Saturday, August 16, 2008
YouVersion
Beyond a devotional site, this is a place to journal and to study Scripture. There are treasures buried here!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
God-Hungry = "Relationship-Starved"
One of my favorite quotes on friendship came from a book by Dan Allender, called "The Healing Path." He told the story of a friendship gone awry, due to misunderstanding. One Sunday after church, Allender made an attempt to reconcile with this friend, to no avail. He wrote, "I watched a friendship drive away."
This morning, a very dear friend literally drove away, down the Alaska-Canada highway, moving to the Lower 48. Thankfully, it's not the end of the friendship, but it certainly is the end of our "coffee" times at B & N.
It saddens me, yet strangely comforts me, that friendship does come and go with the seasons of life. The verse on the card I gave to my friend said this: "Let the seasons change as they may, but hold fast to your true friends."
Here is my "good-bye" note:
This morning, a very dear friend literally drove away, down the Alaska-Canada highway, moving to the Lower 48. Thankfully, it's not the end of the friendship, but it certainly is the end of our "coffee" times at B & N.
It saddens me, yet strangely comforts me, that friendship does come and go with the seasons of life. The verse on the card I gave to my friend said this: "Let the seasons change as they may, but hold fast to your true friends."
Here is my "good-bye" note:
Dear Sam, (Samantha)P.S. For an excellent post on friendship, click on the title above.
I miss you already — before you have even left AK. I know that the seasons change, and life goes on, but I pray that we will be "forever friends" who keep in touch, (at least on a semi-regular basis!) the kind of friends who pick right back up where we left off in the conversation.
So many things remind me to think of you — and pray for you — from Michaels, to coffee, to church, to military, to "Martha" :-) As Brian said, "There is no other person like Sam: she's one of a kind!"
Your friendship has been and always will be a treasured gift!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Fitting into Culture (Click this title)
"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you" (Romans 12:2 Message Bible)This is painful to ponder. How often our actions, our habits, and our thoughts are accustomed to doing what everybody else does, going with the flow. If other people we know see a certain movie or tv show, read a type of literature, listen to some genre of music -- why shouldn't we check it out? We might be missing out on something! We might not be considered "cool" or whatever the "now" terminology might be.
The article referenced above (linked to the title) includes a section for prayer and contemplation. The website is called "Journals of the Heart" and the article is called "A Time for New Choices." Is it just coincidence that I came across this resource at the same time as I began a new venture into one of the popular social networking sites, Facebook? Did I really hear a whisper from God, asking why don't you have more interest in "Heartbook" than "Facebook"?
This article is so convicting! Read it now, and answer the questions at the bottom, just as I am doing. Then, pray with me, the words that Brenda wrote: "Help me not to look at others and choose what is profitable or unprofitable for me based on what they have liberty to do. I let go and make more room for You in My life and heart."
Lord, Captivate My Heart...
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Caroling, Caroling Now We Go!
Tonight, we went Christmas caroling around the neighborhood behind the church. You would think that a simple concept like walking around the area homes, singing carols, would be --well, simple! No less than four staff meetings, three volunteer children's workers, and two-full time pastors were involved in bringing about the fruition of one person's romantic holiday idea.
It was, quite simply, a smashing success. Everybody pitched in to help, with plenty of adults to supervise the children. There were candy canes to give out, along with invitations to our Christmas musical presentation, next Sunday night, and hot cocoa and cookies for all to enjoy after the caroling. We had printed lyric sheets for all the words. (Who can remember every verse, for all the carols, even the most popular ones?) And we had flashlights, to read the words, and maps to direct the teams.
The response to our musical overture was varied, some listened inside closed doors, and never responded at all, but most came to the door. One little old lady cried, and another one tried to give us money. Most were pleasantly receptive; we only sang one or two verses, and then resounded with "Merry Christmas" at each home.
Rosy-cheeked cherubs, all tired out from their winter walk, devoured their cookies and candy canes, and sipped hot chocolate after the caroling was over. It was worth all the effort.
It was, quite simply, a smashing success. Everybody pitched in to help, with plenty of adults to supervise the children. There were candy canes to give out, along with invitations to our Christmas musical presentation, next Sunday night, and hot cocoa and cookies for all to enjoy after the caroling. We had printed lyric sheets for all the words. (Who can remember every verse, for all the carols, even the most popular ones?) And we had flashlights, to read the words, and maps to direct the teams.
The response to our musical overture was varied, some listened inside closed doors, and never responded at all, but most came to the door. One little old lady cried, and another one tried to give us money. Most were pleasantly receptive; we only sang one or two verses, and then resounded with "Merry Christmas" at each home.
Rosy-cheeked cherubs, all tired out from their winter walk, devoured their cookies and candy canes, and sipped hot chocolate after the caroling was over. It was worth all the effort.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
My Song in the Night
MY SONG IN THE NIGHT
Southern Folk Hymn
arr. Paul J. Christiansen
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night,
Come to us with Thy tender love,
my soul’s delight.
Unto Thee, O Lord, in affliction I call,
My comfort by day, and my song in the night.
O why should I wander, an alien from Thee,
Or cry in the desert Thy face to see?
My comfort and joy, my soul’s delight,
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night.
My song in the night, my song in the night,
in the night, in the night, in the night.
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night.
Come to us with Thy tender love,
my soul’s delight.
My comfort and joy, my soul’s delight,
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night.
My song my song in the night,
in the night, my song
My comfort and joy, my soul’s delight.
O Jesus my savior, my song in the night,
in the night. My song in the night.
Southern Folk Hymn
arr. Paul J. Christiansen
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night,
Come to us with Thy tender love,
my soul’s delight.
Unto Thee, O Lord, in affliction I call,
My comfort by day, and my song in the night.
O why should I wander, an alien from Thee,
Or cry in the desert Thy face to see?
My comfort and joy, my soul’s delight,
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night.
My song in the night, my song in the night,
in the night, in the night, in the night.
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night.
Come to us with Thy tender love,
my soul’s delight.
My comfort and joy, my soul’s delight,
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night.
My song my song in the night,
in the night, my song
My comfort and joy, my soul’s delight.
O Jesus my savior, my song in the night,
in the night. My song in the night.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Out of the Darkness? or not?
I ran across a fascinating book title the other day: The Light Belongs In the Darkness by Patricia King. It grabbed my attention, because it seemed so wrong to me-- light and darkness do not co-exist. Light forces darkness out, it drives the darkness away.
God spoke to me through that title. No, I didn't hear a voice in my head. It just seemed clear to me, almost as if the thought was spoken aloud: "There is your answer to the question you always ask: Why did God send a depressed person to Alaska to live in darkness?"
I belong here, because my light was meant to shine brighter in the darkness.
God spoke to me through that title. No, I didn't hear a voice in my head. It just seemed clear to me, almost as if the thought was spoken aloud: "There is your answer to the question you always ask: Why did God send a depressed person to Alaska to live in darkness?"
I belong here, because my light was meant to shine brighter in the darkness.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
The Life of a Pastor's Wife
I really think I should write a book someday, with a title along these lines:
THE LIFE OF A PASTOR'S WIFE
The first thing I want to do in this column is to express my love and appreciation to you and offer my prayers for a blessed Holy Week. So many will come under your influence who do not understand the cross — or redemption. Please help those you serve this next week to grasp how "high and wide and deep and long" is the love of Jesus (Ephesians 3).
The second thing I wish to address is the emotional and spiritual health of your spouse.
With so much attention being given by the media to the tragic death of Pastor Matthew Winkler, including a recent article in USAToday (4/3/06), I thought it appropriate to give some thought to the mindset of a pastor's wife who was so frustrated — depressed, maybe — that she would shoot her husband in the back.
I admit I do not know any more than you do about the motive of Mary Winkler, but I do interact a great deal with clergy wives. And I sense their concern — and even, at times, their futility.
Oh, I realize that not all clergy wives struggle with the challenges presented when you share your spouse and family with a congregation. But I have not met many who have not had their moments.
Here is what I hear: "Our family needs more balance. It seems we are owned by the church." "Sometimes, when I see how my husband is treated by the church leaders, I wonder if it's all worth it?" "I'm concerned about my husband's health. He does not sleep well, eat well or find time for himself."
When they talk about themselves, so often it is in the area of their own identity or relationship. "I'm not sure who I can trust." "So many of the expectations for me are unrealistic." "If we didn't work here, I'm not sure we would even attend this church." "Sundays are my roughest day of the week." "I feel a heaviness in my heart that I can't describe."
Well, you know the rest. As couples in ministry, you must keep talking, keep observing the one you love. Don't be afraid to ask how the other is doing, and take time to be together. And, if you have a problem — please get help!! Call us on our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at 877-233-4455. Ministry should be a joy — full of love and respect for one another.
Happy Easter! —HBL
Taken from: The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
"Focus on the Family -- Pastoral Ministries"
Volume 14, Number 14 April 7, 2006
THE LIFE OF A PASTOR'S WIFE
The first thing I want to do in this column is to express my love and appreciation to you and offer my prayers for a blessed Holy Week. So many will come under your influence who do not understand the cross — or redemption. Please help those you serve this next week to grasp how "high and wide and deep and long" is the love of Jesus (Ephesians 3).
The second thing I wish to address is the emotional and spiritual health of your spouse.
With so much attention being given by the media to the tragic death of Pastor Matthew Winkler, including a recent article in USAToday (4/3/06), I thought it appropriate to give some thought to the mindset of a pastor's wife who was so frustrated — depressed, maybe — that she would shoot her husband in the back.
I admit I do not know any more than you do about the motive of Mary Winkler, but I do interact a great deal with clergy wives. And I sense their concern — and even, at times, their futility.
Oh, I realize that not all clergy wives struggle with the challenges presented when you share your spouse and family with a congregation. But I have not met many who have not had their moments.
Here is what I hear: "Our family needs more balance. It seems we are owned by the church." "Sometimes, when I see how my husband is treated by the church leaders, I wonder if it's all worth it?" "I'm concerned about my husband's health. He does not sleep well, eat well or find time for himself."
When they talk about themselves, so often it is in the area of their own identity or relationship. "I'm not sure who I can trust." "So many of the expectations for me are unrealistic." "If we didn't work here, I'm not sure we would even attend this church." "Sundays are my roughest day of the week." "I feel a heaviness in my heart that I can't describe."
Well, you know the rest. As couples in ministry, you must keep talking, keep observing the one you love. Don't be afraid to ask how the other is doing, and take time to be together. And, if you have a problem — please get help!! Call us on our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at 877-233-4455. Ministry should be a joy — full of love and respect for one another.
Happy Easter! —HBL
Taken from: The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
"Focus on the Family -- Pastoral Ministries"
Volume 14, Number 14 April 7, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Songs that Still My Soul
The words to some precious old hymns appear on this post, "Words That Shake My Soul". I like to think along the lines of calming, and quieting my soul, rather than shaking my soul. Hebrews 12 talks about an "Unshakable Kingdom", but only after the author urges entering into rest. Hebrews 6:19(NIV) says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
I believe we are in a time when all things that can be shaken will be shaken. But there is rest for our souls, if we have HOPE in Christ.
The Hymn-writers knew that kind of hope. "It Is Well With My Soul - Be Still My Soul - I've Anchored My Soul (Haven of Rest), etc., etc.." It was that kind of hope that made the musicians play "Near to the Heart of God" as the Titanic was sinking.
To whom or what would your soul cling, if you were surrounded by such tragedy and chaos, as the recent ferry-boat sinking, the 9-11 explosions, or the Katrina flooding?
"Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6Hebrews 12:25-29 (The Message)
I believe we are in a time when all things that can be shaken will be shaken. But there is rest for our souls, if we have HOPE in Christ.
The Hymn-writers knew that kind of hope. "It Is Well With My Soul - Be Still My Soul - I've Anchored My Soul (Haven of Rest), etc., etc.." It was that kind of hope that made the musicians play "Near to the Heart of God" as the Titanic was sinking.
To whom or what would your soul cling, if you were surrounded by such tragedy and chaos, as the recent ferry-boat sinking, the 9-11 explosions, or the Katrina flooding?
"Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6
Hebrews 12:25-29 (The Message)
25So don't turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn't get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? 26His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time--he's told us this quite plainly--he'll also rock the heavens: "One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern." 27The phrase "one last shaking" means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered. 28Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom!
Thanks be to God!
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
FORTY DAYS IN THE WORD
I love these promises; and I love God's perfect timing to encourage and excite His people!
Our church has begun a corporate time of emphasis on Bible-reading, during the season of Lent. We started the new year in prayer and fasting; now we're kicking up a fervor for feeding on God's Word, turning up the dial of intensity in this spiritual discipline.
I have a feeling that God is not just pleased about this direction toward devotion; He is loudly cheering! "I can't wait to show you great and awesome mysteries, to give you treasures and hidden riches--Come on, dive in to the Word, start digging around, just ASK ME to uncover the truths that have been obscured. Surprise! You won't believe your eyes!"
Are you ready to go on a treasure hunt?!!!
March 7, 2006: Ask of Me, and I will show you great and awesome mysteries, and I will uncover those things, which have been hidden from your understanding. You will no longer be kept in the dark with a lack of knowledge of that which has caused you to fall short of victory. And, I do call you forth into great success in your struggle. I will equip and empower you for every occasion. Do not doubt that I will remove the blindfold that has kept you in obscurity. Be alert to receive new revelation of solutions to old problems, says the Lord.
Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.
Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
Small Straws In A Soft Wind
by Marsha Burns
Faith Tabernacle Website
Our church has begun a corporate time of emphasis on Bible-reading, during the season of Lent. We started the new year in prayer and fasting; now we're kicking up a fervor for feeding on God's Word, turning up the dial of intensity in this spiritual discipline.
I have a feeling that God is not just pleased about this direction toward devotion; He is loudly cheering! "I can't wait to show you great and awesome mysteries, to give you treasures and hidden riches--Come on, dive in to the Word, start digging around, just ASK ME to uncover the truths that have been obscured. Surprise! You won't believe your eyes!"
Are you ready to go on a treasure hunt?!!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
"Touch not my anointed one"
Curt Hendley, "The Happy Husband", has a blog celebrating marriage. He also has a section of the blog dedicated to "ministering to pastors". I appreciate his writings on both subjects, marriage and ministry. Here is an excerpt from his page on ministering to pastors:
My request to you is that you respond with a blog post (or a link to a post if you’ve already written one) listing some practical ways a congregation can encourage their pastor. If you’re reticent about revealing that sort of thing on your own blog, I would be happy to post something you write on my blog and remove your name from it–sort of an "advice from an anonymous pastor" kind of thing. I really want to know this, and I want the flock to stop being unaware of their shepherd’s humanity and needs. If you decide to write a post about this, please let me know so I can read it and link to it.Here is a practical bit of advice for congregations: If you are tempted to send an email to your pastor, please don't flame him. Don't say things you will regret having expressed, when you go to church the next time. And, please, before you press the "send" button, consider what effect your words will have on the reader(s). Remember that e-mail is not a private means of communication. The words you write may be read by staff members and family members of the pastor, including the pastor's wife!
Someday, perhaps I'll write a book: "Dear Congregation," sub-titled, "Everything I've always wanted to tell you, and you've always wanted to know, about being a pastor's wife." The thing that always amazes me most is that people don't realize how badly their words can hurt. It's like they think that pastors are so spiritual they can take anything people dish out to them, even if it's inspired by the devil himself. They don't seem to understand that the devil uses their words to attack and destroy men of God.
God understands, though, and He keeps account of every evil word spoken against His servants.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
"Hey, I resemble that remark!"
And I believe it is sad, but true.
Ted Haggard: "Pastors are the Single Fattest Group of People I Know"
brought to you courtesy of Monday Morning Insight Weblog, by Todd Rhoades on For What It's Worth.Wednesday, January 25, 2006
True Forgiveness
My husband, a pastor, both preaches and lives the concepts of true forgiveness. I have heard him pray for people that have deeply hurt him, with words of blessing, grace, forgiveness, and love.
"Lord, help me to love _____ the way you love _____."
I, on the other hand, struggle greatly with holding on to offenses that really were not even directed toward me, but toward my husband. I need to stop reading his "hate-mail" because it really is hard for me to look at people in church on Sunday knowing what they wrote on Thursday in an e-mail to my husband!
"Lord, help me to love _____ the way you love _____."
I, on the other hand, struggle greatly with holding on to offenses that really were not even directed toward me, but toward my husband. I need to stop reading his "hate-mail" because it really is hard for me to look at people in church on Sunday knowing what they wrote on Thursday in an e-mail to my husband!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
forgiveness
I'm still working on this...
Forgiveness...one step further
I heard an interesting addition to the process of forgiveness today. I was watching "Luggage", a Rob Bell NOOMA DVD, and he suggested that until you are able to look at someone who has wronged you and wish them the best in life, you haven't truly reached a state of forgiveness. It's one thing to say "I forgive you". Not that that's an easy step either. That step alone could take years. But to then look at the person (either figuratively or literally) and tell them that you want the best for them and that you hope their journey is 'blessed'--that's a whole different thing. Our natural inclination is to wish they get what they deserve, and not in a good way. We usually want that person to suffer for what they've done, or at least pay the toll. But that's a call for vengeance. That's a sign that you haven't truly let go of your bitterness or resentment. You haven't really forgiven them. Would we want God to treat us that way after we've completely disappointed or hurt Him? Would we want Him to forgive us and then say, okay, now hopefully something bad will happen to teach you a lesson? Doubtful. We'd want Him to forgive, let go of the wrongdoing, and move forward with good things for us. It's a good final step and a good test to see if we've truly reached a state of complete forgiveness. Not sure if I've reached that place in all areas of forgiveness in my life.
posted by Kelvin @ 1:23 PM
Forgiveness...one step further
I heard an interesting addition to the process of forgiveness today. I was watching "Luggage", a Rob Bell NOOMA DVD, and he suggested that until you are able to look at someone who has wronged you and wish them the best in life, you haven't truly reached a state of forgiveness. It's one thing to say "I forgive you". Not that that's an easy step either. That step alone could take years. But to then look at the person (either figuratively or literally) and tell them that you want the best for them and that you hope their journey is 'blessed'--that's a whole different thing. Our natural inclination is to wish they get what they deserve, and not in a good way. We usually want that person to suffer for what they've done, or at least pay the toll. But that's a call for vengeance. That's a sign that you haven't truly let go of your bitterness or resentment. You haven't really forgiven them. Would we want God to treat us that way after we've completely disappointed or hurt Him? Would we want Him to forgive us and then say, okay, now hopefully something bad will happen to teach you a lesson? Doubtful. We'd want Him to forgive, let go of the wrongdoing, and move forward with good things for us. It's a good final step and a good test to see if we've truly reached a state of complete forgiveness. Not sure if I've reached that place in all areas of forgiveness in my life.
posted by Kelvin @ 1:23 PM
Sunday, January 22, 2006
A Beautiful Testimony
This is a very good description of what it feels like to be depressed. It is taken directly from a post entitled, "Diving for Pearls" which was posted on my birthday.
I was hit with a wall of depression. I was physically and emotionally exhausted. It was at this time that I experienced the real grief and loss of my Dad in addition to all the other areas of loss I was dealing with. I had no experience with grief of this magnitude. I felt like part of myself was gone and it caused me to question myself in all area of my life.I loved the beautiful illustration of suffering as a "weight" that is necessary for divers to find pearls. I may have to do a study on the "weight of suffering".
-Who am I now?
-How am I living or not living my life?
-What is important to me?
-Where am I in my relationships? Etc., etc…
I was overwhelmed. I felt like a cat hanging from a cliff by its fingernails. I wasn’t sleeping or eating well and I was losing weight. I remember being afraid, confused, sad and hard on myself. With the help of counseling, medication, the support of friends and my faith, I slowly came out from the weight that was holding me down.
I searched the bible and wrote down every verse I could find on fear. Courage was my theme! I hung on to scripture and especially these words from Isaiah 43:1-5 “…this is what the Lord says – He who created you ….He who formed you…”Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; and you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass though the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior….since you are precious and honored in my sight because I love you….do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Anne Lamott, in her book “Plan B”, says “Fear is the worst part….but underneath the fear I keep finding resilience, forgiveness and even grace.” She also says, “When God is going to do something wonderful, He starts with a hardship. When God is going to do something amazing, He starts with an impossibility.” She urges us to “practice radical hope.”
I remember praying one night asking God to take controls of the veritable “plane” that was going down again, surrendering it all to Him. I thanked Him for His power and presence in my life and for His unfailing love even thought I didn’t know where all of this was going. It’s at this point that you hang on to God’s promise that He has a plan for you and that it is good. I had a visual image of a “pilot light”. I thanked Him for keeping the pilot light on in my soul. That is all that I felt was there but it as there.
Another quote describes what I was experiencing come from a book by Ann Grahm Lotz called “Why?”, It says, “The burden of suffering seems to be a tombstone hung about our necks, while in fact, it is the weight necessary to keep down the diver while he/she is hunting for pearls.” During that time, God gave me the power to hang in there and remain deep as I searched for these pearls. Even though I was in a depleted and sort of “suspended” state, God was good. In the midst of my pain, I experienced a new capacity to trust God and know His grace!
I have received so many unexpected gifts during this season of loss ; too many to mention, but here are a few:
-A new appreciation for the support of women friends. They are critical for our survival!
-The importance of the gift of music in my life which brings me joy and connects me to God.
-The ability to slow down and look for God’s presence in all areas of my life.
-A depth of appreciation of simple moments of beauty and the presence of “the sacred” in “the ordinary”. It is like my vision and heart have been expanded for these things.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Happy New Year!
2006resolutions
Top Five Priorities:
1. Read the Word
2. Pray
3. Worship
4. Witness
5. Love
Goals and Dreams:
1. Continuing Education: maybe start a M. Div. or work towards a counseling license or degree.
2. Finding More Treasures in the Darkness: the treasures are God's jewels, His people.
3. Seeking more inner healing and soul-care; to learn more about how to reach out to others.
4. Get a Hysterectomy: or at least, fix some of my "female problems".
5. Get more physically healthy. I HATE the word, "diet" as much as the act of dieting. But, I hate the consequences of ignoring genetic propensities even more: the ultimate consequence, of course, is to "die".
"To diet, or not to die: that is the question."
"Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow--we diet!"
Prayer for Loved Ones:
1. Deeper commitment and stronger faith in God.
2. Growing desire to serve: to get "beyond ourselves"
3. Wisdom for life's decisions and courage to make the right choices.
4. A greater love for each other: how can we say we love God if we hate our brother?
5. Spiritual Fortitude in troublesome times. When all things that can be shaken will be shaken... to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand fast!
Top Five Priorities:
1. Read the Word
2. Pray
3. Worship
4. Witness
5. Love
Goals and Dreams:
1. Continuing Education: maybe start a M. Div. or work towards a counseling license or degree.
2. Finding More Treasures in the Darkness: the treasures are God's jewels, His people.
3. Seeking more inner healing and soul-care; to learn more about how to reach out to others.
4. Get a Hysterectomy: or at least, fix some of my "female problems".
5. Get more physically healthy. I HATE the word, "diet" as much as the act of dieting. But, I hate the consequences of ignoring genetic propensities even more: the ultimate consequence, of course, is to "die".
"To diet, or not to die: that is the question."
"Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow--we diet!"
Prayer for Loved Ones:
1. Deeper commitment and stronger faith in God.
2. Growing desire to serve: to get "beyond ourselves"
3. Wisdom for life's decisions and courage to make the right choices.
4. A greater love for each other: how can we say we love God if we hate our brother?
5. Spiritual Fortitude in troublesome times. When all things that can be shaken will be shaken... to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand fast!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
My "Would-Have-Been" Alma Mater
I went to Dover High School. My mother and all her siblings graduated from Dover High. My cousins graduated from DHS, as well. But I did not. In the latter part of my sophomore year, my father made a decision that changed my life forever. He took me out of public school and placed me in a private Christian School. That was over twenty years ago.
Today, I read that Cal Thomas urged parents to make a choice just like my father did for me and for my brother: "Religious parents should exercise the opportunity that has always been theirs. They should remove their children from state schools with their "instruction manuals" for turning them into secular liberals, and place them in private schools — or home school them — where they will be taught the truth, according to their parents’ beliefs."
I remember the ideological/theological struggles I had with some of the reading assignments I was given in my English Literature class. I felt the social pressure of "secularization" and I knew that I was in a battle to defend my beliefs, my culture, and even my identity. It was a great relief to enter a private educational setting, with smaller class sizes, and teachers that I could respect. It was the right choice for me.
Below is the article written by my favorite columnist, Cal Thomas. I quoted it in its entirety from this website: Anniston Star Opinion
INSIGHT
It’s time to leave public schools
By Cal Thomas
12-28-2005
The decision by U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III to bar the teaching of "intelligent design" in the Dover, Pa., public school district on grounds it is a thinly veiled effort to introduce a religious view of the world’s origins is welcome for at least two reasons.
First, it exposes the sham attempt to take through the back door what proponents have no chance of getting through the front door. Judge Jones rebuked advocates of "intelligent design," saying they repeatedly lied about their true intentions. He noted many of them had said publicly that their intent was to introduce into the schools a biblical account of creation. Judge Jones properly wondered how people who claim to have such astrong religious convictions could lie, thus violating prohibitions in the Book they proclaim as their source of truth and standard for living.
Culture has long passed by advocates of intelligent design, school prayer and numerous other beliefs and practices that were once tolerated, even promoted, in public education. People who think they can reclaim the past have been watching too many repeats of "Leave it to Beaver" on cable television. Those days are not coming back anytime soon, if at all.
Culture, including the culture of education, now opposes what it once promoted or at least tolerated. The secular left, which resists censorship in all its forms when it comes to sex, library books and assigned materials that teach the "evils" of capitalism and "evil America," is happy to censor any belief that can be tagged "religious."
This leads to the second reason for welcoming Judge Jones’ ruling. It should awaken religious conservatives to the futility of trying to make a secular state reflect their beliefs. Too many people have wasted too much time and money since the 1960s, when prayer and Bible reading were outlawed in public schools, trying to get these and a lot of other things restored. The modern secular state should not be expected to teach Genesis 1, or any other book of the Bible, or any other religious text.
That the state once did such things, or at least did not undermine what parents taught their children, is irrelevant. The culture in which we now live no longer reflects the beliefs of our grandparents’ generation. For better, or for worse (and a strong case can be made that things are much worse), people who cling to the beliefs of previous generations have been given another chance to do what they should have been doing all along.
Religious parents should exercise the opportunity that has always been theirs. They should remove their children from state schools with their "instruction manuals" for turning them into secular liberals, and place them in private schools — or home school them — where they will be taught the truth, according to their parents’ beliefs.
Court rulings such as this should persuade parents who’ve been waffling to take their kids and join the growing exodus from state schools into educational environments more conducive to their beliefs.
Cal Thomas’ column is distributed by Tribune Media Services.
Today, I read that Cal Thomas urged parents to make a choice just like my father did for me and for my brother: "Religious parents should exercise the opportunity that has always been theirs. They should remove their children from state schools with their "instruction manuals" for turning them into secular liberals, and place them in private schools — or home school them — where they will be taught the truth, according to their parents’ beliefs."
I remember the ideological/theological struggles I had with some of the reading assignments I was given in my English Literature class. I felt the social pressure of "secularization" and I knew that I was in a battle to defend my beliefs, my culture, and even my identity. It was a great relief to enter a private educational setting, with smaller class sizes, and teachers that I could respect. It was the right choice for me.
Below is the article written by my favorite columnist, Cal Thomas. I quoted it in its entirety from this website: Anniston Star Opinion
INSIGHT
It’s time to leave public schools
By Cal Thomas
12-28-2005
The decision by U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III to bar the teaching of "intelligent design" in the Dover, Pa., public school district on grounds it is a thinly veiled effort to introduce a religious view of the world’s origins is welcome for at least two reasons.
First, it exposes the sham attempt to take through the back door what proponents have no chance of getting through the front door. Judge Jones rebuked advocates of "intelligent design," saying they repeatedly lied about their true intentions. He noted many of them had said publicly that their intent was to introduce into the schools a biblical account of creation. Judge Jones properly wondered how people who claim to have such astrong religious convictions could lie, thus violating prohibitions in the Book they proclaim as their source of truth and standard for living.
Culture has long passed by advocates of intelligent design, school prayer and numerous other beliefs and practices that were once tolerated, even promoted, in public education. People who think they can reclaim the past have been watching too many repeats of "Leave it to Beaver" on cable television. Those days are not coming back anytime soon, if at all.
Culture, including the culture of education, now opposes what it once promoted or at least tolerated. The secular left, which resists censorship in all its forms when it comes to sex, library books and assigned materials that teach the "evils" of capitalism and "evil America," is happy to censor any belief that can be tagged "religious."
This leads to the second reason for welcoming Judge Jones’ ruling. It should awaken religious conservatives to the futility of trying to make a secular state reflect their beliefs. Too many people have wasted too much time and money since the 1960s, when prayer and Bible reading were outlawed in public schools, trying to get these and a lot of other things restored. The modern secular state should not be expected to teach Genesis 1, or any other book of the Bible, or any other religious text.
That the state once did such things, or at least did not undermine what parents taught their children, is irrelevant. The culture in which we now live no longer reflects the beliefs of our grandparents’ generation. For better, or for worse (and a strong case can be made that things are much worse), people who cling to the beliefs of previous generations have been given another chance to do what they should have been doing all along.
Religious parents should exercise the opportunity that has always been theirs. They should remove their children from state schools with their "instruction manuals" for turning them into secular liberals, and place them in private schools — or home school them — where they will be taught the truth, according to their parents’ beliefs.
Court rulings such as this should persuade parents who’ve been waffling to take their kids and join the growing exodus from state schools into educational environments more conducive to their beliefs.
Cal Thomas’ column is distributed by Tribune Media Services.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Near-Misses and Miss-Communication!
Although the warm temperature feels nice, it's not a good thing for road conditions.
I very nearly had a wreck today on the icy roads in downtown Fairbanks! I slid around the corner into the other lane. (Not speeding, I was at a complete stop at a red light, but the road turned immediately after the intersection, and it was on a slanted, icy bridge!) The other driver and I could have reached through the car windows and shook hands, we were so close!
Who knows? An angel could have stopped me from hitting the vehicle. I remember shutting my eyes, whispering "JESUS," and waiting for the jarring impact and a crushing metal sound. When I didn't hear any crashing noises, I opened my eyes and saw another wide-eyed pair of eyes right beside me! I had stopped just short of scraping the paint off the side of the vehicle. That was close!
Tonight would be a great night for putting up the lights on the house. I must have spent over two hours yesterday untangling the cords of about ten "icicle" lights. Then I spent another hour trying to change fuses and light bulbs to get them all working. Doesn't seem like it was worth my time, considering a box of lights is on sale for $3.97! (It's even cheaper with my employee discount!)
Oh well, tonight is our church's Christmas musical presentation. 'Tis the season.
Tomorrow is my birthday.
My poor husband can't win. He played a cruel joke on me, completely unintentionally. He asked me how to spell the name of the "Vallatta" Restaurant, as he was looking up the phone number in the directory. I spelled it for him, giving him a mini-lesson on etymology, as I assumed it was from the Italian word for "village." Meanwhile, I was wondering why he messed around and made the reservation right in front of me, instead of just surprising me tomorrow night.
Thinking it was better to be direct with my communication, I asked, "Oh, are you taking me there? It was only a year ago at this time that you took me to that restaurant." Now, unfortunately, only one of us had remembered the connection between the restaurant and my birthday, and apparently it wasn't him! Inserting dear hubby's huge foot into his own mouth, he replied, "Well, no ... money doesn't grow on trees, you know."
About the same time that it dawned upon me that I had made an embarrassing assumption it also dawned on hubby that he was in trouble. Just then, the phone call went through, and my husband went ahead with his original plan (one-track mind of a man!) to arrange to pay for a church couple's dinner by credit card, because he heard they were celebrating their anniversary tonight at that restaurant.
GGGGRRRRRRR!
It's hard to be mad at someone when he has such good intentions!
I very nearly had a wreck today on the icy roads in downtown Fairbanks! I slid around the corner into the other lane. (Not speeding, I was at a complete stop at a red light, but the road turned immediately after the intersection, and it was on a slanted, icy bridge!) The other driver and I could have reached through the car windows and shook hands, we were so close!
Who knows? An angel could have stopped me from hitting the vehicle. I remember shutting my eyes, whispering "JESUS," and waiting for the jarring impact and a crushing metal sound. When I didn't hear any crashing noises, I opened my eyes and saw another wide-eyed pair of eyes right beside me! I had stopped just short of scraping the paint off the side of the vehicle. That was close!
Tonight would be a great night for putting up the lights on the house. I must have spent over two hours yesterday untangling the cords of about ten "icicle" lights. Then I spent another hour trying to change fuses and light bulbs to get them all working. Doesn't seem like it was worth my time, considering a box of lights is on sale for $3.97! (It's even cheaper with my employee discount!)
Oh well, tonight is our church's Christmas musical presentation. 'Tis the season.
Tomorrow is my birthday.
My poor husband can't win. He played a cruel joke on me, completely unintentionally. He asked me how to spell the name of the "Vallatta" Restaurant, as he was looking up the phone number in the directory. I spelled it for him, giving him a mini-lesson on etymology, as I assumed it was from the Italian word for "village." Meanwhile, I was wondering why he messed around and made the reservation right in front of me, instead of just surprising me tomorrow night.
Thinking it was better to be direct with my communication, I asked, "Oh, are you taking me there? It was only a year ago at this time that you took me to that restaurant." Now, unfortunately, only one of us had remembered the connection between the restaurant and my birthday, and apparently it wasn't him! Inserting dear hubby's huge foot into his own mouth, he replied, "Well, no ... money doesn't grow on trees, you know."
About the same time that it dawned upon me that I had made an embarrassing assumption it also dawned on hubby that he was in trouble. Just then, the phone call went through, and my husband went ahead with his original plan (one-track mind of a man!) to arrange to pay for a church couple's dinner by credit card, because he heard they were celebrating their anniversary tonight at that restaurant.
GGGGRRRRRRR!
It's hard to be mad at someone when he has such good intentions!
Wacky Weather!
What's wrong with this picture?
| 28ºF Overcast Wind: SW at 7 mph Humidity: 64% |
| 28ºF Clear Wind: W at 4 mph Humidity: 55% |
| 46ºF Mostly Cloudy Wind: E at 13 mph Humidity: 57% |
Lovin' the heat wave!
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