100 things..

Many bloggers list 100 things about themselves. I never planned to do it until I read some of them and found them so interesting. So I went for it and you can find it here. It's my list of almost 100 things.

Now I'd better get to the 100 other things I should be doing today.

Terri Schiavo died.



This is a touching prayer written by Geannie @ Look Into My Eyes.

Progress report...

Lots of people are asking about when Rory starts kindergarten. In my mind, he's already started. If he were going, he would be able to start this fall but if that were the case I'd hold him back a year. As it is, he's not going to be held back but he's also not heading to school in the fall.

I'm really pleased at his progress. It's not just the letters of the alphabet and the numbers that he can print so well and the words he's able to sound out by himself; it's the way he's starting to work on his own without supervision when I give him his assignment; the way he has accepted schooling as a part of life and doesn't fight me on it when it comes to doing things he doesn't really want to do (which is pretty much all workbook exercises - printing letters, numbers and words). He does love listening to his phonics CD's and anything that requires one on one interaction.

The Terri Schiavo situation has been difficult to watch. I don't know enough to give much more than an emotional response to what I believe is so wrong. But here is an interview that addresses the ethics of this situation in a very clear rational way. I found the link at Marla Swoffer's blog.

Shush...

Shush to the lowly hump

I know what to do....

Can any of you figure out what the song is?

No, well here's a hint. It's a song that Rory heard in church and has been singing it ever since. I have no idea what it's supposed to be. He loves to sing but since he can't make out the words or read them, I never know what he's going to sing next.

Now he's starting to make up songs. Last night it was "I don't want to cry" over and over and over. OK already!

And then he started singing "Our God is an Awesome God" and he was doing some action that didn't quite look right. So I asked him what he was doing. He said, "It's zipping a jacket". And then he said he was cutting with a sword. I think he was just supposed to point upwards to God.

And then here's his version of the Easter story (as much as I can remember): Jesus was dead. The girls came to get him but they couldn't move the big rock. So Jesus popped out of there and got bigger and bigger and went to heaven. (Imagine that with some actions and you've got it about right).

 

Shush...

Shush to the lowly hump
I know what to do....

Can any of you figure out what the song is?

No, well here's a hint. It's a song that Rory heard in church and has been singing it ever since. I have no idea what it's supposed to be. He loves to sing but since he can't make out the words or read them, I never know what he's going to sing next.

Now he's starting to make up songs. Last night it was "I don't want to cry" over and over and over. OK already!

And then he started singing "Our God is an Awesome God" and he was doing some action that didn't quite look right. So I asked him what he was doing. He said, "It's zipping a jacket". And then he said he was cutting with a sword. I think he was just supposed to point upwards to God.

And then here's his version of the Easter story (as much as I can remember): Jesus was dead. The girls came to get him but they couldn't move the big rock. So Jesus popped out of there and got bigger and bigger and went to heaven. (Imagine that with some actions and you've got it about right).

The Snow is disappearing...

And I can't wait for spring!! The tulips in the background are from my flower bed and it won't be long 'til I see them coming.

Today I've been doin' a little laundry, a little cookin', a little cleanin' and too much time fiddlin' with my computer.

Blessings

Children Learn....

what they live.

This photo of a sunrise was taken by Cian Perez.

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Today, all who believe that Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be

- the Son of God, the Son of Man and the only way to the God, the only truth and the source of all life -

celebrate that death and sin had no victory

and it is in Him we put our faith and our hope.

One day we will see Him come as King of all Kings and every last bit of rebellion and resistance to Him will be ended. Meanwhile, the evidence of His Kingdom should be seen in the hearts of those who have already submitted their hearts to Him. We fight daily against our own inclination to rebel and live by a self-centered agenda.

But the victory over sin and death has already been won ultimately.

And one day every knee will bow.

Upside Down and Backwards

Why is it that we treat human life so glibly? Who decided that Terri Schiavo shouldn't be fed? Isn't that just unconscionable and wrong? Why is it that 'progressive liberals' are more likely to defend animal rights than human ones? Who decided that those who support abortion are pro-choice rather than anti-life? And why is pro-life considered anti-choice? Who says that euthanasia is anything about mercy?

Mercy is God who comes to earth and takes on a human body with all of its limitations; with all its pain and its joys. Who comes with Good News for all men; who heals; who loves; who forgives.

And who was killed by those who hated what He stood for; those who hated Him with an unreasonable and irrational hatred; those who did not even value the life of the Son of God.

Things haven't changed much in 2000 years. We've got it all upside down and backwards.

We call tomorrow 'Good' Friday; humanity's darkest hour and greatest hope. May we celebrate the One who conquered death and by so doing gave meaning to our lives; gave us a reason to be merciful and compassionate; to love; to cherish the lives of those for whom He paid the ultimate price.

Note: If you want to think about just what that price entailed, Dana at Think Pink has this post.

Blessed....

It's snowing again
Will it ever end?

I guess we'll be doing our Easter egg hunt indoors this year

But you gotta know the farmers are lovin' it - more moisture (they don't care what form it comes in). I'm just longing for clear roads and sunny skies.

It was my turn to win the money in our splurge club. And this morning I went through two catalogues (Sears and Canadian Tire) and saw lots I don't have but I have a hard time 'splurging'. I don't have any great burning desire for anything right now. I'm thinking about some outdoor furniture or a bicycle or brand new furnishings for the bathroom I want to paint one of these days. But above all it's awesome to feel that I'm at a point in my life when I'm content with what I do have - so blessed!!

If it's broken....

These days I use glue a lot. Paxton is unbelievable destructive for a little guy. He's a 'chucker'. He'll push a chair over to the counter and chuck things to the floor. I've lost a lot of drinking glasses that way. Yesterday he broke my favorite pair of sunglasses that he found in my backpack. So I glued those. And then he fixed one of his trucks. So I glued that. And while I was at it, I attempted repair of a book...with glue. Another two need a serious tape job. And now, in front of me I have a twistable Crayola pencil crayon that Paxton twisted and then broke off. And I can't bear to throw it out so I'm trying to fix that somehow. I must admit, I'm looking forward to Paxton growing past this stage(at least I hope he does!). What have you had to repair lately?

Winter Boogie

It's been snowing for the last few days and today I figured I had to go to town and get groceries and I didn't want to. I would have the boys by myself (plus they'd miss their nap) and I heard on the radio that the highway had ice and snow drifts and it was still snowing. Ladger has a farm meeting tomorrow afternoon and so he volunteered to get my groceries for me this week.
I just about did a dance! Now I'd better get going on a 'detailed' list. Blessings!

Palm Sunday

This week is our turn for leading worship and I'm excited about it! It's Palm Sunday and so we're starting off by singing Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest and moving directly into

We want to see Jesus lifted high,
a banner that flies across this land,
that all men might see the truth
and know He is the way to heaven

On Palm Sunday the crowds were filled with excitement about Jesus coming to set up His Kingdom, defeating the Roman Empire, etc. He did come to set up His Kingdom but not an earthly kingdom(that day is yet to come). We celebrate knowing more of the story than they did. Jesus was to die a few days later at the hands of this same crowd who had a complete turn around within a few days. This Sunday we want to celebrate the Jesus who died, conquered death by coming to life again and provided the way of salvation.

Did you feel the mountains tremble?
Did you hear the oceans roar
when the people rose to sing of Jesus Christ, the risen One?
Did you feel the people tremble?
Did you hear the singers roar,
When the lost began to sing of Jesus Christ, the saving One?

And then,

Praise the One who breaks the darkness with a liberating light;
Praise the One who frees the prisoners,
Turning blindness into sight.
Praise the One who preached the gospel,
Healing every dread disease,
Calming storms and feeding thousands
with the very bread of Peace.

Praise Him you heavens and all that's above
Praise Him you angels and heavenly hosts.
Let the whole earth praise Him
Great in power
Great in glory
Great in mercy, King of heaven
Great in battle
Great in wonder
Great in Zion, King over all the earth.

Excerpts taken from:
Hosanna - Words and Music by Carl Tuttle
We Want to See Jesus Lifted high - Words and music by Doug Horley
Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble - Words and music by Martin Smith
Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - Words by Rusty Edwards, Music traditional
Praise Him, You Heavens - Words and music by Russell Fragar

A Selfish Moment...

Many times anger really indicates selfishness. How do I react when someone crosses my needs, my wants, etc. A couple of days ago I didn't do too well. I had ordered some geranium seed. And there were 11 and every single one germinated and I potted each one with care. I was proud of my little thriving plants. But Paxton thought they looked nice too and ....well, you guessed it. Twice, when I was in another room, he took the little plants out of their pots and/or dumped them upside down. And I was angry! Angry enough to put him in his room so I'd have a chance to cool down before I could regret my response. I noticed this morning that two of the plants look like they're going to die for sure but that leaves nine that seem to be pulling through. If someone asked me what my priorities are, I'd tell them very few things are more important than my boys. But what did my anger tell me? It told me that my heart needs some serious re-adjusting....once again.

What does your bumper sticker say?

Yesterday I was in town and parked next to a car that I've seen many times around town even though I don't know who owns it; and every time I see that car I feel sadness. Why? That car has two noticeable bumper stickers that indicate what is in the owner's heart. One says "There's a sucker "born again" every minute. The other says something about the uselessness of prayer. Not everyone advertises what they believe so noticeably but our words and actions certainly indicate what's in our hearts.

Lately, it seems everywhere I turn, I'm hearing about spiritual warfare. I hear it in messages on Sunday. I pick up a novel and that happens to be the main story line. I pick up a devotional and voila, there it is again. I read Scripture and am reminded that "we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12)

The last session we had at our Missions Conference was on Sunday morning (a couple of weeks ago) and we heard from a missionary to Hungary, Steve Zub. He was mild-mannered and soft-spoken and an unlikely candidate for the hard-hitting message we were to hear. He made no bones about it like we do so often in our talking and thinking. He pointed out that we are evil and society is evil.

"Man's heart is "most deceitful and desperately wicked" (Jer 17:9) Man's true condition is that he has no use for God; an enemy of God. Evolution is a lie - we're not improving over time. Humanism is a lie - human beings are not the center of the universe or in control of their destiny. Moral relativism is a lie - there is an ethical standard beyond ourselves. Relativism is a lie - there is truth and it is absolutely true.

But he pointed out something I'd never noticed before. Many cases where Jesus called someone evil, he was speaking to religious leaders, his own disciples and believers. Paul starts off the first chapter of Romans talking about how God gives up people to their evil ways and here's the list of evil he speaks of: every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behaviour, and gossip...backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, pround and boastful...they refuse to understand, break their promises, and are heartless and unforgiving. Then when all the believers were comfortable thinking of how they are so glad they are not so evil as that Paul turns around and says this:"

"You may be saying, "What terrible people you have been talking about!" But you are just as bad, and you have no excuse!""

Can you imagine the shock that congregation in Rome felt when they read this letter?

It is clearly not enough to believe in God. We have an enemy. And that enemy is out to destroy us: our relationships, our families, our lives. The person who hates Christianity like the one who makes it clear with bumper stickers is not the one we need to be careful of. It's the enemy of our soul who wants to ultimately destroy us. He is the one who encourages us in our rebellion against God. And as we listen to him, we become like him - evil.

Isn't that a little harsh? It sure sounds that way but it's not until we get the true picture of what's in our hearts and the seriousness of it that we see the need to repent, to turn away from it and cry out to God for help. We do live in an evil generation but what would the bumper sticker say on our car if it showed the true picture of our hearts? Would we mirror our generation or would we show something altogether different? Would anyone see God?

This is my little,big brother who had a birthday on Thursday. What are ya now? 32?

Laughter's Blessing....

I wasn't feeling too well this evening so I lay down on the couch and it wasn't too long and I had two boys, a huge stuffed duck and large stuffed bear in my arms...lying with me as we watched "America's Funniest Home Videos" and then part of "The Gods Must be Crazy". We had some laughs and now the boys are quietly asleep and I'm off to bed myself.

Bit by the bug...

I've seen that many of you have been bitten by the bug that has you changing your 'look'. So yesterday I got out my handy-dandy HTML guide and will start playing around too. Ladger asked if I was trying to fix the computer....ahem. "No", I said, "this is just a hobby...fixing my website". Not exactly a necessary endeavour.

I started some blue wave petunias, red salvia and geraniums yesterday. I hope to get some good germination. Soon I'll be starting some other flowers and tomatos. And maybe I'll even do some corn and melons to get a jumpstart on our gardening season.

Today is laundry day and boy....do I have lots of it to get done. Plus I need to finish picking out music for our worship team for the 20th so I can hand it out tomorrow.

Breakfast in Bed

This morning, along came little footsteps and who should appear but Paxton with a little bag of mini M&M's. I was still in the fog of sleep so I opened them for him and he proceeded to feed them to me (he had a few himself). I'll take breakfast in bed anytime.

BIts and Pieces..

I have felt in a fog for days now with a nasty cold that just won't let it's tentacles go - one of those energy draining ones that hardly lets you get by day to day. So for my silence for the last few days. I went to town for groceries this morning and came home exhausted after dealing with Rory hitting Paxton on the head in Wal-mart and then helping himself to a creme filled egg in the grocery store (and lying about it). Where have all the nice children gone?

Anyhow, this year I've ordered plants from two mail-order companies as one didn't have everything I wanted. It's time to fill up my big orchard patch...apples, apricots, plums, cherries, pears, etc. I also got a few flower and tomato seeds - so it's time to get those going indoors. We've had such awesome weather, it's felt like spring. Not today though. So even though I have a ton to do, I think I'll curl up with a book and take some time out to read.

Last night I woke up at 5:30 am with a crick in my neck - I'm still not very mobile because every time I move.....Owww! So my blurb will be short today. I wanted to do laundry today but we'll see how far that goes. Ladger and I are heading to the Missions Conference banquet tonight at the church and leaving the kids with Grandma so it's practically a date *grin*.

The other night I read through Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians - I had a fever and couldn't sleep anyway. I wrote down some of my favorite verses. Here's one for all of us:

Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Stand on the side of good.

Love each other with genuine affection

and

take delight in honoring each other.

Rom 12:9f NLT

Question of the day: How do you honor persons in your life?

Make up a few lines...

G~ has been throwing some lines of 'poetry' at me in some of the comments posted below. I didn't want you to miss them so I've copied them here along with my own response, in kind. Maybe you'd like to add a line or two. Feel free as it's clear most of my readers are not avid poetry fans :-)

I see your hiney,
bright & shiney,
Makes me giggle,
to see it wiggle

And then:

I think you're right!!
You've seen the light!
Poetry when sung is music to my soul,
But read aloud it turns my heart cold.
You certainly are a poet
Who just doesn't know it.

And me:

My dearest funny G~
Your lines I read with glee
Never was a truer friend
Than one on whom I can depend
To bring a spot of sunshine
Lighting up this blog of mine

So go ahead, make up a few lines of your own.

Missions, Oratory and stuff

This week is our Missions Conference at our church. Yesterday was a little crazy as I had to make Egyptian Palace Bread (for the international food court) in the morning. Then I had to go to town after lunch (for groceries) and be back for a music lesson from 4:30-5:30 pm. Then I had to leave at 5:45 pm for a music practice as I was leading a few songs starting at 6:40pm. So that left me about 10 min to pull things together including supper for everyone, and getting us out the door -Brutal! But the evening went well and there was childcare for the boys which was really great as they had a great time. Oh, and the Egyptian Palace Bread turned out great (even if it didn't look so great!).

Today Ladger is gone all day and I'm going to recuperate from yesterday.

Tomorrow is Oratory at the school and I have to go as I'm playing piano for four students (who perform musical numbers while the judges are out deliberating). But it won't be as long a day as usual at the school. (I hope to get a little personal guitar practice in - yippee!)

So last evening I picked up some Tennyson and started reading "The Lady of Shallot" out loud to help me focus. I liked the way it flowed but I'm not sure if I'm getting the 'story' yet.

I like directness. I like honesty. I don't like beating around the bush to make a point. I like forthrightness. I'm guessing that is why I don't like poetry - too much mystery and innuendo.

It's also one reason I didn't like dating too much. I like the cards to be on the table. I don't like 'the dance'. I loved dating Ladger because he put the cards on the table on our third date - that he was looking for a serious (marriage) relationship and wanted to be sure that I was on the same page. I was.