The Flames

Politics again...

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:37:00 +0000

Here is a link to CNN's "Fact Check." It helps to dispell rumors and provide some clarity about statements made by and about the Presidential candidates.

Vote with your brains, people!

Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:18:00 +0000

Here is a great post regarding the upcoming election in the US. The writer makes some very good points, especially to those of you/us who only vote for one party and believe anything the party (or the party's pundits) tell you.

Read the post here.

Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Canadian voters head to the polls again on 10/14/08. I read a comment on the CBC website that lamented the lack of choices in the Canadian election. Lack of choices? There are 5 major parties involved in the election. Yes, it's a different electoral system than what we have in the US, but 5 options sure beats 2.

Quote of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:14:00 +0000

Quote of the Day from the Harley-Davidson website:

"America, please don't buy a Harley because it gets 50 MPG. MPG describes riding like biology describes sex."

Quote of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:54:00 +0000

Well, so much for blogging. It looks like our last post was on 5/27/08. And it was also a Quote of the Day.

This one is from a comment thread on InternetMonk.com.

"I used to get pretty irked with people who told me to be happy all the time. I said I preferred to be honest."

Read the entire post here.

For my entire life people have told me that I need to smile more. And I tell them that God gave me a face that I have to force to smile. So there. How can you argue with God's handiwork?

Quote of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:03:00 +0000

It appears that we don't put real posts on here anymore. That's okay, no one reads it. :-)

Here is the Quote of the Day, from a comment thread at InternetMonk.com:

"One time, some church dude asked me about my opinion of inerrancy. I said, “I believe everything the Bible claims about itself.”

He informed me that was heresy.

Never did comprehend that one."

Genius Post of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:42:00 +0000

If Jesus Had a Blog...

Quote of the day

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:26:00 +0000

"I can no more understand the totality of God than the pancake I made for breakfast understands the complexity of me."

-Don Miller, in Blue Like Jazz

Hermeneutics

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:40:00 +0000

Here is a Hermeneutics Quiz to gauge how you interpret the Bible. I scored a 67; just on the lower end of "Progressive."

Larry Norman

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:20:00 +0000

So, the three people who read this probably already know this, but Larry Norman passed away on Sunday (2/24/08). He seemed to have an impact on everyone he came across, whether good or bad. My mom had a cassette of his album "In Another Land" when I was younger and it was one of my favorites. He was one of my first introductions to "Christian rock." He was never afraid to speak out about or against American culture and American Christian culture. He never claimed to be the "father of Christian rock" or to be part of the "Jesus movement." He was simply a songwriter speaking about his beliefs. The Christian music industry in general has ignored him, although they would be nowhere without him. He doesn't fit the mold; he'd never be played on KLOVE (except for DC Talk's cover of "I Wish We'd All Been Ready"). He didn't sanitize the Gospel, didn't make his message easy to swallow. And he didn't preach to the choir.

There are some other blogs out there with tributes to Larry Norman. The Internet Monk posted this one a few years ago and resurrected it this week.

Shaun Groves has this to say about Larry Norman:
"It’ll be interesting to see how we react to Larry’s death. Will we gush accolades on our radio stations that didn’t play him? Will labels that wouldn’t sign him (or his kind) now make tribute CDs? Will music lovers who eschew singer-songwriters with a pointy finger suddenly revere him?"
Read his full post here.

Shaun also brings up a good point. Why do the "Christian artists" who make an impact become objects of derision? Read this:
"You see, people in the industry don’t always speak highly of Larry Norman. He allegedly didn’t work well with others. Nor do they always speak well of Keith Green. He was allegedly self-righteous and arrogant. Or how about Rich Mullins? Allegedly a foul-mouthed drunk. "
Hmmm, kind of sounds like the Pharisees talking about Jesus, doesn't it?

3 years!

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:41:00 +0000

It is amazing how time flies! I can't believe that Hannah is 3 today. It's just weird to me that I have a 3 year old now. I really remember my labor experience like it just happened. I remember having to drive myself to the hospital because I was in labor and Clint was at work. Time flies! Now Hannah is growing up so fast. She is becoming a beautiful young little girl. She is doing a wonderful job at potty training and doesn't hardly have any problems. And now I am realizing that Gracie will be one years old in just a month. She is walking around and getting into everything!

I just can't believe that time goes by so fast. I am torn between my feelings and wants. I love the fact that my girls are growing up so fast, but at the same time, I want them to stay my little girls forever! Pretty soon my girls are going to go to school become their own people. And when they hit the teen years, boy will we have out work cut out for us! It's just amazing to me that in 3 years I have two beautiful little girls and a wonderful husband! I am certified as a teacher now, but I don't know if I am wanting to be a teacher right away or be a mommy. Sometimes I would love to get out of the house and say that I have a job that teaches children how to survive in this crazy world. I just found out I do have a job, but I still don't know when I will start. I will be working at a fitness center in the childcare center. I will be able to bring the girls without being charge, which is a huge blessing! I am going crazy inside my little house with nothing to do! I have cabin fever! But we will see if this job will be good or not......who knows.

Well, I thought I would share my thoughts about the last 3 years! I must go now.....children are grumpy and need to be fed!

Now here are some pictures from Clint's birthday and playing outside when the weather was nice:

Gracie and Hannah going for a walk in the wagon

Gracie playing "peek-a-boo" in the playhouse

Hannah playing "birdie" with daddy

Gracie, of course, posing for the camera....and trying to eat it

We met "Mama and Pampa" at Cracker Barrel in Tucson for Clint's birthday

Pampa and Gracie

Hannah and Gracie sitting on a rocking chair together outside of the restaurant

Pampa walking with his girls

Our small group through a "surprise party" for Clint. We forgot the candles, so we used a tea candle instead. It was a Harley cake :) with a fat boy bike on it.

Gracie playing outside. LOOK AT THAT BELLY!

She's workin' on a PBI aparently

Hannah loves to ride in this car

"Born to be a Team Canada fan" hat from Uncle Merl and Aunt Glenda

After playing outside, Hannah passed out on the couch....:) what a sleeping baby!

Quote of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:29:00 +0000

"So, I told some of my Christian friends that it is time for us to consider supporting universal healthcare. When I said that, I found out something interesting. I used to think we Christians were pro-life. It turns out, we are simply anti-abortion. When I began talking about universal healthcare, you would have thought that I suggested we lynch Pat Robertson."

-From Burnside Writer's Collective

I AM ..........

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:13:00 +0000

CERTIFIED!!!

I am now officially a certified teacher! After having to take two long long tests, and 8 hours later, I found out I passed the teacher certification test. This is the end of a really long process. I am just thanking God that this chapter in my life is coming to an end.

I am done with student teaching, which is a big relief. I am just so excited to be done with this long long process of my life. After 6 1/2 years of going to school, taking time off three different times to get married, then have two babies, I am finally done. I walked across stage in May, but I needed to complete my student teaching this past fall. And then I needed to take the two tests. I was prepared to not pass them, but I DID!!! Last night when I got the "unofficial transcript" in an email I read it and I yelled "I PASSED" and then I looked at the other "unofficial transcript" I again yelled "I PASSED" to Clint. I just was so overwhelemed and excited, it just was so exciting to know that this part of my life can be done. I don't know the actual scores yet, but it doesn't matter because I PASSED!!

Now I just have to take care of the little things and make sure I can get my offical diploma!!!! I am officially done!!!! Oh, it's just so nice to know that! I can't tell you how excited I am!!!!

Well, I thought I would put a couple of pictures on here, just for kicks :)

Here is a recent picture of the family. We took it at Thanksgiving and look, I think everyone is smiling! Gracie is 9 months old and Hannah is 2 1/2....going on 3 in February!

This is a picture I took right after teaching almost for the last time in student teaching. That was such a nice feeling!

Glassbooth.org

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:33:00 +0000

It's always fun to have a web-based quiz tell you about your political affiliation. This one tells you which Presidential candidates match up with your socio-political ideas.

My top three were Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, and Christopher Dodd.

Try the quiz here.

I'm protesting your protest!

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:53:00 +0000

Once again the Internet Monk has struck a chord that resonates with me.

http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/im-not-scared-of-atheists-or-their-movie

If you attend any type of conservative Christian church, the odds are good that you've recently received an email or have been told to boycott a new movie called The Golden Compass. Apparently (or allegedly) this movie promotes atheism. *gasp* Protect your children's feeble minds! Avoid this film at all costs! Break out the placards and sandwich boards!

No, no, no! Wrong answer! I'm really tired of the reactionary nature found in almost any church. Do I need to use military analogies (which seem so prevalent in conservative churches)? Since when will a retreat win a battle? Don't cut and run or you'll give up ground!

Please read Michael Spencer's post. Here are a couple excerpts:
"...I want my students to see Golden Compass, read Pullman, hear Dawkins/Harris/Hitchens and generally engage atheism. You aren’t going to hide from atheism in the Christian ghetto. Our children can’t be sheltered. We can’t portray all atheists as kooks and weirdos."

"I frequently tell my students that I would much prefer they embrace any position honestly than pretend to believe something they don’t really believe at all. Yes, I’d rather have an atheist than a phony Christian. Any day of the week."

This boycott mentality is another example of not loving God with your whole mind. It's mental and spiritual laziness. It's a whole lot easier to ignore atheism than to engage it in a loving and intelligent dialogue.

Luke 10:27
The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Read Paul's dialogue with the Athenians at the Areopagus (Acts 17:16-34). This is a famous example of engaging an opposing viewpoint in loving and intelligent discussion, not boycotting and avoiding.

I wouldn't call it justice, but at least it's something.

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:55:00 +0000

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/31/funeral.protest/index.html

Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS has been ordered to pay $10.9 million to the father of a Marine killed in Iraq.

You may better know the church by their website- http://www.godhatesfags.com/.

I get sick just typing that.

This church thinks it's a great idea to blame military deaths "on America's tolerance of homosexuals." Now there's the love of Christ in action. Pure hate is being disguised as Christianity. And Christians wonder why people don't want to go to church. Can you blame them when they hear/see crap like this?

These same jokers also protested at Tammy Faye Messner's memorial service, according to her son Jay Bakker. She wasn't afraid of people who were "different" than her. From what I've heard, she befriended any- and everyone and loved them. And these misguided religious zealots blame her for what wrong with this nation?

I think it's the other way around. Religion like that is what's wrong. I don't see much difference between them and the KKK, except that the KKK was a bit more violent. Hate under the guise of church is still hate. They are quite willing to point fingers at homosexual individuals and call them dirty sinners, but their hate and their judgment are no better. It makes them sinners as well. The Apostle Paul said that we ALL are sinners and the sinning won't stop until we are perfected in the actual presence of God. But none of us are there yet. We are still on the earth in imperfect bodies, susceptible to sin.

And by the way, how can God hate? The Apostle John said that "God is love," and that "God is light, in Him there is no darkness at all." Hate is not love. Hate is not light, it is darkness. God cannot hate.

"But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes." 1 John 2:11

"This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." John 15:12-14

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:24:00 +0000

This was just too good:

"Osteen is a Gospel preacher like Col. Sanders is an army officer."
-The Internet Monk

http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/reactions-to-the-60-minutes-joel-osteen-piece

Our hectic, busy life!

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:14:00 +0000

Gracie is 7 1/2 months old
and crawling and now pulling herself up.

My goofy girls!

UPDATE:

Well, I have not written a blog in a very long time. The reason: TOO BUSY AND TOO STRESSED TO THINK ABOUT IT. Anyhow, I have decided I want to do one today.

There has been a lot going on in my busy life. I am trying to juggle being a student teaching, working without getting paid, being a full-time mommy and full-time maid (cleaning the house after two little ones is a pain.), and trying to find time for church and find time for my husband and building up our marriage. It has been a difficult road.

First student teaching: Student teaching has been a non-stop stressful journey. The atmosphere at the school itself is negative, complaining, and very critical. It seems to me that I can never do anything right and that I can't make any mistakes in this process of teaching the students. However, that's how it was at the beginning of this teaching process. I believe, or hope, that it will change soon. I am quickly learning my strengths and weaknesses along with the teaching I am working with. We really get along, but just like human being, when you have been around someone everyday for 8 hours a day, you tend to get on each other's nerves. It is human nature to want to be in control all the time, which is, I think, hard for a teacher who is wonderful, but wants to be in control of her classroom the whole time, not allowing me to take over like I am suppose to be. I am trying my hardest not to get frustrated at the situations that we are both facing at the school. I even have a little verse in my desk to remind me not to complain or argue about things because God is in control. So, I know that in the "real world" people can be cruel and very negative in every situation. I just have to tell myself that this is only a little bit longer and I know I will be stronger when I come out of the whole thing. I am sure I will be frustrated still and it won't end until I am completely done with the experience. But I know that this is something I have to endure in order to become stronger as a teacher.

My girls: I can't believe that my girls are growing up so fast and I am hardly home to enjoy it! Hannah is growing up so fast, but not potty trainging yet. That little stinker! Sometimes it seems like she will go, but then she regresses and doesn't want to go at all. Some days are beter than others, but isn't that the same with all children? She is not really liking the fact that Gracie is now mobile. She gets jealous of the fact that Grace likes to eat and terrorize Hannah and her toys. But at the same time, she is really protective over her little sister. She wants to help,but sometimes it's not helping her and instead it's hurting her. So, that's a challenge for us as parents to try to encourage Hannah to be nice to her sister and not hit all of the time. But we love to see them grow and play together. oh yeah, GRACIE IS ALREADY PULLING HERSELF UP. She just started crawling! NO, I'M NOT READY FOR IT YET!

The rest of my life is pretty much trying to juggle everything else around. Clint and I are having a hard time trying to spend time together. But we are now in a small group with our church that is for young married couples. We are the only ones with kids right now and so they are all very helpful and willing to watch the girls. So, today, (I am so excited), we are going on a date, which we haven't had a really date in a really long time. It will be so nice for us to just relax and not have to worry about stopping and starting a conversation :)

Well, that's all for now. I now get to have yummy Hawaiian strong coffee! So excited!

Memories of Rich Mullins

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:01:00 +0000

Here are a couple of bloggers memories of Rich Mullins, who died 10 years ago this week.

Brant Hansen remembers this from an encounter with Rich.

Jason Boyett remembers Rich's influence on his burgeoning faith.

I'll organize my own thoughts and post something later.

Alrightokayuhuhamen.

Onward Christian/American soldiers!

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:48:00 +0000

Shaun Groves has a great post about how the events of September 11, 2001 affected his thinking and his theology. Read it here.

An excerpt: "Politicians spoke of Saddam Husein and Bin Laden as if they were subhuman. My church sang 'God Bless America' with more gusto than 'Amazing Grace' and my pastor preached on why God wanted us to war with our enemies.
Our mourning the loss of friends fueled our love of country above most if not all. We vowed to bomb terrorists nations into the stone age and our president declared war by walking into a cabinet meeting and announcing, 'Let’s kick some ass.' And all God’s people said 'Amen.' ”

The words of people like Shaun and Andrew Osenga and Derek Webb have really helped me move beyond the tradtional "Christian=patriotic white middle class Republican" mindset and arrive at Scripture. I was slowly getting through it on my own, but they've helped a lot. (It also helps that I was a white middle class Canadian before I was white middle class American.)
Jesus didn't show up and say "Let's kick some Roman ass!" When some "terrorists" ran the planes into New York my first thought was not "Let's kick some ass" but, "It's about time." The US had been playing the big bully for a long time and it was pretty much inevitable that someone would bring the fight here. While many of the good little Christians were foaming at the mouth and singing patriotic songs, I wondered who was concerned for the people on the other side of the "war." How were/are their souls less valuable than any American's?
Yes, I think it is noble to defend the defenseless, but the "war on terror" has gone beyond that now. And how can you fight an ideology or belief? Is this a new twist on the Crusades? "Wipe out the terrorists!" "Onward Christian/American soldiers!"

"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Matthew 5:43-45

Student Teaching

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:26:00 +0000

I am in a 4th grade class student teaching and it is a lot different then I ever imagined. First of I am trying to keep organized and up to speed with correcting papers and trying to help my cooperating teaching keep organized. It is very hard to keep motivated. We are consistently going, going, going with either paper work, collecting papers, having parents sign papers, dealing with problem students.....nothing like I would have ever imagined.

I have been doing this for 2 weeks, but although it seems difficult, I am excited to be teaching the students and getting experience actually up front interacting with the students. I haven't been actually teaching yet, but just interacting with the students by observing and helping them out, getting them used to the first couple of weeks of 4th grade.

Please be praying for the well-being of my cooperating teacher, the students and myself. We are all feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the first couple weeks of school and getting into a normal routine. I am suppose to be in the classroom for 540 hours, which is about the whole semester. I am looking forward to teaching and being able to have my own classroom. I am trying not to take over the class too right now. For instance, when she is dealing with some student problems, I will take over and have them do something simple while she is out of the classroom.

One of the problems we are facing this year, is a couple of the students are hard to handle. They need extra time and effort to deal with them in the regular classroom. one of the students is suppose to have an aide, but for some reason, doesn't this year, which is causing difficulty and problems. Another student is ADHD and that definitely causes problems within the classroom.

So, will you please be praying for a extra extra patience with the students and the school this year.

Thanks,
(Bethany)

Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:40:00 +0000

Here is an interesting website that will take you through a quiz and determine where you stand on the social-political grid.

Take the quiz and let me know where you end up. But one thing to keep in mind:
"The Political Compass is a universal tool, reflecting the full spectrum of political thought, and applicable to all democracies. US politics are generally fought within a more confined space. While in mainstream America, Clinton, for example, may be seen as left leaning, in the overall political landscape, she is a moderate conservative. Someone like Kucinich, while seen by his severest opponents as an extreme left winger, would qualify as a typical social democrat in a European context."

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:24:00 +0000

"I’ll tell you what a mental problem is: when you can spend your lifetime reading a book whose purpose is to draw you into friendship with Jesus, and your main public response to that book is to criticize other people."

-as heard in the Boar's Head Tavern

Some Insight

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:46:00 +0000

So, this morning I was reading through Ephesians 3 in the Bible and then I read the Commentary done by Jon Coursen. I believe that God really spoke through this topical study he wrote about Ephesian 3:14-17. And I thought I would share it on here. I do not know who reads this and I don't really care, but I think that it's important for me to get this out on the internet because maybe someone who usually doesn't read blogs, will find this comforting and encouraging. I feel that God is leading me to share what I have learned in my devotions this morning, with others.

Ephesians 3:14-17 (18-19)

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

A topical study of Ephesians 3:14-17 titled: “Jesus: At Home In Your Heart”

Written in Jon Courson’s Application Commentary of the New Testament

Confusion must have filled their heats. Questions must have flooded their minds, for hadn’t Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2)? Why, then, a few moments later did He say, “If a man love Me, He will keep My words. My Father will love him and We will come unto him and make our abode with him” (John 14:23)?

“I’m going to prepare a place for you,” Jesus said-“and yet I will come and live in you.” We see Paul the apostle using the same imagery in our text when he says his prayer is that Christ will dwell in our hearts by faith. The Greek word translated “dwell” is katoikeo. Oikeo means “to dwell in a house.” Kat means “down.” Therefore, katoikeo means “down home.”

The idea is that Jesus would be completely at home in our hearts.

“Behold, I stand at the door of your hearts and knock,” Jesus said, “If any man hear my voice and open the doors, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he will Me” (Revelation 3:20).

Holman Hunt’s famous painting, depicting Jesus standing at the door of what appears to be an English cottage, hands in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

“There’s a problem with your painting, Mr. Hunt,” a critic is reported to have said upon first viewing his work. “There’s no doorknob on the door.”

“Ah,” Mr. Hunt is said to have replied, “the door handle is only on the inside, for it’s up to the one within to respond to the knock of Jesus.”

Jesus will not force His way into a heart. He won’t barge in where He’s not welcome. He’s a perfect gentleman who knocks and says, “If you’ll respond to Me, I’ll come in and dine with you. But the choice is up to you.”

Most of us have made that choice. We heard His knock and said, “Come in, Lord. Come into the home of my heart.” And He did.

The Living Room

The first room He saw in the home of my heart was the living room. “Nice room,” He said.

“Thanks, Lord. It’s one of my favorite spots because it’s relatively quiet and secluded.”

“I’ll meet you here every morning of every day,” He said. “Before the day gets going, I’ll meet you here in the early morning, and we’ll talk about what’s ahead. When I walked in Israel, I needed instruction and help daily from My Father. So morning by morning, the Father spoke into My ear, giving me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary (Isaiah 50:4). And now I’ll do the same for you.”

What followed was great. I would come into the living room, a fire would be crackling in the fireplace, and Jesus would be there, ready to talk with me and listen to me. It was a great way to start the day. As time went on, however, things got busy, or so I thought. Rushing out the door to a meeting, I caught a glimpse of Him, sitting. And I realized I hadn’t met with Him for a number of mornings. I stopped in my tracks and walked sheepishly over to where He was sitting, thinking He would lecture me. But He didn’t. There was a smile on His face and a sparkle in His eye as He said, “As I was saying . . .” continuing the conversation we had shared the last time we were together. And I understood then, truly, that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). He just continues to make Himself available morning by morning to help me speak wisely and to navigate life successfully.

The Study

As the morning drew to a close, Jesus said, “What is that room over there?”

“Oh, that’s my study. Come on in.” He followed me in, and I noticed He was looking rather intently at the books on the shelves.

“Look, Lord,” I said proudly, “I’ve got all the latest bestsellers: Winning Through Intimidation, Watch Out for Number One, I’m OK You’re OK, Dressed for Success, and Awakening the Giant Within.

“Do these books works?” He asked.

“Not really,” I answered. “That’s why I keep collecting more.”

“How about a book trade?” He asked.

“Sure, Lord. What do You have in mind?”

You give Me your books, and I’ll give you sixty-six books bound in a single volume-one that will make you unashamed as you study to show yourself approved unto Me (2 Timothy 2:15), one that comes with an incredible guarantee that if you meditate upon it day and night, you will navigate life prosperously and successfully” (Joshua 1:8).

He took my books. I took His. And suddenly my study was filled with a Book that would intrigue me for the rest of my life.

The Family Room

“What’s that I hear down the hall?” Jesus asked.

“That’s my family room,” I said, opening the door. My kids stopped their playing and rushed toward Him.

“Back off, you guys,” I said, laughing.

“I think I’ve heard that before,” He said, “when some other disciples tried to keep their kids away from Me (Matthew 19:13). Allow them to come.”

So they tackled Him, and He wrestled with my kids on the floor. They had the time of their lives. Then He calmed them down a bit and began telling them stories. I could see my oldest son nod his head in agreement, and a smile on the face of my youngest daughter. Suddenly, a peace enveloped the room that was usually so rambunctious, so disorderly, so chaotic.

“This is amazing, Lord,” I said. “You’ve altered this room radically.”

That’s why I asked you, as head of the house, to let me into the family room,” He said. “I’ll alter your kids, your marriage, your home, if you will build a family altar to Me. You see, more than any other group of people-more than your congregation or your elders or your friends-your wife and your kids are your primary disciples. So bring your family together, and learn of Me. There’s nothing more important you can do.”

The Recreation Room

Hearing a knock on the doors, I opened it to find my buddies. We walked down the hall into the recreation room. “Lord, You wouldn’t like it in here,” I said. “This group is real rowdy. So I’ll meet you in the living room in an hour or so.”

The boys and I grabbed our pools cues, turned on the radio, and began doing what we did every Tuesday. But this time, it didn’t work. The jokes just weren’t as funny, and the conversation suddenly seemed shallow and empty. Even the lyrics of the music bothered me. After half an hour or so, I heard a knock on the door. It was Jesus.

He began to talk with my buddies, and I was absolutely amazed because they all loved Him. Oh, a couple of guys got upset and stormed out. But I learned later they weren’t my friends after all. They just wanted to use my pool table.

I learned that Jesus is the Life of the party in the truest sense of the word. I also learned that I’m free to do anything as long as I have Him with me because He changes the atmosphere. Now, if I go into a party and the party changes me, then I must leave. But if the party changes and people start thinking about Jesus as a result of my being there, I am free. And I discovered that Jesus Christ has spoiled me-for I had too much of Him to enjoy the old spots. So I’ve learned to bring the Lord with me to all of my recreational pursuits, and to watch how He infused them with His life.

The Dining Room

After working up quite an appetite, I said, “Lord, let’s go get something to eat.” We went into the dining room and sat down to my usual meal.

“This is what you eat?” the Lord asked.

“Every day,” I answered.

“Really? This is the way your satisfy your appetite?” He asked incredulously as He looked at the large glob of cotton candy on my plate.

“This is the way I try to satisfy my craving,” I said. “I must admit, however, that although it looks good, when I take a bite, there’s just nothing there. That’s why I follow it with a hot fudge sundae. I eat the ice cream and the hot fudge and the whipped cream, and there’s something there, all right-but every time I’m done, I feel sick. So I decide never to have another one. Then about five hours later, I think another hot fudge would taste pretty good, so I dish one up again. But although I feel full- I never feel satisfied.

After hearing this, He went into the kitchen and came back a few minutes later with the most interesting meal for me” a little cup full of juice and a little piece of unleavened bread. “This is My body, eat of Me. This is my blood. Drink deeply,” He said.

Something happened at my table that evening. It became the Lord’s table. And it became incredibly satisfying to commune with Jesus. Feeling satisfied in a way I never had before, I suddenly understood what He when He said, “Whoever drinks of the water I shall give shall never thirst again” (John 4:14).

Brother or sister-if you’re thirsting today, it’s because you’ve gone back to the old watering holes. If you’re feeling empty and troubled, it’s because you’re gone back to the old ways. Whoever drinks of the water of the world will thirst over and over again, for it will never be enough. But whoever drinks of the water Jesus gives, will be satiated at last.

The Workshop

“What’s behind that door?” the Lord asked.

“That’s my workshop. I don’t go out there much anymore,” I said, opening the door, to find some unfinished wooden planes and cars on the worktable. “I’ve lost interest in there things,” I said, “Besides, I’m not that good at woodworking”

“I’m a Master Carpenter,” He said. “I can give you some help on there projects.” So He gave me some advice on putting them together.

Then He said, “Now take those toys-the hobby you’re been pursuing-and give them away.”

So I grabbed my little toys, found some kids at the park, and said, “You guys want some planes and cars?” Their eyes lit up. And suddenly my hobby made sense.

“So that’s what you meant, Lord, when You told us that in the measure we give out, it will be given back,” I said (Luke 6:38).

People garden, paint, remodel, bowl, and collect things only to get bored and go on to the next hobby. If hobbies, however, were used to someone else, what a difference it would make. You who like to garden-mow someone’s lawn for free next Saturday and leave a note on the door saying, “God bless you.” You who like to bake-make some cookies and give them to someone in need in Jesus’ name. You who like to ride bikes-how about taking a kid who doesn’t have a dad on a ride around the lake? In this way, biking, gardening, and baking have meaning because you’re in the workshop using the talents and interests God give you to share with others. Use those talents only for yourself, and you’ll be boring and shallow. But give them away, and you’ll be blown away with blessing.

What a difference the Lord has made in my heart. The workshop has meaning again. The family room is not so chaotic. The dining room satisfies the appetites and cravings of my heart. The study is rich with wisdom and insight.

But one day, the Lord said to me, “From the day I came in here, I’ve smelled something foul. It’s making Me ill-not because of how it affects Me-but because I know it is poisonous to you and your family. There’s a toxic dump somewhere in this house, and I’ve determined it’s behind that door right down the hall.”

“Oh, Lord,” I said, “that’s just an old closet. I’m going to take care of it sometime. I know it stinks, but You’ll grow accustomed to it. Trust me, I’ve had it for a number of years, and I don’t even notice anymore.”

“Can I have a look?” He asked.

“No, Lord,” I said. “I’ve given You entry into every room in the house of my heart. But that one closet is mine. I know it stinks, but it’s mine. You’re welcome to go where You want and do what You wish in every other room-but that closet belongs to me.”

With that, He slipped away into the farthest corner of the home. And suddenly, the family room lost it’s life. The study became tedious. The old songs began to be played in the recreation room. And the dining room table held only cotton candy and hot fudge sundaes. After several days, I said, “Lord, I don’t want You stuck off in a corner of the house. I want You to move around freely. I need You in my family room. I need You in my study. I need You in my living room. But I can’t deal with that closet, Lord, I don’t know what to do.”

“All I’m asking,” He replied, “is that you agree with Me that it stinks and that it’s got to go. I’ll do the rest-but you must give me your permission.” That’s what confession is. Confession simply means to agree. That’s why the apostle John says if we confess our sin, he will be faithful and just to forgive our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

I had forgotten how good a house could smell. I was reminded of the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mary poured ointment on Jesus, and John records that the fragrance filled the whole house (John 12:3). In other words, the whole house smelled like Jesus.

“Lord, You have been such a wonderful influence in the house of my heart,” I said. “From now on, it’s Your house. I’ll be the guest. You be the owner.

Smiling, He said, “I have a better idea. Now that you’ve given Me your house, let’s go to My house. I’ve been working on it for two thousand years. I can’t want to show you what I’ve prepared for you.”

Once I gave Him control of my home, His work was done. Now He could take me to His home. And that’s a whole new story. I can’t tell it to you because eyes have not seen and ears have not heard the things God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). It’s a story beyond description.

That’s where we’re going, gang. You who, by faith, have allowed Christ to dwell in your hearts, to be at home in your hearts, will soon find yourself at home in the place He’s preparing for you. In the meantime, while we await that day, we can experience a bit of heaven in our lives presently as we allow Him to be at home in every room of our hearts. May the Lord help us to give Him the keys to every closet, the title deed to the home in its entirety. May we be those who say, “Come on it, Lord. It’s all Yours.”

Our Beautiful Gifts From God!

noreply@blogger.com (Flameage) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:00:00 +0000

Here are some adorable pictures of the girls that I have taken throughout the month of July. They are getting so big! Hannah is 30 months (2 1/2 years old)
And Grace is 5 months old!

Hannah and Grace were looking at me while Clint took the picture.
So cute!

Hannah was begging to watch MacGyver. What a goof!

Oh, she loves MacGyver!

Clint calls her a trucker girl!

Grace was sucking on an apple. She loved it!

She was COVERED in apple slobber!

Hannah and her adorable little shirt! Isn't she a doll?

Gracie is learning how to sit up by herself! And she loves her picture taken

What a goofy grin!

What a big girl!
She loves to hold her bottle and talk with it while it's in her mouth.