Intentional

This past week I was given a blogging break.  I didn’t ask for it.  My computer choose to be obstinate.  If I had been given any say about it, I would have chose to keep on happily as I was.  Blogging and reading, reading, reading and spending way too much of my time on the computer.

I have been fighting it, but I know it is true, I have a blogging addiction.

The computer that hogs my desk space also hogs my time.

I have let it steal from me.  It has stolen time I should have spent with my children. It has stolen time when I should be cleaning.  It has stolen time when I should have been teaching. It has stolen time when I could have been relaxing, creating or reading.

It has become what the Lord says we should never let come before Him…an idol.  I have  let my blogging become more important than time spent with God. I didn’t consciously choose this path, it happened slowly over time. And I let it. One day at a time.  One comment at a time. One blog at a time.  Blogging became my passion.

The time has come for me to be intentional. 

To make some changes.

I will still blog. I’m not ready to give it up yet. Writing about me, about my growth, my struggles, my thoughts, my feelings has been good for me. It has brought forward and put on “paper” all the years of carrying essays, stories and articles in my head. And it is creating a journal for my children and for future generations.

Time requirements and limits are being set so that I can spend more time seeking God instead of seeking acknowledgement for my own ego. More time will be spent playing with my children. More time will be spent cleaning, reading and crocheting.

And less will be spent with my face and mind glued to the computer screen.

It’s time to be intentional!

 

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6:33

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.  Matthew 5:6

House Bound

Remember a month ago when I posted about taking a late night run to the ER with my youngest son?  I didn’t tell you that at 4:00 in the morning, as we were driving home, our van decided it didn’t want to operate correctly.  At first, I didn’t notice it.  I was dazed from lack of sleep and my first thought was that the engine was just cold.  But, when I happened to look down at my speed and see I was going only 50 mph and the tachometer was pointing to 5. My thinking changed.  Maybe things weren’t operating as they should be.

Since I had someone following me rather closely, which I found odd since it was in the wee hours of the morning on a country road. I turned onto the next back road (more back then the one I had been on!). I chugged along at a whopping speed of 30 mph rolling along the quiet, sleepy dirt roads.  Asking my son every so often how he was doing and apologizing for our delayed arrival at home. By the time I pulled into our driveway the oil light was on.  I’m no mechanic, but I figured that was not a good sign!

As I soon found out, I was correct in my assumption.  My husband looked it over the next day, took it for a short drive and declared the engine toast, beyond repair. Our van is Ka-put. So, we are now a one vehicle family. Duration unknown.

Honestly, this doesn’t bother me.  There is so much to do around my home that I am eternally kept busy!  I’m pretty sure homeschooling attributes to this in a big way.  Most days its all I can do to keep meals on the table, dishes in the cupboards and underwear washed.

But, today I am feeling the urge to bake. Maybe its because all the cookies I made for Valentine’s day have been consumed.  I’m pretty positive I didn’t eat more than my fair share, Ahem!

I’m thinking a batch of these would be yummy.

Cranberry Upside Down Muffins

And for my children who aren’t huge fans of cranberries I will use this bright green, shredded zucchini that I froze from last summer’s bounty to make delicious loaves of

Zucchini Bread

And while I am thus employed, I will gaze out my window at this gorgeous frosty scene.

And be thankful for this time of quietness in my home.

Homeschooling Bonus

No homework in the evenings…

Just hunting expeditions~

And tea parties~

I am a big fan of relaxing evenings spent with my hubby and children. I am so glad our evenings aren’t filled with hours of homework, stress and tears. Unless of course, you count the times when sassy pants doesn’t get her way or when my youngest boy gets in a tussle with one of his brothers or when my middle son gets a self inflicted wound because he has been trying to rope a horse while dodging furniture and toys in the basement. You get the idea. Instead we get to spend our hours of free time together. Playing, unintentionally learning, and most of all letting our imaginations have free reign.

Let imagination rule!

What are some of the things your family does in the evenings together?

The Greatest

        

A Little Bit of Sugar

 

A Little Bit Of Giving

 

 

A Little Bit Of Thoughtfulness

 

A WHOLE Lot of Tenderness

 

   And the greatest of these is LOVE

 

Chipped

A tea party was scheduled.  Attendance was required.  The plates were set. Saucers with teacups set atop waited to be filled.  The hostess busily set about making preparations for the guests.   Picking the perfect table cloth. Laying out china, re-arranging and making sure all was perfect.  Then greeting her guests, as they arrived, with graciousness.

All were sat around the table with utmost care. Each was given a beautiful teacup.  All but one. Her teacup was a little different. The saucer not like the others.  Mishap and chipping had changed the cup and saucer. 

Be careful it’s not perfect was overheard by the guests.

But the sipper of tea that used this cup didn’t mind, she thought the cup had style, personality and character.  She remembered all the times she had used it as a little girl. Special memories came with the well loved cup and saucer.  It didn’t matter to her that the cup was missing a handle or that the saucer had a chip and a line where it had been glued back together.  All that mattered to her was that this was her cup, her beloved little set.

Just like the tea set, I’m not perfect.

I have a chip. I have a ding. I fall short. I have flaws. I mess up.

How easily I fall into the trap of perfection. Telling myself I can’t be used unless I’m perfect.  Beating myself up for my shortcomings.  Pulling within myself because I feel I can’t measure up. Believing that I am useless. But God doesn’t see it that way.  He uses me just as I am.  God doesn’t throw me out just because I am bruised, broken and tarnished.  No, He loves me with all my imperfections. He loves me deeply because I am His child.  He made me to be who I am. 

God can use me, even when I’m feeling imperfect, only if I let Him.  He is the potter of this slightly cracked and dinged clay pot. I must not wallow in my imperfection.  I must not get caught up in perfectionism. I must not demean myself because I feel I don’t compare. The Lord knows I want to excel at everything I lay my hand to. But, His plans are for me to excel at loving Him.

All my failings, all my sins, I can dredge these up in my mind. And I shudder when I see the ugliness, the inability.  God sees the cracks, He alone can mend them and He does it all with loving hands.  He heals my wounds. He soothes my hurts.  He mends my soul. He forgives my imperfections.  He loves me for who I am.

The cold truth is that I will never be perfect. But, God can do amazing things with broken vessels. If I take my eyes off of myself and lift them up to the Lord, He can use me to do amazing things for Him. 

I may have a chip, a crack and a ding, but if I give my heart to the Lord and lift my eyes to Him, He will use me just as I am, an imperfect vessel, learning to impart His love to those around me.

I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven  Psalm 123:1

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

 

I spent part of the weekend flipping page after page. 

Searching through seed catalogues.

Dreaming and planning.

I think I have my list nailed down….maybe! I have my basic vegetable garden seeds figured out. I’m pretty sure I’m ordering a self-pollinating pear tree for my small but, slowly growing orchard. Now I have to decided exactly what I am ordering for my herb garden and what flower seeds I am going to try out this year.

Choices, choices.

It’s hard to decide sometimes.  If money wasn’t an object I’m sure I would go overboard! Guess its a good thing I don’t have excess cash lying around!

Yesterday, I sat down and finally finished the hat I started for myself a month ago. I don’t have a nice winter hat to wear around town or to church. My old chore hat just doesn’t cut it, ya know! I think this do just fine.

 

Today, today brought us this…

School, mixed with card making!  We are taking Valentines to the assisted living home where my grandma lives this afternoon. Our table was FULL this morning!  But, so were our hearts as we thought of the joy these cards will bring the residents.

 

Hope your having a Happy Monday!

Jenn

 

Fearless~ Book Review

 

 

We subject ourselves to a position of fear, allowing anxiety to dominate and define our lives. Joy sapping worries. Day-numbing dread. Repeated bouts of insecurity that petrify and paralyze us.  Hysteria is not from God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Tim 1:7). (pg 13, Fearless)

If you have ever read any of Max Lucado’s books you know that he has amazing talent for drawing pictures with his words.  This book is no different.  He describes fear so vividly and how it can rule your life if you allow it.

In his book on fear, Lucado, takes you on a journey that opens your eyes to how we are a fearful generation.  He begins his book with pinpointing reasons why we are afraid.  Then one by one takes he these fears and walks his readers through biblical solutions.

My favorite chapter in this book is chapter 7.  Lucado, retells the story of the moments leading up to Christ’s crucifixion.  He takes us to the garden of Gethsemane. He reminds us that even Jesus felt fear at the oncoming burden He was to bear.

Jesus faces his ultimate fear with honest prayer. Let’s not overcomplicate this topic. Don’t we do so? We prescribe words for prayer, places for prayer, clothing for prayer, postures for prayer; durations, intonations, and incantations. Yet Jesus’ garden appeal had none of theses. It was brief (twenty-six English words), straightforward (“Please take this cup of suffering away”), and trusting (“Yet I want your will to be done, not mine”). Low on slick and high on authentic.  Less a silver-tongued saint in the sanctuary; more a frightened child in a father’s lap.  That’s it. Jesus’ garden prayer is a child’s prayer…. Do likewise. Fight your dragons in Gethsemane’s garden.  Those persistent, ugly villains of the heart, talk to God about them. (pg 83,84,85)

I highly recommend this book!  Even if you don’t feel you struggle with fear. I urge you to get a copy of this book. It is filled with insight, Biblical teaching, and through Max Lucado’s words you can feel God’s strength and love.

We cannot go where God is not. Look over you shoulder; that’s God following you. Look into the storm; that’s Christ coming toward you. (pg 71)

*Book provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing

Even In the Winter

Normally winter doesn’t bother me.  I can take the cold, snow and shorter days all in stride. But, this year has been different. I don’t know if its because I’m getting older or just because my children and I have been so sick.  This year I have found myself counting the days until spring.  I have a yearning for green, vibrancy and flowers. 

The other morning my oldest son came in from doing his chores and urged me to go back to the stream.  He promised me I would be able to get some great pictures.  So, I grabbed my camera, pulled on my winter boots, chore coat, fuzzy hat and thinsulate gloves. As I trudged back the well worn path I looked around me and all I saw was dull, muted winter colors.  I began to doubt whether my son had seen any beauty at all.  Then as I rounded the curve in the path I was rewarded, astounded and rebuked for my doubting.

The trees may be bare. Snow clouds may scuttle across the sky.  Winter may continue, but…

 

How can anyone question whether God is the creator of all things…

 

Look at the intricacies…

The delicate workings of a Master…

Even in the dead of winter, He provides beauty.

And on that day he lightened my heart and renewed my spirit with the awesomeness of His glory.

Thank You

Thank you to….

Jackie,my dear friend, who designed a new button for my blog

She does amazing work!  So if your blog needs a little perking up head on over to her site and take a look around.  You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to…

Jamie, from Six Bricks High, who sent me a wonderful gift card to Starbucks when I won her giveaway.  I am looking forward to sipping a yummy treat and a bit of relaxation!

 

Thank you to…

Camille, from Flowers In His Garden, who purchased me a subscription to Answers in Genesis, when I won her giveaway.  I am really looking forward to receiving this! I know it will be a great addition to our homeschool curriculum.

 

Thank you to…

Tracy, from Jesus. Woman. Words, who gave me this wonderful award.

Thank you so much, dear friend!  Your words of kindness brought tears to my eyes.

 

And finally, Thank you to…

All of you, my readers, I truly appreciate all of you. I especially want to thank each of you who comment on my posts!  I have formed many wonderful friendships with each of you. I always look forward to reading your words.  Each time a comment is left I feel I am forming an even stronger bond with you.  So, thank you for reading my words and thoughts and for leaving a few of your own!

Check It Out…

 

As some of you may know I am a contributing writer for At The Well.  There are some great things going on over there that I thought you might be interested in. On Februray 1st, At the Well celebrated its one year anniversary.  There are many new changes lined up for another great year of learning and growing.  One of those is a Bible Study written by Jenifer Jernigan.   Here is a little excerpt of that study…

When you think about God, what thoughts come to mind? Do you picture Him as caring, kind, and compassionate? Is He always forgiving, always faithful, always a friend to you? Does He love you unconditionally, meet you where you are, heal your every wound? Can you go to Him with anything, at anytime? Or, do you view God as judgmental, full of wrath, not caring about your life struggles? Do you see Him as unapproachable and unloving? Do you view God as only loving you when you do something right or something you feel is worthy to be loved? Is God untouchable to you- someone who is way up there in Heaven sitting on a throne that cares nothing about you?

One of the most significant ways in which God has revealed Himself to us is through the revelation of His name. God’s names reveal His very nature and character. To know God’s name is to enjoy a kind of personal access to Him. By revealing His names to us, God made Himself, literally an open book- open to be worshiped properly and open to the possibility of being dishonored through the misuse of His name.

Beginning February 8th, for 10 weeks, we will explore some of the Hebrew names of God and the attributes those names will reveal to us. Join us as we get to know the Almighty God.

 

I hope you will be able to join us for this wonderful study At The Well.

Dear Anonymous

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save, he will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

In January I posted this picture and verse along with a few of my thoughts for the new year on the site, At The Well

One of the comments that I received really touched my heart and I just had to respond.

Anonymous said...

I just asked one of my daughters, who yes, is an adult, if she ever heard God sing? Have you?

Dear Anonymous,

Have I ever heard God singing? If by that you mean have I heard him with my physical ears, the answer would have to be no. But, I HAVE "heard" God singing over me in my heart and in my soul. I have "heard" God singing over me when I take time to focus on His blessings. I have "heard" God singing over me when I spend deep quality time with Him. I have "heard" God singing over me when I marvel in His awesomeness. I have “heard” God singing over me when I snuggle with my children. I have “heard” God singing over me when I worship him with song. I have “heard” God singing over me when I take time to give to others. I have “heard” God singing over me when I give all I have to Him.

I don’t always hear the Lord singing over me. Often I get too busy. Too caught up in myself to hear God’s voice, to hear His singing. But when I take the time to be still. When I let the Lord quiet me with His love. Then, when my heart and soul are in His hand, then I hear his singing.

I pray that you will take time to "listen" for God's singing over you. He loves you more than you or I can fathom. And He does sing for you and over you because you are His.