monday tweets

I've decided to do today's miscellany with twitter like hashtags instead of numbers. :)

#coldweatherphotos Hannah has been getting beautiful photos -- I think it's because it's been cold and windy and rainy and snowy {at least it doesn't stick} and not spring like. I love this one of my Gracie.

#willspringevercome The first of May in Minnesota was celebrated by 20mph winds accompanied with several bursts of snow showers. Oh yeah, and a high in the low 40's.  My new tweets are being accompanied with the above hashtag .  I am starting to think that my spring garden planting will be bumped back to being an early summer garden planting. Does that look like spring? That's my early morning view....

#kidandspaghetti Samuel still loves spaghetti. Now I make sure to purchase gluten free brown rice noodles {from my favorite store -- Trader Joes} and we boil up an extra pot of noodles. Samuel doesn't know the difference between noodles. {Sometimes I still miss the regular noodles.} Samuel is up half a pound, by the way. :)

#glutenfreeresults However, eating gluten-free has helped my spring allergies.  This year they're almost non-existent compared to years where they are so bad that I couldn't sit up. I went back and checked my blog archive from last year and there were multiple prayer requests for allergy relief. Ah, it makes those rice noodles taste even better.

#CeliacDiseaseAwareness May is Celiac Awareness month. This is so important to me ever since discovering that my Samuel {see his cute face below} has Celiac Disease. Those regular noodles, the non-rice ones? They are terrible for his body. The Trader Joe ones -- no harm. Please support bringing awareness for Celiac Disease. It is so serious, and needs to be spoken about. Check out celiaccentral 

#iheartmynewphone My contract finally came up with our cell phone company and I was able to upgrade my phone. My old phone was truly terrible. Really. When my new android operating smart phone arrived it was awesome. So I became the person in Costco staring at her phone in the middle of the aisle in front of the boneless skinless chicken breasts. And yes, I was checking to make sure they were gluten free. And yes, meat can sometimes contain gluten. And yes, we need stricter and more clear labeling laws. For this guy.

#support1in133 As far as labeling -- please check out this site which helps to promote clearer labeling for food labeled gluten-free. Samuel cannot have even a trace of gluten without it damaging his intestines. I do not ever want to see him as sick as he was in January and February. Therefore we NEED to have food labeled properly. I need to know that food labeled gluten free was not processed on a line that processed wheat. That's not gluten free, my friends. That's contaminated.





#2Timothy4:7 Last week was challenging. I'd love to blame it on the lack of spring weather. But it really was due to my lack of surrender and stubborn attitude. When I went to Costco -- where I searched for that gluten free food -- I found in the car my orange notecard holder of Bible verses. I began to read through them, and realized how much I need the Word and it's truth. My verse for this week? 2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight

I have finished the race

I have kept the faith.

Blessings on your Monday. And as usual, I'm linking up with my sweet friend, Carissa.

shoulder pain? no thank you

It's hard to type this morning.

When I was younger I hurt my shoulder -- and had two surgeries to correct it -- yet, now as I'm getting older my shoulder and neck area will periodically get inflamed. I've had stints where I've had to undergo physical therapy for months, and then more months where it doesn't bother me.  Over the past week I've felt pain creeping back into my shoulder and neck. And now?  I can't lift Samuel.  I can hardly move.  In fact, in the middle of the night it wakes me up.

It's hard to do life with pain.
Even though I know that it's temporary.

When I focus on the pain, or that my fingers are partially numb, then it is so easy to get discouraged.  So I try not to.  But, I know that today will take more strength then I have.  I know that it will be much easier for me to be short, or snippy, or down.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

As I verified the Scripture this morning I was directed to another verse.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Today I need that grace. I praise Him in all things.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.  (1 Timothy 1:12)

So today I walk forward resting in him.

the light yoke

The snow has fallen many times this winter.  We've had four winter storms in just over four weeks -- not little storms, but large snowfalls exceeding 8inches at a pop.  And with it? Dark skies.  Overcast.


Where is the sun?


The sun has become lost in a blanket of clouds -- to the point where my little Elijah wonders if it's truly morning. This lack of sunshine wears me out.  


Where is the light?

There are seasons in life where everything is dark and dismal.  Perhaps it's finances, or health, relationships, or just the daily grind of life.  Here there back and forth move move move.  It is difficult in the midst of trials to look beyond the present reality and set of circumstances.  Society and human nature can apply pressures to our lives at an unrelenting pace so that after awhile the future seems to be tainted a dismal and cloudy gray.

Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy,and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you,and learn from me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,and you wil find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

In the NIV I believe labor is replaced with the word – weary.  Oh, how true those words of Jesus are for us today. Especially now at Christmas time we can seem to labor endlessly -- dishes, laundry, phone-calls, email, cleaning, driving, teaching, cooking, preparing, and on and on and on.   Our work doesn’t cease when the skies of life become overcast, no…we simply press forward.  And yet, after awhile, if we only wear the yoke of the world we'll burn out. I've done it.  So many times.  I was simply wearing the wrong yoke and "too busy" to replace it with the light yoke. Or I was too full of my own pride that I didn't want to let go...

Jesus tells us to come to Him.   In Him is true rest.  I always chuckle when I think about a yoke being called easy.  When is it easy to be constrained?  But, when I read these words I don’t picture life with Jesus being constrained…rather in yoking myself to my Savior I know there is real freedom even in the midst of overcast and weary days.

Who knows when the skies here will finally part and the sun will shine?  I know it’s under there, waiting to shine.  I have faith that there will be sun again.  I also have faith that our Savior is always there, wanting us to release our fears and anxieties to Him and that He will give rest.  A rest that cannot be found in self or in this world, but a rest that is sweet and peaceful…in any weather...in any season.

history

Life verses.

Every year I pray for a verse to define the year.  Then I handwrite the verse out on paper and place it on our door to the garage.  I look at it several times a week.  And I pray the words.

Today's Miscellany?  About my very first life verse.  And why it became to be.

1) 2 Samuel 22:2-4 -- The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.  I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

2) Why?  First, you need to know that I have this small pocket Bible that I carry in my purse.  It's blue leather with a Celtic Cross on the cover.  And an etched in letter B -- thanks to Brennan when he was learning his letters.

my Bible

(sorry it's blurry -- I took the pic at night in bad lighting)

3) At first I was annoyed that Brennan wrote on my Bible.  But, now, as time passes, that little B with the two b humps not joined and the line way to long is precious to me.  And, honestly, it gives me perspective.  Sometimes the hard things turn to good.  It just takes time.

4) I underline and date verses that jump out to me.  I love looking back at dates in my Bible and remembering.  I love it even more when I open up my Bible to underline a verse and I've found it underlined.  Twice.

that's my Bible

and, yes, that's Philippians.

5) Almost all of Philippians 3 and 4 is underlined.  It is now getting difficult to read.  That's okay -- because I almost have it memorized.

6) Speaking of memorizing verses, did you know that in the time of Jesus that young children began to memorize the first five books of the Bible when they were five?  And, to think, that it takes a long time for me to memorize two chapters.  Priorities.

7) That verse in Samuel?  That's a life verse.  It's extremely meaningful to me.  It's date 12/19/05.  And written next to it, in shakey hand-writing are the words:

8) Todd's surgery

9) Almost five years ago.  You see, when Todd had his surgery for cancer I was at the hospital all alone.  I still cannot figure why I was alone -- actually I had with me then baby Caleb -- but I was alone.  There's this time when you leave your loved one as they go back to surgery until the time where the surgeon calls you back to discuss the operation.  This was written in during the first time.  I hadn't talked to the surgeon.  I didn't know the beast was cancer (although all the tumor-marker tests, ultrasounds, and lab tests were quite indicative of it being so).  All I know was that I was alone.  And scared.  So I prayed.  I prayed as I rode the clunky elevator down to the surgery waiting area.  I prayed as I clutched the round light-up beeper telling me that the surgeon wanted to speak to me.  I prayed.  And I asked the Lord for a verse.  I knew it seemed foolish -- open the Bible to a verse -- yet still I prayed.  And then my hand gripped that blue leather Bible (without the B at that point) and I simply opened it.  To 2 Samuel 22: 2-4

10) And I felt hope.  In the midst of a crowded waiting room.  While my husband was in surgery.  While snowflakes fell, and Caleb nursed.  I felt hope.  Not from me.  Oh, no, not at all.  From my Father, our healer.

that was my little Caleb
my faithful and brave boy

11) And that is why 2 Samuel 22:2-4 is a life verse.  Someday I will go into why each word speaks to my heart.  But, for today, I share the beauty behind the verse.  About the Lord meeting me in a hospital waiting room.

12) Now you also know why I have a Samuel.

13) He hears. He truly hears.  Why?  Because --  "Hear I am Lord,"  --was my exact prayer on that snowy, Monday morning in December.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.  I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

2 Samuel 22:3-4

my Samuel

God's blessings on your Monday.  Remember to link up to Carissa's very lovely Miscellany Mondays.

the real important

Todd's dad with Brennan Summer 2007


Man's days are determined;
       you have decreed the number of his months
       and have set limits he cannot exceed.   (Job 14:5)

After writing the Gratitude Challenge and reading my daughter Hannah's post on puts it into perspective.... I've been convicted of the gift and wise use of time.  It's all to easy to live life thinking and putting off the needs for the day.  And I'm not talking laundry.  Or dishes.  Or a spotless house. I'm talking of -

reading that story to your two year old
hugging your nine year old
telling your fourteen year old that she's beautiful
sitting next to your husband and really listening
calling your parents and telling them you love them
being grateful even though everything isn't perfect
praising for the small things
racing across the back yard with your six year old
teaching your twelve your old how to make dumplings
laughing with your four year old
simply rocking your baby
sitting at the feet of the Father

That's my list of the real important.  It's amazing how quickly I look to the unimportant and make it so vitally important.  Keeping a posture of gratitude for time  shifts my thinking.

What's on your list of important that gets pushed aside?

My Sunday challenge for you?  Read the verse in Job -- take it to heart -- and do the important first.

The real important.

those hidden treasures

I have this bowl.  When my grandmother died, there were a collection of bowls that I was blessed to receive.  There was one bowl, a bowl that no one really wanted -- that I took.  I brought it home and dubbed it my "scrap bowl" -- the bowl that I put all the garbage and scraps in when I cooked.  Gradually, I learned to love this little, not-wanted bowl. 

Then yesterday, at a family reunion, I found out that my bowl was a collectors item.

That people pay large amounts of money for my scrap bowl.

And I started to laugh.

Isn't that how life is? The real treasures tend to be overlooked, shunned, and pushed to the side. Maybe it's a loved one -- instead of focusing on their good traits all we see is what they do wrong.  And then, one day, our eyes are opened to their beauty.  But at what price?

We are no better than that bowl.  The world defines us as worthless, without price or value.  We don't measure up.  We don't look as good.  We don't have enough money.  We don't. We don't. We don't.  Oh, how easy it is to allow those We don't statements to define us.  Then we are defined by the world.

But we are hidden treasures.

In the Lord we are like that bowl.  Priceless.  Beautiful.  His treasure.

So, the next time I chop my tomatoes, or make salsa -- which is what is in that bowl now -- I'm going to thank my Lord that He sees me and He defines me.  Not the world. Their labels are worthless. His?  Priceless.

Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7b

(Interested in my bowl?  It's a TEXAS WARE 111 bowl.  And I love it.)

 

joy

That doesn't look too joyful. 

Darkness.

There was a huge storm system that swept through Minnesota this evening.  At 6 pm skies were blackened, tricking the mind into thinking it was later. Rain pelleted the windows, and the trees swayed wildly.  There were numerous tornadoes and funnels throughout the area.  In my neighborhood the siren rang multiple times.  I knew I was to go to the basement -- like my children -- and yet I stood at my back door.  In awe.

I stared as clouds swirled in circles, dancing a dangerous waltz.  The utter power of nature, of God, mesmerized me. Then, in the midst of turbulence, complete calm.  The trees in the back yard stood straight, while the trees in the front bent as if bowing to the ground.  I knew I should move -- downstairs -- but I still stared.

It's so easy to start believing that we can control everything.

And yet, there's more. There's real power. Not from ourselves, but from our God. The God of power. A power infinitely more powerful than this storm that we label as power. And that brings me joy. Joy to know that my God, our God, has power beyond my imagination. Joy to know that He can still a storm with just two words.  Whispered. And coupled with that power? An infinite love for you. For me.

And that is reason for joy.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves,

"Quiet! Be still!" 

Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (Mark 4:39)

salt or self

Yesterday, in my Miscellany Monday post, I made reference to a verse in Colossians that I've been pondering.  I also noted that I might just do a post on that book.  Well, it took all of 18 hours and I'm ready to write.

Here's part of the verse again-

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

(Colossians 4:6)

 I've been pondering the phrase "seasoned with salt"--especially with regards to my children-- both in my responses to them and their own language to both parents and peers.  If you think of the purpose of salt, it is to enhance the flavor--to bring out the intensity of what you are already eating.  In the verse seasoned with salt, I believe it means seasoned with truth--wisdom that comes from the Lord.

What I see in youth, and in society in general is the lack of salt and thus graciousness.  The lines of  respect for adults and authority is blurred more and more.  I hear language that is crass--words that push the boundaries, that tease, and that serve no purpose other to build one own's self up.    

In our home we desire that our words build up, encourage, and seek to understand.  We discourage slang terms that mimic or shorten phrases that take the Lord's name in vain.  We live in a world where the name of the Lord lacks honor.  And yet, we are commanded to "not misuse the name of the Lord."   From the phrase OMG (just the other day I saw a shirt at the store with those three letters plastered on the front.  And it was for an 8 year old) to Geez to you name it --His name--His powerful name is used in a way that shows no respect. It may seem small and insignificant, yet diminishing His name can have lasting consequences. His name demands power, respect and honor.

The tongue, and taming the tongue, is mentioned numerous times in the Bible.  From gossip to lying to slander to the misuse of the Lord's name--the tongue, and our voices, need work.  And work it is.  It takes discipline to refrain from gossip.  It takes determination to refrain from misusing the Lord's name--even indirectly. It takes commitment to praise not criticize.

Instead of emphasizing how we shouldn't speak--we choose to give power to the way we should speak. The verse says, "let your speech always be gracious."  Always. It's a challenge, but it's worth it.  My challenge for us today?  To speak with words seasoned with salt.  It's so easy, at least for me, to answer based on my emotion and opinions.  The real test is to speak with words that are full of His salt -- kind, truthful, caring, appropriate, and wise. A little salt added can change the whole thing.

Grace doing her salt experiment

roots

Do you ever watch a tree sway in the breeze?Do you ever wonder about the roots below the branches?Do you wonder? Blessed is the man
       who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
       or stand in the way of sinners
       or sit in the seat of mockers.
 ² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
       and on his law he meditates day and night.
 ³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
       which yields its fruit in season
       and whose leaf does not wither.
       Whatever he does prospers.(Psalm 1:1-3)







As I've been dealing with trials I've also been wondering.  I wonder where my roots are sunk.  Am I deep into the ideologies of the world?  Or deep into the truth of God?  It's so easy to say that I'm sold on the truth of God, and then when push comes to shove it's so challenging to truly surrender to His will.
Just yesterday, on Hannah's birthday, I once again was battling with what I thought I needed, or wanted, or what I thought should happen.  Instead of releasing my anxiety and worry to the Lord, I found myself checking bank balances throughout the day.  Where's the trust in that?  Where's the belief?
Until Todd came home.
And he reminded me that I cannot serve two masters--God and money.  There can only be one.  And I was attempting to sink my roots of security not in the Lord, but in the dollar.  And I was miserable. And angry.  And sad.  It's okay to be sad, to mourn.  But, I was convicted that it was imperative that I moved out of self and into faith. So I let go of that stuff and embraced the time, the moments of the day.  And later, I've got pictures to show you from our celebration.  Am I perfect at this?  No.  But, I try, and try, and try, and surrender.  The challenge for me is believing beyond the temporary of this world and having faith in the bigger picture--the eternal picture.  Am I here to make my life pleasant?  Or am I here to be a light? To speak the truth?  To live in joy? Focused?  And alive for the Lord? No matter what?
I think I know the answer.And it's time that I live it.



No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24) ...but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.... (Matthew 6:33a)

pink peonies

Life can just be so hard.
Sometimes it feels as if those days where you are already struggling you become a free target for a gut punch.  Or a stab in the back. Or just one more problem.
Today was one of those days.

These are the moments where joy feels so fleeting.  So challenging.  Where can it be in the midst of all of this?  My soul aches.  I yearn for a season of peace. The battle makes one weary.  How can I find joy?

Then I see peonies.  Pink peonies that my dear friend, my neighbor blessed me with.  She cares. And in seeing them I start to remember. I remember that there is life beyond the battle.

Then I see Grace running in the backyard.  Free.  Laughing.  Unaware.
There is freedom.

Then I hear Samuel giggling on the carpet in the living room.
There is hope.

Then I remember how Brennan gave me his mega-hug today.
There is love

Then I remember how I love storms and as I write, one is rolling in.
There is power.

Then I remember dinner.  And how fortunate we are to have food.
There is abundance.

Then I remember that even though it's a battle here, I am sitting with Jesus right now.
There is life.

I am not alone.


And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

beautiful surprises and random thoughts

I was shopping at Target this morning and came across this on the clearance rack for $6.24.  I couldn't go wrong.  With Samuel being baptized this Sunday and Chloe being confirmed my little Elijah now has the perfect threads for a perfect day!

us pose Elijah?  nahhh...

love the tie

It was a full suit...pants, shirt, tie, and adorable clip on tie. Love it!!

____________________________

I've been meaning to post about this since, well,  Mother's Day.  Life has been a bit crazy and stressful in the weeks that followed, and so the post waited.  Till today. :)

Hannah surprised me on Mother's Day with an ultra-gorgeous purse.  And I mean amazing.  She traded a blog remake for a purse courtesy of our very own blogger, Lindsay.  I always look forward to Lindsay's comments as she is so genuine, sweet and real.  Imagine my surprise when the purse came from her! (And, yes, I did do a little happy dance.)  The sewing is impeccable, and the attention to detail divine.  She is one talented seamstress....and I am one blessed mama.

my lovely purse

I carry my Bible in it

look at the gorgeous flower!

____________________________

I couldn't believe my email when I heard that I had won the Seventh Generation Giveaway over at "Popp"ing Out One Letter at a Time.  I love their products, but more then that it's another reminder of how God sees all our needs.  In a week of challenges the neatest gifts have shown up.  It's amazing! The budget is super tight, and now I'm blessed with an abundance of cleaning products.  Yippee!!

___________________________

Finally, I'm thinking about starting a meme type thread based off of my post titled The Family Agenda.  I was so encouraged by the emails and comments that day about how you, my lovely friends, made your own family agenda.  I was thinking of having it on Thursdays.  Anybody interested?  I'd do a link up, and we can all take just a few minutes of our times thinking about how we are going to bless our family that day.  Hannah is already itching to make a button for this. :)  Let me know...I'd love company if I put that link up...you know?

___________________________

We're off to a wedding tonight.  This is the first time that I have ever left Samuel.  I have a really, really, really hard time leaving him.  He's going to my parents....I know he'll be fine for those 3-4 hours.

Right?

how can I leave that cute face?

Have a blessed Friday!!

Caleb's Bible

eating an apple

About a month ago a representative for the Gideon's Ministry came to our church.  He chatted about the need for funding and also informed us of their huge ministry of donating Bibles.  After church, they handed out Bibles to anyone in the church who was interested.  And my four year old Caleb received a little pocket Bible.

That he carries with him everywhere.

He doesn't know how to read yet.  Well, he actually can read, and if you can believe this he taught himself, but he cannot yet read the words in his Bible.  Yet, he still holds it in his hands throughout the day.  Yesterday, several times I'd watch him run around outside (or backside according to my two-year old, Elijah) clutching the now worn Bible in his hands.  When my neighbor came up to chat with me he ran up telling her about his Bible.  When the seven year old neighbor boy ran over after school Caleb proudly showed him his  Bible.  "It's mine!  My very own Bible!" he'd proudly shout.

Dad wrote this for him

Oh, to have the pride that Caleb has over his Bible.  Although he can't read the words he understands the significance and importance of having His Word with him throughout the day.  It's so easy to slip into the mentality of doing life all by one's self.  We put God on a shelf and pull Him out when we need Him.  And typically, it's during times of need, or crisis, or sorrow.  But, the Lord desires that we carry Him, need Him, all the time.  Every day.

We have an over-abundance of 3x5 notecards at our home.  We use them for everything.  Science notes, spelling words, clues, math facts...you name it? ...and we use it.  Including Bible verses.  I love having a card with the truth of the Lord in my pocket.  So that it can be pulled out...during all times.

I need to take a lesson from Caleb and carry His Word with me always. Maybe I don't have a Gideon's Bible in my pocket, but I've got His truth imprinted on my heart.  It's a matter of priority.  Caleb instinctively knew the need to carry the Word.  Oh how I desire for that instinct to be part of my own heart.

one of my note cards

_____________________________________

On a different note, my Samuel is now CRAWLING.  Or at least, scooting.  My life has taken another dramatic turn....

Go, Samuel, Go!