Goodness, I don't even know what to say about this past week. It has been a week of spiritual assault and the result of that attack has been me succumbing to fear. The fear has led me to a desire to totally abandon the path God placed my feet upon. It isn't ironic to me that the phrase repeated most often in the Bible is "do not fear." Jesus knows our frail frames and the thoughts that swirl around the grey matter of our souls.
As if I wasn't hurling enough insecure thoughts towards myself concerning the path God has placed me on, Satan decided to throw more my way. Of course, his came in a bit more vicious form, as in a person actually threatening me. All the sudden, the verse about loving your enemies had to become a reality in my life.
Wouldn't it be just like God, when I was sitting around in a pool of fear and despair, to yank me up and usher me into something even bigger...something I felt pretty confident about not wanting to partake in. And at the same time, telling Him "no" would be like blatantly stepping off the path He has for me and entering the forest of Everdread. Perhaps my act of stepping into the larger thing will renounce the stronghold of fear that Satan seems to have gripped me with.
God just now revealed to me the possible cause of this spiritual attack. Last Friday and Saturday, I completed most of the work on Testament Focused and was able to create the book. It is in the finishing stages, but the majority of work was done the day before the attack. Could it just be, that Satan doesn't want this project brought to completion? Anytime God's Word is printed, it will bring Him glory.
So, I think maybe that is what this week has been about. Me trying to walk in the path that would bring God glory and Satan trying to thwart that by assaulting my mind and trying to make me believe that fear should be the master of my thinking.
Would you pray that Testament Focused would become a reality and that Satan would once again be reminded that he isn't worthy of one ounce of glory? Please leave a comment if you are willing to bathe this project in prayer. I am humbled by your willingness to stand by my side in this.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chunky Monkey
Hey Everyone! Live from Arkansas here, with my special guest of the day. Let me introduce you to Chunky Monkey, marketed by Ben and Jerry. Chunky Monkey is one of the best ice creams you will ever taste. Who knew that banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts could ever be that good? It doesn't even sound good, but, oh, how it is.
Sitting here with my guest today reminded me of our Honeymoon. We trekked the Northeast, making stops in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. While in the quaint town of North Conway, New Hampshire, we found a real Ben and Jerry's ice cream parlor! Ahhh!
It was situated in the the cutest park area. There was a literal town ball field in front of the store with people playing a baseball game. The picture above is what it looked like. Isn't that fun?
The wait for ice cream was probably 30 minutes or more, but who cares when you know it will satisfy your every taste bud?
And Chunky Monkey wants you to know that if you decide to sit down and eat a whole pint of ice cream in one sitting, you will be consuming almost 80 grams of fat. Ben and Jerry are not liable for any heart attacks. Perhaps eaten in two sittings will not kill a person, though.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Walgreens
If you have a sick kid and have to make a run to Walgreen's for some meds, you might be interested in knowing that:
1. You can buy a DNA Paternity test for only $29.99, you know, just in case you need one.
2. The 80's old school fragrance sprays are still in full swing there...including Malibu Musk and Ex.Cla.Mation. Spray a little bit of the aerosol goodness and you will be transported back to your junior high days in two seconds flat.
3. Every size, brand, and color of antibacterial goo is available for your purchase, in case you need it.
4. Coke products will be 4 for $10 next week.
5. You might want to avoid the magazine aisle lest you see some 9 month pregnant celebrity in her string bikini. Or, you can go see it and scream, "my eyes, my eyes!!"
1. You can buy a DNA Paternity test for only $29.99, you know, just in case you need one.
2. The 80's old school fragrance sprays are still in full swing there...including Malibu Musk and Ex.Cla.Mation. Spray a little bit of the aerosol goodness and you will be transported back to your junior high days in two seconds flat.
3. Every size, brand, and color of antibacterial goo is available for your purchase, in case you need it.
4. Coke products will be 4 for $10 next week.
5. You might want to avoid the magazine aisle lest you see some 9 month pregnant celebrity in her string bikini. Or, you can go see it and scream, "my eyes, my eyes!!"
Friday, October 23, 2009
Favorite Things
1. Love this book. Love this writer.
2. Mom discovered this scent! It is so very fresh and light smelling. Love it. (Rain kissed leaves at Bath and Body Works.)
3. Quaker mini-delights in chocolaty mint. Surprisingly delish. But, I am a sucker for mint chocolate!
4. Rachael Ray "Taco Bowls with Guac-a-salsa Salad" which can be found on Food Network. Yummo. Sorry about the lack of picture, this recipe is so good that the last thing I am thinking of is getting a picture of it before it gets devoured.
3. Quaker mini-delights in chocolaty mint. Surprisingly delish. But, I am a sucker for mint chocolate!
4. Rachael Ray "Taco Bowls with Guac-a-salsa Salad" which can be found on Food Network. Yummo. Sorry about the lack of picture, this recipe is so good that the last thing I am thinking of is getting a picture of it before it gets devoured.Super busy weekend ahead! Hope yours is fun! Enjoy the sunshine and colorful leaves tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Glory Thief
The Holy Spirit has been all over me concerning a topic lately. When I heard a message on Sunday that dealt with the same issue, I thanked Him that He had already helped me deal with some things so that I wouldn't have to sit there and listen in shame.
I tend to walk a fine line between self thoughts that either brutally slay my inner being or thoughts that lift myself a bit higher than I should be seen. I have been begging God to help me come to a balance, to have thoughts of myself that are humble and yet not self deprecating. I think in humility, we aren't thinking of ourselves, but of others, including our Maker. And that is the whole point, isn't it? That things really aren't about us anyway.
I have found myself knee deep in projects that I want to lay at the feet of Jesus as an offering and blessing to his name. I wouldn't have even started these things if it weren't to point to His glory and fame. But, I hang my head in shame and tell you that somewhere deep inside, I wouldn't have minded if just one morsel of God's glory pie fell down from the heavens and landed in my lap to savor. (And don't think that the last sentence wasn't hard to write. I am trying to keep it real, in a world where reality isn't always pretty. But, in the truth, is where our God can meet us and transform us more and more into the likeness of His Glorious Son. So, my pride just has to take a back seat for this post.)
God doesn't share His glory with anyone. I have been reading a lot about John the Baptist and I am so very humbled by his attitude toward his Savior. John proclaimed he was unworthy to even be a slave to Christ...he didn't consider himself worthy enough to even stoop down and untie his sandals.
He was later asked if he was jealous of Christ since Christ was receiving a huge following. John the Baptist says the most amazing thing. He says that his joy has been made complete because he fulfilled his calling in life which was to prepare people for the Messiah. He isn't afraid to slip off onto the sidelines. He isn't looking for accolades at being "the one" who helped others see that the Messiah would soon be in their presence. He simply says, "He must become greater; I must become less."
I am reminded of the triumphal entry of Christ in Jerusalem where people spread out their cloaks and garments onto the road. Since Christ is riding a donkey, it seems to me that they weren't concerned that their clothing might get ruined. Perhaps they weren't thinking about themselves at all, but just the King who was making himself known to them.
I also think of Psalm 84:10 that says, "One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I'd rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin." (The Message.)
I know a little something about scrubbing floors. One time, my in-laws were without a mop and since I clean their house, I couldn't leave their floors undone. So, I got down on my hands and knees and scrubbed the tile that is in three bathrooms, a hallway, a huge kitchen, and a laundry room. My back will never be same! And yet, this psalmist says that he would gladly scrub floors incessantly just to be a part of God's house.
Humbling. I often think of God's house and heaven as a place where things will get better for me, not a place where I can more actively serve my King. Would I be content to scrub the floors of heavenly mansions for eternity if it meant that I could be in His presence everyday?
We had a great guest pastor in church Sunday. That is where the title of the post comes from. He says that ever since Eve and Adam took a bite of the forbidden fruit, longing to be like God, we have all been little glory thieves ever since. He says that the wages of any type of glory theft will result in death. Any project I have will result in death if the motivation of my heart is to receive even the smallest morsel of glory.
One verse that is going to hopefully help me keep things in perspective is 1 Corinthians 3:7: "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." If I understand the Greek word for "anything," then it means "something." I can't be "something" and make much of Christ at the same time. He simply doesn't share His glory.
I asked God on how to proceed with one of my projects and I think He made it very clear. For Testament Focused, (God willing that it becomes a book!), I am going to give 100% of profit/proceeds to Soaring Wings Ranch. Hopefully then, this little glory thief, who isn't anything, will be able to slip off onto the sidelines as God becomes "Something" to these kids who need his healing touch.
Become greater as I become less, God.
I tend to walk a fine line between self thoughts that either brutally slay my inner being or thoughts that lift myself a bit higher than I should be seen. I have been begging God to help me come to a balance, to have thoughts of myself that are humble and yet not self deprecating. I think in humility, we aren't thinking of ourselves, but of others, including our Maker. And that is the whole point, isn't it? That things really aren't about us anyway.
I have found myself knee deep in projects that I want to lay at the feet of Jesus as an offering and blessing to his name. I wouldn't have even started these things if it weren't to point to His glory and fame. But, I hang my head in shame and tell you that somewhere deep inside, I wouldn't have minded if just one morsel of God's glory pie fell down from the heavens and landed in my lap to savor. (And don't think that the last sentence wasn't hard to write. I am trying to keep it real, in a world where reality isn't always pretty. But, in the truth, is where our God can meet us and transform us more and more into the likeness of His Glorious Son. So, my pride just has to take a back seat for this post.)
God doesn't share His glory with anyone. I have been reading a lot about John the Baptist and I am so very humbled by his attitude toward his Savior. John proclaimed he was unworthy to even be a slave to Christ...he didn't consider himself worthy enough to even stoop down and untie his sandals.
He was later asked if he was jealous of Christ since Christ was receiving a huge following. John the Baptist says the most amazing thing. He says that his joy has been made complete because he fulfilled his calling in life which was to prepare people for the Messiah. He isn't afraid to slip off onto the sidelines. He isn't looking for accolades at being "the one" who helped others see that the Messiah would soon be in their presence. He simply says, "He must become greater; I must become less."
I am reminded of the triumphal entry of Christ in Jerusalem where people spread out their cloaks and garments onto the road. Since Christ is riding a donkey, it seems to me that they weren't concerned that their clothing might get ruined. Perhaps they weren't thinking about themselves at all, but just the King who was making himself known to them.
I also think of Psalm 84:10 that says, "One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I'd rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin." (The Message.)
I know a little something about scrubbing floors. One time, my in-laws were without a mop and since I clean their house, I couldn't leave their floors undone. So, I got down on my hands and knees and scrubbed the tile that is in three bathrooms, a hallway, a huge kitchen, and a laundry room. My back will never be same! And yet, this psalmist says that he would gladly scrub floors incessantly just to be a part of God's house.
Humbling. I often think of God's house and heaven as a place where things will get better for me, not a place where I can more actively serve my King. Would I be content to scrub the floors of heavenly mansions for eternity if it meant that I could be in His presence everyday?
We had a great guest pastor in church Sunday. That is where the title of the post comes from. He says that ever since Eve and Adam took a bite of the forbidden fruit, longing to be like God, we have all been little glory thieves ever since. He says that the wages of any type of glory theft will result in death. Any project I have will result in death if the motivation of my heart is to receive even the smallest morsel of glory.
One verse that is going to hopefully help me keep things in perspective is 1 Corinthians 3:7: "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." If I understand the Greek word for "anything," then it means "something." I can't be "something" and make much of Christ at the same time. He simply doesn't share His glory.
I asked God on how to proceed with one of my projects and I think He made it very clear. For Testament Focused, (God willing that it becomes a book!), I am going to give 100% of profit/proceeds to Soaring Wings Ranch. Hopefully then, this little glory thief, who isn't anything, will be able to slip off onto the sidelines as God becomes "Something" to these kids who need his healing touch.
Become greater as I become less, God.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fall Means Soccer!
Fall means soccer for Eli! Well, fall means Soccer, Razorback games, pumpkin patches, marshmallows roasting on fire pits, tons of pictures, and fall festivals, but don't you just love this time of year?
Eli cracks me up. I have never seen a kid go from talking to his friends and having a good time on the sideline to instantly morphing into a competitive little soccer dude once he hears his name called (to run onto the field) from Coach Daddy. He is the epitome of a competitive sanguine.
Eli cracks me up. I have never seen a kid go from talking to his friends and having a good time on the sideline to instantly morphing into a competitive little soccer dude once he hears his name called (to run onto the field) from Coach Daddy. He is the epitome of a competitive sanguine.Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Making A Difference
My husband did something last night that was so precious, I just had to share.
We were driving home from getting take-out Chinese and "Swiss Family Robinson" and noticed a young boy in front of his house donned with his back pack. For me, it was a fleeting notice, the kind that goes into one brain cell and then evaporates into nothingness. But, for Eric, it was a notice that took the form of turning his faith into action.
He told me and the boys to go inside, and then he proceeded to see if the little guy was OK. He had been locked out of his house, and was without a cell phone. Eric offered him his phone to call some family and then invited him over for Chinese food and Smores by our fire. Eric spoke with the family member on the phone, and then, like, that, we had a new friend at our table.
You should have seen my boys talking to him like it was no big deal to talk to someone new. I was very proud of them. Even Sam told him he could play catch with them if he threw the ball to him some. Third born needs to stake his claim in things, ya know?
We roasted marshmallows on the fire pit and told our new friend that he goes to a school named after Eric's granddad. It's a small world after all, when we take the time to see how we can all be connected. One of his family members later picked him up and he was returned to all things familiar.
Cade told his Daddy that he had taken initiative last night. I think that is such a good observation. How many times do I see things that may be opportunities for showing the love of Jesus, but that sight goes into one brain cell and evaporates into nothingness. Faith without works is dead. Lord, give me eyes to see, and even more than that, courage to act.
We were driving home from getting take-out Chinese and "Swiss Family Robinson" and noticed a young boy in front of his house donned with his back pack. For me, it was a fleeting notice, the kind that goes into one brain cell and then evaporates into nothingness. But, for Eric, it was a notice that took the form of turning his faith into action.
He told me and the boys to go inside, and then he proceeded to see if the little guy was OK. He had been locked out of his house, and was without a cell phone. Eric offered him his phone to call some family and then invited him over for Chinese food and Smores by our fire. Eric spoke with the family member on the phone, and then, like, that, we had a new friend at our table.
You should have seen my boys talking to him like it was no big deal to talk to someone new. I was very proud of them. Even Sam told him he could play catch with them if he threw the ball to him some. Third born needs to stake his claim in things, ya know?
We roasted marshmallows on the fire pit and told our new friend that he goes to a school named after Eric's granddad. It's a small world after all, when we take the time to see how we can all be connected. One of his family members later picked him up and he was returned to all things familiar.
Cade told his Daddy that he had taken initiative last night. I think that is such a good observation. How many times do I see things that may be opportunities for showing the love of Jesus, but that sight goes into one brain cell and evaporates into nothingness. Faith without works is dead. Lord, give me eyes to see, and even more than that, courage to act.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Dessert Advice
I have to make a dessert on Sat. night and I am in the mood to try something new. This is where you come in! If you have time today, would you post one of your families' favorite dessert recipes on your blog? Be sure to leave me a comment if you do so! Thanks for helping a gal out; you sugar-sweet thing!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The sun made an appearance today...
and this is what I saw:
Camellia Sasanquas getting ready to bloom
Mossy logs with fungi
Acorns starting to adorn the ground
Japanese Maple Leaves beginning to turn red
Little and grown men exuding some energy
Auburn smiley dogs loving the brisk air
A boy who just might be over his camera hating fetish
...or maybe just loves seeing himself immediately after the digital file is taken
A kid who is eerily getting closer and closer to my height...
playing a little football with his Dad.
What did you see today when the light finally decided to shine upon us?
Camellia Sasanquas getting ready to bloom
Mossy logs with fungi
Acorns starting to adorn the ground
Japanese Maple Leaves beginning to turn red
Little and grown men exuding some energy
Auburn smiley dogs loving the brisk air
A boy who just might be over his camera hating fetish
...or maybe just loves seeing himself immediately after the digital file is taken
A kid who is eerily getting closer and closer to my height...
playing a little football with his Dad.
What did you see today when the light finally decided to shine upon us?Wednesday, October 14, 2009
That Doctor
(For Female Readers Only.) (Don't say I didn't warn you.)
I went to see the doctor today. You know, girls, that doctor. It doesn't help that he is nice looking. I think it might be better if an ugly stick had beat him upside the head. We get ourselves worked into a mess trying to figure out the logistics of the annual visit for that doctor. We try to outdo ourselves in the hair and makeup department because, well, when you are clothes-less, something needs to look good. Can I get an amen? Anna would like to know that I sported my pedicured toe nails and Michelle will be appalled that I didn't wear socks.
You know, I don't mind going to that doctor when I am pregnant, but it is torture for me otherwise. You know it is bad when you start talking about the latest IUD just to keep your mind off of where his eyes are. Or you start talking about camera makes and models just to keep from screaming at him for jabbing something prickly into you that seems to reach all the way into your throat.
And, it never fails that that doctor has to run to deliver a baby as soon as I get ushered into the patient room. Oh, well, the new baby gives me something else to talk about when I sit there wondering if he is going to scold me for gaining a pound since the last time I was in.
But, it was like the best hair day ever. That doctor even said so. And don't for a minute think that I didn't treat myself to a Target run afterwards. That doctor prescribed it, I am sure.
I went to see the doctor today. You know, girls, that doctor. It doesn't help that he is nice looking. I think it might be better if an ugly stick had beat him upside the head. We get ourselves worked into a mess trying to figure out the logistics of the annual visit for that doctor. We try to outdo ourselves in the hair and makeup department because, well, when you are clothes-less, something needs to look good. Can I get an amen? Anna would like to know that I sported my pedicured toe nails and Michelle will be appalled that I didn't wear socks.
You know, I don't mind going to that doctor when I am pregnant, but it is torture for me otherwise. You know it is bad when you start talking about the latest IUD just to keep your mind off of where his eyes are. Or you start talking about camera makes and models just to keep from screaming at him for jabbing something prickly into you that seems to reach all the way into your throat.
And, it never fails that that doctor has to run to deliver a baby as soon as I get ushered into the patient room. Oh, well, the new baby gives me something else to talk about when I sit there wondering if he is going to scold me for gaining a pound since the last time I was in.
But, it was like the best hair day ever. That doctor even said so. And don't for a minute think that I didn't treat myself to a Target run afterwards. That doctor prescribed it, I am sure.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Pill to Numb the Pain/20 months
I really didn't have much to say about this day. 20 months since my sister walked the same world as me. Anyway, I will just let you read my sweet Mini's thoughts. (see dull day diaries on the side.) There is a line that goes like this, "Everybody says we're all so different and yet everybody knows we're all the same. We're trying to find a pill to numb the pain."
My story of grief isn't her story of grief. God deals with us differently and by His grace, molds us into something better and more Christlike after life shattering events. Will you pray with me that my whole family would continue to be molded into something that resembles Christ more and more? Would you pray with me that the pill to numb the pain would be found in Jesus alone?
My story of grief isn't her story of grief. God deals with us differently and by His grace, molds us into something better and more Christlike after life shattering events. Will you pray with me that my whole family would continue to be molded into something that resembles Christ more and more? Would you pray with me that the pill to numb the pain would be found in Jesus alone?
Friday, October 9, 2009
Help please!
James 2:20...faith without works is dead.I am tossing some ideas around for Testament Focused and need your help! Will you take the poll to the right of the blog? Thanks and happy swimming, again.
The above pic is an example of what would be included in Testament Focused, if it were a book.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Happy Birthday Babe!!
Happy 38th to my man! I am so thankful to celebrate this day with you and to be your wife! God created something good when he thought you up! He made you to be compassionate and funny. Handsome and smart. I think he threw in an extra heap of wisdom...thank you for leading our family based on God's desires.You provide our home with laughter, freedom, and guidance. Your presence gives us security and a sense of peace and safety. When you are gone on business, there is an obvious void in our home. We love you and want you around!
I pray that while you are 38, God will manifest himself fresh in your life and that He will answer your prayers to know him as much as possible. I pray that your work would be blessed abundantly...you have worked so hard for our family and I long to see some things come to fruition. I pray that joy would fill your days as we laugh at the simple things that come our way.
Happy Birthday, Eric!!
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