A word to promote routines!
I have disliked trying to make schedules intensely. Probably because every time I made one something would happen to foul it up. I finally ditched that whole idea and opted for flying by the seat of my pants and winging it. Unfortunately that ended up in a lot of chaos and unrest in my home. With a growing family my husband and I realized we needed to make some changes. We haven’t been strong on self-discipline and good habits, we decided we better start if we wanted to get ourselves out of the mess we had created and regain a semblance of order.
We employed various techniques including Flylady, ‘happy day’ charts and got some help from our dear friend Monica. She showed us where our plans were working and where we needed tweeking. We got rid of a lot of STUFF out of our home, which made it easier to clean. We picked places for things to happen that occurred regularly. We made a date to plan ahead on a weekly basis. We learned to be flexible.
My husband has a much more rigid schedule than I do. I don’t have something that I call a ‘schedule’ per say, I have things I need to get done on a daily basis and things on a weekly basis. I pray that God will show me where to put them in.
Why did we do all this?
God is a God of order not chaos. Look around at the world we live in. He set up pretty much everything to run in cycles (aka. Routines!). He doesn’t sit around worrying about what happens next because He set it up to run. Check out the moon, the tides, the water cycle, the planetary system, the life cycle, the seasons, all of these things are routines.
I think this is maybe the closest thing to a rant I’ve ever had! Happy routines!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
blogging game - have fun
It’s a party game - blogger interviews
1. Leave me (Lani) a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my site (not the same as you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
So here are my answers to Molly’s questions (from 'my three pennies worth') lots of interesting stuff on parenting issues going on over there:
1. Are you a dog person or a cat person?
I used to be a cat person when I was little, however, I am severely allergic to them. But over the years I have come to dislike the critters beyond their mouse-eating abilities. So, I am a certified dog person, I love dogs, they’re friendly and easy-going and well, I like ‘em.
2. You shared that you are Mennonite (with Mennonite heritage) Did you always want to walk in this path, or did you ever go through a time of questioning?
I am Mennonite by heritage as far back as you can go, but I must clarify, we are NOT what some people would picture when they picture Mennonites. I don’t speak German, I wear pants, make-up, jewellery, I have cut my hair, I don’t wear a prayer cap. We look and smell pretty much like everyone else. However, there are tenets of the Mennonite ‘faith’ that I definitely subscribe to like pacifism, the apostolic creed, and the food – really good food!! Our church, while it bears Mennonite on the door would be considered to be much more charismatic in nature than traditional Mennonite – we are very exuberant in our worship, which in fact, is very much like the early Mennonite Brethren roots and the ‘froelich movement’. I don’t think I’ve ever had a time where I considered not wanting to be Mennonite – everyone’s gotta be somethin’!
3. You have a houseful of kids – what is the biggest thing God has been impressing on your heart lately in terms of mothering?
Gentleness! In my words, my touch, the way I look at them. Gentleness doesn’t come naturally to me so I’ve had to work at it, but the Lord is showing me many ways in which gentleness will gain the results you want faster than harshness. After all it is His kindness that leads us to repentance, gentle answers turn away wrath (well, unless you’re dealing with uncontrollable rage, which we are with our adopted FASD son – but even then, gentleness does not feed anger).
4. You are in an anti-Christian country and someone has smuggled in one chapter of the Bible to you, what is it?
Wow, hard to pick just one. I have been dwelling in I Corinthians lately and I think if I was in an anti-Christian country (oh look I am – I’m from Canada, it’s pretty anti-Christian around here) I would want to be constantly reminded of what love looks like, so I’d hope I was getting chapter 13.
5. Quote a verse or two from a favorite song/hymn.
My ‘favorite’ tends to change almost as quickly as my underwear (okay maybe not that fast), let’s see….
Blessed be your name, when the sun’s shining down on me, when the world’s all as it should be, blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name, when I’m found in the desert place, when I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name.
Every blessing you pour out I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be your glorious name.”
Blessed be your name …………….where the streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name
Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering, when there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name
You give and take away, you give and take away
My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be your name…..
1. Leave me (Lani) a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my site (not the same as you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
So here are my answers to Molly’s questions (from 'my three pennies worth') lots of interesting stuff on parenting issues going on over there:
1. Are you a dog person or a cat person?
I used to be a cat person when I was little, however, I am severely allergic to them. But over the years I have come to dislike the critters beyond their mouse-eating abilities. So, I am a certified dog person, I love dogs, they’re friendly and easy-going and well, I like ‘em.
2. You shared that you are Mennonite (with Mennonite heritage) Did you always want to walk in this path, or did you ever go through a time of questioning?
I am Mennonite by heritage as far back as you can go, but I must clarify, we are NOT what some people would picture when they picture Mennonites. I don’t speak German, I wear pants, make-up, jewellery, I have cut my hair, I don’t wear a prayer cap. We look and smell pretty much like everyone else. However, there are tenets of the Mennonite ‘faith’ that I definitely subscribe to like pacifism, the apostolic creed, and the food – really good food!! Our church, while it bears Mennonite on the door would be considered to be much more charismatic in nature than traditional Mennonite – we are very exuberant in our worship, which in fact, is very much like the early Mennonite Brethren roots and the ‘froelich movement’. I don’t think I’ve ever had a time where I considered not wanting to be Mennonite – everyone’s gotta be somethin’!
3. You have a houseful of kids – what is the biggest thing God has been impressing on your heart lately in terms of mothering?
Gentleness! In my words, my touch, the way I look at them. Gentleness doesn’t come naturally to me so I’ve had to work at it, but the Lord is showing me many ways in which gentleness will gain the results you want faster than harshness. After all it is His kindness that leads us to repentance, gentle answers turn away wrath (well, unless you’re dealing with uncontrollable rage, which we are with our adopted FASD son – but even then, gentleness does not feed anger).
4. You are in an anti-Christian country and someone has smuggled in one chapter of the Bible to you, what is it?
Wow, hard to pick just one. I have been dwelling in I Corinthians lately and I think if I was in an anti-Christian country (oh look I am – I’m from Canada, it’s pretty anti-Christian around here) I would want to be constantly reminded of what love looks like, so I’d hope I was getting chapter 13.
5. Quote a verse or two from a favorite song/hymn.
My ‘favorite’ tends to change almost as quickly as my underwear (okay maybe not that fast), let’s see….
Blessed be your name, when the sun’s shining down on me, when the world’s all as it should be, blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name, when I’m found in the desert place, when I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name.
Every blessing you pour out I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be your glorious name.”
Blessed be your name …………….where the streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name
Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering, when there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name
You give and take away, you give and take away
My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be your name…..
Friday, February 25, 2005
A Bit of Truth
A Bit of Truth
©2005, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
What to write, what to write? My dear readers my brain is a fog of sinus congestion, sleeplessness and concern over our son. We have very likely endured the worst month on record and I’m afraid I’m fresh out of witty things to say. So here is what I know for sure!
God is faithful.
His mercies are new every morning.
He gives us grace to endure.
He desires His character to be born in us.
Complaining about your current situation will not change it.
Feeling sorry for yourself will not help.
Being vigilant is hard work.
Persevering is hard work.
ALL of it will be worth it in the end.
We know that God causes ALL things to work together for good for those who LOVE Him and are called according to His purpose.
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (II Corinthians 9:8)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (Romans 8:26-27)
No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)
And that’s all I have to say about that…fortunately, God has a lot more to say if you care to read His Word!!
©2005, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
What to write, what to write? My dear readers my brain is a fog of sinus congestion, sleeplessness and concern over our son. We have very likely endured the worst month on record and I’m afraid I’m fresh out of witty things to say. So here is what I know for sure!
God is faithful.
His mercies are new every morning.
He gives us grace to endure.
He desires His character to be born in us.
Complaining about your current situation will not change it.
Feeling sorry for yourself will not help.
Being vigilant is hard work.
Persevering is hard work.
ALL of it will be worth it in the end.
We know that God causes ALL things to work together for good for those who LOVE Him and are called according to His purpose.
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (II Corinthians 9:8)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (Romans 8:26-27)
No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)
And that’s all I have to say about that…fortunately, God has a lot more to say if you care to read His Word!!
Friday, February 18, 2005
Fight the Good Fight
Fight the Good Fight
©2005, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
Contend. Persevere. When, not if. These are the words and phrases that are making their way through our home these last few weeks. It has been and continues to be a struggle to do those things. Contending and persevering aren’t things I naturally enjoy doing. Especially when the battle is particularly difficult. I don’t know about you but I kind of like it when things are going along smoothly without too many ripples. Well folks, we got ripples goin’ on and plenty of ‘em.
Contend, according to Oxford means: struggle or compete; argue (with); assert or maintain (that). We have been in a head to head battle struggling, competing, arguing with and asserting that the ground we stand on belongs to the Lord. We are locked into an all out war with the powers of darkness that seek to destroy our children, our family and our ministry. (Even the computer is not working properly and it will be a miracle if this actually gets out, if you receive it, you’ll know we won this round).
Persevere means; continue steadfastly, persist (in or with). Persist means; continue firmly or obstinately (in opinion, course of action, doing thing), esp. in face of difficulty or objection. Yes, ladies and gentlemen there is a good time to be obstinate!! James 1:4 says, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Apparently the Lord believes that there is some uncompleted business in my life that He’d like to take care of and the situation we’re in at the moment is going to help clear that up. Kinda gives you a new perspective on ‘life as we know it’ doesn’t it?
When, not if!! A dear lady who is walking through this time with us reminded us that we need to look at ‘when’ this is behind us, not ‘if’ we get beyond it. This trial will surely pass even though it looks like there is no end in sight. As another friend said, “God is building one glorious testimony!” How I long to see the other side as God sees it, when we will look back and see His faithful hand carrying us through these deep waters.
Take a good look at the pansies in your garden this spring. They are one of my very favourite flowers. The slang term ‘pansy’ usually refers to someone who is weak, but the pansy is anything but. They are an extremely hardy flower that can survive snow and other adverse weather. I want to be like a pansy, strong, beautiful and pleasing to my master at the end of this stormy season. I am thankful that Jesus contends for me, sending out his troops on my behalf to fight for me. Whatever battles you are fighting today are in God’s hands, He fights for us. Be strong and courageous. Contend. Persevere. In the end, you will be mature and complete, lacking nothing. May the Lord be praised.
Dictionary definitions are from The Oxford Dictionary of Current English ©oxford University Press 1969, 1978, 1984.
©2005, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
Contend. Persevere. When, not if. These are the words and phrases that are making their way through our home these last few weeks. It has been and continues to be a struggle to do those things. Contending and persevering aren’t things I naturally enjoy doing. Especially when the battle is particularly difficult. I don’t know about you but I kind of like it when things are going along smoothly without too many ripples. Well folks, we got ripples goin’ on and plenty of ‘em.
Contend, according to Oxford means: struggle or compete; argue (with); assert or maintain (that). We have been in a head to head battle struggling, competing, arguing with and asserting that the ground we stand on belongs to the Lord. We are locked into an all out war with the powers of darkness that seek to destroy our children, our family and our ministry. (Even the computer is not working properly and it will be a miracle if this actually gets out, if you receive it, you’ll know we won this round).
Persevere means; continue steadfastly, persist (in or with). Persist means; continue firmly or obstinately (in opinion, course of action, doing thing), esp. in face of difficulty or objection. Yes, ladies and gentlemen there is a good time to be obstinate!! James 1:4 says, “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Apparently the Lord believes that there is some uncompleted business in my life that He’d like to take care of and the situation we’re in at the moment is going to help clear that up. Kinda gives you a new perspective on ‘life as we know it’ doesn’t it?
When, not if!! A dear lady who is walking through this time with us reminded us that we need to look at ‘when’ this is behind us, not ‘if’ we get beyond it. This trial will surely pass even though it looks like there is no end in sight. As another friend said, “God is building one glorious testimony!” How I long to see the other side as God sees it, when we will look back and see His faithful hand carrying us through these deep waters.
Take a good look at the pansies in your garden this spring. They are one of my very favourite flowers. The slang term ‘pansy’ usually refers to someone who is weak, but the pansy is anything but. They are an extremely hardy flower that can survive snow and other adverse weather. I want to be like a pansy, strong, beautiful and pleasing to my master at the end of this stormy season. I am thankful that Jesus contends for me, sending out his troops on my behalf to fight for me. Whatever battles you are fighting today are in God’s hands, He fights for us. Be strong and courageous. Contend. Persevere. In the end, you will be mature and complete, lacking nothing. May the Lord be praised.
Dictionary definitions are from The Oxford Dictionary of Current English ©oxford University Press 1969, 1978, 1984.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
the foolishness of God
1 Corinthians 1:25 “The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom and the weakness of God is greater than man’s strength.”
This verse has come to life for me as I’ve read the first two of an historical novel series written by Janice L. Dyck. These books are set in Russia just before and during the revolution (1916-1920). What makes these particular novels hit me at a heart level is that they tell the story of the Mennonite people during this horrible time in history. I am Mennonite. Three of my four grandparents lived through that time and came to Canada in 1920 (paternal grandparents) and 1923 (maternal grandmother). One of the tenets of the Mennonite faith is pacifism. We have chosen not to bear arms. This does not make us wimps as some would like to believe. Personally, I believe it takes far more courage to believe and trust that God will vindicate and bring justice on unjust acts. It takes courage to let unscrupulous people come and pillage your home and take what they like without restraining them. It takes courage to not strike back when someone strikes you. It takes courage to look someone in the face who took part in destroying everything you hold dear and say, “I forgive you.”
The German army convinced many of the Mennonite people to take a stance of self-defence saying that it was not ‘wise’ for them to do otherwise. A rift occurred in the colonies as brother went against brother in their debate over what was considered ‘wise’. Many chose to put their faith in God rather than weapons, many died. Some chose to put their faith in weapons rather than God, many died. In fact, because of those who decided to ‘play at war’ many villages were pillaged more viciously. My mom told me the story of her mother’s village where her grandfather was head of the village. Their village decided not to take part in self-defence and is one of the few villages where no damage occurred and is, in fact, still standing. Where did man’s wisdom lead?
God’s foolishness says to love our enemies, pray for those that persecute us, forgive. He commanded us, “Thou shalt not kill.” If this is God’s foolishness, how then should I live?
(The books I speak of are, “The Calm Before the Storm” and “In the Eye of the Storm” the third in the series is now available but I don’t know the title.)
This verse has come to life for me as I’ve read the first two of an historical novel series written by Janice L. Dyck. These books are set in Russia just before and during the revolution (1916-1920). What makes these particular novels hit me at a heart level is that they tell the story of the Mennonite people during this horrible time in history. I am Mennonite. Three of my four grandparents lived through that time and came to Canada in 1920 (paternal grandparents) and 1923 (maternal grandmother). One of the tenets of the Mennonite faith is pacifism. We have chosen not to bear arms. This does not make us wimps as some would like to believe. Personally, I believe it takes far more courage to believe and trust that God will vindicate and bring justice on unjust acts. It takes courage to let unscrupulous people come and pillage your home and take what they like without restraining them. It takes courage to not strike back when someone strikes you. It takes courage to look someone in the face who took part in destroying everything you hold dear and say, “I forgive you.”
The German army convinced many of the Mennonite people to take a stance of self-defence saying that it was not ‘wise’ for them to do otherwise. A rift occurred in the colonies as brother went against brother in their debate over what was considered ‘wise’. Many chose to put their faith in God rather than weapons, many died. Some chose to put their faith in weapons rather than God, many died. In fact, because of those who decided to ‘play at war’ many villages were pillaged more viciously. My mom told me the story of her mother’s village where her grandfather was head of the village. Their village decided not to take part in self-defence and is one of the few villages where no damage occurred and is, in fact, still standing. Where did man’s wisdom lead?
God’s foolishness says to love our enemies, pray for those that persecute us, forgive. He commanded us, “Thou shalt not kill.” If this is God’s foolishness, how then should I live?
(The books I speak of are, “The Calm Before the Storm” and “In the Eye of the Storm” the third in the series is now available but I don’t know the title.)
Saturday, February 12, 2005
The History of Valentine's Day
For all of you nay-sayers out there who seem to dislike Valentine's Day, perhaps you need to understand the history behind it. Click on this link to find out more!
The History Channel - The History of Valentine's Day
The History Channel - The History of Valentine's Day
kids who blog
My son and I set up a blog for him this evening. He's been watching mom and dad do this and wants to try it himself. I'm thinking this is a good way to get him to write and express his thoughts. Does anyone out there know of any other kids who love Jesus and blog. My boy is 8. His sight is at http://fireofgod777.blogspot.com
Encourage him please!!! Thank you
Encourage him please!!! Thank you
flowerlady hint #2
Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT go out in public with three pre-schoolers (4,2,1) without growing extra arms or bringing along adequate restraint!
For example:
Scene: The Chiropractor's office
Players: Mom and three pre-schooler's
Details: 4 year old has boots on and is sitting by the door to the street absent-mindedly swinging her feet. 2.5 year old has boots on and is prying open the door with a nasty gleam in his eye. 1 year old is wandering around inside the office out of mom's range of vision. Mom is trying to get on silly hiking boots that lace up as quickly as possible while trying to keep everyone in sight. As 2.5 year old opens the door she wildly exclaims, "Don't let him out!" 4 year old continues to be absentminded and swingy. 2.5 year old makes it out the door laughing gleefully on his way toward the street. Mom tears out after him one shoe off and one shoe on to finally catch up with him in the middle of the street....now where is the 1 year old?
Just DON'T do it..........
For example:
Scene: The Chiropractor's office
Players: Mom and three pre-schooler's
Details: 4 year old has boots on and is sitting by the door to the street absent-mindedly swinging her feet. 2.5 year old has boots on and is prying open the door with a nasty gleam in his eye. 1 year old is wandering around inside the office out of mom's range of vision. Mom is trying to get on silly hiking boots that lace up as quickly as possible while trying to keep everyone in sight. As 2.5 year old opens the door she wildly exclaims, "Don't let him out!" 4 year old continues to be absentminded and swingy. 2.5 year old makes it out the door laughing gleefully on his way toward the street. Mom tears out after him one shoe off and one shoe on to finally catch up with him in the middle of the street....now where is the 1 year old?
Just DON'T do it..........
flowerlady household hint #1
Never, never, never, did I mention never, let cream of wheat or toothpaste dry on any surface in your home. These two mediums could well be used for building materials.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Access Granted
Yesterday the Lord directed me to fast from the computer. Whew! Didn't realize how attached I am to this thing. Anyways, the Lord is faithful.
We have tried to adopt a policy of being accessible to our kids as much as possible in an attempt to let them know that they are very important to us. We hope that as they grow into their young adult years (I hate the word teen-ager) that the open communication will continue to grow and foster healthy relationships. To further that end we carry a cell phone with us when we're out. Last Saturday we were helping to facilitate a beautiful time of worship and intercession. This group is passionate in their pursuit of God. In the middle of a quiet place where the Spirit of the Lord was hovering over us, our cell phone rings (yes, we forgot to turn on the etiquette mode). Kelly is playing his keyboard and can't just stop so I got the phone out of his pocket and hurried off to a quiet corner to answer it. In the back of my mind I'm thinking, "I hope nothing's wrong." which is immediately followed by, "There better be something wrong!" (I'm pretty human still).
My eldest son's voice is on the other end of the line, "Mommy can I talk to Dad?"
"He can't talk on the phone right now honey can you tell me what the problem is?"
"We can't get the SpongeBob plug and play to work, we need his help!"
"Did you do the things he told you before we left?"
"Yeah, but it still won't work."
God is at work in my heart during this exchange letting me know that what is going on over the phone right now is vitally important.
"Hang on, I'll go ask Daddy if he can help," I say as I quietly weave my way through worshippers on the floor continuing to intercede on behalf of our city.
"It's Josiah," I whisper to Kelly, "he can't get the plug and play to work."
We quietly discuss all the possibilities as Kelly continues to play beautiful music over the group.
I hurry back to the bathroom and continue to talk to my son.
"Honey, we can't think of anything else that you can do, try unplugging the VCR and if that doesn't work then you'll have to wait until tomorrow, okay."
"Okay, bye mommy."
Our Daddy in heaven is constantly available to us. He has given us unhindered access to Him. He may be solving world famine issues, dealing with principalities and powers, deploying troops and receiving our worship but in the middle of all of that He is listening for the tiniest cry of "Daddy, I need help with something..."
"Oh the depths of His passionate love, Oh the wonders of His Spirit, I can't live without the love of Jesus..." [from "The Love of Jesus" by Kelly Wiens]
There is nothing too mundane, normal or trivial for the Father to listen, too. His love is all encompassing, His ear never to tired to bend toward His children. What a mighty God we serve.
We have tried to adopt a policy of being accessible to our kids as much as possible in an attempt to let them know that they are very important to us. We hope that as they grow into their young adult years (I hate the word teen-ager) that the open communication will continue to grow and foster healthy relationships. To further that end we carry a cell phone with us when we're out. Last Saturday we were helping to facilitate a beautiful time of worship and intercession. This group is passionate in their pursuit of God. In the middle of a quiet place where the Spirit of the Lord was hovering over us, our cell phone rings (yes, we forgot to turn on the etiquette mode). Kelly is playing his keyboard and can't just stop so I got the phone out of his pocket and hurried off to a quiet corner to answer it. In the back of my mind I'm thinking, "I hope nothing's wrong." which is immediately followed by, "There better be something wrong!" (I'm pretty human still).
My eldest son's voice is on the other end of the line, "Mommy can I talk to Dad?"
"He can't talk on the phone right now honey can you tell me what the problem is?"
"We can't get the SpongeBob plug and play to work, we need his help!"
"Did you do the things he told you before we left?"
"Yeah, but it still won't work."
God is at work in my heart during this exchange letting me know that what is going on over the phone right now is vitally important.
"Hang on, I'll go ask Daddy if he can help," I say as I quietly weave my way through worshippers on the floor continuing to intercede on behalf of our city.
"It's Josiah," I whisper to Kelly, "he can't get the plug and play to work."
We quietly discuss all the possibilities as Kelly continues to play beautiful music over the group.
I hurry back to the bathroom and continue to talk to my son.
"Honey, we can't think of anything else that you can do, try unplugging the VCR and if that doesn't work then you'll have to wait until tomorrow, okay."
"Okay, bye mommy."
Our Daddy in heaven is constantly available to us. He has given us unhindered access to Him. He may be solving world famine issues, dealing with principalities and powers, deploying troops and receiving our worship but in the middle of all of that He is listening for the tiniest cry of "Daddy, I need help with something..."
"Oh the depths of His passionate love, Oh the wonders of His Spirit, I can't live without the love of Jesus..." [from "The Love of Jesus" by Kelly Wiens]
There is nothing too mundane, normal or trivial for the Father to listen, too. His love is all encompassing, His ear never to tired to bend toward His children. What a mighty God we serve.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
ha ha
It's been a bad day on the potty train. Just a few minutes ago Samuel indicated he had to go pee, so I hurried him off in hopes of NOT having another accident. We got him safely on his potty and I looked him in the eye and said, "Samuel, someday you're gonna preach to the world about Jesus, and I'm gonna think to myself, 'I helped him learn to pee by himself'." He looked at me and said, "That's funny mom."
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Fill Up My Cup
My husband and I have recently had the opportunity to get together with a small group of saints for the sole purpose of worship and intercession. The lovely couple who have brought this band together are very passionate about sitting at the feet of Jesus, gazing on His beauty, understanding His heart, getting filled up then running out to do whatever He says and running back in to get refilled (obviously because you 'leaked' all over while you were out healing the sick, raising the dead and saving the lost). I was hit between the eyes by one word today that made me stop and think about all this - EMPTY.
So often we are full and there is no one to 'leak' on or we are empty and have someone who needs their cup filled up! Too many people walking around with the label 'Christian' on their shirt are only getting filled up in the midst of other people who have 'Christian' on their shirt. There's no one to give their overflow to so it just runs out on the floor, not doing anything, wasted. Then half way through the week that 'Christian' runs into someone who really needs what they had on Sunday but, alas, it's all gone, so that poor, hungry person gets nothing.
Why does this happen? Because we aren't spending the time with our Lord (I'm preaching to myself here, too). We get caught up in doing stuff that drains out our cup and forgetting that we need to keep going back to the fountain for more. Not only that, we're not showing others where the fountain is and thus depriving them of the opportunity to get the filling up that they need. You may give them a little of yours, but it isn't enough to satisfy.
I might ruffle a few feathers with this post but that's okay. I just don't want the tank in my heart to read EMPTY again! Come fill up my cup Lord!
So often we are full and there is no one to 'leak' on or we are empty and have someone who needs their cup filled up! Too many people walking around with the label 'Christian' on their shirt are only getting filled up in the midst of other people who have 'Christian' on their shirt. There's no one to give their overflow to so it just runs out on the floor, not doing anything, wasted. Then half way through the week that 'Christian' runs into someone who really needs what they had on Sunday but, alas, it's all gone, so that poor, hungry person gets nothing.
Why does this happen? Because we aren't spending the time with our Lord (I'm preaching to myself here, too). We get caught up in doing stuff that drains out our cup and forgetting that we need to keep going back to the fountain for more. Not only that, we're not showing others where the fountain is and thus depriving them of the opportunity to get the filling up that they need. You may give them a little of yours, but it isn't enough to satisfy.
I might ruffle a few feathers with this post but that's okay. I just don't want the tank in my heart to read EMPTY again! Come fill up my cup Lord!
the new blog on the block
I have succeeded in my not so evil plot to suck my honey into the world of blogdom!! He has watched how much fun I have had blogging and realizes the value of constant communication. So, for all of you fresh flowers watchers you can now link to other blogs in my sidebar! Kelly's is Heart of a Minstrel. See ya over there.....
Monday, February 07, 2005
Progress Report #2
Saturday and Sunday were less traumatic days with some severe frustration but no meltdown. Today he had one but after all was over he and I had a good talk about it. I asked him if the anger got bigger or smaller when he broke his glasses, when he was throwing things, when he went to the bathroom, when he hid under my quilt rack. He could quickly identify which things made it grow bigger and which things made it grow smaller. So we were able to talk about making it smaller before it got out of control. Don't know if it will make a difference on the next round but it was an interesting conversation. On the weekend he managed to get himself to a 'quiet spot' before a break out occured several times. We've noticed that we're handling things a lot differently now, too. So these are great things in my book! If you have no idea what I'm talking about read Progress Report and Christopher, they'll clue you in.
Help! I'm a techno-idiot
Someone out there PLEASE HELP ME!!!! I have found all these great blogs and want to put a link list in my sidebar but having got a foggy clue how to do it! Anyone....anyone....Bueller.....Bueller.....
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Snow, Glorious Snow
Wow have we got snow!!! I love it. If it's going to be cold and stuff we might as well be thigh deep in snow! Isn't that what living in Canada should be like! Of course, getting stuck three times in two days hasn't been fun but oh well. We were driving home last night from a glorious time of worship and intercession with a few other saints and took a quick side trip through the university. The snow was gentle, the trees heavy with the white powder, street lamps glimmering through the fog. It was so pretty I couldn't help waxing philosophical. A couple of days ago when everything was melting it was getting so ugly and gray and yucky out. Then the snow comes covering a multitude of grayness and slush, washing it clean. Just like Jesus' love I thought, covering over a multitude of sin! Bring on the snow!
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Progress Report
A huge thank you to all of you who joined with us in praying and/or fasting for breakthrough with Christopher on Thursday. I thought I'd share some of the things that God showed us.
Themes:
1. God has already given us everything we need to deal with this situation.
2. Love conquers all, covers all, casts out all.
3. The battle is not against the behaviour, but the powers of darkness that are against us.
4. There is a full inheritance that is Christopher's
Christopher's name seemed to come up for many people. Christopher means "Christ-bearer". The Lord had me researching bears and the word bear. I had never noticed the word bear in his name meaning prior to Thursday. The Lord has given me an 'animal' for each of my children so I was trying to get more understanding about bears. They are a very strong, yet gentle creature but you don't want to get them mad or look out!! (how well we know that). The bear is also a very nurturing and caring creature. Christopher can be very compassionate, gentle and caring when he decides to be.
When I went to my concordance I was frustrated that I kept finding the word 'bear' but it was in referance to producing/yielding, things coming to bear (or pass), giving support to and that sort of thing, which corresponded with the dictionary. That's when I noticed the 'bear' in his name. This got me a bit excited as I started praying into that part of his identity. That he would truly have the mark of Christ on him, that he would yield and produce much of Christ.
We did plenty of repenting (personal and representational) of personal and generational sin wherever the Lord revealed anything.
Kelly's uncle John called and gave us great counsel as well as a lengthy prayer/intercession/discernment time. We were able to uncover quite a few seeds of destruction and violence and root them out through taking the authority that is ours in Christ. Uncle John was a huge blessing, definately praying from a place of peace and rest and trust in the power of God.
As well, the Lord had me in a parenting book that He led me to purchase (at an amazingly low price). In my 'bear' search I remembered seeing something about bears, so I looked that up. The description of this 'bear discipline factor' described Chris quite closely giving us some good tools to use for the day to day discipling of our boy.
Christopher's teacher called to let us know that they would do anything they could to help him overcome his present situation. She shared a little of her own history with me that showed me she has a huge heart of compassion for Chris and is very much in his corner, understanding where he is at. She also let us know that the little boy he sits next to was just adopted so that may have added to his angst for his own adoption going so slowly. (Please pray that the wheels of the system would move a little faster, they are painstakingly slow).
A dear lady shared her journey with her son in a similar situation and will, I believe, continue to be a support to Kelly and I through to the end of this journey. (It will have an end!!!!) There were others who also gave us their support who have or are walking through similar things - we appreciate you so much.
We received a letter from Social Services confirming that there was drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy. Not great news on one hand, but on the other, that opens up doors for resources and programs to help us overcome some of the physical effects that are influencing some of the negative behavior.
We truly felt surrounded, carried and loved throughout the day of fasting and prayer and believe that in the spiritual realm many breakthroughs happened even if the natural hasn't caught up just yet. We know that we are changed. Our minds and hearts are being transformed and so will Christopher's. There is victory over all of these things. A small victory for me was that I actually made it through a 24 hour period of fasting which I have never been able to do before because my body generally is quite disagreeable to that - but with Kelly's and the Lord's help (and some distraction with Fred coming over) I was able to weather the roughest part of the day and make it to the end.
I was really hoping that Thursday would be the end to all of the nastiness but it was not to be. Christopher has continued to have daily meltdowns but our response to them has improved dramatically. He did, however, have an excellent day at school on Friday.
Friday morning we employed some of the 'tools' that we had discovered and his tantrum was much shorter and less destructive than the previous ones. He also difused on his own without having to be restrained which was truly a victory (he usually has to be restrained to prevent him hurting himself or someone else or destroying things).
I will continue to post Christopher's progress throughout this journey for those who are sharing it with us. I'll post our progress, too, I guess it's just as much about what the Lord is showing us and developing in us as it is in freedom for Christopher. God has given us the victory in this and we bless His name.
Things to keep praying for:
1. Our other children, Josiah, Abby, Samuel and Sasha - this is a difficult time for them as well, we don't want them to feel 'left out' as so much attention goes to Christopher.
2. Continued revelation and wisdom to know how to deal with situations as they arise.
3. We found a neuroeducational development program that shows great potential for 're-programming' kids with brain injury (fetal alcohol) such as Christopher, however, there is a waiting list, it is intensive and it is costly. Pray for the resources on all fronts to access this program.
4. Continued strength and perseverance as we walk this road to the end. (The middle of perseverance is 'severe' - it's yucky in the midst of the battle).
We thank you again for your prayers and support.
Blessings to each of you!!!
Themes:
1. God has already given us everything we need to deal with this situation.
2. Love conquers all, covers all, casts out all.
3. The battle is not against the behaviour, but the powers of darkness that are against us.
4. There is a full inheritance that is Christopher's
Christopher's name seemed to come up for many people. Christopher means "Christ-bearer". The Lord had me researching bears and the word bear. I had never noticed the word bear in his name meaning prior to Thursday. The Lord has given me an 'animal' for each of my children so I was trying to get more understanding about bears. They are a very strong, yet gentle creature but you don't want to get them mad or look out!! (how well we know that). The bear is also a very nurturing and caring creature. Christopher can be very compassionate, gentle and caring when he decides to be.
When I went to my concordance I was frustrated that I kept finding the word 'bear' but it was in referance to producing/yielding, things coming to bear (or pass), giving support to and that sort of thing, which corresponded with the dictionary. That's when I noticed the 'bear' in his name. This got me a bit excited as I started praying into that part of his identity. That he would truly have the mark of Christ on him, that he would yield and produce much of Christ.
We did plenty of repenting (personal and representational) of personal and generational sin wherever the Lord revealed anything.
Kelly's uncle John called and gave us great counsel as well as a lengthy prayer/intercession/discernment time. We were able to uncover quite a few seeds of destruction and violence and root them out through taking the authority that is ours in Christ. Uncle John was a huge blessing, definately praying from a place of peace and rest and trust in the power of God.
As well, the Lord had me in a parenting book that He led me to purchase (at an amazingly low price). In my 'bear' search I remembered seeing something about bears, so I looked that up. The description of this 'bear discipline factor' described Chris quite closely giving us some good tools to use for the day to day discipling of our boy.
Christopher's teacher called to let us know that they would do anything they could to help him overcome his present situation. She shared a little of her own history with me that showed me she has a huge heart of compassion for Chris and is very much in his corner, understanding where he is at. She also let us know that the little boy he sits next to was just adopted so that may have added to his angst for his own adoption going so slowly. (Please pray that the wheels of the system would move a little faster, they are painstakingly slow).
A dear lady shared her journey with her son in a similar situation and will, I believe, continue to be a support to Kelly and I through to the end of this journey. (It will have an end!!!!) There were others who also gave us their support who have or are walking through similar things - we appreciate you so much.
We received a letter from Social Services confirming that there was drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy. Not great news on one hand, but on the other, that opens up doors for resources and programs to help us overcome some of the physical effects that are influencing some of the negative behavior.
We truly felt surrounded, carried and loved throughout the day of fasting and prayer and believe that in the spiritual realm many breakthroughs happened even if the natural hasn't caught up just yet. We know that we are changed. Our minds and hearts are being transformed and so will Christopher's. There is victory over all of these things. A small victory for me was that I actually made it through a 24 hour period of fasting which I have never been able to do before because my body generally is quite disagreeable to that - but with Kelly's and the Lord's help (and some distraction with Fred coming over) I was able to weather the roughest part of the day and make it to the end.
I was really hoping that Thursday would be the end to all of the nastiness but it was not to be. Christopher has continued to have daily meltdowns but our response to them has improved dramatically. He did, however, have an excellent day at school on Friday.
Friday morning we employed some of the 'tools' that we had discovered and his tantrum was much shorter and less destructive than the previous ones. He also difused on his own without having to be restrained which was truly a victory (he usually has to be restrained to prevent him hurting himself or someone else or destroying things).
I will continue to post Christopher's progress throughout this journey for those who are sharing it with us. I'll post our progress, too, I guess it's just as much about what the Lord is showing us and developing in us as it is in freedom for Christopher. God has given us the victory in this and we bless His name.
Things to keep praying for:
1. Our other children, Josiah, Abby, Samuel and Sasha - this is a difficult time for them as well, we don't want them to feel 'left out' as so much attention goes to Christopher.
2. Continued revelation and wisdom to know how to deal with situations as they arise.
3. We found a neuroeducational development program that shows great potential for 're-programming' kids with brain injury (fetal alcohol) such as Christopher, however, there is a waiting list, it is intensive and it is costly. Pray for the resources on all fronts to access this program.
4. Continued strength and perseverance as we walk this road to the end. (The middle of perseverance is 'severe' - it's yucky in the midst of the battle).
We thank you again for your prayers and support.
Blessings to each of you!!!
Friday, February 04, 2005
New Things
©2005, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
It feels like a new day today. A blank page is before my family and we have yet to make any marks on it. I love a blank page. When I write in my journal I will often leave a part of a page empty just so I can start a fresh, blank page. God has been teaching us a few new things over the past few weeks and I’d like to share them with you, my dear readers. Learning new things isn’t ever easy because something old has to give way for the new thing to come.
Samuel, our two year old, is on the potty train. We’ve tried a little here and there over the past months to do this thing but hadn’t had much success thus far. Last week the Lord nudged me and said it was time. Lo and behold, when the Lord says to do something and you obey – you meet with success! Not an original concept really but always startling when it occurs. Old things have to pass away, diapers in this case, so that the new, self-controlled Samuel can emerge. The transition process is a lot of work, a little messy (accidents do happen) and sometimes frustrating for both of us. The end result will be worth the effort, however, when he no longer needs me to disciple him in the process we will all rejoice.
My husband’s grandmother passed away a couple of weeks ago and with her passed an era. The transition to life without grandma will be difficult, particularly for her children. However, her passing made way for a new thing to occur. The grandchildren were given the opportunity to lead in worship at her memorial service. What a blessed time that was. Grandma’s passing has led to a new appreciation for one another in this family and a desire to stay connected. It opened the opportunity for us to get each other’s e-mail addresses so that we can communicate more regularly. Ideas are brewing for future get-togethers. Old things had to pass away, the old forms of relating, so that the new ways of interaction and communication could come to bear.
As parents we are having to learn some new tricks of the trade. Believe it or not, children are just not wired the same from one model to another. One of our sons has caused us more difficulty than the others. His behaviour and our frustration finally pushed us off our pedestal of accumulated knowledge into the humble place of asking for help. Yesterday we entered into a day of fasting and prayer to seek the Lord for help for his particular issues. The Lord met us in a powerful way as friends and family joined us on our quest. We are going to have to learn new ways of relating to him, new ways of disciplining, new ways of influencing his behaviour. The transition isn’t going to be easy as we ‘unlearn’ what we have been doing and learn new ways, but it will be worth it in the end. Because of what happened with Grandma’s passing we were able to connect with one of Kelly’s uncle who was a huge help in the process of praying through things yesterday. Old things have to pass away, old hurts, old issues, old methods to make way for healing, restoration and understanding.
Jesus is in the business of making things new. In 1 Corinthians he tells us that when we come to him he takes all the old away and we become a new creation. But He doesn’t stop there, He will make the entire old order of things pass away so that there will be, one day, a new heaven and a new earth, He will make EVERYTHING new (Revelation 21:5). Can’t you just imagine Jesus walking around heaven rubbing his hands together with glee saying to an angel, “See that saint with the failing body, their new one is on order. See that marriage, I’m going to restore that to make it glorious. Check out that prodigal daughter over there, she is going to preach to nations, I can hardly wait!” This gives me hope as we walk through the painful transition times. The light at the end of the tunnel is Jesus, not a train.
a fresh flowers original
It feels like a new day today. A blank page is before my family and we have yet to make any marks on it. I love a blank page. When I write in my journal I will often leave a part of a page empty just so I can start a fresh, blank page. God has been teaching us a few new things over the past few weeks and I’d like to share them with you, my dear readers. Learning new things isn’t ever easy because something old has to give way for the new thing to come.
Samuel, our two year old, is on the potty train. We’ve tried a little here and there over the past months to do this thing but hadn’t had much success thus far. Last week the Lord nudged me and said it was time. Lo and behold, when the Lord says to do something and you obey – you meet with success! Not an original concept really but always startling when it occurs. Old things have to pass away, diapers in this case, so that the new, self-controlled Samuel can emerge. The transition process is a lot of work, a little messy (accidents do happen) and sometimes frustrating for both of us. The end result will be worth the effort, however, when he no longer needs me to disciple him in the process we will all rejoice.
My husband’s grandmother passed away a couple of weeks ago and with her passed an era. The transition to life without grandma will be difficult, particularly for her children. However, her passing made way for a new thing to occur. The grandchildren were given the opportunity to lead in worship at her memorial service. What a blessed time that was. Grandma’s passing has led to a new appreciation for one another in this family and a desire to stay connected. It opened the opportunity for us to get each other’s e-mail addresses so that we can communicate more regularly. Ideas are brewing for future get-togethers. Old things had to pass away, the old forms of relating, so that the new ways of interaction and communication could come to bear.
As parents we are having to learn some new tricks of the trade. Believe it or not, children are just not wired the same from one model to another. One of our sons has caused us more difficulty than the others. His behaviour and our frustration finally pushed us off our pedestal of accumulated knowledge into the humble place of asking for help. Yesterday we entered into a day of fasting and prayer to seek the Lord for help for his particular issues. The Lord met us in a powerful way as friends and family joined us on our quest. We are going to have to learn new ways of relating to him, new ways of disciplining, new ways of influencing his behaviour. The transition isn’t going to be easy as we ‘unlearn’ what we have been doing and learn new ways, but it will be worth it in the end. Because of what happened with Grandma’s passing we were able to connect with one of Kelly’s uncle who was a huge help in the process of praying through things yesterday. Old things have to pass away, old hurts, old issues, old methods to make way for healing, restoration and understanding.
Jesus is in the business of making things new. In 1 Corinthians he tells us that when we come to him he takes all the old away and we become a new creation. But He doesn’t stop there, He will make the entire old order of things pass away so that there will be, one day, a new heaven and a new earth, He will make EVERYTHING new (Revelation 21:5). Can’t you just imagine Jesus walking around heaven rubbing his hands together with glee saying to an angel, “See that saint with the failing body, their new one is on order. See that marriage, I’m going to restore that to make it glorious. Check out that prodigal daughter over there, she is going to preach to nations, I can hardly wait!” This gives me hope as we walk through the painful transition times. The light at the end of the tunnel is Jesus, not a train.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Christopher
Today is a day of fasting and prayer for our son Christopher. We are looking forward to the breakthrough! Christopher is a gift to us and we thank God that he is in our lives. We are anticipating breakthrough in the following areas:
1. His violent, destructive behavior.
2. Circumventing his trigger points.
3. Freedom from the effects of his birth parents attitudes and actions.
4. A filling in of the trenches that have left their mark (rejection, abandonment).
5. A speeding up of the adoption process.
6. Wisdom for discipline.
Thanks to all who read this and are praying with us!!
1. His violent, destructive behavior.
2. Circumventing his trigger points.
3. Freedom from the effects of his birth parents attitudes and actions.
4. A filling in of the trenches that have left their mark (rejection, abandonment).
5. A speeding up of the adoption process.
6. Wisdom for discipline.
Thanks to all who read this and are praying with us!!
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