"Great are the Works..."

"Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them.

Splendid and majestic is His work, And his righteousness endures forever.

He has made His wonders to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and compassionate."
Psalm 111:2-4


I spent the past few days in a little bit of heaven here on earth.....there is a reason they come from all over the earth to visit Yosemite. Words will never suffice.....except for Lord, you are Holy!

This post is for those who have been reading Pastor Tim's blog recently. He submitted a post asking some thought provoking questions on evangelism. The comments section of the post has some really good thoughts. Ted and Penny....this post is for you. I have mentioned in earlier posts that I have been reading the book Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning. I am nearing the end and had to post on what I read today.....

"the music of what is happening can be heard only in the present moment, right now, right here. Now/here spells nowhere. To be fully present to whoever or whatever is immediately before us is to pitch a tent in the wilderness of Nowhere. It is an act of radical trust-trust that God can be encountered at no other time and in no other place than the present moment. Being fully present in the now is perhaps the premier skill of the spiritual life. More often than not, I do not hear the music of what is happening now because my mind ricochets between the past and the future."

"In Luke's Gospel, Jesus heard a beautiful melody the only place it truly exists: Nowhere. 'When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins'. The music created by the widow's mite entered deeply into Jesus. The present moment was not a narrow crack between yesterday's confrontation with the chief priests and scribes over tribute to Caesar and tomorrow's betrayal by Judas and the feast of Passover. The two words he noticed offer profound insight into the person of Jesus, highlighting his full attention to the present moment, his watchfulness, consciousness, sensitivity, perception, and unbridled appreciation for an unobtrusive old woman who tossed in her two coins and scurried away."

"It is through immersion in the ordinary-the apparently empty, trivial, and meaningless experiences of a routine day-that life/Life is encountered and lived. Real living is not about words, concepts, and abstractions but about experience of who or what is immediately before us. The self-forgetfulness that such experience requires is the essence of contemplative simplicity."


I'm fairly certain that is all about evangelism....bringing the church to the people and bringing the people to church.

Can You Name It?

Can you name the tree to the right? We have many of them in SLO and they are in full bloom at this time of the year. It is called a Jacaranda. They grow big and are messy, but they have one particular redeeming feature - they have beautiful lavender blooms. This tree and my son Joey are inextricably inner twined. His 12 year old birthday is tomorrow July 7.

When my sister came to visit after Joe had been born she commented on the trees. I said what trees? The beautiful lavender ones all over town she said. I had never really paid attention. They are everywhere and very noticeable at this time of year.

Us moms have a tendency to have our heads down a lot. Our little ones are rarely above our heads. What happens, though, is that we forget to raise our heads. There is an entire world that is above the 3' level! I know I need a break when I get the sense that I have been looking below the 3' level for too long. I was driving early this morning and guess what caught my attention? Yep, the trees that are in full bloom. I gave quick praise to the Lord for his gentle reminder of his faithfulness to David and I in this journey with Him. A journey of parenting that started 12 years ago.

Joe is having a few boys over for a sleep over tonight. Hamburgers, a little outside hide 'n seek, and a star wars movie. Oh, how different the birthday celebrations become as they grow older!

Happy 4th

I saw several of you at our church picnic today.....we had a good time. I was surprised it wasn't hot. I think this was the first year I truly enjoyed the time without any stress. I was able to let the kids just run around (including the youngest) and know they would be just fine. It was good to catch up with a few people I haven't had much time with lately. Hope your day was a fun, relaxing remembrance as well...

You Just Never Know

I took the kids to the pool today. I normally avoid the pool on Fridays as the local youth programs attend on this day. I'm not against the programs, but there were just bunches and bunches of kids. I had a little run in with the lifeguards as they were over capacity in the tot pool. I took my littlest to the potty and they wouldn't let me back into the tot pool area. I respect their policy, but not the enforcement. I had children unattended in there and it isn't my fault they let those day programs invade on those of us who have paid....OK....I'm way off base at the moment, but I think you might get the sense of my mood.

I had a few words with one of the guards and then went in, re-camped in my chair and reclaimed children. A woman came over, asked if she could spread her stuff next to me and introduced herself as Susie. A very interesting dialogue ensued. She had two little ones (4 or 5 years old) plus an older child with her. She said to me that her family had experienced serious tragedy this past week and she was giving the kids a break. Giving herself one as well. Now, it isn't every day someone opens up a conversation like that. I didn't ask questions, though. I was still a little grumpy with the "too many in the facility" encounter.

She continued talking with me (OK....I finally put my magazine away and engaged....I wish I was a bigger person at times, but I'm not). She proceeded to tell me she was a retired prison guard and her husband was retired from law enforcement. They have spent the past 13 years of "retirement" building community. Her philosophy was very interesting. She talked at length about how kids just are clued out and if you only have 15 minutes with them then make it a good 15 minutes. Don't let them walk away without them knowing you care, and be bold enough to give advice. Don't keep it to yourself. She isn't a believer, but she does believe in the power of adult influence on a child's life. She said her front door is always open and kids wander in and out. They know they are only allowed to read and play board games in her front room. They also aren't allowed to call adults by their first name unless there is a miss or mr. in front of it.

She has seen the bad side of life. She shared with me the types of information she would read in case files. Ugghhh....she and her husband decided when they retired they wanted to help on the other end of life. She said, "retirement isn't for sitting around you know." OK...I now was hooked. I asked about the tragedy. It was her daughter and husband that were in a local car accident on the grade last week. The one where the unborn grandchild was killed....

She shared in detail about helping her daughter deliver her stillborn granddaughter. She had held her in her arms and told me she was as perfect as they come. She kept wishing that child would just breath. This gal is so thankful her daughter and husband are OK. They are badly hurt (broken bones and deep internal bruising). Her husband, who was in law enforcement and had high speed driving training (he was the passenger) had enough wherewithal to lean over and get between his daughter and the steering wheel. It was an older car without air bags. As he leaned over he grabbed the gear shift and jammed it into neutral. The medical personnel said this action saved the daughter's life. It left him with 5 broken ribs, broken sternum, bruised heart and injured lungs.

The emotional wounds are deep. I didn't push on this gals lack of faith, but just kept interjecting my praises into the conversation. This gal said being at the pool for just a couple of hours was a great break (and I had been internally complaining about the amount of kids etc...Oi.) She was very thankful to live in our community. I wished she knew the Lord. I have a funny feeling I might run into this gal again.

You just never know the divine appointments the Lord makes for you!

Transitions Mark Time

I had posted earlier regarding our transitional summer with my 5 year old. What I didn't write about is how we are also transitioning on the other end with our soon to be 12 year old. While he has already been in middle school for a year he now transitions in our church to Youth Group. He had his first Sunday 'downstairs' this past week. He was very excited to note that donuts and juice would be present EVERY week. Last night was his first evening with Youth Group. He had a good time and felt comfortable there. It was interesting to note him mention that he knew most of the boys, but not many of the girls. It is a social quagmire and he will have to learn how to navigate in it. He leaves for Hume Lake Church Camp in a week. Parts of Psalm 91 have been in his room since birth and it has always been my prayer for him...

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress. My God, in whom I trust" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall no approach you. You will only look on with eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone. You will trad upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. Because he has love Me, therefor I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation."

I used to be anxious for this time period of the adolescent. Maybe I am naive, but isn't every stage of life complete with challenges and changes? I'm looking forward to the man Joey is becoming. He is looking forward to the man he is becoming. I believe that desire to be God given. He will be a Daniel in this generation.

Walking in the Shadows

I have two pictures to contemplate today. The first is of our beloved Jacob. There just aren't words to describe this boy. Try as I might the words just seem to fall short of the essence of Jacob. He was completely annoying his sister last evening. We were walking out from Costco (dad had to work, cheap dinner, errands accomplished!) the sun was behind us which cast our shadows in front of us. Jacob was enamored by them and chose to continually walk on his sisters shadow. Yep.....she did not appreciate it and tried to run in several directions to no avail. Jacob managed to find the shadow and jump on it. Screaming ensued.....it made me think immediately of those two well known verses, "Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of You wings." Psalm 16:8 and "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty" Psalm 91:1. I wonder just how much I scream when I am in the shadow of my Lord? I prefer my son's laughter.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

I was listening to the words of the great hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, yesterday. I was struck anew at the power of this hymn. It was written by Thomas Chisolm and apparently he says it was written for no particular reason other than his experience and bible truth. It was written in 1923. I am always amazed at those who can put words to their thoughts. These were big thoughts!

Have you ever sat down and just said each one of these sentences, stopped and just pondered what it means? It is an amazing prayer. I was really struck with the fourth verse. The line strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. In a study I am doing the teacher talks about the extreme teachings on miracles. They are categorized in two ways, Cessationism and Sensationalism. Within the first one the teacher said, "The profoundly serious disservice of cessationism is that is cheats the believer and undercuts hope." (Beth Moore's 'Believing God') That quote immediately took me to that third line of Great is Thy Faithfulness. The question to you is what happens when someone or something tries to take our hope away? What are your thoughts?

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

(a note on copyrighted material....this is copyrighted, but I am using it under the fair share use clause as I am not using it for a performance, church service or other public gathering)

Between Two Worlds

OK....two snap shots of the couch in my office. Yes, I did say my office. When we bought our home 6 years ago David and I both had specific desires in the home we were to purchase. He wanted a third garage for a shop and I wanted a laundry room and an office. Well, compromise took place because we don't have a third garage (although part of the garage was converted to a shop) and I don't have a laundry room. Is it right to actually covet that (I'm thinking not). I did get an office, though and for that I am thankful. My office is a disaster at the moment but as I was cleaning it up I laughed as I was looking at my couch. The stack of books to the left are all that I am studying and reading at the moment. I truly say that with all humility. The Lord has given me a full plate of study at the moment and I am thankful He has also seen fit to give me the time to do it. The stack to the right is of books I was reading to some of the kids. The two stacks seem like they are in stark contrast to each other. Actually they aren't. Both stacks of books deal with trust, trials and how to decipher this God ordained life. Sometimes I wonder where, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see? belongs. On the right side or the left? I had a friend say to me recently that she felt like her life was lived in snapshot scenes or snippets. A few moments here and a few moments there. Our lives can be complicated pieces of work. It is like a very large mosaic. Individual pieces seem odd shaped and color, but in the big picture they fit together like a well crafted piece of art. Do you know the Artist?

A Day with Elena

The olders were off with Dad working cattle for the day. This gave Elena and mom an entire day together. The day included the library, a little shopping for Father's Day, time at home with playdough (she made Jesus pancakes. I had to ask what those were and she said, "pancakes with crosses on them"). We ended our day with a hike up a local hill. Her baby doll accompanied us everywhere and we had to take time out for the doll to take a nap. Which was good, because I wanted one!! Elena looked at me earlier in the day and said, "I love spending the day with you." Hmmnnnn.....it doesn't get much better than that.

Walking...

My husband and I went on a walk the other evening. Let me say that again....my husband and I went on a walk the other evening (Alone!!!). I was thinking it was the first time in 12 years that we have walked alone. I'm not joking. We have four kids. The first who blessed us almost 12 years ago. It was this time 12 years ago that I stopped (supposedly) working and had two forced weeks of down time. My blood pressure did a little hiccup prior to our blessings arrival and I had to stay somewhat quiet for a couple of weeks until his arrival. I haven't had two weeks like that in a long, long time.

We have entered a station of life in our home which I can go to the market or go for a walk or meet a friend for coffee without taking the entire Grant family with me. It is a nice station to be at. We've worked a long 12 years to get to this point. I wasn't sure which side of my husband to walk on and he kept teasing me that I was out of step! Well, there is a surprise...me being out of step that is. It did make me think of the times in my life where I have been walking, but not always in step with the Lord. I also was thinking about how sweet the reunion is. I know many of you young moms out there are deep in the throws of little blessings in your home. Trust me when I use the word blessings even when you want to drop kick them across the room (don't call Child Protective Services on me).

For everything there is a season Eccl. 3. Just embrace it. Fighting it just adds to the length of your day. Your walk with a friend or loved one is coming....

Divinity and Humanity Take Two

OK...so it isn't always about me having my head deeply buried in a mind-broadening book or study. So much for completing any schooling today. I had to work and came home to these two clowns! I don't remember seeing dress-up and dancing on the lesson plans.

Yep....a lot of humanity (filled with divinity) that is very, very eager for summer.

Ruthless Trust Quote of the week...

I haven't quoted from the book, Ruthless Trust that I am reading with a friend for over a week! Here is another good thought....

"The towering importance of the above caveat-that transcendence must be conjoined with immanence, that divinity must be coupled with humanity, that heaven must be balanced with earth, and that God's distance must be complemented by his nearness--is essential if we are to grasp the true meaning of the glory of Jesus."

Do you ever give thought to Christ's divinity versus His humanity? (In truth, I did have to look up the definition of transcendence and immanence in this context.)

"Disregard of God's immanence deprives us of any sense of intimate belonging, while inattention to his transcendence robs God of his Godliness."

My friend gave me a great thought. "You know, Missy, God isn't 50-50. He is 100% divinity and 100% humanity."

My Weekend

I spent my weekend in Camarillo supporting my Emma as she participated in a soccer tournament. I have to admit that I really did not want to go. I love watching sports and I particularly enjoy watching my kids play. The problem for me was that I had a lot of work to take care of this weekend and would not be able to do as much of it from down south. I contemplated having my husband go, but ended up going myself.

I'm glad I did. Well....not at first. I took a bunch of work with me thinking I would be able to connect online at the hotel (and a nice one it was, too). Alas, they wanted to charge me a large fee for hookup. Being cheap I wasn't about to pay the fee. Oh well. I then thought I would be able to do some research between games. No such luck. A little shopping therapy at the Temple of Target was calling to me. We had early games Saturday so I then was looking at working afterwards. Nope. I spent time at the pool talking with another mom. Maybe after dinner. Two and a half hours later after 45 of us ate dinner I was no longer in the mood.

The Lord kept taking away the work. Why? So I could focus on my Emma and have some amazing conversations with some other parents. The Lord has dropped me into this group for a reason. Some know the Lord and others don't. My earlier pool conversation was with a mom who is Jewish. We talked at length about how an international exchange student from Japan had spent the year with their family. It was an amazing experience for this family, but they really didn't connect with this student. They hold very different perspectives on the world, religion, politics and education. It made me realize how different my perspective is with this mom. Ever talk to a Jewish person about the prophet Isaiah? We will see where the Lord takes me with this group of Jewish believers, Muslim believers, Catholics, and fellow Christians.

I'm glad the Lord saw fit to take away my work this weekend. He had other work for me to do.

Graduation

Today was the big graduation day. Preschool graduation that is. Here is a picture of Elena being given a little diploma and a hug from her beloved Miss "Mickole". Her teacher's name is really, Nicolle, but Elena has pronounced 4 year old incorrect for several months. I haven't had the heart to correct her! We had a fun little ceremony at a nearby park, they sang the butterfly song and then potluck for all. It was cute, precious and just right for a friday afternoon.

I cried on the way home. I am done with preschool.....there just isn't anything as sweet and innocent about being at the pre-school age. Congratulations, Elena. Loving all over you....

Happy Birthday, Elena!

The pre-birthday celebration was Disneyland in April. The real day celebration was today! A Princess and Prince party. Lots of squeeling, laughter, bubbles, friends, and celebration. I don't have any pics of the princes, though. They were busy with weapons and wrestling (very prince like). When we brought our princess home from the hospital 5 years ago, this scripture had been left for me. "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Is 61:10

I do delight greatly in the Lord and I rejoice in my God. Gaze at one of my blessings...

I just want to play....

Spunky is trying with all her might to get to those chickens! At this point she thinks they are just big play toys for her. The chicks are big enough to give her a run for money, though. The coop is almost done and my TV room will soon stop smelling like chickens! Oh....the final names are Rosemary, Pippy, Nutmeg, Tigger Lilly Sister, Rascal. The funny thing is they really do have personalities. Nutmeg is shy and lets the others eat first. Rascal pushes everyone around, Rosemary is sweet, Pippy is just funny. Who knew?

The Empty Basket

The picture to the right is of our beloved (and handy) snack basket. It is empty because we just came home from preschool and shared snack for the last time....

For some reason it made me a little sad. I have spent 9 years bringing snacks for Preschool. One of the moms laughed and said, "Did you bring the best snack ever today?" The answer is no. We had a good laugh over my first time bringing snack. I actually read the list of what to bring back then. Today, a little more scrounging took place. I will have many opportunities to bring snack for other occasions (soccer anyone?!!), but each little event of finishing is a step forward towards a different period in our lives. So much of the time I think we come to the Lord thinking our snack basket is full and that it should be. The truth is our basket is empty...which is exactly how the Lord wants it. For there is no other way to come humbly to Him....

The Entire Book

OK.....you might as well just go and buy your own copy of Ruthless Trust. I think I am going to be commenting on it for awhile. Then again I most likely will comment on anything I read. Here is another quote.....chew on this for awhile.

“To be grateful for an unanswered prayer, to give thanks in a state of interior desolation, to trust in the love of God in the face of marvels, cruel circumstances, obscenities and commonplaces of life is to whisper a doxology in darkness.”

...isn't that great? To be grateful is to whisper a doxology in darkness. I was talking with a friend today. Who are the people in your life that the above quote would describe?

Remember...

Thank you Ryan, Lance, Seth....and those who didn't come home. It is for our freedom that you labor so hard. Our words will never be enough. His eternal Glory will be....

Back to Trust

I mentioned in an earlier post a book I am currently reading. It is entitled Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning. I am taking my time reading this as I am studying it with a friend, but I keep coming across amazing thought provoking quotes. I hope you don't mind if I post a few occasionally. I would love to hear your thoughts after you read them.

Based on this thought, "The foremost quality of a trusting disciple is gratefulness. Gratitude arises from the lived perception, evaluation, and acceptance of all of life as grace-as an undeserved and unearned gift from the Father's hand. Such recognition is itself the work of grace, and acceptance of the gift is implicitly an acknowledgement of the giver."

That being said and understood here is a quote by Henri Nouwen.

"To be grateful for the good things that happen in our lives is easy, but to be grateful for all of our lives-the good as well as the bad, the moments of sorrow, the successes as well as the failures, the rewards as well as the rejections-that requires hard spiritual work. Still, we are only grateful people when we can say thank you to all that has brought us to the present moment. As long as we keep dividing our lives between events and people we would like to remember and those we would rather forget, we cannot claim the fullness of our beings as a gift of God to be grateful for. Let's not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see in it the guiding hand of a loving God."

Proverbs 31

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future." Proverbs 31:25

This is part of our future. My daughter's fourth grade Sunday School class gets together one Friday night a month just for the fun of it. It is simple and sweet. They are a unique and gifted group of girls. There is no question God will use this group in a mighty way. It was our turn to host this past Friday. We didn't manage to get the entire class there, but those who were had a good time. Lots of games as shown by Tummy Ha, Ha below. Cookies and M&M's galore.....

I am so thankful for the families of these girls. Our daughters are growing up in a challenging time. The world influence is strong. It will take deep prayer, "...the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit" Eph 6:16-17 for these young ladies to stand strong.

We have enjoyed the blessing of mentors already in our childrens lives. My son, Joey, has been attending a bible study for two years called, "The Backyarders". It was started by two older boys at our church, Justin Hooper and Charlie Grey, who recognized the need for older young men to step in and mentor younger boys. Trust me when I say 10 year old boys need to have positive older male influences in their lives besides their dads. These two young men meet once a week with a group of 11 year olds. They are just boys....they play (or I should say wrestle), they read and study scripture, they ask questions and they pray together. We are so blessed that this type of mentoring was modeled in Justin and Charlie's lives and now they are living the gospel with our boys. They will need the same "shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit" that our girls need. God has uniquely brought these young ones into this time in History for specific reasons. May we not hinder His work.

Keeper of the Lulls

A few years back my oldest was entering the summer of the 5 year old. The summer between preschool and Kindergarten and this Mama was struggling with the transition. My heart was anticipating many changes. Changes that I wasn’t quite ready to accept. A good friend told me about an article she read about this magical summer. The article completely put words to my heart song. I am now in my 4^th summer of transition. It is also my last transition from preschool to Kindergarten as my youngest will cross over this bridge this summer. As my heart strings continue to be played I went back to this article entitled Keeper of the Lulls by Kathleen Hirsch. I have put several sections of the article in the blog. Enjoy

Keeper of the Lulls

We are hunting frogs, and my five-year-old son has almost got the hang of it. A stealthy hand comes up behind his prey, the other forms a gently cup in front. A few feet away from the edge of the pond, I sit watching. Now it happens. William has managed to coddle his pulsing green quarry of these long, languid days. Only – he hasn’t the heart for capture. I watch as he lets the frog bound away, out from between his hands into the cold, clear depths of water. When the Lord told Adam he was to have dominion over the animals, I believe that he had in mind the sensitivity of the five year old.

The gift of this season has been learning that the fifth summer of life is one of the sacred pauses of childhood. Poised between preschool and kindergarten, my son knows better than anyone that as summer draws to a close, his world will utterly change. Part of him experiences this anticipating like a great hunger. It rises like sap in his veins, charging him with the enchantment of mastery. To know! To do! To grow up!

…Yesterday’s world was a circle of two. Regularly, indeed incessantly, the baby’s first business is to complete our circle, to sit contentedly in the haven of mother’s breasts and arms. In hindsight, I see that all of our visits to neighboring farms, all of the stories read and told, were merely glosses on the essential circle dance of childhood. At five, his gaze has shifted beyond my shoulder. It’s not cuddling he hungers for, but himself. And for this he must leave the circle, he must go more deeply into his emerging self and at the same time, out into the world.

…I have come to see my role this summer as the “keeper of the lulls,” the protector of these tranquil hours when William can reflect on nature and himself with the same unhurried at-homeness with which a frog gazes at the bottom of the pond.

…This summer, on the cusp of waning babyhood, I realize that for a long season to come – perhaps for the rest of the journey – I must content myself with this role as the keeper of the lulls. It is my task now to learn to keep my hands as open as my son’s, to watch and to cherish his tight-coiled brightness and ripeness, know that this life force will surely lead to yet another leap – into a new and unimagined distance. But I also know that one day my little adventurer will return to the boy in the summer of five, in search of his buried treasure.

Deeper Still, The Event

As many of you did, I attended the Deeper Still put on by Lifeway Ministries in March of this year. It was an incredible, life changing experience for me personally. I'll post on that at a different time, but I wanted to put a link here in this post to a 4 minute video recap of the event. Beth Moore, Priscella Shirer, and Kay Arthur were beyond expectations. Three broken women who God has used mightily to further His Kingdom. Yep, you can praise Him for that! Anyway...if you have a minute click on this link Deeper Still, San Francisco then click on the video clip on the left side of the link page for the Deeper Still Event (it is the option directly above the slide show option).

Let me know if you have link problems. Enjoy it.....

Chickens, anyone?

Yes, we are now the proud owners of 5 baby chicks. Not all of them have names yet, but Rosemary, Tiger Lilly Sister, and Rainbow have been given identities. They are the cutest little things. We have had chickens in the past, but it has been several years. The kids are ecstatic. I can't wait until they start earning their keep with fresh eggs. We have two more to name.....any ideas? David suggested, "Make mine deep fried", but Emma didn't much care for that one.

Reflections of Living Beyond Yourself

On Thursday we finished up our year long study of the Fruits of the Spirit. We utilized the Beth Moore study Living Beyond Yourself. Can you recite the Galations reference from memory? Better yet for those who attended, can you say the verse and do the sign-language at the same time?!!

It was a very special year for our Thursday morning bible study. I think many had preconceived ideas of where this study would go. Were you surprised? You betcha.....I haven't spoken to one gal who attended reguarly that wasn't absolutely changed by the teaching of the Lord's word. Week after week the Lord showed up and showed us a different facet of Himself. He is worthy of our Praise!

I personally was blessed beyond belief this past Thursday morning. We asked each small group to in some creative way express an assigned fruit of the spirit. What a bunch of characters we have. I don't think I will ever get over Davia Rusco dressed as Vanna White and Donna Jeffery as the MC in their groups version of Wheel of Fortune! The word that was spelled out, by the way, was Makrothumia. I'll give you a hint.....it has a lot to do with the fruit of patience. Hearing Terri Hanson and Rhonda Greenelsh, with their group as back up, sing It is Well with My Soul, was tremendously uplifting. I can't list it all here, but I'm glad there is a video of it. It filled my heart.

We also had a very challenging year with great loss experienced amongst our gals. I will never forget the blessing of sitting next to Leslie Cone the week after she buried her beloved Andy or the incredible prayer time and outpouring of love towards Julie Theule in the passing of her sister, or the giving of over $1500 plus hundreds of dollars in food gift cards to one of our members who was in need. All collected within one week. It was true Agape Love.

The Spirit of the Lord is strong in this group. They truly live beyond themselves.

Babies...

Did you see the post on Pastor Tim's blog this morning? We are in the midst of a baby boom at Grace. We have had several babies born to our bible study ladies as well. It is a huge honor and blessing to pray over these little ones. To watch these mommies as they navigate pregnancy and then standing next to me holding those precious babies as we pray over them......It just doesn't get any better. The picture on the blog is absolutely hilarious.....you brave women! Next time show some skin! Oops, better not say that. Those gals would do it! I want to see a picture in the Fall posted of the same group holding those children.

Lord, I ask your continued blessing on those women. Give them strength and endurance to endure their pregnancy. Life comes from you father....you open the womb. Give each parent group an added measure of grace as they strive to raise those children in your name. Help us as a body of Christ to look for active ways we can support, love, and encourage them during this very special time. We Praise you Lord!

Happy Birthday, Sheri

I am probably the only one who calls my sister, Sheri. She is Sheryl to everyone else. Don't know exactly why that is. Probably the same reason I am Missy to most people but Melissa to a few. Today is a big day.....the 50 year old Big Day for my sister. She is the elder and I am the younger with two bros in between. She is more beautiful today than ever. She is as stylish as ever and is transitioning well into the phase of her life where her oldest will be married in the Fall and her youngest is in college as well. I'm going to ask her today......"If someone came to you today and you could describe your first 50 years in one word.....what would it be?" I think I know the answer, but am looking forward to hearing it! The party was last weekend. She is headed to a special weekend away with her hubby.

Happy Birthday, Sheri! Live every day for Him....




PS....yes, I am the one in the middle being held on to by my sister. Every picture of me with my siblings they have someone holding onto me! I didn't sit still very well....still don't!

Are you Reading an Interesting Book?

Do any of you actually have time to read? I mean the hold the book in your hand, feel the cover, smell the pages type of reading. I'm not a fiction reader. Most of the reading I do seems to always be for a purpose.

OK....sidebar....when in Disneyland a few weeks ago we went on a new ride. It is the new Buzz Lightyear ride. My boys in particular would have loved it. You sit in these little cars that go through a building in chase of some bad action hero. Each car has two handheld blasters. There are targets up all over the place and you point your laser at them and shoot. I got off the ride and said to my husband, "No women were involved with the design of this ride." He had a big smile on his face and said, "I know". I asked him how he knew and he said, "Because there is no purpose to the ride!! Isn't that great!"

Allright back to the post....A friend suggested a book to me that deals with the topic of trust. Here is a quote:

"Craving clarity, we attempt to eliminate the risk of trusting God. Fear of the unknown path stretching ahead of us destroys childlike trust in the Father's active goodness and unrestricted love. We often presume that trust will dispel the confusion, illuminate the darkness, vanquish the uncertainty, and redeem the times. But the crowd of witnesses in Hebrews 11 testifies that this is not the case. Our trust does not bring final clarity on this earth. It does not still the chaos or dull the pain or provide a crutch. When all else is unclear, the heart of trust says, as Jesus did on the cross, 'Into your hands I commit my spirit.' (Luke 23:46)"

What do you think? The book is titled Ruthless Trust, by Brennan Manning. You can pick it up at the Parable.

How Sad

Did you see the front page of the Tribune this morning? The lead article is about a guy who survived a fall in a remote part of the Sequoia National Forest. Here is the opening paragraph, "I'm not religious whatsover," said Rose, whose wife of nearly seven years is expecting their first child. "But that night I prayed to every God I could think of."

Wow. Lord have mercy! It is very sad to me that when faced with death he called out to any and "all" gods on his behalf. It is also interesting to me that he claims not to be religious yet his first instinct was to pray. I wonder who this guys neighbors are and if any of them know the Lord and have invited him to church. I also wonder particularly for those who attend Grace Church in SLO, if he had been in attendance with us last night at the Building on the Legacy Celebration what his reaction would have been. What was yours?

Beth Moore is right in her teaching on the book of Daniel. We are living in a modern day Babylon. How many people will read that article this morning and think nothing of the fact that this guy was praying to many gods. We need to wake up, Christian. There is only one God - have you proclaimed your Lord and Saviour to anyone today?

Disneyland at 5! (or almost)

The family tradition is when you turn 5 you get to go with Mom and Dad to Disneyland. No other siblings, just you, mom and dad. Well it was Elena's turn this past week. It was cold and rainy but that did not slow her down one bit. Three favorite experiences are shown here. Of course, you must have your picture taken with Mickey! A ride on a very special horse (this horses name is Jingle. It is Mary Poppins horse and the lead horse on the Carousel. I didn't know that until last week!) Every girl wants to be a princess. In Elena's case there are no princesses except her beloved Cinderella... Our tradition is now complete until Grandkids bless our lives. That just brings tears to my eyes.

Obedience

What is your definition of obedience?

Here is one I read this morning and shared with my bible study group:

"Obeying Christ is the very basis of life. Simply put, when we obey Christ, we live in him. When we live in Him, we will know the very mind of God. If we become centered on laws, rules and regulations rather than simple obedience of Christ's words, then the particulars of the Christian life turn into a source of stress, worry and argument. Spiritual improvement books or plans, instead of Christ are sought after to clear up the problems. Over time, we tend to lose sight of that which brings us truly in step with Christ."

In our self filled modern Babylon I wonder what a non-believers definition of obedience is and to whom one is obedient?

Choices...

"Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature." CS Lewis

A friend gave that to me yesterday. Chew on that one for awhile.....I would be interested as always in your responses. Remember, though, I have the blog set so that I read them before they are released to the blog comment section.

What is Worship

OK, so it has been awhile since I posted. Well, actually it has been months since I posted. I've had a busy school year and decided to hold off on the blog, but have been encouraged recently to start it up again.

I heard a great message on Worship this past Saturday Night by a local pastor. He was teaching on Revelation 4. I've thankfully heard many good teachings on worship and this was another perspective. I am going to throw out a few quotes for you to chew on:

"Worship=Faithful response to the grace filled revelation of God." "Don't miss who is on the throne!" "The seeker we serve is God." He used a quote from John MacQuarrie which said, "The act of worship rehearses in the present the end that lies ahead." He then asked the question if that last line motivated or discouraged you?

As with many churches this particular church is also grappling with corporate worship. I think our worship hits the target when we remember who we are worshipping (or who is on the throne) and the importance of the Lord's word. AW Tozer says it this way:

"He expects His believing children to measure the church against the standards and the blessings promised in the Word of God. The, with love and reverence and prayer and in the leading of the Spirit of God we will quietly and patiently endeavor to align the church with the Word of God. When this begins to happen and the Word of God is given its place of priority, the presence of the Holy Spirit will again begin to glow in the church."

Amen.

Summer comes to a close

It was a race to the finish, but today marks the end of our summer vacation. We started slow yet finished strong. One of our last vacation days was spent at a lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Gorgeous weather, great water, family fun all around.

At the end of our day we witnessed two amazing creations of the Lord. One was an eagle's nest with two bald eagles in it! The second was a golden eagle that swooped down and grabbed a fish directly in front of us. The majesty and beauty of both....amazing. We sadly say goodbye to our summer yet look forward to the new year.

"Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, The will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Is. 40:31

The Sweetness

I'm not sure where the month of August went. I haven't posted since the beginning of the month and a few people have commented to me on it. Time to get back on the blog highway...

As all of you do, I come into contact and discussion with many people on many different levels. Several people I know at the moment are struggling with serious, life threatening illnesses of friends and family. I had one of those days recently where are the end of the day I was just blown away and emptied by the amount of grief I had come into contact with during the day. I am thankful that all the people who took time to share with me know the Lord. I don't know how those who have not received him do it. I will continue to pray to that end.

All the thoughts and feelings of friends dealing with grief were still circling my head as I was driving my children home from the water slides. I realized I had tuned them out until I heard my 4 year olds sweet voice singing many verses to Jesus Loves the Little Children....Every verse she put in a different group of people. Jesus loves the mommies, Jesus Loves the Daddy's, Jesus loves the sisters.... I realized God was using her to answer all the petitions I had put forth the night before.

I love it when he answers in such a sweet way!

The Mystery of Autism

Many of us have differing experiences with Autism. There are those who have a child who is Autistic. There are those who are friends of those families. There are those who have siblings who are Autistic. Caring and nuturing these precious children of God is challenging. I recently read an article from a homeschool company who has an autistic daughter. I thought you might appreciate these thoughts:

Dear Friends,

For the last three months 8-year-old Krissy has brought sunshine and laughter to our home. Better still, through her autism she has brought us fresh insights into our responses to God's sovereignty.

The symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations. But one of the most heartbreaking characteristics is the remoteness, a seeming complete disregard for the thoughts of others.

When fireworks startle a typical toddler, he will quickly seek the face of those he trusts. If they are happy and at ease, he will relax. An autistic child cannot do this and therefore has less ability to cope with the uncertainties life throws at him.

A child who is unable to sense his parent's serenity during change may respond violently to something as simple as a modification in daily routine. Likewise the same child will not be aware of the parent's alarm as that child eases the family pet out the second floor window.

While society presents a case for how liberating it would be to be free of the thoughts and opinions of those around us, autism presents us with a different view. Difficulty interpreting tone of voice or facial expressions and not learning to watch other people's faces for cues about appropriate behavior will result in impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and severely limited activities and interests.

Sadly, in many ways, we display autistic behavior toward our Almighty Creator. When we find ourselves unable to respond appropriately to the irregularities of this life, or when we passionately cling to our possessions and schedules, it is probably because we are not "looking to God's face" to help us interpret His plans for our lives.

The autistic child is often described as being in his "own world." As we make every effort to draw Krissy out of that world we are daily thankful that God is relentlessly doing the same in our own lives.

May your hearts be full of hope as you work to prepare your children for eternity,
Timberdoodle Co
Dan, Deb, Joy, Hope, Grace, Abel, Pearl and special guest Krissy

Hiking the Mountains

My two sons and I spent last Monday morning hiking one of the mountains in our area (Bishops Peak). It was hot! It was time well spent, though. It is different just spending time with the boys. Their energy, talk, humor, and spirit is different from 'the girls'. We have made a habit this summer of trying to hike once a week, swim once a week, and we now have added a bike ride. It has been good.

I was talking loosely with the boys on Romans 5:3-5. "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proved character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." With the boys I was talking about perseverance but this morning I was focusing on what that scripture says about hope. "...hope does not disappoint." I realize the I am good at following the above reference but stop short on the disappointment part. If we hope than it does not disappoint. Does that mean we aren't disappointed? No, it just means because of the love of God we have His spirit and that should frame our disappointments. That is what really proves our character.

Emu and you...

OK...now the neighbors are calling Patty Smith and I Emu whisperers! It is true. We had an Emu in our neighborhood on Friday morning. Our local paper covered it. Unfortunately, the reporting wasn't quite correct. No, animal services did NOT show up. The care and capture all took place with neighbors and myself. We live in a great community! Who knew we would spend our Friday morning with an EMU?!

How Hot Is It?

I spent the weekend in 110 degree weather in LA. My daughter was in a soccer tournament. WOW. I am amazed at those little girls stamina and endurance. They lasted three games in less than 24 hours which included a 4:30am fire alarm evacuation Saturday night. These girls are my heroes at the moment.

I knew I shouldn't have picked patience...

In our Fruits of the Spirit bible study for next year I drew the short straw and am teaching on patience. The lecture gals have all had good laughs (and insight) as to how the Lord is going to teach them about their particular fruit. My 'fruit' seems to need to be picked every day! I haven't had a day go by in weeks in which this character trait hasn't come flying to the forefront. I have spent the last 10 days disconnected. I don't mind if it is of my choosing, but when it is the cable companies fault - aagghhh. I use technology in all aspects of my life. I haven't been all that patient with this blip. Needless to say we are back up and running, whew.....

I spent 22 minutes talking to a recorded voice last week. That is how our cable company filters its calls. At the end of those 22 minutes I finally screamed, "I want to talk to a live person." In which the recorded voice responded, "I'm sorry. I do not recognize your reply." AAGGGHHHH!!!!

I'm thankful for a Lord and saviour who can listen to my 22 minutes of rambling and NEVER replies, "I do not recognize you!." Praise the Lord for His undeniable, unending patience.

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Yes, we celebrate the brother's birthdays just two weeks apart. Our beloved Jacob turns 7 today! There is something special in turning 7. The Lord our God created the heavens and the earth in 6 days and rested with a, "...and it is good." We are resting today with our Jacob. The Lord has done good work in him and it is good!!

Sorry I haven't posted in a week or so. My ISP is having problems. Hope to be back up in a day or two....stay tuned.

Joey's Birthday

My son turns 11 today...he is knocking on the door of manhood. "and behold a voice out of the heavens said, 'this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased'". (and so am I)!

July 4th and Eagle Scouts

This July 4th seems a little different for me. The long weekend started with a garage sale in which much of our 'baby' items were sold or given away. Our family has entered the phase when the youngest is moving up the ladder a little. It actually made me think of our oldest (who will be 11 this week). The youngest might be moving out of 'baby and toddlerhood', but the oldest is moving closer to entering 'young manhood'. One of his pursuits is scouting. The emblem in this post is a life goal for him. Not only for him to earn it but then to live it.

His troop and many friends had the heartwarming opportunity to witness two family friends receive their Eagle Scout Medals at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday. Words really don't describe what an accomplishment this is. It isn't really an accomplishment of tasks as the world would define it. It is an accomplishment of the heart, mind and soul. It is looking beyond yourself to others. It is about learning life skills of truth, integrity, and honor. It is about leading with eyes forward yet reaching backwards with your hand. It is about taking steps large enough to lead those around you onward but not so big that the smallest can't find the steps.

Congratulations to Matt Gould and Seth Weeks! As the Scoutmaster said, "we always look to encourage the next generation to be a little better than our own. In these two young men, that was accomplished."

Patriotism...

"True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth." Eleanor Roosevelt


"He who love not his home and his country which he has seen, how shall he love humanity in general which he has not seen?" William Ralph Inge


hmmm...

Summer Must Mean Pool Time

Summer at our home means lots of pool and water time. Thankfully we have a local public pool which my kids call home most of the summer! Their favorite activity on Sunday afternoons is to swim with dad. I think it has something to do with the Ice Cream he treats them to afterward!!