I couldn’t figure out WHY my vacuum cord was not stretching as far as it usually does….I don’t have a cat….I have Stacia.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Vacuum
I couldn’t figure out WHY my vacuum cord was not stretching as far as it usually does….I don’t have a cat….I have Stacia.
Finally!
We *F*I*N*A*L*L*Y* opened Josiah’s birthday gifts tonight.
He was feeling well, Mike got home at 9 p.m. and we figured we’d better seize the day before the ORI begins in the a.m. Here are a few shots from the event. Zander cracked us all up when he grabbed a gift and ran it to Jamin. If you’ve been following our blog at all you realize that Jared’s birthday was in January and three of our boys had birthdays during this past week. Jamin’s is still a week away. Apparently, Zander had been noticing more than we thought. He ran the gift to Jamin and said “I think this is for JAMIN’S happy birthday”. We thought it was sweet. We tried to explain but he is very concerned for his “other brother Jamin”. It seems that Cy is “his brother” and the others are all “other brothers”. {bg} Every time he says it he reminds me of the old Bob Newhart show…”this is Darryl and my other brother Darryl”.
Cy’s Worldview…gift from Stacia and Nolan
Zander couldn’t wait to open “his” gift to Cy!
MOTIVES
Motives can be so tricky. We can so easily do good things for the wrong reasons….and we can do wrong things for the right reasons. This gets really murky when friends we trust call our motives into question.
There are several circumstances lately that have me evaluating my motives. I had posted weeks ago that I was praying about the balance between ministry inside and outside of my home. Many commented that I needed to check my motives. I did. I was asked to share some thoughts on a book and then was warned to check my motives when I did {g}. I did. I’ve been praying about my motives in a variety of other situations…what is motivating my counsel on this issue, what is motivating my response in that situation…and I’ve been praying about an issue or two where I think God is saying to act but I’m questioning how others will perceive my motives. I’ve been praying, fasting and tied in knots while questioning motivation….motivation…motivation. How to be SURE my motives were right? I would never want to step out on my own….attempt to do God’s work on my OWN.
Beth, a dear, OLD, ANCIENT, college-friend, sent me one comment that made it all so simple. I love it when she does that. She truly has a gift. She so often speaks clarity to my "twisted" thought processes. {G} We know from I and II Samuel that God looks at and judges the heart (clearly seen in I Sam 16:7 and in principle throughout a study on Saul and David’s life). I teach this. I love this. I’d never, however, realized so clearly how this could help to solve that tricky question of motives.
Beth simply said, “People can look at the outside and make judgments' but we know God looks at the heart. If that makes you fearful then there is change needed. If it gives you peace, knowing He knows what you really desire, then that tells you exactly what you need to know.”
Amazingly simple, isn't it? I know there have been times when the thought of God judging my heart made me cringe. There are many other times when it brings comfort and peace to be reminded that God judges the heart. Others may not understand my motives, but I can rest knowing that HE understands.
The whole issue of motives suddenly becomes very easy to determine. If I’m at total peace when I remember that God will judge my heart…then I know that my motive is right before Him. On the other hand, things could look really good but if knowing that God will judge my heart causes me concern and discomfort, I can be fairly certain that my motives are not pure and need some further adjusting.
It’s all so simple.
There are several circumstances lately that have me evaluating my motives. I had posted weeks ago that I was praying about the balance between ministry inside and outside of my home. Many commented that I needed to check my motives. I did. I was asked to share some thoughts on a book and then was warned to check my motives when I did {g}. I did. I’ve been praying about my motives in a variety of other situations…what is motivating my counsel on this issue, what is motivating my response in that situation…and I’ve been praying about an issue or two where I think God is saying to act but I’m questioning how others will perceive my motives. I’ve been praying, fasting and tied in knots while questioning motivation….motivation…motivation. How to be SURE my motives were right? I would never want to step out on my own….attempt to do God’s work on my OWN.
Beth, a dear, OLD, ANCIENT, college-friend, sent me one comment that made it all so simple. I love it when she does that. She truly has a gift. She so often speaks clarity to my "twisted" thought processes. {G} We know from I and II Samuel that God looks at and judges the heart (clearly seen in I Sam 16:7 and in principle throughout a study on Saul and David’s life). I teach this. I love this. I’d never, however, realized so clearly how this could help to solve that tricky question of motives.
Beth simply said, “People can look at the outside and make judgments' but we know God looks at the heart. If that makes you fearful then there is change needed. If it gives you peace, knowing He knows what you really desire, then that tells you exactly what you need to know.”
Amazingly simple, isn't it? I know there have been times when the thought of God judging my heart made me cringe. There are many other times when it brings comfort and peace to be reminded that God judges the heart. Others may not understand my motives, but I can rest knowing that HE understands.
The whole issue of motives suddenly becomes very easy to determine. If I’m at total peace when I remember that God will judge my heart…then I know that my motive is right before Him. On the other hand, things could look really good but if knowing that God will judge my heart causes me concern and discomfort, I can be fairly certain that my motives are not pure and need some further adjusting.
It’s all so simple.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Party is over!
Shew. This is a lot of work. I'm a dud of a mom when it comes to kid's birthday parties but we did have fun. Eighteen kids....six adults....in a house. It worked.
We had Narnia decor/knight decor everywhere.We chose activities that would involve the older (16, 17) and younger (2) kids. Our first game was charades. We mixed the kids up so there were a variety of ages on each team. They each acted two out. (Susan and Lucy ride Aslan to battle)
After charades each team was given a basket of odds and ends and told to pick a man from their team, knight him, dress him for battle and make a banner to fight under. They were cute. I was amazed at how well they did. . . "Duct Tape - a Knights secret weapon". We all got a enjoyed watching Sir Eli the Great attacking Sir Jordan the Brave during roll call. Sir Jordan had one minor disadvantage...his team mates had made his sword out of duct tape and it was taped to his belt....BUT he had a great shield which proved very useful.
All the knights (including the female knights) then headed outside for a round of sword fights. This was a highlight of the day. I got a kick out of seeing Josiah and Sgt. S going at it...the little kids enjoyed this one as much as they did. {G}
Jamin had made up clues and planned a treasure hunt - well a witch hunt.
The clues led the children to find Jadis - the white witch and bring her back to Cair Paravel where we celebrated the triumph of light over darkness. Jadis is a fool. Aslan Rules!We had cake, brownies, juice and milk.
The boys opened their gifts...
Goodie bags with the Narnia toys....and it was time to go home....we survived and actually had fun. I think everyone who came had a good time.
It was pointed out that the Narnia movie will be out on dvd in April and we need to have another Narnia party and view the movie when it comes out. I think we will. I didn't use half the ideas I found on the internet...we could make cards that compare the Bible and the Narnia books and laminate them for each family to take home. Someone suggested an industrial bag of popcorn...I guess we could break the "eat in the kitchen" rule for Narnia. We'll see.
Mike did make it home for the party and then he and John both headed back to work.
We had Narnia decor/knight decor everywhere.We chose activities that would involve the older (16, 17) and younger (2) kids. Our first game was charades. We mixed the kids up so there were a variety of ages on each team. They each acted two out. (Susan and Lucy ride Aslan to battle)
After charades each team was given a basket of odds and ends and told to pick a man from their team, knight him, dress him for battle and make a banner to fight under. They were cute. I was amazed at how well they did. . . "Duct Tape - a Knights secret weapon". We all got a enjoyed watching Sir Eli the Great attacking Sir Jordan the Brave during roll call. Sir Jordan had one minor disadvantage...his team mates had made his sword out of duct tape and it was taped to his belt....BUT he had a great shield which proved very useful.
All the knights (including the female knights) then headed outside for a round of sword fights. This was a highlight of the day. I got a kick out of seeing Josiah and Sgt. S going at it...the little kids enjoyed this one as much as they did. {G}
Jamin had made up clues and planned a treasure hunt - well a witch hunt.
The clues led the children to find Jadis - the white witch and bring her back to Cair Paravel where we celebrated the triumph of light over darkness. Jadis is a fool. Aslan Rules!We had cake, brownies, juice and milk.The boys opened their gifts...
Goodie bags with the Narnia toys....and it was time to go home....we survived and actually had fun. I think everyone who came had a good time.It was pointed out that the Narnia movie will be out on dvd in April and we need to have another Narnia party and view the movie when it comes out. I think we will. I didn't use half the ideas I found on the internet...we could make cards that compare the Bible and the Narnia books and laminate them for each family to take home. Someone suggested an industrial bag of popcorn...I guess we could break the "eat in the kitchen" rule for Narnia. We'll see.
Mike did make it home for the party and then he and John both headed back to work.
10 - 11 February
Whew – what a night.
In the midst of rushing to get ready for the change in birthday party plans today I received a call from Mike. He’d forgotten to get back to me and would like me to bring dinner to the chapel for those working late on the ORI. His call came while I was at Sam’s so that worked out well. Arielle, Nolan, Zander, Stacia and I enjoyed dinner at the chapel offices.
Several have called to say they aren’t coming to the party or they are coming to the party and I’m a bit clueless as to who will show up. I did get a cake big enough for families in the park and now that we are at the home many are not bringing all their families…so we’ll have enough cake. . . maybe we can save it for Jamin and Josiah’s party. Regardless of the number, the little boys will be thrilled.
I got a hold of Mom to wish her a happy birthday. She's had a great one. Wish I could have been there for the tea party that my sister-in-laws threw for her. Sounds wonderful Heather and Sherry.
Mike got home at about midnight and Stacia woke up at the same time. She stayed up until 2 a.m. Just as she was going down Zander woke up…coughing fit. No fever but the cough continues. I ended up spending some hours in his room.
This a.m. began with a 0800 recall for all chapel staff. Mike is back in at work but assures me that Father Jim has said he can come home in time for the party…of course this doesn’t help with the “jobs” we’d left for him to help with this a.m. but we are glad he’ll be home….
Adrienne, my park friend, emailed me a list of ideas for charades. We’ll decorate and clean this a.m. and be good to go.
Josiah woke up feeling better. He’s still froggy and says his head is strange but he has no fever, his throat is better and he’s not nauseated.
So far – that’s the day.
In the midst of rushing to get ready for the change in birthday party plans today I received a call from Mike. He’d forgotten to get back to me and would like me to bring dinner to the chapel for those working late on the ORI. His call came while I was at Sam’s so that worked out well. Arielle, Nolan, Zander, Stacia and I enjoyed dinner at the chapel offices.
Several have called to say they aren’t coming to the party or they are coming to the party and I’m a bit clueless as to who will show up. I did get a cake big enough for families in the park and now that we are at the home many are not bringing all their families…so we’ll have enough cake. . . maybe we can save it for Jamin and Josiah’s party. Regardless of the number, the little boys will be thrilled.
I got a hold of Mom to wish her a happy birthday. She's had a great one. Wish I could have been there for the tea party that my sister-in-laws threw for her. Sounds wonderful Heather and Sherry.
Mike got home at about midnight and Stacia woke up at the same time. She stayed up until 2 a.m. Just as she was going down Zander woke up…coughing fit. No fever but the cough continues. I ended up spending some hours in his room.
This a.m. began with a 0800 recall for all chapel staff. Mike is back in at work but assures me that Father Jim has said he can come home in time for the party…of course this doesn’t help with the “jobs” we’d left for him to help with this a.m. but we are glad he’ll be home….
Adrienne, my park friend, emailed me a list of ideas for charades. We’ll decorate and clean this a.m. and be good to go.
Josiah woke up feeling better. He’s still froggy and says his head is strange but he has no fever, his throat is better and he’s not nauseated.
So far – that’s the day.
Happy Birthday Zander!
There is no doubt that this little guy is a handful! BUT he adds spice, zing and energy to our home. He turns 4 years old today.
My daily prayer continues to be that God would give me just a tad more strength of will than Zander each day. I’ve been here before and God has been faithful. Maybe “kids keep us young” because of prayers like “Lord, let me keep up with him one more day” or “Lord, let my will be just a bit stronger than his today”. {G}
My prayers for Zander this year are: that he continue to mature and grow into the man of God that he is intended to be, that he will finally potty train, that he’ll quit licking his lips, that he’ll begin to leave clothes on, and that his relationship with his brothers will continue to strengthen.
Zander has just begun talking about his brothers as “my other brother Nolan”, “my brother Jamin” and such…..I heard him telling a little boy at the park that he’d best not deck him or “my brother Cy will come get you” and “my other brother Nolan will play with you”. {g}
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Books that I'm reading
I'm not sure I'll be able to keep my resolve to write a book report for myself on each book.....maybe....{g} 
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