Saturday, January 2, 2010
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I'm that guy...
You know the one...the one on the early shows of American Idol, not the obnoxious, foul mouthed, totally weird one but the other one, the one that people like but just aren't any good. That's Me!
You know the one, the one that Paula likes but Simon and Randy don't, but they aren't mean because they like the person just not the talent.
You know, the one that when they search their minds for something to say they say things like - "You have excellent pitch. Maybe you just need a little more time to grow." "You smile through the whole song." "You have a 'nice' voice." "We're just not sure you are what America wants." Then out you go without that magic gold ticket.
You know the one, the one with the group of family and friends who are waiting outside the audition room with Seacrest. When you come out without the ticket they are shocked! How can this be? They hug you and tell you that you really are fantastic. That you should have gotten a ticket to Hollywood. It must have been mean ole Simon. Then they talk to the camera defending you while you walk calmly down that long hall. Away from your dream, away from those who think you are just not good enough.
You know the one. The one whom others dump everything that is going badly for them on you. The one that people seem to think they can tell anything. The one who then knows stuff that the person is later sorry they told. The one who gets the bad, sad, sinful confessions but never the good stuff. The one that is always available to listen but rarely listened to...
You know the one. The one in the back of the room making things work. The one who you don't notice unless something goes wrong. Then, even if it is quickly fixed and dealt with and everything else goes smoothly, all you remember is the problem not the solution.
You know the one. The one who wears the same clothes and shoes for years. The one who doesn't always wear makeup. The one whose hair often is in need of a trim or even some style. You make judgments about that one based upon your own prejudices and background.
You know the one. The one that is practically invisible. You forget that one is in the room and sometimes say things right in front of her that should not have been said. Then later when you realize that you might have been heard you blame her for hearing.
You know the one. The one that is easy to disregard. The one that is easy to forget. The one that is only thought to invite if you link her with another, like her husband or one of her children. Of course that is only if you remember that she is married and has children.
Well, I think you can think of at least one person who is like the one I've described.
I have decided that it doesn't matter. I know that this is me. I know that I cannot change it. I know that God must have made me this way for a reason. I am 'the one' because that is just the way it is. It is not a flaw. It is not sin in my life. It is not even consequences. There have to be people like 'the one'.
I will continue to sing my heart out. It doesn't matter what others think. I am not singing for them anyway. I will continue no matter where I am.
I will continue to listen to the hard stuff. I always pray for them. I know that God does not need my prayers to move but it is for my benefit to intercede for others. I will continue to listen with the attitude that God is revealing needs that sometimes just need stating. I will continue to pray and leave these needs in the capable hands of God and then forget about it. People don't need to worry. God takes these secrets that are sometimes unwisely shared and I really do forget after leaving them with Him. They are not mine to keep or share with anyone other than the Father.
I will continue to put others needs ahead of what I want. You will still see me wearing the same clothing and shoes until they wear out. I would ask that you stop judging me. I choose others. It would be easier to just make sure I have the latest and greatest styles but then I see someone who really NEEDS and my wants just fade away. Besides I'm almost old enough to wear that red hat and purple dress. Maybe if it helps you; think of me as eccentric or eclectic. I do.
Mostly I will accept the personality, gifts, and shape that God knitted into me when I was being formed. I will continue to grow and become closer to my Lord and Savior. One day when I am dancing before God in Heaven you will see me and say "Hey, isn't she the one...who loves God and others?" That is the goal, that is the prize I will continually seek.
PS
I did warn you that my blog is a glimpse into my thoughts...
You know the one, the one that Paula likes but Simon and Randy don't, but they aren't mean because they like the person just not the talent.
You know, the one that when they search their minds for something to say they say things like - "You have excellent pitch. Maybe you just need a little more time to grow." "You smile through the whole song." "You have a 'nice' voice." "We're just not sure you are what America wants." Then out you go without that magic gold ticket.
You know the one, the one with the group of family and friends who are waiting outside the audition room with Seacrest. When you come out without the ticket they are shocked! How can this be? They hug you and tell you that you really are fantastic. That you should have gotten a ticket to Hollywood. It must have been mean ole Simon. Then they talk to the camera defending you while you walk calmly down that long hall. Away from your dream, away from those who think you are just not good enough.
You know the one. The one whom others dump everything that is going badly for them on you. The one that people seem to think they can tell anything. The one who then knows stuff that the person is later sorry they told. The one who gets the bad, sad, sinful confessions but never the good stuff. The one that is always available to listen but rarely listened to...
You know the one. The one in the back of the room making things work. The one who you don't notice unless something goes wrong. Then, even if it is quickly fixed and dealt with and everything else goes smoothly, all you remember is the problem not the solution.
You know the one. The one who wears the same clothes and shoes for years. The one who doesn't always wear makeup. The one whose hair often is in need of a trim or even some style. You make judgments about that one based upon your own prejudices and background.
You know the one. The one that is practically invisible. You forget that one is in the room and sometimes say things right in front of her that should not have been said. Then later when you realize that you might have been heard you blame her for hearing.
You know the one. The one that is easy to disregard. The one that is easy to forget. The one that is only thought to invite if you link her with another, like her husband or one of her children. Of course that is only if you remember that she is married and has children.
Well, I think you can think of at least one person who is like the one I've described.
I have decided that it doesn't matter. I know that this is me. I know that I cannot change it. I know that God must have made me this way for a reason. I am 'the one' because that is just the way it is. It is not a flaw. It is not sin in my life. It is not even consequences. There have to be people like 'the one'.
I will continue to sing my heart out. It doesn't matter what others think. I am not singing for them anyway. I will continue no matter where I am.
I will continue to listen to the hard stuff. I always pray for them. I know that God does not need my prayers to move but it is for my benefit to intercede for others. I will continue to listen with the attitude that God is revealing needs that sometimes just need stating. I will continue to pray and leave these needs in the capable hands of God and then forget about it. People don't need to worry. God takes these secrets that are sometimes unwisely shared and I really do forget after leaving them with Him. They are not mine to keep or share with anyone other than the Father.
I will continue to put others needs ahead of what I want. You will still see me wearing the same clothing and shoes until they wear out. I would ask that you stop judging me. I choose others. It would be easier to just make sure I have the latest and greatest styles but then I see someone who really NEEDS and my wants just fade away. Besides I'm almost old enough to wear that red hat and purple dress. Maybe if it helps you; think of me as eccentric or eclectic. I do.
Mostly I will accept the personality, gifts, and shape that God knitted into me when I was being formed. I will continue to grow and become closer to my Lord and Savior. One day when I am dancing before God in Heaven you will see me and say "Hey, isn't she the one...who loves God and others?" That is the goal, that is the prize I will continually seek.
PS
I did warn you that my blog is a glimpse into my thoughts...
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"Sweet Dreams" Photo Contest
Bea used to sneak outside while it was still dark and sleep with Peaches. We don't know exactly when she would go out but this was the typical picture awaiting us when we got up in the mornings.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Thanksgiving
This was the view of our sky on Thanksgiving this year.
Beautiful blue skies everywhere you see!
It was this blue at 4pm on the way to Julie's.
It was this blue at 4pm on the way to Julie's.
If you look closely you will see the temperature that day.
This was at 4pm.
This was at 4pm.
Lovely grown up girls.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Submission - Who Me?
Ladies, have you struggled with the concept of submission to your husband?
It seems like such a simple concept. God created. God is a God of order. God makes the rules. God loves me.
God is the head of Christ. My husband is my head.
What did you say? Did you say I have to obey my husband?
No, that is not what submission is all about. Submission is willingly placing yourself under authority. Jesus willingly placed himself under God the Father's authority. In the garden he prayed for His Father to take the cup of suffering away. BUT he willingly went to the cross because that was His Father's will. Jesus the man did not want to suffer. He did not want to feel pain. He did not want to be separated from His Father. He did all of this for us because he loves us. Jesus the Christ submitted to the Father.
We as wives are commanded to submit to the authority of our husbands. I think we got the easier part of the deal. Our husbands are directly responsible to God. They are to love us like Christ loves the Church. Christ laid down his very life for us, His Church. We are asked to submit, to allow our husband to be the head of our home.
Let's get this out of the way first. No husband is given the authority to abuse his wife. No beating, shoving, pushing allowed. No husband is given the authority to verbally harm his wife. Husbands are to build up with their tongues just as wives are to encourage with their tongues.
If you are a woman who is being abused - LEAVE NOW. Get help to leave. Take the children with you. If a man is abusing his wife you cannot trust that he would never harm the children. There are many places that will help you. It is not hopeless. Get Christian counsel AFTER you leave. There is always hope for reconciliation and healing. God can do anything. Do not stay in danger from the one who is supposed to protect you.
Ok, now for the rest of us. You say "I don't want to do what he says." "I want to do it my way." "I'm smarter than he." "My way is really better." "He isn't following God the way he should." We can go on and on with excuses...
Do we really believe God only meant submit if our husband is perfect? That's not possible - All have sinned and fallen short. What are the real reasons we don't want to submit? Doesn't it really come down to pride? We don't want to.
We know we should submit but how do we submit? There are many books and seminars out there. There are many different perspectives regarding submission to one's husband. I will share mine.
Many people who know me think it is easy for me to submit. They think that my personality is just submissive. Those who really know me know I am very stubborn. It is not easy at all to submit. I am a strong woman who can intellectually spar with anyone if I choose. I have to remind myself that God made me the way he made me for a reason. It is not to put myself above others intellectually or spiritually. Humility is another subject. Let's get back to the subject of today. It is not easy for me to submit to anyone, even my husband.
My husband tells me that I do submit to him. He says I have submitted most of the time since we married. I am grateful that he thinks I have but I know that I have not. I often have little tissy fits first. Most of the time I am the only witness of my tissy fit. Often it is all in my mind, quietly. We are coming up to our 29th year of marriage. I can say the more I have practiced submission the easier it gets. I have learned several things over the years of practicing submission.
1. God will always honor my act of submission.
Even when I was right and he was wrong God works it all out.
2. My husband has never asked me to do anything illegal or against God's laws but if he did I would not have to submit in that specific circumstance. My husband knows and respects my integrity and he also knows that when it comes down to it I will submit to his will. Notice I said his will. My husband is a work in progress just like the rest of us. He is not perfect. My acts of submission always allow God to work it out with and in my husband. I do not want to get in the way of God's will. My husband's relationship with The Father is his. My relationship with The Father is mine. Let's not get holier than thou with one another. God created me to be my husband's helper.
3. It really is for my good. Submission allows my husband to protect me and love me.
So what is submission?
It is when we willingly place ourselves under the authority of another. Submitting to our own husbands is God's plan. Willingly is the hardest part but if we practice long enough it will become easier. It is not being a doormat or wimp. It actually takes a lot more strength to submit to another's will. Try it ladies. You may be surprised with the side benefits God will provide just for you.
It seems like such a simple concept. God created. God is a God of order. God makes the rules. God loves me.
God is the head of Christ. My husband is my head.
What did you say? Did you say I have to obey my husband?
No, that is not what submission is all about. Submission is willingly placing yourself under authority. Jesus willingly placed himself under God the Father's authority. In the garden he prayed for His Father to take the cup of suffering away. BUT he willingly went to the cross because that was His Father's will. Jesus the man did not want to suffer. He did not want to feel pain. He did not want to be separated from His Father. He did all of this for us because he loves us. Jesus the Christ submitted to the Father.
We as wives are commanded to submit to the authority of our husbands. I think we got the easier part of the deal. Our husbands are directly responsible to God. They are to love us like Christ loves the Church. Christ laid down his very life for us, His Church. We are asked to submit, to allow our husband to be the head of our home.
Let's get this out of the way first. No husband is given the authority to abuse his wife. No beating, shoving, pushing allowed. No husband is given the authority to verbally harm his wife. Husbands are to build up with their tongues just as wives are to encourage with their tongues.
If you are a woman who is being abused - LEAVE NOW. Get help to leave. Take the children with you. If a man is abusing his wife you cannot trust that he would never harm the children. There are many places that will help you. It is not hopeless. Get Christian counsel AFTER you leave. There is always hope for reconciliation and healing. God can do anything. Do not stay in danger from the one who is supposed to protect you.
Ok, now for the rest of us. You say "I don't want to do what he says." "I want to do it my way." "I'm smarter than he." "My way is really better." "He isn't following God the way he should." We can go on and on with excuses...
Do we really believe God only meant submit if our husband is perfect? That's not possible - All have sinned and fallen short. What are the real reasons we don't want to submit? Doesn't it really come down to pride? We don't want to.
We know we should submit but how do we submit? There are many books and seminars out there. There are many different perspectives regarding submission to one's husband. I will share mine.
Many people who know me think it is easy for me to submit. They think that my personality is just submissive. Those who really know me know I am very stubborn. It is not easy at all to submit. I am a strong woman who can intellectually spar with anyone if I choose. I have to remind myself that God made me the way he made me for a reason. It is not to put myself above others intellectually or spiritually. Humility is another subject. Let's get back to the subject of today. It is not easy for me to submit to anyone, even my husband.
My husband tells me that I do submit to him. He says I have submitted most of the time since we married. I am grateful that he thinks I have but I know that I have not. I often have little tissy fits first. Most of the time I am the only witness of my tissy fit. Often it is all in my mind, quietly. We are coming up to our 29th year of marriage. I can say the more I have practiced submission the easier it gets. I have learned several things over the years of practicing submission.
1. God will always honor my act of submission.
Even when I was right and he was wrong God works it all out.
2. My husband has never asked me to do anything illegal or against God's laws but if he did I would not have to submit in that specific circumstance. My husband knows and respects my integrity and he also knows that when it comes down to it I will submit to his will. Notice I said his will. My husband is a work in progress just like the rest of us. He is not perfect. My acts of submission always allow God to work it out with and in my husband. I do not want to get in the way of God's will. My husband's relationship with The Father is his. My relationship with The Father is mine. Let's not get holier than thou with one another. God created me to be my husband's helper.
3. It really is for my good. Submission allows my husband to protect me and love me.
So what is submission?
It is when we willingly place ourselves under the authority of another. Submitting to our own husbands is God's plan. Willingly is the hardest part but if we practice long enough it will become easier. It is not being a doormat or wimp. It actually takes a lot more strength to submit to another's will. Try it ladies. You may be surprised with the side benefits God will provide just for you.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Rebellion
I have noticed a lot of rebellion in our home-schooled teens and young adults lately.
This has set me to ponder...
Did we think we had secret super powers to prevent rebellion in our own young. Even God's creation- man rebelled. God's creation - angels rebelled. Who do we think we are that we would be exempt?
I do believe that some sheltering will give our children a little extra time to mature. I strongly believe homeschooling is a better way to teach and mentor our children. I also know it is not for everyone so please don't accuse me of judging your choices. I do not judge YOUR decisions!
I know for my family we chose to homeschool. It is a lifestyle more than just an educational choice. Even if we knew what rebellion would be in our midst we still would make the same choice.
Let's get back to rebellion. Sheltering is another subject for another day.
When our children rebel what should we do? What should our reaction be? What about when our friend is going through it?
Do we look at our friends and fellow sisters in Christ and think - "They must have done something wrong. I wonder what they are 'really' like at home that their child would behave this way? At least that would NEVER happen to my children!"
Of course we make parenting mistakes. We are not perfect. We are tired sometimes. We get snappy sometimes. However, God is perfect and yet we his children rebel.
We need look no further than the Word of God to find the answers. What is God's reaction when we rebel? What does he do? Does he turn away from us? Does he get angry and retaliate? Does he ever forgive us? How many times does he forgive us? Why does he forgive us?
We, of course, are not God but we need to forgive our rebellious prodigal children too. We may be angry but need to take care that we do not sin in our anger and hurt. We also need to set boundaries to protect our other children and ourselves from the one in rebellion.
God did cast Satan out from His presence when Satan rebelled against God. He did allow Satan a place to exist. He even allows Satan temporary dominion. There is a line though. God does not allow Satan power over His children. He also has declared that there will be judgement and an end to Satan's dominion.
God has given us free will and our children also have free will. We draw the boundaries and guide our children to know God's character and love. They then have to make the choice.
It is not my job to save my children only to show them the way. This is actually much more difficult. We have to be accountable. We have to act out what we believe. Our children are watching and listening to everything we do and say. They are judging our actions against our words daily.
Those of you who know details of our child's rebellion know the pain it has caused. I can tell you that I know God is with us. He has held us up and given us peace. He is refining us to be more like Him. I can only pray that I am pleasing in His sight.
I can also say with certainty that I did teach God's character and ways. When a rebellious child says "I believe in God and Know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that I should become His child. BUT I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO, Not Even God! I want to be in charge of my own life." Then I know that they understand and know. It is not my fault. They are making the choice. I also know that there is HOPE! My child Knows what they should do. There is always hope that they will one day return and that God will draw them to Himself.
So what do I do?
I pray continually for my prodigal and my non-prodigals equally.
My husband and I pray together for our own marriage and family.
I set boundaries with my prodigal that protect my other children and husband and myself.
I keep communication as open as possible with my prodigal.
I pray for God to heal the broken relationships within the family.
I stay in the Word of God and check my own attitude daily.(sometimes hourly)
I do what I can to live in peace as much as depends on me.
I keep on doing what God would have me do...
This has set me to ponder...
Did we think we had secret super powers to prevent rebellion in our own young. Even God's creation- man rebelled. God's creation - angels rebelled. Who do we think we are that we would be exempt?
I do believe that some sheltering will give our children a little extra time to mature. I strongly believe homeschooling is a better way to teach and mentor our children. I also know it is not for everyone so please don't accuse me of judging your choices. I do not judge YOUR decisions!
I know for my family we chose to homeschool. It is a lifestyle more than just an educational choice. Even if we knew what rebellion would be in our midst we still would make the same choice.
Let's get back to rebellion. Sheltering is another subject for another day.
When our children rebel what should we do? What should our reaction be? What about when our friend is going through it?
Do we look at our friends and fellow sisters in Christ and think - "They must have done something wrong. I wonder what they are 'really' like at home that their child would behave this way? At least that would NEVER happen to my children!"
Of course we make parenting mistakes. We are not perfect. We are tired sometimes. We get snappy sometimes. However, God is perfect and yet we his children rebel.
We need look no further than the Word of God to find the answers. What is God's reaction when we rebel? What does he do? Does he turn away from us? Does he get angry and retaliate? Does he ever forgive us? How many times does he forgive us? Why does he forgive us?
We, of course, are not God but we need to forgive our rebellious prodigal children too. We may be angry but need to take care that we do not sin in our anger and hurt. We also need to set boundaries to protect our other children and ourselves from the one in rebellion.
God did cast Satan out from His presence when Satan rebelled against God. He did allow Satan a place to exist. He even allows Satan temporary dominion. There is a line though. God does not allow Satan power over His children. He also has declared that there will be judgement and an end to Satan's dominion.
God has given us free will and our children also have free will. We draw the boundaries and guide our children to know God's character and love. They then have to make the choice.
It is not my job to save my children only to show them the way. This is actually much more difficult. We have to be accountable. We have to act out what we believe. Our children are watching and listening to everything we do and say. They are judging our actions against our words daily.
Those of you who know details of our child's rebellion know the pain it has caused. I can tell you that I know God is with us. He has held us up and given us peace. He is refining us to be more like Him. I can only pray that I am pleasing in His sight.
I can also say with certainty that I did teach God's character and ways. When a rebellious child says "I believe in God and Know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that I should become His child. BUT I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO, Not Even God! I want to be in charge of my own life." Then I know that they understand and know. It is not my fault. They are making the choice. I also know that there is HOPE! My child Knows what they should do. There is always hope that they will one day return and that God will draw them to Himself.
So what do I do?
I pray continually for my prodigal and my non-prodigals equally.
My husband and I pray together for our own marriage and family.
I set boundaries with my prodigal that protect my other children and husband and myself.
I keep communication as open as possible with my prodigal.
I pray for God to heal the broken relationships within the family.
I stay in the Word of God and check my own attitude daily.(sometimes hourly)
I do what I can to live in peace as much as depends on me.
I keep on doing what God would have me do...
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Just a Glimpse
If you have been following my blog you will notice the change of name.
I was supposed to be Marmie to the grandchildren. The girls agreed and named me when they were much younger. However, Josh calls me Mimi. It fits well. It is further from Mama or Mommy than Marmie. It was also what the Thomas boys called their Grandma Thomas. So Mimi it is.
I chose Just a Glimpse because it fits all of what my blog has come to be... a glimpse into our special times as a family, a glimpse into my mind, a glimpse of what God is teaching us.
I hope you enjoy just a glimpse into my very heart.
I was supposed to be Marmie to the grandchildren. The girls agreed and named me when they were much younger. However, Josh calls me Mimi. It fits well. It is further from Mama or Mommy than Marmie. It was also what the Thomas boys called their Grandma Thomas. So Mimi it is.
I chose Just a Glimpse because it fits all of what my blog has come to be... a glimpse into our special times as a family, a glimpse into my mind, a glimpse of what God is teaching us.
I hope you enjoy just a glimpse into my very heart.
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