I am sure that anyone reading this blog knows that I have 8 amazing grandchildren. Four of them are adopted. Three are from Korea. These are children who would have been, and for a time were, orphans. One was adopted through the Texas Foster child system. She was never an orphan, but a baby who needed extra care whose mother was not able to properly care for her. I love all of my grandchildren with my whole heart. I tear up thinking about what a blessing each one is. I could write paragraphs about all the special things about each one (and would love to do that). When I think of what life would be like for four of these babies, my breath catches.
And now, there are an estimated 143million orphans in the world. Some living with family members, some in orphanages, some on the streets, on their own. This makes my heart sick. There are a lot of people doing a lot to help these children, but the need is so great. There are hundreds of families in the United States who are going through the difficult process of international adoption. The cost is high, much higher than I think it needs to be. The process is long and very complicated and difficult. Why is it so hard to reach out and rescue one child? The governments of the nations involved have laws that I think are crazy, things like a minimum age of 35, no more than one biological child; the paperwork and red tape make the process unimaginably long. Right now, South Korea has stopped processing these adoptions. Parents have received referrals, which means they have a baby in Korea, with a picture and a name. That baby is in their hearts. But they are waiting for word that they can go to Korea and get their baby. And the South Korean government has not processed the paperwork to allow these babies to leave. The government has come to a standstill in the last year and is not processing immigration and travel papers for the children who've been matched with families to be adopted. Our Abby, Dillon, and Hudson came from South Korea. Waiting for three months to have them come home was heartwrenching. Waiting for a year, with no date set, and no explanation is torture. Please join me, along with so many others, in praying that the South Korean government will process these papers.
Our purpose is to encourage women to pursue a growing, passionate relationship with Jesus Christ through support, fellowship and discipleship. We strive to provide many opportunities to help women grow in relationship with Christ; to live the abundant life that Jesus promised, a life of joy and freedom, and to have relationships that are healthy and fulfilling.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Triumphant Thursday
Oops, I almost forgot about this. Triumphant Thursdays, celebrating who we are and whatis ours in Christ. (continued). Read these out loud and be encouraged!
11. God's love has been flooded in my heart. Romans 5:5
12. Being justified, I shall be saved from wrath. Romans 5:9
13. I have been reconciled to God through Jesus' death. Romans 5:10
14. I am being saved by the life of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:10
15. I have received the gift of God's grace. Romans 5:17
16. I have received the gift of God's righteousness. Romans 5:17
17. Through the obedience of Jesus I have been made righteous. Romans 5:19
18. I have been acquitted of all sin through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
19. God's grace has immeasurably exceeded my sin. Romans 5:20
20. I have died to sin with Christ. Romans 6:3
21. I have been baptized into Christ. Romans 6:3
22. I have been buried by baptism with Christ. Romans 6:4
23. I have been raised to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
24. I have been united with Christ in death and resurrection. Romans 6:5
25. My old man was crucified with Christ. Romans 6:6
26. Being dead to sin, I am alive to God through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:11
27. Being set free from sin, I have become a servant of God. Romans 6:22
28. I have eternal life through Jesus Christ my Lord. Romans 6:23
29. There is no condemnation to me in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
11. God's love has been flooded in my heart. Romans 5:5
12. Being justified, I shall be saved from wrath. Romans 5:9
13. I have been reconciled to God through Jesus' death. Romans 5:10
14. I am being saved by the life of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:10
15. I have received the gift of God's grace. Romans 5:17
16. I have received the gift of God's righteousness. Romans 5:17
17. Through the obedience of Jesus I have been made righteous. Romans 5:19
18. I have been acquitted of all sin through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
19. God's grace has immeasurably exceeded my sin. Romans 5:20
20. I have died to sin with Christ. Romans 6:3
21. I have been baptized into Christ. Romans 6:3
22. I have been buried by baptism with Christ. Romans 6:4
23. I have been raised to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
24. I have been united with Christ in death and resurrection. Romans 6:5
25. My old man was crucified with Christ. Romans 6:6
26. Being dead to sin, I am alive to God through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:11
27. Being set free from sin, I have become a servant of God. Romans 6:22
28. I have eternal life through Jesus Christ my Lord. Romans 6:23
29. There is no condemnation to me in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Fresh Faith For Prayer
I have a new excitement about prayer, a new faith in prayer, and a new activation in my prayer life. I have decided to believe what Gods word says about prayer I steady of basing my expectations on past experience.
So, I looked at what Jesus said about prayer.
John 14:13-14
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name
John 16:23
In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Thats what Jesus said. I have determined to believe it.
As I studied the Old Testament this fall, I was encouraged by Moses example.
Exodus 32:10-14
"I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people.10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?12 Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.' "14 Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
God relented. God changed his mind. He said He was going to destroy the people, but Moses prayed and God had mercy. And that was not the only time.
Numbers 14:11-20
The LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?12 I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they."...(Moses prayer)...In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now."20 The LORD replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked
Psalm 106:21-23
They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt,22 miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.23 So he said he would destroy them-- had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them
Then, I found a verse that really inspired me.
Ezekial 22:30-31
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."
God looked for a man to stand in the gap, to pray, to intercede for the land. There was no one, so He poured out His wrath.
Isaiah 59:16
He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene.
It seems that God is looking for, desiring someone to intercede, to ask Him to have mercy. I don't understand this. Maybe that is my problem, I have tried to make prayer make sense, be logical in my mind. Who am I to think that I can understand God's ways.
He wants us to pray, and He wants us to keep on praying.
Matt 7:7-8
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
(How many times have I heard that the tense of these verbs cause the meaning to be "keep on asking, seeking, knocking")
Jesus repeats that in Luke 11, but prefaces it with a story if a man who had unexpected guests show up at midnight. He went to his neighbor and asked for food,bit his neighbor told him to go away because he was in bed. Finally, he gets up and gives his friend bread, not out of friendliness, but because of his persistence.
In Daniel 10, Daniel prayed for understanding of a vision for 21 days. Gabriel showed up and told Daniel that God had sent him the first day Daniel had asked, but he was held up by demonic resistance and had to fight through. I wonder if Gabriel's success was dependent on Daniel's prayer. I wonder how many times I quit praying after 20 days, when the victory was almost there.
Maybe, God wants us to pray until He answers, either by giving us what we ask doe, or until God says "No".
We know that in 2 Cor. 12, Paul prayed three times that a "thorn in his flesh" be removed. Finally, God said, "no, but My grace is sufficient for you."
In Matt. 26' Mark 14, and Luke 22, it is recorded that Jesus asked His Father three times if there could be another way to accomplish His plan. Then, He said, "Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" (Mark 14:42). He knew the answer.
Another example is Moses. Because of Moses disobedience, God told him he would not enter the Promised Land. Moses asked to go, until God told him, "Do not speak to me anymore about this matter" (Deut. 3:26).
In 2 Samuel 12, Da I'd was told that his child would die. He prayed for 7 days, night and day, I until the child died.
I know that God has good plans for us. God desires that no one would perish. Jesus died for our salvation, and for our healing. Jesus said that we are to have abundant life, fullness of joy, peace beyond understanding. I believe that He intends to say yea to us more than no. Jesus said to ask. I am so motivated to ask, and to keep on asking, for salvation of lost friends, for healing of my lived ones, for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, for strengthened marriages, for friends in bondage to be set free...until God does give me what I am asking for or tells me no!
So, I looked at what Jesus said about prayer.
John 14:13-14
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name
John 16:23
In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Thats what Jesus said. I have determined to believe it.
As I studied the Old Testament this fall, I was encouraged by Moses example.
Exodus 32:10-14
"I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people.10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?12 Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.' "14 Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
God relented. God changed his mind. He said He was going to destroy the people, but Moses prayed and God had mercy. And that was not the only time.
Numbers 14:11-20
The LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?12 I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they."...(Moses prayer)...In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now."20 The LORD replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked
Psalm 106:21-23
They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt,22 miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.23 So he said he would destroy them-- had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them
Then, I found a verse that really inspired me.
Ezekial 22:30-31
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."
God looked for a man to stand in the gap, to pray, to intercede for the land. There was no one, so He poured out His wrath.
Isaiah 59:16
He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene.
It seems that God is looking for, desiring someone to intercede, to ask Him to have mercy. I don't understand this. Maybe that is my problem, I have tried to make prayer make sense, be logical in my mind. Who am I to think that I can understand God's ways.
He wants us to pray, and He wants us to keep on praying.
Matt 7:7-8
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
(How many times have I heard that the tense of these verbs cause the meaning to be "keep on asking, seeking, knocking")
Jesus repeats that in Luke 11, but prefaces it with a story if a man who had unexpected guests show up at midnight. He went to his neighbor and asked for food,bit his neighbor told him to go away because he was in bed. Finally, he gets up and gives his friend bread, not out of friendliness, but because of his persistence.
In Daniel 10, Daniel prayed for understanding of a vision for 21 days. Gabriel showed up and told Daniel that God had sent him the first day Daniel had asked, but he was held up by demonic resistance and had to fight through. I wonder if Gabriel's success was dependent on Daniel's prayer. I wonder how many times I quit praying after 20 days, when the victory was almost there.
Maybe, God wants us to pray until He answers, either by giving us what we ask doe, or until God says "No".
We know that in 2 Cor. 12, Paul prayed three times that a "thorn in his flesh" be removed. Finally, God said, "no, but My grace is sufficient for you."
In Matt. 26' Mark 14, and Luke 22, it is recorded that Jesus asked His Father three times if there could be another way to accomplish His plan. Then, He said, "Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" (Mark 14:42). He knew the answer.
Another example is Moses. Because of Moses disobedience, God told him he would not enter the Promised Land. Moses asked to go, until God told him, "Do not speak to me anymore about this matter" (Deut. 3:26).
In 2 Samuel 12, Da I'd was told that his child would die. He prayed for 7 days, night and day, I until the child died.
I know that God has good plans for us. God desires that no one would perish. Jesus died for our salvation, and for our healing. Jesus said that we are to have abundant life, fullness of joy, peace beyond understanding. I believe that He intends to say yea to us more than no. Jesus said to ask. I am so motivated to ask, and to keep on asking, for salvation of lost friends, for healing of my lived ones, for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, for strengthened marriages, for friends in bondage to be set free...until God does give me what I am asking for or tells me no!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Spending Freeze: New Rules and Some Concerns
So, tomorrow, I start my 40 day, Lent Spending freeze.
I am excited about it. I did not go out and stock up on things I might need or want. I have decided that shampoo is a necessity, so I will buy some when I need to. My husband tried to tell me I should buy mascara, pointing out that Jesus told his disciples that when they fast, they are to clean up and look good. I told him not to lecture me, it's my game! So shampoo is necessary, but mascara is not.
But, what if my hair dryer breaks? I think that is not a necessity, but I sure would hate to do without it. I haven't thought of any other really important things I might need yet.
Today, I noticed that our welcome mat is in bad shape. It is ragged, and the "Welcome" is very faded. We had planned to get a new one, but forgot, so now it will have to wait until after Easter.
Another thing, we are going to eat the food we have on hand before buying groceries. We don't have a freezer or extra food storage anywhere. I have a lot of kitchen cabinets, but most of them have dishes in them. I confess, I have a lot of dishes. I never know when I might need to have a formal dinner party for 60, right?
However, I have amazed my family by how much food I can cram into the freezer part of my fridge. I am looking forward to finding out what is in all the little plastic tubs that I froze assorted leftovers in. It should make some interesting meals!
I am excited about it. I did not go out and stock up on things I might need or want. I have decided that shampoo is a necessity, so I will buy some when I need to. My husband tried to tell me I should buy mascara, pointing out that Jesus told his disciples that when they fast, they are to clean up and look good. I told him not to lecture me, it's my game! So shampoo is necessary, but mascara is not.
But, what if my hair dryer breaks? I think that is not a necessity, but I sure would hate to do without it. I haven't thought of any other really important things I might need yet.
Today, I noticed that our welcome mat is in bad shape. It is ragged, and the "Welcome" is very faded. We had planned to get a new one, but forgot, so now it will have to wait until after Easter.
Another thing, we are going to eat the food we have on hand before buying groceries. We don't have a freezer or extra food storage anywhere. I have a lot of kitchen cabinets, but most of them have dishes in them. I confess, I have a lot of dishes. I never know when I might need to have a formal dinner party for 60, right?
However, I have amazed my family by how much food I can cram into the freezer part of my fridge. I am looking forward to finding out what is in all the little plastic tubs that I froze assorted leftovers in. It should make some interesting meals!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Simplify
I am ALWAYS convicted about my lifestyle. Very Ameican, very middle class. I mean, I am not extravagant by American standards, but I am very aware that most people in the world would be amazed by the niceties that I have.
To support my point, consider that any family who makes $35000 per year is in the wealthiest 4% of the world population, and a family making 50,000 is in the wealthiest 1%. Most of the people in the world live on less than $2 per day! The statistics are staggering. Yes, we give to our church, we support missionaries, and we sponsor children through World Vision, but that does not impact our lifestyle.
I started a new book yesterday, 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker. I am once again inspired to do something about the excess in my life. I prayed about what God would want me to do, and decided that I would have a spending freeze, for a month, staritng soon. Then I read my daughter Emily's blog about lent (Faithhopeandartblogspot.com), and decided, perfect. Lent starts this Wednesday, and lasts 40 days, until Easter. The idea behind observing Lent is to sacrifice something in order to have more appreciation for the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. How appropriate
So, I will start Wednesday. My plan is to buy nothing but food, and only basic food needed for sustaining life, no cookies or chips or other goodies. I do have to eat out sometimes, for lunch appointments. Thats ok. I will order the most simple and cheap thing available.
This doesn't sound hard. BUT, I was planning on doing some shopping this week. Bealls has a sale that starts Wednesday; all clearance items will be an extra 30% off, and I have a coupon to take another 20% off, so the things will be almost free. And, I am pretty sure I will be out is mascara in another week. Also shampoo, but shampoo may be an essential, I'm not sure about that yet.
Also, we will have my family here for Easter. I can't buy any new plants or anything else to spruce up the house for my extended family. And our Ladies retreat is March 2-3. I was considering buying some pjs, since I haven't bought any in years and mine are a little ragged looking. See, I haven't started yet, and I am already wincing. I am NOT going shopping tomorrow or Tuesday just to sneak in some things. I am serious about this. I want to experience the discipline. I bet that before Easter I will hear about a need that the extra money I saved will be useful for.
I will let you know how I am doing.
To support my point, consider that any family who makes $35000 per year is in the wealthiest 4% of the world population, and a family making 50,000 is in the wealthiest 1%. Most of the people in the world live on less than $2 per day! The statistics are staggering. Yes, we give to our church, we support missionaries, and we sponsor children through World Vision, but that does not impact our lifestyle.
I started a new book yesterday, 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker. I am once again inspired to do something about the excess in my life. I prayed about what God would want me to do, and decided that I would have a spending freeze, for a month, staritng soon. Then I read my daughter Emily's blog about lent (Faithhopeandartblogspot.com), and decided, perfect. Lent starts this Wednesday, and lasts 40 days, until Easter. The idea behind observing Lent is to sacrifice something in order to have more appreciation for the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. How appropriate
So, I will start Wednesday. My plan is to buy nothing but food, and only basic food needed for sustaining life, no cookies or chips or other goodies. I do have to eat out sometimes, for lunch appointments. Thats ok. I will order the most simple and cheap thing available.
This doesn't sound hard. BUT, I was planning on doing some shopping this week. Bealls has a sale that starts Wednesday; all clearance items will be an extra 30% off, and I have a coupon to take another 20% off, so the things will be almost free. And, I am pretty sure I will be out is mascara in another week. Also shampoo, but shampoo may be an essential, I'm not sure about that yet.
Also, we will have my family here for Easter. I can't buy any new plants or anything else to spruce up the house for my extended family. And our Ladies retreat is March 2-3. I was considering buying some pjs, since I haven't bought any in years and mine are a little ragged looking. See, I haven't started yet, and I am already wincing. I am NOT going shopping tomorrow or Tuesday just to sneak in some things. I am serious about this. I want to experience the discipline. I bet that before Easter I will hear about a need that the extra money I saved will be useful for.
I will let you know how I am doing.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Triumphant Thursday
We are doing a study on discipleship on Sunday Mornings. We have worked through some tough material, taking time to do some evaluations of our selves, praying for light on any sin, strongholds, worldliness, lack of faith, or failure to obey God. This week, we turn to look at some of the facts that the Bible teaches about us, New Creation Confessions.
Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.
Galations 6:15
These are wonderful, amazing statements that show how God looks at us. I decided to share them with you. There are a bunch, so I am going to dole them out, writing a few each Thursday, so I used the clever title of Triumphant Thursday. My advice is to read them out loud with a lot of enthusiasm. "Faith comes by hearing". Build your faith by stating these confessions out loud.
1. I am the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13
2. I am the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
3.Jesus has prayed for me. John 17
I belong to God. 17:3
I am protected by the power of His name. 17:11
I have His joy in me in full measure. 17:13
I am kept from the evil one. 17:15
I can be one with all others of God's children. 17:21
I have been given the glory of God. 17:22
Jesus is in me. 17:23
I am one with God the Father and Jesus the son. 17:24
I am God's gift to Christ. 17:26
4. I have been justified through faith. Romans 5:1
5. I have peace with God through Jesus. Romans 5:1
6. I have access into the sphere of God's grace. Romans 5:2
7. I have reason to exult in sufferings. Romans 5:3
8. Sufferings train me to endure. Romans 5:3
9.Endurance brings proof that I have stood the test. Romans 5:4
10. This proof is the ground of certainty in me. Romans 5:5
(that barely gets us started, I have 312 of these!)
Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.
Galations 6:15
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17
These are wonderful, amazing statements that show how God looks at us. I decided to share them with you. There are a bunch, so I am going to dole them out, writing a few each Thursday, so I used the clever title of Triumphant Thursday. My advice is to read them out loud with a lot of enthusiasm. "Faith comes by hearing". Build your faith by stating these confessions out loud.
1. I am the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13
2. I am the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
3.Jesus has prayed for me. John 17
I belong to God. 17:3
I am protected by the power of His name. 17:11
I have His joy in me in full measure. 17:13
I am kept from the evil one. 17:15
I can be one with all others of God's children. 17:21
I have been given the glory of God. 17:22
Jesus is in me. 17:23
I am one with God the Father and Jesus the son. 17:24
I am God's gift to Christ. 17:26
4. I have been justified through faith. Romans 5:1
5. I have peace with God through Jesus. Romans 5:1
6. I have access into the sphere of God's grace. Romans 5:2
7. I have reason to exult in sufferings. Romans 5:3
8. Sufferings train me to endure. Romans 5:3
9.Endurance brings proof that I have stood the test. Romans 5:4
10. This proof is the ground of certainty in me. Romans 5:5
(that barely gets us started, I have 312 of these!)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Valentines Dinner
I have never been a big fan of Valentines Day, just another contrived holiday to coerce people to buy frivolous gifts! So There.
But, this year, I invited three granddaughters to join us for Valentines day, which gave our daughter and son in law an opportunity to go out alone.
I cooked a nice dinner, not fancy, but food the girls would eat. I set the yellow roses Les gave me (I said I don't like the holiday. That doesn't mean I can't enjoy the benefits), and candles. I didn't go so far as to use my special china, which is antique and fragile, but I did use milk glass dishes that I use for showers and ladies luncheons. The girls were excited to see the table when they arrived. Kylie said, "I need bites on my Fancy Nancy plate." We had a great evening. A special time with three of my very special Valentines!
We took some pictures, and I notice that I forgot to take my apron off!
But, this year, I invited three granddaughters to join us for Valentines day, which gave our daughter and son in law an opportunity to go out alone.
I cooked a nice dinner, not fancy, but food the girls would eat. I set the yellow roses Les gave me (I said I don't like the holiday. That doesn't mean I can't enjoy the benefits), and candles. I didn't go so far as to use my special china, which is antique and fragile, but I did use milk glass dishes that I use for showers and ladies luncheons. The girls were excited to see the table when they arrived. Kylie said, "I need bites on my Fancy Nancy plate." We had a great evening. A special time with three of my very special Valentines!We took some pictures, and I notice that I forgot to take my apron off!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
New "Repurposed" Coffee Table
We have been looking for something to use for a coffee table for the last few weeks. We wanted something different, not your every day piece of furniture. We checked out some trunks, some benches, nothing was just right. Saturday, we were in Pier One and I spotted a wood wall hanging that seemed to be just right for a top to a coffee table. Les loved the idea, so we bought it and brought it home. He removed the legs from our old coffee table/bench and attached them to the wall hanging, and voila (no one says that anymore do they?) a new coffee table.Monday, February 6, 2012
Redo, Repurpose, and Restore
My husband and I like to redecorate. We always have some kind of project going on, sometimes big, sometimes small. We do not like to spend a lot of money doing it. We actually don't have a lot of money, but, if we did we would not want to spend it decorating.
One thing we enjoy is taking something we have, making changes to use it in a new setting. The first piece of furniture we bought was a small desk with one drawer we found for $2.50 at a garage sale. We painted it burnt orange (hey, it was the 70's) and used it for a side table in our living room. I do not even know how many colors that desk has been; red, white, I think it was green for a time, and my favorite, tourqoise with pink details for Melody's little girl room. Oh, yeh, then I faux finished it dark red with gold. Now, our daughter Libby has it in her garage stripping layers of paint off to paint it for her daughters room.
The first NEW thing we ever bought was a set of lamps for our living room. The apartment we were in did not have an overhead light in the living room, so after several months, when we got an income tax refund, we bought lamps. Simple, ginger jar style glass lamps in a nice shade of yellow. They were beautiful. During our early years of moving around a lot, I would not let anyone else carry my lamps. I took them with me in my car to the new place. After many years of use, they were out of style and did not match our new decor. It was the 80's and we painted them country blue, to go with our blue and peach living room. The next decade, we painted them tourqoise, then green. They were in a guest room, then moved to the garage. Last night, Les brought one in and painted it to go with our current living room. We then made a new shade for it from fabric that matches the shears on the living room windows. Not only did we get a "new" lamp, we get to continue using an item that we bought as newlyweds. That is special.
Les is pretty creative. When he painted the living room and hall recently, he decided to spruce up the ugly air intake registers and the light switch covers with metallic bronze paint. They turned out great, from eyesores to added interest. (Those pictures were right side up before I uploaded them, sheesh.)
My sister recently gave me a couple of special items also, a table that is over 100 years old that belonged to my grandmother, and a picture that was my mothers, that hung over the couch for many years when I was a child. Les put it in a new frame, and it looks terrific. I am using both of those now.( OMG why are the pictures turning sideways??? Sorry, but just tilt your head and you can see them.)
I enjoy looking around my house to see things that have great memories, but have a new look.
One thing we enjoy is taking something we have, making changes to use it in a new setting. The first piece of furniture we bought was a small desk with one drawer we found for $2.50 at a garage sale. We painted it burnt orange (hey, it was the 70's) and used it for a side table in our living room. I do not even know how many colors that desk has been; red, white, I think it was green for a time, and my favorite, tourqoise with pink details for Melody's little girl room. Oh, yeh, then I faux finished it dark red with gold. Now, our daughter Libby has it in her garage stripping layers of paint off to paint it for her daughters room.
The first NEW thing we ever bought was a set of lamps for our living room. The apartment we were in did not have an overhead light in the living room, so after several months, when we got an income tax refund, we bought lamps. Simple, ginger jar style glass lamps in a nice shade of yellow. They were beautiful. During our early years of moving around a lot, I would not let anyone else carry my lamps. I took them with me in my car to the new place. After many years of use, they were out of style and did not match our new decor. It was the 80's and we painted them country blue, to go with our blue and peach living room. The next decade, we painted them tourqoise, then green. They were in a guest room, then moved to the garage. Last night, Les brought one in and painted it to go with our current living room. We then made a new shade for it from fabric that matches the shears on the living room windows. Not only did we get a "new" lamp, we get to continue using an item that we bought as newlyweds. That is special. 
Les is pretty creative. When he painted the living room and hall recently, he decided to spruce up the ugly air intake registers and the light switch covers with metallic bronze paint. They turned out great, from eyesores to added interest. (Those pictures were right side up before I uploaded them, sheesh.)
My sister recently gave me a couple of special items also, a table that is over 100 years old that belonged to my grandmother, and a picture that was my mothers, that hung over the couch for many years when I was a child. Les put it in a new frame, and it looks terrific. I am using both of those now.( OMG why are the pictures turning sideways??? Sorry, but just tilt your head and you can see them.)I enjoy looking around my house to see things that have great memories, but have a new look.
Friday, February 3, 2012
A Samuel or a Samson
In our Wednesday night class, we are going though the Old Testament. We just completed a study of the judges, concluding with Samson, and this week, started 1 Samuel.
I was struck with the way Samuel started life much like Samson. Samson's mother was visited by an angel who told her that she was going to have a son, who would be dedicated to the Lord, and she should not cut his hair, a sign of a special dedication.
Samuels mother prayed for a baby, and promised that she would dedicate him to the Lord and never cut his hair. Both babies were special, set apart, devoted to God before birth.
Samson's parents did not seem to follow up the dedication with teaching and training. Based on Judges 13-16, it seems that Samuel had no regard for God or the laws of God. Samson saw a Philistine woman he liked and wanted to marry. His parents had a problem with this, since God had said specifically to not marry the women of the surroundding nations, and, the Philistines were the enemy nation who ruled over Israel at the time. Samson's answer to this? "Get that woman for me! She is the one I want!” (Judges 13:24) that was the beginning of the record of a life controlled by lust, anger, and selfishness.
Samuel's mother dedicated her son to the Lord, but she understood that just dedicating her baby to God would not make him godly. When Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to the temple and gave him to God to serve Eli, the priest. Samuel ministered in the temple, where he learned the Law and the ways of God. He was needed at the temple because Eli's own sons were wicked. They cheated the peoplw who came to offer sacrifices, they were immoral and greedy. Samuel cared about the things of God. He listened to God and obeyed Him. Samuel served Israel as a prophet, a judge, and a priest his whole life.
For several days, I have contemplated the stories of these two men. Samson had everything, a special calling to deliver his people, divine strength and ability. He threw it all away and lived his life controlled by passion and lust. In the end, his enemies captured him, gouged his eyes out, and forced him to do the work of a beast (there are so many spiritual applications there, I won't even start with them). Samuel served God and his people well, was respected and honored, and lived a long and meaningful life.
I was struck with the way Samuel started life much like Samson. Samson's mother was visited by an angel who told her that she was going to have a son, who would be dedicated to the Lord, and she should not cut his hair, a sign of a special dedication.
Samuels mother prayed for a baby, and promised that she would dedicate him to the Lord and never cut his hair. Both babies were special, set apart, devoted to God before birth.
Samson's parents did not seem to follow up the dedication with teaching and training. Based on Judges 13-16, it seems that Samuel had no regard for God or the laws of God. Samson saw a Philistine woman he liked and wanted to marry. His parents had a problem with this, since God had said specifically to not marry the women of the surroundding nations, and, the Philistines were the enemy nation who ruled over Israel at the time. Samson's answer to this? "Get that woman for me! She is the one I want!” (Judges 13:24) that was the beginning of the record of a life controlled by lust, anger, and selfishness.
Samuel's mother dedicated her son to the Lord, but she understood that just dedicating her baby to God would not make him godly. When Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to the temple and gave him to God to serve Eli, the priest. Samuel ministered in the temple, where he learned the Law and the ways of God. He was needed at the temple because Eli's own sons were wicked. They cheated the peoplw who came to offer sacrifices, they were immoral and greedy. Samuel cared about the things of God. He listened to God and obeyed Him. Samuel served Israel as a prophet, a judge, and a priest his whole life.
For several days, I have contemplated the stories of these two men. Samson had everything, a special calling to deliver his people, divine strength and ability. He threw it all away and lived his life controlled by passion and lust. In the end, his enemies captured him, gouged his eyes out, and forced him to do the work of a beast (there are so many spiritual applications there, I won't even start with them). Samuel served God and his people well, was respected and honored, and lived a long and meaningful life.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Dreams and visions!
I have had a month of techno troubles. First, my laptop crashed. It was still within the extended warranty, so Dell gave me a new hard drive, great!...with no software on it. My terrific son in law Brad took my old hard drive and got the data off,or. I downloaded all my data, but, no good. The computer doesn't have the software to read it. I can't even open my documents. SO, I put my data on the old desk top computer, and have been able to do some of my work on it. Monday, we lost the Internet on the desk top. My laptop has Internet, but nothing else. I can creat documents on the desktop, but can't send them to anyone, and the desktop has no Bible software. A long phone call to century link did not help any. SO, I spent two hours on our ipad, working on a January calendar to turn in on Wednesday for a monthly report, but couldn't print it. At 11:00pm, I needed to prepare two Bible studies for Wednesday, plus wanted to do my monthly reports! I also was concerned about several troubling situations in the church. I went to bed around midnight feeling pretty frustrated. I had trouble going to sleep, finally got up and did some Bible study, went back to bed and slept until 4:00. I got up, had a good time in prayer, did my daily study, then, miraculously was able to complete everything else I needed. At 7, I relaxed in the recliner for a short nap.
Before I fell asleep (I'm pretty sure I was awake), I had a vision. I saw myself on the floor in a large room with very tall ceilings. The room was very pretty. The walls were gold with a really nice faux finish. Not sure why that is important, anyway, as I was there on the floor, I began to rise up, float into the air. At first, I was afraid, but I continued to float higher, to the ceiling. I floated around the room, and I began to feel complete peace. When the vision ended, I knew that I could rise above the frustrations and worries. God will lift me up and carry me if I trust Him to.
This whole day, I have walked in such peace and trust. Whether that was a vision or just an old fashioned dream, I know that God gave it to me and spoke to me through it.
Before I fell asleep (I'm pretty sure I was awake), I had a vision. I saw myself on the floor in a large room with very tall ceilings. The room was very pretty. The walls were gold with a really nice faux finish. Not sure why that is important, anyway, as I was there on the floor, I began to rise up, float into the air. At first, I was afraid, but I continued to float higher, to the ceiling. I floated around the room, and I began to feel complete peace. When the vision ended, I knew that I could rise above the frustrations and worries. God will lift me up and carry me if I trust Him to.
This whole day, I have walked in such peace and trust. Whether that was a vision or just an old fashioned dream, I know that God gave it to me and spoke to me through it.
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