Unplugged

I am going to "unplug" until August first. I will be retreating to a rustic cabin, The Green Nook for a time of rest, renewal, and fun with extended family. I will keep you all in my prayers!

Thanks for journeying along with me!

Prayers for a Mexico Mission Trip

Our church is sending a group to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to do construction work on a church, provide a Vacation Bible School and run a glasses ministry. The participants will be sleeping in hammocks and may not have the luxury of indoor plumbing for this adventure for God.

Please join me in praying for them for this adventurous yet challenging time. July 22-29.

Dear God,
Please keep our missionaries under Your continual protective care, providing strength for them to complete the tasks You have set. I pray that they will work together in unity, having the same mind in their work and ministry to the villagers there, so as best to do what You have planned. May they also grow in their faith in You realizing that they can do all things through You who strengthens them. Grant them peace and assurance that their family members are safe and are under Your care. May they come home with renewed faith, increased joy and dedication to Your will for their lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Romans 15:30-32 "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed."

Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:"

John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Feeling Frustrated About What I Can Not Fix

When someone I care about has a problem I want to actively help them feel better, and even fix it if I can. Seeing them in pain and struggling is hard for me, because I want to make it better. Perhaps it's the nurse in me that has to be soothing others wounds.



Praying is something I can do and I pray for others throughout the day, every time they come to mind, I pray for them. Even though I pray, I still struggle with the frustration of not being able to do more.



At church we have been studying Galatians. Even though this Sunday's sermon's topic was not about- Feeling frustrated about what you can not fix -I still was pondering the verses from Sunday, today.



Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." I so believe helping each other "carry" our troubles does lighten our load physically, and especially spiritually. Galatians 6:3-5 goes on to say, "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load."



Our minister spoke on how important it is to carry other's load with humility. As I pondered these verses today, I realized my frustration on not being able to do more is a lack of humility on my part. Fixing a problem could take the glory from God, robbing the person I am praying for from realizing the gift God is giving them in their struggle and eventual deliverance from it. In praying for my friends and loved ones shouldn't it be my up most desire for them to trust in the Lord before all else? Shouldn't I be listening for God's promptings on ways to help, instead of fretting over ways to "fix it"?



These verses spoke to me today freeing me from my fretting and allowing me to humbly realize only God can fix things I am mearly a vessel He may choose to do His handiwork -at His calling.



Dear God,

You made me just the way I am for the work You predestined for me to do. You gave me a heart of compassion for others and for that I am especially thankful. Thank you for the gift of Your Word that has reminded me that You are the fixer of our souls and battered lives. You have a grand design that sometimes is hard and seems unfair. I choose to trust You, Lord, You have it all under perfect control. In Jesus Name, Amen.

For more thoughts on "Fixing things" come and see my dear friend's blog from about a month ago ( I read it then but perhaps it took me this long to process the message!) Any way enjoy Miss Fix It! http://chattykelly.blogspot.com/2008/06/miss-fix-it.html

The Green Nook

Every summer we go to the mountains for a cool, relaxing family vacation. We stay in a rustic cabin that my husband grew up going to each summer. He has many fond memories of rock hopping and fishing in the creek; hiking; swimming in a very cold pool; square dancing on Friday nights; and sitting on a shady porch reading The Lord of the Rings.

The cabin is called The Green Nook and it is green! It almost blends in to the surrounding rhododendron bushes. My husband's great Aunt Charlotte was nick named, "Nook". The cabin was purchased by her in the 1960's. This place is so very special to my husband's family as it is a legacy Nook left for us all to cherish. Many have enjoyed a nap on the porch while listening to the giggling of children playing in the nearby creek.

My children love to go and look forward to going to the cabin all year long. They plan out what they are going to do first! Will it be a creek walk, salamander hunt, bike ride or hike? I love that their adventures are similar to the adventures my husband and his brother enjoyed in their youth. Much of the area is still the same, even down to the families that summer there. Neighboring cabin vacationers will come out to see our children, and comment on when it was my husband, his younger brother and their children playing all together.

It is kind of a homecoming for my husband. A place full of only happy childhood memories. He seems more carefree there almost giddy! Things are slower there. We take walks hand in hand and joke with the boys about how much further the walk is (we always answer 10 more miles!).

The Green Nook is a present from a much loved Aunt and a legacy of blessings to us all.

Dear God,

I praise you today for the beauty you have given to us in nature; the calming effect a mountain top view can bring; and the soul restoration given by taking the time to enjoy these wonderful blessings! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 23:2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul"

Submissive?

I have never confessed to be a women's libber. In fact I thought that I was a very good submitter until I listened more carefully to myself. I am bossy. At times I even nag about when a project should be completed and how. Some times I will roll my eyes at his requests to know the plans for my day and when I will be home. Maybe I am not as submissive as I thought.



God commands my husband to love me as he loves himself and as Christ loves the church. (Jesus died for us in His love). In honoring this command my husband must make sure nothing harms me. He might ask me not to drive at night, or to be sure to call him on the way home so he knows to be on watch for my arrival. He may be nervous when I walk close to the edge on a mountain top-not because he doubts my skills but because he feels responsible for my life.

Submission to my husband is being respectful. When I step back and allow him to be the leader of our household I am putting my faith in God. God chose Mr P to be my husband. God chose us to be the parents for our three little ones. I will choose to obey!

While reading this to Mr P he smiled and said you should listen to your blog!

Dear God,
I thank you for the gift you have given me in the love Mr P and I share! Sometimes I do not want to listen or go along with his decisions and at times I am bossy and a nag. Please forgive me as this is disrespectful to You and to Mr P. May I ever be mindful of the grand design You have in place for our family. Mr P is the head of our family. He is God fearing and loves You so I have no reason to doubt any of his decisions. May I view submission as obediance to You! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Proverbs 18:2 "A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. "

Proverbs 21:9 "It is better to live in a corner of the housetop thatn in a house shared with a contentious woman"

Ephesians 5: 21-25 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Power Rangers and Princesses

You know you are a parent when you carry a Power Ranger lunch box to work!

My husbands lunch box wore out and rather than buy a new one he suggested he just use our middle son's old one. He is unphased by walking into his office with the Power Rangers!

I think parenthood helps us to let go a bit of preconceived, pretenses that can sometimes make adults kind of stuffy. Often times I have visited the library and grocery store with Spider man and Super man. I know the days are coming soon when I will travel with a Princess, ballerina or a butterfly. These travels are fun and sadly only last a few years. The dress up years!

I wonder if God chuckles as we try out different "costumes" during the chapters of our lives. I remember as a newly wed feeling giddy about "keeping house". It was as fun as "playing" house was while in preschool! My imaginings of motherhood before my oldest was born were blissful, and holding my baby for the first time was so much more exquisite than "playing mommy" was as a child. I absolutely love to iron my little girls dresses, it almost feels like I am playing again! As I watch Mr P playing with my children I smile, seeing the boy in him come alive. I am looking forward to many more "playing" opportunities in the future.

Dear God,

I thank you for the joy You bring into our lives through the roles we play. May we appreciate each precious moment not missing out on any of the joy You have for us! In Jesus Name, Amen.

I put in some Princess fruit snacks in for desert so Mr P would think of our Princess today as well as our Power Rangers!

Give a hug today and appreciate each gift and chapter God has given to you!

Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.

I Need to Take A Deep Breath

Mothering must be one of the hardest jobs in all the world! The President may say my opinion is unfounded but without his mother, would he still be in his office? Our life has a "filled to the max" quality to it. There is always so much to be done and never enough hours to complete the tasks. I can get spread too thin and harried during my days as a mom. Then everything seems to come out wrong. I am a yeller. There I confessed it. I can rant and rave about the importance of obeying your parents, cleaning your room, feeding/walking the dog, brushing your teeth, clearing the table (I could go on and on and on, hence the ranting).

What I need to do is STOP and take a breath, maybe two...... or even ten and definitely deep.
Jesus invites us to follow Him so that we do not feel so over stretched. He wants my focus to be on Him. Not on the neatness of cleanliness of my house! When I focus on Jesus, I spend time with Him in His Word, the Bible. The unimportant things fall away, my yelling ceases, and I can be the loving mother He planned for me to be through Him.

Dear God,
Please hold my tounge! May I be silent even, if needed. May I slow down, take a breath, then gently guide the ones You have lent into my care. My desire is for them to love You, rely on You, allow You to live in their hearts. May they see my weaknesses made strong in the ways You work in me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 37:8a "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath"

2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is make perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. "

James 3:6 "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. "

Make a Joyful Noise

We love music of all kinds and we sing often, not always well but often! We have songs for washing the clothes, brushing teeth, making a sandwich and for waking up. We are a silly group.

Last night we sat by our son's borrowed keyboard (thanks CK) and played some tunes! The only songs I can play on a piano is Heart and Soul, perhaps you've heard it. It is a duet. We played it together and it was great fun! Mr P can pluck on the notes awhile and play other songs like Amazing Grace, Something from the Phantom of the Opera, and The National Anthem. This amazed me. He grew up in a musically gifted family. His dad and his brother can pick up any instrument and play many songs, after only a few moments of searching around for the notes.

We hope to give the love of music to our children. My oldest has started out with guitar and now our middle son has started the piano. We want them to enjoy making a joyful noise if not pleasing to others at least pleasing to themselves. Music is such a wonderful gift of expression God has given us! They could be gifted, who knows, or they could be like us appreciator's and willing participants in joyful expressions!

Dear God,
What a joy it is to praise you with music! What a joy it is to have a song in our hearts to uplift our souls. What a comfort to have a tune to soothe us when angry or sad. You have given us such a wonderful gift! Thank you.

Psalm 100:1-2 "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."

Ephesians 5:19 "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,"

A Prayer for A Friend

Paul tells us in Romans that when a friend rejoices rejoice along with them and when a friend mourns, mourn with them as well.

A friend of mine is hurting and is requesting the aid of prayer. Prayers on her behalf for courage, strength and endurance.

Please pray along with me for all who are hurting. God knows the reasons- and God knows of their burden. He knows life is a struggle and often times extremely hard. Let's pray for those whose spirits need lifting. For those who need encouragement to face each day. May they feel the love and safety found in the arms of Jesus.

To my friend,
May you see God's light on the path ahead, when the road you walk is dark. Though this time is hard may you feel Jesus' hand in Yours. May you always remember—You do not walk alone. Allow Him to carry you through this time.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Romans 12: 15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

Psalm 46-1-2a "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear"

Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Thank you for praying for my friend. May she feel wrapped in love and encouragement for the days she must face.

Sisters In Christ Weekend!

If you have never attended a Women of Faith Conference. I would definitely recommend it!

It was exciting, inspirational, and fun! I laughed, cried and reflected about many things.


All of the speakers were dynamic, and shared their personal testimonies; that showed how our past experiences bad and good can help us minister to others, and can give glory to God.

They showed that through our weaknesses God's strength is shown; and we are made strong through Him. We laughed and cried along with them as they told their stories.



They encouraged us to use our personal failures and brokenness as tools to help others who have also gone down the same road, so that together with God's help, we can be whole again.



We were encouraged to search scripture expectantly, seeking council for our lives, so that the Word of God can become living for us. We should also be passionate about our responsibilities, entering our days with vigor and purpose instead of ho-humming our daily tasks. This was especially helpful to me in the many tasks that seem small or mundane in my daily life. (Don't be surprised by passionate laundry or meal planning blog in the future!)



We learned the dangers of letting our emotions rule our decisions, and the pain that a careless word, like a flame, can hurt or singe our loved ones. Through all our days we are to be responsible for our behaviour and how it effects the dignity of others.

In the times we feel hopeless in a problem we should learn to do what we can, and trust God to do the rest. Having peace as He does have everything in control.

Dear God,
How awesome You are! Thank you for the opportunity to worship and learn along with friends this past weekend. I also thank you for keeping us and our families safe! Help me to use what I have learned to show others Your amazing love and infinite grace! In Jesus Name, Amen!

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."


Many thanks to AS, SG, SC, SB, BS, AA and WP for a great weekend! May we have many more adventures in Christ together!

Time For Rejuvenation!

Do you remember the Calgon commercials? Where every loud thing that could happen is happening and a lady says in exasperation, "Calgon take me away!" Then she is in a beautiful, relaxing, bubble bath adorned in pretty flowers.

I am going away! Not by Calgon, nor to a bubble bath, but to a women's retreat with some gals from church! I have mentioned how difficult it is to find a "quiet" moment in our house so I am looking forward to some quiet reflective moments. Plus times to worship God and to be spiritually rejuvenated!

Yesterday and today have been days of preparation. As much as I look forward to some time away from my "noise makers," I know I will miss them, probably by tonight or at the latest by tomorrow morning. I have prepared the house, filled the pantry, and baked chocolate chip cookies. I even made waffles this morning for breakfast. Perhaps I am feeling a tad guilty for leaving. My husband is psyched for the weekend adventure and thanks to CK he does have a free morning! (Thanks CK!)

I do not expect to come back a brand new woman but at least a refreshed, rejuvenated and more exuberant one! Ready to take on the world for Jesus-or at least ready to take on my family!

Dear God,
I thank you for this opportunity to "get away from it all" to reconnect with You. I thank you for the fellowship of fellow believers. I especially thank you for my husband and dear friend who will be caring for my children while I am away-keep them all under Your protective care. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 37:7 a "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him"

Mark 6:46 "After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray"

What's Your Love Language?

A few years ago my husband and I attended a marriage seminar at the Christian Life Conference in Montreat NC. A dynamic couple taught this workshop and shared their story with us. The Mrs shared that her husband quoted scripture to her during their courtship and it was really romantic. Eyebrows were raised quizzically, until she said it was from the Song of Solomon. It's a collection of love letters between a husband and wife. She recommended spouses to read this passion filled book together. God did plan for our feelings to be hot for our husbands! (I am fanning myself as I type)

The Mr, who taught the seminar talked about love languages. Each of us have a way or ways of showing our love for one another. Often times the ways we show love might not match how our spouse feels loved. But once you find the language your spouse speaks.......Wow! It must have really touched a chord with Mr Patterson as he went out that very afternoon to purchase the book! The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman Take a quiz to find your language!

Mr Patterson's love language is Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation. He does many things around the house for me and he desires my joyful thanks for these things. I have to make a conscious effort to do this, and sadly, often times I fall short of showing my appreciation. But when I do......Wow!

Dear God,
May the love that my husband and I share increase and overflow for each other. May we cling to one another as You designed. Help us to understand the perfection of Your love in terms of forgiveness, service and self sacrifice. May we have an overwhelming desire to be imitators of God in that love. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Genesis 2:24 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

Philippians 2:2-5 "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests,of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

Song of Songs 1:1 "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth-for your love is more delightful than wine. verse 4 "Take me away with you-let us hurry!" 7:10 "I belong to my lover and his desire is for me."

The Ought To's

As mom's we are bombarded by "ought to's" . We ought to volunteer more. We ought to work on our careers. We ought to have our children in a sport or two, music lessons, tutoring (this list could go on and on). We ought to teach Sunday school, sing in the choir, start a women's ministry (this list could go on and on too!) All of these things are good!

I am sure you've heard the saying about too much of a good thing.

Perhaps we "ought to" slow down. Not just slowing down a few moments each day but how about slowing down all day, allowing for more listening time to find out the "ought to" God has for us.

This is extremely hard for me. I am a yes girl and a people pleaser. But don't I desire to be a God pleaser? I am free from what others think of me because my life belongs to Christ. I am free from the messages of our culture. It is ok if my home is not spotlessly clean. It's ok if my life with three kids is a bit messy. It is ok that I do not have everything under control because I know the One who does.

What things in my life can I reorder to make certain Jesus is my primary focus? I sure do not want to miss His "ought to"!

Dear God,
There are so many good things to be involved in, many jobs that need doing, sometimes I can get lost in the desire to do them all-all at once! Help me to slow down placing my focus on You first. May I ever be listening for your whispers of Your plans for my days. In Jesus Name, Amen.

John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less" (John the Baptist said this)

Colossians 3:2-3 "Set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

Mother Duck

Being a mom requires many decisions, sacrifices, strength, and lots of patience. I think I, like this momma duck, am at the beginning of my mothering journey. Only today I called my mom for some advise on how to best handle my youngest extreme shyness. My mom is still mothering my brother and I three, (almost four) decades after our births. It's a life long task we are undertaking as moms. It's not just an eighteen
year commitment that we can easily toss aside, nor do we get signed up for retirement benefits.

I am glad we have a God who listens to our prayers for our wee ones. A God who cares about their fears and their individuality. My mom and I agreed to pray for both my youngest and for me as I help her to overcome her apprehension of new places, people and groups.



Isaiah 40:11 " He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

Galatians 6:2 "Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"


Dear God,
May my little girl feel Your loving presence everywhere she goes so that she will have courage to join in with other children and enjoy their company. May she feel courage to shine the light You have given her to others, as she does at home. Lord, grant me wisdom in my encouragement to push when it is right too, and to let it be, when it would be best for her to work through this on -her time. In Jesus Name, Amen.

One Big Happy Family

Today we had a fabulous day! We had a lazy morning and slept late! 7:45 AM is late right? Later in the day we went to a good friend's family pool. The water is from a well so it was refreshingly cool. We lunched, talked and watched the children play. Their house is way out in the country so the kids had room to roam. There were swings in a big tree that was storybook perfect. We all enjoyed ourselves!

My friend lives on a big area of land with all of her extended family; the grandparents, their four children and spouses and all of the grand kids. The grand kids are almost like siblings instead of cousins because they are all growing up together. They welcomed us into their day and my kids loved it so much they did not want to leave. Because they are such a big loving family all living together; it made me think of the song by Audio Adrenaline, Big House.

In my imaginings of heaven I wonder if we all will be "living" together in that way-like a big happy family-all siblings of our great God!

Dear God,
Thank you for loving friends who share their lives with me. May we be a support to each other when one needs to lean; a listener when one needs to vent or simply share; a shoulder when one needs to cry; a comrade for adventures; and a prayer warrior when one needs a prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen.

John 14:1-2 (Jesus said) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."

Isaiah 65:21 "They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. "

Revelation 21:3-4 "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear form their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

My Kids Love Silly Songs!

My children LOVE Silly Songs with Larry Boy, a veggie tales CD. We have to play it on EVERY car ride. You would think this would drive any adult absolutely crazy after awhile but the songs are really quite funny and very entertaining in a ridiculous way. My favorite is a song about a love for a cheeseburger. It makes me giggle everytime!

My oldest, needing to feel cool in front of his friends, asked my middle son not to sing the songs at Cub Scouts, explaining that while it is OK to enjoy Veggie Tales it really is for their little sister. Meanwhile, in the privacy of our own van he requests this CD the most and readily sings along!

Dear God,
It is such a joy that there are things in this world that are simply silly! Thank you for Your humorous spirit that allows us reasons to laugh!


Psalm 68:3
"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful"

To hear the song and see a cute video go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmIKR458M0A

Let's take a walk!

Today I bought a new exercise video, Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds. Chatty Kelly recommended it! I love to walk outside or jog on the treadmill at the gym. Working out keeps me healthy and able to keep up with, and have patience with my two boys and my little girl. Mainly, exercise keeps me from feeling blue. When I go a week or so without exercise, I get sad for no apparent reason. Exercise is important in my physical and spiritual well being.

My husband has started grad school. This is exciting and a little scary as we will be juggling time a little more tightly. (I didn't think it could get any tighter!) He started his first class and was gone from early in the morning to late in the evening, because his class was after work. He is usually my relief to go exercise. I thought walking with Leslie, in addition to chasing the boys on bikes with my youngest in the stroller, could be ways of exercising while still watching after my young ones at the same time!

Here are some interesting quotes I found about walking. The first one is my favorite. It reminds me of my mom she is a real power walker!

"It is impossible to walk rapidly and be unhappy" Mother Teresa

"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day" Henry David Thoreau

"Walking is a man's best medicine" Hippocrates

"The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose" Charles Dickens

Dear God,
You created our bodies so that they work better if we get them moving often and regularly. May I find moments here and there for exercise for my health and well being. Thank you for friends who share what has worked for them so we may learn from and support each other. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Isaiah 40:31 "but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with the wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint."

Colossians 1:10 "so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God."

Psalm 86:10-12 "For you are great and do wondrous things' you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart to revere your name."

Deuteronomy 10:12: "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."