More Than a Minute to Win It

Every year our church holds a Missions Convention.  The above is the promotional copy for this year's convention.  I write this moments after stepping through my front door. 

During the convention, we welcome an AG (Assemblies of God) missionary to speak to us of how God is moving and working through them.  This morning we heard from a gentleman whose family will be traveling to Spain in January to reach Muslims.  One of his speaking points this morning is that the Muslims communities have strong relationships.  They most often do not move far from where they were born and that when they do, they hunger to have the sense of relationship that they experienced before their move (in the case of moving to a non-Islamic community). 

At one point, after a shared meal (delicious paella, gazpacho, salad, etc) the floor was opened for a question and answer segment.  I don't often think of questions (that is until after the opportunity is passed, instead trying to soak up everything else), but I do have thoughts and sometimes I wish I could stop the whole proceeding to talk about the topic more on a personal level.  I can learn some from the speech, but would learn more I think from a real discussion.  Anyway...the question that grabbed me today was this, "What can we do as Christians to begin to talk with and convert Muslims?"  The answer was relationship.  A sea of blank faces as if the question was not answered.  A red herring thrown into the room. 

Our family has been sharing the thought that we were still in Belize this time last year and all of the things that we missed being gone.  The cooler weather.  The homeschool play.  Apple picking.  We sometimes feel it's been "forever" since we were in Belize--the longing to be there again.  Another feeling that it was only yesterday.  The longings that we have are to feel the relationships.  (Ask yourself when the last time was that you lingered over a meal just to talk and spend time with one another.)

Pastor mentioned today that he'd taken a course this summer centered on Islam.  He was able to speak with an imam who grew up in a Baptist church, but converted to Islam because of the hypocrisy and lack of relationship.  Whoa!  Wake up call! 

Back to the question about what Christians can do to convert Muslims...we Americans want the Drive-Thru solution.  We want the magic pill.  We don't want to take time.  We SAY we want relationship, but what do we do that shows that fruit?  Do we make ourselves available?  Do we start conversations with people who look different than us?  Do we do anything that doesn't involve the Henry Ford assembly line of having a rigid set of actions to put together something that "works"?  Do we pray about how God wants us to approach others? 

Our missionary this morning pointed out that we as individuals need to begin with our own relationship with Christ.  It is that we, as Christians, have a relationship with Christ and not a regimented set of things to do daily to make us good, that set us apart from Muslims.  (Not the only thing, I know.)  It is that which we have that others do not, and if we, as humans notice what is different then His Light will be seen through us and it will not be anything we DO, but what we HAVE that will be seen.  But it takes time.  It takes time with others.  It takes relationship.  It takes more than a minute to win...them. 

Ground Chuck

(Skipping over apologies for not writing...)

We started our third week of school today.  Only 34 more weeks to go, but who is counting?  Below are our first day of school photos.  The idea to write their grade in sidewalk chalk and have them lay next to it came from Pinterest.  Note to self:  Sun is great for color, but not for the best smile.  Too much squinting.  That will be our fun story to tell about these pictures years from now. 

We've had our first field trip.  We visited T.C. Steele Historic Site in Brown County.  It was the perfect day for an outing.  The weather was gorgeous.  Fluffy clouds, temperatures in the 70's by the afternoon.  T. C. Steele was an impressionist painter, which I love.  What struck me was his portraits.  Maybe it was the difference between the portraits and the landscapes.  Click here to learn more about his life and work.  Interesting fellow.  I wanted to spend the entire day in his library though.  Impressive collection and I love old books.

Yesterday was our first homeschool group day.  The boys had fun playing with a trebuchet during their Contenders class.  They discovered that pumpkins were too large to hurl through the air, but that cabbages worked better.  Oh, the things that creative teachers come up with! Miss K earned a solo in her Choir class and will be performing it during our Christmas recital.  She's nervous but proud of herself too--as she should be. 

I led the first drama coordinator meeting yesterday as well.  It went well and I felt prepared, but it took much work to get to that point.  I am blessed to have a good team to work with. 

We've been busy with C's Scouting activities the last few weeks.  He's had back to back campouts and advancements.  Yay!  He's also becoming involved with Venture Crew, which is a lot of fun and a new group of kids to interact with.  Our entire family joined in for a night of Venture fun during a cookout this weekend.  We played volleyball, cornhole, fed apples to the horses, played team games, etc.  Worn out!

Because we didn't feel enough was going on, we decided to clean out the attic and have a garage sale.  I only realized last night (where has my mind gone?) that we planned it for the same time as C's Venture fundraiser in Tipton County and K's AHG fundraiser in Hamilton County. 

H has his first electric bass lesson today.  He is reserved, but I think that he is excited and a little nervous at the same time.  B and I hope to hear something other than the bass line of Smoke on the Water.  We are a little tired of that one. 

B is continually on again/off again with work travel plans, but we are looking forward to new avenues coming soon.  More of our own work and less in the direction of contracting. 

I am also starting to move in the direction of my heart with my ministry at church as we've had a new single mom join our church family.  I am praying for real ways that I can help her and spend time with her.  Single moms need so much.  I spent the weekend baking 200 cookies for a program at church and have been rehearsing for our upcoming Missions Musical on the 30th.  I too have a solo!  Fun!

I wish I were feeling a bit more creative with my writing this morning, but I feel tapped.  Actually like Ground Chuck.  (see photo below courtesy of H)

Labeling is fun when H helps.

 

Courage

"Trees" that H made from weeds in the yard

I visited with my mom today while the rest of my gang headed to the NHRA Nationals.  It is now late at night and I received a text that they are on their way home after a fun time.  I'm glad.  I had fun too. 

A couple of times today the subject of discouragment came up.  I had two seperate conversations with two people, but both revolved around the notion of children being discouraged by teachers and how that affected the children as they grew and later once they became adults.  The discouragement faced for both students centered on their creativity, one with painting, the other student their writing.  

I came home tonight and decided to blog on this idea of how in life we are guided so much by the feedback we receive as children and how much of what we do as children is for the first time.  Our young years are a time when children are so tender and oftentimes teachers are not encouraging of the efforts put forth on the firstfruits of their students.  How many times do teachers point out the wrong thing instead of finding something good and complimenting it, nurturing it and watching it grow?  Pointing out the wrong brings with it a desire NOT to reattempt in an effort to avoid more bad feelings.  Our creativity is very personal and judgment upon it is subjective. 

 en·cour·age

   /ɛnˈkɜrɪdʒ, -ˈkʌr-/ Show Spelled[en-kur-ij, -kuhr-] Show IPA

verb (used with object), en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing.

1.

to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

2.

to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

3.

to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.  

 

 

I am a mother, teacher and leader.  I admit that I do not always encourage as I should.  I discourage more often than I'd like to admit.  As we begin yet another schoolyear (I have a Freshman this year and two middle-schoolers!), I pledge to remember to encourage more.  I will concentrate on finding something good about everything--especially the first tries in creativity. 

In a Pickle

It is good to be back in the blogging community.  I just read a couple of my favorites and am now inspired to restart mine.  I've taken a break over the summer to spend some much needed time with family.  My sister and her family were home from Mexico for a little over a month.  It was pure joy to spend some time with them and sad to see them go last week.  It's been such a long time since I've  blogged, that I am a little unsure how to even get pictures from my camera/phone.  I'm in the middle of an update to some software that I use to assist me in retrieving photos from my phone.  I'm not always sure it really is easier.  (note that it is now a day later and I've finally figured out how to get the pictures)

This year I took on the position of Administrative Director for our homeschool group's drama.  This year we are performing, Cinderella:  The Enchanted Version.   Yesterday and today were auditions.  So begins the LONG drama season.  (Actually I've been working on this since May)  Performances are at the end of October and beginning of November.  Whew! 

In the middle of this, I made freezer pickles yesterday.  I haven't done that in YEARS and it felt good!  The boys have been (half-way) tending a veggie garden for a merit badge they are working on for Scouts.  I say "half-way" because between being gone so much for the summer visits and the water bans, the garden has gone a bit wild.  We have harvested cucumbers and one tomato so far! 
Here are the photos of the pickles.  I can't wait to try them.  I think that C may be the only other member of my family to appreciate their goodness.  No one else likes the onions!


Mutant cucumber from friend's garden. 
It's two cucumbers from same stem.
Notice the size next to the deck of cards!

"Taco Salad Bowl" of cucumbers in brine to soak overnight.

5 Quarts of Freezer Pickles!

Not Lacking Anything

The Rock

I've just finished the third session of the Beth Moore study, James; Merchy Triumphs.  First, I LOVE to study the Word, especially Beth Moore style.  Second, last week we focused on trials and temptations and some of the opening lines of James, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4.  (I have to stop right here and tell you that I typed those verses from memory.  Yay!  I'm trying to memorize the book of James.) 

This week in our "homework" and in our group discussion, we spoke about how our personal trials had become blessing.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I personally keep a journal that includes many of my cries to the Lord, triumphs, joys, my fears and failures, the trials that I've fallen into, some trials that were my own doing...we all experience these things to greater or lesser extent.   I mentioned that sometimes I read past enteries in my journal and in so doing, I can see God's hand clearly carrying me, providing for me and preparing me for THIS day and how my trials can be used for blessing for others.  The entry I just happened to read today was this:

December 5, 2009

Here it is, the eve of our first anniversary.  Some may say the last night of what is a magical year since it was the first year.  Newlyweds.  I think it's been nothing short of a miracle that we are still standing after this first year--don't know that I'd describe it as magical.  We started out with my torn ACL during our honeymoon, followed by being abandoned by omitted during the holiday, B losing his job and pension, being put under a microscope for the adoption process, losing friends who didn't agree with the timing of our marriage, a 6 week vacation across 2 countries in a pop-up trailer, an adoption, death of Shawn, Aunt Betty's cancer, Grandpa Jones' death, job search, trying to sell a house, trying to blend our families has a few rough patches--but better than most.  But we also had much rejoicing and some of those times were the same as the trials.  The adoption, the six week vacation, pulling together as a family while I was down before my surgery, during the surgery and healing process, learning to homeschool and being a stay-at-home mom again, being able to have 3 children, meeting and making new friends, having B home so we all could really learn and adjust to each other--love each other.  I was going to say that I wouldn't trade any of it, but that wouldn't be true.  Some of it has been extremely difficult and I haven't yet seen how I can use those things for the Kingdom yet or how they've strengthened me.  I guess it's not for me to decide or see--not now anyway.  I will say that I wouldn't trade my husband for another to have gone through any of it.  God knew that we needed one another, that we sincerely do complete one another when we stand together with our Lord.  I love him and appreciate him like no other.  Thank you, Lord, for this gift of marriage with B, my Adam.

I can tell you that many more blessings have happened since that entry.  Some more trials have come since then too.  But one thing I know for sure:  God loves me and blesses me through these times. Today I know something I didn't know the day I wrote the above words, I may have just blogged this today for the Kingdom. 

(The picture above was taken today by MomII.  We visited my hometown and I couldn't leave without showing her THE rock!) 

Yarn Along

I've given up on the Excel books.  I never really tried too much after cracking the books to help me through one of the workbooks I had to update.  B says that he'll walk me through trying to set up some worksheets later.  I've been given the task of putting all schedules for our homeschool group's drama production into Excel, so I must learn.  I've avoided Excel like the plague for years.  Should've known that it would infect me sooner or later.  But, I did check out these other books and videos from the library this week.

Hubby left again this morning for another week in Texas.  The kiddos are still at home with me this week, so I'm sure we'll be finding some other fun things to do as well.  As you can tell from the photo, I am knitting again.  I am working on my April (yes, April) M1 for Mexico project.  I've seen many hats being made, so I am concentrating my efforts on mittens.  Hopefully I'll catch up on my goal of having one project per month until October. 

I'm also sewing much more.  I'm not the kind of person that likes patterns, so much of my projects have been more from the internet, but I found the ReSew book and I'm planning a trip to Goodwill and cleaning out closets for T-shirts.  MomII and I took a trip to Hobby Lobby this weekend and she bought me an early birthday present of material for the wrap skirt I'll be working on.  I hope it turns out.  I'll post pictures if it does and just lament about it in a post if it does not. 

Jan Karon is one of my favorite authors and when I saw In the Company of Others I had to have it.  I realize now that it is the second book in a set and I somehow skipped the first.  Guess what I'll be hunting to read next? 

The Front Porch Tales reminded me of my front porch pictures and I wanted to see what this book was all about.  So far, very good.  It is a complilation of several short stories that the author has collected over his lifetime and shared as if just swinging on the porch sipping lemonade with you, his guest.  I like the brevity since I can carry the book with me throughout the house and it makes it easy to get a story in between tasks or doesn't frustrate me if I'm interrupted while reading since I really will be finished in one more page. 

Enough writing about what I will be doing.  Now on to the doing....

Bath Salts & Watermark Cardigan

While the family was away, I was able to play.  I am officially hooked on Pinterest now and I tried my hand at a few projects a couple of weeks ago.  Now I get to share them with you! 

The first project is for the ladies of our upcoming study of James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore.  I am really excited to get started on it.  I've had to "hide" my book so that I won't start ahead of everyone else.  Anyway, I'm helping to organize the study at our church and it is my privilege to put together "goodies".  With no parameters I found myself swamped with ideas and having a difficult time choosing something.  I happened across some crafts upcycling fridge magnets used as advertisements by covering them with material.  Great starting point!  Next ran across canning jars at the store and I thought that making bath salts and putting them in the jars would be fun too.  I married the two ideas and this is what I came up with!

I didn't have magnets to upcycle, so I purchased adhesive backed magnet roll.



Magnets "baked" in the sun for a few minutes to allow the paper and adhesive to lay down and fuse. 
The while around the edges is a glitter paint that dries clear.

Jars are filled.  Magnet labels on top and leftover material torn into strips for bows. 

 My other project was also inspired by Pinterest and I did use both of the instructions that I found there.  I used the Watermark Tee Tutorial and the Front Tie Cardigan Refashion Tutorial from Pinterest.  Here are the photos of what I came up with.  The kids like the project and I think that I may try these again, in part or in whole, with my family this summer. 

Waiting for the gel to dry.

After dying and waiting again to dry.

Finished cardigan.  I need to have a full length mirror for
placement of the ties next time.  It's hard to tell when I'm pinning
withouth seeing myself at the same time what it will
look like.  It is very comfortable.

Well, summer camp is quickly approaching and hubby is away more and more for work, so maybe I'll have more creative projects to share in the future!

Happy pinning and crafting!