After writing my earlier post (Equipped), I was reminded of a song that I love, by Serene and Pearl at Above Rubies. The first time I heard this I thought it came straight from my heart, a story of my life. Here's a sample of it, and below are the lyrics!
I never thought that I’d be living like this,
Never thought that I’d believe this way,
If somebody had said that this would be me,
I would have laughed at the impossibility!
But look, yeah, look what You’ve done,
Look what I’ve learned,
Look what You’ve made from this broken urn,
I want even more, I’ve set my sights,
I want to feed on Your words of life.
CHORUS:
Teach me, I will listen, I’ll be open
And Your truth will change me.
Teach me, I am willing, I am wanting
For you to finish this work
That You’ve already started in me.
I never knew that truth could feel so free,
I never knew I’d find joy in losing more of me.
Every day You reveal a little more
And I can only smile when I think of what’s in store.
Just look, yeah, look what You’ve done,
Look what I’ve learned,
Look what You’ve made from this broken urn,
I want even more, I’ve set my sights,
I want to feed on Your words of life.
CHORUS.
What a view from this mountain top,
I could never go back,
I can see there're more hills up ahead,
But I’m on the right track.
CHORUS.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Teach Me
Friday, May 30, 2008
Equipped
"To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect" - John Owen
This quote is one that I keep in my mind often. I have a confession - I love being a mother, wife, homemaker. I am called of God to be these things. But I am not very good at it. And there are times when I don't "love" it so much, and wonder why God put me in a place where I have no talent or natural ability. It is hard, hard work. And not very rewarding all the time. I have nothing specific on a day to day basis that brings me great recognition or accolades from those I know and love, and much less from those I don't know. It can be discouraging, overwhelming, and not very fulfilling. I am a happy homemaker, but not by nature. I am not one of those who dreamed of being a wife and having babies my whole life. In fact, I grew up as a very independent, introverted person - I enjoy quiet, aloneness, time to read lots of books. So, why has God placed me in a position so contrary to my nature? Therein lies the beauty and the power of the Lord.
The world says to pursue a life where my strengths, talents and interests are highlighted. Where I have lots of personal self-fulfillment, lots of recognition and "esteem". But what does the Lord say? He says "die to yourself", "become like Christ", "My strength is in your weaknesses". It is exactly these reasons He has called me to be where I am. So I can become more like His son, trusting in His strength to bring about His will in me.
What is my (and, actually, anyone's) ultimate purpose in life? To glorify the Lord and enjoy Him forever! What could be more glorifying than His strength making me into the woman He wants me to be - the woman I am not, at all, by my own strength. He equips me for His high calling, He alone. I can take no credit for the changes He's brought about in me, as they are so far from who I was and imagined being.
So when I feel discouraged, depressed, and like I'm sliding down the terrifying slope of failure, I remember - He is my strength, my source, my encourager! It is He whom I am serving, and He will not let me go. The Lord does not fail! Hebrews 13:20-21 reminds me: "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, {even} Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom {be} the glory forever and ever. Amen." Amen!
This quote is one that I keep in my mind often. I have a confession - I love being a mother, wife, homemaker. I am called of God to be these things. But I am not very good at it. And there are times when I don't "love" it so much, and wonder why God put me in a place where I have no talent or natural ability. It is hard, hard work. And not very rewarding all the time. I have nothing specific on a day to day basis that brings me great recognition or accolades from those I know and love, and much less from those I don't know. It can be discouraging, overwhelming, and not very fulfilling. I am a happy homemaker, but not by nature. I am not one of those who dreamed of being a wife and having babies my whole life. In fact, I grew up as a very independent, introverted person - I enjoy quiet, aloneness, time to read lots of books. So, why has God placed me in a position so contrary to my nature? Therein lies the beauty and the power of the Lord.
The world says to pursue a life where my strengths, talents and interests are highlighted. Where I have lots of personal self-fulfillment, lots of recognition and "esteem". But what does the Lord say? He says "die to yourself", "become like Christ", "My strength is in your weaknesses". It is exactly these reasons He has called me to be where I am. So I can become more like His son, trusting in His strength to bring about His will in me.
What is my (and, actually, anyone's) ultimate purpose in life? To glorify the Lord and enjoy Him forever! What could be more glorifying than His strength making me into the woman He wants me to be - the woman I am not, at all, by my own strength. He equips me for His high calling, He alone. I can take no credit for the changes He's brought about in me, as they are so far from who I was and imagined being.
So when I feel discouraged, depressed, and like I'm sliding down the terrifying slope of failure, I remember - He is my strength, my source, my encourager! It is He whom I am serving, and He will not let me go. The Lord does not fail! Hebrews 13:20-21 reminds me: "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, {even} Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom {be} the glory forever and ever. Amen." Amen!
Demographic Winter
I came across this website and found it very interesting, especially in light of the regulations for population control that many countries are trying to (or have) enforce(d) for the sake of environmental protection. Click on the banner to watch the trailer. Please feel free to share your thoughts!
Also, just on a mathematical note - 2.1 children per household is simply the "replacement" rate of the population. In order to see an actual population increase, a family needs to have at least 3-4 children each!
Also, just on a mathematical note - 2.1 children per household is simply the "replacement" rate of the population. In order to see an actual population increase, a family needs to have at least 3-4 children each!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Salvation
Such simple and beautiful testimonies. The truth in Christ is true freedom - "and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:32
(Don't forget to pause the playlist to the left!)
(Don't forget to pause the playlist to the left!)
Friday, May 23, 2008
For my Boys!
The boys love this song and video, so I am posting it in their honor! Enjoy! (Oh, be sure to pause the music to the left before playing this!)
Nathan Speaks Out
I had shared this message from Nathan on a message board I'm a member of, but decided that maybe all of blogger world should be made aware, as well. This happened a few months ago, and Nathan has still not recovered from the trauma - I fear he may be terrified of man-sized robins forever.
Nathan wants me to spread the word:
"Do NOT go out to eat at Red Robin restaurants. It is potentially life-threatening, and at the least, psychologically damaging to young children. The food is excellent, but not worth the trauma I experienced. I will share it with you.
We went out last night as a surprise from my daddy. We ordered the usual hamburgers and french fries, and I got some cantaloupe to gnaw on. All was well and good, until the THING appeared. This THING was the most horrifying THING I have ever witnessed in my entire life of 13 months. Absolutely terrifying. It was the size of a grown up person, but it had the appearance of a bright red, overly cheerful.... BIRD. Its beak was big enough to swallow me and other small children whole, and abnormally bright yellow. It waved its wing at me as it passed by, quite obviously a threat to my existence. I did my best to alert every other diner in the restaurant of this threat to their and their children's lives - I screamed, very loudly and repeatedly.
My mom tried to rescue me, but all she did was take me to the bathroom. I insisted to be put down and tried to RUN away, screaming, but I could not find my way out of the bathroom. My mom made me stay in the bathroom until I got a grip on myself, and only then did we emerge cautiously, looking every direction for the wretched thing.
Apparently, I did a decent job of scaring it away, as it did not appear for the rest of the night. I was not to be fooled, though, so I refused to sit back in my highchair where it saw me last, and instead hid in the booth between my mom and dad.
Please, do not submit your children to the dangers and terrors of this child eating, man-sized, bright red robin. I can only assume that the restaurant by the name of Red Robin is really a cover-up for its operations and it makes me wonder just what kind of hamburgers my family so readily enjoyed.
However, they do give out balloons to the children who manage to make it out alive, which is a decent reward."
As this was a few months ago, he has an update:
"My parents must be trying to get rid of me, as they continue to frequent this horrifying place. However, I have only seen the monstrous beast once more, and it does seem that screaming at it sufficiently scares it away. In fact, the past few times we have been to this place, I have not seen it at all, which makes me think its evil deeds have finally come to light and it has met its demise. It has been wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy my tasty meal without fearing for my life, as the food is quite good."
Nathan wants me to spread the word:
"Do NOT go out to eat at Red Robin restaurants. It is potentially life-threatening, and at the least, psychologically damaging to young children. The food is excellent, but not worth the trauma I experienced. I will share it with you.
We went out last night as a surprise from my daddy. We ordered the usual hamburgers and french fries, and I got some cantaloupe to gnaw on. All was well and good, until the THING appeared. This THING was the most horrifying THING I have ever witnessed in my entire life of 13 months. Absolutely terrifying. It was the size of a grown up person, but it had the appearance of a bright red, overly cheerful.... BIRD. Its beak was big enough to swallow me and other small children whole, and abnormally bright yellow. It waved its wing at me as it passed by, quite obviously a threat to my existence. I did my best to alert every other diner in the restaurant of this threat to their and their children's lives - I screamed, very loudly and repeatedly.
My mom tried to rescue me, but all she did was take me to the bathroom. I insisted to be put down and tried to RUN away, screaming, but I could not find my way out of the bathroom. My mom made me stay in the bathroom until I got a grip on myself, and only then did we emerge cautiously, looking every direction for the wretched thing.
Apparently, I did a decent job of scaring it away, as it did not appear for the rest of the night. I was not to be fooled, though, so I refused to sit back in my highchair where it saw me last, and instead hid in the booth between my mom and dad.
Please, do not submit your children to the dangers and terrors of this child eating, man-sized, bright red robin. I can only assume that the restaurant by the name of Red Robin is really a cover-up for its operations and it makes me wonder just what kind of hamburgers my family so readily enjoyed.
However, they do give out balloons to the children who manage to make it out alive, which is a decent reward."
As this was a few months ago, he has an update:
"My parents must be trying to get rid of me, as they continue to frequent this horrifying place. However, I have only seen the monstrous beast once more, and it does seem that screaming at it sufficiently scares it away. In fact, the past few times we have been to this place, I have not seen it at all, which makes me think its evil deeds have finally come to light and it has met its demise. It has been wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy my tasty meal without fearing for my life, as the food is quite good."
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Our New Routine
Just for Kathy ;-), here is the new schedule Michael and I worked out together. We officially start getting on track again June 2nd :-) Also, while all of these have times attached to them, we don't follow the clock that strictly - its more for me to figure out how long things can take and where meals and naptimes can fit in.
5am-6am I wake up, work out, and shower (this is all assuming I actually get up then!)
6-6:30 my quiet time with the Lord
6:30-6:45 check email, brief computer time
6:45-7 make Michael's breakfast (if he's working at the office that day) and get ready for boys to wake up
7:15-7:30 boys wake up, start their before breakfast chores (brushing teeth, making beds, etc)
7:30-8 Breakfast
8-8:15 Morning Chores
8:15-9:45 Errands or Nature Walk (Michael suggested we now do this first thing since it gets so hot in the day, and also doesn't break up our schoolwork)
9:50-10 Snack
"School" Starts!
10-10:20 Bible from Adventures in MFW
10:20-10:35 Handwriting/Preschool with Joel
10:35-10:55 Ezra English (Isaac plays with Joel and Nathan)
10:55-11:15 Isaac English (Ezra plays with Joel and Nathan)
11:15-11:35 I read aloud to everyone, short children's stories
11:25-11:55 Science/Art/Music/Projects (whichever is planned for the day)
12-12:30 Lunch
12:30-12:45 Isaac, Ezra and Joel read quietly while Nathan goes down for a nap
12:45 Joel naps
12:45-1:15 Isaac, Ezra and I have quiet time to spend with the Lord individually
1:15-1:30 I read a chapter from a chapter book aloud to Isaac and Ezra
1:30-1:45 History
1:45-2:05 Math/Spanish
2:05-2:25 Spanish/Math (the boys rotate)
2:25-2:50 (Joel and Nathan are usually starting to wake up) Isaac and Ezra practice instruments
3-3:15 Afternoon snack and Bible from MFW 1st
"School" ends for the day!
3:15-3:45 Afternoon chores
4-6 Time with Daddy (go to park, etc)
6-6:30 Finish dinner prep
6:30-7:15 Dinner
7:15-7:30 Nighttime chores
7:30-8 Family Devotions
8 Bedtime
9 Lights out
Phew! My goal is to be in bed myself by 10 or 10:30 each night. After the boys go to bed, I finish my chores and Michael and I do some bible study using "Balancing the Sword". Its a full day, but we also try to keep it flexible and open to the Lord's leading. The beauty of homeschooling is that our time is available for His use, so if something comes up and our plans need to be dropped to help someone else, we are able to without concern!
Fridays are much lighter for us. Our morning outing is to the library, and when we get home, we cover only Bible, Handwriting, Science, Art Study, and Reading Aloud. The rest of the day is spent preparing for Sabbath (I make Challah and do some deeper cleaning) and then some rest, relaxation, and fun!
5am-6am I wake up, work out, and shower (this is all assuming I actually get up then!)
6-6:30 my quiet time with the Lord
6:30-6:45 check email, brief computer time
6:45-7 make Michael's breakfast (if he's working at the office that day) and get ready for boys to wake up
7:15-7:30 boys wake up, start their before breakfast chores (brushing teeth, making beds, etc)
7:30-8 Breakfast
8-8:15 Morning Chores
8:15-9:45 Errands or Nature Walk (Michael suggested we now do this first thing since it gets so hot in the day, and also doesn't break up our schoolwork)
9:50-10 Snack
"School" Starts!
10-10:20 Bible from Adventures in MFW
10:20-10:35 Handwriting/Preschool with Joel
10:35-10:55 Ezra English (Isaac plays with Joel and Nathan)
10:55-11:15 Isaac English (Ezra plays with Joel and Nathan)
11:15-11:35 I read aloud to everyone, short children's stories
11:25-11:55 Science/Art/Music/Projects (whichever is planned for the day)
12-12:30 Lunch
12:30-12:45 Isaac, Ezra and Joel read quietly while Nathan goes down for a nap
12:45 Joel naps
12:45-1:15 Isaac, Ezra and I have quiet time to spend with the Lord individually
1:15-1:30 I read a chapter from a chapter book aloud to Isaac and Ezra
1:30-1:45 History
1:45-2:05 Math/Spanish
2:05-2:25 Spanish/Math (the boys rotate)
2:25-2:50 (Joel and Nathan are usually starting to wake up) Isaac and Ezra practice instruments
3-3:15 Afternoon snack and Bible from MFW 1st
"School" ends for the day!
3:15-3:45 Afternoon chores
4-6 Time with Daddy (go to park, etc)
6-6:30 Finish dinner prep
6:30-7:15 Dinner
7:15-7:30 Nighttime chores
7:30-8 Family Devotions
8 Bedtime
9 Lights out
Phew! My goal is to be in bed myself by 10 or 10:30 each night. After the boys go to bed, I finish my chores and Michael and I do some bible study using "Balancing the Sword". Its a full day, but we also try to keep it flexible and open to the Lord's leading. The beauty of homeschooling is that our time is available for His use, so if something comes up and our plans need to be dropped to help someone else, we are able to without concern!
Fridays are much lighter for us. Our morning outing is to the library, and when we get home, we cover only Bible, Handwriting, Science, Art Study, and Reading Aloud. The rest of the day is spent preparing for Sabbath (I make Challah and do some deeper cleaning) and then some rest, relaxation, and fun!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Aprons
Aprons are awesome! I have one that I absolutely LOVE, I don't know if I could go back to having just a "regular" apron. What makes mine so special? Its a dishtowel apron! A dishtowel is sewn into the front, making a perfect place to wipe my hands quickly, or an impromptu pot holder. Usually while washing dishes I'd throw a dishtowel over my shoulder, but no need anymore. It also serves for a place to carry toys or baby items while picking up, to deposit them where needed as I go along. This wonderful creation was handmade by Steph at Lamplight Boutique. She makes all sorts of aprons - dishtowel, reversible, children's, matching mother/daughter, and just beautiful regular ones, as well. Her fabrics are high quality and the sewing is impeccable. I couldn't live without my apron! Thanks Steph!!
Here's mine!
Here's mine!
My Crew
Its been awhile since I've posted pictures of my handsome men, so here are some from my sister-in-law's wedding earlier this month!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Is it edible?
It may be look like a muffin, but, alas, it is not edible! What exactly IS a Prairie Muffin? Actually, I am! You may be, too, and just don't know it yet! Click on the manifesto below for the exact description - and when I say exact, I mean exact. No mincing of words there! But every point made is one that I strive for daily. I have my failures daily, as well, but as Paul says it so well, "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12)
(Oh, and once you've read the manifesto, please explore the rest of her site. Its got a lot of great posts!)
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