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Mommy Carries A Bomb, Not A Baby

I don't know whether to be enraged at this or weep.

(Via E.O.)

March 31, 2007  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Scandal

"God’s grace is scandalous to anyone who insists He pay attention to the petty efforts we make to earn His favor."

Al Truesdale, A Dangerous Hope

(Via Camille)

March 31, 2007  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Mothering By Grace

I'd like to invite you to visit Mothering By Grace, a new message board to encourage Christian mothers. While it is still brand new, it has already been a good source of mommy-inspiration for me.

A Vision For Mothering By Grace

This is a Christian, attachment parenting message board. Our distinctives include an emphasis on positive discipline, encouraging involvement in local communities and understanding freedom in Christ as a basis for making individual, educated parenting decisions. Our goal is to be both theologically sound and intellectually stimulating.

March 30, 2007  |  Comments (8)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

A Tale of Two Bicycles

Over a year ago, I decided I wanted a bike. I haven't had one in years. I was concerned it might be a passing fancy, that the idea of riding a bike would be more appealing than the reality. So, I waited. When Christmas rolled around this past year, I realized that I really DID want a bike. I had a Schwinn when I was a kid, and so I asked Hubby for a nod to retro design Schwinn from the local store.

While he gave it to me for Christmas, we didn't actually go buy it until mid-February. I rode it and loved it. It was blue. I felt a bit like Audrey Hepburn.

The second time I rode it, as I went up a slight incline I decided to switch gears. And the chain and whole gear mechanism popped off and went flying into the road. It was my birthday. I felt like a kid, wanting to cry.

I returned the bike to the store. They had no more like it, but were readily agreeable that it was a defective bicycle, and so issued me a full refund.

At that point, I was despondent. I told Hubby, "I'm just going to advertise on CraigsList that I want an old bike that has been ridden recently and works."

When I went to post a Wanted:Bike ad, I saw that an ad had just been posted for two bicycles just a few hours before. I called. An older couple have been vacationing in Florida for the past month. They had two older Schwinns and have ridden them all month. I called, and they were willing for me to come take a look.

The bikes were just what I wanted--and not just a bike for me, but Hubby as well. Road bicycles, good condition, older, slightly rusted but working. And the styling? Pure vintage. A Suburban and Collegiate. Blue and Yellow. A comfy seat, new brakes.

I felt like it was a special gift from the Lord. Just what I wanted, only better.

March 29, 2007  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

When I Grow Up, Part I

We have a set of books from the Life Nature Library. They belonged to Hubby's grandfather and were published in 1962. This morning as R8 was reading one, he told me, "I think when I grow up, I'd like to study cowboys--you know, a Cowboy Historian. Or, study cactus, so they don't die as much. Or the stars"

March 24, 2007  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

On Adoption

Congratulations to Jodi and family, on their child-to-be!

Also, Rebecca has some interesting thoughts to share on adoption, and ChewyMom points out the Gospel in unexpected places.

March 23, 2007  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

For Laura and Sam

This past weekend we were witness to Laura's and Sam's covenant vows of marriage. Laura was a dear friend and teammate in Ukraine. I cried nearly every time she smiled. And it was wonderful to see Little Miss and Lina--two other recently wed teammates, who lived too far away for us to attend their weddings.

Oh, look at where we are
God has brought us both so far
We've been delivered by his hand
And brought to the place where we now stand

Love is patient and love is kind
Love comes through every time
Always protects hopes and trusts
Keeps on believing and it never gives up

In my life I have seen so many things
But nothing has touched me so deep inside
As when I see Jesus in your eyes

In my heart I'm very sure
In His love ours will endure
Loving Him by loving you
In serving Jesus, I will serve you too

For His glory we will live
He has given us love to give
I am with you heart and soul
Where ever He leads together we will go

In my life I have see so many things
But nothing has touched me so deep inside
As when I see Jesus in your eyes

--Julie Miller

March 21, 2007  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

No Measure

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;
He sendeth more grace when the labours increase;
To added afflictions he addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials, his multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done;
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

-by Annie Johnson Flint

Thank you, Kathy, for sharing this.W

March 18, 2007  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Discipline Conversation

I've transferred the comments from this post into its own post, in the spirit of encouraging the discussion on Reformed theology and positive, gentle discipline of children in the Christian home.

I'm planning on weighing in later, however we have a wedding this weekend and so my comments will be delayed. Briefly, though, I've found graceful, positive discipline to reflect the Gospel and God's grace towards me and my children.

Until I can join this conversation more fully, I recommend reading these previous, related posts:
Islam and the Rod
Charles Hodge and Parenting
Parenting and the Westminster Divines
To The Least of These
Prayer and Parenting
Adoption and Condemnation
Restoring Gently and Carrying Burdens

Continue reading "Discipline Conversation"

March 16, 2007  |  Comments (41)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Uncle Jonathan's Iced Coffee

I'm writing down the recipe I was given verbally last night, so I don't forget. This is by far the best iced coffee I've ever had. (High caffeine, sugar and fat content, no wonder it tastes yummy!)

Uncle Jonathan's Iced Coffee

12 c. spring water
1 c. fresh ground coffee

Brew coffee. Pour hot coffee into a large pot. Add and stir well:

1 qt. half/half
1 qt. whole milk
1 c. sugar

After blended well, put into clean mason jars. As it cools, the coffee will form a bit of a seal. Store in the fridge. It will keep for about a week, but I guarantee you it won't last that long!

This was served to us, along with the best Italian dinner we've ever had when we were guests at Hubby's sister's home last night. "Uncle Jonathan" is her husband--my bil, not uncle!

March 10, 2007  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Babywearing Memories

Me with C6 in a Maya Pouch. (Summer '01 -- I think he was about 6 m/o.)

I came across this picture tonight, and it brought back so many memories. That black T-shirt and my pouch were my "uniform" that summer. Everyday, I wore those. The pouch hung like a sash when the baby wasn't in it. I popped him in and out of it throughout the day. We were living in a "missionary village" in Florida--and everyone kept asking if we were headed to Africa because of the sling!

I gave that pouch away to one of the most alterna-minded Ukrainian mamas I know. (And I sort of regret it. . .) I'd probably have used it for a couple more years for extra snuggle times with the boys.

Now mamas have a lot more resources for babywearing:
Mothering By Grace
The Baby Wearer
Nine in, Nine Out
Wear Your Baby
DIY Slings

March 08, 2007  |  Comments (15)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Deeply Conscious

"This faithfulness of God is of the utmost practical significance to the people of God. It is the ground of their confidence, the foundation of their hope, and the cause of their rejoicing. It saves them from the despair to which their own unfaithfulness might easily lead, gives them courage to carry on in spite of their failures, and fills their hearts with joyful anticipations, even when they are deeply conscious of the fact they have forfeited all the blessings of God."

--Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology

March 07, 2007  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Just Another Stop on the Road

My sis, her music man, and her two winsome children are visiting us this week. We've listened to music, drunk wine, looked at photos, and watched the kids play. We'll be celebrating a birthday tomorrow, and then they'll be on their way.

March 05, 2007  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Drugs and the Brain

To make this trivial world sublime
Take half a gramme of phanerothyme

--Aldous Huxley

To fathom hell or soar angelic
Just take a pinch of psychedelic

--Humphry Osmond

Drugs and Behaviour, lectures by David Presti

March 04, 2007  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink