~Answered prayer...I have been praying about something for a long time. This weekend I finally got the fact that I was standing in the way of God answering my prayer in His way. I kept trying to fix/solve the problem. Within hours of surrendering it to the Lord, He answered my prayer in a great way.
~Great husbands.....my is the best!
~Grandparents....We had a fun time with Grandparents at our Keeper's Grandparents luncheon.
~My dog Belle....She is such a great dog and she likes me best!
In a former life that I now dimly remember, I occasionally got free music as a sales associate for The Ark Bookstore in Denver. Normally, the samples were of new, relatively unknown groups that their label was trying to push. There was the rare exception, however, and those were moments that made the low wages and long hours almost worth it. Chief among those moments was when our Sparrow representative stopped by with a pre-release copy of Steve Taylor's 1993 album, Squint. It was the last—so far—studio album that Taylor would release, capping a decade-long career in the Christian music industry. Most folks don't know who Steve Taylor is. However, most Christians have likely heard the Newsboys' song, Shine, which Steve produced and wrote the lyrics to. In fact, Steve's partnership with the Newsboys is what most credit them for their success.
Steve's music has had a huge impact on my life. Songs like Hero, Meltdown, On The Fritz and so many others fed my spirit when I faced religious hypocrisy and pretentious spirituality at a young age where I needed truth and solidarity. Truth confronts, but it also comforts. One of the best examples is in the song, "Curses," where the chorus (echoing Psalm 37:25) repeats,
Never have I seen the righteous forsaken
Never abandoned in the floodlands
Never have I seen their children out begging
Never have I seen them slip through your hands
This simple refrain would echo in my mind every time I faced worries about making mortgage or buying groceries. It remains a reminder that not only is God faithful, but that I am not the first of his children to encounter financial difficulty.
There is something else about the chorus. In this modern,"lower-middle class" lifestyle, I tend to forget the meaning of floodlands. Today, modern civilization has flood control. Rivers that used to rage and ravage towns and cities are now harnessed and regulated by dams and reservoirs. The floodlands were areas that were normally dry but prone to extensive inundation. As a result, no one who could afford to build would build in such an area. They tended to be vast areas with thick undergrowth crisscrossed by a myriad of foot trails. The only inhabitants were the poorest of the poor, vagrants living a nomadic lifestyle and eating hand-to-mouth. If a river were to flood, they would be among the first victims, sometimes the only victims. Being abandoned in the floodlands would never be by choice. It would be the last stop before dying.
God is always mindful of our situation. He never lets us slip through His hands. We make mistakes, but He never does. Also, notice what it doesn't say. It doesn't say that we would never see the floodlands, or walk through them. He may have us pass through the floodlands for any number of reasons, not the least of which would be to reach out to those are also in desperate need. Yet here is the one thing that brings me such comfort: we will never be abandoned! We have a God who carries us through the fiercest storms and the highest waves. Most importantly, when it's all over, we get to go home with Him. That's worth any trek we might face here on earth.
Just in case one thinks I'm blowing smoke, I'll offer a subjective proof, one of many small miracles God has done for me and my family. Two weeks ago, my mind turned to Christmas. It dawned on me that we might not make mortgage, let alone have the ability to purchase gifts this year for my children. Rather than fret, I told God about it and asked Him to please provide Christmas gifts for my kids. Later that week, I got a call from our church saying that a family wanted to bless a family in need with Christmas presents and asked if I would be interested. "Are you kidding? I was just praying about that this week!" I told them. Needless to say, everyone was blessed at how God worked the whole thing. He usually isn't so blatant and obvious. God uses subtle and practical ways for us most of the time. But once in awhile he offers us unmistakable signs that He's there. With God, we are never abandoned.
Now it is November, it is getting colder. We inevitably end up spending more time indoors and end up getting more done.
This month finds us preparing for Christmas, which means we are sorting presents and making lists. I find it sooo helpful to get everything done before the big rush. I make a list and the items just get ticked off.
On the homeschool front, Hosey and Kezzy are learning to read and write, they are doing the work together. I find it helps, as they spur each other along.
Cherry finished her first book, a while back and I am still editing that.
Jash and Izzy are grappling with algebra. Funny how it comes quickly to some and not others.
The rest are plodding along. Izzy had his Richmond test back, which showed he had not just made a years progress, but had also improved on that! It is so great when you have positive feedback, especially as moi, the teacher.
Our four day week is working great and also our schedule. So they will be staying. Just a little bit of order in a chaotic household!
Love to hear how others are doing. Please drop a comment.
To enter just tell me about your favorite pet!
Was it a dog, cat, horse, hamster?
Do you still have her/him?
Entries taken until Wednesday night and I'll announce the winner on Thursday.
Please leave me a way to get in touch with you if you win.
Our sweet little kitty, Raider, is now living in NC with my best friend. She has a new name, Bella.
We miss her a lot. I want to know what she is doing and if she misses us.
HI RAIDER, I MEAN BELLA!!
I hope you live 20 long years and give my favorite friend lots of love and company.
WE MISS YOU!
• Nov. 9, 2009 - Apollo Eight Astronauts Read From Genesis 1968
Posted By jaminacema
The other night my daughter came to me with her Awana book and said "It says in here that in the 60's the Astronauts read from the book of Genesis on Christmas Eve from the Moon. Is that true or something Awana just made up?" I happened to be sitting at the computer so I played this for her...
I am assuming I don't remember this from the original airing since I was only 3 in 1968! But I do remember hearing it before. It is quite touching to listen to and somewhat sad to think about how much our world has changed in the last 40 years. I can't imagine something like this happening today and obviously neither could my daughter since she thought they had made it up for Awana.
I am praying for a revival for America! How awesome it would be to NOT be surprised to hear prayer in this country! How wonderful it would be for my children and grandchildren to live in an America that honored the one true God! Please join me in praying for our country.
Kaira was a very excited princess when the big day finally arrived. We were were joined by Lady Beverly, Sir Richard, the Bowman James, Lady Lorelle, the beautiful princess Kaitlyn, and the delightful jester Sirhc! The games were underway when the Royal executioner showed up, escorting a servant girl he had found fleeing the Manor of Lord S and Lady K.
The servant girl threw herself to the ground and begged the princess for mercy, and the executioner inquired what should be done with the servant, who was no doubt an accomplice in helping the Lord and Lady escape. Kaira looked upon the groveling servant girl in mercy and answered the executioner emphatically, "Let her have fun!"
And so, have fun we did. The games included a quest for the grail, tests of archery, musical chairs, and tiara and shield making. James the Bowman provided a demonstration of his skill, putting arrows through our bales with such force that we found broken shafts the next day! The Lady Lorelle even brought along her pet draglet, whom Kaira took to immediately.
Kaira's cousins attempted to present her with her very own prince, (who had journeyed all the way from Prague) but alas, her mischievous cousin, the wee jester Sirhc had enchanted the poor fellow and turned the Prague Prince into a Frog Prince. The counter enchantment required she recite "Prairie Frog Fairy Prince" seven times in succession before kissing him three times. (Seven plus three adding up to ten--her age, of course!) Poor Kaira failed to recite it properly each time, and he remained amphibious. Fortunately the fellow seems content to remain a pet. (She's too young for a real prince anyway, so I'm secretly relieved.)
"Kenneth O'Laughlan" read the Fools Prayer, and the wee jester Sirhc did a Sirhcus act for us! We feasted on shish kabob and raspberry cream filled cake.
I should have required a few guests stand still for a quick photo op. I didn't manage to capture my niece and nephew's beautiful costumes as fully as I'd like, and somehow the Lady Beverly managed to avoid the camera lens. I also neglected to capture my own wee knights, Sir Keegan and Sir Kieran before they shed their armor. (And, I was behind the camera instead of in front of it. Which is all very good and well.)
After mailing out the invitations, Kaira was delighted to see her courtiers respond. Here are a couple of the more interesting replies:
To the Attention of Princess Kaira,
It is my grievous duty to bring a matter of utmost importance to your attention. Reliable sources have informed me that the party invitees of (Lastname) Manor are planning to be late for the festivities. Such blatant disrespect for the royal Princess needs to be dealt with quickly and harshly to keep order in the kindgdom. Therefore, on the appointed date, I will personally apprehend the culprits and bring them in haste for you to make a ruling on their punishment. I pray this will not cause too much disruption in the roayl festivities.
Signed in my own hand
X
His Majesty's Royal Executioner
And a little later, from her Aunt:
Thank you, dear PrairieFrogs, for your delightful invitation.
Your unfortunate messenger, a drunkard no doubt, first delivered our summons to a dwelling two kingdoms away, the Court *Edinburgh.
However, the royal family there discovered the mistake and kindly hired a more reliable carrier to complete the letter's journey.
And so at last, we (Lastnames) of the Court *Capella did learn of the wondrous celebration to be held in honour of our beloved cousin, the Princess Kaira!
With great glee, we are preparing ourselves for the day. The wee jester Sirhc, the young princess Kaitlyn, the bowman James and I shall travel north at the appointed time to partake in the festivities!
She sent invitations: sealed in wax, and delivered by national courior:
Most PrairieFrog birthdays are quiet affairs, with just our own little family. Every ten years, however, for the entire duration of their childhood, we'll treat each child to a party with other guests!
This year, as Kaira celebrated the completion of her first decade, we hosted our first such event!
I'll confess that the date gave me pause. Although we do give a nod to Reformation day, the 31st of October is typically just another day for us. We don't recognize the event our neighbors celebrate, or do any "alternatives". But, with Kaira's birthday falling on Sunday, the day prior became a perfect choice. (I think we've celebrated Ken's birthday on that date as well--He was born on October 29th--but it was a quiet family affair.) Hosting a costume party on the 31st was new for me!
My wife came up and told me that Sesame Street had done another spoof. This time it was a skit called "Desperate Horse-wives." I got a groan when I asked if the characters were less than neigh-borly.
In all seriousness, I'm not that thrilled with how the folks at Sesame Street parody network TV shows. While I am sure that the creators mean simple and innocent fun with their skits, I believe it also sends the message that the shows they represent are normal and acceptable in normal households. I'm not sure how normal we are, but Desperate Housewives is a show that we do not let in our house. My children know that when Extreme Makeover Home Edition is over and they hear, "Previously on Desperate Housewives..." power to the television is to be immediately terminated. It's almost comical how they scramble to turn it off, as if they were diving on a live grenade.
While it may not be a grenade, many TV shows are painfully difficult for us to watch these days. Some of the shows are so corrosive, I wonder how anyone can possibly watch them. Consequently, some nights we simply don't turn on the television set. Instead, we will read a good book or play a game together, if we don't split up to do separate things. We avoid the shows not because we like feeling superior or cerebral, but because we've found that these shows actively interfere with our hearts and minds.
8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. (Philippians 4:8, The Message)
I can't come out with a list of TV shows that I think are bad or good. The verse above should be more than enough for the average Christian, especially when it's paired with the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Each person is responsible only to God for decisions like these. However, Jesus did give us a special charge with children.
"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. Mark 9:42 (NIV)
To me this verse means that God takes the destruction of children's innocence very seriously. This is why the Sesame Street skits irritate me. It feels like they're playing with fire. Look smart all you want, but I would prefer if they would just stick with "C is for cookie," and the yip-yip monsters.
What? You've never heard of the yip-yip monsters? Yip Yip
Now the colder weather is coming upon us. Here is a great recipe for chocolate oatmeal cookies! I have modified it. The original recipe was from a friend.
Ingredients:
220 gramms of butter
3/4 cup of dark brown sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of plain wholemeal flour
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 cup of wheatbran
3 cups of oatmeal
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of cocoa powder
2 free range eggs
Method:
First you cream the butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
Then add the eggs.
Next add the flour,baking soda, oatmeal and cocoa powder and mix well.
Lastly, shape into biscuit sized pieces and bake at a medium heat, in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Enjoy!
This recipe makes around 24 generous cookies.
You can then top them when cool with some melted chocolate, for extra indulgence.
