Monday's Musings: Fatherhood

I've been thinking about and planning gifts for Father's Day this weekend. So why not muse about it? There are not as many quotes out there on the web about Dad's - at least in comparison to Mom's. Not going to even talk about the potential meaning there regarding Fatherhood and our society. Nope. So...variety is the word today - two different quotes and a video. One is in honor of the political year we are in and the others highlight the relationship that Dad's have with their sons and daughters.

The father is always a Republican toward his son, and his mother's always a Democrat. ~Robert Frost

When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry. ~William Shakespeare

I would love to dissect Frost's and/or Shakespeare's quote but my brain is busy with other tasks right now. Too. Much. Going. On.

Want to comment or write about Fatherhood? Link up below and let us know about it.

Monday's Musings: Humor

Human speech is directly responsible for almost every thought and emotion we have throughout life's journey. The complexity of language and the complex messages we use it to communicate leave the possibilities wide open for just about anything. Among other things, people can say things that are funny. We pay good money to see comedians say funny things, and a lot of them come through. But due to the nature of the human comic sense, the deliberateness of a comedian can dilute the potential for humor. ~Rink Works

I have been quite busy lately so I'm letting my left brain rest a little bit today. This post is Barber inspired - he definitely analyzes life (asking LOTS of why-based questions) but he also has a humorous side and that smile and sparkle can truly steal your heart while you're doubled over with giggles. It is truly a joy to be his mom. The following are some of the latest Barber quotes.

"I want to see the words coming out of your mouth." This was said last night. He got out of bed and asked me a question - he was on the stairs and I was in the family room relaxing with Simms answering his question. Apparently he wanted to come downstairs to talk with me and this was his reasoning.

"Mommy, your hair is soooooo beautiful!" Okay this isn't necessarily humorous but it certainly blessed my heart and caused me to smile - he is only four. But, when I think about it, he has often vocalized his opinions on subjects such as these. At least this time it was a compliment!

"Can Spot ask Jesus into his heart?" Spot is his stuffed dog. Barber takes great care of his stuffed animals. I guess he wanted to make sure that Spot would be with him forever.

"Why do some people call covers thingamajigs?" Barber asked this while I was tucking him in to bed last night. Really? Some people do? I didn't know that. What did I tell him? That thingamajig is a term that can be used for anything when the real name is forgotten.

Note that 3 of these 4 quotes happened within a span of 20 minutes last night. Barber is truly a trip to live with. It's learning how to properly parent the humor that keeps me on my toes!

So...do you have some humorous quotes to share? Please join me today - post them and link below or simply add them to the comments. It's always fun to share the giggle and laugh together!

Monday's Musings: Memorial Day

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. ~Benjamin Disraeli

America the Beautiful - 1913

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Have a Blessed Memorial Day.

Monday's Musings: Connections

Women are life and relationship connectors. Where is your connection? Daughter, where is your mother? Mother, where are your daughters? Sister, where are your friends? Grandmother, where are the younger women who long for your wisdom?

God is stirring those whose hearts are longing to see these loose ends tied up. These are connections we need to actively search out and begin to develop. Sisters, I believe it is our time. Nurture, the language of the feminine heart, is being restored as women arise, recognize each other, and begin to connect for strength and purpose. ~Lisa Bevere

This is an excerpt from Lisa Bevere's book Nurture: Give and Get What You Need to Flourish. What do you think about what she is saying? Do you connect with these words? Do you believe this is relevant today? Is this a need that should be addressed? Who do you connect with? Where are you lacking connection?

Just some questions to get you thinking. Looking forward to those of you who participate - just write and link up below. Barber has his 4-year old doctor appointment this morning. I'll be back later.

I've personally been very blessed by my mom and sis. I cannot imagine life without them. Promises has been my BFF in every sense of the word - she's been through and seen it all with me. And she still loves me. Go figure. Where I've struggled at times is friendships outside of my family. Where the love doesn't always seem to be unconditional. Specifically with women. I was more comfortable talking with the guys and not because I was a tomboy. Yes, I like to watch sports but watching is very different than playing and I don't have the skills to play.

God has blessed me with some wonderful friendships - some that go deep and have lasted through a lot of storms as well as some new ones that are fresh and inviting and have even caught me by surprise. Each one has been a blessing and an answer to prayer.

Monday's Musings: Revival

We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from Heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again. - G. Campbell Morgan

I'm going to be watching two boys for a friend today and so I won't be able to add my thoughts until later today. Meanwhile, comment and/or link below. I am looking forward to reading your thoughts regarding this!

Okay...I'm back. I have so many thoughts and feelings on this subject that it's sometimes difficult to keep it all straight. And I'm not promising that it will be my normal analysis. Lots of meshing going on between the left and right sides of my brain right now.

My parents were saved in the early 70's now defined by some as the Jesus Movement. Our family initially attended a baptist church but later began attending a "holy roller" style of church. So that is where I grew up. We went to church on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday afternoons. Now as a parent I am amazed that they did this - EVERY WEEKEND. There was no child care on Friday and Saturday evenings. I remember Promises and I would bring in a couple of our favorite stuffed animals and Mom always had paper and writing implements for us to draw or color. We also would eventually fall asleep on the floor in front of our parents feet. We heard wonderful messages from a variety of evangelists, teachers and prophets. It was normal for me to see people shaking, fall down or weep in the presence of God. Promises and I would watch the people go up for prayer and I would sometimes try to guess if they would fall down or not and/or how long it would take. Normal service length was 3 hours and depending on the speaker that weekend it could easily go longer.

This is what I knew. This was normal for me. And then I witnessed what happens when man steps in, corruption ensues and destruction occurs.

Pain. Hurt. Skepticism. Distrust.

I'm not going to document the 25+ years that followed. It isn't necessary for this post.

Truth is despite the feelings that followed and I have had to work through I know that what I witnessed as a child was really and truly a move of God. I felt and experienced His Presence. He is a part of my life and that is real. It isn't conjured up or man-made.

As a result, when people talk about revival, my heart cries for Him to return - to "blow upon His people once again". I desire to see lives changed in a positive way; for individuals to know and experience the love of Daddy. But I don't want this for a mere season. I've been praying for a revival that doesn't end. No one has told me to do that - that's just where my heart is and has been for years.

So I pray and desire to have my sail set because I want to be a part of whatever God chooses to do. I want the real deal - the authentic move of God.

Monday's Musings Preview

We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from Heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again.
- G. Campbell Morgan

I have spent the last two days at the Gloriously and Wonderfully Made conference down in Maryland. It was good. God is both stretching and comforting me. That may not make sense but I've been journaling on my own and maybe will post some of it here. We'll see. Anyway, because of this and what has been goin on in Lakeland, Florida I thought this is a timely topic.

Monday's Musings: Motherhood

Motherhood brings as much joy as ever, but it still brings boredom, exhaustion, and sorrow too. Nothing else ever will make you as happy or as sad, as proud or as tired, for nothing is quite as hard as helping a person develop his own individuality especially while you struggle to keep your own. ~Marguerite Kelly and Elia Parsons

Can I just say "Amen!" to that?!?

Seriously, I had no idea how much I would embrace being Mommy until I actually became a Mommy. I wasn't one of those people that wanted to hold babies or always dreamed of being a mom. Simms seemed to be better with kids than me. But there is just something that happened when I first met each of my little ones and I cannot imagine my life any other way. Well I can imagine it differently but I don't desire it to be any other way than it is right now.

For me this means that...

...when Barber or Jeter wants to snuggle for 'just one more song'

...when I am making stuffed animals converse, race cars, create I-have-no-idea-what-it-is with legos or k'nex or build forts in a room that I just straightened and cleaned

...when I make time to read a book or run around outside or even attempt a craft project

...when I spend a day caring for a little one that doesn't feel good and the best medicine seems to be snuggling in my arms (when there is a sink full of dishes and a pile of laundry to care for)

...when there seems to NEVER be enough hours in the day for me to accomplish all that I've set out to do

...when I am answering so many questions that I cannot even think straight
I try to remember to treasure each moment and the time I have with them now. I try to not stress about the little things. Time is passing quickly and although I can see the babies I once cradled in my arms when I check in on the boys and give them one last kiss for the day, I recognize the reality that they are growing up.

Motherhood is not easy but I can't imagine not including this as a facet of who I am.

Have something to add regarding this quote? Please do so and link up below. Have a blessed Monday!

Monday's Musings Reminder

I know all of you are anxiously awaiting the unfolding of the next Monday's Musings quote. Ha! Maybe not. But if you are interested in joining me tomorrow, I am going to continue to talk about being "mom".

"Motherhood brings as much joy as ever, but it still brings boredom, exhaustion, and sorrow too. Nothing else ever will make you as happy or as sad, as proud or as tired, for nothing is quite as hard as helping a person develop his own individuality especially while you struggle to keep your own." ~Marguerite Kelly and Elia Parsons

Monday's Musings: Motherhood

The phrase "working mother" is redundant. ~Jane Sellman

I love this quote - from the moment I read it.

I love to classify. I am most comfortable in an orderly environment - although I still battle with clutter. I analyze. BUT I do this with things - NOT PEOPLE. Why? Because I don't like it when people try to define, stereotype or classify me. They usually don't get it right anyway because they are doing so from their own vantage point which skews the results. My most painful experience with this was in high school but it was also present in college. I don't know why but once school was done and Simms and I were wed I thought that this facet of life was over - behind me. Done. And then in 2001 I became a MOM and it felt like rushing water breaking through a dam.

To be honest it started before we even welcomed Jeter into this world. The big question was if I was going to stop working after he was born. Many assumed I would because apparently, it's a "rule" somewhere and I seemed to be a good Christian girl/woman. Shock and awe ensued when I returned to my job and Jeter was a mere three months old. All was well again when it appeared that I came to my senses after Barber was born but the unrest began again when Jeter began his education in a public school setting.

For the record, I am not a rebel and my intent is not to break the rules (it's just a matter of whose the maker of said rules). However, if my obedience to God and the call He has for me and my family causes me to appear this way then so be it. This used to bother me. It used to hurt - being misunderstood and/or judged. Sometimes it still does but not as much. Why? Because I have grown in my understanding of being held accountable to God and recognizing that my value is based on who I am as His creation rather than what I do or what people think of me. This really is very freeing.

Referencing the quote - if you are a mom, you work. Period.

Want to join me in musing on this topic? Please feel free to join in on the fun - simply write a post and then link up below. Need to get your creative juices flowing? Here are some questions to help catalyze your thoughts...What has been your own personal experience regarding motherhood? Is it more work than you expected? Maybe it is your favorite job?

Monday's Musings AND Bloggy Giveaway!!!

Is it possible to combine my Monday's Musing with the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival?!? I have to at least try...so here goes everything...

It's better to give than to receive. Especially advice.

~ Mark Twain

Regarding my Monday Musing, I'm gonna try to keep it short and sweet because I know that 99% of you are here for the giveaway...and that's okay because it is a good one and I would definitely like it if someone gave this to me. Now for my MM - it seems to me that most people only quote the first portion of this statement and forget about the 'especially advice' part. That's the statement that makes me giggle and snicker. How often have I heard someone giving advice and I'm thinking "are you even hearing what you're saying? Have you even attempted to apply this to your own life?". Then there are others who I listen to very carefully (especially when it's on a topic that I consider them an expert).

So where do I fall on this spectrum? Truth be told I don't mind advice when I ask for it. It is the unsolicited kind that can be a bother. Now this doesn't include when a mentor of some level is speaking into my life but rather someone that doesn't know me or my family and mistakenly determines that their words have a pearl-like value. Pshaw. Is that a word? Because I really want to use that here. Pshaw.

The next step is applying this to my life. I try my darnedest to not give advice unless it is asked for with the exception of my responsibilities as Mommy to Jeter and Barber - while they are young anyway. That will change when they are adults. I even apply this to the blog world and the commenting area of it. When I comment, typically it is simply noting how I relate to what was said. Rarely (I want to say never but I'm not perfect) do I offer a differing view or dare I say advice if it isn't asked for. At the same time there are many blogs/posts that ask for advice and even though I might have something to say I sometimes choose not to say it. Why? I question my motive - is what I think I have to say going to benefit that person or not. If I really believe it is worthy of statement then I ask myself if it should be in the comments section for all the world to see or if the topic is more personal and better suited for a private email or personal conversation.

Did I say this was going to be short?!? HA! Wrapping up...if you ever care what I have to say then ask because unless it is a forum where everyone is respectfully sharing their thoughts/ideas/concerns/etc I may be more on the quiet side of the table.

Now for the GIVEAWAY...finally! LOL.

In the past my giveaways have represented a facet of who I am. Say Anything would love for me to now state "Hello, my name is TCC and I am a crocheting junkie." So, yes, this giveaway does deal with something I have handmade...but there is more.

If you haven't heard or didn't read through the entire post (because I couldn't even get myself to dedicate an entire post to it) my family took the official plunge to go public with our association with Shaklee through our online store TCC's Wholesome Living. I've literally grown up using these products but many of my friends have never known because I am sooooooo not a salesperson and as mentioned above I am not going to voluntarily tell you how to clean your house or wash your laundry or what vitamins and minerals you should take daily.

What I can do is tell you what has worked for me. For over a year now I have branched out into other areas of Shaklee's line of products - specifically household and cleaning products. Why? We've always taken their vitamins because of the way they are made - "the best of science and nature combined" - so I finally decided to test-drive the cleaning products. It has been an adjustment (I'm not going to lie to you) but I haven't been disappointed. For example, when the Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate (that's a mouthful...I just say Basic H2) is used to make my window/glass cleaner - it is 'wetter' than my former cleaning product and takes a little longer to wipe down the surface (especially if I use a paper towel rather than the microfiber cloth) -that's the adjustment part - but the payoff is worth it for me. I get a clean that I know is not filled with toxins and doesn't compromise the health of my children. Not to mention that I can use the Basic H2 and make an all-purpose cleaner as well as a degreaser (this is my favorite...kind of like my default cleaner).

I am also appreciative of the fact that the products last a long time. This is mainly because they are concentrated and I am doing the diluting. The fact that you don't use as much of their cleaning products to get the job done is important as well. It seems to follow the 'less is more' philosophy.

So how does this all tie in to my bloggy giveaway? I am going to give the winner 3 hand-crocheted dishcloths AND a 16oz bottle of Dishwash Liquid Concentrate. FREE. I want to make this open to Canadians as well as those in the USA (just hoping that the soap will get through customs). As you may or may not know I went without a dishwasher for the last number of months - meaning I washed every single dish by hand. This made me really appreciate the little things - such as my dishcloths. Would you believe I still have over 1/4 of this bottle left (I started using it last summer!)? Prior to this I used the typical leading brands (and didn't really have a dislike to them) but in the attempt to hold myself accountable for the choices I make and the impact I have on others I can't ignore the fact that this product is nontoxic, natural, hypoallergenic, biodegradable and lacks phosphates.

So...what do you need to do?

• If you want to participate in Monday's Musings, publish a post on your blog and link up below - although I'm sure my 2-3 regulars may be far more busy entering giveaways. LOL. However if you have a moment and choose to link I will look forward to reading your thoughts - and will probably leave a non-advice-laden comment to boot! ***Update: I removed the Mr. Linky on this post to help avoid any further confusion - it seems that some people were linking there instead of leaving comments for the giveaway.***
• If you want to enter the GIVEAWAY, then leave me a comment and tell me what color scheme you like (naturals, brights, pastels, or primary) AND tell me one thing that you have done that would qualify as 'going green' (does not have to be Shaklee related). I'm NOT going to require you to go to my store and establish a wishlist because that's just not my style. However, I will invite you to visit if you are interested and if you have any questions please email me with your inquiry (thecampbellcornerATgmailDOTcom). BTW the pattern I'm using for the dishcloths is like the bright blue dishcloth.
• Comments will be open until 8AM Sunday (April 27th) morning EST. The winner will be selected at that time using the random number generator at random.org and then contacted via email (if you don't leave me a valid email address then I cannot contact you). I will also post about the winner here at our corner.
• For more amazing giveaways from all over blogland, check out the Bloggy Giveaways Site and join the fun!

Heads Up!

Just wanted to give you a head's up for this Monday's Musings quote and remind you to check back here on Monday for my Bloggy Giveaway.

It is better to give than receive. Especially advice.

~Mark Twain

Monday's Musings

The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well. ~Joe Ancis

What is normal??? Do you know anyone that you would classify as normal? Why/why not? Do you agree/disagree with this quote? Post your thoughts in the comments section or leave a link to your own blog. I'll post mine later today as well.

Or tomorrow...LOL

Growing up I assumed my life was normal. I had a mom and dad who loved me and a sister who was my best friend. Rice was white and so was bread. We had Rice Krispies or Raisin Bran for breakfast - Frosted Flakes was a super special treat and was only going to happen if we went with Dad to PathMark (it was almost a sure thing if he was hungry too!). Dinners consisted largely of broiled chicken with rice and vege, pasta or fish.

Sometimes I compared myself to others - I didn't have the designer jeans or the latest hairstyle. I saw them as special and adapted a new facet to my definition of normal - not special. I viewed myself this way for too many years - and it wasn't truly broken off of me until my high school experience. College began and I realized that I wasn't normal - if this is defined as what is common or thinking that majority rules = normal. I was far from it. There were so many foods that I had never heard of before. They had dressing with their turkey (we called it stuffing) and they ate ham and other things that I had never heard of before or we only ate on special occasions. I met so many people that didn't have a family like mine - they weren't close and had no desire to develop a friendship with their parents and/or siblings. Now I saw myself as weird. Since them I've simply determined that I like being weird - and that is actually special.

Within my own little world of weirdness, normalcy has also evolved over time. In 14+ years Simms and I have moved from DINKS (double income no kids) to DINKSOD (double income no kids one dog) to DIOKSOD (double income one kid one dog) to OITKSOD (one income two kids one dog). Responsibilities changed and sacrifices were made with each new phase. Food habits have also changed; I cannot eat chocolate anymore without gaining weight (totally not fair). Normal bread and rice is now brown not white (pasta too!). We eat more whole grains and attempt to eliminate many processed foods. Green veges are a major part of almost every dinner (it just doesn't work with pizza). I actually like peas now. Simms swallows them whole - he still won't chew them.

Through it all I've learned that no matter what phase I am in there are constants. In our home laughter and friendship are key components. Prayer is also constant - which means that our relationship with God is at the core of our livelihood. We unconditionally respect and love each other. Is this normal? Depends on whose standards are being referenced. For me, having these constants in a sea of change is what keeps me sane AKA normal - which you are free to define as weird or abnormal if you want. LOL.

Monday's Musings

Christ is present when the weak are loved and served. ~Matt Mooney

No real analysis for me today. Simply put - we are in the process of experiencing this on the receiving end right now. Please note - I am not saying our experience is equal to what the Mooney's have faced, but simply put, I can relate. With Simms pending surgery tomorrow and Rayda's scheduled surgery for Wednesday - the Campbell boys could easily be classified as weak when looking at what they are each battling physically.

Then I am reminded of what the scripture says regarding weakness and strength. Here are a few verses on the subject:

• Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. ~Joel 3:10 KJV+ (emphasis mine)
• We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ~Romans 15:1 KJV+
• Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. ~2 Corinthians 12:10 The Message (emphasis mine)

It is through these scriptures that I am encouraged. Although, in the natural we are facing a really difficult time our mindset does not need to be weakened. It will be if I focus on the circumstances but I have to do what the third verse states - let Christ take over. It is when I do this that I am able to rise above the circumstances. That is when the pit in my stomach disappears and my faith is renewed.

Many of you have been loving us - through words and actions. Thank you! It isn't easy for me to receive help from others. I am much more comfortable with the giving end and being strong. However, I am learning how to receive during this time and let me tell you - Christ IS present.

Please join me in sharing your thoughts this week. If you are blogless, leave a comment and if you are blog(full) - HA! - link up below! I don't have the quote for next week yet but a preview will be posted before the end of the week.

Monday's Musings

Time lost is time when we have not lived a full human life, time unenriched by experience, creative endeavor, enjoyment, and suffering. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I haven't included my thoughts on this quote...yet. But I wanted to get this posted so the rest of you can link up until I get back to this! I will include next weeks quote when I update later today.

Okay...it's later and here's my musing. It is more introspective than analytical but that is where I am at today.

Time...it doesn't stop...just keeps going no matter what we do. So how do I make sure that my time isn't lost? And what does it mean to have a full life? Interesting that today is when I am thinking about this. Today has been one filled with activity and yet, when I look at my list of what has yet to be accomplished I question if I used my time efficiently. I do this a lot.

So what takes up my time on a daily basis? Making meals. Washing dishes. Straightening the house. Cleaning parts of the house. Laundry. Bills. Schedules. MIA. Praying for family, friends, etc. (often while washing dishes or cleaning). Playing with Barber. Picking up Jeter at the bus stop. Checking Jeter's homework and providing snack. Reading to the boys. Getting dressed. Washing my face.

What do I try to also include regularly? Exercise. Putting on makeup. Reading for me (stop laughing). Remembering to eat right. Crocheting something. Food shopping. Errand preparation and running. Volunteering at Jeter's school.

What would I like to include here and there? Polish my nails. Work on re-doing Barber's room. Painting the guest room. Working outside in the yard. Scrapbooking. Getting together with some friends. Go out on a date - with Simms of course. Finish my projects!!!

So even though I feel like today went by too fast and I definitely did not accomplish all that I wanted to, was my time lost (according to this quote)? Technically I experienced the day with my boys; we completed a craft tonight so that should qualify as creative. Goodness, playing with Barber is always creative! There were both smiles and tears today (enjoyment and suffering). OK...I'm going to close this day saying yes - I lived today fully and my time was not lost. Tomorrow is a new day and even though my list of "here and there" seems to be growing exponentially, I know that I will be able to accomplish all of my "daily's" and hopefully a couple of my "regulars" as well.

On that note, a friend recently challenged me regarding my activity and passion/purpose in what I do. Her challenge has caused me to reevaluate how I perceive myself and the everyday (seemingly mundane) activities in my life. So...that is something I am working on.

And now for next week's quote (April 7th). The author is Matt Mooney. You can read more about him, his wife Ginny and their son Eliot on their blog. A video titled "99 balloons" was created as a tribute to Eliot's life. The video is below:

Christ is present when the weak are loved and served. ~Matt Mooney

Monday's Musings

People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy..." ~Bruce Wayne from Batman Begins

***Updated: please feel free to link up even if it's not Monday***

I think I should start by saying that apathy is a characteristic that I truly loathe. Isn't that a pleasant way to begin your Monday? LOL. I think the reason why I detest apathy is because I see the value of the individual and it pains me to see someone in a state of hopelessness. Now just picture me teaching high school students - I came in contact with 100's of students that didn't believe or foresee their potential. Just imagine how much of my energy went into changing this?!? Yes...for those who are concerned, I promise they also received an excellent education in the field of Biology.

Apathy (according to Wikpedia) is a state of indifference - where an individual has an absence of interest or concern to certain aspects of emotional, social or physical life. This is the "I don't care" attitude or the "It doesn't matter what I think so why should I bother".

Yuch. I cannot stand this! And yet, if someone asked me what do I believe I can do that would truly change the world, I don't know what I would say. Is there really something that I could point to that I know has made a crucial difference in history? I am just one person. In a world filled with millions of people - many that are smarter than me or are working in fields that seem far more impressive than mine - I can seem minute.

But it isn't about me. This is when I am reminded of Philippians 4:13 that says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". I cannot even remember how many times my Mom would speak this over my life - especially during those tough lonely times. She would also remind me of the meaning of my name; both my first and middle names have to do with "victory".

It is because of Christ that I believe my actions matter. It is because of Him that I trust that even though I don't see the results with my own eyes, my life is making a difference - some how, some way.

So, who was my dramatic example(s)? I can name a few that touched me at certain points in my life, but the individuals that I am most indebted to - mainly because of their consistency - are my Mom and Dad. They always encouraged me and never allowed me to give up. Their words spoke life to me and I know they prayed for me. I am not sure they would define themselves as dramatic - but they are not writing this post...I am.

Next weeks quote comes from a gentleman who returned to Germany during World War II because he desired to keep the real church alive.

Time lost is time when we have not lived a full human life, time unenriched by experience, creative endeavor, enjoyment, and suffering. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Who was a dramatic example in your life? Is this something you struggle with? How are you impacting the world today? Please link up and post your thoughts on this quote and by "you" I mean that I'd love to hear from Livin' Life, Promises, Classic Mama, Krazy Klingers, Sandy, oH mY wORD, Thrills, Holding It Together, Mirror Mirror, Hands-Free Heart...pretty much anyone from my local cafe's and beyond! :) Won't you join in the conversation???

Monday's Musings

"I set myself on fire and the people come to see me burn." ~John Wesley

This quote causes me to think of Revelations 3:15-16 where it says "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." KJV+

I remember examining my heart as a teenager; I knew I wasn't always hot and at the same time I didn't want to be spewed. I prayed that God would help me to be hot and not lukewarm. I didn't consider cold an option.

Did it work? Have I always been 'hot'? No. But I continue to pray that God helps me to be hot or on fire so that He shines through me. I also realize that what that looks like for me might not be the same for someone else. My desire then is to be obedient - with passion - in all things.

Simms and I have definitely been challenged in this since we've become parents. Our hearts desire is to see our boys fulfill the plans and purposes that God has for their lives. How do they learn to do this? Largely by our example. They need to see their Mommy and Daddy living life this way - then it will be natural for them. This challenge has only increased since Jeter started school. We prayed and knew that the Lord told us our boys were to be in public school. This started with pre-school...and so did the challenges.

The most recent example was last Monday. I picked up Jeter from the bus stop and we walked home. I got his snack ready and then experienced the following conversation:

Jeter: Hey mom, I don't really know how this happened but I helped my friend K ask Jesus Christ into her heart.

Me: Really? That's great. When did this happen? Can you try to remember how it got started?

Jeter: Well...it was after math. I do remember that. We were just kind of talking and I somehow ended up asking her if she had Jesus in her heart. Then I told her if she didn't that when she died she would go to hell.

Me: Oh. Okay. In the future you might want to emphasize the positive. You could alter what you said by explaining that if one has Jesus in their heart they get to live with him now and forever. See?

Jeter: Yeah. That is true. But what I said is true.

Me: You're right. It is. What happened next?

Jeter: Well, she was just about to pray - silently you know - and then my friend R interrupted (he said this with such exasperation!). We got done talking to him and then I saw her. She did this (he motioned that she held her hands together like she was praying with closed eyes and slightly bowed head). So it's cool mom because now another one of my friends is a Christian.

Me: That's very cool honey.

Now...here's why this is a challenge to me (and Simms). There is NO WAY that I was doing this when I was in first grade! My goodness I wasn't doing this when I was in high school (but I was in a private school at that time so really...who was I going to witness to? Most of my peers knew the truth even if they weren't living it and were oozing lukewarmness) I have to admit to you I had many panic-stricken thoughts during the above conversation; what phone calls am I going to get? Is this mom going to be ticked off at me? Who witnessed this? Tons of crazy questions swirled through my head and then it was all eclipsed by HIM. As my spirit was crying out, He answered and reminded me that it's all okay. Jeter is in His hands and He will lead and guide us every step of the way. In one fell swoop I experienced His peace. No answers to my questions but knowing that Jeter is being covered and protected by Him. Praise God.

I feel like I am still learning how to be on fire - burning for Him. I don't know if anyone is coming to see me burn but I do know that my heart desires to be obedient in all things. When I look at Jeter and my heart bursts; I am so proud of what God has already done in the life of this young man (Jeter)...I do want my ceiling to be his and Barber's floor (to quote Livin' Life).

Have you mused today? Please share your thoughts or experiences that this quote brings to mind. If you blog, link below and if you don't, please feel free to include your thoughts in the comments section.

Here's the quote for next week (the 24th)

"People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy..."~Bruce Wayne of Batman Begins

Monday's Musings

Miracles are not to be interpreted as divine acts against the laws of nature (for those laws are themselves expressions of God's will) but as more profound revelations of the character of the divine relationship to creation. To be credible, miracles must convey a deeper understanding than could have been observed without them. ~ John Polkinghorne

To discuss this I felt like I needed to have a universal definition for 'law of nature'. According to Wikpedia it is defined in the following ways:

Law of Nature may refer to:
Physical law, a scientific generalization based upon empirical observation
Natural law, any number of doctrines in moral, political and legal theory
A theological doctrine concerning marriage and its role (or lack thereof), specifically in regard to the Immaculate Conception

So how do miracles fit into this? How about the fact that my pastor should have been dead from Stage IV Leukemia eight years ago? Or the accounts that we've heard from the mission field about dead people returning to life? How about the miracles that On Fire recently saw with her own eyes when she was in Mexico (some of which she hasn't blogged about)? Granted, I don't think these things oppose the laws of gravity or conservation of energy. They may not even go against laws of probability. But there could be some law or interpretation of a law out there that these acts defy. Does that mean they didn't happen? Certainly not. Especially when there are eyewitnesses to what has occurred.

So, then, is it really defined as miraculous?

According to John Polkinghorne, a miracle is only credible if a deeper understanding is conveyed and couldn't have been done so without a miracle. One issue I have with this is 'according to who' - who is the one that determines that a deeper understanding was not able to be conveyed? I'm not going to argue that this isn't applicable but part of me is opposed to putting God, the author of miracles, in a box. Maybe this is true and does apply...but I struggle with the attempt to define and bring logic to everything God does. It is here that I am reminded of Job. This doesn't necessarily apply to miracles but it does apply to the nature of God, our Creator and the one who created the same phenomena that we attempt to define and classify into laws. When Job ponders and questions God, ultimately God's response is (and I am super paraphrasing here) 'Job, you don't have the right to question me. I am God'. This doesn't seem like the response Job was looking for (or any of us may be looking for from time to time) but there have been many times that I remind myself "God is God".

So that's it. My thoughts on this quote. I certainly look forward to your responses. What do you think about miracles? Have you personally experienced one? Do you think the act of a miracle needs to meet Polkinghorne's line of thinking to be considered credible? I look forward to your comments and your own posts. I obviously haven't enlisted the help of Mr. Linky yet so if you post, leave a comment and tell us so that we can all check out your thoughts/pondering/questions/etc. And if you don't have a blog please feel free to write your post in the comments.

***Edited: I figured out how to add the Mr. Linky...so link away!***

I've borrowed one of On Fire's Inspirational quotes for next Monday's Musings:

"I set myself on fire and the people come to see me burn." ~John Wesley

Monday's Musings Preview and Rayda Update

Miracles are not to be interpreted as divine acts against the laws of nature (for those laws are themselves expressions of God's will) but as more profound revelations of the character of the divine relationship to creation. To be credible, miracles must convey a deeper understanding than could have been observed without them. ~ John Polkinghorne

Remember...this is a preview so your official thoughts / comments aren't to be posted until Monday. Have a wonderful weekend!

Oh...and I just wanted to share with those of you who have been praying for my brother Rayda, we just received good news yesterday that all the tests came back negative for cancer! Hooray! Praise God! The puzzle is figuring out what is causing the SVCS - that still needs to be solved. His case has been elevated to another doctor and as he puts it "his case will either make or break their careers!"

Critical Thinkers (that's YOU)...on your mark...

In sixth grade I had this teacher - Mr. K. Many students didn't like him but I saw the twinkle in his eye and caught his smile and knew that he really cared about us. One of my coolest memories was when he devoted an entire day to reading. We were allowed to bring in sleeping bags and pillows. I can still picture the classroom and where I set up my sleeping bag and stash of books. We didn't do any other work that day - the only requirement was that we read. I think I could easily say that one day was my favorite day of sixth grade.

Another instrumental teacher in my life was my 11th grade English teacher - Mr. C. We spent 11th grade studying tragedies - reading John Milton's Paradise Lost, Job from the Bible, C. S. Lewis' Perelandra, Shakespear's Othello. We also read Oedipus and Tess of the D'urbervilles. Really depressing material. We also analyzed some U2 songs - With or Without You was one and I'm forgetting the other one right now. Now here is the crazy part - I loathed this class. Even though I loved reading I dreaded every minute of this class time. I always believed that it was because of Mr. C and how he ran the class room. There was always discussion and he would push us - even take the role of the antagonist. I hated it! And yet, now, I see that he definitely played a vital role in teaching me how to think critically and analyze. Most of this learning was taking place inside of me - in my thoughts and ideas. I didn't participate much in class - due to my own insecurities and the unsafe environment that did exist. Regardless of the good that came out of his teaching, he did not create a safe environment. There was definitely a firing squad of students and it hurt when your idea/thought went up in flames. It hurt even more when it seemed that they were affirmed in the process.

It was another English teacher that helped to give me my voice. Her name was Mrs. L. She too pushed us to think critically but also created a safe haven for us to express our thoughts. She would still challenge us in our thinking but you didn't get charred in the process.

Crazy isn't it - my English teachers played such a great role in developing my ability to think critically and analyze!?! Bet you thought my heroes were my science and math teachers. But that's the point. Critical thinking is not synonymous with the sciences. That is a myth. One that I would like to dispel.

I did teach Biology for eight years and yes, there were some units that required memorization but my number one goal was to promote critical thinking. I featured a weekly quote on the board that we would discuss. Students were periodically required to select current news articles and I taught them how to analyze it. I didn't want them to just believe something because it was in print or because it was reported on the news. What evidence did the author provide to support his/her claim? Was it biased or not? My favorite units were those on modern genetics - discussing the Human Genome Project, Genetic Engineering, Gene Therapy, etc. Controversial issues? Sure. But relevant to our lives. Ignoring the topics don't make them go away. Maybe 5% of my students would go into the scientific industry. Maybe more. But ALL of them have the ability to think critically and each one has an opinion that is relevant.

I guess you could say I'm a bit passionate about thinking critically and encouraging others to do so. You may argue that people have different levels at which they analyze - some tiptoe around the edge of over-analysis while others claim that thinking makes their head ache. But I still believe that we all have something relevant to contribute and we each can learn from one another through sharing our various levels of analysis.

This then leads me to the next part of Calling Out the Critical Thinker in You. Right now the plan is to post a quote or excerpt on Friday's. This allows you to think about and ponder the information throughout the weekend. Then write down your thoughts in a post for Monday (or if you don't have a blog you can leave it in Monday's comments) - maybe I'll call it 'Monday's Musings' or something like that (anyone want to create a cool banner or button for me?!?). Responses may vary. Some may agree or disagree and give reasons why. Others may be able to cite times when it was applicable in their life. All of this depends on a variety of variables (topic of excerpt/quote, person's life, type of analysis, etc.) BUT that is the FUN in this!!!

I'm hoping that the 5 of you - and maybe the rest of you hiding in the cracks and crevices will join me in this venture. If there is a bigger response I may have to talk to my Blogging Mentor about using Mr. Linky but I'm not going to put the cart before the horse. Still interested???