The weekend of candidating has come and gone - hardly believable, but true. On Friday we weren't even sure we were able to go! Big girl's school called in the morning to tell us she had vomitted all over the place, so I ran to pick her up. Turns out she was the third one that morning (before 10). There were nine kids down in one other classroom. We were a little nervous that so we spent Friday afternoon disinfecting our house and cleaning toys. She only threw up one more time so we watched and waited...
Thanks to our big bubbler tub I just threw all the toys in there with hot water and a lot of disinfectent and turned on the bubbles. Very efficient way to clean. Not so great was when I heard splashing in the tub an hour or so after I had stuck them in there! I ran screaming to the bathroom to find the two little boys playing in there! I snatched them out, lathered them up and threw them in the shower! They were not impressed. But they were disinfected and suffered no permanent damage...I hope! (the screeching mother may require therapy)
So off we went on Saturday afternoon with tons of people praying. Sunday was a long day with preaching in the morning, meeting with council in the afternoon and then potluck with the congregation and youth event in the evening. All of it went incredibly well. The people there are a very warm and loving family and have already made us feel well cared for.
It was very strange pulling up to the farm house with the thought in our heads that soon this house and yard will be ours. We looked at everything with new eyes. On Monday we got to see the house that my husband's parents will be moving to. We were hoping to meet with the school but that didn't work out. We did however get a box number and Co-op number.
The strangest thing happened on our way back to the city. Normally as we enter the city I feel that wonderful sense of coming home. It didn't happen. What's stranger, my husband felt it, too and commented on it, before I did. The city has ceased to be home for us and it's a little hard to take. The house I live in is no longer home to me...but the house that I'm moving to isn't home yet either. I am stuck and feeling the loss keenly. So in a way, for awhile, I'm homeless...neither here nor there. Thank you Jesus that you said that this world isn't our home...we are bound for something much more permanent and wonderful than we can possibly imagine.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Holy Spirit Epidural
Today I once again came up against the reality of our current situation. The excitement, anticipation and joy bubbles over the whole thing have kept me blissfully in denial over the pain that I'm going to have to endure. Two of my dear friends reminded me tonite that this is gonna hurt...not just me, but them.
So far we have jumped over 8 hurdles in this journey, one more to go this weekend as we head down to candidate (that means we speak in the morning service and then host an event for youth/parents, etc. in the evening). We will also meet with the school that our kids will be going to. Yes, school! We have made the decision to put our children into the very small public school that is in town. It will be a big adjustment for all of us.
Then the labour pains will really begin. Sure we've had a little discomfort and irritation but nothing like what we'll experience once the full force of labour and delivery hit. I will need the Holy Spirit to give me an epidural to help ride the pain through. As I found out with my last baby, the epidural doesn't take away all the pain, but it helps to get through it (she's the first real epidural I've had - that worked anyway). That ring of fire will still burn! The pressure will still be huge! The recovery will take some time...and will it all be worth it?
I think YES! We will take a little bit of the fabric we've been part of here and stretch it all the way down there and join it together with the pieces that already exist to make a new and beautiful quilt. Should be good, but my heart will still get pierced, there's just no way around that.
BTW - I have a fabulous new haircut thanks to my wonderful hair wizard!! so I will look great this weekend!
So far we have jumped over 8 hurdles in this journey, one more to go this weekend as we head down to candidate (that means we speak in the morning service and then host an event for youth/parents, etc. in the evening). We will also meet with the school that our kids will be going to. Yes, school! We have made the decision to put our children into the very small public school that is in town. It will be a big adjustment for all of us.
Then the labour pains will really begin. Sure we've had a little discomfort and irritation but nothing like what we'll experience once the full force of labour and delivery hit. I will need the Holy Spirit to give me an epidural to help ride the pain through. As I found out with my last baby, the epidural doesn't take away all the pain, but it helps to get through it (she's the first real epidural I've had - that worked anyway). That ring of fire will still burn! The pressure will still be huge! The recovery will take some time...and will it all be worth it?
I think YES! We will take a little bit of the fabric we've been part of here and stretch it all the way down there and join it together with the pieces that already exist to make a new and beautiful quilt. Should be good, but my heart will still get pierced, there's just no way around that.
BTW - I have a fabulous new haircut thanks to my wonderful hair wizard!! so I will look great this weekend!
Friday, January 19, 2007
New Look
So I had to change my template when I updated my blog to the beta thingy. I was sad to lose my flowers, and all my links. But I must say I'm having fun putting in new elements now that I don't have to do all that html business! Unfortunately I am not that learned when it comes to technology wizardry. Oh well, can't be good at everything...
presence
safe
secure
resting
unconcerned
These are the words that I long to be real in my life. I have been surrounded lately with the idea of 'practicing God's presence'. Developing intimacy. I want the look that's on my daughter's face to permeate my spirit so that I can be at peace no matter what the storm looks like today. I believe my anchor needs to dig a little deeper, get a little heavier. I have no desire to run on my own steam. I want that rest...desparately...
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Peanut Butter Jars
The other day I got to open a new jar of peanut butter. I'm not sure what it is exactly but ever since I was a little girl I've loved opening the new jar of peanut butter. I think maybe it's because I love 'new' things - projects, clothes, cloth, adventures, etc.
The down side is that it doesn't take long for the new jar of peanut butter to look like every other jar of peanut butter I've ever had. It takes more work to get the peanut butter out the farther down you get. I'm always so excited to start a new project and then, not too far in, you realize, "Hey! This thing is going to take some work to finish!" Sometimes, rather than go all the way to the bottom of the jar, we start a new one, just to get that same rush of a new thing beginning!
A dear friend of mine helped me a few years ago to become a better project manager. She rarely opens the new jar before the old one is completely empty. She could not understand the many peanut butter jars in various stages of completion that I had on hand. However, my life isn't like hers and I keep several things going so that I can work on them depending what level of distraction I've got going and where I happen to be.
I'm thinking our move is a little like my peanut butter jar. It's like opening the grand-daddy of all peanut butter jars for us...walking into some things we've only ever dreamed about happening. Our heads aren't in the clouds, we are fully aware there are going to some big kinks to work out and we have a massive learning curve ahead of us. But guess what, peanut butter is peanut butter all the way down to the bottom of the jar! And it's sooooooooo good!
The down side is that it doesn't take long for the new jar of peanut butter to look like every other jar of peanut butter I've ever had. It takes more work to get the peanut butter out the farther down you get. I'm always so excited to start a new project and then, not too far in, you realize, "Hey! This thing is going to take some work to finish!" Sometimes, rather than go all the way to the bottom of the jar, we start a new one, just to get that same rush of a new thing beginning!
A dear friend of mine helped me a few years ago to become a better project manager. She rarely opens the new jar before the old one is completely empty. She could not understand the many peanut butter jars in various stages of completion that I had on hand. However, my life isn't like hers and I keep several things going so that I can work on them depending what level of distraction I've got going and where I happen to be.
I'm thinking our move is a little like my peanut butter jar. It's like opening the grand-daddy of all peanut butter jars for us...walking into some things we've only ever dreamed about happening. Our heads aren't in the clouds, we are fully aware there are going to some big kinks to work out and we have a massive learning curve ahead of us. But guess what, peanut butter is peanut butter all the way down to the bottom of the jar! And it's sooooooooo good!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
All kinds of bits and pieces for a blizzardy day
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
Wow, have we got a blizzard going or what! There were times today when we could barely see across the street. All my family is safe and cozy with me here under one roof and for that I am thankful! Not all our friends are so lucky...one of our friends' husband is stuck at Burger King for the night. The city is closed, no one is allowed out. People are stranded everywhere, it's quite something. I was glad to get home from work and then to see my precious girlie walk in the door with friends who decided to brave the weather.
Life is suddenly moving at a rapid pace. We're making decisions on where to live, when we'll move, what kind of crops we want to plant, what we'll move, what will stay here, what we will do with our house, how we'll educate our kids. It is all so HUGE!!!!!
Some bathroom jokes you can tell your kids (I made these up this morning, they're not really all that funny, but hey, I'll share them anyway!)
Be sure to get out of the tub before you pull the plug or you may feel a little drained!
Everytime I use the bathroom I feel so flushed!
Doing the dishes gives me such a sinking feeling!
AND my favorite blooper sign of the year: at FasGas on 20th street, "Give the gift of gas!"
Yes folks, cabin fever has set in and I am rambling on.
I am very blessed with things I have wanted for a long time coming my way in the last little while, the list includes but is not limited to:
1. My new sewing machine (a gift from my in-laws)
2. My new digital camera (a gift from my husband)
3. My french press coffee maker that is used exclusively for tea (a gift from my parents)
4. My not so new serger (my mom got a new one for Christmas so they fixed her old one and gave it to me)
5. The whole moving to a farm, my husband becoming a pastor and all that - beginning to get rather excited about it all - really and truly, a little bubble formed yesterday and it started to expand
Oh yeah, got tagged by Nathan over at Unedited Ravings for 5 things you probably don't know about me:
1. I pierced my ears (the second hole) myself with a big old darning needle and an ice cube.
2. I'm rather good at mimicking accents - to the point that some Texans didn't believe that I was from Canada and not Texas.
3. I've broken my nose twice.
4. I used to be a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
5. I have only worn a bikini once in my lifetime and will never do it again.
I'll tag anyone who wants to play
Wow, have we got a blizzard going or what! There were times today when we could barely see across the street. All my family is safe and cozy with me here under one roof and for that I am thankful! Not all our friends are so lucky...one of our friends' husband is stuck at Burger King for the night. The city is closed, no one is allowed out. People are stranded everywhere, it's quite something. I was glad to get home from work and then to see my precious girlie walk in the door with friends who decided to brave the weather.
Life is suddenly moving at a rapid pace. We're making decisions on where to live, when we'll move, what kind of crops we want to plant, what we'll move, what will stay here, what we will do with our house, how we'll educate our kids. It is all so HUGE!!!!!
Some bathroom jokes you can tell your kids (I made these up this morning, they're not really all that funny, but hey, I'll share them anyway!)
Be sure to get out of the tub before you pull the plug or you may feel a little drained!
Everytime I use the bathroom I feel so flushed!
Doing the dishes gives me such a sinking feeling!
AND my favorite blooper sign of the year: at FasGas on 20th street, "Give the gift of gas!"
Yes folks, cabin fever has set in and I am rambling on.
I am very blessed with things I have wanted for a long time coming my way in the last little while, the list includes but is not limited to:
1. My new sewing machine (a gift from my in-laws)
2. My new digital camera (a gift from my husband)
3. My french press coffee maker that is used exclusively for tea (a gift from my parents)
4. My not so new serger (my mom got a new one for Christmas so they fixed her old one and gave it to me)
5. The whole moving to a farm, my husband becoming a pastor and all that - beginning to get rather excited about it all - really and truly, a little bubble formed yesterday and it started to expand
Oh yeah, got tagged by Nathan over at Unedited Ravings for 5 things you probably don't know about me:
1. I pierced my ears (the second hole) myself with a big old darning needle and an ice cube.
2. I'm rather good at mimicking accents - to the point that some Texans didn't believe that I was from Canada and not Texas.
3. I've broken my nose twice.
4. I used to be a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
5. I have only worn a bikini once in my lifetime and will never do it again.
I'll tag anyone who wants to play
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
encouragement for moms
Just read this. Good encouragement for weary moms to stay close to Jesus. Sometimes it's easy to forget where that source of strength is.
Also reading a great book entitled, "Measuring Up" by Dr. Kevin Leman. I am a defeated perctionist trying to get a more realistic view on life. Apparently I am not as big a failure as I think I am! Who knew! This book is helping tremendously, though it's taking a long time to read (mostly because I don't have much time to read.)
Also reading a great book entitled, "Measuring Up" by Dr. Kevin Leman. I am a defeated perctionist trying to get a more realistic view on life. Apparently I am not as big a failure as I think I am! Who knew! This book is helping tremendously, though it's taking a long time to read (mostly because I don't have much time to read.)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
new year...new everything
I am feeling quite a lot like my poor Christmas tree - my world is tilting slightly to the right!
My hope and prayer for this year is to survive and thrive in this birthing process we find ourselves in. For the last year or so people have prophesied to us that we're on the edge of something big, something breaking forth, etc. Well, we know what it is now and yup, it's big alright. It does feel like we're giving birth, the contractions have begun and the process will hurt but in the end we'll be tired, happy and greatly blessed, ready to find out what our 'new normal' is.
Way back in October we were asked to apply for an associate pastor position in my husband's home church. We had already been considering and talking to his parents about more involvement in the farm and were looking to possibly make a move in a few years. So after much prayer, contemplation and consultation we've applied and the interview process has begun. What does this possibly mean for our family?
* cross-cultural integration - we are moving from city to really, really rural
* a new house - remember we just moved a year ago
* a new church family
* new friends for everyone
* moving away from my family and closer to my husband's family
* building a new support system for Chris
* learning how to be a pastor family
* learning how to be a rural family
* learning how to be a farming family
* for my husband - learning two new jobs
* letting go of our business
* figuring out what to do with our house
* figuring out where to live out there
* figuring out all the farm transfer stuff
* figuring out what school will look like for the kids
* fulfillment of some life long dreams and desires
It's all rather mind boggling if I think about it too much. I've been doing pretty well at leaving the how's and why's to the Lord, but not so good with the when's and what's and where's.
In the meantime our family has been sick with something or other for two whole months. We've celebrated Christmas and have been to Winnipeg and back (a 9 hour trek). My Christmas tree really sums up how I'm feeling at the moment... including the little sock hanging on the wall...
Monday, December 25, 2006
guess who got a digital camera for Christmas?
There's my wonderful family in all the fun things I made them this Christmas. Glow in the dark PJ's and bathrobes, no sew ponchos, big fat pillow and agloriously bright quilt. I am so excited to have a digital camera, I will probably be a big pain in the butt now that I have this thing, but I don't care. I will enjoy it!!!What a fun last couple of days we've had. The best part was watching the joy on the kids' faces as they gave the gifts that they had gotten for each other and for us. What fun to see the joy of giving on their faces. Lots of good fun and food and friends and family. Give the letter 'F' a hand for helping us out with the holidays! We're off on travelling adventures tomorrow morning. Better go get some sleep!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
1. I am thankful for encouraging friends like Lloanne, Connie, Linda, Krista, Holly, Ninette and Sarah.
2. I am thankful for my moms and my sisters; Marie, Velma, Donna, Darlene, Denise, Sonya and Tamara.
3. I am thankful for glow-in-the dark flannel and beautifully soft fleece, that's on sale!
4. I am thankful that I can say I have girls - plural and boys - plural - and husband - singular!!
5. I am thankful for Bec Abbot and her song, "Thrive"
This is what we sang and danced around to this morning as we 'secured the atmosphere' in our home this morning (S and S loved that we were playing the CD so loud!)
Gonna Thrive,
Be,
Live Abundantly
Walk through open doors
Celebrate this life I'm livin'.............
2. I am thankful for my moms and my sisters; Marie, Velma, Donna, Darlene, Denise, Sonya and Tamara.
3. I am thankful for glow-in-the dark flannel and beautifully soft fleece, that's on sale!
4. I am thankful that I can say I have girls - plural and boys - plural - and husband - singular!!
5. I am thankful for Bec Abbot and her song, "Thrive"
This is what we sang and danced around to this morning as we 'secured the atmosphere' in our home this morning (S and S loved that we were playing the CD so loud!)
Gonna Thrive,
Be,
Live Abundantly
Walk through open doors
Celebrate this life I'm livin'.............
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
babies, ponchos and thanksgiving
more things to be thankful for:
1. A husband who loves me and is gorgeous to look at besides (believe it or not he thinks the same thing about me!)
2. A forgiving God who shows me my error and loves me anyway - like when I lose it and yell at my son - there is no excuse for that - but God, and my son both forgave me.
3. My new nephew - Sonya had a baby boy in the wee hours of this morning. Welcome to the world baby Joshua
4. Fabricland - the source of all my Christmas goodies so far.
5. On-line ideas for simple, creative, wonderful and inexpensive gifts - like the one I'll tell you about below.
NO-SEW PONCHO - this was an idea from frugalmommy, but I have Canadianized it and added in a few more ideas and sizes to make it my own!
Really and truly, this takes no sewing and looks fabulous. I wish I had pictures but I still don't own a digital camera (hint, hint). I made seven of these in about 1 hour!
Materials:
1 m of lovely fleece (on sale right now at Fabricland) - this will make 2 30x30 fleece ponchos
a pair of scissors
a measuring device
1. Fold the fabric in half and cut.
2. Trim to make it exactly 30" x 30" for a younger girl (K- gr 4 age or so) for toddlers - 27" x 27" for baby girl 20" x 20" is good (note: if you're making them for babies you can get more ponchos out of one meter of fabric.
3. Fold fleece diagonally.
4. Find the center by folding diagonally again (mark center with a pin)
5. Unfold one fold so that the fleece is still folded once.
6. Mark 2.5" on either side of your center pin (a little less for baby size)
7. Cut a semi-circle from outer pin to outer pin - you may want to use a small bowl or cut out a semi-circle from paper to have something to cut around.
8. Personalize your poncho:
a. cut a fringe around the edge
b. cut a fringe around the edge, slide a bead on and knot it
c. cut a fringe around the edge, knot the fringes
d. cut out a flower, heart, star or something other shape from another coordinating fabric and use fabric glue, Heat 'n' Bond, or sewing to add it to your poncho
That's it - so fun and so easy. My girls are gonna look so cute in their matching bright lime green ponchos!
Have a lovely day!
1. A husband who loves me and is gorgeous to look at besides (believe it or not he thinks the same thing about me!)
2. A forgiving God who shows me my error and loves me anyway - like when I lose it and yell at my son - there is no excuse for that - but God, and my son both forgave me.
3. My new nephew - Sonya had a baby boy in the wee hours of this morning. Welcome to the world baby Joshua
4. Fabricland - the source of all my Christmas goodies so far.
5. On-line ideas for simple, creative, wonderful and inexpensive gifts - like the one I'll tell you about below.
NO-SEW PONCHO - this was an idea from frugalmommy, but I have Canadianized it and added in a few more ideas and sizes to make it my own!
Really and truly, this takes no sewing and looks fabulous. I wish I had pictures but I still don't own a digital camera (hint, hint). I made seven of these in about 1 hour!
Materials:
1 m of lovely fleece (on sale right now at Fabricland) - this will make 2 30x30 fleece ponchos
a pair of scissors
a measuring device
1. Fold the fabric in half and cut.
2. Trim to make it exactly 30" x 30" for a younger girl (K- gr 4 age or so) for toddlers - 27" x 27" for baby girl 20" x 20" is good (note: if you're making them for babies you can get more ponchos out of one meter of fabric.
3. Fold fleece diagonally.
4. Find the center by folding diagonally again (mark center with a pin)
5. Unfold one fold so that the fleece is still folded once.
6. Mark 2.5" on either side of your center pin (a little less for baby size)
7. Cut a semi-circle from outer pin to outer pin - you may want to use a small bowl or cut out a semi-circle from paper to have something to cut around.
8. Personalize your poncho:
a. cut a fringe around the edge
b. cut a fringe around the edge, slide a bead on and knot it
c. cut a fringe around the edge, knot the fringes
d. cut out a flower, heart, star or something other shape from another coordinating fabric and use fabric glue, Heat 'n' Bond, or sewing to add it to your poncho
That's it - so fun and so easy. My girls are gonna look so cute in their matching bright lime green ponchos!
Have a lovely day!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
oh to be thankful
Maybe I should write 'unencouraged' posts more often.
While the world hasn't changed much in my four walls, I am feeling a little less down. Reading in Hebrews 12 where is states that this is the race that was marked out for us made me stop and think. God planned for me to walk the road that I'm walking on. He has arranged for me to experience all these things to make my character what it needs to be so that I will be able to fulfill the call He has placed on my life. (that's in James) He's also surrounded me with witnesses and friends to cheer me on so that I can keep on going.
Nin wrote about what happens when you quit feeding your body and how it gets used to being fed a certain way. I realized that I need to make sure my spiritual self is getting fed if I'm going to be able to endure. I don't want to be a race drop-out.
Sonya asked in the comments if I need to be encouraging...I think I do. The word of God asks me to encourage people and here at fresh flowers I want to be that. It was the original intent of this blog, and even though it isn't a widely read blog at least for those who come here, I want to think that they've read something that will at least bring a smile to their face and pick them up a little. It also forces me to think 'happy thoughts' and not dwell on the negative - which seems to be what I'm doing too much of the time lately. So maybe for the rest of December if I manage to get to the blogging world I will commit myself to writing what I'm grateful for.
Here's the beginning of my grateful Christmas list:
1. I am thankful for the people who come by and read - whether or not you leave comments!
2. I am thankful that I am living a life I've dreamed of - being a wife, mom, teacher.
3. I am thankful that I have wonderful friends and family who love me and encourage me.
4. I am thankful for the creativity God has given me and the ability to make some of my ideas come to light.
5. I am thankful for the skills I've gained from my mom to make Christmas gifts for my friends and family in a frugal, yet beautiful way.
that feels much bettter! smile
While the world hasn't changed much in my four walls, I am feeling a little less down. Reading in Hebrews 12 where is states that this is the race that was marked out for us made me stop and think. God planned for me to walk the road that I'm walking on. He has arranged for me to experience all these things to make my character what it needs to be so that I will be able to fulfill the call He has placed on my life. (that's in James) He's also surrounded me with witnesses and friends to cheer me on so that I can keep on going.
Nin wrote about what happens when you quit feeding your body and how it gets used to being fed a certain way. I realized that I need to make sure my spiritual self is getting fed if I'm going to be able to endure. I don't want to be a race drop-out.
Sonya asked in the comments if I need to be encouraging...I think I do. The word of God asks me to encourage people and here at fresh flowers I want to be that. It was the original intent of this blog, and even though it isn't a widely read blog at least for those who come here, I want to think that they've read something that will at least bring a smile to their face and pick them up a little. It also forces me to think 'happy thoughts' and not dwell on the negative - which seems to be what I'm doing too much of the time lately. So maybe for the rest of December if I manage to get to the blogging world I will commit myself to writing what I'm grateful for.
Here's the beginning of my grateful Christmas list:
1. I am thankful for the people who come by and read - whether or not you leave comments!
2. I am thankful that I am living a life I've dreamed of - being a wife, mom, teacher.
3. I am thankful that I have wonderful friends and family who love me and encourage me.
4. I am thankful for the creativity God has given me and the ability to make some of my ideas come to light.
5. I am thankful for the skills I've gained from my mom to make Christmas gifts for my friends and family in a frugal, yet beautiful way.
that feels much bettter! smile
Sunday, December 03, 2006
blathering
feel like writing something but don't have much to say...not sure anyone reads this thing anyway
been cooped up with sick kids for three weeks - haven't been to church
feel
isolated
want to get out for awhile
i'm an introvert constantly surrounded by people
way too much stress going on around here
waiting for a phone call that hasn't come yet
it will
just taking time
waiting for my entire life to change is not easy and i'm not doing well at being peaceful
would like to scream and throw things for a brief moment
crying is good, less damaging
hard to find time to do all the things that need to be done
only one of me
so many of everything else
house is quiet, tree is pretty in the dark
relative cleanness - as clean as it can be with 8 people constantly running around
without corporate worship, every day is the same
spending time with Sam was rather wonderful this morning, I will cherish those memories...doesn't happen very often
not very encouraging am i?
guess i'll go to bed
tomorrow is another day
more of the same
sigh
been cooped up with sick kids for three weeks - haven't been to church
feel
isolated
want to get out for awhile
i'm an introvert constantly surrounded by people
way too much stress going on around here
waiting for a phone call that hasn't come yet
it will
just taking time
waiting for my entire life to change is not easy and i'm not doing well at being peaceful
would like to scream and throw things for a brief moment
crying is good, less damaging
hard to find time to do all the things that need to be done
only one of me
so many of everything else
house is quiet, tree is pretty in the dark
relative cleanness - as clean as it can be with 8 people constantly running around
without corporate worship, every day is the same
spending time with Sam was rather wonderful this morning, I will cherish those memories...doesn't happen very often
not very encouraging am i?
guess i'll go to bed
tomorrow is another day
more of the same
sigh
Monday, November 20, 2006
Sabbatical
I have been reading alot about sabbatical and rest and all that. After the last year of high stress and such I'm feeling a wee bit drained. I've been writing fresh flowers for quite some time now and it seems good to my husband, the Holy Spirit and myself to take a rest. So there won't be much around here for the next three months. However, I would appreciate your prayers as I do the following:
1. Rest from writing
2. Refresh my spirit so that there is more to give
3. Ponder the process of huge life changing decision making that we are in the middle of.
Oh yeah, we have 4 gift sets of Fresh Flowers - an inspirational journal and King of All Creation CDs left. That's all they'll ever be, we aren't making anymore. So whoever yells first will get them. $25 for both - a steal of a deal!
And now, I am going to eat late night KD with my wonderful husband and begin resting...aaaahhhh
1. Rest from writing
2. Refresh my spirit so that there is more to give
3. Ponder the process of huge life changing decision making that we are in the middle of.
Oh yeah, we have 4 gift sets of Fresh Flowers - an inspirational journal and King of All Creation CDs left. That's all they'll ever be, we aren't making anymore. So whoever yells first will get them. $25 for both - a steal of a deal!
And now, I am going to eat late night KD with my wonderful husband and begin resting...aaaahhhh
Thursday, November 16, 2006
fresh flowers for Nov 15
This is an excerpt from "Heart to Heart" - a newsletter I receive. I don't think I could say this any better!
Lani
THE APPLE SERMON
Thanks to Annamarie Kresge in Virginia for this devotional!
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples.
Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"
She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister....." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world (shopping, working, reacting to others that are serving us) that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit. Let us live like we are worth the price He paid.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Our lives are full of brokenness - broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful, except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives.
Make no judgements where you have no compassion.
Lani
THE APPLE SERMON
Thanks to Annamarie Kresge in Virginia for this devotional!
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples.
Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"
She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister....." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world (shopping, working, reacting to others that are serving us) that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit. Let us live like we are worth the price He paid.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Our lives are full of brokenness - broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful, except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives.
Make no judgements where you have no compassion.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Yeah for Oxy-Clean! Mr. Sketch markers do come out with soaking and prayer!! My couch covers look lovely once again. My fabric therapy led towards making lovely cushion covers for my couch and my bed. My baby screamed all night so I wasn't so chipper today. More fabric therapy...family birthday party. Hangin' out.
Friday, November 10, 2006
fabric therapy time
4 of my 6 children are away at sleep-overs as ov 1:30 pm, Friday, November 10, 2006. My eldest has a friend over for a long-overdue promise to have a LOTR video marathon. Just the babe to contend with! Fabric therapy may actually happen.
Definition of fabric therapy - I go sew something pretty that I don't have to sew, just because I want to and it's fun!
The dirty bathrooms will wait, won't they?
Definition of fabric therapy - I go sew something pretty that I don't have to sew, just because I want to and it's fun!
The dirty bathrooms will wait, won't they?
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