Sunday, October 31, 2010
HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!
What's that? You don't know what Reformation Day is? That's what I got from my own Pastor last Sunday. In fact, she said that the only people of reformed background would probably know what that was. I bet millions of Lutherans are jumping up and down in protest right now. (:P) This is a day that is important to non- believers and believers alike as it changed the course of Western Civilization with a stroke of the hammer.
On October 31, 1517, Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of All Saints church in Wittenberg. This Theses was his argument against the sale of the selling of indulgences. This was quickly translated from Latin into German and printed for distribution. In two weeks, it was distributed throughout Germany. Within two months, throughout, Europe. It was the beginning of the "Protest"ant Reformation. Luther probably only wanted to "fix" what he saw was wrong within the Catholic Church, no thinking about what he started.
Without Luther, there would be no Baptists, Methodists, Anglicans, Calvinists or Lutherans. No King James Bible, as prior to Luther it was considered heresy to have a bible in one's own language. Most importantly, there would be no teaching about the justification through faith or in other words, no teaching that we can never earn God's love or forgiveness, it is just freely given to ALL of us.
If you're bored tonight (what with giving out candy), I would recommend watching Luther. It is a great movie (does have many historical inaccuracies, but what historical movie doesn't), about the first years of Luther's ministry.
So again I say to you - HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Caffeinated Randomness: Some Halloween Goodness!
" /> I have to first admit that I'm being a bit lazy this week. While, not lazy, but not as busy as last week. This week I've done some great studying and quiet time. I've been doing some journalling this week and have started three blogs about journalling, Reformation day and judging (not in any order). I'm hoping to share these with you next week.
I thought this week I would do a Blog Things quiz and in honour of Halloween I wanted to know what kind of candy I was. Of course I love being thought of as a Special Dark Chocolate. What chocolate are you? Let me know.
You Are a Special Dark Chocolate Bar |
 You are a deep and complex person. You don't let anyone get too close to you. You stay a mystery, and you're good at keeping secrets... especially your own. You prefer to stay on the outside a bit and observe. You find people fascinating. You seek to understand and appreciate the world. There is more to you than anyone will ever know. |
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
UPDATE: Allergy Test
I realized after talking to my best friend, the evil twin, today that I did not let everyone know the results of Nicole's Food Intolerence Test. She passed with flying colours. The other kids looked like they had just eaten the most disgusting meal, whereas Nicole came bounding out after each taste of peanut butter. Now we have to encourage her to eat peanut butter a minimum of once a week, as there have been studies that children who never eat peanut butter once they pass this test can actually become allergic to them again.
I want to thank you all for praying for Nicole. Nicole was panicy about going in to do the test for the week before. She wanted to know the worst case scenerio and the best case scenerio. When we got to the hospital, she was calm and excited. What a change from the day before.
I'm now mourning the loss of my monopoly of Reese Cups during Helloween. I used to be able to confiscate the peanut candy due to her allergy and then hide out and eat it all. Now, I'll actually have to ask if I can eat some.
Wednesday's Voice - Somalia
Somali Christian girl kidnapped, family flees home
An underground Christian family from central Somalia is agonizing over the kidnapping of their daughter nearly eight months ago by Islamic militants intent on punishing those who leave Islam. Ghelle Hassan Aded has not seen his 15-year-old daughter, Anab Ghelle Hassan, since extremists from the al Shabaab ("the Youth") insurgency kidnapped her on February 15. Knowing that the insurgents would soon come after the rest of his family, Ghelle fled immediately with his wife, 11-year-old daughter, and 10-year-old son. At their undisclosed location in Puntland, the family remains devastated by the kidnapping. However, they maintain hope of seeing Anab again.
Ghelle and his family were part of a growing movement of underground Christians in Dhusa Mareb. The al Shabaab insurgents fighting the Transitional Federal Government began monitoring the family's activities in 2008, Ghelle said, and often questioned him about their lack of attendance at the local mosque. Al Shabaab insurgents control much of southern and central Somalia and have embarked on a campaign to rid the country of its hidden Christian population. (Source: Compass Direct)
Pray Anab will be restored to her family.
Pray this family will know the love and comfort of the Lord at this time.
Pray the Lord will protect Christians from the possible implementation of Shariah law in Somalia, which would lead to greater persecution.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Caffeinated Randomness - The Engerizer Bunny Week
" /> This week has been crazy busy. I haven't read any blogs this week. I've barely made it on Facebook, yet alone write a blog. I have felt like the energizer bunny just going and going and going and going....you get my drift. This week, started full of promise but ended up on the floor.
Monday started off full of promise. I had Bible Babes, where we discussed Gideon and what obstacles we have in our lives over pumpkin pie and cool whip. We also went off on some great tangents that had nothing to do with the study, but what we face as women and moms. Later that day, I spent time working on journaling and reflecting on what God was telling me as I worked through the first chapter of A Fresh Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson. I gained some great insights about where I need to surrender and what. Read Day 1, Question 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism. That's what got me! (hint: I am not ....)
Tuesday: I looked after some friend's children and was reminded how amazing my dayhome friends are and that I need to remind them of that. I did get some minor e-mail time and started reading Amy Bayliss' e-book she is currently working on. What I've read so far is great. She made me reflect about where I want my blog to be and about my statement of faith (read aforementioned Day 1, Question 1).
Wednesday = Crazy Day! I had to take the T-Man to the Chiropractor. Then I met a friend at Costco as we were purchasing food for The Big Cook. We prepared 12 meals in less than 4 hours. I then spent the next hour cleaning. After a hasty dinner of Cordon Bleu Casserole (thanks to the Big Cook), I drove Nic to rhythmic gymnastics; went home and bathed the boys; and drove to pick her up. I then got organized and participated in CJ's online study of A Fresh Brewed Life. I really enjoyed this time with the ladies and enjoyed sharing my reflections of the chapter, as well as hearing how God was working in their lives.
By the way, have I mentioned that Sam-I-Am has been getting up at 5:15 am for the past week. Not 5 am, not 5:30 am, but exactly at 5:15 am. I think it's a God thing, as I have previously blogged that I was not a morning person and I just couldn't function at that time in the morning to do devotions. This past week, I've been able to pray and do my daily bible study done by 7:30 am every morning, sometimes I've even been able to exercise.
However, saying all of this, Thursday morning, once Sam was up, I fell back to sleep and almost slept in. I managed to get everyone ready on time. The plan for the day was to do a little cleaning and spend a lot of time with God as it looked like my easy day (nothing was planned). That did not happen. Instead I ended up frustrated and on the phone all afternoon calling caterers for quotes for our Church's Christmas Banquet, only to find out that the one I had already tentatively booked on Tuesday, was the cheapest one.
By the time it was time to get dinner prepared, I was frustrated, tired, let down and angry. Both boys decided that it was time to begin the "witching hour." If you're a mom, you know the time I mean. I admit it, I lost it. I can tell you there was yelling and tears and that just wasn't from the boys. I got the boys settled in front of Backyardigans and put on some praise music in the kitchen.
When the song I will Praise You came on, I felt called to get on my knees and submit to God. I had both fry pans going, but knew that God had it. After the song finished I was refreshed and at peace. I felt like I had been held by God. That's where we are supposed to go. Jesus says: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink."(John 7:37b NIV) He is the water we're supposed to drink when we're dry. I was weak and dehydrated. I drank and was filled on the purest water there is. Through the hectic life we all lead, take time to drink. Be filled. Rest in His provisions.
PS: Today, I have another hectic day. I'm taking Nic to the hospital. She is taking part in a food intolerance test for her peanut allergy. Pray that God infuses her with His peace as she is extremely nervous and that she has no reaction during the test or after.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - India
Pastor charged with forced conversions in India
On Sunday, September 26, Hindu militants stormed a small, mostly tribal fellowship in Umachagi village, Karnataka, which has been led by Pastor Shivanda Siddi (45) for the past five years. After interrupting prayers, they tried to argue with Pastor Siddi while abusing believers and taking their Bibles. For the next half hour they insulted, beat and stripped the pastor before phoning the police and falsely accusing him of forced conversions. When the police arrived they arrested the pastor, seven women and two children. While the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) was able to intervene to get the women and children released, Pastor Siddi was tried and charged under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits "forced" conversions. At last report, the pastor had been released on bail.
Omar Beiler, a regional director with AG World Missions, has shared, "Although I'm deeply pleased that GCIC was able to secure the release of Pastor Siddi...this kind of incident is not isolated or restricted to India. Persecution is a very real experience for many Christians around the world. I believe our prayers for the suffering Church can make the difference between life and death for many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who experience -- at the very least -- daily threats."
Thank the Lord that this pastor has been released on bail. Pray that all charges will be dropped.
Ask the Lord to continue to strengthen His church in India so they will remain faithful in spite of the opposition.
Pray for the perpetrators of this attack and those in authority.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Caffeinated Randomness: The King, The Sword & The Bathroom
" /> As I mentioned in a recent post, my Babes and I are working through "Java with the Judges" by Sandra Glahn. During our first study, we came across a story that made us laugh. It's the story of Ehud.
Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms. The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years.
Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a foot and a half long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man. After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way the men who had carried it. At the idols near Gilgal he himself turned back and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king." The king said, "Quiet!" And all his attendants left him.
Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his summer palace and said, "I have a message from God for you." As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king's belly. Even the handle sank in after the blade, which came out his back. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. Then Ehud went out to the porch ; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them.
After he had gone, the servants came and found the doors of the upper room locked. They said, "He must be relieving himself in the inner room of the house." They waited to the point of embarrassment, but when he did not open the doors of the room, they took a key and unlocked them. There they saw their lord fallen to the floor, dead.
While they waited, Ehud got away. He passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah. When he arrived there, he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went down with him from the hills, with him leading them. (Judges 3: 12-27 NIV)
One of the Babes wanted to know how fat was the King that the fat would close in over it? I'm thinking Jabba the Hut fat. I giggled over the servants thinking he was on the "john!" (I know childish, but I wasn't the only one.)
It started me thinking about all those weird little obscure stories in the Bible, like:
1. God almost killing Moses until his wife circumcises their son (Exodus 4:24-26);
2. The Gibeonites in Joshua 9 who deceived Israel by wearing old clothes and bringing moldy bread; and
3 Shamgar and his oxgoad (Judges 3:31)
Then we have some of the larger known stories like Jael and her hammer, Lot and his daughters and Salome and her "dance".
Before I became a Christian, the only Bible stories I knew were Moses and the 10 Commandments (thank you, Charleton Heston), David and Goliath and the Christmas & Easter stories respectively. I had heard the names Jezebel and Delilah but through Bette Davis and Tom Jones. Now that I've become a Christian and read my Bible, I'm continually shocked with all the violence, sex and deception in it. Days of our Lives and Young and the Restless have nothing on the Bible. However, what other book reveals God love and ultimate sacrifice to redeem his children, no matter what they have done.
So, tell me: What's your favourite obscure Bible Story?
Just around the corner.....
Sometimes I"m amazed how God reveals himself to each of us.
While hiking I experienced God in many ways. I actually heard the wind whistling in the tall grasses. I saw a red blade of grass surrounded by the browns of life.
On one of the trails I climbed a hill expecting to see this:
I'm always amazed when God reveals Himself to me, through what we believe is the ordinariness of life. How has God revealed Himself to you this week?
This weekend my family went to Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Wanuskewin is a centre that promotes education of the First Nations of Saskatchewan and their history in the area. Earlier this year they were threatened by a large grass fire that nearly destroyed the centre. Wanuskewin has numerous trails that take you places where there is evidence of First Nations from 2000 years ago.
While hiking I experienced God in many ways. I actually heard the wind whistling in the tall grasses. I saw a red blade of grass surrounded by the browns of life.
On one of the trails I climbed a hill expecting to see this:
When I turned my head this is what I saw:
I'm always amazed when God reveals Himself to me, through what we believe is the ordinariness of life. How has God revealed Himself to you this week?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
One Lovely Blog Award
Last week I received the One Lovely Blog Award from both Jen at Finding Heaven and Stephanie of Journey of Healing, both on the same day. I have to admit that I was both honoured and humbled to receive this award. I sometimes struggle wondering if anyone is actually reading the blog and am I making a difference, so it's nice to receive some supportive encouragement.
There are some rules in receiving this award. (1) I have to accept the award and acknowledge the person(s) who bestowed it upon me. So thank you Jen and Stephanie. This award has really encouraged me and your words make me think and reflect on what God is saying to me. (2) Pay it forward to 15 newly discovered blogs you enjoy.
So here are the 15, in NO significant order:
1. Bobbi of Blogging Along. I love her blog and her coffee pictures every Friday. I also love the alliteration in her name.
2. Tiffany of Growing from the Obstacles blogs about her life and family and her little man with Spina Bifida. She is an amazing woman who is showing us God's strength through all the things that she has to deal with.
3. CJ Carleton at I am Unique! is a Canadian writer and speaker who has a passion for mentoring young people. She is currently hosting an awesome on line study. Check it out.
4. Linda at Joy in the Journey, is another lovely lady in the prairies, showing us how God is working in her real life through changing seasons of life.
5. Shawntele at Saved by Grace, is a homeschooling mom who hosts Music Mondays and shares her life and passions through her blog.
6. Cindy at She Sparkles I know this is not a newly discovered blog by myself, but I have to share Cindy with everyone. She is an amazing woman who "bleeds" God's grace through her words.
7 Denise at Victory Road is a homeschooling mom, who shares her life and how God is working through her. I have learned a lot from Denise, including blow drying your hair with the van heating system while camping.
8 Rebecca and Cherie at Praying Wife's Club These women encourage me as a wife through their words and prayers. Cherie recently went to Cambodia on a missionary trip and got to spread God's love to many.
9 Erin at Home Where My Heart Is. She is a soccer mom who shares my passion on modesty and parenting.
10 Are you in a Pickel? This is the blog of Baby Pickel. An amazing group who support mothers in need. When you see it, you'll want to order a Pickel Bottle.
11 Brooke of the Mountain Brooke Brook is a delightful young woman who shares her heart with us all.
12 Amy at The Adventures of JAMC is a working mom and mother of two boys with Aspergers. I love reading her adventures in mothering.
13 Annika at Life on Locust Lane shares her daily life with us and always makes me smile when I read her blog.
14 Amber at Striving for 31 shares her journey through the adoption process, mothering her two beautiful children and being a Pastor's wife.
15 Angel at All the Mus. It had fun this summer reading Angel's cupcake stories. She has a weekly meme called Why I Count It All Joy Wednesday, where she encourages us to list our joy.
I hope you will check out my bloggy friends and get to met the beautiful hearts of each of the women who encourage me, challenge me and make me smile every day.
Wednesday's Voice - North Korea
Underground church leaders executed in North Korea
Three leaders of an underground house church in North Korea have been executed and 20 of their Christian associates jailed. North Korean police raided a house in Kuwal-dong in Pyungsung county, Pyongan province, and arrested all 23 believers who had gathered for a "religious function."
Three "ringleaders" were tried, sentenced to death, and executed soon afterwards. The other 20 were reportedly sent to prison camp No. 15 in Yodok. The arrests and executions happened in mid-May -- the news, however, only recently emerged from the so-called "hermit kingdom." The events have also been confirmed by North Korea Intellectual Solidarity, a group of North Korean defectors based in Seoul committed to raising awareness of injustice and promoting reform in their homeland. The 23 Christians had reportedly come to faith after some of them travelled to mainland China on business and came into contact with the church there. (Sources: Release International, AsiaNews)
Please pray for believers in North Korea who follow Jesus at great risk. May they have opportunities to meet together to provide encouragement to one another.
Pray for all those in authority in this nation, ask the Lord to favour them with wisdom, compassion and the light of the Gospel.
Please pray that those in prison may know of the love and presence of their Heavenly Father.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Happy Thanksgiving. I know it's actually on Monday, but I thought I'd get it in today. What? Are many of you confused? If my stats counter is correct then 70% of you live in the United States. You're running to your calendar to make sure you didn't miss it, aren't you? You're wondering if they changed it from a Thursday to a Monday. No, you are not wrong. Monday is Thanksgiving and Thursday, November 25, 2010 is Thanksgiving. The difference - Canadian and American Thanksgiving. We don't have pilgrims or the Mayflower (even though I did dress as one for Halloween when I was 10), but we do have the harvest and celebrating and praising God for the bounty that we received, especially in the area I live in and the wet summer we've had. We have turkeys and football (even hockey) on Thanksgiving. I haven't seen a Thanksgiving Day parade but understand that people in Ontario have one. We have turkey , stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots & nips (translation: turnips), brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Some in Quebec may even have a tourtiere. We do have sweet potatoes, but I've only ever eaten them like baked potatoes. Historically, Canada has officially celebrated Thanksgiving since 1879, usually with no set date and with some theme. In 1957, Thanksgiving was entered into law as "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed … to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October."
As the Babes met this week, we spent a little time talking about Thanksgiving. Most people in Canada do not even know the history of Thanksgiving. In fact, until I read wikipedia today, I didn't know when it came to law either. By most people, it is viewed as a time for travel, a big family meal and having fun. Our society is pretty secular. Most don't even think of it as thanking anyone anymore or they don't even know who they're thanking. I know who I'm thanking and what I'm thankful for, but do they realize that when they give thanks that they are thanking our Heavenly Father for what He has given them. Makes you think doesn't it.
So while I'm pigging out and stressing out (I've had some turkey issues in the past), I'll be thinking about what God has done for me and my family this year and thanking Him for His blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
So while I'm pigging out and stressing out (I've had some turkey issues in the past), I'll be thinking about what God has done for me and my family this year and thanking Him for His blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Over and Over and Over Again
The Babes and I are currently working through Java With the Judges by Sandra Glahn. At the same time, I'm working through a study on Joshua. I find it interesting working on these studies simultaneously as choronologiclaly Joshua does comes before Judges. However, through them both I'm seeing Isreal making the same mistakes over and over again.. The root of this issue - disobedience and not trusting God. Do I see these things in myself - Don't you know it!
I struggle with obedience. I want control. I want it my way and I expect God to see it that way too. When things go wrong or I fall into the pit I created myself, I expect Him to immediately save me. What does God ask for? My complete & immediate obedience.
In Judges 4, we see Deborah tell Barak
"The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: 'Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. I will lure Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.' "(Judges 4:6-7 NIV)Does he jump up and down in excitement of how God is going to use him? NO! He says:
"If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go." (Judges 4: 8 NIV)
What? God just told you what to do. How many times have I told my daughter to clean up her room only to be told, "Only if you help me?" Am I pleased with this response. NO. The reason she doesn't get an allowance is because I am the one who usually cleans her room. So, what does God do to Barak, he withholds his allowance or actually the glory in the battle. When God tells me to do something, do I jump up in immediate obedience. I wish I could say yes. However, more often then note, I'm like Barak and my daughter, I drag my fee. I want the reward, but I'm not willing to do my part for it.
Again and again in Judges we see Isreal turn from God and then God let them fall into their enemies hands. You would think they would have learned their lesson every time. But NO, over and over again they continue to repeadedly turn from and worship our idols. In Judges 6, we see
1 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 2 Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country. 4 They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. 5 They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts. It was impossible to count the men and their camels; they invaded the land to ravage it. 6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help.
7 When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of Midian, 8 he sent them a prophet, who said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 9 I snatched you from the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. I drove them from before you and gave you their land. 10 I said to you, 'I am the LORD your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.' But you have not listened to me." (Judges 6:1-10 NIV)
Did you notice that it took 7 years for them to finally cry out to the Lord for help. How long do I have to turn from God and deal with trials before I finally "cry out" for help? Am I that stubborn? I hope not. There have been times since I became a believer that I haven't always walked the walked. Sometimes it seemed like I was happy and content with my life, then things would get tough. Did I pray immediately? NO. I thought I could get through those times on my own, in my way. Then I would hear a message, read a bible verse, or see something that would remind me who saved me and continues to save me from my sins and myself. Upon reflection of those times, I realized I was just like the Isrealites - not listening to God and His commands and worshiping my own idols.
Praise God that we have an amazing Father who loves us and "...does not treat us according to our iniquities...(Psalm 103: 18 NIV). He always comes looking for us. He wants us to come to Him. He wants to redeem us, so much that He died on a cross for us. Am I willing to embrace this? Am I willing to turn from my "idols" and turn to the Father who truly loves me. You bet!
Prayer: Thank you Father. Thank you for never turning from me. Forgive me for those times I turned from you. For not judging me according to my sins. Father, help me to obedient to you. Help me to learn your commands. Help me to follow you with a willing and open heart. May you lead me from all temptations I face that would lead me away from you and your commands. Amen.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wednesday's Voice - Iran
Many Iranian Muslims turning to Christ despite opposition
Muslims are reportedly coming to faith in Christ in record numbers in Iran. In recent months, The Voice of the Martyrs has received several reports of opposition facing Iranian Christians, including the arrest of 15 newly converted Christians in the city of Mashhad Razavi Khorasan in July. Despite increased persecution, however, contacts have confirmed that believers in Iran are continuing to share Christ courageously with Muslims, with many converting from Islam to Christianity as a result.
Praise the Lord for the many lives that have been touched by His grace in Iran!
Pray that new converts will grow in their faith.
Pray that God will give endurance, encouragement and a spirit of unity to all those following Christ in Iran (Romans 15:5).
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Tagged Your It......Part Deux
After posting Caffeinated Randomness - Tagged Your It and reading Lindsey's comment about looking forward to my answers, I realized I needed a Part Two to this post to answer my own questions. Here we go:
1. Purses/shoes/chocolate - Which could you not live without on a desert island?
Purses. I have an addiction. I love purses. I love the look, feel and smell of purses. I like small ones, big ones, round and square ones. My husband currently has me on a purse purchasing freeze. That doesn't stop me from looking for that all important must have purse. This is the purse I'm currently coveting.
Isn't it beautiful.
2. What is one habit you do that you've done since you were a child? (ie. bite nails, etc..)
I can clap each of my hands by themselves - one hand clapping. I've been told it's disgusting to watch. Maybe I'll vlog it one day for all of you to watch. My grandmother says I started doing it when I was in the jolly jumper, hence that when I get excited I tend to do it more.
3. If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?
My dream vacation is to tour every major European Museum. I'll make it to at least the Tate and de Hague one day.
4. As we are currently doing some home renovations while I write this, what is the one thing you wish you could do to your house?
We're actually doing it right now. We are retiling our entry way. The tiles the previous owner laid were cracking and were cream coloured. The new tiles are a dark marble colour. Once it's finished I'll take a picture and share it with all of you.
We're actually doing it right now. We are retiling our entry way. The tiles the previous owner laid were cracking and were cream coloured. The new tiles are a dark marble colour. Once it's finished I'll take a picture and share it with all of you.
5. What is the funniest thing one of your children have ever said to you? (I'll tell you about the X's story one day)
When we moved into our house, we started looking for new counter tops for our bathroom. We liked the wood cupboards, but the counter was stained and cracking. We found a lovely marble one and installed it. However, to install it we removed the hideous old back splash. When we removed it, we realized that we needed to tile over the drywall as we would not be able to paint over it. While my husband was tiling, he was using tile spacers to make sure they were uniformly placed. The kids were playing with the spacers while he was doing this. Our daughter firmly informed him during this process: "Look here Daddy! You have a lot of X's and we WANT a lot of X's." He had been told. This has become the catch phrase around the house when we want something that someone has. You just change X to what you want.
6. What kind of music do you enjoy, beside Christian music?
This is a tough one as I love most genre's of music. However, the one I probably listen to most would be light rock.
7. What do you do on a Saturday morning?
We try to sleep in. That doesn't always happen as Sam wants to eat pretty early. I make pancakes for the kids and we listen to a Shell Busey's HouseSmart radio show. It's just that easy folks!
6. What is the most significant thing God has done for you?
He redeemed me and made me a part of His family.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Caffeinated Randomness - Tag Your It!!
I want to thank you all for your awesome comments last week. I was a little hesitant as to whether to put my testimony out there, but now I am very thankful I did. You ladies continue to show me God's grace and love every day.
This week I worked on a new grab box for Caffeinated Randomness:
Don't you love it. I was going to use a picture of a mug the Babes and I purchased for Andrea. However, the more and more I thought of it, the more I wanted to use one of my favourite mugs. As you can see it holds a LOT of coffee. Most importantly, it has a powerful message - "I'm Not WONDER WOMAN, but GOD MADE ME WONDERFUL!" I purchased this mug 4 years ago at the Women of Faith conference. It was the topic of Sheila Walsh's speech that day, as well as the title of her book I saw the mug and knew I had to have it. It even came with a matching bag. The mug is well used and little chipped and cracked, just like me. I'm not perfect. I've been through a lot of messes and spills. I'm chipped, but not broken. I'm well loved by a God who made me and said it was VERY GOOD (Genesis 1:31 NIV).
Last week, Bobbi of Blogging Along (I love the alliteration), challenged us to answer 8 questions and then to make 8 of our own. So I will answer the 8 questions this lovely lady gave us and then challenge all of you to answer my 8 questions. Here are my answers:
Last week, Bobbi of Blogging Along (I love the alliteration), challenged us to answer 8 questions and then to make 8 of our own. So I will answer the 8 questions this lovely lady gave us and then challenge all of you to answer my 8 questions. Here are my answers:
1. What is your favorite childhood story and why?
This is a tough one. I loved stories and didn't really have an absolute favourite. It wasn't until I was in my early teens that I could define what my favourite book was. I know my favourite book when I was young was a compilation of old stories - Cinderella, Princess and the Pea, Cobbler and the Elves, Rapunzel and the Ugly Duckling. I loved this book. Not for the stories, but for the pictures. It was done with the same animation used in the old Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer TV special (stop motion). I loved the costumes all the female characters had on and used to draw them on paper and always hoped that my wedding dressed looked as beautiful as Cinderella's (very baroque).
2. What christian book, other than the Bible, has deeply affected you lately?
It would be and Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers. What an eye opening experience about the church in North America and the possibilities of what could occur if we don't first ask God what His will is and go down our own path and make concessions.
3. What was your Pastor's sermon on last week??
I honestly don't know. I was in the Children's Church teaching preschoolers about spreading the word of Jesus. I'm not sure they understood the entire lesson but we had fun.
4. Chips or Popcorn?
This one is hard. I love both. I would have to say Popcorn probably would win as I always keep it in the house. It just is the longer process as I air pop it and melt the butter. Yes, I said BUTTER!
5. What is your favorite Christmas cookie? I'm up for recipes too!!
My favourite Christmas Cookie would be Butterscotch Gingerbread. You use baked butterscotch pudding in the ingredients. The cookies are always moist and yummy. We make them all year round . The kids refer to them now as Gingy from Shrek.
6. Do you have a favorite chair? Are you brave enough to share a picture?? At least share why.
In our living room we have two rockers - one is a swivel rocker and the other is just a rocker. My chair is the rocker. I read once that as a mom you should stake out a corner of the house where you can go to calm yourself and have 5 minutes of peace. This is my claim. I have a basket on the side with my books, magazines, bibles, pens, pencils, fliers, bulletins, etc...and a side table to hold the rest of it. The kids know this area as the place where mommy prays and reads. They also know it as the place where mommy reads to them and holds them when they want a cuddle.
7. How much (and of what type) CAFFEINATED (or, okay...sigh...decaf) RANDOMNESS do you daily indulge?? (I love Starbucks Verona...about 4 cups a day...iced, espressoed, latted, etc.)
7. How much (and of what type) CAFFEINATED (or, okay...sigh...decaf) RANDOMNESS do you daily indulge?? (I love Starbucks Verona...about 4 cups a day...iced, espressoed, latted, etc.)
I have at least 2 cups, if not 3 a day. I have to have the first cup within an hour of being up and then I sip on a few throughout the day. I have to admit that once the coffee maker is off, I'm not opposed to microwaving a cup to heat it up. I know you're all cringing while you read this. I always have milk and sweetener in my coffee so I really don't notice that much of a difference. If anything, it's a stronger cup of coffee.
8. How did you choose your childrens' names?
That is quite a story so the short form is as follows: Nicole was a name that my hubby chose that I didn't mind as long as we NEVER called her Nikki. Thomas was a name we both liked and was biblical. Samuel was chosen after Sam Gagner, of the Edmonton Oilers, scored a goal during one of their games.
Here are my questions for you lovely ladies:
1. Purses/shoes/chocolate - Which could you not live without on a desert island?
2. What is one habit you do that you've done since you were a child? (ie. bite nails, etc..)
3. If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?
4. As we are currently doing some home renovations while I write this, what is the one thing you wish you could do to your house?
5. What is the funniest thing one of your children have ever said to you? (I'll tell you about the X's story one day)
6. What kind of music do you enjoy, beside Christian music?
7. What do you do on a Saturday morning?
6. What is the most significant thing God has done for you?
I can't wait to get to know more about each of you.
Here are my questions for you lovely ladies:
1. Purses/shoes/chocolate - Which could you not live without on a desert island?
2. What is one habit you do that you've done since you were a child? (ie. bite nails, etc..)
3. If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?
4. As we are currently doing some home renovations while I write this, what is the one thing you wish you could do to your house?
5. What is the funniest thing one of your children have ever said to you? (I'll tell you about the X's story one day)
6. What kind of music do you enjoy, beside Christian music?
7. What do you do on a Saturday morning?
6. What is the most significant thing God has done for you?
I can't wait to get to know more about each of you.
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- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
Mini Me
Middleman
Tormentinator
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