First, a little history. As you may remember, Tim's salary is less this year than it was last year. On paper, we're operating in the red. In actuality, the Lord has provided everything we've needed and blessed us with some of the fluff of life too. So, all is well.
We plan on re-evaluating things once we know if Tim will be impacted by budget cuts next year. Until then, the Lord has covered us and we're packing away every spare penny we have. It's not a lot of spare pennies, but we're being as responsible as we can.
Flash forward to a few weeks ago. I'd noticed that the boys needed new underwear and shoes. It's wasn't an emergency, but definitely something I needed to get in the near future. It's been in the back of my mind, but I haven't really done anything about it. Plus, I didn't want to dip into our tiny reserves unless it was unavoidable.
Flash forward again. We've been reading about George Mueller for school. Every time I read about him I'm challenged to trust the Lord more than I already do. So, as I was folding laundry two days ago, I asked the Lord to provide shoes and underwear in such a way that I'd know he was the one who had met the need. I even had a dollar amount in mind. Obviously, he'd still be the one meeting the need if the money came from our savings. After all, he provided the savings account. But I really wanted clear provision for that specific need or a peace about using our reserves for it.
Now, backtrack again. A week or so ago I posted something on Craigslist for $7. The person who wanted it lived in Vancouver and offered to include postage in the cost if we'd mail the item to them. No problem. We shipped it off at the end of last week.
And now for what rendered me speechless (a miracle, if you know me at all). Today's mail included an envelope from the person we'd sold the item too.
It had cash in it.
Far more than $7 and postage.
Enough for shoes and underwear for the boys.
The exact dollar amount I'd had in mind.
We've been blessed financially many times before, but never by a complete stranger. They included a note saying the Lord wanted them to bless us and they were happy to do so. Amazing.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
TRIP TO THE ROCK MUSEUM
We reserved a cultural pass (this link is for the Washington county library system, so check your library for a pass if you live somewhere else) from the library to the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals. Tim was home on spring break, so he was able to join us, and we brought Granny along. It was a neat place!! No one that I've mentioned it too has ever heard of it, so go check it out if you live in my neck of the woods.
Friday, March 27, 2009
ASHLEY
Roses are red
I'm not a mister
Neither is Ashley
She's my step-sister
She posted on Facebook
A few days ago
Who wanted mail?
She wanted to know
I do, I do
I think mail's fun
I answered quickly
Response number one
Something would come
But I'd have to wait
It would be soon
Though I knew not the date
Today we were gone
On a family outing
Tired and grumpy
I just felt like pouting
When we got home
Saw a box at the door
Figured the Moffits
Is who it was for
When I got closer
Saw my name in print
So into the house
I started to sprint
I opened the box
The gift I did see
I got a big smile
So filled with glee
Two dozen cookies
To pass through my lips
Macadamia nut
And white chocolate chips
She'd put some thought
Into which type to bake
No generic cookie gift
Was she going to make
So she thought back
To a chat we'd had
When she'd come to visit
Along with my dad
It was a few years back
But her memory's snappy
She sent cookies I love
And my taste buds are happy
I'm not a mister
Neither is Ashley
She's my step-sister
She posted on Facebook
A few days ago
Who wanted mail?
She wanted to know
I do, I do
I think mail's fun
I answered quickly
Response number one
Something would come
But I'd have to wait
It would be soon
Though I knew not the date
Today we were gone
On a family outing
Tired and grumpy
I just felt like pouting
When we got home
Saw a box at the door
Figured the Moffits
Is who it was for
When I got closer
Saw my name in print
So into the house
I started to sprint
I opened the box
The gift I did see
I got a big smile
So filled with glee
Two dozen cookies
To pass through my lips
Macadamia nut
And white chocolate chips
She'd put some thought
Into which type to bake
No generic cookie gift
Was she going to make
So she thought back
To a chat we'd had
When she'd come to visit
Along with my dad
It was a few years back
But her memory's snappy
She sent cookies I love
And my taste buds are happy
The loot.
Just doing some quality control testing.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
3/26/09 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for opportunities to be on the giving end of things, especially since we've been blessed to be on the receiving end in so many ways.
What's one thing you're thankful for?
What's one thing you're thankful for?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
SPRING BREAK
I haven't posted anything in three days. Yikes!
We take one week off from school each month, but Tim's joining us this time because it's spring break. We haven't done anything terribly exciting, but it's been a busy week. I'm pooped.
Monday morning I spent some quality time with my dentist while he replaced some childhood fillings that were dying. I spent the afternoon tackling my "to do" list, then Tim and I had a commitment that evening.
Tuesday morning Tim shampooed our carpets (big thanks to Jyn for loaning us the shampooer!). Then I had lunch with Becky (big thanks to Monique for the Spicy Pickle gift card I won several months ago at a baby shower she hosted for Rachelle - love the gobbler). Then Tim took off to hang with Rick for some racquetball in the evening.
Wednesday was one more round of shampooing the carpets. Then Tim spent some quality time with our dentist. Next we headed to Washington Square for some McDonald's (big thanks to Granny for treating us to lunch - love the southwest salad) and Bucky's. Silas and I ran errands this afternoon (gotta love getting $7.74 cents worth of gum for $.74 and fabric at half-price). Tonight Tim and I worked our last shift for this rotation in the 1yo class at Bible study.
Tomorrow we're meeting an insurance agent in the morning. Then I'm tackling the rest of my "to do" list and doing a little bit of sewing practice. We'll head to some friends' house for dinner.
Friday is a trip to the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, or "the rock museum". That's a freebie trip, thanks to the cultural pass at the library. Of course, they're only open during naptime, so the kids will be going down early that night. Good thing, because I'm going to be totally worn out.
I have "do nothing" penciled in for Saturday and Sunday. I need to rest before we hit the books again on Monday! This spring break has been anything but a break, but that's ok. I'd rather be busy than bored.
We take one week off from school each month, but Tim's joining us this time because it's spring break. We haven't done anything terribly exciting, but it's been a busy week. I'm pooped.
Monday morning I spent some quality time with my dentist while he replaced some childhood fillings that were dying. I spent the afternoon tackling my "to do" list, then Tim and I had a commitment that evening.
Tuesday morning Tim shampooed our carpets (big thanks to Jyn for loaning us the shampooer!). Then I had lunch with Becky (big thanks to Monique for the Spicy Pickle gift card I won several months ago at a baby shower she hosted for Rachelle - love the gobbler). Then Tim took off to hang with Rick for some racquetball in the evening.
Wednesday was one more round of shampooing the carpets. Then Tim spent some quality time with our dentist. Next we headed to Washington Square for some McDonald's (big thanks to Granny for treating us to lunch - love the southwest salad) and Bucky's. Silas and I ran errands this afternoon (gotta love getting $7.74 cents worth of gum for $.74 and fabric at half-price). Tonight Tim and I worked our last shift for this rotation in the 1yo class at Bible study.
Tomorrow we're meeting an insurance agent in the morning. Then I'm tackling the rest of my "to do" list and doing a little bit of sewing practice. We'll head to some friends' house for dinner.
Friday is a trip to the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, or "the rock museum". That's a freebie trip, thanks to the cultural pass at the library. Of course, they're only open during naptime, so the kids will be going down early that night. Good thing, because I'm going to be totally worn out.
I have "do nothing" penciled in for Saturday and Sunday. I need to rest before we hit the books again on Monday! This spring break has been anything but a break, but that's ok. I'd rather be busy than bored.
Friday, March 20, 2009
IF YOU'RE GRUMPY AND YOU KNOW IT
ETA: I just realized I have another post with this same title. Hmmmm ...
Sit on the couch. Ignore everyone. Catch up on e-mail. Update your blogs. Check the weather forecast. That's what I'm doing right now.
Just wanted to let you know a couple things while I isolate myself from reality.
Numero uno is that Swagbucks is even cooler than I knew before. You see, I'd been using it for a while, but didn't want to pass the word until I actually cashed in on a prize. Well, what I discovered as I shared it with you a couple days ago is that each time someone signs up through my site, then I earn the same number of bucks that they do (up to 100 bucks). Woo hoo!! I could also send out e-mails through Swagbucks that would work the same way, but I don't send unsolicited e-mails to friends. Lucky for you! Anyway, if you want to register to win prizes simply for doing the online searches you normally do, then go right here or use the link in my sidebar and I'll benefit. Then pass the word to your friends and when they sign up you'll benefit!!
Numero dos is that more pics got posted from Forts & Floats, including one of Silas with Austin and JT (who, by the way, always has great hair because his mom actually has a clue about what to do with it). I'm so thankful that we go to a church that gives our kids such awesome opportunities to have fun, in addition to spending lots of time in the Word with them.
All right, I'm off to find something else to do online while I avoid the rest of my life. I'm sure I'll wake up chipper and cheerful tomorrow. Until then, I'm wallowing in my grumpy state.
Sit on the couch. Ignore everyone. Catch up on e-mail. Update your blogs. Check the weather forecast. That's what I'm doing right now.
Just wanted to let you know a couple things while I isolate myself from reality.
Numero uno is that Swagbucks is even cooler than I knew before. You see, I'd been using it for a while, but didn't want to pass the word until I actually cashed in on a prize. Well, what I discovered as I shared it with you a couple days ago is that each time someone signs up through my site, then I earn the same number of bucks that they do (up to 100 bucks). Woo hoo!! I could also send out e-mails through Swagbucks that would work the same way, but I don't send unsolicited e-mails to friends. Lucky for you! Anyway, if you want to register to win prizes simply for doing the online searches you normally do, then go right here or use the link in my sidebar and I'll benefit. Then pass the word to your friends and when they sign up you'll benefit!!
Numero dos is that more pics got posted from Forts & Floats, including one of Silas with Austin and JT (who, by the way, always has great hair because his mom actually has a clue about what to do with it). I'm so thankful that we go to a church that gives our kids such awesome opportunities to have fun, in addition to spending lots of time in the Word with them.
All right, I'm off to find something else to do online while I avoid the rest of my life. I'm sure I'll wake up chipper and cheerful tomorrow. Until then, I'm wallowing in my grumpy state.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
3/19 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that it's almost spring break. We get a week off of school each month, but spring break means Tim will be home during our week off.
What is one thing you are thankful for?
What is one thing you are thankful for?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
ONE & TEN
One with parents in the room. Ten with parents in church.
One with kinky, curly hair. Ten with stick straight hair (well, one has very, very loose curls).
One is a girl. Ten are boys.
Tim and I are working the 1yo class on Wednesday nights this month. Tonight we had eleven kids. Naomi is the "one" in all the statements I made above. Gotta love that girl!!
One with kinky, curly hair. Ten with stick straight hair (well, one has very, very loose curls).
One is a girl. Ten are boys.
Tim and I are working the 1yo class on Wednesday nights this month. Tonight we had eleven kids. Naomi is the "one" in all the statements I made above. Gotta love that girl!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
WEEKEND FUN
Saturday morning was spent having a lot of fun. Our family was invited to a birthday part at Safari Sam's. The kids had a great time getting some wiggles out! Here is Devon hanging out with Benjamin and David during cake time.
Silas left the party early to attend the Forts & Floats event at The Shed. He had a great time! You can spot him building a fort (last picture, bottom right corner) and wrapped in mine tape (second picture). You can see more pictures from the event by scrolling through the ACCF Kids blog. There are a few screens worth of pictures.
Silas left the party early to attend the Forts & Floats event at The Shed. He had a great time! You can spot him building a fort (last picture, bottom right corner) and wrapped in mine tape (second picture). You can see more pictures from the event by scrolling through the ACCF Kids blog. There are a few screens worth of pictures.
Monday, March 16, 2009
WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
Anyone in the market for a cute two bedroom house? Our landlord is selling a house two doors down from us and I'd love to have a friend as a neighbor!! We're super close to 217, 26, the library, and every store you could need ... but just far enough back that we don't hear any traffic. It's perfect! Click here and enter 9019571 for more information.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
LINKS I LIKE #4
Just want to share some great sites with you.
Frugal Living - My friend Sarah pointed me in the direction of this site. It's similar to Money Saving Mom and My Penny Pile (both linked in my sidebar), but it's specific to the Portland area. The way this woman shops at Safeway blows my mind. I still love WinCo, but I think I'm going to have to try and do some of the things she does at Safeway. Amazing!
Susan G. Komen For The Cure Scholarship - I don't even know if this scholarship existed when I was in college, but I sure could have used it!! It's designed to help people who struggle to pay for college because of the death of a parent from breast cancer. They give seven scholarships each year, up to $10,000 each to students up to age 25. Check out the link for more details. The deadline for applying for the 2009-2010 school year is only a few days away, so if you know someone who could use this scholarship next school year then pass this link to them. Otherwise, tuck it away for future reference. It could be a silver lining in someone's huge rain cloud.
Love Lasts A Lifetime - Remember Kelly? She's the one who made dishcloths for me and has lots of great recipes. Well, she started a marriage blog at the beginning of the year and it's great. She and Doug have been married almost twenty years and though their marriage is strong now, they've gone through some major struggles. I love getting encouraged by people who have made it through hard times themselves! She writes most of the posts, but Doug pops in occasionally too. I think all his posts are labeled "the happy husband" on her sidebar. Check out her site for book discussions (she's currently going through Sheet Music by Kevin Leman, which is an excellent book by one of my favorite authors), weekly challenges, bedroom ideas, ideas for romancing your husband and more.
Swagbucks - Do all your internet searches through this site and earn prizes. Seriously, it's that simple. I just cashed in some points for an Amazon gift card.
Frugal Living - My friend Sarah pointed me in the direction of this site. It's similar to Money Saving Mom and My Penny Pile (both linked in my sidebar), but it's specific to the Portland area. The way this woman shops at Safeway blows my mind. I still love WinCo, but I think I'm going to have to try and do some of the things she does at Safeway. Amazing!
Susan G. Komen For The Cure Scholarship - I don't even know if this scholarship existed when I was in college, but I sure could have used it!! It's designed to help people who struggle to pay for college because of the death of a parent from breast cancer. They give seven scholarships each year, up to $10,000 each to students up to age 25. Check out the link for more details. The deadline for applying for the 2009-2010 school year is only a few days away, so if you know someone who could use this scholarship next school year then pass this link to them. Otherwise, tuck it away for future reference. It could be a silver lining in someone's huge rain cloud.
Love Lasts A Lifetime - Remember Kelly? She's the one who made dishcloths for me and has lots of great recipes. Well, she started a marriage blog at the beginning of the year and it's great. She and Doug have been married almost twenty years and though their marriage is strong now, they've gone through some major struggles. I love getting encouraged by people who have made it through hard times themselves! She writes most of the posts, but Doug pops in occasionally too. I think all his posts are labeled "the happy husband" on her sidebar. Check out her site for book discussions (she's currently going through Sheet Music by Kevin Leman, which is an excellent book by one of my favorite authors), weekly challenges, bedroom ideas, ideas for romancing your husband and more.
Swagbucks - Do all your internet searches through this site and earn prizes. Seriously, it's that simple. I just cashed in some points for an Amazon gift card.
Friday, March 13, 2009
IT'S FRIDAY
Tim - He's been sick all week, even missed two days of work.
Me - I had a blog birthday giveaway ... on the wrong day. That's right. After I posted the Samoa giveaway I remembered the right date was 3/10. It's not like I've seen that date on my site meter for the last year or anything. Oops. My nephew's adoption hearing was on his 3/11, so I was understandably focused on that date. I'm definitely not an airhead. Just a loving aunt.
Silas - He's weepy.
Devon - He's ornery.
(Sidenote - having one weepy and one ornery boy coexisting in the same home doesn't work very well.)
Naomi - She's telling us when she has to poop, so I'm getting very few poopy diapers.
(Sidenote - you know it's been an interesting week if the one bright spot in this lineup of family members has to do with feces.)
Daniel - Tim's brother is staying with us and has done lots of dishes, taken the boys to the park, and given Naomi a lot of snuggles.
(Sidenote - you know it's been an interesting week when you totally forget to mention the other person that's been in your house for a few days.)
Honestly, it hasn't been a horrible week. There have been plenty of good things too, but I'm just tired this morning. I'm staying in jammies and not going anywhere. We'll have time to relax over the weekend, plus some fun time scheduled out of the house too, so today's a good day to just lay low and keep the kids
(Sidenote posted hours later - you know it's a crazy morning when you post your blog without finishing it.)
As I was saying earlier this morning, it's a good day to just lay low and try to keep the kids happy.
Me - I had a blog birthday giveaway ... on the wrong day. That's right. After I posted the Samoa giveaway I remembered the right date was 3/10. It's not like I've seen that date on my site meter for the last year or anything. Oops. My nephew's adoption hearing was on his 3/11, so I was understandably focused on that date. I'm definitely not an airhead. Just a loving aunt.
Silas - He's weepy.
Devon - He's ornery.
(Sidenote - having one weepy and one ornery boy coexisting in the same home doesn't work very well.)
Naomi - She's telling us when she has to poop, so I'm getting very few poopy diapers.
(Sidenote - you know it's been an interesting week if the one bright spot in this lineup of family members has to do with feces.)
Daniel - Tim's brother is staying with us and has done lots of dishes, taken the boys to the park, and given Naomi a lot of snuggles.
(Sidenote - you know it's been an interesting week when you totally forget to mention the other person that's been in your house for a few days.)
Honestly, it hasn't been a horrible week. There have been plenty of good things too, but I'm just tired this morning. I'm staying in jammies and not going anywhere. We'll have time to relax over the weekend, plus some fun time scheduled out of the house too, so today's a good day to just lay low and keep the kids
(Sidenote posted hours later - you know it's a crazy morning when you post your blog without finishing it.)
As I was saying earlier this morning, it's a good day to just lay low and try to keep the kids happy.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
3/12/09 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for daffodils blooming in my backyard and buds on the trees.
Tell me something you're thankful for.
Tell me something you're thankful for.
SAMOAS ARE HEADED TO ...
Sarah!!
Now, I know Sarah is weird enough to not love Samoas, but she posted a comment, so her name was thrown in the hat. Or the coffee mug, as the case was.
So, congratulations to Sarah. May you find someone to share the cookies with who will love them in the way they deserve to be loved.
Now, I know Sarah is weird enough to not love Samoas, but she posted a comment, so her name was thrown in the hat. Or the coffee mug, as the case was.
So, congratulations to Sarah. May you find someone to share the cookies with who will love them in the way they deserve to be loved.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!!
I started this blog one year ago today. Can you believe it's been a year already? I've had fun sharing recipes (and ultimately starting a recipe just for blogs), flaunting my kids, talking about struggles, giving tips for stretching the family dollar, and just chatting the days away.
Now, I'm a firm believer that every birthday deserves a party. And every party needs dessert. So, I'm going to give away one box of Samoas to a very lucky person. After all, I believe that Samoas are meant to be hoarded, not shared. Unless, of course, you're sharing them with me.
Here, just gaze on this lovely box for a moment.
Now, I'm a firm believer that every birthday deserves a party. And every party needs dessert. So, I'm going to give away one box of Samoas to a very lucky person. After all, I believe that Samoas are meant to be hoarded, not shared. Unless, of course, you're sharing them with me.
Here, just gaze on this lovely box for a moment.
Now, look at this delightful cookie. Are you salivating yet?
Here's what I'm going to do. If you want a shot at winning the box of Samoas, then leave a comment telling me something about cookies. The last kind you ate, the ones you're craving, your favorite homemade kind, the ones you like to buy ... whatever. But you have to say something about cookies in order to qualify.
.
I'll leave this open until the last moment of the day (my time - and it's about 8:30am right now), which means I'll draw a name in the morning, as I have no intention of staying up until midnight.. Since I'm the rule-maker, I'll allow family members to participate. I'll also allow internationals to participate. However, if it's going to cost life and limb to ship, then I'll have to renegotiate the contract by allowing you to donate it to someone in the states for me to ship to.
.
One more technicality. I just want to make sure everyone knows how to comment. You do not need a Blogger account to comment on my blog. Simply go to the end of the post and click where it says the number of comments and a box will pop up for you to comment in. If you comment without a Blogger account, then be sure to leave your name in your comment, as I can't ship Samoas to "anonymous".
.
So, here we go. Let's hear some cookie chatter.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?
I did two things today that I've never done before. Any idea what they could be? Oh, all right, I'll tell you.
The first thing I did was to buy fabric. My friend Sarah made Naomi a really cute blanket as a baby shower gift and I wanted to copy it. So, I asked my grandma if I could borrow her sewing machine (she said yes) and today I took her to the store with me for my historic fabric purchase. Since I won't pay full price for anything, I only bought one type of fabric so that I could use the coupon I had. Turns out my grandma had a coupon too, so I went back tonight and bought some more fabric. Now, the only thing I've ever sewn was a pillow case in middle school, so I'm a total rookie. But the blanket is simple and that's why it's my first project. Proud of me? You should be!! I tend to stick with doing the things I know how to do and steer clear of the things I don't.
The second thing I did was to make my own laundry detergent. (Jess K, go ahead and start laughing with that husband of yours. I'm doomed to be a hippy in his eyes forever now.) I know a gazillion people who already do it, but I'd never cared to try. As you can expect, I already buy bargain detergent and didn't want to bother learning something new. But the homemade stuff is virtually free when you calculate the cost per load. So, I'm giving it a shot.
Two new things in one day!! I'm so proud of myself!!
Oh, one more little tidbit. Both of my fabric purchases used up a bolt of fabric. Know what happens when you do that? The amount of fabric that doesn't total up to a full yard is sold for 50% off!! Maybe you already knew that, but I'm a fabric rookie and was unaware of this little fact. The bargain shopper in me was delighted to learn that my purchases, which were already 40% off because of my coupons, were actually going to get even more of a discount for finishing up a bolt.
The first thing I did was to buy fabric. My friend Sarah made Naomi a really cute blanket as a baby shower gift and I wanted to copy it. So, I asked my grandma if I could borrow her sewing machine (she said yes) and today I took her to the store with me for my historic fabric purchase. Since I won't pay full price for anything, I only bought one type of fabric so that I could use the coupon I had. Turns out my grandma had a coupon too, so I went back tonight and bought some more fabric. Now, the only thing I've ever sewn was a pillow case in middle school, so I'm a total rookie. But the blanket is simple and that's why it's my first project. Proud of me? You should be!! I tend to stick with doing the things I know how to do and steer clear of the things I don't.
The second thing I did was to make my own laundry detergent. (Jess K, go ahead and start laughing with that husband of yours. I'm doomed to be a hippy in his eyes forever now.) I know a gazillion people who already do it, but I'd never cared to try. As you can expect, I already buy bargain detergent and didn't want to bother learning something new. But the homemade stuff is virtually free when you calculate the cost per load. So, I'm giving it a shot.
Two new things in one day!! I'm so proud of myself!!
Oh, one more little tidbit. Both of my fabric purchases used up a bolt of fabric. Know what happens when you do that? The amount of fabric that doesn't total up to a full yard is sold for 50% off!! Maybe you already knew that, but I'm a fabric rookie and was unaware of this little fact. The bargain shopper in me was delighted to learn that my purchases, which were already 40% off because of my coupons, were actually going to get even more of a discount for finishing up a bolt.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
PRUNING
John 15: 1-2, 5 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Galatians 5:22-23a But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
I'm in the process of being pruned in a certain area. I've needed the pruning for quite a while, but I've avoided it. Pruning just isn't fun. It hurts. However, I'd reached a point where I wasn't bearing much fruit. If my crazy, overgrown branch didn't get pruned soon, then my problems were going to be worse than the pain of pruning. So, I'm submitting to the pruning. It's hard, but I know it will be worthwhile in the long run.
I think pruning manifests itself in different ways, depending on the person and the area that needs work. For me, in this situation, it means removing some bad stuff and replacing it with some good stuff. Sounds simple enough, but when the bad stuff has become a way of life, then it's hard to change. And my box-checking, perfectionist tendencies make me want to come up with some little formula that will guarantee success. Otherwise I'll fail once and just want to throw in the towel. So, I'm taking baby steps. The last ten days or so I cut out a big, bad, gnarly thing. I intend on replacing it with a good thing this week. The thought of doing both at once was too overwhelming and I didn't want to set myself up for failure. I'm just too vulnerable right now and needed to tackle one thing at a time.
I'm working on doing what it says in John. I'm trying to remain in Christ, rather than only crying out to Him when I'm overwhelmed or discouraged. I'm trying to keep my focus on Him, rather than on me. I'm trying to lean on His promises, rather than my own motivations. I'm trying to obey His commands, rather than doing what I feel like doing. I'm trying to depend on His strength, rather than thinking I can change on my own.
Thankfully, God has some fantastic gardening assistants. The first one wasn't afraid to just ask some tough questions, call a spade a spade, and challenged me with some specific things to do. She focused on the bad stuff I need to get rid of. The second one committed to accountability, asking me how I'm doing. She focused on the good stuff I need to add in. The third one showed me where my attitude and perspective needed to change. She focused on my thought process. All three of them encouraged, challenged, and blessed me.
My prayer is that this pruning session doesn't last long. Of course, that's entirely up to me and how much I cooperate. I'll never be perfect, but I'd love for those verses in Galatians to be words that describe me more often than not. So far, so good, but I've still got some work to do.
Galatians 5:22-23a But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
I'm in the process of being pruned in a certain area. I've needed the pruning for quite a while, but I've avoided it. Pruning just isn't fun. It hurts. However, I'd reached a point where I wasn't bearing much fruit. If my crazy, overgrown branch didn't get pruned soon, then my problems were going to be worse than the pain of pruning. So, I'm submitting to the pruning. It's hard, but I know it will be worthwhile in the long run.
I think pruning manifests itself in different ways, depending on the person and the area that needs work. For me, in this situation, it means removing some bad stuff and replacing it with some good stuff. Sounds simple enough, but when the bad stuff has become a way of life, then it's hard to change. And my box-checking, perfectionist tendencies make me want to come up with some little formula that will guarantee success. Otherwise I'll fail once and just want to throw in the towel. So, I'm taking baby steps. The last ten days or so I cut out a big, bad, gnarly thing. I intend on replacing it with a good thing this week. The thought of doing both at once was too overwhelming and I didn't want to set myself up for failure. I'm just too vulnerable right now and needed to tackle one thing at a time.
I'm working on doing what it says in John. I'm trying to remain in Christ, rather than only crying out to Him when I'm overwhelmed or discouraged. I'm trying to keep my focus on Him, rather than on me. I'm trying to lean on His promises, rather than my own motivations. I'm trying to obey His commands, rather than doing what I feel like doing. I'm trying to depend on His strength, rather than thinking I can change on my own.
Thankfully, God has some fantastic gardening assistants. The first one wasn't afraid to just ask some tough questions, call a spade a spade, and challenged me with some specific things to do. She focused on the bad stuff I need to get rid of. The second one committed to accountability, asking me how I'm doing. She focused on the good stuff I need to add in. The third one showed me where my attitude and perspective needed to change. She focused on my thought process. All three of them encouraged, challenged, and blessed me.
My prayer is that this pruning session doesn't last long. Of course, that's entirely up to me and how much I cooperate. I'll never be perfect, but I'd love for those verses in Galatians to be words that describe me more often than not. So far, so good, but I've still got some work to do.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
APPLES TO APPLES
I love this game!! Look at the box. Isn't it bright and cheery? This is a situation where you can judge a book (or a box, as the case may be), by its cover. This game is fun!
Last night we hosted a childless game night, inviting over friends, both single and married, who don't have kids. We chatted, laughed, ate a lot of food .... and played Apples to Apples.
During round one we had too many people, so we played in pairs. Tim and I won. I know I should feel bad, as a hostess, that we beat everyone. But I didn't. I never win anything, so I'll take what I can get, even if it means leaving my guests in the dust.
Round two was a smaller group, as some people had already left, so we played individually. I won. Amazing. Miraculous. The night was getting better.
But the best part? Nope, it wasn't winning once. Or twice. Or eating lots of good food, including ice cream with skin. It was the fact that Charles and Sarah, one of the couples who came, gave us our very own Apples to Apples!! They had doubles of it and let us have one. They won my "best friend for the day" award, hands down. In fact, they'll probably hold the title for a few days.
Last night we hosted a childless game night, inviting over friends, both single and married, who don't have kids. We chatted, laughed, ate a lot of food .... and played Apples to Apples.
During round one we had too many people, so we played in pairs. Tim and I won. I know I should feel bad, as a hostess, that we beat everyone. But I didn't. I never win anything, so I'll take what I can get, even if it means leaving my guests in the dust.
Round two was a smaller group, as some people had already left, so we played individually. I won. Amazing. Miraculous. The night was getting better.
But the best part? Nope, it wasn't winning once. Or twice. Or eating lots of good food, including ice cream with skin. It was the fact that Charles and Sarah, one of the couples who came, gave us our very own Apples to Apples!! They had doubles of it and let us have one. They won my "best friend for the day" award, hands down. In fact, they'll probably hold the title for a few days.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
3/5/09 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that Naomi is her spunky, hungry self this morning after two days of being lethargic with a temp of 101.4.
What is something you are thankful for?
What is something you are thankful for?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
THINGS TO BE HAPPY ABOUT
Naomi - Love a cute toddler in cute shades!
Getting Spoiled - A friend e-mailed me yesterday to see if she could swing by for a minute in the afternoon. When she arrived at my door there were three boxes of Samoas in her arms. She handed them to me with an order to not share any with anyone. I promised to obey. What a good friend she is!!
Movies - We get all of our movies from the library. However, we started getting one free Redbox movie each week. Want to get a freebie too? Go to this site and sign up to get a free movie code every Monday. Our nearest Redbox is over three miles away, but Tim has one right by work. So, he picks up a movie on his way home each Monday.
Now, the deal gets even better in March. Yesterday I got an e-mail saying they'll do one free movie code each Wednesday this month. You'll have to go to the Redbox blog to get the code each Wednesday. I realize that makes for a late night if you have Bible study, but the option is out there. And if you actually live close to a Redbox, then you could watch it on Thursday morning. We just don't have that option because Tim has to take the movie back with him bright and early.
Devon & Silas - Love two boys cracking up as they give each other tattoos!
Getting Spoiled - A friend e-mailed me yesterday to see if she could swing by for a minute in the afternoon. When she arrived at my door there were three boxes of Samoas in her arms. She handed them to me with an order to not share any with anyone. I promised to obey. What a good friend she is!!
Movies - We get all of our movies from the library. However, we started getting one free Redbox movie each week. Want to get a freebie too? Go to this site and sign up to get a free movie code every Monday. Our nearest Redbox is over three miles away, but Tim has one right by work. So, he picks up a movie on his way home each Monday.
Now, the deal gets even better in March. Yesterday I got an e-mail saying they'll do one free movie code each Wednesday this month. You'll have to go to the Redbox blog to get the code each Wednesday. I realize that makes for a late night if you have Bible study, but the option is out there. And if you actually live close to a Redbox, then you could watch it on Thursday morning. We just don't have that option because Tim has to take the movie back with him bright and early.
Devon & Silas - Love two boys cracking up as they give each other tattoos!
Seasons - I love that we live in a place with four seasons. Granted, we have more rain than a lot of other places, but we still have distinct seasons and I love them all. Right now I'm enjoying the bulbs that are blooming around the neighborhood. So pretty!
Monday, March 2, 2009
BOOKS I FINISHED - FEBRUARY 2009
I read one book while the kids napped one day, another took me for.e.ver., and the third was a school book.
How to Stop Thumbsucking (and Other Oral Habits): Practical Solutions for Home and Therapy, by Pam Marshalla
This book was recommended to me by a neighbor who is a speech therapist. It's a very quick read (you can finish it in an hour). I am going to reread it before returning it to the library, then work with Tim to come up with a plan of attack for one of our oral little offspring. I've actually been trying something lately that is helping, but we need to take care of the problem once and for all.
Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families, by Pamela Paul
I saw this book at Powells one day and it intrigued me. I am strongly opposed to pornography, but have felt a need to educate myself a little as our boys are getting older, particularly since we live in an era of easy and abundant access online. So, I got this book from the library. It is very graphic in parts and for someone (me) who has been completely free of pornography exposure, it was eye-opening. And stomach-turning. And mind-boggling. I need to have a clear grasp on what things my kids, particularly our boys, can be exposed to, but I'm obviously not going to go viewing stuff myself. This book, which is a secular book, seemed to be a good compromise for me as it talked about what is available and how it affects our kids, marriages, and culture.
Follow My Leader, by James B. Garfield
This is a fictional story about a young boy who is blinded at twelve years old. He must relearn how to do everything he's used to doing, learns to read Braille, gets a guide dog, and learns to work through his anger toward the one who caused his blindness.
How to Stop Thumbsucking (and Other Oral Habits): Practical Solutions for Home and Therapy, by Pam Marshalla
This book was recommended to me by a neighbor who is a speech therapist. It's a very quick read (you can finish it in an hour). I am going to reread it before returning it to the library, then work with Tim to come up with a plan of attack for one of our oral little offspring. I've actually been trying something lately that is helping, but we need to take care of the problem once and for all.
Pornified: How Pornography Is Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, And Our Families, by Pamela Paul
I saw this book at Powells one day and it intrigued me. I am strongly opposed to pornography, but have felt a need to educate myself a little as our boys are getting older, particularly since we live in an era of easy and abundant access online. So, I got this book from the library. It is very graphic in parts and for someone (me) who has been completely free of pornography exposure, it was eye-opening. And stomach-turning. And mind-boggling. I need to have a clear grasp on what things my kids, particularly our boys, can be exposed to, but I'm obviously not going to go viewing stuff myself. This book, which is a secular book, seemed to be a good compromise for me as it talked about what is available and how it affects our kids, marriages, and culture.
Follow My Leader, by James B. Garfield
This is a fictional story about a young boy who is blinded at twelve years old. He must relearn how to do everything he's used to doing, learns to read Braille, gets a guide dog, and learns to work through his anger toward the one who caused his blindness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)