Feeling misjudged...

I came across this poem a few years ago...not sure who wrote it. I just love it because I often feel that people don't understand me. I have strong views, yes! I believe God's Word is literal and true. I do not, however, claim to be perfect...or judge others for not being so. It seems that many people misjudge me...thinking that I believe I'm above them. I'm not and I have never claimed to be. That's why I love this poem, its so true...

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'.
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say … "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble,
And need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak,
And need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed,
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible,
But God believes I am worth it*.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches,
So I call upon His name.

When I say ... "I am a Christian,"
I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace somehow.


*a bit of a disclaimer for this part...God is gracious to me, not because I am "worth it", but because He has chosen to be out of His abundant love for His people!

THANKSGIVING

No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

(Taken from Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation)


Here are some of the things our family thanks God for...

...choosing us to be set apart as His children

...TRUTH

...His word (the Bible)

...each other

...our extended family

...our friends

...food & shelter (as well as other physical provisions)

...our church family

...our health

...our foster-nieces/cousins

...the joy & peace that only He can bring

...His faithfulness to our family

...our new school

...Scott's job

...my student teaching placement

...the girls' new friends at school

...the girls' upcoming baptism (Sunday)!

My heart is filled with such joy, knowing that my girls (His girls) are taking this step to affirm their belief and show others their desire to follow Christ! May He be glorified through them. To Him be the glory, honor, and THANKS!

Family Fall Fun

Here are some pix from our trip to the pumpkin patch with Scott's side of the family. We so enjoyed our time with family and the beautiful fall weather. Thank you Lord for your creation and your provisions!

Running Late

Well, wouldn't you know it...

After telling you all about our "boy scout timeliness" to school each morning, today we arrived two minutes late. AAAGGHHH!

Alright, a little tangent...

I hate being late for anything. Scott can attest to this as I am often impatient while getting everyone out the door. He never could understand why in college I would actually skip a class if the professor had already begun when I arrived. I just really hate being late. Being absent is not the same as late. Being absent means you had somewhere else to be or were unable to be there. Being late means being ill-prepared. Heaven forbid someone should think of me as being "ill-prepared". This is crazy-talk and I'm not quite sure why it bothers me so much. Oh, and don't worry, I didn't keep the kids home because we were late...they had to endure the embarrassment with me!

Anyway, back to the point...

I so enjoy listening to my children read. It is just such a rewarding feeling when you can see and enjoy the fruit of your labor (as well as the labor of others). While we were caught in the traffic, Kylie read our Bible verse for the day. And I've got to say, as a mother, it doesn't get much better than listening to your child read God's word!

Note...

pix are from AWANA. Thinking about the girls and God's word reminds me of AWANA.

Nothing earth shattering... just back to the basics!

Life as a wife, mother, and student is taking its toll. Why can't I remember things like I used to? I tell ya, I have never felt more scatter-brained than I have recently. I seem to live each day for that day, and neglect to think of preparing for the next. There is just too much going on, and I know that with student teaching quickly approaching, things will become even more busier before they get better. Sometimes it seems like a lost cause.

Because the girls' school is no longer within walking distance, we have a little car drive each morning. We have to leave in plenty of time, to account for possible traffic issues. We inevitably arrive at least 5 minutes early (first of all, for anyone who knows us...it's a small miracle :). Instead of heading into the school and waiting in the hall for classrooms to open, we've been reading a verse or short passage of the Bible to begin our day. Today we even added a prayer.

It's great that God's word is intergenerational. While I am selecting scriptures that are semi-simple to explain, yet applicable for their upcoming day, I realize that I cling to those verses throughout the day too. I love it when I am reminded, and learn, while striving to teach my children Biblical truths...I remember choosing a verse to stand on for different days of my childhood schooling. I remember clinging to these simple truths that are so powerful throughout my school day. It seems that as an adult, I take these forgranted. I seek to figure out the theology and Biblical basis of thoughts and issues. While this is great, I also love being reminded of the basics. As an adult "thinker", I often find new "jewels" even amongst the most basic of principles. I love it!

Thank You Lord for your Word, and thank You for being my strength!

Does the world really want TOLERANCE from Christians?

What is the secular world looking for from Christians? Is it tolerance? I hear tolerance proclaimed, shouted, announced, trumpeted, broadcast, displayed, and advertised all around me. In fact, as Christians, we are even labeled to be intolerant. We are labeled as intolerant of lifestyles and choices. Is it true? Are we, as followers of Christ, intolerant of lifestyles and choices made by others?

Well, let's take a look at what the word "tolerance" has traditionally meant...
1. The power or capacity of enduring; the act of enduring; endurance.
2. The endurance of the presence or actions of objectionable persons, or of the expression of offensive opinions; toleration. (www.definition.net)

Are we intolerant? Absolutely not! We acknowledge that we live in a fallen world. Do we expect all to live according to Christ's teachings? It would be wonderful, and someday that will be reality, but currently no Bible-believing Christian expects that. We endure...we tolerate. If we are living as Christ would have us live, we are not only tolerating, but also loving these people. We do not, however, endorse their actions. It seems this endorsement is really what the world is looking for, not our tolerance! The world's definition of "tolerance" is changing.

The world is asking us to conform. It strives and has succeeded in reversing the roles. While we are not forcing others to come to belief in Christ, the world is seeking to force its belief systems on us. We are considered intolerant and hateful if we don't support abortion, homosexuality, and all of the other different sexual orientations. The world contends that these lifestyles and choices aren't wrong, because truth is relative and there is no firm right and wrong. Isn't it funny, though, that the world tells us we're wrong? Wrong and ignorant to believe the way we do. Does that mean that the world is right? Wait a second...did they just define truth (in their own errant judgment)?

This hypocrisy is ludicrous! The secular world isn't asking for our tolerance, they are asking for our approval and commendation. Tolerance and love for people, we will give. Approval, support, and commendation, we can not!

During election times, these issues are most flamboyant! We must continue to vote for our beliefs, as we are accountable to God for our actions!

Tolerate?......YES!
Love the person?......YES!
Support the choices/lifestyle?......NO!

We will not be deceived...there is TRUTH, and Jesus Christ is it!

John 15:9 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you."

Romans 12:12 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

He never lets go...

It has finally happened. My children are all in school and it is hard to explain how I feel. I am filled with joy for them as these are exciting times, but my heart recalls how they felt in my arms, totally and utterly dependent on me. While they still rely on me, it is in a different kind of way.

It is hard to let someone else have such a significant influence on your child. I am, however, thankful for the teachers they have and will be praying for them daily. In some ways, I have to let go. Let go of the illusion of complete control...let go of the peace of mind I had knowing where they were and what they were doing every second...let go of just their physical presence at all times.

As I was driving away from the school this morning, tears began to fall. It's hard to let go. I turned on the radio to hear "Oh, no...You never let go!". It was such a comfort to know that while I had to let go for awhile, God never does! He does not let them go and I can rest assured knowing that He has them, even when I don't.

It has been a bittersweet day. But I am so thankful, "for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day (2 Tim 1:12)."

Even while looking at the verse in this context, I realize that these beautiful girls aren't truly ours to begin with, it is He who has entrusted us to raise these girls. We acknowledge this and entrust them back to Him...they are, now and always, His! That is a fact I can take comfort in, because there is no greater Father!

Judgment

As a typical female, I am quick to analyze and judge. I know, it's a sinful habit. It's amazing how much I am not privy to,and how little of the "whole picture" I really see. I love it when I am reminded of this, though. I am often offered a new perspective, and I hope that each of these new "perspectives" remind and enable me to be less and less judgmental. Besides, it's most often not my job (though it can be a great occupier of time)!

Newest situation from which to draw "perspective"...

Child screaming in a store

Child sticking entire arm in a bulk foods flour barrel

...My initial judgment is a child out of control and a horrible parent!

Enlightened thought...

It could be a brand new foster Mom who is only just finding out about this behavior and will immediately deal with it...even while she knows that everyone is looking at her with disgust and judgment (as I would have, had I not been aware of the situation...on second thought, just as she would have had she not just been enlightened as well)!

She, of all people, deserves and needs some understanding!

John 7:24

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

Friendship

Praise the Lord for friendship!

What would I do without my friends...old and new? Today I was finally able to speak with a friend I haven't been in contact with for a couple of years. It was so refreshing and encouraging. It seems I have so little time to talk with friends, let alone get together with them. I know it is a priority I have to make, I'm just not sure where the time will come from. Each time I have the opportunity, I come away refreshed and encouraged...I hope they do too! Thankfully, a few of my closest friends don't allow me to remain in my own world for too long...you know who you are!

So, to all my friends out there...I love you and thank the Lord for you!

May He be glorified through our friendships!

Praise the Lord!!!

Yesterday we heard the news...

The school manager called to inform me that a spot had opened up in the second grade class. Scott and I, as well as extended family, had been praying for this for months! Our youngest had been accepted and there was even a place for our middle child. We were fifth on the waiting list for our oldest. Humanly speaking, it was almost certain that she would not get a spot. When families get into this school, very few leave. However, we knew that we served a powerful, sovereign God. We prayed and prayed, asking for God's hand in this matter if this is where He wanted her. While His answer to our prayers doesn't always align with our plans or desires, in this matter it did!

We are so thankful and rejoice in this answered prayer! Our prayer now is that each of the girls will find friends who know and love Jesus too! We also pray that they will be a light in their school!

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

How Time Flies..............

Lately, weddings are a time to feel old. Although much has happened in the past ten years, in my mind I am still barely a young adult. Feeling this, at the age of 27! While I'm not officially OLD, neither am I officially a YOUNG lady. I'm just a plain lady...oh to be as sophisticated as that sounds.

Anyway...one of my cousins got married last weekend. His older brother was married the year before. The problem is that I can remember them as toddlers! It's hard to imagine that our times of playing "dead cow" and homemade "lunchables" is long past. I remember when I was a teenager and they looked up to me. Everything I said and did was "cool" to them. Oh to have them so easily impressed now :) ! They especially liked it when I came home from a summer at Camp Tadmor and taught them a few new catch phrases such as "Hoser" and "Whoa, to the..."! We had many great times...tons of game nights peeking out of bed to get licorice, letting Rory drive Grandpa and Grandma's Blazer and blaring the music of a crazy song that I can't even recall at the moment, playing Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega in the basement...tons of memories I will cherish.

That seems like a decade ago, oh it was actually longer ago than that. They are all grown up now and beginning lives on their own. While they no longer see me as a cool teenage cousin, I know that when I think about them, I will always see them as my adorable little cousins. My prayer is that the Lord will bless their marriages and future families as they seek Him!

Welcome to the family Dani!