June has been a bit of a bust so far.
It started out well. I was helping with a wedding for a friend and things went wonderfully well, it was lovely and the day was good. Things went downhill from there. I came home to a boy who was complaining about a stomachache. I can't say I thought much of it, I figured they probably ate badly all day since I wasn't home and the big brother was babysitting.
By 3:30 am he was throwing up and by 8:00am he looked a lot like Kelly did right before they took his appendix out. We made arrangements for our kids and Sunday morning responsibilities, hopped in the van and drove 2 hours to the emergency room. I didn't get home until the next Saturday night. They operated on Monday afternoon. His appendix had perforated and he was one sick little boy. The stay at the hospital depleted me physically but gave me a nice opportunity for a brain break. My only thoughts had to be for what that sick little boy would need next. In between I read and knit dish clothes and prayed for my friend who was two provinces away sitting with her daughter while she recovered from heart surgery.
Having me be at the hospital for an entire week put us waaaaaaayyyyyyyy behind on getting our books to the accountant. We worked like crazy people for the next few days to get them done....what little brain I had was gone by the time we finished. I quite detest doing accounting, it is not something that my very right-brained self enjoys. At the end of the day you find out how much money you spent that year on things you didn't need. Financial deficit is very sobering.
I didn't bring my Bible along to the hospital because I have one on my phone...I thought I'd only be there over night. The service at the hospital was rather sketchy so I could read the same chapter in Luke where it was stuck and that was it. I'm afraid I've had a hard time getting back into my Bible reading program after I got a week behind. No excuse I know, but I need to get back there. Besides that, we have 6 devotionals to do for the family camp we're speaking at in a couple of weeks. I am in a spiritual deficit.
This week my dad had surgery, my daughter took her piano exam and a beloved aunty had a CT scan, yesterday was a write-off.
The bottom line is that I am running a deficit. Not quite as bad as the American government but just about. I am depleted physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. There is a lot of room for improvement!
I am thankful for some things that I would be remiss to not mention:
* the Fleuter family stepped in that Sunday morning and took on our Sunday School classes, Children's Church and our kids
* the Grandparents who took care of the kids, cleaned our house and did our laundry
* the friends and family who prayed, e-mailed, phoned, sent notes, gifts and came to visit
* the hospital staff who did such a good job of helping my boy through this very rough spot
* the accountant who told us we had an extra couple of days because he would e-file for us
* the siblings who came to visit their brother to try and make him smile
* the three gals that brought me into the Big Cook Off - the most laughing I've done all month
* all the screens that kept the energizer boy occupied so he wouldn't get up and do stupid things
* the church ladies who sent food over
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Accounting
The last two weeks have been filled with data entry, numbers and computer screens. Accounting is an extremely left-brained activity that doesn't fit very well into my right-brained self. There isn't anything pretty to look at, there's nothing to re-arrange, there isn't anything poetic, there are just numbers and a lot of paper. However, accounting has it's place in this world. It's the thing that gives you that big ol' reality check that none of us really likes but has to be done.
I can't wait for the moment when we hand over everything to the accountant and he goes through everything with a fine-tooth comb and announces the verdict (only because it means that I'm done my job). Accounting tells you exactly what has been going on in your bank account. It tells you exactly what you've done with what you had over the last year. It can be very painful, especially if you haven't really been paying attention to what's going on, chosen to ignore the truth of your bank balance or pretended not to notice what was really going on with your finances. On the other hand it can simply be a confirmation of what you already knew. If you have one more hand to offer you can have a pleasant surprise at the end of the day where your net worth is actually a lot better than you thought it might be.
Whether we like it or not accounting has to be done, we can procrastinate and put it off, pretend like we don't have to do it or ignore it all together but one day the government will call you to give an account for your assets and liabilities and demand its due. The government has the right to audit your accounting to see if you've told the truth about what you've been up to all these years. An audit can be a nail-biting affair, especially if you have something to hide. I have bad news, all of us are going to be audited one day...and not by the government.
God is the grand-daddy of all bookkeepers! It says in His word that each of us will be required to give an account for what we've done with what we've been given - the good, bad and the ugly. God doesn't lose statements or receipts, His bookkeeping is perfect and He doesn't forget where that deposit came from or what we bought at this or that store and whether or not it was personal or a business expense. He has all that covered. Whether we like it or not, whether we believe it or not, we will be called to account, our lives are going to be audited and we will have to answer for all we've done.
Thank God for GRACE!! All the screw-ups, sins of omission and those I did quite deliberately are written down for all to see...yet when I repent and plead for Jesus' blood to cover those sins, they are wiped away as if they never existed. I have no Grace eraser in my accounting program but I have one with my Saviour. I can be confident that when I stand before my God that there is one who speaks on my behalf. I know that I can't hide anything because it's already been seen. I can't hope that my good will outweigh my bad because there is no hope in that, I couldn't possibly keep track. My hope is in Jesus Christ and the power of the resurrection.
How then shall I live? Like one who is forgiven and free. I need to keep my books up to date, to quickly repent when I see that I am on a wrong path so that a corresponding entry can be entered on the forgiveness side. I need to keep my life in balance, constantly checking with my Accountant to see where I am at. I want to keep a great looking bottom line.
Even though I truly hate bookkeeping apparently there is some value to accounting after all...I believe I may have learned something with my left-brain!
Blessings,
Have a fresh picked day!!
also on:
Facebook: Lani (Fast) Wiens
Pinterest
I can't wait for the moment when we hand over everything to the accountant and he goes through everything with a fine-tooth comb and announces the verdict (only because it means that I'm done my job). Accounting tells you exactly what has been going on in your bank account. It tells you exactly what you've done with what you had over the last year. It can be very painful, especially if you haven't really been paying attention to what's going on, chosen to ignore the truth of your bank balance or pretended not to notice what was really going on with your finances. On the other hand it can simply be a confirmation of what you already knew. If you have one more hand to offer you can have a pleasant surprise at the end of the day where your net worth is actually a lot better than you thought it might be.
Whether we like it or not accounting has to be done, we can procrastinate and put it off, pretend like we don't have to do it or ignore it all together but one day the government will call you to give an account for your assets and liabilities and demand its due. The government has the right to audit your accounting to see if you've told the truth about what you've been up to all these years. An audit can be a nail-biting affair, especially if you have something to hide. I have bad news, all of us are going to be audited one day...and not by the government.
God is the grand-daddy of all bookkeepers! It says in His word that each of us will be required to give an account for what we've done with what we've been given - the good, bad and the ugly. God doesn't lose statements or receipts, His bookkeeping is perfect and He doesn't forget where that deposit came from or what we bought at this or that store and whether or not it was personal or a business expense. He has all that covered. Whether we like it or not, whether we believe it or not, we will be called to account, our lives are going to be audited and we will have to answer for all we've done.
Thank God for GRACE!! All the screw-ups, sins of omission and those I did quite deliberately are written down for all to see...yet when I repent and plead for Jesus' blood to cover those sins, they are wiped away as if they never existed. I have no Grace eraser in my accounting program but I have one with my Saviour. I can be confident that when I stand before my God that there is one who speaks on my behalf. I know that I can't hide anything because it's already been seen. I can't hope that my good will outweigh my bad because there is no hope in that, I couldn't possibly keep track. My hope is in Jesus Christ and the power of the resurrection.
How then shall I live? Like one who is forgiven and free. I need to keep my books up to date, to quickly repent when I see that I am on a wrong path so that a corresponding entry can be entered on the forgiveness side. I need to keep my life in balance, constantly checking with my Accountant to see where I am at. I want to keep a great looking bottom line.
Even though I truly hate bookkeeping apparently there is some value to accounting after all...I believe I may have learned something with my left-brain!
Blessings,
Have a fresh picked day!!
also on:
Facebook: Lani (Fast) Wiens
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Of Burkahs and Bikinis
I've been watching with interest the debate that was generated over here by a post entitled Should Christians Wear Bikinis. There's nothing like the question of modesty to rev up the people and get them talking. I posted it on my facebook account and I agree with what the author has to say, HOWEVER, I decided to write something myself because I also believe there is something very significant that she missed...
My husband and I are youth pastors, we work with teens on an ongoing basis and have teens of our own, both male and female. The subject of modesty is very close to our hearts largely because of the struggle that my husband has experienced with pornography in the past and the struggles that we have walked through with many others some to a glorious breakthrough and some to heartbreaking downfall.
We can stand on our soapboxes and say we should wear this or wear that we should have hemlines to here and all of that. We can set up rules and point fingers at whose fault it is should someone have a lustful thought.
We have created an indecent, immodest, extremely sensual society where much of our value is ascribed to whether or not we can create a sensual sensation. If we aren't able to...we don't have value. It doesn't really have anything to do with female or male. There are many men that are equally immodest as the women. I will take a moment to quote Beth Moore from her book So Long, Insecurity:
" Life has changed - and in countless ways, it has changed for the better. but here's that line in the sand I promised you: our foremothers did not have to put up with the media madness that we women do today. They did not check out their groceries next to a magazine rack of gorgeous, half-dressed, airbrushed women. They did not rinse the leftover Hamburger helper off the supper dishes while their husbands watched Victoria's Secret models traipsing around in high definition. They did not stumble on pornography or chat rooms tucked in the closets of their computers - nor did they seek it out for themselves. They did not get explicit mail from complete strangers in their in-boxes. They could never have imagined the quick trip a woman could take from double-X chromosomes to triple-X movies. They were not immersed in a society where a woman is only as valuable as she is sensual. Simply put, they were not surrounded by our harrowing culture."
Our culture has bludgeoned us over the head with this concept, whether you are male or female, you must have a great body, you must show it off and if you can create a bit of a stir...you are valuable, if you can't, you better work harder. This is completely opposite to what scripture tells us. Our insecurities are what fuels the drive to show off what we've got, whether it's money, power, a great body or intellect. We are desperate for someone to tell us that we are okay, that we look good, that we've arrived. The reality is that this kind of intrinsic value affirmation can only come through Jesus Christ.
Scripture is pretty clear on this subject:
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
1 John 2:15-17
Lust isn't just a man's problem. As women we wield a mighty power in our body, we can use that power to help or hinder the men in our lives. We get proud of what we have and flaunt it, whether male or female.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Pet 3:3-4
While women were being addressed here, a beautiful spirit can belong to male or female.
Jeremiah 17:9-10
The part of us that really needs to be addressed is our hearts. Are we secure in who we are in Christ? As one who is still struggling with that issue, I am fully convinced that when we are truly secure in the fact that God loves me and I have unimaginable worth in His sight I will no longer seek after the affirmation of people who are fickle.
(this part is written by my husband)
God created us with a 2-part need that is symbolized by the cross. The vertical piece, our relationship with Him, and the horizontal piece, love of humankind (companionship/fellowship are reasons for Eve's creation and subsequently children and family and community etc.) Eve is the community creator, I think because of this God-created capacity to create and nurture horizontal relationships, women, as her lineage, are vulnerable to looking there for security and worth, rather than to the husband, Jesus, who gave himself for her and loved her, despite her fallen nature.
If a woman has an earthly husband, that is the next place she needs to get love, affirmation and security. because it is the husband's mandate to love her as Christ loved. When this is there and she is focused on loving Jesus and loving her husband and her husband is focused on loving Christ and loving her, there will not be temptation to get attention and "love" from others by dressing sensually etc. and doing things for the praise and pleasing of others, etc.
(me again)
At the end of the day we can go around and around about burkahs or bikinis but we would not be at the core of the issue. It's a matter of our heart, whether or heart is modest in what we wear, think, and do. Are we living to please the Lord or are we pleasing ourselves and trying to please the society that is around us? We also need to take God seriously when He says that we'll be judged for all our actions - I believe that will include how we've handled the issue of modesty and sensuality.
My husband and I are youth pastors, we work with teens on an ongoing basis and have teens of our own, both male and female. The subject of modesty is very close to our hearts largely because of the struggle that my husband has experienced with pornography in the past and the struggles that we have walked through with many others some to a glorious breakthrough and some to heartbreaking downfall.
We can stand on our soapboxes and say we should wear this or wear that we should have hemlines to here and all of that. We can set up rules and point fingers at whose fault it is should someone have a lustful thought.
Modesty is a heart issue.
We can be immodest not only in our attire, but in our speech, in our attitudes, in our wealth, in our actions and so on. The question we must ask is not IF we should wear a bikini but WHY would we choose to.We have created an indecent, immodest, extremely sensual society where much of our value is ascribed to whether or not we can create a sensual sensation. If we aren't able to...we don't have value. It doesn't really have anything to do with female or male. There are many men that are equally immodest as the women. I will take a moment to quote Beth Moore from her book So Long, Insecurity:
" Life has changed - and in countless ways, it has changed for the better. but here's that line in the sand I promised you: our foremothers did not have to put up with the media madness that we women do today. They did not check out their groceries next to a magazine rack of gorgeous, half-dressed, airbrushed women. They did not rinse the leftover Hamburger helper off the supper dishes while their husbands watched Victoria's Secret models traipsing around in high definition. They did not stumble on pornography or chat rooms tucked in the closets of their computers - nor did they seek it out for themselves. They did not get explicit mail from complete strangers in their in-boxes. They could never have imagined the quick trip a woman could take from double-X chromosomes to triple-X movies. They were not immersed in a society where a woman is only as valuable as she is sensual. Simply put, they were not surrounded by our harrowing culture."
Our culture has bludgeoned us over the head with this concept, whether you are male or female, you must have a great body, you must show it off and if you can create a bit of a stir...you are valuable, if you can't, you better work harder. This is completely opposite to what scripture tells us. Our insecurities are what fuels the drive to show off what we've got, whether it's money, power, a great body or intellect. We are desperate for someone to tell us that we are okay, that we look good, that we've arrived. The reality is that this kind of intrinsic value affirmation can only come through Jesus Christ.
Scripture is pretty clear on this subject:
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
1 John 2:15-17
Lust isn't just a man's problem. As women we wield a mighty power in our body, we can use that power to help or hinder the men in our lives. We get proud of what we have and flaunt it, whether male or female.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Pet 3:3-4
While women were being addressed here, a beautiful spirit can belong to male or female.
Jeremiah 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?
10 “I the Lord search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
according to what their deeds deserve.”
and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
according to what their deeds deserve.”
The part of us that really needs to be addressed is our hearts. Are we secure in who we are in Christ? As one who is still struggling with that issue, I am fully convinced that when we are truly secure in the fact that God loves me and I have unimaginable worth in His sight I will no longer seek after the affirmation of people who are fickle.
(this part is written by my husband)
God created us with a 2-part need that is symbolized by the cross. The vertical piece, our relationship with Him, and the horizontal piece, love of humankind (companionship/fellowship are reasons for Eve's creation and subsequently children and family and community etc.) Eve is the community creator, I think because of this God-created capacity to create and nurture horizontal relationships, women, as her lineage, are vulnerable to looking there for security and worth, rather than to the husband, Jesus, who gave himself for her and loved her, despite her fallen nature.
If a woman has an earthly husband, that is the next place she needs to get love, affirmation and security. because it is the husband's mandate to love her as Christ loved. When this is there and she is focused on loving Jesus and loving her husband and her husband is focused on loving Christ and loving her, there will not be temptation to get attention and "love" from others by dressing sensually etc. and doing things for the praise and pleasing of others, etc.
(me again)
At the end of the day we can go around and around about burkahs or bikinis but we would not be at the core of the issue. It's a matter of our heart, whether or heart is modest in what we wear, think, and do. Are we living to please the Lord or are we pleasing ourselves and trying to please the society that is around us? We also need to take God seriously when He says that we'll be judged for all our actions - I believe that will include how we've handled the issue of modesty and sensuality.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
A 1000 Thanks for 1000 Moms...
Maybe there aren't quite a thousand who have mothered me but there have been a lot of women who have poured their cups into mine and made mine richer. I want to honor them today on this eve of mother's day. My own 'mothering' road hasn't been easy, some of these women haven't born a child in the physical sense but they have borne me in their hearts and in their prayers. I wish I had a picture of each and every one, but I don't but I thank you all the same!
My first word of thanks has to go to my own mama who has been a comfort, support and sounding board for all these years. I am so thankful that we have never had a time, at least that I can remember, where we were estranged from each other. I loved sitting under my mother's sewing table as a little girl sorting buttons while she sewed me another beautiful dress. Now she sews while my little ones sit at her feet learning from her. I treasure her wisdom and her amazing creativity and her slightly off-the-wall personality. You have taught me much, living your life in front of me through all kinds of ups and downs. I love you so much!
Then there is this wonderful women who bore my husband and raised him up for me to be the amazing godly man that he is. You have faithfully prayed and supported us these last 20 years and our lives our richer because of it. You came out of retirement to pass on to my children your talents in music and I love that. Thank you for loving me.
This lovely lady is my big sister and she has done a lot of mothering since I was born. I know I screamed at you many times and sometimes resented your mothering but not anymore dear one. You are gracious woman to have put up with me all these years. It was so fun having babies with you and bringing them up alongside you. Blessings sister dear!
These crazy women! I am so thankful for the group of women that I hang out with in Beechy, you have added much to my life out here on the farm. You are such an encouragement to me. I am so thankful to have a bunch of ladies to quilt with and such.
These lovely women represent all those wonderful ladies who held my babies so I could have a moment. These three are all dear to me, have walked with me and helped my heart grow up into the woman that I am. (and Heather introduced me to my husband, I am forever grateful!)
Where would we be without those women who have gone before us to show us how it's done, encourage us along the way and give us a pat on the back once in awhile.
I don't have a picture of this guys wife so he'll have to do. Sue you've prayed down angels for us and asked us the hard questions then stood with us to help us walk it through. You are a spiritual mama if there ever was one! And that young lady...can't say enough good about her! I got to mother her a little and then she came to help me mother mine for a season and now we just walk together. Love you warrior princess!
Spiritual parents to us that have invested so much in who we are and where we are today. Couldn't do this thing without you.
My sisters, friends and fellow mothers! Linda you've been the string on my kite for ever so long, loving the little ones together. Marilee I'm reminded of when I was grieving the loss of my heaven-bound baby and you whispered in my ear, "This too shall pass", because you knew how it felt to lose someone you love. Carol and Holly, we've had babies and tears and laughter together...may it never end...
Oh, you two, just want to squeeze you both. Second parents to those two little guys who look up to you and love you soooooooooooo much! May you soon know the joy of being first-hand parents! So excited to walk the journey with you, God has exciting things planned for you, I know it!!
There are so many more mamas that I love! Like all the aunties who have prayed and been interested and sent practical gifts here and there you are so precious! All my sisters-in-love with whom I've laughed and cried and had oh so many deep discussions. My newer friends that I'm beginning to know better as we walk this road through the teenage years together. And those who don't want to have the spotlight turned on them who bless my heart in such practical ways, like giving me an Accuquilt because you weren't using it and thought I might like it. Ladies you are my sisters and my friends and my mamas. This mother's day may you each feel the presence and touch of God on your life this mother's day and each day henceforth. You are gold! And if you've read this and wondered why I forgot to mention you don't be alarmed, I love you and value your friendship and prayers and mentoring over the years.
Blessings,
Have a fresh-picked day
Lani, the flower-lady
also on:
Facebook: Lani Fast Wiens
Pinterest: Lani Wiens (lanireneewiens)
My first word of thanks has to go to my own mama who has been a comfort, support and sounding board for all these years. I am so thankful that we have never had a time, at least that I can remember, where we were estranged from each other. I loved sitting under my mother's sewing table as a little girl sorting buttons while she sewed me another beautiful dress. Now she sews while my little ones sit at her feet learning from her. I treasure her wisdom and her amazing creativity and her slightly off-the-wall personality. You have taught me much, living your life in front of me through all kinds of ups and downs. I love you so much!
 |
| So glad she is my mom and my friend! |
 |
| Isn't that just the most beautiful smile! |
 |
| My big sister, Donna. |
 |
| The 'old ladies' cabin from Mexico Mission 2012! |
 |
| Lovely ladies holding babies! Love you Heather, Lloanne and Dianne. |
 |
| The Blocks - so dear. |
 |
| Bill and Sherry |
 |
| Pastor Terry and Wanda |
 |
| Marilee, Linda, Carol and Holly |
 |
| Andrew and Camille and my guys who look so little!! An old picture for sure! |
Blessings,
Have a fresh-picked day
Lani, the flower-lady
also on:
Facebook: Lani Fast Wiens
Pinterest: Lani Wiens (lanireneewiens)
Friday, May 11, 2012
And the winner is...
Thank you so much to all those who entered my first give-away, I promise it won't be the last!! Need a little drum roll. The choosing was very scientific. I wrote down all the names, numbered them, then had one of my kids pick a number....
Sarah Wiens you are the lucky winner. I can assure you with full confidence that Ann's book, should you choose to, will change how you view life. I have been reading her blog since it's inception, mine started at about the same time. Our lives looked so very similar. I don't think she ever expected to gain the fame that she currently has but it is well deserved and I believe she is handling it with grace. ENJOY the book! I will get it to you as soon as I can.
AN EXTRA NOTE:
Remember back a few months ago I said I was going to start a private reading blog with my own writing and issued an invitation for you, my faithful readers to join it? I finally got enough courage to create the blog yesterday only to find out that I can only add gmail addresses (google account) as readers. So if you would like to participate with me in this, please leave a comment or e-mail me with a gmail address (they are free). (Some of you I don't have addresses at all...) Marilee and Sonya, you're in. Once I have your gmail address added I will send you the link since you won't be able to find it on a browser. Very exclusive! :) Any questions?
Once again THANK YOU for reading here. It's going to become much more regular as the Lord has been convicting me STRONGLY about writing regularly so I better listen. Come back often, the teapot is always waiting for you!
Blessing,
Have a fresh-picked day!
Lani
also on facebook: Lani Fast Wiens
also on Pinterest: Lani Wiens (lanireneewiens)
Sarah Wiens you are the lucky winner. I can assure you with full confidence that Ann's book, should you choose to, will change how you view life. I have been reading her blog since it's inception, mine started at about the same time. Our lives looked so very similar. I don't think she ever expected to gain the fame that she currently has but it is well deserved and I believe she is handling it with grace. ENJOY the book! I will get it to you as soon as I can.
AN EXTRA NOTE:
Remember back a few months ago I said I was going to start a private reading blog with my own writing and issued an invitation for you, my faithful readers to join it? I finally got enough courage to create the blog yesterday only to find out that I can only add gmail addresses (google account) as readers. So if you would like to participate with me in this, please leave a comment or e-mail me with a gmail address (they are free). (Some of you I don't have addresses at all...) Marilee and Sonya, you're in. Once I have your gmail address added I will send you the link since you won't be able to find it on a browser. Very exclusive! :) Any questions?
Once again THANK YOU for reading here. It's going to become much more regular as the Lord has been convicting me STRONGLY about writing regularly so I better listen. Come back often, the teapot is always waiting for you!
Blessing,
Have a fresh-picked day!
Lani
also on facebook: Lani Fast Wiens
also on Pinterest: Lani Wiens (lanireneewiens)
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
EVERY DAY
Good morning! I've been having a stellar morning so far. A morning which has included getting kids ready for school, having a little discussion about honesty, railing at them a little bit because they didn't really practice for today's lessons, a discussion about faith moving mountains and praying together about such, cleaning up the morning mess, sitting at my window reading the word and being thankful, conversations with friends and family, paging back through a journal and finding this poem - I edited a little and would like to share it with you.
You are the God of Every Day;
Every day grace
Every day favour
Every day guidance
Every day direction
Every day strength
Every day wisdom
Every day peace
Every day truth
Every day love
Every day self-control
Every day kindness
Every day joy
Every Day
by lani wiens
You are the God of Every Day;
Every day grace
Every day favour
Every day guidance
Every day direction
Every day strength
Every day wisdom
Every day peace
Every day truth
Every day love
Every day self-control
Every day kindness
Every day joy
Every day I am in need
E-v-e-r-y day
ALL DAY
day in and day out
I need you
to be my
EVERY DAY
PS: there's one more day to enter my give-away for Ann's amazing book! Leave a comment on the previous post on my blog or on the facebook post with the same name!!
Friday, May 04, 2012
First EVER Give-Away on fresh flowers
I am in a bit of a flutter today. I'm supposed to be getting ready to take the junior highs on a retreat, grad is tonite and I need to bake bread and do laundry. I have grad gifts to prepare and wrap and...you get the picture. This really isn't the time for blogging , however, I have been inspired! It might be my new pink shoes wrapped around my feet...or I'm just procrastinating. Doesn't matter!!! I won a little on-line give-away today and decided it was high time to do one of my own. There have been close to 600 posts on this little blog and over 14 000 views, reason enough to celebrate!!
So you can thank Mrs. Harris for this one! I am thankful for those who come regularly to read even though I'm not always regularly here to blog. I am thankful for all the wonderful things I've learned and been inspired by through other blogs. Soooo...I'd like to do my own little give-away!
and if I get inspired some more, I might just add a few more little goodies into the mix (really, these pink shoes are amazing!). So, please leave a comment with something that you are thankful for today. You are free to share this but please link back!
I will draw for the book on Friday of next week (that would be the 11th)!
blessings, have a very fresh-picked day!!
Lani
So you can thank Mrs. Harris for this one! I am thankful for those who come regularly to read even though I'm not always regularly here to blog. I am thankful for all the wonderful things I've learned and been inspired by through other blogs. Soooo...I'd like to do my own little give-away!
What am I giving away? Something I am very thankful for:
Ann Voskamp's book "1000 Gifts - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are"
and if I get inspired some more, I might just add a few more little goodies into the mix (really, these pink shoes are amazing!). So, please leave a comment with something that you are thankful for today. You are free to share this but please link back!
I will draw for the book on Friday of next week (that would be the 11th)!
blessings, have a very fresh-picked day!!
Lani
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Be Still And Know That I AM GOD
Three times this week this phrase has come up on my radar. It makes me notice it and realize that perhaps the Lord is trying to tell me something. In class we learn that if a speaker/writer says/writes something three times it is important to remember. Likewise if you want your listeners/readers to remember something you need to repeat it at least three times so that they get it.
First our conference pastor's wife referred to that phrase as an encouragement to me in my busy life as we celebrated five years of ministry in this church. I read it during my quiet time as I try to catch up on my Bible reading plan and there it is, just be still and know. Then today I read it again in Ann's post at Holy Experience. I must take notice or I will miss the message that is just for me this week.
So three times this has come and it is the thing I struggle with more than anything...being still. I am not a sit still kind of person. I am very task oriented, wanting to get things done, cross things off the list, accomplish much. I feel lazy and unproductive if I don't.
And yet I waste time on the internet, being still but not knowing Him, rather knowing other things that are not nearly so important as knowing that ONE.
This quote from Ann's blog and book have tripped me up more than once. This is a thought that pierced my soul. I don't want to be an amateur...
"I think of this often, words of another woman seeking: “On every level of life, from housework to heights of prayer, in all judgment and efforts to get things done, hurry and impatience are sure marks of the amateur.”"
you can read the whole post here.
I used to have this painted on my kitchen cupboard...I may need to put it somewhere again, to remind me of what is important. To remind that I need that kind of intimacy more than I need to mark something off my to-do list.
First our conference pastor's wife referred to that phrase as an encouragement to me in my busy life as we celebrated five years of ministry in this church. I read it during my quiet time as I try to catch up on my Bible reading plan and there it is, just be still and know. Then today I read it again in Ann's post at Holy Experience. I must take notice or I will miss the message that is just for me this week.
So three times this has come and it is the thing I struggle with more than anything...being still. I am not a sit still kind of person. I am very task oriented, wanting to get things done, cross things off the list, accomplish much. I feel lazy and unproductive if I don't.
And yet I waste time on the internet, being still but not knowing Him, rather knowing other things that are not nearly so important as knowing that ONE.
This quote from Ann's blog and book have tripped me up more than once. This is a thought that pierced my soul. I don't want to be an amateur...
"I think of this often, words of another woman seeking: “On every level of life, from housework to heights of prayer, in all judgment and efforts to get things done, hurry and impatience are sure marks of the amateur.”"
you can read the whole post here.
I used to have this painted on my kitchen cupboard...I may need to put it somewhere again, to remind me of what is important. To remind that I need that kind of intimacy more than I need to mark something off my to-do list.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I AM.
Be still and know that I...
Be still and know that.
Be still and know
Be still and,
Be still.
Be.
Linking UP with UBP12
Today's post is for the 5minutes for mom blog party!! I'm supposed to tell you a little about me...
1. I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world, don't know how he puts up with me!
2. I love Jesus with all my heart and hopefully that comes out in what I say, do and write here at fresh flowers.
3. I'm the mom to 6 amazing kids, one of whom has R.A.D. which makes our life more than a little interesting
4. We are youth pastors to a group of amazing kids who we are trying to point to Jesus.
5. We are grain farmers living in Canada in the grain belt!
6. I am one of those annoying artsy people who sing, play, dance, and create whenever I possibly can squeeze it in. My personal faves are anything to do with fabric and paper - fabric still wins!!
7. I love to write and wish I could be disciplined enough to do more of it.
8. I'm tall, blonde and slightly overweight.
9. My house is never completely clean...NEVER!!
10. I'm almost always doing laundry.
11. I love dogs, it used to be cats but I converted.
12. I am blessed with lots of family and friends near and far and some whom I've never met other than through this screen.
13. I've been able to travel quite a bit - which I love to do.
+026.JPG) |
| this is me! |
1. I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world, don't know how he puts up with me!
2. I love Jesus with all my heart and hopefully that comes out in what I say, do and write here at fresh flowers.
3. I'm the mom to 6 amazing kids, one of whom has R.A.D. which makes our life more than a little interesting
4. We are youth pastors to a group of amazing kids who we are trying to point to Jesus.
5. We are grain farmers living in Canada in the grain belt!
6. I am one of those annoying artsy people who sing, play, dance, and create whenever I possibly can squeeze it in. My personal faves are anything to do with fabric and paper - fabric still wins!!
7. I love to write and wish I could be disciplined enough to do more of it.
8. I'm tall, blonde and slightly overweight.
9. My house is never completely clean...NEVER!!
10. I'm almost always doing laundry.
11. I love dogs, it used to be cats but I converted.
12. I am blessed with lots of family and friends near and far and some whom I've never met other than through this screen.
13. I've been able to travel quite a bit - which I love to do.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Confessions of an Undisciplined Ninny
That would be me...the undisciplined ninny. I have a terrible time with routines, schedules, budgets and programs of any kind that involve, well, just doing them day after day. I don't particularly like that aspect of my character. Part of it comes from being rather right-brained (AKA - creative, artsy type) and part of it comes from sheer laziness!
I love making lists and checking them off. I love buying organizational tools and such lovely things as boxes and bins and things. However, I get somewhat squeamish when I actually have to commit to using them in a particular way.
I really do want to be organized and clutter-free...and I'd like to make the 1001 ideas that are floating in my head at any given time! I know, I know all you left-brained people are saying, "If you made a routine and stuck to it you'd have more time to do the things you love!" I am well aware of the theory, I've read it all, I just have a hard time doing it more than a couple of weeks.
So I'm thinking I should commit myself to a public challenge, something here on my blog...I'm just not sure what. Any good ideas?
I love making lists and checking them off. I love buying organizational tools and such lovely things as boxes and bins and things. However, I get somewhat squeamish when I actually have to commit to using them in a particular way.
I really do want to be organized and clutter-free...and I'd like to make the 1001 ideas that are floating in my head at any given time! I know, I know all you left-brained people are saying, "If you made a routine and stuck to it you'd have more time to do the things you love!" I am well aware of the theory, I've read it all, I just have a hard time doing it more than a couple of weeks.
So I'm thinking I should commit myself to a public challenge, something here on my blog...I'm just not sure what. Any good ideas?
Thursday, April 05, 2012
What to Say
I haven't written much lately but it isn't because I have nothing to say, it's more like there is so much to say I don't know where to begin.
I am so thankful that you read this blog. If you've only recently found it I encourage you to go back through the archives and be inspired by some of the things that the Lord has taught me along the way. If you've been around awhile you know that the flowers haven't been blooming so much lately. I'm learning things, they just aren't very pleasant lessons. I read this quote in a bathroom stall recently..
This seems so true unless you realize that God is in the picture and He's teaching and coaching right through the test and keeps giving us re-writes until our slow minds can comprehend what it is He's trying to do. And every lesson is the same:
And still I need to be taught and so I sit in these hard, dry days and wonder if I'll ever learn. Wondering if I'll ever figure out that I don't need to do it right in order to be right loved.
So I do what I know I shouldn't, I back away trying to protect myself rather than move forward into embrace. I fight against what's happening rather than allowing the waves to carry me up and into shore.
So rather than write and get out all that is in my soul I sit silent and hope that someone hears.
And He comes with a word wrapped in a song and reminds me that He delights in me and it's okay if I can't do it all and He certainly isn't expecting me to.
I am so thankful that you read this blog. If you've only recently found it I encourage you to go back through the archives and be inspired by some of the things that the Lord has taught me along the way. If you've been around awhile you know that the flowers haven't been blooming so much lately. I'm learning things, they just aren't very pleasant lessons. I read this quote in a bathroom stall recently..
"Life is the cruelest of teachers, first it gives you the test
and then teaches you the lesson."
This seems so true unless you realize that God is in the picture and He's teaching and coaching right through the test and keeps giving us re-writes until our slow minds can comprehend what it is He's trying to do. And every lesson is the same:
I am enough.
Lean on me.
Don't try so hard.
I am the answer to your question.
And still I need to be taught and so I sit in these hard, dry days and wonder if I'll ever learn. Wondering if I'll ever figure out that I don't need to do it right in order to be right loved.
So I do what I know I shouldn't, I back away trying to protect myself rather than move forward into embrace. I fight against what's happening rather than allowing the waves to carry me up and into shore.
So rather than write and get out all that is in my soul I sit silent and hope that someone hears.
And He does.
And He comes with a word wrapped in a song and reminds me that He delights in me and it's okay if I can't do it all and He certainly isn't expecting me to.
Friday, March 16, 2012
You are Worthwhile (and a little bit of funny)
I need to be doing a lot of other things besides writing right now, but I need to clear my head a little and focus for a moment or two. Have you ever noticed how the things you are thankful for aren't necessarily the things that the next person is thankful for? We are all wired so very differently, each one of us has a different perspective and a different voice and a different circle of influence that God designed for us to be in. I may not have the same writing style as the next writer, my voice sounds different than the person singing next to me...that does not de-value my voice or make the words I write less worthy of being read. It's a miracle really...there are new songs being written every day, new books published every day with new insight and people who may read what I wrote but will not even consider what another had to say about the same subject.
It's not that different than teachers I suppose. Have you ever noticed you can learn from one person and not another. One student raves about the teacher and the next can't understand a thing and is frustrated beyond belief. I witnessed that phenomenon at my kitchen table yesterday as my husband tutored a young lady in math. She couldn't understand it in class, but he presented it in a way that made sense to her and voila! learning happens.
We are such wonderfully complex creatures, each with a different set of gifts and talents to share with the world. Don't let anyone tell you and by all means don't tell yourself that what you write/create/craft/sing/_________(fill in the blank) is not good enough because it doesn't look/sound/feel like that person's over there.
I'm not exactly sure where this post is stemming from today but I felt a need to write that for someone, perhaps myself, to encourage you today in whatever dream that is being woven in your heart just now. It's okay to be you (or me)! Live fully the life God has designed for you.
And now for a bit of funny...
There were rumors of discontent floating around my supper table last night and so I encouraged my children to think of some things to be thankful for since it is difficult to grumble and be thankful at the same time. My eldest son who is almost 16 pipes up and says..."I thankful for flatulation", my lovely daughter gets on the bandwagon and says, "and defecation" and another son, "how about urination". While gales of laughter abound I cannot say not to be thankful for so basic of bodily functions...to quote Shrek, "Better out than in!" Later on that evening as we're getting ready for bed my husband informs me that there are other much more pleasant bodily functions that he could have mentioned but thought better of it! This is my family, like it or lump it! :)
It's not that different than teachers I suppose. Have you ever noticed you can learn from one person and not another. One student raves about the teacher and the next can't understand a thing and is frustrated beyond belief. I witnessed that phenomenon at my kitchen table yesterday as my husband tutored a young lady in math. She couldn't understand it in class, but he presented it in a way that made sense to her and voila! learning happens.
We are such wonderfully complex creatures, each with a different set of gifts and talents to share with the world. Don't let anyone tell you and by all means don't tell yourself that what you write/create/craft/sing/_________(fill in the blank) is not good enough because it doesn't look/sound/feel like that person's over there.
I'm not exactly sure where this post is stemming from today but I felt a need to write that for someone, perhaps myself, to encourage you today in whatever dream that is being woven in your heart just now. It's okay to be you (or me)! Live fully the life God has designed for you.
And now for a bit of funny...
There were rumors of discontent floating around my supper table last night and so I encouraged my children to think of some things to be thankful for since it is difficult to grumble and be thankful at the same time. My eldest son who is almost 16 pipes up and says..."I thankful for flatulation", my lovely daughter gets on the bandwagon and says, "and defecation" and another son, "how about urination". While gales of laughter abound I cannot say not to be thankful for so basic of bodily functions...to quote Shrek, "Better out than in!" Later on that evening as we're getting ready for bed my husband informs me that there are other much more pleasant bodily functions that he could have mentioned but thought better of it! This is my family, like it or lump it! :)
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
thanks
Feeling the need to give thanks just now...
for white on the ground that will mean green in the fields this year
for 'thanks for supper mom, that was good'
for a 'serger miracle' today
for a way to fix a mistake
for ideas that come after you pray
for a husband who loves God more than he loves me
for worship music
for the book of Ruth
for a really good sleep last night
for good friends
Friday, March 02, 2012
A miracle and invitation
A little miracle happened yesterday. A dear friend sent me a cheque in the mail. How is that a miracle you may ask. Do you get random cheques in the mail every day? I don't. It was why she sent me the cheque that touched my heart so deeply.
A month or two ago I ran into her at a concert and we stood and talked until the concert started. We haven't seen each other for a few years and it was so good to reconnect. As we caught up with one another I mentioned my desire to go to the Allume Social, it's a convention for women Christian bloggers. I have a few obstacles to overcome; it's in Pennsyvania (definitely not a hardship to go there, just expensive), did I mention that it's expensive? and there are very limited spaces available. The other obstacle...my husband talked with God and they came up with a little 'test'...I can go...if my readers support it. Way back when I was really regular with this blog, had a pretty large readership and was even selling some of my little inspirational journals that I self-published...I would have said that it was a possibility. Now that I'm sporadic and I live in a different space and place... I'm not so sure. I gave up the thought almost immediately.
Then yesterday, it was March 1st and I knew that they were opening up some seats and here's this cheque in the mail from that same dear lurker *smile* encouraging me in my dream and telling me that she believes in me enough to send me a little money to go...(yes I cried...just so you know). I still don't know if I'll be able to go because that set of seats sold out before I even remembered that it was the day to check that out, but God knows. There is a writer's conference close by that I've been encouraged to attend and maybe I'll have to settle for that this year.
I was watching Letters to Juliette the other day and this wanna-be writer is claiming perfectionism as a reason for not submitting her work for publication. Her adversary tells her that she's just using that as an excuse because she's a chicken. My dear husband of 20 years looks at me out of the side of his face and laughed if you can believe it!
So...to prove I'm not chicken I am going to invite you, should you wish an invitation to the opening of a new blog that will contain my writing as it is right now. I have a few poems that I might submit to a competition and 2 novels underway. In this private blog I will share my rough drafts and you'll be free to read and comment. If you'd like an invitation and you've actually read this far you can post a comment or e-mail me and let me know if you'd like to be a part of my unfolding writing drama, such as it is.
I probably am just a chicken walking around looking like a human...
A month or two ago I ran into her at a concert and we stood and talked until the concert started. We haven't seen each other for a few years and it was so good to reconnect. As we caught up with one another I mentioned my desire to go to the Allume Social, it's a convention for women Christian bloggers. I have a few obstacles to overcome; it's in Pennsyvania (definitely not a hardship to go there, just expensive), did I mention that it's expensive? and there are very limited spaces available. The other obstacle...my husband talked with God and they came up with a little 'test'...I can go...if my readers support it. Way back when I was really regular with this blog, had a pretty large readership and was even selling some of my little inspirational journals that I self-published...I would have said that it was a possibility. Now that I'm sporadic and I live in a different space and place... I'm not so sure. I gave up the thought almost immediately.
Then yesterday, it was March 1st and I knew that they were opening up some seats and here's this cheque in the mail from that same dear lurker *smile* encouraging me in my dream and telling me that she believes in me enough to send me a little money to go...(yes I cried...just so you know). I still don't know if I'll be able to go because that set of seats sold out before I even remembered that it was the day to check that out, but God knows. There is a writer's conference close by that I've been encouraged to attend and maybe I'll have to settle for that this year.
I was watching Letters to Juliette the other day and this wanna-be writer is claiming perfectionism as a reason for not submitting her work for publication. Her adversary tells her that she's just using that as an excuse because she's a chicken. My dear husband of 20 years looks at me out of the side of his face and laughed if you can believe it!
So...to prove I'm not chicken I am going to invite you, should you wish an invitation to the opening of a new blog that will contain my writing as it is right now. I have a few poems that I might submit to a competition and 2 novels underway. In this private blog I will share my rough drafts and you'll be free to read and comment. If you'd like an invitation and you've actually read this far you can post a comment or e-mail me and let me know if you'd like to be a part of my unfolding writing drama, such as it is.
I probably am just a chicken walking around looking like a human...
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Reflections of Mexico - When Plan B Becomes Plan A
The interesting thing about this mission trip is that in the beginning I didn't really want to go. Way back in August when registrations opened for the trip I had no intention of going on the trip. However, my oldest daughter wanted to go and she didn't want to go without me...and I wouldn't have let her. My oldest son was chomping at the bit to go, he'd been before and was anxious to go again. Kelly and started praying about it and decided it might be a good idea for our child who thinks he's entitled to, well, everything, to go see a much poorer culture than the one he is privileged to enjoy. Since Kelly was needed at home we decided that I was the best choice to go on the trip.
Don't get me wrong, I've loved every mission trip to Mexico that I've been on, I've just noticed that as I get older I am much more inclined to stay home and sleep in my own bed! I wasn't looking forward to a bus trip and all the discomfort that goes along with that. As it turned out, there appeared to be only a few of us planning to go so we decided to fly. "Much better," I says to myself. Then suddenly there were 33 of us planning to go. Our plan, according to the mission base, was for us to build a home for a three generation family group of 17 people. No problem, we thought, and started raising money for the project.
One fund-raiser that was particularly successful was my son's haircut. Josiah agreed to have his hair cut...but only for a lot of money. That hair raised about $3000 for our project, and got him a pretty nice haircut. Don't anyone get to used to seeing him with short hair, he'll probably let it grow out again!
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| Before - it was longer than this when he actually got it cut. |
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| After - we can see his handsome face. |
The week before we left we found out the family we were going to build for took off! Fortunately the cement hadn't been poured yet or that might have been a really big disaster. We headed down to Mexico not really sure what we would be doing and didn't find out until the morning we started building. The trip itself was pretty uneventful other than a few items getting taken away at customs. Three families drove down and 21 of us flew.
At the end of the week we were able to dedicate a house to a family that wasn't actually present on site because the husband was in hospital. The amazing thing that happened there was that the parents of the couple weren't on speaking terms when we got there and by the end of the week were working together. Our prayer is that full restoration of their relationship would happen. They are both attending the church across the street and, as far as we know, Christians.
Not only did we build a house we built an addition to a pastor's house in the same area. He and his wife had been praying for this addition to their tiny home for three years. They were overwhelmed that we built in three days. This pastor has a side business of building windows which he also uses as a ministry to young boys, teaching them how to build, as well. We were delighted to leave money to build a roof to replace the tarp he uses to cover his tools and worksite. We also left food that they can distribute as they see fit to local residents. Cesar and Maria are doing an excellent job of being Jesus in their community and we were so pleased to be able to bless them in this way.
Hold on, we're not done yet! A house, an addition, and a storefront cafe! A lovely single mom who runs the breakfast club at the community centre that was built last time our team went down had a vision to start a cafe for the early morning workers who go out to the field. She wants to use the money to support the ministry at the community centre. She has five kids to support as well. We were super excited (and so was she) to not only build the storefront, but to supply here with cooking utensils, pots, plates and cups for her business.
In the afternoons part of the team ran "The Sunshine Club", a VBS program for kids. They had some bumps along the the way but remained faithful.
It was a remarkable trip in so many ways. Here are a few other snippets that we are so thankful for:
1. No injuries beyond band-aid assistance.
2. Incredible bonding between the youth on the trip.
3. Not only did they gel with each other, but also with the Alberta group that was at the base at the same time.
4. Excellent working relationships between kids and adults.
5. Some kids got spit on, hit or kicked by some boys at VBS, but they did NOT retaliate and that was amazing.
6. No hold-ups at customs.
7. Great food.
8. A lot of laughter.
9. Very low stress.
10. An unexpected late night trip to the ocean with a local youth group to watch the grunyons run (didn't actually see any).
11. Many answers to prayer
I could go on much longer but I'll save some space for a few pictures that say plenty...
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| The whole team...plus Oskar |
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| We split into three teams to build, this is Henricetta and the storefront team. |
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| Pastor Cesar and Maria, we built the addition for them. |
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| Abby and some of her groupies, Daniel, Manuel, Diego and ?? |
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| The "Old Ladies" cabin being a little silly. |
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| Ryan and Josiah learned to roof one day and then did the addition roof by themselves the next day. They were a good team. |
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| Calla Lilies growing in her garden. |
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| the addition |
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| Working together, the family was very eager to help their sister /daughter and her husband. |
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| Getting the countertop ready. |
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| Part of the puppet/VBS team. |
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| Oskar Jr. and Chris spent a lot of time together. |
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| Josiah was impressed with the 3L coke bottles! :) |
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentine's Day Smiles
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Valentine's Day. 20 years ago today my husband asked me to marry him and I said yes. We make a big deal out of the day, not so much for our kids but for each other! This morning as we were starting today and I looked around my crazy bunch I couldn't help but smile and realize how blessed we are. It's hard to believe that 20 years have gone by since that wonderful day that I said I would commit to him.
20 things that make me smile
1. Kelly, I'm still happy to be stuck with you...
2. Josiah - I love you, my big froot loop! :)
3. Christopher - you are so "dash"-ing
4. Abby - my "soft" girl
5. Samuel - you do loud so well
6. Sasha - I'm so glad you asked me to be your valentine today
7. Elizabeth - my peanut princess, I love you
8. the 10 days of Valentine's - our own private tradition, so much fun
9. the perfect excuse to eat chocolate
10. a wonderful time to give sentimental mushy notes, cards and lists like this!
11. a happy, laughter filled breakfast (it's so much nicer when mommy isnt' grumpy)
12. sugar-loaded breakfast
13. hazelnut edible oil products that actually make coffee palatable (that one's for you Bill, yes, I had coffee for breakfast this morning)
14. the much better tasting Honeybee Yerbe Matte tea that followed
15. laughter, I love to laugh with my kids
16. pictures - Chris and I took a little run through family history last night, such a good reminder of fun times as a family
17. real, honest, to goodness hand-written letters, got one last week and I was so blessed!
18. e-mails from people you've never met in person but feel like friends because somehow your spirit connects over the distance.
19. I know I mentioned him right off the bat but my honey makes me smile in so many ways I probably can't count them...
20. My Jesus who made all these things possible. I give you my heart, this day and every day....
Now...to the dishes....
There's an extra smile. My poor Sasha has terrible eczema on his hands, with our dishwasher broken down I assigned each of the kids a dish-washing day not thinking how that might affect him. We were in class last night when he phoned to tell me he couldn't get to sleep because his hands hurt so bad. My sweet little boy washed all the day's dishes without complaining and was so proud of himself and it didn't dawn on this mommy that she had done him such a disservice. As I went to wash the dishes after the class I realized why his hands were so sore...water and soap are the worst things you can do for eczema and I subjected him to that. He didn't complain other than to say that his hands really hurt. I felt so bad! :( He's officially off dish-washing duty until his hands heal! However, he blessed my heart with his sweet attitude and willingness to do the job anyway. That was a beautiful Valentine's day gift.
20 things that make me smile
1. Kelly, I'm still happy to be stuck with you...
2. Josiah - I love you, my big froot loop! :)
3. Christopher - you are so "dash"-ing
4. Abby - my "soft" girl
5. Samuel - you do loud so well
6. Sasha - I'm so glad you asked me to be your valentine today
7. Elizabeth - my peanut princess, I love you
8. the 10 days of Valentine's - our own private tradition, so much fun
9. the perfect excuse to eat chocolate
10. a wonderful time to give sentimental mushy notes, cards and lists like this!
11. a happy, laughter filled breakfast (it's so much nicer when mommy isnt' grumpy)
12. sugar-loaded breakfast
13. hazelnut edible oil products that actually make coffee palatable (that one's for you Bill, yes, I had coffee for breakfast this morning)
14. the much better tasting Honeybee Yerbe Matte tea that followed
15. laughter, I love to laugh with my kids
16. pictures - Chris and I took a little run through family history last night, such a good reminder of fun times as a family
17. real, honest, to goodness hand-written letters, got one last week and I was so blessed!
18. e-mails from people you've never met in person but feel like friends because somehow your spirit connects over the distance.
19. I know I mentioned him right off the bat but my honey makes me smile in so many ways I probably can't count them...
20. My Jesus who made all these things possible. I give you my heart, this day and every day....
Now...to the dishes....
There's an extra smile. My poor Sasha has terrible eczema on his hands, with our dishwasher broken down I assigned each of the kids a dish-washing day not thinking how that might affect him. We were in class last night when he phoned to tell me he couldn't get to sleep because his hands hurt so bad. My sweet little boy washed all the day's dishes without complaining and was so proud of himself and it didn't dawn on this mommy that she had done him such a disservice. As I went to wash the dishes after the class I realized why his hands were so sore...water and soap are the worst things you can do for eczema and I subjected him to that. He didn't complain other than to say that his hands really hurt. I felt so bad! :( He's officially off dish-washing duty until his hands heal! However, he blessed my heart with his sweet attitude and willingness to do the job anyway. That was a beautiful Valentine's day gift.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Opening Baggage
I am feeling the need to write. There have been a few things percolating in my spirit and I think I need to set them down so that perhaps they'll make sense and I'll see what God is trying to teach me and perhaps, dear readers, you'll learn something, too.
Yesterday a dear friend posted an interesting status on her facebook account. She asked us to seriously and honestly consider whether we believe that we are fantastic and blessed. Since I am in a bit of a cloud lately I had to respond that I didn't feel that I am particularly fantastic, though I do believe I am blessed each and every day.
A few days before that I was looking at a new website that a young friend of mine is constructing to feature her photography. I have to admit that my first response was, "She thinks she can do that, too?" She is a very multi-talented young lady and has already achieved much in other artistic endeavours. The Lord immediately made me realize that, of course she can do that, too. My response was, "Why, why does she believe she can do it." His response, "No one has told her that she can't, so she believes and pushes forward." A brave, young, talented girl who believes she can do whatever she puts her hand to. Refreshing.
These last few months have been difficult ones because I have been nagged with continual fatigue and a little cloud that follows me around. I've been finding it hard to motivate myself to get out of bed every morning, to get done the things I need to do and as I get more behind on projects that need my attention I feel worse and worse about myself. I look at what other people are achieving and my little cloud grows bigger.
Now put all those things together and I can see a little of what's going on in my head, heart and body.
1. I'm over 40 and things aren't working quite the way they used to...apparently one's hormones get pretty crazy after 40...thought I did all that in adolescence now I get to go for round 2!
2. My worth is not based on what I can accomplish - I am fantastic simply because God thinks so, He could care less whether I can fold a basket of laundry in less than 5 minutes.
3. I need to learn how to believe in my abilities so that I will risk putting myself out where people might run into me. You see, I would really love to go a conference this fall that is for women bloggers/writers. My dear husband prayed about it and felt that the Lord said I could go but that the money for the conference should come from those who support your writing. That scared the liver out of me, I pretty much gave up going right there. I don't write consistently on here - probably because I'm right-brained and I have a hard time sticking to a schedule! :) I would have to believe that people want to read what I write...and yeah, I'd have to write...consistently, trusting that God would draw people to read here. Facebook took a bite out of us bloggers. Who wants to read a whole paragraph when you can read just a few words to find out how people are, and who has time?
Anyways, I think the Lord is trying to rid me of a bit of baggage and what-not. That's all for today.
Blessings
Yesterday a dear friend posted an interesting status on her facebook account. She asked us to seriously and honestly consider whether we believe that we are fantastic and blessed. Since I am in a bit of a cloud lately I had to respond that I didn't feel that I am particularly fantastic, though I do believe I am blessed each and every day.
A few days before that I was looking at a new website that a young friend of mine is constructing to feature her photography. I have to admit that my first response was, "She thinks she can do that, too?" She is a very multi-talented young lady and has already achieved much in other artistic endeavours. The Lord immediately made me realize that, of course she can do that, too. My response was, "Why, why does she believe she can do it." His response, "No one has told her that she can't, so she believes and pushes forward." A brave, young, talented girl who believes she can do whatever she puts her hand to. Refreshing.
These last few months have been difficult ones because I have been nagged with continual fatigue and a little cloud that follows me around. I've been finding it hard to motivate myself to get out of bed every morning, to get done the things I need to do and as I get more behind on projects that need my attention I feel worse and worse about myself. I look at what other people are achieving and my little cloud grows bigger.
Now put all those things together and I can see a little of what's going on in my head, heart and body.
1. I'm over 40 and things aren't working quite the way they used to...apparently one's hormones get pretty crazy after 40...thought I did all that in adolescence now I get to go for round 2!
2. My worth is not based on what I can accomplish - I am fantastic simply because God thinks so, He could care less whether I can fold a basket of laundry in less than 5 minutes.
3. I need to learn how to believe in my abilities so that I will risk putting myself out where people might run into me. You see, I would really love to go a conference this fall that is for women bloggers/writers. My dear husband prayed about it and felt that the Lord said I could go but that the money for the conference should come from those who support your writing. That scared the liver out of me, I pretty much gave up going right there. I don't write consistently on here - probably because I'm right-brained and I have a hard time sticking to a schedule! :) I would have to believe that people want to read what I write...and yeah, I'd have to write...consistently, trusting that God would draw people to read here. Facebook took a bite out of us bloggers. Who wants to read a whole paragraph when you can read just a few words to find out how people are, and who has time?
Anyways, I think the Lord is trying to rid me of a bit of baggage and what-not. That's all for today.
Blessings
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Laundry Soap Recipe
I've had a few people ask me for my laundry soap recipe, because, yes, I do make my own. Why do I do this? Am I an over-the-top need to get rid of all the toxins in my house kind of person? No, though I do like to reduce the number of chemicals my family is exposed to. Do I like to inflict extra work on myself? No, the process is a lot easier than most things I do.
bottom line________________I'm cheap, the soap is cheap and well, that's about it. It works, it's easy on my family's sensitive skin and easy on the pocket book! (and it works in he machines).
first thing you may have to do is collect some appropriate size containers, you'll need a bunch to store it because this makes quite a bit.
Ingredients:
1 bar of Ivory Soap (or another pure soap that doesn't have a bunch of extras)
1/2 c Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (funny story - I looked in many city stores to find this and located it at none other than our own local store that stocks it regularly - yay for small towns!)
1/2 c Borax
(these are all pure, natural ingredients)
Method:
1. Grate the soap (I use my cheese grater - it's really clean when I'm done! :))
2. In a large pot heat 6 cups of water and the soap over medium heat until dissolved.
3. Stir in Borax and A&H until dissolved
4. Add 4 cups of HOT water, stir.
5. At this point you can add essential oils or commercial detergent to the mix - I've used some lavender scented oil and I've also thrown whiteners or Oxyclean into the mix. Totally an optional step.
6. Add 1 gallon + 6 cups of COLD water. Stir (1 gallon = about 8 cups)
7. Let set without stirring for 24 hours.
8. It will have the consistency of liquid gel. STIR it up with a wire whisk.
9. Pour into jugs with tight lids. Shake it up before using to make sure it's mixed well, especially if it's been sitting for awhile. HE machines use about 1/4 cup per load.
**Apparently my sister's SIL uses this concoction minus all the water with her front-load machine. I have to use only liquids in my machine so I haven't tried it but it would certainly take up alot less space. You'd only need about a teaspoon per load.
BTW - I usually double this when I make it...cause we do an insane amount of laundry! :)
bottom line________________I'm cheap, the soap is cheap and well, that's about it. It works, it's easy on my family's sensitive skin and easy on the pocket book! (and it works in he machines).
first thing you may have to do is collect some appropriate size containers, you'll need a bunch to store it because this makes quite a bit.
Ingredients:
1 bar of Ivory Soap (or another pure soap that doesn't have a bunch of extras)
1/2 c Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (funny story - I looked in many city stores to find this and located it at none other than our own local store that stocks it regularly - yay for small towns!)
1/2 c Borax
(these are all pure, natural ingredients)
Method:
1. Grate the soap (I use my cheese grater - it's really clean when I'm done! :))
2. In a large pot heat 6 cups of water and the soap over medium heat until dissolved.
3. Stir in Borax and A&H until dissolved
4. Add 4 cups of HOT water, stir.
5. At this point you can add essential oils or commercial detergent to the mix - I've used some lavender scented oil and I've also thrown whiteners or Oxyclean into the mix. Totally an optional step.
6. Add 1 gallon + 6 cups of COLD water. Stir (1 gallon = about 8 cups)
7. Let set without stirring for 24 hours.
8. It will have the consistency of liquid gel. STIR it up with a wire whisk.
9. Pour into jugs with tight lids. Shake it up before using to make sure it's mixed well, especially if it's been sitting for awhile. HE machines use about 1/4 cup per load.
**Apparently my sister's SIL uses this concoction minus all the water with her front-load machine. I have to use only liquids in my machine so I haven't tried it but it would certainly take up alot less space. You'd only need about a teaspoon per load.
BTW - I usually double this when I make it...cause we do an insane amount of laundry! :)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Fun on Friday!! (38)
As I was doing my laundry this morning I thought about some of the things that I've learned in my many years of doing laundry. I don't want to contemplate the number of loads that I've put through...it's a very big number. Anyways, here's what I know for sure:
Checking pockets and shaking things is a REALLY important part of laundry. In doing so you may avoid washing some of the following objects:
Checking pockets and shaking things is a REALLY important part of laundry. In doing so you may avoid washing some of the following objects:
- money
- tools
- nuts, bolts and screws
- pens, crayons and pencils
- ipods
- MP3 players
- panty liners
- headphones
- wallets
- cell phones
- kleenex
- paper clips
- magnets
- important receipts
- cheques
- small toys and....
- Bibles (yes, I washed an entire Bible once, made a huge mess)
I realized there are also some things I've learned about plumbing. If your toilet isn't working properly you may discover one of the following in there fouling up the system:
- apples
- watches
- small trucks
- plastic cows
- lentils
- diapers
yup, we've had all of those in our systems...
If you are smelling something odd in your home and you have small boys, you might find urine in some of the following locations, just follow your nose...
- pails of nails hidden in a corner
- the pile of coal where the old chimney used to be
- vases
- crocks
- pop bottles or cans
- toy buckets
- my personal favourite (only because it didn't happen to me!) the shampoo bottle - yes - shampee! I'm sure my friend Darcy was really thankful it WASN'T shampoo! I laughed for days over that one...
I hope you've had a few chuckles and learned a thing or two about living with boys in large quantities. I solemnly dedicate this post to Holly and Darcy Van Loon, our partners in raising many boys in one home, I'm sure they could add a few more things to this list - except for laundry - Holly's way more diligent than I am on that front!
 |
| They look so innocent don't they? |
And I can't post without a few gifts of grace from God over the last day of two:
- waking up to "Be Born in Me" by Fransesca Batestelli - love that song, an excellent way to begin a day
- Lizzy dancing to some great songs this morning in the kitchen
- working on a particularly funny paragraph assignment with my son - it's good to be able to work, laugh and actually accomplish homework with him. That kid has a great sense of humour. When his older brother contributed it made the whole process even better. A lovely breakfast moment.
- sewing for the first time in my sewing room yesterday. IN the process Abby was doing homework on one of the other work surfaces, Lizzy was painting on the high counter, Sam was being creative on the floor and the other boys were playing PS3 where I could see them and hear what they were doing. How I love having everyone engaged in a space in a happy way. Delightful
- the song I'm listening to right now, "Sing Over Your Children" by Matt Maher - such an amazing song out of the scripture in Zepheniah - You sing over your children, you take delight in us. How amazing that He sings over us...even when we find cows in the toilet!
Monday, January 09, 2012
Christmas 2011 (33)
All of my Christmas events are now officially over. Unfortunately, I have a cold and so am feeling a little under the weather as well as exhausted from all the late nights! These minor discomforts are far outweighed by the blessing it has been to spend time with the family and friends that have graced our home these last few weeks.
I have to count the highlights so I can remember all the glorious moments that will now become part of fond memories of Christmas 2011.
11. there have been some stunning skies morning and evening over the last week - God you are an amazing artist.
12. My son and husband created a craft room for me in the basement that I am looking forward to moving into
13. which means all the sewing stuff is finally out of my kitchen!
14. the glorious mess that I'm going to start cleaning up today which is a reminder of...
15. the blessing that I have the resources to house that many people at one time
16. that I have this family whom I love
17. that they were here!
18. I am thankful for laughter as we share stories
19. playing games around the table
20. hugs
21. Sam's gumball cellphone invention idea
22. the fact that my mom and dad have celebrated 50 years of marriage
23. my brother's widow and her husband who continue to be part of the family - keeping his kids connected with us
24. All the work my kids did to help me prepare for this weekend
25. Backing up to New Year's - having the Van Loon family here for a couple days was such a blessing.
26. Going to participate in blessing a dear friend who is getting married.
27. The friends my niece and nephew brought along that feel like part of the family.
28. Spending time with Kelly's family all together at his mom and dad's.
29. Seeing great-grandma on Christmas day and the lady who thought we were singing in Ukrainian
30. Friends who know your heart
31. The intimacy of hearts connected by One Spirit
32. My eldest daughter - she is such a blessing to me.
33. My little Biblegirl! God Lizzy a Biblegirl costume and she loves it!
I have to count the highlights so I can remember all the glorious moments that will now become part of fond memories of Christmas 2011.
11. there have been some stunning skies morning and evening over the last week - God you are an amazing artist.
12. My son and husband created a craft room for me in the basement that I am looking forward to moving into
13. which means all the sewing stuff is finally out of my kitchen!
14. the glorious mess that I'm going to start cleaning up today which is a reminder of...
15. the blessing that I have the resources to house that many people at one time
16. that I have this family whom I love
17. that they were here!
18. I am thankful for laughter as we share stories
19. playing games around the table
20. hugs
21. Sam's gumball cellphone invention idea
22. the fact that my mom and dad have celebrated 50 years of marriage
23. my brother's widow and her husband who continue to be part of the family - keeping his kids connected with us
24. All the work my kids did to help me prepare for this weekend
25. Backing up to New Year's - having the Van Loon family here for a couple days was such a blessing.
26. Going to participate in blessing a dear friend who is getting married.
27. The friends my niece and nephew brought along that feel like part of the family.
28. Spending time with Kelly's family all together at his mom and dad's.
29. Seeing great-grandma on Christmas day and the lady who thought we were singing in Ukrainian
30. Friends who know your heart
31. The intimacy of hearts connected by One Spirit
32. My eldest daughter - she is such a blessing to me.
33. My little Biblegirl! God Lizzy a Biblegirl costume and she loves it!
Thursday, January 05, 2012
beginning again
My first post of the year! I hope it will encourage you to take time this year to count the things that bring you CLOSER to the Creator. Every year the Lord gives me a word to signify what this year will be about. This year the word He whispered to my heart was CLOSER.
Abby and I sat and finished our 1000 gifts for 2011 just the other day and began another list. So it's only fitting that I link you over to A Holy Experience to see the dare that she is calling us all to. A dare to find joy through thanksgiving. It's time to live fully, by giving thanks, drawing CLOSER to the author of all gifts.
Blessings in this new year.
Come draw close!
So I'm going to start at 1 again, just because I am!
1. The shepherd/farmer and son are putting together the work station that we got a super good deal on!!
2. So I'm thankful the bed broke otherwise this wouldn't be happening today.
3. Having kids that are willing to clean.
4. Beautiful fabric to cover the ugliness that is our downstairs couch.
5. Tutorials that teach me how to do a better job of making that covering.
6. All the nieces and nephews that will arrive for a big sleep-over tomorrow night
7. Celebrating 50 years of marriage with my parents!
8. Celebrating 20 years of marriage for us - who knew time could go by so quickly.
9. Getting February 2011 books finished.
10. The prayer chain at churhc
Closer to Him
Closer to my husband
Closer to my children
Closer to myself
Closer in my relationships
Closer to my goals and dreams
Closer
Abby and I sat and finished our 1000 gifts for 2011 just the other day and began another list. So it's only fitting that I link you over to A Holy Experience to see the dare that she is calling us all to. A dare to find joy through thanksgiving. It's time to live fully, by giving thanks, drawing CLOSER to the author of all gifts.
Blessings in this new year.
Come draw close!
So I'm going to start at 1 again, just because I am!
1. The shepherd/farmer and son are putting together the work station that we got a super good deal on!!
2. So I'm thankful the bed broke otherwise this wouldn't be happening today.
3. Having kids that are willing to clean.
4. Beautiful fabric to cover the ugliness that is our downstairs couch.
5. Tutorials that teach me how to do a better job of making that covering.
6. All the nieces and nephews that will arrive for a big sleep-over tomorrow night
7. Celebrating 50 years of marriage with my parents!
8. Celebrating 20 years of marriage for us - who knew time could go by so quickly.
9. Getting February 2011 books finished.
10. The prayer chain at churhc
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