letting go of stuff

See that cute little guy looking at the camera? He has been so helpful in teaching me how to let go of stuff! He's not so little now though -- almost bigger than T.Michael. It seems that what I once thought of as valuable, you know, that favorite book, the beautiful African basket, a new Christmas present is really nothing more than a chew-toy. Oreo has really helped me with this year's goal to simplify!

walking with God

I had a dream the other night...it was about walking with God. I loved it because it reminded me of other dreams I used to have when I was younger, dreams in which I would learn things from and about God.

In this dream I was standing with God looking up at Multnomah Falls when He asked me if I wanted to go with Him to the top of the mountain. Then He stepped ahead on the trail and reached back toward me with His hand outstretched in invitation for mine.

Instantly (as can only happen in dreams) several scenarios flashed through my mind...

In one scenario I got too excited, ran ahead, and tired out quickly.

In another I found the traversing back and forth up the mountain arduous, tedious, and even a little (dare I admit it?)boring. Every time I would look up to see how far we had left to hike I would get overwhelmed and want to quit.

In another, most-horrible scenario, I got so excited to get to the top I charged straight up the mountain only to lose my footing and fall tumbling down with all kinds of disastrous results.

Then suddenly (as can only happen in a dream) I was back at the base of the mountain again...I stopped, looked at God's outstretched hand, and realized I needed to just take His hand. He was not going to thrill or entertain me, but there He was still offering to take me along with Him. To allow me to share the adventure with Him. To lead me. To guide me along the best path...to spend time with me.

servanthood

...have you every noticed how it's easy to be a servant until you're treated like one? I've heard it said there is a difference between serving and being a "doormat" (and I agree) but sometimes the line between the two gets a little fuzzy. But no matter your definition of serving, there is One who leads us by example -- and He is ever faithful...and He was treated shamefully.

Happy New Year!

Here's a fun way to start the new year: I invite you to join me this year in reading this MOST-interesting book (The Shack, by William P. Young) and discussing it with me as soon as you can! It's a good one, trust me!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

Dave

Here's a photo of Dave in Vernonia during some better days for that community. We were there for a good friend's 50th wedding anniversary held at the Vernonia Community Church.

Just last week Dave organized a work crew and the kids and I were in the same town, in front of that same church scooping mud and cleaning sidewalks...it was a privilege to serve Jesus and Vernonia together with my family.

But the whole thing came about when it did because of Dave's initiative to pull together the "fastest service/mission trip ever!" That, and many volunteers willing to drop everything, get muddy, and work very hard!

I love Dave!
What a gift his is to me,our family and our big church family too!

it IS my job!

Tomorrow my kids and I are joining the team Dave is heading up to go scoop mud out of people's homes in Vernonia. Yes, it's the busiest time of year...yes my kids should be in school, yes there are a number of reasons why it's not my job...

But Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. And if myself was living in a cold house that had just been flooded so I couldn't even turn the furnace on to keep my kids warm, well, I would hope someone would come help -- and soon!

Sound like fun? Come join us tomorrow! Just email Dave at:
dave@coolchurch.com

ps. this photo from: http://www.davezilla.com/2006/11/21/winner-2006-not-my-job-award/

Hoy

Hoy sounds like "oy" because you don't say the "h" and it means "today" in Spanish. Today, there is talk of snow. Today McKenzie has plans to go to "high tea" with friends. Today DJ plans to paint her science project. Today T.Michael will be some kind of super-hero -- I guarantee it! Today Dave has a couple meetings planned at the church...But the absolute coolest thing happening today is that I get to use my Spanish!

Our church is hosting a toy and coat drive, and I've been asked to interpret for the families that don't speak English. What an honor! Because of where we live I get to use Spanish a lot. But this is different.

Hoy is a chance to warmly greet someone in their native tongue. Hoy is a chance to look at someone in the eye, and smile. Hoy is the opportunity to extend honor, dignity and friendship to people who might otherwise be hesitant to walk through our doors. Hoy is the day that someone might step a little closer to Him because of me...like I said, what an honor!

...i am thankful

I have been given so much, my life, my family, each new day...I am very thankful!

baked bread

I'm not much for the smell of incense...especially that stuff in mall that silently sneaks out of it's store, assails my nose and punches me in the stomach as I walk by...but I have to believe that the incense of Psalm 141:2 is different than all that cheap mall stuff.

Psalm 141:2
May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Then again in Revelation:

Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 8:3
Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne.

Revelation 8:4
The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand.

Yes, our prayers are pleasing to God. And I long to please Him. I don't know what "incense" smells like to God, but when I think of pleasing smells, fresh baked bread comes to mind! Yes, I love it, at the right time it can even make my mouth water. Sometimes I want bread just because it smells so good. Do you think it's possible that our prayers can be that kind of aroma when offered up to God?

feeling blue

Oreo strikes again! When the kids and I came home from choir rehearsal tonight, we found Dave scolding Oreo, and a blue polka-dotted home -- yep, Oreo discovered ball-point pens! Both floors of the house, all down the stairs, and even on some furniture...keep in mind we JUST HAD THE CARPETS DONE!

oreo

...thought I'd share the joy with you! We got our carpets cleaned last Thursday to prepare for Thanksgiving Day. And of course Oreo got very sick all over the carpets Friday morning, and again, and again...I'm not sure about this whole dog thing!

Check out my Slide Show!

worship

I had an interesting conversation with the Lord this morning. I was telling Him I was sorry I had to "miss worship" today....

You see, this morning at 4:30am I woke up to find a crying little boy vomiting in his bed. Yes, I think it's yucky too. But I love this little guy so with Dave's help we dealt with the bedding, got him cleaned up and snuggled into a fresh blanket in the family room. I was "resting" with him (and dealing with an excited puppy at the same time) when the whole process started all over again.

Then my daughter woke up around 5:30am with and unidentifiable itchy rash on her arm, and again the puppy got excited...you get the picture.

So it's time for church and I'm outside hosing off the bedding, saying to God something like, "I wish I didn't have to miss worship today." When suddenly I felt Him answer, "You are worshiping Me."

fantastic 7

cheesy chuck

Ever hung out with Chuck? If not, you have to try it at least once. Chuck E. Cheese parties can be a little rowdy, but for a 7-year old (and younger) it rocks! T. Michael had his party there this week and they had a blast!

...and for those of you who know what this means: yep, Dave got the mouse a little riled up!

light

In our Jr High small group we are covering the basics, like:
Having your own Bible is like having your own flashlight...Sure it's nice to share with others, but when you use your own you can see more clearly.

would you rather?

"Would you rather buy a new jacket or praise the Lord?"

...was a question asked very loudly by one of my jr hi small-group girls in a random conversation with her friend. This had nothing to do with our group discussion at the time and the outburst made me laugh, and I thought it needed to be blogged!

(I also laughed when without hesitation her friend replied, "Hey, why can't I just praise the Lord in my new jacket?!")

Yakima

I spent a great weekend in Yakima visiting family. My Mom and several of her sisters were able to spend time together in their old home town. What a beautiful land. Still, I loved coming back into the very rainy, green valley yesterday!

cooties

okay...here is my official definition of "Cooties" for my new 12 year old daughter: "Cooties" is a very serious disease caused by touching, hanging around, or even thinking about boys. Some boys are cured of the disease after they grow up -- but that is yet to be determined...on a case by case basis. Therefore, the best medicine is prevention. Just say no. Be strong...don't worry about it, just avoid it...always...forever...and ever...(you get the idea :-)

Of course the brilliant 3yr old that I care for said it best yesterday when my 12yr old again asked me: "What are cooties?" With all seriousness and confidence he answered, "It's a game!" (Way to go practical on me!)