This little boy has a big heart and loves his uncle! We are so glad to have this part of the family closer to see them more often.
Micah decided he would help me plan my menu.
Yesterday Josiah was Daddy's buddy all day. I think he missed him.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
home with good news
Yesterday Eric had his last heart test with good results. During the electrical study, the doctor was not able to recreate any arrhythmias, although his heart did go into atrial fibrillation (I think that's what they called it!) They shocked him back to a normal rhythm 3 times during the procedure and once before he came home. This morning Eric said he felt a bit "tingly" but that feeling is fading as the day goes on.
What we now understand is that Eric's heart paces at a faster rate than a normal heart. That means that under stress, it may jump up to a higher rhythm. This is a benign condition and something he was probably born with. He is on a 30 day heart monitor to watch for further symptoms and help determine if medication is warranted.
We are grateful for the Lord's kind and gracious answer to many prayers on our behalf!!
What we now understand is that Eric's heart paces at a faster rate than a normal heart. That means that under stress, it may jump up to a higher rhythm. This is a benign condition and something he was probably born with. He is on a 30 day heart monitor to watch for further symptoms and help determine if medication is warranted.
We are grateful for the Lord's kind and gracious answer to many prayers on our behalf!!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
the heart of the matter
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Cor. 4:7
On Thursday morning my husband Eric woke me up after his shower to tell me he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be going in to work. He had uncharacteristic heartburn symptoms, felt clammy, and said he felt like his heart was racing. Not willing to take any chances, I urged him to let me take him to the emergency room.
We both hoped we were overreacting and expected all tests to come back negative. That is how things went, until Eric got on the treadmill for the stress test. When his heart rate hit 170, they told him he was done. However, he passed the echo with flying colors--it showed no signs of blockages.
The rest of the day was spent waiting...for the cardiologist to talk to us, then for an angiogram. As I sat alone in the waiting room while Eric was having his angiogram at 5:00 in the evening, praying and reading my Bible, I came across Psalm 17:3, "Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing." Thinking back to the stress echo that had been clear, I felt this was God's assurance that they would not find any blockages. (There is great spiritual significance to this verse, but that is another post!) My family arrived around 5:15 and the doctor met us at 5:20 to give us the news that they had found no blockages and no signs of heart disease.
Yesterday we spoke with the electrophysiologist. There are a couple of benign (not life-threatening) conditions he has his eye on, but until they do an electrical study we won't know exactly what is going on. It was noon on Friday before he was able to see Eric, and said with regret he just would not be able to study him until Monday. He is scheduled for Monday morning at 8:00. We are home from the hospital for the weekend!!
What it comes down to is this: Eric's "plumbing" is great but something "electrical" is malfunctioning. His life is not in danger due to the malfunction, but if it continues he could eventually experience dizziness or even pass out. The hope is that on Monday they can recreate what happened on the treadmill, see what is causing it, and cauterize those heart cells, so to speak. It is not a procedure without risks, but when you are dealing with the heart, what is? His chance of something going wrong is less than 2%.
So, we humbly ask for prayers for Eric on Monday. We are grateful that he is not facing heart disease at 42, and leaning on the Lord with everything we have. He is our Rock, and we know whatever happens we are always in the care of the kindness of Him who saves. Times like this are a reminder that our bodies are just earthen vessels, and when they are cracked it is our hope that the sustaining power of Jesus will shine through.
On Thursday morning my husband Eric woke me up after his shower to tell me he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be going in to work. He had uncharacteristic heartburn symptoms, felt clammy, and said he felt like his heart was racing. Not willing to take any chances, I urged him to let me take him to the emergency room.
We both hoped we were overreacting and expected all tests to come back negative. That is how things went, until Eric got on the treadmill for the stress test. When his heart rate hit 170, they told him he was done. However, he passed the echo with flying colors--it showed no signs of blockages.
The rest of the day was spent waiting...for the cardiologist to talk to us, then for an angiogram. As I sat alone in the waiting room while Eric was having his angiogram at 5:00 in the evening, praying and reading my Bible, I came across Psalm 17:3, "Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing." Thinking back to the stress echo that had been clear, I felt this was God's assurance that they would not find any blockages. (There is great spiritual significance to this verse, but that is another post!) My family arrived around 5:15 and the doctor met us at 5:20 to give us the news that they had found no blockages and no signs of heart disease.
Yesterday we spoke with the electrophysiologist. There are a couple of benign (not life-threatening) conditions he has his eye on, but until they do an electrical study we won't know exactly what is going on. It was noon on Friday before he was able to see Eric, and said with regret he just would not be able to study him until Monday. He is scheduled for Monday morning at 8:00. We are home from the hospital for the weekend!!
What it comes down to is this: Eric's "plumbing" is great but something "electrical" is malfunctioning. His life is not in danger due to the malfunction, but if it continues he could eventually experience dizziness or even pass out. The hope is that on Monday they can recreate what happened on the treadmill, see what is causing it, and cauterize those heart cells, so to speak. It is not a procedure without risks, but when you are dealing with the heart, what is? His chance of something going wrong is less than 2%.
So, we humbly ask for prayers for Eric on Monday. We are grateful that he is not facing heart disease at 42, and leaning on the Lord with everything we have. He is our Rock, and we know whatever happens we are always in the care of the kindness of Him who saves. Times like this are a reminder that our bodies are just earthen vessels, and when they are cracked it is our hope that the sustaining power of Jesus will shine through.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
learning to write
Teaching children how to write well can be an intimidating task. However, curriculum from the Institute for Excellence in Writing has helped us walk through this process together with relative ease. It has been gratifying to watch both of my children develop as writers. This was not a strength for either of them, partly because they had not yet been taught how to do it well. Once again, it is fun to read what two very different children will do with the same assignment (see below).
Next year, we may add this component and work through the curriculum again. The goal this year for one child in particular was to learn how to write paragraphs and stay on subject. Advanced dress ups, sentence openers, and decorations will come more easily once this skill has been practiced. Now, if I could just carve some time into my schedule to practice these skills, perhaps my writing would improve, too! Otherwise, my oldest son is going to quickly pass me by in this area, although I suppose it's inevitable no matter what I do.
We got Eddie our dog at the Humane Society. It was definitely a happy day, as exciting as Christmas because he’s a great dog. Eddie is exciting, sleepy, and playful. Dad picked him up so he could come home.
He sleeps all the time. He looks peacefully at me because he is getting sleepy. His beautiful nose twitches. He spies to see if anyone’s around. Then his eyes get heavy. Then he who drops off to sleep looks cute.
Eddie can get over excited sometimes. He enjoys when people come through the door because he loves people. If he loves the person who walks through the door he will jump on them. He will get too excited. Then he will trot until he is worn out.
He will play slyly with me, most of the time. I will seize him, and then if he is agreeable, he will sit down on my lap. Eddie who does this with excitement will get of my lap soon. I enjoy playing with him. The best spot is on the swings outside. Then he will go to sleep by me on the couch because he is tired.
He sleeps, gets excited and plays. If he is sick we enjoy another visit to the doctor. He’s my friendly buddy; sadly he can’t view things too well because he’s blind. Eddie, who is the best dog I could ever have, lies in the sun. He’s truly my buddy and friend.
One February morning, Eddie came to live in the…slightly strange Rhodes’ house. We obtained this hyperexcitedohboyohboyletmejumponyou! canine from the Humane Society. The reason I (without consulting family members) added the middle name “Quirky” to his name (in the title) originates from three areas of his life. The area that should be addressed first: Eddie thinks he is a cat. Next area: he has a weird diet. Finally, I have meshed various…ah…behaviors into the third area.
Now, when I say Eddie thinks he is a cat, I obviously don’t mean all the time. Regarding some unnatural lifestyles, however, it does appear to be most of the time. Typically, when he wants to be pet, - which is often - he will jump on someone’s lap. Eddie is usually allowed to stay there because he isn’t very large. Purring with delight, he settles down for a massage. Yes, I did say purring. It’s really more like heavy breathing, like he’s trying to purr, but he only does it when he is content. Like a cat, his favorite activity is sleeping. Eddie loves lying in the sun, a feline habit. Sneakily, without permission, he will get into the cat’s room and eat cat food! I just hope the end result isn’t like a sick cat!
Eddie’s diet is also undoubtedly unusual. He delights in consuming fruits, especially ripe bananas. That dog likes cat food, which I mentioned above. Jumping on the table, (while we are absent) Eddie will eat any food we carelessly left on it. Similarly, he will raid the trash cans for any tossed-out goodies. Despite this feasting, we still let him eat food that has fallen on the floor. And, of course, Eddie has to have his scrumptious dog food!
Additionally, Eddie has other quirks. Being blind means he careens into things, because he can’t see them (it’s pretty hilarious, but the poor dog’s head must hurt!). Because of his love of people, he pines when we leave. Part of his excitement routine consists of the “Doggy Dance”, which is when he lies down, sticks his legs in the air, and rapidly wriggles from side to side. Eddie perks up his oversized ears at the word “treat”, even if it is used in a bigger word, like "retreat." When he is spooked, (like if he sees his reflection) he will “werf” at it. Eddie hates thunder and will pant, pace, whine, and tremble if he hears it. The only way I can describe this quirky dog is a Rhodes-invented word: ripricky (rip-ric-ee).
Concerning these traits of strange diet, behaviors, and view of self as cat, Eddie is the weirdest creature we’ve had so far. But aside from his quirks, Eddie is as friendly as dogs get (Down, boy!) Still, he’s too strange to take “Quirky” out of his name!
Next year, we may add this component and work through the curriculum again. The goal this year for one child in particular was to learn how to write paragraphs and stay on subject. Advanced dress ups, sentence openers, and decorations will come more easily once this skill has been practiced. Now, if I could just carve some time into my schedule to practice these skills, perhaps my writing would improve, too! Otherwise, my oldest son is going to quickly pass me by in this area, although I suppose it's inevitable no matter what I do.
My Buddy
by Rachel
We got Eddie our dog at the Humane Society. It was definitely a happy day, as exciting as Christmas because he’s a great dog. Eddie is exciting, sleepy, and playful. Dad picked him up so he could come home.
He sleeps all the time. He looks peacefully at me because he is getting sleepy. His beautiful nose twitches. He spies to see if anyone’s around. Then his eyes get heavy. Then he who drops off to sleep looks cute.
Eddie can get over excited sometimes. He enjoys when people come through the door because he loves people. If he loves the person who walks through the door he will jump on them. He will get too excited. Then he will trot until he is worn out.
He will play slyly with me, most of the time. I will seize him, and then if he is agreeable, he will sit down on my lap. Eddie who does this with excitement will get of my lap soon. I enjoy playing with him. The best spot is on the swings outside. Then he will go to sleep by me on the couch because he is tired.
He sleeps, gets excited and plays. If he is sick we enjoy another visit to the doctor. He’s my friendly buddy; sadly he can’t view things too well because he’s blind. Eddie, who is the best dog I could ever have, lies in the sun. He’s truly my buddy and friend.
Eddie “Quirky” Rhodes
By Micah
One February morning, Eddie came to live in the…slightly strange Rhodes’ house. We obtained this hyperexcitedohboyohboyletmejumponyou! canine from the Humane Society. The reason I (without consulting family members) added the middle name “Quirky” to his name (in the title) originates from three areas of his life. The area that should be addressed first: Eddie thinks he is a cat. Next area: he has a weird diet. Finally, I have meshed various…ah…behaviors into the third area.
Now, when I say Eddie thinks he is a cat, I obviously don’t mean all the time. Regarding some unnatural lifestyles, however, it does appear to be most of the time. Typically, when he wants to be pet, - which is often - he will jump on someone’s lap. Eddie is usually allowed to stay there because he isn’t very large. Purring with delight, he settles down for a massage. Yes, I did say purring. It’s really more like heavy breathing, like he’s trying to purr, but he only does it when he is content. Like a cat, his favorite activity is sleeping. Eddie loves lying in the sun, a feline habit. Sneakily, without permission, he will get into the cat’s room and eat cat food! I just hope the end result isn’t like a sick cat!
Eddie’s diet is also undoubtedly unusual. He delights in consuming fruits, especially ripe bananas. That dog likes cat food, which I mentioned above. Jumping on the table, (while we are absent) Eddie will eat any food we carelessly left on it. Similarly, he will raid the trash cans for any tossed-out goodies. Despite this feasting, we still let him eat food that has fallen on the floor. And, of course, Eddie has to have his scrumptious dog food!
Additionally, Eddie has other quirks. Being blind means he careens into things, because he can’t see them (it’s pretty hilarious, but the poor dog’s head must hurt!). Because of his love of people, he pines when we leave. Part of his excitement routine consists of the “Doggy Dance”, which is when he lies down, sticks his legs in the air, and rapidly wriggles from side to side. Eddie perks up his oversized ears at the word “treat”, even if it is used in a bigger word, like "retreat." When he is spooked, (like if he sees his reflection) he will “werf” at it. Eddie hates thunder and will pant, pace, whine, and tremble if he hears it. The only way I can describe this quirky dog is a Rhodes-invented word: ripricky (rip-ric-ee).
Concerning these traits of strange diet, behaviors, and view of self as cat, Eddie is the weirdest creature we’ve had so far. But aside from his quirks, Eddie is as friendly as dogs get (Down, boy!) Still, he’s too strange to take “Quirky” out of his name!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
blessings in the mail...
When proposing that Rachel exchange Valentine's with a far-away friend, we never imagined she would be the recipient of so much love and hard work. Thanks, E!! You (and your friends) really made Rachel smile today.
Friday, February 17, 2012
life in pictures
This is such a glimpse of daily living...trying to help Josiah face tasks that seem overwhelming at first glance without him breaking down and giving up. He did end up putting this puzzle together, all by himself. His smile of accomplishment made it worth it!!
With gluten out of the picture, it has been easier for us to spot lingering food issues, especially with corn derivatives. Most powdered sugar is made with cornstarch, an ingredient we have found really inhibits Josiah's impulse control. We found a way around it, thanks to help from some other Feingold friends who helped me brainstorm. Grind up regular sugar in the food processor and proceed as usual!!
There is a reason why he loves cooking SO MUCH: taste tests.
A boy and his dog...I was asked to please take this picture.
I think this was a self-portrait? Rachel has lost all but one of her baby teeth. I have a sinking feeling we will soon have two children in braces.
The boys like to act out "I love to laugh" from Mary Poppins. Josiah is supposed to laugh so hard he rises into the air... It is so much fun to have boys almost 8 years apart and see them enjoy each other.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
rescue from a dead end road
Like it or not, the world we live in is interconnected more than ever before. I grew up on a farm in small town America, and remember encountering one student at our small school who was from another race. Moving on to college brought my first experience interacting with and living beside people from all over the world. (It helped that I lived in International House.) Now, a trip to the mall may mean brushing shoulders with people who have come here from the other side of the world. My husband has sat and worked between a Muslim and a Hindu. If we haven't thought deeply about matters of faith yet, most certainly we will need to do so in the days to come.
In the name of tolerance for other peoples and ideas, there are a couple of statements that have gained favor in our culture, and Green addresses these in chapters 2 and 3 of his book, But Don't All Religions Lead to God. The first is, "All religions are pretty much the same." Mahatma Gandhi sought to unify India's people of many differing religions with thoughts along these lines. "The soul of religion is one, but it is encased in a multitude of forms." We have probably heard the story of the elephant. One can feel his tail, another his trunk, and each describes what seems to be a conflicting part of something bigger. We assume that is how religion is expressed: we are all describing something about God, even if it is expressed in different ways.
The problem with this argument is that religions all describe something that is quite different and these ideas cannot be recast into anything that will unify. Even a cursory examination of the major religions will show opposing views of what God is like. Buddhism is a religion without God and without an afterlife. Hindus do not believe in a personal god yet worship many deities. Muslims believe in an impersonal God (Allah) who reveals only his will and never himself. To claim a personal relationship with Allah is blasphemy to a Muslim. Christianity proclaims an all-knowing God who desires relationship with man.
What God is like is one essential element of religion, and it appears that there is not agreement on that between the major religions of the world. But there is also not agreement on the goal of religion. Buddhists hope to achieve nirvana, which is not heaven but extinction of self. Hindus hope for nirvana as well, a final union with the Absolute. Muslims look forward to a paradise of wine, women, and song. Christians hope to "know God and enjoy him forever in the company of his redeemed people." (Green, p. 15) If there is not agreement on the essentials of religion, how can we say that religions are all pretty much the same?
The second argument often heard in the marketplace of ideas is that all religions lead to God. The fact is, many religions don't even have God as their goal. There are religions that seek to appease the spirit world, those that demand total allegiance to rulers and their ways of thinking (like Stalin, Hitler, and communist ideas), and religions that promote self-renunciation. There are others that celebrate fertility and worship sex, those that celebrate self-improvement, and those which were started as ideas by dynamic leaders who quickly gained a following. There are only two religions in the world that teach a personal God who can be known by those who believe in Him: Judaism and Christianity. Not all religions lead to God.
In fact, it is in the belief that "all religions lead to God" we find the human argument about religion completely breaks down when examined in the light of Christianity. The Bible teaches not only that not all religions lead to God, but that relationship with God is not possible unless He first comes to us. As Greene states: "If there is a God at all, He must be the source both of humankind and our environment. The prophet Isaiah asks, 'Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told to you from the beginning? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers...the nations are like a drop from a bucket, like dust on the scales.' (Isaiah 40:21, 22, 15)" How can we climb to a place where we can know a God like that?
The sobering fact is, we can't. The amazing reality is that God has come to us, first by revelation of His promises and character to a small rag-tag nation called Israel, and then by coming to us Himself through the person of His own Son, Jesus Christ. If it hadn't been for God's own intervention, not one of us could make it to Him.
There are no religions that lead to God, but He has come that we might know Him. "The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14).
In the name of tolerance for other peoples and ideas, there are a couple of statements that have gained favor in our culture, and Green addresses these in chapters 2 and 3 of his book, But Don't All Religions Lead to God. The first is, "All religions are pretty much the same." Mahatma Gandhi sought to unify India's people of many differing religions with thoughts along these lines. "The soul of religion is one, but it is encased in a multitude of forms." We have probably heard the story of the elephant. One can feel his tail, another his trunk, and each describes what seems to be a conflicting part of something bigger. We assume that is how religion is expressed: we are all describing something about God, even if it is expressed in different ways.
The problem with this argument is that religions all describe something that is quite different and these ideas cannot be recast into anything that will unify. Even a cursory examination of the major religions will show opposing views of what God is like. Buddhism is a religion without God and without an afterlife. Hindus do not believe in a personal god yet worship many deities. Muslims believe in an impersonal God (Allah) who reveals only his will and never himself. To claim a personal relationship with Allah is blasphemy to a Muslim. Christianity proclaims an all-knowing God who desires relationship with man.
What God is like is one essential element of religion, and it appears that there is not agreement on that between the major religions of the world. But there is also not agreement on the goal of religion. Buddhists hope to achieve nirvana, which is not heaven but extinction of self. Hindus hope for nirvana as well, a final union with the Absolute. Muslims look forward to a paradise of wine, women, and song. Christians hope to "know God and enjoy him forever in the company of his redeemed people." (Green, p. 15) If there is not agreement on the essentials of religion, how can we say that religions are all pretty much the same?
The second argument often heard in the marketplace of ideas is that all religions lead to God. The fact is, many religions don't even have God as their goal. There are religions that seek to appease the spirit world, those that demand total allegiance to rulers and their ways of thinking (like Stalin, Hitler, and communist ideas), and religions that promote self-renunciation. There are others that celebrate fertility and worship sex, those that celebrate self-improvement, and those which were started as ideas by dynamic leaders who quickly gained a following. There are only two religions in the world that teach a personal God who can be known by those who believe in Him: Judaism and Christianity. Not all religions lead to God.
In fact, it is in the belief that "all religions lead to God" we find the human argument about religion completely breaks down when examined in the light of Christianity. The Bible teaches not only that not all religions lead to God, but that relationship with God is not possible unless He first comes to us. As Greene states: "If there is a God at all, He must be the source both of humankind and our environment. The prophet Isaiah asks, 'Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told to you from the beginning? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers...the nations are like a drop from a bucket, like dust on the scales.' (Isaiah 40:21, 22, 15)" How can we climb to a place where we can know a God like that?
The sobering fact is, we can't. The amazing reality is that God has come to us, first by revelation of His promises and character to a small rag-tag nation called Israel, and then by coming to us Himself through the person of His own Son, Jesus Christ. If it hadn't been for God's own intervention, not one of us could make it to Him.
There are no religions that lead to God, but He has come that we might know Him. "The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14).
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
sincerity is not enough
In our exploration of the Eastern Hemisphere, we have seen all kinds of people who believe all sorts of things. Hindus, Buddhists, animists, ancestor worship, appeasing household gods, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians: their ideas and way of life have peppered each book we have read. It came as no surprise when my daughter recently asked me at bedtime, "Mom, how do we know Christianity is the right religion?"
I love the way Rachel's heart was prepared for our next book, But Don't All Religions Lead to God? by Michael Green. In this short, easy-to-read book the author examines the questions common to our culture about faith issues. Many in America today promote tolerance and acceptance of all religions. I thought I would summarize the things we are learning here, because Rachel's question, or one like it, "What IS the right religion?" is one we all must wrestle with at some point if we are going to be serious about the pursuit of truth in matters of faith.
Micah did an excellent job summarizing the first chapter, so I will let his words speak here.
The world says, "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere." That doesn't work. Sincerity is good, but not enough. You can be sincere but still be very wrong. People nowadays aren't known for philosophical thinking. We don't like to think about "life and death" issues, so we just pick a religion, be sincere, and hope we get to heaven. What if you were sincere, but wrong? We would not apply the sincerity question to science or math, so why apply it to religion? Belief is the spring of action, so right belief leads to right action.
I can sincerely believe that 2+2=5, but I am sincerely wrong. Hitler sincerely believed that exterminating Jews was necessary for a better world, but he was sincerely wrong. We are quick to spot error in examples like this, but are we willing to pursue truth to its end and bank our eternal destiny on an answer that may not even make sense, let alone be right?
Have you encountered this thinking, that it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere? If this statement is incorrect, then the conclusion that follows is that what we believe matters very much. More on that to come!
I love the way Rachel's heart was prepared for our next book, But Don't All Religions Lead to God? by Michael Green. In this short, easy-to-read book the author examines the questions common to our culture about faith issues. Many in America today promote tolerance and acceptance of all religions. I thought I would summarize the things we are learning here, because Rachel's question, or one like it, "What IS the right religion?" is one we all must wrestle with at some point if we are going to be serious about the pursuit of truth in matters of faith.
Micah did an excellent job summarizing the first chapter, so I will let his words speak here.
The world says, "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere." That doesn't work. Sincerity is good, but not enough. You can be sincere but still be very wrong. People nowadays aren't known for philosophical thinking. We don't like to think about "life and death" issues, so we just pick a religion, be sincere, and hope we get to heaven. What if you were sincere, but wrong? We would not apply the sincerity question to science or math, so why apply it to religion? Belief is the spring of action, so right belief leads to right action.
I can sincerely believe that 2+2=5, but I am sincerely wrong. Hitler sincerely believed that exterminating Jews was necessary for a better world, but he was sincerely wrong. We are quick to spot error in examples like this, but are we willing to pursue truth to its end and bank our eternal destiny on an answer that may not even make sense, let alone be right?
Have you encountered this thinking, that it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere? If this statement is incorrect, then the conclusion that follows is that what we believe matters very much. More on that to come!
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY, February 3, 2012
Outside my window...it is 52 degrees again!! I am excited to think about spring but we've barely had winter. The kids are out on the swing set with no coats. Yesterday we just laughed at the groundhog's prediction of a longer winter.
I am thinking...a lot more about the persecuted church these days. Our study of the Eastern Hemisphere has transported us to places and people that we barely knew existed knew a few months ago. For our study of Vietnam, we watched a video produced by Voice of the Martyrs about 8 teens who visited the underground church there. It is riveting, and has me thinking about our brothers and sisters in hostile nations more than ever. And I've finally reached the point I can read their newsletters--it was so disturbing to me at one time I could barely bring myself to open the envelopes. Now I can't wait to hear the latest stories; what an encouragement they are to my faith.
I am thankful...for a country where we are free to worship without fear of harassment by authorities.
In the kitchen...we tried the gluten free experiment and made it a whole 2 weeks!! (I know that a real test should take 3-6 months, but at least this was a start.) The outcome: I found that my heartburn was virtually gone. Eric felt a little more tired and felt like he had some brain fog after eating it again. However, work has been stressful for him so he's not sure if it wasn't just the way life is right now. The biggest help to me was the intensive training on cooking and buying food for Josiah. I think we will continue to avoid gluten much of the time--it makes cooking for Josiah easier. However, we're not completely cutting it out if that's not necessary for the rest of us.
I am wearing...slippers with non-slip soles. About this time last year I broke my thumb while slipping my way down the stairs. I thought that perhaps spending a little more for these was better than the money we had to spend on X-rays and physical therapy.
I am creating...not much at the moment. Our good health broke this week and I've spent most of it trying to quit coughing. Not much energy left for other things!
I am reading...more Sonlight books! Last night I finished Ali and the Golden Eagle. It was a magnificent book in many ways, but thought provoking to think about how western culture is arriving at the doorstep of people who have done things the same way for centuries and are quite content with their way of life. What does materialism do to cultures like that? What has it done to us, for that matter?
I am hoping...that the changes I've seen in my eldest son are going to stick and keep coming. It's quite an adventure of grace watching him grow into a young man.
I am looking forward to...March and empty weekends. To fill them up, of course.
I am learning...to listen for the still small voice of God even in the midst of busyness. Genesis says Enoch walked with God after he had many children, so it must be possible!! It helps when I am immersed in His word and pondering what it means, looking for ways to put it into practice in daily living. Sometimes it thunders the loudest at night when all other voices have gone to sleep. "I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me." (Ps. 16:7)
Around the house...there are places where I'm trying to remember what the floor looks like. I find it to vacuum, only to have it disappear again. Am I the only person with this problem?
From the learning rooms...what really thrills me in homeschooling my children this year is when I give them an assignment and then see them do above and beyond what I have asked because they are so interested in the subject matter. We are at a time in the year where I am seeing many improvements, and it is so very rewarding.
I am pondering...a summer ministry opportunity for my oldest. He is ready to give his summer to serving the Lord, and I'm feeling the pull of a little boy suddenly growing up, knowing this is just the beginning. But would I really rather he stay home and play Wii all summer, or do something that has eternal significance?
A favorite quote for today..."For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." (1 Corinthians 4:20) It's one thing to say I believe certain things, another to really live by them.
One of my favorite things...is my almost 15 year old cat. She is such a sweet little creature, ready with a purr whenever I stop long enough to pet her. She spends most of her days camped out on our bed, and she seems to be enjoying her golden years.
A few plans for the rest of the week: a tumbling class for Josiah and cheerleading for Rachel, followed the next day by a birthday party for 2 nieces. I really should be grading papers right now.
A peek into my day...my kids have taken to building tents for the dog, who doesn't seem to mind.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
passion according to Paul
There are a few key things I am passionate about, and they most likely show up here on my blog pretty often. I have a passion to raise godly children in a loving family, to help them each discover and develop according to their own unique God-design; a passion for good food as a means to good health (physical and emotional), and a passion to spend time daily with God to know His word and grow in relationship with Him.
But sometimes, my passions get out of balance.
Reading Acts 20:24 this week spoke deeply to this:
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (NLT, which I am really loving right now!)
I am off balance if I focus mostly on my family, diet, or even mostly on my own personal relationship with God. We know Christ that we may make Him known. The gospel is news that is too good to be kept to ourselves. Around us is a world that is crumbling under the weight of sin and people need to know there is a rescue. God's sheep will hear His voice as His truth is made known to the world, and many will be saved.
I'm thankful Paul reminded me.
But sometimes, my passions get out of balance.
Reading Acts 20:24 this week spoke deeply to this:
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (NLT, which I am really loving right now!)
I am off balance if I focus mostly on my family, diet, or even mostly on my own personal relationship with God. We know Christ that we may make Him known. The gospel is news that is too good to be kept to ourselves. Around us is a world that is crumbling under the weight of sin and people need to know there is a rescue. God's sheep will hear His voice as His truth is made known to the world, and many will be saved.
I'm thankful Paul reminded me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)