Seeking Him Together Bible Study: Week 8

Well, our loads are lightened this week--we only have one question to answer. But that doesn't mean the burden is any lighter. In fact, this week, I puzzled quite a bit over whether I was doing things "right" in the Bible study--whether I was getting what God wanted me to get. And probably, over-thinking. It's what I do.

Here's our question...(thanks Amber, for hosting, and blessings to Melissa as she continues her mission trip in Peru):

Discuss this statement from day 3 "Revival and reconciliation are inseparable. You cannot be right with God and not be right with your fellow man." Why do you think there is such a strong connection between our relationship with God (the vertical) and our relationships with others (horizontal)?

It's a fairly straightforward answer, and simple--but not easy. There is a strong connection between our relationship upwards and outwards, because He (upwards) fuels our strength, courage, compassion, patience, kindness and grace with them (outwards). We need Him, and He has designed us to meet Him, not only through our reading of His Word, and prayer, but in community with others. And this would all be peachy, if not for sin. Bad attitudes. Pride. Bitterness. Unresolved conflict. Selfishness.

I don't know about you, but this represents a lot of muck that God needs to tend to in me. To be honest, I don't really have any outstanding grievances between me and others (as far as i know), but in order to present a clean heart to God, I must come to Him each day and ask him to search me. Search me for unkindness, bitterness, etc. If I do this, in effect, I'm reconciling problems before they have an opportunity to grow from little storms in my mind to hurricanes of guilt, shame, and regret. However, I do have a situation in which I don't have any overt sin against this person, but I'm very bitter about this person--whom I'll call "X". I just don't enjoy X, don't really like to talk to X, and despite a long history with X and needing to be with X, by the grace of God, I'm able to tolerate X. Now, knowing that I feel this bitterness, it might be logical to go up to X and apologize for said bitterness and ask for forgiveness. However, I'm fairly sure that X is oblivious to my feelings. At least I hope so. All that I might say--even with contrite heart--would only hurt X and dredge up things that are better left alone. In this case, my reconciling is seemingly two-sided--between God and me, but indirectly, God's peace has a positive effect on the other person. My focus in this case is in allowing God to right my heart right and decreasing my sin--bitterness--through prayer and the council and abiding of the Holy Spirit. The bummer about this is that I must do this daily. That bitterness will snatch me up into it's grip if I don't hold vigilantly to the Truth. The good thing about this is that He is faithful. I'm never alone, for (Hebrews 4:15) 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Thank You God for your faithfulness.

Gladitude!

Happy Monday, Everyone! Honestly, it's been a long, busy week, but as always, there are things which make me glad.

10. Glad that Saturday is over. Generally, I don't wish my time on this planet away, but Saturdays are hard for me when Big is out of town. They seem to drag, and unless I'm really organized and energetic, they aren't as planned and structured as the rest of the week, so the kids and i can tend to get on each others' nerves.

9. Even though I'd like it to be a wee bit warmer, i'm glad for our fair weather. Big is absolutely in the middle of a huge flop-sweat in Shanghai, and I don't envy him that. I can get so crabby when my face is hot and my makeup sliding.

8. Glad for Orbit gum in spearmint flavor. For we are all Violette Beauregard gum chewers in this house. Sensory input anyone? I'm amazed that chewing gum helps me to calm down and/or concentrate. Hello, my name is Gretchen, and I am weird. Also, happy that Orbit was on sale for $.99/pk because I live amongst dreaded gum thieves.

7. Gladdissimusly glad that I started voice lessons last week. This is sort of a 40 in 40/bucket list goal for me, and I prayed about it, talked to Big, and dove in with both feet. My teacher is 1/2 my age, and has just cut this CD, so I'm learning much humility, too. My daughter and I are fighting over get to share the CD, so there may be another purchase in my future.

6. Always super glad when good summer TV comes my way. Enjoyed my first episode of Mad Men and the first few episods of Royal Pains. And, it's probably about as realistic as E.R. and Grey's Anatomy in its genre, but lurve Army Wives, too. Hey, if House isn't on, what's a girl to do?

5. Glad that my downstairs floors will finally, after 8 years, match. Of course this requires every scrap of everything to be moved out of the downstairs by earlymid July, but hey! It'll be worth it. It will. It will. Won't it? ;)

4. Glad that I was able to reminisce about two of my childhood icons, Michael and Farrah. At one point, they were both just incredibly talented folks, and I'm sad for their children. I used to play Charlie's Angels on the playground in 3rd grade, and I was a huge Jacko fan in high school and even into college.

3. Glad to have experienced and finished VBS. I'm not usually one who enjoys helping out in children's ministry--don't kill me, Amber--because I'm just not hugely gifted there. And random, high pitched noise really distracts me. But I really felt urged to step out and help, and I'm glad I did. I remember studying Rick Warren's opus a few years back, and though he espoused helping in our areas of gifting, he also essentially exhorted helping where we're needed. I did 2nd/3rd registration, and floated around to other areas. By the end of the week, I knew most of my kiddos by name.

2. Glad that I'm still training for the 5K, and that it seems to be going well. Still waiting for the fun factor to hit at any time. SOOOO glad that my friend is doing it with me. And it's fun b/c of her, but you know, I could have a coffee and have fun with her. Right now, it's an obligation towards a goal, and perhaps it will always feel that way, but training myself that I can make and achieve measurable goals is helping to rewrite a lot of negative body image baggage. What's not to be glad about there?

1. Looking forward to this holiday weekend--2 night beach sleep-over with special friends at the beach, and though perhaps bleary-eyed, Big will be here to enjoy the festivities. Hoping to get some beach coming, running (? did I say that?), and cherry pie and homemade ice cream making and eating going on.

Seeking Him Together Bible Study: Week 7

Thank you, His Girl Amber for hosting, and blessings to Melissa, who is on a missions trip to Peru! Here are the questions for this week:


1. What blessings or consequences have you personally reaped from some act of obedience or disobedience in your life? Well, friends, I'm glad you asked. For I learned something the hard way just last night. Actually, like so much of what I know to be true, it was a re-learning. Scenario: Beautiful tweenage dtr made poor choice at dinner, after being told the issue and the consequences of continuing with poor behavior. The consequence was being told to leave the table, and thus not getting to finish her dinner. Didn't matter to her that she was 80% finished. She began to throw lots and lots of bait for her father and I to snap up in the form of an escalated argument. But this story isn't about her. It's about me. Yes, she acted out. And yes, initially we handled her behavior accordingly. But guess what? You know what happened, don't you? She baited and baited and baited, and suddenly, she was not the only tweenage girl in the house. I blew my top such that Mt Vesuvius would've been proud. Or Satan, either one. There was yelling. There was cussing, though thank God, not directed to her. There was gnashing of teeth and loss of temper. Good times. Except not. So there I was, in direct disobedience of last week's verse: "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" Hebrews 12:14.

I so hate it when that happens. Yes, I probably had some of righteous in my anger. But I'm also the grown up, and I always have a way out from under (1Cor10:13) giving into the temptation of yelling losing my temper. Except, I chose wrong.

Well, thankfully, the God of grace, wisdom, mercy, and all that is holy immediately called me to repentance. After going to Him, and when she was ready to talk, I apologized for my actions, asked for her forgiveness, and we went to the Throne together in prayer. Writing this brings tears to my eyes, not merely because of my mistake and regret, but because of His amazing ability and wish to wipe everything clean between J and me and between ourselves and Him. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude.

Apparently, not only am I learning (the hard way) "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15, but each day, re-learning about the power of His love for me and my daughter.

BTW, we are fine. Honestly and completely. But I still feel the holes where I nailed in those nasty words, and, though the nails are now gone--Praise Him--because I'm human, it'll take a while for my emotions to catch up with the Truth.

So, it's really better just to obey right away, is what I'm sayin'. :)

2. Why is it so important that we obey God completely? Why is it not enough to obey some, or even most, of what He says? One of my dear friends here IRL is a children's pastor. She tells our kids to "obey all the way". I love that! Well, I love that when we're talking about children obeying their parents. Ahem. When it gets a little tighter and becomes about me obeying my Father...well...sometimes i squirm. But we all know it's true. Partial obedience is like partial truth. Not obedience and not truth. As with the story of Samuel and Saul and Saul's disobedience re: wiping out the Amekelites...God didn't ask Saul to kill most of the folks and the gross and weak animals, saving the best animals for "sacrifice" (yeah, that's the ticket--"sacrifice"). Thru Samuel, he was very plain: Kill them all. Period. When Saul reinterpreted God's words, by surely knowing better about what God wanted than God did, he disobeyed. I'd like to say this story has an unfamiliar ring to it, but...see question 1. There's a book called Half Magic, by Edward Eager which reminds me of a 70s/80s show called Fantasy Island. Both book and show illustrate what happens when you have a wish come true, but only partially. As you can follow, the wish, doesn't really come true at all. With Eager's book, the scenario is funny and gives children something to think about. And of course, the schlocky show Fantasy Island was much darker, but had the same outcome. 1/2 fantasies being no fantasy at all. I think I've beaten this dead horse enough because it really is simple. Not easy, but simple: Do what God says. All of it. Don't think you know more than the Creator of the universe. For that'd be prideful.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10). In Jesus name. Amen.

Gladitude

G: Gladdy McGlad for our clouds today. What's that you say? Why? Well because we started VBS, and it's nice to have games outside (Thank You God for no rain), but not nice when it's so hot and sunny that bodies are stinky and headachey.

L: Lurved laying low this past weekend. We actually had to get up and walk the dogs to avoid the stiffness associated with being sedentary for too long. Why can't this area of giftedness be celebrated??? ;) We recovered, now that everyone is officially out of school, and just let Father's Day weekend be family rest and rejuv. Of course now there IS laundry. Big time.

A: After my morning run/walk, I was still able to walk, so I'm terribly glad about that. It still does not feel right or normal when I run, but I'm only 3 weeks into it. And we're extending time and distance every day. I'm sure it will seem enjoyable soon. :)

D: Delighted for a PT eval and hopeful to get a home treatment plan for hip pain. Been waking up in the middle of the night feeling it, so I'll be happy to git er stretched out. Poor J. She can't escape me--now we're BOTH doing PT like best friends. Together.

I: I cannot tell you how much I wished China was closer to home, but how awfully glad I've been to have Big home for over a month. Will miss him dearly, as I always do, but he works so hard, and I'm beyond grateful that he has a job he enjoys.

T: Telling my self that it's time to shut the bag of chocolate chips and to be grateful to God for "a way out" of temptation w/o representation. Glad He's here to help me.

U: U might not believe this, but I'm totally glad for summer. Yeah, I'll be kicking my kids off the TV and computer more often than I'd like to make room for me so they stay active and on some sort of schedule. BUT...it's nice to have them home. Nice to have some chillax time. And it's MIGHTY nice not to have homework.

D: Desperately in need of new summer fun clothes, but determined to be grateful for what I have today and to not deride myself for my size or weight. My body works. It can push itself away from the chocolate chips. It's learning to run. It's quite cuddlyable, as well.

E: Entirely glad that this post is finished because it was harder to do than I thought. :) Equally important, though, is an effervescent gladness re: starting a new book to read. Giddy, I am. It's called Fire and Ice, by Julie Garwood. Nothing hard about this book. Just fun.

Who's Your Daddy?

Fort Maker

Mathematicis Tutor

Frapuccino-Buyer-For-Dtr-On-The-Way-To-School-er

High Places Light Bulb Screwer-Inner and Taker-Outer

High Places Paper Towel Roll Grabber

Big Bang Theory Enjoyer

Soda Pop Achiever

Reader Extraordinaire

Broncos, Buffs, 'Hawks, Huskies, and Sometimes Mariner and Avs Fan

China Traveler

Great Provider

Unwavering Supporter of Mom and D and J

Gentle

Funny

Scary-Smart

Undeserved By Us, But So Loved.

P.S. I bought you a card, but I don't know if I can find it. xxxooo me.

Guest Poster: Drama Jenny

Hi,

A while back, I told Jenny that she could post a comment on my blog. Since then, it's turned into, "Can I post on your blog?", and I of course...said. "Well....Okay".

So without further ado, I give you: Drama Jenny's Post. Enjoy. And if you like her better than me, please don't tell me, okay?

Most of you know me as Drama Girl and others just as Jenny. Well today I'm going to post about my year of growth, so here it goes: Yesterday, I turned eleven and it really made me think about my school year gone by. My fifth grade year was spent thinking about moving on to 6th grade (which is middle school at my school) and I was excited, but I had to tell myself, one step at a time. Yesterday when I was reflecting on my year, I remember saying to myself "I wish I was in 6th grade," but then I focused on the cool things I've done this year. This year I switched schools and I met new friends and learned how the school worked, that way I was prepared for middle school. I also had the oportunity to play one of the leads in a children's play at my church. That was really cool because I've been acting since first grade, and now it's a hobby. Also this year has been the first year i've been allowed to help out in the little kids' Sunday school. It was really fun, but now I know how my mom feels when I misbehave. Lastly, I tried something new. My friend and I signed up for track and feild, although a few weeks into it I managed to fracture my heel doing long jump. We (mom and I) thought it was just beginner pain until a podiatrist looked at it, silly us. Oh well I still enjoyed myself and cleared the running path for my family (now my mom's doing a 5k run). I also recently began electric guitar lessons, and it's really cool because I love music, and it's so much fun to learn how to play an instrument. A really cool instrument at that. All and all, I've grown at school and at church and my fifth grade year has been really cool. Now I'm finally in 6th grade, even though my mom says it's only official when the report card arrives :) . So now I'm glad that I didn't miss my fifth grade year.

This summer, I'm looking forward to going to an overnight camp that my church offers. I also will enjoy playing out in the sun, and seeing my friends that come up from New Mexico to visit their dad. I also get to go to MT to see some dear friends and after that, Silverwood, ID for waterslides. Lastly, I will also enjoy spending my birthday money, and getting ready for the year I've been anticipating--6th grade.

You Musta Been a Beautiful Baby...Cuz Baby, Look at You, Now

June 19, 1998

Happy 11th Birthday!

Dearest Jennifer Kate,

You are a treasure to me...

Shall I list just a few things that make me smile when I think of you?

I think I shall...

I lurve to see you with your daddy. For you are a daddy's girl to the max.

I lurve watching you with the other man in your life--your big brother, David.

I love how your relationship isn't perfect, but how you extend grace, and mercy beyond your years.

I love your sweet attitude with our own animules, as well asanimules we wish were ours...Careful Kody--no biting.

Lurve that you lurve a good book, and that school is fun for you...
I lurve that you have your priorities and vocation in place. ;)

And that you can play nasty on the stage, but at home, are only nasty .00001% of the time. Hey, nobody's perfect.Your pure, amazing joy and love of life tickles me.






And, sweet Jenny, a.k.a. "Drama Girl".


It thrills me, and I love so much that you never stop reaching for the heavens.



God bless you, my daughter.


And thank you, Jesus, for sending me this daughter.


For I am richly blessed, indeed.
Love, Mom

Seeking Him Together Bible Study: Week 6

Howdy! Week 6 is upon us, and I'm thankful to His Girl for hosting this round. Without further ado:

1. Define "positional holiness" and "personal holiness." What's the difference between the two? Positional holiness speaks to God making us holy thru Christ's blood shed on the cross. Refers to His cleansing of us and setting us apart as perfect in relationship with Him. Personal holiness (a.k.a. practical holiness) is evidenced through the fruit displayed in a believer's life. It refers to God's Holy Spirit abiding in us as we abide in Him, and the power of the Holy Spirit allows us to make obedient decisions within our daily lives which are godly in nature.

2. First Peter 1:13-16 and other Scriptures urge us to be active in our pursuit of holiness. How can we cooperate with God to grow in personal holiness? For me, this begins with repentance and time spent with God, praying and reading the Bible. I haven't been stellar at memorizing verses for this study, but this one just really speaks to me, and keeps leading me through each day, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10. For me, holiness begins here, daily: repentance, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and moving forward upon His truths. To say I'm not cooperating with God at all times is an understatement, but I have seen change, and would even go so far as to say, I've seen some fruit, so I know He's making me holy. Baby steps for me. Grace abundant from Him.

3. How can believers be delivered from hypocrisy and move toward living more authentically holy lives? This is a great question, and it makes me squirm in my seat a bit. One of the reasons IMHO that I need the daily discipline of seeking Him, is to avoid hypocrisy. To "pull the log out of one's eye", so to speak. Need to make sure I'm not just talking the talk, but walking the walk, as well. For instance, when I pray over friends, and/or tell them I'm going to pray for them, do I do it? Do I respond in humility and with grace to things that frustrate me, or do I get angry and pout? Am I gentle and loving with my kids when they make mistakes? What about when they make the same on over.and.over.? Am I really forgiving them 70x7 times? Is my mouth, attitude, and behavior in sync with my heart for God?

4. How did the Lord use the "Put Off/ Put On Exercise in your heart? What are some practical ways you can continue to put off the 'old self' and put on the 'new self'? Shall I cound the ways? Let's just say I'm a definite WIP, for the list is long, but distinguished. Probably, my top 3 areas are:

• putting off pride and putting on humility--this one is such a sneaky way for satan to deceive me, for pride is so insidious
• putting off impatience and putting on patience--this one is so hard! As the old joke goes, I want to be patient NOW. Patience with self, others both outside and inside my family, and especially, patient in my nature. W.a.i.t.i.n.g. without wailing, if you know what I mean.
• putting off neglecting Bible study and putting on consistent Bible study--It stymies me as to why I'm even typing this. Knowing what I know. Believing what I believe. Having the freedom in my country for direct, open worship and Bible study...It's a crime that I'm not running to my Bible each morning with the zeal of a child opening presents on Christmas morning. I do study the Bible. I'm even participating in 2 studies at this point. But still...if I had a nickel for every time I've put off, been interrupted, or avoided study altogether, I'd be rich enough to feed a small country, or buy a bra at Nordstrom, either one.
  

There were many others to which I identified in the "putting off/putting on" exercise. Many of them, IMO, were sort of sub-sets of pride. I'm seeking His help in them all. If there's anything I've learned over this study and others, it's that God isn't a one-stop shopping experience. He loves us so much that He wants constant communication, and is growing us constantly until pure sanctification and glorification. So...apparently, we're in for a bumpy, growing pain-filled, joyful, and amazing journey. Hang on tight.

Gladitude

I kinda hate to say g'bye to my spring Gladitude button, since this is the last time I'll be seeing her for a while. Next Monday will officially be summer, I believe, so it'll be time to rev up the red, white, and blue. Thank you again, Amber, for your amazing graffic skillz.

10. Glad we went here for Drama's b'day. Yes, I mentioned this last week. Checking back in to say that it was very fun. Very highly recommend for those 9-12, and highly recommend for any other family with small children to teen. I'd say kids who are 14/15 would like it, but not love it, even though there is a teen "hang out". Fairly spendy, but the water fun is included in the price of the rooms.

9. Glad that Big's car broke down while we were both in town to have it fixed. Further glad that it seems a smaller problem (a.k.a. price tag) than what we had anticipated. Don'tcha just lurve those paid off cars as they age? It's nice to have them paid off, but then they start falling apart just to prove that nothing is truly easy about owning a vehicle.

8. Sad and glad that I'm not meeting Amber today for lunch in WA. Sad because she has an owwie, which makes it hard for her to drive and feel well, and glad because I feel like God was protecting us. Nothing on my end made it easy to get to our meeting spot today. One struggle after another. Truly, God was shutting doors. I do hope we'll se each other before she leaves, but as always, God is good, no matter what. Praying that the rest of her vaca leaves her feeling better!

7. Glad I'm plugging away on my 5K training. Not exactly fun, but it soooo helps that I have a running buddy. And I am increasing endurance just a little bit; I can tell.

6. Glad for meeting up with old friends yesterday at a BBQ in Seattle. Both are college friends. One, we haven't seen for about 18 months, and the other, about 19 years--since graduation. So it was fun to see how we've all aged changed and to count up and brag on each other's kids.

5. Glad I got to be on worship team yesterday at church. Made for a full day b/c of our BBQ plans, but it's my favorite thing ever, so, that makes me gladdy mcglad.

4. Though Big's next trip is looming within the next week, I'm so very glad that we've had him home for over a month. Woot Woot! He's just the best.

3. Glad that David's summer officially begins on Friday--the same day we officially have an 11 year old. Guess I'll be making chocolate chip pancakes that morning. Somebody's got to do it. :)

2. Glad we were able to gift our play structure to a family who will really love it. Kinda sad to close that chapter, so I'm doubly glad that these kiddos will enjoy it for many years to come. I think we're moving forward with the hammock/trampoline phase of life. I'll keep you posted. I know that comes as a relief.

1. Glad for the amazing testimony (this past Sunday) of my friend's daughter re: her missionary work. She's doing antenatal care and midwifery for the women of the nations who are poor and generally not well treated in their lives. The way God is using her and her team is truly unbelievable and inspired.

Glad that the husband is employed, but that means he's shooing me off the 'puter. How dare he! The nerve! ;)

10 on the 11th: Because That's How I'm Rolling...

Thank you Mer for hosting! I had great plans for this 10 on the 10th. But we'll go with reality, instead. I hope this is worth the 30 seconds folks take to read it. Blessings on your week.



Here's my list...I like to call it: 10 Things



1. Had my first mammocram today. Other than being as uneasy as anyone would be in this first time circumstance, I have to say, I did fine, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND the procedure to all y'all for whenever your doctor recommends. I'm mentioning it here b/c one of my precious friends in blogland has been such an advocate for breast cancer awareness, and she's a cansurvivor for the past 4 years, I believe. Can I have a Woot Woot!?? Also, the technologist who did my mammogram told me that while this is a bit uncomfortable, it's short, and lots of other things are uncomfortable, too. Like getting teeth cleaned, having a vajayjay physical, etc. And it's so important. She said women who freak other women out are really doing a disservice to them because they avoid making the appt. Just do it--my PSA for today.



2. My daughter finished 5th grade yesterday, and after her useless 1/2 day of school got out, we headed to "Beach Day" with all the other folks from her school, to spend the other 1/2 of the day splashing, avoiding squirt gun battles if you're over 35, participating in them if under 35, and applying sunscreen. Great way to end the year and tire out the kids.



3. I'm starting training for my first 5K. See how optimistic that sounds when I type "first"? A friend turned me on to this program, and so I'm starting slowly, and I have a girlfriend who is willing to train with me, so that's fun. She's a bit more advanced than I am, but doing this together gives her a little more time to train, and us a little more time to gab--when I'm not gasping, that is. Best of all, this 5K I'm doing benefits our local hospital's cancer care unit--with every penny of registration and donation, so that's something I can get behind. Even if it means I have to exercise and sweat.

4. Next week (Friday) is my dtr's 11th b'day. Those of you with summer b'days or children with summer b'days know that it's sometimes hard to schedule the reindeer games whilst children are at home and not away on their vacas. Drama Girl didn't want a party this year (yay!), so we decided to do something fun with one friend. Tomorrow I'm taking Drama Girl and BFF and BFF's mom (who-thank-the-good-Lord-I-enjoy) here for a girl's overnight. We've had gorgeous weather, but that's about to change, so this should be perfect, since all the fun is indoors.

5. In celebration and preparation of tomorrow's fun, I got the car's oil changed and even washed it. I'm a doer that way.

6. Never let it be said that my son doesn't like to read. The other day, he didn't have much homework (surprise, surprise at this time of year), and he read Michael Crichton's The Lost World (Jurassic Park). Upon finishing, he picked up Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's pre-cursor/inspiration to Crichton's work of the same name. And finished that, too. If I get a novel read in a week or 2, I'm doing well.

7. My dog kept me up all night last night, trying to (I think) pass one of the many socks she magically gets a hold of. How she does this, I don't know, but she sneaks them down her gullet with nary a second glance from us. We only find...ahem...evidence, later. Anyway...hearing her gag all night was not the restful sleep I was hoping for.

8. Going in for a bang trim today, or partial hairapy as I like to call it. For now I am committed to bangs. *sigh*

9. Today is busy, but there are definite rewards: 1. a massage, and 2. a long walk and dinner with a friend.

10. I know I'm pretty boring and mundane, but thanks for reading. :) Happy almost weekend.

Seeking Him Together Bible Study: Week 5

This week, our questions and discussion are being hosted by Melissa at Breath of Life
Thanks, Girl! Appreciate it.

"Today's entry is short, sweet & to the point. Put your thinking cap on...here are this week's discussion questions about Week #5, Grace:"

1. How has your understanding of grace been helped or challenged this week? My understanding of grace hasn't really been challenged, but it has been helped. I guess I often forget that God extends not just forgiveness, but also grace. The slate is not only wiped clean, but it has no history, no b.a.g.g.a.g.e where God's concerned, if true repentance occurs. I am also reminded this week that crummy situations are opportunities for us to be sustained by grace. The humility of a lost job, a serious health issue, a divorce, a failing grade...all are devastating without the hope of grace abundant. Knowing that His grace is eternal shifts my thinking from the here and now to eternal life with Him. I'm not always or even usually good at keeping this perspective. Which is why daily visits and (more to the point) daily cries out to Him are needed.

2. How can God's grace help us overcome temptation? I'm actually not sure I get this question. As I puzzle through it though, based on this study, I see that if I call on God to help me avoid temptation, He is more than faithful to give me "a way out" from under it. (1Cor10:13). I also know that Jesus was tempted by everything (and more) than I might be tempted with, so, though He is blameless, He relates to my temptations. Perhaps the idea that God will not abandon me no matter how I am tempted, and knowing that if I fall, He will be waiting for restoration with me...perhaps that shows how His grace helps me overcome temptation. As I say, I struggled with this question...

3. Read Hebrews 4:15-16. What insight does this passage give us about how to get more of God's grace? I think I answered this partially in the above question. I can be certain that God knows how tempting my temptations are because Jesus faced them. And I can come boldly to the throne because He loves me and wants me to be right with Him. How do we get more of God's grace? It seems to me, we get more by submitting our needs to him, repenting of our sins, and asking for it...constantly.

Gladitude Monday

10. Gladdy McGlad that Big and I finished.painting.the.decks. at the beach house. I'm sweating just thinking of it, but we had fun, in a warped kind of won't-we-appreciate-this-later? kind of way. It was our anniversary celebration. We worked. Without kids and dogs. We went out and played. Without kids and dogs. For 24 hours. No kids. No dogs. Bliss. Happy to be back, but the break was great for all. They lurve their wondersitter.




9. Glad that after said painting, he and I showered and gussied up, and went to a fine Mexican food establishment. The food was amazing. However, the restaurant, new in town, was awaiting it's liquor licensing. So we had a dry anniversary dinner. I'm okay with dry. I am. But I sure had my mouth watering for a frosty margarita to go with all that burrito goodness. The good news is, with all those calories saved, we headed for ice cream afterwards. For we know how to celebrate.




8. Glad that Drama only has 2.5 days left of school. Could we please pull the band-aid off, already? I mean she's been celebrating last this and last that for about 2 weeks now. It's the longest good-bye I've ever heard of. What? Not sentimental enough for you? :) Even the last day doesn't quite end...for then we go to the beach together for one last sandy, surfy good-bye. Still, I'm glad this year in a new school has ended on such a high note.




7. Another braggity gladdation for Drama Girl...I twittered about this, but want to share here, too...She ran for the office of Secretary for Student Council at her school. I was so proud that she put herself out there, especially since this is her first year at this school. And I was proud of all the kids running. The elected were very gracious to those who weren't. And vice versa.




6. Glad that David had portfolio day on Friday, and we got to see him present all the things he's worked on for the past year in his school. I was impressed that he didn't just hand them to us and say, "Here." He went through and at least attempted a brief explanation of each item. I'm especially proud of his magnum opus: a play written in the Greek comedy style (3 folks on stage, and a "peanut gallery"). It's about aliens and squid. Well, he IS 12. Quite funny in a Science Officer Spock-meets-Sheldon-from-the-Big-Bang-Theory way.




5. Glad that Big and I are being accountability health partners. Not that reducing caloric intake doesn't suck; however, doing so with a mate is incredibly more satisfying than going it alone. At least for me. I just have to remember to sing the "I'm Not Bitter" song when he can eat over 2000 calories /day and have the weight fall off him like...buttah. And me? Notsomuch. Doing about 1200 calories. Except when, you know, we're celebratin' the anniversary. The good news is--we're learning to split things, and to (gasp!) share. :) I no longer look like a lioness, bloodied from battle, guarding and hording my evening meal. Baby steps.





4. Glad that Drama's broken heel is doing better. We're not totally in the clear, but by the end of June, I'm thinking she'll be in the clear.



3. Ever so gladdy mc glad, glad, yabba dabba doobity glad that this book is NOW available for pre-orders. I'll have you know that I've rubbed shoulders with the author. And I'm so excited for him and excited to get my copy! Christmas is coming, people! If you read anything at The Dirty Shame, then you'll want one of these. You will. I know I'm not the first to mention this, but hey, word of mouth is the best, right? And since I'm bragging...I'll just finish with this. John's writing is relatable, typically poignant, with the "just right" mix of tender and masculine. Lurve.


2. Glad that I was baptized today! Yes!!! God is so good. The picture below is of one of my favorite people in the world. It's one of the only ones of the day, and I haven't taken the time to retouch the darkness. Big didn't want to take pictures in church--felt funny about that. And I respect him for that. I was tickled to have him there. Back to the pic...V. and I are heart friends. She has been so instrumental in showing Jesus to my kids and me, and I just love her to pieces. She and her husband did the dunking and had the good grace to not keep me under. :) Lurve her. Lurve him. Lurve that my hubby and kids were there, and so were several of my friends. Most of all. Lurve that I finally got my opportunity to thank and proclaim my Maker. Good times.




1. Fantastically radically glad: that I found my wedding ring! Yay! Folks, I lost it probably the day after my anniversary--and I really wasn't being sneaky to gain a new diamond. Really. Anyhoo...I was just sick about it. Didn't realize it was gone until Friday, right when I was ready to take off for my day away with Big. I had taken it off a couple of nights earlier to make meatballs, and just left it off (usually something I never do). I had no idea where it could've possibly gone. Just on a wing and a prayer...I decided to go dumpster diving.

Do you see it in all it's coffee ground-moldy strawberry-disgustipating glory? Big said, "Well, I won't ever say you didn't try hard to find it. "

Indeed, not.

Sigh.

Hope you all have week which includes that for which you are glad.

And...before I forget...The winner of the new book is

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Here are your random numbers:6
Timestamp: 2009-06-08 12:53:39 UTC

Mich!

I think she's at camp. Hopefully this will be a welcome gladdy when she gets home. :)

Howdy! How About a New Book Review That's Fun For All Of You?

About 3 days ago, I had the misfortune to finish Wrapped in Rain--a Novel of Coming Home , by Charles Martin. I say misfortune, because I soooo did not want to see it end. It is currently so cheap right now at http://www.cbd.com/, that I will purchase a copy. Actually, I'll purchase 2. One to reread, and one to give. I stumbled upon it at the library. Didn't know it was a Christian fiction book. Hadn't heard of Charles Martin.

I was blown away.

This novel is set in southern Alabama in the present time. Tucker, the main character, is a guy in his early-mid thirties, who is now a professional photographer for the likes of National Geographic. He travels the world, typically avoiding his childhood home for long periods of time. He stops for short visits to reload and prepare for the next shoot. There is little good that he seems to remember of his home unless it centers around Miss Ella, a middle aged Black nanny, who took care of him and his brother, Mutt. His musings about and with Miss Ella are the cornerstone of this story. She is what I think of when I hear the phrase "Jesus in skin". She teaches love through doing and through being present.

This is not always an easy novel to read. There is violence, grief, and death. But what a perfect spot for restoration and redemption in some of the most beautiful, hard, sloppy-sweet ways. The characters are real, flawed, and incredibly well developed. I related to a lot of this story. And what I couldn't relate to, I devoured anyway.

One of the reasons I lurved this novel so much, is that I'd be honored to give it to a friend, believer or not. It's so approachable and yet, non-compromising in it's presentation of the Truth.

And so I will give it away. :) Here's where the book review gets fun for all of you:

Here's whatcha do. Go to the cbd.com link (click on the title, if you wish). Go look at the synopsis. If it seems to speak you, and you'd like a copy, please comment, saying something to the effect of, "Precious, lovely Gretchen...I'd lurve me a chance to win this new book." If you aren't in the reading groove right now, I promise not to be offended. But I give this book 5 gold stars.

I'll draw a name on Sunday night. Winner to be posted in my Gladitudes on Monday a.m., June 8th.

Seeking Him Together Bible Study: Week 4

This week's questions are as follows:

1. What is repentance and why is it so crucial in the process of both personal and corporate revival? Repentance is my seeking God to forgive and change my mind/attitude, such that I can change my behavior toward glorifying Him. I believe it's a cornerstone to revival. One cannot be changed w/o a changed heart. And w/o a changed heart, there is no change in behavior (fruit).

2. When God brings conviction of sin to the heart of one of His children, what does it tell us about Him? In my case, often that He's smarter than I give him credit for. Duh. Who do I think I'm fooling? It also tells me that, though He loves me extravagantly, He will not do anything which does not bring glory to himself--this includes going along with my actions and mindset of sin. Ouch.

3. When is the best time to respond to God's conviction and His call to repentance? Why? It's best to respond immediately; to keep the sin from snowballing, and to keep from hiding from God. He wants to heal us--wants us to seek His will and the Holy Spirit in our lives. The longer we sin and fail to turn to Him, the more shame and other garbage (death) get in the way.

Okay, and now here's where I get really real and share my prayer. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right within me." (Psalm 51:10).

I'm sorry I didn't memorize that verse completely, Lord. But I thank You for it. I am feeling very convicted regarding the time I spend on my social networking, Lord. Thank you for piercing my heart and changing my attitude. I so appreciate these things (blogging, tweeting, email), but they have become idols in my life. I know that my inner child baggage has something to do with this. I'm well liked now. Folks are kind and precious to me. I have wonderful and growing, real relationships from these networks. But I've put them before You and before my family. You are my first true love, and I must turn back to you and away from this sin. Thus, I ask for your forgiveness and cleansing grace. Lord, true repentance is a change in attitude and spirit, and allows for spiritual growth (fruit). I have fallen here, and specifically ask Your help in the following: Please check my heart if I tweet when my daughter is awake in the morning. I don't want her to feel like the interruption she said she felt like yesterday. Thank You for restoring us after my apology. Also, Lord, help me to first seek You each day. Check my heart if I'm hanging out on the computer or my phone before I've asked first for Your direction, worshipped Your holy name, and prayed with You each day. You are worthy and mighty and awesome. I thank You for loving me. For your forgiving, healing grace. For reviving me each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thank you, Melissa and Amber for hosting. Hugs!

Happy Anniversary, Big

Okay, so this post is probably one of those which is quite indulgent (thank you, Simon) and interesting only to me, but I don't care.

On Sept 13th, 1984, you asked me to this dance:

And then, despite the fact that you don't actually like to dance, we've been dancing and laughing, and arguing and loving and hanging out together ever since.

Sadie Hawkins (Nov. 1984)
Found out I'm allergic to hay.

Your Senior Prom (May 1985)

A trip of fun and frolic to Estes Park.

Probably right after your graduation.
1985

My Senior Prom (1987)

Back when we liked to hike. :)

Picnic with your folks, circa 1987/88

And...the weddin'. June 2, 1990.

Even then, I couldn't keep from crying. For I am a sap.

But really, I was happy.

I've got you babe!
See our cute selves poking out of the top of the limo?

I wonder (ahem) if we could do that now?

So there's a little more of us to love.

No matter.

For as long as live, I'll be honored to be known as:

dougandgretchen

Happy 19 years, Sweetie.

To quote a friend,

"Only God knows how much I love you."

Next year, I want a big diamond. j/k.

really.

sort of, anyway.

xxxooo