What can you do?

Recently, I was asked to move from teaching the 2 & 3 year old class at church to teaching the kindergartners. It has been a bit of an adjustment to go from antsy toddlers who are just learning how to talk to a group of busy 6 year olds who need to learn how to keep quiet.

On Sunday, I posed the question for each of the students to answer, "What is something you CAN do?"

Immediately, a student, whom we will call "Billy"(name changed to keep his parents from going into hiding), piped up and said, "Oh, Oh, Oh, I got one! Can I just show you what I can do?"

My adult discretion kicked in. I pictured him attempting flips or somersaults and decided it was not a good time for demonstrations so I said, "No, just tell me about it."

He was still very excited about what he can do, so I let him go first.

"Billy, what can you do?"

"Armpit farts."

Okay. My curriculum didn't prepare me for that one. Is this the part where I say, "Praise God! He gave you the ability to do that!"?

I'm also glad I discouraged the demonstration.

Of course, you know what the question started the next round . . . "Now tell me something you can't do?"

I let Billy go first again. Discretion had officially gone out the window and now I was just plain curious.

"I can't do head farts."

He sounded so disappointed, I almost felt bad for him.

Now I hoped for a demonstration . . . because I just couldn't picture it - but he reminded me that he CAN'T do one . . . yet.

I'll keep you posted.

I think I'm going to love teaching this class . . .

This is for my two wonderful friends. (You know who you are.)


Thank You again!


I feel so loved!

Cheesecake for breakfast . . . .


I love birthdays . . .

Twins . . .

I have an identical twin. I have always lived my life with the privilege of knowing that other person in the world who looks "just" like me (or do I look just like her?).

People often ask what it was like having a twin growing up . . . . ummmm, what is it like to not be a twin? It is all I have ever known.

Being a twin has had its advantages.

I was never alone.

Changing schools (which we did every year K - 5th grade) was easier because I always had my sister with me - which was also helpful when it came to homework. Because she was always around, she remembers memories I have forgotten. We wore the same size clothes - and she was a much better shopper than I ever was - so I just wore hers. (You will note that most of these advantages were better for me than for her. . .)

Of course, being a twin also had its disadvantages.

I was never alone.

We shared a room, clothes, friends and school books. We were always compared to each other and no sleepover was complete unless we BOTH got to go. I was convinced that SHE was the messy one - and she made my side of the room messy too (ironically, now that's what Buff says about me). And the competition was fierce - there had to be something I was better at than her (I never found it). I also learned to answer to the name "Kerry" - especially if I was in a hurry. I suppose I could have thoroughly ruined her reputation had I been clever enough to think of it back then . . .

We never fought over boyfriends - although she did go out with Buff once (before he and I ever dated). It was on a dare and thankfully - it didn't go too well. We did fight over friends, bikes, clothes and who got to drive the car. She was always the star role in all the school plays - and I was always there to support her as the walk-on role. It was okay though. I just learned to accept all the compliments meant for her because some people didn't know there were two of us. It was just easier to say "Thank You" than to explain and embarrass them when they found out that they were complimenting me for just walking across the stage as an old lady in high heels.

According to medical science, identical twins are supposed to have the same genetic makeup. I am not a medical scientist - but I am an identical twin - and I think the scientists must have gotten it wrong.

My sister and I are alike in a lot of ways. We look alike. We have similar quirks (can you wiggle the tendon on the knuckle of your middle finger?). Tension breakers. We even married similar men (well, at least their occupations are the same . . . ).

The problem lies in the fact that she got ALL the creativity. I swear she got my "creativity" gene.

No, really.

She can take an ordinary backpack, add swirls and flowers with paint, and it looks clever. If I start swirling with paints, I just get dizzy. She takes an ordinary cake mix and transforms it into a cake that actually looks like Dora the Explorer - without a cake mold. If I tried that, Dora would have looked more like "Cousin Itt" from the Addams family. She looks at ordinary piece of wood and sees possibilities - and then paints it. I just see firewood.

She makes homemade journals for gifts, paints unique decorations for my kids bedrooms, and considers glue and tape to be as valuable as gold.

Thankfully, after 37 years together, she still likes me. It is nice, because she gives me clever gifts.

. . . I got this for my birthday . . . (last year)


It's a photo album - (still missing all the photos - I'd like to make that her fault somehow but I doubt I'll win that argument . . .)

Isn't she great? (I bet she'd make one for you too - if the price was right!)

She scrapbooks. She sews. She paints. She stamps. Do you see what I am up against?

Okay, so the competition is still fierce . . . apparently . . .

We haven't lived together for 15 years and our lives have changed dramatically in that span of time (thankfully - would you want to be stuck in the 90s?). We have been separated by oceans and yet united by a common heart for ministry. We have produced 7 children between the two of us, and she mourned with me for the one I lost. When we get on the phone to talk to each other, our families just roll their eyes and glance at their watches - it's going to be a long one. She's the only sister I've had - and I think I got a good deal. Unfortunately for her - she still looks like me . . .

So why all this rambling?

Today is our birthday.

We've spent 36 years and 712 "creative" minutes together (she is 8 minutes older than me - which might explain a lot - she is so much wiser . . .).

This is my blog and so I get to say . . . .

Happy Birthday, Sis

I hope your day is filled with more "creative" memories . . . and confetti angel food cake with pink frosting . . .

And I think I want my gene back . . .

i heart faces

I have found a wonderful blog full of photo inspiration. If you love photos as much as I do, you can go and check out iheartfaces.com. There are weekly contests and helpful tutorials to help the feeble minded such as I. Now you officially know where I waste my time . . . I really should be scrubbing down the bathrooms instead . . .

After much procrastination and with much trepidation, I am entering their contest for the week. The theme is "Hats."

This is a photo of my friend's daughter . . . wearing her daddy's hat . . .


There are a lot of amazing photographers entering - so go and check out their "hat" ideas too - there are some really great ones!

Our Life . . . .

Did you know . . .?

Ipods . . . are dishwasher safe. I doubt it is a claim Apple will vouch for - but ours survived the cycle in the utensil tray. It still works. Amazing. (This falls in the "don't try this at home" category - I will not be held responsible for anyone experimenting with their Ipods . . .)

The "Exit Only" sign in the parking lot apparently doesn't mean . . . "this is the only way to exit." Apparently, it is code for, "If you go this way, you will be going the wrong way through the drive through."

It made me laugh when . . .

Owen was the first kid awake in the morning. When I told him everyone else was still in bed, he exclaimed, "Sheesh, we need to get us a rooster."

My son scrubbed down in the shower . . . using a paint roller.
Maybe he's on to something . . .

Weep with me . . .

The laundry room smells (and it's not the dirty laundry - but that is all we know . . .), the front door jams, and please have a moment of silence . . . for my dishwasher. It's nearly over. The only thing we haven't tried is duct tape . . .

And yet, I am so thankful . . .

We live well, love much . . . and can't stop laughing.
(which is reason number 13 the front door hasn't been fixed yet).

Image of Grace

Small wonders . . .

O LORD, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.

Psalm 104:24

My gods . . .

"Earthly comforts are loaned. They are not gifts, for all that we possess is God's property. He has only lent them, and what he lends He has a right to take. We hold possessions and friends on a lease that can be terminated at the Supreme Owner's option. Therefore, do not complain when God takes His own. In a world where thorns and briars grow, it is natural that some sharp points will pierce you.

The world swarms with thieves, deceivers, and slanderers, with losses in business, crosses in our expectations, false or fickle friends, and with sickness and death. Little wonder our joys are stolen. Our Master warns that our habitation is not theft-proof. "Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matt. 6:19).

Beloved, because of these calamities may be expected, let us be prepared. Hold all things loosely. Hold them as though you did not have them. Look at them as fleeting; never expect them to remain. Never make mortal things your gods. If you do, your heart will be broken when they are taken, and you will cry with Micah, "You have taken away my gods which I made" (Judges 18:24)."—Charles Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters

HT: Josh Harris

Today . . .

I'm wondering . . . what to get conquered today . . . maybe a little spring cleaning?????

I'm reading . . . The Age of Opportunity.

I'm feeling . . . a little anxious about the argument I'm overhearing over whether geese float or swim on the pond . . . I think the loudest answer is the winner . . .

I'm happy . . . the argument is over . . . for now (I don't think either side was convinced.)

I'm dreaming . . . of the cd scratching so we don't have to listen to it - again . . . Thank you Uncle Ryan!

I'm going . . . to the library . . . this morning . . . so we can enjoy the beautiful day later.

I'm wishing . . . little girls didn't have soooo much hair . . . .

I'm enjoying . . . the diligence and help of a 12 year old daughter . . . she can be very efficient when she's bored . . . the kitchen is clean - and I had nothing to do with it!

I'm planning . . . to finish school soon . . . we are so close - but it seems like so much when the weather is nice!

I'm laughing . . . at the new game we learned last night . . .

I'm loving . . . the taste of spring . . .

I'm listening . . . . to all his questions . . . he's at that age where they never end . . .

I'm wanting . . . another week off . . .

I'm thinking . . . how to live in God's grace TODAY . . . does it apply to arguments over geese too?

I'm clinging . . . to . . .

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
. . . it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:25-26, 28

Memories

Elizabeth Barret Browning was married to Robert Browning and they were deeply in love. When they wrote love letters, sonnets and poetry to each other the rest of the world stopped, took a deep breath and sighed. It was deep. It was beautiful. It was so romantic.

A few weeks ago, we had a few issues hooking up a washing machine. It flooded the laundry room, which dripped into the basement, which drenched the box on the shelf below (which, ironically, was put on the top shelf to protect it from potential flooding). This is how my life works.

The box I rescued was Buff's labeled "Memories."

He saved all the love letters I sent him when were dating and first married. It was sweet. It was sentimental. It was so, so, sad.

You see, Elizabeth wrote things like . . .

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Sonnet XLIII from Sonnets From the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barret Browning.

or

If thou must love me, let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only.  Do not say
I love her for her smile--her look--her way
Of speaking gently,--for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of ease on such a day--
For these things in themselves, Belovèd, may
Be changed, or change for thee,--and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so.  Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheek dry,--
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!
But love me for love's sake, that evermore
Thou may'st love on, through love's eternity.

Sonnet XIV from Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barret Browning

I wrote things like . . .

"Have I ever told you how awesome you are? Let me tell you. Every day I think you are even more awesome! You really are the greatest! And I am being serious! You're just plain wonderful!"

or

"I couldn't ask for anymore and I won't ask for anything different. I love every part of you! From your 'cute' little head to your ticklish little toes!"

And I wrote it over and over and over - and it is about all I ever said. (Except I also seemed to do a lot of apologizing for being grumpy . . . )

And still he asked me to marry him. Talk about love being blind. . . I think he needed to have his "cute" little head examined.

In the end, it made for a good laugh. I resisted the desire to pitch them, replaced the soggy cardboard box with a water resistant rubbermaid container, and put it back in the basement. I figure I will I need to be reminded in about 30 years when Mikayla starts dating that some couples really are that sappy - and the relationship really can make it. Some people just say it better than others, while others should reconsider ever writing it down . . . .

Of course, if anything happens to me, I doubt Buff will make any money publishing my letters - unless there is a market for nauseating reading . . . it sounds like just the thing I would be remembered for!

I can hardly wait . . . .

When I'm An Old Lady

by Mary Ann Hopkins

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with my son,

And make his life happy and filled with such fun.

I want to pay him back all the joy he's provided,

Returning each deed. Oh, he'll be so excited!

. . .when I'm an old lady and live with my son.

I'll write on the walls with red, white & blue and

Bounce on the furniture, wearing my shoes.

I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.

I'll stuff all the toilets, and oh, will he shout!

. . .when I'm an old lady and live with my son.

When he's on the phone and just out of reach,

I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.

Oh, he'll snap his fingers and then shake his head,

And when he is done, I'll hide under the bed.

. . .when I'm an old lady and live with my son.

When my son's wife cooks dinner and calls me to meals,

I'll not eat my green beans or salads congeal.

I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,

And when she gets angry, run fast as I'm able.

. . .when I'm an old lady and live with my son.

I'll sit close to the TV, thru the channels I'll click.

I'll cross both my eyes to see if they stick.

I'll take off my socks and throw one away

And play in the mud 'til the end of the day.

. . .when I'm an old lady and live with my son.

And later, in bed, I'll lay back and sigh

And thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.

And my son will look down with a smile slowly creeping

And say with a groan, "she's so sweet when she's sleeping."

. . .when I'm an old lady and live with my son.

Our Greatest Need

“If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, he would have sent an economist.

If he had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, he would have sent us a comedian or an artist.

If God had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, he would have sent us a politician.

If he had perceived that our greatest need was health, he would have sent us a doctor.

But he perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our alienation from him, our profound rebellion, our death; and he sent us a Savior.”

- D.A. Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation

HT: Of First Importance

Dog hair and trash cans . . .

A friend shared this article with me and it was a needed reminder and great encouragement to my days.

Maybe it will encourage you too . . .

Here is an excerpt:

Sticky messes and smelly garbage cans aren’t detours and roadblocks; they are God’s highway of significance. My daily planner may not contain anything that would impress a highly paid executive, but my work has great worth before the Lord. He says that the things I have done for the least of these I have done for Him. Sometimes I try to picture Him sitting on the kitchen stool waiting for a bagel, smiling as I sing a worship song on my knees beside my toddler’s bed or sighing with contentment as I zip a cozy sleeper over my infant’s full tummy and squeaky-clean skin.

Pleasing the Lord wouldn’t be enhanced by bringing home a paycheck or having a title before my name. I have just as many opportunities to please Him within the four walls of my family room as I would in a corner office. As I wipe a little bottom, I have the same wherewithal to gain the Lord’s favor as does a top marketing strategist for Pampers.

Tying little shoes, reading picture books and making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches grant me just as much potential to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” as I would if I performed brain surgery.

The significance of dog hair, trash cans and toilets is this: They each give me an opportunity to serve my family and pursue a life of great value before the Lord. As I cast off the burden of being ranked among the most accomplished and pursue His approval instead, I see the road that lies before me — and it leads me home.

Read the whole thing here. . . .

warm thoughts

Soon . . . .

Hello, Tuesday . . .

It was one of those weekends that I am glad only happen occasionally. Because it was so incredibly busy and extraordinarily exhausting, Monday was even harder to endure than usual. I have stories I could tell you (this is the Powers' house after all). . . but I promised I wouldn't. I'm sure I will tell them soon - and everyone will be laughing, but I will wait until everyone is ready to share. When my Monday is a long day, I know it is going to be a long week.

I woke up this morning - too stiff to stay in bed and too tired to face the day. I am just weary.

But God is kind. I found this reminder in my inbox between the bookstore advertisement screaming for my business and the gentle reminder that I need to get moving, run more errands and return those library books:

“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace, nor are your best days ever so good that you are beyond the need of it.”

- Jerry Bridges, Discipline of Grace (Colorado Springs, Co.: NavPress, 1994), 18

I know I can do it now.

Sticky floors, laundry mountains, math equations, and busy children - here I come - by the grace of God.

HT: Of First Importance

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I am not Irish, but . . .

Last year, my friend Mark posted this video in honor of the holiday and made me laugh . . . very hard . . .

You will realize after viewing the video that I have a very, very sad sense of humor. Not much in life makes me laugh - and this is what gets my funny bone. I watched it many times during the year and every time it brought me to tears- because I was laughing so hard. I watched it again before I posted it - and I didn't laugh as hard . . . I'm getting old and mellowing . . .

So, for what it is worth - maybe at least a smile . . . Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Mother of the year

I have talked before of my grand intentions of becoming mother-of-the-year . . .

It is only March and I am officially out of the running.

There are a few things you might not know about me - but when the sun goes down and I finally fall asleep - I see weird things, hear weird things - and unfortunately say weird things. Sometimes it is in the form of sleep talking. Other times I just wake up in a panic yelling frantic commands to Buff (who has yet to take one seriously - we should consider counseling - but for two very different reasons). And then there are times when I wake up with no sense of urgency and give gentle commands when I should be moving around frantically . . . . This is one of those times.

Carra nudged me up at 2:23 a.m. and whispered quietly that she just woke up and found a lot of red stuff in her bed.

"Okay, Honey. Why don't you just go and get your pillow and blanket and just sleep here on the floor by me," was my compassionate motherly reply. I remember the entire thing - and I remember it seeming completely reasonable. I even remember being impressed with myself that I was not at all annoyed about being woken up at such an ungodly hour. Such a good mother.

The next morning I was sitting in my recliner reading and the whole scenario replayed through my head - only now my common sense was back.

"Something red?"

"In her bed?"

"Did she mean - BLOOD?????"

I went running into her room to check her bed - and sure enough there was a rather large blood stain right in the middle of her bed.

She was bleeding and I sent her back to bed.

In the first wave of panic, I thought that she had coughed up blood. In a matter of seconds, I pictured the rush to doctor, the hospital stays, and crying at her funeral. I always think the worst first. Then I realized that I never heard her cough at all during the night. I calmed down and decided to check her nose. Sure enough, she was still alive (although still asleep - probably because being awake at 2 a.m. makes one tired . . .) and she had had a bloody nose.

She survived the whole ordeal - without my help. Not necessarily a consoling thought when we consider it all involved blood - a major life source.

I think from now on we are going to encourage the kids to notify Buff of any emergency at 2 a.m. Hopefully he will be able to respond with a bit more common sense, keep everyone alive - and I'll get some sleep.

"Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there."

Charles H. Spurgeon

Image of Grace

Quiet

In case you were wondering . . .

I found this meme online once upon a time and thought it might be fun someday. The problem is that it was about watching movies, t.v. and eating out - things I rarely do (unless I can put PBS kids, Prince Caspian (x100), and McDonalds down all 8 times).

(I have decided my life makes a boring meme.)

These are the original categories . . .

Crazy 8's

8 T.V shows I watch

8 favorite restaurants

8 things I look forward to in the morning

8 most recently viewed movies

8 things one might find peculiar about me

8 smells I love

Soo, I don't know if this is legal (is there such thing as blog police?)- but I changed it a bit so that I could play too.


8 places I love to be

1. Asleep.

2. In my bedroom, curled up in one recliner talking with my hubby in the other recliner.

3. Out taking pictures of the kids (or pictures of anything - it would be more fun if I knew what I was doing though).

4. Out on a date with my hubby.

5. Playing games with the kids.

6. Family Hug!

7. Family night.

8. Talking with good friends.

8 things I look forward to in the morning

1. Snooze button.

2. Bible reading. (The Old Testament stories are fascinating . . .)

3. Hot shower.

4. Morning grins as they slowly wake up . . . They always come into the room like it has been a while since we have seen them and they are so glad to see us . . . They each have their own particular "greeting grin" as they move in for the morning hug.

5. A good morning hug from Buff.

6. Checking my e-mail. (Which is interesting because I get so few e-mails . . . )

7. Checking the weather report. (Which is also interesting because it never really matters because I rarely leave the house . . . but I always check - just in case . . . )

8. His goodbye hug and kiss. (The day is just off-kilter without it.)

8 things one might find peculiar about me

1. I love, love, love the smell of coffee, but can't stand the taste of it - no matter how much sugar and cream is put in it.

2. I talk in my sleep. It keeps Buff amused at least (well, as amused as he can be at 3 a.m.).

3. I like being either here or there, but I dread the commute from here to there. I just don't like driving.

4. I have a lazy eye that wanders when I don't have my glasses or contacts in. If it didn't give me a headache, it would be fun to taunt Buff with it.

5. I hate chocolate covered cherries. Even the picture on the box makes my stomach turn. Let's just chalk it up to a bad experience with them when I was a kid.

6. I might have mentioned this before (but it's hard coming up with 8 peculiar things). . . I can wiggle the tendon/muscle on my right middle knuckle when my hand is in a fist.

7. I have never fallen asleep during a movie. I just have to make it to the end - no matter how tired I am!

8. I don't like hot drinks. That might be part of my problem with coffee. I do like an occasional vanilla steamer when I'm out with Buff on a coffee date - but I have to be cold. (One possible exception - Snow White Cocoa . . . )

8 items I could live without but I am glad I don't have to . . .

1. A hot shower.

2. My lined Wal-mart brand "crocs".

3. My computer. (It makes lesson plans soooo much easier.)

4. Heated seat warmers in the car. (Oh, wow.)

5. My Wolfgang Puck griddle. (One of the best gifts ever - use it nearly every other day!)

6. Chapstick.

7. Adjustable wastebands (in the kids pants - the BEST invention ever!!!)

8. Lotion.

8 gifts I have received recently

1. A frying pan - love it. (Hopefully this one won't disappear like the one I got last year for Christmas. Seriously. How do you lose a frying pan?)

2. A wonderful handmade (by my daughter) blanket (perfect for those recliner talks & early morning Bible reading . . .)

3. A Ticket to Ride (thrilled - until I lose miserably every time I play it - then I hate it.)

4. Cookbooks. (the ones put together by churches (and families) that are the best because you know they are the favorites of people you know and trust and actually taste good.)

5. Scarf. (Not one designed for warmth - but rather for fashion. I'm still getting the courage up to wear it . . . I'm just not good at fashion . . .)

6. Restaurant gift cards. (Date night!)

7. Music CD. (Sons of Korah)

8. Food!

8 smells I love

1. Buff

2. Coffee brewing in the morning.

3. The kids after a bath.

4. Bread baking.

5. Pine. (Real Christmas trees . . .)

6. ummmm. . . .

7. Well . . . .

8. Er . . . . just can't think of anything . . . .

So who wants to join in? Pick your categories and post away!

Thinking out loud . . .

Whenever I pursue something, and it doesn't work out the way I planned, my usual thought is that God rescued a good me from a bad situation.

I think I need to consider possibility that the real reason it didn't work out is that God might have rescued a good situation from a bad me.

I am just arrogant enough to believe that I am only ever the victim - and never part of the problem (and therefore rarely part of the solution).

A week in review

This week I stopped every once in a while to write down what our life looks like in a given week.

In my mind, it was a rather mild week and yet,

• The vacuum died. It is a long, sad, uninteresting story - and completely our fault - so therefore it is not covered under the warranty. This is my life.
  

• We had an extra unscheduled trip to the dentist (making it trip #6 in two weeks). I think we have single handedly paid for the dentist's summer vacation home. I wonder if he'll let us borrow it for a week?

• The toilet overflowed. Pure nastiness . . .
  

• Owen colored his toenails with a permanent marker - and then used someone else's toothbrush to try to scrub it off . . . I still wonder whose toothbrush it was (I just know it wasn't mine!)
  

• I found the nail clippers in the refrigerator. You're just jealous 'cause you didn't think of it . . .
  

• We had a quick round of the stomach / intestinal flu race through the house. Can it actually feel good to feel hungry again?
  

• We took a day off school and I took 6 kids the zoo! Where Carra threw up, Owen and Aaron jumped in every mud puddle (love those rubber boots), and I pulled about 100 pounds (3 little boys) around in a wagon. They had fun and I slept well that night . . . (You have no idea what a big step that was for me!!!)
  

• I planned ahead and purchased valentines for the little kids to share - then successfully misplaced them. I swear I hid them in the laundry room . . . I'm sure they'll show up on Monday. I guess I'll be ready for next year! Bummer. They came with tattoos . . .
  

Another day. Another week. And I wouldn't trade any of it for the world . . . . (okay, maybe the toilet overflowing . . .)

It was Just Another Day in Paradise . . .

Image of Grace

CONTENTMENT

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,
for we brought nothing into the world,
and we cannot take anything out of the world.
But if we have food and clothing,
with these we will be content.
(1Timothy 6:6-8)

Observations . . .

Has anyone else been frustrated by the fact that you turn off the tv and take your family out for a small treat and some fun family conversation at the local fast food restaurant, only to compete with . . . the tv?

Bless You . . .

When we walked into the store, she was smiling, but now she was so cranky. It figures.

She wasn't very old, and I only had to pick up a few things at the grocery store. We were making good time until we came to the soda aisle and then she decided she had had enough.

It didn't matter if I held her or laid her in her car seat. Her response was the same - to scream.

I must have looked a bit frazzled by the time I got to the checkout counter. I had the attention of the entire store, and I was mortified.

I remember thinking that she will scream no matter what I do, so I will just let her scream in the car seat so I can move more quickly. I frantically wrote out the check and moved to stuff the groceries in a bag. Of course, I had chosen the aisle without a bagger. That was a lesson I would learn to never do again!

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone move to the end of the counter and start bagging my groceries - and she wasn't wearing the store uniform. I had never met her before, and she didn't make any effort to introduce herself. She just moved quickly and with purpose. She had those groceries packed and reloaded back into my cart by the time I had moved to the end of the aisle.

I think I remember her saying something about being there once. I honestly don't know if I even got to thank her. I might have been too frazzled to think of it. I hope I said something sensible and somewhat appreciative.

People like that still amaze me. They see a problem and don't wait to be asked to intervene. They just step in and help. They bless people by just being there and doing what needs to be done. Deep words of wisdom aren't necessary - but they know how to meet people where they are.

That is what I want to be like. It doesn't come to me naturally. I often don't even see a solution or if I do, I'm often to self-centered to move. Will they be offended? What if I make their problem worse? It's people pleasing at its finest - and it's selfish.

So I'm looking. Looking for opportunities to bless and help and live out the gospel.

How has someone blessed you?

Image of Grace

Creativity

Thinking out loud

I have spent a LOT of time sitting in doctor's waiting rooms lately. I am not exaggerating. We have had 12 appointments in 13 days - and 5 more scheduled within the next month. The good news is that 90% of them are the regular yearly checkups and dental cleanings - so we are healthier than it appears.

When I am organized, I bring my own reading. Of course, when I do that the doctors are on schedule and there is really no time for reading. (My name should have been Murphy.) When I forget something worthwhile to read, I whittle away valuable time trying to find something to read in the stacks of magazines. It is usually not very productive.

For instance . . .

The miracle jeans I need to make my tummy slimmer and my bum smaller cost $178. Apparently the only solution I can actually afford - is to stop eating . . . bummer.

I also read that boys require more energy to raise than girls - starting in the womb. Oh, really? The only reason I was sitting in the doctor's waiting room - was because I have boys. I need to figure out how to get paid for writing the obvious. (Oh, and girls require more patience. It is apparent that my children were doomed from day one.)

So, I'm back at the dentist this week - 2 appointments scheduled and one of them is for a boy with ANOTHER chipped tooth (this one had something to do with a sled and asphalt pavement . . .). I am planning on bringing my own reading . . . and it probably should have something to do with self-control and parenting.

Image of Grace

Wonder

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
And not one of them will fall to the ground
apart from your Father.

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.

Fear not, therefore;
you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31

Confessing my self righteousness . . .

“Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It’s not just your sin that separates you from God; your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don’t seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can be found only in Jesus Christ.”

- Paul David Tripp, Whiter Than Snow (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008), 22.

HT: Of First Importance

Recommended reading

A must read:

The Prodigal God, by Tim Keller

It is a little book - but it packs a powerful punch . . . Go find the book and he'll explain the title. You know that parable about the prodigal son? . . . it was about so much more than a rebellious son . . . and it really did apply to me after all . . .

Don't like to read? Then listen to it on audio book.

Image of Grace

TIME

The dilemma . . .

My oldest daughter and I were checking out at the store the other day. I was oblivious to the world around me, but in usual fashion, she was paying close attention to the cashier. My daughter is observant. She watches very closely. Trust me - she's good. Try sneaking a treat with her in the room or sending a non-verbal message across the room to the love of your life, and she will call you on it faster than you can blush.

Besides that, she dreams of getting a job. I dream of her getting a job too - but not for the same reasons.

In all her observing, she noticed that the cashier actually forgot to scan one of the items . . . she had given us a $9 shirt . . . for free . . .

Of course, true to form - my daughter panicked. I think she really thought we could all go to prison for life for this felony.

So, there was the dilemma . . . it was their mistake . . . they would never know . . . they have insurance to cover such issues . . .

Actually, none of that crossed my mind - but for the grace of God.

I was actually more amazed by the customer service representative's reaction. She asked who my husband was and why he would bring it back to pay for it. She must have thanked him 20 times and was actually disappointed that she didn't have a reward for him. Her only consolation to him was that "the Man Upstairs" would reward him someday.

Well, it was true that "the Man Upstairs" was involved. All we could think of was the lesson our kids would gain if we kept the shirt without paying. We tell them God is watching . . . He is everywhere . . . He is with us . . . we do all for His glory . . . and now we got to prove that it all matters in how we live life - not in just what we say.

It is also true to say that we could only see what needed to be done because of His work in us. He has opened our eyes and changed our hearts. We only do right because he helps us.

These little opportunities are priceless. We got a chance to instill the thought that while they think everyone else is watching and everyone else cares, in eternity it will still only matter what God thinks.

Thank you, God, that it was never a dilemma . . .

Resolutions . . .

I generally make the New Year's resolution - to not make any resolutions. Honestly, I can't say that I ever really "made" resolutions, but rather some good ideas of what I really needed to work on, but then never really changed.

This year will be different - because I actually have a plan.

No, I'm not going on a diet (although after all my holiday eating, it may not be a bad idea).

I resolve to actually get my pictures developed as I take them. Back in the day of film cameras, it wasn't a necessary resolution. Now that I own a camera with a memory card that can hold up to 1,000 photos, it has become a real problem.

I haven't developed any photos for two years. We won't get into excuses, explanations or whatever-I-need-to-call-it to make me feel better. It just didn't get done.

So here is what it looks like to get two years of photos developed - all at once.

Thank goodness for year end photo sales! It doesn't seem like enough, but there are over 700 pictures there. (And I have more I could develop . . . )

I don't have photo albums to put them in . . . yet (that should take at least another year - I resolve to save that project for 2010 - at least).

But I still have to file them all somewhere . . .

Today . . .

In My Thoughts

Thankful for the Fleas

"The barracks where Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy were kept in the Nazi concentration camp Ravensbruck were terribly overcrowded and flea-infested.

They had been able to miraculously smuggle a Bible into the camp, and in that Bible they had read that in all things they were to give thanks, and that God can use anything for good.

Corrie's sister Betsy decided that this meant thanking God for the fleas.

This was too much for Corrie, who said she could do no such thing. Betsy insisted, and so Corrie gave in and prayed to God, thanking him even for the fleas.

Over the next several months a wonderful, but curious, thing happened. They found that the guards never entered their barracks. This meant that the women were not assaulted. It also meant that they were able to do the unthinkable, which was to hold open Bible studies and prayer meetings in the heart of a Nazi concentration camp.

Through this, countless numbers of women came to faith in Christ.

Only at the end did they discover why the guards had left them alone and would not enter their barracks.

It was because of the fleas."

HT: Crosswalk

In My Heart:

In the span of one week, I coveted someone else's master closet, envied someone's laundry room, and drooled over their kitchen sink (and I wasn't eating anything at the time).

Today it all seems silly. I have so much and, yet, I flirt with discontenment and even lust. If it had been another man I had considered, that would have been appalling. Yet, somehow covetousness of things I can shrug off as insignificant and harmless.

My life doesn't hurt too much. I don't fight fleas or fear assaults. My daily pain comes more from my inward struggle with sin than from outward circumstances. Recognizing my sin makes me more aware of a holy God. Becoming more aware of a holy God makes me hate my sin. The very fact that I see my sin and am repulsed by it, is a grace gift.

I am not necessarily thankful for my sin, but I am thankful he uses even it for his glory.

What circumstances in my life am I not thanking God for . . . that really are for my good?

My Encouragement:

" . . . admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 16-18

Praying for my pastor . . .

I have the unique privilege of being married to my pastor. When he is teaching others, he is teaching me also. Because of this privilege, I also know very well the heart, motive and humanity of my pastor when he is speaking. He is a sinner teaching and leading sinners and he desperately needs God too.

When I saw the following list online, my first response was to think that it is necessary for his church people to pray for him this specifically. Then I realized that this means me too, and I truly fail him in this point.

This list is helpful, very specific and so, so true. I know for a fact that each of these areas are the heart cry of my pastor.

Please, please pray for your pastor. He can't do it alone.

Just replace [your pastor] with your pastor's name as you pray.

Pray -

1. That [your pastor] would know and love the living God, would have a saving interest in Christ, being purchased by His blood, and thus would be bound to the Lord by the indissoluble bond of the Holy Spirit.

2. That [your pastor] would know, embrace and ever more deeply understand the Gospel and be shaped by it in life and ministry.

3. That [your pastor] would be useful servant of the Lord, that he would know and love God's word, God's people, and God's kingdom; that he would be used to build it up and so that it prevails even against Hell's gates.

4. That [your pastor] would study, practice and teach the Word of the Lord, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

5. That [your pastor] would love to pray, because he loves to commune with his God, and that he would be a man of prayer, characteristically.

6. That [your pastor] would be ever dependent upon and filled with the Spirit; and that he would possess true Spiritual wisdom.

7. That [your pastor] would be holy unto the Lord. That his tongue and heart would be wholly God's.

8. That [your pastor] would be kept from pride, and especially spiritual pride. That the Lord himself would be gracious to slay pride in him, and that your pastor would endeavor to always be putting pride to death, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

9. That God would give [your pastor] guidance as to where to focus his efforts in ministry.

10. That He would protect [your pastor] from himself, from the enemy of his soul, and from all earthly enemies.

11. That no decision which [your pastor] ever makes or desire that [your pastor] ever pursues would restrict his ability to pour his whole soul into the Gospel ministry.

12.That many would be converted and many built up under [your pastor]'s ministry, to God's glory alone.

13. That the Lord would bless [your pastor]'s wife, [. . . ], with holiness and happiness, Gospel assurance and Gospel rest.

14. That God would make [your pastor] a decent husband and father.

15. That [your pastor] would be a good friend to his wife, and love her self-sacrificially,

16. That [your pastor] would be a good daddy to his children. That they would love God, their parents and the church.

17. That [your pastor] would be a testimony in the home so that his wife might be able to respect him when he is in the pulpit, and so that [your pastor] will be able to feed her soul, along with the rest of the congregation.

HT: Challies

here we go again . . .

Yeah, I changed it . . . again . . . and I'm fairly confident it will change again soon.

If anything, maybe people will keep coming back to see all the blogger designs one person can choose . . .

"Indecision may or may not be my problem . . ."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Our 2008 Powers family Christmas letter . . . .

Don't Let Me Lose My Wonder
Keith and Kristyn Getty

I've seen days melt into nights, in circles of lights,
I've watched a spider spin a star between the window box flowers,
I've heard you laugh and cry in a single sigh, and a story form within.

Don't let me lose my wonder.
Don't let me lose my wonder.

I saw her broken, dreams inside, but helping others fly,
I saw his eyes, without a doubt, though other lights faded out,
And though her calling roared, such graciousness flowed
From the vision of her soul.

A baby cried through the dark beneath a jeweled spark,
I knew Your voice upon the hill and heard my lostness still,
I found my home in the light, where wrong was made right
And You rose like the morning star.

Don't let me lose my wonder
Don't let me lose my wonder.

(Explanation of the lyrics . . . )

"We often like to finish an event with this song, as it provides a devotional moment to reflect and respond to all that has been sung. It’s easy to be forgetful or cease to wonder at all that God has done, and this song is a prayer for that not to happen. We do not pursue wonder as an end in itself, but as something that leads us to praise Him with full hearts. The song begins by looking at creation—the greatness of the changing lights of days and nights, the intricate detail of a web shimmering with the morning dew, and the complexity of a human mind making sense of all around it. Verse two looks a little closer at the wonder in people, from those that help others though their dreams might be dashed to those that stay resolute and firm in the faith through difficult times, as well as those who practice the greatness of character and kindness even in the busy demands of life. The final verse, however, settles on one person—a Baby and His cry through the darkness. He is the one that finds us in our confusion, our despair, our crookedness. He lifts us from shaky ground and sets us on a rock where the coldness we once knew is swept away in the light of His grace. This is the greatest wonder of the world. " —Kristyn

My new favorite picture

I love these guys!