What a ride! It feels good for us to finally be in our own 'space'...we have almost everything back under 'one roof'...first time in 14 months--peanut butter and jelly never tasted so good!
One of my favorite movie lines is when Diane Lane's character, in 'Under the Tuscan Sun' has just purchased a house in Tuscany and she's 'getting to know it' by cleaning it up! Most of the past two weeks, (while not riding the roller coaster of 'is today the day we are actually moving in?') I have spent cleaning...one thing after another...from wood work, to bathrooms, to furniture that has been stored for 14 months! She said, "Take your time, get to know her (the house), make her your friend!"...LOVE that! For, in our new house, we have made a good friend! 'She' is everything we've thought would be good to have, in terms of location, size and room.
One of the things I love the most about this house is the 'back room'--my son in law said, "Most people would walk in this room and say, "What in the world would we do with this, but this is exactly what Marsha has been looking for!" --two huge windows, a view of our back yard, and floor to ceiling book shelves--for books!!! To me, it is one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen!
Of course, now it is time for me to continue the unpacking! And, I need to get those book shelves filled up, asap--for there are many, many, many boxes of books that need a 'place!' I'm so happy we found one for them!--Need to go get busy!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Today is the Day...
Today is the day to be a blessing to my family, to establish our long-awaited home, to enjoy the company of the man I love the most on this earth, and to praise My Abba, Father for His faithfulness!
Indeed, it has been a little over thirteen months since we left our home of twenty years for a wild adventure in the south. We sustained our life, learned many lessons--some were harder than others, and learned much about ourselves as a family. It is time; time to open another chapter in our family's life.
We will be preparing our new house for the next couple of days, and moving all our belongings in to it this week end. Excited could be a word to describe how I feel...but it would be an understatement. I also feel eager; eager to make a connection with a church body in our new town, eager to make new acquaintances--and watch as our girls make new friends, eager to begin working out again/being able to make better food choices and eager to have a real routine that involves the four of us. I haven't been able to say that for about 16-1/2 years!
During the past thirteen months, there have been things in my life that I have been able to eliminate--and there have been sweet things that I have been able to add. (example: eliminated clutter--added regular physical exercise)
One of the things I found refreshing in the south is the use of the words "Miss" or "Mr" before a person's name. I was "Miss Marsha" more than just "Marsha" to people I met or encountered--and loved that very much. The use of "yes, ma'am" and "no, ma'am" was also refreshing--these are terms that signify respect--a quality that is not demonstrated much in our hurried culture.
Time, I learned in the south, is also a relevant term. I was used to everything happening at a certain time. If I said I would be there at ten in the morning, then by 9:50, at the latest, I was there, or I would be calling to explain my delay. Where we lived, we quickly realized that if we were told ten am...that could mean anything from ten am to eleven-thirty am. Amazing...but no one got too shook up about it. (Of course, professional appointments would be excluded from this scenario, but it was, indeed, a different life than we were used to.)
I suppose that is why I am writing this morning, instead of cleaning. I learned to s-t-r-e-t-c-h in ways I had not encountered, or been required to stretch before. This claim works, whether I am talking about expectations I placed on others, or I am talking about trusting God for my next breath! It has been a l-o-n-g thirteen months that included some of the most difficult moments I have ever encountered in my life. However, because of the things I have learned, I would not trade one second of it for anything--anything! For in the most difficult moments, I have seen God work in ways that I could never have imagined! I love that about Him...and for that I am truly Thankful!
You may not hear from me for a few days, as I will be living life (translate:moving!), instead of writing about it...but stay tuned! The next chapter is just beginning--and,as always, I can't wait to see what God has planned for this family!
Indeed, it has been a little over thirteen months since we left our home of twenty years for a wild adventure in the south. We sustained our life, learned many lessons--some were harder than others, and learned much about ourselves as a family. It is time; time to open another chapter in our family's life.
We will be preparing our new house for the next couple of days, and moving all our belongings in to it this week end. Excited could be a word to describe how I feel...but it would be an understatement. I also feel eager; eager to make a connection with a church body in our new town, eager to make new acquaintances--and watch as our girls make new friends, eager to begin working out again/being able to make better food choices and eager to have a real routine that involves the four of us. I haven't been able to say that for about 16-1/2 years!
During the past thirteen months, there have been things in my life that I have been able to eliminate--and there have been sweet things that I have been able to add. (example: eliminated clutter--added regular physical exercise)
One of the things I found refreshing in the south is the use of the words "Miss" or "Mr" before a person's name. I was "Miss Marsha" more than just "Marsha" to people I met or encountered--and loved that very much. The use of "yes, ma'am" and "no, ma'am" was also refreshing--these are terms that signify respect--a quality that is not demonstrated much in our hurried culture.
Time, I learned in the south, is also a relevant term. I was used to everything happening at a certain time. If I said I would be there at ten in the morning, then by 9:50, at the latest, I was there, or I would be calling to explain my delay. Where we lived, we quickly realized that if we were told ten am...that could mean anything from ten am to eleven-thirty am. Amazing...but no one got too shook up about it. (Of course, professional appointments would be excluded from this scenario, but it was, indeed, a different life than we were used to.)
I suppose that is why I am writing this morning, instead of cleaning. I learned to s-t-r-e-t-c-h in ways I had not encountered, or been required to stretch before. This claim works, whether I am talking about expectations I placed on others, or I am talking about trusting God for my next breath! It has been a l-o-n-g thirteen months that included some of the most difficult moments I have ever encountered in my life. However, because of the things I have learned, I would not trade one second of it for anything--anything! For in the most difficult moments, I have seen God work in ways that I could never have imagined! I love that about Him...and for that I am truly Thankful!
You may not hear from me for a few days, as I will be living life (translate:moving!), instead of writing about it...but stay tuned! The next chapter is just beginning--and,as always, I can't wait to see what God has planned for this family!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Giving thanks...Being thankful
I've been hearing all the cliche's lately about moving. And, we've been hearing the small town buzz...people are so confused about where we're going, when we'll be there, and what exactly we're doing! Our grown kids are being approached by people they barely know, and those people are asking about what we're doing...while I think this is hilarious...I also think it's a little scary.
A bonus for making a major move, you get to clean out all the 'stuff' and analyze whether you 'need' it or not! I love this. I have literally boxes filled with journals that I have written all kinds of things in over the past 15 or so years. I am so organized these days that as I was packing my essentials this evening, I found a journal that I began writing in January of this year. In May, which was a roller-coaster of a month --so some of the things I wrote were a little dis-jointed.
Sometime after May 18, and before May 23, I wrote these words:
Giving thanks in all circumstances--THIS is God's will for me! (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says 'Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.") Is there a difference between: "Giving thanks in all circumstances" OR "Giving thanks for all circumstances"????? If not, then--do it--test yourself--see how much you trust God to work all circumstances to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Even when we don't understand, God wants us to be thankful all the time. Paul tells us to be content in all circumstances. He (Jesus) is enough for me--must I live there? Yes, apparently, I MUST, for that is all I see in ahead. However, I dont' stay focused on the immediate--I focus on what is to come. ...wait for it...That's what the Lord says--wait for it! Remember: a still small voice!
I wanted to share that many of the details of our lives are coming together nicely. However, there are still many places in our lives where we are, apparently going to be constantly be asking "Is HE truly enough?" At what point do we just shut our eyes, and say YES-and truly mean it?
When I was a little girl, even when it wasn't Christmas season, I would love it when my mom would give in and read Luke 2 to me! I loved the story of baby Jesus being born. Years later, though, I discovered a portion of scripture just before Luke 2 that brings me to tears almost every time I read it-Luke 1. Especially Mary's response to being chosen in verses 46-55. But for this post, I would like to direct you to verses above that, where Mary is visited by the angel, and told about Jesus....verses 26-38....
Her faith both astounds and inspires me! For in verse 34, her response is "How can this be?" and in verse 37 she is reminded how it can be... for it says "For nothing is impossible with God."
That is a little insight as to why I think it is a way to stretch your faith when you can give thanks both for and in all circumstances...not a popular view...and you don't have to understand and get stuck in the 'how can this be?' OR 'what am I supposed to do with THIS?"...but to remember, every single second...and this is a challenge in our fallen world...but to remember that "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!" I just love that about Him!
A bonus for making a major move, you get to clean out all the 'stuff' and analyze whether you 'need' it or not! I love this. I have literally boxes filled with journals that I have written all kinds of things in over the past 15 or so years. I am so organized these days that as I was packing my essentials this evening, I found a journal that I began writing in January of this year. In May, which was a roller-coaster of a month --so some of the things I wrote were a little dis-jointed.
Sometime after May 18, and before May 23, I wrote these words:
Giving thanks in all circumstances--THIS is God's will for me! (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says 'Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.") Is there a difference between: "Giving thanks in all circumstances" OR "Giving thanks for all circumstances"????? If not, then--do it--test yourself--see how much you trust God to work all circumstances to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Even when we don't understand, God wants us to be thankful all the time. Paul tells us to be content in all circumstances. He (Jesus) is enough for me--must I live there? Yes, apparently, I MUST, for that is all I see in ahead. However, I dont' stay focused on the immediate--I focus on what is to come. ...wait for it...That's what the Lord says--wait for it! Remember: a still small voice!
I wanted to share that many of the details of our lives are coming together nicely. However, there are still many places in our lives where we are, apparently going to be constantly be asking "Is HE truly enough?" At what point do we just shut our eyes, and say YES-and truly mean it?
When I was a little girl, even when it wasn't Christmas season, I would love it when my mom would give in and read Luke 2 to me! I loved the story of baby Jesus being born. Years later, though, I discovered a portion of scripture just before Luke 2 that brings me to tears almost every time I read it-Luke 1. Especially Mary's response to being chosen in verses 46-55. But for this post, I would like to direct you to verses above that, where Mary is visited by the angel, and told about Jesus....verses 26-38....
Her faith both astounds and inspires me! For in verse 34, her response is "How can this be?" and in verse 37 she is reminded how it can be... for it says "For nothing is impossible with God."
That is a little insight as to why I think it is a way to stretch your faith when you can give thanks both for and in all circumstances...not a popular view...and you don't have to understand and get stuck in the 'how can this be?' OR 'what am I supposed to do with THIS?"...but to remember, every single second...and this is a challenge in our fallen world...but to remember that "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!" I just love that about Him!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Just a Little Inspiration...
Just a little. Only a little is all it takes to get me motivated to move ahead with a bigger picture in mind. Inspiration. What inspires me? It could be almost anything...well-written words on a page, a well-placed line in a movie or newscast...the smile of a stranger, or the hand-shake of someone I haven't encountered in a while. I can be inspired by listening to my husband make plans, for anything from work to vacationing--he's a planner.
Just this morning, I read a cook book--I know that is odd...but I became inspired to actually cook--also odd. (I will be amazing, and perhaps a little trying on every one's stomachs and nerves, but it will be worth it. I am excited to use our new kitchen, with our very own pots and pans--that I have not used in over a year. It is going to be amazing!)
When I walk in to a home improvement store, I am inspired to improve 'something'-anything...from the front appearance of our home, to the bathroom vanity or light fixtures...depending. I was inspired the other day to wear a funky head dress and have my best friends over to an evening bon-fire--just because I was watching 'Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood'...weird?
Of course that's weird...but, you know, as I look around, people are doing the silliest, craziest things, or the most amazing things...something or someone has inspired them!
Who inspires kids that are 15-20 to run or bike 20 miles a day? Or, what inspires my sister to pick up her camera and explore different angles and light techniques?
How can we inspire people to treat each other with respect and dignity--honesty and integrity? I don't think it happens just by 'modeling it', as we were taught many years ago in youth group. Sometimes I think that inspiration is accidental, but most of the time it seems to be intentional.
We each have a few people that value our presence--some would call it our individual 'sphere of influence,' others would call it our good friends. You can tell when the conversation is 'going no where' or 'taking a turn for the raunchy'...turn it around--nicely and respectfully--but turn it around non-the-less. Honor each other, with your words and your actions--honor each other as people, honor each other as humans...honor other people's marriages, by not bashing or lusting after other people's spouses--and don't listen as 'they' do it, either.
I was inspired as I drove along the highway in Southwestern Indiana yesterday. The veterans I saw along my route were riding various forms of bicycles. These riders were veterans that had been wounded in battle, and are riding from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast...they are calling it the 'Sea to Shining Sea' ride. I had heard of their ride on FaceBook, but seeing them actually riding, in the scorching sun, touched my heart. Don't take our freedom for granted.
Actually, don't take any of your blessings for granted. Be inspired to treat people well--with dignity and respect. Go and inspire those around YOU!
Just this morning, I read a cook book--I know that is odd...but I became inspired to actually cook--also odd. (I will be amazing, and perhaps a little trying on every one's stomachs and nerves, but it will be worth it. I am excited to use our new kitchen, with our very own pots and pans--that I have not used in over a year. It is going to be amazing!)
When I walk in to a home improvement store, I am inspired to improve 'something'-anything...from the front appearance of our home, to the bathroom vanity or light fixtures...depending. I was inspired the other day to wear a funky head dress and have my best friends over to an evening bon-fire--just because I was watching 'Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood'...weird?
Of course that's weird...but, you know, as I look around, people are doing the silliest, craziest things, or the most amazing things...something or someone has inspired them!
Who inspires kids that are 15-20 to run or bike 20 miles a day? Or, what inspires my sister to pick up her camera and explore different angles and light techniques?
How can we inspire people to treat each other with respect and dignity--honesty and integrity? I don't think it happens just by 'modeling it', as we were taught many years ago in youth group. Sometimes I think that inspiration is accidental, but most of the time it seems to be intentional.
We each have a few people that value our presence--some would call it our individual 'sphere of influence,' others would call it our good friends. You can tell when the conversation is 'going no where' or 'taking a turn for the raunchy'...turn it around--nicely and respectfully--but turn it around non-the-less. Honor each other, with your words and your actions--honor each other as people, honor each other as humans...honor other people's marriages, by not bashing or lusting after other people's spouses--and don't listen as 'they' do it, either.
I was inspired as I drove along the highway in Southwestern Indiana yesterday. The veterans I saw along my route were riding various forms of bicycles. These riders were veterans that had been wounded in battle, and are riding from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast...they are calling it the 'Sea to Shining Sea' ride. I had heard of their ride on FaceBook, but seeing them actually riding, in the scorching sun, touched my heart. Don't take our freedom for granted.
Actually, don't take any of your blessings for granted. Be inspired to treat people well--with dignity and respect. Go and inspire those around YOU!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Time Marches On but Rome Wasn't Built in a Day!
"Time marches on." That's what my grandma AnnaBelle used to always say. I seem to be quoting her a lately. She would also say, "Rome wasn't built in a day."
No, I'm not going to write some travel log down memory lane. But, because we are transitioning, and I don't have too much else to do, except wait, I seem to be analyzing everything and everyone and every conversation.
We have been away from the town we had lived in for over thirty years. That is a long time. We are moving to a town about forty miles to the east of this town. We have been seeing former neighbors, former acquaintances, former teachers of our kids--just people that we took for granted knowing. And, I suppose that is one of the reasons for my use of 'time marches on'...with or without us here, people have lived their lives, and carried on. This is as it should be.
Our family attended the wedding reception of a dear friend this past week end. When we left, she hadn't even met this guy...so I missed the whole beginning and progression of the relationship--this is also as it should be, for I am ecstatic that she has found her special someone to love! It just seems remarkable to me--things happen in the blink of an eye. I read my face book news feed, and marvel at the significant things people write that are going on in their lives. Indeed, time marches on...we only have this moment! Celebrate it! Don't waste it!
And yet, the other thing I find myself saying is "Rome wasn't built in a day"... I find myself saying this to all four of our daughters almost at once. Our oldest just moved to a new home with her family. She has done a great job so far of making this home theirs--adding her color touches to everything, placing furniture and belongings...but there are still things they'd like to 'do' to the house! Home ownership is a process, I think...few people just move in and it is exactly they way they want to keep it forever!
Our second oldest just took what she considers a 'grown up' job...with real benefits and a real pay check...and with that transition has come her first 'grown up' apartment. She's happy with most everything, but there are things she would like to have for this new space. However, she likes to travel and do other things besides be home, so she needs to take her time and enjoy it--adding her things as she can!
Our twins are eagerly anticipating what they are going to do with their new rooms, when we move to our new home. And, my response has been: you know, you haven't had your own rooms for over a year, why don't you live in them a little while, and add things as we can....'Rome wasn't built in a Day'!
For me, though, while these two phrases do not go together, in some strange way, they sum up my life at the moment, alsmost perfectly! Giving me perspective, to know that we are evolving, things change, people change--move away, get married, have babies, or die--whether I'm 'here' or not...and yet, building a life consists of more than whether I have the desired 'color' of paint on my walls currently or not! It consists of more than if my art work matches my furnishings perfectly or not!
My life is laughter, and serious conversation...setting and achieving goals, and encouraging those around me.
Here's a story that happened just today--I share it now to encourage you not to waste a second of your life! Today, I found myself laughing uncontrollably with my grandbabies.
Will is 6, and loves Batman. Ally is 3, and loves everything. Anna is 7 months, and is good at recognizing those in her life who love her--and for the most part is content to sit and play with an empty candy box.
Today Will was showing me a couple of toys from his toy box, Anna was sitting in front of me, in her walker and Ally was behind Anna, but talking to me.
Will came up beside Anna wearing 'The Joker' mask (it is hideously white-faced with a giant red smile painted across the mouth--from his Batman collection of toys) and turned his head so that Anna could see him.
Poor little baby: she was content one second and screaming her lungs out the next! She visibly shook when she saw him. And, of course, I rescued her...but could not stop laughing. Isn't that sick? It didn't take long for her to calm down, and we put the mask in a different spot so that she wouldn't have to see it. What can I say? Time marches on--I must enjoy these moments, and keep watching as our family grows...for Rome wasn't built in a day!
No, I'm not going to write some travel log down memory lane. But, because we are transitioning, and I don't have too much else to do, except wait, I seem to be analyzing everything and everyone and every conversation.
We have been away from the town we had lived in for over thirty years. That is a long time. We are moving to a town about forty miles to the east of this town. We have been seeing former neighbors, former acquaintances, former teachers of our kids--just people that we took for granted knowing. And, I suppose that is one of the reasons for my use of 'time marches on'...with or without us here, people have lived their lives, and carried on. This is as it should be.
Our family attended the wedding reception of a dear friend this past week end. When we left, she hadn't even met this guy...so I missed the whole beginning and progression of the relationship--this is also as it should be, for I am ecstatic that she has found her special someone to love! It just seems remarkable to me--things happen in the blink of an eye. I read my face book news feed, and marvel at the significant things people write that are going on in their lives. Indeed, time marches on...we only have this moment! Celebrate it! Don't waste it!
And yet, the other thing I find myself saying is "Rome wasn't built in a day"... I find myself saying this to all four of our daughters almost at once. Our oldest just moved to a new home with her family. She has done a great job so far of making this home theirs--adding her color touches to everything, placing furniture and belongings...but there are still things they'd like to 'do' to the house! Home ownership is a process, I think...few people just move in and it is exactly they way they want to keep it forever!
Our second oldest just took what she considers a 'grown up' job...with real benefits and a real pay check...and with that transition has come her first 'grown up' apartment. She's happy with most everything, but there are things she would like to have for this new space. However, she likes to travel and do other things besides be home, so she needs to take her time and enjoy it--adding her things as she can!
Our twins are eagerly anticipating what they are going to do with their new rooms, when we move to our new home. And, my response has been: you know, you haven't had your own rooms for over a year, why don't you live in them a little while, and add things as we can....'Rome wasn't built in a Day'!
For me, though, while these two phrases do not go together, in some strange way, they sum up my life at the moment, alsmost perfectly! Giving me perspective, to know that we are evolving, things change, people change--move away, get married, have babies, or die--whether I'm 'here' or not...and yet, building a life consists of more than whether I have the desired 'color' of paint on my walls currently or not! It consists of more than if my art work matches my furnishings perfectly or not!
My life is laughter, and serious conversation...setting and achieving goals, and encouraging those around me.
Here's a story that happened just today--I share it now to encourage you not to waste a second of your life! Today, I found myself laughing uncontrollably with my grandbabies.
Will is 6, and loves Batman. Ally is 3, and loves everything. Anna is 7 months, and is good at recognizing those in her life who love her--and for the most part is content to sit and play with an empty candy box.
Today Will was showing me a couple of toys from his toy box, Anna was sitting in front of me, in her walker and Ally was behind Anna, but talking to me.
Will came up beside Anna wearing 'The Joker' mask (it is hideously white-faced with a giant red smile painted across the mouth--from his Batman collection of toys) and turned his head so that Anna could see him.
Poor little baby: she was content one second and screaming her lungs out the next! She visibly shook when she saw him. And, of course, I rescued her...but could not stop laughing. Isn't that sick? It didn't take long for her to calm down, and we put the mask in a different spot so that she wouldn't have to see it. What can I say? Time marches on--I must enjoy these moments, and keep watching as our family grows...for Rome wasn't built in a day!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Memories...and Remembering Who to Thank!
How did you celebrate the 4th of July? Or, did you celebrate? As I was growing up, and pretty much every year until 1991, our family celebrated by watching my Uncle Ted fry fish, and Aunt Pearl fret over details of what ever she was fixing (usually the concoction that they rolled the fish in before frying--in her lovely white enamel dish pan)...they were such fun!
We celebrated by making sure there was a birthday cake, and many family members present--for it was Grandma Sisk's birthday! She was born July 4, 1904--and she loved to celebrate, the birth of our country, her birthday, and life! I remember her as hilarious, she truly enjoyed life!--We would sometimes laugh so hard that we would cry!
On Grandma's 80th birthday, her cake was long and narrow, and the icing was situated in a way that made the whole cake look like a bouquet of long-stemmed roses, she loved it! Her younger brother and his family came that particular year to help celebrate, too.
I remember him, Uncle Bob, as being the 'celebrity of the family', for he was sheriff in his county! I remember visiting him once at his court house and leaving scared out of my mind--someone had actually found and shot a bear, then had it stuffed. This stuffed black bear was then encased in glass in the foyer of the court house--YIKES!
Except for the laughter, our Celebrations were pretty much low-key, every one got along and seemed genuinely happy to be together...over the years, this ritual of the frying of the fish moved from park to park throughout Southern Illinois, and a few times at the home of either Uncle Ted & Aunt Pearl or Uncle Jack & Aunt Jackie...no one seemed to mind having the whole family over, mostly because we all loved the fist. (My Uncle Ted owned and operated the 'fish market' in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois during these years--so fish were easy to get, I suppose)
Our family didn't celebrate yesterday by frying fish, or even cooking out. We are all transitioning to new living spaces. So, instead of cooking, we ate out together, shopped for things one of our daughter's needed for her apartment. Then the rest of us looked at things we are going to need at our new house...the twins have been in church camp all week, so they missed this excursion!
Of course, when the ten of us are together, it's always a celebration!
We are thankful to live in freedom, in a country where we can worship as we choose, our Mighty God. Living in a place where we have freedom to speak or write what is on our minds...keeping in mind the responsibility that comes with those freedoms. There are many things 'not right' with this country of ours, but brave men and women have given their lives in order for us to be able to live as we wish and celebrate how we wish.
America is a blessing to us...we need to remember to be thankful. If you have served in the military and you are reading this: THANK YOU, for serving. THANK YOU for your sacrifice.
And, "Thank YOU, Lord, for the gift of memory, and for my family--many of whom are with You now...Thank YOU, LORD, for blessing my life to be able to live in this country, at this time in history...Please God, Bless America, again."
We celebrated by making sure there was a birthday cake, and many family members present--for it was Grandma Sisk's birthday! She was born July 4, 1904--and she loved to celebrate, the birth of our country, her birthday, and life! I remember her as hilarious, she truly enjoyed life!--We would sometimes laugh so hard that we would cry!
On Grandma's 80th birthday, her cake was long and narrow, and the icing was situated in a way that made the whole cake look like a bouquet of long-stemmed roses, she loved it! Her younger brother and his family came that particular year to help celebrate, too.
I remember him, Uncle Bob, as being the 'celebrity of the family', for he was sheriff in his county! I remember visiting him once at his court house and leaving scared out of my mind--someone had actually found and shot a bear, then had it stuffed. This stuffed black bear was then encased in glass in the foyer of the court house--YIKES!
Except for the laughter, our Celebrations were pretty much low-key, every one got along and seemed genuinely happy to be together...over the years, this ritual of the frying of the fish moved from park to park throughout Southern Illinois, and a few times at the home of either Uncle Ted & Aunt Pearl or Uncle Jack & Aunt Jackie...no one seemed to mind having the whole family over, mostly because we all loved the fist. (My Uncle Ted owned and operated the 'fish market' in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois during these years--so fish were easy to get, I suppose)
Our family didn't celebrate yesterday by frying fish, or even cooking out. We are all transitioning to new living spaces. So, instead of cooking, we ate out together, shopped for things one of our daughter's needed for her apartment. Then the rest of us looked at things we are going to need at our new house...the twins have been in church camp all week, so they missed this excursion!
Of course, when the ten of us are together, it's always a celebration!
We are thankful to live in freedom, in a country where we can worship as we choose, our Mighty God. Living in a place where we have freedom to speak or write what is on our minds...keeping in mind the responsibility that comes with those freedoms. There are many things 'not right' with this country of ours, but brave men and women have given their lives in order for us to be able to live as we wish and celebrate how we wish.
America is a blessing to us...we need to remember to be thankful. If you have served in the military and you are reading this: THANK YOU, for serving. THANK YOU for your sacrifice.
And, "Thank YOU, Lord, for the gift of memory, and for my family--many of whom are with You now...Thank YOU, LORD, for blessing my life to be able to live in this country, at this time in history...Please God, Bless America, again."
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Excited--Me?!
I am so excited! Of course, if you know me then you know that I can be easily excited! I just try to be happy most of the time...and I usually succeed!
I just registered for my fall courses at Tozer. Catalytic Leadership--motivating others to good deeds...and Authority of Scripture & Epistemology--how can we trust the 'truth of scripture' as truly the truth...
As the Tozer students gathered for intensive classes this past June, we were given a laminated card, I chose to begin carrying mine in my wallet. This card has the motto, vision and mission of Tozer on it:
Tozer Motto: Come Deepen Your Relationship with God
Tozer Vision: To Build Integrity in the Church
Tozer Mission: To Teach People to Think Christianly
These words may or may not mean anything to you, dear reader. However, this is truly my heart--I want a deep personal relationship with God, not just a label, or a religious practice--a real, vibrant relationship with My King--completely sold out for how ever He would choose to use my life. I can testify that if it were not for doors that God has opened, I would not even be thinking of registering for courses at this institution. I am so thankful for each opportunity, each friendship forged, each book I have read, or been inspired to read and for the way I have been inspired to deepen my relationship with God-- I have truly had to depend on Him.
Also, I think that Jesus would be loved and better understood, if His people truly sought to live with integrity in the church...as Christians, we are human and we make mistakes--we do things wrong sometimes, but 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom'(2 Cor 3:17)...because of that freedom we can mess up and then humbly ask for forgiveness--a chance to set things right--when we offend others' there is a place in us that should not allow us to sleep until we have settled accounts, and made it right--remember Levi the tax collector, OR Zacchaeus--as soon as they met Jesus, they were motivated to make it right--what ever 'it' had been in their lives. Unfortunately, within the church, we listen to the enemy and cover up our mistakes, or sometimes do things deceitfully because it's easier, and accepted by our culture. Pride tells us that we do need to make it right, and then we cover it all by saying that we 'prayed about it' and 'that's what we felt God called us to do'. However, integrity in the church looks attractive to those outside the church...it is being honest in all you do, honoring people you encounter, not showing favoritism, being disciplined with your resources, displaying humility (boasting in your weakness, as Paul says)...and spreading hope and joy that can only come from a relationship with King Jesus.
To teach people to think Christianly is very different than just telling them to always ask the question "what would Jesus do?" The real question lies more along the lines of do you really know what it means to think Christianly about everything you encounter in life...what does it mean to think Christianly about your marriage, your sexuality, your children, job, money, politics, history, eschatology, medicine and science, how about death and dying, or your decorating scheme, or the way you treat the people you encounter at the dry cleaners? Thinking Christianly is not a 'check list', but it is about thinking...using your mind, your intellect, to come to consensus in a way that honors God in everything you do and encounter--to further His kingdom work while you are here and there is breath in your body. Thinking Christianly has no room for fear, for where there is fear, trust cannot exist...we are called to live by faith, not by sight...what does that mean?
As I listened to a 'Christian' radio talk show just yesterday, I got sick to my stomach. The hosts were basically reducing and keeping God in a box--saying something about living in such a way as to please God so that He will answer our prayers-- Yes there are things that hinder our prayers, scripture is very clear about that...but this guy did not even mention grace...not a word. Or the fact that God uses, even the most unpleasant things in this world to bring about His plans for those He loves--for God is God, we cannot even fathom Him.
Job 28:28 And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'
A very wise young man recently told me that he spends most of his time reading Job and Proverbs. That was music to my ears, for this young man is not a fellow student at Tozer. He is, however, a friend of our family, whom we truly love. I think scripture is the only place to end this post...finish reading by turning to Job 40 and 41--see how God answered Job, then take time to think!
I just registered for my fall courses at Tozer. Catalytic Leadership--motivating others to good deeds...and Authority of Scripture & Epistemology--how can we trust the 'truth of scripture' as truly the truth...
As the Tozer students gathered for intensive classes this past June, we were given a laminated card, I chose to begin carrying mine in my wallet. This card has the motto, vision and mission of Tozer on it:
Tozer Motto: Come Deepen Your Relationship with God
Tozer Vision: To Build Integrity in the Church
Tozer Mission: To Teach People to Think Christianly
These words may or may not mean anything to you, dear reader. However, this is truly my heart--I want a deep personal relationship with God, not just a label, or a religious practice--a real, vibrant relationship with My King--completely sold out for how ever He would choose to use my life. I can testify that if it were not for doors that God has opened, I would not even be thinking of registering for courses at this institution. I am so thankful for each opportunity, each friendship forged, each book I have read, or been inspired to read and for the way I have been inspired to deepen my relationship with God-- I have truly had to depend on Him.
Also, I think that Jesus would be loved and better understood, if His people truly sought to live with integrity in the church...as Christians, we are human and we make mistakes--we do things wrong sometimes, but 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom'(2 Cor 3:17)...because of that freedom we can mess up and then humbly ask for forgiveness--a chance to set things right--when we offend others' there is a place in us that should not allow us to sleep until we have settled accounts, and made it right--remember Levi the tax collector, OR Zacchaeus--as soon as they met Jesus, they were motivated to make it right--what ever 'it' had been in their lives. Unfortunately, within the church, we listen to the enemy and cover up our mistakes, or sometimes do things deceitfully because it's easier, and accepted by our culture. Pride tells us that we do need to make it right, and then we cover it all by saying that we 'prayed about it' and 'that's what we felt God called us to do'. However, integrity in the church looks attractive to those outside the church...it is being honest in all you do, honoring people you encounter, not showing favoritism, being disciplined with your resources, displaying humility (boasting in your weakness, as Paul says)...and spreading hope and joy that can only come from a relationship with King Jesus.
To teach people to think Christianly is very different than just telling them to always ask the question "what would Jesus do?" The real question lies more along the lines of do you really know what it means to think Christianly about everything you encounter in life...what does it mean to think Christianly about your marriage, your sexuality, your children, job, money, politics, history, eschatology, medicine and science, how about death and dying, or your decorating scheme, or the way you treat the people you encounter at the dry cleaners? Thinking Christianly is not a 'check list', but it is about thinking...using your mind, your intellect, to come to consensus in a way that honors God in everything you do and encounter--to further His kingdom work while you are here and there is breath in your body. Thinking Christianly has no room for fear, for where there is fear, trust cannot exist...we are called to live by faith, not by sight...what does that mean?
As I listened to a 'Christian' radio talk show just yesterday, I got sick to my stomach. The hosts were basically reducing and keeping God in a box--saying something about living in such a way as to please God so that He will answer our prayers-- Yes there are things that hinder our prayers, scripture is very clear about that...but this guy did not even mention grace...not a word. Or the fact that God uses, even the most unpleasant things in this world to bring about His plans for those He loves--for God is God, we cannot even fathom Him.
Job 28:28 And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'
A very wise young man recently told me that he spends most of his time reading Job and Proverbs. That was music to my ears, for this young man is not a fellow student at Tozer. He is, however, a friend of our family, whom we truly love. I think scripture is the only place to end this post...finish reading by turning to Job 40 and 41--see how God answered Job, then take time to think!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Lists--Just Can't Live Without 'Em!!!
Lists. I make lists for just about everything. From shopping for groceries, to what needs to happen tomorrow. As most goal oriented people do, I begin with the end in mind!
Two weeks ago I was making lists of things I needed to do to have a successful move from NW Georgia to Southern Indiana. Yes, lots of lists, from people/places to call to items to pick up that would make packing easier. There was a specific time that all packing had to be finished, as that is when my help would arrive. Just last night, my mom, who was a good part of our 'help' for the move commented about how smooth everything went, because it was packed and ready.
Last week, I made different lists. Lists that had to do with making an offer on our new home, and all the details that have to follow for us to be able to move in soon. This will pay off, as well--because the BIG move is coming. In using the word 'big,' it means that all our earthly possessions, will be in one place at one time--finally, after a little over a year! I know, a lot of people live like this, and I perhaps I shouldn't even mention it. However, I am doing just that, and I'll tell you why.
I have a cousin, whom I love very much, who is ten or eleven years older than me. I always admired her from afar, because I was always felt like such a 'little kid' around her. I distinctly remember, after she had been married for a few years, watching as she read an after 'Thanksgiving Sale' ad. As she read it, she mentioned that she was ready for new 'everything.' I don't really know why that stuck with me, or if I really understood what she was talking about in context. (she could have been talking about her furniture, relationships, her house or bath/kitchen towels--I don't know)
About five years ago, that memory came back to me as I considered everything in our lives. It seemed time for a change, a new 'everything.' Of course, because I like control, I wanted to choose the things I could keep and the things I could rid from my life, but I felt I was ready for new 'everything,' too! In some way, I related to my understanding of my cousin's statement from so long ago. I had no idea what would happen, or when, but change did happen and in a HUGE way.
The lists I made two weeks ago,last week, and this week, are so different from anything I listed five years ago. But, it is exciting to consider the places we have been, the people we have met and become close to--relationships that have been rekindeled and thought of as precious--the places we have yet to go and new people we will meet, all because of this enormous change in our life! A change that we never anticipated, but happened, none the less. (Insert Kelly Clarkson singing: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger here)
Our family has not changed, except to increase in number! Our home, certainly has changed...our possessions have decreased, but that is truly a good thing! Our appearance, of course, has changed! Our friends have not changed, either, only increased.
No matter how many lists I make, or the items I cross off as 'completed'--nothing, NOTHING compares to the absolute certainty I feel as I consider the love my God has for me and our family...and the plans He has to use everything--every event in our lives--for His good pleasure.
I'll continue to make lists, as we re-invent our life as the Bishop Family...and watch with eager anticipation, as God opens doors to reveal His plans for us--plans to:
1. Use us
2. Prosper us
3. Stretch us
4. Grow us
This happens as we:
1. Trust Him
2. Obey Him
3. Honor Him
4. Encourage Others to do the Same
Two weeks ago I was making lists of things I needed to do to have a successful move from NW Georgia to Southern Indiana. Yes, lots of lists, from people/places to call to items to pick up that would make packing easier. There was a specific time that all packing had to be finished, as that is when my help would arrive. Just last night, my mom, who was a good part of our 'help' for the move commented about how smooth everything went, because it was packed and ready.
Last week, I made different lists. Lists that had to do with making an offer on our new home, and all the details that have to follow for us to be able to move in soon. This will pay off, as well--because the BIG move is coming. In using the word 'big,' it means that all our earthly possessions, will be in one place at one time--finally, after a little over a year! I know, a lot of people live like this, and I perhaps I shouldn't even mention it. However, I am doing just that, and I'll tell you why.
I have a cousin, whom I love very much, who is ten or eleven years older than me. I always admired her from afar, because I was always felt like such a 'little kid' around her. I distinctly remember, after she had been married for a few years, watching as she read an after 'Thanksgiving Sale' ad. As she read it, she mentioned that she was ready for new 'everything.' I don't really know why that stuck with me, or if I really understood what she was talking about in context. (she could have been talking about her furniture, relationships, her house or bath/kitchen towels--I don't know)
About five years ago, that memory came back to me as I considered everything in our lives. It seemed time for a change, a new 'everything.' Of course, because I like control, I wanted to choose the things I could keep and the things I could rid from my life, but I felt I was ready for new 'everything,' too! In some way, I related to my understanding of my cousin's statement from so long ago. I had no idea what would happen, or when, but change did happen and in a HUGE way.
The lists I made two weeks ago,last week, and this week, are so different from anything I listed five years ago. But, it is exciting to consider the places we have been, the people we have met and become close to--relationships that have been rekindeled and thought of as precious--the places we have yet to go and new people we will meet, all because of this enormous change in our life! A change that we never anticipated, but happened, none the less. (Insert Kelly Clarkson singing: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger here)
Our family has not changed, except to increase in number! Our home, certainly has changed...our possessions have decreased, but that is truly a good thing! Our appearance, of course, has changed! Our friends have not changed, either, only increased.
No matter how many lists I make, or the items I cross off as 'completed'--nothing, NOTHING compares to the absolute certainty I feel as I consider the love my God has for me and our family...and the plans He has to use everything--every event in our lives--for His good pleasure.
I'll continue to make lists, as we re-invent our life as the Bishop Family...and watch with eager anticipation, as God opens doors to reveal His plans for us--plans to:
1. Use us
2. Prosper us
3. Stretch us
4. Grow us
This happens as we:
1. Trust Him
2. Obey Him
3. Honor Him
4. Encourage Others to do the Same
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)