Validation

Those Israelites. I spoke too soon when I said in my last post, that they seemed like they had stopped complaining. In my last readings in Numbers, that's all they did!! Whine, whine, whine. And, this time God got ticked. He really started wiping some people out in this part of the book of Numbers. Rightly so. I mean, here they had seen God show his power and love to them in a variety of hugely miraculous events, and then they forget all about it, and complain about water and food. Please! This morning, I was thinking about life application regarding this portion of Numbers. Don't we all do the whining thing? I think we do. I think we forget about the things God has done in our lives, and what we have seen Him do in others' lives, and we start to complain when things aren't going well. I've done the "why me" thing more than once. We would probably do well to remember the power and love of God shown throughout the Bible. He's the same Go...

Here are a few pics of the book I made in my paper crafting class! You can see how the edges are antiqued with the Tim Holtz distress ink pads. The ink can be smudged on with your finger, brushed on and sprayed with water! I love it. Each page was folded in such a way, that there was a little "peechee" to hold things. You can see a decorated tag poking out of this page. I spelled out the word "PEACE" on five pages of this book. This is a top view of the book. Each page is folded from an 8 1/2 X 11 page of cardstock. Then, the pages are connected with ribbons and fibers. There are extra fibers tied all over the top, so they stick up and then fall down in between the pages. So fun. These are the tags I made, that fit inside the peechees in the book.....You can see the crocheted lace that has been antiqued, using stamp pad re-inker. The buttons are even antiqued. To make the tags, we crumpled the paper, and flattened it out again. Then, using the Tim Holtz...

A little blurry-I couldn't use my flash.... Isn't her dress gorgeous and sparkly? Costume change for the Disney montage.....See their tiaras? There was a beautiful harp duet.... Every year, my daughter participates in her violin teacher's formal recital. Each student must qualify for the recital and wear tuxes and floor-length gowns. The recital is 2 1/2 to 3 hours long, and is quite wonderful. The students range from junior high to college age. There is usually a theme, and little drama. This year, there were two ballet dancers, dancing to a Carmen piece. Each student is accompanied on the grand piano. Afterwards, there is a lavish reception, with various artwork by each student displayed. Any graduating seniors set up a display of their school and music careers, as well as the college they will be attending. The three seniors displayed this year, will be attending U of Washington, Stanford and Harvard!!!

These are pictures of Ben's "teddy bear picnic" at his school. Everyone made the cute visors they are wearing that have faces of teddy bears on them. They also did teddy bear activities. The day finished out with an outdoor picnic with their bears. Here are some pics of his kindergarten awards/diploma assembly. Ben received his diploma, as well as a participation award for being in the Missoula Children's Theater play this year.

Do you ever have a day that is more like two days? Yesterday, my oldest got her wisdom teeth removed in the morning. It only took an hour, but I left the office to kill some time. There wasn't anything open at 9 AM, except Target. Oh, and of course, Starbucks. But, it seemed like the hour took two. After I got back to the office, I waited for her to become more alert, and we got her to the truck. Once home, taking care of my daughter pretty much consumed my day. Not to mention, my other teen daughter had a fever and was sick. Then, my son was feeling neglected, and bugging me to watch him ride his bike. My husband works nights, so he was sleeping most of the day. It was just a long day! Maybe it seemed long, because I was writing down the times I administered my daughter's meds, so I wouldn't mess up. Plus, going up and down the stairs checking on her, making sure she wasn't in pain or nauseous. Then, I got up at 3 AM to give her more pain meds, so she wo...

My oldest is having her wisdom teeth removed tomorrow. I think she's a little stressed about it, because she is very quiet and has gone to bed. I can't say that I want to be her right now. I had it done when I was her age, and it's just not a fun thing you have to do. We went to the store today and got some DVD's for her, as well as some special things to eat during her recovery. We got milkshakes, pudding, ice cream, flavored waters, etc. I also have on hand, a bunch of stuff for making smoothies...... Speaking of smoothies, I like to make fun things to drink in the summer, so we've been making fruit smoothies. I found umpteen recipes on the internet. Ben and I had a yummy blueberry one this morning. We also like to do root beer floats in these cool glasses we chill in the freezer. I finished Leviticus today. I can't believe I'm actually reading this much of the Bible right now. And, it's not very hard at all to do! I don't have much to ...

OK. So, about Exodus. This book proves that God cares about small details in our lives, that's for sure. Exodus goes on and on and on (yawn) about the specifics of how God wants the people to build the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, etc., etc. God even talks about what the priests are to wear, down to the color of the threads and decorations of their garments. He picks a craftsman named Bezelel (you'll never forget his name after reading Exodus) who is filled with the Spirit, and a gifted craftsman to do the work. (I love that God values designing and crafting skills). Anyway, Exodus isn't exactly an exciting read, unless you really love details and picturing what the tabernacle and curtains and arc of the covenant looked like (which I kind of did) . It doesn't miss a beat in the descriptions, down to the finest detail. (Don't read it if you're tired). It is interesting, but I find the people stories more interesting. Take Aaron. God chose him and his so...

On Friday night, I took a paper crafting class at an awesome, little shop called Paper Muse. The teacher taught how to use the Tim Holtz "distress inks," which are small-sized stamp pads in colors that can give paper crafting stuff an antique look. It's pretty fun. As we constructed a folded, paper gift book using stamps and the inks, she taught us various techniques. I almost didn't go, because I was having a bad day. But, I knew how good I feel when I can get to do some art, so I went for the therapy. It was pretty, darn good therapy if I do say so myself! So, today, I'm thinking about self-care. One of the reasons I started a MOPS group a few years ago, was because I saw lots of mommies taking care of little ones 24/7, and doing nothing for themselves. I had great concern for these mommies and their emotional well-being. I have seen way to many women depressed due to their lack of self-care. I was surprised at how many women feel guilty for getting ...

Whoa. Today I finished the book of Genesis. Now, I have grown up hearing and learning about the stories in Genesis. As an adult, I took a "Walk Thru The Bible" class, which gave an overview of the Bible. However, I have never read the entire book of Genesis in a few days like I just did. It was familiar and enlightening at the same time. My thoughts on Genesis are this: God sure didn't sugar-coat anything by putting some of the most dysfunctional people in the very first book of the Bible. In fact, the first family was pretty dysfunctional! HAHA! This is pretty funny to me in a validating sort of way. Think about it. There never has been a functional family!! I mean, Adam and Eve were without sin for a very short time, but soon after they ate the fruit from the tree they weren't supposed to eat from, their son murdered their other son! And, every family after them was just about as messed up. There were a few shining stars, like Noah and Joseph. But, even Abraham, Is...

I'm admitting it to you all, because maybe it will help me stick to it. I started my "Read Through The Bible In 90 Days" plan today! It's rigorous, I know. But, if I can handle the rigors of three college classes, I can surely do this. I read the first twelve chapters of Genesis today. I'm reading from the NLT, which is a new version to me. It's one that is often used at our church, so I bought Joe one for Christmas....Anyway, I'm really up for this reading plan right now, and I am excited to see how it gives me a new perspective on the Bible. I also know that God will probably use it to say something to me, and that excites me even more. I was thinking it would be really fun to read "The Message" version of the Bible in this way. If you have never read from this version, I highly recommend it for "fun" reading. It's more like reading a novel. There are no verse numbers to distract you, and the language is totally, everyda...

Biology 101: A- Pre-Calculus: B+ Computer Inf. Sys.: A+ And darn proud of it!!!

There are things I want to blog about, but never get to, due to lack of time....But, I must talk about West Side Story!!!! I took the girls last Thursday night. It was their first time at 5th Ave., so they were enamored with how it looked inside - just like I was when I saw my first play in 5th grade. I saw "Annie" there. I got a tape of the music and a big "Annie" button. Then, I got my hair cut and permed like Annie. After that, everything my sister and I did was about Annie. My Barbie was the "orphanage lady," when we played Barbies. Our pretend playing usually included orphans and a mean orphanage lady, too......I digress.... The sets in West Side Story were incredible, and the casting was very well done. There is a lot of dancing in this musical, and the dancers were fabulous. It's so awesome that even a fight scene is done in dance form....Even today, this musical pushes the envelope, so I can only imagine how people felt watching it...

Yesterday morning, I awoke early for my last final exam. Ben got up at his regular time and started showering for school. He asked "why are you getting up so early?" I said, "Remember, today is my last test!" Then he said, "And then you're freee!! FREEEEEE!!!" You can tell he's heard me say that before! HAHA!! Yes. I am free. Boom, boom, boom. One final Wednesday, one Thursday and one Friday. I'm done. Aaaaaahhhhhhhh...... Now, all of you who thought I dropped off the face of the earth, will find me available for park days, phone calls, and even email!! :) Through all of this craziness this quarter, my blog was my only creative outlet. I had no time to do any thing very fun for myself. But, since I was at the computer working and studying anyway, I could quickly type a blog post. So, thank you all for listening to my endless entries about spring quarter...... I will proudly post my grades once I receive them. I worked dang ha...

Simple things make me happy. This is my special treat in my special cup. It is a wide-mouthed cup that just makes me feel special to drink from. I like it. Drinking my vanilla latte just isn't as good and enjoyable without this cup. When I find that it is dirty, and I have enough time, I'll wash it, even though there are plenty of other cups to choose from. I feel like this is a special treat to myself everyday. Maybe I learned to be happy with these simple things from not growing up with a lot of material stuff. I also think I learned it from being a young mom married to a military man, and basically being poor. I learned how important it was to stop and take care of me, amidst meeting the needs of little ones 24/7. I would get special bubble bath and light a candle and escape for an hour. Or, I would just go sit outside to be alone with my thoughts. Or, I would also get a special china tea cup and make loose leaf tea with a little strainer - actually boiling the w...

There are senseless things that happen in this world. Things that demand an answer to the question "Why?" But there isn't one.....

What a week I'm having! (Do you remember this line from the movie, "Splash?"). I have spent just about every free moment studying. My knees and butt actually ache from the hours of desk time. On Friday, I got to stretch my legs when I had to go to the zoo to complete a Biology lab. I thought about bringing Benny, but the requirement was to observe animals for twenty minutes at a time. I was imagining all the whining I would have had to listen to, and decided to go alone. It is really fun to go to the zoo by yourself! I got to spend time observing the things my kids only spend a couple of minutes on, and want to see the next animal. I observed puffins, an elephant, tiger, Bay pipefish, purple sea urchin and an Anoa (an amazon cow). Let's say that the urchins weren't having any parties and the tiger was as dull as a rock, but the other things were fun. I even asked the zookeeper a bunch of questions about the elephants. Did you know they have a six-i...

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40:2 NLT I praise you Lord, for the freedom I have in You! I thank you for removing the "stiffness" of religion and pleasing others and the bondage of sin by focusing on rules. I thank you that I can worship You freely as You lead me: to dance, to sing, to pray, to yell, to cry....I thank you for a body of believers with the same stiffness removed, where there is an energy and a love for each other and for You. I thank you for Your Word. Your beautiful, truthful Word, in a world with so much gray. You are my solid ground and my Rock. You are my fortress and my Deliverer. You are the Light on my path and a Lamp for my feet. You are Holy and above all things! Praise You God! Praise Your Holy Name!!

There are just voices everywhere . They tell us who we are, what to do, what's right, what's wrong and what are the best choices to make. Some voices are like an annoying Dachsund next door. They just yap, yap, yap....Some voices are like cunning foxes, saying things with an ulterior motive based in their own agenda. The fox might sound wise, but it's motives aren't really in your best interests...Some voices are like a cuddly, Golden Retriever, who offers a comfortable place for you, but doesn't offer much substance or wisdom. If we start listening to the Dachsunds and the Foxes and the Golden Retrievers, we get all mixed up and confused. Life becomes chaos, listening to all that yapping and howling and barking. We don't even know which voice we should listen to, or which voice has the right answer, or which voice is in our best interests anymore. At this point, it's important to stop and listen to The Voice . Go tell the Dachsund to shutup all his yapping,...

I'm considering something. I heard on KGNW/820AM this morning, about a schedule to read the entire Bible in 90 days. It's really about 12 pages a day. In fact, there is an actual NIV Bible called "The Bible in 90 Days." In the summer, I usually have some great, intimate times with God. And, I've been thinking about what I could focus on. So, when I heard about this on the radio, I went home and looked up the blog, which is www.haventoday.org/blog.php . There is a schedule you can print out to read from your own Bible, or go ahead and buy the special Bible. I just think this sounds like a cool thing to do this summer.....

Look at how long I can hold my breath, Mom! I kinda get lost in those eyes.... Ben had to test drive the goggles we bought last night, in preparation for our new pool we should receive soon (thanks to Target.com!). It's not a huge pool - 8' by 30", but it's deep enough for many underwater adventures.... :)

Musings on Freedom By Kim Wenzel from Smoldering Wick Ministries "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Paul's words to the Galatians ring loud in our ears today - or do they? When we look about and notice how many churches and denominations seem to enslave their people with a variety of ideas, programs, requirements and expectations that, at times, seem extra-biblical, I can't help wonder if many of us are missing the boat on freedom. Coming into relationship with Christ is supposed to be the greatest liberating experience we have, yet for many, including pastors and ministry leaders, freedom in Christ has become a-burnout-experience. To those who become angry, disillusioned, and cynical, freedom and church are two words that don't belong in the same sentence. Could our whole approach to church and ministry be far off base? When we look at the scriptures we see Jesus hav...

I was thinking today that I'm starting this summer in a much better place than I started last summer. Last summer, we had just left our old church and I was recovering from burnout. I'm so excited about how good I feel now compared to then. It's a good thing to remember, because when other hard times come, I can tell myself: "six months to a year from now, you'll feel better than you do right now." It's probably true for all recoveries, but you're so deep when you're in the middle of the process, you don't think of it, I guess. Anyway, I'm excited about how I feel because it's a "moving on" feeling. If I think about what I went through, I still feel feelings, don't get me wrong. They're just not hanging over my head like a cloud anymore. If you don't think burnout is a big deal, think again. People use the word as a cliche term, but it is a real condition. I know. So do lots of others. There is a website for burned...