Ever heard the statement used in a derogatory manner? Or as a frustrated cry when things don't go correctly?
Well, this week, it has taken on a whole new meaning for me. We are having revival meetings with Evangelist Mike Peletier and his family this week. The messages have been a wonderful blessing to me. I've interpreted for the deaf twice, and I had nursery last night, but God has done a pretty amazing thing in my life over the last few days. That's sure.
Tuesday night's message was about making God "My GOD". He started with Moses, in Exodus 3 when God calls him. In there, God says, "I am the God of thy father Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob..." However, He never says "The God of Moses" until later when Moses had CHOSEN God for himself. Bro Mike then went back into Genesis, and showed the same true at the calling of Abraham, the calling of Isaac, and the calling of Jacob. He talked of how God will never be your personal God until you chose him for yourself. And that you can choose him in salvation, but there's so much more to it. He then turned over to Psalm 18:1-3, "I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."
He then continued on with an explanation about a time in college, that that became more than just another verse to him. He was looking for a particular need to be met, and God had answered him with these verses.... He also said that in his Bible, all the personal pronouns were circled, showing emphasis... here, read it again:
Psalm 18:1-3, "I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."
It was just a good reminder for me, that he has to be MY God. I have done that many times, but as of Wednesday, I needed that reminder I had gotten on Monday. Then tonight, Thursday, Bro Mike preached about things that hinder a Christians life. They were usual things, but what he said ABOUT them was exactly what I needed tonight, because of Wednesday.
Here's what he was talking about.... Sins that hinder.... Bitterness, Worry, and Hypocrisy.
Bitterness: when that person's name enter's your mind, there is an immediate feeling of dislike, almost like a bad taste you remember when you remember a certain food.
Worry: It tells your children that God is dead, or that he is a lie..... BECAUSE, if you really believed the things you claimed to believe when you were at church, then you wouldn't worry.... "your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of these things".
Hypocrisy: can be the outward manifestation of saying one thing and doing another, but it starts out as an attitude of thinking that you're better than someone else. That didn't convict me until he said, "have you ever looked at someone and thought, ' they think they're too good for everyone', then you are thinking you're better than they are because you're looking down on them for looking down on others. You are now the hypocrite." WOW! Needed to hear that.
So, the love of things holy? Holiness has taken a whole new meaning for me. I may not be out in the world doing "all that bad stuff" but I am doing bad.... all by myself......... and that could keep someone else from stopping the "bad stuff" to follow the Saviour I claim to believe so strongly in. Holiness is keeping my focus on my Heavenly Father, and allowing him to take care of others problems, and take care of me and my family and our needs.
Hope that makes some sense. I wanted to write it down somewhere before I lost it from mind and couldn't go back and recover it.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Fess Up: Mount Washmore
So, my dirty little secret is I can't keep up with the laundry!
It doesn't matter how often I wash it. In fact, I usually wash a load each day, very rarely skipping days (other than Sunday, and I make up for it Monday). It's not the amount of loads that I wash that is the problem. The problem is that I can't keep it folded and put away. I try and try to fold it imediately after it comes out of the dryer, but it never seems to get done!!! Why do we have to have so many clothes anyway?? I mean, couldn't I just keep one or two sets of Sunday clothes, a set of Wednesday clothes, and a couple of shorts outfits, and a couple of long pants outfits for each of the boys?? Then there wouldn't be so much laundry piling up!!
Now that our dryer is out, I need to hang every load as well. And with homeschool starting up again, it is going to be interesting to get it all done. Have to get the boys involved in folding and putting it away. If I don't let it pile up so long, I may not feel so badly about getting them involved. As it is, it might take them an entire day to help me fold what I have.
The entire couch, chair, and a couple of baskets are what I need to fold tonight.... should be fun!!!
It doesn't matter how often I wash it. In fact, I usually wash a load each day, very rarely skipping days (other than Sunday, and I make up for it Monday). It's not the amount of loads that I wash that is the problem. The problem is that I can't keep it folded and put away. I try and try to fold it imediately after it comes out of the dryer, but it never seems to get done!!! Why do we have to have so many clothes anyway?? I mean, couldn't I just keep one or two sets of Sunday clothes, a set of Wednesday clothes, and a couple of shorts outfits, and a couple of long pants outfits for each of the boys?? Then there wouldn't be so much laundry piling up!!
Now that our dryer is out, I need to hang every load as well. And with homeschool starting up again, it is going to be interesting to get it all done. Have to get the boys involved in folding and putting it away. If I don't let it pile up so long, I may not feel so badly about getting them involved. As it is, it might take them an entire day to help me fold what I have.
The entire couch, chair, and a couple of baskets are what I need to fold tonight.... should be fun!!!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Family Update
So, Here's a MAJOR answer to prayer!!
Doug got a call yesterday for a job, and he went today to fill out paperwork, and he goes tomorrow for orientation, and his first day!! God is SO good!! He provided more than we thought, better than he thought..... BECAUSE........... Here goes, Doug got a second job too..... Actually, I'll probably go to that one.
See, Doug's main job is from 3-12 in the evening, making it where he's home with our boys during the day. Since they're homeschooled, it doesn't matter that he's gone in the evening. We get to spend more of the awake hours with him!!
Because the second job is interpreting for Nancy (a deaf friend) at college, and it is only 10 hours a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I'll do that job to ensure that my husband doesn't miss an entire day with the boys twice a week. I'll do school with them in the evening while Doug is gone to finish up whatever is left after whatever I can do in the mornings before I go to interpret.
God has been VERY good to us, and provided each of our needs up until he gave us jobs again!! He has not let us go hungry, or without. How do you thank a God that good????
Doug got a call yesterday for a job, and he went today to fill out paperwork, and he goes tomorrow for orientation, and his first day!! God is SO good!! He provided more than we thought, better than he thought..... BECAUSE........... Here goes, Doug got a second job too..... Actually, I'll probably go to that one.
See, Doug's main job is from 3-12 in the evening, making it where he's home with our boys during the day. Since they're homeschooled, it doesn't matter that he's gone in the evening. We get to spend more of the awake hours with him!!
Because the second job is interpreting for Nancy (a deaf friend) at college, and it is only 10 hours a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I'll do that job to ensure that my husband doesn't miss an entire day with the boys twice a week. I'll do school with them in the evening while Doug is gone to finish up whatever is left after whatever I can do in the mornings before I go to interpret.
God has been VERY good to us, and provided each of our needs up until he gave us jobs again!! He has not let us go hungry, or without. How do you thank a God that good????
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Family Update
It's been a while since I logged in here to type, so here goes...
We've been working on moving my Mother-in-law into a smaller, more suitable apartment for her now that Dad's gone. We've gone through all the things in her home, and are selling things at the Flea Mall on Saturday. She's only been out of her house for a day, and I already miss having her nearby. I'm thinking of moving into her apartment building.... Not really, since I have a house and all, but I really, REALLY miss her.
Next, Because Mom is selling Dad's tools on Saturday, I've been working on making the boys toddler beds into bunk beds. I know, crazy, but they turned out pretty nice, if I say so myself!!
We've been working on moving my Mother-in-law into a smaller, more suitable apartment for her now that Dad's gone. We've gone through all the things in her home, and are selling things at the Flea Mall on Saturday. She's only been out of her house for a day, and I already miss having her nearby. I'm thinking of moving into her apartment building.... Not really, since I have a house and all, but I really, REALLY miss her.
Next, Because Mom is selling Dad's tools on Saturday, I've been working on making the boys toddler beds into bunk beds. I know, crazy, but they turned out pretty nice, if I say so myself!!
I also am working on putting up shelves in the boys room, so I can put up the important stuffed animals, and trophies they earned in tee-ball. I moved Andrew into the same room with the two little guys so that I could make Andrew's old room into a play/ school room. As of now, all that is in the "Bed Room" are beds, dressers, and shoes. The toys are all in the "Play Room". I like it this way. Leaves only one room to try to clean up at lunch and bed time.
Homeschool? Well, I ordered all my books as of yesterday. I really liked the way that the BJU Math was last year for Aaron and Nate, so I ordered K-5 for Aaron this year, 1st for Nate, and 2nd for Andrew. I didn't order the tests, or the curriculum, because I noticed last year that they had a "Chapter Checkup" every section that I could use for a test, and I could get the speed drills that I want from online or make them myself. It was less money that I had to spend, and more that my boys could do with me. For Phonics/ Language, I went with A Beka. I think it is the best Phonics curriculums out there!! And since reading and addition/ subtraction/ multiplication/ division are the base for all else that you learn in school, I want the best!! I did have to buy the test book for 2nd grade Phonics, but I already had the one for 1st grade, and it can really be taken very easily on paper. For Reading, I have the A Beka readers that were given to me, and I can't wait for the boys to get into them. Nate should be reading really well by the end of the school year, and I'm looking forward to seeing him go!
For Science/ History/ and Health, we are going to be looking up subjects on the internet. Should prove to be fun. Gonna try to do some experiments as we go along.
Business, I'm slowly but surely working on my courage. I really LOVE this business. I've never in my life been so pushed, stretched and pulled into the shape that would please my Heavenly Father. I've become a better me, and can't wait to see what else God has for me (although I am a little scared as well).
Lets see, I also have been rearranging the house as I go along, and folding a mound of laundry that is the size of the couch. It's quite depressing, actually. But, I'm fixing to watch a sweet romantic movie while I fold late into the night.
Oh, and I dyed my hair for the very first time in my life. It is a light auburn, and it looks pretty nice. I'm still not used to it, but I like it, and Doug does too, so we'll see.
There's the update. Busy as always, and tomorrow will be more-so.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Swimming
The boys have been swimming in the pool for most of the summer days we have had.
They have become much braver about going under the water and opening their eyes under the water.
Aaron is the one who has surprised me the most. He has (prior to this summer) been almost drowned on three separate occasions. Ok, he was closely monitored, he just has this habit of diving out of the inner-tube he has been placed in, and into water that is far above his head. He has, however, done a wonderful job of adjusting to playing in the water and not drowning himself. He has even gone in a three foot swimming pool and, since the pool comes to about his eye level, he will walk around, occasionally jumping up to catch his breath before walking some more.
Both of the older two have been doing wonderful as well, Andrew can now float on his back, as well as swimming short distances. He can't get his face out of the water to breathe while he is swimming, so no deep end for him quite yet. Nate can almost float on his back, but he is still working on it. They are all doing really well, and I'm very thankful for my parents giving it to us. God is so good, and he continues to meet each need before we quite know we need it.
Right now, it is a crazily cool summer day, with highs supposed to be being around 80*. So today, I will sit here under my clothesline, watching my boys play soccer and on the swingset. I will thoroughly enjoy having the windows open and the fresh breeze coming through my home. God has been good, summer will be fun, and life can only go uphill from here.
They have become much braver about going under the water and opening their eyes under the water.
Aaron is the one who has surprised me the most. He has (prior to this summer) been almost drowned on three separate occasions. Ok, he was closely monitored, he just has this habit of diving out of the inner-tube he has been placed in, and into water that is far above his head. He has, however, done a wonderful job of adjusting to playing in the water and not drowning himself. He has even gone in a three foot swimming pool and, since the pool comes to about his eye level, he will walk around, occasionally jumping up to catch his breath before walking some more.
Both of the older two have been doing wonderful as well, Andrew can now float on his back, as well as swimming short distances. He can't get his face out of the water to breathe while he is swimming, so no deep end for him quite yet. Nate can almost float on his back, but he is still working on it. They are all doing really well, and I'm very thankful for my parents giving it to us. God is so good, and he continues to meet each need before we quite know we need it.
Right now, it is a crazily cool summer day, with highs supposed to be being around 80*. So today, I will sit here under my clothesline, watching my boys play soccer and on the swingset. I will thoroughly enjoy having the windows open and the fresh breeze coming through my home. God has been good, summer will be fun, and life can only go uphill from here.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
On the Lighter Side
OK, this is kind of morbid humor, but I don't want to forget it... ever.
We went to a private family viewing at the funeral home a few days after Dad passed away. As we got out of the van, Aaron said, "What's this place?" Daddy answered, "It's the funeral home." Aaron: "Why are we here?" Daddy: "Because this is where they took Papa's body." Aaron: "Oh........ (long pause while he thought about that) ................ Where'd they put his head?"
We went to a private family viewing at the funeral home a few days after Dad passed away. As we got out of the van, Aaron said, "What's this place?" Daddy answered, "It's the funeral home." Aaron: "Why are we here?" Daddy: "Because this is where they took Papa's body." Aaron: "Oh........ (long pause while he thought about that) ................ Where'd they put his head?"
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Good Wife
Things that happen are not in our control, but our attitude always is in our control.
Dad Clark went to live with the Lord this last Tuesday, June 8th, at 5:20 in the morning. Time since then has both dragged and stalled, if that makes any sense at all.
It seems like yesterday, I was watching him talk to Momma. He looked at her, and said, "It's been a good life, right Bridgie?" (See, Dad always called Mom "Bridgette", even though her real name was Dolores, because he said she was prettier than Bridgette Bordeaux, a pin-up girl of their generation). Mom got all choked up and said, "Yup, it's been pretty good." He says, "We haven't been too rich, but it was a good life." She says, "It was a great life!" I saw tears in his eyes. This man who never even said "I love you." This man who for all the time I have known him, has told me 4-5 times that he loved me... two of those were this last week or so. This man who shocked his son into realizing how close to death he was by saying "I love you."
He was an amazing man. Watching my husband grieve for his dad has wrenched my heart in half. Trying to be there if he needs me, but stay out of his way when he doesn't ... this has been my hardest challenge. It has been hard to stay close without smothering him. To give him his space while letting him know I was there if he needed.
Among all this happening, our dryer has also gone out. It has been a good dryer, given to us 9 years ago for our wedding. So, since we have no extra money for a dryer right now, and since we have other things that need the money we do have, I went out and invested $25 into a clothesline. I just had to buy the eye screws and the rope and clothespins, since God made our trees close enough together that we can string lines between them.
And my attitude? I think God has given me more grace over the last two weeks than I have had in all my life before. My theme verse has to be either, "My grace is sufficient for thee" from I Corinthians 12, or "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him" from Psalm 37. God has worked so much out, and I'm resting. Not just about this, but about so much more. It has been an amazing thing to watch God do the work while I am waiting.
God has been good, life has been bittersweet, and the future is as promising as my attitude of the moment. Praying, and waiting, and hoping and watching, and longing for what God has in store. Ready to look at the future and see it now.
Dad Clark went to live with the Lord this last Tuesday, June 8th, at 5:20 in the morning. Time since then has both dragged and stalled, if that makes any sense at all.
It seems like yesterday, I was watching him talk to Momma. He looked at her, and said, "It's been a good life, right Bridgie?" (See, Dad always called Mom "Bridgette", even though her real name was Dolores, because he said she was prettier than Bridgette Bordeaux, a pin-up girl of their generation). Mom got all choked up and said, "Yup, it's been pretty good." He says, "We haven't been too rich, but it was a good life." She says, "It was a great life!" I saw tears in his eyes. This man who never even said "I love you." This man who for all the time I have known him, has told me 4-5 times that he loved me... two of those were this last week or so. This man who shocked his son into realizing how close to death he was by saying "I love you."
He was an amazing man. Watching my husband grieve for his dad has wrenched my heart in half. Trying to be there if he needs me, but stay out of his way when he doesn't ... this has been my hardest challenge. It has been hard to stay close without smothering him. To give him his space while letting him know I was there if he needed.
Among all this happening, our dryer has also gone out. It has been a good dryer, given to us 9 years ago for our wedding. So, since we have no extra money for a dryer right now, and since we have other things that need the money we do have, I went out and invested $25 into a clothesline. I just had to buy the eye screws and the rope and clothespins, since God made our trees close enough together that we can string lines between them.
And my attitude? I think God has given me more grace over the last two weeks than I have had in all my life before. My theme verse has to be either, "My grace is sufficient for thee" from I Corinthians 12, or "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him" from Psalm 37. God has worked so much out, and I'm resting. Not just about this, but about so much more. It has been an amazing thing to watch God do the work while I am waiting.
God has been good, life has been bittersweet, and the future is as promising as my attitude of the moment. Praying, and waiting, and hoping and watching, and longing for what God has in store. Ready to look at the future and see it now.
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