The countdown continues but I must say that I have accomplished a lot. Why the title of today's blog? It is the title of my latest find at the Christian Bookstore. I must say though - I got quite overwhelmed painting the guest room today and hubby came to my rescue. I would love to tell you that he offered first, but real men just don't have the sensitivity to do so. (so I will go ahead and admit to you that I begged him to help and to my surprise he hung in there with me all day.) He painted, moved furniture, put up new window treatments and even went to pick up lunch.
So we did a guest room makeover all in one day. (and just in time - my MIL is coming tomorrow afternoon.) While we were putting the finishing touches on the room, hubby said, "So what's next? I know you are planning ahead.." He is right - I have a wish list....two bedrooms and one bath to go. Hurry up, fall weather....it is too hot to do my outside projects now.
I have missed blogging this week but with all my projects - I have had a lot of time to talk to Jesus about my upcoming school year. I will be back soon. I have missed you!
Have a great day of worship,
Kim
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, ........
The countdown is on and I have much to do.....I report back to the classroom two weeks from tomorrow and I have about four weeks worth of projects to do prior to a new school year. So if you log on and you don't see a new post, please come back again. Pray for me as life goes in "overdrive" for a short time. Love you all -
Kim
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Childhood Memories
Mary at Owlhaven is hosting a fun meme today. Here's what she writes:I’d like you all to consider writing about your childhood home. It doesn’t matter how big or small it was. All the memories don’t have to be picture-perfect. If you moved a lot, it’s fine to pick one favorite house. What I want to hear are details that were important to you as a child......
Okay, Ms. Mary, here it goes.....When I think about the childhood homes that I lived in....it wasn't the houses that were important...it was the life that we built inside that mattered. My dad was in textile management at the time and we moved more than our share while Dad worked his way up in Industrial Management. What I do remember though is the character and charm of each small mill-run southern town that we lived in - life was the same day in and day out in each one.
I grew up in the 70's and I honestly believe we were the last generation to enjoy the freedom to play outside without the CONSTANT supervision of adults. We had two rules regarding unsupervised play - One - you'd better run when Mama called you for supper and Two - you had better be in the front yard when the street lights came on at dark. We spent our day hanging out in the woods with neighborhood kids - it seems there were always plenty of neighborhood kids no matter where we moved. We swung from kudzu vines, created fabulous designer gowns from thick green garbage bags and held a neighborhood beauty pageant - the boys were judges and I always got my brother's vote - not because he adored me - but because he knew he had to live with me afterwards.
We spent the day riding bikes - with banana seats and wide low handlebars - to the top of the hill, skateboarding down the drive way, creating terrific new routines with our batons. We grew up in the disco era - we danced the Hustle and the Bus Stop and yes, I had a disco bag that crossed over my shoulder and slung low on one hip. We recreated the stage set of the Donnie and Marie show with just a white sheet as our backdrop and a plastic portable 45 record player - I was "a little bit country" and my brother was - well, "a little bit rock and roll." We were delighted with new toys which we didn't get nearly as often as kids do today. Two of the greatest inventions were: The BIG wheel and the lemon twist - and oh, I could bounce on a pogo stick with the best of them. We played Charlie's Angels - I was always Jill although I favored Sabrina more - my brother enjoyed the bossy role of Charlie - I had a thing for Farrah back then - we all did - I also loved portraying Jamie on the Bionic Woman - and you guessed it, my brother was the Six Million Dollar Man.
(My husband was the rebel - he said that he and his friends used to take a Light Bright and make a stage sign advertising "KISS" and put fake blood on their faces and recreate the stage set of KISS - whew, glad God had a better plan for him!)
Oh, the Light Bright....board games like Gnip Gnop, Kerplunk, Life, Operation....and the Barbie Townhouse with the drawstring elevator. When my bother wasn't looking, Barbie dated Ken in the GI JOE Camper instead of the sissy Barbie car - did I mention I was a tomboy?
Metal swing sets were the standard and the slides were well known for providing blisters on a hot summer day - there was no such thing as safety requirements - we were TOUGH kids. We actually slid on large pieces of wax paper so that we could go faster - and to think I never broke a bone - we took our fondness of wax paper and applied the same theory to fall leaves - we took empty cloth bolts from a fabric store and wrapped them with wax paper to sled down leaf covered hills in the fall. We tested our inventions out on a younger cousin and if she fared well, we joined her.
Thinking about all of these memories makes me sad for children today - they live in a world that is unsafe. My child will never know what it is like to romp around freely in the neighborhood. He is having to grow up in a generation that requires well planned, supervised activities. I feel for him. The only thing that he will be able to poke fun at is how technology has progressed through the years - he will joke about CD's like we do records and 8 track tapes. We were fortunate to grow up during a time when we had respect for our leaders and when people genuinely cared for each other - I remember where I was and how I felt when Elvis died and when I learned that Ronald Reagan was shot. It mattered - the media had standards back them - I still remember the shock and embarrassment I felt in the early 80's when the first feminine hygiene commercial was aired on TV - the New Freedom lady danced around and sang on that TV set while I nearly passed out from embarrassment and mind you, I was in the know - I read "TigerBeat and Teen" magazines for Pete's sake!
Where have we gone wrong folks? We once lived in a nation then where people feared God and tried to avoid sin. And today, as Dr. Rummage says, we live in a nation that celebrates it. We need to turn back - better yet, we need to look up! I want things to be better for our children. Let's do that, okay?
Have a great day creating memories with your family,
Kim
Okay, Ms. Mary, here it goes.....When I think about the childhood homes that I lived in....it wasn't the houses that were important...it was the life that we built inside that mattered. My dad was in textile management at the time and we moved more than our share while Dad worked his way up in Industrial Management. What I do remember though is the character and charm of each small mill-run southern town that we lived in - life was the same day in and day out in each one.
I grew up in the 70's and I honestly believe we were the last generation to enjoy the freedom to play outside without the CONSTANT supervision of adults. We had two rules regarding unsupervised play - One - you'd better run when Mama called you for supper and Two - you had better be in the front yard when the street lights came on at dark. We spent our day hanging out in the woods with neighborhood kids - it seems there were always plenty of neighborhood kids no matter where we moved. We swung from kudzu vines, created fabulous designer gowns from thick green garbage bags and held a neighborhood beauty pageant - the boys were judges and I always got my brother's vote - not because he adored me - but because he knew he had to live with me afterwards.
We spent the day riding bikes - with banana seats and wide low handlebars - to the top of the hill, skateboarding down the drive way, creating terrific new routines with our batons. We grew up in the disco era - we danced the Hustle and the Bus Stop and yes, I had a disco bag that crossed over my shoulder and slung low on one hip. We recreated the stage set of the Donnie and Marie show with just a white sheet as our backdrop and a plastic portable 45 record player - I was "a little bit country" and my brother was - well, "a little bit rock and roll." We were delighted with new toys which we didn't get nearly as often as kids do today. Two of the greatest inventions were: The BIG wheel and the lemon twist - and oh, I could bounce on a pogo stick with the best of them. We played Charlie's Angels - I was always Jill although I favored Sabrina more - my brother enjoyed the bossy role of Charlie - I had a thing for Farrah back then - we all did - I also loved portraying Jamie on the Bionic Woman - and you guessed it, my brother was the Six Million Dollar Man.
(My husband was the rebel - he said that he and his friends used to take a Light Bright and make a stage sign advertising "KISS" and put fake blood on their faces and recreate the stage set of KISS - whew, glad God had a better plan for him!)
Oh, the Light Bright....board games like Gnip Gnop, Kerplunk, Life, Operation....and the Barbie Townhouse with the drawstring elevator. When my bother wasn't looking, Barbie dated Ken in the GI JOE Camper instead of the sissy Barbie car - did I mention I was a tomboy?
Metal swing sets were the standard and the slides were well known for providing blisters on a hot summer day - there was no such thing as safety requirements - we were TOUGH kids. We actually slid on large pieces of wax paper so that we could go faster - and to think I never broke a bone - we took our fondness of wax paper and applied the same theory to fall leaves - we took empty cloth bolts from a fabric store and wrapped them with wax paper to sled down leaf covered hills in the fall. We tested our inventions out on a younger cousin and if she fared well, we joined her.
Thinking about all of these memories makes me sad for children today - they live in a world that is unsafe. My child will never know what it is like to romp around freely in the neighborhood. He is having to grow up in a generation that requires well planned, supervised activities. I feel for him. The only thing that he will be able to poke fun at is how technology has progressed through the years - he will joke about CD's like we do records and 8 track tapes. We were fortunate to grow up during a time when we had respect for our leaders and when people genuinely cared for each other - I remember where I was and how I felt when Elvis died and when I learned that Ronald Reagan was shot. It mattered - the media had standards back them - I still remember the shock and embarrassment I felt in the early 80's when the first feminine hygiene commercial was aired on TV - the New Freedom lady danced around and sang on that TV set while I nearly passed out from embarrassment and mind you, I was in the know - I read "TigerBeat and Teen" magazines for Pete's sake!
Where have we gone wrong folks? We once lived in a nation then where people feared God and tried to avoid sin. And today, as Dr. Rummage says, we live in a nation that celebrates it. We need to turn back - better yet, we need to look up! I want things to be better for our children. Let's do that, okay?
Have a great day creating memories with your family,
Kim
Thursday, July 19, 2007
How's Your Flavor?
There was a time in our country when a man's word meant something. Many business deals were simply closed and sealed with a firm handshake. Giving someone your word meant something. Well, today, I began thinking about that after reading this scripture found in Luke 14:34 "Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?"
So I did what any savvy Internet girl would do and I googled "salt". I was reminded of three things that salt does:
1. A little salt sets the flavor in food. Southern gals, have you ever tried to eat grits without adding a generous amount of salt?
2. Salt is a preservative. The pilgrims used salt to cure food to be used later. Oh, I do love my country cured ham to go with my grits!
3. Salt has healing properties. How many times do we tell our children how great the ocean will be for healing a freshly skinned knee 0r advise someone to soak a sore body part in salt water or rinse with salt water to heal a tender gum? Ever bought sea salt to smooth your elbows and heels, Ladies?
Committed Christians are similar to salt in the fact that:
1. We add a better flavor to the life around us.
2. We preserve the good of God's creation.
3. We bring healing to the hurting people around us.
Salt was a valued item in Jesus day. You often see where he used it in His illustrations to demonstrate the influence that Christians have on those around them. We are to be the salt of society- making positive contributions to society. We are called to be concerned and committed. When we are - Christ can use us to do a great deal of good.
How would you evaluate the strength of the flavor of your Christian life today?
Kim
So I did what any savvy Internet girl would do and I googled "salt". I was reminded of three things that salt does:
1. A little salt sets the flavor in food. Southern gals, have you ever tried to eat grits without adding a generous amount of salt?
2. Salt is a preservative. The pilgrims used salt to cure food to be used later. Oh, I do love my country cured ham to go with my grits!
3. Salt has healing properties. How many times do we tell our children how great the ocean will be for healing a freshly skinned knee 0r advise someone to soak a sore body part in salt water or rinse with salt water to heal a tender gum? Ever bought sea salt to smooth your elbows and heels, Ladies?
Committed Christians are similar to salt in the fact that:
1. We add a better flavor to the life around us.
2. We preserve the good of God's creation.
3. We bring healing to the hurting people around us.
Salt was a valued item in Jesus day. You often see where he used it in His illustrations to demonstrate the influence that Christians have on those around them. We are to be the salt of society- making positive contributions to society. We are called to be concerned and committed. When we are - Christ can use us to do a great deal of good.
How would you evaluate the strength of the flavor of your Christian life today?
Kim
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie..."
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
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
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
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