My Blah Blah Blog

So much theology in this picture...

2011-09-15T10:47:00.001-07:00

Turn Old Bread into Breakfast

2011-01-22T05:02:00.000-08:00

Do you have leftover french or italian bread from dinner last night (or even the night before that)? ...And you can't serve it as a side of bread anymore, because it's a little too hard? Turn it into a FABULOUSLY EASY BREAKFAST! I just did last night and it is in the oven now. (And I just read online that you can freeze this and bake it later).

Do Ahead French Toast
Ingredients:
1/2 C. margarine or butter
1 C. dark brown sugar, packed (I'm sure regular brown sugar would do the trick)
1 loaf unsliced French bread (ends removed)
6 large eggs
1.5 C. milk
1 tsp. vanilla.
powdered sugar and/or syrup

Directions:
1. Melt margarine
2. Add brown sugar and cook until syrupy (microwave about 45+ seconds)
3. Pour into 9x13 casserole dish
4. Slice bread into 1" thick slices
5. Place bread on top of mixture in pan
6. Beat eggs, milk and vanilla and pour over bread slices
7. Cover dish and refridgerate overnight (or freeze for later)
8. (Defrost in fridge if frozen) uncover and bake at 350 for 45 minutes
9. Sift powdered sugar over top when ready and serve with syrup if desired

We are Dust

2011-01-19T20:05:00.000-08:00

As a father has compassion on his children,

So the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:13-14

Reading Psalm 103 recently, this part stuck out to me. It made me think about my kids. Sometimes we can can be hard on our kids, frustrated with them and momentarily wishing we were somewhere else... like a beach... without them. After reading this Psalm, I was reminded that my kids are just beginning to form and to shape into "big people." Really, when you think about it, most of these kids we get frustrated with, have only been on the earth 300-3000 days.... TOTAL. That is not much time for experience. Part of that time, they spent lying on their backs or in someones arms, or crawling around on the floor finding pieces of lint you didn't know existed. So, when my 2 year old STILL spills water every time he fills his cup, or my 6 year old forgets to wash her hands after using the restroom, or my 9 year old can't seem to sit still at times, let me remember that Jesus has compassion on me, remembering how I was formed and that I am dust. And let me have compassion on these little ones, remembering that they are very much still learning even the basics of life... and that their lives thus far can still be numbered by a few thousand days or even a few hundred days (now go calculate your age and experience).

Details, details

2010-05-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

My kids (one in particular) often badger me with questions regarding whatever it is that we are getting ready to do. If we are going somewhere, they ask questions such as, "How long will it take to get there? What is it like there? Have you been there before? How long are we going to stay there? Can I push Jane's stroller while we are there? Is there a bathroom? Will we get a snack? Who else will be there?" And on and on it goes. Often times, Jack or I will say, "Trust us. We've got it under control and all figured out. Let's get going!" Today, I was thinking, "Why do you have to know everything? Can you just go experience what we are getting ready to do (today it was errands to Sally's Beauty Supply, the Carwash and the County Extension office regarding our lovely ant friends)? WHY DO YOU HAVE TO KNOW EVERY LITTLE DETAIL AHEAD OF TIME??? I have thoroughly thought through and planned this day-- let's go already!

And then it hit me like a ton of bricks...

This is what I do to my Lord and Savior... often. The Creator of this world I live in, the Good Shepherd, the only One who is truly trustworthy in this world-- and yet, I think I need to be let in on all of the details. When this thought came to my mind today, I just stood there. I'm still reflecting on this little analogy God saw fit to send my way. It reminds me of a book I read a few years ago, "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?" by Angela Thomas. One of the main themes of the book is regarding trusting Jesus. She likens our life with Him as a dance. He is the lead partner and His arms are wrapped around each of us. He knows the steps to the dance. All you have to do is look in His face, rest in His arms and He has the rest taken care of. Even when it seems scary-- you are spinning or dipping, He's got you. Another book I read recently, "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret" has a similar theme of what resting in Jesus looks like.

Isaiah 55:9
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Ephesians 4:6
...one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice

2009-10-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

I Samuel 15:22 says: But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (Heed means to pay careful attention to).

My kids were memorizing this passage for something. It was a verse that honestly didn't make a whole lot of sense to me in the past, but this time the words started penetrating my heart. God has something to teach me about this.

Life seems to just get busier. The work to keep up is a huge task. Most days I think of how I should have helped my mom more, and how much I took for granted all that she did for us each day. I often think about how the "maintenance" of life is enough to keep a woman busy 24 hours a day-- when in the world do we have time to move forward? You know how you keep doing something a certain way, because you just don't have time to stop and redo your system to make it better? Survival mode, I'll call it.

God has had a bit to say to my heart about all of this. I love how He says that to obey is better than sacrifice. So, it's not wrong to sacrifice, but to obey is the better choice! So, the things I am doing to sacrifice, or the things I give up can definitely be good things. But He wants obedience first. Let me give you a few of examples in my life:

SACRIFICE #1: I will work like a dog to keep my house picked up/clean.
GOD'S COMMAND: (Philippians 4:5) Let your gentleness be evident to all.
CONCLUSION: Being frustrated with my family, because the house is a mess or having unkind words towards my children in order to get the house the way I want it is putting sacrifice over obedience. By the way, while having a picked up and clean house is a good thing, God does not command it.

SACRIFICE #2: I will work to remove Mt. Everest from my kitchen sink while my family enjoys an episode of Little House on the Prairie.
GOD'S COMMAND: (Eph. 4:31) Get rid of all bitterness
CONCLUSION: I have two choices here. I can change my attitude (the attitude that says, "Will I ever get a break? How in the world can they feel the freedom to relax on the couch when there is work to be done!!!) and continue to wash the dishes. Or, I can go watch Little House on the Prairie with my family and leave a pile of dishes in the kitchen sink for an hour. God does not command an empty sink at all times, but he does command me to get rid of all bitterness.

SACRIFICE #3: I will make a glorious meal in the crockpot that will take me an hour to prepare in the morning. I have to get this meal going, so I am going to have to skip spending time with the Lord this morning.
GOD'S COMMAND: (John 15:4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
CONCLUSION: I can get up an hour earlier to prepare my meal, or I can choose to make something simpler like grilled cheese and tomato soup or even.... a frozen pizza! God does not call me to make glorious meals, but He does call me to abide in Him.

There are many more examples I could give, but you probably get the point. Anyway... I just thought I would share what has been rolling around in my brain and heart for awhile.

Andi

Before the Throne of God

2009-07-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Charles & Joan (and their 7 sons)

My dear neighbor and friend, Joan, died Saturday. Her husband died just a year and a half ago. They had seven boys in seven years (5 boys and then a set of twin boys). They loved Jesus and served Him joyfully. They were both such a great encouragement to our family-- if even just for the fact that they raised seven kids so close together and never had a cross word to say about the entire experience.

It seemed that God would send her husband (a retired Lutheran pastor) over to my driveway at just the times I needed encouragement. There Mr. Piazza would be and he would always give me a little hug and usually would pull out a bookmark or sticker from his pocket that said, "God Loves You." I still have one of those bookmarks in my kitchen drawer.

I tell people that Joan was THE most positive person I have ever met. Her husband died on a Wednesday and Monday she was scheduled to start chemo for her cancer. Never a complaint or a woe or self-pity. She just did what she had to do and her ailments were the last thing she was concerned about. As I sat at her funeral tonight, I remembered the verse (Prov. 18:21) that says "The tongue has the power of life and death." And I thought about how Joan used her tongue to give life-- whether it was to me, my kids, or the other ladies in the neighborhood. Everyone always said, "She's the most positive person I have ever met." She lived it out every day.

Another memory I will never forget was the little things she would take the time to point out to me and the kids. The last two years, robins made a nest in her gutter and she would come and tell me that the nest was there and the baby robins were there waiting for food. It is so neat that she took time for these kinds of things.

While I was waiting for the service to start, I was flipping through the hymnal and Before the Throne of God caught my eye. The words and the truth behind these words are incredible. Though there is a huge hole on our hearts from losing this dear couple, I am so thankful that we were blessed by being their neighbors for eight years. We learned so much by watching them live. And while, of course, I dreadfully wish they were still here, it is indescribable to think that they are both before the throne of God right now.

BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart

When satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin
Because a sinless savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the judge is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there the Risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I Am
The King Of Glory and of grace
One in Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God
With Christ my Savior and my God

Honey + Butter= YUM!

2009-06-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog for a long, long time, so here is my attempt at 11PM on the 2nd night of Fine Arts Camp. :)

HONEY BUTTER!
Jillian has this wonderful little cookbook for kids called, Paula Deen's My First Cookbook. One of the recipes is for Honey Butter. This recipe will make you feel like you are eating bread at a restaurant! You can make your own bread from scratch, bake it from a can, or buy fresh Italian or French bread from the grocery.

1 Stick of Butter
1 Tablespoon of Honey
Combine the butter and honey in a small bowl. Let them sit out until the butter feels soft. Mix with a spoon. Spread it on your bread when you are ready!

Enjoy!

Going Down the Stairs with Jeremiah

2009-04-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

“My sweet Jeremiah, it is time to go downstairs. You do not need to fear, for I will be with you the whole way. In fact, I will carry you in my arms. Trust me, you do not want to stay upstairs forever. Yes, it will be different, but there are good things awaiting you downstairs…. Things you need, like breakfast, and things for you to enjoy, such as your siblings and a box full of toys that are yours. I know you don’t even understand words I use, like “breakfast” and “siblings,” but I am your mommy and you can trust me.”

Jeremiah was terribly frightened of being carried down the stairs. I am not sure why he was so scared. I have never dropped him or even slipped while holding him, on the stairs or anywhere else. No matter how I held him—whether tighter, closer, or in a different position, nothing seemed to help. He would throw his arms straight out, every muscle would become tense, and he would take a deep gulp of air, as if he couldn’t even muster up the strength to cry. He always had a look of sheer terror on his face. But, as soon as we got to the bottom, he would be just fine. I felt so badly for him. I knew we were going to get down the stairs just fine, yet I could not convince him otherwise.

One morning recently, however, something completely different happened. We started down the stairs and Jeremiah clung to me instead of fighting me. He rested his head on my shoulder, in the crook of my neck. His body did not tense up. In fact, he seemed to relax right there as I held him close and tight. When we got to the landing, I was so happy for him that he had made it down the stairs peacefully. I praised him for holding on and trusting me. I will never know why he made the choice that day to react differently to our trip down the stairs, but I suddenly realized a deeper spiritual truth through all of this.

God promises us that we will have trials. He is going to take us “down the stairs.” But, he also promises to be with us at all times. He is a powerful and trustworthy God who is able to get down the stairs safely every time. And He is a good God who knows what we need at the other end of the stairs. He has good things planned for us there. So, we can fight Him, stiffen up and be terrified through our trip, or we can choose to take refuge in Him, cling to Him and enjoy Him through the process. Either way, when we’re going down the stairs, it’s up to us what the trip will be like.

I realize this all sounds so easy, but the analogy came so vividly to me that day that I pray that I will remember it as I face trials of my own. I hope it encourages you as well.

…under his wings you will find refuge Psalm 91:4b

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,"

declares the LORD.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph. 2:10

He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms

and carries them close to his heart; Isaiah 40:11a

The LORD your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. I Peter 4:12-13

The Mommy Quiz

2009-02-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

THE MOMMY QUIZ
Here you have it folks… what my kids think of their mommy!
I gave this quiz to the kids individually so they wouldn't be influenced by each other.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Jackie: “Don’t dawdle”
Jillian: “Share with Jenna.”
Jenna: “Good night.”

2. What makes mom happy?
Jackie: “When we give her a BIG hug.”
Jillian: “Sharing with Jenna”
Jenna: “Obeying”

3. What makes mom sad?
Jackie: “When we disobey.”
Jillian: “Not sharing with
Jenna.”Jenna: “Disobeying”

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Jackie: “When she tells a joke off of the computer.”
Jillian: “When you tell Joey to do “Chick a waa waa.””
Jenna: “By tickling us.”

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Jackie: “Happy.”
Jillian: “You played baseball.”
Jenna: “Blonde hair?”

6. How old is your mom?
Jackie: “30”
Jillian: “30”
Jenna: “30”

7. How tall is your mom?
Jackie: “5 feet, 8 inches.”
Jillian: “10 feet tall.”
Jenna: “Like a hundred big… or 11.”

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Jackie: “Play with us.”
Jillian: “Sit and work at the computer.”
Jenna: “Dance with us.”

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Jackie: “Get on the computer and email stuff to friends.”
Jillian: “I don’t know, because I never see her when I’m not around.”
Jenna: “Clean up and feed Jeremiah.”

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Jackie: “Kindness.” (wow… humbling.)
Jillian: “Gymnastics and being a good diver.” (um… is someone going to dig up the archives?)
Jenna: “Don’t know.”

11. What is your mom really good at?
Jackie: “Rub backs! And that’s with a V!” (Ruvbacks is the word for back rubs in our house)
Jillian: “Diving mostly.” (uh…. Like 12 years ago!)
Jenna: “Writing.”

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Jackie: “Playing chess. You don’t even know how to play!”
Jillian: “Putting your feet above your head while sitting down.” (interesting….)
Jenna: “Can you do this?” (sticks her tongue out) “Sticking your tongue out to your chin. Yeah… you can’t do it!”

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Jackie: “Teach us.”
Jillian: “Dances.” (that’s worship dance, folks!)
Jenna: “Washes the dishes.”

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Jackie: “Pizza.”
Jillian: “Steak.”
Jenna: “Mostly everything.”

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Jackie: “That she’s wiling to give us ruvbacks.”
Jillian: “That’s she loves me.”
Jenna: Reading us stories at nap time.”

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Jackie: “Snoopy! Because we have a snoopy that is funny and it has an x-ray in front of it that shows his heart.”
Jillian: “If you were in Little House on the Prairie, you would be Laura.”
Jenna: “I don’t know.”

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Jackie: “She reads to me.”
Jillian: “You help me do my bead set.”
Jenna: “Go out for ice cream.”

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Jackie: “We’re like-minded on how to edit pictures on the computer”
Jillian: “I like to braid her hair and I like to braid my hair.”
Jenna: “Brown hair.”

19. How are you and your mom different?
Jackie: “She has brown hair. I have blonde hair.”
Jillian: “Mommy’s hair is brown and my hair is light.”
Jenna: “You’re big and I’m small.”

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Jackie: “The things she does for me. Like reading to me and giving me ruvbacks and hugs.”
Jillian: “Cuz she snuggles with me.”
Jenna: “You give kisses and ruvbacks to me.”

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Jackie: “That he’s her husband.”
Jillian: “She kisses him.”
Jenna: “That he kisses you and hugs you on the lips.”

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Jackie: “When she dies… heaven”
Jillian: “To the store.”
Jenna: “Target! No… ice cream place!”

Even Super Heroes Need Their Rest

2009-02-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

Ultra Yummy Baked Potato Soup

2009-02-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

I just made this for lunch today and forgot how great it is!

Baked Potato Soup

From: the IFRBC Recipes to Enjoy(Sandy Kivett's recipe)

Ingredients:
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
4 T. butter
1/4 cup flour
3 bay leaves (I've left these out before)
1/4 tsp. pepper
salt to taste
1 lg Idaho potato, peeled and finely diced (sometimes I add more)

Topping:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1/2 cup bacon, fresh, cooked, crumbled

Directions:
Makes 4 cups. 2-4 servings.

1. Heat broth and milk in saucepan to almost boiling. Remove from heat and set aside. Reduce heat to low.
2. In large soup pot, melt butter.
3. Add flour, stirring constantly for 3 minutes making a roux.
4. Gradualy add milk mixture to roux, pouring in a steady stream while stirring vigorously to blend and eliminate lumps.
5. Add bay leaves and pepper.
6. Add diced potato and salt.
7. Continue to simmer over low heat 15-20 minutes.
8. Lightly mash potatoes in soup and stir to blend well. Pour soup into oven proof crocks and top with toppings.

Happy 10th Month!

2009-01-19T21:59:00.000-08:00

Our Snowman

2009-01-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

This may be our best snowman in Hogan history yet...

We had our first REAL snow today! We're ELATED over here! It's a snow celebration!

He finally lost it!

2009-01-14T09:19:00.001-08:00

Changes for 2009

2009-01-02T18:24:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

I overheard my husband on the phone telling a friend during a phone conversation the following:

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Einstein said that. Boy does that make me think! Good timing for the new year. When I start feeling a litte insane, I will remember that it is time to make changes!

Happy 9th Month!

2008-12-10T20:36:00.001-08:00

This is a Home Where Children Live

2008-11-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

My neighbor dropped this poem by my house awhile ago:

This is a Home Where Children Live

by Judith Bond

You may not find things all in place,

Friend, when you enter here.

But, we're a home where children live,

We hold them very dear.
And you may find small fingerprints

And smudges on the wall.

When the kids are gone, we'll clean them up,

Right now we're playing ball.
For there's one thing of which we're sure,

These children are on loan.

One day they're always underfoot,

Next thing you know, they're gone.
That's when we'll have a well kept house,

When they're off on their own.

Right now, this is where children live,

A loved and lived in home.

Notes on Worry

2008-11-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

I was listening to James MacDonald's Walk in the Word radio program a couple of months ago and I pulled over and jotted some notes down, because I thought it was so good. He was talking about worry. So that I can make these notes useful, I thought I would blog them so I can throw that little piece of paper away to avoid worry of cluttering my house. :)

He said these are the things I cannot control:
My health future
My family future (the kids might... my spouse might...)
- I can love, serve, pray for and prioritze my family, however
My financial future
My environmental future

The truth that sets me free is that I cannot control these things.
What I can do:
-Do something to affect these things
-Walk godly in these things

The word worry means "to choke."
The word anxiety means "to have a divided mind"-- Do you ever spin your wheels and accomplish nothing?

Our choices TODAY affect the FUTURE. Worry, however, keeps me from what I can do today (to affect the future).

Worrying about tomorrow insulates me from being effective today.

Good stuff, huh?

Andi

Happy 8th Month!

2008-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah is exceptionally mobile. Sometimes we call him "the worm," because he does a modified army crawl everywhere. He just started clapping and is a huge joy to all of us!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T17:15:00.001-07:00

Oh How the Years Go By...

2008-09-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Half Birthday!

2008-09-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah on the move!

2008-08-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

I've never seen this one before... but he is making a valiant effort to move. Butt up. LONG pause. Head up. Collapse. Butt up. LONG pause. Head up. Collapse. I thought Jeremiah was a bullfrog.... not an inch worm! :)

McDonald's Mystery Part II

2008-08-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Life can go on... the McDonald's "on the way to church" that was abruptly taken from us, has now been revived and is better than ever- complete with tables donning glass vases containing live flowers. We were Happy Meal-buying customers on their 2nd day of business to celebrate (well, it was good timing-- we needed dinner that night in between an outing during the day and a church function that night).

There does seem to be a bit of spiritual truth to this whole incident.

Change is hard. And while life seems out of control, devastating and scary since the outcome isn't known (at least to Jillian regarding this), oftentimes change leads to better things.

Jeremiah is 5 months old!

2008-08-05T13:30:00.001-07:00

Summer!

2008-07-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Magie Corner, Part 2

2008-06-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hey kid... don't you know... what's good for you isn't always good for everyone else?

I laid Jeremiah down next to Joey to say good night and Joey stuck the corner of his blanket into Jeremiah's ear. It didn't work. :)

The Secret to Breaking Habits

2008-06-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

Jenna has sucked her fingers since she was a baby when we took her pacifier away (4 mos) to try to help her gain weight. For the last year or so, she has only sucked them at naptime and night time. She told us that when she was 4, she would stop sucking them. About a week after she turned 4, we thought we would help her, so we gave her a glove (a pretty one!) to wear to bed at night. About the 3rd night into this, we lost the glove. We were going to look for another one and she said, “It’s ok. I don’t need it.” We were very skeptical. But, she has never sucked her fingers since.

Last night I took her out for ice cream to celebrate her entry into the non-finger-sucking world. I asked her what the secret was to how she quit sucking her fingers. She said, “I sucked the glove and it was yucky.” I said, “You sucked the glove? Did you try sucking it for a second, or how long?” Jenna said, “About a minute.” I said, “Well, when you didn’t have the glove on, how did you keep from sucking your fingers?” She said, “Well. I wanted to be like Jackie and Jillian. I looked at them and saw that they were going to sleep with their arms down. So I did that too.”

And there you have it.

Give it up for "One Fine Day" moments

2008-04-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh at myself when my desperation got this far. Jeremiah spit up on my shoulder and in my hair. Gross! I wiped it off, but this time it REALLY stunk. I had to go somewhere and there was no time for a shower, so I grabbed the nearest bottle of shampoo (which happened to be the kids' mango something or other scent). I leaned over my bathroom sink and took just the section of hair that had been spit up on and washed just that section of hair. Out the door I went! I was going to make this post all about "Desperate Mom Situations," but I think it sounds much more graceful to call them "One Fine Day" moments. Here's why:

Sometimes I feel like Michelle Pfeiffer in "One Fine Day." She was always so ingenious. For instance, when her shirt got dirty, she pulled her son's t-shirt out of her bag and put it on and just kept on going through her day.

I had a monumental One Fine Day moment last year at VBS. It was crazy hat day. Only, I had forgotten. When we pulled in the church parking lot, the kids noticed everyone else in their crazy hats. Yikes! What do I do?! Panic! No... "think like Michelle" I told myself. I looked down and buried under random stuff in my van was a knight's hat! I came up with something else from my car for my daughter, but can't remember what now. And then I thought how sometimes it can pay to not live an obsessive-compulsively clean lifestyle!

I'd love to hear your desperate moments... I mean your "One Fine Day" moments!

Andi

McDonald's Mystery

2008-04-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

A week ago, a McDonald's we pass often was bustling with business. Today, we passed it and it no longer existed. Immediately, my 5 year old girl started crying. (I'm in the front seat trying not laugh at her mourning over the loss of McGrease). Her older brother tried consoling her by saying, "They HAD to tear it down. They had served over 99 billion people. I'm sure they'll build a newer and better one instead."

The Magic Corner

2008-04-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

We recently took a roadtrip to Colorado. On the way home, the kids fell asleep at night and my husband and I decided to drive as long as we could stay awake since they were peacefully sleeping. About 2 AM, I heard from the back seat, "Mommy?" I said, "yes?" Joey held up the corner of his blanket and said, "Not working." He always puts the corner of his favorite blankie in his ear and then goes to sleep. Strange.... I know. We got to the hotel a half hour later. My husband laid him in the pack and play and handed him his blankie and asked, "is it working now?" He replied, very satisfied, "yes!"

Happy 1 Month Birthday (a little late)... are you seeing a pattern?

2008-04-17T04:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter (a little late)

2008-04-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Good Quote

2008-03-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this up on the bulletin board at my kid's pediatrician's office today.

Don't MAJOR in the MINOR things.

A letter to Peyton

2008-03-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

I found an address where you can write in a request Peyton Manning's autograph. Here was Jackie's letter:

Dear Peyton-

I loved it when you and your buddies all worked together to win Superbowl XLI. Colts 26 - Bears 17. Thanks to the catch where number 26's heel almost went out of bounds. Now may I have your autograph. And please sign it with your own hand.

Love, Jackie, you and your brother's favorite fan.

From: Jackie

To: Peyton

Age 6

Favorite thing to play: football. Favorite show: football. Favorite thing outside of football: reading.

One of my aspirations...

2008-03-18T20:37:00.001-07:00

"I really believe in flylady’s mantra that people, not things are more important in life. My husband, children, and I are changing our way of thinking and not buying “stuff” hardly at all any more. We’ve decluttered about 40 boxes of “stuff” now and I don’t even remember what was in them. They certainly weren’t loved items. Now instead of taking care of our “stuff” we’re taking care of each other and others more."

-A testimonial from someone on http://www.flylady.net/

Why Did I Even Ask? and The Big Delimma

2008-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

I think I have a condition. I have self-labeled it "PPND"- Post Partum Nesting Disorder. I was ripping apart and reorganizing cabinets when I went into labor and I am back at it again. Today I found a can of red hair coloring spray in our "party" supplies. This is where my mistake was. I almost just threw it away, but consulted my husband first, thinking, "he'd be the only one crazy enough to actually use this stuff at some point." Little did I know that he would chase down our 6 year old son within 30 seconds of laying eyes on the can and start spraying!!! Then, he got Jillian too. Why did I even ask???

After getting her hair sprayed, Jillian said in her very girlish style, "Um... now I can't even chew on my favorite piece of hair!" My husband and I both said, "WHAT?!" We didn't even know she had a "favorite" piece of hair that she chews on.... and besides, that is GROSS! What a dilemma for a 5 year old!

Happy 1 Week Birthday!

2008-03-05T11:09:00.001-08:00

Jeremiah is such a joy to our whole family!

2008-03-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome Jeremiah Andrew!

Happy Due Date!

2008-02-26T20:46:00.000-08:00

Well... here I am just a few hours before the clock rolls over to my due date (February 27). There are small signs of activity. I've thought I was in labor twice now, but nothing came of it.... obviously. So, until the time comes, we will continue to hang out and wait. Still feeling pretty good and enjoying the time with not much to do.

Andi

Songs in the Night

2008-02-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

Any man can sing in the day…

It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight;

but he is the skillful singer who can sing when there is not a ray of light by which to read….

Songs in the night come only from God;

they are not in the power of man.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Moose, Muffins & a Mom's A.D.D.

2008-01-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

So, my 2 year old son, randomly picked the book "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" off of the shelf at the library the other day. As I read it, I could totally relate to the Moose. In fact, I think I am the moose! Laura Numeroff wrote a whole series of these funny books- "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" was the first one.
Anyway, a boy offers a moose a muffin. The moose then asks for more muffins, until the boy has to go to the store to get more and the moose wants to go with, so he asks for a sweater since it is cold outside. When he puts the sweater on, he notices a loose button. He then needs a needle an thread, which remind him of puppets his grandmother used to make, so he looks for some old socks to make puppets. Through many more diversions during this ordeal, he ends up outside and notices blackberries, which remind him of jam, and then he asks for a muffin to go with it.

The part I relate to is not the constant asking of things. It is how the moose is constantly sidetracked!!! I talk to so many moms who can relate, otherwise, I might start to think I really do have Attention Deficit Disorder. I guess it's that we are constantly in a state of multi-tasking. Although, I'm always saying that the more simple life is one I strive for. Omit the clutter (physical and mental)!

Some examples:
-How many times a day do you go upstairs, stand there and try your hardest to think, "Why did I come up here?'

I know I have a BAZILLION other examples, but cannot think of one right now! I think my brain is tired. But, I will leave you with a real life example that just happened...

-You're updating your blog, a new email comes in, which prompts you to forward it. You can't find the address to that person, but you know it was in an email from your husband, so you sort your email by his name. While looking for that email, you notice there are some really old and irrelevant emails from him and delete those as you go along. Before you ever get to find the email address you are looking for, you remember that you are writing a blog entry.

Just the tip of the iceberg. A single example from one certain hour in the day....

Can you relate?

Andi

PS: Better go find that email address!

Shots and Suckers

2008-01-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

Handle this.... And you'll get this:

That's what we told our kids this morning as we lined them all up on the bench awaiting their annual flu vaccinations. Jackie bravely took the chair first, got the shot and promplty got his reward of a sucker. Jillian followed the same way. Joey figured out the trick-- if I sit on Papa's lap in the chair, then I will get a sucker. He was begging to get up in that chair! But... it was Jenna's turn. But... Jenna was obviously disturbed and not going to get in that chair, so Joey got to go before her. The nurse put that bowl of suckers right in front of him as the nurse got the shot ready for him. His eyes fixed on the suckers, he barely flinched when she actually administered the shot, and then claimed his prize, opened it and indulged. Jenna, still disturbed, had to be held down, wouldn't look at the suckers, got the shot and was inconsolable. Her eyes still fixed on the needle and the nurse who inflicted the pain, she could care less there was a sucker awaiting her.

As I watched this, I realized this was a microscopic picture of trials in life, but the hope we have of rewards and eternal life in heaven. Yes, our troubles are much bigger than a shot. But... if we can remember to keep our eyes fixed not on the trial, but the reward, the shot will not seem so bad after all. Keep our eyes fixed on the shot, and we get caught up in the here and now, and completely lose sight of the end goal. Easier said than done..... but here is what the Creator of heaven and earth says about this:

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3

Beyond the Next Mountain

2007-11-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

I recently enjoyed missions conference, featuring Ron Kline. Saturday night he told a fascinating story about the Mhar Indians in India (check out the book and movie called “Beyond the Next Mountain). It is an amazing story of a man who listened when the Holy Spirit spoke to him and obeyed, no matter how crazy it sounded. He was supposed to get the gospel to a head-hunting Indian people group half way around the world, who spoke a rare language. Because of his obedience and faith, and through God’s amazing orchestration, there will be so many more people in heaven. (it is an INCREDIBLE story-- maybe I will expound upon it later).

Ron Kline’s three main themes of his talk were:
1. Always trust the Lord
2. Don’t try to figure stuff out
3. Just make Him look good
He also emphasized several times that “Satan will NEVER tempt you to witness.”

So, these things have been ringing through my head ever since. One instance was last week at the grocery store. I got in line to check out and this little voice that said to me, “give the check out lady the Halloween tract that is in your purse.” Immediately, I said to myself, “the Halloween tract? Nah! I should save it for a little kid.” Then, I remembered Ron Kline’s stories and “don’t try to figure stuff out.” So, I reached into my purse and gave the check out lady the Halloween tract. That instance made me realize how many times I probably quench the Holy Spirit and just out right ignore those little promptings I get!

We live in Disneyworld...

2007-11-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

After returning from a mission trip in the Caspian region overseas, I am convinced that life in America is the equivalent of living in Disneyworld. The harsh reality is that we are wasting our lives by spending much of our discretionary time and money on entertainment and our own comfort and amusement. I am also convinced that this is one of Satan's tactics to distract us from living out a purposeful and fulfilling life. For years now, I have always said that my biggest fear is to finally meet Jesus face to face when I die and learn that I totally missed the boat-- that I had missed my purpose in life.

I am so thankful that due to a series of things in my life right now and revelations from God, that I don't have to mysteriously aim at what I think I should do and hope for the best. It is becoming clear to me that an unwasted and purposeful life consists of being a willing instrument for God to use in His plan, while proactively and uninhibitedly sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. Two instrumental catalysts to this conclusion are the mission trip I took and continue to reflect on and being in a class that is reading through John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life."

The problem is, and the reason I couldn't see this before, is because we are SO SO SO distracted in America!!! I cannot tell you how this fact has become so evident to me-- it is as if a veil has been lifted from in front of my face and I am seeing in a whole new dimension.

One of the main points I took away from my trip was how the missionaries where we were are very focused on their goal of advancing the gospel of Jesus. They have a plan. They have a goal. They strategically used our team as part of their plan and then sat down with us at the end of the week to debrief and get feedback. They are continuing to follow up with certain people we met. It is very empowering to be a part of God's plan-- because sharing the gospel is without a doubt, part of His plan.

So, we've been challenged. I've often said that I felt like I flounder through life, just taking in opportunities as they come. But, what would life, the church, the kingdom of God be like if we were all planning, goal setting and being very intentional every day about advancing the gospel.
(Read the book "No Compromise" to get a glimpse of someone in America who did just this).

PS: I think every American should visit a 2nd or 3rd world country and gain a whole new perspective...

Much more to come...

2007-10-30T04:26:00.000-07:00

Only one life,

T'will soon be past.

Only what's done

For Christ will last.

(From "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper)

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

And God sent a cat!

2007-10-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Meet Meadow. Meadow was sent by God. No, really, he/she (we never figured out which one) really was. Jack and I were getting ready to head overseas for 11 days and I only had a few days left to tie up all the loose ends, get everything packed for us and for all of the kids and get all of the instructions for the kids to the people caring for them, etc. I remember saying, "Lord.... I do not know how I am ever going to get this all done." Now... use your Hollywood imagination, play Chariots of Fire in the background.... this tiny cat came trapsing into our backyard and suddenly all four of my kids were captivated and disappeared into our backyard and down into the ditch behind our house. I finally had to come out and see what all of the commotion was. Sure enough, there was a stray kitten. The kids became obsessed with this cat instantly! They drew it pictures and then would say, "can I go show the kitty the picture I made?" Insane! I got a little involved in this-- tried to facilitate the naming of the kitten. We settled on "Meadow." For the remaining THREE whole days before we were to leave, the kids were outside playing with Meadow and I was able to get everything done! I even ended up buying a bag of cat food and notifying a neighbor and my mom to keep an eye out for Meadow and make sure there was water and food out for her. When we got back, we were all anxious to see if Meadow was still here (she had moved from the ditch to under our mini barn and then even up to our back patio). Meadow was gone. The neighbors and my mom said there were no signs of her the whole time we were gone.

Is it beyond God to send a cat to occupy my kids in order for me to prepare for a trip? I think not. The God who spoke the mountains into existence also says He knows the number of hairs on MY head and calls each and every star by name! This is amazing love!

So, thank you, Jesus for sending Meadow and providing a way for me to complete my packing!

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

"Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

He counts the number of the stars;

He gives names to all of them.

Psalm 147:4

Has my heart turned back to Egypt?

2007-10-08T04:18:00.001-07:00

I was just reading Stephen's answer to the Sanhedrin, when the people were falsely testifying against him, because they were jealous of his wisdom and power. He gives a wonderful account of God's story through his people, beginning with Abraham. At one point he says

"This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your own people. He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us.
"But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.
(Acts 7:37-39)

When the Israelites were in Egypt under the new king, they were treated barbariously! They were slaves, making bricks in the hot sun, day after day and were even stripped of receiving the materials they needed to do so and had to scour for materials on their own, yet produce the same number of bricks (or it may have been double, I can't remember!). The Bible also says that the new Pharoah made them "throw out their newborn babies so they would die!" What a life! Then, God rescues them miraculously (parting the Red Sea for them!) and gets them out of there. This does not sound like something I would ever want to experience, let alone go back to!

So, the verses above in Acts got me to thinking about things I am grumbling about in my heart. When God has moved me to a new place, do I really want to go back? Or should I trust in His wisdom...

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The things I grumble about (in my heart or out loud) are really a blow to the face of God Himself (and rejecting him). Sure, sometime or something in my past might seem more apealing to me-- definitely nothing like the Israelites in Egypt, but I cannot see as God does. Maybe the situation was spiritually equal to slavery in Egypt or spiritually way backwards from where God has me now.

Anyway... I've kind of gotten off on a tangent and don't know if I am really getting my thoughts across. I was just froze when I read the words, "Instead, they rejected him and
in their hearts turned back to Egypt." (Acts 7:39b). Am I missing God's best in some areas of my life, because I am discontent and in my heart have turned back to Egypt?

I'm Thumbody Special

2007-07-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

I took my kids to our county fair last night. We looked at lots of animals, but we also spent some time at the police tent. They had a station to get your kids' fingerprints taken, with a packet to send home for you to add a strand of their hair and file it all away in case of a tragedy. It was a morbid thought, but no one was in line, the kids thought it looked like fun and they gave away free t-shirts for all of the kids who did it. So, we did-- all 40 fingerprints of my kids are now recorded (it was a little bit of a process). :) But, as I held Joey on my lap and the lady officer took Joey's prints, it crossed my mind how absolutely amazing fingerprints are-- or should I say the God who created them is! I asked the officer if she had ever thought of how incredible it was that EVERY SINGLE person who has EVER existed EVERYWHERE has different fingerprints! None will EVER match! The more I think of this, the more it completely boggles my mind!!! A sense of satisfaction came over me as I thought of this-- knowing that this is truly another sign that God loves EACH of us with an INDIVIDUAL love, and that He designed and created each of us! We are one of His great works who He spent time and care creating us. I don't think we'll come close to comprehending it this side of heaven.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

Through the Fire

2007-06-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Some song lyrics I like. The title is "THROUGH THE FIRE." My favorite line is "My God will show up!" It's great too how it is emphasized in the actual singing of the song.

Another thought from the book, Do You Think I'm Beautiful by Angela Thomas--
The Israelites were facing the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army behind them. They were willing to return to Egypt to not have to face the impossible. Thomas states that we would rather do anything than face the impossible, but this is where God works at his best-- the impossible! Like any of the Israelites would have ever thought "hey. .. if God would just move this water out of the way, then we'd be ok." This is what made me think of the line of that song, "My God will SHOW UP!"

10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. 11 They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"
13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Ex. 14:10-14

AND. . . I love the part of the song that says "He said help would always come in time"
Angela Thomas says that after the Israelites crossed the red sea to leave bondage in Egypt, they must have wondered why God waited so long to free them. But read this following verse:

“And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.” Ex. 14: 31

It was in His mercy that God wanted to show them how powerful He is to prove He is worth putting their trust in. Unbelievable love! And if He can part the Red Sea, surely He’s got our situations all under control.

The entire next chapter in Exodus is a song of Moses and Miriam rejoicing about God’s great power and what He did.

THROUGH THE FIRE. . .

So many times I’ve questioned certain circumstances
Or things I could not understand

Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
And my frustrations get so out of hand
It’s then I am reminded I’ve never been forsaken
I’ve never had to stand the test alone
As I look at all the victories, the Spirit rises up in me
It’s through the fire my weakness is made strong

And He never promised the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered victory without fighting but
He said help would always come in time
Just remember when you’re standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again

I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust the hand of God, He’ll shield the flames again
And He never promised the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb
Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again
Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again

It's all in Belonging

2007-06-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

I read a great book last week called "Do You Think I'm Beautiful" by Angela Thomas. I'm not a good summarizer, so I won't even try. But, it is a great book... trust me!

One thing that got me thinking (and kind of socked me in the stomach), was near page 105, where she talks about women who think they are "no longer worthy." This is exactly what the prodigal son says to his father in Luke 15-
"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

Angela Thomas argues that we are not good enough and never will be. But our worth comes from BELONGING to Jesus Christ. That's it. We can do nothing to be worthy of Jesus' love.
Angela goes on to say that she's seen lives stay paralyzed in the land of "no longer worthy."

I love how God gave us the parallel of His relationship to us as our relationship to our children.
Isn't this true of our children (and a good reminder)-- we love them because they belong to us, not because they clean their rooms. And sometimes, we can slip into this. But, if we are going to attempt to portray Jesus' love for us, shouldn't our love come pouring out because they belong to us-- an unconditional love that they cannot earn (and should not have to)?

And not only is God's love for us a perfect, merciful love, but He reminds us over and over again how He has His grip on us so tight that NOTHING can separate us from His love.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So, we should aim to stop do, do, doing and thinking that this is why He loves us or that this makes Him love us more and start enjoying Him and His love for us. May we mirror this to our children also. May they rest in the security of His love and ours.

A Story for Imperfect Parents

2007-04-14T15:48:00.001-07:00

I hope this encourages you as much as it did me!

Imperfect Parents

A young father followed the same routine every evening: He went into the kitchen, opened a cupboard, and took out a glass. He then walked over to a cupboard, pulled out a cookie jar, took out two or three cookies, and put them on a plate. Then he’d go to the refrigerator, get some milk and pour himself a tall glass. Following that, he’d walk into the living room and enjoy his milk and cookies while sitting in his favorite chair.
One evening as he was heading into the kitchen for his nightly ritual, the father noticed his three-year-old son heading into the kitchen ahead of him. The boy had a determined look on his face. Instead of announcing his presence, the father decided to stay unobserved so that he could watch what his son seemed so determined to do.
The boy pulled out several drawers, essentially making steps so he could climb onto the counter—something he was forbidden to do. Next he walked across the counter (another no-no) and opened an upper cupboard door. He reached in and pulled out a glass, knocking over several other glasses in the process. The young boy placed his glass down, hopped off the counter, then picked up his glass, and put it on the floor. He marched to the refrigerator and pulled out the milk, then poured it into the glass. The flowing milk proved too strong for his little hands, and it spilled over the top of the glass. The little boy wiped up the spilled milk with is shirt.
Then he left his milk, walked over to another cupboard, and pulled out the cookie jar. This was strictly forbidden; the fathers’ son knew he wasn’t supposed to get cookies without permission. But he reached in and while doing so pulled several other cookies out of the jar. The boy put them back and wiped up the crumbs with his now milk-soaked shirt.
The father stepped out to intercept his son, only to be greeted by a huge smile. “Here are your cookies, Dad. I love you.”
In this story, I want you to place yourself in the son’s position, no the dad’s. We’re the little child, trying to serve our heavenly Father and yet making a lot of messes in the process. We can’t reach as high as we’d like, so we make do with makeshift steps to reach the counter. We knock over a few glasses, and we spill the milk while we’re trying to prepare a drink. Lacking all wisdom, we come up with the great idea of cleaning up the mess with our shirt instead of with a washcloth. But what dad wouldn’t feel touched by such a display of service, however messy it might be?
We’re not the best parents, not by far. We don’t have all the wisdom we’d like. We don’t understand how everything fits together. We make mistakes, we make messes, we can do everything wrong—but God looks at us with a Father’s delighted eyes. Where we see weakness, God sees humility. Where we see mess, God sees intent. Where we see failings, God sees motives.
And he smiles. He takes us into his arms. And he laughs a delighted Father’s laugh.

From “Sacred Parenting” by Gary Thomas Pg. 51-52
I highly recommend this book!

Andi

Worry About Tomorrow?

2007-04-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of my favorite stories. I read it in Linda Dillow’s “Calm My Anxious Heart”
I found it at: http://www.maxlucado.com/read/woodcutter/index2.html
I hope this encourages you!
Andi

Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before—such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. "This horse is not a horse to me," he would tell them. "It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?" The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. "You old fool," they scoffed, "we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and you’ve been cursed with misfortune."The old man responded, "Don’t speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I’ve been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?"The people contested, "Don’t make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse."The old man spoke again. "All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don’t know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can’t say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?"The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was fool; if he wasn’t, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor woodcutter, an old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool. After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn’t been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. "Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us."The man responded, "Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don’t judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?"Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don’t say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don’t.""Maybe the old man is right," they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgements."You were right," they said. "You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever."The old man spoke again. "You people are obsessed with judging. Don’t go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments."It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again."You were right, old man," they wept. "God knows you were right. This proves it. Yours son’s accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever."The old man spoke again. "It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows." * * *The old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life’s mishaps and horrors are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conclusions. We must reserve judgement on life’s storms until we know the whole story.I don’t know where the woodcutter learned his patience. Perhaps from another woodcutter in Galilee. For it was the Carpenter who said it best:"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."3He should know. He is the author of our story. And he has already written the final chapter.

Much of You Jesus

2007-04-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Much of You Jesus
Steven Curtis Chapman

Lyrics:
How could I stand here
And watch the sun rise
Follow the mountains
Where they touch the sky
Ponder the vastness
And the depths of the sea
And think for a moment
The point of it all was to make
Much of me
Cause I'm just a whisper
And You are the thunder and

I want to make much of You, Jesus
I want to make much of Your love
I want to live today and give You the praise
That You alone are so worthy of
I want to make much of Your mercy
I want to make much of Your cross
I give You my life
Take it and let it be used
To make much of you

And how can I kneel here
And think of the cross
The thorns and the whip and the
Nails and the spear
The infinite cost
To purchase my pardon
And bear all my shame
To think I have anything worthy boasting in
Except for Your name
Cause I am a sinner And
You are the Savior and

Chorus

This is Your love, oh,
God Not to make much of me
But to send Your own Son
So that we could make much of
You For all eternity

Chorus

So, why is Good Friday Good?

2007-04-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why Good Friday is called "good?" If so, head to an analogy my sister-in-law, Becky, came up with. http://emerickhome.blogspot.com/2007/04/good-friday.html

Also, this video was played at our church on Good Friday. It is about 3 minutes long-- and it is incredible!
http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/1278/sundays-comin/

Andi

This is My Brain. This is my Brain on a Blog.

2007-04-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

My First Blahg Post- Your First Peek Into My Brain On a Blog

I've started a blog. Yea! My sister in law says I've been trapped in the house too long, (minor illness among my 4 little kids-- we have our own breeding grounds for germs). She says I've become quite talkative lately. So, I'll talk to all of you until I can reach the outside world regularly again.

Jack frequently tells me that it is time to put my brain in shutdown (and, picture this, he imitates the sound of a computer shutting down as he pretends to push a button on my head! LOL!).

I love to think. This world amazes me. The Creator of this world leaves me speechless, wondering and thinking even more.

So, this might be a great place for me to post questions! I might get people who will give me their ideas or answers! That would be cool. . . .
I think I could give out some recipes. . . .
Well. .. . signing off from my first blah blah blog entry.
Andi
:)