The Flames

Politics again...

2008-09-23T13:37:00.002-07:00

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

2008-09-23T10:18:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-10T14:22:00.003-07:00

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

2008-09-10T14:14:00.002-07:00

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

2008-08-25T09:54:00.002-07:00

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

2008-05-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-22T11:42:00.002-07:00

If Jesus Had a Blog...

Quote of the day

2008-04-09T11:26:00.001-07:00

"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

2008-02-29T08:40:00.002-07:00

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

2008-02-28T10:20:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-02-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-01-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

"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 ..........

2007-12-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

2007-11-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-11-09T11:53:00.001-07:00

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.

2007-11-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-13T09:14:00.001-07:00

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

2007-09-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-09-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-16T09:40:00.001-07:00

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."

2007-08-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

"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

2007-08-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-08-02T12:00:00.001-07:00

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.

Baptist Communion

2007-07-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Internet Monk wonders why Baptists don't have communion more...

Reason #2:
" 'If we do it more often, it won’t be as special.'

I’d love to see the response of these preachers if their wives came up with that line regarding sex. 'I’m sorry sweetheart. More than once every three months would make it so much less special.' "

Read the whole post here.

All good things must come to an end

2007-07-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

Well, our journey to Canada has ended. Clint is back at work today and I am back at home with the girls trying to recover from two weeks of partying and staying up way past our bedtime. Life in Canada was wonderful. We enjoyed riding and riding, and riding some more. We went fishing, sort of. We also went canoeing together and we went to the pool. I met a lot of family whom I had never met before. It was just a blast! We dreaded having to come back to our lives here in Phoenix. Oh well, all good things must come to an end. Our flights to Winnipeg and back home were horrible, but God got us through both delays and turbulence....everything in a flight you don't want, happened to us, except for crashing of course. It felt like there was going to be a near-death experience. Anyways, we had a blast and wish we could stay there forever. Clint said now he is restless and doesn't like riding his yamaha when he rode a harley for two weeks.

But what I was really going to do right now, is post a bunch of pictures from our trip.

The Ulrich Reunion "Rebellion"

Gracie and her can of coke. She actually was trying to lick the can.

Grace and Hannah. Grace can sit up and she likes to sit with her big sister

This sign took Heidi and me almost an hour to make :)

Heidi and Chrissy. Good times!

Clin shooting clay pigeons

"joy like a fountain"

Hannah's crush

Our Canoeing Adventure!

Me taking a picture of myself :)

Isn't this beautiful?

The fearless leader

Our canoe

It was hot and humid!

And other various pictures:

The harley that we will forever miss!

That's Clint's baby alright!

Laura and Hannah. Hannah loved to be around her.

The "sisters" on Grandpa Isaak's side.

Our family picture. Both kids are actually somewhat happy

Clint and his "cool" look

Our caravan of bikes; 6 altogether

Daddy's little girl

Cody's baptism. It was really awesome to see him being baptized

Hannah and her crazy long hair, that needs to be cut!

Our homestead. Thanks Merl and Glenda for letting us party for 2 weeks with you!

My little cowgirl. She looks so natural

Heidi and Grace. She always loved to try to take care of her

We look good in leather, don't we?

aw, look at all those bikes!

40 Day Fast

2007-06-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

40 different bloggers have committed to dedicating their blog to a cause outside of themselves, one day each for 40 days.

See the link on the sidebar.

In other news!

2007-06-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

NO, I am not pregnant, but I am officially done with school! And here are some pictures of Gracie doing pushups and Hannah painting her tongue green!

Gracie is getting soo big. She lovs to do push ups

Hannah being her normal goofy self getting
into everything INCLUDING the paint!

10 Days...

2007-06-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

The countdown has begun. We are 10 days away from leaving the oven and winging our way north.

In other news...

Gracie drools a lot and tries to do pushups. Hannah painted her tongue yesterday and is hopefully going to potty train soon.

This is the life!

2007-05-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hannah and MacGyver!

So, this morning Hannah went into our bedroom (this is where we keep all of our movies) and she picked out MacGyver to watch! She came out into the living room where I was with Grace and she goes "watch, mommy, watch?" So, my 2-year old wanted to watch MacGyver instead of her normal shows like Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer! That's my girl!!! so, we just ended the first episode on season three (the one I have seen the most) and the episode ended and she was sitting on her couch saying, "more?" So, of course I had to put more on for my little MacGyver fan :) it was quite funny because she was also so concerned whenever someone on there "cries". What a goof!

2007-05-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

In response to this post by Caleb Campbell:

Gender goes deeper than mere plumbing. I think God intentionally created man and woman and intentionally made them different physically, emotionally, etc, etc. I don't belive He left gender to personal choice. In that case He could've made us all hermaphrodites and called it a day. Of course that would then preclude free will. Clothing choice can be chalked up to cultural values (nurture), but there are emotional and physical traits that are innate, not learned (nature). Though some can be learned/unlearned, these innate characteristics cannot all be attributed to outside imposition (once again, cultural values).

And no, I don't think God is technically "bound to gender," as gender applies to physical beings. Referring to God as "Him" is probably due to the fact that Jesus was a man and that the writers of Scripture lived in a patriarchal society.

2007-05-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from graduation. Yes! I am finally graduated! Now all I have to do is Student Teach in the fall!

My parents and me-Roger, Sharon, and me

My other set of parents :)-David, Brenda, Clint, and me

The WHOLE family! Huge family, but this is even without the kids. Didn't want to try to wrangle 5 children...... (I won't name everyone)

Clint and me! Finally graduated!

Thinking to myself "yes, finally the ceremony is done! Now can I go home?"

2007-04-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

Bethany has said for a while now that we should get a big map and I should put pins at all the places I've lived. Well, Google maps has allowed me to do that online.

A Geographical History of Me can now be viewed online, with brief descriptions at each location.

There's just nothing like making your personal history available to millions of people...

2007-04-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Adorable Pictures of our family!

Gracie posing for the camera

Hannah loves being a big sister and taking pictures with her little sister.
anytime she can hold her, she gets excited!

It looks like Grace is laughing! Then the next picture
I took she was crying. Goofy girls!

The cousins trying to pose for the camera.
Try getting 4 little kids to smile for the camera all at once, very hard!

My big 2 year old girl!

Daddy and his little girls!

And Finally, the family! All dressed up for Easter!

AND NOW THE UPDATE!
Graduating:
In less than a week, I will be free from school (sort of) forever! Granted, I am getting my Education degree, so I will be in school until I retire probably, but I will not longer have to do Taylor or Hitson papers (for those of you who don't know, they are 30+ page papers)

I will be student teaching in the fall, but I will be FREE FROM SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE forever! Yay!

For those of you who don't know, I have been going towards an Elementary Education major for 6 years. I took one semester off to get married (which is a very good idea) and then I had to take 2 more Spring semesters off to have babies. I wouldn't change the way my life is for anything. I love being a mommy of a 2 year old and a 2 month old. They are so beautiful and fun to watch grow up. I could never have done any of this without the love and support of my husband and family. My husband has been wonderful, playing mommy sometimes when I would take my night classes. It has been hard, but it's has so been worth it. Now I am able to make all of those all-nighters, 30+ papers all worth it. I can be in the classroom making a difference, one child at a time. Thank you to all of you for all of the encouraging words that you have given me throughout my schooling. I don't think I will be doing any more classes for awhile (except the ones my school decided to tell me I didn't have and almost said I couldn't graduate!) But eventually I will get a certificate (probably) in Special Education, but I want to be able to take a break and be a full-time mommy with maybe substitute teacher until I am done having babies. (Yes, we may have more, don't know yet)

I know this sounds corny and everything, but my graduating is just one step closer to another chapter in my life. It still feels surreal that I will be walking across stage getting my degree (sort of) after spending 6 years in the program watching all of my other friends graduate before I could. Now there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The Family:

Since I still have your attention, I thought I would give you all an update on my family as well.

Clint and I have been going to Desert Spring Bible Church since November and love it! Hannah loves being in the toddler room.

Hannah is a precocious little 2 year old. She loves being a big sister, but at the same time hates it. She still wants mommy to do things for her on demand and realizing that there is someone else that demands my time, is difficult for her to grasp and comprehend. But she is a good big sister. She loves to help mommy with taking care of Grace and Grace really responds to her. Grace's first smile was at Hannah. Grace loves to hear her big sister. It's so cute! Hannah also has been expanding her vocabulary very very much. She is such a talker. And she picks up her vocabulary from tv, from us, from everyone. And she is talking in almost full sentences. My baby is growing up to be such a big girl! I can't believe it!

Grace is already 8 weeks old (2 months on the 3rd). She is growing sooo fast! She is the opposite of Hannah, at the moment, which we knew was going to happen. She gained 2 pounds in one month, so at least I know I was feeding her right. I am sure she is well over 11 pounds. She also has the cutest little baby rolls on her legs :) And now as I mentioned above, she is responding to the sounds of voices. Just today she was talking to her daddy. Grace is really a good baby. She eats a lot in the morning, has a good long afternoon nap, and then eats for a little bit in the evening. Then she usually sleeps for about 6-7 hours at night. She usually eats at around 9:30/10:00pm and then goes to sleep til about 3 or 4 and wakes up when the alarm goes off at about 6:30. She is definitely different from Hannah, but in a good way.

Life is busy, busy, busy, but so good. God has blessed us with so much and we are so thankful for everything we have in our lives. I am just so thankful for all of the support and love through this chapter in my life. I am so greatful that I pushed myself to get my degree. Now I can move on with my life and be a REAL teacher.

So, I will probably not be on here much because I will have to be getting my house ready for a party! If you are graduating, congrats and I will see you at graduation! Excited, excited!!!!!

2007-04-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

If it seems like all I do on this blog is direct you to other blogs, you're almost right. I guess I don't give myself enough time to have an original thought. Maybe it's because I work in a callcenter and talk about the same things every day. Who knows?

Anyway, Brant Hansen has some good thoughts on "sacred vs. secular." For instance, "Your computer isn't secular. If you mop a floor at work, you're not mopping a secular floor. If you're mowing grass, you're not mowing secular grass. It's God's grass, man."

When I was at Greenville College, that was a big thing they talked about- "All truth is God's truth." It doesn't matter who it comes from, truth is truth. There are no degrees of truth, just as there are no degrees of sin (ie- homosexuality is no worse than gluttony).

Look at that, an original thought. Cool.

You can read Brant's post here. While you're there, browse through some other posts. He's posed some interesting questions, like "Was Jesus a good teacher?"

Enjoy!

2007-04-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's been a month since we've posted anything. Gracie is about 7 wks old already.

If you have kids, plan to have kids, or have been a parent for a long time, read this essay. If you've read this blog before, you probably know that I usually like and agree with what the Internet Monk (Michael Spencer) has to say. The link above is about how religious/Christian parents screw up their kids. It's quite interesting and unfortunately true, to a degree. See what you think!

2007-03-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

I know that nobody really reads this, and most people who do read this already know this, but Grace Gillian was born on March 3, 2007! Finally! Mommy and baby are doing great. We'll put some pictures up here soon.

2007-03-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

So, today may be the day. I have been having some significant signs of labor and they are even increasing when I am doing things around the house, which is a good sign. So, maybe when Clint gets home from work today they will be enough to go the hospital. Please just pray that this is the last time that we go to the hospital for Grace. We are trying to be patient, but every day we think she may come, but nothing comes out of the contractions. We would really like to meet our new baby girl. That's all for now. Please pray that this time will be it and we don't have to wait anymore.

2007-02-23T10:29:00.001-07:00

I’m tired of hearing people put labels on their faith/beliefs.
“I’m Truly Reformed.” “I’m Reformed Baptist.” “I’m Southern Baptist.” “I’m Conservative Baptist.” “I’m Emergent.” “I’m a 5 point Calvinist.” “I’m Lutheran.” “I’m Presbyterian.”

I’m a follower of Jesus. I refuse to put a label, denominational or otherwise, on my faith. I can kind of understand why people might like to. Maybe it gives them some sense of identity or community. Maybe it helps them to have a set of guidelines or tenets of belief. But personally, I don’t need that. I have Scripture and I have access to great teachers from many denominations and backgrounds.

A few months ago we started going to a new church, after being at the previous one for 5+ years. It is one of the many “non-denominational” churches, and it has been, for lack of a better word, refreshing. We don’t take up collections for the denomination’s mission board, Christmas offering, or Easter offering. We don’t hear about how the denomination had a large presence in New Orleans after the hurricane, second only to the Red Cross. We don’t get the feeling that the denomination is more important than the message. We hear about how the church is teaming up with other churches, regardless of denomination, to build houses and a community center in a town in Mexico. We have the ongoing opportunity to provide food and other necessities for a poor, mostly Hispanic community near the church. We also have the opportunity to help an organization serve the poor, underprivileged, and homeless in South Phoenix. It is true faith set in motion. It goes beyond lip service to action.

The label “Christian” is even kind of sketchy. The word “Christian” has come to mean so many different things and has been dragged through the mud by so many who have used that label for personal gain. I think “follower of Jesus” says it best. If you truly follow Jesus and His teachings, you can’t be in it for personal or corporate gain. The phrase does not bring with it thoughts of rules and lists of do’s and don’ts. It doesn’t make you picture televangelists with slick hair and even slicker rhetoric.

I’d love to get thoughts and opinions from the 3 people who read this. Let’s hear it, Trav!

2007-02-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Once again, if you're a good little fundamentalist, skip this post. Or, better yet, read it with an open mind.

I am sick and tired of legalism replacing true faith. It absolutely boggles my mind that someone can claim to love and follow Jesus in one breath and in the next say they'll "never go to San Francisco because that's where the gays are." You've got to be kidding me! Who did the Jesus you claim to love hang out with? Tax collectors, whores, and fishermen. Who did he not get along with? The local religious leaders who had thought up a list of things people needed to do (or not do) to be "right with God." In short, they promoted legalism.

(On a side note: I'm also sick of the "Christian=Republican" mindset. Since when did George W become infallible?)

To continue in this vein, go to the Burnside Writer's Collective and read this article.

2007-02-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm linking to a couple other blogs again.

Andrew Osenga has some good points to ponder about using someone else's ideas (ie: 24, U2, MTV) to get people into church.

Also, to prove that the internet and all us little bloggers can make a difference, Shaun Groves has this request.

2007-01-31T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute pictures of Hannah and Clint at their birthday party on Saturday. It went relatively smooth. A little cold for Phoenix, but not too bad.

Hannah and Clint's birthday cake.
A "Shre" cake with yummy filling. (real strawberries in the middle)

Our big 2 year old.

Hannah loves her new "Elmo water baby"

Clint, so enthusiastic about his gift

Hannah loves to try to wear daddy's helmet before he has to go to work

2007-01-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my prego belly at 8 months (33 wks)

My black and white picture of my belly

My "true" belly

Another black and white picture. I look big!

This is really what I look like. I am not too big, yet...
only a few more weeks until Gracie is here

2007-01-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Another great blog link. The Internet Monk and Boar's Head Tavern have created a list of Chrisitan-themed "reality" shows, based on current shows. It is hilarious. And I'm sure that right now, someone wearing a WWJD bracelet and munching TestaMints is already developing some of these ideas for TBN and i (formerly known as PAX).

Go here to see the post.

2007-01-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

OK, so you absolutely have to go to Andy Osenga's blog and read his last two posts. Apparently Clay Aiken has some ardent fans who worship the hallowed ground he prances on. The comments people left were hilarious. Start here and then go here.

Enjoy!

(That is, of course, unless you're a Claymate.)

2007-01-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of updates on the Left Behind video game. Apparently, the makers of the game have posted a response to Brant Hansen's "Q & A," which I linked to earlier. Here is the response, and here is another comment about the game's characters.

2006-12-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hannah loves to be like daddy.
She loves to put shaving cream and daddy will "shave" it off her face.

2006-12-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hannah loves to "help" mommy put chapstick on her lips.
She loves to put it on herself too.

2006-12-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here is our Santa baby eating before she sees "mama" and "pampa" or Grandma and Grandpa. She loves her cereal!

2006-12-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

I've been saying this for a while: Don't waste your time with Left Behind!

Exhibit A: See above screenshot. This is a scene from the new "Left Behind:Eternal Forces" video game, which I will never play, let alone buy. Apparently the "good guys" (Christians) learn skills and power up at Mission Training and at churches/cathedrals and become more spiritual by praying. The "bad guys" can be killed in self-defense but you lose spirituality points and then must pray to get your spirituality back up. Wow. Exactly what Jesus did.

Exhibit B: Go to this blog and read a helpful q & a session with someone who has actually played the game and from whom I borrowed the above screenshot.

It's really funny (in a sad, strange way) and really, really sad that this game exists. I can just imagine youth groups having "Left Behind:Eternal Forces" tournaments on video-projector screens across America. Makes me shudder and reach for my box of Testa-Mints.

2006-12-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

Here is our Christmas Picture 2006. We are not going to send out pictures until Grace is born. We thought it would be better to have a full family picture when Grace is born in March. We will send it over email too.

2006-12-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Here is Clint and Hannah as cowboy/girl. She loves to wear daddy's cowboy hat, so mommy decided to buy her one earlier today. Now she keeps making daddy wear his hat so mommy can take more pictures. She loves to be like daddy.

2006-12-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

So, I am at the end of my schooling career. After 5 and ½ years with taking two spring semesters off, I am officially done with Southwestern College. My last final was Tuesday afternoon. Now I am recuperating from the last semester I just finished. I am only taking two classes online at Rio Salado, but they should be easy enough that I shouldn’t have to do too much. I am trying to get them done before my due date, but my final for one of the classes in March 3, 2007 and I am due March 10^th, so that will be interesting.

This will also be the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I will be done officially with school next fall, but I will be graduating from college (finally) in May. I am student teaching in the Fall at Larkspur Elementary for 4^th grade. That will be interesting because I don’t know a lot about 4^th grade material. Oh, side note: if anyone is wanting a full-time job of taking care of two children, let me know. I am so excited and ready to be done with school. I will also be a mother of two children under the age of 3. That will be new, exciting, but scary at the same time. Both Clint and I are getting more excited about having another baby, but having two children comes more responsibility and stress. We know that God will provide for our needs, whether it is financially or the littlest stuff like our sanity with two children in the house. I am now 27 week pregnant (for those who don’t know in those terms, I am 6 months and 1 week or just about). I have about 14 weeks left, but that’s if Grace is full-term and she is born on her due date, which I highly doubt. I also saw the doctor today and it’s always interesting to have to go to the doctor and try to keep a 2 year old entertained. I had to take the Glucose test and it was nasty and I HATE needles. Oh, wait, I want a tattoo, how can I have a tattoo and not like needles at the same time. Well……I guess we’ll see when we get to that part of my life.

The hard thing about this time of year is trying not to get sick. Everyone I know has the same symptoms as I do. Even my OBGYN has the cold symptoms. What stinks even more is the fact that both Hannah and I are sick. I can’t take anything that is strong enough to get rid of this and Hannah is so grumpy, she is hard to take care of. Hannah will get medicine at night and she will sleep through the night, but I am the opposite. I try to take something at night and it keeps me up. I was up like 3 times last night, not being able to get back to sleep right away each time. That makes it hard for me and for Hannah because we both don’t feel good and we are both tired and cranky. But enough with that, there is still so much to be thankful for.

We are going to a new church right now. We needed a change and it’s been really good for all of us. Hannah loves the nursery/toddler room. She is building with blocks every time we come to pick her up. Clint and I really are enjoying the music and the message the pastor has taught on each Sunday. And then at night we are going to a young adults class and they have a good message each time and it’s nice to be around more people our age.

God has really blessed us this year. I think about all of the new things we have learned by being parents and the challenges being a parent can bring to our walk with God and to our marriage. But through it all, we seem to always go back to God and His Word. We know that life will be challenging, but we are definitely not in it alone. If you are ever discouraged, read any of the Apostle’s writings in the New Testament and they were constantly being persecuted for their beliefs and yet rejoiced in everything.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

My point in all of this is that there will always be trials in your life. That’s a part of being human. The way you look at them is the important thing. There will always be an ending of a part of your life and a beginning of something new. It’s scary, but exciting. Don’t be afraid to talk to God about what you are feeling because that is what He is there for. He is our Father who wants only what is best; even-though we think we know what is best for us. Be strong in your trials and rejoice, thanking God and asking for help in the mist of them as well.

Well, this is my soapbox, sorry guys. I went on a tangent, but I think it needed to be said. And yes, I need to take my own advice. I hope you can take this to heart and not just read it and forget about what is being said. Well, everyone have a wonderful Christmas holiday break.

2006-12-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

Hannah getting ready for "Winter" in Phoenix, because it's like 50 degrees here :)

2006-12-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

***Disclaimer: If you’re a good little fundamentalist, begin picking up choice stones to throw now. Better yet, go read John 8:7b, 1 Corinthians 9:22b, and Luke 10:27.***

Why have we, as followers of Christ, allowed “Christian” to mean “second-rate” instead of merely “different?”

“Christian” has become a sub-culture. Examples abound: “Christian” music, “Christian” radio, “Christian” books, and “Christian” stores. This is nothing new. The Christian sub-culture has been around for a long time but has, in the last 25-30 years, become very pronounced. And the quality and purpose have become worse and worse until most things “Christian” have become second-rate. The music is largely “cookie cutter,” the movies are generally pathetic, and other art forms are almost non-existent. Dancing is still out, although it’s all over the Old Testament. I cannot think of one “Christian” painter other than Thomas Kinkade, whose work is all over the “Christian” bookstores.

When did verses like Luke 10:27 become “’Love the Lord your God with most of your heart and with some of your soul and with little of your strength and with hardly any of your mind’ and Love your Christian neighbor as yourself?” When was creative thought banned from the mainstream of Christian life? When was it demoted to the fringes of “Christian” society? Why aren’t we loving God with ALL OUR MINDS?

To clarify, I don’t outright object to having “Christian” music, etc. The problems come when “Christians” forget to turn on their brains. Jesus (Remember Him? Radical, liberal type who hung out with whores?) told us to love God with ALL our mind(s). That covers anything that comes out of your head, including, but not limited to: thoughts, music, ideas, art, screenplays, sermons, words in a conversation, recipes, and ranting essays. Making music that sounds like somebody (everybody) else is not using ALL your mind. Making a movie or writing a screenplay that preaches to the choir is not using ALL your mind. Not recognizing dance or visual art as worship is not using ALL your mind. Saying that God hates “fags” is not using your brain at all and means you did not read the New Testament at all. (See www.godhatesfags.com and prepare to puke.)

There is a point buried here somewhere.

God did not call us to make mediocre music, produce happy movies, sell t-shirts with lame slogans, and jump on the “bracelet-with-a-message” bandwagon. He called us to be Ambassadors. He called us to be creative, thought-provoking weirdos who aren’t afraid to leave the Christian ghetto. People who claim to follow Jesus should actually do it. Read the Gospels and make a list of the places He went, who he interacted with and what He said to them, and what the results of His interactions were. Now compare that list to the modus operandi of most modern, Western Christians. Shocking difference, isn’t it?

Why am I writing this? Because last night Bethany and I watched Woman, Thou Art Loosed and it is the only “Christian” movie I would ever recommend to anyone. And “Christians” largely ignored it because it shows real life. It doesn’t have a happy, “inspirational” ending. I never cry in movies, but both of us were wiping away tears at the end of this one. The reality and the spirituality of the film hits you right between the eyes, if you aren’t afraid to watch an R-rated movie. It seems that we forget that life is R-rated. For that matter, the Bible is R-rated; it’s full of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Woman, Thou Art Loosed actually had an impact on me and no other “Christian” movie has ever done that.

To look into this problem further (and I hope you will), read Michael Spencer’s essay on “Christian” movies at http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/riffs-112006-why-bad-christian-movies-succeed-and-better-movies-never-will and read the lyrics of Derek Webb (www.derekwebb.com). Derek addresses many different problems within Western Christianity and the Christian sub-culture.

2006-12-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

Here it is! My new tattoo, done yesterday by Cameron at Sacred Skin here in Phoenix. (www.sacredskinstudios.com) It's on the inside of my left forearm and if you haven't studied Hebrew lately, it says "She'ma Yisrael. Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad."
"Hear, O Israel. The Lord is our God, the Lord is One."

2006-12-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hannah helps with chores. She can already multi-task: fold laundry and read about the "Five Little Ducks" at the same time.

2006-12-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

This was just too weird/ funny not to post.
From cnn.com:

SIERRA VISTA, Arizona (AP) -- A grandmother found with a trunk full of marijuana was convicted of drug running in what prosecutors said was an attempt to earn cash for a bingo habit.
State troopers found 10 bundles of pot totaling 214 pounds hidden in Leticia Villareal Garcia's car trunk last year when they stopped her outside Bisbee, in far southeastern Arizona.
Villareal, 61, told jurors before they convicted her Thursday that her only regular income was a $275 monthly welfare check, but she frequently played bingo and occasionally won thousands of dollars.
Prosecutor Doyle Johnstun said the game was Villareal's undoing.
"People who play bingo almost every night of the week end up losing in the long run," Johnstun told jurors. "The underlying issue is that she's got a bingo problem, which explains why an otherwise nice person might get sucked into something like this."
Jurors rejected Villareal's argument that she'd been tricked into carrying the drugs.
Villareal faces three to 12 years in state prison when she is sentenced December 18.

Cochise County: the gambling Granny smuggler capital of Arizona!

2006-11-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

Curtis Joseph (Cujo) gets ready for the second period against New Jersey. After a rough start to the season, he has found his game again and was solid last night, allowing 1 goal in 15 shots.

2006-11-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hannah having fun at the fountains by Glendale Arena.

2006-11-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

So, we went to our first hockey game of the season last night. The Coyotes played the New Jersey Devils at Glendale Arena. (I hate, hate, hate calling it Jobing.com Arena. Absolutely ridiculous.) We are going to see the 'Yotes play Calgary on December 16, but I was trying to find another game to go to before we get too close to Gracie's due date. On the Coyotes radio broadcasts there were ads for stubhub.com, where you can allegedly get tickets from season ticket holders who can't make it to a game. So I went to the site early last week to see what kind of prices there were. I found lower level tickets (section 102, row X) for only $40 per! Seriously, that's "Prices slashed, everything must go!" type of price. On ticketmaster, $40 tix are upper level. I quickly called Mama and got the go-ahead to order 2 tickets.
The area around Glendale Arena is being developed as the Westgate Center (or something like that) and is allegedly going to be quite a development project. They are putting up a couple hotels right now, as well as a theatre and a shopping center. The fountain above is right by the arena. The streams of water kind of moved in time to different songs, so that was cool. Hannah got a big kick out of it.
The Devils' goalie, Martin Brodeur, has the most wins of any goalie in the NHL right now and is generally one of the best in the league. So, being the faithful fan that I am, I was sure the 'Yotes were doomed. Fortunately, I had forgotten that when Hannah is at a game, the Coyotes win. Seriously, she is 3 for 3 now. A 1.00 win percentage. It was great. The Coyotes had goals from Derek Morris (on a sweet pass from Jeremy Roenick), Dave Scatchard (a redirect on a shot by Ed Jovanovski I believe), and Owen Nolan (slid right under Brodeur's shoulder as he went down to stack the pads). Cujo let in only 1 goal, scored by John Madden.
The Devils played like the Coyotes have been most of the season. They couldn't keep the puck out of their zone and did not put much pressure on the offensive zone. The Coyotes however, only allowed 15 shots all game and for the most part kept NJ out of their end. They put good pressure on Brodeur, with the 3 goals coming in 27 shots (two were top corner, glove side). They played 3 solid periods and looked good throughout the game. It was also Shane Doan's first game back from a back injury, and it was Mike Ricci's first game all season. He had a neck surgery in the off-season and played two games in the minors over the weekend to get back into the swing of things. It was his first time in the minors in his entire 14-year career.
We, as usual, had a lot of fun. Can't wait to go again next month!

2006-11-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Now Grace is being posted. I am 22 weeks pregnant (5 1/2 months) with Grace Gillian Isaak. However, I really don't look that big in real life, I just had to take the picture with one hand.
(Images may appear bigger than in real life). Hannah is growing too. She is 21 months old. She will be 2 on February 1st. Hannah loves to talk to my belly. And Gracie loves to move when I am ready to go to sleep. Hannah points to my belly and says "baby, baby, baby" all the time now and gives kisses to Gracie.

2006-11-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

A recent picture of The Flames.

(not pictured: Pilot Light Gracie)

2006-11-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Because Halloween is such a controversial subject in conservative Christianity, and because my views clash with many in this group, I would like to skip Halloween entirely. But it's impossible. Even the most disinterested Christian is going to be bombarded by messages about how evil 10/31 is, and about all of the atrocities that allegedly happen on that night. Some of these scare tactics have historical basis, but many are just silly. Eggs, toilet paper, and silly costumes are no more satanic than the black cat we used to have. And Halloween isn't the only "holiday" with sinister origins. I don't know the exact history, but I've been told that Jesus did not invent the Christmas Tree. *gasp* Nor was He actually born in December. *gasp, gasp* Nor were there necessarily 3 wise men. *triple gasp!!!* But that's a completely different subject that I may get into at another time.
Michael Spencer, a Christian thinker/teacher/blogger whom I highly respect, has posted on his site a Toast proposed by The Great Pumpkin of Peanuts fame. Here is an excerpt:
"The world of the imagination has always been essential to human beings, but they've never known just what to do with it. Sometimes they want to live there entirely, and others times they avoid it completely. They reward those who create it in books and music, and yet they fear these artists of the imagination as well, even doing them great harm. Throughout history, the imagination has been denounced as well as celebrated. Each one of us knows about those times when we were welcome to bring happiness, and also about those times when we were blamed for all kinds of evil that we did not create, in fact, could not create because of what we are."
"Particularly painful for many of us are the escalating attacks of religious people on the realm of the imagination. We have suffered from those who see the imagination as a gateway of evil, rather than a canvas on which human nature itself paints the picture. We have been blamed for violence and even death, things we would not even know were it not for human beings investing us with those actions in their own minds. It is as if some religious people actually believe that we exist- that we are real and were somehow a threat to them."
You can read the entire Toast at http://www.internetmonk.com/articles/P/pumpkin.html. It may do you good.

2006-10-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

So, we're jumping on this bandwagon too. We're good at that. And like Travis said (thoughtsofanisaak.blogspot.com), it's a whole lot easier to post on this public diary than it is to send an email to 50 different addresses.

Keep fit and have fun.