I have felt the conviction of the Lord on this one. When I saw the video for the song, "Friday" sung by Rebecca Black I agreed with all the nay-sayers, the song is not great lyrically and the video isn't very impressive. However, I must say I have to repent.
This little girl went about making her 13-year old dream come true - to record a song and put it on YouTube. Her parents encouraged her, because, as parents do, they think she's amazing! Did any of them think for one minute that millions of people would watch that video and that the majority of them would declare it a disaster. I don't think so. They were just doing their thing, fulfilling a dream. And, we, as a society, shot it down in an epic way.
Am I brave enough to record the songs I've written and put them on YouTube? Nope, so Rebecca is braver than I am. I'm not too excited about my dreams being shot down, particularly not on such a grand scale. I'm sure that little girl cried her eyes out all weekend. Who am I to criticize her dream and discourage her from doing what she loves to do. I will no longer sow judgement and rejection to Rebecca.
Here's to you Rebecca, I apologize for deriding your song and raining on your dream. Please forgive me. I pray that you will use this opportunity for good and that you will learn that there is more to life than partyin'.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sunday, March 06, 2011
hope for the now
I am at home alone this wintery Sunday morning. I have been sick all week and didn't feel the need to spread my germs any further. I have a dear friend that said, "Introspection is highly overrated!" but today I am looking inward...pondering.
Pondering how to go forward in this life we're living, where to take the next step, searching for the next word to say. I took a course last week that filled me with hope for the future. A future with healing and forgiveness and restoration. But in the meantime I am living in broken things trying to survive and keep damage to a minimum.
I have conflicting responsibilities. To one child I have the responsibility to bring healing opportunities, to look past the prickly exterior and to love unconditionally. To other children I need to create a safe atmosphere where they are not in fear of what will happen next. These two are difficult to reconcile.
We had ten days of no exploding which ended yesterday and took a piece of my hope with it. I can hope for the future but living in the now is really, really hard.
Addendum:
As I spent time with the Lord this morning, His gentle Spirit taught me something that I need to teach my children. It's a simple truth and one that I have known, but it came fresh today. I was empathizing with mothers who long for a safe place for their children, whatever the circumstances may be. As I was in the place of sorrowing over the safety of not only my children but so many others who are by no means safe a song came through the air. It spoke of a hurting, broken person who was safe as they sat near His feet. The safest place for me and my kids is in the arms of Jesus. I must teach them that no matter what is going on around them, there is a place of safety. Their body may become bruised and hurt but their spirit can be completely safe and protected. What a beautiful promise from God this morning.
Pondering how to go forward in this life we're living, where to take the next step, searching for the next word to say. I took a course last week that filled me with hope for the future. A future with healing and forgiveness and restoration. But in the meantime I am living in broken things trying to survive and keep damage to a minimum.
I have conflicting responsibilities. To one child I have the responsibility to bring healing opportunities, to look past the prickly exterior and to love unconditionally. To other children I need to create a safe atmosphere where they are not in fear of what will happen next. These two are difficult to reconcile.
We had ten days of no exploding which ended yesterday and took a piece of my hope with it. I can hope for the future but living in the now is really, really hard.
Addendum:
As I spent time with the Lord this morning, His gentle Spirit taught me something that I need to teach my children. It's a simple truth and one that I have known, but it came fresh today. I was empathizing with mothers who long for a safe place for their children, whatever the circumstances may be. As I was in the place of sorrowing over the safety of not only my children but so many others who are by no means safe a song came through the air. It spoke of a hurting, broken person who was safe as they sat near His feet. The safest place for me and my kids is in the arms of Jesus. I must teach them that no matter what is going on around them, there is a place of safety. Their body may become bruised and hurt but their spirit can be completely safe and protected. What a beautiful promise from God this morning.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Hello, my name is Lani and I'm a Control Freak
Snow is falling outside my window today. It's the pretty, soft, floaty kind of snow that gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling. Particularly when you are inside your warm house in a fuzzy bathrobe!
Last week was not a warm, fuzzy week. I took a class in addiction relapse prevention therapy. I learned some very interesting things. One thing that I learned is that all of us are addicted to something. The definition of addiction that we were using was any coping mechanism we use over and over again even when we know that it is unhealthy and/or destructive. That definition broadens the typical definition of addiction far wider than just drugs and alcohol. I spent the week struggling to figure out what my addiction really looks like, I wasn't trying to avoid it, it was just very elusive.
My particular slippery fish is control. Apparently I have a strong desire to be in control of, well, everything, because something terrible will happen if I don't, who knew! Everyone else around me it seems. My dear, sweet husband actually laughed and said, "I could have told you that." as did my mother, one my dearest friends and my former pastor. Really, people!
So here I am, trying to learn how my control freakish-ness not only has affected me but all of my relationships as well. I am seeing with new eyes where it had it's origins and how it has been steering my course ever since. That twisted little robber worms it's way into every aspect of my life and I hate it. I can see it now that I've called it out and I believe there may be a smoking gun in my future. But I have a long way to go.
In the meantime, I'm going to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart and mind and just like that lovely bit of white fluffy stuff is covering up piles of dog poop and dirty old snow, God's transforming power is going to come and renew my mind, not just covering it up, but actually making it new. I don't like the dog poop or dirty old snow in my heart, it needs to get cleaned up and that dear friends is what's happening here.
Last week was not a warm, fuzzy week. I took a class in addiction relapse prevention therapy. I learned some very interesting things. One thing that I learned is that all of us are addicted to something. The definition of addiction that we were using was any coping mechanism we use over and over again even when we know that it is unhealthy and/or destructive. That definition broadens the typical definition of addiction far wider than just drugs and alcohol. I spent the week struggling to figure out what my addiction really looks like, I wasn't trying to avoid it, it was just very elusive.
My particular slippery fish is control. Apparently I have a strong desire to be in control of, well, everything, because something terrible will happen if I don't, who knew! Everyone else around me it seems. My dear, sweet husband actually laughed and said, "I could have told you that." as did my mother, one my dearest friends and my former pastor. Really, people!
So here I am, trying to learn how my control freakish-ness not only has affected me but all of my relationships as well. I am seeing with new eyes where it had it's origins and how it has been steering my course ever since. That twisted little robber worms it's way into every aspect of my life and I hate it. I can see it now that I've called it out and I believe there may be a smoking gun in my future. But I have a long way to go.
In the meantime, I'm going to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart and mind and just like that lovely bit of white fluffy stuff is covering up piles of dog poop and dirty old snow, God's transforming power is going to come and renew my mind, not just covering it up, but actually making it new. I don't like the dog poop or dirty old snow in my heart, it needs to get cleaned up and that dear friends is what's happening here.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday Should be Fun
Alright blog friends,
Today is Friday, the beginning of the winter break and time to relax! Actually I won't be relaxing all that much I'm taking a class during the break that promises 6-8 hours of class-time/day and 2 - 3 hours of homework every night (basically one semester of course squished into 1 week). That should test to see if my brain still works at all!
Anyway, just wondering what you do to relax during holidays with your kids all home? Have a great break...
Today is Friday, the beginning of the winter break and time to relax! Actually I won't be relaxing all that much I'm taking a class during the break that promises 6-8 hours of class-time/day and 2 - 3 hours of homework every night (basically one semester of course squished into 1 week). That should test to see if my brain still works at all!
Anyway, just wondering what you do to relax during holidays with your kids all home? Have a great break...
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
1000 gifts...continued
I have already completed a list of 1000 gifts but on this wonderful day I think it is time to continue the journey...
gifts for a Valentine's day, compiled with the help of my girls...
19 years of wedded bliss....really, I'm not kidding
6 wonderful kids
a warm home
clothing to wear
food to eat
plans and dreams
difficulties to make us stronger
cheesecake
presents
sunshine
family
rain
deep snow drifts
my little hippie girl (she's just a hippie for today)
my little sweetie who is thankful for Jesus
The Truth Project
friends
laughter
smiles
giggles
straws
pipe cleaners
new fabric!!!!!!!!!!
finding the perfect pattern
putting those last two together to make something glorious
fresh bread in the oven
summer borscht on the table (yum)
classical music
the hope of spring
butterflies
flowers
The Mother Earth Garden Planner
tea
engagements
weddings
babies
cousins
being married to my best friend for 19 years
girlfriends
not caring for one day about what a mess my house is or how much weight I need to lose
being caught up with the laundry (for 1 day)
answer keys to math questions we can't figure out
it is a gift to no longer be required to do math! :)
quilts
good books
ponytail holders
hugs
new shoes
a 7 year old hurtling through the dark to land on me and tell me he loves me
sleep
waking up without pain (didn't happen today, but when it does, it is a gift)
green smoothies
Mr. Chubbs
Ginger
Storm
Cassie (even though it's time for her to make her way to doggie heaven)
love
peace
joy
patience
pictures
to have a thankful heart is a gift in itself
music
milk
comfy chairs
15 minutes
accountability partners
money
selling lentils
cookies
pink dresses
dolls
purple dresses
green dresses
Polly Pockets
flannel boards
pianos
hair
lips
tongue
nose
eyeballs
ears
teeth that grow in your mouth every day
cheeks
fingernails and nail polish
headbands
paintings
movies that make you cry
movies that make you laugh
owies that get better
bread
buns
bracelets
earrings
necklaces
glasses
Ipad
Ipod
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Seasons
A week or two ago we were at a friend's house for supper. They have a lovely home and warm hospitality. As we sat down to eat I noticed a series of pictures on the wall. Each one had a tree in a different season. My husband asked them which one represented where they were in their journey at the moment. They decided that they were in the springtime season at the moment, not yet fully blooming but showing loads of promise, past the dark winter that they had recently experienced.
Our host made a comment that resonated in my spirit. He said, "The season will change whether you want it to or not." For me that is good news today. We are living in a very dreary winter, problems are piled high and it is very cold, lonely and bleak in my spirit, yet the promise of spring remains. This season will pass and we will enter a time of newness and budding and promise. For now, we wait, still alive in there somewhere even though it may not look like it on the outside.
Every season has a beginning and an end. It is glorious to feel the summer sun on your face and smell the fragrance of flowers in bloom. We sigh contentedly as we watch the summer flowers droop and fade, full of watermelon and lemonade. Autumn brings a crispness to the air and it is immensely satisfying to see the harvest come in. There is beauty even in the longest of winters, branches dripping with hoarfrost, diamonds sparkling in whiteness. Then the warmth comes back and the snow gives way to mud and a glimmer of green. I look forward to the excitement of spring again, it will come, it may be a long way off yet, but thank God, it will come.
Our host made a comment that resonated in my spirit. He said, "The season will change whether you want it to or not." For me that is good news today. We are living in a very dreary winter, problems are piled high and it is very cold, lonely and bleak in my spirit, yet the promise of spring remains. This season will pass and we will enter a time of newness and budding and promise. For now, we wait, still alive in there somewhere even though it may not look like it on the outside.
Every season has a beginning and an end. It is glorious to feel the summer sun on your face and smell the fragrance of flowers in bloom. We sigh contentedly as we watch the summer flowers droop and fade, full of watermelon and lemonade. Autumn brings a crispness to the air and it is immensely satisfying to see the harvest come in. There is beauty even in the longest of winters, branches dripping with hoarfrost, diamonds sparkling in whiteness. Then the warmth comes back and the snow gives way to mud and a glimmer of green. I look forward to the excitement of spring again, it will come, it may be a long way off yet, but thank God, it will come.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Laundry Soap
A few people have been asking for this recipe, since it's probably easier to copy it from here than me sending out a dozen e-mails I'll post it here. This isn't my recipe I got it off a newsletter that I receive on a regular basis. I've been using it for a number of years with good success. I have quite a few peeps with sensitive skin and none of us have trouble with this detergent. I suppose if you were allergic to Ivory you could substitute a different type of pure soap.
Laundry Soap
** you'll need to save up a few empty bottles first or store it in ice cream pails!!
1 bar of Ivory soap
1/2 c Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 c Borax
1. Grate the soap
2. In a large pot (I use my canner) 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. You can add essential oil or some commercial detergent to the mix if you want (sometimes I add a laundry booster)
6. Add 1 gallon + 6 cups of COLD water. stir
7. Let set without stirring for 24 hours. It will have the consistency of liquid gel. Stir (I use a whisk).
Pour into jugs with tight lids. Use 1/4 c for HE machines.
Pretty easy.
Laundry Soap
** you'll need to save up a few empty bottles first or store it in ice cream pails!!
1 bar of Ivory soap
1/2 c Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 c Borax
1. Grate the soap
2. In a large pot (I use my canner) 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. You can add essential oil or some commercial detergent to the mix if you want (sometimes I add a laundry booster)
6. Add 1 gallon + 6 cups of COLD water. stir
7. Let set without stirring for 24 hours. It will have the consistency of liquid gel. Stir (I use a whisk).
Pour into jugs with tight lids. Use 1/4 c for HE machines.
Pretty easy.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
trust - round ??
I've posted before that our life with our #2 son is more than a little difficult. We have had to make difficult decisions to ensure our family's health and safety. We find ourselves at that point again. How do you help someone who is desperate for help but is at a place of hopelessness? We are exploring possibilities that no parent should ever have to. Yet when I talk to another mom who has been making these kind of decisions longer than I have, she gave me a gentle rebuke...this life isn't guaranteed to be easy. When Jesus said take up this cross there was a guarantee of pain.
I'm not sure that I was prepared for this kind of pain, in fact I know I wasn't. I've watched friends walk through horrendous things with their kids. I watched them fold into themselves to conserve energy for the battle they were facing. Now I find myself doing the same thing, there just isn't enough of me to give out much. In order to survive emotions get a little numb, the brain only takes in so much, the body only puts out so much.
Would I change it? I don't think so. There is something to be learned from this journey that I can't learn any other way. I pray that my trust will be strengthened. That seems to be the theme word for this year for me. The Lord has given me many different words over the years and perhaps there has been a trust year before, I can't remember. Whether there was or not - I need to learn it afresh. Trust that God can heal my son, my family, myself. Trust that the wounds that are inflicted are going to bring about beauty of character and wisdom of soul. Trust that we will somehow survive the ordeal and perhaps even thrive in it.
I'm not sure that I was prepared for this kind of pain, in fact I know I wasn't. I've watched friends walk through horrendous things with their kids. I watched them fold into themselves to conserve energy for the battle they were facing. Now I find myself doing the same thing, there just isn't enough of me to give out much. In order to survive emotions get a little numb, the brain only takes in so much, the body only puts out so much.
Would I change it? I don't think so. There is something to be learned from this journey that I can't learn any other way. I pray that my trust will be strengthened. That seems to be the theme word for this year for me. The Lord has given me many different words over the years and perhaps there has been a trust year before, I can't remember. Whether there was or not - I need to learn it afresh. Trust that God can heal my son, my family, myself. Trust that the wounds that are inflicted are going to bring about beauty of character and wisdom of soul. Trust that we will somehow survive the ordeal and perhaps even thrive in it.
Father, I believe, help my unbelief...
Sunday, January 09, 2011
revelation
Have you ever reveled in your child?
just stopped and stared
marveled at the wonder of this creation
that you are somehow just a little responsible
for
awed by the beauty
shocked that you had a part in it at all?
just stopped and stared
marveled at the wonder of this creation
that you are somehow just a little responsible
for
awed by the beauty
shocked that you had a part in it at all?
Friday, January 07, 2011
Hiding the Word in My Heart
I've been wanting to do this for awhile now. In 2009 at the Pastor's Retreat we focused on memorizing the word. The speaker was a fellow who had memorized several books of the Bible and encouraged his students and others to do the same.
In our church we are slowly memorizing 1John together...but I wanted to do something myself. This post at Holy Experience encouraged me to start to do this thing for myself...something more than the nothing that I've been doing. Something between me and Jesus. I'm going to invite my children and husband to come with me on the journey. I hope they do, and if they don't, I'm going anyway.
I'll be attempting to memorize the book of Colossians in 2011. Just 2 verses a week. That sounds achievable don't you think? In her post, Ann has provided a download for all the weeks. Today I spent putting my own little book together. It was beauty in the making...pretty paper, ribbon and the Word...the Word becoming part of me, I look forward to see how it may change me, for surely it will.
I know it wasn't a Wednesday post, but oh well, I wanted to see if the button worked!
In our church we are slowly memorizing 1John together...but I wanted to do something myself. This post at Holy Experience encouraged me to start to do this thing for myself...something more than the nothing that I've been doing. Something between me and Jesus. I'm going to invite my children and husband to come with me on the journey. I hope they do, and if they don't, I'm going anyway.
I'll be attempting to memorize the book of Colossians in 2011. Just 2 verses a week. That sounds achievable don't you think? In her post, Ann has provided a download for all the weeks. Today I spent putting my own little book together. It was beauty in the making...pretty paper, ribbon and the Word...the Word becoming part of me, I look forward to see how it may change me, for surely it will.
I know it wasn't a Wednesday post, but oh well, I wanted to see if the button worked!
Sunday, January 02, 2011
1000 gifts has been reached.
I was going to complete my 1000 gifts before 2010 ended, but alas, when I was near a computer, I kept forgetting to blog! So now, it is time to finish that journey and begin a new thankful list...
I got this little gift in a newsletter I just received. These 10 predictions are definitely gifts (976-986)
ENCOURAGING PREDICTIONS FOR 2011
Author unknown
With all the problems the world is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. It's wonderful to know Who really is in control and that "the Word of God endures forever." ~ I Peter 1:25
I got this little gift in a newsletter I just received. These 10 predictions are definitely gifts (976-986)
ENCOURAGING PREDICTIONS FOR 2011
Author unknown
With all the problems the world is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. It's wonderful to know Who really is in control and that "the Word of God endures forever." ~ I Peter 1:25
Top 10 Predictions for 2011
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the prayers of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the prayers of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him
Okay, only a few more to go before we're at 1000!
987. Playing games - we've spent the last three days playing games with our friends and family, I love games!
988. We had 7 days in a row without an explosion from our explosive son. That's probably worth 7 gifts, but I'll just count it as one.
989. Our vehicle did not break down during all the driving we did in the last week.
990. I am very thankful that they changed the days of our Christmas vacation and therefore the kids aren't going back to school until Wednesday. They can catch up on sleep the next few days.
991. I am thankful for encouraging friends.
992. Friends you can laugh with are a gift.
993. Parents who invite you over for lunch on the spur of the moment are a gift.
994. Watching my children play piano is a gift.
995. Well-made, Canadian products that I can give to my children are a gift.
996. My son asking for prayer for his 95 year old great-grandma this morning was a gift I will treasure.
997. The thoughtfulness of our friend's son toward his mother was a delight to us and to the Lord (definitely to his mother).
998. Following the Lord's leading and that obedience becoming a blessing to someone else is a gift.
999. The thoughtfulness of our congregation in the cards and gifts we received - gifts!
1000. The salvation given to me by my Saviour...a gift without number
and now, the gifting can continue as this list is not limited to 1000....
Thursday, December 23, 2010
He is Here, He is Here, He is Here!!!
a fresh flowers original
copyright lani wiens, 2010
My kids have been watching, "Horton Hears a Who" this week, we've read the book, it's kinda in my head right now. This morning as I read my devotions the line from the movie, "We are here! We are here! We are here!" popped through my head as I read this passage from the Message...
Psalm 34:14-19
Turn your back on sin; do something good.
Embrace peace - don't let it get away!
God keeps and eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.
God won't put up with rebels;
he'll cull them from the pack.
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut he'll help you catch your breath.
Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.
The Who's were in big trouble, on the brink of annihilation, only one guy on their side and no one could hear them even though they were shouting for all they were worth.
Many days I am shouting for all I'm worth and feel like no one can hear. My heart is broken, I'm kicked in the gut and lying, crying in the dirt. My feeble cry is faint to my own ears let alone anyone else. Yet God tells me that He is HERE! Right beside me, helping catch my breath, reminding me that He is bigger than all this mess that I live in.
Justice will prevail and it is not mine to mete out. That's one job off my list! This disciple gets into trouble way too often. I react out of fear, get angry, yell, say things I shouldn't, am impatient, think horrible thoughts. Justice will come to me, too. So today, I will turn my back on sin and do something good. Today I will embrace peace and not let it get away.
HE IS HERE! HE IS HERE! HE IS HERE!
Here in a stable.
Here in my home.
Here in my attitude.
Here in my family.
Here in my heart.
Praise God, HE IS HERE!
Monday, December 20, 2010
(975) Some thankful thoughts
968. Thankful for things I can create.
969. 'Sweet' gifts to give to family, teachers and such...
970. For this man.
971. Little moments like these.
972. For little boys listening to their daddy sing on their CD player.
973. Little boys who like to play piano.
974. Online calendar programs that might actually make life easier.
975. Thankful that the train finally came in.
976. For things crossed off the to do list.
977. Ginger/lemon-grass tea.
978. Creamy Earl Grey tea.
979. Market Spice tea.
980. Pretty tea cups to drink my tea from.
981. Clean laundry that smells nice.
982. My snowman collection.
972. For little boys listening to their daddy sing on their CD player.
973. Little boys who like to play piano.
974. Online calendar programs that might actually make life easier.
975. Thankful that the train finally came in.
976. For things crossed off the to do list.
977. Ginger/lemon-grass tea.
978. Creamy Earl Grey tea.
979. Market Spice tea.
980. Pretty tea cups to drink my tea from.
981. Clean laundry that smells nice.
982. My snowman collection.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
967 - the war in my walls
I have to admit that it doesn't look alot like Christmas in my house this year. I haven't baked a single cookie. I haven't sent a single card. I did not write a Christmas letter. We did get the tree up with minimal decorations and that is all.
I've read a few Christmas-y posts and listened to Christmas music and attended some Christmas events. It's not that I don't love Christmas, I do. I love celebrating Jesus and finding and making gifts that I know the people I love will appreciate.
I haven't posted much of anything because the kind of stuff that we're dealing with at our house isn't the kind of stuff that most people want to hear about. You don't really want to hear about the new holes in the wall or how many of those new Christmas ornaments broke today. We are not sure how our child's brain works and why he chooses to do the things he does. However, I can see why it might be difficult to get into the Christmas spirit when you're dodging bombs, avoiding explosions and cleaning up shrapnel, binding wounds both physical and emotional. It's about all you can do just to survive the day, never mind the season. So, I guess I'm learning something from this experience after all.
There are things that I'm thankful for even in the midst of the war within my walls:
I've read a few Christmas-y posts and listened to Christmas music and attended some Christmas events. It's not that I don't love Christmas, I do. I love celebrating Jesus and finding and making gifts that I know the people I love will appreciate.
I haven't posted much of anything because the kind of stuff that we're dealing with at our house isn't the kind of stuff that most people want to hear about. You don't really want to hear about the new holes in the wall or how many of those new Christmas ornaments broke today. We are not sure how our child's brain works and why he chooses to do the things he does. However, I can see why it might be difficult to get into the Christmas spirit when you're dodging bombs, avoiding explosions and cleaning up shrapnel, binding wounds both physical and emotional. It's about all you can do just to survive the day, never mind the season. So, I guess I'm learning something from this experience after all.
There are things that I'm thankful for even in the midst of the war within my walls:
946. The cookies that my mom made with my kids so it LOOKS like I did Christmas baking (smile).
947. The simple Christmas program that my sister-in-law put together that was lovely.
948. I got to dance Mary's praise to God as part of the program - a blessing to be entrusted with that little piece. (Steve Bell's 'Magnificat')
949. Love shown to me by my daughter as she cleans up a mess that her brother made...because she wanted to.
950. My boys cleaning up the basement! (including their friend that stayed over)
951. The holiday that my husband and I went on, just the two of us, to refresh and recharge.
952. My parents staying with the kids so we could go.
953. My sister making the condo available to us at a price we could afford.
954. My husband for taking the time to do this for us.
955. All the little moments within that 9 days that reminded me why I love this man and can't wait to keep living with him for a long, long time!
956. The ability to play duets with my kids.
957. The ability to make gifts for people I love.
958. Christmas programs
959. Christmas music.
960. New Christmas decorations.
961. Vacuum cleaners that work.
962. Christmas vacation
963. The anticipation of gathering with people we love.
964. answers to prayer
965. Jesus
966. The Truth Project
967. Focus on the Family and other organizations that support families to live well.
947. The simple Christmas program that my sister-in-law put together that was lovely.
948. I got to dance Mary's praise to God as part of the program - a blessing to be entrusted with that little piece. (Steve Bell's 'Magnificat')
949. Love shown to me by my daughter as she cleans up a mess that her brother made...because she wanted to.
950. My boys cleaning up the basement! (including their friend that stayed over)
951. The holiday that my husband and I went on, just the two of us, to refresh and recharge.
952. My parents staying with the kids so we could go.
953. My sister making the condo available to us at a price we could afford.
954. My husband for taking the time to do this for us.
955. All the little moments within that 9 days that reminded me why I love this man and can't wait to keep living with him for a long, long time!
956. The ability to play duets with my kids.
957. The ability to make gifts for people I love.
958. Christmas programs
959. Christmas music.
960. New Christmas decorations.
961. Vacuum cleaners that work.
962. Christmas vacation
963. The anticipation of gathering with people we love.
964. answers to prayer
965. Jesus
966. The Truth Project
967. Focus on the Family and other organizations that support families to live well.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Reason I Celebrate
a fresh flowers original
by lani wiens, copyright 2010
We have just begun going through a series called, "The Truth Project" promoted by Focus on the Family. The course is designed to wake up sleeping believers and challenge the worldview that is currently held by many. We are exploring what truth is and how it applies to every facet of life. These thoughts are challenging my foundations, the underlying question being, "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" If we do, how then shall we live?
In my devotions this morning I was pondering the concept of why Jesus came to earth. In his conversation with Pilate Jesus tells him, "For this reason I was born and came into the world, to testify to the truth." As I was thinking about this I realized that our God has done for us something that no other god in history has ever done. The intangible became tangible.
Our God wrapped himself in human flesh and came to dwell among us. He went from being somewhere out there, to right here and in person. What other god has done that? We had the opportunity to see, feel, hear and touch him. He taught us right here, in person. He showed himself to us in a way that is truly mind boggling if you stop to consider it.
There is no way, in light of what Jesus did, that you can deny God's existence. He was here, he bought the t-shirt and gave one to each of us. History testifies that Jesus was here. He proved that he was who he said he was - God. He proved over and over again that he had power in him that no else had ever had nor ever will. He contained the power of life and death, the ability to heal and to forgive sin. Tell me what other god in history has done any of those things?
The God we serve exists, he came and dwelt among us for a time to be a witness to that truth. In this season where we celebrate his coming to earth stop and ponder what Jesus did in coming here. Wonder anew that God became flesh and dwelt among us for it is a wondrous thing.
Blessings, have a very Merry Christmas, celebrating the truth of the season!
by lani wiens, copyright 2010
We have just begun going through a series called, "The Truth Project" promoted by Focus on the Family. The course is designed to wake up sleeping believers and challenge the worldview that is currently held by many. We are exploring what truth is and how it applies to every facet of life. These thoughts are challenging my foundations, the underlying question being, "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" If we do, how then shall we live?
In my devotions this morning I was pondering the concept of why Jesus came to earth. In his conversation with Pilate Jesus tells him, "For this reason I was born and came into the world, to testify to the truth." As I was thinking about this I realized that our God has done for us something that no other god in history has ever done. The intangible became tangible.
Our God wrapped himself in human flesh and came to dwell among us. He went from being somewhere out there, to right here and in person. What other god has done that? We had the opportunity to see, feel, hear and touch him. He taught us right here, in person. He showed himself to us in a way that is truly mind boggling if you stop to consider it.
There is no way, in light of what Jesus did, that you can deny God's existence. He was here, he bought the t-shirt and gave one to each of us. History testifies that Jesus was here. He proved that he was who he said he was - God. He proved over and over again that he had power in him that no else had ever had nor ever will. He contained the power of life and death, the ability to heal and to forgive sin. Tell me what other god in history has done any of those things?
The God we serve exists, he came and dwelt among us for a time to be a witness to that truth. In this season where we celebrate his coming to earth stop and ponder what Jesus did in coming here. Wonder anew that God became flesh and dwelt among us for it is a wondrous thing.
Blessings, have a very Merry Christmas, celebrating the truth of the season!
Monday, November 01, 2010
Lovely Links (945)
On my list of one thousand gifts I can't forget to list some of my favorite places to stop and breathe:
938. Randi at 'I have to say' is always a fun place to go and check out. She has a giveaway on this week so you might want to check it out.
939. Not only that she has a fabulous shop on Etsy called Fresh Squeezed Fabrics that I frequent! (that's where I got the pattern and fabric for Lizzy's jacket)!
940. To be inspired to really live read Holy Experience. Treasures from God's heart through Ann Voskamp.
941. Following our dear friends as they build their straw-bale home/business in the eco-village - Riverstone Studios.
942. And the fairer half of the Riverstone set has her own blog with this and that...
943. My bible school friend who makes me laugh! Thanks Marcia, you truly are a gift.
944. Our youth group website - a little fresh and fragile but just starting to grow.
945. A wonderful story of God's grace as he brings this lovely family together. What a privilege to watch it happen up close and personal...And I love the music my chickie friend has on here!
There are a few other places I like to go but these are my most frequent stops. Hope you enjoy them, too.
938. Randi at 'I have to say' is always a fun place to go and check out. She has a giveaway on this week so you might want to check it out.
939. Not only that she has a fabulous shop on Etsy called Fresh Squeezed Fabrics that I frequent! (that's where I got the pattern and fabric for Lizzy's jacket)!
940. To be inspired to really live read Holy Experience. Treasures from God's heart through Ann Voskamp.
941. Following our dear friends as they build their straw-bale home/business in the eco-village - Riverstone Studios.
942. And the fairer half of the Riverstone set has her own blog with this and that...
943. My bible school friend who makes me laugh! Thanks Marcia, you truly are a gift.
944. Our youth group website - a little fresh and fragile but just starting to grow.
945. A wonderful story of God's grace as he brings this lovely family together. What a privilege to watch it happen up close and personal...And I love the music my chickie friend has on here!
There are a few other places I like to go but these are my most frequent stops. Hope you enjoy them, too.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Losing my mind (937)
My husband is telling me I have post traumatic harvest syndrome (PSHS). I'm trying to understand why I can't get through the day without taking a nap. My brain doesn't seem to be working properly and I can't complete a project to save my life.
The day before yesterday I got out the winter coats, ski pants, boots and all in anticipation of the colder weather coming. I made sure all my little toes were warm enough and I sorted out all the too small stuff. Unfortunately, the mess is all still sitting there in piles, sorted but not put away, because I came upstairs and simply forgot that I had created a huge mess until I went downstairs again yesterday and there it was.
I've forgotten meat on the counter, books, projects, laundry in the washing machine. I feel like I am slowly losing my mind. I never used to be like this and I don't really have the energy to care. I am thankful for a strong will-power even if I'm not very disciplined. Perhaps I just need to find a few things to be thankful for;
925. small boys who 'fix' the cushion on my chair with tape so that it is all better - done out of love for their mom
926. a boy ready to tell the story of his healing to his peers
927. the wonderful lady who asked him, too
928. the young woman who loves my sons and takes them out for lunch
929. a sister-in-law who gives me her microwave because she doesn't need it when I told her about our microwave's untimely death
930. the play 'The Keeper' done by our old church family - such a nice way to spend an afternoon
931. the hope of a getaway with my husband - just the two of us
932. freshly washed sheets
933. cozy indoors when outdoors is yucky
934. the word of the Lord - retold by so many so it makes sense to me
935. the smell of fresh bread sitting on my counter (almost forgot to bake it today!)
936. home schooling - I really love it, even on the bad days
937. the trickle charger that we slap on every time the kids leave the lights on in the van and kill the battery
That's all for the moment, I have to go pick up the boys from piano lessons = I probably shouldn't forget them!
The day before yesterday I got out the winter coats, ski pants, boots and all in anticipation of the colder weather coming. I made sure all my little toes were warm enough and I sorted out all the too small stuff. Unfortunately, the mess is all still sitting there in piles, sorted but not put away, because I came upstairs and simply forgot that I had created a huge mess until I went downstairs again yesterday and there it was.
I've forgotten meat on the counter, books, projects, laundry in the washing machine. I feel like I am slowly losing my mind. I never used to be like this and I don't really have the energy to care. I am thankful for a strong will-power even if I'm not very disciplined. Perhaps I just need to find a few things to be thankful for;
925. small boys who 'fix' the cushion on my chair with tape so that it is all better - done out of love for their mom
926. a boy ready to tell the story of his healing to his peers
927. the wonderful lady who asked him, too
928. the young woman who loves my sons and takes them out for lunch
929. a sister-in-law who gives me her microwave because she doesn't need it when I told her about our microwave's untimely death
930. the play 'The Keeper' done by our old church family - such a nice way to spend an afternoon
931. the hope of a getaway with my husband - just the two of us
932. freshly washed sheets
933. cozy indoors when outdoors is yucky
934. the word of the Lord - retold by so many so it makes sense to me
935. the smell of fresh bread sitting on my counter (almost forgot to bake it today!)
936. home schooling - I really love it, even on the bad days
937. the trickle charger that we slap on every time the kids leave the lights on in the van and kill the battery
That's all for the moment, I have to go pick up the boys from piano lessons = I probably shouldn't forget them!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Harvest Ramblings and Accounting
Most days I have a plan in my head of what's going to happen before I roll out of bed. Sometimes I actually do the plan and sometimes life just gets in the way. I am thankful for my accountability sista (925) who calls every day and helps me decide if that list is too long for that day. I do the same for her. Today neither of us planned to accomplish anything much but we both did!! (926)
Harvest time is so busy with very little downtime. I've been doing fruit and vegetable harvesting for three months straight, with a little break to move my parents. I am looking forward to being all done! Just the carrots left and my gardens are finally finished. We have to finish harvesting honey and of course the crops in the field are not quite finished, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel...finally! (927)
I'd like to try and keep track of what I've harvested this year and I'm not likely to lose the world wide web so this looks like as good a place as any to record this year's bounty.
We started off with fruit:
100 lbs of cherries
- 6 quarts cherry pie filling
- 16 pints of cherry jam
- 49 quarts of preserves (there were more than that but we've eaten some :))
60 lbs of apricots
- 25 pints of jam
- 21 quarts of preserves
40 lbs of peaches
- I have 12 quarts left - we've eaten some of these, too
40 lbs of plums
- okay, some of those cherry quarts must be plums, but I couldn't see in the storage room very well
a LOT of apples
- 44 quarts of applesauce (not accurate, we've eaten alot already)
- 26 pints of applesauce
- 13 quarts of juice
Tomatoes
- 11 quarts of salsa
- 52 pints of salsa
- processed and froze about a dozen 4 cup bags of tomatoe sauce
Corn
- 44 4 cup bags in the freezer
Potatoes
- 18 large bags of potatoes (not the large in the store - we're talking feed bags)
I'm not done with the carrots yet but I've already processed 31 4cup bags.
I also have some fruit that I froze of the plums and apricots for cobblers and platz.
Then there's the honey, at the moment we have on hand:
- 7 ice cream pails full
- 3 - 3kg pails
- 7 - 3 gal pails
- 2 yogurt containers full
and tons of supers to process that we brought in this morning. We have also used and given away far more honey than that. I bake all my bread with honey and also used about 3 ice cream pails full to process my applesauce - best applesauce we've ever had!
So, that's my harvest ramble for the moment. I am thankful, IMMENSELY thankful for our bountiful harvest I know that many people were not able to harvest much of anything. I give all my gratitude to my maker, He knows how hard it is to continually fill 6 kids' bellies!
Harvest Blessings to one and all!
Harvest time is so busy with very little downtime. I've been doing fruit and vegetable harvesting for three months straight, with a little break to move my parents. I am looking forward to being all done! Just the carrots left and my gardens are finally finished. We have to finish harvesting honey and of course the crops in the field are not quite finished, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel...finally! (927)
I'd like to try and keep track of what I've harvested this year and I'm not likely to lose the world wide web so this looks like as good a place as any to record this year's bounty.
We started off with fruit:
100 lbs of cherries
- 6 quarts cherry pie filling
- 16 pints of cherry jam
- 49 quarts of preserves (there were more than that but we've eaten some :))
60 lbs of apricots
- 25 pints of jam
- 21 quarts of preserves
40 lbs of peaches
- I have 12 quarts left - we've eaten some of these, too
40 lbs of plums
- okay, some of those cherry quarts must be plums, but I couldn't see in the storage room very well
a LOT of apples
- 44 quarts of applesauce (not accurate, we've eaten alot already)
- 26 pints of applesauce
- 13 quarts of juice
Tomatoes
- 11 quarts of salsa
- 52 pints of salsa
- processed and froze about a dozen 4 cup bags of tomatoe sauce
Corn
- 44 4 cup bags in the freezer
Potatoes
- 18 large bags of potatoes (not the large in the store - we're talking feed bags)
I'm not done with the carrots yet but I've already processed 31 4cup bags.
I also have some fruit that I froze of the plums and apricots for cobblers and platz.
Then there's the honey, at the moment we have on hand:
- 7 ice cream pails full
- 3 - 3kg pails
- 7 - 3 gal pails
- 2 yogurt containers full
and tons of supers to process that we brought in this morning. We have also used and given away far more honey than that. I bake all my bread with honey and also used about 3 ice cream pails full to process my applesauce - best applesauce we've ever had!
So, that's my harvest ramble for the moment. I am thankful, IMMENSELY thankful for our bountiful harvest I know that many people were not able to harvest much of anything. I give all my gratitude to my maker, He knows how hard it is to continually fill 6 kids' bellies!
Harvest Blessings to one and all!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Rough Stones (924)
a fresh flower original
by Lani Wiens, copyright 2010
by Lani Wiens, copyright 2010
Here by the water, I'll build an altar to praise you,
Out of the stones that I found here
I'll lay them down here rough as they are
Knowing that you can make them holy
from "Here By the Water" by Steve Bell off the album Romantics and Mystics
The other day my husband and I were listening to this song because it just happens to be our fave Steve Bell tune. It originally aired on the album Romantics and Mystics but has been redone for the Symphony Series which is even more incredible than the original is, you can go listen over here. If you ever get a chance to attend the Symphony concerts - GO!! You will be uplifted and mesmerized by the magnificent musicianship of the orchestra and Steve's band.
In the midst of listening to the song Kelly had a new take on the lyrics saying to me, "Think of those words in terms of our kids." It got me thinking. Our children are rough and sometimes harsh in their edges. They haven't been formed to fit into anything when they arrive in our arms, they are rough stones. We are given the task of softening the edges, polishing them up and getting them useful for whatever the Master has in store for them.
In order for that polishing and softening to occur we have to fully submit them to the Master, offer them back, rough as they are, knowing He can make them holy, set apart, useful to Him. Some days that seems like the most difficult part, particularly when you feel like those stones are coming at your head and you feel bruised and beaten by those stones you so carefully laid down. But where are we located?
We are here by the water, perhaps it was rough, maybe a quiet stream of refreshing, whatever body of water we've just passed through the Master was in the boat with us, guiding us by His strong hand, keeping our stones in the boat, refreshing us.
While our lives with our children are often fraught with trouble and questions we must remember that He is the one making them holy. He is at work in even the most rebellious and stubborn child.
Some thankfulness to end off this little piece:
894. Older brothers loving little sisters.
895. Prayers for peace and joy from a little boy with lots of energy.
896. Neighbors who bring home wandering little girls who go off to visit their grandmas,
897. People you can call to pray when you can't go any further and need some encouragement
898. Quiet songs.
899. Dads who come to dig carrots and potatoes.
900. Blogs that encourage with words.
901. Blogs that bless me with beauty.
902. Beautiful, sunshiny harvest weather.
903. A son working alongside his father and grandfather to bring in the harvest, the 5th generation to farm that land.
904. Extended family.
905. The hands and hearts that prepare for family to come together.
906. Plentiful potatoes
907. Copious corn
908. carrots, carrots and more carrots
909. Strangers who help bring a runaway home
910. Soft landings for hard moments
911. Music that speaks to a wounded soul
912. Youth that step up and minister to the ministers
913. Tea
914. My sewing machine, it's quiet hum soothes my spirit
915. Call display and answering machines
916. Honey from our bees
917. Tons of tomatoes
918. Strangers on the road who help
919. Little girls who dance whenever music comes on
920. Clean lentils
921. my new stove, it makes life so much easier
922. All the rows of canning in my cold room
923. Having my mommy close by
924. Brothers and sisters realizing that they love one another
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)