Posts
First off, a little shout-out to those of you who are reading my blog. (hoot-hoot) I know I may sound silly but, when you write stuff, you invariably wonder if anyone will really care. So, to all the girls, and Brandon :) who has commented on my blog...a HUGE thank-you. It is truly an encouragement to me.
So, I have been much more motivated to play around with and update my blog. My visiter counter is always fun because it lets me know you are looking. But, please leave a little comment of hello here on the blog, e-mail me: sunshine@themovement.org, or Facebook me!
And, if you will notice, I added the blog roll to my fun, new features. These are blogs that I look at daily. A little description of each, if you don't mind...
Grace Kaley- This is my daughter. She is a writer, artist, singer and creator of things. She is constantly growing and changing right before my eyes. A Mac computer in her hands is a thing of beauty. Her blog is her VERY random musings.
Kacey Luvi Makeup and Photography- Jeremy's little sister is so amazingly talented. She has truly been given a gift. Not only does she take pictures, she captures life. It always amazes me. I can see the beauty in every person because of the beauty behind the lens.
Twice a Week- Jeremy's dad is, quite possibly, one of the best artists I know. (I may be partial) I have wandered a gallery here and there and probably know little as far as art goes, but, his passion and skill shine through and it is always so fun to see his "stuff". If you head to his blog, you must click on his actual website to see some of the fine art and illustrations he has done over the years. Amazing work.
McGinty's Pub- Jobey unfailingly brings newness to his blog. He goes in spurts, I must say. But, he balances enjoyable family antecdotes with random wisdom (ie. travel interaries) and obligatory church stuff. One of those blogs you bookmark.
The Simple Wife- This is a friend from the past who is currently living in Denver. I only knew her for a short time but, her story is valuable and encouraging. She is one that I learn from.
The Beauty of it All- Again, a friend from the past. One who perserveres and has been victorious. One who struggles but, finds strength in the Lord. I have learned SO much from her.
So, there you have it. A few blogs I check each day. Maybe you will enjoy one.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A new start
First off, it has been an interesting week. I am ending that statement with a light chuckle. For me, it has been a week of dodging arrows and gently pulling out the ones I didn't escape. I was just telling a friend that the "enemy" goes on the prowl when I least expect it. I am sure you all know this, and experience these same onslaughts.
So, since I have been rescued a few times this week, right when I was ready to throw in the towel, I found the verses I want to commit to memory.
My kids tease me because I alway say "timeout" when I want everything to pause for a moment. This usually happens when everyone is talking at once, there is confusion or something is happening that I just plain don't like. I am thinking, armed with the following verses, my "timeouts" will be properly handled.
Philippians 4:5-8
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.
I have had a few people respond on my Facebook that want to join me in this challenge. So, this first week let's make this our plan: meditate and memorize the scripture throughout the week. On Sunday, I will touch base with all of you to see how we are progressing. However, I would LOVE to hear from you sooner if you have any insight, cool ways this related to your life or just to share and encourage one another. Please feel free to leave a comment here or on my Facebook. Let's see where this takes us. I am so excited to employ this discipline in my life and VERY thankful to have fellow friends join me.
So, since I have been rescued a few times this week, right when I was ready to throw in the towel, I found the verses I want to commit to memory.
My kids tease me because I alway say "timeout" when I want everything to pause for a moment. This usually happens when everyone is talking at once, there is confusion or something is happening that I just plain don't like. I am thinking, armed with the following verses, my "timeouts" will be properly handled.
Philippians 4:5-8
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.
I have had a few people respond on my Facebook that want to join me in this challenge. So, this first week let's make this our plan: meditate and memorize the scripture throughout the week. On Sunday, I will touch base with all of you to see how we are progressing. However, I would LOVE to hear from you sooner if you have any insight, cool ways this related to your life or just to share and encourage one another. Please feel free to leave a comment here or on my Facebook. Let's see where this takes us. I am so excited to employ this discipline in my life and VERY thankful to have fellow friends join me.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A conviction
My kids go to this great little Christian school around the corner. ( I will have to post sometime in the future about our interesting educational career) Anyway, they now attend Valley Christian school and, needless to say, they love it. It is the perfect balance of structure and socialization.
Tomorrow, both of them have a scripture memorization quiz in thier Bible class. So, for the latter half of the day I have been repeatedly listening to them recite Phillipians 1:27-30. And, I must say, this is very refreshing and VERY convicting.
I am thinking I need to adopt the same mentality of facing a quiz each week. So, I am looking for partners in this adventure. I know there are many verse of the day or week things out there but, I would like a little accountability or offer myself as your accountability. Let me know what you think. You can either comment or send me an e-mail. sunshine@themovement.org
Tomorrow, both of them have a scripture memorization quiz in thier Bible class. So, for the latter half of the day I have been repeatedly listening to them recite Phillipians 1:27-30. And, I must say, this is very refreshing and VERY convicting.
I am thinking I need to adopt the same mentality of facing a quiz each week. So, I am looking for partners in this adventure. I know there are many verse of the day or week things out there but, I would like a little accountability or offer myself as your accountability. Let me know what you think. You can either comment or send me an e-mail. sunshine@themovement.org
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Sunday
I must start by saying that I truly look forward to Sundays. I am SO thankful to be able to take part in an awesome church each and every week. (http://www.themovement.org/)
But, just for fun, I thought I would do a timeline of my most recent Sunday.
5:30am- 1st alarm for Jeremy to wake. Snooze 1 time. Actual wake time is 5:45. (although this is "Jeremy's alarm time", I am the actual operator of the alarm.)
6:30am- 2nd alarm which is actually for me. This is the ONLY day I actually sleep later than him. My actual wake time is 7:00. (the snooze button is my friend)
8:50am- The kids and I rush into church. The fact that I am rushing is quite hilarious since I live 5 blocks from church. But,in my defense, at the last minute I painted my daughters fingernails and toenails. And, this was no easy task since she has nubs for fingernails. (nasty habit)
9:20am- After worship, I have my first round of impromptu announcements. (yes, I do announcements)
10:45am- I touch base with Jeremy at the conclusion of the service and rustle up a snack of some sort. Then I snag a coffee from the coffee shop to warm my chilly self. I must say, I LOVE wandering this converted warehouse I call my "second home. There are so many people and faces moving about doing whatever job here and there. This morning, both my kids are tailing me like little ducklings. My 13 year old was pining for, and received a Monster. (yes, bad mom) And, my 11 year old daughter patiently waited for a hot chocolate. (she was spacing out her sugar since we have complimentary doughnuts that she indulged in at the 9am service)
11:00am- The beginning of the 2nd service and a second round of announcements. A few more laughs this time. I am thinking the 11 o'clockers are more awake. And, the Nebraska in me wants everyone to smile and have fun so, suddenly, I am fulfilled.
11:30am- This is my time to return to one of my loves...families. I absolutely love random conversations, welcoming people and making kids smile. I think I consider it a challenge. (the making kids smile part afterall, I love to talk) So, during the 11am service I just walk, look, and talk. Today, I settled in the 1 year old room since I was determined to help a little boy, Hunter survive his separation anxiety. But, since I really don't know Hunter and he loves his mom and dad way more, I failed. But, Samantha ( on her first visit) conformed and fell asleep on my shoulder. Another mission accomplished.
1:00pm- I corral the family and figure out what is going to happen next. Apparently 2 kids are coming home with us and at the last minute a woman I have never met needs a ride home from church. Since it is not really out of my way, I send the kids with Jeremy and drive Becky home myself.
1:20pm- I serve leftover pizza for the kids and quick lunches for Jer and I. At this point, my 13 year old jokes at the cleanliness of the house. This is obviously sarcastic since a) he would never notice and b) there are dishes, pizza, salad, bags, and leftovers strewn about the kitchen. So, Jeremy takes Noah and the 2 extra boys to play a pick-up game of basketball and this translates into a perfect time to clean.
2:00pm- After tidying up, wiping down the bathroom, changing the laundry and vacuuming, I am on to my final task: swiffering the kitchen floor. As I am doing this, I notice little "kool-ade" spots on the floor. Oh my...Chewie, our toy poodle, is in heat. Crikey. Off to Petco for puppy diapers. Grace and I wander the aisles and I shoot down request after request for doggie dresses, turtles and hamsters.
3:30pm- The boys return from basketball and Jeremy and I retreat to our room to read and sort connection cards for the next hour.
4:30pm- My backyard is now occupied by 6 boys playing basketball. Since I actually feel responsible for at least 4 of them (per their parents' arrangements) I decide it is time for dinner. I am quite proud of my smorgasboard of food: chicken nuggets, fries, tater tots, carrots and dip, chips and salsa, goldfish, sliced apples and leftover pizza. And then...I made cookies! I am not even this good on my best day. The Suzy Homemaker angel was surely making a visit to my house.
5:00pm- At this point, I realize that my husband should be treated to a "real" dinner so, I throw chicken breast on the Foreman grill and steam some veggies. I must say, this easy, ready to micro, steaming veggies thing is pretty sweet. It makes me look like a pro.
6:00pm- Jeremy is off to church again and I clean up dinner.
6:26pm- At the last minute, a kid who a) has never been at our house but, b) just ate dinner with us and c) was apparently walking up the street when he heard noise and decided to stay for a while asks for a ride home. No problem really, thank God church is just around the corner.
6:30pm- I step into the sound booth for a quick hello to Jeremy and announce my arrival to our third service of the day.
6:55pm- Phew, I finished my final round of announcements. I am joking somewhat since my duty pales in comparison to Jeremy's commitment to delivering a concise "God heard" message form the Lord. But, somehow I do feel the personal need to extract a laugh or two and make a little small talk with a thousand or so people.
8:00pm- Home again, at last. It would seem to be a time to relax but, behold we are having 2 kids sleep over since it is a holiday. Yay! Thankfully they are 13 and very good kids. After a final round of food, Jeremy and I retreat to our room. Our home is a little under 1500 square feet so, our bedroom is our only quiet spot on a night like this.
The funny thing about a day like today is the push and pull of being overwhelmed and fulfilled. Yes, it would be nice to coast on through but, tackling the day and adjusting my perspective turns out to be much more joyful. As you can imagine I awoke to a bit more work with cinnamon rolls, turkey bacon, eggs and toast. But in the end, sitting in my semi-quiet room, I listen to my kids laughing with their friends and I figure it is all worth it.
But, just for fun, I thought I would do a timeline of my most recent Sunday.
5:30am- 1st alarm for Jeremy to wake. Snooze 1 time. Actual wake time is 5:45. (although this is "Jeremy's alarm time", I am the actual operator of the alarm.)
6:30am- 2nd alarm which is actually for me. This is the ONLY day I actually sleep later than him. My actual wake time is 7:00. (the snooze button is my friend)
8:50am- The kids and I rush into church. The fact that I am rushing is quite hilarious since I live 5 blocks from church. But,in my defense, at the last minute I painted my daughters fingernails and toenails. And, this was no easy task since she has nubs for fingernails. (nasty habit)
9:20am- After worship, I have my first round of impromptu announcements. (yes, I do announcements)
10:45am- I touch base with Jeremy at the conclusion of the service and rustle up a snack of some sort. Then I snag a coffee from the coffee shop to warm my chilly self. I must say, I LOVE wandering this converted warehouse I call my "second home. There are so many people and faces moving about doing whatever job here and there. This morning, both my kids are tailing me like little ducklings. My 13 year old was pining for, and received a Monster. (yes, bad mom) And, my 11 year old daughter patiently waited for a hot chocolate. (she was spacing out her sugar since we have complimentary doughnuts that she indulged in at the 9am service)
11:00am- The beginning of the 2nd service and a second round of announcements. A few more laughs this time. I am thinking the 11 o'clockers are more awake. And, the Nebraska in me wants everyone to smile and have fun so, suddenly, I am fulfilled.
11:30am- This is my time to return to one of my loves...families. I absolutely love random conversations, welcoming people and making kids smile. I think I consider it a challenge. (the making kids smile part afterall, I love to talk) So, during the 11am service I just walk, look, and talk. Today, I settled in the 1 year old room since I was determined to help a little boy, Hunter survive his separation anxiety. But, since I really don't know Hunter and he loves his mom and dad way more, I failed. But, Samantha ( on her first visit) conformed and fell asleep on my shoulder. Another mission accomplished.
1:00pm- I corral the family and figure out what is going to happen next. Apparently 2 kids are coming home with us and at the last minute a woman I have never met needs a ride home from church. Since it is not really out of my way, I send the kids with Jeremy and drive Becky home myself.
1:20pm- I serve leftover pizza for the kids and quick lunches for Jer and I. At this point, my 13 year old jokes at the cleanliness of the house. This is obviously sarcastic since a) he would never notice and b) there are dishes, pizza, salad, bags, and leftovers strewn about the kitchen. So, Jeremy takes Noah and the 2 extra boys to play a pick-up game of basketball and this translates into a perfect time to clean.
2:00pm- After tidying up, wiping down the bathroom, changing the laundry and vacuuming, I am on to my final task: swiffering the kitchen floor. As I am doing this, I notice little "kool-ade" spots on the floor. Oh my...Chewie, our toy poodle, is in heat. Crikey. Off to Petco for puppy diapers. Grace and I wander the aisles and I shoot down request after request for doggie dresses, turtles and hamsters.
3:30pm- The boys return from basketball and Jeremy and I retreat to our room to read and sort connection cards for the next hour.
4:30pm- My backyard is now occupied by 6 boys playing basketball. Since I actually feel responsible for at least 4 of them (per their parents' arrangements) I decide it is time for dinner. I am quite proud of my smorgasboard of food: chicken nuggets, fries, tater tots, carrots and dip, chips and salsa, goldfish, sliced apples and leftover pizza. And then...I made cookies! I am not even this good on my best day. The Suzy Homemaker angel was surely making a visit to my house.
5:00pm- At this point, I realize that my husband should be treated to a "real" dinner so, I throw chicken breast on the Foreman grill and steam some veggies. I must say, this easy, ready to micro, steaming veggies thing is pretty sweet. It makes me look like a pro.
6:00pm- Jeremy is off to church again and I clean up dinner.
6:26pm- At the last minute, a kid who a) has never been at our house but, b) just ate dinner with us and c) was apparently walking up the street when he heard noise and decided to stay for a while asks for a ride home. No problem really, thank God church is just around the corner.
6:30pm- I step into the sound booth for a quick hello to Jeremy and announce my arrival to our third service of the day.
6:55pm- Phew, I finished my final round of announcements. I am joking somewhat since my duty pales in comparison to Jeremy's commitment to delivering a concise "God heard" message form the Lord. But, somehow I do feel the personal need to extract a laugh or two and make a little small talk with a thousand or so people.
8:00pm- Home again, at last. It would seem to be a time to relax but, behold we are having 2 kids sleep over since it is a holiday. Yay! Thankfully they are 13 and very good kids. After a final round of food, Jeremy and I retreat to our room. Our home is a little under 1500 square feet so, our bedroom is our only quiet spot on a night like this.
The funny thing about a day like today is the push and pull of being overwhelmed and fulfilled. Yes, it would be nice to coast on through but, tackling the day and adjusting my perspective turns out to be much more joyful. As you can imagine I awoke to a bit more work with cinnamon rolls, turkey bacon, eggs and toast. But in the end, sitting in my semi-quiet room, I listen to my kids laughing with their friends and I figure it is all worth it.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A Valentine Wish for Dad: from Noah and Grace
Happy Valentines Day Dad!
We love you dad!!!
You always make us glad
You are so special to us
We know that you’re the one we can trust
You help build up our faith in God
And you’re pretty good at C.O.D.
Why we love you so much we will tell you why
You help us back up when we start to cry
You bless us with clothes, games, and love
Are you great? Amazing? Nope, all of the above
You are the best pastor but that’s not all
You are the greatest although you don’t answer all of our calls
We will love you infinity and beyond
For ever and ever and ever
We love you dad!!
We love you dad!!!
You always make us glad
You are so special to us
We know that you’re the one we can trust
You help build up our faith in God
And you’re pretty good at C.O.D.
Why we love you so much we will tell you why
You help us back up when we start to cry
You bless us with clothes, games, and love
Are you great? Amazing? Nope, all of the above
You are the best pastor but that’s not all
You are the greatest although you don’t answer all of our calls
We will love you infinity and beyond
For ever and ever and ever
We love you dad!!
A Valentine Wish for Mom: from Noah and Grace
Happy Valentines Day, Mom
We love you so much!
Thank you for everything you do and such
You are the best mom we could ever ask for!
Every day you make us love you more and more
We will love you forever and ever!
We will become mad at you never!
We love it when you smile
It makes everything you do worthwhile
Please believe us when we say
We love you now and forever more
So Happy Valentines Day!!
we love you mommy!!
We love you so much!
Thank you for everything you do and such
You are the best mom we could ever ask for!
Every day you make us love you more and more
We will love you forever and ever!
We will become mad at you never!
We love it when you smile
It makes everything you do worthwhile
Please believe us when we say
We love you now and forever more
So Happy Valentines Day!!
we love you mommy!!
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