(sigh).
Well... the best laid plans... have flopped again.
I am not sure how often I will be able to post, or for how long we will have to keep wading through HOA red tape... but I will be back as soon as I can!
I'm grabbing a few spare moments at my parents to make the early announcement that it will be in your name, Jace, that Bibles will be donated to those in need.
And the verse you said God has used in a powerful way in you life?...
"Be still and know that I am God."
~Psalm 46:10
... I couldn't think of a better place to leave things for a while.
Blessings!
Elise
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Gift of Words: A Giveaway!
I grabbed my keys and called up the stairs. "Selah! It's time."
Down she came in excited thuds, dressed in her Sunday best.
A smile took over my face as I hugged her close: "you look nice! But are you sure that's what you want to wear? We're only going to the library."
She nodded an definite yes, and was trying to come across as cool and collected. But she was smiling that smile you can't help but wear when you've tried to keep from it. It had taken over her entire body and squeezed past her "big girl" voice.
"Yes. I wanted to look big-girlish. And I think I do. Because black is big-girlish, don't you think? And this is very important, big-girl day."
The laughter chokes in my throat as we walk hand in hand to the car and she straps herself quickly in her booster seat still required for children of her height and age. "Yes. You look beautiful. Very appropriate. Very big-girlish."
She talks non-stop the short five minute drive, always consciously checking her words, making sure they sound "mature" enough.
She slips her hand in mine again as I pull the heavy entrance door open and quiet washes over us with the chilly air conditioning. She leans a little closer, eyes wide watching it all, grins up into my face.
We walk to a little table, I fill out the required form, other than letting her write her name. The pen strains under her concentration as she neatly forms the curves and straights, nine letters she usually whips out taking many long moments to complete.
When she hands the request to the librarian, her glow turns even the sweet, distracted woman from the computer screen, suddenly aware of the significance of this moment.
She smiles wide and gentle, begins typing in the information, and asks for the obvious cause of this joy. "Is this your first library card?"
Big Girl dressed in her grown-up black keeps her eyes glued to the fingers tapping, holding her breath for the appearance of it. "It's my first everything card."
"Oh." Sweet Lady stifles laughter too. "Then this really is an important day."
"Yes." Selah wants to say more. The anticipation keeps her from forming any more sounds, but I see her mind racing, all the half-formed sentences.
I watch her face and grin wonder "what is it that makes this so exciting for her?"
"Here you are!" the librarian sets the card face down on the counter, extends a pen. "Please just sign your name on the back."
Selah looks wonder at me and I shine all approval "Yes. You sign it because it is yours. Go ahead!"
Several laborous moments later Selah scoots the pen back, clutches the card close and tentatively turns to walk away. "Thank you!!" She heart-whispers as loudly as she dares.
We walk among the rows and she doesn't try to contain it, joy shooting down her body like shock waves. It is all she can do to not squeal.
"Take a picture, Mom!"
No sooner have I captured this than her grin starts to give away to the serious task of choosing.
Ownership encourages her to place extra care in the words she chooses. What should she borrow? What will be under her name in her account? What words will she be responsible for taking proper care of, returning in due time so they can be passed on to others?
And I think of this watching her walk long rows, fingers tracing what she could take home.
When did I forget that words are a gift?
They are an extension of the Word Himself. A critical part of His character, so much so that He named Himself this, wrapped Himself in flesh and bone and beating heart so that we might more clearly hear His.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
~John 1:1
"The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:14
I feel a wave of joy surge deep, and I smile like the child who understands. I have access to not only countless rows of words... but also to the infinite, living, active, eternal, embracing Word.
And like she did, I look around too, into all the distracted faces... can I just tell someone how exciting this is??
It is precious to me, to own the words written by the Author of my life and faith and the only real joy. My name inscribed in gold leaf on leather covering words that lead me to understand that my name is engraved on His nail-scarred hands.
"... I will not forget you! See? I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..."
Isaiah 49:15-16
I wish everyone to clutch this gift close to their heart, whisper thank You for the endless sea of treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the mystery of Christ that pours through these words from the Living Water, never returning void back to Him from which they flow, always quenching the lowest and the driest and the deepest and the loneliest.
If you have also found life and joy through the gift of God's word... would you join me in sharing our Treasure?
Simply leave a comment sharing a scripture God has used in a powerful way in your life before Wednesday, October 12th, 9 p.m. After that time a comment will be selected at random and a gift of the written Word will be made in your name, for His Name's sake, to one who might never have had access to it otherwise.
You can also share the Word by going to www.gfa.org and clicking on the Donate link, then selecting the Bibles link. Or simply follow the links I've added here!
Let's share the Word together!
Giving thanks today in meager words for the Word who can't stop speaking His love... endlessly giving Himself...
#709-720
*the ability to read
*that the word belongs to me, and I belong to Him
*the blessing, the Life, that words share with me, make me aware of
*the smile that can't keep itself off her face
*fevers, gone quickly
*toddler turning two, indescribable gift of these 730 days with her in our lives
*mom patiently encouraging me... tirelessly helping me with a project
*Michelle
*being stretched
*hours and hours of much needed rain, the beauty of it all falling in sheets
*using words in praise... the gift of singing
*using words in prayer... the gift of open access to the throne of Grace
Down she came in excited thuds, dressed in her Sunday best.
A smile took over my face as I hugged her close: "you look nice! But are you sure that's what you want to wear? We're only going to the library."
She nodded an definite yes, and was trying to come across as cool and collected. But she was smiling that smile you can't help but wear when you've tried to keep from it. It had taken over her entire body and squeezed past her "big girl" voice.
"Yes. I wanted to look big-girlish. And I think I do. Because black is big-girlish, don't you think? And this is very important, big-girl day."
The laughter chokes in my throat as we walk hand in hand to the car and she straps herself quickly in her booster seat still required for children of her height and age. "Yes. You look beautiful. Very appropriate. Very big-girlish."
She talks non-stop the short five minute drive, always consciously checking her words, making sure they sound "mature" enough.
She slips her hand in mine again as I pull the heavy entrance door open and quiet washes over us with the chilly air conditioning. She leans a little closer, eyes wide watching it all, grins up into my face.
We walk to a little table, I fill out the required form, other than letting her write her name. The pen strains under her concentration as she neatly forms the curves and straights, nine letters she usually whips out taking many long moments to complete.
When she hands the request to the librarian, her glow turns even the sweet, distracted woman from the computer screen, suddenly aware of the significance of this moment.
She smiles wide and gentle, begins typing in the information, and asks for the obvious cause of this joy. "Is this your first library card?"
Big Girl dressed in her grown-up black keeps her eyes glued to the fingers tapping, holding her breath for the appearance of it. "It's my first everything card."
"Oh." Sweet Lady stifles laughter too. "Then this really is an important day."
"Yes." Selah wants to say more. The anticipation keeps her from forming any more sounds, but I see her mind racing, all the half-formed sentences.
I watch her face and grin wonder "what is it that makes this so exciting for her?"
"Here you are!" the librarian sets the card face down on the counter, extends a pen. "Please just sign your name on the back."
Selah looks wonder at me and I shine all approval "Yes. You sign it because it is yours. Go ahead!"
Several laborous moments later Selah scoots the pen back, clutches the card close and tentatively turns to walk away. "Thank you!!" She heart-whispers as loudly as she dares.
We walk among the rows and she doesn't try to contain it, joy shooting down her body like shock waves. It is all she can do to not squeal.
"Take a picture, Mom!"
No sooner have I captured this than her grin starts to give away to the serious task of choosing.
Ownership encourages her to place extra care in the words she chooses. What should she borrow? What will be under her name in her account? What words will she be responsible for taking proper care of, returning in due time so they can be passed on to others?
And I think of this watching her walk long rows, fingers tracing what she could take home.
When did I forget that words are a gift?
They are an extension of the Word Himself. A critical part of His character, so much so that He named Himself this, wrapped Himself in flesh and bone and beating heart so that we might more clearly hear His.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
~John 1:1
"The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:14
I feel a wave of joy surge deep, and I smile like the child who understands. I have access to not only countless rows of words... but also to the infinite, living, active, eternal, embracing Word.
And like she did, I look around too, into all the distracted faces... can I just tell someone how exciting this is??
It is precious to me, to own the words written by the Author of my life and faith and the only real joy. My name inscribed in gold leaf on leather covering words that lead me to understand that my name is engraved on His nail-scarred hands.
"... I will not forget you! See? I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..."
Isaiah 49:15-16
I wish everyone to clutch this gift close to their heart, whisper thank You for the endless sea of treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the mystery of Christ that pours through these words from the Living Water, never returning void back to Him from which they flow, always quenching the lowest and the driest and the deepest and the loneliest.
If you have also found life and joy through the gift of God's word... would you join me in sharing our Treasure?
Simply leave a comment sharing a scripture God has used in a powerful way in your life before Wednesday, October 12th, 9 p.m. After that time a comment will be selected at random and a gift of the written Word will be made in your name, for His Name's sake, to one who might never have had access to it otherwise.
You can also share the Word by going to www.gfa.org and clicking on the Donate link, then selecting the Bibles link. Or simply follow the links I've added here!
Let's share the Word together!
Giving thanks today in meager words for the Word who can't stop speaking His love... endlessly giving Himself...
#709-720
*the ability to read
*that the word belongs to me, and I belong to Him
*the blessing, the Life, that words share with me, make me aware of
*the smile that can't keep itself off her face
*fevers, gone quickly
*toddler turning two, indescribable gift of these 730 days with her in our lives
*mom patiently encouraging me... tirelessly helping me with a project
*Michelle
*being stretched
*hours and hours of much needed rain, the beauty of it all falling in sheets
*using words in praise... the gift of singing
*using words in prayer... the gift of open access to the throne of Grace
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Quiet Time Series, The First Hurdle: Discipline vs. Legalism
I have believed a lot of lies without realizing it.
I have believed them, and lived them out, because they are subtly wrapped in some truth.
The first hurdle to have a productive "quiet time"(a time set aside for placing my full attention on the LORD) was, for me, wrestling out in my mind, heart, and spirit the difference between being disciplined, and being legalistic.
Even when I would plan to meet with God at a certain hour, inevitably that is when my child would wake up.
Or, I would receive a phone call or text message or email that seemed so urgent that I MUST respond at the earliest possible moment. I would then be up so late or so emotionally drained or so unmotivated that I just didn't force myself to take time for Him.
As I crashed hard into sleep I would be thinking: "the LORD understands that I have small children, and these events were beyond my control. I know He wants me to be available to these people in my life. I know He also wants me to rest, I have to sleep sometime, and the baby will be up soon..."
I was truly torn about what to do. If I didn't give myself grace for these current life situations... wasn't I being legalistic? God doesn't want that for me either. He doesn't want me to feel "forced" to spend time with Him when I am beyond exhausted.
The cycle of my days would continue, and habits are hard to change.
Sometimes, I would have several days in a row of meeting with Him... then somehow I would look back and realize it had been about two weeks of not fully stopping, or even slowing, to try to hear His voice.
I came across a few verses that still ring loud and clear in my mind when I am tempted to let my time with Him slide for a million "legitimate" reasons.
"Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
The words strict training were such a blessing from God to my confused heart. He communicated to me that I would continue to feel, and live out, that I was "running aimlessly" and "beating the air" and would even myself be "disqualified for the prize" if I did not put myself under strict training in regards to my time with Him.
Being consistent in my time with Him even when I didn't feel like it, or have the energy, was not being legalistic... it was for my benefit, to build stronger spiritual muscles through strict training/being disciplined to get a crown that will last forever.
There is an end to this race in life. And I don't know when that is.
But I hope to run for a long time, and to run well, and how can I do that without strict training?
Then the LORD said this:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and set down at the right hand of the throne of God. "
Hebrew 12:1-2
I had never really considered myself as being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. When I was in track in high school and running a race... I gave it my all. Not that I didn't try hard during practice. But in a race, I realized that I had one chance to do my very best, and I cared very much that those watching would be able to see that effort.
And I realized: I don't view each day that way. One chance. One race. One day never to be relived.
And my specific, personal, individually tailored race has. been. marked out by Him who knows what He has created me to do.
"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
~Psalm 139:16
When I did accept that truth, for the first time I really wanted to throw off everything that hinders... not because those things were a "sin", in fact, they are specifically listed separate from sins in the verse, but because the "good" can become opposed to the "best".
One specific example of this is that I realized that if my quiet time got derailed in the morning by a child waking up I would go to the computer to check emails etc. before having my time with God. I ended up changing my password to log onto my computer to "GOD FIRST" so that I would have to intentionally choose to put off my time with Him further for the sake of... emails? Checking facebook? "Down time"?
Like Martha, there are always, endless, preparations that have to be made... but the LORD clearly says that listening to Him is the only thing that is needed. That will be choosing what is better, and it will not be taken away from us.
If I don't listen, I can not hear. And faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
~Hebrews 11:6
God continually reminds me the real reason He is calling me to Himself.
He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
With Himself.
He will confide in you. He will make His covenant known to you.
Because He loves you.
That is the heart of the covenant. That is the heart of what our needs are every. single. day.
We need to known, to remember, to be told, to hear, to believe that we are loved.
You are.
I am.
So.... once I jumped the hurdle that it was not legalistic to put myself under strict training and become consistent in my time with Him, but that it was a necessary discipline to do the only thing that was needed, that would not be taken away, and to have faith to be able to please God and to be able to hear that He loves me... I began to work out the "how" and "when" and "what" of my quiet times.
More on that next Saturday.
Much love sweet friends,
Elise
I have believed them, and lived them out, because they are subtly wrapped in some truth.
The first hurdle to have a productive "quiet time"(a time set aside for placing my full attention on the LORD) was, for me, wrestling out in my mind, heart, and spirit the difference between being disciplined, and being legalistic.
Even when I would plan to meet with God at a certain hour, inevitably that is when my child would wake up.
Or, I would receive a phone call or text message or email that seemed so urgent that I MUST respond at the earliest possible moment. I would then be up so late or so emotionally drained or so unmotivated that I just didn't force myself to take time for Him.
As I crashed hard into sleep I would be thinking: "the LORD understands that I have small children, and these events were beyond my control. I know He wants me to be available to these people in my life. I know He also wants me to rest, I have to sleep sometime, and the baby will be up soon..."
I was truly torn about what to do. If I didn't give myself grace for these current life situations... wasn't I being legalistic? God doesn't want that for me either. He doesn't want me to feel "forced" to spend time with Him when I am beyond exhausted.
The cycle of my days would continue, and habits are hard to change.
Sometimes, I would have several days in a row of meeting with Him... then somehow I would look back and realize it had been about two weeks of not fully stopping, or even slowing, to try to hear His voice.
I came across a few verses that still ring loud and clear in my mind when I am tempted to let my time with Him slide for a million "legitimate" reasons.
"Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
The words strict training were such a blessing from God to my confused heart. He communicated to me that I would continue to feel, and live out, that I was "running aimlessly" and "beating the air" and would even myself be "disqualified for the prize" if I did not put myself under strict training in regards to my time with Him.
Being consistent in my time with Him even when I didn't feel like it, or have the energy, was not being legalistic... it was for my benefit, to build stronger spiritual muscles through strict training/being disciplined to get a crown that will last forever.
There is an end to this race in life. And I don't know when that is.
But I hope to run for a long time, and to run well, and how can I do that without strict training?
Then the LORD said this:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and set down at the right hand of the throne of God. "
Hebrew 12:1-2
I had never really considered myself as being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. When I was in track in high school and running a race... I gave it my all. Not that I didn't try hard during practice. But in a race, I realized that I had one chance to do my very best, and I cared very much that those watching would be able to see that effort.
And I realized: I don't view each day that way. One chance. One race. One day never to be relived.
And my specific, personal, individually tailored race has. been. marked out by Him who knows what He has created me to do.
"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
~Psalm 139:16
When I did accept that truth, for the first time I really wanted to throw off everything that hinders... not because those things were a "sin", in fact, they are specifically listed separate from sins in the verse, but because the "good" can become opposed to the "best".
One specific example of this is that I realized that if my quiet time got derailed in the morning by a child waking up I would go to the computer to check emails etc. before having my time with God. I ended up changing my password to log onto my computer to "GOD FIRST" so that I would have to intentionally choose to put off my time with Him further for the sake of... emails? Checking facebook? "Down time"?
Like Martha, there are always, endless, preparations that have to be made... but the LORD clearly says that listening to Him is the only thing that is needed. That will be choosing what is better, and it will not be taken away from us.
If I don't listen, I can not hear. And faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
~Hebrews 11:6
God continually reminds me the real reason He is calling me to Himself.
He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
With Himself.
He will confide in you. He will make His covenant known to you.
Because He loves you.
That is the heart of the covenant. That is the heart of what our needs are every. single. day.
We need to known, to remember, to be told, to hear, to believe that we are loved.
You are.
I am.
So.... once I jumped the hurdle that it was not legalistic to put myself under strict training and become consistent in my time with Him, but that it was a necessary discipline to do the only thing that was needed, that would not be taken away, and to have faith to be able to please God and to be able to hear that He loves me... I began to work out the "how" and "when" and "what" of my quiet times.
More on that next Saturday.
Much love sweet friends,
Elise
Friday, October 7, 2011
Project Update
So... it's definitely still a work in progress, but I should be done by the end of next week!
Here are a couple more teaser pics!
I have a lot of left over fabric from my wedding canopy...
... that is currently being re-purposed as pillow covers...
I have never sewn anything before in my life. Sewing on a button is a huge accomplishment for me.
And though I have had quite a lot of help and instruction from my amazing mother(who was sewing her own clothes by 12 years old), I am actually doing about 90% on my own!
I also have this piece from my sister Michelle, and it's going to work perfectly!
Can't wait to show you more! I know I am going to be very happy when it is all put together!
Here are a couple more teaser pics!
I have a lot of left over fabric from my wedding canopy...
... that is currently being re-purposed as pillow covers...
I have never sewn anything before in my life. Sewing on a button is a huge accomplishment for me.
And though I have had quite a lot of help and instruction from my amazing mother(who was sewing her own clothes by 12 years old), I am actually doing about 90% on my own!
I also have this piece from my sister Michelle, and it's going to work perfectly!
Can't wait to show you more! I know I am going to be very happy when it is all put together!
If You Don't Get Anything Out of Your Quiet Time: A Series Introduction
For years, I read my Bible and walked away unaffected.
Even when I wanted to focus, when I tried to focus, I either could not understand what I was reading, or I did not retain God's word in any applicable way.
I could read the same section of scripture over and over and if you had asked me an hour later what I had read I probably would have said something like "well, I read in the book of ____, something about _____, ...I think? I can't really remember. "
I didn't know how to read my Bible. I didn't know how to "hear" God through the black and white and red.
And when I prayed, honestly, it almost always felt like a monologue, not a two-way conversation.
Fast forward several years...
When I became pregnant with Selah at 19, I knew I needed to know the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I wanted to be able to teach her things I didn't yet know myself. I knew that her spiritual life, issues on how she viewed "father", would most likely already be complicated and more difficult for her due to my choices.
But I knew God said He was the Father to the fatherless. Then my questions were... how do I introduce them to each other when I don't even know Him myself? How do I teach her to daily walk with Him and talk to Him? How do I teach her to keep her heart safe in relationship with Him when I haven't done that?
Because it is a relationship.
And because of that motivation to be able to guide Selah, and because of that beautiful truth... the astounding truth that He longs to be in relationship with us... with even me... I learned through His leadership how to listen for His voice. Through His word. Through prayer. Through nature. Through conversations with other people. Through sermons with "similar" themes I'd heard my whole life. Through books. Through music. Through ugliness. Through sin. Through feelings. Through lack of feelings.
I am still learning. This is a life long relationship.
But I wanted to share some of what He's shown me... because I am so grateful for the countless ways others have helped me through what He has shown them.
Thus, this series.
I will post some suggestions, thoughts, details on how I walk with God every Saturday for the next few weeks.
In advance, thank you for grace.
Even when I wanted to focus, when I tried to focus, I either could not understand what I was reading, or I did not retain God's word in any applicable way.
I could read the same section of scripture over and over and if you had asked me an hour later what I had read I probably would have said something like "well, I read in the book of ____, something about _____, ...I think? I can't really remember. "
I didn't know how to read my Bible. I didn't know how to "hear" God through the black and white and red.
And when I prayed, honestly, it almost always felt like a monologue, not a two-way conversation.
Fast forward several years...
When I became pregnant with Selah at 19, I knew I needed to know the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I wanted to be able to teach her things I didn't yet know myself. I knew that her spiritual life, issues on how she viewed "father", would most likely already be complicated and more difficult for her due to my choices.
But I knew God said He was the Father to the fatherless. Then my questions were... how do I introduce them to each other when I don't even know Him myself? How do I teach her to daily walk with Him and talk to Him? How do I teach her to keep her heart safe in relationship with Him when I haven't done that?
Because it is a relationship.
And because of that motivation to be able to guide Selah, and because of that beautiful truth... the astounding truth that He longs to be in relationship with us... with even me... I learned through His leadership how to listen for His voice. Through His word. Through prayer. Through nature. Through conversations with other people. Through sermons with "similar" themes I'd heard my whole life. Through books. Through music. Through ugliness. Through sin. Through feelings. Through lack of feelings.
I am still learning. This is a life long relationship.
But I wanted to share some of what He's shown me... because I am so grateful for the countless ways others have helped me through what He has shown them.
Thus, this series.
I will post some suggestions, thoughts, details on how I walk with God every Saturday for the next few weeks.
In advance, thank you for grace.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Husband Love: A Recipe and a Resource
I see him less than when we were dating...
... less than when we were engaged...
... less since the vows were sealed in rings of gold. Daily life somehow has a way of doing that.
And I'm thinking about it again, especially since it is almost a year since my Grandmom passed out of this world and into the embrace of her first Love and life partner who had preceded her.
I'm thinking about her eulogy. Her legacy. And I'm dwelling on the perspective that my Dad once spoke to me that shook my way of viewing others.
"My perspective on situations and relationships really changed when I stopped viewing others as a part of my life, and started asking myself 'what part of their life am I'?"
I am praying about this now: what part of my husband's life am I?
In the few hours we see each other a day, am I expressing my love for him? Or am I just letting the moments slip by in exhaustion, distraction, grumpiness, to-do lists and chores... assuming tomorrow will always come, and this time can be taken for granted?
LORD, let it not be so!
So. I am trying to be intentional about doing little things I know are not insignificant to him. I've posted before about how he loves food. Eating is a love language for him. So when my amazing sister recommended this delicious recipe to me, I couldn't wait to make it for him!
Melissa, he loved it.**Thank you!**
I made a couple of adjustments due to available ingredients, but was still quite satisfied with the result. If you have a husband who also thinks that "food" should be added to the list of love languages, then consider giving this a try!
A piece of honey wheat bread, lightly toasted, with a generous spread of basil pesto (an English muffin was recommended, and I think that would make this extra tasty)...
one hard boiled egg sprinkled with a touch of fresh ground black pepper and salt...
avocado(you have to have avocado)...
bell pepper, jalapeno, and tomato diced and drizzled then topped with thinly grated cheddar cheese!
He was a little skeptical of the combination of flavors, but quickly gave it his stamp of approval! He did not quite suggest, but did mention, that crumbled bacon would be a nice touch to this dish as well(no surprise there!).
And when he went upstairs to change into work clothes, I slipped a note in his lunch box.
Because I say a lot of words. And they're not always beneficial, encouraging, and uplifting. I wish they were, and pray I am growing that direction.
And though my husband is not as "wordy" as I am... I know what I say and write has deep impact on him. So I write my love for him and pray God lets these things from my heart take root in, and nurture, his.
You can find these love notes and other wonderful resources/aids for expressing love and appreciation for your husband here, or here, or possibly even at your local hobby lobby(where I found the notes I have).
... less than when we were engaged...
... less since the vows were sealed in rings of gold. Daily life somehow has a way of doing that.
And I'm thinking about it again, especially since it is almost a year since my Grandmom passed out of this world and into the embrace of her first Love and life partner who had preceded her.
I'm thinking about her eulogy. Her legacy. And I'm dwelling on the perspective that my Dad once spoke to me that shook my way of viewing others.
"My perspective on situations and relationships really changed when I stopped viewing others as a part of my life, and started asking myself 'what part of their life am I'?"
I am praying about this now: what part of my husband's life am I?
In the few hours we see each other a day, am I expressing my love for him? Or am I just letting the moments slip by in exhaustion, distraction, grumpiness, to-do lists and chores... assuming tomorrow will always come, and this time can be taken for granted?
LORD, let it not be so!
So. I am trying to be intentional about doing little things I know are not insignificant to him. I've posted before about how he loves food. Eating is a love language for him. So when my amazing sister recommended this delicious recipe to me, I couldn't wait to make it for him!
Melissa, he loved it.**Thank you!**
I made a couple of adjustments due to available ingredients, but was still quite satisfied with the result. If you have a husband who also thinks that "food" should be added to the list of love languages, then consider giving this a try!
A piece of honey wheat bread, lightly toasted, with a generous spread of basil pesto (an English muffin was recommended, and I think that would make this extra tasty)...
one hard boiled egg sprinkled with a touch of fresh ground black pepper and salt...
avocado(you have to have avocado)...
bell pepper, jalapeno, and tomato diced and drizzled then topped with thinly grated cheddar cheese!
He was a little skeptical of the combination of flavors, but quickly gave it his stamp of approval! He did not quite suggest, but did mention, that crumbled bacon would be a nice touch to this dish as well(no surprise there!).
And when he went upstairs to change into work clothes, I slipped a note in his lunch box.
Because I say a lot of words. And they're not always beneficial, encouraging, and uplifting. I wish they were, and pray I am growing that direction.
And though my husband is not as "wordy" as I am... I know what I say and write has deep impact on him. So I write my love for him and pray God lets these things from my heart take root in, and nurture, his.
You can find these love notes and other wonderful resources/aids for expressing love and appreciation for your husband here, or here, or possibly even at your local hobby lobby(where I found the notes I have).
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
We Shall Have Spring Again
I don't know where it came from. Just a numbing sadness.
It settled down soundlessly and grew in depth throughout the day.
I couldn't even seem to pray, too weak to ask for His help.
All the truth I know could not shake the winter that had dropped silent, cold and lonely on my spirit.
And I read emails. Others were struggling too. And such pain whispered and screamed across the screen in friend updates... and that sweet fellow soccer mom at practice... and more.
And though the weather is beautiful, the children laughing, and the blessings overflowing... the soul winter remained.
But.
But...
I read it after the little girl growing so tall pleaded with bright eyes and a hopeful smile... the next chapter in this story she already knows the end to...
It's winter. And never Christmas. And the children have an enemy who is determined to hunt them down and turn them to stone to keep what's long been promised from being fulfilled. A brother is choosing the enemy's side, and works against them, betraying their love and relationship for the sake of perceived gain.
But they feel it even there, even as strangers in a world not their home, the power and the promise and the hope at the sound of His great name.
"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
It settled down soundlessly and grew in depth throughout the day.
I couldn't even seem to pray, too weak to ask for His help.
All the truth I know could not shake the winter that had dropped silent, cold and lonely on my spirit.
And I read emails. Others were struggling too. And such pain whispered and screamed across the screen in friend updates... and that sweet fellow soccer mom at practice... and more.
And though the weather is beautiful, the children laughing, and the blessings overflowing... the soul winter remained.
But.
But...
I read it after the little girl growing so tall pleaded with bright eyes and a hopeful smile... the next chapter in this story she already knows the end to...
It's winter. And never Christmas. And the children have an enemy who is determined to hunt them down and turn them to stone to keep what's long been promised from being fulfilled. A brother is choosing the enemy's side, and works against them, betraying their love and relationship for the sake of perceived gain.
But they feel it even there, even as strangers in a world not their home, the power and the promise and the hope at the sound of His great name.
"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."
~C.S. Lewis
And she has to know, heart wide open and wondering as fall creeps in ever cooler through her open window... will it be like that? Will God come back in the winter time? And make it spring again?
I smooth down wild curls and they bounce right back, child all framed by this untamed, resilient beauty. "No one knows what day or time or year... but when He comes, and He is coming, spiritual winter will meet its death."
She nods a fierce kind of grinning excitement. Yes. Of course. And she is fearless and ready to fight all that stands opposed... as bold as a Lion.
Then we whisper it in prayers together in the cold dark, the Name that fans the flame to a roaring fire inside this child that I am... "Lord Jesus..."
Her eyes close to accept rest but her mouth can't stop smiling.
And I think I see the way through these thick, cry-muffling woods and cold that I keep sinking into. One step at a time. One word. I can say that one word.
Jesus.
It's the best prayer I've prayed in days.
And I think about Him coming... with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God...
And I say His name and recognize Him here... near.
Jesus.
And maybe you too can squeeze it out past all that's choking in your throat and spirit?... Jesus.
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
"No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power."
~Jeremiah 10:6
She nods a fierce kind of grinning excitement. Yes. Of course. And she is fearless and ready to fight all that stands opposed... as bold as a Lion.
Then we whisper it in prayers together in the cold dark, the Name that fans the flame to a roaring fire inside this child that I am... "Lord Jesus..."
Her eyes close to accept rest but her mouth can't stop smiling.
And I think I see the way through these thick, cry-muffling woods and cold that I keep sinking into. One step at a time. One word. I can say that one word.
Jesus.
It's the best prayer I've prayed in days.
And I think about Him coming... with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God...
And I say His name and recognize Him here... near.
Jesus.
And maybe you too can squeeze it out past all that's choking in your throat and spirit?... Jesus.
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.
"No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power."
~Jeremiah 10:6
Monday, October 3, 2011
Time is the Currency of Love: A Jesus Story Box Story
The husband read this to me last night, from a book I love and highly recommend:
"All of us are given exactly the same amount of time each day-24 hours, or 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. No matter how you look at it, it's the same for each of us. The difference lies, however, in how each of us deals with it... What would you do if every morning your bank phoned, informing you that your account had been credited in the amount of 86,400 pennies($864)---but with the stipulation that it had to be spent that very day? No balance could be carried over to the next day. Every evening canceled whatever sum you failed to use. Think about what you could do with such a gift. You would probably draw out and use every cent every day."
~When I Relax I Feel Guilty by Tim Hansel
It reminded me of this Jesus Story Box story, as time seems to be slipping away at alarming rates as my toddler nears her 2nd birthday, and I find my self surprised to be already in my 33rd week of pregnancy.
***************************
In my ninth month, on the ninth day after my due date, swollen and exhausted and increasingly anxious with anticipation I rose early to meet with Him.
"All of us are given exactly the same amount of time each day-24 hours, or 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. No matter how you look at it, it's the same for each of us. The difference lies, however, in how each of us deals with it... What would you do if every morning your bank phoned, informing you that your account had been credited in the amount of 86,400 pennies($864)---but with the stipulation that it had to be spent that very day? No balance could be carried over to the next day. Every evening canceled whatever sum you failed to use. Think about what you could do with such a gift. You would probably draw out and use every cent every day."
~When I Relax I Feel Guilty by Tim Hansel
It reminded me of this Jesus Story Box story, as time seems to be slipping away at alarming rates as my toddler nears her 2nd birthday, and I find my self surprised to be already in my 33rd week of pregnancy.
***************************
In my ninth month, on the ninth day after my due date, swollen and exhausted and increasingly anxious with anticipation I rose early to meet with Him.
The memory of my twenty-six and half hours of labor with my firstborn stretching tight and thin my peace about the imminent pain.
My body groaned for sleep. The sound, deep, restful kind I hadn't had for weeks. But I ached for His face more. I needed His voice and His hand holding mine through every bearing down and breathing through the burning pressure that births new life.
I read this, hear His voice of Truth behind the ink, and have to stop because I don't know exactly what it means.
I read this, hear His voice of Truth behind the ink, and have to stop because I don't know exactly what it means.
"Time is the currency of love. "
I cradle her close, the wombed one soon to be seen face to face. The incarnation of love that has been growing these last nine months, thousands of pennies of my time stacking up to this: the glorious moment He's had planned from the beginning when she breathes earth's air and clutches tight in fisted hands the first currency of her time in this world and let's us know in no uncertain terms that she is here. A wealth of Him to enrich this poverty stricken place.
This follows: "The greatest temptation of our time is impatience, in it's full, original meaning: refusal to wait, undergo, suffer."
~Eugen Rosenstock Huessy
I shift but cannot find a comfortable position, cannot rush this current condition. Pain, discomfort, and exhaustion team up against me to stretch me thin with discouragement. I say it to Him raw and plainly. It hurts to wait. To undergo. To suffer.
For His response I reach for His words and He speaks as the One who lovingly endured more than I can comprehend... all for the joy set before Him.
And the Word takes on flesh and sits with me, making alive the words I've heard often.
I shift but cannot find a comfortable position, cannot rush this current condition. Pain, discomfort, and exhaustion team up against me to stretch me thin with discouragement. I say it to Him raw and plainly. It hurts to wait. To undergo. To suffer.
For His response I reach for His words and He speaks as the One who lovingly endured more than I can comprehend... all for the joy set before Him.
And the Word takes on flesh and sits with me, making alive the words I've heard often.
"Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful..."
I breathe that much needed encouragement in deep and hold it long. You are working on me because I do bear fruit... so I will bear more fruit...
But what does it mean that You will prune, clean? Can this ever be separate from some kind of pain or discomfort? Some cutting off what obstinate clings, or scrubbing clean the stubborn dirt from the deep crevices?
I whisper it quiet to the gentle Gardener tending this impatient patch of weeds in my tangled, anxious heart. I'm a mess and I don't know how to stop this impatience from springing up headstrong and choking out the tender shoots that would eventually grow into fruit.
How can I bear more spiritual fruit through the pain and discomfort I am experiencing?
He answers my questions with a question. What is spiritual fruit?
I know this. I rush. "The fruit of the Spirt are love, joy, peace..."
Slow. He says. Slow.
Slow. He says. Slow.
Love is listed first. And what are the defining characteristics of the only Real Love that you long to be like?
My heart has learned from having lived and experienced the opposite. "Love is patient..."
How often have you prayed to spirit-learn and live out patience? I am giving you what you've asked of Me.
I don't know if I've ever looked it up before, so I do: What is patience? What exactly have I been asking for?
The definition reads: Patience: is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties.
I think of my brother who half-jokingly says he has learned not to pray to learn patience. And I begin to wonder: why would any sane person want to do this? Why pray this prayer for patience? A fruit that can only be borne under difficult circumstances, that requires perseverance through delay, provocation, under strain? And then in the bearing fruit to know I will be further pruned to bear more fruit?
I turn to His words again.
"Apart from Me you can do nothing... This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples... if you obey my commands you will remain in my love... I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
~John 15:8,10-11
Joy.
In the fruit of the spirit... joy is listed on the heels of love. I think it again: The very first biblical description of love is patient. Can one have joy without love? Without being patient?
And Love whispers to me: "My command is this: love each other as I have loved you."
~John 15:12
That is a lot of patience.
He encourages me that He would not ask me something which I could not do. He reminds "you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit---fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."
Can I ask for anything correctly without patience?
Again, He restates it to me: "This is my command: love each other."
This fruit is meant to nourish others, for His glory, that my joy may be complete.
I will patiently wait, LORD, learning to love and bear fruit for your glory, until whatever time You decide to bring this baby into the world. Thank You for the gift of this lesson I would not have learned if she had been born sooner.
An hour and a half later, labor began.
I turn to His words again.
"Apart from Me you can do nothing... This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples... if you obey my commands you will remain in my love... I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
~John 15:8,10-11
Joy.
In the fruit of the spirit... joy is listed on the heels of love. I think it again: The very first biblical description of love is patient. Can one have joy without love? Without being patient?
And Love whispers to me: "My command is this: love each other as I have loved you."
~John 15:12
That is a lot of patience.
He encourages me that He would not ask me something which I could not do. He reminds "you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit---fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."
Can I ask for anything correctly without patience?
Again, He restates it to me: "This is my command: love each other."
This fruit is meant to nourish others, for His glory, that my joy may be complete.
I will patiently wait, LORD, learning to love and bear fruit for your glory, until whatever time You decide to bring this baby into the world. Thank You for the gift of this lesson I would not have learned if she had been born sooner.
An hour and a half later, labor began.
All the straining, persevering moments (28 hours/1,680 minutes) added up to the astounding wealth of this:
*******************************
What I am thinking through again: How do I spend my time? Is there anyone I have been impatient/unloving/not bearing fruit for His glory/not showing myself to be His disciple towards lately?
Taking these next few moments to stack up praise to Him, giving back some of the time, the talents, that the Master entrusts to me... I pray to hear well done for how I invest them...
#692-708
*the house cleaned and ready in time for the social worker visit
* our spirits and attitudes--clean and ready to greet her--to share our experience of Christ's grace and redeeming love through this broken situation
*Selah's child filter and what stands out to her from conversations, situations
*stacks of library books
*getting kicked dozens of times a day by the active daughter in my womb
*squash plants growing big enough to "eat our BBQ pit" as the husband says
*window light diffused through white curtains
*a passionate husband--about hobbies, family, me, the children, God's word, the truth
*the sweet goodbyes before he leaves for work
*all doors and windows left open and fall breezing through
*brilliant electric storm reminding our smallness and His power
*cheery candles when the lights went out
*God providing above and beyond through work
*waiting patiently, trusting that the baby will turn exactly how God wants her to
*iron helping the anemia
*He prunes so His joy will be in me
*It is His joy that is my strength
Saturday, October 1, 2011
My Husband Always Says I am Terrible at Surprises
Yeah, yeah, I guess I am.
Okay, I am.
But... this project has been a long time coming!
And we're still working some things out...
(and yes, my child does wear clothes... but what's the point of dressing a toddler then handing them paint?)
But we're having so much fun in the process, and Selah's working so meticulously, taking such ownership...
(I just love how she sits, curling one sweet foot around the chair leg)
Okay, I am.
But... this project has been a long time coming!
And we're still working some things out...
(and yes, my child does wear clothes... but what's the point of dressing a toddler then handing them paint?)
But we're having so much fun in the process, and Selah's working so meticulously, taking such ownership...
(I just love how she sits, curling one sweet foot around the chair leg)
... that I wanted to share my joy with some teaser pics of a part of what we are creating...
Now keep me accountable people! I want to give an update on this project at least once a week... so if I don't... ask me!! : ) Maybe this way it'll actually get done before my third daughter arrives.
***Which, by the way, is startlingly close. I'm 32 weeks! When did that happen??... But that's a different post.***
May the LORD bless you and protect you this day, friends! May the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you! May the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.
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