Hard to believe it's been a few months since I've last updated my blog.
We had a vacation planned for California and two days before we went we received noticed the landlords would like to move back into their house.
Vacation was fun-very nice to see family and friends again and wish we could live closer to each other or at least see each other more! Oh how I miss Laguna Beach too. Wouldn't it be nice to live at the beach year round? Especially with daily room service. :)
So now it's time for purging excess junk, even though we moved in less than a year ago. We still accumulated things we need to give away so that's what I'm concentrating on now. I have packed a few boxes but most of it is going to have to wait until next week.
We came about the new house in a different way. I had been pouring over different sites for weeks looking for houses for us. All of them four + bedrooms. I was so frustrated over the lack of available rentals! We had gone to the base and seen housing, which, incidentally, is the nicest housing I have ever seen! But the one we would get would be between two units and no yard space! We have been very very blessed with a huge yard here and giving that up would be very hard indeed, especially with a huge dog.
So finally I had the idea of why not looking at a 3 bedroom with a basement that could be used as a bedroom? I immediately found one that we wanted to see. I called the realtor right away and she said she could show it to us in just a few hours. We already had four other houses to see that day in NH so we got ready and went to see that house first. We were amazed!
The house is high up on a hill with views of downtown Boston, Cape Cod, and in the other direction, the hills of New Hampshire. It has a huge backyard with forests on both sides and tons of huge stones. The house is only a few years old, as are all the houses in the neighborhood. The owners built a playhouse for their grandchildren (it's nice inside-they actually tiled the floor) and put lots of fairy houses around that area. The entire back yard has lots of little and mid sized statues, a waterfall, a view of the pond straight across the road that the kids can ice skate on in the winter and so much foliage it will be wonderful come spring again to see what she has there! She also said we can plant anything we want so I'm thinking blackberry and blueberry bushes. Mmmmmm.....
So back to the story of the houses. We did end up driving to NH to see the other houses but we couldn't stop thinking about that one. So I called the realtor at 9:30 that night and said "we want it, don't give it away!". It's a good thing too because a few days later when we were at the house with the realtor and the owners signing the lease the realtor kept getting calls about it and said "Ever since you guys called about it people have been calling non stop!".
We really feel this is where God wants us for right now and Dave says GOD gave me the thought of looking at three bedrooms since there wasn't much else. I'll go with that! For one thing it is closer to the church that He gave us clear direction on going to months ago. We weren't even looking in that area originally and didn't think we'd live around there. He also knew we didn't want to give up a big yard and privacy and boy does this have both! In addition, I had told Dave I wasn't sure I was comfortable with the girls living in the basement because I was worried about radon. When we were there with the owners, the lady owner actually brought up the subject on her own and said they'd had a radon system installed! This was just the final thing, and I kinda had to laugh and say "thanks God!" for taking care, once again, of all our worries and pondering and getting it all worked out.
The owners are very nice and actually spent three hours with us at their house, showing us around the house and yard and just talking. They don't live far and know everyone in the neighborhood because he actually built all of the houses in the neighborhood.
I'm excited that the house actually has a library, and the woman said she purposely did not put a phone jack or computer wiring or anything in there because it's supposed to be a retreat. It also has an office for Dave which will really help. I LOVE that the master bedroom is on the first floor, hurray, finally!!! I think the best room is a screened in sunroom she had built and is going to leave me the daybed in their with some furniture, a beautiful mirror and a few other things. I think I'm going to live out there in the summer!
The kids were excited (okay, I won't lie, I was too!) that while we were there we saw a chipmunk and a very big groundhog just out very leisurely moving around the rocks and yard. They did say there are foxes (I just pray no coyotes) and other animals around because of the forest. It's a nature lovers paradise.
It is a very beautiful house and has so many plusses about it that we are all just wishing the time would fly until we can move in! This house and the land is beautiful too but it's old so it has many problems, some of which were not fixed at all while living here.
I will definitely miss this house for it's beautiful yard, house and land, and proximity to Main St. which has Starbucks, a GREAT Mexican restaurant, and many other great things but I'm sure God has great things in store for us in the new house and area!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Of bands, breakfasts and bathrooms...
Sunday night Caleb went to a show and brought home the four guys in the band to spend the night.
They'd been here once before, again, after they performed a show in Boston.
It was good to see them and have them stay here again. It made me realize how much I miss having the kids' friends at our house all the time. In Florida, our house was always filled with the kids' friends. It wasn't uncommon for there to be 12, or 15 kids, but a lot of the times more than that. Some were playing video games, some cards, the others watching tv or in one of the kids rooms, or outside in the pool. Now, even after being here for six months, the kids still don't have friends. Well, there are the two neighbor girls, (that they rarely see) but that is it.
So we had a great time with the boys Monday after everyone woke up, which was around eleven or twelve. (I always knew I missed my calling to be a musician!) Lindsay and Erin helped me make a big breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns and coffee. One of the boys remarked that he saw it all lying out like that and thought it looked like a Little House in the Prairie breakfast. One thing I love, and that is to see hungry boys eat! What mom doesn't?! They even managed to sneak around and help with the dishes too.
During breakfast they found out we own a costume/party business and their eyes lit up. They couldn't wait to finish and get downstairs and try on as many costumes as they could. They had a great time and Caleb took a lot of photos.
They are a great bunch of guys, always very respectful, always even keeled and always grateful. This time, they had a bit of bad luck. First was the parking ticket they received outside my house, and second was the engine light on their van. So instead of leaving Monday night like they were going to, they ended up staying another night and leaving Tuesday.
They and Caleb had a great time together! They recorded some music together and jammed for hours. It was, literally, music to our ears. Dave, myself, and the rest of the kids sat on the porch in our rockers in the sunshine, listening to the sounds coming down from above from the open window on the third story, and heartily enjoying it.
I LOVED hearing the peals of laughter from many friends again. One of the times they were laughing was when one of them found a book in our bathroom, titled, "What your poo is telling you". He brought it out to share with all of them and they laughed for a good, long time.
It's a very humorous book with vivid descriptions, funny drawings and catchy titles, for each of the, uh...ways your poo is talking to you.
Tuesday they left a little later than they were supposed to but we did manage to get some pictures in and hugs. I was sad to see them go, but hope they will be back to stay next time they're in town.
I'll try to post some pics but I don't know how to do that on the blog yet. Isn't that one of the things your kids are supposed to teach you? :)
They'd been here once before, again, after they performed a show in Boston.
It was good to see them and have them stay here again. It made me realize how much I miss having the kids' friends at our house all the time. In Florida, our house was always filled with the kids' friends. It wasn't uncommon for there to be 12, or 15 kids, but a lot of the times more than that. Some were playing video games, some cards, the others watching tv or in one of the kids rooms, or outside in the pool. Now, even after being here for six months, the kids still don't have friends. Well, there are the two neighbor girls, (that they rarely see) but that is it.
So we had a great time with the boys Monday after everyone woke up, which was around eleven or twelve. (I always knew I missed my calling to be a musician!) Lindsay and Erin helped me make a big breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns and coffee. One of the boys remarked that he saw it all lying out like that and thought it looked like a Little House in the Prairie breakfast. One thing I love, and that is to see hungry boys eat! What mom doesn't?! They even managed to sneak around and help with the dishes too.
During breakfast they found out we own a costume/party business and their eyes lit up. They couldn't wait to finish and get downstairs and try on as many costumes as they could. They had a great time and Caleb took a lot of photos.
They are a great bunch of guys, always very respectful, always even keeled and always grateful. This time, they had a bit of bad luck. First was the parking ticket they received outside my house, and second was the engine light on their van. So instead of leaving Monday night like they were going to, they ended up staying another night and leaving Tuesday.
They and Caleb had a great time together! They recorded some music together and jammed for hours. It was, literally, music to our ears. Dave, myself, and the rest of the kids sat on the porch in our rockers in the sunshine, listening to the sounds coming down from above from the open window on the third story, and heartily enjoying it.
I LOVED hearing the peals of laughter from many friends again. One of the times they were laughing was when one of them found a book in our bathroom, titled, "What your poo is telling you". He brought it out to share with all of them and they laughed for a good, long time.
It's a very humorous book with vivid descriptions, funny drawings and catchy titles, for each of the, uh...ways your poo is talking to you.
Tuesday they left a little later than they were supposed to but we did manage to get some pictures in and hugs. I was sad to see them go, but hope they will be back to stay next time they're in town.
I'll try to post some pics but I don't know how to do that on the blog yet. Isn't that one of the things your kids are supposed to teach you? :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Spring in New England
Spring is beautiful here! I was able to go outside today in the morning, drink my coffee, do my daily reading, and sit in the warm sun.
I closed my eyes to take it all in because there were so many different birds out making all sorts of birdsongs. All I could hear were the birds, the squirrels and in the distance construction workers hammering away. I love that sound for some reason-the sound of hammers echoing off in the distance with just nature for the other background noise.
When I opened my eyes after several minutes, I was struck by just how beautiful it is! We have quite a big backyard with all these New England style houses all around, and it's very hilly. The owners here planted all sorts of gorgeous plants, trees and flowers that are in full bloom in the spring.
Bright yellow trees, bright pink trees, and tulips! Oh how I love tulips, they are my favorite flowers and they have planted them everywhere in the yard-side, front and back. They also planted a few flowering bushes that are different shades of purple. One of them has gorgeous purple flowers but smells like a lemon pez! Does anyone know what that one might be?
The sky was a magnificent color of blue and the clouds were white and fluffy. I was able to see a few cardinals today, a few bluejays (who were the noisiest!), lots of little birds, and Erin saw a woodpecker. I felt so grateful to God for making such a beautiful earth!
I can't wait for the ferns to continue blossoming and growing too. Soon all the leaves will be on the trees and I won't be able to see far off down Main Street anymore, but for now I'm enjoying seeing new buds and growth on the flowers and trees every single day.
Bellessimo!
I closed my eyes to take it all in because there were so many different birds out making all sorts of birdsongs. All I could hear were the birds, the squirrels and in the distance construction workers hammering away. I love that sound for some reason-the sound of hammers echoing off in the distance with just nature for the other background noise.
When I opened my eyes after several minutes, I was struck by just how beautiful it is! We have quite a big backyard with all these New England style houses all around, and it's very hilly. The owners here planted all sorts of gorgeous plants, trees and flowers that are in full bloom in the spring.
Bright yellow trees, bright pink trees, and tulips! Oh how I love tulips, they are my favorite flowers and they have planted them everywhere in the yard-side, front and back. They also planted a few flowering bushes that are different shades of purple. One of them has gorgeous purple flowers but smells like a lemon pez! Does anyone know what that one might be?
The sky was a magnificent color of blue and the clouds were white and fluffy. I was able to see a few cardinals today, a few bluejays (who were the noisiest!), lots of little birds, and Erin saw a woodpecker. I felt so grateful to God for making such a beautiful earth!
I can't wait for the ferns to continue blossoming and growing too. Soon all the leaves will be on the trees and I won't be able to see far off down Main Street anymore, but for now I'm enjoying seeing new buds and growth on the flowers and trees every single day.
Bellessimo!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Mystery Woman...
Most people have heard of Tasha Tudor, the famous children's book writer and illustrator. Her books include Pumpkin Moonshine and a Corgiville Christmas, among others.
I have a few books written about her-the ones where Richard Brown took the photographs. They are The Private World of Tasha Tudor and Tasha Tudor's Garden. These are always what I go to when I'm having a "technology fast" as I like to call it. These books have lots of photographs of her house and gardens, which never fail to inspire me!
Tasha was born and raised in a prominent Boston family, but eventually settled in Vermont. One of her sons, Seth, built her a house that looked like it was from the 1740's, copied from a friend's house in New Hampshire.
She purposely made her and her children's world an old fashioned world where children could still be children! She made a beautiful life for herself and them, and she even wore the clothes of a woman from the 1830's. Not just sometimes or around the house, but ALL the time.
She kept Nubian goats and used the milk. She churned her own butter. She spun flax and made her own clothes. She had her beloved Corgi dogs, a bird or two, goats, cats and other animals.
Tahsa loved doing simple things. Drawing, illustrating, and sketching her kids while they were down at the river playing. Puppet shows for the kids and the neighbor kids. Making dolls. Even going so far as making a real catalog where her kids could order doll clothes and they would arrive in the mail!
She made celebrations and holidays important yet simple. I love that she would go cut down a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, then decorate it with lit candles and then show the children when it was all done. (although, those of you who know me know that I could never wait that long to get a tree-I'd like one up all year please!)
She loved animals, her beautiful gardens, children and her farmhouse. She is such an example to the way I want to live: simple yet so purposeful. (Oh, and I wouldn't mind the house in farmhouse in Vermont either!) Now, that being said, I don't think I'm ever going to live like that, but I do like the idea of making life more simple, letting children be children, and celebrating life.
I also have two dvds about her, that are comforting and peaceful to watch, Take Joy, and Take Peace (her Christmas one). Surprisingly, I like Take Joy better than her Christmas one.
Tasha just died in 2008, at the age of 92. Although her life was no where near perfect, she lived a simple life and an intentional life, one that she was passionate about, and that's what I love most about her.
I have a few books written about her-the ones where Richard Brown took the photographs. They are The Private World of Tasha Tudor and Tasha Tudor's Garden. These are always what I go to when I'm having a "technology fast" as I like to call it. These books have lots of photographs of her house and gardens, which never fail to inspire me!
Tasha was born and raised in a prominent Boston family, but eventually settled in Vermont. One of her sons, Seth, built her a house that looked like it was from the 1740's, copied from a friend's house in New Hampshire.
She purposely made her and her children's world an old fashioned world where children could still be children! She made a beautiful life for herself and them, and she even wore the clothes of a woman from the 1830's. Not just sometimes or around the house, but ALL the time.
She kept Nubian goats and used the milk. She churned her own butter. She spun flax and made her own clothes. She had her beloved Corgi dogs, a bird or two, goats, cats and other animals.
Tahsa loved doing simple things. Drawing, illustrating, and sketching her kids while they were down at the river playing. Puppet shows for the kids and the neighbor kids. Making dolls. Even going so far as making a real catalog where her kids could order doll clothes and they would arrive in the mail!
She made celebrations and holidays important yet simple. I love that she would go cut down a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, then decorate it with lit candles and then show the children when it was all done. (although, those of you who know me know that I could never wait that long to get a tree-I'd like one up all year please!)
She loved animals, her beautiful gardens, children and her farmhouse. She is such an example to the way I want to live: simple yet so purposeful. (Oh, and I wouldn't mind the house in farmhouse in Vermont either!) Now, that being said, I don't think I'm ever going to live like that, but I do like the idea of making life more simple, letting children be children, and celebrating life.
I also have two dvds about her, that are comforting and peaceful to watch, Take Joy, and Take Peace (her Christmas one). Surprisingly, I like Take Joy better than her Christmas one.
Tasha just died in 2008, at the age of 92. Although her life was no where near perfect, she lived a simple life and an intentional life, one that she was passionate about, and that's what I love most about her.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What is beautiful and meaningful to you?
I love things of peace and beauty. Of quietness and contemplation. Beautiful art, quiet time around a fire to read a great book, and music that speaks to my soul. The older I get the more important these things become to me.
My younger years were spent being too 'busy' to appreciate the beauty in life. It's such a pity that one has to get older to grow in knowledge and wisdom, when it seems as if we could really use it when we are younger! Not that I've arrived in wisdom and knowledge, not at all!
I realize the wisdom in my mother now who used to tell me that I was waiting for something big to happen in my life to make me happy, and how I would never be happy if that were the case. She told me to find the happiness in the million little things that are miracles in each day. Are you listening mom? I finally get it! :)
Years ago one of my sons would place his hands on his ears and scream if we sang Happy Birthday to him or if he was around fireworks or even just a very noisy place. I wondered, especially when he was younger, why on earth he acted like that!
But now I have another son who also hates being around noise and confusion and too much talking. He wakes up early in the morning to get some quiet and alone time before anyone else wakes up. (smart kid!)
Over the years I have noticed how I too hate being around too much noise, crowds, parties, concerts, etc...Those things are not beautiful to me!
One of my children has recently begun watching one of the popular crime shows. They tape it and watch at least one a day. Maybe what I need it a tougher shell, but I CAN NOT STAND watching those, nor listening to them from the other room!! It makes my skin crawl listening to people being tortured, and hearing their cries and screams. I have to put on my headphones and not listen at all. I do watch some movies that are in the drama category, but I have to be very selective.
I have to admit I have a hard time trying to understand why people enjoy watching the slash, hack and gory horror movies. Especially Christians. As Christians, shouldn't we hate death? Not fear it mind you, because Jesus released us from the fear of death, but hate the way it is glorified in these times? You don't have to look far to see death culture rules the day. In my opinion, there's nothing entertaining in watching evil being played out on the big screen, in music or in real life.
I find that the older I get, the more I gravitate towards beautiful things. I want my life filled with them! I now notice the pretty flowers, an annointed worship song, a touching painting, a choreographed dance for Jesus that moves me to tears, and even a beautiful sentence in a book. Or a gorgeous sunset. One day I went from room to room and floor to floor chasing the sunset, going as far and high as I could before it finally went down.
Yes, there will be hard days and times in our life, but as long as we have a choice, aren't our lives too short to be filled with anything but beauty, tenderness and meaning?
Well, I said I was going to tell you about a woman I admire but it didn't pour out of me like this post did, so I guess I will wait one more day!
My younger years were spent being too 'busy' to appreciate the beauty in life. It's such a pity that one has to get older to grow in knowledge and wisdom, when it seems as if we could really use it when we are younger! Not that I've arrived in wisdom and knowledge, not at all!
I realize the wisdom in my mother now who used to tell me that I was waiting for something big to happen in my life to make me happy, and how I would never be happy if that were the case. She told me to find the happiness in the million little things that are miracles in each day. Are you listening mom? I finally get it! :)
Years ago one of my sons would place his hands on his ears and scream if we sang Happy Birthday to him or if he was around fireworks or even just a very noisy place. I wondered, especially when he was younger, why on earth he acted like that!
But now I have another son who also hates being around noise and confusion and too much talking. He wakes up early in the morning to get some quiet and alone time before anyone else wakes up. (smart kid!)
Over the years I have noticed how I too hate being around too much noise, crowds, parties, concerts, etc...Those things are not beautiful to me!
One of my children has recently begun watching one of the popular crime shows. They tape it and watch at least one a day. Maybe what I need it a tougher shell, but I CAN NOT STAND watching those, nor listening to them from the other room!! It makes my skin crawl listening to people being tortured, and hearing their cries and screams. I have to put on my headphones and not listen at all. I do watch some movies that are in the drama category, but I have to be very selective.
I have to admit I have a hard time trying to understand why people enjoy watching the slash, hack and gory horror movies. Especially Christians. As Christians, shouldn't we hate death? Not fear it mind you, because Jesus released us from the fear of death, but hate the way it is glorified in these times? You don't have to look far to see death culture rules the day. In my opinion, there's nothing entertaining in watching evil being played out on the big screen, in music or in real life.
I find that the older I get, the more I gravitate towards beautiful things. I want my life filled with them! I now notice the pretty flowers, an annointed worship song, a touching painting, a choreographed dance for Jesus that moves me to tears, and even a beautiful sentence in a book. Or a gorgeous sunset. One day I went from room to room and floor to floor chasing the sunset, going as far and high as I could before it finally went down.
Yes, there will be hard days and times in our life, but as long as we have a choice, aren't our lives too short to be filled with anything but beauty, tenderness and meaning?
Well, I said I was going to tell you about a woman I admire but it didn't pour out of me like this post did, so I guess I will wait one more day!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Mad Hatter's my name...
It is my firm opinion that we live in a world gone mad. Every day seems to bring worse news than the last. Good is now called evil, and evil is now called good. (see Isaiah 5:20 for that warning) Being bombarded all the time is enough to make anyone sit up and scream "STOP!!!" It truly is maddening.
I was telling my kids today that "in the old days" when I was growing up, we had about twelve television channels to watch, (if that?) and the way we got our news (besides tv) was the newspaper, delivered each morning and evening. I told them we were not bombarded with news and facts 24 hours a day wherever you looked. There were no cell phones, call waiting, 'smart' phones, internet, nor even computers at home, no big screens, remotes for the t.v., cds, nor any dvd and vhs players. Then they asked me "and did you ride a dinosaur to school then?".
But it's true, and sometimes I just need a break from it all. I have gone on computer fasts, news fasts, television fasts and/or just computer news sites. It's very refreshing, to say the least, and when I do turn back on the tv or the internet, it's only with a sort of sadness and resignation that it didn't last long enough.
It's not too convenient to stay off line for very long, for bills need to be paid, banking needs to be kept up with, and shopping on the internet is very convenient, especially during Christmas time. Not to mention research-it's my favorite way to use the internet. You can find out just about anything!
Still, when I'm on one of my 'off' times, I get so much more done, and the world looks different to me. Better. Most likely because I'm not busy worrying over everything that is happening out there. And who needs to worry so much anyway? I realized my time would be much better spent OFF the computer, praying for things I want changed instead of worrying.
Next time I'll tell you about a woman who lived in the 20th and 21st Century but acted like she didn't. She just recently died and I was very sad I didn't get to go meet her first!
Till next time...
I was telling my kids today that "in the old days" when I was growing up, we had about twelve television channels to watch, (if that?) and the way we got our news (besides tv) was the newspaper, delivered each morning and evening. I told them we were not bombarded with news and facts 24 hours a day wherever you looked. There were no cell phones, call waiting, 'smart' phones, internet, nor even computers at home, no big screens, remotes for the t.v., cds, nor any dvd and vhs players. Then they asked me "and did you ride a dinosaur to school then?".
But it's true, and sometimes I just need a break from it all. I have gone on computer fasts, news fasts, television fasts and/or just computer news sites. It's very refreshing, to say the least, and when I do turn back on the tv or the internet, it's only with a sort of sadness and resignation that it didn't last long enough.
It's not too convenient to stay off line for very long, for bills need to be paid, banking needs to be kept up with, and shopping on the internet is very convenient, especially during Christmas time. Not to mention research-it's my favorite way to use the internet. You can find out just about anything!
Still, when I'm on one of my 'off' times, I get so much more done, and the world looks different to me. Better. Most likely because I'm not busy worrying over everything that is happening out there. And who needs to worry so much anyway? I realized my time would be much better spent OFF the computer, praying for things I want changed instead of worrying.
Next time I'll tell you about a woman who lived in the 20th and 21st Century but acted like she didn't. She just recently died and I was very sad I didn't get to go meet her first!
Till next time...
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Our God is so BIG...so strong and so mighty...
I was going through some old journals from years ago. I've been in a spring cleaning mood for over a month now and have already gotten rid of a lot of things.
In those journals I found an entry I had written probably 12 years ago when it was a very hard time for me physically, emotionally and spiritually as well. In the entry I talked about me going to a friend's house for a prayer meeting. She, as was most of the group, was from Africa but she told me she was having a guest there, a man from Egypt who was a Christian prophet. I wasn't sure how I felt about that as I didn't really believe there were actually still prophets, or prophecy for that matter.
Anyway, this day had been a particularly brutal one for me and I didn't even want to go to her house anymore. Instead I had gone to the garage to weep my eyes out and travail before God. I was completely heartbroken. Amidst my body wrenching sobs I poured out my heart to God there in that garage. Afterwards I decided I should go to her house anyway, even though I REALLY didn't want to.
During/after the meeting this man began prophesying to a few people. That kind of thing freaked me out so I was totally fine if he wanted to skip me!! I actually tried to hide. Now how many people know you can't hide from God!
But alas, he didn't. (skip me that is) Imagine my shock when he started telling me exactly what I'd been pouring out my heart to God about, all the way across town just an hour ago! It was such a shock to realize God really DOES listen to our prayers, and He cares about our cares, and sometimes is so quick to answer! He told me many things about my life, from my childhood to adulthood. All were so true. God comforted me greatly, and gave me great hope, at exactly the time I needed it and felt I might go over the edge! I left that meeting a different person. God was bigger to me now.
So I got some surprises when I was reading it all again, most of which I'd forgotten. Everything this prophet had said was true, yet there is only one thing he told me, that has not come true yet, and this is something I had totally blocked out of my mind and forgotten about, because at the time, I remember thinking "Nooooo!" And this one thing is that one day I would serve God in another country. Now that shocked me reading that! Up until a few years ago I never had the desire to even go to other countries. I mean I've been to Canada and Mexico but that's it. I've traveled back and forth between both coasts quite a few times and saw such beauty that I didn't have the desire to ever leave my country, (yes, even to visit another one) because I realized while planning those trips that there was enough here in the U.S. to still see, and thought I'll never even be able to finish seeing all that I desire, let alone want to go to another country. But just in the last few years I've changed a lot. Starting about 4-5 years ago it's been on my heart almost constantly.
But serving God in another country? Me??? What would I do? God could or would actually use me in another country?? Right now I admit my thinking is small. "Well, maybe He will use me just to pray for someone or carry their groceries to their car. Maybe I will save their cat, high up in a tree or tell them everything they never wanted to know about chimps." If God wants me to do it then I suppose He will prepare my heart, but it's exciting to think about it because that is the only thing regarding the prophecy that hasn't come to fruition.
Prophecy doesn't freak me out anymore but I am careful because I've heard some people call themselves (or others call them) prophets that are false, and giving false prophecies, even damaging Christ's church. The Bible says to "test the spirits, because many false prophets have gone out into the world".
I haven't had many people prophecy over me since that first time. Maybe two or three, and one I am keeping in my heart because it is a future event that I believe will happen in my life, and God gave me a glimpse of it, to keep hope alive I suppose, until He deems fit to bring it to completion.
In those journals I found an entry I had written probably 12 years ago when it was a very hard time for me physically, emotionally and spiritually as well. In the entry I talked about me going to a friend's house for a prayer meeting. She, as was most of the group, was from Africa but she told me she was having a guest there, a man from Egypt who was a Christian prophet. I wasn't sure how I felt about that as I didn't really believe there were actually still prophets, or prophecy for that matter.
Anyway, this day had been a particularly brutal one for me and I didn't even want to go to her house anymore. Instead I had gone to the garage to weep my eyes out and travail before God. I was completely heartbroken. Amidst my body wrenching sobs I poured out my heart to God there in that garage. Afterwards I decided I should go to her house anyway, even though I REALLY didn't want to.
During/after the meeting this man began prophesying to a few people. That kind of thing freaked me out so I was totally fine if he wanted to skip me!! I actually tried to hide. Now how many people know you can't hide from God!
But alas, he didn't. (skip me that is) Imagine my shock when he started telling me exactly what I'd been pouring out my heart to God about, all the way across town just an hour ago! It was such a shock to realize God really DOES listen to our prayers, and He cares about our cares, and sometimes is so quick to answer! He told me many things about my life, from my childhood to adulthood. All were so true. God comforted me greatly, and gave me great hope, at exactly the time I needed it and felt I might go over the edge! I left that meeting a different person. God was bigger to me now.
So I got some surprises when I was reading it all again, most of which I'd forgotten. Everything this prophet had said was true, yet there is only one thing he told me, that has not come true yet, and this is something I had totally blocked out of my mind and forgotten about, because at the time, I remember thinking "Nooooo!" And this one thing is that one day I would serve God in another country. Now that shocked me reading that! Up until a few years ago I never had the desire to even go to other countries. I mean I've been to Canada and Mexico but that's it. I've traveled back and forth between both coasts quite a few times and saw such beauty that I didn't have the desire to ever leave my country, (yes, even to visit another one) because I realized while planning those trips that there was enough here in the U.S. to still see, and thought I'll never even be able to finish seeing all that I desire, let alone want to go to another country. But just in the last few years I've changed a lot. Starting about 4-5 years ago it's been on my heart almost constantly.
But serving God in another country? Me??? What would I do? God could or would actually use me in another country?? Right now I admit my thinking is small. "Well, maybe He will use me just to pray for someone or carry their groceries to their car. Maybe I will save their cat, high up in a tree or tell them everything they never wanted to know about chimps." If God wants me to do it then I suppose He will prepare my heart, but it's exciting to think about it because that is the only thing regarding the prophecy that hasn't come to fruition.
Prophecy doesn't freak me out anymore but I am careful because I've heard some people call themselves (or others call them) prophets that are false, and giving false prophecies, even damaging Christ's church. The Bible says to "test the spirits, because many false prophets have gone out into the world".
I haven't had many people prophecy over me since that first time. Maybe two or three, and one I am keeping in my heart because it is a future event that I believe will happen in my life, and God gave me a glimpse of it, to keep hope alive I suppose, until He deems fit to bring it to completion.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Storms of Life
These last few weeks have been a challenge for me. Seems lots of trials were in store for me.
One of them was that an old friend came back into my life recently. I was overjoyed at getting reacquainted, but then an unfortunate misunderstanding happened and just as quickly I thought they were out again. I went from happy to distraught in one day.
I had woken up in a great mood-happy to have this friend back in my life but after the misunderstanding, I couldn't stop crying all day.
So, I did the only thing I know to do in these circumstances-put myself at the foot of the cross and worship.
Years ago when something depressed me or angered me, that was the last thing I felt like doing (and therefore I didn't do it!) Now it's the only thing I want to do. After steeping myself in His presence, I just don't want to leave! I put on some annointed worship music and immerse myself in His presence, which is filled with such glory, a lifting of burdens, and such deep peace that is like nothing else in this world. It almost feels like a guilty pleasure-I'm sure I get much more out of it than God does! I would stay there all day and night if I could, but I think my family might complain about not eating dinner or doing school. (Ok, the kids would never complain about that!)
One day I hope to have an entire room to myself to have quiet, privacy and a t.v. where I can put on worship videos and dwell in His presence for hours if I want to. One of the songs I love is from Hillsong called Still.
Still:
Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust
I'm reminded of the eagle. He knows when a storm is coming. While he can't avoid the storm, he flies to a high place until the winds come. Then he uses the winds to push him higher and higher, above the storm, and then he rests, keeping his wings still.
Isaiah 40:31 says that "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint."
That's exactly where I want to be when depression threatens to overtake me, or as the bible calls it, "The spirit of heaviness"-I want to hide under the shelter of His wings. I want to be above the storm, and know that even when the oceans and storms in my life are rising and thundering that I can find rest and peace in Him alone!!
One of them was that an old friend came back into my life recently. I was overjoyed at getting reacquainted, but then an unfortunate misunderstanding happened and just as quickly I thought they were out again. I went from happy to distraught in one day.
I had woken up in a great mood-happy to have this friend back in my life but after the misunderstanding, I couldn't stop crying all day.
So, I did the only thing I know to do in these circumstances-put myself at the foot of the cross and worship.
Years ago when something depressed me or angered me, that was the last thing I felt like doing (and therefore I didn't do it!) Now it's the only thing I want to do. After steeping myself in His presence, I just don't want to leave! I put on some annointed worship music and immerse myself in His presence, which is filled with such glory, a lifting of burdens, and such deep peace that is like nothing else in this world. It almost feels like a guilty pleasure-I'm sure I get much more out of it than God does! I would stay there all day and night if I could, but I think my family might complain about not eating dinner or doing school. (Ok, the kids would never complain about that!)
One day I hope to have an entire room to myself to have quiet, privacy and a t.v. where I can put on worship videos and dwell in His presence for hours if I want to. One of the songs I love is from Hillsong called Still.
Still:
Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust
I'm reminded of the eagle. He knows when a storm is coming. While he can't avoid the storm, he flies to a high place until the winds come. Then he uses the winds to push him higher and higher, above the storm, and then he rests, keeping his wings still.
Isaiah 40:31 says that "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint."
That's exactly where I want to be when depression threatens to overtake me, or as the bible calls it, "The spirit of heaviness"-I want to hide under the shelter of His wings. I want to be above the storm, and know that even when the oceans and storms in my life are rising and thundering that I can find rest and peace in Him alone!!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Passion Blog
Let me say right up front I've never been to Scotland. YET. But since I'm now going into my fourth year with my obsession over this magical place, I figure it's here to stay. I thank my family for putting up with it and listening to all sorts of information I'm sure they could live the rest of their lives without knowing, as I follow them around the house telling them all sorts of things about Scotland.
How can a person feel so strongly about a place they've never visited? (I'll be writing more about that later)
Many shows, movies, dvds, websites, books and magazines later I am completely bewitched by it.
Nevertheless, this blog is not just about the Highlands or Scotland, despite my fascination with it. I will also be writing about my family, my God, and the life He has given me. It will vary greatly. Just like my everyday life.
You could call this a passion blog; writing about everything I am passionate about (and maybe even some things I'm passionately against)!
In closing, let me reference this blog's title. I believe having a Highland heart is a state of mind, but...more on that later.
How can a person feel so strongly about a place they've never visited? (I'll be writing more about that later)
Many shows, movies, dvds, websites, books and magazines later I am completely bewitched by it.
Nevertheless, this blog is not just about the Highlands or Scotland, despite my fascination with it. I will also be writing about my family, my God, and the life He has given me. It will vary greatly. Just like my everyday life.
You could call this a passion blog; writing about everything I am passionate about (and maybe even some things I'm passionately against)!
In closing, let me reference this blog's title. I believe having a Highland heart is a state of mind, but...more on that later.
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