Without any preparation...and without any further delay...
5 things from my week in 5 minutes...
1. Sickness - My little man came down with the stomach flu yesterday. As I held him, he just kept saying "I want my Mama." I would reassure him, "I'm right here, honey. Mama's got you." But still, especially right before or after "getting sick" he would repeat and repeat "I want my Mama." The Lord must feel the same way about me. I've got you, Lana, I'm right here. And, like I did as a Mama, He is faithful to just repeat His promises, love and comfort to me until it sinks in.
2. Sweet - Nathaniel got his leg stuck tonight and prompty told his Daddy "I'm stuck!" As Brian lifted him out of his position, he said - with a sigh of relief - "Thank you, Jesus." I utter the phrase all day long... and I got such joy hearing him thank Jesus for "setting him free!"
3. Summer - It still feels like summer here. The high tomorrow is 87. I know come November I will really enjoy the weather. But right now, I miss fall! On that note, we have not been affected by the terrible flooding in the Atlanta area. I feel so sad for the countless people in our state who have been devasted by this weather. I will continue to pray for God's mercy.
4. Spring cleaning - I don't know why, but that's the mood I've been in all week. Re-organize, re-arrange, purge, simplify. And I don't feel finished yet!
5. Serenity now! And I'm not even that much of a Seinfeld fan! The Lord has blessed me this week with moments of quiet, confirmation and wonder. I love Him and thank Him!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Five for Five Fridays
In an attempt to blog a little more often (it's been 7 months!?) I am hoping to begin a weekly post - "Five for Five Fridays." I'll take 5 minutes to blog about 5 areas of life from the past week. I think I'll go so far as to start each area with an "f" today, just to keep with the theme...but no promises that I'll stick with that! :) Here goes!
Faith - I've been reading through the Bible in chronological order this year, and it's been awesome! This week, I was impacted by the instructions from Esther to the Jews to pray and fast in Esther 4:15-17. Not only did their prayers impact Esther (giving her courage, vision, creativity and all that she needed to fulfill God's plan for her) - but the King as well! In Esther 6:1 the King couldn't sleep and got out of bed. He had the records of his reign to him and discovered what Mordecai had done to save his life. Coincidence? I think not!
Family - Mom Chilton had back surgery this week and is still in need of much prayer for a great recovery and great results. Please pray for Dad, as well, as he cares for her. How we wish we could be with them. While we are very happy here in Savannah, we do miss our parents and siblings much. My Mom sent a package of yummy Greek goodies today (and a huge orange sucker for her grandson!).
Friends - Some of our dearest friends, the Metzgers, just left Tuesday after a week with us. They rented a place on the beach for a few of those days and invited us to join them. What fun! Being with them is always so fun, so refreshing, and full of laughs, memories, and growth. We love them!
Fun - Tomorrow is Saturday! Nathaniel and I are both so happy to have Brian with us for the day. And...since rain is the forcast for tomorrow, I don't think we'll have to share him with the yard. I just read that there is a casting call at our mall tomorrow for a Cival War era movie being filmed in Savannah and directed by Robert Redford. To go...or not to go? :)
Frugal Find - CVS diapers. Yup. They were a steal this week, especially with $2 extra bucks, and they work great!
Faith - I've been reading through the Bible in chronological order this year, and it's been awesome! This week, I was impacted by the instructions from Esther to the Jews to pray and fast in Esther 4:15-17. Not only did their prayers impact Esther (giving her courage, vision, creativity and all that she needed to fulfill God's plan for her) - but the King as well! In Esther 6:1 the King couldn't sleep and got out of bed. He had the records of his reign to him and discovered what Mordecai had done to save his life. Coincidence? I think not!
Family - Mom Chilton had back surgery this week and is still in need of much prayer for a great recovery and great results. Please pray for Dad, as well, as he cares for her. How we wish we could be with them. While we are very happy here in Savannah, we do miss our parents and siblings much. My Mom sent a package of yummy Greek goodies today (and a huge orange sucker for her grandson!).
Friends - Some of our dearest friends, the Metzgers, just left Tuesday after a week with us. They rented a place on the beach for a few of those days and invited us to join them. What fun! Being with them is always so fun, so refreshing, and full of laughs, memories, and growth. We love them!
Fun - Tomorrow is Saturday! Nathaniel and I are both so happy to have Brian with us for the day. And...since rain is the forcast for tomorrow, I don't think we'll have to share him with the yard. I just read that there is a casting call at our mall tomorrow for a Cival War era movie being filmed in Savannah and directed by Robert Redford. To go...or not to go? :)
Frugal Find - CVS diapers. Yup. They were a steal this week, especially with $2 extra bucks, and they work great!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sweet and simple
Brian's Aunt and counsin spent some time with Nathaniel on Valentine's Day while Brian and I had a date! (I could stop there, because that is newsworthy enough! :))
She brought along a couple of books that she had been keeping at her house, which her grandkids have outgrown. One of them is called "Classic Children's Prayers" and it contains the following sweet, simple prayer:
"Please give me what I ask,
dear Lord,
If you'd be glad about it,
But if you think it's not for me,
Please help me do without it."
Ain't that the truth? (ha - I hear the word "ain't" so often now, I couldn't help but throw it in!) Really, though, what truth lies in these simple, childlike words. This is how we reconcile "making our requests known" and praying "Thy will be done." Amen!
Time for Sesame Street...!
She brought along a couple of books that she had been keeping at her house, which her grandkids have outgrown. One of them is called "Classic Children's Prayers" and it contains the following sweet, simple prayer:
"Please give me what I ask,
dear Lord,
If you'd be glad about it,
But if you think it's not for me,
Please help me do without it."
Ain't that the truth? (ha - I hear the word "ain't" so often now, I couldn't help but throw it in!) Really, though, what truth lies in these simple, childlike words. This is how we reconcile "making our requests known" and praying "Thy will be done." Amen!
Time for Sesame Street...!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Fruitful Accounting
The Lord has been answering our prayer in some very practical ways for wisdom & creativity in handling finances. I'm sure anyone reading this is praying a similar prayer these days. Income seems to go down...expenses seem to go up. Everytime the TV is on (with the exception of PBS and Disney!) we hear of the crisis, recession, and meltdown our country is experiencing.
As I was praying the other day, I asked the Lord to help me develop more of "something" in regards to our finances. This "something" was one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I don't mention it by name because as soon as I spoke this to the Lord, I felt Him tell me that I need more of all of the fruit of the Spirit in relationship to our finances. I began to journal was He spoke, along with the Scriptures that He brought to my mind. I share it now, knowing that this topic is on the forefront of many of our minds & prayers, and hoping something might bless someone else...
(2 Cor. 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.)
JOY - Lord, allow me to enjoy all the good gifts You fill my life with and to express joy & thankfulness in all things relating to your provision. (1 Tim. 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.)
PEACE - Lord, may I be content with all the ways You care for me, and full of peace knowing that You will always do so. I truly lack nothing, Lord, and can't think of a time that You haven't answered with blessing - and then some! (Phil. 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength., Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.)
PATIENCE - Lord, the old saying that "good things come to those who wait" isn't just a cliche - it's supported throughout your Word. Waiting on You never fails or dissapoints. Help me to not only say I believe that Your timing is best, but to behave like it. (Proverbs 13:11-12 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.)
KINDNESS - Lord, help me to reflect kindness as a steward of your blessings. From the cashier at Walmart to the medical billing representative who seems to believe that the extra charge on my bill is warranted...help me to be truly kind, behaving as a manager of my King's money. When I start to get hot under the collar because the bar code won't scan or because the price rings up incorrectly...remind me that this transaction is a chance to show the love of Jesus.
(Eph. 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you)
GOODNESS - Heavenly Father, just as You are so good in giving to me, help me to show goodness to others in generous, selfless ways. And thank You that you promise to bless me for it!(Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.)
FAITHFULNESS - Father God, You are always faithful to Your Word, and You ask us for the same. Thank you for the clear instruction You give us regarding our financial responsiblities to You and to our government. May you always find us faithful. (Mark 12:17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.)
GENTLENESS - Lord, despite the best efforts at planning and budgeting, there will be hiccups and bumps in the road - car problems, broken appliances and even disagreements on spending priorities. May my husband and I always approach these times, and one another, with gentleness and understanding. Give us the ability to come into agreement with You and one another, growing and learning all the while. (Phil. 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all.)
SELF-CONTROL - Lord, once we seek You for wisdom and You give us direction - help me to stick to it! Whether that means walking past the "$" Section at Target (which quickly becomes the "$10" section!) or remembering that saying "No" to one thing is allowing me to say "Yes" to what I really want. And as I grow in this area of self-control, can we just start the process all over again - with more joy?! (Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.)
And now...since my dear Mother has relected PATIENCE and KINDNESS by reading all of this, I will oblige her request with GOODNESS and post another video of her grandson. :)
As I was praying the other day, I asked the Lord to help me develop more of "something" in regards to our finances. This "something" was one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I don't mention it by name because as soon as I spoke this to the Lord, I felt Him tell me that I need more of all of the fruit of the Spirit in relationship to our finances. I began to journal was He spoke, along with the Scriptures that He brought to my mind. I share it now, knowing that this topic is on the forefront of many of our minds & prayers, and hoping something might bless someone else...
The Fruit of the Spirit...in my checkbook!
LOVE - Lord, help me to develop more love - for You as my Eternal provider, and for my husband who works so hard as your earthly extension of provision. Certainly it is You who provides us with every good thing, but you use our faithfulness and loyal work to bless us. (2 Cor. 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.)
JOY - Lord, allow me to enjoy all the good gifts You fill my life with and to express joy & thankfulness in all things relating to your provision. (1 Tim. 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.)
PEACE - Lord, may I be content with all the ways You care for me, and full of peace knowing that You will always do so. I truly lack nothing, Lord, and can't think of a time that You haven't answered with blessing - and then some! (Phil. 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength., Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.)
PATIENCE - Lord, the old saying that "good things come to those who wait" isn't just a cliche - it's supported throughout your Word. Waiting on You never fails or dissapoints. Help me to not only say I believe that Your timing is best, but to behave like it. (Proverbs 13:11-12 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.)
KINDNESS - Lord, help me to reflect kindness as a steward of your blessings. From the cashier at Walmart to the medical billing representative who seems to believe that the extra charge on my bill is warranted...help me to be truly kind, behaving as a manager of my King's money. When I start to get hot under the collar because the bar code won't scan or because the price rings up incorrectly...remind me that this transaction is a chance to show the love of Jesus.
(Eph. 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you)
GOODNESS - Heavenly Father, just as You are so good in giving to me, help me to show goodness to others in generous, selfless ways. And thank You that you promise to bless me for it!(Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.)
FAITHFULNESS - Father God, You are always faithful to Your Word, and You ask us for the same. Thank you for the clear instruction You give us regarding our financial responsiblities to You and to our government. May you always find us faithful. (Mark 12:17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.)
GENTLENESS - Lord, despite the best efforts at planning and budgeting, there will be hiccups and bumps in the road - car problems, broken appliances and even disagreements on spending priorities. May my husband and I always approach these times, and one another, with gentleness and understanding. Give us the ability to come into agreement with You and one another, growing and learning all the while. (Phil. 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all.)
SELF-CONTROL - Lord, once we seek You for wisdom and You give us direction - help me to stick to it! Whether that means walking past the "$" Section at Target (which quickly becomes the "$10" section!) or remembering that saying "No" to one thing is allowing me to say "Yes" to what I really want. And as I grow in this area of self-control, can we just start the process all over again - with more joy?! (Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.)
And now...since my dear Mother has relected PATIENCE and KINDNESS by reading all of this, I will oblige her request with GOODNESS and post another video of her grandson. :)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Ok - I know it's been a crazy long time since I blogged...and my journal is sitting on the desk with something I had hoped to write yesterday....but now, maybe Monday. However, I just learned how to edit the video clips I've uploaded...and I'm really hoping Grammy is able to view them. So, this is a test. (Yes, Grammy, I am still making you DVD's!)
Mom, (and anyone else who didn't see this on Facebook - Judith!) make sure your volume is on and just push the arrow button on the left, under the picture. It's not the best camera work...but I'll work on it! :)
Monday, November 17, 2008
what happened?
A few of you commented or asked me what happened when he tasted the onion - sorry to have left that out! He took two bites, and would have eaten more if I had let him! (Much like it sometimes takes us a while to realize we're biting off way more than the Lord wants us to be chewing...but that's another theme entirely. :))
On an unrelated note...I find it absolutely wonderful that my son not only hugged me this morning after waking up and as I said goodnight to him, but gently and repeatedly patted my shoulder as well. Brian and I are both the recipients of all sorts of expressions of love from Nathaniel lately, and we are loving every minute of it!
And now...GO BROWNS! I made a Brown & Orange themed dinner and dessert...and dessert (pumpkin chocolate chip cake) is still waiting. Mmmmm!
On an unrelated note...I find it absolutely wonderful that my son not only hugged me this morning after waking up and as I said goodnight to him, but gently and repeatedly patted my shoulder as well. Brian and I are both the recipients of all sorts of expressions of love from Nathaniel lately, and we are loving every minute of it!
And now...GO BROWNS! I made a Brown & Orange themed dinner and dessert...and dessert (pumpkin chocolate chip cake) is still waiting. Mmmmm!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
An Onion? Really?
Nathaniel has a new fascination - produce. Last Sunday, while Brian was sitting with Nathaniel as he snacked in his chair, I chopped some veggies for our dinner. His interest was peaked when I pulled a green pepper from the fridge. He began to sign "please" and nicely ask for the pepper. I explained how the pepper was for dinner and Brian tried to redirect his attention to the snack on his tray. It didn't work. He continued to ask for the pepper until I decided that he could go ahead and taste it. I knew he liked green pepper cooked in various dishes but I certainly expected that after one taste of the uncooked pepper he would promptly return it to me (by throwing it on the floor, most likely). Well, after one taste of the pepper...he took another...and then another...and then another! He ate away at that green pepper like it was an apple (for your orignial Iron Chef fans) until we asked for it back so that I could salvage some for dinner!
The produce adventure didn't stop there. Next, he wanted a mushroom. A raw, whole mushroom. He started at the top and ate all the way to the stem. While the stem was, shall we say, disapproved of, the rest of the mushroom was a big success!
His taste buds were once again vocalizing their curiosity a few hours ago as I chopped an onion. Yes, he wanted a bite of the onion. I tried to discourage him by allowing him to smell the onion. Cruel, I know, but not as cruel as allowing your son to eat the raw onion! Well, it didn't work. He insisted that the onion was an apple ("app") and continued to passionately sign "please" and point and grunt...and I continued to tell him that it was for dinner and offered him a variety of other things that I knew he would enjoy and were good for him. It wasn't that I didn't want to allow my son to have any of the onion...it's that I knew it would be better later, after it had been cooked in our dinner. We both continued our respective efforts...until I decided to let him have his way. So, I picked him up and handed him his "apple," fully prepared for spitting and crying. I knew that I would wash his hands once he was finished and offer him his cup of milk. And I knew that I did, in fact, have a better snack waiting for him.
As I washed his hands, my mind was immediately drawn to the spiritual parrallel my son had just illustrated for me. How often have I insisted that God give me a taste of something I wanted, but that wasn't in His plans for me at the time? How many times have I grunted and fussed at his intructions that something was "not for lunch, but for dinner" or, not for now, but for later? How often have I talked back to God until He decided to let me make my own choice, knowing He would be prepared to take care of me afterwards.
Lord, help me to remember that You have the best things for me, at the best times for me. Help me to trust that what you are offering me is best, instead of peering onto the "kitchen counter" for what else there might be. Help me to remember that You are a perfect heavenly Father.
"Chose my instruction instead of silver..." Proverbs 8:10
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:9-11
The produce adventure didn't stop there. Next, he wanted a mushroom. A raw, whole mushroom. He started at the top and ate all the way to the stem. While the stem was, shall we say, disapproved of, the rest of the mushroom was a big success!
His taste buds were once again vocalizing their curiosity a few hours ago as I chopped an onion. Yes, he wanted a bite of the onion. I tried to discourage him by allowing him to smell the onion. Cruel, I know, but not as cruel as allowing your son to eat the raw onion! Well, it didn't work. He insisted that the onion was an apple ("app") and continued to passionately sign "please" and point and grunt...and I continued to tell him that it was for dinner and offered him a variety of other things that I knew he would enjoy and were good for him. It wasn't that I didn't want to allow my son to have any of the onion...it's that I knew it would be better later, after it had been cooked in our dinner. We both continued our respective efforts...until I decided to let him have his way. So, I picked him up and handed him his "apple," fully prepared for spitting and crying. I knew that I would wash his hands once he was finished and offer him his cup of milk. And I knew that I did, in fact, have a better snack waiting for him.
As I washed his hands, my mind was immediately drawn to the spiritual parrallel my son had just illustrated for me. How often have I insisted that God give me a taste of something I wanted, but that wasn't in His plans for me at the time? How many times have I grunted and fussed at his intructions that something was "not for lunch, but for dinner" or, not for now, but for later? How often have I talked back to God until He decided to let me make my own choice, knowing He would be prepared to take care of me afterwards.
Lord, help me to remember that You have the best things for me, at the best times for me. Help me to trust that what you are offering me is best, instead of peering onto the "kitchen counter" for what else there might be. Help me to remember that You are a perfect heavenly Father.
"Chose my instruction instead of silver..." Proverbs 8:10
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:9-11
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