Snow....

Well - we have been a little out of the loop recently!  We have had several snow storms... here's one picture of the night of the first one.....

Our kids and our neighbor kids were playing in tunnels - yes - that lead into the street.  Mike was with them......  Anyway - you can see the venture there on the right - that was our shovel pile, but it was great tunnel snow, and I don't think our kids had seen that much snow all at once - ever!!  A few days later, we had another storm.  It was crazy fun!!  Here is another one......

We have really enjoyed this winter - mommy from inside while daddy and the kids "play".  I have hot cocoa duty - I love my job!!

  

Another song post.... :)

Ok - Can't help it.  Here is another song that struck a cord with me this week!  We have had a lot of interesting things happen over the last few days.  Here is a snap shot....

  My dad had surgery last Thursday, we went to pick him and my mom up on Friday.  After getting them settled in at their home, our van's brakes went out all at once - thankfully in a a parking lot next door to their house where it was parked.  Praise God it did not happen on route 78 on the way back from Hackensack.  Praise God we own not one, but 2 mini vans, and were able to switch over the vans (yes - we were crazy enough to drive the other one home - hey - it's only 10 minutes...) , and pick up our kids.
We got it back yesterday - turns out the brake lines ruptured - they had to be custom made (whole other story - our mechanic couldn't get them from the local GM dealership because there is some anger over there right now as next week they are closing), so it took 3 days.  Van is running wonderfully now.  Given the miles we put on that thing each week at this point - we are grateful for God's timing.  Another praise in the dad and surgery area is that my dad was spared some major complications because he had robotic and went to Hackensack instead of staying local (as I had mentioned - our family has some physical quirks - apparently on both sides!!).  He would have suffered permanent damage if he would have gone traditional.  Praise God for His hand in ordering my parents steps as they walked through all of the treatment options!!

Got said van back yesterday - my brother's truck seized up on 78 last night (back wheels locked - he was able to get off the road safely!!  Praise God!!!).  Mike's van out on loan today to him for work travel.  Mike is off until Tuesday from working at his dad's - so we were able to "lend out" so my brother doesn't have to worry about missing work while he comes up with the money to have his truck repaired. In the meantime my washing machine shut itself down.  At least I had been able to get half of the wash done before it rebelled.  Typing next to washing machine parts strewn all over my kitchen floor - glad my husband is "handy" - but what a mess!! And my laundry is sitting in little piles around the border.  Planning a trip to mom's in the next 48 hours if we can't get this thing fixed.  Praise God for local relatives who don't mind lending out their washers!!!

So we have one car (better than none), and lots of laundry to catch up on - but only half of what was here before!!  I want to go back to sleep for a long time (plus I am running a fever - that could explain some of it - but most of it is an effort to get away :)  ).  This morning I needed some music that would help me keep focused as I cleaned up the kitchen and tried to get some things in order.  Decided on Keith and Kristin Getty.  Truth to music that also has that "marching as to war" feel.  At least some of it - and that was what I was after.  Needed a steady rhythm and gaze lifting lyrics.  Here is the one that was brought home this morning :

"Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer"
Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret Becker
Copyright © 2002 Thankyou Music

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.

Let the treasures of the trial                                
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

Love the lyrics of this song!!  This mix of dependency and walking really speak to me - and it is my prayer that as I walk through all of life's journeys that at the end I might wake more in the likeness of Christ, and cast any treasures I might gain at the throne of Christ at the end.  What a picture!!!  It is a wonderful and reflective song (not one of the "Marching as to War" ones :) - told you I have a music thing.... ).  

I know that God will finish His work in us as we continue in Him.  To borrow one of my husband's favorite phrases "May Christ receive the glory in all things"  !!

Two Songs

Every once in awhile it seems I run into some song lyrics that "stick".   Over the last few days we have added an older album by Reilly into our musical diet around here (by Michael Ben's request).  I do like the album - it kind of grew on me.  This past Sunday, as we were driving down to church, we played it and when these two songs came on, Mike and I both were struck by the lyrics of these two songs in particular.  


How Many Times 
 by john matthew reilly jr.
 
How many times must I forget?
The sin inside of me will encourage me to slip
How many times must I forget?
These hands upon the wheel lead to circles of regret
How many times must I forget?
Walking on this narrow road is never second best

Beneath my skin, beyond my eyes
There lies the freedom to choose
But my choice I despise
How many times
How many ways
Every hour of every day
Do I run from your heavenly light?
How many times?

How many times must I forget?
To seek the truest love never wanting any less
How many times must I forget?
To when I’m feeling down do something for somebody quick
How many times must I forget?
To spread the gospel to the ears that haven’t heard it yet

Beneath my skin, beyond my eyes…

It doesn’t matter
How many times I fall
It doesn’t matter
Your grace will lift me up
It doesn’t matter
How many times I fall
It doesn’t matter
You’ve cured me of my disease

Because of sin You bled and died
As a ransom for many, there’s no one You’ll deny
No matter- How many times, how many ways
Every hour of every day
We’ve run from Your heavenly light
No matter…how many times…

 

"Make me Break"
by john matthew reilly jr and trina bass
Copyright 2003 John Reilly

Jesus i want to love you more than i do
To say that i chase only after you
Is simply untrue

So Lord please
Make me break
Every time i fall
Every time i let you down
And Lord please
Cause me to stumble
Upon your hand of grace
Every time i reach for another

Jesus you're the only one
who can really change a heart
And Jesus there are times when i don't want you
changing mine

So Lord please...

So won't you be my vision
Won't you be my guide
Won't you be my counselor
Won't you be my sole delight




As we continue this walk we are on (an update on that later), as the time moves on, I am finding it easier and easier to just "take the wheel".  I find it in subtle thoughts and actions.  I become very particular about the areas in my life that I "can control" (i.e. housekeeping, schedule, behavior, etc.).  Then I realize I am reaching for another.  

"Hebrews 12:1-14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

   "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
     nor be weary when reproved by him.    For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives."



 It is for discipline that you have to endure, God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.  For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.  Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."


No discipline seems pleasant at the time.  I find myself not wanting Christ to change my heart.  I feel like I have had enough - I am afraid.  I find myself not trusting in God as my father, but as my judge - He is punishing me - for good reason, but not my friend.  I need that all to change. 


 I want to break.  

An Etsy shop post

 Etsy.

 Had never even heard the name before about a year and a half ago.  Don't know anything (or very little) about the history, or when it "broke" - but several of my friends now have shops there.  It is a showcase for amazing gifts and talents.  Their shops are absolutely beautiful!!  I will eventually list them all (and should have a long time ago...), but I just "stopped by" one of my friend's shops and they are having a sale on their wood items.  I had meant to mention them here before, but never quite figured out how / why :).  These friends of ours have been in our lives for the last 17 years.  Darla has always been crafty and has sold her prims for quite awhile, but the wood shop is a newer addition as it is only 2 years old.  I can't describe it quite the way they do, so without further ado......  JDM Creations .


Please check them out and forward them to anyone you might know who might be interested in products like this!!!  :)

Lots to be thankful for and a quick update!

Wow - I haven't been keeping up the way I would like.....

We have been busy recently!  So - let's see if I can cover a few highlights.....

First off - we have had two more birthdays since my last family post.

Mike was December 1st.........

I can't say enough how very grateful I am for my husband.  As we have walked through the years together (15 in June!!), he has been such an encouragement to me in so many ways.  I have often taken for granted his willingness to serve me and our children, his adaptability as we shift from one season to another, his faithful heart, his sense of humor, and his perseverance in times of trial and challenge.  Without you, Mike, my life would be boring - thank you for the adventure!  I look forward to more as we continue this walk we are on.  You are my best friend and my greatest gift in this life - love you!

Three days later it was Michael Ben's birthday!!!

                                                            

 

This is one amazing boy!  As we enter his 11th year (YIKES!), it has been a privilege to watch as he tackles life.  He is driven, smart, and has a love for the word of God that I envy.  I am so proud of you Michael!  Keep pursuing as the Lord leads!  I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you as you grow.

And, for those of you that have been reading for a little while, tonight is finals eve.  At noon tomorrow, Mike will have finished his semester and his associates.  For now, we are anticipating being done.  It is a crazy mix of being nervous as to whether he will do well (so far on that front, he has a B and an A- in his first 2 courses, so that is encouraging), and just wanting it over.  And yet, at the same time, being unsure as to what is next.  In some ways it is similar to Christmas Eve I guess!  We really are looking forward with anticipation as to what God has for us.  As we look back we can see so many blessings.  Any trial or pain we have experienced has resulted in wonderful times of provision, outpourings of love from our brothers and sisters, prayer, care, and gratefulness.  He is faithful.  And, next week we look forward to celebrating the incarnation of our Savior!!!  What could be more sweet!!

A Book Recommendation - Big Truths for Young Hearts

Ok - before you realize it and tell me, I know I have talked about this book before. It is really that good!!

We have recently acquired another copy of Bruce Ware's book "Big Truths for Young Hearts" - and not a moment too soon as we had given ours on permanent loan. I really can not say enough about this book! And the second reading is just as exciting as the first.

First off, I would say that the age range is a bit off. The publisher (Crossway) recommends an age range of 6-14. As someone who often does read aloud books with my kids, I really do have to "translate" to our 6 year olds as we read. It is a bit heavy for them vocabulary wise. For Kate and Michael (9 and 11) it is easier. I would say that to simply pick it up and read it as written, it would age range from 10-17. This varies by chapter as the author uses illustrations written for smaller children - but the theological vocabulary stays in that range - which is a good thing in a sense because they learn the word for the concept at a young age - it just takes some explaining.

Now on to why I love this book!!! Growing up in the OPC as a pastor's daughter, our family devotionals were very much like this book. Taking doctrines one at a time and examining them was something I was familiar with. I think that may be one reason this book resonates with me. At the same time, I am amazed at the way Dr. Ware is able to "fatten out" these doctrines. I can not tell you how many time I have been reading a chapter to the kids and tears have come to my eyes. He quotes scripture extensively as he covers each doctrine, supporting each with multiple examples and then applies them to our lives today. The two questions at the end of each chapter only reenforce that these doctrines are alive and functioning in the lives of believers currently - not just truths to be memorized and repeated. Moving from a functional understanding of doctrine, to functional application of doctrine is key in spiritual growth , and is something I want my children to grasp as they grow in their knowledge. It is also a book that reminds and teaches me as I am reading - which is great for a family devotional - we have all grown through the reading of this book.

You can read other reviews of Crossway's books at this site:

http://www.crossway.org/blog/

Twas the night before......

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Being the ever vigilant and prepared person I am, I am waiting for my cheesecake to bake. So - I'm up for at least the next hour. And every year I say - "Not next year!". Well - "Not next year!!" Glad that's out of the way......

As we look forward to tomorrow, I have so many things to be thankful for!! For one, Katie turned 9 today!!! Yikes!!! Happy birthday baby girl! You are such a breath of fresh air in my life!! With you it is always an adventure - and I thank God for you!!

We are spending tomorrow home with our nuclear family. Yup - just the 6 of us. After the last few weeks, I think it will be a great time of rest and.... well, maybe a little food. We will be eating a lot of turkey over the next few weeks - Mike brought home a 20 pounder. We are still cooking like there will be a lot of us...... we will also get the opportunity to share dessert with some close friends of ours. Any dessert ideas made out of turkey? We will actually be having 4 Thanksgivings this year. One tomorrow, one Sat., one Sun., and another one next Sunday. That's a lot of turkey.

Turkey aside.....

It has been a full year. This time last year, Mike was still at Sherwin Williams. In three weeks he will be finished his Associates! God has been so faithful to us to provide us means and grace over this past year. It's amazing how quickly I forget. When I slow down and ponder - really ponder - wow - God is so amazing. Things don't often go the way I plan them. I spent some of tonight throwing a temper tantrum over some cleaning I did that the kids had the nerve to mess up. But I praise God that He redeems. Not only is He sovereign over all, but He redeems my mistakes as well. My family accepted my apology to them - and we were able to enjoy the rest of our evening together. We love because He first loved us. His love is perfect. For that I am thankful.

We are ending one adventure and moving into a new one. We do not know what lies ahead. With the end of this year, Mike will be putting a lot more effort into a new job. We don't know what, and we don't know where. I would be lying if I said I was completely OK with all that. There are times that I am not. I really like to know what tomorrow might bring. And yet - as we look back over the ways God has moved and met us - all we can say is "Great is thy faithfulness". Wonder what we will be thanking God for next year!!