Ecc 3:2 "He sets the time for birth and the time for death..."
The other morning we received a phone call at 6a.m. Calls that come at that time are usually not the calls you like to receive.
A friend's mother, Anna, had had a heart attack and was not expected to live. And here it is it 4 days later and she is still alive. Could it be because she is terrified to die? That's what she said before they sedated her with morphine. She comes out of a denomination that has instilled in her an unhealthy fear of God. That God is waiting for her with a "big stick" to punish her.
I don't know much about Anna's life but what I do know is sad. Her children are a testimony of that. Out of 9 children only a few even care. Seriously!! Some were offered a chance to talk to her over the phone and they declined because they held bitterness and unforgiveness toward her.
Bitterness and unforgiveness are serious matters and so ugly. My heart goes out to this family because of the terrible relationship between the children and their mother. And lest you think these are young children they are not. My friend is in her 60's and her mother is almost 90. The children are all adults with grown children and even grandchildren. And it continues through the generations as many of these children have horrible relationships with their children.
Some friends and I were able to go to the hospital a few days ago. I am thankful to have had the chance to speak Truth to Anna. To let her know she is loved by God. That she has direct access to Jesus and doesn't have to go through a priest. That He loves her and wants her as His very own. That He will forgive her. Even now!!!
We left the hospital with peace that we did what He wanted us to do. We prayed over her....we sang to her...we loved on her...we spoke Truth to her. And even though she was medicated I KNOW her spirit could hear. And I pray she could connect with the Truth of God's Word.
It may be too late for Anna to mend her relationship with her children....but there is still a chance she can mend her relationship with Jesus. He's standing at the door....waiting for us to open it....I hope Anna did.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Autumn
Yesterday I went to the Arboretum. Autumn is one of those seasons that can be very beautiful and yet a bit depressing. Beautiful because the leaves are changing colors and depressing because the leaves are falling and soon the trees will be bare. Of course here in Texas you never know if the trees will turn a pretty color or not. Right now they aren't doing much of anything.
God is so creative! Even in a season when I think of things dying He created some things to live and flourish during this time. Here are a few creations of His....
Getting pictures of plants is a lot easier than of my granddaughter. I'm sure it didn't help that she was not feeling well and was tired. And no....I couldn't get that little bugger to look at the camera...But I sure enjoyed spending the day with her.
Tonight I went to the hospital to visit a woman in the Autumn of her life. Such a different scenario than the Arboretum....and one I need to share about when I have the time.
God is so creative! Even in a season when I think of things dying He created some things to live and flourish during this time. Here are a few creations of His....
Getting pictures of plants is a lot easier than of my granddaughter. I'm sure it didn't help that she was not feeling well and was tired. And no....I couldn't get that little bugger to look at the camera...But I sure enjoyed spending the day with her.
Tonight I went to the hospital to visit a woman in the Autumn of her life. Such a different scenario than the Arboretum....and one I need to share about when I have the time.
Friday, October 22, 2010
What to do?? What to do??
Tomorrow is my middle son's birthday. He will be 13! With six children we don't do a lot of big birthdays, especially since four of those children's birthdays fall within a month of each other. However we do like to do something "special" for the 13th. The question is though....what will we do?
For child #1 we did a surprise party at our home which turned into a traumatic event when she and one of her friends crashed her go-kart and had to go to the hosptital.
For child #2 we went to the lake with his best friends family and got to go sailing on a friends sailboat.
For child #3 we had a special mom and me tea party with her friends.
For child #4 we traveled to Tulsa to see the last American Idol concert from season 7. We are big fans of Jason Castro and there were some other friends who were driving up and that's what my daughter wanted to do so she and her sister drove up with me. We stayed at a hotel overnight and our friends bought tickets for us to attend the concert
Now it's time for Child #5 and I've been trying to plan a surprise party. The original plan was to have everyone come to our home and we'd have a campfire outside and watch an outdoor movie. But the weather is calling for thunderstorms. So, a friend of mine offered her home and we'd have some Wii competition and also have the movie for the ones who wanted to watch it.
Now I don't know what we are doing.
Last night there were 5 sick people in this house. Stomach virus...need I say more??. My grandbaby is in the hospital being treated for dehydration because of this virus. So it looks like his birthday will be postponed till a later date. According to the dr. this virus lasts around a week.
Poor guy....what a way to turn 13.
For child #1 we did a surprise party at our home which turned into a traumatic event when she and one of her friends crashed her go-kart and had to go to the hosptital.
For child #2 we went to the lake with his best friends family and got to go sailing on a friends sailboat.
For child #3 we had a special mom and me tea party with her friends.
For child #4 we traveled to Tulsa to see the last American Idol concert from season 7. We are big fans of Jason Castro and there were some other friends who were driving up and that's what my daughter wanted to do so she and her sister drove up with me. We stayed at a hotel overnight and our friends bought tickets for us to attend the concert
Now it's time for Child #5 and I've been trying to plan a surprise party. The original plan was to have everyone come to our home and we'd have a campfire outside and watch an outdoor movie. But the weather is calling for thunderstorms. So, a friend of mine offered her home and we'd have some Wii competition and also have the movie for the ones who wanted to watch it.
Now I don't know what we are doing.
Last night there were 5 sick people in this house. Stomach virus...need I say more??. My grandbaby is in the hospital being treated for dehydration because of this virus. So it looks like his birthday will be postponed till a later date. According to the dr. this virus lasts around a week.
Poor guy....what a way to turn 13.
It's Been Awhile....
No more promises of new blogs. Seems like the more I promise to get back to writing the less inclined I am to do so. I think it's because I feel limited in what I can write about. Not sure why but that feeling is there anyways. I just need to move past that and write.
So much happens in our lives and it's nice to have a diary of sorts to reflect back upon. I love reading others blogs and yet I slack on my own. There really is a season to everything. I'm not promising more writing but I am hoping to get past the insecurity of what to write and which picture to post and in the spirit of Nike...Just Do It!!
So with no further adieu....here is something that happened last night. I can laugh about it all now but last night I must admit I got a little hot under the collar.
I was putting the boys to bed and it was time to put on the music. They switch nights on it being a "radio" night or a "cd" night. Last night was a cd night, however, I misunderstood and put on the radio. It didn't take long before I was made aware of my mistake. But before I switched it off I heard part of a song and realized it was a voice I knew very well....BUT had NEVER heard on the radio before. I got all excited and went running out into the living room to let my girls know that Jason was on the radio....squee!!!!!
We started watching American Idol in season 6. Jason Castro made his appearance in season 7 and we've been fans of his ever since. Definitely something I'll have to blog about later.
Anyways...my girls stepped across the doorway into my boys room to listen to the radio. Could we enjoy the ending of the song?? NO!!! Why??? Because my 11 year old son had to make a big deal that the girls have entered into the room without permission. I say to him...."Be quiet! We just want to listen to this song on the radio." Does he quiet down? NO!!! He is like the energizer bunny....and keeps on going and going and going.
I had gotten so frustrated that he would not do as I asked after numerous times asking him.... that I told him it made me want to slap him. Not one of my better mommy moments. But..... Does he quiet down?? NO!!! He puts the pillow over his head and starts hollering about how I care more about the radio than him....[sigh]
All we wanted to do was catch the last 60 seconds of a song on the radio. What started out as something joyful quickly turned into something ugly....all because of disobedience. However, it was a great teaching opportunity that I took advantage of this morning after we both had a night sleep and time to cool down.
Oh and in case you want to hear the song that was the "instigator" in this character training issue....listen to it here You Are
So much happens in our lives and it's nice to have a diary of sorts to reflect back upon. I love reading others blogs and yet I slack on my own. There really is a season to everything. I'm not promising more writing but I am hoping to get past the insecurity of what to write and which picture to post and in the spirit of Nike...Just Do It!!
So with no further adieu....here is something that happened last night. I can laugh about it all now but last night I must admit I got a little hot under the collar.
I was putting the boys to bed and it was time to put on the music. They switch nights on it being a "radio" night or a "cd" night. Last night was a cd night, however, I misunderstood and put on the radio. It didn't take long before I was made aware of my mistake. But before I switched it off I heard part of a song and realized it was a voice I knew very well....BUT had NEVER heard on the radio before. I got all excited and went running out into the living room to let my girls know that Jason was on the radio....squee!!!!!
We started watching American Idol in season 6. Jason Castro made his appearance in season 7 and we've been fans of his ever since. Definitely something I'll have to blog about later.
Anyways...my girls stepped across the doorway into my boys room to listen to the radio. Could we enjoy the ending of the song?? NO!!! Why??? Because my 11 year old son had to make a big deal that the girls have entered into the room without permission. I say to him...."Be quiet! We just want to listen to this song on the radio." Does he quiet down? NO!!! He is like the energizer bunny....and keeps on going and going and going.
I had gotten so frustrated that he would not do as I asked after numerous times asking him.... that I told him it made me want to slap him. Not one of my better mommy moments. But..... Does he quiet down?? NO!!! He puts the pillow over his head and starts hollering about how I care more about the radio than him....[sigh]
All we wanted to do was catch the last 60 seconds of a song on the radio. What started out as something joyful quickly turned into something ugly....all because of disobedience. However, it was a great teaching opportunity that I took advantage of this morning after we both had a night sleep and time to cool down.
Oh and in case you want to hear the song that was the "instigator" in this character training issue....listen to it here You Are
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Gotta Love Those New Seasons
I'm tired!!
This has been a long week. Last Thursday I drove to Houston, Texas because I have a small "job" working for a company whose math curriculum I use and LOVE!! A new season is upon me and it's an interesting one.
This is my 16th year educating my children at home. One of the challenges of doing this is finding a curriculum that meets the needs of everyone involved. With the older 4 children I have used a variety of math curriculum, trying to find that perfect fit. About 6 years ago I came across a fairly new curriculum called Right Start Mathematics. I really liked what I heard but to be honest was a bit hesitant about purchasing it because of the cost. It's not one of the lesser expensive programs out there. A year went by and while I was "drooling" over this curriculum I was trying out others that were not as costly. But what I have come to realize is that while the price may not be expensive...it can still be costly.
Because if it's not helping us to learn and understand there is a greater cost than just the price.
Anywhoos... after sitting in a class at one of the local book fairs I was sold. I plunged in....considered the cost....and made the purchase. WOW!!! Am I ever so thankful I did. No more jumping around trying to find that perfect fit. I transitioned the older 3 into it late in their schooling but where I am noticing the difference is in my two youngest who have ONLY used Right Start. They are currently in the level I started the older ones in and this is where I see the fruit. Their understanding of numbers and seeing patterns and thinking surpasses where the older ones were when starting this level.
Last year at the Plano book fair I was at the Right Start booth ordering something and the lady asked me if I would be interested in assisting in the booth sometime in the future. I said sure and filled out my name and address. Totally forgetting about it.
Jump forward to a little over a month ago when I was feeling overwhelmed about some things in regards to finances and went on a walk to just "cry out" to the Lord. One of the things I "cried out" to Him about was needing new curriculum for next year. About two weeks later I received a phone call asking if I would be an assistant in the Right Start booth in Arlington. I didn't even have to think about it...I said yes.
While working in the booth that weekend I was asked if I would consider working at some other conventions within the state. After talking it over with my hubby and the family we decided to give it a go. The children are old enough that I feel comfortable leaving them until Chris gets home in the evening. This would give me a chance to earn money for new curriculum AND I will get to encourage others who are educating their children at home. Something I do anyways...but now I am getting paid.
Basically I am getting my feet wet this season and it's been interesting.
This has been a long week. Last Thursday I drove to Houston, Texas because I have a small "job" working for a company whose math curriculum I use and LOVE!! A new season is upon me and it's an interesting one.
This is my 16th year educating my children at home. One of the challenges of doing this is finding a curriculum that meets the needs of everyone involved. With the older 4 children I have used a variety of math curriculum, trying to find that perfect fit. About 6 years ago I came across a fairly new curriculum called Right Start Mathematics. I really liked what I heard but to be honest was a bit hesitant about purchasing it because of the cost. It's not one of the lesser expensive programs out there. A year went by and while I was "drooling" over this curriculum I was trying out others that were not as costly. But what I have come to realize is that while the price may not be expensive...it can still be costly.Because if it's not helping us to learn and understand there is a greater cost than just the price.
Anywhoos... after sitting in a class at one of the local book fairs I was sold. I plunged in....considered the cost....and made the purchase. WOW!!! Am I ever so thankful I did. No more jumping around trying to find that perfect fit. I transitioned the older 3 into it late in their schooling but where I am noticing the difference is in my two youngest who have ONLY used Right Start. They are currently in the level I started the older ones in and this is where I see the fruit. Their understanding of numbers and seeing patterns and thinking surpasses where the older ones were when starting this level.
Last year at the Plano book fair I was at the Right Start booth ordering something and the lady asked me if I would be interested in assisting in the booth sometime in the future. I said sure and filled out my name and address. Totally forgetting about it.
Jump forward to a little over a month ago when I was feeling overwhelmed about some things in regards to finances and went on a walk to just "cry out" to the Lord. One of the things I "cried out" to Him about was needing new curriculum for next year. About two weeks later I received a phone call asking if I would be an assistant in the Right Start booth in Arlington. I didn't even have to think about it...I said yes.
While working in the booth that weekend I was asked if I would consider working at some other conventions within the state. After talking it over with my hubby and the family we decided to give it a go. The children are old enough that I feel comfortable leaving them until Chris gets home in the evening. This would give me a chance to earn money for new curriculum AND I will get to encourage others who are educating their children at home. Something I do anyways...but now I am getting paid.
Basically I am getting my feet wet this season and it's been interesting.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
How Did I Lose This
My dad bought a 35mm camera when I was in high school. I loved getting to take pictures with it. Of course this was when we used film and the camera did not have an automatic setting...at least not that I can remember. But I loved getting to take pictures...until the camera died. Apparently sand got into the mechanics of the camera and it would cost as much a buying a new one. My dad retired the camera because at that season in his life he couldn't afford to get it fixed or buy a new one.
Skip a few years....ok...many years and I am getting ready to turn 40. At some point before this momentous event I stumbled upon what I call... The Pioneer Lady. She's actually known as The Pioneer Woman but for some reason my brain forgets. Anyways when I first found her she was just getting started in the blog world and her photo's brought back my dream of photography. I remember telling my husband that one of my dreams would be to get a camera like hers [35 mm digital] one day and pursue photography.
Well my hubby, being the wonderful and kind man that he is, bought me one for my birthday. He gave it to me a week or two before the actual day because we were leaving to go on vacation and he thought I'd enjoy using it. He thought right.
So here it is almost 5 years later. I still have the same camera and until a few weeks ago I still used the same battery charger for the camera. But mysteriously the battery charger has disappeared. And it is mysterious because I keep my camera bag with all the camera trappings in the same spot. I charge my battery in the same spot. And yet the charger has become lost. My hubby talked about buying a new one but I knew that if we just looked hard enough we'd find it.
Nope...we still haven't found it.
The other day a friend called me up because her niece just passed her GED and she wanted to get some "senior" type pictures to celebrate this wonderful achievement. I had to tell her that my camera is dead until I could find my charger. Well, this friend insisted on paying for a new charger because she really wanted me to take the pictures. [awwww...how sweet]
So, Chris goes in search of a charger. How hard can it be. Apparently in the big metroplex of Dallas it can be a pain. Best Buy had one but they wanted over $200 for it...What????? Guess it charges two batteries super quick. I don't need mine charged super quick, but I do need them charged. Thankfully he was able to find on online that was just like the one I had. And hopefully it will be coming tomorrow since he had them ship it two day.
Yea!!! I'm excited to get my camera back. Can't tell ya how many times I've thought about grabbing the camera to take a picture only to remember it's dead.
And I know that when I get the new charger...I just might find the old one.
Skip a few years....ok...many years and I am getting ready to turn 40. At some point before this momentous event I stumbled upon what I call... The Pioneer Lady. She's actually known as The Pioneer Woman but for some reason my brain forgets. Anyways when I first found her she was just getting started in the blog world and her photo's brought back my dream of photography. I remember telling my husband that one of my dreams would be to get a camera like hers [35 mm digital] one day and pursue photography.
So here it is almost 5 years later. I still have the same camera and until a few weeks ago I still used the same battery charger for the camera. But mysteriously the battery charger has disappeared. And it is mysterious because I keep my camera bag with all the camera trappings in the same spot. I charge my battery in the same spot. And yet the charger has become lost. My hubby talked about buying a new one but I knew that if we just looked hard enough we'd find it.
Nope...we still haven't found it.
The other day a friend called me up because her niece just passed her GED and she wanted to get some "senior" type pictures to celebrate this wonderful achievement. I had to tell her that my camera is dead until I could find my charger. Well, this friend insisted on paying for a new charger because she really wanted me to take the pictures. [awwww...how sweet]
So, Chris goes in search of a charger. How hard can it be. Apparently in the big metroplex of Dallas it can be a pain. Best Buy had one but they wanted over $200 for it...What????? Guess it charges two batteries super quick. I don't need mine charged super quick, but I do need them charged. Thankfully he was able to find on online that was just like the one I had. And hopefully it will be coming tomorrow since he had them ship it two day.
Yea!!! I'm excited to get my camera back. Can't tell ya how many times I've thought about grabbing the camera to take a picture only to remember it's dead.
And I know that when I get the new charger...I just might find the old one.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Love
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
And how many of us really love the Lord with ALL our heart and ALL our soul and ALL our mind? Not many!
Because most of us were not raised with Godly love it's hard to receive and give that kind of love. What is Godly love?
The Bible says that God is LOVE! God IS love! So if God is love couldn't we reword the above to say.... You must love love with ALL your heart....
I am realizing how lacking I am in the love department. Sure I love my husband and I love Jesus and I love my children and I love my friends....but what does that really mean? What does that look like? Where do I get my ideas of love?
Lately I have come to realize that I don't really love myself. Not in the Godly way...but rather more like how most of us love ourselves...in the selfish way.
And if one does not read the Bible or believe in God, then how does one love? Heck...most people don't even read the Bible much less practice what's in it. So, if the majority of people don't read and practice what is in the Bible then how do we love and what do we determine that love is?
God is love! God loves me! So basic but do we really understand what it means? I'm learning.
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