Monday, December 19, 2011

Where to Begin

I'm not even sure where to begin.  So much has happened in the last month and a half that I want to write about.


So, I'll start here.


We did move last weekend.  The closing on our new home was very hard and even before we closed we could see that problems with the house were likely ahead.  There were a few that we new about.  What we've found though is much more.  There are little and big problems.


There are so many shows on television about rehabbing houses, fixing up your old house, decorating rooms, finding treasures that one thought was trash...  They make moving look fun, full of work, and doable.  I think they also romanticize and idealize it!  They make us think that different and new is better than what the present is.


I had a lot of time to think about this the past two weeks.


After our pre-closing inspection showed issues, we were a bit jittery.  Our closing did nothing to settle my nerves as the house's owner started telling crazy stories about the neighbors.  I kept my mouth shut and reminded myself that God is sovereign.  He knew and still knows all about the neighbors.  We left our closing without keys--because she didn't have them!  We drove to the house hoping to find them in the mailbox.  Thankfully, they were there.  But, we resolved to have the locks changed before nightfall--not knowing who had keys!


My courage began to fail me.  We drove over to a friend's house and he came back with his son to look over the house with us.  A little while later another friend from church also came over.  The three men, including my husband, discovered multiple issues not discovered in the home inspection (that clearly should have been).  But, I knew we weren't alone.  God was with us and so was our church family.  We have friends now that we can ask for help.


My body, on the other hand, broke down.  I got really sick that night.  The past 30 days had been very stressful.  I finally got to the point where I couldn't go anymore.  It was hard to realize this about myself.  I've always just been able to do what I needed to do.  I've had kind friends warn me before that this would happen.  And they were right.


I woke up Tuesday still sick.  I was overwhelmed by it all--the work to be done before we moved in 4 days later--the work we expected with the addition of a lot of work we didn't expect!  My body forced me to take it slow.  I slowly started moving and by the afternoon was able to paint.  Each day that week held more of the same.  A slow recovery in the morning (which shortened as the week went on) and  then painting.  By the end of the week all 4 bedrooms were painted and the den.


My heart and body flagged, but my husband picked up the ball and kept going.  I was very proud of him and thankful for him.  One afternoon one of my friends came with her son to help paint.  That was such a help!  Friday night came and some friends and their children came and helped us pack up all the dishes the owner had left and unpack our dishes we'd already brought over among other things.  We got the rooms ready to have things moved in!


Saturday arrived and moving day came.  All the last minute preparations...  Four hours after we'd begun everything from the house (or almost everything) was inside our new home.  And the work of unpacking began...


There's so much unsettling that occurs in moving--before, during, and after.  It takes time to pack, move, and unpack.  I think it takes more time to unpack and feel settled than the preparations.  I wanted my children and husband to feel comfortable right away, but that wasn't to happen.  I think, though, that we're surprisingly settled for being here 9 days.  You know when you have that long list of things to do and you don't know if it's ever going to end?  And you don't feel like you're making progress because a new big thing gets added every day?  That's how the last week has felt.  So, we just kept pressing on.  When my husband's spirits flagged, I kept going.  He did it the first week.  It was my turn the second week.  I did get a bad chest cold this week which made it difficult.  


Our pastor spoke yesterday about happiness and joy.  Happiness is very difficult to maintain because life is full of struggle.   Happiness only lasts for a moment.  Seeking happiness is a continual search.  Joy on the other hand is rooted in our faith in Christ and the knowledge of what God did for us on the cross.  There has been a lot of struggle the past two weeks, but I have peace about our home and I know that God is growing us through all of this.  Growth isn't easy or painless.  I keep reminding myself of this!  


So, that's where I'm at.  I'm learning my limits.  I'm thinking about the little blessings that God has for us in this house and tackling the problems one by one with my husband.  I'm learning to be content with everything not fixed.  I'm learning a lot of things right now--or at least trying to!


Psalm 25[a]
    Of David.
 1 In you, LORD my God,
   I put my trust.
 2 I trust in you;
   do not let me be put to shame,
   nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
   will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
   who are treacherous without cause.
 4 Show me your ways, LORD,
   teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
   for you are God my Savior,
   and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
   for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
   and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
   for you, LORD, are good.
 8 Good and upright is the LORD;
   therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
   and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
   toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, LORD,
   forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
 12 Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
   He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.[b]
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
   and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
   he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
   for only he will release my feet from the snare.
 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
   for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
   and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
   and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
   and how fiercely they hate me!
 20 Guard my life and rescue me;
   do not let me be put to shame,
   for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
   because my hope, LORD,[c] is in you.
 22 Deliver Israel, O God,
   from all their troubles!

Blogging for Fun

When I told my husband about taking a break from blogging, he didn't give the enthusiastic cheer that I thought he would.  Instead he told me, "Well, we'll see how long that lasts.  You may need the outlet in the midst of everything else."  As often happens, he's right in this case.  I've had all these thoughts running around in my head this week, so I'm just going to put some of them down in this post.


Pondering #1
Last week a missionary couple came to visit our church from France where they are serving.  We started talking about books and I recommended several of my favorite books to her.  At first, I didn't articulate why.  After the church service, I realized that it was because each of the books made a deep impression on me.


These were the books:
Love in the Driest Season by Neely Tucker
This book made me realize how Americentric I've been in my world view and why it is important that the U.S. help countries in Africa and why we need to support missionaries there.
The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson
This book brought the Great Depression to life for me and brought to life for me what it means to "do without".
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
I enjoyed The Kite Runner, but this book (though also set in Afghanistan) is a biography rather than a fiction story like Khaled Hosseini's book.  What amazed me about this story was the absence of God.  Yes, the woman survived under the Taliban and took care of her family.


I realized that I recommended these books to her because she is a missionary who visits many churches with her husband to raise financial support.  God used each of these books to help me understand why missions was important by helping me see life from different perspectives without God.  I have assumed that it is difficult at times for missionaries to explain to some Christians why missions matters.


Pondering #2


I was raised to compare myself with others.  In L.A., people judge you by a. your clothes and b. your car.  I remember my dad constantly comparing himself to others, our family to others, and me to others.  My dad did this because it was his way of making himself feel better about who he was--by feeling that he was better than other people.  This thinking has been ingrained in my head.  I have to constantly fight it, but sometimes that thinking creeps in at unexpected moments.  This morning our pastor spoke about how God uses our humiliation so that we can understand others.


One of the deepest humiliations that I've faced in my life has been the condescension of many Army officers and their wives during my husband's time in the military.  Not all officers and their wives treated us this way, but some did.  It felt horrible to have people look down on my husband and sometimes me simply because my husband was enlisted.  It was one of the things I most looked forward to leaving behind when my husband got out of the Army.  This past year, though, I faced this again.  Last night I realized that now when I tell people my husband was in the Army for 8 years I don't say that he was enlisted.  This isn't because I'm not proud of him--I am deeply.  It is because I don't want people to make snap judgments about him or me if they or family members were officers and not enlisted servicemen.  Last night, I had the chance to talk to an officers wife.  Strangely enough I mentioned to her that my husband was in for 8 years and was enlisted.  We went on to have a great discussion about the military culture and the problems the separation of officers and enlisted has created.  It has created a social culture in which officers and their wives often consider themselves better than folks who are enlisted.  What is ironic is that they are often less educated and skilled than the enlisted folks they look down upon.  The other wife and I pondered and she has puzzled as to why this culture is this way.  I told her that I think it all comes back to the desire to feel good about ones self.  If a person compares him or herself to others in a way that makes them look better than the other person, then they feel good--they feel validated.  That's why we compare ourselves.  It's usually because we want to feel better about ourselves by way of pride.  It's a trap.  It's not really true.  We are valuable because God loves us--not because of anything we've done or can do.  We can get caught in social situations and social cultures though that tell us that our value is because of what we do or because of our position.  God used my humiliation to help me connect with the woman I talked to last night--to encourage her and hopefully shed some light on why things are the way they are.


Today though, that comparison thing--well, it crept right back in.  Where I live now, people are not judged by their cars and clothes, but on their houses.  For the past months we've been in the process of buying a home about 20 minutes away from where we lived.  It's closer to our church and near our friends.  We are so excited.  But, I continually have to remind myself that what God is giving us is better than other options.  I should rephrase that.  Most of the time I am content and secure in trusting God in this blessing.  I am very thankful for the home that we are hoping to move into next Saturday.  But, there are times when the lies creep in.  The lie that I have to put another house down--for whatever reason--in order to feel better about the choice we're making with this house.  It is a lie.  The truth is that there is a constant temptation to compare ourselves.  We have to resist.


When we don't, we do damage to ourselves and others by perpetuating the cycle of comparison.


When I don't, I do damage to myself and others by perpetuation the cycle of comparison.


Our pastor said something yesterday in his sermon that struck me.  He said that the bar of others is the easiest one to measure ourselves by.  We compare ourselves to others so that we figure out if we're good enough.


I realized early on when we put the offer in on this house that it was the right house for my family because as much as I love it it is not what our culture sets forth as most important when purchasing a home.  Our culture says bigger is better -- newer is better.  But, what really matters most is what God has for us--not what the world would tell us we should have.


I wrote much of this post two weeks ago.  This morning it holds a little different message for me.  We did move into our new home 9 days ago.  It has been a stressful, work filled 9 days.  There has been so much more work to do than we expected.  I keep reminding myself of the assurances and ways that the Lord confirmed over the past month that this was the house he had for us.  My good friend Jenny asked me if I had started to see the good things that God has for us in this house.  So, I've started to look for them.  Rather than focusing any attention on comparing this house with another, I'm trying to simply see the blessings in this house.


So, those are my incomplete ponderings this morning...

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Fiction for Middle School Boys

I will admit that I've read all 7 Harry Potter books.  Many people have different opinions on these about whether they want their children to read them.  After discussions with friends, I decided that I would let my children read one each year beginning when they turn 10 or 11.  Harry gets older in the books and the later books include material (how they address magic) and are often scary in ways that I feel aren't appropriate for young readers.  So, that's going to be my approach with these books and my kids.


This week I read a book that made me recall my feelings about Harry Potter.  It reminded me of the books because my husband's reaction to it and what he was concerned about.
The Future Door by Jason Lethcoe
You see my husband has a habit of picking up the books I'm reviewing, flipping them open, and reading a few pages. After he read a snippet from this one, his first question was whether I was going to let our 8 year old daughter read it?  I said I didn't know.  He replied that he didn't want her to read it.  That made me wonder.  So, I sat down to read it.


This book is the story of Griffin Sharpe and his uncle, Rupert Snodgrass and his uncle's time machine.  I never noticed a mention of exactly how old Griffin is in this story.  The picture on the front cover made me think that he was about 9 or 10 years old.  Based on the character's actions and thoughts, I would have thought it much more likely that he was between 13 and 16 years old.  The plot has many twists and turns.  It's a fun story in that aspect.  Griffin and his uncle are likeable.  The twists at the end are quite unbelievable to me, though.  It is a fantastical story, but there were some details (like whether they ate for 25 years and what they ate) missing that kept the story from working well.  


I suspect that this book is like a lot of fiction written for boys in that vein of Harry Potter.  This book, since it is published by Thomas Nelson, is much milder, but there is still a very significant issue that many parents will have concerns about.  Spoiler alert!: There is a discussion at the end about whether someone had to kill another character, who was an evil man.  The conclusion in the book is that there was no other way.  I'm not even sure how I feel about this as an adult.  I grew up as a conscientious objector.  I married someone in the Army and had to come to terms as an adult with the reality that in this sinful world we live in people aren't always willing to talk.  You can't always "talk it out".  But, it's different for an adult to process such a difficult moral issue and for a child to understand it.  Because of this issue alone, I would only recommend this book to middle schoolers.  The problem is that the reading level is really about a 4th or 5th grade level and I don't think the story will be engaging to 7th or 8th graders.  


If you've read any of my other reviews, you will know that I'm a very picky reader when it comes to my children.  I realize that many parents won't have any issues with this book.  I just want to make you aware of my concerns and feelings.  I've heard about 4th and 5th graders reading The Hunger Games, a popular new book.  That book is leap years ahead of this one in terms of the moral issues it tackles and what it exposes the reader to.  That book is YA fiction written for adults, being read by young children.  So, I know this book is very mild compared to what kids could be reading.  


What's the final verdict?  It's fine reading for a middle schooler.  It has some plot problems, but it isn't bad writing.  It isn't especially good writing either, though.  The issue at the end in which Griffin explains that he had to kill a man--that there was no other choice.  That's one you definitely would want to talk to your kids about.  


Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Time

Right now, I am sitting down and writing down my homeschooling plans for the week.  Yesterday, I made a list of all the things I need "to do" for our move this week.  It's a big list.  I also have to keep up homeschooling in the midst of it.  So, I thought I'd write this post and say there's a ton of things running through my head that I wish I had time to write about.  But, I don't think much of it is going to get written before January between moving, unpacking, homeschooling, the refinance, my inlaws coming for a visit, my brother and his wife coming for a visit...  So, if you read my blog, please don't think I'm disappearing permanently.  It's just for a little while.  I'll be back in a few weeks.  


PS To whoever reads my blog:  Thank you...  I say very humbly...  Thank you for listening and reading my musings.  


PPS I'd really appreciate your prayers that I make it through all of this in one piece! ;)


Merry Christmas!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Teaching Our Children How To Pray

This week my children and I had the chance to read a new book together.  It is The Barber Who Wanted To Pray by R.C. Sproul.  


This picture book is the story of a dad having family worship with his kids.  One of his children asks how to pray.  The father tells the story of Martin Luther and his barber.  This picture book is an interesting thing.  It is written for older children, rather than younger ones.  Honestly, I think it would be most appropriate for 4-8th graders.  I think 8th graders would benefit from it  and grow from it, though they might think a picture book is young for them.  My 3rd grade daughter did enjoy the story, but I'm not sure how much she understood about Luther's explanation of prayer.  As an adult, I thought it was wonderful and it did encourage me.  Essentially, Luther explains that he prays through the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostle's Creed.  He meditated on the statements of each and what that meant to his heart as he prayed to the Lord.


Before writing this review, I looked up Martin Luther's book A Simple Way To Pray.  The story told in this picture book is a true one.  This book is out of print, but can be found on the web as a public file.  Now, I am looking forward to reading it.  Here's a link to it if you'd like to read it:  http://www.hope-aurora.org/docs/ASimpleWaytoPray.pdf


This book reinforces family worship, because it shows a family worshiping together.  The discussion was a bit deeper than I think my kids (3, 6, and 8) could handle right now.  I'd instead start with Jeanette Groth's book Prayer: Learning How to Talk to God for younger children.  For children grades 3-7, I would recommend this book. It is a great teaching tool of how to explain prayer.


Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Crossway.

ESV Bible for Children

Two years ago, I had a long conversation with a local bookstore owner about children's bibles.  It was he who explained to me the difference between the ICB (International Children's Bible) and the NIrV.  I've written several posts that reference these two translations (see http://lovetopaint.blogspot.com/search?q=NIrV).  To quickly summarize, the NIrV is a simplified version of the NIV and the ICB is a thought for thought paraphrase.  After my conversation, my husband and I decided to purchase an NIrV for our 6 year old daughter.  It was a little above her reading level, but we knew she'd grow into it.  She did the next year.  We wished at the time that we could get her a copy of the ESV, but the only one available for children didn't have notes that would be helpful to her at her age.  My husband struggled though because he really wanted Autumn to read from the ESV.


Last month, Crossway published a new edition of the ESV for ages 8-12.  It is called the Grow! Bible.  I saw an ad for it and my curiosity was piqued.  For the past month, I've been looking through this Bible and have been very pleased.  The first day it arrived, Autumn was so excited.  She wanted to read the same Bible that we do at church.  Though she had never expressed this to me, I learned that she wanted to be able to follow along when the Word is read at church on Sunday morning.  Our church reads from the ESV and it was difficult for her to follow in the NIrV.


So here's what I love about the Grow! Bible:
Formatting:  The font, though 9.5, is big enough for my daughter who in 3rd grade is a strong reader.  The columns are spaced well.  The notes highlighted in a way that makes them easier to read.  Each book in the Bible begins with a helpful timeline and introduction which my daughter found interesting and easy to understand.


Features:  There are interesting notes throughout the Bible.  There are Cross Connections that address how different passages remind us of the cross and salvation.  There are notes about what God's Word means for you (the reader).  My favorites are the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How notes.  I was surprised at the interesting information children will learn when they read them.  Some examples are a note explaining "woe", another explains "the stump of Jesse", and another explains what "the end of the heavens" means.  Many of them I had no idea about!  There is also a glossary and maps located at the back of the Bible.  All of them would be perfect for an 8-12 year old and very easy for them to use.


Theological content of the notes:  Concordia Publishing collaborated with Crossway on this Bible.  The notes were written by Concordia, which is a Lutheran publishing house.  I wondered how this would affect the notes--particularly the "Cross Connections".  I read several of the notes very carefully--particularly the note on how we are saved.  It was very well written.  There was one note about baptism and salvation, which many denominations see differently.  I read it to my husband and although it doesn't align exactly with what we believe since the PCA practices infant baptism (but doesn't believe it's a saving baptism), he did feel that what was written didn't contradict what we believe and that it was written well.  He did note, though, that the note was written from a general reformed perspective.  I felt as I read the note that whether someone was a free will baptist or believed in predestination that the theological ideas in the note would be okay.  The wording on this specific cross connection was such that it did say we are saved by grace through a decision we make.  It didn't go into detail of how those work together--but simply that they do.  I think this is wise of the publisher and authors of the note, because it allows parents to more fully explain what their child may read in the study note.


So, what Bible might I compare this to for other translations?  Probably the NIV Adventure Bible.  The NLT Hands-On Bible is also aimed at the same age group.  My husband and I much prefer the Grow! Bible for a couple of reasons.  1) We're glad that it's the ESV translation so our children can follow what is being read in church (and they're glad too).  2) The notes are primarily purposed for instruction, not entertainment.  They are meant to be interesting and helpful, but not solely for the purpose of entertainment.  3)  The study notes are much more in line with what we believe than the other two.  I reviewed the Hands-On Bible a long time ago.  I liked it and saw it as a great fit for many families--but not for ours, primarily because we don't read the NLT.  


If you're looking for a new Bible for your child, I'd definitely recommend taking a look at this one!  It might be what you're looking for if you want an ESV Children's Bible!


Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Crossway Publishing.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Just plugging along...

19 days and counting...   An update on how we're doing.  Home buying is so complicated and stressful.  This week has us trying to live "normally" while waiting for pieces to fall into place.  This week was the termite inspection.  Thankfully, it came back just fine.  


I'm trying to think about Christmas and being prepared.  I'm also trying to plan for Thanksgiving.  I'm trying be present.


What it comes down to is this:  trusting God is a simple thing to say, but not such a simple thing to do.  In some ways, I think it is easier to trust God in the hard parts of life.  It feels as if there is no other option.  It's often hard to trust God with the things we desire most.  We fear disappointment and that what we want is not what God wants for us.  Or at least I do.  


This is the place I'm in.  Taking each day as it comes.  Trying to focus on what I need to do.  Trusting that God will fit the pieces together that are not in my control.  I fear disappointment, but remind myself that Satan loves to tempt us to doubt God and his goodness.  I remind myself of the many ways God has confirmed to my husband and I that this is the path we should be on.  I remind myself of the truth.


Deuteronomy 31:8

New International Version (NIV)
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Another Christmas Story

Dan Walsh published his first novel about three years ago, I believe.  I read the first two novels and enjoyed them.  They were a bit cheesy, but I was impressed particularly by his first novel.  The second was quite predictable.  Recently he published his fourth novel, Remembering Christmas.  I sat down to read it, but found that it was a rare book that I had to pick up and set down.  You see, I never got drawn in.  Let me explain...

Storyline:  The story is about Rick and the Christmas season that changed his life.  He hadn't planned to come down and visit his mom and stepdad.  But, his stepdad, Art, had a brain aneurysm and they needed his help.  He spends several weeks at the shop which bring about a change in his heart.  (Of course there's a little romance thrown in there.)

Writing:   Mr. Walsh's writing in this book is fine.  This book didn't stand out to me, but it wasn't badly written.

Plot:  The plot revolves around the change in Rick's heart.

Why I picked it up and set it down:  It is a rare book (like Terri Blackstock's Covenant Child) that has a protagonist I like who is hard to like.  Rick's character for three-fourths of the book irritated me.  And because the first scene of the book, which sets the stage for the story being a flashback to the past, didn't give me a warm feeling for him, I struggled through the whole book.  It's hard to read a book for fun when you're so irritated with the main character for most of the book. 

It felt a little bit like something I read about the PBS Arthur series once...  Almost the entire show is spent on the conflict.  Only the last few minutes are spent on the resolution.  So, what do kids remember and mimic (according to research)?  The conflict, not the resolution.

That's how this book felt to me.  When I reached the conclusion, all I could remember was the long, drawn out conflict.

Conclusion:  I'd recommend The Homecoming by Dan Walsh instead of this one.  Or, if you're looking for a Christmas story, I'd recommend The Christmas Dog or The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson that came out a few years ago.  They were much more lighthearted and hopeful to me. 

Please note that I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review by Revell Publishing.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Annual Christmas Novella

For the past three years, Revell has published a Christmas novella by Melody Carlson.  I have grown fond of them.  I remember the first one I read, The Christmas Dog.  What I loved most about it was that it was an enjoyable Christian novel that wasn't just a romance.  Then came The Christmas Bus and Christmas at Harrington's.  Both were those books you curl up with a cup of tea on a Sunday afternoon.  This year Melody Carlson wrote a new one, The Christmas Shoppe.  Just like its predecessors, it was a fun read.  

Storyline:  There's all sorts of little stories in this one story woven together.  A stranger comes to Parrish Springs and purchases an old building on the main street of town.  It was desired by a coniving councilman who sets out to undermine her ability to open her shop.  There's the town manager who's divorced and raising her daughter with the help of her cantankerous mother in law.  There's the newspaper editor who's a single fellow in his 40s and a broken heart.  There's the newspaper assistant who was left by her husband for a young divorcee.  And of course, Ms. Carlson intersects all of their stories with Ms. Hunnicut, the stranger who's come to town. 

Writing:  Ms. Carlson writes very well.  Her story is very descriptive of the people and she makes the most of the words in this short book.  Simply put, it's a very easy book to read and follow. 

Plot:  This is one I don't want to give away, because not knowing what is going to happen makes this story like a puzzle you're putting together on the coffee table.  The pieces will come together.  It's a just a fun leisurely afternoon reading the story and seeing all of the pieces fit. 

Conclusion:  If you love to read and you love made for tv hallmark movies, you'll love this book.  If you've loved Melody Carlson's Christmas novels in the past, you'll love this book.  And if you're just looking for a fun book to read on a rainy afternoon, pick this one up and save it for that rainy or snowy day that I'm sure is going to come this winter!

Please note that I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review by Revell Publishing.

Continuing to Climb

When I go hiking, my goal is to keep up with my husband--at all costs.  I don't let on when I'm tired.  I am determined that I will keep up!  What a strong willed woman I am!  Thankfully, I usually can keep up.  But, when I'm hiking with him I don't rest as often as I might if I were on my own.  The past month has been a lot like hiking for me.


Last Wednesday night, I had the chance to sit down for coffee with a young gal from my church.  I shared with her all that had been going on with my family.  At the end, she queried, "All of that happened in a month?"  I replied, "Yes, my mom arrived October 7th."


It's strange to realize that it has been a marathon of a month.


First my mom arrived.  Within a few days we realized we wanted to move.  We put our house on the market.  We started looking for a new home for all of us.  We put one offer in.  We took it off the table.  We made another offer.  It was accepted.  We offered our home for rent to my mother in law.  She accepted.  We took our house off of the market.  We started the mortgage process....  I think that's it in a nutshell!


It's been a long hike uphill.  But, today... well, today is me sitting down to rest.  I faxed off the forms for our refinance and a weight lifted.  I worked hard this week.  My mom did too.  She helped by taking care of my kids so I could take care of all the things I needed to for the homes and research for my mother in law.  


But, today I am resting.  No homeschooling.  No schedule.  A phone call to follow up on one of the faxes.  An email confirmed the others.  


Sometimes we need that.  In the rest, there is beautiful scenery.  Today, that scenery came in the form of a phone call to a person I thought was a stranger.  Only she wasn't a stranger after all!  This morning my husband had a question about the neighborhood where the house is that we have a contract on.  A friend of mine had mentioned to me earlier this week that she knew someone who lived on that street.  So, I called her this morning.  I was just leaving her a message as she answered.  About 5 minutes into the conversation, I discovered that we did know each other!  She rejoiced to learn that it was my family who had a contract on the home.  She has been praying for some families with children to move into the neighborhood.  Since the house had only been on the market for a week before we had a contract on it, she had just noticed it this week.  We talked for over an hour and it was such a blessing!  I had met her through gymnastics last year when my girls attended at the local rec center.  We only talked for a few minutes each week because her daughter's class was after mine.  But, I enjoyed talking to her each week--even for a few minutes!  I look forward to living a few houses away from her family.


When I hung up the phone, I had tears in my eyes.  It confirmed to me all the more that this is the hill for us to be climbing up.  But, the phone call was also beautiful scenery that renewed my heart and gave me joy.  God answers our prayers in many ways.  What a special thing it is to be the answer to someone else's prayer!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Doing My Job

This was one of those weeks when I went from peaks to valleys.  On Sunday, we had our offer accepted on a house .   It was a huge blessing and we were so excited.  That excitement stayed for a day or two.  And then reality set in--I had to tackle the mortgage application.  I had questions and I couldn't seem to get the answers I needed from the lender we're using.  I left messages and struggled.  Thursday afternoon, I found myself throwing up my hands.  My husband had had a very hard week at work and I realized that he didn't know what to do either.  I realized in that moment that I had to do my job.


Most of the time my job is to homeschool my children and take care of them.  But, my job also consists of keeping on top of our budget, health care, and other paperwork tasks.  This week that included this mortgage application.


It's ironic to me that when I was a teenager, life seemed so intense.  Then, came college.  Life seemed intense in a different way.  It wasn't long before I was living on my own in Denver in an apartment with a full time job.  It seems that kids want to be adults and have the freedom they think adults have.  Adults want to be kids again--and not have to make decisions every moment of the day.  I think I fall into that camp at times.  There times when I want to throw up my hands, sit down with a cup of tea, and eat a piece of chocolate.


But, that's not the way life works.  That's what I realized on Thursday.


It was time for me to do my job.  Impatience and giving up wasn't going to help.  Everything still needed to be done.


So, I went into the homeschool room Thursday night and sat down on the phone for an hour with the mortgage company.  A few of my questions got answered, but I was left with a few more.  The appraiser accidentally called our home instead of the seller and we gave them the number of the seller.


Friday morning brought a full day of work me.  I started by mowing the backyard and weed eating it--the last time, hopefully, before winter.  Then, I got on the phone and spoke with the appraiser to make a correction.  Then, I got a phone call from a woman I'd called 3 days before.  She was able to clear up my questions--as I kept her on the phone for 45 minutes.  That afternoon I went to fax papers I needed to get off to the mortgage company.  The first time 42 of 82 pages went through.  But, I wasn't sure which ones.  So, I came home and tried on my home fax machine. I'd just finished a 29 page fax when... I got an error message.  An error message?!  Ay ay ay!  No more faxing for me.  Calmly, I set about making sure I had copies of everything and prepared to Fed Ex it.  I finished my collating and took the package to the drop off point in time for the last pick up of the week.


I was surprised that I didn't get upset.  But, I just knew it was my job.  I had to do it and getting upset wasn't going to help.  I'm thankful that the Lord reminded me of this on Thursday and prepared me for what was ahead.  


Some days, it's just not easy being an adult...

A Slow and Steady Uphill Climb

Last week our pastor preached on Psalm 23.  What struck me the most was when he pointed out that it says "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."  He pointed out that it says walk.  It doesn't say run, hop, skip, fly, or jump.  It says walk.

This week, he preached on Psalm 24.

A Psalm of David.
 1 The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof,
   the world and those who dwell therein,
2for he has founded it upon the seas
   and established it upon the rivers.
 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
   And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
   who does not lift up his soul to what is false
   and does not swear deceitfully.
5He will receive blessing from the LORD
   and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6Such is the generation of those who seek him,
   who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
                         Selah
 7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
   And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
8Who is this King of glory?
   The LORD, strong and mighty,
   the LORD, mighty in battle!
9Lift up your heads, O gates!
   And lift them up, O ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
10Who is this King of glory?
    The LORD of hosts,
   he is the King of glory! 

The point that struck me the most was his description of what the ascension is like.  It isn't an easy road--it is an up hill journey.  It has beautiful scenery along the way, but often we simply have to put one foot in front of the other.  

After church this past Sunday, we got to see some beautiful scenery.  It came in the form of our offer being accepted for a house we wish to purchase.  It was one of those times when I so aware of and amazed by how God orchestrated things.  

The day after brought the first steps of beginning the mortgage process.  I locked in our rate and started the process.  I caught a mistake in an email I received that incorrectly listed the address.  I requested it be changed.  Through the next three days, I made probably 5 or 6 phone calls to the loan company because of different questions we had.  The last 3 were simply because the loan processor's phone message said she'd be out of the office until October 24th.  October 24th?  Hmmm...  

Finally, someone told me that I wouldn't get a call from the loan processor until 5-10 days into the process.  Ah, well that explains some things.  

Then, we got a call tonight that made us realize that we have to keep on top of this!  At the same time we have to trust the Lord and not live anxiously, while actively checking in and confirming that everything is in order.  

It's funny.  When you get a contract on a house, it feels as if the hard part is done!  And yet, it's only just beginning.  The road we're on is an uphill one.  

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Homeschooling as a Christian

A few months ago, I started a website that could serve as a resource for families in the county I live in considering homeschooling.  I didn't realize at the time that I should have defined who a Christian is.  This past Monday, I realized that I need to define it.  


Hundreds of years ago, there was a lot of controversy over who a Christian was.  That is why the Council of Nicea met and wrote the Nicene Creed.  

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen. 



We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end. 



We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets. 



We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen. 



Later, the Apostles Creed was written.  It is a little more succinct and some might say it is easier to recite.


I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
    the Maker of heaven and earth,
    and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
    born of the virgin Mary,
    suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was crucified, died, and buried;
He descended into hell. 
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
    and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
    from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
    the holy catholic church;
    the communion of saints;
    the forgiveness of sins;
    the resurrection of the body;
    and the life everlasting.
Amen.

In our bulletin each week, there is a note about the word "catholic".  It means the universal Christian church.  Capitalized "Catholic" refers to the Orthodox Catholic church.  

I think the Apostles creed is a good description of the core beliefs of a Christian.  There are many other ways you could define who a Christian is, but I think the Apostles Creed is a good place to start.  

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Turning My Brain Off

My brain is a jumble of thoughts and stress right at the moment.  I'm trying to calm down, but I'm not being entirely successful at it.  You see, my mom moved across the country to come live near us a week ago.  This week was filled with the normal homeschooling schedule and activities plus helping my mom get her car (it was shipped), have it inspected and registered, get her driver's license, and switch her Medicare supplement provider.  It was a very busy week.  I saw God's fingerprints all along the way.  My mom had such a great attitude about everything.  She lessened what could have been a lot more stress for me than it was.


From the day she arrived, my husband and I began talking together and with her about where would be the wisest place for her to live.  Within a few days, we realized that we didn't want her to buy a house in our neighborhood because we want to move.  We want to move closer to our church family and be a part of people's lives more regularly.  And so began a decluttering movement in our house amidst all of the things my mom and I needed to tackle.  By Friday, the house was mostly decluttered and our real estate agent came over. She sat down with us and talked through what was ahead for us-as both sellers and buyers.  She was encouraging and hopeful.  She has been in this business over 25 years and that was a blessing to me.


Saturday morning brought a full day of busyness.  Painting our upstairs ceiling and many other projects.  Going to see 4 houses.  Going to a birthday party the girls were invited to.  And more painting the ceiling.


Sunday morning brought an hour of painting the ceiling and then cooking for our friends that were coming over for lunch after church.


Amidst all of this my mom was a big help.  She was always ready to pitch in and was never impatient with me.  She understood what we needed to get done and simply supported us as she could.  On Saturday night, I suggested to my mom and husband that my mom should go stay with my friend so there would be less people in our house as we're trying to sell it  Both said, "No."  Wow.  That wasn't the answer I expected.  I expected my husband to want his privacy and my mom to want a break from our kids.  Nope.  I realized in that moment what an amazing blessing that was!


Monday was filled with more minor repairs and moving furniture around.  By the end of the day, pictures were taken and the house was in order.  Tuesday held other tasks for me like getting preapproved for a new mortgage loan and working on our budget.  And now Wednesday has arrived.


It's raining outside and I'm relieved.  The for sale sign should arrive today.  I've heard both negative and positive comments about the possibility of us selling our house right now.  I'm nervous about purchasing a new house, but excited.  I have to come back to the Word.  






Deuteronomy 31:8
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”


Psalm 27

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?
 2 When the wicked advance against me
   to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
   who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
   my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
   even then I will be confident.
 4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
   he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
   and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
   above the enemies who surround me;
   at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
   I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
   be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
   Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
   do not turn your servant away in anger;
   you have been my helper.
   Do not reject me or forsake me,
   God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
   the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
   lead me in a straight path
   because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
   for false witnesses rise up against me,
   spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
   be strong and take heart
   and wait for the LORD.

I have felt nervous over the past few days and almost anxious.  But, Psalm 27:14 reminds me of what I'm supposed to do.  Yesterday morning, I was discouraged.  In the span of 2 hours I heard several negative, worrying things.  As I read Psalm 27 this morning, I realized that our enemies may be our friends.  In this case it is not my friends that are the enemies that would attack me, but the things they say.  Those statements are like arrows.  There was no malicious intent on anyone's part, but our cynicism creeps into our lives and what we say.  It steals our hope.  In this case, it stole one of my friend's hopes.  I have compassion for her, not judgement because the same thing happens to me.  Have I stolen someone's hopes by my statements?  Do I reflect that I am trusting the Lord in what I say?  That's definitely something for me to think about today.


Today I am going to remind myself that God has gone before me and is in control of everything.  I can "wait, be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord."

Monday, October 17, 2011

Little Lessons from Knitting

I spend more time than I'd like on the computer.  I have realized many times that it is easy to gravitate to this thing on the desk which I can turn on and be instantly entertained by or interact with.  But, is it real interaction?  No, not really.  It's this semi-real kind of thing.  I think it falls in a gray area.  It's not entirely authentic and real or entirely fake.  One of the conclusions I've come to as I've watched myself spend more time, mostly out of necessity, on the computer is that I need to seek out real, tangible hobbies all the more.  I need to put the people in my life that need me first at all times.  Interruptions that are real need to take precedence. 

I have a few hobbies that I enjoy.  I knit--just simple blankets.  I like to quilt and do simple sewing.  I try my hand at gardening--it gets me outside in the sun.  With homeschooling and taking care of my kids and home, there isn't time for much.  I find time to squeeze in these book reviews and blog because it keeps my brain fired up and thinking. 

Revell is publishing a book of encouragement for knitters.  It's titled Knit with Love by Lisa Bogart.  In all things, we can see how God uses them and works in our lives if we look.  Sometimes we have to pause and consider, because we're running so fast that we don't look carefully and realize what is in front of us.  That's what this book is all about.  Basically, the author considers in short passages how all the parts of knitting reflect aspects of the Christian life.  There are stories of how to find and be a part of a knitting group.  There is a chapter with examples of how you can give through your knitting.  There is also a chapter with lists of books and websites that are helpful.  The chapter with little knitting tips made me want to try something more than a blanket. 

This is a light hearted read that will remind you of the truths you know and have heard over and over through your life as a believer.  This isn't an especially deep book.  It stays on the surface, but that's okay.  It is exactly what it sets out to be.  It is a collection of reflections of how God works in the little things we enjoy doing.  This quote by the author on page 13 sums it up well, "Knitting brings blessings to both sides of the needles, the creator and the receiver."

Please note that I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review by Revell Publishing.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Secular Fiction and Christian Fiction

This weekend I went garage saling with my kids as I often do on Saturday mornings.  My mom was with us for the first time.  She was surprised by how many conversations I struck up with strangers.  But, she chuckled about it and told my husband many stories about our adventures when we got home.


One of my conversations was with a woman who has written a book.  She self published it back in 2007.  She's been trying to publicize it and get it out there for the past 4 years.  It was interesting to hear from her how challenging that has been--and how much she's invested in it.  She wrote a book that matters to her.  I suspect that most authors feel that way.   Or at least I hope they do.  During my conversation, I discovered that the book was a fictional story about a young woman who has an autistic son.  The author has an autistic son who is in his 20s now.  Autism is such a mystery and I was very curious about this story.  So, I offered to review it.


Janet Lord Leszl tells the story of a young single parent with an autistic child in her book A Pebble to Polish.  The young woman, Cassie Delaine, is isolated without family or friends.  The story follows her from college through her first days learning that her son is autistic.  There are breaks in time when the story skips ahead to other periods of time in her life.  The story is well written and very true to life.  It does not feel contrived or forced at any point.  It is a good story, but...


I was surprised by my strong reaction to this book.  It was strong in good ways and in bad.  


On the first page, I realized this was not the kind of book I usually read.  It was in the middle of the second paragraph that I caught a glimpse of the main character's personality and perspective on life.  It became very clear within a few pages.  Early in the book there's also a sexual scene on page 15 that I'd recommend skipping.  I think many people would be surprised at this specific recommendation, after all it the scene does not go into all the graphic details of what happens.  Words can be very suggestive and I don't think our minds need to go where this scene leads us.  I've heard romantic fiction described before as porn for women and I do think it can be.  Words are very powerful.


The words used by the characters as they speak to one another reflected to me the biggest way that this book is different than many others I read.  I learned a great lesson in reading this book.  I have read several books over the past few years about suffering.  I have struggled to understand and accept the purpose that God has for it in our lives.  This book kind of brought things together for me.  This explanation isn't going to be very theological, but hopefully it will make sense.  


When Christians say, "Why me?  I'm a Christian.  Christians shouldn't suffer."  Their thinking is not in line with what the Word tells us.  The verse my girls have been learning this week is:  
John 16:33b "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”


God doesn't say we won't suffer, but he does say this:
John 16:33a “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace." 


In our lives, we will suffer.  But, that suffering is lessened by God's peace.  Our suffering isn't pointless or hopeless.  That is what I saw in the characters in this book.  As the women shared about their lives with their autistic children, I felt such a hopelessness in them.  They saw their lives as just plain yucky.  Several of them blamed God--which grieved me to read.  A few of them did go to church, but none spoke of knowing the love of God.  I was saddened to hear about how the churches they went to or had visited treated them and their children.  But, I felt it was sadly a very realistic picture.  We are often afraid of what we don't know or understand.  As believers, we need to show more grace and love for people that we do.  


I realized in reading this book that God has lessened the suffering in my life by  giving me peace.
Philippians 4:6-7  " Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."


That peace and Christ's love change my life.  In this story, the women feel they only have themselves to rely on.  They're mistaken.  They feel they're alone and on their own.  They're mistaken.  


In the course of the story, Cassie finds support in a group of women who are able to encourage her and help her understand what's going on with her son and what's ahead.  


At the end, the reader could think that Cassie has done it on her own.  She's survived by her own strength that she found within herself.  Yes, she has survived and she is even doing reasonably well.  But, how's her heart?  How is it really?


I'm glad I read this book, I learned a lot about autism and the struggles of parents with autistic children.  It made me realize how much more sensitive, understanding, and compassionate I need to be towards other parents--especially parents who have autistic children.  I also realized that I need to love these children better, listen to them, and care when I have the chance to.


But, would I give this blanket recommendation?  I can't without the caveats I've mentioned in this review... Skip page 15 and skip the cuss words when you can.  Remind yourself on pages 225-226 of God's truth.  Romans 8:28 is a good verse to combat the lies that can creep into our minds.  And remember Jesus' promise in John 16:33.


Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review.