Christmas Memories

Christmas 2010 may be our best Christmas ever!

Ellie and I both wore dresses Christmas Eve to church. Her request.

Ellie thinks the ornament on the tree makes it look like she's wearing a crown!
She sure is God's little princess!

Ellie got to see Santa -- which she really wanted to do all season but we never thought would happen! She wrote notes to Santa and Rudolph and put them in her stocking. He wrote back!

Ellie and Santa.
"Oh shoot. I forgot to ask if I made the kind of nice list."
She is sooo funny! Came up with that one all by herself.

Ellie's note from Santa. He knows the real reason for the season!

Santa even brought presents for Grandma and Grandpa. He's so kind!

The kids were so thoughtful with their gift giving to one another.

Ben and Nathan
These are supposed to be their thoughtful, pondering faces. Nice try, Ben.
Penguin paper for Ben. He loves penguins!

The Christmas book. A family tradition.
Nathan appreciates it now that he's "old." Ellie and Ben, not yet.

Nathan and Ellie always share a big smile!
He prayed her into our family and adores her to this day!

Our first Christmas with darling Daisy.

Daisy got a new bed and she loves it!

Hard to tell here, but the snow was as deep as she is tall!
She loved the snow!

My parents joined us for the first time ever, venturing here despite predictions of wacky winter weather.

Grandma Lori and Ellie

Grandpa Bob, Ben and Grandpa's new tie for his cruise vacation!
Ties by Ben. Grandpa is stylin'!

Grandpa and Grandma give Christmas with the grandkids two thumbs up!

The snow arrived, just before midnight Christmas night, giving our part of North Carolina our first "official" white Christmas since 1947! Really, though, the snow could have arrived just a few hours earlier... not that I'm picky or anything.

Ben and friends gave the red car a mohawk in honor of Uncle Jim.
He was stuck at home in the icy mountains of SC taking care of the dogs.
We love you, Uncle Jim, even if you give my kids weapons (see below).

Caleb, Nathan, Ben, Caroline and Ellie
The Fry/Dawkins snow day traditions continue.
Fun times!

Ellie and Daddy made a snowman.
Not easy in this snow -- a little soft -- but Daddy was determined!

The finished product, decorated with colored golf balls
-- and a plumbline powder "skirt."

Bonus time with the grandparents. They tried heading home ahead of the storm, but the black ice changed their plans. Instead, we had an extra day together. Grandma and Rob beat Grandpa and Karen at pinochle. They got lucky -- especially since Grandma couldn't remember what trump was called! We demand a do-over! Right, Grandpa?

My parents' SC car has never seen snow like this before!
It seems to like it though. :)

And the best wrapped gift of all time -- well, except the newborn King, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger!!! (From Uncle Jim. The paper he chose said, "Let there be peace on earth." My brother has quite the sense of humor!)

Ben wouldn't really shoot his brother, would he?

May your new year be blessed with the love, joy, peace and grace of our Savior.

Love,
Karen

Merry Christmas!!!

From our family to yours,

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

May you be blessed with

love (John 3:16)

joy (Psalm 16:11)

peace  (John 14:27)

and

hope (1 Peter 1:3)

With love,

Rob, Karen, Nathan, Ben and Ellie

Daisy and Buckeye too

Pen Pals!!!

I am SOOOO excited my friends! Really, I can hardly stand it!

You see, God blessed me with an amazing friend. We homeschool. We both have kids with sensory integration disorder. We both love our families. We both love decorated cakes. We both adopted. OOOOOOHHHHH....

And today... yes, today.... we FINALLY get to meet.

I'm headed out, Ellie in tow, to meet her -- leaving in just a few minutes! She's visiting family in the mountains of NC. I live closer to the beach, but... driving across the state is a lot easier than flying across the country!

Jennifer, HERE WE COME!!! I can't wait to hug your neck!!!

Thanks to my husband, sons, and church ministry team (covering for me) to make this happen. Thanks to Jenn's family for making room for two more.

When's the last time you were excited like a little kid? Jumping out of your skin with anticipation?

Memorial Box Monday: Generosity

A few years ago, our church collected a special missions offering. My son, then about 12 years old, asked if he could donate the money from his savings account. He had saved up about $100 to purchase his own bass guitar.

My husband and I took some time to mull over his request. I'm saddened that we didn't agree to his request right then and there. Maybe that's why Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 18:3 NIV) Eventually, we came around and he gave his savings.

We didn't tell anyone about it. He gave anonymously. The purest, most generous gift a boy could give.

About a week later, a guy from our church who happened to play bass guitar on the praise team, called. He stammered a bit, then finally asked if he could buy our son a bass guitar. He rushed on, explaining that he felt God telling him to bless Nathan with the guitar. He then added he had never done anything like this before, and he hoped we'd let him do it.

Really? God, really?

Can you imagine the thoughts roiling through my head? First shame, for not trusting God the way my son did. Quickly replaced with stunned amazement. God says, "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38 NIV)

Our son understands generosity. Give. God's got you taken care of. Simple as that.

The following weekend after services were over, we led our son into the worship center, eyes blind-folded. The guys on the praise team brought out the new bass guitar -- AND CASE AND AMP AND CORDS AND STRAP AND CLEANER AND TUNER! They set it down and Nathan opened his eyes.

Nathan is back right on stage.
His friend, Matt, is in the foreground.

Stunned!

We all cried a few joyful tears that day. (I'm choking up as I share this now.)

Fast forward four years. These days, my generous boy, now 16, not only plays bass guitar, he is honored to serve alongside some wonderful musicians and lead our church in worship. Every time I see him, guitar strapped on, I remember this incredible blessing from God. Truly. Blessed.


Memorial Box Monday started at "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced it to me, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).

Two Weeks Before Christmas

Twas two weeks before Christmas,

and all through the house,

not a creature was stirring,

dog quiet as a mouse!

The stockings were hung 

by the chimney with care,

The tree and the trimmings

were placed here and there.

The shopping was done,

the gifts done up in bows.

How we got done so early,

no one really knows.

For two weeks as we wait,

We'll bake cookies and bread.

We'll play games together,

Thankful we're ahead!

May not happen again,

of that I'm aware.

So please don't you greet me,

with grimace or glare!

Our family wishes you,

your family and friends,

A blessed Christmas season.

May your tasks quickly end!

**My apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, author of Twas the Night Before Christmas.**

Balanced!

Hi my bloggy friends,
Ready for a new type of post? I realize that for the past three days, I have looked at Christmas giving from just about every angle. Give meaningful gifts that make a difference. Give your time. Give your heart.

All that giving can turn our stomachs to knots.

A friend of mine decided not to decorate a tree this year. I, personally, was offended. I hassled her... then, another friend spoke up, suggesting that not having a tree might be a great idea. I humbly stand corrected.

Not to the tree part, necessarily (big grin), but to the essence of her point. Doing something -- particularly tradition-laden things -- can trap you in a place you just shouldn't be. Baking cookies to share with a dozen neighbors, purchasing small gifts for all the co-workers just because it's expected, sending Christmas cards (really, all those stamps are expensive and in this economy...), decorating the house and yard and even the car. Whew! I'm tired. My checkbook depleted.

Throw in generosity, giving to the poor, serving the homeless, or whatever, and you could almost literally explode. S T R E S S! What's a wonderful, generous, kind-hearted, well-intentioned person to do?

S T O P!

P R A Y!

T R U S T!

Stop trying to do it all. You'll be so tired you won't enjoy your family, your time together or the love of Jesus.

Pray and leave the choice to God. Lord, show me what is best for my family. Lead us to make choices this Christmas that glorify you. We give You our time, our hearts, our finances. Help us make decisions that honor You.

Trust His guidance. You aren't led to decorate the tree this year? Then don't let guilt or tradition (or a well-intentioned nagging friend) make you do it. Christmas isn't about the tree and trimmings anyway. It's about Jesus. So many "friends" on your Christmas list that you feel crushed? Trust God to reveal to you who to purchase (or bake cookies or send cards) for. If you don't find that perfect gift, maybe you aren't really supposed to buy one. Every time you pass the Salvation Army bucket, do you feel compelled to drop in a few dollars (this one always trips me up)? Trust that God will show you where and how to be generous this year. It's not that you shouldn't be generous. After all, Christmas is the season of love and generosity.  Just trust God's plan for your generosity. You don't have to do it all!

You don't have to do it all!


Trust God. Bless others the way He leads. Say NO when it's not the best thing for your family. Enjoy this season of miracles.

Merry Christmas!

Making a Difference this Christmas

Friends,

Check out this blog. One family. Giving a week of vacation. To love kids who have no family.
http://throwingourarmsopenwide.blogspot.com/2010/12/this-is-why.html

Or this story? One couple. Making a difference.
http://lutherandheather.blogspot.com/2010/10/swaziland-journey.html?spref=fb

How about you? Would you go down the street? Across town? Next door? to share God's love with someone this Christmas?

I'm not suggesting you take a week off to serve. Just open your heart to share. How?

• Jump a car that won't start. (Right, Barb?)
• Make dinner for a shut-in.
• Make Christmas cards with the kids for those who have no family coming in this Christmas.
• Invite someone to dinner.
• Smile at the bell-ringer. Whether you donate or not, thank that person for volunteering their time for the less fortunate.
• Buy a pack of paper -- or other school supplies -- and donate them to your local school.
• Say a prayer for those with no place to call home.

That's a short list. I know you all are way more creative than I am! What is your family doing to share God's love with others this Christmas season?

If shopping's your thing, that can be quite meaningful too! Check out these awesome gift options -- note the addition in the comment section! :)

Merry Christmas!

More Blessed to Give than to Receive

Have you heard the story of the "widow's mite?" It's one of my favorite Bible stories of all time. This lady, so poor and with no husband to support her, gave Jesus everything she had. Everything!

Even in our poor economic situation, most of us will spend more money on ourselves and our family than others who have great need. What if we did something about it? Every single one of us? What if we gave just one gift (not the junk from the attic that hasn't been cool in 20 years), but one sincere gift to bless someone this year? How about donating a new coat to the homeless shelter? Or buying a bag of non-perishable food for the local food pantry or other shelters?

**A news story in our area (Raleigh, NC) explained that the homeless need thermal underwear, socks, gloves and hats more than anything else. They benefit most from layering.**

What if we went beyond giving stuff? What if we give our time, our heart, our hope instead? It's not too late to help! What would that look like?

My brother and his family are visiting next weekend. Together, we agreed to give our time to a local agency instead of exchanging Christmas gifts among the kids. The kids are in on it too! My sons volunteered at this agency last year. They agree that working side by side with the family will be even better!

Who can you serve this Christmas season? Who can you bless and encourage?

Let's make a difference! Shop for a purpose. Serve with a purpose. Love others, always!

Happy birthday, Jesus!

Christmas Shopping with Purpose

Merry Christmas to you all!

Most everyone I know has decked the halls, strung the lights, and prepared their home for Christmas. Houses twinkle with merriment. Kitchens smell of gingerbread and spice. But the shopping... Oh, the stress.

This past weekend, my daughter and I joined the throngs at the mall with some friends. We enjoyed sweet fellowship. We marveled at the pre-Christmas snowflakes (so rare here!). We shopped, too, but only for those items we truly wanted. We resisted the slick sales and impulse buys. We. Had. FUN!

Do you dread the Christmas shopping? The hustle, bustle and chaos? Do you spend money you don't really have, ruin the budget and carry debt into the new year? How about shopping a little differently this year? Why not shop with purpose?

Lots of families who want to adopt children make one-of-a-kind gifts to raise funds for their adoptions. Here are a few of my favorites. Maybe you'll find special gifts here and bless a little child too!

One of a kind fleece blankets, size 6'X6'
They come in a variety of patterns.

http://lhbocean-thebaileyfam.blogspot.com/p/fundraising.html

Key fobs make great personalized gifts for friends, gift exchanges and teenage girls on your list!

http://keystochina.blogspot.com/

How about something personalized? T-shirts and notepads, personalized for you or a friend. Great t-shirt designs for girls and boys!

http://cuteepiedesigns.blogspot.com/


















Isabella Bracelets. These bracelets are incredible. Feminine, frilly. So southern belle. They come in adult and children's sizes.

She also makes dresses for children in matching patterns.

http://orphaned-no-more.blogspot.com/2010/06/red-thread-stitches-matching-bracelets.html







I could go on and on. If you're looking for something specific and it's not here, let me know. I'll help you find it.

Fundraisers with purpose. Bringing children home to their forever families. Families following God's call and choosing to honor it without going into debt. Make a difference. Shop in your jammies. Bless an orphan this Christmas! What could be better?

Small business owners, if you're running a Christmas special to benefit a cause, please let us know!
1. First, follow my blog :)


2. Share the link to this post with your customers, friends and family. Copy and paste the link: http://karendawkins.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-shopping-with-purpose.html


3. Comment!!!! Be sure to include your name, contact information, what you sell/provide, and who will benefit. If you have a Christmas order deadline, include that too!


4. If your fundraiser is ongoing, let us know that too. I'll link back through the year to support businesses benefitting others all year long.


Merry Christmas, everyone. Happy blessing!

A Babbling Fool

Hello my bloggy friends,
I haven't posted in a few days. Weird, huh? It's not that I don't have lots -- and lots and lots and lots -- of thoughts swirling in my head. Stuff is swirling everywhere.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 25:21, "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you." Sharing my thoughts here is something I take seriously. I marvel that anyone cares what I post. Integrity matters. I don't want to spout off something just because it popped in my head.

Instead, I need to evaluate. Does it make sense? Does it glorify God, the One who gave me this desire to share? Do my words build up the kingdom? OR -- am I just taking up space out there in cyber-world?

Proverbs 10:10 says, "...a babbling fool will come to ruin." I don't want that! Do you?

While I may not post as often, I do hope that the words I share bless you. I pray you will be challenged to consider your life from a different perspective. I pray that my words will spur you on to live more for God and less for self. We all need encouragement as we run this race for God's kingdom. May you find encouragement here.

Thanks for following my blog. Would you pray for me to know what and when to share?

Let me know how I can pray for you! Leave a comment today -- you can even leave it anonymously. Let's pour out our hearts to God and LISTEN for His reply.

Much love in Christ,
Karen

Give Thanks

Psalm 136:1-9

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. 

            His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the God of gods. 

            His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords: 

            His love endures forever.

 to him who alone does great wonders, 

            His love endures forever. 

who by his understanding made the heavens, 

            His love endures forever. 

who spread out the earth upon the waters, 

            His love endures forever. 

who made the great lights— 

            His love endures forever. 

the sun to govern the day, 

            His love endures forever. 

the moon and stars to govern the night; 

            His love endures forever.

We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, joy, and peace.

Thankfulness - A kid's perspective

Ellie's Thanksgiving Feast at school
She's our pilgrim princess

My kids came up with their own thankfulness lists. Can you guess who made which list?

Things to be thankful for:

• 5 days off from school
• Food
• Football
• The letter "f" which made all of the above possible

I am thankful for:

• mi dog
• Mrs. Owen
• family
• friends

I'm thankful for:

• football
• five days off from school
• turkey and stuffing and potatoes and pie and pie and pie

Thankfulness

Thankfulness - adj. expressing gratitude and relief. (New Oxford American Dictionary)

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am grateful for so much.

1. My kids and the joy they bring.

The kids at Yosemite. No one threw anyone else over the edge!

2. My husband and our twenty years of married life so far.

Buzz Lightyear and no kids. A perfect combo for our anniversary celebration!

3. My friends.

With Susan, Megan and Allie at Hilton Head

4. My family.

That's a real sunset behind us. Beautiful!

5. My church family, doing life together.

Ellie meets Hartley - one of our newest "church members" and special little neighbor!

How about you? What's on your thankfulness list?

Little Miracles

Last weekend while I trimmed bushes to prepare for winter, Ellie entertained herself by  raking a tiny pile of leaves to jump in. She was so proud of it she asked me to take video of her jumping in them. Funny.


She asked if she could pull the leaves off the trees to make a bigger pile. "No," I replied, "let's leave the leaves alone."


Ellie sat there for a second, hands in her lap, surrounded by her little pile. "I know," she exclaimed, "I'll ask God to do it."


Wouldn't you know it... just two nights later, a wicked storm blew through. At breakfast Wednesday morning, she looked out the window to see our yard filled with leaves. Lots and lots of leaves!!! 


"Look, Mom. God blew the leaves down for me!"


He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 18:2-3)

Doors!

What do you do when God closes a door? Does it sadden you? Or do you look expectantly to the door about to open?

The past several weeks, I've been asking God to reveal what's next. Oh... He is closing doors here and there. He's opened a couple - not far yet, just enough to get a little peek. I can't wait to see what happens when the door opens all the way! What is it, God?

I can hardly wait! "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). Oh, Lord, what are your plans? Can you open the door? Please?

In case you wonder... I'm not good at waiting for Christmas either!!!

Lessons in Faith. Taught by a Dog

Bloggy friends,

Sitting in her favorite place. My lap.

I've been wrestling with my thoughts these past couple weeks. What is faith? I mean really -- lived every day, what does faith look like? What does God want from me? How can I show Him my gratitude for His unending love? Does my life even reflect my faith in Him?

Apparently, He wants me to understand because we now have Daisy. A dog. I am NOT a dog person! My good friends know that me having a dog is about as likely as snow in h - e - double hockey sticks! 

Daisy adores me. I mean really adores me. No matter who plays with her, holds her or feeds her, when I walk in the room, her tail goes crazy and she does everything in her power to get to me. Yes, it makes me feel good to be so loved.

Daisy obeys me. When I take her outside, I don't need a leash. She sits when I tell her to. She comes when I call her. She's learning to stay in place if I command it, but those little muscles in her legs twitch like crazy, fighting the urge to race to me. Very funny. When I want to come in, I walk to the back door. She hurtles to the door to get there, not wanting to be left outside.

Daisy apologizes to me. Really. Her house training has gone really well, but occasionally she has accidents in the house. When I clean up, she sits nearby, head tilted to the side, with big pathetic eyes that say, "Oops. I really didn't mean to do that. Do you still love me?" No need to reprimand. One look into that face and all is forgiven.

Daisy trusts me. Within four days, Daisy was completely crate trained. The first few nights, she whined and whined. It broke our hearts to listen to her sad lament. Though, she always settled down. Not liking it, perhaps, but giving in. It's like she knew we were doing what's best for her. Now, she runs to her crate when she wants alone time (not often). She circles up and settles in when we tuck her into the crate for the night. No whimpers. No fuss. 

I wonder if this is what God truly desires from me. Would His heart burst if I ran to him, ecstatic, every day? Instead of wagging tail, I could shout my adoration to Him. Would He fill with pride at my obedience? Listening to His instruction and following His ways. Running to Him at the end of the day. Would He love my immediate remorse as I love Daisy's? One quick and heartfelt apology from me and all is forgiven. Does He crave my trust? He knows the plans He has for me. He has my best interest at heart. Like Daisy couldn't understand the crate, I might not understand His ways. But, can I trust Him as she trusts me? Completely?

Father God,

You desire to fill our hearts with You. You want our trust, obedience, remorse, and adoration. Why do I find it so hard to do? Why can't I run to you like my dog runs to me? Lord, fill my heart with more of You. Draw me in. Help me listen. Help me follow. Help me to trust. I lay my life at Your feet. I love You. I hope that today at least I show it.

In Jesus' precious name I pray,

Amen

Faith is a verb

Faith: (noun)
1. complete trust or confidence in someone or something.2 strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
Technically, faith is a noun. We have faith in God. Maybe, instead of God, our faith is in ourselves, our job, our skill, our country. 
I've believed in God for a long time. As a young girl, I went to church whenever I could: children's choir, drama, acolyte, youth group. I was a good little church girl. Something about church drew me in and I had to be there. I don't remember praying. I didn't read scripture often. Church was something good to do. Good girls go to church.
Throughout college and young adulthood, my prayer life began. My prayers were largely "gimme prayers" though. God, give me a new job. Help me through this day. Help me on this test. My prayers weren't often to share His love with others or to become the woman He wants me to be. Somehow, I managed to stay connected with church. I believed that being a good girl mattered. Good girls go to church. 
Early in marriage, it was hard to go to church. My husband, a medical student, rarely had Sundays off. We visited a lot of churches nearby without making any connections. Finally, we settled on attending his parents' church -- though it was 45 minutes from home. After all, good couples go to church.
When we moved to Delaware, Ohio, we floated from church to church, determined to find a good church home. Then I met Barb. Barb had a very different relationship with God. She knew Him as her friend. She trusted Him with the easy parts of life and the chaos. She knew He would carry her even in her darkest pain. Barb had been praying for a Christian neighbor. She got me. A career baby Christian. She even saw that as a blessing. (For which I'm quite thankful.) 
I didn't know it then, but as we continued our church search, Barb prayed. She prayed we would find a wonderful, living church to call home. We didn't end up at Barb's church, but we did find a living, real church home. That church wasn't about tradition and ritual. It was -- and still is -- about people loving God and sharing that love with others.
The people there loved us in a huge way. Soon after we started attending, I was put on bed rest because of pregnancy complications. Women whom I'd never met cared for our older son (then age two and still in diapers). None asked for or accepted payment. They just wanted to help. Families we didn't know brought us dinner for weeks. People took time from their busy days to visit with me or rush me to the doctor for emergency appointments. They loved us through our crisis. Our second son is here in large part because they cared. 
My faith grew in our years there. I realized I had a lot to learn. I learned about tithing. I learned about serving. I learned that church is about God, not about the building and events. I didn't really learn about pride -- though I needed to! While I didn't get far, I was becoming more than a "good girl who goes to church."
And then we moved to a new state. And 9/11 happened. All at the same time.
My faith crumbled. I cried out to God in desperation, but He didn't answer. We visited church after church while my world collapsed. I desperately wanted to find Him, but I couldn't. It wasn't that I stopped believing in God, it's just that I didn't see Him in the people at church. I felt abandoned.
And then... frustrated and ready to throw in the towel, I told my husband I'd give church one last chance. We visited C3, our church home for the past nine years. We walked through the door and everything was different. The people cared. They comforted. They dried my tears. They assured my broken heart that it would all be okay. In his sermon, the pastor challenged the people, "Will you be Jesus to that person who is giving church one last chance? Will you be the hope to the hopeless?" He included coffee, chocolate, professional baseball and college football in that sermon (four of my all-time favorite things!). God got my attention!
I knew we had found our home, but still, I didn't bounce back quickly. I had to learn that the people of the church are only human, they are not the answer. I'd put my trust in Christian people -- not in Christ. My whole life. There's a big difference!
Faith, I've discovered is not really a noun. Sure, Webster can define it that way. But God wants our actions to be faith. He wants us to love and share His hope with the world. He wants us to make a difference. But, we are not the difference. He is. He desires that we share HIS love and encourage others to get to know him. Faith is walking by completely trusting God with the highs and the lows, in the dark times and the easy times. Faith is sharing His love with the broken, hurting, hopeless ones who don't know that love.
Today, I live a different life. Not a perfect life, that's for sure. I know I don't always choose what Jesus would. I still battle pride. I battle selfishness. Inwardly, I fight between righteous rule following and grace giving love. Sometimes the rules win. Even so, I know that God is God and I am not. I may make mistakes. Sometimes big, ugly, horrible mistakes. 
But God...
Redeems. Restores. Reunites.
That's what faith really is. Trusting God. Stepping out to make a difference, one relationship at a time. Faith is a verb.

Introducing Daisy!

Hey bloggy friends,

Meet the newest member of the family!

Meeting Daisy. She's a rescue puppy. So sweet.

Our little cutie!

Ben loves scratching her tummy. She loves it too.

Ben and Daisy playing with her favorite toy.

Her favorite "teether."

Isn't she the cutest puppy ever?

Do you know why?

Dear bloggy friends,
Most of you here with me know Jesus. We are united in our bond of Christian faith. We speak church-ese. Have you ever tried to explain it to a non-believer? Have you been challenged by someone who is completely against Christianity?

The past several days, I've had the privilege of sharing and discussing my faith with a self-proclaimed athiest. Sadly, he shared that few Christians will take the time to discuss WHY they have the faith they do. Few of them will defend the scripture on which they base their faith. He said that most get angry and call him hateful things. (I realize not everyone would be that way toward him. He was never disrespectful with me.)

First Peter 3:15 says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..."

I needed to examine my faith journey a bit to answer his questions. I wasn't fully prepared. I KNOW what I believe. I KNOW I follow the One True, Living God. But to articulate it to someone who doesn't know... that wasn't so easy. How about you? Are you prepared?

It's not enough to be prepared to give the account, though. Can you do it with gentleness and respect? Or would you get defensive? Would you argue?

God is LOVE. Is that what I share when I speak? When I write? When I stand in line impatiently at the Walmart check-out counter? When I grab the parking spot before the other car waiting there? When I say, "I don't have time for you right now."?

Believers, are we prepared to share our hope in love? What would you say to my friend if he asked you?

God, break my heart for what breaks yours

Shared my faith with an athiest. He says few Christians do more than label him hatefully. That breaks my heart. Fellow Christians, do you just talk the talk or do you walk the walk?


2 Tim. 2:24-26
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Memorial Box Monday: Precious Moments

This morning, like just about every morning, my daughter snuck quietly into my bedroom, rubbed my arm and softly informed me, "Mommy, it's time to get up."

Like every morning, I opened my eyes (begrudgingly. Morning comes too early!) and gave her the really-you-must-be-kidding-it's-too-early glare. She smiles broadly, "Or do you want to hit the snooze button?" By the way, that question comes from years of marriage and me asking if I can hit the snooze just one more time.

I reached out from under the snuggly covers and patted her on the head. She giggled and ran out the door yelling, "Daddy, she hit the snooze button!"

Even if I am ready to get up, I think I'll always hit the snooze button just to hear her laugh.

God called our family to adopt Ellie. We knew what we'd provide for her: a safe home, love, physical, emotional and spiritual nourishment, opportunity, family. We knew she'd add a new dimension to our family. I never anticipated how great her gift would be. Thank you, God, for the gifts you gave us through Ellie: playfulness, a generous heart, a nurturing spirit, and joy. We love you, sweet pea.

I can't capture the sound of her laugh for our memorial box. I can include this picture - classic Ellie!

Ellie's first day of kindergarten. She's our special gift.

Goofing off with her friends!

Memorial Box Monday started at "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it last week, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).

FIT Fridays: The Heart

Dear bloggy friends,

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, we make a plan. We decide to cut calories and increase exercise -- starting tomorrow. The morning comes. We hit the snooze - again and again - and the time for exercise is gone. Disgusted over the failure, we eat doughnuts and a tall coffee with cream and sugar. Why not? "I'll just start tomorrow." Of course, tomorrow comes. So do the same bad decisions. We give up.

Even though we know calories in minus calories out equals weight gained or lost [cal in - cal out = weight gain/lost], we struggle. On rare occasion, a health condition affects that balance and a doctor's assistance is necessary.

Good health isn't as simple as a math formula. We have to factor in the intangible: Health is a matter of the heart. We must have the heart desire to make the change. Like any change (I blogged yesterday about my bad parenting habits), it's hard. We live in the age of "do what feels good now."

To win the battle (whether it's food or something else), we need God. God tells us we can overcome any obstacle -- even persistent habits -- if we let Him fill our hearts instead. Colossians 3:7-10 says:

You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become more like him.

For two weeks I've struggled about whether to share that verse. I don't want to condemn anyone or motivate by guilt trip. We heap enough guilt on ourselves as it is. I certainly don't need to add to anyone's burden. No matter what, though, choosing food (the old nature) for comfort instead of turning to God (our new nature) is sin. Until we choose God over something else, we cannot break free from it.

Let me be clear, food is not the enemy. Any old habit that we turn to instead of God could be substituted for food here -- it's a matter of the heart. I scream, yell and stomp my feet instead of praying for wisdom, patience and calm when I discipline my kids. That's the old self vs. the new self. I get bad news and run to the tub of ice cream in the freezer vs. pray and seek God's comfort. That too is the old self vs. the new self.  The only difference between a food battle and most others is that we can't hide our food battle! Like it or not, it shows.

Let's fill our hearts with the word of God instead of filling our stomach with temporary comfort. Let's win the battle. Romans 8:2-8, 11-13 says:

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. ... So God ... sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

... The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by the same Spirit living within you.

 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature you will live.

To make the switch to healthy living now and forever, be sure to equip yourself.

1. Study God's word and find strength from him.
2. Resource yourself. There are several great Christian books on healthy eating and living. Choose one and pursue it.
3. Develop accountability. God didn't create us to do life alone. Ask a friend or family member to help you stand strong.
4. Pray!!!
5. Make the choice and begin. Today!

This will be the last FIT Fridays post. I could come back each week to encourage and share, but I've said all I know. From here, it's up to you. And God. Together -- you're unstoppable!

Dear God,
Thank You for giving us your Spirit to walk through life with us. Help us to listen to the Spirit's nudge when we need it. Help us turn to You for guidance and strength. Help us overcome the past to live for You -- and only You.
In your Son's precious name I pray,
Amen

Another Chance

CRASH!!! The booming noise shakes the house. The picture on the wall gets knocked askew. Again. I've had it with these kids!

I pound up the stairs to the bonus room. I'll show them! I burst through the door, and face red with rage, I scream, "KIDS!!!! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"

Silence.

They freeze in place. My oldest speaks calmly, definitely not what I deserve. "But Mom. We were playing football with Ellie. She thinks it's hilarious when she tackles us and we fall." Ellie is six. She weighs about 38 pounds, tiny for her age. The boys are 16 and 13. Can you see this from Ellie's point of view? Little one topples the mighty giants. Her joy. Their delight.

"Well, umm, look. Just don't fall so hard okay." Sheepishly, mumbling a sincere but embarrassed apology, I slink away.

I wish I could tell you that happened a long time ago, but it didn't. I wish I could say this was before I knew Jesus. But that's not true either. I've been a Christian for decades. I've been in church leadership for years. I read the Bible. I pray. I am "plugged in." And yet, I fail. Miserably.

Until about six years ago I made excuses for my anger. "This is just a part of who I am." I blamed my parents. "My dad has a short fuse, so I must have inherited it." Sometimes I blamed hormones. I could even throw scripture in there. After all, the Bible says, "The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." (Pro. 29:15).

Then, Ephesians 4:26 grabbed hold of my heart. "In your anger do not sin." God was done with my excuses. He wanted me to know that with Him there is a better way. Really, God? You want me to change who I have been my entire life? That's impossible!

God assured me that with Him, nothing is impossible. His word says in 2 Cor. 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." I realized I must simply choose to trust His way. The angry bouts lessened  -- though my kids would watch, waiting for the bomb to explode. I learned to listen to their explanations rather than jump to conclusions. I learned to instruct in kindness instead of scream. I learned how to hold them accountable for their behavior. I understood, finally, their battle is not mine.

Just like my kids, I stumble.

I respond in selfish anger. Paul said, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Phil. 3:12) Paul understood that we will never be perfect. Jesus is our perfection. Jesus fills our heart. The Holy Spirit is here to guide us to make Godly decisions -- the choices Jesus would make.

In my humanness, I hear that voice whisper "in your anger do not sin" and ignore it. I pound. I scream. I rage.

The Holy Spirit keeps whispering. I press in to listen. I ask forgiveness. God gives me another chance.

How about you? What excuses do you make? Will you ask God to help you overcome your bad habits?

Dear God,
You are love. You are mercy. Forgive me for my anger. Help me listen more carefully to the wisdom you whisper into my heart. Thank you for always giving me another chance.
In your Son's precious name I pray,
Amen

Memorial Box Monday: Answered Prayer

Yes, I'm writing my MBM post on Wednesday. It's okay -- next year if you come back to revisit this post you won't even know I didn't write it on Monday!

If you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it started with Linny at "A Place Called Simplicity." Linny had this brilliant idea that we should remember the prayers God has already answered. We should cherish that answered prayer and revisit it when we need encouragement. MBM represents my family's faith journey. Much of it centers on our daughter's adoption. Today I realize that I have never prayed as fervently or walked as much by faith as I did then. (I need to get back to that place of total dependence.)

When I first told Rob that God was calling us to China to bring home a little girl, he wasn't as convinced as I was. He had his reasons. All of them logical. One thing he pointed out was that we had just paid off more than $100,000 in student loans the month before. We had a plan for the next stage of our financial life - to start saving for retirement and the kids' college. I'm a planner. Normally, he's more relaxed.

Unusually calm and clear, I suggested that we should pray about the finances. He agreed. So that night we asked God to show us. Our prayers were a lot like Gideon's fleece test. God, if this vision is really from you, prove it.

The next day...

Yes, I said, THE NEXT DAY! We got a letter in the mail from the student loan company. I opened it, expecting the payoff letter. The letter was there, but it said we had overpaid our payoff.

I don't know about you, but when I pay a bill, I don't ever want to pay more than needed. I called the student loan company before I wrote that final check. I followed all the automated prompts to get to payoff information. The automated voice told me our payoff amount and that it had to be received by a certain date (three or four days later). I repeated the amount and checked my figures. Twice. I wrote the check and sent it in.

Back to the letter we received... It said we overpaid the payoff. Not humanly possible. It included a check to reimburse us for the overpayment.

As I write my heart is pounding from the excitement of that day!

I called my husband right away. Again uncharacteristically, I calmly read the letter and told him about the check. I didn't connect the dots. This check was for him. From God. To help him see that our money is not ours. God can do whatever He wants whenever He wants. We just have to be obedient.

My husband and God had a little talk that day. I think we both learned how very great, how very loving, and how very in control our God really is.

To remember God's faithfulness, I'll put the check stub (yes, seven years later I still have it) in our memorial box. I never want to forget that God is in control and I don't need to worry about anything. I want my daughter to know that God cared about her from the moment she was conceived. I want her to know that God made sure we listened and brought her home -- where she belongs! May she never doubt His love -- or our love -- for her.

Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26