Singing At Midnight

Photo:  Courtesy Library of Congress

Midnight sun in Advent Bay, Spitzbergen, Norway

This week I have been discouraged.  I was spending time with the Lord this morning and here is what He showed me:

"But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened."

Acts 16:25-26

You may be familiar with this story from Acts.  Paul had just called out a demon from the slave-girl whose masters were profiting from her fortune telling.  The men, whose profits were gone as a result, seized Paul and Silas.  Without a public trial, they were beaten, imprisoned, and placed in stocks.  There was nothing fair or right about what happened.  Paul and Silas were doing the work of the Lord.  They were pursuing righteousness.  Following the course set for them, they were arrested and thrown in prison after being beaten.  I rather imagine, they endured it quietly, without hampering their witness.  However, at the end of the chapter, in verse 37, the truth was known.  They knew where their strength came from; Paul had just utilized the power of the Living God when he called out the demon from the slave girl.  

When they were bound in prison, surely their share of doubts came.  God, why don't you get us out of this?  Why are we in here Lord?  Don't you care?  You are the One that told us to come to this city and now we're in prison.  Do something.  Those would be my questions.  But we see something distinctively different in this story of Paul and Silas.  We see them praise at midnight.  They were keenly aware that while they were chained, they were surrounded by the Living One and True God.  They were not forgotten, they were not bound because of past sins (remember Paul's past), they were not bound because of something they did wrong.  In fact my friend, they were bound to glorify God.  The Lord God accompanied them to this place of imprisonment.  He led them there.  He called them to this place for this very hour of praise.  For with the stocks came praise at midnight.  The Lord shook the foundations of the jail and their chains were unfastened, but none left.  As a result, the jailer was saved along with his household.  Glory to God.  

Whatever has your feet in stocks, wherever you are imprisoned, praise him.  Praise Him, PRAISE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Praise him at midnight when the hour looks its darkest.  Praise him when you don't see His hand working.  Praise Him when the circumstances look like the exact opposite of what you are praying for.  Praise Him because He is the One that shakes the earth...Praise Him when the hour looks darkest.  You are surrounded by a heavenly host resounding the Sweet Name of Jesus.    Join in the singing and my friend, at midnight we'll be singing together.

My Life is Richer

One of Tonja's precious sons giving her a rose on her last performance night.  Pretend it is a clear picture.  Although, blurry is how we all saw it there because we were crying. :)

Meet my friend, Tonja.  

If you know Tonja, you are smiling.  If you don't, you will smile by the end of this post because she has that affect on people.

She has just lost her cheerleader, her friend, her mama.  Her heart is heavy, sad, and weary.  Now, Tonja is one strong lady.  She can look adversity square in the eyes, smile at it while remembering that she is the Tonjanator(what Ben and I call her) and kindly ask it to move over.  Her sweet faith is strong and trusting in her Savior; that is why adversity doesn't scare the T-jator.  She knows where her strength comes from.  It doesn't mean there isn't hurt or pain, but there is assurance.  

She and I have a wonderful time working together!  In fact, when it was time for me to go back to work and the boys were having a hard time with it, Tonja explained that we are all part of a family and that each person in the family does what they can to help the other people in the family.  She just knows how to explain the things in life that aren't easy.  I saw on her blog, a friend said they accidently wound up being friends and her life was richer because of it.  

So, my dear Tonja, it is through tears that I say to you that my life is richer for knowing you.   The Lord is working for your good.  Your smile warms my heart and your shoes make me dance.  The Lord smiles over you and loves you!  Your life adds music to those you are around!  Thank you for making me sing and not look to see who is watching.  

To My Most Uncommon Hero,

*Please click on the song Uncommon on the playlist in the box to the right(it should begin automatically) and make sure your volume is on, hopefully you'll be encouraged as well by the words.*

Dear Ben,

Today we celebrate our eighth anniversary.  You are so many things to me.  I listened to the song yesterday Uncommon and you exhort me to strive for this.  More importantly, you are uncommon.  Your life is different.  Your life speaks volumes.  You have so much character.  You are pursuing things in life that count.  That last.  For eternity.  You take the road less traveled.  I am along for the ride.  You remind me to trust, to let go, and to feel the very presence of God.  What a sweet breeze to my soul you are.  

I know I often resist letting you into my heart.  That is such a scary place for me.  I am thankful that as I have opened up, you hold my heart and soul gently.  I know I often retreat back and put up walls.  I guess that is what love is.  Un-guarding.  Oddly, we spend so much of our life learning to not trust, to not let go and then I met you.  Trustworthy, faithful, loving, forgiving, and most of all, safe.  I think a gentle breeze is the best way to describe your affect on my soul.  

I know you are not perfect, but I can honestly say you are amazing.   I am more proud of you today than ever.  My love has truly grown and grown.  You are leaving a legacy. One our boys will be proud and honored to say is Uncommon.

Today, I celebrate our love, our commitment, our covenant.  I am so thankful for you; you have my heart.  All of it.  For as long as we live.

The Blame Game

Today, David was in the living room scolding me for playing the piano.  He can't stand it.  He gets his little finger and flings it around in the air while commanding a halt of the music.  I told him I liked to play the piano and that he needed to relax.   To this, he flung himself into the wall and proceeded to turn on the gas fireplace.  I quickly  stopped playing (gas over music any day) and now that I am typing this, I see his thought pattern.  Little turkey!  He knew I would quit playing if he turned on the fireplace!!!!!!   Unbelievable.  

Anyway, as Dona would say, I am spiderwebbing.  

I think I scared him as I yelled to never, NEVER, NEVER turn on the fireplace.  He tripped over my lovely candles I have on the hearth.  :(  

He ran and hid under the dining room chair.  His little head was popping out and he just watched as I picked up the glass.

I calmly picked it up.  I like to put out pretty things.  So, I put them out and if they break, so be it.  I am not one to put everything I like up out of reach.  Different strokes for different folks.  I teach the boys to respect our home, the contents, and when there is an accident, to take responsibility and help clean it up (not glass though).  Honestly, we have had very few things break.  It happens, but not too often.  There are no off limit rooms, however, we respect where we are and the behavior in the room needs to be appropriate.  

WOW!!!  I am getting way off the subject!!

So, David keeps repeating, "Lukey broke it."

I am not really paying much attention due to the annoying sliver of glass in my foot that is a cross between pain and an itch.  

After all was cleaned up, I found him in with the older two.  I asked him what he needed to say. All he could come up with was, "Lukey broke it."

When that one didn't work with me, he changed it to, "Jenamin broke it."

That didn't fly with me either.  So, he mumbled, "Sorry Mommy."  

It got me thinking.   How many times do I hear great truth and in the back of my mind think, "Boy do I wish so and so would hear this."   Or, read convicting passages in the Bible and instead of looking at myself and the sin that God is trying to show me, think of how much so and so needs to read this passage.  If I were focusing on the areas God is trying to deal with me, the application from the Truth, would fall on my shoulders and my eyes would not be so much on others, but on myself.  

Quotes

This was Benjamin on the first day of K4

This little guy cracks me up with the things he says!

To Luke he chided,  "Luke, you sound like a whiny lady."

Last week as we were driving in the car. Our family was talking and apparently Benjamin became frustrated at the lack of attention he was receiving.  To which he replied, "Some people get all the love."

Benjamin climbing a tree (one of his favorite things to do) at Gaucho farms in June of 2009.

Rainy Day and the News

This is Uncle Daniel, Ben's brother.  I have some news!  He is getting married!  He asked Brooke(click here to visit her site) to marry him, and guess what?  She said, "Yes!"  Congratulations Daniel!    

About the new header:  

The hands are Benjamin's and Luke's on  glass doors we have going into our living room.

I was able to do some really fun editing stuff at this site (click here to try it out).

We have enjoyed our rainy day today.

We home schooled (we do this in the summer) this morning.  I absolutely love getting to teach them.  I know the time is so short and we will look back on that fondly.  

After that, we went and did a little (emphasis on little) work in my room today.

I always start to get excited thinking about the upcoming school year!!!!!

Then, we went to Barnes and Noble.  We had so much fun there, until it was time to leave.  

We enjoyed an indoor picnic at home today since it was so rainy.  How thankful I am for the rain!!!  Our little vegetable garden is smiling.  

The Conference, The Fountain Drink

I just returned from Samford University.  I am a graduate of Samford and have been blessed to attend a Summer Institute for Teaching Excellence with my dear friends and fellow teachers.  I am beyond thankful for our friendships that we have at the preschool where I teach-it really is a God thing!  

On my way home, I stopped at a Chevron on  highway 231.  

I was thirsty.  From singing.   That tendency can drive my boys batty.  The iPod was invented for people like me.  Now I can just sing any time I want to!!!!  And sing I do.  Aren't you proud Tonja?

So, the need to quench my thirst was great and I pulled into a nice clean facility to get a little gas and a GREAT BIG FOUNTAIN DIET COKE!  You know there is nothing better.

I had cash.

Apparently, cash is becoming like a thing of the past in America.

I kept pushing the help button.  To no avail.  

I pull up to another tank since I am now wet with sweat and REALLY thirsty.

I notice signs on all of the other tanks.  IF you have cash, pay inside.  Oh.  

I just wish the little lady inside would have used her little microphone to let me know I was looking like an idiot.

I headed inside to pay CASH for my gas and to purchase my icy, big, refreshing Diet Coke.

As I filled my cup, the cola ran out and was only the carbonated water-OH NO!!!!! I mention to the little lady the problem- thinking she would quickly switch the tanks.  Not so much.  She stayed where she was and said she would have to change it-her body language insinuated later as opposed to earlier.

Get this-I said,"Well here is my cup, I guess you just want me to throw it away?"

I said it like a question, but what I really meant was-sorry about the cup, I am not waiting for the Diet Coke tank change.

BUT YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE WHAT SHE SAID!!!!!!!!

"No don't throw away that cup, it is my inventory.  I will just rinse it with a little Clorox."

Do you get what she is saying?

She was going to swish a cup that I handled, filled with some liquid and put Clorox in it and put it BACK OUT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO BUY!!!!!

I looked at her in disbelief and said, " Ma'am that is GROSS!!!!!!"

photo courtesy of flickr.com

A little mishap

Meet Coal.  He is a great dog.  Given the opportunity, Coal doesn't mind taking the scenic route.

I was watering our flowers the other day.  Several hours later, I noticed Coal was not on the porch.  He is an outside dog.  As you know, it is about the temperature of Mercury around here lately.  I figured he was long gone since it had been so long.  The kids were all asleep for their naps and I couldn't go look for him.

I opened the garage door to call for him and I found him resting on the mat in the garage.  Too hot even for a dog to run away with a wide open gate!

A little over  a year ago, I got a call.  Very early.  Like something was wrong early.  A sweet little lady just wanted me to know that Coal was in her laundry room.  She complemented him and told me what a good dog he was.  I couldn't take it all in when she was telling me, as I was still in shock that she told me OUR dog was in HER laundry room.  Apparently, he went in through her doggie door.  Nice.

Faith

Last night, Benjamin asked me if he had faith now.

When he was in K4 he prayed to put his trust in Jesus.  We believe he sincerely understood his need for a Savior, truly childlike faith.

When he asked me this last night I reminded him of this verse,"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Heb 11:1

This morning I have been thinking a lot about faith.  I have put my trust in Jesus and am painfully aware of the GREAT need I have for a Savior.  My faith is not in myself for salvation, but in Christ alone.  God showed me that while my trust for salvation is in Him alone, am I relying on Him in the daily occurrences with that same trust?  Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe once saved, always saved.  I just think we often live a watered down life of faith.  That is NOT what God has for us...He has so much more.

All that said, there are those times that my flesh, struggles to trust.  I have found when situations arise that cause fear I can go back to my journals and see God's marvelous way of working.  Today, God showed me a chapter in Hebrews I have read numerous times, but today, it came alive.

Today, something really hit me.  In Hebrews 11:1-40 the author, instructed by the Holy Spirit, listed men and women of faith.  My heritage, my example, God's people-from so long ago that He knew would impact me, and you.  Keep in mind, these examples are humans, sinful by nature, but forgiven because of their FAITH and trust in a Savior.  The old  Testament Christians were saved by putting their trust and acknowledgement of their need of a Savior-by looking ahead to the Promised Coming Messiah.  The New Testament believers, were saved by placing their trust in the The Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God.  

So, now let's look at God's Word and examine faith, trust me, it is chilling-in a very holy sense.  May God grant our eyes to be open and hearts to understand the promise He wants us to see.

"...And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.  By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.  By faith Abraham, when he was called obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for a city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.  By faith Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised...."Heb.11:6-11

****The next verse is AMAZING, please keep reading!

"All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." Heb. 11:13

***Skip down to verse 16,

"But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them."

Chapter 11 goes on to list numerous people of faith.  "By faith....", "By faith...", "By faith...".

I want to point out again in verse 13, it notes, they died without receiving the promise.

God desires more for us to grow in our love and faith in Him than He does for our earthly comfort.  Remember at the end of verse 13, it says, "having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth."

Now, I'll be the first to say I like comfort.  I don't so much like the thought of exile life, but I am a pilgrim.  I am NOT of this world, my promise is in my eternal home.  Is my life reflecting that faith, is my faith full of grace and truth that shows the world a RADICAL difference? 

I can't get to that place of faith like the Hebrews 11 hall of fame on my own effort, but that is what I want to be in Him.  It is only by His grace and the equipping of the Holy Spirit that will shape my life to look like that.  I first have to be willing to trust and let go of what seems to be my earthly comfort, and trust Him to be the Perfecter of my faith.

Oh God, by Your grace, may my life be one that is full of faith.  Not in myself but in You, unshakable.  Not that any would see me, but that Christ would be glorified.  Perfect I am not, and never will be until heaven.  Forgiven, I am and free to trust You.  For You alone are trustworthy may my life say "By faith..." 

Tickling The Ivory

So our church was giving away a piano that was in the youth building.  You might be wondering what condition a piano that a church is giving away might be in, that is a wonderful question.

The only stipulation was for the recipient to move it.  Sounded GREAT to me.  Just moving the little piano out and we get a FREE piano!  Why NOT???

My husband, precious man that he is, was not so excited about my suggestion.

I do LOVE to play the piano and I hope I can teach my boys a couple of things on the right hand about playing too.  I don't know the left too well, so I'm sticking with what I know.   I don't really read the music that great, but like to make up songs.  You know reading music is difficult when you really only can read what one hand plays.  So, I just make up the songs.   Not that I am that good at it,  I just enjoy it.  Long story is getting longer as opposed to shorter.  Bottom line:  he said yes.  

Remember Gaucho Jorge?  Ben recruited him to help us move the little piano, which didn't turn out to be little.  It weighed a lot.  Like about 600 pounds.  I am not kidding.

They are strong.  There were veins popping out of necks and grunts and man, a lot of sweat!

But, do you see that SMILE on Ben's face???????  What a guy!

I thought a little of this would shine her right up!  It did.  Very nicely.  

This made me smile.  Doesn't it look pretty!!!  We think so.  Now to get it tuned and to fix...

THESE!  THEY ARE YELLOWISH DIRTY AND A BIT CHIPPED AT THE TIPS!!!

But I don't mind that, remember it is FREE!!!!!!!  I was just wondering if any of you folks out there could help me know what to clean the keys with in hopes to restore them to the lovely white of days gone by.  Locals, does anyone know of someone reasonable to tune it?

The Men

This is Daddy George.  He is so amazing.  He serves so many people.  He has tutored numerous adults and has taught them to read.  He is a successful businessman and a wonderful Granddad and Great Granddad.   He is married to Granny Hannie and even though she is not with us  anymore, his life reminds me of her.  Thank you for loving Granny and modeling a lasting, life-long marriage Daddy George.

 

These three men are the three men that I hope our boys turn out to be like.  Ben, you love people well.  I think you show Christ in so many ways to others through the humble life you lead.  You seek to glorify the Lord in all that you do and reflect Him beautifully.

Van, thank you for loving me like a daughter and training your son, Ben in the way of righteousness.  

Dad, thank you for modeling for me a loving marriage and what a loving husband looks like.  You are a great dad and I love you.

Dear boys,

Daddy loves you and mommy more than you will ever know.  He works for us and as unto the Lord.  He is a wise man.  He is a man of prayer.  He also desires to serve and lead our family.  I respect him greatly and pray that as you grow in "wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man," that you will watch Daddy and follow his example.  He is a good man, he fears and loves the Lord.

Daddy loves to spend time with you boys doing fun things~

Daddy is also a fisherman.  He loves to go to Colorado and fly fish.  He is a patient man.  He enjoys the challenge of the waters and the preparation it takes for a successful trip.  He can tie his own flies, a hobby that we hope you boys will enjoy together with Daddy.  Watching Daddy fly fish is truly beautiful, an art.

This is also beautiful to me.  The loving relationship between a father and his son.  Pop, we are thankful for your wisdom in raising Ben.

Ben, thank you for your love for our boys and me too.  You are teaching each of them what it means to love the Lord our God.  

"The place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

Frederick Buechner

Ben, 

God has called you to be the Father for Benjamin, Luke and David.  It is with great joy that I participate as your helper and my great honor to watch you guiding them.  It is amazing to watch you lead them hand in hand into boyhood and eventually, manhood.  For I know the One that is leading you, is supernaturally using you as we prepare Men of God.  May His grace continue to abound in your life.  

You are loved.

"If we would endeavor, like men of courage, to stand in the battle, surely we would feel the favorable assistance of God from Heaven.  For he who giveth us occasion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, is ready to succor those that fight manfully, and do trust in his grace."

-Thomas A Kempis

We headed to the Farm:

We like to have school over the summer.  My boys love it.  They do.  I promise.  However, we like a LOT of fun in our summer too, so....

Our learning for the day went HANDS ON!!!!

A chic  flew the coop with her three boys!

We went to see some of these!

What fun it was to ride and play with our friends Jacob and Daniel!  They have really cool toys.

May I introduce farmer Jorge.  He is actually a gaucho.  He and Suzanne took us for a hay ride with popsicles!!!!  I mean who could beat that?

This is Jorge's wife, Suzanne.  She is a doll!  

Benjamin wanted to check out their amazing crops that put our vegetable garden, or should I say patch to shame!

They got to hold some of these.  Luke did not want to actually hold it (he knows what they do) but enjoyed petting it!

Then we went for a walk on their VERY OWN boardwalk.  Can you imagine?  It was truly amazing.

We saw a snapping turtle lay her eggs.

If you look closely, you can see the ALLIGATOR.  May I repeat, ALLIGATOR.  We were not far off the swampy water.  Like definitely in jaws reach.  Yep, in jaws reach.  But I had to get a picture.  That made Luke mad.  He was afraid that the Mama Gator would appear.  She didn't.

This just makes my heart melt.  Have you seen this little man sit so still and happy for a picture?  Like it just doesn't happen.

And my heart keeps right on melting,  

While my heart was melting, so was Luke's popsicle.  

Thank you Jorge, Suzanne, Daniel, and Jacob for a WONDERFUL memory and a fabulous time.  Here is proof we played hard:  Got Dirt?

WE DO!

Coupon and The Farmers Market!!!!

If you live where I do, chances are, you love this store!

The owner, Katie, is a friend of mine and is offering Coupon Monday!

That's right, Coupon Monday!  So, hurry over here(click) and print this little bad boy and have yourself a good ol' morning at Bellamia!  Then, come on back and report what you found!  We ALL love a good sale!

THANKS KATIE!!!!!!!  

Another local happening is taking place downtown.  Thanks to Lindsey, I found out about this(click here).  The local artists and the farmers are joining up for fun Saturdays downtown!  I mean how great!!!!!  

Can You Be Serious?!!?!

I am so disappointed.

I scheduled a massage that I had a gift certificate for on Tuesday.

I was going to lunch and then planned to get a nice, relaxing massage.

How much fun!

No, the gift certificate is expired.

I don't have many days that I can schedule something like a massage.

I am disappointed and well, angry.

My brother gave me the gift certificate and now I CAN'T USE IT!!!

The recording that came on while I was on hold (checking to see if they would honor the gift certificate) was calm and said that they hoped I was having a good day.  BUT if I wasn't, to meditate on why I wasn't having a good day.  Really, that is what it said.  Not good timing in my opinion.

I know it has something to do with the way that you pay people, but I am BUSY.  REALLY BUSY.  I simply didn't realize it expired as I kept it in a safe place waiting for the right day to use it.  In my opinion, she got paid for something she DID NOT DO!!!  Now I am in real need of a massage.  UGHHHH!  Bummer.

Sorry, I know one should not rant on the blog, but I HAD to share this disappointment with you.  Tell me you feel my pain...

Scone Saturday, Chantilly Cream, and the Garage

Don't you think that scones and the garage sound like they go hand in hand?

They don't.  However, we have a very handy Pop.  He is heading our way to help "us" organize the space that we affectionately refer to as the Pit.

Since he is so kind to volunteer his time and energy, I want to treat him well.  Thanks to Abby(click here for the recipe)  I have a new yummy scone recipe to try for a work break Saturday morning.

My dear friend and FABULOUS cook, Mary Lise has a wonderful compliment for scones.  It is called Southern Clotted Cream.  It might be that my Missouri raising steps in here, but there is something about the word "Clotted" that is not appetizing.   So, I believe I have heard of Chantilly Cream.  That I like.  Doesn't it sound fluffy and nice and not clotted?

I am posting the recipe below:

Southern Clotted Cream  OR Chantilly Cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream

¼ cup confectioner’s sugar

1 teaspoon almond flavoring

Put bowl and beaters in freezer for up to 30 minutes to cool.  Beat heavy cream and gradually add the powdered sugar.

Add the almond flavoring as the mixture begins to thicken.  Beat until mixture holds shapes and forms peak.

Will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Serve in a crystal cordial glass.  Top with a dried or fresh flower.

I can't wait to share with you all about our Thursday~It is a bit lengthy and my battery on my camera is dead.  :(

We would LOVE for you to join us tonight at 6:30 for a concert with Paul Coleman(click here for more information)!!!!!  

Come by First Presbyterian to enjoy a free concert with this Grammy nominated singer/songwriter.

Happy Friday~