Okay...a few more for your viewing pleasure

Notice Sam's closing remarks on each video...he really likes to watch himself after each performance. And notice how Maryn is a copycat. It cracks me up to watch these two together. They're so cute, silly, and precious.

A Kung Fu Hustle?

"Our God is so Big!"

"Deep and Wide" (like you couldn't tell...)

Sam's Language?

Sorry, I don't feel like blogging right now. Got too much on my mind. Here's a video to lighten your spirits. Not sure what is going on here with Sam. This was totally off-the-cuff, and I don't know if the kid is speakin' in tongues or gonna be a linguist. Only time will tell. :)

Sam just informed me that he is speaking Chinese.

Like father, like son...

Sam. Air guitar. Silly Faces.

Yes, just like Dave.

The only difference is that Sam's air guitar is more like a violin. But he knows how to rock out.

A Witness

The Father is stirring in His children. He's moving us to the next level. He is doing a healing work in us and moving us out to share that healing work with a hurting world. He's called (and is calling) us to be His witnesses in the earth. Our local body here has been teaching on this subject for a few weeks now, and in my spirit, I sense that Jesus "is on the move" (only Lewis nerds will get that reference).

As a follower of Jesus for most of my young life, I have given witness of Him more than once. Sadly, many of those moments of witness were reduced to a formula, a prayer, and a rote confession. I see those I shared it with, and sadly, no evidence of fruit remains. Why is this?

In the Christianity I've grown up in, I've seen the Body separate themselves from their culture in such a way that when they try to encounter it with the Good News, they fail miserably. I feel we've become arrogant. We've really believed we're better than the rest of the world because we have been redeemed (thereby missing the fact that we were redeemed because we NEEDED to be). We rush out our door condemning people for their sins, organizing rallies against them for their sin and never holding out the Word of Life.

Somethin' has gotta give.

Being Jesus to people means denying ourselves. It means becoming like people "to win some". We can't reach people when we elevate ourselves above them. We've got to embrace our culture--not wage a war against it. I'm NOT saying that we need to embrace the sins of our culture. Culture is " the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another" (dictionary.com). Some of these ways obviously involve sin, but if it means that you decide to live on the street with homeless people to reach homeless people (like Mike Yankoski), then by all means, embrace that part of our culture.

For far too long, the church has viewed themselves as the "city on a hill" that is cloistered and secluded on a hill--not the city on a hill THAT CAN'T BE HIDDEN. We have to stop hiding and setting ourselves apart unto ourselves. We are to be set apart unto God, living FOR Him--being His hands and feet IN THE WORLD.

Being a witness means being a martyr. It's actually the same word in the Greek. Now, I know you're thinking, "A martyr? Really?" Well, the chances of you being a martyr for Jesus in America is not too realistic at present, but how about being a metaphorical martyr? How about DYING TO YOURSELF? How about forsaking your lifestyle, your money, your traditions in order to reach those who live on the fringe? The untouchables of our society are desperate for LIFE. And instead of preaching condemnation, how about we preach eternal life? How about preaching grace? Love? Hope? Most people in this country have had more than enough of condemnation. Most of them know about hell. Let's stop selling tickets out of hell and start holding out the Word of LIFE.

I do believe in hell. I do believe in sin. I believe salvation from sin is through faith in Christ alone. I just don't think the way we've beat people over the head with it has been effective. I think we must LOVE them and SEE them as our Father does. Jesus' attitude towards the downtrodden was much different than it was to the self-righteous. He wasn't preaching hellfire and brimstone to the weak and weary, it was to those who thought they didn't need Him. They were comfortable with their rules and false trust in their own morality to save them.

America doesn't need more morality without Jesus. It needs Jesus first. The Body needs to take Jesus to people--not rules, not denomination, not disputable doctrines--Jesus, the Risen Lamb of God, slain for them. They really need to see His love. Most people do not equate Christianity with love these days. If that is the case, then we have missed it ourselves. I'm not talking tolerance--I'm talking LOVE. You can stand against evil without standing against people. We've got to love people, baggage and all. Let Jesus change them. Begin with Jesus, and trust Him to do a work in them.

Somethin's gotta give, people.

It's us. We've got to give up our agendas, our prejudices, our spirits of offense, our distaste with the unlovely, our pride in our religion, our very way of life. I'm amazed that Jesus laid aside His glory to come walk among us, the Word made flesh. He became like us to win us. We've got to do the same.

What's that going to look like for you?

Random and Quick

I know I love to read random posts, so I hope you will indulge mine.

Dave is fine. He made it safely. Had to run to catch a plane in Germany. Made it without the suitcase containing his otoscope, socks, and underpants. Stink. Literally.

I got to actually hear his precious voice last night. He skyped me using someone else's computer. I was so thankful. It does make a world of difference to hear his voice. Hmmm...I'll be thinking about that whole voice thing...I'm sure there is a post in there somewhere...

Maryn has a weird rash on her lower legs and the underside of her forearms. I don't handle rashes well. I'm scared to death of things like scabies, hand foot mouth, you know, anything contagious that requires you to bleach your house and keep everyone quarantined. We're going to the doctor in about an hour. Thank God.

I'm okay. I'm sad and miss my husband. My grandma had a miniature stroke the other night. Praying she doesn't have a big one. She's my last grandma alive. I have two grandpas who haven't really stayed in touch, so I feel like she's IT in that department (except for Grandpa Hat). I am not ready for her to go quite yet.

Nothing more on the house. Flyers continue to disappear from the box, but the only phone call I've had this week was someone wanting to rent to own. No thanks. Not upset at the moment. I know it will all work out eventually.

I want a grey skirt--a flowy one made out of organic cotton with a little poofy slip. Oh, and with a fitted waistband. It's in my head, but I don't know if it exists.

I have had the "I wants" lately. Ugghhh. Well, I saw these, and thought, I'd like those as well, thank you.

I think these are wonderful in every sense of the word. Bed, Bath, & Beyond (my budget)...$100/4 place setting...ahhh, well, they're pretty to look at.

But, like I learned from the Floods (a couple who did some parenting classes with us), we love PEOPLE not things. So, I really like these dishes...

...but I love you. I do.

Aaaannnndddd....He's off!

I took my man to the airport today. I was sad to see him go, but I knew he was supposed to go. I haven't cried yet. I'm nearly certain I will at some point. Probably when the loneliness hits. Right now, I'm just so exhausted, that I can't imagine having enough energy to cry.

He's so silly. It is one of the gazillion things I love about him.

I love him so much. He's such a good husband and father. That doesn't even scratch the surface of how I really feel. My brain's just too mushy right now to think of anything eloquent. So, here's some photos of my baby daddy with our offspring (nicknames below...just so you know).


Dave and Seeple

Dave and Maryn-pants

Dave and Lucykins

This mama bear is off to bed. Keep praying!!!

Plumb tuckered out.

Maryn called Craisins "razzraisins" today. I have no idea why. Just recording that for posterity's sake.

We've been putting flyers in our infobox each night and keeping track of how many are taken. So far, 39 have been taken. I'd say that isn't bad for 6 days. We've had three inquiries on the house. One lady rang the doorbell and asked if we were having an open house. Two people called. One of them wanted to look at the house today, and we settled on three o'clock. Dave and I worked our tails off getting it ship-shape, and she was a no-show. I called and left a message for her on her voicemail. I don't get that ethic at all. Why even bother telling someone you're going to come (knowing full well that they're going to be preparing and waiting for you) and then not come or call to say you're not coming? What is that?

We're having an open house tomorrow afternoon. Thankfully, the house is ready to show, and hopefully, the people who are interested will come. It'll be interesting, I'm sure. Please pray that God will send our buyer tomorrow.

Here's a bit of news I haven't shared yet. Dave leaves for Uzbekistan on Monday, and he'll be gone for 12 days. 12. Days. 12.

I know it'll be fine, but I'm going to miss him. The kids are going to miss him. Please pray that Sam gets man-time elsewhere. I don't wrestle well. I'm trying to think of some ways to make the time pass quickly. Ideas are welcome. Thankfully, we will have the car at our disposal. I'm afraid I may spend more money than usual while he's gone. I am planning on doing an inventory of the restaurants that have "Kids Eat Free" nights so we can go out a few times. My kids are really good in restaurants--Thank God!--so that would be a good way to spend early evening time before bed. I need to have some kind of plan, or I'm going to go nuts.

This also means that I have to give them baths. I'm spoiled. Dave is the bath man. It's his thing that he does with the kids. I am not a good bath giver. I get irritated and impatient and just want them out of there as quickly as possible. I don't like wet floors. Pray for me.

So, as you're finishing your reading of this post. Go ahead and offer up a prayer NOW that way you don't forget. I really need them!!!

Black Eyed Peas Day

Sam often identifies the day by what we're doing. One day, he declared it was "sock day" because I asked him to wear socks. Or it may be "play outside day" because I actually let him go out! Very silly, but I'm going to borrow his idea for today's post.

I need a good recipe for Black-Eyed Peas--TODAY. I'm making my menu for the week, and I'm trying to use up the food in the pantry. I happen to have a lot of dry black-eyed peas. Send me your recipes! Happy Black-Eyed Peas Day!

Taking a Break (picture update at the bottom)

I've been wanting to pack up my sewing stuff for awhile now. I packed away some of it, but there were just these couple of projects I had to finish before packing it all away. Well, I finished the baby quilt (as you saw the other day), and I finished the dresses I intended to make--even if they're ill-fitting.

The very last thing on my list was to make a Spring/Summer purse. You may recall the Fall purse I made while pregnant with Lucy. I blogged about how I would never make another one. It's probably no shock to you that I did make another one! It was much easier this time around because I had already made one and I knew what my previous pitfalls were. Well, aside from breaking two needles (I didn't have any larger ones which I needed!), it was fairly pitfall-free. Which, after reading that post again, I'm not sure why I made the exact mistake again...history must be doomed to repeat itself; well, at least in the case of my purse, it is! Anyway, the purse turned out beautifully, and I am so excited to use it.

My Second "Pleated Beauty Handbag" (designed by Amy Karol in Bend the Rules Sewing)

I love how roomy it is. I used a white linen knockoff fabric to contrast with the beautiful oceanic fabric. I know it probably get dirty, but honestly, it is the best color for the bag. I'm so glad I didn't find a brown linen to match.

Here's a pic so you can see how large the bag is next to me:

Today is a cleaning day...again. The clutter is down, which is nice. The bathrooms need a scrubbin' as do my floors. It's overcast, so we'll see how much I actually accomplish.

Today is also Lucy's 5 month birthday. I can't believe she's 5 months old. It's flying by. She's been able to roll from belly to back for awhile now, but yesterday (in honor of her birthday, I'm sure), she decided to roll from back to belly. :) She is such a sweet girl. I couldn't have a happier baby (unless there are the kind out there that NEVER cry). I am so blessed with this little one. I think back to those who gasped in horror that I was pregnant for a third time--as if a third baby would "ruin" our little family of four. They couldn't have been MORE wrong. She is exactly what we all needed. We all love this little girl. It would be impossible not to!

She gets this silly half-grin from her mommy.

The hair is still wild, but, my goodness, look at those eyes!

And just so you can see how big she's growing...a pic next to me (do not mind my disgusting t-shirt). What's funny is that both Sam and Maryn were bigger than her at this stage! She's a lightweight compared to some other babies we've seen lately!

Have a beautiful day!

Cuppa Things

First, please go watch this video my friend, Shana, posted on her site. It's regarding the Born Alive Infant Protection Act.

Second, on Monday, 8 flyers were removed from our Infobox on our FSBO sign! Yesterday, nine were removed! No calls yet, but at least people are stopping!

Third, I finished the dress from the man's shirt. It's super cute, but a little snug. I doubt she'll get to wear it. Lucy may get to next year sometime. Sadly, I had cut out some fabric to make dress from the same pattern, so now she has two dresses she can't wear! Actually the second one is a bit roomier, so MAYBE she will get to wear it...at least a couple of times. I love the fabric though, and I learned my lesson about eyeballing. It's funny because I measured her waist not even thinking I should also measure her chest and under her arms. Oh well.

You remember the shirt before?

And after:

And then the copycat made from fabric (minus elastic sleeves):

Like the dog's bowls in the background? Just keepin' it classy...

What We've Been Up To

So many things in that past week that I've been meaning to blog about. So here's a catch up:


We dedicated Lucy Claire on April 5th. It was a special time with our family and our church family.

Pastor Roger anointing her with oil as he prays over her--

that she will be a clear, bright light as her name says.

I, of course, can't stay away from projects in the busiest season of my life. I'm an addict.

Here is a baby quilt I made for a baby who was born about 2.5 months ago...yeah, I'm behind.

Sadly, there are so many coming, and I know I can't do any more at the moment. So sorry...I wish I could, but I have GOT to focus on selling our house! :)

Well, then I found another project on Craftzine.com...

I'm taking this shirt:

And with this shirt, I will make a dress for Maryn. Check out the link above to see before and after results of the demo dress. So cute. Can't wait to finish it...in all my spare time. Ha!

Yesterday was Resurrection Sunday! It was awesome. I love our local body so much. It was a loud day of praise for our Risen Savior! Here is the best picture (I'm not even kidding) of our kids:

Don't you love the blurriness and the haphazard poses? We tried. We really did. Tripod and everything. It didn't matter.

And, something we've been doing A LOT of lately is paper airplanes. Every day, both kids (at some point in the day) will ask me to make them a paper airplane. I know how to make a traditional, basic plane. No problem...except they don't fly well. Well, I did some interweb searching, and I have found that there are several tutorials on youtube that are quite good. Here is the best airplane I've found so far, and it flies really well.

So, the kids were pretty satisfied with this plane...until today. Sam decided he wanted a PAPER CAR. What? I didn't even know you could make cars out of paper. Well, you can. Once again, it was youtube to the rescue! I found a two-part video (Part 1 and Part 2), and 20 minutes later, I made this:

So, that is what we're doing these days...what about you?

Who I Am, By Definition

I have noticed increasingly on many blogs and facebook that everyone (including myself and some of you) is eager to define themselves. I see blog profiles that list labels of oneself that look a little like this:

I'm an AP, cloth diapering, baby-wearing, breastfeeding mama to seven children.

OR

I'm a homeschooling, SAHM who cleans her own house and cooks only organic food.

OR

I'm a Christian working woman who thinks my husband is a joke and my kids are angels.

Okay, well, I'm being a tad facetious. I'm telling you upfront so you don't misunderstand my sarcasm.

On Facebook or Myspace, it is never uncommon to see that everyone is taking a quiz to define themselves:

• What kind of mother are you?


• What kind of wife are you?


• What should your parents have named you?


• Right-brained or left-brained?


• What movie best describes you?


• Which "Friends" character are you?

and so on and so on.

Why do we do this to ourselves? I'm including myself in this because I have both taken these quizzes and gone on labelling frenzies of my own.

It is concerning to me that so many of us are searching for some kind of explanation of ourselves. We're searching for the pieces to our broken identities and lamely defining ourselves by films, television characters, and arbitrary traits that some 12 year old made into an application on Facebook.

What is the problem?

As Rafiki said to Simba, concerning his kingship, in "The Lion King", "You don't even KNOW who you are!"

We don't know who we are.

Why?

Because we've been lied to, and we believe it. We don't see ourselves as people of value. We see ourselves as empty, meaningless, fleshy blobs instead of what we truly are. Something in us desires to be defined. To KNOW who we are and why we're different from others and why we're the same--not a weirdo. We're complex beings that have a skewed perspective of ourselves.

It's no secret that Satan is a liar. He's been doing it since he lied to a 1/3 of the angels in heaven. He most desperately doesn't want us to know who we are because if we figure it out and actually believe it, then we're going to be more likely to trust in Jesus. We're going to be more likely to walk in victory over sin. We're going to be less likely to struggle with feelings of guilt and shame. We'll be less likely to demean others and perpetuate the process of lying to people about who they are. We'll be less likely to remain silent about our faith.

So, if Satan's a liar, what is the truth? Who are we? You think you know the answer? I'll bet you know the answer, but you don't believe it. You may believe it in your mind, but not in your heart. You don't believe it or you wouldn't be so eager to define yourself.

I'll tell you who you are:

• You are created by God FOR God. He created you in His good pleasure. When He made you, He said, "I did a good job on this one!" He takes great pleasure in His creation--even though sin taints and corrupts it. He still loves it and takes pleasure in it because it is the work of HIS hands.


• You are not what you do. For example, you may homeschool or unschool or publicly school or privately school your children, but that is not your identity! God doesn't look at you and see a homeschooler, etc. He sees a son or daughter. Period. Imagine the conversation in heaven when a mama decides to work outside the home:

"Well, Father, it appears that Penelope is now a working mother."

"Yes, Son, I see that. Let's be sure to get that written down next to her name in the Lamb's Book of Life. Wouldn't want to forget that..."

• You cannot be defined by someone else. They are themselves, and you are yourself. You may share common attributes, but yes, YOU are unique. No one has the combined experiences and talents and ideas and giftings and desires that you have. You are a masterpiece. Don't let others place a definition on who you are. Only look to the One who made you. He knows EXACTLY who you are. You are not "Ross", "Phoebe" or "Chandler". They're not real, you know!


• As much as we try to be different, we really yearn for sameness. We want to belong. We want to be in a group or subculture to be with people who are like us. "Birds of a feather, flock together". This is a natural response after the Fall. This, however, was not the Father's intent. His original plan was for unique, beautiful creations to be in unity with everyone, including Himself, all deferring to one another, serving one another in a bond of peace and mutual respect. This was His vision in the beginning, and this is His vision NOW for His body--not that we remain as fragmented pieces of a puzzle, set apart by traditions and doctrines. But, rather, that we come together to form the most beautiful picture of all--a healthy Body of Christ. You, my friend, are a part of the Body no matter how frustrated you may get with her various denominations, they are a part, and so are you.


• You are the Bride of Christ. Bought with a price. Holy and beloved. Built as a temple for the Holy Spirit. Cleansed and renewed. Beautiful in her chamber. Clothed in grace and mercy. Redeemed from the foundations of the earth. Worthy. Don't listen to the Enemy who says you aren't good enough. Jesus says you are accepted, loved, treasured and cherished.

We all wear many hats in this life. I've worn a few myself: daughter, friend, student, employee, singer, teacher, wife, mother, member, blogger...but all of these hats are not WHO I am. I am a daughter of the MOST HIGH GOD, and I am HIS. He is where I find my identity. I am a child of God who operates as a wife to Dave and a mother to Sam, Maryn, and Lucy.

Who are you? Really.

Day By Day

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
Ever to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

This is where I am right now. One foot in front of the other, taking each day one moment, one step at a time. I sense Jesus has linked His arm in mine and is bearing my weight as I take each step. It's a time of trusting Him to hold me up and for Him to be working out my life. It is such a revelation to come to a belief that He is really with me. I'm learning a lot about not getting ahead of myself and not letting the future dictate today (because the truth is that the future is not yet real for me and only Jesus knows what tomorrow holds). I must be IN this moment, trusting Him and walking with Him.

What a comfort I have in Him! I know several of you are walking through hard days. Just remember He is with you and in you. He will not allow your foot to stumble. He is also not slow concerning His promises. He will make us a display of His splendor for His glory. He's so good. Don't be afraid to lie back on His chest and take a nap. He never sleeps or slumbers and is mighty to save.

Is your heart about to explode with love for Him yet? :)

The Difference Three Years Can Make

This video made me laugh and laugh. My, how he's changed.

T'ings

Today, we are one step closer to finishing the many unexpected projects around the house. The tree has been chainsawed. The ceiling and wall are sheetrocked and mudded waiting for texture, primer, and paint. The bathtub is caulked, and so far, no more leaks. T'ings are almost finished. The shed needs to be put up. Got that on the agenda.

I'm tired.

It's Passion Week, and I honestly need to get focused on Him. So, I'm off to Bible study where I'm going to hear all about a trip to the Holy Land. Hopefully, the rest of my day will fall into place. I need to make some room for Him and just talk to Him. He's so compassionate and gracious. I love His patience with me. It's so delightful to know He rejoices over me with singing. I know He laughs at me a lot more than I laugh at myself. I get so serious about stuff, and I know He's just giggling at how worked up I get. :)

He's good, folks. If you don't know Him, let me know, and I'll introduce ya.

Moving

I am officially moving away from Xanga. I'm sad about it, but I feel it is inevitable.

Xanga is dead (or at the very best, on its deathbed).

With the exception of the wonderful few that continue to post and update regularly, most people are not even lurking anymore. Plus, the layout of xanga is just getting to be kind of old-school, and I'm a progressive sort of girl. I love my Xanga community dearly, and I will continue to read and comment on your blogs. But, I will be moving to Blogger.

I can't afford to pay for a blog and go to typepad (which is where I really want to go). I have noticed that on most other blogs, xanga is not supported. It has been a good run for the last three years, but as I prepare for my physical move, I will also go ahead and make a cyber move. :)

My new blog address is: http://geidlbots.blogspot.com. Please stop in, say hello, and add me to your RSS, bookmarks, or favorites. I still want to hear from you. If you don't see your blog in my bloglist on the right, it is because you have Sign-In Lock activated, and I could not add you. I will retain my xanga blog for both comments and privileges. I will not delete it.

So with that, I conclude my final xanga post. "Parting is such sweet sorrow..."