Deuteronomy 11:19 says 'Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night.' (The Message)
In this passage, what is the 'them' we are to teach to our children? The answer is: love and obedience to God.
We, as parents or grandparents or aunts & uncles, want what is best for our children because we love them. The first thing we need to teach them is be a son or daughter of God. We want them to know Jesus and heaven. Of course there are the other things; the ability to show compassion for others, not stealing, not murdering etc.
But what good does it do to teach the rules if we don't teach our children who gave us the rules and why. 3 John 1:4 says, 'I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth.' Children (adults & little ones) can walk with love and obedience, all we need to do is teach -'them'. Some examples of teaching 'them' can be:
1. Go to church and show children how to worship and pray, show them how important it is to you.
2. Show them God's creation while playing outside or riding in a car. Point out those wonderful things and talk about them.
3. Read Bible stories, add them to regular reading time. Listen to music and sing together Christian songs. Kid songs are fun - like Veggie Tales -
4. Talk about God & Jesus in daily conversations, not make it a separate deal, but be a matter of fact type talk.
When our kids grow up, we pray they come to know Jesus on a personal level, they come to know about Salvation and then go on to teach the next generation.
If we have never been taught these things, now is the time to learn, it's never too late. Seek out a Godly adult and ask them to help you because you want eternal life with God. Then go on to teach someone else, be it a child or adult - Go and do it..God commands that.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Hamster Diaries - Unplugged
Yesterday, after an extremely long work-day I stopped at the grocery store, did my banking and hurried home to read with Rachel; our new bedtime ritual that gets her to bed sooner, and keeps her reading journal up-to-date, called to meet a friend for a girlfriend's night out and was back home by 11:00.
Ready for some well-deserved sleep I walked in the house to see Sonny sitting on the couch and he calmly said, " I have to tell you right off, the hamster is somewhere in the house... I put her in the ball, and let her go burn off some energy and somehow the cover came off the ball."
"Well, did you look for her?" I asked incredulously.
" I did for a little while,", he said.
In the kitchen I spied the pink ball sans cover. I checked the food pantry and under the stove and yelled to Sonny, "The mousetrap???"
He yelled back, "Unarmed!"
Phew! I surveyed my office area, a place pretty much untouched since I started working 3 months ago, save last weekend when I dumped 30 pairs of fireman boots there, in the hopes of finding a few minutes to list them for a store liquidation I've signed on to. Now acutely aware of a helpless creature loose in the wilds of the first floor of my house I had a sudden feeling of fear for the little one.
My thoughts raced to Rachel waking up to no hamster and I suddenly found energy I didn't think I had. Conscious of sliding my feet instead of stepping anywhere, I went about the task of picking up everything in my office, checking every box and inside every single boot for our wayward Jub-Jub, all the while calling her name.
I knew there weren't many snacks on the floor for her since Keisha (Donna's dog) had been here a few days ago and Hoovered it for us and I figured Jub might return to her hoards in the cage as a last resort so I got her cage and put it on the floor in the kitchen with the door propped open. I returned to calling, "Chub-Chubs" in a sweet Rachel-like voice and picking up the office for probably close to 20 minutes when I heard Sonny call, "Carol, she's in here, in the food box!"
And indeed, there she was, nestled between the bag of yogurt covered treats and the fruit-flavored chew logs. Pure hamster heaven I'm sure. I should have known all along, where else would she be???
As I picked her up a mixture of relief of finding her (and my exhaustion, I suppose) apparently spilled down my cheeks and Sonny said he didn't realize how much I cared about her.
Well, that made two of us.
Ready for some well-deserved sleep I walked in the house to see Sonny sitting on the couch and he calmly said, " I have to tell you right off, the hamster is somewhere in the house... I put her in the ball, and let her go burn off some energy and somehow the cover came off the ball."
"Well, did you look for her?" I asked incredulously.
" I did for a little while,", he said.
In the kitchen I spied the pink ball sans cover. I checked the food pantry and under the stove and yelled to Sonny, "The mousetrap???"
He yelled back, "Unarmed!"
Phew! I surveyed my office area, a place pretty much untouched since I started working 3 months ago, save last weekend when I dumped 30 pairs of fireman boots there, in the hopes of finding a few minutes to list them for a store liquidation I've signed on to. Now acutely aware of a helpless creature loose in the wilds of the first floor of my house I had a sudden feeling of fear for the little one.
My thoughts raced to Rachel waking up to no hamster and I suddenly found energy I didn't think I had. Conscious of sliding my feet instead of stepping anywhere, I went about the task of picking up everything in my office, checking every box and inside every single boot for our wayward Jub-Jub, all the while calling her name.
I knew there weren't many snacks on the floor for her since Keisha (Donna's dog) had been here a few days ago and Hoovered it for us and I figured Jub might return to her hoards in the cage as a last resort so I got her cage and put it on the floor in the kitchen with the door propped open. I returned to calling, "Chub-Chubs" in a sweet Rachel-like voice and picking up the office for probably close to 20 minutes when I heard Sonny call, "Carol, she's in here, in the food box!"
And indeed, there she was, nestled between the bag of yogurt covered treats and the fruit-flavored chew logs. Pure hamster heaven I'm sure. I should have known all along, where else would she be???
As I picked her up a mixture of relief of finding her (and my exhaustion, I suppose) apparently spilled down my cheeks and Sonny said he didn't realize how much I cared about her.
Well, that made two of us.
Eph 4:31-32
Verse 31 says "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with malice". and verse 32 says "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you".
Anger is an emotion and unforgiveness is a sin and a choice. We may feel anger towards someone who hurt us which in turn can make us bitter and it can be a struggle to forgive them. But God tells us that we need to forgive - "as God in Christ forgave us".
When someone hurts us, it's so easy to stay angry and it's easy to want them to hurt like you, but usually they're over it and it's us that isn't. And it can be difficult to let go of those hurt feelings and forgive that person and move on. I know I have struggled with that and it's been hard and it's taken a long time, but with God's grace and some close Christian friends, I've been able to forgive them and I know that pleases God. It was a big heavy load I turned over to Him and He took it. Thank you, Lord God.
If we don't forgive those that have or are hurting us, we should read and reread this Scripture, turn our thoughts over to Him and ask Him to help us and to give us the strength to let go and be forgiving.
Anger is an emotion and unforgiveness is a sin and a choice. We may feel anger towards someone who hurt us which in turn can make us bitter and it can be a struggle to forgive them. But God tells us that we need to forgive - "as God in Christ forgave us".
When someone hurts us, it's so easy to stay angry and it's easy to want them to hurt like you, but usually they're over it and it's us that isn't. And it can be difficult to let go of those hurt feelings and forgive that person and move on. I know I have struggled with that and it's been hard and it's taken a long time, but with God's grace and some close Christian friends, I've been able to forgive them and I know that pleases God. It was a big heavy load I turned over to Him and He took it. Thank you, Lord God.
If we don't forgive those that have or are hurting us, we should read and reread this Scripture, turn our thoughts over to Him and ask Him to help us and to give us the strength to let go and be forgiving.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Pastoral Fantasies, cont.
Before I set out the standards I've been dreaming of I want to make one thing clear. There would be many people who will think these standards are too high and wouldn't want to agree to them. Ok, that's fair. But would I deny them fellowship and ministry - nope. Jesus never asked anyone to do anything before he healed them, forgave them, died for them on the cross. But for those who said, "I want to follow you you," he had high standards. These are the people I'm holding to this higher standard.
1. Attendance – you are expected to be at the group (when ever it meets). If you are in town, and not ill, you’re here. You are expected to make this a priority. How will the Body function if the hand or eye decides not to show up? (See Rom 12:4ff; 1 Cor 12:12ff; Eph 3:6; 4:4ff; Col 2:19) How does the Body function well if people decide not to come? How can the community grow and progress if what is “in common” isn’t shared by all?
A couple of comments here. I think this, in actuality, is less than we might think. Since this is a house church it doesn't have a multitude of boards and committees to take up time. It doesn't have a building to care for. It meets once weekly for everything. This is an extended period of time - 3 or 4 hours, but it's only once. I look at my schedule and think of the many weeks I'm out 4 or 5 nights a week (there have even been a couple of 7 nights out on church stuff weeks - phew! No wonder we're tired!). What I'm really after here is consistency. I'm trying to keep everyone on the same page as much as possible.
I also know that relationships (the essense of the church - house or otherwise) take time. You just can't do church efficiently. I want the people who commit to commit.
More later,
Dave
1. Attendance – you are expected to be at the group (when ever it meets). If you are in town, and not ill, you’re here. You are expected to make this a priority. How will the Body function if the hand or eye decides not to show up? (See Rom 12:4ff; 1 Cor 12:12ff; Eph 3:6; 4:4ff; Col 2:19) How does the Body function well if people decide not to come? How can the community grow and progress if what is “in common” isn’t shared by all?
A couple of comments here. I think this, in actuality, is less than we might think. Since this is a house church it doesn't have a multitude of boards and committees to take up time. It doesn't have a building to care for. It meets once weekly for everything. This is an extended period of time - 3 or 4 hours, but it's only once. I look at my schedule and think of the many weeks I'm out 4 or 5 nights a week (there have even been a couple of 7 nights out on church stuff weeks - phew! No wonder we're tired!). What I'm really after here is consistency. I'm trying to keep everyone on the same page as much as possible.
I also know that relationships (the essense of the church - house or otherwise) take time. You just can't do church efficiently. I want the people who commit to commit.
More later,
Dave
The Hamster Diaries - Day 23
Well, I guess I have to admit I didn't think this hamster thing out so well after all.
I knew that all this "taxing" work on my brain would require more sleep than usual so I was all over the "silent wheel" and really applauded myself on that purchase. The thing I didn't take into account was that we might not actually purchase the AVERAGE hamster to use the silent wheel.
This has been our nightly routine for the past couple of weeks or so: Chub- Chub wakes up when she darn well wants to, let's say 6-p.m.ish . Rachel does most of the hamster-rearing, transferring her from cage to cool pink ball to hamster bus to PRIORITY MAIL BOX clubhouse (with doors and windows) with plenty of treats in between. . We were very surprised to learn from Salesman (but believe we bought the exception to the rule) that hamsters don't overeat. They "hoard" their food for future use, if needed. They fill their cheeks, and then deposit the food in a safe place. Now, I don't know about other rodents but when ours has full cheeks, the only way you can tell which end is which is by the eyes or tail. It's unnatural-looking to say the least. When the hamster is put back in her cage, she goes about what Rachel calls "dehoarding". Can you guess where her safe place is? That's right...she "dehoards" all of her treats into her silent wheel - Usually about this time the kids go to bed.
- Now, another note about the "silent wheel" - This wheel is also SOLID plastic with decent sides on it to keep our precious Jub-Jub from hurting her little pudgy self while she strains to do her measly leisurely stroll around a very short block every night. ( let me remind you of Salesman's words "she'll do 4- 6 miles a night" ..... 4 - 6 miles, my Aunt Fanny!)
Sonny and I sit down together, finally, to watch tv and get a little "us" time. At this time Chubs inevitably starts her "running" regime. Now remember, there is 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, corn and grains IN the solid, silent wheel, and she decides to run. False advertising. Wheel is not silent. I would liken this to gluing pretzels and potato chips on a treadmill and going for a jog. I had earlier cautioned Sonny on moving a hamster's hoards as it's very unsettling to the hamster so we both, really, did try to ignore it. Couldn't be done. And so begins our ritual. Reach in, empty the seeds back into the food bowl, all the while talking to the hamster who is on standing up on 2 legs, looking us in the eyes and discerning our weaknesses to use against us at a later date.. Then watching her, because it really is kind of endearing, as she gathers up her food, nut by nut and seed by seed to do it all again. At this point we usually open the cage door and wait to see if she'll trust us enough to venture out onto our hands.(So far she likes me best). We haven't watched any of our shows for the past week with the volume level below 26. Thank goodness the kids are sound sleepers.
Today I bought Her Fluffiness a wire wheel, larger to accommodate her size and wire mesh to NOT accommodate her snacks. Let's see if she'll play by my rules now. The adventure with mammals continues....
Carol
I knew that all this "taxing" work on my brain would require more sleep than usual so I was all over the "silent wheel" and really applauded myself on that purchase. The thing I didn't take into account was that we might not actually purchase the AVERAGE hamster to use the silent wheel.
This has been our nightly routine for the past couple of weeks or so: Chub- Chub wakes up when she darn well wants to, let's say 6-p.m.ish . Rachel does most of the hamster-rearing, transferring her from cage to cool pink ball to hamster bus to PRIORITY MAIL BOX clubhouse (with doors and windows) with plenty of treats in between. . We were very surprised to learn from Salesman (but believe we bought the exception to the rule) that hamsters don't overeat. They "hoard" their food for future use, if needed. They fill their cheeks, and then deposit the food in a safe place. Now, I don't know about other rodents but when ours has full cheeks, the only way you can tell which end is which is by the eyes or tail. It's unnatural-looking to say the least. When the hamster is put back in her cage, she goes about what Rachel calls "dehoarding". Can you guess where her safe place is? That's right...she "dehoards" all of her treats into her silent wheel - Usually about this time the kids go to bed.
- Now, another note about the "silent wheel" - This wheel is also SOLID plastic with decent sides on it to keep our precious Jub-Jub from hurting her little pudgy self while she strains to do her measly leisurely stroll around a very short block every night. ( let me remind you of Salesman's words "she'll do 4- 6 miles a night" ..... 4 - 6 miles, my Aunt Fanny!)
Sonny and I sit down together, finally, to watch tv and get a little "us" time. At this time Chubs inevitably starts her "running" regime. Now remember, there is 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, corn and grains IN the solid, silent wheel, and she decides to run. False advertising. Wheel is not silent. I would liken this to gluing pretzels and potato chips on a treadmill and going for a jog. I had earlier cautioned Sonny on moving a hamster's hoards as it's very unsettling to the hamster so we both, really, did try to ignore it. Couldn't be done. And so begins our ritual. Reach in, empty the seeds back into the food bowl, all the while talking to the hamster who is on standing up on 2 legs, looking us in the eyes and discerning our weaknesses to use against us at a later date.. Then watching her, because it really is kind of endearing, as she gathers up her food, nut by nut and seed by seed to do it all again. At this point we usually open the cage door and wait to see if she'll trust us enough to venture out onto our hands.(So far she likes me best). We haven't watched any of our shows for the past week with the volume level below 26. Thank goodness the kids are sound sleepers.
Today I bought Her Fluffiness a wire wheel, larger to accommodate her size and wire mesh to NOT accommodate her snacks. Let's see if she'll play by my rules now. The adventure with mammals continues....
Carol
God's Talking, You Listening?
In this chapter it tells about 'The Purpose of the Parables'. The disciples wanted to know why Jesus was speaking in a story telling fashion, so Jesus explained why and gave numerous other examples throughout the rest of the
chapter.
And I got to thinking about that and we often do that as well. We are apt to say 'in other words' or give a little analogy to explain something which can make a point easier to understand. Why do we do that? Because when we tell a story or make a point, not everyone hears or sees what we are trying to say in the same way, so in order to do that, we must give examples in whatever language is needed at the time and that's what Jesus did.
We also can't get sidetracked with other stuff and should focus on Him so as to hear and see what He is saying, even if it takes concrete descriptions like parables. We are to give Him our full attention--as in look into His eyes--attention.
I don't like it when I try to talk with someone and am ignored. I want their full attention for that moment-100%. And so why wouldn't God want that? Well, He does and He expects it. Our lives will change when we do.
chapter.
And I got to thinking about that and we often do that as well. We are apt to say 'in other words' or give a little analogy to explain something which can make a point easier to understand. Why do we do that? Because when we tell a story or make a point, not everyone hears or sees what we are trying to say in the same way, so in order to do that, we must give examples in whatever language is needed at the time and that's what Jesus did.
We also can't get sidetracked with other stuff and should focus on Him so as to hear and see what He is saying, even if it takes concrete descriptions like parables. We are to give Him our full attention--as in look into His eyes--attention.
I don't like it when I try to talk with someone and am ignored. I want their full attention for that moment-100%. And so why wouldn't God want that? Well, He does and He expects it. Our lives will change when we do.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Pastoral Fantasies
If I Had a House Church . . .
I’ve been thinking about a House Church lately. Mostly it’s been a fantasy to occupy my mind while I wondered if my ministry at UBC was over. I’ve not been under any delusions about my “irreplacability” at UBC. God is bigger than any individual; the church is bigger than any individual. So as I pondered what might be happening my life I went over a number of scenarios.
Well, I decided that I didn’t really want another church. UBC is really the cream of the crop and I have no desire to pastor another. Many days the pain of the pastorate is huge and I want out, but not another church. Knowing that God has placed me at UBC has given me the strength to stay. Then I decided that I didn’t really want to sit around and do nothing. Jill has suggested that I’m exhausted enough that I should take a bunch of time off. I can’t see myself doing that – I’d probably go nuts. So if I weren’t to pastor, and I weren’t to be Andy Capp, what would I do. I decided that I’d probably get a real job and start a house church.
A house church – so named because it’s small enough to meet in a house – would allow me to do what I’m really called to do. It would allow me to bring people and The Bible together and watch the growth happen. That’s what excites me the most – to see someone’s eyes and soul light up when they are changed by their Holy Spirit led encounter with the Bible. The 12-15 people could work on forming a tight, supportive community that is interested in both their own maturity and in serving God in the world with service and witness. The community formed would have high standards and, with God’s help, high results in lives changed and God glorified.
So, as I dreamed about what it might look like I set out the “membership” standards to answer the question “Why should I join this group?” for an interested person. Here is what I’d target. Here are the expectations the group would have of one another.
More later as you ponder what your list would be like!
I’ve been thinking about a House Church lately. Mostly it’s been a fantasy to occupy my mind while I wondered if my ministry at UBC was over. I’ve not been under any delusions about my “irreplacability” at UBC. God is bigger than any individual; the church is bigger than any individual. So as I pondered what might be happening my life I went over a number of scenarios.
Well, I decided that I didn’t really want another church. UBC is really the cream of the crop and I have no desire to pastor another. Many days the pain of the pastorate is huge and I want out, but not another church. Knowing that God has placed me at UBC has given me the strength to stay. Then I decided that I didn’t really want to sit around and do nothing. Jill has suggested that I’m exhausted enough that I should take a bunch of time off. I can’t see myself doing that – I’d probably go nuts. So if I weren’t to pastor, and I weren’t to be Andy Capp, what would I do. I decided that I’d probably get a real job and start a house church.
A house church – so named because it’s small enough to meet in a house – would allow me to do what I’m really called to do. It would allow me to bring people and The Bible together and watch the growth happen. That’s what excites me the most – to see someone’s eyes and soul light up when they are changed by their Holy Spirit led encounter with the Bible. The 12-15 people could work on forming a tight, supportive community that is interested in both their own maturity and in serving God in the world with service and witness. The community formed would have high standards and, with God’s help, high results in lives changed and God glorified.
So, as I dreamed about what it might look like I set out the “membership” standards to answer the question “Why should I join this group?” for an interested person. Here is what I’d target. Here are the expectations the group would have of one another.
More later as you ponder what your list would be like!
The Hamster Diaries - Next
With my increasingly busy work schedule I haven't had much to do with the hamster, or husband, or children, or life this week, The small bit of contact I've had with any have included:
* a cry for first aid " Mom, the hamster bit me, what should I do?" - my answer, all the antibiotics we got, Band-aid it and get back in the ring, kid.- Sonny in his wisdom added, if we see it getting worse we'll call the Doctor. - well, of course, we'd do that....
* a request for a hamster nail clipping - "Mom, we gotta take him to the vet since his nail are so sharp" - my answer - if I'm spending $30 on a manicure for anyone, - it ain't for the hamster.
* a request for a hamster bath from Kyle (Mr. Sensitive ) who says he stinks - o.k., back to day #1 with Salesman saying "probably needs a bath" - I DID go home that day and set the hamster up with a lovely knee-high (his knees) bowl of lukewarm water but he had absolutely NO INITIATIVE on his own to get that done. Sonny offers that he read somewhere that you should give a hamster a baking soda bath, so working overtime to be Perfect Mom I fix some nice warm baking soda water and find the fluffiest towel we have and really, honestly pick up my children's rodent in the hopes that I can bathe him. It works out actually better than planned, he trusts me and appears to enjoy the personal attention (and I still can't believe I'm spending this energy on a hamster , and considering it quality time - if only to show my kids I'm with them on this whole adventure)
* Rachel reports " Jub-Jub really likes me Mom, she ate out of my hands":- I am just thinking ahead on the devastating effect it will have on her when Jub passes ( I'm usually NOT the glass half-empty person but motherhood does it to me)
* I affectionately call the hamster Chub, Sonny affectionately calls her Wide Load., wait a minute.............." Wide Load why don't you get on that exercise wheel once in awhile"....... Yep, he's calling the hamster Wide Load .... ( but I should stay on the diet just in case...)..
So, life (constantly) and the wheel (every once in awhile) continue to revolve around the newest addition to the Strickland household.
Wishing you and your household the best this week,
Carol
* a cry for first aid " Mom, the hamster bit me, what should I do?" - my answer, all the antibiotics we got, Band-aid it and get back in the ring, kid.- Sonny in his wisdom added, if we see it getting worse we'll call the Doctor. - well, of course, we'd do that....
* a request for a hamster nail clipping - "Mom, we gotta take him to the vet since his nail are so sharp" - my answer - if I'm spending $30 on a manicure for anyone, - it ain't for the hamster.
* a request for a hamster bath from Kyle (Mr. Sensitive ) who says he stinks - o.k., back to day #1 with Salesman saying "probably needs a bath" - I DID go home that day and set the hamster up with a lovely knee-high (his knees) bowl of lukewarm water but he had absolutely NO INITIATIVE on his own to get that done. Sonny offers that he read somewhere that you should give a hamster a baking soda bath, so working overtime to be Perfect Mom I fix some nice warm baking soda water and find the fluffiest towel we have and really, honestly pick up my children's rodent in the hopes that I can bathe him. It works out actually better than planned, he trusts me and appears to enjoy the personal attention (and I still can't believe I'm spending this energy on a hamster , and considering it quality time - if only to show my kids I'm with them on this whole adventure)
* Rachel reports " Jub-Jub really likes me Mom, she ate out of my hands":- I am just thinking ahead on the devastating effect it will have on her when Jub passes ( I'm usually NOT the glass half-empty person but motherhood does it to me)
* I affectionately call the hamster Chub, Sonny affectionately calls her Wide Load., wait a minute.............." Wide Load why don't you get on that exercise wheel once in awhile"....... Yep, he's calling the hamster Wide Load .... ( but I should stay on the diet just in case...)..
So, life (constantly) and the wheel (every once in awhile) continue to revolve around the newest addition to the Strickland household.
Wishing you and your household the best this week,
Carol
Heaven Bound
Jesus says, "I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me".
I know a lot of people who think that being a good person or doing good things or going to church means they are going to heaven. Just because we do those things doesn't mean we believe in Jesus or that he died for us or that He rose and ascended into heaven and will come back. For some reason, some people just don't get it. Good works etc will all come as a result of
believing in Christ, but #1, we need to believe. We need to admit we are Sinners, repent and ask for forgiveness daily #2 and trust Him #3. Then there will be a place in Heaven just for us and just for me.
I, personally, am looking forward to the day I go to heaven. I look forward to the day I see my daughter. I didn't know her very long, but I loved her and in heaven, she will know me and I will know her.
God loves us and will never leave us, ever. It's awesome. It makes me cry.
I know a lot of people who think that being a good person or doing good things or going to church means they are going to heaven. Just because we do those things doesn't mean we believe in Jesus or that he died for us or that He rose and ascended into heaven and will come back. For some reason, some people just don't get it. Good works etc will all come as a result of
believing in Christ, but #1, we need to believe. We need to admit we are Sinners, repent and ask for forgiveness daily #2 and trust Him #3. Then there will be a place in Heaven just for us and just for me.
I, personally, am looking forward to the day I go to heaven. I look forward to the day I see my daughter. I didn't know her very long, but I loved her and in heaven, she will know me and I will know her.
God loves us and will never leave us, ever. It's awesome. It makes me cry.
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Hamster Diaries Number C
It's the middle of tax season and I should be thinking about itemized deductions or ordinary dividends and whether they're qualified, foreign, tax-exempt or any of the above. At the very least I could be thinking about how to outsmart the stapler
which is still a challenge, but today I'm thinking about mice, or rather a mouse.
2 days ago Herb saw him skitter across the common area in the office. Later that day, he brought some D-Con from home but said, "I don't know if it's any good, it's probably pretty old", I told him, "I don't think rat poison can go bad, what's it going to become?.....vitamins?" Later that day I saw Mickey stopping to feed at the D-Con. Good I thought, and spread the news. We rejoiced. Sarah had her reservations about our method of extermination and hoped he didn't go die in the wall. (with that suggestion I must say I was thankful I wouldn't be working during the summer months). This morning I got the report that Sarah spied him in his death throes and Bob boxed him up and dumpstered him.
I was quite relieved that all this happened before I got to work. The last time a dead mouse and I crossed paths was when 2 year old Gavin reached under the stove, pulled out a mousetrap with mouse and proudly exclaimed "Mou". I have never been so brave in my life as to take that out of his little hand so fast. I think I gave him 3 baths that day.
And all this leads me to wonder.... why have I, in the last week, spent $73.47 on a rodent for my kids to play with?
Why does it have a name? Why does it have a bus? Why does the bus have a bumpersticker that says "my other car is a really cool pink ball that I can roll all over the Stricklands' house in" ?
It has 2 cages because it didn't seem to have enough ' play space' in the one. I even custom-made a tunnel to attach the 2 because Chub-Chub (thanks Jane!) doesn't fit through the tunnels that came with the cage. ( But I do have those tunnels on stand-by if Chub ever decides to be an average hamster and put in her 4 - 6 miles per night)
It probably has more living space in relation to its' size than my family members, not to mention the private gym and edible hut. Now, granted, this rodent will look you in the eye, and stand on its' hind feet and "not bite you when you hold it like this". It's still a rodent. But it's a rodent we have a connection with. It's a rodent who depends on us for all it's "creature comforts" (how perfect is that?).
And we, in return, are entertained. The way it fills it's cheeks full of food, and unloads it's cheeks in the wheel ( which I liken to us using the treadmill as a great place to hang the laundry ). The way it's teaching my kids that eating vegetables will not kill you. And I am happy to have this rodent in my life.
Anyways.... just my thought of the day...
Have a great week,
Carol
which is still a challenge, but today I'm thinking about mice, or rather a mouse.
2 days ago Herb saw him skitter across the common area in the office. Later that day, he brought some D-Con from home but said, "I don't know if it's any good, it's probably pretty old", I told him, "I don't think rat poison can go bad, what's it going to become?.....vitamins?" Later that day I saw Mickey stopping to feed at the D-Con. Good I thought, and spread the news. We rejoiced. Sarah had her reservations about our method of extermination and hoped he didn't go die in the wall. (with that suggestion I must say I was thankful I wouldn't be working during the summer months). This morning I got the report that Sarah spied him in his death throes and Bob boxed him up and dumpstered him.
I was quite relieved that all this happened before I got to work. The last time a dead mouse and I crossed paths was when 2 year old Gavin reached under the stove, pulled out a mousetrap with mouse and proudly exclaimed "Mou". I have never been so brave in my life as to take that out of his little hand so fast. I think I gave him 3 baths that day.
And all this leads me to wonder.... why have I, in the last week, spent $73.47 on a rodent for my kids to play with?
Why does it have a name? Why does it have a bus? Why does the bus have a bumpersticker that says "my other car is a really cool pink ball that I can roll all over the Stricklands' house in" ?
It has 2 cages because it didn't seem to have enough ' play space' in the one. I even custom-made a tunnel to attach the 2 because Chub-Chub (thanks Jane!) doesn't fit through the tunnels that came with the cage. ( But I do have those tunnels on stand-by if Chub ever decides to be an average hamster and put in her 4 - 6 miles per night)
It probably has more living space in relation to its' size than my family members, not to mention the private gym and edible hut. Now, granted, this rodent will look you in the eye, and stand on its' hind feet and "not bite you when you hold it like this". It's still a rodent. But it's a rodent we have a connection with. It's a rodent who depends on us for all it's "creature comforts" (how perfect is that?).
And we, in return, are entertained. The way it fills it's cheeks full of food, and unloads it's cheeks in the wheel ( which I liken to us using the treadmill as a great place to hang the laundry ). The way it's teaching my kids that eating vegetables will not kill you. And I am happy to have this rodent in my life.
Anyways.... just my thought of the day...
Have a great week,
Carol
Getting Ready - Rev 21:9-21
What a picture John shows us of the New Jerusalem, what we can expect to see when we get there. What caught my eye first was in verse nine- 777 - 7 angels, 7 bowls and 7 last plagues. Then next was the description of the New Jerusalem, not only the massive size, but John's description of it - 12 gates, 12 angels, 12 tribes, 12 foundations and 12 pearls on each gate.
One angel came and took John (in Spirit) and showed him the place. All the gold and jewels. WOW, just imagine the beauty. Who in this world would not like to live in a place like that. A place of no pain, no depression and no hurts of any kind ever. And we can have it and the way we get there is only through Jesus Christ.
We need to give ourselves over to Christ so when He comes, we will be ready for Heaven, ready for that place of beauty and peace.
One angel came and took John (in Spirit) and showed him the place. All the gold and jewels. WOW, just imagine the beauty. Who in this world would not like to live in a place like that. A place of no pain, no depression and no hurts of any kind ever. And we can have it and the way we get there is only through Jesus Christ.
We need to give ourselves over to Christ so when He comes, we will be ready for Heaven, ready for that place of beauty and peace.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
I like the way this is written in The Message by Eugene Peterson. Paul, in writing to the church at Thessalonica and tells them how God wants them to live. He uses words like:
Honor the leaders who work hard for you - overwhelm them with appreciation and love Tell the freeloaders to move on Get along - each do your part Encourage the stragglers Reach out for the exhausted - pull them to their feet Be patient - attentive to individual needs Don't snap at each other Look for the best in each other - do your best to bring it out Be cheerful - pray all the time - thank God no matter what Don't suppress the Spirit Don't stifle those who have a word from God Don't be gullible - check out everything - keep what is good-throw out evil
God says Jesus is coming. We don't know WHEN so we need to be ready NOW.....So HOW do we do that?
I think the first thing we need to do is (#1) remember God is in charge and submit totally. Once we do that, we are open to hear His words, we are open to read our Bibles, we are open to prayer, we are open to learn and we are open and willing to accept whatever God brings to us because we will know He is the truth.
Honor the leaders who work hard for you - overwhelm them with appreciation and love Tell the freeloaders to move on Get along - each do your part Encourage the stragglers Reach out for the exhausted - pull them to their feet Be patient - attentive to individual needs Don't snap at each other Look for the best in each other - do your best to bring it out Be cheerful - pray all the time - thank God no matter what Don't suppress the Spirit Don't stifle those who have a word from God Don't be gullible - check out everything - keep what is good-throw out evil
God says Jesus is coming. We don't know WHEN so we need to be ready NOW.....So HOW do we do that?
I think the first thing we need to do is (#1) remember God is in charge and submit totally. Once we do that, we are open to hear His words, we are open to read our Bibles, we are open to prayer, we are open to learn and we are open and willing to accept whatever God brings to us because we will know He is the truth.
The Hamster Diaries - Part Deux
Hello friends, Regarding hamsters, please, allow me to share my limited knowledge with you. Fact or fiction remains to be seen.
1). Hamsters are friendly little mammals that make great pets. On the first point, I'll have to reserve judgment since it's been a full 48 hours and the entire family, combined, has probably had less than 10 minutes interaction with Jub-Jub. Really, who knew that when the book said they were nocturnal, they really meant it? Here I am looking for some fun thing for my kids to do and the extent of that so far has been Rachel and Kyle patiently waiting, looking at the cage for some signs of movement. The whole family is called when the animal comes out of his hut to do his thing in the corner. I thought the potty excitement ended with the kids but apparently not. Luckily the kids don't request that Sonny and I do the "Poop on the Pot" dance because we'd have to draw the line. Hopefully, he'll adjust slightly to our schedule because if the kids adjust to his, I'm sure the teachers will have something to say about it.
2) Hamsters live an average of 1000 days. Now, I'll admit I had this information going into it. I wanted to have an idea of the commitment involved and I thought , almost 3 years, sure, I can do almost 3 years ( heck, I've had Gavin for 12 now). I even asked Salesman, "How old is it?" to which he replied, " He's probably older than the other ones". At this point I'm betting QUITE a bit older but I'm going to keep track of it so we have proof.
3) Hamsters run between 4 - 6 miles every night. Hence the wheels you attach to the cages. I was thinking ahead on this one.....I didn't want to be awoken by the sound of a squeaky wheel so I bought "the silent wheel". When we first got home the hamster went right to it and started running. What was it thinking? After a minute it stopped, and lay down in the wheel, unmoving. As minutes went by I just got this sick feeling. I motioned to Sonny in the other room so Rachel couldn't see me " check him, check him". Of course he couldn't understand me so he came in and I shared my fear, " Now, don't start the death pool, Carol" (he knows I was right about the fish though...) and he went back to the other room to keep an eye anyways. In a few minutes I heard Sonny, "he's moving" ( I think he was as relieved as I was). Hey, I was just speaking from experience. I've never seen anyone fall asleep on the treadmill before. And since the wheel is silent, how can I be sure my hamster is running at all during the night? There's no squeaky wheel to tell me or any hamstermometer I can check. Tonight I'm sleeping on the couch and I'm going to find out. For 2 reasons: - If I got sold the 'fat, lazy old friendly hamster that no-one else would buy' and Salesman got a hefty bonus in his paycheck for moving old stock, I want a refund. - If my hamster spends all night running on the treadmill and still has that porky little hamster butt, I'm never going to the gym again.
Have a great week, Carol
1). Hamsters are friendly little mammals that make great pets. On the first point, I'll have to reserve judgment since it's been a full 48 hours and the entire family, combined, has probably had less than 10 minutes interaction with Jub-Jub. Really, who knew that when the book said they were nocturnal, they really meant it? Here I am looking for some fun thing for my kids to do and the extent of that so far has been Rachel and Kyle patiently waiting, looking at the cage for some signs of movement. The whole family is called when the animal comes out of his hut to do his thing in the corner. I thought the potty excitement ended with the kids but apparently not. Luckily the kids don't request that Sonny and I do the "Poop on the Pot" dance because we'd have to draw the line. Hopefully, he'll adjust slightly to our schedule because if the kids adjust to his, I'm sure the teachers will have something to say about it.
2) Hamsters live an average of 1000 days. Now, I'll admit I had this information going into it. I wanted to have an idea of the commitment involved and I thought , almost 3 years, sure, I can do almost 3 years ( heck, I've had Gavin for 12 now). I even asked Salesman, "How old is it?" to which he replied, " He's probably older than the other ones". At this point I'm betting QUITE a bit older but I'm going to keep track of it so we have proof.
3) Hamsters run between 4 - 6 miles every night. Hence the wheels you attach to the cages. I was thinking ahead on this one.....I didn't want to be awoken by the sound of a squeaky wheel so I bought "the silent wheel". When we first got home the hamster went right to it and started running. What was it thinking? After a minute it stopped, and lay down in the wheel, unmoving. As minutes went by I just got this sick feeling. I motioned to Sonny in the other room so Rachel couldn't see me " check him, check him". Of course he couldn't understand me so he came in and I shared my fear, " Now, don't start the death pool, Carol" (he knows I was right about the fish though...) and he went back to the other room to keep an eye anyways. In a few minutes I heard Sonny, "he's moving" ( I think he was as relieved as I was). Hey, I was just speaking from experience. I've never seen anyone fall asleep on the treadmill before. And since the wheel is silent, how can I be sure my hamster is running at all during the night? There's no squeaky wheel to tell me or any hamstermometer I can check. Tonight I'm sleeping on the couch and I'm going to find out. For 2 reasons: - If I got sold the 'fat, lazy old friendly hamster that no-one else would buy' and Salesman got a hefty bonus in his paycheck for moving old stock, I want a refund. - If my hamster spends all night running on the treadmill and still has that porky little hamster butt, I'm never going to the gym again.
Have a great week, Carol
Saturday, May 12, 2007
A New And Right Spirit
I picked up this book because its title intriqued me. I found it worth reading. Here are some quotes to stimulate your thinking.
A New And Right Spirit: Creating an Authentic Church in a Consumer Culture, Rick Barger (Hendon, VA: Alban Institute, 2005.
I believe that pastors suffer from burnout and depression, not because they are poor at self-care, but because they are stuck in systems that no longer work. They are exhausted from one technical approach after another. (32)
The first adaptive movement might be the realization that Jesus indeed did not come to meet our needs. Jesus came and God birthed the church to meet God’s needs by raising up a community that exists as a sign or witness to God’s redemptive activity in the world. (33)
The biblical nuance of “dominion” is that we serve as agents for God. We are stewards of what belongs to God. God is in charge. We work for God. We answer to God. The human grasp of “dominion,” on the other hand, means that we are in charge! This tension of just who is in charge is at the center of the entire biblical narrative. (48-9)
Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon warn that sentimentality is really “how unbelief is lived out; that when the gospel is reduced to sentiment, we are left with no gospel.” God is not much into sentiment. (83)
Having a personal relationship with Jesus in the presumed manner that pervades our culture today is not a prevalent theme in the New Testament. (86)
Jesus never speaks about taking up a personal relationship with him. He never even remotely suggests that we are to invite him into our hearts. Rather, he invites us to follow him by saying, “Follow me” (Mark 1:17 and parallels). (86-7)
It is not the story of the current confusion, crisis, or consternation that is going to have the last word. Nor is it the next strategic plan, deal, or cause. It is the story of the crucified and risen Lord, to whom the future belongs, who tenaciously holds the church, and who have the final word. (104)
… the church does not exist to meet people’s needs. It exists to meet God’s needs. (129)
Here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/New-Right-Spirit-Creating-Authentic/dp/1566993067/ref=sr_1_1/002-4029006-1792806?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1179010632&sr=8-1
A New And Right Spirit: Creating an Authentic Church in a Consumer Culture, Rick Barger (Hendon, VA: Alban Institute, 2005.
I believe that pastors suffer from burnout and depression, not because they are poor at self-care, but because they are stuck in systems that no longer work. They are exhausted from one technical approach after another. (32)
The first adaptive movement might be the realization that Jesus indeed did not come to meet our needs. Jesus came and God birthed the church to meet God’s needs by raising up a community that exists as a sign or witness to God’s redemptive activity in the world. (33)
The biblical nuance of “dominion” is that we serve as agents for God. We are stewards of what belongs to God. God is in charge. We work for God. We answer to God. The human grasp of “dominion,” on the other hand, means that we are in charge! This tension of just who is in charge is at the center of the entire biblical narrative. (48-9)
Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon warn that sentimentality is really “how unbelief is lived out; that when the gospel is reduced to sentiment, we are left with no gospel.” God is not much into sentiment. (83)
Having a personal relationship with Jesus in the presumed manner that pervades our culture today is not a prevalent theme in the New Testament. (86)
Jesus never speaks about taking up a personal relationship with him. He never even remotely suggests that we are to invite him into our hearts. Rather, he invites us to follow him by saying, “Follow me” (Mark 1:17 and parallels). (86-7)
It is not the story of the current confusion, crisis, or consternation that is going to have the last word. Nor is it the next strategic plan, deal, or cause. It is the story of the crucified and risen Lord, to whom the future belongs, who tenaciously holds the church, and who have the final word. (104)
… the church does not exist to meet people’s needs. It exists to meet God’s needs. (129)
Here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/New-Right-Spirit-Creating-Authentic/dp/1566993067/ref=sr_1_1/002-4029006-1792806?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1179010632&sr=8-1
Worth A Listen
Eugene Peterson, translator of "The Message" Bible is a hero of mine. I've found that he brings me back to center and points me in the right direction. Here is a link to a talk he gave to a pastor's gathering where he talks about what the church should be about. It's definately worth a listen. He also asks a great question, "What Good Are Pastors?"
Go to: http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/NPC/NationalConvention/NPC07webcasts.htm and download General Session 5.
Go to: http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/NPC/NationalConvention/NPC07webcasts.htm and download General Session 5.
Mother's Day Thoughts
This is about Hannah, a godly woman who could not give her husband children.
Elkanah, her husband, took a second wife just for that reason. But he continued to deeply love Hannah. And every year she went with Elkanah on his annual pilgrimage and this one year the second wife was ridiculing more than usual her about not having children. Hannah was desperate and started praying to God and promised if she were to bear a son, she would give him to the Lord to serve. Hannah did conceive, bore a son and named him Samuel And when he was weaned, she did what she promised-she surrendered him to God.
How can we be like Hannah? When we get caught up in difficult situations, we need to remember to bring our problems to God and trust Him.
As mothers, we can't just teach, we need to show our children how to surrender to God. In times when things are bad in our lives, they watch us, they watch how we handle situations, they watch what we do and say and they learn. If they watch us get angry and curse God's name, they will learn, by example. But if they watch us pray and talk about how God loves us, is with
us at all times and won't leave us, they will learn, by example.
It's not easy being a mom. We need to get strength and love from God and give love and trust to God. If we serve God first, we will have all that and more and our children will see it and learn.
Elkanah, her husband, took a second wife just for that reason. But he continued to deeply love Hannah. And every year she went with Elkanah on his annual pilgrimage and this one year the second wife was ridiculing more than usual her about not having children. Hannah was desperate and started praying to God and promised if she were to bear a son, she would give him to the Lord to serve. Hannah did conceive, bore a son and named him Samuel And when he was weaned, she did what she promised-she surrendered him to God.
How can we be like Hannah? When we get caught up in difficult situations, we need to remember to bring our problems to God and trust Him.
As mothers, we can't just teach, we need to show our children how to surrender to God. In times when things are bad in our lives, they watch us, they watch how we handle situations, they watch what we do and say and they learn. If they watch us get angry and curse God's name, they will learn, by example. But if they watch us pray and talk about how God loves us, is with
us at all times and won't leave us, they will learn, by example.
It's not easy being a mom. We need to get strength and love from God and give love and trust to God. If we serve God first, we will have all that and more and our children will see it and learn.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Another Plus for the Smaller Church
This is an interesting article. It makes the point that conversion growth, rather than transfer growth, occurs much more frequently in churches of our size than in larger churches. God does bless.
To read the entire article go to: Link http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2007/05/good_things_com.html#more
To read the entire article go to: Link http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2007/05/good_things_com.html#more
You're Not In The Driver's Seat
YOU'RE NOT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT...That is how The Message starts this chapter. (Matt 16:24-27)
When Jesus told his disciples that He had to go to Jerusalem to suffer, be killed and then rise up alive after three days, Peter was very upset and couldn't believe it would happen. Jesus then told Peter that he was setting his mind on the things of man and not on the things of God. He then proceeded to tell the disciples that if they wanted to go with Him, they had to let Him lead, they were not in the driver's seat. He said "I AM.
Why does Jesus have to be in the drivers seat? And why don't we like Him there? Well, maybe it's because we like to do things ourselves, we don't need help, we are self sufficient people living in 2007. Also not to mention Jesus was back then.
When we learn to embrace Jesus, our lives will change, but it also means we have to accept the death of our old self and the life of a new self. We have to choose God's will everyday (take up our cross) and we have to give all our burdens over to Him.
I picture myself in a hairy situation and I'm scared witless and don't know what to do or where to turn. Am I going to set my mind on the things of man or the things of God? Do I want to turn to Christ and put Him in my driver's seat, put Him in charge?
Maybe today could be a turning point in your life. Turn to Christ, love Him, believe Him and walk with Him. If He is in your driver's seat, you will be saved, you will have a new life with Him. What could be better...
When Jesus told his disciples that He had to go to Jerusalem to suffer, be killed and then rise up alive after three days, Peter was very upset and couldn't believe it would happen. Jesus then told Peter that he was setting his mind on the things of man and not on the things of God. He then proceeded to tell the disciples that if they wanted to go with Him, they had to let Him lead, they were not in the driver's seat. He said "I AM.
Why does Jesus have to be in the drivers seat? And why don't we like Him there? Well, maybe it's because we like to do things ourselves, we don't need help, we are self sufficient people living in 2007. Also not to mention Jesus was back then.
When we learn to embrace Jesus, our lives will change, but it also means we have to accept the death of our old self and the life of a new self. We have to choose God's will everyday (take up our cross) and we have to give all our burdens over to Him.
I picture myself in a hairy situation and I'm scared witless and don't know what to do or where to turn. Am I going to set my mind on the things of man or the things of God? Do I want to turn to Christ and put Him in my driver's seat, put Him in charge?
Maybe today could be a turning point in your life. Turn to Christ, love Him, believe Him and walk with Him. If He is in your driver's seat, you will be saved, you will have a new life with Him. What could be better...
The Hamster Diaries - Pt 1
Well, we bit the rodent bullet today and bought a hamster. Met Sonny and the kids at Petco after work, yessiree, a whole family outing since I thought it would be a major bonding experience for us...Bought the first one the sales person showed us. Decision wasn't tough at all. As he held up the hamster he said, " usually when you hold them like this, they bite you...and this one doesn't". We all looked at each other, yep, that's definitely the one we want.
No sooner did he put "our hamster" in a cardboard box then "our hamster's" little rodent teeth and two hands appeared in the breathing holes on the sides and proceeded to make itself a fresh opening, with a vengeance. I mentioned that maybe we wanted a younger, smaller, less active hamster than Hamzilla who we were beginning to see more and more of as he plotted his escape but Salesman assured us this was "the one " for us.
Then began a frantic re-boxing and a purchase of a hamster "bus" just in case he went through. As I asked him for the best food for a hamster he came back with a bag he assured us was " the best food available for a hamster----peanut-butter-coated- whatevertheheckitwas".
I informed him that I couldn't buy that kind because of Gavin's serious peanut allergy , so then I re-posed the question, "So, forget about the hamster for a minute, what is the best hamster food for my son?"
While I was buying the food, Kyle noticed that "our hamster" smelled. Salesman casually said, " probably needs a bath." Of course this is officially "our hamster" now so there's no turning back but in my mind I'm thinking--- are you flipping serious? these things don't wash themselves? I didn't have to wash the last pet (a fish, but still...)
As "our hamster" goes to work on the second box, I request that we utilize the escape-proof bus immediately but Salesman informs us that store policy requires us to take "our hamster" out of the store in the cardboard box, (or whatever is left of it after we go through checkout.)
Luckily, Salesgirl sees it our way and even puts the animal in it for us, (and then puts the bus in the cardboard box so Salesman is none the wiser). So, here we all are, safely at home, starting Day #1 with Jub-Jub our hamster .
Have a great week, Carol Strickland
No sooner did he put "our hamster" in a cardboard box then "our hamster's" little rodent teeth and two hands appeared in the breathing holes on the sides and proceeded to make itself a fresh opening, with a vengeance. I mentioned that maybe we wanted a younger, smaller, less active hamster than Hamzilla who we were beginning to see more and more of as he plotted his escape but Salesman assured us this was "the one " for us.
Then began a frantic re-boxing and a purchase of a hamster "bus" just in case he went through. As I asked him for the best food for a hamster he came back with a bag he assured us was " the best food available for a hamster----peanut-butter-coated- whatevertheheckitwas".
I informed him that I couldn't buy that kind because of Gavin's serious peanut allergy , so then I re-posed the question, "So, forget about the hamster for a minute, what is the best hamster food for my son?"
While I was buying the food, Kyle noticed that "our hamster" smelled. Salesman casually said, " probably needs a bath." Of course this is officially "our hamster" now so there's no turning back but in my mind I'm thinking--- are you flipping serious? these things don't wash themselves? I didn't have to wash the last pet (a fish, but still...)
As "our hamster" goes to work on the second box, I request that we utilize the escape-proof bus immediately but Salesman informs us that store policy requires us to take "our hamster" out of the store in the cardboard box, (or whatever is left of it after we go through checkout.)
Luckily, Salesgirl sees it our way and even puts the animal in it for us, (and then puts the bus in the cardboard box so Salesman is none the wiser). So, here we all are, safely at home, starting Day #1 with Jub-Jub our hamster .
Have a great week, Carol Strickland
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