1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."
I was just driving down the road today and this scripture popped into my head, so I got to thinking about it...in my head...as you do....where else would I think? I guess I should stop saying that "I had a thought in my head." It only makes me look my hair color. But I digress.
There are some fantastically beautiful places on planet earth right? If you went to Hawaii, you would be in awe. There are islands in the Caribbean that would take your breath away! I hear New Zealand is quite amazing as well. The list goes on and on and yep, you guessed it, on. I'm sure if we could physically be in the most gorgeous place this earth has to offer, we might find ourselves thinking that surely this must be what Heaven is like. But alas, it could not be true. If it were true, than the scripture would say, "go to the most beautiful place on planet earth and yes, that is what God has prepared for you." But it does not say that. In fact, it says that 'no mind can even conceive what God has prepared for us!' Amazing. We can let our imagination run wild, and when it reaches a dead end stop, that won't even come close to the goodness that is prepared for us.
It would be enough for me, to just have my sins forgiven. It would be enough for me, to just walk in victory over flesh, once and for all. It would be enough for me to have every tear wiped from my eye. It would be enough for me to stand around the throne singing "Hosanna in the Highest." That would be enough. I can't fully conceive even those things...but imagine, that God says there is much, much more prepared for those that love Him. And I do love Him. I do.
The grace of God never ceases to amaze me...and I pray more than anything, that it never does.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Grace and Truth
Luke 4:22 says, (speaking of Jesus) "All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips."
Gracious. That word just jumped off the page at me this morning! I think so often we picture Jesus' ministry here on earth to always be so intense; as if He was just turning over tables, calling people out on their sin & going after Pharisees. It's easy to over look the real reason He came, for grace. Perhaps it's just me that thinks this way though, since I tend to be the one that thinks Jesus has grace for everyone else, and not for me. The Lord has really had to work with me in this particular area, and still does. It's much easier for me to say that God has grace for you; I can believe that with every fiber of my being however, it's humbling to say that He has grace for me.
The Bible also says in Isaiah 30:18 that He longs to be gracious to me, that He rises to show me compassion. That became one of my favorite verses awhile back, that the Lord would long to be gracious to me is mind boggling. I'm the least deserving of such a thing and yet, He longs to do it.
No matter what I've done, no matter what I will do...wow. I look forward to being in Heaven one day and watching the old movies about Jesus' ministry here on earth. He spoke truth. Truth is always authoritative and gracious. Authoritative words should never be harsh, and gracious words should never be without power. Everything about Jesus was mixed with grace. Yes, even the time he over turned the tables in the temple, it was done in grace. When He met the woman at the well and read her mail so to speak, that screamed grace as well. The way that Jesus spoke to sickness with authority, there was grace. When Jesus would cast a demon out of someone, He drove it out with authority but again, the grace for that person was present.
That is amazing. Oh if we could only live our lives by the same token that Jesus did. That we would show grace to people, yet walk in authority. That people would want to be around us just because of that sweet grace we walk in. That we would take authority over the things that try to hold us captive. That we would take authority over the sickness that would try to come against us. That we would take authority over the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. All the while, showing grace to others and not forgetting to show grace to ourselves.
The Lord longs to be gracious to us, He rises to show us compassion. Sit on that for awhile! If that does not make you smile and have a fantastic day in the Lord, I don't know what will. Thank you Jesus for that amazing grace.
Gracious. That word just jumped off the page at me this morning! I think so often we picture Jesus' ministry here on earth to always be so intense; as if He was just turning over tables, calling people out on their sin & going after Pharisees. It's easy to over look the real reason He came, for grace. Perhaps it's just me that thinks this way though, since I tend to be the one that thinks Jesus has grace for everyone else, and not for me. The Lord has really had to work with me in this particular area, and still does. It's much easier for me to say that God has grace for you; I can believe that with every fiber of my being however, it's humbling to say that He has grace for me.
The Bible also says in Isaiah 30:18 that He longs to be gracious to me, that He rises to show me compassion. That became one of my favorite verses awhile back, that the Lord would long to be gracious to me is mind boggling. I'm the least deserving of such a thing and yet, He longs to do it.
No matter what I've done, no matter what I will do...wow. I look forward to being in Heaven one day and watching the old movies about Jesus' ministry here on earth. He spoke truth. Truth is always authoritative and gracious. Authoritative words should never be harsh, and gracious words should never be without power. Everything about Jesus was mixed with grace. Yes, even the time he over turned the tables in the temple, it was done in grace. When He met the woman at the well and read her mail so to speak, that screamed grace as well. The way that Jesus spoke to sickness with authority, there was grace. When Jesus would cast a demon out of someone, He drove it out with authority but again, the grace for that person was present.
That is amazing. Oh if we could only live our lives by the same token that Jesus did. That we would show grace to people, yet walk in authority. That people would want to be around us just because of that sweet grace we walk in. That we would take authority over the things that try to hold us captive. That we would take authority over the sickness that would try to come against us. That we would take authority over the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. All the while, showing grace to others and not forgetting to show grace to ourselves.
The Lord longs to be gracious to us, He rises to show us compassion. Sit on that for awhile! If that does not make you smile and have a fantastic day in the Lord, I don't know what will. Thank you Jesus for that amazing grace.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
And there go the Crepe Myrtles
I posted last year, around this same time, about my favorite tree, the Crepe Myrtle. I likened it to the seasons changing and what not. Well it's that time of year again, where my favorite tree is starting to loose it's luster. Some still look real good, as they probably bloomed a tad later; however you can see the tree's that bloomed early as the fluffy flowers they exude are now beginning to dry up and fall.
I've been reading a book lately called, "Never give up!" I'd like to share a short excerpt from it:
"God uses difficulties to make us people He can trust and people He can use. When we face adversity, we must have the spirit of a conqueror. David had to face Goliath before he could become King. We must not try to escape or avoid difficult situations while we are going through them. Instead we need to say, "God, if this is something I have to go through, then I am going through it victoriously. I want to go through it with the attitude of a conqueror. Whatever you want to do in my life through this, I want you to do. But one thing I ask, God, that you help me press past my feelings and behave in a godly manner all the way through it." Getting away from trouble never needs to be our goal; our goal needs to be to conquer it with Christlike attitudes and behaviors."
I don't about you, but that challenges me. Like the Crepe Myrtle that is now beginning to dry up, it's so easy to let our heart dry up, taking on offenses and becoming embittered. It's so easy to allow frustrations and impatience overtake the goal set before us. I want my blooms to stay ever so beautiful, not allowing anything, not anything, to take me off the mark. The place of God's purpose is the place of His power. That's where I want to stay, in the place of God's purpose. So long as I stay there, His power can work through me...and what a mighty place to be. How amazing is the Lord, that He would be so gracious to us, to allow us to be vessels for His power. Wow. Unlike the Crepe Myrtles that bloomed to early, perhaps before it was time...as they were tricked by the strange weather, now they are drying up before their time. But imagine, if we wait on the Lord, we bloom when He tells us to, we jump out of the boat when He says its time, we go when He says to go, imagine how lovely and prosperous our blooms will be. It does not make a difference the source of the trouble, if we can walk through it with the attitude of a conqueror, then we already have the victory. It starts with us.
I've been reading a book lately called, "Never give up!" I'd like to share a short excerpt from it:
"God uses difficulties to make us people He can trust and people He can use. When we face adversity, we must have the spirit of a conqueror. David had to face Goliath before he could become King. We must not try to escape or avoid difficult situations while we are going through them. Instead we need to say, "God, if this is something I have to go through, then I am going through it victoriously. I want to go through it with the attitude of a conqueror. Whatever you want to do in my life through this, I want you to do. But one thing I ask, God, that you help me press past my feelings and behave in a godly manner all the way through it." Getting away from trouble never needs to be our goal; our goal needs to be to conquer it with Christlike attitudes and behaviors."
I don't about you, but that challenges me. Like the Crepe Myrtle that is now beginning to dry up, it's so easy to let our heart dry up, taking on offenses and becoming embittered. It's so easy to allow frustrations and impatience overtake the goal set before us. I want my blooms to stay ever so beautiful, not allowing anything, not anything, to take me off the mark. The place of God's purpose is the place of His power. That's where I want to stay, in the place of God's purpose. So long as I stay there, His power can work through me...and what a mighty place to be. How amazing is the Lord, that He would be so gracious to us, to allow us to be vessels for His power. Wow. Unlike the Crepe Myrtles that bloomed to early, perhaps before it was time...as they were tricked by the strange weather, now they are drying up before their time. But imagine, if we wait on the Lord, we bloom when He tells us to, we jump out of the boat when He says its time, we go when He says to go, imagine how lovely and prosperous our blooms will be. It does not make a difference the source of the trouble, if we can walk through it with the attitude of a conqueror, then we already have the victory. It starts with us.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Opposition
You ever have something happen in life that would seem very obvious to just be a plain old attack from the devil? Something does not go your way, a particular person gives you trouble, trials and what not hit out of the blue...the obvious conclusion that we jump to is the devil right? And yes, sometimes it is just a plain attack of the devil, trying to get us off course, to lose the mark that we are set for. But sometimes, just sometimes, it's the Lord.
I believe that God puts things in our paths just to see what we will do with it. And while we start praying against all sorts of things, perhaps it's just the Lord trying to refine us, building character that cannot come any other way. How are we going to know that God is a healer, unless we have had to battle sickness before? How will we know that God is our vindication, unless we have had to face injustice? How can we know that God will provide all of our needs unless we have been in a place of absolute null?
The Bible tells us that ALL things work together for the good right? So when I'm faced with opposition in a particular area, do I trust that God will indeed take that and work it for the good or do I shrink back and run from the problem, thereby losing whatever good that God was going to do?
We all face trials. We all have difficulties. We all have our family issues. We all have bills that seem never ending. We all have moments that test our character to the fullest degree. What do we do with those moments? Sure we can pray the stupid devil away, that certainly does not hurt! But what if we just say Lord, do your good. I trust you. And I know that I know that I know, you are working ALL things for my good. Not some things...ALL things.
I believe that God puts things in our paths just to see what we will do with it. And while we start praying against all sorts of things, perhaps it's just the Lord trying to refine us, building character that cannot come any other way. How are we going to know that God is a healer, unless we have had to battle sickness before? How will we know that God is our vindication, unless we have had to face injustice? How can we know that God will provide all of our needs unless we have been in a place of absolute null?
The Bible tells us that ALL things work together for the good right? So when I'm faced with opposition in a particular area, do I trust that God will indeed take that and work it for the good or do I shrink back and run from the problem, thereby losing whatever good that God was going to do?
We all face trials. We all have difficulties. We all have our family issues. We all have bills that seem never ending. We all have moments that test our character to the fullest degree. What do we do with those moments? Sure we can pray the stupid devil away, that certainly does not hurt! But what if we just say Lord, do your good. I trust you. And I know that I know that I know, you are working ALL things for my good. Not some things...ALL things.
Friday, June 5, 2009
He's all I need
Joei generally goes to bed pretty easy for me; we have her routine and so long as it's followed, all is well. Unless she wants her dad. Then it's a bit more time spent assuring her that he will be home soon, calling him and on and on. She will drag that horse out as long as she can!
Last night, she was in tears at bedtime, she wanted her dad. She started getting so upset that she could not catch her breathe and began saying over and over, "Call my daddy, he's all I need!" Over and over. And over.
I personally can't resonate with a statement like that, at least not in the physical realm. I don't recall a time in my life that I ever wanted my dad, a time that I thought he would meet my need. Ever. In fact, I had a terrible time accepting that God wanted to be a Father to me. So much so that I did not like calling God "father" because to me, that was an insult to the Lord. He was so much more than what I knew a father to be. It has taken quite a few years but yes, I do have a father. And yes, He is all I need.
When Lily was in the NICU and we were given the worst diagnosis possible, He was all I needed. When I quit my job to stay home with Joei and we were not promised any additional stable income, He was all I needed. When I have faced various trials throughout my life, again, He was all I needed. When I woke up this morning with a beat in my heart, even still, He is all I need. As I sit here this fine afternoon, in my wonderful home, yep, still...all I need. No matter the phase of life I am in, may I never forget to "call my daddy, He's all I need."
Last night, she was in tears at bedtime, she wanted her dad. She started getting so upset that she could not catch her breathe and began saying over and over, "Call my daddy, he's all I need!" Over and over. And over.
I personally can't resonate with a statement like that, at least not in the physical realm. I don't recall a time in my life that I ever wanted my dad, a time that I thought he would meet my need. Ever. In fact, I had a terrible time accepting that God wanted to be a Father to me. So much so that I did not like calling God "father" because to me, that was an insult to the Lord. He was so much more than what I knew a father to be. It has taken quite a few years but yes, I do have a father. And yes, He is all I need.
When Lily was in the NICU and we were given the worst diagnosis possible, He was all I needed. When I quit my job to stay home with Joei and we were not promised any additional stable income, He was all I needed. When I have faced various trials throughout my life, again, He was all I needed. When I woke up this morning with a beat in my heart, even still, He is all I need. As I sit here this fine afternoon, in my wonderful home, yep, still...all I need. No matter the phase of life I am in, may I never forget to "call my daddy, He's all I need."
Monday, May 4, 2009
Compassion International
I follow quite a few blogs, a few of them being folks that just went on a trip for Compassion International, an amazing ministry. The blog posts so moved me, that we decided to sponsor a child from India. I have always loved the Indian people, ever since I was a teenager, so it seemed fitting to pick a child from that culture. I am not posting this to act like I'm super awesome for doing that, I really just want to brag on my kid a minute. I told her my idea, she jumped right on board with me, so we sat at the computer and began to look through the kids that were in need of sponsors. Bless her little heart, she wanted to sponsor a child "that had no family." And she totally understood the importance of doing so as well. We were unable to find any orphans, so we continued the search and she ended up picking a little girl named Ashwini, real close to her age. We read all about her life, Joei looked at the blog posts I had been following, the pictures and video and what not. It's really been a great way for us to talk about how blessed she is in life and how much more we need to help people. I really think this is going to be such a great way for Joei to learn compassion for herself...
I look foward to getting to know this sweet little girl, and getting to see my sweet little girl grow as a result. I will keep y'all posted!
I look foward to getting to know this sweet little girl, and getting to see my sweet little girl grow as a result. I will keep y'all posted!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Good thing
Joei: Mom, what's a stretch mark?
I show her, as I have stretch mark a plenty.
Joei: Is that where they cut your stomach off? (referring to my c-section of course.)
Me: No, it's right here. (I show her my scar.)
Joei: They only cut your stomach off and not your face?
Me: (chuckling.) No, they didn't cut my face.
Joei: Oh. That's good that they didn't have to cut your face off, because that would hurt.
Me: Yep. That's a good thing.
I show her, as I have stretch mark a plenty.
Joei: Is that where they cut your stomach off? (referring to my c-section of course.)
Me: No, it's right here. (I show her my scar.)
Joei: They only cut your stomach off and not your face?
Me: (chuckling.) No, they didn't cut my face.
Joei: Oh. That's good that they didn't have to cut your face off, because that would hurt.
Me: Yep. That's a good thing.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Pray for Stellan
Hey guys - I know there are just a few readers here, but if you could take a moment to pray for Stellan, every bit counts! The latest blog entry has some big changes for the little babe, he needs prayer.
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Perspective
Lily has been sick the majority of this year, nothing real major, just colds and what not. We did have a scare with multiple bladder infections a few months back, and today found out she has a pretty raw throat with white little bumps...so while it's nothing life threatening by any means (although any sickness with your baby is heartbreaking regardless,) it's enough to keep her awake at night, often. She does not sleep all that great, she has not slept all that great for months now. Last night was another rough night with her and in fact, I'm a but delirious so if this makes no sense, forgive me.
In my bad attitude towards my lack of sleep, I'm hit with such an awe of gratitude to the Lord. I'm thankful that my momentary trouble is simply a baby with a nasty cold, some teething issues & sleep trouble. There is a button on my blog to pray for baby Stellan (you can click on it if you want to read more.) He's just a little guy, fighting for his life in the hospital. I have a friend whose mother is facing Alzheimer's. Joey just visited a man in the hospital from our church who is battling cancer. He had a major operation on his stomach in order to get just his basic functions going again. He looked at Joey and said how thankful he was for the Lords grace in his life, that he did not deserve it. He is fighting his momentary battle better than many of us fight silly little things.
In this moment, my heart is turned toward those battling real serious life issues. I don't know how they do it; not only face the battle, but attack it head on with faith. It's amazing to me. In this life we will have trouble, says the Lord. But He tells us to take heart. Why? Because He has overcome this world. He has overcome that sickness. He has overcome that diagnosis. He has overcome that financial pit. He has overcome that depression. He has overcome that adversity. He has overcome. Thank you Jesus that you are there to give strength to those that need to overcome. Thank you Lord. And forgive me for allowing the silly little things in life to cause me to lose sight of the big picture. Remind us to pray Lord. Remind me to pray.
2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
In my bad attitude towards my lack of sleep, I'm hit with such an awe of gratitude to the Lord. I'm thankful that my momentary trouble is simply a baby with a nasty cold, some teething issues & sleep trouble. There is a button on my blog to pray for baby Stellan (you can click on it if you want to read more.) He's just a little guy, fighting for his life in the hospital. I have a friend whose mother is facing Alzheimer's. Joey just visited a man in the hospital from our church who is battling cancer. He had a major operation on his stomach in order to get just his basic functions going again. He looked at Joey and said how thankful he was for the Lords grace in his life, that he did not deserve it. He is fighting his momentary battle better than many of us fight silly little things.
In this moment, my heart is turned toward those battling real serious life issues. I don't know how they do it; not only face the battle, but attack it head on with faith. It's amazing to me. In this life we will have trouble, says the Lord. But He tells us to take heart. Why? Because He has overcome this world. He has overcome that sickness. He has overcome that diagnosis. He has overcome that financial pit. He has overcome that depression. He has overcome that adversity. He has overcome. Thank you Jesus that you are there to give strength to those that need to overcome. Thank you Lord. And forgive me for allowing the silly little things in life to cause me to lose sight of the big picture. Remind us to pray Lord. Remind me to pray.
2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
Saturday, February 28, 2009
I remember
I'm having one of those "thankful" days, ever have those? Just a day to reflect on all you have seen, all you remember, and being thankful for where you are today. I remember.
The other night we met with the Pastors at our church that do outreach and as we were talking about different things we want to do to reach our city (mind you our city is named the "most miserable place to live) I remembered. I was sharing with them how there was a time as a kid that I recall getting food from a church. It broke me into tears talking about it, as if it just happened. We lived on Welfare most of my childhood, and that's not a fun place to live. It was not like my mom did not work hard either, it was just that my dad was no help at all to her financially. She did not sit around, collect government money and call it a day. She was one that tried her hardest to get off the system; but with 4 kids, you can imagine how hard it was. When I look back on my childhood, I generally think of everything from my perspective, how it affected me. Now that I'm an adult, with kids of my own, I can only imagine a glimpse of what my mom must have felt on a daily basis.
I did not intend for this to be a sad post however, sometimes you have to remember the rough times in order to appreciate the now. I remember. And I appreciate. I generally am a thankful person anyway, not because I'm super awesome and always have the right attitude, no. I guess it's just because I do remember, I remember where I used to live. And I see where I live now.
I'm so thankful that God lifted me out of the mirey clay, that He set my feet on a solid rock. I'm so thankful to have a great family, to have great friends. I'm so thankful to be part of a church that is gearing up to reach this miserable place to live. I'm just so thankful. Because I remember.
The other night we met with the Pastors at our church that do outreach and as we were talking about different things we want to do to reach our city (mind you our city is named the "most miserable place to live) I remembered. I was sharing with them how there was a time as a kid that I recall getting food from a church. It broke me into tears talking about it, as if it just happened. We lived on Welfare most of my childhood, and that's not a fun place to live. It was not like my mom did not work hard either, it was just that my dad was no help at all to her financially. She did not sit around, collect government money and call it a day. She was one that tried her hardest to get off the system; but with 4 kids, you can imagine how hard it was. When I look back on my childhood, I generally think of everything from my perspective, how it affected me. Now that I'm an adult, with kids of my own, I can only imagine a glimpse of what my mom must have felt on a daily basis.
I did not intend for this to be a sad post however, sometimes you have to remember the rough times in order to appreciate the now. I remember. And I appreciate. I generally am a thankful person anyway, not because I'm super awesome and always have the right attitude, no. I guess it's just because I do remember, I remember where I used to live. And I see where I live now.
I'm so thankful that God lifted me out of the mirey clay, that He set my feet on a solid rock. I'm so thankful to have a great family, to have great friends. I'm so thankful to be part of a church that is gearing up to reach this miserable place to live. I'm just so thankful. Because I remember.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
He hears
I know that God hears us when we pray; I pray with full faith that God is totally hearing me, that He is placing things into action to facilitate the answer that I need. Yes, I believe in the power of prayer.
Having said that, I tend to forget that God hears me when I'm just talking to Him, not really praying for anything in particular, just talking. I know He hears me, but sometimes I need to be reminded that I know it.
Just now, I was sitting down to read a bit before I go to bed, ya, it's 8:30 and I'm getting ready for bed, so what?! Anyway. I just was talking to the Lord briefly about different areas in my life that I feel are lacking...you know how that goes right? You always have something you feel inadequate about...at least I do. I found myself telling the Lord things about myself that I wish were different, and to even type them out here, well, it would sound so silly to you all. It's not physical, although I always am griping to the Lord about weight. Nope, tonight I was just talking to God about how I wish that I were smarter, had more to offer people...more value...things along those lines. I won't go into detail, but you get the gist right.
So I open a book that I have started to read before but had forgotten about. I decide to read the introduction, and was reminded that yes, I know God hears. The intro starts off talking about the time that Mary went to the tomb and was met by Jesus Himself! It goes on to say how Mary knew that Jesus cared deeply about her simply because He called her by name that day...this is the portion that jumped out at me:
"God knows each of you and cares for you just as He cared about Mary. He knows your name; you belong to Him (Isaiah 43:1). No matter who you are or what kind of baggage you carry with you, no matter what you look like or feel like, no matter what you do or don't do, God loves you just as you are right now. You don't have to get your act together, lose ten pounds, run a marathon, write a best-selling book, or raise perfect children. You are an extraordinary woman in His sight right now."
Ok, crazy right? Man. No sooner had I just finished talking to the Lord about all these attributes that I feel are lacking in myself, that I read that He thinks I'm extraordinary. I have never, ever used that word in describing myself but lookout guys, I may just have to start!
So there ya have it; the next time you start off on a list of things you want to change, remind yourself that you are already extraordinary!!! Just.as.you.are.
Having said that, I tend to forget that God hears me when I'm just talking to Him, not really praying for anything in particular, just talking. I know He hears me, but sometimes I need to be reminded that I know it.
Just now, I was sitting down to read a bit before I go to bed, ya, it's 8:30 and I'm getting ready for bed, so what?! Anyway. I just was talking to the Lord briefly about different areas in my life that I feel are lacking...you know how that goes right? You always have something you feel inadequate about...at least I do. I found myself telling the Lord things about myself that I wish were different, and to even type them out here, well, it would sound so silly to you all. It's not physical, although I always am griping to the Lord about weight. Nope, tonight I was just talking to God about how I wish that I were smarter, had more to offer people...more value...things along those lines. I won't go into detail, but you get the gist right.
So I open a book that I have started to read before but had forgotten about. I decide to read the introduction, and was reminded that yes, I know God hears. The intro starts off talking about the time that Mary went to the tomb and was met by Jesus Himself! It goes on to say how Mary knew that Jesus cared deeply about her simply because He called her by name that day...this is the portion that jumped out at me:
"God knows each of you and cares for you just as He cared about Mary. He knows your name; you belong to Him (Isaiah 43:1). No matter who you are or what kind of baggage you carry with you, no matter what you look like or feel like, no matter what you do or don't do, God loves you just as you are right now. You don't have to get your act together, lose ten pounds, run a marathon, write a best-selling book, or raise perfect children. You are an extraordinary woman in His sight right now."
Ok, crazy right? Man. No sooner had I just finished talking to the Lord about all these attributes that I feel are lacking in myself, that I read that He thinks I'm extraordinary. I have never, ever used that word in describing myself but lookout guys, I may just have to start!
So there ya have it; the next time you start off on a list of things you want to change, remind yourself that you are already extraordinary!!! Just.as.you.are.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What have I started?
Joei just walked in and said, "Mom, you will be so happy to hear this! Payless has the BOGO sale!"
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Creepy Barbie lives
Joei had been asking for this life size Barbie that she saw at Wal-mart, and Santa being the jolly old soul he is, decided to bring it for Christmas. She was over the moon when she saw it. Immediately she stripped the Barbie of her clothing and wore it herself. It fit, sorta. The Barbie made the rounds with her that day, at the table, in her room, in the middle seat of the car. Seriously.
Jaden came over on Christmas morning and was lucky enough to get a shot with the Barbie. Jaden, please contain your excitement.
Joei was very possessive over the Barbie, as if she were her real life friend. They danced together, sang, chatted...yep. Now can you see why she acquired the name creepy? You can't? Just wait.
Joei also got a Hannah Montana wig from Santa, here's a shot of the awesome wig along with El Creepo.
Well Creepy Barbie was laying low for awhile, she just sat next to Joei's bed. Creepy Barbie has not been played with much for the past few months...however, she has made a come-back. She sat at the table last night while Joei ate supper. Joei has danced yet again, chatted yet again and yes, wore her clothes.
She gives me the jeebs because at first glance you think it's a kid sitting there! Still not sure why I call her Creepy Barbie? Well, you would call her Creepy Barbie as well if you were in the kitchen, minding your own business, only to turn around and see this....
.
.
.
Wait for it....
.
.
.
Imagine very scary music playing right now...think "shower scene from Psycho."
.
.
.
Jaden came over on Christmas morning and was lucky enough to get a shot with the Barbie. Jaden, please contain your excitement.
Joei was very possessive over the Barbie, as if she were her real life friend. They danced together, sang, chatted...yep. Now can you see why she acquired the name creepy? You can't? Just wait.
Joei also got a Hannah Montana wig from Santa, here's a shot of the awesome wig along with El Creepo.
Well Creepy Barbie was laying low for awhile, she just sat next to Joei's bed. Creepy Barbie has not been played with much for the past few months...however, she has made a come-back. She sat at the table last night while Joei ate supper. Joei has danced yet again, chatted yet again and yes, wore her clothes.
She gives me the jeebs because at first glance you think it's a kid sitting there! Still not sure why I call her Creepy Barbie? Well, you would call her Creepy Barbie as well if you were in the kitchen, minding your own business, only to turn around and see this....
.
.
.
Wait for it....
.
.
.
Imagine very scary music playing right now...think "shower scene from Psycho."
.
.
.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
100 posts?
Really? I have posted 100 times? Huh. I'm a regular sitcom in and of myself.
Well in honor of my having posted 100 times, I thought I would share a few pictures that Cindy took of the girls...it's been awhile since I posted any. I have shared before in one of my 100 posts that I'm the worlds lamest photographer, so anytime someone else snaps a shot, I like to share it!
And this last one is typical of a day with the two of them, Lily being man-handled by Joei and her crazy face!
Well in honor of my having posted 100 times, I thought I would share a few pictures that Cindy took of the girls...it's been awhile since I posted any. I have shared before in one of my 100 posts that I'm the worlds lamest photographer, so anytime someone else snaps a shot, I like to share it!
And this last one is typical of a day with the two of them, Lily being man-handled by Joei and her crazy face!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Out of the blue
I love the out of the blue statements Joei makes, this is one that I don't want to forget. We were just sitting there with Lily and Joei said, "the other day, when we were watching the new President, the people didn't clap for the old President. They clapped for the other Presidents, but not the old one. That made him feel sad."
Um, ok. For one, how in the world did she pick up on the fact that nobody clapped for President Bush? Sure, some people did, but I heard that people actually boo'd at him. I was not paying that close of attention when he was introduced, though it was on and I saw it, I just don't recall the booing or lack of clapping. As the previous Presidents were being introduced, I was trying to explain to Joei that they were not the new President and what not. So the fact that she could totally pick up on that, just shocks me! Kids are so perceptive.
Um, ok. For one, how in the world did she pick up on the fact that nobody clapped for President Bush? Sure, some people did, but I heard that people actually boo'd at him. I was not paying that close of attention when he was introduced, though it was on and I saw it, I just don't recall the booing or lack of clapping. As the previous Presidents were being introduced, I was trying to explain to Joei that they were not the new President and what not. So the fact that she could totally pick up on that, just shocks me! Kids are so perceptive.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Prime example of why we need to pray
For President Obama that is. The following article was on Yahoo just now...
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order ending the ban on federal funds for international groups that promote or perform abortions, officials told The Associated Press on Friday.
The move, long expected in the Democratic president's first week in office, will be welcomed by liberals and criticized by abortion rights foes.
The policy bans U.S. taxpayer money, usually in the form of U.S. Agency for International Development funds, from going to international family planning groups that either offer abortions or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion. It is also known as the "global gag rule," because it prohibits taxpayer funding for groups that even talk about abortion if there is an unplanned pregnancy.
Also known as the "Mexico City policy," it has been reinstated and then reversed by Republican and Democratic presidents since GOP President Ronald Reagan established it in 1984. President Bill Clinton ended the ban in 1993, but President George W. Bush re-instituted it in 2001 as one of his first acts in office.
The Democratic official and senior U.S. official who disclosed the plans did so on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to pre-empt Obama's announcement.
Obama was expected to sign the executive order at a low-key event, one day after the 36th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.
The move was not a surprise as both Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who will oversee foreign aid, had promised to do away with the gag rule during the presidential campaign. Clinton is to visit the U.S. Agency for International Development, through which much U.S. foreign aid is disbursed, later on Friday.
Obama has spent his first days in office systematically signing executive orders reversing Bush administration policies on issues ranging from foreign policy to government operations. But, save for ending the ban, Obama has largely refrained from wading into ideological issues, perhaps to avoid being tagged a traditional partisan from the outset after his campaign promises to change "business as usual" in the often partisan-gridlocked capital.
Rather, Obama has chosen to focus initially on issues in which there is consensus across the political spectrum and support from the public, such as closing the prison camp for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to making government documents more accessible.
Organizations that had pressed Obama to make the abortion-ban change were jubilant.
"Women's health has been severely impacted by the cutoff of assistance. President Obama's actions will help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, abortions and women dying from high-risk pregnancies because they don't have access to family planning," said Tod Preston, a spokesman for Population Action International, an advocacy group.
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to sign an executive order ending the ban on federal funds for international groups that promote or perform abortions, officials told The Associated Press on Friday.
The move, long expected in the Democratic president's first week in office, will be welcomed by liberals and criticized by abortion rights foes.
The policy bans U.S. taxpayer money, usually in the form of U.S. Agency for International Development funds, from going to international family planning groups that either offer abortions or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion. It is also known as the "global gag rule," because it prohibits taxpayer funding for groups that even talk about abortion if there is an unplanned pregnancy.
Also known as the "Mexico City policy," it has been reinstated and then reversed by Republican and Democratic presidents since GOP President Ronald Reagan established it in 1984. President Bill Clinton ended the ban in 1993, but President George W. Bush re-instituted it in 2001 as one of his first acts in office.
The Democratic official and senior U.S. official who disclosed the plans did so on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to pre-empt Obama's announcement.
Obama was expected to sign the executive order at a low-key event, one day after the 36th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.
The move was not a surprise as both Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who will oversee foreign aid, had promised to do away with the gag rule during the presidential campaign. Clinton is to visit the U.S. Agency for International Development, through which much U.S. foreign aid is disbursed, later on Friday.
Obama has spent his first days in office systematically signing executive orders reversing Bush administration policies on issues ranging from foreign policy to government operations. But, save for ending the ban, Obama has largely refrained from wading into ideological issues, perhaps to avoid being tagged a traditional partisan from the outset after his campaign promises to change "business as usual" in the often partisan-gridlocked capital.
Rather, Obama has chosen to focus initially on issues in which there is consensus across the political spectrum and support from the public, such as closing the prison camp for suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to making government documents more accessible.
Organizations that had pressed Obama to make the abortion-ban change were jubilant.
"Women's health has been severely impacted by the cutoff of assistance. President Obama's actions will help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, abortions and women dying from high-risk pregnancies because they don't have access to family planning," said Tod Preston, a spokesman for Population Action International, an advocacy group.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Prayer request
So I know only a few folks follow this blog however the Bible says that where two or more are gathered, that He is there to meet the need...so I will take all two of you!
Please pray for my friend's Paul & Lisa. Their little girl Abby, she's 4, has Scarlet Fever & Strep Throat. It appears she has developed quite a bit of junk in her lungs so please pray for a quick recovery and strength for her parents. Also pray that her little brother Gabe does not get it.
Thanks!
Please pray for my friend's Paul & Lisa. Their little girl Abby, she's 4, has Scarlet Fever & Strep Throat. It appears she has developed quite a bit of junk in her lungs so please pray for a quick recovery and strength for her parents. Also pray that her little brother Gabe does not get it.
Thanks!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
History is made
I've never been much into politics, however I find myself mesmerized at all the Inaugural happenings today. Watching the masses of people that just hoped to hear President Obama speak to them in person, that was pretty astounding. The first African American President. What a wonderful thing for the country, I can only imagine the pride that must be felt from every hardworking African American. Or from the older generation that saw slavery first hand. Amazing. Although, his race was never an issue to me, at all. Though unfortunately I'm sure it was for many other Americans, and that's why this day is so historic. Personally, I did not vote for him for other reasons, things that I don't agree with...however, gotta love the "howevers" in life don't ya. However, God has called us to pray for our leaders, and that's what I will do.
I was trying to explain to Joei this morning about the President, and what his job is. I told her that we needed to pray for him to make wise decisions. So when she saw Obama on the screen for the first time, she asked if that was the new president and I said yes. And she said, "oh he's just some guy from the news!" Well ya, he's been on the news but my darling, yes indeed, he is our president...and we need to pray for him. She said, "no we don't, he has not made bad decisions." So there ya have it, while Joei may have faith in our new President, many don't. That being said, it's not up to us as Christians to criticize and argue the political views surrounding President Obama; rather it is up to us to lift him up in prayer. No, of course we don't have to agree with everything, or keep silent. There is a time and a place for that though, but for now, I hope that we can just pray for President Obama, and his family.
1 Timothy 2:1-3
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.
I was trying to explain to Joei this morning about the President, and what his job is. I told her that we needed to pray for him to make wise decisions. So when she saw Obama on the screen for the first time, she asked if that was the new president and I said yes. And she said, "oh he's just some guy from the news!" Well ya, he's been on the news but my darling, yes indeed, he is our president...and we need to pray for him. She said, "no we don't, he has not made bad decisions." So there ya have it, while Joei may have faith in our new President, many don't. That being said, it's not up to us as Christians to criticize and argue the political views surrounding President Obama; rather it is up to us to lift him up in prayer. No, of course we don't have to agree with everything, or keep silent. There is a time and a place for that though, but for now, I hope that we can just pray for President Obama, and his family.
1 Timothy 2:1-3
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade
I'm not sure what kind of a dork I have become since having kids, but apparently I'm more of one than I thought.
I left Lily in her room, sitting on the floor and playing with toys. Joei was in there as well, in the chair, stuffing things in her guitar. I was doing my daily blog reading and I heard Lily fussing, Joei was oblivious to her fussing, still shoving things in her guitar. By this time, Lily was flat on her back, mad at the world because she can't sit herself up on her own. Rather than roll over and grab a toy and just play with it that way, she laid there, whining for me to come fix her situation. Of course, as her mom, I am happy to do that...but I found myself saying to both girls, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." I have no idea where that came from, I can't recall the last time I heard that. It must be my inner dorkdom coming out or something!
It's true though! When crappy things happen, it is much easier to lay there and wait for someone to fix it, or at least to tell us how to fix it. Like Lily, I would rather flop around like a fish than muster up the energy to roll over and do something about it on my own. But how much more rewarding is it when you take that lemon, and you make lemonade?
I did not have a great life as a kid, I have shared that before...but at the age of 14, I accepted the Lord. From then on, I made lemonade. Yes, it was hard, very hard. I had to learn to forgive people, I had to realize that I was the only one that held responsibility for my happiness. Sure, it is still an ongoing process; it's not like all of a sudden sun rays beamed down from heaven and a thousand person choir was behind me singing "LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" and all was honky dory (if that's even a word!) It was a process. It is a process. We continually will get lemons, sometimes more often than other times. And you may have a season that you get to go without the sour little suckers. But when you get the lemon, make lemonade. Sure it may have seeds, sure it may still need more sugar, but doggonit, it's lemonade.
I'm not just referring to huge obstacles in life, we get little lemons all the time as well. What do we do with them? The car breaks down, there is not enough money to pay the mortgage, you have a falling out with someone...really the list goes on and on. Or you have the lemons that are not big problems in the scheme of life, but they still affect you. I really want to get Joei into some Pre-K before she starts Kindergarten, but we have not been able to afford it. Well, to me, that's a lemon. So what am I going to do with that? Not sure yet. We might be able to swing a few days a week now, hopefully. But if not, I will just have to look around and try to teach her some things on my own, and hope she gets her social end of school from church. See, that's not a big issue in the scheme of things, AT ALL. But to me, it is. Just like you may have a nagging situation that to the regular bear, aint no big thang. But to you, it is. Lemons are lemons. It's what we do with them that makes all the diff.
Well I have kept your ear longer than one should so I'm signing off with one last thought, Pink Lemonade is the best! Taco Bell and Miguels (a Mexican restaurant here) have the best. Just in case you wanted to know!
Joei is going to now watch her new Little Mermaid movie since, "she is wearing Ariel pajama's so she feels like a mermaid."
I left Lily in her room, sitting on the floor and playing with toys. Joei was in there as well, in the chair, stuffing things in her guitar. I was doing my daily blog reading and I heard Lily fussing, Joei was oblivious to her fussing, still shoving things in her guitar. By this time, Lily was flat on her back, mad at the world because she can't sit herself up on her own. Rather than roll over and grab a toy and just play with it that way, she laid there, whining for me to come fix her situation. Of course, as her mom, I am happy to do that...but I found myself saying to both girls, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." I have no idea where that came from, I can't recall the last time I heard that. It must be my inner dorkdom coming out or something!
It's true though! When crappy things happen, it is much easier to lay there and wait for someone to fix it, or at least to tell us how to fix it. Like Lily, I would rather flop around like a fish than muster up the energy to roll over and do something about it on my own. But how much more rewarding is it when you take that lemon, and you make lemonade?
I did not have a great life as a kid, I have shared that before...but at the age of 14, I accepted the Lord. From then on, I made lemonade. Yes, it was hard, very hard. I had to learn to forgive people, I had to realize that I was the only one that held responsibility for my happiness. Sure, it is still an ongoing process; it's not like all of a sudden sun rays beamed down from heaven and a thousand person choir was behind me singing "LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" and all was honky dory (if that's even a word!) It was a process. It is a process. We continually will get lemons, sometimes more often than other times. And you may have a season that you get to go without the sour little suckers. But when you get the lemon, make lemonade. Sure it may have seeds, sure it may still need more sugar, but doggonit, it's lemonade.
I'm not just referring to huge obstacles in life, we get little lemons all the time as well. What do we do with them? The car breaks down, there is not enough money to pay the mortgage, you have a falling out with someone...really the list goes on and on. Or you have the lemons that are not big problems in the scheme of life, but they still affect you. I really want to get Joei into some Pre-K before she starts Kindergarten, but we have not been able to afford it. Well, to me, that's a lemon. So what am I going to do with that? Not sure yet. We might be able to swing a few days a week now, hopefully. But if not, I will just have to look around and try to teach her some things on my own, and hope she gets her social end of school from church. See, that's not a big issue in the scheme of things, AT ALL. But to me, it is. Just like you may have a nagging situation that to the regular bear, aint no big thang. But to you, it is. Lemons are lemons. It's what we do with them that makes all the diff.
Well I have kept your ear longer than one should so I'm signing off with one last thought, Pink Lemonade is the best! Taco Bell and Miguels (a Mexican restaurant here) have the best. Just in case you wanted to know!
Joei is going to now watch her new Little Mermaid movie since, "she is wearing Ariel pajama's so she feels like a mermaid."
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