I'm back.......
Sooooooo much change has taken place in my life over the last 5 years and I must say that I know one thing, I am not fond of change. I know that I would be bored if things stayed the same, but I like being in a rut sometimes. There is a false sense of security that goes with having things in place and being able to "depend" on things. The obvious thing here is that nothing is trustworthy on this earth. Nothing stays the same even if it tries because if there is life it is growing and that means change.
It is so easy to get connected to the things of this earth and then when they let me down, to be totally wiped out by them. I know that I can go into a tailspin when something is in my life that I've grown to love, to count on, to enjoy or appreciate suddenly is gone.
I do also know something else though. What change appears to be about at first when it happens isn't always what it really is about. Things appear one way, but later the change changes. Imagine that. It may first seem to be a bad thing, but later it appears to be a good thing. It may be that the outcome of the change appears to be going one way, but really isn't going that way at all. There always seems to be a bigger picture. What is good and what I was so comfortable enjoying may be so much less than what the Lord would have for me.Thus, change. I just can't imagine life with things different than what they always have been. So often things turn out for the better if I just remember that all change has to be sifted through the hands of the Lord before they happen to me. I am His child and in His hands. That is the safest place to be through ALL change.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
It's just a season.
I thought spring was on the way to Northern Iowa a while ago...like more than a month ago. BUT, it is still cold and now we have the spring storms and tornados that cause so much anxiety. I'm so thankful that God is a God of order. We know for sure that spring follows winter, and summer will be just around the corner. As we live our lives we know that these seasons come each year and that there are signs and that there are certain characteristics of each. We can count on it.
Well, the seasons of life are similar, but different. We can know the order, but what will happen in each season is so different for each person, and actually it is different every day.
This empty nest season is one that I never prepared for, and no one ever told me much about it. Maybe that is why it has been so hard. All my life I knew that I wanted to be a mom, and God blessed me so I was. I knew my job was to raise my children to follow the Lord, and I did. Now, they are on their own following the Lord and I wonder what my new job should be. Oh, I am here for the kids, but they don't need me like they used to. I pray for them and their activities, but I feel like I've lost my way some days. I am not sure who to help, where to help, where to work, what to do and that I'm making a difference in this world. Fortunately, I have the Spirit of God that leads me as I read His word, but unfortunately it doesn't spell things out specifically.
I read the other day the "The righteous shall live by faith."
Day by day, step by step, decision by decision, I move forward believing that I am headed in the way that the Lord wants me to go.....for today, and tomorrow, for a season, and for a lifetime. That is what this life is all about. Live by faith in Jesus.
Well, the seasons of life are similar, but different. We can know the order, but what will happen in each season is so different for each person, and actually it is different every day.
This empty nest season is one that I never prepared for, and no one ever told me much about it. Maybe that is why it has been so hard. All my life I knew that I wanted to be a mom, and God blessed me so I was. I knew my job was to raise my children to follow the Lord, and I did. Now, they are on their own following the Lord and I wonder what my new job should be. Oh, I am here for the kids, but they don't need me like they used to. I pray for them and their activities, but I feel like I've lost my way some days. I am not sure who to help, where to help, where to work, what to do and that I'm making a difference in this world. Fortunately, I have the Spirit of God that leads me as I read His word, but unfortunately it doesn't spell things out specifically.
I read the other day the "The righteous shall live by faith."
Day by day, step by step, decision by decision, I move forward believing that I am headed in the way that the Lord wants me to go.....for today, and tomorrow, for a season, and for a lifetime. That is what this life is all about. Live by faith in Jesus.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Not as easy as I thought....
Life happens. Sometimes I have the best intentions to come here and write a few of the words going through my head, but it just doesn't get done.
I have decided I am a woman of the spoken word, not the written word so much.
I hate to disappoint, but I'm not sure how many posts are going to happen, especially now that spring is starting to show itself here in northern IA.
It has been a winter to remember....or forget. I've learned alot about myself. I am more emotional than I originally thought, and more prone to sadness when it is cloudy out (for months on end).
Expectations get in my way and disappointment wipes me out. Somehow I feel betrayed when things don't go as I expect them to go. Sadness sets in when people don't act as I think they should.
I guess I'm not in charge of things here in my world. That is probably good because I know that the One who is, always is interested in my best and the best for others too. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He can be depended on and has the BIG picture in His control. It is best to just take one day at a time, live one moment at a time, enjoy it, trust God (not people)and remember what God says: So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt. 6:34). Getting ahead of God, playing God, and ignoring God just bring disappointments. It is best not to go there.
His light is sunshine even when it is a cloudy day in IA. Remember to look to HIM and His word.
I have decided I am a woman of the spoken word, not the written word so much.
I hate to disappoint, but I'm not sure how many posts are going to happen, especially now that spring is starting to show itself here in northern IA.
It has been a winter to remember....or forget. I've learned alot about myself. I am more emotional than I originally thought, and more prone to sadness when it is cloudy out (for months on end).
Expectations get in my way and disappointment wipes me out. Somehow I feel betrayed when things don't go as I expect them to go. Sadness sets in when people don't act as I think they should.
I guess I'm not in charge of things here in my world. That is probably good because I know that the One who is, always is interested in my best and the best for others too. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He can be depended on and has the BIG picture in His control. It is best to just take one day at a time, live one moment at a time, enjoy it, trust God (not people)and remember what God says: So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt. 6:34). Getting ahead of God, playing God, and ignoring God just bring disappointments. It is best not to go there.
His light is sunshine even when it is a cloudy day in IA. Remember to look to HIM and His word.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
One sentence spoken....
I can't get words off my mind..imagine that.
I've been pondering the WORD of God. That could mean His Son as it is written in John 1:1 or it could mean his Word in general. Proverbs are just as awesome to me as the proverbs my mother shared. (I've thought of more of them lately)
ANYWAY, some of the Proverbs that have jumped out at me are:
Prov. 19:21-Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Prov. 13:3-The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Prov. 13:14-The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death.
Maybe this is why I appreciate the words my mother collected and filed, and shared with us, and even more, the Proverbs in the Bible. There is much wisdom to be passed on.
I was thinking of some words spoken to me when I was young and how they have affected me for life. I was told once that my mouth and brain would be what I would need to rely on in life, because I sure was not coordinated.
I never felt comfortable in gym class or in the sports arena. Oh, I was good in the stands as I cheered the team on, BUT don't make me get out on a court of any kind and actually participate.
A relative, when I was in third grade, patted my tummy, and said, "My, aren't you getting to be a BIG girl!! From that point on, I was aware of my big tummy and my "larger than my sisters'" frame.
BUT, I've also had people tell me that I was so good at....., and boy, if you set your mind to doing this, it Will get done, and BOY, you made such a difference in that...
What a salve that was to my heart.
Seeing how others' words hurt or help me has caused me to pray that God would put a guard on my lips and that He would help me speak LIFE into the lives of others.
WORDS are so powerful. Be careful how you use them, and the tone that goes with them.
They can make a difference in someone's life.
I've been pondering the WORD of God. That could mean His Son as it is written in John 1:1 or it could mean his Word in general. Proverbs are just as awesome to me as the proverbs my mother shared. (I've thought of more of them lately)
ANYWAY, some of the Proverbs that have jumped out at me are:
Prov. 19:21-Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Prov. 13:3-The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Prov. 13:14-The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death.
Maybe this is why I appreciate the words my mother collected and filed, and shared with us, and even more, the Proverbs in the Bible. There is much wisdom to be passed on.
I was thinking of some words spoken to me when I was young and how they have affected me for life. I was told once that my mouth and brain would be what I would need to rely on in life, because I sure was not coordinated.
I never felt comfortable in gym class or in the sports arena. Oh, I was good in the stands as I cheered the team on, BUT don't make me get out on a court of any kind and actually participate.
A relative, when I was in third grade, patted my tummy, and said, "My, aren't you getting to be a BIG girl!! From that point on, I was aware of my big tummy and my "larger than my sisters'" frame.
BUT, I've also had people tell me that I was so good at....., and boy, if you set your mind to doing this, it Will get done, and BOY, you made such a difference in that...
What a salve that was to my heart.
Seeing how others' words hurt or help me has caused me to pray that God would put a guard on my lips and that He would help me speak LIFE into the lives of others.
WORDS are so powerful. Be careful how you use them, and the tone that goes with them.
They can make a difference in someone's life.
WORDS, Lots and lots of words
I am a WORDS person. Just come and visit and look around. I have words everywhere on my walls.
I love words of affirmation, words of truth, and I love to share my words, or stories with whomever will listen.
WELL, I have an I Spy today. (See my I Spy blog to be clued in on this concept)
It has to do with my words....
Don't ever think that what you say is not making a difference in the lives of those who are listening.
We may never know how we are affecting others. Sometimes we are allowed a glimpse. This is what happened on Monday.
I received a call from my daughter, Bethany. She said, "MOM, do you remember talking to a lady in the chiropractor's office a while ago? " Now, that is a vague question. Which lady in whose office how long ago?
She continued, "Well, you shared with her what I was doing and where I am working. You told her that the winery I work at is very beautiful. You told her about me and my passions. AND, today, because of your conversation, she called me and booked a wedding date for her daughter here at Park Farm winery. AMAZING, and she told Bethany the story.
Funny thing is that the Winery and my daughter live 2 hours to the southeast of us, the lady lives about an hour south, and I was in a Dr.'s office a half hour to the southwest of our home.
You never know how words will affect the things that are, will be, and could be...
Someone once told me that words shared (gossip, in particular) are like a bag of feathers thrown into the wind. To gather them again is impossible. You never know how far they will fly and where they will land, and what affect they will have on others; for the bad or the good.
I love words of affirmation, words of truth, and I love to share my words, or stories with whomever will listen.
WELL, I have an I Spy today. (See my I Spy blog to be clued in on this concept)
It has to do with my words....
Don't ever think that what you say is not making a difference in the lives of those who are listening.
We may never know how we are affecting others. Sometimes we are allowed a glimpse. This is what happened on Monday.
I received a call from my daughter, Bethany. She said, "MOM, do you remember talking to a lady in the chiropractor's office a while ago? " Now, that is a vague question. Which lady in whose office how long ago?
She continued, "Well, you shared with her what I was doing and where I am working. You told her that the winery I work at is very beautiful. You told her about me and my passions. AND, today, because of your conversation, she called me and booked a wedding date for her daughter here at Park Farm winery. AMAZING, and she told Bethany the story.
Funny thing is that the Winery and my daughter live 2 hours to the southeast of us, the lady lives about an hour south, and I was in a Dr.'s office a half hour to the southwest of our home.
You never know how words will affect the things that are, will be, and could be...
Someone once told me that words shared (gossip, in particular) are like a bag of feathers thrown into the wind. To gather them again is impossible. You never know how far they will fly and where they will land, and what affect they will have on others; for the bad or the good.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Ponderings
Some of mom and dad's quotes have been rattling around in my head this week. Tonight, we went to a basketball game that had little energy. The kids were playing the game, but not really playing it with their hearts in it. We talked about the push to excel, and succeed, and compete, and how things have changed over the years. It brought to mind what my dad used to say to us when we were young....You've got to "have alot of wanna" in order to get a lot done.
I mentioned that to the friends that were with us. One said that Michael Jordan said that "there are 3 types of people... those who wish they could get things done, those who want to get things done, and those who get things done."
My dad was also known for another quote. One day I was bemoaning the fact that I didn't have a boyfriend. He told me not to worry because "there is never a pot so crooked that you can't find a lid to fit"
Mom told us: "Haste makes waste"
"A stitch in time saves nine"
"If, at first, you don't succeed, try, try again"
"Never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today"
There are more. I will share them another day. It is getting late, and you know,
"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
I better hit the sack. Sweet dreams, and "don't let the beddy bugs bite."
Oh, I miss my mom and dad.
I mentioned that to the friends that were with us. One said that Michael Jordan said that "there are 3 types of people... those who wish they could get things done, those who want to get things done, and those who get things done."
My dad was also known for another quote. One day I was bemoaning the fact that I didn't have a boyfriend. He told me not to worry because "there is never a pot so crooked that you can't find a lid to fit"
Mom told us: "Haste makes waste"
"A stitch in time saves nine"
"If, at first, you don't succeed, try, try again"
"Never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today"
There are more. I will share them another day. It is getting late, and you know,
"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
I better hit the sack. Sweet dreams, and "don't let the beddy bugs bite."
Oh, I miss my mom and dad.
Iowa weather
I've lived here, in Iowa, all of my life and now have found something good about its weather. Weather is a common thread to all people. In Iowa, it changes daily, sometimes hourly, like it did yesterday. All day the temperature went down, hour by hour, and no matter where I was, there was a buzz about how cold it was getting.
For that reason, I love Iowa weather. It doesn't matter if you are in line in any store, if you are passing someone on the sidewalk, in a vehicle of public transportation, etc. you have something to talk about with the person next to you. I have heard stories of snow storms, blizzards, white-outs, tornadoes, winters that produced numerous inches of snow, the fun others have had in the snow, memories of travel in the snowy conditions, memories of travel away from the snowy weather....and now they are calling for warmer temps at the end of the week which will bring on conversations about a thaw, how spring is just around the corner. Some, in my area among the Amish and Mennonites, may bring up the fact that we haven't seen the snow on the tail of a robin yet, and that the last snow hasn't come because it hasn't stuck to the north side of the trees.
Does this common experience of having to keep ahead of the weather help to give the Midwest its reputation about being friendlier than the coasts? We help each other stay informed of what is to come. I wonder how the people in California start their conversations with strangers in line. Hey, another warm day today, right?????? Then, what do you say?
Yes, and we are supposed to have warm weather tomorrow and all of next week or was that month or ???
You know, I'm glad I live in Iowa with all of its seasons and all of its diverse weather. Thanks to that I have met a lot of nice people.
I just wish tomorrow was going to be warmer...and the next day, and the next day...
For that reason, I love Iowa weather. It doesn't matter if you are in line in any store, if you are passing someone on the sidewalk, in a vehicle of public transportation, etc. you have something to talk about with the person next to you. I have heard stories of snow storms, blizzards, white-outs, tornadoes, winters that produced numerous inches of snow, the fun others have had in the snow, memories of travel in the snowy conditions, memories of travel away from the snowy weather....and now they are calling for warmer temps at the end of the week which will bring on conversations about a thaw, how spring is just around the corner. Some, in my area among the Amish and Mennonites, may bring up the fact that we haven't seen the snow on the tail of a robin yet, and that the last snow hasn't come because it hasn't stuck to the north side of the trees.
Does this common experience of having to keep ahead of the weather help to give the Midwest its reputation about being friendlier than the coasts? We help each other stay informed of what is to come. I wonder how the people in California start their conversations with strangers in line. Hey, another warm day today, right?????? Then, what do you say?
Yes, and we are supposed to have warm weather tomorrow and all of next week or was that month or ???
You know, I'm glad I live in Iowa with all of its seasons and all of its diverse weather. Thanks to that I have met a lot of nice people.
I just wish tomorrow was going to be warmer...and the next day, and the next day...
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Devotional Worth Keeping
This devotional was shared with me today. If only I could read and remember this everyday.
When God Whispers Your Name, Chapter 11By Max Lucado Galatians 5: 22
IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love . . .
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy . . .
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace . . .
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience . . .
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness . . .
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness . . .
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness . . .
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness . . .
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control . . .
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love . . .
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy . . .
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace . . .
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience . . .
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness . . .
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness . . .
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness . . .
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness . . .
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control . . .
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1994) Max Lucado
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1994) Max Lucado
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Celebration
Today, we celebrate as we do everyday because we woke up and are ALIVE in and to Jesus Christ. This is also the day that marks 25 years of commitment on Dan's part as an employee of the George A Hormel plant and to his family as an awesome provider all of these years. I am so thankful for both. It wasn't his dream job, but as he has said, everyday, he walked out of the plant thanking God he had a job even if his attitude wasn't that one in the morning when he arrived. Yes, we have raised 4 kids with the wages he has earned, we won a trip to Orlando, Fl. to Disney World and Epcot, and we got through Dan's double by-pass surgery a few years ago with very little to pay, thanks to the great health insurance policy they have for their employees. What a great event to celebrate. Through the ups and downs and changes at the plant, Dan has remained faithful. We are blessed and have cause to celebrate.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Again!!
Is there any rule that I can only write once/day?
I was pondering the poem and the verse in my last post, and it hit me. Those verses are exactly why Bethany told me that I have always told the kids to GO BIG or GO HOME. If you are going to do something, do it the very BEST you can, give it your ALL, and glorify the Lord.
That is why we are here. That is why I have big rings that I wear...to remind me of this.
SHINE!!
I was pondering the poem and the verse in my last post, and it hit me. Those verses are exactly why Bethany told me that I have always told the kids to GO BIG or GO HOME. If you are going to do something, do it the very BEST you can, give it your ALL, and glorify the Lord.
That is why we are here. That is why I have big rings that I wear...to remind me of this.
SHINE!!
Our Deepest Fear
This morning, as I was moving papers again, I found a poem given to me by a friend at a leadership conference I just attended. It challenged me a bit. AND, then in God's word I was shown the verse that follows. WOW. How personal is God?
OUR DEEPEST FEAR
by Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear in not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine.
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing
that from the Lord you will receive ther reward of the inheritance. IT IS THE LORD CHRIST WHOM YOU SERVE. (my emphasis)
I've been set FREE, once again.
OUR DEEPEST FEAR
by Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear in not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine.
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing
that from the Lord you will receive ther reward of the inheritance. IT IS THE LORD CHRIST WHOM YOU SERVE. (my emphasis)
I've been set FREE, once again.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
What HE thinks
Well, I haven't revealed that I am writing this. I can only think that "what others think" is burdening me. It is one thing my Dad always said, "What will others think if you......?" "How do you think they will feel about that?""What will they say?" "Polly, you don't want to ruin the family name." BUT, as a teen, I wasn't really into thinking about others or about saving the family name. What I wanted, and wanted to do was the most important thing, so I took off and did things that turned my dad's hair gray and probably caused my mom to pull out her hair.(Maybe that is why her hair got thinner as she got older.)
Today, I've been thinking about connecting with others. THAT is what this life is about. NOT that I need to worry about others opinions, but when you look at what Jesus did on this earth, it is apparent that it is all about relationships, building relationships. Jesus didn't come to collect things, move things, dust things, show off things, wear things, gloat about things, one-up others with things, brag about things, etc, etc. etc. He came to relate to people. All that he did was about people.
We all need to be connected with someone; someway or somehow. That makes this world bearable when so much seems so senseless sometimes. The best connection is the one between us and the One who made us.
When I find myself consumed with connecting with bigger and better, prettier, and more expensive THINGS, I need to stop and think about the last time I spent time connecting with others instead. We all like to feel like we belong and are wanted here....like we matter. Things last only for a lifetime. People last for eternity.
Matthew 5:16- Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.
I just need to do the things that glorify my Father in Heaven. What HE thinks matters.
Today, I've been thinking about connecting with others. THAT is what this life is about. NOT that I need to worry about others opinions, but when you look at what Jesus did on this earth, it is apparent that it is all about relationships, building relationships. Jesus didn't come to collect things, move things, dust things, show off things, wear things, gloat about things, one-up others with things, brag about things, etc, etc. etc. He came to relate to people. All that he did was about people.
We all need to be connected with someone; someway or somehow. That makes this world bearable when so much seems so senseless sometimes. The best connection is the one between us and the One who made us.
When I find myself consumed with connecting with bigger and better, prettier, and more expensive THINGS, I need to stop and think about the last time I spent time connecting with others instead. We all like to feel like we belong and are wanted here....like we matter. Things last only for a lifetime. People last for eternity.
Matthew 5:16- Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.
I just need to do the things that glorify my Father in Heaven. What HE thinks matters.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Today may be the day
Today may be the day I let everyone know that I am writing here so I feel I need to let you know that I love to name things. It was so much fun to think of all the names needed for this page. Let me explain how they all came to be.
My hubby, Dan, was thinking that since we live in a country school turned into a home and since I wanted to share wisdom from the past, I should title this page, OLD SCHOOL news or something to that effect. Instead, the blogspot website is baileyschool because that is what our home used to be called. It is now known as the Avalon Chateau, but has also been known in the past as the Lilly Pad, Lilly Haven, and just plain home to my 4 children, Brett, Curtis, Grant, and Bethany.
Help is on the Way...!came from the movie, Mrs. Doubtfire. It was from one of those scenes that I thought was hilarious. My son, Curtis, could get me to laugh just by saying it. Somedays, he would come up with so many one liners from all of our family movies, inside jokes, and stories, etc. that he had me laughing and forgetting about the fact that he was supposed to be studying. I threatened to ground him if he didn't stop making me laugh. Fond memories of our home school days go with that phrase even though the real meaning is still there.
My e-mail address refers to OUR HOPE in the Lord JESUS Christ. HE is still alive on this earth and lives in the hearts of all of his followers.
My son, Grant, is in a screamo band-APastUnkown, and they released a song today with the lyrics that follow. I thought the timing and the words went with this thought of our HOPE still living.
The song is titled: What if you're Wrong
The lyrics:
What If You’re Wrong?
Have you not heard of me? False hope, false love, the silent enemy. I’ve done my best, I’ve kept you deceived. Faith still grows in more than one answer, only my God frees, my God redeems, stop honoring the dead among the living.
Burn your incense down to these silent ears that hear no one. All this time your screaming makes no sound and it’s death you’ve found. Where’s the hero? Where is truth when death sets in the blood? The grave still holds the names who claimed a way, all but One.
This world will burn. Whose side are you on? Show me your faith, you will get no answer. Suffocation fills your lungs when no one keeps you breathing. Show me a sign, the dead can’t answer. Failure, again and again. Set yourself up for the fall with these empty words and useless rituals.
Calling out to no one only silence will be heard. Your hero is no longer breathing, sound the alarm, no hope. I hear no one , you hear no one, give me an answer, where is your god now?
When will confusion end? This world will burn, leave nothing left. When all the hope seems dead, You’re the one still breathing. Their eyes will turn to You, the One who rose, the only truth, confessing with their tounges “I’m the one who’s wrong”
Burn your incense down, no one will hear. Where’s the hero now, it’s death that you’ve found. Death, where is your sting? You will never claim me cause the grave still holds the names who claimed a way, all but One, all but my God.
Very heavy metal music and words. BUT definitely truth.
I'm so glad that we follow the ONE who gives us hope of eternal life because TODAY may be the day that we meet that ONE.
My hubby, Dan, was thinking that since we live in a country school turned into a home and since I wanted to share wisdom from the past, I should title this page, OLD SCHOOL news or something to that effect. Instead, the blogspot website is baileyschool because that is what our home used to be called. It is now known as the Avalon Chateau, but has also been known in the past as the Lilly Pad, Lilly Haven, and just plain home to my 4 children, Brett, Curtis, Grant, and Bethany.
Help is on the Way...!came from the movie, Mrs. Doubtfire. It was from one of those scenes that I thought was hilarious. My son, Curtis, could get me to laugh just by saying it. Somedays, he would come up with so many one liners from all of our family movies, inside jokes, and stories, etc. that he had me laughing and forgetting about the fact that he was supposed to be studying. I threatened to ground him if he didn't stop making me laugh. Fond memories of our home school days go with that phrase even though the real meaning is still there.
My e-mail address refers to OUR HOPE in the Lord JESUS Christ. HE is still alive on this earth and lives in the hearts of all of his followers.
My son, Grant, is in a screamo band-APastUnkown, and they released a song today with the lyrics that follow. I thought the timing and the words went with this thought of our HOPE still living.
The song is titled: What if you're Wrong
The lyrics:
What If You’re Wrong?
Have you not heard of me? False hope, false love, the silent enemy. I’ve done my best, I’ve kept you deceived. Faith still grows in more than one answer, only my God frees, my God redeems, stop honoring the dead among the living.
Burn your incense down to these silent ears that hear no one. All this time your screaming makes no sound and it’s death you’ve found. Where’s the hero? Where is truth when death sets in the blood? The grave still holds the names who claimed a way, all but One.
This world will burn. Whose side are you on? Show me your faith, you will get no answer. Suffocation fills your lungs when no one keeps you breathing. Show me a sign, the dead can’t answer. Failure, again and again. Set yourself up for the fall with these empty words and useless rituals.
Calling out to no one only silence will be heard. Your hero is no longer breathing, sound the alarm, no hope. I hear no one , you hear no one, give me an answer, where is your god now?
When will confusion end? This world will burn, leave nothing left. When all the hope seems dead, You’re the one still breathing. Their eyes will turn to You, the One who rose, the only truth, confessing with their tounges “I’m the one who’s wrong”
Burn your incense down, no one will hear. Where’s the hero now, it’s death that you’ve found. Death, where is your sting? You will never claim me cause the grave still holds the names who claimed a way, all but One, all but my God.
Very heavy metal music and words. BUT definitely truth.
I'm so glad that we follow the ONE who gives us hope of eternal life because TODAY may be the day that we meet that ONE.
Can't say it any better
Kay Arthur, a great Bible teacher of our time, posted this today on Facebook. This is a truth that must live on. If we do not grasp it, we will be tripped up over and over by our enemy.
Monday, January 24, 2011
MY MOM and the refrigerator
I bet when you saw that title, you thought that MOM had a problem with eating. That wasn't the case at all. She did eat her fair share of peanuts and loved a good Sunday sundae, but she was known by my friends for the things that she put on the front of the refrigerator. She collected sayings, jokes, comics, poems, good short articles, and whatever struck her fancy. They would show up on the refrigerator as little reminders of what she thought was important in life and she would lecture us without lecturing us. She would tell us what to do without telling us what to do. My friends always "read" our refrigerator before they raided it. Years later I realized that they held on to a few of her nuggets for their own lives. I think I will start posting some of her nuggets. They live now in a scrapbook that I assembled after she went to be with Jesus. A few months before that day, she said that she didn't really know why she had filed all of those things. They would probably all be thrown away when she left this earth. I promised MOM that I would look at every one of her files and decide what should/shouldn't be thrown. I sometimes wish I had kept more.
In my scrapbook is MOM's outlook on life. Here is a taste of the food for thought from the front of the refrigerator:
HUGS
The Perfect Cure for What Ails you
No movable parts
No batteries to wear out
No periodic check-ups
Low energy consumption
High energy yield
Inflation proof
No monthly payments
No insurance requirements
Theft proof
Non-taxdable
Non-polluting
And, of course, fully returnable
Hugging is healthy
It relieves tension
Combats depression
Reduces stress
Improves blood circulation
Its invigorating
It's rejuvenating
It elevates self-esteem
It generates good will
It has no unpleasant side effects
It is nothing less than a miracle drug!!!!
In my scrapbook is MOM's outlook on life. Here is a taste of the food for thought from the front of the refrigerator:
HUGS
The Perfect Cure for What Ails you
No movable parts
No batteries to wear out
No periodic check-ups
Low energy consumption
High energy yield
Inflation proof
No monthly payments
No insurance requirements
Theft proof
Non-taxdable
Non-polluting
And, of course, fully returnable
Hugging is healthy
It relieves tension
Combats depression
Reduces stress
Improves blood circulation
Its invigorating
It's rejuvenating
It elevates self-esteem
It generates good will
It has no unpleasant side effects
It is nothing less than a miracle drug!!!!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I SPY
So often in life, something happens that we just don't realize is the hand of God in our lives. The Bible tells us that HE cares about everything that pertains to life and godliness (2Peter 1:3).....What does that mean? EVERYTHING
All through my children's lives we have encouraged them to look for God, and we call these "I SPYs"(I know that is misspelled, but we always said when we saw one: "I Spy".)
You can call them God Stops, God things, or whatever, but these are obvious happenings that show God is personally at work here in our lives.
WELL, this has been burning in my heart for a couple of weeks. My son called me then and told me his God story. Here it is:
It was one of those days when life was coming in on him. He had financial concerns, thoughts that maybe he wasn't doing what the Lord wanted him to do. He was needing the reassurance that God was leading and God was there and aware of all that was going on in his life. He was stewing as he probably has seen me do a few times, but decided to head to the Y to work off a little of the stress on the basketball court. All the way there he was in prayer somewhat wrestling with God.
When he hit the basketball court at the Y and grabbed his ball, he realized that he needed to head back to his bag because the first bounce of the ball was more of a thud. His ball was flat. He would need a needle to pump it up.
You have heard of the straw that broke the camel's back. Well, that was just around the corner.
When he went to his bag to the compartment where he always had a needle for the air pump, it was not there.
He couldn't find one anywhere in his bag. His thought was, "Oh, come on God. I need to buy another needle?
Why?" He conveyed to me that they are inexpensive, but it was just the principle. ONE MORE THING TO BUY.......!!!!!
I'm not sure what happened that evening on the basketball court, but on his way home my son asked God to please let him know if HE was still there in the middle of his life's events, was he on the right track, etc.? My son just wanted a sign.
That evening he enjoyed his family, and the next morning they headed to church. Their church is a church plant that is meeting in a school at this time. He parked the car, got out, and looked down.....then broke out into laughter. THERE, on the ground was a package that had 2 basketball needles. They were in a package; brand new!!!!
God cares about the details. He heard my son. He cares about YOUR details and says when you seek Him you will find Him. Or he will reveal Himself to you. When was the last time that you saw, not one, but two needles for your basketball laying on the ground???? What were the chances? God went the extra mile and gave him double what he needed. I SPY!!!!
All through my children's lives we have encouraged them to look for God, and we call these "I SPYs"(I know that is misspelled, but we always said when we saw one: "I Spy".)
You can call them God Stops, God things, or whatever, but these are obvious happenings that show God is personally at work here in our lives.
WELL, this has been burning in my heart for a couple of weeks. My son called me then and told me his God story. Here it is:
It was one of those days when life was coming in on him. He had financial concerns, thoughts that maybe he wasn't doing what the Lord wanted him to do. He was needing the reassurance that God was leading and God was there and aware of all that was going on in his life. He was stewing as he probably has seen me do a few times, but decided to head to the Y to work off a little of the stress on the basketball court. All the way there he was in prayer somewhat wrestling with God.
When he hit the basketball court at the Y and grabbed his ball, he realized that he needed to head back to his bag because the first bounce of the ball was more of a thud. His ball was flat. He would need a needle to pump it up.
You have heard of the straw that broke the camel's back. Well, that was just around the corner.
When he went to his bag to the compartment where he always had a needle for the air pump, it was not there.
He couldn't find one anywhere in his bag. His thought was, "Oh, come on God. I need to buy another needle?
Why?" He conveyed to me that they are inexpensive, but it was just the principle. ONE MORE THING TO BUY.......!!!!!
I'm not sure what happened that evening on the basketball court, but on his way home my son asked God to please let him know if HE was still there in the middle of his life's events, was he on the right track, etc.? My son just wanted a sign.
That evening he enjoyed his family, and the next morning they headed to church. Their church is a church plant that is meeting in a school at this time. He parked the car, got out, and looked down.....then broke out into laughter. THERE, on the ground was a package that had 2 basketball needles. They were in a package; brand new!!!!
God cares about the details. He heard my son. He cares about YOUR details and says when you seek Him you will find Him. Or he will reveal Himself to you. When was the last time that you saw, not one, but two needles for your basketball laying on the ground???? What were the chances? God went the extra mile and gave him double what he needed. I SPY!!!!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Let's set one up now!
Today, a friend of my daughter was here and agreed that I should set up a blog. I told her that others had mentioned it and I had thought about it, but I wasn't sure how to do it, what to write, and all of the other excuses I could find to put this off a little longer. In my heart, I want to leave a legacy to those who come behind me. I want them to know what happened in generations past, and what we, their ancestors, have learned that may be helpful and inspirational. I want them to know that when life is tough, they can always turn to the Lord, their Bible and then this blog and find that HELP IS ON THE WAY....!!!!
I hope to leave here encouraging and inspirational words(I am a words person) and stories that they can pass on, insights that I have and those lightbulbs moments I have that have opened my eyes to truth that has helped me.
As I cleaned up papers that seem to over take my home, my daughter's friend started setting up this blog. I dislike papers very much, hate to file, and hate to search a file drawer looking for an important piece of information. Hopefully, this gift (my blogpage)will eliminate some papers and will be of help to more than just my family. I am all about helping others. May you find just a nugget here that will help you on your way through this life! By the way, Aly, thank you!!!
I hope to leave here encouraging and inspirational words(I am a words person) and stories that they can pass on, insights that I have and those lightbulbs moments I have that have opened my eyes to truth that has helped me.
As I cleaned up papers that seem to over take my home, my daughter's friend started setting up this blog. I dislike papers very much, hate to file, and hate to search a file drawer looking for an important piece of information. Hopefully, this gift (my blogpage)will eliminate some papers and will be of help to more than just my family. I am all about helping others. May you find just a nugget here that will help you on your way through this life! By the way, Aly, thank you!!!
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