I'm thankful that Kari, Bryn and Kaipo upgraded my lost & found area, that Shea was willing to haul two ginormous bags from the church to my car since Tim was gone, that the kids and I have had three really great days of school and life, for an amazing dad who took a lot of time to create something really special, for sons that leave little gifts under my pillow, for sunshine, for absolutely hilarious friends, for women who will calmly and rationally work through misunderstandings and hurt feelings until things are smoothed over, and that my Christmas cactus is blooming for the second time this winter.
Guess I'm just feeling extra thankful this week.
What's something that you're thankful for?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
PERFECT CHURCHES
There's currently a thread on Sonlight with people asking advice for hypothetical questions. It's all very tongue-in-cheek and snarky answers are being handed out left and right. Since I often see people complain about their churches, I posted the following, trying to hit many of the things people criticize about or desire in the churches they attend.
So, how do you guys all find a church you like? Each one we've tried has been a total flop. You'd think, assuming churches are filled with Christ-like people, that there would be perfect churches on every corner. It just ain't true.
I'd like one with messages that are both educational and encouraging, last just the right amount of time, and match up perfectly with every belief that I hold.
I'd like it to have a program for kids that turns the little ones into kind and compassionate biblical scholars who realize fun and games are unholy, but I'd also like to be commended for keeping my own kids by my side whenever we're in the church building.
I don't want hymns (old school and five octaves too high) or modern songs (can't stand the "Jesus is my boyfriend" mentality), expect the type and number of instruments to accomodate my preferences, and would like the sound guy (cause it's always a guy, you know) to have a clue and not blast my eardrums during music or require me to cup my ears for better reception during the teaching.
Of course, the entire focus of the church should be on ministering to the community. Or missions. Or teaching and taking care of their congregation. Or ... well, whatever the latest trend in churches is.
I'd like the teaching to be straight from the Bible, but be accepting of those who prefer churches that study whatever author has the newest best-seller at the Christian bookstore.
I don't want them to ever discuss how the world came into existence, as that's too controversial, but think it would be great if they had a picketing ministry that focused a different sinful establishment in my community each week.
Is that too much to ask? Really? From people who say they love Jesus? Is there a church like that in your community? If so, what are the homeschooling requirements in your state?
The first response I got was this movie and I just spent five minutes laughing through it.
Disclaimer: Don't bother watching if you want your church to accommodate your preferences or are discontent with your church or churches in general . You won't find it funny.
So, how do you guys all find a church you like? Each one we've tried has been a total flop. You'd think, assuming churches are filled with Christ-like people, that there would be perfect churches on every corner. It just ain't true.
I'd like one with messages that are both educational and encouraging, last just the right amount of time, and match up perfectly with every belief that I hold.
I'd like it to have a program for kids that turns the little ones into kind and compassionate biblical scholars who realize fun and games are unholy, but I'd also like to be commended for keeping my own kids by my side whenever we're in the church building.
I don't want hymns (old school and five octaves too high) or modern songs (can't stand the "Jesus is my boyfriend" mentality), expect the type and number of instruments to accomodate my preferences, and would like the sound guy (cause it's always a guy, you know) to have a clue and not blast my eardrums during music or require me to cup my ears for better reception during the teaching.
Of course, the entire focus of the church should be on ministering to the community. Or missions. Or teaching and taking care of their congregation. Or ... well, whatever the latest trend in churches is.
I'd like the teaching to be straight from the Bible, but be accepting of those who prefer churches that study whatever author has the newest best-seller at the Christian bookstore.
I don't want them to ever discuss how the world came into existence, as that's too controversial, but think it would be great if they had a picketing ministry that focused a different sinful establishment in my community each week.
Is that too much to ask? Really? From people who say they love Jesus? Is there a church like that in your community? If so, what are the homeschooling requirements in your state?
The first response I got was this movie and I just spent five minutes laughing through it.
Disclaimer: Don't bother watching if you want your church to accommodate your preferences or are discontent with your church or churches in general . You won't find it funny.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
HOW LOVING ARE YOU?
Romans 12:9-21 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do no be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Our church is currently in Romans twelve and I've read that chapter, along with the passage from I Corinthians, several times over the last week. I just typed out a lengthy explanation of why these passages are so good for me right now, but I decided to delete it. Let's just say that I know exactly which area of love I currently have the most room for improvement in.
I'm guessing it would take you a total of ten seconds to identify your weakest spot. If not, then go through the Roman's passage like a checklist and mark off the things you do consistently, then go through the I Corinthians passage and mark off the adjectives and actions that others could easily use to describe you. Know which area of love you need to work on now?
I'll be working on my weakest area. Want to join me?
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do no be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
I Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Our church is currently in Romans twelve and I've read that chapter, along with the passage from I Corinthians, several times over the last week. I just typed out a lengthy explanation of why these passages are so good for me right now, but I decided to delete it. Let's just say that I know exactly which area of love I currently have the most room for improvement in.
I'm guessing it would take you a total of ten seconds to identify your weakest spot. If not, then go through the Roman's passage like a checklist and mark off the things you do consistently, then go through the I Corinthians passage and mark off the adjectives and actions that others could easily use to describe you. Know which area of love you need to work on now?
I'll be working on my weakest area. Want to join me?
Sunday, February 6, 2011
BISCO!!
What does "bisco" mean? It's Naomi's version of "disco", which I'm assuming she picked up from the boys and pronounces with two very distinct syllables. It's what she kept yelling as she busted out her dance moves in this picture. Between the ensemble of clashing colors, patterns and styles, happy yelling of "Bis-co!", and tongue sticking out, this picture just makes me smile. A lot.
Friday, February 4, 2011
FANTASTIC FRIDAY
Earlier this week I told the kids that I'd take them out today if they got all their work done early. Well, they didn't get it all done, but it was close enough and we'll make up the rest over the weekend.
This morning we ate breakfast and hit the road. I-5 South, to be exact. First stop was Tim's school. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that we haven't visited there in a couple years. It's just too far away. Anyway, we popped in for about 30 minutes, just long enough for the kids to score candy from two different staff members.
Second stop was A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village, a free outing with our OMSI membership. We'd gone a couple years ago, but Naomi was only 18 months old that time and this trip was obviously more fun for her than the last. We intentionally went on a dry day so that we could spend the majority of our time outside on the play structure they have. Heidi, a friend from the Sonlight forums, showed up for about an hour. Despite living fairly close to each other and frequent Portland-ish meetups, we'd never met until today. I loved chatting with her and am thankful she squeezed a meetup into her day!
Random moment of the day was that the one mom I talked to, out of a gazillion that were there, lives in Wilsonville and is neighbors with the family who currently has our piano. Love those "small world" moments.
We headed east next, spending a couple hours at Toni's house. All our offspring entertained themselves, well ... her four entertained my three, while she and I sat on the couch chatting. Love that girl and always happy when I get a chance to hang out with her!
Then we hit the road toward home. Tim left work about the same time we left Toni's and we met up on the freeway. What are the odds we'd find each other in the beginning of rush hour traffic on a Friday? The kids thought that was pretty cool.
Quick and easy dinner of rice cooker mac & cheese and some apples left from lunch when we got home, followed by the little Ws watching a library movie while I blog. Tim just left to work a game and will be gone for several hours ... and my nappers, who missed naps during today's activities, will go to bed early ... and my non-napper is probably going to get sent to bed with them ... which leaves me with an evening to myself at the end of a fun, but very busy, day. I'd call that a fantastic Friday, wouldn't you?
This morning we ate breakfast and hit the road. I-5 South, to be exact. First stop was Tim's school. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that we haven't visited there in a couple years. It's just too far away. Anyway, we popped in for about 30 minutes, just long enough for the kids to score candy from two different staff members.
Second stop was A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village, a free outing with our OMSI membership. We'd gone a couple years ago, but Naomi was only 18 months old that time and this trip was obviously more fun for her than the last. We intentionally went on a dry day so that we could spend the majority of our time outside on the play structure they have. Heidi, a friend from the Sonlight forums, showed up for about an hour. Despite living fairly close to each other and frequent Portland-ish meetups, we'd never met until today. I loved chatting with her and am thankful she squeezed a meetup into her day!
Random moment of the day was that the one mom I talked to, out of a gazillion that were there, lives in Wilsonville and is neighbors with the family who currently has our piano. Love those "small world" moments.
We headed east next, spending a couple hours at Toni's house. All our offspring entertained themselves, well ... her four entertained my three, while she and I sat on the couch chatting. Love that girl and always happy when I get a chance to hang out with her!
Then we hit the road toward home. Tim left work about the same time we left Toni's and we met up on the freeway. What are the odds we'd find each other in the beginning of rush hour traffic on a Friday? The kids thought that was pretty cool.
Quick and easy dinner of rice cooker mac & cheese and some apples left from lunch when we got home, followed by the little Ws watching a library movie while I blog. Tim just left to work a game and will be gone for several hours ... and my nappers, who missed naps during today's activities, will go to bed early ... and my non-napper is probably going to get sent to bed with them ... which leaves me with an evening to myself at the end of a fun, but very busy, day. I'd call that a fantastic Friday, wouldn't you?
.
.
Heidi & I
Nomes-a-licious
Dev-o-rama
Siley Boy
The little Ws in a huge chair at the Gilbert House.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
2/3/11 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for the luxury of electricity.
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
MENU - FIRST HALF OF FEBRUARY 2011
I do two big shopping trips each month and because the whole ordeal, from leaving home to getting everything put away, takes most of the morning, I only take the kids with me once per month. We just can't afford to lose two mornings of school each month to grocery shopping. My non-kid trip is always in the evening, but Tim went to work late on Monday, which was my shopping day, so I decided to go in the morning. The early morning. As in, I was out the door by 5:25am. Loved it! I don't go early in the morning very often, but I love that it's just me and all the employees stocking shelves when I do.
Anyway, Monday's trip provided me with groceries for the following meals. Well, all except French bread. For some reason the bakery doesn't have it out by 6:30am. Lazy bums. Guess I'll have to pick some up locally.
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal (sometimes with sauce) x5
Tam's granola (crockpot) x3
egg & potato scramble x3
poppyseed & banana muffins
baked oatmeal
pumpkin pancakes
almond coconut granola
wheat germ whole wheat buttermilk pancakes
SNACKS
chewy granola bars (trying them with honey instead of corn syrup, some friends have tried it and said it worked)
spicy cruncy chickpeas
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x3
tortellini pesto salad/garlic bread
barley bake/green salad -fruit & nut style #1
Carol's chicken noodle soup (hoping to earn some "cool mom" points with alphabet noodles)/new bread recipe
Silas' chicken/frozen corn/pre-made rolls (Silas is cooking)
new soup recipe (flop)/whole wheat biscuits
Amy's barbecue chicken salad/garlic bread
sweet & sour chicken/rice/new veggie recipe
rice cooker mac & cheese/frozen veggies
death by garlic/green salad
Southwestern chicken stew/cornbread (make double batch, freeze half)
Thai chicken & coconut rice/sesame asparagus
DESSERTS
pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
dump cake
Anyway, Monday's trip provided me with groceries for the following meals. Well, all except French bread. For some reason the bakery doesn't have it out by 6:30am. Lazy bums. Guess I'll have to pick some up locally.
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal (sometimes with sauce) x5
Tam's granola (crockpot) x3
egg & potato scramble x3
poppyseed & banana muffins
baked oatmeal
pumpkin pancakes
almond coconut granola
wheat germ whole wheat buttermilk pancakes
SNACKS
chewy granola bars (trying them with honey instead of corn syrup, some friends have tried it and said it worked)
spicy cruncy chickpeas
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x3
tortellini pesto salad/garlic bread
barley bake/green salad -fruit & nut style #1
Carol's chicken noodle soup (hoping to earn some "cool mom" points with alphabet noodles)/new bread recipe
Silas' chicken/frozen corn/pre-made rolls (Silas is cooking)
new soup recipe (flop)/whole wheat biscuits
Amy's barbecue chicken salad/garlic bread
sweet & sour chicken/rice/new veggie recipe
rice cooker mac & cheese/frozen veggies
death by garlic/green salad
Southwestern chicken stew/cornbread (make double batch, freeze half)
Thai chicken & coconut rice/sesame asparagus
DESSERTS
pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
dump cake
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