To any young mothers who read this, I want to encourage you to write down the cute things your kids say and do. Here's some I recorded about Freeman. He is now 24. Can it be?
Three and one-half years old-
Freeman, very tired, " I feel a little wobbly." He lay down and said, "I can't walk. I ate too much bread."
At Story Hour at the Library, a little girl stood up and others couldn't see. Freeman reached toward her and said,"Sit down, Little Darling." The Mothers went,"Ahhhh...Is he yours?" I tried to be modest in my affiirmation but I was very pleased and proud.
Freeman took two paper towels and was trying to "blow Gabe's nose". (Gabe was our dog.)
Freeman, watching Phil leave for work, "He is a sweet little daddy, mama."
"Hear the crickets yellin' ?"
Me-"Here-you can get the flies with this fly swatter."
Free-"But I'm not a very good getter."
Me -(pregnant with Philip)-" Freeman, will you pat my head. I don't feel well."
Freeman-" Do you want this fast or slow?
Later, "Freeman, will you pray for me?"
Free-"No-pray for yourself, cause I'm so tired."
Freeman, laying on my 5 month pregnant belly.
Me-"Now you can feel the baby kick."
He moves off. " I don't want her kickin' my belly."
(He thinks it will hurt.)
Freeman patting my hips-"Mommy, you're getting a little clumpy."
Freeman's feet hurt him. Phil explained that Jesus can heal him. Freeman very sweetly said, "He's healing someone else right now." Next morning he comes downstairs and says excitedly-"He healed me!"
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Worship and other gems from Mother's journal
Is asking a part of worship? It seems so. Matt 15: 25-"Then she, the Caananite woman, came and worshiped Him, saying,'Lord, Help me!' " I never thought of that (asking for help) as worship, but it shows that He is great, powerful, and loving and that we are very needy. And even just the crumbs of that mercy and goodness are enough! v.28b-And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Me-I remember one Communion where I only got part of a tiny cracker and it came to me that just a crumb healed this ladies daughter. And healing was the children's bread, Jesus said. Surely there was more at the table than bread. O God, help me eat and drink all that you have for me.
This is quite a statement-Psa. 68:18b & Eph. 4:8- You have led captivity captive-Not just the aptness of the phrase but also in the profoundness of the thought. He takes and controls whatever is controlling us. Familiarity has deadened its message!
Quotes-"Life is not so much learning new things but in re-learning old."
"Few run well to the end."
Giving out of our abundance does not impress Jesus at all. Mark 12:43,44-"---this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury---she out of her poverty put in all that she had." C.S.Lewis said he feels we will be judged according to what we have kept, not by what we give. And he lived it.
Psa. 42:5b- "Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." These verses have given me hope many times. But I never noticed the difference in the last line before. v11b-"For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." The help of His countenance has spread to our countenance because the depression has left? Hope in God will do that assuredly!
Me-I remember one Communion where I only got part of a tiny cracker and it came to me that just a crumb healed this ladies daughter. And healing was the children's bread, Jesus said. Surely there was more at the table than bread. O God, help me eat and drink all that you have for me.
This is quite a statement-Psa. 68:18b & Eph. 4:8- You have led captivity captive-Not just the aptness of the phrase but also in the profoundness of the thought. He takes and controls whatever is controlling us. Familiarity has deadened its message!
Quotes-"Life is not so much learning new things but in re-learning old."
"Few run well to the end."
Giving out of our abundance does not impress Jesus at all. Mark 12:43,44-"---this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury---she out of her poverty put in all that she had." C.S.Lewis said he feels we will be judged according to what we have kept, not by what we give. And he lived it.
Psa. 42:5b- "Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." These verses have given me hope many times. But I never noticed the difference in the last line before. v11b-"For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." The help of His countenance has spread to our countenance because the depression has left? Hope in God will do that assuredly!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
El Shaddai
Susan Hunt quotes from the book," The Glorious Names of God", in her book, "Spiritual Mothering."
"The traditional translations of Scripture have consistently rendered this name " Almighty." But to appreciate its full flavor, it will be helpful to examine its Hebrew roots. El is a shortened form of Elohim. It sets forth the might, the strength, and the excellence of God. Shad is the Hebrew word for breast. Shaddai pictures God's fullness or bounty, His tenderness, His generosity, His desire to nurture us and make us fruitful. In one name, God's attributes of might and tenderness are brought together."
John the Beloved writes that Jesus is the One in the bosom of the Father. He also writes that he was the one who leaned on Jesus bosom. Did he know that he was leaning on the bosom of the One who is in the bosom of God?
Micah, my four year old nephew, was sitting on my lap facing me. He pressed his whole body into my bosom. I said to his mother, "This gives whole new meaning to 'pressing into the bosom of God.' Ever since then, when I pray and worship, I imagine myself pressing hard into the bosom of God.
Psalm 131 sings:
Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Nor do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
A weaned child is no longer wanting to be fed from his mother's breast. He is at rest and enjoys just sitting on his mother's lap. I want to be like that with God. I want to press into Him and rest in His bosom beside Jesus. Somehow He makes us feel like we are the only ones there and that we have His full attention. But there is plenty of room for more to come rest. I'll move over.
"The traditional translations of Scripture have consistently rendered this name " Almighty." But to appreciate its full flavor, it will be helpful to examine its Hebrew roots. El is a shortened form of Elohim. It sets forth the might, the strength, and the excellence of God. Shad is the Hebrew word for breast. Shaddai pictures God's fullness or bounty, His tenderness, His generosity, His desire to nurture us and make us fruitful. In one name, God's attributes of might and tenderness are brought together."
John the Beloved writes that Jesus is the One in the bosom of the Father. He also writes that he was the one who leaned on Jesus bosom. Did he know that he was leaning on the bosom of the One who is in the bosom of God?
Micah, my four year old nephew, was sitting on my lap facing me. He pressed his whole body into my bosom. I said to his mother, "This gives whole new meaning to 'pressing into the bosom of God.' Ever since then, when I pray and worship, I imagine myself pressing hard into the bosom of God.
Psalm 131 sings:
Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Nor do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
A weaned child is no longer wanting to be fed from his mother's breast. He is at rest and enjoys just sitting on his mother's lap. I want to be like that with God. I want to press into Him and rest in His bosom beside Jesus. Somehow He makes us feel like we are the only ones there and that we have His full attention. But there is plenty of room for more to come rest. I'll move over.
Nice Tongue Verses:)
Do you sometimes feel tongue-tied? Are you unsure of what to say in a difficult situation? Are you intimidated by those who can verbalize with ease? Me, too. I've been soaking up these verses for over two years now, and I know they have helped me. They take the focus off ourselves and our words and paint a much bigger picture. Enjoy!
My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. Psalms 49:3
Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. Provers 8:6,7
The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens me morning by morning; He awakens my ear to hear as the learned. Isaiah 50:4
You will also declare a thing, and it shall be established for you; so light will shine on Your ways. Job 22:28
Let me mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Psalm 71:8
I will strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips will relieve your pain. Job 16:15
I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand. Isaiah 51:16a
My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. Psalms 49:3
Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. Provers 8:6,7
The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens me morning by morning; He awakens my ear to hear as the learned. Isaiah 50:4
You will also declare a thing, and it shall be established for you; so light will shine on Your ways. Job 22:28
Let me mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Psalm 71:8
I will strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips will relieve your pain. Job 16:15
I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand. Isaiah 51:16a
The Wings of God
I remember my mother singing, "Under His Wings, I am safely abiding...Though the night deepens and tempests are wild...." She still has her beautiful voice.
Today, I looked up in Strong's Concordance to see all the verses about God's wings. Here are some of them.
Ps. 17:8-"Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings."
(The apple of a person's eye is the little man reflected in the pupil. In other words, we are reflected off the pupil of God's eye because we are always before Him. We are always His focus. Oh, that He would be the apple of our eye as well.)
Ps.36:7-"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings."
Ps. 57:1-" Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by."
Ps. 61:3,4-" For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your taberncle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." Selah-Think about that!
Ps. 63:7- "Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. "
Ps. 91:4- "He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler."(buckler means 'small shield'-two big shields would get in the way of each other)
We would not need the shelter of His wings unless there are calamities, enemies, and need for help and a refuge. What time I am afraid,(and we will be afraid), we will trust in Him. And according to Ps. 63:7, we can rejoice under His wings. Sometimes it pays to be chicken.
Today, I looked up in Strong's Concordance to see all the verses about God's wings. Here are some of them.
Ps. 17:8-"Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings."
(The apple of a person's eye is the little man reflected in the pupil. In other words, we are reflected off the pupil of God's eye because we are always before Him. We are always His focus. Oh, that He would be the apple of our eye as well.)
Ps.36:7-"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings."
Ps. 57:1-" Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by."
Ps. 61:3,4-" For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your taberncle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." Selah-Think about that!
Ps. 63:7- "Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. "
Ps. 91:4- "He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler."(buckler means 'small shield'-two big shields would get in the way of each other)
We would not need the shelter of His wings unless there are calamities, enemies, and need for help and a refuge. What time I am afraid,(and we will be afraid), we will trust in Him. And according to Ps. 63:7, we can rejoice under His wings. Sometimes it pays to be chicken.
Best Bread Ever-Yes, YOU can bake bread
Makes 2 loaves
Bake at 350 for 30-40 min.
Combine in a large bowl:
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup whole wheat bread
handful of ground flax(opt.)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 T. salt
2 T. butter
Pour over:
2 cups boiling water
Stir to combine.
Dissolve:
1 Tablespoon or 1 pkg. yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
When batter is lukewarm, add yeast mixture.
Stir in about 5 cups of bread(occident) flour
(I use my kitchen aid to do all this)
Add enough flour to make the dough stiff enough to handle and so it is not sticking to the sides of your mixing bowl. Knead for several minutes if using a mixer or for 5-10 min. by hand.
Place in greased bowl. Flip around so top is greased. Cover with a moist towel. Let rise until double. Punch down and let rise again. Shape into 2 loaves, or pizza rounds, or rolls, etc.
Let rise for another 45 min. or so. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. Brush loaves with butter while still warm. Take bread out of pans about 5 min after taking from oven. Cool on racks.
Eat one loaf immediately.
Hide the other.
Or, double or triple the recipe so you have some to share. You can do it!!!
Bake at 350 for 30-40 min.
Combine in a large bowl:
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup whole wheat bread
handful of ground flax(opt.)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 T. salt
2 T. butter
Pour over:
2 cups boiling water
Stir to combine.
Dissolve:
1 Tablespoon or 1 pkg. yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
When batter is lukewarm, add yeast mixture.
Stir in about 5 cups of bread(occident) flour
(I use my kitchen aid to do all this)
Add enough flour to make the dough stiff enough to handle and so it is not sticking to the sides of your mixing bowl. Knead for several minutes if using a mixer or for 5-10 min. by hand.
Place in greased bowl. Flip around so top is greased. Cover with a moist towel. Let rise until double. Punch down and let rise again. Shape into 2 loaves, or pizza rounds, or rolls, etc.
Let rise for another 45 min. or so. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. Brush loaves with butter while still warm. Take bread out of pans about 5 min after taking from oven. Cool on racks.
Eat one loaf immediately.
Hide the other.
Or, double or triple the recipe so you have some to share. You can do it!!!
Yogurt popsicles
Take one can of juice concentrate-berry, orange, pineapple, etc
Add 3 times that amount of plain or vanilla yogurt.
Mix together. Freeze into popsicles.
So good.
Add 3 times that amount of plain or vanilla yogurt.
Mix together. Freeze into popsicles.
So good.
Kool-aid Playdough
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3 T. oil
1 package unsweetened kool-aid
Mix the above together.
Add 2 cups boiling water.
Stir.
Knead when cooled slightly.
Don't eat. You will be tempted to. I was. Yuck!
1 cup salt
3 T. oil
1 package unsweetened kool-aid
Mix the above together.
Add 2 cups boiling water.
Stir.
Knead when cooled slightly.
Don't eat. You will be tempted to. I was. Yuck!
Sammy Jo
Samantha Joleen
Born July 29, 2008
South Side Hospital
4 lb. 6 oz.
17 1/2 " long
Healthy
Coming home tomorrow
Loved by Josh and Adriane
Loved by Michelle
Loved by Judy Blue-eyes
Loved by God
Born July 29, 2008
South Side Hospital
4 lb. 6 oz.
17 1/2 " long
Healthy
Coming home tomorrow
Loved by Josh and Adriane
Loved by Michelle
Loved by Judy Blue-eyes
Loved by God
Monday, July 28, 2008
Gems from Mother's Jounal
Hag. 1:14-So the Lord stirred up the spirit of----and the spirit of----, and the spirit of----, and they came out and worked on the house of the Lord of Hosts, their God.
Mother-"We cannot stir up the spirit of others to do the work that needs to be done but He can. That takes all our striving away and we can rest in Him."
--------
Mother-"It seems as if only those who have been killed because of loyalty to Jesus will reign with Him for 1000 years."- Rev.20:4----'who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and the word of God----they lived and reigned with Christ for 1000 years. v.5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the 1000 years were finished.' "I had always thought that would be such a wonderful time---that I could do the things I've never been able to do now."
--------Me-'Well then, off with my head!'
--------
1John 4:11---'if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.' "If God, who is so holy and pure can love the one who is just the opposite, we have no basis or grounds not to love another, for the contrast or gap between us is nothing in comparison."(Mother)
-------
Mother-"This from Andrew Murray-"Day by Day" Devotional Book- "Our eating and drinking, our sleeping, our clothing, our labor and relaxation, influence our spiritual life." 'I think I usually thought of the other way around-our spiritual affecting our physical. The more I think about it-not really. I know how much the physical affects the spiritual.'(M)
------
Psalms 8:5-"For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and you have crowned him with glory and honor." 'If we believed this, if we could help our children believe this, would we destroy ourselves with bad choices?'(M)
Mother-"We cannot stir up the spirit of others to do the work that needs to be done but He can. That takes all our striving away and we can rest in Him."
--------
Mother-"It seems as if only those who have been killed because of loyalty to Jesus will reign with Him for 1000 years."- Rev.20:4----'who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and the word of God----they lived and reigned with Christ for 1000 years. v.5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the 1000 years were finished.' "I had always thought that would be such a wonderful time---that I could do the things I've never been able to do now."
--------Me-'Well then, off with my head!'
--------
1John 4:11---'if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.' "If God, who is so holy and pure can love the one who is just the opposite, we have no basis or grounds not to love another, for the contrast or gap between us is nothing in comparison."(Mother)
-------
Mother-"This from Andrew Murray-"Day by Day" Devotional Book- "Our eating and drinking, our sleeping, our clothing, our labor and relaxation, influence our spiritual life." 'I think I usually thought of the other way around-our spiritual affecting our physical. The more I think about it-not really. I know how much the physical affects the spiritual.'(M)
------
Psalms 8:5-"For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and you have crowned him with glory and honor." 'If we believed this, if we could help our children believe this, would we destroy ourselves with bad choices?'(M)
Judy Blue-eyes
Judy Blue-Eyes is one of my heroes. I always say that I am going to write a book about her life. Yesterday, I went to a party at her house. Some young folks close to her heart had gotten themselves into some difficulty. She, like Jesus, did not condone their behavior nor did she condemn them. She knows that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
There was alot of love going around at that Baby Shower. I have no doubt the baby will be well taken care of. The young parents to be are in their teens. They have a close friendship with each other and hope to be married in a few years. It's a rough way to start and it's not going to be easy. But they will have Judy Blue-Eyes by their side and she will always love them and their baby. How I love my Judy Blue-Eyes.
There was alot of love going around at that Baby Shower. I have no doubt the baby will be well taken care of. The young parents to be are in their teens. They have a close friendship with each other and hope to be married in a few years. It's a rough way to start and it's not going to be easy. But they will have Judy Blue-Eyes by their side and she will always love them and their baby. How I love my Judy Blue-Eyes.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
From my bedroom wall
" Don't project old fear on a new day." Beth Moore
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. 11Cor.13:14
"Gracious uncertainty if the mark of the spiritual life." Oswald Chambers
Seven Expressions of the Spirit of God:
Grace, Life, Adoption, Holiness, Supplication, Truth, and Glory
The Work of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation is to:
Seek, Find, Save, Sanctify, Baptize, and to gather out a people for His name
1 Cor. 15:49, 58- And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.---
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Acts 20:24- But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Watch out! I've discovered color!
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. 11Cor.13:14
"Gracious uncertainty if the mark of the spiritual life." Oswald Chambers
Seven Expressions of the Spirit of God:
Grace, Life, Adoption, Holiness, Supplication, Truth, and Glory
The Work of the Holy Spirit in this dispensation is to:
Seek, Find, Save, Sanctify, Baptize, and to gather out a people for His name
1 Cor. 15:49, 58- And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.---
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Acts 20:24- But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Watch out! I've discovered color!
Mother's Journal-Who trusts?
Zeph.3:12-"Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the LORD." Do we want to be able to trust the Lord more? Then it is these qualities that we need.
Fire and Fireflies
Last evening, Troy, Carleen, Eric, Chase, and Amber came over for a night at the river. Susan and Amber went swimming and collected small clams which they later boiled and dipped in butter. Delicious, they said. We had a fire and roasted hot dogs and marshmellows. We ate macaroni salad, carrots and chips with dip, watermelon, homemade baked beans and cole slaw. The boys went up to play Halo and were joined by their friend, Zach. They played until almost midnight. I brought the girls up on the gator to change and eat clams. That left Troy, Carleen, Phil and I and the two dogs, Angel and Sampson down by the river side. The stars were outdoing themselves as were the crickets, bats, and fireflies. It was such a relaxing and friendly time. At one point, Troy assured us that it was Sampson snoring and not himself. We came up soon after 11:00, reluctant to leave each other and the friendships that are made best in the dark, around a fire.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Kitchen wall sayings
"True contentment is the power of getting out of any situation all there is in it." C.K. Chesterton
"God rides the lame horse and carves the rotten wood," Martin Luther once said, by which he meant that God uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His purposes. Timothy Jones
Hurtful Words-"Sarcasm, like sticking out my foot to trip you, springs from my lack of love for you. It may seem less aggressive than throwing a punch, but it is no more loving," writes editor Paul L. Miller.
..."And I resolve to keep living in the embrace of God's gladness and love for as long as He gives me breath." (Final line in the book 'In The Presence of My Enemies" by Gracia Burnham)
Ezekial 2:8-10
"Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; Do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks.....Receive into your heart all my words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. "
"God rides the lame horse and carves the rotten wood," Martin Luther once said, by which he meant that God uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His purposes. Timothy Jones
Hurtful Words-"Sarcasm, like sticking out my foot to trip you, springs from my lack of love for you. It may seem less aggressive than throwing a punch, but it is no more loving," writes editor Paul L. Miller.
..."And I resolve to keep living in the embrace of God's gladness and love for as long as He gives me breath." (Final line in the book 'In The Presence of My Enemies" by Gracia Burnham)
Ezekial 2:8-10
"Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; Do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks.....Receive into your heart all my words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. "
Mother's Journal-Night Blooming Cereus
My mother has a night-blooming cereus. Her neighbors come over with flashlights in the middle of the night to see it. This is a poem she wrote about it.
Night-Blooming Cereus
You were just an ungainly piece
of chlorophyl
Barely able to support the bud
that was swelling on your stem
Until one night
that bud burst forth
into a flower of
translucent wonder and beauty
Even though
It was only I
who was there to see.
Night-Blooming Cereus
You were just an ungainly piece
of chlorophyl
Barely able to support the bud
that was swelling on your stem
Until one night
that bud burst forth
into a flower of
translucent wonder and beauty
Even though
It was only I
who was there to see.
Johnny- Nov.4,1968 - July 24, 2005
Ps.84:5-"Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage."
I'm not sure if I've ever written a "Dear John" letter before, but here goes:
Dear Johnny,
I miss you. We all miss you. What were you thinking that Sunday morning in Thailand as you rode your motorcycle to church? Were you thinking about your sermon,"The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life for His Sheep?" Were you thinking about how to say English words in Thai? Were you thinking about Janelle and Micah? Were you worshiping? Praying? Preoccupied? Why did Mr. Sompaun have to be drinking that morning? Why did he try to pass a vehicle when you were so near? Why did your two worlds have to collide? Why? Why? Why?
When will I stop asking questions and when will I stop wrestling with God? I have found in that wrestling a gift. "Be angry to my face," He gifted. "Don't turn your back and be angry with me." And so I wrestle with Him and look at His face and see His tears mingle with mine. Precious face . Wrinkled with smiles. Wrinkled with acquaintance with grief. And so I walk with a limp and I do not let go. I need the answers and I am not blessed with them yet.
Mom and Dad spent the day together yesterday in honor of you. They went out and ran some errands and ate at the Olive Garden and visited your gravesite. Dad and his sons had found a large rock for your gravestone at Janelle's request and your Ps. 84 verse is written on its side along with your name and dates of your life. There is a natural seat in the rock and Micah has played on that place as Janelle thought he would. A little bronze bird with a bronze bowl rests there too, symbolizing the sparrow finding a home, I think.
You've given me another gift, besides the wrestling with God gift. You've given me Janelle and Micah. She is a treasure deep and we have yet to see what will come from her sorrow. Janelle and I went back to Thailand together and we are bonded for life. Our humor sense is magnified when we are together. Micah is going to be 5 in Jan. He is smart and sensitive and funny. He loves to ride the gator with me and play in our river and watch "The Three Stooges" with his Uncle Phil and cousins, Freeman, Philip, Michael, and Susan. He will be fine, but he misses you. He needs you.
Mr. Sompaun , through the redemptive actions of Janelle and the church in Thailand, came to know Jesus through paying for your death. Instead of paying money, he paid time to fellowship with other believers. Mom and Dad were at his baptism. He stopped drinking, doing drugs, etc. and his business flourished. I got to meet him. We were happy to see something good come from your death. But this week, we received news that he is back to drinking and his business is failing. He had stopped coming to church. His unbelieving family members are begging him to come back to God and the church. And I'm not sure what to do with this. We do pray for him and his family and see quite an opportunity for God to work in more people's lives through this.
But, it doesn't answer my demand for God to bring something redemptive and world-changing through your death. It doesn't fulfill that verse I heard in my head upon hearing the news of your death,"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies...there won't be a harvest." I'm still waiting for the harvest, Johnny. I'm still waiting for the good. I'm still wanting to be able to tell God that it was best that He took you. And who am I to tell God what needs to happen. I am struck dumb before Him.
And there you are. There you are. With Him. Loving, talking, worshiping, knowing, leaning, learning....happy, healed, loved, known, perfect. I would say that what you are experiencing is something good that has happened from your death. I think I can be happy for you. I know I am smiling just thinking about it.
Thank you for all that you have poured into my life and the lives of my husband and children. You were one of our greatest cheer leaders. Thank you for playing hard. Thank you for all the time you gave to us. Thank you for being present when you were. Thank you for making us all feel like we were your favorite. I am so blessed to have known you. Words fail me here.
How do I say good-bye? How do I let you go? How do I comfort my husband when he is overcome with missing you when we are singing one of your favorite songs at church? We are living in the land of questions and you are living in the land where questions are forgotten. And I can look forward to being there with you.
Thank you for the gifts you've left me with, Johnny. I'll love you forever.
Your Favorite,
"A"
I'm not sure if I've ever written a "Dear John" letter before, but here goes:
Dear Johnny,
I miss you. We all miss you. What were you thinking that Sunday morning in Thailand as you rode your motorcycle to church? Were you thinking about your sermon,"The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life for His Sheep?" Were you thinking about how to say English words in Thai? Were you thinking about Janelle and Micah? Were you worshiping? Praying? Preoccupied? Why did Mr. Sompaun have to be drinking that morning? Why did he try to pass a vehicle when you were so near? Why did your two worlds have to collide? Why? Why? Why?
When will I stop asking questions and when will I stop wrestling with God? I have found in that wrestling a gift. "Be angry to my face," He gifted. "Don't turn your back and be angry with me." And so I wrestle with Him and look at His face and see His tears mingle with mine. Precious face . Wrinkled with smiles. Wrinkled with acquaintance with grief. And so I walk with a limp and I do not let go. I need the answers and I am not blessed with them yet.
Mom and Dad spent the day together yesterday in honor of you. They went out and ran some errands and ate at the Olive Garden and visited your gravesite. Dad and his sons had found a large rock for your gravestone at Janelle's request and your Ps. 84 verse is written on its side along with your name and dates of your life. There is a natural seat in the rock and Micah has played on that place as Janelle thought he would. A little bronze bird with a bronze bowl rests there too, symbolizing the sparrow finding a home, I think.
You've given me another gift, besides the wrestling with God gift. You've given me Janelle and Micah. She is a treasure deep and we have yet to see what will come from her sorrow. Janelle and I went back to Thailand together and we are bonded for life. Our humor sense is magnified when we are together. Micah is going to be 5 in Jan. He is smart and sensitive and funny. He loves to ride the gator with me and play in our river and watch "The Three Stooges" with his Uncle Phil and cousins, Freeman, Philip, Michael, and Susan. He will be fine, but he misses you. He needs you.
Mr. Sompaun , through the redemptive actions of Janelle and the church in Thailand, came to know Jesus through paying for your death. Instead of paying money, he paid time to fellowship with other believers. Mom and Dad were at his baptism. He stopped drinking, doing drugs, etc. and his business flourished. I got to meet him. We were happy to see something good come from your death. But this week, we received news that he is back to drinking and his business is failing. He had stopped coming to church. His unbelieving family members are begging him to come back to God and the church. And I'm not sure what to do with this. We do pray for him and his family and see quite an opportunity for God to work in more people's lives through this.
But, it doesn't answer my demand for God to bring something redemptive and world-changing through your death. It doesn't fulfill that verse I heard in my head upon hearing the news of your death,"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies...there won't be a harvest." I'm still waiting for the harvest, Johnny. I'm still waiting for the good. I'm still wanting to be able to tell God that it was best that He took you. And who am I to tell God what needs to happen. I am struck dumb before Him.
And there you are. There you are. With Him. Loving, talking, worshiping, knowing, leaning, learning....happy, healed, loved, known, perfect. I would say that what you are experiencing is something good that has happened from your death. I think I can be happy for you. I know I am smiling just thinking about it.
Thank you for all that you have poured into my life and the lives of my husband and children. You were one of our greatest cheer leaders. Thank you for playing hard. Thank you for all the time you gave to us. Thank you for being present when you were. Thank you for making us all feel like we were your favorite. I am so blessed to have known you. Words fail me here.
How do I say good-bye? How do I let you go? How do I comfort my husband when he is overcome with missing you when we are singing one of your favorite songs at church? We are living in the land of questions and you are living in the land where questions are forgotten. And I can look forward to being there with you.
Thank you for the gifts you've left me with, Johnny. I'll love you forever.
Your Favorite,
"A"
Monday, July 21, 2008
From my kitchen Wall-readings from the index cards I post on my wall
"Deeply spiritual people usually must maintain their spiritual orientation through long stretches of ordinary, mundane experiences." (Timothy Jones)
Hertzler Doings
I am hoping to someday publish my blog entries into a book for my children to read. I want to keep some track of our activities in order to jog their memories of the life we've led.
Early this past Sunday morning, Philip and Freeman drove to Pa. to surprize Grandma and Grandpa Hertzler and sit with them at church. They came up to be with cousin Brandon at his graduation party. They slept some in the afternoon, instead of visiting others, attended his party, and started driving home at 7:45 Sunday eve. They got home around 1:00 in the morning, and went to work with Phil today around 7:00. They are building a house in Concord.
From July 14-18, Philip and Susan went to Assembly of God Camp, 4 hours away. It took them between 8-11 hours to get there. I've heard several different accounts. One of the buses broke down. They had the time of their life and made new friendships. I heard that Pastor Josh told Dianna that Philip Hertzler raised the bar by 10 notches.
Today, Michael is with the youth group at King's Dominion. He will spend the night at Tony and Ruth Shirk's and she will bring him over in the morning when she comes to do paper work. It will be a late night for them. It is 11:00AM and Susan is still sleeping. She was up at 6 every morning last week and now she is playing catch-up. Haley Waddell and her swam for almost two hours in the river yesterday while I read with my feet in the water. I took them to Human Video practise at church and visited with Missi while I waited.
On Saturday night, we went to the Edmonstons for supper. She made homemade tortillas. It was a delicious supper. Afterwards, we sat our chairs in a circle and talked. Philip and Freeman shared some of their most dramatic hunting and trapping stories. I am meeting with Daphne again today, to listen to more of Focus on the Families, Truth Project. I will write more about that another time.
Our summer schedule has been a busy one. Right after school ended, we worked hard on the property for 3 weeks, making hay and preparing for the Pig Roast. Then we had THE PIG ROAST. What a great time! Janelle and Micah came the following day and stayed 10 days. We brought in a large wheat harvest this year. People are calling for sweet corn but we have wheat. Next year, we hope to have refrigeration and then we will harvest sweet corn again. We also have dreams of putting in a small greenhouse. We'd like to grow lettuce and tomatoes, etc. year round.
Our school, Cornerstone Christian Academy, has purchased a warehouse and are hoping to have it ready for school by some time this fall. Phil and the boys have been putting in doors over there. Dr. Hubler has put in as much time as anybody, I think. His son, Henry, follows him around with his bright brown eyes and willing helping hands. He is learning how to build a school in every way, from watching his father's example. I will teach music on Wed. and Thursday afternoons this year.
I must get back to my Monday morning work of washing clothes, cleaning up the kitchen sink, and thinking about what to make for supper. Dobson says that it is the mundane consistent things that a child sees us doing, such as the above, that creates security in the heart of a child. I remind myself of that sometimes, when I think I should be doing something more glamorous.
Early this past Sunday morning, Philip and Freeman drove to Pa. to surprize Grandma and Grandpa Hertzler and sit with them at church. They came up to be with cousin Brandon at his graduation party. They slept some in the afternoon, instead of visiting others, attended his party, and started driving home at 7:45 Sunday eve. They got home around 1:00 in the morning, and went to work with Phil today around 7:00. They are building a house in Concord.
From July 14-18, Philip and Susan went to Assembly of God Camp, 4 hours away. It took them between 8-11 hours to get there. I've heard several different accounts. One of the buses broke down. They had the time of their life and made new friendships. I heard that Pastor Josh told Dianna that Philip Hertzler raised the bar by 10 notches.
Today, Michael is with the youth group at King's Dominion. He will spend the night at Tony and Ruth Shirk's and she will bring him over in the morning when she comes to do paper work. It will be a late night for them. It is 11:00AM and Susan is still sleeping. She was up at 6 every morning last week and now she is playing catch-up. Haley Waddell and her swam for almost two hours in the river yesterday while I read with my feet in the water. I took them to Human Video practise at church and visited with Missi while I waited.
On Saturday night, we went to the Edmonstons for supper. She made homemade tortillas. It was a delicious supper. Afterwards, we sat our chairs in a circle and talked. Philip and Freeman shared some of their most dramatic hunting and trapping stories. I am meeting with Daphne again today, to listen to more of Focus on the Families, Truth Project. I will write more about that another time.
Our summer schedule has been a busy one. Right after school ended, we worked hard on the property for 3 weeks, making hay and preparing for the Pig Roast. Then we had THE PIG ROAST. What a great time! Janelle and Micah came the following day and stayed 10 days. We brought in a large wheat harvest this year. People are calling for sweet corn but we have wheat. Next year, we hope to have refrigeration and then we will harvest sweet corn again. We also have dreams of putting in a small greenhouse. We'd like to grow lettuce and tomatoes, etc. year round.
Our school, Cornerstone Christian Academy, has purchased a warehouse and are hoping to have it ready for school by some time this fall. Phil and the boys have been putting in doors over there. Dr. Hubler has put in as much time as anybody, I think. His son, Henry, follows him around with his bright brown eyes and willing helping hands. He is learning how to build a school in every way, from watching his father's example. I will teach music on Wed. and Thursday afternoons this year.
I must get back to my Monday morning work of washing clothes, cleaning up the kitchen sink, and thinking about what to make for supper. Dobson says that it is the mundane consistent things that a child sees us doing, such as the above, that creates security in the heart of a child. I remind myself of that sometimes, when I think I should be doing something more glamorous.
Offenses
Psalm 119:165-"Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing shall offend them."
LEARN THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE UNOFFENDED IN THE FACE OF THE UNEXPLAINABLE. (Amy Carmichael)
"Blessed are those who are not offended at me." Jesus
"If I feel bitterly towards those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love." (Amy Carmichael)
An excerpt from James Herriot's Dog Stories with a short sermon following:
"Well, he has a dislocated hip. It's a nasty thing but with a bit of luck I ought to be able to put it back."
"What happens if it won't go back?"
"He'd have to form a false joint up there. He'd be very lame for several weeks and probably always have a slightly short leg."
"Oh, dear, I wouldn't like that," Helen said. " Do you think He'll be all right?"
I looked at the docile animal still gazing steadfastly to his front. "I think he's got a good chance mainly because you haven't hung about for days before bringing him in. The sooner these things are tackled the better."
When I read this conversation, I had to think about the false joints we form in our lives because of our unwillingness to deal with offenses in relationships in a timely manner. We form false joints and walk with a limp. Sometimes these things can't be helped and there is nothing to be done but to gloss things over and walk with a limp. But, sometimes, we can tend to a wound quickly, and we can connect with each other truthfully, rather than forming false connections, painful though it may be at first to pull things back into place.
LEARN THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE UNOFFENDED IN THE FACE OF THE UNEXPLAINABLE. (Amy Carmichael)
"Blessed are those who are not offended at me." Jesus
"If I feel bitterly towards those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love." (Amy Carmichael)
An excerpt from James Herriot's Dog Stories with a short sermon following:
"Well, he has a dislocated hip. It's a nasty thing but with a bit of luck I ought to be able to put it back."
"What happens if it won't go back?"
"He'd have to form a false joint up there. He'd be very lame for several weeks and probably always have a slightly short leg."
"Oh, dear, I wouldn't like that," Helen said. " Do you think He'll be all right?"
I looked at the docile animal still gazing steadfastly to his front. "I think he's got a good chance mainly because you haven't hung about for days before bringing him in. The sooner these things are tackled the better."
When I read this conversation, I had to think about the false joints we form in our lives because of our unwillingness to deal with offenses in relationships in a timely manner. We form false joints and walk with a limp. Sometimes these things can't be helped and there is nothing to be done but to gloss things over and walk with a limp. But, sometimes, we can tend to a wound quickly, and we can connect with each other truthfully, rather than forming false connections, painful though it may be at first to pull things back into place.
Marsha Mosely-July 13, 2007-I remember Marsha
Marsha Mosely
Mother of Jordan
Twin to Marva
Forty something
Driving on 460
Had a seizure
Lost control
Hit a tree
Died on impact
July 12, 2007
Worked at Ruby Tuesday's
Lived with Marva
Lived with Papa
Jordan and Alicia
Stood in front row
Worshiped God
Tears streaming
Hands upraised
Always smiled at me
Always kind
I often thought
Her tears of worship
Told a story
of heartache
and longing
I often thought
that someday soon
He'd wipe her tears
and give her joy
He did it sooner
than I thought
Strength
Comfort
Peace
Wisdom
Light
to all who loved her
and who are
asking quietly
or not so quietly,
Why, God?
Why?
Mother of Jordan
Twin to Marva
Forty something
Driving on 460
Had a seizure
Lost control
Hit a tree
Died on impact
July 12, 2007
Worked at Ruby Tuesday's
Lived with Marva
Lived with Papa
Jordan and Alicia
Stood in front row
Worshiped God
Tears streaming
Hands upraised
Always smiled at me
Always kind
I often thought
Her tears of worship
Told a story
of heartache
and longing
I often thought
that someday soon
He'd wipe her tears
and give her joy
He did it sooner
than I thought
Strength
Comfort
Peace
Wisdom
Light
to all who loved her
and who are
asking quietly
or not so quietly,
Why, God?
Why?
Mother's Journal
My mother is 83 years old. She is in great shape, mentally, physically and spiritually. Socially, too. I have the great honor of reading journals she has written over the years. I will sometimes share from them under the title,"Mother's journal." Her name is Beulah L. Diffenbach.
The following is a quote that she remembers seeing on a church bulletin board when she was a teenager.
"There is no one in the whole world that Jesus Christ does not understand."
And a poem that was printed in a Christian magazine:
Hyacinths
Oh, gathered clumps of the
rainbow's hue;
Though it was enough,
He gave perfume, too.
The following is a quote that she remembers seeing on a church bulletin board when she was a teenager.
"There is no one in the whole world that Jesus Christ does not understand."
And a poem that was printed in a Christian magazine:
Hyacinths
Oh, gathered clumps of the
rainbow's hue;
Though it was enough,
He gave perfume, too.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
HAVE A NEW KID BY FRIDAY BY DR.KEVIN LEMAN
Page 81 in Dr. Leman's book under Thursday- "You understand the difference between self-esteem ("feeling good " about yourself) and true self-worth. You're evaluating how you can help your child develop the 3 pillars of self-worth:
1. Acceptance
2. Belonging
3. Competence
You're determined to move from praise (focusing on how "good" a person is) to encouragement (focusing on an action)." End quote.
I think those A,B,C's, are what we need in every home and every church. How many people would love to go to a church where they are not only accepted, but they feel that they belong? How many people would love to go to a church where they not only belong, but their gifts are being used and they are learning to use them well?
Jesus did this with his disciples. He accepted them. They belonged. And He gave them a job to do and trained them how to do it and gave them the Holy Spirit to take His place when He got to go home after His job was completed.
We will need to help each other learn our A,B, C's. Next time, won't you sing with me.
1. Acceptance
2. Belonging
3. Competence
You're determined to move from praise (focusing on how "good" a person is) to encouragement (focusing on an action)." End quote.
I think those A,B,C's, are what we need in every home and every church. How many people would love to go to a church where they are not only accepted, but they feel that they belong? How many people would love to go to a church where they not only belong, but their gifts are being used and they are learning to use them well?
Jesus did this with his disciples. He accepted them. They belonged. And He gave them a job to do and trained them how to do it and gave them the Holy Spirit to take His place when He got to go home after His job was completed.
We will need to help each other learn our A,B, C's. Next time, won't you sing with me.
Father's Day
This Father's Day, our pastor called the families to come up around the altar and he directed the father's to pray for their wife and children. My husband, Phil, began to pray. I had one arm around Phil and one arm around Michael,16, and he had his arm around Philip, 19, who had his arm around Freeman,23, who had his arm around Phil... you get the picture. Michael was trying to tell me something while Phil was praying and I finally discerned that he was saying, with a small amount of panic in his voice, "Please move your hand up higher....your hand is on my hiney." Well, I started to laugh and then he started to shake and I moved my hand as quickly as possible. Phil just kept praying away. Michael later said,"I've grown since the last time we did this."
Funny Bunny
The other day I looked out of my kitchen window and saw a covey of doves enjoying a dirt pile. Beside them lounged a rabbit. Every so often, he would make complete body flips from side to side and them sprawl himself out to enjoy the dust. He then distanced himself from the doves and took a mighty run through them. They flew about 3 feet in the air and settled back down again. He was definitely in cahoots with them and I think maybe they had raised him. I so enjoyed the antics of this funny bunny.
Insecurity
Some people say that insecure people are prideful and self-absorbed which really just adds to the burden of the insecure person. There are many reasons for insecurity too numerous to mention and the above diagnosis is simplistic.
Insecurity breeds Insecurity. I decided to do something to help myself. When I come home from church on Sunday, I start a prayer card for the following week. I write down the people who shared their burdens with me and I also write down the names of people that I think might not like me. I pray for them that week. It has been amazing. Instead of being concerned about whether or not I have offended these people, I become concerned for their joys and their needs. The next week, they are as friendly as ever and my insecurity in regards to them is long gone. No one was mad at me. They just had their own burdens to think about or were on a mission. I could give you several reasons why I have insecurity, but I'd rather share part of the cure. And I guess you could say, that instead of being self-absorbed, I am becoming others-absorbed. Hmm...
Another thought that has helped me in regards to being insecure is a segment of a poem by Henry Vaughan(1622-1695). The final two lines are-"O for that night! where I in Him, might live invisible and dim. " I have found great freedom in the willingness and the desire to be invisible. When one is invisible, one no longer worries about what one looks like to others. One wants to do things in secret to avoid the praises of men. I feel settled and less concerned with "Things too high for me". There is a deliberate lessening of oneself. I guess you could say , that the liberation of humility replaces the cumbersome burden of pride. Hmmm....
Insecurity breeds Insecurity. I decided to do something to help myself. When I come home from church on Sunday, I start a prayer card for the following week. I write down the people who shared their burdens with me and I also write down the names of people that I think might not like me. I pray for them that week. It has been amazing. Instead of being concerned about whether or not I have offended these people, I become concerned for their joys and their needs. The next week, they are as friendly as ever and my insecurity in regards to them is long gone. No one was mad at me. They just had their own burdens to think about or were on a mission. I could give you several reasons why I have insecurity, but I'd rather share part of the cure. And I guess you could say, that instead of being self-absorbed, I am becoming others-absorbed. Hmm...
Another thought that has helped me in regards to being insecure is a segment of a poem by Henry Vaughan(1622-1695). The final two lines are-"O for that night! where I in Him, might live invisible and dim. " I have found great freedom in the willingness and the desire to be invisible. When one is invisible, one no longer worries about what one looks like to others. One wants to do things in secret to avoid the praises of men. I feel settled and less concerned with "Things too high for me". There is a deliberate lessening of oneself. I guess you could say , that the liberation of humility replaces the cumbersome burden of pride. Hmmm....
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Welcome to Annie's Gleanings
My life is rich and full. I have a loving wonderful husband and four children who give me plenty to be happy about. I have a beautiful mother and supportive in-laws. I have friends on every level of deep. I am at a stage in life where I have time to read and contemplate on what I have read. I can now complete a thought and a sentence. Daily I read the Bible, my mother's journals, a good book and another good book, a magazine, and e-mails from a writer relative. As I read, I often think, "If I could only share this with so-and-so..." I am bursting at the seams with other's thoughts and writings that have become my own. Hence, the title of my blog-"Annie's Gleanings". I have gleaned from the wisdom of the ages and from the 'not so aged'. I have gleaned from the cave of sorrow and the mountain of joy. I think you will find my writings more of a potpourri of thoughts. Where there is a direct thought or quote from another's writing, I will make that clear. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Enjoy and be blessed. "annie"-a nickname from years gone by
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