Wednesday, December 23, 2009
CHRISTmas 09...
What should I get for _______? What should I make to eat for that party? Should we buy ______ 1 more gift? In the middle of night in the midst of hormonal heat or 3 AM menopausal insomnia - the questions of Christmas rear up.
Oh I am so thankful for our Immanuel - God with us, GOD WITH ME - gives confidence that even in the silliest of uncertainty NOT to give way to anxiety or fear…
If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers — most of which are never even seen — don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? ... RELAX, don't be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:33-34 (The Message)
Oh how I love that part steep my life in God-reality! Isn't it just assurance that no matter what we're going through - mental pain, physical despair, financial upheaval, uncertainty of our country's government - God wants us to rest in Immanuel! How very thankful I am this Christmas that God sent His One and Only Son through whom all things came and through whom I live! (I Cor. 8:6) That is CHRISTmas!
Oh I am so thankful for our Immanuel - God with us, GOD WITH ME - gives confidence that even in the silliest of uncertainty NOT to give way to anxiety or fear…
If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers — most of which are never even seen — don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? ... RELAX, don't be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:33-34 (The Message)
Oh how I love that part steep my life in God-reality! Isn't it just assurance that no matter what we're going through - mental pain, physical despair, financial upheaval, uncertainty of our country's government - God wants us to rest in Immanuel! How very thankful I am this Christmas that God sent His One and Only Son through whom all things came and through whom I live! (I Cor. 8:6) That is CHRISTmas!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
the cabin...
wanting to invest in a piece of property that our family could enjoy - bigs and littles - we found this charming little place on 7 acres on the Methow. It is just too peaceful for words... and a delightful tubin' trip down to Papa's cabin too! Worst part is our very UNWANTED guests that we can't seem to rid the place of. Maybe that's why they sold?
Overall though - the memories that we have in the Methow over all the years and now to think that we own a little piece gives us gratitude once again of our Heavenly Father's outpouring upon us!
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Watching God work His purpose in our adult children's lives...
God's goodness & faithfulness are so evident in our oldest one's life! Danielle began a small preschool out of her home last year, and now this school year is also running another one in town. God's fruit of patience is incredible in her! With 2 little princesses 14 months apart - Danielle is continually on the go! I pray He continues to give her all the strength, joy, and peace she needs! He is her strength!
Grace is 14!
Where did the years go? Just a moment ago I remember walking into a very small community hospital in SanClemente - peering thru the crack in the curtain window - KNOWING that this little princess in the plastic bed was our daughter! The joy and excitement are indescribable! To ponder God's full purpose is in her life brings me to more excitement over His gift to us in her... His Grace is Amazing!
IF YOU GIVE A MOM A MUFFIN…
Just had to share this from another friend's blog since I have the VIVID illustrations to go with it...some 25 years plus with how many more to go??? ... better start scrapbooking!
IF YOU GIVE A MOM A MUFFIN…
If you give a mom a muffin,
She’ll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
She’ll pour herself some.
Her three-year-old will spill the coffee.
She’ll wipe it up.
Wiping the floor, she’ll find dirty socks.
She’ll remember she has to do laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She’ll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan for supper.
She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She’ll look for her cookbook (”101 Things To Do With a Pound of Hamburger”).
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow.
She will look for her checkbook.
The check book is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two-year-old.
She’ll smell something funny.
She’ll change the two year old’s diaper.
While she is changing the diaper, the phone will ring.
Her five-year-old will answer and hang up.
She’ll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
And chances are…
If she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.
by Kathy Fictorie
IF YOU GIVE A MOM A MUFFIN…
If you give a mom a muffin,
She’ll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
She’ll pour herself some.
Her three-year-old will spill the coffee.
She’ll wipe it up.
Wiping the floor, she’ll find dirty socks.
She’ll remember she has to do laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She’ll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan for supper.
She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She’ll look for her cookbook (”101 Things To Do With a Pound of Hamburger”).
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow.
She will look for her checkbook.
The check book is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two-year-old.
She’ll smell something funny.
She’ll change the two year old’s diaper.
While she is changing the diaper, the phone will ring.
Her five-year-old will answer and hang up.
She’ll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
And chances are…
If she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.
by Kathy Fictorie
Saturday, September 5, 2009
HE IS A GREAT GOOD GOD - no matter what!
I've been struggling with the "bounty" we've been living in and wondering when will life go down again since the metals market is like that & familiar to what I've watched all my life in the scrap business.
My insight this AM is was spurred by Beth Moore's Stepping Up study:
when I felt secure I said, I will never be shaken, O Lord, when You favored ME, You made MY mountain stand firm, but when You hid Your face, I was dismayed. (Ps. 30:6-7)
Beth says on page 69 of the workbook, David was the first to ascribe his prosperity to the Lord, but somewhere along the way he mistakenly placed his security in the blessing of God rather than God Himself. We often know enough not to ascribe our security to carnal, worldy things. Our greater and slyer temptation is to place our security in the blessings we readily credit to the Lord.
In my questioning over these bounty years I've declared - I want to be content in Christ like a marriage - in richer for poorer. I know what it was like to have $2 in my checking and hope that the $22 check for the phone bill didn't clear.
Beth goes on to say, Even if our security is in something God has given us - our gifts, talents, loved ones,...consistent victory, passion for His Word - our seemingly secure mountain ultimately will fall into the sea. ... If our trust is in manifestations of God's favor rather than God Himself, we will crumble like dry clay when He calls us to walk a distance of our journeys entirely by faith and not by sight.... Mountain-like security only comes from trusting God, not what He's done for us or given us, however glorious and eternal those things may be... The difference between trusting God and trusting what God has done is fine line we can easily trip over... unknowingly let our security slip from God Himself to His manifest favor.
Being apart of a "word faith" church in the 80's, in the "name it and claim it" or you just don't have enough faith, I'm cautious to proclaim the blessings of God. I think I just got a grasp on what I am to proclaim!
I TRUST GOD! HE IS GOOD! MY SECURITY IS IN MY STRONG GOD!
In this economic shaking, we experienced scrap prices going from the highest they'd ever been to not even being able to sell-to the present stable again - how can I not praise my Good God! But when bad things happen to God's people and I want to question God? Is He still the same - yesterday, today and forever? If I end up with cancer - is my God still the Good God that I proclaim Him to be? Do we boast in our God when things in our life are difficult or can we say with security - I will not be shaken! ... that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent! O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to You forever! (Ps. 30:6 & 11-12)
My insight this AM is was spurred by Beth Moore's Stepping Up study:
when I felt secure I said, I will never be shaken, O Lord, when You favored ME, You made MY mountain stand firm, but when You hid Your face, I was dismayed. (Ps. 30:6-7)
Beth says on page 69 of the workbook, David was the first to ascribe his prosperity to the Lord, but somewhere along the way he mistakenly placed his security in the blessing of God rather than God Himself. We often know enough not to ascribe our security to carnal, worldy things. Our greater and slyer temptation is to place our security in the blessings we readily credit to the Lord.
In my questioning over these bounty years I've declared - I want to be content in Christ like a marriage - in richer for poorer. I know what it was like to have $2 in my checking and hope that the $22 check for the phone bill didn't clear.
Beth goes on to say, Even if our security is in something God has given us - our gifts, talents, loved ones,...consistent victory, passion for His Word - our seemingly secure mountain ultimately will fall into the sea. ... If our trust is in manifestations of God's favor rather than God Himself, we will crumble like dry clay when He calls us to walk a distance of our journeys entirely by faith and not by sight.... Mountain-like security only comes from trusting God, not what He's done for us or given us, however glorious and eternal those things may be... The difference between trusting God and trusting what God has done is fine line we can easily trip over... unknowingly let our security slip from God Himself to His manifest favor.
Being apart of a "word faith" church in the 80's, in the "name it and claim it" or you just don't have enough faith, I'm cautious to proclaim the blessings of God. I think I just got a grasp on what I am to proclaim!
I TRUST GOD! HE IS GOOD! MY SECURITY IS IN MY STRONG GOD!
In this economic shaking, we experienced scrap prices going from the highest they'd ever been to not even being able to sell-to the present stable again - how can I not praise my Good God! But when bad things happen to God's people and I want to question God? Is He still the same - yesterday, today and forever? If I end up with cancer - is my God still the Good God that I proclaim Him to be? Do we boast in our God when things in our life are difficult or can we say with security - I will not be shaken! ... that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent! O Lord, my God, I will give thanks to You forever! (Ps. 30:6 & 11-12)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Family Pictures
THE BOYS
THE GIRLS
THE SCRAP
What a precious time with our family! Stephanie was awesome and patient and the perfect photographer for our family!
http://stephaniestremlerphotography.blogspot.com/2009/07/dan-cris-family-session.html
THE GIRLS
THE SCRAP
What a precious time with our family! Stephanie was awesome and patient and the perfect photographer for our family!
http://stephaniestremlerphotography.blogspot.com/2009/07/dan-cris-family-session.html
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Our WA homeschool privilege...
I've been getting those concerned questions about homeschooling as I do at the end of each year with parents considering the fall. Just like schools, we MUST plan ahead as we make decisions about our childrens' futures. I ponder and go back and forth in our own homeschool convictions. I realize more nowadays how unique each child is and what each one needs, wants, and requires.So I thought I'd post some current thoughts.
High School - I've seen this lovely lady speak at conventions. She sums up my heart in just this little YouTube video & her 5 points listed underneath. I enjoy her blog too! Her most recent "Never Compare" is so timely!http://www.thehomescholar.com/5mistakessignup.php
Homeschool/ home-based instruction vs. Alternative Learning Experience Implementation Standards
After 1 yr. in our local parent partnership - I can now have an opinion:
We were off-site with 1 child and on-site with 2 - one took 3 classes the 2nd semester, and the other quit classes after the 1st semester. We had excellent homeschool moms as teachers of the classes the boys took. We chose them for that reason! Our son who took the 3 classes has some friends he really enjoyed while there.
A student's status in the district changes once enrolled in a parent-partnership and are no longer considered BY THE STATE OF WA - homeschooled/home-based. If you were to take a class like band or choir you file the same enrollment form with them. There are other forms with our PPP, though I signed one (which I think may have changed now,) saying we homeschool 99% - it gave me home-based freedoms and we were not subjected to testing ie WASL, but children are enrolled in the school district. Parents are listed as the primary teacher and you set up a yearly Student Learning Plan including learning goals and books/materials used for each child's year of school. Then monthly you report your child's progress in each of those classes you are t
eaching, affirm that hours spent learning both on-site and off-site were met. Weekly you are under the direct supervision of a certificated teacher for each child and the individual weekly contact method that you 'surrender' to. You must meet these requirements in order to receive state funds. Those monies were appreciated but here is where my opinion becomes just that. Freedom comes at a cost. Though we pay almost $40,000 in property taxes - could I be effecting the outcome of homeschooling and it's future in the state of WA? Maybe this will have no effect to the overall changes that our SPI may have in mind. But I am reminded that we are so blessed to have the freedoms we do in our state.For us - I am glad to be "free" once again.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Happy Mother's Day, Dear Mama Friends!
A mother's love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking.
It never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking. - Helen Rice
This brought me back to an earlier reading with Grace, our 13 year old, this week from Beautiful Girlhood, a book that came out in the early 1900's revised by Karen Andreola, the chapter was titled "Ideals." So I am writing away my ideals and put up a huge disclaimer that I have failed and been impatient. (And for those who know me, there is a huge lost and failed love story in my life 3 years ago this month.)
As a perfectionist with very high ideals, it feels as if my love fails & falters time and time again. My actions are all but loving. But that's the beauty of love. It is not based on what I feel. As Dan and I are going through The Love Dare we are brought to continual reminders of scripture and thinking of the phileo and eros type loves. But God wants us to have agape love. God doesn't love us because we're so lovable but "He loved us while we were sinners!" That's when Christ died for us!
I can say: be true, be noble, aim high and God willl give strength to us as moms, wives, friends, & followers of Christ! I stand on the Word of God and say that He wants me to "do it ALL for the glory of God!" I therefore, will ever be trying to live my life by His Word - AIMING HIGH! I want to strive to reach God's goals & purposes for my life for His glory!
When our children let us down by their behaviors, choices, and even their own personality differences that challenge our standards - 'loving' is an action. American psychiatris M. Scott Peck says “Love is not a feeling. Love is an action, an activity. . .Genuine love implies commitment and the exercise of wisdom. . . . love as the will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth.....true love is an act of will that often transcends ephemeral feelings of love or cathexis, it is correct to say, 'Love is as love does'.”
Times when love is challenged and at 48 with 2 adult married children and 3 children left at home plus 4 beautiful grand-daughters, shaking in the love happens. I have been goverened by hormornes or not enough sleep or severe life issues - our ideals can spiral just because we are overcome by life struggles. But as I am aging and filled with the knowledge of the Word when I am weak - He IS strong!
Ideals shape our lives and what a sad state of affairs our U.S.A. is today because parents, employers, pastors, teachers - haven't kept the 'bar' raised. Ideals take effort and we will have to work to be patient and forgiving. We will aspire to not give up when there are the challenges and trials that will shake our love.
"...the truly ideal life is one lived for God. A life that does not in word and deed reflect the life and teachings of Christ fails that much in being ideal." Beautiful Girlhood
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
"...lift up holy hands in prayer." I Timothy 2:8
Yesterday, the kids & I, in our daily reading of The American Patriot's Almanac, read:
~1775 - 2nd Constitutional Congress set aside a day for Americans to pray to "be ever under the care and protection of a kind Providence" as they began the struggle for independence.
~1863 President Lincoln proclaimed "a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer" to help the country get through "the awful calamity of civil war" and for "the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country to its former happy condition of unity and peace."
~1952 President Truman & Congress established a National Day of Prayer as a yearly event. Truman called for a day "on which all of us, in our churches, in our homes, and in our hearts may beseech God to grant us wisdom to know the course which we should follow, and strength and patience to pursue that course steadfastly."
~1988 President Regan designated the 1st Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer - urging Americans to ask God for "His blessings, His peace, and the resting of His kind and holy hands on ourselves, our Nation our friends in the defense of freedom, and all mankind, now and always."
Today I find out:
The Obama administration has announced there will not be a White House observance for the National Day of Prayer this year."We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration," said Mrs. Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our president would recognize more fully the importance of prayer."
The White House has indicated it will release a proclamation recognizing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday. The National Observance will take place from 9 a.m. to noon EDT, as Dr. and Mrs. Dobson, Beth Moore and others gather in Washington, D.C., to pray for America.
58th Annual ObservanceThursday, May 7, 2009
http://www.ndptf.org/
~1775 - 2nd Constitutional Congress set aside a day for Americans to pray to "be ever under the care and protection of a kind Providence" as they began the struggle for independence.
~1863 President Lincoln proclaimed "a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer" to help the country get through "the awful calamity of civil war" and for "the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country to its former happy condition of unity and peace."
~1952 President Truman & Congress established a National Day of Prayer as a yearly event. Truman called for a day "on which all of us, in our churches, in our homes, and in our hearts may beseech God to grant us wisdom to know the course which we should follow, and strength and patience to pursue that course steadfastly."
~1988 President Regan designated the 1st Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer - urging Americans to ask God for "His blessings, His peace, and the resting of His kind and holy hands on ourselves, our Nation our friends in the defense of freedom, and all mankind, now and always."
Today I find out:
The Obama administration has announced there will not be a White House observance for the National Day of Prayer this year."We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration," said Mrs. Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our president would recognize more fully the importance of prayer."
The White House has indicated it will release a proclamation recognizing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday. The National Observance will take place from 9 a.m. to noon EDT, as Dr. and Mrs. Dobson, Beth Moore and others gather in Washington, D.C., to pray for America.
58th Annual ObservanceThursday, May 7, 2009
http://www.ndptf.org/
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
...this is the life
Cheri Keaggy did a concert at our church some 15 years ago, and something she said will ever remain in my SAHMama brain -"laundry is like God's love ... never-ending." No matter how many times I say it as I fold the 2 or 3 loads a day, I can't help but think what kind of Heavenly Father would never complain when I give Him a heap load of my dirties? What kind of Savior removes the stains so that they are never to be seen again? What kind of Holy Spirit softens my heart each AM with His new tender mercies? So when it seems that I've been doing laundry for some 30 plus years... dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! Jude 1:20 21
Thursday, February 26, 2009
My favorite part of our homeschool day...
I love reading to our children. It is amazing how a book brings in a 'presence' that calms a PMSing mama or an upset child. Here are some great quotes about reading I enjoyed this AM."Today a reader,
Tomorrow a leader."
~ Margaret Fuller ~
When I was about eight, I decided that the most wonderful thing, next to a human being, was a book. ~ Margaret Walker ~
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~Anna Quindlen ~
No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.
Tomorrow a leader."
~ Margaret Fuller ~
When I was about eight, I decided that the most wonderful thing, next to a human being, was a book. ~ Margaret Walker ~
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~Anna Quindlen ~
No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.
~ Lady Mary Wortley Montagu ~
There is no substitute for books in the life of a child. ~ Mary Ellen Chase ~
A room without books is like a body without a soul. ~ Marcus T. Cicero ~
Never judge a book by its movie. ~ J. W. Eagan ~
Books are not men and yet they stay alive.~ Stephen Vincent Benet ~
Books are not made for furniture,but there is nothing else
that so beautifully furnishes a house.~ Henry Ward Beecher ~
What are you reading to your children?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Toppling Hats...
...daughter... sister... friend... worshipper... bookkeeper... wife... lover... house-keeper... mama... teacher... mama-in-law... gramama... and feeling like there just couldn't be another hat to wear - but when it arrives - I will declare: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God IS the Strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73: 26
Friday, January 9, 2009
Out of control...
and not liking it! 
Internal dread is what overtakes my spirit for too many months in the rainy, gray Pacific Northwest Corner. (and why I took great joy in the snow days we just had!) This is the worst we've ever experienced living on the Ten Mile Creek for the past 14 years. Bringing serious case of the "crankies" to the homeowners, when all you can do is think about your 'investment.'
Word spoken to me this AM by the Holy Spirit was Matthew 6:19-21 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where MOLD & MILDEW (my paraphrase) do not destroy... for where your treasure is, there your will your heart be.
There are parts of the flooding that are very 'awesome!' I guess, realizing there is NOTHING you can do about it! Powerless! Before an All-Powerful God - THE Creator of weather!
I am mindful that God said in Genesis 9:11 never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.
But I guess I kinda took that outta' context.
So when our dreams of home & hearth... heart & home... feels too hopeless... I must say:
Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my Hope is in You. Ps. 25:20-21
Internal dread is what overtakes my spirit for too many months in the rainy, gray Pacific Northwest Corner. (and why I took great joy in the snow days we just had!) This is the worst we've ever experienced living on the Ten Mile Creek for the past 14 years. Bringing serious case of the "crankies" to the homeowners, when all you can do is think about your 'investment.'
Word spoken to me this AM by the Holy Spirit was Matthew 6:19-21 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where MOLD & MILDEW (my paraphrase) do not destroy... for where your treasure is, there your will your heart be.
There are parts of the flooding that are very 'awesome!' I guess, realizing there is NOTHING you can do about it! Powerless! Before an All-Powerful God - THE Creator of weather!
I am mindful that God said in Genesis 9:11 never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.
But I guess I kinda took that outta' context.
So when our dreams of home & hearth... heart & home... feels too hopeless... I must say:
Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my Hope is in You. Ps. 25:20-21
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Beatrix & JOY!
Yesterday as many of us began our homeschool 'schedules,' some of us just weren't ready to go at it with all our hearts. Great joyfulness each AM, is how I wish to start each day, so looking for new ways to inspire my weary hands and old 'homeschool' mom mind, God does give small incentives - if I open my heart to them.
Over the holidays, I "re-fell" in love with Beatrix Potter as I watched the movie, Miss Potter. (Oh, she was a grand woman!) Then yesterday our local homeschool newsletter came and had her following quote below.
Thank goodness I was never sent to school;
it would have rubbed off some of the originality. Beatrix Potter
Over the holidays, I "re-fell" in love with Beatrix Potter as I watched the movie, Miss Potter. (Oh, she was a grand woman!) Then yesterday our local homeschool newsletter came and had her following quote below.
Thank goodness I was never sent to school;
it would have rubbed off some of the originality. Beatrix Potter
- I will face today with joy in each one of my originals God created!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Resolutions, intentions, a new year...
No new resolutions: Having a new month with a new year change just doesn't prompt me to make them. Goals can be a good motivation but when we don't meet them, do we beat ourselves up with our failings?
Daily, and maybe it's why I love mornings, I recall the scripture and love the verses in Lamentations 3:22-24:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."
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