Children's Science Exam Answers.
Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar.
Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep, and canoeists.
Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.
Q: How can you delay milk turning sour? (brilliant, love this !)
A: Keep it in the cow.
Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.
Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.
Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.
Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.
Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes
A: Premature death.
Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? (e.g., abdomen.)
A: The body is consisted into three parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels, A, E , I, O, and U.
Q: What is the fibula?
A: A small lie.
Q: What does "varicose" mean? ( love this one...)
A: Nearby.
Q: Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean Section"
A: The Caesarean Section is a district in Rome
Q: What does the word "benign" mean?'
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
This is for someone today....
I heard this on the radio today...I haven't been listening much to the radio as much...but this touched me, and I think it's for someone(s) out there....
Does Anybody Hear Her?
LyricsArtist: Casting Crowns
Album: Lifesong
Track: Does Anybody Hear Her?
She is running100
Miles an hour
In the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyons ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadverture just to find
she's another 2 years older and she's 3 more steps behind
Chorus:
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
Lord does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
with all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in,
to ride in and save the day
And then walks in her prince charming
and he knows just what to say
A momentary lapse of reason
and she gives herself away
Chorus
If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Who can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her
If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Who can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her
Never even met her
Chorus 2x
He is running 100 miles an hour in the wrong direction......
Does Anybody Hear Her?
LyricsArtist: Casting Crowns
Album: Lifesong
Track: Does Anybody Hear Her?
She is running100
Miles an hour
In the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyons ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadverture just to find
she's another 2 years older and she's 3 more steps behind
Chorus:
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
Lord does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
with all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in,
to ride in and save the day
And then walks in her prince charming
and he knows just what to say
A momentary lapse of reason
and she gives herself away
Chorus
If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Who can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her
If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Who can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her
Never even met her
Chorus 2x
He is running 100 miles an hour in the wrong direction......
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Long night....
Oldest son sick, fever since yesterday. I couldn't sleep...he's hardly ever sick, and hardly ever runs a temp....
I'd keep checking on him. He's 19. We never stop worrying, do we?
Got on the internet. When you can't sleep, try CornCam. Heck, it updates every 15 minutes. Try not to blink.
This is the state I grew up in, folks.
I'd keep checking on him. He's 19. We never stop worrying, do we?
Got on the internet. When you can't sleep, try CornCam. Heck, it updates every 15 minutes. Try not to blink.
This is the state I grew up in, folks.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Big G and Little M
Nothing is so strong as gentleness....nothing is so gentle as real strength. St. Francis de Sales
Thursday, January 25, 2007
A few items for you....
Updating info at the bottom as you all share your resources. Isn't God great? Thank you all for your input!
Chris Ledgerwood has added his favorite resource...
Here's a basic list of some resources for study that I like:
(I use all of these resources...sometimes all at the same time!)
Let us know what you might have found or like.
I generally use NKJV; The Source New Testament (can purchase at GWTW website below) and an Interlinear that weighs 5 pounds, I think, and the TNIV.
TNIV (still some additional words that make up falsehoods about women's roles, but better than most IMHO)
Interlinear Bibles
Get a good Greek Dictionary. You'll end up learning the Greek alphabet. This is one place where I learned the word hupotasso doesn't mean "submit." The real meaning or meanings are much more wonderfully deep than "submit." (That verse: Ephesians 5:22 doesn't say "wives submit, or subject yourselves. "Submit" is added.)
http://www.godswordtowomen.org/ (GWTW)A wealth of information. Go to scripture studies. Go to online books...The Source New Testament. Books by J Lee Grady; several scholarly articles as well by women AND men of note with professional credentials--Ann Nyland, Gilbert Bilezekian, Carrie Miles.
http://www.godswordtowomen.blogspot.com/ The GWTW blog where you can post ??s.
http://powerscourt.blogspot.com/ Suzanne's Bookshelf. She is one of the people on the Better Bibles Blog, as well.
http://englishbibles.blogspot.com/ Better Bibles Blog. This is a real eye opener, and wonderfully objective. You can check out their thoughts on different translations.
http://www.scripture4all.org/ Read the words, not the translation. See what you think. Go to NT, pick your scriptures.
http://bible.crosswalk.com/ Pick a verse, OT or NT, and KJV or NAS with Strong's.
For instance: Here is a famous "no woman" verse....the word "tis" means anyone; and "he" is added.
1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (KJV with Strong's.)
1Tim 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. (NAS with Strong's.)
http://www.christianegalitarians.org/
http://www.cbeinternational.org/new/index.shtml Christians for Biblical Equality
Again...we don't have the original scriptures. All we have had through the ages are copies of copies of copies. It's like that joke where the monk comes out weeping after re-translating some papyri---after years of the celibate life. He cries, "The word was CELEBRATE!!!" :-) Did you know that there weren't just 2 letters to the Corinthians? Many factors went into our Bible as we know it. Martin Luther had the book of James in the appendix, originally, because he didn't like the faith without works idea in opposition to Paul's teaching of Grace.
And, there are discrepancies between interlinears, etc. Just as Martin Luther brought the Bible to the common folk to read for themselves...so we should, as a literate and very clever people, search these things out for ourselves, and by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Follow Jesus...He loved and walked with men AND women.
UPDATE and info from Brother Don R (Thanks, Don--something new for me :-)!):
Karen- I might add The Concordant Literal New Testament. It's is a great literal translation that was around 50 years in the works. I have a link on my website to it. For your readers who don't know me, it is www.donrogers.org. The links are on the left-side column. It is listed under Concordant Publishing.You're right. Translations and commentaries can be real minefields. You have to search until you feel, with the Spirit's help that you have found what you feel is what you are looking for. I can see that you have done a lot of reading on early Christianity and have found it was much, much different than today. I use an interlinear as well as the CLNT as my chief sources, but have "Strong's" and "Young's" nearby......Blessings...
UPDATE from Brother Chris (Thanks, Chris! Check out Chris' blog and his music. Very cool!): "I like to use Rotherhams emphasized bible. It is basically the same as the one Don mentioned. It brings out the true meaning of the words so often mistranslated through the years."
Chris Ledgerwood has added his favorite resource...
Here's a basic list of some resources for study that I like:
(I use all of these resources...sometimes all at the same time!)
Let us know what you might have found or like.
I generally use NKJV; The Source New Testament (can purchase at GWTW website below) and an Interlinear that weighs 5 pounds, I think, and the TNIV.
TNIV (still some additional words that make up falsehoods about women's roles, but better than most IMHO)
Interlinear Bibles
Get a good Greek Dictionary. You'll end up learning the Greek alphabet. This is one place where I learned the word hupotasso doesn't mean "submit." The real meaning or meanings are much more wonderfully deep than "submit." (That verse: Ephesians 5:22 doesn't say "wives submit, or subject yourselves. "Submit" is added.)
http://www.godswordtowomen.org/ (GWTW)A wealth of information. Go to scripture studies. Go to online books...The Source New Testament. Books by J Lee Grady; several scholarly articles as well by women AND men of note with professional credentials--Ann Nyland, Gilbert Bilezekian, Carrie Miles.
http://www.godswordtowomen.blogspot.com/ The GWTW blog where you can post ??s.
http://powerscourt.blogspot.com/ Suzanne's Bookshelf. She is one of the people on the Better Bibles Blog, as well.
http://englishbibles.blogspot.com/ Better Bibles Blog. This is a real eye opener, and wonderfully objective. You can check out their thoughts on different translations.
http://www.scripture4all.org/ Read the words, not the translation. See what you think. Go to NT, pick your scriptures.
http://bible.crosswalk.com/ Pick a verse, OT or NT, and KJV or NAS with Strong's.
For instance: Here is a famous "no woman" verse....the word "tis" means anyone; and "he" is added.
1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (KJV with Strong's.)
1Tim 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. (NAS with Strong's.)
http://www.christianegalitarians.org/
http://www.cbeinternational.org/new/index.shtml Christians for Biblical Equality
Again...we don't have the original scriptures. All we have had through the ages are copies of copies of copies. It's like that joke where the monk comes out weeping after re-translating some papyri---after years of the celibate life. He cries, "The word was CELEBRATE!!!" :-) Did you know that there weren't just 2 letters to the Corinthians? Many factors went into our Bible as we know it. Martin Luther had the book of James in the appendix, originally, because he didn't like the faith without works idea in opposition to Paul's teaching of Grace.
And, there are discrepancies between interlinears, etc. Just as Martin Luther brought the Bible to the common folk to read for themselves...so we should, as a literate and very clever people, search these things out for ourselves, and by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Follow Jesus...He loved and walked with men AND women.
UPDATE and info from Brother Don R (Thanks, Don--something new for me :-)!):
Karen- I might add The Concordant Literal New Testament. It's is a great literal translation that was around 50 years in the works. I have a link on my website to it. For your readers who don't know me, it is www.donrogers.org. The links are on the left-side column. It is listed under Concordant Publishing.You're right. Translations and commentaries can be real minefields. You have to search until you feel, with the Spirit's help that you have found what you feel is what you are looking for. I can see that you have done a lot of reading on early Christianity and have found it was much, much different than today. I use an interlinear as well as the CLNT as my chief sources, but have "Strong's" and "Young's" nearby......Blessings...
UPDATE from Brother Chris (Thanks, Chris! Check out Chris' blog and his music. Very cool!): "I like to use Rotherhams emphasized bible. It is basically the same as the one Don mentioned. It brings out the true meaning of the words so often mistranslated through the years."
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
For God's Sake.....
I really don't have anything intellectual to say about this subject right now. It's all from my gut.
You know how I feel about the subject of women in ministry....it just seems that the devil is throwing all these blogs, comments, and websites at me that espouse limits of the calling of women to pastor over a congregation. I'm not just talking about men here.
First...I'm out of church, but women in ministry was never an issue with me personally. I was ordained as an elder...and the RCA considers that once an elder always an elder with them. Eldership means serving the Body. That's it, and that's the only way that I would allow myself to answer that call--in that manner. I always consider myself to be a servant. Kneeling before a congregation to be "ordained" meant that I made a public promise to do so.
Second...it's unbelievable to me that in this day and age, with all the information available, that there are still Neanderthals among us who lie through their teeth when they say "women and men are equal. They just have different 'roles.'" The Q'uran says something similar. It says that women and men are equal, but men are 'more' equal than women.
Hmmmm.
Who of us has the right to say what anyone's role is? If God calls you to minister, to serve, you GO! If someone tries to stop you, just who exactly are they working for?
Third...the powers that be, the ones who are keeping their chosen Bible translations in your hands, and the information away that they DON'T want you to see, are the ones we should be keeping an eye on. They want to confuse you by saying that these new translations are gender inclusive. That's a lie. The truth is they are gender ACCURATE. There's a huge difference. Be proactive....go to the interlinears and some websites (I'll help ya) and see how many words have been inserted that were never there. Do a little Google sleuthing. Don't be spoon-fed.
Fourth...Jesus had no trouble using women in ministry, why should anyone else? When Paul's words are really looked at, he had no trouble with women either. I used to think so, but not anymore. And quit throwing those horrible translations of the "women" scriptures at me. And stop with the rules that aren't even in scripture! Only priests can anoint? Jesus had no problem being anointed by a woman before his death! He chastised her criticizers. What would he say to you?
What can I say? That's where I am. If you don't think women should pastor over a church, don't go to that church.
There's a battle out there, and this is the time that God is calling His daughters to rise up and take up the sword with His sons against the enemy! The Truth is here. I can't imagine any real soldier who is intent on fighting and winning a battle that would refuse help from another warrior!
There's work to be done. If you can't get over it...then get out of the way.
You know how I feel about the subject of women in ministry....it just seems that the devil is throwing all these blogs, comments, and websites at me that espouse limits of the calling of women to pastor over a congregation. I'm not just talking about men here.
First...I'm out of church, but women in ministry was never an issue with me personally. I was ordained as an elder...and the RCA considers that once an elder always an elder with them. Eldership means serving the Body. That's it, and that's the only way that I would allow myself to answer that call--in that manner. I always consider myself to be a servant. Kneeling before a congregation to be "ordained" meant that I made a public promise to do so.
Second...it's unbelievable to me that in this day and age, with all the information available, that there are still Neanderthals among us who lie through their teeth when they say "women and men are equal. They just have different 'roles.'" The Q'uran says something similar. It says that women and men are equal, but men are 'more' equal than women.
Hmmmm.
Who of us has the right to say what anyone's role is? If God calls you to minister, to serve, you GO! If someone tries to stop you, just who exactly are they working for?
Third...the powers that be, the ones who are keeping their chosen Bible translations in your hands, and the information away that they DON'T want you to see, are the ones we should be keeping an eye on. They want to confuse you by saying that these new translations are gender inclusive. That's a lie. The truth is they are gender ACCURATE. There's a huge difference. Be proactive....go to the interlinears and some websites (I'll help ya) and see how many words have been inserted that were never there. Do a little Google sleuthing. Don't be spoon-fed.
Fourth...Jesus had no trouble using women in ministry, why should anyone else? When Paul's words are really looked at, he had no trouble with women either. I used to think so, but not anymore. And quit throwing those horrible translations of the "women" scriptures at me. And stop with the rules that aren't even in scripture! Only priests can anoint? Jesus had no problem being anointed by a woman before his death! He chastised her criticizers. What would he say to you?
What can I say? That's where I am. If you don't think women should pastor over a church, don't go to that church.
There's a battle out there, and this is the time that God is calling His daughters to rise up and take up the sword with His sons against the enemy! The Truth is here. I can't imagine any real soldier who is intent on fighting and winning a battle that would refuse help from another warrior!
There's work to be done. If you can't get over it...then get out of the way.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
1 John 4; May the Force be with you.....
Up at 4 this morning...made the mistake of having caffeine late in the day. Had Michael for about 5 hours and wanted to keep up with him. He's probably sleeping now, and Nana Karen is wired for sound!
I subbed at a local high school a few times in the last couple of weeks...for the same teacher--career tech ed. I guess he thinks no one can handle the lab modules in the class...so I got to show the class the movie, Star Wars: Phantom Menace....the first part 6 times in two days. The second part 6 times in 2 days. Do you know how boring that was for me? I think I memorized the lines. I thought I might go mad after the 6th showing of the pod races.
The wisdom of Yoda hit me in the second half of the movie. It's the scene where the Council is grilling little Anakin Skywalker to see if he measures up to be a Jedi. Yoda asks the future Darth Vader if he is afraid. Ani lies and says, "No." Yoda and the Council (cuz they're Jedi and all) aren't fooled one bit.
"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hatred, and hatred leads to suffering," I believe is what Yoda states in that old voice version of Kermit the Frog.
Psychologists tell us that anger is not an emotion....it's the base emotion of fear gone another step. Or do I have that turned around? Anyway, that way makes sense, because it's clear both can be twisted around each other. Our basic fears about life....loss of life, of love or of those we love, easily lead to anger. One of the stages of grief...either of facing the death of a loved one, or of our own death...is anger. Who would think that we could become so angry at a loved one when they die? It's because our fear of abandonment leaves us pissed off. How could they leave us? They would never have left us if they truly loved us.
"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hatred, and hatred leads to suffering," and fear leads to the Dark Side is the message the little fella tells Ani. Like the Matrix, Star Wars can't help but throw in the spiritual side of creation. The Force is good, the Dark Side, evil.
1 John 4:18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
And, yet, we in the flesh still fear. We can't help it. We fear all kinds of things. But Perfect Love drives out fear, right?
But, we're human. Flesh. Would that we COULD follow this! We try:
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
We all know that God is love. We feel it often, I hope. We get glimpses of heaven.
I was at an art supply place buying canvas yesterday afternoon. I was in one line to begin with but was drawn to another checkout lane. The check out woman was talking to the customer in front of me, and I heard the word "prayer." When it was my turn, I asked her if I could pray about something for her. She looked at me and our eyes connected. She told me she was starting a singles ministry and to please pray for guidance from Him as to where she needed to take it. I said I would. I asked her to pray for me...the canvases and paint I was buying were for paintings for Him. We connected eye to eye again, and had this God moment where we laughed, we both flushed like we were having hot flashes and grabbed each other's hands. "If we never see each other again on earth, I'll meet with you in heaven," she said. "Praise God." We said together. That was a moment of perfect love. He orchestrated that moment, to give us that connection. To show us how it should be, COULD be...if only we would let go, and let Him.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If we say we love God yet hate a brother or sister, we are liars. For if we do not love a fellow believer, whom we have seen, we cannot love God, whom we have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love one another.
That's a tall order, isn't it? We need to not only love a fellow believer...we need to love each other, no matter the walk. Tall order, indeed. We're walking in these fleshly garments. Is this a set-up or something? Sometimes, I just ask the Lord...."What were you thinking? You are perfect love. There is no way we can be You. You've bundled us up in imperfection, in emotion, in ego. How can we ever measure up?"
And then, we get those God moments where we know that it is possible:
10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Phew. It's not OUR love for God. It's HIS love for us that qualifies us to be "Jedi." Thank God.
Because day to day gets in the way. We inevitably end up around a group or someone, not unlike the Council or little Yoda....and someone asks us, "Are you afraid?"
And we lie and say, "No."
I subbed at a local high school a few times in the last couple of weeks...for the same teacher--career tech ed. I guess he thinks no one can handle the lab modules in the class...so I got to show the class the movie, Star Wars: Phantom Menace....the first part 6 times in two days. The second part 6 times in 2 days. Do you know how boring that was for me? I think I memorized the lines. I thought I might go mad after the 6th showing of the pod races.
The wisdom of Yoda hit me in the second half of the movie. It's the scene where the Council is grilling little Anakin Skywalker to see if he measures up to be a Jedi. Yoda asks the future Darth Vader if he is afraid. Ani lies and says, "No." Yoda and the Council (cuz they're Jedi and all) aren't fooled one bit.
"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hatred, and hatred leads to suffering," I believe is what Yoda states in that old voice version of Kermit the Frog.
Psychologists tell us that anger is not an emotion....it's the base emotion of fear gone another step. Or do I have that turned around? Anyway, that way makes sense, because it's clear both can be twisted around each other. Our basic fears about life....loss of life, of love or of those we love, easily lead to anger. One of the stages of grief...either of facing the death of a loved one, or of our own death...is anger. Who would think that we could become so angry at a loved one when they die? It's because our fear of abandonment leaves us pissed off. How could they leave us? They would never have left us if they truly loved us.
"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hatred, and hatred leads to suffering," and fear leads to the Dark Side is the message the little fella tells Ani. Like the Matrix, Star Wars can't help but throw in the spiritual side of creation. The Force is good, the Dark Side, evil.
1 John 4:18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
And, yet, we in the flesh still fear. We can't help it. We fear all kinds of things. But Perfect Love drives out fear, right?
But, we're human. Flesh. Would that we COULD follow this! We try:
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
We all know that God is love. We feel it often, I hope. We get glimpses of heaven.
I was at an art supply place buying canvas yesterday afternoon. I was in one line to begin with but was drawn to another checkout lane. The check out woman was talking to the customer in front of me, and I heard the word "prayer." When it was my turn, I asked her if I could pray about something for her. She looked at me and our eyes connected. She told me she was starting a singles ministry and to please pray for guidance from Him as to where she needed to take it. I said I would. I asked her to pray for me...the canvases and paint I was buying were for paintings for Him. We connected eye to eye again, and had this God moment where we laughed, we both flushed like we were having hot flashes and grabbed each other's hands. "If we never see each other again on earth, I'll meet with you in heaven," she said. "Praise God." We said together. That was a moment of perfect love. He orchestrated that moment, to give us that connection. To show us how it should be, COULD be...if only we would let go, and let Him.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If we say we love God yet hate a brother or sister, we are liars. For if we do not love a fellow believer, whom we have seen, we cannot love God, whom we have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love one another.
That's a tall order, isn't it? We need to not only love a fellow believer...we need to love each other, no matter the walk. Tall order, indeed. We're walking in these fleshly garments. Is this a set-up or something? Sometimes, I just ask the Lord...."What were you thinking? You are perfect love. There is no way we can be You. You've bundled us up in imperfection, in emotion, in ego. How can we ever measure up?"
And then, we get those God moments where we know that it is possible:
10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Phew. It's not OUR love for God. It's HIS love for us that qualifies us to be "Jedi." Thank God.
Because day to day gets in the way. We inevitably end up around a group or someone, not unlike the Council or little Yoda....and someone asks us, "Are you afraid?"
And we lie and say, "No."
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Still crazy after all these days.....
Off to work this morning. We had a "snow" day here in the Lone Star state yesterday. Everyone was home and we all ate way too much. It wasn't bad weather, really--compared to midwest and northern standards--just unexpected....oldest went off to school...which was supposed to open at noon, but wasn't. So, we watched Michael for a few hours while momma took a much needed long winter's nap.
My prayers about whether to get certified this year to teach full time were answered. I'm pretty sure it was an answer because it wasn't the one I was wanting. I really wanted to go after the full time, pay check on a regular schedule thing; instead I got a flurry of phone calls for work, an incredible brainfull of images and direction for some paintings for Him. and the Word "Wait." And, now I'm thinking....what was I thinking? So, that's that till I hear differently.
Still wrangling with my problem, but I thank you all who prayed! That meant everything and has helped tremendously!
And there I thought absolutely nothing could be done! ;-)
My prayers about whether to get certified this year to teach full time were answered. I'm pretty sure it was an answer because it wasn't the one I was wanting. I really wanted to go after the full time, pay check on a regular schedule thing; instead I got a flurry of phone calls for work, an incredible brainfull of images and direction for some paintings for Him. and the Word "Wait." And, now I'm thinking....what was I thinking? So, that's that till I hear differently.
Still wrangling with my problem, but I thank you all who prayed! That meant everything and has helped tremendously!
And there I thought absolutely nothing could be done! ;-)
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
On pain and joy...
don posts an interesting post (January 9th...but they're all good!) This hit me on many levels today. I'm dealing with a couple of issues that I can do nothing about at the moment. Absolutely nothing. I'd rather not post my problem at this time...you all know me too well that I certainly would if I could. I'm fine...just dealing with these issues is very painful right now. I like what Don's post says about joy. I'm certainly finding that joy amidst the pain and it's because of Him.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
I give up....
Full-fat dairy products linked to lower weight, study says
Reuters
NEW YORK - The health-conscious often shun whole milk but a new study suggests that adults who favor full-fat dairy gain less weight over time.
I don't drink milk, but for Pete's sake. I'm sick of reading this stuff! Drink milk, don't drink milk, drink coffee, don't drink coffee, , eat chocolate, don't eat chocolate....blah blah blah! I'm going to go have a cup of coffee and a hunk o' chocolate.....
Reuters
NEW YORK - The health-conscious often shun whole milk but a new study suggests that adults who favor full-fat dairy gain less weight over time.
I don't drink milk, but for Pete's sake. I'm sick of reading this stuff! Drink milk, don't drink milk, drink coffee, don't drink coffee, , eat chocolate, don't eat chocolate....blah blah blah! I'm going to go have a cup of coffee and a hunk o' chocolate.....
Quilt of Holes
(Author unknown)
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.
Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.
An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes.
He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."
God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.
Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.
An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes.
He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."
God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."
Friday, January 05, 2007
Rambling yet again....
**Those of you that know me from this blog know that I frequently suffer from "metaphor-itis." I tend to see something else in everything around me. Trees with stark branches are us: either dead and barren, or dead and barren with the hope of new birth, or reaching up with arms of praise. My kitty got stuck in my closet last night. She should know from experience that if she sneaks in there, she might get the door shut on her, leaving her there til I go in again. Still, she keeps going in and getting trapped. What are we repeating over and over again that isn't good for us; we know the consequences, and still we persist in doing so?
**My blogbuddy Joe is blogging again! 'Bout time. He did the book exercise that Milly, Matt, and I did....and his book was the Art of War--a book that many teen boys will actually read. But I got something spiritual from the sentences that he happened upon. There's God in everything! Check out some of Joe's other posts. He has a lot to say. He is an open-minded, kind and generous fellow with the kind of caring for ALL people that we should adopt.
**I'm still cleaning out. It feels great! I need to get done by Sunday, crash, and get ready to sub again. I'm torn between going to get certified to teach full-time and get that ever needed steady pay check; or continue with my art business. It's going full-tilt right now, and leaning heavily on the interior design aspect--something that I never thought would happen. I guess I just need to pray about this. Duh, huh? I mean KEEP praying about it.
**I redid my Real Age Health thing! Since exercising and making some simple changes, I dropped 5 years below my chronological age! Bad news...I got a new scale...I weigh 10 pounds more than I thought. OUCH!!! Tubby time! :-) Oh, well. We are more than our poundage, right?
Off to clean some more!!
Did I tell you that you guys rock?
**My blogbuddy Joe is blogging again! 'Bout time. He did the book exercise that Milly, Matt, and I did....and his book was the Art of War--a book that many teen boys will actually read. But I got something spiritual from the sentences that he happened upon. There's God in everything! Check out some of Joe's other posts. He has a lot to say. He is an open-minded, kind and generous fellow with the kind of caring for ALL people that we should adopt.
**I'm still cleaning out. It feels great! I need to get done by Sunday, crash, and get ready to sub again. I'm torn between going to get certified to teach full-time and get that ever needed steady pay check; or continue with my art business. It's going full-tilt right now, and leaning heavily on the interior design aspect--something that I never thought would happen. I guess I just need to pray about this. Duh, huh? I mean KEEP praying about it.
**I redid my Real Age Health thing! Since exercising and making some simple changes, I dropped 5 years below my chronological age! Bad news...I got a new scale...I weigh 10 pounds more than I thought. OUCH!!! Tubby time! :-) Oh, well. We are more than our poundage, right?
Off to clean some more!!
Did I tell you that you guys rock?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Robert leaves for Dallas to stay overnight and head to basic training in the early a.m. 6 months without this kid...It will be very good for him and I thought it might be easier (he is SO excited, to be taking care of his new family and going to mechanic training) but it's not. It just really hit me. :-(
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Safe in Uncle's arms....
We had Michael here all night so Robert and his wife Brandy could go out with friends and family. Robert leaves on Thursday for basic training. I still don't have my head wrapped around that. Anyway, Michael slept very well....as long as we were holding him. Everytime we laid him down he would rouse himself after about 20 minutes of sleep, and of course we would NOT allow him to be even remotely unhappy! :-) He is very active, but he would sleep happily for a few hours in our arms. I'm not complaining! I'm praying that Robert...who we met when he was 13, has lived with us and calls us mom and dad.....gets himself together. Let's just say that the Lord said, "Karen...I've given you 2 easy boys. Let's try something else." This tiny boy has made a difference. It was sweet to see daddy set up the bed and swing, and tell me all of the things that daddies and mommies know about their little ones. And this little one is beautiful, wouldn't you say? Praise God for such miracles!
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