What God is teaching me

Why do I post publicly about my spiritual life?  Accountability and prayer.  Even if only the ten people that I send my post to read this post, I can be pretty sure that they will pray for me, maybe even ask me how I am doing.

This past Sunday was a very honest day for me.  It was Palm Sunday, and a few of the kids in church joined the choir for the anthem.  We had a full choir loft.  My two, the pastors youngest, and 3 younger kiddos.

We were dressed in our robes, the littlest 3 wore angel robes minus wings and halos.  We entered the sanctuary from the main entrance of the church instead of coming in behind the pulpit.

The kids  and adults(?) carried palm branches.  It was wonderful to have the children participating and they did very well.

After the anthem the choir filed out and to their seats.  The service proceeded as normal. Opening prayer, announcements, the singing of hymns etc.

Something 'new' that has been added to the service in the past weeks has been an opportunity to pray as individuals.  The pastor opens this time up and closes this time when he feels the time is right.  We usually have several people pray out loud each Sunday and I have been truly blessed by this addition to the service.

This Sunday someone new was sitting in the pew in front of me.  I hadn't spoken to him, and unfortunately didn't have the opportunity after the service.  I hope and pray that he returns.

Three or so people had prayed when this gentleman broke into prayer and tears,  confessing a wrong he had done someone.  He didn't go into a lot of detail, but he didn't need to, the Father already knew.

This man was honest before God and the entire congregation.  He didn't try to hide his sin and be something he was not.  He respond to Gods work in his heart and came to the Saviour just as he was. 

I hope he returns, I want to speak to him and tell him that his prayer and honesty sparked a change in me.  I hope that others will be encouraged and freed from the need to appear perfect.  We need to be open, God already knows everything so we're not hiding from Him.  The scripture tells that we are not to be afraid of people, but fear Him who can harm both body and soul. As he prayed my heart was broken over the sin in my life.  After he finished I started to pray and soon was sobbing over my sin. 

You must understand that I generally do not pray out loud in a mixed congregation.  But this time I had no choice.  I was drawn irresistibly and my words were straight from my heart to His ears.  It did NOT matter that there were many others hearing my voice, and my tears.  This was between me and my Saviour and nothing could stop it.

Have I been challenged in the 48 hours since?  Very much so, but praise goes to my Saviour, I have recognized where I was headed and allowed Him to lead me instead of doing it my way.

This is real.  My prayer was not planned, rehearsed, phony.  I was in the presence of God and I came to Him humbly and in tears.

The words to "I Can Only Imagine"  ask

 "Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still? 

Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall,

will I sing Hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?  I can only imagine"

I don't know how I will respond in heaven.  I do know how I responded to my Saviour as He pointed out my sin.

How will you respond?

Don't try to hide your imperfections.  Instead choose to be open about your struggles. 

When you read this, leave a comment and let me know how I can pray for you.  We will stregthen each other.

Things I've Learned

1.  I cannot go get my hair done without getting a terrible migraine from the associated fumes that have been accumulating all day.

2.  My hair does best fairly short.

3.  My hairdresser does a fantastic job with my fine, thin, curls.  Thanks Shannon, you're a true blessing to me.

4.  I have 1 product that works really in my hair. Sunsilk hydra tlc, this is a leave in conditioner that defines the curl without giving me crunchy hair.

5.  I have 1 shampoo that works for me.  JR Ligett's Old-Fashioned Bar Shampoo, Tea Tree & Hemp.

6.  I really like the makeup that Aldi carries.

7.  I need to include more variety in our dinner menu.

8.  My sweet husband can eat slaw, then kind my daughter makes, every day.

9.  My kids like fresh spinach, in salad, on sandwiches.  So does the dog.  Like spinach, and broccoli, but not carrots.

10.  I'm good at organizing, but often don't finish well.

11.  I am enjoying non-fiction books much more lately. 

12.  I want people to read my mind, and see what I see that needs to be done.

13.  I can get pretty ugly when I don't get things my way.

14.  I need to structure our day.

15.  When the kids know ahead of time what I expect of them in their book lessons each day, they do it.  And they do well.  And they fight less.  And they work together.

16.  It is true that the mom sets the tone for the day.  At least when she is home.  Like I am.  All day.

Even when I think I am failing God shows me that he is at work in my life.  In all our lives.

I can not type well with a migraine.

Photos from WSSA Competition



Sarah G @ judges table for a singles event



Sarah G & Sarah S doubles event, 2nd place in 15+ division

Daniel with relay team

Sarah & Sarah switching out in the relay, this team came in 2nd in the 15+ division



Coach Rhonda (black Shirt), Sarah S, Sarah G, Chelsey, Kyle, Emily, Kim, Christian, Kimberly, Joesy, Savannah, Abby, Daniel




Christian & Kyle, doubles event





Abby, singles event









 

WSSA Piedmont Triad Sport Stacking Competition Results

These are the times for the CCHSA Stackers.
CCHSA = Cabarrus County Homeschool Association

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS:


10 yr. old division:

Christian Valle, 4th place, 3-6-3 event

11 yr. old division:

Emily Barber, 3rd place 3-3-3, 4th place 3-6-3, 2nd place Cycle

12 yr. old division:

Sarah Gibson, 5th place in both 3-3-3 and 3-6-3, and 4th place Cycle

13-14 yr. old division:

Daniel Gibson, 5th place 3-3-3

Kyle King, 2nd place 3-3-3, 3rd place 3-6-3

15-open division:

Sarah Snipes, 2nd place 3-3-3, 3rd place 3-6-3, 4th place Cycle

Chelsey Barber, 3rd place 3-3-3, 5th place 3-6-3, 2nd place Cycle

"Coach" Rhonda, 5th place 3-3-3, 1st place 3-6-3, 3rd place Cycle

DOUBLES:   2 people stack as one person

14u:

Kyle and Christian, 2nd place

15-open:

Kim Dean & Coach Rhonda, 3rd place

Sarah Gibson & Sarah Snipes, 2nd place

Chelsey & Emily Barber, 1st place

TEAM RELAYS:

***Savannah Lemmond participated with another team that was at the tournament and helped them get a 2nd place finish in the 8u division!!!

15-open:

CCHSA Team 1: Chelsey, Kyle, Emily and Christian: 1st Place

CCHSA Team 2: Sarah S., Daniel, Sarah G. and Josey: 2nd Place

CCHSA Team 3: Kim, Abby, Kimberly and Rhonda: 3rd Place

Going Bald...

...for a cause.

Davids office was going bald today to raise $$$ for cancer research.  So, David joined in the 'fun'.  He had been considering this for a while and had told me earlier today that he HAD to get his hair cut this weekend.  Since we already cut it using a 3/8" guard, it wasn't too difficult to shave it all off.  He likes it.  I'm okay with it, but Daniel was really shocked! 

Looks like he will be shaving it from now on.   At least he hasn't been doing a comb-over, or spray on hair!

It Is Finished, my Coat that is...

The coat is finished.  It is a very simple wrap style coat with a stand-up collar. 

I learned a lot while sewing this coat.

Things such as:

• patterns are not always written so the everyday seamstress can understand them,  (AND I had help from Mom who taught me to sew and is a very talented seamstress.  She LOVES to do wedding dresses.  She made hers not quite 50 years ago and she made mine 21+ years ago.)  { Mom agreed that some of the instructions and diagrams were not very clear}  And remember, SHE. Is. A. PRO!!

• Patterns often tell you to do things (in my humble opinion) in a wonky order.

• Don't try to hem the sleeve linings whilst sitting in a big comfy chair AND watching TV.  I got my seams all twisted around. 

• Dont try to trim the excess lining without marking, marking, marking....

• It is a GOOD idea to try a pattern like this in a less expensive fabric for your (my?) first go.

• Belt loop placement should be higher than you think, AND on the right edge of the piece of fabric, It took me THREE tries to get them right.

So,for your viewing pleasure I present "THE COAT"

PS  I also made the scarf using Caron Simply Soft paints, in color Harlequin 0007

Where has all the time gone??

Christmas has come and gone...
The thank you notes have been written (but not mailed yet),

Christmas $$ has been spent

• I bought fabric for a dress coat
• D bought a put it together yourself pc kit, and by put it together, it really is put it together, vs hook up all the wires and turn the power on
• S bought her own DS and a game

The coat is finished, almost, I need to reposition the belt loops and give it the final pressing

Everything for the pc arrived today EXCEPT the external box, kinda critical 'cause where do you put all the components if not inside the box?

DS and game arrived and have been played and played and pla....you get the picture


So what is next???

Right now get a sick child and hubby feeling better without getting sick myself.

Get back on track with 'book learnin'.

etc...

Merry Christmas

I wish all my friends and family a very merry Christ-mas, filled with wonder at what our Awesome God has done.


I pray that we will remember that the babe in the manger grew up. He lived a sinless life, in this sinful world, suffered the same temptations, and occupied a frail human body so that HE could give His life as a ransom for sinners. His sacrifice was accepted by the Father, He arose the 3rd day. And now sits in heaven at the right hand of God interceding for His children.

In all the hoopla of this busy season, with the gifts to wrap, the cookies to bake, the children out of school and excited, let us not forget the reason Jesus the Christ came into this world. To save sinners like me and like you.

'Holy GOD in love became, perfect man to bear my blame. On the cross He took my sin. By His death I live again.' lyrics by Drew Jones

What I am Learning

I have started to use a devotional book entitled “Faith Walk, A daily Journey Through the Bible” by Woodrow Kroll and Tony Beckett. The reading for December 18 focused on the Seriousness of Sin. The scriptures were Obadiah and Revelation 9. At the end of each daily reading questions are asked to help you apply what has been learned to your own life.
This is what I read, “We sometimes are too casual about sin and its effects. Consider your life today, looking to see if sin is gripping some part of it. By God’s grace and power you can break its grasp”.

As I prayed and pondered, I realized that I am really selfish a lot of the time. I want everyone to leave me alone so I can __________, you can fill in the blank. I see that I often allow my health issues to interfere with life. My life certainly but more importantly I allow my selfishness to interfere with my family’s life.

The children have become more and more aware of this. They see it in the lack of attention I was giving them.

My sweet, patient husband sees it in the way I tend to brush him off. I’m always too tired, or have a headache, or…

Now that my eyes have been opened I need to change. It does me no good whatsoever to see my selfishness and acknowledge that it is sin if I have no intention of changing.

Please pray for me as I seek to change. Pray that I will recognize quickly when I act in a selfish manner. Pray that I will discipline myself to become less me oriented and more God and family oriented.

Anniversary Rings

In November 2009, David and I returned to our honeymoon hideaway.  While there, I purchased a 1 carat, emerald cut, pale blue aquamarine.  I had been searching for the 'perfect' (for me) stone because it is David's birthstone.

About August or so of 2010, I started looking for someone who would make a ring to put my stone in.  Very hard to find.  As I perused the internet, I kept returning to 2 artisans on Etsy. 

I emailed the first, with my request but she was unwilling to work with a stone that she had not cut herself.  She explained that stone sometimes break and she did not want to accidentally ruin it for me.

The second person was willing to make a ring with an empty setting, and I would then take it to a jeweler locally to have the stone set. You can find him here:   http://www.etsy.com/shop/MJSGems
When the ring arrived I took it to the local jeweler that I had previously contacted only to be told that they would have to remake the setting and the cost would be much more than I had been quoted. The attitude of this shop really didn't sit well with me so I contacted the jeweler where David bought my original engagement ring over 20 years ago.

This proved to be the right choice.  Although they seldom work in sterling silver, they were willing to do the job.  So, yesterday evening David took me into Concord to pick up my ring that has been in the making, (in a vague way) for 13 months.

I am so pleased. It is beautiful.

So, now on my left hand I wear a beautiful, matching wedding set.  (When David saw the 1st ring he told me to get a matching band)

It wasn't a matter of not liking my original rings, it was really several things.  First, several years ago I was using bleach to clean something and I got a chemical burn under the band.  I have had it cleaned professionally and am still unable to wear that band for more than 3 or 4 hours.  The second thing was that my original engagement ring had been a pear cut with a smaller stone on either side.  Those side stones were the problem.  I lost several of them while working and had them replaced.  The last time it happened, I was so aggravated that I traded it in for a single stone ring.  Unfortunately, I did not ask David about this or even have him help me chose a replacement.  So that has bothered him, and as I have tried to be more sensitive to his leadership, it has bothered me.

So now you know the story and here are the photos.

Gingerbread House Results

Sarah and Daniel took 2nd place and Most Creative with their annual entry.  David and I like their creation so much we are trying to figure out how to store it for next years Christmas decorating.  Any suggestions?

The entry that took 1st was a more traditional house with lots of candy.  I had hoped that the judges would like something less traditional, but they did not.  A lot of work had gone into all the entries and I know the kids learned a lot during the construction of the log house.

RE: Totally Cool Log Cabin

I don't know if it's me or blogger, but I'm having a terrible time adding text after I add pictures.  So, I will tell about the Log Cabin in this post.

Did you know that a dremel tool will cut pretzel logs like a knife through hot butter?  (Is that the correct saying?)

Did you know that hot glue is the best adhesive for this type of project?

Did you know that when a 12 and 14 year old construct an entry for the annual GB House contest your kitchen will feel sticky forEVER!

Sarah in her infinite patience and determination constructed and tore down and rebuilt and torn down and tore down and changed the base and reconstructed ....  I believe it was a total of 4 times.

She tried several variations of icing for the mortar, but in the end technology won.  What is the crafter's favorite tool?  No it's not duct tape.  It is HOT GLUE GUNS!!

She had the patience to glue each tiny peppercorn on the chimney base and THEN discovered that the position of the chimney on the roof meant that part of the chimney should show on the exterior of the log cabin. More  peppercorns to add.

Daniel hollowed out the section of pretzel log AND drilled a hole in it to attach it to the post that is buried in the ground.

Cheerios make a good rubble style walkway.

They started this project before Thanksgiving and worked their little fingers to the bone.

Competition looked stiff when we viewed some of the other entrants yesterday morning.  I hope they at least place, I think if the judges are looking for something different they stand a very good chance.

Totally Cool Log Cabin

Chimney covered in peppercorns.

Notice the tiny mailbox, the open door and the gummy bear garland

roof is shingled with sticks of gum, tree we found at Aldi.

Music

I've been listening to a lot of my favorite songs on YouTube this morning. 

Music is a beautiful gift that GOD has given to His creation. 

In Luke 19:37-40 we read about the "multitudes praising GOD with loud voices for all the mighty works they had seen.  The Pharisees said to Jesus, 'Master, rebuke them'.  Jesus answered and said unto them,"I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."

As I watch some of my favorite hymns, Christmas and praise songs, it bothers me that some of the artists are putting their heart and soul into the music are not living a life that honors Christ.

Then as I mulled it over it occurred to me that the message in the song is being spread and used by GOD.  It is possible that those in the audience or the artist or someone watching the YouTube video will be ministered to.

I have to remember that GOD is in control and He can use the foolish to open the eyes of the blind.

The gospel will not return empty, but will fulfill His plan!

So listen to the gospel spelled out in song.  Let it speak to you.