Today, I was sitting in my chair, typing away on my computer. The Warrior came up to me and plopped down on my waterbed. "Mom are you ok?", he asked. I looked at him and I said I was fine, that I was just cold. He got up, walked over to me and gave me a big, warm lingering hug.
Be still my heart...
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Do The Right Thing!
Amazing how one devotional can speak to me in so many different ways. This was one of my devotions for today. I felt compelled to share it.
But first, last night I caught the tail end of a program I wanted to watch. It was on ABC, it was their Primetime program. The segment was called, What Would You Do? If you click on this link, you can see a 3 minute taping of last night's program. Scroll down on the tv that's on the right hand side and click on the segment called, Confronting A Bad Driver. It was a little similar to a program I watched and blogged about, called Wild Bill Stanton, Watching Your Back! Take the time to read that entry, you'll be shocked!
Ok, the segment was about someone parallel parking their car and accidentally hitting the car behind them. The fender of the parked car would fall off every time it got hit. The actor would act as if they were in a hurry trying to get to an appointment. People would stand and just stare. A Mother and her daughter who was in the early 20's, told the lady that she couldn't just leave. The actress said she was in a hurry and walked away. The ladies went into the local stores trying to find the owner of the car that had been hit. Another lady kept telling the actor that he couldn't leave. The actor told her that he was in a hurry and walked away. Then the owner of the car that was hit (another actress) came out. The lady proceeded to tell her that she had seen the man hit her car and leave the scene of the crime. The actress asked her what he looked like. She described him. Then she started to take out a paper and pen. As they were talking the actor came out. He got into his car and was going to leave. The lady told him you can't leave, you have to call the police and report this incident. She got her phone out and dialed 911. Then it all came out. Turns out, this lady is a lawyer. Her husband is a judge. Her son is a Marine and her other son was a detective. The two "victims" were two sisters who were walking with their children ( they each had two and they were 5 and 4 years olds). The same thing happened. The actress walked to her "appt." and when she got back she started to drive away. One of the sisters stayed with the children, while the other one ran after the car. She remembered she had seen a policeman around the corner and was going to get him. Once the gig was up, they were asked why get involved when you have children with you? They said, it's a life lesson for them. The interviewer sat the children down on the sidewalk and asked them what happened. They said that the lady hit the car by accident and left. He asked them what she had done was right. They said no, that it was wrong, very wrong. That she had broken something that wasn't hers and she needed to tell the truth. Out of the mouths of babes...
Well, below is the devotional, Scripture and quote, that was waiting for me this morning. Isn't it soooo like God to do things like this. What an AWESOME, MIGHTY God we have. I hope you are blessed and challenged by it...
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Lean on God for direction, and keep leaning on Him for the wisdom and courage to finish what you begin!
SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY: This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…
-Philippians 3:13
The Emperor's Seed
(Author Unknown)
Once there was an emperor in the Far East who was growing old and knew it was coming time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or one of his own children, he decided to do something different.
He called all the young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It has come time for me to step down and to choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you." The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today. One seed. It is a very special seed. I want you to go home, plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring to me, and the one I choose will be the next emperor of the kingdom!"
There was one boy named Ling who was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the whole story. She helped him get a pot and some planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.
After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept going home and checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by. Still nothing.
By now others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed! Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she encouraged him to go, and to take his pot, and to be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace.
When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by all the other youths. They were beautiful, in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kids laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try."
When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!"
All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"
When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?
Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"
"A good name is to be more desired than great riches" Proverbs 22:1 (NASB)
The coward seeks release from pressure. The courageous pray for strength.
-Frances J. Roberts
But first, last night I caught the tail end of a program I wanted to watch. It was on ABC, it was their Primetime program. The segment was called, What Would You Do? If you click on this link, you can see a 3 minute taping of last night's program. Scroll down on the tv that's on the right hand side and click on the segment called, Confronting A Bad Driver. It was a little similar to a program I watched and blogged about, called Wild Bill Stanton, Watching Your Back! Take the time to read that entry, you'll be shocked!
Ok, the segment was about someone parallel parking their car and accidentally hitting the car behind them. The fender of the parked car would fall off every time it got hit. The actor would act as if they were in a hurry trying to get to an appointment. People would stand and just stare. A Mother and her daughter who was in the early 20's, told the lady that she couldn't just leave. The actress said she was in a hurry and walked away. The ladies went into the local stores trying to find the owner of the car that had been hit. Another lady kept telling the actor that he couldn't leave. The actor told her that he was in a hurry and walked away. Then the owner of the car that was hit (another actress) came out. The lady proceeded to tell her that she had seen the man hit her car and leave the scene of the crime. The actress asked her what he looked like. She described him. Then she started to take out a paper and pen. As they were talking the actor came out. He got into his car and was going to leave. The lady told him you can't leave, you have to call the police and report this incident. She got her phone out and dialed 911. Then it all came out. Turns out, this lady is a lawyer. Her husband is a judge. Her son is a Marine and her other son was a detective. The two "victims" were two sisters who were walking with their children ( they each had two and they were 5 and 4 years olds). The same thing happened. The actress walked to her "appt." and when she got back she started to drive away. One of the sisters stayed with the children, while the other one ran after the car. She remembered she had seen a policeman around the corner and was going to get him. Once the gig was up, they were asked why get involved when you have children with you? They said, it's a life lesson for them. The interviewer sat the children down on the sidewalk and asked them what happened. They said that the lady hit the car by accident and left. He asked them what she had done was right. They said no, that it was wrong, very wrong. That she had broken something that wasn't hers and she needed to tell the truth. Out of the mouths of babes...
Well, below is the devotional, Scripture and quote, that was waiting for me this morning. Isn't it soooo like God to do things like this. What an AWESOME, MIGHTY God we have. I hope you are blessed and challenged by it...
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Lean on God for direction, and keep leaning on Him for the wisdom and courage to finish what you begin!
SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY: This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…
-Philippians 3:13
The Emperor's Seed
(Author Unknown)
Once there was an emperor in the Far East who was growing old and knew it was coming time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or one of his own children, he decided to do something different.
He called all the young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It has come time for me to step down and to choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you." The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today. One seed. It is a very special seed. I want you to go home, plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring to me, and the one I choose will be the next emperor of the kingdom!"
There was one boy named Ling who was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the whole story. She helped him get a pot and some planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.
After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept going home and checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by. Still nothing.
By now others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed! Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she encouraged him to go, and to take his pot, and to be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace.
When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by all the other youths. They were beautiful, in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kids laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try."
When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!"
All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"
When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?
Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"
"A good name is to be more desired than great riches" Proverbs 22:1 (NASB)
The coward seeks release from pressure. The courageous pray for strength.
-Frances J. Roberts
Monday, February 25, 2008
Why The Tears?
I love Sunday School. Even more than that, I love the Sunday School teacher. I'm not saying that flippantly. I mean I really LOVE him... you see, my Knight is the Sunday School teacher. He has a way of helping me see things in a different way. Not that he tries to change my views or anyone else's for that matter, but he just has a way of helping me see things a little clearer.
I know that yesterday's lesson was a good one. He always does a good job. But I could only keep my mind on one of the scriptures that was read. It was 2 Samuel 1:17-27. The young lady that read it has a brother named Jonathan. I couldn't stop my tears. David loved Jonathan. They weren't blood related, but their love for each other ran deep. Reading how David lamented Jonathan's death just tugged at my heart. I couldn't stop thinking about it. It lingered with me all day long.
Throughout my day certain things all of a sudden, would make me cry...
*A friend shared how the parents of a young girl packed up her bags and sent her to live with her boyfriend. They are getting married, but the concept of a parent kicking out a child is one I can't comprehend. I had to excuse myself when I heard this and went to the bathroom to cry.
* Another friend shared that, a dad and their oldest daughter and their only son had died in a car accident. The mom and twin daughters survived, but the girls are in still in the hospital.
*Later on in the day we finished watching Becoming Jane. Even though it's a movie meant to entertain and it's not her real life's story, I still wanted to see it. I'm a big fan of Jane Austen and Anne Hathaway.
* We also watched a movie called Gridiron Gang. I know the movie was a little cheezy at times. The language was too foul for my taste, but the story is about gang members and boys who are in jail. If watching this movie doesn't do anything for you, all you have to do is fast forward to the credits and watch actual footage of Coach Porter and the players. But I warn you... get some tissues.
The last movie did me in. I quickly got up from the couch and headed to my room. I cried until my eyes were red and swollen. I was emotionally whipped.
Dare I say that my crying didn't end there? Well it didn't. Once my Knight and I got into bed, I started to pray. I've already shared how there are nights that I'm up until the wee hours of the morning praying. Well it was another one of those nights. I prayed and cried myself to sleep. My tears weren't tears of sadness. They were cleansing, thankful and hopeful tears.
Oh and by the way... you were prayed for. Yes... you.
I know that yesterday's lesson was a good one. He always does a good job. But I could only keep my mind on one of the scriptures that was read. It was 2 Samuel 1:17-27. The young lady that read it has a brother named Jonathan. I couldn't stop my tears. David loved Jonathan. They weren't blood related, but their love for each other ran deep. Reading how David lamented Jonathan's death just tugged at my heart. I couldn't stop thinking about it. It lingered with me all day long.
Throughout my day certain things all of a sudden, would make me cry...
*A friend shared how the parents of a young girl packed up her bags and sent her to live with her boyfriend. They are getting married, but the concept of a parent kicking out a child is one I can't comprehend. I had to excuse myself when I heard this and went to the bathroom to cry.
* Another friend shared that, a dad and their oldest daughter and their only son had died in a car accident. The mom and twin daughters survived, but the girls are in still in the hospital.
*Later on in the day we finished watching Becoming Jane. Even though it's a movie meant to entertain and it's not her real life's story, I still wanted to see it. I'm a big fan of Jane Austen and Anne Hathaway.
* We also watched a movie called Gridiron Gang. I know the movie was a little cheezy at times. The language was too foul for my taste, but the story is about gang members and boys who are in jail. If watching this movie doesn't do anything for you, all you have to do is fast forward to the credits and watch actual footage of Coach Porter and the players. But I warn you... get some tissues.
The last movie did me in. I quickly got up from the couch and headed to my room. I cried until my eyes were red and swollen. I was emotionally whipped.
Dare I say that my crying didn't end there? Well it didn't. Once my Knight and I got into bed, I started to pray. I've already shared how there are nights that I'm up until the wee hours of the morning praying. Well it was another one of those nights. I prayed and cried myself to sleep. My tears weren't tears of sadness. They were cleansing, thankful and hopeful tears.
Oh and by the way... you were prayed for. Yes... you.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Up In The Clouds
Yesterday, after much rain, it finally cleared a little after lunch time. Guess where we headed too? A little airport. Why, you wonder. Well... Daughter of the King decided to follow her eldest sister's footsteps. She wanted to go skydiving for her 18th birthday.
So we made her wishes come true...
She was all smiles the entire time. I asked her if she was nervous at any point. She told me no. She was to excited to be nervous.
Being daring runs in the blood. We are a thrill seeking family. The problem is, that it's so expensive to do some of the thrilling stuff we want to do. So until the day we can afford what we want to do, we do some of the other thrill seeking things that aren't as costly. Like: rock climbing, white water rafting, skiing and yes... skydiving. Way to go Baby Girl! You ROCK!!!
She is getting suited up. It just so happen that this is the same skydiver that sky dived with Soaring Amongst The Clouds.
Here she is waiting until they tell her it's time to board the plane. I kid you not, she was all smiles the entire time.
My proud Knight with our thrill seeking Fair Maiden. Hmmm... some how thrill seeking and Fair Maiden doesn't sound like it should go together.
This was the young man who video taped her jump. He did a great job. He told me his name, but I forgot it. URGH!!! I hate when that happens.
We all went to cheer her on. One gets to wear their own clothing underneath the jumpsuit. Everyone was so nice at this place. They were all telling her, "Have a great jump. Remember to smile! Have fun!".
Steps didn't want to miss seeing her doing what she's wanted to do for 2 years. She couldn't wait to be 18, so she could go sky diving. I asked him if would ever sky dive, he say no way! My Knight feels there is no reason to jump off a perfectly good airplane. Guess my Fair Maidens have more of me in them that I though. ;o)
Wish you could really see the smile on her face. We could. We know she had a great time! She told us that everyone one in the plane sang happy birthday to her. I'm sure this will be a birthday she will never forget!
Almost about to touch ground. It was sooooo cool to watch her do something she's been wanting to do.
The Warrior has been giving me a hard time about having his picture taken. I love this one. It's sooooo him.
We are watching her as she is sailing by. Wish I was up there too!
I love my man. Even after 25 years, I still can't get enough of him. Be still my heart....
While waiting for her sister, Soaring Amongst The Clouds was well, soaring amongst the clouds. LOL! She was texting her beau... Airman G. Needless to say, she was all smiles too.
Still Waters gives me a hard time about having her picture taken too. So I try to snap some while she isn't looking.
All in all we had a great day. We all came back home after the jump. My Knight and The Warrior went to baseball practice. My Knight is helping coach the team. The rest of us stayed home. Steps had dinner with us and stayed to watch a movie. I love it when our family is all together. It's all I ever dreamed of... I'm so blessed.
So we made her wishes come true...
She was all smiles the entire time. I asked her if she was nervous at any point. She told me no. She was to excited to be nervous.
Being daring runs in the blood. We are a thrill seeking family. The problem is, that it's so expensive to do some of the thrilling stuff we want to do. So until the day we can afford what we want to do, we do some of the other thrill seeking things that aren't as costly. Like: rock climbing, white water rafting, skiing and yes... skydiving. Way to go Baby Girl! You ROCK!!!
She is getting suited up. It just so happen that this is the same skydiver that sky dived with Soaring Amongst The Clouds.
Here she is waiting until they tell her it's time to board the plane. I kid you not, she was all smiles the entire time.
My proud Knight with our thrill seeking Fair Maiden. Hmmm... some how thrill seeking and Fair Maiden doesn't sound like it should go together.
This was the young man who video taped her jump. He did a great job. He told me his name, but I forgot it. URGH!!! I hate when that happens.
We all went to cheer her on. One gets to wear their own clothing underneath the jumpsuit. Everyone was so nice at this place. They were all telling her, "Have a great jump. Remember to smile! Have fun!".
Steps didn't want to miss seeing her doing what she's wanted to do for 2 years. She couldn't wait to be 18, so she could go sky diving. I asked him if would ever sky dive, he say no way! My Knight feels there is no reason to jump off a perfectly good airplane. Guess my Fair Maidens have more of me in them that I though. ;o)
Wish you could really see the smile on her face. We could. We know she had a great time! She told us that everyone one in the plane sang happy birthday to her. I'm sure this will be a birthday she will never forget!
Almost about to touch ground. It was sooooo cool to watch her do something she's been wanting to do.
The Warrior has been giving me a hard time about having his picture taken. I love this one. It's sooooo him.
We are watching her as she is sailing by. Wish I was up there too!
I love my man. Even after 25 years, I still can't get enough of him. Be still my heart....
While waiting for her sister, Soaring Amongst The Clouds was well, soaring amongst the clouds. LOL! She was texting her beau... Airman G. Needless to say, she was all smiles too.
Still Waters gives me a hard time about having her picture taken too. So I try to snap some while she isn't looking.
All in all we had a great day. We all came back home after the jump. My Knight and The Warrior went to baseball practice. My Knight is helping coach the team. The rest of us stayed home. Steps had dinner with us and stayed to watch a movie. I love it when our family is all together. It's all I ever dreamed of... I'm so blessed.
Friday, February 22, 2008
30-Day SEX Challenge
WARNING: This is family rated. :o)
I'm sure by now many have heard of the pastor of a little church in Florida. He proposed a 30-Day SEX Challenge to his congregation. I'm sure this raised lots of eyebrows, I know that it did with me. I found this interesting. So I went to their site to check it out.
At first, my Knight and I thought, "What if you aren't married?". Well, he challenged those that aren't married to a 30-Days of Abstinence. Imagine that! What a concept! My other thought was, "What about those that can't keep up with the 30-Day challenge because of health reason?" Not that I have a problem with this. LOL! RABBIT CHASING: Years ago while we were in a couples Sunday School class, the subject of intimacy with your spouse came up. Someone mentioned something and I blurted out "Oh we don't have a problem in that department!". I still can't believe I said that! To this day (15+ years later) they haven't let me live it down.
RABBIT BACK IN THE CAGE: I want to be the wife, mom & woman God wants me to be. So aside from reading His Word, I read books and articles about being a better wife, mom and woman. I don't do it fore me, I do it for my loved ones. BUT, by doing it for them, it blesses not only them, but it blesses me too. By having a good and healthy relationship with my Knight, we are setting an example for our children.
This 30-Day challenge is not only a sex challenge. It's an intimate, soul searching challenge with yourself and your spouse. Can't get any better than that! God has a wonderful way of putting things together. The online devotions I received, all had to do with my entry's topic. It's not because it's been on the news lately, cause some of the devotions came from books that were already written. It's a God thing.
I'll share this one with you today...
Chemical Reaction
My son, give attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding; that you may observe discretion.
-Proverbs 5:1-2
High school chemistry taught me a very valuable lesson: When certain substances come into close contact they can form a chemical reaction. I proved that one day during my senior year of high school when I dropped a jar full of pure sodium off a bridge into a river and nearly blew up the bridge. You'd think I would have at least had enough sense to step off the bridge!
"What I've learned since then is that many people don't respect the laws of chemistry any more than I did back then. They mix volatile ingredients without giving much thought to the explosion that could occur. In particular, many married people don't understand that a chemical reaction can occur with people other than their mates. Don't misunderstand me here-I'm not just talking about sexual attraction. I'm referring to a reaction of two hearts, the chemistry of two souls.
"This is emotional adultery-an intimacy with the opposite sex outside the marriage. Emotional adultery is unfaithfulness of the heart. When two people begin talking of intimate struggles, doubts or feelings, they may be sharing their souls in a way that God intended exclusively for the marriage relationship. Emotional adultery is friendship with the opposite sex that has progressed too far.
"Often it begins as a casual relationship at work, school or even church. A husband talks with a female co-worker over coffee and shares some struggles he's facing with his wife or kids. She tells of similar problems, and soon the emotions ricochet so rapidly that their hearts ignite and can ultimately become fused together as one. To those who have experienced it, this catalytic "bonding" seems too real to deny.
"You can take some steps to practice discretion in these matters. That's what I'll discuss in the next devotion.
Prayer:
"That God will give you wisdom and discernment to know when you might be risking a "chemical reaction."
Discussion:
In what situations can Christians find themselves committing emotional adultery?
By Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Moments Together For Couples
I'm sure by now many have heard of the pastor of a little church in Florida. He proposed a 30-Day SEX Challenge to his congregation. I'm sure this raised lots of eyebrows, I know that it did with me. I found this interesting. So I went to their site to check it out.
At first, my Knight and I thought, "What if you aren't married?". Well, he challenged those that aren't married to a 30-Days of Abstinence. Imagine that! What a concept! My other thought was, "What about those that can't keep up with the 30-Day challenge because of health reason?" Not that I have a problem with this. LOL! RABBIT CHASING: Years ago while we were in a couples Sunday School class, the subject of intimacy with your spouse came up. Someone mentioned something and I blurted out "Oh we don't have a problem in that department!". I still can't believe I said that! To this day (15+ years later) they haven't let me live it down.
RABBIT BACK IN THE CAGE: I want to be the wife, mom & woman God wants me to be. So aside from reading His Word, I read books and articles about being a better wife, mom and woman. I don't do it fore me, I do it for my loved ones. BUT, by doing it for them, it blesses not only them, but it blesses me too. By having a good and healthy relationship with my Knight, we are setting an example for our children.
This 30-Day challenge is not only a sex challenge. It's an intimate, soul searching challenge with yourself and your spouse. Can't get any better than that! God has a wonderful way of putting things together. The online devotions I received, all had to do with my entry's topic. It's not because it's been on the news lately, cause some of the devotions came from books that were already written. It's a God thing.
I'll share this one with you today...
Chemical Reaction
My son, give attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding; that you may observe discretion.
-Proverbs 5:1-2
High school chemistry taught me a very valuable lesson: When certain substances come into close contact they can form a chemical reaction. I proved that one day during my senior year of high school when I dropped a jar full of pure sodium off a bridge into a river and nearly blew up the bridge. You'd think I would have at least had enough sense to step off the bridge!
"What I've learned since then is that many people don't respect the laws of chemistry any more than I did back then. They mix volatile ingredients without giving much thought to the explosion that could occur. In particular, many married people don't understand that a chemical reaction can occur with people other than their mates. Don't misunderstand me here-I'm not just talking about sexual attraction. I'm referring to a reaction of two hearts, the chemistry of two souls.
"This is emotional adultery-an intimacy with the opposite sex outside the marriage. Emotional adultery is unfaithfulness of the heart. When two people begin talking of intimate struggles, doubts or feelings, they may be sharing their souls in a way that God intended exclusively for the marriage relationship. Emotional adultery is friendship with the opposite sex that has progressed too far.
"Often it begins as a casual relationship at work, school or even church. A husband talks with a female co-worker over coffee and shares some struggles he's facing with his wife or kids. She tells of similar problems, and soon the emotions ricochet so rapidly that their hearts ignite and can ultimately become fused together as one. To those who have experienced it, this catalytic "bonding" seems too real to deny.
"You can take some steps to practice discretion in these matters. That's what I'll discuss in the next devotion.
Prayer:
"That God will give you wisdom and discernment to know when you might be risking a "chemical reaction."
Discussion:
In what situations can Christians find themselves committing emotional adultery?
By Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Moments Together For Couples
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Another Sleepless Night
I've heard that the older one gets, the less sleep they require. If that's the case, then I don't want to know what my sleeping (or should I say waking) habit is going to be when I'm 70, 80 plus!
I'm a night owl. My Knight is a morning person, so he tries to go to bed at a decent time. I "try" to go to bed at the same time as he does, but I don't usually fall asleep right away. So... I pray while I lay there awake.
Last night was one of those nights. I went to bed at 12midnight. My Knight was busy on the computer. He was working on some baseball little league stuff. So I was more than happy to stay up with him. I slept until 1 am. Nothing woke me up, no knocking on my bedroom door, no loud noise from the Seamstress closing the bathroom door, not her snoring or my Knights lullaby snoring- I'm use to his, it helps me sleep. :o) I just woke up. Sooooo, I asked the Lord what I needed to pray for. You wouldn't believe all the things that came to mind. I was up until 6am... praying... in my bed... I wasn't even tired!
Let me share some of what He laid in my heart...
* I thanked God for being the creator. For being the one and only true God. For His son, Jesus Christ. For the blood he shed. For His tears. For His unchanging, everlasting love. For His Word, His promises. For His mercy and grace. For what He's blessed me with. For being my Father.
* Airman G had a friend who died in a car accident during the Christmas season. His friend was only 19. I prayed for the family and all those who know them.
* I have a dear friend who's husband divorced her after 20+ years of marriage. He is now engaged to another lady. The children are hurting, my friend is hurting. I prayed for all of them, yes even her ex-husband and his new family. I prayed for all the marriages. Those that are suffering and those that aren't. I also prayed for those that are courting and those that are about to wed.
* I prayed for single parents and their children.
* I know someone who is a verbal abuser. This person provokes their children. I prayed for this family. I prayed for those who are physically abused, mentally abused and verbally abused. There are too many who are hurting.
* I prayed for those contemplating suicide. I recently heard of a student who committed suicide on campus. Another one threaten to commit suicide. My heart aches for them and their families.
* I prayed for the salvation of those that aren't saved. That God send them someone that can witness to them in the way they can "see the Light".
* I prayed for peace in the homes.
* I prayed for my children and their future. For them to marry the person God intends them to marry. For their marriage. For them to be the man and woman after God's own heart. For them to walk the straight and narrow path and not deviate. For a hedge of protection. That the evil one not find a foot hole and mess with them. For wisdom, discernment & courage. For God to guard their eyes, minds, heart and ears. For their salvation. For God to bless them with spiritual gifts, talents, good health and that they be good stewards of their blessings. For God to bless their education and as they continue on the journey He's set before them. I prayed for lots more too. Not only did I pray this for them, but for their future spouse, the children they will have and the generations to follow.
* I prayed for my Knight. May he be the man God created him to be. For God to give him wisdom and discernment. I prayed for him as I prayed for my children.
* I prayed for my family and my Knight's family.
* I prayed for my community and my church.
These are just some of the things He laid in my heart. I often have sleepless nights. But He has a way of getting me through my day. By the end of the day I'm tired, but it's a good tired. Needless to say that I cry myself to sleep while praying. But my tears aren't not only tears of sadness, they are also tears of joy and hope.
Tonight while my Knight was with G.I. Joe at baseball practice, I sat to write my blog entry. Soaring Amongst The Clouds was busy studying and texting Airman G. Still Waters was listening to music while doing her homework. The Warrior was in his room playing. The Seamstress was watching one of her programs- it was a Spanish one. Daughter of the King came in and laid down on my bed. I stopped writing and laid down beside her. We talked a little about everything. I love moments like that. Be still my heart...
I'm a night owl. My Knight is a morning person, so he tries to go to bed at a decent time. I "try" to go to bed at the same time as he does, but I don't usually fall asleep right away. So... I pray while I lay there awake.
Last night was one of those nights. I went to bed at 12midnight. My Knight was busy on the computer. He was working on some baseball little league stuff. So I was more than happy to stay up with him. I slept until 1 am. Nothing woke me up, no knocking on my bedroom door, no loud noise from the Seamstress closing the bathroom door, not her snoring or my Knights lullaby snoring- I'm use to his, it helps me sleep. :o) I just woke up. Sooooo, I asked the Lord what I needed to pray for. You wouldn't believe all the things that came to mind. I was up until 6am... praying... in my bed... I wasn't even tired!
Let me share some of what He laid in my heart...
* I thanked God for being the creator. For being the one and only true God. For His son, Jesus Christ. For the blood he shed. For His tears. For His unchanging, everlasting love. For His Word, His promises. For His mercy and grace. For what He's blessed me with. For being my Father.
* Airman G had a friend who died in a car accident during the Christmas season. His friend was only 19. I prayed for the family and all those who know them.
* I have a dear friend who's husband divorced her after 20+ years of marriage. He is now engaged to another lady. The children are hurting, my friend is hurting. I prayed for all of them, yes even her ex-husband and his new family. I prayed for all the marriages. Those that are suffering and those that aren't. I also prayed for those that are courting and those that are about to wed.
* I prayed for single parents and their children.
* I know someone who is a verbal abuser. This person provokes their children. I prayed for this family. I prayed for those who are physically abused, mentally abused and verbally abused. There are too many who are hurting.
* I prayed for those contemplating suicide. I recently heard of a student who committed suicide on campus. Another one threaten to commit suicide. My heart aches for them and their families.
* I prayed for the salvation of those that aren't saved. That God send them someone that can witness to them in the way they can "see the Light".
* I prayed for peace in the homes.
* I prayed for my children and their future. For them to marry the person God intends them to marry. For their marriage. For them to be the man and woman after God's own heart. For them to walk the straight and narrow path and not deviate. For a hedge of protection. That the evil one not find a foot hole and mess with them. For wisdom, discernment & courage. For God to guard their eyes, minds, heart and ears. For their salvation. For God to bless them with spiritual gifts, talents, good health and that they be good stewards of their blessings. For God to bless their education and as they continue on the journey He's set before them. I prayed for lots more too. Not only did I pray this for them, but for their future spouse, the children they will have and the generations to follow.
* I prayed for my Knight. May he be the man God created him to be. For God to give him wisdom and discernment. I prayed for him as I prayed for my children.
* I prayed for my family and my Knight's family.
* I prayed for my community and my church.
These are just some of the things He laid in my heart. I often have sleepless nights. But He has a way of getting me through my day. By the end of the day I'm tired, but it's a good tired. Needless to say that I cry myself to sleep while praying. But my tears aren't not only tears of sadness, they are also tears of joy and hope.
Tonight while my Knight was with G.I. Joe at baseball practice, I sat to write my blog entry. Soaring Amongst The Clouds was busy studying and texting Airman G. Still Waters was listening to music while doing her homework. The Warrior was in his room playing. The Seamstress was watching one of her programs- it was a Spanish one. Daughter of the King came in and laid down on my bed. I stopped writing and laid down beside her. We talked a little about everything. I love moments like that. Be still my heart...
Thankful Thursday!
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
-1 Thessalonians 5:18
I'm thankful every day. Years ago a friend shared about "Thankful Thursdays". She set that day aside and wrote down 10 things she's thankful for. We have many things to be thankful for, but think about it, our list would be endless...
Today I'm thankful for...
* God's grace, mercy and unconditional love.
* God's Word and His promises.
* My Knight, who is a promise keeper.
* My children, they are a precious gift from God.
* For rainy days. Oh, did I mention that I got to wear my new rain boots today? ;o)
* God's peace.
* Friends, without them, where would I be?
* My Warrior's comforter that keeps me warm. Thanks Warrior, for sharing yours with me during the day. :o)
* My children's smiles, isms, funnies and logic.
* Hope...
What are you thankful for today?
-1 Thessalonians 5:18
I'm thankful every day. Years ago a friend shared about "Thankful Thursdays". She set that day aside and wrote down 10 things she's thankful for. We have many things to be thankful for, but think about it, our list would be endless...
Today I'm thankful for...
* God's grace, mercy and unconditional love.
* God's Word and His promises.
* My Knight, who is a promise keeper.
* My children, they are a precious gift from God.
* For rainy days. Oh, did I mention that I got to wear my new rain boots today? ;o)
* God's peace.
* Friends, without them, where would I be?
* My Warrior's comforter that keeps me warm. Thanks Warrior, for sharing yours with me during the day. :o)
* My children's smiles, isms, funnies and logic.
* Hope...
What are you thankful for today?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A Nut?
Every one that knows me, knows that I'm a junk food junkie. Every one that knows my Knight, know that he's into the "healthy food" stuff. YUCK! Thank God our Fair Maiden take after there dad, well so do our Squires.
Since I'm still recovering, Soaring Amongst The Clouds and Daughter of the King did the groceries this past Friday. Bless their hearts, they are so good. I mean it in every sense of the word. WARNING RABBIT CHASING: Our Fair Maidens have been doing the menu planning, grocery list and helping with the groceries since they were 11 years old. They are AWESOME at it too! They stick to the list and don't buy on impulse, unlike their mama, who's and impulse and compulsive shopper. URGH! I hate that about me.
RABBIT BACK IN THE CAGE: Well they bought some trail mix for their dad to snack on. They bought the one that has, raisins, cranberry, m&m's, and mixed nuts. I DO NOT LIKE trail mix. I don't believe in mixing my snacks. Chocolate should be eaten as a chocolate, not with raisins or cranberry. But I sure do like the raisins in the trail mix they bought. They taste sweet and salty at the same time. For some reason, I crave that. NO!!! I'm not pregnant. :o) Well, my hand was in the bag trying to get all the raisins I could get without getting anything else. I accidentally had a cashew in the mix. When I ate what I had in my hand my facial expression said it all. "EWWWWW, YUCK!" To which Soaring Amongst The Clouds replied, "A nut for a nut!". I couldn't help but laugh... my Fair Maidens know me so well. LOL!
Since I'm still recovering, Soaring Amongst The Clouds and Daughter of the King did the groceries this past Friday. Bless their hearts, they are so good. I mean it in every sense of the word. WARNING RABBIT CHASING: Our Fair Maidens have been doing the menu planning, grocery list and helping with the groceries since they were 11 years old. They are AWESOME at it too! They stick to the list and don't buy on impulse, unlike their mama, who's and impulse and compulsive shopper. URGH! I hate that about me.
RABBIT BACK IN THE CAGE: Well they bought some trail mix for their dad to snack on. They bought the one that has, raisins, cranberry, m&m's, and mixed nuts. I DO NOT LIKE trail mix. I don't believe in mixing my snacks. Chocolate should be eaten as a chocolate, not with raisins or cranberry. But I sure do like the raisins in the trail mix they bought. They taste sweet and salty at the same time. For some reason, I crave that. NO!!! I'm not pregnant. :o) Well, my hand was in the bag trying to get all the raisins I could get without getting anything else. I accidentally had a cashew in the mix. When I ate what I had in my hand my facial expression said it all. "EWWWWW, YUCK!" To which Soaring Amongst The Clouds replied, "A nut for a nut!". I couldn't help but laugh... my Fair Maidens know me so well. LOL!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
I love Valentine's Day. I guess it's because I'm such a romantic at heart. To me Valentine's Day is not just a day to show my Knight how much I love him, it's a day I show my children how much I love them too. But I should mention that I don't just show them how much I love them only on Valentine's Day. I show them how much I love them all through out the year.
I usually shop year round for things I know my family likes or needs. Since so much has been happening lately, I ended up doing some last minute shopping. Even so, it was a big hit. I'm blessed to have thankful children.
Soaring Amongst The Clouds got a digital camera. She was so thankful. But she quickly said "Mom, this is not a Valentine gift. This is a birthday type gift. This is too much." Be still my heart... The reason she got a camera is because she didn't have one. Still Waters and Daughter of the King already have one. Still Waters got a pair of rainboots. She has been wanting a pair since she had to walk with wet sneakers last semester. Daughter of the King got a mousepad where she can insert a picture of her choice. G.I. Joe got a backpack. They all got chocolates galore. For the Seamstress, I got my favorite hand cream, which she happens to really like. I also got her some sugar free chocolate. She's a diabetic. My Knight and I decided that we'll celebrate and go out another night. I love spending time with him. I don't care what we do as long as we are together. I love that man. He makes my heart go pitter patter. Our Fair Maidens got there dad a giant Hershey's kiss. They give him that every year. He loves it.
Still Waters cut out little hearts and wrote, "Te quiero", which means I love you in Spanish. She hid them throughout our home, for us to find throughout our day. She said that way she would be telling us I love you all day long. She was away at school all day. She was very clever. We did manage to find them all. We had fun trying to find them. Thank you Sweetie... we love you too! She also had a great idea and I think we'll be doing this next year. She said that we should cut out heart and pass them out to people we come across. I told her I loved the idea. I think we'll write, "Jesus loves you" on them. I can't wait until next Valentine's Day. But for now... remember, you are loved!
I usually shop year round for things I know my family likes or needs. Since so much has been happening lately, I ended up doing some last minute shopping. Even so, it was a big hit. I'm blessed to have thankful children.
Soaring Amongst The Clouds got a digital camera. She was so thankful. But she quickly said "Mom, this is not a Valentine gift. This is a birthday type gift. This is too much." Be still my heart... The reason she got a camera is because she didn't have one. Still Waters and Daughter of the King already have one. Still Waters got a pair of rainboots. She has been wanting a pair since she had to walk with wet sneakers last semester. Daughter of the King got a mousepad where she can insert a picture of her choice. G.I. Joe got a backpack. They all got chocolates galore. For the Seamstress, I got my favorite hand cream, which she happens to really like. I also got her some sugar free chocolate. She's a diabetic. My Knight and I decided that we'll celebrate and go out another night. I love spending time with him. I don't care what we do as long as we are together. I love that man. He makes my heart go pitter patter. Our Fair Maidens got there dad a giant Hershey's kiss. They give him that every year. He loves it.
Still Waters cut out little hearts and wrote, "Te quiero", which means I love you in Spanish. She hid them throughout our home, for us to find throughout our day. She said that way she would be telling us I love you all day long. She was away at school all day. She was very clever. We did manage to find them all. We had fun trying to find them. Thank you Sweetie... we love you too! She also had a great idea and I think we'll be doing this next year. She said that we should cut out heart and pass them out to people we come across. I told her I loved the idea. I think we'll write, "Jesus loves you" on them. I can't wait until next Valentine's Day. But for now... remember, you are loved!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
18 Years Ago Today...
............................. Daughter of the King was born.It seems like just yesterday she was born. Allow me a trip down memory lane... Soaring Amongst The Clouds was a little over 2 years old and Still Waters was 18 months old. Yes, they are very close, they are 10 months apart. Well we had laid they down to sleep. My Knight and I were having a picnic dinner in our living room. We were having my favorite dinner: steak, baked potatoes, salad and bread. After dinner we did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. We settled down to watch a movie. I had been having what the call Braxton Hicks during my entire pregnancy. So I thought nothing of the contractions I was having. Until, I realized that, this was it. We called The Matriarch and she came over to stay with our Fair Maidens while they slept. Off the hospital we went.
Things went rather smoothly. Except that there was no time for an epidural. Oh my! But hey, the last time it had only worked on half of my body, the right side. LOL! Funny now but not then. Well, I wasn't sure what to expect. The nurse checked me and said, things are coming along slowly, not much is happening yet. Not even 30 minutes later, I told the nurse, "I'm sorry but I have to get up and go to the bathroom." She told me, "I just checked you and you weren't ready." To which I replied nicely (my Knight told me I was very nice and apologetic), "I really have to go." When she checked me, she was in shock, oh yeah, it was time. The doc had gone to dinner. So they paged him. Daughter of the King was not going to wait for him. I remember the nurse telling me, "Don't push, the doctor is not here yet." I still remember the exact words I told the nurse, "Push her back in!" What?! I couldn't believe I had just said that! I'm not a newbie at this. Did I really say that?! Yes I did! They got another doc in the room and he got there just in time. I was in labor only 8 hours. God is good... ALL the time!
She was born premature at 33 weeks. But she had a great birth weight, 5 lbs. Our third Baby Girl was born and we felt very blessed to have three precious Fair Maidens. We weren't even in the hospital 24 hours. We were sent home. Soaring Amongst The Clouds and Still Waters loved having a new baby sister. From then on, they were known as "My Girls". That is what my Knight called our Fair Maidens and I. We will always be His Girls.
Today, like every other Wednesday was a busy day. But not for me. I'm still laying around and recovering. But there was hustle and bustle around me. My Knight went to work. Soaring Amongst The Clouds and Still Waters went to class. Daughter of the King, G.I. Joe and The Warrior were busy doing their school work. The Seamstress is recovering from cataract surgery. We are busy taking care of her and making sure we keep on schedule with all the eye drops she needs to take.
It's a family tradition that the "Birthday" person gets to pick what they want for lunch and dinner. The birthday girl decided she wanted Burger King. So that's what we had for lunch. As for dinner, we decided to eat out this weekend since it's church night. G.I. Joe had Bible Drill practice. From there, Daughter of the King and G.I. Joe stayed at church until bible study time. After bible study, Daughter of the King stayed for choir practice. Steps and his family brought her home because they too sing in the choir. When she got home, we all sang Happy Birthday ate cake and opened presents.
Our present to her was to take her sky diving. She can't wait to go. Her siblings got her a backpack in her favorite Vera Bradley print. My parents and sister got her the Vera Bradley cosmetic bag to match. I was about to share what Steps gave her, but I've decided that it's up to her to blog about it. But I will say that she loved it. Steps, you are one creative young man. Keep up the good work! ;o)
Here we are having fun singing Happy Birthday to Daughter of the King. We were teasing her. We told her that she was going to set off the smoke alarm.
My Knight, Daughter of the King and Lady G~ (me!) I know I have a "spaced out look", please keep in mind that I'm on prescribed medication and am recovering from surgery. Otherwise, I'd have a Margarita look. LOL! Just kidding, not really... ok, I'm kidding. :o)
Here we have what they call the Logan pose. A friend of Still Waters is named Logan. When he poses for a picture, he always puts his hands on his hips and looks up to one side. So, our children every now and then strike the Logan pose.
Now they are just being their casual self. I know that people have a hard time believing this, but my children really get along very well. They really think of each other and spend time together. One can often find our Squires doing their school work or playing in their Fair Maidens rooms. If an errand has to be done, they will often accompany each other. They are such a blessing.
G.I. Joe, Daughter of the King and The Warrior... being their jovial selves.
All smiles! There is never a dull moment in our Castello. I love the sound of my children's laughter. Their smiles brighten my day.
Daughter of the King's attempt to do the gopher on Barats and Bareta's video. Barats and Bareta have a series of videos online. They are very funny.
Still Waters is saying, "No way I'm doing the gopher!" Soaring Amongst The Clouds is trying really hard, but she can't stop laughing.
Well, they all turned in around 11p. My Knight has to be at work around 4:30a. tomorrow morning. But before I say good night, I want to tell Daughter of the King something...
Dearest Daughter of the King,
You have brought so much joy, happiness, laughter and mischievousness into my life. Your smile brightens my day. You have such spunk and I admire you for it. You have the perfect blend of your dad and I. But at the same time you are uniquely you. What a blessing you have been and are. I'm are so blessed that God chose me to be your mom. May you always keep your eyes on Him and follow the path He's laid before you. I love you...
all my love,
Mom~
Monday, February 11, 2008
Following Directions... Who Me?
Today marks three weeks since I had surgery. I want to thank you all for your prayers. My family really ROCKS!!! I have done nothing but lay on my couch, watch tv, eat homemade cookies and sleep.
A week after my surgery I went for my check up. My surgeon told me, "Wow, you are recovering very nicely." I told him it was because I God is good and I have a great family. He told me he'd see me again in two weeks and to keep up the good work. Well, I left the office in a high. I figured, maybe one more week or two and that's it, I'm home free. HA! and he had originally told me 6-8 weeks recovery. What does he know. That was all last week.
So today, three weeks later, I figured, "Hey, I'm feeling great. I don't need to continue taking all that stuff my surgeon told me to take (I stopped taking it a few days ago). I can sit for short periods of time. I can walk and still rest when needed. I'm going to finish my Valentine Day shopping." YEAH!!! So I hit 5 stores in 2 hours. I was on a mission. I was proud of myself. By the time I got home, I realized, "Hey, maybe this doc knows what he's talking about. I shouldn't have gone out." I'm suffering a minor set back. No biggie, I've learned my lesson. I'm following my surgeon's orders. I'm resting and back on the stuff I need to take.
I guess I do need to follow directions... who would of thunk it?!
Oh, by the way... I got all my shopping done. My children are going to LOVE what they are getting. ;o) Happy Valentine's Day...
A week after my surgery I went for my check up. My surgeon told me, "Wow, you are recovering very nicely." I told him it was because I God is good and I have a great family. He told me he'd see me again in two weeks and to keep up the good work. Well, I left the office in a high. I figured, maybe one more week or two and that's it, I'm home free. HA! and he had originally told me 6-8 weeks recovery. What does he know. That was all last week.
So today, three weeks later, I figured, "Hey, I'm feeling great. I don't need to continue taking all that stuff my surgeon told me to take (I stopped taking it a few days ago). I can sit for short periods of time. I can walk and still rest when needed. I'm going to finish my Valentine Day shopping." YEAH!!! So I hit 5 stores in 2 hours. I was on a mission. I was proud of myself. By the time I got home, I realized, "Hey, maybe this doc knows what he's talking about. I shouldn't have gone out." I'm suffering a minor set back. No biggie, I've learned my lesson. I'm following my surgeon's orders. I'm resting and back on the stuff I need to take.
I guess I do need to follow directions... who would of thunk it?!
Oh, by the way... I got all my shopping done. My children are going to LOVE what they are getting. ;o) Happy Valentine's Day...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)