LOOK
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
You can't find what you're not looking for!
I have a certain species in my home which shall remain unidentified in a vain effort to retain their privacy that cannot find a bloomin' thing. On the other hand my daughter and I seem to know where everything is, or at least are expected to. I don't know how many times I have had someone yelling for a shoe, a book or a jacket that they can't find only to come into the room and see what they're looking for directly at their feet and a little to the left. If they don't see what they're looking for in a cursory glance of the room using their 'round the corner' vision they can't possibly find it!
My favorite line is, "Look with your eyes open."
My point is best illustrated by my 2 year old. He wanted to know where his punch buggy was. I could see it from where I was sitting directly behind his head on the antique sewing machine. I tried for 15 minutes to get him to simply turn around and look but was completely unsuccessful. It was very frustrating.
I wonder how God feels when people run around saying they can't see Him in all the things that are going on in our world these days. He is most likely shouting, "I'm right here if you'd only open your eyes!" God is here, involved in every minute detail of our lives, caring, carrying, soothing, guiding. HE IS HERE right under our noses, in our hearts, surrounding us with Himself.
His word says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
My dear friends, "Look with your heart open!" you will surely find Him today.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
give me a break!!
My mom subscribes to a parenting magazine (not for her, she could write the thing) that she passes on to me...
I was attempting to read it after breakfast this morning, the kids had all eaten already, or so I thought. The minute I sat down with my cup of tea there were three of them wanting a banana opened, wanting their own cup of tea, burping elegantly across the table. In the midst of the mileau I happened to read a couple of ads that just about made me joke!
Ridiculous Ad #1 - a highchair (we will not use brand name so I don't get sued or something)
Picture 1 - trim, coifed and perfectly dressed momma with ankles crossed perched on the side of a high stool is feeding little man who is perfectly coifed, clean and accomodating.
Picture 2 - trim, coifed and perfectly dressed momma sits with trim, coifed and perfectly dressed dad and trim, coifed and clean perfectly dressed little men in said highchair turned toddler seat at.......get this.......a GLASS table eating a molded dessert with mint leaf and orange curls on.....GLASS plates. There is not a smidgen of dinner anywhere on that table or on that kid. NOt a hair is out of place....I gagged and scoffed........
Riciculous Ad #2 - a mini-van (once again I'll forgo the brand)
An airport cart is parked alongside loading luggage. (now that bit would be reality for our family, we need almost that size of a cargo bay now) However, the van's amenities were many and the big line was that it was the 'perfect family size' vehicle. I couldn't help but misconstrue that to mean, "Don't bother buying this thing unless you've only got 3 or less children." The kicker line for me........For families who like to live large!
Go figure..........
I was attempting to read it after breakfast this morning, the kids had all eaten already, or so I thought. The minute I sat down with my cup of tea there were three of them wanting a banana opened, wanting their own cup of tea, burping elegantly across the table. In the midst of the mileau I happened to read a couple of ads that just about made me joke!
Ridiculous Ad #1 - a highchair (we will not use brand name so I don't get sued or something)
Picture 1 - trim, coifed and perfectly dressed momma with ankles crossed perched on the side of a high stool is feeding little man who is perfectly coifed, clean and accomodating.
Picture 2 - trim, coifed and perfectly dressed momma sits with trim, coifed and perfectly dressed dad and trim, coifed and clean perfectly dressed little men in said highchair turned toddler seat at.......get this.......a GLASS table eating a molded dessert with mint leaf and orange curls on.....GLASS plates. There is not a smidgen of dinner anywhere on that table or on that kid. NOt a hair is out of place....I gagged and scoffed........
Riciculous Ad #2 - a mini-van (once again I'll forgo the brand)
An airport cart is parked alongside loading luggage. (now that bit would be reality for our family, we need almost that size of a cargo bay now) However, the van's amenities were many and the big line was that it was the 'perfect family size' vehicle. I couldn't help but misconstrue that to mean, "Don't bother buying this thing unless you've only got 3 or less children." The kicker line for me........For families who like to live large!
Go figure..........
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!
May 17, 1992 we made it all official. What a wonderful man my God has gifted me with. If we were Jacob and Rachel we'd be entering into our prospering years where Jacob finally got to take what was his. I hope that's where we are now. Our love is deeper and stronger. Our family is larger. Our bank account about the same. Life is good...
if the pictures aren't showing up, click on the little icon thing and it will pop up...
Monday, May 15, 2006
settling
I've made two stunning realizations since Elizabeth was born.
#1 I AM BUSY!!
People have been commenting on that for a couple of years already, everytime they find out how many children I have. Now even more so that we've added #6. People say this who don't even know what the rest of life is like. Now, with my 6 darlings around me, not involved in any ministry or work outside my home I have finally come to a place where I agree with them. I am busy, these little olive shoots take a lot of tending but there is good news that comes with my second realization...
#2 I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO!!
I am moved into my new home. The other place is sold and everything is gone from that site. My son has had surgery and passed the 4 month mark - he is completely healed from all the side effects of his previous condition. I have had my baby, Elizabeth is 7 weeks old today. I am not responsible from planning any programs or heading up any projects other than the ones I dream up in my own home. While my back and hips are still protesting their work load from carrying Elizabeth the rest of me is feeling great. (Those Amish women know what they're doing!!)
I think I like this. I can finally settle into this wonderful place that the Lord has given us. We have been fighting hard to possess this land and perhaps now I can sit down and make curtains, finish unpacking boxes, make the place mine, settle in to living here. We finally got homeschool back on track for the big boy this last week, the younger man will follow, he's a lot more work.
Now if I can keep myself from taking on extra stuff for a little while, things should be looking up. Can't wait to see what God will do...
#1 I AM BUSY!!
People have been commenting on that for a couple of years already, everytime they find out how many children I have. Now even more so that we've added #6. People say this who don't even know what the rest of life is like. Now, with my 6 darlings around me, not involved in any ministry or work outside my home I have finally come to a place where I agree with them. I am busy, these little olive shoots take a lot of tending but there is good news that comes with my second realization...
#2 I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO!!
I am moved into my new home. The other place is sold and everything is gone from that site. My son has had surgery and passed the 4 month mark - he is completely healed from all the side effects of his previous condition. I have had my baby, Elizabeth is 7 weeks old today. I am not responsible from planning any programs or heading up any projects other than the ones I dream up in my own home. While my back and hips are still protesting their work load from carrying Elizabeth the rest of me is feeling great. (Those Amish women know what they're doing!!)
I think I like this. I can finally settle into this wonderful place that the Lord has given us. We have been fighting hard to possess this land and perhaps now I can sit down and make curtains, finish unpacking boxes, make the place mine, settle in to living here. We finally got homeschool back on track for the big boy this last week, the younger man will follow, he's a lot more work.
Now if I can keep myself from taking on extra stuff for a little while, things should be looking up. Can't wait to see what God will do...
Friday, May 12, 2006
Holy Experience has something beautiful to read for Mother's Day...click here to go there and read A Shepherd's Mother.
fresh flowers for May 12
Beauty and the Pig
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
While my kids are playing with frogs in the back yard and the baby is sleeping I will quickly write!! My dear friend and fellow mommy of many, Krista, brought over the most delightful book in response to my last flower. The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig. It is a farcical take off of the original Three Little Pigs. It is very funny, we had a good guffaw or two over that bad boy I must say.
The story begins much like the pigs except the wolves are out building themselves houses out of brick, concrete and armor plating. The big bad pig whips out his sledgehammer, pneumatic drill and a wee bit o' dynamite in order to take care of their dwelling places when huffing and puffing prove ineffective. As the little wolves run with teapot in hand from the antics of the pig they realize that they need to review their use of building materials. So they take an out-there approach and build a house of flowers! (yes I particularly liked that bit - though my allergies would never let me live in such a dwelling it sounded beautiful). When the pig comes along and takes his big huffy breath he catches the scent and his hard heart is melted by the beauty he takes in. He is so enthralled he begins to sing and dance the tarentella - his heart is truly transformed, transformed to the point that the pig and the wolves take up residency together and live happily ever after.
I'm only going to point out the obvious. The big bad pig's heart was changed by an encounter with beauty. I have also been reading the book, Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge. This book looks at the secrets of a woman's soul, her inherent, unveiling beauty that captures the heart of those who see it and are profoundly changed.
One of the paths that God has led me on in the last 10 years is this pursuit and understanding of beauty. I love to bring beauty into my home, to gaze on it, to surround myself in it whenever I can. I love holding my new baby girl and see the beauty that rests in her, I love seeing my older daughter's delightful smile that lights up her eyes and sets them to sparkling. I gaze into my husband's heart and see the beauty of the Father's love overflow into everything he does. To listen to my little boys pray and thank the Father for what he is about to do brings joy to my heart. To watch my older boys have compassion on little frogs with broken legs. To bring fabrics together and see patterns emerge through the blending of things that may seem incongruous to the casual observer. To clean out the flower bed so that the plants can be seen and breathe on their own and then plan for pansies to add their little faces to the mix....ahh the things of beauty.
Beauty can soften the hardest of hearts. Why do you think God created flowers, birds, music, cats, and colors. I read somewhere that beauty exists to fill in the trenches created by pain.
Today I encourage you to enjoy beauty, create beauty, bring home something that has no other value than to simply be a feast for your senses. I think I will put on some classical music as I work this morning and stop once again to look at my baby girl. I will go and run my hands over that heavy silk/rayon Chinese bit of cloth I bought the other day - it has embroidered butterflies on a blood red background, I took some of that extravagant cloth and made it into a pincushion of all things - completely decadent! I may throw some shimmering purple organza onto the walls of my bedroom. Maybe I'll finish sewing my pretty pajamas that I started the other day or read something particularly delightful. I want my heart to stay soft and perhaps one day the beauty that God is creating in me and through me will soften some big bad pig's heart.
have a beauty-filled day
Lani, the flowerlady
ps I would love to hear about what beautiful thing you did or came across, it would greatly encourage me
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
While my kids are playing with frogs in the back yard and the baby is sleeping I will quickly write!! My dear friend and fellow mommy of many, Krista, brought over the most delightful book in response to my last flower. The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig. It is a farcical take off of the original Three Little Pigs. It is very funny, we had a good guffaw or two over that bad boy I must say.
The story begins much like the pigs except the wolves are out building themselves houses out of brick, concrete and armor plating. The big bad pig whips out his sledgehammer, pneumatic drill and a wee bit o' dynamite in order to take care of their dwelling places when huffing and puffing prove ineffective. As the little wolves run with teapot in hand from the antics of the pig they realize that they need to review their use of building materials. So they take an out-there approach and build a house of flowers! (yes I particularly liked that bit - though my allergies would never let me live in such a dwelling it sounded beautiful). When the pig comes along and takes his big huffy breath he catches the scent and his hard heart is melted by the beauty he takes in. He is so enthralled he begins to sing and dance the tarentella - his heart is truly transformed, transformed to the point that the pig and the wolves take up residency together and live happily ever after.
I'm only going to point out the obvious. The big bad pig's heart was changed by an encounter with beauty. I have also been reading the book, Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge. This book looks at the secrets of a woman's soul, her inherent, unveiling beauty that captures the heart of those who see it and are profoundly changed.
One of the paths that God has led me on in the last 10 years is this pursuit and understanding of beauty. I love to bring beauty into my home, to gaze on it, to surround myself in it whenever I can. I love holding my new baby girl and see the beauty that rests in her, I love seeing my older daughter's delightful smile that lights up her eyes and sets them to sparkling. I gaze into my husband's heart and see the beauty of the Father's love overflow into everything he does. To listen to my little boys pray and thank the Father for what he is about to do brings joy to my heart. To watch my older boys have compassion on little frogs with broken legs. To bring fabrics together and see patterns emerge through the blending of things that may seem incongruous to the casual observer. To clean out the flower bed so that the plants can be seen and breathe on their own and then plan for pansies to add their little faces to the mix....ahh the things of beauty.
Beauty can soften the hardest of hearts. Why do you think God created flowers, birds, music, cats, and colors. I read somewhere that beauty exists to fill in the trenches created by pain.
Today I encourage you to enjoy beauty, create beauty, bring home something that has no other value than to simply be a feast for your senses. I think I will put on some classical music as I work this morning and stop once again to look at my baby girl. I will go and run my hands over that heavy silk/rayon Chinese bit of cloth I bought the other day - it has embroidered butterflies on a blood red background, I took some of that extravagant cloth and made it into a pincushion of all things - completely decadent! I may throw some shimmering purple organza onto the walls of my bedroom. Maybe I'll finish sewing my pretty pajamas that I started the other day or read something particularly delightful. I want my heart to stay soft and perhaps one day the beauty that God is creating in me and through me will soften some big bad pig's heart.
have a beauty-filled day
Lani, the flowerlady
ps I would love to hear about what beautiful thing you did or came across, it would greatly encourage me
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
fresh flowers for May
I'll Huff and I'll Puff...Will My House Stand?
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flower original
I've been trying to write this flower for two weeks and keep getting thwarted so hopefully this will be the day...Kelly has the kids out practicing bike riding and heading to the park, Elizabeth is sleeping, the house is quiet ever so briefly, maybe it will be enough time, we'll see.
As I nurse my new baby I read. I read my Bible, I read novels that I enjoy, teaching books and I read out loud to my kids. One of the books we've read frequently over the past few weeks has been The Three Little Pigs. As I read it the other day a flower popped up and I've been ruminating on it ever since.
It is the cry of my heart to build a strong spiritual foundation for my own faith and for my children. I want my house to be strong so that whatever comes against it, it will stand. I want that for my kids, too.
(Insert search for Bible with concordance, nursing the baby, making lunch and folding laundry.
A whole day and then some has passed but we will press on to get this done!! I never did find that Bible with the concordance so you may have to look up the addresses for these verses yourself.)
On with the story...
It appears to me that the eldest piggy is like a mature Christian who has walked with the wise, had some experiences with Mr. Wolf and has thought things through a little. He tries to pass on his wisdom to his brothers but they don't take it.
Youngest and most immature piggy builds his house of straw. Next oldest piggy has perhaps built a straw house once before and had it blown down, wood must be better. Older brother looks at their immaturity and shakes his head, he was there once, he knows how the story will go, he hopes they'll be able to run fast enough and he quickly grabs a few more bricks.
In Proverbs it says that unless the Lord builds the house the builder labours in vain. It also says that He will fill said house with rare and beautiful treasures. In another chapter it says that a wise woman carefully tends her house but a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands (kinda like inviting Mr. Wolf over for lunch and you're buying!). In the New Testament there is a passage that talks about our works being like wood, hay or precious gems (this is where that concordance would have been helpful). In the last days our deeds (our house) will be tried by fire (Mr. Wolf will come and huff and puff) and they will be exposed for their lasting value.
What we do each day matters. Our rewards are in heaven not here on earth. We have not been given breath on this earth to store things up down here, that would be like building a house of straw or sticks. The bricks are stored with the master builder and will stand the testing of faith and fire. The kind of life that will be rewarded is one that is lived for the kingdom of God, or so Dr. Wilkerson says in his book, The Life God Rewards.
It is also true that the enemy of our souls seeks to destroy us, discourage us and to knock down anything that we are trying to build, we have to build wolf-proof buildings if we're going to survive and thrive.
I'm hoping this all makes sense as I won't have much time to proofread or re-write now that I've gotten this far. Build with bricks my friends, the Wolf will be coming around to test your work, will it stand the huffing and puffing. I know I've had to re-build on occasion and I hope I haven't been foolish enough to tear things down with my own hands, but I probably have done that, too. There is an extrordinary verse that reads something like this; "no other foundation can be laid than that which has already been laid, that is Christ Jesus." He is my foundation, my rock, my shelter from the huffing and puffing wolf who seeks to devour me.
Grab a brick friend and build...
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flower original
I've been trying to write this flower for two weeks and keep getting thwarted so hopefully this will be the day...Kelly has the kids out practicing bike riding and heading to the park, Elizabeth is sleeping, the house is quiet ever so briefly, maybe it will be enough time, we'll see.
As I nurse my new baby I read. I read my Bible, I read novels that I enjoy, teaching books and I read out loud to my kids. One of the books we've read frequently over the past few weeks has been The Three Little Pigs. As I read it the other day a flower popped up and I've been ruminating on it ever since.
It is the cry of my heart to build a strong spiritual foundation for my own faith and for my children. I want my house to be strong so that whatever comes against it, it will stand. I want that for my kids, too.
(Insert search for Bible with concordance, nursing the baby, making lunch and folding laundry.
A whole day and then some has passed but we will press on to get this done!! I never did find that Bible with the concordance so you may have to look up the addresses for these verses yourself.)
On with the story...
It appears to me that the eldest piggy is like a mature Christian who has walked with the wise, had some experiences with Mr. Wolf and has thought things through a little. He tries to pass on his wisdom to his brothers but they don't take it.
Youngest and most immature piggy builds his house of straw. Next oldest piggy has perhaps built a straw house once before and had it blown down, wood must be better. Older brother looks at their immaturity and shakes his head, he was there once, he knows how the story will go, he hopes they'll be able to run fast enough and he quickly grabs a few more bricks.
In Proverbs it says that unless the Lord builds the house the builder labours in vain. It also says that He will fill said house with rare and beautiful treasures. In another chapter it says that a wise woman carefully tends her house but a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands (kinda like inviting Mr. Wolf over for lunch and you're buying!). In the New Testament there is a passage that talks about our works being like wood, hay or precious gems (this is where that concordance would have been helpful). In the last days our deeds (our house) will be tried by fire (Mr. Wolf will come and huff and puff) and they will be exposed for their lasting value.
What we do each day matters. Our rewards are in heaven not here on earth. We have not been given breath on this earth to store things up down here, that would be like building a house of straw or sticks. The bricks are stored with the master builder and will stand the testing of faith and fire. The kind of life that will be rewarded is one that is lived for the kingdom of God, or so Dr. Wilkerson says in his book, The Life God Rewards.
It is also true that the enemy of our souls seeks to destroy us, discourage us and to knock down anything that we are trying to build, we have to build wolf-proof buildings if we're going to survive and thrive.
I'm hoping this all makes sense as I won't have much time to proofread or re-write now that I've gotten this far. Build with bricks my friends, the Wolf will be coming around to test your work, will it stand the huffing and puffing. I know I've had to re-build on occasion and I hope I haven't been foolish enough to tear things down with my own hands, but I probably have done that, too. There is an extrordinary verse that reads something like this; "no other foundation can be laid than that which has already been laid, that is Christ Jesus." He is my foundation, my rock, my shelter from the huffing and puffing wolf who seeks to devour me.
Grab a brick friend and build...
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
"I have to say" relaxing challenge
I should be getting financial stuff done and helping my husband with taxes...but this will only take a second or two...oh yes, must announce...today is Elizabeth's official due date, she'll be 1 month old tomorrow..........and she's doing quite well I must say
Randi over at I HAVE TO SAY had a challenge to tell everyone about how we relax. Relaxing with a newborn and five other kids is far from easy but there are ways and I mean to find them....
this is what I did before my delightful new baby came along and what I will do once I figure out how to accomplish the carving out of such things....
1. Creating - sewing, card-making, scrapbooking, anything that lets my creative juices flow....I love my little sewing room with sunlight pouring down on me as I play with fabric, it's pretty much my favorite thing to do hands down....and I like doing it by myself. Like Sparrow I am a bit of an introvert, I like all that crafty stuff, just like doing it alone or with one or two people I love...
2. Reading - this is one thing that I do (brief pause while I make sure my little boys are not out on the deck roof....again) while I'm nursing, either reading out loud to the kids or reading something I enjoy...I've read a truckload of books since Elizabeth was born probably a dozen or more in the last 4 weeks...
3. My tub - I have a big bubble soaker tub that is pretty awesome to relax in....
4. Drinking tea late in the evening and chatting with the love of my life.
5. Going out, anywhere, all by myself....
6. Going out, anywhere, with my husband...
7. Being at home, all by myself....
8. Drinking tea on the couch with sunlight streaming in...
9. this may be weird but I feel more relaxed when my house is clean, so cleaning is almost relaxing cause I know how much I'll like it when it's done.............
10. Just being by myself with a bit of worship music is great, too..............
hmmmm........I seem to like these little dots alot lately.....................what's up with that?
Randi over at I HAVE TO SAY had a challenge to tell everyone about how we relax. Relaxing with a newborn and five other kids is far from easy but there are ways and I mean to find them....
this is what I did before my delightful new baby came along and what I will do once I figure out how to accomplish the carving out of such things....
1. Creating - sewing, card-making, scrapbooking, anything that lets my creative juices flow....I love my little sewing room with sunlight pouring down on me as I play with fabric, it's pretty much my favorite thing to do hands down....and I like doing it by myself. Like Sparrow I am a bit of an introvert, I like all that crafty stuff, just like doing it alone or with one or two people I love...
2. Reading - this is one thing that I do (brief pause while I make sure my little boys are not out on the deck roof....again) while I'm nursing, either reading out loud to the kids or reading something I enjoy...I've read a truckload of books since Elizabeth was born probably a dozen or more in the last 4 weeks...
3. My tub - I have a big bubble soaker tub that is pretty awesome to relax in....
4. Drinking tea late in the evening and chatting with the love of my life.
5. Going out, anywhere, all by myself....
6. Going out, anywhere, with my husband...
7. Being at home, all by myself....
8. Drinking tea on the couch with sunlight streaming in...
9. this may be weird but I feel more relaxed when my house is clean, so cleaning is almost relaxing cause I know how much I'll like it when it's done.............
10. Just being by myself with a bit of worship music is great, too..............
hmmmm........I seem to like these little dots alot lately.....................what's up with that?
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
thought I'd stick something on here that looked sorta new...I have to admit I'm not putting a lot of effort into the blog world lately...I have finally realized what everyone keeps telling me...I'm really busy...6 kids and 2 dogs and a husband are a lot of work...not to mention the house and the care and feeding of all those creatures.
however, so far so good, as long as I have a nap or something that resembles one on a daily basis we do okay...the house is not so okay most of the time. However, today someone gave me on of THE BEST BABY GIFTS EVER....a cleaning lady for 5 hours...oh my goodness, that was fabulous. I actually did something that I needed to do without feeling guilty about the mess in my house (with 6 kids, it's like shoveling in a snowstorm).
So blogworld, you're taking a low priority and that's just the way it will have to be........
Oh yes, more newly pregnant people are popping up everywhere...so exciting...so glad it isn't me...I love just cuddlin' my darling daughter....have I mentioned that she is BY FAR the cutest baby in the world (that is a completely unbiased opinion) when my mom sends me the pics off her camera I will prove it to the world!!
however, so far so good, as long as I have a nap or something that resembles one on a daily basis we do okay...the house is not so okay most of the time. However, today someone gave me on of THE BEST BABY GIFTS EVER....a cleaning lady for 5 hours...oh my goodness, that was fabulous. I actually did something that I needed to do without feeling guilty about the mess in my house (with 6 kids, it's like shoveling in a snowstorm).
So blogworld, you're taking a low priority and that's just the way it will have to be........
Oh yes, more newly pregnant people are popping up everywhere...so exciting...so glad it isn't me...I love just cuddlin' my darling daughter....have I mentioned that she is BY FAR the cutest baby in the world (that is a completely unbiased opinion) when my mom sends me the pics off her camera I will prove it to the world!!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
fresh flowers for April 14
Not Just Yet
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
It was 5:45 in the afternoon. Seemed liked the contractions had stopped. "I'll wait a little longer," I thought to myself. 6:00 came and went. Things definately seemed to be at a standstill. I told my husband we might as well go home, it didn't look like we'd be having a baby after all. He went and told the nurse but she said we'd have to wait for the doctor who was doing an emergency C-section. We waited.
And waited.
Suddenly another contraction hit, and another. Maybe we shouldn't go home just yet. By the time the doctor came and checked things out she confirmed that now we more definately in active labor and they were moving me over. A few hours later, Elizabeth - promise of God, lay in our arms.
It was late afternoon. The sky had darkened. The man on the cross looked awfully dead. All that the disciples had hoped for was stopped that afternoon. Nothing was happening. No angelic host, no hand of God sweeping across the Roman empire. Just a dead man on a cross. Might as well go home, nothing going on here. But the women waited.
And waited.
Suddenly a contraction hit the earth. The stone rolled away and the angels said, "Come and look, He's not here." The women ran to tell the others. "Come and see, the tomb is empty!" It had been three days, just like He said. Messiah, the promised one, had opened His arms to the world on a rough cross to bring us life.
How easily I give up at the first sign that things aren't going as planned or when the plan seems to have stopped, dead in the water, no wind in the sails. Perhaps I need to hang in just a little longer, press in a little closer and wait for the promise of God to be fulfilled in my sight.
Wait, just a little longer. The promise of God is about to come...
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
It was 5:45 in the afternoon. Seemed liked the contractions had stopped. "I'll wait a little longer," I thought to myself. 6:00 came and went. Things definately seemed to be at a standstill. I told my husband we might as well go home, it didn't look like we'd be having a baby after all. He went and told the nurse but she said we'd have to wait for the doctor who was doing an emergency C-section. We waited.
And waited.
Suddenly another contraction hit, and another. Maybe we shouldn't go home just yet. By the time the doctor came and checked things out she confirmed that now we more definately in active labor and they were moving me over. A few hours later, Elizabeth - promise of God, lay in our arms.
It was late afternoon. The sky had darkened. The man on the cross looked awfully dead. All that the disciples had hoped for was stopped that afternoon. Nothing was happening. No angelic host, no hand of God sweeping across the Roman empire. Just a dead man on a cross. Might as well go home, nothing going on here. But the women waited.
And waited.
Suddenly a contraction hit the earth. The stone rolled away and the angels said, "Come and look, He's not here." The women ran to tell the others. "Come and see, the tomb is empty!" It had been three days, just like He said. Messiah, the promised one, had opened His arms to the world on a rough cross to bring us life.
How easily I give up at the first sign that things aren't going as planned or when the plan seems to have stopped, dead in the water, no wind in the sails. Perhaps I need to hang in just a little longer, press in a little closer and wait for the promise of God to be fulfilled in my sight.
Wait, just a little longer. The promise of God is about to come...
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
a rare find
While I was in the hospital I found a wonderful thing. I was perusing the magazine rack looking for something to occupy my time with when a lovely magazine cover caught my eye. It said, "Lily - beautiful living through faith". I had to take a second look, there was after all a flower in the title.
I'm not much for American magazines that forget Canada exists or other such fluffy things but I thought I'd take a look. I was surprised to be very wrong! It was chock full of beautiful photography, scripture and many articles that appealed to me, homeschooling, Canadian gardens, large families, crafty stuff, great bread recipes, challenging spiritual teaching, a Bible reading calendar and lots more.
It's the premier issue and is only available on the newstands. GO BUY ONE!! You'll be glad you did. It is by far the best magazine I have ever read. I was sceptical but I was wrong! GO GET ONE, NOW!
I'm not much for American magazines that forget Canada exists or other such fluffy things but I thought I'd take a look. I was surprised to be very wrong! It was chock full of beautiful photography, scripture and many articles that appealed to me, homeschooling, Canadian gardens, large families, crafty stuff, great bread recipes, challenging spiritual teaching, a Bible reading calendar and lots more.
It's the premier issue and is only available on the newstands. GO BUY ONE!! You'll be glad you did. It is by far the best magazine I have ever read. I was sceptical but I was wrong! GO GET ONE, NOW!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
There are some wonderful things about no longer being pregnant...things you take for granted:
* standing right by the counter as I cook or do dishes
* bending - I actually put my shoes on this morning without a major ordeal!
* hugging my husband is once again a full contact sport - well at least until the milk came in!!
* my kids can sit on my lap and snuggle because I have one!
* the number of trips to the bathroom have cut down considerably
* it actually seems worth while to go to the bathroom because my bladder is actually full
* sleep - I feel like I can go to sleep at any time and actually sleep - haven't done that for many months
* I can turn over without using 40 acres
* wearing almost normal clothes again
gotta go - the Winnipegers just arrived
* standing right by the counter as I cook or do dishes
* bending - I actually put my shoes on this morning without a major ordeal!
* hugging my husband is once again a full contact sport - well at least until the milk came in!!
* my kids can sit on my lap and snuggle because I have one!
* the number of trips to the bathroom have cut down considerably
* it actually seems worth while to go to the bathroom because my bladder is actually full
* sleep - I feel like I can go to sleep at any time and actually sleep - haven't done that for many months
* I can turn over without using 40 acres
* wearing almost normal clothes again
gotta go - the Winnipegers just arrived
Friday, April 07, 2006
fresh flowers for April 7
A Quiet Mind
a non original flower
I'm afraid that I am unable to put a coherent thought together on my own so I will borrow from another's. I bought myself this wonderful magazine while staying in the hospital. It's a new Christian magazine that is available only on newstands. It's called, "Lily - beautiful living through faith". I highly recommend it and encourage you all to go find one, it's a beautifully put together magazine full of good things. Anyway, this is a little poem that was tucked away on the bottom of a daily bible reading guide that has completely gripped my heart and has become my desire.
In my present state I must confess that I am far from having a quiet mind as I peruse the state of my home, the discipline and character issues that I see in my kids, the plans and schedules that need to be constructed, the unfinished projects, the business changes that are coming up....you get the picture...now throw in sleep deprivation and whacked out hormones...I'm a mess!! When I read this little piece, I wept and continue to weep as I seek the Lord to show me how to come to this place on a more consistent basis.
Blessings to each of you, may your minds be quiet today...
Lani, the flowerlady
a non original flower
I'm afraid that I am unable to put a coherent thought together on my own so I will borrow from another's. I bought myself this wonderful magazine while staying in the hospital. It's a new Christian magazine that is available only on newstands. It's called, "Lily - beautiful living through faith". I highly recommend it and encourage you all to go find one, it's a beautifully put together magazine full of good things. Anyway, this is a little poem that was tucked away on the bottom of a daily bible reading guide that has completely gripped my heart and has become my desire.
In my present state I must confess that I am far from having a quiet mind as I peruse the state of my home, the discipline and character issues that I see in my kids, the plans and schedules that need to be constructed, the unfinished projects, the business changes that are coming up....you get the picture...now throw in sleep deprivation and whacked out hormones...I'm a mess!! When I read this little piece, I wept and continue to weep as I seek the Lord to show me how to come to this place on a more consistent basis.
I've many a cross to take up now,
And many left behind;
But present troubles move me not,
Nor shake my quiet mind.
And what may be tomorrow's cross,
I never seek to find;
My Father says, "Leave that to me,
And keep a quiet mind."
- Anonymous
And many left behind;
But present troubles move me not,
Nor shake my quiet mind.
And what may be tomorrow's cross,
I never seek to find;
My Father says, "Leave that to me,
And keep a quiet mind."
- Anonymous
Blessings to each of you, may your minds be quiet today...
Lani, the flowerlady
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Adjusting
This adjustment is not easy. While I longed to be home while in the hospital, now that I'm here I long for the quiet and simple routine of taking care of me and Elizabeth and our tiny corner of the world. The house is a disaster, the fridge is full of food that needs to be tossed (things still in there from before E came into the world), laundry is piled up. Yesterday I never got around to getting dressed, I was going to and then I needed to nurse, then I had a nap, then it was time to nurse again and nap again and have a bath and then it was time to go to bed. It's hard to even find time to eat at normal times.
Today is the first day that I'm feeling somewhat human. The fog is lifting a little. I have to remember that God said He would give me all the grace I need to do all the things that He has ordained for me to do this day. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO thankful for my amazing husband who has kept things together as he can while working and taking care of me.
I highly recommend the two weeks of doing absolutely nothing. It hasn't been quite two weeks yet but I'm thankful for the time I've had so far of just sitting and taking care of me and Elizabeth. That's one thing the hospital is good for - even though you don't really sleep there. I'm beginning to get restless though, to want to get up and start vacuuming and cleaning and what have you. I need to let it be for now.
The kids have been somewhat helpful - my big boy particularly - he is so helpful, he does a great job of laundry! The kids have helped make lunches and I can commandear from the couch for tidying. We haven't done a lick of 'school' for two weeks. But they're all getting well - the noise level supports that fact!! :)
Yup, lots of adjustment. Transition is never easy - Lord help us all to just take up our cross for this one day and not worry about the rest. Give us Your rest Lord, grant us peace...
Today is the first day that I'm feeling somewhat human. The fog is lifting a little. I have to remember that God said He would give me all the grace I need to do all the things that He has ordained for me to do this day. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO thankful for my amazing husband who has kept things together as he can while working and taking care of me.
I highly recommend the two weeks of doing absolutely nothing. It hasn't been quite two weeks yet but I'm thankful for the time I've had so far of just sitting and taking care of me and Elizabeth. That's one thing the hospital is good for - even though you don't really sleep there. I'm beginning to get restless though, to want to get up and start vacuuming and cleaning and what have you. I need to let it be for now.
The kids have been somewhat helpful - my big boy particularly - he is so helpful, he does a great job of laundry! The kids have helped make lunches and I can commandear from the couch for tidying. We haven't done a lick of 'school' for two weeks. But they're all getting well - the noise level supports that fact!! :)
Yup, lots of adjustment. Transition is never easy - Lord help us all to just take up our cross for this one day and not worry about the rest. Give us Your rest Lord, grant us peace...
Sunday, April 02, 2006
And the winner is...............
my little girl! She is no longer the only girl in our family and is positively glowing about it!!
Elizabeth Johanna arrived on March 27 at 1:39 AM after 12 hours of labour and 2 big pushes. (Yes you can all mock me now that I have had a 'normal' labour time). However, she was 5 weeks early so we spent a little time in Neonatal Intensive Care (36 hours) due to blood sugar issues, body temp regulation, feeding, etc. Even so she was a good size (7lbs 6oz about 19" long).
After we got out of NICU we needed to spend some more time because jaundice set in. The doctors weren't eager to send us home since all 4 of the boys were sick. So little miss Elizabeth spent several days in her own personal tanning bed and we were finally able to go home this morning.
She still isn't quite up to nursing yet, she nees to get a little stronger. So we nurse a little, pump a lot and bottle feed.
But we're home............and that is a very good thing.
Elizabeth Johanna arrived on March 27 at 1:39 AM after 12 hours of labour and 2 big pushes. (Yes you can all mock me now that I have had a 'normal' labour time). However, she was 5 weeks early so we spent a little time in Neonatal Intensive Care (36 hours) due to blood sugar issues, body temp regulation, feeding, etc. Even so she was a good size (7lbs 6oz about 19" long).
After we got out of NICU we needed to spend some more time because jaundice set in. The doctors weren't eager to send us home since all 4 of the boys were sick. So little miss Elizabeth spent several days in her own personal tanning bed and we were finally able to go home this morning.
She still isn't quite up to nursing yet, she nees to get a little stronger. So we nurse a little, pump a lot and bottle feed.
But we're home............and that is a very good thing.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
A new baby is here!!! Nope, not ours (hee hee, almost had ya didn't I)! Krista had herself a little girl - some pics and details at Unedited Ravings (link is on the sidebar).
My two little boys are SICK. Really high temps.
I have a confession to make. I don't really mind when they get sick, in fact I sort of enjoy it in a weird sort of way. They're all cuddly and sleepy and dependant. You get to snuggle and buy extra apple juice and read lots of stories and stuff. My honey was sick earlier this week and it felt kinda the same, so nice to see him all day long even if he was just lounging on the couch in a comatose state. Call me weird, I like having my chicks nearby...I know of at least one other person in this world who feels the same so there!!
But please pray that I don't get this virus, it could land me in a hospital - that would not be sweet and cuddly at this stage of the game.
My two little boys are SICK. Really high temps.
I have a confession to make. I don't really mind when they get sick, in fact I sort of enjoy it in a weird sort of way. They're all cuddly and sleepy and dependant. You get to snuggle and buy extra apple juice and read lots of stories and stuff. My honey was sick earlier this week and it felt kinda the same, so nice to see him all day long even if he was just lounging on the couch in a comatose state. Call me weird, I like having my chicks nearby...I know of at least one other person in this world who feels the same so there!!
But please pray that I don't get this virus, it could land me in a hospital - that would not be sweet and cuddly at this stage of the game.
Friday, March 24, 2006
fresh flowers for March 24
Preparing
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
Our family has been in a season of preparation for a long time. Preparing to move, preparing for the baby to come, preparing for taxes. We're getting a lot better at preparing than we used to be. We'd been 'fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants' people for a very long time. However, with having a large family, ministry and a business to run we just couldn't do that anymore. So we've been learning to prepare for things, thinking ahead, scheduling, planning. The Bible encourages us to look at the ants to see how they prepare for winter and how hard they work. This is the learning curve that we've been on for several years now.
What are the results of preparation? There are many benefits and I want to touch on several. Knowing that all your ducks are quacking where they belong as far as it concerns your human capacity is a very good thing. It helps you deal with the unexpected 'quackers' that always show up. I'm sure we have all been in situations that we were completely unprepared for and they sure throw us off course. For example, the sudden death of a loved one, an accident, natural disasters, an unexpected pregnancy, job loss. There are some things one just can't prepare for and those things bring great anxiety, turmoil and stress. So it is good to prepare for the things that we can, it can greatly alleviate the burden of the unknowns and unexpected.
Preparation isn't an easy task. It takes planning and forethought. It cuts into all the regular chores and seems, at the time, like you could use the time slot in a better way. The other day I felt strongly impressed to get things ready for our baby to arrive. Technically we should be a few weeks away from that event but I did it anyway. I sent my husband off to the store to get the necessary hospital items, found some newborn baby clothes and got the bag packed. What a relief it was to know that should anything happen, I was ready, the sense of peace and accomplishment that washed over me when I set the baby clothes in the cradle and zipped that bag shut were enormous. At my last appointment the doctor said the baby was ready to come at anytime and I should be ready, how thankful I was that I had already prepared. After that appointment my body has been physically practicing for the great event (read - lots of Braxton Hicks contractions), my husband has been sick and I've had trouble with my hips and am fighting off a cold myself. Whether the baby comes now or in a few weeks, at least that little bit of my world is ready. I'm also learning how to schedule our family's time...but that is another post altogether!!
Sometimes preparation seems to make more mess than not preparing would but I think we all know that is not the case. When my husband isn't teaching music or tuning pianos, he paints houses, interiors and exteriors. He could tell you about many difficult days that have transpired when he decided to skip a preparation step. At first it seems like things will go faster, you'll be careful, it will be no problem, then, the inevitable happens, a paint can spills, you used the wrong paint or some other catastrophe. The mess or mistake needs to be cleaned up and corrected, hours later you are finally back on track, you haven't saved any time at all. Preparing saves time and brings peace to the process.
My mom and dad are avid gardeners and have been planning and preparing for the coming growing season with eagerness and anticipation. When I talked to them earlier this week they were preparing to plant tomato seeds. Their preparation will provide many tomato plants for their gardens as well as mine. Their preparation allows them the opportunity to have enough for themselves, to be generous and to save money in the process. Their careful preparation of the soil will result in another wonderful garden I am sure - abundance, provision, pleasure in the task - more results of preparation.
God has given us a task as his children to prepare His bride, the church. One day, Jesus, the glorious bridegroom is going to come back and the wedding of the lamb will be upon us. I have been a bride and have helped many brides prepare for their wedding day. As friends of the bride we do everything we can to help the bride be beautiful, spotless and prepared for her groom. Sometimes it concerns me when I see those that call themselves friends of the bride drawing mustaches on her face and tearing her clothes. We spend many hours complaining about what the bride could do better, pointing out all her faults and weaknesses. None of us were perfect brides, somewhere along the way we may have gotten mud on our dress, perhaps there is a blemish hiding under some makeup but no one would dare to point that out on a bride's wedding day. If we can help and make corrections in a loving way as we help her prepare that is what friends do. However, whispering, gossping and pointing out all the yuckiness is not what preparers of brides do. We are there to make the process better, to walk alongside and help.
We are called to be preparers of the bride, friends of the bridegroom. If we are truly friends we won't cheat on, deceive or slander the bride, we will do all we can to help her get ready. May I encourage you to examine what sort of 'friend' and 'preparer' you are. A wedding day cannot happen without the help of many hands, we all have preparatory work to do in the kingdom of God.
Spring seems like a time of getting ready and preparing for so many things. May I encourage you in all your preparations to watch for God's flowers to bloom in your gardens.
Lani
the flowerlady
PS - The baby's arrival is rather imminent, so if you suddenly don't see any posts from me, you'll know why, though we will let you know of the arrival!!
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
Our family has been in a season of preparation for a long time. Preparing to move, preparing for the baby to come, preparing for taxes. We're getting a lot better at preparing than we used to be. We'd been 'fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants' people for a very long time. However, with having a large family, ministry and a business to run we just couldn't do that anymore. So we've been learning to prepare for things, thinking ahead, scheduling, planning. The Bible encourages us to look at the ants to see how they prepare for winter and how hard they work. This is the learning curve that we've been on for several years now.
What are the results of preparation? There are many benefits and I want to touch on several. Knowing that all your ducks are quacking where they belong as far as it concerns your human capacity is a very good thing. It helps you deal with the unexpected 'quackers' that always show up. I'm sure we have all been in situations that we were completely unprepared for and they sure throw us off course. For example, the sudden death of a loved one, an accident, natural disasters, an unexpected pregnancy, job loss. There are some things one just can't prepare for and those things bring great anxiety, turmoil and stress. So it is good to prepare for the things that we can, it can greatly alleviate the burden of the unknowns and unexpected.
Preparation isn't an easy task. It takes planning and forethought. It cuts into all the regular chores and seems, at the time, like you could use the time slot in a better way. The other day I felt strongly impressed to get things ready for our baby to arrive. Technically we should be a few weeks away from that event but I did it anyway. I sent my husband off to the store to get the necessary hospital items, found some newborn baby clothes and got the bag packed. What a relief it was to know that should anything happen, I was ready, the sense of peace and accomplishment that washed over me when I set the baby clothes in the cradle and zipped that bag shut were enormous. At my last appointment the doctor said the baby was ready to come at anytime and I should be ready, how thankful I was that I had already prepared. After that appointment my body has been physically practicing for the great event (read - lots of Braxton Hicks contractions), my husband has been sick and I've had trouble with my hips and am fighting off a cold myself. Whether the baby comes now or in a few weeks, at least that little bit of my world is ready. I'm also learning how to schedule our family's time...but that is another post altogether!!
Sometimes preparation seems to make more mess than not preparing would but I think we all know that is not the case. When my husband isn't teaching music or tuning pianos, he paints houses, interiors and exteriors. He could tell you about many difficult days that have transpired when he decided to skip a preparation step. At first it seems like things will go faster, you'll be careful, it will be no problem, then, the inevitable happens, a paint can spills, you used the wrong paint or some other catastrophe. The mess or mistake needs to be cleaned up and corrected, hours later you are finally back on track, you haven't saved any time at all. Preparing saves time and brings peace to the process.
My mom and dad are avid gardeners and have been planning and preparing for the coming growing season with eagerness and anticipation. When I talked to them earlier this week they were preparing to plant tomato seeds. Their preparation will provide many tomato plants for their gardens as well as mine. Their preparation allows them the opportunity to have enough for themselves, to be generous and to save money in the process. Their careful preparation of the soil will result in another wonderful garden I am sure - abundance, provision, pleasure in the task - more results of preparation.
God has given us a task as his children to prepare His bride, the church. One day, Jesus, the glorious bridegroom is going to come back and the wedding of the lamb will be upon us. I have been a bride and have helped many brides prepare for their wedding day. As friends of the bride we do everything we can to help the bride be beautiful, spotless and prepared for her groom. Sometimes it concerns me when I see those that call themselves friends of the bride drawing mustaches on her face and tearing her clothes. We spend many hours complaining about what the bride could do better, pointing out all her faults and weaknesses. None of us were perfect brides, somewhere along the way we may have gotten mud on our dress, perhaps there is a blemish hiding under some makeup but no one would dare to point that out on a bride's wedding day. If we can help and make corrections in a loving way as we help her prepare that is what friends do. However, whispering, gossping and pointing out all the yuckiness is not what preparers of brides do. We are there to make the process better, to walk alongside and help.
We are called to be preparers of the bride, friends of the bridegroom. If we are truly friends we won't cheat on, deceive or slander the bride, we will do all we can to help her get ready. May I encourage you to examine what sort of 'friend' and 'preparer' you are. A wedding day cannot happen without the help of many hands, we all have preparatory work to do in the kingdom of God.
Spring seems like a time of getting ready and preparing for so many things. May I encourage you in all your preparations to watch for God's flowers to bloom in your gardens.
Lani
the flowerlady
PS - The baby's arrival is rather imminent, so if you suddenly don't see any posts from me, you'll know why, though we will let you know of the arrival!!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Baby Update
Saw the doctor today and he says we're pretty much good to go. He's fine with me having this babe anytime. I wish willpower could factor in there somewhere but it just doesn't seem to have any bearing. Baby's a little smaller than average and so he said that it would probably be better coming sooner rather than later, I thought it was the other way around, oh well. At least I no longer have to feel guilty wanting this little one out where I can see her/him. My body is definately ready to get on with things!!
If you haven't entered the contest you better go pick a day quick!! Scroll down a bit to find it....
oh yeah..........someone else just found out they're pregnant but I'm not telling who!!!!!!!!!!!!
Figured I'd put the list up........the deal is...pick the right day for the baby to arrive and win a prize!!
March 24 - Camille
March 25
March 26 - boy #1
March 27 - one and only girl (so far)
March 28 - rene the rugrat
March 29 - Dad F (because he doesn't want it on his birthday - it will cost him money!!)
March 30 - boy #2
March 31 - Rachy
April 1 - Sparrow
April 2 - Carebear
April 3 - Nin
April 4 - Sonya
April 5 - CWG's wife
April 6 - starting over
April 7 - Mom W.
April 8 - my husband, Marlene (she can share since my honey wins all the prize anyway!)
April 9 - Marilee
April 10 - Lori
April 11 - CWG
April 12 - living by faith
April 13 - Bethany
April 14 - bayoumama
April 15 - Heather (cause she thinks just maybe something really different will happen this time)
April 16
April 17
April 18
etc.
If you haven't entered the contest you better go pick a day quick!! Scroll down a bit to find it....
oh yeah..........someone else just found out they're pregnant but I'm not telling who!!!!!!!!!!!!
Figured I'd put the list up........the deal is...pick the right day for the baby to arrive and win a prize!!
March 24 - Camille
March 25
March 26 - boy #1
March 27 - one and only girl (so far)
March 28 - rene the rugrat
March 29 - Dad F (because he doesn't want it on his birthday - it will cost him money!!)
March 30 - boy #2
March 31 - Rachy
April 1 - Sparrow
April 2 - Carebear
April 3 - Nin
April 4 - Sonya
April 5 - CWG's wife
April 6 - starting over
April 7 - Mom W.
April 8 - my husband, Marlene (she can share since my honey wins all the prize anyway!)
April 9 - Marilee
April 10 - Lori
April 11 - CWG
April 12 - living by faith
April 13 - Bethany
April 14 - bayoumama
April 15 - Heather (cause she thinks just maybe something really different will happen this time)
April 16
April 17
April 18
etc.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
fresh flowers for March 19
I Know Someone Who Can
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
In the early 80's there was a gospel singer by the name of Evie. I loved her music and sang many of her songs. One of them had this line in it..."follow me, I know Someone who can." I can't remember the rest of the song, just that one line but it illustrates part of the flowers that I'm picking for you this week. In Hebrews it says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. I like to picture this as a huge cheering section, rooting for us, I love that picture, it is so encouraging to know there are those who have gone before that are for us in every way. I also believe that God gives us a cheering section with skin on in the form of our spiritual family, both in a close way but also in the broader sense of the family of God. I was in several situations this week where I saw this lived out. My encouragement today is not only to be thankful for those who God places in our path but to remember that God is placing you on someone else's path.
The Director
I was peeling an orange for son #3 in the kitchen when son #4 came in and decided he wanted an orange, too. He handed it to his older brother and asked him to peel it for him. Son #3 lovingly took the orange from his grasp and said to him, "I can't do that for you but mommy can." So often we forget who we are and try to do things for people that we either aren't called to do or aren't equipped to do and make a mess of things. Often, we simply need to wisely acknowledge our inadequacy and say, "I know Someone who can." We need to constantly be directors in each others lives in the form of directing to Jesus. Point the way! I am not the answer to your problem but I know who is!
The Confirmer
We ran into some friends at the Home Show this weekend and got to talking about kids and school. We found out that these friends had their children in the same French Immersion school that we have our daughter in. Sometimes having her go off to school while I homeschool the rest is very difficult, though we strongly believe she is where God would have her be right now. This friend encouraged me greatly in the quality of the school and the teachers that my daughter has. She told me of the experiences that their family had had (and are still having) in this school. They have a high moral standard, though they aren't a Christian school because of their affiliation with the Catholic system there is freedom to talk about Jesus, and they do! She so encouraged my heart in the path that we've taken in putting our daughter in that school, though she didn't know that she was doing that. We need to remember to speak positively into people's lives, being encouragers and saying what is good and right. We don't know when we may influence the path that another is on.
The Corrector
Our youngest son is VERY two!! All those things you read about two year olds - he is. Active and silly, energetic and curious, gets into everything and likes to play 'come get me', especially when it comes to changing his diaper. He loves to climb onto things - like the top of the fridge and the piano. My hair is getting gray- er every day. Yet he is a pile of smiles and giggles and hugs at the same time. I spend much of my day correcting his path, training him in the way he needs to go and believe or not, that constant correction is finally beginning to sink in. There are times when I tell him not to climb up on things, where he actually doesn't!! Correction is tiring and repetitive and not so very fun most of the time. However, there is reward in it as the training begins to settle in. When we are discipling and training and walking alongside other believers we may have to step into the role of correcting. It needs to be gentle, repetitive and consistent with the word of God. It is a tiring role to play. It is not always pleasant to be on the receiving end of correction but God lovingly puts us into the role of corrector or receiver and we need to walk that path.
In all of this there is the over-arching principle that it isn't about us, it is about the kingdom of God. It is about pointing people to Jesus. We are here to comfort, encourage and edify one another and yes, sometimes to admonish and correct. We will meet people along our path who will do these things for us and we will be the people along someone else's path to do those things for them. It need not be overwhelming, we don't need to have all the answers because we all know Someone who can.
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
In the early 80's there was a gospel singer by the name of Evie. I loved her music and sang many of her songs. One of them had this line in it..."follow me, I know Someone who can." I can't remember the rest of the song, just that one line but it illustrates part of the flowers that I'm picking for you this week. In Hebrews it says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. I like to picture this as a huge cheering section, rooting for us, I love that picture, it is so encouraging to know there are those who have gone before that are for us in every way. I also believe that God gives us a cheering section with skin on in the form of our spiritual family, both in a close way but also in the broader sense of the family of God. I was in several situations this week where I saw this lived out. My encouragement today is not only to be thankful for those who God places in our path but to remember that God is placing you on someone else's path.
The Director
I was peeling an orange for son #3 in the kitchen when son #4 came in and decided he wanted an orange, too. He handed it to his older brother and asked him to peel it for him. Son #3 lovingly took the orange from his grasp and said to him, "I can't do that for you but mommy can." So often we forget who we are and try to do things for people that we either aren't called to do or aren't equipped to do and make a mess of things. Often, we simply need to wisely acknowledge our inadequacy and say, "I know Someone who can." We need to constantly be directors in each others lives in the form of directing to Jesus. Point the way! I am not the answer to your problem but I know who is!
The Confirmer
We ran into some friends at the Home Show this weekend and got to talking about kids and school. We found out that these friends had their children in the same French Immersion school that we have our daughter in. Sometimes having her go off to school while I homeschool the rest is very difficult, though we strongly believe she is where God would have her be right now. This friend encouraged me greatly in the quality of the school and the teachers that my daughter has. She told me of the experiences that their family had had (and are still having) in this school. They have a high moral standard, though they aren't a Christian school because of their affiliation with the Catholic system there is freedom to talk about Jesus, and they do! She so encouraged my heart in the path that we've taken in putting our daughter in that school, though she didn't know that she was doing that. We need to remember to speak positively into people's lives, being encouragers and saying what is good and right. We don't know when we may influence the path that another is on.
The Corrector
Our youngest son is VERY two!! All those things you read about two year olds - he is. Active and silly, energetic and curious, gets into everything and likes to play 'come get me', especially when it comes to changing his diaper. He loves to climb onto things - like the top of the fridge and the piano. My hair is getting gray- er every day. Yet he is a pile of smiles and giggles and hugs at the same time. I spend much of my day correcting his path, training him in the way he needs to go and believe or not, that constant correction is finally beginning to sink in. There are times when I tell him not to climb up on things, where he actually doesn't!! Correction is tiring and repetitive and not so very fun most of the time. However, there is reward in it as the training begins to settle in. When we are discipling and training and walking alongside other believers we may have to step into the role of correcting. It needs to be gentle, repetitive and consistent with the word of God. It is a tiring role to play. It is not always pleasant to be on the receiving end of correction but God lovingly puts us into the role of corrector or receiver and we need to walk that path.
In all of this there is the over-arching principle that it isn't about us, it is about the kingdom of God. It is about pointing people to Jesus. We are here to comfort, encourage and edify one another and yes, sometimes to admonish and correct. We will meet people along our path who will do these things for us and we will be the people along someone else's path to do those things for them. It need not be overwhelming, we don't need to have all the answers because we all know Someone who can.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
our life on a side table
We have to call them something other than 'coffee' tables in our house because we don't drink coffee.
Yesterday I needed to clean. Not sure if that was the'nesting instinct' thing or sheer willpower because I couldn't stand the mess anymore...you can decide.
Anyways I looked at the objects on the side table and here's what I saw...
my Bible and journal
the baby quilt I am currently working on
a quarter
2 books (The Explosive Child and Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems)
I had to ponder that little vignette because it was a stark picture of what drives our lives right now.
- the Kingdom of God and His purposes are the underlying reason why we do anything at all and give us the strength to keep going even when we're wiped out (which we are)
- the impending birth of our little one - coming soon to a maternity ward near you
- work that earns income - we own our own business so if we don't work, we don't have income, it feels like that's ALL we are doing lately - being self-employed is sometimes difficult because there is are sick benefits, holiday pay or time off.
- our 2 sons (#2 and #4) are making life difficult. #2 exhausts us during the day with trying to head off explosions and understand what's going on with him, #4 exhausts us at night because he has really bad sleep problems and always has (we've tried pretty much everything so please don't give us any new suggestions - just pray that God will show us what will work)
And that's our life in a nutshell, or rather, on the side table.......
Yesterday I needed to clean. Not sure if that was the'nesting instinct' thing or sheer willpower because I couldn't stand the mess anymore...you can decide.
Anyways I looked at the objects on the side table and here's what I saw...
my Bible and journal
the baby quilt I am currently working on
a quarter
2 books (The Explosive Child and Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems)
I had to ponder that little vignette because it was a stark picture of what drives our lives right now.
- the Kingdom of God and His purposes are the underlying reason why we do anything at all and give us the strength to keep going even when we're wiped out (which we are)
- the impending birth of our little one - coming soon to a maternity ward near you
- work that earns income - we own our own business so if we don't work, we don't have income, it feels like that's ALL we are doing lately - being self-employed is sometimes difficult because there is are sick benefits, holiday pay or time off.
- our 2 sons (#2 and #4) are making life difficult. #2 exhausts us during the day with trying to head off explosions and understand what's going on with him, #4 exhausts us at night because he has really bad sleep problems and always has (we've tried pretty much everything so please don't give us any new suggestions - just pray that God will show us what will work)
And that's our life in a nutshell, or rather, on the side table.......
Monday, March 13, 2006
Contest Update
(Don't know what I'm talking about - look at the post below)
This is getting kinda fun!! Pick the day the baby will show up and win a prize! So what is the prize, people are wondering...could be many things, maybe I'll have to let you pick depending on proximity! Maybe I should add a poll for boy or girl...not sure how to do one of those, but I know you can...
Could be............
A freshflowers journal
Chocolate
A soak in my spa tub
fresh bread
the opportunity to have all of my children at your house (just kidding)
serenade by Kelly
?????? - I'm open to suggestions
Here are the current date picks: (pick an open day!!)
March 18 - boy #3
March 19
March 20
March 21 - Tianna
March 22 - Mom F (my dad's birthday)
March 23
March 24 - Camille
March 25
March 26 - boy #1
March 27 - one and only girl (so far)
March 28
March 29 - Dad F (because he doesn't want it on his birthday - it will cost him money!!)
March 30 - boy #2
March 31 - Rachy
April 1 - Sparrow
April 2 - Carebear
April 3 - Nin
April 4 - Sonya
April 5 - CWG's wife
April 6 - starting over
April 7 - Mom W.
April 8 - my husband, Marlene (she can share since my honey wins all the prize anyway!)
April 9 - Marilee
April 10 - Lori
April 11 - CWG
April 12 - living by faith
April 13
April 14 - bayoumama
April 15 - Heather (cause she thinks just maybe something really different will happen this time)
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Pick a day........any day..........
Just for fun I thought I'd throw out a little competition! Who thinks they can pick the day that this babe is showing up! My technical due date is April 26 according to that little counter up there, but to give you all a fighting chance you need to know that I've never had a baby after 37 weeks and 5 days, in fact the last two average out to 37 weeks on the nose (which would mean chopping 21 days off the counter).
So pick a date and whoever's closest will win a prize or something!
My #3 boy says one week from today (that would be March 18th) - little early yet I'm thinkin'
My mom wants March 22 (my dad's birthday)
My oldest son says 15 days from now which would be...March 26
My girl says March 27
My dad doesn't want it on his birthday, he says March 29
#2 boy says March 30
Sparrow is taking April 1
Carebear is taking April 2
Nin has April 3
Sonya has April 4
CWG's wife takes April 5
Mom W. has April 7
Husband says April 8..........
living by faith has picked April 12
Heather has April 15 - she figures that she'll bank on something unusual happening!
Pick your day!!!!
So pick a date and whoever's closest will win a prize or something!
My #3 boy says one week from today (that would be March 18th) - little early yet I'm thinkin'
My mom wants March 22 (my dad's birthday)
My oldest son says 15 days from now which would be...March 26
My girl says March 27
My dad doesn't want it on his birthday, he says March 29
#2 boy says March 30
Sparrow is taking April 1
Carebear is taking April 2
Nin has April 3
Sonya has April 4
CWG's wife takes April 5
Mom W. has April 7
Husband says April 8..........
living by faith has picked April 12
Heather has April 15 - she figures that she'll bank on something unusual happening!
Pick your day!!!!
fresh flowers for March 11
Lessons Learned on a Day of Rest
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
I have been looking forward to this last Friday for a number of weeks. Ever since my dear friend suggested it and planned the date. She offered to take all five of my children for the entire day. What a gift. We've had a difficult week and I was drained of all energy, this gift couldn't have come at a better time. Of course, contemplating what to do with oneself when faced with precious, empty hours is the first order of business. Even in this she guided me and said, "Just DO nothing." That is a hard concept for me to wrap my brain around, I am a DOER.
One of the first things I did (after posting on my blog) was to sit on my couch with a nice cup of hot tea and pick up my journal and Bible. I have very little opportunity to soak and write so this was a real treat. Someone had opened my Bible up to Romans 5, I thought it odd because that was not where I have been reading lately and I couldn't remember having looked anything up there - that doesn't mean much since I can barely remember my own name lately! I'd like to share with you what I learned...
Romans 5 (first few verses)
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God thorugh our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us."
excerpt from the corresponding devotional by Gladys M. Hunt in the Women's Devotional Bible
(parantheses mine)
"Our resources are inexhaustible...Our trouble begins when we forget these great realities (namely that we have access and God's supply is limitless) and concentrate on our inadequacies our fears and all the other manifestations of our smallness."
That's where I was folks, concentrating on my inadequacies as a mom, my fears over what might be. Worrying over things I have little control over. I had completely forgotten who I am in Christ - a daughter of the king. He has already given me (and you) all that we need and there is no concern of running short. Therefore I can say with confidence that I have (make your own list here):
-all I need to deal with my very stubborn and explosive son
-all I need to train my children in holiness and Godly living
- all I need to love my husband and be his helpmeet and soulmate
- all I need to be a good friend
- all I need to carry out the work of the kingdom assigned to me
- all I need to persevere to the end of this pregnancy and beyond
- all I need to get the most out of this day
- all I need to pay the bills and make it through to the end of this house deal
While I was looking for another verse God brought my eyes to these wonderful apostolic words:
Colossians 3:15 "...let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..."
Colossians 3:16 "...let the word of God dwell in you richly..."
Philippians 1:6 "...being confident of this - He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..."
Ephesians 4 "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to KNOW this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Needless to say I was greatly encouraged to keep bearing the load that the Lord has given me to bear, it is NOT to hard for me unless I take on something that isn't mine to take. The rest of the day was spent, well, resting. Napping, reading, having a quiet lunch and tea with my parents. I didn't DO anything...oops, I did do something. I wrote a poem to express my heart after this wonderful ministry from the Lord.
untitled (for now)
2006, lani wiens
Forgive me forgetting that in You I have all things
Access to the throne of grace, the privelege of kings
YOur resources are limitless, your love it knows no bounds
And through the life of Christ Your Son, these riches all are mine.
But I live poor
just scraping by
picking up the crumbs
forgetting who I am and dwelling in the dumps
Today you lift my head up and speak into my heart
A daughter of the KING I am, the one who dwells on high
Up from the trash heap I arise and fling aside my rags
Washed clean in mercy
Clothed in grace
His love the crowning touch
"All you need, you have, " says He,
"All you need and more. Available, just ask of me
the treasure house is full. These present trials, rejoice in them,
the crown upon your head
will sparkle, shine and dazzle me as your character is forged through pain.
Hope will not be disappointed as you put your hope in ME
My glory will not fade away
My glory I give to thee."
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
I have been looking forward to this last Friday for a number of weeks. Ever since my dear friend suggested it and planned the date. She offered to take all five of my children for the entire day. What a gift. We've had a difficult week and I was drained of all energy, this gift couldn't have come at a better time. Of course, contemplating what to do with oneself when faced with precious, empty hours is the first order of business. Even in this she guided me and said, "Just DO nothing." That is a hard concept for me to wrap my brain around, I am a DOER.
One of the first things I did (after posting on my blog) was to sit on my couch with a nice cup of hot tea and pick up my journal and Bible. I have very little opportunity to soak and write so this was a real treat. Someone had opened my Bible up to Romans 5, I thought it odd because that was not where I have been reading lately and I couldn't remember having looked anything up there - that doesn't mean much since I can barely remember my own name lately! I'd like to share with you what I learned...
Romans 5 (first few verses)
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God thorugh our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us."
excerpt from the corresponding devotional by Gladys M. Hunt in the Women's Devotional Bible
(parantheses mine)
"Our resources are inexhaustible...Our trouble begins when we forget these great realities (namely that we have access and God's supply is limitless) and concentrate on our inadequacies our fears and all the other manifestations of our smallness."
That's where I was folks, concentrating on my inadequacies as a mom, my fears over what might be. Worrying over things I have little control over. I had completely forgotten who I am in Christ - a daughter of the king. He has already given me (and you) all that we need and there is no concern of running short. Therefore I can say with confidence that I have (make your own list here):
-all I need to deal with my very stubborn and explosive son
-all I need to train my children in holiness and Godly living
- all I need to love my husband and be his helpmeet and soulmate
- all I need to be a good friend
- all I need to carry out the work of the kingdom assigned to me
- all I need to persevere to the end of this pregnancy and beyond
- all I need to get the most out of this day
- all I need to pay the bills and make it through to the end of this house deal
While I was looking for another verse God brought my eyes to these wonderful apostolic words:
Colossians 3:15 "...let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..."
Colossians 3:16 "...let the word of God dwell in you richly..."
Philippians 1:6 "...being confident of this - He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..."
Ephesians 4 "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to KNOW this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Needless to say I was greatly encouraged to keep bearing the load that the Lord has given me to bear, it is NOT to hard for me unless I take on something that isn't mine to take. The rest of the day was spent, well, resting. Napping, reading, having a quiet lunch and tea with my parents. I didn't DO anything...oops, I did do something. I wrote a poem to express my heart after this wonderful ministry from the Lord.
untitled (for now)
2006, lani wiens
Forgive me forgetting that in You I have all things
Access to the throne of grace, the privelege of kings
YOur resources are limitless, your love it knows no bounds
And through the life of Christ Your Son, these riches all are mine.
But I live poor
just scraping by
picking up the crumbs
forgetting who I am and dwelling in the dumps
Today you lift my head up and speak into my heart
A daughter of the KING I am, the one who dwells on high
Up from the trash heap I arise and fling aside my rags
Washed clean in mercy
Clothed in grace
His love the crowning touch
"All you need, you have, " says He,
"All you need and more. Available, just ask of me
the treasure house is full. These present trials, rejoice in them,
the crown upon your head
will sparkle, shine and dazzle me as your character is forged through pain.
Hope will not be disappointed as you put your hope in ME
My glory will not fade away
My glory I give to thee."
Friday, March 10, 2006
in quietness and rest is my salvation
Who am I when I'm all alone?
I get to find out today! A dear friend has taken all 5 of my children for the entire day. This is the first time since we moved that I have the house all to myself (besides the dogs anyway).
What will I do with this gift?
Sleep is definately in the picture.
I'm thinking the 4 baskets of laundry that need folding can wait...
No meals to make except for me, not even supper cause my honey and I are going to a birthday party (also without children).
Quilting will take place or at least some kind of playing with fabric...
I don't think I'll write the fresh flower column just yet, perhaps God has a special something that will bloom in the midst of this day...
Right now I'm going to pour myself another cup of tea and curl up with my journal and Bible and enjoy the morning sun...I'll get dressed later...
Update on this quiet day....
I had a wonderful morning sitting my Saviour's feet, writing a poem, reading the word and journalling.
Then I stayed there and enjoyed a quiet rest...
followed by a quiet bath with worship music playing as I relaxed...
I envisioned a dance that I would love to do with my husband to a worship song.....
I got dressed finally....
Found out my dogs are really good at protecting our property as I saw a stranger come to our front door, the inside dog started barking his head off, the guy tried to go to the back, outside dog took up the tune and that fellow just had to leave. NOTE - I wasn't trying to be rude I'd jsut stepped out of the tub and was not about to answer the door in what I had on....
made lunch
read
read blogs.....I like quiet.......
I get to find out today! A dear friend has taken all 5 of my children for the entire day. This is the first time since we moved that I have the house all to myself (besides the dogs anyway).
What will I do with this gift?
Sleep is definately in the picture.
I'm thinking the 4 baskets of laundry that need folding can wait...
No meals to make except for me, not even supper cause my honey and I are going to a birthday party (also without children).
Quilting will take place or at least some kind of playing with fabric...
I don't think I'll write the fresh flower column just yet, perhaps God has a special something that will bloom in the midst of this day...
Right now I'm going to pour myself another cup of tea and curl up with my journal and Bible and enjoy the morning sun...I'll get dressed later...
Update on this quiet day....
I had a wonderful morning sitting my Saviour's feet, writing a poem, reading the word and journalling.
Then I stayed there and enjoyed a quiet rest...
followed by a quiet bath with worship music playing as I relaxed...
I envisioned a dance that I would love to do with my husband to a worship song.....
I got dressed finally....
Found out my dogs are really good at protecting our property as I saw a stranger come to our front door, the inside dog started barking his head off, the guy tried to go to the back, outside dog took up the tune and that fellow just had to leave. NOTE - I wasn't trying to be rude I'd jsut stepped out of the tub and was not about to answer the door in what I had on....
made lunch
read
read blogs.....I like quiet.......
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
TROUBLE
If you need a lesson in patience, try playing the game Trouble with three children under 6. This is what you may encounter.
- lighting fast reflexes of a 2 year old who thinks it's his turn all the time and feels the need to pop the bubble at least three times with every turn
- having your hand squished as everyone 'helps' you with your turn
- a three year old wearing an oversized jacket who is more concerned with trying to pick off the cookie crumbs that have fallen in and around the game board then the game itself
- a 'helpful' almost six year old who wants to 'help' everyone with their turn
- continuously swatting small hands and arms out of the way so you can see what's going on because everyone is hovering
- a mom who has to move just about everyone's game pieces and remember whose turn it happens to be
All this while eating fresh fudge cookies - so it wasn't all bad. We even finished the game without anyone losing interest half way through. The almost six year old won.
They learned something about taking turns and counting at least. I think I might have a few more grey hairs.
- lighting fast reflexes of a 2 year old who thinks it's his turn all the time and feels the need to pop the bubble at least three times with every turn
- having your hand squished as everyone 'helps' you with your turn
- a three year old wearing an oversized jacket who is more concerned with trying to pick off the cookie crumbs that have fallen in and around the game board then the game itself
- a 'helpful' almost six year old who wants to 'help' everyone with their turn
- continuously swatting small hands and arms out of the way so you can see what's going on because everyone is hovering
- a mom who has to move just about everyone's game pieces and remember whose turn it happens to be
All this while eating fresh fudge cookies - so it wasn't all bad. We even finished the game without anyone losing interest half way through. The almost six year old won.
They learned something about taking turns and counting at least. I think I might have a few more grey hairs.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
trying to think of some good things today, kinda tired...
my tub!! - it's a two person deep soaker bubbler tub. It has been a life-saver for my aching back and hips
my baby quilt - I'm at the hand-quilting stage and it has turned out so beee-utiful !!! I will borrow my mom's camera when it's finished and post a pic or two
The Explosive Child - it's a book a friend lent me. This is probably the first parenting book I'll probably read cover to cover and actually do what it says. While it has shown me where I have missed the mark with my explosive son it is showing me new ways to deal with and avoid those same expolsions - a lot of work but worth it so far. Yesterday we avoided at least 4 potentially explosive situations with positive solutions!
My husband - he should probably gain sainthood with no problem (oh yeah, he already is one)! When I am pregnant he gets up with the kids at night because he knows that very soon I will be getting up with the baby.
Tiny bumps and pushes - whenever fear assails me that something might be wrong with the babe he/she gives me a reassuring jab just to let me know they're still kicking - literally
friends and family - those dear souls who understand my pregnant brain and don't bug me about it.
worship songs - 'Grace like rain, falling down on me...." help my flesh to get through the day as those lyrics run through my head and encourage my spirit to keep going
due dates - it's coming soon....this too shall pass
menus - I love it when I actually take time to make a menu so I don't have to think of what to make next - saves a ton of brain power
front-loading washing machines - I'm not sure what I did before I had one of those! If you have to buy a new one, pay the extra money and get one - if you want to know why I could wax eloquent for quite some time
God's unusual answers - my husband has been trying to convince me of getting some help to live in after the baby is born for cheap room and board - I was having trouble with that - FEAR AND PRIDE being the major culprits, I am super-mom after all - but I was laying it before the Lord asking him to show me what he wants for me - then I went to the choosing home blog and there was my answer...a great post from a mom of 7, homeschooler, oldest kid 13, she had this to say - moms of newborns need to care for themselves so that they can continue to be good moms..they need to accept the help that comes with open arm, etc. So I laid down my fear and pride and told my husband that I would submit to his plans....sigh
my tub!! - it's a two person deep soaker bubbler tub. It has been a life-saver for my aching back and hips
my baby quilt - I'm at the hand-quilting stage and it has turned out so beee-utiful !!! I will borrow my mom's camera when it's finished and post a pic or two
The Explosive Child - it's a book a friend lent me. This is probably the first parenting book I'll probably read cover to cover and actually do what it says. While it has shown me where I have missed the mark with my explosive son it is showing me new ways to deal with and avoid those same expolsions - a lot of work but worth it so far. Yesterday we avoided at least 4 potentially explosive situations with positive solutions!
My husband - he should probably gain sainthood with no problem (oh yeah, he already is one)! When I am pregnant he gets up with the kids at night because he knows that very soon I will be getting up with the baby.
Tiny bumps and pushes - whenever fear assails me that something might be wrong with the babe he/she gives me a reassuring jab just to let me know they're still kicking - literally
friends and family - those dear souls who understand my pregnant brain and don't bug me about it.
worship songs - 'Grace like rain, falling down on me...." help my flesh to get through the day as those lyrics run through my head and encourage my spirit to keep going
due dates - it's coming soon....this too shall pass
menus - I love it when I actually take time to make a menu so I don't have to think of what to make next - saves a ton of brain power
front-loading washing machines - I'm not sure what I did before I had one of those! If you have to buy a new one, pay the extra money and get one - if you want to know why I could wax eloquent for quite some time
God's unusual answers - my husband has been trying to convince me of getting some help to live in after the baby is born for cheap room and board - I was having trouble with that - FEAR AND PRIDE being the major culprits, I am super-mom after all - but I was laying it before the Lord asking him to show me what he wants for me - then I went to the choosing home blog and there was my answer...a great post from a mom of 7, homeschooler, oldest kid 13, she had this to say - moms of newborns need to care for themselves so that they can continue to be good moms..they need to accept the help that comes with open arm, etc. So I laid down my fear and pride and told my husband that I would submit to his plans....sigh
Friday, March 03, 2006
fresh flowers for March 3
Great Expectations - Part 2
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
I wasn't originally planning on having a part two to this flower but one seems to have popped up and deserves recognition. Many of you could relate to last week's diaganosis of R.U. E. (ridiculously unrealistic expectations). On Sunday morning a friend jokingly accused me of propogating the illness!! My husband was away all weekend at a men's retreat and believe it or not I managed, in my very pregnant state to get four of my five kids (one was at a friend's house) ready for church, do my own hair a little more fancy than usual as well as my daughter's and arrive for church on time (we rarely get to church on time). So my friend looked at all that and figured that it wasn't quite fair since she has two kids, her husband was home and she had only managed a ponytail that morning. I assured her she needed to hear the rest of the story. The only reason this feat was accomplished was because my kids woke me up before 6:00 AM and even moving as slowly as I was I could get done what needed to be done because I had so much time and they were unusually cooperative - and really, I only needed to dress myself and the two year old - the rest can do it on their own.
However, that interaction caused me to miss most of the sermon that morning because I couldn't stop thinking about it. There are a couple more components to this expectation business that can't be ignored. The expectations we place on other people based on our own capabilities and God-given tasks and the expectations we take on from other people based on their capabilities and God-given tasks. Let me illustrate.
We have a large family by today's standards. When people learn that I am about to have our sixth child jaws drop and eyes roll back. For us, it isn't really a big deal. We always wanted to have a large family. Children are a God-given role for me. I have been a babysitter from the time I was old enough to do it. I have more than a dozen nieces and nephews. I've worked in children's ministry in one form or another for about twenty years. It is not uncommon to have a few extra children running through our house. I am not a perfect mother or parent, I lose it, I get overwhelmed with all of them at times, sometimes I wonder at my sanity and some days I can barely handle having one child around. However, in the grand scheme of things God has equipped me to have a large 'children capacity'. Not everyone has that capacity. For some one or two children is the maximum 'children capacity' that they carry. It would be absolutely wrong for me to put on that person an expectation that because they only have one or two children that they are somehow inferior or inadequate (if I have done that inadvertently to anyone reading this I sincerely apologize).
Only just recently was I convicted about my attitude in that. A dear sister in the Lord pointed out that all of our plates are full, just with different things. For some the largest portion may be children, for some the largest portion may be ministry or working in the marketplace. It is not our place to judge someone else's capacity to do certain things. I wouldn't expect my two year old to do the things that my nine year old can do, that would be ridiculous, but we do it to one another quite often.
As it says in Romans 12, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought...Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function...We have different gifts, according to the grace given us....." Where would I be if everyone had the same size family that I do? There would be no one able to help me in a time of need. In the same way if someone is saying to me that I should be, oh, let's say, keeping five gardens so that I can feed the poor and I give myself to that at the expense of my children I will not be fulfilling my God-given task.
On the flip side of this is that we must not look at what someone else does and condemn ourselves for not being able to do the same. I do this to myself all the time. I look at what someone else is doing and think that I should be able to do that, too. This is also not right. My mother can sew faster than anyone I know. In one week she took a bunch of little scraps of fabric and made them into a completely finished quilt. It was beautiful. If I take that expectation on myself I would make myself and those around me crazy. There are many factors to look at, for one thing my mom has been sewing for far longer than I have. She no longer has children at home. She has a top of the line 'make you coffee' sewing machine. She is semi-retired. She has time, resources and skills available to her that I don't have. So I should not expect that I can do the things that she can. I need to be content with my time, resources and skills that I have at my disposal right now. There may be a season down the road in which God will give that kind of time, resource and skill but it isn't now. Sometimes the season in our life is our limiting factor.
Each of us is given tasks to carry out by the Lord as it says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph 2:10) To some He will give the task of leading multitudes and to some He will give the task of working with their hands. As it says in Proverbs we need to look well to the ways of our household. Not all of us can sing or dance or draw. Not all of us can teach, weld or sail a ship. Be content with the tasks that God has assigned to you right now. They may be different than what you used to do. They may change in the future.
There is something that we can expect with all hope and no fear, that God will do what He says He will. All His promises will come to pass. That is, indeed, a great expectation.
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
I wasn't originally planning on having a part two to this flower but one seems to have popped up and deserves recognition. Many of you could relate to last week's diaganosis of R.U. E. (ridiculously unrealistic expectations). On Sunday morning a friend jokingly accused me of propogating the illness!! My husband was away all weekend at a men's retreat and believe it or not I managed, in my very pregnant state to get four of my five kids (one was at a friend's house) ready for church, do my own hair a little more fancy than usual as well as my daughter's and arrive for church on time (we rarely get to church on time). So my friend looked at all that and figured that it wasn't quite fair since she has two kids, her husband was home and she had only managed a ponytail that morning. I assured her she needed to hear the rest of the story. The only reason this feat was accomplished was because my kids woke me up before 6:00 AM and even moving as slowly as I was I could get done what needed to be done because I had so much time and they were unusually cooperative - and really, I only needed to dress myself and the two year old - the rest can do it on their own.
However, that interaction caused me to miss most of the sermon that morning because I couldn't stop thinking about it. There are a couple more components to this expectation business that can't be ignored. The expectations we place on other people based on our own capabilities and God-given tasks and the expectations we take on from other people based on their capabilities and God-given tasks. Let me illustrate.
We have a large family by today's standards. When people learn that I am about to have our sixth child jaws drop and eyes roll back. For us, it isn't really a big deal. We always wanted to have a large family. Children are a God-given role for me. I have been a babysitter from the time I was old enough to do it. I have more than a dozen nieces and nephews. I've worked in children's ministry in one form or another for about twenty years. It is not uncommon to have a few extra children running through our house. I am not a perfect mother or parent, I lose it, I get overwhelmed with all of them at times, sometimes I wonder at my sanity and some days I can barely handle having one child around. However, in the grand scheme of things God has equipped me to have a large 'children capacity'. Not everyone has that capacity. For some one or two children is the maximum 'children capacity' that they carry. It would be absolutely wrong for me to put on that person an expectation that because they only have one or two children that they are somehow inferior or inadequate (if I have done that inadvertently to anyone reading this I sincerely apologize).
Only just recently was I convicted about my attitude in that. A dear sister in the Lord pointed out that all of our plates are full, just with different things. For some the largest portion may be children, for some the largest portion may be ministry or working in the marketplace. It is not our place to judge someone else's capacity to do certain things. I wouldn't expect my two year old to do the things that my nine year old can do, that would be ridiculous, but we do it to one another quite often.
As it says in Romans 12, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought...Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function...We have different gifts, according to the grace given us....." Where would I be if everyone had the same size family that I do? There would be no one able to help me in a time of need. In the same way if someone is saying to me that I should be, oh, let's say, keeping five gardens so that I can feed the poor and I give myself to that at the expense of my children I will not be fulfilling my God-given task.
On the flip side of this is that we must not look at what someone else does and condemn ourselves for not being able to do the same. I do this to myself all the time. I look at what someone else is doing and think that I should be able to do that, too. This is also not right. My mother can sew faster than anyone I know. In one week she took a bunch of little scraps of fabric and made them into a completely finished quilt. It was beautiful. If I take that expectation on myself I would make myself and those around me crazy. There are many factors to look at, for one thing my mom has been sewing for far longer than I have. She no longer has children at home. She has a top of the line 'make you coffee' sewing machine. She is semi-retired. She has time, resources and skills available to her that I don't have. So I should not expect that I can do the things that she can. I need to be content with my time, resources and skills that I have at my disposal right now. There may be a season down the road in which God will give that kind of time, resource and skill but it isn't now. Sometimes the season in our life is our limiting factor.
Each of us is given tasks to carry out by the Lord as it says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph 2:10) To some He will give the task of leading multitudes and to some He will give the task of working with their hands. As it says in Proverbs we need to look well to the ways of our household. Not all of us can sing or dance or draw. Not all of us can teach, weld or sail a ship. Be content with the tasks that God has assigned to you right now. They may be different than what you used to do. They may change in the future.
There is something that we can expect with all hope and no fear, that God will do what He says He will. All His promises will come to pass. That is, indeed, a great expectation.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
TOOT! TOOT!!
I'm tooting my own horn just a little. I won a writing contest - acutally 'swept' the category (in their words) for Best Poem for 'The Least of These'. I needed that encouragement today, it's been a bit crazy around here.
For those of you who haven't ever read it I will post it here. (slightly different than the song version if you've heard me sing it). Please go to Choosing Home (link is in the sidebar) and check it out, it is an excellent resource for women (particularly moms). I highly recommend it...
The Least of These
copyright 2005, Lani Wiens
For those of you who haven't ever read it I will post it here. (slightly different than the song version if you've heard me sing it). Please go to Choosing Home (link is in the sidebar) and check it out, it is an excellent resource for women (particularly moms). I highly recommend it...
The Least of These
copyright 2005, Lani Wiens
I'm pursuing God, is He here?
I'm down on my knees is He here?
Among 10 scraped knees,
A floor full of debris
Is He here?
While I clean up crumbs
And change dirty bums
Is He here?
When I’m scrubbing out the tub
And hosing off the mud
Is He here?
My mountaintops are far apart
But passion burns within my heart
To see your face
Look in your eyes
Feel your arms
I long to fly
Above the normal things that are each day
The mundane stuff gets in my way
You said you would walk with me
Even here
Even now
Among 10 scraped knees
A floor full of debris
While I clean up crumbs
And change dirty bums
I am shaping history
For the very least of these
May someday be the one
That will bring many to the Son
Thank you for this ministry
There’s glory here in my four walls
While I’m on my knees
Pursuing You
I will pick up after the least of these…
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
another admission.........
I have hit the point in this pregnancy when I become impatient (and extremely uncomfortable). I just want to hold this baby in my arms, wrap a cozy quilt around her (I say her in faith) and put her to my breast. I want to see her face and tell her her name.
The reality is I've got somewhere between 5 and 6 weeks if all goes well. It seems like an eternity. The baby is sitting so low I can barely keep my legs together when I'm sitting down. My belly cuts off the circulation to my legs. Meanwhile those little feet are stuck in my ribs so I can't get a good breath to read to the kids. My hips just hurt, all the time... I promised myself that I wouldn't complain this is just the reality of life in my pregnant body.
A friend who just had her baby was at church on Sunday and I just couldn't hold him because I want so badly to hold my own, I knew it would just make things worse. He was a big boy, 10lbs 12 oz. that had to hurt.
anyway that's all for now...........
I have hit the point in this pregnancy when I become impatient (and extremely uncomfortable). I just want to hold this baby in my arms, wrap a cozy quilt around her (I say her in faith) and put her to my breast. I want to see her face and tell her her name.
The reality is I've got somewhere between 5 and 6 weeks if all goes well. It seems like an eternity. The baby is sitting so low I can barely keep my legs together when I'm sitting down. My belly cuts off the circulation to my legs. Meanwhile those little feet are stuck in my ribs so I can't get a good breath to read to the kids. My hips just hurt, all the time... I promised myself that I wouldn't complain this is just the reality of life in my pregnant body.
A friend who just had her baby was at church on Sunday and I just couldn't hold him because I want so badly to hold my own, I knew it would just make things worse. He was a big boy, 10lbs 12 oz. that had to hurt.
anyway that's all for now...........
Monday, February 27, 2006
the embarrasing truth
I'm playing a little 'reality blogging' with RAndi over at I Have to Say, which I just realized is NOT in my sidebar. Sooooooooooo go over to Intent and you can link to Randi (there's my first reality piece - procrastination and forgetfulness).
I can't give you any nasty pictures to share because I don't have one of those funky little cameras that everyone else has. So you'll have to imagine with me..............
* it took about a month before we finally vaccumed upstairs after we moved into our new house.
* there are days when I am simply too tired too care whether we do any school work at all, so we don't - building Bionicles is educational isn't it?
* our back deck is a renovation disaster zone as well as the playground for the dogs to eat garbage, play with the recycling and generally make a mess.
* speaking of recycling - I only do milk jugs, pop bottles and juice boxes - haven't gotten into paper, tin cans, glass or anything else
* I feed my dogs leftovers from the table
* if my kids fall asleep in their clothes they stay that way, maybe the next day, too
* I often forget to remind my kids to brush their teeth
* once in awhile we eat chocolate cake for breakfast
* My basement is a maze of boxes and debris and will remain that way until I can bend again...
* I don't always cook vegetables with every meal - I figure if pasta restaurants can get away with it so can I
My brain is a little overtired from the weekend so I'll have to stop there...
I can't give you any nasty pictures to share because I don't have one of those funky little cameras that everyone else has. So you'll have to imagine with me..............
* it took about a month before we finally vaccumed upstairs after we moved into our new house.
* there are days when I am simply too tired too care whether we do any school work at all, so we don't - building Bionicles is educational isn't it?
* our back deck is a renovation disaster zone as well as the playground for the dogs to eat garbage, play with the recycling and generally make a mess.
* speaking of recycling - I only do milk jugs, pop bottles and juice boxes - haven't gotten into paper, tin cans, glass or anything else
* I feed my dogs leftovers from the table
* if my kids fall asleep in their clothes they stay that way, maybe the next day, too
* I often forget to remind my kids to brush their teeth
* once in awhile we eat chocolate cake for breakfast
* My basement is a maze of boxes and debris and will remain that way until I can bend again...
* I don't always cook vegetables with every meal - I figure if pasta restaurants can get away with it so can I
My brain is a little overtired from the weekend so I'll have to stop there...
Saturday, February 25, 2006
the flower revealed
Don't usually do these things, but hey, I am the flowerlady and needed to know...........
You are a Lily:
You are graceful, gentle, calm, and pure and
perhaps a little shy (though your shyness is
part of your charm). You are a very honorable
person who always wants to do the right
thing. Your calm attitude has a soothing
effect on others.
Symbolism: The lily has long been used as a symbol
of majesty, honor, chastity, and purity of
heart.
Which Flower are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
You are a Lily:
You are graceful, gentle, calm, and pure and
perhaps a little shy (though your shyness is
part of your charm). You are a very honorable
person who always wants to do the right
thing. Your calm attitude has a soothing
effect on others.
Symbolism: The lily has long been used as a symbol
of majesty, honor, chastity, and purity of
heart.
Which Flower are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Friday, February 24, 2006
fresh flowers for February 24
Great Expectations
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
I'm wondering how many of you suffer, like me, from R.U.E. (Ridiculously Unrealistic Expectations). Here are the symptoms so you can check yourself:
1. It starts with a dreamy expression and an ideal coming from your own imagination or some other source (i.e. a book, magazine article, picture or someone else's story of success)
2. There is a burst of energy as you attempt to implement your plan that formulated out of the ideal.
3. You begin to feel frustrated as you realize that things are not going as you planned.
4. You are discouraged when it becomes clear that this ideal is harder to attain than you thought and the book, article, picture or person didn't give you the whole story of their journey to success. This thing is hard work and looks like it will take a long time to complete.
5. You either throw your hands up in defeat or lay your head down and cry, believing that it is indeed a hopeless venture and you should put yourself out of your misery and give up.
This cycle can be repeated endlessly with either a new ideal or a renewed sense of 'I will do or die trying!'
Check yourself. Been there? Done that? I am a victim of R.U. E. far more often than I care to admit. I've seen it happen in my husband and my children. As I'm writing this my eldest son is attempting to create a backpack for his Bionicles. His first attempt fell far short of his expectation and he burst into tears. Earlier this evening my little girl was trying to wrap a birthday gift and she just couldn't quite get it right, again, the tears. If you recall a few weeks ago my friend's little girl and her first crochet project that came with the words, "This was not what I imagined." Things rarely go as I imagine.
My first reaction to my son was to ask him if he'd like some help. My compassion for him was great as he struggled to make this project. I could do one of two things. First, I could rescue him and do the project myself, knowing that it will most likely turn out the way he wants it to. Second, I could give him a few pointers and suggestions to help him meet with success and help him build some character and learn a bit more about sewing and planning a project. The second option will also allow him the dignity of completing the project on his own and knowing that sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing you did something well. I decided to take the second course, though the first one would be much faster. The second one means I'm going to let him stay up later, but I'll have a happy boy in the end who feels good about what he did.
I'm guessing that the second option is what God does with us. He lets us get our high and lofty ideals out, lets us try in our own strength to accomplish them, lets us fall on our face so we realize we're not quite as wonderful as we first thought and then gently gives us what we need to do the job. He teaches us the lessons in character required to reach that ideal. He gives us endurance and strength to go the distance to reach that ideal. Because in the end, the ideal is His and He actually wants us to get there.
In the meantime He reminds us that our expectations are a little out there - too much, too fast. This week he reminded me that my boys are boys and I am not. I need to remember that for them hanging ropes out of windows and raising and lowering things is fun and not actually dangerous (with the exception of the metal pipe that almost came through the kitchen window). I was also reminded that themany character issues that need to be dealt with (pride, jealousy, quarrelling, anger, foolishness) won't be dealt with in one week of my trying to get it through their heads. I believe His words to me were, "They didn't get like this overnight and they aren't going to change in one week, lower your expectation, they are kids, they are foolish and they will learn....over time."
Then there are the expectations I place on myself. I am extremely pregnant. I don't move very quickly. I don't bend well. I have a few aches and places of uncomfortableness. It is physically impossible for me to do things as quickly as I normally would. I was so discouraged this week when I set my timer to give myself 15 minutes to tidy up my kitchen, normally that is plenty of time to do what I need to do in there. That day I barely got my dishes washed, forget dried or put away and I didn't even glance at the floor. I get discouraged that I don't have the energy to play the 'come get me' games with my two year old. I get discouraged that I can't carry him up the stairs and can only pick him up for a few minutes before I simply must put him down. The Lord reminded me that in a few short weeks that will change. It won't hurt anymore to have them snuggle up on my lap, but there will be another one to share it with.
Our family has been meditating in Proverbs a lot lately. The Lord has been highlighting verses on diligence, perseverance, wisdom and much more to us. As you check where you are in the R.U.E. cycle I hope that some of these will encourage you as they have encouraged me and get you out of there permanently.
Proverbs 13:4 - The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisified.
Proverbs 14:23 - All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
1 Samuel 30:6b - But David found strength in the Lord His God. (this was after being rejected and then finding his wife and children kidnapped)
Psalm 22:5b - In you they trusted and were not disappointed
Proverbs 23:4 - Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. (this one is difficult for two German-Mennonite work-aholics, we're not trying to get rich, just get out of debt, but that wearing yourself out part is sure true)
Proverbs 23:18 - There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off.
Isaiah 30:15 - In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength (the verse goes on to say, 'but you would have none of it' - I don't want that part to be true of me)
Lamentations 3:22ff
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
I'm wondering how many of you suffer, like me, from R.U.E. (Ridiculously Unrealistic Expectations). Here are the symptoms so you can check yourself:
1. It starts with a dreamy expression and an ideal coming from your own imagination or some other source (i.e. a book, magazine article, picture or someone else's story of success)
2. There is a burst of energy as you attempt to implement your plan that formulated out of the ideal.
3. You begin to feel frustrated as you realize that things are not going as you planned.
4. You are discouraged when it becomes clear that this ideal is harder to attain than you thought and the book, article, picture or person didn't give you the whole story of their journey to success. This thing is hard work and looks like it will take a long time to complete.
5. You either throw your hands up in defeat or lay your head down and cry, believing that it is indeed a hopeless venture and you should put yourself out of your misery and give up.
This cycle can be repeated endlessly with either a new ideal or a renewed sense of 'I will do or die trying!'
Check yourself. Been there? Done that? I am a victim of R.U. E. far more often than I care to admit. I've seen it happen in my husband and my children. As I'm writing this my eldest son is attempting to create a backpack for his Bionicles. His first attempt fell far short of his expectation and he burst into tears. Earlier this evening my little girl was trying to wrap a birthday gift and she just couldn't quite get it right, again, the tears. If you recall a few weeks ago my friend's little girl and her first crochet project that came with the words, "This was not what I imagined." Things rarely go as I imagine.
My first reaction to my son was to ask him if he'd like some help. My compassion for him was great as he struggled to make this project. I could do one of two things. First, I could rescue him and do the project myself, knowing that it will most likely turn out the way he wants it to. Second, I could give him a few pointers and suggestions to help him meet with success and help him build some character and learn a bit more about sewing and planning a project. The second option will also allow him the dignity of completing the project on his own and knowing that sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing you did something well. I decided to take the second course, though the first one would be much faster. The second one means I'm going to let him stay up later, but I'll have a happy boy in the end who feels good about what he did.
I'm guessing that the second option is what God does with us. He lets us get our high and lofty ideals out, lets us try in our own strength to accomplish them, lets us fall on our face so we realize we're not quite as wonderful as we first thought and then gently gives us what we need to do the job. He teaches us the lessons in character required to reach that ideal. He gives us endurance and strength to go the distance to reach that ideal. Because in the end, the ideal is His and He actually wants us to get there.
In the meantime He reminds us that our expectations are a little out there - too much, too fast. This week he reminded me that my boys are boys and I am not. I need to remember that for them hanging ropes out of windows and raising and lowering things is fun and not actually dangerous (with the exception of the metal pipe that almost came through the kitchen window). I was also reminded that themany character issues that need to be dealt with (pride, jealousy, quarrelling, anger, foolishness) won't be dealt with in one week of my trying to get it through their heads. I believe His words to me were, "They didn't get like this overnight and they aren't going to change in one week, lower your expectation, they are kids, they are foolish and they will learn....over time."
Then there are the expectations I place on myself. I am extremely pregnant. I don't move very quickly. I don't bend well. I have a few aches and places of uncomfortableness. It is physically impossible for me to do things as quickly as I normally would. I was so discouraged this week when I set my timer to give myself 15 minutes to tidy up my kitchen, normally that is plenty of time to do what I need to do in there. That day I barely got my dishes washed, forget dried or put away and I didn't even glance at the floor. I get discouraged that I don't have the energy to play the 'come get me' games with my two year old. I get discouraged that I can't carry him up the stairs and can only pick him up for a few minutes before I simply must put him down. The Lord reminded me that in a few short weeks that will change. It won't hurt anymore to have them snuggle up on my lap, but there will be another one to share it with.
Our family has been meditating in Proverbs a lot lately. The Lord has been highlighting verses on diligence, perseverance, wisdom and much more to us. As you check where you are in the R.U.E. cycle I hope that some of these will encourage you as they have encouraged me and get you out of there permanently.
Proverbs 13:4 - The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisified.
Proverbs 14:23 - All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
1 Samuel 30:6b - But David found strength in the Lord His God. (this was after being rejected and then finding his wife and children kidnapped)
Psalm 22:5b - In you they trusted and were not disappointed
Proverbs 23:4 - Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. (this one is difficult for two German-Mennonite work-aholics, we're not trying to get rich, just get out of debt, but that wearing yourself out part is sure true)
Proverbs 23:18 - There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off.
Isaiah 30:15 - In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength (the verse goes on to say, 'but you would have none of it' - I don't want that part to be true of me)
Lamentations 3:22ff
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
today
Today began a little too early. I woke up just before 5:00 AM and couldn't go back to sleep. So I decided I might as well get up and make use of the time. Say hello to my wonderful soaker tub. That thing has been such a blessing and has been a pain reliever like no other.
This morning I turned on some worship tunes, kept the lights dim and sat in the warmth and worshipped. It was a marvelous way to begin a day that wasn't without its difficulties. Everyone is in bed now and I just finished making some fudge cookies which I will indulge in once they're a wee bit cooler.
Oh and we have a new family member, Scotty. This house has been guarded by Scotty for many years and he just came back home yesterday (he belonged to our friends). The kids are loving him like crazy. He's the sweetest dog and easy to love. I think I'll be able to learn some lessons from him.
Fudge Cookies (no-baking required)
Boil together for 5 minutes over medium heat:
1/2 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
Add:
3 cups oatmeal
1 cup coconut (or just add a little more oatmeal)
1/2 cup cocoa
Drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper. Work fast, they harden quickly!!!
This morning I turned on some worship tunes, kept the lights dim and sat in the warmth and worshipped. It was a marvelous way to begin a day that wasn't without its difficulties. Everyone is in bed now and I just finished making some fudge cookies which I will indulge in once they're a wee bit cooler.
Oh and we have a new family member, Scotty. This house has been guarded by Scotty for many years and he just came back home yesterday (he belonged to our friends). The kids are loving him like crazy. He's the sweetest dog and easy to love. I think I'll be able to learn some lessons from him.
Fudge Cookies (no-baking required)
Boil together for 5 minutes over medium heat:
1/2 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
Add:
3 cups oatmeal
1 cup coconut (or just add a little more oatmeal)
1/2 cup cocoa
Drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper. Work fast, they harden quickly!!!
Monday, February 20, 2006
beast removal update
It's been a week now since the television left our home. There have been moments when I longed to stick a video in just to get a little peace and quiet. Keeping the two year old busy has been the biggest challenge, I didn't realize that he was spending so much time in front of the glowing box. The extremely cold weather didn't help matters much either. We also had lots of visitors this week so more stimulation than usual from outside sources.
At any rate we came to the conculsion that with as much opposition as we encountered we must be on the right track. We've had much more focus on feeding our spirits than before. Having our own quiet times more regularly and feeding our kids more scripture. There have been some huge blessings from this and we are glad.
Next huge monster to tackle - making a schedule for the household to run on.....
At any rate we came to the conculsion that with as much opposition as we encountered we must be on the right track. We've had much more focus on feeding our spirits than before. Having our own quiet times more regularly and feeding our kids more scripture. There have been some huge blessings from this and we are glad.
Next huge monster to tackle - making a schedule for the household to run on.....
Friday, February 17, 2006
fresh flowers for February 17
Be The Center
not an original today
Today I felt that I would like to encourage you with the encouragement that the Lord has given me this week. These are the words to a song that our worship team led us in this Sunday, they were a balm to my spirit, I hope they are the same for you. This song has been the prayer of my heart for the last week, I pray it becomes yours as well. I'm sorry I can't remember who wrote it, perhaps someone would be so kind as to remind me...
not an original today
Today I felt that I would like to encourage you with the encouragement that the Lord has given me this week. These are the words to a song that our worship team led us in this Sunday, they were a balm to my spirit, I hope they are the same for you. This song has been the prayer of my heart for the last week, I pray it becomes yours as well. I'm sorry I can't remember who wrote it, perhaps someone would be so kind as to remind me...
Be The Center
Jesus,
Be the center,
Be my source,
Be my light,
Jesus
Jesus,
Be the center
Be my hope,
Be my song,
Jesus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in these sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus, Jesus
Jesus,
Be my vision
Be my path
Be my guide
Jesus
Jesus,
Be the center,
Be my source,
Be my light,
Jesus
Jesus,
Be the center
Be my hope,
Be my song,
Jesus
Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in these sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus, Jesus
Jesus,
Be my vision
Be my path
Be my guide
Jesus
Thursday, February 16, 2006
the beast has a master...
Apparently, if you are planning on ditching your beast you ought to be prepared for a bit of the backlash from the beast's master. He doesn't like it when you cut it off this source of input and encourage others to do the same.
In other words, today was less than pleasant. And that's all I will say about that........
In other words, today was less than pleasant. And that's all I will say about that........
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
3 days after idol removal....
We have now been without the black beast in our home for three days. It has been wonderful!! The peace that has come to our house is quite astounding. The fighting has diminished considerably. I am finding that my spirit is calmer, not so much frustration and irritation (that may have more to do with the fact that I have finally been able to start having regular devotions again). Seriously, though, I stand amazed. I thought it would be much more difficult, but it isn't.
Benefits for this particular day:
* did not have a fight with my son about doing school work - even with grandpa and grandma waiting to take him to their place for sewing lessons
* cleaned the entire upstairs with all five kids in tow
* oldest two boys made lunch together
* more books are being read
* more schoolwork is getting done
* more playing is happening
* mommy is far less irritated and impatient
* the dog is seeing more play time
Benefits for this particular day:
* did not have a fight with my son about doing school work - even with grandpa and grandma waiting to take him to their place for sewing lessons
* cleaned the entire upstairs with all five kids in tow
* oldest two boys made lunch together
* more books are being read
* more schoolwork is getting done
* more playing is happening
* mommy is far less irritated and impatient
* the dog is seeing more play time
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
better from blogging
Found this at Intent, Sparrow is one of those persons for me.
If there is someone on your blogroll who makes your world a better place just because that person exists and who you would not have met (in real life or not) without the internet, then post this same sentence on your blog.
If there is someone on your blogroll who makes your world a better place just because that person exists and who you would not have met (in real life or not) without the internet, then post this same sentence on your blog.
Beast Removal
We attended the provincial home-schooling conference this weekend. Our first one. It was sooooooooooo good. The speakers were Steve and Teri Maxwell from Kansas. Their website is www.Titus2.com, I'd highly recommend what they have to say. We left with our hearts and heads full, but not overwhelmed. Much of the information was like water to my weary soul. So much of what Teri particularly spoke about were things that I have been or am struggling with. Other things were a confirmation of what the Lord had already been convicting us of.
Now we need to sift through all of this and ask the Lord what we are to apply and when. The first thing was the TV. It took a trip out to the garage yesterday. I am already amazed at the difference in the atmosphere of our home. There is a new peace in our living room. I did not spend half my day trying to referee fights about what movie to watch or saying No and dealing with the whining and fussing about why not.
They played with toys, they went outside, they did their chores and their school work. Our plan is to walk this out for six months and see what fruit it bears and then we'll weigh whether or not we want to bring it back.
So far, this has been a good change.
The reasoning behind it. It's a huge waste of time. It's benefits are very limited. It's pitfalls are myriad. The Lord convicted us that it was something we needed to do. Our children's hearts are too tied to that thing, they need to be tied to the Lord Jesus first of all and to us - that beast does not contribute in anyway to either of those goals.
So........the beast is gone and I'm glad.
Now we need to sift through all of this and ask the Lord what we are to apply and when. The first thing was the TV. It took a trip out to the garage yesterday. I am already amazed at the difference in the atmosphere of our home. There is a new peace in our living room. I did not spend half my day trying to referee fights about what movie to watch or saying No and dealing with the whining and fussing about why not.
They played with toys, they went outside, they did their chores and their school work. Our plan is to walk this out for six months and see what fruit it bears and then we'll weigh whether or not we want to bring it back.
So far, this has been a good change.
The reasoning behind it. It's a huge waste of time. It's benefits are very limited. It's pitfalls are myriad. The Lord convicted us that it was something we needed to do. Our children's hearts are too tied to that thing, they need to be tied to the Lord Jesus first of all and to us - that beast does not contribute in anyway to either of those goals.
So........the beast is gone and I'm glad.
Friday, February 10, 2006
fresh flowers for February 11
Season of Change
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
I am astounded by the volume of change that I am seeing around me, in me and even through me. It is staggering to me. There are some huge changes, like our government which will affect our entire country. I see changes in the weather and in the lengthening of days as we approach a change of season. I see changes in our church as we get set to go to two services. I see changes in my body as I get closer and closer to giving birth to this baby, who will also cause massive change in our home. I just spent the weekend at a home-schooling convention and know that lots of changes will be coming into our home, our minds and our hearts because of the puzzle pieces that God gave us to put together into a picture of our family. I see changes in the lives of the individuals that have been part of our bible study group. I see changes in my children as they grow, learn and mature. I see changes in our back bedroom as the paint and flooring is finally going in. And I know that the changes will not stop coming, they will continue as surely as the seasons change.
What strikes me the most about all these changes is how very difficult they all are. It would seem that no change is easy even though some changes require less effort than others. At the moment changing the sheets on my bed requres much less effort than changing positions in that same bed. On the other hand, for my small son changing the bed would require huge effort while changing position would not. It is a matter of physical differences, abilities and knowledge.
When I think about how difficult it is to change someone's mind about something once they've come to a conclusion or how difficult it is to change my own mind about something once I've made it up I'm astounded that some changes ever take place at all. Some changes are imposed on us while others we can participate in either positively or negatively. Our government has changed, we all were given the opportunity to have a say in that change. However, the overall outcome is imposed, we must now live with the change and learn to live with the consequences of the changes that our countrymen as well as ourselves have brought about, for better or worse.
In the election campaign, hundreds of people worked tirelessly to sway opinion and change people's minds. Each candidate was attempting to change the heart and mind of every single voting person in this country to their party platform. That is no easy task, obviously none of them were completely successful in their endeavour or we would have had one party having 100% of the vote.
I've often read and heard how people are upset that the church doesn't change. I'm wondering how closely they are looking. If it's impossible to change the mind of the whole country and almost equally impossible to change the mind of a single individual who doesn't want to change, change in any organization that includes a number of individuals will, at best, be slow. But change it will, because change is inevitable and necessary. For some people in our congregation going to two services may appear to be an abrupt change, having been on staff several years ago, I know that it isn't, we've been talking about it and praying about it for years. We must be patient and see that we are part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Like the changing of the seasons, or the metamorphisis of a caterpillar to a butterfly, it may look at first glance like nothing is happening. Yet under the surface a miracle is taking place and then, voila! the change happens and it seems like it was instantaneous. The scripture declares that outwardly we waste away, yet inwardly we are being renewed (changed) day by day. What a wonderful promise. God is transforming us little by little into His image. Sometimes it seems like nothing is going on, but underneath a stirring has happened, the Spirit is at work. Be patient dear ones, cooperate with the Lord in whatever change is taking place, submit to your leadership, look for the positive, perhaps the change will come a little faster. While not every change seems like a good one at the time, we can be assured that the over all picture is being fitted together by the Lord God himself. No need to worry in this season of change.
copyright 2006, lani wiens
a fresh flowers original
I am astounded by the volume of change that I am seeing around me, in me and even through me. It is staggering to me. There are some huge changes, like our government which will affect our entire country. I see changes in the weather and in the lengthening of days as we approach a change of season. I see changes in our church as we get set to go to two services. I see changes in my body as I get closer and closer to giving birth to this baby, who will also cause massive change in our home. I just spent the weekend at a home-schooling convention and know that lots of changes will be coming into our home, our minds and our hearts because of the puzzle pieces that God gave us to put together into a picture of our family. I see changes in the lives of the individuals that have been part of our bible study group. I see changes in my children as they grow, learn and mature. I see changes in our back bedroom as the paint and flooring is finally going in. And I know that the changes will not stop coming, they will continue as surely as the seasons change.
What strikes me the most about all these changes is how very difficult they all are. It would seem that no change is easy even though some changes require less effort than others. At the moment changing the sheets on my bed requres much less effort than changing positions in that same bed. On the other hand, for my small son changing the bed would require huge effort while changing position would not. It is a matter of physical differences, abilities and knowledge.
When I think about how difficult it is to change someone's mind about something once they've come to a conclusion or how difficult it is to change my own mind about something once I've made it up I'm astounded that some changes ever take place at all. Some changes are imposed on us while others we can participate in either positively or negatively. Our government has changed, we all were given the opportunity to have a say in that change. However, the overall outcome is imposed, we must now live with the change and learn to live with the consequences of the changes that our countrymen as well as ourselves have brought about, for better or worse.
In the election campaign, hundreds of people worked tirelessly to sway opinion and change people's minds. Each candidate was attempting to change the heart and mind of every single voting person in this country to their party platform. That is no easy task, obviously none of them were completely successful in their endeavour or we would have had one party having 100% of the vote.
I've often read and heard how people are upset that the church doesn't change. I'm wondering how closely they are looking. If it's impossible to change the mind of the whole country and almost equally impossible to change the mind of a single individual who doesn't want to change, change in any organization that includes a number of individuals will, at best, be slow. But change it will, because change is inevitable and necessary. For some people in our congregation going to two services may appear to be an abrupt change, having been on staff several years ago, I know that it isn't, we've been talking about it and praying about it for years. We must be patient and see that we are part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Like the changing of the seasons, or the metamorphisis of a caterpillar to a butterfly, it may look at first glance like nothing is happening. Yet under the surface a miracle is taking place and then, voila! the change happens and it seems like it was instantaneous. The scripture declares that outwardly we waste away, yet inwardly we are being renewed (changed) day by day. What a wonderful promise. God is transforming us little by little into His image. Sometimes it seems like nothing is going on, but underneath a stirring has happened, the Spirit is at work. Be patient dear ones, cooperate with the Lord in whatever change is taking place, submit to your leadership, look for the positive, perhaps the change will come a little faster. While not every change seems like a good one at the time, we can be assured that the over all picture is being fitted together by the Lord God himself. No need to worry in this season of change.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
new groove
We are getting closer to finding that new groove. So far it feels more like we're bumping along on a very nasty street. We need to discover new ways of doing our routines and living in this new space. I didn't think it would be this difficult. We've cut out a few things for a now, like program for Chris and piano lessons. School work is minimal but still there.
We've managed to keep our weekly management meetings and finally got all the bookkeeping back on track, that was difficult. Kelly isn't quite into his work groove as of yet. Kind of difficult when your office isn't put together yet. He's painting right now, then the flooring goes in, the doors go up and trim, baseboards and light fixtures appear. THEN we can move in furniture that doesn't presently exist but hopefully will by then. Anyway, finding this groove has been an adventure... one day we'll get it back...
Saturday, February 04, 2006
fresh flowers for February 4
The Mess
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
I was greeted with an interesting sight when I got home from the ballet run today. My eldest son was beaming from ear to ear with the joy of discovery. He was also covered head to toe in green glop... so was the table, the floor and the nearest chair. Bits of glop found their way into the hallway and living room. The counters and sink had remnants of other experiments that had gone on this morning. But my boy was radiant with what he'd learned and managed to accompish on his own, telling me about the things he'd found out about the glop he'd created. He valiantly attempted to clean up his mess, however, nine year old mess cleaning up isn't quite the same as mommy cleaning up, I was glad he attempted to undo his mess at least.
I thought about the other messes I'm encountering lately. My two year old is learning to go to the bathroom by himself. For any of you who have been down that road you may recall the joys of this time of life - it is messy, but the results are great when the journey is over. My three year old has discovered puzzles, I am constantly picking up puzzle pieces from interesting places.
Anytime a new thing is being learned there is sure to be a mess involved. It may not be a physical mess but there will be a mess of some kind guaranteed. Think about this in the context of a new believer or someone just discovering and experimenting with their spiritual gifts. The first time someone using a gift of prophecy steps out there is usually a little correcting needed, perhaps some fires to put out but do we stop that person from prophecying again? I hope not. What about the first time someone tries to lead a group or head up a ministry. There will be mistakes, things to be cleaned up but we don't stop trying.
What would happen if you had a baby learning to walk and because they kept falling on their bottom you decided it would be better if they didn't do that again. You had better strengthen your arm muscles because you'll be carrying that child around for the rest of your life unless someone else intervenes. Any parents I know of would never even think of doing that in that context and yet we do tend to limit people in our sphere when they are learning something new because we don't want to be bothered with the mess. If I am too tired and it seems like a lot of work I am eager to put a diaper on that 2 year old bottom and not bother with the underwear, but he won't learn without my consistent support, encouragement and cleaning cloth.
In this process of discipleship, learning and growing we must be prepared for the mess, it will surely come. We need to remember that we once had to learn those things, too and there will be new things that we still have to learn, we will make our own messes that someone else will clean up. Love one another, bear one another's burdens, these are the commands of God. They will know we are Christians by our love for one another, or perhaps by how merciful we are during the messes. Keep your cleaning cloth in your back pocket - don't leave home without it.
copyright 2006, Lani Wiens
a fresh flowers original
I was greeted with an interesting sight when I got home from the ballet run today. My eldest son was beaming from ear to ear with the joy of discovery. He was also covered head to toe in green glop... so was the table, the floor and the nearest chair. Bits of glop found their way into the hallway and living room. The counters and sink had remnants of other experiments that had gone on this morning. But my boy was radiant with what he'd learned and managed to accompish on his own, telling me about the things he'd found out about the glop he'd created. He valiantly attempted to clean up his mess, however, nine year old mess cleaning up isn't quite the same as mommy cleaning up, I was glad he attempted to undo his mess at least.
I thought about the other messes I'm encountering lately. My two year old is learning to go to the bathroom by himself. For any of you who have been down that road you may recall the joys of this time of life - it is messy, but the results are great when the journey is over. My three year old has discovered puzzles, I am constantly picking up puzzle pieces from interesting places.
Anytime a new thing is being learned there is sure to be a mess involved. It may not be a physical mess but there will be a mess of some kind guaranteed. Think about this in the context of a new believer or someone just discovering and experimenting with their spiritual gifts. The first time someone using a gift of prophecy steps out there is usually a little correcting needed, perhaps some fires to put out but do we stop that person from prophecying again? I hope not. What about the first time someone tries to lead a group or head up a ministry. There will be mistakes, things to be cleaned up but we don't stop trying.
What would happen if you had a baby learning to walk and because they kept falling on their bottom you decided it would be better if they didn't do that again. You had better strengthen your arm muscles because you'll be carrying that child around for the rest of your life unless someone else intervenes. Any parents I know of would never even think of doing that in that context and yet we do tend to limit people in our sphere when they are learning something new because we don't want to be bothered with the mess. If I am too tired and it seems like a lot of work I am eager to put a diaper on that 2 year old bottom and not bother with the underwear, but he won't learn without my consistent support, encouragement and cleaning cloth.
In this process of discipleship, learning and growing we must be prepared for the mess, it will surely come. We need to remember that we once had to learn those things, too and there will be new things that we still have to learn, we will make our own messes that someone else will clean up. Love one another, bear one another's burdens, these are the commands of God. They will know we are Christians by our love for one another, or perhaps by how merciful we are during the messes. Keep your cleaning cloth in your back pocket - don't leave home without it.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
WARNING!!!
For all my blogger friends who are eagerly watching the countdown meter above (okay so maybe I'm the only one eagerly watching) I need to warn you.
Cut off the last two weeks of that thing. I've never yet made it to 38 weeks and I'm guessing I won't start with #6!!! (Blow up a balloon six times and take a good look, you'll get the picture).
So we are under 10 weeks and counting down. YEE HAW!!
Of course this is the part where I start to swing between coming way too quick and can't get here soon enough. Oh the joys of being pregnant.
My sweet little friend over at Livin' Forgiven' just found out she's expecting, the wave of Hopeful babies continues. I believe there are a few more that could join the ranks don't ya think........no pressure, but us old-timers have to stop somewhere!!
Cut off the last two weeks of that thing. I've never yet made it to 38 weeks and I'm guessing I won't start with #6!!! (Blow up a balloon six times and take a good look, you'll get the picture).
So we are under 10 weeks and counting down. YEE HAW!!
Of course this is the part where I start to swing between coming way too quick and can't get here soon enough. Oh the joys of being pregnant.
My sweet little friend over at Livin' Forgiven' just found out she's expecting, the wave of Hopeful babies continues. I believe there are a few more that could join the ranks don't ya think........no pressure, but us old-timers have to stop somewhere!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)