Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Just Starting Out

It was a busy weekend, and already this week I’ve had my plate full. Johanna’s third grade school books arrived today, so I will be teaching her out of a different book tomorrow.

Most especially in the news, Stephen bought his first car! It is a 94 Mazda something-or-other. I don’t know much about it (obviously), but I do know it has power everything and is blue. I also know he paid cash for it, which will be a big help to him to not have payments since he is just starting out. I am hoping that he can begin saving toward a better car, so that “down the road” (get it? Thassa joke!) he can get a better car, paying cash. It’s a principle taught by Dave Ramsey in his Financial Peace seminars, and I think it’s a good one.

I would like all you readers out there to pray for me, as I embark on several writing projects. I have two of them I am working on right now, with another one in the works, but of course, none are too terribly far off the ground. I will keep posting to the blog as time allows, but I may be sporadic at times, since I am also devoting myself to these writing projects, homeschooling, and military ministry.

Please pray that the Lord would give me much wisdom, clarity of thought, and the ability to adequately describe the thoughts and feelings of my characters in such a way as to point the reader to the importance of doing God’s Will.

Thank you!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The Great Excuses Contest!

Well, it’s back to the grindstone for The Princess-turned Queen. My Beloved is back to his normal routine of studying, Bible Study on Post, and work in the evenings, and I am back to being teacher-chef-laundress-manager, etc. To some, it may seem a boring life, but to me, it’s never a dull moment!

Lately I’ve been thinking about a Bible lesson that maybe I will teach sometime, but probably not. In either case, I will share it with you!

We all have excuses for not doing what we know we are supposed to do, and I suppose Christians can be the most creative when it comes to excuses. Why, we could almost have an Excuses Contest, and see who has the best (or worst) excuse!

As a missionary’s wife, I’ve heard things like, “We can’t support you because we already support someone else going to that field,” or, “We can’t support you because you’re not on the field yet.” Here’s my all-time favorite: “We dropped your support because you are ON the field!” How’s that for pulling the rug out from under your feet?

Anyway, excuses can easily become a way of life. “I can’t..” is easier to say than to whole heartedly serve the Lord. “I’m just not….(fill in the blank: strong enough, smart enough, good-looking enough, organized enough, patient enough, etc.)” keeps us from giving of ourselves for God. And sometimes an “I won’t…” can push the Lord away if He wants us to do something for Him. Well, here’s the lesson in a nutshell:

“I CAN’T” didn’t work for Sarah. God can and God DID! She thought she was too old to have childrenv(and she WAS!) but God is able to do mighty things when we are willing to trust Him and step out in faith. And God can do the same for you!

“I’M NOT” didn’t work for Moses. Moses said, “I’m not eloquent, send someone else.” But God is able to make the dumb speak and the blind to see! God used Moses despite his lack (or was it because of his lack?? And God gets the glory!).

But the first prize of the Excuses Contest would have to be Jonah! Fortunately for the millions in Nineveh,

“I WON’T” didn’t work for Jonah. God simply wouldn’t take NO for an answer! Personally, I believe God saw the great need at Nineveh, and loved the people so much, that He made sure the job got done. I don’t think, though, that Jonah really enjoyed his watery ride. For me, I’d rather learn from someone else’s mistakes than go around making my own all over again!

Many of us know exactly what God wants us to do or to be, but we struggle with our own insufficiencies. Rest assured that God always gives the strength and power to do His Will. And if we do the natural, God will do the supernatural.

Let’s step forward, trusting in God’s promises, and rely on Him to help us! Let’s have a No More Excuses Contest!

Friday, January 16, 2009

We're Back!

Yes, folks, I am back, but, I must admit, I am terribly spoiled. My Beloved took such good care of me, opening the door for me all the time, keeping me well supplied with good food, and letting me get lots of rest. I’m having a bit of trouble readjusting from being Princess to being Queen!

We had a GREAT time! On Friday, went to the beach at Corpus Christi, collecting shells and watching the different kinds of wildlife. Then on Saturday, we toured the USS Lexington. The Floating Museum was very well done, and we enjoyed exploring all by ourselves. Sunday found us at church, of course, but we also added a game of bowling! Amazingly enough, we both got the same score: 106!

We are very thankful for our safety, as well as the safety of the children back home. I hear nothing but rave reviews from all quarters as to how well Sharon took care of the house and the little ones. It’s quite a job for me, let alone for a 14-year old! I was afraid that maybe I would find the kids duck-taped to the wall or something, but they were happy, well, fed, and clean when I got home! Hat’s off to Sharon, for a job well done!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Our 25th Wedding Anniversary


Yes, folks, it’s true. Twenty five years ago today, My Beloved and I “tied the knot,” pledging ourselves to each other before the Lord and a bunch of people. For our Silver Anniversary, we have some big plans! Wanna hear what I’m gonna do?
First, since my hubby still has to work this evening, I’m going to take him to work and drop him off. Then, (don’t tell!) I’m planning on taking the car through a car wash, and then writing “STILL MARRIED, 25 YEARS!” all over it. I’m also going to the salon to have my hair done, and I may do some shopping… all without the kids, of course! That gives me time to get a nice card and a gift, and other goodies.
When he gets off work at 9:30, my, will he be surprised! Then the fun begins!
We are heading south (to an undisclosed location), and will be “away” till early next week, so if you don’t hear from me for awhile…you’ll know I’m “pleasantly occupied.”
I’ll be back…eventually!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

A Fence or an Ambulance

‘Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke and full many a peasant.
So the people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not at all tally;
Some said, “Put a fence around the edge of the cliff,”
Some, “An ambulance down in the valley.”

But the cry for the ambulance carried the day,
For it spread through the neighboring city;
A fence may be useful or not, it is true,
But each heart became brimful of pity
For those who slipped over that dangerous cliff;
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave pounds or gave pence, not to put up a fence
But an ambulance down in the valley.

“For the cliff is all right, if you’re careful,” they said,
“And, if folks even slip and are dropping,
It isn’t the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below when they’re stopping.”
So day after day, as these mishaps occurred,
Quick forth would those rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff,
With their ambulance down in the valley.

Then an old sage remarked: “It’s a marvel to me
That people give far more attention
To repairing results than to stopping the cause,
When they’d much better aim at prevention.
Let us stop at its source all this mischief,” cried he,
“Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally;
If the cliff we will fence we might almost dispense
With the ambulance down in the valley.”…

Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling,
“To rescue the fallen is good, but ‘tis best
To prevent other people from falling.”
Better close up the source of temptation and crime
Than deliver from dungeon or galley;
Better put a strong fence round the top of the cliff
Than an ambulance down in the valley.

Joseph Malins