Foto Friday… September 12, 2008

I know, I know. I’m a bit late in my Friday-ing to get this up. But it’s still technically Friday everywhere in the US, so I figure I’m still good!

It has been a BUSY day my friends! I’ve washed my kitchen floor. TWICE! The first time because it was just gross and I couldn’t stand it anymore. The second time because Kait and Noah somehow managed to drop an entire GALLON of strawberry kool-aid – and the plastic rubbermaid pitcher just shattered. I even ended up moving the stove the second time to scrub underneath.

That wasn’t the biggest part of my day though. The big news around town was the homecoming parade and game. Kait was sick, so I skipped the game to stay home with her. We all made the parade – couldn’t miss our Elijah being *in* the parade.

Seth & Lexi while I mopped the floor…

Seth did *not* like all the sirens…

 

The Okaw Valley Marching Band…

Elijah in the parade – he’s chanting SOV! Best picture I got…

Learning to share (and blackmail when they are older)…

Apples, apples everywhere… September 6, 2008

And I’m not talking about the computer! (Although, if someone out there were to want to gift me a MacBook I definitely wouldn’t complain).

Chip’s dad brought me about 2 bushels of apples. My kids have eaten about 1/2 a bushel. I’ve made applesauce. And apple bread.

And this apple bread? Y’all, it’s like I got a little taste of heaven when we tried it! Oh. my. word. It’s really *that* good! And I will so completely blame my friend Suzanne for giving me the recipe when I gain 30 pounds because my family is insisting that I make it again. Very, very soon.

So, without further ado, for your gastronomical pleasure, I present…

Suzanne’s Apple Bread

1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
2 cups chopped apples

Mix all together and spread into a greased 8×4 loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 55 minutes. 
__

I went a step further and put a glaze on it since we were having it for dessert. After it was done baking, I moved it to a cooling rack. I mixed together 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar (that’s just plain powdered sugar for those of you who don’t like to get all fancy) and about 2 tablespoons of water until it was thin and pourable. Then I poured that over the bread and let it all cool.

I’ll be making it again very soon.

Wild Goose Giveaway… August 19, 2008

*Giveaway info at the end*

I’ve had the opportunity to read Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson already. It releases today via Amazon and all those other bookstores out there that I hear people use.

By the end of the first chapter, I was completely hooked. It’s a perfect book for those who feel like they are on a wild goose chase as they try and figure out this crazy ride called life and what God’s plans for them is. Because lately, I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching. A lot of wondering what comes next and how I get to that point. Maybe another name for this book could have been “Like a Chicken With My Head Cut Off.”  But the reminder to pursue God through it all is such great truth and explained clearly in this book. Especially when people around you are telling you that you’re crazy. It’s a reminder to live out your faith in day to day life as you take risks and adventures along the way.

Here’s the summary from the back of the book – 

Most of us have no idea where we’re going most of the time. Perfect. 

“Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….

Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” –from the introduction.

Mark Batterson may be one of the best communicators I’ve ever heard. He is able to paint a picture that is memorable and has so many one-liners that I’ve lost count. He inspires me as we continue this crazy journey in ministry and as he reaches out to those he pastors at National Community Church on Capitol Hill. AND he dared to dream that a church could open a coffeehouse on the Hill! And saw that through to what is now the largest – and one of those most popular – coffeehouses!

I’ve got a free copy of Wild Goose Chase to give away to one of y’all! No strings attached. Just leave a comment below. If you twitter or blog about this giveaway on your own site, come back and leave a second comment and you’ll get two entries! I’m picking the winner at 11pm CST on Sunday night so the book can go out first thing on Monday morning.

So, go leave me a comment!

I’ve been thinking… August 13, 2008

I know, I know – maybe that’s why I’ve been having migraines. Really don’t think that’s it, but I’ll try and lay off in the next day or two and see if it helps.

I’ve seen a growing trend lately of people who are coming out of the closet and telling God they are mad. Of people coming out and telling others that they are mad at God. I’ve never really had an issue with doing this. I always figured he already knows it, so why not tell Him and lets work through this thing. Because isn’t that really the first step in healing hurts? Admitting there is a problem?

And since my husband is a pastor, I talk to a lot of pastor’s wives. I’m actually friends with a whole bunch of them. They bless me more than they will ever know. They are the ones who speak into my life. Who aren’t afraid to tell me if I’m being stupid. And oh my – do I ever SHOCK them sometimes with the things that come out of my mouth. I wish y’all could have seen the look on the face of a friend when I told her that I had no issues with people who get tattoos when they are a Christian (within reason of course). I do that a lot. Because I know that it’s ultimately up to God to judge and since I’ve read my Bible, I figure this is one of those gray areas that every person needs to make up their own mind on. They are the ones who will have to talk to God about it someday. Not an issue for me since I have a bitty issue with needles…

Wow! Did I chase down a rabbit trail there! That was sooo not my point and I hope y’all are still with me! Are you still there? I promise – I have a point!

Anyway, so this pastor’s wife friend and I were talking the other day. She and her husband are about to change ministry assignments. I wish that things were better for them. But like many, many churches, theirs has a few people who make their lives more difficult than they need to be.

And we’ve wondered how they got like that. Because people who go to church don’t usually start out falling in love with Jesus and plugging into a church with an agenda and trying to kill pastors. But somewhere along the way, they become so hard hearted. So callous. So bitter.

And last night, like a lightbulb going off in my head, it was like the Holy Spirit revealed to me that it happens when people harbor anger and bitterness builds.

How does it get into the church? How do the church leaders become so bitter that they’d rather see their own agenda pushed through than a move of God? It’s because they are…

are you ready for this?

They are mad at God!!! I would guess that if you look back in their lives, you’ll be able to trace it back to something that God “allowed” or didn’t “prevent” – as if He were some genie in a bottle. A spouse died a long drawn out death. A child’s life ended long before it should have. There life savings was wrapped up in stock that dropped out beneath them when the CEO of the company decided to steal money. 9-11 happened. Doesn’t matter what it was, they blame God. They hold a grudge.

But the problem is, they can’t admit they are mad at God. Because there is a gross misunderstanding of the Scripture when it comes to anger. To many, it’s sin to be angry. And to be angry with God? Certainly that will send you straight to Hell.

So, they misplace the blame. They hurt those close to them because they have to take it out on someone. And sometimes they are even able to make things right with their relationships here on earth. But there is still a bitterness, an anger in their hearts and a long life lived with “what if’s”.

But real healing isn’t going to be able to happen until they are able to admit with themselves and with God that they are angry. That what happened HURT and they don’t understand the things of God. Because once they are able to see past what they think God did, they will be able to see who God is. He is Grace. He is Hope. He is Love. And only when they are able to see those things, can true healing really begin.

I’m not a theologian. I don’t pretend to be. I’m not even a preacher. I leave that up to my husband. But that’s what’s been in my head and on my heart today. I’ve been a bit miffed at God lately. But I know that above all, He has my best interests in His heart. His ways are above my own. And more than anything, I just want more of Him. And I know that His grace helps me work through my issues. I know that His love holds me through it all. And I know that He’ll be right there when I’m done with my little tantrum. And I am eternally grateful!

On vacation… August 1, 2008

After facing the summer thinking we wouldn’t get a vacation, SURPRISE! We packed up and left home tonight and ran away to the booming populous of East Alton, IL. Friends of ours are out of town this week and told us to come stay at their house and spend the week hopping the river over into St. Louis! AND WE ARE!!!

So, I might be scarce around the blog, but you’ll still be able to follow me on Twitter and most likely see some pictures on Facebook or Flickr (over there —–> ) as I upload them for Elijah, who is back at home with the grands (HUGE thanks to them!!!!) because of football.

But for now, I’m going to kick my feet up and curl up on what I’m pretty sure is the world’s most comfortable couch for a bit before going to bed. Not sure what adventure tomorrow is going to bring, but I hear it will involve ribs!

Meet Henry… June 28, 2008

Hopping Henry to be exact! He lives under the ramp for the church. Or maybe behind it. Wherever he makes his home, he comes out to play with my kids quite regularly. I’ve decided that he must enjoy being caught because the silly thing keeps coming back for more.

When he first made his appearance, none of my kids would touch him. They’d scoop him up and put him in a shoebox. It was all very Michigan J. Frog-ish. I even had them convinced that if they were really sneaky, maybe they’d catch him singing and dancing. I’m going to have to YouTube that to show them what I’m talking about. Because I’m pretty sure they all thought I was a bit daft.

But today, Seth was brave. He saw Henry and scooped him right up. Carried him over and put him in the box. I guess it was just a matter of time before one of them picked him up with their hands. I am a mom of three boys after all. (Oh dear Lord, please, please, please don’t let me find a frog in a pocket! That will definitely be more than I can handle! Amen!) And boys like frogs. And toads. And all manner of creepy crawlies!

So, meet Henry…

We’re off today to Kait’s last softball game and then back to drop Seth off for a sleepover at Grandma’s (he’s still afraid of the fireworks so he’s going to sleep there instead of coming with us) and then off to Celebration where we’ll partake in all kinds of things that will throw off my Gyminee account!

So, what are you up to today?

 

Healthy living… June 19, 2008

So, I’m jumping the gun just a little bit and starting early. Hoping to get some good trends started before I actually start my 31 days of healthy living on July 1st. I have four goals…

1. Eat as healthy as possible, as much as possible.
2. Drink 120 oz. of water daily and and match any caffeine intake ounce for ounce.
3. Exercise at least 20 minutes a day every day but Sunday.
4. No eating after 10 p.m.

They all seem like do-able goals. But the truth is, yesterday I tried my best to eat healthy. I tried my best to drink water. (I hate water. Dr. Pepper is so much better). I walked 20 minutes on the treadmill in the morning. And yet but 4pm, my body thought it was STARVING! The baked ravioli for dinner did little to calm the monster in my stomach. My brain new that I wasn’t, but had a very hard time convincing my stomach otherwise. I could hear my stomach coaxing my brain, “There is chocolate in the kitchen cabinet. Remember chocolate? We had chocolate yesterday. We *both* like chocolate.” *sigh* It was a battle of wills. And in the end I ate two graham crackers while Chip ate s’mores. *sigh*

So, I’m starting my quest a few days early. So I don’t DIE when July starts. I’ve joined Gyminee to keep track of things like what I’m eating, how much I’m exercising, and the ugly truth that is my weight. So, who’s going to join me? Go sign up for your own Gyminee account and be my friend and let’s strive to live a healthier life together.

Who’s in?

Forgiveness… June 18, 2008

We’ve been through some tough times lately. Some people who we felt close to betrayed us. I know that seems like a harsh word, but that’s how I felt. People who we at one time considered some of our biggest fans, our friends, suddenly decided to start bad mouthing us. Well, I never heard about anything that was said about me personally, but I know they talked about my husband.

And the things they said. Oh, they were so unkind. Calling him arrogant. Accusing him of having a God complex. Of being a dictator who wanted things done his own way. Things so far from the truth that they could not have been more wrong.

And it made my blood boil. Really, really boil. At times, I wanted to go ring this person’s doorbell and kick them in the shins. *THAT* would give them something to talk about.

But the thing is – more than anything, I was hurt. Deep in my soul, these people who I trusted. Whom I looked up to even. For them to say these things. Things I looked at long and hard. Things I asked others about because I wanted to make sure there was no modicum of truth in them. I watched as my husband became defeated. Depressed even. It was an ugly, ugly time in our lives.

I never did ring the doorbell and kick them in the shins. I wanted to say something many, many times. But each time, God had me hold my tongue. I knew nothing good could come out of me being ugly back, so I was content to sit back and know that someday GOD would be their judge. Someday they would have to stand in front of God and give an account. I was going to let God vindicate me. And I would sit back and relish in the fact that God’s punishment for them would be far worse than anything I could bestow on them.

In May, we were at our denominational district council. It wasn’t really so much anything that was discussed at Council, but more that I had a LOT of time on my hands to sit and think and let my mind wander. During one business session, I was reading blogs and I don’t even really remember what it was about or who it was by. It was one of those wandering types of randomness that I so often encounter while online. But I remember reading Jesus words as he hung there on the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they know now what they do.” It was more a pondering moment in my heart than anything else. I definitely didn’t connect the two issues in my mind at that time.

On Tuesday night, we had an amazing service. I was thinking again of these people who had wronged us so many times. People I thought I had forgiven in my heart. I just couldn’t seem to move on from it though. I had forgiven, but I certainly wasn’t free from it all.

As I sat in that service that night, the very fact that they would be JUDGED because of something they did to hurt me and my family hit me like a ton of bricks. I literally remember feeling the realization slam into my chest like a ton of bricks. God was going to hold them accountable for their actions. LORD, HAVE MERCY! My spirit cried out within me. And I called out to God.

“Father, forgive them! They didn’t know what they were doing!!!”

And just like that – insert finger snap here – the floodgates of my soul opened and I heard the voice of God speak to me as clearly as I ever have before, “And that, daughter, is what forgiveness is all about!”

I’ve got a new perspective on forgiveness now. A new perspective on God’s love for me. For everyone. God doesn’t want to get even. He’s not out for vengeance. He’s in the business of love and mercy and forgiveness. And it’s only because He’s able to forgive that I’m able to be free!

It’s raining, it’s pouring… May 27, 2008

Yep, rain. Again. For the millionth time this spring. And just like I was afraid it would never stop snowing, now I’m afraid it will never stop raining. Today it was 55 degrees outside! At the end of MAY! Right now it’s only 49. I’m so ready for summer and warmth that there aren’t even words to express. This weather makes me achy and tired and apparently very whiny. Not good when you’re in the middle of 100 days of blogging and have to be creative. Or at least come up with something, anything, to post.

I do have some less whiny posts coming up soon though. I’ve come to an interesting place on a quite interesting journey of forgiveness that I’ve been on. I’m going to be starting a 30 day challenge to lose some weight (considering making it 40 just because). I’ve watched some interesting movies lately and have more on the way as of tomorrow from Netflix. I really do have more things to talk about. Unfortunately, when it’s this nasty outside, I can’t hardly see past it all.

We did have a great night tonight though. Because of the rain, we were able to have friends over. It was very much an impromptu thing and we had to scurry to get the house clean. It was presentable and we know these friends were coming to see us and not the house anyway, but there was still quite a bit of picking up to do. We do have four kids after all (plus an extra 2 during the day). I made hamburgers and they brought chips. Between the 10 of us, we polished off an entire jar of pickles. We had some great time talking, the older 5 kids played upstairs and Seth entertained us with quite the excitement of talking about killing mice. According to our 3 year old, you use sprinkle cheese as bait and then stomp on the mouse when it comes out to get the cheese. He’s such a hoot! But we sent them off (along with our Elijah) and now we’re settling in for a bit while the Littles go to sleep. Chip’s friend is getting ready to go to Japan and then Hong Kong for 3 weeks for their denominational General Council (which seems a whole lot more exciting than going to our GC in Indianapolis last August). So chances are likely it’s the last time we’ll get to see all of them before we goes. We had a good time with great friends, so I guess the day wasn’t a complete loss.

I’ll take some cheese to go with my “whine” now…

Oh be careful little mouth… May 22, 2008

Chip and I had a wonderful week in Springfield, IL at the Assemblies of God District Council. We had a much need break away from home by ourselves. We hadn’t been away from home overnight by ourselves since we flew to Texas last December.

Our lives have been rather crazy lately, so instead of finding someone to eat lunch with on Wednesday afternoon, we came home instead and stopped for lunch by ourselves at Steak & Shake. It was a wonderful lunch and we were able to talk about a lot of the things that God spoke into our lives this week. But that will require many, many more posts.

As we sat there eating our lunch, we couldn’t help but overhear two ladies sitting behind Chip. They weren’t exactly being quiet as they talked. And we couldn’t help but listen in when they started talking about someone we know. This person is someone we would count an “almost friend” – someone that we run in the same circles and share enough about our lives that we are more than acquaintances, but not quite friends. But then they started making comments about her dad – who is a friend of ours. It was kind of weird to have them talking about people we knew. Especially since he’s an area pastor.

But then – and oh, you knew there had to be a but – they skipped over to another church in town. A church pastored by friends of ours and began to talk about THAT church and called the pastor’s wife by name. It went from weird to weirder.

We continued our lunch and really weren’t trying to listen. These ladies were just that loud. When all of a sudden, they start talking about a church in Tuscola that is also pastored by a friend of ours. I could *not* believe my ears. We had just seen all three of these pastors *that day*! From the church in Tuscola, they moved to another denomination and began talking about the Church of God. Now, I don’t know the current pastor, but I do know people who have pastored that church before (both a former senior pastor and a former youth pastor). They were talking about how the services were too long and yada, yada, yada. It was just weird.

And THEN – oh yes, there is more – they started talking about how they had made all of these “new changes” (and they didn’t mean it in a good way) at the Assembly of God church in Mattoon. Yep. Friends with those pastors too – both the resigning one and the new senior pastor elect. Both of whom we’d seen at various times that week too.

It was one of those most ridiculous things I’ve ever experienced. I mean, the chances of us hearing someone talk about even one of those people are kind of remote. But to hear all of them talked about within the space of half an hour? It was nuts.

We left before they did. I was too gobsmacked to say anything to them, although in hindsight I kind of wish I would have. There is no telling how many more people’s names I would have recognized before they were done. I snapped a picture of them – if they show up at our church on Sunday, I think I’ll put out a “Gone Fishin'” sign.

But it taught me a valuable lesson. I need to make sure that I’m always conscious of the things that I’m talking about. Because I never know who might be listening. And I should always be mindful of Who is listening.