Day 349 and 348:
This is how I feel during the holidays. I ALWAYS feel behind. I have a husband, five children, blogs to compose, a house to maintain, children to educate, oh and a relationship with God to cultivate...lol (not in that order of course). I am ALWAYS behind. I could do 3 or 4 loads of laundry a day and STILL not keep up with it all.
This feeling of being overwhelmed is NOT simply a holiday phenomenon, but I do feel it more intensely during the months of November and December. I am praying that 2011 will be a year of PEACE. That's my theme word this year. My dream, hope and goal is to experience deep, lasting and life changing peace. Peace is used 429 times in the King James Version of the Bible. Think it's important to God??? :-)
I am going to keep working on plans and implement ideas to make the holiday season this year PEACEFUL. Got any suggestions? Let me know!!! I have had a peaceful few days due to the snow and the fact that it has made us all rest.
Wanting to experience the Prince of Peace year round,
Janelle
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Candy and Snow
Day 351:
Tonight Nathan and the kids made cannolis using one of the recipes from the book the kids bought Nathan. It is the book written by "Buddy" the Cake Boss. I must admit that they were NOT good. No offense to my lil' chefs, but they just weren't what I was thinking. Honestly they were a texture nightmare. Nathan did the mixing and we used premade shells. Maybe that was it. These shells, although not expired, tasted as if they had been in an old fallout shelter since the cold war. YUCK! Maybe we'll try again, maybe not. However, the experience was sweet. This makes me think about baking and cooking. I really would like to do more baking during the holiday season and give them as presents. We received QUITE a generous amount of goodies for Christmas. Why is it that people only bake and give in December???? So the kids and I are going to change that. Year round we are going to cook, bake and bless others with our goods. Why not? Who doesn't like receiving something warm and yummy. Also I want to learn to bake and make healthy foods. I have plenty of time to research, learn and practice during the next 12 months. There is something special about spending time together as a family in the kitchen. I pray we can do it more often.
Day 350:
It's snowing AGAIN!!! We got 2 inches overnight and will probably get another 1-2 today. Many people I know don't like the snow. They complain. They fuss. They wish it away. Granted snow can cause delay, frustration and dangerous driving conditions. However, snow does one thing that is glorious in my humble opinion. It makes people slow down. Physically, mentally, emotionally. I wish that more people were able to view snow days as a chance to rest, relax and regroup. Yes I know that I don't have a job outside of the home. I don't have kids in public school. I can't "relate" to some reading this blog, but I am grateful for the chance to rest whenever I have it.
One of my favorite memories from the Christmas season of 2010 was the opportunity to sing Winter Snow at the church Christmas program. This song talks about exactly what I mean when I say that we should REST during the snow. We should REST in our relationship with Jesus and recognize his grace as the Winter Snow. I'm gonna share it (again if you read my other blog) and pray you are blessed.
Tonight Nathan and the kids made cannolis using one of the recipes from the book the kids bought Nathan. It is the book written by "Buddy" the Cake Boss. I must admit that they were NOT good. No offense to my lil' chefs, but they just weren't what I was thinking. Honestly they were a texture nightmare. Nathan did the mixing and we used premade shells. Maybe that was it. These shells, although not expired, tasted as if they had been in an old fallout shelter since the cold war. YUCK! Maybe we'll try again, maybe not. However, the experience was sweet. This makes me think about baking and cooking. I really would like to do more baking during the holiday season and give them as presents. We received QUITE a generous amount of goodies for Christmas. Why is it that people only bake and give in December???? So the kids and I are going to change that. Year round we are going to cook, bake and bless others with our goods. Why not? Who doesn't like receiving something warm and yummy. Also I want to learn to bake and make healthy foods. I have plenty of time to research, learn and practice during the next 12 months. There is something special about spending time together as a family in the kitchen. I pray we can do it more often.
Day 350:
It's snowing AGAIN!!! We got 2 inches overnight and will probably get another 1-2 today. Many people I know don't like the snow. They complain. They fuss. They wish it away. Granted snow can cause delay, frustration and dangerous driving conditions. However, snow does one thing that is glorious in my humble opinion. It makes people slow down. Physically, mentally, emotionally. I wish that more people were able to view snow days as a chance to rest, relax and regroup. Yes I know that I don't have a job outside of the home. I don't have kids in public school. I can't "relate" to some reading this blog, but I am grateful for the chance to rest whenever I have it.
One of my favorite memories from the Christmas season of 2010 was the opportunity to sing Winter Snow at the church Christmas program. This song talks about exactly what I mean when I say that we should REST during the snow. We should REST in our relationship with Jesus and recognize his grace as the Winter Snow. I'm gonna share it (again if you read my other blog) and pray you are blessed.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Loving the Unlovely
Day 353:
Today I realized once again that I am the "unlovely". It wasn't the homeless woman at the convenience store. It was ME.
On the way home from Upward Cheer leading practice the kids (Jesse went to watch his sister) wanted to stop at the F & J and get a Gatorade. As I pulled into the parking lot I noticed her. She was as disheveled as usual. Yet tonight she was alone. She usually walks several feet behind her partner/mate whatever he is. She was smoking and talking to herself quite loudly in an indecipherable language. I made the hasty decision NOT to get out the car. As she begin to walk toward me I was filled with fear. I locked the doors and pulled out quickly. I tried to explain to the children why we couldn't go into the store. JoyAnn and Jesse are familiar with this lady. She walks all over Swannanoa. JoyAnn speaks kindly to me and says "Momma, she's just poor. Maybe there was something you could have done to help her."
Perhaps she was right. Maybe I could have helped her. Granted I feel as if I made the right decision regarding my safety and the safety of the children on a dark, freezing night. She obviously was drunk or stoned or both. Maybe she is mentally ill. I know her soul is troubled. But it DID get me to thinking about opportunities I might have in the future to help her or others who are in need. Am I willing to love the unlovely? Am I willing to go where they are and to share with them love, warmth, physical nurture and the love of Jesus?
Isn't that was Emmanuel came for? Isn't that what Christmas is about? My heart is full tonight as my head hits my nice, soft pillow in my warm house. How will I look for or handle opportunities to love the less fortunate, mentally ill, homeless, needy and unwanted people in my community? Lord, help me to be aware of this need and give me grace to teach my children to love those people too. Because YOU DO!!!
Today I realized once again that I am the "unlovely". It wasn't the homeless woman at the convenience store. It was ME.
On the way home from Upward Cheer leading practice the kids (Jesse went to watch his sister) wanted to stop at the F & J and get a Gatorade. As I pulled into the parking lot I noticed her. She was as disheveled as usual. Yet tonight she was alone. She usually walks several feet behind her partner/mate whatever he is. She was smoking and talking to herself quite loudly in an indecipherable language. I made the hasty decision NOT to get out the car. As she begin to walk toward me I was filled with fear. I locked the doors and pulled out quickly. I tried to explain to the children why we couldn't go into the store. JoyAnn and Jesse are familiar with this lady. She walks all over Swannanoa. JoyAnn speaks kindly to me and says "Momma, she's just poor. Maybe there was something you could have done to help her."
Perhaps she was right. Maybe I could have helped her. Granted I feel as if I made the right decision regarding my safety and the safety of the children on a dark, freezing night. She obviously was drunk or stoned or both. Maybe she is mentally ill. I know her soul is troubled. But it DID get me to thinking about opportunities I might have in the future to help her or others who are in need. Am I willing to love the unlovely? Am I willing to go where they are and to share with them love, warmth, physical nurture and the love of Jesus?
Isn't that was Emmanuel came for? Isn't that what Christmas is about? My heart is full tonight as my head hits my nice, soft pillow in my warm house. How will I look for or handle opportunities to love the less fortunate, mentally ill, homeless, needy and unwanted people in my community? Lord, help me to be aware of this need and give me grace to teach my children to love those people too. Because YOU DO!!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Jesus in a Box
Day 355 and 354:
So how can one honor Christmas year round but take down the decorations? LOL...hahaha
It was TIME. This year we had to put a small, four foot tree ON our dining room table so the boys wouldn't get it. It was "cute". Not the tree I would have loved to have, but it served our purposes. Nonetheless, it took up almost our ENTIRE table. Which was frustrating because that is where home school happens and we couldn't eat meals together at the table as a family. So yesterday we began to take down all of our decorations. Not nearly as much fun as putting them up in my humble opinion.
This got me thinking. I mean I was putting baby Jesus in a box. OK...its a stretch, but how many times have I done that metaphorically and spiritually? How easy it has become for me to compartmentalize my life. I mean I don't allow Jesus to permeate and participate in all areas of my life. There is Jesus...you can find him at church of course. You can find Him in Bible study. You can find him in deep discussion at LIFE group. Yet, he's harder to find in dish washing, diaper changing, homeschooling, loving my family, driving on the interstate :-), dealing with bill collectors....see what I mean? If I say I love Jesus and am a follower of His teachings AND call Him Lord of my life why can't I see Him, hear Him, feel Him in everything I do? I try to do things in my own power and strength. I want to worship Jesus at the manger when it's full of wonder and awe, and I want to worship Him at the cross and tomb as he became the redeemer and atoner, but I don't want to worship him when it might have been an ordinary day. Did Jesus ever have an ordinary day??? Or was EVERYDAY a miracle because He walked in His Father's footsteps?
Lord, forgive me for not allowing you to have every little nook and cranny of my heart. Forgive me Lord for STILL trying to do things on my own even after ALL of these years. I repent Lord and ask that you would give me grace to worship you in the ordinary. To allow you to be present in ALL things. Maybe as a reminder I'll keep the baby Jesus figure from our nativity out this year and I'll randomly put it in different rooms as a reminder that He's with us. He TRULY is EMMANUEL!!!
So how can one honor Christmas year round but take down the decorations? LOL...hahaha
It was TIME. This year we had to put a small, four foot tree ON our dining room table so the boys wouldn't get it. It was "cute". Not the tree I would have loved to have, but it served our purposes. Nonetheless, it took up almost our ENTIRE table. Which was frustrating because that is where home school happens and we couldn't eat meals together at the table as a family. So yesterday we began to take down all of our decorations. Not nearly as much fun as putting them up in my humble opinion.
This got me thinking. I mean I was putting baby Jesus in a box. OK...its a stretch, but how many times have I done that metaphorically and spiritually? How easy it has become for me to compartmentalize my life. I mean I don't allow Jesus to permeate and participate in all areas of my life. There is Jesus...you can find him at church of course. You can find Him in Bible study. You can find him in deep discussion at LIFE group. Yet, he's harder to find in dish washing, diaper changing, homeschooling, loving my family, driving on the interstate :-), dealing with bill collectors....see what I mean? If I say I love Jesus and am a follower of His teachings AND call Him Lord of my life why can't I see Him, hear Him, feel Him in everything I do? I try to do things in my own power and strength. I want to worship Jesus at the manger when it's full of wonder and awe, and I want to worship Him at the cross and tomb as he became the redeemer and atoner, but I don't want to worship him when it might have been an ordinary day. Did Jesus ever have an ordinary day??? Or was EVERYDAY a miracle because He walked in His Father's footsteps?
Lord, forgive me for not allowing you to have every little nook and cranny of my heart. Forgive me Lord for STILL trying to do things on my own even after ALL of these years. I repent Lord and ask that you would give me grace to worship you in the ordinary. To allow you to be present in ALL things. Maybe as a reminder I'll keep the baby Jesus figure from our nativity out this year and I'll randomly put it in different rooms as a reminder that He's with us. He TRULY is EMMANUEL!!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
It's Not Always What You Expect
Day 356: (started Monday finished Tues. morning)
I've touched on this before, but I'm sure Mary's life was NOT what she expected. She had other plans, other dreams. Don't get me wrong her life was BETTER than she would have or could have EVER imagined. It just wasn't what she planned.
I'm there today. I really am. Here I am in this house with my FIVE kids (I wanted 2 or 4). I am a stay at home mom and I have a degree in Music Education. I thought I would be an elementary music teacher. We live in my Papa's house. I thought we would own our own home with a nice, tailored yard. I quite frankly feel as if I'm wasting away today..that the last decade has been wasted. A shell of myself sits in this house wishing things were different. Sad, but TRUE!!!
How I wish that today I could pray the prayer that Mary did as found in Luke 1:46-55 "And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant...for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name, And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." My heart is wishing for peace. Today Christmas seems far away and Emmanuel seems as if His arrival was for everyone, but me.
God please change my heart. Please change my plans. Break my heart and make it more like yours. Forgive me for my pride and mistrust. I love you and WANT to change. Keep me close to you today.
Wondering,
Janelle
I've touched on this before, but I'm sure Mary's life was NOT what she expected. She had other plans, other dreams. Don't get me wrong her life was BETTER than she would have or could have EVER imagined. It just wasn't what she planned.
I'm there today. I really am. Here I am in this house with my FIVE kids (I wanted 2 or 4). I am a stay at home mom and I have a degree in Music Education. I thought I would be an elementary music teacher. We live in my Papa's house. I thought we would own our own home with a nice, tailored yard. I quite frankly feel as if I'm wasting away today..that the last decade has been wasted. A shell of myself sits in this house wishing things were different. Sad, but TRUE!!!
How I wish that today I could pray the prayer that Mary did as found in Luke 1:46-55 "And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant...for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name, And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." My heart is wishing for peace. Today Christmas seems far away and Emmanuel seems as if His arrival was for everyone, but me.
God please change my heart. Please change my plans. Break my heart and make it more like yours. Forgive me for my pride and mistrust. I love you and WANT to change. Keep me close to you today.
Wondering,
Janelle
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Clearing Space
Day 357:
I wrote about yesterdays celebration. It was a glorious time of sharing, laughing, eating and gift giving. Don't get me wrong I am blessed to have given AND received, but I don't think my family realizes just HOW much stuff we already have and HOW much more stuff we have to fit in this house. Since we can't get rid of any people (hahahaha) we MUST get rid of stuff. That's what today is about...clearing space. So there is a family rule of when one new toy, movie, piece of clothing comes in one goes out. I wish I could say that I'm always RIGHT on top of this and enforce this rule diligently, but alas, I don't.
Well we woke up a little later than usual and it was very nice. We decided not to attend church today. We have been finding homes for all of the gifts we were given. The kids have been working on their room. I have been working in the babies room and kitchen, while Nathan has been cleaning the bathroom. I mean REALLY cleaning. There is more to be done today, but we all took a lunch break and I wanted to jot down my thoughts while I had the time. There will be a grocery shopping trip and a meal out at Cheddar's together later today. Nathan is treating us!!! How fun!
There is a spiritual lesson though in the midst of all of this cleaning. It isn't "cleanliness is next to godliness". I think that's a crock anyway. What's going on here at least in MY heart and mind is that we need to find a home for what is important. Yes we are "downsizing" our physical home, but why? I am trying to teach my children to appreciate what they have, to be good stewards to give, save, spend and to not take more than you need. I am trying to instill in my children to love the things of the Lord and NOT the things of this world. So....if old, too small, not needed, broken things, unused and unwanted items take up space in our closets, rooms and hallways what does our heart look like????
I have clutter taking up space in my heart. I would love to tell you that Jesus sits atop his throne right in the middle of my heart and that the path to worship Him is clean, clear and free of the debris of life. It isn't. I am consumed with the daily grind. I am overwhelmed with life. I do not find time to sit at His feet as I did in past days. I am too busy looking at the things that keep me from Him instead of focusing ON Him and walking past the clutter. I need to have a "clean sweep" of my heart as to make a path to my king. I miss HIM!!!
Yes I want a clean house. I cry almost EVEY day at the condition of my "lived in" abode, but when was the last time I wept over the lost time with my Lord? I am so blessed. I have so much...TOO much. God I repent that I have not worked on keeping my heart clean and free of clutter. Forgive me Lord for allowing the things of this world take precedence over You. I am so sorry. Please give me the grace to change. Holy Spirit give me the desire to seek the face of my Lord first and foremost EVERYDAY.
In 2011 I am GOING to make more room in my house, de-clutter and clean. I am ALSO going to make it a priority to clean my heart and make MORE ROOM FOR JESUS!!! How can I live an abundant life if I am stuck in the mire of my "stuff"???? Help me Emmanuel!!!
Here is Vs. 1 of a Christmas Carol that speaks to my heart on this issue
Thou didst leave thy throne
And thy kingly crown
When thou camest to earth for me,
But in Bethlehem's home
Was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity:
O come to my heart Lord Jesus;
There is room in my heart for thee!
Bryan Duncan does a WONDERFUL arrangement of that carol.
Make Room for Him,
Janelle
I wrote about yesterdays celebration. It was a glorious time of sharing, laughing, eating and gift giving. Don't get me wrong I am blessed to have given AND received, but I don't think my family realizes just HOW much stuff we already have and HOW much more stuff we have to fit in this house. Since we can't get rid of any people (hahahaha) we MUST get rid of stuff. That's what today is about...clearing space. So there is a family rule of when one new toy, movie, piece of clothing comes in one goes out. I wish I could say that I'm always RIGHT on top of this and enforce this rule diligently, but alas, I don't.
Well we woke up a little later than usual and it was very nice. We decided not to attend church today. We have been finding homes for all of the gifts we were given. The kids have been working on their room. I have been working in the babies room and kitchen, while Nathan has been cleaning the bathroom. I mean REALLY cleaning. There is more to be done today, but we all took a lunch break and I wanted to jot down my thoughts while I had the time. There will be a grocery shopping trip and a meal out at Cheddar's together later today. Nathan is treating us!!! How fun!
There is a spiritual lesson though in the midst of all of this cleaning. It isn't "cleanliness is next to godliness". I think that's a crock anyway. What's going on here at least in MY heart and mind is that we need to find a home for what is important. Yes we are "downsizing" our physical home, but why? I am trying to teach my children to appreciate what they have, to be good stewards to give, save, spend and to not take more than you need. I am trying to instill in my children to love the things of the Lord and NOT the things of this world. So....if old, too small, not needed, broken things, unused and unwanted items take up space in our closets, rooms and hallways what does our heart look like????
I have clutter taking up space in my heart. I would love to tell you that Jesus sits atop his throne right in the middle of my heart and that the path to worship Him is clean, clear and free of the debris of life. It isn't. I am consumed with the daily grind. I am overwhelmed with life. I do not find time to sit at His feet as I did in past days. I am too busy looking at the things that keep me from Him instead of focusing ON Him and walking past the clutter. I need to have a "clean sweep" of my heart as to make a path to my king. I miss HIM!!!
Yes I want a clean house. I cry almost EVEY day at the condition of my "lived in" abode, but when was the last time I wept over the lost time with my Lord? I am so blessed. I have so much...TOO much. God I repent that I have not worked on keeping my heart clean and free of clutter. Forgive me Lord for allowing the things of this world take precedence over You. I am so sorry. Please give me the grace to change. Holy Spirit give me the desire to seek the face of my Lord first and foremost EVERYDAY.
In 2011 I am GOING to make more room in my house, de-clutter and clean. I am ALSO going to make it a priority to clean my heart and make MORE ROOM FOR JESUS!!! How can I live an abundant life if I am stuck in the mire of my "stuff"???? Help me Emmanuel!!!
Here is Vs. 1 of a Christmas Carol that speaks to my heart on this issue
Thou didst leave thy throne
And thy kingly crown
When thou camest to earth for me,
But in Bethlehem's home
Was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity:
O come to my heart Lord Jesus;
There is room in my heart for thee!
Bryan Duncan does a WONDERFUL arrangement of that carol.
Make Room for Him,
Janelle
Day 358
*Actually written on day 357*
Today (1-1-11)was spent with family and friends. We were celebrating Christmas. The wonderful yet large amount of snow prevented our previous get together. I always treasure when our family is together. This was our third Christmas without Nannie. Her presence was missed as usual. I surely wish she could have met James and Jonathan.
The holidays can be VERY hard for some people. Thinking back to times past can often bring mixed emotions. Good memories can bring smiles and tears. I have so many friends and loved ones who were mourning the loss of someone at Christmastime.
I can't reflect on this though without focusing on the HOPE that we have in Christ. This blog is about Christmas!!! God sent his only son Jesus to be born Emmanuel. The story doesn't end there though. Christ was born so that he could live a sinless life, be hung on a cross, die and RISE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY. Christmas is about life AND death. Praise God for His gift. My loved ones who have gone on before me are in Heaven celebrating Emmanuel and waiting for ME!!!! Isn't that a glorious thought? I can't wait to be reunited with my faith family in glory. Thank you God for sending the Lamb of God.
Today (1-1-11)was spent with family and friends. We were celebrating Christmas. The wonderful yet large amount of snow prevented our previous get together. I always treasure when our family is together. This was our third Christmas without Nannie. Her presence was missed as usual. I surely wish she could have met James and Jonathan.
The holidays can be VERY hard for some people. Thinking back to times past can often bring mixed emotions. Good memories can bring smiles and tears. I have so many friends and loved ones who were mourning the loss of someone at Christmastime.
I can't reflect on this though without focusing on the HOPE that we have in Christ. This blog is about Christmas!!! God sent his only son Jesus to be born Emmanuel. The story doesn't end there though. Christ was born so that he could live a sinless life, be hung on a cross, die and RISE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY. Christmas is about life AND death. Praise God for His gift. My loved ones who have gone on before me are in Heaven celebrating Emmanuel and waiting for ME!!!! Isn't that a glorious thought? I can't wait to be reunited with my faith family in glory. Thank you God for sending the Lamb of God.
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