Tim Hawkins is pretty much guaranteed to make me laugh until I cry.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Works for me Wednesday - Displaying Kids' Artwork
Our son & daughter both manage to crank out a lot of art projects. They, of course, are proud of their creations and want them on display... I want to encourage them, but also have a hard time getting excited about accessorizing every room in our house with construction paper.My solution: the art wall! This space is in our dining area, right by the back door. We spend a lot of our time here, but it's not the very first thing you see when you walk in our house. The kids know that this is where stuff has to fit - and if they have a new masterpiece to share, then we need to decide what will be coming down. All it took to create was six nails, a few feet of jute twine, and some clothespins. I considered decorating the clothespins with paint, ribbon, or patterned paper, but in the end decided to leave them plain because I didn't want to detract from the kids' creations.
Click over to get some other great "works for me" tips!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Sometimes God has purple fingernails
How's that for a post title?! First off some background: I'm still fighting off whatever viral thingee has taken up residence in my body and the kiddos, daughter in particular, have been whiny... probably due in part to the fact that Daddy left on Saturday morning for a week-long business trip. Blechs all around. And as I've whined about mentioned we have yet to find a church home in our new locale.
Sunday morning we were off to visit another church, this time in an adjacent town. The kids were a bit grumpy about the prospect, and frankly I was tempted to just take the "easy" way out and laze on the couch, but we loaded up and some good music on the little trek got us in a better mindset. We arrived, walked in, were warmly greeted and given a bulletin*. I walked the kids to their classes (they have a separate praise and worship time as well) and headed back. I had a moment of confusion, though, when I exited the kids' section and came to the common area where there were more doorways than I remembered... Yet another reason I miss having hubby around - he's much more observant and has a better sense of direction than I do! Anyway, a couple ladies were there chatting - they noticed my confusion and asked if I was looking for the bathroom :) I said I was just trying to get back to the sanctuary, and then noticed the "Worship Center" plaque mounted on the door. I made a little joke about reading signs, and then headed in to take a seat.
As I was sitting, I looked up to see that one of the ladies had followed me in, and came over to introduce herself. Jean is approximately my grandmother's age, and her accent indicated that she's a "Southern belle" transplant to the Valley. She had short, permed hair, was lugging an enormous purse, and had a warm smile. And I couldn't help but notice her long, purple nails. She hugged me and invited me to come sit with her - then proceeded to stop and introduce me to every person in between my original seat and her pew. We didn't get a chance to talk further as the service was starting. The music began - neither a pounding "performance" nor a stilted dirge - but a worshipful chorus with meaningful lyrics. Ahhhh. I could already feel the weight being lifted from my soul. The pastor is currently working through Acts, and he spoke on chapter 10. Another good thing - expository preaching!
The service finished, and Jean continued to introduce me around, generally with one arthritic hand resting on my arm as she reached out for the other person, purple nails flashing. I got several more hugs, and when I picked the kids up they were both excited to tell me about the songs they'd sung and the verse they were all going to memorize during the week. More good stuff. As we were driving home, I couldn't help but offer a prayer of thanksgiving for Jean... and also wondered if she would have latched onto me so firmly if I'd had my hubby with me. Probably not! Just another example of the way God works with our circumstances.
We'll be going back on Sunday. As a complete family. Continuing to pray!
*Already better than the previous week, when the only thing we were given was an offering envelope. Now that's a great first impression! I left that church service with a severe headache from the crazy loudness, and didn't feel at all challenged in my Christian walk. Our son wanted to know why the girl up front was screaming instead of singing. Couldn't have summed it up better myself.
Sunday morning we were off to visit another church, this time in an adjacent town. The kids were a bit grumpy about the prospect, and frankly I was tempted to just take the "easy" way out and laze on the couch, but we loaded up and some good music on the little trek got us in a better mindset. We arrived, walked in, were warmly greeted and given a bulletin*. I walked the kids to their classes (they have a separate praise and worship time as well) and headed back. I had a moment of confusion, though, when I exited the kids' section and came to the common area where there were more doorways than I remembered... Yet another reason I miss having hubby around - he's much more observant and has a better sense of direction than I do! Anyway, a couple ladies were there chatting - they noticed my confusion and asked if I was looking for the bathroom :) I said I was just trying to get back to the sanctuary, and then noticed the "Worship Center" plaque mounted on the door. I made a little joke about reading signs, and then headed in to take a seat.
As I was sitting, I looked up to see that one of the ladies had followed me in, and came over to introduce herself. Jean is approximately my grandmother's age, and her accent indicated that she's a "Southern belle" transplant to the Valley. She had short, permed hair, was lugging an enormous purse, and had a warm smile. And I couldn't help but notice her long, purple nails. She hugged me and invited me to come sit with her - then proceeded to stop and introduce me to every person in between my original seat and her pew. We didn't get a chance to talk further as the service was starting. The music began - neither a pounding "performance" nor a stilted dirge - but a worshipful chorus with meaningful lyrics. Ahhhh. I could already feel the weight being lifted from my soul. The pastor is currently working through Acts, and he spoke on chapter 10. Another good thing - expository preaching!
The service finished, and Jean continued to introduce me around, generally with one arthritic hand resting on my arm as she reached out for the other person, purple nails flashing. I got several more hugs, and when I picked the kids up they were both excited to tell me about the songs they'd sung and the verse they were all going to memorize during the week. More good stuff. As we were driving home, I couldn't help but offer a prayer of thanksgiving for Jean... and also wondered if she would have latched onto me so firmly if I'd had my hubby with me. Probably not! Just another example of the way God works with our circumstances.
We'll be going back on Sunday. As a complete family. Continuing to pray!
*Already better than the previous week, when the only thing we were given was an offering envelope. Now that's a great first impression! I left that church service with a severe headache from the crazy loudness, and didn't feel at all challenged in my Christian walk. Our son wanted to know why the girl up front was screaming instead of singing. Couldn't have summed it up better myself.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Psalm 103 - Amplified
BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--
Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;
Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!
The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.
He will not always chide or be contending, neither will He keep His anger forever or hold a grudge.
He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more.
But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children's children--
To such as keep His covenant [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] and to those who [earnestly] remember His commandments to do them [imprinting them on their hearts].
The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion; bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul!
What a great reminder on a Monday.
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--
Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;
Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!
The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.
He will not always chide or be contending, neither will He keep His anger forever or hold a grudge.
He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more.
But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children's children--
To such as keep His covenant [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] and to those who [earnestly] remember His commandments to do them [imprinting them on their hearts].
The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion; bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul!
What a great reminder on a Monday.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Opening My Eyes
My mind is all over the place right now, but I just wanted to get some of this out...
I’m still having a hard time down here. Our neighbor refers to this area as American-occupied Mexico, and frankly, it’s kind of hard to argue. The Mexican culture is definitely the dominant influence, with bits and pieces of Southern “well-bless-your-heart” throw in for good measure. The women are always dressed well, and 90% of the time that includes tight shirts and high heels. I’m still not used to hearing children referred to as “Mamma” or “Pappa.” The local news makes me giggle. I think it’s odd when I see beer being served with breakfast. We’re a good deal older than the majority of the parents at school. I often get a look of shock when I explain where we’re from – I’ve had a number of conversations with people who have never traveled more than a few hours from the Rio Grande Valley. It seems no one plans ahead for anything – aside from the school calendar, it’s hard to plan more than a week in advance.
At MOPS yesterday one of the leaders had her aunt come and speak. And, well, I have to admit that I nearly missed it. I’m still not feeling 100%, plus I had a lousy attitude and was basically thinking, “What on earth could I possibly learn from her?” It sounds so arrogant when I spell it out like that, but it’s the plain truth. And while I’ve enjoyed the meetings, I have been frustrated with the lack of organization and haven’t made “deep” connections. Anyway, she started speaking about the relationship with her daughter and then opened it up for questions/discussion. And I was served a heapin’ helpin’ of humble pie. I was whacked upside the head with a reminder that we ALL are humans in need of God’s grace and redeeming love. That no matter what the culture or age, that we as women carry pain. That we juggle expectations and crave approval.
Mothers. Daughters. Sisters. Friends. We all need Jesus.
I’m still having a hard time down here. Our neighbor refers to this area as American-occupied Mexico, and frankly, it’s kind of hard to argue. The Mexican culture is definitely the dominant influence, with bits and pieces of Southern “well-bless-your-heart” throw in for good measure. The women are always dressed well, and 90% of the time that includes tight shirts and high heels. I’m still not used to hearing children referred to as “Mamma” or “Pappa.” The local news makes me giggle. I think it’s odd when I see beer being served with breakfast. We’re a good deal older than the majority of the parents at school. I often get a look of shock when I explain where we’re from – I’ve had a number of conversations with people who have never traveled more than a few hours from the Rio Grande Valley. It seems no one plans ahead for anything – aside from the school calendar, it’s hard to plan more than a week in advance.
At MOPS yesterday one of the leaders had her aunt come and speak. And, well, I have to admit that I nearly missed it. I’m still not feeling 100%, plus I had a lousy attitude and was basically thinking, “What on earth could I possibly learn from her?” It sounds so arrogant when I spell it out like that, but it’s the plain truth. And while I’ve enjoyed the meetings, I have been frustrated with the lack of organization and haven’t made “deep” connections. Anyway, she started speaking about the relationship with her daughter and then opened it up for questions/discussion. And I was served a heapin’ helpin’ of humble pie. I was whacked upside the head with a reminder that we ALL are humans in need of God’s grace and redeeming love. That no matter what the culture or age, that we as women carry pain. That we juggle expectations and crave approval.
Mothers. Daughters. Sisters. Friends. We all need Jesus.
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
~Brandon Heath ("Give Me Your Eyes" from the album What If We)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Just another Sunday afternoon...
...in February?!? Yes, the water is still cold, but the kids didn't seem to mind. Well, D didn't (A, you'll notice, is tentatively dipping her toes in ;)
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