The Schindel Six

Writer's Block

2012-01-12T21:15:00.000-06:00

Interestingly enough, I have read about this phenomenon but have never experienced it...until now. If I evaluate my blogging of late, I would say that writer's block has invaded my being for almost a year now. It's terrible. A friend recently asked if I'd write an article for her magazine and I said yes, not thinking it would be too difficult. I've been sitting at this computer for over an hour, unable to pull my thoughts together or decide what to write on. This is not pleasant because I am not used to having to struggle so in my writing. Thankfully I have a Father above who cares and ultimately, my goal is to glorify Him even in my writing. I may sit here all night but I know He will help me!

The Christmas Story...from the beginning

2011-12-25T23:39:00.000-06:00

13 minutes. That is the length of this video. Who or what did you focus on today?

The Story of Christmas - An Animation from Grace in Cranberry on Vimeo.

Dogs and Dreadlocks

2011-10-26T19:32:00.001-05:00

This is an actual photograph capturing two firsts for me:
1. Two dogs riding on a motorcycle.
2. Dreadlocks on a dog. Yes, the bleached hair on his chin and the top of his head is his hair.

Oh the things we see in Nashville!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Worshipping Today

2011-10-16T07:39:00.002-05:00

‎"Corporate worship is designed to once again clear up our confusion as to what is truly important in life." Paul Tripp

What's important to you today?

Reaching the Lost

2011-09-28T20:51:00.000-05:00

Lost from AsiaLink HistoryMaker on Vimeo.

Addendum

2011-09-22T08:27:00.000-05:00

I lied. Not really but it may seem like it. After much protest from several friends and family...and David...I have to keep the Schindel Six alive and blog A Fishbowl Life somewhere else. I'll be working on a design, with my limited ability, but I think it's going to be fun. It may be awhile, I suspect, as life is very busy but I look forward to letting you know where I will be!

New Beginnings

2011-09-16T12:40:00.001-05:00

Several weeks ago I composed my last blog post. Or so I thought. I forwarded it to David for his opinion and he sweetly gave it. I did not agree and it has taken some time for me to come to the same conclusion he has. You see, I intended to close down my blog and start afresh. Anonymously.

It has been a very difficult year for our family. Over this last year I would contemplate and process in my mind various posts that I desired to compose and publish but then nothing. As I verbalized my struggle to David regarding wanting to encourage both those in ministry and others, yet at the same time being very fearful of how it would be interpreted by those who knew me, I had stopped myself from blogging almost altogether. I wanted to be transparent but at the same time I hesitated, knowing that even if I am graciously transparent about struggles and wanting to encourage those around me, there would likely be someone who would read into my writings, assume I was referring to them, or perhaps judge me.

Several years ago I developed the header, A Fishbowl Life, intending to start an anonymous blog somewhere on our world wide web. I never did. David explained to me that blogging anonymously takes away the personality of one's writings. I thought it provided safety. After much prayer, I realize that my writing does need to continue but will take a different road. I may occasionally post updates regarding the family but the focus will be on life in ministry, the church, struggles and scripture and how you as the reader can be an encouragement to those in your church and in your lives. We all need encouragement.

I am reminded of the passage where Paul (I Cor 10:13) said that

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

What a wonderful reminder to know that in the midst of my struggles, there are others who can encourage me and shoulder my burden with me because what I struggle with is common to those around me! Why do we live in fear of sharing our struggles and asking for prayer? Why are we so good at putting on decorum and behaving as if we have it all together and "life is good"? Why are we so bent on making others believe we have perfectly well-behaved children instead of looking at them from the perspective that they are sinners just like me, with a heart just like mine and need Jesus just like I do? Why do we do this to one another?

As the wife of a pastor, I live in a fishbowl. My family lives in this fishbowl with me and as much as I sometimes want to hide, it is impossible. My failures and successes, my good and bad attitudes, my tears and smiles...all is seen in a way that is different from the average person. There are many times I have asked the Lord to take me out of the fishbowl. Not just asked but begged. Yet I know this is where He wants us. In a place where my dependance is not on my abilities but His. Where I cannot hide but to be on display

10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him....

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I pray that through this little blog I may be a small encouragement to you that He is good and as we live daily and reflect Christ in our lives and in our churches, this is a testimony to both the spiritual beings and those around us. May He be glorified!

Growing up Christian

2011-07-30T17:40:00.001-05:00

I was privileged to grown up on the foreign mission field as a teenager and was oblivious to the battles many of my childhood friend's struggled with. I had no youth group per se, no youth pastor, and no teen Sunday School class or Wednesday night group. When I was back in the U.S. for my tenth grade year, I was really taken aback by how important these things were to the average American teen christian and their families. I quickly came to realize that these things were important for the socialization aspect and not for the Gospel's sake. Not that the Gospel meant anything to me at the time (it did not-I did not accept the Gospel for myself personally until 17 yrs old, while in college) but I enjoyed, even relished the socialization.

Being in the ministry for over 18 years now, 8 of those years as the wife of a youth pastor and the last 10 as a pastor's wife, I look back on those we've had the opportunity to love and be with. How many of those teens, now grown adults have "denied" the faith they grew up in. Why is this? Is it because they were made to go to church and it was just a ritual? Are we raising our youth to stay in church because that is what they've "always done" or because they truly understand and have applied the Gospel to their own hearts, thereby changing them to become like Him? What are we teaching our children? What do we as parents believe about church and the Gospel?

As I raise my four children with one being a junior in high school and one in eighth grade, I think about these things. I want the Gospel to be so embedded in the hearts of my children that it is not about church or a religion, but about Christ and His glory. Take a moment to read this linked article about Why Youth Stay in Church When They Grow Up

Rain, Rescue, and Rabies

2011-06-23T20:29:00.001-05:00

It's been raining cats and dogs-we've been told this is one of the hardest hit drought areas but you'd never know it based on this weeks weather. Despite the circumstances, the kids are having a good time and the services have been wonderful. One of our teens approached me this evening, sharing what the Lord was doing in their life this week. What a wonderful thing to hear!

We always anticipate something is going to happen to someone when we go to camp. One never truly looks forward to it being one of their kiddos! Karis was stretching on the top bunk yesterday morning when she slid off the bed and landed face first on the carpet. She's got a carpet burn on her chin, swollen lips, bruised gums, a loose tooth and a sore ankle. *Sigh.

As I was trying to console her at breakfast and finding something soft she could eat, we were approached by office staff. Andrew had been bitten, twice, by a squirrel. Of all things. So here we now sit at the closest medical facility an hour away. I was told by my pediatrician's nurse that Andrew was due for a Tetanus booster last year-I had failed to bring him in for that Oops. He just received his tetanus booster and we are waiting to hear if he'll need the Rabies shots. I think he has learned that squirrels, even baby ones, don't much like to cuddle. He receive a healthy lecture from his nurse, Hilda (real name) and will no longer attempt to catch wild animals.

Did I remember to tell you this is the same child who fell on Monday, chipping his tooth?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Pike Plains Rd,Dunbar,United States

We're going to camp

2011-06-20T10:42:00.001-05:00

Driving from Nashville to Dunbar, WI with a twelve passenger van completely full can have it's challenges when individuals become tired and cramped. As I am writing this, we have just passed the Wisconsin border. The van is quiet (residual sleepiness from a late night) and we made it through the night at our Super 8 Motel purchased on Hotwire. Our friends made it to the hotel at about 2am after a four hour flat tire ordeal. We've shipped a few kids (mine) to their motor home which has freed up 3 seats and the big teen guys breath sighs of relief.

We had a great day driving yesterday and took a detour through downtown Chicago at 11pm, stopping at the beach so the kids could see Lake Michigan. It was fun! Too bad we were not able to arrive in Chicago earlier to do some exploring.

David has done GREAT and has yet to become grumpy! Alea was gracious and dropped off some of her happy juice (nutritional supplement) and I'm telling you, it has worked wonders! David even had a hard time going to sleep which is a first. He and I usually banter about who gets to sleep and who has to drive. :) I've yet to have to drive-Woohoo!

The kids have had sweet attitudes. I'm so impressed with our teen guys. They were really gracious about the seating and with each other yesterday since EVERY seat was taken with no stretching room. No grumpiness or ugliness. I just love them.

Stephen Mee is reading Grudem to David right now. I hear some of the teens behind me having a group devotional. Karis and I are slackers-she's drawing and I'm blogging and emailing. Yes, it's raining too.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:County Road De,Waukesha,United States

Motherhood

2011-06-17T21:10:00.002-05:00

Desiring God has a great article on the unwasted life of motherhood...take a minute to read.

Free Audio Book

2011-06-04T08:34:00.001-05:00

Here's a free download from Christian Audio:

A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada

"In this eloquent account of her current struggle with physical pain, Joni Eareckson Tada offers her perspective on divine healing, God’s purposes, and what it means to live with joy. Over four decades ago, a diving accident left Joni a quadriplegic. Today, she faces a new battle: unrelenting pain.

The ongoing urgency of this season in her life has caused Joni to return to foundational questions about suffering and God’s will. A Place of Healing is not an ivory tower treatise on suffering. Its an intimate look into the life of a mature woman of God.

Whether readers are enduring physical pain, financial loss, or relational grief, Joni invites them to process their suffering with her. Together, they will navigate the distance between God’s magnificent yes and heartbreaking no and find new hope for thriving in between."

Family Time

2011-06-01T15:05:00.001-05:00

As I write this, my 16 year old is driving and the squirts in the back are anticipating a time at the beach riding the surf. The kids and I are headed to Opal Beach, just 15 miles from my parents home. I had forgotten how beautiful the panhandle of Florida was!
We celebrated my mom's 66th birthday and Memorial Day by taking an airboat ride in Mississippi looking for alligators, a picnic, touring the USS Alabama and topping the day off playing the Big Game Hunter (my favorite) Jungle Safari video arcade at the Bass Pro Shop. What a great day it was and a wonderful time we are having with family.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Gulf Breeze, United States

Irish Concert

2011-04-22T09:34:00.000-05:00

So if you happen to live within driving distance of Franklin,TN, you are invited to....

Tempted and Tried

2011-04-19T13:38:00.000-05:00

A new book coming out by Russell Moore. I'm looking forward to reading it!

"Tempted and Tried" Trailer - Russell Moore from Crossway on Vimeo.

Suffering:A Quote

2011-04-08T09:20:00.001-05:00

"Sometimes people of faith have a hard time remembering that suffering was an excruciatingly painful process for Job. ‘The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord,’ we quote Job brightly—forgetting that when he said it he had shaved his head and torn his clothes and that a few days later he was sitting on an ash heap, covering in painful boils and cursing the day he was born." Written In Tears by Luke Veldt

Old Money Corp

2011-03-19T07:49:00.000-05:00

Have some old coins you'd like to integrate into jewelry? Old Money Corp does just that with out-of-circulation coins and reclaimed leather. Our friend Betsy and her sister Amy started this company five years ago and their jewelry is unique and wonderful. Spread the word! If you order from their online website, please let them know you heard about Old Money from us! Click on the link to the right to head on over to their website or like them on FACEBOOK and let them know you heard about them through the Schindel Six!

Are you obsessed?

2011-03-04T09:46:00.000-06:00

Saw this on challies.com and thought it was very interesting.

Black History Month

2011-02-22T14:10:00.003-06:00

I must confess, until this year I have not paid much attention to special celebrations we have in the United States. President's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Labor Day...I've just enjoyed these "day-offs" with my kiddos, not always thinking about why we celebrate these days or why someone took a day and made it special. I do celebrate Veteran's Day and like many good citizen's, I head to our Main Street, wave my flag, and clap for those veteran's who sacrificed much to fight for my country and for the freedom of those in other countries.

This month of February is Black History month. For most of us, we overlook it and celebrate Valentine's Day with gusto. Cupcakes are baked, valentine cards are purchased and our kids have parties celebrating a love they know nothing about. I wonder if we take time to understand why this month is set aside to concentrate on black history and how many of us actually do.

So what exactly is Black History month? In 1926, Carter Woodson started a Negro History Week with the purpose of educating we American peoples about African-Americans' cultural backgrounds and achievements. From here it evolved into the Black History Month and interwoven is a remembrance of the African diaspora. I found this description online and thought it was helpful to understanding something most of us cannot fathom.

"Over a period of almost four centuries, four milion Africans were transported to North America and the Caribbean Islands in the Atlantic slave trade. Captured from their homeland and seperated from their tribes and families they were enslaved in a new world, where all familiar customs were absent. The African diaspora is the story of how Africans, though scattered disperesed, managed to retain their traditions and reform their identities in a new world."

In an attempt to be a more well-informed christian, I decided I needed to read The Faithful Preacher: Recapturing the Vision of Three Pioneering African-American Pastors by Thabiti M. Anyabwile
Here's what Crossway says about this book:

The cliché is that those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. But Thabiti Anyabwile contends that it is not the mistakes we must study; it is the people who have overcome them. So he presents three of the most influential African-American pastors in American history who can teach us what faithful ministry entails.

Lemuel Haynes (1753-1833) reminds pastors that eternity must shape our ministry. Daniel A. Payne (1811-1893) stresses the importance of character and preparation to faithful shepherding. And Francis J. Grimké (1850-1937) provides a vision for engaging the world with the gospel. While they are from the African-American tradition, they, like all true saints, belong to all Christians of every background and era. Distinctive for its use of rare and out-of-print messages, Anaybwile's work is valuable as a reference as well as a devotional resource.

Perhaps you too can take some time, before the month is over, to learn more about our Black History.

Technology

2011-02-21T19:59:00.001-06:00

Tim Challies (challies.com and discerning reader.com) has a new book coming out and I'm looking forward to reading it. Below is an introduction to the "videomercial" for the book. The video is great-take a few moments to watch it. I found myself laughing a few times because it is how I have viewed technology--do you find yourself like this guy? Checking your email every moment and glued to your phone so that you are available at every beckoning call? Perfecting the "multitasking" by eating and being on your computer, laptop, or smart phone? My favorite was actually when the guy was talking about all the virtual relationships he had because, after all, "it would actually take time to maintain relationships." Isn't that the truth? We deceive ourselves into thinking that those online social networking sites develop our personal relationships to a deep level that God's Word asks us to do.
Well, without further ado here is an excerpt of what Tim has to say about the video...

My book The Next Story: Life and Faith After the Digital Explosion is set to release on April 1. As part of the run-up to the book, the publisher created a trailer or commercial for it. And today I get to debut it here at the blog. The commercial seeks to lampoon our technological addiction and the fact that we tend to think we own our technology while, in reality, it may just own us.

How Great A Salvation!

2011-02-20T15:35:00.000-06:00

David's journal...those last hours with Tanda. I had to share because in death, there is so much hope despite the pain of the loss.

Between myself, my father, and my Aunt Sharon (dad's sister), there was a constant vigil of physical presence and loving care for Tanda. For me, my vigil began Tuesday at 3:30 PM. Over the next 44 hours, 30 minutes, I would spend many of those hours, along side my father and his mother of 98 years, 5 months. We would take turns holding her hand, assuring her of our constant presence. Those precious times provided opportunity to sing, pray, recite Scripture, tell "remember when" stories, and sometimes just sit...listening to the quiet tick of Tanda's cuckoo clock on the wall, counting down the final moments of life.

I know we were a comfort to Tanda. She told us so...through the occasional squeeze of her right hand (her left hand lay motionless, rendered still by the stroke). But I wonder, who benefited more? Was it my tired, feeble grandmother who needed the loving touch of family? Or, was it her healthy, strong grandson...who needed, once again, to be broken and humbled by the gripping lessons that death would teach? I'll share some of these lessons in days ahead. For now, I'll take you to what was the most emotional, yet victorious moment of our vigil...the minutes immediately preceding Tanda's death.

I had just come from my aunt's home where we had discovered a yellow, 4x6, college-ruled piece of paper with Tanda's beautiful, script hand-writing on it. Upon taking a closer look, I realized I had found my grandmother's personal wishes for her own funeral. The smooth, flowing script of each letter revealed that she had recorded these statements years before (prior to the uncontrolled shaking of her hands rendering her unable to write). As I read her last will and testament, I broke and wept.

It's now 11:45am. I'm back with Tanda, my dad, my cousin Karen and her son Caleb. The surge of energy that comes just prior to death had come. Tanda's eyes were wide open...looking straight into mine, and my dad's. Her right hand gripped both mine and my father's. She was desperate. Her body racked with pain...dying of hunger and thirst. She struggled to tried to talk, but couldn't. She was afraid. I know. I asked her. "Tanda, are you afraid? Squeeze my hand if you are." My fingers crunched together as she squeezed with great strength. It was now 11:57am. Suddenly, without hesitation, I knew what to do. God told me to do it. I reached for the yellow piece of paper and said, "Tanda, I'm going to read to you words you wrote and believed with all your heart. Tanda, let these truths comfort you, help you, bring you peace, and take you to Jesus." And then I read...

"Whatever I am is all the Lord's work. He IS my life. He IS my strength. He IS my all. The troubles, trials, and tears we may experience in this life are NOTHING compared to the glory that we will experience at HIs appearing. The life which I lived in the flesh I lived by the faith of the SON of GOD who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20). THAT'S ALL THERE IS. The End."

With tears streaming down my cheeks I lifted my head from that tiny, dusty piece of yellow paper and watched in amazement as Tanda settled back into her pillow, releasing her grip on my hand. Her fear was gone. She was being set free. There were a few more quiet gasps...her eyes glazed...and then her life which she had lived in flesh was gone. The Son of God had rescued her. Death was defeated...Jesus had won the day!

I praise God for His SO GREAT SALVATION!

Into Glory

2011-02-18T08:52:00.001-06:00

David's sweet grandmother Tanda went home to be with her Savior yesterday. She was 98 years old. I will have to give you further details later of her funeral plans that she had written out--what an amazing woman.

Charlotte Schindel Whipple

Obituary

Charlotte Schindel Whipple was born September 16, 1912 in Hotchkiss, CO to parents Jesse T. and Mary J. Reynolds. One of four children, Vivian L. Reynolds McCormick, Jesse T. Reynolds Jr., and Marry Reynolds Whipple, all deceased. She graduated from Hotchkiss, CO High School in 1930. In 1935 she married Kenneth P. Schindel of Grand Junction, CO who preceded her in death in 1962. Two children were born to that union of 27 years; Sharon Schindel Murray of Wenatchee, WA and Kenneth Charles Schindel of Lakewood, CO. In 1982 she married childhood friend, Horace E. Whipple who preceded her in death in 1987. Survivors include daughter Sharon, son Charles; six grandchildren Karen Murray Aumell, Rena Murray Nofsinger, Stephen Murray, David Schindel, Michael Schindel, Shayann Schindel Bowman; twenty great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Her heart and life was given in total to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1943. She was faithful in serving in various teaching and musical ministries within several local churches. She was a member of the Mid-Columbia Heritage Society from 1973-2003 and served as president for twelve of those years.

Is it death to die?

2011-02-14T22:48:00.002-06:00

It would seem that the subject of death has been all around us of late. Many of our friends have experienced the recent death of a loved one and my heart aches for them. Not a day goes by that I have not wept and prayed for my friends. Today I ran across a blog via the Gospel Coalition blog. There is a youth pastor somewhere here in the United States with a beautiful little 6 year old girl named Jada who has cancer. I read and wept today. Much. And I prayed. Almost without ceasing. I don't know where they live but I know they love my Jesus and are asking him for a miracle. Karis and I have made Jada and her family our special prayer to Jesus. We are begging Jesus for a miracle for this family.

David's remaining living grandmother is also dying. She suffered a massive stroke a few days ago and it's only a matter of time before she is called home to glory. Tanda is an amazing woman and David believes that it is because of both of his grandmother's prayers that he is in the ministry today. It's been a difficult 24 hours since David received the news, but much grace is being given.

One of my favorite songs is It Is Not Death To Die. For Tanda the song seems so appropriate...she has lived an amazing life, blessing those around her with a godly example. Death is difficult no matter the age or reason for death. However, in my humanity I find this song difficult to sing for someone I see as having "so much more life to live." I am so thankful that our Sovereign God works beyond my humanity and knows the big picture. It causes me to stop and ponder. Do I really believe that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?

Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

It Is Not Death To Die

Original words by Henri Malan (1787–1864). Translated by George Bethune (1847). Music, chorus, and alternate words by Bob Kauflin

It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

Chorus O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

Music

2011-02-11T10:20:00.000-06:00

I've got kids home from school today, so I'm hanging out at home. Being a lover of music, I love to crank it up as loud as I can especially while doing chores. While mopping the downstairs this morning I turned on the new Galkin Evangelistic Team recording Consider Him (conveniently downloaded from iTunes for just $10!) Just beautiful. Wish I was alone so I could sing uninhibited...I tend to be considerate of my kids because I am no competitor in the singing world.

I love every song--the words have been my worship to Christ this morning and I needed this focus on Him. One particular song that I had not heard or sung in quite some time was written by Frank Graeff in 1901. Does Jesus Care?

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
- Refrain:
  Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
  His heart is touched with my grief;
  When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
  I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
I am so thankful my Savior cares enough to place me in my life those things that cause me to become more like Him. I Peter 5:7 tell me that He cares for me. Psalms 139 tells me that he formed me and I was ordained. Acts 17 tells me that He is not far from me and for in Him we live and move and exist. His promises continue on and on in His precious Word and I am so thankful that He pours on me the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5).

Yes, Jesus cares for me. All I have to do is gaze back at the cross.

A Decade

2011-02-06T17:49:00.000-06:00

David and I quietly celebrated our ten year ministry anniversary today. Until this week, I never realized what an important milestone this was for my husband. What stands out to me is that this is the longest I have ever lived in one place. For David, he never thought he would remain in a church for ten years. This was a milestone. A thrill. A celebration. He loves what he does and he loves our church. It is a big deal to him. I'm sad to say that I really didn't even want to acknowledge it but it's not because I don't love being the wife to a pastor.

George Barna conducted a survey and found that concerning longevity, the "average tenure of a pastor in Protestant churches has declined to just 4 years--even though studies consistently show that pastors experience their most productive and influential ministry in years 5 through 14 of their pastorate." This sounds about right to me. It is the exception not the norm when you hear about the pastors who celebrate ministry anniversaries exceeding 15 years. Ministry is difficult. At times, it is uncomprehendingly difficult.

Today could have come and gone for me just like any other day. For much of the United States, this day is a huge ordeal. It is the Super Bowl. Two teams get to compete with one another to prove to each other and to their fans just who is the best. All of their training, discipline, injuries and time has been concentrated to one thing. Winning. Millions are on the edge of their seats waiting and watching in anticipation. I could hear the many people talking to one another this morning at church about just how they were going to celebrate the evening. Food was cooking, snacks had been purchased, parties planned. For the fans of those particular teams, this was a big deal. I couldn't relate. I tried though and expressed my thrill for all parties cheering.

For us, I think this ten year anniversary is like this kind of celebration. All the tears, joy, effort, spiritual growth, trials, and friendships have propelled us to this day. Our hearts celebrated. There have been many times I have wanted to quit, to run away. Lord, it's just too difficult and I don't want to do this anymore! It hurts too badly. Some of you may know exactly what I mean. It is easy to love the good times but hard to be faithful during times of trials. Despite it being a decade of ministering here, it's been a difficult time. My motivation for not wanting to publicly celebrate or acknowledge being at the church for ten years is that I said I did not want to draw attention to us but as I have evaluated myself, it was truly because I was being selfish. If no one acknowledged it around us at church, then that's ok. We didn't remind them so no one knows. If people knew and still didn't acknowledge it, that would hurt even more. So you see, selfish all around.

I am so thankful for my church family. I'm sure tomorrow holds more tears but reminders of God's promises. I am thankful for David-for his faithfulness, his growth, his patience, his love for preaching and people, and his steady encouragement for without it, I would have moved on long ago. We are not having a Super Bowl celebration or party of sorts but we are running the race for the prize that is set before us. May He continue to grow us through the many fumbles we make as we serve our great Lord and Savior.

Oh to be like Him!

2011-02-04T08:27:00.000-06:00

Struggling with discouragement this morning, I ran across this quote by John Piper

God often disapproves of his children's behavior. But he never treats us with contempt. Imitate him in your disapproving.

A tenderhearted child

2011-01-31T17:13:00.003-06:00

Karis sneaking in with a small container of water and a "baby" snail...

Mom: "No Karis, you can't bring that in the house. The last time you did, we smelled something because you forgot about it."

Karis: "But Mooooom, this baby will diiiieeee. Please?"

Mom: "No Karis. I'm sorry honey, it needs to stay outside on the porch. You can check it every day and make sure it is still alive."

Karis shuts porch door and weeping ensues along with a one-way conversation with said snail.
"I'm so sorry baby. I tried. I'm not sure why mommy won't let me take care of you." Sniff. Sniff. Sob. Sob. "If you die tonight in the cold, I'm so sorry but I'll see you in heaven someday."

Karis re-enters home. Slams door. Gives mom a death stare. Weeping in room upstairs as if her best animal buddy has expired. Comes back down. Sobbing magnified for emphasis. Looks at mom out of corner of eye to see if mom is watching. Walks back out onto porch and places water bowl with snail on patio table.

"I really am sorry buddy. I would bring you inside so you can live if mommy let me.

Reenters home. Raises blinds behind me and sighs. *Sniff, sniff *Sob, Sob

I.am.such.a.mean.mom.

But the snail will remain outside. And don't you judge me fellow moms...you know exactly how I feel!

My Morning Find

2011-01-29T10:18:00.001-06:00

I came downstairs this morning to find the boys READING. This is a big deal because they do not share mom's excitement of reading. They have grown up around books and have been encouraged with reading but the love has just never been there. Until recently. Caleb started exploring our bookshelf and decided to branch out. He has found a love in devouring the mystery and adventure that is found in good books.

I purchased a set of historical fiction books by Douglas Bond for Andrew last year and have been trying to get him to read them but he was just not interested. I decided to MAKE him start reading the first book in the series. I think he would have rather gone to the dentist to have his tooth pulled without anesthesia ...although our recent trip to the dentist cured him of that. The first 1/4 part of the book he found difficult to read and had a hard time--he had to put his thinking cap on and "...keep looking in the back of the book at the definitions to understand what a word means." He's halfway through the book but what I love is that he is constantly stopping to tell me what just happened in the storyline and told me this morning that "this is a great book!"

For those of you who have children who do not seem to have a love for reading as they grow older....don't give up! Be diligent and encouraging to your kiddo. They'll come around.

No Words

2011-01-27T22:44:00.001-06:00

Greg Lucas, author of Wrestling with an Angel and Defending Mayberry, is not a frequent poster on his blogs but when he does, his writings often leave me edified, challenged, weeping, blessed, overwhelmed and thankful for God's grace. His recent post was written on the 38th anniversary of Roe VS Wade and his thankfulness to four women. Please take a few moments to read his post.

Random Acts of Kindness?

2011-01-17T17:47:00.000-06:00

I feel horrible! But, I HAD promised the kids....today was use-your-gift-card day so the kids and I headed to Walmart to use the gift cards they received for Christmas. Deciding to reward myself for that brave venture,(not feeling well+three kids+Walmart=insanity) I headed to Starbucks to treat myself to a Caramel Latte; courtesy of a gift card from my sister-in-law ::thank you Melody!::

When I received my drink and attempted to give the server my card, she waved me off and smiled.
"Your drink has been paid for. The lady in the car in front of you paid for your drink."

I've never been a recipient of random acts of kindness, but what an encouragement it was to me. What a shocker too! I've wracked my brain trying to remember what kind of car was in front of me or if somehow I knew the person. What a sweet thing she did and a great lesson for my kids, who were just in awe. Christ speaks even in those random acts.

Teenage Literature

2011-01-13T19:47:00.001-06:00

Mikaela raided the downstairs bookshelf yesterday and this is what I found on her bedside table this evening. I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I was to find that she had selected these books to read. The one that was not showing, because she had it on her bed having been reading it earlier this afternoon was I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris.
Can I just tell you how exciting this is for me? When she entered junior high, all her little friends seem to be reading the typical books. Christian fiction. The kind where girl meets guy (or vice versa), one is an unbeliever, and as Mikaela puts it:"Okay...I love you. Now will you get saved so we can get married?" If you know me, I am VERY particular about what is read in this home. I think I may have let her read one or two of those books by very well known authors and explained to her why those were not my favorite kind of books. Can you just see the conversation?
Over the last two years with her being in the public school, the push for those books have radically decreased. The books that are encouraged are, at times, books we do not care for but the teachers have been incredibly gracious to allow her to choose an alternative reading assignment. Guess who encourages her choice of books? Me. And I love to be her cheerleader in this realm. I've encouraged her to read biographies and she has enjoyed them. One of her favorites, and mine too is The Nine Day Queen of England by Faith Cooke. This particular book made it's round to several of her friends in the school. Hurray!
One of my close friends and book lover buddies was recently talking to Mikaela. My girlfriend shared with me what she said about reading. In summary...Mikaela: You know how my mom is about books. It used to really bug me that she was so strict about what I read. I wanted to read the same books all my friends were reading and didn't really understand what was wrong with them. Mom explained that they weren't well written at times, but more than that, the story was too artificial. Mom would pick out the books she wanted me to read, give me the reasons why and encourage me to choose books wisely. The books she picked out were completely different than the ones I wanted to read. You know, it really bothered me until just recently. I got a book for Christmas (not from mom) but she said I could read it. I read it in a day-it was so easy, I didn't even have to think. I've come to realize that I do not really enjoy reading those kind of books anymore. Now I know what my mom has been trying to help me understand this whole time.
I am so thankful I did not give up in what I encourage my kids to read. It shapes our lives and changes how we see the world. We can go from enjoying the goofy Amelia Bedelia and the silly choices she makes, to the life of Cosette in Les Miserables. And yet, how much more when we read literature that grows and strengthens our view of the Savior.

The 10/40 Window

2011-01-10T09:35:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure if it is because I'm a missionary kid but my heart is burdened for foreign missions and a passion to see lives surrendered to give the gospel to those who have never heard. I remember a friend telling me many, many years ago that her and her husband wanted to go to France as missionaries but were not called. I did not understand what she meant at that time. I do now.

Every single time I see pictures, I hear a presentation or another individuals' passion for a lost people group, my heart wants to go there. Now. Even Mikaela told me a few weeks ago that she wanted our family to become missionaries to a lost people group. She said she'd be really upset with us if we did it after she graduated from high school! I'm with her.

But we are not called to be anywhere else but here, in Franklin, TN, giving the gospel to the blinded lost who have heard the gospel...over and over again yet do not see that they personally are who Christ died for. I am willing and ready to go wherever He wants; I can't tell you how many times I've prayed and begged God to send us! I would love to be one of the first families in our little church to be sent out to foreign soil. Perhaps someday. Until then, I will continue to pray, love, support and encourage those who leave family, friends, comforts, things and often safety to preach the gospel to those who may never hear otherwise.

Lost from HistoryMaker on Vimeo.

Birthday Surprise

2011-01-08T10:43:00.003-06:00

David surprised me with a trip for my 40th birthday and I couldn't resist showing a few fun snapshots. Did I happen to tell you how much I love my husband?

::Happy Birthday to us::

2011-01-06T19:57:00.002-06:00

So we have been busy with birthdays recently! I turned....EEK....40 last month! I just can't believe it. David surprised me with a very special trip and we had the best time together. I think that our time together gets sweeter and sweeter the longer we have been married.

Andrew turned 12 just a few days before my birthday. He is now just a hair shorter than me. He is our sweet, young man with a tender heart towards the Lord. I am so thankful for him---and so excited to see what the Lord has in store for Andrew's life.

The dessert of his choosing:fruit pizza. Yum, yum.

Except candles do not stay in sugar cookie crust very well.

Mikaela. Well, Mikaela turned 16 today. I remember, like yesterday, when she was born and the faces of the teens and friends who came to visit us in the hospital that day. Now here she is....driving! Driving with me, that is. Until she perfects her parking (ask our church deacons about this one), she'll never drive alone. So having said that, she'll never drive alone. Trying to park at Walgreens tonight was a disaster. But it's just her parking-everything else is perfect.

I wonder if the DMV will make her park when she takes her driving test next Wednesday?

What a great time we had surprising her this week for her birthday. I can't explain how thankful I am for her. There are times I am so exasperated I am not sure I'll survive the teen years (ever feel that way?) and then there are those times (the majority) that I am amazed at God's grace in her life and where He is taking her. She is our very special girl and I am so thankful that she is NOTHING like me when I was her age! God has been very good to me in that area and incredibly gracious to us in giving us a daughter like Mikaela.

She just finished reading all our cards and being surprised! Love it!

Thank you Lord for these four special people!

"What I learned today"

2011-01-05T15:51:00.000-06:00

David: "Hi Karis! How was your day today and what did you learn?"

Karis: "I learned how to make your mother happy."

David: "How?"

Karis: "You can clean her room. You can be kind."

David: "How about your dad? How can you make your dad happy?"

Karis: "I don't know. I haven't learned that."

Mercy

2010-12-10T18:19:00.000-06:00

Our focus/theme at church this year has been on Mercy Ministry. Many people have asked "What is mercy ministry?" I can't explain it anymore eloquently than these several authors with Ligonier Ministries. Go HERE for articles in this month's Tabletalk to gain a better understanding of what mercy is for those in need.

Holiness

2010-12-02T21:45:00.000-06:00

R.C. Sproul in Holiness:

If we say we have faith, but no works follow, that is clear evidence that our faith is not genuine. True faith always produces real conformity to Christ. If justification happens to us, then sanctification will surely follow. If there is no sanctification, it means that there never was any justification.

Holiness

2010-11-23T09:47:00.000-06:00

Kevin DeYoung has written a great, thought provoking article titled The Hole in Our Holiness.

I have a growing concern that younger evangelicals do not take seriously the Bible’s call to personal holiness. We are too at peace with worldliness in our homes, too at ease with sin in our lives, too content with spiritual immaturity in our churches.

Go HERE to read more....

Thoughts by Chris Anderson

2010-11-17T08:52:00.001-06:00

Over the last several months we have been focusing on the gospel of Christ. It permeates our Sunday morning messages (since we are in the book of Matthew and just finished the Sermon on the Mount not too long ago) and the reminders of why we need this gospel centered focus surrounds us as we observe our own lives and those around us. The gospel is what should direct our steps and motivate us in our daily living. Or at least it should for without it, we will fail miserably.
Chris Anderson at My Two Cents wrote an excellent article on his blog that is worth a few minutes of your time. Entitled Two Kinds of Lust: Lessons from the Hunchback of Notre Dame, it will provoke your thinking. And remind you why the gospel of Christ changes lives.

Grand ReOpening Preview

2010-11-14T21:48:00.001-06:00

Don't you just love spontaneity? David and I lived spontaneously BK...before kids. For some reason, the introduction of children to our lives changed that. However, now that our youngest is now 6, the spontaneity is being reintroduced.

Eating lunch yesterday and conversing with a friend in the kitchen, I happened to ask her what she was doing the rest of the day. She mentioned that Opryland Hotel had reopened and she was thinking about going down to look at it. I LOVE walking around the hotel and knowing that somewhere around $270 MILLION dollars was spent after the floods, I was in. A few hours later and with a friend plus an extra kid in tow, we headed down to the Opryland Hotel.

Disappointment. As we looked for how to get in, we were told by some guy directing traffic that it would not be opened until Monday. Ugh. We drove all that way. But we noticed a significant amount of traffic and a flow of people from a certain parking lot. We decided to investigate! Parking in the Opry Mills parking, we walked a little distance and followed the signs of activity. We realized that they were employees and there was possibly orientation going on. We were not to be deterred! We kept walking and found one of the entrances and just strolled right through with staff on each side greeting us. So...they really WERE open! We did later find out that the only people staying at the hotel were there for a taekwondo tournament. Not having on white outfits and colored belts gave us away eventually but not until we enjoyed every aspect of that hotel and enjoyed the beauty of the $270 million dollar renovations.

One of the several waterfalls throughout the hotel

Restaurant at the Cascades.....we stood watching a photoshoot going on. We are imagining it's for the Opryland Hotel advertisement.

The Munchkins plus one

Family Time

2010-11-10T22:23:00.001-06:00

We arrived home tonight from our brief trip to Clearwater to be greeted by my two favorite things: 1. My kids---oh, how I love them! 2. A box of books

I am so excited and have been chomping at the bit to receive the box for in it contained 15 books--one for our family and the rest for the church resource center.

It's late, I'm tired but I'm anxious to delve into this book that we plan on starting with the kids tomorrow! Another great read that I'm only on page 89 of is Radical by David Platt. I started reading it before getting on the plane today and had a difficult time handing it back to David once we boarded the plane. I can't wait to finish reading it! Since David's downstairs reading it right now, looks like I'll have to settle for Long Story Short!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Police Academy?

2010-11-08T21:56:00.001-06:00

Since returning from vacation, life has been full. So busy that it seems I have not had a moment to even blog and my reading has been drastically curved. I have been continuously thinking of things to write from day to day but to sit down and DO it has been another challenge. Here I am now attempting to recall all those important things I wanted to share and finding that my memory fails me.

One of the things that have kept me busy is the Citizen's Police Academy for our city. Every Thursday night for ten weeks I met with 21 other "classmates" for 3 1/2 hours in our city's police department. The mission?

To establish and maintain a course of instruction for citizens to familiarize them with the operations of the Franklin Police Department and the profession of law enforcement.
The Franklin Police Department's Citizens' Police Academy provides community members with an inside look at local law enforcement.
Our 10-week academy presents an overview of a modern, progressive law enforcement agency striving to serve a dynamic, growing community. You will gain an appreciation for the complex, challenging issues facing police today and be able to present your own concerns and questions regarding the direction of public safety in your City.

These programs are offered throughout the U.S. and I would recommend you find out if your city offers a citizen's police academy. Contrary to popular belief, you are not a police officer when you take this class NOR does it give you a license to perform a citizen's arrest (whatever that really is). But it was enriching, informative and gave me a greater appreciation for our law enforcement. It doesn't work like what we see on television! I met some great people, along with being reunited with old friends from college and had an absolutely wonderful time. One of the highlights for me (although it is hard to pick a highlight when I enjoyed every night of the academy) was the four hour ride along. Because my officer was a float car, we were able to go around the whole of Franklin city limits and I learned may way around the "bad" side of town. Loved it and through this program, my heart was moved by those around me whom I have chosen not to notice who drastically need their lives changed by the power of the gospel.

Upon returning from my Thursday night class, David would usually tease me with the greeting "Well, hello Barney Fife, what did you learn tonight?" I would then go off on a 30 minute ramble of what a wonderful night I had and what I was burdened with for that night. He admittedly says that he thought the class was cheesey...and I really tried to explain to him that it was fantastic. I guess you sometimes have to see it to believe it. Graduation was last Thursday. David and Mikaela were able to go with me to the graduation dinner and David was very impressed with the evening. Especially when one of the officers opened up the evening by saying "we work for God so let's thank Him for what He has provided us" and closed his prayer "in Jesus name". David is ready to attend the class next fall. I loved it so much and have a strong desire to be salt and light with our police force and the community. Thinking this can be accomplished by my personal involvement, I've decided to take part in the citizen's police academy alumni association. I can't wait to see how the Lord will open up more doors of opportunities to allow my life and words to point to Christ.

A Changed Life

2010-11-05T09:28:00.001-05:00

Stacey Smith, with Prison To Purpose Ministries, is a wonderful example of God's love and redemption. I had the privilege of hearing Stacey's testimony this past spring at Trinity--oh how she glorifies God! I am so thankful for the friends (thank you Bollinger's!) for introducing me to Stacey and for how Stacey introduces hundreds to Jesus Christ.

::Quiet::

2010-11-04T22:34:00.000-05:00

It's been two months! What a busy time it has been and I've been unusually quiet. We are still here, plugging away at life. I'll update soon. I promise.

::Prayer::

2010-09-11T18:42:00.000-05:00

In a recent conversation with friends, we were discussing the discouraging changes that are continuing to demonstrate how much our country has changed from it's founding so long ago. God's Word is no longer preached, it is rejected in schools, and even our judicial system is removing what little of it remains in public view.

Just a few moments ago we had our television open watching the introduction of the nascar races at the Richmond International Raceway. We were absolutely blown away with the chaplain prayer that was given. It was remarkable and we have no doubt the controversy that may occur because of it but I have such profound respect for the officer who prayed. He concluded the prayer by thanking Jesus Christ who died for our sins for without Him, even the prayer would not be possible. Wish I could give you a link but I don't think it is yet available.

::Free Book::

2010-09-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

Grace To You is giving away a free book!

"In this third and final installment, Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Volume 3, John MacArthur will focus your attention on the last part of Jesus’ life. You’ll see Him in the Upper Room, ministering to His disciples; you’ll listen to His prayers; you’ll follow the events that led to His crucifixion and burial; and you’ll witness the triumph of His bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven.

This small but powerful volume is a goldmine of theological treasure, divided into devotion-sized segments. As you digest and meditate on these biblical truths, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ, you’ll find Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Volume 3 to be nothing short of life-transforming"

Click HERE

Free Audiobook

2010-09-04T18:11:00.006-05:00

"Spiritual Leadership should be the constant companion of every undershepherd in the Savior's service. Most helpful is the fact that its emphasis is not on methods, but on character, passion, and godliness. I read it often to regrip the basic perspectives of my task, and have given it to the entire leadership team in our church."
John MacArthur, Jr.
Pastor-Teacher-Grace Community Church

Christian Audio has another great FREE audiobook download for the month of September! Click on the link below and be sure to put in your code SEP2010 at checkout to get it for free.

J. Oswald Sanders: Spiritual Leadership (audio book, MP3, CD) - christianaudio.com

One Sweet World: The Bane Bane Game

2010-09-01T22:40:00.004-05:00

From one of my coworkers at the hospital in memory of a sweet little baby boy and his family. Little Bane was born on our floor last year to an incredibly sweet family but died just a few short weeks ago. These times break my heart...there are many of these break-my-heart moments at the hospital. Yet I love my three day a month job--I love the people I work with and I love each and every one of my patients.

CLICK BELOW to read more...

One Sweet World: The Bane Bane Game: "The Bane Bane Game is a game to honor the legacy of a special little boy...the son of sweet friends...who has made such an impact in his s..."

Ahhhh....the mountains

2010-08-31T10:36:00.002-05:00

So we took the long way to get to Frisco today...and what a GLORIOUS trip it was!

Red Rocks Amphitheater. An amazing place.

Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison, CO

Of course, we had to stop for lunch at Beau Jo's...fabulous Mountain Pies. Their Veggie Calzone is fantastic!

One of my favorite pictures because it turned out so well! Echo Lake

Marmot AKA Mr. Chubs

Saw these cluster of mountain goats on are way atop Mt. Evans. Just had to get close and personal!

Family picture atop Mt. Goliath

Twisted Bristlecone trees--changed over time by the wind. Amazing. Many of these trees are close to a thousand years old

View from the top of Mt. Evans

Made new friends--we gave Monte and Eric a ride down from the top of Mt. Evans. This was Eric's (red hat) 20th fourteener that he had hiked!

And just in case you want to see a few more pictures:

Family Time

2010-08-29T23:00:00.000-05:00

From The Schindel Six

One of our favorite places to go is to Colorado. This is where David grew up. It's in his blood. If it is at all possible, he would really bleed Colorado. From the moment we drive across the Kansas/Colorado border, the raving begins. It is endless and we endure it from the time we arrive until the time we leave. Because Mikaela has spent the majority of her life in Tennessee, she feels just as strongly about Tennessee as her father does about Colorado so it makes for interesting conversation in the car. So you see that we have a family split. All done in love because our family of six loves it out here.

We have family here too which is a wonderful thing and the cousins are at an age where they enjoy being with each other; something I was not privileged to as a kid. David grew up in Littleton, located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A little perspective--the foothills are the size of the Smoky Mountains, which is what we have in Tennessee! Tomorrow we begin our week together in the mountains, just the six of us! We are so excited to be together in one of our favorite places: Frisco. (Yes, our dog was named after him. And I did say was because he is no longer living as of May).

Our trip has already started out with a few special surprises/blessings that the Lord chose to display to us through friends. Don't you just love that?

Postcard Exchange

2010-08-27T12:12:00.001-05:00

Want an adorable original postcard? My friend has a great idea that I hope you participate in...

Go HERE for the postcard exchange @ The Finer Neiners

PS...I forgot to tell you that you've only got 4 days left so get that postcard in the mail!

The Tongue and Parenting

2010-08-16T10:48:00.003-05:00

Many of us struggle with out tongues. If we were to be honest, we would come to the realization that to one degree or another, we ALL struggle in this area. Clicking on the link below will take you to a great article written as an encouragement to see what is at the heart issue of our struggle. Specifically when we we yell at our children.

Yelling at My Kids | CCEF

Dispatches to the Front-Episode 3

2010-08-13T07:48:00.000-05:00

Already looking forward to watching this one!

Episode 3: I Once Was Blind from Dispatches From The Front on Vimeo.

The Toddler and the Gospel

2010-08-10T21:47:00.001-05:00

I wish I had had this perspective and instruction when I was a young mother and when my now 15 year old was a toddler! Shepherd's Press is an excellent resource for families and their blog provides practical, biblical encouragement. Here is an excerpt from a recent blog article written by Jay Younts entitled: The Gospel Matters for Your Toddler:

...Practically this toddler will hear often of the wonder of Jesus Christ. His parents will see his sin as an opportunity to present the gospel to him and not merely to correct his behavior. He will live in a home that is focused on the wonder of a God who forgives sins. This focus leads to joy. Joy comes from the reality that Jesus is our effective and loving high priest. Living for the gospel means living with joy.

Read more HERE.

If you browse the blog, there is a more recent post entitled The Gospel Matters for Your Eight-Year-Old. It is great hope to realize that the gospel radically changes lives and when applied, radically improves parenting because it is Christ that becomes the focus.

Free August Download

2010-08-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

Go HERE for this month's free download

::Adoption in the family::

2010-07-29T23:53:00.001-05:00

I have been praying for quite some time for my sister-in-law's sister. Diane and her husband are desiring to adopt a child and are working with Bethany Christian Services, the largest adoption agency established in 1944. I watched the video that Titus put together for he and Diane--the purpose is for the prospective mother to view the video located on their profile, read about them and believe they are the ones who should adopt their child. I thought I'd share it with you because it's my extended family (not to mention it's incredibly well done)! You never know what the Lord could do.

Follow-Up

2010-07-25T17:11:00.004-05:00

I decided that my sharing of the Reel Discernment video a few days ago needed a follow-up.

I have thought quite a bit about this lately and perhaps because it has become a matter of significant discussion with our kids. They are not understanding why we have various friends who love the Lord and seek to please Him daily who have various standards regarding their movie selections. What is ok? Is it JUST the rating? Is it the rating regarding specific content? Is it who produces the movie?

Not too long ago a friend jokingly teased with us that we had contaminated their kids because of a movie they had watched at our home. This dear friend holds our movie standards in question and I want to evaluate why. On that note, their kids are allowed to watch a movie that my kids are not allowed to watch; several, in fact. Many months back we ran into some friends and as the kids were all chatting, the 5 and 7 year old proceeded to tell my boys about a particular movie they have not been allowed to watch. Oh the contention! Caleb could not get over the fact that he could not watch this movie they have been just "dying" to watch but these two kids had--and seemed to have the script memorized (exaggeration)! Which brings me to this: we need to use discernment all around but be careful not to place ourselves in a position where we think that our opinion is what is right or our standards are the model. When we do this, we become self-righteous and critical.

I ran across this article by Joshua Harris where he encourages his readers regarding their media selections. In Like To Watch he says this:

"Most of us recognize the danger of exposing ourselves to sinful content, so we
tend to set arbitrary limits based on how much we think we can "handle."
When a movie or TV show presents us with mild or infrequent profanity, an
occasional adulterous affair, or a limited amount of gratuitous violence, we
sort of weigh the danger level. We act as if we each have a "sin threshold"
beyond which we dare not go. We might as well ask how much of a poison pill
we can swallow before it kills us."
If you have a few minutes, jump over and read his article( by clicking on the title above). For many of you, this is just a reminder because these have already been established in your life. For others, these principles may not be anything you have ever contemplated. Joshua Harris ended his article with this statement:
"Be very clear on this: the world wants your attention, allegiance, and love.
Whether subtly or blatantly, it will never stop seeking to persuade you. It is
therefore essential that we, as Christians, engage in the battle for our own
hearts and souls. The Apostle John lived in a world without the temptations
of modern media, but this issue of the heart remains the same: who or what
will you love? "

Planned Parenthood Exposed

2010-07-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

As a labor and delivery nurse, this video really made me sad and angry at the same time.

Food for Thought

2010-07-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

Here are some thoughts by Reel Discernment regarding movies. Watching the previews, a particular movie looked pretty good but this critic said something that stood out to me regarding this movie:

"BUT they used OUR SAVIOR'S name a handful of times... Our Saviors'...Why did they have to do that?"

and why do we sit through these "great movies" to hear His name be used as curse words? I know that when and if I do, it is because I have become callused to what I am hearing, I ignore it, or I do not want to sacrifice turning it off/walking out because it is just a really good movie! Just some thoughts.

A side note Boundless mentions is the focus of FACEBOOK for woman as evidenced by an Oxygen media study. Go HERE to read the survey after your done watching the clip. Hope you are not guilty of checking out your Facebook before you even go to the restroom in the mornings!

Honor

2010-07-19T14:46:00.001-05:00

Dr. Gustafson has served as the Dean of the School of Fine Arts at Bob Jones University for 43 years and now serves as the Dean Emeritus of the School of Fine Arts. My husband has the utmost respect for him and describes Dr. Gustafson as "humble, amazing, and incredibly gracious." Each time David is on the campus and he and Dr. Gus run into each other, Dr. Gus always takes time to shake David's hand, ask about how Trinity is doing and concludes with a gracious "We are so proud of you David".

A friend shared this link with me today and I had to share it with you. Click HERE to read about Dr. Gus through the eyes of a physician/neurosurgeon.

A Living Sacrifice

2010-07-13T11:28:00.000-05:00

A friend and I were recently bemoaning the fact that we rarely get to see each other. Our exchanges of "hello" with maybe a quick "how are you?" to one another occur as we are walking in opposite directions. Emails and google chats are exchanged but sitting down with a cup of coffee just does not happen. Time was made at the last minute and with cup of coffee in hand, Christ met us where we were.

Do you find discouragement settling in like a black cloud and as you looked ahead to the next thing, all you see is grey? I find that when Christ is no longer center-stage (why we do what we do), things are magnified-every hurtful word hurts greater than it should, every busy moment seems busier than it really is, when our children misbehave it seems as if they are turning into permanent rebels.... and our hearts become heavy, weary, and we begin to question Christ. I find that when that happens, I then began to no longer reflect Christ in my words or my actions. Things become all about me and less about Him. I am tired of doing and saying all the "right" things and I just don't want to do anymore! I do not want to hurt, cry, give of myself, or serve because it takes work and what about me?

Dr. Helen Roseveare served in Belgian congo as a missionary doctor in the 1950's and 1960's. During the Simba Rebellion, she both witnessed and suffered great atrocities. She has written several books but my favorite is Living Sacrifice. I went back to reread it over the last two days and I was convicted. She fought the same battles we fight and struggled on the mission field the same we way struggle here in Tennessee or wherever you are as you serve in your local, corporate body of Christ and whether you are a mom, wife, pastor, nurse, teacher or missionary. As she fought this concept of her life not being her own, she came to the point where she saw Christ's purpose for her being a missionary doctor to the lost and dying in Africa. She gives here a practical description of what it means for every believer to model being like Christ as a living sacrifice:

To be a living sacrifice will involve all my time. God wants me to live every minute for Him in accordance with His will and purpose...No time can be considered as my own, or as "off-duty" or "free."...

To be a living sacrifice will involve all my possessions....All should be available to God for the furtherance of His Kingdom. My money is His...He has the right to direct the spending of each penny....I must consider that I won nothing. All is God's, and what I have, I have on trust from Him, to be used as He wishes.

To be a living sacrifice will involve all of myself. My will and my emotions, my health and vitality, my thinking and activities all are to be available to God, to be employed as He chooses, to reveal Himself to others. Should He see that someone would be helped to know Him through my being ill, I accept ill health and weakness. I have no right to demand what we call good health....All rights are His--to direct my living so that He can most clearly reveal Himself through me. God has the right, then, to choose my job, and where I work, to choose my companions and my friends....

To be a living sacrifice will involve all my love....I relinquish the right to choose whom I will love and how, giving the Lord the right to choose for me....Whether I have a life partner or not is wholly His to decide, and I accept gladly His best will for my life. I must bring all the areas of my affections to the Lord for His control, for here, above all else, I need to sacrifice my right to choose for myself...

I need to be so utterly God's that He can use me or hide me, as He chooses, as an arrow in His hand or in His quiver. I will ask no questions: I relinquish all rights to Him who desires my supreme good. He knows best.

*Helen Roseveare, Living Sacrifice(Minneapolis: Bethany, 1979), 116-118.

An Encouragement for Young Mothers

2010-07-05T09:12:00.001-05:00

We have several young mother's in our church. I remember, in the not-too-distant past being a young mother fighting discouragement. I was focusing on all the things I couldn't do instead of relishing in being a mommy to little people. I rarely had time to read anything outside of the few minutes I seemed to be able to steal for my quiet time alone with the Lord. In was not until the last few years I realized just how much I was not able to do: David talks about all these teen activities "we" used to do-teen services on Wednesday nights, our FAB 5 two summers in a row and then mentions the names of teenagers I just do not remember or did not really get to know. Then it dawns on me. I was either working (full-time until Mikaela turned 2, most Wednesday nights and every other weekend), teaching toddler Sunday School (because I had a child in there and no one else wanted to do it), volunteering in the nursery, very pregnant, recuperating from having a baby and now taking care of three little ones with no family within a 1,000 mile range. I understand the discouragement but how soon I had forgotten.

Jani Ortlund has written a great article to encourage those young mothers regarding Ministry, Guilt and Seasons of Life. You can read it HERE. Hope my young mother friends will be encouraged.

MissioMishmash : VBS Impressions from a Third-Culture Kid

2010-07-04T16:47:00.001-05:00

I could not resist and just HAD to share this. It was a good laugh...I wonder just how many kids feel this way, not just third-culture kids.

Blog: MissioMishmash
Post: VBS Impressions from a Third-Culture Kid
Link: http://www.missiomishmash.com/2010/06/vbs-impressions-from-third-culture-kid.html

--
Powered by Blogger
http://www.blogger.com/

Wings

2010-07-02T16:26:00.002-05:00

My dad was an aircraft mechanic for the United States Air Force. Fresh out of high school, he traveled to Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines (where he met my mom). He worked on F4's, A7's, T38's, T37's, and F106's. One of our favorite things to do when I was a kid was having "slide" night: Dad would hook up his slide projector, we would move our living room seats around and view the hundreds of slides from his travels in the Air Force. I loved it and he loved telling us because we were his captive audience.

One day dad (while stationed in Vietnam during the war) was working on a C 130. The planes were stored in revetments (walls made of corrugated metal then filled with sand ) to protect the planes. His crew chief was about three revetments down sleeping in another C 130. An army Cessna had just been refueled when it took a direct rocket hit. Dad was about 100 yards away on the wing of the C130 when the rocket hit the plane and pavement. He says that he has never seen a movie that is able to quite depict what that is like. Fireworks of shrapnel is dispersed everywhere and he said he tried to dig into the sand walls for protection. He was young and scared to death. I am so thankful the Lord protected my dad.

I remember going with my dad to work one night when he was stationed in Jacksonville, FL. I think I must have been 6 or 7 years old. Dad worked the night shift and was going to Bible college during the day. He was amazing. My bed was his work bench that night. The highlight of that night was sitting in the cockpit of an F 106 that he was working on. I can still remember my thrill and excitement. I was so proud of my dad--his job was important.

F 4

We took the kids to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL yesterday. I love that place and am so proud of my heritage. I want my kids to be as excited as I am about what their grandpa used to do, but also what thousands of men and women do today. The kids enjoyed climbing in and out of the cockpits of airplanes. Best of all the museum was FREE! I love free and I love planes. What a great mix. I think what Mikaela enjoyed the most was when a retired veteran, who was walking around, engaged in conversation with my dad about all the places they had been in the 60's while serving in the military. The kids and I just stood there listening to the common bond these two men shared that I cannot even relate to.

::TiMe::

2010-06-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

Where does it go? Our wee one is no longer wee and graduated from k-5 in May. She turned 6 in June. Now we are entering in to July. Where is the summer going?

All In Fun

2010-06-26T22:58:00.003-05:00

Someone donated $200 to see David get into the dunk tank. So...he did.

Not sure he realized how much everyone would enjoy what would happen! Emily, taking place of her deacon husband (the three deacons were provided two chances each from eons away) was able to go first. I think what did it was the joke David made about Alabama.

Community Family Fun Fest

2010-06-26T00:24:00.000-05:00

Our first community family fun fest was today and what a GREAT time we had! We are tired but so thrilled with what the Lord did today and how He allowed our little church to be used. I have to work early tomorrow morning so the details and pictures will have to wait for when the weekend is over but thank you to those who prayed for us.

Fun Fest

2010-06-25T18:02:00.001-05:00

We are hurriedly preparing for our Fun Fest-if you want to know more, go to our church website and read all about it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

What's the big deal?

2010-05-21T09:36:00.000-05:00

According to this young man, nothing.

A Heart for God

2010-05-20T19:07:00.000-05:00

This gentleman is a police officer by occupation but being a Christ-follower permeates his life. I do not think I have ever enjoyed reading a blog as much as I do his. Despite the difficulties he and his family have faced, the recent life changes that have rendered broken hearts, he points our thoughts to Christ and I am in awe at my Savior's goodness and love.

Wresting With An Angel

Whale Sharks

2010-05-20T05:30:00.001-05:00

The Whale Shark is the largest living fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 12.65 meters (41.50 feeet). They are gentle creatures and although they have large mouths, they are filter feeders consuming mostly plankton, krill, small fish and squid. Humans are not on the menu so I felt quite safe getting into the water with these amazing creatures. The only dilemma is that you need to stay away from their pectoral fins!
Donsol is a world-famous location for the Whale Sharks from December to as late as June. We spotted 6 Whale Sharks and swam with 5 of them in the Philippine Sea. It was an amazing experience. I did not have an underwater camera though. *sigh How awesome would that have been?

What would I do

2010-05-19T09:23:00.002-05:00

without His love and mercy? For it is in times like these I need to be reminded that He is all I need.

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness

"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,

therefore I will hope in him."

Doing Church

2010-05-16T21:01:00.001-05:00

This ministry began when dad took over a Bible study that another seminary student had started many years ago...when typhoon Reming hit almost 4 years ago, the church "squatted" on someone else's property and their little thatched roof, bamboo structure was destroyed. They have since rented this tiny little space in a dilapidated building, beautified the inside as best they could and have the most wonderful time of cooperate worship. The chairs would be considered plastic footstools with a back. The only instrumentation they had was Glez (the pastor's wife) on the guitar (self-taught only a few years ago) and their voices. Oh, what voices they had! The guitar sounded absolutely heavenly and their singing filled the tiny room. I had to turn around to make sure there were only around 25 people because each of them sang with such fervor that I thought there were well over 50 people crammed into that space!

As the service was beginning, an older man (neighbor I think) started yelling at us through the window. He sounded drunk but someone said he was crazy. He was sticking his hands through the window just yelling up a storm-I could not understand a word he was saying but it did not sound nice at all. Ignoring him, we went ahead and started singing and he finally went away, replaced by a cat meowing and walking on the window sill. During Sunday School the pastor fought the same struggle we face in the U.S.--no one wants to speak up when he asks questions about the lesson. If someone speaks, it seems like it's always the same people. It was an excellent lesson and I could see that people were growing and learning there at this tiny church. One thing I was moved by was that after the Sunday School lesson, he asked if anyone had memorized their Bible verse for the week. In my Sunday School class of 20-30, I think maybe 3 would stand up and recite the weekly memory verse. In this audience of 25, 9 stood up--individually without pressure--and recited I John 2:15 THEN went on to explain the meaning of the verse! I was moved. From a boy of about 14 (several teen boys stood up), to mom's, to grandmother's, father's, then a man in his early 50's who could hardly speak because of a stroke, stood up and recited the verse he had hidden in his heart. Some of them made mistakes, some of them needed encouragement but there was no embarrassment. When one faltered with the words, many started speaking the next words to help! I was convicted and ashamed. I am often all too worried about what other people think of me than what Christ thinks of me. My motivations are blindly me centered instead of cross-centered. When my ABF teacher asks for accountability regarding memorizing scripture, why am I not willing to stand up and recite what I am encouraged to hide in my heart? Several reasons: I did not hide it in my heart or I do not quite have it memorized and I'm only going to speak if I can say it perfectly because what everyone thinks about me is much more important than hiding that passage in my heart because God wants me too.

I am not sure about your church but in my church we complain-and I am a part of the "we". We complain that it is either too hot or too cold in the auditorium. We complain that the service is too long or the preaching needs to be shortened. We complain that there is either too much singing or too little singing, or maybe that the singing is too fast. No, wait--the singing is too slow. We complain that the children's church ONLY goes to 3rd grade or that we HAVE to work in the nursery today. We complain about the chairs--they are too close together, they are uncomfortable, they are too comfortable, they are the wrong color-can we change them? We complain we do not have an organized choir or that the choir is too small. The list of complaints are numerous. Why? Our focus has left Christ and the reason why we CAN meet together in worship. What may have started out as Christ-centered worship has turned into a me-centered focus.

I needed to see this little church and be reminded of why we have church. It isn't about how perfect the service runs, how beautiful the music is, how comfortable we are...these things can be wonderful and point our hearts to Christ as we come to worship but if every one of these things "go wrong" and we are annoyed, irritated or distracted and shut down, then maybe the object of my worship was me and not the one who died for me.

::Home::

2010-05-12T18:05:00.000-05:00

My baby lost her first two teeth yesterday and I missed it. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to help my parents yet at the same time I miss my family so very much. Here are some things I am missing while overseas:

* Mikaela-braces removed after almost 3 years
* Caleb's double digit birthday
* Being the tooth fairy to make the exciting exchange for Karis
* Mother's Day
* Our 17th wedding anniversary
* Andrew's football games
* Being with my church family and friends
* Driving my kids to and from school every day
* Cuddle time with kids and hubby
* Making my family dinner
* Listening to non-stop chatter
* Devotions on the beautiful deck David built me *grin, grin--Thank you Honey

Contentment?

2010-05-12T03:20:00.004-05:00

Contentment is defined as a state of happiness and satisfaction. We often hear speeches, encouragement and at times preaching that discourages discontentment (dissatisfaction with one's circumstances). We are admonished to evaluate our lives to make sure we are not struggling with discontentment. But do we evaluate our walk with Christ using this same idea?

I read this statement today:

I am persuaded that the problem with the body of Christ is not that we are dissatisfied with what we do not have, but that we are all too satisfied with what we do have. We are comfortable with a little bit of holiness, a little bit of ministry, a little bit of sacrifice, a little bit of wisdom, a little bit of the satisfying glory that only the grace of Christ is able to give us. I am deeply persuaded that we must resist with all of our might the kind of self-satisfied spirituality that marks the life of so many believers. And I am further persuaded that this pseudo-spirituality is one of the cruel deceptions of a wily enemy.

What is the danger of this kind of spirituality? It never results in truly Christ-centered, grace-driven, God-glorifying, heart-satisfying righteousness. True righteousness only ever begins when you come to the end of yourself. Only when God leads you to the place where you begin to abandon your own agenda and false righteousness, does true righteousness take hold. And only then can a passion for selfless service and true worship begin to grow in your heart.

But the battle is ever-present, and I am afraid that at the same moment we are nibbling at the table of the Lord, we are often stuffing ourselves at the buffet of the world. No wonder our hearts are not satisfied; we are feasting on food that has no capacity to satisfy. And no wonder we are addicted; as we feed on what cannot satisfy, we must go back again and again and again.

~Paul David Tripp in Broken-Down House. Emphasis mine.

So I ask, are you discontent and actively resisting a Christless Christianity or do you find yourself being one of those who is satisfied with a few morsels from the Lord's banquet table?

Morning Greeting

2010-05-09T18:40:00.001-05:00

I was determined to get an early morning photo of Mayon Volcano because it is usually crystal clear at that time. This morning a haze had already settled in; the humidity thick in the air and it was not even 7am yet. I walked 120 steps from my parents front gate and this is the site that greeted me. What a beauty. You can spot the lava flow in the picture-the black mounds. Three and a half years ago when our whole family was able to come here, dad drove us up to the base and then we hiked to that lava flow on the bottom left corner of the picture. The rocks were still hot and we were surprised at the height of the lava flow mounds-they are deceivingly small from a distance but up close they were sometimes higher than 30 feet!

Mom and I left Dumaguette on Friday-what a difficult parting that was. It is hard to say goodbye to family when you are not sure you will ever see them again on this earth. Or even in Heaven. We started packing on Saturday and it amazes me how quickly a home can turn into just a shell of a house in a day. I got the dining room all packed up, the living room, the guest bedroom. Now we have the upstairs to get done. The heat is oppressive. If you can sit under a tree and let the breeze cool you, it feels just fine...tolerable. So I take frequent breaks. I pack a box then I go outside, eat a mango *grin,grin*, listen to the noisy passle of rooster's next door, then head back inside for more packing.

What a wonderful day at church yesterday! I did not understand half of what was said, but what I did understand was excellent. I got to see some familiar faces (those we met 3 1/2 years ago), some old faces (old friends), and many new faces. Great to see my brothers and sisters in Christ halfway across the world. Pastor Roy had a sword drill to give away a book by Charles Spurgeon--I thought I would try my hand at the sword drill. I used to be pretty good. I had no chance and neither did anyone else. This gal blew us away in what seemed like two seconds. I am not sure how she found the Old Testament passage so stinking fast, but she was good!

The food has been a treat! I think I've gained 5 pounds in a little over a week but I don't care. It has been ages since I have been able to eat food like this and the likelihood of my eating it again is very slim. So I will continue to enjoy!

Philippines

2010-05-06T02:44:00.000-05:00

I arrived in the Philippines a little before midnight Saturday night, spent the night at the Southern Baptist guest units that night and then flew to Dumaguete, Negros the next day. I had intentions of visiting my family down here at the end of my trip after I had helped my parents pack up their home, but on Thursday night the Lord saw fit to take my Grandfather to Heaven. I was really sad I did not get to see him one last time, but at 92 years of age he died quietly in his sleep. No suffering. No pain. For that I am so thankful.

It has been a busy week and I was ill-prepared for the Philippine customs of the wake and burial. Dad prepared me Sunday before I flew down here. What a learning experience this has been and what a reminder to me as to just how much I have. How soon we forget how blessed we are in the United States of America. Truly a land of opportunity, no matter your state in life. There is very little true poverty known in America.

I had forgotten how beautiful this area of the Philippines was. My cousin was telling me today that he and his wife live right off a Marine Sanctuary. Just a short distance from their home is a beautiful site to behold-pure coral teeming with Clown Fish (Nemo's), Milk Fish, Star Fish of all colors...Oh, I wish I had time to go snorkeling! I guess I will have to bring David and the kids back here once again! I think my family would love that.

Flooding

2010-05-03T10:10:00.001-05:00

As I am here in the Philippines, my family is Tennessee is facing a different situation. Here's a video of our Franklin community and the flooding that is occurring.

Contemplating Adoption

2010-04-28T08:48:00.000-05:00

Andrew is preparing himself for a court room scenario. Every year the kids in his class enjoy a challenge by their incredibly motivating and creative teacher to pick a heated topic and act it out in a "court room". They chose to debate the Russian adoption case where the mother sent her adoptive son back to Russia. She received quite a bit of flack from our community because 1. She is from Middle Tennessee--just a stone throws distance from us 2. We live in a county that is prolific in adoptions. And the people here are quite passionate about it.

Andrew and I were discussing the situation and thoughts regarding what happened. Andrew is supposed to be Artem today and he was asking me many questions as he tried to place himself in that little boys' shoes. I cannot imagine. Karis asked a whole lot of questions too and could not reconcile in her little mind how little Artem was just not wanted anymore. She asked if we could "buy" him so that was another discussion in and of itself.

As I drove home after dropping the kids off at school, I started thinking more about the situation. Adoption, in my mind, is not supposed to be like that. You accept what you receive without question with a heart full of love ready to receive. This is why I believe adoption involves much prayer and guidance from our Savior. I just cannot reconcile in my head reading the words of the mother "...I no longer wish to parent this child". She listed her reasons why in an attempt to justify her decision to the Russian authorities.

I am adopted. I have been adopted into the family of God and the price that was paid for my adoption was the life of Jesus Christ on the cross. I have issues. I disobey. I throw temper tantrums. I talk back. I argue. I intentional run the other way into oncoming danger. Oh, I praise God that He has never said He "no longer wishes to parent this child"! Al Mohler said it well on his blog in the article entitled When Adoption Fails.

A Must Read

2010-04-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

If you want to count your blessings and be blessed beyond words as one man glorifies God in a most tremendous way, go here

Something to think about::

2010-04-22T20:19:00.001-05:00

Christians often wonder why there is such a struggle in their walk as followers of Christ. I am often asked, "How do I know God better? Where is my desire and how can I make it all about Him?" As I observe those around me, my heart breaks to see what they do hunger for.

As Karl Graustein puts it in Growing Up Christian,

We think we know the dangers of the world, and we assume we can gain the benefits of the world while avoiding its pitfalls. We naively believe that a little bit of the world won't harm us.

John Piper summed up the cost of compromise well....

"The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. It is not the X-rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every night...For when these replace an appetite for God himself, the idolatry is scarcely recognizable, and almost incurable."

Perspective

2010-04-15T13:46:00.000-05:00

David and I walked in a little late for one of the morning sessions today. My first reaction to David regarding the gentleman praying was "What in the world is up with the bald heads? Why are all these young guys shaving their heads? I don't think he looks too good with a bald head-what was he thinking?" I really said all that to David. Lest you shake your head in disbelief at my speech, I have no doubt you have said or thought similar things. I followed up my statement with "I know I've seen that guy-he looks familiar."

We found our seats and listened as another gentleman spoke regarding trials, referencing the need to encourage the church body to prepare for trials before they happen--to be grounded in the truth of God's Word. We have more than what Job had-we have the knowledge of a resurrected Christ! Why was the speaker exhorting us regarding trials on the heels of the young man's prayer? It is because the prayer was from one who was dying from cancer. He is a pastor, with a wife, with kids and was just diagnosed with a brain tumor at Thanksgiving. I then remembered running across his video blog several months back and even telling David about him. Now here I was telling David that guy didn't look too good bald because I thought he CHOSE to be bald. Amazing how my perspectively radically changed. He suddenly looked great bald.

As the speakers surrounded him in prayer and the corporate body of attendees prayed, the man bowed his head and there you could see the angry c-like scar where the brain tumor had been extracted. I wept. I prayed but my eyes did not leave it's focus on that scar.

After prayer, we sang It Is Well With My Soul. Frankly, I have heard message after message of encouragement regarding trials in the last month and have been immersing myself in scripture. I know there is a trial awaiting around the corner for God's Word tells me this would be my life as a Christian. I also know that God's Word tells me He will not give me more than I can handle with His grace and strength so that in the midst I too can sing It Is Well.

Is it well with your soul?

-- Post From My iPhone

The Humor in Vanity

2010-04-12T08:36:00.000-05:00

I have a blemish on my nose so I pasted it with good ol' Mary Kay blemish ointment. When I say pasted, I mean P.A.S.T.E.D. You all know exactly what I mean. For you it can be Oxy, Clearasil...fill in the blank. The problem is that as I headed out the door to bring the kids to school, I completely forgot all about the pasting. It was not a tinted ointment. Get the picture?

As I walked into the school (which I rarely do) to help both boys set up their projects, their very kind principle greeted me kindly and we shared a few words. I think I vaguely remember his eyes darting to my nose...if I were him, I would have laughed. Really. But I had no idea how ridiculous I looked.

Until I got back into the car and for some silly reason, I looked in the mirror. Oh. Next time I JUST might leave the blemish alone.

The Schindel Vampire

2010-04-08T13:47:00.010-05:00

Mikaela is taking Health Science this semester and through the nursing track at her public school, the teacher has as her goal that the students would graduate from high school fully prepared to take their LPN exam. If the Lord allows, Mikaela would like to be a nurse.
As she hovered over our paramedical examiner observing all that the examiner was doing, she kept whispering in my ear..."I know how to do that (referencing the taking of our blood pressure) and oh, I know how to do that too!" Our sweet examiner, Mrs. Debby asked Mikaela in her southern drawl..."Do you want to draw your mamma's blood if she'll let ya'?" So...what was I going to say? No? Nurses have to start somewhere. Why not start with the one who gave birth to you?

Continuation on Reading

2010-04-07T21:14:00.001-05:00

Tim Challies continues his follow up on Read More Read Better from last week with a new post: How I Read a Book.

Reading

2010-04-04T21:27:00.001-05:00

I think I need to scale down how many books I read at once. The stack of books on my nightstand is getting a little unstable! I'm dreaming of a Kindle....

The Celebration of The Savior

2010-04-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

Social Networking:Facebook, Twitter, Blogging....

2010-04-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

In the April 2010 issue of Tabletalk there is a great article entitled Virtual Friendship which addresses thoughts about social networking. One thought that jumped out at me is this: "...beyond our atrophied reading habits, the effect of our social networking world is at least twofold: it trivializes the notion of friendship and it erodes our sense of community...why the messiness of real interaction when you can login..."

You'll have to subscribe to the magazine in order to read this particular article but there are many other great articles you can read online! If you've not taken a look at the Tabletalk Magazine or have not taken advantage of the free three month trial, let me encourage you to do so. You will find yourself blessed and your knowledge of Christ and the Word will be furthered.

The Living Gallery

2010-04-02T17:21:00.002-05:00

The Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery contains one of America's finest collections of Italian paintings as well as one of the most important collections of religious art in America. The first time I walked through the gallery, I was overwhelmed at the expanse of artwork contained--over 400 to date including 7 important Benjamin West paintings.

I vividly remember sitting in the audience as a spectator of the first Living Gallery; I had just found out I was expecting Andrew, our second born. I was in awe at what I witnessed. The many pieces of artwork that I had viewed in that gallery was now coming to life. Literally.

Here is an explanation of the Living Gallery as found on the BJ Website:

In the Living Gallery, the imagined becomes real. Have you ever viewed a work of art that looked so real that the depicted characters seemed to almost move and breathe? Such imaginations come true as you experience works of art re-created life-sized on stage.

The program consists of original drama and special choral and orchestral arrangements tying together a breathtaking live portrayal of great works of art. The entire program centers around the life of Christ.

Although the drama and music play an important part in the celebration, the paintings take center stage in telling the story of Christ through this unique medium.

The characters you see portrayed in the paintings are live actors. A special set, costumes, makeup and lighting expand the painting to more than three times its original size.

Come experience “art come to life”—a unique combination of art, drama and music that together form the Living Gallery.

Painting Credit: Descent from the Cross, Francesco Ubertini, called Il Bacchiacca, From the Bob Jones University Collection

I ran across these two videos that give a little more insight and explanation so that you can wrap your head around the ideal of exactly how they do the program.

Behind the Scenes:BJU Living Gallery by WYFF Channel 4

Fox Carolina:BJU Student Tours-Living Gallery

Unless you have seen the Living Gallery, it is difficult to comprehend. I personally think it's phenomenal and well worth an Easter trip to view it and to participate in the message behind the art. David and Mikaela are going to be viewing it tomorrow with several friends from church and I'm just a little teensy-weensy bit jealous.

A Pastor's need for rest

2010-03-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

Dr. Piper, preaching pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church will be taking a leave of absence. Article here at Christianity Today.

On Reading

2010-03-30T22:22:00.002-05:00

Great article by Tim Challies entitled Read More Read Better. If you ever desired to develop a love for reading, take a few minutes to read his post. I think you'll be inspired.

Strep has reared its ugly head...

2010-03-30T18:33:00.002-05:00

And although it sounds like I'm complaining, I am thankful that we have seen it less over these last 9 months. Andrew had it for two weeks (a few weeks ago) before I bothered to take him in! What a bad mom I am-waited until he was really sick! Karis headed to the doctor this morning. Yup. Strep. Sigh. Picked up Mikaela from school just a few hours later. Yup. Strep. Sigh. I just called my job to let them know I will not be working tomorrow. I feel terrible about that but my kiddos need me. Took a stroll through my house with Clorox and attacked every door knob. Now to replace all our toothbrushes in a few days, again. Strep is an expensive little booger.

Weekend with friends

2010-03-26T21:52:00.001-05:00

I am with several friends, my daughter and her friend at a three day conference in Chattanooga with about 2,400 other women. My girlfriend and I came early for the leadership pre conference and what a blessing it was! Nancy Leigh DeMoss is the hostess of the conference and gave us a challenge yesterday with what her desire was, based on God's Word for each of our lives as we served in ministry. It was for each of us to be:

Word Centered

Christ Centered

Gospel Drenched

Spirit Empowered

Personally Modeled

Love Motivated

Servant Hearted

Prayer Saturated

Joy Exuding

What an encouragement to me...and this can only occur through prayer and being in His Word. One of the speakers (sorry..I forgot to write down who said it) at the pre conference made this statement, "If you do not pray, you are proud! It is a failure to recognize your need of utter dependance upon Christ."

Grandparents

2010-03-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

My parents, missionaries to the Philippines arrived last Friday night for a short medical furlough. What a great time we had with them albeit very short. Dad received great news from his specialist and mom had a battery of tests done with her specialist. In the five days they were with us, the Lord seems to have provided a buyer for their home in the Philippines so they will cutting their medical furlough short to take care of this. We are praising the Lord in so many ways!

Easter Thoughts

2010-03-10T22:31:00.001-06:00

As the Passion Week approaches, I determined that I would meditate on Christ. Really meditate. I was talking to a young lady at church the other night and I was explaining to her that as far back as Genesis, God had already formed a plan to send a redeemer. That is the theme of the Bible...it all points to Him. To Christ. What an awesome realization when we read our Bible's to have that view in mind.

For the first time I am reading The Truth of the Cross by R.C. Sproul and my favorite The Cross He Bore: Meditations on the Sufferings of the Redeemer by Frederick S. Leahy. A chapter a day from the beginning of March until Resurrection Sunday. A statement in the foreword rings true:

We are too apt to hurry past the cross, to undervalue, in spite of ourselves, the supreme mystery of the ages by a shallow assumption that we know it all. We don't and never will. but we need to take time to learn as much as we can. We need to 'behold', to 'survey', to 'stand and stare'....that..we should be brought to gaze in fresh understanding and gratitude upon 'the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me'.

Oh that I would stand and stare. That I would survey and daily express gratitude for the love that has been bestowed upon me!

Biblical Love

2010-03-09T23:19:00.000-06:00

I Corinthians 13. Excellent service tonight. So. Very. Convicting. If you would like to hear the special sermons that we have had, go to Sermon Audio here... I highly recommend tonights message.

Building Lives Biblically

2010-03-08T22:41:00.001-06:00

We have the awesome privilege of having the Galkin Evangelistic Team at our church this week. I missed our services yesterday (Sunday) because of sickness but it was a blessing to be in church tonight. Will focused our thoughts on having Biblical Thinking and brought us to Philippians as our central passage. Isn't it true that many times our thoughts are out of control? We fail to focus our thoughts on Christ and become consumed with ourselves. I am looking forward to the rest of the week as it looks like this:

Biblically Love

Biblically Change

Biblically Worldview

Sacred Irish Concert

Besides Will's preaching, I LOVE their music. It. is. AWESOME. When I listen to their music, my focus immediately goes to Christ. I am worshipping The King. They just finished recording a new CD and it is going to be fantastic. I can't wait. Enjoy the sneak peak here.

WALOP 2010

2010-03-07T10:58:00.001-06:00

Last week the teens hosted parents in the annual We All Love Our Parents banquet and it was just amazing. Our youth director Josh Schwartz and his wife Jenny did a fantastic job-of course they had much help but without the vision, it would not have happened. From the decorations, the food, the script to Josh's challenge at the end. It was a top performance and we walked away greatly blessed. Josh and Jenny are not salary--they receive no monetary compensation for the hours upon hours of time they spend discipling and ministering to our teenagers. David was talking to someone not too long ago and he remarked that if we were to take the greatest youth pastor in the United States and put him next to Josh, David would take Josh any day. In our humble opinion, no one can compare. Thank you Josh and Jenny for your efforts and ministry to our family and the rest of the church!

David and I with our "little" Mikaela...where does the time go?

Theodore pantomiming Danny Kaye's song The Maladjusted Jester-FANTASTIC

Jane Austen's "Emma"

2010-03-06T09:00:00.003-06:00

Through a friend (thanks Laura!), Mikaela and I found out that Masterpiece Theater produced a new episode of Emma. You can watch it online here until March 9th-all three episodes. It is fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable for all you Pride and Prejudice and perhaps Horatio Hornblower fans.

Mikaela is watching The 39 Steps online right now and it is very good so far. She's excited because in World History she is learning about the central and allied forces from WWI, the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and what transpired to propel the world into WWI. She recognizes names and places that are mentioned in the movie and I am getting a little history lesson. It will be available for viewing online the whole month of March.

April 11th will be the premiering of The Diary of Anne Frank and we are very much looking forward to watching it. What I have enjoyed so much about these recent finds is that there has been no worries about language or inappropriate scenes. sigh. What a treat.

In Memory

2010-03-03T06:00:00.005-06:00

I remember walking into Anthropology class my junior year at Faith Academy, Philippines. It was my first year at this boarding school and I was nervous. The large, looming figure of Mr. Hyde greeted me and I wondered what I was doing in that class. After all, he was a big guy and I was all of five foot three! After some ribbing and my finally realizing that it was Mr. Hyde's nature to tease, I relaxed. What a great time I had that semester and I learned so much that I envisioned my life as an archeologist! Economics was equally as enjoyable. Mr. Hyde was a unique man with a unique gift. And he uniquely loved each and every one of his students.

Seven years ago, Mr. Hyde was at the airport to pick up a missionary family when an Islamic terrorist placed a bomb directly behind him. Mr. Hyde and 21 others were killed that day while 150 others wounded. His son Steve, missionary to Cambodia remembers him here.