The Tallman Family

Beauty

2009-07-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Dakota and I were at Disney last week for her birthday. We had such a good time and I let Dakota pick every single thing she wanted to do. The result of this freedom of choice for her was that I waited in many "meet the character" lines. The very last thing we did before we left late that night was stand in the Tinkerbell and fairies line. When our time finally came to go into the special room to meet the characters, we had to wait for two people in motorized wheelchairs to come in from a special waiting area. They were both adults and were in motorized wheelchairs as their handicap had limited them in their use of anything but their hands to control their wheelchairs. I did not notice anyone assisting them and they were having a bit of a time positioning themselves in such a tight space to get pictures with the characters. This man and woman were apparently affected by a handicap that had severely limited their bodies in a physial sense. The woman was very frail and could not speak or hardly hold her head in an upright position.

What amazed me was the connection these two had together. I enjoyed watching the joy that they had getting their picture taken with Tinkerbell and the other fairies. Then I heard the man tell one of the fairies that they were newlyweds and on their honeymoon. It was then that I noticed their bride and groom buttons that they were each wearing. As we exited the character area, I got to talking with this man for a few minutes as his new wife kept going ahead in her wheelchair. As he drove off to catch up with her, I had to video them because they were such a wonderful couple and I wanted to be able to remember them. What I didn't realize is that I would capture something special on video. See if you can hear what he says to her on the video. (There is a lot of background noise)

He says to her, "This is our moment, our time, our day". He loved her so much! I was so honored to be able to see that moment they shared. There would be many that would not understand how their relationship could work. But at the same time, it was very obvious to me that they were far more advanced than many of us in realizing how precious a single moment can be just because they could be together even when it was sharing a stroll in two motorized wheelchairs. What a beautiful picture of Christ! He sees no boundaries or handicaps in us! He only sees love and love that includes each one of us. It is He that comes to us and says, "This is our moment, our time and our day". Enjoy that love!

Psalm 42:8

By day the LORD directs his love,

at night his song is with me—

a prayer to the God of my life.

Drivers Permit

2009-06-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Tyler just got his driver's learning permit today. Brent and Tyler are down the road at a school parking lot practicing as I write this. What a journey it has been to get to this moment. I had to stop and reflect on all of the events that happened to get to this day. How many hours did Tyler have to ride in the car until he could get to the point where he could be behind the wheel? That counter started when he came home from the hospital as a newborn and continued until today.

Did Tyler have to be patient until this moment? Not really. He did not know as a baby that he would be able to drive and even as a child he knew that he was not old enough to drive. When his birthday came around in February he still was not ready and voiced that he did not yet want to go get his permit. Then came the opportunity for him to go see his grandparents in Idaho which would require him to fly by himself accross this country. Because he was to fly, he was going to need a government issued ID card. What better ID to get than a Driver's Permit? It took an unrelated event to driving to get him driving.

Sound Familiar? I think about the way God works in our life when it comes to His will for our lives. He has such a HUGE plan for us and yet he knows when we are ready. Sometimes we get a glimpse of His plan and it scares us to death! He knows us and how we are and how we react and still get scared. So he brings something good in our life to lead us down the road we never thought we would get to travel. God is so good. He is so creative and has such a plan for each of us.

Ephesians 1:8-10 (New International Version)
8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he[a] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Vultures

2009-06-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Every morning I drive down a main road that was cut through the middle of a conservation area. The sad part of this road is that there is still a large amount of wildlife (including deer) that insist on crossing this busy road to get from one side of the landscape to the other. A result of this passage is most of the animals do not make it.

The vultures love this road. They actually sit up in the trees all day long waiting for something to be killed. If they are hungry, they know that they will not be hungry for long.

This caught my eye one day as I was traveling and it sent me to Google vultures when I got to my computer. They really are amazing birds and it is said by many that they are very misunderstood. But not looking at them to become an advocate for their position in the food chain, I found the facts about them so interesting as it relates to us in our spiritual walk.

Vultures do not work very hard at getting their food. It is said if they cannot break the skin on the dead animal, they will just sit and wait for a bigger animal to come along and do it for them. They are not affected by any bacteria and can even tolerate anthrax. They can eat the oldest, nastiest, and diseased animal and be absolutely fine! They eat until they are gorged with food! They overeat to the point that they will just sit in a daze until it is digested and they are able to move again. They only attack sick, near-dead or dead animals and do not go after the ones that are healthy and strong. They anticipate which animals that will be. It is said that vultures would line battlefields and just wait.

The thought came to my mind that in our spiritual walk, there are vultures. Each person has their own vultures that line the trees of their life waiting. It might be addictions, guilt, worry, pride and the list could go on. It is when we are sick, tired, angry or physically exhausted that these vultures attack. We know when we are vulnerable and it is during these times that we must realize that we need to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually or we can fall victim to the attack.

Each of these vultures do not have any interest in making us a better person, but are so selfish that they will not stop until they completely devour us to the point that there is nothing left. Only we have God, who is ready to drive them away when we look to Him.

Job 15:22-23

He despairs of escaping the darkness;

he is marked for the sword.
He wanders about—food for vultures;

he knows the day of darkness is at hand.

Back on Track

2009-06-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have written anything. There have been many more signs posted in my road since I last wrote. I have seen destruction, construction, and reconstruction in my life. I am still here though it all.

How much can we go through in our lives and still come through on the other side? Why must we journey down such hard and treacherous roads? I have come to the conclusion that God's ways are mysterious and involve much faith. Whether we want to understand or not, obedience in Him is required to make it through the other side. I keep thinking about the man that saved someone's life awhile back when the subway train was coming. He basically tackled the guy and laid on top of him between the tracks while the train passed over them.

Can you imagine how much the other guy must have been confused and hurt? But the pain of being tackled to the ground was nothing compared to being hit by an oncoming train which ultimately would have resulted in death. That pain was minimal. Maybe God does the same thing for us? Maybe the pain we are enduring right now is our salvation from something even worse?

I am learning to be content in the moments of confusion and hurt knowing that God will wrap His loving arms around me, even if He has to tackle me to the ground to save me from so much more than I could imagine!

Isaiah 55:8-9

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Rough Road

2009-04-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

Easter morning, I took a drive and came accross this sign. I literally went down the road and made a U-Turn and came back and pulled off to take a picture of this sign. I have never actually seen this sign on a road before. The funny thing is, I think God put it there for me and let's just say He had my full attention.

I put this photo as my computer wallpaper on Sunday, not even knowing what Monday would bring to me and my family! As our family well knows, we have been through a lot of hardships and God has done a wondeful work in our lives. I am so blessed that He has not given up on me yet! We got news on Monday that really was earth-shattering to us. The ironic thing was I already knew that the road was going to be rough the day before somehow.

I have been thinking about this sign today. When you are driving in your car and you see a sign such as this, what do you do? If you are like me, you would probably slow down, be alert and cautious as you move forward. I do not think anyone would answer, "turn the car around immediately and not proceed!" That would not make sense, especially if home was just down the road. We would automatically know that someone had assessed the road situation and considered it driveable, but with caution and care. We have faith in the D.O.T in these instances, don't we?

So why do we not trust our creator? When He post that big sign in my life, why is my first instinct to turn the car around? Or maybe I could just pull off on the side of the road until the construction is finished. When the road is perfect, then I will proceed. (In Florida, that would never happen!) It sounds so silly when speaking of roads, doesn't it? God has promised that He will be there for us. It is He that has assessed our road and deemed it traveable. Although we may need to proceed with caution, we can know that home is on the other side.

Psalm 37:34

" Put your hope in the Lord.

Travel steadily along his path"

Lessons from Chickens

2009-04-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

I was driving to work the other morning and came across this site in the middle of a busy intersection. Remember the childhood joke, why did the chicken cross the road ? That was the first thing that came to my mind! What in the world were these chickens doing in the middle of town and why would they even think about crossing this busy intersection? There are no farms even close to here and I have no idea how they got there in the first place.

Then I thought of the answer of this childish riddle: to get to the other side. What a feat for these chickens if they were able to make it accross!

I have felt like these chickens lately. I end up in situations that seem to big for me and I usually feel like I stand out like a sore thumb!! I just want to run back to the farm where I belong and yet I realize that I am in a place on purpose and what a wonderful joy it will be when I accomplish what noone else (including myself) would have thought possible. Doesn't God do this for us in our daily lives?

Psalm 126:2-4

" We were filled with laughter,

and we sang for joy. And the other nations said,

“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!

What joy!

Don't give up on your dreams!

2009-04-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

I had to post this. This really touched my heart. It is just a reminder to keep going when there is absolutely no one on your side!

Susan Boyle on Britain Got Talent
by dwarthy
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How do you see yourself?

2009-03-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

I was out yesterday on the road with work and decided to stop at a local McDonalds to use the restroom. You can imagine my surprise when I opened the restroom door and was greeted with all of these mirrors, even one over the toilet and on the back of the restroom stall door. I had never seen such a thing! Can you imagine knowing what you look like when you use the toilet? I do now!

It made me realize how there are so many views of myself that I do not know. What do my kids see when I come home from work? What if I had a mirror so that I could see my expression when I come home and immediately get onto them for the mess they have made while I was gone? I don't think I would like what I see. I have been challenged to think about that concept this week. How do others see me when I am not looking at myself?

James 1:22-24 (New International Version)

22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

The Scar

2009-03-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

This picture is of Tyler after his first football game a couple weeks ago. First play of the game he was running and turned around to catch a pass that caught his face instead. His glasses went flying but not without cutting above his eye. I did not see this accident as I was home at the time, but saw the blood dripping when he got home.

I ran to the store for butterfly bandages and antibiotic cream. I kept saying, "it needs stitches" but was assured by the men in the house that it was just fine. Tyler kept asking me if it would scar. I let him know it was possible because he did not get stitches. He kept saying, "Good, I want it to and can you please take my picture". I think he asked me that every day for the next couple of days as it heals.

I finally asked him why he wanted a scar. He told me that if he had a scar, people would know that he was tough. He wanted that.

I got to thinking, as usually there is a lesson in there for me somewhere. Why do we not want people to know that we have been through tough situations? We tend to be afraid of the scar that might be left after a tragedy or hardship in our lives. We don't want to be reminded of what we have been through. We would do anything to leave that in the past and never think about it again.

But....what if we had the attitude of Tyler? What if we were proud that we were able to go through that hardship and heal? What if we were willing to let others notice the scar and ask, "What happened?" And what if we were willing to tell them that we were hurt, but God gave us the ability to heal? I have thought about this and decided that Tyler had the right attitude all along. Although, it might have been selfish in nature, there is a deep spiritual truth in that statement, " I want everyone to know that I am tough"

Deuteronomy 32:39

"Look now; I myself am he!
There is no other god but me!
I am the one who kills and gives life;
I am the one who wounds and heals;
no one can be rescued from my powerful hand!"

September 24, 1996

2009-03-01T02:10:00.000-08:00

Nahum 1:7

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust him"

Through all the hardships, terror and chaos of our lives and the world we live in...God is good!

He is our strength through the troubles. He is strength we can hold on to. He will never let go. He knows those who trust Him. Our complete trust in Him develops the intimate relationship we need.

September 22, 1996

2009-02-28T02:05:00.000-08:00

Psalm 141:2

"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."

David worshipped God with his prayers. It was not just a "request" time, but a time he could pour out his heart and worship. He offered himself as he was and gave up himself to God. If only I could do that! I pray that I can learn to worship with my heart, coming as I am.

September 16, 1996

2009-02-27T02:02:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah 12:3

"But thou, O Lord, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried my heart toward thee."

He knows me and sees me. God actually takes detail in me. I am so small and He is so big, yet He sees me among everyone else. Even smaller yet, knows me (all about me and my heart). What right have I to believe that He is unjust or unair? God loves me no matter what. I am his tiny speck in a big world.

September 15, 1996

2009-02-26T02:58:00.000-08:00

Habakuk 3:17-18

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shal fail and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: YET, I rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation."

What a dismal picture--- Yet! What a small word to portray the outcome. Even though life can be so idsmal and disappointing -- Yet-- Find joy in God and rejoice in the Lord.

Child-Like Faith

2009-02-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

I have been challenged this morning by once again, my little girl. She found my journal from years ago yesterday and was carrying it around. I realized this morning that she had put it by my bathroom sink. I picked it up earlier to read what I had written years ago.

I used to journal when the boys were small as it gave me an outlet from my busy, hectic pace of life which stems from little sleep and mounds of laundry. My middle son had just been born and I was 22 years old with two under the age of two. I hate the fact (not really) that I had such optimism and comfort in the Lord in those days. I think understanding that I did not yet know how much this cruel, old world can hurt you and those you love, I wonder if I was just ignorant in my thinking. Yet, at the same time, isn't that what God loved about children? Jesus remarked about their child-like faith and their approach is what we should all model?

I am going to post one a day as long as I have pages in the journal. I have enjoyed looking through this journal and hopefully you will be able to find comfort in child-like faith once again.

Emily

The Strength of Women

2009-02-23T04:30:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege this weekend of serving at an event called "A Single MOMent". This was an event sponsored by our local Christian radio station and our church. Single moms were nominated by their family, friends by sending in a story about them and the radio station was able to read the stories and choose about 50 moms to take part in this event. The goal of the day was to pamper these moms and give them a day to enjoy to themselves.

My role was to be a hostess for two of the moms and hang out with them during the day. There were massage therapists, a health fair, hair stylists, facial make overs and other wonderful things for these special single moms to do.

I was so blessed by spending the day with these two women. Their strength and love for God is beautiful. They give of themselves tirelessly to their children without the help of a spouse and find such strength for God. I needed to be challenged and God knew that I needed these women in my life!

Proverbs 31:29-31

There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

I see Jesus

2009-02-12T03:50:00.000-08:00

Dakota is very observant when she is riding in the car and likes to see the detail in everything she observes. One thing she loves to do is to find Jesus. Do you see him in the picture? Last night we were driving home and she starting shouting, "I see Jesus, I see Him". It honestly took me a few seconds to find him too.

Every time she sees a cross, she says this. And she is able find crosses everywhere. I wish I had a picture of every time she has seen him. I love that she does this. She ministers to my heart when she shares her discoveries. I want to see Jesus like she does, in every place that I go. I also love the fact that she has associated the cross with Jesus. I didn't teach her that, she has grasped this concept on her own.

I am challenged today.... where will I see Jesus?

Hebrews 12:2

"We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! "

My Way!

2009-02-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

A couple nights ago we were getting ready to have supper and Dakota was determined that she was going to have "Ogurt" (yogurt) before supper. When I say determined, I mean DETERMINED! She tried asking every kind of way she could, but I simply told her that in a few minutes we were going to have supper and that she could have some yogurt later. I hadn't turned my back more than a few minutes and she had grabbed a yogurt out of the fridge, took the top off and ran down the hall. When I realized what she had done, I ran after her and grabbed the yogurt. What took me by surprise is that she couldn't find a spoon, so she had grabbed the medicine dispenser. (The kind you put liquid medicine in to give to a baby or small child) Dakota didn't want to ask me for a spoon because she knew she wasn't even supposed to have the yogurt in the first place. In turn, her choice of spoon was not even a spoon and was not working very well although she was trying her hardest to make it work.

Wow! How many times have I done that? God keeps telling me he has a plan and even sometimes what that plan is, but takes too long..... So what do I do? I find some way to make that plan work myself! Just like Dakota, it never works out the way I think it is. In my pride I keep trying to make it work but realize that I am not prepared or the timing was not right. I continually am learning to wait on God for his perfect timing.

Psalm 5:3

" In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation. "

God's Mysterious Ways

2009-02-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

I was in a hurry the other day and was held up in a meeting a little longer than I wanted and felt bad about it on the way home. As I made my way home in the pouring rain I came across this accident which had happened earlier. I am sure we all have had this happen at some point in our lives when we realize, "That could have been me!"

Maybe it would have not been me. Maybe it would have happened after I passed that way, who knows? But the realization that God works in mysterious ways is one that continually keeps me trusting in Him. It also reminds me not to complain when the line at the checkout is too long or when I have to drive around forever for a parking space at the daycare. Maybe God is just allowing me a little extra time to avoid something that would have happened had I continued in my hurried pace. Think of all the people you meet in the course of the day and at the exact moment you meet them. Some people have met their one true love by running into them in an unexpected manner. What timing God has.

Isaiah 45:15

" Truly, O God of Israel, our Savior,
you work in mysterious ways."

Please Pray for My Friend

2009-02-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

I have a wonderful friend that I have mentioned before on this blog battling breast cancer. Please say an extra prayer for her today.

III John 1:2
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."

Tyler's Letter to the President

2009-01-26T18:08:00.001-08:00

Tyler had a homework assignment to write a letter to President Obama. I was very touched by his letter and very proud of him for all of his thoughts. Sometimes it gets so discouraging being a parent and then they shine on their own at a moment like this and reassure you that God is working in their lives in spite of me!!

January 26, 2009

Dear President Barack Obama,
I would like to wish you the best of luck in the next four years. I hope that you can continue America’s tradition of pride and to help out other countries. I pray that you and your staff will be able to wheel America through these hard times. And that you will protect our American citizens. You have the chance and opportunity to make a stronger, healthier, and safer world. And I know that you will take advantage of this opportunity.
I am sorry to say that I was hoping McCain would win the election, but I do have faith that you can lead America in a better direction. I hope that you can encourage the kids to take care of themselves and the world. And I hope that you do stuff to make a cleaner environment.
I know that the economical situation is tough right now and may seem impossible to overcome. I hope that you can fix these problems and so that kids in future generations can have something to look forward to. You have set a mighty example and have broken many boundaries. In a nation’s history that has been dominated by a white race it the political standpoint, you have taken a big task in overcoming that.
You are a hero to many. Your support is very strong. Just on inauguration day you had almost 3 million people there. I pray that you can show these people the light. I know you have the opportunity with God’s help to lead the world in a better direction. I pray for you even though I was for the opposite candidate. And remember whenever you need help, just trust in God. He can show you the way, because with God, all things are possible. I trust in you as the commander-in-chief in the greatest nation of all. And together we can make a difference. Together we can change the world

From,

Tyler Tallman

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T00:25:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! This is me enjoying my wonderful Christmas gift from my parents. They gave me a cookie jar full of cookies just like my Nanny used to make and also the recipe to make my own. What a wonderful surprise. Don't you love it when someone gives you a gift that you didn't know you needed or would have even been able to come up with it yourself? Yet, how many times are the perfect gifts those we cannot imagine in our own mind? Sounds familiar? Enjoy your family today and the gift from God that we could not have imagined in our own minds... Jesus!

The First Star

2008-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is a very special Christmas star. Brent and I put it on layaway along with an artificial tree at Walmart for our 1993 Christmas. I remember when we finally paid it off and were able to bring it to our little apartment at Bible School. What a special time that was. I long for those simple days again when picking up a tree from layaway was a special occasion.

Just another reminder of the more we gain, the more we lose. I was thinking about that this year as I have been reflecting on a lot of our family memories. We were the happiest when we did not have as much. I think that is the lesson God teaches in his Word and it truly is the heart of being a Christian! Finding that peace and fulfillment in Christ will leave you fully content!

Happy 16th Anniversary Brent!

2008-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

It is our anniversary today. We have been married 16 years. I told Brent if we had begun our life from the first year we were married, we are now at the legal age to drive! We have been through so many experiences, ups, downs, and everything in between. I think we have the marriage vows covered so far,(in sickness and health, richer or poorer) and God has blessed us to come so far in the short time we have been married.

We have brought three children into this world, adopted one special little girl, and have lost two babies in miscarriages. That is a lot of children that God has entrusted into our care. Somehow I do not feel capable or qualified to do all that God has asked me to do and constantly call Him on this! God reminds me that I am not capable of doing this alone and that is why He brought Brent to me. Brent is the special gift that allows me to keep going when I do not feel like it. He is my complete opposite yet my complete fit. Where I lack, he has the ability. It is amazing how perfect a fit he is for me!

Happy Anniversary, Brent! I love you!

Pink Christmas Cane

2008-12-21T12:23:00.000-08:00

This is an ornament Brent requested from his mom that they used to put on their tree when he was growing up. I am not sure of the sentimental value, and I need to ask Brent to tell me the story behind this ornament made of felt pipe and glitter. He loves this ornament and it has been faithfully on the tree every year. Isn't it amazing how we can get attached to something so small or trivial as a small handmade ornament? I know for a fact that Brent would notice if it was not on the tree.

God views us like this! We can seem so insignificant, faded and small but he notices when we are missing or have gone astray! We mean so much to Him even when we do not feel that we amount to anything!

Sunday School Ornaments

2008-12-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

What tree is complete without a few Sunday School ornaments on it? I cannot even remember who made this one, but it is faithfully on the tree for the last few years. It is special to me because the children made it and it represents that part of each of our lives when we could simply worship Jesus by using crayolas and construction paper. What a wonderful concept to take the time to enjoy who Jesus is with the creativity and freedom that coloring can bring!

Dakota was coloring for me a coloring page that she brought home from Church this week. I have included it below. I love that Jesus has a pink face and the manger has a very fashionable blanket. Dakota worked very hard on this picture and after some time she looked at me and said, "Mom, I want to go there!" I asked her where she meant. "I want to go to Baby Jesus!" she replied. I asked her if she meant the place in the picture? "Yes, Mom. I want to go there. It is dark and the moon is outside" and she went on in her own way to describe the scene. The realist in me almost started to explain to her that we cannot actually go there, but Jesus is in our heart, etc. Then I stopped myself before I began. Why can't we go there? Why can't I let her enjoy that beautiful curiosity and belief that so many of us have put away. I have to say I was envious of Dakota in that moment. My hard heart that disbelieves so much and struggles in so many ways would soften to mush if I could just once again pick up a crayon and color Jesus, and all at the same time long to be part of the picture!

Cross Stich Ornaments

2008-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

I made these our first Christmas together. I believe I started them before we got married and had them ready for our first Christmas tree. Does anyone cross stich anymore? I got to thinking about that when I was looking at them this year. There was a time that this was a very popular craft. If you have ever cross stiched before, you know how much detail goes into something even as simple as this ornament. First you must have all the colors of thread. There is a special code for each color. You have to find that exact color at the store and arrange all the colors before you even begin. There can be multitudes of colors in even the smallest cross stich pattern. Then comes the map. The map tells you exactly where to start and how many rows of each color goes on the cross stich fabric.

I got to thinking about our lives as Christians. We are always being prepared by God aren't we? We are complicated in that God has many plans for us and never uses us just as we are. He brings people and experiences into our lives to help us be prepared for what He has for us. Just like the multitudes of colors in the cross stich, these people and experience make us a masterpiece in the end. It isn't always easy to see the outcome in the beginning stages. It usually doesn't make sense, but God sure knows what will be the big picture because He is the one holding the map.

Cross stich projects are never quickly done! I think that might be the reason they aren't as popular as they used to be. Have you ever seen a Cross Stich for Dummies book? I haven't! There isn't any shortcuts to this craft. It is a craft of patience and painstaking detail. We desire the quick and easy with full results. God doesn't get the glory in that. It is the masterpiece woven with many colors that brings God the glory.

Pilot in Training

2008-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

I bought this for Brent in 1999 from a pilot catalog. Brent flew a lot during this year and loved each minute of it. I was so happy to see him doing something that he loved so much. Unfortunately he has not been able to fly in a long time. I pray that one day he will be able to get his pilots liscense and have the ability to fly.

God gives us crazy dreams and desires to keep us alive inside. Everytime I find myself in a dark,lonely place, I also find myself void of any dreams or aspirations. God's gift to us is the desire for adventure! It is what keeps us alive at times of hardship and stuggle.

Reindeer

2008-12-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

I received this ornament when I was in elementary school from a childhood friend. I still have it to this day and it reminds me of the joys of childhood. We lose the appreciation and wonder of the simplest things as we grow older. I still remember that this was a special ornament that you could only get if you bought a certain amount of gift certificates from McDonald's. It was such an honor to me to own a unique ornament such as this. I remember thinking this to myself!

McDonald's was such a special treat and seemed to have some magical value to me. Today most children view the experience as just another dinner in the car on the way to somewhere! How things change! I long for these days once more where McDonald's was a magical treat and getting a special promotion was the highlight of my Christmas!

Mr and Mrs Andy

2008-12-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

This ornament was a couple long before Brent and I were! My parents had them on their tree and now I have the privelege of hosting them every Christmas on mine! They have stayed true to their love throughout the years and I make sure they are placed together on the tree every year in tradition.

Remember when Raggedy Ann was loved more than Barbie? She has such a comfort about her and so many little girls had their very own doll to go to sleep with every night. What simple times we long for. The comfort of a rag doll.

Nothing but Love....

2008-12-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

The year was 1995. We were all living in one house at some point of the year. When I say all, I mean Brent's parents, Jennifer and her family, Todd, Deborah and Brent, Tyler and I. None of us had money and I can't remember how we all made it through that year. I was not working outside of the home, so I watched Sarah so Jennifer could work, transported people to and from work and tried to put dinner on the table when I could for everyone. We truly had nothing but love that year.

That is what I love about this ornament. Jennifer made us these. Mine is the only one that had made it though all the moves intact. I love that we all survived that year and something beautiful came of it. I love handmade gifts! There is so much love and thought put into them.

With a failing economy, I am very scared. I keep wondering how we are going to make it each and every day. The last time I remember feeling like this, was during the time of this ornament. We did pull through. We did it as a family. It took everyone doing their part. We need to find that courage and strength and teamwork to do this once more! Through God, we will survive!

Our First Ornaments

2008-12-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

These were the first two Christmas ornaments Brent and I bought for each other. I actually remember us buying them together. It was in Wisconsin and we bought them before we got married that December. I remember what a special moment that was realizing that we were forming our own family and were starting our own decisions. Decisions that were as simple as choosing which ornaments we would purchase for our very own Christmas tree.

How far away that day seems to me right now. I wish that was the biggest decision we had to make this Christmas. Choosing and ornament for a tree seems such a simple and magical moment to be experiencing and yet doesn't every good story start with a simple moment such as this?

I love that Brent and I are still able to put these two on the tree together after all these years (almost 16!) These little plastic ornaments have made it through many moves, homes and various Christmas trees. God has blessed our marriage as well. We have also been through many moves, homes, children, illnesses and experiences. God had been faithful!

My Silly Little Man

2008-12-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

This brings back some of my favorite memories of Christmas. This is not the original silly man, but one I had found a thrift store. He looks almost identical to the one I remember from my childhood. I actually have him sitting on my desk to look at while I work.

When I was around Dakota's age, I remember seeing him for the first time. My Nanny would put up a special wreath every year and this little man was perched up in the wreath along with the other decorations. I loved to look at him and my biggest desire was to hold him in my hands.
"Nanny, I want to hold that silly little man in my hands!" I would beg over and over and over. It was explained to me that he was glued onto the wreath and could not be released from his Christmas captivity. I cannot tell you how many years that went on. It became a Christmas tradition for me to beg and plead for this request.

I love this story because I know if Nanny had taken him off the wreath the first time I asked, the story would have been over. It would not have carried on from year to year. Doesn't God do this for us? If He gave us what we wanted every time we asked, our story would not continue on and on..... He loves to keep His story alive in us. The hardest part is realizing that it isn't about our desires but Him.

Christmas Tea Ornament

2008-12-09T06:05:00.000-08:00

It was 1996, I believe and I stepped out in my uncomfortable zone and went to a women's ministry function at Northland. It was a Christmas Tea event and an ornament exchange. I honestly feel very uncomfortable at those types of functions as I feel like it is a "whos-who" of perfect moms and women and I am always the one that had failed at everything in my opinion. Nevertheless, I felt led that year to go to this event. I believe I took Brent's mom with me so that I would not be alone in my endeavor. I cannot even tell you what ornament I took, but this is the one I received. I love it that it is handmade and someone took the time to make this for me even though they did not know who would be receiving it. It is one of my favorites and I look forward to seeing it each year on the tree.

It always reminds me that stepping out of your comfort zone has its rewards. There are people that want to serve you and give to you if you only allow them to.

Our Tree

2008-12-08T06:45:00.001-08:00

Here is our tree. As you can see, we are a far cry from the caliber of the Northland Christmas display! Notice how all the ornaments are on the top half? Avert your eyes to the bottom right corner of the photo.....that is the reason why. Sweet little baby kitty loves to find an ornament she wants, bat it off of the tree and take it to a secret hideaway. That is the reasoning behind the top-heavy tree. How does something so sweet and innocent cause so much trouble?

She loves to sit by the tree. Because of her, we are all drawn to the tree whether it is to pick up an ornament off of the floor or to sweep up broken glass. She makes us remember to look at the tree and I love her for it!

Christmas Thoughts

2008-12-08T05:48:00.000-08:00

This the Christmas tree at Northland this year. It is absolutely beautiful and has that "look but don't touch" feel about it. It is a grand tree and is wonderful to see when you walk in the front doors. It is not a real tree, though. It does not hold memories, handmade ornaments or any sentimental value whatsover. That is because it is everyone's tree! Over the next few days, I am going to share with you our "real" tree. It is not grand or glorious and most would not stand more than 10 seconds to look at it. As I said before, it is the only Christmas thing we have going right now. I would like to share with you our ornaments and the story behind some of the special ones. I am going to try to post one a day until Christmas or until I run out!

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

I usually cannot wait for Christmas, and yet for the past few years I have felt a numbness towards the whole Christmas experience. I am not sure what happened. I used to thrive on traditions and the wonders and joy of opening each box carefully put away the year before. These boxes of decorations and memories still sit in the garage waiting for me to get them. We have a tree up and a few ornaments decorate this tree, but that is all. I feel no desire to hang up lights, or and other decorations this year.

This morning I decided to look to a dear old friend for some Christmas cheer... Peter Marshall. I wish that I could have heard him speak in person. I love what he says and have always found comfort in reading his sermons.

Christmas

by Peter Marshall

We yearn, our Father, for the simple beauty of Christmas -- for all the old famliar melodies and words that remind us of that great miracle when He who had made all things was one night to come as a babe, to lie in the crook of a woman's arm.

Before such mystery we kneel, as we follow the shepherds and Wise Men to bring Thee the gift of our love -- a love we confess has not always been as warm or sincere or real as it should have been. But now, on this Christmas Day, that love would find its Beloved, and from Thee receive the grace to make it pure again, warm and real.

We bring Thee our gratitude for every token of Thy love, for all the ways Thou hast heaped blessings upon us during the years that have gone.

And we do pray, Lord Jesus, that as we celebrate Thy birthday, we may do it in a manner well pleasing to Thee. May all we do and say, every tribute of our hearts, bring honor to Thy name, that we, Thy people, may remember Thy birth and feel Thy presence among us even yet.

May the loving kindness of Christmas not only creep into our hearts, but there abide, so that not even the return to earthly cares and responsibilities, not all the festivities of our own devising may cause it to creep away weeping. May the joy and spirit of Christmas stay with us now and forever.

In the name of Jesus, who came to save His people from their sins, even in that lovely name we pray. Amen."

God's Blessings

2008-11-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

We were blessed by God last week! The team from our partner church in Egypt were here in Orlando for a sports conference. We were able to host several of the team in our home. What a blessing each member of the team was to our hearts. God sent his comfort and heart to us through them. I am so thankful that we could receive such encouragement at a time that we needed it most. I love God's timing. It is perfect.

Romans 1:10-12
In all my prayers, I ask God to make it possible for me to visit you. I want to see you and share with you the same blessings that God's Spirit has given me. Then you will grow stronger in your faith. What I am saying is that we can encourage each other by the faith that is ours. "
"

Provision

2008-11-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a traffic light bulb being changed out? I haven't until the other day. This truck pulled up and put up the ladder, replaced the bulb and was done before the next rotation of the light. What an opporutnity to actually see this! I take for granted the fact that there are bulbs in the traffic lights that work and have never stopped for even a second to think that someone is watching over these lights to make sure they are always working. If they are not working, someone is dispatched to fix them before any accidents occur.

What provisions has God given you that you take for granted? He does so much for each of us, and it usually includes something we do not even realize is a provision in our life. If you are blessed, you can see this happen in front of your eyes!

Psalm 115:5

" He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever."

Mending a bumper....

2008-11-13T12:19:00.001-08:00

I saw this in a parking lot yesterday and discovered that I was looking at a portrait of myself. Can you see the resembelance? I feel this way. I have made many mistakes in my life and feel that I have many dings and dents. Just like this car, I try to fix things that I have no skill to fix.

Apparently there is no way for this trunk to close, so packing tape was used to keep it shut while driving. We many snicker or laugh at this sight, but in our lives do we not do the same thing? We claim to know how to fix things only God can mend. We work in our own efforts and we settle for a sad substitute when sometimes God wants to just bring us in the body shop and have us shine like new.

Psalm 30:1-3

" I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

O LORD, you brought me up from the grave [b] ;
you spared me from going down into the pit."

Smitten.........

2008-11-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

Remember my post earlier in the year when Dakota was terrified of meeting the characters at Disney and the boys had to stand with the characters instead?

see: http://thetallmanfamily.blogspot.com/2008/05/extra-mile.html

I took Dakota to Disney today and she is now smitten with the characters. She just loved seeing the princesses. She kept asking to go back and see them for the rest of the day. She was so touched that Cinderella asked her so many questions and wanted to know about her. It was such a blessing for me to see Dakota be able to enjoy that moment.

I am also touched that God does that same thing for us. He wants to know about us. Sometimes He brings us little moments of joy just to let us know that He cares. It is those moments that allows us to charge forward and keep going when things get tough.

Psalm 138:5-7

"Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
and the power of your right hand saves me."

Costumes

2008-11-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

I had fun making costumes this year. I actually made myself one, which I hadn't done for almost 10 years. I had found the necklace in Egypt and really wanted to make an Egyptian costume inspired by the colors from it. I made Dakota's costume and two others. I am realizing that the boys are getting older because they are now just content to put their camoflauge on and be on their way trick or treating! They no longer have high dreams for a special costume. It is a strange feeling that I do not have that opportunity to what I have always done, sew like crazy getting everyone's costumes done on time.

I have been reflecting on the realization that things change. I get so set in my ways and centered on the small problems that I am dealing with. I fail to stop and realize that I am also losing what is familiar every day as the kids get older and more independent. Watching them grow and struggle, succeed and fail, and just become who they are meant to be has been an amazing and scarry thing all at the same time. I am trying to trust God this week to appreciate and wonder in the moment today knowing that this moment will soon be gone.

James 4:13-15

" Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

Biggest Decision

2008-11-05T04:34:00.000-08:00

I was driving in my car yesterday and it occured to me as I passed church after church with the "Vote Here" sign out front, that in America, a majority of our polling places are places of worship! Our country makes its biggest decision at church! We fear the government taking God out of our schools, workplaces, and daily lives yet fail to find it a blessing that the government turns to our churches every four years to host its biggest event........The presidential election. What a wondeful way for us to serve others.

I am also challenged by the fact that I am still a Christian no matter who becomes president. I am also challenged that when your candidate does not win, others are watching! How will you react? Will you be bitter? Will you immediately start to trash the new president? What an opportunity to witness to others by showing kindness and respect. People are watching, it is never rudeness, bitterness, or unkind words that shows God's love to others. If that were the case, the life Jesus led on this earth would have been so different. He would have fought back at the cross and made sure that a protesting riot broke out as they brought him to Calvary. That is not the example he led.

I am excited by the opportunity that we will be challenged these next 4 years. We desire the mindless position of citizen where someone does all the thinking for us and we do not have to worry about what happens next. That is the comfortable zone we all desire. We now have to pray (which we should be doing anyway) for our country and that we find the strength and the discernment to do what is right every single day. I love our country! I love the fact that we have a winner and a loser on election night, we do not have someone merely telling us who the next president is. We have spoken as a country and the results are in. What will you do next? Someone will be watching, not only God but others who need him.

Daniel 2:20-22

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him."

The Voting Line

2008-11-04T04:59:00.000-08:00

Brent and I went to vote today. It was about a 1 1/2 hour wait. This line curved around almost twice when we got to the door to vote. It was an interesting experience as people just patiently waited to cast their vote. I did not hear anyone being vocal about their wait or impatient. We met a few people along the way as well. A local realtor happened to be standing in front of us and we got to talking about the market and he was able to give us quite a bit of insight on his end of the business. He had been all over the world and lived in South Korea for over 10 years.

We would have never talked to him that long had we not all been forced to stand in line and wait. I am challenged by the opporutnities that are presented each day. They are there for a reason. It is like an adventure we set out to experience each day with God. He has a plan and an experience for us, we just have to agree to let Him work each day.

Brent and I and the boys watched the latest Indiana Jones movie this past weekend. ( I know we are a little behind the times) It made me think how our Christian walk should be like that type of adventure! The movie always has him teaching in his classroom and then someone always comes to the door and BAM! he ends up is some kind of adventure where his friends become his enemies and his enemies becomes his friends and in the end he always gets the prize.

I know God works like that....You are just going through your normal life, minding your own business and BAM! your life gets turned upside down. Your friends become your enemies and your enemies become the ones who teach you the most. You might find yourself apprehensive of what is coming next. Fearing the unknown, but at the same time realizing that there is great reward on the other side. God doesn't put us down an adventuresome road for His entertainment, but for us to lean on Him for strength. It is very scary and exciting all the same, so grab your hat and your whip and get ready!

I Corinthians 16:13

" Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."

Brent's Blog

2008-11-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

Brent is now coaching football for the fall season. I am so proud of him and the way he has been teaching the boys so much this year about attitude and responsbility. He has done an amazing job showing them that there is more lessons for life than just the sport itself. If you would like to follow their journey, he is now blogging their progress:

http://awinningattitude.blogspot.com

Getaway............

2008-10-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Brent and I just returned from a three day cruise out of Port Canaveral here in Florida.

Pray for Cindy

2008-10-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Please say a prayer for my friend, Cindy. She is battling Stage 3 breast cancer right now and my heart goes out to her every day. I have this ribbon on the back of my car so that I will think of her everytime I go out. You can follow her journey through her blog site: http://armygirlsx4.blogspot.com

She has been such an inspiration to me during her journey. Please pray for a miraculous healing in her body. She is such a caring, generous, and wonderful person. I struggle with why God would allow someone so sweet to have to go through this horrible disease. I know God's plan does not always go along with our mentality. Please pray for His strength to get her through this time in her life.

Isaiah 55:8-13
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 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,

11 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.

12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed."

Samaritan's Purse

2008-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

We were able to hand out shoeboxes while we were in Egypt to many children. This photo was taken in Cairo in the Deaf School. We were preparing to hand them to the children as they came through the room. We did not have enough for each child there as it is impossible to ever have enough when you have no idea how many children there will be. It is so hard to tell children that you have no more to give. They all have such a sweet spirit and I never saw a child throw a fit because they walked away empty handed.

If you have ever participated in Operation Christmas Child and filled a shoebox...Thank you so much. What an honor it was to see them receive these boxes in person. Sometimes we tire of giving when we do not see the fruits of the gift. Please know that each box is loved and received with such joy. The video is of the children at the orphanage receiving the gifts. We had enough for these children as we were told ahead of time exactly how many children there would be.

Egypt

2008-10-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of me and a lady from the Senior home in Cairo, Egypt. She was such a blessing to me! I have really had a hard time getting my thoughts together after I returned from Egypt. It was an amazing experience and like no other I had experienced in my life. I was introduced to a people that I had never met, living in conditions I had never seen and still they had such joy and a generous spirit!

Humor

2008-09-19T05:23:00.001-07:00

It has been a rough couple of weeks with various things and I had a good laugh over this one! I love these Bill Gates/Jerry Seinfeld ads. I think what I like about it is that you have no idea what it is about but it is funny. It reminds me of the slap-stick comedy that became popular during the depression. With our economy looking the way it is, it will be interesting to see what direction our entertainment industry takes.

Determined

2008-08-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

There are many fuming Packer fans right now! By now I am sure you have heard the news that Brett Favre is now a Jets player. Wasn't it just a few months ago we said our tearful goodbyes? It is funny to see so many fans take this in such a personal way, "why would he do this to us?" I have even heard Tyler ask.

Personally, I think it took him more courage to come back and play in the sport, than to have gracefully retired in his hallmark card ending. Honestly, he is 38 years old, and starting out-of-shape in a football season that is about to begin. Not to mention he is playing in the foreign land of New York! I have thought about this since last week and have come to the conclusion that he would have physically stopped breathing if he did not play. I think football season was coming around and he realized that he would not make it by simply sitting on the couch with a bowl of chips and dip and watching the game from a lazy-boy! He had to play or he would die....

I would love to serve God that way. I want to be in that place where even when I have the opportunity to receive praise and recognition for what I have done and are presented the chance for an easy life, I will just go right back out and keep serving Him. I want to be that way even when it isn't the popular thing to do and people hate me! That takes determination and courage that only God can provide .

I love this passage about Paul... He was the original Brett Favre!

Acts 21:12-14

" When we all heard this, we and the people there begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. But he said, "Why are you crying and making me so sad? I am not only ready to be tied up in Jerusalem, I am ready to die for the Lord Jesus!"
We could not persuade him to stay away from Jerusalem. So we stopped begging him and said, "We pray that what the Lord wants will be done."

That Salon Feel.....

2008-08-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

I got my hair cut this week. I really got it cut, too! Probably 6 inches and it is the shortest I have ever had it since high school. It looked so easy to do as the stylest used a blowdryer and roller brush. I went home and didn't want to wash my hair again because I knew what would happen if I did. I woke up today after washing it last night and can NOT get it to look like it did when I walked out of the salon. I did exactly as she did, (in my own version) and cannot get it to have that Salon look.

It makes me think of "that salon feel" that occurs in so many situations... recharging at a conference, getting married, starting a new job, getting your tax return money....I could go on and on. with examples. It is that feeling you get when you think, "I actually think I can conquer the world!" Then life happens and you realize that Salon feeling will not last every day. But that's okay! I think God gives us those little moments to jump charge our joy factory and sometimes that feeling can get us back on our feet when we need it most. I like the verse below from James. God basically tells us, "enjoy the good times and praise Me for them".

James 5:13

"If you are having trouble, you should pray. And if you are feeling good, you should sing praises."

Jealousy!

2008-08-03T16:12:00.001-07:00

Dakota is so jealous that she is not the baby of the house right now. I haven't seen her like this before. She has been crawling on the floor, wanting me to hold her and talking like a baby since my neice Cadence has come to visit. It is always interesting to see someone when they get put out of their place and how they react. We all feel comfortable in the little position we have placed for ourselves and usually feel quite threatened when someone shows up better than us or even the same as us.

Romans 12:16

"Live in harmony with one another.

Do not be proud, but be willing to associate

with people of low position."

Do not be conceited.

Everything Water

2008-07-31T03:05:00.000-07:00

Isn't she just an angel?.......The last few weeks have been all about water. I don't know what happened, but Dakota has just entered that stage where she realized how much fun messes can be. I have had an overflowed toilet. sinks, floors, you name it... she has made a mess with water. I am not sure what she gets out of the experience, but I know what I have gotten out of it....extra work! One day she came to me Soaking wet head to toe holding two pieces of bacon in one hand and my tweezers in her other hand. I didn't even ask what she was doing, just went searching for the water source. Scarry thing is, it took me quite awhile to find which sink was overflowed.

My word for the week is patience! The boys just couldn't go to sleep tonight, finally at 3:30am I heard noises again and went to find boys staring at me wide awake. Now they are asleep and I can't go back to sleep! But, because they were up, I was able to find out Brent had emailed me telling me he arrived safely in Egypt and had finally gotten an internet connection. That I am thankful for! I think I shall learn the lesson of patience a little more every day!

Proverbs 19:11
" A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense. "

No Word

2008-07-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Brent was not able to take his phone with him to Egypt because of the expensive rates, so it just sits here on my desk. I have never been in the situation when I have not been able to get in contact with him if I need him. So..I just sit here and wait for word if he made it there okay or not. I know that they will not have the ability to have the internet for a few days, so I find the silence deafening. I am amazed what I take for granted.

It is hard to trust God in situations where you will not know the results for a period of time. I am learning to stretch my faith and trust in Him

Psalm 9:9-11

" The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,

for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion;

proclaim among the nations what he has done."

Airport

2008-07-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I saw Brent off today at the airport. It was sad to see him go, but I know that God will use him in great ways. As I type this he is flying on his way to Cairo ( a 12 hour flight) I am thankful that we were able to finally get everything packed and accounted for and he can just sit back and relax.

Goodbye

2008-07-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

It is hard to say goodbye to someone you love! Brent leaves today for Egypt and it will be the longest we have ever been apart. I feel very blessed to have someone to miss! I feel blessed that someone will miss me! I am praying that Brent will enjoy his time to serve in an area that he has never been. If you would like to catch up on his journey to Egypt, you can catch his blog:
http://brentsjourneytoegypt.blogspot.com/

Genesis 31:49
"And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another."

Grounded!

2008-07-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Dakota got a new doll in the mail from her Aunt Deborah and Uncle Patrick yesterday for her birthday. She was so excited and I had not seen her play with dolls for awhile as she normally is seen with toy cars and trucks. (The results of boys in the house!) She read to her doll and sang to her doll and then I heard a "you are not being nice!" and she took her doll to her room and put the gate up and grounded her. All I could think was OUCH! That is her viewpoint of motherhood? :) Don't you just love seeing yourself in another's eyes? I know there were times Dakota defnitely needed that time out as we have been through quite a few toddler moments, but you hate realizing what you look like in doing so. I know there are times she will need a time out again, but I am convicted to listen to how I go about in doing so.

Proverbs 3:11-12

" My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline

and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,

as a father [b] the son he delights in. "

Mirror

2008-07-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

I was thinking this week about Mirrors. When I worked in the podiatry office, we would get diabetic patients in our office quite often in which would come for just a check up and find out by the doctor that they had a wound on the bottom of their foot. Every once in a while I would hear, "Emily get the mirror" from the doctor and I would get the large mirror for her to show them the wound on the bottom of their foot. Most diabetic patients have no feeling in their feet at all and do not even know when they have stepped on glass, nails, tacks and other sharp objects. We had a patient with a nail in their shoe who was walking around for quite a while with it sticking in his foot every time he put his shoes on. Because they cannot see the bottom of their feet they usually do not believe they have the wound at all. The doctor has to get the mirror to show them the bottom of their feet. Once they see the gaping wound, they really do not have anything else to say but, "You're Right".

Ever ask God to show you any areas that you need to work on? I am scared sometimes to ask that question as in my mind I feel I cannot see those issues at this time, so they probably do not exist, right? Then he gets his big mirror out and shows me what I cannot see in myself or refuse to believe about myself and all I can say is, "Your Right."

Psalm 51:5-7

"Surely I was sinful at birth,

sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ;

you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

Cadence

2008-07-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of meeting my niece for the first time yesterday. She is so sweet. Just had to share with everyone!

The Impossible?

2008-07-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this with everyone. No matter what your political views are, you have to admit that this is an amazing video! I actually got goosebumps when I watched it for the first time. I love how this organization has taken the most opposite people and pair them on a couch to sit and agree for just one moment. You know the saying, "When Pigs Fly" or "When the Cubs win the World Series"? I think that this is up there with that. The thing is, people listen to a statement this big. It is nothing to see these two people argue, but to be peaceful and agree? This is exactly the impact God's love and compassion can make on others. It isn't the nice to the nice, but the kind to those who probably don't deserve it. But who really deserves kindness? I know I don't. I love that God has been kind to me regardless of my displays of imperfection.
I love the following passage, it goes along with the "When Pigs fly" theme.

Isaiah 11:1-9

The Branch From Jesse
" A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -

and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;

but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling [a] together;
and a little child will lead them.

The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.

They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea. "

The Table

2008-07-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

I took this picture when Brent's parents came to visit us a couple of weeks ago and we were all sitting down to enjoy a meal together. It made me think about the whole idea of sitting at the table with friends or family and the feeling you have when you know you are wanted. We were at a church function last Friday and there looked to be no place to sit as we came in with our food. Some friends saw us and motioned for us to join them. There looked to be no room at the table to me, but somehow with some creative rearranging, they made room for us to sit. That is such a wonderful feeling, isn't it? God provides that for us every day. In the bible He brings that same analogy of being invited to sit at the table. I am thankful for that opportunity.

Luke 14:9-11

" and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Pose

2008-07-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Dakota was sitting out by the pool one day last week and I went for my camera because she looked so cute sitting there. The problem is when she saw me with the camera, she had to pose! She actually fixed her hair and this was the look she gave me for her photo. Where does she learn these things? I am amazed at the difference between girls and boys. I go for the camera to take a picture of the boys and they are either putting rabbit ears behind their brothers or making faces. Posing cutely would be completely out of the question. God sure made us different, didn't He? I am thankful for that. It is our differences that make us thankful for each other and keeping us looking to him to be complete.

I Corinthians 12:5-7

"There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. "

Lazy Days of Summer

2008-07-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

The boys have said many times that they have been bored this summer. Colton and Wesley enjoyed a moment this past week driving their remote control boat in the pool. If this is their idea of bored, I sure wouldn't mind that problem! Summer is such a wonderful time of the year for children. The rush of school, tests and projects are over for at least a few months and the only job is now to keep occupied with things that they enjoy. I could use a few lazy days of summer myself!

Exodus 31:17

"This day will always serve as a reminder, both to me and to the Israelites, that I made the heavens and the earth in six days, then on the seventh day I rested and relaxed. "

Happy Birthday Dakota!

2008-07-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today is Dakota's birthday. We had a little get together this evening and Mama and Papa were also there to share in her special day. Dakota loves the whole birthday idea and the cake and presents. She needed a little help from dad to blow out the candles! We love you, Dakota and thank God He sent you to our family!

My Brother

2008-07-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

My brother is currently serving in Iraq and we are praying for him daily. It is hard when you worry about someone so far away. I was thinking recently what the difference was between worrying about someone far away vs right in my own home. I have had to realize that I do not have control over every circumstance whether near or far. Only God has that privilege. Somehow, being close by makes me feel like I do! I need to trust God whether near or far because only He knows and controls the future.

Ecclesiasties 8:16-17

" When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth—his eyes not seeing sleep day or night- then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it."

Almost Real

2008-06-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Brent and I hosted a presidential party last election at our house. I made our living room look like a convention hall with banners, flags, balloons and other decorations. We hosted the telephone conference with Laura Bush and the president joined in at the end of the phone call. We had a cut out of the president which every one had their picture taken with. What does it mean to get a photo with something that is almost real?

I am not sure why I hang onto things that either aren't real or have the possibility of being real. Whether it is a thought, imagination or situation that may never happen, I find myself hanging on to guilt or even feeling that are not real. I know God doesn't put those thoughts in my head or encourage guilt. I am learning to let go of my fears and live for him. God is real and he is a real influence in my life if I allow him to be.

I Thesalonians 2:12-13

"so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. "

The Perfect Picture

2008-06-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we had to purchase this portrait from her school. Actually, I have to admit I bought the whole CD so we could print as many as we want anytime. I am usually not pulled towards buying the school portraits, but how could I resist? My neighbor actually said, "she's not my kid, but even I would buy this photo!" I have no idea how they took the perfect picture of Dakota, I have yet to do so myself and I love photography.

Isn't it wonderful when things work out perfectly? Doesn't she look perfect and would never do anything to get in trouble? I will answer that with a hmmm......

Psalm 50:1-2

" The Mighty One, God, the LORD,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.

From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth."

Peace at Heart

2008-06-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

I am praying for peace this week. I need the kind of peace that can calm the most worried heart.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T21:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you and thank you for all that you have done for me as a baby, child, teenager, and now an adult. I thank God that you are in my life!
Love,
Emily

Carefree

2008-06-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of me in my teenage years on one of my summer youth group trips. I miss those days! I long for the carefree days of the past that included worrying about what I was going to wear and if every experience was going to be "fun". I had no idea in this photo what path my life would go in the future. It is amazing to realize that I would be married just a little over 3 years after this photo was taken. I would not have guessed in a million years that I would find myself with four children and all of the blessings that have come my way in the past years. There are many experiences I would not have minding doing without, but I know that every experience has brought me to the place where I am now. I am glad that God chose to help me grow throughout the years and look forward to what he has in the future.

Psalm 71:5

" For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth"

Roller Coaster

2008-06-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

Colton worked on this roller coaster set from last Friday and continued on for many days until it was completed. There must have been hundreds to thousands of little pieces and a huge instruction book that he used to complete it. I have never seen Colton so frustrated trying to put something together. This project defnitely tested his knowledge and I think helped him develop even more skills putting things together. I was proud that he finished it after wanting to give up so many times. I think sticking through the frustrating, hard times are what make us stronger and appreciate those accomlishments.

Psalm 119:110-112

"Some merciless people
are trying to trap me,
but I never turn my back
on your teachings.
They will always be
my most prized possession
and my source of joy.
I have made up my mind
to obey your laws forever,
no matter what. "

Appearances

2008-06-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

More photos from the drama of our rental house. (Remember the one I prayed that would sell?) I went in the back yard shortly after our renters left and wanted to check out everything. I remember thinking to myself, "At least the basketball hoop is still there". As I got closer I noticed that there was a jump rope tied to the pole on the hoop. As I got even closer I noticed that was keeping the whole thing up! They had broken the pole off and had tied the rope to it to keep it standing upright. One tiny push and the whole thing was ready to come crashing down!

Ever know anyone like that? Someone that looks like they have it all together at all times, but if you could really get close enough to know them you might find that they could fall apart with one tiny shove? I know I can be that way sometimes. Just like the basketball hoop, the true story is that no matter how much I might look together, I really can't function if I try. The only thing that will make me or even this basketball hoop functional is to take it down and repair it. God specializes in renovations! Just look at Israel, how many times did God completely take them down to bring them back up? I am comforted by the fact that my God loves to fix things!

Isaiah 58:11-12

"The Lord will always lead you.

He will satisfy your needs in dry lands

and give strength to your bones.

You will be like a garden that has much water,

like a spring that never runs dry.

Your people will rebuild the old cities that are now in ruins;

you will rebuild their foundations.

You will be known for repairing the broken places

and for rebuilding the roads and houses. "

Boys

2008-05-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

Everyone always talks about little girls and how quickly they grow, etc., but I got to thinking how precious boys are as well. So quickly they grow up as well, and the adventure of strapping on a canteen and heading out in the woods fades as they get older. The boys were all set today to go on their way and I just had to take a picture. I know one day I will miss the dirty faces and the smelly shoes. As they get older I realize how precious each day is and the wonder of adventure that they have brought to my life.

Wire Hanger

2008-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Brent and I recently had to evict our tenant from our rental house. (the one I prayed we could sell last year) It was not a fun situation and we have spent the last couple of weeks trying to figure out how we are going to fix everything that has been broken in the house. These pictures are of our tenants attempt to fix a broken light fixture. I have seen many uses for a wire hanger and nails in the past, but this was a first for me as a home repair device.

I had to laugh a little over the situation and realize that I do this same thing in my own life. I usually don't wait for God to help me fix something, I try to come up with my own way of fixing things. These attempts do not last forever, most times it is a temporary fix for a permanent problem. Only God can come along and repair what is broken. I know if I try to repair it myself, my efforts will just be a little wire hanger trying to hold up a light fixture.

Ezekiel 9:10b-11

"They are like workers who think they can fix a shaky wall by covering it with paint.

But when I send rainstorms, hailstones, and strong winds, the wall will surely collapse."

Stop Sign

2008-05-23T18:16:00.001-07:00

Brent and I were out today and had to stop for gas. This man was having a very serious conversation with this stop sign. I asked Brent if he thought he might have an earpiece on? When we left, we drove past him and it was very evident he did not have a cell phone or earpiece, he was actually having a complete conversation with this stop sign. It was quite sad because he had such a lost look in his eyes. He did not even notice us when we drove past.

It reminded me of me! How many times do I do apparently useless things that will bring about nothing of value? I know God must just scratch his head at times watching me as I go about my day with my useless habits. It his hard to have a meaningful relationship with a stop sign!

From Job 15

"Would a wise man answer with empty notions

or fill his belly with the hot east wind?
Would he argue with useless words,

with speeches that have no value?

Do you listen in on God's council?

Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
What do you know that we do not know?

What insights do you have that we do not have?"

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T19:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to every mother out there! I think it is a nice idea that someone had to take time once a year to honor all mother's on the same day. I enjoyed a quiet, uneventful day at home with plenty of rest and pampering. I feel blessed and thankful for the family God has given me.

Isaiah 66:12-13

" This is what the Lord says:

"I will give her peace that will flow to her like a river.

The wealth of the nations will come to her like a river overflowing its banks.

Like babies you will be nursed and held in my arms

and bounced on my knees. I will comfort you

as a mother comforts her child. "

Big Dreams

2008-05-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes God gives big dreams to us. The dream of accomplishment is a hard one to ignore. Brent and I have had a big dream on our heart regarding ministry. God put it in both of our minds separately and we both came to each other with the same vision. What can you say to that? The problem is, physically, finanically and emotionally, we don't have the resources right now to make it happen. Brent continually reminds me that God has an endless supply of all resources. If he wants something to be, he will make it happen.

Of course in this day, we do not have the same kind of visions as they did in the Bible. Daniel was the official "vision boy" of the Bible. I do not know if he ever got a good night's rest! What a job he had receiving direct revelation from God and delivering others the news whether good or bad.

Daniel 2:18-20
" He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said,
“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power."

One more painful moment....

2008-05-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

I know I shared the story yesterday, but just couldn't help posting picture #2 of the saga. Minnie Mouse was able to charm them a little closer, but I think their faces pretty show the terror of the situation. I am proud of them for being nice about it!

The Extra Mile

2008-05-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

This photo is of the boys on a recent trip to Disney World. Dakota wanted to see the characters, so we all stood in the line to meet them (boys included). Of course we all thought we were there for Dakota, but instead when it came time to meet and greet the characters she was in terror and would not move. Daisy Duck insisted that the boys come see her and made Tyler give her a kiss. (The picture is the exact moment afterwards. Could Wesley and Colton be standing any further away?)

I am reminded that sometimes we are called to go out of our comfort zone for others. We cannot always plan how or where God is going to call us to serve. It can be at the most unexpected moment. Loving others requires being willing to do what is required to serve someone besides ourselves.

Romans 14:17-19

" For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up."

Wesley's Interception

2008-05-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Wesley made an interception in March at one of their football games. This was a huge deal in our house. Playing defense, there isn't much opportunity to actually make a touchdown. Although he didn't make it down to the field goal line, he did get halfway. It is such a nice thing to do something great by accident. I know sometimes I get in the rut that what I do doesn't really matter. Then something happens and I act on impulse and end up with a great moment just like Wesley's

God doesn't do anything by accident. His planning is wonderful and we would never be able to grasp how He works.

(Wesley is on the far right facing the camera)

Isaiah 55:8

"My thoughts are completely different from yours, says the Lrd. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine"

X-Rays

2008-04-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

I took Wesley to work with me this week for the "take your child to work day". I think he had fun, at least as far as I could tell. One of the fun things we did was take an X-Ray of his feet. I think he was quite amazed to see how many bones there were in his feet and the way you can see how they are still growing. Bones in children have areas that show up bright white on xray that show where the bones are still growing. These are growth plates. It is an amazing thing to think how a small baby will one day be up to 6 feet tall! It is a slow growth, thankfully.

Christian walk is the same way, we aren't going to grow all at once. That would be VERY painful. God gives the grace that we do not have to be perfect all at once it is a process. Just like in the X-Ray, when we are examined, there is evidence of growth. That is what is so important to God.

I Corinthians 13:10-12

"But when the end comes these special gifts will all disappear.
It is like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does.
But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as god knows me now."

A little break

2008-04-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

I guess I took a little unintentional break from writing for the past month. I am not sure why I haven't felt like writing anything. Plenty has happened in our lives for the past few weeks. It really has been a trying time personally for me. I have felt a tugging on my heart from God to work on areas in my life and to look to him for what I need to be doing right now. Sometimes I don't know if always make the best decisions and I doubt half of the things I try to accomplish. Still looking to him each day for guidance and peace.

Proverbs 16:8
8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken last Easter. As you can see, Dakota has only a small amount of candy in her basket. She found what she wanted, a lollipop and was content to stop the hunt. Of course, her greedy brothers couldn't get enough candy!! I say greedy, but thinking about it we all had that desire as we grew up to get as much as we could when given the chance. Dakota's age finds contentment in the small, simple things like a dum dum lollipop.

When was the last time you truly enjoyed something simple? It is my challenge this season to understand the simple message of Salvation. Christ died for us, so we would not have to. This should be enough for me to savor and enjoy, but I still greedly keep looking for more and more and more. I pray that this weekend I take the time to enjoy the gift of Christ's love for us without griping or complaining about all that I do not have. Savoring the sweet love of Christ is the best treat of Easter.

Romans 5:8-9

" But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

Clean House

2008-03-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

I think this is the last time I truly enjoyed a clean house! This picture was taken before our house was finished last year. It has been exactly one year since we moved in our new home and it is amazing how fast time goes by. We now have fingerprints on the wall and nicks in the paint from moving some of our furniture in. It is easy to keep a house clean that has nothing in it! It is tempting to go into a minimal lifestyle where we have nothing in the house but a few chairs and one set of clothes each. But, as you could imagine, that would be no way to live and enjoy your home.

The Christian walk is that same way. It would have been so easy for God to keep a "clean house" by not allowing us to have any choices or decisions to make. He could have made us as beings that merely exist. Yet, though this might seem the easy way to be perfect, He gives us the ability to make our way through our lives, looking to Him for strength and courage to make it through each day. He delights in the fingerprints we leave on the walls and the nicks in the paint job left because of our mistakes because it means that we live there with him. Just like a family can enjoy being in their home, God enjoys us and welcomes us with open arms.

Psalm 84:10-11

" A single day in your courts

is better than a thousand anywhere else!

I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God

than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.

He gives us grace and glory.

The Lord will withhold no good thing

from those who do what is right."

One Way Track

2008-03-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

Ever think about railroad trains? I have to, my son is obsessed with trains and all of the railroad things that go with it. He has model trains, train books and many magazines. I have you ever really thought about the way a train operates? It can't turn around! Once it is going forward that is the only direction that it can go until it reaches a turntable that can physically get it going in another direction.

I think how hard it is for me to turn around when I get going in one direction. It is VERY hard to change my ways. It is even harder for me to realize that I need help in changing directions. That is what repentence really means, "to change ones mind and move in a different direction. Christ is that turntable we need to do so. Without Him, it just can't be done.

Psalm 51:16-17

" You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.

You do not want a burnt offering.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."

Terror!

2008-03-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Dakota. She was two years old this Christmas and we thought it would make the cutest picture of her in her Santa dress and Santa! What you can't see is that Santa Claus in the background is one of those automatic moving santas that move their head and arm up and down. This absolutely put Dakota in a state of terror. What we thought would be so harmless and fun has set her in a state of panic.

How many times have I done this? God sends something fun and wonderful my way and all I do is see something out of place and run in terror! I end up missing out on what God had for me at the time he planned it. My unwillingness to experience something I might not be acccustomed to has allowed me to miss out on many blessings and moments that God had planned just for me.

I have challenged myself this week to notice the little, uncomfortable moments that come my way and to just relax and see what God has for me. There just might be a little encouragement or even a blessing hiding in that moment of terror.

Psalm 91:4-6

" He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday."

Football

2008-03-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Brent is headlong into football season once again. The team's first flag football game was last Saturday and I as I type this we are preparing to head out for game #2. Brent loves coaching the team and the boys... well they will be boys as you can see from the picture. It is hard to organize and concentrate the efforts of 9-11 year old boys towards the common goal of winning.

It is through growth and maturing that they have come to realize that they need the structure of repetition and strategic play to win a game. That truly is the Christian walk as well. It is not all fun! There are time that the repetition of prayer and trusting in God is what is needed to keep going. Knowing that victory does not come merely by being the best or the fastest, but by the patience and hard work of following instruction and plan.

I Corinthians 9:24
" Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."

Tired

2008-03-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

As corny as it may seem, "I am TIREd"! Brent took this photo at Daytona last month and I love his eye for the unusual. He knows how I think and what I like when he takes photos for me. This has been one of those weeks when I have taken one step forward and 10 steps backward and as I reflect on what I have and have not accomplished; I find myself feeling like a car that is missing a tire (almost useful, just one tire short of getting somewhere).

I know that things were accomplished this week and I do know that I have such high expectations for what I think I should be able to, that I will never feel content as I reflect on the day. That is what I am learning, to be imperfect, imbalanced and okay with being that way. I have to remind myself that only God is perfect. It really isn't my job to be perfect, it is my job to trust God and glory in his perfection. If I make a mistake, I recognize my fault, pray, deal with it and enjoy what God has for my life.

Psalm 27:4-5

" The one thing I ask of the Lord—

the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord’s perfections

and meditating in his Temple.

For he will conceal me there when troubles come;

he will hide me in his sanctuary.

He will place me out of reach on a high rock."

Dreaming

2008-03-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Tyler dreams of being a Nascar driver. That is what he thinks about everyday and all times. He spends a lot of his time concentrating and scheming how he can make it happen. Of course me being the mom, I give him the "stay in school and do well" and you can go to college and learn about cars in order to being the best driver he can be. And let's just say I have never heard a "Mom you are right, I will study hard" in return.

I love that he has a dream and I love that he is determined. To tell you the truth, I believe that he will accomplish what his heart longs for. I do know that it will take hard work and he is starting to realize that after a wake up call from his teacher regarding some bad grades.

Just like Tyler, I get my heart set on lofty goals and start to panic when I realize how much work it is going to take to enjoy the dream at a later time. I want results now, but know that waiting and working towards a dream will bring much more satisfaction than getting the desires of my heart without cost.

I have said this before, but I really do believe that is why Jesus came to us as a baby. It would of been so easy for him to appear as a man and die for our sins the next day. Instead God gave us a baby (his son in a helpless state) that would have to grow and mature physically to make a way for us to come to Him by his sacrifice. It took time and it cost Him his earthly life. For that I am thankful. What better example is there but Christ Himself?

God listens to the dreams of our heart and will do what is best for us in His time. His timing is the beautiful gift to us.

I don't think impatience is a new thing, I love the examples in the Bible that remind us that we are not alone in our hurried thinking:

Acts 1:6-8
"When they were together for the last time they asked, "Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?"
He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

Goodbye Favre

2008-03-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

The whole family is in mourning with the news of Brett Favre's retirement from the Green Bay Packers (some family members are taking it harder than others). It is sad to see the end of something so familiar to our family. Brent has watched everygame he has played for the Green Bay Packers. It is amazing how someone that really doesn't know us can be that important to our family.

I am reminded of the human desire to belong to something and to be secure in routine. No matter what kind of week Brent had during football season he knew that when he turned on the Packer game that Brett Favre would be playing.

The thing about God is, He is always there and will not retire....ever. He won't miss a game or a moment of my life, so why do I have more faith in Brett Favre being there to play football than I do for God taking care of my daily life?

James 1:16-18
"So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession."

Alone

2008-03-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you can feel alone in the middle of life. I know that feeling. There are times I feel that there is so much going around me, yet I feel as if I am the only one in the stands. I know this is a selfish feeling that God does not generate, but still I feel that way. Sometimes it is a good thing, though. I know that I need to be alone at times to hear God's voice above the crowd. I can get so busy in everything that I do, that I neglect to hear His voice of encouragement.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-9

"I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun.

This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself,

“Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?”

It is all so meaningless and depressing.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. "

Vacancy

2008-03-02T06:29:00.001-08:00

There are times that I feel that my heart goes through a period of vacancy. Seems like my whole soul can get lost in the chaos of everyday life and I so easily forget the reasons I have to exist in my life. The last few weeks I have felt this way.

I think of the desert often, (this is where I grew up). It is barren, and even the smallest plant can stand out miles away for its contrast of green against the drab brown dirt, rocks and sand. It is amazing how even a small word of encouragement can stand out to me during these times. Don't underestimate words! They can be very powerful to those who so desperately need a little green in their brown.

Job 38:25-27
“Who created a channel for the torrents of rain?

Who laid out the path for the lightning?

Who makes the rain fall on barren land,

in a desert where no one lives?

Who sends rain to satisfy the parched ground

and make the tender grass spring up?"

Caught

2008-02-17T18:33:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just get caught doing the things you wish you wouldn't do. Sometimes you jump ahead of what you were going to get at a later time. Whatever comes to mind, I caught our cat with his head in the Friskies bag. He knows I am going to feed him (and I probably already had that day), but still he found the bag and tried to get food on his own.

I do this all the time, I really try to help God along with his plans for me. I know he wants to do something in my life, and I try to guess what it is and move things along. It really doesn't ever turn out that well!

Jeremiah 29:11

" For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. "

Love

2008-02-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Brent has been talking with the boys about love this past month in their nightly devotions. It seems like yesterday they were this small! Now they are growing young men that seem to have more conflicts than ever. Thankfully we are all still growing up with God in our lives.

1 Corinthians 13
The Way of Love 1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Stockades

2008-01-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, I can't remember what Brent did, but the punishment must have been just! Of course this was Disney World a few years ago. A great Kodak moment for sure.

I really can relate to this though. I do this to myself continually when I make a mistake. I lock myself into some sort of internal stockade and stay there without a determined sentence of punishment. I ridicule myself for not being perfect or for failing God or my family. This is such wrong thinking. God would never put us in stockades to be ridiculed and punished. Jesus did that for us on the cross, so we would not have to endure this type of torture.

So why do I choose to do what has been paid for already by Jesus? It is so hard to accept that I do not have to do anything more to gain favor with God and I do not need to punish myself continually for falling short. God's grace and love are too indescribable and amazing for me to truly understand.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

11 cents

2008-01-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

I was on my way home tonight and I decided to stop at the grocery store near work. I like to stop at the Food Lion near my work because it is small and you get to know the same people working there day after day. Tonight there were several homeless people hanging out front. One man had his dog with him and looked to be homeless or pretty much destitute from appearance. I walked past him and went inside to get my few items.

When I got to the checkout, I put my items on the conveyor belt and waited to be checked out. Who do you think was behind me in the line? The man from outside. He plopped down his 12 pack of beer and waited for me to be checked out. My bill came to 9 dollars and 11 cents. I fumbled in my purse for the 11 cents to go along with my 20 dollar bill so that I wouldn't get any coins back. I couldn't find change in my purse at all (which is a first for me).

The man behind me piped up and said, " I have 11 cents for you." I thanked him but said, "that's okay". He looked disappointed that I didn't take his money. I assured him that I appreciated his gesture. He replied with a comment that he was happy to give because it always comes back to you when you do.

I am amazed how encouragement can come in the strangest ways. There are people that we might not want to give a second look because of their outward appearance or their strange behavior. God speaks through so many avenues that we cannot comprehend how they are able to touch our lives. I love the fact that we should always have our eyes, ears and hearts open to receive encouragement, wisdom, and blessings from anywhere, anyone, and at anytime!

Hebrews 13:1-3

" Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."

Looking for God

2008-01-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

Have you ever asked the question, "Where are you God?". I sure have. There are times that I get so absorbed in "looking" for God, that I don't realize all that I am missing around me. Just like Tyler in this picture! When you concentrate on finding that one thing, you miss out on the people and opportunities around you. I have found that God cannot be found, because he cannot be lost! God is everywhere. We can only be in one place. ( I wish I could be in more than one place). When I get self absorbed, God says "Look around and you will see all that I am doing". That is encouragement to me.

Deuteronomy 4:29-30

"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him."

Busyness

2008-01-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

John Baldessari, «I will not make any more boring Art»,

This piece is from the Modern art class I took recently. I love this piece, and yes it is art. You can take it for what it is, or you can look deeper and realize that he is using this to make a point, scolding himself for being 'status quo" and reminding himself to put expression in his art.

I think everyone would benefit from writing sentences now and then. I would start with...

I will not complain about my life.

I will remember to be thankful for what I have.

I will not be selfish.

I will think of others above myself.

I will be content where I am

II Corinthians 11:16-17

"I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool."

Youth

2008-01-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Brent. He loves football, and had the opportunity to play in high school when his family was on furlough from Papua New Guinea. There is just something wonderful about being able to participate in something that you love. He coaches a flag football team now and has a great team. I think youth is such a gift from God. He allows us to have a brief time in our lives with little responsibilities and a lot of opportunities to just enjoy life! If you think of all of the opportunities we had in our teen years you realize how much there is to grasp and hold onto in the years to come.

As an adult the bills come, the children appear and life closes in each day that we press forward. I believe God gives youth to remind us that we have a carefree, adventurous spirit deep inside of us.

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
"Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. 10 So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless."

Discouragement

2008-01-09T15:54:00.000-08:00

I have been so discouraged this week. Nothing in particular, exactly, just downright wondering how God can possibly work out all of the details in my little life. This piece is from Yoko Ono. I love it because you look at it and think... Huh? I like something that makes me think. I realize that half of the time I really am not in the place that I think I am. I can get discouraged, but over what? There was a time that today would have been something I dreamed of being in, that I would have been so content to enjoy, yet I stand here discouraged...

II Chronicles 20:17

" You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "