Have you ever been a part of something that was quite hurtful by another.? I think we can all pretty much raise our hands. I think for me the most hurtful times are when I have been lied to or deceived. And then when truth is discovered and you go to the person it's blown off as something of a thoughtless act or worse "I was just joking...really".
Today in my daily Proverbs reading I landed on Provers 26: 18 & 19 which reads:
" Like a madman who throws fire bands, arrow and death,
So is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, "Was I not joking?"
Meaning as referenced in the Bible as simply this:
The person who makes a joke of his thoughtlessness is a dangerous person to be around.
As I got thinking about this one verse I was reminded of a recent situation with my daughter about a person who made her very uncomfortable. To the point she discussed it with David and me. We were concerned and this person was addressed concerning their behavior. To which the response was.....ahhhh I am just joking. Even more frustrating and dangerous if you ask me. So to read this verse I thought of how I respond when I have been thoughtless. Do I excuse my behavior or do I own the part I have had.
Any time our actions have disturbed another do we explain away our behaviors or do we accept that we have hurt someone? Own it and take responsibility whether we believe we are right or wrong. The danger in our relationships is to allow and keep the facade that every thing is okay when in fact there is danger in that person, that friendship that thoughtlessness of one who does not own it with humility, but passe's it off as some sort of joke.
I have had to walk away from those whom I know that deceive and are not able to hear truth, not from my own mouth, but through the Word of God. I have said this often and I work every single day as a sinful person to never use the experiences of my life to excuse my behaviors and I realize every day that the Bible has no disclaimers to life experience, temperaments, or all the stuff that is sour in our lives. We are called by Him to walk beside Him. Being honest and honorable. No easy task, but I can first start by being mindful of my actions towards others and believe me this is no joking matter. Those who know me in real time know that I love to laugh, joke around, but never at the cost of deceit and hurting another. I trust those who are close to me to help me stay in line too.
I just love when one little verse weighs so heavy on my heart that I would blog about it.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Drum Clock Story
Ethan's Drum Set Clock
This is the face of one happy faith building moment!!!!
I want to take this time to share a story about Ethan. He is six years old. He is an extremely concrete thinker and for this reason does not do well with abstract thinking or concepts. As a matter of fact there are times when he will get so frustrated because he can not grasp the answers I give him.This past January Ethan started drum lessons. For those of you who know him, this is truly a dream come true for a six year old. We are so blessed that the teacher would even take him, being young, deaf and all, but I assured the teacher that Ethan does fine with his Cochlear Implants and that he also does well in school. Ethan’s first lesson was very hard. Ethan is shy until he decides you are okay in his mind. For some he can cut loose immediately, for others it is a slow process. For Mr. Watson it was a slow process. Mr. Watson has an amazing music studio with several drum sets set up, as well as all kinds of interesting instruments. Ethan, as if in a candy store, ran from one thing to the next. I was impressed that the teacher was not going crazy having this kid touching and trying everything out. No, he just followed Ethan with the hope of connecting.
The drum teacher has this red clock. The clock is a drum set with the face of the clock in the base-kick thing. I apologize I am no drummer. Ethan saw that and wanted it. I mean wanted to pack it up and take it home. He was actually very angry that he could not have it. Even with the explanation of it not being his, which he gets this, but today he was just not getting it. Fortunately he did not throw some kind of fit until the comforts of our car, but I was so frustrated that he could not understand that this clock was special. Mr. Watson said he has had it for many years and well that is that.
From that lesson I felt a little weary. I know Ethan. I assured Mr. Watson that you will know when Ethan is comfortable with you in that he will ask you more questions than anyone person could possibly ask. I still think Ethan is making up for his first three years of not hearing.
After our lesson we had a trip to Good Will scheduled. Ethan was still moaning about the clock. Ethan also has a hard time grasping the concept of God. He said that he does not understand why he won’t’ show him His face. I simply say that He wants it to be fair (six year olds do get this) so when everyone goes to Heaven we all see His face together. I went onto to tell him that God shows us who He is in many different ways. He even blesses us when we least expect it in all kinds of ways.
Ethan then says that he wants God to bless him with the drum clock. What could I say? Sure, just ask God to bless you with the clock. So there in the car Ethan prayed for a clock. I then said that God does not always bless us with what we think we need, but with what will truly bring us closer to understanding Him. Ethan said something like; I think I will understand God more if He gives me a clock.
I love car rides with just one child. I love our conversations and all the directions they go. I love how they just open up with no competition of quickly getting a word in before someone else speaks up. So on we continue into the Good Will store to look for a book on airplanes. It did take us but one minute to find a really cool hardback book on airplanes. Ethan was so excited, as he is going to be a drummer and a fighter plane pilot. We wandered over to another area and there before our eyes. A red drum set clock. Exactly like his drum teachers. I started to cry. I just held up this thing and could not even believe it. Ethan kept saying, see mom God knew I really wanted this clock. I shared this story with Mr. Watson. I love what he said. Something like…”God showed His face through the face of a clock.” How cool is that. God knows how to bring understanding in such a simple way. I thought how much I must miss by my lack of faith, but then I look at my life and think how very blessed I have been too. We have a saying around our home, which I humbly share. Our family seems to walk in God’s musical favor. When the need is there musically God always delivers. This event with the drum set clock is just another example. In another story I will have to share how Ethan acquired his amazing drum set. Truly this is another amazing God kind of thing.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
25 Random Things....
This has been circulating around Facebook and has been fun to read so many of the random things about others so I thought I would post it here. If you post a comment and then post your own 25 random things I will choose one very lucky person who will win a prize. (my first ever prize give away) A nice one, one that you can mail, open and then drink from or something like that. I will choose a prize winner at "random" on Wednesday.
1. I was almost kidnapped when I was five years old in Central Phili. As the men were pulling me into their car the mother of a girl who babysat me was walking by and pulled me out. To this day I believe she was an angel.
2. I was running in Lucern Switzerland with Father Rock Sassono. I was 18 years old. I asked him what is he does to make people feel so important. He said he tries not to use the word "I" when he speaks, and when someone is talking he thinks of three questions to ask the person. I have tried to practice this most of my life and have passed this wisdom onto my children.
3. I use to make hairbows and was selling them door to door. I was making so much money that I felt guilty and asked my dad when I should pay taxes. He taught me how to start a small business.
4. Most people ask me where I get all my energy. Once someone asked a friend of mine if I was on drugs because I had so much energy. My secret is sleep. I typically get 10-12 hours of sleep about five days a week. I also have five children who equally love to sleep allowing me more sleep.
5. My last pregnancy I begged the midwife for a C-Section. She said that I had fast and easy babies and could not allow it. She asked why? I said those five minutes of pain feel like a year.
6. At 15 I dreamed I rolled in a suburban. A week later I did. I was not afraid as the dream prepared me. Freaked out my parents in that I told them the morning I had the dream.
7. When I was a kid I was a fast runner. My step dad took me bear hunting to run with the hunting dogs. He said as long as I stay close to the dogs and report back I would be safe.
8. I always felt bad that I did not grow up with music lessons. I felt music so deeply that I felt cheated. I told God that if he gave me children I would give them music. Thanks God.
9. I have run a multi million dollar company. I have also stood in line at the welfare office. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
10. The demise of my company was related to a icky divorce. The news printed that I had run off with $250K and went to Hawaii. I am still looking for the $250K since I most likely hid it under duress and the Hawaii trip never happened. Darn I wish the news was right. I still have the news clippings from the Oregonian.
11. I traveled for my business and took Emerson with me. This was in 2006. Before he was 2 months old he was in five major cities. After that I quit.
12. I can not work on a project unless my kitchen is clean. Funny thing Emily is the same way. Something about going for coffee or tea into a clean kitchen.
13. I met Tony Curtis, dined with him and have the pictures to prove it.
14. I met the president of All State insurance in an elevator in New York City. I was attending the same function he was. He had on a hilarious tie and I commented on it laughing. Not knowing who he was. His wife laughed along with me and I was invited to dine at their table. Okay not the president of the US, but the president of something.
15. The kids and I had to eat food out of our pantry for three weeks because I had no money. Which would have been okay, except before we were in this crisis Elliot removed all the labels off every single canned good to win the contest at school.
16. Twice I have picked up hitch hikers.
17. I did not know how to suck out of a camel pack, thus I climbed Mt. Juneau in heat without food and water. To this day I laugh over trying to be so cool.
18, My first place on my own was on Capital Hill in Seattle. The bars on the English Tutor style building should have been a sign. I just loved the charm.
19. I had my car towed three times while living on Capital Hill. The towing bill was worth my safety.
20. I faked liking horses for about six years. Emily loved them, so I had to pretend and love them to for her. When she got older and we no longer had horses I told her how I felt about them. Funny thing is I am very good with them and can teach you how to ride.
21. I am currently editing a book for no pay, just to get practice and see if I like this line of work. So far I am loving it. I never do things in the box, the sides of my box are not taped together.
22. I am a fashion disaster. I can dress others but not myself. sad but true, but then I guess I did not have to tell you that. Once a friend of mine said she sent my name into what not to wear.
23. I have used the same lotion and soap since I was 14 years old. Seriously no joke. Banana Boat after sun care and Ivory soap. I always buy the lotion in large quantities because I am afraid they will discontinue it.
24. I have filled a 42oz AMPM mini mart water bottle with pee. Yep, you read right. I was late for a wedding I was in and did not have time to stop.
25. I am someone who admires any kind of street artist and wish I could be on the street painting, dancing, or singing.
1. I was almost kidnapped when I was five years old in Central Phili. As the men were pulling me into their car the mother of a girl who babysat me was walking by and pulled me out. To this day I believe she was an angel.
2. I was running in Lucern Switzerland with Father Rock Sassono. I was 18 years old. I asked him what is he does to make people feel so important. He said he tries not to use the word "I" when he speaks, and when someone is talking he thinks of three questions to ask the person. I have tried to practice this most of my life and have passed this wisdom onto my children.
3. I use to make hairbows and was selling them door to door. I was making so much money that I felt guilty and asked my dad when I should pay taxes. He taught me how to start a small business.
4. Most people ask me where I get all my energy. Once someone asked a friend of mine if I was on drugs because I had so much energy. My secret is sleep. I typically get 10-12 hours of sleep about five days a week. I also have five children who equally love to sleep allowing me more sleep.
5. My last pregnancy I begged the midwife for a C-Section. She said that I had fast and easy babies and could not allow it. She asked why? I said those five minutes of pain feel like a year.
6. At 15 I dreamed I rolled in a suburban. A week later I did. I was not afraid as the dream prepared me. Freaked out my parents in that I told them the morning I had the dream.
7. When I was a kid I was a fast runner. My step dad took me bear hunting to run with the hunting dogs. He said as long as I stay close to the dogs and report back I would be safe.
8. I always felt bad that I did not grow up with music lessons. I felt music so deeply that I felt cheated. I told God that if he gave me children I would give them music. Thanks God.
9. I have run a multi million dollar company. I have also stood in line at the welfare office. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
10. The demise of my company was related to a icky divorce. The news printed that I had run off with $250K and went to Hawaii. I am still looking for the $250K since I most likely hid it under duress and the Hawaii trip never happened. Darn I wish the news was right. I still have the news clippings from the Oregonian.
11. I traveled for my business and took Emerson with me. This was in 2006. Before he was 2 months old he was in five major cities. After that I quit.
12. I can not work on a project unless my kitchen is clean. Funny thing Emily is the same way. Something about going for coffee or tea into a clean kitchen.
13. I met Tony Curtis, dined with him and have the pictures to prove it.
14. I met the president of All State insurance in an elevator in New York City. I was attending the same function he was. He had on a hilarious tie and I commented on it laughing. Not knowing who he was. His wife laughed along with me and I was invited to dine at their table. Okay not the president of the US, but the president of something.
15. The kids and I had to eat food out of our pantry for three weeks because I had no money. Which would have been okay, except before we were in this crisis Elliot removed all the labels off every single canned good to win the contest at school.
16. Twice I have picked up hitch hikers.
17. I did not know how to suck out of a camel pack, thus I climbed Mt. Juneau in heat without food and water. To this day I laugh over trying to be so cool.
18, My first place on my own was on Capital Hill in Seattle. The bars on the English Tutor style building should have been a sign. I just loved the charm.
19. I had my car towed three times while living on Capital Hill. The towing bill was worth my safety.
20. I faked liking horses for about six years. Emily loved them, so I had to pretend and love them to for her. When she got older and we no longer had horses I told her how I felt about them. Funny thing is I am very good with them and can teach you how to ride.
21. I am currently editing a book for no pay, just to get practice and see if I like this line of work. So far I am loving it. I never do things in the box, the sides of my box are not taped together.
22. I am a fashion disaster. I can dress others but not myself. sad but true, but then I guess I did not have to tell you that. Once a friend of mine said she sent my name into what not to wear.
23. I have used the same lotion and soap since I was 14 years old. Seriously no joke. Banana Boat after sun care and Ivory soap. I always buy the lotion in large quantities because I am afraid they will discontinue it.
24. I have filled a 42oz AMPM mini mart water bottle with pee. Yep, you read right. I was late for a wedding I was in and did not have time to stop.
25. I am someone who admires any kind of street artist and wish I could be on the street painting, dancing, or singing.
Friday, February 6, 2009
My Testimony
This evening I will be sharing my story. I have been praying and preparing for weeks. It's very humbling to have been asked to share what my life has been like. My life's resume does not qualify me in my own eyes, but through the eyes of our Lord Jesus He is now saying today is the day.
Today is the day to stand firm on the foundations that I have laid out for you. God wants to take that which I have lived out and use it for His glory. I just pray that I can give Him complete glory for His ever present place in my life. For the first couple of weeks following being asked I deeply struggled.
I would cry out in prayer as I truly felt my life was not worthy to stand up among women and proclaim what God has done in my life. Because it has been through my many foibles that He has stepped in and renewed my heart to His. I guess I never sat down to really outline my life and realized just how many steps backwards I would take before God finally got my attention.
So now it is truly with the confidence of the Holy Spirit's leading that I can stand before the hearts of women and share God's love, mercy, grace and judgements on my life. If you read this today please pray for this evening.
Needless to say I have had been sick all week. Some might think..."oh know, honey get well quick", but it has given me much time in bed, Bible in hand to prayer over all who are making this night happen, reflect on the scriptures and lay out my heart before God.
Please take a moment and pray...will you? Blessings
Today is the day to stand firm on the foundations that I have laid out for you. God wants to take that which I have lived out and use it for His glory. I just pray that I can give Him complete glory for His ever present place in my life. For the first couple of weeks following being asked I deeply struggled.
I would cry out in prayer as I truly felt my life was not worthy to stand up among women and proclaim what God has done in my life. Because it has been through my many foibles that He has stepped in and renewed my heart to His. I guess I never sat down to really outline my life and realized just how many steps backwards I would take before God finally got my attention.
So now it is truly with the confidence of the Holy Spirit's leading that I can stand before the hearts of women and share God's love, mercy, grace and judgements on my life. If you read this today please pray for this evening.
Needless to say I have had been sick all week. Some might think..."oh know, honey get well quick", but it has given me much time in bed, Bible in hand to prayer over all who are making this night happen, reflect on the scriptures and lay out my heart before God.
Please take a moment and pray...will you? Blessings
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