Some friends of mine are getting ready to go to Minnesota.
Oh, how I wish I was going.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Is Being a Mom Really the Hardest Job of All??
Some of you read those words and are poised to throw some virtual rotten tomatoes at my head.
Just hear me out for a minute.
I'm sure by now, many of you have seen that P & G commercial for this year's Olympic Games. If not, here it is again.
Did you tear up after seeing that? Maybe not this time, but the first time?
Just hear me out for a minute.
I'm sure by now, many of you have seen that P & G commercial for this year's Olympic Games. If not, here it is again.
Did you tear up after seeing that? Maybe not this time, but the first time?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Is it okay to shake my rump???
All I wanna do is zoom zoom zoom zoom and a boom boom . . .
I know I'm a little behind the times here, seeing as how I just joined the local Y a couple of months ago, but I decided to try out a few cardio classes. I can only do machines that don't go anywhere for so long before I grow bored.
My verdict on the classes? Awkward! I mean I really felt out of place.
I went into these different classes looking to have fun and burn 500 calories just by "dancing." But I suppose I didn't understand ahead of time their definition of dancing.
I know I'm a little behind the times here, seeing as how I just joined the local Y a couple of months ago, but I decided to try out a few cardio classes. I can only do machines that don't go anywhere for so long before I grow bored.
My verdict on the classes? Awkward! I mean I really felt out of place.
I went into these different classes looking to have fun and burn 500 calories just by "dancing." But I suppose I didn't understand ahead of time their definition of dancing.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Make a Joyful Noise
Church choir.
Do visions of long robes, sheet music, and cranky choir directors come to your mind, too? Wait, that was just more flashbacks from parts of my childhood ;)
This past Sunday, my girls donned their own cream colored robes and sat in the front part of the sanctuary, along with about 50 other kids. In the nearly 365 days that my family has attended, this has never happened before on a Sunday morning, so this was a special time.
To see my kids, the other kids, the adult helpers all up there singing . . . It was awesome, you guys! The girls and I have enjoyed getting to know these songs from Sovereign Grace, which we had never heard of prior to a couple of months ago.
I was too busy taking pictures during the first verse, so the video starts at the second verse.
Truth be told, I felt a little funny recording their song, but other people had their phones and cameras up and out, so I figured it was okay.
Do visions of long robes, sheet music, and cranky choir directors come to your mind, too? Wait, that was just more flashbacks from parts of my childhood ;)
This past Sunday, my girls donned their own cream colored robes and sat in the front part of the sanctuary, along with about 50 other kids. In the nearly 365 days that my family has attended, this has never happened before on a Sunday morning, so this was a special time.
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| Hey P! She is always good for a wave to mom and dad. Love it! |
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| T is in the zone, even with a giant flower on her head :) |
To see my kids, the other kids, the adult helpers all up there singing . . . It was awesome, you guys! The girls and I have enjoyed getting to know these songs from Sovereign Grace, which we had never heard of prior to a couple of months ago.
I was too busy taking pictures during the first verse, so the video starts at the second verse.
Truth be told, I felt a little funny recording their song, but other people had their phones and cameras up and out, so I figured it was okay.
Make me Wise
Inspired from Prov. 1:1; 2 Chron. 1:7-12
VERSE 1
Solomon was a young man, when he learned that he’d be king
He feared the Lord like his father, so God said, “Ask for anything”
VERSE 2
He didn’t ask for superpowers (no, he didn’t)
Or to be a millionaire
He only asked God for one thing (yes, he did)
And gladly God heard his prayer
CHORUS
Make me wise, make me wise
Let me see through this world’s lies
There are so many paths to follow, and I don’t want to compromise
Make me wise, make me wise, so I’m pleasing in Your sight
Lord, I want to bring You glory, so I’m asking You to make me wise
VERSE 3
God is ready to help us (yes, He is) when we call upon His name
He gives His grace to the humble (yes, He does)
Who, just like Solomon, pray
© 2010 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)
Monday, May 14, 2012
Nothing but a Bunch of Idol Factories
“Man's nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols.”
― John Calvin
Those 16th century words still ring true today.
Look around you. We are bombarded with things that clamor for our attention, drive us to addiction, demand our affection.
But it's how we prioritize them and how they fit into our worldview that matters.
Recently there was a post passing through the blogosphere about how we can (and can't) miss our children's childhood.
While I think it is paramount to not talk or text while driving, the issue goes far deeper than just how much time you spend cuddling with your iPhone.
Yes, we live in a fast paced, "lurkerish" world. No longer are cell phones these giant monstrosities, the size of an eggplant. No longer do we have to write letters in stamped envelopes in order to connect with people on the other side of the world. No longer do we have to leave our house to buy some clothes or groceries.
However, I'd like to suggest that this isn't a technology issue. This is a heart issue.
I'm not trying to play devil's advocate here, but to me, the author simply put down one idol (cell phone) and picked up another (child.)
In the aforementioned blog post, the author went on to say that there are some things we should do and some things we should not do. The choice we make will determine whether or not we miss moments of our children's lives.
Honestly, as a Christian and as a homeschooling mom, I was kind of let down by the whole thing. The "hands free mama"article made me feel kind of bad because my husband and I own smartphones.
Yet my husband and I decided to homeschool our kids after we were convicted over these words from Deuteronomy 6:
Am I a bad mom because I periodically check my phone throughout the day so I can have some adult interaction on those days we don't get to go anywhere or as I wait for my kids to finish up an extra-curricular activity??
Is it wrong to check in with the world in the midst of learning about amoebas, fractions, and how to cross stitch?
Or, I know I might get the evil eye on this one, but what about when parents spend time on . . . Pinterest, facebook, or blogger?
Are we all supposed to become monastic or like the Amish???
Forget the phone and computer for a second.
What if I have to tackle a pile of dirty laundry, bake a cake for a friend, sew a dress for a child, read a book for a class, or (gasp) spend some time with my husband instead of playing a game with my kid that her sister knows how to play, or reading that same book (that she already knows how to read) with my child for the 15th time this week?
Or what if I shush the girls when we're watching an episode ofLittle House on the Prairie?
Okay, that one's kinda lame. We all know that there is total silence in this house when watching one of the best television shows ever made. And that Charles Ingalls is Superman.
It is very easy to put our kids in the place where God should ultimately be. I know, I've done it before.
So rather than "going dark" in a plugged-in world, I think we could all use a little self-control. And while we're at it, some love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and faithfulness, too.
The fruit of the Spirit.
I'm reminded of some words from Scripture:
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 1 Corinthians 10:23
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Words to think about on this journey called life, while I try to figure everything out just like you.
Living by grace alone, through Christ alone, to the glory of God alone,
― John Calvin
Those 16th century words still ring true today.
Look around you. We are bombarded with things that clamor for our attention, drive us to addiction, demand our affection.
But it's how we prioritize them and how they fit into our worldview that matters.
Recently there was a post passing through the blogosphere about how we can (and can't) miss our children's childhood.
While I think it is paramount to not talk or text while driving, the issue goes far deeper than just how much time you spend cuddling with your iPhone.
Yes, we live in a fast paced, "lurkerish" world. No longer are cell phones these giant monstrosities, the size of an eggplant. No longer do we have to write letters in stamped envelopes in order to connect with people on the other side of the world. No longer do we have to leave our house to buy some clothes or groceries.
However, I'd like to suggest that this isn't a technology issue. This is a heart issue.
I'm not trying to play devil's advocate here, but to me, the author simply put down one idol (cell phone) and picked up another (child.)
In the aforementioned blog post, the author went on to say that there are some things we should do and some things we should not do. The choice we make will determine whether or not we miss moments of our children's lives.
Honestly, as a Christian and as a homeschooling mom, I was kind of let down by the whole thing. The "hands free mama"article made me feel kind of bad because my husband and I own smartphones.
Yet my husband and I decided to homeschool our kids after we were convicted over these words from Deuteronomy 6:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.Aren't my kids already a priority???
Am I a bad mom because I periodically check my phone throughout the day so I can have some adult interaction on those days we don't get to go anywhere or as I wait for my kids to finish up an extra-curricular activity??
Is it wrong to check in with the world in the midst of learning about amoebas, fractions, and how to cross stitch?
Or, I know I might get the evil eye on this one, but what about when parents spend time on . . . Pinterest, facebook, or blogger?
Are we all supposed to become monastic or like the Amish???
Forget the phone and computer for a second.
What if I have to tackle a pile of dirty laundry, bake a cake for a friend, sew a dress for a child, read a book for a class, or (gasp) spend some time with my husband instead of playing a game with my kid that her sister knows how to play, or reading that same book (that she already knows how to read) with my child for the 15th time this week?
Or what if I shush the girls when we're watching an episode of
Okay, that one's kinda lame. We all know that there is total silence in this house when watching one of the best television shows ever made. And that Charles Ingalls is Superman.
It is very easy to put our kids in the place where God should ultimately be. I know, I've done it before.
So rather than "going dark" in a plugged-in world, I think we could all use a little self-control. And while we're at it, some love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and faithfulness, too.
The fruit of the Spirit.
I'm reminded of some words from Scripture:
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 1 Corinthians 10:23
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Words to think about on this journey called life, while I try to figure everything out just like you.
Living by grace alone, through Christ alone, to the glory of God alone,
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Twinkle Toes (Dance Recital)
P -
Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
I Surrender All
T-
Forever Reign
The Sound of our Breathing
Set Free
Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
I Surrender All
T-
Forever Reign
The Sound of our Breathing
Set Free
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Congratulations, Graduate!
Some of you may or may not know that I co-teach a Sunday School class for Junior High girls.
Scary, I know. But there are, in fact, some individuals who think I would be a good influence on others. That, or they were hurting for teachers ;)
This past Sunday, instead of our normal lesson, we had a special presentation of sorts for the Seniors in the group that are getting ready to graduate. We knew that the students would get up and say a few words to the underclassmen. But what got me is that we (the teachers) were supposed to come up with some of our own words of wisdom and encouragement.
But I don't teach Senior High Girls!
How can I say something to a bunch of people that I don't even know?
Turns out, I didn't even have to write any kind of "speech" after all . . . because we ran out of time.
Doesn't that just beat all??? What about all that time I spent writing down all of my thoughts onto pretty pastel colored index cards, due to the fact that I'm a much better writer than orator. And I can come off sounding like a total ditz if I ever try to "wing it."
Scary, I know. But there are, in fact, some individuals who think I would be a good influence on others. That, or they were hurting for teachers ;)
This past Sunday, instead of our normal lesson, we had a special presentation of sorts for the Seniors in the group that are getting ready to graduate. We knew that the students would get up and say a few words to the underclassmen. But what got me is that we (the teachers) were supposed to come up with some of our own words of wisdom and encouragement.
But I don't teach Senior High Girls!
How can I say something to a bunch of people that I don't even know?
Turns out, I didn't even have to write any kind of "speech" after all . . . because we ran out of time.
Doesn't that just beat all??? What about all that time I spent writing down all of my thoughts onto pretty pastel colored index cards, due to the fact that I'm a much better writer than orator. And I can come off sounding like a total ditz if I ever try to "wing it."
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