Hello all!!!

Sorry I've been quiet the last two weeks. Our church does organizes and puts on a Bible summer camp every year. We are leaving Sunday and it's major crunch time. I can't tell you what it's about because we keep as much a secret as we can :) What I can give you is a bit from the presentation the choir will be doing this year. (I'm the choir director)

1Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

When God will not use thee in one kind, yet He will in another. A soul that desires to serve and honour Him shall never want opportunity to do it; nor must thou so limit the Holy One of Israel, as to think He hath but one way in which He can glorify Himself by thee. He can do it by thy silence as well by thy preaching; thy laying aside as well as thy continuance in thy work." - Elizabeth Gaskell

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

"If we did all the things we were capable of doing, We would literally astound ourselves.”

~ Thomas Edison

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Mat 5:13-16 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

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Stir Me!

Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord, I care not how,

But stir my heart in passion for the world,

Stir me to give, to go, but most to pray;

Stir till the blood-red banner be unfurled

O'er lands that still in heathen darkness lie,

O'er deserts where no cross is lifted high.

Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord, till all my heart

Is filled with strong compassion for these-souls;

Till Thy compelling word drives me to pray;

Till Thy constraining love reach to the poles

Far north and south, in burning deep desire,

Till east and west are caught in love's great fire.

Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord, till prayer is pain,

Till prayer is joy, till prayer turns into praise;

Stir me, till heart and will and mind, yea, all

Is wholly Thine to use through all the days.

Stir, till I learn to pray exceedingly;

Stir, till I learn to wait expectantly.

Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord, Thy heart was stirred

By love's intensest fire, till Thou didst give

Thine only Son, Thy best beloved One,

E'en to the dreadful cross, that I might live.

Stir me to give myself so back to Thee,

That Thou canst give Thyself again through me.

Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord, for I can see

Thy glorious triumph-day begin to break;

The dawn already gilds the eastern sky;

Oh, Church of Christ, arise, awake, awake.

Oh! stir us, Lord, as heralds of that day.

For night is past, the King is on His way.

~Bessie Porter Head

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FAITH

Have you ever seen the movie "The City of Ember"?  You haven't?!?!?!  Well, watch it!

It's based off a book.  I haven't actually read the book......  but I have it on good authority (Rebecca :) ) that the movie is a excellent adaptation.  Anyway, the story is about a city named Ember.  The glitch is the city resides miles underground.  The brain-child of scientists attempting to save the human race from extinction. I'm just going to save myself from bumbling words and copy Rebecca's review.

The story follows the adventures of young teens Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow as they discover that their home is rapidly self destructing and do everything in their power to save themselves and their loved ones from peril.  Lina is a responsible girl who is raising her adorable younger sister, Poppy, and caring for her dying grandmother.  Doon is the driven "jack-of-all-trades" who fights to fix everything.  What Lina and Doon don't know (but we do) is that the town they have grown up in and known as "the only light in a dark world" is really an underground city created to preserve life for 200 years while the world above is destroyed through nuclear war.

War rages above.  Life thrives below.  For 200 years. 

 Until the electricity starts to run out.  And the food starts to run out.  And the massive generator that powers the entire city keeps breaking down leaving the entire "world" in complete darkness.

Lina and Doon must entertain the idea that there might be more to the world than this.  Armed with incomplete instructions and no knowledge of anything but Ember they must venture into the unknown and darkness to save the entire city.

The world is coming to the earth.  But faith remains steadfast.  The people often say the builders will come.  The builders will save us.  They have great faith, amidst massive blackouts and no light at the end of the tunnel. Lina and Doon take off to find the provision they believe the builders left for their survival.

We re-watched The City of Ember recently and I came away really thinking about the faith that the Emberites, Emberians,.... the people of Ember possessed.  Do I have faith like that? Faith that no matter what life throws my way and no matter how tough things are I still trust that God has everything in control and has a provision in it.  Faith is such a powerful thing.

If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. ~ Matthew 17:20b

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Lately I have definitely been feeling old.  Nostalgic, very aware of the fact that I have history.  A definite past that I remember, I'm watching my younger cousins get engaged, start lives of their own.  My younger siblings are graduating from High School and College, my little brother is driving now, he drove himself to my work the other day, totally blew me off my feet.   Do you ever get the feeling that everyone else's life is whizzing past and your's in in slow motion? Well, I know the feeling well....  Feels a lot like this picture.... For years I've been watching life speed fast, the years tick by, feeling sorry for myself, wondering why I couldn't be like everyone else.  But recently, I stopped and looked back at the past 10 years.  Observed how far I've come, the things I've learned and accomplished.  Things I've overcome, the places I've been and how much I've grown.  Yes, my life is speeding by like everyone else's.... but it is moving, God is working.  And I'm just waiting, He has something big in store.

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Hello fellow bloggers!!

No, I have no forgotten about you! It's just been an interesting few weeks....

And now I am back!!! to give you this tiny computer tip :)

Have you ever wanted to zoom in on something on your screen?  Well, if you have a mouse that has a wheel on it.  Hold down the CTRL button and spin the wheel :) Or if you don't have a mouse wheel CTRL + will zoom in CTRL - will zoom out and CTRL 0 will take you back to normal.  Now you don't have to squint!

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Promises of God - Psalm 42

This particular Promise of God might seem a little strange or out of place, but the promises in this particular Psalm have been my comfort through many trials.

To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 

O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 

Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. 

I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 

As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? 

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. 

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Are You Up To the Challenge?

Everybody likes a good challenge, right?! Well... I do anyway...

A challenge by definition is 

1) Something that by its nature or character servers as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc.

2) Difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulation to one engaged in it.

3) To summon to a contest of will or strength

Something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle. In ancient days that would be the throwing down of the gauntlet. The call to arms the night of Paul Revere and William Dawes' famous ride to Concord. - Exciting, thrilling, stimulating. Not easy, but exciting.  

When we were talking about new blog topics, challenges came up. I jumped on the topic, I THRIVE on challenges. The more, the harder, the merrier. I know they aren't easy.  I balk at them, not wanting to feel inadequate, incompetent.  I think I can safely say that everyone prefers to do something that we are good at and know that we can excel in.  But without a challenge, how would we grow?  Here is a recent example.

Last week, during violin lessons, I was working with a student on their Solo and Ensemble piece.  The student told me that they shouldn't have to do something because it's hard and as a teenager they shouldn't have to.  I wouldn't be surprised if my mouth had dropped open.  All I could think is "being a teenager is NOT an excuse!"  Instead I told him that I was reading a book called Do Hard Things, and that he wasn't going to get away with pulling the teenager card out.  You can do it! I sat down and laid out a challenge.  It has been probably around 10 years since a violinist from the local school has gone to State Solo and Ensemble.  I gave him the challenge to be the person to stretch beyond and break that streak.  Well, he got the highest score you can get.  But he was doing a Grade B solo and only Grade A solos can go to state... opps... I forgot about that... BUT, he is all excited for next year.  He took the challenge.

Begin looking for challenges.  Stretch beyond yourself.  Give 100% instead of 80% or 125% instead of 110%.  Be know for what you do instead of what you don't do.  Take a challenge, take a stand and hold it.  History is full of examples.  The 20th Maine took a stand at the Battle of Gettysburg when the outlook was bleak and they were out of ammo.  They didn't retreat, with one word from their commander they took the challenge and charged forward, changing the outlook of the Civil War, and ultimately our nation.  The choices you make and the challenges you give yourself can be just as big a turning point in your life and the lives of the people close to you.

Start small, challenge yourself to do something beyond your comfort level.  Can you read the Bible through in 90 Days? Run 10 miles?   Volunteer at a soup kitchen?  Often the things that would be beneficial in us and our communities require us to go above and beyond.  Think of a challenge in your own life and set a goal.

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13

"...having done all to stand." - Ephesians 6:13b

Take the challenge and stand.  If you need a support team we are always here and if you're looking for a starting point the IDD Blog will be hosting the 90 Day Bible Challenge, so stay tuned.

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Thankfulness

Hey girls!!

Have you ever noticed that all my posts include me thinking.... hope that's a good thing because yep, I was at it again :-)  I was thinking about how when I am thankful for something my whole world looks a little brighter.  I've made it a habit of mine to come up with at least one thing everyday that I am thankful for. And find things to be thankful for in the maybe not so thankful things.

Yesterday for instance, I was thankful that my shoe got all muddy when I stepped on the grass.  Because you know what, mud means that the snow is melting and SPRING IS COMING!!!

So, what are you thankful for today?

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My Current Creed

"Here I stand.  I can do no other.  So help me God."

~Martin Luther

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“My life is like a weaving, between my God and me,

I do not choose the colors, He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride,

Forget He Sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly,

Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver’s hand,

As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.”

  (by Grant Colfax Tullar)

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2 Thoughts

There have been 2 thoughts bouncing around in my head, well more than two, but these are the only two that count right this minute.....

To leave a legacy, you have to live a legacy.

*************************

It well may be 

That we will never meet again 

In this lifetime 

So let me say before we part 

So much of me 

Is made of what I learned from you 

You'll be with me 

Like a hand-print on my heart 

And now whatever way our stories end 

I know you have re-written mine 

By being my friend... "

How many people's lives do you touch every day?   How many people do I impact for the good? Impact for God? How many people have my handprint on their heart? Their life?

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Proverbs 31:11

Choosing to not date doesn't ensure that you can give your future husband a perfectly intact, non-bruised heart.  (See: Hello Mr Wrong).  Face it, we live in a world where sensuality is prevalent and encouraged.  Where you supposedly learn by giving your heart to person after person only to have it held, loved, and then returned to you broken, bruised and worse for wear.  If attraction is encouraged and cultivated what happens when you get married??  The attraction doesn't just automatically turn off or transfer to only your husband.  It's still there.

So, how do you protect your heart?  Some time ago a thought popped into my head and it's been a big help to me.  The thought was to practice being faithful to my husband even before I know who he is.  I am destined for one man, saving myself, keeping my heart for him.  But, allowing  myself to be attracted to other men is not being faithful.  It's running around on him.  Behave as a married woman.  Practice faithfulness now! So that when God blesses you with, as Peter Marshall said, "The highest halls of human happiness".  It won't be hard to protect your heart from outside attraction and you will be able to give your husband a fuller, less bruised or unbruised complete heart.  A heart that belongs to him, that is beating out a tune for him and him alone.  Just think about it.  "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil."

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A look back at my New Year's Resolutions

This is the time of the year when people stop and evaluate their lives. The look at the New Year's Resolution's they made last year, see if they accomplished what they set their minds to do. New Year's Resolutions....
I'm not a big fan of New Year's Resolutions... they seem somewhat petty, like you can't just do stuff during the year, you have to wait till January to start something right.  But last year I decided, why not. I'll just try anyway see what the big deal is. I made two resolutions; easy ones I figured wouldn't be too hard to keep.


#1 - Work on my relationship with God
#2 - Exercise


I figured the first would be a pretty much no-brainer, except I wanted to do it a lot.  I thought I would work towards the place where you are;
 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; " - Ephesians 6:18
Well, I didn't get there, but all throughout this past year, I kept thinking about the resolution I had made to
"...press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14 and it would spur me on in God.


The second resolution was a bit harder to keep.  I wanted to exercise more and not because I wanted to lose weight and look like a model, but because I knew I wasn't in the best physical shape and I knew exercising would be good for me.  Well... sometime early this year I almost herniated a disk in my back and was put on restrictions for several weeks.  So that x'd any thoughts for exercising for a while.  After that I was just busy and too lazy to try and exercise.  Then, when I was seriously trying to fit it back into my schedule, I locked my hip.  And yep, that x'd exercising for another few weeks.  After that I decided that was enough, I'm just going to do it.  I need to get my body back into shape so I'm not getting hurt!!  I bought a DVD so I could exercise at home and not have to go to a gym or try running (which I stink at).  I've started doing it a couple times a week.  And you know what, not only am I enjoying it, but I'm noticing a difference.  I feel better, I don't get winded as much and I walk taller, more confidently and I haven't hurt myself since the locked hip.  Plus, I'm not a big fan of the music on the DVD so I try to pray while I'm exercising. It's not bad music, just not my preferences.


So all in all, my resolution to have New Year's Resolutions turned out pretty well. I got somewhere with them.  My final thoughts on the subject. Am I a fan of resolutions?  Yes, and No.  Yes, as a person who enjoys rising to a challenge, absolutely; it spurred me to do something and keep with it.  No, I don't think they are for everyone and it depends on the resolution, don't just think of something; put thought into it, decide to do something you actually WANT to do. Ditch New Year's, start it NOW.  Make resolutions all the time to push on in God, to Do Hard Things and allow God to make a difference in your life and the lives around you.  Resolve to let God consume your life into His will.




Philippians 3:13-14  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

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Do or Don't

Our Bible Study group has been reading through Do Hard Things.   Granted the study is mostly adults, there is actually only one of us who is still technically a "teen".  But we're reading it anyway, and applying it to life as an adult.  An Adult Rebellion Against Low Expectations :-)  I was working through the chapter for this week when I ran across this passage:

Lindsey is a "good girl" who seemingly never does anything wrong.  She won't watch R-rated movies, wears a promise ring her dad gave her on her thirteenth birthday, and won't even date (or "court," as she puts it) until she's ready to get married.  It doesn't make her highly popular among some of her peers, but she cares more about what the adults in her life think.  And they praise her constantly - usually while they bemoan all the "bad stuff" other teens today are involved in.

She loves it when she gets compliments for being such a "wonderful girl," but when Lindsey is honest, she knows she's become exceptional for what she doesn't do. She doesn't attend wild parties, cause trouble, or want a tattoo. But what does she do? Is the Christian life all about avoiding "bad stuff" or is it about doing "good, hard stuff" for God?  Deep down Lindsey knows the answer, but she's already praised for being such a godly girl. Isn't that enough?

The words jumped off the page and smacked me over the head.  I can completely relate.  I know the feeling all to well.  So here's the thoughts..

Are you (and me) known for the things we do or the things we don't do?
And what kind of things can you or we do to change that?

I'm going to leave you with one thing.  Just a little encouragement for all of us.

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Prayer

I've been searching for a topic to write about.  Something to inspire me to get my non-writer-fingers moving.  I couldn't land on anything, at all.  But, while I was doing dishes, a thought dropped in my brain.  I've been working my way through a series of books.  They are very intriguing.  The thing that got me was the way the main character is with God.  He trusts completely.  There is one place in the books where he goes, kneels down to pray, and stays there, pleading for an answer.  He didn't move until he got a audible answer.  Which got me thinking, what do I ask God for?  And truly trust that he will answer? I've never gotten down on my knees and stayed there till I got an answer. Never.  Do I even trust him to actually give me a audible answer?  He can.  So here is my question to myself, and to you. 

When you pray do you trust? Are you doing lip service or are you seeking an answer?


"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
Matthew 21:22

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Caldo Verde (Green Soup of Portugal)

In a big pot, combine:
1/2 cup onion, cut
1/2 lb. pepperoni cut in 1/4 in. slices
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 cups potatoes, diced and peeled
2 quarts boiling water

Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes or till potatoes are tender.

Add:
2 cups cabbage, shredded
3 tsp. salt and pepper
2 cups spinach, chopped

Cook about 2 minutes over medium heat. This serves 4.  Eat with crisp bread. It is REALLY good!!!

Don't go off the picture, I didn't have any spinach so I doubled the cabbage. It didn't taste as good...

Whip up a batch of biscuits while the soup cooks.  They go great together!

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Friends and Fellowship

I've been thinking recently about the fellowship and friendship that is IDD.  You see, a few days ago I was reminded of a conversation I had with my mom about 10 years ago.  In this conversation I was bemoaning my lack of close friends and generally just the lack of fellowship with girls my own age. (Not counting my lovely sisters, whom I could never do without.)  I really didn't have any close friends outside of my sisters and I longed for an outside source of fellowship.  there was a family in the local homeschool group that I had decided we should get to know.  I thought we would get along well and wanted Mom to help me start something.  She understood my request and said she would try.  It never amounted to anything.  God had other plans.  I had close friends growing up but it seemed like once I hit my teen years I become friendless, that's what it felt like anyway.  Maybe I'm just a hard person to get to know, I don't know.  All I now is that there was a desire within me for friends to talk to and share with, to laugh and cry with.
It was about a year later that I started hanging out with a different group of girls in the homeschool group.  Sadly it was our senior year and college separated us.  We still talk, its just not the same.  Later that year I stumbled on IDD quite by accident.  Let me tell you it was the best accident ever!  I found out that a friend of my sister's was on IDD and figured why not!  It didn't take me long to feel accepted.  I fit in.  We talked and laughed, prayed and discussed. I felt needed and when I was internetless for one summmer the heartfelt cyber hugs when I returned felt awesome.
IDD became a safe haven for me.  A place to share thoughts and struggles.  A place where my friends were.  Years went by and I now have real friends, best friends, soul mates.  Granted we rarely see each other in person and most of our conversations involve a computer and an invention we call cyber space.  But its real.

Looking back, I realize I've kinda taken IDD for granted all these years.  The fellowship it brings is irreplaceable.  I don't know where I would be without it.  So, to all you IDDiots out there., THANK YOU!!!!! Thank you for the fellowship and friendship.  For the times you've listened to me.  The cyber hugs and shoulders you've lovingly gave.  For the laughter and memories.  For the unexpected snail mail and texts that arrived just when I needed the reminder that someone cares.  Thank you for everything.  You have impacted my life and the friendships we have formed will never be forgotten.

No, I'm not going anywhere.   I just wanted to tell you all that you are appreciated  For those of you who aren't on the forum feel free to jump on the band wagon.  The link is on the right.

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What are the ALT and CTRL buttons for?

Along with a little help from my brother I've compiled a short list of keyboard shortcuts involving your alt and ctrl buttons.

Alt + Tab = switches between open windows (any open windows)
Ctrl + Tab = switches between tabs in firefox and internet explorer
Ctrl + mouse wheel = zooms in on screen (mostly the text)
Alt + F4 = Closes current window
Ctrl + L = selects/goes to address bar

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Never Forget

9/11/2001

Forget?

Never.

The moment I saw the pictures on the television is forever etched in my memory.  And with that memory is the memory of the immediate fear that gripped my soul.  Which was followed by a complete peace that can only come from God.  The world was gripped with terror, but I was not afraid.  Words like war, bombs, hijacking, had little effect on me, whatever was to come couldn't faze me, my God is real.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

~ Philippians 4:7

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The Art of Classical Music

Classical music is a lost art. A form of entertainment that our generation has labeled old fashioned and in some cases boring. It's not upbeat and compelling enough for high action entertainment. Well, I must admit it took me awhile to appreciate it myself. You see except for the standard pieces that everyone knows and recognizes, classical music is not understood or appreciated. You know how people say that coffee is an acquired taste, well... classical music is like that. Not necessarily acquired but definitely something that once you understand and know what to look for you appreciate it more.

Let me tell you a story. When I was a little girl I didn't know what classical music was. My Dad has liking for it so I would hear it occasionally. Otherwise I was clueless. When I started playing the violin I understood that it was the music that violinists played. I figured I should like it, but other than the fun opening to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and the Hallelujah Chorus, I cared little for it. I played the violin for about 10 years before I really began to enjoy it. I had a violin teacher that was really helping me to see the fun in classical music when we moved to a different state. Not being exposed to that information made me lethargic. A couple years later I started taking lessons at the local college. It was then that the world of classical music began to unfold. Classical music, to me, is best looked at as a giant, wordless, storybook. If you are willing to listen and use your imagination you will be able to find, in music, a variety of stories.




One of my favorite pieces is Dvorak's New World Symphony. It's called New World Symphony because he wrote it when visiting a Czech Village in Norther Iowa. But the symphony isn't about Iowa. It's a piece heavily seeped and influenced by Czech Folk Music. If you listen to the piece you can follow the story of a peasant man who leaves home to fight for his country. It follows his tearful goodbye to his wife and children, his journey through the countryside passing a wedding, a funeral, and the distant thundering of cannons as he nears the army camp. It ends as a battle rages and the man thinks of his family and ultimately gives his life for his country. You didn't know that, did you? I didn't either. After it was explained to me that way it made sense, I understood the piece. When I listen to Dvorak's New World it's like there is a TV in my brain and I can see it all unfolding. A couple years ago we played a piece in orchestra and I swear there was a western part in it. It sounded just like Cowboys and Indians. A couple months ago I brought home a CD of Andre Rieu's Strass Gala. I put it in and the next thing I knew Luke and Sarah were galloping around the house. They thought the music sounded like horses.

Once you allow yourself to imagine and fill in the lack of words with a story of your own, classical music becomes a whole new world of entertainment. A world where you can site back, relax, shut your eyes and allow the music to tell the story. No reading required.

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