Today the kids and I are in Lubbock. We went to Idalou to Apple Country Orchards. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay for lunch (it smelled so good!), but we did get to pick 10lbs of apples!
A delicious day!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
21 Days: Reflections on a Facebook Fast
Even though we're only reading chapter 16 tonight, our 21 day fasting portion is drawing to a close. I really didn't think that giving up Facebook would be easy, I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, about a week into it, I considered giving up something else too.
My biggest surprise was how often I thought about updating my status. I didn't realize how self-centered I am, and how much I crave other's interactions. I like to try to be witty, I'd like to say that it is for the pleasure of others, but I fear that it is more for self-gratification. I like to post updates about my busy days so that others will say "I don't know how you do it!"I like to post frustrations with my day so others will feel sorry for me, or share their horror stories to make me feel better.
There were a few things that I missed (and will be checking on shortly!) My friend Michelle is pregnant with twins. The first day of my fast she posted the sono video where they found out they were boys. A dear friend passed away and I need to add my memorials to his "wall". I probably have a friend request or two, and I have a couple of people that I've met who I'd like to look up.
Ironically, my church has a new ministry position as a "Facebook Greeter", several friends have asked if I'll go for that! Is it sacrilegious to end my FB fast with becoming a FB minister? LOL
The purpose of a fast (as I understand it) is to sacrifice something that is important to you and replace that time or desire with God. In my non-FB time, I've prayed more, listened to more worship/Christian music, volunteered with Women of Faith, reached out to friends in more traditional ways like phone and text (is that traditional? I don't know). I've spent time with my family reading the Bible and discussing. I've blogged about our journey (which I pray will be transparent enough to encourage others.)
Another wonderful thing happened. My joy was restored. I don't think that this is entirely due to the FB fast. I think it has been a long time coming, it happened to culminate at this time. Perhaps it is because I was more in tune with God and less concerned about myself. I was really taken by surprise at this return.
My joy departed on November 2, 2006. That's the night that our 3 month old baby stopped breathing, then spent 3 days in the hospital before he died. My joy died with him. I thought I would never smile or laugh again. I wondered if I could ever love again with the same kind of abandon.
I've been reading The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
and Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
. I really have enjoyed each of them and have shared many passages with my husband. I found myself with my heart racing and unable to wait until the next page. I thought at first that it was just the joy of these author's stories and the passion that they stirred within me. Then the fast heart beat and anticipation for other things began to surprise me. I finally realized, as I was standing at the Women of Faith Volunteer check in, that I was joyful! I didn't know how it snuck up on me. I was excited, not for my experience, but for what God would do in the lives of the women around me. I was praying selflessly that God would use me, that I would be a small part of a wonderful get-away and refreshing for those who would be coming in.
Although there were many moments that I felt an internal conflict with the "packaged and prepared" worship being so polished and perfect, or the consumerism mentality (I was working the sales table. I actually heard one woman say "I'm coveting this Bible. I don't need another Bible but it's purple!") - I still did not have critical spirit. I was able to overlook much of what happened because the Spirit of God was so powerful during the speakers. Women were moved to tears and worship and many accepted Christ for the first time. I saw teenagers convulsing with painful tears during Nicole Johnson's drama on abortion. I saw women embrace each other, wiping tears from their eyes. I know God moved in that place, perhaps in spite of the commercial polish?
I am so thankful for the return of Joy. I've missed it terribly. This is just one of the "bones" that was crushed in our loss. As I sat in service this morning I reflected on another blog post I wrote nearly 2 years ago. I likened our loss to being hit by a train. Not exactly a "get back on the horse" experience! God revealed to me that just as physical therapy takes time, so does restoration of all things broken. Trust, Hope, Joy, Peace - all were shattered in a few moments time. All will be restored in HIS time. The greatest thing is that when He restores, he restores to perfect. Not the imperfect image we had before that we thought was so great.
My joy before came from a shallow place, an elementary understanding of God's will, grace and timing. It wasn't wrong (necessarily), it was just imperfect. In James chapter 1 we are told to:
When my dear friend Laura Belt passed away, this song was played at her funeral. It was the day after my grandmother passed away and I was pregnant with Ian. Needless to say, I was a mess! The song hit me so hard that day. I had no idea that 9 months later it would make the playlist for the first funeral I had ever planned. Even to this day, when we sing it at church, I want to shout out "listen! do you know what you're singing? do you know the commitment you are expressing" I want to share the back story, Job's story, my story.
So it is with the verses in James. Do we understand? I now have a glimpse into "why" we are to "count it all joy". It doesn't say (or mean) that all things are joyful. It's an accounting term. It means that trials don't go into the "deficit" column. They are "additions" to our lives. They are an asset to us. We are to see them for the good they will bring, for the good that God will work (as in "He works all things together for the good of them who love God and are called according to His purpose.").
So, my friends, this long and rambling post is coming to an end (did I hear an "Amen" somewhere? LOL)
I hope that as you've read you are encouraged to hang onto Jesus Christ, His Father God and the Holy Spirit who comforts us and teaches us all things.
My biggest surprise was how often I thought about updating my status. I didn't realize how self-centered I am, and how much I crave other's interactions. I like to try to be witty, I'd like to say that it is for the pleasure of others, but I fear that it is more for self-gratification. I like to post updates about my busy days so that others will say "I don't know how you do it!"I like to post frustrations with my day so others will feel sorry for me, or share their horror stories to make me feel better.
There were a few things that I missed (and will be checking on shortly!) My friend Michelle is pregnant with twins. The first day of my fast she posted the sono video where they found out they were boys. A dear friend passed away and I need to add my memorials to his "wall". I probably have a friend request or two, and I have a couple of people that I've met who I'd like to look up.
Ironically, my church has a new ministry position as a "Facebook Greeter", several friends have asked if I'll go for that! Is it sacrilegious to end my FB fast with becoming a FB minister? LOL
The purpose of a fast (as I understand it) is to sacrifice something that is important to you and replace that time or desire with God. In my non-FB time, I've prayed more, listened to more worship/Christian music, volunteered with Women of Faith, reached out to friends in more traditional ways like phone and text (is that traditional? I don't know). I've spent time with my family reading the Bible and discussing. I've blogged about our journey (which I pray will be transparent enough to encourage others.)
Another wonderful thing happened. My joy was restored. I don't think that this is entirely due to the FB fast. I think it has been a long time coming, it happened to culminate at this time. Perhaps it is because I was more in tune with God and less concerned about myself. I was really taken by surprise at this return.
My joy departed on November 2, 2006. That's the night that our 3 month old baby stopped breathing, then spent 3 days in the hospital before he died. My joy died with him. I thought I would never smile or laugh again. I wondered if I could ever love again with the same kind of abandon.
I've been reading The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
and Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality. I really have enjoyed each of them and have shared many passages with my husband. I found myself with my heart racing and unable to wait until the next page. I thought at first that it was just the joy of these author's stories and the passion that they stirred within me. Then the fast heart beat and anticipation for other things began to surprise me. I finally realized, as I was standing at the Women of Faith Volunteer check in, that I was joyful! I didn't know how it snuck up on me. I was excited, not for my experience, but for what God would do in the lives of the women around me. I was praying selflessly that God would use me, that I would be a small part of a wonderful get-away and refreshing for those who would be coming in.Although there were many moments that I felt an internal conflict with the "packaged and prepared" worship being so polished and perfect, or the consumerism mentality (I was working the sales table. I actually heard one woman say "I'm coveting this Bible. I don't need another Bible but it's purple!") - I still did not have critical spirit. I was able to overlook much of what happened because the Spirit of God was so powerful during the speakers. Women were moved to tears and worship and many accepted Christ for the first time. I saw teenagers convulsing with painful tears during Nicole Johnson's drama on abortion. I saw women embrace each other, wiping tears from their eyes. I know God moved in that place, perhaps in spite of the commercial polish?
I am so thankful for the return of Joy. I've missed it terribly. This is just one of the "bones" that was crushed in our loss. As I sat in service this morning I reflected on another blog post I wrote nearly 2 years ago. I likened our loss to being hit by a train. Not exactly a "get back on the horse" experience! God revealed to me that just as physical therapy takes time, so does restoration of all things broken. Trust, Hope, Joy, Peace - all were shattered in a few moments time. All will be restored in HIS time. The greatest thing is that when He restores, he restores to perfect. Not the imperfect image we had before that we thought was so great.
My joy before came from a shallow place, an elementary understanding of God's will, grace and timing. It wasn't wrong (necessarily), it was just imperfect. In James chapter 1 we are told to:
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (emphasis mine). I've always loved this verse. Isn't funny how we love something and don't understand it? It's easy to tell someone else to "count it all joy", it's much harder (impossible-seeming sometimes!) to live it when your world has been shattered. I used to sing that praise and worship song "Blessed Be The Name". I would sing it so passionately in the car, loving that bridge "You give and take away, you give and take away. My heart will choose to say, blessed be the name." The emphasis (in my mind) was on the "give". I was so thankful for all I'd been given. I really was. I thought I was holding loosely the gifts God had bestowed. When a precious gift is "torn from your life" (as in the Natalie Grant song "Held") it is much more difficult to accept the "take away" portion.
When my dear friend Laura Belt passed away, this song was played at her funeral. It was the day after my grandmother passed away and I was pregnant with Ian. Needless to say, I was a mess! The song hit me so hard that day. I had no idea that 9 months later it would make the playlist for the first funeral I had ever planned. Even to this day, when we sing it at church, I want to shout out "listen! do you know what you're singing? do you know the commitment you are expressing" I want to share the back story, Job's story, my story.
So it is with the verses in James. Do we understand? I now have a glimpse into "why" we are to "count it all joy". It doesn't say (or mean) that all things are joyful. It's an accounting term. It means that trials don't go into the "deficit" column. They are "additions" to our lives. They are an asset to us. We are to see them for the good they will bring, for the good that God will work (as in "He works all things together for the good of them who love God and are called according to His purpose.").
So, my friends, this long and rambling post is coming to an end (did I hear an "Amen" somewhere? LOL)
I hope that as you've read you are encouraged to hang onto Jesus Christ, His Father God and the Holy Spirit who comforts us and teaches us all things.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
21 Days: Day 14 (Is God's Love conditional?)
Did you miss the first post?
Last night we read John chapter 14. We find lots of familiar verses here (in Fact Calvin actually stopped us from reading one, shouting "I know this, I know this!" and completing the rest of the verse from memory!). What really stood out to me, however were verses 21-23 (emphasis mine):
In this same passage (vs. 26) Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will "teach us all things", so I prayed last night that He would help clear this up. William said that he'd bet I'd be ready to tie a bow on it by tomorrow (I love that man's confidence in me!) Normally, I would research and form an opinion and THEN blog or teach. Not today! Today, I am going to take you along on the journey. No promises for a pretty bow at the end :)
The first thing that I'm prompted to do is a word study on the original text for LOVE. Don't get scared! It's not that hard! I'm going over toBible Gateway. Scratch that - they don't have the online lexicon anymore. Hang on...Google search, OK, now on to Blue Letter Bible. See on the right where there are 2 search boxes? The bottom one says LexCon (that's not very beginner friendly, is it?) If you type "love" in that box, you come up with 40 results, 20 hebrew (Old Testament) and 20 Greek (New Testament). Now, you could go through all of those, but that would take a long time!
I want to start with a known word in a specific verse though, so I typed "John 14:21" in the TOP search box.
That brings us to the verse with a whole bunch of funy little numbers above all the words:
Notice the numbers above each instance of the word "love", in this verse, they are all "25", this means that they are all the same original root word. Click on that number and it takes you to this (hold on - don't blank out on me!):
In the upper right, you can click to have it pronounced for you (quite helpful!) If you are not a word-nerd like me, just skip down to the definitions (Outline of Biblical Usage). Here we see 2 definitions, and since in the context of the verse we are talking about people, so definition 1 applies:
At this point I am interested to see that the love that we have for Him (expressed as keeping his word) is the same as His love for us. To be fond of, to love dearly. I am compelled to wonder if I love God this well...
The next thing I'd like to do is compare with the word used in John 3:16 (go on - find it for yourself. I'll wait. You learn best by doing!)
So - what did you find?
Really? Me too! It's the same word! Hmm, now I'm puzzled! God already loved us, then when we keep Jesus's commandments, it shows we love Him, and Jesus loves us, then God loves us.
The next thing I'll do is scroll down to the Concordance portion. It shows us the verses where this word is used. It can help to get a better contextual understanding of the word. Now remember, this root word is Greek, so the verses are all going to be New Testament.
I see that we should:
Love our neighbors
Love our enemies
Love God (not money)
Jesus loved the rich man (then told him to sell all he had and give it to the poor)
The pharisees loved the good seats in the synogogue (this would be definition 2, to be well-pleased with a thing)
At this point I'm becoming convinced that God's Love is not conditional. It existed before our obedience (John 3:16) and it is manifested in different ways. Can you see how dangerous it can be to base a theology on a single verse?
This has not been an "in depth" study, and I'm sure that many have taken it further, and others will take it further. I'd love to hear about your opinions and see any links that you have to Biblical studies on the Love of God!
Last night we read John chapter 14. We find lots of familiar verses here (in Fact Calvin actually stopped us from reading one, shouting "I know this, I know this!" and completing the rest of the verse from memory!). What really stood out to me, however were verses 21-23 (emphasis mine):
"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.Doesn't this sound conditional? I've heard all my life that God's love is unconditional, so this really made me think! I wasn't going to bring it up last night, because I don't like to talk about things I've not yet resolved in my mind (personal flaw?) but I did. The kids didn't have much to say, neither did William. I thought back to the verse that we read earlier "For God so LOVED the world..." There must have been a general over-all LOVE for the world, does our obedience spark a closer, more intimate love?
In this same passage (vs. 26) Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will "teach us all things", so I prayed last night that He would help clear this up. William said that he'd bet I'd be ready to tie a bow on it by tomorrow (I love that man's confidence in me!) Normally, I would research and form an opinion and THEN blog or teach. Not today! Today, I am going to take you along on the journey. No promises for a pretty bow at the end :)
The first thing that I'm prompted to do is a word study on the original text for LOVE. Don't get scared! It's not that hard! I'm going over to
I want to start with a known word in a specific verse though, so I typed "John 14:21" in the TOP search box.
That brings us to the verse with a whole bunch of funy little numbers above all the words:
1) of persons
a) to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly
At this point I am interested to see that the love that we have for Him (expressed as keeping his word) is the same as His love for us. To be fond of, to love dearly. I am compelled to wonder if I love God this well...
The next thing I'd like to do is compare with the word used in John 3:16 (go on - find it for yourself. I'll wait. You learn best by doing!)
So - what did you find?
Really? Me too! It's the same word! Hmm, now I'm puzzled! God already loved us, then when we keep Jesus's commandments, it shows we love Him, and Jesus loves us, then God loves us.
The next thing I'll do is scroll down to the Concordance portion. It shows us the verses where this word is used. It can help to get a better contextual understanding of the word. Now remember, this root word is Greek, so the verses are all going to be New Testament.
I see that we should:
Love our neighbors
Love our enemies
Love God (not money)
Jesus loved the rich man (then told him to sell all he had and give it to the poor)
The pharisees loved the good seats in the synogogue (this would be definition 2, to be well-pleased with a thing)
At this point I'm becoming convinced that God's Love is not conditional. It existed before our obedience (John 3:16) and it is manifested in different ways. Can you see how dangerous it can be to base a theology on a single verse?
This has not been an "in depth" study, and I'm sure that many have taken it further, and others will take it further. I'd love to hear about your opinions and see any links that you have to Biblical studies on the Love of God!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I'm taking a nap
I'm done. In the interest of transparency, just in case you were suffering from the illusion that I have it all together, I'm exhausted!
I've spent the beginning of this week cleaning out closets and dismanteling my studio. We're moving.
UUGGGGG
It's a good thing, we're all excited about the move. We're going downtown! We're going to be urban! If it doesn't kill me first.
I'm 20 weeks pregnant (yay, halfway there!). We homeschool. I have a toddler who thinks that dumping out the trash and shredded paper bin is the greatest fun. He also likes to climb. And jump.
My husband leaves at 7:30 in the morning and gets home at 7:00 at night. When he arrives, he usually cooks dinner (I know - I'm a blessed girl!). Then, he's done. It's DVR'd AGT, devotions and bed. This is one reason we're moving, to reduce his stress level and increase the time he's able to spend with the family (hopefully those two don't cancel each other out! LOL)
So, I've been feeling a little lonely in my move-planning. He doesn't even switch on "moving gear" until the weekend, then there's just not enought time to get anything done around all the other activities! I sort and box - one for giveaway, one for pack until after the move, then leave out things that we absolutely need or that will help to "stage" the house.
So, I spend my time culling through our piles of conspicuous consumption, trying to decide if I'll need "this" in the next 3 months, or ever again. Trying to decide if it goes in the "to the vintage store" pile, the "mother-in-law's garage sale" pile, the "to craigslist" pile, to the church or to the trash. If it isn't needed in the next 3 months, it gets packed. As I tape each box and carefully label it, I am at once both glad I'm doing this job (because I'll know what's in there) and with an overwhelming desire to drop it all off at Goodwill. If I can survive for 3 months without it, why not the rest of my life?
If the item is nice and "normal" (read, "looks like it belongs in a model home"), then it gets left out to stage the house. Staging the house basically means that we should make it look as though no work ever has to be done, there is room for everything and a cleaning fairy comes throguh every night and tidies up. We're "selling a lifestyle" not a home. The problem is it's a lifestyle that doesn't exist. I'm a magician. POOF, I'm creating it!
And, it makes me tired.
So, I am going to take a nap.
When I wake up, I will address the mess that the children (who are currently "unschooling") and the toddler (who is currently napping, but will surely be awake when I get up) make. Until then, sweet dreams to me!
I've spent the beginning of this week cleaning out closets and dismanteling my studio. We're moving.
UUGGGGG
It's a good thing, we're all excited about the move. We're going downtown! We're going to be urban! If it doesn't kill me first.
I'm 20 weeks pregnant (yay, halfway there!). We homeschool. I have a toddler who thinks that dumping out the trash and shredded paper bin is the greatest fun. He also likes to climb. And jump.
My husband leaves at 7:30 in the morning and gets home at 7:00 at night. When he arrives, he usually cooks dinner (I know - I'm a blessed girl!). Then, he's done. It's DVR'd AGT, devotions and bed. This is one reason we're moving, to reduce his stress level and increase the time he's able to spend with the family (hopefully those two don't cancel each other out! LOL)
So, I've been feeling a little lonely in my move-planning. He doesn't even switch on "moving gear" until the weekend, then there's just not enought time to get anything done around all the other activities! I sort and box - one for giveaway, one for pack until after the move, then leave out things that we absolutely need or that will help to "stage" the house.
So, I spend my time culling through our piles of conspicuous consumption, trying to decide if I'll need "this" in the next 3 months, or ever again. Trying to decide if it goes in the "to the vintage store" pile, the "mother-in-law's garage sale" pile, the "to craigslist" pile, to the church or to the trash. If it isn't needed in the next 3 months, it gets packed. As I tape each box and carefully label it, I am at once both glad I'm doing this job (because I'll know what's in there) and with an overwhelming desire to drop it all off at Goodwill. If I can survive for 3 months without it, why not the rest of my life?
If the item is nice and "normal" (read, "looks like it belongs in a model home"), then it gets left out to stage the house. Staging the house basically means that we should make it look as though no work ever has to be done, there is room for everything and a cleaning fairy comes throguh every night and tidies up. We're "selling a lifestyle" not a home. The problem is it's a lifestyle that doesn't exist. I'm a magician. POOF, I'm creating it!
And, it makes me tired.
So, I am going to take a nap.
When I wake up, I will address the mess that the children (who are currently "unschooling") and the toddler (who is currently napping, but will surely be awake when I get up) make. Until then, sweet dreams to me!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Free 8 Aprons Sewing Pattern eBook!
I just love aprons! I feel so "June Cleaver" when I wear one! It is also a very practical way to protect your clothes (especially when you are committed to living simply and having less!).
This great little eBook offers instructions for 8 different kinds of aprons - the possibilities are endless! I especially like the "pillowcase apron". It repurposes (hello? - that's what I'm all about!) a vintage pillowcase into a half apron with pockets. This would be perfect, not only for the kitchen, but also for keeping your money and supplies handy when you do a tag sale (or a booth at a fair). If the pillowcase isn't too delicate, you could use the completed apron to carry small household cleaning supplies (this is a suggestion just for you - you know I don't clean! LOL)
This has me thinking I need to finish my "studio apron". I've got all the supplies, and I think it's a great design (they always are when they're still in my head!) I just need to pull our the sewing machine and DO IT!
Thanks to Savings and Stewardship for passing this along!
This has me thinking I need to finish my "studio apron". I've got all the supplies, and I think it's a great design (they always are when they're still in my head!) I just need to pull our the sewing machine and DO IT!
Thanks to Savings and Stewardship for passing this along!
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