HoliMess

Sunshine Award

2012-02-25T09:44:00.001-05:00

Friends are the sunshine of life. John Hay

Last week I was flattered and thrilled to be nominated for a Sunshine Award from Kelly at Minding My Nest.

hi donna. just wanted to let you know that i have nominated you for the Sunshine Award - http://mindingmynest.com/2012/02/hello-sunshine/ - thank you so much for all the kind words you have left on my blog. you have no idea how they warm my heart. love, kelly

My very first nomination for anything!!! Kelly just made my day.

Kelly and I met through our participation in Project 52 and One Little Word. Kelly shares beautiful photos each week. Her OLW is Try. I enjoy her witty and wise posts. She is an inspiration. She encourages me with her comments each week.

I am so honored to be included in the company of Kelly and others who have received this award. And the deal is, as a recipient of this delightful award, I have a few rules to follow:

Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog. See above.
Answer 10 questions about yourself. See below.
Nominate 10-12 other fabulous bloggers. See my list below.
Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know they have been nominated. So happy to share the love!
Share the love and link the person who nominated you.

Ten Sunshine Award Questions (and answers):

Favorite color: I love any natural shade of green. To me the color green symbolizes hope and growth.

Favorite animal: My favorite animal is our dog Riley. I do love frogs. They are quirky creatures that change throughout their lives.

Favorite number: Three. I like it so much that I did it twice!

Favorite non-alcoholic drink: Coffee, thank God for coffee.
Prefer Facebook or Twitter? Facebook. I don’t know how to Twitter.
My passion: My faith, family, and friends.
Prefer getting or giving presents: I love finding the perfect gift for someone.
Favorite pattern: I am a solid kinda girl.
Favorite day of the week: Saturday.
Favorite flower: I adore tulips.

OK. So now here is the fun part – here is my list of blogs that regularly bring a little sunshine into my life. In no particular order:
- http://www.myfourboys.com/– Foursons and I have come to “know” each other through the Project 52 over at my3boyarians. Her header says: Alice Mitchell only thought she had it bad with ONE little menace in the home. How perfect to have four of them! I enjoy her photos each week.
- http://thistlewoodfarm.wordpress.com/ – Karianne at Thistlewood Farm shares great project tutorials. Her new “Love” sign made out of scap wood is beautiful and fun. I really enjoyed her Dear Book Club post. I can so relate.
- http://thefrugalhomemaker.com/ – Christine is another gal I’ve come to know through my3boyarians. Christine enjoys making a house a home as inexpensively as she can. She also loves tulips.
- http://www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/ – I am fortunate to have Jenny as a friend in the blog world and the real world. Jenny and I work in the same school. Jenny has inspiring projects on her blog.

Project 52: Cabin Fever

2012-02-23T19:38:00.001-05:00

When I saw the prompt Cabin Fever, I was immediately reminded of these great cabins in Pennsylvania near where we go camping each summer. There are about a dozen of them set in the woods. Some are obviously loved and well cared for. Isn't this one gorgeous?

Others, like this one, have clearly been left idle. Those are ferns and moss growing on the roof. Still the cabins are quite beautiful and stir the imagination. Wouldn't you like to sit in a rocking chair by the hearth and dream? Still the cabins pictures were taken last summer. I needed to settle on a photo for this week. I didn't want to ~~bore you with~~ share pictures of my children playing video games. I drove by a local pond on my way home from school and in the reeds was a huge blue heron eating a wriggling fish. Photo opportunity!!! I hurried to grab my camera. Unfortunately, the heron did not take kindly to me or my camera interrupting his dinner. He flew swiftly away, eluding my attempt to get a great shot. Sigh.

Lacking my own personal cabin and a great shot of the heron, I decided to take a picture of a bird house my brother gave me for Christmas. It is adorable. There are curtains in the windows and even a little chair on the front porch. I can pretend it is my little cabin in the woods. I like the rough texture of the bark, the dried leaves and the soft pine boughs against the cheery splashes of red. If I were a bird, I would live here.

LORD, I love the house where you live,

the place where your glory dwells. Psalm 26: 8

There are more great pictures of Cabin Fever over at Darcy's. Be sure to stop over and visit.

-Donna

One Little Tooth

2012-02-22T19:39:00.001-05:00

The other evening Connor was enjoying a Valentine lollipop. Connor bit the end of the candy with a crunch and dislodged a loose molar. The tooth hadn’t been quite ready to come out, so it hurt and bled more than a little bit. Connor was upset and very dramatically wailed that he had broken his tooth and lost it. I, apparently, was not quite as concerned as he felt I should be. In my defense, he has four older brothers, and I have certainly seen more than my share of bleeding over the years. Finally, certain that this would get me to take this as seriously as he did, Connor proclaimed, “Mom, that tooth was the one that I used to eat my vegetables!”

Read on as I connect two seemingly random stories. I love how God does this.

Most of you know that my word goal for this year is Dwell. To dwell means to live, to abide and to rest. Dwell can also mean to ponder, to linger over, to emphasize in thought, speech, or writing. An example of that meaning of dwell is found in:

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

You could say that to dwell is to chew something over. Now if like Connor, you only have one good tooth to chew your spiritual vegetables with, what should you be dwelling on?

Paul wrote in Phillipians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

What are you chewing on? What are you filling your mind with? Is it true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy?

Remember you are what you eat!

-Donna

Project 52: True Love

2012-02-16T20:57:00.003-05:00

Some enchanted evening

you may see a stranger

across a crowded room

and somehow you know

you know even then

that somewhere you'll see her

again and again

From South Pacific

One night across a crowded room I saw the stranger who was to become my husband.

When a young couple first gets married they declare their commitment and trust to a person they hardly know. It is really pretty amazing. You think you know all about this person, but in reality you just see the tip of the iceberg. Getting married is an incredible step of faith. To see our anniversary post click here.

As the years go by, you see each other in a variety of situations. You see achievements and failures. You learn how your spouse behaves in traffic and when he’s sick. You learn what brings a smile and a tear. You learn when to let them muddle through something and when to lend a supportive word or action. You see how they react to a flooded basement and to a toddler who fed oatmeal with raisins to the VCR. You know how they feel about doing the bills and going to the dentist. You learn if they like the curtains closed, if they take their socks off inside out or if they wear sneakers with a suit. You learn if they are capable of speech before coffee in the morning and if they nod off in front of the TV at night.

You raise a family, experience career changes and struggle through problems with your relatives. You lose loved ones through illness or accident. You encounter health problems, gain weight and gray hair.

And through all that, your spouse gets to know you better than any other person on earth. Some might wonder, I know you say you’re committed to me, but are you glad you are committed to me? Would you do this again?

And in the end, your commitment to each other needs to be based on one thing- your faith in the God who brought you together. That bedrock should be like a granite foundation – rock solid and immovable.

Colossians 3:12-16:  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish on another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And, whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him

The teddy bears were given to me on a long ago Valentine’s Day. They usually sit on our bed.

To see more great pictures of True Love visit Darcy at Project 52.

-Donna

Valentine's Day - Hearts, Romance, and Ribs

2012-02-12T13:55:00.001-05:00

Valentine’s Day is about hearts, marriage, romance, and ribs. Yes - ribs.

Years ago at the local church camp my husband, Pat, was going through the obstacle course with some friends. At one point there was a 10 foot wall. The objective was to get every man in the group over the wall. Pat was one of the guys who stood up on the shoulders of someone else and made it to the top. He leaned over the railing to see if he could reach a friend on the bottom. The friend jumped up to catch Pat’s hand and Pat, who had not braced himself, took the man's weight on his ribs. Two of his ribs cracked. The more seriously Pat is injured the less he complains. So except for some minor grumbling about being bruised, he continued on.

One of the next tasks on the course was an exercise in trust. Pat-of-the-Broken-Ribs had to stand on a six foot platform and fall backwards into the arms of his friends. The men were supposed to catch him and mostly they did. Pat’s feet were up but his head just missed hitting the ground.

Pat waited to moan and groan about his injuries until he got home. I immediately suggested a quick trip for x-rays, but no, three days later he finally gave in. The doctor confirmed that the ribs were indeed broken. Pat was taped around the middle and sent home to rest. The doctor told him not to have so much fun next time.

In Genesis 2 God promised to create a suitable helper for Adam.

21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The first blood shed in the Bible is here in the second chapter of Genesis. God opened up Adam’s flesh and removed his rib. In the Bible, when a covenant is made blood is often shed to bind the agreement.

The first Adam shed blood for the creation of his bride, Eve. The second Adam, Jesus, shed His blood for the creation of His bride, the church. The first Adam’s side was pierced for Eve. Jesus’ side was pierced on the cross for the salvation of His bride.

Genesis says “the Lord God made a woman from the rib.” It doesn’t say God took a rib and built a woman around it. It says that the woman is the rib.

What is a rib? What does a rib do? A rib protects important body parts from injury. A rib protects the heart. It is part of the major defense system of the body to protect the vulnerable soft heart and lungs from outside attack.

How is a wife like a rib? A wife is to protect her husband’s heart. She knows all his tender vulnerable parts. She knows where he can be crushed and broken. She is to defend her husband against the onslaught of the world. She is to be a place of peace and rest. She is the defender of her husband’s heart.

How does it feel to have a broken rib? Pat will tell you it feels terrible! Every breath taken is a painful one - even if you don’t complain. Ladies don't be a broken rib.

Who can find a virtuous wife?

For her worth is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband safely trusts her;

So he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not evil

All the days of her life.

Proverbs 31: 10-12

On Valentine’s Day, ladies remember that you are the protector of your husband’s heart.

And gentlemen - even a Snickers bar looks good if you tie a red ribbon around it.

-Donna

Project 52: Drink Up!

2012-02-09T21:54:00.001-05:00

No goldfish were harmed in the making of this post!

   This week I knew exactly what I wanted to submit as my picture for the prompt Drink Up! Unfortunately, my subjects were not as keen on the idea as I was.
   I wanted to take a picture of my boys "drinking" a glass of water with a goldfish in it. My sons agreed to the idea if they could keep the goldfish as a pet. On my way home from work I picked up a willing goldfish. We named our friend the goldfish "Cheers." The boys were thrilled, until I put him in a glass.
   I ~~bribed~~ convinced Anthony to pretend to drink the goldfish. Connor saw that Anthony and Cheers survived, so he agreed to try it, too.

Patty joined in the fun.

My eldest son Patrick also took a pretend sip.

Cheers was very glad that there was plastic wrap over the top of the glass.

Cheers was even happier when he was placed in a pretty little goldfish bowl on our kitchen counter. He was rewarded for his modeling efforts with goldfish flakes.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. He satisfies our thirsty souls.

To see more great pictures go to my3boybarions.

-Donna

Stop for One Tuesday: Chips and Dip

2012-02-06T18:49:00.001-05:00

One night last week Connor was singing one of our church songs as I was tucking him into bed. This blessed me and not looking to let a teachable moment go by, I told him that I like singing worship songs in my head before I fall asleep, because when I wake up they’re the first thing I think. It’s like “One More Time,” all night long.

Let me set the scene for you the next morning as I was getting ready to go to school. I stood at our kitchen counter pouring boiling water into my thermos for tea. My back was to the rest of the room.

Connor came bounding in with way more energy then should be allowed at 6:30. He began gathering things for his cereal. I heard the clatter of bowls and silverware, the slamming of the refrigerator, and the patter of his feet as he skipped about the kitchen. I heard what I thought was way to much cereal ring as it was poured into his bowl. As he thumped about the kitchen Connor was loudly singing. In my head I thought, “Oh isn’t that sweet he woke up singing church songs, just like we talked about last night.”

As you may have guessed, it was NOT a church song. Connor sang, “Chips and dip. I’m having chips and dip. Chips and dip. I’m having chips and...”

About that time the lyrics permeated my obviously not wide awake brain. I turned swiftly. Yup, he had chips in his bowl and a spoon in the dip.

“Connor, you may not have chips and dip for breakfast!” After some discussion, Connor dramatically put his first choice away and settled on toast. You all know that had Connor feasted on chips and dip for breakfast that would have been the day he would have been asked to report what he ate as part of a nutrition unit at school.

I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praises shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;

The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

And let us exalt His name together.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Psalm 34 selected verses

Today stop for Him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Drink deeply of His living water. Satisfy your spiritual hunger and thirst. Look for your happiness in Him.

What is the least nutritious breakfast you have allowed your child to eat before going to school?

Mine is on one occasion, Yoohoo and chocolate cake - but that is a story for another day.

-Donna

Project 52: Shadows

2012-02-03T06:27:00.001-05:00

"Don't be afraid of shadows.

It means that there is a light shining nearby."

Don't know the source for this quote, if anyone knows it, I'll be happy to add it.

The prompt for the fifth week of Project 52 was "Shadows." I really wanted to come up with something creative. But...well... Here are my attempts.
First I took pictures of the tulips and their shadows. I really liked the pictures, but didn't feel that I had really captured "Shadows."

Then I thought it would be fun to have a shadow interact with an object. So I snapped Patty holding a Rubix Cube.

Apparently, my children have a hidden talent for hand shadows. Patty demonstrated her ability to make a shadow dog with her fingers. The amazing Rubix Cube continues to hang in space!

Biggest brother Patrick was not to be outdone. He shared his gorilla. The gorilla looks pretty good when he waggles his fingers.

When I hurried inside to download my pictures, Patty created yet another shadow for me to share.

Hoping your day brings you sunshine and shadows!
If you want to see more great pictures of Shadows follow the link below.

Linking up with my3boybarians.com

-Donna

OLW Blog Hop: Dwell

2012-01-31T20:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the One Little Word February Blog Hop.

ONE day I hope to see the Atlanta Aquarium.

ONE day I want to own a boat I don’t have to paddle.

ONE day I want to learn to knit.

I have ONE daughter, ONE daughter-in-law, and five sons.

My husband is my ONE and only.

ONE time when I was young I tried to build a nest for a bird.

ONE day soon Anthony and Connor will be taller than me.

ONE thing I know for sure is that God loves me.

ONE reason we had three more children is because we enjoyed the first three so much.

ONE of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 27:4

ONE thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

ONE Word to frame your year.

This year the One Little Word that called to my heart was “dwell.” Dwell means to remain; to live or continue; to linger over; to keep the attention directed; and to reside. It is a special place of rest.

Have you ever had a special place? A secure place where you could be alone with your thoughts. Children often find such a place where they can rest safe from demands and pressures. It can be a tree house nestled in the swaying branches of a sturdy tree. It can be a quiet corner with a soft blanket and comfy chair. When I was a teen, I would walk to the top of a mountain in our neighborhood where a power line had cut through the trees. I could see far off into the distance. The songs of the birds accompanied my thoughts. It was always a solitary place. I went there to think, to pray, to write, and to dream. Some of you may have had just such a quiet spot to be alone. We all need a special place now and then where we can quiet our thoughts and be alone with God.

How lovely is your dwelling place,

LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints,

for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out

for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young— a place near your altar,

LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;

they are ever praising you. Psalm 84

In the days of King David when this Psalm was written there was a very special secret place where a man could truly be alone with God. The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Holy of Holies in the Temple. The Ark was graced by the Mercy Seat, located between the outstretched wings of the cherubim. The temple was the Old Testament center of God’s presence on earth. This special place was also a haven for the birds that built their nests. The birds could not be driven away. Even the smallest, most insignificant sparrows had a home at God’s altar. God’s very presence protected them. They rested in the shadow of His wings.

The psalmist envied the sparrows that lived in the house of God. God provided for their every need. They were fed by the crumbs that fell in the temple courts. There were soft scraps of cloth and bits of straw for their nests. They were sheltered from summer heat and winter storms. They had a place to gather their little ones when the day was over and rest in safety.

Like the sparrow I want to dwell in the Shadow of the Almighty.

What is YOUR One Little Word?

Thank you for visiting. Please hop over to Dawn.

-Donna

Linking with:

ONE LITTLE WORD Feb 1, 2012 Blog Hop Links will go live at 8:00 am PST

Margie http://xnomads.typepad.com

Sharyn www.lavieenchic.com

Jill http://jillconyers.com

Lynn www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com

Jenn www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

Carmen http://www.carmenpaulsorthner.com

Marilee http://rose-brier.blogspot.com

Kristina http://hrinspirationfromthe403.blogspot.com/

Cindy C http://www.cynthiacrysdale.com

Kelly http://mindingmynest.com

Cheri http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Amanda http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com

Cindy http://seriousplay.typepad.com

Brooke www.everysnapshot.com

Naomi www.poeticaperture.com

Melissa http://www.smudgetime.com

Karen http://breathenowsmile.blogspot.com

Melissa S http://blog.mshanhun.com

Devon http://www.youhadmeatneurotic.com

* You are here Donna http://holimess.blogspot.com/

* Go here next. Dawn sunshineandcreativity.com

Katrina www.katrinasimeck.com

Sam http://learncreatedo.wordpress.com

Monica http://scrapinspired.com

Kimberlee http://scrapsandsass.blogspot.com

Missus W http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/

Kaylea http://www.myscrappylife.com

Nikki Www.inkyart.com.au

Erin http://erinsparkes.typepad.com/optimstic-fascination/

Jo www.curlyscrapbooker.blogspot.com

Coley http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2012/01/focus-word-for-2012.html

Beth www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com

Veronica www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Jamie http://jmpgirl.blogspot.com/

Monica B http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com/

Lisa http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog

Rebekah http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/

Jan http://mysimplelittlelife.typepad.com

Veronica http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Cate www.lifebehindthepurpledoor.com

Stephanie www.scrapworthylives.com

Orange Gearle http://orangegearle.blogspot.com

Tere http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/

Junelle http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/

Ruth http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com

Becky www.becky-handforth.blogspot.com

Stop for One Tuesday: Hot Chocolate and Windex

2012-01-30T20:51:00.002-05:00

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

For me there always seem to be fewer hours in the day than items on my to do list. Some days, I crawl in to bed and I wonder where the day went. I decided that I wanted to understand where my 960 daily minutes were going. I reasoned if I had 960 dollars to spend each day, I would know how I spent them. With that in mind, last week I kept a log of what I do with my time. Every half hour I made a note of what I had been doing during the previous thirty minutes. It was really interesting to me to see how I thought I spent my time versus how I actually spent my time. I was spending more time than I thought on a few things and less time than I thought on others.

My before school routine packs a lot in each morning. I am the first person up, usually between 5:00 and 5:15, depending on how often I hit the snooze alarm. I shower, dress, then wake Anthony. Patty gets up on her own and joins us. I am not quite capable of coherent thought or speech before coffee. The three of us are a pretty quiet bunch as we eat. I make lunches, take care of unloading the dishwasher and send Anthony out the door at 6:30.

Connor-the-Irrepressible has strict instructions to stay upstairs until his brother leaves. The front door barely shuts when he rushes down the stairs like a whirlwind. Connor talks, listens to a story on his ipod, eats, plays with the dog, and causes all manner of chaos in minutes. I get him started on breakfast then run upstairs to complete my hair and makeup. Patty leaves for her bus. When I come back down I cycle the laundry. Connor cheerfully follows me around talking nonstop. Finally, just before I leave I make him a cup of hot chocolate and clean his glasses. A hug and a kiss for Pat and Connor and I fly out the door by 7:10 to drive to my job at a local elementary school.

Prior to the time charting, I was completely unaware of how much making a simple cup of hot chocolate and cleaning his eyeglasses meant to Connor. In fact, the first few days I didn’t even note the two on my paper. It was Connor who wanted to make sure that they were included in the list of things I do every morning. And yes, my son is wearing an "explorer's hat" and drinking cocoa with a straw.

Connor reminded me to I stop for those few minutes each morning to focus on him. I can get so caught up in getting things done that I miss the important moments with the ones I love. Each morning I have been given an opportunity to set the tone for my son’s day. To leave him with the taste of something sweet in his mouth, looking forward to the day set before him, and with a clear vision to accomplish it.

Do you have a time in your daily routine where you stop for someone you love?

-Donna

Linking up with: Positively Alene

Super Hero

2012-01-29T13:55:00.001-05:00

When my brothers and I were young we had super powers. Don had x-ray vision and John could shoot bullets out of his fingers. Of course, both of my brothers were extremely strong and could fly, too.

I was fairly certain that given a cape and a sparkly tiara that I could talk to animals and save the world all before Mom called us in for dinner. We were all going to be famous, for more than fifteen minutes, because we had done something wonderful. Nothing could stand in our way. But then much to our surprise, we got older. We turned in our capes and tights. X-ray vision and animal communication were put on the shelf. We suddenly realized that we couldn’t actually fly. We went from being able to run faster than a speeding bullet, being more powerful than a speeding locomotive and being able to leap tall buildings in a single bound to being rather ordinary, average, people.

Although, I’ve become Wonder Woman. I wonder where I left my keys. I wonder where I left my glasses. I wonder where, I put my purse. I wonder how we became ordinary and average.

But God uses ordinary, average people to do extra-ordinary things through His grace and power. As you look through the pages of your Bible you will see ordinary, humble, and sometimes even foolish people become heroes. Noah saved his family and the animals from the coming flood. Abraham fathered a mighty nation. Moses didn’t become a hero until after he tended his father-in-laws flocks in the back of beyond. David slew Goliath. Gideon hiding on the threshing floor became a mighty warrior. Peter became a rock.

Jesus did not come to earth to save people who are already super heroes. He came to save the lost and afflicted. He came to rescue those of us who need a saviour. He came to pay our ransom. He came to grant our pardon. He came out of love to be with us.

And then, because of our relationship with Jesus, we become sons and daughters of the most high God. Exceptionally ordinary people. He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority to do great things. He makes us super heroes capable of changing the world through prayer and action in His Name. He gives us a word on our lips and a testimony to share. He tells us to go.

1 Corinthians 1:26-30

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast ... you are in Christ Jesus, ... our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

When we have been saved by His grace, the Hero lies within.
Linking to Serenity Now Weekend Bloggy Reading

-Donna

Project 52: Self Portrait

2012-01-26T21:59:00.002-05:00

I love to take pictures. I do not love to be in pictures. So I approached this week’s photo challenge with more than a little trepidation. This is what I came up with. I have to admit though that I considered just posting the picture below.

My son, Anthony, was given the art assignment to draw a self portrait about using one of your senses. Anthony chose to draw his expression when he encounters a particularly noxious odor. The black marks under his nose that look like a mustache are actually the words "Sniff! Sniff!" I loved this picture so much that I framed it for his room.

I really don't like to be in pictures. A few years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer I realized that there were very few pictures of me for my children to have if things did not go as we hoped. I decided that I need to allow myself to be photographed. It isn't about me. It's about my family and those who love me. Patty snapped this picture when my husband and I were on our way to a wedding. She did a great job. I felt the blurry picture of myself above was a little bit of a cheat to the people who are sharing this photo project with me.

Our identity is based on God's love for us.
"But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you... he who formed you... Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... you are precious and honored in my sight, and ... I love you... Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:1-6
-Donna

Snow Days!

2012-01-23T18:53:00.002-05:00

Job 38:22 asks “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow ?.......”

Children and teachers are certain that snow is a treasure. Do you remember dreaming of snow days when you were a kid? My brothers and I would wake up earlier than our usual alarm clock time to listen to the radio. We twirled the dial frantically until we heard someone calling out the list of delays and cancellations. We waited breathless with anticipation for them to call the name of our school district.

As a teacher, I still hope for snow days. Except now I am usually jarred awake by the ringing of the phone next to my head. Hopefully it will ring twice. Once for my work and once for my home district. It is always harder for me to go to school when I know that my children have the day off.

God spreads snow like a white fleece Psalm 147:16

With the exception of the snowfall in October, we haven’t had much snow. Last year at this time, we had so much snow that I sent our Pastor this picture that I snapped outside a local church.

It says: Whoever is praying for snow please stop.

But snow is beauty with a purpose. The winter snows are the storehouse of the water for spring and summer growth. Like the snowflakes that God sends from heaven, we know that God also has a purpose for each of us. The water of the Holy Spirit that we receive during the bleak winter days of our lives bless us in the other happier seasons of our life.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psa 51:7

Snow cleans the air. The ice crystals of snow form around tiny impurities,like a piece of dirt or ash, in the atmosphere. As the snow flake drifts to earth, it takes the dirt with it washing the sky. Just think, God wants to wash us, and clean us to the point that we are whiter than snow!

God gave each snowflake a unique and different shape. If you were to look under a microscope, you could see snowflakes shaped like needles, stars, trees, and even fishbones. And yet no two snowflakes are exactly the same. God gave each one its own identity.

Like each snow flake, God has designed us to be special and valuable. We have a creator that knew us before we were formed and who knit us together in the secret places to be exactly who we are. Of the billions of people upon the earth now, and those who came before, and those who have yet to be born, there is not, nor ever has been, two people exactly alike. People have similarities but we each have distinct characteristics that separate us and define us. Even identical twins, who share the same genetic make-up, have differences.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

When you see the beautiful fresh snow outside, remember that our God provides for us, gives our life purpose, and washes us clean from sin. Would you make that your prayer today? Let it snow in my life. Wash my sins away. Thank you for providing for me. Help me to fulfill your purpose.

Do you love snow?
Linking to Proverbs 31.

I'm not sure why the spacing in this post is off. My attempts to fix it have been futile. Thanks for your patience.

-Donna

Project 52: I Have a Dream

2012-01-18T19:48:00.003-05:00

   Our daughter, Patty has a dream of becoming a pastry chef. She is a junior in high school and currently taking the Culinary Arts Program at the local BOCES. Patty enjoys baking cake and cookies. The rest of us reap the benefits, and the calories, from her endeavors. Patty baked peanut butter cookies for her brother to take with him in the car as he heads back to college. Isn't she sweet?
   Patty and I went to see the master baker and cake decorator, Buddy Valestro of the show Cake Boss, when he was on tour near us. We had a wonderful time. Buddy shared of his love for family and baking. He called people of all ages out of the audience to decorate cupcakes. In good fun, Buddy asked the children if their moms were as good as him. All of them said, "No!" Patty and I laughed, completely delighted at the attempts, some good, some not so good, at cupcake decoration.
   Patty and I had so much fun at the Cake Boss Show that we took a ride to Hoboken, New Jersey to visit Carlo's Bakery. Here is part of the line that stretched two blocks. Three hours of anticipation before we even got in the door.

When we crossed the street we were given a ticket to get into ~~the Promised Land~~ Carlo's Bake Shop. There was a "Help Wanted" sign in the window. Too bad we don't live in Hoboken.

Buddy's sister, Mary, made an appearance. She was sweet and friendly and very self conscious of all the pictures being taken of her. Doesn't she look like a movie star?

Some of the beautiful cakes that were in the display case.

Patty happily holding the cake that we took home. A rich reward for our day in Hoboken.

Cakes are wonderful things. They are points of connection. At birthdays they say, "I am so happy for you." At holidays or special events they are photographed almost as much as the people involved. Cakes are simple or elaborate declarations of love.

Buddy called using a box mix to make a cake a "Cheat!" I confess I am something of a cheater. Patty on the other hand is not. It amazes me how individually the ingredients that go into a cake are unappealing and even disgusting to eat. Who wants to drink oil or eat a raw egg? But when mixed together and heated at the right temperature they become a delicious wonderful confection!

There are times when we wonder why God brings raw eggs into our life. We're not sure why God has us go through bad or difficult times. But God knows the plans He has for us and when He puts things together He works it for good. We just have to trust Him to make something wonderful out of the ingredients of our life - even if they come from a box sometimes.

God is crazy about each of us. He sends us flowers every spring and a sunrise each morning. Whenever we talk, He listens. He gives us dreams to dream. Like a cake baking in an oven, His sweet aroma fills our hearts and homes with love.

"...for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:9

I hope that your day is a piece of cake.

-Donna

Linking to: My3boybarians

Stop for One Tuesday: Compassion International

2012-01-17T21:04:00.001-05:00

And of some have compassion, making a difference. Jude 1:22

About six years ago a guest speaker came to our church. I confess that I have forgotten the speaker entirely. I do not know if it was a man or a woman. I couldn’t even tell you what they talked about. But I can say confidently that this unknown person made a lasting impact on several lives that day.

Our guest speaker carried a bundle of information packets for children to sponsor through Compassion International. The packets were placed at a table at the back of the church. After the service people who wanted to sponsor a child looked at the faces of the children. I waited until only a few were left on the table. I wanted to sponsor a child that for one reason or another had been left. My son Anthony asked if he could chose. He quickly handed me a packet for a little boy in Indonesia named Jimi. Anthony pointed out that Jimi was the same age as his younger brother and had a name similar to an older brother. Perfect. Jimi’s picture was on the front. He clearly wore his best clothes, a little denim outfit several sizes too large. Jimi had enormous brown eyes. He was just five years old. We signed up. I placed Jimi’s picture in a small frame on the window sill by the kitchen sink to remind me to pray for him and his family regularly. I sent Jimi a few notes and a picture of my family.

Soon a year had passed and I received a new picture of Jimi. He still wore the little denim outfit. It had faded somewhat from washing. It was not quite as big on him. Jimi and his mother began to call me “Mama Donna.” His father sent me a small carving that he had made. I was touched that he had taken the time to create something for me. I wrote a thank you note and moved Jimi’s picture to my desk. Jimi was no longer a strangers child a world away. He was a child that I knew and cared for. Sponsoring Jimi had become personal.

Over the years, letters of appreciation continue to come from Indonesia. He and his family are so grateful for every little thing. Jimi blesses me with his kind notes and drawings. I enjoy learning about his life. Jimi plays soccer. He likes school. He has a new baby brother. Jimi does not like to have his blood drawn for medical testing (who does?). He does chores and helps his father. He has had colds and illness. He likes to play. Jimi prays for me.

In turn, I write Jimi small notes of encouragement. I send him stickers and coloring pages. I give a little extra for a birthday and Christmas gift. But in reality, this is so little. I give out of my excess. I am more like the Pharisee than the poor widow. And yet in the hand of our Mighty God little becomes much. Through our contribution, Jimi receives food, medical care, clean water, educational opportunities, and the opportunity to hear and learn about Jesus.

Would you consider sponsoring a child through Compassion?

I have been richly blessed because one Sunday morning I stopped for one.

Linking to:

Stop for One Tuesday

-Donna

Anniversary, 32 Years

2012-01-14T18:54:00.002-05:00

On January 12, my husband Pat and I celebrated our thirty second wedding anniversary. And absolutely, yes, I would marry him all over again. I remember it like it was yesterday. The day was sunny, but cold and windy. The church was filled with poinsettias and candles. We were both wobbly-kneed and, looking back, so very young. I stood face blurred beneath my veil, breathless with wonder and anticipation and pledged to love Pat forever. Pat, no less nervous, promised me forever in return.

We didn’t know what life would bring us. We just knew that we wanted to live it together.

Since saying, “I do,” Pat and I have been blessed with quite a lot - 5 sons, 1 daughter, a daughter-in-law, a dog and a turtle, a house, a bunch of furniture, and a garage filled with everything but a car. It takes an effort to build a life together, and while most of these things are just things, they stand as evidence of time and energy thoughtfully invested. Of two individuals becoming one cemented together with happiness, loss, and murmured prayers.

Thirty-two years ago we had no idea what the everyday details of our life would be. We could not foresee the habits of courtesy, the words of blessing, or not, that would be spoken daily. We did not know the schedules we would keep or how those days would become years and then decades. Getting married is such a great leap of faith.

Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. Pat knows and understands my idiosyncrasies. And I understand his, which are far less, just ask my children. When Pat and I first married, I discovered that he was one of those people who roll the tube of toothpaste up from the bottom. I am more of a grab and squeeze kind of girl. And then imagine my surprise the first time I realized, oh-my-goodness, Pat turns his socks inside out when he takes them off! Let me share: Life is full of toothpaste tubes and rolled up socks- opportunities to get annoyed with each other. Way back then it certainly seemed ridiculous that I would bicker with my beloved husband about socks and toothpaste. Eventually you make the decision to find joy in the everydayness (is that a word?) of the marriage that you leapt into so happily. You stop looking for reasons to be annoyed and focus on that wonderful person you chose to marry.

Pat and I have seen each other in traffic, sick, angry, in mourning, and in prayer. I know how Pat will react to a stuffed up toilet and a kayak trip down Wappingers Creek at flood stage. He has seen me cry over a kitchen covered in red sugar Kool-aide powder, dumped cereal, and trails of food items from an early morning breakfast run by a child old enough to know better. Pat has planned camping vacations, built fires, and put chemicals in a pool that he does not swim in. Pat starts my car on cold mornings so that it will be warm. He loves our children.

Older couples will often remark that they somehow love their spouse more these 25, 35, 50 years later, than they did when they first married. As a newlywed, I always loved to hear that, but was pretty sure it would not apply to me. I already was so in love with Pat I did not think it possible to love him more.

And I am amazed because I really do love him more than I ever dreamed thirty-two years ago when I said, “I do.” “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13: 12 One day not so long from now, Pat and I will stand wrinkled hand in wrinkled hand. We will look back at our life. A life based on faith in the God who brought us together. We will see our love story played out in all its chapters. On that day, God will reach down gently to me and say, “Do you see Me? Do you see Me in the minutes, hours, days, and years?”

And on that day, I will answer breathless with wonder and anticipation, “I do, Lord. Oh, yes, I do.”

-Donna
Linking to: Proverbs 31

Project 52: Made With Love

2012-01-13T06:18:00.003-05:00

On January 12 my husband, Pat, and I were married 32 years. I would marry the man all over again. This photo was inspired by this engagement photo I saw on Pinterest. I love it.
You can read about our anniversary here.
-Donna
Linked to: my3boybarians.com

Stop For One Tuesday: A Cross In My Name

2012-01-10T19:58:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been stopped in your path by God? That happened to me several years ago when my daughter Patty was just four. God taught me many lessons during that time.

My delightful daughter was at that time very busy. She loved to sing little songs to herself and chattered like a bird. One afternoon I learned never to leave her alone with her baby brother, Anthony, and in the vicinity of big brothers permanent Sharpie Marker. When I returned to the room moments later she had drawn whiskers across Anthony’s chubby cheeks and an eyebrow on his forehead. “Patricia Margaret, what happened?” My children know they are in TROUBLE when I use their full name. With an angelic look on her face, Patty assured me, “He did it.” Did I mention it was a permanent marker?

That same day, Patty cooked in her play kitchen with baby powder. There was powder in her pots, pans, and even in the pretend refrigerator. We vacuumed and restored her kitchen together.

Patty and I were in the car when God blocked my path. Patty was talking away in her car seat. I was truthfully only half paying attention to her. I was thinking of the things I had to do when we arrived at home. A huge truck was sitting sideways across the back road that I was on making a delivery to a home. G.O.D. was written in huge letters on the side of the truck. G.O.D. was the initials for Guaranteed Overnight Delivery. GOD had literally stopped me in my tracks. I thought with a laugh, “Well God. You have my attention.” That was when Patty piped up from the back seat, “Hey, Mom. Do you know that I have a cross in my name?” She had noticed the “t” in Patricia written on one of her nursery papers.

Patty repeated herself, “I have a cross in my name, Mom. Do you have a cross in yours?”

Doesn’t God have a great sense of humor? One of the most important questions we must ask ourselves from the mouth of a four year old.

But now, this is what the Lord says,

He who created you, He who formed you.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name;

You are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

And when you pass through the rivers,

They will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

You will not be burned;

The flames will not set you ablaze,

For I am the Lord, your God,

The Holy one of Israel,

Your Savior. Isaiah 43

Is there a cross in your name?

Linking with: Stop For One Tuesday

-Donna

Prayer Box

2012-01-08T20:05:00.002-05:00

"Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still." E.M. Bounds

I don’t know about you, but I find it easy to pray for me. I let God know of my needs all day long. I whisper, “God bless my children and my husband. God help me find a parking spot. God bless this meal as I prepare it.” As the day goes on I can give God a pretty extensive “To Do” list. And while God is interested in the little things that go on in our lives, those kind of prayers are not really helping to develop my relationship with Him.

Prayer is practicing being in the very presence of God. It is coming to Him with our praise, our needs, our deepest longings. It’s abandoning our pride and sharing from our heart. We come to Our Father as humble supplicants admitting our need and our dependence. Prayer is casting ourselves into the gracious arms of our loving Savior.

Our church hosts a prayer chain for urgent needs within the church family and for those we love. When I received an emailed prayer request I would stop and lift the need in prayer. Then as it came to mind in the next day or so I would place it before God. But my mind is not always like a steel trap, if you know what I mean. I wanted a way to remind myself to pray specifically for the needs brought to my attention. I decided to make a frame-turned-dry-erase-board. My inspiration piece can be found here.

I was pretty sure I had an extra frame in my closet. When I looked I found a Memory Box frame. It had been there so long that I had forgotten what I bought it for. Remember when I said steel trap? And don't think that it escaped me that it was a Memory Box frame. The Memory Frame worked even better for me. I pinned in a piece of card stock on which I wrote “Pray.” I added a cross I had picked up at the dollar store and hung my new Prayer Box up in my laundry area. I spend a lot of time in the laundry area. Here is my finished piece.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

-Donna

Linking to:http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/2012/01/tutorial-tuesday.html

Project 52: Resolution

2012-01-06T19:36:00.001-05:00

Project 52: The challenge is one photo each week for a year hosted by my3boybarians.com . While I'm not sure that I will be able to manage this, I sure would like to give it a try. The first theme is Resolution. I was immediately reminded of this photo I took in October. I know, not taken this week, but I just found the group. So I ask your forgiveness and promise that I'll take weekly pictures from this point on.

This is a picture of the stone carving "Prayer" found on the property of Opus 40. Read more about our trip here. Prayer is described as a young girl supplicant on her knees. This carving speaks to me of resolution in prayer, of setting our face toward our heavenly Father and offering praise or making our requests.
-Donna

Dwell Deep

2012-01-02T13:57:00.010-05:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us review our accomplishments, goals, and plans, and consider the future. We decide to do things differently. We make New Year’s resolutions.

Now I can make resolutions that will knock your socks off and keep me and my family busy all year. But activity and busyness isn’t the same thing as accomplishment. I want to say to God what Jesus said in John 17:4.

“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”

Jesus was in his early thirties when He said this. He hadn’t healed everyone. He hadn’t preached to everyone. He certainly hadn’t converted everyone. In just a little while, He would be arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. Most of his followers would abandon Him. Jesus hadn’t filled His days with frantic rushing and busyness. The first 30 years of His life were spent very quietly. Jesus had left room in His planner for God. He had accomplished what was important, and then set His face toward the cross.

Rather than make a list of resolutions, I have begun to choose one word to frame my year. Read about my previous words here.

This year, I considered a host of words. I wanted a word that I would see at Hobby Lobby on a box or a sign - like Praise, Hope, Love, or even Eat. But this year, the word that I kept coming back to was “dwell.” To dwell means to reside, to abide, to rest. It implies permanence.

Psalm 84:1-4

How lovely is your dwelling place,

LORD Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints,

for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and my flesh cry out

for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young—

a place near your altar,

LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;

they are ever praising you.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

     I want to:
   Dwell in possibility.
   Dwell in hope.
   Dwell in grace.
   Dwell in Christ.
   Dwell in health.
   Dwell richly.

In Jeremiah 49 the inhabitants of Dedan are told to, “dwell deep.” In 2012, I hope to learn to dwell deep.

One Little Word

-Donna
Update: Linking to:
http://www.thenester.com Home Goals
http://www.serenitynowblog.com Weekend Bloggy Reading
http://www.raisingmightyarrows.com Proverbs 31 Thursdays

Kindle Afresh the Gift of God

2012-01-01T14:37:00.003-05:00

"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled" Luke 12:49

As many of you know, I am a list maker. In January as the calendar turns, I sit down and make a list of things that I want to accomplish in the coming year.

In 2009, I changed it up just a bit. Instead of a list, I choose an over arching phrase to frame my year. I decided that “make room” would be my priority. Make room for Jesus in my heart, my marriage, with my family & friends, in my home and in my job. I had vague thoughts about cleaning the house and getting organized. Instead God answered my prayers with a diagnosis of breast cancer and I found myself “making room” in very unexpected ways. I flung myself into the arms of faith and was caught and held ever so gently by my Lord. I began to look at everything with new eyes. I discovered as I sat in doctor’s offices, went for treatments, and even took naps that some things weren’t as important as I had previously thought they were. I appreciated my family more and fell in love with my husband all over again. After all, the really important things, aren’t things at all - they are the people God has given us to love.

When 2010 was ushered in, I embraced making room again as my focus for the year.

When 2011 arrived I held onto the important people and I narrowed my theme to One Word - Kindle. I was inspired by my husband’s Christmas gift to me. He gave me a new Kindle. I have had one for years and I absolutely love it.

Synonyms for the word Kindle are: to blaze, burn, light, inflame, ignite, glow, excite, set fire, arouse, awaken, challenge, stir, provoke, stimulate, inspire, thrill, energize, enliven, impel, and animate.

In Luke 3, John the Baptist told his followers this of Jesus, “I baptized you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”. Jesus gives us a fire of love that kindles a decision to turn our hearts to Him.

Paul wrote this in 2 Timothy 1:6, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you (NIV)." Another Bible version says, “I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God.”

We are to kindle afresh the gift of God. We need to revive the fire. Arouse it. Ignite it. Make it glow!

General Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army once sent a message to those under him. He wrote, “The tendency of a fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart.” Kindle afresh. Fan into flame the gift of God. Revive the fire.

Isaiah 6:1-8

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;

the whole earth is full of his glory.”

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Jesus came to bring fire to the Earth. How do you Kindle afresh the gift of God?

Tomorrow I will share my word for 2012.
-Donna

Books I've Read in 2011

2011-12-30T13:31:00.002-05:00

"You can't get a cup of ~~tea~~ coffee big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

I must confess that I am an avid reader. When I was younger, it was not unusual for me to be so involved in a book that I was oblivious to what was happening. My burning toast has set off the smoke alarm far too many times to count. I am fortunate to have a Kindle and so there is always a book waiting for me to read at any moment of the day. Here is a list of books that I read in 2011 that I thought about long after I turned the last page.

My (not so) Story Book Life, by Elizabeth Owen

Grace for the Good Girl, by Emily Freeman

The Hunger Games Trilogy, by Suzanne Collins

The School of Essential Ingredients, by Erica Bauermeister

Poke the Box, by Seth Godin

Dwelling Place, by Elizabeth Musser

The Mill River Recluse, by Darcie Chan

Loving Frank, A Novel, by Nancy Horan

The Provence Cure for the Brokenhearted: A Novel by Bridget Asher

Winter Sea, by Susanna Kearsley

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp

Little Bee, by Chris Cleave

Room: A Novel, by Emma Donoghue

The Story of Beautiful Girl, by Rachel Simon

Ellis Island, by Kate Kerrigan

Linking with Nesting Place.

What books do you suggest for 2012?

-Donna

Miracles

2011-12-30T11:26:00.000-05:00

Parenthood is an amazing miraculous adventure. It is a road riddled with twists, turns, and unexpected bumps. It is also a journey filled with wonder, grace, and joy.

Pat and I never intended to have six children. It just sort of happened, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our first three sons arrived the conventional way. Our next three children arrived through the miracle of adoption.

My boys were in their early teens when Pat and I became foster parents. One beautiful June evening, a social worker called us to ask if we would open our home to a three year old girl and an eight month old boy, both of whom had chicken pox. A few hours later, Patty arrived clutching a much loved doll. She had big brown eyes and a fearful, beautiful smile. Anthony was placed in my arms. He snuggled right into my heart. A few years later a judge made official the adoption that took place in our hearts that night. We had four sons and one daughter.

Shortly after Patty and Anthony’s adoption, we learned that their birth mother was expecting. We agreed to that baby, too. My boys wondered who would have to share their room. Patty and I wondered if it would be another boy or if Patty would have to share her princess status. My husband wondered if we were nuts. When we received the phone call that a baby boy had arrived; I laughed and said, “We needed another one of those.” We picked Connor up from the hospital when he was three days old. He is now a boisterous ten year old.

Adoptive parents never really know for sure exactly what we are getting into, but birth parents don’t either. There are days in the lives of any parent when you want to tear your hair out and cry, “This is not what I signed up for!” At one time we had three children in college and one in day care. Consider that I have been picking up Lego’s for 28 years. I have slept in hospital beds with my arms wrapped around a sick child. I’ve worried when they’ve come home late. I’ve attended countless parent teacher conferences and holiday performances. I’ve overseen enough homework assignments to fill a library. I have refused to get a tatoo. I’ve lent my son an earring. I’ve been blessed with tadpoles and dandelions crushed in chubby fists. Our children, all of them, have enriched our lives far beyond what anyone could have told us.

Our lives have been changed by adoption, but they are not only about adoption. Our lives are about family.

Psalm 68:4-6

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,
   extol him who rides on the clouds
   rejoice before him—his name is the LORD.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
   is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,

Has your life been changed by the miracle of adoption?

The Innkeeper's Son - A Christmas Story

2011-12-24T22:45:00.000-05:00

“Welcome. Come in, come in.” boomed the wizened little innkeeper as he opened the door. “We don’t get many visitors in Bethlehem this time of year.” In an aside, he sent his grandson out to care for the visitors animals, “Just put them in the old stable. Don’t forget the feed and water.” The old man walked with a limp as he pointed the couple to the guest room. The room was dark and the ceiling stained with soot, but the blankets were clean and soft. The light from the oil lamp flickered on the wall giving the room a soft glow. The husband nodded with approval. “We’ve traveled far. Some nights we were able to sleep in an inn, others out on the cold ground and once we slept in a stable with the animals.”

“Well,” responded the innkeeper, “there was a time we had a couple stay in our stable, too. It is quite a story. Pull up a chair and I’ll tell you about it.” He waited for the pair to settle and poured them a drink to ease their thirst. The old man began, “At that time Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the Roman world and everyone had to register in the town of their ancestors in order to pay their taxes. Our quiet little town of Bethlehem was not quiet then. It exploded with people almost overnight. I remember that I was about twelve. Old enough to do chores and young enough to think I did them all.” He paused to rumple the hair on his grandson’s head affectionately. “I had thought that it would be fun seeing all the strangers and family come to town, but instead it was a whole lot more work then I had bargained for. I had been hauling water and hay for the animals and carrying things from here to there. My parents had been turning people away from the Inn for hours. Our house was full. The whole town was full. There were people sleeping on mats and blankets on every floor in Bethlehem.”

“It was early evening when there was yet another knock on the door. Father had answered declaring, “There is no room.” even as he opened our door. But then he had come back in and had a quiet word with mother.

I remember mother saying in shock, “You want to put them in our stable?” Our stable is a hollowed out cave in the hillside with rock walls to keep the animals penned. On that winter night the stable was cold, damp, and chock full of smelly beasts. I was sent out to move the animals around to make a place for the couple who would be staying there. When I saw them, I understood why my father had not turned them completely away. The man, a descendent of David, looked weary and even a bit desperate. He had clearly traveled some distance. Then I glimpsed his wife, not much older than me really, but so heavy with child that even I knew her time was near. I wondered when they had last rested. There among the camels, donkeys, cattle and horses I hurriedly made room. They told me their names were Joseph and Mary from the town of Nazareth in Galilee. Mother sent me back with a bucket of fresh water and some thin rags. I heard the man breathe a prayer and question, “Here? Lord, in this place?” His wife sighed as she eased her bulky frame down onto the scratchy straw. I left them to their rest.

Around the fire that night there was a lot of discussion about the meaning of the strange star that had appeared in the east and now seemed almost directly overhead. Everyone spent time looking up in awe and wonder.

I had scarcely laid my head down for the night when I heard the thin wails of a newborn drift from the stable. Mary had had her baby. Now there were three travelers in our stable. I fell back asleep only to be woken again by the bleating of sheep. The local shepherds usually kept watch over their sheep on a nearby hill top. Curious, I staggered out of bed to see what was going on.

There were sheep in the courtyard. Ewes and lambs clustered together. Their breath steaming in the crisp night air. The strange star was now directly over our little stable casting a warm golden glow over each fuzzy sheep. My parents were speaking with a tall shepherd carrying a tiny lamb over his shoulders. I hurried to the stable to see what was happening. There more shepherds stood or knelt. Some were talking excitedly about the birth of a King. They told me of a great vision of angels that had appeared to them. Angels who told them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” The shepherds had immediately set off to find the child that the angels had spoken of. And there He was, a tiny baby with outstretched arms lying in a manger. The very manger I used daily to feed our animals. Mary’s dark eyes gazed adoringly at her newborn son. She brushed his soft cheeks with kisses. Mary appeared to be tucking the memory of this wondrous night deep into her heart. Joseph knelt beside her. The lines of tension on his face had eased. He looked shocked and scared, grateful and happy, like most new fathers. Together they marveled at their tiny son. They named him Emmanuel, which means “God With Us.” And all around the shepherds glorified and praised God for what he had shown us that night. Our humble stable was where God reached down from His holy heaven and touched the earth.

“Don’t you wonder what became of him. That baby born so long ago,” interrupted the visitor.

“No, I don’t wonder. I know, and I suspect that you do too. The child grew in stature full of wisdom and grace, and in favor with God and man. He became a carpenter and started a ministry when He was about thirty years old. The whole country side near Jerusalem would come out to hear him. He proclaimed good news to all men. He healed the sick, raised the dead, touched lepers, and restored sight to the blind. He satisfied the hunger of souls and comforted those who wept. He calmed a storm, walked on water, and stirred up the religious leaders. He ate with sinners and drank with tax collectors. This man who knew no sin was crucified on a hill between two thieves. Mary was there at the foot of His cross. How her heart must have broke to see her son so. He died and was buried in a borrowed tomb, but on the third day He rose a victor from the grave. He was our Messiah, the man known as Jesus.

The innkeepers son continued, the Psalms tell us “Be still and know that I am God.” You’ll remember God showed Elijah that He is often not in the wind, the fire or the rain—but rather He is in the still small voice. The King of Kings was not born in a mighty palace. Jesus Christ came here as a small voice, a tiny babe in a manger.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8). He takes what little we have to offer him, the hollowed caves, the very stables of our lives, filled with waste and despair and gives us beauty for ashes.

This is an incredible mystery, and an incredible story of redeeming love.

Have a blessed and Merry Christmas.

-Donna

How May I Help You?

2011-12-14T19:49:00.000-05:00

   Like many of you, I ordered some things from catalogs as Christmas gifts. But one company I called to place an order really impressed me. I had selected my items and punched in the number. The phone hadn’t even rung on my end when a delightful young lady answered. “Good morning, L.L. Bean. This is Cathy speaking. How may I help you today, Mrs. M...?” The phone hadn’t rung, she had answered and knew it was ME! Now I know what you are thinking - and, no I do not buy so many things from them that they gave me a direct line.
   I hesitantly murmured, “Good morning.” and said that I would like to place an order.
   “Sure, and would you like it sent to your home at _____________?”
   “Yes, please.”
   “That’s great. Mrs. M.... is your phone number still __________?
   “Yes,”
   “And Mrs. M.... would you like to use your credit card today?”
   “Yes.”
   “Great. What is your first item?”
   “Do you mean that YOU DON'T KNOW?”
   Well that confused poor Cathy. She maintained her cool, probably thinking that this would be the call that got recorded and checked by her managers for quality assurance.
   I continued, “You answered the phone before it rang, you knew my name, address, phone number and my credit card number. I thought that you might know what I wanted.”
   Cathy laughed and assured me that the phone had actually rung on her end. She explained that the company had caller ID so that when a person called, they knew exactly who it was.
   1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
   God knows and cares for us as individuals. He doesn’t need a cosmic form of caller ID and computer programs to back up the information. He knows each of us by name. He knows the number of hairs on our head. He knows the cares we have.
John 10:3 He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.
   Jesus knew Zacchaeus when He saw him in the tree. He knew the woman who washed His feet with her tears. He knew the lepers and the blind men. He knew the woman at the well. He knew the fishermen He called to be disciples. He knows you.
   He knows every little thing about you. He cares for you as an individual. The One who loved you enough to come from heaven, to be born in a stable, to die on a lonely cross, will care for all of your cares.

“To whom will you compare me?  

Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.

 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:  

Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one  

and calls forth each of them by name.

 Because of his great power and mighty strength,

not one of them is missing.  

Do you not know?   Have you not heard?  

The LORD is the everlasting God,

 the Creator of the ends of the earth.

 He will not grow tired or weary,  

and his understanding no one can fathom.

 He gives strength to the weary  and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary,  

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

 They will soar on wings like eagles;

They will run and not grow weary,  

They will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:25-31

-Donna

Chosen

2011-12-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

Do you remember gym class when you were in elementary school? Some of you are fondly remembering proud moments. Others of you are wincing. If you are still in school, I hope you are better at physical education than I was.

When I was young, I was really little. To make matters worse, I was not particularly athletic or even very coordinated. I was a disaster on any team. In kickball I couldn’t kick. In softball I couldn’t hit the ball. I wasn’t big enough to block goals in soccer. I was afraid to get hit by the ball in dodge ball. And I couldn’t run for beans. You can imagine how popular I was when it came time to choose up sides for a game.

When we all arrived in gym the first thing we did was pick teams. Two people, usually the two best players in the class, would be named by the coach as captains. They would then take turns choosing their players. Friends would call out, “Pick me, pick me!” The good players were the obvious first choices. You can imagine how the rest of us felt, standing around, shuffling our feet, trying not to look too eager or too desperate; inwardly yearning to be chosen. Eventually there were fewer and fewer of us. Hearts would rise with expectation, and plummet with despair after each choice. Then there would be just me and Beth. It was a bit of a toss up as to which of us was the bigger liability. The captains would nervously lick their lips and try to decide which of us could possibly be worse. That was when the teacher would say, “Now children, we can’t start until everyone has been picked.” Finally, my name would be called, or not. I always cheered, “Yes!” as if I were on the team that I had really wanted to be on had I been given a choice. But I wasn’t really kidding anyone.

I was something of a late bloomer. Eventually, I became better at sports and better able to laugh at the mistakes I frequently make.

Do you like to be chosen? Sure, you do. When you are picked, it’s special.

Ephesians says that God chose us. He picked us. He even picked me.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:3-6

God didn’t need to choose us. He certainly didn’t need to choose me. There are many people far more eloquent, far more compassionate, and far more holy, that He could have chosen. God looks out over all people. He knows every skill and every weakness. He knows every sin and kindness. It’s not like He said, “I pick that one because I need what he has.” We have nothing worthy to offer. God didn’t choose the best. He is not like the gym captains who looked for skill or talent. He decided to choose me and to choose you while we were yet sinners. He did that before the creation of the world. God looked all the way through time and saw our pain and possibility. He loved us enough to create us, to choose us, and to send His Son as a ransom for us.

This is a picture of me dressed as "Tug Boat Annie" for a parade. My humiliation is now complete.

Has God chosen YOU?

-Donna

Have You Any Room For Jesus?

2011-12-04T06:35:00.000-05:00

   It was a cold rainy day in early December. I was rushing home after some quick Christmas shopping at the local mall thinking of the things I needed to do. My mind was on the coming holiday, the presents yet to be bought, the house to be cleaned, the planning for a quick trip to Virginia, and projects at school that needed to be completed before vacation. It was cold, wet, and I was in a hurry when I passed Jesus on the road.
   Really, Jesus was there on the side of the road. He was laying there with the rest of his family, a few shepherds, some animals and possibly a wise man or two. There they were in a pile at the end of a long driveway that leads to a church high on a hill. They were plastic light up figures that eventually would become part of the church's Christmas display. But on this gray and rainy day the holy family, and friends, were abandoned in a heap by the side of the road. The person who had been on the job probably thought that it was too cold, too wet, and somehow too inconvenient to set plastic Jesus up in his meager stable.
   I considered the very first Christmas and how the innkeeper didn't have room. I thought if I had been the innkeeper, I wouldn't have been so inconsiderate as to show expectant Mary and Joseph to a stable no matter how busy. No, I would have given them the best room. I would have given them my room to use for the birthplace of my king. But, I see myself reflected in the face of that innkeeper. I am rushed, harried, distracted by gadgets and obligations, and thinking of my own needs. To be honest, I am not sure there would have been room at my inn either. And even worse, I know who He is.
   The world has changed considerably since that first Christmas, but Jesus still needs us to make room for Him. After all, He had room in His heart for us. He laid aside all of Heaven to come and love us beyond anything that we could imagine. Jesus came to shed light on our jumbled days and into our darkest places. He makes room in our hearts, by cleansing us of sin, guilt, and shame. He gives us peace in life's storms and joy each morning.
   Here is a poem which says this so beautifully.

Have You Any Room For Jesus?

Have you any room for Jesus,

He who bore your load of sin?

As He knocks and asks admission,

Sinner, will you let Him in?

Room for Jesus,King of glory!

Hasten now His word obey;

Swing the heart's door widely open,

Bid Him enter while you may.

Room for pleasure, room for business,

But for Christ the crucified,

Not a place that He can enter,

In the heart for which He died?

Have you any room for Jesus?

C. C. Williams

Let's not leave Jesus sitting at the curb.

-Donna

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

Laura Story - Blessings

2011-11-22T21:40:00.000-05:00

The song “Blessings” by Laura Story really ministers to my heart each time I hear it on the radio. The lyrics and the music are absolutely beautiful. But these lyrics are not just lovely words set to music. They have a basis in a deep and abiding trust in Jesus. When Laura and her husband, Martin, had been married just one year, Martin was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Most newly weds don’t sit by the bedside of a spouse hooked up to tubes and breathing machines. Laura watched and prayed as Martin went through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and dealt with the complications of significant post-operative vision and memory loss.

This is what Laura said in an interview with Christian Today: “Life is filled with things you don’t expect, but the Bible tells us to respond by trusting God and continuing to worship him, Martin hasn’t received complete healing - and that can be hard at times when we view God as all-powerful and all-loving. But here we are now saying, ‘Yes, this is how faith works.’ God has proven to be faithful. We have been truly blessed out of a circumstance that at first didn’t seem like much of a blessing at all.”

Enjoy the beauty of the song, “Blessings” by Laura Story.

-Donna

Let Us Give Thanks

2011-11-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Give thanks in ALL circumstances! Here we are a few days before Thanksgiving. Invitations have been sent, menu’s have been planned, impressive tablescapes have been designed (Alright, maybe I didn’t design a tablescape, but one of you might have.)

It’s easier to think about being thankful at this time of the year. It’s even expected. It’s what we do. Or maybe not, perhaps your income has declined - or worse been lost in the past year. Maybe you or someone you love is fighting a serious illness. Or maybe you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you are worried about total global economic collapse.

But Paul tells us in this verse that it is “God’s will that we give thanks in all circumstances.” Seriously, ALL circumstances. That is not always an easy thing. But Paul was telling us that God wants us to thank Him even when we don’t feel like it.

So how can we be always joyful, constantly praying, and continuously thankful?

By trusting in the reckless love of our Loving Father.

Here are a few verses of encouragement.

Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

John 14: 1

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 62: 7-8

My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, & we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving & His courts with praise; give thanks to Him & praise His name. For the Lord is good & His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Trusting in God brings hope, and hope makes thanksgiving in all circumstances possible. Trust and hope that God will take our current situations and work them for good. May your Thanksgiving Day be prepared with hope and celebrated with praise.

-Donna

Opus 40

2011-11-06T16:44:00.001-05:00

On Columbus Day Weekend, Pat and I took our youngest three children to Saugerties for our last camping trip of the year. It was a beautiful weekend and we had a great time.

On Sunday, we went to Opus 40. Built on an abandoned bluestone quarry, Opus 40 is a six acre sculpture of finely fitted rocks and boulders, rising in ramps and swirling terraces around ice cold springs, stone figures, fountains, and trees.

It is the work of one man, Harvey Fite, who labored for 37 years using just his hands and traditional quarryman’s tools. He died in an accident three years short of his planned completion date.

On Sunday, the sky was a deep blue, the trees were dressed for autumn, and there was a bit of chill in the air. It was a perfect fall day. Pat and I kept the kids in sight, but really the place was nothing but rock - what could they possibly break?

The kids clambered about the rocks, skipping down stone staircases and crossing bridges. We explored this amazing place. There was something to see at every turn.

Heading down one set of stairs brought you to a narrow hallway, called the subterranean passageway, that circled around the bottom of the terrace.

Although open at the top, it was so cold down there you could see your breath.

The sun felt wonderful when you emerged into the amphitheater.

Patty and Anthony sat down to rest on one of the terraces. I called for nine year old Connor to join us, but he pretended not to hear me and headed back to the subterranean passageway. I knew the passage would send him out close to where we were headed so I did not go after him. On the way to the other two, Pat and I passed by one of the springs, a circular pool completely covered in bright green duck weed.

Patty snapped a picture of Pat and I. Looking over her shoulder I could see Connor skipping down the ramp towards us. All of a sudden, I heard Connor screaming, “Mom! Mom!” The mom in me registered the cry as scared not pained. Still Connor was not in sight. I began to run toward where I heard his cries coming from. Even more frightening to me, a man nearby was also running. It was clear that he could see my son. Connor was in the icy water of the spring swimming toward a staircase. The man stepped down the staircase that led into the pool and pulled my prodigal son out. Connor stood there shivering, soaking wet, with duck weed in his curls, his glasses miraculously still on his face. My husband snapped his picture. (The man in the red shirt was his rescuer.)

Now that he was safe, I wanted to shake him, after all this was the boy who wanted to swim at Niagara Falls.

“How on earth did you end up in the pool?” Connor rapidly explained that when he jumped down the staircase he didn’t realize it was water at the bottom. Connor thought that he would be jumping onto mossy ground. He was shocked when he found himself in deep, cold, water. Fortunately, Connor was not injured during his adventure and he had dry clothes in the truck to change into. We thanked Connor’s unknown rescuer profusely.

There comes a time in each of our lives when the ground beneath us slips away. When our supports are knocked from under us. When our world is turned upside down. Suddenly, without warning we are in deep waters, gasping, cold, frightened, treading water and swimming with all we’ve got. We can’t touch bottom. There are waters of sickness, poverty, guilt, sorrow, job loss, and grief.

If you are struggling in deep water, do not fear, because our Savior walks on water.

There is no water over Jesus’ head. There is no problem that He can not handle. He is the God who can ransom, redeem and restore. In His great mercy He gives us beauty for ashes. And a garment of praise instead of despair. We can trust Him in the deep waters, no matter what.

Isaiah 43

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—

he who created you, Jacob,

he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

The psalmist doesn’t say that there won’t be trials of deep water. He says He is our Savior in them.