God's approach is so strange sometimes. Out of nowhere...they'll come a time in our lives when we are blindsided by something. Meeting our soul mate...finding out we're going to be parents...a new friendship...a sudden loss...an unforeseen illness...and the list goes on and on.
And we are here...trying to figure out how to deal with the path that he puts in front of us. The people we come in contact with. The situations that we are put in. None of us have experience with this. None of us know what we are doing. We mess up. We make poor choices. We turn out backs out of anger and spite. We fall short.
And then we are blessed with the ability to forgive and to be forgiven.
Sometimes I sit and just wonder.
What are ya doing up there God?
Can I help you with something?
Because I have a few things I'd like to fix for you. You may have it wrong...you may have the wrong person. There might be a better scenario. Like...we weren't quite ready to have kids yet...Coach needed more time with his Dad...Her kids are too young for her to have cancer...
But...He continues on the path of His own. Without ever stopping to ask my opinion. Without even bothering to see if I agree or disagree. Without so much as a heads up on any of my blindsidings...and I am left here to figure it out.
Yes Lord...I trust.
But the truth is...
I still wonder.
What are ya doing up there?
As I sit at my kitchen window and stare out at the pink Christmas lights that are up for a friend who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer...I wonder.
As I sit listening to my Mom consoling a friend who's sister's Cancer is back. (The same kind of cancer that took the life of my Mom's closest friend not even two years ago...I wonder)
As I sit and read on facebook about how much a little sister struggles as she remembers the accident that took the life of her brother 4 years ago...I wonder.
What are ya doing up there?
I just wonder.
So tonight...I will pray extra hard for those unspoken requests...for those situations I don't understand...and for the trust that I am lacking in my God. I know it...I believe it...but I still wonder. Lord...help me not to wonder anymore.
Referee of 3
Referee of 3
Monday, November 8, 2010
To Serve
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.””- Joshua 24:15
I can remember this scripture from when I was very young. And it is one that I have always loved. I can say that I didn't know the entire thing, but I have heard time and time again...As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
I probably tell Little 10 times a day...Mind your business. Worry about yourself. Sometimes the little ones get so wrapped up in what everyone else is doing that they can't even focus on themselves.
This scripture isn't saying it is OKAY to worship other Gods. In fact...that is one of the Big 10. Not college football teams...the Big 10 Commandments.
Right, got it.
What it IS saying is that when focusing on how we will act...and how we will worship...We in this house will serve the Lord.
Sometimes it would be so much easier if we could stop there.
But God's love isn't like that. He isn't satisfied with us simply worrying about ourselves. He isn't OKAY with us serving the Lord and saying...
We are to love those who don't serve Him as much as the ones that do. Because it is through those actions that they will find Him. It is through our love of Jesus Christ that the non believers will believe. He has them in His sights...along with us.
We are to serve Him...and only Him. We are to impress upon others the importance of His love. I have learned over the years that doesn't mean to be up in everyone's business either. We are to find the right balance between minding our business and sharing His love.
There IS a happy medium.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. It is my hope that in serving Him, we are invitational and intentional with His love.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Referee of 3
P.S.~On the way to church yesterday, Middle said..."I know it was you Mom." And I replied..."What are you talking about?" (Regarding the weekend post below)
He said..."The Butterfingers. I read your blog."
I may have swerved the van a bit and then I did my meanest Mommy glare and said...
"That is an adult blog! You should not read my adult writing!" (Lies...all lies. Ugh...I was so ashamed!)
And then I apologized for eating his Butterfingers and told him I'd buy more. He suggested that I not since I would eat them all. And then he told me that Big was lucky because his room was in the basement and his candy was safe.
I said...
"Not so much Middle. I ate his too."
My poor kids. Ugh. Glad the Butterfingers are gone.
I can remember this scripture from when I was very young. And it is one that I have always loved. I can say that I didn't know the entire thing, but I have heard time and time again...As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
I probably tell Little 10 times a day...Mind your business. Worry about yourself. Sometimes the little ones get so wrapped up in what everyone else is doing that they can't even focus on themselves.
This scripture isn't saying it is OKAY to worship other Gods. In fact...that is one of the Big 10. Not college football teams...the Big 10 Commandments.
Right, got it.
What it IS saying is that when focusing on how we will act...and how we will worship...We in this house will serve the Lord.
Sometimes it would be so much easier if we could stop there.
But God's love isn't like that. He isn't satisfied with us simply worrying about ourselves. He isn't OKAY with us serving the Lord and saying...
To heck with all those who choose to worship the God of Sunny Weather or the God of Make this Bad Thing Go Away.
We are to love those who don't serve Him as much as the ones that do. Because it is through those actions that they will find Him. It is through our love of Jesus Christ that the non believers will believe. He has them in His sights...along with us.
We are to serve Him...and only Him. We are to impress upon others the importance of His love. I have learned over the years that doesn't mean to be up in everyone's business either. We are to find the right balance between minding our business and sharing His love.
There IS a happy medium.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. It is my hope that in serving Him, we are invitational and intentional with His love.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Referee of 3
P.S.~On the way to church yesterday, Middle said..."I know it was you Mom." And I replied..."What are you talking about?" (Regarding the weekend post below)
He said..."The Butterfingers. I read your blog."
I may have swerved the van a bit and then I did my meanest Mommy glare and said...
"That is an adult blog! You should not read my adult writing!" (Lies...all lies. Ugh...I was so ashamed!)
And then I apologized for eating his Butterfingers and told him I'd buy more. He suggested that I not since I would eat them all. And then he told me that Big was lucky because his room was in the basement and his candy was safe.
I said...
"Not so much Middle. I ate his too."
My poor kids. Ugh. Glad the Butterfingers are gone.
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Self Control...I have none.
I have an addiction.
I have eaten every single Butterfinger in this house. About 10 to 12 to be exact. Not all in one day...but over a period of days in the last week.
The boys have "secret" drawers they keep their candy in.
I have been raiding them during the day while they are at school...and I am a bit embarrassed.
Yet...I still do it. I still go in...day after day...to steal their Butterfingers.
And this is the wrapper from the very last one. I ate it for Breakfast this morning.
There is no devotion with this post. It is simply me admitting guilt. And admitting that I have absolutely NO will power what so ever. None.
So to my neighbors and friends who have enabled my addiction this year...
If you could please buy ANYTHING but Butterfingers for Halloween next year, my waist line would appreciate it. (And so would the boys)
Thanks so much!
Referee of 3
Friday
Well...we made it. It is Friday...again. The week is behind us and the weekend is upon us...almost.
I am looking forward to this weekend for so many reasons, but mainly because our only real commitment is the football game on Saturday at 7:00pm. If you are in the area, come out and support the Wildcats!
Other than that though...we have NOTHING. Every Saturday since the beginning of Sept., we've had Jr. League Football games starting at 8am. The home games weren't so bad. But there were a few mornings when we were pulling out of the driveway while it was still quite dark outside. And since Big's birthday about 6 weeks ago, we've been doing some kind of entertaining here on Sundays. We've had two birthday parties...family dinners...a baby shower...and family pictures. Every Sunday...it has been something. Not to mention, during that time, we had a house full of sickies. One week it was me. The next weekend it was Little. It seems as if one of us has been sick for quite some time.
And in an effort not to jinx ourselves...I believe we are all feeling a little better.
This is the time of year when Family becomes more of a priority. Not because they haven't been...but because we are in that mindset to recognize the importance. With Thanksgiving just weeks away, we begin to slow down a bit to figure out what it is we are thankful for. I myself am thankful that tomorrow morning, I don't have to drag three little boys out of bed to drive all over Kansas for Jr. League football. I am thankful that I'll be able to have breakfast with my family...that I'll be able to sit and have coffee with Coach...that I'll be able to stay in my own home for just a little while.
We needed a break.
And I am happy to report that we have one.
In our crazy, busy lives...sometimes we have to stop. We have to be still. We have to sit long enough to enjoy what God has provided us with.
Thank you Lord for allowing us to see the importance of slowing down. Allow me to realize in the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, that it is all about you. Help me to remember that no gift is more important than the gift of salvation that you gave to us. Give me the courage to take a break every now and then to truly appreciate what you've given me...the boys...Coach...and my family and friends. Amen
Have a Blessed Friday!
Referee of 3
I am looking forward to this weekend for so many reasons, but mainly because our only real commitment is the football game on Saturday at 7:00pm. If you are in the area, come out and support the Wildcats!
Other than that though...we have NOTHING. Every Saturday since the beginning of Sept., we've had Jr. League Football games starting at 8am. The home games weren't so bad. But there were a few mornings when we were pulling out of the driveway while it was still quite dark outside. And since Big's birthday about 6 weeks ago, we've been doing some kind of entertaining here on Sundays. We've had two birthday parties...family dinners...a baby shower...and family pictures. Every Sunday...it has been something. Not to mention, during that time, we had a house full of sickies. One week it was me. The next weekend it was Little. It seems as if one of us has been sick for quite some time.
And in an effort not to jinx ourselves...I believe we are all feeling a little better.
This is the time of year when Family becomes more of a priority. Not because they haven't been...but because we are in that mindset to recognize the importance. With Thanksgiving just weeks away, we begin to slow down a bit to figure out what it is we are thankful for. I myself am thankful that tomorrow morning, I don't have to drag three little boys out of bed to drive all over Kansas for Jr. League football. I am thankful that I'll be able to have breakfast with my family...that I'll be able to sit and have coffee with Coach...that I'll be able to stay in my own home for just a little while.
We needed a break.
And I am happy to report that we have one.
In our crazy, busy lives...sometimes we have to stop. We have to be still. We have to sit long enough to enjoy what God has provided us with.
Thank you Lord for allowing us to see the importance of slowing down. Allow me to realize in the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, that it is all about you. Help me to remember that no gift is more important than the gift of salvation that you gave to us. Give me the courage to take a break every now and then to truly appreciate what you've given me...the boys...Coach...and my family and friends. Amen
Have a Blessed Friday!
Referee of 3
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
And the Crowd Goes Wild!!!
Well...they did it. They won! Victorious! What does that mean for us? We play the number one team in the state on Saturday. But...the game is here and that is so awesome! Win or lose...we get to play another game on our home field. I love the atmosphere of home football games. It is incredible. And after a win...it is indescribable.
I know...I should probably have outgrown the excitement of HS football long ago, but I get sucked in every time.
Seeing the kids' excitement gets me time after time. After the game, Big and Middle went running out onto the field with their friends and it is so fun to watch them live in them moment. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget to do that. Celebrate the right now. Sure...the football win won't help us financially. It won't make the house clean, the lunches packed, or make the pain go away in any situation...but it is exciting and fun. It is something the school won't forget anytime soon, and it allows us to just Go Wild! We jump and scream with excitement. Yes...I knew as soon as the song ended, I'd be dragging three very tired boys home to bed. I knew I had to get myself ready for bed and get backpacks organized and ready for school today. But I didn't worry about that. I just celebrated the moment.
Thank you God...for moments like that.
It was awesome.
I am tired. I have to get myself and the boys ready to drag themselves to school for a day of normalcy. Even though they were up WAAAAAYYYY past their normal school night bedtime.
Congratulations Wildcats on last night's game. Congratulations Coach. I love you. Good luck on Saturday!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee or 3
I know...I should probably have outgrown the excitement of HS football long ago, but I get sucked in every time.
Seeing the kids' excitement gets me time after time. After the game, Big and Middle went running out onto the field with their friends and it is so fun to watch them live in them moment. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget to do that. Celebrate the right now. Sure...the football win won't help us financially. It won't make the house clean, the lunches packed, or make the pain go away in any situation...but it is exciting and fun. It is something the school won't forget anytime soon, and it allows us to just Go Wild! We jump and scream with excitement. Yes...I knew as soon as the song ended, I'd be dragging three very tired boys home to bed. I knew I had to get myself ready for bed and get backpacks organized and ready for school today. But I didn't worry about that. I just celebrated the moment.
Thank you God...for moments like that.
It was awesome.
I am tired. I have to get myself and the boys ready to drag themselves to school for a day of normalcy. Even though they were up WAAAAAYYYY past their normal school night bedtime.
Congratulations Wildcats on last night's game. Congratulations Coach. I love you. Good luck on Saturday!
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee or 3
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
His Wonderful Light
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”- 1 Peter 2:9
Tonight is the first playoff game for the Mulvane Wildcats. We play Maize South at 7pm and it is going to be a chilly evening. I am nervous for the players and coaches and hope they play to their potential so they can advance to Saturday's game.
Today when I pulled up www.biblegateway.com, the verse kind of spoke to me.
You are chosen people...God's special possession...that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Have you ever been in that darkness? Have you ever felt so alone...and felt like no one understood you? Like no one was truly on your side? I know I have. And most generally, it is because of a decision that I myself have made. Because we are human...we fall short. End of story. We fall short and we need God. But after making bad choices sometimes, we feel like there is no one in the world that would call us into the light.
In the darkness...a lot of people find Him. They have no other choice, but to ask God for help. This verse tells us that amongst the billions of people on this Earth...we...as individuals...are His special possession. And that if we declare the praises of Him...we'll be called out of the darkness into the light. His wonderful light. When you have Christ in your life...His light brightens even the darkest of situations. And it is so important that we remember that even in our darkest hour...He is with us. It is when we choose not to trust Him or to believe in Him...that the darkness becomes suffocating.
I added a new song to my playlist. It is called Light up the Sky by the Afters. The chorus goes along with what we are talking about today and I wanted those who needed to hear it...to see what it is saying.
When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Love is rushing in
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
He is with each and every one of us because we are special to Him. Have a blessed day and LET'S GO CATS!
Referee of 3
Tonight is the first playoff game for the Mulvane Wildcats. We play Maize South at 7pm and it is going to be a chilly evening. I am nervous for the players and coaches and hope they play to their potential so they can advance to Saturday's game.
Today when I pulled up www.biblegateway.com, the verse kind of spoke to me.
You are chosen people...God's special possession...that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Have you ever been in that darkness? Have you ever felt so alone...and felt like no one understood you? Like no one was truly on your side? I know I have. And most generally, it is because of a decision that I myself have made. Because we are human...we fall short. End of story. We fall short and we need God. But after making bad choices sometimes, we feel like there is no one in the world that would call us into the light.
In the darkness...a lot of people find Him. They have no other choice, but to ask God for help. This verse tells us that amongst the billions of people on this Earth...we...as individuals...are His special possession. And that if we declare the praises of Him...we'll be called out of the darkness into the light. His wonderful light. When you have Christ in your life...His light brightens even the darkest of situations. And it is so important that we remember that even in our darkest hour...He is with us. It is when we choose not to trust Him or to believe in Him...that the darkness becomes suffocating.
I added a new song to my playlist. It is called Light up the Sky by the Afters. The chorus goes along with what we are talking about today and I wanted those who needed to hear it...to see what it is saying.
When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Love is rushing in
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
I, I, I can’t deny
Oh I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes so I can see You all around me
Light, light, light up the sky
Light up the sky to show me You are with me
He is with each and every one of us because we are special to Him. Have a blessed day and LET'S GO CATS!
Referee of 3
Monday, November 1, 2010
When Did This Happen?
It's November? When did this happen? It was just August and I was moving couches! And then came Big's Birthday at the end of September! Then it was time for Little's Birthday. AND NOW...it is November. Good grief.
There are 54 days until Christmas. There are 24 days until Thanksgiving. WHICH MEANS...
There are 25 days until BLACK FRIDAY!!!!
If you know me...you'll know...THAT IS HUGE.
I love Thanksgiving. I really do...all kidding aside. I love getting together to prepare a meal with my family. I love that we don't have the excitement of gifts...just the excitement of being together and being thankful for our lives. I love that we can doze off after dinner and no one cares. I love that it is usually nice enough weather that the kids can still go out and throw the football around after we eat. AND I LOVE...sitting on the floor at my Mom's or Mother in law's house going through the Black Friday Ads!
Shopping for Christmas is one of my all time favorite things to do. Coach? Not so much. So I make a point to shop with pretty much anyone BUT him. I shop with my Mom, Granny and Sis on an annual trip to KC. I shop with my Mom and Sis on Black Friday. I shop with friends for any last minute things I have forgotten and I take Coach with me ONE TIME. It is a system and it works. But if you can't tell...I am pretty darn excited about shopping for Christmas.
I know...I know. It isn't about the gifts. But I LOVE IT!
So what is it all about?
That brings me to my next point...
It's all about...JESUS!!!
Yesterday at church, PR brought his four week series home. The MUMC vision statement that I mentioned a few weeks ago...
Inviting ALL to experience the LIFE TRANSFORMING LOVE of JESUS CHRIST.
First of all...THANK YOU PR. The message was incredible. It was moving...it was to the point...and HE was present. You rock.
PR talked about how in the end...it is about JESUS. Not just about Him...but ALL about Him. It is all about His love. No one gets to the Father except through Him. You cannot get to Heaven without salvation...and who can we receive that from? Jesus.
He is the way...the truth and the life.
PR talked about how in life, we want choices. We always want to choose our own way. But with eternal life...we are given one way.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world...he gave his one and only son. That whoever believes in him shall not parish...but have eternal life. John 3:16
John 14: 1-7
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
We all have troubled hearts. Some more than others. But if we believe in God...we believe in Jesus. God sent his ONLY Son. And he went and prepared a place for us.
Sitting there in church yesterday, I heard a certain part of this verse...and it stuck.
Jesus said to his disciples...
If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
That is how I want to be seen. I think that as Christians...we should all feel that way.
If you really know me. If you really know my heart, you'll know my Father. You'll feel his love. You'll see his reflection in all that I do. You'll know that when I make a mistake...I am human, but when I ask for forgiveness...you'll know I'm forgiven...and that I am loved.
If you really know me...you'll know my Father. And you'll know the way.
That seems like a heavy responsibility. To be able to show people the way. What if I tell them wrong? What if I lead them astray? Jesus says...I am the way...the truth...and the life. Show them the way...tell them the truth and GIVE THEM LIFE.
That I can do. Go out this week and show others the Life Transforming Love of Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
Here are a couple of pics of our Halloween Fun!
There are 54 days until Christmas. There are 24 days until Thanksgiving. WHICH MEANS...
There are 25 days until BLACK FRIDAY!!!!
If you know me...you'll know...THAT IS HUGE.
I love Thanksgiving. I really do...all kidding aside. I love getting together to prepare a meal with my family. I love that we don't have the excitement of gifts...just the excitement of being together and being thankful for our lives. I love that we can doze off after dinner and no one cares. I love that it is usually nice enough weather that the kids can still go out and throw the football around after we eat. AND I LOVE...sitting on the floor at my Mom's or Mother in law's house going through the Black Friday Ads!
Shopping for Christmas is one of my all time favorite things to do. Coach? Not so much. So I make a point to shop with pretty much anyone BUT him. I shop with my Mom, Granny and Sis on an annual trip to KC. I shop with my Mom and Sis on Black Friday. I shop with friends for any last minute things I have forgotten and I take Coach with me ONE TIME. It is a system and it works. But if you can't tell...I am pretty darn excited about shopping for Christmas.
I know...I know. It isn't about the gifts. But I LOVE IT!
So what is it all about?
That brings me to my next point...
It's all about...JESUS!!!
Yesterday at church, PR brought his four week series home. The MUMC vision statement that I mentioned a few weeks ago...
Inviting ALL to experience the LIFE TRANSFORMING LOVE of JESUS CHRIST.
First of all...THANK YOU PR. The message was incredible. It was moving...it was to the point...and HE was present. You rock.
PR talked about how in the end...it is about JESUS. Not just about Him...but ALL about Him. It is all about His love. No one gets to the Father except through Him. You cannot get to Heaven without salvation...and who can we receive that from? Jesus.
He is the way...the truth and the life.
PR talked about how in life, we want choices. We always want to choose our own way. But with eternal life...we are given one way.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world...he gave his one and only son. That whoever believes in him shall not parish...but have eternal life. John 3:16
John 14: 1-7
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
We all have troubled hearts. Some more than others. But if we believe in God...we believe in Jesus. God sent his ONLY Son. And he went and prepared a place for us.
Sitting there in church yesterday, I heard a certain part of this verse...and it stuck.
Jesus said to his disciples...
If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
That is how I want to be seen. I think that as Christians...we should all feel that way.
If you really know me. If you really know my heart, you'll know my Father. You'll feel his love. You'll see his reflection in all that I do. You'll know that when I make a mistake...I am human, but when I ask for forgiveness...you'll know I'm forgiven...and that I am loved.
If you really know me...you'll know my Father. And you'll know the way.
That seems like a heavy responsibility. To be able to show people the way. What if I tell them wrong? What if I lead them astray? Jesus says...I am the way...the truth...and the life. Show them the way...tell them the truth and GIVE THEM LIFE.
That I can do. Go out this week and show others the Life Transforming Love of Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed day all!
Referee of 3
Here are a couple of pics of our Halloween Fun!
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