A new gardener, a new poster, a new week and new thoughts....

I had to get a new gardener. Needed to. But kept putting it off. Friday I finally did it. I hated to let the former gardener know, but he had to know. He would skip showing up, never call, show up a week and two days late, sometimes only do the front, but ALWAYS showed up to get paid. What did he think?

So I hired a new gardener. Saw him working on my neighbors (for weeks) and he has his act together, and his attitude. :) Is professional, safety conscious, has all the right equipment and looks like a family man who is doing this as his business. So a new gardener.

Yesterday we had a family meeting, and went over some "NEW" rules, guidelines and chores. Really much of it is refresh of my expectations from them (except the new chores) but it came across new and fresh since I made four big posters with the details listed and even pictures. The "NO" poster: that has five statements of things we WILL NOT do to each other (yelling, hitting, name calling, etc) with a message at the top that "Our family and home is a haven {safe place} for all". We had a good talk about it. The other three new posters have 1) summer guidelines (like tv/computer time, being respectful with Angela, rules when out of the house, etc.) 2) Chores and their value (one star * chores = 10 minutes more tv or computer, 2** chores = 25 cents etc.), so they can help around the house and earn allowance and the last poster 3) is the listing of chores earned, the poster they seem the most excited about. :) So yesterday I had kids watering plants, washing dishes, emptying the trash, brushing teeth, cleaning their bedrooms... wooo-hooooo. Something new!

As we start a new week, I think of fresh, a do-over. :) I have started a new healthy eating focus, and walking plan, and I am on day 4 of a new Bible Study.... and I am enjoying the energy and hopeful optimism of all things new.

I know, after a time, the new will move from new to habit (hopefully) or to being in need of a re-inspiration, but for today, it is all new and good. My God is the God of new. Of life, of new mercy every morning, of let's start again.

I love that....

The Living Proof Live Conference this past weekend, with Beth Moore was great. I was sooooooo tired with lack of sleep two nights in a row, that I had an annoying headache on Saturday, but even in spite of that, I enjoyed it and got a fresh word and inspiration. Blessings to Beth and the ministry God has given her, she touches so deeply.

Enjoy this new week!

Lovin' it!

I am lovin' the Jennifer Rothschild Bible Study we are doing (see the previous post before this one) called Me, Myself and Lies.

She is talking about how are thoughts are like a closet....a storeroom of what we put in there.... So today we went through what kind of things we say to ourselves, what kind of things the Bible shows that a person who is not surrendering their thoughts to God are saying and then what God's thoughts are toward us.

Two verses really hit me:

Ps 10:4

In his pride the wicked does not seek Him, in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

On this first one, I saw in pride, I often think I can work things our myself. Not even that I am choosing to leave God out of it, but that I don't even think of it, unless it gets really bad and I get really hopeless. I spend more time and energy on trying to figure it out myself... and in doing this I am sinning, (wicked), when I try to work outside of God's influence. Self-reliant.

I want to seek God out in all the areas I am concerned with or in charge of. Seek His counsel, help.

The second verse, Prov 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed. If I open myself to God in all that is on my plate...he will direct and cause success. His success may be different than my perception of success, but that is ok. He knows best.

I will commit my endeavors to God and rely on His word.

Summer Bible Study....

Update: (6/25)

I did the first day's homework. I think this is going to be good..... It is about self-talk and how we impact our soul by what we say and think to ourselves....starting first about ourselves. My self talk is so negative...I think this is so timely in my life.... Finish the sentence: "I am ____________"...and hear what you say to yourself. :( God is good in His grace to remind us of this...

I am looking forward to getting into this study!

So here is my homework from Beth's Intro Session:

1. An icebreaker just so we can have the opportunity to be ridiculous: What breed of dog do you most resemble in demeanor and why?

I am a Morkie - Maltese/Yorkie, like my little dog Bella. Why? Because I am kind of scruffy and mixed up looking, have a heart of love, but will growl and nip when sleepy, stressed or hungry, love comfy naps, respond enthusiastically to affection, love to get out and take a walk, love to lick (kiss) my kids faces and I don't always do what I am suppose to!

2. This one will help us get to know one another’s priority needs right now. Get out a pen and paper and craft a one-sentence text message with a limit of 160 characters that starts with (and includes) these words: Please pray for me. I…

Please pray for me I am having a hard time finding God and joy in the mundane. I feel like I am self-absorbed and untethered. I am hoping this study will re-jumpstart my connection with God and joy in life. (167 characters...not too bad!)


3. Read Psalm 19 out of The Message to the rest of the group. Lock in on the section that describes what the Word of God (called by other names such as “revelation”) does for us. Mention each benefit of studying Scripture and give a short and specific testimony as an encouragement.

Ps 19 (MSG)

1-2 God's glory is on tour in the skies,
God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
Madame Day holds classes every morning,
Professor Night lectures each evening.

3-4 Their words aren't heard,
their voices aren't recorded,
But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

4-5 God makes a huge dome for the sun—a superdome!
The morning sun's a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed,
The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.

6 That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset,
Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.

7-9 The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.

10 God's Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds.
You'll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.

11-14 There's more: God's Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
Or know when we play the fool?

Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.

These are the words in my mouth;
these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them on the morning altar, O God, my Altar-Rock, God, Priest-of-My-Altar.

Wow! I am knocked over by these words... my heart aches and cries. I know, I know I know I KNOW the difference feeding on God's word, Daily, in the morning makes in my life! I KNOW, how having his scripture in my mind, on my tongue, written down in my purse and reviewed during the day, "pulls my life together".... I have experience the from death to life phenomenon of God's word in my heart and life. I know it.

Yet, I still struggle with drinking, eating from it. Consistently, daily....and I die and wither and KNOW why!!!!

Lord help me to drink.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Come join the Siesta's on Beth Moore's blog! We are starting a summer bible study...on line..sorta.... Here's the details: Summer Bible Study





Click for First Session Kick-off.

I am thirsty for some summer living water, how about you???

Choose your View....

I read something today that just resonated and wanted to share it with you... so worth the read. To read it click here: Choose your view

I started walking today. There has to be a day 1 to everything, right? I walked for 78 minutes. Tired, but I feel good. This may be the start of something good.

On my walk, I saw some flowering shrubs. 90% of the flowers on the shrubs were dry and crispy brown....but scattered through the brown blossoms were a few vibrant pink and fushcia colored jewels. I had to run my hand across them. I thought, these shrubs are thirsty and in need of water. And I thought, like me. I know I daily need the washing of the water of the word. I know it. Yet, I don't. And then I wonder why I am brown, crispy with only an occasionally splash of color.

With walking, I plan to get back to journaling with the word. Watch for a post SOON, with links to some great articles on journalling.

Blessings

Do You Paint a Rented House?

I have a love for peeling, chipped, sanded, weathered paint.



I remember when I bought an old, paint-peeling desk, and as my dad was helping me load it, he asked what color I was going to paint it.



Paint it??!! I was incredulous...and lose this old, worn, patina. I bought it BECAUSE it looked like this. Lol!



I take perfectly good book cases and paint on layers of different color paint and sand it off. I paint my Adirondack chairs a seashore blue and love it as it is almost all peeled off with grey, weathered wood. I painted the front door of my old house a periwinkle and then waxed and sanded all the edges to make it look old and worn. Love it!



That said, our home is a rental home, and there are limits, I suppose to what I can do. I guess. Although we have tiled the kitchen and bathroom, replaced the outside lighting fixtures, put in four ceiling fans, planted a tree and flowers.....and put in a pet door.



My house ~ inside ~ needs painting. And, seeing the fence between my neighbors and I that badly needs repair, and getting the response from the property management where they just put in a couple steel poles to shore up the leaning, falling boards, I doubt if I am going to get a positive response on a request to have the house painted, or compensate me for the painting.


(yea, I paid for the ceiling fans, light fixtures, tile and pet door...to make it livable!)



So do I invest in painting a rented house?



Many would say NO. If they won't pay for it, why should you?



But then, they are not living in it. The change to our environment that paint would bring is going to bless us far more than it will bless the owner or the property managers.



How I feel about where I live and love and care for my family is important to me!


So do I paint a rented house? I think yes. Just like investing in all the little things that touch a life, and may not last forever yet, the touch to the heart can have a lasting impact.



So I think, once I come back from Ethiopia and can save up a little paint money...I am going to get started.


:)

My boy-man

Nick is my little 11 year old boy-man. Growing up in so many ways..as he explains the intricacies of batting stances, and catcher positions and tests me on basketball moves, and yet so tender-hearted, loving hugs, and snuggles and momma time.

I love him to pieces!

It is hard, in many ways, being a boy-man. The oldest in the family, he sometimes chaffs under the yoke of being the example or peacemaker, and yet has true leadership qualities and talents.

It does not sit well, some days, being the oldest "man of the house", when he has longed for many years to have a "daddy at home".

But I am so cotton-pickin' proud of him. He loves big, feels big and drinks in life. Quick to hug and appreciate any show of affection, like a little sponge.

As I watched two days of baseball games, and saw several boys his age cringe under the sting of a reprimand from a coach, a couple even in tears ~one did not come back the second day. :( ~ and the same boys just blossom and grin under a praise of a RBI or smart decision on a play..... these young boy-men are so easily influenced, moldable.

If we invest in our son's hearts, what awesome men they will grow up to be.

I pray for my two, I pray for their classmates and teammates, and friends..... capture this generation for you, Lord. Capture these boy-men and make them into godly men. And capture the hearts of those who would invest in them and realize the impact they have.

I love you Nicholas! You make your momma proud and fill her heart!

Tip Junkie is having a party!!!! go win....

Hey TIp Junkie is having a giveaway..and there are still two days to win....go check it out!

View from my Cell: Soccer, Basketball and Nature

Busy, busy, busy, has been the name of our game. With Anthony in soccer camp last week, and Nick in basketball camp.

I thought I would share a few pictures from my cell.

That is Anthony at the head of the "catapillar line" in the yellow shirt. This is how they celebrated each time they made a goal! And then of course dousing the coach with their water bottles! :) Tad loved the week and is planning on taking a second week later this summer.


Nicholas enjoyed basketball camp taught by an former Harlem Globe Trotter. This is his second week of this camp and each time he learns new skills and gets re-enthused about basketball. I am hoping his school will have enough guys to have a 6th grade team this coming year!

The last set of pictures, are some I took during lunch on the property where I work. Intel has a little walking path, pond and waterfall, and it was just so peaceful and refreshing to take a stroll out there, and a little breather at work.

It is odd, ever since I decided to just rest in God and choose to be happy, I have felt so peaceful and keep getting reinforcements to that affect.

God is good and in control.

I spent the weekend scrapbooking (see here) watching a couple movies, pool time with the kids and just kicking back.

More Later!

The Veiw from my Cell: Ranger Awards

I have been pleasantly surprized by the picture taking ability of my new cellphone (see here and here, all cellphone photos), that I thought I would start a new series of posts where I occasionally share the "view from my cell".

So here is the view from last night. My children had awards night at Rangers and Impact. A church-based scouting program where they earn patches, etc. It was a great night with all three of my children earning new badges and awards. Nicholas was promoted to the "Adventure Ranger" level and Anthony to the "Discovery Ranger" level. Nicholas gave a speak on what it took to earn his "Family Life" badge, including his chore chart, a family project of planting a pear tree he named PJ. (Pointing to Jesus) and what we learned in our family meetings (keep 'em short for the little ones and have a fun activity at the end.)

It was a great night, made even more so by the attendance of Nanny and Papa!

I so appreciate the scouting program at our church and the men and women that invest in these kids!

At least as of today... a perspective...

I choose to be happy.

Yesterday I decided this. Tired and fed up with struggling with all my conundrums, I decided to make a conscious choice to just STOP IT and choose to be happy.

A title of a book, I have not read, intrigued me (I did not buy it, my book stacks are too high and my amazon.com wish list is just too long) but it voiced what I concluded.

The book title:

Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.
By Kevin De Young.

Great title, huh?

So I have these great questions, imponderables, paradoxes that I just cannot reconcile or solve, so I decided to just let them go, and live my life, and be happy. I will love my God, respond if He speaks/leads, love my kids to pieces and just do my life, happily, without resolutions.

The great imponderables?

• Trying to understand the freewill of man against the unthwarted plan (sovereignty) of God and how the two reconcile.
• Trying to understand why God allows the extreme poverty, pain, need, sorrow, brokenness of people in Ethiopia, Uganda, India, etc etc etc and the spoiled, entitlement-driven affluence of America (and a few other places). How can He bless me or answer my prayer, while they suffer? And don't even get me started on the orphaned children of the world and the "christian" peoples who cannot be inconvenienced. ("It's just not my calling, Linda Sue, I tell ya, it is just not my callin', but God bless 'em!")
• Trying to comprehend what is the effective power of prayer when I do not see the intervention of God or the answers to prayer.
• Trying to understand God, when He is beyond my understanding, like Chris Rice says, trying to smell the color 9. 9 is not a color, and even if it is, you can't smell a color anyway. His point exactly.
• Trying to grasp God's kingdom plan and calender and why it is not "enough already!" Why keep this going in this way when every day He has to start over with a new group and new generation. What is the milestone that says...ok, let's move on to what is next.
• What He expects when waiting on God seems to result in just waiting and in the meantime decisions need to be made and things need to be done.
• Why is God silent? He was silent for about 400 years between the old and new testament...and now for a bit over 1940 years or so...since Revelation was penned. Why? Why not burn a bush or knock someone off a donkey or speak from a cloud in heaven or whisper in the night? We are getting it really mixed up down here, it seems. Why not set us straight? Aren't we as useful, important, worth it.....loved as they were?

So those are my imponderables. Harsh perhaps in some ways, but honest.

And I came to this conclusion: There is no answer for them. I can reflect and search and dig and ask and read and pray from here to eternity, literally, and unless God decides to end the silence, I will NEVER KNOW the answer.

So I choose to let them go.

I choose to be happy without answers.

I choose to let my soul (and mind) rest from the struggle.

I choose to believe God and His sovereignty and with all my heart surrender my freewill to what I know of Him. He will have to show me what I do not know, if it needs to be known.

I choose to help those in poverty and pain as much as my resources can and not get caught up in affluenza, as much as I can and share the joy of adoption by living it out in my family.

I choose to pray about all that crosses my heart, believing His word, that it is powerful and effective, even when I do not see it.

I choose to trust and believe my God who is beyond my understanding and whose ways are incomprehensible to me.

I choose to leave his kingdom calendar up to Him and just do what is before me.

I choose to hear him speak in what He spoke in His ancient text and watch Him make it living and alive breathing hope into my life now. If He is silent on all else, than so be it.

I choose God

and I choose to be happy.

A walk in the park....

Or to the park....

Feeling a bit blue yesterday afternoon, Mary and I took a walk to the park....

I felt (still feel) so displaced sometimes....I lose sight of where I fit...what I am suppose to be doing here....and if what I am doing is enough...is there something else... Ok wierd I know.

I think really I feel lonely at times... even with my house full of kids.... even with my often silent God.

Anyway. On our walk...God just showed me beauty all around, as my eyes opened to it.

Nothing had to be solved, answered, figured out, epiphanized....

Just let the angst all sit... and enjoy God's nature.

I love the country.

I live in the suburbs...

yet....look at what I saw.

It if funny, the words to this silly old song came to my mind..."everything is beautiful, in its own way...."

Enjoy the view....

Here's a hoot. All these pictures were taken with my cellphone!