Taught by a Bug

I don't usually look for divine revelation in a bug. Actually, I don't think I ever have. But just the same, today a mosquito brought a deep truth home to me.

On my bedroom wall, close to the ceiling, I saw the shadow of what appeared to be a huge insect, more like a dragonfly than the mosquito flying around the light bulb. 

That's when it hit me.

Even the smallest things cast a large shadow when they fly close to the light.

So little me can bless the world in a big way if I fly close to Jesus, the light of the world.

Thank you, Mr. Mosquito. [But that won't keep me from slapping your blood-sucking fellow creatures when they come buzzing around. Sorry.]

Mourn With Those Who Mourn

427. A number that changed our lives.

Our nightmare can also be abbreviated T1D.

Our feelings? Shock is the simplest word.

Dear little Grace, who has been the sunshine of our home for nearly ten years, was diagnosed this weekend with type 1 diabetes. Thanks to social media, we soon were flooded with phone calls and messages and posts from kind friends and strangers alike. Tears streamed as we scrolled through or recounted the sad story of watching our sweetness melt before our eyes, and how the Lord led us to the right diagnosis before a crisis came on.

To be completely honest and unconcerned about offending someone, some of those messages irked me. Oh, I know the authors had good intentions and gave the best they had. But as a mom who lost her first baby at 3 months, 12 days, and knows how fragile her last baby's life is, I can tell you a little about grief and comfort.

Assurances that all will be well, that she is healed and all we need to do is claim it, that God is in control, have a way of irritating rather than comforting. If all will be well, why do some children die from this? Why should my child have a ticket of safe passage and not another innocent one? If she is healed, why do I have to put 6 needles into her tender flesh every day? If God is in control, why did part of her body quit?

We worshipped Jesus as we drove away from the hospital where I left the body of my infant. My faith and trust has been tested in fire, and has proven as gold. Never has it crossed my mind that this is God's fault, that He has somehow failed me or left me. But things that are not according to his best wishes happen in this world. I don't understand it, but I know my Father enough to be satisfied with trusting His goodness, no matter the circumstances. He doesn't control everything. But He has the power to do anything. A mystery I've come to peaceable terms with.

Jesus taught us how to comfort those who hurt: cry with them. Be with them. Touch them.

Easy religious phrases are a cop-out for feeling another's pain deeply. I understand. It is uncomfortable; it hurts! Someone has said that pain is what keeps us human. We can only be compassionate by experiencing suffering in our own flesh and soul.

Life is to be shared, both its highs and its lows. Mourn with those who mourn. And another day, they may be able to rejoice with you in your gladness.

How a "Cheap" Tablet Makes Me More Efficient

After dreaming of a tablet and all it would do for me, I was amazed when one was given to me in February. Even more amazing is all I get done because of this device! Actually, I'm writing today because one of my Apps reminded me to. So let me tell you how I use it in my daily life.

Any.do is much more than a to-do list that gets lost, wet or eaten by the dog (or whoever is your scapegoat). Each day I get a fresh reminder for those new habits I'm working on. Washing the aprons is happening more regularly because I told it to remind ne each week. Monthly reminders keep me on top of certain cleaning chores, and now we don't (usually) miss the bi-weekly orthodontist appointment. People from church are more likely to get a phone call when I promised one. The planner feature lets me decide how much to keep for today and what to postpone for another day. Items I don't swipe as finished carry over to tomorrow, unless they are daily reminders (pretty smart for a list!).

With a Bible reading chart I have stayed on track (well, I got caught up...twice) for reading through the Bible. Checking off those chapter boxes is fun!

Making notes and lists and plans for events or stray thoughts is a snap with a notepad app and Google Keep, which looks like a bulletin board of sticky notes. Adding an image of a dress was a perfect way to show the seamstress my idea for a dress.

Morning alarms get me started on my busy day, and another ring ensures I take a supplement on time. At night an audio book that turns itself off sends me to dreamland. My journal has more entries now that it's password locked and portable.

Bible reference books are a few taps away during our weekly studies, enriching my understanding and comments. Mind mapping helps prepare a lesson, and i can teach from messages stored on Google Drive.

For school I can look up a photo of that flower or bird, practice phonics, and plan out our courses for the year. A Facebook message or email doesn't pull me away from my desk, and with a few taps I can check on the bank balance or make a payment.

To relax or even sharpen my mind I can play number, word, or card games. A little girl can be kept quiet with drawing games or educational apps during prayer meeting.

From waking up to falling asleep and everything in between, I am a more productive and efficient woman, thanks to all my tablet does for me. If this is what a "cheap" model does, I wonder what a name brand one would be like!

Posted via Blogaway

        One pretty spot, please!
So many parts of my home are piled up (we'll not discuss that today) or in disorder or disrepair, but I long for at least one pretty spot! It took making a new bookcase for the hallway and a bit of determination with a pinch of creativity to prepare this niche in my entryway.

 Just about every candle I have found a place on this unfinished shelf. In the corner you see my collection of my husband's roses that I've dried, as I will the newest bloom in the white vase. Why throw them out? They can last a long time just by turning them upside down for a few days when they lose their brightest hue and perky posture.

The roses have faded, but they still beautify and brighten my corner, warming my heart.

Do you have a pretty spot that you've fought to create?

Truth More than Life

Die before breaking with conscience? Could I stand so firm? Jesus instructed his disciples not to worry about what they would say, but to be assured that the Spirit would give them the words when they stood accused before rulers. History gives us a good number of men and women who so trusted their Lord and kept the faith even when it cost the life if he flesh.

Where did this train of thought come from? Last night I watched the movie "A Man for All Seasons" about Sir Thomas Moore who would not bend to King Henry VIII, though he loved him, because he loved truth more than life. I found the story compelling, the acting believable, and the setting beautiful though simple.

Sometime I'd like to skim through again to note the wise words of Sir  Thomas Moore's excellent speeches in this film. I truly regret not having one ready to insert here! What I can tell you is that his life as portrayed leads me to reflection. Moore answered Cromwell's plea to add his name to those who approved the parliamentary act to the effect of, "If I join you now for fellowship's sake, when I am called to judgement and sent to hell, will you join me for fellowship's sake?"

A Man For All Seasons is an enjoyable, thought-provoking movie. How far would I be willing to go for the sake of truth and right? By the Grace of God, I hope I would cling to Him more than to bodily safety, able to believe as Sir Thomas Moore comforted his executioner, "Fear not, for you send me to God."

Posted via Blogaway

Come Sit With Me

Sometimes it's the simpler truths that resonate most strongly within us.

Tonight's class for married couples seemed like it was very simple, and my part was especially short, but generated the most comments. Seems that as woman we benefit greatly from understanding what our men need from us but haven't expressed in so many words. "Come sit with me." And all we find is silence, bewildering our feminine mind. But if we can beat the urge to go off to start the laundry and dishwasher, we might discover how our presence energizes our husband. Eventually, he just may open up his deepest feelings to us.

Reminds me of Jesus. Mary sat at his feet. Will I? From the Psalms we learn that God reveals his secrets to those who fear him, and to them he shows his covenant. (25:14) Once again, marriage teaches us to know God. Just like my husband likes me to simply be with him, it turns out that God likes my company even when I don't talk. "Come sit with me."

Yes, honey, can I get you something to drink?

Yes, Jesus, I'll do like Mary and choose the better part.

Posted via Blogaway

Informed Consent

I always intended to write about the books I read, so today I'll make my intention a reality. Informed Consent by Sandra Glahn was a featured freebie on Amazon, and liking the description of a Christian medical story I sent it to my kindle reader. This week I read it.

The downside to reading the classics is that it spoils you for modern literature. Jane Austen and Charles Dickens have way with words and a vocabulary for expressing thought that are hard to rival. Somehow you know things and picture scenes, but by inference. Avoiding the boring format of telling each part in just the order it happenetd,hn the reader is engaged and called upon to do their own thinking. Modern writers tend to spoon feed all the thoughts and conclusions.

That being said, I found Informed Consent to be rather well written, allowing me to get engrossed in the story line. While not a lengthy book, Glahn manages to develop her characters and explore some sticky ethical and social issues. Some readers may not enjoy the medical jargon, but the targeted audience will lap it up. Taking some unexpected turns, the climax had me staying up late at night. All in all I'm glad I read this ebook, and as it is not preachy, I'd recommend the story. If you read it. I'd love to know what you think.

Posted via Blogaway

He Touched Me

Sunday afternoon I started my class with a new lady who years ago had attended Sunday church for about a year,  but said she had never been taught what it meant to be a Christian. The Holy Spirit led me from passage to passage, focusing much on Romans 5 to share the good news with Marta. I paused frequently to define terms like redemption, justification, etc, sharing the wonder of God's love and grace towards us. Finally I sat back and said I wanted to hear from her. I didn't even ask any questions, but her response was of faith and decision. Emma, who arrived just after John 3:16, joined me in praying blessing over Marta.  When I told her to talk to her father, do you know, she prayed the "sinner's prayer" without me guiding her at all!! How I rejoiced to hear, "Lord I give you my life, my heart, my all. I put it all into your hands. Help me to know you."

Immediately she shared some things from her life, but with a faith and fluidity of words that caused her to pause and marvel, "I know that the Lord is with me and has touched me!"

Posted via Blogaway

Grace: Finding My Pathway

Isaiah 48:17 I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.

So often I find myself overwhelmed and feeling that I'm behind on everything, and never able to accomplish the things on my to do list. How do I deal with such and such in my marriage? What should I do about those issues with my kids? What about he ministry work? Am I doing enough in home school? Am I trying to do too much? When will my house ever be clean?!

And then Jesus softly whispers his promise, "I will lead you in the way you should go." If I can just be still for a moment and set my face heavenward, I can hear him. My sister, my brother, his Grace is enough, and not just enough; it is abounding, overflowing, and extravagant.

The Lord is teaching me to fall back on him, to rest in  his strength, trust in his goodness. Suddenly I see how I've offended my husband, and an apology paves the way to peace. I realize that my kids need some more attention and some fun times with me, and things start to settle down. If I let some of the ladies share in the class, then I don't have to do it all alone. As I take time with the girls and listen to them,  my eyes are opened to how much they are learning and where they are struggling. Clean houses are over-rated...

Yes, Lord, "You make known to me the path of life." Psalm 16:11

Posted via Blogaway

Surprised by Grace

Reading a little devotional book, What is the Father Like? by W. Phillip Keller, I came across the following:

It takes time to know me. It calls for your attention, your interest, your willingness to wait for me to speak to you clearly. It requires you to come and find great delight in my company. It implies that you will begin to fulfill my wishes, obey my word to you, and trust me always to accomplish all I command.

Oh, how true I'm finding this quote to prove in my own experience. Knowing Jesus, just like any other friend takes time, but is worth all our patience. How patient has He been with me?

As I am learning to walk in His grace, I laugh to discover the energy coursing through me. A new peace has settled into my heart, as well, spilling over to my children!

What has surprised or blessed you as you come to know God more?

Posted via Blogaway

Posted via Blogaway

Posted via Blogaway

Thanksgiving Without the Stress

Circumstances led us to celebrate Thanksgiving early this year. Being in a country where it is not a tradition made it easy to choose the day that best suited our family. As the name implies, the most important part of the day ought to be remembering that our many blessings come from a Giver, and not focusing on the food of the celebration. Aside from purchasing some groceries, my preparations did not begin until 11 AM, and lunch was served around 2:30 PM, after my husband and I both had showers--he had gone jogging, and I had an afternoon commitment to be ready for.

So what did we eat for our special meal? The easy part was two roast chickens from the grocery store in lieu of turkey, which was far out of our budget. I made a carrot-swiss chard soup, mashed potatoes, and green beans in a sauce. For dessert we had a sweet potato custard of sorts and my Mom's Preacher's Apple Crisp. A very simple meal, but it was delicious and we truly enjoyed it together.

For anyone who's interested in my recipes, I boiled 6 carrots whole in chicken broth and put them through the blender with the broth when soft. Back in the saucepan, I added some garlic powder (maybe a 1/4 t), salt (close to a teaspoon), a bit of basil and 4 chopped leaves of fresh swiss chard. Leave the fat from the chiken or else add a bit of butter for good flavor and to help absorb the vitamins of this thick soup.

Again I left the cambray potatoes whole for boiling in chicken broth and peeled them afterwards. Using a wood bean masher (shaped like a large pestle) I mashed 2 pounds of potatoes in a pan, adding 3/4 stick of butter and milk sufficient to mash. I seasoned with a bit of basil, garlic and salt, and did not care if they were lumpy.

By accident I overcooked the frozen green beans (a pound), but they ended up nice with the sauce made with the chicken broth they were cooked in. I added a generous tablespoon of flour and one egg yolk, plus a bit of salt. You probably know that to add the yolk, you put some of the hot liquid with it in a small bowl, stir it, and then add it back into your pan to boil about 2 minutes to thicken with the flour. Who needs Campbell's? Or even French's?

My sweet potato bake uses about 5 medium pieces boiled soft, then peeled. I either use a hand mixer or the blender to mix with 5 or 6 eggs, some milk (yes, evaporated works well) and spices such as ground clove, cinnamon and ginger. You could add sweetener, but I didn't because of various health issues I had to work around for our meal. Pour into a casserole dish and bake until cracked on the top, under an hour. The time depends on how deep it is in your pan. Thinner turns out drier than a thick layer in a smaller mold. Of course this can go in a pie crust, but it isn't necessary. When serving, my husband likes it best with honey drizzled on top, but that's because he hasn't tasted it with real maple syrup! This year he ate it plain, as he's trying to get his blood sugar down (and I must say, doing a wonderful job of it!).

May your Thanksgiving dinner be as stress free as mine, and may your family be filled with gratitude to the Giver who blesses you with food, a home, and loved ones to share it all with.

If God Opens the Door

"Oh, Abby, do you know what Dad said? When God opens a door, no one can close it!"

Beth and Abby were discussing their hopes for a trip to Monterrey to see the latest object of their affections, and wondering how much hope they have of making dreams come true.

Recalling yesterday's sermon, she went on, "And when God closes a door, uh-oh, (a pause) no one can open it." Her voice had lost some of its animation by this point. There followed a discussion about prying doors open and similar thoughts which was rather amusing to hear while I chopped veggies for lunch.

My heart was most warmed to know that my young teen does pay attention to what her Dad says to the church, and is smart enough to see how it applies to their own lives. 

"Well, if God opens the door, then nobody can keep us from going to Monterrey!!" happily concluded Abby.

A Battle to Fight

Pulling myself away from my sewing machine, I come to write a few thoughts on current events, especially in light of my current G. A. Henty book, Jack Archer, a story from the Crimean War. From the Drudge Report I found the following article, which must be filling the greater portion of American news this weekend:

Obama to Seek Congressional Vote on Syria Strike

Family Blessings

Amid so many concerns as I try to juggle all my responsibilities, it is easy to lose perspective, becoming frazzled and irritable. Does that every happen to anyone else you know? Of course, it never happens to any of my dear readers themselves...but perhaps to one of their friends. :)

One morning just when I was mulling over how to teach three girls at three different levels, my evidently maturing almost-fourteen-year-old announces that she ought to do all her reading assignments in the mornings while I assist her sisters. Imagine that!! She solved my dilemma before I breathed a word!

A few days later my dear husband pipes up with another burden-lifting suggestion. He and the older two girls will keep the kitchen cleaned up in the evenings so that I can recuperate my strength (and perhaps mental health).

Apparently, I have a good family who loves me. I must have done something right along the way! I'm happy. And I'm feeling better. I'm loved.

Counting blessings truly is a way to a better frame of mind. I'd like to hear about one of your blessings from your family.

Today I offer a few of my favorite tips and remedies that we use in our home regularly. In no particular order, here

• For stomach pain, such as gastritis: oatmeal water and ginger
• I boil 1/4 c oats in a quart or so of water, sweeten it with molasses or honey, sugar or stevia, and drink in lieu of water.
• My favorite way to take the ginger is to boil a few thin slices in several cups of water--with the oats as above, or to drink in tea. Chamomile with anise and ginger soothes the pain, and adding ginger to lemongrass tea seems to energize.

• To stop a cold from developing or reduce the time to recover: hydrogen peroxide drops in the ears
• A google search will bring up the reasons why this method works, but I can tell you that everyone I've used it with, from babies to adults, has had positive results. For the best outcome, use it at the first sign of a cold. Allow a few drops to sit in your ear for up to 10 minutes, but if the bubbling is too much, dump it out onto a tissue and add new drops. You will feel the liquid cold and you may feel dizzy, but when you drain it out, it will have warmed and the dizziness will be gone immediately.

• Make dish-washing faster and easier by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your soapy water. The soda is a great grease buster, and I use it with a drop of detergent and a brush to pre-wash.
• Forgot the stove and burnt your food? Quick add some washing soda and water, let it soak, and it should be fairly easy to clean your pot.
• For shiny stainless steel cookware, cook up some spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce in your pan.
• My favorite spice/herb has to be basil. If that's all you use to season pork or beef, it'll taste great. Add it to soups to round out the flavor.
• For disinfecting veggies and even dishrags, add a few teaspoons to water, about 1t per qt.
• Best parenting book I've found so far: Kevin Leman, How to Make Your Children Mind Without Losing Yours, or the shorter read, How to Have a New Kid by Friday
• Best marriage book? Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs, or the shorter read (for wives), How to Have a New Husband by Friday, by Kevin Leman (same ideas in both books)

What's your favorite tip? Your contribution may help someone stop banging their head over some job! Share the wealth in the comments below.

Time-line Box From Scraps

Keeping a time-line helps students to acquire a better grasp on history. Recently I came across the idea of recording events and discoveries, people and places onto index cards. Instead of purchasing boxes with flimsy lids, I made my own out of some plywood scraps we got from the carpenter, covering them with contact paper someone gave me.

 Taped to the lid is a key to show the girls how to set up the card, plus the color code for dates from science, fine arts, Bible history and their own family history. They can add photos or drawings or more information on the reverse side.

I made the little dividers to segregate ancient history, medieval to early renaissance, late renaissance to early modern, and modern history.

My intent and hope is that the girls will decorate these boxes, and maybe even make prettier cards (or at least personalized...hmmmm...). At least the photo doesn't show the imperfections of my design, and I think the boxes are quite sturdy and will last as long as we need them to.

Do you have a photo to share of some little problem you solved out of scraps?

The Lion Roars

Ever feel like your world is crashing down all around you? Everything you had confidence in, everyone you thought you could trust gave way beneath your weight when you most needed the support?

This morning I came across a passage that really struck me as I read the Scriptures:

Hosea 10:13-14
...Because you have trusted in your own way

and in the multitude of your warriors,

14 therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people,

and all your fortresses shall be destroyed...

Could this be how God explains those mysteries of life, those unexpected tumults in our life? Perhaps He is showing us that we have put our trust in fortresses and warriors who are not the Lord Almighty. Listen to the charge He brings and the consequences that come (Hosea 11:5b):

...they have refused to return to me.

6 The sword shall rage against their cities,

consume the bars of their gates,

and devour them because of their own counsels.

7 My people are bent on turning away from me,

But His lovingkindness  trumps all else, inviting us to take our counsel from the Omniscient and trust in the Omnipotent:

My heart recoils within me;

my compassion grows warm and tender.

9 I will not execute my burning anger;

I will not again destroy Ephraim;

for I am God and not a man,

the Holy One in your midst,

and I will not come in wrath.

10 They shall go after the Lord;

he will roar like a lion;

when he roars,

Remember Aslan?

his children shall come trembling from the west;

11 they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt,

and like doves from the land of Assyria,

and I will return them to their homes, declares the Lord.

 

Our Father's heart is to return us home, the place where trust is rightly placed, where safety is real. His heart is home. Though you tremble, come!  The lion roars. 

My Ferris Wheel Reached the Top!

As the Ferris wheel neared its highest point, my stomach did a little flip flop, and yet the thrill of the cityscape was worth all the anxiety of every revolution. Life is like that. Full of nerve-racking thrills.

Scraping the bottom of the barrel month after month for years on end and pinching pennies like a miser has been our lot, occasionally punctuated with provision for some great need. Perhaps my readers can imagine the delight that filled our hearts as we shopped this past week in Texas without the need to count every last cent. How delicious to check off so many items from my school supply list, knowing I'd gotten a great deal compared to buying in Mexico. How wonderful to be able to buy the footwear each one needed! For the first time since moving to Torreon in 2008, we made the trip and came back with more than enough for our purchases and cost of travel, as well as the rent and bills that awaited our return. Long habit of frugality kept us from unwise splurges, and we find it exciting to see how far we can stretch the remaining dollars.

I posted on facebook, "I'm trying to print everything I need to start school on Monday. Gotta set up binders, have the girls arrange their desks and supplies, etc. This is so much fun!!" My mom's reply:
my, my....how warped you have become! printing and arranging binders is "so much fun"? you gotta be kidding.....LOL
      Yes, it is "so much fun" to finally be able to prepare for a semester having the supplies I need--a printer (thanks, Mom), ink, paper and card stock, folders, binders, curriculum, etc. Too many times I had to do without, printing only the very most important pages: I had to pay for each page at the internet cafe. While in TX, I picked up the books I ordered over the past few months, rejoicing that we're starting the year with what we need for the semester. God has indeed been good to us, answering prayers we've made, along with those of our intercessors.

And now that I told you about my latest joy, I'm going in for another dive into teacher-dom, gearing up for classes on Monday.

Have you had an exciting high on your Ferris wheel of late?

A Hug From God

After turning down the wrong street by mistake and with fifty cents in my pocket and two backpacks in my hand, I ask the girl at the garage sale, "How much for these?"

"Ummm.... Oh.... twenty-five cents each."

Two people are going to be really happy with them!! One is my husband, who bikes all over the city bringing provisions for our family, as well as visiting our church members, paying bills and just biking for good health. As for the other man, I am pleased to be able to replace the pink pack he carries riding a motorcycle to work!

Kind of like a hug from God, "I'm taking care of you, and I know what you need. Don't worry; just lean on me."

A Few Thoughts From History

Of late I've been reading through some history books written by G. A. Henty, and while his target audience was teenage boys, I find them informative and entertaining. The lastest titles I've read are from the 17th and 18th century, a time of great bloodshed as Europe struggled for control of trade, land and power. By looking at history mostly through the eyes of a young man on the scene, I get a better feel for the events, culture, geography, and prominant historical figures. The old refrain that history repeats itself is proven true, and I also see how some struggles have roots many hundreds of years back.