Recently I have been reading through the book of Isaiah. At times I find it very difficult to understand. So this morning, before I read, I prayed that God would make clear to me what he wants me to learn from Isaiah. I then felt God was directing me to read the introduction to the prophets. I am reading The Message Remix by Eugene H. Peterson, who is the author of the introduction. I would like to quote the entire thing, but that may be a bit unnecessary, so I'll just highlight what hit me the most.
"For people who are accustomed to 'fitting God' into their lives, or, as we like to say, 'making room for God,' the prophets are hard to take and easy to dismiss. The God of whom the prophets speak is far too large to fit into our lives. If we want anything to do with God, we have to fit into Him."
"One of the bad habits that we pick up early in our lives is separating things and people into secular and sacred. We assume that the secular is what we are more or less in charge of: our jobs, our time, our entertainment, our government, our social relations. The sacred is what God has charge of: worship and the Bible, heaven and hell, church and prayers."
"God has something to say about every aspect of our lives: The way we feel and act in the so-called privacy of our hearts and homes, the way we make our money and the way we spend it, the politics we embrace, the wars we fight, the catastrophes we endure, the people we hurt and the people we help. Nothing is hidden from the scrutiny of God, nothing is exempt from the rule of God, nothing escapes the purposes of God."
Not only did I begin to understand the purpose and message of the prophets, but it really made me think about how I do "fit God into my life" instead of fitting myself in Him. God needs to be a part of everything I say and do; all day, every day. Reading the Bible, praying, worshipping, all of those things are great, but they should not be the only times we seek God. He is not separate from our jobs, entertainment, and social relations. He is a part of it. Or at least He should be.
God should be at the forefront of my mind when I'm washing dishes, when I'm changing diapers, when I'm doing laundry, and when I am teaching my daughter about His love. Nothing I have here is truly mine. It all belongs to God; my money, my possessions, and even my family. God is trusting me with these things and allowing me to use them here on Earth, but I need to treat them all as a loan. I need to put God first and consider how he wants me to use them before I do.
Nor should I ever assume that my plan will work out. I need to fit into God's plan; allow His plan to work in me. I like to be in control. I like to know what will happen next and prepare for it. But, nothing escapes the purposes of God, even my desire to be in control. The more I am willing to release control and give it to God, the easier it is for me to accept circumstances that I didn't really see coming. God has a plan for my life and it is perfect. And, as Eugene Peterson said, it is definitely much more real than the next door neighbor.
4.26.2011
Boom Boom Boom
Mr. Brown is a wonder.
BOOM BOOM BOOM
Mr. Brown makes thunder
...said my husband, quoting one of Aria's favorite books, Mr. Brown Can Moo. He spoke these lines in connection with the thunder and lightning we were experiencing outside a few days ago. And what did my daughter do? She searched high and low until she found her favorite book, Mr. Brown Can Moo, and brought it to Dada to keep reading! WOW! I was so impressed by her recall and comprehension of what Justin was saying. We do love to read books at our house. We probably read in the range of 5-7 books a day. As a teacher, I do know the importance of reading to your child, but when I can see the benefits first hand, it screams the importance even more. I see other signs of comprehension from Aria, as well. When a book mentions a body part, she often points to that body part. One book talks about a good night kiss and we almost always get a good night kiss right before we arrive to that particular page and when we read those words. Animal sounds accompany animal pictures, hands clap, feet stomp, 'jumping' occurs, and many other actions as they are read. Oh it amazes me what she learns and how quickly it happens! Hopefully, like her Mama, her love for books and reading goes on and on and on and on and on...
BOOM BOOM BOOM
Mr. Brown makes thunder
...said my husband, quoting one of Aria's favorite books, Mr. Brown Can Moo. He spoke these lines in connection with the thunder and lightning we were experiencing outside a few days ago. And what did my daughter do? She searched high and low until she found her favorite book, Mr. Brown Can Moo, and brought it to Dada to keep reading! WOW! I was so impressed by her recall and comprehension of what Justin was saying. We do love to read books at our house. We probably read in the range of 5-7 books a day. As a teacher, I do know the importance of reading to your child, but when I can see the benefits first hand, it screams the importance even more. I see other signs of comprehension from Aria, as well. When a book mentions a body part, she often points to that body part. One book talks about a good night kiss and we almost always get a good night kiss right before we arrive to that particular page and when we read those words. Animal sounds accompany animal pictures, hands clap, feet stomp, 'jumping' occurs, and many other actions as they are read. Oh it amazes me what she learns and how quickly it happens! Hopefully, like her Mama, her love for books and reading goes on and on and on and on and on...
4.25.2011
Living Simply
About 6 months ago we put our house up for sale. Upon preparing for the market, our realtor told us we needed to de-clutter, among other things. De-cluttering consisted of taking things off the walls, taking things off shelves, removing shelves from rooms, finding space to put things away, and packing up boxes of stuff we didn't "need" until we sold our house. A lot of stuff in our basement got packed away and sent to my parents' basement, along with random items from the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the house. In October, we figured it would only be for a month or two, but here we are at the end of April. Thankfully, we are now close to moving and the SOLD sign sure looks great!
What I've discovered is that I didn't miss any of that stuff that has collected dust in my parents' basement for 6 months. In fact, I couldn't really tell you what was there. Plus, I have been packing a box here and there for the past month, so there are plenty of boxes in our own basement of stuff I haven't needed. So, the big question is why take it to the new house? I have really enjoyed a more simple life. First of all, it is less to dust! I've never been one to have fancy decorations or trendy accents. I'm not worried about fitting in with the popular trends or having a Parade of Homes style house. I like things that are practical or have special meaning. That being said, I also get a bit nostalgic and keep a little more than necessary. Sure, some of the boxes are scrapbooks and keepsakes that I really don't want to (and probably won't) get rid of. But what do you do with that stuff besides keep it in a box or on a shelf and occasionally get it out to look at?
I'm really glad I was (by choice) forced to de-clutter and live with less. I will be moving all of the boxes to our new house, but when I do unpack them, I plan to have a large donation pile and maybe even a trash pile. I'm excited to really think about how to "decorate" and where to put away all of our possessions. We will have so much more room that it will be easy to find a space for things and then forget about them. It is my goal to not do that.
I am so very thankful for how abundantly God has blessed our family! I enjoy a lot of our material possessions, but I also realize so many of them are unnecessary. I hope going forward I can continue to live simply and take pride in the much more important things in life!
What I've discovered is that I didn't miss any of that stuff that has collected dust in my parents' basement for 6 months. In fact, I couldn't really tell you what was there. Plus, I have been packing a box here and there for the past month, so there are plenty of boxes in our own basement of stuff I haven't needed. So, the big question is why take it to the new house? I have really enjoyed a more simple life. First of all, it is less to dust! I've never been one to have fancy decorations or trendy accents. I'm not worried about fitting in with the popular trends or having a Parade of Homes style house. I like things that are practical or have special meaning. That being said, I also get a bit nostalgic and keep a little more than necessary. Sure, some of the boxes are scrapbooks and keepsakes that I really don't want to (and probably won't) get rid of. But what do you do with that stuff besides keep it in a box or on a shelf and occasionally get it out to look at?
I'm really glad I was (by choice) forced to de-clutter and live with less. I will be moving all of the boxes to our new house, but when I do unpack them, I plan to have a large donation pile and maybe even a trash pile. I'm excited to really think about how to "decorate" and where to put away all of our possessions. We will have so much more room that it will be easy to find a space for things and then forget about them. It is my goal to not do that.
I am so very thankful for how abundantly God has blessed our family! I enjoy a lot of our material possessions, but I also realize so many of them are unnecessary. I hope going forward I can continue to live simply and take pride in the much more important things in life!
4.24.2011
4.22.2011
Easter Should Be Your Favorite Holiday
What's your favorite holiday? Okay so maybe that's not a question adults ask each other, but during my teacher years I was asked it numerous times. Of course, the answer was always expected to be Christmas or my birthday because of the presents, I suppose. Ugh. I actually used to say the 4th of July because I really like fireworks and it is summer and it is fun. But randomly today, without even being asked the question, it hit me that everyone's favorite holiday should be Easter. Not for the Easter egg hunts, the picture with the easter bunny, or even the marshmallow Peeps I always used to beg for and then not eat. It is also not because of gathering with family, eating good food, or dressing up really nice. Easter should be your favorite holiday because of what it truly means.
"What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed of sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:1-11 NIV
Thousands of years ago, Jesus died for my sin. MY sin. Wow! Jesus cares about me, one individual in billions that have walked this earth. He cared so much he was willing to die on the cross so that I wouldn't have to. When you really think about that, let it resonate in your heart and soul, how can you not fall on your knees in praise, worship, and thanks? I get to go to Heaven and have eternal life all because of Jesus! That is the greatest gift imaginable! And to think I used to say the 4th of July was my favorite holiday. So, that's why we celebrate Easter because Jesus died, not just for me, but for us ALL. And He is alive forevermore.
If you are reading this and you haven't declared Jesus Lord of your life, you should. He died for you, too. He wants you to know Him and love Him. Repent of your sins and tell Jesus you need Him and the Holy Spirit will come to life in you. Most importantly, you'll have eternal life in Heaven! Then you can really celebrate Easter!
"What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed of sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:1-11 NIV
Thousands of years ago, Jesus died for my sin. MY sin. Wow! Jesus cares about me, one individual in billions that have walked this earth. He cared so much he was willing to die on the cross so that I wouldn't have to. When you really think about that, let it resonate in your heart and soul, how can you not fall on your knees in praise, worship, and thanks? I get to go to Heaven and have eternal life all because of Jesus! That is the greatest gift imaginable! And to think I used to say the 4th of July was my favorite holiday. So, that's why we celebrate Easter because Jesus died, not just for me, but for us ALL. And He is alive forevermore.
If you are reading this and you haven't declared Jesus Lord of your life, you should. He died for you, too. He wants you to know Him and love Him. Repent of your sins and tell Jesus you need Him and the Holy Spirit will come to life in you. Most importantly, you'll have eternal life in Heaven! Then you can really celebrate Easter!
4.20.2011
The Wink
4.11.2011
Fabulous Book!
Recently I read, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillendbrand. Holy cow, what an amazing story! It is the true story of Louie Zamperini, a man who survived remarkable circumstances after his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean during WWII. As if that wasn't horrific enough, he and another man were lost at sea for 47 days, then captured by the Japanese, passed around to several different POW camps, and when we finally won the war, he suffered alcoholism, awful dreams, depression, and many other after effects of the war.
Before the war, Louie was an Olympic runner. He competed in the 1936 Olympics in the 5000 meters and was aspiring to compete in the mile in the 1940 Olympics that were cancelled. So, into the war he went and became part of the crew on an airplane fighting in the Pacific. Thus the story goes from there. Each part of the story became more and more amazing to me. The whole time they were at sea I kept wondering how they were going to survive. Then they were captured and placed in horrible conditions in POW camps and I wondered how they were going to survive. Then, the war ended and Louie came home and suffered horrible mental breakdowns. I figured his story was going to end in a sad way after all that survival during the war. But I guess maybe I shouldn't reveal the end in case you want to read the book.
If you are not a history person, some of this book will probably be rather boring to you. There are some WWII details, but it mostly revolves around Louie's story. The title is really true. This is an amazing story of survival, resilience, and redemption and I would recommend it to anyone!
Before the war, Louie was an Olympic runner. He competed in the 1936 Olympics in the 5000 meters and was aspiring to compete in the mile in the 1940 Olympics that were cancelled. So, into the war he went and became part of the crew on an airplane fighting in the Pacific. Thus the story goes from there. Each part of the story became more and more amazing to me. The whole time they were at sea I kept wondering how they were going to survive. Then they were captured and placed in horrible conditions in POW camps and I wondered how they were going to survive. Then, the war ended and Louie came home and suffered horrible mental breakdowns. I figured his story was going to end in a sad way after all that survival during the war. But I guess maybe I shouldn't reveal the end in case you want to read the book.
If you are not a history person, some of this book will probably be rather boring to you. There are some WWII details, but it mostly revolves around Louie's story. The title is really true. This is an amazing story of survival, resilience, and redemption and I would recommend it to anyone!
4.03.2011
Say Please
If you have been around my daughter for more than about 10 minutes, you've probably seen her do this:
A friend of mine taught her son some sign language at a young age to help him communicate. One of my memories of it was him pointing to the swing in their backyard signing please. I thought it was incredibly cute and irresistible. Several months ago Aria started to become very demanding when she wanted something, so instead of screaming, I taught her to sign "please". She caught on very quickly and now signs please constantly. She knows she is supposed to say please when she wants something, but it is quite difficult to explain that even though she said please, sometimes the answer is still no. I guess it isn't quite as irresistible as I thought. :) It is also hard to know what she wants a lot of the time. She will just sign please over and over and over and over and over without really saying anything or pointing to anything so I have no idea what she wants, which is frustrating. I'm hoping the sign language will eventually lead to actually speaking the word please and understanding it is the polite thing to do. Right now, I'm pretty sure her please sign just means 'I want' to her. But, I'm okay with that because it is much better than an ear-piercing scream when she wants something! So, if you are ever caring for my child and she is frantically brushing her hand on her chest, she definitely wants something....good luck figuring out what it is! :)
A friend of mine taught her son some sign language at a young age to help him communicate. One of my memories of it was him pointing to the swing in their backyard signing please. I thought it was incredibly cute and irresistible. Several months ago Aria started to become very demanding when she wanted something, so instead of screaming, I taught her to sign "please". She caught on very quickly and now signs please constantly. She knows she is supposed to say please when she wants something, but it is quite difficult to explain that even though she said please, sometimes the answer is still no. I guess it isn't quite as irresistible as I thought. :) It is also hard to know what she wants a lot of the time. She will just sign please over and over and over and over and over without really saying anything or pointing to anything so I have no idea what she wants, which is frustrating. I'm hoping the sign language will eventually lead to actually speaking the word please and understanding it is the polite thing to do. Right now, I'm pretty sure her please sign just means 'I want' to her. But, I'm okay with that because it is much better than an ear-piercing scream when she wants something! So, if you are ever caring for my child and she is frantically brushing her hand on her chest, she definitely wants something....good luck figuring out what it is! :)
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