It's been quiet around the blogoshpere lately, at least in these parts. Summer has finally caught up with us, and we've been busy enjoying the great outdoors. I've also been playing around with my template, looking for just the right picture to put in my header, and experimenting with the digital imaging software that came with my new computer. It's not as versatile as Photoshop, but it will do a few tricks. I'm quite the novice, but I'm learning.
The photo you see in my header is one I've been practicing on. It's not exactly finished, but it's not too bad for a beginner. That's what I'm telling myself anyway. I'm thinking that I'll post the original photo when I get home from work so you can see what I've done with it. Maybe.
All that said, and I still haven't told you about my treasure. I found an old roll of film in the garage when I was searching for my digital camera, and just had it developed over the weekend. That's where I found the picture up there in my header. It was taken about 3 years ago. I had forgotten that we ever managed to get a picture of all the kids together, and while I'm so happy to have found it, the photo itself isn't my treasure. But I bet you can guess what is.
See those faces in the photo? Left to right, there's Emily, Sarah, Lindsey, and Andrew. Yes, they are my treasures, but they also belong to Jesus, and He treasures them most of all. Oh, the puppy in the photo is Lickerish, aka Poopsie (she earned the nickname during housebreaking) our German shepherd mix who is a heck of a lot bigger now but still thinks she's a lap dog. Unlike Leslie's dog, Austrey, she doesn't know Jesus, but we're working on her.
If you'd like to participate in Treasure Tuesday, or if you'd just like to see more treasures, hurry on over to Faith's place.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Email from Home
Y'all, you may remember my mentioning that I get a lot of email from family members, but very few of them are ever personal messages. Most often they're those crazy "say a prayer and pass this on to 7 people and you will see a miracle" ones that have the opposite effect on me (irk rather than bless). But sometimes, something worth reading makes its way into my inbox. Usually it's something I've seen before, but isn't something I mind seeing again. Like a Vonage commercial or an episode of The Brady Bunch. This email from my mom is a good example. It's been around who knows how many times, but like any good rerun, it's worth a laugh or two.
And so, without further ado, I present the (screechy horror flick music) Email From Home:
***********************************************
SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES
1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto. The blockage will be almost instantly removed.
2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.
7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.
And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
***********************************************
And there ya have it folks. Kinda makes ya homesick don't it?
And so, without further ado, I present the (screechy horror flick music) Email From Home:
***********************************************
SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES
1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto. The blockage will be almost instantly removed.
2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.
7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.
And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
***********************************************
And there ya have it folks. Kinda makes ya homesick don't it?
Friday, July 14, 2006
Tour of Homes Hosted by BooMama
July 28th is the big day for the big event hosted by BooMama.This is not a contest. It's a fun way to get to know more about one another. Like dropping by to say hi without, you know, actually dropping by.
The idea is to 1) give people some insight into the "real" lives of the bloggers they read and 2) demonstrate grateful hearts for our homes - no matter the size. All the glory belongs to God.
Run on over there to get the code and get the word out. Hurry! Get those cameras ready! Snap snap!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Clearing up a bit of confusion...
First of all, let me just say again THANK YOU for all your prayers concerning my girls and our living arrangements. My gratitude is immeasurable. God bless you all.
Secondly, I am praying for each and every one of you, continually. My prayer list is growing, which is growing my prayer life, and that's a very good thing. The reason I started this blog was to connect with other Christian mothers, especially those with younger children, to encourage them to be more diligent in nurturing their children's spiritual growth, and pretty much to serve as an example of how not to do that. Please don't give complacency even the slightest opening, no matter how discouraging or frustrating your situation. We must always, always cover them in prayer. I realize that many of you do this, some have done so from the beginning, and I'm so grateful for that. For those of you haven't been as diligent, rest assured that I've got you covered, but I urge you to start NOW praying for them and with them. Don't wait for a crisis. I don't mean to get all preachy, and I'm not passing judgement. I live in a glass house, and I dare not throw stones.
Thirdly, the reason for this post is to clarify the previous one. I'm not real good at being serious. You could say I have issues with serious. You could also say I have serious issues. Both would be true. (See?) Anyway, for clarity's sake, I thought I should address a few of my earlier statements. The thing about me being competition for Beth Moore? Beloved, that was meant to be sarcastic. Not that I don't appreciate the votes of confidence. Oh I do. Yes, ma'am. And the commands I gave my daughter to "get to squeezin' out some fruit" and to "get godly in a hurry", while said in all seriousness to her, struck me as rather absurd upon reflection. A girlfriend at work and I giggled over it when I related the conversation to her. My attempt at levity didn't translate as well to the blog, but that's ok. You all are aware of my heart's desire, and your encouragement and support far outweighs a few laughs. You can't know how deeply grateful I am for all of you.
I am in agreement with Grafted Branch, who pointed out that my requirement of my daughter to squeeze out some fruit is impossible for her to do (of her own ability). I also agree with her statement that I can't beat her over the head with it if she isn't born-again. She's absolutely right. And I am humbled by her willingness to call me on it. I appreciate the candor and grace with which she approached the issue, and I hope that I would be bold enough to do the same. We are, after all, supposed to hold each other accountable, are we not? I admire her for the wonderful example she is.
The good news is that both my daughters are born-again. The bad news is that they're prodigals. Which brings me to Diane(Praying for your Prodigal)'s comment that I've put the enemy on notice. As that was my intention, I feel confident that she's also correct. I've asked the Lord to guide me in my discussions with the girls and to give me words to say that they would comprehend. I may not have phrased them the way He intended, but I do know that they understood. That was confirmed in the conversation I had with each of them today.
Since I'm not easily offended, I tend to shoot off at the mouth, or fingers as it were, without stopping to consider whether something I've said could be taken in a way other than it was meant. A good rule of thumb to follow, at least with me, is to think "warped with a weird sense of humor", but if ever I do offend (or confuse) you, please know that it isn't intentional. I welcome feedback, especially if I've misspoken, so long as the aforementioned example is followed.
Well, I didn't intend to blog a novel, but I did want to clear that up.
Blessings!
Secondly, I am praying for each and every one of you, continually. My prayer list is growing, which is growing my prayer life, and that's a very good thing. The reason I started this blog was to connect with other Christian mothers, especially those with younger children, to encourage them to be more diligent in nurturing their children's spiritual growth, and pretty much to serve as an example of how not to do that. Please don't give complacency even the slightest opening, no matter how discouraging or frustrating your situation. We must always, always cover them in prayer. I realize that many of you do this, some have done so from the beginning, and I'm so grateful for that. For those of you haven't been as diligent, rest assured that I've got you covered, but I urge you to start NOW praying for them and with them. Don't wait for a crisis. I don't mean to get all preachy, and I'm not passing judgement. I live in a glass house, and I dare not throw stones.
Thirdly, the reason for this post is to clarify the previous one. I'm not real good at being serious. You could say I have issues with serious. You could also say I have serious issues. Both would be true. (See?) Anyway, for clarity's sake, I thought I should address a few of my earlier statements. The thing about me being competition for Beth Moore? Beloved, that was meant to be sarcastic. Not that I don't appreciate the votes of confidence. Oh I do. Yes, ma'am. And the commands I gave my daughter to "get to squeezin' out some fruit" and to "get godly in a hurry", while said in all seriousness to her, struck me as rather absurd upon reflection. A girlfriend at work and I giggled over it when I related the conversation to her. My attempt at levity didn't translate as well to the blog, but that's ok. You all are aware of my heart's desire, and your encouragement and support far outweighs a few laughs. You can't know how deeply grateful I am for all of you.
I am in agreement with Grafted Branch, who pointed out that my requirement of my daughter to squeeze out some fruit is impossible for her to do (of her own ability). I also agree with her statement that I can't beat her over the head with it if she isn't born-again. She's absolutely right. And I am humbled by her willingness to call me on it. I appreciate the candor and grace with which she approached the issue, and I hope that I would be bold enough to do the same. We are, after all, supposed to hold each other accountable, are we not? I admire her for the wonderful example she is.
The good news is that both my daughters are born-again. The bad news is that they're prodigals. Which brings me to Diane(Praying for your Prodigal)'s comment that I've put the enemy on notice. As that was my intention, I feel confident that she's also correct. I've asked the Lord to guide me in my discussions with the girls and to give me words to say that they would comprehend. I may not have phrased them the way He intended, but I do know that they understood. That was confirmed in the conversation I had with each of them today.
Since I'm not easily offended, I tend to shoot off at the mouth, or fingers as it were, without stopping to consider whether something I've said could be taken in a way other than it was meant. A good rule of thumb to follow, at least with me, is to think "warped with a weird sense of humor", but if ever I do offend (or confuse) you, please know that it isn't intentional. I welcome feedback, especially if I've misspoken, so long as the aforementioned example is followed.
Well, I didn't intend to blog a novel, but I did want to clear that up.
Blessings!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
The Ultimatum
I just have to share another of my shining mommy moments. This one happened today on the phone with my 16-yr-old daughter.
She: Mom, I told you I'm staying here. I don't want to come there for school.
Me: That really isn't your decision to make. It's my responsibility to see to it that you get the guidance and discipline that you need.
She (all dramatic like): It's my life! Not yours!
Me: The reality of it is that it isn't your life. You belong to God, so He gets to make that call.
She: I don't want to talk about it anymore.
Me: We have to talk about it because if you expect me to allow you to stay there, then you're going to have to show me that you're seeking God's wisdom in this. You got that? So the first thing you need to do is start praying. You need to ask forgiveness for disrespecting your mother. And you have to start going to church. Whether you want to or not. And you have to read your Bible. And I expect you to call me every day asking me to do a devotional with you.
Then you need to show me some fruit. You know what I'm talking about?
She: Yes. The fruit of the Spirit.
Me: That would be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. You'd better get to squeezin' out some of that fruit. Then you need to read 1 Corinthians 13. That's the chapter on love. I want evidence that you are willing to be obedient, not just to me, but to God. Do you understand what I'm telling you?
She: Yes, Mom.
Me: So here's the deal. I'm planning to pick you and your sister up at the end of this month to bring you back here for school. IF you think for one minute that I'm going to leave my job undone, you need to think again. I'm responsible for training you up in the way you should go, and that is exactly what I intend to do. IF you expect me to believe that you're doing what you think God wants, then you'd better get godly in a hurry.
[silence]
Me: Are you there?
She: Yeah, I'm here.
Me: Well, I've got to go back to work. I love you.
She: Love you too. Bye.
Squeeze out some of that fruit? Get godly in a hurry? Move over, Beth Moore. You've got competition.
She: Mom, I told you I'm staying here. I don't want to come there for school.
Me: That really isn't your decision to make. It's my responsibility to see to it that you get the guidance and discipline that you need.
She (all dramatic like): It's my life! Not yours!
Me: The reality of it is that it isn't your life. You belong to God, so He gets to make that call.
She: I don't want to talk about it anymore.
Me: We have to talk about it because if you expect me to allow you to stay there, then you're going to have to show me that you're seeking God's wisdom in this. You got that? So the first thing you need to do is start praying. You need to ask forgiveness for disrespecting your mother. And you have to start going to church. Whether you want to or not. And you have to read your Bible. And I expect you to call me every day asking me to do a devotional with you.
Then you need to show me some fruit. You know what I'm talking about?
She: Yes. The fruit of the Spirit.
Me: That would be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. You'd better get to squeezin' out some of that fruit. Then you need to read 1 Corinthians 13. That's the chapter on love. I want evidence that you are willing to be obedient, not just to me, but to God. Do you understand what I'm telling you?
She: Yes, Mom.
Me: So here's the deal. I'm planning to pick you and your sister up at the end of this month to bring you back here for school. IF you think for one minute that I'm going to leave my job undone, you need to think again. I'm responsible for training you up in the way you should go, and that is exactly what I intend to do. IF you expect me to believe that you're doing what you think God wants, then you'd better get godly in a hurry.
[silence]
Me: Are you there?
She: Yeah, I'm here.
Me: Well, I've got to go back to work. I love you.
She: Love you too. Bye.
Squeeze out some of that fruit? Get godly in a hurry? Move over, Beth Moore. You've got competition.
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