Herein is Love: Genesis

At long last, we've finished our morning bible time book...I think we started it at the beginning of the school year...so that gives you some idea about the length (it's 400 pages of text). Basically, it is a bible commentary for kids, this one on Genesis. It goes through Genesis portion by portion, pulling in selections from other areas of scripture that relate. I would definitely say it is thorough (some kids may find it a bit long), and Ganz does a great job of  giving both the specific Genesis story as well as bringing in NT themes (types of Christ, purpose of sacrifice, etc.). She also candidly yet tactfully deals with what is written in scripture - I particularly think about the command of circumcision and Lot's virgin daughters as a couple of examples.

Also included in the back is 150 page teacher's guide which we didn't do. You could do a whole lesson from each chapter - visual aids, memory work, craft, questions, prayer, psalms to sing, and field trip. Some of the chapters we broke into two or three parts due to their length.

I really appreciated how Ganz didn't just give the basics that we are familiar with, but fleshed out the portions of scripture so that you understood a greater depth of what was happening in that section. As an example when talking about creation on the 3rd day, "Beneath the surface of the earth were rocks and gems and jewels. There were rubies, sapphires, diamonds, emeralds! There was gold and silver and bronze. Underground, God filled the earth with the splendor of all kinds of hidden riches, making this world a vault of priceless treasure...The Son of God was shown their grandeur in an instant. He saw all the landscapes of the world; He saw all the wealth of all its kingdoms, but no other man has had such a view. In an entire lifetime, we behold only a few of our world's spectacular scenes and only a fraction of its immense wealth. But, on that third day, God saw what He had made. From the mightiest mass of mountain to the tiniest grain of sand, from the most magnificent cluster of jewels to the most ordinary clod of mud, God saw what He had made--and God saw that it was good."

There are also volumes on Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Genesis was out of print for a while, but I see it is not in it's 2nd printing. Lastly, this series is for a bit older child; I probably got more out of it than the kids. :)

some pics from our horseback riding excursion
 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts 427 - 442

It is good amid the busyness of life to slow and think of so many undeserved gifts...

427 - fragrant roses

428 - having enough

429 - sweet smelling freshly picked strawberries

430 - hearing good news
431 - lakes in the distance
432 - knowing God is patient with me
433 - interesting food
434 - boys in tents
435 - playing spoons
436 - interesting Lego creations
437 - finding lost books
438 - knowing joy isn't dependent on circumstances
439 - forgotten dessert in the fridge
440 - seeing small glimpses of growth
441 - keeping up with friends via blogs
442 - snuggling under blankets

these are the most amazing smelling roses!
 

 

beautiful, aren't they?
 

James designed this gun
 

Sun Mountian Lodge

This was the second time we have gone to Sun Mountain Lodge...last time was about this same time last year, but just Dave and I went. It is really a perfect time to go as so many flowers are in bloom, and the lodge isn't very busy. We had a most wonderful time. We hiked a smidge, played horseshoes, played ping pong and foosball and pool, swam in the hot tub and pool, and went mountain biking. Dave took Josh and James for the first time real mountain biking, and they both did great...they even went down one of the "expert" runs. They were both also pretty tired out when they got back. Hannah and I went horse back riding as she is a bit nervous about the whole mountain biking experience. It was a lovely ride. Dave and I played quite a bit of horseshoes, and I think I won all the games. Conversely, we played a bit of ping pong and Dave won all those games even playing me sitting down and left handed (although when I got quite far ahead, he'd play normal again). Josh and James brought Lego Mindstorms and worked on one of the options - a shooterbot. We had to pull them away from it a couple of times to enjoy where we were rather than staying in the room. :) They've been playing with it all day today as well. 

Just FYI for any of you interested in going...there is a local coupon available through Little Star Montessori where if you purchase their $25 coupon book (they'll mail it to you), you can receive a night's lodging for $100 plus tax. Seeing as their rooms run between $200-300, that is a good deal. The requirement is that you don't book your room until 10 days prior, but you are able to book the nicest room they have available. 

As you can see, the views are just amazing...and so many wild flowers
 

 

Hannah thought this was a neat tree
 

can you imagine a nicer view from a hot tub?
 

Winthrop

Hi, friends...we were gone yesterday and today. Headed out to Sun Mountain for a little vacation. We stopped in Winthrop on our way and enjoyed it's western atmosphere and interesting shops. Hannah particularly likes to look around and shop although none of the rest of us really do. She doesn't generally buy anything, but she enjoys seeing all the interesting things. We played some mini golf and had a nice picnic by the river. 

They have a couple of neat bridges there that are pictured below. The first one is really amazing and so solidly constructed, but we couldn't figure out why it was built as it didn't really go to anything...just some open field area. The second one was quite small, but, as we frequently do, we played "Pooh sticks." (For any of you who don't know what "Pooh sticks" are, go buy yourself the anthology of Milne's Winnie the Pooh and begin reading :) ). 

I'll write about our Sun Mountain adventure tomorrow...

 

 

 

 

 

Josh Turned 9!!!

We had a lovely, relatively calm day celebrating Josh's birthday. He elected to skip school today :) and so the kiddos did random things this morning, then off to run some errands, and lunch at Wendy's (Josh's favorite), and then back home for some fun computer games and other things till our families arrived for dinner. He choose to have pancakes for dinner and now that having everyone over totals 15 people, that is a bit of an undertaking. Thankfully, I have helpful family members who helped me pull it off. So, here's a couple pics from tonight...

super fun frog cupcakes...Josh actually came across this recipe and
knew it was what he wanted for his birthday

our table is maxed out at 15!

cute frog money holder thing from Hannah

 

and the big, everyone-went-in-on-it gift, Lego Mindstorms 
 

Susan brought hula hoops for all the kids
 

 

I think James likes it as much as Josh :)
 

Josh set everything up just so before going to bed...he can't wait till the morning!
In the center is the beginning base unit he built tonight that is the foundation for most of the other projects
 

And, for those of you who have read down this far....the kids have started a blog! 

So, check it out...Kid Kreation (beautiful kid pics complements of my friend, Heather)

Gifts 414 - 426

We had our last BSF leaders meeting yesterday morning. I'm never ceased to be amazed at the caliber and commitment of the women in that group. They all have busy lives yet make ministering to ladies and their children a priority. They do it every week, fully prepared, on time, up early, staying late and with a servant's heart. They have passion for God's word being spread and a desire to grow personally. I will miss being part of that group (although not the early mornings!!!).

So as that commitment ends, things are moving forward with beginning steps to putting together a gospel (missional) community (GC). We met Friday night with another couple that we are anticipating co-leading the group with and then last night with the GC leadership from church. Our hope is to officially begin meeting as a GC group in June.

Anyways...my gift list for this past week...

414 - wild flowers sprouting on hillsides
415 - early morning walk with a friend
416 - hearing about God using evil for good
417 - chocolate-faced kids
418 - baking together
419 - coffee shakes in the afternoon
420 - writing an apology note to someone who's already forgiven you
421 - celebrating a life well lived
422 - visiting our sweet friends at Mid Valley
423 - going away potlucks - bittersweet
424 - hearing God's work in people's lives
425 - beautiful (but squawky) magpies
426 - being encouraged to persevere

Josh made me this heart Lego boat on Mother's Day

Being in God's Shadow

Yesterday we attended a funeral for a wonderful elderly lady that we knew from church. I was not particularly close with her although we had a very amiable relationship...granted, she had that type of relationship with pretty much everyone. :) This was the second Christian funeral we've gone to in the last couple months, and it always amazes me how hopeful they are. Yes, there is, of course, the sadness of a loved one passing, but what wonderful expectation for the person who passed away as you know they are now rejoicing with their Heavenly Father. Also, as was brought up in the service, she didn't have much to show as far as worldly things go, but the amazing words of how she influenced lives both in her own family and beyond show that she was laying up treasure in heaven - how much more valuable it is to do that! And, probably my favorite aspect was how her desire was for God to be glorified and her life to be diminished. There was much testimony to God's grace, and the gospel was clearly given. I'm sure the delight to her heart would be immense if someone were to come to know Him through her passing. 

As BSF has ended and time has been freed up, I decided to pick up Begg's One Year Bible as well as cycle through some of Ruth Myer's wonderful 31 Days of ____ books. This morning I read a selection that went along so well with the service yesterday...

Father, help me not to give Satan any advantage or delight by seeking my own glory in people's eyes. Instead let me constantly give glory to You in new ways. May I keep You at center stage as I speak of Your perfections and let You manifest Your presence through me. 

Cause me to dwell day by day in Your shadow. I long to live my whole life there, with You in the bright foreground in every situation, in every opportunity. When You work through me, may the praise by Yours. May You be in the limelight as I give all the glory to You and remain in Your shadow.

--pg 62, 31 Days of Power

Great thoughts that go along with this quote from John the Baptist..."He must increase, but I must decrease." 

Here are some pics of my lovely tea with my mom for Mother's Day
 

 

 

Mother's Day Thoughts

This year I had a most lovely Mother's Day...maybe even one of the best. It was simple, yet sweet. As I was thinking about it, I realized that it was so wonderful mostly because I have had a perspective change over the last many years...no longer do I feel entitled to certain things. Earlier on in my life each holiday such as my birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day, even Valentine's Day would hold a bit of hope for me...hope that it would be idyllic, just exactly what I always wanted (or at least somewhat close), etc., etc. But, as each came and went, that never really happened. At times I would be frustrated or disappointed. Now, however, I don't feel those ways anymore because I have learned to do a couple of important things...

Remove all expectations. Expectations are relationship killers. We want such and such, but it doesn't happen so we become cranky, upset, frustrated, hurt, or whatever. The less you expect, the more delighted you will be whenever something nice comes along. If you wake up on Mother's Day and expect to make the meals, do the dishes, take care of the kids, clean your house just the same as any other day, how wonderful it will be if someone else does even one of those things for you! How different from if you expect someone else to make the meals, do the dishes, take care of the kids, and clean your house but one or more of those things doesn't get done - now you're somewhat resentful. Do you see how helpful letting go of expectations is?

Be thankful for the little things. When you realize every little good thing is truly a gift you don't deserve, you will find so much to delight in. Open your eyes and look around and choose to see the many blessings you have been given...maybe your husband doesn't get you a dozen roses and a box of chocolates, but he works hard each day to provide for your family...maybe your kiddos didn't make you a work of art or buy you something fancy, but they lavish you with hugs and kisses. Choose to take notice of all the many things you take for granted or think you're entitled to and become appreciative of them.

Remember that Christ is more than enough. This is something we all agree is true but often live as if our happiness depends on something/someone being a certain way. However, the disappointments in this world turn us to the One Who will never disappoint. As we grasp after what the world tells us we deserve, but find it empty, it turns us to the One Who truly satisfies. His blessings to us are beyond measure. We deserve death but have been given life, abundant life. How can we not rejoice in that knowledge alone? 2 Pet 1:3 His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

our Mother's Day bike ride

Gifts 395 - 413

Lots of loveliness in my life this past week...

395 - white and purple lilacs

396 - dawn

397 - dusk

398 - being able to breathe well again

399 - first time up at the cabin

400 - S'mores

401 - Mother's Day tea with my mom

402 - Mother's Day snuggles with the kiddos

403 - breakfast in bed (Hannah thought that was exciting to do)

404 - kiddo entertainment - dancing and poetry reading

405 - a most lovely bike ride around the loop

406 - sitting on the patio eating cake

407 - squirt guns to try out

408 - writing out cards for my BSF kids

409 - finishing Acts

410 - curry

411 - unexpected long stem roses 

412 - reading in bed (something I love to do, but so rarely get to)

413 - anticipating new adventures

here are some pics from our lovely time at the lake
the water's always down this time of year so we get some beach
 

 

 

James' first S'more :)
 

How to Lead Well, Part 3

Here's the last installment in this series...these come on the heels of be prepared, be flexible, and be in charge.

4. Know your limits. It doesn't help anyone if you commit to lead something that will put you over your head.  A stressed-out, overwhelmed leader makes everyone else stressed-out and overwhelmed. We all have a limited amount of time in our lives, and there are many things we are asked to do that do not fit what God would have us do with our limited time. Be willing to say no, knowing that is allowing you to say yes to other things that are more important in your life. I have to interject a favorite quote of mine on this topic...

Here is the secret Jesus showed us, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” Jesus didn’t finish everything the disciples wanted Him to do, the multitudes wanted Him to do, but He did finish the work God gave Him to do. There is virtually never time in a twenty-four-hour day for me to do everything that is on everyone else’s “to do” list for me. There is seldom time to do everything that is on my own “to do” list. The truth is that all I have to do is the work God assigns to me. What a freedom it has been for me to accept that there is time for me to do everything that is on God’s “to do” list for my day, for my week, and for my life. The frustration comes when I attempt to take responsibilities that are not on His agenda for me. When I establish my own agenda or let others determine the priorities for my life, rather than taking time to discern what it is that God wants me to do, I end up buried under piles of half-finished, poorly done, or never-attempted projects and tasks. I live with guilt, frustration, and haste, rather than enjoying the peaceful, well-ordered life that He intends. Frustration is the by-product of attempting to fulfill responsibilities God does not intend for us to carry. Freedom, joy, and fruitfulness come from seeking to determine God’s priorities for each season of life, and then setting out to fulfill those priorities, in the power of His Spirit, realizing that He has provided the necessary time and abilities to do everything that He has called us to do.  --- Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free

5. Lead a lot. We have lived many places over the years and attended many different churches. Every place we've been, I've participated in some capacity whether it was nursery, organizing showers or potlucks, or teaching women's bible study or Sunday school. The more you lead, the more comfortable you'll be. The more you lead with different types of people, the more you'll learn about how to lead in different ways - everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Honestly, I have very few unique thoughts...most of what I say/do comes from seeing/reading someone else saying/doing that same thing. And, I wouldn't know those things had I not been willing to participate at all sorts of levels in all sorts of things over these many years.

Well, that's it...I haven't really pulled in too many spiritual aspects of all this leading, but I expect you already know the importance of being in prayer especially when what you are leading has some spiritual value - depending on the Spirit in that situation is critical. My desire was mostly to highlight some practical aspects that have helped me. Hope this short series gave you some encouragement to lead stronger in what you are already doing or become willing to lead in a new adventure.

Hannah's Terra Cotta Warrior

Gifts 380 - 394

I'm enjoying a lovely and quiet afternoon...my friend took the kiddos to go swimming (80+ here today), and I had some time to get random things done...like doing another post. :)

380 - allrecipes.com - I use this so frequently

381 - unexpected packages in the mail

382 - planting flowers

383 - the smell of spring blossoms

384 - kiddos giving backrubs

385 - finishing state testing

386 - good bible verses for challenges

387 - inhalers

388 - seeing kiddos maturing

389 - connecting with a somewhat challenging teen

390 - friends picking up your slack

391 - Dave taking care of me

392 - slower school days

393 - keeping my temper

394 - that we've been given everything needed for life and godliness 2 Pet 1:3

We studied the Qin dynasty this past week and made some of our own Terracotta warriors
(I also added some pics to the previous posts because they looked so sad - so scroll down if you want)
 

How to Lead Well, Part 2

Today is two years of blogging for me...498 posts! Seems like it's been longer than that, but then again, I'm surprised I have kept at it so long. :)

Here's part 2...you may remember part 1 of how to lead well was to be prepared. Part 2...

2. Be flexible. Regardless of how well prepared you are/were, something is likely to go wrong/be changed. I don't remember much about English class in High School, but I always remember this quote, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." I think that was from Catcher in the Rye - don't think I liked the book otherwise. Anyways, something I've been working on is remembering that people come first not my very well prepared plans. :)

Maybe someone failed to follow through on their part...that is an opportunity to show grace and remember that very few things in life are really critical, even if they seem like they are. We often make things seem bigger than they are, but when you remember that nothing is a surprise to God, you can be calm and press on.

Maybe a need comes up...sometimes the best way to lead is to scrap your agenda and take care of the more important issue(s) at hand. Perhaps the time would be better spent on encouraging or addressing a challenge rather than completing all the questions you had prepared. Perhaps people need to spend more time fellowshipping rather than playing all the games you had prepared.

I've just realized if you are leading with an open hand, remembering that all you do is really for God's glory than you will be alright if things go haywire...knowing it must be that He had a different plan than you had for your event.

But, that doesn't mean you are at the whim of all sorts of things, which leads us to point 3...

3. Be in charge. If you have been given something to lead, then lead it! Know your primary point/purpose and stick to it. Don't let people side track you with various rabbit trails or hot button issues that will bring you down a road you don't want to go. It may seem a little rude to stop people rambling on, but everyone else is always thankful when you stay focused (this is still a challenge for me). If you're working with kids, know when to cut them off as they can quickly go off course and you can easily lose them. Keep people moving in the direction you have planned out so that you accomplish your primary objective(s) with a willingness to be flexible (point 2) on secondary things.

That's it for tonight...part 3 to come in the next few days or so. Hope you all have a lovely weekend. We are looking forward to the Apple Blossom parade tomorrow and hopefully dessert with some friends. ---also, I seem to be consistently unable to find the camera when I am blogging lately so once again, no pics tonight...:(

but, wait, now here's a pic...

Hannah is doing a Malaguena (Spanish song) for a piano recital in a couple of weeks

you are supposed to dress for the part so she found this fun dress

Radical

This was a great book! I think any Christian who really desires to be actively living out the Christian life would benefit from it, but only read it if you are open to having a paradigm shift.:) Platt does a great job at challenging us to step back and look at the emptiness and futility of pursuing the American dream. He instead challenges us to choose the purpose and Spirit filled life of abandonment to Christ.

Here's a quote from the last chapter that sums up the book well:

Throughout this book we have explored a variety of bold claims about our purpose in life that are contained in the gospel yet contradicted by the American dream. Claims such as these: Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the country and culture in which we live. Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism. Ultimately, Jesus is a reward worth risking everything to know, experience and enjoy.

Hope you'll check it out...

We had some sweet little friends over last week and Hannah decorated the table where 

the girls sat...notice the fun little swan napkin holders - from a sweet neighbor years ago