Now don't get excited - those are just colors from the paint palette of the home improvement projects that I will be working on over the course of the next week. My hubby can build a computer from a box of spare parts but he does not delight in my home improvement projects. He doesn't try to talk me out of them either - so I guess you could say he is an enabler of sorts.
So tomorrow I venture into a new frontier - exterior painting! I will let you know how it goes - if you happen to be reading this blog - be sure to pray for me. My mama has always said that I am one to bite off more than I can chew - and then I have to drop back and punt til I get it right! We'll see.....
Enjoy your weekend!
Kim
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
I Love You , Mama!
Right now, my son is at a friend's house playing for the afternoon and I should be....ummm....cleaning but isn't blogging more fun? When I dropped him off, he was so excited. Suddenly, I noticed how much he had grown this summer - how tan he looked standing on the outside of the car grinning at me through the fingerprint stained glass -and then he whispered,"I love you, Mom!" and I delighted in rolling down the window and whispering back, "I love you too - buddy!"
He turned to walk down the sidewalk to their front door and I watched as he walked to the door and knocked. I thought, "My, where have those seven years gone?" as I watched him enter their home - man, that tugs at a mama's heart strings doesn't it? Oh, don't get me wrong, I have no problem letting him experience things because I trust God to protect him - it is not a license to just let him go anywhere - he only goes where I know and trust he will be well supervised. But even so, I still get a "little lump in my throat" when he exercises that new found freedom of independence so confidently.
and then I thought - that's probably how God feels when He lets us experience something new too!
Have a great day in Him - I've got some cleaning to do!
Kim
He turned to walk down the sidewalk to their front door and I watched as he walked to the door and knocked. I thought, "My, where have those seven years gone?" as I watched him enter their home - man, that tugs at a mama's heart strings doesn't it? Oh, don't get me wrong, I have no problem letting him experience things because I trust God to protect him - it is not a license to just let him go anywhere - he only goes where I know and trust he will be well supervised. But even so, I still get a "little lump in my throat" when he exercises that new found freedom of independence so confidently.
and then I thought - that's probably how God feels when He lets us experience something new too!
Have a great day in Him - I've got some cleaning to do!
Kim
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
All of Creation Praises Him
I love praising the Lord for His creation, therefore, I love the book of Psalm.
Psalm 148:13 says, "Let them praise the name of God - it's the only Name worth praising. His radiance exceeds anything in the earth and sky."
Good ole' summertime! With the additional rains that we have had this week, don't you just love the green lushness of summer? I love standing in my kitchen window watching the birds flutter about in the backyard. I have really grown to love filling the feeders with bird seed to see what new varieties will stop by for a visit - and Sam loves interpreting what they are "Saying to us!" when we exit our home. They really have "fussed" when we have been in too much of a hurry to refill the feeders! :)
Last night my son and I had dinner on a friend's patio overlooking their pool. Their home is quaintly nestled in the woods. Cozy and charming - Despite hearing my seven year old say every few minutes - "Can I go swimming now? Can I go swimming now? Mama, Can I go swimming now? I somehow managed to listen to nature's symphony: the sound of birds and crickets chirping, dogs barking, cicadas, the buzzing of dragonflies - I adore it! Together, all of the sounds create a song of praise to our Creator - they were after all the first choir -
But as hot as it is today - I am looking forward to hearing a nice autumn symphony! Aren't you?
Get outside this evening and enjoy the symphony!
Praising Him for His creation -
Kim
Psalm 148:13 says, "Let them praise the name of God - it's the only Name worth praising. His radiance exceeds anything in the earth and sky."
Good ole' summertime! With the additional rains that we have had this week, don't you just love the green lushness of summer? I love standing in my kitchen window watching the birds flutter about in the backyard. I have really grown to love filling the feeders with bird seed to see what new varieties will stop by for a visit - and Sam loves interpreting what they are "Saying to us!" when we exit our home. They really have "fussed" when we have been in too much of a hurry to refill the feeders! :)
Last night my son and I had dinner on a friend's patio overlooking their pool. Their home is quaintly nestled in the woods. Cozy and charming - Despite hearing my seven year old say every few minutes - "Can I go swimming now? Can I go swimming now? Mama, Can I go swimming now? I somehow managed to listen to nature's symphony: the sound of birds and crickets chirping, dogs barking, cicadas, the buzzing of dragonflies - I adore it! Together, all of the sounds create a song of praise to our Creator - they were after all the first choir -
But as hot as it is today - I am looking forward to hearing a nice autumn symphony! Aren't you?
Get outside this evening and enjoy the symphony!
Praising Him for His creation -
Kim
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Camp Cleanup
For the past two weeks, I have transported Sam from one themed camp to another - so this week I decided to hold my own - Camp Cleanup. Martha Stewart I am not - Oh, don't get me wrong - I would love to live like that - to draw from a linen closet of ironed pristine 4000 thread count sheets - or a stack of white fluffy towels - but the truth is no matter how hard I try - God blessed me with two special men in my life that just don't share that vision.
Oh, I am tidy - I despise clutter in the kitchen and my hubby knows that if he doesn't read the paper or mail in 0.3 seconds it will be in the recycle bin. Tidying is one thing - but cleaning is another. It takes some REAL motivation to get me to scrub baseboards and mop a kitchen floor - and that motivation only comes from the Lord when I decide that it must be done.
Last night, in a moment of premenstrual frenzy, I decided it was time - I just couldn't stare at those dusty baseboards dusty carpet edges any longer and I got busy. I hate house cleaning so much that I have to pray my way through it. I thank God that he placed two healthy boys in my life that are active enough to generate messes - healthy feet to track the dirt in, a budget that allows us to purchase new shoes for the quickly growing feet of a seven year old. I thank him for the milk stains that I scrubbed from the stairs (put there by a boy on his way to bed) because it means that the Lord has always provided for us....You get the picture. I have to pray my way through it or I am NO FUN to be around and the attitude from PMS would take over if I did not look to the Lord for perseverance.
What a blessing to have a home to clean - (Nicki and Lisa) I prayed for both of you last night. I am thankful that He called me to be a wife and mommy - and when I count those blessings - I count it all joy! (Even when I am scrubbing away the dirt in our home.)
How will you view your blessings today?
Have a great day in Jesus!
Kim
Oh, I am tidy - I despise clutter in the kitchen and my hubby knows that if he doesn't read the paper or mail in 0.3 seconds it will be in the recycle bin. Tidying is one thing - but cleaning is another. It takes some REAL motivation to get me to scrub baseboards and mop a kitchen floor - and that motivation only comes from the Lord when I decide that it must be done.
Last night, in a moment of premenstrual frenzy, I decided it was time - I just couldn't stare at those dusty baseboards dusty carpet edges any longer and I got busy. I hate house cleaning so much that I have to pray my way through it. I thank God that he placed two healthy boys in my life that are active enough to generate messes - healthy feet to track the dirt in, a budget that allows us to purchase new shoes for the quickly growing feet of a seven year old. I thank him for the milk stains that I scrubbed from the stairs (put there by a boy on his way to bed) because it means that the Lord has always provided for us....You get the picture. I have to pray my way through it or I am NO FUN to be around and the attitude from PMS would take over if I did not look to the Lord for perseverance.
What a blessing to have a home to clean - (Nicki and Lisa) I prayed for both of you last night. I am thankful that He called me to be a wife and mommy - and when I count those blessings - I count it all joy! (Even when I am scrubbing away the dirt in our home.)
How will you view your blessings today?
Have a great day in Jesus!
Kim
Monday, June 25, 2007
Everyone is in a Patriotic Mood
The "Celebrate America" Tribute yesterday was incredible. Our son enjoyed seeing all of the servicemen in uniform and he thought it was ultra-cool to see the men repel from the ceiling during the military tribute. Sam waved his little flag with such pride - it reminded me of a poem that copied for a 4th of July scrapbook page years ago - I will share it with you -
I want my boy to be the best,
I want him to be great;
I want him in Life's distant West,
Prepared for any fate.
I want him to be simple, too.
Though clever, ne'er to brag,
But Oh! I want him, through and through,
To love his country's flag.
When I was a little girl, my family lived in a small southern textile town. Each 4th of July brought on a special town-wide celebration - sack races, diving for dollars, climbing the greased pole (yes, seriously), chasing a greased pig (I promise I am not kidding), three legged race, watermelon eating contest - you get the picture. The highlight of the celebration was a bicycle decorating contest - Mom would take us to KMart to buy streamers, crepe paper, tissue, artificial flowers, and anything else we could use to decorate our bikes - my brother and I had a deal that which ever one of us won - we would split the money - a great deal for my brother since I was the most creative of the two - older siblings do take advantage of us younger ones - don't they? I usually placed and had to split the money with my brother.
Activities such are those are forever etched in my memory - and I remember almost every boy in my elementary class wanted to be "THE PRESIDENT" when they grew up - sad, our young b0ys don't say that anymore - the office of presidency now receives such criticism -
What are you doing to teach your children how to love their country? What activities will you participate in with your family to celebrate the 4th? You never know how it will touch their hearts!
Have a great day in Jesus and take some time to pray for our country and those who serve to protect it -
Kim
I want my boy to be the best,
I want him to be great;
I want him in Life's distant West,
Prepared for any fate.
I want him to be simple, too.
Though clever, ne'er to brag,
But Oh! I want him, through and through,
To love his country's flag.
When I was a little girl, my family lived in a small southern textile town. Each 4th of July brought on a special town-wide celebration - sack races, diving for dollars, climbing the greased pole (yes, seriously), chasing a greased pig (I promise I am not kidding), three legged race, watermelon eating contest - you get the picture. The highlight of the celebration was a bicycle decorating contest - Mom would take us to KMart to buy streamers, crepe paper, tissue, artificial flowers, and anything else we could use to decorate our bikes - my brother and I had a deal that which ever one of us won - we would split the money - a great deal for my brother since I was the most creative of the two - older siblings do take advantage of us younger ones - don't they? I usually placed and had to split the money with my brother.
Activities such are those are forever etched in my memory - and I remember almost every boy in my elementary class wanted to be "THE PRESIDENT" when they grew up - sad, our young b0ys don't say that anymore - the office of presidency now receives such criticism -
What are you doing to teach your children how to love their country? What activities will you participate in with your family to celebrate the 4th? You never know how it will touch their hearts!
Have a great day in Jesus and take some time to pray for our country and those who serve to protect it -
Kim
Saturday, June 23, 2007
It's a Matter of Confidence
"He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. " I John 5:10
My hubby has invested many hours in witnessing to a family member who is certain that he is saved. However, his lifestyle greatly reflects otherwise - not judging - just calling it as God's word indicates. Anyway, the situation has lead hubby and I to have some fantastic discussions. The once saved, always saved is a topic that has always stirred great debate in my own family when we compare denomination beliefs.
Anyway, this brought about a curiosity in me to learn more - and I have found it in this scripture. This scripture provides the greatest test - a test of confidence. You do not just believe ABOUT Jesus - You believe IN Jesus. Research on this verse reminded me that the verse in written in the present tense - not the past - It reads, "He who believes....not He who believed." Our confidence is to be in the present tense.
You often hear people talk about their testimony in terms of " I remember walking down the aisle when I was 10. I gave my heart to Jesus then -Oh, I may not be living for Him today - but I know that I am saved because I remember what I did when I was 10. I remember believing what Jesus did for me."
The Bible does not use an experience as proof of salvation. It never says that you will know that you are saved by an event in the past. Don't get me wrong - that is a necessary step to begin a personal relationship with Jesus. However, the focus is on the present tense - "He who BELIEVES" It is simple. If you are believing, you did believe.
Don't just rely on some prior experience. The question is "Are you believing in Jesus right now?"
Have a great Saturday and enjoy your worship experience tomorrow!
Kim
My hubby has invested many hours in witnessing to a family member who is certain that he is saved. However, his lifestyle greatly reflects otherwise - not judging - just calling it as God's word indicates. Anyway, the situation has lead hubby and I to have some fantastic discussions. The once saved, always saved is a topic that has always stirred great debate in my own family when we compare denomination beliefs.
Anyway, this brought about a curiosity in me to learn more - and I have found it in this scripture. This scripture provides the greatest test - a test of confidence. You do not just believe ABOUT Jesus - You believe IN Jesus. Research on this verse reminded me that the verse in written in the present tense - not the past - It reads, "He who believes....not He who believed." Our confidence is to be in the present tense.
You often hear people talk about their testimony in terms of " I remember walking down the aisle when I was 10. I gave my heart to Jesus then -Oh, I may not be living for Him today - but I know that I am saved because I remember what I did when I was 10. I remember believing what Jesus did for me."
The Bible does not use an experience as proof of salvation. It never says that you will know that you are saved by an event in the past. Don't get me wrong - that is a necessary step to begin a personal relationship with Jesus. However, the focus is on the present tense - "He who BELIEVES" It is simple. If you are believing, you did believe.
Don't just rely on some prior experience. The question is "Are you believing in Jesus right now?"
Have a great Saturday and enjoy your worship experience tomorrow!
Kim
Friday, June 22, 2007
What do you wish for your children?
At our Christian School, we are trying our best to help children develop a biblical worldview. God has called us to do it and it seems that everywhere I turn there are articles being published on it. I read a great article yesterday on how we, as Americans, view college. It described the two ways that we live our lives:
Do you live your life on the Biblical story? - the true story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation.
OR
Do you base your life on the world's story which goes like this - Life is about you. Life is about making a lot of money to have a lot of stuff?
Surely, we would all like to think that we live our lives from the Biblical story - but according to this article - part of the answer lies in how you view college.
According to the world's story - college is about getting a degree to get a higher paying job to make a lot of money. A college degree appears to be a ticket to a better life. A way of fulfilling the American Dream. I would agree with the article that most of us Christians do view college that way.
However, when we look at the Biblical story we know that we are created in His image, given mind's to think and gifts with which to serve Him. A person who bases his or her life on the Biblical story will understand college as a great opportunity to develop the mind and gifts that God has given him or her - and discern God's call. In other words, college is all about increasing our serviceability for God.
Think of those who serve our families and communities - policemen, fire fighters, teachers, and the many others. Many have to work several jobs just to support their families. It seems we have become too concerned with SUCCESS in this world rather than service. Jesus' life was marked by service. That should give dignity to the service that some feel too important to do. May the Lord give us more people with gifts of service - and our children the right view of this world.
What do you wish for your children?
Have a great day in Him -
Kim
Do you live your life on the Biblical story? - the true story of creation, fall, redemption and consummation.
OR
Do you base your life on the world's story which goes like this - Life is about you. Life is about making a lot of money to have a lot of stuff?
Surely, we would all like to think that we live our lives from the Biblical story - but according to this article - part of the answer lies in how you view college.
According to the world's story - college is about getting a degree to get a higher paying job to make a lot of money. A college degree appears to be a ticket to a better life. A way of fulfilling the American Dream. I would agree with the article that most of us Christians do view college that way.
However, when we look at the Biblical story we know that we are created in His image, given mind's to think and gifts with which to serve Him. A person who bases his or her life on the Biblical story will understand college as a great opportunity to develop the mind and gifts that God has given him or her - and discern God's call. In other words, college is all about increasing our serviceability for God.
Think of those who serve our families and communities - policemen, fire fighters, teachers, and the many others. Many have to work several jobs just to support their families. It seems we have become too concerned with SUCCESS in this world rather than service. Jesus' life was marked by service. That should give dignity to the service that some feel too important to do. May the Lord give us more people with gifts of service - and our children the right view of this world.
What do you wish for your children?
Have a great day in Him -
Kim
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