tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104466822012-01-05T11:26:00.571-06:00A woman who choses to work as creatively, thoughtfully and passionately at her roles of wife and mother as she would if she were aiming for the presidency of a corporation.texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.comBlogger1131100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1125060549127503922005-08-26T07:47:00.000-05:002005-08-27T09:39:58.850-05:00

My new site us up and running - all the posts and most of the comments transferred successfully. Please change your links - sorry for the inconvenience!!!anniecrawford.com

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124988608490472302005-08-25T11:48:00.000-05:002005-08-25T11:50:08.490-05:00

My husband has set up a new blog for me on my own website, anniecrawford.com, which I will be moving to shortly. I will still post here another day or two, and when the blog is moved over to the new site, I will post a notice and link here.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124987895853543562005-08-25T11:36:00.000-05:002005-08-25T11:38:15.866-05:00

Al Mohler summarized a book addressing our children's growing disconnect with nature. Obvious points to me, but a good reminder or wake up to those who had not yet thought to be concerned that our children watch more TV than than they breathe fresh air.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124939561946090682005-08-24T21:29:00.000-05:002005-08-24T22:14:15.706-05:00

I have had so many ideas and plans for posts, yet so little heart to give them form. My sister is again on the streets, talking foolish nonsense about going undercover for the cops, or becoming a drug dealer or maybe a prostitute. A few days after being evicted for doing Meth, today she showed up again, became abusive and had to be forcibly removed from the safe/sober house we had helped her get

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124833194083917522005-08-23T16:16:00.000-05:002005-08-23T16:39:54.093-05:00

I began reading Philip Yancey's Soul Survivor with a bit of reluctance. I feared its pages would flow with grievances over church abuses, which to be sure are many and need to be discussed. However, I have found in the albeit imperfect church, a home that I dearly love. With the other struggles and grief's I have to bear right now, I had no patience for enduring 300 pages of wrestling with all

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124764402596203922005-08-22T20:56:00.000-05:002005-08-23T16:15:52.390-05:00

Bonnie over at "Off The Top" wrote a great post on masturbation. I think it is essential as parents to face this issue head on and thoroughly think and pray through how we will prepare our children for this difficult issue. My own parents awkward silence and implied laize-faire attitude toward sexuality left me largely naive, unequiped to face the incredible strenght of temptation and easy prey

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124628722390188662005-08-21T07:38:00.000-05:002005-08-21T07:52:02.400-05:00

Another night of tormented sleep. Three times my husband found my hand on my forehead with my elbow sticking straight up in the air, an expression of anguish. We have recieved more crushing news from my sister, though I am not totally suprised. Though we had reason to praise last week, I also know daily that this is likely a long, long battle to be fought. I am weary of the fighting right now. I

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124505155671923252005-08-19T19:26:00.000-05:002005-08-21T21:41:02.010-05:00

I really don't want to write what our daily routine has been because it isn't so impressive, but I know it will be good for me to set it down in 'type' so that I have to face how slovenly I have been! Plus, truth be told, I am an organizational nerd and I like making these kinds of lists.Current Routine:7am - Elise wakes me up and we stumble downstairs to eat cold cereal - she watches Sesame

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124298559435675992005-08-19T12:02:00.000-05:002005-08-19T14:40:17.446-05:00

In an effort to recover from my post vacation blues (which I beleive is partly from emotional exhaustion from laboring in spirit over my sister) I am going to work (again) on a family daily and weekly schedule. Having thoghtfully designed order to my life helps the days feel as though they have purpose and relation to long-term meaningful goals, instead of a kind of repetative circle that feels

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124417319785546362005-08-18T21:02:00.000-05:002005-08-19T16:48:06.750-05:00

Molly over at Choosing Home posted her tricks and philosophy of "sleep training" your infant. I pretty much have followed her exact method myself, so she made it easy for me to describe with but a link!I also recommend "The Baby Whisperer" which describes a fairly balanced flexible routine and certainly does not prescribe letting 8 week old babies "cry it out". I am sure that strongly attatchment

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124374769226458342005-08-18T09:11:00.000-05:002005-08-18T09:19:29.246-05:00

Engaging article and comment thread by Marla discussing how to address a convicted pedophile attending your church. Something every parent AND Christian ought to consider. How do we uphold our responsibility to keep our children safe as well as our call to forgive and minister? I don't believe there is an easy or one size fits all answer.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124225308129119312005-08-16T15:28:00.000-05:002005-08-16T15:48:28.136-05:00

Dullness of mind and irritability of spirit pursues me this week. Even my rebellious morning cup of coffee is making me feel bad. The solution: I have decided I need a juicer to fill my body with fresh health instead of caffeine. Of course the juicer I want is over $200 . . .I ought not be surprised at the grayness of my week. I usually experience post-vacation blues. (ok, I suppose the week is

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1124076226454670662005-08-14T22:21:00.000-05:002005-08-14T22:23:46.460-05:00

I am parusing the Frugal Homemaker and have found some helpful information and ideas. It is well organized, easy to browse and full of common sense.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1123983299330469032005-08-13T20:10:00.000-05:002005-08-13T21:52:19.776-05:00

I received my latest edition of Above Rubies magazine, and though I critiqued part of Nancy Campbell's theology in my contraception series, I just LOVE her magazine. As I have said oft before, it is very inspiring and encouraging. Some of their articles can be accessed from the link on the left side bar. One article is from a mother currently with 11 children who is adopting 5 more! And it is not

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1123904899663558562005-08-12T22:42:00.000-05:002005-08-14T22:29:24.123-05:00

My amazing husband is going to put my blog on its own website soon, so that I can do a bit more with it. Isn't he great?! So I need to buy the domain name soon. Should I keep it as it is, or is this too limited of a name? I am very open to comment and suggestion, because I am HORRIBLE at coming up with names and titles. It was always the worst part about writing a paper for me. I could just use

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1123904506168248162005-08-12T22:23:00.000-05:002005-08-12T22:41:46.176-05:00

Strolling my one year old down the marble like walkway past the perfume ladies, 3 year old skipping beside me, a typically fashionable employee offers me a sample of a new Christian Dior perfume. Fortunately, the girls are decently dressed and I am wearing a trendy gauze, strapless, multi-patterned maternity top my mom spent way too much on at Mimi's.(BTW - I love Nordstrom. The store is so

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1123901036507457542005-08-12T21:26:00.000-05:002005-08-12T21:52:46.983-05:00

The past week with my family resolidified my conviction that false or even just 'poor' theology is responsible for many, many problems and 'dysfunctions'. (And poor theology is a moral issue, because God has promised to lead us in the truth if we seek it. If you don't have good theology, it is because you don't want it. Please note, I do not think that we are saved and then immediately ought to

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1123891340040527392005-08-12T18:46:00.000-05:002005-08-12T22:21:45.680-05:00

For someone who likes to read and write about recipes so much, I am ridiculously loathe to cook lately. I suppose my least favorite aspect of starting dinner is how solitary of an enterprise it seems. Lonely little me, planning the meals, making my list and preparing them all during nap time. I am much more motivated to begin cooking if I have a good friend to call or company to chat with me as I

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1123813252909009732005-08-11T17:53:00.000-05:002005-08-13T21:08:02.016-05:00

I planned on blogging an update on my sister, but I am so utterly exhausted from our travel and getting settled back at home that I just don't have it in me to create much of a post. I will copy (with a few edits) a email I sent to our pastors and prayer team.My eyes are teary with relief and praise. We finally have a report of praise to share with you all who have been so loving to labor with

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1123602394967130902005-08-09T10:41:00.000-05:002005-08-09T10:46:34.976-05:00

I can't stomach anything very deep right now, so in honor of our trip to Oregon, here is a little humor and inside glimpse to OR culture.You know you are from Oregon when . . . . (I copied only the ones I find actually true)Your children learned to walk in Birkenstocks.You throw an aluminum can in the trash and feel guilty.You complain about Californians as you sell your house to one for twice

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1123479489897829412005-08-08T00:13:00.000-05:002005-08-08T00:42:05.206-05:00

But not exhausted. We had a wonderful trip to the coast this weekend, yet still my heart feels ripped open and bleeding as I walk through these days. I wake up at night thinking I hear screams and just lie awake praying. I pictured Jesus picking up my sister from off the street and just holding her, keeping evil at bay as she slept. This crisis is utterly horrifying to me. I am sure none of you

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122931577288308192005-08-01T16:01:00.000-05:002005-08-01T16:26:17.296-05:00

The last post discussed whitewashing optimism. This post will clarify the Christian view set forward by Chesterton, which is neither pessimism, optimism, nor a nice balance in the middle. Chesterton brings the Aristotelian idea of balance into the discussion, which as used in our culture has long irritated me and I am glad to have some one more brilliant than I articulate it for me. (Allie - this

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122921786004676592005-08-01T13:11:00.000-05:002005-08-01T16:01:47.193-05:00

I am thoroughly enjoying Chesterton's Orthodoxy. Utterly delightful, deeply insightful, I place it on par with Lewis' Mere Christianity, though qualify the statement by acknowledging that it is perhaps less accessible to the average reader and that I have not read the latter in a decade. I will first share a few snipets, and then if I have time, comment on how God has been His usual faithful self

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122905445501037512005-08-01T09:10:00.000-05:002005-08-01T09:10:45.546-05:00

IMG_0430 Originally uploaded by didache. The weekend has been spent sweating at the zoo (105 degrees the morning we went!), washing clothes, packing and crying, so I haven't been much of a tour de force on my blog, nor do I see a recharge in the near future. We will be traveling to see family for a while and I may post from there, but I really have no idea what our trip will be like. For

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122777979769025132005-07-30T21:46:00.000-05:002005-07-30T21:46:19.776-05:00

IMG_2539 Originally uploaded by didache. I post this because want to encourage Tommy in his photography and because I really want to post pictures of my children (they are so cute!) but I don't yet know if that is really wise. So for now I add a little color and life to my blog with flowers!

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122761379997028462005-07-30T16:53:00.000-05:002005-07-30T17:09:40.006-05:00

Here is a great Pizza dough recipe. I usualy make it in the breadmaker on dough setting. I then roll it out into whatever shape and thickness I want and place it on a cookie sheet coated with a little bit of olive oil and a sprinkling of cornmeal. If you need to know how to mix and kneed by hand, let me know and I will put it in the comments. (By hand takes about 20 min. to do). Makes 2

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122695179461839312005-07-29T22:16:00.000-05:002005-07-29T22:48:11.416-05:00

God gave me to the perfect mother. Marla challenged me to type myself and as suspected, I am ENFJ, with heavy on the J. My mother is a jazz and gospel musician, motivational speaker and artist. Probably an ESFP, heavy on all four. Naturally, she makes a wonderful artist and friend. Naturally, I would make a great legalist. Indeed, my "hippie" days were filled with much legalism of the

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122675858427785202005-07-29T17:06:00.000-05:002005-07-29T17:24:18.433-05:00

I love basil, it is so versatile, healthy and fabulous. Everyone ought to grow pots or rows of basil, forget this silly lawn buisness!One of my very favorite CS Lewis quotes is from "Reflections on the Psalms" when he muses on why God commands praise. Lewis states that enjoyment is incomplete without the expression of praise. "Bless my soul, fresh basil added to tomato with garlic, salt, pepper,

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122647002710912492005-07-29T08:30:00.000-05:002005-07-29T09:23:22.730-05:00

I have tended to be a bit perfectionistic in my cleaning; cleaning base boards and the outside of the windows and steam cleaning the carpet once every two months, touching up the wall paint every month. I would still like to do these things, I enjoy a clean, neat house. It promotes peace in my soul :-) However, there is a more holistic stewardship factor I am learning to consider. I have less and

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122490609298873842005-07-27T13:41:00.000-05:002005-07-27T20:44:40.943-05:00

My aching back. How do people over 30 bear children? I feel 40 today. Time to dig up the prenatal yoga video, it does a sore expanding body good.Here are the tips on cleaning that I have picked up over the years as well as a few from the "Living More with Less". A few basic principles apply. If you buy the normal bottles of cleaning items from your Wal Mrt isle, you are 1- spending way too much.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122415219936179552005-07-26T16:36:00.000-05:002005-07-26T17:04:08.896-05:00

Wow, I write a lot. I like to think of myself as prolific, though truthfully I am probably closer to verbose.I am sad today. My 15 mo. old had to watch me cry for about a half hour. She poked my eyes like something was wrong with them. I am overwhelmed with a personal family crisis, I wrote about before here. I don't even know how to pray. To me, illness of a saint is far less grievous than the

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122320995532726912005-07-25T14:37:00.000-05:002005-07-25T14:50:39.686-05:00

Yes, I know I am pregnant and supposed to gain weight, but not this quickly. Though I still exercise about 30-60 min. 5-6 times a week, my derriere is placed firmly in my computer chair a fair bit more than it was. All the time I previously spent cleaning my house vigorously or working in the garden is now spent sitting, not that the attention given my mind is wasted. I suppose I may have to give

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122302062028034232005-07-25T09:21:00.000-05:002005-07-25T15:02:58.793-05:00

The book "Living More with Less" brings up many environmental questions. If you don't have any environmental education or sensitivity, you will probably find many of the ideas I list absurd. Environmental education was the major I actually ended up graduating with (long story!) and I truly believe that Christians ought to be in the forefront of environmental education and concern. We are the ones

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122296666825609542005-07-25T08:03:00.000-05:002005-07-25T08:14:01.916-05:00

In order to understand the greatest difficulty in Motherwise: Freedom for Mothers, one must be clear that it presumes to present the Gospel to mothers. It is a primer on the Christian life. It presents itself as instructing mothers how to live out the Gospel. If the Gospel is then not sufficiently present, it is not enough to answer that the Gospel was assumed to be understood. If someone asks a

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122296603727633332005-07-25T08:01:00.000-05:002005-07-25T08:16:31.883-05:00

I wrote this critique, again, months ago. If you have done the Motherwise study, I would love to hear your feedback. 2 Corinthians 5:13-15 - For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122296461853059252005-07-25T07:59:00.000-05:002005-07-25T08:01:01.860-05:00

Written a few months ago, I remembered another reason I created the Rock Cries Out blog, as a place to write things I thought maybe I didn't want other's to read!The following letter has been swirling through my mind constantly for the past 24 hours. I have written it at least 5 times mentally and so I decided to put it down on 'paper', though I am hesitant to send it. Who am I to critique a

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122158225137605222005-07-23T17:21:00.000-05:002005-07-23T17:37:05.146-05:00

I never really liked chicken legs before I tried this tasty recipe. First time my Dad, Bill, made them, I definately ate my fill!1 1/2 cups veg. oil3/4 cup soy sauce1/4 cup worchestshire2 Tbls. dry mustard1 Tbls. ground pepper1/2 cup cider vinegar2-3 minced garlic clovesWhisk all the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl. Place marinade and chicken legs in a large zip lock bag. Marinade

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122133776438180482005-07-23T12:46:00.000-05:002005-07-23T10:55:44.343-05:00

I decided to close out my "Rock Cries Out" blog, because, well, I don't post there very much. I had originally started it as a place to put "non-mommy" posts, but I have realized that 1 - Moms need to read (and write :-) about "non-mommy" things. 2 - There is a greater diversity of readers coming here than just mothers. 3 - I feel spread out. Thus, I will be reposting the entries from RCO over

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122133822044585812005-07-23T10:50:00.000-05:002005-07-24T07:11:10.310-05:00

I found this fun little test over at Marla Swoffer's fun site, Typeblogs.You are dependable, popular, and observant.Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do.You are unique, creative, and expressive.You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!The World's

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122134063201307582005-07-23T09:53:00.000-05:002005-07-23T10:54:23.206-05:00

Today the Boar's Head Tavern is having a little discussion on election and free will. I find Jim Nicholson's post very wise. I have stood on both classic sides of the issue, Armenian and Calvinist, and wrestled with it earnestly. The last year I have finally come to peace with what I honestly see as a paradox (Thank you, Kierkegaard), a necessary paradox, much as the incarnation and the trinity

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1122129407929563982005-07-23T09:25:00.000-05:002005-07-23T09:36:47.936-05:00

Tommy and I are, admittedly, avid Tour de France viewers. We are greatly enjoying the final time trial this morning. Lance is a hometown boy for us.I have dug into a book kindly given to me by a woman at our church. I was complaining about our inability to pay off debt so she brought me "Living More With Less"! I am grateful! We needed the motivation. It is a bit old (1980) but still contains a

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120940438842204022005-07-23T03:16:00.000-05:002005-07-23T10:53:26.683-05:00

I am re-posting my ponderings over the verses given by Adrian Warnock. I could edit and edit and edit and edit and drive myself crazy as well as my family. God is teaching me (again) that I do all things for Him, not for others. I must write for Him and not to impress others. So if my writting is unpolished and contains illogical nonsense, well, at least my family was taken care of today and I

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121949761133625592005-07-21T07:35:00.000-05:002005-07-21T07:42:41.133-05:00

We found out Tues. that we will be having a third girl! (I forgot to post about it and even forgot to call my mom until last night!) Tommy was a little disappointed, but he adores his girls and as he adjusts to the shock and humor of God, he is already growing excited. I never really feel pregnant until "it" becomes a he or a her (or always a her!). I just feel sick and fat. Finding out early

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121912825171864712005-07-20T21:23:00.000-05:002005-07-20T21:27:05.176-05:00

Hubby and I are finally on the same page about spending and are trying to trim the budget. I have a real problem getting my groceries below (or even at) $100 a week. (ok, so really I am at $125 a week but I know I can cut our italian soda, doughnuts in the store and beer and wine.) Does anyone have any tips for me?? I can't stand feeding my family refined, processed food, so if you suggest

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121898021441479782005-07-20T16:25:00.000-05:002005-07-20T17:20:21.446-05:00

I have 4 criteria by which I choose a recipe. It must be 1 - Healthy, 2 - Cheap(ish), 3 - not ridiculously hard to make, 4 - Taste good enough to make me cook.In the oven for tonight - a favorite for a few years, which for me is a long recipe life. It is very healthy for a meat main dish, protein, 2 veggie servings in the meat, and it is high in fiber and anti-oxidants. It also freezes very well

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121894699319963732005-07-20T16:08:00.000-05:002005-07-20T16:24:59.336-05:00

It seems rare that I get out and have any kind of meaningful exchange with non-Christians. I do not purposely avoid this, but as a momma of babies, I am home most of the time or at church or meeting Christian friends so our kids can play together, or at the pool where people don't talk too much. I actually try to have 2-3 days a week where I don't drive at all in order to be a good steward of

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121794203804040572005-07-19T12:20:00.000-05:002005-07-19T12:30:03.813-05:00

I have recently learned a bit about the importance of enzymes and eating raw foods. I was already passionat for unprocessed foods, whole grains and limited sugar and now I am trying to incorporate more uncooked foods to maximize the 'live' vitamins and enzymes in my family's diet.Plus, you can't both eat raw food and processed food, so it helps reinforce my already held health convictions! So

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121707343685276012005-07-18T12:11:00.000-05:002005-07-18T12:22:23.693-05:00

My ought-to-be-famous oatmeal kind-of-healthy cookie!2 1/4 cup whole wheat four1/4 cup ground flax seed3/4 cup regular rolled oats (? - I just usually pour some in :-)2 teas. baking powder1 teas. salt1 Tbls. Cinnamon1 cup butter (begin not so healthy part :-)3/4 cups brown sugar1/2 cup honey1/4 cup white sugar (optional)2 large eggs2 teas. vanilla2 cups rasins (can sub. chocolate chips if needed!

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121639157249180682005-07-17T17:22:00.000-05:002005-07-17T17:26:23.303-05:00

I really like Barbara Curtis' web stie "Mommy Life" (on side bar) and feel that she gives a non-legalistic voice to those who advocate FQ. Who knows, I may just become one of those myself, too!Here is a good post from her on the topic.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121637849969748492005-07-17T16:34:00.000-05:002005-07-17T17:04:45.316-05:00

My husband informed me that I ought to forget about going to next year's Above Rubies conference after writing a "scathing attack" in public domain. Sigh. I wanted it to be very charitable and fair, because I sincerely love FQ people. I love children and mothering and large families. I went back to try and edit out any 'scathe' but couldn't really tone it down. I am pretty passionate about Christ

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121608073236772772005-07-17T08:42:00.000-05:002005-07-17T08:47:53.243-05:00

Illustrative of why I don't think John MacArthur is "all that and a bag of chips."Didn't my hubby do a great job on the new website? He spent hours last night altering the html and trying to teach me how. He also provides me with very inexpensive organic all-natural meat.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121261046963635192005-07-17T08:20:00.000-05:002005-07-18T16:55:03.033-05:00

To be precise, my objections to Mrs. Campbell and all Full Quiver theology begin when they create a law concerning childbirth, as opposed to drawing the line at scriptural encouragement to see children as a true blessing. In "Be Fruitful - The Bad" I explored how, because of a simplistic hermeneutic which views Genesis 1:28 as a lawful command still valid today, Campbell interprets every

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121484554379682582005-07-15T22:29:00.000-05:002005-07-15T22:29:14.386-05:00

Annie and Tommy

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121482406055919322005-07-15T21:51:00.000-05:002005-07-15T21:53:26.056-05:00

What do you think, HONEST! I am only playing with the available templates in blogger, so I won't be offended if it is too "pink"! I have got to get a left side bar going as well. And I cannot figure for the life of me how to keep the sidebar content on the permalink pages. I am VERY novice at all this.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120912239655149562005-07-14T07:22:00.000-05:002005-07-17T08:12:33.996-05:00

I have partly delayed finishing up my review of Nancy Campbell's Be Fruitful and Multiply largely because I like Mrs. Nancy and I like her ministry. She greatly encourages and inspires me in my roles as wife and mother. I deeply value the faith and joy that I witness from her. I want to be able to go to the Above Rubies conference next year without being known as the dissenter who blasted Mrs.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121136433564026092005-07-13T21:47:00.000-05:002005-07-13T16:46:11.976-05:00

IMG_2506Originally uploaded by didacheLists of fun little personal 'factoids' seem popular among blogs, so I couldn't help but join in.1 - I skied down from the top of Mt. Shasta. (thought I'd start with something exciting :-)2 - My husband, Tommy, is an electrical test engineer but would like to go to seminary and become a professor.3 - My eldest, Elise Trinity, was concieved 1 month after we

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121270403486367772005-07-13T08:47:00.000-05:002005-07-13T11:00:07.783-05:00

I learned a new word! Fecundity means fruitfulness. Here are a few more thoughts from Nouwen's Lifesigns. After reflecting on two posts, one I found from Marla and another from Anita, much of what Nouwen writes on fecundity convicted me about my attitudes toward blogging. Here I creating a blog to nurture mothers and myself as a mother, yet it is so easy to become addicted to the computer and

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121120078980717992005-07-11T16:54:00.000-05:002005-07-11T17:14:38.986-05:00

God has divinely united my growing interest in blogging with my seemingly random dive into the works of Henri Nouwen. I do not have the inspiration to review his books, for I feel the need to soak them in rather than analyze, but I wanted to share a few of the more challenging, healing and refreshing passages I have found.From Lifesigns -Fearful questions never lead to love-filled answers . . .

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121118719474945642005-07-11T16:36:00.000-05:002005-07-11T16:51:59.486-05:00

The Lord has turned this little blogging venture of mine into a true spiritual journey and I want to thank all of you who have read here and encouraged me. I had no idea of the community and friendships which exist and are being formed here in the blogsphere. Through blogging, the Lord has split open a few crusty parts of my heart to expose the old contaminants I had been hiding there. I want to

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1121049593153558952005-07-10T21:19:00.000-05:002005-07-16T21:39:49.166-05:00

My mother is a wonderful artist and musician. She is actually a professional pianist, jewelry maker and speaker on creativity (web site). Growing up she always collected all kinds of creative mediums, pens, paints, metallics, papers, waxes, stamps, etc . . . Whenever I mentioned a project or something I might like to make, she grew very excited and proceeded to tell me all kinds of things I could

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120878042244594842005-07-08T21:53:00.000-05:002005-07-09T07:22:21.346-05:00

Hooooraaay! I thought the day would never come. I thought I would be the mother to have a 5 year old still in diapers. It felt like my greatest failure in parenting; my three year old refused to go potty. Her little friend who is 10 days apart in age started potty training right before she turned two. I thought, Elise is as smart as she is, she can potty train too. Never mind that we were about

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120769015681609942005-07-07T15:34:00.000-05:002005-07-07T15:43:35.723-05:00

I read the following quote today in Henri Nouwen's Lifesigns;When Jesus says: "Do not be afraid; It is I," he reveals a new space in which we can move freely without fear. This intimate space is not a fine line between distance and closeness, but a wide field of movement in which the question of whether we are too close or distant is no longer the guiding question.If there is any one reality that

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120743912479508472005-07-07T08:40:00.000-05:002005-07-15T21:30:20.290-05:00

The same qualities which endear me to Above Rubies, a creative, passionate, inspiring celebration of motherhood and a dynamic vision for family, are also present in Be Fruitful and Multiply. It is for these rare and precious attributes that I endure and largely ignore the legalistic and fundamentalist tendencies I will discuss in the following post. I believe every leader and teacher has their

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120429795916220482005-07-05T17:14:00.000-05:002005-07-16T21:42:18.506-05:00

Essentially, I disagree with Campbell's conclusion that the Genesis mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" is a direct command for the church to follow. However, I absolutely agree that children are a blessing to be welcomed and celebrated. Mrs. Campbell and her daughters are wonderfully passionate about children and I have never been as encouraged in my mothering as I was at the Above Rubies

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120485482927532952005-07-04T08:47:00.000-05:002005-07-04T09:08:26.016-05:00

It's time to make our Christmas count-down chain! Growing up, July would mark the beginning of my Christmas itch and I would pull out the red and green construction paper to make a Christmas chain to hang around my country pink, goose boardered room. I would dutifully remove one ring each morning until the Big Day. Christmas symbolized everything stable, warm, wonderful and magical about family

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120252482090115312005-07-01T15:47:00.000-05:002005-07-15T21:23:03.360-05:00

Since having children, I can no longer stay awake of focused on reading for more than 10 minutes. That is, unless I am on my handy-dandy elliptical trainer with the book held open by a 'chip-clip'! Ever since discovering this secret, my fitness has never been better! I can work away 45 min. in the blink of an eye, having read several chapters and receiving my best thoughts, ideas and epiphanies

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120222194368184912005-07-01T07:23:00.000-05:002005-07-16T21:40:16.113-05:00

I found the following information in Nancy Campbell's Be Fruitful and Multiply. I have a dignificant history of cancer in my family, so I take a personal interest in these statistics.Reported in the "Science News", October 1992, by Kathy Facelmann and Malcolm C. Pike from the Southern California School of Medicine, "blames the epidemic rates of breast cancer and other female cancers on a fact of

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120141575606676152005-06-30T09:23:00.000-05:002005-06-30T09:26:15.610-05:00

I am needing to address all the boxes and half painted walls accumulating around me, so my posts may be less frequent for few days. While I elliptical in the afternoon, I am finishing up Nancy Campell's book and hope to review it within a day or two. I also have some thoughts on writing that need to be put together. So those are the upcoming topics that will come when I am able to steal away a

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1120049941713404582005-06-29T07:33:00.000-05:002005-06-29T08:06:06.876-05:00

I have been somewhat successful most of my life at keeping people a fair distance from my heart. Perhaps because of my parents divorce when I was 5 I learned at a young age that love hurts and somehow figured it was easier not to be close to people I don't remember making any kind of conscious decision in that regard, but as I look back through my childhood, I was a detatched child. I didn't like

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119817762905282962005-06-26T15:05:00.000-05:002005-07-15T21:25:11.830-05:00

This family planning topic, which really is about 'natural' birth control, just seems to be scratching the surface. Ultimately I see it tied to major theological and hermeneutical issues. My entire theological paradigm is being challenged and refined as I consider this complex issue. To warn you, I am about to begin reviewing Nancy Campbell's Be Fruitful and Multiply. I have no idea how many

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119652851358113492005-06-26T11:35:00.000-05:002005-06-26T15:05:44.460-05:00

Our favorite videos are all collections of songs. The girls love "Action Bible Songs" by Cedarmont Kids. Elise is very verbal and has most of the songs perfectly memorized but sometimes she will hear a word wrong and stubbornly refuse to be corrected. (She gets this from her mother who for years and years thought the JM song went "Billy Jean is at my door"!) My other daughter, Audrey, just

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119714778149688092005-06-25T10:46:00.000-05:002005-06-25T10:52:58.150-05:00

Regarding family planning and birth control, consider Beth Moore. She only had 3 children, by choice. She and her husband purposefully limited their family size (to the best of my knowledge and I have read most of her books). Did she sin in this choice? I see no concievable way that she could have the ministry she does if she had a large family. I do not think that those with other giftings and

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119711801831415532005-06-25T09:53:00.000-05:002005-06-25T10:03:21.830-05:00

After considering a few of the comments I have recieved, I edited FP I, realizing that I made a few inaccurate generalizations. I appologize for inconsistancies or inaccuracies and again ask, you the reader, to help me think clearly and in a godly manner, through thoughtful, charitable comments. Before children I spent hours and hours and hours reading and writing, but now I am having to learn to

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119561796702393262005-06-23T15:59:00.000-05:002005-06-23T16:23:16.706-05:00

After wrestling with my posts on family planning, and just this morning feeling peace about my conclusions, I came across the following passage in my reading of Walking on Water. It may help to know that L'Engle was a devoted wife and mother to whom family was very important.The moment of inspiration does not come to someone who lolls around expecting the gift to be free. It is no giveaway. It is

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119534354687511532005-06-23T08:40:00.000-05:002005-06-23T08:49:32.176-05:00

Marla Swoffer hosted a contest to launch a new site of intellectual Christian women bloggers. I am excited to read the site when it begins June 28th. 31 women entered the contest, including me. I entered a devotional post which had been on my mind for a few days at the time. I origionally had meant it for this site, as a meditation on the blessings of the Lord amidst the weariness of housework. I

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119490913099468642005-06-22T20:25:00.000-05:002005-07-15T21:21:15.940-05:00

If you have not read FP instalment III, please read pretty much all of 1 Cor. 7 before journeying with me further!It is obvious in this passage that Paul prefers the unmarried state to the married. I believe this is Paul's prefrence and not a mandate against marriage or a ranking of it as a 2nd class choice. Verses 6-7 seem to establish that he speaks out of his own personal calling and not as a

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119446560008157752005-06-22T07:55:00.000-05:002005-06-25T09:26:31.513-05:00

Good Morning! I am going to try to wake early to blog, because me attatchment to the computer at later points in the day seems to irritate various household members. Therefore, I need to establish a main writing time that does not sacrifice the needs of others. What better time than early in the morning?! I actually love the morning, but since being both in need of greater sleep and at the same

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119324038923646502005-06-20T21:18:00.000-05:002005-06-24T17:34:07.636-05:00

In summary, I am wrestling between two options when approaching the bearing of children: 1 - we are to trust God completely as the sole author of life and, withing marriage, we are to allow Him to give as many or as few children as He would like. 2 - God invites us to participate in the formation of life and therefore there is a licit form of birth control and family planning. In otherwords, God

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1119064387641186762005-06-17T21:53:00.000-05:002005-06-17T22:13:07.646-05:00

I have internet again, hooooraaay! Today is our first day in the house, and it is a mess, but my blessed techie husband made sure we would have cable on day 1. We have enjoyed an adventurous week. Last Sat. and Sun. we moved out of the old house and into a storage unit. We spent sat. through today at a relative's house. Last Thursday through the Tuesday of our homeless visit with family, it would

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1118178118476647592005-06-07T15:46:00.000-05:002005-06-07T16:01:58.480-05:00

I received a great idea a while back from a good friend of mine who was a school teacher. For her toddlers and pre-schooler, she made a month calendar; Each week has a "letter of the week". Then for each day in that week, she listed an activity idea that highlighted the letter of the week. I also like to add a verse to read each day and memorize that begins with the letter.For example, let this

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1118071373053695272005-06-06T10:17:00.000-05:002005-06-07T15:45:59.676-05:00

An exerpt from an email I recently wrote . . ."I agree that having children is the most extrodinary blessingI have known -participating in creating and nurturing aneternal soul is an amazing priviledge.It is also terrifying. I personally have a bit of baggage I havehad to deal with in life - who doesn't - loss at a young agethat caused me to cage up my heart in thick walls ofprotection. Children

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1117765299528465912005-06-02T21:17:00.000-05:002005-06-02T21:21:39.533-05:00

I found this link on the Boar's Head. It gives a very interesting and inspiring analysis of the current "Therapy Culture" which doesn't seem to be helping us much. Imonk writes,"If you are interested in kids, education, parenting or the culture of therapy we now live in, this is fascinating stuff."

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1117573625199302572005-05-31T15:47:00.000-05:002005-06-01T14:04:45.840-05:00

I am reading Madeleine L'Engle's Walking on Water for the second time. It is a delightful book that quickly pulls me up out of the daily humdrum and into the delightful, truthful world of creativity and art. She defines art as creating cosmos out of chaos and challenges me to see homemaking as more than a task, but an art; Creating imaginative cosmos, rather than dull order, out of the chaos that

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1117055847584430302005-05-25T15:47:00.000-05:002005-05-25T21:52:16.786-05:00

When we left our riveting discussion of sports and parenting, we last pictured a real life episode of parental indecision, self-doubt and hesitation under pressure. Anyone else out there ever find themselves caught in a hopeless spiral downward into pitiful parenting when doubt and hesitation causes frustration which causes more internal angst and confusion, resulting in worse parental behavior?

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1117027797287909022005-05-25T08:26:00.000-05:002005-05-25T08:29:57.293-05:00

Elise and I have been enjoying a little morning prayer poem that we found in the Lutheran Book of Prayer. She had it memorized after 2 weeks.Let each day begin with prayerPraise and adoration!On the Lord cast every care,He is your salvation.Morning, evening and at nightJesus will be near you.Save you from the tempter's mightAnd with His presence cheer you!

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1116856061876624172005-05-23T08:32:00.000-05:002005-05-25T08:22:59.680-05:00

My husband, Tommy, and I enjoy watching the NBA playoffs together every spring for several reasons. 1 - Tommy and I are competitive by nature. 2 - Four of the last three playoff seasons I have either just had a baby or was ill with pregnancy fatigue and nausea, making the nearly nightly games a welcome entertainment and easy "date" opportunity for evenings spent frequently nursing or too tired

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1115844895157678032005-05-11T15:29:00.000-05:002005-05-11T16:02:10.300-05:00

I have been wanting for some time to write a post in response to the Motherwise: Freedom for Mothers study I recently led. However, time and proper inspiration has illuded me. Fortunately, the recent issue of Modern Reformation contains an aritcle by Michael Horton on fatherhood called "Good News for Bad Dads" that expressed pricisely, and perhaps with more tact, the concerns I had with

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1115133774780538452005-05-03T09:05:00.000-05:002005-05-03T10:31:03.256-05:00

I received the following excerpts from emails today."Look beyond your home to the broadercommunity. Realize that God has more for you to doin life than just focus on your own children.Understand that, while raising your children is animportant ministry, it's just a part of how Godwants you to use your talents to contribute to theworld. The "cult of the family" often pressuresmothers to focus all

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1114194922212571452005-04-22T13:25:00.000-05:002005-04-28T19:56:47.850-05:00

Melissa and I attended a day that the Texas Above Rubies retreat last weekend and greatly enjoyed it. I am not sure where to begin in describing all that we expierienced and learned. And we did expierience as much as we directly learned! It has been a while since I have encountered such free, fresh and living faith. Nancy Campbell and her daughters are quite a kick, as well as very inspiring and

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1113355121657232842005-04-12T20:08:00.000-05:002005-04-17T12:25:41.733-05:00

That is the title to a book I came across. Telling, isn't it? Lately, God is reminding me over and over and over that He is too awesome for me to understand and so is the life He has planned for me. At least for now. In this life we see in part and know in part, but one day we will know fully even as we are fully known! Praise God! (1 Cor. 13) But for today, our joy and strength comes by faith,

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1112969506998659712005-04-08T08:22:00.000-05:002005-04-19T17:48:15.963-05:00

I have been wrestling with discipline for a long time now, endeavoring to sort out the many voices swirling in my head. Many of these speak boldly as with the authority of scripture. They haunt me and press me with guilt when my spirit resists their clear directives. I have sincere and serious questions I want to consider here and I hope that you will take the time to comment.Growing Kids God's

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1112246094003523952005-03-30T23:11:00.000-06:002005-04-17T12:24:48.210-05:00

I am falling more and more in love with the richness of repeated prayers and creeds, handed down to us through tradition. They, like scripture, begin to take root in my heart, inform my thoughts and deepen my feelings. I am delighted and comforted when the crcumstances of the day bring to mind a beautiful and well-expressed sentiment that directs my heart to the refuge of the Lord though its warm

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1112245831049606182005-03-30T23:09:00.000-06:002005-04-28T19:22:14.486-05:00

Boundaries and Discipline We create boundaries in our home that teach our children about the standards and holiness of God, as well as the wisdom in following righteousness. When I explain a boundary to Elise, we also discuss how “God’s way is the best way!” He has given us His law because He is loving; He knows how we are made and what we need. What boundaries to establish is far beyond

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1112245185651721442005-03-30T22:59:00.000-06:002005-07-17T07:25:48.470-05:00

Establishing God-centered, creative traditions is the most powerful thing we can do to spiritually shape our children. Unique events that are not repeated can be powerfully formative as well, but we cannot plan for these! We have little to do with them, they just happen. However we can have a habit or tradition of prayer so that when the spontaneous does happen, we are centered in Christ and

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1112245135326797552005-03-30T22:58:00.000-06:002005-07-17T07:15:14.283-05:00

We only have a short time with our children. We want to give our children eternal treasure that will stick with them. We cannot be here forever for our children, but God will; forever and ever and ever He will be there for them. God centered, powerful traditions are the most powerful things we can do to give our children ways to grasp the greatest treasure Himself. The things we imprint deeply

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1112245047286063732005-03-30T22:55:00.000-06:002005-07-17T07:17:44.796-05:00

Now HOW are these things taught? We have affirmed that the battle is the Lord’s and that He is the one who will save our children and grow them, yet He has chosen to involve us. How does that work? You will often hear the cliché, “God helps those who help themselves.” In that worldview, God is my yes-man, bound to respond to my good works. I get the glory for trying so hard to earn God’s help.

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1112204948050322972005-03-30T11:44:00.000-06:002005-07-17T07:11:21.366-05:00

For my children to reach the goal of knowing and treasuring Christ above all, I have outlined four essential principles for my children to grasp: LAW/SIN, SALVATION/FAITH, JOY/GLORY, RIGHTEOUSNESS/LOVE. 1 – LAW/SIN - Posses a godly humility and an understanding both of the inapproachable holy standard of God (Law) and our total inability to ever come close to the standard at all. Therefore

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1112204508890481452005-03-30T11:37:00.000-06:002005-07-17T07:16:46.003-05:00

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1111721651205627222005-03-24T21:21:00.000-06:002005-03-24T21:34:26.513-06:00

I recieved the following email from Angie Iles and found it very encouraging. I have been pondering this year how "the joy of the Lord is our strength", and I wonder, where is my joy? Upon reflection of this email from Angie, I remembered the Word of our Lord, "you have not because you ask not." (James 4:2) "Ask that you may recieve and that your joy would be made full." (john 16:24) My prayer

texashimalayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239749801777772102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446682.post-1109343194881596722005-02-25T08:49:00.000-06:002005-02-25T19:48:04.893-06:00

I recieved this letter from the editor of Above Rubies and thought it was very encouraging. The role we have as mothers is indeed a high calling. When the work seems endless and you heart feels torn, remember that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. He who called you is faithful (Heb. 10:23)."May the blessings of the Lord fill your heart and your home.I have been

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