GladiThursday

Soundth like I'm lithping...GladiThursday....

Okay...maybe just to me. 

Today, I'm glad for the sting of conviction, and that "because of His great love for me, His compassions never fail--they are new every second morning." (Lam. 3:22-23)

I was a grump last night.  One of my least favorite pasttimes of my Proverbs 31 life ;) is that I loathe making dinner.  Why?  Well...I think first, it's just a bad part of the day for me.  And then?  I don't love planning, but when I do take the time to plan and execute said plan, here's an example of the following which make me feel like riding my broom around the kitchen:

• The girl gets a spontaneous dinner out invitation (from the person driving her home). 
• The boy has a two item repetoire before complaints start in.
• The strong provider has an incredibly dynamic schedule, which may or may not include his presence for dinner.  I may or may not know whether he's dining with us more than 10 minutes before I'm putting dinner on the table.

So, in my angst, I borrowed a plan from one of my parenting mentors, Bill Cosby (and his wife, Camille).  You know the one...it goes something like, "Alright! that's IT!  No one in this family better look at each other or touch each other--AGAIN!".  Only, I substituted:  "I give UP!  I'm never cooking dinner for this family--AGAIN!  Fend for yourselves.  I'm tired of... and I can't believe..." 

Yeah.  Hard to be proud of Spiritual Fruit of that nature.  I know you wish you were part of my family.  Lucky ones.  I am one fount of flexibility.

This week: 

I've been praying.
I've read my Bible.
I've gone to church, gone to choir.
Had plenty of opportunity to be filled with His Spirit, and to choose gentleness, self control, and patience. 
And I failed. 

Somehow, I left His strength in favor of my own, and it was a disaster. But conviction brings confession, and confession brings repentance.  And thankfully, repentance brings forgiveness from a holy God.

I stand in the truth of His grace.  And am so glad about that.  

Lord, create in me a pure heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Ps. 51:10).  In Jesus' name. Amen.

It's never too late to learn new words, children.

Can you say, "canine corprophagia", children?  There.  I thought you could. 

Can you say, more $trouble$ than she's worth (no matter what her smiling face says)?

Daniel SAFARI: Fond Farewell

As a tip o' the hat to our courageous SAFARI leader, I'm doing my wrap up in acrostic style.

D: Did the study live up to my expectations?  Was my experience consistent with my expectations?  Well...actually, I had few expectations.  I knew a lot of my fellow travelers had been down the Daniel road before and found it a little wiggy and difficult to digest.  I think perhaps we were all a little put off by the prophesy aspect of the book (initially) because that seems to be a very unfamiliar part of our daily Christian walk as post-modern Americans.  My experience totally surpassed any expectations I could have ever had. 
A: Any heart changes?  Only God can answer this.  But just carefully reading and studying Daniel gave me a heart for the amazing faith of this individual.  And the thirst for that same, bold, steadfast faith.  A faith that, according to God's will, can move mountains.
N:  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could complete this study--and not only that, but be so blessed by my SAFARI Sisters.  They are truly the best "souvenir" from this study. Never did I think that one of us would come to find out she had an agressive form of cancer, and yet, bless her sisters with her insights, groans, and God-given messages of encouragement in her completion of the study. 
I: I am amazed at the fact that even though God has been around since the beginning of time, he makes himself current and understandable--through His word, and through the voices of  Amber...Jen...Karen...Lisa...Tiffani...and all the FB folks I had chance to peek in on.
E:Easy?  No...often times, this study made me look up close and personal to all my "zits" in the mirror.  No one likes to do that--especially a 41 year old woman.  Aren't I supposed to be at an age to "have it all together?".  Ahem.  No, it wasn't easy.  But it was gooood.
L:  Love.  Love the fact that God led me to this study at this particular time.  Love the lessons learned, even when they chafed and burned.  Love that Daniel is just as applicable today as it was when written. 

Thanks to all who have put up with my off-key singing in the jeep.  I appreciate your helping to clear the windows so that I could see all the scenery.  Thank You, Jesus, for your grace and mercy throughout my journey.  You forgave the times I wasn't as disciplined as we both would've liked, and Your faithfulness built upon my own wimpy faith of a mustard seed. I am blessed. 

It's not easy bein' green except when it is giveaway: WINNER

Howdy!  After a quick visit to my friends at Random.org, I'm here to announce that #8, LaVidaCoffeeGal won the set of new cloth napkins. Since I know how to find you, LVCG, I'll be contacting you shortly to button down your order.  Thanks for playing, everyone!  BTW, let me also wish HisGirl a very happy b'day!  She's shy about sharing her b'day, but I hope she won't mind. (bwah-ha-ha). 

It's not easy bein' green...except when it is. Giveaway.

Hey Blogular Peeps! 

I've been truckin' along this week, and haven't paid much attention to the blogosphere.  Just otherwise occupied, I guess.  Quantum leap:  So, I was looking at our cloth napkins and how they don't go with my spring colored table runner.  I've decided I need to make more napkins.  Not so much because these don't match, but because we really like using them, and if we're using them, they may as well match, no?  In fact, my son MUCH prefers these to paper napkins.  Using paper on his skin feels like nails on the chalkboard. 

And, in much the same fashion as this book, if I start out with an idea in my head, it often morphs into another one. 

The bottom line?  Another quantum leap:  Earth Day is coming up.  Mer wrote so beautifully about being a good steward about all that we've been given.  So, in order to be a better steward of all I've been given, and to reduce my quilting fabric stash (which makes my husband so happy), I'm going to make myself some springtime cloth napkins. 

And I'll make you a set, too, in your favorite coluh or a coordinating coluh for your kitchen.   

If you win my drawing. 

Faithful lurkers and commenters, unite.  If you've kept up so far and want to win some napkins, please leave a comment telling me about your favorite meal with your family and why.  Or, tell me something else.  Like why the new Star Trek was robbed at the Oscars.  Or why you wish Jane Lynch was your best friend.

You have till 8 p.m. Pacific on Sunday, April 18 (HisGirlAmber's b'day).

Live long and prosper, and I look forward to catchin' up with all y'all's blogs. Soon. xxxooo

GladiTuesday! This-n-That

1.  Glad that gLee returns to television tonight!  Superifically glad that Army Wives started back last Sunday night.
2.  Glad that I own the Star Trek movie. By watching in my bedroom on Monday afternoon, I was able to clean out my closet and dresser, and try on (not glad about the trying on) summer clothes.  Was able to take  two bags to Value Village.  My closet should remain clean b/c there's nothing left in it. :)
3.  Glad that my dtr starts track this week.  She's excited, and I think the exercise will make her feel better about herself, and just plain better overall.  It's hard to be a tweenager.
4.  Glad for finishing my Daniel SAFARI.  What a terrific study.  I learned probably more than I even think I did, and had such a great time hearing others' points of view.  I'm also secretly proud of myself for following through--only because that is such a weakness of mine. 
5.  Speaking of following through...I'm behind on my Bible-in-a-year readings.  BUT...I'm slowly crawling out of the hole.  Trying to focus on each word, rather than "catching up".  Lurved Deuteronomy.  Feels like the Cliffs Notes of the Pentateuch.
6.  Glad for sweet friends' texts, phone calls, and prayers this past week.
7.  Glad that my son is writing his sci-fi book plot-starts.  I swear...it DRIVES ME CRAZY that he doesn't like to write much.  Can you say, "light under a bush"?  Whenever we're talking, he lists a jillion different plausible plot lines.  So, I'm doing what every mean mother does:  I'm making him write in his "novel" at least 15 min every day.  It's sooo good.  Who knows?  Maybe God will open a door.
8.  Glad my daughter cleaned her room.  Amazed that she did it WITHOUT being asked.  Woot.
9.  Gladdisimusly glad that my friend Amber is getting older over the weekend.  Alas, I'll always be older, but she likes to celebrate her special day as much as I like to celebrate mine.  I think we're both 5 years old in our hearts.
10.  Glad that Christmas is only 256 days away!  Maybe if I start now, I'll actually have a homemade gift or two ready to give before the New Year.  I really want to make one of these, in my own style, of course.  My mom made me one, and it's about trashed.  I want my kids to have one to pass down.  Oh, dear.  Guess I have to make 2.

So...what sayeth ye?  What maketh you glad today?

Daniel SAFARI: Week 12

Exploring Evangelism/Conquering Complacency

This week's highlighted verse:  Daniel 12:3 (NLT) "Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever."

Here are the questions for our final chapter:

1.  Post about a time you’ve shared the Gospel with someone–how’d it go?

2.  Why do you think so many of us choke when it’s time to tell someone the Good News? What do you think we can do about it?

I've chosen to answer them both, but I WILL TRY TO BE BRIEF. :)

1.  I don't believe I've shared the Gospel from beginning to end, so to speak, with anyone except for my children.  That went well b/c they were little and they were getting major back up from their awesome Sunday School teachers at my church.  Typically, I share the Gospel by sharing little, experiential things where I see God's presence in my life.  I've also shared verses which make me think.  Lastly, sometimes, I just ask if I can pray for the person (who doesn't know Jesus).  Usually, these attempts have gone well.  Sometimes, I consider them feeble because, after all, the goal is SALVATION.  But is that really the goal?  As Amber noted in our study, we are called to be witnesses in the command of the Great Commission, but witnesses are responsible for only telling the truth as they know it.  Only God can convert a heart.  My evangelizing needs to be somewhat comfortable, and always as a result of being in relationship with a person, or it will seem disingenuous.  People are so wary and guarded because they've been hurt, so treading carefully is always the order of the day (in my opinion). I am not displeased with my actual sharing--but I realize that I could be more intentional in each relationship, "making the most of every opportunity", not only to get along with my fellow believers, but sharing the faith with unbelievers. (Philippians 5:14-16).  Time is running short.

2.  I think many of us choke when sharing the Gospel because we're afraid of rejection.  Who wants to look like a freak, or be labeled a fanatic?  Quite frankly, there is no good excuse for not evangelizing, since we are commanded to do so; however, T.V. evangelists and political extremists have done very little for our cause in reaching the unchurched.  "If I listen to Gretchen and/or attend her church, will I turn into some religious nutcase?"  The second reason we choke, and it's directly related to a message about worry and possessions (Luke 12:22-34) that I heard today, is that we're not truly "bought in" to the Kingdom of God, ourselves.  Fitting into our social groups is extremely important--an idol, perhaps? Ouch.  But really...Do I want to be the churchy one?  No I don't, but it takes effort at building relationships and living/walking faith in order to make Jesus attractive to folks in our fast-paced, instant gratification, I'm-too-busy-for-God American culture.  Jesus asked each of his disciples to drop everything and follow Him.  He asks us, too.  And in order to shine like stars, we must be strong and courageous, and wisely share His righteousness with others. He didn't say this would be easy.  He didn't say it wouldn't feel awkward at times.  He didn't say folks would instantly agree.  He just said to do it.

I find comfort in knowing that if I just try--just do my little part--He's got the rest covered. 

I am humbled to have finished this SAFARI with all of you.  Thank you for your companionship and wisdom along the way.  Special thank you to HisGirlAmber, my SoCA sister.  You never cease to amaze me, and girl, you've sharpened my iron many a time. Love you!

I'll be sharing final wrap ups by the end of this week/beginning of next. 

10 on the 10th!

Wow!  How is it that each month has a 10th, and each month, I seem to be caught off-guard at this occurence?  Thank you, Mer, for the tawpic.  This may be a surprise to the 10 of you, but going to the gym, eating healthfully, and overall discipline in my physical well-being are not my favorite subjects.  I'll wait whilst you pick yourselves up off the floor.  Really?  Yep.  They represent "have-tos".  I have to take care of the body that God gave me, I have to be a good example for my children, and I have to show myself that I can be disciplined.  See?  Have-to.  Let's not even go there re: my I-realize-I-should-be-grateful-for-the-ability-to-work-out attitude.  Ahem.  It's a work in progress.  Do you think I have a 10 on the 10th, or am I just going to ramble? 

10 Beautiful Sedentary Activities Which I Wish Burned Calories:

1.  Reading.  Blogs. Books. Magazines. Facebook. Whatever. 

2.  Napping.  90 minutes is best, but will take 20.

3.  Watching TV.  Top 3 wished calorie burners:  Amazing Race, Real Housewives of..., & Castle

4.  Driving.  On days that I put 100 miles on rHonda the Minivan, I sure wish each minute = 1 calorie.
5.  Eating Out.  Wouldn't it be great if calories in really equalled calories out?  Just musin'.
6.  Hairapy.  Actually, hairapy is fun enough w/o losing weight, too.  Or, is it?
7.  Writing Posts.  Seriously.  I have some HOURS in that Daniel Study, and I don't have a thinner waist  to show for it--just more spiritual growth.  sigh.  Oh, well. ;) 
8.  Quiet time/Bible Study.  See #7. 
9.  Watching J's Upcoming Track Season.  Lordy, not only does this not burn many cals, but sore butt-itis is often the result of such loving, sacrificial support.
10.  Singing in the choir.  Oh, I guess we do stand, on occasion.  And we breathe heavily and all.  Get your mind out of the gutter.

Go join in the reindeer games at Mer's place.  Happy Weekend!

Deep Thoughts with Gretchen

I've been thinking lately...(a dangerous idea, to be sure).

And here's what I've been chewing on:  Would someone who didn't know Jesus know that I know Jesus?  Does my relationship with my beautiful Savior show in my faith, word, and deed? 

Of course, I'd like to think that the answers to these questions is a resounding, obvious YES!  But I'm not always so sure.

I was brave enough to ask my husband if he saw evidence of my faith in me.  Thankfully, he didn't faint or laugh in my general direction.  He said that he did see something.  That I wasn't a "Sunday only" believer.  So that's a relief.  Because he's my biggest mission field, no?  But so are my neighbors, my friends both in and out of church, and my children.  Because if my children don't see Jesus in me, they'll be awfullly confused as they grow into their faith as adults.

So...ruminating, cogitating, mulling over...

It's easy to thank Jesus, raise hands, pray, and talk in Christian-speak at church.  Further, it's comfy to chat with folks with whom we know we share faith.  And I'm grateful for these times.  I need them.  But what about the rest of the times?  Is the fruit of the Spirit alive and growing in/thru me?  Lord, let it be so.

Lemme ask you...Can you put your finger on a particular attribute or package of attributes of folks whom you know are believers, even if they haven't espoused their faith in Jesus verbally?  What's one way you live your faith (because I get by with a little help from my friends).

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” ~St. Francis of Assisi

GladiWednesday! Easter Gladification

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend.  Knowing what I know about Jesus and His resurrection, it'd be impossible to have a horrible Easter, really.  Our family went to the beach house for the weekend.  The weather was very spring-like, meaning we endured gale force winds/rain and period of sun/calm sunsets throughout our 3 day stay.  The whole weekend was filled with moments of gladness, but perhaps the best gladdy of all is just that we were together.  Life is so fleeting.  Memories are sweet.  Here are a few of our memories:

***Disclaimer:  This is Whidbey.  Make up, contact lenses, and flat iron usage purely optional.***

Can you see the white caps on our shallow bay?  2 power outages later, we still had a great time.

Ta-da!  I'm not a great puzzler, but something about the beach house makes me wanna to a puzzle. And yes, I'm in my pjs.

Necessity is the mother of invention.  Emergency candles? Check!  Candle holders?  Um...Check.

Lighthouse at Ft. Casey.  Brr...it was windy and cold.

Aformentioned "casual look" at the top of the lighthouse. Stop looking at my chins.

She's on top of some place where they used to look out and kill folks.  I'm not sure what it's called.  Still at Ft. Casey.  It was cold--I didn't pay much attention.

Just keepin' it real.

Mucking around in Coupeville.  Fun little town. 

Easter breakfast at the Freeland Cafe in Freeland, WA.  Hippy-dippy local hangout.  Awesome omelets.  Lurve.

We are so Spocktacular.  And you can see that little acorns from big oak trees fall (if you look closely).

Tulips in Mt. Vernon, WA.  We did a drive-by and a quick stop b/c we had the dogs in the car.  Anyone want two dogs?  Free?  Actually, we might consider paying you.

My blouse clashes.

So breathtaking.

This is Daryl, and this is my other brother Daryl.  Or Darrell, if you will. 

Daniel SAFARI: Week 11:

Before we get started, I wanted to let you know that my Gladitudes will be on Weds, rather than tomorrow, since this post is a little tardy in coming.  Not that anyone is setting her watch by my posts, but... :)

However, now it's time for our second to last bit of our journey together on our Daniel SAFARI.  For those of you who are not in the study, or those of you who might be lurking, I capitalize SAFARI b/c it's used as a clever acrostic by HisGirl.  Lemme see if I can remember:  Scripture, Application, Facts, Ask God, Read (more), Internet.  Just a little housekeeping.  I'm a bit verklempt that the end of this time is near, but so thankful for this study, and for all the lessons we have learned together along the way. 

Today's topic for Daniel 11 is:  Exploring Intimacy/Conquering Wickedness

Oh, is THAT all?

Here is our key verse for the week:  Daniel 11:32 in the New Living Translation states, "He will flatter and win over those who have violated the covenant. But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him."

And my chosen question(s) of the three:  Why do you think so many people are deceived by people

claiming to be God, or claiming to speak for God? What can we do to keep ourselves from falling prey to these false prophets?   apologies in advance for being wordy.

I believe that so many people are deceived by false prophets because of ignorance or laziness.  Ignorance is terribly sad.  Those who are ignorant of the Gospel do not have a saving knowledge of the one, true God.  In short, they don't know any better because they haven't been taught any better.

But I think God calls us to think more about laziness in this particular chapter of Daniel.  In this chapter, I think He is calling out those of us who know Him, but don't take the time or effort to be intimate with Him.  To know Him inside-out.  To know his character so fully that we not only would send false prophets packing, but that we'd not even notice them in our paths, so clear would our focus be upon Him.  But a single-minded focus takes everything we have to give it.  I remember when our teaching pastor was sharing the passage (Luke 9:37-43) about how the disciples had been away from Jesus for probably a week busy healing and preaching, when they came upon a man whose son was demon possessed.  Nothing in their power was enough to release the boy from the power of this demon.  Finally, the man asked Jesus to heal him b/c the disciples couldn't do so, themselves.  Jesus was understandably upset.  Not because he didn't want to help this man, but because his disciples had only been away such a short time from him, and already had lost intimacy (faith) in Him.  They were acting in own power, as opposed to claiming His power.  This passage really speaks to me b/c it shows how entirely easy it is to step away from intimacy with our Lord.  These men were Jesus' chosen disciples, and even they fell short of complete closeness, all the time.  And the devil was prowling.  And he still prowls, as when false prophets are raised up.

Why does this hit so close to home?  Because it's so parallel to another type of relationship that also takes constant work:  a marriage.  In fact, Amber also mentions her knowledge of her husband in our lesson. On June 2, of this year, Big and I will have been married for 20 years.  Not a huge amount of time, but time enough to know that this marriage will go no where fast if we don't work at it.  We MUST work at intimacy by:  communicating well, spending quality time together, and having sex.  And if we don't choose to work at our intimacy and one or all of these things falter for too long, guess what?  Wickedness in the form of arguments, petty jealousies, and even something like an affair will likely settle over this relationship.  Now, I know very good and well that there are many folks who have been hurt by their spouse and/or have been divorced for whatever reason.  PLEASE know that I'm not passing judgment or really even talking about that.  What I'm saying is that an intimate relationship takes work. It takes effort.  It takes time.  Even when I'm not in the mood.

Similarly, in order to be in an intimate relationship with God, we have to give that relationship our time, energy, and effort.  Whether we are always "in the mood" or not.  Wanting is a feeling.  But just like doing something kind for my spouse shows that I love him, doing something with God at the center of that behavior shows my love for Him.  If we're not (okay, I'll switch the pronoun to "I")...If I'm not in my Bible, praying about decisions--like whether to open my mouth or not, surrounding myself with godly mentors, and in communion with God, I'm allowing the door to danger--perhaps false prophets, even--to be opened.  Wickedness is very insidious.  It doesn't need much of a foothold to grow and rot everything in its path.  And, as seen with the disciples, no one is immune to its exposure.  Vigilance is key.

Lord Jesus, thank You for knowing me from the inside-out.  Thank You for Your grace and incredible sacrifice on my behalf. I could never show You enough how much I love you.  I confess that i will often take the lazy way out in our relationship, and still expect to be close and hear Your still, small voice.  Please forgive me for my lack of effort in abiding in You.  Thank You for abiding in me, Holy Spirit, no matter how often I drop the ball.  I love you so.  Please help me to love You well, so that I may love others well, too.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

Another Tawpic: A pineapple is neither a tree, nor an apple.

O Mom suggests I write about "anything to do with being a Mom or a day in the life of your dog or pictures from the beach house or what is it you do all day or any favorite recipes your making lately". 

Wowsa.  That's a lot of goodness in one comment! I'll focus on the first part, "anything to do with being a mom".  How about a the best of times/the worst of times focus?  Not terribly original, especially if you're a parent, but here goes.  Probably the BEST thing about being a mom is that I have two great kids, and His new mercies each day to make up for my bungles.  And the worst?  The fact that I'm always second-guessing myself.  Also, immediacy and consistency have their drawbacks.  Here are a few specifics, in list form:

Bests:

• Bear hugs from my 6'1" son.  Cuddles from my dtr.
• Texts from my dtr--about anything and everything--especially those ending in xxoxoxo
• Watching American Idol, Survivor, and The Amazing Race from our bed all.together (even though, given all the fidgeting, one or both kids are often voted off the island--temporarily)
• Driving alone with each child.  To talk about everything.  Or nothing.  And of course we sing Journey and Queen songs to the tops of our voices.  David hasn't decided yet quite how to use falsetto, but there really is no other way to sing Steve Perry or Freddy Mercury.  Just sayin'.
• Prayers for and praying with each kid. 
• Tucking in.
• Pizza Night and Donuts (can you say, "hero worship"?)
• walks along the beach together.
• They miss me when I'm gone.

Worsts:

• 'Tude problems:  e.g. entitlement and/or lack of thinking of others.

Really, there are not a lot of terrible days.  Even with the hormones raging--we have two great kids.  God has been patient with us all, and though I know they won't grow up to be perfect adults, I can be so proud of most of their decisions already, and am looking forward to being best of friends...you know, when I'm intelligent and cool again.  I fear that'll be a while in coming. :)