Monday, February 27, 2006
Speaking of Josiah
....he was supposed to work 6 - 10 p.m. tonight...it's 10:45....where is that young man? Poor kid is going to be one tired puppy in the a.m.
Weekend Summary
Mike had a day off. I mean he REALLY had a day off. We weren’t sure what to do with it.
It RAINED – thundered even – Friday night and Saturday morning so the Paint Ball Birthday Bash was called. We’ve re-scheduled for next Saturday. Josiah has confirmed that he will have Saturday morning off.
As the day wore on it became gorgeous! We ended up driving to a new park while Josiah went to work. We finally FOUND water. After days of looking for the way to get to the causeway some of us were dismayed by the “boundary”
and some of us found a way over the “boundary”. 
This city park had a discus golf course, archery field, numerous play grounds, paths, camping areas and all along the side of WATER. It was great.
We saw numerous armadillos.
Once we saw a road runner with an armadillo but we weren’t quick enough to get a picture. I, of course, am wondering if the reemergence of all these animals means that the SNAKES are waking up as well.
The guys threw around a football.
The younger kids played with Nolan’s radio control jeep. 
But the high-point or low-point of our afternoon came on the playground! A 4 yo shot the van. I can't believe it. His father knew he had a b-b gun on the playground but said, "he don't never shoot people or things". He told his dad he was aiming at the tree in front of the van...but he told Nolan - "look - this is cool I can shoot that van" and before Nolan could say a word....I was IN the van...thank God he missed the window.....hit my door. Shot in a CITY PARK!!!! 
Of course this became THE news at chapel on Sunday. One fellow suggested Mike could collect “hazardous duty pay” in Tom Green County. We’ll have to get estimates this week and hopefully will be able to reach this family to pay for the repairs.
Sunday, Mike and I began team teaching a study on the book of Philippians. Last Sunday, Mike had asked me to do an overview of the Inductive Study Method. I did. We are using the New Inductive Study Series from Precept Ministries. They take just 15 – 30 minutes a day. They are definitely a survey but great fun to use in a Sunday School class. No one who attended this week, had done an inductive study before so it was fun to hear their reactions. One lady said she was surprised at how things begin to pop out at you…obviously a comment I LOVED to hear. {g}
We are so glad that Josiah is working for a company that is closed on Sunday. He is really enjoying his work. We spent the rest of the day hanging out at the house. I had the flu thing going on and went to bed. Mike and the boys installed the weather station; we’re all prepared for some “weather” now. {G}
It RAINED – thundered even – Friday night and Saturday morning so the Paint Ball Birthday Bash was called. We’ve re-scheduled for next Saturday. Josiah has confirmed that he will have Saturday morning off.
As the day wore on it became gorgeous! We ended up driving to a new park while Josiah went to work. We finally FOUND water. After days of looking for the way to get to the causeway some of us were dismayed by the “boundary”
and some of us found a way over the “boundary”. This city park had a discus golf course, archery field, numerous play grounds, paths, camping areas and all along the side of WATER. It was great.We saw numerous armadillos.
Once we saw a road runner with an armadillo but we weren’t quick enough to get a picture. I, of course, am wondering if the reemergence of all these animals means that the SNAKES are waking up as well.The guys threw around a football.
The younger kids played with Nolan’s radio control jeep. But the high-point or low-point of our afternoon came on the playground! A 4 yo shot the van. I can't believe it. His father knew he had a b-b gun on the playground but said, "he don't never shoot people or things". He told his dad he was aiming at the tree in front of the van...but he told Nolan - "look - this is cool I can shoot that van" and before Nolan could say a word....I was IN the van...thank God he missed the window.....hit my door. Shot in a CITY PARK!!!! Of course this became THE news at chapel on Sunday. One fellow suggested Mike could collect “hazardous duty pay” in Tom Green County. We’ll have to get estimates this week and hopefully will be able to reach this family to pay for the repairs.Sunday, Mike and I began team teaching a study on the book of Philippians. Last Sunday, Mike had asked me to do an overview of the Inductive Study Method. I did. We are using the New Inductive Study Series from Precept Ministries. They take just 15 – 30 minutes a day. They are definitely a survey but great fun to use in a Sunday School class. No one who attended this week, had done an inductive study before so it was fun to hear their reactions. One lady said she was surprised at how things begin to pop out at you…obviously a comment I LOVED to hear. {g}
We are so glad that Josiah is working for a company that is closed on Sunday. He is really enjoying his work. We spent the rest of the day hanging out at the house. I had the flu thing going on and went to bed. Mike and the boys installed the weather station; we’re all prepared for some “weather” now. {G}
Sunday, February 26, 2006
FASTING - Isaiah 58
Today many women begin a 2 day fast for marriage; some are beginning a one day fast today or tomorrow. I believe that God is delighting in our hearts as we do battle not only for our personal benefits but for “marriage” in general.
I can not do this text on fasting justice in this space….but here are a FEW thoughts. {G} This is an example of Israel’s fasting – the good and the ugly. There is much we can learn from their example. Take joy Ladies, in the fact that we serve a God who carries our burdens and is in the business of restoration. May you see this time as the start of repairing breaches in the institution of marriage and in our culture’s value of marriage.
Is. 58:1-5 – Israel had fasted and God had not heard. Why? They were fasting for “their desire” (v3), they fasted with “contention and strife” (v4) they were fasting to be noticed and congratulated by men (vs. 5). God is about HEART.
Is 58:6 – 7 – God’s Chosen Fast
Fast to:
Loose the bonds of wickedness (vs. 6)
Undo heavy burdens (bonds of the yoke, stop exploiting employees)(6)
Let the oppressed go free (vs. 6)
Break every yoke (cancel debts) (vs. 6)
OUR HEARTS ARE CHANGED (vs. 7)
Bless the poor and homeless rather than exploit them
Is 58:8-12 - Results from God’s Chosen Fast:
Revelation (vs. 8)
Healing and personal restoration, Recovery (vs. 8.11)
Righteousness (vs. 8)
Protection (vs. 8) the glory of the Lord be your rear guard
Guidance (vs. 9,11)
Spiritual strength (vs. 9-11)
Satisfy our new desires, even in scorched places (vs 11)
Rebuild the ancient ruins (vs 12)
Raise Up old foundations (vs. 12)
Be called “Repairer of the Breach” (vs. 12)
“Restorer of the Streets” (vs. 12)
I can not do this text on fasting justice in this space….but here are a FEW thoughts. {G} This is an example of Israel’s fasting – the good and the ugly. There is much we can learn from their example. Take joy Ladies, in the fact that we serve a God who carries our burdens and is in the business of restoration. May you see this time as the start of repairing breaches in the institution of marriage and in our culture’s value of marriage.
Is. 58:1-5 – Israel had fasted and God had not heard. Why? They were fasting for “their desire” (v3), they fasted with “contention and strife” (v4) they were fasting to be noticed and congratulated by men (vs. 5). God is about HEART.
Is 58:6 – 7 – God’s Chosen Fast
Fast to:
Loose the bonds of wickedness (vs. 6)
Undo heavy burdens (bonds of the yoke, stop exploiting employees)(6)
Let the oppressed go free (vs. 6)
Break every yoke (cancel debts) (vs. 6)
OUR HEARTS ARE CHANGED (vs. 7)
Bless the poor and homeless rather than exploit them
Is 58:8-12 - Results from God’s Chosen Fast:
Revelation (vs. 8)
Healing and personal restoration, Recovery (vs. 8.11)
Righteousness (vs. 8)
Protection (vs. 8) the glory of the Lord be your rear guard
Guidance (vs. 9,11)
Spiritual strength (vs. 9-11)
Satisfy our new desires, even in scorched places (vs 11)
Rebuild the ancient ruins (vs 12)
Raise Up old foundations (vs. 12)
Be called “Repairer of the Breach” (vs. 12)
“Restorer of the Streets” (vs. 12)
Saturday, February 25, 2006
FRIDAY – 24 February
Hmmm, a quick summary of the day?
We did school.
We tried to feed Stacia.
We watched in amazement as Stacia rolls from one end of the house to another.
We continued toilet training….began THIS week and the only accident has been with BM.
I drove Josiah to work.
I dropped off Jamin and Jared to help a new friend move into their home…about a mile away.
I began figuring out what I want to order for our produce co-op this time.
Mike arrived home from work and went to help with the move. I picked Josiah up from work and took him to help with the move. What a wonderful way for MEN to get together while doing something meaningful. I’d met both these women at the park in January and was glad that Mike was meeting their husbands.
I baked two more freshly-milled, whole-grained door-stops. Tastes great – didn’t rise. I have more grain and yeast etc coming in a co-op order on Monday. I knew the yeast was very old (since AK) but I am too stubborn to go buy more when I know I have new yeast coming. {G}
I baked three home-made pizzas. I discovered that Arielle, Nolan and Zander don’t LIKE home-made pizza….they’ll adjust.
The guys made it home. They set up the screen and projector and we watched a bit more Hogan’s Heroes. I keep falling asleep by the time they get these going so I’ll be able to enjoy them for months to come…while they are clamoring for the “next season”.
I continued to make plans for transitioning us to the Feingold program in an attempt to help Zander minimize or maximize those things which need adjusting. {g} We used this program for a couple of years and it really helped Jamin. You can read more about it here. We are already on a sort of “modified Feingold” so it may not be too difficult to change. Yeah right….it is the YOUNGER THREE who are such junk-food addicts and so it will take a bit of work…but with all the fresh produce around here and the thrill of helping to grind grains…maybe I can lure them in. {G}
We did school.
We tried to feed Stacia.
We watched in amazement as Stacia rolls from one end of the house to another.
We continued toilet training….began THIS week and the only accident has been with BM.
I drove Josiah to work.
I dropped off Jamin and Jared to help a new friend move into their home…about a mile away.
I began figuring out what I want to order for our produce co-op this time.
Mike arrived home from work and went to help with the move. I picked Josiah up from work and took him to help with the move. What a wonderful way for MEN to get together while doing something meaningful. I’d met both these women at the park in January and was glad that Mike was meeting their husbands.
I baked two more freshly-milled, whole-grained door-stops. Tastes great – didn’t rise. I have more grain and yeast etc coming in a co-op order on Monday. I knew the yeast was very old (since AK) but I am too stubborn to go buy more when I know I have new yeast coming. {G}
I baked three home-made pizzas. I discovered that Arielle, Nolan and Zander don’t LIKE home-made pizza….they’ll adjust.
The guys made it home. They set up the screen and projector and we watched a bit more Hogan’s Heroes. I keep falling asleep by the time they get these going so I’ll be able to enjoy them for months to come…while they are clamoring for the “next season”.
I continued to make plans for transitioning us to the Feingold program in an attempt to help Zander minimize or maximize those things which need adjusting. {g} We used this program for a couple of years and it really helped Jamin. You can read more about it here. We are already on a sort of “modified Feingold” so it may not be too difficult to change. Yeah right….it is the YOUNGER THREE who are such junk-food addicts and so it will take a bit of work…but with all the fresh produce around here and the thrill of helping to grind grains…maybe I can lure them in. {G}
Friday, February 24, 2006
YUCK
Stacia really hates carrots….in fact after I gave up on the carrots she wouldn’t even eat the rice. In fact the only thing she wanted in her chair today was the BOTTLE.
You are receiving this email because you indicated your desire to participate in a fast for marriage on 26/27 Feb, or you indicated that you were still praying about doing so. If you receive this and you did NOT email to participate *I* have not emailed this to you. Ladies, please do NOT forward this letter on to others. I assured ladies that their requests would only go to those who emailed me with their intention to fast. Text without requests will also be posted on my blog.
Dear Friends,
Wow. I’m amazed at God. What an experience it has been to call my dear sisters in Christ to fast for their marriages and for marriage in general! I was unprepared for the response. God has been moving so sweetly in our midst…laying the very same burden on many women around the country. I’m amazed at women who are fasting in Hawaii, fasting on vacation, fasting for two whole days (I’m praying about joining you on this one). By this time you have prayed about participating, you have prayed about a day and hopefully you have prayed about the type of fast you will be doing (partial, food, activity). Now it simply remains to “do it”.
I’m hearing from many that God has led individuals, groups and churches to reclaim spiritual disciplines (not in a legalistic sense…out of a heart of intimacy and gratitude to Christ). What a confirmation. I was unprepared to have several email me and ask for “Scriptural Proof” that Christians are to fast. For these dear sisters the concept was totally new. I delighted in the “Berean” attitude that would cause them to search the Scriptures diligently before joining a “band wagon”.
I’ve tried to answer most questions on my blog. At the end of this message I will list the dates and titles of entries on fasting. I will not copy it all here….as many won’t need all the “nuts and bolts”. {G}
OK –We’ve had a few specific requests that I will list here. May our fasting arise from an intense need to hear God and not to shout at Him.
In my time of prayer over this I have felt God giving me three words for our fast.
Believe – let’s BELIEVE that God wants to work, restore and repair marriages. Let’s pray for a generation that would BELIEVE in marriage. Let’s pray that women and men would turn to the Creator of marriage and BELIEVE most of all in Him. Let’s pray that men and women would fall passionately in love with JESUS and then with each other.
Hope – literally translated in Scripture to mean “an eager expectation”. This is closely tied in with BELIEVE. Let’s pray for those who are feeling “hopeless” to be given a new HOPE in Christ. Pray that we would have HOPE for what God would want our marriages to be. Pray that HOPE would be birthed in seemingly hopeless situations as we do battle for each other's marriages
Value – Let’s pray for our generation and for generations of children to see and be taught the VALUE that God places on marriage. In my prayer time I’ve come back to this again and again. Our society has de-valued marriage. We’ve allowed marriage to be de-valued. It’s time for us to begin to recognize and encourage others to recognize the value of the marriage relationship. I am especially concerned for children here. Please pray that our CHILDREN would see the VALUE in marriage as they observe our marriages. Pray that God would mend your marriage if needed so that it would reflect this VALUE to your children. Pray that generations to follow us would benefit from the stance we take for marriage this week.
*How awesome is our God! Organizing this has been stretching for me. I’ve been timid to share. What an amazing thing that as this sat on my desktop I received TWO emails from TWO different sisters telling me that in THEIR prayer time God is leading them to the words “Believe and Hope” and the other one mentioned “value and generational strongholds”. Wow…..God is so very sweet to send encouragement my way! What a God we serve!
Specific Requests (in addition to the above – directly copied from emails – REMOVED FROM BLOG)
If any of you send in victories that you attribute to this time of fasting I will share them (anonymously – unless you request to be known) with THIS list of those who have participated in the fast and will post them on the blog.
Standing with you, dear sisters in Christ!
De’Etta
More posts on fasting at http://not2many.blogspot.com
Feb 12 – MOTIVES (I’ll share now that I was trying to figure out if I should speak about fasting and what would others think – or remain secret ala Matt 6).
Feb 14 – Friends, Lady Friends…call to fast for marriages
Feb 14 – instructions and links to study tools for a topical study
Feb 15 – Bill Bright’s booklet on fasting
Feb 20 – low blood sugar/nursing – things we can fast from
Feb 24 – Motivation in Fasting
Feb 24 – Fasting in Scripture
Dear Friends,
Wow. I’m amazed at God. What an experience it has been to call my dear sisters in Christ to fast for their marriages and for marriage in general! I was unprepared for the response. God has been moving so sweetly in our midst…laying the very same burden on many women around the country. I’m amazed at women who are fasting in Hawaii, fasting on vacation, fasting for two whole days (I’m praying about joining you on this one). By this time you have prayed about participating, you have prayed about a day and hopefully you have prayed about the type of fast you will be doing (partial, food, activity). Now it simply remains to “do it”.
I’m hearing from many that God has led individuals, groups and churches to reclaim spiritual disciplines (not in a legalistic sense…out of a heart of intimacy and gratitude to Christ). What a confirmation. I was unprepared to have several email me and ask for “Scriptural Proof” that Christians are to fast. For these dear sisters the concept was totally new. I delighted in the “Berean” attitude that would cause them to search the Scriptures diligently before joining a “band wagon”.
I’ve tried to answer most questions on my blog. At the end of this message I will list the dates and titles of entries on fasting. I will not copy it all here….as many won’t need all the “nuts and bolts”. {G}
OK –We’ve had a few specific requests that I will list here. May our fasting arise from an intense need to hear God and not to shout at Him.
In my time of prayer over this I have felt God giving me three words for our fast.
Believe – let’s BELIEVE that God wants to work, restore and repair marriages. Let’s pray for a generation that would BELIEVE in marriage. Let’s pray that women and men would turn to the Creator of marriage and BELIEVE most of all in Him. Let’s pray that men and women would fall passionately in love with JESUS and then with each other.
Hope – literally translated in Scripture to mean “an eager expectation”. This is closely tied in with BELIEVE. Let’s pray for those who are feeling “hopeless” to be given a new HOPE in Christ. Pray that we would have HOPE for what God would want our marriages to be. Pray that HOPE would be birthed in seemingly hopeless situations as we do battle for each other's marriages
Value – Let’s pray for our generation and for generations of children to see and be taught the VALUE that God places on marriage. In my prayer time I’ve come back to this again and again. Our society has de-valued marriage. We’ve allowed marriage to be de-valued. It’s time for us to begin to recognize and encourage others to recognize the value of the marriage relationship. I am especially concerned for children here. Please pray that our CHILDREN would see the VALUE in marriage as they observe our marriages. Pray that God would mend your marriage if needed so that it would reflect this VALUE to your children. Pray that generations to follow us would benefit from the stance we take for marriage this week.
*How awesome is our God! Organizing this has been stretching for me. I’ve been timid to share. What an amazing thing that as this sat on my desktop I received TWO emails from TWO different sisters telling me that in THEIR prayer time God is leading them to the words “Believe and Hope” and the other one mentioned “value and generational strongholds”. Wow…..God is so very sweet to send encouragement my way! What a God we serve!
Specific Requests (in addition to the above – directly copied from emails – REMOVED FROM BLOG)
If any of you send in victories that you attribute to this time of fasting I will share them (anonymously – unless you request to be known) with THIS list of those who have participated in the fast and will post them on the blog.
Standing with you, dear sisters in Christ!
De’Etta
More posts on fasting at http://not2many.blogspot.com
Feb 12 – MOTIVES (I’ll share now that I was trying to figure out if I should speak about fasting and what would others think – or remain secret ala Matt 6).
Feb 14 – Friends, Lady Friends…call to fast for marriages
Feb 14 – instructions and links to study tools for a topical study
Feb 15 – Bill Bright’s booklet on fasting
Feb 20 – low blood sugar/nursing – things we can fast from
Feb 24 – Motivation in Fasting
Feb 24 – Fasting in Scripture
SHOWER
Last night's shower was a success. There is something so sweet about having friends into your home to celebrate the blessing of God on a family. Cathy and her daughter were blessed by the gifts they received and I believe by the fellowship we shared.
I scored a coup by sending "just one piece" of cake home with John.....a giant piece....none of us wanted it sitting around. We plan to take up geocaching with this family after their new one arrives and settles in.
Lots of changes coming for this family as John prays about seperating from the army, and re-entering as a Chaplain.
I scored a coup by sending "just one piece" of cake home with John.....a giant piece....none of us wanted it sitting around. We plan to take up geocaching with this family after their new one arrives and settles in.
Lots of changes coming for this family as John prays about seperating from the army, and re-entering as a Chaplain.
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