Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Happy Up - Things I'm thankful for

I was visiting the Nutter's blog yesterday and he's started his Happy Up posts again and it reminded me how great it was to do this last time. So I've decided to start them again. You can say I'm justing copying him if you want, but I guess if I'm going to copy someone on something, this would be a good one!

Happy Up - First thing is the Happy Up posts. When I start doing this it just makes my day! I start the day looking for those good things so I can post them and that just turns your day around. At work I've told my staff that perspective is reality. For example, you can have a tremendous workload, but if you give off the impression to management that you have time on your hands (ie. long breaks, socializing too much) it will be hard to get management to take you seroiusly when you ask for assistance with your work. Well, this can be positive too! If you start out your day looking for the good stuff, then your "reality" for the day changes dramatically.

Healthy Baby - My two oldest children have been sick recently with a fever. No other symptoms, just a high fever. They are both over it now, but my 7 week old ended up with a 102.8 fever on Sunday night. My husband spent the day with him at the children's hospital on Monday. Because he is so young they wanted to do a bunch of test to ensure it was the same virus my other children had. They took multiple blood samples and even a spinal tap. I'm thankful, it was my husband who went instead of my (sorry, honey!) because I was almost in tears just hearing about what they did. But in the end, it has been confirmed it is just a virus. My baby is a bit sore from all the poking and prodding, but he is healthy!

Sunrise - This morning I was up early because I had to travel to one of our other offices a couple hours away. As I left this morning I noticed the beautiful sunrise. It was just over the horizon and was a huge circle of an almost fushia color. Absolutely beautiful! Makes getting up early not bad at all!

My Job - Since I've returned from maternity leave my job responsiblities have changed. I no longer supervise other employees. I am now only responsible for myself. I still work closely with others in my department on process improvements, projects and audits, however I am only responsible for the projects, not the individuals. It is amazing how much more I've accomplished this last week and a half since I've returned and how much more I enjoy my work!

Starbucks - okay, so I'm a coffee junkie! That is what happens when you grow up in Washington State with parents who have a coffee machine that is on from the moment they get up until the moment they go to bed. I met two other co-workers today on my way to our other office at a Starbucks and while waiting for them treated myself to a Venti decaf nonfat iced White Mocha. Yummy!

Meetings ending early - Our meeting at the other office today was supposed to end at 4PM, but was done by 1:30. Yeah!!!! We were able to easily beat the traffic and I was home by my normal time to see my babies and hubby! Which brings me to. . .

Family - I love having a wonderful family to come home to every night. Even on days like today when the little ones are a bit fussy, it is still wonderful to know that there are three individuals at home waiting for me and that I am their whole world to them right now! And once they are asleep and in bed for the night it is so wonderful and relaxing to watch them sleep.

Bubblebaths & Good Books - My ultimate way to relax! Nothing can beat reading a good book in a nice warm bubble bath. Add a scented candle and something yummy to snack on, and it is a perfect way to end a busy day!

Boy, just writing this has cheered me up even more than I already was. I need to remember to do this more often.

Thank you Lord for all the wonderful things you provide for me and help me to focus on those items instead on the things I dislike. If I'm going to exagerate something in my life, let it be the good!

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Off to Work I Go!



This week was my first back to work since Jesse was born. And the first week officially in my new position.

Part of me dreaded going back, but part of me was excited about some of the projects I knew I would be working on. I had always known that managing others takes up a lot of your time. We used to always joke about how the only way to get your work done is to come in early or stay late when nobody else was around to ask questions or come into your office and complain. I was amazed this week though at how much I did accomplish.

One project I had been trying to get to and finish for six months before I went on maternity leave, I completed and finished the first day back at work.

I still work closely with others but I'm just not responsible for them any longer. It is amazing how much more I look forward to my days at work now. I am actually enjoying my work again!

Now the leaving the baby was not easy. This is the third time I've done this so it was a bit easier. The first day back at work our daycare was on vacation so they stayed home with daddy. That was a bit easier for me, not for him though. The next day they all went to daycare. I am fortunate to have a wonderful daycare who all the children love and consider to be part of the family. That definitely makes it easier, but a part of you still misses that little bundle sleeping in your arms!

Overall, my return to work was successful and happy.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Sleeping Babies


We just downloaded some pictures from our camera and I love these two.

Tyler feeding baby Jesse
* * *
Austin sleeping on his giant teddy bear

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Sunday Scribblings - Bed



Posted for Sunday Scribblings

This week's prompt is "Bed". That's it. Whatever that word brings to mind for us is what we write about. I don't know if it's because we just had a prompt about our earliest memories a couple weeks ago or that I just finished my post for my daddy for Fathers Day, but for some reason the first thing I think of is my first real bed.

It was one of those toddler beds with the sides that go about half way down so you don't fall out. Of course those don't work all that well because as a toddler you end up turned around in your bed or curled in a ball at the end of your bed and then the rails do you no good at all. Luckily, the bed is not very high off the ground.

Mine was painted white and my mother had put nursery rhyme decals on it. The one I remember the most is the old woman in the shoe decal. I loved that bed and felt like such a big girl in it. It was later passed on to my little brother (pictured above).

I now have little ones of my own and have done the toddler bed thing with two of them now. My daughter was so excited when we brought her bed home. She had been sleeping on a mattress on the floor because she had climbed out of her crib one night before we were ready for the transition. We had thought we could at least wait until at least after her 1st birthday, but at about 11 months she climbed right out. It was a few weeks before we found a toddler bed we liked and that was affordable. The first night she was so excited, but she never quite made it into her bed. This is her asleep the first night with her new bed.

This bed has now been passed on to my son (almost 2 years old) when sissy graduated to a twin size bed.

Something else I notice looking at old pictures of my early beds is the weird positions kids sleep in. There is no way I could sleep comfortably like that now. I'd end up with my legs asleep on me and a major kink in my neck. It never ceases to amaze me how little ones sleep in such weird positions and wake up none the worse for it. Have you ever seen a child fall asleep in a car seat? If I fell asleep like that I wouldn't be able to move my head for at least a week!


This picture (along with the naked baby bathtub ones and the one of me with oranges under my shirt at about age four) are the ones that always seemed to make an appearance when mom decided to show my new boyfriends pictures. How embarrasing!

However, as you can see, I've now turned into my mother. I have one of my daughter sleeping like this too! It is just waiting for that first boy to show up at the door. Of course, I think my husband will resort to my father's tactics. He believed embarrasing me was not effective enough. Instead he would decide every gun in the house needing cleaning and would scare the poor boys! I always joke that the only reason I married my husband is because he is the only one that was not afraid of my daddy's guns! In fact, he talked to my dad more that night than he did me.


Well, I guess that is enough walking down memory lane for now. Time to return to present day reality, dirty laundry and all!

To My Daddy

Fearless. Okay, so maybe you were not always fearless, but to your little princess you always seemed to know exactly what to do and what to say. You could handle any situation and could fend off any monsters, whether they were those hiding under my bed, the boys rocking the hanging bridge when I was scared of heights or that boy who just broke my heart!

Absurd. Websters defines absurd as so unreasonable as to be ridiculous. I think this describes you quite well. You always could tell a good story and make someone laugh about anything. I loved (and still do) to listen to your stories and goofy songs. Remember Jesse’s squirrel, where can I find a rodent like that? Yes, I found it quite annoying at the time and still hear your voice singing that line whenever I happen to hear Jesse’s Girl on the radio, but it always brings a smile to my face and makes me think of all the good times when I was a still living at home with no real worries.

Tender. You were always a macho blue collar dad, but there was still a tender side to you. Of course, I was daddy’s little girl, so you always had a soft spot for me and I for you! The one memory I cherish is you brushing my hair. It did not happen very often but I loved it when it did. You were also so gentle and loving when you would brush my hair (in contrast to mom or even myself, we would get impatient with all the knots and just start pulling the brush through it!) By the way, to this day I still prefer and respect blue collar men who put in a full day’s work with their hands over a white collar man who sits behind a desk all day. Nothing against white collar men, I just like a guy that smells like sweat and grease I guess. : )

Honest. I still remember there were two things that would get us in the most trouble when we were kids. Lying and talking back. You have always been a very honest man and I’ve admired that. Because of that, this is one thing I hold in high esteem to this day. You are one of the most honest and hard-working men I’ve ever known and you’ve raised me to be the same. Thank you Daddy!

Empathetic. Anytime I was upset and needed to talk you were always there. You may not always agree with me but you would listen and let me vent. You would listen, give me advice if I wanted it and always made sure I knew I was special to you and could accomplish anything I set my mind to do. I often wanted you to solve my problems for me but you would gently push me to take charge of things myself with the knowledge that you would be there to help me. You ensured I felt totally loved and supported while developing in me an independent spirit. At the time I would sometimes get frustrated with you, but now I am grateful for what you did for me. You enabled me to become a confident and loving adult.

Respect. You taught me the definition of respect, not only for others, but for myself as well. You always respected my decisions, thoughts and emotions whether or not you necessarily agreed with them. This has enabled me over the years to disagree with others while still loving them. You may not have always been able to give my brother and I every material thing we wanted, however we were rich in that we had a father that loved us unconditionally and taught us how to stand up for ourselves and stand up for our beliefs, even in the face of opposition. That is something for which I’ll always be thankful.






This year I don’t have any material item that I’ll be sending to you in the mail, however this is my gift to you for all the world to see, Daddy. You’ve been a wonderful father to me and I will always have fond memories of my childhood as daddy’s little girl. I still am daddy’s little girl to this day. It fills me with happiness to see my own daughter have a close and loving relationship with her father as well, because I understand now as an adult how precious that is and how it will develop her into a beautiful young woman one day.

Thank you Daddy and Happy Father’s Day!!

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Separation between Church and State


I believe Michael D. Evans has stated it very well in his book The American Prophecies. Rather than try to reword it, I'll just let you read his words for yourself.

"The United States was built on Christian principles, with the Ten Commandments and the laws of the Bible as the basis for its own laws. The newly born nation refused tyranny, creating a constitution of checks and balances to control government power, and also refused to embrace old-world struggles - such as that of Christian against Jew - as part of its culture. The fledgling government took literally the Scripture 'Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new' (2 Corinthians 5:17). This admonition was the true source of the idea of 'separation between church and state,' that all faiths would have the right to the freedom of religious gathering, worship, and expression, and that the state would not dictate what church was attended, nor would it silence anyone from expressing their faith in public office or the halls of government. (emphasis added)"

I find the very last statement I've put in italics quite interesting since currently America is doing quite the opposite based on new interpretations of our founder's original intentions.

Friday, June 16, 2006

Things that make me question man's wisdom

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
(1 Corinthians 1:25, NIV)

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight.
As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"
(1 Corinthians 3:19, NIV)
* * *
These are a few things I've heard about recently that makes me wonder about man's so called wisdom. Part of it goes back to my previous blog about taking responsibility. Everyone is looking for someone or something to point a finger at so they do not have to take responsibility for thier life and therefore make changes. Some of these are just man being arrogant and thinking we are bigger than God, or in some cases that we are God.
* * *
Now I have nothing wrong with this man's desire to learn more about the universe, black holes and all the other fascinating things in space. However, here he says we are getting close to answering the age old questions of why we are here and where we came from. Those are not mysteries. We came from God our Father and we are here to glorify Him. This man also talks about mankind learning how to live in space such as the moon and Mars because the world is at risk for being destroyed. Of course it is. Just read Revelation. Jesus is coming back and when He does the old world will be destroyed and He will renew it!

Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power,
and everything is for his glory
(Romans 11:36, TLB)

Each person is given something to do that shows who God is.
(1 Corinthians 12:7, The Message)
* * *
This one really riles me up. This study is saying that those who have what we call road rage or even some who are guilty of spousal abuse are suffering from a disorder. Once again we have something to point a finger at so the person does not need to be responsible and so we can prescribe more medication. It says the onset of this disorder usually occurs in early adolescence (around 14) and is characterized by sudden outbursts that are out of proportion for the situation. Sounds like an anger management problem to me and the responsibility lies on the person with the aggressive behavior. I'm tired of all these "disorders" that point to a person not being at fault for their own behavior. Does this mean that someone can run down and shoot someone who cuts them off in traffic or beat their wife for not having the house clean enough and we'll just prescribe them some medication now?
* * *
This article is not the first I've heard of this Safe Zone program that is being implemented in schools. I had thought it was just on college campuses, but it appears in some states at least, it is also in the High Schools. This is where certain areas are set aside for students who are gay, lesbian or "confused" or "feeling different". This is so they can deal with these issues without fear of retribution. I find this very interesting. Most public schools now are teaching on alternative lifestyles and even having assemblies and sometimes all day programs to promote these alternative lifestyle, but students still need a safe zone! Will they create a "safe zone" for my Christian daughter when she starts to feel discriminated against and riduculed for her religious beliefs? I doubt it, especially if the her beliefs do not agree with that of the alternative lifestyles being promoted. Even though her religious beliefs are protected by law (supposedly) this seems to be one of the least concerns of the education system any longer. In fact, most parents cannot even opt out their children of discussions or programs that don't agree with their religious beliefs if it involves alternative lifestyles. And we are called the bigots and nontolerant ones!
* * *
Here are a couple more interesting articles regarding violation of a parents rights regarding their 5 year old (now 6 year old) son regarding alternative lifestyle discussions.
* * *
If you believe this is just a one sided report of this event, make sure to look at all the associated links. It is very well documented and was widely reported on by different media outlets. Read the letter that is included in the timeline which was written to the school. It makes some very valid points and points out the difference between teaching children to not persecute/harm others vs. being indoctrinated into teaching that alternative lifestyles are moral. It also mentions that the school is responsible for teaching reading, mathematics, history etc. Not morals and ethics. That is a parent's responsiblity. I find it also interesting that the books sent home that started this were part of a diversity book bag put together by the anti-bias committee. It appears they are only anti-bias towards alternative lifestyles and are very much biased towards anyone with differing beliefs.
* * *
Some of the conculsions drawn may seem to be a bit paranoid, but it is hard to not put some stock into them when you look at all the facts. It is very interesting that a "anti-Parker" campaign has been started in this town. All because one man did not want his son to be taught certain material that disagreed with his beliefs. He was not harming anyone by objecting to this material, but now his life and his family's life is a living hell because he objected.
Note: I've received a comment (see comments below) regarding this incident stating it has later been admitted it was a fight over seating in the lunchroom. See the following post regarding this for more information and the website in the comments section for the Lexington Public Schools.
* * *
Article regarding a lawsuit filed by the Parkers and another set of parents saying the school is ignoring thier religious beliefs. Also mentions another similar past lawsuit based on the same grounds.
* * *
There are more things than this, but I don't want this post to get too long today. I'm just very worried about our world and the U.S. We are relying more and more on man's wisdom instead of God's wisdom and putting ourselves above God. We will never be greater than our Creator and trying to do so will just cause us grief!
* * *
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will heal thier land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

e-Sword: Free Bible Study Software


Last night on of the individuals in my church house told me about this website. Check it out!

e-Sword - the Sword of the LORD with an electronic edge

This is a wonderful Bible Study software that is free to download. Once you download the main software there are tons of add-ons that you can download. Most are free, although some have a nominal fee associated with them. This software has multiple translations, dictionairies, commentaries, extra reading (In His Steps, Fox's Book of Martyrs, etc) maps and other great stuff.

I've downloaded it on my laptop so I can start using it during my lunch breaks at work to do my Bible reading, studying and my writing.

The man who started this is Rick Meyers. There is one section on the website that goes through the history of this software and why he has determined this should be a free software (you can donate to his ministry if you'd like and feel led to since this is his full time ministry/income now).

I think the verse at the top of the main home page (Introduction page) sums it up though:

"Freely you received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

I highly recommend this software and I also recommend supporting this ministry if you are able and led to do so!

Thank you Craig for telling me about this!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

5 Ways I've Changed in the Past 5 years

We often think that we are going no where in our lives. I know as a Christian I am many times disappointed in myself because I don't live up to my expectations of what I should be as a Christian. Of course, I'm giving myself too much credit by expecting myself to be perfect, but that is probably why I'm an accountant at my "real job". I'm anal and a perfectionist at times.

However, when I start getting discouraged because I've let my Lord down once again, I try to do two things. First I make sure to get into my Bible reading and realize the Lord knows we are not perfect, that is why He is mericful and shows us grace. Only He is perfect.

Second, I look back over the past years and compare myself now to myself then. That is when I realize I've grown quite a bit in my walk with the Lord. They are usually all baby steps though that do not appear to be significant until I look at them as a whole.

Therefore, today I'm writing about five ways I've changed over the past five years. Some are spiritual in nature, some are not. All are significant changes that have come about in the past five years.

1. Motherhood
My oldest darling just turned five and will be starting kindergarten this fall. It is amazing how much this will change the way you think and the way you view the world. Obviously your priorities change quite a bit as well. Climbing the corporate ladder just does not hold the same appeal to me any longer. It has also allowed my husband and I to grow closer to one another in many ways. We now have a common love, other than ourselves!

2. Graciousness/Forgiving Spirit
Now don't get me wrong. I would not necessarily describe myself as a gracious person or as forgiving, but I can see a lot of improvement in this area now compared to five years ago. This became apparent to me about a year ago when someone falsely accused me of something which could have caused me to lose my job. It did cause (and still is at times) more hardship at my job than is necessary at times. However, after the initial shock, instead of being outraged and looking for a way to get vengence, I found myself praying for this person. I actually felt pity for them, because I realized how lonely their life must be to drive them to do this for the reasons that they did. I can't say I 100% forgave the person and have not had any ill feelings towards the person since this. I'm human and imperfect. I have days where I still get very angry and at times bitter about this situation, however for the most part that is not how I feel when I look back on it. The Lord got me through the situation and I became a stronger person for it, so I guess I should be thanking the person. However, I've yet to change that much!

3. Priorities
As mentioned briefly above in #1, my priorities have changed over the past five years. Before my top goals were to climb the Corporate ladder to obtain an impressive title and salary and have fun in life. Now my priorities focus on getting to know the Lord better and putting my family (husband and children) first. The impressive title does not beckon me at all any longer. The impressive salary does call my name still at times, but my desire to have a meaningful and rich relationship with my family drowns it out easily. Not to say I don't bring in a decent paycheck, I do. However, in the past five years I've turned down opportunities for a larger salary because they would entail more time taken away from my family. I've actually requested and taken a step down at work in the past five years and have now stepped into a role that will probably necessicate a salary freeze. However, I will enjoy this new position far more and have more time with my beautiful family. This new role is also one that will be easier to 'leave at work' instead of taking home with me each night (literally and mentally).

4. Knowledge of the Lord
Over the past few years my knowledge of the Lord has increased tremendously. By this I mean my relationship with Him has deepened and my desire/thirst/hunger for Him has increased. He has carried me through many situations that have increased my desire to know Him, increased my faith in Him and have strengthened me through Him. These include the work situation mentioned above, a early term miscarriage, financial concerns and other issues not to be mentioned here. I'm truely learning to trust the Lord and understand that He will always be there to take care of me, even when He seems far away. He knows what is best for me and loves me more than I could ever love my own children. I know I would walk to the ends of the earth to protect my babies, so I know He'll do so much more for me. This is becoming a reality for me now over time, not just a warm and fuzzy sentitment.

5. Patience
Once again, like the graciousness above, I would not describe myself as a patient person by any means. However, I've been learning patience over the years and have learned to also humble myself more often. I would not describe myself as humble either. First, I know I'm not and second I know that if we begin to think we are humble, more than likely we are not! However, over the years I'm learning to admit my mistakes and graciously do what is necessary to remedy them. This often means having to go to someone else to apologize and admit I was wrong. This may be very easy for some, but I find it very difficult. I've also learned that when I'm able to do it, it is very freeing. A huge weight is lifted off my shoulders knowing that I've done what is right. The patience is me learning to not get so upset about the little things and when I do get upset to handle myself in a more appropriate manner. Once again, I don't always succeed but this is when the humble apology usually comes in!

Wow! That was kind of hard and took some effort, but I guess I have changed over the past five years. However, that is just how I see myself. Of course, if you actually know me, you may not agree with all of these or may have others that you believe are even bigger changes (hopefully for the better).

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Mystery - Sunday Scribblings

Posted for Sunday Scribblings.

If I went to bed tonight and had a vision of standing in heaven's throneroom in front of my Lord, what "mystery" would I ask him to reveal to me?

Well, honestly I would probably fall on my face in awe and my brain would be empty of any desires to know any mysteries that intrigue me currently. (Have you ever heard that song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe?) But, if I was actually able to open my mouth and ask a question instead of singing praises to God I would not ask him about how something works or some other great mystery. My question would be about the future.

I would like to know if and when my beloved husband will come to know the Lord. And I'd like to know how my three precious children will turn out when they are adults. But that would take away all need for faith and hope. Therefore, I guess in the end I would not want to be told this anyway. (I'm someone who does NOT peak at her Christmas or Birthday gifts because it will ruin the surprise!)

I guess my second choices would be to know what heaven will truely be like because I know our imaginations are no where near accurate or grand enough. Or I would want to know what I need to do to ensure I am a good parent and wife. How can I avoid the mistakes I know I'll make in both departments (or have already made!)?

Not real exciting but that would be my "mystery"!

Monday, June 05, 2006

Earliest Memory

Written for Sunday Scribblings (one day late!)

My earliest memory is actually just auditory, not visual. When I think back on this I don't remember what house we lived in, the color of the walls in our dining area or even what my father looked like at the time. I just remember his voice and his words.

I don't remember what we were eating at the time, but I was about 4 years old and had something on my plate that I did not want to eat. I was not allowed to get up from the table until my plate was empty. I remember sitting at the table sometimes for hours after the rest of my family was done.

This time I remember my father telling me to eat the things I don't like first and to save the best for last! Although I cannot picture the scene in my head, I do clearly remember his voice and his words and to this day I remember this and live by it. Not only when I'm eating, but in all I do. When I have a list of items to complete for the day, I save the best for last and get the items I dread doing the most done first. You get through things so much faster that way because you have something to look forward to.

I also still do this when eating. I was a daddy's girl growing up and daddy loved Lucky Charms. I do too. When I eat a bowl I eat the cereal first and then save the marshmallows for last. That is me saving the best for last! Of course I then eat the marshmallows by color, but I think that is just the anal accountant in me!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Our Strength

I'm reading a series right now that fictionalizes the life and reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. It is very true to scripture and very good. While reading the second book in the series (Song of Redemption) there were a couple of lines that really resonated with me. So much so, that they stopped me in my tracks (and that is hard to do when I'm reading a really good book, which this is!). I had to stop to think about these for a moment.

Here they are to provoke your thoughts as well.

1. The Lord does not give you strength, He is your strength!

Never really thought about the difference until I read this!

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Psalm 28:7)

(Also found in Ex 15:2, Psalm 118:14, Isaiah 12:2, as well as many others)

2. "But when we only believe in things we can see with our eyes and touch with our hands, it is idolatry."

(pg. 326, Song of Redemption by Lynn Austin, Chronicles of the Kings series)

Another one that made me stop and rethink things a bit!