Freedom-bound Captive

If you only knew

2012-01-31T12:01:00.000-06:00

Well it's the last day of January, so I'm not technically too late for the whole New Years post am I? My new years resolution was to stop procrastinating, but well .... Just kidding, I'd never make that resolution. Grin.

But the New Year did come and go and in the bustle of it all I didn't make time to do the whole reflect-on-the-past-and-dream-for the-future-thing till a few weeks ago.

As I was reminiscing the past year on my blog, I noticed while there were some tough things in 2011, there were lots of good things too. My word for the year last year was obedience. What I wanted from God was not a master/slave type of obedience. But a closer walk with Him. A keep in step with the Spirit, personal relationship type of obedience. Obedience that is a response from love, not from command. There has definitely been progress there.

I kept reading even past 2011 into 2010 and was reminded of some truth I felt God speak to me in a new way. I had blogged about a passage in Matthew and condemning the innocent. I was dealing with my own insecurity and the fact that I needed to stop rehearsing abusive thoughts towards myself.

Well God just so worked it out that the day before I read that old post, I was writing and studding this same passage for a different connection.

The scripture is Matthew 12:1-8 and the setting is Sunday, the Sabbath. The disciples are hungry and as they are walking through the wheat fields, they help themselves to some dinner. The Pharisees observe this and start a'fussin. They rebuke Jesus for the unlawful act of working on the day of rest. Jesus accurately uses scripture to correct them and help adjust their flawed thinking. What he says to them grabbed me as if Jesus turned from the Pharisees and began speaking directly to me;

"And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is the lord of the Sabbath."

The words 'I desire mercy' rang in my head.

One of the things that made 2011 tough in some ways was a period of transition. Life always brings change. And change brings to the surface stuff that you may or may not have recognized, or more importantly, may or may not have wanted to deal with. And upon remembering, (oh the pain of transparency) the Lord has revealed a critical spirit in me.

Ministry is tough. Because when ministry is as it should be, it's not about programs or events or Sunday mornings. Ministry is about people. And people, beginning with me, are messy. And just like a Pharisee whose vision gets too tightly zoomed in on 'this is how we do it', I forget that God is sovereign and not really interested in everyone keeping my rules that falsely make my little corner of the world feel secure.

How intriguing that my "goal" for myself last year was to obtain a more loving relationship with my Creator by keeping in step with him. The very thing I want for myself is the very thing he wants for everyone.

He desires I give mercy to the people around me that aren't keeping my "rules." He wants to walk with them too, and give them the freedom to eat when they are hungry. The truth is, when I find more comfort in obedience to my self imposed "rules" than in recognizing Jesus, I'm living as if he is not the Sovereign God that he is.

He is the Lord of the Sabbath, and of every other day of the week. And he is working and moving in other peoples lives at different times and ways than how he works and moves in mine. And to be critical of what Jesus himself is allowing displays a dangerous lie.

He is God. And he is Sovereign.

And his loving compassionate heart desires mercy.

The delicate intimacy that an ever reigning God has indivisibly linked to compassionate kindness is the beauty of the gospel. It is exactly what he means when he defines himself as love. He didn't come here to condemn me. And he didn't come here to condemn anyone else. He came to bring mercy. And satisfaction not from food. And comfort not from rules. And fulfillment not from good behavior. Treasures I am learning as I walk with him.

The mercy that he brings allows for relationship. Relationship most importantly with him, but also with each other. Mercy that is ready to feed the hungry. Mercy that is inconvenient and selfless. Mercy that is judgement free. Mercy that gives life to this hungry, selfish, unreasonable heart.

So now I know. He desires mercy.

Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8

Precious Jesus, how freely you have given grace and mercy to me. How selfishly I have held onto it until it has become a moldy critical mess inside. This is why your mercies are new every morning! Help me to remember who you are and to give like you give. Thank you that you are in control. Thank you for your patience as I slowly realize more and more just how in control I am not. Your grace is enough Jesus. Enough for me and all those around me. Forgive me and remove this prideful critical spirit. Make my heart a catalyst of your mercy Lord, and hold me accountable for what I now know. Your love is so beautiful!

Kids

2012-01-29T23:49:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have those times when you are reading scripture and you see something you've never seen before even thought it's been there all along? This has happened to me several times in the past few weeks.

The first was when I was studying Hannah's story in first Samuel for some writing I was doing. Chapter 3 reveals Samuel's calling in the opening verses by labeling him as a young man. Many translations read "boy." This account in scripture jumped off the page at me. The dialog that takes place is incredible. Samuel hears God, responds "here I am" and doesn't wait for a response but runs to his trusted leader. (There's a blog post in itself.) Eli tells him, "I didn't call you, go back to bed." The whole thing plays out again and when Eli realizes what's really going on, he says "Oh yeah. That's God. Tell him your listening. Then listen."

Instructions that seem to roll off the tongue as if conversing audibly with God in the middle of the night is as common as taking out the trash. The details given are few, yet the message is clear. God is speaking to this child. And the child is hearing God speak. Astounding.

Then at group later that week, we were discussing David's anointing to become king over the nation of Israel in 1 Samuel 16. We considered that this happened when David was possibly as young as 9 or 10 years old. A juvenile. A preteen potentially. Anointed to be king over God's chosen people. In this year with a presidential election on the horizon, this thought is almost indigestible.

In bible study the following morning, a quick reference to Hagar's story was made in Genesis 21. She and her son are in the wilderness about to die. Verse 16 records the desperate cries of a mother begging for mercy. But verse 17 says: And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What troubles you Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is."

Woah. Again, such few details supplied except a mother's request and God's response to an unrecorded prayer from a kid.

Wow! How many times before have I passed over these verses as if it was seemingly insignificant? God hearing, moving and providing on behalf of a boy. Jehovah anointing, what we would consider a minor, to be king of his chosen people. The I AM speaking and giving prophecy to a child that would be difficult at best for it's recipients to hear. Nearly unimaginable.

I have been thinking and rethinking about the three instances of God interacting with kids and I'm instantly reminded of Jesus saying "Let the children come to me, don't stop them. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to them," and "whoever humbles themselves like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

While stewing and brewing over all these accounts, one thing is clear: Age is of no discrimination to Jesus. That's very convicting to me as one who defines a main area of ministry life as my children. In what ways am I being diligent to show my children this quality of God? How am I leading my girls to pray and anticipate God to move and respond? Am I myself expecting God to hear and answer their prayers? Such real examples in scripture that have come alive and I can no longer act as if I haven't seen them.

God speaking to children. God hearing little one's prayers. God anointing a youth to profound leadership.

How tired God must get of the small box I keep trying to put him in? I'm so thankful for his patient grace that not only choose me and adults, but chooses children. My children and yours.

Lord Jesus, your ways are so much higher than mine. You use the things this world considers weak and lowly to display your glory so that no one can boast. Forgive me God for when I brush my kids away and am dismissive of their thoughts and actions of you. Continually remind me of how much you treasure childlike faith. Transform my heart and the hearts of my girls into a place where your kingdom reigns. Hallelujah that you hear my children's prayers! Open their ears that they may hear from you. You Jesus, are my and my children's righteousness, holiness and redemption. All glory, from birth to death, is yours and yours alone.

They shall be called...

2011-12-08T09:41:00.001-06:00

Yesterday morning my bible study took me to Matthew 5:9, a familiar passage of the beatitudes. It says this:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.

A few things jumped out at me.

I learned long ago there is a great difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. Far too often a peacekeeper isn't really keeping the peace. So much of the time in difficult situations we mistakenly think that if we don't say anything or just let stuff lie, then all will eventually be well. And, there are times that this is appropriate, however, I wonder if more often than not, this thinking proves more toxic than beneficial. It seems to me that the fear driven, forced indifference rarely brings real peace. This type of passive, responsibility-less, void of genuine love for another usually just brings a nice big pot to stew in, that eventually boils and explodes at the first stir.

To the contrary, peace making some times looks like having a difficult conversation with humility and compassion. Peace making sometimes looks like directly ending an unhealthy relationship. Peace making sometimes means standing up and speaking the truth in love with grace. Peace making is not always the most easy way out. Peace making, I believe, is often vastly different than peace keeping.

The other thing that grabbed me was the part that says "they shall be called". I recently was taught a new to me method of studying scripture by learning how to ask questions to hear God speak. So my question is; who is going to be doing the calling? Who is it that is going to look at a person's life and say "Whoa! This person is a peacemaker. They must belong to God!"

I think there are several answers. First, I think God sees when we are living the sometimes difficult life of peace making and says "Yes! You are mine and I will pour out my favor on you!"

I also think that our christian brothers and sisters see when we are choosing to walk in genuine love for others and recognize the truth as they see it. And then the Spirit moves in them to heap blessings on us in gifts of grace and compassion, mercy and encouragement.

But the option that I felt God really impress on me as an answer were the people that have yet to have an encounter and intimate relationship with Jesus. John 13:35 came to mind which says this: By this all people will know that you are mine, if you have love for one another all the time.

It's only in walking with Jesus that we can ever have productive, difficult conversations. It's only in being led by His Spirit that we can have healthy, growing relationships. It's only by His power we can be bold and be strong in a fruitfully lasting way.

Real love for one another.
Being a peacemaker, not a pseudo peacekeeper.
Keeping in step with Jesus.

This is a life of blessing.

This is how I want to be called.

Full

2011-11-21T12:31:00.001-06:00

My heart is so full today.

A beautiful friend in the hospital,
a very loved family moving away,
approaching holidays,
so many thoughts of love.

Seems to be a good time to check my focus.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace.

Thank you Jesus that even in the midst of so much life, there is nothing more captivating that you.

Yummy Comfort Food - Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder

2011-11-15T11:03:00.001-06:00

Fall is in full effect here and it's time to bust out the soup recipes. This one is from my sweet friend in Florida. It makes A TON so be sure to use a BIG pot!

Ingredients:

3 lbs chicken breast
1 qt half and half
1/4 chopped green onions ( I like a little more)
8 oz cream cheese
2 tablespoons minced garlic (again, a little more never hurts)
3 cans Cream of Potato
2 can Cream of Mushroom
2 cans cream corn
3 cans whole kernel corn
Tony's Chachere's to taste
1 stick of butter

Directions:

Boil the chicken. Then in a separate BIG pot, melt the butter. Add garlic and onions. Now cut up the cooked chicken. Add cream cheese, soups and half and half to pot. Mix well. Now add all cans of corn including juice. Mix again and let simmer. Add Tony's to coat the top good, stir in and give a rest between sprinkles. The more Tony's you add the spicier it will be. Enjoy.

This soup is so good and every time I've made it, it has been a big hit. I love that it's so easy and pretty quick to throw together. Makes a lot for leftovers or serving a big crowd.

What's your favorite fall comfort food?

I've been thinking...

2011-11-14T09:08:00.001-06:00

My amazingly fabulous hubby has been encouraging me to blog more consistently. I do want to, I just get so hung up on trying to really be as perfect as I can than that more often then not, I end up not writing at all. So I'm going to try to be more faithful in posting even if I don't always have some cool insight and a great way to tie it all up. After all writers write don't they? And getting better requires practice, so here we go.

Last week Jesus clearly spoke to me a fresh understanding of sin: taking my eyes off him. I've been thinking about that a lot. As I've been considering it, Galatians 1:10 has come to mind repeatedly. It says this:

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

I made the connection that guess what; I am a human being. I am people. (Thank you Captain Obvious for THAT public service announcement!) Yes, some days, I am just that slow. Haha

The picture I'm trying to paint is that it's not just a problem when I'm worried about what others think. Because wrapped up in that is a root of self. I want to be liked. I wanted to be approved. I want to be accepted and esteemed. So that means the truth is while I am trying to please others it is for completely selfish motives. I'm not sure I have connected before just exactly how linked these two thoughts are.

Then this morning I read Romans 6:16 which says this:

you are slaves to the one whom you obey, either of sin (remember, taking my eyes of Jesus), which leads to death, or of obedience which leads to righteousness.

Slaves to whom we obey. There is so much to unpack in those five words, but the idea for me this morning is very simple. Am I obeying me, or am I obeying Jesus?

Not exactly a new concept, I know. But definitely a new layer of insight into my heart has been pulled back and revealed. Don't you just love how God's word really is alive and active, sharp and piercing, discerning the thoughts and intentions of our hearts? And it's in the hands of a skillful and attentive, accurate and gracious, faithfully patient God. Sigh. I love him so.

Your turn now. (Grin) What's God speaking to your heart lately? Any "aha" moments to share?

Tangled

2011-11-08T01:06:00.000-06:00

I read an article once about the way that some people in third world countries train elephants. These people get the elephants when they are babies and chain one leg with a big heavy chain that keeps them "caged" and unable to escape. Then when the elephant's strength is needed, the chain is loosed and the elephant is made to perform whatever task is needed. When the elephant's services are complete, the chain is replaced. Over time however, as the elephant grows, the weight of the chain is reduced slowly till eventually only a thin string is needed to keep the elephant imprisoned. The elephant's memory of the pain from early in life provides all the bondage needed to keep the elephant trapped and at the whim of the people.

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you that I woke up wrestling with an issue and felt God speak to my heart to press on. There were many verses in my bible study that morning that the Lord took me to. One of them was Hebrews 12:1-2 which says this:

Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God.

The timing of reading this was so cool because that very week were the final days of training enabling me to run a 15K race. I was so encouraged as I felt God was cheering me on for my race. But the more I thought about this verse the more I began wondering what weights I needed to lay aside and what sin was clinging so closely to me and not just in a physical sense.

In training for a race, endurance is the name of the game so carrying any extra unnecessary weight of any kind just doesn't cut it. But sin that clings so closely, that one seemed a little more tricky to identify. I decided to check out a few different translations on that phrase. The Message reads "no extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins." The NIV says "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." I like both of those. After reading them is when I was reminded of the story of the elephants in captivity.

I, and so many I know, are just like those elephants. We too were born into captivity, chained by the flesh. Taught early on to keep all "the rules" and trained to perform and act rightly. Limited freedom came when we served as we were told and when we behaved in just the right way. But as soon as the expectation was met and the obligation was kept, the chain went right back on. And we were left alone and isolated. Wondering if our work would ever be good enough or ever completed so that real freedom could be experienced.

So what is this sin that clings so closely? This parasitic transgression? This error that so easily entangles?

It's when we are looking at anything but Jesus. It's when we are rehearsing our successes and faults. It's when we are obsessing over our guilt or lack of worth. It's when all we can do is worry. It's when the only thing we see is our lack or someone else's gain. It's when every bit of our energy and effort is going for that next new toy. It's when we think consciencely or sub consciencely that that next bite, new outfit or one more workout will finally settle us. It's what ever way we are trying to cover that nagging pain.

This sin that clings so closely, this parasitic, entangling sin is the sin of taking our eyes off Jesus. The writer of Hebrews gave us the "how to" lay down this stuff in the directions. He says: "let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ( HOW?) looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God."

You and I can never be good enough. There will always be something someone can make us feel guilty or unworthy over. In the physical realm, there is forever something more to want of every fashion imaginable. Just like that grown elephant who is really only bound by a memory, the deceiver is always throwing something our way that says "Hey look over here! You don't have this! You can't have that! You'll never get this!" All things that probably early in life might have even been healthy guidelines, but somewhere, somehow became bondage. Painful chains that kept us tied up and wrapped up and bound up and able to see nothing but the memory of slavery.

But here is the good news; Jesus was good enough! And he will NEVER use guilt as a means of communication. And all the work that needed to be done to make God happy is complete, that's why he's sitting at the right hand of God. And because of the shame he despised and endured, I don't ever have to wonder any more. Wonder if he's pleased with me because I acted right or mad at me because I messed up. I never have to worry if tomorrow is gonna work out. I don't need to ever again feel like I'm missing out on something, somehow, someway.

How can this be? How do we get to that place? Where does this happen?

By looking to Jesus. The founder. The perfecter. He is the one who began a good work in us. He is the one who is going to complete it too. To look to Jesus is the very definition of faith. Where he leads is out of captivity like a mighty elephant walking out of a thin string tied to his ankle and into real freedom. Looking at him instead of our chains. Looking at him instead of our pain. Looking at him, the perfecter of faith.

You see, every race is won the same way; with eyes forward, one step at a time.

So what do you think? Ready to lay aside some baggage with me, even if it's only memories? Ready to focus in on Jesus? He's so beautifully, transformingly perfect. He's already freed our feet and he's enabling us to follow him. Straight to the victory line.

Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God.

Press On

2011-10-27T07:21:00.000-05:00

The other day I had a friend who was discouraged and I texted her this big long thought reminding her of who she was in Christ and encouraging her to not let the enemy beat her up about the past. I can't stand condemnation, self imposed or other imposed because I know that is not from the Lord. It absolutely drives me bananas and I believe it is a tactic the devil uses relentlessly.

As I woke up this morning I found myself feeling sheepish and embarrassed about some of my choices throughout the day yesterday, all boiling down under the category of wanting people's approval. I know that this is an area that God is doing to house cleaning in my heart. So I began telling Jesus how much I needed him and how much I was a mess. I opened my bible study asking God to speak to my heart and the passage for today was Philippians 3:13-14 which says this:

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

What beautiful encouragement to my heart. "Press on" he said to me. "Yesterday's done. Today is new. Lets move forward not backward." How tender is the heart of my saviour who knows my every thought? The Maker of heaven and earth is beautifully personal! See, I know that when I am rehearsing my faults and failures, that my eyes are not on Jesus. And I know that the more I am focused on myself, the more insecure I'm going to be. I've been fighting this battle for sometime. And I can encourage others with all kinds of truth and authority but for some reason, I haven't been able to hear my own words.

I'm not trying to say that there are no consequences to our actions, but I realized with fresh eyes today that when I'm consumed with me and how I'm acting, good or bad, I'm not pressing toward the prize of Jesus! The greatness of anything good I might ever be able to accomplish, and the despair of any grievous sin I could possibly commit can not compare to the completed work of the cross.

So if the enemy is bullying you that your good is not good enough, or that you bad is just too bad, shut him up by just agreeing with him. Truth is, our good isn't good enough. And our bad is worthy of much worse than we can imagine. But it's not about you and I. And it's not about how good or bad we act. It's all about Jesus and the work he already did. And he said "It is finished".

So today is a new day. Press on. The goal AND the prize is Jesus.

An invitation

2011-09-16T11:38:00.002-05:00

Every year at the ministry kick off in September, Trinity hosts a 24/7 church wide prayer time where members take an hour at a time to come and pray for the new year. Last year when we did this, to be completely transparent, I was less than excited. In fact, the whole deal sounded really, ...well, ... like it wouldn't be my new favorite thing. I was greatly mistaken. What a gift to quietly press in alone with God. Fastest hour ever. This year I eagerly signed up for a slot.

We have a prayer room here that has been beautifully and carefully thought out. There are 8-10 stations that give directions and instructions for how and what to pray if you should choose to use them. The first is a praise stop. My favorite. My heart lingers here a while.

The second is a confession station that is set up with paper and a leading prayer to write out any thing the Holy Spirit may be speaking to your heart. There is also a 'Paid In Full' red stamp and a paper shredder to the right to lead you in the truth of God's word that promises forgiveness with confession. The instructions at this table are topped with the following verse:

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall become white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18

My eyes read this verse so fresh and new. Did the Maker of heaven and earth really just invite me to come and reason with Him?

Maybe reason doesn't mean what I think it means.

Dictionary.com says when used as a verb reason means:
~to think or argue in a logical manor;
~to form conclusions, judgments or facts
~to urge reasons which should determine a belief or action.

Nope, it does mean what I think it means. How could the God of the universe, the omniscient, the omnipresent, the all powerful I AM ask me to reason with him? What does that look like? How does that happen? What does that mean?

Who am I that I could argue with God, or lead him to a conclusion that he himself has not thought of. Do I really think that I could change God's mind? That he would relent the things he has defined as sin and somehow I'd be "off the hook"?

No. Quite the contrary. As I sat and pondered these thoughts, it occurred to me it is exactly the opposite. It's not his mind that needs to be changed, it's mine. God is very secure in who he is. Don't be mistaken, He is fully confident and competent in being God. He will not change his mind on what he has deemed holy and what he has not. But it is that very fact of him being settled in himself, and with himself, that enables him to not be threatened, rattled or have to be defensive with me.

In other words, my sin, my messes, my stuff doesn't change the fact that he is who he says he is. And it is because of the fact that he doesn't change his mind about my sinful nature that gives him authority to invite me in to look at things from his perspective. He knows what a holy life looks like. And he knows that on my own, I'll never attain it. And the scriptures teach that it's his kindness that allows me his captive audience.

He knows the damage that sin does to us. He understands the pain and brokenness that come from it. He is acutely aware of the suffering and choking isolation that sin brings upon a life. It is this very understanding that moves his heart to extend an invitation to me that says 'Come, wrestle this out with me. I'm a safe place. I will not humiliate and exploit you over this. No, I will teach you and show you why this is not for you. Let me give you an understanding of what it is I have for you. Cleanliness. Righteousness. Holiness."

I was reminded of a few other places in scripture of God inviting us to come to him.

But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:9

Come to me all who labor and are weary and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. Hebrew 4:16

This is such a different picture than the warped and distorted view of God I have sometimes. What a gentle invitation. "Come, talk with me. Come walk with me. Come, let me help you."

It is certainly not at the exemption of consequences or discipline, but oh how the heart remembers a lesson when guilt is recognized and acknowledged and then grace is given and received.

This is what it is to be known and to be loved.
This is an experience of love that casts out fear of punishment.
This is what it is to be refreshed.
This is the invitation, "Come."

Summer Fun

2011-09-02T10:31:00.001-05:00

Is summer over already? Boy it was sure hot today, but the kids are in school so that means it's supposed to be fall right? I'm ready!

Here is a picture recap of a few of our fun adventures this summer.

Fun in Abuello's BIG back yard near the mountains.

Some neighborhood horses near Abuellos' house.

Cousin fun.

Group hug goodbye for Abuello.

Cousin fun at the Lincoln Museum.

The girls and I went to Indiana beach and had a blast. This was atop the BIG ferris wheel.

A personal favorite ride, the swings!

Stinky Pete's fav, the carousel.

This was in the van on the way to Niagara Falls. Where is Stinky Pete?

There she is!! This kid loves tents!

Our hotel had the BIGGEST bathroom!

The Falls. So beautiful. Pictures do not do justice.

The Maid and Mister of the Mist.

On the way home we found the house where they filmed the movie The Christmas Story.

Playing around in the gift shop.

We also toured the USS Cod Submarine. This was so fun! It was a self guided tour on a kept in tact actual submarine, We could touch all the controls, open all the drawers and and lay in the bunks. The girls couldn't believe how close the beds were.

Checking out out the machine gun on top.

I think Daddy may have liked this part best!

The girls scored free tickets to 6 Flags for reading this year. We managed to pick up a few extra tickets and brought some friends. What a fun day! This was the first coaster of the day and everybody rode! (Some of us in the family are NOT coaster riders and refer to themselves as "the purse holder.")

Sweet friends.

Here we go!!

My favorite ridding buddy.

And this was the highlight of my day! I have been wanting to ride this ride for YEARS! It's called Superman, and appropriately so. After you are belted/locked in, the seats turn so you feel like you are flying through the air. I was the only one who was tall enough that wanted to go, so go I DID! Here is a short video of how they load you on the thing. It is the baddest ride I've ever been on! Can't wait to have a chance to go again, so very fun!

What a great summer this has been! But school has started now and we are finding our new rhythm. The girls are enjoying it. Mostly. Haha Still adjusting to the school day starting at 8:30 instead of 10ish. :) They both like their teachers and are making new friends. I'm excited to see what God has in store for the school year. I think it's gonna be good.

How about you? Is your summer over yet? What has been your favorite part?

Right in front of me

2011-08-11T23:49:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days where you hop right out of bed, get some good hair going on, and feel skinny in your outfit? You go on about your day seeing half the people you know and life is full of high fives and big smiles. Then at a quick glance in the mirror something grabs you and demands a second glance. All the sudden, you realize there is a huge zit right on the corner of your chin or side of your nose! Where did that come from? How long has it been there? How many people have seen you with that bulging thing today? Better yet, why didn't someone mention to you, this thing that now feels like Mt Kilimanjaro?!

Sigh. Thankfully those pesky things that pop up with lightening fast skills usually are removable equally as fast with little to no sign of remains. I hate those bad boys!

I had that entire scenario happen to me this week. Only it played out spiritually.

I was having a pretty good day, feeling pretty comfortable and confident. Connecting with some friends and having some laughs. Then late in the evening, Mike and I were discussing a particular situation and he said something that just rang in my ears. We were actually discussing someone else and he said "Sometimes people just cant see their own religion that's right in front of their own faces." Now that's not a hugely profound statement in and of itself. The saying 'You can't see the forest for the trees' is as old as the day is long, but for whatever reason this idea clocked me upside the head.

Shortly after when I went to bed, I felt like the Lord gave me a snap shot of my day and revealed some big, irritated and exposed religion of mine that was right in front of me. Multiple occasions. With multiple people. Yikes! Not good! I was so embarrassed and frustrated! How had I been so blind to my own motives? Where had that stuff come from? How long has it been there? I certainly didn't remember seeing that this morning! Sigh.

In bible study this week we landed on James 1:14-18 which says this:

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Verse 15 and 16 were the ones that continued to show me where this ugly manifestation were coming from. Selfish ambition was the culprit. And it brings earthly, unspiritual and demonic wisdom, disorder and every vile practice. Yes it was vile alright, a big 'ol spiritual zit if there ever was one.

It would make this a cool post if I had some scientific insight about the human body as to why those unsightly things surface and I could make some interesting parallel, but I don't. What I do know is that usually they clean up pretty quickly and relatively painlessly and most often don't even leave a scar. That's so like Jesus. Check out this passage in Isaiah where someone else had a double take in the mirror.

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for." Isaiah 6:4-7

As quickly as I saw my own junk, and confessed it to Jesus, healing was right there waiting. After repenting and asking for the Holy Spirit to come and lead me into life, the Lord comforted me with a few of his precious promises:

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

And then reminded me of a few truths too.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:23-25

The take away for me was this. Seemingly out of nowhere stuff can surface that I had no idea was in me. It is the truth of the depravity of my sinful nature. Given the right circumstances, my vile heart is capable of anything. But, confession and repentance bring swift realignment. Then seeking wisdom from above, which is keeping in step with the Spirit, bring a harvest of righteousness which is being in "right standing" with God.

Oh how I hate the days where others see a side of me that is less than becoming. Especially when I'm oblivious! How humbling yet clearly the way of life. But I'm so much more thankful for his word and grace that extracts my impurity and fills the void all at once. Grace that cleans and heals, and reminds me "I'm still a work in progress."

How great is our God?

Jesus, truly your love is patient! It is your kindness Lord that leads me to repentance. Thank you for grace. Keep working in my heart Lord and take all the junk out until all that is left is a reflection of you! Your love is extravagant and I am humbled and amazed. All praise belongs to you God! You are a good God!

Times and Seasons

2011-07-07T09:05:00.003-05:00

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... Ecclesiastes 3:1

Wow has it really been a month since my last post?! Goodness gracious!! Well if anyone is still out there I thought I'd let you in on the latest season in our lives here in the flatlands and cornfields of Northeast IL.

First and foremost, IT'S SUMMERTIME!!! And we are having a blast! Secret Keeper Girl parties, Vacation Bible School, a trip to grandpa's and cousins' houses in the mountains, theme parks, water parks, spend the night parties and bible studies, cook-outs and s'mores, fireworks and bike rides, the county fair and and every other manor of fun are going on around here. We have packed in a lot this summer so far and we are only half way through! There has not been too much time (or energy) for blogging.

Something else I wanted to share with you about why I have not spent an enormous amount of time blogging is that I have been writing in another venue. I am on a team of people who write sermon based, daily devotionals for our church body that are produced every week. I have really come to enjoy my time studying and writing in this way, but it commands a good chunk of my time. (If your interested, you can check it out here.) This however, has become such a joy to me that I never dreamed of! Preparing and working and writing in this fashion is new to me, but I absolutely LOVE it! I am seeing, hearing and feeling God in new ways that are so dear to my heart. So much so that it has been a big deciding factor that is ushering in a huge change in our lives.

I feel like God has given me a vision to do what I do here for Trinity in writing for other churches as well. And in order to be able to do this, Mike and I have decided to end our homeschooling journey and give our children the opportunity to attend public school. This has been such a bitter sweet thing. Homeschooling has been such an amazing opportunity for us, one that I have loved immensely! It is a beautiful gift to be able to be with the treasures God has placed temporarily in our hands all day long. A gift I do not take for granted. But after much prayer and repeated signs of confirmation, this is where our hearts have found peace.

There is so much that is going to change in the next few months and I am so very excited to see what God has in store. He is so good and faithful, I just know it's going to be great! I know that as much as he loves me, He loves my children in the same manor and so much more than I even know how to love. This has very much been a process of me surrendering them to HIM, and recognizing how very tightly I have held them in MY mythical sense of control! I'm so thankful we serve a God who's so big aren't you? A God who loves me enough to call me out on my junk and yet graceful enough to never shame me for it!

So as we finish this summer season of squeezing life out of every second of the day, I'll try to drop in a bit more with at least a picture or two. Then in the fall, as we find our new rhythm around here I'll get back in my blogging groove. In fact there is a craft fair coming up in October where I will have a booth! I have so many fun ideas to make, show and sell! I'm so excited about that!

I hope you are having a wonderful summer and enjoying whatever season God has you in. He is so faithful! Be blessed in his favor for you, you are the apple of His eye!

Chat soon!

Thank You!!!

2011-06-05T23:15:00.000-05:00

My friends that are moving to the Haiti/Dominican Republic border had an opportunity last week to go and visit the area they will be moving to. They posted TONS of great pictures of Face Book. Go check it out.

I made a set of headbands for her to take to the girls there. Here are some of the pics. So precious!

The little girl on the right makes me giggle.

This is the orphanage they will be moving into.

A typical home in Jimani.

The village of Batey 41 in Haiti.

This is the border. To the left is the Dominican and to the right Haiti.

This is the school/church room in Batey 41.

Vanderly and some of the local kids.

Stephen and the boys.

Love this one.

Thank you all so much for your support in helping my friends take the good news of Jesus to Haiti and The Dominican Republic. So far the headbands have raised almost $300 for them!!

You guys are amazing!!!!

THANK YOU!!

I still have a few headbands left, get them quick!

you can donate to the Arnolds on their website here.

I will probably make another big batch with all new fun fabrics in August to help raise some more support for my lovely friends. Thank you again so much, what a blessing!!!!

Free

2011-06-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

I read the following over here. So good!!

Jesus plus nothing equals everything!

Because Jesus was strong for you, you’re free to be weak;

Because Jesus won for you, you’re free to lose;

Because Jesus was Someone, you’re free to be no one;

Because Jesus was extraordinary, you’re free to be ordinary;

Because Jesus succeeded for you, you’re free to fail.

One Thousand Gifts

2011-05-30T13:49:00.004-05:00

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

510-537

sleeping in

pushing Stinky Pete on her new swing

snuggling with my youngest

hearing my man pray for and over his kids

being encouraged as I encourage a friend

the unimaginable depth of Gods love

quiet mornings

new recipes

breakfast with my family

pretty toes

an affordable car repair

dancing with my girls and my mom to the wii

driving through Chicago

laughing with my man

art exhibits

funnel cakes

live music

watching my mom enjoy my girls

M&M cookies from the bakery

a family trip to DQ

getting JUST ME ready on Sunday morning

watching my man do what he was created to do

seeing my girls fish with their papa

a fabulously cooked steak

sitting with my family on the back porch in perfect weather

tons of hot water

a warm day

my hubby having a whole day off!!

Somedays it says this...

2011-05-24T09:12:00.002-05:00

I was encouraging a friend this morning with some scripture and I read Romans 8:37-39 which says this:

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And while I in no way mean to belittle Paul or his amazing understanding of God's love, somedays I'm not wresting with heights and depths and angels and rulers. And while I get the spiritual trues to all that, somedays I just need to read something a tad more, well, .... literal.

So here was my interpretation on these verses this morning.

I am sure that neither loads of dirty laundry or piles of unwashed dishes, nor filthy floors or gardens full of weeds, nor messy bathrooms, sleepless nights or stress, nor an exhausted body or needy children, nor emotional depletion from being overworked and under appreciated, no bad hair day or make-up that runs, no clothes that don't fit or shoes out of style, nor guilt, nor self or other imposed condemnation, no distraction, no interruption, no frustration will keep me from remembering the extravagant and tender, precious and personal, unending and costly love that God has for me in Christ Jesus my Lord.

Somedays I just need the gospel preached right where I am.

Be encouraged and reminded right now that you are dearly loved and nothing thrown at you today can separate you from Him and His sentimental affections for you.

Sweet Jesus who knows our names and how many hairs are on our heads, may we rest in you today and remember your great love for us above all else. May your name be praised!

One Thousand Gifts

2011-05-23T10:19:00.001-05:00

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

485-509 (This list is a few weeks old that I never posted, but they are still gifts I'm thankful for.)

seeing my girls wear their daddy's t-shirts as jammy nightgowns

having the windows open in the evening

waking up to the birds chirping right outside my window

garlic bread

hearing my firstborn singing worship songs in the shower

reading stories to my kids at bedtime

being married to a man who works hard for his family and affords me the privilege of staying home with our children

york peppermint patties

finally getting caught up on the laundry

writing

orange, yellow and gold streaked clouds waiting for the sun to break on the horizon

finally sitting down after pushing myself through a great workout

quiet mornings

play dates for the girls

having 2 hours completely to myself

leisurely wandering through miles of fabric

the freedom the gospel brings

snuggling

riding bikes WITH the wind

chocolate soft serve ice cream from DQ

Lucy being an amazing big sister

prayer time with my kids

movie and shopping date with the girls

a good nights sleep

rainy Saturdays

Praying for the Men

2011-05-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

I read several marriage blogs and this one had a post the other day that was so great. It was posted as praying for the wives, but I thought we could swap it and use it to pray for our men. You can find the original post here. Lets take our men before the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

Our Father, in heaven, holy is your name.

Pray for his spirit of worship today

Your will be done, in earth as it is in heaven

Pray for him to hear the whisper of God's voice,

To know His will in all that he is doing.

Pray for him to find the strength to carry out His will today.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Pray for God to provide him the resources he needs today.

For the Lord to provide him abundant time to achieve all that he has to do.

Strength to overcome obstacles, and help meeting all the needs of you and your family.

And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Help me to have a spirit of forgiveness towards my husband.

Search my spirit and show me any areas I need to forgive my husband.

Help him as he goes through his day today to walk in a spirit of peace and forgiveness.

Help him to fully know and understand that he is forgiven, and to see himself as you see him.

And lead us not into temptation,

Guard his mind and actions today

Pray for any areas where your husband may struggle

Deliver us from evil.

Protect him from the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Protect him from danger.

Pray for blessing over him.

For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.

Help him to have a special Kingdom mindset today.

Help him to lean not on his own power, but to depend on You in everything he is doing today.

Help him to give You the glory in all that he does.

Headbands for Haiti

2011-05-13T18:02:00.018-05:00

I'm finally ready to show you all this cute fabric I have been sewing like a mad woman over the last few weeks at every open minute. But first I have to tell you why I have been sewing.

About a year or so before we moved from FL, the Lord gave me a new friend and kindred spirit in Vanderly Arnold. This sweet woman of God and I hit it off over a common bond of babies. I was recovering from a second devastating miscarriage and she was working through the fall out of an overturned adoption case followed by a surprise pregnancy. A connection quickly formed and I have been blessed ever since.

Vanderly is a fellow homeschooling mom of 3 sweet beautiful children, Zoe (10) Joshua (6) and Eliana (1) and is married to an amazing man of God, Stephen. Not long after I met Vanderly while she was about 6 months pregnant, her husband was let go from his position at their church due to the failing economy. But God had a plan and began providing isolated construction work that supported their family need by need. As they wrestled through all the decisions that come with this kind of impacting occurrence, they felt the Lord tell them to go to Dominican Republic/Haiti area and be the hands and feet of Jesus to the poor and needy. Specifically the children as they will be moving into an orphanage to minister. They are determined to demonstrate God's elaborate love for people through bringing food and clean water to the hungry and thirsty, healing the sick, comforting the dying, embracing the lonely, and giving hope to the desperate. This lovely family is going to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a community in desperate need in Him.

They are currently partnering with the Chadasha Foundation and the New Springs Foundation while they are raising support in order to move their family out of the United States and into this gospel deprived area. This is where the headbands come in. While I absolutely love to sew and craft, how cool to use this hobby as a blessing not only for this family, but for the lives that they will impact half a world away.

So HERE ARE THE HEADBANDS!!

They turned out so cute!!! And the elastic hair-tie at the bottom makes them comfy for both my girls heads and mine too.

Don't you want one? Or all eight? Here are close-ups of each of the fun fabrics.

Retro Dots

Spring Circles

Blue Butterflies

Summer Squigles

Neon Love

Purple Swirls

Peace and Love

(This one is Lucy's fav. Cheesy smiles are free.)

Fall Fun

While you are supporting my dear friends and their gospel planting journey, don't forget about your nieces, neighbors and friends! You can stock up for birthdays and stocking stuffers and random "just because" gifts. They are $3 for one headband or two headbands for $5. If you would like to read more about Vanderly and her precious family's ministry, you can check out their website here and donate here.

Lets help bring the good news to Haiti and look super cute in the process!

Quantity

What color(s) would you like?

Thank you so much for being a blessing and for helping to take the gospel to the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

(In the trial run to make sure my pay pal button worked, the final purchasing page does not show the colors you have chosen, but they did show up in the order to me, so don't worry! :) Thank you again so much!!)

A stolen post for some encouragement

2011-05-05T11:26:00.000-05:00

10+ Real Helps for Really Busy Moms

1. Life is not an emergency.

Life’s a gift.
Just Slow.

2. Now is not a forever grace but amazing grace.

Do whatever it takes to wake to wonder right here.

3. Sometimes the slowest way is the fastest way to joy.

Make time today, even a moment, to read Scripture and memorize it.

Without the lens of His Word, the world warps.

{Slowest=fastest to joy}

4. Laughter is the cheapest, holiest medicine.

Preschoolers laugh 300 times a day. Aim for double that. Tickle someone, (yourself!), if necessary. This is good!

5. Motherhood is a hallowed place because children aren’t commonplace.

Co-laboring over the sculpting of souls is a sacred vocation, a humbling privilege.

Never forget.

6. Homemaking is about making a home, not about making perfection.

A perfect home is an authentic, creative, animated space where Peace and Christ and Beauty are embraced.

{Perfect does not equate to immaculate.}

7. A pail with a pinhole loses as much as the pail pushed right over.

A whole life can be lost in minutes wasted, small moments missed.

8. Believe it: I have all I need for today.

The needs of our day are great but our God is greater and we call Him Providence because we believe: He is the One who always provides.

{And when God provides, He should be praised, and if God always provides, shouldn’t praise always be on the lips?}

9. Slow. Children at play.

The hurry hurts the kids.

Time’s this priceless currency and only the slow spend it wise enough to be rich.

If we had to actually buy our time, would we spend it more wisely — spend it more slowly?

{God’s Word never says Hurry Up. God words only whisper: Wake Up.}

10. Love is patient.

Parenting’s this gentle way of bending over in humility to help the scraped child up because we intimately know it takes a lifetime to learn how to walk with Him.

Patience.

Love always begins with patience.

11. The art of really celebrating life isn’t about getting it right — but about receiving Grace.

The sinners and the sick, the broken, the discouraged, the wounded and burdened — we are the ones who get to celebrate grace!

Regardless of the mess of your life, if Christ is Lord of your life, than we are the celebrants out dancing in a wild rain of grace — because when it’s all done and finished, all is well and Christ already said it was finished.

::
::
Related: 10 Point Manifest for Joyful Parenting (free printable)
::
::

A busy Mom looking for real Help? Looking for a moment with Him who calls Himself our Helper?
Don’t Make Me Come Up There!: Quiet Moments for Busy Momsmakes me cheer! And it makes me get down on my knees and thank Jesus for this vocation of mothering. Because Kristen Welch is a Gospel-centered woman with a take on motherhood that has fresh honesty, a real sense of humor, a deep humility, and always has Christ firmly at the center of it.Highly recommended for busy Moms who want the relief of a smile, real encouragement — and more Jesus.

All’s Grace,

You can read more of Ann’s inspirational writing at A Holy Experience.

Curriculum Clean Out Winners

2011-05-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

And the winners are....

for the Pixar CD story books, comment number 48: JJ's mom

for the wrap-ups, comment number 32: Melissa Juvinal

for the Brain Question books, comment number 75: Shannon

for the fall reader/picture books, comment number 49: Mandy

and for the Bible Story with CD books, comment number 7: Mandy

I have sent out emails to you requesting mailing addresses. If I don't hear back by Thursday, I'll pick new winners. (Melissa, your comment didn't leave an email address so I posted a comment on your blog.)

Thanks everyone for all the great comments and thoughts! So fun to hear what works and is fun from other moms. Many blessings everyone and happy homeschooling!

Curriculum Clean Out

2011-04-29T12:59:00.002-05:00

Today is the final day of the Clean Out and up for grabs are two Bible story books with complementing audio CDs.

These fun books are full of Bible stories and music to help your kids remember the truths of scripture.

For a change to win leave me a comment telling me your kids favorite Bible story or Bible song. Facebook comments don't count. Click here to get to the original post. Giveaway will close on May 1st 8pm (CST) and a winner will be chosen by random.org. This giveaway is open to US residents only. (Or provide a US address for shipping.)

Thanks so much for checking back and good luck!

Rescued

2011-04-29T12:48:00.001-05:00

We are about to wrap up a series here in Trinity Church entitled Rescue - God's Story of Life from Death. It has been a great time of remembering the gospel.

In our small group this week, we were discussing and defining the word rescue. Since this was our first gathering, to help us to get to know each other, our group leader asked us all to share our own rescue stories. It was such an encouraging time to hear how God has and is working in the lives of my friends. One person shared that there has been more rescue and growth in the last year than ever before. I love that!

On the way home from group I was contemplating rescue accounts and I remembered the following story.

Several years ago Mike and I had hit a really rough place in life and the Lord worked it out for us to live for about a year with some of the most gracious and generous friends I think I'll ever have, Amy and Shawn. During this year there, Amy's parents lived and traveled in an RV and from time to time would come and stay in Amy's back yard as the opportunity afforded. Amy had two small children and her parents, Nanny and Poppy, just took our Lucy in as one of their own granddaughters. What a blessing!

One particular evening we were all hanging out in the living room. Being the young moms Amy and I were, our conversation led to parenting. Nanny told us a story that I don't think I'll ever forget. She and a large group of extended family were at some sort of fair or amusement park. They all decided to ride on a big ferris wheel that had large gondola bucket seats. For what ever reason, in the impulse of the moment, all the adults decided to ride in one gondola and allowed all the kids to ride on a separate gondola. Alone. With out any adults.

I began holding my breath as I listened.

As the ride took off, everyone was enjoying themselves and having a big time looking over the horizon and loving the wind in their faces. About half way around the ride stopped to exchange riders. When it did, Nanny looked over to the gondola with all the kids. Before her eyes was a scene that would terrify anyone, let alone a mother. There, across the sky was her child standing up on the seat and peering over the side of the bucket. Panic struck her heart and every horrible thought possible came plunging through her mind. I could hardly wait for her to finish talking!

She frantically screamed at her child to sit back down in her seat but it was to no avail. The distance was too great and the kids were completely self engulfed. It was in this moment, she said, she realized the total impossibility of the situation because there was absolutely nothing that she could do. She could not reach her with her hands. She could not reach her with her voice. She had no power over the giant machine. She was out of control in every way possible and completely at the mercy of God.

She said she took a breath and prayed. She surrendered herself and precious child to God alone and experienced the most tender grace and God's incomparable rescue. She needed mercy for her daughter's safety and she needed rescue from her own insanity. She had to release this child that she loved immeasurably into the hands of Jesus. She told us that He reminded her that He loved that child even more than she and that they both were in His hands.

To close the story, her daughter (I think it was Amy's older sister) sat down and the ride concluded without a mortal tragedy; at least in her daughter's body! Haha. But Nanny continued to share with Amy and I the lesson Jesus used in that moment to teach her about her own lack of real control and what it really means to trust Jesus and live in his rescue.

What a parallel to life that event was. Just like Nanny, we are without control in every way to enter what the Bible describes as real life, abundant life. I can't act right enough. I can't speak or think right enough, I have no real power over more things than I care to admit. And the thing I love most, my own flesh and blood, and I mean me, is often oblivious. Standing at the edge of danger, peering unaware.

But it's in those moments like Nanny experienced, when life grabs you by the throat and your realize that control is a myth; these are the moments that Jesus is ever present. These are the moments where he surrounds us with his grace and peace like the wind wrapped around Nanny's face high in the air. These are the teaching moments where he shows us that the life he offers, real life, is meant to be lived out with the faith like a child. Ever trusting that He knows best, trusting that He is in control.

When we release ourselves to him fully and trust Him with everything we hold dear, what we find is that He is the safe place. We find a Father who loves us more than we love ourselves and is taking us on the ride of our lives to show us horizons we never dreamed existed. We find He is trustworthy. And faithful. We find a relief from the thing that plagues us most, ourselves. We find that surrender to Him really is the only way to move from death to life.

We find we've been rescued.

He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me. - Psalm 18:19

Curriculum Clean Out

2011-04-28T12:31:00.002-05:00

We are almost done with cleaning out the shelves. I have a great set of fall readers to give away today.

Included in the set are:
The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving (not pictured, I forgot about that one when I took the picture! Opps!)
When the Leaf blew In
Pumpkin Pumpkin
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree
It's Pumpkin Time
Leaves! Leaves! Leaves!
Autumn Leaves
The Pumpkin Book
Apple Tree
Why Do Leaves Change Color?

We have enjoyed these books so much especially this year experiencing our first real fall! The change of season was so beautiful!

For a change to win leave me a comment telling me your favorite season and favorite activity in that season. Facebook comments don't count. Click here to get to the original post. Giveaway will close on May 1st 8pm (CST) and a winner will be chosen by random.org. This giveaway is open to US residents only. (Or provide a US address for shipping.)

One more give-away tomorrow, so please come back! Good luck to you!

Curriculum Clean Out

2011-04-27T12:22:00.004-05:00

Day three of the Clean Out is here! Today you have a chance to win 7 Brain Quest books.

They are as follows:
1100 questions and answers all about America Ages 7-12
1000 questions for 2nd grade Ages 7-8
300 questions for Kindergarten Ages 5-6
230 questions and answers about the Bible Ages 2-5
Fun facts Primary Edition Ages 5-7
Fun facts Junior Edition Ages 6-8
Smarty Pants Ages 4-6

My kids have love playing with these in the car and at dinner time tying to outsmart each other. They are a little worn, but have tons of fun left in them and are ready for a new home.

For a change to win leave me a comment telling me your favorite game to play in the car with the kids. Facebook comments don't count. Click here to get to the original post. Giveaway will close on May 1st 8pm (CST) and a winner will be chosen by random.org. This giveaway is open to US residents only.

I have two more give-aways this week, so be sure to check back. Also click on the Clean Out Button at the top of this post and find some goodies to win! Good luck!