what God is up to?
I am a person who believes that God is in complete control of absolutely everything, and that there is a reason/purpose for everything.
I sometimes think of God as an artist, painting a portrait of our lives. Sometimes, we are able to step back and see the brush strokes He uses, and the colors He chooses, but we don't know what the finished picture will look like. But HE does.
There are a few unresolved situations in my life right now. I don't know how they will turn out. I don't know what the finished picture will look like. But I am honored to be the subject of a painting by The Greatest Artist that could ever be. HE knows exactly what the picture is going to look like, and because He is the artist, I know it's going to be beautiful!!
Vicki
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
An Open Letter To My Husband And......
all the other men who need to get a clue about their wives.
Dear Husband,
I truly, deeply love with you with all of my heart. I know beyond any shadow of doubt that God brought us together, and that He chose us for each other. You're a wonderful, Godly man, and a great father.
There are, however, a few things that I wish I could get you to really, truly, deeply, in your heart of hearts, KNOW.
1. It is not ALWAYS "that time of the month".
2. When I am in ANYTHING that you refer to as "a mood" whether it be sad, angry, pensive, or just "deep in thought", don't automatically assume that it's about you, or even that it has anything to do with you. My moods are one of the few things that I can truly call my own, so just let me have them, okay?
3. "Go ask your Mama" is NOT the correct answer to ANY question when said Mama is in the bathroom, cooking a meal, cleaning anything, working at the desk, OR watching a baseball game.
4. Camping is NOT a vacation. Camping is work, discomfort, dirt, bugs, and boredom. I can accept camping as a punishment for a crime, a form of torture, and for some, maybe, an activiity, but it is not in any way, shape or form a VACATION. To use the words camping and vacation in the same sentence is an absolute vile abomination.
5. Contrary to your opinion, the world should NOT come to a screeching halt for every college football game. It SHOULD, however, take a hiatus during the World Series.
6. YES, I NEED to talk on the phone that much, YES I NEED that long to get ready, and YES, I occasionally NEED chocolate.
Please committ these facts to memory. It will make both our lives SO much easier.
Love you bunches,
Your Wife
Dear Husband,
I truly, deeply love with you with all of my heart. I know beyond any shadow of doubt that God brought us together, and that He chose us for each other. You're a wonderful, Godly man, and a great father.
There are, however, a few things that I wish I could get you to really, truly, deeply, in your heart of hearts, KNOW.
1. It is not ALWAYS "that time of the month".
2. When I am in ANYTHING that you refer to as "a mood" whether it be sad, angry, pensive, or just "deep in thought", don't automatically assume that it's about you, or even that it has anything to do with you. My moods are one of the few things that I can truly call my own, so just let me have them, okay?
3. "Go ask your Mama" is NOT the correct answer to ANY question when said Mama is in the bathroom, cooking a meal, cleaning anything, working at the desk, OR watching a baseball game.
4. Camping is NOT a vacation. Camping is work, discomfort, dirt, bugs, and boredom. I can accept camping as a punishment for a crime, a form of torture, and for some, maybe, an activiity, but it is not in any way, shape or form a VACATION. To use the words camping and vacation in the same sentence is an absolute vile abomination.
5. Contrary to your opinion, the world should NOT come to a screeching halt for every college football game. It SHOULD, however, take a hiatus during the World Series.
6. YES, I NEED to talk on the phone that much, YES I NEED that long to get ready, and YES, I occasionally NEED chocolate.
Please committ these facts to memory. It will make both our lives SO much easier.
Love you bunches,
Your Wife
Monday, August 20, 2007
Thump, Thump, Thump, AARRGGHH!!!!
THAT is the sound of me banging my head against the wall, and screaming, because that is what I feel like doing right now!!
I went to a particular website that I often visit when I could use a bit of encouragement, especially regarding homeschooling. Today, what I found there was a discussion thread all about the misguided notion that homeschooled kids are "abused" because they are not "socialized"!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHGGG!!!!!!
Then, when I was over at the local elementary school where my parents work, I saw this sign on the wall in the gymnasium. This sign displays a list of the rules that must be followed by the children who arrive at school early, and must wait in the gym for classes to begin.
1. You must sit on the line designated for your class. ( this is followed by a list that reads: 1st grade on the blue line, 2nd grade on the red line, etc.)
2. You may speak ONLY in whispers, and ONLY to the person next to you.
3. No toys, playing cards, or collector cards (ie pokemon or yugi-oh) of any kind.
4. You must remain in your seat and with your class until your class is dismissed from the gym. Please walk single file from the gym to your classroom. No talking in line.
Um, okay. So, my children, who are obviously unsocialized, deprived homeschoolers, NEED to go to school so they can learn to SOCIALIZE? Oh, really? How? By being forbidden to play with toys or cards that they might possibly want to ( dare I say it?) SHARE with a friend?
By being forced to sit on a colored line with ONLY children their own age? Are they to learn to socialize ONLY in whispers, and ONLY with the person directly beside them? Will they learn to get along with other people by learning to walk in a single file line, at the sound of a bell, looking only forward and speaking to no one?
THIS is the "socialization" I'm supposed to WANT my kids to learn?
To me, it sounds less like learning to socialize and more like learning to BE a SOCIALIST.
Well, in that case, no thanks. We believe in getting along with EVERYONE of EVERY age. We don't believe in socialization.
Vicki
I went to a particular website that I often visit when I could use a bit of encouragement, especially regarding homeschooling. Today, what I found there was a discussion thread all about the misguided notion that homeschooled kids are "abused" because they are not "socialized"!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHGGG!!!!!!
Then, when I was over at the local elementary school where my parents work, I saw this sign on the wall in the gymnasium. This sign displays a list of the rules that must be followed by the children who arrive at school early, and must wait in the gym for classes to begin.
1. You must sit on the line designated for your class. ( this is followed by a list that reads: 1st grade on the blue line, 2nd grade on the red line, etc.)
2. You may speak ONLY in whispers, and ONLY to the person next to you.
3. No toys, playing cards, or collector cards (ie pokemon or yugi-oh) of any kind.
4. You must remain in your seat and with your class until your class is dismissed from the gym. Please walk single file from the gym to your classroom. No talking in line.
Um, okay. So, my children, who are obviously unsocialized, deprived homeschoolers, NEED to go to school so they can learn to SOCIALIZE? Oh, really? How? By being forbidden to play with toys or cards that they might possibly want to ( dare I say it?) SHARE with a friend?
By being forced to sit on a colored line with ONLY children their own age? Are they to learn to socialize ONLY in whispers, and ONLY with the person directly beside them? Will they learn to get along with other people by learning to walk in a single file line, at the sound of a bell, looking only forward and speaking to no one?
THIS is the "socialization" I'm supposed to WANT my kids to learn?
To me, it sounds less like learning to socialize and more like learning to BE a SOCIALIST.
Well, in that case, no thanks. We believe in getting along with EVERYONE of EVERY age. We don't believe in socialization.
Vicki
Getting There By A Different Route
For some months now, I have been following through the pages of Sports Illustrated magazine and nightly Baseball Tonight broadcasts, the inspiring story of Rick Ankiel.
Rick Ankiel was a pitcher for the St Louis Cardinals. He was a good pitcher, and he LOVED being in the Major Leagues. Playing Major League Baseball had been his dream since boyhood, and he was just happy to b there.
Then, things began to go terribly wrong. Suddenly, Rick Ankiel, the highly touted and talented young pitcher, could no longer throw a baseball anywhere near the strike zone. He had blown out his elbow, and his pitching days were at an end. So, it seemed, was his career in Major League Baseball.
On the day that he was formally dismissed by the Cardinals, Ankiel asked General Manager Walt Jocketty, "Isn't there ANY way I can get back to the Majors?" Jocketty's answer was a rather gruff "Sure, kid, just not as a pitcher".
Rick Ankiel took those words to heart. He determined that he WOULD someday return to the Major Leagues. He went home and worked hard, staying in shape and practicing hs swing. Soon, he asked for and received a chance to try out for a St Louis minor league team~as an outfileder.
No one expected much, if ANYTHING, from Rick Ankiel's attempt to return to Major League Baseball. I mean really~the only pitcher to ever successfully switch positions like this was Babe Ruth, and he didn't have an injury to overcome!
But, Ankiel was persistent. For 3 years he toiled in anonymity, and for MUCH less money, in the St Louis minor league system.
This week, that work and persistence paid off. Rick Ankiel was called up from the minors to once again join the St Louis Cardinals~this time as an outfielder. It was obvious to everyone in the stadium that night that Rick Ankiel was just glad to be there. Also obvious was the joy of St Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, who has been following Ankiel for all this time, and was thrilled to see him back in the Major Leagues.
Rick Ankiel walked to the plate for his first at bat amid loud cheering from the crowd. The noise grew to a deafening level a few minutes later when Rick Ankiel connected for a 3 run homer in his very first at bat.
Tom Hanks has a line in the movie "A League Of Their Own" that says "There's no crying in baseball!" But when Rick Ankiel crossed home plate and was greeted by his teammates in the St Louis dugout, there was indeed crying in baseball. Tears were being wiped away by several of Ankiel's teammate, and even his manager, Tony LaRussa.
Ankiel has, in the week since his return, hit 2 more home runs and has made some spectacular catches in the outfield. He has absolutely found his way back.
So, why am I sharing all of this with you? Because it inspires me, and I hope it will inspire you as well. What Rick Ankiel wanted was to be a Major League Baseball player. He's there now, he just didn't get there quite the way he thought he would. He had to find a different route. But, he didn't let that stop him. He found that route, and he worked hard to follow it, and now he is right where he wants to be.
I don't know what goal you have in mind that you want to acheive. I just want to say to you, don't give up. If you tried getting there one way and it didn't work, look for another route. My grandfather used to tell me "If that mule won't move, get off and ride a horse!" :}
So, if you're mule won't move, get off and ride a horse.
If you can't pitch, then learn to play the outfield.
Try a different route. You just might find yourself hitting a home run.
Blessings,
Vicki
UPDATE: Rick Ankiel has since been traded to my favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, so now I get to watch him on a regular basis. And by the way, the Braves pulled out a 5-4 post season win over the San Fransisco Giants last night, thanks to Rick Ankiel's 11th inning MONSTER home run :))
Rick Ankiel was a pitcher for the St Louis Cardinals. He was a good pitcher, and he LOVED being in the Major Leagues. Playing Major League Baseball had been his dream since boyhood, and he was just happy to b there.
Then, things began to go terribly wrong. Suddenly, Rick Ankiel, the highly touted and talented young pitcher, could no longer throw a baseball anywhere near the strike zone. He had blown out his elbow, and his pitching days were at an end. So, it seemed, was his career in Major League Baseball.
On the day that he was formally dismissed by the Cardinals, Ankiel asked General Manager Walt Jocketty, "Isn't there ANY way I can get back to the Majors?" Jocketty's answer was a rather gruff "Sure, kid, just not as a pitcher".
Rick Ankiel took those words to heart. He determined that he WOULD someday return to the Major Leagues. He went home and worked hard, staying in shape and practicing hs swing. Soon, he asked for and received a chance to try out for a St Louis minor league team~as an outfileder.
No one expected much, if ANYTHING, from Rick Ankiel's attempt to return to Major League Baseball. I mean really~the only pitcher to ever successfully switch positions like this was Babe Ruth, and he didn't have an injury to overcome!
But, Ankiel was persistent. For 3 years he toiled in anonymity, and for MUCH less money, in the St Louis minor league system.
This week, that work and persistence paid off. Rick Ankiel was called up from the minors to once again join the St Louis Cardinals~this time as an outfielder. It was obvious to everyone in the stadium that night that Rick Ankiel was just glad to be there. Also obvious was the joy of St Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa, who has been following Ankiel for all this time, and was thrilled to see him back in the Major Leagues.
Rick Ankiel walked to the plate for his first at bat amid loud cheering from the crowd. The noise grew to a deafening level a few minutes later when Rick Ankiel connected for a 3 run homer in his very first at bat.
Tom Hanks has a line in the movie "A League Of Their Own" that says "There's no crying in baseball!" But when Rick Ankiel crossed home plate and was greeted by his teammates in the St Louis dugout, there was indeed crying in baseball. Tears were being wiped away by several of Ankiel's teammate, and even his manager, Tony LaRussa.
Ankiel has, in the week since his return, hit 2 more home runs and has made some spectacular catches in the outfield. He has absolutely found his way back.
So, why am I sharing all of this with you? Because it inspires me, and I hope it will inspire you as well. What Rick Ankiel wanted was to be a Major League Baseball player. He's there now, he just didn't get there quite the way he thought he would. He had to find a different route. But, he didn't let that stop him. He found that route, and he worked hard to follow it, and now he is right where he wants to be.
I don't know what goal you have in mind that you want to acheive. I just want to say to you, don't give up. If you tried getting there one way and it didn't work, look for another route. My grandfather used to tell me "If that mule won't move, get off and ride a horse!" :}
So, if you're mule won't move, get off and ride a horse.
If you can't pitch, then learn to play the outfield.
Try a different route. You just might find yourself hitting a home run.
Blessings,
Vicki
UPDATE: Rick Ankiel has since been traded to my favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, so now I get to watch him on a regular basis. And by the way, the Braves pulled out a 5-4 post season win over the San Fransisco Giants last night, thanks to Rick Ankiel's 11th inning MONSTER home run :))
Thursday, August 16, 2007
This Could Be the Start of Something New....
That title is actually a lyric from a song from the new DisneyChannel movie High School Musical 2. My 9yo daughter enjoyed the first High School Musical, and is excited about seeing the sequel. With the Disney Channel showing promos for it during every episode of Hannah Montana that we watch, that song has gotten stuck in my head!! :)
Anyway, we do have some "new' things going on around our house. Roger, who has worked 8am to 4pm for all 12 and 1/2 years of our marriage (except for a brief stint working 4pm to midnight, UGH!) will begin working new hours tomorrow. He'll be working 6am to 2pm. He's not looking forward to getting up at 5am on a regular basis and I don't blame him, but having him home at around 2:30 every afternoon will be fantastic!!
The other change on our horizon is our church situation. My Dad feels that the Lord is leading him to pastor again. The last church that my Dad pastored was one that he actually started himself. He does not feel that is the Lord's will this time, so he has been "canidating" at churches in our area.
Roger and I are thrilled about the idea of my Dad pastoring again. In the last year or two, we've been exposed to a lot of the "junk" that goes on in churches that lack the leadership of a strong, Scripturally sound pastor. So, we think this is great.
The situation as it stands right now is this. There are currently 2 local churches that are interested in my Dad as their pastor. We have visited both of them several times. One of them is actually a church that Roger attended as a teen ager. We LIKE both churches, but we like one a little more than the other, simply because it has more people our age, and more children in it. Right now, it LOOKS like the OTHER church, the one that is not our favorite, is the closest to actually calling my Dad as pastor, though both churches are strong possibilities. We are just waiting, and seeking the Lords will in the whole matter, and I'm excited to see what the Lord is going to do for us, and through us.
Vicki
Anyway, we do have some "new' things going on around our house. Roger, who has worked 8am to 4pm for all 12 and 1/2 years of our marriage (except for a brief stint working 4pm to midnight, UGH!) will begin working new hours tomorrow. He'll be working 6am to 2pm. He's not looking forward to getting up at 5am on a regular basis and I don't blame him, but having him home at around 2:30 every afternoon will be fantastic!!
The other change on our horizon is our church situation. My Dad feels that the Lord is leading him to pastor again. The last church that my Dad pastored was one that he actually started himself. He does not feel that is the Lord's will this time, so he has been "canidating" at churches in our area.
Roger and I are thrilled about the idea of my Dad pastoring again. In the last year or two, we've been exposed to a lot of the "junk" that goes on in churches that lack the leadership of a strong, Scripturally sound pastor. So, we think this is great.
The situation as it stands right now is this. There are currently 2 local churches that are interested in my Dad as their pastor. We have visited both of them several times. One of them is actually a church that Roger attended as a teen ager. We LIKE both churches, but we like one a little more than the other, simply because it has more people our age, and more children in it. Right now, it LOOKS like the OTHER church, the one that is not our favorite, is the closest to actually calling my Dad as pastor, though both churches are strong possibilities. We are just waiting, and seeking the Lords will in the whole matter, and I'm excited to see what the Lord is going to do for us, and through us.
Vicki
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Yesterday was one of THOSE days.....
My 5yo had NO interest in doing anything remotely related to learning to read. His mission for the day was to annoy his sisters and disrupt our mornings activities.
At one point, during his "pitching a fit" because he didn't want to do something that I asked him to do, he manaaged to hurt his finger. I did not SEE anything that could have hurt his hand, so I have no clue exactly how he managed to hurt his finger, but he was very timid about using it for the rest of the day.
Our history for the day consisted of some review questions. Keep in mind that I said REVIEW questions. My 2 girls sat there looking at me as if I were a complete stranger speaking a foreign language and they didn't understand a single word I was saying!!!! Grrrr!
Thank heavens for time alone last night to read my Bible and pray, and time to do that again this morning!!! How I thank God for the privelege of prayer!!
Today, the girls had a much better attitude about doing their school work. I suspect ( sheepish grin!) that it's because *I* had a much better attitude today as well!! There was actual joking and laughter taking place during our schoolwork this morning!!! And during SCIENCE, no less!!!
Now tell ME that God doesn't answer prayer! LOL!
Noah's hand seems to be all right. It looks like it might be just the tiniest bit swollen around one knuckle, but that's it. He can bend it, and is only slightly favoring that hand a bit. I think he may have "jammed" his finger a bit. Anyway, praiase God, it looks like it's going to be okay.
Sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
AND
Oh, what peace we often forfeit!
Oh, what needless pain we bear!
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Blessings,
Vicki
My 5yo had NO interest in doing anything remotely related to learning to read. His mission for the day was to annoy his sisters and disrupt our mornings activities.
At one point, during his "pitching a fit" because he didn't want to do something that I asked him to do, he manaaged to hurt his finger. I did not SEE anything that could have hurt his hand, so I have no clue exactly how he managed to hurt his finger, but he was very timid about using it for the rest of the day.
Our history for the day consisted of some review questions. Keep in mind that I said REVIEW questions. My 2 girls sat there looking at me as if I were a complete stranger speaking a foreign language and they didn't understand a single word I was saying!!!! Grrrr!
Thank heavens for time alone last night to read my Bible and pray, and time to do that again this morning!!! How I thank God for the privelege of prayer!!
Today, the girls had a much better attitude about doing their school work. I suspect ( sheepish grin!) that it's because *I* had a much better attitude today as well!! There was actual joking and laughter taking place during our schoolwork this morning!!! And during SCIENCE, no less!!!
Now tell ME that God doesn't answer prayer! LOL!
Noah's hand seems to be all right. It looks like it might be just the tiniest bit swollen around one knuckle, but that's it. He can bend it, and is only slightly favoring that hand a bit. I think he may have "jammed" his finger a bit. Anyway, praiase God, it looks like it's going to be okay.
Sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
AND
Oh, what peace we often forfeit!
Oh, what needless pain we bear!
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Blessings,
Vicki
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Back to Bethel
I have had conversation with no less than 6 people over the last 3 or 4 weeks, all of whom mentioned that either they or someone they knew of was attempting to "get back" to a place in their lives in which they were much closer to the Lord.
There is certainly nothing wrong with that. In fact, we have an example of that in Scripture. Jacob has a time of being very close to the Lord while he is at Bethel, and later on in Scripture, he asks the Lord to let him return to Bethel.
I found myself asking the Lord for the very same thing. You know, sometimes, I believe that the Lord lets us have things that we ask Him for just so He can show us that we didn't really want that thing as much as we thought we did.
I thought I wanted a bigger church, one with more activities and more programs for us, and for our kids to participate in. The Lord gave us that. We enjoyed it very much, for a time. Then, we began to be so wrapped up in all the 'stuff" going on at church that the actual worship services became merely an interruption of all of our activities. Oh, how sad that is, and how ashamed I am of myself for having felt that way!
I believe with all my heart that the Lord led us to the church that we just left a few weeks ago. I believe He had several purposes for our being there. One was to allow us a period of "rest" from doing all the things that we did in our small church. Another was for us to be a testimony to some folks, and an encouragement to some folks. My Mom and I directed the VBS in that church just before we left, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God meant for us to do that. In the end of our time there, God allowed us to stand up and to "contend for the faith" when no one else would. That is truly an honor.
But, I also think that a part of God's purpose was to show us that we didn't really want or need a large "program packed" church as much as we thought we did.
We have spent the last 3 weeks in churches that had nice facilities, but not "luxurious" ones. They had VERY friendly people, and wonderful Sunday School and Children's Church for my kids, but not a program to keep them busy every second of Sunday morning, sunday night, and wednesday night. And you know what? It has been FANTASTIC!
We are truly WORSHIPPING GOD again, and learning about HIM, and isn't that what church is SUPPOSED to be about?
What's more, my husband attended this church many years ago, before we met. His time at this church was a time in his life during which he was very close to the Lord. There aren't many people still there now who knew him then, but there are a few. Another dear friend of ours has been visiting there with us, and she shared with me this morning that the altar they have in the church now is the VERY altar at which she got saved, and how very blessed she has been to be there again.
Incidentally, please keep this matter in your prayers. This church is currently without a pastor, and they are seriously considering my Dad in that position. We want the Lord's will to be done, so please pray for that with us.
I truly feel like the Lord is leading us "back to Bethel", and I am SO thankful!
I don't know where your 'bethel" is in your life, but if you feel yourself drifting away from a close walk with the Lord, you might consider paying it a visit very soon. You won't regret it.
Vicki
There is certainly nothing wrong with that. In fact, we have an example of that in Scripture. Jacob has a time of being very close to the Lord while he is at Bethel, and later on in Scripture, he asks the Lord to let him return to Bethel.
I found myself asking the Lord for the very same thing. You know, sometimes, I believe that the Lord lets us have things that we ask Him for just so He can show us that we didn't really want that thing as much as we thought we did.
I thought I wanted a bigger church, one with more activities and more programs for us, and for our kids to participate in. The Lord gave us that. We enjoyed it very much, for a time. Then, we began to be so wrapped up in all the 'stuff" going on at church that the actual worship services became merely an interruption of all of our activities. Oh, how sad that is, and how ashamed I am of myself for having felt that way!
I believe with all my heart that the Lord led us to the church that we just left a few weeks ago. I believe He had several purposes for our being there. One was to allow us a period of "rest" from doing all the things that we did in our small church. Another was for us to be a testimony to some folks, and an encouragement to some folks. My Mom and I directed the VBS in that church just before we left, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God meant for us to do that. In the end of our time there, God allowed us to stand up and to "contend for the faith" when no one else would. That is truly an honor.
But, I also think that a part of God's purpose was to show us that we didn't really want or need a large "program packed" church as much as we thought we did.
We have spent the last 3 weeks in churches that had nice facilities, but not "luxurious" ones. They had VERY friendly people, and wonderful Sunday School and Children's Church for my kids, but not a program to keep them busy every second of Sunday morning, sunday night, and wednesday night. And you know what? It has been FANTASTIC!
We are truly WORSHIPPING GOD again, and learning about HIM, and isn't that what church is SUPPOSED to be about?
What's more, my husband attended this church many years ago, before we met. His time at this church was a time in his life during which he was very close to the Lord. There aren't many people still there now who knew him then, but there are a few. Another dear friend of ours has been visiting there with us, and she shared with me this morning that the altar they have in the church now is the VERY altar at which she got saved, and how very blessed she has been to be there again.
Incidentally, please keep this matter in your prayers. This church is currently without a pastor, and they are seriously considering my Dad in that position. We want the Lord's will to be done, so please pray for that with us.
I truly feel like the Lord is leading us "back to Bethel", and I am SO thankful!
I don't know where your 'bethel" is in your life, but if you feel yourself drifting away from a close walk with the Lord, you might consider paying it a visit very soon. You won't regret it.
Vicki
Because HE Said So!!
I used to think it was a "bad" thing for a parent to answer a child with "because I said so!". Since I"ve had children of my own, I now fully understand that there are times when child NEEDS to do something JUST because I said so. There is nothing wrong with answering a child's questions, or explaining things to them. but sometimes, when you need to, it's OKAY to say "Because I SAID so!"
How do I know this? Because as christians, sometimes we do things JUST because God says so! I heard an EXCELLENT sermon this morning From 1 Chronicles 13. David is attempting to bring the Ark of the Covenant back into the temple so that the people of Israel can worship. David was an intelligent man, and he has access to the Scriptures that had been written at that time. He KNEW of the specific requirements for carrying the Ark that God has laid out in the book of Numbers. The ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests, on poles that were run through rings on the side of the ark. When the ark was carried this way, it was not necessary for any of the priests to touch the ark. That's good, because God had said that anyone who touched it would die.
But David had a better way. He decided it would be best to put the ark in a new wagon, or cart, instead of carrying it on the poles. So, they put the wagon in the cart and had it pulled by mules. One of the mules stumbled, causing the ark to tip, and when Uzziah reached out his hand to steady the ark, he was instantly struck dead!!
But why??!! Wasn't Uzziah doing a GOOD thing? Wasn't David just doing what he thought was best to set up a place for the Israelites to worship God? What went so very wrong?
Simple. David disobeyed. He did not transport the ark in the way God had commanded, and as a "domino effect" of David's disobedience, Uzziah also disobeyed, and died.
Why did the ark NEED to be carried on poles and not in a cart? Well, the only answer I can find in Scripture is BECAUSE GOD SAID SO.
I have a tendency to want to know WHY everything. What I'm (slowly!) learning is that there are times when God will show me why He has asked me to do a certain thing, and other times He is simply going to expect me to obey Him because He said so.
Thank God that He gives us the grace to do that!!
Vicki
How do I know this? Because as christians, sometimes we do things JUST because God says so! I heard an EXCELLENT sermon this morning From 1 Chronicles 13. David is attempting to bring the Ark of the Covenant back into the temple so that the people of Israel can worship. David was an intelligent man, and he has access to the Scriptures that had been written at that time. He KNEW of the specific requirements for carrying the Ark that God has laid out in the book of Numbers. The ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests, on poles that were run through rings on the side of the ark. When the ark was carried this way, it was not necessary for any of the priests to touch the ark. That's good, because God had said that anyone who touched it would die.
But David had a better way. He decided it would be best to put the ark in a new wagon, or cart, instead of carrying it on the poles. So, they put the wagon in the cart and had it pulled by mules. One of the mules stumbled, causing the ark to tip, and when Uzziah reached out his hand to steady the ark, he was instantly struck dead!!
But why??!! Wasn't Uzziah doing a GOOD thing? Wasn't David just doing what he thought was best to set up a place for the Israelites to worship God? What went so very wrong?
Simple. David disobeyed. He did not transport the ark in the way God had commanded, and as a "domino effect" of David's disobedience, Uzziah also disobeyed, and died.
Why did the ark NEED to be carried on poles and not in a cart? Well, the only answer I can find in Scripture is BECAUSE GOD SAID SO.
I have a tendency to want to know WHY everything. What I'm (slowly!) learning is that there are times when God will show me why He has asked me to do a certain thing, and other times He is simply going to expect me to obey Him because He said so.
Thank God that He gives us the grace to do that!!
Vicki
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Up In The Air~ A Place I Hate To Be!!
We've had 3 days of school now, and all 3 days have gone very well. You would think I'd be glad to be settling into a routine.
In a way, I am. But, we also have a lot of things that are "up in the air" right now. I can handle one thing at a time being undecided, but too many more than that mkes me tense and edgy.
Some time ago, we condidered the possibility of moving. Now, we've pretty much decided to stay where we are. My sister is planning to sell her house and build a smaller one on some property that she all ready owns. She will still be next door to my parents, just on the other side. So, my parents are staying put, and so are we. It is financially in our best interest to stay here and remodel this house rather than buy another one.
That is one of my struggles though~ I live in fear and dread of ANY remodeling project in this house!! Some of you will remember the fiasco we had a just over a year ago when we remodeled our bathroom. I am unable to drive, and was stuck here in this house for MANY days with 3 small kids and no bathroom!! I CANNOT go through anything like that again!
That one was the worst, but it seems that EVERY remodeling project that we tackle in this house ends up being more work, more expense, and more time than we originally thought. I hate the house being torn up. I hate not being able to use parts of my house.
I'd love to have the house remodeled, I just wish we could live somewhere else while it's being done! It will have to be done in stages because we cannot afford to do it all at once. Yuck.
We went to a small church last Sunday morning to hear my Dad preach. We liked the church a lot, and my kids LOVED it. They have asked my Dad to come back and preach again this Sunday morning and Sunday evening, so I'm happy about that. I'll be even MORE glad when we're settled in a church somewhere.
I'm also struggling again with in-lasw issues and could really use some prayer for that. I need a breakthrough there. By that I mean that I need for something to change. I either need the Lord to give me a "new" grace for dealing with them, or I need to not have as much contact with them, or SOMETHING.
I also want a vacation REALLY badly, and I have no idea when that will ever happen. We MIGHT be able to plan a vacation with our next income tax refund, but we won't know until January, and even if we CAN squeeze a trip out of that, we most likely won't travel until next May. Right now, that seems like a really, really, really long way off.
Gee, don't you just love reading my blog when I'm whiny? :)
Okay, I"m done now.
Vicki
In a way, I am. But, we also have a lot of things that are "up in the air" right now. I can handle one thing at a time being undecided, but too many more than that mkes me tense and edgy.
Some time ago, we condidered the possibility of moving. Now, we've pretty much decided to stay where we are. My sister is planning to sell her house and build a smaller one on some property that she all ready owns. She will still be next door to my parents, just on the other side. So, my parents are staying put, and so are we. It is financially in our best interest to stay here and remodel this house rather than buy another one.
That is one of my struggles though~ I live in fear and dread of ANY remodeling project in this house!! Some of you will remember the fiasco we had a just over a year ago when we remodeled our bathroom. I am unable to drive, and was stuck here in this house for MANY days with 3 small kids and no bathroom!! I CANNOT go through anything like that again!
That one was the worst, but it seems that EVERY remodeling project that we tackle in this house ends up being more work, more expense, and more time than we originally thought. I hate the house being torn up. I hate not being able to use parts of my house.
I'd love to have the house remodeled, I just wish we could live somewhere else while it's being done! It will have to be done in stages because we cannot afford to do it all at once. Yuck.
We went to a small church last Sunday morning to hear my Dad preach. We liked the church a lot, and my kids LOVED it. They have asked my Dad to come back and preach again this Sunday morning and Sunday evening, so I'm happy about that. I'll be even MORE glad when we're settled in a church somewhere.
I'm also struggling again with in-lasw issues and could really use some prayer for that. I need a breakthrough there. By that I mean that I need for something to change. I either need the Lord to give me a "new" grace for dealing with them, or I need to not have as much contact with them, or SOMETHING.
I also want a vacation REALLY badly, and I have no idea when that will ever happen. We MIGHT be able to plan a vacation with our next income tax refund, but we won't know until January, and even if we CAN squeeze a trip out of that, we most likely won't travel until next May. Right now, that seems like a really, really, really long way off.
Gee, don't you just love reading my blog when I'm whiny? :)
Okay, I"m done now.
Vicki
Hank Aaron, King of Class
**IF you are not a baseball fan~2 things~fisrt, feel free to disregard this post, and second, shame on you!! LOL!
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding San Francisco outfielder Barry Bonds. There is much evidence that would seem to point at his having reached the "watermark" of 755 home runs with the aid of peformance enhancing substances~ILLEGAL performance enhancing substances.
While I do believe that folks should be thoguht of as innocent until proven guilty, I have to say that there is much evidence that indicates that Mr Bonds has indeed made use of illegal substances. Be that as it may, I do not dislike him for that reason. I find myself disliking Barry Bonds because, quite simply, he has no class.
He is often surly with fans and with the media, both of whom he NEEDS in order to achieve his desired fame and fortune. He is gruff to those around him, not at all friendly, and makes selfish demands of his employers~demands that his teammates would never dream of making.
Mr Henry "Hank" Aaron, who, in the hearts of many will FOREVER be the "home run king" has been asked MANY times to comment on Barry Bonds pursuit of the home run record, and the allegations that seem to hand in a cloud over Mr Bonds head.
Mr Aaron, who faced death threats, harrassment and untold misery during his baseball career and his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record only because of the color of his skin, has said NOTHING whatsoever about Barry Bonds that could be construed as negative. And still, Mr Aaron his been critisized. He's been critisized for not calling to congratulate Mr Bonds when he tied the home run record at 755, and for not being present at tongiht's game when Mr Bonds became the all time home run leader when he hit number 756.
But, when Barry touched home plate and the game was stopped, everyone was asked to turn their attention to the huge video screen. There they saw a wonderful message from Hank Aaron, who earned his record with NO questions about his integrity or character, congratulated Barry Bonds and VERY graciously stepped aside, thereby passing the torch to the new home run leader.
Chivalry is NOT dead.
Bravo, Mr Aaron. VERY well done. To me, you will always be the home run king, and you are absolutely the undisputed King of Class.
Vicki
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding San Francisco outfielder Barry Bonds. There is much evidence that would seem to point at his having reached the "watermark" of 755 home runs with the aid of peformance enhancing substances~ILLEGAL performance enhancing substances.
While I do believe that folks should be thoguht of as innocent until proven guilty, I have to say that there is much evidence that indicates that Mr Bonds has indeed made use of illegal substances. Be that as it may, I do not dislike him for that reason. I find myself disliking Barry Bonds because, quite simply, he has no class.
He is often surly with fans and with the media, both of whom he NEEDS in order to achieve his desired fame and fortune. He is gruff to those around him, not at all friendly, and makes selfish demands of his employers~demands that his teammates would never dream of making.
Mr Henry "Hank" Aaron, who, in the hearts of many will FOREVER be the "home run king" has been asked MANY times to comment on Barry Bonds pursuit of the home run record, and the allegations that seem to hand in a cloud over Mr Bonds head.
Mr Aaron, who faced death threats, harrassment and untold misery during his baseball career and his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record only because of the color of his skin, has said NOTHING whatsoever about Barry Bonds that could be construed as negative. And still, Mr Aaron his been critisized. He's been critisized for not calling to congratulate Mr Bonds when he tied the home run record at 755, and for not being present at tongiht's game when Mr Bonds became the all time home run leader when he hit number 756.
But, when Barry touched home plate and the game was stopped, everyone was asked to turn their attention to the huge video screen. There they saw a wonderful message from Hank Aaron, who earned his record with NO questions about his integrity or character, congratulated Barry Bonds and VERY graciously stepped aside, thereby passing the torch to the new home run leader.
Chivalry is NOT dead.
Bravo, Mr Aaron. VERY well done. To me, you will always be the home run king, and you are absolutely the undisputed King of Class.
Vicki
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Well, son, Rome wan't built in a day!! :)
Yesterday was my son's first "official" day in Kindergarten. He was excited about finally having his turn to do the lesoons in what my kids call "the big yellow book". ( Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons).
We did his first lesson together, and a couple of workbook pages, then he ran off to play. A few minutes later, he came back and was hanging around ( literally, since he was hanging upside down in the recliner) listening to his sisters work on their lessons for the day. As I finished up with one of the girls Noah called out, urgently, Mommy!! Mommmy!! When I asked "What is it, Noah?" He replied, VERY concerned, "Mommy, I did the stuff in the big yellow book, but I STILL CAN'T READ!!!
LOL!!
I assured him (again) that he will be able to read when we get to the end of the big yellow book, and that satisfied him enough for him to decide that his toy cars were more interesting than his sister's schoolwork, so off he went. :)
It must be wonderful to be 5 years old. :)
Vicki
We did his first lesson together, and a couple of workbook pages, then he ran off to play. A few minutes later, he came back and was hanging around ( literally, since he was hanging upside down in the recliner) listening to his sisters work on their lessons for the day. As I finished up with one of the girls Noah called out, urgently, Mommy!! Mommmy!! When I asked "What is it, Noah?" He replied, VERY concerned, "Mommy, I did the stuff in the big yellow book, but I STILL CAN'T READ!!!
LOL!!
I assured him (again) that he will be able to read when we get to the end of the big yellow book, and that satisfied him enough for him to decide that his toy cars were more interesting than his sister's schoolwork, so off he went. :)
It must be wonderful to be 5 years old. :)
Vicki
Monday, August 6, 2007
1 Down, only 179 to go!! :)
We've had a successful first day of school.
We had breakfast and devotions together, then the girls started on their copywork/vocabulary while Noah did his reading lesson and 1 page from each of his 2 workbooks.
I'm not a huge fan of "spelling word lists" for their own sake, but for copywork, which we use to work on handwriting, spelling, grammar, etc, I've put together a list of words taken from this week's science and history lessons. These are words that my girls are going to encounter as we study other subjects, so it will be helpful for them to be able to recognize and spell them, and know what they mean. So, they worked on that while I worked with Noah.
All of Noah's "work" takes about 20 minutes total, which I think is just fine for a Kindergartner. That certainly doesn't mean that he only learns for 20 minutes a day, just that he is only required to sit with me and focus on specific "work" for about 20 minutes. He did great today.
After that, I got Rachel started in Mad Libs while I worked with Alex on Reading and Math, and Noah went to play on the computer. Then, he went off to play with toys, Alex, when her reading and math were done, moved to the computer, and I worked with Rachel~going over the Mad Libs with her, working on reading aloud, and doing a lesson from MUS.
Then, we took our lunch break. After lunch, I gave the kids a brief "overview" of our science and history units for this year, read a chapter from a Mrs Piggle Wiggle book, and we were done for the day.
Wouldn't it be nice if EVERY day went this smoothly? Never gonna happen, but it would be nice! :)
We won't be doing science and history every day. Most likely, we will have history on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Science on Tuesday and Thursday.
I'm VERY thankful for "smooth sailing" for our first day!
Now, Alex and Noah are watching cartoons, and Rachel is off to her first day at "work" with her grandparents. Both my parents work at a local elementary school, and they let my children take turns coming once a month to help clean up and straighten up around the school. Mom pays them each $10 for their afternoon's work, and they just love it!
We had a wonderful church service yesterday morning!! I felt SO blessed! I felt like I"d found an oasis in a desert! My Dad was asked to preach at a small church in our area. It's a small church, but it's newly remodeled, and it's beautiful. The people there were just as friendly as could be, and there truly seemed to be a spirit of JOYFUL WORSHIP in that church.
To my surprise, all 3 of my kids jumped right up and went off to children's church with the other kids. I knew Rachel would go, but I wasn't so sure about Alex and Noah. All 3 went, and all 3 came back with BIG smiles, and a goody bag filled with candy and new school supplies!!! Needless to say, they are hoping that we plan to visit this church again! :) I'd love to do that too, we'll just have to see how the Lord leads.
I"ve got lots of thoughts about many different topics floating around in my little brain today, so check back later. I may have to blog some more just to help sort it all out. :)
Vicki
We had breakfast and devotions together, then the girls started on their copywork/vocabulary while Noah did his reading lesson and 1 page from each of his 2 workbooks.
I'm not a huge fan of "spelling word lists" for their own sake, but for copywork, which we use to work on handwriting, spelling, grammar, etc, I've put together a list of words taken from this week's science and history lessons. These are words that my girls are going to encounter as we study other subjects, so it will be helpful for them to be able to recognize and spell them, and know what they mean. So, they worked on that while I worked with Noah.
All of Noah's "work" takes about 20 minutes total, which I think is just fine for a Kindergartner. That certainly doesn't mean that he only learns for 20 minutes a day, just that he is only required to sit with me and focus on specific "work" for about 20 minutes. He did great today.
After that, I got Rachel started in Mad Libs while I worked with Alex on Reading and Math, and Noah went to play on the computer. Then, he went off to play with toys, Alex, when her reading and math were done, moved to the computer, and I worked with Rachel~going over the Mad Libs with her, working on reading aloud, and doing a lesson from MUS.
Then, we took our lunch break. After lunch, I gave the kids a brief "overview" of our science and history units for this year, read a chapter from a Mrs Piggle Wiggle book, and we were done for the day.
Wouldn't it be nice if EVERY day went this smoothly? Never gonna happen, but it would be nice! :)
We won't be doing science and history every day. Most likely, we will have history on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Science on Tuesday and Thursday.
I'm VERY thankful for "smooth sailing" for our first day!
Now, Alex and Noah are watching cartoons, and Rachel is off to her first day at "work" with her grandparents. Both my parents work at a local elementary school, and they let my children take turns coming once a month to help clean up and straighten up around the school. Mom pays them each $10 for their afternoon's work, and they just love it!
We had a wonderful church service yesterday morning!! I felt SO blessed! I felt like I"d found an oasis in a desert! My Dad was asked to preach at a small church in our area. It's a small church, but it's newly remodeled, and it's beautiful. The people there were just as friendly as could be, and there truly seemed to be a spirit of JOYFUL WORSHIP in that church.
To my surprise, all 3 of my kids jumped right up and went off to children's church with the other kids. I knew Rachel would go, but I wasn't so sure about Alex and Noah. All 3 went, and all 3 came back with BIG smiles, and a goody bag filled with candy and new school supplies!!! Needless to say, they are hoping that we plan to visit this church again! :) I'd love to do that too, we'll just have to see how the Lord leads.
I"ve got lots of thoughts about many different topics floating around in my little brain today, so check back later. I may have to blog some more just to help sort it all out. :)
Vicki
Friday, August 3, 2007
My Husband is out on a date.....
with our 7yo daughter!! LOL!
I believe the plan for their evening was dinner at a place of her choosing ( I"d bet she picked McDonald's) and a movie at the "cheap" movie place.
My husband does this every so often with all 3 of our kids, though when he takes our son out, they don't call it a "date", it's just "hanging out together".
I'm so thankful for a wonderful husband who will take the time to spend individual time with each one of our children, and for children who are genuinely excited about spending an afternoon or evening with Daddy.
I know that not every child is that fortunate. I have a teenage nephew who spends time with his father ( his parents are divorced) becaue he "feels like he should", but it's NOT something he looks forward to doing. It's such a shame, and it just breaks my heart.
In other happenings around here, we are just about ready to start school again. We will officially begin on Monday. Rachel wanted to start last week, and I thought about it, but I wanted to do a bit more de-cluttering and organizing in the house before we "dive in".
Rachel is excited about getting started, and so am I. I'm not sure about Alex and Noah, but hopefully they will get excited once we get started.
We are still "up in the air" about church. It is looking like my Dad may be pastoring again soon. I think that would be great. I wasn't terribly excited about the idea of my Dad starting a church "from scratch", because we've done that before, and it's really hard. But, it looks like he might be called to pastor an all ready established church in our area. I think that would be great.
Until we went to that small church last Wednesday night, I"d forgotten how nice it was to be in a church that had a "family" feel to it, and where the focus is on listening to what God has to say to us through His Word, and worshipping Him, not participating in this activity or that one. I'm thinking it would be really nice to get back to that.
Recently, I was talking with a friend of mine about another lady that we both know. My friend made the comment that maybe this lady was trying to get back to a time in her life when she felt closer to the Lord. It has dawned on me in the last couple of days that this is exactly what I'd like to do!!
It's not that I'm "miles away" from the Lord now, but I CAN remember a time when I felt a particularly "special" closeness to the Lord. I would love, love, love to get back to that~not only for myself, but for my family.
I know that the Lord hasn't moved anywhere~it's ME that has "wandered away". How wonderful it is to know that He is always right there, waiting to receive me with open arms, no matter how far away I've wandered. Oh, how I praise God for that!!
Vicki
I believe the plan for their evening was dinner at a place of her choosing ( I"d bet she picked McDonald's) and a movie at the "cheap" movie place.
My husband does this every so often with all 3 of our kids, though when he takes our son out, they don't call it a "date", it's just "hanging out together".
I'm so thankful for a wonderful husband who will take the time to spend individual time with each one of our children, and for children who are genuinely excited about spending an afternoon or evening with Daddy.
I know that not every child is that fortunate. I have a teenage nephew who spends time with his father ( his parents are divorced) becaue he "feels like he should", but it's NOT something he looks forward to doing. It's such a shame, and it just breaks my heart.
In other happenings around here, we are just about ready to start school again. We will officially begin on Monday. Rachel wanted to start last week, and I thought about it, but I wanted to do a bit more de-cluttering and organizing in the house before we "dive in".
Rachel is excited about getting started, and so am I. I'm not sure about Alex and Noah, but hopefully they will get excited once we get started.
We are still "up in the air" about church. It is looking like my Dad may be pastoring again soon. I think that would be great. I wasn't terribly excited about the idea of my Dad starting a church "from scratch", because we've done that before, and it's really hard. But, it looks like he might be called to pastor an all ready established church in our area. I think that would be great.
Until we went to that small church last Wednesday night, I"d forgotten how nice it was to be in a church that had a "family" feel to it, and where the focus is on listening to what God has to say to us through His Word, and worshipping Him, not participating in this activity or that one. I'm thinking it would be really nice to get back to that.
Recently, I was talking with a friend of mine about another lady that we both know. My friend made the comment that maybe this lady was trying to get back to a time in her life when she felt closer to the Lord. It has dawned on me in the last couple of days that this is exactly what I'd like to do!!
It's not that I'm "miles away" from the Lord now, but I CAN remember a time when I felt a particularly "special" closeness to the Lord. I would love, love, love to get back to that~not only for myself, but for my family.
I know that the Lord hasn't moved anywhere~it's ME that has "wandered away". How wonderful it is to know that He is always right there, waiting to receive me with open arms, no matter how far away I've wandered. Oh, how I praise God for that!!
Vicki
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Aaah, That Felt Good!!
We went to a small church to hear my Dad preach, and I have to say, it felt really GOOD!!
It's not just that it was my Dad preaching, although I always enjoy hearing him. It's because this was just a little church that I guess some would call old fashioned, but I have never met friendlier people in my life, and it was SO obvious that these folks were there to WORSHIP THE LORD!!
Sadly, we have just come out of a situation in which it seemed like many ( not all, but many) of the people who came to church came to see what would happen next~what or who would be voted in or out, that sort of thing. Or, they were coming merely to see and/or be seen. I have been in many services in recent months that felt a lot more like attending a performance than going to church to worship.
This church is small, but comfortable and VERY well kept and maintained. The music was simple, but joyful and worshipful. It was truly like a breath of fresh air, and I am so thankful for it!
This church is currently without a pastor, and they are interested in the possibility of my Dad pastoring there. We do not yet know if that is the Lord's will or not, but right now, I'm thinking that wouldn't be such a bad thing. We'll just have to wait and see what the Lord has in store for us.
Vicki
It's not just that it was my Dad preaching, although I always enjoy hearing him. It's because this was just a little church that I guess some would call old fashioned, but I have never met friendlier people in my life, and it was SO obvious that these folks were there to WORSHIP THE LORD!!
Sadly, we have just come out of a situation in which it seemed like many ( not all, but many) of the people who came to church came to see what would happen next~what or who would be voted in or out, that sort of thing. Or, they were coming merely to see and/or be seen. I have been in many services in recent months that felt a lot more like attending a performance than going to church to worship.
This church is small, but comfortable and VERY well kept and maintained. The music was simple, but joyful and worshipful. It was truly like a breath of fresh air, and I am so thankful for it!
This church is currently without a pastor, and they are interested in the possibility of my Dad pastoring there. We do not yet know if that is the Lord's will or not, but right now, I'm thinking that wouldn't be such a bad thing. We'll just have to wait and see what the Lord has in store for us.
Vicki
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