Thoughts Along the Journey

I thought this was an appropriate verse, as we prepare ourselves for worship this weekend. Getting ourselves re-focused after the craziness and busyness of our week... "...Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8 (RSV) .

My friend Paula passed along an award to me. Paula received the award, because she is such an encouraging and inspiring person, and her blog fits this description: "This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award." Thank you for passing on the award to me, Paula! I feel very honored. These are the seven people I'm awarding: Cheryl Christina Mrs. Darling Laurie Pat Patty Laura A special thanks to each of these ladies for the ways they share their love of God and family, and for being great blogging friends!

This post is sort of a piggy-back off an earlier post, " A Journey Pondering ." I'm thinking today about what an awesome responsibility it is to have "Christ in me." How do I live out that reality? Yesterday, our parish priest spoke of not leaving Christ there (at the church) every week, but taking Him with you...out into the world. He exhorted us to take the life of Christ with us and share it with all around us. How do we flesh that out? How do we diffuse the fragrance of Christ to those around us? I look forward to your thoughts on this...

It is now officially the new school year. We have two days of school "under our belts". Whew. The first day was a little emotional (mostly for me!). The boys were excited and nervous. It was a hot, humid day. By the time they came home, they were worn out from the heat, and happy to have made it through their first day. However, that night, #1 son was not happy about having to return again the next day. After five years of being home schooled, that seemed like an awfully long time to be away from home! Much talking and much prayer, and he was back to bed. Yesterday seems to have gone well for them, for which I am truly grateful. #1 son hasn't mentioned anything more about not returning. I'm doing pretty well, all things considered. The first day was pretty rough. Second day was a little easier. It's definitely nice to have them home for the weekend! Thank you, dear readers, for your prayers and encouraging thoughts. We'll make it through, one day at a time!...

Yes, today is the big day for us. The boys started school. After having home schooled for five years, this is a big adjustment. (Probably more for me than for them!) Keep us all in your prayers!

I don't know if you're aware of it, but there is a phenomenon sweeping the world of Christiandom. It can be called many things, but I'll call it "seeking the whoopee!" The members of this movement are not always easy to identify at first. They arrive at a church as a newcomer, usually. Sometimes as a "mature Christian just looking for a place to worship". (Their words, not mine!) Sometimes they settle in slowly, and just blend in with everyone else. Sometimes they immediately want to sing/teach/lead. (I've found this to be the case more often than not.) Usually they want to be really chummy with the pastor/priest or anyone else they deem to be in leadership or positions of importance in the particular worshipping community. They may even become regular "givers". (Most don't like the word "tithe".) But then it begins. If they don't gain quick access to a "position" of some type, they grumble: I was always asked...

A friend sent me this link this week. I definitely needed it! I hope it blesses you, too.

Have I mentioned that I hate change? Okay. Well, I do! We're in the midst of many! Hubby started his new job this week. But he's also still finishing up at his old job. So this means? Days at new job. Nights at old job. Tired hubby. Trying to learn the new job. Trying to rest. Anxiously awaiting August 25th--last day at old job. What a week he's having! I'm trying to get the kiddos all set to start school next week. Label each and every little thing with their names. Check the school supply list umpteen times to make sure we didn't miss anything. Check the dates another umpteen times to make sure we don't miss an important event. Label more stuff. Hair cuts. Are we ready for school yet? Only one more week! In the midst of it all, new things starting at church. Preparing my mind for going on a trip in about three weeks. (Flying alone?!) Much in need of God's peace....... "Saranac Lake, Morning," by Homer Dodge Martin, 1857

A few years ago, there was a big debate in the world of Christian scholars. Someone had written a book about Jesus being Savior, but not Lord. Then there were more books written about Jesus being Lord, but with less emphasis on Him as Savior. As humans, we really don't like the term "Lord," since it means Someone has authority over us. Americans especially don't like the idea of bowing to anyone. We are individualists, living in our free nation, and we want to be our own "lords." But then again, we don't like to see ourselves as weak, in need of Someone to save us. We're self-sufficient in this country! We don't really need anyone! As long as we're pretty good overall, don't murder, lie, cheat, or steal, then we've got it all under control. Well, it's a theory, anyway. Actually, I find great freedom in calling Him both Lord and Savior. As my Lord, He looks out for my best interests: what He knows is the very bes...

"He who walks with wise men becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20 I was recently reminded of this verse. It set me a-pondering. What does it mean to "walk with the wise"? How do we choose the right people to walk with? How do we know who will lead us astray and who we should imitate? Of course, there is the Scriptural rule: we will know them by their fruit. I'm new to this community, though. How can I obey the admonition to walk with those who are wise? How can I find those who truly live out the commands of Christ? I think it takes time. We can't rush into anything. As we pray and spend time in fellowship with other believers, God will draw us to those who we can follow. He will show us mature believers who will contribute to our own spiritual well-being. On the flip side of that, He may also show us ways we can be "the wise" for those who are new to faith in Christ. It's a big responsibility, y...

I received the following update, and wanted to pass it along to all of you... Just a quick update on Maddie....Now that she is off all of the antibiotics, she is doing really well (she had a bad reaction to being on them for SO long but is doing great now). She is scheduled for surgery on Sept. 20th at the Cleveland Clinic. This surgery will be done laparoscopically through her belly button. We expect this surgery to be a piece of cake compared to what she has been through. They will keep her over night. And i t will take a full 6 weeks for her body to totally heal but she should be feeling well way before that. She won't be able to horseback ride or carry anything heavier than a phone book for several weeks - but all in all they expect it to be an easy recovery. _______________ There will be another update after her surgery. And Kimber thanked us all for praying!

Okay, so you really want to know the big secret??? Really??? From the comments left on the previous post, and even an e-mail or two, I know this was a mean trick. I was just so excited...I had to say something . The big news is: my husband got a new job! He has been hoping and praying that he could find something different for quite some time. He has been working at OfficeMax for about 4 1/2 years now, both in Michigan and Ohio. He was really growing weary of the retail world. He is taking some online classes to get certified to teach in a Catholic high school. However, there are no job openings at this time. He wanted to be done at OfficeMax before the Christmas shopping season. He kept looking online for jobs, but nothing really "worked" for him. Well, God sure opened this one! Starting today, Keith is the new business administrator at our parish office. He is still working at OfficeMax, due to it being "back to school" season. That will end soon, th...

Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration. What a wonderful story of Jesus revealing His glory to His disciples. I've always figured Peter's suggestion was the result of being so overwhelmed by what he witnessed...he knew he needed to do or say something after seeing the great prophets and the glory of his Lord. Of course, God wanted Peter and the others to remember who was the only One worthy of praise. "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud,...

Just between you and me, God has answered a prayer request for our family. I won't go into details for a couple of days...but it's a good thing from God! Rejoice for us today, and I'll fill you in soon!

I'm sure by now most of my readers have heard about the tragic accident yesterday in Minneapolis, MN. A bridge spanning the Mississippi River collapsed during rush hour, crushing vehicles, throwing people and things into the river...lives have been lost or changed forever. You can see a bus in the picture above. I believe I heard on the news that, though injured, they thought all the children survived. Having experienced the many emotions of the tragedy in Greensburg, my heart seems to feel the pain of others' tragedies even more keenly. Please keep this city, the victims and their families, and the rescue workers in your prayers. God bless you and keep you, Minneapolis.