Friday Flashback Foto

April 2009.

The "big girls" are repainting the bin for the new baby soon to arrive.

I remember this day well:)

Thank You, God for Spring...when we are surrounded by all things renewed!

They That Wait

"We will never NOT be carried by the strong, loving hands of the universe-making God. He WILL carry us through!"

Louie Giglio said this as he wrapped up a talk on the "How Great is our God" tour.

Psalm 33 "...By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made...the plans of the Lord stand firm forever...may Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."

As you pray today, please remember my sweet and sassy cousin, Leslie. She has a radiation treatment today at 4:45. I firmly believe she and I would be dear friends even if we weren't related. I dig that chick!

As always, you can follow God's goodness in Leslie's life at

www.porchswingnews.blogspot.com
Enjoy today!

cdj

Law Abiding Citizen

With a carload of players and spectators, I hurried toward the ballpark, yet, again. I made good time along the interstate, but as I exited onto the smaller highway, our pace slowed to a miserable crawl. The car in front of me crept along at what seemed 15 mph.

Just as I huffed my impatience aloud, I glanced at my speedometer: 55 mph.

I was absolutely exasperated with the person in front of me because they were driving at precisely the speed limit. How disheartening to have to rein in my disgruntlement because they were in fact doing nothing wrong. They simply were not driving fast enough to leave me room to break the law.

As I tried to edge up to her bumper to urge her onward, she remained steadfast: confident in her constraint. Her unwillingness to budge almost sent me into a phase two meltdown. I had procrastinated and spent too much time on the computer, and now SHE was making me late. Her determination to live by the rules exposed my true condition. I wondered if it occurred to her to move over to the shoulder for just a moment so that I could go about my illegal way. Of course not. She had a right to be on the road and she intended to enjoy it.

As we drove along, something in my heart changed. (We had PLENTY of time to facilitate such a change:) I began to embrace the fact that I was to blame for my tardiness. I began to regret reading that last email and waiting so long to load the car. This woman had done nothing to bring me harm. I was only annoyed by the standard she was setting for those of us who came along behind her.

I became remorseful for the inconvenience our late arrival would cause the coaches and teammates. As cars whizzed by in the opposite direction, I also understood the wisdom of posted speed limits in terms of safety and traffic control. The other driver didn’t glare or point fingers. She just continued quietly and consistently on her way.

Perhaps this is a good example for those righteous saints who might feel pressure to change their ways by hasty rule haters breathing down your neck with impatient disdain on their breath. When prodded by those who prefer unrighteousness, do you give in, give up, give grief, or allow your actions to give way to extended righteousness? Expanded by your continued faithfulness and the conversion of others.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right,giving joy to the heart. The commands of the lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. By them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11

"And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Sunday, April 18, 2010...

Outside my window...cool breezes sneak through dark trees.

I am remembering...my sweet daddy and his jolly laugh.

I am thankful for...freedom in Christ.

I am creating...a little talk for MOPS' "Friendship & Faith".

I am going...to start playing the piano for a local church.

I am reading...the Bible. Can't seem to get enough.

I am hoping...to keep a gentle, quiet spirit tomorrow with the kids.

On my mind...all that God can do...all He has done...all He will do.

From the learning rooms...placing curriculum orders this week.

Noticing that...it's taking SEVERAL minutes for the NyQuil to kick in.

Pondering these words..."Come be washed in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb."

From the kitchen...crustless quiche, monkey bread, and cantaloupe.

Around the house...rooms are either trashed or really neat...nowhere in between.

One of my favorite things...tight acapella harmony. boy howdy!

From my picture journal...JW & the girls on the top bleacher. 4/11/10



To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Word for the Wise

Yesterday my aunt was at the post office when she met a charming little 3-year-old girl. Waiting in line together, they chatted about life, happiness, and the cuteness of her little sister in the stroller. The toddler informed my aunt that - in addition to the precious one in her charge - she had four older brothers at home.

"Oh!" exclaimed my aunt.
This drew the attention of the girls' mother.

My experience would offer that she was most likely cringing at what would certainly follow the "Oh" she had heard so many times before.
"Wow, are you crazy? yuk-yuk-yuk?"
"Do you know what causes this?"

I swear I want to make a t-shirt that says:
"I won't ask about your sex life if you won't ask about mine. K, Pumpkin?"

Refreshingly, my aunt continued with happiness in her heart, "Wow! It must be so great to have lots of brothers and sisters! I have a niece who has 6 kids and a nephew who has 7 with one more on the way! We went to Colorado a few months ago and had SO much fun..."

The little girl grinned in agreement. Her mother sighed with a smile of feeling accepted and honored.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger...
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - how good is a timely word!"
Proverbs 15:1 & 23

Dear Father, Thank You for Aunt Jeannie and her enthusiastic encouragement. Forigve me for speaking harshly toward others. Give me a heart of forgiveness when I encounter folks who spatter on much like myself. Help me grow to be friendly and encouraging.


Elizabeth & the "Great" Aunt, HornCreek 2009


PLUS ALSO:
If you'd like to "follow" my blog, there is a new little spot I cleared out for you down at the bottom of the page. Enjoy!

Recapitulation

The writer's conference this weekend blessed my bones.

Before attending, I received valuable reminders from my wonderfully wise friends:
"Just go and be yourself."
"Don't make up a goal just to have one."
"Go with an open mind and let the Lord work."
"You'll have so much fun. This is what you love!"

They were correct. Beyond receiving insightful information from published authors, I enjoyed milling about with folks who share my love for powerful words and thoughtful ideas.

I reconnected with college friends, enjoyed inspiring conversations with fellow writers, and quickly solidified a fresh new relationship with a "friend of a friend". Good times.

In other weekend news:
*Landen pitched his team to a victory Friday night.
**Luke's team won both their games Saturday evening.
***"How to Train a Dragon" received four stars from matinee movie-goers.
****James & Katie stopped by for a couple nights on their way back to Colorado and delivered a distinct upgrade to our home's general happiness, adult:child ratio, and frequency of ice cream consumption.
*****In my preoccupation with the conference, I barely noticed that the girls set a new [disturbing if not disgusting] record of wearing the same set of clothes for 50+ hours. In my defense, I'd like to revisit the earlier noted adult:child ratio. Anyone?
No harm done, and no piles of dirty laundry. So it worked for me.

Thank You, God, for these past few days. You have a plan and I trust You to reveal more of it in Your perfect time. Thank You for Philip who made this weekend's activities possible in so many ways. I love that guy! Please protect JW & KT as they travel tonight. You know I'm trusting You for Leslie's healing. Your Light shines so brightly through her beautifully humble life. I love her so much, but I know You love her first and better. I'll let you have it:) This is me layin' it down. You are so faithful! Thank You.

Taking Texans by Surprise

One wintery morning...

Squatty & his snowman became friends.

Three non-virus-infected children...

Brave 2 mile-an-hour winds.

Photos by: CDJ 2-12-10
Text by: Squatty

Friday Favorite

This week's installment of "These are a few of my favorite things" features the containers my mom bought for me while I was visiting her. She uses them for cereal and thought I might enjoy some for my cupboard. Enjoy, I do indeed!

I have the tall rectangular ones. Sometimes, the healthy [horse food] cereal is too much for the kids and Philip to swallow...ha, swallow...get it?

For the kids, I might buy one bag of golden puffed wheat (fake sugar smacks)and several bags of 'plain ol' puffed wheat - which costs $1 a bag. I mix it 1:2 so each bowl ends up having a third of the sugar at ... uh, a fraction of the cost...I am SO not doing that math today:)

Philip enjoys several different kinds of cereal, but left to his own blending habits, we run out of the expensive nutty kind way before the cheaper boring kind. So being the frugal [control-freak] wife that I am, I mix it reasonably in a charming container for him to pour right into his bowl.

Aren't they lovely? All stacked and tidy?? And the lids!


You just press the center button and it pops up, and the lid snaps off. When you're ready to store it, just replace the lid and press the button down.
Snap, Pop, Love it!!

If your mom is as cool as mine, she can find them at Kohl's.

Decem Mensis?

Elizabeth Anne is 10 months old today.

She is still so tiny, but we count it a blessing. She still bathes in the kitchen sink comfortably. She still wears the first batch of clothes we got for her last year. She is not too heavy to carry around in her carrier. She is happy and patient and such a joy!

Thank You, God, for Elizabeth. Call her to Yourself. Help us as we raise her to honor & enjoy You. Protect her and keep her. Thank You! Thank You!

Mmmm Good!

The next time I'm losing my patience with Luke, ask me, "Does he have a project he's working on?"

His obvious need for stimulation and accomplishment - even as a preschooler - was the catalyst for Johnson Academy's establishment. Very little has changed.

These past few days have been so nerve-wracking. He's finished with his school year. He doesn't want to help me with the bathroom. He's bored and I won't let play on the computer all day long.

This morning he asked me to make "too much coffee" so that he could try a recipe for a frugal frappe with the leftovers. After lunch he enthusiastically blended everyone a custom flavored coffee drink. He commented, "Mom, I think I'm either gonna play major league baseball or write recipe books."

I told him that sounded good.
He wondered if those two ideas seemed too unrelated.
I explained that from a marketing perspective, it was genius.

Then the Holy Spirit whispered in my frazzled-mommy ear:
"Speaking of ingenious ideas..."

For the rest of April, Luke will be working toward publishing an "All-Star Cookbook". He will test & prepare appetizers, main dishes, and desserts - the first of which received rave reviews at lunch today:) He will write a personal paragraph to include with each recipe along with a photo and a scripture. (Science, Math, Language, Bible, and desktop publishing - shshsh! don't say a word:)

You may reserve your copy now:)

Thank You, Lord, for having lunch with us. Forgive me for being anxious and annoyed. Thank You for gifting each of us in different ways and calling us to live purposefully. Thank You for Luke. He is amazing. He got that from You!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Sunday, April 14, 2010...

Outside my window...Night falls on a humid, quiet Resurrection Day.

I am remembering...three years ago I spent Easter recuperating from emergency surgery. Crazy.

I am thankful for...for hymn writers, then & now.

I am creating...a mess as I try to renovate & redecorate our master bedroom & bathroom.

I am going...to Landen's game Tuesday. It's an early game, so the girls and I can hang. So excited!

I am reading...Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis to the fellas, The Little Princess to the ladies and April magazines por moi.

I am hoping...to take several walks this week: brisk exercise, Vitamin D & some good, good prayer time.

On my mind...I have several "big girl" activities coming up...you know: the kind of thing I hope to do regularly when I grow up. There are songs to memorize, thoughts to organize, and wardrobe to consider.

From the learning rooms..."Closed for planning season"

Noticing that...my rings need to be cleaned.

Pondering these words..."Worthy is the Lamb who was slain."

From the kitchen...plenty of leftovers for tomorrow. YAY!

Around the house...all sleep soundly save the handsome one...who prefers to giggle like a jr. high girl at the antics of Jim Carey.

One of my favorite things...Elizabeth's new "fist bump" greeting.

From my picture journal...My brother designed this for me to commemorate a significant juncture on my journey toward self-discipline. If you know the story, stop laughing and do NOT leave a comment. If you haven't heard the sordid tale...we may try to keep it that way. (Love you, Tim)

To participate or simply enjoy more daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Baseball From Last Weekend

East Texas Rangers: Tournament Champs!
(the cutest ranger is on the far right)



Luke gives his regards to the opposing coaches while clutching the prize.


Philip leads both teams in a time of prayer.


Manager & First Baseman are REALLY happy to be victorious!


Go Rangers!!!


"God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love & of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Good Friday

"My fate was in the Judge's hands.
But then He looked at me and said:
I know you.
I love you.
I gave My life to save you.
Love paid the price for mercy. My verdict: Not Guilty."

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit...Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." 1 Peter 2:24, Ephesians 5:2

Friday Fave

My new arrangement for the kitchen counter...

I swiped this idea from my doctor's office.

Things are not merely as they seem...


Now I always have a pen to use and thieves are indicted by flourishing evidence!

Plus also: the faux soil made of coffee beans emits a welcoming fragrance at all times. Love it. Love it.