No Room in the Inn... REALLY????

I wanted to share something with you from my prayer time this morning after reading Luke 2. I am usually not one to share my private conversations with God in such a public way, but I felt compelled to share with you (whoever you may be), what God and I talked about this morning. I record my prayer time in my prayer journal. This is preserved in the delightful pink faux crocodile skin journal my sister Maria gave me:

"Good News! Good News! Thank you Father for Your Good News! You are amazing! You revealed to lowly shepherds the Good News! They were the first to hear it straight from You! You were the ONE who chose the stable. No other place would do. If they (Mary & Joseph) had found a room in the inn, The shepherds could have mistakenly found the wrong baby. But You wouldn't, couldn't let that happen. Jesus' birth had to be remarkable. It had to be unique. There could be NO other savior. There could be NO other way for Him to arrive. You gave this Good News to the shepherds but You told them it was for ALL. It still is for all: black, white, Asian, Native American..."red and yellow, black and white, they're all precious in Your sight, Jesus loves the children of the world". Of course You do that is why You came. You showed the shepherds the Good News but You also knew they would share it with others. Why, they couldn't contain themselves!

They spread THE WORD! LORD, I want to do that. But, sometimes the poison of bitterness and resentment or pride and prejudice get in my way. Forgive me for the last few days especially for setting myself as judge and jury. For using words as weapons instead of using THE WORD to promote Your peace. LORD, I wonder about something else... Why if the shepherds revealed Your truth about Jesus at His birth, didn't the people remember that? But I suppose it was because His time was not yet come. He had to grow up average. he had to experience what I would. He had to know how I would feel when other children taunted and teased Him. He had to know what it felt like to be rejected. To experience what it was to feel like you didn't belong. I am starting to see it better now. Maybe you sent the shepherds for Mary and Joseph. I'm' sure they could have used some reassurance. Your WORD says that Mary treasured this and pondered them in her heart. She needed to have that experience. She needed to know that You cared. That she would NOT be the ONLY one that could testify to Your Son's birth.

The Shepherds went away praising and glorifying You. For ALL You said would happen did. Just as You said it would. That is the same today! I can count on You! Thank You for being a promise keeper and covenant maker. Your WORD is TRUE! They may not have been schooled in the Old Testament prophecy as shepherds but You revealed Jesus to them and they believed. The scholars knew from whence He would come and yet did NOT believe. All part of Your AWESOME plan. You don't let anything happen You don't intend. It is sad, their hearts had to be hard, but it had to happen so that Jesus would be crucified. How did we get from a feeding trough to a cross? Two crude wooden instruments that You used. You could have used ANYTHING! But in both situations, NOTHING else would do! NOT for Your plan. NOT for Your necessary plan of salvation. You use the despised things, the lowly to shame the wise. Thank You for revealing Your Son to me. Let me be like the shepherds in amazement. Let me glorify and praise You. Let me share what You have revealed to me. Lowly me. The insecure, inept, little girl that still sometimes rears her head inside. The some one who remembers the torment of being picked last in P.E. or being left out. yet You use me. I want to treasure the WORD as Mary did. Ponder it and then give it out as the shepherds did. LORD Thank you for loving me enough to trust me with Your promises, Your joy, Your peace, Your SON! He came for me but Your WORD says NOT only for me but ALL. Help me to live that. May I have Your Spirit of inclusiveness while maintaining Your Spirit of TRUTH this Christmas. There was only ONE way Jesus could be born in that crude manger scene and only ONE way He could die on that Old rugged cross. Thank You for the Good News! I love You God!! I give You this day and every day. That I may walk triumphantly in Your grace. Order my day!

A Banana Seat Bike Prayer

I can't remember if I've told you or not, but on Fridays, I volunteer in Carson's class to give the Science Devotion. What is this you ask??? Well, Carson's teacher uses Friday devotion time to highlight Science experiments as object lessons in faith.

I've been doing them for a little over a month. I usually try to tie the week's memory verse or Bible story to the lesson. This week Matthew 7:7&8. "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you".

Prayer became the focus and I used a pre-planned lesson from a book with an experiment that used soda water & salt to fizz up and over the top as we "bubble up" with prayer to God. Before the experiment though, I talked with the kids about prayer and we looked up additional scripture. I had planned what I was going to share, but as I was sharing, I found myself compelled to tell about my first tangible memory of answered prayer.

I'd like to say that it was a memory of a healed family member or a resolved personal problem, but no it was nothing like that. I told them how my Dad was going to the bike shop to buy an inner tube to fix my sister's bike. I tagged along and on the way began to pray that I would get a bike myself. The ride there in my Dad's old white pick up truck was not a long one around 12 blocks or so.

We went in to get the inner tube and there on the show room floor was a collection of used bikes for sale. A yellow bike with a pink daisy covered white banana seat caught my eye. Oh that was the bike I had prayed for, I just knew it. My parents did not have extra money. It was not my birthday or any special day and my parents did not spend money on a whim. Despite all that, I left the shop that day with the bike for which I had prayed.

Now, I was quick to point out that God is not a giant wish machine (like on Webkinz Carson added). I know that God does know the desires of our heart and He does delight in answering our prayers. After many disclaimers that God does not take special orders for Wii games and the like, I went on to tell them about the power that God has in answering our prayers. His power is what bubbles up like our soda water and salt. Without Him, we are nothing like what we can be with His power.

God's power is evident as we see the world around us. As we see changes in ourselves and in the people around us. I've said it before and I'll say it again, God's Word tells in in Isaiah 59:1, "His arm is not too short to save, nor His ear to dull to hear". What is your prayer today? You may not get the "bike" that you've prayed for, but you will see an answer to the needs you lift to Him. His timing is perfect and so is His will.

He is Listening

I have said it before, but I'll say it again, my boys constantly amaze me. Sometimes I think what I say falls on deaf ears or at the very least uninterested ears. Yet, I have the promise from God's Word that it does not return void. So I persist in sharing my love for God with the boys and living out the grace that God has shared with me in His Son Jesus.

This week God showed me yet again, that the boys are starting to get it. Here is the proof:

My mother in law came to our house to discuss a need that someone in our family had. We were both expressing our frustration over what seemed like the futility of the subject. My mother in law said "What can I do?". A quiet voice spoke up and said "You could pray". Yes, Ephraim realized what we needed to do. It wasn't sit around talking about it or mulling over how impossible something seems. Instead we needed to bring it to the one who specializes in the impossible. He was listening.

Proof number two:

Yesterday the boys and I decided to go to the Kidscommons for Wacky Science. The draw of marshmallow and chocolate science drew us there even in the rain. As we pulled onto Washington Street I was anticipating finding the parking spaces full and dreading having to walk in the pouring down rain. Instead as we arrived in front of the Kidscommons there was a parking place right there. I exclaimed "yeah front row Joe, we found a spot". Carson followed up with "God provides". Yep that is where the credit was due. Some people would say a parking space has nothing to do with God's grace, but I believe and so did Carson that God knew we needed His undeserved favor on that pouring down day. He was listening.

They were both listening all the time. They were listening and thinking. They may not show it, but they are taking it all in. Not just what we have to say or have shown them, but also the people around them. The Christians who choose to live out their faith and serve as an example to those around them. I am thankful to God for the people He has put in our lives.

I have one more thing I want to share. Forgive my long post. This time I want to talk about how He is listening. Not Ephraim or Carson, but God the Father. God knows that in the last week or so that I have felt very defeated in a lot of ways. I have felt like for once, I wanted some one to care for me. I was really starting to feel sorry for myself. I finally went to Him in prayer and He was listening. Now, I know and Carson and Ephraim know I should have started with God not resorted to "finally" imploring Him. I prayed that God would help me reach out to someone else to include or care for them.

I got my answer to prayer in a phone call. And then after the phone call, God revealed to me that He cared for me. He brought to mind that His very own Son faced the same challenges of being the one to always care for others. He didn't see it as a burden though like I sometimes can. Instead when He was feeling overwhelmed He went to the One who cared for Him. He went to His Father God. When He had fed the 5,000 and had a full day, Jesus didn't slump into a heap and feel sorry for Himself. He didn't say "Look at what I have done" or "Why don't they appreciate me?". He went to His Father in prayer.

He did that for me. So that I could learn from His Word. No, I don't have a Messianic complex. I know that I am NOT the savior of those around me. But I am to be His hands and feet. My Father had a lesson for me. It appears I may not have been listening. I am listening now and I know that He hears my prayers. He is listening and answering too.

It Has Been TOO Long!

It has been too long since I have posted. I have been busy and I guess when I do have time to write, I usually give only small sound bites on my facebook status. Anyway it has been tooooooo long.

I could bore you with all the details or I can just move forward from today. I think I'll choose to start with today. Ephraim and I are home getting ready to go to Munster to see my niece (and goddaughter) Lisa in her school play. We will pick Carson up after school and head that way. Though it is a three hour trip, I am more than happy to go! I know that it is what my mother would have done were she still here. I've missed her a lot lately.

It is not only the big things like Lisa's play that make me notice her absence, but it is also the little things like turnips. Yes, I said turnips. A friend shared her turnips with me at Bible Study on Wednesday and I was instantly transported to a simpler time when my mom made sure I had my fruits and vegetables. When I was exposed to so many things from the lowly turnip to the grand kohlrabi. Okay, so I don't recall ever eating kohlrabi. I do certainly remember studying about it and all the many other plants for the 4H horticulture test.

My mother was one for adventure. She wouldn't let us stay stuck in a rut. Always trying new things and exposing us to the arts and culture. She did this by providing dance and music lessons (much to my chagrin). By taking us on trips often with the financial backing of my grandmother and uncle. But she didn't need money to expose us to the greatest thing that shaped us. No the greatest thing was faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I won't tell you that I knew Jesus as my personal Savior at a young age or that I was steadfast in my relationship with Him in my teen and young adult years. No, that came later. The Holy Spirit did His work in my heart on His timeline, but my mother did her part. Making sure I was at church each Sunday. That I went to Sunday School and that I had the privilege of being in a Christian School. She didn't rely on our pastor, or our Sunday School teacher or our teacher at the school to be our only exposure to Jesus. No she did it at home too. Devotions each night usually from the Portals of Prayer, Nightly readings from The Bible until we had read it cover to cover and of course our Bedtime prayers.

She also taught us by example, though we may not have realized it at the time. Her generous spirit in making sure a neighbor had what they needed. Her faithful way of taking not only us but as many kids as we could fit in her big brown Mecury car to free swim at Donner. (I don't like to take my own kids to the pool let alone a whole passel of kids). For all her good points she had her faults. But the great thing is that she knew Jesus as her Savior, so He covered it all with His blood.

It doesn't take much for me to remember my mother or to miss her. My mother loved as much as she was able, gave as much as she had, and provided a lot of opportunities along the way. It has been too long since I last was with her, but I long for the day when I will be with her again in heaven.

Our Cub Scout

Thought those of you who don't have access to my facebook would enjoy seeing pictures of Carson in his Cub Scout uniform. We went to or first meeting last week and this week he went on his own. He wasn't too keen on staying on his own, but he did. When we picked him up he was having a great time. He can't wait to go back. Though he will have to wait because next week there will not be a meeting because of Labor Day.

A Couple of Questions and a Proclamation

Ephraim asks: What is organic? Is it a bad word?

My answer: No, organic is not a bad word. It is food, fruit, vegetables, and animals raised without chemicals.

Ephraim asks: Mama, Do angels have feet?

My answer: Let me think about it. I think we need to go to the Bible to find this answer. -- Later I clarified my answer from the Bible -- angels do have feet according to Isaiah 6:2.

Ephraim's proclamation: The devil is not the winner. God got the high score.

A Week of Firsts

Friday of last week was Carson's first day of second grade. He was very excited. You can tell from this beaming smile and cheery pose. So far so good. He even commented that school didn't last long enough. "Mama, it was like you got there, you did a few things, you went to lunch, you had recess for like an hour and then a couple more things and Bam, school was over". School was the customary length, but it didn't feel like it to Carson. Recess wasn't an hour and it didn't even register with him that he only had ONE recess instead of the two he'd been used to. Now, I know the first day isn't like the rest of the year, but I sure hope Carson's attitude about it stays the same.



Another first came on Saturday of last week. The boys finally had their day in the sun (pun intended) when Troy took them fishing at his cousin Sandy's pond. I went along to take the pictures, but Troy was the one who handled all the technical aspects of fishing line, bait and the like. We didn't choose the best of times to go fishing as it was quite hot out that day, but we'd been promising for over a year to take them.

With sweat pouring off them, Troy dutifully taught Carson about baiting a hook and casting his line. The lessons in patience and being quiet did not come as easily for them. Ephraim was more interested in playing in the pea gravel and enjoying the shade of the umbrella I brought. Fine by me. A good time was had by all even though only one fish was caught. A small bass caught by Troy after Carson had given up. Unfortunately,it got away before we could get the bucket ready. See Pictures from our trip below.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name...

I love living in my hometown. There is something to be said for being able to go to the local farmer's market with good friends and running into three former elementary teachers, two relatives, high school classmates, people from church both past and present, previous co-workers, and youth turned adults from my days as Director of Youth Ministries. Oh yeah, and one who attended my college alma-matar.

Some people don't have the kind of love I have for my hometown of Columbus, Indiana and that is okay by me. It really gives me great comfort living in the city of my childhood and raising my family here. I love being a part of the church of my youth and maintaining ties with the church of Troy's youth that we were married in and where our boys were baptized.

Having just returned to St. Peter's my church home and school as a youth, I am thrilled to receive such a loving and warm reception. Yes, St. Peter's is huge, but I have found that coming back to my roots was not so hard. I still know many of the families that were around from the beginning, but I also have made new friends through , attending Sunday School, being part of a parent prayer circle, substituting at the school, and volunteering for Vacation Bible School.

I thought that I might feel lost in the shuffle coming back to St. Peter's, that I might not fit in or that I would feel out of place. But quite the contrary. I prayed that God would help me feel at home and He has been faithful to do so. He is using the simplest smile or "good morning, Sara" in the hallway to help me feel connected. He has also used the meaningful pause at Communion where I smile up at Pastor Teike and he calls me by name causing me to remember his comment at my mother's funeral about her smile that she offered each time she communed with him.

I would still like to be in a small group, but that will come in God's timing. As for now, I am privileged to be asked to teach Sunday School. I'll be honest, I didn't feel so inclined to accept at first, but God used the sermon that Sunday to convict me. What an awesome opportunity to shepherd God's children and to further cement my connection at the church.

I can tell you if it is anything like teaching VBS, that there is nothing like having the smiling face of a pre-schooler looking at you and whispering to their mother: "Mommy... that's my teacher, Mrs. Bishop". I just love being where everybody knows your name.



***Side note: See the bounty of my trip to the farmer's market pictured here. Okay, so Amish fudge,sour dough bread, farm fresh ground beef and cilantro aren't the typical haul for most people. My family loved it so much we couldn't get the picture taken before we had to to dig into the bread and fudge.***

I Think It's Going To Be A Good One...

This afternoon Carson, Ephraim and I were discussing upcoming birthdays. Ephraim said "Next, I am going to be 5, then I am going to be a teenager and then a Daddy". Then he discussed his need for a wife. He said "Mama, you can be my wife". After a short explanation why that would not work,he retorted "Well, I don't know anyone else. Who is it going to be?".

I told him that I frequently pray for his future spouse, whomever she may be. To which Ephraim responded "Well, who is she???". My reply "Only, God knows right now". Ephraim said... "Will God tell me who she is?". "But I won't know what one to go to". Then after some reassuring, Ephraim proclaimed, "Hmmmm, I think, I think.... I think it's going to be a good one!".

I am praying that indeed she is a good one. And I pray that Carson's wife is the same. And that they will be good and godly husbands. But before that can happen, Ephraim has turn 5 and that isn't until October. And Carson's birthday is before that in just over a week from today. The boys sure are growing up fast, way to fast if they follow Ephraim's timeline.

Something To Blog About...

A couple of weeks ago, my wonderful sister Maria and her awesome husband Rick held "Cousin Camp" at their home in Munster, Indiana. What is Cousin Camp, you ask? My brave sister and her husband took in our two sons: Carson and Ephraim as well as my twin brother's children for the week. Their own three girls plus one niece and three nephews for a week long adventure of nature hikes, park visits, swimming, crafts, canteen and much more.

I had the week off!!!! For the first time since Carson was born, I was free of any responsibility for my children. Oh my what fun! I went for lunch with friends, had my toes done, and had dinner with just Troy every night! My sister said to me, you had all this free time, why didn't you post on your blog???

I didn't post mostly because my children are generally my inspiration for my blog. Something adorable they have said or done or something not so adorable, but that God uses to teach me. I've been thinking about why I haven't posted in a while I usually attribute my lack of blogging to feeling distant to God. But this time, I didn't feel that way. Actually, I have felt very close to God and have been able to dig deep in His Word each day.

This time, I think I haven't been looking for the small things or appreciating the simple joys of parenting. The last few days it has felt like a fog has lifted for me. I have been intentionally prayerful about my parenting and God has really gifted me with a new set of eyes with which to see my children.

So here it is... finally something to blog about....

Ephraim on why he wants his pizza the way he likes it... "I like cheese pizza, but I want Mama to give me her black olives and sausage because I like "each sold separately".

Carson and I visited the Animal Control Shelter this morning. From the lobby, there was a audible whooshing sound of water. Carson asked the Shelter Manager, what the noise was. She explained that it was a fish tank. This was the first time that we had known them to have fish there. I even thought to myself, maybe we could finally take an animal home from the shelter. Well, thank goodness I hadn't voiced that idea out loud. The fish tank was filled with huge Oscar fish a cousin to the piranha we were told. These fish had teeth and were as big as Carson's head. Oh my goodness. Needless to say, these fish did not come home with us. We also found out that the shelter has a chicken that lays brown eggs. How crazy is that? Now that is something to blog about.

His Arm and Now His Ear!

I love the picture that God gives me when I think of His arm not being too short. It has been in my mind for over a year now. God started this in my heart around the time of Ephraim's surgery last year with Jeremiah 32:17 -- "Ah, Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You."

Then while studying the Life of Moses in BSF this past year, God gave me Numbers 11:23 -- "The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you." Of course God did exactly what He said He would do for Moses and He has been faithful to our family too.

God didn't stop with these two verses, this week He showed me Isaiah 59:1 -- "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear". I love the way God reveals more and more of His character to me. What a comfort to know not only is Nothing too hard for Him, nor is His arm too short, but His ear is inclined to me, He hears my prayers. I can't utter a prayer to mundane or for that matter too spectacular for Him. I can't underestimate Him!

Finally the Loss We Have Been Waiting On!

Not too many people look forward to loss. Loss makes us think of losing loved ones, or even something like misplacing a treasured belonging. It could mean hair loss after a treatment or loss of hearing or sight. But the loss I am referring to is the loss of a tooth.

Finally... Carson lost a tooth. Seven soon to turn eight on August 23, Carson has been waiting and waiting. All his cousins and friends were losing teeth, not him. When would it be his turn he asked? Of course the only answer I could give him was that it would come in God's perfect timing.

His tooth was loose before we went on vacation to Mt. Rushmore. He had hoped to lose it at Mt. Rushmore, even took the tooth pillow his Omi had given him, just in case. But his loss came last week while his cousin Sara Anna was visiting us. I had a terrible headache much of the week so I had not joined the crew on the trip to Chuck E. Cheese. It was on the trip there that he lost it. A very excited Carson called me to let me know the tooth was out. An exciting loss for sure. See pictures. His tooth had taken so long to come out the new tooth was already starting to come in behind it. We are praying that won't cause any future dental problems.

A New Attitude... His Attitude

Recently heard from Ephraim who had been quite unruly and ungrateful..."Daddy, I am done with my attitude now". Easy words for a four year old to say when he thinks it might get him out of trouble. Yet as always it is a reminder to his dear old mama that God would love to hear that from me.

So to my heavenly Father, I say "Abba, Father, I am done with my attitude". I want God's attitude. In Ephesians 4, our family discussed having a new attitude, God's attitude. In Ephesians 5, we were challenged to imitate God as His dearly loved children. Bearing that in mind, everyone (in my family anyway) can use an attitude adjustment.

Now we are in Ephesians 6 - verses 1-4 give us more food for thought. Children obey your parents... Fathers (mothers included too), do NOT exasperate your children but train them in the way of the LORD. Very tall order for us all. Certainly requires an attitude check and adjustment.

A Great American Adventure

This week our family has been travelling with my sister and her family out west to South Dakota. We are having a lot of fun. Visiting some of most awe inspiring places such as Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park. Along the way we have been keenly aware of God's mighty power and His awesome handiwork.

I enjoy traveling with family. My sister takes her family on a vacation to a different state capitol each year. We have enjoyed tagging along. I want my children to have wonderful memories of meaningful family vacations. I read recently vacations are a better way to spend your money than household items or toys, because you make memories that last a lifetime. While if you buy objects they are soon forgotten. I suppose you could say that this was written by someone trying to sell people on vacations but, I can see the validity in it.

This trip has been an education in history and in the magnificence of God's creation. We paid an interesting visit to the South Dakota Capitol of Pierre. We have also had our share of tourist attractions that were simply pure entertainment value. Like the World's Only Corn Palace and The World Famous Wall Drugs.

Lots of fun and great memories. Memories to last a lifetime. Like having a donkey poke his head through my open van window all but demanding to be fed. I gave him what I had handy which was a handful of prunes. He seemed to like it and a second younger donkey joined him in my window. Eventually we ran out and had to shoo them away. We also saw free roaming buffalo. As we were leaving the buffalo, Carson said, "I don't think I can eat buffalo wings after that". Troy and I had a good chuckle and explained that buffalo wings were chicken wings not buffalo.

On our ride out of Custer State Park, Ephraim started making strange coughing noises. I looked back and sensed that he was about to throw up. He denied it, but I managed to get a bag under him before he threw up. I think it was car sickness but Ephraim had a different idea. He said he thought he was allergic. We asked him what he was allergic to and he said "donkeys". Again a good chuckle for us.

So far this Great American Adventure has been an eventful trip and we still have more days to go. We have thanked God for His provision for our safety and the majesty of the land He created.

What a Compliment!

This week I have been helping at VBS (Vacation Bible School). I was serving in the role of story teller. This role is a familiar one to me because of being children's leader at BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), but this was a different setting and a more casual atmosphere. One of the little girls in my group yesterday had been in my BSF classroom this year.

This little girl's mother stopped me in the hallway today and gave me one of the highest compliment I have ever been paid. She said this morning while the little girl was brushing her teeth, that she turned to her and said "Mommy, I love Mrs. Bishop". The mother smiled pleased that her little girl liked coming to VBS and BSF. Then the little girl said "I wish Mrs. Bishop was my mommy". The mother was a little hurt of course.

I told the little girl that she probably wouldn't feel that way if she lived in my house everyday. The mother then replied knowingly with a sweet voice, something to the effect of "Not every mother can be as nice as Mrs. Bishop all of the time". Of course, I am delighted that the little girl loves me so much and thinks so highly of me. I'm sure my boys have days where they would love to trade me in more often than not.

Felt good to know that God had answered my prayer. I had prayed that God would use me as His hands and feet. That I would see the children as He sees them and that I would have His love for them and His patience. I believe that this little girl's compliment shows that God was at work and answered my prayer.

By the way the little girl's mother is a supermom with twice as many kids as I have. She is someone I look up to and know she has her act together in a really big way. The other great thing about her is her smile and the way you know that her joy comes from the LORD. That makes it even more of a compliment. Of course to God be the glory!

Questions for Mama

As the mama of two pretty fantastic and inquisitive boys, I get a lot of questions. Some are as simple as "what are we having for supper?" and some are much deeper. Yesterday's question of the day came from Ephraim...

Ephraim: "Mama, is God sleeping?".

Mama: "Ephraim, the Bible tells us that God never sleeps. Why do you ask?"

Ephraim: "I thought He might be sleeping, because I can't hear Him. God rests
though, right Mama?"

Mama: "Yes, Ephraim, The Bible says God does rest".

Ephraim: "Well, maybe He is resting then Mama."

Mama: "Yes, Ephraim, maybe He is resting".

Have any questions??? I've had a lot lately and while I can not go to my earthly parents to ask, I can go to my Heavenly Father. It is amazing how God's WORD speaks to any circumstance in our life. And I mean ANYTHING. Take a look, you'll be amazed too.

Taking a Break...

It was like I almost forgot I had a blog. Been busy, just let posting get away from me. As of last Wednesday, Carson was officially on Summer break and Ephraim's Children's Morning Out program ended on the Thursday before. They both were ready for Summer. We all have a break from Bible Study Fellowship, but we aren't taking a break from the study of God's WORD.

I may have mentioned in a prior post, but we are studying the book of Ephesians as a family. We started by talking about how that the book of Ephesians was a collection of letters. Given to us by God, written by the Apostle Paul to the people of Ephesus. We did our own rendition of the Blues Clues song "We just got a letter". (You will know this if you have young children).

This week we are studying Ephesians 2 staring with verse 8. Instead of focusing on receiving a letter, we are talking about the gift God gave us in our Savior Jesus. I just love how God uses His WORD to meet us right where we are. I want so very much for God's WORD to be a living and active presence in the life of the boys and us of course.

Speaking of living and active, our sermon series on the book/movie The Ultimate Gift started this past Sunday. Pastor Teike spoke this week on the gift of work. I felt convicted about being more on task and less idle. I suppose I ought to sign off and start my work for the day. Everyone has a job to do, even me.

Let's Do a Pat-ter-ren Mama!

This weekend, I was attempting to help Troy in the yard. This in and of itself is laughable. Though my mother was an accredited flower judge and landscape design critic, I didn't inherit that gift.

Sadly this weekend, I was being defeated by a small container of petunias. I was sitting on my steps pretty much in tears, because I wasn't schooled in planting and so forth. Lamenting that my mother was gone and I hadn't taken advantage of her wealth of knowledge while she was living.

My good friend whom my boys call Grandma Coo, tried to comfort me and guide my planting, but it just wasn't working. Then Troy and the boys came to my side and offered me hugs and kisses.

Then Carson uttered the sweetest and gentlest words... "Let's do a pat-ter-ren (pattern), Mama!". There we had it, a pattern would indeed do. A simple "AB" pattern of purple, pink, purple, pink along the side walk. That was all it took to put the flower planting into perspective anyway.

What a comfort the Bible is to me, because it gives us a pattern to live by. Now, it isn't a simple "AB" pattern, yet, we can trust Christ to lead us every step of the way. We have a super natural power available to us through the Holy Spirit. Pretty amazing! I'm looking forward to studying the book of Ephesians with Troy and the boys this summer. A small book in the Bible which gives the pattern to live by.

Free... Free... Free! No, Really! It is Absolutely FREE!

I've been pretty excited about my new cell phone. My sister and I searched and debated and haggled for a few weeks trying to find the perfect "free" phone. If you know me at all, you know I love a great price. I want to get the best deal for the least amount of money. The only thing better than my 75% off clearance items from Target is something for free.

Anyone can tell you that nothing is ever truly free. Even the free phones I found were after rebate and with the addition of another costly service. Now, I know that the phone company has to make money because as we say at my house the phone company is Troy's (and our) "bread and butter", but I really did want to be a savvy consumer.

So when, I found a phone at Sam's Club for "free" with no rebate, and no costly additional services, I was thrilled. I did still have to pay the customary $18 upgrade fee, but Troy is working on getting that taken off our bill. I've been sharing my excitement about the phone deal with just about anyone that will listen. I guess I wanted to be sure and spread the word about the good deal I got, so they could benefit too.

Made me stop and think. After I read my devotional this morning, I was already convicted of the urgency to share the Good News. The Good News that Jesus died for me, and rose again that I might be saved from the punishment of my sin. The Bible tells us in Matthew 10:7-9: "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Free, His Gift of Salvation is truly FREE! I can't do anything to earn it, there are no hidden fees, I don't have anything to add to it. It really is the best deal around. You can't beat it. So, while I want to share my savings tips with others, I certainly want to remember to have an even greater enthusiasm for the Saving Grace of Jesus. If you haven't accepted your FREE gift, now is the time.

This House

After a full morning at Bible Study, Ephraim and I like to just relax a little before we go to pick up Carson from school. Today a thunderstorm has interrupted our normal and cozy routine. Ephraim did pretty well at the start, but a loud clap of thunder had him shaken. He was headed downstairs to get a puzzle, when it happened.

He ran back to me and the safety of my arms. I held him close and he said to me, "This house will be okay, cause it is built on the LORD. Right Mama?". "Yes, of course", I responded. Yep, that Ephraim is listening even when you think he isn't. So be encouraged all you mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles, Sunday School teachers and Bible Study leaders. When you give out God's WORD, It does not return empty. Just as God promises in His Holy Bible.

His WORDs Not Mine

Complaining and arguing are among the hardest habits to break; for me anyway. This year we have had plenty of opportunity in Bible Study to hear about the "grumbling Israelites" in the desert. Always wanting to take advantage of a "teachable moment", Troy and I will use what we learn at Bible Study to help the children and ourselves see things from God's perspective.

One of the Bible verses we studied this year was from Philippians 2:14 which is: "Do everything without complaining and arguing". We use the verse quite a bit in our house. It also happens to be part of Carson's verse that we gave him at birth. Ephraim even quoted it in his own way when he thought my 18 month old goddaughter was "complaining" about not getting her yogurt fast enough. "Everything without complaining or arguing, Philippians...", he said indignantly.

About a month ago, I was picking up Ephraim after tape time at Bible Study. He was playing happily on the swings and did not want to leave. I explained it was time to go and tried to speak lovingly and calmly. He kept protesting, I said to him "Remember your Bible verse... Do everything without complaining or arguing, Philippians 2:14". I kept saying it over and over. Ephraim finally relented, but it was a struggle. All of this was happening as one of the child care volunteers was looking on. I have to admit, I hadn't felt like a very good mother when I had to coax and convince a very disobedient Ephraim to leave that day.

Today, I ran into that same child care volunteer. I was certain she questioned my abilities as a parent. But, this is how God works, that same volunteer, stopped me and asked me what Bible verse I had quoted to Ephraim that day. She said she really liked it that I was using God's WORDs to encourage obedience. She said she thought she would try it, because they would have more weight with her children, because they weren't her words, but from The Bible.

Yep, His WORDs are always better than mine. It is a very comforting thing to know that they are His WORDs not mine.

2:30am False Alarm and A Wake Up Call

Long time no blog. Don't know if you missed me or not, but I've been in one of those moods. I know I've blogged about it before so I won't bore you with a rehashing of my "If I am not close to God, I don't have much to say" explanation.

I think Beth Moore captured it best when she wrote: "If my relationship with God is current and lively and I am continuing to see His activity and marveling at His greatness, I have something living and active to testify about... When He and I are close, I can hardly stand for someone else not to know the joy of loving Him".

So, I'm back. I have been doing my Bible Study and have gone intermittently with my prayer time. Of course I have been going to church and Sunday School, but somehow, the fresh passion the "marveling" wasn't as present.

On Sunday morning at 2:30am, the shrill sound of the fire alarm permeated our home. No smoke present, no fire visible, but the voice in the alarm kept calling out "Fire, Fire, Fire". Troy jumped from the bed and I followed within moments. We found nothing on the first floor. I suddenly realized the boys (who were asleep in our bed) might be frightened. I returned to find them laying quietly in the bed with their hands covering their ears, trying to muffle the sound of the intentionally loud and annoying alarm.

I snuggled close to them fairly certain there was no real threat of fire. I told them it was going to be okay. Then I met with the reality that I needed to lead them in prayer. Not a long drawn out verbose prayer, but a short "God keep us safe and help us trust You" kind of prayer. When we had had enough of the alarm's persistent sounding, I told the boys we would wait in my car. I grabbed a throw, a pillow and Ephraim. Carson followed behind.

I backed the car a little bit out of the garage and looked to make sure I didn't see any flames shooting out the top of the roof. A few short minutes later, Troy came to the garage door and let us know it was safe to enter. Some kind of malfunction he remedied with a 9 volt battery. It was more to me though. It was my wake up call. I had not been depending on the LORD as I usually do. I hadn't been approaching Him in humble prayer that came as naturally as breathing.

When we met with a friend for lunch later on Sunday, the boys were recounting our whole 2:30am Fire Alarm story and Carson very matter of factly said "We didn't panic, we prayed". Yep, that is what we did. That is what we should always do. Something so simple, yet sometimes too allusive because we want to make it more. I've been coming to the LORD in prayer more often on my knees lately. Asking His forgiveness for making it all more complicated then it needs to be.

I don't want anymore unnecessary 2:30am sirens waking me from my desired slumber, but I am glad for the wake up call to draw closer to the LORD, so close, that He is the first thing I think of when I am facing anything, trauma or triumph.

Guests: Unwelcome, Welcome and Missed..

This week at our home we have had a few guests. Some of them welcome and some of them unwelcome. I don't want to sound callous, but I just couldn't let a certain group of them past the front door. Though everytime I opened the door, I feared they might join us in our humble abode.

So who are these guests? Those welcomed and unwelcomed...here is the story. The unwelcomed guests were a couple of birds that made themselves at home in my dried flower wreath on the front door. Last year they came and availed themselves to parts of my artificial wreath for a nest, this year they decided to go one step further. I don't mind providing the material for their home, but I can't have them living on my front door for lots of reasons (health, safety cheif among them).

With Carson fearful of the birds loss, Troy reluctantly removed the wreath last night and transplanted the nest on a nearby (albeit scrawny) tree in our yard. I heard birds quite unhappy this morning as they found that the wreath was gone. Troy did say the nest was empty, so I didn't feel as bad since there were no eggs. He said we would have dealt with it on the door had the nest held eggs. That is the story of the unwelcomed guests.

My welcome guests are my sister and her two youngest daughters. Her husband and oldest daughter are back in Munster because of a conflicting spring break schedule. I am so glad to have them here. Our fun was to be increased by the addition of my twin brother's children arriving today, but they are at best delayed until Saturday and possibly not coming at all because of a terrible bout with vomit that required hopsitalization. No fun. We are hopeful they might still make it, but we understand if they don't. They will be missed.

I love to have guests. Something my mother always enjoyed as well. Not too mention that it is a spiritual gift of hospitality. God gives some great gifts. I love Him for that (and so much more).

Two Amazing Boys!

I don't always say so and they don't always warrant the title "amazing", but our boys are amazing. By way of update I have two things to share:

1. Ephraim's fever broke on Easter morning. God's amazing work shown again through Ephraim's health.

2. Carson did consent to return to the animal shelter this past Monday (though I have no pictures because my camera battery was dead) . We did take treats to the dogs though Carson was apprehensive. We also enjoyed playing with four very adorable kittens. Carson proved to be amazingly resilient in returning to the animal shelter after the last terrifying visit. Praise the LORD for giving Carson the courage to try again.

Two new things to share about the "amazing boys"...

1. We received a call from the public library Saturday saying that Carson's turn to display his collection was bumped up because of a "no show". He could either bring it in on that Saturday or on Monday. Carson and Troy worked diligently to gather the collection of Star Wars items to display. Not surprisingly half of the collection was items from Troy's childhood as well as a Lego Millennium Falcon they had just worked on together and a Star Wars 3D puzzle they had also recently finished. Carson threw in his items and they had a mighty sizable lot. Because Ephraim was sick only one of us could go with Carson to set up the display. This is usually my fortay, but I bowed out so that Carson and Troy could do it together. They did an "amazing" job if I do say so myself. Ephraim and I saw it in person tonight. See photos from Troy's iphone. Another note on Carson... He started his horse riding lessons tonight with a lesson in grooming and general care of horses. He trimmed and brushed a horse as well as dealing with its hooves. Pretty amazing.

2. Ephraim and I went to The Aldi while Carson was at horse riding lessons. I braved it and didn't get a cart but rather took in a small "hand cart" my friend Sariah gave me. I let Ephraim push the cart. He felt pretty special with his "job". It didn't take long though and his obsessive behavior started kicking in. He did not like it that things were somewhat askew. People had not put items back where they belonged and they had not turned the boxes facing the same direction. All throughout the store he said "Things are discombobulated in The Aldi". When we entered the frozen food area, he was looking for a specific item. When he could not find it he started in again "Mama, this Aldi is discombobulated". This time an employee heard him. She said, "He did not just say discombobulated. How old is he?" We had a discussion of his vocabulary and his age. Pretty amazing. She directed him to the item he was looking for and at that point of course, I had to buy it.

We thank God for two amazing boys.

An Easter Request

Ephraim has had a fever off and on for the last few days. It has gotten as high as 103. We hadn't taken him to the doctor, because every time we have taken him in the past they can find "nothing" wrong with him. With only a fever we might have dosed him up with Motrin and let him go to the Easter Egg Hunt this morning, but he woke up coughing and hacking up a little bit. (Not vomit, just crud). ***

No Easter Egg Hunt for Ephraim. Big brother Carson offered to help the cause and pick up some extra eggs. Ephraim quietly said "Brud-der, (brother) please bring me one blue egg. But don't open it". Who could turn down such a sweet and simple request.

Carson and I enjoyed our time at the pancake breakfast and egg hunt. We met up with friends. Carson dutifully chose the couple of blue eggs from his loot and set them aside. They have a place for you to turn in the eggs so they can use them again, but it is not required. I usually have the boys leave the eggs to be reused, but I made an exception for Ephraim's blue egg request. While we were sorting eggs from candy, I was sharing the story with a friend and she promptly pulled two more blue eggs from her grandson's basket. How nice to know others care about you.

I am always amazed how the boys are picking up on our vocabulary. I had not mentioned the word: request all morning and yet on the way home Carson said "Won't Ephraim be happy that we filled his Easter request?". Indeed Ephraim was happy. He wasn't feeling up to enjoying most of the loot; though he did manage to take in a few Skittles.

How happy a few blue Easter eggs made Ephraim and his brother who was so pleased to present them. Easter is a celebration that surpasses the meager blue eggs that brought joy to two little boys. Easter's true joy is a Risen Savior, but we have to wait until tomorrow for that...

***Ephraim health update... At the egg hunt we saw one of Ephraim's pediatricians. In consultation with her and the doctor on call they ordered antibiotics for him. Trying to get him to take them is the next hurdle. One dose (well most of one) down, several more to go... Please pray for a cooperative Ephraim.

"What Is God Going To Do, Mama?" And Other Wonderings...

Here are a couple of wonderings from our house this week...

"Is a hillbilly like a hobo?".
This Sunday, as we were leaving our home, I was noticing the large amount of playthings in our yard (not unusual). This is bad enough, but to top it all off, we seemed to have accumulated a random empty milk jug. I proclaimed (perhaps politically incorrect) that we must really be "hillbillies". Carson quipped from the back "Is a hillbilly like a hobo?". This is funny to our family because we have been on a "hobo" kick lately since Troy was seen eating mandarin oranges out of a can. Yeah, the usually proper Troy was caught eating out of a can. We have determined that hobos are not like hillbillies.

"What is God going to do, Mama?"


Ephraim has had trouble the last few weeks sitting to hear the Bible Story at BSF. He was "tired of hearing about the grumbling Israelites". (Imagine how God felt). This past week, while we were still hearing about the complaining Israelites, Ephraim's class did hear about the snakes and the bronze serpent that God used to bring salvation to His people. Now this was exciting to Ephraim. Worth listening to for sure.

To peak Ephraim's curiosity and encourage enthusiasm for hearing this week's story I told him, he wasn't going to believe what was going to happen in our story tomorrow. He said, "Tell me Mama". I said, "You'll have to wait until tomorrow". He said in his sweetest voice "What is God going to do, Mama?".

That is a question worth wondering about. What is God going to do? Don't tell Ephraim, but tomorrow the kids will hear the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. Yeah, God can use anything and anyone. He was the first one to use a talking donkey, Shrek can't claim that title. Better yet, everything we read in God's WORD is true. Shrek is a "fairy tale". God's WORD can be trusted. We can find the answer to all our questions there. (Well, I don't know about hobos and hillbillies, but the stuff that really matters though).

Got a question, check His Book!

Once Bitten, Twice Shy! Watch Out for That Dog!

Our visit to the Animal Shelter today, made for interesting dinner conversation with Troy this afternoon.

Carson and I made our weekly pilgrimage to see the cats and dogs as we have for almost two months now. This visit was unlike any other we have experienced to date. It was not unusual to have a frisky puppy or cat. Or to even safely view more exuberant dogs from a safe distance on the other side of the well kept chain link gate. But today, well let's just say we had an a very excited puppy.

His name was Pepper. See pictures above. Pepper was mild enough to start, but he decided he wanted to jump on us. And then lost interest in his toys and decide to chew on us. First a little nip at me, okay, no big deal. Then on my sweatshirt, now that I took a little personal. Then he did what not mother can allow and decided Carson was his next victim.

His bite did not break the skin on Carson's forearm, but it probably didn't hurt that Carson was wearing two shirts. Thank God for that. He did draw blood with small scratch on Carson's stomach. I think Carson's heart was hurt more than anything. He has still been somewhat timid just coming out his shell with animals and he finally met a dog that was a little more aggressive than he could handle. He decided he was more of a cat guy and we went to visit the cats and feed them treats. See pictures.

While we were visiting the cats, Carson overheard someone say there were some cute puppies in the stray dog side. He wanted to go see them and give them treats. We made it through the stray dog side without a scratch, however our next issue came when we ventured into the usually tame adoption dog side. As we were entering we saw someone dropping a stray that looked like a boxer dog to me. Anyway, we were going along our merry way handing out treats, mostly I was handing out treats. Carson still a little leery and really glad there was a gate between him and the dogs.

All of the sudden, Carson says "Mama, that DOG.... it ..." Oh my goodness the dog that had just been brought in jumped, I mean leaped over the fence like you wouldn't believe. He stood between us and the door. Talk about panic. I remained calm for Carson's sake, but inside I was terrified. We didn't have any exposure to this stray dog that had just been brought in. We had no idea how he would react to us.

As calmly as I could, instructed Carson to go for the door and get help. He bolted and the dog went right after him. I got myself between Carson and the dog and told Carson to go. I threw dog treats in the opposite direction and got out the door myself. Talk about scary.

All was well, We opted to end our shift about ten minutes early. We'd had enough for the day. As we are getting in the car, Carson says "I think I am done being a volunteer". I tried to speak words of encouragement and said we'd talk about in a week, when it came time to go back.

My mother never let me quit anything (ballet from 3 years old until 8th grade and violin from 4th until 8th). I don't want to force him and I don't want him to have unnecessary fears of animals either. It seems there is a balance. I am going to pray about it, talk to Troy and to Carson and see where we come out. We have so enjoyed our time there, I'd hate to have it end on the only bad note we've had.

Carson does start back up with his horseback riding lessons next Tuesday, maybe one exposure to animals a week is good enough. We shall see.

The Tee Shirt Makes It Official

Carson and I have been going to the Animal Control Shelter every Monday for over a month now. We have enjoyed every visit and are getting more comfortable around the animals as well as learning more about how to care for them. This past Monday, the Shelter Director made us "official", he gave us each an Animal Control Shelter Volunteer Tee Shirt. Very exciting for Carson especially. He was proud to sport his yellow shirt which just happens to be his favorite color. The shirt is a little big since it is an adult size small, but he didn't care. The director said, it wouldn't take long for him to grow into it and he expected to see Carson for many years to come. Carson just beamed.

What a difference a volunteer tee shirt can make!

Some Things Just Take Getting Used To...

"Some things just take getting used to. Right Mama?" Ephraim proclaimed to his cousin Lisa and to me. "Like our Target" he said triumphantly. Our Target is being rearranged to make room for a more expanded grocery area. We won't be a Super Target, but we will have some fresh produce and meats. Because of this, our trips to Target recently have taken some getting used to, we don't have a true feel for the layout yet. What used to be the cereal aisle is now paper towel and toilet paper. Very discombobulating for a four year old and his mother.

But Ephraim, wasn't just referring to his adjustment to our Target. His cousin Lisa and I went to get manicures and pedicures today while he was at Children's Morning Out. This was my niece's first experience with the world of professional nail care and she was quite pleased with the results. When we picked Ephraim up, she asked him if he liked her nails. He very matter of factly said "No, I like my Mama's". Later on she asked him again, and he said "I still don't like your nails".

After picking Carson up from school, Lisa asked Carson what he thought of her nails and the ever charming Carson replied "Yes". Carson always knows how to make his Mama feel good and he wants very much to make other people feel loved too. Ephraim, well, it just takes him a while to get to that point.

He finally conceded as we exited the car in the garage that he liked her nails, hence, Ephraim's statement "Somethings just take a little getting used to". Perhaps he finally warmed up to her nails or maybe he realized his brother had the right angle on this one.

We are encouraged in the Bible to build one another up. Not with false platitudes, but with love and spiritual uplifting.


Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

As the body of Christ we must see it as our call to build one another up. To speak words that encourage and offer reassurance. God offers us words of encouragement and reassurance in His WORD. He wants us to be confident in His love for us. I need to be constantly asking myself, "Am I building up or tearing down with my comments?". I want to do what God would have me do. I guess doing it "just takes some getting used to".

A Motivating Visitor...

This week my fifteen year old niece: Lisa is visiting us for her Spring Break. We picked her up on Saturday in Lafayette. We are glad to have her and the boys are very excited to have her too. She will have the opporotunity to volunteer at Carson's school and my sister in law: Lisa's reading program at Richards.

Her visit has been a good motivator for me to not sit around in my pajamas frittering away the day. I was able to rise early, dress and do my devotion/prayer/Bible study time with no interruptions. Imagine if I acted like a responsible adult all the time. I even took care of some dishes while they ate breakfast. We spent the rest of the day running errands which mostly included gathering the supplies for our meals this week. Yeah, I actually am planning ahead. Maybe, I should have visitors more often.

Mini Indy Spring Break

Just a quick note to let you know we are enjoying a mini vacation in Fishers, Indiana. The boys are in love with our Columbus Hotel Indigo. We had trouble justifying an overnight in Columbus so we decided to stay at the HI in Fishers. Troy has training this week on Monday & Tuesday in Indy. So this is the perfect time to take in the zoo, Children's Museum, and swim in the pool. The boys also love the little hotel dog: Fibi. She is cute.

Our room gets five stars. Very chic and trendy. Extra marks for the Aveda bath products and free wifi. Check it out on www.hotelindigo.com .

The Note From My Mother

This note was written on August 18, 1992 by my mother in response to a request from my sorority for parents to write notes of encouragement to their daughters during the week of rush.

"Dear Sara,
What a great idea to share a surprise love note so you'll be reminded how much I love you.

Precious Sara, you are soft, deep feeling, dear and caring. Many times I've hurt you. I am sorry afterwards for my angry insensitive words and attacks. Caring about you so much doesn't excuse me; so I ask your forgiveness in Christ.

Here's hoping we will grow in understanding and love. You are tender, talented, and just a (the right) touch tenacious. Have a wonderful year, learn and enjoy each day. I love you, your mama."

What a treasure I have in this note written so many years ago. I haven't framed it yet, as I did with my dad's after he passed. But, I will. Words from my parents are something to cherish. I think that is why I cherish my Bible so much. Words from my Heavenly Father. The Father that always keeps His promises and has the Words I need to hear. Words for teaching, encouraging, challenging and comforting. Words to help me grow. Words to give me strength. Words to help me face the challenges of life.

His Arm Is Not Too Short!

Many of you have already gotten the email, so this will not be new to you, but I wanted to post our joy and celebration that Ephraim's follow up with the cardiologist this weekend went very well. He received a great report. She anticipates that after one more six month appointment that we can return to a once a year schedule.

Thank you for your prayers these past few months. We are so humbled to know that so many have been praying including people who have never met us. We have had the privilege of meeting some of you recently and is such a blessing to put a face with a name.

God is so good. Our study of the Life of Moses has given us insight into God's power. One of my favorite verses so far has been from Numbers 11:23

The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."


Indeed God kept His promise to Moses and the Israelites. When I read that verse, I think of all God has done to care for my family. Our trust is in The One, whose arm is not too short! He can do all things, nothing is impossible for Him. Not the healing of a little boy's heart or the economic downturn. God will weather the storm with us. We are confident in Him. Our trust is in the LORD, not men. Where will you trust Him today? Believe us, His arm is long enough and He always keeps His promises.

Appearances Can Be Deceiving...

Troy took Harrison Ford to breakfast this morning. Today is celebrity day at St. Peter's as part of National Lutheran Schools Week. Carson knew right away who he wanted to be. He dressed as Harrison Ford/Indiana Jones. He came up with the idea a while back and was excited to be able to dress this way for school complete with a five o'clock shadow (mascara). The pictures reveal what a handsome Indiana Jones he makes. Appearances can be deceiving...



As the pictures on my blog have shown, Ephraim has been into dressing up too. It started with a green striped shirt that made him Steve from Blues Clues. Then it developed into him dressing as Buzz Lightyear. He pretty much wants to wear the costume 24/7. We allow him to wear it pretty much when he wants to with the exception of church and Bible Study Fellowship. He wants to be called Buzz and his teachers at CMO indulged him by even putting Buzz on his art project instead of Ephraim. He isn't Buzz, but appearances can be deceiving...

Appearances can be deceiving. A relatively new friend of mine said that she had seen a picture of me in the Columbus North High School Athletic "Hall of Fame". I almost burst out laughing. What was she thinking? She said "You were in the gymnastics picture, you were a gymnast." Oh my... time has blocked this from my memory. "Yes" I said, "I was on the gymnastics team, but I was the manager". Appearances can be deceiving. I can't even do a cart wheel.



Carson's memory verse for this week is from Ephesians 4:24 "Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness". We are to put off our old self, so we can put on the new self. We are created to be like someone greater than ourselves and it isn't Indiana Jones or Buzz Lightyear. We are created to be like God. An incredibly high standard, only achieved when we are covered by the blood of Christ and join Him for eternity one day. I am astonished that I am in a picture hanging in the athletic hall of fame, that couldn't be farther from the truth. I am not surprised however, that my name is recorded in the Book of Life, and it is there not because of anything I have done, but what Christ has done for me.

Visit Three To The Animal Shelter

Another fun trip to the Animal Shelter. The animals and the staff seemed to enjoy Carson's "bad hair day" hairdo. We were able to feed snacks to all the dogs. Carson was a little timid at first, but he warmed up to it. I think it is really great for him to get this exposure. He is becoming more sure of himself around animals each time we visit. But, he is also learning a healthy respect for the animals as well.

We played especially with to very adorable dogs. One younger dog named Fritz who is waiting to be adopted and a very sweet puppy they are calling Butterball that has come in as a stray in the last week. I could be made into a dog fan by Butterball. Good thing, Troy has allergies or I could lose all my good sense and be persuaded to get this dog. Of course as I had to remind Carson, Butterball is a stray so his owner may be looking for him. It is likely that he will not be there when we return next week. Still a lot of fun to play with and love on!

Hope you are enjoying the pictures.

A Day to Remember .. Even a Bad Hair Day!

Every day is a day to remember God's promises. Each day is full of many opportunities to trust in the LORD! Yesterday, was a day to remember the passing of my father from earthly life into eternal life thirteen years ago! While mixed with sorrow, it is a still a day to celebrate what God did for my Dad and for each one of us in sending His Son Jesus Christ to die for us on the cross and rise victorious over death and the devil!

I began yesterday praising the LORD for what He had done in giving me Christian parents. I helped get the boys ready for church and found time to unearth some photo albums with pictures of my Dad in them. Sadly, my boys never got to meet "Poppy". As I have shared before, Poppy is what my oldest niece Lisa called my Dad. Lisa was the only grandchild that had the privilege of knowing my Dad.

The photos served as visual clues as to who my Dad was. Pictures of him driving, serving and loving his family. As with all people, my Dad wasn't perfect, but he surely did love his family. While work may have kept him away from us more often than not, we still knew him and could see his quiet strength. I don't know that I realized where that quiet strength came from until I was an adult, but I could sense his trust in the LORD.

The LORD often gives us tangible reminders of how much the people we love cared for us. I have only a few things that do that for me when it comes to my Dad. One of the things, I do have is a framed post card. My senior year of college, (shortly after my Dad was diagnosed with cancer), my sorority asked each of the parents to write an encouraging note for their daughters. My Dad was a man of few words, but for this occasion he penned "Dear Sara, Your pop loves you very much & hopes everything in your life goes as you wish. Love, Dad".

The note is fading, but you can still read it. The love with which it was penned is still close to my heart. My mom also wrote a note to me and I will share that with you in the coming days as the anniversary of her death is also approaching on March 11th. What my sorority meant for encouragement for the week, has remained as a testimony of love in my life and will so for a lifetime. I believe God gave that idea to them, so that I might have these tangible reminders of my parents. Something to remember.

On a lighter note, most people would want to forget a bad hair day rather than take pictures so they can remember it. But, that is what makes Carson special. He has been looking forward to "bad hair day" at school since the last one was preempted by a snow day. This morning, I took a variety of hair products and tools and gave Carson a bad hairdo. He wanted a mo hawk and since he wasn't going to get one in the truest sense, we settled on making a row of hair down the middle standing up. That soon became most of his hair standing on end. Fine with me, this is one of the special days that the kids are using to celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week. Strange way to celebrate, but who am I too judge. It made Carson's day, one to remember. Check out the pictures of this smiling boy!

Going to His House...

Lent has started. I know there can be controversy about giving up things for Lent.There are some who think that giving something up is really pointless because we can not possibly even come close to the sacrifice that Christ made for us with His death on the cross. This is true. There is nothing I can do to even come close to what God did for me. I think it really is defined by motive. I do believe that if there is something I can give up during the next forty days that I can do so as a reminder to myself of the idea of His sacrifice.

So, what did I give up? I gave up facebook. For those who may not know, facebook is a "social network" on the internet. It is a wonderful way to connect or reconnect with family and friends. Share pictures, memories, ideas, and even just the everyday funny or even mundane things that happen in your life. I have been enjoying facebook as just that. Posting pictures, updating my status to include bits and pieces of my day. I want to be clear that my giving up facebook is not a comment on facebook itself. It is a comment on my own behavior and attitude. I have spent more time than necessary on facebook and often to the detriment of my family. I have used it as a way to escape from the work that needs to be done. (And no, blogging is not the same!).

All that to say, that I want to use the time I would normally spend on facebook investing in relationships. The relationships that are of highest priority in my home. First, the relationship with my LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. Second, with my family and friends. I want to really connect; in real and tangible ways. I want to delight in the LORD and He in me. I want to bring joy to my family and peace to my home. On that note, Troy and I are also adding to our Lenten season The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. The book is a by-product of the movie Fireproof that is all about the building up of the marriage relationship and relationship with the LORD.

Therefore, I am not only taking away facebook for the next forty days, but we are adding in The Love Dare as a way to enrich our life. That is pleasing to the LORD. Can I truly love the way He does? No, not on this earth. Should that stop me from working on it? No way!

You have been reading my blog and probably wanting to know what does the title of this entry have to do with what you have written thus far??? Admittedly, it may seem like it doesn't fit, but really I think it does. To start our Lenten season off on the right foot, we went to His house. Last night we attended the Ash Wednesday service.

As part of the Wednesday services during Lent the church is using dramatic monologues to portray the disciples. I must confess that I am not always a fan of dramatic interpretation of the Bible. I guess, I just like my Bible in black and white. I sometimes think there is too much creative license taken in portraying Biblical people. That being said, the sight of Pastor Teike dressed as Peter and sharing his own account of Biblical events was enough to make Carson take notice.

I had explained to Carson prior to the start that they would be using drama each week to bring the message. As the monologue was just beginning, Carson says to me, "Mama, can we come every week?". "Of course!" I said. Delighted to see his joy in coming to The LORD's house! I didn't even bother to tell him we would have been coming even without his request. I was glad it Carson's idea "to go to His house". Whether, you choose to give anything up or add something in for Lent, I pray that you will make time "to go to His house". He wants to meet you there and in your home and out in the world. Though, I am pretty sure The Living God doesn't have a page on facebook. If He did, I wouldn't be checking it in the next forty days anyway, because I'm off facebook. I think I'll open His book and see what He has to say to me there instead! If you are one of my facebook friends, give me a call, comment on my blog or even better come see me face to face.