It's about time I wrote another blog post.
I don't have time to download pictures, get fancy, and give you a nice little how-to post about anything, so I'll just tell you what's on my heart tonight.
I've been thinking about spiritual warfare, and its most prevalent battlefield; the mind.
Anyone who has been a Christian for any length of time has encountered spiritual warfare, but not all of us recognize it for what it is. I know that I am often far into a battle before I realize that it is a battle. Where did I think those thoughts and temptations were coming from, anyway? Why was I suddenly depressed and anxious, without warning? Where did that sense of oppression come from?
I have learned that when I think I am strongest and most victorious, the Enemy strikes. When I have taken a major step of faith, walked in obedience, conquered a particular fear or sin....it doesn't take long for the enemies to retaliate.
A general feeling of anxiety hangs over me, completely disconnected to the circumstances around me. Temptations swarm over me, and my defenses against them are weak. Anger I didn't know I possessed will bubble up at random moments, like lava. A filmy smoke screen seems to obscure my view of my Beloved, and my prayers stumble all over the place.
Can you relate?
Those times of warfare are exhausting. I feel like a green solider, still wet behind the ears, facing Apollyon in the valley of humiliation, like Christian in Pilgrim's Progress. Every time we face each other, I end up on my back, always reaching my sword only in the nick of time.
I've found that the first step towards victory in these battles is recognizing that I'm in one. I have to train myself to watch for the signs.
Secondly, I use advice given me by a wise preacher; if the battle is major and repetitive - such as when the devil was constantly using depression to weigh me down - I go tell my spiritual authority that I'm under attack, and ask him (my father) to pray for me, ...aloud. Our enemies are alive and can hear, you know. The name of Jesus has power to strike fear in them.
Then I try to look for the lie I've believed. Satan is the father of lies, you remember, and they are his major and main weapon. He always, always, always lies. Count on it. If you're under attack, you've been lied to. It's that simple.
So where's the lie? Sometimes it's hard to spot.
Have you believed something about God that isn't true? That He doesn't love you? That His blood isn't enough to cover your sins? That He isn't in control? That He doesn't know what He's doing this time?
Have you believed a lie about yourself? Have you believed that your flesh is enough? Have you trusted in self? Have you believed that you deserved something that wasn't really yours by right? Have you forgotten that you are God's child, and an heir with Christ? Have you forgotten your access to the Father?
Have you believed a lie about someone else? Have you been looking for something in them that only Christ can supply?
Look for it. Identify it. You may have to dig deep, because they are often disguised so beautifully. Pray hard. Prayer is the fire that melts off the pretty package and allows the Holy Spirit to enter and expose the filthy lies for what they are.
Once you have been shown them, speak truth. Find verses that speak the truth about those situations or thoughts, and speak them over and over to yourself. "Take every thought captive." Remember that verse? Do it. Don't let your mind run where it will - it will take the low road. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. He is the Truth.
And the truth will set you free.
And if the Son make you free, you are free indeed.
Blessings, friends, and may Christ give us victory! His blood is our power and strength.
Showing posts with label virtuous women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label virtuous women. Show all posts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Thursday, July 1, 2010
A video clip I really liked:
(I'm sorry it's so big; I couldn't figure out how to shrink the screen size.)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Someday....my prince will come?
Tonight I was thinking about my (Lord willing) future husband.
That came up in my thoughts because I was thinking about how wonderful it is to see men with character; men who are passionate about serving God, men who care about lost souls, men who are strong in spirit, men who speak truth, men who are kind, men who are courteous, men who are creative, men who are joyful, men who are prayer warriors, men who are hard workers, men who are unselfish, men who are leaders, men who know what their purpose in life is, and men who are devoted and patient. Men like that are....well, one in a thousand. You may find a man who is one of these - or two or three or four of these things - but to find a man with all of these qualities (and many more good ones which I haven't time to mention) is rare indeed.
I was praying while I thought, to be quite honest. It came to my mind, as it has many times, how blessed I would be to have a husband like this. And how impossible it would be to find a man like this, if the task were mine. I blush to admit it, but I even find myself thinking of it as an impossible task for my Heavenly Father, sometimes. Yet I asked the Lord to give me a man like this, since in my saner moments I know He is quite capable of it.
"Find me one like this," indeed! Why, God will not only have to find the man, but make him. Such a godly man does not happen by accident. I would think that the molding of a man of such character would be a much more difficult task (if such words can be applied to God) than merely leading a man and woman together.
I sat there, daydreaming about what it would be like to meet a man who is so in love with God that he is....well, ideal. Always patient. Sure of his mission in life. Humble, yet bold. Kind, yet a leader. Handsome, of course. And able to do just about anything.
It was then I began rebuking myself. "Don't aim for the stars, Amber. Be practical. Remember, you're going to marry a sinner. He's a human, like you. He's a fallen creature. Come on; don't expect perfection! Expect a godly man, yes, but not a perfect one." I've been warned against this so many times. He'd be marrying me, after all; ME! We've gotta have some things, at least, in common. Why would I expect a perfect saint to marry a flawed sinner? Am I expecting him to put up with weakness in my life, while I'm not expecting to have to put up with any flaws in his? That doesn't sound fair at all.
"Okay. So I'll list the things that I'm willing to 'put up with' in a husband. A list of faults that I can 'tolerate.' He can 'be this,' and I'll be okay with it." (Can you believe I was having this conversation with myself?)
I sat there.
And sat there.
And sat there.
With an empty list. I couldn't think of one single "small fault" (I didn't want to call them "sins") that I'd be willing to tolerate in a husband.
Would I be okay with him being a bit impatient? No, that'd be too wearing on the atmosphere of our home.
Would it be fine if he was not a super strong leader? Nah, I need someone to depend on.
How 'bout if he doesn't always give me all the attention I feel I need? Oh no, not that one!
Hmm...What if he's weak in personal discipline? No, no, no. That would be terrible. It would drive me crazy.
What if his prayer life is weak? That wouldn't work at all. Prayer warriors make strong Christians, and I want a strong Christian!
What if he's hit-and-miss with personal devotions and time with the Lord?... Are you kidding? Of course he must be strong in that area!
What if he is lazy? ...Shivers.... Please, no.
Item after item, and not one made it onto my list. There was not a single weakness that I wanted to find in a husband. Of course, I know he'll have weaknesses. That's just life. And I know I will learn to love him anyway, and be a true help meet, suitable for him, and hopefully I'll encourage him in his spiritual life, and he'll do the same for me.
But all this listing made me wonder....
...What weaknesses would he be willing to tolerate in me? What faults would he "be fine with" in his wife?
Uh...none. I'm positive a man looking for a wife is no different than a woman hoping for a husband; they both want as-near-to-perfect-as-possible mates. And why shouldn't they feel that way?
The problem came when I started checking myself against that "perfection list" that I had come up with and, one after another, I started coming up with faults that my husband probably have to put up with in me, unless I improve dramatically between now and the time I marry.
Why don't my own faults bug me as much as the ones he might have? Don't I know that he wants a godly wife, just like I want a godly husband? What am I doing towards that end? Do I spend enough time being concerned about my character, my faults, getting my own self right with God, and forming habits that tend toward godly character?
Probably not.
But I'm not married yet. There's hope. ...But you know what? My family has to live with me here and now. Other people have to deal with my faults here and now.
You know, I think most of us think about that rosy "someday when I'm married" much more than we admit. I know I do. And even though many of us are a little embarrassed to say, when someone interrupts our thinking, that we were daydreaming about our future husbands, families, and homes, there's really nothing wrong with thinking about it. I think that's an instinct God put inside us, as women. It's a perfectly natural thing to do. But the Holy Spirit reminded me tonight that I need to think about both sides of the coin, and I guess the whole point of this post is just a desire to pass that reminder on to you.
You are not going to magically change into a different person someday. What you do with your time now has an awful lot of impact on the kind of wife you're going to be. The books you read, the things you watch, the friends you make, the things you do with your free time; all of these have long-lasting effects. Don't fall into the trap of thinking "well, I'm young, so I can do it and it doesn't matter." Being young doesn't have to equal being immature, wasteful, lazy, or other useless things. In fact, our youth is incredibly valuable. We are charged in the scriptures to remember our Creator in the days of our youth, and to seek Him while we are young.
Let's do that.
Our future husbands will thank us someday.
That came up in my thoughts because I was thinking about how wonderful it is to see men with character; men who are passionate about serving God, men who care about lost souls, men who are strong in spirit, men who speak truth, men who are kind, men who are courteous, men who are creative, men who are joyful, men who are prayer warriors, men who are hard workers, men who are unselfish, men who are leaders, men who know what their purpose in life is, and men who are devoted and patient. Men like that are....well, one in a thousand. You may find a man who is one of these - or two or three or four of these things - but to find a man with all of these qualities (and many more good ones which I haven't time to mention) is rare indeed.
I was praying while I thought, to be quite honest. It came to my mind, as it has many times, how blessed I would be to have a husband like this. And how impossible it would be to find a man like this, if the task were mine. I blush to admit it, but I even find myself thinking of it as an impossible task for my Heavenly Father, sometimes. Yet I asked the Lord to give me a man like this, since in my saner moments I know He is quite capable of it.
"Find me one like this," indeed! Why, God will not only have to find the man, but make him. Such a godly man does not happen by accident. I would think that the molding of a man of such character would be a much more difficult task (if such words can be applied to God) than merely leading a man and woman together.
I sat there, daydreaming about what it would be like to meet a man who is so in love with God that he is....well, ideal. Always patient. Sure of his mission in life. Humble, yet bold. Kind, yet a leader. Handsome, of course. And able to do just about anything.
It was then I began rebuking myself. "Don't aim for the stars, Amber. Be practical. Remember, you're going to marry a sinner. He's a human, like you. He's a fallen creature. Come on; don't expect perfection! Expect a godly man, yes, but not a perfect one." I've been warned against this so many times. He'd be marrying me, after all; ME! We've gotta have some things, at least, in common. Why would I expect a perfect saint to marry a flawed sinner? Am I expecting him to put up with weakness in my life, while I'm not expecting to have to put up with any flaws in his? That doesn't sound fair at all.
"Okay. So I'll list the things that I'm willing to 'put up with' in a husband. A list of faults that I can 'tolerate.' He can 'be this,' and I'll be okay with it." (Can you believe I was having this conversation with myself?)
I sat there.
And sat there.
And sat there.
With an empty list. I couldn't think of one single "small fault" (I didn't want to call them "sins") that I'd be willing to tolerate in a husband.
Would I be okay with him being a bit impatient? No, that'd be too wearing on the atmosphere of our home.
Would it be fine if he was not a super strong leader? Nah, I need someone to depend on.
How 'bout if he doesn't always give me all the attention I feel I need? Oh no, not that one!
Hmm...What if he's weak in personal discipline? No, no, no. That would be terrible. It would drive me crazy.
What if his prayer life is weak? That wouldn't work at all. Prayer warriors make strong Christians, and I want a strong Christian!
What if he's hit-and-miss with personal devotions and time with the Lord?... Are you kidding? Of course he must be strong in that area!
What if he is lazy? ...Shivers.... Please, no.
Item after item, and not one made it onto my list. There was not a single weakness that I wanted to find in a husband. Of course, I know he'll have weaknesses. That's just life. And I know I will learn to love him anyway, and be a true help meet, suitable for him, and hopefully I'll encourage him in his spiritual life, and he'll do the same for me.
But all this listing made me wonder....
...What weaknesses would he be willing to tolerate in me? What faults would he "be fine with" in his wife?
Uh...none. I'm positive a man looking for a wife is no different than a woman hoping for a husband; they both want as-near-to-perfect-as-possible mates. And why shouldn't they feel that way?
The problem came when I started checking myself against that "perfection list" that I had come up with and, one after another, I started coming up with faults that my husband probably have to put up with in me, unless I improve dramatically between now and the time I marry.
Why don't my own faults bug me as much as the ones he might have? Don't I know that he wants a godly wife, just like I want a godly husband? What am I doing towards that end? Do I spend enough time being concerned about my character, my faults, getting my own self right with God, and forming habits that tend toward godly character?
Probably not.
But I'm not married yet. There's hope. ...But you know what? My family has to live with me here and now. Other people have to deal with my faults here and now.
You know, I think most of us think about that rosy "someday when I'm married" much more than we admit. I know I do. And even though many of us are a little embarrassed to say, when someone interrupts our thinking, that we were daydreaming about our future husbands, families, and homes, there's really nothing wrong with thinking about it. I think that's an instinct God put inside us, as women. It's a perfectly natural thing to do. But the Holy Spirit reminded me tonight that I need to think about both sides of the coin, and I guess the whole point of this post is just a desire to pass that reminder on to you.
You are not going to magically change into a different person someday. What you do with your time now has an awful lot of impact on the kind of wife you're going to be. The books you read, the things you watch, the friends you make, the things you do with your free time; all of these have long-lasting effects. Don't fall into the trap of thinking "well, I'm young, so I can do it and it doesn't matter." Being young doesn't have to equal being immature, wasteful, lazy, or other useless things. In fact, our youth is incredibly valuable. We are charged in the scriptures to remember our Creator in the days of our youth, and to seek Him while we are young.
Let's do that.
Our future husbands will thank us someday.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Announcement:
My sister, Heather, has half-threatened to hack into my blog and become a guest poster if I don't make this announcement myself, so here it goes:
WE OWN A WEB BUSINESS!
Actually, I'm quite excited about the whole thing. We are selling new and gently-used modest clothing, and everything is under $10.00!!!!! (I like that part a lot! Who doesn't like to give folks a good deal?)
Heather and I have just about always loved entrepreneurial things, and this is the biggest business idea we've tried together. I wish I had time to tell you the whole story about how we acquired this business, and how God led us each step of the way. We're convinced this was His idea before it was ours!
We are excited about the fact that we can encourage women in modesty while helping them find the clothes that are so difficult to find in today's stores. It's one thing to tell people to dress modestly. It's quite another thing to help them do it!
It's been so much fun to be in business with my sister. We are great partners. I do the computer "tecky" stuff, and she packs orders. She also handles the advertising - a talent I'm sadly lacking. *grin* We both do the shopping together! Folks must think we're a little crazy when we go nuts over finding a lovely skirt that still has the tag on it...for a great price. "Oooh, look - here's something for our site!"
Our online selection is growing every week (and there's lots more waiting to be posted on the site, as soon as I get the time to put them on!) As fall approaches (yikes, where'd the year go?) we have been finding all sorts of cute fall skirts and cardigans for the new season (a lot of those skirts are waiting to be posted, and are coming soon, I promise!) There are lots of summer items still on there, too. We'd love to have you stop by and visit us! With everything under $10.00, it can't be too dangerous to stop by, can it? :)
WE OWN A WEB BUSINESS!
Actually, I'm quite excited about the whole thing. We are selling new and gently-used modest clothing, and everything is under $10.00!!!!! (I like that part a lot! Who doesn't like to give folks a good deal?)
Heather and I have just about always loved entrepreneurial things, and this is the biggest business idea we've tried together. I wish I had time to tell you the whole story about how we acquired this business, and how God led us each step of the way. We're convinced this was His idea before it was ours!
We are excited about the fact that we can encourage women in modesty while helping them find the clothes that are so difficult to find in today's stores. It's one thing to tell people to dress modestly. It's quite another thing to help them do it!
It's been so much fun to be in business with my sister. We are great partners. I do the computer "tecky" stuff, and she packs orders. She also handles the advertising - a talent I'm sadly lacking. *grin* We both do the shopping together! Folks must think we're a little crazy when we go nuts over finding a lovely skirt that still has the tag on it...for a great price. "Oooh, look - here's something for our site!"
Our online selection is growing every week (and there's lots more waiting to be posted on the site, as soon as I get the time to put them on!) As fall approaches (yikes, where'd the year go?) we have been finding all sorts of cute fall skirts and cardigans for the new season (a lot of those skirts are waiting to be posted, and are coming soon, I promise!) There are lots of summer items still on there, too. We'd love to have you stop by and visit us! With everything under $10.00, it can't be too dangerous to stop by, can it? :)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A "Fruit" Verse
Did you ever think about how many verses in the Bible talk about fruit?
Not apples, grapes, and olives. The other kind of fruit.
The fruit of our hands. The fruit of our lives. The fruit of our work. The word "fruit" is used over and over again to mean "results," "outcome," or "reward," etc. I enjoy making note of each new verse I read or hear that contains the word "fruit" in this sense.
Here are some Mom read at the breakfast table this morning:
I can't count the number of times I've read verses 5-7. Every time I do, the realization of how much diligence I really need to apply to acquiring these things awes me.
Mom didn't know it, but I had just read these very verses before breakfast, as I studied the qualities a woman of God should have, in preparation for the series that will soon be hosted here. These things were already on my list:
Virtue
Patience
Kindness
Love
The other qualities needed to be added:
Temperance
Knowledge
Godliness
I keep working on that list. I now have 42 qualities that I have found. Accompanying those qualities is a list of 132 references, where I found them mentioned in the Bible. The more I study, the more I find. I am having so much fun!!!
Not apples, grapes, and olives. The other kind of fruit.
The fruit of our hands. The fruit of our lives. The fruit of our work. The word "fruit" is used over and over again to mean "results," "outcome," or "reward," etc. I enjoy making note of each new verse I read or hear that contains the word "fruit" in this sense.
Here are some Mom read at the breakfast table this morning:
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
~II Peter 1:5-8
~II Peter 1:5-8
I can't count the number of times I've read verses 5-7. Every time I do, the realization of how much diligence I really need to apply to acquiring these things awes me.
Mom didn't know it, but I had just read these very verses before breakfast, as I studied the qualities a woman of God should have, in preparation for the series that will soon be hosted here. These things were already on my list:
Virtue
Patience
Kindness
Love
The other qualities needed to be added:
Temperance
Knowledge
Godliness
I keep working on that list. I now have 42 qualities that I have found. Accompanying those qualities is a list of 132 references, where I found them mentioned in the Bible. The more I study, the more I find. I am having so much fun!!!
Monday, September 15, 2008
A "short" post, for once!
After two gigantic, long-to-read posts, I figure it's time to have a brief one on here. Y'all are good for putting up with me.
Of course, for all I know, maybe nobody's reading those long posts, anyway! :)
I've just finished washing a HUGE stack of dishes. It was my turn to wash Sunday dishes and, would you believe it? - yesterday afternoon, I rinsed and stacked everything, ...and put off the washing until this morning.
I had 66 dishes to wash this morning - not counting silverware. [cheese]. I'm really not that smart, am I?
I can't think of anything interesting to post about today, because everything going on inside my head is rather muddled at the moment.
Instead of talking, I'm going to ask you to talk. I need some help.
Question #1: When browsing many blogs, I find beautiful old fashioned pictures and paintings of women or girls. Do you know the kind I am talking about? They generally have lots of flowers in them, or white frilly dresses, and a strong play on light. The subject is generally in a pondering mood, perhaps with a book in her hand, or she's working hard in a flower garden, or she's dusted with flour from the lump of dough under her hands. Of perhaps she's writing a good old fashioned letter - on stationary.
Here are the best examples I could find on short notice, with the top and bottom pictures being the ones closest to what I'm talking about:
So... where do y'all find those things? I've looked all over, and I can't find a one on my own. I would love to garnish my blog with some of those kinds of pictures now and then, but I can't if I can't find them. :)
Question #2: Would any of my readers be interested in a series, hosted here, about how a daughter of God should strive to live? Her appearance. Her mannerisms. Her hobbies. Her speech. I'm not suggesting I know all these things; but I think it'd be a good thing to learn. Would any of you be interested in joining me? And if so, could you suggest a name for such a series? I keep drawing a blank when I'm considering a name. I'd appreciate both name ideas, and advice for the formulating of such a series.
Okay, so maybe this isn't such a short post after all?
Of course, for all I know, maybe nobody's reading those long posts, anyway! :)
I've just finished washing a HUGE stack of dishes. It was my turn to wash Sunday dishes and, would you believe it? - yesterday afternoon, I rinsed and stacked everything, ...and put off the washing until this morning.
I had 66 dishes to wash this morning - not counting silverware. [cheese]. I'm really not that smart, am I?
I can't think of anything interesting to post about today, because everything going on inside my head is rather muddled at the moment.
Instead of talking, I'm going to ask you to talk. I need some help.
Question #1: When browsing many blogs, I find beautiful old fashioned pictures and paintings of women or girls. Do you know the kind I am talking about? They generally have lots of flowers in them, or white frilly dresses, and a strong play on light. The subject is generally in a pondering mood, perhaps with a book in her hand, or she's working hard in a flower garden, or she's dusted with flour from the lump of dough under her hands. Of perhaps she's writing a good old fashioned letter - on stationary.
Here are the best examples I could find on short notice, with the top and bottom pictures being the ones closest to what I'm talking about:
So... where do y'all find those things? I've looked all over, and I can't find a one on my own. I would love to garnish my blog with some of those kinds of pictures now and then, but I can't if I can't find them. :)
Question #2: Would any of my readers be interested in a series, hosted here, about how a daughter of God should strive to live? Her appearance. Her mannerisms. Her hobbies. Her speech. I'm not suggesting I know all these things; but I think it'd be a good thing to learn. Would any of you be interested in joining me? And if so, could you suggest a name for such a series? I keep drawing a blank when I'm considering a name. I'd appreciate both name ideas, and advice for the formulating of such a series.
Okay, so maybe this isn't such a short post after all?
Monday, August 11, 2008
And so, the marathon begins...
Dad has a week off from work.
Of course, "off from work" is completely relative. In this case, it means the place where he works won't be seeing him for the said amount of time, but we will. That's about as off as you can get, right?
Actually, the challenge for this week is to redo the kitchen ceiling. And finish staining our back deck. And clean off the moss that has grown on our roof.
That's just Dad's list. Mom is working hard to finish painting around all our windows, outside. She enlisted my help today to repair the glaze around the glass panes.
Besides helping Mom and Dad, my own list of goals for this week include completing at least one sewing project (which I need by Friday!), teaching a sewing lesson tomorrow, and finishing the wood project that my brother Curtis and I have been working on since the beginning of June. It's a piece of kitchen furniture, originally planned as a surprise for Mom, but since her birthday was the second day in July...
...We've told her about it.
I'd really like to have it finished in time for it to take its place in the new kitchen.
We've taken lots of great pictures this week and last. But I haven't had time to load them onto the computer. Can you use your imagination to picture our house right now?
The kitchen has no ceiling. From that room, voices, and poundings, and crashes, and occasional "slams" testify to the fact that the last bits of drywall are finding the floor. A fine chalky dust covers everything in the kitchen.
The living room is packed to the bursting point with everything that was in the kitchen. Our chairs are outside on the deck, but all the small appliances and tables are squeezed into the living room. Everything that was on the kitchen counters is now covering every bit of available seating area in the living room, except for two chairs. As for floor space...you can make it from the front door to the kitchen, if you can fit through a 2-foot walk space.
This morning I had to do laundry so I would have some work clothes to wear; it seems I've been wearing nothing else for four or five days. Everyone is in dirty denim or cotton clothing...except for my older sister, who I think would look and smell clean in the middle of a tar pit. :)
My little siblings' bare feet were splotched with red stain, last time I saw them, but right now they're all wearing work shoes that are covered with gray dust.Work clothes are the wardrobe of the week. I'm reminded of that verse in Nehemiah; "so neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that everyone put them off for washing." *grin* Can't you picture the dirty crew?
The slow cooker is cooking away merrily in a bedroom, making our supper. Lunch was quite...interesting. Thankfully the outdoors is lovely right now; sunny, about 60*, with a slight breeze. If only it would rain! Our grass is dead. But God knows best. I guess we really don't need mud on top of drywall dust. I'm thankful for the balmy weather.
I've been thinking that lately I've been using my hands for fruit in ways that's aren't normally pictured as very "feminine." Tossing trash into dumpsters, sanding wood projects, handling screw drivers and saws, climbing ladders, and such have been parts of my life in the past week. And I don't mind. Hard work is fun. I'm still a girl. I'm not really very tomboyish; I've also found time to bake four loaves of bread, clean my bedroom, and work on a sewing project. But I like to be able to do all sorts of things. I've always been a Daddy's girl; I like to help him with projects. And I'm glad he lets me.
So, this week should be pretty fun.
...And dirty. :)
Of course, "off from work" is completely relative. In this case, it means the place where he works won't be seeing him for the said amount of time, but we will. That's about as off as you can get, right?
Actually, the challenge for this week is to redo the kitchen ceiling. And finish staining our back deck. And clean off the moss that has grown on our roof.
That's just Dad's list. Mom is working hard to finish painting around all our windows, outside. She enlisted my help today to repair the glaze around the glass panes.
Besides helping Mom and Dad, my own list of goals for this week include completing at least one sewing project (which I need by Friday!), teaching a sewing lesson tomorrow, and finishing the wood project that my brother Curtis and I have been working on since the beginning of June. It's a piece of kitchen furniture, originally planned as a surprise for Mom, but since her birthday was the second day in July...
...We've told her about it.
I'd really like to have it finished in time for it to take its place in the new kitchen.
We've taken lots of great pictures this week and last. But I haven't had time to load them onto the computer. Can you use your imagination to picture our house right now?
The kitchen has no ceiling. From that room, voices, and poundings, and crashes, and occasional "slams" testify to the fact that the last bits of drywall are finding the floor. A fine chalky dust covers everything in the kitchen.
The living room is packed to the bursting point with everything that was in the kitchen. Our chairs are outside on the deck, but all the small appliances and tables are squeezed into the living room. Everything that was on the kitchen counters is now covering every bit of available seating area in the living room, except for two chairs. As for floor space...you can make it from the front door to the kitchen, if you can fit through a 2-foot walk space.
This morning I had to do laundry so I would have some work clothes to wear; it seems I've been wearing nothing else for four or five days. Everyone is in dirty denim or cotton clothing...except for my older sister, who I think would look and smell clean in the middle of a tar pit. :)
My little siblings' bare feet were splotched with red stain, last time I saw them, but right now they're all wearing work shoes that are covered with gray dust.Work clothes are the wardrobe of the week. I'm reminded of that verse in Nehemiah; "so neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that everyone put them off for washing." *grin* Can't you picture the dirty crew?
The slow cooker is cooking away merrily in a bedroom, making our supper. Lunch was quite...interesting. Thankfully the outdoors is lovely right now; sunny, about 60*, with a slight breeze. If only it would rain! Our grass is dead. But God knows best. I guess we really don't need mud on top of drywall dust. I'm thankful for the balmy weather.
I've been thinking that lately I've been using my hands for fruit in ways that's aren't normally pictured as very "feminine." Tossing trash into dumpsters, sanding wood projects, handling screw drivers and saws, climbing ladders, and such have been parts of my life in the past week. And I don't mind. Hard work is fun. I'm still a girl. I'm not really very tomboyish; I've also found time to bake four loaves of bread, clean my bedroom, and work on a sewing project. But I like to be able to do all sorts of things. I've always been a Daddy's girl; I like to help him with projects. And I'm glad he lets me.
So, this week should be pretty fun.
...And dirty. :)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Schedules
Today is Monday.
If you've been one of my blog readers for a length of time, you know that I have volunteered myself to be the Crazy Monday Housekeeper at our home. "Crazy," because it's Monday, and I volunteered myself.
I hope we're not the only household that has a messy house at the end of Saturday and Sunday. It's really quite intimidating to wake up on a Monday morning. But I figured that if I can handle a messy kitchen on the worst day of the week, I can handle it anytime.
So that's how I spend my Monday mornings; doing dishes, sweeping floors, clearing counters, and doing some loads of laundry.
This may sound crazy, but in a way, I like Mondays. Not because I adore doing dishes and laundry, but I like the rhythmic secure feeling that comes from doing the same thing in the same order every Monday morning, week after week. Schedules are wonderful things.
Sadly, I'm not as good at keeping the other days of my week on such a consistent schedule. Partly because I'm lazy, and partly because they are not as predictable. But yesterday I decided to change that.
So, this morning, I took 30 minutes of my busy morning to type and print out blank schedule sheets that I designed on the computer. I will fill them in as soon as I get some time today. (Ironic, isn't it, that I must take time to schedule time?)
The reason for my sudden resolution was the following verses:
If you've been one of my blog readers for a length of time, you know that I have volunteered myself to be the Crazy Monday Housekeeper at our home. "Crazy," because it's Monday, and I volunteered myself.
I hope we're not the only household that has a messy house at the end of Saturday and Sunday. It's really quite intimidating to wake up on a Monday morning. But I figured that if I can handle a messy kitchen on the worst day of the week, I can handle it anytime.
So that's how I spend my Monday mornings; doing dishes, sweeping floors, clearing counters, and doing some loads of laundry.
This may sound crazy, but in a way, I like Mondays. Not because I adore doing dishes and laundry, but I like the rhythmic secure feeling that comes from doing the same thing in the same order every Monday morning, week after week. Schedules are wonderful things.
Sadly, I'm not as good at keeping the other days of my week on such a consistent schedule. Partly because I'm lazy, and partly because they are not as predictable. But yesterday I decided to change that.
So, this morning, I took 30 minutes of my busy morning to type and print out blank schedule sheets that I designed on the computer. I will fill them in as soon as I get some time today. (Ironic, isn't it, that I must take time to schedule time?)
The reason for my sudden resolution was the following verses:
"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. ...See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:8-10&15-17)
"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household...she girdeth her loins with strength...She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness..." (Proverbs 31)
I became very aware of many places in which I was wasting my time, and how my life could be lived, and how much more productive I could be. God has given me only a vapor of time! I must use it the best I can - not good, nor better, but BEST!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
My Day
Ahhhhhhh.
It feels soooo good to be sitting down.
The mission conference officially ended last night. The whole week was wonderful. Now if I can only put in to practice what I've learned.
It was wonderful - but also exhausting. I stayed up late every night, and last night was the latest. I figured I could sleep in on Saturday, and have a pretty light and easy day.
I've never been so wrong.
Well... I was right about the sleeping in part. The clock said eight-thirty-something when I woke, and the first thing I heard was Mom reminding me that we were going blueberry picking this morning.
After a quick breakfast, we headed out. I had to do my morning Bible reading while in the car. The drive to the blueberry farm is a long one, but very pretty. So much beautiful land!
I could hardly believe it when we got to the farm, and found out that the price for blueberries this year is $3 a quart. We could get them on sale in the store for that much, and not have to pick them! Ah, but who would want to miss the hot, sticky fun of picking blueberries?
The bushes we were picking from were 33 years old, which meant they were huge, towering over all of us like great bushy soldiers. The picking was a little scarce, but we started in anyway. The tops of the bushes had the most berries left on them, so picking meant a lot of stretching and standing on tiptoe. I wish I had a picture of Lezley sitting on Justin's shoulders in order to reach the berries, but our camera batteries died.
The strange thing about berry picking is how easy it is for the first five minutes, and how the last two inches of your bucket miraculously refuse to fill up. When I'm picking strawberries, I always think that they are the worst to pick, because you must squat the whole time, but when I'm picking blueberries, I think they are the worst to pick, because they are so little, and it takes so many to fill a bucket.
Anyway, there we spent our morning; picking away, avoiding bees, and trying to fill our buckets. I heard one of my siblings proudly tell Mom, "I'm putting two berries in the bucket for every one I eat!" I dryly retorted, "That means you're eating one for every two you put in the bucket."
I actually had the most fun this morning I've ever had picking blueberries; but by the end of the morning I was really tired. That bucket was heavy, yet it refused to fill all the way. I just wanted to be finished! Heat and humidity were both present in the berry patch this morning. My darling brother, Justin, came to get me when everyone was ready to leave (we had all spread out, in order to make the best of the scarce picking), and he carried the bucket to the van for me. I loved him for that! Funny, how little things can become huge blessings when you're tired.
But my day wasn't over. Yesterday, I had told Mom that I planned to recruit my siblings and clean our backyard today. Yesterday.... back when I was full of energy.
We had to make a stop at our church on the way home, and while we were there we did some cleaning; the busy week had left its mark on the building.
When we reached home, at 2:30, I was ready for lunch. I had three slices of homemade bread, with dressing, cheese, and lots of tomatoes on them. With my stomach satisfied, I was ready to chill out on the couch. ...But my diligent mother reminded me of my plans for the backyard.
My siblings had other things to do, so I spent the afternoon cleaning our backyard by myself. Scraps of wood, ...outdoor toys, ...containers of rabbit food and bedding, ...empty plant containers, ...misplaced garbage cans, ...piles of leaves, ...a wheelbarrow, ...misplaced tools,...and other things contributed to a fairly big mess out there. The yard was really overdue for a straightening!
To say that I became hot and sweaty is putting it politely. I was spending the hottest part of the day outdoors in sunny humid Virginia, doing fairly heavy work, and I was wet. Ugh. I was also exhausted. But it felt so good to see the yard tidy!
I ran inside for a quick drink of water, grabbed a basket, and went out to the garden. There, I picked a nice amount of tomatoes and cucumbers. I hope to make pickles on Monday! And the tomatoes are really starting to roll in around here. We can no longer use them up just by eating tomato sandwiches every lunch. Now we get to be more creative!
After picking, I headed down to our nice cool basement, into our family's little workshop. My brother, Curtis, and I are working on a wood project together, and it needed some more work. We spent a good hour or hour and a half gluing wood pieces together, sawing, and sanding. We finished with about a half-hour to spare before supper. I had time to take a shower!!! Mixing steamy clothing with garden dirt and sawdust is a good way to get filthy.
It felt so good to get clean. I even had two minutes to sit on my bed and look at the computer before the supper bell rang! I'm not sure what was more enjoyable at the table; being able to sit, or eating.
I was soooo ready to collapse back on my bed after supper, but I discovered that the day still wasn't over. Mom gave me the choice of either helping to prepare food for tomorrow, or giving one of my brothers a hair cut. I chose the hair cut.
I'm ashamed to say I let a few tears fall as I got out all the hair-cutting supplies. "This isn't fair! I'm so tired, and I don't get to take a break! I've been working all day, and I picked the most blueberries this morning, and I picked up the whole back yard, and I've been on my feet every minute, and I'm still suppose to stand here and cut hair!" I'm thankful I didn't cut my brother's head off! I have so much to learn about keeping a cheerful attitude. I sure didn't do much today compared to the everyday life of my ancestors, yet I was complaining in my heart. I was acting proud because I had done what I was suppose to do, and hurt because I didn't get what I thought was my just dues. How far I have to go towards being conformed to the image of Christ!
But now I am sitting here with my feet up, hair cut finished, and a short evening left to me. I'm thankful for what I accomplished today, and I'm thankful I have a new day ahead of me. I'm thankful for cold showers, and soft beds! I'm thankful for a God who loves me in spite of my sin. I'm thankful for a Holy Spirit who convicts and changes me.
All in all, I think I've had a pretty good day.
It feels soooo good to be sitting down.
The mission conference officially ended last night. The whole week was wonderful. Now if I can only put in to practice what I've learned.
It was wonderful - but also exhausting. I stayed up late every night, and last night was the latest. I figured I could sleep in on Saturday, and have a pretty light and easy day.
I've never been so wrong.
Well... I was right about the sleeping in part. The clock said eight-thirty-something when I woke, and the first thing I heard was Mom reminding me that we were going blueberry picking this morning.
After a quick breakfast, we headed out. I had to do my morning Bible reading while in the car. The drive to the blueberry farm is a long one, but very pretty. So much beautiful land!
I could hardly believe it when we got to the farm, and found out that the price for blueberries this year is $3 a quart. We could get them on sale in the store for that much, and not have to pick them! Ah, but who would want to miss the hot, sticky fun of picking blueberries?
The bushes we were picking from were 33 years old, which meant they were huge, towering over all of us like great bushy soldiers. The picking was a little scarce, but we started in anyway. The tops of the bushes had the most berries left on them, so picking meant a lot of stretching and standing on tiptoe. I wish I had a picture of Lezley sitting on Justin's shoulders in order to reach the berries, but our camera batteries died.
The strange thing about berry picking is how easy it is for the first five minutes, and how the last two inches of your bucket miraculously refuse to fill up. When I'm picking strawberries, I always think that they are the worst to pick, because you must squat the whole time, but when I'm picking blueberries, I think they are the worst to pick, because they are so little, and it takes so many to fill a bucket.
Anyway, there we spent our morning; picking away, avoiding bees, and trying to fill our buckets. I heard one of my siblings proudly tell Mom, "I'm putting two berries in the bucket for every one I eat!" I dryly retorted, "That means you're eating one for every two you put in the bucket."
I actually had the most fun this morning I've ever had picking blueberries; but by the end of the morning I was really tired. That bucket was heavy, yet it refused to fill all the way. I just wanted to be finished! Heat and humidity were both present in the berry patch this morning. My darling brother, Justin, came to get me when everyone was ready to leave (we had all spread out, in order to make the best of the scarce picking), and he carried the bucket to the van for me. I loved him for that! Funny, how little things can become huge blessings when you're tired.
But my day wasn't over. Yesterday, I had told Mom that I planned to recruit my siblings and clean our backyard today. Yesterday.... back when I was full of energy.
We had to make a stop at our church on the way home, and while we were there we did some cleaning; the busy week had left its mark on the building.
When we reached home, at 2:30, I was ready for lunch. I had three slices of homemade bread, with dressing, cheese, and lots of tomatoes on them. With my stomach satisfied, I was ready to chill out on the couch. ...But my diligent mother reminded me of my plans for the backyard.
My siblings had other things to do, so I spent the afternoon cleaning our backyard by myself. Scraps of wood, ...outdoor toys, ...containers of rabbit food and bedding, ...empty plant containers, ...misplaced garbage cans, ...piles of leaves, ...a wheelbarrow, ...misplaced tools,...and other things contributed to a fairly big mess out there. The yard was really overdue for a straightening!
To say that I became hot and sweaty is putting it politely. I was spending the hottest part of the day outdoors in sunny humid Virginia, doing fairly heavy work, and I was wet. Ugh. I was also exhausted. But it felt so good to see the yard tidy!
I ran inside for a quick drink of water, grabbed a basket, and went out to the garden. There, I picked a nice amount of tomatoes and cucumbers. I hope to make pickles on Monday! And the tomatoes are really starting to roll in around here. We can no longer use them up just by eating tomato sandwiches every lunch. Now we get to be more creative!
After picking, I headed down to our nice cool basement, into our family's little workshop. My brother, Curtis, and I are working on a wood project together, and it needed some more work. We spent a good hour or hour and a half gluing wood pieces together, sawing, and sanding. We finished with about a half-hour to spare before supper. I had time to take a shower!!! Mixing steamy clothing with garden dirt and sawdust is a good way to get filthy.
It felt so good to get clean. I even had two minutes to sit on my bed and look at the computer before the supper bell rang! I'm not sure what was more enjoyable at the table; being able to sit, or eating.
I was soooo ready to collapse back on my bed after supper, but I discovered that the day still wasn't over. Mom gave me the choice of either helping to prepare food for tomorrow, or giving one of my brothers a hair cut. I chose the hair cut.
I'm ashamed to say I let a few tears fall as I got out all the hair-cutting supplies. "This isn't fair! I'm so tired, and I don't get to take a break! I've been working all day, and I picked the most blueberries this morning, and I picked up the whole back yard, and I've been on my feet every minute, and I'm still suppose to stand here and cut hair!" I'm thankful I didn't cut my brother's head off! I have so much to learn about keeping a cheerful attitude. I sure didn't do much today compared to the everyday life of my ancestors, yet I was complaining in my heart. I was acting proud because I had done what I was suppose to do, and hurt because I didn't get what I thought was my just dues. How far I have to go towards being conformed to the image of Christ!
But now I am sitting here with my feet up, hair cut finished, and a short evening left to me. I'm thankful for what I accomplished today, and I'm thankful I have a new day ahead of me. I'm thankful for cold showers, and soft beds! I'm thankful for a God who loves me in spite of my sin. I'm thankful for a Holy Spirit who convicts and changes me.
All in all, I think I've had a pretty good day.
Monday, July 21, 2008
This Week...
...Our church has started our annual mission conference.
Every year we have been blessed with a Spirit-anointed guest speaker at our conference, and this year is no different. Pastor Alun McNabb has already been a great blessing to us, when he spoke at church yesterday.
The focus of our meetings is not missionaries alone; rather, the purpose of the conference is two-fold. We meet and fellowship with some of our missionaries (or new missionaries), so that we are better able to pray for them and, most emphasized, we search our own hearts and come before God in order to be equipped for our own missionary lives.
In regards to the first focus, I've decided that I'd like to share with y'all some of the missionaries we pray for, and ask you to offer a prayer for them this week. If only ten of you do this, and I share a new missionary five days this week, that's 50 more times that the throne room of Heaven has been entered in behalf of these missionaries!
Today I invite you to visit the site of the Zwingles. My family has been blessed by getting to know this couple personally. They have a burden for the country of Russia, and they are both filled with zeal and energy; ...and it's contagious! Please browse their site to let them tell you about themselves in their own words, and then pause for a moment and pray for them.
Now...in regards to the second focus of our mission week; our own hearts....
Every day, I am learning more of the importance of this matter. My own missionary life. The life of a missionary and the life of a Christian are the same. I am called to preach the gospel to every creature. How, where, and when differs for every Christian, but we are all called.
All.
I wish you could all feel the atmosphere in our church family right now. We have been praying and praying for the Lord to burden our hearts for the lost, and to make us witnesses. I believe the Lord might answer our prayers soon - maybe even this week.
I've been praying for revival in my life, and telling people that I want it, and telling God I want it... I've also been acting as if "revival" was some mysterious thing. As if it only happens when you get worked up enough, serious enough, spiritual enough.... and in the end, only God decides if you're dedicated enough to receive revival.
But reading through my Bible recently, I've made a personal discovery that is quite life-changing.
I started spotting people in the Bible who were spirit-filled. People like David, Joshua, Josiah, Paul, Stephen...people who were used by God. People who had personal revival.
There was a common factor in all their lives.
It was so simple, it blew me away.
They obeyed.
They obeyed.
They obeyed.
They all had a enormous delight in God's law. They all knew God's law. They knew His Word backwards and forwards.
They all broke the Ten Commandments; and knew it.
But they obeyed this command; Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might. EVERY time they sinned, the repented with bitter tears. They went back to the narrow way, and walked therein.
It was so simple. God used those who obeyed.
I'm not talking about obeying to earn salvation; that's another matter. I'm talking about which Christians are used of God to do mighty works. Isn't that real revival? Being used? The ones used were the ones who obeyed. Not the ones who were mysteriously spiritual. Not the ones who prayed long prayers (though they all were pray-ers).
Salvation isn't given to those who try their own ways, but to those who use the Way God has set out in His Word. Likewise, I believe revival isn't given mysteriously to those who are "spiritual enough," but those who obey what they have learned.
Picture it. A Christian who is constantly witnessing. He is kind and loving. He is not easily angered. He assembles with the believers every chance he gets. He tithes. He keeps the sabbath day holy. He obeys those in authority over him. He cares for the poor and widows. He guards his tongue. He searches the scriptures. He humbles himself. He loves the Lord with all his heart, and his every action shows it. Wouldn't we say this is a revived Christian? Yet all he's doing is obeying.
God promises to save all who come to Him; He will in nowise cast them out. He also promises to bless those who obey. He blessed David with revival. He blessed Joshua with revival. He blessed Josiah. He blessed Paul. He blessed Stephen.
Why didn't I see this before? Lord, forget about making me "extra spiritual." Forget about making my prayer life amazingly complex and flowery. Forget about making me perfectly poised in every situation. Just help me obey!!!!
Every year we have been blessed with a Spirit-anointed guest speaker at our conference, and this year is no different. Pastor Alun McNabb has already been a great blessing to us, when he spoke at church yesterday.
The focus of our meetings is not missionaries alone; rather, the purpose of the conference is two-fold. We meet and fellowship with some of our missionaries (or new missionaries), so that we are better able to pray for them and, most emphasized, we search our own hearts and come before God in order to be equipped for our own missionary lives.
In regards to the first focus, I've decided that I'd like to share with y'all some of the missionaries we pray for, and ask you to offer a prayer for them this week. If only ten of you do this, and I share a new missionary five days this week, that's 50 more times that the throne room of Heaven has been entered in behalf of these missionaries!
Today I invite you to visit the site of the Zwingles. My family has been blessed by getting to know this couple personally. They have a burden for the country of Russia, and they are both filled with zeal and energy; ...and it's contagious! Please browse their site to let them tell you about themselves in their own words, and then pause for a moment and pray for them.
Now...in regards to the second focus of our mission week; our own hearts....
Every day, I am learning more of the importance of this matter. My own missionary life. The life of a missionary and the life of a Christian are the same. I am called to preach the gospel to every creature. How, where, and when differs for every Christian, but we are all called.
All.
I wish you could all feel the atmosphere in our church family right now. We have been praying and praying for the Lord to burden our hearts for the lost, and to make us witnesses. I believe the Lord might answer our prayers soon - maybe even this week.
I've been praying for revival in my life, and telling people that I want it, and telling God I want it... I've also been acting as if "revival" was some mysterious thing. As if it only happens when you get worked up enough, serious enough, spiritual enough.... and in the end, only God decides if you're dedicated enough to receive revival.
But reading through my Bible recently, I've made a personal discovery that is quite life-changing.
I started spotting people in the Bible who were spirit-filled. People like David, Joshua, Josiah, Paul, Stephen...people who were used by God. People who had personal revival.
There was a common factor in all their lives.
It was so simple, it blew me away.
They obeyed.
They obeyed.
They obeyed.
They all had a enormous delight in God's law. They all knew God's law. They knew His Word backwards and forwards.
They all broke the Ten Commandments; and knew it.
But they obeyed this command; Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might. EVERY time they sinned, the repented with bitter tears. They went back to the narrow way, and walked therein.
It was so simple. God used those who obeyed.
I'm not talking about obeying to earn salvation; that's another matter. I'm talking about which Christians are used of God to do mighty works. Isn't that real revival? Being used? The ones used were the ones who obeyed. Not the ones who were mysteriously spiritual. Not the ones who prayed long prayers (though they all were pray-ers).
Salvation isn't given to those who try their own ways, but to those who use the Way God has set out in His Word. Likewise, I believe revival isn't given mysteriously to those who are "spiritual enough," but those who obey what they have learned.
Picture it. A Christian who is constantly witnessing. He is kind and loving. He is not easily angered. He assembles with the believers every chance he gets. He tithes. He keeps the sabbath day holy. He obeys those in authority over him. He cares for the poor and widows. He guards his tongue. He searches the scriptures. He humbles himself. He loves the Lord with all his heart, and his every action shows it. Wouldn't we say this is a revived Christian? Yet all he's doing is obeying.
God promises to save all who come to Him; He will in nowise cast them out. He also promises to bless those who obey. He blessed David with revival. He blessed Joshua with revival. He blessed Josiah. He blessed Paul. He blessed Stephen.
Why didn't I see this before? Lord, forget about making me "extra spiritual." Forget about making my prayer life amazingly complex and flowery. Forget about making me perfectly poised in every situation. Just help me obey!!!!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Happy Birthday, Mom!
I'd like to wish a wonderful day to the best mother ever.
If you read my blog regularly, you may notice that birthdays happen in my family one right after another this time of year. It's pretty cool to have a way to let the whole world know that it's a special day for one of my family members.
It may be of no importance to you, because you don't know my family personally, but by publicly recognizing and admitting great love for a family member, I'm showing that I'm willing to go against the world's thinking of "family doesn't matter." Lots of young people think it isn't cool to show affection for their family.
I'd like to stand up on a tower and yell "So What?" If you love Christ, you had better love your family too, and real love is showed unashamedly.
So yes, I love to hang out with my siblings.
And yes, I think my parents are smarter than I am.
And yes, I value their instruction.
Yes, I consider how my choices will influence our family as a whole.
Yes, I think it's wonderful to be seen in public with my family members - that includes my parents.
Yes, I think it's great for my friends to know my parents and siblings well.
Yes, I think it's fine to do a wee bit of "good" boasting about my family members.
So, Mom, may you have a wonderful day. May you know that I treasure the gifts you have given me; life, learning, love, laughter, and so much more.
...And may you enjoy the labor of love Curt and I have put together for you, for your birthday. (Sorry, blog readers, it's a secret 'cause we haven't given it to her yet!)
Readers, I know that most of you also love your family unashamedly. I don't mean to yell at you with all this big type. I guess I just wanted to blurt out what I wish I could tell those who don't agree with the thought of "families are a gift from God." Let's find a gentle, loving way to change their minds, shall we?
If you read my blog regularly, you may notice that birthdays happen in my family one right after another this time of year. It's pretty cool to have a way to let the whole world know that it's a special day for one of my family members.
It may be of no importance to you, because you don't know my family personally, but by publicly recognizing and admitting great love for a family member, I'm showing that I'm willing to go against the world's thinking of "family doesn't matter." Lots of young people think it isn't cool to show affection for their family.
I'd like to stand up on a tower and yell "So What?" If you love Christ, you had better love your family too, and real love is showed unashamedly.
So yes, I love to hang out with my siblings.
And yes, I think my parents are smarter than I am.
And yes, I value their instruction.
Yes, I consider how my choices will influence our family as a whole.
Yes, I think it's wonderful to be seen in public with my family members - that includes my parents.
Yes, I think it's great for my friends to know my parents and siblings well.
Yes, I think it's fine to do a wee bit of "good" boasting about my family members.
So, Mom, may you have a wonderful day. May you know that I treasure the gifts you have given me; life, learning, love, laughter, and so much more.
...And may you enjoy the labor of love Curt and I have put together for you, for your birthday. (Sorry, blog readers, it's a secret 'cause we haven't given it to her yet!)
Readers, I know that most of you also love your family unashamedly. I don't mean to yell at you with all this big type. I guess I just wanted to blurt out what I wish I could tell those who don't agree with the thought of "families are a gift from God." Let's find a gentle, loving way to change their minds, shall we?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Because I'm still getting back in the swing of things...
...I don't have any pictures of what I've been doing lately. (Not that pictures of unpacking suitcases and hanging laundry and washing dishes are really thrilling anyway.)
So I thought y'all might enjoy getting a peek into my hopechest. A while back I shared pictures of a quilt that is destined for my hopechest, and now you'll see something that is already packed away there.
...The faint scent of cedar hangs in the air whenever I open the lid of my chest and lift something out.
...My bedside lamp lights up the interior of the chest, making the glossy wood shine.
...I run my hands tenderly over each object in the chest - each one holds a memory or a hope.
...If I take everything out of the chest, I know I will see the letters burned in one bottom corner; "To Amber...." a message to me from my Dad, and the date he finished building this chest.
...But enough. I must take out and unfold my afghan to get good pictures of it. I can't help gasping as I shake it open and lay it over my bed. It's so big! Because it's tucked away all the time, I always forget just how large this project was. ...And how much work went into it.
Even though I made this thing, I always shake my head in amazement and awe when I look at it. That's not pride, really! The pattern was a lovely one, and who doesn't like to handle soft squares made out of yarn, that are pleasantly thick and in all sorts of patterns? ...no matter who made them? I just love yarn! ...though fabric is the most fun!
This afghan contains 63 squares, all made with different stitches. Before I started this project, I knew only 3 0r 4 stitches. I love the variety! It used....uh....a TON of yarn, and took me many months to complete. The colors I chose are the colors I'd like to use in my own home some day.
Here you can see a little more detail, though the lighting really isn't good enough to show what this looks like in life. This is a heavy blanket, and very warm!
This morning I discovered that my little sisters are going to do a study on Proverbs 31 for school, and I overheard Mom telling them that many things in that chapter can apply to them right now, even though they are just young girls.
Even though I'm not a little girl anymore, many times I think that parts of this chapter don't apply to me yet. I'm not a mother. I'm not a wife. How can my husband be known in the gates? How can my children rise up and call me blessed?
I believe God has called me to be a wife and mother someday. I know that He doesn't want me to mope around waiting for Prince Charming, though. He wants me to serve the family I have right now.
When I look at verses in the Bible that pertain to wives or mothers, I am tempted to shrug them off. And yes, some of the direct commands really can't be applied in my life. ...But I can look at the spirit of the commands and apply them.
So a virtuous woman's husband should be known in the gates? ...My conduct should be honoring to my father, and give him a good name in the places he goes.
So I thought y'all might enjoy getting a peek into my hopechest. A while back I shared pictures of a quilt that is destined for my hopechest, and now you'll see something that is already packed away there.
...The faint scent of cedar hangs in the air whenever I open the lid of my chest and lift something out.
...My bedside lamp lights up the interior of the chest, making the glossy wood shine.
...I run my hands tenderly over each object in the chest - each one holds a memory or a hope.
...If I take everything out of the chest, I know I will see the letters burned in one bottom corner; "To Amber...." a message to me from my Dad, and the date he finished building this chest.
...But enough. I must take out and unfold my afghan to get good pictures of it. I can't help gasping as I shake it open and lay it over my bed. It's so big! Because it's tucked away all the time, I always forget just how large this project was. ...And how much work went into it.
Even though I made this thing, I always shake my head in amazement and awe when I look at it. That's not pride, really! The pattern was a lovely one, and who doesn't like to handle soft squares made out of yarn, that are pleasantly thick and in all sorts of patterns? ...no matter who made them? I just love yarn! ...though fabric is the most fun!
This afghan contains 63 squares, all made with different stitches. Before I started this project, I knew only 3 0r 4 stitches. I love the variety! It used....uh....a TON of yarn, and took me many months to complete. The colors I chose are the colors I'd like to use in my own home some day. 
Here you can see a little more detail, though the lighting really isn't good enough to show what this looks like in life. This is a heavy blanket, and very warm! One more thing.
A thought for the day....
A thought for the day....
This morning I discovered that my little sisters are going to do a study on Proverbs 31 for school, and I overheard Mom telling them that many things in that chapter can apply to them right now, even though they are just young girls.
Even though I'm not a little girl anymore, many times I think that parts of this chapter don't apply to me yet. I'm not a mother. I'm not a wife. How can my husband be known in the gates? How can my children rise up and call me blessed?
I believe God has called me to be a wife and mother someday. I know that He doesn't want me to mope around waiting for Prince Charming, though. He wants me to serve the family I have right now.
When I look at verses in the Bible that pertain to wives or mothers, I am tempted to shrug them off. And yes, some of the direct commands really can't be applied in my life. ...But I can look at the spirit of the commands and apply them.
So a virtuous woman's husband should be known in the gates? ...My conduct should be honoring to my father, and give him a good name in the places he goes.
So her children will rise up and call her blessed? ...I should show such kindness to my siblings and help them so much that when they look back on their growing up years in this home, they will say "Amber influenced me for the good! I'm so glad I had a sister like her!"
Wow. I sure have a job to do.
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