Storms

Mark 6:45-52....too many verses to type out. 

A few thoughts about storms from Mark chapter 6:

Via Google Images

• Jesus LED them to the storm (Mark 6:45, 47)
• Shepherds lead (Jn 10)
• Jesus SEES them in the storm (Mark 6:48)
• Jesus CAME to them IN the storm (Mark 6:48)
• We often DON'T RECOGNIZE Jesus in the middle of our storms (Mark 6:48-50)
• Jesus SPEAKS in the storm and the disciples RECOGNIZED his voice (Mark 6:50)
• Sheep know His voice (Jn 10)
• Jesus gives them a choice: COURAGE or Fear...choose well (Mark 6:50)
• The storm pales when Jesus ENTERS THE BOAT! (Mark 6:51)
• Sometimes we don't gain insights from the miracles; but we tend to remember the storms (Mark 6:52)

I visit these verses often in my storms...and I ask Him for the faith to choose courage. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

One Day and A Wake Up!

We knew today would be crazy busy and it was. 

Drew and Krista left early for work. 

Michael and the boys left at 0800 to attend a Prayer Meeting with my dad. 

The girls and I got up, experienced minor obstacles to get ready and then left for a day of wedding fun! 

We stopped by a family friend's. I lived with Gary and Joneile when I graduated from high school and came back to America. She has some fripperies (really beautiful antiques) BreAnne is borrowing. 

Next we headed for a Wedding Dress fitting. Michael says I'll have to write a post Friday night which shows the wedding dress hunt and fitting. LOL 

Meanwhile, the men picked up decorations and took them to the church. Michael worked on the wedding ceremony.

We dropped a few essentials at the church.  

The rainy day called for warm drinks

Refreshment Break

 We went to the printers and printed out some fun touches for the wedding and reception.

We dropped off dresses at the dry cleaners. 

We headed to the Beauty College at 2:30 p.m.  I couldn't believe we'd be there as many hours as were scheduled...but we were! 

Pedicures - glad to have - miss the Japanese pedis!

Manicures - gel polish 

Krista came directly from work and arrived at 3:30....she went directly from here back to work for a school program - but they got it done. 

Krista, the girls and I left at 5:45 to get back to the school she works at by 6:00 p.m. She is an aide to a sweet gal. We were able to meet her family, talk with teachers who love Krista, and watch the Fifth grade music program. It was GREAT - all the songs were patriotic....and they recited the pledge, the preamble of the Constitution, parts of the Declaration of Independence....a tour through the history of America. We were surprised at the references to God sprinkled throughout the program. The teacher is not a Christian but stated it IS American history and there you have it.  BreAnne was getting a hair cut and left later than us but she made it as well.

After the program BreAnne headed for the apartment and the rest of us went to dinner. Zander has been trying to win something from these machines and tonight he won this little "thing" for Stacia. Both are thrilled.

We arrived back home at 9:30 p.m. We visited with Drew a bit and watched some Olympics. Michael continued to fine tune the wedding outline....

Arielle played with my hair...and then we played with hers. It became apparent I was too nice as my spirals kept falling out...Krista took over.....

Mom G arrived this afternoon/evening. We weren't able to see her but are happy to know she is here. 

The Texan Gherkins left early to drive to Dallas so they would arrive before the temps dropped to freezing. They fly out early tomorrow a.m. and will arrive here tomorrow afternoon.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

I Am This Woman

...she touched the fringe of His cloak (Matthew 9:20) or ...touched his cloak (Mark 5:27)
...wanted to touch the fringe of his cloak (Mark 6:56) and they were healed as they touched

Obscure details  make me ask questions. What is going on with the cloak.....two chapters in a row people are touching the fringe of his cloak. Why? Is it a coincidence or is there a reason?  The following thoughts are a bit haphazard...and I believe I will do  more study and learn more...but this stands out to me.

The word fringe (kraspedon) describes the tassels which Jews wore in obedience to the Mosaic law (Numbers 15:38, Deut 22:12).

The cloak (himation) would have been a large square which was worn wrapped around a person as both an outer garment and a blanket at night.  The tassel would have been sewn onto the corners of this along the hemline.  A creditor could take your tunic but never your cloak (himation).

The corners of the prayer shawls - or in Jesus' day the cloak - are often called "wings."  Malachi 4:2 prophecies the Messiah would rise with healing in his wings (tassels/hem....same word). To read more about this google "tzitzit called wings." I first read about this in a book titled Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus.

WHY would God command Jewish men to wear tassels on their clothes?

• Visible reminder to keep His commands (Numbers 15:38)
• A sign that they stood out - they were his - they were to be obvious in their commitment to Him
• Grew to be a sign of identity, authority and nobility

David's deep remorse at cutting the hem of Saul's cloak (I Sam 24:4-5) is understood when we realize he had symbolically assaulted the king's authority to reign. 

The pharisees were not condemned for wearing tassels but for widening them. They were trying to exaggerate their piousness to gain social status. Bad in any day and age! (Matthew 5:14-16). 

Why does this matter? What can we learn from it? 

It should be obvious to others we belong to Jesus.  What could we do as a visible reminder to keep His commandments - to love Him?  (John 14:15)

But there's more....

Here comes Jesus....a Jewish rabbi. He wears Tzitzit. People want to touch his hem....his wings...because they BELIEVED He was the Messiah and there would be healing in His wings (tzitzit). 

This woman in Mark 5 - would have been unclean for 12 years. She was marginalized. She couldn't touch or be touched. She was most likely either divorced or unmarried.  She couldn't enter into Jewish social life.  She wouldn't normally be in a crowd to avoid touching others - out of consideration of others.

Yet, here she is. She's heard of Jesus and determined He is her hope. She believes He is the Messiah with healing in His wings. She makes it through the crowd. She's still not been detected and forced to leave.  She reaches out and TOUCHES the fringe of Jesus' cloak.  Scandalous faith! 

"The hem would have signified Jesus' identity and authority. What's more, the place where the tassels were attached would have been considered the holiest part of his garment. It seems likely that the woman knew exactly what she was reaching for." Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

Via Google Images

And Jesus? He isn't afraid to admit she'd touched him. He had been made ritually unclean - He doesn't hide the fact.  He calls attention to her. The woman did not defile Jesus. His holiness is not overcome by her impurity. Jesus' holiness has the power to heal, to cleanse and to bless. 

Why does this matter?

I am this woman, shamed, marginalized and broken. Desperately craving His holiness. You are most likely this woman. 

 NOTHING in my past  - either through my sin or sin done to me  - is so shameful, so unholy that it will overpower the holiness of  Jesus. I have scandalous faith to believe  His holiness will heal and cleanse when it meets my shame.  I am called to courageously love Jesus....scandalously love Jesus.

What a Savior! No more shame!

Resources used to study this out: Strongs Exhaustive Concordance, Vines, Complete Word Study  Dictionary of the Old Testament, and  New Testament, Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus,  and the Bible Background Commentary by Intervarsity Press (free on my ipad). 


Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Two Days and a Wake Up!

Two Days and a wake-up until "The Wedding." 

Krista left early for work. BreAnne left a bit later for a slew of errands she and Izaak had on the agenda. 

We headed out to get haircuts for the boys and buy a tie for Michael. We headed, next, to Gateway Mall. We had just enough time (an hour) for the girls and I to check Claire's for hair accessories and Payless Shoes for nude heels. We scored - Claire's gives a 20% military discount AND they were having sales. Payless Shoes had some nude wedge SHOES (no heels) and I bought them - and a little bag. 

The dresses have arrived. The one I'm going to wear is a bit big - but we're going to pin it. I like the color best...and BreAnne says it looks more formal than the other options. Three shrugs also arrived...so I am set for Christmas and Valentines for a few years. ::snort:: 

Chuck E Cheese - a place we usually avoid - was a good place to have another birthday lunch for these two boys....

This time my parents, Lorri (Cousin) and Izaak and BreAnne joined us. 

Michael and the boys headed to a meeting with Pastor Kirk (who will be sharing officiating responsibilities at The Wedding), and to meet Izaak and Bre to build a frame for decorating for The Wedding.)

The girls and I headed back to the house. We knew that Krista would soon be off work AND that Sherri (Sister in law) would be off work.  Sherri had Harmony for the afternoon and Stacia and Harmony wanted some play time. We were thrilled it all worked out.

The girls played and made cookies (Sherri makes some great cookies)....Arielle, Krista and I headed to the grocery store. We've decided to have a brunch Friday morning when all the kids are here and needed to pick up a few items.

Tuesday is "Girl's Night" around BreAnne and Krista's. This was the "last girl's night" - but things go away from us all.

It took those making the frame a bit longer than expected...but had dinner simmering....everyone walked in at the same time.....Izaak and Bre, Michael and the boys, Will and Sherri dropped by - so we all ate. Semper Gumby - keeping the plans fluid and flexible.  Krista and Arielle created seating arrangements and we had a hasty bite to eat...

Kids

Unattached

Coupledom

 Leila (the dog) WAS lying across Nolan and Dakota but moved as I snapped

Finally, at about 9 p.m. we headed out to Starbucks...but Starbucks was closed. Most spots in Springfield seemed closed. We ended up at McDonald's. It was fun to have a bit of girl time.....tomorrow is going to be crazy busy...last I checked there are five appointments on the schedule.....

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Zander is Twelve!

WOW. Zander is 12 today. He is our Olympic Baby. The kids watched the winter olympics while Michael and I were at the hospital welcoming him into the world.

We are amazed at the changes in this young man in the past few years. Nine years ago Zander didn't interact with us (unless it was on his terms and that was very seldom), he seemed to always be on sensory overload (crowds, Sam's Club etc), meltdowns were the norm of our days and he often would spin, rock and hit his head on things.  We've been on a journey and we've had to learn to relax, let him set the pace of the journey and trust God with this unique young one.

I'll have to look on the external hard drive for a photos of him when we arrived in Japan. He seemed to change the most during that assignment.

Here he is one year into the assignment in 2010. 

Zander - right side - back  -  Feb 2010

We seem to travel on the boys' birthdays. Here Zander is last year on the ferry to Miyajima!

And since then? He's grown about 6 inches - maybe a foot. His voice is changing. He's getting a bit of a mustache. Yep, physically he's changing.

Zander is learning how to interact more with others all the time. He puts up with humor and even enjoys some of it these days. He can handle more noise and stimulation - he's developed some coping techniques. We give him lots of down time - alone time - to recharge.  He no longer rocks, spins or yells at chapel choirs to quit making noise.....he does from time to time lean over the pew in front of him or hold his hands over his ears....but hey - it's progress.

Zander has become a giver - I have learned to suggest he decide BEFORE chapel how much is going in the plate, rather than emptying his wallet.

He is great with young boys.

Yesterday in Springfield

His big accomplishment of this year is finally breaking the reading code! We are so proud of him. We had all hoped 10 would be the year for proficiency in reading and we were happy at his progress last year...but in his 11th year he DID IT. He began with Calvin and Hobbes, moved on to Hobbit, then Fellowship of the Ring, and is now reading The Two Towers. He has unlocked the code.

Zander has an incredible memory. He can quote whole movies after watching them once. Due to some quirky filters this means we really need to watch what he hears...and we need to help him learn which lines may be inappropriate in various situations. Bugs Bunny can pound his heart and whistle when he sees a pretty woman - real men don't.

Zander looks at the world in a delightfully quirky way - we are all enriched by his perspective.

We love you, Son! We are blessed to be your parents.

Yes, Zander is really Alexander....and he has transitioned to being Alex to most everyone but Mom and Krista. Since I write the blog....he is often Zander on the blog. I try to remember to honor his desires and so most often in person he is Alex. ::grin:: 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Secrets

To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables. (Mark 4:11)

For nothing is hidden except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. (Mark 4:22)...He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples (Mark 4:34). 

Via Google Images

Why do we all love a good secret?

When you tell me a secret you communicate  you trust me; you consider us to be friends.

Have you noticed some just seem to walk closer with Jesus than the rest of us? They seem to KNOW His character, His will in a given situation...almost like they have an inside line.

I've become convinced it is essential we spend time alone with Jesus. Time in His word, in worship, in prayer, in simply sitting before Him with no words. Why? This is how we come to truly experience Him - know Him.  If  I were to publish one of Micheal's love letters from his last deployment...any of you could read the words. You would know what the words say. I, also, can read the words and know what they say. BUT I also KNOW Michael. I can hear his voice as I read the words. I can read between the lines. I know what Michael smells like and looks like. I know how the situation he is in is affecting him.  We spend time with Jesus so we can KNOW him in this way.

I don't think God hides things from us to be cruel. I think He sometimes hides things from us to motivate us to search for Him.

There are some mysteries, plans, secrets only revealed as we are in relationship with King Jesus. 

The gospels illustrate for us that disciples enjoy intimacy with the master and greater access to His thoughts and plans. 

I want to be a disciple! I want to be an ever closer follower of Jesus. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Eight Gherkins in OR....

We had a great, boring travel day. We never got the CD out of the car stereo, but we bypassed with a laptop and an audio cord....


This made us laugh, though as we contemplated we came up with reasons for a handicap semi-truck parking spot. 

We do have a funny story from the day - but I need more time to write it up. It involves a man and his trailer leaving his family in a gas station restroom, several dashes across a busy street and lots of laughing bystanders. ::grin:: 

I ran out to the local fast food joint and found breakfast for the crew.  We discovered apples slices and OJ are about the only vegan options at McDonalds in the a.m. 

We arrived in Springfield early afternoon and parked here beside Drew and Krista's home. 

 We grabbed some lunch  and  headed over to my parents home. Mom had a birthday today. Lorri (my cousin) had picked out a wonderful cake for her - the perfect for her really - a Chocolate ice cream cake. 

 We visited, watched some Olympics, and then when the girls were off work, we left for the rest of the night.

Michael and I stopped and visited with my brother, Will, and his wife, Sherri. Nice visit. They are right next door to Drew and Krista's. It was fun to see Krista's  new home - though we are used to visiting here when Will and Sherri lived in the home. Drew is Will and Sherri's second son. Visiting last night reminded me of the trip he made to visit us in San Antonio 9 years ago.

Drew (right - just threw darts) and Zander had a good dart game going. 

A rousing game of Imagine If

Drew, Krista and Bre all have early mornings on Tuesday. We are snuggled down in the trailer. 

Please pray with us for traveling weather conditions for the four Gherkins who still need to get here before Friday. They are due to fly in on Thursday. The airport has been closed due to weather. It's warming up and raining here so I'm guessing the snow/ice will leave and the airport will open. However, their part of TX is under a severe weather ban now and we are praying that passes before Thursday. They will need to drive to Dallas to catch their flight - and that's a 3 - 5 hour drive.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...