Thoughts Along the Journey

It seems to have snuck up on me quite too quickly this year! Have a wonderful Christmas! May your celebrations be filled with the beauty and wonder of the greatest Gift of all...our Lord Jesus Christ!

When Jesus was before Pilate, Pilate posed this question to Jesus: "What is truth?" (John 18:38) In another passage, Jesus had told His disciples the answer to that question: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Truth seems to be a hot commodity these days. At least, in name. Politicians, media, and the talk show hosts all proclaim to have the truth for our society. The truth for our world. They promise that their version of the truth is "the truth." Of course, when there are contradictions between them all, it is sometimes hard to discern what the REAL truth is! I find this to be true among Christians as well. We are all supposed to believe the same things: that Christ was born of a virgin, grew in grace and wisdom, preached and taught and healed as a Man, died on the cross, and rose again from the dead. And, I think for the most part, we all do believe this. However, when it comes to issues ...

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Advent begins tomorrow! I truly love the season of Advent, though: four weeks of heart preparation for the coming of the Lord. What an awesome time of the year. I especially love the dual meaning of it all. As we prepare to celebrate the Lord's birth, and the entire meaning of Christmas, it is with the privilege of knowing the entire story: He was born, He lived and taught, did incredible miracles, suffered and died on the cross, and rose from the dead--all for the love and salvation of mankind. So as "every heart prepares Him room," it is with the advantage of knowing the history of it all. But there's the dual meaning I mentioned. For as we prepare for His coming, it is also with hearts full of the knowledge that He will indeed come again. His second Advent. The fulfillment. The completion of it all. There is so much unknown about that future day. But it is with great hope that we prepare ...

I just wanted to take this quick chance to wish you all (in the U.S.) a wonderful Thanksgiving. I guess I missed Canada's...but hope you all had a wonderful one, too! My family started this week with a bad case of the stomach flu...first me, then hubby, then, eventually both the boys. Ugh! But, thankfully, we're all on the mend. We're in Michigan visiting family now. I hope you all have a wonderful day as you reminisce on all the goodness of God in your life! "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." II Thessalonians 5:18

This is pretty much what life feels like right now. Just trying to keep everyone happy and well-cared for, and keep it all in balance. Work is going okay. I can't say it's something I want to do for the rest of my life, but it's a good job. I work with some really nice people, too. The kids are doing okay. School is humming along. We've had some bumps along the way this semester, but overall all is well. Our oldest son is growing too tall, way too fast. He's about my height now! Hubby is doing well, too...other than a nasty cold. We are making some progress in future plans, so I'll have to clue you in when I know more on that subject. I do drop by your blogs from time to time, even though I'm not doing well with keeping new posts on my own. Happy fall, friends!

A friend from Kansas e-mailed the following to me. It was written by an educator in Kansas. It touched something deep within me. I felt I should share it with my blog readers. This message far transcends any building or school district and it is about kids everywhere. This email was written by Bonner Springs High School Industrial Technology Instructor, Kris Munsch. A few years ago, Kris lost his son to a tragic car accident while he was still in high school. Kris shares his story of loss with an incredibly open heart and mind and he welcomes the discussion of his story in hopes that it can make a difference in this world. He sent this message after we finished Parent/Teacher Conferences. I have read it over and over and am moved every time I read it by the raw emotion and incredible resolve that Kris has demonstrated. I have told Kris that he should publish this but he is far too humble to do so. We are truly fortunate to have Kris here in our community and I feel blessed for the oppo...

I have a couple of great ones to share today! For those who don't know, these kiddos are not my own, but my great-nephew and great-niece. I hope to share a new one of the new nephew soon, too. Sorry if these are too small. I don't know what happened!

Two blind pilots, both wearing dark glasses, one using a guide dog and the other tapping his way along the aisle with a cane, come aboard a plane. Nervous laughter spreads through the cabin, but the men enter the cockpit, the door closes, and the engines start up. The passengers begin glancing nervously around, searching for some sign that this is just a little practical joke. None is forthcoming. The plane moves faster and faster down the runway, and the people sitting in the window seats realize they're headed straight for the water at the edge of the airport. As it begins to look as though the plane will plow into the water, panicked screams fill the cabin. At that moment, the plane lifts smoothly into the air. The passengers relax and laugh a little, sheepishly, and soon all retreat into their magazines, secure in the knowledge that the plane is in good hands. In the cockpit, one of the blind pilots turns to the other and says, "Ya know, Bob, one of these days, they're...

For those interested, this is from the Fireproof website, under their "Frequently Asked Questions" portion: What’s the deal with the kiss between Caleb and Catherine in FIREPROOF? In a romantic scene in FIREPROOF, lead actor Kirk Cameron is actually kissing his wife Chelsea rather than Erin Bethea, who plays Catherine. Chelsea was flown in from Los Angeles just for that shot. The scene was filmed in silhouette and works incredibly well, with Chelsea wearing the same outfit and a wig to mirror Erin. Sherwood Pictures has upheld this standard in all their movies: actors and actresses should guard their own marriages while on screen the same way they would do in real life. That’s why you don’t see Coach Taylor (Facing the Giants) or Jay Austin (Flywheel) kissing the women playing the on-screen wives. Kirk also has long held to a principle that he would kiss no woman other than Chelsea. He was able to honor his marriage while making a movie that inspires others to do the same. **...

My husband and I don't go to a lot of movies. Frankly, most of what is shown in the theaters today is not worth seeing...and it's expensive, to boot! However, a couple of nights ago, we went to see a new movie that is incredible. It is called " Fireproof ." It was created by the same people who made the movie, " Facing the Giants ." It is endorsed by some great organizations, including Focus on the Family. I won't ruin the story line for you. I will give you a little "teaser," though. The movie stars Kirk Cameron (of "Growing Pains" fame). Kirk plays a firefighter whose marriage is on the rocks. Throughout the movie, we see the many traps married couples often fall into, which sabotage their marriage, and the changes God can make in a man. There are some humorous scenes as well, which keep the movie from becoming too heavy. I would recommend this movie to EVERY married couple, no matter if you've been married for many years or jus...

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth! My new job is just keeping me really busy! I spend my mornings trying to get all the housework (laundry, etc.) done. Eat an early lunch. Then head off to work. On Mondays, I teach a piano lesson after work. So that's a long day. Most other days, we have some type of activity to keep us busy in the evening. Quite honestly, I'm a bit worn out. But I'm surviving, and quite thankful for the new job. Another reason the blog is suffering is that I have to go to the library to check e-mail, etc. No Internet connection at home any more. I have to find time to drop into the library, which isn't that easy these days! Thank you all for your words of encouragement. Hope you're all doing well! On another note, I'd like to introduce you to a new blogger. She's a friend of mine named Lin. Lin's grandson, Nathan, passed away earlier this year. Linda's blog is a tribute to him, but also a way for her to work throug...

I started a job today, friends! I was so intimidated...still a little that way. I haven't worked for about 13 years, since I was pregnant with our first son. But, finances necessitated it, so here I go! Actually, a man we know at our church approached my husband a couple of weeks ago, and asked if my husband thought I'd be interested in working for him? His oldest daughter had been helping at his office, but is off to college. I was interested, and met with him last week. Today is my first day, and it went fairly well, all things considered. I'm feeling a bit of brain overload, but other than that, I'm doing alright!

Our newest additions were born on Sunday and Monday. So, blogging friends, I'm proud to introduce our new great-niece, miss Elyssa...and our new nephew, mister Micah! Aren't they adorable??? (Can you tell I'm excited and proud!?)

If you stop by here occasionally to check for new posts, you have no doubt noticed the lack of new posts on my part. This is partly due to the fact that our slow Internet connection often causes too much frustration for me to sit and wait and wait and wait for it to slowly bring up the screen. It is also partly due to the fact that I am in a journey of darkness right now. When life is rolling along smoothly...you know...the kids are mostly behaving...the bills are mostly paid and we have a little left in the bank...no one in our immediate family has any serious physical problems...my kids are doing well at school...etc. When life is like that, I'm okay. Life seems bright, and the path seems clear. But every time I hit a bump in the road, I'm really not okay. My nerves get bad, so I can't sleep. Then my nerves are worse from lack of sleep. (Vicious cycle.) I worry, fret, stew...think of an adjective, I probably fit it. I have panic attacks. Life seems dark. Well, life has h...

Would like to ask all my bloggy friends to keep us in your prayers. THANKS!

Fun in the sun!!!

I'm sure you can all relate. I have great intentions (not good, but great!) to blog on a regular basis. However, life gets busy, and blogging goes by the wayside. Let's see. In the last week: I've had to babysit our neighbors' one-year old little girl (who is adorable!), because the mom had surgery on her leg and can't walk at all. A day after watching the cutie pie for several hours, I was sick, and dealing with a back that forgot how much work it is to carry around a small child. I had a day of laundry catch-up. Then we went to visit family over the weekend. On our return, I prepared to catch up the laundry again. Threw a load in the washer, got a quick shower, then ran down to our basement to take that load out and start another...only to discover our basement was full of smoke! We ended up calling the fire dept., and scaring both us and our neighbors quite a bit. Bottom line? The motor in our washing machine burned up. So we had to spend the bucks to get a new o...

I recently read this passage from Psalm 90. Come ponder it along with me: "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You turn man to destruction [or, "return man to dust"], and say, 'Return, O children of men.' For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is passed, and like a watch in the night. You carry them away like a flood; they are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: in the morning it flourishes and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers. For we have been consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; we finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years, and if by reason of...

I have been reading posts on Pastor Tim Dilena's blog for a couple of months now. Tim pastors Revival Tabernacle, in Highland Park, MI. We used to be a part of his church several years ago. His latest post is well worth the read. Check it out here . (I have added a link to his blog on my sidebar as well.) Prepare to be blessed and challenged!

Today is the birthday of our youngest son, "Clyde". He is 9 years old! Whew. Time sure does fly, doesn't it? I can really relate to my mom these days, as I am her "baby". Here's what Clyde looked like on his 2nd birthday. He sure has grown up in the past 7 years! Happy birthday, bud! .

The only building left standing on main street--a bank building that suffered damage, but is still standing. First, I have to say "thank you" to all who were praying. I could definitely feel the effects of your prayers. We arrived at my mom and dad's on Saturday, July 5th. After spending some time with my mom and one of my sister's families, my mom took us to Greensburg. I can only describe the experience as surreal. As we drove toward town, all looked as usual. However, as we entered the city limits, I felt like we had driven into some foreign country. Nothing looked the same. The familiar landmarks were not "disfigured," my friends. They were GONE. Empty lots everywhere. Weeds growing in empty lots. Homes being rebuilt, but often not by the same people who used to live there. And usually, the house faced a different direction or at least sat differently on the lot. Scattered here and there, were the few homes that did survive or that still haven't been...

My family will be leaving for a trip to Kansas in a few days. I would appreciate your prayers for our safety. But also because this is the first time we will be seeing Greensburg since the tornado... Thanks... P.S. Since Greensburg is now being called a "green town," does that mean it's the new Emerald City? :o)

Just had to share this pic from our great nephew's birthday...too cute!

Happy Anniversary, to my wonderful hubby!!! I am blessed above all women to be your wife... The first 19 years have been incredible. I look forward to what God has in store for the next 19 years and beyond! .

John Newton, who is famous for having written the hymn, "Amazing Grace," also wrote the following poem. The Kite and Its String Once on a time a paper kite Was mounted to a wondrous height, Where, giddy with its elevation, It thus expressed self-admiration: "See how yon crowds of gazing people Admire my flight above the steeple; How would they wonder if they knew All that a kite like me can do! Were I but free, I'd take a flight, And pierce the clouds beyond their sight, But, ah! like a poor pris'ner bound, My string confines me near the ground; I'd brave the eagle's towering wing, Might I but fly without a string." It tugged and pull, while thus it spoke, To break the string--at last it broke. Deprived at once of all its stay, In vain it tried to soar away; Unable its own weight to bear, It fluttered downward through the air; Unable its own course to guide, The winds soon plunged it in the tide. Ah! foolish kite, thou hadst no wing, How could'st...

To all my bloggy friends, I'm truly sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've tried to at least visit blogs once a week. But life has sort of sidetracked any posts from me. It seems like the little boat called "my life" has been through a lot of choppy waters lately. Just when I think things are calming down a bit, another wave comes along. Or a few storm clouds brew up on the horizon, and come over to rain on my voyage. They threaten to capsize me more often than I like to admit. But in the midst of it all, I am reminded that He is still in the boat. He's really the Captain. He's got it all under control. The waves and the storms don't catch Him by surprise. He is never shocked when the boat gets rocked back and forth, or even when it takes on a little water. Just when it seems the rolling waters are going to overwhelm me completely, He speaks words of peace, and calms the seas. Thanks to all of you for being so patient. I'll try to be a bit more dilig...

"...Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me." Psalm 31:2b-3, NKJV

New posts will be forthcoming. Patience, dear friends!

The following article was on today's Christianity Today website. Let us all join together in prayer for their family. STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN LOSES YOUNGEST DAUGHTER IN DRIVEWAY ACCIDENT by Anne Thomas, Friday, May 23, 2008 Christians the world over have been expressing their sympathy for Grammy Award-winning singer Steven Curtis Chapman after his 5-year-old daughter was killed in an accident on the family’s driveway on Wednesday. Maria Sue Chapman was the youngest of three Chinese girls adopted by Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, after a visit to China awoke in them a deep love for the country and its people. She was hit by a car driven by one of her brothers on the driveway of the family home in Franklin Tennessee in what local authorities have described as a “tragic accident”. The Chapmans have three biological children, two teenage sons Will Franklin and Caleb, and 21-year-old daughter Emily. Brian DeVos, manager of Michigan operations for Bethany Christian Services and ...

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for r...

I have just read what is supposed to be the last post for our dear Ragamuffin Diva , Claudia Mair Francis Burney. We're going to miss you, dear friend, but I'm still looking forward to the MANY books you will publish! God bless!!!

How is that I can go for days, or even weeks, without even one idea for a blog post...and then I get too many ideas all at once??? First, happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. And for those who long to be mothers, my prayers are with you. May God fill your day with thankfulness for all His blessings. Second, I have to share a new photo of "my" Isaiah. He's growing up so fast! In this pic, he's "helping" his grandpa with the mower. Isn't he just too, too cute?! (Don't worry. The mower was not running!) Third, tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday, too. This is something God is reminding me to really focus on. You see, I grew up in the Assemblies of God. Our "distinctive" was the "pentecostal experience": speaking in tongues. Yet it seemed that every year, Pentecost Sunday mostly just got a mention in the church bulletin, without there being much focus on why we had Pentecost Sunday, the history of the day in the church, o...

One of today's Scripture readings is from Acts 20. This section especially caught my attention: "And from Miletus he (Paul) sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them: 'You yourselves know how I lived among you all the time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable , and teaching you in public and from house to house...' " (vs. 17-20, RSV) The highlighted portion really struck me. Paul didn't hold back anything from them that was "profitable". In other words, anything that would help them draw closer to Christ and live more like Him. Even if they sometimes had to be hard words. If you've ever read any of Paul's epistles, you know he sometimes had to use "tough love." He basically showed ...

I wish I could adequately describe the range of emotions I am feeling this week, watching the CBS Early Show series on Greensburg, KS. I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster. I'm excited when I see a familiar face. I'm heartbroken when they show large, overhead shots of the town, since there isn't much there now. I'm overwhelmed with joy when I see the generosity of people who have donated toys, library books, playground equipment, basketballs, t-shirts, musical instruments, time, and money to the people of that town and community. I am filled with such pride when I hear the stories of how people are continuing to rebuild--people who never said, "the country owes us," but are so thankful for any help they receive. People who would have rebuilt without any assistance, as they helped their friends and neighbors recover. But the same people who are amazed at all the ways people all over the nation--and yes, even from other countries--have reached ...

For so many people across the U.S. and around the world, the events of last May 4 have faded into the fog of the past. For myself, and anyone else familiar with what has happened since then, the story is still unfolding. And it is very much a part of TODAY. It's current news. On the night of May 4, 2007, the town of Greensburg, KS, took a direct hit from a EF-5 tornado. 95% of the town was completely destroyed. The other 5% may have survived, but there was still damage. Though a small town by many standards (pop. 1,500), it is still mind-boggling to think of an entire town being destroyed. The town wasn't the only place to be hit, either. There were other areas in the community (farms, homes, etc.) that were hit by that tornado or others that went through the area on May 4th and 5th. Thankfully, few lives were lost. Sadly, hundreds of people were left without ANYTHING. Their homes, cars, businesses, belongings, and the businesses that provided the basic necessities for the comm...

"I'm going to be a big brother in September!!!" Yes, it's true! My sister-in-law and my niece are both due in September. I'm going to be an aunt again AND a great aunt again. How exciting!

I was going to work on a new post about the pope's visit. But my hubby wrote such a wonderful one, I'll just let you check it out on his blog, One Pilgrim .

I have a story to tell you today, so bear with me. I'm afraid this could turn into a lengthy post. But stick with me. I need your input! There once was a little girl who loved music. She loved to try picking out church hymns on the piano. She loved to sing "Jesus Loves Me". When she got a battery-operated little "organ" for a present, she spent hours trying to figure out songs. (An older sister even taught her to play "Jesus Loves Me" on the little organ.) Whenever there was a school or church Christmas program, she learned every word of every song, and sang with all the gusto she could muster. She began taking piano lessons at the tender age of 6, and it brought an abundance of joy into her life, knowing what all those wonderful marks on the pages meant. As the little girl grew older, she continued to play. She learned other instruments as well (clarinet, alto saxophone, and, eventually, tenor saxophone). She would sit at the piano at home, and sing t...

I had not planned for this to be the topic of my newest post. However, I checked my e-mail just prior to signing into Blogger, and decided that this was more important for tonight. For the past several months, I have been privileged to be part of a group of people praying for a small baby named Angel. Even before her birth, we were praying for a healing. The doctors discovered some abnormalities while she was in her mommy's womb. The very fact that she survived her birth was a miracle. She has had her ups and downs since then, going through medical procedures, medications, etc. to try to spare her young life. Today, Angel was welcomed into the arms of Jesus. I cannot imagine the grief her family is experiencing tonight. There is joy, of course, knowing that little Angel will no longer suffer, and that she is at peace in the presence of the Lord. Yet there will always be that longing for the day when they will be reunited with her... My prayers continue with you, Amanda. I have neve...

I haven't posted a picture of my great nephew in awhile. Can you believe how much he has grown?? (There's another new pic on my other blog .)

If you've read my blog for any time at all, you know I used to home school my two boys. It was a wonderful five years, but it was definitely stressful. This year, they are both attending our parochial school. It was a big adjustment (and sometimes still is), but overall, they are doing well. Since the time we made the decision to send them to school, I have had many people ask, "Well, now that they are going to be gone all day, what are you going to do with yourself? Are you going to get a job? You're going to be so lonely there by yourself. Won't you get bored?" I have to admit, too, that these are some of the same questions I asked myself! However, I decided to take it slowly. I haven't been "just" a wife and mom for over five years, since I was also "full-time teacher". My life has settled into a routine of sorts, with laundry, housecleaning, and groceries taking up most of my daytime hours. Evenings are spent helping the boys with homew...

Most of my readers know about the tornado that destroyed my hometown of Greensburg, Kansas, on May 4, 2007. I grew up on a farm just a few miles north of this town. I found this photo of the hair salon where I used to get my hair cut. (And my mom was a regular patron, before the tornado.) To know I sat in one of those chairs...wow. The shock still hasn't worn off, even though it has been almost a year. I haven't seen the devastation in person yet. Possibly this summer. I'm not sure how I'll handle it when I do see it for the first time. If you want to view updates on the progress of the town's rebuilding efforts, I have links on my sidebar. E-Clips Hair Salon

My Easter weekend was quite interesting, to say the least. There were a variety of events at church, as well as situations friends were experiencing. The weekend had some extreme highs and lows. There was the Easter vigil service, in which many were baptized, confirmed, and received into the Church. I cried tears of joy! There was the prayer request for a young baby. Her mother discovered a growth on the child's leg. The doctors have diagnosed it as cancer. There was the excitement of Sunday morning, and the elation of celebrating the resurrection of the Lord. There was the devastating news that a friend's grandson committed suicide. A young man with a bright future... There was the delight in seeing a friend's 4-day-old baby girl, born just before Easter. A tiny little rosebud; a reflection of God's glory. A reminder that there is always life after death... I am so thankful for the empty tomb. There are so many struggles and trials in this life that would simply ...

"But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; for I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.' " Matthew 28:5, 6 I hope that your family had a most blessed Resurrection Sunday. Our entire weekend was busy, but full of reminders of the great wonder of Christ's resurrection. Rejoice, dear friends, for He is risen!

"But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law..." "...to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." Galatians 4:4, 5 .

Some type of "bug" has had me down all week. I'll be back when I feel a bit better. Keep me in your prayers!

"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7b) I'm sure most of us are familiar with the story from John chapter 8. The Pharisees and scribes, ever on the lookout for a way to trick Jesus, presented a woman to Him. A woman caught "in the very act" of adultery. There was no doubt that she was guilty. No question of innocence here. (Although I've always wondered why the man was not brought forward as well. The Law required both guilty parties to be punished.) So now, what would Jesus do? Would He break the Law by saying she was simply free to go? Would He do the "righteous" thing and begin the stoning Himself? Would he question her? How would He deal with this sinner? And what did He do? He wrote in the dirt! Some have speculated that perhaps He was writing down the sins of those gathered. Some have suggested that He may have been writing out the Ten Commandments. Others have surmised that...