First Chronicles 4 tells us a litttle bit about Jabez.
"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name, Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain."
Jabez loved God and his mother and didn't want to cause pain to either of them or anyone else for that matter.
Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!"
He asked God to deliver him from the very meaning of his name!
It is true that wounded people wound others.
We try to give them understanding.
"They've had a rough life. No wonder they are acting like that."
(It helps to ease our own suffering from what they've done,
and besides, we, too, want understanding when we behave not so wisely.)
We hesitate to call their failings 'sin' or 'evil.'
We want to call it brokenness.
And sometimes we are broken and have not sinned.
But sometimes brokenness unhealed can lead to sin.
Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted.
Jesus came to cleanse us of our sin.
He 'fixes' us. Either way. In all ways.
Jabez would have been a likely candidate to get involved with evil and cause pain.
He would have had numerous reminders every day that he was a real pain in the you-know-what.
But he wanted to rise above the obvious result
of the cause and effect equation of his life.
And he did this by crying out to God.
Jabez asked God to keep him from evil within him and all around him so he wouldn't cause pain to others.
He also asked God to bless him and enlarge his territory-his property-his area of influence.
He asked that God's hand would be with him.
'Redeem me from my name.
And bless me too.'
You and I are not victims of our circumstances.
I mean, in actuality, we can be,
but we don't need to live up to our names or
our difficult circumstances
or our negative upbringing.
We are of God, Little Children.
And we have overcome the world
and its evil and its natural consequences of pain!
We are not of our names or of our past.
We. Are. Of. God.
And God is powerful and mighty.
He is kind and compassionate.
He is faithful and true.
And we are of Him.
Holy, Holy, Holy God.
While browsing on face book the other day,
I noticed that a blessed mother had posted a picture
of her son taken in a church-like setting.
He stood behind a microphone and she wrote something like,
'This is my son, ministering the Father heart of God.'
And I read it and wept, just as I am weeping now.
For this son of hers has struggled with the loss of his father
through no fault of his own.
His father abandoned the family when he was young
and he longed for his father
but there was no having him.
His name,(I'll call him 'Jeb'), took on the meaning,
"abandoned by my father."
But, then, there was God.
And in his pain, Jeb called out to Him.
For if our mother and/or father forsake us,
then the Lord will pick us up. (Ps. 27:10)
And that's what God did because that's what God does.
He, too, lives up to His name.
For He is called a Father to the fatherless.
God changed Jeb's name to mean "Beloved of God my Father."
And now, Jeb is out there,
revealing through his life and words
the great love of God His Father.
Oh Beloved.
Sometimes, God changes our names,
and thus changes the meaning of our names.
Like when He changed Abram's name to Abraham
and Jacob's name to Israel.
But sometimes, we keep our names
and He uses the meaning of our names
to bring about a longing for change,
and then, like Jabez, we cry out to Him.
Sometimes, we make a name for ourselves that
symbolizes the pain we have experienced or caused others.
But even that name can be changed through God's redemption
and blessing.
"And so God granted Jabez what he had requested."
(1 Chron. 4:10b)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Buckle Down Thanksgiving List
I keep forgetting to keep my thanksgiving list going.
And it's important, you know.
Not only will Danielle treat me to frozen yogurt if I reach a thousand thanks by the beginning of July, but it also helps me to be thankful.
I mean, I am helped when I am thankful. It changes my perspective
and perspective is just about everything.
I mean, it's all about me, you know.
But, I also think that God appreciates being thanked.
I know I appreciate it when my children thank me.
Especially for the little things that take noticing in order to be grateful for them.
So, this is my final list.
I have spent too much time looking back to see what number I have reached.
This is the final hurrah and then I probably will begin again,
but I don't think I'll number them this time.
So, 220 more thanks until I reach 1,000.
#781-790
A night at home, alone.
Wild Baby Turkeys scurrying about in the pen Dave Plank built us.
Cleansing Stream and the feeling that this is 'home' for us.
Hummingbirds buzzing like fighter jets over my head.
Lucy.
Angel's patience. Lucy barks at her face and pulls at her tail. Back and forth.
Love at home.
Coyotes that haven't attacked our cattle. Heard a pack of them just down the lane, howling, the other night. Makes us uneasy.
Michael's video of the bear he just saw over at HV.
#790-800
-The beautiful rain throughout last night.
-yellow squash beginnings.
-Chicken's and their silliness.
-Dishwashers
-Air conditioning
-Big bathtubs
-Uncle Ed and Aunt Rhoda and their RV and the re-ignition of our travel dreams.
-Sherri's beautiful big house and the way they share their porch and property.
-That if 'those people' keep calling our number and don't leave a message, I'm going to push 'talk' and give them my Aborigines Holler. It worked before...
The last two pages in 'Jesus+Nothing=Everything.' I read it to the fam this morning.
801-810
-When we were down at the river, Sunday eve. I grasped the roasting fork at it's tip, wanting to pull it up, but Phil had just pulled it out of the fire, which I found out soon enough. He offered his cup of cold tea and said, "Put your finger in that," which I did but it still hurt like crazy. I thought I'd have to come up to the house for burn ointment. Michelle's friend, Miriam, was there. She said that her mother always told her to rub a burn on her hair. So. I took my hand and ran it through my hair and the pain stopped immediately. I kid you not. And it never blistered nor did it hurt ever again. God is amazing. There is some kind of oil in our hair that even helps with burns. He thought of everything, didn't He.
-Lucy, running to me, because of the big fighter jets flying terribly noisily overhead. She hides in my lap.
-Lucy's hiccups. I say "Boo" but it doesn't work. Giving her a treat does, though.
-Lucy, very interested in the tap-tap-tapping of the keyboard. She pushed something and now everything is very small. Time to sign out tonight.
-a tournament quality volleyball net being put to use in our back yard by Philip and his Sasquatch
-Lori's help with pricing homeschool books
-everyone's kindness in Appomattox
-Susan's clean room
-Phil catching up on rest
-the joy of seeing someone else's vacation pics on fb. Feels like I'm there.
811-833
-Philip's joy about future fishing dates
-D's good news phone call
-Phil's ingenuity-his pants tore down the front and he used duct tape to fix them because he was going into the 'nun' area with Brother N., who thought that the nuns shouldn't see so much leg. haha!!!
-Alli's rippling laugh
-Michael's car fixed/passed inspection
-Susan helping someone to make up their mind to buy a lawn mower
-electricity
-Sweet Frog
-Matt's tears
-Beautiful storm
-teenage girls
-Amy H. sitting beside me during grad.
-Travis wanted to sit beside his 'mama'-(me)
-Phil is back home
-Pastor Betty's sermon-the kids wanted her to be their speaker
-a class that had come through fire without the scent of smoke
-that I should just trust God and those close to me, and also trust that if there is anything that needs to be revealed, He will show it to me.
-Sat. afternoon nap with Lucy.
-Jenny L.
-Michael thanking us for buying a farm...'...we eat our own eggs and sausage...' etc.
-That having a farm has taught us to fix things ourselves. And Michael was able to help Rich G. by fixing his tractor
-beautiful cooler day
-Susan's 'Your flower garden is so pretty, Mom.'
834-845
-river thoughts and verses I found. 1 Chron. 23:5-'...and 4,000 praise the LORD with musical instruments, 'which I made,' said David, 'for giving praise.' David made the musical instruments for the many instrumentalists! That's amazing!
-11 Chron. 3:6-'And he decorated the house with precious stones for beauty...' Solomon went beyond making the temple functional and made it beautiful. We, too, are the temple of God.
-11 Chron. 20:31-33-'So Jehosaphat, 35, was king over Israel for 25 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away, for as yet the people had not directed their hearts to the God of their fathers.'OK. How does this work? We can do what is right but if our hearts are not directed towards God we won't destroy the things in our lives that set themselves high against Him? I don't understand this because it says that they did right in the eyes of the LORD. Maybe the point is the comparison between doing the right things and having our heart long for God and what happens as a result of that longing.
-For the words, 'I will live and not die...'
-tears
-ministry to the strong
-that Christ is our Rock; nobody else can be.
-Phil's dresser top organized with baskets, blue jars, etc. It's as good as its going to get and he's happy with it
-Jasmine plant reminder of my mother and of other's sympathy and love
-cheerful family
-ok. 11 Chron... The king himself did what was right in the eyes of the LORD but the people did not direct their hearts towards God and so he did not tear down the high places because they still wanted to worship their gods. Was it fear of man?
846-860-
-Rosalee's newsy e-mail
-Freeman's post on face book this morning. I read it and Susan said, "Don't Cry Mom!"
"Do your best, don't be stupid, be on time, and live by faith."-Phil Hertzler after getting a flat tire on the trailer ten minutes into our commute to work. Rather than getting upset at the serious setback to a time constructed day, he thanked God for the timing and protection. Thanks for that example dad."
-Last night's rainy campfire experience with the KNIT girls.
-for rain
-for sunshine after rain
-for Lucy helping Susan understand how I feel about her
-a vacation for Dianna
-the book of Job
-that Nate hugs Danielle and says,'You've hugged Annette, haven't you?"
-the girls asked, 'What kind of perfume do you wear?' and I said, "Egyptian Goddess" and Teresa said, "Of COURSE you do."
-that I look pretty good by the light of the alarm clock
-that nobody is really reading this long list of thank you's
-Susan's whistling
-Susan packed a big lunch for the guys from last night's supper
-flower garden in full bloom-white lilies, orange lilies, and soon pink lilies
861-871
-Everytime I think about Mother, I see her painting at an easel outside with beauty all around her. Jesus sits nearby and they talk and are quiet, like the dear old friends they are.
-the motivation of the pig roast to clean and organize even my bedroom!
-feeling better, eating healthier, exercising-thankful.
-Philip's Annabelle had 10 piglets and one of them is orange with black spots and another is a red and white oreo and the others are just white
-for Susan's adopted brothers
-the story about how the guys moved the 6,000 pound marble slab altar from one area of the abbey to another. It was resting on an olive tree stump that had been sent from Jerusalem from a tree from the Garden of Gethsemane. I said I wanted to sleep on top of that stump. That maybe Jesus had prayed with his elbows on that stump. They slowly diffused my weepy bubble saying that the tree was only a hundred to three hundred years old. I said that maybe Jesus planted it and Phil said that 300 years and 2,000 years has quite a few years between them. I still held on and said that maybe Jesus thought about the tree, and he agreed to that.
-Lucy, asleep for the night, snoring, in my arms as I write.
-the possibility of getting to bed before 10 tonight.
-the words I read today that connection to Christ, not perfection, is what is needed.
-these cool summer days
-that I remembered the bathtub's running water in time
872-885
-an exhaustion that comes from much hard work
-little by little, our place is getting cleaned up
-the Pig Roast next week and how it helps us get more organized
-Sheila's bragging about Alli last night
-Sheila's verbal understanding that our group needed extended time together
-chicken's laying again and only one is a cannibal
-Alli and Freeman's cheerfulness
-the Word of God
-electricity
-running water
-a good bed
-a Sabbath rest to look forward to
-joy
886-897
-Pig Roast 2012-our 11th year total; 2 in Pa. 9 here
-that the Pig Roast brings out the best in us
-that the Pig Roast brings out the worst in us-not truly thankful for this but it's a learning experience
-hard work
-Plan B's
-that if Cleansing Stream is one of God's ideas for New Life, He will make it happen.
-that I saw Lucy's poop on the floor before I stepped on it
-that He keeps whispering, "Be thankful." And when I am, it changes me.
-that the toilet is no longer clogged-Oh, the things we take for granted!
-that the fire at the haybarn site is intentional
-and that my heart doesn't race as badly as it used to when I see the smoke
-that Derek K., mountain bike destroyer, face smasher, is going to be okay. They popped his face back into place by going through his mouth, nose, and eyelid? to 'pop' things back in place. No stitches on his face!
898-920
-that on these days that I feel too sick and tired to move, that there is nothing that requires me to move.
-rest for the weary
-the best pig roast ever
-pure singing voices
-the Pink Panther movies-old ones
-sleep
-friends
-that M and M's murderer was apprehended
-that Jesus is the comforter of those who mourn
-leftovers
-morning rain
-Susan's giggle
-Michael's gentle explanations
-hard-working men
-a son who loves and adores his wife
-his wife who loves and honors him
-for Michael's private enjoyment of playing the guitar. He has no idea how good he is for how little he has played.
-incubator hatching chickens this time around
-George and Martha Washington living next door for a week and a half
-their effort to bring the entourage of costumes along on the plane from California
-nervous giggles of friends as they greeted the Washington's at the pig roast
-perfect weather/perfect time of day for pig roast
921-930
-for the way my sister keeps in touch
-honest friendships
-the way God hovers and still creates
-Susan's cheerful voice waking up with Lucy every morning
-a shopping day in Richmond with the Lapps for Susan
-banana split funeral plans-humor with sorrow-and the promise to see it through
-Phil's willingness to pick up Susan after a meeting tonight
-Susan's stern voice to Lucy, "No pee in the house!"
-perhaps today, I'll finish reading the underlined parts of my Mother's Bible (no)
931-940
-that real friends don't mind if I do the following while I'm on the phone with them: swallow vitamins, talk to Susan, put them on speaker phone while I make supper or put on make-up, pull weeds, scold the puppy, clean up the puppy's mess, clean the tub, take a bath, wash dishes, flush the toilet, cry, laugh too loud, read them what I've written, etc. Thank you dear friends, for putting up with me!
-the rotten pork rinds are out of sight and out of mind thanks to Philip and Mike!
-the tent is put away!
-Susan's happy day.
-time to talk to Lindsay on the way to Rice
-Freeman's cheerful, 'Hi, Mom.'
-the boys admitting that there ability to shock me isn't working anymore
-Phil calling just to check on me
-Angel insisting on coming in to the cool house. She follows me around and lays down near me. I said cheerfully, after the sun had gone down, "Do you want to go outside?" and she looked at me as if I had four heads.
-the story about banana splits on face book. I sent it to Judy.
-941-954
-Judy and the answers she is getting
-Pastor Dan and his help and direction with Cleansing Stream
-CS in California-leaders getting our church down on their 'radar' and praying for us all as we go through this transition.
-Susan's loud laugh as she talks to Makenzie
-Lapp family kindness
-Naomi understanding this year
-Naomi asking about my mom and how I am in regards to missing her
-Dianna spending time talking with me while she drives to Laurel's
-that even though Phil and I have been like two ships passing in the night, we are ships that kiss as we pass
-the rain and that it came back in full force right after I asked God for more
-Mom's phone call
-for His dear voice telling me not to worry
-for His dear voice telling me to be thankful
-for an email that signed off with these words, "May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering."
955-963
-for Susan's words, "I trust Pastor Frank. Pastor Frank would lay down his life for me."
-Zephaniah and the other minor prophets
-for this lovely day with Susan even though she felt miserable with a bad headache all day
-for Lisa's kind words back to Susan on face book and that another young girl intercepted the kind words and received a blessing too.
-bacon burgers-50% bacon-50% beef-WOW!
-Goodwill-book buy-"The Search for Significance"
-for the hope of a night of sleep and if not, then a night of prayer.
-Steve R.'s long-windedness-a miracle!
-PJ's reluctant roasting of PF which was really humorous and humorously real.
964-974
-a day of real rest...
-after a night of real sleep
-time to write
-thoughts to write about. I've been flat-lined for so long.
-Freeman teaching Susan how to grill and the delicious results
-for a glimpse of the big picture
-and that is so much bigger than what I can see
-God making a way of escape for a friend
-Monk, and Susan's, and I quote, "We should have Frank and Lisa over to watch it with us."
-All of the offers to help Janelle with her flat tire on 460
-this beautiful farm
975-990
-the book, "The Prophet" by Frank Peretti. I'm reading it for the third time.
-this precious family that I call 'mine'
-the friend who refused to hang up until I shared the burden on my heart
-the friend who moved quickly when I shared my burden
-that He restoreth my soul
-and anointeth my head with oil
-my cup runneth over
-Lucy
-and that I finally let myself fall in love with her today, even though it made me really cry
-for Philip's kisses and I love you's
-and Michael's hugs and I love you's
-and Susan conversations and I love you's
-and Alli's gentle hugs and I love you's
-and Freeman's 'Hey Ma!' and I love you's
-and Phil's daily smiles, hugs, kisses, and I love you's-
-and for God's lifting me up to His face and holding me close and for
His I love you's too.
991-997
-Lindsay's reassurance
-Lindsay's opportunities to build a greenhouse, change an old ministry, and rewrite some great books
-Ginger, Worth, Ryder, and their kind ways
-playing pretend restaurant with boats of sand with sticks in them...steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, and then delicious flavors of ice cream
-Ryder echoing Worth
-that we really can approach the throne of grace in our time of need and get help
-Susan's chance to go to King's Dominion and Casting Crowns with her friends
998-1001
-for our funny chickens who watched the volleyball game in process. Their heads went back and forth with the ball as it traveled.
-peacemakers
-that the way people treat us has more to do with what they are going through than how they feel about us.
-that I just reached 1,000 THANKS!!!!
And it's important, you know.
Not only will Danielle treat me to frozen yogurt if I reach a thousand thanks by the beginning of July, but it also helps me to be thankful.
I mean, I am helped when I am thankful. It changes my perspective
and perspective is just about everything.
I mean, it's all about me, you know.
But, I also think that God appreciates being thanked.
I know I appreciate it when my children thank me.
Especially for the little things that take noticing in order to be grateful for them.
So, this is my final list.
I have spent too much time looking back to see what number I have reached.
This is the final hurrah and then I probably will begin again,
but I don't think I'll number them this time.
So, 220 more thanks until I reach 1,000.
#781-790
A night at home, alone.
Wild Baby Turkeys scurrying about in the pen Dave Plank built us.
Cleansing Stream and the feeling that this is 'home' for us.
Hummingbirds buzzing like fighter jets over my head.
Lucy.
Angel's patience. Lucy barks at her face and pulls at her tail. Back and forth.
Love at home.
Coyotes that haven't attacked our cattle. Heard a pack of them just down the lane, howling, the other night. Makes us uneasy.
Michael's video of the bear he just saw over at HV.
#790-800
-The beautiful rain throughout last night.
-yellow squash beginnings.
-Chicken's and their silliness.
-Dishwashers
-Air conditioning
-Big bathtubs
-Uncle Ed and Aunt Rhoda and their RV and the re-ignition of our travel dreams.
-Sherri's beautiful big house and the way they share their porch and property.
-That if 'those people' keep calling our number and don't leave a message, I'm going to push 'talk' and give them my Aborigines Holler. It worked before...
The last two pages in 'Jesus+Nothing=Everything.' I read it to the fam this morning.
801-810
-When we were down at the river, Sunday eve. I grasped the roasting fork at it's tip, wanting to pull it up, but Phil had just pulled it out of the fire, which I found out soon enough. He offered his cup of cold tea and said, "Put your finger in that," which I did but it still hurt like crazy. I thought I'd have to come up to the house for burn ointment. Michelle's friend, Miriam, was there. She said that her mother always told her to rub a burn on her hair. So. I took my hand and ran it through my hair and the pain stopped immediately. I kid you not. And it never blistered nor did it hurt ever again. God is amazing. There is some kind of oil in our hair that even helps with burns. He thought of everything, didn't He.
-Lucy, running to me, because of the big fighter jets flying terribly noisily overhead. She hides in my lap.
-Lucy's hiccups. I say "Boo" but it doesn't work. Giving her a treat does, though.
-Lucy, very interested in the tap-tap-tapping of the keyboard. She pushed something and now everything is very small. Time to sign out tonight.
-a tournament quality volleyball net being put to use in our back yard by Philip and his Sasquatch
-Lori's help with pricing homeschool books
-everyone's kindness in Appomattox
-Susan's clean room
-Phil catching up on rest
-the joy of seeing someone else's vacation pics on fb. Feels like I'm there.
811-833
-Philip's joy about future fishing dates
-D's good news phone call
-Phil's ingenuity-his pants tore down the front and he used duct tape to fix them because he was going into the 'nun' area with Brother N., who thought that the nuns shouldn't see so much leg. haha!!!
-Alli's rippling laugh
-Michael's car fixed/passed inspection
-Susan helping someone to make up their mind to buy a lawn mower
-electricity
-Sweet Frog
-Matt's tears
-Beautiful storm
-teenage girls
-Amy H. sitting beside me during grad.
-Travis wanted to sit beside his 'mama'-(me)
-Phil is back home
-Pastor Betty's sermon-the kids wanted her to be their speaker
-a class that had come through fire without the scent of smoke
-that I should just trust God and those close to me, and also trust that if there is anything that needs to be revealed, He will show it to me.
-Sat. afternoon nap with Lucy.
-Jenny L.
-Michael thanking us for buying a farm...'...we eat our own eggs and sausage...' etc.
-That having a farm has taught us to fix things ourselves. And Michael was able to help Rich G. by fixing his tractor
-beautiful cooler day
-Susan's 'Your flower garden is so pretty, Mom.'
834-845
-river thoughts and verses I found. 1 Chron. 23:5-'...and 4,000 praise the LORD with musical instruments, 'which I made,' said David, 'for giving praise.' David made the musical instruments for the many instrumentalists! That's amazing!
-11 Chron. 3:6-'And he decorated the house with precious stones for beauty...' Solomon went beyond making the temple functional and made it beautiful. We, too, are the temple of God.
-11 Chron. 20:31-33-'So Jehosaphat, 35, was king over Israel for 25 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away, for as yet the people had not directed their hearts to the God of their fathers.'OK. How does this work? We can do what is right but if our hearts are not directed towards God we won't destroy the things in our lives that set themselves high against Him? I don't understand this because it says that they did right in the eyes of the LORD. Maybe the point is the comparison between doing the right things and having our heart long for God and what happens as a result of that longing.
-For the words, 'I will live and not die...'
-tears
-ministry to the strong
-that Christ is our Rock; nobody else can be.
-Phil's dresser top organized with baskets, blue jars, etc. It's as good as its going to get and he's happy with it
-Jasmine plant reminder of my mother and of other's sympathy and love
-cheerful family
-ok. 11 Chron... The king himself did what was right in the eyes of the LORD but the people did not direct their hearts towards God and so he did not tear down the high places because they still wanted to worship their gods. Was it fear of man?
846-860-
-Rosalee's newsy e-mail
-Freeman's post on face book this morning. I read it and Susan said, "Don't Cry Mom!"
"Do your best, don't be stupid, be on time, and live by faith."-Phil Hertzler after getting a flat tire on the trailer ten minutes into our commute to work. Rather than getting upset at the serious setback to a time constructed day, he thanked God for the timing and protection. Thanks for that example dad."
-Last night's rainy campfire experience with the KNIT girls.
-for rain
-for sunshine after rain
-for Lucy helping Susan understand how I feel about her
-a vacation for Dianna
-the book of Job
-that Nate hugs Danielle and says,'You've hugged Annette, haven't you?"
-the girls asked, 'What kind of perfume do you wear?' and I said, "Egyptian Goddess" and Teresa said, "Of COURSE you do."
-that I look pretty good by the light of the alarm clock
-that nobody is really reading this long list of thank you's
-Susan's whistling
-Susan packed a big lunch for the guys from last night's supper
-flower garden in full bloom-white lilies, orange lilies, and soon pink lilies
861-871
-Everytime I think about Mother, I see her painting at an easel outside with beauty all around her. Jesus sits nearby and they talk and are quiet, like the dear old friends they are.
-the motivation of the pig roast to clean and organize even my bedroom!
-feeling better, eating healthier, exercising-thankful.
-Philip's Annabelle had 10 piglets and one of them is orange with black spots and another is a red and white oreo and the others are just white
-for Susan's adopted brothers
-the story about how the guys moved the 6,000 pound marble slab altar from one area of the abbey to another. It was resting on an olive tree stump that had been sent from Jerusalem from a tree from the Garden of Gethsemane. I said I wanted to sleep on top of that stump. That maybe Jesus had prayed with his elbows on that stump. They slowly diffused my weepy bubble saying that the tree was only a hundred to three hundred years old. I said that maybe Jesus planted it and Phil said that 300 years and 2,000 years has quite a few years between them. I still held on and said that maybe Jesus thought about the tree, and he agreed to that.
-Lucy, asleep for the night, snoring, in my arms as I write.
-the possibility of getting to bed before 10 tonight.
-the words I read today that connection to Christ, not perfection, is what is needed.
-these cool summer days
-that I remembered the bathtub's running water in time
872-885
-an exhaustion that comes from much hard work
-little by little, our place is getting cleaned up
-the Pig Roast next week and how it helps us get more organized
-Sheila's bragging about Alli last night
-Sheila's verbal understanding that our group needed extended time together
-chicken's laying again and only one is a cannibal
-Alli and Freeman's cheerfulness
-the Word of God
-electricity
-running water
-a good bed
-a Sabbath rest to look forward to
-joy
886-897
-Pig Roast 2012-our 11th year total; 2 in Pa. 9 here
-that the Pig Roast brings out the best in us
-that the Pig Roast brings out the worst in us-not truly thankful for this but it's a learning experience
-hard work
-Plan B's
-that if Cleansing Stream is one of God's ideas for New Life, He will make it happen.
-that I saw Lucy's poop on the floor before I stepped on it
-that He keeps whispering, "Be thankful." And when I am, it changes me.
-that the toilet is no longer clogged-Oh, the things we take for granted!
-that the fire at the haybarn site is intentional
-and that my heart doesn't race as badly as it used to when I see the smoke
-that Derek K., mountain bike destroyer, face smasher, is going to be okay. They popped his face back into place by going through his mouth, nose, and eyelid? to 'pop' things back in place. No stitches on his face!
898-920
-that on these days that I feel too sick and tired to move, that there is nothing that requires me to move.
-rest for the weary
-the best pig roast ever
-pure singing voices
-the Pink Panther movies-old ones
-sleep
-friends
-that M and M's murderer was apprehended
-that Jesus is the comforter of those who mourn
-leftovers
-morning rain
-Susan's giggle
-Michael's gentle explanations
-hard-working men
-a son who loves and adores his wife
-his wife who loves and honors him
-for Michael's private enjoyment of playing the guitar. He has no idea how good he is for how little he has played.
-incubator hatching chickens this time around
-George and Martha Washington living next door for a week and a half
-their effort to bring the entourage of costumes along on the plane from California
-nervous giggles of friends as they greeted the Washington's at the pig roast
-perfect weather/perfect time of day for pig roast
921-930
-for the way my sister keeps in touch
-honest friendships
-the way God hovers and still creates
-Susan's cheerful voice waking up with Lucy every morning
-a shopping day in Richmond with the Lapps for Susan
-banana split funeral plans-humor with sorrow-and the promise to see it through
-Phil's willingness to pick up Susan after a meeting tonight
-Susan's stern voice to Lucy, "No pee in the house!"
-perhaps today, I'll finish reading the underlined parts of my Mother's Bible (no)
931-940
-that real friends don't mind if I do the following while I'm on the phone with them: swallow vitamins, talk to Susan, put them on speaker phone while I make supper or put on make-up, pull weeds, scold the puppy, clean up the puppy's mess, clean the tub, take a bath, wash dishes, flush the toilet, cry, laugh too loud, read them what I've written, etc. Thank you dear friends, for putting up with me!
-the rotten pork rinds are out of sight and out of mind thanks to Philip and Mike!
-the tent is put away!
-Susan's happy day.
-time to talk to Lindsay on the way to Rice
-Freeman's cheerful, 'Hi, Mom.'
-the boys admitting that there ability to shock me isn't working anymore
-Phil calling just to check on me
-Angel insisting on coming in to the cool house. She follows me around and lays down near me. I said cheerfully, after the sun had gone down, "Do you want to go outside?" and she looked at me as if I had four heads.
-the story about banana splits on face book. I sent it to Judy.
-941-954
-Judy and the answers she is getting
-Pastor Dan and his help and direction with Cleansing Stream
-CS in California-leaders getting our church down on their 'radar' and praying for us all as we go through this transition.
-Susan's loud laugh as she talks to Makenzie
-Lapp family kindness
-Naomi understanding this year
-Naomi asking about my mom and how I am in regards to missing her
-Dianna spending time talking with me while she drives to Laurel's
-that even though Phil and I have been like two ships passing in the night, we are ships that kiss as we pass
-the rain and that it came back in full force right after I asked God for more
-Mom's phone call
-for His dear voice telling me not to worry
-for His dear voice telling me to be thankful
-for an email that signed off with these words, "May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering."
955-963
-for Susan's words, "I trust Pastor Frank. Pastor Frank would lay down his life for me."
-Zephaniah and the other minor prophets
-for this lovely day with Susan even though she felt miserable with a bad headache all day
-for Lisa's kind words back to Susan on face book and that another young girl intercepted the kind words and received a blessing too.
-bacon burgers-50% bacon-50% beef-WOW!
-Goodwill-book buy-"The Search for Significance"
-for the hope of a night of sleep and if not, then a night of prayer.
-Steve R.'s long-windedness-a miracle!
-PJ's reluctant roasting of PF which was really humorous and humorously real.
964-974
-a day of real rest...
-after a night of real sleep
-time to write
-thoughts to write about. I've been flat-lined for so long.
-Freeman teaching Susan how to grill and the delicious results
-for a glimpse of the big picture
-and that is so much bigger than what I can see
-God making a way of escape for a friend
-Monk, and Susan's, and I quote, "We should have Frank and Lisa over to watch it with us."
-All of the offers to help Janelle with her flat tire on 460
-this beautiful farm
975-990
-the book, "The Prophet" by Frank Peretti. I'm reading it for the third time.
-this precious family that I call 'mine'
-the friend who refused to hang up until I shared the burden on my heart
-the friend who moved quickly when I shared my burden
-that He restoreth my soul
-and anointeth my head with oil
-my cup runneth over
-Lucy
-and that I finally let myself fall in love with her today, even though it made me really cry
-for Philip's kisses and I love you's
-and Michael's hugs and I love you's
-and Susan conversations and I love you's
-and Alli's gentle hugs and I love you's
-and Freeman's 'Hey Ma!' and I love you's
-and Phil's daily smiles, hugs, kisses, and I love you's-
-and for God's lifting me up to His face and holding me close and for
His I love you's too.
991-997
-Lindsay's reassurance
-Lindsay's opportunities to build a greenhouse, change an old ministry, and rewrite some great books
-Ginger, Worth, Ryder, and their kind ways
-playing pretend restaurant with boats of sand with sticks in them...steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, and then delicious flavors of ice cream
-Ryder echoing Worth
-that we really can approach the throne of grace in our time of need and get help
-Susan's chance to go to King's Dominion and Casting Crowns with her friends
998-1001
-for our funny chickens who watched the volleyball game in process. Their heads went back and forth with the ball as it traveled.
-peacemakers
-that the way people treat us has more to do with what they are going through than how they feel about us.
-that I just reached 1,000 THANKS!!!!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Hertzler Doings~May 28-June 3, 2012
Mon.-Memorial Day. Guys went to the Abbey for half the day. Michael fixed fence and worked around here. Alli came over and washed and vacuumed her car. It looked new. Susan super cleaned her room and did some other jobs. Weeded and planted more seeds in the garden. Also, cleaned up all of the porches. Had at least 8 black garbage bags of trash to throw in back of the old green pick up. Went over to Dawson F.'s grad party and visited with everyone over there, especially Uncle Ed and Aunt Rhoda. Enjoyed Andrew's boxer dog imitation. Came home and ordered volleyball net.
Tues.-Judy came over after seeing the chiropractor. We just love her. She held Lucy like a baby to her face and kissed her neck and Lucy loved it. After she left, Susan and I went to Lynchburg. Penney's, Goodwill, Target-where we met Haley, and bumped into Teri and Mikayla, getting ready for college next year, and then we went to Sam's Club and had pizza for supper. I went shopping while Susan and Haley walked around until Haley had to leave. I bought most of the things we needed for the Pig Roast. Must still get charcoal, lighter fluid, ice, and ice cream. Exhausted. Took Helen's ion machine over. Diane T. called while I was gone and cancelled tomorrow. She's not feeling well. Susan told her I was looking forward to coming but that I was so tired from being out all day and that I would be happy to stay home. I thought that was truthful and diplomatic of her. Cleansing Stream materials arrived. Phil picked them up at the meeting and brought them home. So excited. Still not sleeping well. I don't understand why I can't sleep night after night. I wrote down the things that had happened this year and this month and gave them to God. My worries. I saw a list Lindsay had on face book. It was a list about God. A description of Him. What He has been to her. I think that is a better list to make. The worry list looks like Goliath until you line it up beside the list about God. Then it doesn't look like much of anything. I've been thinking about the sermon alot. My little rock says three words on it. Bigger. 'Badder'. Brighter. God is that in comparison to the Goliaths in our lives. We must remind ourselves of God's victories in the past and how He has brought Good out of evil in every situation. Some situations are pending, but can I trust Him before I see the final outcome? We either walk by faith or walk by sight. It's harder than it looks. But it's easier if you're looking at Lindsay's list. She blogged it in Just Journaling. A blog on my side bar. It's worthy reading and will help.
Wed.-Started back into seriously eating healthy but blew it mid afternoon. And then I kept blowing it. Made friendship bread today from Alli's starter she had given me. I wasn't going to be anywhere to see anybody for the next few days so I actually used up all of the parts I would have shared. Froze alot for some friends and for the pig roast. Phil's on a consulting job for the next few days, showing some builders how to set trusses. I talked with the regional director for Cleansing Stream for awhile today. He's helping us get set up. We've been hoping and waiting and now it seems that we are going through a door that's been opened. All in God's timing and it seems this is the time. Cleansing Stream is one way that God uses to set His children free through the use of Biblical studies/truth and prayer. Our kids seem excited that we are doing this as well. Michael thanked me today for keeping our family as a priority through the years. He said, "I remember when we had a priority list. Family. Farm. Church. I'm glad Dad set that up years ago." I said, "I just found that list." I pulled it out and showed him. It was hidden on the book shelf and resurrected itself when we fixed the air conditioner. It rained beautifully at least 3 times last night. The weeds came out of the garden easily. One could preach on that. When the ground is dry, the weeds break off at ground level and grow again. But when the ground has been watered, the seed is watered also, and the weeds are easy to pull. I took Susan to youth group tonight at Calvary. She takes the Bible that Lindsay gave her when L. left the area. It's a special Bible. Gil gave it to her when they got married. L. wanted to give Susan something that meant alot to herself. She gave her a beautiful ring and her Bible. Gil said she could. Michael and Philip went bow and arrow fish hunting over at HV for a short time this eve. Philip will go pick up Susan later. I hope to hit the sack early and have more energy tomorrow.
Thurs.-Lori K. had me over for lunch and we priced my homeschool books for the curriculum sale on Sat. She's going to watch my table for me because I have other things going on. Thank you Lori! Went to printers to get more pig roast invitations printed up and then to Walmart to get the charcoal, etc. for the pig roast. Vollebyall net came and Philip and Susan have been playing vb. D~called with good news today and we are so relieved but will feel more assured after another scientific test.
Fri.-Nice long catch-up talk with Naomi this morning. Went to deep muscle therapist this afternoon. He has done wonders with my feet and my head-vertigo. Thank you God! Phil was home when I got here. He's been away for a few days on a truss consultant job. Alli stopped in to use the internet and to drop of the Pig Roast invitations that she picked up for me. We had quite a storm in the afternoon. I laid in bed and watched the winds. It looked almost like what I imagine a hurricane to look. I saw on face book that there were tornado warnings in Lancaster, too. Lost power. Went to New Life's graduation in the eve. P Betty preached a sermon I'd like to hear every day of my life until I got it right. So happy that Susan could hear it and all of the other students and parents. Came out of church and it was pouring. Got drenched on the way to car and decided to embrace the inevitable and then I began to enjoy it, though it was rather cold. Went to Sweet Frog and Susan ran in and got us some frozen yogurt. We turned the heat on high. We especially went to see Matt, Amber, Nick, and Amanda graduate. What a class. Power was on when we got back home.
Sat.-The boys made breakfast of sausage and eggs. Phil mowed the fields. Michael worked on his car, weed whacked, rotatilled the garden, etc. Philip worked with his pigs and calf hutches. Susan did lots of odd jobs and focused on going deeper into her bedroom. Got rid of another bag of clothes. I did some wash and really cleaned my desk. Took everything off and sorted through everything. Wow. The only problem with cleaning one corner really well is that you notice the 99 other corners that look awful next to it! Not sure why I feel compelled to clean my house for the Pig Roast, but its something I go through every year, and then, I eventually relax about it. Alli and Freeman stopped over to do some things. Jordan came in the eve. and the guys went cat fishing. We started to watch a Charlie Chapman movie but the phone rang and the movie was so old and scratched it was hard to follow.
Sun.-Michael and Susan went to CC and when it was over, they came to New Life, bringing Jenny L. with them. It was a really good morning and I am reconciling myself to the uncomfortableness of change and the unknown. At the same time, I feel like I need to reassure others that God will take care of us all. I believe that with my whole heart. PFrank and Lisa are moving 'upward' towards more responsibilty to fulfill the calling God has on their lives. Therefore, all of us must move upward towards more responsibility to fulfill the calling God has on our lives. It is time. And it is good, even though it's also sad. And it's good to grieve. Thank God we are grieving and not saying, 'Thank God they are going!' Pastor Frank talked about the wise and foolish man. The common denominators between the two was that they both had a house and they both had a storm. The storm revealed what kind of foundations they had built their houses on. We must dig down deep and build upon the Rock. The Rock is Christ. The wise build their life on Him. The foolish build their house on shifting sand and 'the ruin of their house is great.' Our brains can be like shifting sand. 'A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.' The generations that went before us build a mansion on the solid rock and we are benefiting from their wise building. But we must make wise choices too, and not take anything for granted. Storms come to us all. They don't wait until we are ready or rested. Last week, Pastor Alvin had given us a small stone to symbolize the stone that David used to kill Goliath. I wrote on mine-'God is Bigger, 'Badder', and Brighter than...' It sits on the base of my lamp desk.
Betty picked out a beautiful jasmine plant as an expression of sympathy regarding my mother's passing. I wanted a Jasmine plant because it puts out its greatest fragrance in the evenings. Much like my mother. She always smelled good and in her later years, she got even sweeter. Betty wrote a beautiful message on a lovely card and signed it for the staff. We put it between the girls on the back seat and they could hardly buckle. I don't think Susan did. Picked up my books that were left over from the curriculum sale on Sat. Made $40 and will need to find another place to sell the rest of the books. Made BLT's for lunch and then I went down to the river and read more from Mother's Bible-the words she had underlined. Phil met me on the path and he stepped out from the tree and I screamed. It's not often a man comes out of the shadows in my safe meadow. We drove the gator to another part of the farm and picked some purple stem peppermint tea. Alli and Freeman were here when we got back. They had brought us some movies to watch. We watched 'Bedtime Stories' in between a number of phone calls. Lucy got all excited with the vacuum cleaner when Phil vacuumed up some broken glass from a broken cup. We videotaped it. I'm writing outside on my mother's glass table and sitting on her wicker chair while Michael and Phil are playing the blue's beside me. Lucy is barking and snapping at Phil's tapping foot. A very full moon is rising above the green trees on this Sabbath Rest of a day. The girls are practicing a song they want to sing for the pig roast too. In a few minutes I must run Jenny over to Fisher's to meet her siblings for her ride home.
Tues.-Judy came over after seeing the chiropractor. We just love her. She held Lucy like a baby to her face and kissed her neck and Lucy loved it. After she left, Susan and I went to Lynchburg. Penney's, Goodwill, Target-where we met Haley, and bumped into Teri and Mikayla, getting ready for college next year, and then we went to Sam's Club and had pizza for supper. I went shopping while Susan and Haley walked around until Haley had to leave. I bought most of the things we needed for the Pig Roast. Must still get charcoal, lighter fluid, ice, and ice cream. Exhausted. Took Helen's ion machine over. Diane T. called while I was gone and cancelled tomorrow. She's not feeling well. Susan told her I was looking forward to coming but that I was so tired from being out all day and that I would be happy to stay home. I thought that was truthful and diplomatic of her. Cleansing Stream materials arrived. Phil picked them up at the meeting and brought them home. So excited. Still not sleeping well. I don't understand why I can't sleep night after night. I wrote down the things that had happened this year and this month and gave them to God. My worries. I saw a list Lindsay had on face book. It was a list about God. A description of Him. What He has been to her. I think that is a better list to make. The worry list looks like Goliath until you line it up beside the list about God. Then it doesn't look like much of anything. I've been thinking about the sermon alot. My little rock says three words on it. Bigger. 'Badder'. Brighter. God is that in comparison to the Goliaths in our lives. We must remind ourselves of God's victories in the past and how He has brought Good out of evil in every situation. Some situations are pending, but can I trust Him before I see the final outcome? We either walk by faith or walk by sight. It's harder than it looks. But it's easier if you're looking at Lindsay's list. She blogged it in Just Journaling. A blog on my side bar. It's worthy reading and will help.
Wed.-Started back into seriously eating healthy but blew it mid afternoon. And then I kept blowing it. Made friendship bread today from Alli's starter she had given me. I wasn't going to be anywhere to see anybody for the next few days so I actually used up all of the parts I would have shared. Froze alot for some friends and for the pig roast. Phil's on a consulting job for the next few days, showing some builders how to set trusses. I talked with the regional director for Cleansing Stream for awhile today. He's helping us get set up. We've been hoping and waiting and now it seems that we are going through a door that's been opened. All in God's timing and it seems this is the time. Cleansing Stream is one way that God uses to set His children free through the use of Biblical studies/truth and prayer. Our kids seem excited that we are doing this as well. Michael thanked me today for keeping our family as a priority through the years. He said, "I remember when we had a priority list. Family. Farm. Church. I'm glad Dad set that up years ago." I said, "I just found that list." I pulled it out and showed him. It was hidden on the book shelf and resurrected itself when we fixed the air conditioner. It rained beautifully at least 3 times last night. The weeds came out of the garden easily. One could preach on that. When the ground is dry, the weeds break off at ground level and grow again. But when the ground has been watered, the seed is watered also, and the weeds are easy to pull. I took Susan to youth group tonight at Calvary. She takes the Bible that Lindsay gave her when L. left the area. It's a special Bible. Gil gave it to her when they got married. L. wanted to give Susan something that meant alot to herself. She gave her a beautiful ring and her Bible. Gil said she could. Michael and Philip went bow and arrow fish hunting over at HV for a short time this eve. Philip will go pick up Susan later. I hope to hit the sack early and have more energy tomorrow.
Thurs.-Lori K. had me over for lunch and we priced my homeschool books for the curriculum sale on Sat. She's going to watch my table for me because I have other things going on. Thank you Lori! Went to printers to get more pig roast invitations printed up and then to Walmart to get the charcoal, etc. for the pig roast. Vollebyall net came and Philip and Susan have been playing vb. D~called with good news today and we are so relieved but will feel more assured after another scientific test.
Fri.-Nice long catch-up talk with Naomi this morning. Went to deep muscle therapist this afternoon. He has done wonders with my feet and my head-vertigo. Thank you God! Phil was home when I got here. He's been away for a few days on a truss consultant job. Alli stopped in to use the internet and to drop of the Pig Roast invitations that she picked up for me. We had quite a storm in the afternoon. I laid in bed and watched the winds. It looked almost like what I imagine a hurricane to look. I saw on face book that there were tornado warnings in Lancaster, too. Lost power. Went to New Life's graduation in the eve. P Betty preached a sermon I'd like to hear every day of my life until I got it right. So happy that Susan could hear it and all of the other students and parents. Came out of church and it was pouring. Got drenched on the way to car and decided to embrace the inevitable and then I began to enjoy it, though it was rather cold. Went to Sweet Frog and Susan ran in and got us some frozen yogurt. We turned the heat on high. We especially went to see Matt, Amber, Nick, and Amanda graduate. What a class. Power was on when we got back home.
Sat.-The boys made breakfast of sausage and eggs. Phil mowed the fields. Michael worked on his car, weed whacked, rotatilled the garden, etc. Philip worked with his pigs and calf hutches. Susan did lots of odd jobs and focused on going deeper into her bedroom. Got rid of another bag of clothes. I did some wash and really cleaned my desk. Took everything off and sorted through everything. Wow. The only problem with cleaning one corner really well is that you notice the 99 other corners that look awful next to it! Not sure why I feel compelled to clean my house for the Pig Roast, but its something I go through every year, and then, I eventually relax about it. Alli and Freeman stopped over to do some things. Jordan came in the eve. and the guys went cat fishing. We started to watch a Charlie Chapman movie but the phone rang and the movie was so old and scratched it was hard to follow.
Sun.-Michael and Susan went to CC and when it was over, they came to New Life, bringing Jenny L. with them. It was a really good morning and I am reconciling myself to the uncomfortableness of change and the unknown. At the same time, I feel like I need to reassure others that God will take care of us all. I believe that with my whole heart. PFrank and Lisa are moving 'upward' towards more responsibilty to fulfill the calling God has on their lives. Therefore, all of us must move upward towards more responsibility to fulfill the calling God has on our lives. It is time. And it is good, even though it's also sad. And it's good to grieve. Thank God we are grieving and not saying, 'Thank God they are going!' Pastor Frank talked about the wise and foolish man. The common denominators between the two was that they both had a house and they both had a storm. The storm revealed what kind of foundations they had built their houses on. We must dig down deep and build upon the Rock. The Rock is Christ. The wise build their life on Him. The foolish build their house on shifting sand and 'the ruin of their house is great.' Our brains can be like shifting sand. 'A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.' The generations that went before us build a mansion on the solid rock and we are benefiting from their wise building. But we must make wise choices too, and not take anything for granted. Storms come to us all. They don't wait until we are ready or rested. Last week, Pastor Alvin had given us a small stone to symbolize the stone that David used to kill Goliath. I wrote on mine-'God is Bigger, 'Badder', and Brighter than...' It sits on the base of my lamp desk.
Betty picked out a beautiful jasmine plant as an expression of sympathy regarding my mother's passing. I wanted a Jasmine plant because it puts out its greatest fragrance in the evenings. Much like my mother. She always smelled good and in her later years, she got even sweeter. Betty wrote a beautiful message on a lovely card and signed it for the staff. We put it between the girls on the back seat and they could hardly buckle. I don't think Susan did. Picked up my books that were left over from the curriculum sale on Sat. Made $40 and will need to find another place to sell the rest of the books. Made BLT's for lunch and then I went down to the river and read more from Mother's Bible-the words she had underlined. Phil met me on the path and he stepped out from the tree and I screamed. It's not often a man comes out of the shadows in my safe meadow. We drove the gator to another part of the farm and picked some purple stem peppermint tea. Alli and Freeman were here when we got back. They had brought us some movies to watch. We watched 'Bedtime Stories' in between a number of phone calls. Lucy got all excited with the vacuum cleaner when Phil vacuumed up some broken glass from a broken cup. We videotaped it. I'm writing outside on my mother's glass table and sitting on her wicker chair while Michael and Phil are playing the blue's beside me. Lucy is barking and snapping at Phil's tapping foot. A very full moon is rising above the green trees on this Sabbath Rest of a day. The girls are practicing a song they want to sing for the pig roast too. In a few minutes I must run Jenny over to Fisher's to meet her siblings for her ride home.
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