I feel as if I don't always try hard to understand "the other guys". I'm quick to form an opinion, which is a form of judgment. I hate this about myself. I want to be a nice person, really I do. I want to be accepting of those whom God accepts. I really want to be able to sit and listen to other "forms" of worship and not feel all frustrated.
I love our service. It's work. I am not a spectator, but a participant. In other settings of worship experiences I have also been a participant. More so than the majority of people who are there. Because I sing, I have a privileged position, so to speak. This is not always easy. In fact, like many priests in Scripture who became so used to being a part of the "work" of the temple and became blasphemous, I too have been guilty of being so busy with working, that I don't have time or heart to truly worship. (No, I'm NOT condoning women in the position of authority!) Kind of like Mary and Martha. Except I really don't work as hard as Martha, bless her heart. I do
need to be more like Mary.
HB had to sing at another church to fulfill a part of her school "duty" on Sunday morning. Drives me nuts that kids would have to miss their own church services, but that's a whole 'nother story. Anyway, JM and I accompanied her. I was trying to be open-minded and open-hearted about it all. Poor JM kept asking me what "that" has to
do with God, etc. I told him to calm down and just listen. It would be alright.
Then, it happened. The children's minister proposed we sing a song. I couldn't believe my ears. Jeremiah was a bullfrog. Yep, not kidding. Right in the middle of the service. The point? To teach the kids about JOY. This was the theme for the day. I kept looking for lightning bolts, but nothing happened. I kind of wished I had had a buzzer for every time someone mentioned joy, or a shock collar!!!!!
We had a small responsive reading, sang a few 'real' hymns, and listened to the kids sing. Oh, Scripture was read, in another language. To be fair, it was printed and I just kept thinking, "Ok God, YOU know what they are saying." I would have had an easier time if it had been Latin. I know some of that! The whole sermon was about re-gifting Joy. There were a few, very few, scripture references. I don't remember the pastor quoting or reading any of them. He may have. Maybe my ears were just so full of joy I couldn't hear. The 2 questions asked of you at the pearly gates, were..."Did you have joy in your life?"....#2 "Did you bring joy to others?". I don't know, maybe it's just me and my judgmental attitude, but I had a hard time swallowing that one, especially after hearing more verses of Jeremiah than I knew existed.
If that is the kind of preaching this world is hearing, than no wonder...a lot of things. Yes, I'm a musical snob who doesn't like praise choruses in worship. I prefer songs about God's goodness, character, wrath, etc. instead of songs about me. But when the word of God is watered down and replaced with dribble and sentimentalism, I think someone has sold out.
Not to mention, I think next time I hear Jeremiah was a Bullfrog, I will not be able to enjoy the song for the silliness it provides. I just think it doesn't belong in worship.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Day After
Okay, okay. I can't stand it any longer. The silence, I mean. Lance has our home page set to automatically show my page.... last blog--- July. Pretty sad.
I think I got kind of busy there for a while. I was working at the restaurant still and was about to lose my firstborn to the rest of her life. Depressed, I guess.
No one tells you that when you sacrifice your own life for your child's life for 20 years, that said child will turn and BITE you. Okay, not quite. Okay, not at all. But for a stay-at-home Mom who has poured her own life into her children, it is a sad day, humanly speaking, when your child no longer needs you......as much...in the same way. I know, I know...GET OVER IT! We are supposed to raise our children to go and conquer the world. I had just hoped everyone else's would do that and I could keep mine with me! Selfish, but true.
Julia lives with my Mom and goes to JBU. It is wonderful. She's singing in the choir in which we gave many hours willingly. We're kind of singing vicariously through her. (She says she feels weird at times!) She's majoring in Art/Design. (She gets her talent from me) My Mom loves to have someone to take care of again since my Dad died 4 years ago. She told me recently, "Oh, I just love talking to Julia!" Again, I feel as I have overachieved a bit. I don't know, you expect to give your daughter away to a wonderful, godly young man who will love her more than you could possibly think about, but to my MOM???? Seriously, I am thankful for my Mom's willingness to house and feed Julia and to provide a home base for her since she's so far away from us. It just makes me want to go to college with her (and actually go to classes this time!) She loves school and seems to only lack for a church in which she truly feels comfortable.
Sometime, I'll write about our 10+ hour road trip to get her there. Let's just say that those dependable little bike racks attached to the back of one's car don't always hold. It did provide much comic relief in a potentially somber situation.
So, the day after. Sad. I have been exhausted as of late. I think I'm not over the time change. When the sun goes down early, I want to as well. Supper isn't done yet.
Anyway, I did not watch any of the results last night. I prayed, I voted and knew there was nothing left for me to do. I found out this morning, before breakfast what our lot is going to be. Some of my children, having heard from other "wise" adults, were a little mouthy about injustice, etc. It gave us some good things to talk about.
Children at school today were as frustrated as their parents had obviously been, as they faithfully repeated the sentiments expressed by their families. I just tried to assure them of where our hope truly lies...and I told them to buy guns while they still can. Okay, just kidding on that one. They are after all, only Kindergarteners and 3rd/5th graders. I can't help but think about the Israelites clamoring to God about their "need" of a King to be like other nations. God gave them a king alright. One that they deserved. And then He had mercy and gave them King David. Even this man after God's own heart ruled unfaithfully. We are not to trust in princes to save us. But, we shouldn't willingly bestow favor upon those who are known to hate God. So, my sadness comes in knowing that the King of the universe has given us what we need for His purpose in our lives, and that it doesn't resemble what we think it should. That so many so-called believers would jump on the band-wagon of someone who has expressed his beliefs which are so far from being acceptable to God. It makes me sad to realize that those who voted for Obama either: A. understand his agenda and history and are on board with it OR B. don't know their history, or refuse to see the ramifications of his agenda. With the public school agenda of dumbing down our generations until they can't think for themselves, we should not be surprised really, should we? With the re-written historical texts, hiding truth, can we really be shocked that we would welcome "change" in the name of socialism and what all that entails?
Okay, enough said. I didn't really mean to rant. I get pretty upset, obviously, by people "hiding their heads in the sand", instead of seeking out truth. Of what are we afraid?
Alrighty, I'm really going to bed now. The wine is beginning to take effect and I'm truly rambling.
May we, as King David, not seek to usurp God's anointed. Like it or not, God in His wisdom has given us a leader and we are to obey as we are able. Pray, as I will, that this will be a merciful wake-up call to our churches who water down the truths of God and seek to be palatable to men. We are called to worship our Lord in truth and Holiness. We are warriors, fighting not against flesh and blood, but against principalities.
I think I got kind of busy there for a while. I was working at the restaurant still and was about to lose my firstborn to the rest of her life. Depressed, I guess.
No one tells you that when you sacrifice your own life for your child's life for 20 years, that said child will turn and BITE you. Okay, not quite. Okay, not at all. But for a stay-at-home Mom who has poured her own life into her children, it is a sad day, humanly speaking, when your child no longer needs you......as much...in the same way. I know, I know...GET OVER IT! We are supposed to raise our children to go and conquer the world. I had just hoped everyone else's would do that and I could keep mine with me! Selfish, but true.
Julia lives with my Mom and goes to JBU. It is wonderful. She's singing in the choir in which we gave many hours willingly. We're kind of singing vicariously through her. (She says she feels weird at times!) She's majoring in Art/Design. (She gets her talent from me) My Mom loves to have someone to take care of again since my Dad died 4 years ago. She told me recently, "Oh, I just love talking to Julia!" Again, I feel as I have overachieved a bit. I don't know, you expect to give your daughter away to a wonderful, godly young man who will love her more than you could possibly think about, but to my MOM???? Seriously, I am thankful for my Mom's willingness to house and feed Julia and to provide a home base for her since she's so far away from us. It just makes me want to go to college with her (and actually go to classes this time!) She loves school and seems to only lack for a church in which she truly feels comfortable.
Sometime, I'll write about our 10+ hour road trip to get her there. Let's just say that those dependable little bike racks attached to the back of one's car don't always hold. It did provide much comic relief in a potentially somber situation.
So, the day after. Sad. I have been exhausted as of late. I think I'm not over the time change. When the sun goes down early, I want to as well. Supper isn't done yet.
Anyway, I did not watch any of the results last night. I prayed, I voted and knew there was nothing left for me to do. I found out this morning, before breakfast what our lot is going to be. Some of my children, having heard from other "wise" adults, were a little mouthy about injustice, etc. It gave us some good things to talk about.
Children at school today were as frustrated as their parents had obviously been, as they faithfully repeated the sentiments expressed by their families. I just tried to assure them of where our hope truly lies...and I told them to buy guns while they still can. Okay, just kidding on that one. They are after all, only Kindergarteners and 3rd/5th graders. I can't help but think about the Israelites clamoring to God about their "need" of a King to be like other nations. God gave them a king alright. One that they deserved. And then He had mercy and gave them King David. Even this man after God's own heart ruled unfaithfully. We are not to trust in princes to save us. But, we shouldn't willingly bestow favor upon those who are known to hate God. So, my sadness comes in knowing that the King of the universe has given us what we need for His purpose in our lives, and that it doesn't resemble what we think it should. That so many so-called believers would jump on the band-wagon of someone who has expressed his beliefs which are so far from being acceptable to God. It makes me sad to realize that those who voted for Obama either: A. understand his agenda and history and are on board with it OR B. don't know their history, or refuse to see the ramifications of his agenda. With the public school agenda of dumbing down our generations until they can't think for themselves, we should not be surprised really, should we? With the re-written historical texts, hiding truth, can we really be shocked that we would welcome "change" in the name of socialism and what all that entails?
Okay, enough said. I didn't really mean to rant. I get pretty upset, obviously, by people "hiding their heads in the sand", instead of seeking out truth. Of what are we afraid?
Alrighty, I'm really going to bed now. The wine is beginning to take effect and I'm truly rambling.
May we, as King David, not seek to usurp God's anointed. Like it or not, God in His wisdom has given us a leader and we are to obey as we are able. Pray, as I will, that this will be a merciful wake-up call to our churches who water down the truths of God and seek to be palatable to men. We are called to worship our Lord in truth and Holiness. We are warriors, fighting not against flesh and blood, but against principalities.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
An obedient wife ;-)
Well,
Lance says I have to post and being the submissive wife that I am, I shall.
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to blog about...really.
I had the day off today. That was exciting. I slept late, finished a book, and
researched cheaper ways to feed my family. Good luck with that, I know. Prices
are going up, and my boys are growing.
On a related note, we will have one less mouth to feed this year. Julia is headed
to JBU this fall. She'll live with my Mom, bless her heart, and attend our alma mater,
hopefully singing in the same choir in which we were lovingly involved. It's a great
school and an amazing opportunity for Julia. She deserves a new, exciting chapter in
her life. I don't know what I'll do without her. At times, she seems like the only
sane one around here!!! Seriously, I'm sure I'll be a basketcase for a while.
We've told her to make sure the first boy she brings home is expendable. (she's sure
Lance will kill him!!!!) I know he wouldn't. I think he can be pretty intimidating
to those who know him not. The rest of us know what a softie he is.
So, I think I'll attempt to make a menu, month by month, and have nights designated
by ethnicity. You know, Mexican, Cajun, Italian, Indian...... I'll let you know how
it goes. I'm sure David would like to make sure squash is not included on any of my
lists. (he's sure he will die upon eating any kind of squash)
Anyway, let me know if anyone has any ideas for fixing gourmet meals on a dime, so to
speak. I'll keep you posted on my little experiment. I'm planning on starting August 1st.
That's Friday...it'll have to be easy and quick. Lance and I play tag team with our jobs
on Fridays. hmmmmm....Pasta? Stir-fry? We'll see.
Lance says I have to post and being the submissive wife that I am, I shall.
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to blog about...really.
I had the day off today. That was exciting. I slept late, finished a book, and
researched cheaper ways to feed my family. Good luck with that, I know. Prices
are going up, and my boys are growing.
On a related note, we will have one less mouth to feed this year. Julia is headed
to JBU this fall. She'll live with my Mom, bless her heart, and attend our alma mater,
hopefully singing in the same choir in which we were lovingly involved. It's a great
school and an amazing opportunity for Julia. She deserves a new, exciting chapter in
her life. I don't know what I'll do without her. At times, she seems like the only
sane one around here!!! Seriously, I'm sure I'll be a basketcase for a while.
We've told her to make sure the first boy she brings home is expendable. (she's sure
Lance will kill him!!!!) I know he wouldn't. I think he can be pretty intimidating
to those who know him not. The rest of us know what a softie he is.
So, I think I'll attempt to make a menu, month by month, and have nights designated
by ethnicity. You know, Mexican, Cajun, Italian, Indian...... I'll let you know how
it goes. I'm sure David would like to make sure squash is not included on any of my
lists. (he's sure he will die upon eating any kind of squash)
Anyway, let me know if anyone has any ideas for fixing gourmet meals on a dime, so to
speak. I'll keep you posted on my little experiment. I'm planning on starting August 1st.
That's Friday...it'll have to be easy and quick. Lance and I play tag team with our jobs
on Fridays. hmmmmm....Pasta? Stir-fry? We'll see.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Rite of Passage
Well, our second child, Caleb, has reached 'adulthood'; or, he's still alive for his 18th birthday. As a 'rite of passage' father and son sat down to enjoy a first for each-a real cigar. Just a nice relaxing time, talking and puffing.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Pizza Hut, Here I Come
I'll begin my training as a Pizza Hut delivery driver tonight. This seemed like quite an easy transition t a second job until I was informed that pogonotrophy was not allowed.
Sooooo, here's the before
and here's the after.
BTW, HT to Sandra Brand and the Osceola Times for the timely word found in her 'Little Known Facts.'
Sooooo, here's the before
and here's the after.
BTW, HT to Sandra Brand and the Osceola Times for the timely word found in her 'Little Known Facts.'
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Meet me in St. Louis
Here are some pictures from Friday and from our Saturday morning trip to the Arch.
David and John Mark
Mom and Dad enjoying the St. Louis nightlife at Laclede's Landing.
Brett, Stacey, and Holly
All of the grandkids
David and Caleb for some perspective
The 'egg' for the 4 minute ride to the top of the arch.
David and John Mark
Mom and Dad enjoying the St. Louis nightlife at Laclede's Landing.
Brett, Stacey, and Holly
All of the grandkids
David and Caleb for some perspective
The 'egg' for the 4 minute ride to the top of the arch.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Renaissance Festival
This is the week for the Eminence Renaissance Festival. Julia and Hannah Beth spent Friday night (until 4:00 a.m.) making this dress for HB to wear to the festival. I'm sure we'll have more pics to post when Hannah returns home this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Happy Resurrection Day!
This was taken just moments before we hopped in the van for a 10 hour drive to visit family in NW Arkansas. We made it just fine; even got to see quite a snowstorm just west of St. Louis. Ah, spring break!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Hear ye! Hear ye!
For those looking for Patty's blog, her intrepid husband has deleted it accidentally and it appears there's no way to recover it. Pray that she forgives me soon.
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