Seven Sevens

Andrea tagged me for the "Seven Sevens" meme, so here goes:

1. Seven things to do before I die:

- See my kids grown and happy and serving God
- Re-connect with my best friend from high school, Fran
- Write a book
- Get down to a healthy weight
- Travel the US with my husband
- Visit Ireland, England, and Scotland
- Grow old with my husband

2. Seven things I cannot do:

- snap my fingers
- wiggle my ears
- knit
- eat peas
- eat liver
- stop singing
- stop reading

3. Seven things that attract me to my husband:

- the smiley look he gets in his eyes when I say or do something funny
- his integrity
- his love for our kids
- the fact that he loves me unconditionally
- that he knows and tells people (like his mother, when she suggested I get a job to help financially) that I work even though I don't have a "job"
- the fact that he tolerates my book and movie addictions
- I'll keep this one to myself. ~grin~

4. Seven things I say most often:

- You just did what?
- Hurry up, we need to leave!
- I love you.
- Hold on a minute.
- I'll be right there.
- You can play on the computer after you finish your schoolwork.
- Story time!

5. Seven books (or series) I love: (only seven?)

- the Bible - especially my New Living Translation
- the Anne of Green Gables series
- the Mitford series by Jan Karon
- the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers
- The Church Ladies by Lisa Samson
- Trinity by Leon Uris
- the Little House series

6. Seven movies I watch over and over again (or would watch over and over if I had the time):

- Sleepless in Seattle
- While You Were Sleeping
- Band of Brothers - this because Kevin watches it over and over again...
- White Christmas
- It's a Wonderful Life
- Dennis the Menace - makes me laugh every time
- Follow Me Boys

7. Seven people I want to join in, too:

Forgive my poor memory, but I can't recall who has done this already. If you have, ignore me.

Randi, Sparrow, Karen, Amy, Laney, Andrea, and Pearl.

Great article for writers...

here.

Hat tip: Amazing Grace-land.

Book Recommendations

Since we're getting toward the end of the year, I thought I'd do a yearly wrap-up of the reading material the kids and I have enjoyed this year. I'd include books my husband has enjoyed, but I know his response would be, "Who can remember back that far?" Here are the books we've loved in 2005:

Read-Aloud Picture Books


Read-Aloud Chapter Books


Fiction


Non-fiction


Christian


I don't post Amazon links in order to get rich - as evidenced by my Amazon Associates account that has so far accumulated a whopping $6.46. But it doesn't hurt, right? Maybe in another ten or twelve months I'll have the minimum amount for a gift certificate - $10! Thank you to any of you who have purchased using my links. It is appreciated.

Two Announcements and a Question...

Spunky has announced the first annual Homeschool Blog Awards! Tons of great categories, so click on over and nominate your favorites.

Tenniel has announced the What Makes a Homeschooler a Homeschooler Symposium, and is asking for related posts. Click over to see the guidelines.

And the question: Kevin has drawn my sister Debra's name for Christmas. (No worries, she doesn't read my blog.) She loves to quilt and to knit, and I was wondering if any of you knitters or quilters know of a great online specialty shop that offers gift certificates. If you can help, please leave a comment or e-mail me with the link on the sidebar.

Thanks!

Thanksgiving memories...

...my Dad reading Psalm 103 aloud while the kids squirmed. Thank God we have kids healthy enough to squirm!

...not measuring anything I ate all day long!

...enough willpower to resist that second piece of pie (and to go back to counting points the next day)!

...a husband who took the two youngest - and crankiest - home for a nap while I watched Denver beat Dallas with my dad.

...the oldest two putting together a jigsaw puzzle with Grandmama.

And the day after...

...decorating for Christmas with our favorite Christmas CD playing.

...going back to Mom and Dad's to spend the day with my little sis.

...watching The Shop Around the Corner and Going My Way.

...Mom and I beating my sister, Marni, and her husband, Hans, at Cranium.

...Marni beating us at UpWords.

..the first good snowfall of the season. The kids played outside for at least an hour and came in soaking wet, but happy.

...heading to the pool in the evening to work off some of those holiday calories.

...Josiah so sleepy he drifts off while watching Christmas cartoons.

...Kevin putting the kids to bed while I catch up on some blogging.

...being so sleepy I drift off while watching Monk with Kevin.

...NOT going shopping.

One more thing...

...to be thankful for: White Christmas - as sung by Bing Crosby.

Gratitude

I'm thankful for a husband who will drive 2 1/2 hours with four kids so that I can go see a movie with my sister while he spends four hours watching the kids and fixing my grandmother's computer. A husband who, even though he prefers to see movies at home on DVD, will send me off to the movies with my parents for that "theatre experience." A husband who goes off to work every morning, no matter how tired, and who is grateful to have a job. I'm thankful for a husband who tells me he loves me every day.

I'm thankful for a daughter who likes to watch "girl" movies with me. A daughter who loves to read and lets her mom help her pick good books. A daughter who loves Jesus with all her heart. A daughter who sings and hums her way through the day. I'm thankful for a daughter who loves me.

I'm thankful for Noah, a son who looks at me with eyes full of love and gives me his special smile. A son who likes to help his baby brother. A son who likes to use his muscles to help Mom unload the groceries and to bring the empty garbage can up from the street. A son who wants to go to Iraq and tell all the "bad guys" that they just need to love Jesus. I'm thankful for a son who loves me.

I'm thankful for Jonathan, a son who is full of energy and life. A son who likes to give me hugs and kisses. A son who wants to do what's right and is sorry when he doesn't. A son who is proud to let everyone know he's a Christian. I'm thankful for a son who loves me.

I'm thankful for Josiah, a son who loves to laugh. A son who still likes to cuddle up beside me at night. A son who will run up to me just to say, "Mommy, I love you." A son who looks forward to things with delight and enjoys every day. I'm thankful for a son who loves me.

I'm thankful for my God, who loves me fiercely. I'm thankful for His grace, which gives me everything I need to live the way He wants me to. I'm thankful that He created joy, and that I can worship Him as I enjoy the people and things He has blessed me with. I'm thankful for a God who is faithful, no matter the circumstance. I'm thankful for a God who loves me.

Does anyone know...

....if LeapPad cartridges will still work after being run through the washing machine? Aaargh...

Thanksgiving

We're taking this week off of school, which means I should have more time to blog, right? Not so. Today we've already been to the dentist to have two baby teeth extracted. Tomorrow we go in for the kids' second flu shot and then hit the grocery store. Am I crazy to think it will be less crowded on Tuesday than the day before Thanksgiving? Wednesday is baking. And somewhere in there, I have to find time to drop off the baby afghan I (finally!) finished and clean the house. And I'm still exhausted from our busy weekend. I need a nap!

Our weekend was a lot of fun. We left around 9 a.m. for my sister's house. It takes 2 1/2 hours to get there, and the kids were great on the way down. We played some car games and listened to "Daddy's music" - which the kids love. This time it was Hall and Oates and the Bee Gees. Kevin dropped me and Josiah off at my sister's and then headed to my Grammy's to de-spyware and de-adware her computer. She thinks he's amazing. My sister's husband Hans watched Josiah and their two guys while Marni and I went to the movie. Walk the Line was an outstanding movie and I'd like to put in my prediction right now: Joaquin Phoenix will win an Oscar. Possibly Reese Witherspoon, too. Josiah was having so much fun playing with his cousin Peter that when we walked in the door after the movie he took one look at me and said, "Aw, Mom, I don't wanna go yet!"

After Kevin came and picked us up we headed to Chuck E. Cheese's for dinner and let the kids play for a couple hours. I chose the soundtrack for the drive home - Billy Joel this time. We didn't get home until almost 9 p.m. We were all ready to crash.

Sunday we went to church, watched the Seahawks game (which they barely won), ate dinner, and then went swimming at the pool.

The kids are all looking forward to Thanksgiving - and so am I. (I am NOT counting Weight Watchers points on Thanksgiving Day.) Friday we will put up our Christmas tree and decorate the house. Kevin has both Thursday and Friday off, so it makes for a nice holiday weekend. Sunday afternoon we have a birthday party for Noah's best friend, Daniel.

I plan to check in later to post a list of things I'm thankful for. I hope all of you have a blessed Thanksgiving! (Except for Ron and Andrea, who are Canadian and already celebrated. To you two I say, "Have a good week!")

(On a side note, I've done some paring down of my blogroll. This is not for any other reason than I don't have enough time in the day to read them all, and some of my interests have changed. The blogroll now reflects the ones I check daily. I may have another list for the ones I pop into on a less regular basis, but I don't have time to do it right now.)

What's wrong with people?

Why would a theater only show Pride and Prejudice for one week? Most big theaters would hold it for at least two or three weeks, but not the theater in C'oeur d'Alene, Idaho. Nope, one week is enough. Which makes me really mad.

I'm going down to Rathdrum, a town near Coeur d'Alene, to visit my sister Marni tomorrow. She has free tickets for a particular theater, and we have been planning to see Pride and Prejudice for a couple months now. Then she calls me on Wednesday and tells me that they took it off after the first week. I guess not many people in that area wanted to see it. I'm not going to make any Idaho jokes, though. Honest. So we decide to see Dreamer instead.

Then I talk to her this morning. Dreamer is no longer playing. We're going to see Walk the Line. Which I'm sure is a really good movie. I've even read great reviews for it over at Mind and Media and Christianity Today. But it still feels like a third choice.

Oh, well, we'll have fun anyway. Kevin and the kids are driving down, too. They'll drop me off at Marni's and then head over to my grandma's so Kevin can fix her computer, which has been giving her problems. Then they'll head back to Marni's so Kevin can visit with her husband, Hans, and the kids can play with their cousins. After I get back from the movies we're going to take the kids to dinner. Probably at Chuck E. Cheese's. Can't forget my earplugs.

Sunday is church and the Seahawks game. Those are my plans for the weekend. How about you?

Book stuff

For those of you interested in such things, I've updated everyone's reading lists on the sidebar. Finally.

Harry Potter

Christianity Today has another great article about the Harry Potter series.

Wrapping Things Up

I taught my last Bible study yesterday. We have a week off for Thanksgiving, and when we come back we start our new topic with a new teacher. I am glad that the responsibility is over, just in time to help plan the program and lead the music for our ladies' Christmas Tea December 4th.

I know I've already gone on and on about how wonderful Randy Alcorn's book Heaven is. I'm not going to bore you by re-hashing it, but I thought I'd share what I've taken away from this study.

First of all, we can never stop examining what we believe in the light of Scripture. I am continually amazed as I read the Word how wrongly I was taught on some subjects. I'm sure part of this is due to the fact that I was raised in two very strong - and completely opposite - denominations. I know that many of the things I was taught were based on denominational tenets, and not necessarily what the Bible teaches. I'm also surprised as I read certain verses that I've heard quoted over and over again to find that they are often taken out of context. We must make sure that we are in the Word. That is the only way we will be sure our beliefs are biblical and not denominational. (I'm not saying there's anything wrong with denominations, only that we need to believe what the Bible says, not what people say the Bible says.)

I realize now that this life is not my real life. It feels real, in the sense that I can touch, taste, smell, hear, and see it. But I was created for a different life. Mr. Alcorn says that rather than calling the part after death the "afterlife," Christians should call this life the "before-life." I've always been taught that the Bible doesn't say much about heaven, so we'll have to wait until we get there to know what it's going to be like. But that is wrong! The Bible gives us many scriptures that point to what Heaven will be like, and we've either super-spiritualized them and deprived them of their tangible meanings, or we've decided that all of those scriptures must be figurative. The book is worth it's price for Appendix A: Christoplatonism's False Assumptions alone. Mr. Alcorn shows how Plato's belief that anything to do with our bodies or the earth were inherently sinful, and to truly be holy we must aspire to a purely spiritual state, crept into the church and robbed much of the Bible's teachings about Heaven of their true meaning. "A New Earth couldn't really mean a new earth because the earth is evil and corrupt." We forget that God created this Earth and called it good. It was later that sin occurred and brought death. But is Satan so powerful that he could completely nullify God's creation? All through time God has been slowly but surely bringing His plan back to His original design. Redemption, not only of those who believe in Jesus, but of the earth itself, His beautiful creation.

At this point many of you are probably thinking what I'm stating is not biblical. But it is. This book is not Mr. Alcorn's opinions about Heaven, it's an in-depth, inductive Bible study of what the Bible says about Heaven. If you don't believe me, I challenge you to get this book and read it.

I'll stop now before this turns into a novel-length post. The last thing that I want to share is how in Heaven God will redeem the things we missed out on here in this life. I don't need to fret the lack of time to visit with my sisters because they live so far away. In Heaven, there will be no end to time. I don't need to be disappointed that I've yet to visit Ireland, England, and Scotland. On the New Earth I'll be able to do that. God will redeem all of the parts of culture that glorify Him, so I will be seeing the best of Ireland - the parts that glorify and honor God, without any of the evil or sin. Again, many of you probably think I'm crazy to talk this way. It's in the Bible! (If any of you are interested, I have all of my lessons, with scriptures and excerpts from the book, saved on my computer in Word documents. E-mail me with the link on my sidebar and I'll be happy to send them to you.)

One of the things I'm looking forward to in Heaven is meeting all of my online sisters and brothers in Christ. Most of you I will probably never meet face to face on this earth. But on the New Earth, there will be no limit to time and resources. I can sit down with Laney and swap stories of our wild but dear boys. I can laugh over coffee with Andrea, talking about our favorite books. I can discuss theology with Ron - and better yet, introduce him to my husband, the fellow computer nerd who loves to discuss doctrine. I can talk to Randi and hear about God's faithfulness in her life. The list of possibilities goes on and on. I'll meet my favorite authors and be able to tell them how God used their books to convict, encourage, and sustain me. I'll see my grandfathers again and get to hear what they think of my children. And best of all, I'll get to walk and talk with Jesus. To see the place He's prepared for me and hear my new name. I'll worship God without the barrier of sin. And I'll live a life of joy and blessing. The fight between the flesh and the spirit will be over. I'll no longer be able to sin, no longer feel drawn toward wickedness and iniquity. I imagine that first breath in Heaven will end with a long "Ahhhhh" of relief. Home at last.

Week in Review

Can you believe it's less than two weeks until Thanksgiving? I'm finding it very hard to get in the mood. I'm not sure if it's just because it's crept up on me so quickly, or if it has to do with the situation at church that seems to be an ever-present cloud. The kids and I need to make some paper pilgrims and turkeys and read our Thanksgiving books - that should jump-start my holiday spirit.

Monday was my 33rd birthday and I spent it schooling the kids and then soaking in the hot tub all evening. Kevin came home from work looking like death warmed over and mumbled, "I don't feel good." His turn. Poor guy.

Tuesday I taught Bible study. We have one week to go, and then a break for Thanksgiving. When we come back, we start our new study and I will be done teaching. I'm happy-sad. I've loved teaching the ladies, and the study of this book has been life-changing, but I'll be glad to get the four to five hours a week back that I've spent preparing.

Wednesday night I took Natalie and Noah to "kids club" at church while I had worship practice. Practice went fine, but I saw more "symptoms" of the turmoil at church. Less and less people are willing to step up into places of ministry, and I realized that I don't know any of the people teaching kids club. I don't know how long they 've been coming to our church -- not long, I imagine, since we rarely miss a Sunday and I don't recognize them -- and I don't know anything about their faith or whether or not they're rooted in the Word. Then when we came home, Natalie informed me that her teacher took out her tongue ring to show the class the hole in her tongue. I don't want to be judgmental, and I'm not going to make any determinations about a person's faith based on their taste in jewelry, but is there anyone out there besides me that thinks this is a little inappropriate for a class of 3rd through 5th graders? I don't think our kids will be attending anymore.

Thursday morning we had our homeschool class. The older kids (grades 6 through 10) were going to a field to experiment with their rockets, so some of the other moms and I stayed with the younger grades and played Thanksgiving bingo and made Thanksgiving cards. I really enjoy the class every week. The teacher loves science and seems to be able to pass his enthusiasm on to the kids. Unfortunately, our state government has made some changes in the program that will take effect next year, so we won't be participating after finishing out this year. More on that when I have time. (I hear the "I told you so"s coming ! ~grin~ )

Friday we "did school" and cleaned the house. The kids and I watched Herbie: Fully Loaded. Good family movie. It was Natalie's turn to have a sleepover at Grandmama and Papa's house, and they took her to see Dreamer. Then on Saturday she went to Grandmama's oil painting class with her and came home with a pretty good painting of fall trees.

Saturday I folded laundry, made a birthday cake, and shopped for Josiah's birthday. He turns four on Monday, but we had a party planned for tonight.

This morning I led worship at church, which has become a bittersweet experience. We're leaning toward a decision about how to handle the situation. I'll write more on it later - I'm not sure if anyone from church reads my blog and want to handle things properly and in person.

This afternoon the kids had "rest time" while I wrapped presents and frosted a cake and watched the Seahawks beat the Rams. The Seahawks actually have a record of 7-2 this season - it's all very exciting for this "Washington-born-and-raised" girl.

After dinner my mom and dad and my sister Marni and her husband Hans and their two little boys Peter and Andrew came over to celebrate Josiah's birthday - and mine, belatedly. My parents got me the book Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul and Kevin got me Everybody Loves Raymond: The Complete First Season on DVD. I love that show and have been wanting it for a while, so he did good. The kids are watching Josiah's new VeggieTales DVD and getting settled down for bed. 'Siah had a good birthday. Hard to believe my baby is four.

It was a good week, all in all. My ankle is feeling better and I'm anxious to start swimming again. My weight loss this week was only .4 pounds, and I know it's because I spent last weekend sitting on my butt with my ankle up, and then haven't been exercising. Oh, well, at least I didn't gain.

Off to watch some of my birthday present. Good night.

Review of "Brokenness: How God Redeems Pain and Suffering"

(Brokenness: How God Redeems Pain and Suffering was provided to me free of charge by Mind and Media, who received it from the publisher for the purpose of being reviewed.)



When I received Brokenness in the mail and read the subtitle, "How God Redeems Pain and Suffering", I was disappointed. It's not that I don't believe God redeems pain and suffering; it's that people often follow that idea with "After all, He didn't cause it. He only allows us to suffer." Because I believe God is sovereign in all things, I take issue with this statement. If God is sovereign and omnipotent, what's the difference between allowing and causing? It's not like God's saying, "Well, I really didn't want her to go through this, but I guess I'll let it slip by." That's a ridiculous thought, but it's the logical conclusion of making the statement that God only "allows" suffering into our lives.

Then I opened the book and began reading. In chapter one, I found this:

"Many preachers and theologians argue that God doesn't actively participate in sending negative things to His followers. They refer to the verse in the Bible that says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights" (James 1:17). Rather, they say, all the evil events that touch our lives come from the devil. The most God ever might do, they argue, is to allow the devil to do these evil things.

This theological outlook was popularized a few years ago in the book Why Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Harold Kushner. In this book, Rabbi Kushner says that God is essentially an uninvolved bystander when it comes to the negative and tragic circumstances that strike people's lives. God doesn't design these circumstances, nor does God approve of them. God's role is merely to help and succor us when these bad things come into our lives.

In my opinion, this entire theological understanding of how Almighty God relates to our tragedies, sorrows, and setbacks is biblically bogus."

And further on:

"To sum up, the Bible knows nothing of a God who is uninvolved or only marginally involved in sending negative circusmtances into people's lives. As far as the Bible is concerned, God makes the final decision about every situation that enters people's lives. God may choose to use intermediate instruments to accomplish those circumstances: other people, weather, even satanic forces. But it is God who personally designs, authorizes and sets limits on every one of the negative circumstances that strikes people's lives. This is the worldview of the Bible.

Therefore, I disagree with Rabbi Kushner's answer to the question of why bad things happen to good people. I believe that the bad things that happen to anybody happen because Almighty God decides to send those things into people's lives for His own divine purposes....

Now, you may have a bigger problem with the idea of a God who personally afflicted a child with a disability and sent him into his parents' lives than with the idea that God simply allowed this to happen. May I suggest that there really is no difference between the two concepts? If God is truly the sovereign God of the universe as He claims, then what He allows is synonymous with what He sends.

To put it another way, if God decides not to allow some tragedy, it simply doesn't happen. Therefore, if God does decide to allow some tragedy, then by allowing it, God sends it. For all practical purposes, God allowing something and God sending something are identical."

After clearing up any misconception about the source of suffering, Pastor Solomon begins the real work of the book: showing that brokenness is the only path to spiritual usefulness. Using numerous biblical figures, as well as Wesley, Moody, and other modern spiritual giants, the author demonstrates how God must break us in order to use us. He likens our "self" to the hard shell of a seed. Just as the shell of a seed must be broken in order for the plan to sprout, our self must be broken in order for the power of the Holy Spirit to flow through us to others. He points out that this is the true key to revival.

Pastor Solomon is not just putting forward ideas without any personal experience. He and his wife have spent the last twelve years caring for their severely disabled daughter, Jill. They will spend the rest of their lives doing so, unless God chooses to miraculously heal her. They have placed their hopes for Jill's life and their own future on the altar of sacrifice. Through this process of being broken, God has transformed Pastor Solomon into a man He can use. A humble, broken man who desires God over and above everything. And because of that, God has blessed his ministry and his church. Pastor Solomon is quick to point out that he had nothing to do with it. Growth in his church didn't begin to happen until he was broken.

This book has been a huge challenge in my life. I keep coming back to the central question, "Am I willing to let God break me in order for Him to use me?" This is not an easy question to answer; it is a terrifying question. I want to desire God more than my comfort, my health, anything else. But I'm not quite there yet.

I recommend this book without reservation. If you are going through a time of suffering, this book will help answer the questions you have. If not, this book will help prepare you for the time of brokenness that may come.

"I've often wondered what decision I'd make if God were to take me back in time to before Jill was born, and offer me a choice: perfect health for my daugher or brokenness for me. In light of what the Lord has done in my life, in my family, and in my ministry through Jill's illness, I honestly know the right choice would be to say: Lord, You make no msitakes. Let it happen just like You chose the first time. The products were worth the process.

My flesh being what it is, however, I'm afraid that if the Lord were to give me the chance, I would make the wrong choice. I'd choose Jill's perfect health, even though it would mean that my service to the Lord would be a mere shadow of what it has become. Perhaps this is why the Lord will never offer me - or you - such a choice....

It would be easy to say, "Lon, this is wonderful, but is it fair that Jill has to live a life of suffering so that you can be a gerater servant and the work of God can move forward?"

Believe me, I have asked that question more times than can be numbered. And here are my answers. Jill doesn't know she's disabled. She's content, happy, and knows that Brenda and I love her deeply. She understands that her brothers, her caregviers, and hundreds of people who know her at our church love her too. Jill's every need is met and she wants for nothing. Were Jill able to speak, she would tell us that she doesn't feel the unfairness about her life that we judge to be there.

More importantly, I believe what the Bible tells us, that God doesn't settle all accounts here on earth. Some are settled on the other side, in heaven. I believe Jill's illness is not an accident or a random act of fate but God's perfect plan for her life and mine. And I believe God has a great reward awaiting Jill in heaven because she was willing to live the life He chose for her so His purposes could be realized on earth. In haeven, not only will Jill be healed and whole for all eternity, but she will enjoy heavenly rewards that I can only imagine. God is going to exalt Jill, and those of us who served her on earth are going to be really glad we did when we get to heaven."

(Related post.)

Being Broken

I was praying for my neighbor this afternoon and it got me thinking. How many times do we pray against what God is doing in someone's life? Or our own life? I know that my prayers often center around being comfortable. If I'm not feeling well, I pray for health. If someone is having trouble at work, I pray God will fix it. If someone is having trouble with their marriage, I pray for a quick reconciliation. And yet the very circumstances I'm praying for someone to get out of may be the circumstances God has orchestrated to bring them closer to Him or to teach them a truth.

My neighbor has had a run of what she calls "bad luck." Both of the headlights and one of the taillights on her car went out. Her stove quit working the day her husband left on a hunting trip and she had no way to fix it. She came down with an ear infection. And then yesterday she got ticketed for throwing her cigarette butt out the car window. In our state, the fine for that is $1025. (Which I'm glad of, though I didn't tell her that! We have enough forest fires as it is - we don't need more caused be people who think it's okay to throw their butts on the street.)

So this afternoon while I was putting on my makeup to go to worship practice tonight, I began to pray for my neighbor. Automatically, I started asking God to "fix" her problems and prevent any more from happening. And then the thought hit me: maybe these "problems" are what God will use to bring Kerri to Him. And so I changed my prayer. Don't get me wrong, I don't want horrible things to happen to my neighbor. But I do want her to know Jesus. Are there any circumstances more horrible than living your life without knowing God? More horrible than an eternity in hell? No, and especially not a broken stove, ear infection, and littering ticket. So I prayed for God's will, and for Him to do whatever it takes to bring Kerri to Him.

Then I thought, how many times have I prayed directly against what God was doing in my life? I don't think that if I pray in opposition to God's will, I'll change His mind. But I bet there have been times it's taken me longer to learn what He's teaching me than it would have if my prayer had been, "God, I don't like how I'm feeling. I don't understand what I'm going through right now. But I want to learn what You're teaching me. Show me what You want me to see. Open my eyes to what I need to know about You and about myself in this situation. I want to get out of this place, but even more than that, I want to be surrendered to You and Your Spirit."

Maybe the reason I'm thinking this way comes from the book I'm reading, Brokenness by Lon Solomon. It's a scary book. He states that God can only use those who are broken before Him. And he then challenges us to pray for God to do whatever He has to do to make us usable and teachable. That is terrifying to me. There are so many situations I've never had to deal with that I fear would destroy me. The death of a child. Devastating life-altering illness. Becoming handicapped - or worse, my child becoming handicapped. And yet it seems like the people who experience these things are the people who have an intimacy with God that I envy.

Pastor Solomon and his wife take care of their severely disabled daughter. They have had to put all of their dreams for her life and for their future on the altar. Their future involves feeding her, changing her diapers, and 24-hour care for the rest of her life. No retirement plans. No empty-nest years with the two of them traveling together.

And yet he's not bitter. God has used Pastor Solomon in many ways, the least of which is writing this book. And it's got me thinking: am I willing to let God break me so that He can use me?

Honestly, no. And that both relieves me and saddens me.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Pepsi from vending machine: $1.25

Monthly family pool membership: $60.00

Used copy of Anne Tyler's Breathing Lessons, purchased at library sale: a quarter

An hour by myself in the hot tub, sipping Pepsi and reading, while my daughter frolicked in the pool and my husband kept the boys at home: Priceless

I need what?!

Found this idea over at Atypical Life - and various other places, and I'm just getting around to doing it. Here's what Google thinks I need:

Carrie needs more than deep-breathing exercises...
All Carrie needs is a decent haircut...
Carrie needs everything...
What Carrie needs after a night like this is a nice, hot bath.
Carrie needs to use her emotions as an asset.
Carrie needs to get a quicky divorce and a have a big white wedding or a long engagement. (NOT!)
Carrie needs to develop her own style.
Carrie needs assistance after her computer crashes...
Carrie needs someone to show her the opportunities available to enhance her life...
Carrie needs to get to the hospital...

I believe most of these hits were referring to either Carrie Underwood from American Idol or the character from Sex and the City. Apparently they both need a lot of -- something.

Here's what I don't need:

Carrie doesn't need that anymore...
Carrie doesn't need this right now...
Carrie doesn't need to worry...
Carrie doesn't need to reach for the .45 under her jacket. (Thank goodness!)
Carrie doesn't need her decision to be twisted by someone whose opinion is to the extreme side of the argument...
Carrie doesn't need anymore surprises.
Carrie doesn't need to worry because she won't tell Austin...
Carrie doesn't need guns or homemade bombs. (Phew!)
Carrie doesn't need to win...
Carrie doesn't need it! (Whatever it is.)

I'm so relieved about the gun and bombs! I can really use the storage space in my garage back.

Review of "Bless the Lord"

(Bless the Lord was provided to me free of charge by Mind and Media, who received it from the publisher for the purpose of being reviewed.)


Bless the Lord: The 103rd Psalm is a beautiful book. If I had a coffee table, I would gladly display it there. Miss Bluedorn is a gifted artist - and, I must add, self-taught and a homeschooler. Her illustrations portray a simpler time with beauty and grace.

The text of the book is Psalm 103 of the King James Version. It is a joyful Psalm of gratitude. The fact that the text is from the King James Version is the only drawback to this children's book. I know that many people believe that the KJV is the only "official", accurate translation, but I'm not one of them. When I read the Bible with my kids, we use the New International Reader's Version or the New Living Translation, both easily understood by all of my children. I found that I had to stop after most pages of this book and explain what the words meant. Not a bad thing, necessarily, but it interrupted the flow of reading aloud.

In spite of this, I highly recommend this book. My children loved the illustrations, and so did I. Miss Bluedorn is a very gifted young lady.

To End All Wars

Kevin and I watched this movie last night. I think we’ve probably seen all of the modern World War II movies. Aside from HBO’s Band of Brothers (based on Stephen Ambrose’s book - which was also excellent), this is the best I’ve seen. Many of you are probably thinking, “What about Saving Private Ryan?” right about now, but I HATED that movie – and not because of the violence.

This movie was definitely violent and had some fairly graphic scenes, so if you’re squeamish about such things, you’ll want to avoid this one. But if you want to see a movie that artfully depicts how individual people, subjected to the same horrifying circumstances, respond completely differently, this is your best choice. Some respond by becoming bitter and hate-filled. Others respond by demonstrating the best of humanity. Why? What makes the difference? Or, rather, Who?

The movie stars Keifer Sutherland and Scot actor Robert Carlyle, and they both give riveting performances. It’s set in a Japanese POW camp, where Allied soldiers were forced to build a railroad into Thailand. The best part is that it’s a true story, based on a book written by Ernest Gordon, one of the Allied POWs who lived it. I don’t know why this movie wasn’t promoted, but it is one you won’t want to miss.

Oh, For Pete's Sake!

Just call me Carrie the Klutz. Yep, I sprained my ankle - again. Not as bad as the last time, but I'm hobbling around in my splint again.

The day started out pretty great. I woke up feeling better, and when I got out of the shower I found Noah reading aloud to Josiah on the couch. One of those "ahhh" moments. It's only been the past two weeks that Noah has started reading on his own, away from "school" time.

Went grocery shopping in the morning, and then spent the rest of the day doing a little housework and resting up - especially my voice. Our city has an annual memorial service for anyone who wants to remember people they've lost, and for the last three years the local funeral director has asked me to sing. So last night, I got dressed up and headed to the service, where I sang Amazing Grace and Homesick. The service went well, and my voice held up in spite of the sinus thing-y I've been fighting.

After the service, I headed to my parents' house to pick something up and see them for a few minutes before they leave today for the weekend to celebrate their 38th anniversary. On the way back out to my van, I missed the sidewalk, stepping half on it and half off into the soft mud (it was pouring). My left ankle, the one I injured four weeks ago, gave way and I ended up on my side in the mud and wet. In my defense, the sidewalk was covered with wet leaves, and it was dark. But I do have a tendency toward clumsiness, and add to that the fact that my ankle is weak and I was wearing dress shoes - well, there you have it.

So, I'm popping ibuprofen like candy and wearing my ACE bandage and splint again today. I also pulled something in my shoulder, probably when I used my arms to break my fall. I guess it's a good thing our most ambitious plan for the weekend is to go to church and then watch the Seahawks game.

The kids are great when I'm not doing well. Of course, my resistance is down and I'm much more willing to give them extra computer time. Natalie is a natural born nurturer and she's taking good care of me and her brothers. One positive is that I'll have lots of time to finish that baby afghan this weekend!

I didn't handle it real well last night, though. I pretty much threw myself a pity party. I was just so MAD! I was crying to Kevin and he wanted to know if it was excruciating. I told him that yes, it hurt, but that wasn't why I was crying! He shook his head and I could see the thought behind his eyes, "Must be woman thing."

Oh, well, I'm better this morning. Bruised and sore and limping, but at least able to laugh about it. And Kevin has made me promise that for the next few months' occasions that require dressing up, I'll change into my sturdy tennis shoes or boots before heading outside.

Homeschool Blog Article

Andrea at Atypical Life has an article published in this month's Home Education Magazine. You can read the article here. Check it out - she very aptly expresses how wonderful the homeschool blogging community is.

Highs and Lows...

I'm feeling pretty putrid right now, which accounts for part of the "lows" in this post's title. The other "low" is that nothing has changed at church, and we aren't any closer to deciding what we need to do about it. I'm tired of thinking about it, and being sick doesn't help.

I received an early birthday present yesterday. (My birthday is the 7th.) A couple months ago I applied at Club Mom to be what they call a "Go-To Mom". Basically, they were choosing moms from various categories to write two articles a month for publication on the web site. I went through a lengthy application process, which involved writing two articles in a category I knew something about. I chose homeschooling - surprise, surprise. Around 2000 moms applied, and the top 3 percent were chosen - including me! I was chosen to write two articles a month in the homeschooling category. It's a paid writing job - which is something I've dreamed about for a long time. Don't get me wrong, I won't be getting rich, but I do think we'll be able to get "channels" again. (That's what my kids call cable TV.) I don't know when my first articles will be posted, but I'll be sure to share a link for anyone who's interested. I want to say a huge thank you to Andrea, Randi, Laney, Miz Booshay, Staci, and Sherry for inspiring me to start blogging. Your humor, honesty, intelligence, and "real-ness" are what pushed me to start writing again.

The other good news is a Weight Watchers update: during week three I lost 4.2 pounds and during week four I lost 3 more. I am now down 22 pounds from my top weight. I have a long way to go, but I'm beginning to see that I can actually do this!

On a completely different topic, Christianity Today has posted a great interview with Douglas Gresham, the stepson of C.S. Lewis. Part one is about his stepfather and Jack's Life, the book he recently published about Mr. Lewis, and Part Two is about the upcoming Narnia movie.