I love books. I love collecting books. But, I have a confession to make.
I am a complete book snob.
I like my books to be old. Like as in, 50's or earlier. There is just something about an old book that calls to me more than a new one. Though I do give a little in that regard, being that some good books weren't written in the fifties, maily because the authers hadn't even been born yet.
Don't get me wrong, I also love new books. New books are exciting, they smell`and look and feel crisp with the promise of something you've never read.
But old books *sigh* The smell of old books are intoxicating. The feel of old books are soft and worn. The pages are faded and dog-eared, the covers have their corners smooshed a bit from being dropped. Old books beckon to you as old friends... to snuggle in your chair and lose yourself completely.
But my snobbishness does not end there. If I am collecting a series of books... they must all be the same. I can't stand to have different publications of series. I have always been like this, since I was little.
Seriously, I"ll prove it.
I adored the Famous Five and Secret Seven. However, my Famous Five books HAD to be the 1950's hardback publications, with red cloth covers. My Secret Seven books were soft cover, 1980's publications. It drove me nuts that one of my Famous Five books was from the seventies, and didn't fit with my other books on the shelf, so I couldn't put it where it belonged in order, but had to put it at the end, and that drove me nearly over the edge. I thought the 70's covers of Secret Seven ugly, and refused to read them.
I got into a bidding war on eBay last night over a book. I'm not even kidding. It was the last one I needed for a complete set of 1970 edition hardback "Anne" books. If I did not have that book, my collection would be incomplete. You will never know how much the idea of that bugged me. I didn't pay more than I wanted ($20), but it's funny, because I managed to get the first 8 for $30, and I got Rainbow Valley for 10.
I've also found a complete collection of Charles Dickens for a song and I also found all three "Heidi" books (1950), all of Louisa May Alcott (although I'm iffy over the "Little Women" one... I'm not sure if it contains "Good Wives" as well) which were published in the 1920's (pitter patter goes my heart) and my biggest yearning... but it is so ridiculously expensive... all twenty 1960's volumes of "Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories". Finding Susan Coolidge books are nearly impossible, new or old (that match anyway) and although I'm not a great fan of X-books-in-one, I am going to have to go this route with these. I can get the first 4 in one book (great in the fact that finding an old publication of "Clover" for less that $100 is proving more and more difficult) but that leaves "In the High Valley"... and that is almost non existent. I haven't even read it yet. There is ONE on amazon.com... a 1901 (be still my heart) copy for $100.
Oh, but it does not end there. The books must also be unabridged. There is nothing I hate more than a chopped apart story.
Adam does not understand this obsession. When he collects his books, he doesn't care if they are soft cover or hardback, new or old... it's the same story inside, doesn't matter what's on the cover.
What I'd like to know is, do you have any quirks when it comes to collecting things?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Don't Judge Me
I went Christmas shopping yesterday. Every year, Target has this humongous toy sale, where most things are half price, and you only pay 3 dollars to put it all on layby no matter how much you buy and they will store it there until Christmas eve.
Winner.
As I compiled my list of things for the kids the night before, I am reminded again just how expensive everything is getting over here. Most items at half price were still around $20. We had to quickly revise the $100 per child thing we've had going. At most, they'd get 5 things. I'm a gift giver. That just don't cut it in my book.
Or Santa's, for that matter.
Of course, the smallies could get away with less. As my brother would say, they barely know they're alive.
I understand that having 5 kids will always bring up these issues, so I wasn't too fussed about it. I have about 18 weeks to pay it all off (I like to have it all in the bag by the end of November. Then I don't stress out.)
Last year, Adam was able to come with me, and we filled two trolleys. Granted, we had some big stuff in there, skateboards, and Tonka trucks and doll prams and the like. No one really looked at us, because, well, we could just be two people who didn't know each other with a full trolley each. No biggie. There were lots of people like that.
This year, Adam couldn't get off work. So, I had the smallies sat, and after the three older ones were at school, armed with my list, the catalogue and a pen, I braved it on my own.
I had to stop three times to repack my cart. I also managed to stick a blackboard under it and use it as an extension to pile more stuff on. I did well, I got all but a few items on our list. This year, we also got the kids bikes and I had to get a staff member to carry them to the layby counter for me. I was prepared for all this. It comes with the territory.
What I wasn't prepared for, were the condescending looks that people kept giving me, obviously thinking I was completely over indulging my kids. 10 presents each, they had in my cart. That's 50 items people. With boxes bigger than necessary for the small thing inside it. I had also bought gifts for my niece, my mother, and a couple of things for Adam.
I decided, by the end of my 2 hour trip, that next year, I'm wearing a sign that says I HAVE FIVE CHILDREN... DO NOT JUDGE ME. I was sick and tired of explaining myself to people, either because of they way they looked at me, or because they actually felt it was their place to comment. And then of course, I had to cope with the "Oh my God, you're crazy" comments.
So, peoples, next time you're shopping at Christmas time and you see a parent with their trolley piled impossibly high, please realise that they may not just be shopping for 1 spoilt child. There may be another 4, 5, 6 kids that you don't see.
Also, read this. You might get where I'm coming from.
Winner.
As I compiled my list of things for the kids the night before, I am reminded again just how expensive everything is getting over here. Most items at half price were still around $20. We had to quickly revise the $100 per child thing we've had going. At most, they'd get 5 things. I'm a gift giver. That just don't cut it in my book.
Or Santa's, for that matter.
Of course, the smallies could get away with less. As my brother would say, they barely know they're alive.
I understand that having 5 kids will always bring up these issues, so I wasn't too fussed about it. I have about 18 weeks to pay it all off (I like to have it all in the bag by the end of November. Then I don't stress out.)
Last year, Adam was able to come with me, and we filled two trolleys. Granted, we had some big stuff in there, skateboards, and Tonka trucks and doll prams and the like. No one really looked at us, because, well, we could just be two people who didn't know each other with a full trolley each. No biggie. There were lots of people like that.
This year, Adam couldn't get off work. So, I had the smallies sat, and after the three older ones were at school, armed with my list, the catalogue and a pen, I braved it on my own.
I had to stop three times to repack my cart. I also managed to stick a blackboard under it and use it as an extension to pile more stuff on. I did well, I got all but a few items on our list. This year, we also got the kids bikes and I had to get a staff member to carry them to the layby counter for me. I was prepared for all this. It comes with the territory.
What I wasn't prepared for, were the condescending looks that people kept giving me, obviously thinking I was completely over indulging my kids. 10 presents each, they had in my cart. That's 50 items people. With boxes bigger than necessary for the small thing inside it. I had also bought gifts for my niece, my mother, and a couple of things for Adam.
I decided, by the end of my 2 hour trip, that next year, I'm wearing a sign that says I HAVE FIVE CHILDREN... DO NOT JUDGE ME. I was sick and tired of explaining myself to people, either because of they way they looked at me, or because they actually felt it was their place to comment. And then of course, I had to cope with the "Oh my God, you're crazy" comments.
So, peoples, next time you're shopping at Christmas time and you see a parent with their trolley piled impossibly high, please realise that they may not just be shopping for 1 spoilt child. There may be another 4, 5, 6 kids that you don't see.
Also, read this. You might get where I'm coming from.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Story of Us... Readers Digest Version
I was thinking today (a dangerous past time, I know... name that movie) and I realised, that I haven't really introduced my family, or myself, here.
I sent an email to Susie a while back, doing just that, so I thought, save writing it all out again, I'd use that... editing where needed.
My name, obviously, is Jenny (not Jennifer... I would have to ignore you if you called me that... and I have a few very amusing anecdotes involving teachers on the subject) I'm 28 and I am married to Adam who turns 30 in November. (Want to come to a Toga party?) We met in grade 12, in Tasmania, Australia and have been together ever since. We were a very cute couple, and still are, even if we are a little.... wider than we were. We have been together for 11 years, and celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary in June.
This was us around our first Christmas, 1997.
This is our adorable selves.... Though Adam has lost weight since this, and I removed the glitter star from my face. I just realised that this picture is actually a year and a half old now. Wow. We need to take more pictures.
We are on the worship ministry of our church here in Palmerston, Northern Territory. Adam plays guitar, sings and leads when needed, I lead worship most Sundays. In order to do this every Sunday, we are very blessed to have friends who keep an eye on our brood...
Troy is the eldest, and he's 8. I do not know where he learnt this, but it was not from us. And amazingly, this is the only half descent picture I have of him. It is also a bit old. But he either completely hams it up or gives the most appalling idea of a posed smile I have ever seen. I shall spare you that disturbing image. Because I like you. And I do not want to frighten you away.
I sent an email to Susie a while back, doing just that, so I thought, save writing it all out again, I'd use that... editing where needed.
~~~
I realised I've been leaving comments around the place talking to you like I've known you for ages, which I tend to do with people after being introduced, probably in some desperate attempt to allow all of us to feel comfortable without all the 'I've just met you, you've just met me, what do we have in common' awkwardness. But I was thinking, that, over the Internet, it might very well come across as nothing short of creepy, so I thought I might try and remedy that, if it is in fact the case.My name, obviously, is Jenny (not Jennifer... I would have to ignore you if you called me that... and I have a few very amusing anecdotes involving teachers on the subject) I'm 28 and I am married to Adam who turns 30 in November. (Want to come to a Toga party?) We met in grade 12, in Tasmania, Australia and have been together ever since. We were a very cute couple, and still are, even if we are a little.... wider than we were. We have been together for 11 years, and celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary in June.
This was us around our first Christmas, 1997.
and then, you know, life happened...
This is our adorable selves.... Though Adam has lost weight since this, and I removed the glitter star from my face. I just realised that this picture is actually a year and a half old now. Wow. We need to take more pictures.We are on the worship ministry of our church here in Palmerston, Northern Territory. Adam plays guitar, sings and leads when needed, I lead worship most Sundays. In order to do this every Sunday, we are very blessed to have friends who keep an eye on our brood...
Troy is the eldest, and he's 8. I do not know where he learnt this, but it was not from us. And amazingly, this is the only half descent picture I have of him. It is also a bit old. But he either completely hams it up or gives the most appalling idea of a posed smile I have ever seen. I shall spare you that disturbing image. Because I like you. And I do not want to frighten you away.
These are last years school photos of the twins (are you seeing a pattern here?) Drew is older by 7 minutes, a fact which I am sure will become vital information as they get older. Bethany did a complete face plant the night before school photos... but of course! We actually thought at the time that she had shattered her upper gum-slash-jaw or at the very least torn her lip away from her face it was that mangled, but thankfully it was just bloody. Really, really bloody. Oh, and they turned five in March.
Is this not the cutest, albeit putrid, face? She does get bathed at least weekly. This is Amy, and she is the most delightful little thing. She thinks playing in the clothes dryer is the epitome of Shangrilah, and she loves to dance. She takes her nappy off. You can imagine my joy at this. It is not the most de;lightful thing about her, by any stretch of the imagination. Amy just turned 2 on July 1st. This picture is also (you've guessed it) old. We get to let of firecrackers for her birthday, because it's Territory Day and I do believe we are the only state in Oz that actually still permits personal firecrackers. Amy was named by Troy. Seriously. When we told him and the other two that there was another baby on the way, Troy answered with "It's a girl, and her name is Amy." We could not shake him from that, he was steadfast. We had no idea what we were having. Mum asked me once, "what would happen if you had a boy?" "I'd be in big trouble," I replied. So, when she was born (that's a whole other post... I will just say one thing about it... insane) and she was, indeed a girl, there was no question as to her name. She and Troy have a beautiful bond, too, it's so sweet to watch.
Can you believe this is the only kind of up to date picture I have of my youngest? It was taken on my crappy camera phone... as our camera kicked the bucket with a flourish, so we haven't had one since before he was born. I did take photos of them about 5 months ago on Adam's work camera, but has yet to e-mail them to me. Eli is gorgoeus. He sits, and crawls, and blabbers on... can sort of stand, and likes to gum cookies. He's not very well at the moment though. He's prone to brocilitis, so we think he'll have asthma when he's older.
So, that's mia familiga.
Personally, I was brought up in a christian home, and became a christian around 6 years of age, and then reconfirmed when I was 12. I've been a part of my church since I was 15, when I started to go on my own after my parents separated that year. God has me in an interesting place right now, pushing into Him deeper is definitely exhausting, but reaping so much! I have such a desire to let people know what they mean to God's heart. I have been carefully (and under guidance) growing in my gifts of discernment and possibly intercession (though I am still praying for tongues), and allowing God to speak through me and into the hearts of his children. Sometimes, when we are praying for people, I ask God to let me see His heart for them, sometimes He does and then, if I feel the urging of the Holy Spirit, I will impart it, usually while thinking "Gosh I hope this is right!". I've not had anyone more mature in their gift correct me yet, so that's encouraging.
Adam and I write songs. Well, we write bits of songs. I think we've only managed to finish one. We have some awesome verses and choruses... but none of them actually go together to complete a final outcome. We really should sit down one day and finish them. My greatest desire is to see God glorified through worship... to see His name praised and proclaimed, and also to lead His people into the throne room... to guide them and help them get to that place where they can be free to dance before him without fear, awkwardness or self concern. I am constantly making sure my pride is in check... most often it's not... which bites the big one, and to be brutally honest, I really don't know how to overcome it. Trying to find that balance between acknowledgment of talent and pride in it is so tough. Finding the balance between that sounded great and we sounded great is also hard. But, I'll keep on keeping on... dying to self is such a continual thing... sometimes I wish it would just let up a bit already, but every time I think I've finally got it, God gently reminds me that I haven't and to keep going. I get lots of heavenly nudges.
I like to knit, embroider, sew and I'm teaching myself to crochet. I've been arty-farty my whole life, and I love the theatre also. I didn't learn to drive until I was 24, and if someone gave me a million dollars the first thing I would do would be to book a breast reduction. If I couldn't sing, I wouldn't know what to do with myself, I wish I didn't rely on the spell checker so much and I'd love to re-learn the piano. I'd love to learn interior design, record a c.d, go to Europe, learn how to shut my mouth before saying embarrassing things, and keep my house clean. I'm a lazy perfectionist, which basically means if I can't do it right and complete it all in one hit, then I won't start. You can imagine what this does to my house. Yet another thing to overcome! At least most of this problem is easily disposed of into a Salvos bin. *grin* I have more than a normal touch of O.C.D, and Adam still thinks it hilarious that I brush the fringes on rugs so they are straight and aren't all messed up and arrrgghhh! *eye twitch*
Anyways, before I go and rock in the corner thinking about tousled rug fringe, I'll stop writing. You may breathe a sigh of relief if you wish. *smile*
I truly hope you think you could like me. De-lurking not only welcomed, but encouraged!*grin*
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Act Your Age
I believe that over the last 6 months to a year or so, the Lord has been calling christians the world over to grow up. To quit playing around. I feel he has placed an urgency in some of us, that makes us realise that we have wasted so much time already!
I feel He's been calling us deeper into Himself... He's given us a hunger for His Word and His Truth, an insatiable desire to learn, to understand, to grow.
I've seen it in friends, here at home and those on line. There has been a shift in focus, in thoughts, in priorities.
I know myself the Lord has been calling me to go Deeper and deeper... to let go of the controll that I feel I need within our relationship. To truly soak in the Word, and gain more and more knowledge of to who He actually is.
Something big is happening, I and I want... no, I need to be ready.
I feel He's been calling us deeper into Himself... He's given us a hunger for His Word and His Truth, an insatiable desire to learn, to understand, to grow.
I've seen it in friends, here at home and those on line. There has been a shift in focus, in thoughts, in priorities.
I know myself the Lord has been calling me to go Deeper and deeper... to let go of the controll that I feel I need within our relationship. To truly soak in the Word, and gain more and more knowledge of to who He actually is.
Something big is happening, I and I want... no, I need to be ready.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Dekku
I stumbled across this blog yesterday, and spent the better part of it looking at some of the short film videos he (I'm presuming it's a he) has on there. I thought I'd share two of them, as I liked them particularly, for completely different reasons. The first made me laugh out loud, the second... well, I'll let the second speak for itself. It was the one I particularly wanted to share, as it gave me pause, to say the very least. I wasn't sure where it was going, but I don't think it was there. Incredibly moving.
RooDouDou This was my house the other day, I'm sure.
The Mirror This evoked such mixed emotions.
*Please note, if you go to the site and do your own perusing, that I haven't seen everything, and so I can't endorse them as family friendly. Please view at your own discretion.
RooDouDou This was my house the other day, I'm sure.
The Mirror This evoked such mixed emotions.
*Please note, if you go to the site and do your own perusing, that I haven't seen everything, and so I can't endorse them as family friendly. Please view at your own discretion.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Enchanted Door
I love these. I think they are adorable.
It's a little tiny "Fairy Door". You put them in your house so the Faeries can come in.
I'd love one. I love the magical-ness of it...
But at the same time, it seems another way to let the demonic easy access to our homes. Their very own door?
What are your thoughts? Harmless charming fun? Or a gateway to trouble?
"Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. Isaiah 47:12
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelation 21:8
It's a little tiny "Fairy Door". You put them in your house so the Faeries can come in.
I'd love one. I love the magical-ness of it...
But at the same time, it seems another way to let the demonic easy access to our homes. Their very own door?
What are your thoughts? Harmless charming fun? Or a gateway to trouble?
"Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. Isaiah 47:12
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelation 21:8
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Faith of Children
It is interesting to see the way my children perceive God, and are coming to their own conclusion as to who He is and journey towards relationship with Him.
Troy is going to be our Spiritual Warrior, I believe. From a very young age, he has been keenly aware of the spiritual world; he can see demons, and God has displayed Himself to Troy in ways we know he could not have heard about elsewhere. He is musical in such a way that he picks up a song in no time flat, and you can hear him singing praise songs throughout the day. He will sit and watch a praise and worship dvd for it's entirety, singing along very quickly with the words. He actually, at the tender age of 7 got up on the platform at church and sang a whole song (into a microphone) with the worship team with no embarrassment or fear. Interestingly, his name, Troy Alexander, means Foot-soldier, Defender of Men. I believe this to mean that here on earth, he will be on the ground, fighting the battle at the front lines, defending mankind from demonic influence and oppression. I pray this for him, and that God will help him live up to the name He gave him.
Bethany, I think, is going to be the quiet, yet firm believer. Her faith will not waiver, and her God will never be questioned. Her name, Bethany Alana, means House of God and Rock respectively. My prayer for her is that she truly will be the house of the Holy Spirit, and that he resides in her fully. I also pray that she will stay as solid as a rock in her faith, and that people will know that when she speaks, she speaks the Word of Truth.
Amy is our worshiper. She can pick a christian song from a secular song in a heartbeat. From the age of 8 months, she was lifting her hands in worship during church. She still does it now, even at home, when we have music going. She claps, and dances and cheers. It makes my own heart sing to see her so free in her love of worship at such a tender age (2)
Eli's life was prohesyed by God Himself. I was driving one day, when the twins were only really little, and I heard, clear as day "You will have a son. His name is Eli Benjamin". That was all. I never heard it again, but it burned it's way into my heart so profoundly I can still hear the voice of my God, even though Eli is now here. I've done a little bit of research, and correct me if I am wrong here, but I believe that in the Bible, whenever the Lord spoke to a parent about the birth of a son (and named him in some areas) that child has always grown up to become a prophet. If I am correct- how exciting! What a huge burden for me, as a mother, to make sure I parent him in a way (with the help of the Lord) that this becomes a reality. Eli Benjamin means Highest Son of My Right Hand. That floored me completely when I read that. This small baby of mine has a huge name to live up to.
However, of all my children, it seems that Drew is the one who will have a deep, abiding love of Christ and the gospel that is unparalleled. God saw fit to name him Drew William: Manly, Strong Warrior. I am strongly inclined to think him our evangelist, teacher or preacher, as just today, I overheard him talking to Bethany saying "Jesus is coming back, but not yet""Why?" questioned Beth"Because He died, but he's alive again, but He's not here yet""When?""Don't know... just not yet."
Oh, you have no idea how it warms my heart to hear my child have that surety that not now, but sometime! He doesn't mind when... he just knows He will.
Somedays, it just hits you, the overwhelming, heavy task and burden we have placed upon us to raise these children for God.
Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:15
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him. Genesis 18:19
God is very specific that we should rear children in the faith of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and in the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving, atoning Grace. Parents' failure to raise and teach their children in the fear of the Lord is a sin of ommission for which we will be held accountable at judgement.
At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.' 1 Samuel 3:12-14
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Revelation 2:4
How humbling. How devestating! Not only do we have their earthly lives as our responsibility, but also, to an extent, their eternal lives as well. We are not alone though! We have promises to cling to...
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
It is exceedingly comforting to me that I have the Lord, the Father God to help me raise his children, the next generation of worshipers and warriors. Daily, I can lean on HIm, and have Him guide me. He knows my children more intimately thatn even I, and He knows what penetrates to them, that resounds to them... what will guide them what will nurture them, what will raise them up as disciples.
And He is also the One that quiets my soul, stills my temper, and guides my tongue. He who checks my spirit when I fail, is also the One who forgives me with open arms when I come, broken, dejected, weary and, quite frankly, over it. He is the lifter of my head, all the strength I require on this path He has placed me.
Oh that I will prove worthy! That my children will be pillars of strength in His Church. That they will go forth with the Sword of the Spirit, the sword that is a double edged sword that penetrates to the depths, that it's held high and with pride. I pray the helmet of salvation will be firmly on their head, protecting their minds and ears from the arrows of the Enemy. That the that the belt of truth be tightly fastened around their waist, securing the breastplate of Righteousness in place. That the breastplate is so thick that there is no way the arsenal of Satan can wound or scar their heart or soul, and that the knot on their belt is so tight that the Truth cannot fall away from them. And that on their feet are the sandals of the peace of the Good News in preperation for battle and the journeys they take the non-believing on towards Saving Grace. And, of course, that they have in place the Shield of Faith to go before, to be the first thing that takes the onslaught... that it will be solid and inpenetratable... and that they have the strength to lift it and keep it in front of them.
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17-18
*All emphasis mine
Troy is going to be our Spiritual Warrior, I believe. From a very young age, he has been keenly aware of the spiritual world; he can see demons, and God has displayed Himself to Troy in ways we know he could not have heard about elsewhere. He is musical in such a way that he picks up a song in no time flat, and you can hear him singing praise songs throughout the day. He will sit and watch a praise and worship dvd for it's entirety, singing along very quickly with the words. He actually, at the tender age of 7 got up on the platform at church and sang a whole song (into a microphone) with the worship team with no embarrassment or fear. Interestingly, his name, Troy Alexander, means Foot-soldier, Defender of Men. I believe this to mean that here on earth, he will be on the ground, fighting the battle at the front lines, defending mankind from demonic influence and oppression. I pray this for him, and that God will help him live up to the name He gave him.
Bethany, I think, is going to be the quiet, yet firm believer. Her faith will not waiver, and her God will never be questioned. Her name, Bethany Alana, means House of God and Rock respectively. My prayer for her is that she truly will be the house of the Holy Spirit, and that he resides in her fully. I also pray that she will stay as solid as a rock in her faith, and that people will know that when she speaks, she speaks the Word of Truth.
Amy is our worshiper. She can pick a christian song from a secular song in a heartbeat. From the age of 8 months, she was lifting her hands in worship during church. She still does it now, even at home, when we have music going. She claps, and dances and cheers. It makes my own heart sing to see her so free in her love of worship at such a tender age (2)
Eli's life was prohesyed by God Himself. I was driving one day, when the twins were only really little, and I heard, clear as day "You will have a son. His name is Eli Benjamin". That was all. I never heard it again, but it burned it's way into my heart so profoundly I can still hear the voice of my God, even though Eli is now here. I've done a little bit of research, and correct me if I am wrong here, but I believe that in the Bible, whenever the Lord spoke to a parent about the birth of a son (and named him in some areas) that child has always grown up to become a prophet. If I am correct- how exciting! What a huge burden for me, as a mother, to make sure I parent him in a way (with the help of the Lord) that this becomes a reality. Eli Benjamin means Highest Son of My Right Hand. That floored me completely when I read that. This small baby of mine has a huge name to live up to.
However, of all my children, it seems that Drew is the one who will have a deep, abiding love of Christ and the gospel that is unparalleled. God saw fit to name him Drew William: Manly, Strong Warrior. I am strongly inclined to think him our evangelist, teacher or preacher, as just today, I overheard him talking to Bethany saying "Jesus is coming back, but not yet""Why?" questioned Beth"Because He died, but he's alive again, but He's not here yet""When?""Don't know... just not yet."
Oh, you have no idea how it warms my heart to hear my child have that surety that not now, but sometime! He doesn't mind when... he just knows He will.
Somedays, it just hits you, the overwhelming, heavy task and burden we have placed upon us to raise these children for God.
Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:15
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him. Genesis 18:19
God is very specific that we should rear children in the faith of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and in the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving, atoning Grace. Parents' failure to raise and teach their children in the fear of the Lord is a sin of ommission for which we will be held accountable at judgement.
At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.' 1 Samuel 3:12-14
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Revelation 2:4
How humbling. How devestating! Not only do we have their earthly lives as our responsibility, but also, to an extent, their eternal lives as well. We are not alone though! We have promises to cling to...
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
It is exceedingly comforting to me that I have the Lord, the Father God to help me raise his children, the next generation of worshipers and warriors. Daily, I can lean on HIm, and have Him guide me. He knows my children more intimately thatn even I, and He knows what penetrates to them, that resounds to them... what will guide them what will nurture them, what will raise them up as disciples.
And He is also the One that quiets my soul, stills my temper, and guides my tongue. He who checks my spirit when I fail, is also the One who forgives me with open arms when I come, broken, dejected, weary and, quite frankly, over it. He is the lifter of my head, all the strength I require on this path He has placed me.
Oh that I will prove worthy! That my children will be pillars of strength in His Church. That they will go forth with the Sword of the Spirit, the sword that is a double edged sword that penetrates to the depths, that it's held high and with pride. I pray the helmet of salvation will be firmly on their head, protecting their minds and ears from the arrows of the Enemy. That the that the belt of truth be tightly fastened around their waist, securing the breastplate of Righteousness in place. That the breastplate is so thick that there is no way the arsenal of Satan can wound or scar their heart or soul, and that the knot on their belt is so tight that the Truth cannot fall away from them. And that on their feet are the sandals of the peace of the Good News in preperation for battle and the journeys they take the non-believing on towards Saving Grace. And, of course, that they have in place the Shield of Faith to go before, to be the first thing that takes the onslaught... that it will be solid and inpenetratable... and that they have the strength to lift it and keep it in front of them.
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17-18
*All emphasis mine
Friday, July 11, 2008
And the moving continues... sort of
We've moved out of the old house, and now we just have to sort out the new one, to fit us all in.
My body ACHES. Today, I am doing absolutely nothing, save going to the shops to pich up a layby and redirect mail and turn off power. Tomorrow, we get stuck in.
On the upside, cleaning gives one a bunch of time to ponder things upon which to study. So many interesting things went through my head, I only wish I had a pen handy to write them down, because I'm sure I've forgotten most of them.
One that stuck in my head though, was about King David. I love him. He is so... normal! I love how he writes about every gammet of emotion. I think we'd get along alright, ol' Dave and me.
I was listening to my Sons of Korah c.d... if you have not heard of them, they sing the psalms. They put them to the most beautiful music, and it is the best way to learn the psalms, and have the Word permiate your home. My eldest, Troy, thinks it is the most awesome thing, to sit down with the Bible and follow along with the words.
Anyway, so I was listening to Psalm 35 and I remembered my pastor saying once that when praying for your enemies, it shouldn't be one like "Oh Lord... Please, make them die a long and painful death, and please let me be there to see it" and then I heard this part of the psalm...
May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.
May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away;
may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.
Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me,
may ruin overtake them by surprise— may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.
May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away;
may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.
Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me,
may ruin overtake them by surprise— may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation.
Psalm 35:4-9 (emphasis mine)
Don't you just love it?
Of course, theologically, there is probably something very righteous about what David is feeling, but I'd like to think it was his poetical way of saying "long and painful, please. And if You could work it that I could watch? Ever so grateful, thanks!"
You know, like the rest of us mere mortals.
(I don't know why my paragraphs aren't coming up. Please excuse the difficult to read mess)
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Are you game?
Live your life in such a way
that when your feet hit the floor in the morning,
Satan shudders and says, "Oh no, she's awake."
~Author unknown~
Still here... just busy
I've posted the next list of 100 things I love about my husband over there on the left under his lovely face.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Are You getting What You're Asking For?
Before a girl's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. And this is how she would go to the king: Anything she wanted was given her to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. In the evening she would go there and in the morning return to another part of the harem to the care of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the concubines. She would not return to the king unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name.
When the turn came for Esther (the girl Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 2:12-17 (emphasis mine)
It crossed my mind today, that Esther was one smart girl.
While other girls asked for (I'm presuming) jewelery, clothes, perfume and all other things that they liked and thought beautiful (and wanted to keep if they were sent to the Harem), Esther sought the council of someone who knew the king and his preferences, and then asked only for those things that would please the king.
And then it struck me... when I'm presenting my never ending lists of things I 'need' (read: want) are they things that I find pleasing, or that I think God wants me to have, or do, or whatever; or things that I know that the Lord finds perfect and beautiful and needful? Am I asking for empty things of no worth, or things that are everlasting and fully satisfying? Things that I can store up in Heaven? Or things that will perish away here on eath at the End? Do my requests please Him, or grieve Him?
How I long to only ask the Lord for the desires I have that I know are placed there by Him! So that when I arrive in Heaven, I am crowned as one who pleased Him, and sought to be thought beautiful by only Him.
When the turn came for Esther (the girl Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 2:12-17 (emphasis mine)
It crossed my mind today, that Esther was one smart girl.
While other girls asked for (I'm presuming) jewelery, clothes, perfume and all other things that they liked and thought beautiful (and wanted to keep if they were sent to the Harem), Esther sought the council of someone who knew the king and his preferences, and then asked only for those things that would please the king.
And then it struck me... when I'm presenting my never ending lists of things I 'need' (read: want) are they things that I find pleasing, or that I think God wants me to have, or do, or whatever; or things that I know that the Lord finds perfect and beautiful and needful? Am I asking for empty things of no worth, or things that are everlasting and fully satisfying? Things that I can store up in Heaven? Or things that will perish away here on eath at the End? Do my requests please Him, or grieve Him?
How I long to only ask the Lord for the desires I have that I know are placed there by Him! So that when I arrive in Heaven, I am crowned as one who pleased Him, and sought to be thought beautiful by only Him.
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