Monday, June 12, 2006
Who Is Like God??
Today is Mikah Dante Miller's Birthday. He has turned 7 today. There are soooo many things that have miraculously happened since his birth, because of his birth. I picked out his name before I was a believer, I thought the name sounded cool ( it still does ;) ) and Scott decided on the middle name as we walked around the labor and delivery department. Mikah (Micah) means: Who is like God?, and Dante means: Everlasting; enduring. It was because of his birth I stopped doing drugs and partying. It is because of his birth that I was willing to follow Jesus ( Jesus was my life insurance package). It is because of this birth that I am with my soulmate for eternity. And it is because of this birth that we will experience God through him on a whole new level. This boy is a big significance to me of the many ways God works. God wanted me, he wanted me also to be with Scott, in order to do all of this with one shot, he gave us Mikah. This child is really a gift from God Almighty...rock on :)
Sunday, June 11, 2006
A GREAT Birthday
What a FABULOUS BIRTHDAY that was!!!!! It was a day that only God could plan, with a message that could only come from Him. Both Scott and I are definitely in a huge jaw-dropping moment....yeah. There are sooo many words, so many ways of describing this day and our experience, but these escriptions couldn't come close to touching it. We feel like Neo in the Matrix when he was talking to Morpheus..."What the Oracle has told you is for you and you alone...."
So with that being said I can't tell you specifics, but I an share little tidbits.
We were going there to meet this guy we have never met, but our good friend has. I wasn't sure if it was him I needed to talk with before we even got there, but I believe it only took like ten minutes, if that, to just totally know, without a doubt, he was definitely supposed to be a part of this day.
So this man's wife the day before we came or more, found a bird's nest that had fallen from the tree. Inside were three baby birds not quite ready to fly from the nest, but you knew it was close because of the momma bird was just fluttering around in a near-by tree calling them while jumping from branch to branch. Scott and I were showed these birds and the momma before we went into his house. Inside were three people praying,talking, and totally seeking God's fullness. A message was told, a decision was made, when we were walking out of his house, the man gasped and said we had to see something. We looked in the nest the baby birds were in and ALL THREE BABIES HAD FLOWN THE NEST! There we were, 3 children of God hearing our Father's call, and after being obedient and listening, and deciding to fully go to Him, we were able to fly to Him. At least that's the message I got and it's so beautiful, I'm holding onto it. :)
This one's kind of funny. The man was giving me directions on the phone while I communicated(or at least tried to) to Scott who wrote it down. Well, there's a freeway we needed to get on called Loop 1 and I said that outloud, so Scott wrote down what he heard....which was actually LUKE 1. When it come time to reflect on the directions to use them, we looked at that. I corrected the loop/Luke 1. We get there and we all start talking, introducing ourselves, and just learning about each other. About ten minutes into it all, the man was saying how he felt really led to read LUKE 1, and he told us a quick summary of the story and boy how it totally related to Scott and I on many terms! It was absolutely amazing. But it's hilarious how God drops those little words like He was in the car with us.
One more little bit...I was explaining how I throw henna parties and what not, and the man just stopped me, to let me know henna is in the Bible. I finished my story while he searched for it. He found it in Songs of Solomon 1:13 and 4:13. That was just really awesome to know. Well, on the way home I had seen a flashing red billboard that had the word henna on it. It was a car dealership. Hmmmmmm. Made some thinking go on, but not for long. Another 10 miles I saw another billboard with the word Henna on it......yeah...that's all I'm going to say about that.
We also got to meet up with a friend of ours while down there. We had great conversations, caught up with what's going on with each other, and just ate some food. It was really nice to catch up. We had met her, along with almost everyone we hold close to our hearts, through the internet space. It was just really good to connect with her and finally meet her last year, then go camping with her and her boyfriend.
It really was a great day to start this next year of my life :)
So with that being said I can't tell you specifics, but I an share little tidbits.
We were going there to meet this guy we have never met, but our good friend has. I wasn't sure if it was him I needed to talk with before we even got there, but I believe it only took like ten minutes, if that, to just totally know, without a doubt, he was definitely supposed to be a part of this day.
So this man's wife the day before we came or more, found a bird's nest that had fallen from the tree. Inside were three baby birds not quite ready to fly from the nest, but you knew it was close because of the momma bird was just fluttering around in a near-by tree calling them while jumping from branch to branch. Scott and I were showed these birds and the momma before we went into his house. Inside were three people praying,talking, and totally seeking God's fullness. A message was told, a decision was made, when we were walking out of his house, the man gasped and said we had to see something. We looked in the nest the baby birds were in and ALL THREE BABIES HAD FLOWN THE NEST! There we were, 3 children of God hearing our Father's call, and after being obedient and listening, and deciding to fully go to Him, we were able to fly to Him. At least that's the message I got and it's so beautiful, I'm holding onto it. :)
This one's kind of funny. The man was giving me directions on the phone while I communicated(or at least tried to) to Scott who wrote it down. Well, there's a freeway we needed to get on called Loop 1 and I said that outloud, so Scott wrote down what he heard....which was actually LUKE 1. When it come time to reflect on the directions to use them, we looked at that. I corrected the loop/Luke 1. We get there and we all start talking, introducing ourselves, and just learning about each other. About ten minutes into it all, the man was saying how he felt really led to read LUKE 1, and he told us a quick summary of the story and boy how it totally related to Scott and I on many terms! It was absolutely amazing. But it's hilarious how God drops those little words like He was in the car with us.
One more little bit...I was explaining how I throw henna parties and what not, and the man just stopped me, to let me know henna is in the Bible. I finished my story while he searched for it. He found it in Songs of Solomon 1:13 and 4:13. That was just really awesome to know. Well, on the way home I had seen a flashing red billboard that had the word henna on it. It was a car dealership. Hmmmmmm. Made some thinking go on, but not for long. Another 10 miles I saw another billboard with the word Henna on it......yeah...that's all I'm going to say about that.
We also got to meet up with a friend of ours while down there. We had great conversations, caught up with what's going on with each other, and just ate some food. It was really nice to catch up. We had met her, along with almost everyone we hold close to our hearts, through the internet space. It was just really good to connect with her and finally meet her last year, then go camping with her and her boyfriend.
It really was a great day to start this next year of my life :)
Saturday, June 10, 2006
To be a clean freak or not to be a clean freak
So I have started working today for the housecleaning dealio, and it was pretty cool. House cleaning is soooooo much easier when you don't have to organize and actually pick up a gazillion things. What my job is to do is the dust, sweep, mop, vacuum, clean bathrooms, mirrors, polish furniture, clean the kitchen, and stuff like that. Thank God too, because have you ever tried cleaning someone else's house??? It's insane.. you don't know where everything is, or is meant to be, and it takes longer because of that very fact. Granted I don't have any problem helping people out in this manner, but I'm just thankful I don't have to mess with it in this job.
One of my big concerns with this job is that it hasn't been producing as much work as I had hoped so far. Shall I sit and quiver....not today. I have made up some business cards for my own little shin-dig on the side, hopefully to become to main dealio. I will offer housekeeping, dog walking and henna parties....I know I have to be unique, right? :) So if you know anyone in the Dallas area that needs any of these services, have them email me :)
So I've been curious if doing this kind of work will turn me into a clean freak...... we'll see soon enough!
One of my big concerns with this job is that it hasn't been producing as much work as I had hoped so far. Shall I sit and quiver....not today. I have made up some business cards for my own little shin-dig on the side, hopefully to become to main dealio. I will offer housekeeping, dog walking and henna parties....I know I have to be unique, right? :) So if you know anyone in the Dallas area that needs any of these services, have them email me :)
So I've been curious if doing this kind of work will turn me into a clean freak...... we'll see soon enough!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Just stuff....hee hee
I've been trying to prepare for this trip and there really is no way of doing that. Yeah, I can plan certain things as like when we leave, when we will meet with people and possibly where, but there's absolutely no way of preparing for what's REALLY going to happen. Not only because it is unknown, but mostly because I feel God is so wrapped around this trip in every way. It's not unnerving, but exciting. Also it's just so awesome I get to share this with my best friend, husband, and partner in crime ;)
Birthdays are happening these next 4 days. Mine is Saturday, and Mikah's is Monday. He's going to be 7 years old. Man, this is where I FEEL old. Not having myself, another birthday, but having been a mother for 7 years. Man, when I'm 37, he will be 20 :o
Okay I'll stop right there.....hee hee. I don't need a heart attack or anything!
For Mikah's birthday we hope to take him to six flags(yay for getting season passes forever ago!) and try somehow, sometime to throw him a birthday bash with the community. Too cool, huh? He's got some sonic the hedgehog plush toys coming, gifts from family, that he's going to thoroughly enjoy. Wowza!
Also I have work tomorrow! yay! I can make money, we soooooooo need right now.Thanks God!
Birthdays are happening these next 4 days. Mine is Saturday, and Mikah's is Monday. He's going to be 7 years old. Man, this is where I FEEL old. Not having myself, another birthday, but having been a mother for 7 years. Man, when I'm 37, he will be 20 :o
Okay I'll stop right there.....hee hee. I don't need a heart attack or anything!
For Mikah's birthday we hope to take him to six flags(yay for getting season passes forever ago!) and try somehow, sometime to throw him a birthday bash with the community. Too cool, huh? He's got some sonic the hedgehog plush toys coming, gifts from family, that he's going to thoroughly enjoy. Wowza!
Also I have work tomorrow! yay! I can make money, we soooooooo need right now.Thanks God!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Our Adventure coming soon
Wow, (how many times have I started a post with that???) its so funny and amazing to me how God works. Within the past couple of days I have been torn and struggled humbly in His midst, and He in many, many ways has lifted me/us up from it. I feel so graciously moved by His Spirit and its thoroughly exciting.
Scott and I are taking a trip to Austin this coming Saturday (my birthday...yeah!party! okay, maybe not, but still we have an adventure) without any kids. Let me repeat that....WITHOUT KIDS!!!!! Some awesome people in our community are willing to take over the kids for the time we are there. THANKS YOU GUYS!
Its an adventure for many reasons, but mostly because we're going without knowing what's going to happen or what we are going to experience. I've felt for over a month now that I needed to take this trip...not sure why, just need to. But even set that aside we have never been to Austin and are hoping to meet up with some great people down there. Plus we have freedom to explore this city I've heard some great things about.
I'm hoping to visit the Austin House of Prayer while down there, and maybe take part in a time period... we'll see.
If any of you know a place in Austin that's cheap/free that would be fun, let us know. Thanks.
Scott and I are taking a trip to Austin this coming Saturday (my birthday...yeah!party! okay, maybe not, but still we have an adventure) without any kids. Let me repeat that....WITHOUT KIDS!!!!! Some awesome people in our community are willing to take over the kids for the time we are there. THANKS YOU GUYS!
Its an adventure for many reasons, but mostly because we're going without knowing what's going to happen or what we are going to experience. I've felt for over a month now that I needed to take this trip...not sure why, just need to. But even set that aside we have never been to Austin and are hoping to meet up with some great people down there. Plus we have freedom to explore this city I've heard some great things about.
I'm hoping to visit the Austin House of Prayer while down there, and maybe take part in a time period... we'll see.
If any of you know a place in Austin that's cheap/free that would be fun, let us know. Thanks.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Love Has Won
I found myself in deep prayer tonight...even as I washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. I don't even know how to describe it. I guess I could just say it was like God had total control of my imagination to give me comfort and peace. I still have unanswered questions, but I now have a more guided way to pray. I have to admit, prior to doing the dishes, I was distraught, holding onto anger and confusion, I just felt out of control and out of my mind. It amazes me how quickly God can change your heart if you just stop long enough to breath Him in. You don't even have to say anything, just stop thinking, stop with the purpose to come and fill you, and He does. I guess it amazes me even more how hard I make it to just allow God to come in.
(sigh)
I don't feel very good today, I think my body's trying to catch a cold. I'm struggling with a lot of thoughts, and I can't quite get them straightened out...what's important and what's not...does any of it matter? Should I just stop myself from this never-ending struggle and move on? I'm not sure really, but I'm really hoping to find the answer soon. There are certain ways I want to be like, but I feel too lazy to even try them, and then by feeling lazy I kick myself in the tail. I want to be more involved with the kids, and the family as a whole, but I can't seem to find a peaceful way of going about doing this. It seems as though everytime I try, everything ends up in a hole of anger and frustration.
I thought I was supposed to start my new job today, but I guess they didn't have anything for me today. I'm supposed to call them tomorrow morning. Hopefully they have something for me then. It sucks because it starts all of these uneccessary worries and thoughts that just mess everything up other than just trying to trust God with our lives. I love God like crazy and it drives me nuts that I fall back with my trust. I think my problem today especially is that I don't feel good and with that comes a comfort-frustration all in its own. Today's a good day for praying your guts out, then stopping to listen and feel His grace.
I thought I was supposed to start my new job today, but I guess they didn't have anything for me today. I'm supposed to call them tomorrow morning. Hopefully they have something for me then. It sucks because it starts all of these uneccessary worries and thoughts that just mess everything up other than just trying to trust God with our lives. I love God like crazy and it drives me nuts that I fall back with my trust. I think my problem today especially is that I don't feel good and with that comes a comfort-frustration all in its own. Today's a good day for praying your guts out, then stopping to listen and feel His grace.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Our Prayer Space
Wow, my 24 hour prayer session is finished. That was hard, but totally worth it. During the night in the beginning was the best time to be there. We went through and annointed each space with oil, then we just started singing. All of my kids were asleep, so it was so peaceful and quiet.
What I found really awesome was that there was a small group of birds right outside that were singing all night.
We had a henna station, where you could henna yourself as you prayed. A prayer painting station where you can pray while you paint or paint your prayers out. There was a basket of scrap paper wher eyou could write out your prayers and place them on the wall, so others could pray it too. We had visuals set up all over, we even had a prayer session in the bathroom, where you can stand and look at yourself in the mirror, confess what you see and then pray to God and ask Him to reveal the truth and allow you to see it.
During the day it seemed to change, but that was okay. The older kids decided to become a part of it. Kiara prayed out loud, and Mikah wrote down some prayers. Plus they both decided to draw pictures for God and put them up on the wall. That was really neat to see.
What I found really awesome was that there was a small group of birds right outside that were singing all night.
We had a henna station, where you could henna yourself as you prayed. A prayer painting station where you can pray while you paint or paint your prayers out. There was a basket of scrap paper wher eyou could write out your prayers and place them on the wall, so others could pray it too. We had visuals set up all over, we even had a prayer session in the bathroom, where you can stand and look at yourself in the mirror, confess what you see and then pray to God and ask Him to reveal the truth and allow you to see it.
During the day it seemed to change, but that was okay. The older kids decided to become a part of it. Kiara prayed out loud, and Mikah wrote down some prayers. Plus they both decided to draw pictures for God and put them up on the wall. That was really neat to see.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Prayer....for..24 hours STRAIGHT??!!!!!??!!!!!!!???????
Tonight at midnight begins my 24 hour prayer session thingy-do. I'm kind of nervous. I feel as though I'm going to really learn something about myself through this, and in all honesty it scares the crap out of me. Whenever God has revealed something about me to me its been life changing, or at least mind changing, which is very good to have done, but man the process can be painful sometimes.
I'm also looking forward to the space of our place being changed, not really much physically, but spiritually. Granted this is house or shall I say apartment... that belongs to God, but during this time we will not only still lift it to Him, but ask for His beautiful voice and breath to be upon it, inside it and all around it.
I'm not sure who all reads my blog, but if any of you out there want/neep some prayer, you can email me at: kiwijasmyn[at]yahoo[dot]com
Now I best get off here so I can enjoy the day with my older kidlings, better do it before my next job starts.
I'm also looking forward to the space of our place being changed, not really much physically, but spiritually. Granted this is house or shall I say apartment... that belongs to God, but during this time we will not only still lift it to Him, but ask for His beautiful voice and breath to be upon it, inside it and all around it.
I'm not sure who all reads my blog, but if any of you out there want/neep some prayer, you can email me at: kiwijasmyn[at]yahoo[dot]com
Now I best get off here so I can enjoy the day with my older kidlings, better do it before my next job starts.
Monday, May 29, 2006
My handy Dandy Garage sale
Yeah, sometimes I even hate it when I get spontaneous. Yesterday I decided to have a garage sale today. I gathered up a ton of stuff and set it up outside. I made $15. Yeah not worth the trouble and energy, but we as a community are hoping to have another soon in a different location so at least I have everything picked out.
You know it truelly is amazing what you can live without....especially knickknacks and decorating items.
You know it truelly is amazing what you can live without....especially knickknacks and decorating items.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Shaving it up
The boys have mohawks.....it is awesome. They are so much cooler than I could ever be.
here's a title
I'm having a tense evening....I'm not totally sure why. The kids are running around doing their usual, but I just don't think this is the main source.
I feel as though I'm running towards something God is inspiring as well as pushing for, but I'm not clear as to what this is to become, or even be similar to. Many times I've wanted to just stop pursuing this "running" to just breathe. Unfortunately if I do that I really feel I would be jumping off of the course God really desires me to pursue. I just want to give God the deal of if He lets me know, then I'll continue....yeah..right. I wanted to cancel the 24 hour prayer session coming soon... but its mostly due to the fear of not being able to accomplish what it is He desires me to get from it. He is gracious and merciful, I know this. And because of this knowledge I will press on with the running. I need His courage and encouragement, as well as the faith to press on.
I also feel as though there's something I'm not doing, that I'm supposed to be doing. I am hopeful I will find this out and begin to fill this empty cup of mine by allowing Him to do so however He desires me to go about that....if that makes sense.
Here's to running off cliffs and flying helplessly into His arms. Thanks Justin for that picture.
I feel as though I'm running towards something God is inspiring as well as pushing for, but I'm not clear as to what this is to become, or even be similar to. Many times I've wanted to just stop pursuing this "running" to just breathe. Unfortunately if I do that I really feel I would be jumping off of the course God really desires me to pursue. I just want to give God the deal of if He lets me know, then I'll continue....yeah..right. I wanted to cancel the 24 hour prayer session coming soon... but its mostly due to the fear of not being able to accomplish what it is He desires me to get from it. He is gracious and merciful, I know this. And because of this knowledge I will press on with the running. I need His courage and encouragement, as well as the faith to press on.
I also feel as though there's something I'm not doing, that I'm supposed to be doing. I am hopeful I will find this out and begin to fill this empty cup of mine by allowing Him to do so however He desires me to go about that....if that makes sense.
Here's to running off cliffs and flying helplessly into His arms. Thanks Justin for that picture.
Friday, May 26, 2006
J-O-B
I no longer work at Michael's. It is now official. I'm very happy, but also very sad. This was the first place I've liked almost everyone. But it wasn't meant to be for me and my physical/emotional capabilities/happiness.
I was offered an interview for an office job today. Working 8a-2p 30 minutes away answering phones and handling clients. I turned it down. Yeah it "looks" better than cleaning up people's homes, but I wasn't at peace with it. I wouldn't have the flexibility, or the close driving, or the options of making more money....or the flexibility, yeah I'm really won over with that one alone.
I just feel really great about the contractor job. It was very nice to be encouraged though by another interview.
I was offered an interview for an office job today. Working 8a-2p 30 minutes away answering phones and handling clients. I turned it down. Yeah it "looks" better than cleaning up people's homes, but I wasn't at peace with it. I wouldn't have the flexibility, or the close driving, or the options of making more money....or the flexibility, yeah I'm really won over with that one alone.
I just feel really great about the contractor job. It was very nice to be encouraged though by another interview.
Bang bang, rub rub, blame blame
Mikah, Kiara, and Asa were outside playing. Mikah was riding his bike while the other two chased him. It was working out really well until Asa got too close, so Mikah turned right over Kiara's feet causing her to trip and cut up her knee pretty bad. I finally got everyone back inside the apartment, and the whole time Kiara is screaming out all of her pain and fear. As I go get the clean-up-boo-boo-kit I hear Asa starting to cry with her. I though this was a cute way for him to show some kind of sympathy towards his older sis....I was wrong. He took off his shoes, and there was a big blister on the side of his foot where the shoe was rubbing. Ouch. So I had both of them screaming out their anguish and pains, then I turn to ask Mikah for help. HE's got his arms crossed and a very hurt facial expression and he's sniffling. "It's all my fault! I hurt everybody!"
Oh my goodness gracious......calm down mom, he's really beating himself up about this...calm down mom, these kids are hurt...calm down mom pretty bandaids cure everything.
I talk with Mikah as I do the bandaging of the kidlings. Everyone survived, and all is well. And the coolest thing of all other than no broken bones, is that I was able to keep my cool, instead of screaming like they were.
Oh my goodness gracious......calm down mom, he's really beating himself up about this...calm down mom, these kids are hurt...calm down mom pretty bandaids cure everything.
I talk with Mikah as I do the bandaging of the kidlings. Everyone survived, and all is well. And the coolest thing of all other than no broken bones, is that I was able to keep my cool, instead of screaming like they were.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
In The Breakroom
I was chilling out in the breakroom with my friend where she turned on the t.v. to watch this Spanish version of Jerry Springer. On there was a prostitute who fell in love with her pimp. Wow, I can't even begin to understand the mindset of the situations these people find themselves in. It breaks my heart, human trafficking, prostitution, and the point of confusion where these woman believe its not only okay, but exciting as well. I don't curl my nose in disgust at these people, but I sure have a softened heart to pray for them all. Even the pimps, even though that in itself will be a trial, they still have a soft spot with God.
I'm so thankful I am able to pray for them.
I'm so thankful I am able to pray for them.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
My jobby-job
I now have a new jobby-job! Yeah buddy! I'm an independent contractor for Shannon's personal services. I will do house cleaning work, and all that jazzy-do. I'm really excited about this, because I make my own hours, and days which is awesome so I can plan to do my relationship building, and some family strengthening.
I'll get paid decent in the the beginning, but after awhile I get raises and bonuses, as well am able to accept tips. What's really cool about this job is that it's a definite God-given job. It really has His signature written all over it. First of all I would have never applied to this kind of job, not because of pride, but mostly because of the bad representation of pay these hard workers get. Well I was looiking through the employment guide, and as I scanned over it, something struck my curiosity about it. All it said was housekeepers needed, and then the number, but it really stuck out to me. Well I called and talked with the lady on the phone, who was pleasant and she asked if I could come in for an interview this morning. Wow....really? So I was curious, and I asked what I needed to bring, she said a liscense and a social security card. Really...wow they must need people bad, is what I was thinking.
I go in and I read a couple of pages about who they are, what they do, and all that, and I felt really impressed, and even more curious. So I sat down and talked with her some more, then she laid it all out for me, asked me if I was interested in doing the job, and I just felt extremely comfortable with saying yes.....so I did. Wow. I got a job. and I'm my own boss. Cool.
I'll get paid decent in the the beginning, but after awhile I get raises and bonuses, as well am able to accept tips. What's really cool about this job is that it's a definite God-given job. It really has His signature written all over it. First of all I would have never applied to this kind of job, not because of pride, but mostly because of the bad representation of pay these hard workers get. Well I was looiking through the employment guide, and as I scanned over it, something struck my curiosity about it. All it said was housekeepers needed, and then the number, but it really stuck out to me. Well I called and talked with the lady on the phone, who was pleasant and she asked if I could come in for an interview this morning. Wow....really? So I was curious, and I asked what I needed to bring, she said a liscense and a social security card. Really...wow they must need people bad, is what I was thinking.
I go in and I read a couple of pages about who they are, what they do, and all that, and I felt really impressed, and even more curious. So I sat down and talked with her some more, then she laid it all out for me, asked me if I was interested in doing the job, and I just felt extremely comfortable with saying yes.....so I did. Wow. I got a job. and I'm my own boss. Cool.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
my day of today
I went job hunting today.....I hate this process...with a passion. But good news on the horizon, I have a job interview for a house keeping position for places in my area. This is encouraging, so I thank God and press on.
I checked out 7 eleven....just because its super close. The manager there was giving me the process of how to get hired there, and man.....they have got a lllloooonnnnngggg process. It amazes me people actually go through it to work there.
I wrote a song today with my friend Andrew, it was very cool. I've never written a song with someone's music before, it was fun. Probably won't be famous, but it would be great for worship at church.
now i get to figure out some online applications. yay.
I checked out 7 eleven....just because its super close. The manager there was giving me the process of how to get hired there, and man.....they have got a lllloooonnnnngggg process. It amazes me people actually go through it to work there.
I wrote a song today with my friend Andrew, it was very cool. I've never written a song with someone's music before, it was fun. Probably won't be famous, but it would be great for worship at church.
now i get to figure out some online applications. yay.
Monday, May 22, 2006
No A/C, No scents
This is just weird in so many different ways. When our air conditioner blows, its has a bad habit of blowing air scents from other apartments. There was once an apartment above us being painted and it scented our place for two weeks.....yuck. Between the scent of cigarettes and cat territorial scents, we now have a new scent....skunk.
What the....how the....why the.....?????
Yeah, this is getting ridiculous.
What the....how the....why the.....?????
Yeah, this is getting ridiculous.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Something to say...beware
I keep finding myself in the paths of people who thrive on gaining information just for the gaining instead of the appreciation of what is actually being said, then trying it out. This Jesus guy.....complicated, right? His radical ideas of how to love people and how to reach people, then top that off with His explanation of His life, His communication with the Father, and why He was here and is here. If that wasn't mind boggling enough, then we might as well throw in about the in-betweenies of why it all had to happen that way.
I apologize for any misunderstandings for the above. What I want to say is simple, but complicated...just like the Big Jesus guy.
*Love each other, love each other openly like you are best friends, totally unconditionally through thick and thin, burnt and crispy. This is very simple and understanding to say and hear, but doing it is the hardest thing to ever accomplish. To expose ourselves like that to allow someone to love us is rough, but also to love someone that drives you crazy, you don't 'click' with, that you never met......wow, that's difficult. Will we succeed thoroughly, probably not, we aren't Jesus, but through Him we can learn how to if we ask and then trust that He will provide.
*Keep your understanding of Jesus in simple, plain language. Have that kind of explanation available....you'll never know who will need that, instead of the large theologian explanation. I never knew Jesus to speak to people in a way they couldn't understand them, this is one of the biggest reasons He spoke in parables a lot of the times. We drop our seeds everywhere, whether it be at church, here on our blogs/emails, in the grocery store, on our death bed. We are living our testimonies. Now that you have a simple explanation, ask God to use it....to use you.
*The last thing I need to say and really press on is limiting God. Wow....how in the heck can we do this??? He is the maker, controller, the creator...HE IS IT! How in the world is it possible for us to put limitations on HIM???
Do we ever stop God from doing His thing? No, but we have a say on whether or not we are a part of it. I'm not sure about you, but I don't want to miss out on nothing! Anytime that I can be a little grain of sand in God's ginormous plan, I'm all about it. We have choices to make, to jump or not when He calls, to help that mean old lady that always screams at us, when she drops her things in the road, to give a homeless man some food and drink, to listen to someone's tears and lend a shoulder, but also to not seek His desires for you. And believe me when I say this, He has grand desires for you. When you are out of a job, or have a ministry that is struggling, or a relationship tearing apart, have the faith to ask Him to be in it totally! Also have the faith to believe He can and will help. Want to serve God, but can't find a way to do so? Ask God to drop it in your lap! Whatever He may have in mind.
I do want to add, from my own experience, that God has a huge sense of humor, so any specifics are good, just keep in mind while asking, He's got humor too.
Got kid/s? Young mothers/parents have a hard time when their children are young feeling as though they are serving God. Its hard, every hour of everyday is unexpectable, unplanned, and almost chaotic. Kids are screaming, running all over the place, making messes, taking off their diapers, and smacking each other....wow how am I going to find the time to do the dishes...(sniff sniff) or bathe myself! HEE HEE! Let alone do some kind of ministry or free up the time to do God work.
Now with those images in your head, take a breath...no take several relaxing breaths.
Ready? |
|
|
\|/
Those kids are your very own little disciples. You are the biggest influence in their lives...if you choose to be such.
I struggle with this still. Dang it, my baby still jabbers at me! How can I have a real conversation with him!?! I just talk to him, like any other kid, but the real deal is going to be when he is older in an understanding age. Bring Jesus and God up now, and keep doing so, then when speach comes, the questions will too, and that's when it gets really awesome.
Also, live missionally together as a family. Have people over for meals, tea/coffee, games(this is a great way to get to know people and have fun!), just reach out. You know that one person that just looks lonely, you may just have a hello, and goodbye relationship with....invite them over for something....movie, henna, games, kid play. Some other way for parents to get out and about is by allowing their kids to be ice breakers with people. Kids are awesome for this...they are naturals at it. They don't even have to try! I don't suggest going out to eat at restaurants... its expensive, stressful, and can be very distracting and loud. Home gatherings are far more personal, cheaper, and enjoyable. It also seems to be a great way of showing someone's importance to that person when you invite them into your home. Can't afford a meal, get a potluck going where everyone brings something. not enough table space? Have a picnic on the floor, in your yard, on your porch.
Okay, wow, that was a lot.
By the way: As of right now, my toddler thinks its really cool to stand on his chair, jump, then in midair roll so when he hits the floor he'll be on his stomach instead of his back. better go.
I apologize for any misunderstandings for the above. What I want to say is simple, but complicated...just like the Big Jesus guy.
*Love each other, love each other openly like you are best friends, totally unconditionally through thick and thin, burnt and crispy. This is very simple and understanding to say and hear, but doing it is the hardest thing to ever accomplish. To expose ourselves like that to allow someone to love us is rough, but also to love someone that drives you crazy, you don't 'click' with, that you never met......wow, that's difficult. Will we succeed thoroughly, probably not, we aren't Jesus, but through Him we can learn how to if we ask and then trust that He will provide.
*Keep your understanding of Jesus in simple, plain language. Have that kind of explanation available....you'll never know who will need that, instead of the large theologian explanation. I never knew Jesus to speak to people in a way they couldn't understand them, this is one of the biggest reasons He spoke in parables a lot of the times. We drop our seeds everywhere, whether it be at church, here on our blogs/emails, in the grocery store, on our death bed. We are living our testimonies. Now that you have a simple explanation, ask God to use it....to use you.
*The last thing I need to say and really press on is limiting God. Wow....how in the heck can we do this??? He is the maker, controller, the creator...HE IS IT! How in the world is it possible for us to put limitations on HIM???
Do we ever stop God from doing His thing? No, but we have a say on whether or not we are a part of it. I'm not sure about you, but I don't want to miss out on nothing! Anytime that I can be a little grain of sand in God's ginormous plan, I'm all about it. We have choices to make, to jump or not when He calls, to help that mean old lady that always screams at us, when she drops her things in the road, to give a homeless man some food and drink, to listen to someone's tears and lend a shoulder, but also to not seek His desires for you. And believe me when I say this, He has grand desires for you. When you are out of a job, or have a ministry that is struggling, or a relationship tearing apart, have the faith to ask Him to be in it totally! Also have the faith to believe He can and will help. Want to serve God, but can't find a way to do so? Ask God to drop it in your lap! Whatever He may have in mind.
I do want to add, from my own experience, that God has a huge sense of humor, so any specifics are good, just keep in mind while asking, He's got humor too.
Got kid/s? Young mothers/parents have a hard time when their children are young feeling as though they are serving God. Its hard, every hour of everyday is unexpectable, unplanned, and almost chaotic. Kids are screaming, running all over the place, making messes, taking off their diapers, and smacking each other....wow how am I going to find the time to do the dishes...(sniff sniff) or bathe myself! HEE HEE! Let alone do some kind of ministry or free up the time to do God work.
Now with those images in your head, take a breath...no take several relaxing breaths.
Ready? |
|
|
\|/
Those kids are your very own little disciples. You are the biggest influence in their lives...if you choose to be such.
I struggle with this still. Dang it, my baby still jabbers at me! How can I have a real conversation with him!?! I just talk to him, like any other kid, but the real deal is going to be when he is older in an understanding age. Bring Jesus and God up now, and keep doing so, then when speach comes, the questions will too, and that's when it gets really awesome.
Also, live missionally together as a family. Have people over for meals, tea/coffee, games(this is a great way to get to know people and have fun!), just reach out. You know that one person that just looks lonely, you may just have a hello, and goodbye relationship with....invite them over for something....movie, henna, games, kid play. Some other way for parents to get out and about is by allowing their kids to be ice breakers with people. Kids are awesome for this...they are naturals at it. They don't even have to try! I don't suggest going out to eat at restaurants... its expensive, stressful, and can be very distracting and loud. Home gatherings are far more personal, cheaper, and enjoyable. It also seems to be a great way of showing someone's importance to that person when you invite them into your home. Can't afford a meal, get a potluck going where everyone brings something. not enough table space? Have a picnic on the floor, in your yard, on your porch.
Okay, wow, that was a lot.
By the way: As of right now, my toddler thinks its really cool to stand on his chair, jump, then in midair roll so when he hits the floor he'll be on his stomach instead of his back. better go.
I'm surrounded
Kiara, Asa, and Scott are now sickly, bummer. I've had to give Kiara breathing treatments from her inhaler, and Asa's just whiny, crying and very fussy. Scott got it too, so I'm trying to make sure he gets his rest. Luckily he had yesterday off, but tonight he goes in. Lots of lemon and honey water. I've been sure to take my vitamin C often.....I don't want to get this.
At church we are doing story tellings instead of teachings....which is a great way of doing a teaching by learning from someone's testimony. Its a break to stop and smell the flowers of everyone, to stop moving forward and find out in every aspect possible what's growing, how it's growing, and where its growing to. It's also very awesome for us because we don't really know everyone's story, and this is a great way of finding out.
I'm trying to learn how to rely totally on God, this is a life-long process and a series of events, but in this season and this moment that's what's up. Trust Him to provide, trust Him totally to guide me. It can get challenging, but I press on with giving Him my concerns and worries. How He has taken care of us in the past has been amazing, why am I worried now? What's funny is that I'm not really stressing right now, but I see the fear coming somehow, anticipation sucks. But its good that I see it coming, so I can prepare for it and try to push it away as soon as possible.
Cheers to the Faith!
At church we are doing story tellings instead of teachings....which is a great way of doing a teaching by learning from someone's testimony. Its a break to stop and smell the flowers of everyone, to stop moving forward and find out in every aspect possible what's growing, how it's growing, and where its growing to. It's also very awesome for us because we don't really know everyone's story, and this is a great way of finding out.
I'm trying to learn how to rely totally on God, this is a life-long process and a series of events, but in this season and this moment that's what's up. Trust Him to provide, trust Him totally to guide me. It can get challenging, but I press on with giving Him my concerns and worries. How He has taken care of us in the past has been amazing, why am I worried now? What's funny is that I'm not really stressing right now, but I see the fear coming somehow, anticipation sucks. But its good that I see it coming, so I can prepare for it and try to push it away as soon as possible.
Cheers to the Faith!
Friday, May 19, 2006
Boom Baby!
So I was playing around at work, on my break (I'm responsible and mature ;) and I took a big leap in pretending we were running from our boss, and as I did, my knee popped really loud and burned with sharp pains running through my leg. Bummer. No Bueno. I have knee issues anyways, but now I can't kneel or keep it totally straight. If its killing me tomorrow I'll have to go to get it checked out. Let me tell ya, with three trucks next week to unload, this is going to suck if I can't get it better.
So I made my soup-stuff. I couldn't get Mary's mixin', so I threw in some stuff by smell....with Scott looking at me very wearily. I also threw in some pinto beans and potatoes.....this stuff is awesome! Especially with a tad sprinkle fo cheese. I left the hamburger out, in case Scott would actually eat it.
I have a week left at work.....wowza. I'm really glad, we are starting to have three trucks a week again starting this coming week, my last...yay. I can't do that crap anymore. My body barely works as it is at home, but when you mix that into it...nothing. No power, no energy. I actually tend to feel in the negative.
I started doing prayer scribbles in my sketch book. Its been very fun and interesting. I can't wait til we do 24 hours straight of prayer here. I want to set up, music, painting stuff, beading, tons of paper and wall space. There will also be a designated room for solitude, if I can find a babysitter.
So I made my soup-stuff. I couldn't get Mary's mixin', so I threw in some stuff by smell....with Scott looking at me very wearily. I also threw in some pinto beans and potatoes.....this stuff is awesome! Especially with a tad sprinkle fo cheese. I left the hamburger out, in case Scott would actually eat it.
I have a week left at work.....wowza. I'm really glad, we are starting to have three trucks a week again starting this coming week, my last...yay. I can't do that crap anymore. My body barely works as it is at home, but when you mix that into it...nothing. No power, no energy. I actually tend to feel in the negative.
I started doing prayer scribbles in my sketch book. Its been very fun and interesting. I can't wait til we do 24 hours straight of prayer here. I want to set up, music, painting stuff, beading, tons of paper and wall space. There will also be a designated room for solitude, if I can find a babysitter.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
there's no turning back
Okay, two of my books have arrived today......here we go group of pages....teach me something, guide my brain God with this pile of pages....let me finish them.
heeh hee hee! This is just hilarious to me. I always pick on Scott for his book addiction, and here I am.....oh well. A friend of mine had one of these books, and I read a bit of it and peaked at it, and I just knew there was something in there I needed to get. Then I researched other books by him on the same subject, and felt the same. By the way, if you knew me, you would know that books just aren't my thing, between kids, prior-bird-awakening work hours, the house and everything else, I just can't focus and study. So far, I've been able to read around the kids, luckily my purse is big enough to fit them in there.
So I think I just cooked a cow and a half just now. Gross. I haven't cooked beef in forever, let alone ate it. It'll be good for what I'm about to make. I'm going to have some rice, cook it in tomatoe paste and diced tomatoes with and hamburger chopped zuccini with the seasonings of crushed red pepper, and my friend, Mary's spice mix she makes....yummy.
heeh hee hee! This is just hilarious to me. I always pick on Scott for his book addiction, and here I am.....oh well. A friend of mine had one of these books, and I read a bit of it and peaked at it, and I just knew there was something in there I needed to get. Then I researched other books by him on the same subject, and felt the same. By the way, if you knew me, you would know that books just aren't my thing, between kids, prior-bird-awakening work hours, the house and everything else, I just can't focus and study. So far, I've been able to read around the kids, luckily my purse is big enough to fit them in there.
So I think I just cooked a cow and a half just now. Gross. I haven't cooked beef in forever, let alone ate it. It'll be good for what I'm about to make. I'm going to have some rice, cook it in tomatoe paste and diced tomatoes with and hamburger chopped zuccini with the seasonings of crushed red pepper, and my friend, Mary's spice mix she makes....yummy.
waffles...yummy
man I wish i had energy to cook more often. I made some waffles this morning, and they were good. I think I'm the only one who fully appreciated them, but that's ok...they were good!
I'm looking forward to my last day at work, its going to be interesting, yet also a sense of freedom. Everyone there is making me promise to come and have lunch breaks with them, that feels good. God has truely worked in that place with those people, and boy were the seeds planted. Now to trust God with the growing and make a habit of going for lunch there.
I'm looking forward to my last day at work, its going to be interesting, yet also a sense of freedom. Everyone there is making me promise to come and have lunch breaks with them, that feels good. God has truely worked in that place with those people, and boy were the seeds planted. Now to trust God with the growing and make a habit of going for lunch there.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
My Interview results
Well, I didn't get the job at Richland College, which is okay, because I didn't want it unless it was my next step....seems like God has something else in mind. There may still be other possiblities at the college, but I may not hear from that for awhile.
I'm actually excited, though, even though I didn't get it. God's working for me, and that just feels good. I'll find something soon enough...we'll be taken care of, we always have been tight in His arms. I can't wait to see what He has in store for us!
I'm actually excited, though, even though I didn't get it. God's working for me, and that just feels good. I'll find something soon enough...we'll be taken care of, we always have been tight in His arms. I can't wait to see what He has in store for us!
stepping back to breathe
What is it with this month? I've blogged more than I have before, I've experienced God more, I've got so many changes going on all around me....wowza! Also, I've been experienceing challenges, I never thought would ever be an issue. Just thought I would step back and look at it.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
feeling better
I'm sure no one has read the post below yet....if not....read that one first and this one will make a bit more ssense....if that's possible!
I feel better. I had a nap and woke up to a call of encouragement. God totally knew what I needed. I guess I was struggling with something that isn't even mine to struggle with....not yet anyhow.
I've actually ordered some books for myself....this is a rare thing....I don't know how to read.....ok so maybe I do. But the reason why its so rare is because I never really have much time by myself to just read...some books, like harry potter, i can read around the kids, but that's because i don't need to study it. these are the kind to study and learn from. They are written by a DTS professor. I'm very excited about them.
I've been really digging The Restoration Project . It's been so refreshing to me...especially the latter part of the album. Those are some good lyrics.
I feel better. I had a nap and woke up to a call of encouragement. God totally knew what I needed. I guess I was struggling with something that isn't even mine to struggle with....not yet anyhow.
I've actually ordered some books for myself....this is a rare thing....I don't know how to read.....ok so maybe I do. But the reason why its so rare is because I never really have much time by myself to just read...some books, like harry potter, i can read around the kids, but that's because i don't need to study it. these are the kind to study and learn from. They are written by a DTS professor. I'm very excited about them.
I've been really digging The Restoration Project . It's been so refreshing to me...especially the latter part of the album. Those are some good lyrics.
woooooo
Man, I'm feeling very discouraged today. I feel like I can't blog what I feel I need to or want to, because I don't ......I don't even friggin know. I'm tempted to just stop blogging all together....but then I would feel like I'm giving in. Into what, who the hell knows. I feel angry, depressed and like plain crud because of it too. I want to just shut down....stop talking about things ....and just deal with it by myself. But that would suck, this is not why God says we need to live in community. I just have soooo much anxiety in me right now, and it keeps building. I'm sooooo damn sick of being like this. I'm tired of my emotions right now. Why can't I just take a break from them?
I think I need a nap and a clear head, then tomorrow I will move forwards instead of miles behind me.
thanks for listening.
I think I need a nap and a clear head, then tomorrow I will move forwards instead of miles behind me.
thanks for listening.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Wrestling
Last night went very well, I feel like I accomplished a step God needed me to take to move forward. I told my story last night. Forgive me for not getting pictures or my story up soon. I'm trying, but most of the time I have to ttype quick and get off the computer quick....three kids, ya know.
Anyways, since I have given my story, the whole group prayed for Scott and I and our family's ministry and what it will become.....that felt soooooooo good. Today, I am very overwhelmed with the push to go go go, but my question is what, what, how. I feel kind of scattered with excitement and confusion. I wish I could answer the question: Where do you see yourself in ten years? ; without just "Wherever God puts us"
I want specifics! I want to know! Hee hee. But that may not reveal itself until that very time comes. I'm ok with that, but today I'm just wrestling with my thoughts and mixing them with God's guidance.
What these next couple of months hold that I need prayers for:
-finding a new job that God is preparing for me
-I have a meeting with the Ministers of Missions May 24th, where I'm hoping to let them know our hopes, desires, and outreach/church planting with the hopes of their support
-I want to once or twice have a 24 hour period in this house that has a constant prayer going, I pray we can find a babysitter also. I have always had it in my heart to do 24/7 prayer, but this is my baby step which feels ginormous!
-Henna parties, small and big, some with food, some with snacks, some with a movie
-movie nights, game nights, girl makeover nights...whatever
-conversational day....this needs to happen soon...pray that the people who need to be there to talk and hear openly conversations about who this Jesus guy is, will be there
Not sure what else.....I'll keep you posted.
thanks much to you all, much love to ya
I know i
Anyways, since I have given my story, the whole group prayed for Scott and I and our family's ministry and what it will become.....that felt soooooooo good. Today, I am very overwhelmed with the push to go go go, but my question is what, what, how. I feel kind of scattered with excitement and confusion. I wish I could answer the question: Where do you see yourself in ten years? ; without just "Wherever God puts us"
I want specifics! I want to know! Hee hee. But that may not reveal itself until that very time comes. I'm ok with that, but today I'm just wrestling with my thoughts and mixing them with God's guidance.
What these next couple of months hold that I need prayers for:
-finding a new job that God is preparing for me
-I have a meeting with the Ministers of Missions May 24th, where I'm hoping to let them know our hopes, desires, and outreach/church planting with the hopes of their support
-I want to once or twice have a 24 hour period in this house that has a constant prayer going, I pray we can find a babysitter also. I have always had it in my heart to do 24/7 prayer, but this is my baby step which feels ginormous!
-Henna parties, small and big, some with food, some with snacks, some with a movie
-movie nights, game nights, girl makeover nights...whatever
-conversational day....this needs to happen soon...pray that the people who need to be there to talk and hear openly conversations about who this Jesus guy is, will be there
Not sure what else.....I'll keep you posted.
thanks much to you all, much love to ya
I know i
Friday, May 12, 2006
My Interview
My interview went very well, I think. I left feeling highly encouraged and excited about it. I also felt they were on that same page. I should find out Wednesday by the latest.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Art, Beads, and Jazz
Wow, what a long, but great day. It's long because I worked, great for a number of reasons. Scott took the kids to the park and they had a blast. Then I got the kids ready to go downtown to the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art for some foods of Polynesia, Feng Shui beading (not a fan, but it is interesting and fun to make an anklet), watched some hula dancing, and Kiara and I even joined the dancers at the end! Next we crossed the street to go to the Dallas Musuem of Art to listen to a group of live jazz musicians rock with their instruments. We took a break from the front stage sound and had a quick run-thru of the museum, then went back out for some more jazzy-dooo. What's even more awesome about this night was it only cost us $6 for parking......that's it! It made me really appreciate living in a big city.
It was a good night.
It was a good night.
Let me just say God rocks......God Rocks
Okay, so I just left my 2.5 week notice with Michael's Arts ans Crafts the day before yesterday. Well that day I received an email about a job at Richland College for a part time morning person at the test center. I sent my resume via email, and they just called setting up an interview for tomorrow morning at 9:10am . Even though there's no certainties, its still great encouragement.
All willing, please pray with me about it. What is truelly on my heart to do is church plant/outreach ministry with the fam....or plain english to organic folks: build strong relationships throughout our community with Christ smack-dab in the center, in hopes to spread Him contageously through His light, while helping those in need of food, health stuff, a good shoulder to cry on, a family to laugh and celebrate with, an ear for ventilation, and just a caring community.
I just pray that God's hand will be in it...whatever...wherever, but it would be cool for our family's dream/desires to come to reality.
All willing, please pray with me about it. What is truelly on my heart to do is church plant/outreach ministry with the fam....or plain english to organic folks: build strong relationships throughout our community with Christ smack-dab in the center, in hopes to spread Him contageously through His light, while helping those in need of food, health stuff, a good shoulder to cry on, a family to laugh and celebrate with, an ear for ventilation, and just a caring community.
I just pray that God's hand will be in it...whatever...wherever, but it would be cool for our family's dream/desires to come to reality.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
We Are Now Hennafied
Man, these parties just keep getting better and better! We had five new people come to this one and it simply rocked! I think we had all together 12 people in and out, and out of those only one ended the party without a tattoo, by his own choice ( we sure did try though;) My friend Andrew came with his guitar and played us some of his music.....by the way he ROCKS on his guitar! We are hoping to get together and make up some worship music....that would be sooo cool. A girl who came last time, brought a friend this time.
There was food, soda, great conversation, good laughs, and henna with God right in the center of it all.... what more do you need in life? Next henna party coming to a Miller house soon near you, well if you live in Dallas.
Pics coming soon if I can ever find that darn upload cord....hmmm.
There was food, soda, great conversation, good laughs, and henna with God right in the center of it all.... what more do you need in life? Next henna party coming to a Miller house soon near you, well if you live in Dallas.
Pics coming soon if I can ever find that darn upload cord....hmmm.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Write, Tell, All God
My heart is going every which way it can right now, but my mind is desiring to rush things. I need unity here of them both to move forward.....that's just how I'm built. God's teaching me how. I need to just write everything down....plain an simple. Write out my prayers, my ideas, my to-do lists, everything. write write write. I need to be able to look at it all so it doesn't seem/feel so heavy. I've noticed that once I write it down, it all doesn't seem/feel so heavy. Some of it is really big stuff that may take me days, or even months to accomplish, but at least I have something to help my focus and to give relief to this overwhelming feeling that its all impossible. Baby steps.
On another note, its been soooooo amazing seeing God at work in our lives and those around us. It's thrilling to be a part of it, as well as to hear about it. Our church is starting to have people come and tell their stories of how God has/is working in their lives. I'm really excited to learn more about people and how He is moving. When they asked for volunteers for someone to be first next Saturday, I was not okay with being first out of shyness a bit, but mostly because my story is a bit overwhelming to myself at times. But no one quickly spoke up, and I felt the leading to just do it..... so my story is next Saturday. I'm okay with it now, just need a little planning for the audience's understanding. After Saturday, I plan to post it. It will be very interesting to travel through my past and watch again what God has done and is doing.
I went into urgent care the night before last. My stomach was burning and having sharp pains through it. I couldn't take it anymore, so I went. It turns out that I have a peptic ulcer, which I pretty much knew, considering I have had three in my teenage years. What's so funny is my friend, Julie, sent me a book to read called Encourage me, which she just grabbed off the shelf. Well, as I was skimming though it, I caught a part talking about calling for help, so I stopped and read it. At the bottom it said,"Since when is a bleeding ulcer a sign of spirituality?"
I laughed out loud..funny stuff, great coincidence, yet it wouldn't be surprising if it were all God, because the message I got from it was much needed to hear about my job situation and all.
On another note, its been soooooo amazing seeing God at work in our lives and those around us. It's thrilling to be a part of it, as well as to hear about it. Our church is starting to have people come and tell their stories of how God has/is working in their lives. I'm really excited to learn more about people and how He is moving. When they asked for volunteers for someone to be first next Saturday, I was not okay with being first out of shyness a bit, but mostly because my story is a bit overwhelming to myself at times. But no one quickly spoke up, and I felt the leading to just do it..... so my story is next Saturday. I'm okay with it now, just need a little planning for the audience's understanding. After Saturday, I plan to post it. It will be very interesting to travel through my past and watch again what God has done and is doing.
I went into urgent care the night before last. My stomach was burning and having sharp pains through it. I couldn't take it anymore, so I went. It turns out that I have a peptic ulcer, which I pretty much knew, considering I have had three in my teenage years. What's so funny is my friend, Julie, sent me a book to read called Encourage me, which she just grabbed off the shelf. Well, as I was skimming though it, I caught a part talking about calling for help, so I stopped and read it. At the bottom it said,"Since when is a bleeding ulcer a sign of spirituality?"
I laughed out loud..funny stuff, great coincidence, yet it wouldn't be surprising if it were all God, because the message I got from it was much needed to hear about my job situation and all.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
A message
I read somewhere today a saying/statement: "If you were willing to die with Him, then why not be willing to live with Him?"
Huh....so much said in so little words. I can't seem to shake it, so I'll flow with it.
So here are my questions for you:
Is it easier to die (totally give yourself) for Christ, than it is to try to live in Him? Why?
What does it take to die for Christ?
What does it take for you to live in Him?
To give yourself fully, your life, your behavior, your whole self......that's serious business. So why stop there after you jump? Why not grow in Him and see the beauty after the grave...see the true light and true life..how it was meant to be? I was stuck in the ground after giving my life to Christ for quite the while. I had the passion, but was afraid of using it due to lack of understanding my faith, being so new. So I just dwindled a little while. Finally I started to seek a little. Got into daily duties at a local church and searched for His face. I found myself still hungry and starved for something more than that. I need to hear His voice....to see His face.... To learn more.
For our family, it took a huge leap of faith by moving half across the country...we couldn't stand to stave anymore. We needed to experience His promises, His Church, but most of all His FREEDOM.
A man is crawling on his hands and knees. He's got stones and blistering boulders on his back. He's barely moving. He sees a light, and learns he doesn't have to carry this load anymore, he doesn't have to be burnt anymore, he doesn't have to crawl anymore. He can just drop off his weight with a choice to rust that it will be taken and that this is the only way for it to be taken from him. So he decides.....he trusts this and drops the load at the light. He sighs, he breathes better, he's finally free of that burden.....and then crawls forward.
Why didn't he stand up, run, jump for joy, dance or whatever he couldn't do before? Because he was so use to being on his knees.....carrying all that weight and pain. Just to be relieved of that was huge! So why move on? Why not be totally satified with just that? BECAUSE THERE'S SOOOO MUCH MORE GOD CRAVES FOR YOU! He wants to not only help you every way He can, but He wants a very close relationship with you. Don't get me wrong, the lifting of burdens and forgiveness of sins through atonement is no little thing at all. But here's a God who wants to Give you more...it pleases Him to do so, and in that you'll get an outstanding relationship with Him.
Seek the trust, truth, faith, love, and freedom my friends.
Huh....so much said in so little words. I can't seem to shake it, so I'll flow with it.
So here are my questions for you:
Is it easier to die (totally give yourself) for Christ, than it is to try to live in Him? Why?
What does it take to die for Christ?
What does it take for you to live in Him?
To give yourself fully, your life, your behavior, your whole self......that's serious business. So why stop there after you jump? Why not grow in Him and see the beauty after the grave...see the true light and true life..how it was meant to be? I was stuck in the ground after giving my life to Christ for quite the while. I had the passion, but was afraid of using it due to lack of understanding my faith, being so new. So I just dwindled a little while. Finally I started to seek a little. Got into daily duties at a local church and searched for His face. I found myself still hungry and starved for something more than that. I need to hear His voice....to see His face.... To learn more.
For our family, it took a huge leap of faith by moving half across the country...we couldn't stand to stave anymore. We needed to experience His promises, His Church, but most of all His FREEDOM.
A man is crawling on his hands and knees. He's got stones and blistering boulders on his back. He's barely moving. He sees a light, and learns he doesn't have to carry this load anymore, he doesn't have to be burnt anymore, he doesn't have to crawl anymore. He can just drop off his weight with a choice to rust that it will be taken and that this is the only way for it to be taken from him. So he decides.....he trusts this and drops the load at the light. He sighs, he breathes better, he's finally free of that burden.....and then crawls forward.
Why didn't he stand up, run, jump for joy, dance or whatever he couldn't do before? Because he was so use to being on his knees.....carrying all that weight and pain. Just to be relieved of that was huge! So why move on? Why not be totally satified with just that? BECAUSE THERE'S SOOOO MUCH MORE GOD CRAVES FOR YOU! He wants to not only help you every way He can, but He wants a very close relationship with you. Don't get me wrong, the lifting of burdens and forgiveness of sins through atonement is no little thing at all. But here's a God who wants to Give you more...it pleases Him to do so, and in that you'll get an outstanding relationship with Him.
Seek the trust, truth, faith, love, and freedom my friends.
A decent day with great conversation
Today was good. I went into work 45 minutes late, kind of on purpose due to an important conversation with Scott on top of sleeping in a tad. It was good though. I never do that or call in, so they were okay at work, plus I got to have a time with just Scott and myself talking.
I was at work, tired, and just plain bored, but still keeping busy, and these three girls started asking me a little about henna and when my next party was going to be. These are three girls I've never worked with much because they are new to the crew. They also haven't been to one, so it sounds like the next one will be a big one. I'm so friggin' excited. Tuesday will hopefully be the day, just pray that the black henna pen comes in, before then. Its on its way.
Jenny from church came over to help out with the kids mercifully and graciously. She survived the craziness of what can come about of the Miller kids, one without a nap. Very brave Jenny. She did excellent with the kids, and we had some good conversation too.
Also the past day or so, Danae has been in email conversation about our desires to do outreach/ministry/live as/live with/just be us as a family , as well as asking about my prayer life. Its very good to be questioned things about how and why you do/live....it helps you focus on truth, reality, but also guides you into the knowledge of what's really important and teaches you about you. I'm grateful for all her questions, it helps me maintain my focus on Christ in everything....exactly where it should be.
Good day full of great conversaton and ideas. Thanks for coming along.
I was at work, tired, and just plain bored, but still keeping busy, and these three girls started asking me a little about henna and when my next party was going to be. These are three girls I've never worked with much because they are new to the crew. They also haven't been to one, so it sounds like the next one will be a big one. I'm so friggin' excited. Tuesday will hopefully be the day, just pray that the black henna pen comes in, before then. Its on its way.
Jenny from church came over to help out with the kids mercifully and graciously. She survived the craziness of what can come about of the Miller kids, one without a nap. Very brave Jenny. She did excellent with the kids, and we had some good conversation too.
Also the past day or so, Danae has been in email conversation about our desires to do outreach/ministry/live as/live with/just be us as a family , as well as asking about my prayer life. Its very good to be questioned things about how and why you do/live....it helps you focus on truth, reality, but also guides you into the knowledge of what's really important and teaches you about you. I'm grateful for all her questions, it helps me maintain my focus on Christ in everything....exactly where it should be.
Good day full of great conversaton and ideas. Thanks for coming along.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
CAN't....ugh....KEEP it....ugh..To---geth---er !
Wow, this was a definite go-go-go-go-go-go-go-go-stop-breath-go-go day. I've been on the phone all day, on top of taking ALL THREE KIDS TO THE DENTIST, and faxing important stuff at UPS, then back on the phone.
The dentist was interesting. HUGE KUDOS FOR ANGELA FOR SAVING ME! So here's what happened: I called the dentist to set up an appointment for next week, they didn't have anything but today was totally open, for all three. So I ask when to come, they said in thirty minutes! This is something I wasn't going to just put off to prevent possible freak-outs, so I took it. I told Scott like this: "Okay, hon, don't freak out, but I need your help in getting the kids ready for the dentist. We have to be there in 30 minutes." Wow......no freak-outs, no nothing. He was very cool and helped me with the kids. So we get there. I have the wrong papers for insurance so only one kid, whose forms were correct, could be seen.......grrrrrrrrr. Well, Angela shortly after returned my call for prayer for the day and prayed for me, and five minutes after I got off the phone, the guy at the window said he could try the numbers I did have and get the cleared if they are current, and he did. So all the kids were seen within an hour and 15 minutes of being at the dentist. Also Angela was able to be there most of the time to help me with the kids. THANK GOD AGAIN FOR THAT.
Anyways, I feel so scattered and unorganized, but haven't the time to be organized..... and in that I feel really stuck. I just wish I could figure out a way to program everything to work as it should so I can just get on with what's really important....but the kids wouldn't sit still for that...hee hee.
Prayer issues.....oh sweet loving Jesus.....the prayer issues. Right now I've got so much to pray for that I am starting to forget it all, cause there's sooooooo much and it's all very import to pray for, so I'm planning on starting a prayer journal with Scott and myself and anyone who comes into the house. I may even have a little notepad to stash in my purse for on the go stuff. Either way, it can't just be forgotten anymore.....I won't allow it. Prayer is extremely important to me and is a necessity.
any prayers are welcome.
The dentist was interesting. HUGE KUDOS FOR ANGELA FOR SAVING ME! So here's what happened: I called the dentist to set up an appointment for next week, they didn't have anything but today was totally open, for all three. So I ask when to come, they said in thirty minutes! This is something I wasn't going to just put off to prevent possible freak-outs, so I took it. I told Scott like this: "Okay, hon, don't freak out, but I need your help in getting the kids ready for the dentist. We have to be there in 30 minutes." Wow......no freak-outs, no nothing. He was very cool and helped me with the kids. So we get there. I have the wrong papers for insurance so only one kid, whose forms were correct, could be seen.......grrrrrrrrr. Well, Angela shortly after returned my call for prayer for the day and prayed for me, and five minutes after I got off the phone, the guy at the window said he could try the numbers I did have and get the cleared if they are current, and he did. So all the kids were seen within an hour and 15 minutes of being at the dentist. Also Angela was able to be there most of the time to help me with the kids. THANK GOD AGAIN FOR THAT.
Anyways, I feel so scattered and unorganized, but haven't the time to be organized..... and in that I feel really stuck. I just wish I could figure out a way to program everything to work as it should so I can just get on with what's really important....but the kids wouldn't sit still for that...hee hee.
Prayer issues.....oh sweet loving Jesus.....the prayer issues. Right now I've got so much to pray for that I am starting to forget it all, cause there's sooooooo much and it's all very import to pray for, so I'm planning on starting a prayer journal with Scott and myself and anyone who comes into the house. I may even have a little notepad to stash in my purse for on the go stuff. Either way, it can't just be forgotten anymore.....I won't allow it. Prayer is extremely important to me and is a necessity.
any prayers are welcome.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
wow this is kind of ironic/weird
So here's some praise towards the issue of people coming to me about their needs: a church here is willing to help us out totally with them. The problem I'm finding at this particular moment is the needs now. Granted there are one or two right now, but I can't find the others that were really stretched for it....I can't seem to get ahold of them. That's okay I guess I just hope they are doing okay, and don't need the help if I can't find them. (sigh)
Friday, April 28, 2006
What will this look like???????
So I'm finally here. My day off...yay! So far I've done nothing physical, other than shower, but my mental part is just going going going so fast. I have on my heart to somehow reach to the community. Actually go out and meet these people...get to know them. Do I plan to preach.....no. Do I plan to share the gospel....only if they ask or I feel genuinely led to. So what is it I desire and feel pushed to do? I want to go where the people are. Whether that be coffee shops, libraries, or whatever, I want to be there. I want to put myself there for days in on the week, have my presense there to be able to strike up a conversation. At the library I would love to be able to read to the kids a couple of times a week at least. I think this would be very awesome, a way to meet the parents/caregivers, and also reading to kids is just awesome for them and me. What is my problem????? Time. I don't have the time or energy right now, because of my job. And I definitely don't have the funds to cutback on hours or anything. I've been researching many options of how this can happen and I'm still at square one. I hope that the ball or a ball will start rolling before my mind makes up a bunch of discouraging issues that I would just rather avoid, than wade in it. What really pushes me is that this is the first crazy idea of mine that isn't at all selfish. It isn't out for gain or anything in the like. Here's to the FAITH! Cheers.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Just breath one breath at a time
So I'm still alive, of course, but I'm more than exhausted. I also found out just today my one day off this week isn't tomorrow, but Friday, so I guess I have yet one more day. I'm pretty much done with this job. I just can't function at home the way I need to...even when I work my regular schedule. So back on the hunt, hopefully I can find something fast. I hope I can find something I REALLY want to do.
What' also sucks about my exhaustion is that I'm easily fed lies and buy into them, causing me to just really stress out. Such as I'm not going to ever get to do I want career-wise, and will never find anything I actually enjoy. Also, if I quit this job then I will just end up in the same situation 6-8 months from the time I start. I also am starting to feel that I seriously lack in trust and faith, and this is killing my heart.
On the good side....my friend went in and they got her blood sugar under control. She's back on insulin shots, which she isn't happy about, but at least she has a way of keeping it under control. She is also joining us tonight for healing rooms where we just sit and pray for each other. This rocks.
What' also sucks about my exhaustion is that I'm easily fed lies and buy into them, causing me to just really stress out. Such as I'm not going to ever get to do I want career-wise, and will never find anything I actually enjoy. Also, if I quit this job then I will just end up in the same situation 6-8 months from the time I start. I also am starting to feel that I seriously lack in trust and faith, and this is killing my heart.
On the good side....my friend went in and they got her blood sugar under control. She's back on insulin shots, which she isn't happy about, but at least she has a way of keeping it under control. She is also joining us tonight for healing rooms where we just sit and pray for each other. This rocks.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
I have survived thus far
I can't believe I can hold my head up after today, but God's been very generous in my energy issues. The kids are gone once again for my much needed rest. Yay God, yay community. I've got one more day until my day off. A day off sounds soooooooooo good.
Also on another note, please pray for my friend. She has diabetes and yesterday her blood sugar was extremely high, and today she went into ER and I'm still waiting to hear from her. She's only 23, and got diabetes from her pregnancy with her daughter. thanks.
Also on another note, please pray for my friend. She has diabetes and yesterday her blood sugar was extremely high, and today she went into ER and I'm still waiting to hear from her. She's only 23, and got diabetes from her pregnancy with her daughter. thanks.
Monday, April 24, 2006
ughhhhhhhhhhh
Crap.....no actually I mean shit. I came home today more than thoroughly exhausted. I have no energy, and my body hurts. (sigh) Tomorrow I face another really long day at work with a truck full of heavy ass boxes......I honestly don't feel as though I can make it through tomorrow. I guess I'll find out for sure.
Thank God for the community stepping up to help out. THANK GOD.
Thank God for the community stepping up to help out. THANK GOD.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Whoa.....can I handle this?
So a lot has been happening in such a short time of being back. I came back to work, and this past week has been very exhausting. Unfortunately, the new schedule added on some more days on my work stretch from the previous week, so now I am to work 8 days in a row. On top of that, it's a full time week ( I'm seriously struggling physically with the part time weeks). So I plan to push through it, prayerfully and hopefully. The next two days I have really long days....I just pray that I can do it and get it done and in the past. My eyes are again open for another job. I've come to the realization that I just can't handle this kind of work. We'll see. Please pray for my physical well being and appetite. I can't seem to acquire an appetite and when I do I'm so tired I can't seem to fix anything healthy.
But on the brighter side of things I may be getting some assistance with helping people from a local church. This is a totally answered prayer and I can praise all day for it. Awhile ago people just started coming up to me about their needs, and I couldn't do much for them, but felt I needed to try something, so we contacted this church about it. Well, I've received the answer and I should know more soon. I'm so excited....all I ever wanted to do was help people and now I feel I can do so much more than just be there for them (which believe me is a great big deal, but now its a greater bigger deal.....if that is even english-language correct???) We'll see. More info later.
Thanks so much for the prayers. Take care!
But on the brighter side of things I may be getting some assistance with helping people from a local church. This is a totally answered prayer and I can praise all day for it. Awhile ago people just started coming up to me about their needs, and I couldn't do much for them, but felt I needed to try something, so we contacted this church about it. Well, I've received the answer and I should know more soon. I'm so excited....all I ever wanted to do was help people and now I feel I can do so much more than just be there for them (which believe me is a great big deal, but now its a greater bigger deal.....if that is even english-language correct???) We'll see. More info later.
Thanks so much for the prayers. Take care!
Friday, April 21, 2006
Oh the joy of what henna can bring
We had a henna party last n ight and it went very well. We all had a blast. Kids everywhere, henna being painted all over everyone....even the kids got in on it! It was great time for fellowship, getting to know each other, and just plain hanging out. Two ladies from work came and I think I got them addicted.....because they came over again today for more!
So here lately God's been desiring me to just trust Him more. Trust that not only will He take care of my family and myself, but trust that He is in control of what I cannot be. Trust that He desires certain things out of me for the best in the future. This can be difficult and very humbling, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can from Him and the Church. I can't wait to see the path He's guiding me to.
So here lately God's been desiring me to just trust Him more. Trust that not only will He take care of my family and myself, but trust that He is in control of what I cannot be. Trust that He desires certain things out of me for the best in the future. This can be difficult and very humbling, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can from Him and the Church. I can't wait to see the path He's guiding me to.
Monday, April 17, 2006
We're back and I'm a slacker at blogging
We're back from vacation in Indiana. We got to see a lot of family and Asa and I even had the wonderful privelage of meeting a family I've been wishing to meet for quite the while as well. The trip took us 17.5 hours, yeah, that was interesting with 5 people in a five passenger sudan vehicle....heh heh heh. Actually the way up was pretty good, and the later end of the way down was as well. Granted there were times I just wanted to drop off the family and go somewhere by myself, but thankfully those moments didn't last long at all.
So how am I now that I had a break and a family fix????? Back where I started before, and maybe even a step or two back. I didn't pray as much down there and I wish I really had. I also really missed the community we have here at home.
I went back to work yesterday and I must say that was the hardest day I can remember enduring there. It was going to be hard anyways due to the fact that I have been gone for two + weeks and its physical, so I was out of habit. Also it was a truck day and those days are extra physical and extra tiring, plus you are there longer, and the emotions all around are pretty tense and stressed.
Today is the day tthat I am to give up cigarettes for good. I'm not that much of a smoker, just 5-7 cigarettes a day, but it is time to kick it for good. So far God's been gracious at keeping my mind and body busy, and taking care of my cravings. Tons of praises up to Him.
I have goals now that I am back.
1. to do more with those in our community with also the friends I have made at work and see how it goes. Hopefully something regular will come out of it.
2.to clean up our house from the trip, and organize what we got and get rid of what we just don't use/need.
3. check out some summer camps/things to do with the kids before they go into public school.
So how am I now that I had a break and a family fix????? Back where I started before, and maybe even a step or two back. I didn't pray as much down there and I wish I really had. I also really missed the community we have here at home.
I went back to work yesterday and I must say that was the hardest day I can remember enduring there. It was going to be hard anyways due to the fact that I have been gone for two + weeks and its physical, so I was out of habit. Also it was a truck day and those days are extra physical and extra tiring, plus you are there longer, and the emotions all around are pretty tense and stressed.
Today is the day tthat I am to give up cigarettes for good. I'm not that much of a smoker, just 5-7 cigarettes a day, but it is time to kick it for good. So far God's been gracious at keeping my mind and body busy, and taking care of my cravings. Tons of praises up to Him.
I have goals now that I am back.
1. to do more with those in our community with also the friends I have made at work and see how it goes. Hopefully something regular will come out of it.
2.to clean up our house from the trip, and organize what we got and get rid of what we just don't use/need.
3. check out some summer camps/things to do with the kids before they go into public school.
Friday, March 31, 2006
My Mind is Broken
What is wrong with me?? (I'm saying this laughing at myself with my inner frustration)
I'm actually taking a break from attempting to get our things together for the trip to Indiana, but haven't accomplished really much at all. (sigh) granted we have time, but I am a procrastinater at heart and a mind-motivator....so my body says no, and my mind says go, go, go. One big arguement going on today with my body and mind, hee hee.
Okay back to the chaos of turning thinking into doing..... sounds like what we've been trying to do with our life with Christ.....hmmmmm.
I'm actually taking a break from attempting to get our things together for the trip to Indiana, but haven't accomplished really much at all. (sigh) granted we have time, but I am a procrastinater at heart and a mind-motivator....so my body says no, and my mind says go, go, go. One big arguement going on today with my body and mind, hee hee.
Okay back to the chaos of turning thinking into doing..... sounds like what we've been trying to do with our life with Christ.....hmmmmm.
Shhhhhh...their sleeping :)
Wow it is so quiet in here. I'm here awake while everyone is asleep and it is very peaceful. All I hear is everyone breathing.....I can't even describe how different this sound is compared to when I am normally awake. Not too sure what to do with my quiet morning...I normally am at work, or sleep until someone wakes me...but I must say this is NICE.
Peace be with you today.
Peace be with you today.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Our Texan Anniversary Soon
It amazes me how much things change in a year....our texan year anniversary is Saturday. I can't believe it's been a year already. Let's see...what happened this year:
We moved down here very sudden after our visit here (which was initially planned for apartment hunting anyways, but illness in the fam changed things), cause this is where God wanted us.
We got involved with the community we came for and made some great friends that turned into family very quickly.
I finally got out of the house with a job and made friends on the outside of church and home.
Even though I was excited with working, my first job was mentally rough and I quit prayerfully, and found the job I have now where I'm making great friends.
Mikah gave his life to Christ....YEAH BUDDY!
We had a great Christmas with friends.
My prayer life has grown to a level I've never had before.
We finally feel like we are in a place God wants us.
All thanks and praise be to God for this wonderful year He has given us!
We moved down here very sudden after our visit here (which was initially planned for apartment hunting anyways, but illness in the fam changed things), cause this is where God wanted us.
We got involved with the community we came for and made some great friends that turned into family very quickly.
I finally got out of the house with a job and made friends on the outside of church and home.
Even though I was excited with working, my first job was mentally rough and I quit prayerfully, and found the job I have now where I'm making great friends.
Mikah gave his life to Christ....YEAH BUDDY!
We had a great Christmas with friends.
My prayer life has grown to a level I've never had before.
We finally feel like we are in a place God wants us.
All thanks and praise be to God for this wonderful year He has given us!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
God's Peaceful Shower
Today was my last day at work for 2 1/2 weeks, and it was refreshing, even though most of management were stressed, because God answered a prayer about me being able to be around those moods without my own changing for the negative. Thanks God. I have troubles with not becoming negative and stressed around people in those same moods, and it lasts much longer than it really should.
Also, I have had some great conversations with some friends, and in those God has reassured me that I'm still on His path and not my own . Very good indeed. I get discouraged in my own thoughts and perceptions of how things should work out. wow is just a great word right now.
We leave Sunday morning to head tto Indiana......sweeeeeeeeeeeet! We were going to leave Saturday, but we had to make a change for good reasons.
today is a peaceful day.
Also, I have had some great conversations with some friends, and in those God has reassured me that I'm still on His path and not my own . Very good indeed. I get discouraged in my own thoughts and perceptions of how things should work out. wow is just a great word right now.
We leave Sunday morning to head tto Indiana......sweeeeeeeeeeeet! We were going to leave Saturday, but we had to make a change for good reasons.
today is a peaceful day.
Monday, March 27, 2006
you mean i have more struggles?
right now i am being very humbled with my emotions. i've been pretty exhausted today and didn't accomplish....well, anything. i was able to take a nap, but woke up into not so groovey situations and event hough those situations ended quickly, i haven't been able to let go of those emotions felt during. and because of this i put others back in their moods. so yeah you can say i feel pretty shittyabout that. why can't i let go of this????? why can't i just drop into God's lap, and leave it there. i've been praying about it and just can't seem to focus. i feel totally imcompetent right now and just want it all to stop somehow.
we run away from here in a week. i can't wait. i need this. i need to just be with my mom...just me and her. i need this refreshment.
we run away from here in a week. i can't wait. i need this. i need to just be with my mom...just me and her. i need this refreshment.
Friday, March 24, 2006
a time to reflect
I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately. I think most of it is caused by my passion to just do something, but it is my time to wait and pray. While I do my wait I travel and examine how I even got here.
I can't even describe the mind-set I was in before I came to CHrist. There are no words for it. Yeah my family saw the change, but Scott truelly is the only one who acknowledges it truely and totally. He knew exactly how I was then. I get jaw dropped in awe over the transformation. It almost seems like it just happened. Instantly.
I guess I bring this up only to guide you towards the thought of transformation, whether you have been in Christ for your whole life or ten seconds....with Him there's always change needing to be made in you.
This next part is a question for those who desire a transformation, closeness and unity with Christ. I want you to stop right now for a moment and take time with Him. Ask Him what kind of change you can do for Him to become a better servant, a better friend, and better Christ-imitating-person.
Romans 6:23 (The Message)
23Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God's gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
Peace and love be with you on your journeys.
I can't even describe the mind-set I was in before I came to CHrist. There are no words for it. Yeah my family saw the change, but Scott truelly is the only one who acknowledges it truely and totally. He knew exactly how I was then. I get jaw dropped in awe over the transformation. It almost seems like it just happened. Instantly.
I guess I bring this up only to guide you towards the thought of transformation, whether you have been in Christ for your whole life or ten seconds....with Him there's always change needing to be made in you.
This next part is a question for those who desire a transformation, closeness and unity with Christ. I want you to stop right now for a moment and take time with Him. Ask Him what kind of change you can do for Him to become a better servant, a better friend, and better Christ-imitating-person.
Romans 6:23 (The Message)
23Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God's gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
Peace and love be with you on your journeys.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Emotional hurricane
Have you ever had one of those days where it seems like everything is crashing around you, and you feel the worst you have felt in a long time, so you can't really do anything about it anyways?? Yeah this is that kind of day. And as I look nothing is really crashing the the look of the house and the attitudes of everyone around me today.
On this very day I just want to scream, cry, and kick myself. I can't seem to get it together, my mind is racing every which way and I can barely speak correctly verbally because of all of the craziness inside me. I feel like running, not necessarily away, but by myself.
And in honesty I'm very ticked off at myself for allowing myself to hold onto these emotions, but it seems impossible to let them go with how things are around me.
God intervene, God take it away, God come in my center once again. God grant me patience, God grant love, God grant me clarity, God grant me faith.......thank you Jesus.
Okay I feel better already.
On this very day I just want to scream, cry, and kick myself. I can't seem to get it together, my mind is racing every which way and I can barely speak correctly verbally because of all of the craziness inside me. I feel like running, not necessarily away, but by myself.
And in honesty I'm very ticked off at myself for allowing myself to hold onto these emotions, but it seems impossible to let them go with how things are around me.
God intervene, God take it away, God come in my center once again. God grant me patience, God grant love, God grant me clarity, God grant me faith.......thank you Jesus.
Okay I feel better already.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Seeking Jesus In My Struggle
Today I'm struggling with a lot of my human flaws.....my biggest in patience and loving my neighbor. I deal with a lot of different things at work. Most of the people I work with do a great variety of things I totally don't agree with anymore since I have come to Christ, but have took part in my past. Conversations are filled with things that are accepted by culture and not Christ. It's very hard not to speak my mind, but I feel God doesn't want me there to place conviction on people. Granted if asked I am to be honest about my feelings, but that hasn't been required too many times. Right now I am to pray and pray and pray, as well as to befriend anyone possible by just being myself with Christ at the center. Sometimes I just feel so lost at how just doing that is doing God's work, but when I pray about it, I realize that God works through that. I guess I also forget that God was working there anyways.
So where do I go and what do I do when I feel discouraged and stranded? Honestly first I stress, but in time God's voice is tugging at my heart saying to calm myself and to give my worries to Him and to trust Him in what He desires. To trust that even though what I may be doing seems so little, its big enough and important for God to want to guide it and be in it. All I have is this one body. A brain that is distracting, two hands that fumble, two legs and feet that trip, and a mouth that doesn't realize what comes out of it. It amazes me that God looks at me like a precious jewel that when He shines His awesome light, it prisms off to all around me. I feel rusty today though....
There's a person at work I can't stand to work with. Its so hard for me to see any good in this person, and believe me, I try. I'm so confused as to why God wants me to be in relationship with this person. And then I feel like even more crud....this is my "neighbor" . I almost feel like Jonah not wanting to go to Ninevah.
I'm reaching out to His mercy and compassion today. I'm reaching out and striving to learn it. Without this, I feel I will fail in something He needs me to do, but right now it seems as though acquiring it may be tough.
So where do I go and what do I do when I feel discouraged and stranded? Honestly first I stress, but in time God's voice is tugging at my heart saying to calm myself and to give my worries to Him and to trust Him in what He desires. To trust that even though what I may be doing seems so little, its big enough and important for God to want to guide it and be in it. All I have is this one body. A brain that is distracting, two hands that fumble, two legs and feet that trip, and a mouth that doesn't realize what comes out of it. It amazes me that God looks at me like a precious jewel that when He shines His awesome light, it prisms off to all around me. I feel rusty today though....
There's a person at work I can't stand to work with. Its so hard for me to see any good in this person, and believe me, I try. I'm so confused as to why God wants me to be in relationship with this person. And then I feel like even more crud....this is my "neighbor" . I almost feel like Jonah not wanting to go to Ninevah.
I'm reaching out to His mercy and compassion today. I'm reaching out and striving to learn it. Without this, I feel I will fail in something He needs me to do, but right now it seems as though acquiring it may be tough.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Who's life am I living?
All honesty out...I get really selfish. Selfish with my time, my freedom, my money, and my relationships. Also when I get upset I tend to feel vengeful....not cool. I don't always love my neighbor and I don't always help the obvious, let alone the less obvious. I make up excuses and tend to really suck at being a friend, wife, mother, daughter, and sister. I can be greedy and very unnecessarily needy. Of course technically it's my life, so I can be however I want, right?
Yeah, right.....like God would ever allow me to be at peace in His love if I did. When I made the choice of accepting His love and His freedom, I accepted the fact that I needed to change and try to become the person He needs me to be. I can be all apathetic about the above issues, but you want to know what happened in the past when I did? I was angry, I was extremely depressed, I never felt close to God at all, and I felt very alone and dirty. Doesn't sound good, does it? No, I didn't think so either.
So how do you deal with these overly repeated problems? You confess them to God, and if you don't have the will power and control to put and end to it, ask faithfully for His help in it. Will you stumble.....possibly, but allow God to catch you before you fall back into that pit. Keep looking towards Him. Wake up and make that choice to become a better servant to Him. When I was lifted to Christ, I had to leave my dead behind....a huge part of that was myself and my life style. I GAVE my life to Christ willingly, and everyday I need to make that choice to accept that. Yes, I'm human and and I make sucky decisions and get lazy, I'm not Christ. I can't be perfect, but I can try my all in making the wrong right by giving it to God, by trusting His guidance and His promises. The one way I get out of my messy moods and habits is I pray my guts out. I pray and pray and pray. Eventually I am refreshed in Him and then if I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness from someone, then I do it and make ammends, then move forward.
Also rely on your church, the people you are close to. I always make a point to discuss my struggles with someone and pray about it with someone. If you don't have this.....please feel free to confide in me. I know that some places aren't easy to find these kind of relationships unfortunately. I have made another blog just for prayer requests. I would love to pray for you. You can post secretly or openly, your decision. You can post those in the comments here. This is where we all can just pray for each other. I will place mine in the posts. Either way here I am praying for you anyways.
My recent posts aren't by my leading. I actually try to blog about other things, but I guess those things aren't what needs to be said. Here's to Lent and no more arguing with God....cheers!
Yeah, right.....like God would ever allow me to be at peace in His love if I did. When I made the choice of accepting His love and His freedom, I accepted the fact that I needed to change and try to become the person He needs me to be. I can be all apathetic about the above issues, but you want to know what happened in the past when I did? I was angry, I was extremely depressed, I never felt close to God at all, and I felt very alone and dirty. Doesn't sound good, does it? No, I didn't think so either.
So how do you deal with these overly repeated problems? You confess them to God, and if you don't have the will power and control to put and end to it, ask faithfully for His help in it. Will you stumble.....possibly, but allow God to catch you before you fall back into that pit. Keep looking towards Him. Wake up and make that choice to become a better servant to Him. When I was lifted to Christ, I had to leave my dead behind....a huge part of that was myself and my life style. I GAVE my life to Christ willingly, and everyday I need to make that choice to accept that. Yes, I'm human and and I make sucky decisions and get lazy, I'm not Christ. I can't be perfect, but I can try my all in making the wrong right by giving it to God, by trusting His guidance and His promises. The one way I get out of my messy moods and habits is I pray my guts out. I pray and pray and pray. Eventually I am refreshed in Him and then if I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness from someone, then I do it and make ammends, then move forward.
Also rely on your church, the people you are close to. I always make a point to discuss my struggles with someone and pray about it with someone. If you don't have this.....please feel free to confide in me. I know that some places aren't easy to find these kind of relationships unfortunately. I have made another blog just for prayer requests. I would love to pray for you. You can post secretly or openly, your decision. You can post those in the comments here. This is where we all can just pray for each other. I will place mine in the posts. Either way here I am praying for you anyways.
My recent posts aren't by my leading. I actually try to blog about other things, but I guess those things aren't what needs to be said. Here's to Lent and no more arguing with God....cheers!
A message
A messege I have to send in this space is Come together in Christ. Love each other....bend over every way for each other....pray honestly and whole heartedly, even when you don't feel like it, pray as if you were bowing before Him, because you are in His presence. Also, Lay your burdens down on Him, just let them go. This is why Christ died! Let's not ignore this grand and beautiful sacrifice but not trusting His ability to take it! Yes, our pasts SUCK! Yes we are full of actions and feeling that aren't Godly, but you know what....if we give it to Him and trust that it's done...gone....forgiven, then that's where we start to get closer to Him and where He needs us. That's when the REAL deal starts to happen. And that my friends are just going to be beautiful and awesome!
Be free and feel loved my friends.
Be free and feel loved my friends.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Something to Meditate on
2 Cor 1:3-7
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
what is it that you hold onto? (revised)
I felt the need all of a sudden to bring this subject about. We have come a long way this year, and keep going further no matter how cruddy it gets. But here's the question I strive for you to answer:
What is church to you? Is it something you do? Is it a place you go? Is it you?
I read this today from Church Marketing Sucks:
If the electricity went out, and your walls fell down, and your biggest givers died, what would you have left? Would you have a community of people still seeking after the heart of God? Would you still worship even without a band? Would you still be able to learn about God even though you can't show a video or a PowerPoint slide? In other words, what you have when everything else goes away is what your church is really all about.
It really opens my eyes to the change we have made, and also helps me realize that without a lot of those things up there a lot of people could easily distant themselves from what's really important and the whole point of it all. God...Jesus....The Holy Spirit....
How did they do this before electricity was even invented? Was God okay with how they did things then?I guess that's not what you need to be looking at either...just questions to think about.
A lot of it is tradition, habit, and influence. These tends to lead people away from what it is God really needs and wants from them. Can you grow towards in God with it...yes, but it can really easily become a barrier if you have to do without certain traditions and technologies all of a sudden. Its the change factor. A lot of people don't like change when it comes to faith and the way they serve....actually a lot of people don't like change in their daily lives, believers or not.
The last thing I feel I need to say is BE the church. Be a listener, and cryer, a shoulder, a dishwasher, a babysitter, a prayer.....just be it whatever situation comes about to support the people around you...believers or not. And do it for God...with Him in the center of all that you do, in the center of every relationship.
What is church to you? Is it something you do? Is it a place you go? Is it you?
I read this today from Church Marketing Sucks:
If the electricity went out, and your walls fell down, and your biggest givers died, what would you have left? Would you have a community of people still seeking after the heart of God? Would you still worship even without a band? Would you still be able to learn about God even though you can't show a video or a PowerPoint slide? In other words, what you have when everything else goes away is what your church is really all about.
It really opens my eyes to the change we have made, and also helps me realize that without a lot of those things up there a lot of people could easily distant themselves from what's really important and the whole point of it all. God...Jesus....The Holy Spirit....
How did they do this before electricity was even invented? Was God okay with how they did things then?I guess that's not what you need to be looking at either...just questions to think about.
A lot of it is tradition, habit, and influence. These tends to lead people away from what it is God really needs and wants from them. Can you grow towards in God with it...yes, but it can really easily become a barrier if you have to do without certain traditions and technologies all of a sudden. Its the change factor. A lot of people don't like change when it comes to faith and the way they serve....actually a lot of people don't like change in their daily lives, believers or not.
The last thing I feel I need to say is BE the church. Be a listener, and cryer, a shoulder, a dishwasher, a babysitter, a prayer.....just be it whatever situation comes about to support the people around you...believers or not. And do it for God...with Him in the center of all that you do, in the center of every relationship.
rested but tired...tired, but productive
wow.....scott let me nap for over 2 hours today (i was pretty much uselss anyways) and man tonight i have done more than i have in a long time after working. i cooked, did 4 loads of laundry...put them away even, did dishes and vaccumed the living room. on top of that i got to be a listener to a great friend going through a hard time. i normally can't do much...my body just gets so worn and burnt out, its normally a good night if i fix a good meal. sucks to say that but its true.
so i'm going to start doing prayer walks.....not sure where other than work yet, but that's a great start.its been hard with relationships there, and a bit discouraging. but god has a plan and i'm thrilled about him doing his awesome work around me. plus i know if i tried to step in his way i just fumble it and makes things go longer than necessary.
so while i was doing laundry a red velvet dress of kiwi's was in there without me realizing, and now i have pink socks and underwear.....got to get the tie-dye kit out for a fix-y-do. not a fan of pink, but i must say one of kiwi's white dresses came out looking prettier than before! whoops!
so i'm going to start doing prayer walks.....not sure where other than work yet, but that's a great start.its been hard with relationships there, and a bit discouraging. but god has a plan and i'm thrilled about him doing his awesome work around me. plus i know if i tried to step in his way i just fumble it and makes things go longer than necessary.
so while i was doing laundry a red velvet dress of kiwi's was in there without me realizing, and now i have pink socks and underwear.....got to get the tie-dye kit out for a fix-y-do. not a fan of pink, but i must say one of kiwi's white dresses came out looking prettier than before! whoops!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
just breathing reality
I've been having a hard ime trying to blog lately. I've tried to put my thoughts out, but haven't brought myself totally comfortable with it....or at least what I tried to say.
Today I've found myself extremely selfish and even over reacting in my troubles. God has defintely opened my eyes and heart in prayer group tonight. I'm not saying my problems aren't in need of prayer or aren't anything to be concerned with, but tonight I prayed for a little boy Asa's age that is extremely ill. It broke my heart. It feels....heck I don't even know how to describe how this feels. I came into prayer tonight only troubled with my own problems, but after praying for the others, I realized my own aren't as big as they seem.
Here recently, while praying, God has granted me visions that seem so real. And after doing so I feel led to share with those involved. Sometimes they are very encouraging and filled with hope and joy, sometimes it sends out a message of warning..or shall I say awareness. I'm very thankful for this, but at the same time it seems so surreal to me. Its so new and so awesome, as well as visual. I guess my fear of them are that I might interpret them wrong or give a misleading message or something. I've prayed against this.
So tonight I have another one...it's more of a realization of our connection with people. I've felt as if our relationships through the internet-only are like a flower on a vine. God is the root and we are the center of the flower...where the pollen is. The pollen flows with the wind landing wherever it is meant to go. Where it lands the relationship is formed. Eventually new plants will form and the vine we are on grows into the others, but this vine is so strong it would take a lot of neglect for it to splinter off. Even with a splinter though, there is a connection. God isn't only the root though....He is everything that feeds us and wraps us together in nourishment. Then I get a view from afar, and there's an enormous field of flowers vining together. Takes my breath away.
I just want to tell all of you how much I appreciate you, I am hopeful for those we haven't met, that it will happen...and those we have, we'll meet again soon. Flow with the wind of God my friends. Peace be with you on your journeys.
Today I've found myself extremely selfish and even over reacting in my troubles. God has defintely opened my eyes and heart in prayer group tonight. I'm not saying my problems aren't in need of prayer or aren't anything to be concerned with, but tonight I prayed for a little boy Asa's age that is extremely ill. It broke my heart. It feels....heck I don't even know how to describe how this feels. I came into prayer tonight only troubled with my own problems, but after praying for the others, I realized my own aren't as big as they seem.
Here recently, while praying, God has granted me visions that seem so real. And after doing so I feel led to share with those involved. Sometimes they are very encouraging and filled with hope and joy, sometimes it sends out a message of warning..or shall I say awareness. I'm very thankful for this, but at the same time it seems so surreal to me. Its so new and so awesome, as well as visual. I guess my fear of them are that I might interpret them wrong or give a misleading message or something. I've prayed against this.
So tonight I have another one...it's more of a realization of our connection with people. I've felt as if our relationships through the internet-only are like a flower on a vine. God is the root and we are the center of the flower...where the pollen is. The pollen flows with the wind landing wherever it is meant to go. Where it lands the relationship is formed. Eventually new plants will form and the vine we are on grows into the others, but this vine is so strong it would take a lot of neglect for it to splinter off. Even with a splinter though, there is a connection. God isn't only the root though....He is everything that feeds us and wraps us together in nourishment. Then I get a view from afar, and there's an enormous field of flowers vining together. Takes my breath away.
I just want to tell all of you how much I appreciate you, I am hopeful for those we haven't met, that it will happen...and those we have, we'll meet again soon. Flow with the wind of God my friends. Peace be with you on your journeys.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Back
Since going to Indiana and back, I haven't been able to find much to blog about. A lot of things feel different, even though much hasn't changed since I've been back. I tell you one thing, it was hard going back to work after ten days off. In April, when we all go to Indiana, hopefully it'll be warmer. I ran into an ice storm on the way down. Luckily. I found a hotel before the rain even started, but man it took me at least an hour an a half getting the ice off, on top of that it was only like 1 degree outside not including the wind chill. The warmth of Texas was a great welcome home for me.
So I cut my hair, and Kiara asked us to cut hers the other day as short as mine. Wow, this is a big change just because she had super long hair. But she looks beautiful and like my little pixie princess. Asa's hair is gone as well..not so shabby and curly anymore. He look so boyish now, not like he didn't before, but this is more boy than before. It's cute. I promise I will have pictures soon, today or tomorrow. I suck at that because it always takes more time than I have to do it, and normally if I find time to get them on the computer, one of the kidlins freak out....that's life. Well, best get off for now...still jumbling on what to say.
So I cut my hair, and Kiara asked us to cut hers the other day as short as mine. Wow, this is a big change just because she had super long hair. But she looks beautiful and like my little pixie princess. Asa's hair is gone as well..not so shabby and curly anymore. He look so boyish now, not like he didn't before, but this is more boy than before. It's cute. I promise I will have pictures soon, today or tomorrow. I suck at that because it always takes more time than I have to do it, and normally if I find time to get them on the computer, one of the kidlins freak out....that's life. Well, best get off for now...still jumbling on what to say.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Happy Valentine's day!
Yes, indeed.....I would like to rename this day...."do what Jesus told you to do day" . But then the stores all around would crash and profits will plummit, and the greediness everyday of the consumer driven lives out there would get confused and ralley against me.....sorry...it just felt good to get it out and joke about it. (picture me laughing...thanks)
No, let's turn it around. I want to teach Mikah that today is the day when we are especially reminded that family & friends are easier to love than your enemies (unless of coarse you have enemies within your family...then it can get complicated). And this is a day where we can be reminded to try and reach out with compassion...even just in prayer if that's all you can swallow with your enemy.
Here's the passage for him today. It can be for you too.
If I were to make a request right now, I would say today, be thankful for your loved ones and let them know how you feel. Also I would say to try to name who has wronged you that you can't seem to forgive...that you can't let that grudge go for.... and pray your guts out until God has softened your heart enough to forgive that person, then try next to love that person. That's one tough nugget, huh? I know...I've been there.....and this enemy WAS family, but God doesn't want our hearts spoiled by all of this hate that the "Below The Pooh" satan throroughly enjoys for us to grip. He wants us to just jump backwards with closed eyes and open hearts into His love...where then we can truely learn to live. And THAT my friends just simply rocks!
No, let's turn it around. I want to teach Mikah that today is the day when we are especially reminded that family & friends are easier to love than your enemies (unless of coarse you have enemies within your family...then it can get complicated). And this is a day where we can be reminded to try and reach out with compassion...even just in prayer if that's all you can swallow with your enemy.
Here's the passage for him today. It can be for you too.
If I were to make a request right now, I would say today, be thankful for your loved ones and let them know how you feel. Also I would say to try to name who has wronged you that you can't seem to forgive...that you can't let that grudge go for.... and pray your guts out until God has softened your heart enough to forgive that person, then try next to love that person. That's one tough nugget, huh? I know...I've been there.....and this enemy WAS family, but God doesn't want our hearts spoiled by all of this hate that the "Below The Pooh" satan throroughly enjoys for us to grip. He wants us to just jump backwards with closed eyes and open hearts into His love...where then we can truely learn to live. And THAT my friends just simply rocks!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
A butt load of patience required!
And if you don't have it, just ask! Yeah, I haven't been very patient lately. My moods have been swinging the bat at at everyone in this house unfortunately. See, I'm the type of person that when I get in a cruddy mood, the very best thing is to just let me be and steer clear. I hate being this way, but if you approach me during this cruddy mood, I'll snap at you like a rabid beast. But when I'm left alone, this gives me time to see myself truely, and then ask God for the patience and the automatic mood stomper, and I will be better. But I can't unfortunately do this properly all of the time when I have three kids and a husband who loves me. I wish I was programmed with a ton of patience, so my moods won't shift as crazily as they do.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
What is Successful to you?
One of the things Scott and I struggle with is the term "successful" . We are often confronted with the idea if we made more money or had a degree in something or owned a home, then we would be considered successful. Of course there are many other distractions that come into play, but I chose to name the biggens.
One of the things Scott and I are needing to remind ourselves is that we choose NOT to be successful in those terms right now. At this season of our lives we Choose not to go to school, or take up management jobs....and that's okay to us. I'm not saying it doesn't get hard every now and then, but we are always making it.
Now one thing I didn't mention back there and I should have....what makes you successful in the Kingdom? Now a lot of people may argue this, but this isn't a measurement to be seen by anyone but God above. This is all in the heart...your intentions, if you will. Yeah you may have led a million people to salvation and discipleship.....but it only matters of who you are doing it for. Are your good intentions to serve God, or to help you feel better about helping someone? Wow, did I really just say that??? Yes, I did. One awesome thing about serving God, is that feeling good about yourself does tend to follow. Unfortunately I have been caught in this turbelance/crash mode where my deeds were good, but my heart wasn't. Its not like we're trying to earn brownie points. What we say we wish to do is to serve God fully, but of course we are human and our mind tends to get in the way.
I'm not sure if this is a vent, rant, or getting on my soap box, but it needed to be said. I'm getting bored with the idea of success, and honestly I hope I am not alone.
Why not a management job?????? Because being a manager means you are living your life for work..been there done that.
Why no college now??? Because our kids came first and we don't feel the need to take our time away from them for a piece of paper, or more paper if you will (money) . This is our choice for this season for our family. Every family is different in their ways, and that's okay.
Thanks for listening.
One of the things Scott and I are needing to remind ourselves is that we choose NOT to be successful in those terms right now. At this season of our lives we Choose not to go to school, or take up management jobs....and that's okay to us. I'm not saying it doesn't get hard every now and then, but we are always making it.
Now one thing I didn't mention back there and I should have....what makes you successful in the Kingdom? Now a lot of people may argue this, but this isn't a measurement to be seen by anyone but God above. This is all in the heart...your intentions, if you will. Yeah you may have led a million people to salvation and discipleship.....but it only matters of who you are doing it for. Are your good intentions to serve God, or to help you feel better about helping someone? Wow, did I really just say that??? Yes, I did. One awesome thing about serving God, is that feeling good about yourself does tend to follow. Unfortunately I have been caught in this turbelance/crash mode where my deeds were good, but my heart wasn't. Its not like we're trying to earn brownie points. What we say we wish to do is to serve God fully, but of course we are human and our mind tends to get in the way.
I'm not sure if this is a vent, rant, or getting on my soap box, but it needed to be said. I'm getting bored with the idea of success, and honestly I hope I am not alone.
Why not a management job?????? Because being a manager means you are living your life for work..been there done that.
Why no college now??? Because our kids came first and we don't feel the need to take our time away from them for a piece of paper, or more paper if you will (money) . This is our choice for this season for our family. Every family is different in their ways, and that's okay.
Thanks for listening.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Yeah, most of its gone
I cut my hair off....not my dreads out though. I decided a while ago that it was messing them up bad not being able to work with them, they were split in different directions and lose hairs were combining into others....anyways it was and still is a mess. I'm hoping to be able to maintain this mess, and turn it into something nice and tight.
Some people don't understand why I do this kind of thing..."just chop it all off, it'll grow back better" , moods. It sounds ridiculous, but its very sound to my mind. Its a big change, one that I can handle. I get sucked into little depressions, and stuff like this just helps. Can't explain it more than that. I will put up pictures soon.
Some people don't understand why I do this kind of thing..."just chop it all off, it'll grow back better" , moods. It sounds ridiculous, but its very sound to my mind. Its a big change, one that I can handle. I get sucked into little depressions, and stuff like this just helps. Can't explain it more than that. I will put up pictures soon.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
What's up God?
It's days like these when I find myself excited about not totally knowing what's going to happen....it's very rare too. I've been in some really great and fast building relationships with some ladies at work. It happened very sudden and very naturally which is awesome. They come to me in conversation and express their needs and talk out their troubles. We hang out when we can and just enjoy each other while at work and sometimes out of work.
Well, a couple of them have come to me about doing some kind of Bible study/reading/prayer time with them, and its about to start very soon. Some are believers, some are just curious. I have no idea what God has in store, but its going to be awesome and big. These girl come from very rough and unreal backgrounds, and it amazes me how well they function today with all they have been through and are going through.
What gets me is that I don't look at myself as a leader...not at all, but right now I'm put in this position, and it feels different. I feel totally unworthy to serve God, but I plan to give all I have. I just pray I can get my whole family involved in where ever He needs me. I'm really excited about this, but scared I'll screw it up. Your prayers are appreciated.
Well, a couple of them have come to me about doing some kind of Bible study/reading/prayer time with them, and its about to start very soon. Some are believers, some are just curious. I have no idea what God has in store, but its going to be awesome and big. These girl come from very rough and unreal backgrounds, and it amazes me how well they function today with all they have been through and are going through.
What gets me is that I don't look at myself as a leader...not at all, but right now I'm put in this position, and it feels different. I feel totally unworthy to serve God, but I plan to give all I have. I just pray I can get my whole family involved in where ever He needs me. I'm really excited about this, but scared I'll screw it up. Your prayers are appreciated.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A New Day Hearing God's whisper over my loud mouth
So here lately I've been witholding a lot of anger and aggravation. In turn I've felt confused as to how to be a parent to Mikah, as well as a number of other things. So today, in the bath, soaking away the frustration of not being able to hear....I finally felt the need to just stop and breath....calm down and search, trust that God is there, holding me...even if I don't feel His presence...KNOW He's there. So I did. And I'm very glad I did. I let go of the anger and gave my confusion to God to handle. He gave me some clarity, and slowed my thinking. I'm glad too, because I almost made some hectic decisions that wouldn't have went the way I'd hope for them to.
So today is a new day and tomorrow will start afresh as well. For this I am thankful.
So today is a new day and tomorrow will start afresh as well. For this I am thankful.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Sick, Asthmatic, Disobedient, Stressed, & Pnemonia
Yup, there's a word to describe the big little things going on with each member of our family. Technically we're all sick, but some more than others. Asa has pnemonia, Kiara has wheezing due to a newly learned asthma condition that hopefully won't return on a regular basis, Mikah is sick as well, but has been going through some crazy behavior issues that has the rest of the family worried, but he's getting better with a whole new system of discipline routines, Scott's stressed and worried about Mikah and the other sickos, and I've got the cold while trying to care for the whole fam, so I'm naturally stressed as well.
There's some light though.....our community has been soooooooooooo helpful during this time. While I had to take Asa to ER, some friends of our generously watched the other two. A day and a half later when we had to take Kiara to ER, other friends watched Asa and Mikah. Asa is doing better, he's back to his ornery self...still puny and grouchy, but he's not sleeping ALL DAY, which is fantastic. Kiara is okay, she had to go back to ER because of another flare up. She's been quite the trooper during this. I'm really hoping that after her cold has passed she won't have too many attacks. Luckily we've been told what to look for, frequencies of meds in emergencies cases, and all that. She's going to have a little backpack for her inhaler and spacer, but she can also put het favorie toys in there too. Call her Kiara The Explorer.
Mikah is also doing better, his cold is lightening up and he's listening better. He's been quite the battle lately, but it'll take some time to get back on track. Still doing great.
So there's that, and to me it all sounds loads easier to handle in written form. Luckily God has granted us an enormous amount of patience and great community to lean on. We'd be in pieces if it weren't so.
There's some light though.....our community has been soooooooooooo helpful during this time. While I had to take Asa to ER, some friends of our generously watched the other two. A day and a half later when we had to take Kiara to ER, other friends watched Asa and Mikah. Asa is doing better, he's back to his ornery self...still puny and grouchy, but he's not sleeping ALL DAY, which is fantastic. Kiara is okay, she had to go back to ER because of another flare up. She's been quite the trooper during this. I'm really hoping that after her cold has passed she won't have too many attacks. Luckily we've been told what to look for, frequencies of meds in emergencies cases, and all that. She's going to have a little backpack for her inhaler and spacer, but she can also put het favorie toys in there too. Call her Kiara The Explorer.
Mikah is also doing better, his cold is lightening up and he's listening better. He's been quite the battle lately, but it'll take some time to get back on track. Still doing great.
So there's that, and to me it all sounds loads easier to handle in written form. Luckily God has granted us an enormous amount of patience and great community to lean on. We'd be in pieces if it weren't so.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Big
I'm here with the feeling of needing to reach out to something. I'm still in the dark about the wait and I've got the feeling I'm to find out some information very soon. Everytime I get this gut feeling, something big happens. The last time I was sent a friend in a big need, and the time before that our family was sent here to Dallas, and before that, we moved to Indianapolis. Time will tell.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Sonic Here and There
i was on the computer ,looking at sonic picture's .cool huh ,and game's .sonic is cool a lot!!!!
mikah,
mikah,
Rough times for a smoother path ahead
Sometimes you have to deal with the cruddiest of the crud to get to the good. This is what we are dealing with in Mikah. HE's been really easily stressed lately and has been hitting, kicking, and totally screaming at us. He keeps going and each time there's something different to calm him. In the beginning, Scott and I absolutely sucked at dealing with him. Our reactions made it much worse, and it got sour and easily crazed the rest of the day. Tension and stress was at an extreme high, and our family was fighting to not only get along with each other, but to love each other. We forgot that loving each other and showing it is a choice, not a feeling, that we must make and renew each day. Of course we still struggle with this, but it's better than it was. We are talking more instead of disciplining more. We are trying to find new ways of communicating our aggravations and frustrations and our anger.
It's hard being a mom and a wife, and its even harder when they seem as though they confilct with the other. Scott and I have found this problem coming up here and there, but what is so great about it is that we both realize it now, and are working together on being the best parents we can be to teach these kids how to become the best people they can be.
I would be lying if I said, that I don't wanna run away at times when the heat is on, but that's when I call on my friends from our community to just let me get it all out in open honesty.
Unfortunately today Kiara has been repeating the same things Mikah has been doing, but there's hope in Mikah and his sister. They are both relearning how to just stop and say they are sorry with guidance. I feel eventually this will come about without parental assistence. There's also very much hope in these kids because they have so much compassion for each other and people around them. Three kids can be very overwhelming.....very, and I'm not about to say ever that it is an easy job. It's worth it though. You just gotta take one day, one hour each minute at a time and do the best you can. I write this now as a reminder for myself. These are our little disciples....our own mission....to help grow these guys with the knowledge of God and His love.
It's hard being a mom and a wife, and its even harder when they seem as though they confilct with the other. Scott and I have found this problem coming up here and there, but what is so great about it is that we both realize it now, and are working together on being the best parents we can be to teach these kids how to become the best people they can be.
I would be lying if I said, that I don't wanna run away at times when the heat is on, but that's when I call on my friends from our community to just let me get it all out in open honesty.
Unfortunately today Kiara has been repeating the same things Mikah has been doing, but there's hope in Mikah and his sister. They are both relearning how to just stop and say they are sorry with guidance. I feel eventually this will come about without parental assistence. There's also very much hope in these kids because they have so much compassion for each other and people around them. Three kids can be very overwhelming.....very, and I'm not about to say ever that it is an easy job. It's worth it though. You just gotta take one day, one hour each minute at a time and do the best you can. I write this now as a reminder for myself. These are our little disciples....our own mission....to help grow these guys with the knowledge of God and His love.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Breakdancing at The Masquere Ball
Yup! That's my girl! She was totally breakdancing at the Masquere Ball last night at the Thames' . It was so awesome. She was grooving and twirling around all over the place like she owned it. She rocked the house. She was the only one dancing most of the time, reminds me of myself. SHe went as a princess.
Asa was quite the mingler. He'd wander from room to room being so good. Bonked his head a couple of times and got ran over twice, but all in all he was quite the trooper and had a great time. He was quite the dancer himself. He danced his tail off! He went as a sports fan.
Mikah went as a pteradactyl and showed it off very nicely. He danced with all of the girls too! He said he had a BLAST!
I was a hippie/gypsy Ezmerelda from Hunchback of Notre Dam. I put beads in my dreads..it looked supa nice.
There were a lot of teens there and it was really cool. Though that was the oldest I have EVER felt.....it was still good. A lot of great costumes and portraits, and great food and conversation.
Asa was quite the mingler. He'd wander from room to room being so good. Bonked his head a couple of times and got ran over twice, but all in all he was quite the trooper and had a great time. He was quite the dancer himself. He danced his tail off! He went as a sports fan.
Mikah went as a pteradactyl and showed it off very nicely. He danced with all of the girls too! He said he had a BLAST!
I was a hippie/gypsy Ezmerelda from Hunchback of Notre Dam. I put beads in my dreads..it looked supa nice.
There were a lot of teens there and it was really cool. Though that was the oldest I have EVER felt.....it was still good. A lot of great costumes and portraits, and great food and conversation.
An Open Moment
So last night when I posted I was still really upset and hadn't handed out the forgiveness I needed to. Well, after the forgiving process was done, I wanted to delete the post because I didn't want the post to recreate what had already been placed in the past. But the I read Danae's comment (thanks girl), and it reminded me of why I blog in all of my emotional states. I get it all out to reinsure everyone and myself that I'm not a candy-coated onion...especially not on my blog. I'm not going to put a pretty face on when my insides are cruddy. Why???? Because I will have a better walk with God if I am honest with myself and others. My every day will get better without anything dwelling and my family will also appreciate it better too. Peace to you.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Ranting Lunatic
Not in a swell mood. Yes, this is a rant, you may proceed at will.I feel like I just want to throw my hands up and walk away....but of course I don't. I will suck it up and keep trying to rearrange my mood to where it is enjoyable. And if I can't do that then I will just have to keep going anyways. Somedays I just don't want to care and run, but I do.....and that's that. I'm so glad we have a community that accepts us for us...our crappy life and crappy attitudes...even when we are at our most suckiest. Where we don't have to put smiles on our faces even when our insides feels like they've been torn to shreds.
Being a parent and wife is so hard right now, especially because I feel like the cruddiest parent and wife. I feel like I'm in a constant battle, and even though I want to just hide that battle, I refuse to. Absolutely refuse to. That's NOT the reason we came down here. We came down here to be exposed for ourselves and who we are, what we do, and to learn how to change where we need to and accept it even when its so friggin' hard to and then deal with it. We came here to LEARN. We are who we are, and act how we do, and God sees this. How can we hide that?????
Okay I'm done for now. Thanks for listening.
Being a parent and wife is so hard right now, especially because I feel like the cruddiest parent and wife. I feel like I'm in a constant battle, and even though I want to just hide that battle, I refuse to. Absolutely refuse to. That's NOT the reason we came down here. We came down here to be exposed for ourselves and who we are, what we do, and to learn how to change where we need to and accept it even when its so friggin' hard to and then deal with it. We came here to LEARN. We are who we are, and act how we do, and God sees this. How can we hide that?????
Okay I'm done for now. Thanks for listening.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
a quote from dumbledore
"One of these days the time will come when one must decide from what's right and what's easy"
Sunday, January 01, 2006
What I'll be doing this year
Wow....2006 already. I have decided to do the 'read the bible in one year' . I had realized that I had NEVER read the whole bible. What a cruddy follower I feel like right now. So with this year I plan to discipline myself and read the whole bible this year. It'll be a great accomplishment and a learning experience as well.
I also realized I don't reach out to people the way I need to. This sucks....I wish I could say I'm doing everything I can for those in need that God places in my path, but that isn't the truth. I could be doing so much more. What really sucks about it is that it wouldn't take much more time out of my daily family living. At work, and around my neighborhood, I have been having random people at random times just opening up their hearts to me...their problems, worries, also the cruddy situations they have been through. All I have done is listened, and shortly after the conversation, do a silent prayer inside myself. But most of the time it has ended there. That feels not so good.
The other day I was praying, and it was the first in a couple of days. I was interrupted with a voice in my head saying, "welcome back, I missed you" I stopped praying for what I started to, and apologized to God for my slacking and laziness. I found myself continually asking for forgiveness and saying sorry. I was interrupted again, and this time He said, " I need you to do something for me" . I was excited and scared, but willing to hear. I waited and waited. The rest of the day, I found myself in meditation as I went throughout my day. It wasn't until the next day I was told to wait.
Now I wait, prayerfully and patiently. Now I keep my heart open, and my mouth shut. I don't ask about it. I only pray for others and my family's growth in patience, strength, my physical and mental well being. I feel this is my time for learning obedience on His terms.
This year will be interesting.
I also realized I don't reach out to people the way I need to. This sucks....I wish I could say I'm doing everything I can for those in need that God places in my path, but that isn't the truth. I could be doing so much more. What really sucks about it is that it wouldn't take much more time out of my daily family living. At work, and around my neighborhood, I have been having random people at random times just opening up their hearts to me...their problems, worries, also the cruddy situations they have been through. All I have done is listened, and shortly after the conversation, do a silent prayer inside myself. But most of the time it has ended there. That feels not so good.
The other day I was praying, and it was the first in a couple of days. I was interrupted with a voice in my head saying, "welcome back, I missed you" I stopped praying for what I started to, and apologized to God for my slacking and laziness. I found myself continually asking for forgiveness and saying sorry. I was interrupted again, and this time He said, " I need you to do something for me" . I was excited and scared, but willing to hear. I waited and waited. The rest of the day, I found myself in meditation as I went throughout my day. It wasn't until the next day I was told to wait.
Now I wait, prayerfully and patiently. Now I keep my heart open, and my mouth shut. I don't ask about it. I only pray for others and my family's growth in patience, strength, my physical and mental well being. I feel this is my time for learning obedience on His terms.
This year will be interesting.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Christmas is Texas
Wow pretty much ishttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif all I could say about the blessings that have been thrown at us in this holiday season. On top of that we just really had a great day with wonderful company, and I drank in my pajamas......yeah that was randomly put out there on purpose.I had refused to get out pf my pajama pants, just because they were SOOOOOOO comfortable. Also we were gifted a bottle of wine, and had one ourselves. I haven't drank that much in quite awhile, but that day one of those bottles I claimed and thoroughly enjoyed throughout the day. Hee hee. Drunk.....far from, but feeling good.
Also can I mention we were able to play outside with the kids WITHOUT our coats! Yeah baby! Granted the summers are hot and intense, but I can handle this winter stuff without 20 gazillion feet of snow.
Also I need to throw out there our wonderfully awesome and dreadful visit with the Nygren's.......check this out! Yeah...I did that.
Also can I mention we were able to play outside with the kids WITHOUT our coats! Yeah baby! Granted the summers are hot and intense, but I can handle this winter stuff without 20 gazillion feet of snow.
Also I need to throw out there our wonderfully awesome and dreadful visit with the Nygren's.......check this out! Yeah...I did that.
Friday, December 23, 2005
My Little God Man Is Growing
Our Mikah has been growing spiritually very fast the recent months. He's addicted to the Bible, always asking questions about God, and craves church on a daily basis. Well, about a week or so ago, he told his daddy and I that he finally figured out what the best gifts to give Jesus: his whole love or his whole life. Wow.....He's understanding what Christ wants. So with that being said, the next story won't be just all of a sudden. This little man asked me how he could become a christian.....a TRUE Christian. Honestly, he got the term christian from someone else, we normally don't throw that around here. Either way he was ready to give his life to Christ, and understood what that meant for himself and Jesus. He's been so excited ever since and is more concerned on how he acts when we talk him through behavior issues. Yes, and I cried.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
wow its quiet in here
Scott and Mikah went out and about, and Asa and Kiara are here at home with me. Asa, I guess needed a nap because he's now passed out on the floor. Kiara is in the hallway playing pretend like Kiara always does. I have almost all of the dishes done, worked 5 hours, and made myself a huge amount of food for lunch as I started getting extremely loopy and desperate for nourishment. On top of that read the post below. I feel as thoug I've had a full day already, and I still have got to go to church tonight. My baby Asa is sick with the tummy flu and it seems as though he got it from his big sis Kiara, who both shared with Daddy. So Mikah and I are gonna have to build ourselves a higly guarded quarentine tent to put the sicko's in ;) that way we don't get sick. Crossing my fingers cause I need to have some lovely dreaded fellowship with my girl this week and it doesn't go with my plans anyways.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
God Hungry But Not Starved
My Mikah is amazing. Yeah, of coursse I think this because he is my child, and I think all of my children are amazing. No I say this now because of how much love this guy has for God and how hungry he is for Him. He falls asleep with his bible story book in his face, he interrupts arguments between Kiara and I so he can bless us with individual prayer. He makes sure we pray EVERY night before we go to bed, because he trusts God to keep the bad dreams away. He watches a song cartoon about Jesus dying and being raised up again and gets choked up about then and even later describing it to his daddy. He reads his bible like its more important that air. I'm getting teary eyes just talking about it.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Girlness Drama
So we are pretty much past the tramatic threes in Kiara, but we're finding that this girl thrives on drama. She's a very sensitive individual and almost anything can set her off. She's also a very kind loving warm hearted person that loves to reach out to people. Kiara thrives to do everything Mikah can do, which we try to encourage with some exceptions, but she tends to freak out when she is unable to do the task.
I am absolutely amazed at how different our kids are from one another. Kiara definitely is unique in her own perfect way.
I am absolutely amazed at how different our kids are from one another. Kiara definitely is unique in her own perfect way.
What kind of tree would you be?
So earlier today I just picked up my sketch pad and started drawing. Wasn't sure what yet, but knew I wanted to draw. I ended up starting to draw the kind of tree that would describe me through my eyes. As I started drawing the kids gathered around me and were amazed at all of the branches and the twirls they did. They pointed out how the branches were all different, and thought how cool it was that it had a hole where animals could live. I told them about my tree and how I thought it described me, and then I asked them what kind of tree would they be. This is homeschooling....it's art, self imaging and imagining, and its also a great way for them to get used to their hands and how they work, as well as with their brains.
So......what kind of tree would yours look like? Would it be dry, fruitful, branchless or branchful? Would it all be one color or many colors?
So......what kind of tree would yours look like? Would it be dry, fruitful, branchless or branchful? Would it all be one color or many colors?
Nice Funky Weather
It got down right cold and icy yesterday, but come Monday it'll be back up tp 60 degrees! Yeah, that just rocks! I'm not a fan of eskimo weather, so this is a really nice treat for me. Yeah the summers here are horrid, but I can handle this. Unfortunately this is considered odd for Dallas, but that is okay by me.
Friday, December 02, 2005
My baby dreads









Thursday, December 01, 2005
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