Check Your Washing Machine Hoses

I've been told this before by a wise person, and I promptly did as he suggested. Then I forgot to ever check them again.

Friday I realized I have waited too long. I came downstairs and found the fountain of my dreams going off full force in my laundry room! Apparently it had been spouting for about 45 minutes. I reached through the water to turn off the faucet, but it was stuck. I ran to the basement to turn off the water to the whole house and realized that we had a bigger problem when I splashed through water in the work room at the opposite end of the house from the laundry room.

After turning the water off, I checked the basement and saw that we had a torrential rain storm brewing in the storage room and Doug's office. I grabbed all the trash cans and buckets I could find to catch the water and I called by dear hubby to come home and save the day!

Did you know that laminate floors start curling up about two hours after they are wet? And that the underlayment wicks water to the furthest reaches of a room? Nice things to know.

So, you are all invited to our home in September to see the new digs...we are getting new flooring on the first level and we get to totally redo the basement. God is good...even though the water was coming down all over, it totally missed computers, televisions, beds, Christmas decorations, and anything of any value...all we really threw out were boxes!

So, please take some advice from a now wiser woman and check your washing machine hoses.

The Best Grass Grows in My Garden

One of God's great gifts to us is flowers. There are so many different sizes, shapes, and colors available that it continually amazes me. There is something about a flower garden that makes me relax and smile.

But no matter how hard I try to garden, like everyone else I continually fight with weeds. I don't mind pulling the ugly, thorny things out of the flower patch, but I always hesitate to remove the grass that has worked it's way past the barriers. It has fought so hard to get there and it is often the greenest, strongest grass in the yard. Why does it grow so well here and not on the other side of the barrier?

At first I thought it must be out to get me...that the grass thought out what it could do to be most annoying and then set out with a plan to take over these small plots I tried so hard to preserve. Hmmm...I don't remember learning about brains and evil intent of plants in my botany class.

After thinking about this for a while (yes, I know I need to get a life)it hit me -- the garden plots get much more attention in the way of loosened soil, fertilizer, and moisture protecting mulch. Grass will naturally grow best in those areas that are well prepared than in areas that are ignored. But when a large clump has grown it actually removes a big chunk of the garden dirt when you pull the grass out by the roots. The only way I can avoid this is to check the garden frequently and remove any small sprout of grass I see.

Sin acts in much the same way. It may sprout up and look really nice for a time in our lives. We can even pretend that it's growth is admirable and we can hesitate to remove. But without immediate attention it's roots will take over and it will be difficult to remove without taking a lot of good soil with the roots. It leaves a gaping hole in our lives that must be repaired.

The only way I can avoid sin is to examine my heart with God's help each day and remove any hint that sin is moving in. Then all that remains are the 'flowers' of my life -- the fruit of God's Spirit.

Galatians 5:16 - 25
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (NIV)

Great Contest!

Check this out (oops, I've been watching too much American Idol)... 5 Minutes for Moms has a great new contest. You can win a whole years worth of Nexcare bandages...well, it's actually 43 boxes so hopefully they will last much longer than a year.

Leave a comment and you are entered...go here http://www.5minutesformom.com/1571/nexcare-contest/

The Spirit in Me

I have been preparing a Sunday School lesson on the Holy Spirit, and I have learned so much...mostly things telling me how little I actually know! My weekly teacher challenged me to take on one class during the current series (What Really Matters - The Essential Beliefs of the Christian Faith). After looking at the agenda for the series I knew I wanted to learn more about the Holy Spirit, so I jumped right in and chose that one.

Foolish me! The totality of the Holy Spirit is so far beyond my comprehension, I have no idea how I can teach anyone anything. It seems that anyone who has ever written a Christian non-fiction book has written on on the Holy Spirit (there are 24 books on the subject at our public library alone...a search of Amazon.com books results in 53,919 hits).

Several books list facts, though, that have really helped me narrow the lesson down. They meant a lot to me and I thought I'd share them:
1. If I am a believer, I already have the Holy Spirit.
2. I are to be filled with the Holy Spirit (being filled with him is definitely different that 'having' him).
3. The Holy Spirit Gives me power for God's purposes.
4. Sin blocks the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.

The Holy Spirit is probably the least understood and the least utilized member of the Trinity. Most Christians woefully underutilize the power of the Holy Spirit, many ignore him completely. Is that because we don't understand?

Jesus had to leave this world so the Spirit could dwell within us -- and he said that was a good thing! Because I believe, I have access to the very heart of God. The Spirit will convict me, teach me, pray for me, equip me, and provide me power to complete the plan God has for my life -- if I let him.

I pray that I will actually incorporate what I learn into my life so that those around me will know that I am filled with the Spirit...not so that I can boast, but so that they can see his power and seek it for themselves.

I imagine that this study could last for the rest of my life.

Not On My Gift Registry

I'm fascinated by the life of Solomon (the current topic of my 'Bible in a Year' plan). He pulled out all the stops to build a magnificent temple for God and a grand palace for himself. There is one parenthetical passage that just floored me, though:

16 (Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire. He killed its Canaanite inhabitants and then gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter, Solomon's wife. 17 And Solomon rebuilt Gezer.) (NIV, 1 Kings 9:16-17)

Now I don't know about you, but I don't think I'd be really happy to receive a town from my father for a wedding present -- especially if I knew that all the inhabitants had been killed and then the whole town had been burned down! I am glad Solomon rebuilt the town for his bride, but I would still feel horribly guilty every time I walked in the place if I were her.

As I continued reading the text for today (1 Kings 9-11), it told of the vast riches Solomon received...absolutely amazing. I had to laugh, though, when I read that:

3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.(NIV, 1 Kings 11:3)

Well of course they led him astray, what WAS he thinking????

I hope you enjoyed your Bible reading for the day...let me know what you read and what you learned!

Checking In - Bible In A Year

Are you still with us? I haven't sent any notes out to those of us who had decided to read the Bible in a year in a while, so I thought I'd check up on you! (One of us has dropped out of the program because of massive Bible study required to prepare lessons...just checking to see if you are doing daily reading...).

I've had my good weeks and bad weeks, but after a couple of marathon reading sessions I am back on track. Today's reading (in the plan I'm on) was really good -- Solomon had just finished building the temple and he said this:

56 "Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. 57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. 58 May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers. 59 And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day's need, 60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other. 61 But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time." (1 Kings 8:56-61, NIV).

Amen!!!

We'll Miss You, Maddie

Maddie Bayer died yesterday. She is the 7 year-old girl mentioned in a post a couple of days ago. Her death won't be covered by any news organization. Her life won't be discussed much on-line like those of the victims at Virginia Tech. Yet the loss of her life shows the loss of potential just as their did. Her death seems just as senseless, just as tragic. She was the most beautiful, most brave little girl I've ever met.

Yet, as I struggle to explain death to my 7 year old boys, her friends, I know my struggle is so much less than that of her parents and her two brothers. My prayers continue to be with them.

I know Maddie was looking forward to being in heaven, she talked about wanting to laugh, play, and not hurt. A child should never have to think of those things. I hear stories about being met in heaven by those you knew who had gone on before you...who meets a young child that has not been touched by the death of others?

I suppose Jesus himself meets her. I imagine her pain has gone and she is smiling that big, beautiful smile. We'll miss you, Maddie.

A Thousand Gifts, continued

16. the smell of fresh cut grass
17. the feeling of cool, fresh cut grass on bare feet
18. bright blue skies
19. seeing the moon in the daylight

Let's Pray

I cannot help but think about the families of those killed earlier this week at Virginia Tech...each of those thirty-two families, all their neighbors and friends, those who suffered injuries, and the parents of Cho Seung-Hui are all facing pain I can't imagine. Although they can point fingers and try to find reasons behind this senseless killing, ultimately there is no one with whom they can reconcile.

I'd like to ask that you pray for all of those effected by this tragedy. Pray not only for the families of the victims, but for every person who touched Cho's life trying to help. They must be second guessing every interaction, wondering if there was some way they should have known. I can't imagine the guilt they may be feeling...even though they really couldn't have realized it would come to this. Pray for those who's last interaction with someone who died was less than pleasant...those people who wanted to share their love but didn't...those who had to be involved in the clean up...those who have to somehow go on with their lives.

Each one of these precious people needs to find the ability to forgive so they can move forward with their lives. All we can do is pray.

A tangible help

Sometimes you want to help other people, but you have no idea what to do. Boomama and some others have found a way to help Heather with the expenses she faces as she heads to the Mayo Clinic for more tests and possible surgery. You can read her story at http://www.especiallyheather.com

If you would like to help out with a love offering, click on the 'For Heather' button on the left. I'm sure they would really appreciate your help!

12. Great neighbors
13. Cookies
14. People who want to help others (especially when they have never met)
15. Clean spring air

Do It Anyway

As I sit here the house is finally quiet after our usual morning frenzy. It is a beautiful day and I can hear the birds singing outside my window. I have Martina McBride's song, Anyway, running through my head today. Specifically:

God is great, but sometimes life ain't good,
and when I pray, it doesn't always turn out like I think it should,
but I do it anyway.



There are two people who are constantly on my mind, and I ask God why bad things happen to good people. One is Heather (see button on left). She has been a momma bear protecting her cubs for years...especially Emma Grace who has had a heart transplant and who blesses others through her hardships. Now Heather has discovered a brain tumor and her future is full of tests, difficult treatments, and uncertainty.

The other is the sweetest little girl, Maddie. She has been in Kevin and Chris's Sunday School class for a few years, and she has suffered through difficult treatments for cancer. You can read her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maddiebayer. Maddie is currently in hospice care and she is in a lot of pain.

I know we aren't supposed to understand the world on this side of Heaven, but it just seems so unfair. Even though the answer I want doesn't always come, I know that God is in control. He tells us to pray, so I do it anyway.

Thank You

8. Grocery stores that have so many choices of wonderful things
9. Tangible heritage I gained because I was able to know my grandparents and great grandparents
10. Good Christian fiction
11. Cars that start right away and take me where I want to go

<

What a Difference A Day Makes

Some days we struggle with problems all day long...disobedient children, dinner that just doesn't turn out like you want, dogs that make messes on the carpet, and people who are jerks when they drive. Then, in the blink of an eye, we wish that those 'crises' were all we had to face.

I am in tears today over a woman I never met. Heather (at http://www.especiallyheather.com/) had an MRI just a day or so ago to see what was causing dizziness, and she found out she has a brain tumor. My heart breaks for how her world is turning upside down. She's facing a series of doctor visits and further tests to even understands what is really going on. Heather is a woman who has devoted her life to her children and working to ensure that her daughter with special needs gets the medical care and educational attention she needs. She cares about moms and the things they go through, and her love is demonstrated daily in her work.

Please pray for Heather and her family. They are in shock as they learn about terminology and treatments they never heard before. Heather, we stand behind you with prayer.

Walking to the Dreaded End

In our Sunday School class we are reading verses daily in preparation for a discussion on the reality of the resurrection. As I go through the verses where Jesus tells his disciples what will happen in the next few weeks, I am trying to understand his emotions during that time.

One of the last times he mentioned that he would be persecuted, killed, and then would rise after three days was on his final trip to Jerusalem. A day or two before his triumphal entry, he had this conversation in between healings, discussions with Pharisees who were trying to trip him up, and with the young rich ruler who wanted to know how to gain eternal life.

I believe Jesus made peace with his destiny in the Garden of Gethsemane, butwas he wavering prior to that time? Did he tell about his future in an attempt to convince himself to go through with it? He was fully man, and therefore I believe he was probably scared of the pain and suffering he would have to go through. I bet each step on that final journey brought him one step closer to something he was dreading.

I praise God that he continued on the path so that we can follow!

Decision

I am 46 years old and I've finally decided to give up trying to figure out what to be when I grow up. From now on I'm only going to work to figure out what God wants me to be next (or even right now...).

I'm not sure why society wants us to figure out one thing we can 'be'...especially at age 18. I know very few people who actually used their college degrees as intended. Most changed majors several times, then changed careers once out of college. If that's the way we tend to live, why do we make people choose? In fact, in the next ten years the 'gurus' say that many of the types of jobs available today won't event exist and thousands more will be available to take their place.

I spend more time struggling with what I should do or what a I want to do that I spend on just 'doing' what's in front of me. I still plan to set goals and shoot to continually improve myself, and I'll listen more closely for God's nudges. (Remind me of this next week!).

1. Grocery stores full of fabulous treats
2. Bright purple flowers on kelly green stems
3. Hail that bounces like super balls but doesn't do any damage

A Thousand Gifts

At Moms of Grace, I met a woman named Lundie. She has a terrific post where she is creating a list of one thousand gifts she's received from God. This is something started in 2006 as a way to appreciate our daily gifts instead of buying into the craziness of a commercial Christmas (click the button below to see where it all started). She shared her posts with us and I want to jump on the bandwagon to be sure I pay attention to the little daily gifts I receive that are awesome representations of God's love.

You can read Lundie's blog at http://randomwanderings.wordpress.com/
(sorry I can't make the link work...check out Lundie's comment for a direct link)

1. Salvation offered by Jesus
2. The bright green color of spring grass
3. Daffodils that don't care if the temperature drops to 29 degrees
4. Little boys who think it is hilarious to make noises with their armpits (well, it's not the noises I'm thankful for, but the giggles they produce)

<

Bible Study on Forgiveness

We have started a new Bible study at the Moms of Grace forum. We are working through the book Why Forgive, by Johann Christoph Arnold. This book is available at no charge on line...check out the study and join us if you wish!

http://www.momsofgrace.net/forumdisplay.php?f=121

A Weekend with the Girls

I just had the most wonderful long weekend! Last week was Spring Break, so everyone was home except Alicia (her break doesn't start until next week). Doug took off from work, so I actually got to see him (well, for two days, anyway...). Wednesday morning Becca, three of her friends, and I took off in our van to visit Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO. The girls spent two nights with friends in the dorms and got to experience college life first hand. They attended classes, ate in the "Caf", and learned that a hilly campus may be pretty but impractical!

While they were staying up all night having dorm parties, I got to spend quiet time in a nearby hotel. I had grand and glorious plans to do a lot of writing, but I wasn't able to get a good Internet connection for the research I needed. So I spent my time reading two new books and shopping. After the chaos that is our home, it was nice to be in a quiet place.

On Friday, the girls and I took off across the state toward Sikeston. We travelled through a part of Missouri that I've never seen before. The highway was relatively new and the scenery was great.

Doug and Sammi met us at Sikeston, and Doug took the van and the 'college bound' girls home while Sammi and I headed to Jackson, TN to surprise Alicia. She was performing in a college Variety Show and I was dying to see it. She looked fabulous in her fancy black gown and long gloves while she sang Motown hits with two other girls. About twelve of her best friends danced on the stage -- they did a wonderful job. After the show we surprised her -- she had no idea we were there. We got to go out for a midnight snack and we spent a little time together on Saturday before Sammi and I had to hit the road again.

I know I'm biased, but I am so proud of our girls. Each one has a terrific personality, and they have very different strengths. Each reflects a different view of God to me, and I learn and grow every time I am around them. As the girls get older I am honored to watch them become the women God wants them to be. There are plenty of struggles, but over time those will just make them stronger. I love spending time with the boys, too, but being able to spend time with the girls without 'testosterone distractions' is a blessing!

Thanks, girls, for making my life a loving adventure!

Daffodil Days

The verse of the day:

Jeremiah 31:25 "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (NIV)

I'm not sure why, but things have gotten totally crazy around here. Between doctors visits, school conferences, concerts, and to-do lists, it's hard to feel like I accomplish anything. Every time I cross one item off my list, it seems like three more appear. I'm starting to feel like a cartoon character, running for my life but not moving forward.

Most of the things we are involved in are really good things! Doug is starting to golf again, my writing and speaking activities are picking up, Becca is getting prepared for her mission trip to Ecuador, Sammi made the soccer team, and Alicia's choir group is coming to St. Louis on their Spring Break tour. But positive or not, everything just seems to be a bit overwhelming at the moment.

But in the midst of it all, God shines through. I walked outside yesterday and was greeted by the bobbing head of the first daffodil of the year! I'm not sure there is much that rekindles my faith than seeing spring life return after a long winter. Daffodils represent hope and faith to me. After a long winter of regrouping and re-energizing, they are persistent and prolific.

Spring is here, and it's time to go get dirt under my fingernails!

It's Party Time!

When is the last time you had a TGIF Party? Or any party for that matter? In the Old Testament there were celebrations and festivals for all kinds of things ... Habbakuk, Harvest, Passover, Day of Atonement, and many more. There were frequently feasts and days set aside for regular gathering and celebration.

The 5 Minutes for Moms Website is having a virtual party, and everyone can join in. Check it out here:

Your challenge today is to put on your party clothes, fix yourself a treat, crank up the music, and check out all the cool blogs of other people who have joined the party. If you have a blog and sign up, you might just win one of over a hundred door prizes! Come on over!