left I could laugh too.
None of the kids got what we were laughing at and hate that Dave and I have our little private jokes.
Not that this is all out...
Nothing else can floor me at church now. I hope.
I can now naturally counter the "Oh, you're back. We thought we'd lost you." comments with a smile and a "Nope, we are still at the same address and phone number. Sorry we missed your call." without missing a beat.
We have an answering machine and call display.
There haven't been calls.
It sure ends the conversation quickly!
I hope that isn't mean. "The kids have grown so much!!" is another comment. Its been 2 months they haven't grown that much!!
I haven't noticed that any of the other kids in the church have changed so much so I'm assuming mine haven't either. They haven't changed hair colour or styles. Same wardrobes. Same faces. We still aren't ready for evening service. That used to be my fave. Testimony and sharing times are sweet fellowship times. This is where the 2 things I actually shared in the 2.5 years we were there were twisted completely around and thrown back in my face.
I am waiting for healing from the Lord from that one.
I don't usually share in public either. Its my private space issue. All those people hearing my private thoughts is intimidating.
Its much easier to just blog everything and then let half the world ... including complete strangers READ my private thoughts.
Yep, I'm not making sense anymore.
Blogging is done for the day.
G'night.
Friday, April 27, 2007
BRF -- 1 Corinthians 5-8
These are some tough chapters. Some of the issues here are heatedly disputed in the church and I have been called a legalist for going with some of it. I believe Paul is being extremely clear in these chapters of EXACTLY what he is speaking of. Those who say these are gray (or grey) areas are perhaps just looking to continue on with the status quo.
You can not act on 1 Cor 5-8 while still being tolerant of sin or politically correct. Its time to choose your side... or don't bother reading.
1 Corinthians 5:9-12 (New King James Version)
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?
We are to stay away from those who are sexually immoral and claim to be brothers. We aren't even to eat with them. (No pot lucks or home visits!!)
This is something "loving" Christians these days refuse to do. There is one "couple" at our church who are living together while waiting for each of their divorces to go through and then will get married and expect everyone to congratulate them... and people will!! They thought it would be wonderful to get to know Dave and I better and have invited us into their home for dinner. He is a Bible school/seminary graduate and happens to be familiar with this text. He is actually rather on the brilliant side. By getting us to eat with them we are also committing a sin. We declined the dinner invite. They are not upset as there are others who will go.
The general consensus to these type of situations is that in a few years everyone will forget that they had chosen this route and will just treat them as any other married couple in the church. In this case each of them has a daughter with the same name so there will always be questions from new people!!
The Bible says clearly... STAY AWAY!!!
We have no call to hold the world to our standard... that would be ridiculous!!! We need to be reaching out to those who are lost and in sexual sins.
We have every reason, even a mandate to recognize this in the brethren and expect them to wise up and be holy... not to make a mockery of God's holiness.... even if it isn't what the church people call "loving."
When you bring this up in your church.. and we must... and people say "We can't do anything. To not even eat with them is unloving." Tell them to take it up with God and His word... which is perfect and infallible!! What if some of these people are your best friends? Remember Jesus said He came not to bring peace but a sword. If we aren't willing to choose Him first, we show we hate Him and are friends of the world.
Also, those in sexual sins certainly know it and they KNOW there are always repercussions for the choices they make. We need to be wise enough to be able to judge these situations according to God's word.
In chapter 6 Paul is reminding us that we are going to be judging the world someday. We need to show discernment in judging now. Ch 6 vs 2b ".. are you not competent to judge trivial cases?" When Paul gives us an open and shut case for what we are to do, it should be a trivial matter to simply follow directions. Not even a lot of gray matter used here.
We also need to be able to judge disputes between the brethren. I love Ch 6 vs 5 probably because we have been looking for a wise person to help mediate the problems at the church and have come up pretty empty handed (though we may have found one this week, praise God!!)
"I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?"
Can we all hang down our heads and admit that this is true? Are we wise enough? By God's grace soon we will have a resounding "YES!!!" from some ladies who are taking God's word seriously! We need to be wise. Our men need to be wise, not just in their individual business worlds, but in the Word of God. We need men that can stand up and say "Enough!! This is wrong and this is why. You can't do this and claim to be a disciple of Christ!!"
Someone who actually gets vs 12 ""Everything is permissible for me" -- but not everything is beneficial."
I've heard people quote the everything is permissible for me phrase... how many of them know that Paul was quoting what the believers in Corinth were saying and HE wasn't saying it I'm not sure. Yes, we have freedom in Christ. Freedom from the law. Freedom for what we eat, etc...
God still has reasons for laying things out the way He did though and we really should pay attention. For instance, God forbade eating pigs. It is not absolutely permissible to eat pork in any form. This is definitely NOT a sin. However, it is really hard on your body. We don't eat pork because it literally makes us ill. Ever tried the pouring coke on the pork roast and see what happens?? Little worms will make their way out!!
I guess we do eat some pig. We do enjoy ham.
Just not pork roast, loin or chops.
Definitely not chops.
How bout the shellfish thing? Another no-no according to the OT law. Those creeping things that creep on the bottom of the sea (lobster, crab, etc..) feed on dead flesh. Yep, if another creature dies, they are the vultures of the sea. Remember the Swiss Air flight that crashed off the coast of NS a few years back? That was also a bumper year for lobster. No joke. Dave still eats it, I am thankfully allergic and don't offend anyone at the dinner table by just sticking with the allergen thing. No one who just paid $30 for lobster in a restaurant wants to be told that they are eating sea vultures.
Moving on. (Thank goodness?)
Chapter 7
No one likes discussing this chapter with me... especially those who are in or have been in divorce proceedings. I simply don't care what their station in life is.. If I'm asked I state what I believe to be true.
Before Paul gets in to talking about marriage and when its ok to let your spouse go (very few reasons I might add) he gives this disclaimer.
Please read carefully.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (New King James Version)
10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.
The Lord is commanding us not to divorce, but even if it happens (the next few verses say when it can happen with no guilt) we are to remain unmarried.
vs 39 states the ONLY exception to this rule... death of the spouse.
This corresponds exactly to what Jesus says in Luke.
Luke 16:18 (New King James Version)
18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.
I've been waiting for someone preaching on remarriage/adultery to connect these 2 verses. No one has while I've been sitting in the pew... but here ya go folks...
It doesn't matter if you do the divorcing or are on the receiving end of the divorce. If you remarry, you commit adultery. That is where the sin part comes in. Some reasons for divorce can leave you completely in the clear as far as sin goes, why mess it up by committing adultery afterwards?? Another marriage while the first spouse is alive is called adultery. Jesus said it. Paul (though not using the word adultery) makes it clear this is not to happen.
Chapter 8 and the weaker brother and I'm done.
Once again ... how did this get so long??
Vs 9 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
The youth pastor who has no problem with having a beer on the patio of the pub along the waterfront on a hot summer day.
The couple who make wine in their basement.
The woman who wears what she considers warm weather necessities such as tube tops and backless halters.
Camping every weekend in the summer so you become a 3 season church attender.
Are these sins? Probably not. Can they become a stumbling block for another and cause some to fall? Absolutely yes.
Lets just not go there.
There are so many really great things to do with the freedom we have in Christ.... like...
Actually visiting people on the Sabbath.
Resting when you can instead of having a prescribed day for it.
Speaking to others of different backgrounds and being allowed to go into their houses.
Not kissing your fingers to a wooden box every time you walk in and out of your house!!
Talking to God face to face.
Reading God's word and discussing it with fellow believers.
Having God speak directly to us as we open His word.
Having the Holy Spirit guide us to a divine appt with a stranger that changes your life.
Meeting strangers and finding them friends.
Having forgiveness from our sin and starting every day fresh.. and sometimes every minute!
Why go out of our way to do something that can cause a brother to fall?
That's my BRF for tonight. BRF could also stand for BRIEF... Not on this blog!!
Now I can read all of yours.... YEAH!!
You can not act on 1 Cor 5-8 while still being tolerant of sin or politically correct. Its time to choose your side... or don't bother reading.
1 Corinthians 5:9-12 (New King James Version)
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?
We are to stay away from those who are sexually immoral and claim to be brothers. We aren't even to eat with them. (No pot lucks or home visits!!)
This is something "loving" Christians these days refuse to do. There is one "couple" at our church who are living together while waiting for each of their divorces to go through and then will get married and expect everyone to congratulate them... and people will!! They thought it would be wonderful to get to know Dave and I better and have invited us into their home for dinner. He is a Bible school/seminary graduate and happens to be familiar with this text. He is actually rather on the brilliant side. By getting us to eat with them we are also committing a sin. We declined the dinner invite. They are not upset as there are others who will go.
The general consensus to these type of situations is that in a few years everyone will forget that they had chosen this route and will just treat them as any other married couple in the church. In this case each of them has a daughter with the same name so there will always be questions from new people!!
The Bible says clearly... STAY AWAY!!!
We have no call to hold the world to our standard... that would be ridiculous!!! We need to be reaching out to those who are lost and in sexual sins.
We have every reason, even a mandate to recognize this in the brethren and expect them to wise up and be holy... not to make a mockery of God's holiness.... even if it isn't what the church people call "loving."
When you bring this up in your church.. and we must... and people say "We can't do anything. To not even eat with them is unloving." Tell them to take it up with God and His word... which is perfect and infallible!! What if some of these people are your best friends? Remember Jesus said He came not to bring peace but a sword. If we aren't willing to choose Him first, we show we hate Him and are friends of the world.
Also, those in sexual sins certainly know it and they KNOW there are always repercussions for the choices they make. We need to be wise enough to be able to judge these situations according to God's word.
In chapter 6 Paul is reminding us that we are going to be judging the world someday. We need to show discernment in judging now. Ch 6 vs 2b ".. are you not competent to judge trivial cases?" When Paul gives us an open and shut case for what we are to do, it should be a trivial matter to simply follow directions. Not even a lot of gray matter used here.
We also need to be able to judge disputes between the brethren. I love Ch 6 vs 5 probably because we have been looking for a wise person to help mediate the problems at the church and have come up pretty empty handed (though we may have found one this week, praise God!!)
"I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?"
Can we all hang down our heads and admit that this is true? Are we wise enough? By God's grace soon we will have a resounding "YES!!!" from some ladies who are taking God's word seriously! We need to be wise. Our men need to be wise, not just in their individual business worlds, but in the Word of God. We need men that can stand up and say "Enough!! This is wrong and this is why. You can't do this and claim to be a disciple of Christ!!"
Someone who actually gets vs 12 ""Everything is permissible for me" -- but not everything is beneficial."
I've heard people quote the everything is permissible for me phrase... how many of them know that Paul was quoting what the believers in Corinth were saying and HE wasn't saying it I'm not sure. Yes, we have freedom in Christ. Freedom from the law. Freedom for what we eat, etc...
God still has reasons for laying things out the way He did though and we really should pay attention. For instance, God forbade eating pigs. It is not absolutely permissible to eat pork in any form. This is definitely NOT a sin. However, it is really hard on your body. We don't eat pork because it literally makes us ill. Ever tried the pouring coke on the pork roast and see what happens?? Little worms will make their way out!!
I guess we do eat some pig. We do enjoy ham.
Just not pork roast, loin or chops.
Definitely not chops.
How bout the shellfish thing? Another no-no according to the OT law. Those creeping things that creep on the bottom of the sea (lobster, crab, etc..) feed on dead flesh. Yep, if another creature dies, they are the vultures of the sea. Remember the Swiss Air flight that crashed off the coast of NS a few years back? That was also a bumper year for lobster. No joke. Dave still eats it, I am thankfully allergic and don't offend anyone at the dinner table by just sticking with the allergen thing. No one who just paid $30 for lobster in a restaurant wants to be told that they are eating sea vultures.
Moving on. (Thank goodness?)
Chapter 7
No one likes discussing this chapter with me... especially those who are in or have been in divorce proceedings. I simply don't care what their station in life is.. If I'm asked I state what I believe to be true.
Before Paul gets in to talking about marriage and when its ok to let your spouse go (very few reasons I might add) he gives this disclaimer.
Please read carefully.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (New King James Version)
10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.
The Lord is commanding us not to divorce, but even if it happens (the next few verses say when it can happen with no guilt) we are to remain unmarried.
vs 39 states the ONLY exception to this rule... death of the spouse.
This corresponds exactly to what Jesus says in Luke.
Luke 16:18 (New King James Version)
18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.
I've been waiting for someone preaching on remarriage/adultery to connect these 2 verses. No one has while I've been sitting in the pew... but here ya go folks...
It doesn't matter if you do the divorcing or are on the receiving end of the divorce. If you remarry, you commit adultery. That is where the sin part comes in. Some reasons for divorce can leave you completely in the clear as far as sin goes, why mess it up by committing adultery afterwards?? Another marriage while the first spouse is alive is called adultery. Jesus said it. Paul (though not using the word adultery) makes it clear this is not to happen.
Chapter 8 and the weaker brother and I'm done.
Once again ... how did this get so long??
Vs 9 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
The youth pastor who has no problem with having a beer on the patio of the pub along the waterfront on a hot summer day.
The couple who make wine in their basement.
The woman who wears what she considers warm weather necessities such as tube tops and backless halters.
Camping every weekend in the summer so you become a 3 season church attender.
Are these sins? Probably not. Can they become a stumbling block for another and cause some to fall? Absolutely yes.
Lets just not go there.
There are so many really great things to do with the freedom we have in Christ.... like...
Actually visiting people on the Sabbath.
Resting when you can instead of having a prescribed day for it.
Speaking to others of different backgrounds and being allowed to go into their houses.
Not kissing your fingers to a wooden box every time you walk in and out of your house!!
Talking to God face to face.
Reading God's word and discussing it with fellow believers.
Having God speak directly to us as we open His word.
Having the Holy Spirit guide us to a divine appt with a stranger that changes your life.
Meeting strangers and finding them friends.
Having forgiveness from our sin and starting every day fresh.. and sometimes every minute!
Why go out of our way to do something that can cause a brother to fall?
That's my BRF for tonight. BRF could also stand for BRIEF... Not on this blog!!
Now I can read all of yours.... YEAH!!
Ultimate Homeschool Conf
I am a new member of the Ultimate homeschool Conference and I'm lovin' it!!
For $25 American I can actually listen to many, many sessions on my own free time, read amazing articles, learn about new ways of teaching, get AMAZING free ebooks and treasures (even a lapbooking unit study on sled dogs the kids will love as they had their first sled dog ride ... mushing experience this winter) and lots more. There is still time to sign up if you are interested at Ultimate Homeschool Expo Ticket.
The $25 is if you sign up with a friend. Otherwise its $35. The site will be up indefinitely so you can have encouragement all year round.
I also found this article. I'd love to know what everyone thought of it.
Its a little long and a lot controversial and might just shake up one of our biggest "Traditions of man" beliefs that we have. Hope you are interested enough to take a look.
My BRF is gonna go on late when the kids are in bed.
I know I didn't BRF last week, I did read ch 1-4 several times though... more than I read the 5-8 that I will be posting on.. go figure!!
For $25 American I can actually listen to many, many sessions on my own free time, read amazing articles, learn about new ways of teaching, get AMAZING free ebooks and treasures (even a lapbooking unit study on sled dogs the kids will love as they had their first sled dog ride ... mushing experience this winter) and lots more. There is still time to sign up if you are interested at Ultimate Homeschool Expo Ticket.
The $25 is if you sign up with a friend. Otherwise its $35. The site will be up indefinitely so you can have encouragement all year round.
I also found this article. I'd love to know what everyone thought of it.
Its a little long and a lot controversial and might just shake up one of our biggest "Traditions of man" beliefs that we have. Hope you are interested enough to take a look.
My BRF is gonna go on late when the kids are in bed.
I know I didn't BRF last week, I did read ch 1-4 several times though... more than I read the 5-8 that I will be posting on.. go figure!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
home again, home again, jiggety jig
Well, I'm back from the big city!!
Cities I should say... lots of buildings, more cars, parking garages that never end...
Ok, how many people when they travel actually get to have a really good tour of a parking garage?? Not many.
Ang not only showed me around the parking garage but showed me how to play a GREAT game of Scavenger Hunt meets the Amazing Race.
We got a clue... a partial clue... and a panic button for the car and off we went to discover... we can't read a ticket for the garage which apparently tells you where to go and Ang is as blind as a bat regarding the huge cement posts in the parking garage. But that's ok, cuz we got to play this neat new game and she did, after all, carry the big suitcase!!
Aunt Anne, Angela and I had the most amazing time at the Kay Arthur conf. It was so far beyond anything I've ever been to. I don't know enough Bible. Simple as that. I have some new precept studies for me, the kids... oh and a few for Dave. We can get more later.
Thanks to A. Anne for the complete works of John McArthur in a box... Logos for the computer which also has a complete pastoral reference library.
Dave is gonna be cookin' smart!!!
We will be switching our reading programs to precepts studies beginning almost immediately. I need to order a few more things. They have an amazing kids line already and they are, of course, pumping out more studies faster than you can blink.
They have 4 studies to do the book of Genesis, 3 on the book of John, a couple on Revelation.. more to come there.. Jonah, James, Who is God?, How to Study the Bible for kids, on and on...
As a homeschooling Mom I have the rare privilege of having my kids study well what is important. Some of the precept upon precept studies are of post university quality. In those studies the book of Rev. takes over 2 years to complete. This is an exhaustive study!!
Of course most of them won't take that long.
You can also get studies that are 20 min per day and then some that are 40 min a week... one lesson with no homework that are wonderful for Sunday School classes.
http://www.preceptministries.ca/
This is the link to find out more info.
I'm not making so much as a penny for this blurb!!! I think its important.
Time is short. We need to prioritize.
Other than that. I ate too much this weekend. Lots too much!! Way to many desserts and that's ok!! I'm home now... except Dave was getting food for the weekend. Way to many unhealthy snacks at my home right now. I'm gonna weigh a ton when I have this kid.
Gwen and Luke are doing great. We are going up for a birthday party this weekend and I will get to meet the little(?) guy!! I'm wondering if he's getting enough attention... first boy... 4 older sisters.... maybe!
Hopefully Gwen gets her turn to see the wee man!!
Dave has toddled off to bed...
I must go too.
Cities I should say... lots of buildings, more cars, parking garages that never end...
Ok, how many people when they travel actually get to have a really good tour of a parking garage?? Not many.
Ang not only showed me around the parking garage but showed me how to play a GREAT game of Scavenger Hunt meets the Amazing Race.
We got a clue... a partial clue... and a panic button for the car and off we went to discover... we can't read a ticket for the garage which apparently tells you where to go and Ang is as blind as a bat regarding the huge cement posts in the parking garage. But that's ok, cuz we got to play this neat new game and she did, after all, carry the big suitcase!!
Aunt Anne, Angela and I had the most amazing time at the Kay Arthur conf. It was so far beyond anything I've ever been to. I don't know enough Bible. Simple as that. I have some new precept studies for me, the kids... oh and a few for Dave. We can get more later.
Thanks to A. Anne for the complete works of John McArthur in a box... Logos for the computer which also has a complete pastoral reference library.
Dave is gonna be cookin' smart!!!
We will be switching our reading programs to precepts studies beginning almost immediately. I need to order a few more things. They have an amazing kids line already and they are, of course, pumping out more studies faster than you can blink.
They have 4 studies to do the book of Genesis, 3 on the book of John, a couple on Revelation.. more to come there.. Jonah, James, Who is God?, How to Study the Bible for kids, on and on...
As a homeschooling Mom I have the rare privilege of having my kids study well what is important. Some of the precept upon precept studies are of post university quality. In those studies the book of Rev. takes over 2 years to complete. This is an exhaustive study!!
Of course most of them won't take that long.
You can also get studies that are 20 min per day and then some that are 40 min a week... one lesson with no homework that are wonderful for Sunday School classes.
http://www.preceptministries.ca/
This is the link to find out more info.
I'm not making so much as a penny for this blurb!!! I think its important.
Time is short. We need to prioritize.
Other than that. I ate too much this weekend. Lots too much!! Way to many desserts and that's ok!! I'm home now... except Dave was getting food for the weekend. Way to many unhealthy snacks at my home right now. I'm gonna weigh a ton when I have this kid.
Gwen and Luke are doing great. We are going up for a birthday party this weekend and I will get to meet the little(?) guy!! I'm wondering if he's getting enough attention... first boy... 4 older sisters.... maybe!
Hopefully Gwen gets her turn to see the wee man!!
Dave has toddled off to bed...
I must go too.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
BRF Jonah and Kay Arthur
All I have to say about Jonah is that it really bothered me.
After Jonah did the rebellion thing and the near drowning thing he was miraculously saved AND KNEW IT. Then he did his little messenger thing and threw a sulk fit that was worthy of any middle schooler. No offense kids, you can't help puberty!
Was Jonah 12?
Did he really through a snit fit at God?
God really can use anyone!!
However, we just finished up the most wonderfully awesome precept study conference weekend with Kay Arthur where we studied Ezekiel, Daniel, Revelation, Hosea, Isaiah and Zachariah. I can not describe to you how incredibly real those sessions were and how the Bible came alive.
I purchased some of the precept studies and will be praying for an opportunity to share the word with more people.
It was amazing the people that I met, the divine appointments God had in store for me and some of the wonderful women that facilitated the appts and encouraged me. I do NOT believe in coincidences... one woman met me who upon finding out I was from NB absolutely had to have me meet a woman she just met from Halifax, who just happened to be sitting in the same pew as me in this ginormous church, who also happened to be staying with friends in Guelph, who also just happened to be going through a horrific time at her church even though she and her husband are standing firmly on God's word, who just happened to know the new pastor at the church that has really hurt us this winter and could offer the most amazing encouragement to me and could also give a good character reference to Pastor Chris and Sandy about us.
Do you think this is a coincidence??
We met in Brampton where neither of us had even stopped in before.
This appt was definitely set up by God.
If anyone EVER has a chance to go to a Kay Arthur or precept seminar GO!!!
Do not hesitate.
If anyone is looking to get to know the Bible better, get yourself a good precept Bible study. They have them on about every book of the Bible in weekly SSchool type studies, Inductive 15 min per day studies, and lets get down and dirty into the word with our sleeves rolled up precept upon precept study.
The time we have is short.
We need to prioritize.
As Kay said, "Instead of fighting the war we are in we tend to stay home and weave daisy chains."
This woman is 73 years old and gives everything of herself to see that as many people as she can in countries all over the world learn the gospel of Jesus Christ.
She has written about 100 Bible studies and books, learned the Bible like no one else I've ever seen, constantly travels around encouraging others to study and share, gives her best to the people at the conferences (she spoke for a total of 7 hours today... at 73!) and more.
What are we doing for the Lord?
Where is our energy going?
What are we teaching our children?
As homeschooling moms is the Bible our primary focus?
Is the study of God's Word more important than Math, science, history??
Why are we buying readers and other books to learn reading from when we can teach them with God's word?
If the knowledge of God's word is the most important subject they can learn, do we show that with the amount of time we spend in the word daily with our children?
They have treasure seeking kids Bible studies for kids. They are amazing!!
They will also be what my kids will be doing for reading from now on. There are so many studies we will not run out.
My kids need to be ready for service.
So do I!
Watch out world... here we come!!!
After Jonah did the rebellion thing and the near drowning thing he was miraculously saved AND KNEW IT. Then he did his little messenger thing and threw a sulk fit that was worthy of any middle schooler. No offense kids, you can't help puberty!
Was Jonah 12?
Did he really through a snit fit at God?
God really can use anyone!!
However, we just finished up the most wonderfully awesome precept study conference weekend with Kay Arthur where we studied Ezekiel, Daniel, Revelation, Hosea, Isaiah and Zachariah. I can not describe to you how incredibly real those sessions were and how the Bible came alive.
I purchased some of the precept studies and will be praying for an opportunity to share the word with more people.
It was amazing the people that I met, the divine appointments God had in store for me and some of the wonderful women that facilitated the appts and encouraged me. I do NOT believe in coincidences... one woman met me who upon finding out I was from NB absolutely had to have me meet a woman she just met from Halifax, who just happened to be sitting in the same pew as me in this ginormous church, who also happened to be staying with friends in Guelph, who also just happened to be going through a horrific time at her church even though she and her husband are standing firmly on God's word, who just happened to know the new pastor at the church that has really hurt us this winter and could offer the most amazing encouragement to me and could also give a good character reference to Pastor Chris and Sandy about us.
Do you think this is a coincidence??
We met in Brampton where neither of us had even stopped in before.
This appt was definitely set up by God.
If anyone EVER has a chance to go to a Kay Arthur or precept seminar GO!!!
Do not hesitate.
If anyone is looking to get to know the Bible better, get yourself a good precept Bible study. They have them on about every book of the Bible in weekly SSchool type studies, Inductive 15 min per day studies, and lets get down and dirty into the word with our sleeves rolled up precept upon precept study.
The time we have is short.
We need to prioritize.
As Kay said, "Instead of fighting the war we are in we tend to stay home and weave daisy chains."
This woman is 73 years old and gives everything of herself to see that as many people as she can in countries all over the world learn the gospel of Jesus Christ.
She has written about 100 Bible studies and books, learned the Bible like no one else I've ever seen, constantly travels around encouraging others to study and share, gives her best to the people at the conferences (she spoke for a total of 7 hours today... at 73!) and more.
What are we doing for the Lord?
Where is our energy going?
What are we teaching our children?
As homeschooling moms is the Bible our primary focus?
Is the study of God's Word more important than Math, science, history??
Why are we buying readers and other books to learn reading from when we can teach them with God's word?
If the knowledge of God's word is the most important subject they can learn, do we show that with the amount of time we spend in the word daily with our children?
They have treasure seeking kids Bible studies for kids. They are amazing!!
They will also be what my kids will be doing for reading from now on. There are so many studies we will not run out.
My kids need to be ready for service.
So do I!
Watch out world... here we come!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Welcome Baby Luke
Welcome to the world Baby Luke McQuarrie.
Luke Gordon was born today at 1:29 pm.
He is already half grown at an amazing 11 1bs 12.5 oz.
Can we say OUCH!!
Gwen and Luke are doing fine.
I can't wait to meet him!!!!
Make that he was born yesterday April 11th as I see it is past midnight!
Luke Gordon was born today at 1:29 pm.
He is already half grown at an amazing 11 1bs 12.5 oz.
Can we say OUCH!!
Gwen and Luke are doing fine.
I can't wait to meet him!!!!
Make that he was born yesterday April 11th as I see it is past midnight!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Don't even feel you need to read this... its really nothing!
3 more days until takeoff!!!!
Caitlyn and I just folded an enormous pile of laundry which everyone helped put away.
One load in the dryer, one in the washer and we are caught up until at least suppertime!!
Caitlyn is making lunch... she's sure I'm never gonna get to it.. it is 2:00 after all.
I think the kids will all be going outside after lunch.
Except for the ones that are going down down for a nap.
Courtney is sweeping.
Justin is sleeping.
Jack is happy squawking.
Lunch is ready.
This has been a productive day.. so far.
I'm even having time to blog about ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
Caitlyn and I just folded an enormous pile of laundry which everyone helped put away.
One load in the dryer, one in the washer and we are caught up until at least suppertime!!
Caitlyn is making lunch... she's sure I'm never gonna get to it.. it is 2:00 after all.
I think the kids will all be going outside after lunch.
Except for the ones that are going down down for a nap.
Courtney is sweeping.
Justin is sleeping.
Jack is happy squawking.
Lunch is ready.
This has been a productive day.. so far.
I'm even having time to blog about ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Not yer typical Easter Sunday Morning
I really have to blog this Easter Sunday morning... when I should be in church... and am NOT!
You see, my boys have this tendency to dig big holes. I do not like this tendency at all. They are worse than the dog.
They dug a big hole in the driveway. I told them in no uncertain terms (insert yelling like a maniac) that this was dangerous and not in the least acceptable and they were to fill it in immediately.
They filled all right... with water.
This iced over and then snowed over and it appeared that the hole was taken care of.
Not.
Dave had taken the boys and Courtney to church in the car and I was going to follow a little bit later with the 2 girls that need to look perfect before they leave the house. I must admit they did look pretty good!!
We backed up the van and as I was about to go forwards the ice under the front wheel broke and down we went into the hole. That hole is pretty deep. The van is sitting on this sick little tilt and Caitlyn, Molly, Justin and I are not going to go anywhere!!
Molly and I have had our cry. She loves church. Easter morning happens to be my favourite service and we were not happy campers.
So we suck it up and decide to make our table beautiful and put together the most wonderful roast beef dinner that we can get up.
We even have Velveeta cheese to make sauce for the veggies... and new potatoes...
I wish church were closer so Dave could have come back to get us, but its 1/2 hour away and the service would be over before we got there.
I guess I should get the veggies prepared.
Happy, happy day!!
You see, my boys have this tendency to dig big holes. I do not like this tendency at all. They are worse than the dog.
They dug a big hole in the driveway. I told them in no uncertain terms (insert yelling like a maniac) that this was dangerous and not in the least acceptable and they were to fill it in immediately.
They filled all right... with water.
This iced over and then snowed over and it appeared that the hole was taken care of.
Not.
Dave had taken the boys and Courtney to church in the car and I was going to follow a little bit later with the 2 girls that need to look perfect before they leave the house. I must admit they did look pretty good!!
We backed up the van and as I was about to go forwards the ice under the front wheel broke and down we went into the hole. That hole is pretty deep. The van is sitting on this sick little tilt and Caitlyn, Molly, Justin and I are not going to go anywhere!!
Molly and I have had our cry. She loves church. Easter morning happens to be my favourite service and we were not happy campers.
So we suck it up and decide to make our table beautiful and put together the most wonderful roast beef dinner that we can get up.
We even have Velveeta cheese to make sauce for the veggies... and new potatoes...
I wish church were closer so Dave could have come back to get us, but its 1/2 hour away and the service would be over before we got there.
I guess I should get the veggies prepared.
Happy, happy day!!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
BRF -- Galatians
Nothing too earth shattering this week.
I really enjoyed Galatians.
I love the way Paul doesn't beat around the bush... he jumps right into why he's writing this letter.
Greetings, blah, blah, blah... vs 6 "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- (7) which is really no gospel at all."
Hi guys WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU THINKING?
vs 10 really sums up how Paul is. "Am I trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
I don't think anyone would accuse me to be a pleaser of men. I have plenty of problems, but I really could care less what anyone thinks of me. But I'm not so bold as Paul. He stood up to the core of Jesus' disciples, now the apostles. I love when he says that Peter was clearly in the wrong so he rebuked him in front of everyone. If you sin in front of everyone I guess being rebuked in front of all of them is fair. I just don't think I would ever do that!
The prophets of old rebuked in front of audiences.
Remember Nathan rebuking David about the Bathsheba/adultery/murder/cover up thing?
Maybe its loving to confront someone openly knowing they have 2 choices... hate you for life or repent publicly. Ouch.
Its so hard to not get caught up in the law. Freedom in Christ is a wonderful thing. Having the heart of Christ is a wonderful thing. Knowing the law helps to understand the holiness of God. The balance is being Christlike in His holiness and still free from the law. That is, for me anyway, a tough call sometimes.
I don't want to be burdened by a yoke of slavery, but what all is the law?
What are we free from? What about tithing? Is that part of the law? Is that still required today or is that the church trying to finance itself. If you are part of a home church do you still tithe? and to who? Is giving the way we are to go now? Does percentage matter? or does whatever we can give matter? Jesus said the woman with the 2 mites gave more than the Pharisees with their tithes. Did she give a tithe or what she had left from her meager store after she paid her rent and bought the groceries? Is all that she had everything until her next "paycheck" or all that she was ever going to have forever?
Sometimes all that I have is literally dumping out the change from my purse knowing that is it until the next pay... and it hasn't been a tithe. Thankfully we have had pay raises since. Where exactly is the freedom here?
Is it more important to give our tithe to the church for the newest gadgets they will be purchasing or to get christian curriculum for our kids to teach them at home? Does giving to registered charity make it a tithe and giving to an unregistered charity such as our homeschool make it not part of giving to the Lord.
Where does freedom come in and following the law go out?
I know that finances are not exactly what Paul is going with here, but this is the area of freedom vs the law that we keep struggling with. Everything we have is God's. We have a home to raise the children He gave us to raise, to offer hospitality to others in and to learn His word in. Our van is to not only schlepp our family around in, but to visit others and maybe even schlepp them around in. Everything we have is to be used for whatever purpose God has given them to us for. Most of all is to take care of and train our children to be warriors for His kingdom.
These are our busy at home with small children years which may not seem as productive as our get out and minister actively in the community years were (and will be again), but no less important. This is also the time when we have less money for tithing as the kids, bless their hearts, require a lot of upkeep!!
Freedom... law... freedom... law...
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
This is the heart of the book. Chuck the law. Stop picking on the other believers... just do good to them... even the ones that are nasty to us.
Oh boy. That opens a new can of worms. What about those who have spent a good deal of the past year slandering us? What about the ones that have believed the slander and told us off and ignored us? How on earth do we do good to them?
Jumpins!! Wish I hadn't had that thought! Now I may have to go waaay outside my comfort zone and start actively loving some "enemies" that I don't even like.
I'm going to need some prayer for this one girls.
Did anyone notice this Bible just keeps getting sharper and sharper??
I really don't want to change... but how can I grow closer to the Lord and not change?
Ideas... anyone?
Did I say nothing too earth shattering this week? I feel like my world is about to be turned upside down.
I really enjoyed Galatians.
I love the way Paul doesn't beat around the bush... he jumps right into why he's writing this letter.
Greetings, blah, blah, blah... vs 6 "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- (7) which is really no gospel at all."
Hi guys WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU THINKING?
vs 10 really sums up how Paul is. "Am I trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
I don't think anyone would accuse me to be a pleaser of men. I have plenty of problems, but I really could care less what anyone thinks of me. But I'm not so bold as Paul. He stood up to the core of Jesus' disciples, now the apostles. I love when he says that Peter was clearly in the wrong so he rebuked him in front of everyone. If you sin in front of everyone I guess being rebuked in front of all of them is fair. I just don't think I would ever do that!
The prophets of old rebuked in front of audiences.
Remember Nathan rebuking David about the Bathsheba/adultery/murder/cover up thing?
Maybe its loving to confront someone openly knowing they have 2 choices... hate you for life or repent publicly. Ouch.
Its so hard to not get caught up in the law. Freedom in Christ is a wonderful thing. Having the heart of Christ is a wonderful thing. Knowing the law helps to understand the holiness of God. The balance is being Christlike in His holiness and still free from the law. That is, for me anyway, a tough call sometimes.
I don't want to be burdened by a yoke of slavery, but what all is the law?
What are we free from? What about tithing? Is that part of the law? Is that still required today or is that the church trying to finance itself. If you are part of a home church do you still tithe? and to who? Is giving the way we are to go now? Does percentage matter? or does whatever we can give matter? Jesus said the woman with the 2 mites gave more than the Pharisees with their tithes. Did she give a tithe or what she had left from her meager store after she paid her rent and bought the groceries? Is all that she had everything until her next "paycheck" or all that she was ever going to have forever?
Sometimes all that I have is literally dumping out the change from my purse knowing that is it until the next pay... and it hasn't been a tithe. Thankfully we have had pay raises since. Where exactly is the freedom here?
Is it more important to give our tithe to the church for the newest gadgets they will be purchasing or to get christian curriculum for our kids to teach them at home? Does giving to registered charity make it a tithe and giving to an unregistered charity such as our homeschool make it not part of giving to the Lord.
Where does freedom come in and following the law go out?
I know that finances are not exactly what Paul is going with here, but this is the area of freedom vs the law that we keep struggling with. Everything we have is God's. We have a home to raise the children He gave us to raise, to offer hospitality to others in and to learn His word in. Our van is to not only schlepp our family around in, but to visit others and maybe even schlepp them around in. Everything we have is to be used for whatever purpose God has given them to us for. Most of all is to take care of and train our children to be warriors for His kingdom.
These are our busy at home with small children years which may not seem as productive as our get out and minister actively in the community years were (and will be again), but no less important. This is also the time when we have less money for tithing as the kids, bless their hearts, require a lot of upkeep!!
Freedom... law... freedom... law...
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
This is the heart of the book. Chuck the law. Stop picking on the other believers... just do good to them... even the ones that are nasty to us.
Oh boy. That opens a new can of worms. What about those who have spent a good deal of the past year slandering us? What about the ones that have believed the slander and told us off and ignored us? How on earth do we do good to them?
Jumpins!! Wish I hadn't had that thought! Now I may have to go waaay outside my comfort zone and start actively loving some "enemies" that I don't even like.
I'm going to need some prayer for this one girls.
Did anyone notice this Bible just keeps getting sharper and sharper??
I really don't want to change... but how can I grow closer to the Lord and not change?
Ideas... anyone?
Did I say nothing too earth shattering this week? I feel like my world is about to be turned upside down.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Just another Monday
Today we watched Dave sail into the bright gray yonder...
He's off to Chicago!!!
Thankfully the rain and snow held off until after the flight took off.
We were able to stay outside and wave as the plane took off and became a tiny speck in the sky.
Then, off to Wendy's for a drive through dinner and then to AWANA.
Last week Molly told her cubbies leaders that Mommy is having a baby and SHE is going to be the Mommy when its born.
The secret is out.
I am a surrogate mom for my 4 year old daughter.
She is "practising" with her dolls to feed it.
Yeah.
We have some interesting kids.
Everyone went to bed well tonight.
Even Justin only cried for a minute.
They all are hyped about our cleaning day tomorrow.
Whats up with that?
Matt has us on a schedule that he found in his reading book that has him sleeping for 9 hours, doing chores for 5 1/2 hours, eating for 2 hours, exercise for 2 hours, hunting relics for 2 hours, hunting and fishing... etc...
He's taking the hunting and fishing hours as free time.
Reading for 1 1/2 hours... that would be school work. If it goes over the 90 min he will take it from the choring hours.
He believes we all need to be up at 6am to take up our new lifestyle.
Oh yes, devotions after breakfast for 1/2 hour... "Do we have a bell? It would make it easier?"
Yesterday he grumbled about helping clean up for 15 min and he is now wondering how he can fill 5 1/2 hours with chores?? Think of the spit spot house I would have... inside and out.... if everyone did 5 1/2 hours of chores cheerfully every day.
Ok... I'll see how tomorrow goes. Even a few days of this could make a big difference!
I'd best get to bed and set the alarm for 7:30 am.
I refuse to get out of bed at 6am for no good reason.
Not only that..
Dave is calling me when he gets to his room tonight... er tomorrow morning between 1 and 2 am!! Hopefully I will answer the phone before it wakes all the kids!
g'night!
He's off to Chicago!!!
Thankfully the rain and snow held off until after the flight took off.
We were able to stay outside and wave as the plane took off and became a tiny speck in the sky.
Then, off to Wendy's for a drive through dinner and then to AWANA.
Last week Molly told her cubbies leaders that Mommy is having a baby and SHE is going to be the Mommy when its born.
The secret is out.
I am a surrogate mom for my 4 year old daughter.
She is "practising" with her dolls to feed it.
Yeah.
We have some interesting kids.
Everyone went to bed well tonight.
Even Justin only cried for a minute.
They all are hyped about our cleaning day tomorrow.
Whats up with that?
Matt has us on a schedule that he found in his reading book that has him sleeping for 9 hours, doing chores for 5 1/2 hours, eating for 2 hours, exercise for 2 hours, hunting relics for 2 hours, hunting and fishing... etc...
He's taking the hunting and fishing hours as free time.
Reading for 1 1/2 hours... that would be school work. If it goes over the 90 min he will take it from the choring hours.
He believes we all need to be up at 6am to take up our new lifestyle.
Oh yes, devotions after breakfast for 1/2 hour... "Do we have a bell? It would make it easier?"
Yesterday he grumbled about helping clean up for 15 min and he is now wondering how he can fill 5 1/2 hours with chores?? Think of the spit spot house I would have... inside and out.... if everyone did 5 1/2 hours of chores cheerfully every day.
Ok... I'll see how tomorrow goes. Even a few days of this could make a big difference!
I'd best get to bed and set the alarm for 7:30 am.
I refuse to get out of bed at 6am for no good reason.
Not only that..
Dave is calling me when he gets to his room tonight... er tomorrow morning between 1 and 2 am!! Hopefully I will answer the phone before it wakes all the kids!
g'night!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
BRF -- Joel
Joel is an interesting book, full of flavour and imagery. Its also a little scary and really exciting. It made me want to be Jewish and terrified to make the same mistakes the people of Israel made. It is both terrifying and wonderfully amazing to see how God has the control of the nations in His hands.
How often do I forget? How often do I just not see that God is in control? I go about life. I may even be praying that I will be obedient to the Lord and to be doing everything to His glory... but do I see Him at all? Do I see that he holds the nations in check, raises up and causes leaders to fall, blesses whom He will and punishes those who He loves and complacently ignore Him?
Nope. I alternate between "loving" Him by studying His word and praying and doing my best to live for Him, making "good" decisions and thinking I'm ok and... messing up... complaining, losing my cool... all of it, good and bad with not a true view of who God is.
There is no way to know all of who God is.
He is infinitely beyond the capabilities of my reasoning.
He is in charge of everything and everyone.... everyone on this planet... and those in the spiritual realm as well.
These Israelites forgot about God.
They were just like me, going about their daily business, doing the right things outwardly maybe, but not quite touching their hearts.
Ch 2 vs 13 says "Rend your hearts, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. (14) Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him -- a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God."
Lets take some time and interrupt our everyday lives.
Lets take some time and remember who God is.
Lets take some time to rend our hearts for our complacency towards our God.
Lets take some time to rejoice in the Lord our God.
Look who He is!!!
Look what He has done!!
In His great love, He shook them from their complacency. In His love, He utterly removed them from everything they knew to remind them who He is. To bring them back to fellowship... real fellowship with Himself.
Then... at the end... the blessings on those of the house of Israel. The amazing blessings that are still to come to them. I am a graft on the vine of the house of Israel. Do I deserve the amazing blessing showered upon the land and the people of Israel in the last days? No. I am not in the family line.. but I am adopted into the family.
Reading the end of Joel makes me want to relocate to Israel. I want to be there when their enemies are miraculously turned back and destroyed because of what they have done to the chosen ones of God.
There are amazing things in store both for the children of Israel and the children of God.
We need to wake up and take notice that our little worlds are not the end all and be all of God's plan.
We need to remember who God is... vast, unchanging, righteous, true, loving, forgiving, full of mercy, holy.
We need to remember what God is not... tolerant of sin, ok with being 2nd or later in our lives, complacent, politically correct or asleep.
We need to be watching what is happening in the middle east right now... and be praying for our prime minister as he stands up for Israel regardless of what the pundits in Ottawa are saying. Yes, we need to be a little bit political and pray for our nation. Will our nation be strong if we turn our backs on the chosen ones of God? No.
God is also in control of our nation. It will rise and fall because of the people of God in our land. Will we humble ourselves and pray? Will we take our responsibility to pray for our leaders seriously? Will we ask forgiveness for the sins of our nation? Do we? Are we teaching our children to?
How often do I forget? How often do I just not see that God is in control? I go about life. I may even be praying that I will be obedient to the Lord and to be doing everything to His glory... but do I see Him at all? Do I see that he holds the nations in check, raises up and causes leaders to fall, blesses whom He will and punishes those who He loves and complacently ignore Him?
Nope. I alternate between "loving" Him by studying His word and praying and doing my best to live for Him, making "good" decisions and thinking I'm ok and... messing up... complaining, losing my cool... all of it, good and bad with not a true view of who God is.
There is no way to know all of who God is.
He is infinitely beyond the capabilities of my reasoning.
He is in charge of everything and everyone.... everyone on this planet... and those in the spiritual realm as well.
These Israelites forgot about God.
They were just like me, going about their daily business, doing the right things outwardly maybe, but not quite touching their hearts.
Ch 2 vs 13 says "Rend your hearts, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. (14) Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him -- a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God."
Lets take some time and interrupt our everyday lives.
Lets take some time and remember who God is.
Lets take some time to rend our hearts for our complacency towards our God.
Lets take some time to rejoice in the Lord our God.
Look who He is!!!
Look what He has done!!
In His great love, He shook them from their complacency. In His love, He utterly removed them from everything they knew to remind them who He is. To bring them back to fellowship... real fellowship with Himself.
Then... at the end... the blessings on those of the house of Israel. The amazing blessings that are still to come to them. I am a graft on the vine of the house of Israel. Do I deserve the amazing blessing showered upon the land and the people of Israel in the last days? No. I am not in the family line.. but I am adopted into the family.
Reading the end of Joel makes me want to relocate to Israel. I want to be there when their enemies are miraculously turned back and destroyed because of what they have done to the chosen ones of God.
There are amazing things in store both for the children of Israel and the children of God.
We need to wake up and take notice that our little worlds are not the end all and be all of God's plan.
We need to remember who God is... vast, unchanging, righteous, true, loving, forgiving, full of mercy, holy.
We need to remember what God is not... tolerant of sin, ok with being 2nd or later in our lives, complacent, politically correct or asleep.
We need to be watching what is happening in the middle east right now... and be praying for our prime minister as he stands up for Israel regardless of what the pundits in Ottawa are saying. Yes, we need to be a little bit political and pray for our nation. Will our nation be strong if we turn our backs on the chosen ones of God? No.
God is also in control of our nation. It will rise and fall because of the people of God in our land. Will we humble ourselves and pray? Will we take our responsibility to pray for our leaders seriously? Will we ask forgiveness for the sins of our nation? Do we? Are we teaching our children to?
How Can I Keep From Singing??
Last night and this afternoon we did the run of the thrift stores. I really needed some new (to me) maternity clothes. Caitlyn was once again getting to tall for her britches and we love to not worry about how much something costs. If we love it... we buy it. I'm not going to go on about all the deals we got... except for the perfect maternity jeans that were in my size which NEVER happens and the sweet little tote bag for the Kay Arthur conference in less than 2 weeks from now!!!
The really cool thing happened on the way home. We were listening to our local Christian Radio station and Chris Tomlin's "How can I keep from singing" comes on. Justin starts singing along... in tune... not with words, just humming and aaaahing. It was so beautiful! We all just were in awe of our little 15 month old singing praises to God.
He kept on going with the other songs that came on and loved his little concert.
Most of the other kids sang before 2 (except Jack and Connor who danced to music, but didn't start singing until they were 3), but this is early for our family.
I can't help but be glad he's on key... at least we know he is really "singing" what he hears.
I'd better get these kids bathed so I can post my BRF, a day late again!!
The really cool thing happened on the way home. We were listening to our local Christian Radio station and Chris Tomlin's "How can I keep from singing" comes on. Justin starts singing along... in tune... not with words, just humming and aaaahing. It was so beautiful! We all just were in awe of our little 15 month old singing praises to God.
He kept on going with the other songs that came on and loved his little concert.
Most of the other kids sang before 2 (except Jack and Connor who danced to music, but didn't start singing until they were 3), but this is early for our family.
I can't help but be glad he's on key... at least we know he is really "singing" what he hears.
I'd better get these kids bathed so I can post my BRF, a day late again!!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Facing the Giants
I'm not usually a person to recommend movies. Quite frankly there aren't many out there worth recommending; however, we saw "Facing the Giants" this weekend and I'm recommending it. Not only was it entertaining, funny and enjoyable for the whole family, it was also a Christian movie with a wonderful message... NOTHING is impossible with God.
I love asking Molly (4), "What is impossible for God?" She answers with, "Nothing, coach!"
Don't ya want your kids to see the movie now?
Amazing... I had 3 paragraphs here that just disappeared...
The part of the movie that hit home to me was the story of 2 men who prayed for rain. They were in a drought and needed the rain for their crops. One man prayed and one prayed and then prepared his crops for the rain. Who expected God to answer.
I have been praying, but expecting God to say no.
Mark 11:24 says "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
I need to pray believing and prepare for rain.
This is what I did Friday night.
I prayed for a blessing and changed my attitude to excited anticipation.
What would God do? How would he move? What would happen in the morning?
First of all, my husband thought I needed a break and didn't wake me up in the morning.
I didn't get up until 11:45 am. For those of you who can't sleep in, borrow my babies for a few nights. You'll be amazed at their nocturnal prowess and sleep when you can!!
That would have been enough.
I was rested enough to be productive and enjoy playing skip-bo with the kids.
Then I got a phone call from Aunt Anne. Aunt Anne and Cousin Angela asked me if I wanted to come visit and attend a Kay Arthur conference with them next month in Ontario. Of course I would love to, but its not possible for me financially to do that... but Kay Arthur!! Angela knows Kay Arthur is one of those women who has taught me much about how much Christ loves me and pushed me to know God better... through her wonderful Bible studies! As I'm declining I'm dreaming inside of how wonderful it would be to just be able to fly up to visit for a few days... then Aunt Anne is still talking ... "and I'd pay for your plane ticket and get you into the conference. Ang and I are going and we just think it would be so much fun if you were there too." After discussing it with Dave, he realized he had nothing pressing at the office and could his work from home for a few days and I'M GOING!!!!
I'm so excited. God chooses to bless when we prepare our fields for his blessing. I was preparing for His grace to sustain me when things were tough... and He marvelously sent His sustaining grace down. Now I'm ready for a blessing.
Jack, Molly and Justin are playing sweetly after a little veggie tales marathon here. They are singing the SUV silly song and the Busy, busy song from Flibber-o-loo and I'm seeing the blessing there too.
Molly what is impossible for God? "Nothing, coach!!"
She is now singing "Every step I take ... sha na na naaa na na"
Life is good!
I love asking Molly (4), "What is impossible for God?" She answers with, "Nothing, coach!"
Don't ya want your kids to see the movie now?
Amazing... I had 3 paragraphs here that just disappeared...
The part of the movie that hit home to me was the story of 2 men who prayed for rain. They were in a drought and needed the rain for their crops. One man prayed and one prayed and then prepared his crops for the rain. Who expected God to answer.
I have been praying, but expecting God to say no.
Mark 11:24 says "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
I need to pray believing and prepare for rain.
This is what I did Friday night.
I prayed for a blessing and changed my attitude to excited anticipation.
What would God do? How would he move? What would happen in the morning?
First of all, my husband thought I needed a break and didn't wake me up in the morning.
I didn't get up until 11:45 am. For those of you who can't sleep in, borrow my babies for a few nights. You'll be amazed at their nocturnal prowess and sleep when you can!!
That would have been enough.
I was rested enough to be productive and enjoy playing skip-bo with the kids.
Then I got a phone call from Aunt Anne. Aunt Anne and Cousin Angela asked me if I wanted to come visit and attend a Kay Arthur conference with them next month in Ontario. Of course I would love to, but its not possible for me financially to do that... but Kay Arthur!! Angela knows Kay Arthur is one of those women who has taught me much about how much Christ loves me and pushed me to know God better... through her wonderful Bible studies! As I'm declining I'm dreaming inside of how wonderful it would be to just be able to fly up to visit for a few days... then Aunt Anne is still talking ... "and I'd pay for your plane ticket and get you into the conference. Ang and I are going and we just think it would be so much fun if you were there too." After discussing it with Dave, he realized he had nothing pressing at the office and could his work from home for a few days and I'M GOING!!!!
I'm so excited. God chooses to bless when we prepare our fields for his blessing. I was preparing for His grace to sustain me when things were tough... and He marvelously sent His sustaining grace down. Now I'm ready for a blessing.
Jack, Molly and Justin are playing sweetly after a little veggie tales marathon here. They are singing the SUV silly song and the Busy, busy song from Flibber-o-loo and I'm seeing the blessing there too.
Molly what is impossible for God? "Nothing, coach!!"
She is now singing "Every step I take ... sha na na naaa na na"
Life is good!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
BRF -- Mark 9-12
Have you ever tried to tell someone something that is important to you and they just aren't listening? This happened to me about a week ago. The first time I was interrupted, I figured she just didn't hear me. Since what I had to say was important I tried again. Again she looked everywhere but at me and changed the subject. The 3rd time I was quite bold... "Hey, are you listening to me? I have something to say here. ...." Again, blown off. I wasn't really thrilled, but figured she'd figure this out on her own. Someone else could tell her, or not I didn't care anymore.
How do you think Jesus felt. He had something weighing heavily on his mind. I'm finding it brought up purposefully to his disciples 4 times and then put in a parable for everyone. What did the disciples just not get?? Jesus was going to die, and then rise from the dead.
If my friend said that to me I'd be asking some questions? Did I hear that right? What can I do for you? Why is this happening? How do you know? Lots of good questions.
What do Jesus friends do? The first time Peter takes Him aside and rebukes Him for it.
The second time they didn't understand what He meant and were afraid to ask Him about it. Maybe because Jesus yelled at Peter the time before!! Maybe they didn't care enough.
Right after He told them the 3rd time, James and John asked Jesus for a favor they had no right to ask for. "Yeah, yeah, you're gonna' die. We get it. Can we sit beside you in Heaven?" These disciples are classy guys. Are they even listening??
Again He tries to tell them... Can you drink the cup I drink?? .... Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Are they cluing in yet that He's going to die?
I think the teachers of the law and the elders got it in chapter 12. Jesus gives a parable of the tenants and how the tenants killed off all of the vineyard owners servants and then even killed his son. They knew Jesus spoke the parable against them. They knew they were plotting to kill him even then.
I know there was a lot in these 4 chapters to talk about. There is giving all we have whether its a lot or a pittance to follow Christ. There is the loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and loving your neighbor as yourself. The importance of paying taxes and recognizing the authority of the government. How God hates divorce and remarriage after divorce is adultery. How Jesus loves children and we had better watch to make sure we aren't causing any to stumble (a message for mom's as we have what it takes to crush or encourage our children's spirits). Not to mention squabbling over who is better than who and what Jesus thinks of that.
I was mostly impressed though on our denseness as followers of Christ. Not to be mean, but do we pay attention enough to the words of our Lord? Is His message resonating within us or do we brush it off, argue with Christ, nod and agree without having a clue what He really is saying or just rush through what He says (Bible reading) so we can say what we have to say (prayer).
I have to say most of the time I'm like the disciples. I rush through my reading and then feel I can say what I have to say without even cluing in that this is GOD talking to me. Instead of listening to His voice properly I'm waiting for the lull in the conversation so I can put in my 2 cents worth. I'm an idiot. Look at all the valuable learning time I have callously tossed away.
It took a good friend (usually) being a rather poor friend (one day) and not paying one bit of attention to what I had to say at all to help me see me in this passage. I'm not one bit happy with myself.
I love the verse "Be still and know that I am God"
Maybe because I have a hard time being still this verse has seemed so beautiful and other worldly. I need to be still more. I think for awhile its OK to even pray less fervently and just listen. He knows my heart and needs. I don't mean quit praying altogether ... like I could if I tried!! Just relax and let His words sink in. Reading the same passage over and over is helping though.
On to chapters 13-16!!
How do you think Jesus felt. He had something weighing heavily on his mind. I'm finding it brought up purposefully to his disciples 4 times and then put in a parable for everyone. What did the disciples just not get?? Jesus was going to die, and then rise from the dead.
If my friend said that to me I'd be asking some questions? Did I hear that right? What can I do for you? Why is this happening? How do you know? Lots of good questions.
What do Jesus friends do? The first time Peter takes Him aside and rebukes Him for it.
The second time they didn't understand what He meant and were afraid to ask Him about it. Maybe because Jesus yelled at Peter the time before!! Maybe they didn't care enough.
Right after He told them the 3rd time, James and John asked Jesus for a favor they had no right to ask for. "Yeah, yeah, you're gonna' die. We get it. Can we sit beside you in Heaven?" These disciples are classy guys. Are they even listening??
Again He tries to tell them... Can you drink the cup I drink?? .... Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Are they cluing in yet that He's going to die?
I think the teachers of the law and the elders got it in chapter 12. Jesus gives a parable of the tenants and how the tenants killed off all of the vineyard owners servants and then even killed his son. They knew Jesus spoke the parable against them. They knew they were plotting to kill him even then.
I know there was a lot in these 4 chapters to talk about. There is giving all we have whether its a lot or a pittance to follow Christ. There is the loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and loving your neighbor as yourself. The importance of paying taxes and recognizing the authority of the government. How God hates divorce and remarriage after divorce is adultery. How Jesus loves children and we had better watch to make sure we aren't causing any to stumble (a message for mom's as we have what it takes to crush or encourage our children's spirits). Not to mention squabbling over who is better than who and what Jesus thinks of that.
I was mostly impressed though on our denseness as followers of Christ. Not to be mean, but do we pay attention enough to the words of our Lord? Is His message resonating within us or do we brush it off, argue with Christ, nod and agree without having a clue what He really is saying or just rush through what He says (Bible reading) so we can say what we have to say (prayer).
I have to say most of the time I'm like the disciples. I rush through my reading and then feel I can say what I have to say without even cluing in that this is GOD talking to me. Instead of listening to His voice properly I'm waiting for the lull in the conversation so I can put in my 2 cents worth. I'm an idiot. Look at all the valuable learning time I have callously tossed away.
It took a good friend (usually) being a rather poor friend (one day) and not paying one bit of attention to what I had to say at all to help me see me in this passage. I'm not one bit happy with myself.
I love the verse "Be still and know that I am God"
Maybe because I have a hard time being still this verse has seemed so beautiful and other worldly. I need to be still more. I think for awhile its OK to even pray less fervently and just listen. He knows my heart and needs. I don't mean quit praying altogether ... like I could if I tried!! Just relax and let His words sink in. Reading the same passage over and over is helping though.
On to chapters 13-16!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Amy's survey
Every now and then I feel the need to complete a survey. I have no idea who Amy is, but I'm hoping this will help her!! I found this on Shannon's blog. I don't know Shannon very well either.. never in person or even on the phone... but I do know Shannon's sister and brother-in-law!!
How long have you been married?
15 1/2 years
How long did you and your spouse really know each other before you married?
6 months
Looking back, how prepared do you feel you were for marriage?
almost enough... not quite
If you have kids, how long did you wait before starting your family?
We didn't really wait. We wanted them whenever God wanted us to have them. Caitlyn was born 2 1/2 years after we were married. We had a miscarriage when we were married 14 months... on Christmas Day... in Calgary when our family was in the Maritimes... hard year.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
We are expecting #8 in July. Caitlyn is 13 next month, Matt is 10, Connor is 9 today!!, Courtney is 7, Molly 4, Jack is 3 and Justin is 14 months.
What challenges have you faced at this stage in your marriage?
We have both babies and puberty here. I'm tired and they aren't. We are always looking for Christian friends that believe the Bible is the final authority and not our feelings. Much tougher challenge than we thought especially when our kids are reaching the ages where they are interested in other views outside our family.
If you have kids, has your relationship changed since you've added them to your family?
yes
If so, in what way(s)?
We have a real need to work together for our family. When we don't spend the time we need together WITHOUT THE KIDS we work at cross purposes at times which can cause real stress.
What resources or support systems do you have that benefit your marriage?
I read a lot. I depend on women such as Elizabeth George, Anne Ortlund and Nancy Leigh DeMoss for their wisdom, honesty and at times a good kick in the behind... all from the pages of their well written books. I have been longing for a wise Titus 2 lady to mentor me for years and never found one. Someday I hope to be a good resource or support for another young struggling mom... or more!
The Bible of course is the best resource I have. If I can be the wife the Bible has outlined for me, life would be so much better. When I am struggling to make myself my husbands Holy Spirit, I make a mess of things. Being the "weaker" vessel is a wondrous blessing for my husband, children and myself.
What advice do you have for young couples contemplating marriage and starting a family?
First of all, make your relationship with the Lord your highest priority. Being married is tough. Everyone else seems to think they know what is best for your family when the simple fact is God is leading different families in different ways. Seek the Lord together. You may think that you will automatically want to pray and search the scriptures together always, but you have no idea how Satan will try to destroy your marriage. Its work. Nothing is automatic except sin and selfish behaviour... even yours. Take responsibility for your faults and let the Holy Spirit work in your spouse to lead them to take responsibility for theirs.
AND THE BIGGY......What is/are the biggest need(s) that you have as a husband/wife at this stage in your marriage? If you can only take the time to answer ONE question, please answer the last one!
The biggest need we have at this stage in our married lives is to commit to prayer and Bible study together. My husband even went out and bought a special book for us to do about 3 months ago and we have never opened it together. It is tough to find the time... this has been the hardest winter we have had on many, many levels... and we both want to. We just have to get together and do it.
Ok, that was really honest and who knows who is going to read this!
My husband will for one thing... Hi D!!
Hope this helps Amy.
I should check your blog to see if you are a christian... this may be drivel to you if you aren't.
Oh well, you ask strangers for help... sometimes you get drivel, sometimes gold.
How long have you been married?
15 1/2 years
How long did you and your spouse really know each other before you married?
6 months
Looking back, how prepared do you feel you were for marriage?
almost enough... not quite
If you have kids, how long did you wait before starting your family?
We didn't really wait. We wanted them whenever God wanted us to have them. Caitlyn was born 2 1/2 years after we were married. We had a miscarriage when we were married 14 months... on Christmas Day... in Calgary when our family was in the Maritimes... hard year.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
We are expecting #8 in July. Caitlyn is 13 next month, Matt is 10, Connor is 9 today!!, Courtney is 7, Molly 4, Jack is 3 and Justin is 14 months.
What challenges have you faced at this stage in your marriage?
We have both babies and puberty here. I'm tired and they aren't. We are always looking for Christian friends that believe the Bible is the final authority and not our feelings. Much tougher challenge than we thought especially when our kids are reaching the ages where they are interested in other views outside our family.
If you have kids, has your relationship changed since you've added them to your family?
yes
If so, in what way(s)?
We have a real need to work together for our family. When we don't spend the time we need together WITHOUT THE KIDS we work at cross purposes at times which can cause real stress.
What resources or support systems do you have that benefit your marriage?
I read a lot. I depend on women such as Elizabeth George, Anne Ortlund and Nancy Leigh DeMoss for their wisdom, honesty and at times a good kick in the behind... all from the pages of their well written books. I have been longing for a wise Titus 2 lady to mentor me for years and never found one. Someday I hope to be a good resource or support for another young struggling mom... or more!
The Bible of course is the best resource I have. If I can be the wife the Bible has outlined for me, life would be so much better. When I am struggling to make myself my husbands Holy Spirit, I make a mess of things. Being the "weaker" vessel is a wondrous blessing for my husband, children and myself.
What advice do you have for young couples contemplating marriage and starting a family?
First of all, make your relationship with the Lord your highest priority. Being married is tough. Everyone else seems to think they know what is best for your family when the simple fact is God is leading different families in different ways. Seek the Lord together. You may think that you will automatically want to pray and search the scriptures together always, but you have no idea how Satan will try to destroy your marriage. Its work. Nothing is automatic except sin and selfish behaviour... even yours. Take responsibility for your faults and let the Holy Spirit work in your spouse to lead them to take responsibility for theirs.
AND THE BIGGY......What is/are the biggest need(s) that you have as a husband/wife at this stage in your marriage? If you can only take the time to answer ONE question, please answer the last one!
The biggest need we have at this stage in our married lives is to commit to prayer and Bible study together. My husband even went out and bought a special book for us to do about 3 months ago and we have never opened it together. It is tough to find the time... this has been the hardest winter we have had on many, many levels... and we both want to. We just have to get together and do it.
Ok, that was really honest and who knows who is going to read this!
My husband will for one thing... Hi D!!
Hope this helps Amy.
I should check your blog to see if you are a christian... this may be drivel to you if you aren't.
Oh well, you ask strangers for help... sometimes you get drivel, sometimes gold.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Happy 9th birthday Connor
Happy Birthday to Connor!! He's 9!!
He is also wonderful enough to put his party off until next weekend when (as he puts it) we'll have some time for him. His big gift of the day is no schoolwork and he's quite thrilled with that.
BRF-- Mark 5-8
Once again... late... sorry.
What struck me most about this passage was the many times that people were amazed at what Christ was doing. He did many, many miracles in this passage. Demons cast out, blind see, dead brought to life, crowds fed, water walked on, etc...
Everyone was amazed, and rightly so.
After healings and demons cast out and the dead raised Jesus goes home for a visit and HE was amazed at their lack of faith. They didn't even have faith that Jesus could do for them what He was doing for everyone else. Sad. These were the people He would have most loved to help. His lifelong friends and family and they wouldn't be helped.
I love that the disciples didn't get it when Jesus fed the 5000, so He repeated the miracle and they still didn't get it. Do I get what Jesus really wanted us to know? I can see His loving care for our needs and we don't need to worry. I also see the foreshadowing to His death. His body broken for us is more than "just" the body. After being broken it becomes sustenance for all with more left over for others. There is no end to His salvation.
Is there more? Most likely.
How wild to see your friend come running over the water!! No wonder Peter is finally at the point where He knows for sure who Jesus is, the Christ, the Son of God! The disciples have been there for the whole ride and are now ready for this amazing truth. This is no ordinary man, its God.
The graveyard, demon, dead raising thing is still really creepy for me. This is the part of Jesus that I fear... not afraid of mind you, awesome fear. This is the stuff that is so far outside the realm of my experience that I like to gloss over it. I have never liked scary stuff and shun occult activities... Christ just fights it... and wins every time. Creepy, but ultra cool and totally powerful.
I'm amazed that the Pharisees dare to test Jesus. How blind could they be? They just out and out refuse to see the truth and are missing out on soooo much. They could be chatting with Jesus and getting the answers to the questions they have always had. They could be healed and have family members healed. They could be fed in soul and body, but they refuse. They would rather be empty and unfulfilled than admit they were speaking to God. And they called Him unclean!!! ai-yi-yi!!
Whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit His soul?
Back to priorities again. I am so struggling with this. The more I am desperate to have my priorities straight the harder this road is. This must be of extreme importance as I am feeling the battle between my old nature and new one constantly lately.
I often wonder why God allows the struggle. I want to lose my life for the gospel but my life just won't die for the gospel. I know what I mean even if no one else does. This is not literal, I'm not suicidal... I just want it to be easy. I want the old man to stop breathing completely so I can do what I want... be faithful to the word and to prayer.
What struck me most about this passage was the many times that people were amazed at what Christ was doing. He did many, many miracles in this passage. Demons cast out, blind see, dead brought to life, crowds fed, water walked on, etc...
Everyone was amazed, and rightly so.
After healings and demons cast out and the dead raised Jesus goes home for a visit and HE was amazed at their lack of faith. They didn't even have faith that Jesus could do for them what He was doing for everyone else. Sad. These were the people He would have most loved to help. His lifelong friends and family and they wouldn't be helped.
I love that the disciples didn't get it when Jesus fed the 5000, so He repeated the miracle and they still didn't get it. Do I get what Jesus really wanted us to know? I can see His loving care for our needs and we don't need to worry. I also see the foreshadowing to His death. His body broken for us is more than "just" the body. After being broken it becomes sustenance for all with more left over for others. There is no end to His salvation.
Is there more? Most likely.
How wild to see your friend come running over the water!! No wonder Peter is finally at the point where He knows for sure who Jesus is, the Christ, the Son of God! The disciples have been there for the whole ride and are now ready for this amazing truth. This is no ordinary man, its God.
The graveyard, demon, dead raising thing is still really creepy for me. This is the part of Jesus that I fear... not afraid of mind you, awesome fear. This is the stuff that is so far outside the realm of my experience that I like to gloss over it. I have never liked scary stuff and shun occult activities... Christ just fights it... and wins every time. Creepy, but ultra cool and totally powerful.
I'm amazed that the Pharisees dare to test Jesus. How blind could they be? They just out and out refuse to see the truth and are missing out on soooo much. They could be chatting with Jesus and getting the answers to the questions they have always had. They could be healed and have family members healed. They could be fed in soul and body, but they refuse. They would rather be empty and unfulfilled than admit they were speaking to God. And they called Him unclean!!! ai-yi-yi!!
Whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit His soul?
Back to priorities again. I am so struggling with this. The more I am desperate to have my priorities straight the harder this road is. This must be of extreme importance as I am feeling the battle between my old nature and new one constantly lately.
I often wonder why God allows the struggle. I want to lose my life for the gospel but my life just won't die for the gospel. I know what I mean even if no one else does. This is not literal, I'm not suicidal... I just want it to be easy. I want the old man to stop breathing completely so I can do what I want... be faithful to the word and to prayer.
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