I wish I knew better how to do this whole ministry thing.
Another day goes by...someone on my heart. How to connect? How to take the first step?
Make myself vulnerable enough. Be ready to be there.
God goes with me. Psalm 139 says He goes "behind me, in front of me. He has placed His hand on me."
He doesn't get much closer than that!
So what am I waiting for?
I read last week that He will open ways to allow me to speak his ways before Kings... unafraid, unashamed.
So, here I am...needing to share, knowing there is no way He wants anything less, yet waiting for just the right moment... as if the sun has to be in alignment with the fourth star of the seventh moon or something.
Lord, I'm willing. Just show me how. Show me your time. Your way. The only way! The only time! I'm listening....have a headache, am stressed. But, I'm listening. Help me do what you want. Do it soon!
Help me share your hope, your joy.
me
1/31/2006
1/30/2006
Let Me Have a 'C'
Scrapbooked one page off and on this weekend--my "new" little cheerleader dressed for her Winter Exhibition at school. Wanted to do something special for her on it. I sewed around the picture with gold thread with my sewing machine.
Yes...I sewed on paper. No, I'm really not that desperate for something meaningful to do. Okay, so maybe I am. Anyway, it thrills me to capture the moments meaningfully. And to doodle with a gel pen. And to play with ink. and to have funky scissors.
Okay...I hear you.
Just enjoy!
Yes...I sewed on paper. No, I'm really not that desperate for something meaningful to do. Okay, so maybe I am. Anyway, it thrills me to capture the moments meaningfully. And to doodle with a gel pen. And to play with ink. and to have funky scissors.Okay...I hear you.
Just enjoy!
Limited Time Offer
Good while supplies last: girlfriends who stop by my house get a fresh peice of Strawberry Pie with cool whip topping (optional) and your choice of iced tea, water, sprite, or diet caffeine free Dr. Pepper. Give me a ring.
I'd post a beautiful mouth watering pic, but we're still facing technical difficulties.
543-3997
I'd post a beautiful mouth watering pic, but we're still facing technical difficulties.
543-3997
Wisdom from My Trash Can
Here goes an unusual brand of Monday morning wisdom:
If the trashbag is on the trash can too tight, a balloon forms inside the can not allowing an empty 18 egg container to go to the bottom. The bag seems full. Little else fits. You can shove and shove, but it won't go down. The bag is "full". Yet, it is not.
It is a fresh bag.
My trash can spoke to me on a spiritual level.
If we are too uptight...not enough "fits in us". Not as much as we were made to handle.
Solution? Take the lid off, pull on the rim, and let the air out trapped under the bottom of the bag.
In essence, loosen up. Don't be so uptight. Then, we can hold everything we were made to hold. We have room to be "filled up" as we were intended.
Loosen up!
1/29/2006
Sunday Fashion
1. Today I had to sit on the next to the last row at church so that my 4 yr. old with bladder control issues could make it out to the potty. And out, and out, and out, and out, and out. FIVE times!
2. Tonight, he seemed better...only out twice.
3. Due to my husband getting calls all night long for work, I was up basically all night. About 3 hours sleep. So, I took a long nap today, and now HTML code seems interesting at midnight ...because I cannot sleep.
4. Note: Worship is very different from the very back of the church. Much like going to a fun outdoor concert and choosing to sit on a blanket in the back of the crowd instead of being up close to the stage...you know, where you can see sweat dripping off the stage...arms waving, people dancing. Energy! A different, but interesting experience. The blanket worshipper. Sprawled out, comfortable. Just listening. Hmmm.
I wondered...do we just think people back there are "unparticipatory"? Maybe they think they can't sing...maybe they have kids who need room to play and make noise. Maybe they don't feel connected enough to go closer. Maybe they don't even really know they are there to worship at all, or what that means. Do we let them wonder closer on their own....a bit closer, a bit closer, a bit closer? Or do we say, "You know what? Blankets are okay for some."
Some of both I suppose.
I saw the disconnected, those with children, those who "observe" church...(what everyone is wearing. gasp. To wear their new favorite outfit. double gasp!)
I swear...I do not tell a lie...I was at a rather fashionable boutique this winter to pick up something for a date night. The sales lady is trying to explain to me why a tank top is made with a huge triangular hole in the shoulder. She says, "Oh, all the girls are wearing them. They wear them under blue jean jackets". Hmph. I say.
I'm just not really getting the whole thing...just doesn't appeal to me. Tank tops, I can handle. Forget the extra thing to fight with ...my four year old handles hanging off me. My bra strap falls down enough as is...I really don't need my shirt feeling like it's falling off, too.
Anyway, I'm shaking my head. She is like 65. She then says to me, "You haven't seen the girls at your church wearing them?"
I said, "Well, no, I don't really pay attention."
She is literally shocked. "You mean you haven't seen the girls running around 'that church of yours' wearing these?"
Okay. End of the line. "No...I do not pay attention". End of discussion.
I bought a cotton leisure suit and a tank.
Now, my point is: I do try to stay in the right century. I wear pants to church. I wear jeans...working up to faded jeans at times, though I'm usually very tired and wanting to express my need to relax and chill when I do so. My husband doesn't like faded jeans to church. Wants the kids to learn wearing right clothes for the right occassion sort of thing. Respect.
But, I just do not go to church trying to figure out what everyone is wearing! I frankly do not care-- unless I need to pray over what somebody chose to wear. At times, somebody may have had to pray over what I wore, I don't know. I hope not, but it happens short of a hobbit (which I have considered at times with the vague complaint feedback we get being on stage at times. We don't know know who wore 'the thing' that offended, what exactly it was, and we don't know the person who issused complaints or to whom they were referring. We try to respond as much as we can and make sure we are not distracting.)
In any case (my husband just sighed and shut the bedroom door...I guess I type LOUD when I am typing about something stressful. I need to get to bed. Now 12:24AM and I'm the driver to school tomorrow. Still not sleepy. Need chocolate. Found a bag of Rolos today in the cabinet. Uh oh.)
Back to topic. Here's the deal: I enjoy people who are put together in what they feel comfortable in. I like it when we all don't try so hard. I like it when women wear colors that make them look alive. About all I notice. The rest? I couldn't care less. I don't notice weight. You could lose 40 pounds and someone would have to tell me before I caught on. I'm just more interested in the light in your eyes. Your joy. Your well being.
So, that's what I notice. Get right with God. Let Him love you. Bask in the beauty He made in you. That's what I'm looking for in people on a Sunday. That's what I see. (I don't even care how talented you are). Otherwise, the fashion, the talent, the whatever... is a mask, a coverup, a wall to hide behind. If you have both...it pales in comparison anyway.
There's your pep talk for the week on that.
To beautiful, perfect sleep that takes wrinkles away! :-)
Me
2. Tonight, he seemed better...only out twice.
3. Due to my husband getting calls all night long for work, I was up basically all night. About 3 hours sleep. So, I took a long nap today, and now HTML code seems interesting at midnight ...because I cannot sleep.
4. Note: Worship is very different from the very back of the church. Much like going to a fun outdoor concert and choosing to sit on a blanket in the back of the crowd instead of being up close to the stage...you know, where you can see sweat dripping off the stage...arms waving, people dancing. Energy! A different, but interesting experience. The blanket worshipper. Sprawled out, comfortable. Just listening. Hmmm.
I wondered...do we just think people back there are "unparticipatory"? Maybe they think they can't sing...maybe they have kids who need room to play and make noise. Maybe they don't feel connected enough to go closer. Maybe they don't even really know they are there to worship at all, or what that means. Do we let them wonder closer on their own....a bit closer, a bit closer, a bit closer? Or do we say, "You know what? Blankets are okay for some."
Some of both I suppose.
I saw the disconnected, those with children, those who "observe" church...(what everyone is wearing. gasp. To wear their new favorite outfit. double gasp!)
I swear...I do not tell a lie...I was at a rather fashionable boutique this winter to pick up something for a date night. The sales lady is trying to explain to me why a tank top is made with a huge triangular hole in the shoulder. She says, "Oh, all the girls are wearing them. They wear them under blue jean jackets". Hmph. I say.
I'm just not really getting the whole thing...just doesn't appeal to me. Tank tops, I can handle. Forget the extra thing to fight with ...my four year old handles hanging off me. My bra strap falls down enough as is...I really don't need my shirt feeling like it's falling off, too.
Anyway, I'm shaking my head. She is like 65. She then says to me, "You haven't seen the girls at your church wearing them?"
I said, "Well, no, I don't really pay attention."
She is literally shocked. "You mean you haven't seen the girls running around 'that church of yours' wearing these?"
Okay. End of the line. "No...I do not pay attention". End of discussion.
I bought a cotton leisure suit and a tank.
Now, my point is: I do try to stay in the right century. I wear pants to church. I wear jeans...working up to faded jeans at times, though I'm usually very tired and wanting to express my need to relax and chill when I do so. My husband doesn't like faded jeans to church. Wants the kids to learn wearing right clothes for the right occassion sort of thing. Respect.
But, I just do not go to church trying to figure out what everyone is wearing! I frankly do not care-- unless I need to pray over what somebody chose to wear. At times, somebody may have had to pray over what I wore, I don't know. I hope not, but it happens short of a hobbit (which I have considered at times with the vague complaint feedback we get being on stage at times. We don't know know who wore 'the thing' that offended, what exactly it was, and we don't know the person who issused complaints or to whom they were referring. We try to respond as much as we can and make sure we are not distracting.)
In any case (my husband just sighed and shut the bedroom door...I guess I type LOUD when I am typing about something stressful. I need to get to bed. Now 12:24AM and I'm the driver to school tomorrow. Still not sleepy. Need chocolate. Found a bag of Rolos today in the cabinet. Uh oh.)
Back to topic. Here's the deal: I enjoy people who are put together in what they feel comfortable in. I like it when we all don't try so hard. I like it when women wear colors that make them look alive. About all I notice. The rest? I couldn't care less. I don't notice weight. You could lose 40 pounds and someone would have to tell me before I caught on. I'm just more interested in the light in your eyes. Your joy. Your well being.
So, that's what I notice. Get right with God. Let Him love you. Bask in the beauty He made in you. That's what I'm looking for in people on a Sunday. That's what I see. (I don't even care how talented you are). Otherwise, the fashion, the talent, the whatever... is a mask, a coverup, a wall to hide behind. If you have both...it pales in comparison anyway.
There's your pep talk for the week on that.
To beautiful, perfect sleep that takes wrinkles away! :-)
Me
National Anthem, etc.
Well, I can't get my camera or my disc to work today, so heartwarming pics will have to follow at a later date. Technology.
In other news, a high point of the week: Yesterday, I was asked to sing the National Anthem at the Upward games.
You can't appreciate the gravity, joy, or responsibility unless you've ever done it! Am I right?
Someone told me after I sang that comedy channel that morning had dubbed thoughts of some famous famous person as they sang it...I completely identified! It goes like this:
"Where am I? Have I already sang this part? What's the next line? I hope this was an appropriate outfit. Surely I'll remember the words. (and the infamous) Oh no, I think I started to high for the last high note...should I try to switch keys, or hold out (ALWAYS HOLD OUT and breathe deep!) How do you cover a mistake with the National Anthem anyway?" For me, add: "I hope my child doesn't need to pee right when I start, or panic, or scream, or get stage fright standing here, or pull my pants down tugging at me, or try to talk to me. "
Overall, I think it went well considering the many perils and dangers involved! I recruited one gentlemen to take him while I sang...he disappeared somewhere on the trail to the stage area. I don't blame him. He ran all the way across the gym floor, united with brother, and held his hand throughout. Thank God for small wonders! After that, we trecked the full lenth of the court 10 times minimum to take him to the bathroom.
The doc thinks he's constipated, causing sudden urge and pressure. This week is all about fiber around my house!
Me
In other news, a high point of the week: Yesterday, I was asked to sing the National Anthem at the Upward games.
You can't appreciate the gravity, joy, or responsibility unless you've ever done it! Am I right?
Someone told me after I sang that comedy channel that morning had dubbed thoughts of some famous famous person as they sang it...I completely identified! It goes like this:
"Where am I? Have I already sang this part? What's the next line? I hope this was an appropriate outfit. Surely I'll remember the words. (and the infamous) Oh no, I think I started to high for the last high note...should I try to switch keys, or hold out (ALWAYS HOLD OUT and breathe deep!) How do you cover a mistake with the National Anthem anyway?" For me, add: "I hope my child doesn't need to pee right when I start, or panic, or scream, or get stage fright standing here, or pull my pants down tugging at me, or try to talk to me. "
Overall, I think it went well considering the many perils and dangers involved! I recruited one gentlemen to take him while I sang...he disappeared somewhere on the trail to the stage area. I don't blame him. He ran all the way across the gym floor, united with brother, and held his hand throughout. Thank God for small wonders! After that, we trecked the full lenth of the court 10 times minimum to take him to the bathroom.
The doc thinks he's constipated, causing sudden urge and pressure. This week is all about fiber around my house!
Me
1/28/2006
Sat.
Today...little friend's first birthday party. What a hoot! I have a lifelong resolution to attend as many 1 yr. old birthday parties as possible. Just doesn't get any better than that.
I literally walked into the party and this lady says, "Oh, my GOSH! Good to see you. I'm addicted!" And I knew it must be "Cheryl". How cool is that? And weird! She knew all about my kids...and I've been to parties their before, but this year...we felt like, well, family. So much joy in that house today.
Enjoyed meeting you Cheryl. If you didn't work, you might have your own blog! I hope you do someday. You don't have to post nearly as much as I tend to sitting at home bored, trying to connect with the world!
Friends are a great thing to have...old and new.
Well, after two Upward games and a birthday party, I'm pooped.
Heartwarming pics tomorrow.
Scrapbooking, Batman Begins, and Madagascar tonight.
Me
I literally walked into the party and this lady says, "Oh, my GOSH! Good to see you. I'm addicted!" And I knew it must be "Cheryl". How cool is that? And weird! She knew all about my kids...and I've been to parties their before, but this year...we felt like, well, family. So much joy in that house today.
Enjoyed meeting you Cheryl. If you didn't work, you might have your own blog! I hope you do someday. You don't have to post nearly as much as I tend to sitting at home bored, trying to connect with the world!
Friends are a great thing to have...old and new.
Well, after two Upward games and a birthday party, I'm pooped.
Heartwarming pics tomorrow.
Scrapbooking, Batman Begins, and Madagascar tonight.
Me
1/27/2006
Cup of Hot
Currently drinking: Biltmore mix in CranApple Juice.
Heavenly.
Really.
It surprises me how good it really is EVERY time.
Get some by calling 1-800-968-0558. or at http://biltmore.com/
So, on a cold winter's day, when when you need/want a moment to yourself to refresh, your favorite hot drink(s) of choice currently is (are): _________________
I really want to know. No particular reason. Just curious.
Have a hot drink...It's on me--Grab an afgan, a book, and relax.
A Winter's Date
A Winter's Date is the best there is! Winter gets so monotonous.
We had a great date! Found lots of sales...yeah, I'm in a mood to "show somebody what I got", so be prepared.
Easter Polos for the boys. Several shirts and pants for Red for next Winter,a bunch of clothes for Goldilocks. We just went and did "whatever"...kid's stuff was on major sale. We had a great time picking out our preferences together.
If you refuse to shop with your wife...you are missing out on some fun time. We just had a blast seeing all that's out there for kids now. CUTE!
AND...(drumroll needed here)my man found a sale on suits and got his first in our married life, just for me. He had some, but they were old or mix and match.
No, not a pinstripe, not a slate grey, not mix match, but a full, black, plain, suit. Mmmm. He looked really good. I can't wait until it's alterned and we have any special occassion at all to dress up and go out for!
So, we ate at Rafferty's...had there wonderful potato soup. Heaven. Appetizer sampler--average, and a nice salad.
Of course, hit the scrapbooking circuit during his meeting. I managed to find a thing or two I couldn't live without.
So, there's the wondefully refreshing journal of a wonderfully refreshing break...until I popped my tailbone again acting silly. Man!
The house is quiet, deliciously so (...and I'm starting to miss my kids.)
Back to Mommyhood!
We had a great date! Found lots of sales...yeah, I'm in a mood to "show somebody what I got", so be prepared.
Easter Polos for the boys. Several shirts and pants for Red for next Winter,a bunch of clothes for Goldilocks. We just went and did "whatever"...kid's stuff was on major sale. We had a great time picking out our preferences together.
If you refuse to shop with your wife...you are missing out on some fun time. We just had a blast seeing all that's out there for kids now. CUTE!
AND...(drumroll needed here)my man found a sale on suits and got his first in our married life, just for me. He had some, but they were old or mix and match.
No, not a pinstripe, not a slate grey, not mix match, but a full, black, plain, suit. Mmmm. He looked really good. I can't wait until it's alterned and we have any special occassion at all to dress up and go out for!
So, we ate at Rafferty's...had there wonderful potato soup. Heaven. Appetizer sampler--average, and a nice salad.
Of course, hit the scrapbooking circuit during his meeting. I managed to find a thing or two I couldn't live without.
So, there's the wondefully refreshing journal of a wonderfully refreshing break...until I popped my tailbone again acting silly. Man!
The house is quiet, deliciously so (...and I'm starting to miss my kids.)
Back to Mommyhood!
Sprarkle Girl
My girl HAS to be comfie, but loves the bling!
Not just "dressy", but blingy!
Mr. Wonderful and I had SO much fun picking out some sale clothes for her for the year while on our date last night. It was a "working date"...which every couple needs. If you've not had one...try it. He's done it enough times, he's gotten past rolling his eyes and actually enjoys finding things that are going to light Goldilocks up from head to toe for months on end.
If you have not discovered, you are missing out on one of the greater joys life.
Great quality--washes forever without losing color or pile.
AND....The clothes lines often coordinate, so you can get one pair of pants and find three or four tops to mix and match.
My daughter told me lately...Mom, EVERYTHING from my drawer is from
Children's Place Even MY PAJAMAS!
Yup. I like those, too.
Go to
Yup. I like those, too.
Go to
Children's Place. Winter sale, 50% off lowest price.
One Fine Sweater
You just have to see this thing. Wow. Girl's clothes have improved since stiff colored jeans I remember!
Yup, $5.00 Children's Place.
Go get one. You can't do consignment for that. Yardsale...maybe.
Foo-Foo Dresses
We decided since Goldilocks is turning 8 this year, we'd better maximize the foo-foo component, because we are getting close to "the end". She's had a gold Cinderella type dress she's nearly worn to death from last winter. So, for Spring, a genuine "Cinderella" label dress. The
mauve to get her OUT of the Easter dress, and the black velvet for next Christmas. (I don't buy red velveet "Christmas dresses"--she can wear them all winter.)
Guys are freaking out with my blog today.
Sorry. This is a day of sharing my joy. Note how much joy you can give your wife. Aaaaaah. I love to have some needful shopping done.
Dillards. 50% off regular price, 30% off of that. So, not too awful bad for 'special dresses'. I know ESM...you'd have a coupon and get another 15% off or something sickening!
1/26/2006
The RaNdOm aNd UnUsUal
1. Yesterday, it snowed in Hawaii according to CNN...two roads were closed to volcanic mountains. The CNN reporter read this squinting her eyes, quite confused.
2. Last week, we had such a trying week, I bought my family roses.
3. At Upward cheerleading, they wanted to squeeze in a second practice this week for Thursday night.
To which I said, "I'm sorry, I know I can't make it, I have a date."
Huge intake of breath around all the mothers in the room followed by whispers and laughs.
I was starting to get a little uncomfortable with it all when someone finally broke the tension and said, "I'm sorry, but what's 'a date'?"
A wonderful moment.
Actually, he's got a training meeting in "the big city". I get to shop while hubby gets smart. I like this! We talk on the drive, we both get something meaningful done, and I get to BROWSE for the first time in a LONG, long time...TOO long.
4. "Red" has an issue. 25-30Xs a day he's been going to the potty to pee.
Anybody with input I would love to hear from. No pain, not bother...just can't hold in anything. No big deal until we try to cross town.
Tried Benadryl recommended by the pediatrician. Clear urine test. Suspect a new type of bubble bath.
5. The whole diet/exercise thing? Doing the best I can with a squashed tailbone. Which is NOTHING. Trying to eat well and give up...ugggh... some chocolate...some. For those of you who know me you think I could be blown away with the next wind, but I know how my jeans fit.
6. My kids are having a cool "penny war" at school. No joke...I counted like 3500 pennies last night. So, here's how it works (GREAT and easy fund raiser!). Pennies and dollar bills count TOWARD your class. All silver coins count AGAINST other classes...these are "bombs".
The class who nets the most wins a day OUT OF SCHOOL! They are so into it.
We've had a huge jar we've been throwing random counter change into for six years. There was $35.00 worth of pennies in that thing! It was only a quarter of the way full...I was thinking like maybe 6-7 in pennies. Amazing. We had stacks of ten pennies lined up all over the house.
So, as I dropped my penny-laden kids off at school this morning, my daughter is yelling at me: "But, MOM, I NEED some BOMBS!!!! It's more fun to BOMB!" Got to love that Christian education.
-----
7. My Song of the Week:
*click to hear part at iTunes...but you have to buy it to hear the awesome bridge
*the great lyrics at http://www.klove.com/lyrics/lyrics.asp?2427
Me
2. Last week, we had such a trying week, I bought my family roses.
3. At Upward cheerleading, they wanted to squeeze in a second practice this week for Thursday night.
To which I said, "I'm sorry, I know I can't make it, I have a date."
Huge intake of breath around all the mothers in the room followed by whispers and laughs.
I was starting to get a little uncomfortable with it all when someone finally broke the tension and said, "I'm sorry, but what's 'a date'?"
A wonderful moment.
Actually, he's got a training meeting in "the big city". I get to shop while hubby gets smart. I like this! We talk on the drive, we both get something meaningful done, and I get to BROWSE for the first time in a LONG, long time...TOO long.
4. "Red" has an issue. 25-30Xs a day he's been going to the potty to pee.
Anybody with input I would love to hear from. No pain, not bother...just can't hold in anything. No big deal until we try to cross town.
Tried Benadryl recommended by the pediatrician. Clear urine test. Suspect a new type of bubble bath.
5. The whole diet/exercise thing? Doing the best I can with a squashed tailbone. Which is NOTHING. Trying to eat well and give up...ugggh... some chocolate...some. For those of you who know me you think I could be blown away with the next wind, but I know how my jeans fit.
6. My kids are having a cool "penny war" at school. No joke...I counted like 3500 pennies last night. So, here's how it works (GREAT and easy fund raiser!). Pennies and dollar bills count TOWARD your class. All silver coins count AGAINST other classes...these are "bombs".
The class who nets the most wins a day OUT OF SCHOOL! They are so into it.
We've had a huge jar we've been throwing random counter change into for six years. There was $35.00 worth of pennies in that thing! It was only a quarter of the way full...I was thinking like maybe 6-7 in pennies. Amazing. We had stacks of ten pennies lined up all over the house.
So, as I dropped my penny-laden kids off at school this morning, my daughter is yelling at me: "But, MOM, I NEED some BOMBS!!!! It's more fun to BOMB!" Got to love that Christian education.
-----
7. My Song of the Week:
*click to hear part at iTunes...but you have to buy it to hear the awesome bridge
*the great lyrics at http://www.klove.com/lyrics/lyrics.asp?2427
Me
1/25/2006
Winter Projects
Today...sun is shining! 50 degrees.
Listening to: Beth Moore (see link on sidebar). Must listen...if you can hear the tone of her voice, the sound of fervor for the word occassionally, it does a body good. (In fact, I listened to part of it with Lego.com shooters overlapping her voice as Red played his galactic games.)
My Creative Keepsakes magazine came yesterday....this month a great issue. If you don't suscribe and scrap ladies, get it off the stand. I'm slowly grazing through it. Aaaaaaah. I love color.
Just surveyed the morning's damage to my "in process" laundry room--the half I had clean--the 9/12.
Have you ever noticed that when you CLEAN anything, it inspires people? Not to bore you, but the toy room, for example. The mess has not been touched in months. So, you get in there, find the floor, organize, straighten-- put all the little cars in their own box and all the little legos together...neat and beautiful. Two days later, the kid's think...wow, there must be something useful in here if she actually took the time to CLEAN it. They dump it to find the treasure you must have hid.
A torture device to refine the character of mothers.
I am almost angelic at this point. :-) Try it.
So, TEN shirts unfolded in my son's stack.
10!
You must understood, generally, he goes, grabs one, puts it on.
Today, multi-try-ons. Decisions. Take off. Put on. Take off...
Actually, I enjoyed them enjoying getting ready.
Took me two hours to work up courage to look at the damages.
"I refolded them all, Mom!" he had said.
"Broadest interpretation." I say!
My daughter--four pair of pants today! Usually, a once and done also. She informs me that none of even the largest pair from fall fit. No sweats clean, she settled on a long beige Pentecostal looking skirt and hose.
I restraighened. Decided to get on camera...the first half. If it is demolished before the second side is completely done...proof of my grand effort.
So...
Here you go. Read 'em and weep: Hanging racks for each child for the week. (Target). My solution: I know when they are about out of something at a glance...whites, darks, or lights. This determines when I do laundry// what color is most needed.
ALL clothes for the children stored in the laundry room--this is a gift from God. I don't have to find the dirty clothes (though they usually litter the floor in there). I don't have to go up steps to put them away. And, I can get them all dressed from the main level quickly when we need to go somewhere or get ready for bed. Closet: casual clothes. If you can find any room to make into a clothes room for all the young kids...I say go for it. As they can carry their own clothes (theoretically), they can have clothes in their own room.
Cindy, thanks for the inspiration on the one room idea. I thank God every day for providing it in this house. My heart lept at this room when we considered this house to buy. My dream.
In the same room, I put my childhood dresser where I keep sleep clothes, belts, rags. That dresser is currently overflowing with outgrown clothes. I hope to get through that today. No, I'm not showing you the dirty part of the room!
Yesterday my nine year Boy Wonder came to me, said, "Wow! Mom! My clothes look great! Could you do my sleep drawer, too? It's a real mess!"
Be still my beating heart! Given his thanks, ...I would love to (this time.)
Me
Listening to: Beth Moore (see link on sidebar). Must listen...if you can hear the tone of her voice, the sound of fervor for the word occassionally, it does a body good. (In fact, I listened to part of it with Lego.com shooters overlapping her voice as Red played his galactic games.)
My Creative Keepsakes magazine came yesterday....this month a great issue. If you don't suscribe and scrap ladies, get it off the stand. I'm slowly grazing through it. Aaaaaaah. I love color.
Just surveyed the morning's damage to my "in process" laundry room--the half I had clean--the 9/12.
Have you ever noticed that when you CLEAN anything, it inspires people? Not to bore you, but the toy room, for example. The mess has not been touched in months. So, you get in there, find the floor, organize, straighten-- put all the little cars in their own box and all the little legos together...neat and beautiful. Two days later, the kid's think...wow, there must be something useful in here if she actually took the time to CLEAN it. They dump it to find the treasure you must have hid.
A torture device to refine the character of mothers.
I am almost angelic at this point. :-) Try it.
So, TEN shirts unfolded in my son's stack.
10!
You must understood, generally, he goes, grabs one, puts it on.
Today, multi-try-ons. Decisions. Take off. Put on. Take off...
Actually, I enjoyed them enjoying getting ready.
Took me two hours to work up courage to look at the damages.
"I refolded them all, Mom!" he had said.
"Broadest interpretation." I say!
My daughter--four pair of pants today! Usually, a once and done also. She informs me that none of even the largest pair from fall fit. No sweats clean, she settled on a long beige Pentecostal looking skirt and hose.
I restraighened. Decided to get on camera...the first half. If it is demolished before the second side is completely done...proof of my grand effort.
So...
Here you go. Read 'em and weep: Hanging racks for each child for the week. (Target). My solution: I know when they are about out of something at a glance...whites, darks, or lights. This determines when I do laundry// what color is most needed.
ALL clothes for the children stored in the laundry room--this is a gift from God. I don't have to find the dirty clothes (though they usually litter the floor in there). I don't have to go up steps to put them away. And, I can get them all dressed from the main level quickly when we need to go somewhere or get ready for bed. Closet: casual clothes. If you can find any room to make into a clothes room for all the young kids...I say go for it. As they can carry their own clothes (theoretically), they can have clothes in their own room.
Cindy, thanks for the inspiration on the one room idea. I thank God every day for providing it in this house. My heart lept at this room when we considered this house to buy. My dream.
In the same room, I put my childhood dresser where I keep sleep clothes, belts, rags. That dresser is currently overflowing with outgrown clothes. I hope to get through that today. No, I'm not showing you the dirty part of the room!
Yesterday my nine year Boy Wonder came to me, said, "Wow! Mom! My clothes look great! Could you do my sleep drawer, too? It's a real mess!"
Be still my beating heart! Given his thanks, ...I would love to (this time.)
Me
1/24/2006
"BlackBerry" Cont.
Major patent infringement still not looking good for Blackberry owners...4 million of them.
An untested software workaround patch may be available, but still potentially carries patent infringements to be dealt with and potentially new Blackberry devices.
Blackberry friends, I grieve for your potential loss and all this confusion. It must be a difficult time for you.
read more:
BlackBerry shutdown could cost businesses big money - Jan. 24, 2006
An untested software workaround patch may be available, but still potentially carries patent infringements to be dealt with and potentially new Blackberry devices.
Blackberry friends, I grieve for your potential loss and all this confusion. It must be a difficult time for you.
read more:
BlackBerry shutdown could cost businesses big money - Jan. 24, 2006
High court Rejects BlackBerry Plead
High court rejects BlackBerry case - Jan. 23, 2006
"Research In Motion (RIM) had petitioned the Supreme Court to review a federal appeals cout ruling that could lead to a shutdown of most U.S. BalckBery sales and service."
"Research In Motion (RIM) had petitioned the Supreme Court to review a federal appeals cout ruling that could lead to a shutdown of most U.S. BalckBery sales and service."
Weird Blog
Today I am going to backtrack and talk about things I should have blogged about instead of whining about being an emotional female in a nonperfect world with imperfect people.
Okay. So...
(I just got an email that the highly criticized new series "Book of Daniel" was cancelled due to efforts of Christians. I hear ratings were just terrible, which didn't hurt).
1. My Dad came to my son's baptism with his wife! Praise God. All my family filled two or three rows in center section, second row. I played keys that week. Dad got to hear me play, came to talk to me on stage for a second afterward (while I was trying to play...always lovely). I asked him to stay until we got down with post music. He did. We talked a while, my brother hung around. (Mom and her husband slipped out and let me have space with him.) Everyone was cool. I think he found our church much different than he left it. Wow. Has it changed!
2. Things are resolved some with my daughter's school stuff. I'm still working with her.
3. My husband is worried that our four year old is behind developmentally because he is not yet reading and writing his name. So, I'll be getting on that. I guess I had our other two going by now. I just never want him to grow up!!!!
3. This Sunday was a great worship service. I was asked to help pick music and develop the theme-- hard. The sermon topic was on the scripture, "No prophet is welcome in his own hometown" from Luke 4. Neither of us knew exactly where to go. We finally decided on ministry, boldness, letting God build you into who he wants you to be. As of last week, we still had "the element" missing. Something to pull it all together and solidify things. We looked for a couple videos with no luck.
So, as far as I knew...we really didn't have anything. We go into worshiop and our worship leader got real and shared his own testimony, pulling from deep within himself... "rags to riches" in God's eyes.
He went right into Casting Crown's "The Voice of Truth" with him soloing backed by the band--we just learned it this week. Wow. His testimony made a defining moment. Then, he had the people stand and sing with him "The Way that I Was Made". (If you've got a strong male voice...your band has to do that song. It just gets to people....err, gets to ME.)
Chorus:
I'm gonna life like there's no tomorrow
I'm gonna dance like no one's around
I'm gonna sing like nobody's listening
Til I lay my body down
I'm gonna give like I have plenty
I'm gonna love like I'm not afraid
I'm gonna be the man I was made to be
I'm gonna be the way I was made
3. Upward has started. I'm the official photographer.
The first week, I accidentally sent a disc to the newspaper showing me getting my hair highlighted (my daughter playing with my cam) rather than the player pics. It was SO BAD I'm almost too embarrassed to show you.
You know that plastic cap they tie around your head to pull hair through? You look like you are getting electric shock. Well, my hair was pulled out of that, sticking straight out of my head, bleached to a perfect yellow at the moment of this particular shot.
A family member calls me from the newspaper and says..."My editor says you don't want these pics in the paper."
So, yes, I'm very capably approaching my new responsiblities.
Bonded with the editor over it I guess...got a full page article and pics. Happiness.
4. Given that track record, I've been asked to write the devotions for Upward Soccer for the second year. In soccer, you don't exactly have "half time" like you do basketball, and can't really do a speaker on the field. So, we decided to write.
A publishing feat. I'll be trying to approach "seekers". Proofing it/graphics take me forever, but an honor to do it--I'll enjoy it.
Well, I need to tackle that laundry room some more. Three more "zones" to go. I've broken it into twelve distinct zones...one a day. It will be beautiful. (uggh.)
Me
Okay. So...
(I just got an email that the highly criticized new series "Book of Daniel" was cancelled due to efforts of Christians. I hear ratings were just terrible, which didn't hurt).
1. My Dad came to my son's baptism with his wife! Praise God. All my family filled two or three rows in center section, second row. I played keys that week. Dad got to hear me play, came to talk to me on stage for a second afterward (while I was trying to play...always lovely). I asked him to stay until we got down with post music. He did. We talked a while, my brother hung around. (Mom and her husband slipped out and let me have space with him.) Everyone was cool. I think he found our church much different than he left it. Wow. Has it changed!
2. Things are resolved some with my daughter's school stuff. I'm still working with her.
3. My husband is worried that our four year old is behind developmentally because he is not yet reading and writing his name. So, I'll be getting on that. I guess I had our other two going by now. I just never want him to grow up!!!!
3. This Sunday was a great worship service. I was asked to help pick music and develop the theme-- hard. The sermon topic was on the scripture, "No prophet is welcome in his own hometown" from Luke 4. Neither of us knew exactly where to go. We finally decided on ministry, boldness, letting God build you into who he wants you to be. As of last week, we still had "the element" missing. Something to pull it all together and solidify things. We looked for a couple videos with no luck.
So, as far as I knew...we really didn't have anything. We go into worshiop and our worship leader got real and shared his own testimony, pulling from deep within himself... "rags to riches" in God's eyes.
He went right into Casting Crown's "The Voice of Truth" with him soloing backed by the band--we just learned it this week. Wow. His testimony made a defining moment. Then, he had the people stand and sing with him "The Way that I Was Made". (If you've got a strong male voice...your band has to do that song. It just gets to people....err, gets to ME.)
Chorus:
I'm gonna life like there's no tomorrow
I'm gonna dance like no one's around
I'm gonna sing like nobody's listening
Til I lay my body down
I'm gonna give like I have plenty
I'm gonna love like I'm not afraid
I'm gonna be the man I was made to be
I'm gonna be the way I was made
3. Upward has started. I'm the official photographer.
The first week, I accidentally sent a disc to the newspaper showing me getting my hair highlighted (my daughter playing with my cam) rather than the player pics. It was SO BAD I'm almost too embarrassed to show you.
You know that plastic cap they tie around your head to pull hair through? You look like you are getting electric shock. Well, my hair was pulled out of that, sticking straight out of my head, bleached to a perfect yellow at the moment of this particular shot.
A family member calls me from the newspaper and says..."My editor says you don't want these pics in the paper."
So, yes, I'm very capably approaching my new responsiblities.
Bonded with the editor over it I guess...got a full page article and pics. Happiness.
4. Given that track record, I've been asked to write the devotions for Upward Soccer for the second year. In soccer, you don't exactly have "half time" like you do basketball, and can't really do a speaker on the field. So, we decided to write.
A publishing feat. I'll be trying to approach "seekers". Proofing it/graphics take me forever, but an honor to do it--I'll enjoy it.
Well, I need to tackle that laundry room some more. Three more "zones" to go. I've broken it into twelve distinct zones...one a day. It will be beautiful. (uggh.)
Me
1/23/2006
Agree with Satan?
Today was a day of sorting, resting...napping, a lot.
Some days, you just need to wash it all out. Today was one of those days.
Found a concept tonight in Francis Francipagne's classic book on spiritual warfare called The Three Battlegrounds that struck a chord in me.
Fracipane says accurately that it is Satan's goal to accuse you day and night...to take whatever opportunity he has to clobber you senseless. He recommends rather than arguing with accusations he might make (over and over), or becoming defensive, angry, frustrated, or depressed...to simply agree with him. (We battle not against flesh and blood).
For example:
"You are probably right about me. I have many faults...ones I don't like. But, thank God, I am STILL being perfected to the day of Christ Jesus--it is not about how 'good' I am. Never has been, never will be. AND, in the meantime, until He chooses to deal with it completely in me, I am STILL covered in the righteousness of Christ. He will deal with it...I trust Him to."
Interesting. I'm ready to stop defending myself inwardly or worrying that I'll never be like Christ or that anyone can see any growth in me, or know my heart. Who cares? They have bad days, too. The fact is...the fact!
Thank you, Jesus. For taking the focus off me and helping me stay focused in faith on you. The victory you want to work in me, irregardless of the storm, the scoffers, the wind and waves. You are there, and you bid me to walk out to you on the water. FAITH. Fun.
Me
Some days, you just need to wash it all out. Today was one of those days.
Found a concept tonight in Francis Francipagne's classic book on spiritual warfare called The Three Battlegrounds that struck a chord in me.
Fracipane says accurately that it is Satan's goal to accuse you day and night...to take whatever opportunity he has to clobber you senseless. He recommends rather than arguing with accusations he might make (over and over), or becoming defensive, angry, frustrated, or depressed...to simply agree with him. (We battle not against flesh and blood).
For example:
"You are probably right about me. I have many faults...ones I don't like. But, thank God, I am STILL being perfected to the day of Christ Jesus--it is not about how 'good' I am. Never has been, never will be. AND, in the meantime, until He chooses to deal with it completely in me, I am STILL covered in the righteousness of Christ. He will deal with it...I trust Him to."
Interesting. I'm ready to stop defending myself inwardly or worrying that I'll never be like Christ or that anyone can see any growth in me, or know my heart. Who cares? They have bad days, too. The fact is...the fact!
Thank you, Jesus. For taking the focus off me and helping me stay focused in faith on you. The victory you want to work in me, irregardless of the storm, the scoffers, the wind and waves. You are there, and you bid me to walk out to you on the water. FAITH. Fun.
Me
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