Words

I'm finishing out my 2008 journal this morning. The sun is drenching the living room. Boomer is snoring. Hub is at the health club. Kids are sleeping. Laptop is warm on my lap. Books and pens and markers and stickers are splayed all around me.

A delicious start to the day and end to the year.

It will be short lived, as soon I need to step into gear to get ready to welcome in 2009 with about 20 friends. Games and laughter planned for this evening. Cleaning and a bit of de-Christmasing planned for today.

I dug out some stickers to put on the inside cover of the 2009 journal. A simple word in inch high thick stickers: HOPE. My very favorite word.

In the process I came across a package of stickers of words. Such LOVELY words. The package, still sealed, is entitled "Life's Journey Words."

The package holds:

always

journey

inspire

memories

friend

remember

happy

hope

cherish

dream

love

believe

grow

moments

joy

thoughts

celebrate

future

sweetness

delight

There's my gift of words to you this morning. May God grant you the opportunity to use them all as you describe 2009.

Ice Lanterns

Look at these. They are SO GORGEOUS!

Memorization

I've spent hours on the blogroll today/tonight. I'm thinking I should actually do a bit of picking up around here soon...

Should I feel guilty? No more than if I had been in a great book.

I've looked at some amazing photos, read some amazing stories, journaled a bit, read some more...it's been an absolute delight. My hub is out running the young two around since the old two have two of our three cars out of town, and the third child is not allowed to drive the remaining car - a company car. Thus an evening A*L*O*N*E which is so rare it's automatically exquisite.

I've read an amazing quote about Bible memorization here. That quote by John Piper is so convicting! I need to memorize!

And so I'm going to participate in her MMM in January. I'll have to think on what passage I'll choose... but I'm going to commit to it.

Why is it that I find Scripture memory so difficult and yet songs stick in my head like glue?

We Have this Moment Today

The following song was sung recently at a funeral I attended. I remembered it fondly from 15 years ago when it was part of a musical production we did at church.

It seems appropriate as we anticipate a new year.

May we all appreciate all we have, and live each moment to its fullest. Amen.


Hold tight to the sound of the music of living-
Happy songs from the laughter of children at play;
Hold my hand as we run through the sweet fragrant meadows,
Making mem'ries of what was today.

CHORUS:
For we have this moment to hold in our hands,
And to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand;
Yesterday's gone, and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment, today

Tiny voice that I hear is my little girl calling
For Daddy to hear just what she has to say;
And my little son running there down the hillside,
May never be quite like today.

Tender words, gentle touch, and a good cup of coffee,
And someone that loves me and wants me to stay;
Hold them near while they're here, and don't wait for tomorrow
To look back and wish for today.

Take the blue of the sky and the green of the forest,
The gold and the brown of the freshly-mown hay,
Add the pale shades of spring and the circus of autumn,
And weave you a lovely today.

- Lyrics by Gloria Gaither. Music by William J. Gaither. © 1975 William J. Gaither.

Resolutions

As previously written, I found my list of 2008 resolutions. They're good. They're relevant. They are my goals ...perhaps for life? I am going to recycle them, some almost word for word!

1. Continue to find encouragement and challenge in the Bible, day by day.

2. Pray more consistently and methodically. Intercede for my husband and our children in particular.

3. Look for pockets of joy, and record them. Jan Karon calls them "Patches of Godlight." Live expectantly. Watch for the blessings.

4. Eat gently. Slower eating. Less eating. Healthful eating. Thoughtful eating. Enough said.

5. Exercise. Daily walking, gentle weight lifting (8 Minutes Each Morning plan) and stretching.

6. Take the time to read good books. Keep a record.

7. Create. Write, knit, make cards and quilt. Again, make the time.

8. Nest. Keep organizing, purging, and finding the place for everything...(and put everything in its place!) Home is so where my heart is, and God has created me to find such joy in the slightest improvements here. It fills me.

9. Buy less, give more away...simpler....gentler... SIMPLIFY our finances so there is more to share...

10. Encourage. Correspond more -- birthday cards, thank you cards, thinking of you cards...

11. Be purposefully hospitable. Game nights. Fun times. Spur of the moment...

Blogiversary

As Diane and I sat at Borders yesterday for our annual ceremonial unwrapping of the new year's journals, we both wondered if we had exchanged 2008 new year's goals and resolutions. Generally we do so that we can keep one another accountable and pray for one another. Obviously the accountability failed this year since neither of us could recall a list...

Well, I just found mine. It's on my first day of blogging on December 26th, 2007.

So...I missed my blogiversary. Sorry. We missed an opportunity for cake.

As I continue to review the year, I will reread this year of blogs. I need to print it as well...a definite piece of grace history. My 2008 journal is full to exploding too - I guess there are a lot of words in me that just need to escape!

Today will be retrospective as I look back over 2008. The new journal will be begun with new goals, ambitions and a prayer list as I also look forward to what God will do in 2009.

Sounds like a good day for the couch, my Bible, my journals, a sharp pencil...and a laptop.

Changes

So, what do you think of the new blog look? Some of the older posts might be hard to read...I'm scrolling back as I have time... to change colors to be more readable.

I'm working on the Scrabble tiles...since they had a white background they looked funny here...but I'm working on it.

Thanks Diane - my blog coach!

TCX

Our 19 year old daughter headed to Minneapolis today to attend Twin Cities Xperience. I am so excited for her. At the link you can view the schedule, and the speakers, etc.

Four nights, and parts of five days, exposed to 1500 Christian college students and loads of seminars and worship times.

As I recap the highlights of 2008, Emily's growth is high on my list. Our daughter's heart is returning to us, and blooming for her heavenly Father. She is maturing and coming back to her roots. God is faithful.

Pray with me for these 1500 kids, won't you?

knit wits

On a whim I stopped at The Yarn House yesterday on my way home from lunch with a friend. Had never been there - a converted old house stuffed to the gills with all things woolly. The owner, Shirley, has worked there for 40 years. She was a bit puttery and a tad confuddled now and then, but she knew her knitting.

While there, a customer came in in a tizzy - rather rude at first - sort of burst in the door, interrupting our conversation as she asked for help. Woman in her late 60's who I'm guessing needs more human interaction! So I wandered into the book room and became totally overwhelmed with options. Ms. Rude had a scarf in her hands that intrigued me, and was yakking away about needing another ball of such and such in order to finish the scarf. She just kept talking, and said she uses up all her odds and ends on these diagonally knit scarves.

Knowing that I have a treasure trove of expensive wools in my basement, I ventured to ask her about the scarf, and she sweetened right up and told me step by step. As I wrote it down she was patient and kind - obviously pleased with the mentor role.

Years ago a co-worker's mom passed away and she brought me a huge box of cool wools - her mom had been a weaver, buying a skein of two of whatever grabbed her. While I admire and pet them often, there's not really enough of any one kind to make anything substantial. I have a few ideas now, including diagonal scarves.

I purchased some lovely birch tree needles, hand made in Rhode Island, and two sets of rustic needles hand made in the back room. When I asked where the short stubby needles had been made, and why, she explained that the old man sleeping in the back room had made them for her to get onto an airplane. Once he made an unobtrusive enough pair to not be considered a weapon, she knew he was onto something, and now he sells them in the shop. They are funny, but so quaint that I had to have a pair. He was about 120 years old, and very sound asleep against a file cabinet. The Yarn House visit was a bit surreal.

I stayed up too late last night knitting. Watched TWO movies (I don't recall the last time I watched a whole movie...) - Wall-E and To Catch a Thief. A completely different sort of evening for me. I love the scarf, it's super simple, and I have plans for about 102 more... :D I really can be easily amused...

Delightful

Christmas Day 2008 was delightful.

The hour and a half of coffee sipping, journaling and reading the Word was a key to its success. By the time the kids began to appear I was ready and smiling. The candles were lit, the Christmas playlist crooning, the tree and other decor alight, the sun was streaming in, and mom and dad were finished with their respective quiet hours. A very good start.

Highlights include:

• hub reading the Christmas story out of Matthew
• sharing an oplatki for the first time - a new tradition
• leisurely present opening - stretched out before and after breakfast, for over two hours.
• staying in our jammies all day
• six of us enjoying one another's company, and the traditions we share
• appreciative children
• my bald hub donning a visor that came complete with a head of hair - the hit gift of the day
• a family game of Apples to Apples
• Guitar Hero Rock Band - complete with dad on the bass and mom singing lead... all six of us rocking together
• Scrabble with the oldest after dinner - he and mom's favorite game
• the movie "Christmas Vacation" (currently being enjoyed while mom blogs and reads)
• four deer trotting through the yard
• Grandpa's visit for the traditional Chinese take out dinner
• guitar and carols
• the fireplace aglow (still a treat having waited 23 years to move to a home with a fireplace)
• reading a book on knitting - inspiration to create - relaxed perusal
• the youngest entertaining us with odd facts from his new Guinness Records 2009 book
• fresh hot coffee throughout the day
• a rousing game of Kerplunk with our 19 year old and her boyfriend

We've had a picture perfect day, which is a minor miracle to a mom of four - aging from 13 to 21. It makes all the preparation worthwhile and rewarding.

Happy Birthday Jesus. Thank you for inviting us to your eternal party.

Not a Creature was stirring...other than mom...

The day began well, before the others awoke...


Sitting in my spot, staring out the window at the snow laden woods, writing in my moleskine journal,


feet up, savoring the Word.


The food was ready to pop in the oven, made late Christmas Eve: overnight egg casserole and overnight caramel rolls;

and the table set for our traditional family breakfast.


The sunlight streamed in the windows, illuminating the tree.



The promise of an excellent day.

Let it Snow

It might be my fault.

I have been so guilt ridden that I thought I should just come out with it: I prayed for snow.

Here's what I'm seeing out my living room window today. Sipping coffee in my spot on the couch is really wondrous most mornings - God provides the artwork...

A few months ago when I was poking about at TJMaxx I came upon a set of aluminum snow shoes. And I thought...wow...that was actually on my list: rent snowshoes for my hub and I for Christmas day. At 69.99 I thought it might be ok to buy them.

Of course he would likely get tired snowshoe-ing with me on his back, so next I had to find a second pair. While TJMaxx is one of my very favorite stores because there is no apparent rhyme or reason to what is in stock, it's not a great store in which to find a second one of anything. When you call ahead, you basically have to hope that the clerk is willing to dig through a lot of stuff to see if what you're looking for is there. It's not like they have a snow shoe section. (they were under the hat rack, if you're wondering)

A second pair was located. An hour drive, but it was worth it.

And then I prayed for snow.

God and I musta been on a super close wave length that day, cuz we're breaking records here in Milwaukee. I thought we had a lot last year, but this is totally ridiculous. We will indeed have a very white Christmas, and we will indeed have the opportunity to try out and become experts at snowshowing.

So, fellow Milwaukeeans, I'm sorry...I think it's my fault.

But it really is beautiful from our kitchen patio door. Tomorrow we'll hop right out this door and head to the woods - on snow shoes!

Merry Christmas!

There is an online e-card waiting for you at CrossCards! Crosscards.com is a Christian website designed to provide the online faith-based audience with great looking e-cards with unique messages of God's love, inspiration, encouragement and fun! Visit the following web address within the next 30 days to view it!http://www.crosscards.com/lp/crosswalkchristmas.aspx

Inspired

Can you even believe that the Tour of Homes has over 900 participants? That's 3 a day to view between now and when I decorate for Christmas 2009!!

One of the homes REALLY inspired me (#5 Mary (Megardengal) when I saw a set of doors used as a headboard on a bed. We desperately needed a new headboard, and I knew that we had some old solid wood doors in the basement. And so, although I had 12 guests coming for a turkey dinner, on Saturday I had my hub drag a bi fold door up just to audition it as a headboard. Hours later, it was dusted, oiled and hung...

Today I bought it a wreath.

It's spectacular. And it was free! Since it was stained to match our dark woodwork, it fits in perfectly, and it's just different enough to be interesting. I'm really excited about it...this photo does not do it justice, but you can get the idea.

I'm not exactly speeding through those homes on tour, but I have completed three projects as a result of the 10 homes visited thus far. Our kitchen window decor was inspired by something similar, as were the the jingle bells hanging from the chandelier, and also the headboard.

Fun little details added from items I already had in the house. Fa-la-la-la-la!

Wise Words

Having just received a very lovely email video, entitled "Hot ChocolateHL.pps" I want to include the adorable graphic along with some very wise words. I saw no credits on the video - whoever created it did a lovely job - thank you!





The happiest people don't have the best of everything. The just make the best of everything they have!
Live Simply...
Love Generously...
Care Deeply...
Speak Kindly...
And leave the rest to God.

Remember, the richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

Such a lovely reminder for this time of year. Good night

2008 Christmas Tour of Homes

To see the other homes on tour, click on the logo above or HERE. You'll see the hostess' home (Boo Mama) followed by a LONG LONG list of links for other decor tours.

Welcome to our Wisconsin home. This is our second year in this home, and our first "tour."

When you enter our front door, you are in a spacious foyer. The wall directly in front of you holds the chalkboard. The doorway to the living room is pictured to the left, and the coffee bar is the doorway to the right. We love to add personalized greetings to the chalkboard.

The coffee bar is behind pocket doors which are always open. You can grab a cup, and make the coffee right there. The snowman mugs are perfect for cocoa.



Two double bookshelves line the foyer wall next to the living room doorway. The baskets above are lit each night by a ropelight which recesses into the top of the book case. For the holidays we nestled our village into two small shelves of one of the bookcases.

At the corner of the bookshelves is a 4 foot tree, covered with snowmen. Before snowmen were all the rage I began collecting them, and they have multiplied. Smiling snowmen are tucked onto shelves throughout the house. The snowman lamp is always on to welcome you in from the cold.

Across the foyer from the wall of bookshelves is an open staircase to the lower level. This red tin punch mirror is adorned with a hand needlepoint wreath ornament that I made my mother in junior high. She treasured it, and it hung on her dressing mirror year round.


The doorway to the left of the snowman lamp takes you into the kitchen. Greenery on the plate rack holds "teacups and gingerbread" ornaments. All kitchen themed ornaments hang here.


Adding these lights and ornaments above the kitchen sink makes clean up a little more fun. And our dear neighbors actually moved their tree in front of their family room window so that I could see it out my kitchen window. Can you see it in the distance? It's a cheery scene.

Our kitchen Advent Candle is lit each Sunday. This candelabra is more than 15 years old, and is one of many family traditions that we have maintained with our four children.


The living room and dining room are one long room. One end is flanked with a three part china cabinet. The two end units are pictured below. The center unit has frosted, beveled glass doors, and that is where the "Happy Birthday Jesus" is hanging. The Christmas china, on the top shelf of one unit, was a wedding gift some 24 years ago...





The creche, on the bottom shelf, belonged to my husband's grandmother. His father brought back various animals for the scene, hand carved from olive wood, when he traveled to Bethlehem.


The dining room table is often aglow with candle light.


Jingling Bells hang from the chandelier.


Our fireplace is two sided - the mantle on the dining room side holds a large hand painted nativity set.


The tree is always the center of attention. Each of the four kids have an ornament collection in addition to our family ones. Frasier firs are my favorite, but their thin branches are weighed down by December 25!



The tiny plastic nativity scene was purchased when our youngest was 2. (1997) We spent many hours looking for those animals and that baby over the years. This plastic set was well enjoyed by Jake's little hands.

The family room is snowman headquarters. And of course the stockings are hung by that chimney with care.



This Charles Wysocki print is entitled "Pie for the Parson." It was a gift to my father, a retired minister, from a couple in his church - given in 1993. I love commemorating his 50 plus years of ministry with it.

Thank you for visiting! Merry Christmas!

Decadence

If you've been reading here long, you might know that I love a good cup of coffee. Love. We have a great coffee maker that grinds the beans and everything. However, it does take a bit of work to clean out the grinder area, refill, etc etc. I often just opt for a cup of nescafe instant, unless we're having guests.

Until now. I've bought myself a wee gift. I'll have to blame Rush Limbaugh.

While traveling to a client lunch with my boss, we heard Rush raving about the Keurig individual coffee system. Raving. My boss was instantly intrigued. We stopped at a local store, where he purchased one, along with the individual coffee cups. Later I bought one, at SUBSTANTIAL savings, at Sam's Club. The one I bought is pictured here.

You never touch the filters, or the coffee. It is simplicity defined. It's pricier - about 40 cents a cup if you don't get the coffee cups on sale, but I am fine with 2 cups from each pod - the second cup is weaker but still good. My husband can have regular. I can have flavored. Anna had hot chocolate this morning. At the press of a button. In 30 seconds. It's absolute convenience.

My husband, accountant that he is, was balking. So I just ordered him a single cup keurig filter - he can (and will) putter with refilling it with his coffee. I also ordered the spinning rack to hold the k cups - one for me and one for my boss. (Christmas gift for the man who has EVERYTHING)

The kids can make the regular hot chocolate packets. Without a pod inserted, it simply fills the cup with very hot water. Hot chocolate and tea will likely be made like this.

But for my one cup of coffee each morning, and maybe a decaf at night...I'm going to splurge. Bed, Bath & Beyond gives me 20% off coupons weekly, and they sell the pods. So I figure if I can get 1.5 cups out of each pod, each cup is less than a quarter. The pod is tiny - way less waste than a Starbucks cup.

I had my first (and second) cup in the last two hours. I love the ease and the freshness.

Bye Bye Nescafe!

Full Throttle

Christmas is a busy and wonderful season in our home. The days are flying by, but all is quite well. I did miss doing an Advent posting, so must do two today...but I'm forgiving myself as I've had QUITE a month thus far.

• Thanksgiving was, of course, only two weeks ago. We had a picture perfect, heart filled Thanksgiving. The best of my life. My brother, his wife, my dad, we six, and two co workers shared warm fellowship and delectable bird at our dining room table. The evening was filled with our music. Truly, the only word was magical.
• The next day I drove two hours north to sing at a funeral. The first of two funerals that were necessarily squeezed into this full two weeks. My friend's dad - I had to be there for her.
• Saturday we began to decorate in earnest.
• Sunday I drove to Minneapolis for my brother's concert where he sang the bass solos in the Messiah. He told me that my fitting that 12 hour round trip excursion into my season was the best gift he had ever received from a sibling. Is that not worth while? Investing in relationship.
• Monday I drove home, stopping at a central Wisconsin hospital for work. Listened to an amazing and edifying book on CD the whole way, along with The Messiah. Amazing.
• Monday night our worship team practiced in our living room, 45 minutes after I got home!
• Worked all week.
• Friday the 5th was "Dickens of a Christmas," where our quintet sang, some with guitar and much a cappella, for 1.5 hours in our downtown village square. Afterward we enjoyed food and fellowship at the local pizza pub.
• Saturday the 6th we had 20 neighbors over in the evening. Anna, our 16 year old, came through BIG TIME and worked side by side with me all day. She cleaned and I decorated. I kept the hors d'oeuvres simple, and had asked the neighbors to bring something sweet. We truly worked like crazy all day. I kept telling myself that what needed to get done would get done - because I had not procrastinated - there had not been time to do more preparation. By the time the first neighbor arrived, the house was fully clean and decorated. It was SUCH a push, but for me the push is necessary... I am now able to enjoy our Christmas setting all month - and that major job of decorating and deep cleaning was done by the first week end due to that deadline.
• Sunday was full with music practice after church. Later, a friend and I attended a "Messiah Sing a Long," a fabulous experience. A full community orchestra, some amazing soloists, and we - the congregation - seated by vocal part and standing to sing the choral sections. LOVED THAT.
• Sunday night my husband and I and the two youngest spent time with my dad at his nursing home.
• Monday was blessedly a day OFF work. Breathe. Read. Write. Pray.
• Monday night - worship practice.
• Tuesday night - a snow storm cancelled a dinner with friends - worked late to get caught up. Managed to get 330 cards mailed from work - part of the client relations part of my job.
• Wednesday evening - a funeral of a dear 64 year old friend. Lingered at the church, getting caught up with many friends. Very difficult loss, but a celebratory and honoring funeral.
• Thursday evening- led our church's women's Christmas celebration. Sang some carols and shared a brief devotional. Enjoyed warm fellowship.
• Friday - 8 am to 1:30 am...at work or at my bosses home...hostessing the Christmas dinner. 54 people at his home. Catered meal and then a gambling casino with black jack, craps, and poker. Each person received $500 (fake) dollars in chips to play with, and received raffle tickets according to their winnings. WHAT a blast. WHAT an incredible amount of work. I've decided that hosting a party in someone ELSE's home on someone else's behalf is nerve wracking. I wanted everything to be perfect. Thankfully he has a housekeeper who did all the cleaning and had Christmas decor up. I supervised the moving of furniture by a couple young co workers, followed by the table and chair rental set up. Mid afternoon the caterers arrived and began prepping, and also set the tables with rented linens and dishes. I added the "extras" to the tables, and arranged all the centerpieces which became prizes later for the casino night. The hardest part of the evening was figuring out who sat where and with whom - office politics you know. I dressed and readied at his house, and the guests began arriving at 6:30. (The host wisely did not make his return from work until 5:30 pm - he missed all the hard parts!! ) I had previously made 3 large containers of my frozen Christmas slush which was the drink of the night, (spiked or not) and had hired a bartender who arrived right before dinner. She also served wine, beer, soda and limited mixed drinks. WHAT a production. I'm pleased to report a COMPLETE success. I was busy the entire evening, orchestrating the movement of people and chairs and activities. "Mr. Blackjack" began arriving during dinner, and they set up a full casino in the lower level while the party supped on the main floor. I must say, this party WAS a challenge for me, and today I'm still in my jammies at noon, sipping coffee, dozing and recapping the last few weeks in my mind.

I'm very very content. Yes, it's been a blurrrrrr at times, but it's what I want to do at this time of year. The only stressful time, where I really wondered HOW we were going to pull it off , was last Saturday with the neighbors coming and the house not ready. Otherwise it has all moved like clockwork and has been so gratifying and FUN. I am SO thankful for good health and stamina and such a full roster of friends and family. Although I'm completely spent today, I was able to sleep in a bit, and here I am staring at the tree, listening to Boomer snore, and blogging. I hope to post a few dozen Christmas cards today, but if I don't, I don't...

THIS is what the season is to me. It is a challenge, and it is a hustle and a bustle. My goal is to prioritize people. No one else on our block would have hosted the party - hospitality seems to be such a lost art. The neighbors lingered and so enjoyed one another's company. I felt so privileged to facilitate that, and that satisfaction outweighs that day's exhaustion.

Our home is warm and glowing, drawing us to stay in and sip warm beverages. The work of decorating creates that inviting atmosphere, and entertaining is simpler for the month of activity. Some might scale back for simplicity, and that is perfectly right for them, but to create beauty fills me more than it depletes me. It's how I'm wired., and draws me to home.

Last night was a gift to my boss. He has a huge 12,000 sqaure foot home, but when he was married they were never able to pull off such a shindig, and now, divorced, he certainly doesn't do it on his own. He was choked up as he told me what that party, that huge house full of laughter and happy memories, meant to him. I am so honored to spend myself on PEOPLE. Happy memories. I can rest in January! :)

I am in the Word in the Word each morning due to the flexibility of my job, to stay connected to the Lord during this, His season. He is the source of my energy as surely as the electricity lights up the Christmas tree. I'm finally old enough to realize that without Him I can do nothing. (John 15:5) Singing is another time commitment, but our songs are all about HIM. It was exciting to bring Christian carols to a secular setting last week end. And of course at church God is honored by our efforts and the congregation is blessed. What is Christmas without music? How INCREDIBLE to experience Handel's Messiah live with the orchestra, even if sight reading the choral parts was a bit daunting. That afternoon was a Christmas gift I gave to myself.

I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6

The women's gathering was so intimate, filled each of us up. My friend's home was warm and literally glowing with Christmas, the perfect backdrop as the women shared happy memories and we focused on Him. Relationships grew.

This is an amazing December. I feel so blessed to be so blessed. My organizational gifts are being stretched and used. It blesses me to use the voice He gave me. I've nurtured a love for His Word, and am honored to be invited to share that as well. We've celebrated the Advent candle and readings each week as a family too- our children are content and anticipating THEIR time of attention in their weeks of Christmas break. Joey and Emily will be home for a month soon -we have a lot of celebrating left to do!

This year I feel that I am right where God wants me, doing just what He has called me to do, and I stand amazed as I recap it all in type. I'm living in my sweet spot. It's been a blessed month, and it's only the 13th! No regrets.

December is full. To the brim. But not overflowing. It is my heart that is overflowing.

Blogging

Our oldest daughter Emily, age 19, is reading the advent blog daily, along with her roommate and her boyfriend. This SO THRILLS MY HEART that that blog is priority these days. I'll try to post here too now and then, but likely I won't be back here consistently until after Christmas.

WHEW

Just wrote the preceding blog. Next I began my list for today, and also went to itunes to download today's podcasts. I follow three podcasts: Joyce Meyer's, Living on the Edge, and Kay Arthur.

I download them daily (or so) and then listen on the treadmill and in the car. (my ipod plugs into the car stereo system)

As they were downloading, I noticed Kay Arthurs' title from yesterday: Surpassing Peace for the Righteous. I clicked on it, so that I'd be listening to it in the background as I work on my menu and to do list...

Guesss what passage Kay is teaching? ISAIAH 26.

WHEW. God is definitely keeping me in that passage.

Perfect Peace

My dear buddy Margo just called. When schedules allow, we pray together at 7:30 am on Friday mornings. Margo is a mentor in my life, and was one of my Bible study leaders when I was a young mom. Margo and I have history.

She asked if she could recite her "piece" to me over the phone. She has been asked to be Elizabeth on Sunday, to recite some of what Elizabeth may have been thinking, based on Luke 1, and then light the second advent candle. Margo wrote the recitation herself.

Tears ran down my face as I listened to what Margo had written. The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah gives me such hope, as I've written before, and Margo's way with words and her passion for the Truth touched my heart.

Margo's (Elizabeth's) introduction included, "I'm here to tell you that you can have peace in the midst of heartache and pain. You can have peace when your world is turned upside down. And you can have peace when you're waiting with anticipation and hope for what God will do in the future."

THAT is exactly what God has been teaching me through Luke 1.

Yesterday I landed on the verse in Isaiah

Is 26:3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.

This verse so encouraged me, and I tentatively chose it as the theme verse for the fall 2009 retreat I've been asked to lead for our church. How to experience God's peace in fallen world. And today Margo, as Elizabeth, recited that verse to me - the only verse cited in the 3 minute narrative prepared for this coming Sunday.

And so, first thing on a cold and crisp Friday morning in December, God has warmed my heart and whispered in my ear, "Grace, you're on the right track." When God brings thoughts to me as I study His word and talk to Him, and then they are reinforced from another direction, it is a very personal "hug" experience for me. I LOVE it when that happens. God shows me that He orchestrates details right down to what verse I am reading to prove that He is indeed the artist designing the tapestry of my life. Generally I see the underside - a seemingly unrelated mish mash of colored thread. But once in a while, a pocket of joy, He allows me to see the pattern.

At this moment in time I am in perfect peace, because I trust in Him.

Thank you Lord.

My Personality

Yup...that's me. I took this test about 6 years ago and got about the same results. Extrovert/Introvert is a pretty close run, as is Thinker/Feeler.

These tests always amaze me.

Cardinals

My mom loved cardinals. And now I do. I can't help it - I think it's genetic. When a bright red bird arrives on my bird feeder I drop everything. They mesmerize me. A couple mornings ago a small female was on the feeder - must have been a 2008 nestling.

Today at The Clinic (there on business) I wandered into the art gallery on the first floor where there are always interesting displays of (expensive) local art. Today there were a lot of gift items for the holidays mixed in with the art.

I spotted cardinals. In birch trees. I LOVE birch trees. And so this plate came home with me. There is something about it that simply makes me smile. When I have more time I'll do a cardinal display around it on a shelf for the holidays.

I think it's time to put more black sunflower seeds in the feeder...baked, of course. I really do love those cardinals...

Driving

On Friday I drove to Two Rivers, Wisconsin to sing at a friends' dad's funeral. Four hours in the car, alone.
On Sunday I drove to Minneapolis to hear my oldest brother sing two of the bass solos in The Messiah. 1.5 hours with Joey, our oldest son in the car, and then 4 hours alone.
On Monday I drove from Minneapolis to Marshfield, WI, and then home. About 8 hours of driving in the car alone.

AND I LOVED IT.

The CD player held The Messiah - the full 2 CD set, and also Beth Moore's book Get Out of that Pit. What a great great book that is.

Even though I put a whole lot of miles on this week end, I feel as though I worshipped for the majority of them. I actually feel refreshed.

2008 Christmas Tour of Homes

That cute little button to the left signifies that I am going to participate in an online tour of homes. You can read more about it here.

Out on a (frasier fir) limb...

One of my "bucket list" entries is to write and publish a book. And one of the book ideas has been, for years, a book on preparing for Christmas.

I celebrate Christmas in a big way. I love the decor, the music, the cards, the gifts, the special foods, the entertaining....and I tend to do it all. I have it down to a *relatively* stress-free system, and actually ENJOY the preparation as well as the festivities. I have a passion to help women to enjoy the season rather than drown in it. Doing it ALL is so unnecessary -putting Christ back into Christmas is a really good place to start.

In recent years I've found a lot of good advent resources and have realized that perhaps the world does not need yet another Advent book. But the idea is still percolating within me. I've come to realize that I'm gifted in the area of organization, and truly I'd like to share that gift, and incorporate it into my passion for the Word of God.

And so...drum roll please...I'm going out on a limb (time wise and commitment wise) to kick off an advent blog: Advent-ful December is officially open. Each day in December, take a minute to turn your heart and mind upward to find Him in your preparation. It's not going to be linked to this blog as it will be open to the public. No personal info - just Advent. Share it with whomever you like!

Take a peek. The entries will simply be dated - jump in when you can. I'll be writing as time allows, so pace yourself! :) Perhaps I'll post a week ahead...you just never know.

Enjoy. Participate. And may God enrich your Christmas in a whole new way.

Thanksgiving

Psalm 73:25-28

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.

The nearness of my God - for that I am so very thankful.
Amen.

Distractions

So, I got up before 6:30 am, knowing that I needed my hour on the couch with Bible, journal, coffee and Boomer before this busy and wonderful day.

I opened up the new laptop and LOGOS. I am loving this resource more each day, and marking up the NASB95 Bible with electronic colors, adding notes, reading the original languages (word by word...don't be too impressed...)

I decided to investigate a book on prayer and opened Handbook to Prayer by Kenneth Boa. Instantly hooked. Fabulous prayer guide for daily use, complete with three months of guiding through Bible verses and parts of prayer. Whew. Right here at the touch of a button.

Then I thought, hmmmmmm...is Libronix bigger than LOGOS? Libronix is the system of online storage. So I googled Libronix.

That somehow took me to www.librarything.com.

OH OH.

An online cataloging of owned books. It's quick and simple. But I own a lot of books. So far I just added what is sitting right here next to me, but that was enough trouble because from there you can see who else has that particular book on their shelf, read a review, and WORST OF ALL...see what else THAT person has on their shelf.

And there's more. But I put an end to distraction and closed after about 15 minutes.

And now here I am putting YOU at risk because if you love books you're gonna be HOOKED on this new treasure.

Misery loves company.

November Calendar

Happily Noted

It is humbling to see yourself in your children. Sometimes it is nauseating. Occasionally it is gratifying.

This morning as I headed downstairs to the treadmill, I heard water running and checked in the girls' bathroom. Anna had assured me that it was clean for Emily's Thanksgiving homecoming, but I hadn't inspected. I jiggled the toilet knob, and happily surveyed a very clean bathroom. Yes, she got that clean gene from me, but that was not the best part.

On the mirror were two post it notes. Upon closer inspection I saw a devotional quote and a Bible verse. My heart is full. Thanksgiving is real in me this morning. Our 16 year old daughter is imitating what she has seen me do with Scripture. Thank you Lord.

Sad Puppy

Boomer had a softball sized fatty tumor removed yesterday. It was benign, but large and growing. So today I have a very sad and dopey dog.

Snow Covered

We awoke to a world of white. The view from the bedroom window is magical - icing covering the brown of late autumn. Instant transformation.

That's how God sees me, and anyone else who confesses Christ as their Savior.

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool."

He sees me through the blood of Christ, and He sees me as pure as the driven snow.


2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.


It is a beautiful mystery. Although I'm still trapped in my sinful flesh, in a sinful world, Christ's work is done and I simply need believe. And obey. Obedience is a part of my sanctification - becoming more like Christ - a process of growth which proves my faith. Obedience is not the way to heaven, but simply provides the landmarks assuring me that I'm on the right path...the only path. It proves my confession of faith.


John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." [-Jesus]


This world is more beautiful with the covering of fresh white powder. I am more beautiful as I abide in Him and let Him transform me. Obedience has a price, but what I surrender is worthless - dead and brown and withered in comparison. What I gain is eternal life, and peace in this journey.

Let it snow.

Jehovah rapha

Exodus 15:22-27

Ex 15:22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
Ex 15:23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah.
Ex 15:24 So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
Ex 15:25 Then he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.
There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them.
Ex 15:26 And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.”
Ex 15:27 Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.

Jehovah rapha. Is there a more appealing name for God in all of Scripture? Our healer.

It's interesting to read this verse in context. IF you listen to the LORD, IF you do what is right in HIS sight (the only relevant standard), pay attention to His commandments (the Word) and keep His laws...THEN...God will put none of the diseases on you. The bitter waters of the world can be sweet to us when we follow God's leading and do things His way. Or perhaps He'll move us to a safer Elim - and cause us to leave the world's waters. It's His call.

We just like the healer part, don't we? We want to shirk the responsibility for the rest. We want to be able to live however we want, do whatever we please and then run to God to fix the mess.

Let me be clear: physical illness is NOT all due to sin. In John 9:1-3 Jesus explains that a man's blindness is not due to sin. Jesus tells His listeners in John 11:4 that Lazarus' illness "is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” We live in a fallen world, and with each generation our flesh is farther from Eden, and more cursed with sin... illness happens. That's not my point...

The teaching in Exodus 15 shows a direct correlation between our actions and God's.

Some sexually transmitted diseases are quite obvious results of rampant sin. And yet it's easier to run to the doctor for the Rx than to fall before Jehovah rapha and change our behaviors.

Jehovah rapha's blessing is very real to me, a deterrent to sin in my life in a healthy way. My mother struggled with mental illness and God has used that as a safeguard in my life. When I start to feel oppressed, I do run to my Jehovah rapha, and ask Him to cleanse me again., to heal me. I lean in. My mother's struggle - I can learn from it - a blessing in disguise. Diabetes is a blessing in disguise in a similar way: I eat differently than I would otherwise because I fear the illness and its complications.

Am I guaranteed that if I follow Christ I will not have physical diseases like diabetes, or mental diseases - physiological malfunctions in the brain? No. But I can do everything in my power to eat properly, exercise and rest to avoid diabetic complications. And I can do the same, and more, to safeguard against compromising my mental wholeness.

Action and consequence. Simple, really. And yet we want to take a pill, have a surgery, figure out a way to not have to exercise self discipline and yet be healthy. We want the easy way out, and we want to be in control.

I don't think it works that way.

Grace

Yesterday I read a book. Cover to cover. Start to finish. Grace by Richard Paul Evans. I love a light read now and then, and well...I must admit a fondness for the title.

Sweet story. A look inside the adolescent male mind as the main character, Eric, experiences a relationship with a young female for the first time. I won't tell you the story line, but will tell you that the style is simple - an easy holiday read. But the plot? Nothing simple, nothing easy. It tore my heart out.

Do I recommend the book? Yes, but with the caveat that it becomes a heart rending read about a very difficult topic. In my opinion, it is difficult to marry a light holiday read with a real life issue of this magnitude. It sort of left me stunned...not knowing what had hit, and then it was over. Although it is fiction, the author is doing something about the issue in real time and at his very real expense...a noble and worthy effort.

My jury is out. Has anyone else read it?

The beginning of a dream fulfilled

I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I am going to begin the courses for my Master's Degree!

For decades I have known that I wanted to get formal Bible School training, but the time and the finances were never right. Recently I went to Elmbrook Church's Christian Study Center website and began to poke around. Today I talked to Dave Seemuth, and it appears that this degree is a perfect fit. I am going to register to get a Master of Arts in Christian Studies, and begin in January with the New Testament Survey class. Honestly, I am SO EXCITED that I want it to start tomorrow.

I'll take a break from teaching for this first semester, to pace myself and to have time to study for this four credit class. The fully accredited degree will be through Trinity Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, but I can take every class at Elmbrook church which is 5 minutes from my work. 42 credits total.

Issues:
Time: I study a lot now. I think it may be a wash.
Money: God has graciously provided through a raise at work. While there are a million other uses for money, this is a good one. Each credit at Elmbrook is $265, while the same class at the seminary is over $600 per credit hour. Such a blessing to have the resource of that church right here.
Home: My husband is all for it, as he knows that study is what fuels me.
Laptop: My work ordered me a brand new lap top today (mine is slow and dying a very colorful death...the screen is swirly pink much of the time...) and it will be my personal as well as my work laptop. It is FAST FAST FAST.
Logos Bible Software: All paid for (did the six months free financing) and I have learned how to really use some of it's features...this will be a big time saver as well as a space saver.

I am feeling total peace about signing up. And SO excited. We went to Elmbrook tonight to look at the text books in the book store, but I can order them at a substantial discount through Amazon.

Woo hoo. I just can't wait!

King David

I'm not doing so well on blogging about the Advent study. At the moment I'm juggling two studies: Advent and the Names of God, and while I'm LOVING it and almost keeping up, the time to blog has been usurped. But here I am for a quickie before bed.

Today I was reading about David, the shepherd boy, the slayer of Goliath, the adulterer and murderer, and the man after God's own heart. What a character! One of the assigned verses was this one:

1 Ch 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

How blessed for David to be able to tell his son to "know the God of your father." We can't fool our kids! I want our children to know, without a doubt, Who is the God of their mother. (and father) And not only who He is, but I too want them to know Him. That is the most important legacy there is.

Whole heart and willing mind. Willing mind. Are we willing to do what He tells us?

For the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. This phrase gives me great comfort as well as reason to pause. The comfort is that unlike people, God always understands me and my intentions. When I'm trying, successfully or not, to do His will or carry out His best plan, He knows it. When I totally blow something, He knows that that was not my intention, and He understands my original intent. That is comforting. HOWEVER, I can't fool Him. I can fool a lot of people, but I can't fool God with any false religiosity...He searches my heart and knows my intent. Give it up, Grace.

If you seek Him, He will let you find Him. Wonderful comfort. Warm fuzzies.
If you forsake Him He will reject you forever. No sugar coating here.

Life is all about choices. The Bible is all about choices. Choose God and choose the path of blessing. Choose other than God and choose the path of curses. It's simple.

Simple though the choices be, I find it reassuring that God so used David in spite of himself. Gives us all hope, doesn't it?

Purse Addiction

A friend sent me this card and it cracks me up.
Um...have I mentioned a penchant for classy bags?

Savoring Sunday

Yes, Sunday should have been blogged BEFORE Monday... sorry.
After church I was blue. Mainly tired, but blue. The sun was bright, so I decided to just snug in a sun puddle and read and nap the afternoon away. It's been a rough week, so that seemed a good plan.

I brought the "Queen Chair" in to our bedroom to the wall of south facing windows that overlook a garden path area and the woods beyond (an amazing view to which to awaken) . It's a slingback folding chair that I used to take camping; it reclines at just the right angle, has a perfect pillow...it fits me just right. Somewhere along the way my buddies named it the Queen chair as they'd see me relaxing in style at the campfire. Ha.

So as I sat basking in the sun and pretending to read, I saw a few birds swooping about. Since I have not baked more seed for the feeders, I thought I should at least clean out the bird bath. I went out and scrubbed it, hosed it and filled it. Having spent a good chunk of Saturday pulling out annuals and putting away garden decor, the bird bath was all that called me on Sunday. Back to the queen chair.

What happened next can only be described as a God given pocket of joy. Over a dozen birds arrived. A couple robins, a couple woodpeckers, one ruby red cardinal, and a mixture of sparrows: some brown, some with reddish heads and chests, and some with blue. The bird world must be thirsty because my little bird bath was THE place to be. For a good 40 minutes I rested while being mesmerized by the shenanigans of my feathered friends. The sparrows had the most fun: they hopped right in, fluffing their feathers and taking full baths. In 5 years of owning this birdbath (my mother loved it so...I had to keep it when I cleaned out her home) I have occasionally seen a bird take a sip. Yesterday it was a veritable bird spa.

The whole experience energized me, and I ended up washing the bedroom windows inside and out, and also the master bath window. I hung three little beaded snowflakes in the bathroom window where they will catch the light all winter. Tiny things, really, but part of my refreshment. The tiny little details in a room bring me such pleasure. Today, Monday, I've literally been "lifted" by seeing those sparkling clean windows with tiny beaded ornaments. Details. Pockets of Joy.

Thank you Father for lifting my spirits. Thank you for health, for relative wealth, for a home, for the gift of time. I am so blessed. Even on a bluish day.

Marvelous Monday

Today is delicious.

Perhaps because I’ve had fewer days off recently, I am increasingly appreciative when I have a whole day to putter.

It began slow. As I contemplated getting out of bed, I wondered if I’d get anything done at all today. I realize that the stress of last week is weighing on me a bit, so I took it slow – because I could. I gave myself a break. A cup of Nescafe began to wake me as I threw in a load of wash. I try to work on my Bible studies first thing, so I set up at the dining room table.

And that is when the magic began. I would read and write a bit, and then do a chore or two. When I needed to sit, I did…more studying and pondering the amazing names of God. This is now my preferred pace rather than a list: whatever gets done gets done. And wow…the day just stretched on and on. That is the definition of a delicious day: the hours stretch out as I putter.

It is SO warm out, (72!) so washing windows became a priority. The living room, kitchen and half bath are done, inside and out. I moved a mulch pile and redug the earth to balance the bird bath…little garden putters that I see out the bedroom window. The winter is long, and I will appreciate having taken the time to add beauty to the gardens. The wash is done and even put away. Meals are sort of planned, papers are recycled, items picked up and put away…all at a snail’s pace while sipping coffee and studying for 20 minute breaks in between. Oh, there's plenty left to do - but it's been a good days work.

Days like today need to be savored and recorded. The blessings of a warm fall day, a lovely home (with a zillion windows) and time in silence to think and ponder. No music, no tv, no phone…just me and God and His word and our home. Perfection.

Advent

Our SAMBS group (Saturday AM Bible Study) (Sassy lambs) began our new study, Preparing My Heart for Advent yesterday, for the second consecutive year. While it doesn't seem possible that we should be preparing for Advent, it is so very lovely to begin the journey in the relatively stress free month of November.

My plan is to share some of the Advent journey via blog.

Day Two today. The assignment is to read Luke 1 through 2:40, and write questions. Who, what, why, how, where. The purpose? To slow down and study. Savor. Savor His word and His company.

They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizbeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years. Luke 1:6-7

Righteousness does not guarantee perfect circumstance. Righteousness does not preclude longing. Longing does not preclude living within God's will.

Sometimes the wait is long, even when the longing is God given. They were both advanced in years.

Tears fill my eyes as I highlight the angel's message:

Do not be afraid...your petition has been heard...You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice... Luke 1:13-14.

My heart is full from just these few verses. Live righteously in spite of the longings. Keep praying. Live expectantly. Keep hope. God hears.
Amen!

Starbucks

Words and Coffee...a winning combination.
Here are some wall murals I've found at Starbucks: