'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

A couple of quotes that resonated recently:

From Joy & Strength:

WHAT we should do is really, very often, to be still. And if we want something to make us more active and energetic, watchful and holy, I know but one thought, that is faith,--faith producing love. More trust and confidence and joy in God would be the secret--the only true or successful secret--of more goodness. And this should come quietly and calmly, not in great effort; this kingdom of God has come not with observation. Rest and quiet growth are what you want.
JAMES HINTON

From Central Covenant Affirmations:

WE know that by nature we have no good in us. If there is to be any good in us, it must be brought about by God. To this end the word of God is the powerful means, since faith must be enkindled through the gospel.. . .The more at home the word of God is among us, the more we shall bring about faith and its fruits.
PHILIPP JAKOB SPENCER

Worth Repeating:

The More at Home the Word of God Is Among Us,
The More We Shall Bring About Faith and its Fruits.

my chair

I've found a chair that my living room claims it can't live without. My living room tells me that it is the *perfect* chair, a beautiful chair, and one that will be amazingly practical for holding two full grown babies on my lap for story time (much better than squeezing onto a toddler bed, don't you think?).

It's going to float out in the middle of the room, facing our couch so when we have company, I won't have to sit sideways on my couch in order to see their lovely faces. It doesn't have arms, which make the floating abundantly more flowing, allowing your eye to skim right around the room without being rudely interrupted by bulky, overbearing arms.

Obviously the design of my living room with this added chair is only speculative, seeing as I come no where close to being all that great at interior designing (that's why I read Mark Cutler's blog, who, by the way, answered my question about wicker for me *in a post of it's own*). And the buying of this awesomely cool chair is only wishful thinking, of course, because wanting and having are two distinctly different "ings."

Honestly, it was one of those things that you didn't know you needed until you saw it. But I saw it. Now I want it, and I need to bury the idea until the time is right.

Easier said than done.

an innovative solution to the "sneaking food" problem

My babies...the ones that can walk, talk, and throw fits, have been sneaking food on a daily basis. They'll wake up at 5 am, open the fridge, and take out whatever their little hearts desire. Lately it's been the (buy one get one free) all natural hotdogs from Wild Oats. These puppies are delicious, expensive, and do *not* under any circumstances belong on the floor half eaten.

It's one thing for them to get food out because they are hungry and eat what they find, but they take food and play with it. Yesterday it was the buns, all torn up into little pieces. Last week it was chocolate muffins (eaten, yes, but with a million little crumbs all over the bed, floors, pillows, etc). One morning they got a new pack of hotdogs out, the three year old cut the pack open, and then proceeded to cut the dogs up into 1 inch pieces and throw them behind her bed. Why? Only Heaven knows. We *do* follow the recommendations of the If-Then chart if you are concerned that we don't adequately discipline our children. We do. Begrudgingly sometimes, but we do.

So last night, after disciplining sweet number two for the millionth time for this repeat offense (this time it was a scoop of sour cream...with her hand), my husband devised a plan. Have free gun locks? Don't have a gun? I bet you have a refrigerator!

Elizabeth Elliot on Fashion

In response to the fluffiness of the last two posts about fashion I present to you what made it's way to my inbox this am:

The Right Clothes

Only certain costumes suit Christians. To be otherwise dressed is inappropriate.

"Put on the garments that suit God's chosen people, his own, his beloved: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience" (Col 3:12 NEB).

"Put on the Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom 13:14 RSV)

"You have all put on Christ as a garment." (Gal 3:27 NEB)

"You must put on the new nature of God's creating." (Eph 4:24 NEB)

"You have discarded the old nature with its deeds and have put on the new nature." (Col 3:10 NEB)

"Put on love." (Col 3:14 RSV)

The clothes we wear are what people see. Only God can look on the heart. The outward signs are important. They reveal something of what is inside. If charity is there, it will become visible outwardly, but if you have no charitable feelings, you can still obey the command. Put it on as simply and consciously as you put on a coat. You choose it; you pick it up; you put it on. This is what you want to wear.

Do you want to dress like a Christian? Put on Christ. The act of honest obedience--the fruit of love for Christ--is your part. Making you Christlike through and through is his part.

________________________________________________________________

Click on the picture above to sign up for this (and other) devotionals to come to your inbox. I personally enjoy "Joy and Strength" even more than Elizabeth Elliot's. It is very bible centered, short, and almost always speaks to the character of the Christ follower.

Tanks

It gets hotter and hotter everyday here in the desert, and while doin' what I do in my house during the day, I wear as little as possible (which is usually a skirt and a tank). I picked up these higher cut tanks at the mall today for $6 each! Now I have one for every (casual) day of the week (although I really got the white one to wear as an under-tank). Hurray for great prices :)

A New Dynamic

My seven-year-old has flown out of the coop and been gone for a week (which gives me more time to blog), and the dynamic in our house has changed dramatically! Before, there was bickering, boredom, and blues, but with the oldest gone, my two middle children are happy to creatively play with each other for long periods of time.

One of the goals I listed to complete before his return was to get at least four weeks of lesson planning done. I mentioned our new curriculum, and I have been so excited to have daily plans that will keep him busy. Too busy to bother the babies. Too busy to interrupt their special "we're-only-16-months-apart" dynamic. Not doing "busy work," of course, but we are finally stemming away from the three 'R's and getting into more lengthy lessons. Hurray!

Team work! I'm a proud mama.

A reNEWed Interest

I'm really getting in to some of the fashion blogs out there in the blog-world, and even one "interior design" blog, which I've linked to on my side-bar. Those of you who knew me in my teenage days know that I loved clothes. My senior year in high school I never wore the same outfit twice* (with a nod to the old-school Goodwill prices). Even in junior high, little ole me was nominated for best dressed (a scantily clad beauty won the award though...wonder who was voting for *her*). Since my third precious child came along, I've not had the money or the body to "wear what I want," so fashion has fallen to the way-side as I've focused on more practical things like groceries, diapers, clean counters, vacuumed floors, scrubbed toilets, Starbucks...you get the picture.

But then I found Rebecca's blog. It amazes me how much impact it's had on my little life. It sparked life back into my creative self, allowing me to focus a little more on *me*. It sounds selfish, but it feels healthy. It's nice to walk out the door knowing I look my best (which still isn't great, or perfect, or where I want to be).
And it's fun to see pictures of the fun outfits others have created. Thriftyspend has pictures up almost everyday. Here's a pic of her "day job"...looks familiar doesn't it!

*this is really something to be proud of, huh?

another fly-by post

I came across a couple of comics from the one-and-only "homeschooling" blog I've been reading lately. Pretty funny:

Brothers on Mother's Day

This cracked. me. up. I love a good laugh, so I'm sharin'...

Remembering Mothers

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart - and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." "But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days." The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?" asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one." "That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride." The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."

And she is! Women have strengths that [should] amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

{and then the cheesiest part}
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

I agree with it all. Maybe we don't keep the world turning around, but we definitely make the world a better place for men, other women, and children.

My definition of "feminist" is simple. Women are beautiful, unique, intelligent, and loved by God. We are very important to Him, vital, I should say, and anyone who thinks or treats a woman as inferior or a second class citizen (which I have experienced recently) is out of touch with what God does through women. That said, it's all about God and His love for us, and His opinion. We can argue about 1 Timothy and Titus 2 all day, but it comes down to our Father, and what He calls us to do and be. I am a daughter of the King, not a handmaiden to the son's of God.

I am Feminist**Hear Me Roar

This is why I believe in feminism in it's purest form:

I'm famous! I'm famous!

Well, not quite. I'm actually a little fashion illiterate, so I've kept Rebecca busy at Between My Peers answering a few of my "fashion-illiterate-person-needs-to-know" questions.

Here and here.

And *then*! Take a look at this one! I'm online! Hurray! It's kind of one of those moments where you say, "Oh! My eyes! I can't take it!" I really need to get rid of the excess baby lovin' that forms the new me, but it *is* fun to get feedback about outfits and the chocolate brown jacket I couldn't figure out how to wear!
So I've been meaning to point you all (three) in the direction of Rebecca's blog. It's become a daily read, and has really helped me thin down my closet and focus on what really does look good on me. Knowing the right colors, for me, has given purpose to my shopping. And what more could a girl want than *purpose* for shopping!

Thanks, Rebecca!
:)

Fantasia Barrino

I want to point out that the Fantasia video is working again, and if you haven't listened to/ experienced the song yet, click on the picture two posts down. I come here & listen to it daily. It's beautiful.

Tapestry of Grace

EDIT: If you want to browse the TOG store, it'll earn me points. If you plan to buy anything from there, please get to their website through this link!

We are plunging into homeschooling with our pocketbook this month. We are finally ready to purchase the curriculum I've been researching for over a year. I'm thrilled about it, and I will try to give a lengthy response to my sister's question in the next post:
"Why on earth do *you* have to pay to teach your son? Shouldn't the government pay for it?"

Life is Hard

I hate to say that I never even read the classic novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker, but I know that it speaks to the injustice of the treatment of African Americans in the early 20th century. According to the American Library Association, it is number 18 on the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000. (I thought the "Banned Books Week" was *Really Cool*!)

Here is a beautiful woman singing a beautiful, heartbreaking song from The Color Purple (the musical). Through all the trials we go through here on earth, and with so many of us going through them *right now*, this song really spoke to me.

07-02-28-03
Uploaded by greateggs

(HT to BooMama =)

Simple Church

I'm linking again to Rick's blog explainng a bit about Simple Church. The film connected to the post does a great job of allowing you to hear the thoughts of the shakers in the movement. When The Blind Beggar crashed and Rick lost all of his posts, I was saddened that I may never again hear this quote from the end of the video:

Every member of the body of Christ here will know they are living in their
destiny, and that not one person will go to their grave with their music still
in them, but they will sing their song, and reach their purpose God’s got for them
here…

me and the church

I've begun to want more out of church. I'm beginning to think that church being all about *me* and my other fellow believers is backwards. Maybe the main focus of the gathering shouldn't always be to sit quietly and be “fed the Word" when what we equally need to do is get out into the world and feed (literally) the would-be sheep. I'm tired of pretending and living like we are in a "culture war" and "they" are the enemy (thanks to Adventures in Mercy in this post that really helped me "get it"). I want to shout, "Wake up!" to "the Body" and tell the butt to stop acting like we are here simply to make it until we are rescued from this horrible, no-good, God-forsaken land. We are called to make disciples, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, help the poor, the widows and the orphans, and to live lives worthy of the call (Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 1:9-11) *here on earth*. Our so-called cultural enemies are the very people we have a responsibility to love and to care for.

I’m not referring simply to evangelism (because I always felt uncomfortable with the idea of passing out tracts). I am coming to realize that loving our neighbors as ourselves is much more intimate than a five minute Christian schpeal (am I the only one who uses this made up word?). There is a new (to me) way of doing church. It’s a new (to me) focus for the church, and the key term is missional.

One of my new habitual reads is The Blind Beggar, and he has compiled missional thought on a website completely devoted to it- Friend of Missional. The website explains what missional is in context of the way we normally “do church,” and it is very easy to read and understand. I strongly encourage you to take a look, and come back here and tell me your thoughts. It’s not too long and I regard it as exceedingly important.

I am honestly not trying to condemn our church structure as it stands, but I feel so complacent going to church, coming home, living life with my morally like-minded body and never doing much beyond baking brownies and Ooey Gooey for the neighbors.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… let’s go out and touch the world, one person at a time.

Here I am!

Samara Lucille
November 20th, 2006
11lbs
22 1/4 inches
"Guarded by God"

The American Christian

UPDATE 2/27/2007:
I figured out YouTube! Here's the video that cracks me up and causes me to squint with familiarity at the same time (...isn't it ironic...)!



I can't figure out how to put YouTube up on my blog ('cause I really don't know what I'm doing- technically;), so you'll have to go visit the source rather than getting it straight from me! (I just discovered SmuloSpace, and have been reading it off and on all day [since I was wide awake and in need of some time-passing stimulation at 3 o'clock this morning].)

This video clip from John Smulo's blog is a great caricature of what American Christianity has become to so many people. It makes me rethink being a Christ-follower and how I express that to the "world" vs. how the "world" outside of Christianity sees most Christians.


"The world doesn't know what you are trying to say, but you'll keep trying anyway."

"Natalists"- a definition from the New York Times

I was surprised to see this editorial come from the New York Times- as liberal as it is. But this guy has hit the mark in many ways when it comes to famlies who choose to have more than 2.3 children.

Natalists are associated with red America, but they're not launching a jihad. The differences between them and people on the other side of the cultural or political divide are differences of degree, not kind. Like most Americans, but perhaps more anxiously, they try to shepherd their kids through supermarket checkouts lined with screaming Cosmo or Maxim cover lines. Like most Americans, but maybe more so, they suspect that we won't solve our social problems or see improvements in our schools as long as many kids are growing up in barely functioning families.

He has documented a trend here, and he is surprisingly accurate.