I have always been drawn to children's books. I am always in search of a new one to introduce to my first graders but this morning as I began renovating the bathroom, I was reminded of one of my very favorite children's books: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
In case you haven't read it, it is about a hungry mouse who knocks on the door, and the little boy in the story gives him a cookie. But when he gives him a cookie, he wants a glass of milk. He gets a glass of milk, then he needs to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache . . . he then notices that he needs a trim . . . he has to borrow the scissors . . .
It's a cute story. Most of the funniest bits are in the illustrations, which show a little boy being run ragged by the escalating demands of the mouse.
Why this thought today? Because it describes how we are in the world. In renovating the bathroom, I want a new bronze towel bar (40.00) but then if I do that - I need a new shower rod to match the new shower curtain and I want a new bathroom vanity mirror to replace the standard one that was here when we bought the house, but then I will want new lighting to match the mirror ( and if I change that lighting - I need to replace the one over the shower and then I will want a faucet to match all the other hardware and then I will need new cabinet handles to coordinate - oh the cycle is vicious. (And to think it ALL started with a $20.00 gallon of paint!)
I can identify with that little mouse wanting and the little boy that is running around trying to keep up. I had to force my self to step back and remember that He will supply all of our NEEDS - not wants. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
Ladies, can't we easily convince ourselves that we NEED something? But whew, I can get carried away in a project. I am determined to stay grounded and do it one step at a time. In the meantime, I think I will enjoy a simple cookie and count all my other blessings!
Choosing to focus on the needs,
Kim
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
"Thumbs Rock, Mom!"
I have missed you guys once again! While hubby was on a golf retreat, I had the opportunity to spend some one on one time with my mom, which is a rare treat. We also had the opportunity to visit my MIL while we were in town for the week - my child is thrilled at having the chance to spend time with Grandma and Mimi and Poppy. He is the only grandchild on both sides of the family - one blessed little fellow!
My travels are over for a while. I have about three weeks left before a new school year begins for me and I can assure you that I have at least three weeks worth of projects left to complete. (But I HAD to blog first!) You understand, right? If you are reading this, please go to www.leighgray.com and read her post today. She is right on with what she shared today - even if you are not a blogger, think of what she wrote about in terms of your conversations with friends.
Anyway...on to why I gave this entry the title "Thumbs Rock, Mom!" We are doing a series in SS on "Knowing Why You Believe." Yesterday's topic was...If you were asked, Is there a God? - How would you respond? What evidence do you have? Very challenging for all of us. We talked about the cause and effect relationship and I was reminded of how each time I teach the unit on creation in my classroom - one darling always raises their hand and says, "But Mrs. S - where did God come from?" and first graders don't like the standard "You have to just have faith that He was already there!" because they will follow with "But how did He get there? If you have children, you know where this conversation is going. (always back to the original question until they get an answer that they are satisfied with)
But the cause and effect relationship is a great way to explain it - the effect is in Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The cause is the Creator - God caused it to happen - you have to have a cause to have an effect. Well, if you know me well enough, you know that I analyze things right down to the elementary level - always thinking about how I can share with both my child and my first graders. I want them to be so deeply rooted in their beliefs that when they encounter someone who expresses the theory of evolution - they recognize it to be baloney!
So as Mom, Sam and I went to the zoo on Friday - we talked about how God designed all of the animals. How He camouflaged the animals to protect them in the wild (He gave tigers stripes to allow them to hide easily in the bamboo stalks, he designed the bodies of penguins (one of our favorites) and sea lions to be excellent for swimming, He designed the giraffe to be able to eat from the tallest branches and gave them and 18 inch tongue to grasp a mouthful of leaves in one swipe, how He gave the elephant a little thumb at the end of his trunk to give him some fine motor ability to pick up an object as small as a peanut) Man, how can you go to the zoo and not marvel at His creation? We had a lot of fun admiring all of the animals.
Well, Sam is a thinker - the wheels are always turning and you never know what thought is going to pour out next. - He analyzes things like his Mom - he is going to be a great husband someday if he continues :) - On the way home, from the back seat of the van - some two hours later, he said, "You know Mom - THUMBS ROCK! - because if God hadn't given me these thumbs to grab things with, I would be just like some of those animals today - pawing at stuff!" Wow - he gets it! I pray that he will always marvel in awe at the world God created.
Do you?
Have a blessed day in the Lord!
Kim
My travels are over for a while. I have about three weeks left before a new school year begins for me and I can assure you that I have at least three weeks worth of projects left to complete. (But I HAD to blog first!) You understand, right? If you are reading this, please go to www.leighgray.com and read her post today. She is right on with what she shared today - even if you are not a blogger, think of what she wrote about in terms of your conversations with friends.
Anyway...on to why I gave this entry the title "Thumbs Rock, Mom!" We are doing a series in SS on "Knowing Why You Believe." Yesterday's topic was...If you were asked, Is there a God? - How would you respond? What evidence do you have? Very challenging for all of us. We talked about the cause and effect relationship and I was reminded of how each time I teach the unit on creation in my classroom - one darling always raises their hand and says, "But Mrs. S - where did God come from?" and first graders don't like the standard "You have to just have faith that He was already there!" because they will follow with "But how did He get there? If you have children, you know where this conversation is going. (always back to the original question until they get an answer that they are satisfied with)
But the cause and effect relationship is a great way to explain it - the effect is in Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The cause is the Creator - God caused it to happen - you have to have a cause to have an effect. Well, if you know me well enough, you know that I analyze things right down to the elementary level - always thinking about how I can share with both my child and my first graders. I want them to be so deeply rooted in their beliefs that when they encounter someone who expresses the theory of evolution - they recognize it to be baloney!
So as Mom, Sam and I went to the zoo on Friday - we talked about how God designed all of the animals. How He camouflaged the animals to protect them in the wild (He gave tigers stripes to allow them to hide easily in the bamboo stalks, he designed the bodies of penguins (one of our favorites) and sea lions to be excellent for swimming, He designed the giraffe to be able to eat from the tallest branches and gave them and 18 inch tongue to grasp a mouthful of leaves in one swipe, how He gave the elephant a little thumb at the end of his trunk to give him some fine motor ability to pick up an object as small as a peanut) Man, how can you go to the zoo and not marvel at His creation? We had a lot of fun admiring all of the animals.
Well, Sam is a thinker - the wheels are always turning and you never know what thought is going to pour out next. - He analyzes things like his Mom - he is going to be a great husband someday if he continues :) - On the way home, from the back seat of the van - some two hours later, he said, "You know Mom - THUMBS ROCK! - because if God hadn't given me these thumbs to grab things with, I would be just like some of those animals today - pawing at stuff!" Wow - he gets it! I pray that he will always marvel in awe at the world God created.
Do you?
Have a blessed day in the Lord!
Kim
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Because He first "dug" me.....
I was tagged by Leigh(www.leighgray.com) earlier today. Thanks Leigh, for two reasons : one - it was the first time I had been tagged - YEAH! and two (most importantly - you really forced me to think today!
Leigh challenged me to list the five reasons that I "dig' Jesus. (and yes, Leigh, I was a little shy about using the some urban slang to talk about how I feel about my King of Kings - so I did what all good bloggers do and I googled the word "dig." Here is what I found:
"Literally asking someone if they enjoy something or if they are enjoying something at that moment. Asking another person if they are in favor of something. Asking if they approve."
So Leigh, we are okay, because we obviously enjoy our Jesus, we find great favor in Him and of course, we approve!
Then came my next challenge - HOW DO YOU LIST JUST FIVE REASONS FOR LOVING JESUS? But after two hours of pouring through scripture - I narrowed it down to my top five for this stage of my life - Here we go:
1. I "dig" Jesus because He first "dug" me. He is humble. He died a criminal death obediently on a cross for my sins. (Phil 2:8)
2. I "dig" Jesus because He is COMING AGAIN! (Titus 2:13)....we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Aren't you glad He is coming? Keep your eye on the sky!
3. I "dig" Jesus because He is the ONLY WAY! (John 14:6) Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
4. I "dig" Jesus because He is the WORD. (John 1:14) "So the Word became human and lived on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness."
5. I "dig" Jesus because He is my PRINCE OF PEACE. (Isaiah 9:6) "These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
So there you have it - five reasons why I "dig" Him. He is everything to me: He is my God, my Savior, my Mediator, Atonement for my Sin, my Advocate, my redeemer and my comforter. What is He to you? (consider yourself tagged and if you are a lurker - one who reads but never comments - you are welcome here - but you are tagged as well)
Do you "dig"Him too?
Kim
Leigh challenged me to list the five reasons that I "dig' Jesus. (and yes, Leigh, I was a little shy about using the some urban slang to talk about how I feel about my King of Kings - so I did what all good bloggers do and I googled the word "dig." Here is what I found:
"Literally asking someone if they enjoy something or if they are enjoying something at that moment. Asking another person if they are in favor of something. Asking if they approve."
So Leigh, we are okay, because we obviously enjoy our Jesus, we find great favor in Him and of course, we approve!
Then came my next challenge - HOW DO YOU LIST JUST FIVE REASONS FOR LOVING JESUS? But after two hours of pouring through scripture - I narrowed it down to my top five for this stage of my life - Here we go:
1. I "dig" Jesus because He first "dug" me. He is humble. He died a criminal death obediently on a cross for my sins. (Phil 2:8)
2. I "dig" Jesus because He is COMING AGAIN! (Titus 2:13)....we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Aren't you glad He is coming? Keep your eye on the sky!
3. I "dig" Jesus because He is the ONLY WAY! (John 14:6) Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
4. I "dig" Jesus because He is the WORD. (John 1:14) "So the Word became human and lived on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness."
5. I "dig" Jesus because He is my PRINCE OF PEACE. (Isaiah 9:6) "These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
So there you have it - five reasons why I "dig" Him. He is everything to me: He is my God, my Savior, my Mediator, Atonement for my Sin, my Advocate, my redeemer and my comforter. What is He to you? (consider yourself tagged and if you are a lurker - one who reads but never comments - you are welcome here - but you are tagged as well)
Do you "dig"Him too?
Kim
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Do You Operate on Auto-Pilot?
Choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15
Whoa - Did Dr. Brown preach a great sermon today! He challenged us the choice that we have daily - choosing whom you will serve today. So all day, I have pondered on this message and then I thought of this scripture found in Joshua. You see, many people treat Christianity as if it were a ONE TIME decision. Too many believe that once they receive Christ as their Savior - they are safe! Many are born again and then go on auto pilot. They establish a routine and fly in the holding pattern for the remainder of their time on Earth.
Dr. Brown said today when speaking on restoration - Don't ask God to restore you to what you once were - ask him to help you become what he means for you to be today!
I thought about that and how different my role is today than what He called us to do ten years ago - to pack up our home and move to Charlotte for hubby to surrender to full time ministry. I said I would NEVER.......yet here we are. God spoke - we obeyed. And then I think about how I said I would NEVER abandon my ministry in the public school system to teach at a Christian school....yet here we are (yes, hubby is there too) God spoke - we obeyed. You see, He knows what is best for us and we trust Him. And oh, how He has blessed us with wonderful opportunities to minister in the current place that He has us! Where we would be had we not surrendered? ohhhh, the what ifs.....
The definition of born? (the beginning of a life long process NOT the end) What if hubby and I had chosen to stay in a holding pattern? Following Jesus started with a single choice BUT it is followed by a life time of choosing to live for Him DAILY.
I do not want my life to become such a routine that I make choices out of habit. Worse, I do not want to walk around on auto pilot. All the power of God is available and waiting for us to make a choice. What will you choose today?
Father, thank you that we do have a choice. Help us to see the opportunities that you have before us. Keep us off of auto pilot, Lord. Give us even more passion for what you called us to do so that you get the glory and honor for it ALL Lord.
Amen
Whoa - Did Dr. Brown preach a great sermon today! He challenged us the choice that we have daily - choosing whom you will serve today. So all day, I have pondered on this message and then I thought of this scripture found in Joshua. You see, many people treat Christianity as if it were a ONE TIME decision. Too many believe that once they receive Christ as their Savior - they are safe! Many are born again and then go on auto pilot. They establish a routine and fly in the holding pattern for the remainder of their time on Earth.
Dr. Brown said today when speaking on restoration - Don't ask God to restore you to what you once were - ask him to help you become what he means for you to be today!
I thought about that and how different my role is today than what He called us to do ten years ago - to pack up our home and move to Charlotte for hubby to surrender to full time ministry. I said I would NEVER.......yet here we are. God spoke - we obeyed. And then I think about how I said I would NEVER abandon my ministry in the public school system to teach at a Christian school....yet here we are (yes, hubby is there too) God spoke - we obeyed. You see, He knows what is best for us and we trust Him. And oh, how He has blessed us with wonderful opportunities to minister in the current place that He has us! Where we would be had we not surrendered? ohhhh, the what ifs.....
The definition of born? (the beginning of a life long process NOT the end) What if hubby and I had chosen to stay in a holding pattern? Following Jesus started with a single choice BUT it is followed by a life time of choosing to live for Him DAILY.
I do not want my life to become such a routine that I make choices out of habit. Worse, I do not want to walk around on auto pilot. All the power of God is available and waiting for us to make a choice. What will you choose today?
Father, thank you that we do have a choice. Help us to see the opportunities that you have before us. Keep us off of auto pilot, Lord. Give us even more passion for what you called us to do so that you get the glory and honor for it ALL Lord.
Amen
Friday, July 6, 2007
Love, Honor and "Obey?"
I am in the mood for love.....Don't you just love attending a wedding? Tonight, Hubby and I have the privilege of attending the wedding of two of our coworkers. Each time I attend a wedding, I reflect back on the day that we exchanged vows.
I had the honor of marrying my high school sweetheart after a seven and a half year courtship. We have now been married for 16 wonderful years. Shortly before we married, I remember us sitting down to talk to Rev. Peurifoy (a dear, sweet family friend) who performed our ceremony. He shared with us the secret to his successful marriage in the following verses in the 5th chapter of Ephesians:
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything." vs. 22-24
(If you continue to read through verse 33, you will see what Christ intended for our roles in marriage to be.)
Now those words don't sit well with many today - but if you know who you are in Christ they are not offensive. Our world has made them this way - the world has imposed a selfish twist on this biblical passage. It has taken this to mean that the husband should be domineering, self centered, indulgent, demanding, etc. But actually in these verses it means caring, sensitive, devoted, serving and looking out for his wife's best interests.
Wives, God didn't intend for us to be inferior or second class in our homes. We are to be responsive, faithful, committed, loving, etc. What God created as our assets, man treats as liabilities in our relationships. How tragic it is when couples lose their roles in marriage because of worldly pressure. They rob themselves of having the kind of relationship that God calls them to enjoy. Where are you in your marriage today?
Pray about the kind of relationship God intended for the two of you to have and WORK on it -
You will be glad you did and your children will be too!
Kim
I had the honor of marrying my high school sweetheart after a seven and a half year courtship. We have now been married for 16 wonderful years. Shortly before we married, I remember us sitting down to talk to Rev. Peurifoy (a dear, sweet family friend) who performed our ceremony. He shared with us the secret to his successful marriage in the following verses in the 5th chapter of Ephesians:
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything." vs. 22-24
(If you continue to read through verse 33, you will see what Christ intended for our roles in marriage to be.)
Now those words don't sit well with many today - but if you know who you are in Christ they are not offensive. Our world has made them this way - the world has imposed a selfish twist on this biblical passage. It has taken this to mean that the husband should be domineering, self centered, indulgent, demanding, etc. But actually in these verses it means caring, sensitive, devoted, serving and looking out for his wife's best interests.
Wives, God didn't intend for us to be inferior or second class in our homes. We are to be responsive, faithful, committed, loving, etc. What God created as our assets, man treats as liabilities in our relationships. How tragic it is when couples lose their roles in marriage because of worldly pressure. They rob themselves of having the kind of relationship that God calls them to enjoy. Where are you in your marriage today?
Pray about the kind of relationship God intended for the two of you to have and WORK on it -
You will be glad you did and your children will be too!
Kim
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue!
"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13
I will never forget my 30th birthday...three fellow teachers and I ventured to NYC to take in a Broadway show, tour the WTC, visit NBC studios, wave like the crazy people that you see outside the TODAY show each day and take in the sights and sounds of the BIG APPLE. But of all of the things I experienced during that trip - I will never forget the impact that Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty had on me. They had to drag me back to the ferry at closing time.
It was because I have always valued my freedom. And there I stood gazing up at the very symbol of freedom that greeted the millions that came to our country seeking that same freedom. Touring the museum at Ellis Island and viewing how immigrants sacrificed to come to our country in pursuit of the American Dream gave me such a deep appreciation for my freedoms in the USA.
As we pause from our regular schedules today to participate in patriotic celebrations, let us remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers - The vision that they had for religious freedom and independence. The way that they put their lives on the line to sign the Declaration of Independence. Teach your children about the sacrifices of those men that make America what she is today.
Give thanks for the brave men and women of our military who serve so that our freedoms are protected. Pray for continued success in Iraq and peace in their efforts. Pray for our nation and her leaders. And above all, praise God for the greatest freedom that we have in America - the freedom to worship and pray when and how we wish. God bless America!
Enjoy your freedom in Christ today -
Kim
Here is a great idea to do with your kids on this week to have them participate in an act of kindness for a soldier.Go to www.anysoldier.com Choose a soldier to adopt this week. He/She will have posted items that they are in need of if you wish to send a care package. If not, at least have your child write a letter or send a card thanking them for protecting our freedoms. Anyway, all the FAQ and info is there - get on board and thank a soldier!Once you select a soldier, you will receive an immediate email with the soldiers address. Encourage your children to pray for that serviceman/woman daily. Be a blessing to someone who sacrifices for you each day!Happy 4th!
Posted by Kim at 1:16 AM 2 comments
I will never forget my 30th birthday...three fellow teachers and I ventured to NYC to take in a Broadway show, tour the WTC, visit NBC studios, wave like the crazy people that you see outside the TODAY show each day and take in the sights and sounds of the BIG APPLE. But of all of the things I experienced during that trip - I will never forget the impact that Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty had on me. They had to drag me back to the ferry at closing time.
It was because I have always valued my freedom. And there I stood gazing up at the very symbol of freedom that greeted the millions that came to our country seeking that same freedom. Touring the museum at Ellis Island and viewing how immigrants sacrificed to come to our country in pursuit of the American Dream gave me such a deep appreciation for my freedoms in the USA.
As we pause from our regular schedules today to participate in patriotic celebrations, let us remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers - The vision that they had for religious freedom and independence. The way that they put their lives on the line to sign the Declaration of Independence. Teach your children about the sacrifices of those men that make America what she is today.
Give thanks for the brave men and women of our military who serve so that our freedoms are protected. Pray for continued success in Iraq and peace in their efforts. Pray for our nation and her leaders. And above all, praise God for the greatest freedom that we have in America - the freedom to worship and pray when and how we wish. God bless America!
Enjoy your freedom in Christ today -
Kim
Here is a great idea to do with your kids on this week to have them participate in an act of kindness for a soldier.Go to www.anysoldier.com Choose a soldier to adopt this week. He/She will have posted items that they are in need of if you wish to send a care package. If not, at least have your child write a letter or send a card thanking them for protecting our freedoms. Anyway, all the FAQ and info is there - get on board and thank a soldier!Once you select a soldier, you will receive an immediate email with the soldiers address. Encourage your children to pray for that serviceman/woman daily. Be a blessing to someone who sacrifices for you each day!Happy 4th!
Posted by Kim at 1:16 AM 2 comments
Monday, July 2, 2007
Small Things....
I can tell you this much is true...there is no such thing as a "maintenance free" home. I am exhausted from painting but glad to have what I hope to be the most difficult part behind me. We had a great day in the Lord yesterday - hubby taught our Sunday School class and then Dr. Rummage preached a fantastic sermon on America sliding toward Sodom.
One of Dr. Rummage's key points was that we have a choice daily - do we choose Heaven or Earth? and that set me to thinking about how I manage my time. Don't get me wrong, blogging is a wonderful thing but I can quickly lose track of time in Blogland. That's my reason for this late post today - I tried to prioritize my day by the things I had to do first and then reward myself with blogging. So don't feel like you are last priority - you are my reward! :)
When is the last time you read a passage in Zechariah? Well, if you look at Chapter 4 verse 6 it says - "Lord, help me to remember it's not by my power, nor by my might, but by your Spirit that I accomplish anything worthwhile."
So many things seem little - a warm smile to a stranger, a kind word to someone visiting your church, cookies to welcome someone to the neighborhood, a call to say How are you? and you really WANT TO KNOW how they are, looking someone in the eye while they are talking to you....an extra moment to recall a favorite scripture, a prayer on behalf of a friend when they pop into our memory....
Discipline yourself to do the small things first. I challenge you to remember to do the"small things" - they are far more important than you think, and they open the door for you to have larger opportunities to minister in the future.
What "small things" would He have you do for someone today?
Kim
One of Dr. Rummage's key points was that we have a choice daily - do we choose Heaven or Earth? and that set me to thinking about how I manage my time. Don't get me wrong, blogging is a wonderful thing but I can quickly lose track of time in Blogland. That's my reason for this late post today - I tried to prioritize my day by the things I had to do first and then reward myself with blogging. So don't feel like you are last priority - you are my reward! :)
When is the last time you read a passage in Zechariah? Well, if you look at Chapter 4 verse 6 it says - "Lord, help me to remember it's not by my power, nor by my might, but by your Spirit that I accomplish anything worthwhile."
So many things seem little - a warm smile to a stranger, a kind word to someone visiting your church, cookies to welcome someone to the neighborhood, a call to say How are you? and you really WANT TO KNOW how they are, looking someone in the eye while they are talking to you....an extra moment to recall a favorite scripture, a prayer on behalf of a friend when they pop into our memory....
Discipline yourself to do the small things first. I challenge you to remember to do the"small things" - they are far more important than you think, and they open the door for you to have larger opportunities to minister in the future.
What "small things" would He have you do for someone today?
Kim
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