Our Little Rose Garden

2012-02-14T13:08:00.002-05:00

45 down and 45 to go!

Halfway done with this 90-Day challenge and things are going well. My weight loss is levelling, but my strength is not, and except for a couple of spectacular failures, our family's nutrition is excellent! It has been encouraging to help others along the journey and to be cheered on by new friends. I'm looking forward to this last half and then continuing in these new habits.

Back by popular demand (okay, two people have asked), here is this week's menu. As always, make substitutions and tweak as necessary. And let me know if you want more info on something!

Day 1:
Breakfast - Smoothies & Bacon
Lunch - Fruit, Cheese, Turkey, and Veggies
Dinner - Fish Salad - layer baked whitefish, avocado, tomato, red onion, and cilantro in glass dishes/glasses, drizzle with a lime juice, cumin, olive oil dressing

Day 2:
B - Freezer Bag Omelets
L - Tuna Fish w/Lettuce
D - Nutty Peachy Salad (scroll down on linked page for recipe)

Day 3:
B - No Oat Oatmeal
L - Hard Boiled Eggs, Veggies, Fruit
D - Roast Turkey (to be used for later recipes, also), Sweet Potato Fries, Veggies

Day 4:
B - Scrambled Eggs and Carrot Raisin Muffins
L - Lentil Soup w/ Sausage
D - Fish (not sure how I'll prepare it, yet)

Day 5:
B - Smoothies & Bacon (It's our easiest breakfast, so we do it twice)
L - Grilled Cheese (on sprouted bread, but it's still a treat and not technically paleo) and Tomato Soup
D - Paleo Chili (Kathryn's request)

Day 6:
B - Sweet Potato Bacon Salad
L - Turkey Rollups w/ Veggies
D - Fish (probably baked with lemon juice and dill, pretty traditional) & yep, more veggies

Day 7:
B - Eggs w/ veggies (sensing a theme here) and Bacon
L - Leftovers
D - Turkey Tacos (lettuce leaves instead of shells), yum!

Happy Eating!

Week Four

2012-01-23T20:48:00.003-05:00

So, with family here, weeks two and three were tough. I'm grateful to my parents for supporting us as we eat this new diet and helping us keep on track. I'm looking forward to Week Four. I've lost 7 1/2 pounds so far (may have to adjust that goal) and I'm enjoying how I look and feel after working out. I've also joined a women's Bible study during the kids AWANA club. We're looking at Elizabeth George's "Loving God With All Your Mind." It's helping to round out this fresh start and I'm grateful for the continuing renewal of my mind. My prayer for you all is that you, too, will meet God's fresh mercies every morning!

Here's what this week's menu looks like. (By the way, anyone try any of the last post's recipes?)

Day 1:
Breakfast - Crepes made from eggs (filled with sausage and veggies)
Lunch - Tuna Salad & Veggies
Dinner - Best Salad Ever

Day 2:
B - No-Oat Oatmeal
L - BLT Salad
D - Roasted Whole Chicken w/Veggies

Day 3:
B - Broccoli Frittata
L - Sunbutter and Honey Sandwiches w/Paleo Bread
D - Sweet Potato Soup w/ Sausage (it's from a book called Simply in Season; let me know if you want the recipe)

Day 4:
B - Smoothies (anyone have one they want to share?)
L - Salami Cream Cheese Rollups w/Fresh Veggies
D - Steak and Mushrooms w/MORE VEGGIES

Day 5 -
B - Gingered Apple Crumble
L - Hardboiled Eggs, Lunchmeat, Avocado, & Veggies
D - Chicken Drumsticks - not sure how I'm going to cook these, yet
Veggies

Day 6:
B - Beet Smoothies and Bacon
L - Leftovers
D - Taco Salad

Day 7:
B - Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Veggies
L - Chicken Waldorf Salad (I've got the recipe for you, if you need it)
D - Sausage and Apples (Simply in Season again)

Happy Eating!

2012-01-11T14:50:00.003-05:00

Hey Friends, it's been a while since I've blogged here. I have a motivation for the next couple of months, however. My Crossfit gym is going through a 90-Day Challenge to meet some health and fitness goals. I thought this would be a good opportunity to post here again. I'm hoping it will encourage some of my teammates and maybe inspire some of the rest of you!

So here goes. My goals are as follows:
Do a real pullup - no jumping.
200 lb Deadlift (currently at 155)
See my benchmark WOD's (Workouts of the Day) improve by 25%.
Lose 10lbs.
Stick to Paleo/Maker's Diet for 75% of all meals.

For those of you who are interested, Rob and I think that eating a Paleo diet is about the most awesome thing in the world (except for God's love for us of course!) and, with a few exceptions, we're trying to follow it pretty strictly. If you click the link on the word "Paleo" above you can read about it at the blog of the leading expert in this diet. I'm also including my meal plans for the week here so that my fellow teammates can use them if they want. We've used a lot of recipes from www.paleoplan.com this week, but we use other resources, too. The main exception that our family follows is that we don't completely cut out dairy products. We're certainly using less and we drink raw milk. (Most people with milk allergies can drink raw milk.) Oh, and we don't eat pork (yay turkey bacon!) or shellfish, or any processed sugar, so there are actually more options than you'll see here. So, if some of the recipes have stuff that you're not using, just modify it! Happy Eating!

To any dinners that only have a main dish listed, we add fresh or frozen veggies.

Day 1:
Breakfast - Bacon & Egg Muffins (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)
Lunch - Egg Drop Soup (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)
Dinner - "Cream" of Mushroom Soup (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)
Baked Fish
Day 2:
B - No-Oat Oatmeal (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)
L - Salad Nicoise (w/sweet potatoes)
D - Chicken Satay w/ "Peanut" Sauce (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)

Day 3:
B - Crepes (from sprouted flour; yes this is a cheat meal) w/sausage, eggs, or berries
L - Chicken Waldorf Salad (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)
D - Almond Crusted Fish (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)

Day 4:
B - Veggies and Eggies (Eggs with onions and spinach and bacon!) (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)
L - Sprouted Bread AB&J (That's almond butter and Jelly) w/Crudites
D - Bunless burgers

Day 5:
B - Sausage Stir Fry (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)
L - Hard-Boiled Eggs, Veggies w/Hummus, Lunch Meat
D - Meatza (Pizza with the crust made from ground beef)

Day 6:
B - Smoothies and Bacon (Smoothies consist of frozen fruit, a green leafy, coconut milk or almonds, and anything else we want to throw in!)
L - Roast beef/Turkey-wrapped avocado slices with lettuce and fruit
D - Taco Salad (no chips or beans, but everything else!)

Day 7:
B - Carrot Banana Muffins (www.paleoplan.com/recipes/)
L - Tuna Salad w/ Lettuce and Fruit
D - Meatballs and Salad

I'm making a lemon custard one day, too... :)

Let me know if you try any of these and what you think!

It's Hot!

2011-05-31T09:32:00.003-04:00

Combination high temps + high humidity + 9 months pregnant = cranky mama! I'm praising God for the grace to apologize and start over. Here are some things I'm grateful for in spite of the heat!

433. My mother coming
434. The garden all planted and growing
435. The house ready for the baby
436. Fans! Fans! Fans!
437. A meal in an air-conditioned building
438. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families
439. Insight into my children
440. Just a little more time to get some things done
441. Playing outside with the kids
442. Little sprouts in the herb pots

A Return

2011-05-17T20:39:00.005-04:00

I have realized of late that I have been neglecting my spiritual discipline of thanksgiving. It's not Monday (my former usual day), but tonight I feel the need to put down in writing some things that I am most grateful for.

419. The newest Rose baby's approaching due date
420. My husband who never rolls his eyes at me
421. Snuggles with Ian and Emma
422. Riding lessons for the girls
423. Inexpensive antibiotics
424. Peas springing up in the garden
425. Getting to eat nearly every meal every day with the whole family
426. The success at the end of the year for my highschooler
427. Dishwashers
428. Whatever job God has waiting for Rob
429. Cool early mornings
430. The energy to complete one task this morning
431. The desire once again to say "Thank you."
432. A long talk with a dear friend

It's good to be back.

Purely Selfish Motivation

2011-04-28T20:12:00.003-04:00

So, I've entered to win a new Kitchenaid mixer (mine is being weird) and a year's supply of my favourite flour and a little cash. If you enter to win and say that I referred you, and then you win, I win, too! So, totally selfishly (plus I love to get people hooked on King Arthur flour), enter to win!! And good luck!

Sarah

Enter here:

Sugaring Off

2011-03-12T13:54:00.005-05:00

There's a double meaning in that....

So, for part of my Lent practices this year, I'm beginning anew my commitment to a sugar-free lifestyle. To kick that off we spent yesterday (and I mean all of yesterday) making syrup. Ironic, isn't it? About three weeks ago we tapped our maple tree. Ideal weather this week has meant that we've been bringing in buckets of sap at least once a day. We began yesterday's work with almost five gallons of maple sap. After much boiling and measuring and filtering we ended up with this: about two cups of the most delicious pure maple syrup ever! We enjoyed it on our pancakes this morning and we'll probably be having pancakes every morning until the syrup is gone. Then we'll have get the next batch made up!

Works in Progress

2011-02-01T15:03:00.005-05:00

So, I promise this won't turn into a quilting blog. There are too many wonderful examples of those already and I've been enjoying some of them this week. But there are a few of you out there who occasionally like to see what I've been up to. I've finally finished a whole quilt top and I've started another (three blocks done already). I've joined in a quilt-along and the goal is to be making two blocks a week. Seems like a daunting prospect, but so far it's been fun! I'm terrified to begin the actual quilting part of my first quilt, but I look forward to having it complete.

This new inspiration has been a good activity for me to take my mind off of the stressful events surrounding us right now. I'm grateful that I have something to do with my hands that will provide warmth and beauty in our household (or someone else's). Thanks, all, for your prayers and interest. I'll be back when I've got some more done!

Girls Growing Up

2010-12-09T14:36:00.005-05:00

My girls and I were invited to a woman's 90th birthday luncheon today. I will admit that I was a bit nervous, especially when I realized that this gathering was going to be small. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm the first to brag on my children's amazing gifts. They are sweet and engaging, curious and generally polite. However, Emma (aged 5) also has a propensity to talk about death. Especially with anyone over about 40. "You're 59?" she'll ask sweetly. "Are you going to die soon?" After reminding them that people of the generation of the birthday lady (as well as that of our hostess) expect children in public to be polite and making Emma promise not to talk about death, we headed off to lunch. The small gathering ended up being the celebrant, our hostess, one other neighbour and ourselves. No one to hide behind.

I'm typing this blog post up today at the instigation of my mother, but I want to remember this day myself. My daughters were perfect little ladies this afternoon. Yes, Emma drank her tea with her spoon and I had to keep Katie from dipping into the sugar bowl with her fingers. But, remembering that they are 7 and 5, I am proud to bursting with how my little ones behaved. They were a delight to share this afternoon with. They remembered their "pleases" and "thank you's." They helped to set and clear the table, allowing the older women to sit and chat. They passed things and no one talked about the birthday lady dying!

Life has not been easy in this congregation for the past six months or so. Not everyone has felt the love that we have for these people. Nor have we always felt loved. But today, on a special occasion, by an invitation and the good behaviour of two young ladies, love was shared around a table. I was able to tell my daughters today that their behaviour didn't just make me happy, it had told three other people that they are loved, important, respected. I want to remember that.

Just Do It

2010-09-06T14:45:00.004-04:00

I don't feel like blogging today. So, like I know to do: Just do it! Life is busy and a bit hard right now. Time to keep making good choices. There is still much to be thankful for.

407. Fall is coming.
408. A hard conversation
409. Teaching
410. A new puppy!
411. Continued bounty from the garden
412. A tough decision
413. Encouragement from a more experienced pastor and his wife
414. Spontaneous company
415. Clean floors because of said new puppy
416. The wedding of the first couple Rob and I counseled together
417. My parents-in-law's anniversary - Congatulations on 35 years!!
418. New ideas

The Great Thanksgiving Desert

2010-08-23T14:52:00.002-04:00

It's been far too long since I've sat down and given thanks. Oh, we still do it at mealtimes and at bedtimes, but not regulartimes. It's been far too long and my attitude is showing. This is a difficult season for our family, but I have never found that not giving thanks is helpful during tough patches. (Confusing sentence? Try living in my brain this week!)
School officially started for us this week and with the advent of our new schedule comes the return to the blog. I'm looking forward to the regular remembering of His many blessings. I hope you'll join me again.

Picking up where I left off:
398. School beginning
399. A fabulous garden harvest
400. No tomato/potato blight
401. Girls finishing their county fair projects
402. Girls winning blue ribbons for their fair projects
403. No dead chickens
404. A dog - Jack - joining our family
405. Fall coming
406. Forgiveness

A Time to Go Out and a Time to Return

2010-07-12T15:16:00.004-04:00

We have been home from our vacation (and Rob's study leave) for two days. I think I can find a couple of minutes to blog about the trip. I haven't been here for a while and I am hoping that this week will mark a return to our regular routine. We'll see; the conference we attended talked a lot about a "new normal" after a deployment and I think that I should be prepared for that myself.

We left home on Saturday the 26th and drove about six hours, through Washington's Crossing in New Jersey to Valley Forge, PA. We picnicked at that first stop which was quite lovely and we could have spent more time there. We moved on, crossing the Delaware where George Washington did on Christmas 1776. (The opposite direction of course.) At Valley Forge, we went to the visitor's center where the kids were "drafted" into the Continental Army - a 45-minute demonstration complete with costumes, arms, and drilling. All began as privates, though Katie through her great knowledge was promoted quickly to corporal and Rob (appropriately enough) made captain. Ian was dubbed "the General," as his main task seemed to be to shout at people from the rear, hit them with his musket, and do a lot of drinking. The nickname has sort of stuck. That night we stayed in a Motel 6, though there is a lot of camping to come! Oh yes, this is also the beginning of two weeks of the children not going to sleep until about eleven o'clock every night. Not my favourite part of travelling!

The next day we chose to sleep in for the aforementioned reason instead of going to church at Valley Forge as we had planned. It was worth it. We had a fairly long drive to get to the caverns at Natural Bridge, VA, just outside of Roanoke. Along the way we continued to read C.S. Lewis's The Last Battle which the kids just devoured! The cavern tour was just the right length and was only ten minutes from our campsite. There was a bit of drama as we discovered all of the things we'd forgotten (hooray for KOA stores!) and the kids worked out their squirreliness. Rob set up the tents while I cooked dinner (hot dogs), then we made smores and went swimming. That night I journalled and made a list of all the injuries to that point: Ian: 3 face bashes, light sunburn, dog bite; David: skinned hands, knees, scraped ankle; Emma: scraped back (fell off the picnic table); Me: good sunburn, bashed shin on car door; Rob: head bites (from Ian), ears scratched (also Ian), knee hurting. I stopped keeping track although in order to include the whole family, Katie was bitten by a yellow jacket a couple of days later.

The next morning we packed up and then played at the playground there at the campsite before we left, bringing full circle my childhood camping experiences. I remember my dad playing with us at a campground once. It was a good memory and it was fun to do with my kids. We arrived that evening at the Bonclarken retreat center in Flat Rock, NC, where we were to gather for the next three days with other Presbyterian military chaplains. It was a full time emotionally. While the kids participated in some kid activities, Rob and I attended sessions with two different speakers teaching on how God knows you and how to translate that into ministry to those who have experienced trauma. In this case, they were looking particularly at the military, but the wisdom is for anyone. They were looking particularly at the stories of Jacob wrestling with God, Psalm 139, and the resurrection. I found that it was bringing up all sorts of emotions that I thought I’d either dealt with or had let go. It was wonderful to be in a place with so many people who understand what we’re dealing with in our circumstances. I cried a lot that first day and have since enjoyed journaling and working things more deeply.

We left there on the 1st of July and had some errands to run before we met with a dear friend in Georgia whom I haven’t seen since her wedding seven years ago! The nook we bought to feed Katie’s reading habit stopped working right before we left and we had to find a Barnes and Noble to replace it. We also needed to pick up some more groceries for our camping times. One of many blessings: there was a Whole Foods right across from B&N in Greenville, SC. I haven’t been to Whole Foods in a year and a half at least! Such a treat! Our stops made us late for our lunch date (sorry, Nicole), but we had a lovely visit with my friend and her daughter. A nasty accident on the freeway again changed our plans. We pulled off the road to get dinner and to plan. We ended up at another KOA campground with a huge trampoline pillow. The kids were thrilled. By the way, they were great travelers most of the trip, flowing with the changes and accepting that this was an adventure, even if it was not the one we’d planned.

The next morning we had longer to go than we wanted and Katie threw up in the car (did I mention it’s starting to get really warm down south?). We visited the Jamestown Settlement from about three until six and what a treat that was! It’s a great learning place and the kids loved it. Then we set up camp, again Rob setting up the tents while I burned dinner.  I had a sweet time with my girls that night as we did the dishes and then showered. We sang and helped and shared together. They are angels!

Colonial Williamsburg was only about 15 minutes from us and July 3rd was our day set aside for that. The kids dressed up as colonial kids and were given tasks to do in the town (mailing letters, planting seeds, joining the local militia, etc.). This, too, was a fun day, though for any of you planning to go to the area, if you can only do one, do Jamestown. Much less expensive and more hands on! We’ve got lots of pictures of these days which I’m hoping to put on Facebook soon. Check back often.

Our great nation turned two hundred thirty-four years old the next day. Quite amazing really, when I considered that two days earlier I spent the afternoon at a settlement that is celebrating four hundred three years. Even Colonial Williamsburg is older than the country. It seemed strange to me. We were staying a Fort Belvoir, and Army base near Mount Vernon and greatly enjoyed spending the 4th of July celebrations with other military members there on base. The fireworks were wonderful and it was especially enjoyable to watch Ian learn to like them. A very late night, but important as we continued to teach our children about the founding and sustaining of this nation.

We spent the next day in Washington D.C. The heat wave that hit the east and other parts of the country was pretty intense. It was right around 100 degrees. We took the Metro in (note to self: the kids liked this enough that maybe next time we can skip everything else…hmmm) and visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Then we rode an open-topped bus that was touring the city since we knew we wouldn’t be able to get to even a quarter of what there is to see there. That was dreadfully warm, but worth it. We had dinner at a restaurant called the Bilbo Baggins in Alexandria then fell completely off the wagon and had ice cream at an ice cream parlour nearby.
The next day it was a little bit difficult to get out of bed. We were starting to be ready to go home. It was over 100 degrees that day as we walked around the city and we were pretty drained. We took a tour of the capitol building first thing. It really is an amazing system of government we have. Quite the “great experiment” and I’m not entirely certain it will work. It’s certainly not a sure thing. It requires much diligence on the part of the people – a diligence I think we have lost a good deal of. I pray we’ll recover it. Next we visited the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The early civilizations and the mineral and gemstone exhibits were favourites, especially since the early civilizations were what Katie studied in school this year and she’s getting ready for geology in the fall. I discovered about myself that I love beryl, particularly aquamarine. There is something “otherworldly” about it. Also on display there was the Hope Diamond which was cool to see because of its fame, though it wasn’t the most beautiful specimen there, I thought. While walking to the Metro we partook of the Hickinbotham family tradition of Missile Popsicles in D.C. Then we headed to some friends house for dinner and some time in their swimming pool. Very refreshing! (Thanks, Hyders!) Also, the kids picture was taken by a news photographer for a story about the heat wave. A full and fun day!
July 7th, we were supposed to visit the Gettysburg battlefield but the heat was just too much. And we were tired. So we slept in and decided to drive up that day but do the park the next. That meant skipping the tour of Philadelphia but we were a little museum fatigued anyway. The tour of the park the next day was very moving for me. My family used to go to Gettysburg two or three times a year for several years when we lived in the area. I don’t remember being so moved before. It’s a peaceful place, but very sad. We camped that night at French Creek State Park where I saw more bugs (quantity and types) than anywhere else in my life.
We met up with my brother and his family the next day at Longwood Gardens (just outside of Philadelphia) and spent the morning in that beautiful place. The kids’ fountain garden was particularly delightful! Imagine a place where the kids can play in all the fountains without being told not to touch! The garden even has towels on hand in case Mom and Dad didn’t know about the water! We spent the rest of the afternoon, after being drenched on our way to the car, at a local park. We played soccer, used the playground, and adventured in the creek until dinnertime. It was a really special time with my brother.
My journal entry from the 10th of July says: “Home at last! Home at last! Thank God Almighty we’re home at last!” Yes, it was a day earlier than we’d planned; we were mainly just ready to be home. Another contributing factor was that at about 5:30 that morning it began to pour. We enjoyed the noise and the coolness for about an hour until we realized that our tent’s seams were leaking and we were lying in puddles. It was hilarious as we got the campsite packed up in a break in the downpour. (God was so good!) By the time we finished though, Rob and I were soaked through, as were our tents. The thought of unpacking and sleeping in wet gear was unappealing, so we spent the afternoon with our friends in Southern New York and then we drove home. A beautiful rainbow guided us home and we even managed to get all of our wet gear hung up after the kids went to bed.
I had forgotten how much work it takes to come home from vacation, but it is good to be back in familiar surroundings, weeding the garden, caring for our animals, going to swimming lessons. God blessed us and carried us through this whole trip and we are very grateful. I pray your summers are going well and you are seeing God’s hand in all of your days.

Two Weddings (sort of) and a Funeral...and a Birthday

2010-06-07T14:47:00.005-04:00

"So, honey, I have a great idea for our anniversary!"
"Yes, what is it?"
"You want to go to a funeral with me?!"

It was a bizarre way to spend our ninth anniversary, but in one way it was also very beautiful. Wednesday we attended the funeral of a neighbour and a dear member of our community. Also in attendance was his wife of 52 years. We saw, that day, the end of a relationship. The next day we sat with a couple Pastor-husband and I are counseling as they seek to get married. Their story is just beginning. How amazing to watch God work through our whole human timeline.

And just as we celebrated the end of a life this week, so also we celebrate the coming into life of our little Grace girl. Emma turns 5 today and we are so blessed to have had her in our family for these years. Much to give thanks for.

384. Emma Grace Rose
385. Richard "Dick" Waite
386. Missing snakes
387. A new chicken run
388. Sprouts!
389. Church gathering for fellowship
390. Taking time to talk with a sister in the Lord
391. Answered prayers for said talk
392. Time with my highschool group to talk about God's plan for their bodies and relationships
393. Trip with the whole family to Ft. Ticonderoga
394. Mini-golf
395. New shoes for the kids
396. More thunderstorms
397. Freshly picked tomatoes

That's all for now!

Weathering the Storm

2010-05-31T11:49:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday, Lord willing, Rob and I will have been married for nine years. That may seem unbelievably long for some; it's unbelievably short for us. We have been blessed with many things and frustrated by a number, too. In retrospect (all we have, really), none of our storms have been huge though at the time some seemed insurmountable. I was reminded of this earlier this week when we had a huge thunderstorm come through. It went on for hours and even after I couldn't hear the thunder anymore the lightning continued to flash. It was beautiful if a little frightening. Our marriage is something like that. Huge storms come through, frightening and beautiful in the growth they bring. Sometimes the flashes of those storms remain for years. By God's grace we have weathered our storms and by his grace we'll weather more. This week I'm grateful to God for many things. I'm also grateful to my husband for the many years of love and faithful service to me. What a treasure you are! (And yes, everyone, I'll tell him in person, too! I just want him to know that I want everyone to know!)

Thank you Lord, for:
371. Thunderstorms
372. The morning after a thunderstorm
373. Children's clipped fingernails
374. Children sitting still for said clipping
375. Pancakes
376. Family portraits
377. Village-wide yard sale
378. Great finds!
379. A neighbour going home to be with the Lord
380. Being able to apologize. Again.
381. Volleyball with church friends
382. Marriage
383. My husband

Washing Up

2010-05-26T15:23:00.004-04:00

Dirty hands. Dirty feet. Dirty chicken feeder. Dirty floors. Dirty laundry.

Dirty soul.

Washed hands. Washed feet. Washed feeder. Washed floors. Washed laundry.
I spend all day cleaning.

Dirty soul.

Holy Spirit-Cleanser washes

Clean.

Quick Thanksgiving

2010-05-24T20:34:00.004-04:00

Headed for bed, but not before giving thanks for the many blessings of this week:
355. It's the last week of softball.
356. Parents visiting
357. 6 still-alive chickens, now living outside
358. Pentecost
359. The Holy Spirit
360. Sewing time
361. Renewed prayer
362. Spiders, even big ones
363. Last weeks of school
364. Not being unmarried (I'm so over highschool.)
365. Independent bookstores
366. Conscience pricks
367. Coaching
368. New playset for the kids
369. Playing with those same kids!!
370. No new cavities at the dentist!

There is much to be grateful for. =)

2010-05-17T07:46:00.004-04:00

"In everything give thanks
In every situation
Lift your voice and sing
And praise Him from your heart"
~ Psalty Song

Life here in the garden has not been all roses. People are hard, or rather, relationships are hard. We've been separated for quite some time for travel reasons, then returned to extended family visiting (which we love!), and finally we've been struggling through some tough issues in our church home. All of these require relational work. Much growth is happening through that work, but it sometimes seems harder to give thanks in this time. To that end, I'm up early this morning to just do it!

341. Ladies improving in softball
342. Dance parties
343. Church unity
344. Family visits
345. Flying kites
346. Highschoolers coming to play with the kids - just because
347. The local creamery
348. Ralph and Larry stories
349. Sleep
350. A new fabric store
351. The circus
352. Garden beds full of dirt
353. Frogs
354. A brother willing to help

Putting it All Together

2010-04-28T14:22:00.004-04:00

I was encouraged by Ann Voskamp's blog this morning (as I am most mornings), particularly because it spoke to what I've been meditating on for the past couple of weeks. I left my dear family for ten days to visit with a friend who is expecting her first child soon and to attend a cousin's wedding. (I'll blog more about my gratitude for this time on Monday.) I was excited to use this as an opportunity to take some time from my church and community here, to see how others are "doing church," and to dialogue with some of the people I most respect in the faith. All of this happened, but I discovered that it was almost too much. I have so much to process and try and put into practice that I'm not entirely sure where to start!

The theme that came up over and over again was how we as the church are successfully - or not - sharing the message of the Gospel with the world. Many of you know of my ongoing love/hate relationship with the current manifestation of the Church in the world. I was privileged to attend three different congregations while away from home. One was led by my friend's husband, the second is an emergent church on the beach in California, and the third was a college-age gathering led by my youngest brother. (How cool was that, to be preached to by my baby brother and have God speak through him!!) All very different services, but the key that tied them all together was passion. At least one person (sometimes just the pastor, sometimes not) had a passion for sharing the Gospel. I miss that. In my own life sometimes and more often in the life of the current congregation we serve.

In case there are those from my church who are reading this, let me be clear. I love the people of this congregation. You are a hard-working, conscientious, generous group. But I will also be honest: you lack zeal for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to growing with this congregation in passion for the message that God Himself came to deliver and die for. I want to see those in our community drawn to its power; I want to be known only as the light-bearers in this place.

How that will come to pass, I don't know. Through prayer. Possibly with study. But I know that I want God to change the hearts of the people in his Church to have a burden for those who don't know the power of the new life that salvation gives. Even if that is for themselves. Those of you who are so inclined, please be praying for us. For me. For this Bride of Christ who is so distracted from her Groom. Would you pray also for vision to put together what I gathered on my time away and wisdom to know how to encourage those around me.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Some Time Away

2010-04-12T10:03:00.003-04:00

I'm in denial. Again, I might add. Or perhaps I should say, as usual. My sweet husband is giving me a precious gift: some time away. I leave on Friday for a ten-day trip to see my dear friend in Chicago and then to attend the wedding of a cousin who stood up in my wedding. I desperately wanted this time away, but as I draw near my departure date, I'm conflicted. People keep asking if I'm packed/ready/excited. The answer is no. The truth is, now that it comes to it, I don't really want to go. Oh, I want to see my friends and my family. I'm so grateful that I get to see this cousin's wedding. But I don't want to leave my family. It's a reminder that I'm not meant to. Occasional short trips aside, God has called me to be a homemaker, a wife, a mother. It's tough to leave what you've been called to do. And blessed to do! So, would you all please pray for me this week as I get ready to leave behind my vocation (for a some needed R&R) to return renewed and refreshed? Pray for my sweet husband who will be a full-time stay-at-home mom while I'm gone. I'll try and blog on Wednesday before I go, but I probably won't get to this page while I'm gone.

In the meantime I'm grateful for:
329. Not wanting to leave on this trip
330. Emma's selflessness
331. Cool nights
332. A whole day to clean the house
333. A new school term
334. New recipes (Simply in Season)
335. A clean kitchen to cook in
336. A grace-based perspective on parenting
337. Snuggles with Ian and Emma
338. Dinner with the Moskowitz family
339. Not-yet-believers at church on Sunday!
340. Getting started on school this morning

One of Those Days

2010-04-05T14:03:00.004-04:00

We're spring cleaning this week. So the blogging will be short. Again, more for me than anyone else. I still need to keep track of what I'm thankful for!

320. Easter and the great work done on that day!
321. Nature hike

322. Katie picking up trash on said hike

323. Dinner with friends
324. Quilt squares

325. Excitement around ordering next year's homeschooling supplies
326. Frogs peeping

327. Sunny days

328. Planting flowers with Rob and the kids

Thank you, Lord.

A Screwy Weekend

2010-03-29T12:49:00.006-04:00

This was a full and crazy week! Much to be thankful for, but little time to write it down! A full week of softball practice, school, and gymnastics led into a weekend devoted to the 30-Hour Famine. Our highschoolers at church were participating in this fundraising event where we fasted for 30-Hours and stayed (mostly) together to do activities that would remind us of those around the world that suffer from hunger all the time. It was a humbling experience for me to realize just how blessed I am and how little I'm aware of the regular gift of food on my table. It was a special challenge this year as our children were not fasting and I was responsible to give them food five times that day! So hard to see all that they left on their plates when I was so hungry!

The real adventure came at about three in the afternoon on Saturday. I was downstairs working while the kids played quietly upstairs during "naptime." All of sudden I hear Katie scream, "I'll get Mom!" David is crying/screaming as is Emma; I assume someone has fallen. As I race upstairs, Emma's words become clearer: "He's gonna die! He's gonna die!" Katie quickly tells me that David has swallowed - is swallowing would be more accurate - a screw. The screaming is escalating (we've all woken up Ian by now) as I try and get David to throw up said screw. It's obviously still high up in his throat and I figure better out than in. No luck with that and he finally swallows it. I as how big or small the screw is and there are differing opinions. David squishes his fingers together to show its miniscule size. Katie's pretty certain it's at least an inch long and pointed on the end. I actually managed to keep pretty cool. David said it wasn't hurting anymore so I let Rob know what was going on and accepted an offer from one of my highschool girls to come with me to the urgent care clinic. Now, on Monday, we know that it appears to be a bolt (flat-ended) between 1/2 and 3/4 of inch in length. We don't know where it came from or why David decided it would be tasty. We do know that God is gracious and watches out for my children - indeed, all of us - and David should be less screwy in a couple of days. =)

And so, I'm giving thanks for:
311. David's health
312. X-rays
313. Softball
314. Rob caring for our kids
315. Feeling good about my body
316. Hunger
317. Food
318. Sap from our maple tree
319. Microsoft Excel (It does everything, maybe even dishes!)

A Bit of a Fastball

2010-03-24T13:50:00.005-04:00

So, for those of you who keep an eye on this blog, you might have noticed I didn't post on Monday. I meant to, I really did! This week I began helping to coach the "modified" (read Junior High) softball team for the local public school. The head coach is a member of our church and a friend and when I offered some assistance she said, "Sure. You've pitched before, right? You're the pitching coach. Oh, and get these girls in shape, too." So now I'm in charge of fitness and pitching! It's a fun challenge, but the biggest part of it all has been balancing all of my other responsibilities. I have realized that as much as I'm going to enjoy this season, I am NOT called to be a working mom! I miss my kids and yet I feel distanced from them by the time I get home. (I'm gone about two hours in the afternoon.) I don't feel like cooking dinner, doing dishes or laundry, or doing any of the other chores that I usually do in the evening. We'll get into a routine here, I'm not too concerned, but in the meantime I'm grateful for the lessons I'm learning: I'm a good teacher/coach, I prefer to teach/coach my own kids, I'm not called to work outside the home, and I understand a little more what Rob feels when he walks in the door at the end of the day. Perhaps I can show a bit more understanding, especially since he's taking over for me for those two hours I'm gone! Please continue to pray for me as I coach these 29 girls. They need so much guidance and I hope to show them as much of God as I can in the short time I have with them.

This week I am also grateful for:
297. Spray paint
298. Hard-boiled eggs
299. Homeschooling (Have I mentioned this one before? :) )
300. Facebook
301. Old friends
302. A sweet grace of dinner and an activity timing coming together
303. Sewing with Katie
304. Silence
305. Clean schoolroom (first time in months!)
306. Homemade pickles, applesauce, and yogurt
307. My own issues (as opposed to someone else's)
308. The family of the home where Ian was born coming to celebrate his 1st birthday
309. Feeling like the Love Dare doesn't have much for us to do!
310. First week of softball practice

Discipline of Silence

2010-03-17T13:32:00.003-04:00

Whenever I am in a group, I have this dream: I will be the quiet, seeming-wise one, waiting for others to ask what I have to say. I will speak only when prompted by the Holy Spirit, only when it is really necessary. I will leave the group at the end of the time and all will wonder who that silent woman was.

I'll be really honest here. The last time that happened was at a friend's birthday party in Junior High. And I was only silent because I spent the party alone in a corner with no one wanting to talk to me. Not exactly the silence that attracts. No, all too often, I open my big mouth and blurt out whatever comes to mind. Thankful again for grace, God will sometimes use it for his purpose, but more often I wound, embarrass, annoy. Nowhere is this more true than with my husband. I usually feel like I'm justified in whatever it is that I have to say, but, oh, to be quiet and just wait for the Holy Spirit!

Last night I got a small taste of what that feels like. I had a perfect opportunity to "lay into" my sweet husband. He was most certainly in the wrong and I was, and still am, concerned about the consequences of his actions. But the Lord stepped in. He literally stopped my mouth. I was able to ask Rob for a moment alone to pray and journal and then continue the conversation. I'll admit that I had all sorts of choice words and self-righteous thoughts to share. Some of them even deserved saying. I found that I had no desire to say them though. They came to mind, but not to mouth. I am so grateful. My silence meant that I was able to listen, to work out, to love. All is mended, which might not be true if I had not chosen to be silent first.

A taste then, of self-(or God-) imposed silence. What a Lenten treat!

Thanks in Retrospect

2010-03-15T13:44:00.005-04:00

287. Grace

Yes, I am especially grateful for grace this week. I sat down to blog today and saw that I had written down nothing for the week that I was thankful for. Oh, I can think of things in retrospect (288. An AWESOME school day on Saturday), and even the weather outside reminds me (289. Warmer weather, 290. Picnic outside on Friday) that I have much to be thankful for. My children are well (291. Katie and Emma telling me the truth about a broken jar mess, 292. Ian saying "Oopsie," even 293. David developing his own view of what makes God sad), I have all that I need (294. A huge grocery shopping trip, 295. Our new car holds everything!), I am just forgetful. And so, I give thanks again for

296. Grace

"Just" thanks

2010-03-08T13:35:00.006-05:00

One of my writing teachers in college taught me that the best - and only - thing a writer can do is to show up to the page each day. Just start writing, he said. That is what I'm doing today. I can't think of anything profound, or even interesting, to share with you. I guess today is a reminder that I am keeping this blog as a record for ME, to remember what God has done in my life.

So today, thank you, Lord, for:
273. Heaven
274. Our new car
275. A wonderful day out with Rob
276. Our babysitters who left us with
277. A clean kitchen!
278. Boldness to speak to the Christian Ed. taskforce
279. The Peniel group
280. Tears shed
281. Sabbath rest

282. Exercise

283. Lost pounds
284. A good school day
285. The Greeks

May God show you his many blessings this week, also!

Where, O Death, is thy victory?

2010-03-03T20:02:00.005-05:00

My heart is still very full this week after much grieving for a pastor who is gone. Much of what I have thought and learned and dreamed and felt will pass without record. That is sad. But over and over this week, the message has been that nothing, nothing will separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Nothing. Especially not death. We are very clear on that in this community of faith. As we continue through Lent, the suffering of Jesus - but also of the whole of creation - is very real this year. But Easter is coming. And death has no victory.

If you need assurance of that this week, spend some time in Romans 8. Look carefully into the story of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus (any of the gospels), and rejoice in the truth of 1 Corinthians 15:54-58. A powerful sermon by Jamie's friend and colleague is linked to the title of this post. May God show you his unbounded love this week, no matter what seeks to come between you both.

Eulogy for an Adversary

2010-03-01T09:55:00.003-05:00

A great man died on Thursday. A man who was influential in my life. A man who shaped my understanding of faith, ministry, and the church. A man who I very often disagreed with. And I've never been so sad. All of the cliched grief symptoms are not so cliche this week. I can't sleep. I don't want to eat. Breathing is just so hard. I truly do feel like I'm being kicked in the stomach over and over and over. All of this over someone who I was more likely to have an argument than a friendly chat with.

I apologize if this post rambles a bit. I am still wrestling with the rawness. I'm still denying this has happened, so it's difficult to put anything concrete in writing. One thing must be said, however: I'm sorry. Jamie, I'm sorry that we left your church without resolving all of our differences. I'm sorry that I was so angry with you and never told you. I'm sorry I never thanked you for the hard work that you did for our congregation, even for our family who you didn't particularly like or agree with. And I'm sorry that you left us before your work was done. I wish you could be here to hear me say this. Thank you. Thank you for helping me grow in my faith and in my understanding of God's kingdom. Thank you for reaching out and encouraging my new pastor-husband. Thank you for reminding me, even this week in your death, to say what I need to say to those around me. Thank you. Rest in our Lord's Peace, Jamie.

An odd way to begin a list of thanksgivings for the week, I know. But even in the grief, I am still thankful for:
258. Rob not injured in the car accident
259. USAA, our insurance company
260. A special rental "car"
261. Playing Wii with Rob
262. Good muscle aches
263. Saratoga Children's Museum on
264. David
265. turning 3
266. Grace for birthday cupcakes
267. Jamie Evans
268. Sharing grief with a friend who also knows the pain of loss
269. Having insurance to cover the total loss of our car
270. Skype
271. My brother on his birthday
272. A conversation with a fellow high school leader

I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed shall live. Deuteronomy 30:19

A Forced Fast

2010-02-24T11:49:00.004-05:00

Lent began a week ago today. I have failed more than succeeded in my Lenten resolution. My desire was to get up each morning half an hour before the children and begin my day intentionally and with some time in the Word. This would be in contrast to my usual morning routine which consists of one or more children waking me followed by a moan of "Just a few more minutes, sweetie," and inevitably another half hour in bed. This was to be my fasting from laziness, from lethargy, and from being controlled by circumstances.

To go along with my chosen fast I made up a new daily schedule for our family. No longer would time just slip away from us. We would make the best use of every moment. (Yes, it's a flexible schedule, and I know the possibilities and limitations of a four-children-six-and-under household.) Life went along smoothly for 1 1/2 days. Then began my forced fast.

About 2:00 yesterday afternoon, it began snowing. About fifteen minutes later, my husband slid off the road in our newly-paid-off car, hit a tree and spun around to face the direction he had come. He called to tell me and I will gratefully say that my first thought was truly one of thanksgiving that he was alright.

Immediately thereafter, I discovered my true character and what I should (and now must) really focus on this Lent. The whole situation was out of my control. I could not control the weather. I could not control my husband's driving. I could not control the towing situation. The rental situation. The repair situation. I could not even bring my husband home. And now, as we sit with an empty garage and places to go, I cannot control this current situation. (It's still snowing, too!) My new schedule, my Lenten resolutions, nothing can change the fact that I AM NOT IN CONTROL.

I'm finding, today, that I am having to fast from that need to control almost constantly. Even this post will probably not show up until later because we have no internet when it's snowing. Please, would you pray with me today? Pray that we would let go of the need to control our lives and instead give them over to the one who has promised to provide for all of our needs. Again, I am seeing already his provision in these circumstances. He is Good. And He is in control.

More Thanksgivings

2010-02-22T13:42:00.004-05:00

I don't have a theme for this week's thanksgivings. It was enough of a challenge to remember to write down anything at all. Life here is good, normal, nothing particularly challenging happening. I guess that can lead to complacency, though, and so my list this week is short though sweet.

I am grateful for:
243. An Anne of Green Gables slumber party with my highschool ladies
244. Beginning new sewing projects with my girls
245. A phone call with my best friend
246. Her good advice
247. A new weekly schedule (please, Lord, let this one work)
248. The ability to homeschool my children
249. A fun family shopping trip
250. A new vacuum cleaner
251. Clean floors!!!
252. Laughter amid total chaos
253. Good, good talks with my highschool ladies about some tough issues
254. The story of Deborah and Jael in Judges 4 and 5
255. The first week of the new homeschooling co-op
256. Ian usually sleeping through the night
257. Ice skating with my family on the pond in town
258. Kids singing in church on Sunday

I'm looking forward to a new week of keeping track of His many graces.

In Sickness and in Health

2010-02-15T09:54:00.005-05:00

This has been a pretty tough week. Hard to find things to be thankful for when you're throwing up in the middle of the night. But there were. Isn't that amazing? Even in the feverish throes of a stomach virus, there is grace. There is blessing. Today's post will be short because I - we - are still recovering from a very difficult week, physically and emotionally. But I am grateful for:
230. Ian's 1-year checkup and a clean bill of health
231. Our sweet doctor who takes such good care of our family
232. More snow
233. A bittersweet time of anger, apology, healing, and growth with my little girls
234. My darling husband caring for me when I was sick
235. The rest of the family not getting my sickness
236. Valentine's Day
237. Being awakened early Valentine's Day by my girls with multiple handmade Valentines
238. Narnia
239. Good chats with one of my young adult ladies
240. Ian walking
241. New baby teeth
242. A forgiving husband who won't let me sleep "on the couch."

May you, too, find health in your sickness this week.

Spiritual Discipline of Apologizing

2010-02-10T14:26:00.004-05:00

It's amazing how God prepares us for every situation. Yesterday morning, during a devotion time, I read a story of a mother continually interrupted by her young daughter getting out of bed. Nothing unusual, a drink of water, going to the bathroom. Finally, the girl calls for her mother again, and the frustrated parent rushes into the bedroom, with a "What is it, now?" "We forgot to pray, Mommy," she says, and begins what the family has been memorizing. "Love is patient, love is kind..." Mom, of course, is struck with remorse and joins her daughter in prayer. (I'm not telling the story as well as the author did, but I can't remember where I read it, or I'd just repost it here.)

Anyway, last night, we had an instant replay of almost the same scenario at our house. Mom trying to get oldest son to bed. Sisters provoking and screaming at each other. Mom comes in screaming. Leaves, promising to return to deal with the situation when baby is asleep. Can't figure out where daughters have learned to shriek like that at each other. While changing baby, hears daughters coming downstairs. Mom yells again. Baby is finally down and Mom has a moment to think before heading back to girls' room.

The story changes slightly here. The devotion that I read in the morning comes back to me and I gather up a Bible and fresh water bottles for the girls. I'm still so angry with them that I'm shaking, but Grace comes and I apologize for my part in the whole terrible scene. Forgiveness is instantly granted. Amazing. Then slowly, together, we go through 1 Corinthians 13 and talk about what love is and isn't. It's enlightening for us all. There are as many examples of Mama's bad behaviour as children's. More Grace, and I kiss them goodnight, tell them I love them and apologize for loving them so imperfectly. We decide that this would be a good passage to work on memorizing next and I leave them repeating, "Love is patient. Love is kind. It is not jealous, it does not brag and is not...Eric can't?....Mama!! What's that word?"

They are so sweet. I am so grateful for their example. For their forgiveness. For the opportunity to grow closer to my Saviour by being their mother. For these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is Love.

Render Unto Caesar

2010-02-08T20:27:00.004-05:00

The kids and Rob and I just listened to this story from the Gospel of Matthew the other day. Jesus answers with cleverness and honesty the question about what obedience we owe our civil governments. He also reminds us not to forget to give to God what is His.

I am one of those strange people that enjoys filing my tax return. Don't get me wrong, I can be incredibly frustrated with the brokenness of our tax system, but I enjoy getting it done and with four children on a pastor's salary, we're usually getting something back. So yesterday (this wouldn't post on Monday) I finished our taxes. Two jobs, two states (our mistake), self-employment and other sundry issues make our tax return fairly complicated. But they're done, and I am grateful.

In finishing, however, I wonder if I'm as meticulous in my remembering to give to God what is His. My time, talents, and treasure to begin with, but also my obedience, my patience, my best. It's a good time to remember to pay what is owed, to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.

I'm so thankful for:
216. My taxes being done
217. 9 sugar-free days
218. A couple of good workouts even though I didn't want to
219. The soreness that follows
220. Katie's 100% spelling test
221. The courage to say no
222. Skype
223. Homeschooling
224. Home School Legal Defense Association and all the work they do
225. A date with my husband
226. A clean desk
227. Early morning showers with my husband
228. Good conversations with women from church
229. Pastor-husband's bold sermon, spoken with love

A Sweet Goodbye

2010-02-03T11:18:00.005-05:00

Hello, my name is Sarah and I'm addicted to sugar. It may sound silly to some. Surely with so many more "serious" addictions out there, sugar isn't such a big deal. In truth, the human body becomes addicted to sugar in the same way as alcohol and heroin. The effects are less in most people, but the pathways are the same. In some, like myself, the body reacts in a much stronger way and the addiction can be tough to kick. There are some physical ramifications to this as well, but today I wanted to talk about the main reason that our family is kicking the sugar habit.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians that while everything is permissable (to eat), not everything is beneficial. And while everything is allowed, "I will be mastered by no thing." I serve only one master in this life - or try to - and will no longer be mastered by sugar. Like those in AA, I recognize that I am powerless over this addiction and that only God's work in my life will be sufficient to overcome it. I am so grateful for what He is about to do!

Today is Day 4 in this new walk. It is tough for me, perhaps tougher for my children whom I confess I have trained badly in this area, but it is exciting to have been free for four whole days! I look forward to what God will do in the future. Please pray with (and for) our family as we step out in faith to do, as my aunt says, "the next right thing."

Sarah

Attitude Adjustments

2010-02-01T14:35:00.008-05:00

It's been a difficult week here in the Rose Garden. Nothing too dramatic, just "regular" issues. The biggest has been some frustrating attitudes, particularly in the kids, though Rob and I are not immune. We're taking some steps, more of which I'll write about on Wednesday, but in the meantime I am remembering today that the best help to my attitude is gratitude. (I'm sure there's a catchy phrase in there somewhere...) This week, in spite of it all, I am grateful for:

204. A new homeschooling co-op forming
205. Rob reading Narnia to the kids (and me!)
206. Reepicheep
207. My daughter's unforced remorse
208. Not wanting to take down Christmas
209. Getting Christmas decorations taken down

210. Mindy Buller

211. Roaring and wrestling
212. Sword fights
213. My husband adding to my thanksgivings list
214. A healthy body
215. 2 days sugar-free (more on that on Wednesday)

I am so grateful for all of these things. My cup overfloweth. I will continue to speak that truth into my life and to cultivate that "attitude of gratitude."

Time for Tea

2010-01-27T13:42:00.007-05:00

My mother encouraged me this Christmas to make the best use of my place here as "our minister's wife" and take time to exhort the women I find myself in congregation with. Most of them are many years my senior and it is daunting to think about teaching my elders. She suggested something a little more subtle. And so begins my next spiritual discipline: tea parties!

For Christmas Mom gave me three tea-party-as-ministry books. I've always wanted these and they have provided me with the motivation to get started. I am hoping to do one tea party a month, inviting only a handful of women to each. We'll enjoy each other's company, share stories, and, I hope, I'll have a time to give a devotion or share something the Lord has put on my heart. I'd like to have a hostess' gift or party favor for each woman to take home along with some sort of reminder of the time.

For this first tea, I've invited four of the older women of our congregation. They are all very active in the congregation and have been for many years. I hope to encourage them to continue in doing the work they are already doing as well as challenging them to be mentoring younger women. I'm calling this a New Beginnings Tea and I hope to remind these seasoned members that they still have much to give to this body, even with a new young whippersnapper in the pulpit! The kids have helped me to bake an apricot ladder loaf, make fancy tuna salad for tea sandwiches and I've started making sets of quilted coasters for each woman to take home. I'm looking forward to our time together.

Please pray for this gathering as we minister to each other. Pray that it is the first of many gatherings of the women of our church to encourage one another to grow in our discipleship, and please pray for me in this strange position of leadership in which I find myself.

Rainy Day Musings

2010-01-25T21:44:00.004-05:00

I have always loved the rain. What can I say, I'm a Washington state girl at heart. In college (in Washington state) I learned that the rain was one of God's ways of saying "I love you." I know that it rains just for me. Just to be told that I am loved.

Today was a rainy day. And windy, too. It literally blew our door off it's hinges! With all that love blowing around there certainly was a lot to be grateful for. And so today my list begins with:

186. Rain - lots of it
187. My husband who finds me beautiful
188. Past heartbreaks
189. A past redeemed
190. A new rowing machine (thanks Mom and Dad!)
191. A timely word
192. Fresh baked bread from...
193. A fabulous new bread recipe (http://www.peterandrewryan.com/baking/2008/11/european-peasant-bread/)
194. Our small town community
195. Emma, regarding taking turns for the new rowing machine: "Katie, the Bible says to let others go first and since I am an honest woman, you may go first."
196. My back porch/extra winter fridge
197. Ice skating with the kids
198. Katie working so hard and doing so well at ice skating
199. Katie working so hard at gymnastics with a good attitude
200. My Pastor-husband
201. Emma feeding her little brother for me
202. The trust of a wonderful young woman
203. A refresher course in geometry

Be thankful this week and enjoy the rain, however it comes in your life.

Blog Interrupted

2010-01-23T16:06:00.005-05:00

So, this isn't exactly what my blog is about, but to continue with the sewing information I wanted to post a picture of a project I finished today. My friend over at www.ThrivingMama.com posted this pattern from another site. I'll let you check it out at her site though since it's pretty cool. I'm grateful for the meditative quality of sewing, but frankly it's mostly just fun for me. Perhaps next week I'll write about the spiritual discipline of having fun!! Enjoy!

To Boldly Go...

2010-01-20T11:45:00.001-05:00

My husband and father-in-law are big Star Trek fans. Dad Rose even wears a Star Trek tie to remind himself that God calls us to "boldly go where no man has gone before." My Star Trek history is not quite so enthusiastic. My family about once a week would watch the original show reruns while eating in front of the TV on the family Twister mat. When all the spinoffs and "next generations" came out we didn't keep up the tradition.

But Rob and I have several times been called to "boldly go" to places where we, at least, had never gone before. Shortly after we were married (two months, to be exact) we joined a travelling ministry team and lived on a 45-foot bus with six other people for the first year and a half of our marriage. Surprised again by God's call in our lives, Rob began pursuing ministry in the military. We've been called to boldly go into hospice ministry, youth ministry, and most recently to move across the country away from family and friends to pastor this small church in upstate New York.

So it should come as no surprise to anyone that once again God is calling us to move boldly into another area in ministry. The details are still be worked out and we'll share them with you all as they get firmed up. (Don't panic, Mom, we're not moving again!) But once again we've heard from God and are gathering up the courage to be obedient. We are trying to remember that He has always been faithful. And to remember that - unlike Star Trek - we are not going where no man has gone before. Many have gone before us, and more importantly, our Lord has gone before us to prepare the way.

Thank you all for your prayers for us as we continue to listen to God's call in our lives. Please pray for the success of this new venture that we believe God will use to change lives. Our own included!

Blessed Assurance

2010-01-18T11:29:00.001-05:00

I'm not usually a huge fan of the King Jame Version of the Bible. Not for study purposes at least. I heard too much of my husband's seminary classes to know about authoritative texts and so on. But the KJV has one great thing going for it. It's beautiful. It's poetic. And as such it touches a part of my soul that no literal, more historically accurate version can. No wonder so many Biblical songs have used this version to set the Word of God to music.
When I was a child my parents sang a song from 1 Timothy to me. I only remember the one line, but it's been going through my head today. I couldn't find it in my Bible, but at www.biblegateway.com I can search through just about every English version of the Bible there is. (Check it out; I love it for my study times.) Sure enough, there it is in the King James: "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."
I've been thinking about that today as I'm getting ready to meet with a young lady from church. I'm not sure where she stands with the Lord and, worse, I'm not sure she does either. There is such comfort and hope in those words. I remember, too, that Paul (the older teacher) is writing to Timothy (the new, young pastor) to encourage him. Pray for me today as I meet with this lovely young woman. Pray that I could be a Paul to her Timothy, that God would speak words of encouragement to her, and pray that she would "know whom [she has] believed" and be persuaded of his faithfulness. For that knowledge I am so grateful!

I'm also grateful today for:
174. An encouraging parenting article (www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=86292)
175. A new friend
176. Opportunities to grow
177. Ian sleeping so well
178. Finding and starting a quilt pattern for my New Year's Day resolution quilt
179. A fun aquarium craft with the kids
180. Checkbook balanced
181. Deep time in the Word after a long dry time
182. A great sermon at church. Again.
183. New phones (mixed blessing)
184. Dinner with church friends
185. Lettuce (I've been craving it!)

Spiritual Parenting

2010-01-13T20:28:00.001-05:00

I said last week I'd write more about sewing with my girls. Here is the promised update:

When I was small my mother would sew with me. Simple patterns for sundresses, shorts, easy stuff. We'd cut out the patterns and I'd struggle through pinning them to the hideous fabric I wish I could say my mother had chosen for me. She would sit at her sewing machine and do a couple of seams, then invite me to come and finish off that particular piece. Without fail, I would sit down and the thread would break. Or the needle would come unthreaded. Or the fabric would jam in the hole-plate-thingy. It was all to easy for me to conclude that the sewing machine hated me. It knew I was coming, it sensed my fear, and gleefully it thwarted my every attempt to use it.

Kind of like parenting. Oh, I don't think that my children hate me; analogies always break down somewhere. But just when I think that the parenting machine is humming right along, the thread breaks. Usually my thread. We've established an order, a comfortable pace or method of doing things. Sure it's tedious to get some of those pins (guidelines) in place, but all in all we're doing alright. Until I get to the sewing machine. Or the math workbook. Or the room cleaning. And once again I've been thwarted.

Most of you know how much I love my four little ones. You may not know that I grew up in a similarly loving home, but I did. There are very few things that my husband and I have said we will not do like my parents. We have said, however, that we will not yell - as in significantly raise the volume of our voices - at our children. It is an intimidating and, ultimately, ineffective way of communicating, especially with someone so much smaller than you. I confess, this week, I have done a lot of yelling. I have often felt thwarted in my parenting, like something is out to get me.

In my encounters with the sewing machine as a child, I usually quit trying after what seemed like forever, but in reality was probably only a few minutes of struggle. I stopped sewing with my mother (I'm sorry about that, Mom) when I was about ten. It was too frustrating. I'm tempted to do that with parenting sometimes. It can be too frustrating. But I realized something today: I've started sewing again. Literally. My husband bought me a new sewing machine in the Fall. I read the manual (always good for me) and gave it a whirl. After a false alarm call to the company about a suspected missing part ("No, ma'am, that lever is inside the machine.), and several of my childhood mishaps, I'm sewing. I've actually started a quilt as one of my New Year's Resolutions. And I know that if I can take up something as eternally insignificant as sewing, certainly I can persevere in my parenting. It helps to read the manual and just give it a whirl. There will certainly be false alarms and regressions to my childhood, but I'll be parenting just the same.

I was reminded of something important and encouraging today in an article by Leslie Leyland Fields in Christianity Today. She writes about worrying less about being a successful parent and more about being a faithful one. She says,

"Parenting, like all tasks under the sun, is intended as an endeavor of love, risk, perseverance, and above all faith. It is faith rather than formula, grace rather than guarantees, steadfastness rather than success that bridges the gap between our own parenting efforts, and what, by God's grace, our children grow up to become."

Amen.

Back to Normal

2010-01-11T13:49:00.001-05:00

Our house could scarcely be called "normal." We're raising four children (more than the average), homeschooling (still a minority group), pastoring in a church where we're the youngest married couple there, Californians transplanted to New York. The list could go on and on. But we've created something of a routine for ourselves and finally after a wonderful holiday season, we're getting back into that routine. And while some may dread routine, I thrive on it. As a matter of fact, my particularly low periods in life are when I throw routine - and caution - to the wind and decide to be the spur-of-the-moment type of person I always wished I could be. My mother is one of those people, so full of joy and spontaneity, and with her here I got caught up in the excitement and the possibilities. We had a very sweet visit, don't mistake that at all (Mom), but I got out of my routine, including giving thanks. I won't go into all the details. Let's just say that it wasn't pretty.

So, with Mom on a plane back to California and a whole day of schooling under our belt, with alarm-clock-inspired wakings and chores done for the morning, we're getting back to normal. And I'm giving thanks.

160. A good cry
161. Talking with my mom
162. Anti-biotics
163. Ian so cheerful even during his sickness
164. Making our last car payment (I was so excited about this I wrote it down twice!)
165. A fun day with the kids
166. Ann Voskamp (aholyexperience.com)
167. Sewing with my girls
168. My understanding husband
169. A too-full fridge
170. Another friend expecting a baby!
171. Running water/unfrozen pipes
172. My brave husband
173. A loan payment from the Air National Guard

Thank you, Lord, for your extravagantly NORMAL blessings!

So: A Needle Pulling Thread

2010-01-06T20:58:00.001-05:00

We didn't get to bake today. We were out all day which is very unusual for us. This evening however the girls and I sewed together. I'm thinking, maybe a new discipline? More later.

Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them (not by Al Franken)

2010-01-04T14:46:00.001-05:00

I spent too much of this week listening to lies. I wish I could say that this is a new experience for me, but it's not. Not even the lies are new. They're the same ones that I hear year in and year out from the enemy who would steal my joy. You're ugly. So stupid. No good mother would do that. And most of all I hear: You cant. Can't cook. Can't teach. Can't sing. Can't create. Can't change. It hurts to even write them out here. I can feel each barb, each sting. The childish taunting tone. The hopelessness.

But there is hope, and that is found in the Truth. I'm not so good at speaking the Truth to myself. I get too buried in the lies I have listened to for so many, many years. This week, however, God sent two Truth-speakers into my life. It took many days for their words to penetrate through the muck, but it has. You are loved. You're amazing. You are so good at that. You can do it. And of course: I love you. The greatest Truth of all. These two people have always been the best at speaking into my life and so they top my thanksgivings list.

139. My mother
140. My husband
141. Breaking through the darkness
142. The smell of fresh rolls baking
143. The ability to give to a friend in need
144. Courage to bake yeast breads (Thanks, Sara Jane!)
145. Gifts to encourage healthy living
146. Roast lamb
147. New mini-loaf pans
148. Grandma Kate (my mother) making banana bread with David
149. Amazing homeschool resources
150. Our local library (again)
151. Online library catalog
152. Squash soup at Steiningers
153. More snow
154. Snow plows
155. Michael's craft store
156. Coupons!
157. Papa's apology
158. Kids in the snow
159. Grace to get up this morning with my alarm (almost!)

Praise the Lord for his Truth. Praise Him for his Unfailing Love. Praise Him for his Encouragment. Praise Him for his Grace and his Grace-givers. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

I pray that as you begin this New Year you would listen for his Truth. Stop your ears to the lies. Surround yourself with those who would speak the Truth into your life. And hear it!

A New Year

2009-12-30T14:34:00.004-05:00

I've been missing-in-(way too much) action these last weeks as you may have noticed. If you haven't noticed, please don't tell me! We have had family here and there, friends coming and going, the last vestiges of the Advent season to mark, and of course the great celebration of the birth of our Lord. It's been a full time. There has been much to be grateful for, some things to grieve over, and some great excitement for me as I look to the New Year. It is true that His mercies are new every morning and every new day is a fresh start, but there is something special about a clean new year. Some of you may understand my love of an unused notebook to write in, a brand new pencil to sharpen, projects to start, a planner to fill. I love new beginnings!

My husband preached a sermon on Sunday about how meeting Jesus in the Christmas season should motivate our desire to change. We cannot be the same after the Christ child has come into the world and we have seen Him. We have a whole new beginning and there is much to do! I wish I could say that I've spent a lot of time praying about these "resolutions," but for now I will write them down and pray that God would bless the ones that He, too, would see me accomplish. And so, with God's help I resolve this year to:
1) Reach 1000 blessings in my thanksgiving list,
2) Finish a quilt,
3) Have one ladies tea a month to encourage and teach the women of my congregration.

I would love your prayers as I seek to fulfill these resolutions. Pray that God would be glorified through them all and that I would see Him at work in my life, too.

Oh, and here are Monday's thanksgivings!
122. Christmas!
123. My parents buying groceries while they are visiting
124. Listening to my brother playing his guitar
125. God taking those babies that mothers have chosen not to let live
126. Nicholas
127. Ian playing with his Grandma Kate

128. A new camera
129. A new sweater
130. Christmas goose, mmmm....
131. Laughing until I cry
132. Playing cards with family (see #131)
133. Beautiful Christmas Eve service
134. My husband's grace in accepting so few people at the Christmas Day service
135. A visit from dear friends
136. Their sweet little girl
137. A delicious salad (prepared by my mother)
138. My mother preparing #137 so that Rob and I could visit with our friends

May God go with you into this new year. May He give you a fresh start, a fresh outlook on his plan for you, and a fresh urging to take the light of the Christ child to all the world. For we can never be the same again.

Odd Thanks

2009-12-21T14:16:00.002-05:00

My thanksgivings are odd this week. Even to me. It has been an incredibly full week and when that happens, invariably, some parts are less pleasant than others. This week that has included sick children, a funeral for a long time member of our congregation, panicked cleaning before parties, along with a host of regular frustrations and challenges. (Read: Ian won't nap.) My great praise in all this, however, is that many of these frustrations have actually shown up on my thanksgiving list! I have been encouraged to praise no matter when and it seems to be working. So, while some of these may seem strange to you, my first praise is:

99. God is still doing the work of sanctification (growing me up!) in my life
100. Seam rippers (multiple sewing mistakes)
101. My generally healthy children
102. Only three of the four kids got sick
103. Someone else's very sick child reminding me to cherish my own
104. Delicious bean soup given by a new friend
105. Story hour at the library
106. Sewing my first dress since I was a child (see #100)
107. David announcing during a song, "You just got to got to dance to this!"
108. My young adult group as we studied...
109. Mary, Jesus' mother
110. Snowshoeing in 10 degrees Fahrenheit
111. Hot drinks
112. Someone cleaning the house before our parties
113. A clean house!
114. Ian's poopy diapers (Don't ask me to explain this one. It was a random joy moment.)
115. The Holy Spirit working in people
116. Church Christmas play
117. My sewing machine
118. Seeing my first dead body
119. The girls wrapping their own Christmas gifts this year
120. Truffles from one of my young adults. So tasty!!
121. The kids so excited during our Jesse tree devotions today because Jesus is coming soon!!!!

Thanks for sharing these blessings with me today. Merry Christmas!

Pop Quiz

2009-12-16T12:15:00.001-05:00

"So," my husband asks, "where do you find Hanukkah in the Bible?" We're in a warm inviting kitchen, sharing latkes with a few new friends, including one from Israel. No one answers, everyone thinking. All of us there know the story, of course, but is it even in the Bible? A few hesitant guesses and finally he says, "John." There is a moment of confusion. John? As in, the New Testament John? It's true! In John 10:22 we find Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, the translation of Hanukkah. How strange for some people to find Jesus in Hanukkah!

Not so strange for my husband who grew up knowing he is Jewish and that Jesus is his Jewish messiah. Nor for me who was raised knowing that my Christian faith is both founded on and informed by the Jewish traditions that Jesus would have celebrated. And so my children grow knowing that they are both Jewish and followers of Jesus. They celebrate Easter and Passover, Lent and Shavuot, Purim, Advent, Christmas and Hanukkah. What a blessing to find Jesus in so many places!

Continued Thanksgiving

2009-12-14T10:16:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy, busy week. Four parties and a play. Christmas shopping and tree decorating. A sick child. And all the regular stuff, too. I'm grateful for my regular times of thanksgiving and prayer to keep things centered.

89. Holy Spirit reminders of what I need to do
90. Husband's hand not broken, only sprained
91. The internet working even in the snow
92. Snow play timing (the snow plow arrived just AFTER we had a brilliant time in the parking lot)
93. Just enough flour
94. Emma asking for Uncle Daniel for Christmas
95. Hanukkah celebrations with new friends
96. My finger not needing stitches, only a bandaid (hmm...seems familiar)
97. A sweet time with my husband and my little lady Emma at the high school play
98. Katie taking care of her sick sister

Almost one hundred blessings to give thanks for! Praise the Lord!

Preparing for Christmas

2009-12-09T11:34:00.002-05:00

We have several traditions in our family preparing for Christmas. Last week I shared our Advent package tradition. We also gather as a family every night (yes, even when my sweet husband is in the Urgent Care clinic) to do devotions. We use a devotional that my family has used since 1982. I particularly enjoy it because of all the memories associated with it. Memories of frantic (in this time of intentional stillness) lighting of the candles as we get closer to Christmas. (Can you light all four candles while saying these phrases without burning your fingers?) It's hard to sing "O Come, O Come Immanuel" anymore without giggling as I remember my mother making faces at my father's seriousness. How to keep it together when everyone starts on a different note? (That was my family then, too!) What a blessing it is to light those candles - Peace, Hope, Joy, Love - and say the words that I've spoken, almost since I could speak. I'd like to share those phrases with you so you, too, can meditate on them as you light your candles this Advent. I pray that your family would have memories of their own to cherish as these traditions are passed on.

"This candle represents 'peace.' As the shepherds of old, we wait in expectation for the fulfillment of God's promise of peace on earth."

"This candle represents 'hope.' As long ago people hoped for a Saviour, so we wait in hope for his return in glory."

"This candle represents 'joy.' Because of Christ we can truly say, 'Joy to the world, the Lord is come!'"

"This candle represents 'love.' For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son, that whosever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Happy Advent!

That Time of the Month

2009-12-07T14:19:00.001-05:00

My husband told me early on in our marriage that he would not let me get away with saying anything to the effect of, "Don't worry about it, it's just that time of the month." It's true, he would say, that hormones seem to exacerbate things in our lives, but they are never the only cause of them. So, as I look at my thanksgiving list this afternoon and it seems shriveled, my first thought is that I haven't been as grateful this week because I think it's "just that time." But he's right. If I haven't been particularly noticing God's blessings this week then I need to know what the real cause of it is. I've obviously allowed myself to get distracted from His good gifts. After some thought, I don't know why. I guess that's okay, too, not to know. It's time to get back on track. To look out for his thousands of blessings, beginning with:

78. Good books. This one may repeat regularly!
79. A friend's joy
80. Snow!!!
81. Frost designs
82. Faithful parents
83. Chicken coop is finished (not in this picture)
84. Doorknobs on most of our doors
85. A beautiful Lessons and Carols service at the local Episcopal church
86. Moses
87. God's work in the Passover story
88. Christmas lights

A Christmas Tradition

2009-12-02T15:51:00.003-05:00

Memory is a funny thing. As my husband and I discussed one of my family's holiday traditions, he expressed uncertainty about the amount of work we were putting in to it. Growing up, my mother had put together Advent packages for several families we knew. She would wrap one small present for each day of Advent, label it with a number, and then put a corresponding clue from Scripture on a separate sheet of paper. A verse about God creating the birds of the air and the fish of the sea from Genesis might be the clue for a package of Goldfish crackers. With twenty-some days in Advent and multiple families (she did 15 this year!), this project could quickly become both time- and money-intensive. But she did it almost every year for as long as I can remember. And I remember why. This might be the only time that a family gathered around the Bible together all year. What an opportunity to share these words of life with those who had never heard! The Gospel light shining in this Advent season!

With that explanation, any doubts my husband had were gone. We looked forward to gifting our friends, both with the little wrapped packages and with an opportunity to read this book we hold so dearly. Packages wrapped, a party held, our friends grateful for their gifts, and two days later talking to my mother on the phone:

Me: Mom, thanks again for this wonderful tradition. I hope that our friends will enjoy opening the presents and that the Scriptures will encourage them. Most of them don't read the Bible or go to church usually.

Mom: What? We never gave Advent packages to people outside the church. We made them to encourage our church friends during the Advent season so that they would feel equipped to share with others.

Me: Funny, I don't remember it that way at all.

True purpose aside, obviously my family's tradition encouraged me to share this Book and this season with those who might not otherwise not meet with them. May you, too, be encouraged in this season of coming to gather together around the Word as we prepare for His adventus, His coming.

Post-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Post

2009-11-30T10:59:00.001-05:00

So, in this week set aside for Thanksgiving, there was so much to be thankful for! As Katie said, "Thank you, Lord, for thanksgiving!"

Perhaps my greatest thanks was that I kept forgetting to write down my blessings. A strange thing to be thankful for, certainly. I realized that giving thanks all day has become so natural that I'm forgetting to write it down. I am grateful for this spiritual discipline which is becoming habit in my life. I still want to make these altars to God's goodness (and so I am grateful for my husband who gently reminds me to write down what I voice out loud) for myself for the future and to encourage others along the way.

60. Christmas cards that turned out perfectly and were cheap! (Sam's Club: 30 cards w/envelopes for $10)
61. A romantic night with Rob
62. No TV for two weeks!
63. Eggs dropped off anonymously in our kitchen
64. New glasses for Rob and I
65. Artichokes for $1 a piece! Yummy!
66-69. Three perfect Thanksgiving pies and a perfect Thanksgiving turkey
70. Safe arrival of Dad and Ben Rose
71. Movie date with Rob (We highly recommend the 3D IMAX A Christmas Carol.)
72. Fresh (as in 5 minutes old) eggnog from the local creamery
73. Creamery ice cream
74. The Holy Spirit prompting me to remember Ian's doctor's appointment!
75. Ian is healthy
76. The Word of God going out in Advent packages
77. Waking up to breakfast in bed this morning, prepared by my six and four year olds

May your week be full of blessings, too!

Busy Times

2009-11-25T18:19:00.002-05:00

Family visits always throw everything into chaos. I have barely had time to write today and as it is, it will be a short blog. It has been a blessing to continue those disciplines that I've been working on during the last few weeks. Praying on the hour, tithing baked goods, practicing gratitude, brushing teeth. All these keep me centered on God's goodness and solidness during these busy times.

I pray that your set aside time of Thanksgiving tomorrow is a blessing to all who gather in your home.

"Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King. His love endures forever."

I Did Not Come for Only You

2009-11-23T10:35:00.003-05:00

My list of thanks is long this week, a praise in and of itself! But this morning I need to start with a thanksgiving for a difficult relationship. I have had a love/hate relationship with this woman all my life. There are times when she is encouraging, uplifting, challenging, spurring me on to be my best. But she brings out the worst in me, too. She is petty and arrogant and self-centered. She claims to follow the Lord Jesus, but often just wants the world to pay attention to her. I would leave her even though she's family. What brings me back every time is the Lord's own love for her. She is, in fact, his bride. He gave his very life for her and I know that I, too, if I love Him, must love her. I want to love her. Pray for me this week, would you? As a pastor's wife, all too often I see that ugly underbelly of the beautiful bride. Pray that I would see God's church as He sees her, a pure and spotless bride. Pray for her that she (and we) would be all that God created us for.

Giving thanks for:

43. Homemade Chinese food
44. An hour of reading with the kids
45. Early morning frost
46. A hard conversation with a friend
47. Rob's leadership at Session
48. At home banking
49. Dental care insurance
50. No cavities for three out of five of us!
51. Hot showers
52. Wrassling with the kids - twice!
53. Intricate frost designs
54. Ian falling asleep on me
55. Building the chicken coop
56. David whispers, "I love you in the whole wide world."
57. Mom Rose coming
58. The little part of me that won't turn from God even when I want to
59. No glasses needed for Katie

God is so good.

The Spiritual Discipline of Toothbrushing?

2009-11-18T13:51:00.001-05:00

We've just returned from a morning-long trip to the dentist. I am trying so hard to just give thanks for having dental insurance, a good dentist, and three out of five of us with no cavities. But...

But it's only three out of five. My entire life I have struggled with poor dental hygiene. It is certainly a sin-area for me. I dread going to the dentist because I know that I'm going to be scolded for the condition of my teeth and gums. For several years I just refused to go. No one likes to see the fruit of their sin scraped onto a sterile pad. But then my sweet children came along with their perfect start-from-scratch teeth and I knew that for their sakes it was time to clean up my act. Or at least my teeth. Last year I spent more time and money at the dentist's office than I even want to admit to, but I felt like I had made a life change. Brushing my teeth as worship unto the Lord!

Today, at the office, I knew that I had slipped in the past month. I dreaded going. I feared the worst. As it turned out, I didn't even know what the worst could be. My teeth are fine. No cavities. (Insert a weak, I-don't-deserve-it "Praise the Lord.") But two of my precious little ones have cavities in those perfect, fresh start teeth. And I know that it's my fault. Because while I have worked at my own hygiene, I haven't been faithful with theirs. Too often, I let them go to bed without brushing or with a passing swipe at those precious pearls. Too often, I give in to the cry of "I can do it myself," and don't insist on taking a closer look. And now my babies have to endure what is perhaps my own greatest fear: dental work. And it's all my fault.

I have spent the last few minutes searching in vain for the verse which talks about the sins of the parents being visited on their children. I'm sure it's in there. But the only verses I can find speak only of grace. "The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son." (Ezek. 18:20) I am sick to think of the consequences that my children now face, but I give thanks today that they are not being punished for my lack of discipline.

My sweet husband has encouraged me that we will now do what needs to be done. Like every new day, we will begin again to do (as my wise aunt puts it) "the next right thing." May God give us grace and strength to do so, and may you all be encouraged today to accept it when it is given.

Honeymoon's Over

2009-11-16T12:07:00.001-05:00

I think that the honeymoon is over. The last few weeks of keeping track of the many blessings in my life has been exciting, even easy. I've given thanks at the beginning of each hour as my watch beeps and it's been easy. Maybe too easy. Yesterday, my watch beeped and I thought, "Not right now." (Gasp!) I went several days without writing down something to be thankful for. (The horror!) This happens with many things in my life. I'm filled with early enthusiasm and then life happens. It's hard to be thankful when all four of your children have fevers on Sunday morning. It's hard to finish crochet projects when cats and children undo half of the finished stitches. It's sometimes hard to be married after the honeymoon and life happens.

This, then, is when the hard work of the soul happens. This is when the discipline begins. And when the most growth happens. When life happens.

Today I am grateful for
31. Our local WIC office
32. Other women in my life encouraging me
33. My husband still so in love with me after eight years of marriage and four kids
34. An indescribable sunset that prompted my six-year-old to exclaim, "No person could have made that!"
35. The service of the men and women in our military (including my grandfathers, father, and husband)
36. An understanding waitress (four small, hungry children in a noisy restaurant on a holiday night!)
37. The powerful simplicity of the Gospel message presented to an arena full of youth
38. Witnessing some of those young men and women respond to that message for the first time
39. Rainy days with good books
40. My four beautiful children sleeping peacefully
41. The picture of bounty that is leftover turkey simmering to make stock
42. Fevers down and children growing healthy again

For these and many more, I give thanks!

Memorizing Scripture

2009-11-11T10:34:00.001-05:00

      I wish I could say that I've been really on top of memorizing Scriptures that are particularly meaningful to me this week, but I've been mostly relying on what my children are memorizing. Ironically, their verse is instructive to me in this area: "But these words are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in Him." I do want that "life in Him." Guess I should work on knowing and believing the words.

      I also wanted to write this week about our particular Wednesday discipline. I've mentioned before that Wednesday is Baking Day here. We've been talking to the girls about the concept of giving our first fruits to God and in that spirit we've been "tithing" on what we bake. The girls figure out what a tenth (or so) of our batch of cookies or bread is and then they choose the best (hard to do when you know you're giving it away) and decide who needs some extra love this week. So far they've chosen people from church and neighbours to share with. It's teaching all of us to hold loosely what we have, to be grateful for what we keep, and to think of others. It's an excellent practice, one I hope to continue into our summer garden.

     Thank you, Lord, for your great bounty!

2009-11-09T16:44:00.001-05:00

"Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone." Genesis 35:3

I pray that this will be an altar and a testimony to what God has done in my life.

Thank you, Lord, today, for:
21. Children cleaning rooms with good attitudes.
22. Rob home safely from drill weekend.
23. Coming home after a long day out.
24. Rob taking Ian for an errand so I can have a moment alone.
25. Dr. Dan willing to see us on short notice and taking such good care of our family.
26. Alone time with Emma. So sweet.
27. Money for groceries.
28. Young adults in our home on Sundays.
29. Big sisters with their little brothers.
30. Random gifts.

I pray that your week has been filled with blessings and that you've been able to take some time to set up altars of remembrance for them.

Discipline Interrupted

2009-11-04T14:56:00.003-05:00

I'm almost too full to write today. It's one of those "curl up and hide in bed" days which are so opposed to discipline. I've been pretty faithful to pray on the hour and do those things that I know I need to do to stay spiritually healthy, but today was hard. Ian is teething and fussy. David won't stay down for his nap. Rob needed the computer when I wanted to post this and even now the girls are pouring flour and baking soda all over the counter in their attempt to bake by themselves.

Even so, we are doing Baking Day, something I'm realizing is a discipline for me. It requires me to slow down, have the cooking space cleared and spend some time with my lovely girls. I almost didn't do it today. Putting them down for a nap would have been so much easier, and at six and four years old, they wouldn't even have remembered. But I would have. And I would have missed that time.

I even found myself at one point praying that my hourly watch chime would sound soon. Silly, I know, and I quickly realized that I didn't have to wait for the top of the hour. Giving thanks that He hears me all the time in any place, I stopped to pray. Rob has taken Ian to get butter (amazingly, we're out) and I give thanks again for my sweet and sensitive husband.

My few disciplines that I cultivate haven't come easily today, but I'm giving thanks for grace and struggling on. Thanks for your prayers today especially and I am praying that you my find grace and strength to carry on.

Monday, Monday...

2009-11-02T14:01:00.000-05:00

So, I have my list in front of me, the list I've been keeping all week to remember what I'm thankful for. And I can't, for the life of me, decide how to start this post. I'm not feeling very thankful right at this moment. I guess this is why it's a spiritual discipline. You do this whether you feel like it or not. Kind of like love. That actually leads me to the first thing that I'm thankful for:

11. My husband's willingness to work on our marriage, even when he doesn't think that anything's the matter.
12. Fresh-baked goods, particularly the pumpkin scones my daughters made.

13. The baby saying, "Mama" for the first time.
14. Ian feeding himself.
15. Emma's incredible abilities at gymnastics.
16. David's bully leaving gymnastics class. (Thank you, Lord, for that answer to prayer.)
17. Fresh milk from the creamery.
18. Story time at our library and the sweet friends we're making there.
19. Ian making us laugh. On purpose.
20. Baking Day with my girls.

21. Shoes on my children's feet.

22. Learning a new language.
23. And finally, a moment alone.

I find that I have many things to be grateful for, not the least of which is my ability to be grateful. Thank you, Lord.

Walk With Him Wednesdays

2009-10-28T11:08:00.001-04:00

So, this is another idea from Ann Voskamp that I'm hoping to use. I realized this morning as I tried to think of those spiritual disciplines that I cultivate in my life that there just aren't that many. I wonder why my spiritual life seems dry, but the fact is that I'm not watering it very much. It's not that there is nothing that I do to deepen my relationship with God. It just seems to be that I do as little as possible. I'm like Katie trying to do just enough to not get into trouble. But we've both missed the spirit and the intention of family, of relationship.
I'm hoping that by beginning this intentional gratitude exercise my heart will begin to be tuned in the direction of focusing on the God who so wants to be a part of my life. More than that, to be my life. I'm excited to post next Monday's thanksgiving list already, so I can't wait to see what will happen even further down the road. Pray for me, and for yourself, that God would begin to stir our hearts to be close or closer to Him.

A Fresh Leaf

2009-10-26T13:42:00.000-04:00

About every two weeks I determine to turn over a new leaf. There is always something in my life that I've decided is time to bring back under control. Usually, my control. I have been encouraged lately to stop trying to be in control. Last night, as I shared with the three delightful young women who meet with me to study God's Word, I asked them to find things to be thankful for in an effort to keep our hearts from the insidiousness of discontent. Today on Ann Voskamp's blog I discovered the Gratitude Community and the idea of looking for one thousand blessings. I want to join this community, and to start with, this blog will be a record of the many blessings in my life.

I would love to hear from anyone about how God is blessing them, also, but mainly this is a record - an altar, if you will - for myself. A place to lay down control of my life. And be thankful.

1. Emma's curls
2. Peaceful piano music
3. Good books
4. My husband's hard work
5. Ian's smiles
6. Dance parties in the kitchen
7. Our more-than-enough home
8. Neighbours who send (or leave on our table) goodies, just because
9. Chances to start over
10. A touch of the melancholy that spurs me to action