If My Happiness Depends on the Conduct of Others, I Will Never Be Happy

I guess my title really says it all, but my husband and I have been reflecting on this statement for quite a while now.

Needless to say, we are not there.

People will continue to behave in irritating, irrational, hurtful or just plain thoughtless ways.

When I become irritated, irrational, hurt or just plain astonished by this behavior what I am beginning to see is that the places in my heart that I thought had been transformed by the Holy Spirit are really just chinked and patched with self-righteousness.

So when those chinked and patched places have stress placed on them holes begin to appear and I am left bleeding and astounded and surprised...

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

"Whatever is lovely...think on these things."

"...sharing in His sufferings..."

How quickly I forget!

I am not a china doll to be wrapped in cotton batting and handled carefully.

I am an empty, cracked vessel to be used and spent by the Lord.

Please transform me, Lord, so that this bad patch job will truly be replaced with You.

Then it may hurt, (You were hurt), but joy will abound!

Once In a Lifetime Soup

Hello Everyone,
Just thought I would share my idea for Once in a Lifetime Soup. I don't really enjoy a leftover day. It is more fun to use different bits from leftovers in the frig to make a creative soup that has no real recipe.

I usually start with some broth, add my leftovers (bits of meat, vegetables, rice or other grain, beans) and then add something fresh to the pot. Perhaps some fresh chopped spinach or frozen peas or corn. One of my husband's favorites is sweet potato!

Then comes the creative part! I add unusual, but handy spices to the mix. I have added cinnamon, cloves, curry, cayenne, ginger, creole seasoning, and even coconut!

When I serve this, I always tell my family that they are getting a "once in a lifetime" soup that can never be repeated. They love it! It has really made eating ordinary leftovers into an adventure.
Hope you can use this!

Blessings,
Robin

A Time to Die

This was written by my wonderful, expressive, sixteen year old, Adam.




Chester went where all guinea pigs go, this afternoon.

He took his squeaks with him, too.

His perky ways and outspoken complaints used to fill the halls as we rushed to fulfill his desires. Soft brown fur accompanied his strong will. Able to endure the harshest rides in the car, able to look straight into the face of our dog, Millie, and still voice his opinions in a high-pitched manner, Chester exceeded all the small, furry creatures that ever dwelled with us (especially the rabbits).

He would squeak when he wished for water. I would take the bottle to fill it, and he would squeak louder, as if it were an emergency. I would clean his cage, letting him loose in the back yard, and as he tasted the sweetness of freedom, he would elude all captors by dashing into the thorny rose bushes, as we would helplessly give up the chase, not daring to fare the thorns.

He was prestigiously stout, ever eating. A sight for all to see— which proves that we will miss our little, brown friend. We loved our little Chester.

Vivé le la cobaye! (French)
Long live the guinea pig!

We really will miss you, Chester!

I Gave Myself

It was Christmas, and the Liberian Christans had been asked this year, instead of receiving gifts, to help carry the gospel to others. As in many mission fields, they brought , not money, but produce. Presently, the great plates were piled high with offerings of rice, cocoa, bananas, palm nuts, pineapple, and cassava.

There was a moment's pause . . .

Slowly a twelve-year-old boy walked forward and solemnly placed his feet in one of the plates.

Afterward, when the missionary questioned him, the boy said, "We are very poor. I did not have anything else to give . . . so I gave myself."

This is from Ann Dunagan's blog.

I thought it was wonderful. Don't you want to be just like that little boy? I do, but I've got a long way to go...

Free Curriculum

Another Merry CHRISTmas to you!

Do you want your children to be more Missions-Minded? I do!

This is a full year unit study for multiple ages written by a wonderful homeschool mom of seven, Ann Dunagan. When you see this, you will be sooooo excited!

On Giving

You know, I was just reading a little article on giving.

The author wondered what it would be like to have enough money to give gifts to others and whether or not they would find themselves wanting a pat on the back for having done so.

Hmmmmmm

You know, we all have enough to give gifts to others.

They don't have to be physical gifts.

They can be gifts of time or actions or prayer.

Do we want a proverbial pat on the back for those? Do we have to tell everyone how we spend out time or what we did for someone or what we have been praying about?

If we have to have recognition for organizing the Christmas play or the Sunday School party don't we already know the answer to this question?

Giving a gift has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with the heart.

Help me, help us, Lord, to give like You!

How Inept Can I Get? or How Much Compassion Do I Give?

I sent messages to a couple of people about how to improve my blog and to be honest, I can't even begin to understand what they are telling me!

I had no idea of my lack of knowledge!

How embarrassing!

Have I ranted enough?

You know, it makes me think of the Lord. And it makes me think of those without Christ...

How many times do I find myself in utter disbelief at the actions of the world? How many times have a shared a biblical principle with someone and been surprised at that "deer in the headlight" look?

How many times have I had that look?

Lord, forgive me when I forget that You have seen that look a thousand times on your disciples faces.

On my face...

From Strength to Strength

Is the Lord's timing wonderful or what?

My fibromyalgia has been flaring up and making simple things hard and sometimes all I want to do is cry.

On Sunday, my email devotional by Charles Spurgeon was timely and incredibly true. I think I will just post his words for you.

“They go from strength to strength.”
Psalm 84:7

They go from strength to strength. There are various renderings of
these words, but all of them contain the idea of progress.

Our own good translation of the authorized version is enough for us
this morning. “They go from strength to strength.” That is, they grow
stronger and stronger. Usually, if we are walking, we go from
strength to weakness; we start fresh and in good order for our
journey, but by-and-by the road is rough, and the sun is hot, we sit
down by the wayside, and then again painfully pursue our weary way.
But the Christian pilgrim having obtained fresh supplies of grace, is
as vigorous after years of toilsome travel and struggle as when he
first set out. He may not be quite so elate and buoyant, nor perhaps
quite so hot and hasty in his zeal as he once was, but he is much
stronger in all that constitutes real power, and travels, if more
slowly, far more surely. Some gray-haired veterans have been as firm
in their grasp of truth, and as zealous in diffusing it, as they were
in their younger days; but, alas, it must be confessed it is often
otherwise, for the love of many waxes cold and iniquity abounds, but
this is their own sin and not the fault of the promise which still
holds good: “The youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men
shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall
run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Fretful
spirits sit down and trouble themselves about the future. “Alas!” say
they, “we go from affliction to affliction.” Very true, O thou of
little faith, but then thou goest from strength to strength also.
Thou shalt never find a bundle of affliction which has not bound up
in the midst of it sufficient grace. God will give the strength of
ripe manhood with the burden allotted to full-grown shoulders.

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."

Thank you Mister Spurgeon for speaking across many years to me for this moment in time.

Another Amazing Freebie!

Check out this blog whether you homeschool or not. All these books are free to download. They are all in the public domain!

Merry Christmas!

First the Work, Then the Show

"Let's watch a show, Mama."

"Let's unload the washing machine and get the dryer going, Lydia."

"Okay, first the work, then the show!"

"Yes, first the work, then the show!"

Wow, I just realized something. I want my life here on earth to be the "show". No, this life is about my transformation, my becoming more and more like Jesus everyday.

That takes work!

That is painful!

Oftentimes, I don't respond to the work of transformation as easily as Lydia responded to my command of working and then playing. As a matter of fact, I like the idea of heaven right now, here, on earth!

That isn't the way my Lord plans things. He is doing a work in me. One painful change after another, but...

then comes the show!

My Name is Cinderella

She has dark hair, Cinderella is traditionally blonde.

She can't carry a tune. Cinderella sings like an angel.

She can't thread a needle. Cinderella can design her own ball gown.

She trips over glass slippers which are too big. Cinderella's slipper fits "just right".

But, when our beautiful, four-year-old, South Korean charmer was asked her name last night she replied confidently,

"Cinderella!"

She whirls around the house in a cloud of cheap netting and ascetate and anyone with vision can see that she is dancing at the ball, more beautiful than all.

Don't you want to be Cinderella?

Don't you want "Prince Charming" to tell you that you are the loveliest girl he's ever seen?

He will.

I can't wait for Lydia to know "Prince Charming", otherwise known as the Lord Jesus. It will be so exciting for her to know that he has been just waiting to put the glass slipper on her beautiful little foot and claim her as his bride.

Thank you Lord that no one, nothing can stop you. Not even the ugly stepmother can interfere with your plans for Lydia. I feel so grateful today for getting to play a small part in your wonderful purposes.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Restoration House

Town Mouse, Country Mouse

I don't believe that I have shared here how my life goes each week. I'm not just the town mouse or just the country mouse. I am both. At the same the time.

Each week, my husband, three of my four children (one in college), our dog, our guinea pig and usually a guest travel from our town home to our "little house in the woods" in east Texas.

During half of the week, I keep up with our three parents who all have health issues, have church in our home, homeschool our children and assist two others who have just begun the homeschool journey (and it is a journey!) and have a wonderful cathartic healing lunch (counseling session lol) with my dear friend. Check out her blog here.

I then pack (as few belongings as possible) and travel with everyone to the prettiest little place in Texas. Of course, that's just my opinion!!!

What are we doing down there, you might ask?

Well, for the first couple of years, all we have done is build, build, build. We first built a little house that actually looks like a barn. Then my husband acquire some logs from a cabin built in the 1800s and we restored it and have created what we call Restoration House.

We hope that the Lord will use it to restore lives, to allow people to hear His voice, to "be still and know that He is God".

Sometimes, this town mouse/country mouse gets tired of living in two places, but for now I know that this is His will for us. I'm looking forward to see what He will do if only we are willing.

Let me know if restoration is what you are looking for...

Jan Brett

I'm sure everyone out there knows about the wonderful work Jan Brett does writing children's books, but I wondered how many of you ladies know about her lovely and useful website?

Use this link to get a bundle of goodies for all kinds of things.

janbrett.com

You won't be sorry you did!

Here I Go...

I am attempting to put an image in my blog. Sure enough, you say, that is nothing, but for me...





Wow! I actually did it! The sky's is limit...

Freebies

Everyone seems to have a freebie on their website or blog these days. I love a freebie, don't you? Of course, I want to be thought of as a serious blogger...thought provoking, insightful, etc. BUT, things are getting ugly out there and I for one am looking for a bargain. Anyway, silliness aside, I thought that from time to time when I found something free, I would post it for whomever might like to peruse it.

Today, I found some free e-books on various topics from Creative Homemaker that you might enjoy!

http://www.creativehomemaking.com/

When you sign up for their newsletter they send you a page of free downloadable e-books. There are many articles that are free to read and even some to purchase, but I found many useful pieces of information.

Happy Bargain Hunting!

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins An Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn't it great to know who is really in control?

I wish I could take credit for making this list, but unfortunately, I cannot even give credit where credit is due. If anyone reads this and knows who wrote it, let me know so that I can thank them.

I know that I am a little late to write about the recent election, but, perhaps, waiting is a good thing sometimes?

Thank you Lord, for reminding me that by You "all things are held together"!

A Different Christmas

This year we will be doing things a little differently than usual. Our son will be getting married next June to a lovely girl whom we love very much. We all have so much family in the area that my husband thought it would be good to start a new Christmas tradition to help with the myriad places that they will have to visit next year.

We had our family Thanksgiving at our house on Tuesday evening and on Thursday with Bill's family and will have our Christmas with our children tomorrow!

It has been a little hectic getting presents early and preparing for two feasts, but all in all, I believe it is actually stripping away some of the burden of the season already. We have a little house out here in east Texas. I didn't drag all the boxes of decorations from the city house. I did bring a few Christmas movies and the fixing to make Chex Mix. ;)

It is so quiet out here. The rain is falling and the morning is so peaceful. I have all day to get ready for our celebration tomorrow.

Isn't it funny how we imagine that something is going to be so difficult and it turns into such a beautiful blessing? I don't believe I have ever felt rest coming over me the day before Christmas before.

It feels wonderful...

Isn't It Wonderful To Have Friends

I am continually amazed at how the Lord puts people together and how He literally glues us to each other.

I cannot understand how He completely meshes me with someone and the passing of time has no bearing on the depth of that friendship.

My sweet sister in the Lord has just undergone a terrible trial with her dear husband. He was found to have a return of cancer. I had not heard from her for a very long time, but when she needed me, she did not hesitate to call. She was not worried that too much time had past or that it would be embarrassing to call just when she had a need. And, of course, it was as though I had just talked to her yesterday!

The story ends well. During exploratory surgery, the doctor was able to get the entire tumor. My friend's husband will not even need radiation!

The Lord is holding all things together! Call that friend you haven't shared with in a long time. It won't matter to her if much time has past. She will just be glad to hear your voice!

A Brand New Revelation

Will I ever get it right? I had the most amazing revelation that, of course, I've always known. I know that sounds silly, but it's true.

I don't have to worry or concern myself with things that are not my concern. I was wondering why my husband was not letting me help him with some things that I really don't have enough information to help with and he was apologizing for not meeting my expectations and suddenly, I realized that he didn't need my help in that area.

Am I his helpmeet? Yes. Could I do as good a job in this particular area? Probably, but if I do my job, he can do his.

It may sound simplistic, but when I have meals prepared, keep the house in order, have the clothes clean and put away, he doesn't have to concern himself with those things and, in turn, he can take care of the things that are not immediately in my realm.

Yes, I have a realm. I am not the maid. I am the handmaiden. The handmaiden of my Lord, Jesus. He has taught me to be a servant. Does this mean that I haven't the ability to rule in the workaday world? No. I have many abilities: music, art, sewing, teaching, hospitality. But, Jesus was a servant and I want to be like Jesus.

I told you I had a revelation today and I did. To be honest, I am worn out today. I have been poured like a drink offering, but I feel content and confident that I have truly been in His will today. I hope that you have too!