Inspired

Reading her blog the other night and talking with Michelle I realized how parents are so sacrificial and how love can really inspire.  My parents (I'm sure unbeknownst to me to what degree) gave me a childhood of wonderful memories and experiences.  I don't remember a time that I lacked anything.  Do not mistakenly think that I was given everything I wanted or that I was allowed to do anything I pleased.  But I certainly grew up very happy, healthy, and content.  I never saw the tears of struggle for money.  I never saw the anxiety when another bill came.  I never saw the worry of how a payment would be made or where the money would come from to cover the cost of something.  I am sure it was there.  When I think about the employment my parents had and the humble backgrounds from which they came, I now realize that those times had to have happened.  What did they do when the furnace went out and had to be replaced?  (I was 8 at the time with a sister in college.)  Where did the money come from when I wanted to take gymnastics and dance lessons at age six? There are many times I can think of that make me wonder what sacrifices they made for me.  But they did-because they love me.  I know that it may have hurt.  They may have had to give up something important to them or asked for help when they wished they could do it alone.  But for me...they made the sacrifice.

I guess I write this now for two reasons.  I have been inspired by the same love that inspired them. 

First-to my parents I want to say "Thank you!"  You didn't do it for thanks.  You did it out of love and because it seemed to you it was your "job".  But thanks should be said more often than it is.  So this is my opportunity and I'm taking it.

Second-to all parents out there making the sacrifice...I admire you more than you know.  To you who are giving up the 'things' you love for the people you love-thanks on their behalf.  I know that sometimes it hurts to make the sacrifice, but someday (I promise you!) they will recognize it for what it is and they will admire you for it as I admire you now. 

If this has inspired you to say "thanks" to your parents, then God has worked through me and I praise him for it.  If this has touched you because you are or have made the sacrifice, then I am twice blessed.

God's hand on you!

I'M BACK...AGAIN!

Well, we've got a new computer, so now I can go to town and post like a mad woman!  (HA! HA!  Anyone who knows me knows that's not true.)  Actually, I have been inspired by my step-children to think a little harder and share a little more.  So...

Not to get too deep, but GO BEARS!  I can't believe that they just won that Arizona game.  There is much rejoicing around our house right now.  We have changed jerseys three times, yelled at the television, and held our breath.  Way to go, defense!!!

Now on to even better things!  My oldest grandson comes to my classroom right after school.  He is in kindergarten in the afternoons and stays with me after school until mommy can get him.  We have had a lot of fun.  He has started to use the time to work on little projects for his brothers.  He is most excited about a coloring book he is making for each of them that he will give them at Christmas.  If you could watch him as he picks each picture and counts to be sure he has one for each brother.  He is precious and I love the memories we make.  What a gift he is from God!

Sunday, we had our daughter and son-in-law, the four grandkids, and my husband's dad and step-mom over for lunch.  What a precious time it was when the kids started to the living room for naps and the grown ups sat around the table and talked about scripture.  I have so much respect for my father-in-law.  He is a retired minister and what I feel to be a true example of a Christian.  He has lived through so much in his lifetime (death of a spouse, death of a child and grandchild, three sons' divorces, marriage splits of his grandchildren, and more).  Yet in every situation, at every curve, with every heartache, he turns to God and peace eminates from him. What a true man of faith.  It truly was a privilege to listen to him on Sunday.  We could learn a lot if we'd just take the time to listen.

More to write, but I'll save some for another post. That way, I'll have something to use for updating.  Until then...

May God's love surround you in each and every step you take.

Still Working On It

Well, some of you have waited and waited.  I've even read comments...like my thoughts are so deep!  Anyway, I think I finally figured out how to change the look of things a bit.  Now if I can get my computer savy kids to help with pics and the like...I might just get inspired to post more often.

I know some of you have changed the look of your site several times.  It seems like even though we've created what we see and it is useful for our purpose, we still feel the need or desire to change it a bit in the hopes of making it even better.  I wonder if God does that too.  He created us and as the need arises, he changes us a bit in the hopes of making us better.  The great thing is, He changes from the inside out.  Its not just cosmetic, it's for a purpose.  But I have to think that if we are changed by him, truly changed, then the outside will change too!

Placing the Blame

Today I noticed something about myself in the life of a child.  This sweet child was having one of those days when everything seemed to be going wrong.  It seemed the more she tried to seek help, the further in trouble she sank.  She was so caught up in her own agenda that manners, common sense, and patience were at a loss.  When is just seemed that she could no longer take the pressure of the situation, she finally picked another child and began placing the blame on him.  It was his fault that she couldn't find her answer.  It was his fault that she couldn't think, or complete her task, or even remember that interruptions don't always get answers.  It was all his fault!

As I talked to her about what was happening, how each choice she made was absolutely seperate from the child on which sh was placing blame, tears streamed down her cheeks.  She realized that, try as she might, responsibility was square on her shoulders.  The errors in judgement she made were her own.  The consequences she would have to suffer were not unfair or misplaced.  It was a hard lesson, but one she learned.

Then I  thought of myself.  I thought about how I too get caught up in my agenda.  I thought of the excuses I would make when the choices I made were bad or frustration became my excuse for ill behavior.  I thought about how I place the blame on everything and everyone but myself.  How many times has God wondered if I would ever get around to discovering that I am responsible for me?  There is nobody else to blame- just me.  So today I lay claim to my own 'issues'.  From today forward, I am going to try to always look to myself first when things go wrong.  I'm going to ask God to show me the way to solve whatever the problem might be.  After all, the God of all creation certainly knows better than I what to do and who's to blame. 

Grace and peace be unto you!

Try JESUS ...continued

Remember, read this the first time through as is and then go back and read it replacing all of the 'he' words with the name JESUS.  There is no other name...

Luke 24:2-7

2)...They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3) but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  4) While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  5) In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?  6) He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7) The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again."

PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS FOREVER!!!