A Peaceful Nights Rest

The Patterson five have been very busy this past week and we are still striving forward. Mr P started his MBA class. He has a test and presentation due this week, yet he also has a business trip for work. Hopefully studying on the airplane and researching at night on the Internet will get him by. During his free time he took care of our children two nights, while I worked, and helped me teach Sunday School. Super Man would have trouble keeping up with Mr P.

Meanwhile on the home front, is a very tired Mommy. As I was yawning through dinner yearning for an early bedtime, which was not at all a bad idea since we almost missed the bus this morning, and my oldest cried during homework time,- I shared how tired I was with the children. My oldest said, "Well of course you are tired. Look at all you do for us." I almost flipped out of my chair at this revelation from my son. My middle son took the cue and thanked me for supper, homework help and for dessert which had not yet been served, or seen ,so that may have been a ploy. Of course they did get dessert!

I had an easy time getting them ready for bed, the boys were most helpful. After devotion and night time prayers I tucked them in youngest to oldest. My oldest asked me to sing a prayer that I still sing with his sister, that we sang when he was little too.

Father we thank thee for the night
And for the pleasant morning light
For rest and food and loving care
and for all that makes life fair

Father please help me to be good
Do unto others as I should
In all I do in work or play
To be more loving every day
Amen

As I sang, I gently brushed my fingers through his hair and marveled at his lavishly long eyelashes thanking God for this beautiful child, who though difficult at times can also be so incredible insightful and sweet.

I can see the Lord working in their hearts and it moves me to tears for what more could a mom hope for than for her children to love the Lord.

Here is a poem by Ruth Bell Graham for all of the tired mothers out there.

God
bless all young mothers
at end of day,
kneeling wearily with each
small one
to hear them pray.
Too tired to rise when done.......
and yet, they do,
longing just to sleep
one whole night through.

Too tired to sleep....
too tired to pray....
God,
bless all young mothers
at close of day.


God bless you all and may you have a peaceful night's rest!

Breathe In Me, Breath Of God

My daughter has breathing issues. I dare not say asthma, as we still have not officially been given that diagnosis. I pray she will "grow out of this" as the doctors hope. She's done very well this past spring and summer.

Here we are, back into the runny nose season, and we groaned as she coughed and wheezed while running during a birthday party this weekend. She has no idea that this worries her Mommy and Daddy as we try to let her do all that she can!

We've started back on our nebulizer routine that she will probably be on for the rest of the winter. As long as she is not coughing we can just get by with one a day, but if she is coughing she may need more. She is such a trooper and tolerates this 10 to 20 minutes like a mature young lady.

Tonight my prayers are for her, that God may breath into her small and sometimes tight lungs, giving her peace, rest, deep, and refreshing breaths that keep her running and playing like all three years old should.

Just thinking of these breaths reminds me of an old hymn

Breathe on me, breath of God,

Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love,

And do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God,

Until my heart is pure,

Until with Thee I will one will,To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,

Blend all my soul with Thine,

Until this earthly part of me Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God,

So shall I never die,

But live with Thee the perfect life Of Thine eternity.

Words by Edwin Hatch

Dear God,

I thank you for keeping our daughter in Your right hand. I thank you for her doctors who have taught Mr P and I how to help her breathe more comfortably. I am thankful for the medications that help immediately and preventively. I am thankful for the seven months she did not need these medications, as we felt it was such a milestone in her wee life time. I continue to pray for our doctors wisdom as they guide us in her care. Help us also Lord to trust You with our worries and to rejoice in the life she has been given, that truly is such a healthy and happy life!

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ezekiel 37:5 "Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live."

Genesis 2:7 "Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;"

The Kissing Pumpkin

Today was cool and rainy, it felt like fall to me. I even had to pull out my jeans. It would have been a great day to snuggle back in bed with a hot cup of tea. After homework and music practice the kids and I snuggled together on the couch and watched a movie. It was too rainy to be outside.

After the kid's bedtime Mr P and I pulled out our fall decorations. Every year we put up "the kissing pumpkin." It is kind of like mistletoe so every time you walk under it you must get a kiss. We started this tradition long before we had children. Since they've come along I have many happy memories of cherub like toddlers running to the pumpkin so Mommy will run over to give a kiss! Now, with the boys, they will run under it so Mom will chase them for a kiss!

The pumpkin is missing two of it's pretty streamers and is starting to show it's age but I will probably continue to put it up without fail for years and years.

Who can resist a kissing pumpkin!

Mr P is under the pumpkin!........ I'm off to give a kiss!

Making Mistakes--- Learning Lessons

My oldest son is in third grade and last night I went to his school for open house. His teacher is marvelous! As I looked around the room I saw a poster that said,

"If you did not do it right the first time than you must have time to do it again!"

Over the dry erase board she had the word,

RESPONSIBILITY.

She must focus on this word with her pupils as well. My son missed turning in a homework assignment last week due to what I considered my error. I placed all of the papers he brought home in a home folder thinking these were assignments he had completed in class. He had worked on a particular paper in class and on the bus as it was a homework assignment. After learning that he'd not recieved credit for his paper I found the papers I had put away and said, "Is this your homework page?" It was, and I apologized to which he replied, Mom, it is my responsibilty not yours. Of course I was very proud of my son and I felt like he'd just grown two more inches!

I enjoy preparing ahead of time for the next morning, so all will be peaceful and calm. I like to know about all of my boys homework assignments and projects so we can get on with them RIGHT AWAY!!!! My son's teacher was encouraging us to step back a bit and let our children take this on for themselves. She even said, " Let them make a few mistakes, we're all about mistakes here, because that's how we will learn." This could be a painful but important year for growth, learning, maturity, and change.

As I pray for my children's education. I pray that they will learn what God needs them to know for the jobs He has planned for them to do. I pray that they will work as if working for God and not for men. If they are working for God than I feel strongly that they must be doing their very best. It is no accident my oldest son is in this teacher's class. God had it planned out all along, knowing that he needed to learn from the experiences in her class.

She makes a scrapbook each year, allowing each child to submit a page about themselves. She told us that she keeps these and showed us the ones from years past. I imagine she learns from her students as well, and will treasures these lessons for many years!

Dear God,

I thank you for our school, which has proved to be a safe, happy, and healthy place for my children to learn. I thank you for the dedication of the teachers, who truly love the children they teach and have great hopes for their futures. May my children continue to love learning, respect their teachers and value their education. May the knowledge they get from home, church and school equip them for the plans you have laid out in advance. May my children long to follow Your will for their lives in all that they do. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Galatians 6:4-5 "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."

Titus 3:14 "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives."

Matthew 25:23 "His master replied, " Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

Hebrews 4:13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and puriy us from all unrigheousness."

By Faith

I am pondering the incredible faith of Amram and Jochebed, Moses parents, as they prepared to place him into the basket onto the Nile river. Moses was just three months old. To revisit that age I searched my computer for some infant pictures. This is my baby girl at three months. She was smiling, able to hold her head up a bit, and at times VERY LOUD! I imagine Jochebed feared she could hide him no longer. She'd have to let him go. I imagine her agony must have been paralyzing. Yet God gave her faith.

If you remember the history of Moses than you know that all of the Israelite male babies were to be thrown into the Nile river after birth as decreed by the Egyptian ruler Pharaoh. He was frightened the Israelite nation was becoming too numerous and could join with their enemies and hurt Egypt. He had tried two previous times to slow down the Israelites growth, first by forcing them to be slaves with grueling labor, then he tried to convince midwives to kill all of the boy babies. So throwing the boy babies into the Nile was his last attempt.

Jochebed and her husband remembered promises from God. Promises that their peoples would out number all of the stars in the universe. Promises that after four hundred years they would be delivered from Egypt. They knew their baby boy was special right from birth, and they hid him. Not just because he was a beautiful baby but because of their faith.

Their faith encouraged them to plan and prepare. Jochebed made a basket and sealed it with tar so it would float. She sent her daughter, just eight years old to watch after the basket. I imagine she did this because if she were found to be watching everyone would know she was the mother of this precious infant.

God allowed Pharaoh's daughter heart to show compassion as she discovers the crying babe. God gave Miriam bravery, courage and cleverness as she suddenly appears and asks Pharaoh's daughter if she needs a nurse maid.

Imagine the happiness of Jochebed as she brings her precious infant back home to nurse. Her baby will live. She will again have to let him go prematurely, but she has here and now. She must have treasured each and every day, pouring her prayers, faith, and hope over this child.

God gave her faith, she prepared, and a great nation was set free by God, using her little boy!

Dear God,

May I like Jochebed, treasure everyday I have with my beautiful children. They are truly Yours and I must have faith in the ways You will use their lives for Your purposes. May I pour my prayers, faith and hope over them so the seed of Your love will be deeply planted in their hearts. May they be willing servants to further Your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

____________________________________________________________________

Genesis 15: 5 "He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars- if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be"

Genesis 15:13b-14 "they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions."

Genesis 50:24 "Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up and out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Issac and Jacob."

Hebrews 11:23 "By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the kings edict."

Marriage Builder Monday

Sarah from Burgeon, challenges us to build our marriage on Mondays by choosing to do something that will build up our husbands for this week and then count our blessings!

My husband, Mr P, works hard for his family at work and at home. He rises early to get to work by 7AM and stays up late, often times helping me with household chores. He is starting grad school this week with the goal of obtaining his MBA. I am very proud of his many accomplishments at work and at home, as he is a wonderful husband and father.

For this week, and hopefully from now on, I will rise as early as he does, serve and eat breakfast with him.

My mom is a great example of a loving wife. When my dad had a job as a state courier and had to get up at 4AM to go into work,- my mom got up, fixed his breakfast, ate with him then went back to bed to catch a snooze before her work day began. She did this because she chose to spend this time with him, so he would know that he was special to her. I am going to follow my mom's example and Mr P will have a yummy breakfast, with company, in the morning!

My mom says in marriage you choose to love therefore choosing to do things to show your love to your spouse. I choose to show my love so that Mr P will know he is so very special to me!

Dear God,
I thank you for my husband. Lord, you chose him for me and for my family. I thank you that he seeks Your Will in our lives. Help me to show my husband how much I love him, respect him and want to honor him in our home. Protect our marriage from the dangers of the world. Help us keep our eyes on You and Your truth. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31:1-15 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidene in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family"

Back Yard Family Fun!

Especially as the days are getting cooler and shorter I am savouring our back yard time. I love the afternoons we do not have any where to go, and we can just "hang out" in the back yard together! We "play" baseball, or at least our version with four players. The boys always win!




Thankfully our boys will play with their younger sister, driving her in our dear friend's jeep, pushing her on the swing, and teaching her scary things to do on the monkey bars! She loves to play with "the brothers" and looks forward to their arrival all day through!

When school started just a few weeks ago even our dog was forlorn as he waited for the bus to come. He would pace in front of the windows and place his toys on the window seal awaiting their return. I think he, my youngest and I are finally falling into the routine.

I am so thankful for this time.... this time together!

Random Question

Edie, at Rich Gifts, challenges us with another random question:

How do you recognize when God speaks to you?

Can you tell us about a specific time when you heard Him?

God is everywhere I look, I especially notice this when I am outdoors. I feel His presence in the wind; I hear Him through the sounds of the birds sweetly singing or in the ocean waves crashing; I feel His touch in the warm embrace of a hug; and I see Him in the eyes of others.

When I am hurried and absorbed in myself I do not notice these blessings of God's presence and I miss the blessing. When I slow down and reflect I am able to see Him everywhere.

You may ask, "What does this have to do with God speaking to you?"

God speaks to me through His Word. He reveals Himself fully there and it is waiting for me to study, pray, listen and apply. The more time I spend in His Word the more things about my life become clear to me. These reflections do not always come as I am sitting down to read but later as I am living, noticing God in the world all around me. That is when the truths I have studied come to mind and it gives me an Aha! moment.

To read about a specific time this occurred to me go to Prayers in the Park

The challenge for me is to slow down and listen. Often I rush through life, talking all the way eager to share with God all of my concerns with out stopping to listen. Spending time in the Bible slows me down as I have to focus, to understand what He is trying to say to me.

Dear God,

I thank you that You gave us Your words in the Bible to study and learn from. Your voice is clear there, if I only take the time to prayerfully listen. Sometimes Lord, it may be things I do not want to hear and I thank You for your loving patience with me, as after my denial You reveal the meaning to me and allow for my repentance and then Your forgiveness. May I continue to seek Your perfect guidance in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking , correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Go Upwards!

Everyone needs encouragement! We all could use a cheer leader, cheering us on!

A friend came to our "tea party" today, out fitted in gloves and a beautiful hat! She was quietly greeted at the front door by my daughter, then loudly by Toby, our dog, from the back.

She enjoyed tea, well milk, served in a tea cup by my three year old and a chicken salad sandwich. It was a great time to visit and of course I love to talk so I hope she was able to get a word in! This friend is one that when ever I am around her I feel encouraged, at peace and supported. It reminded me of Mary Poppins and the song It's a jolly holiday with Mary! Only it was a jolly holiday with Sue J!

The thing is Sue J listens and accepts you as you are, and is willing to go on with you from there. She has a loving heart that notices the "real" you, weaknesses and all, yet leaves you feeling strong. She's wisely learned that being a good cheer leader does not require you to be loud, do spectacular flips or have all the answers. She gives the example of a listening ear, lots of love and support as you live and learn; all the while pointing you to God for guidance. She is using her God given talents well this year as a MOPS mentor mom.

She encourages wee ones as well! She brought over a cheer leading outfit for my little girl and I know she will be so surprised to hear this from my "quiet" one!

Dear God,

I thank you for the friends in my life that encourage, support and love me weaknesses and all! I learn so much from them as they share in this journey along with me. You created us to need each other. Through my friends today I have learned so much. I've learned to lean on You, and trust in You, when hard ships come-realizing that through You we can do all things. I've also learned that to be an encouraging spirit takes listening with compassion and love as You do. You do have the answers and I am so thankful for that. May Your love surround my dear friends, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Romans 15:4-5 " For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus."

Isaiah 49: 13 "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice , O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."

You and I Were Made To Worship

Before choir practice our director shared a devotion about worship. A young girl asks her dad, what is worship? He tells her worship is when we go to church on Sunday and hear the pastor's sermon. I think we would all agree that is not worship.

In heaven angels and men bow down before God and they are singing praises to Him. Worship is more about heaven and not so much about here. She went on to share that as Christians our lives should be worship to God.


This part stuck with me: My life should be worship. Every moment should bring glory to God.

Our purpose is to worship and bring glory to God. Am I doing that every moment of my day?

Definitely something I need to pray about.


"Go with us Lord and guide the way
through this and every coming day
That in Your presence strong and true our lives may be our gift to you. "

(another hymn/song I will just have to sing for you sometime)

Dear God,
May we live out our lives as reflectors of Your love, mercy and kindness as we interact with others. May we praise You in each and every blessing. Lord may we praise You in our hardships as You are in control; we trust You; You have a plan to transform our character. May we live in such a way that You receive the glory and honor and may it be a gift for you to treasure. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 95:6 "O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."


Revelations 7:15 "For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them."

Patterson Pepperoni Pizza Party!

Try saying that three times fast! Our children were our featured chefs for this evenings dinner at the Patterson diner! Pizza was on the menu, and as the youngest Patterson is working on letter recognition we thought Pepperoni Pizza night would be a great theme for the letter P!

We are also hoping it will help our boys not only learn how to cook but the sequencing involved in meal preparation. First you wash your hands, then you read recipe directions....you get the idea!

As a young girl I enjoyed helping my mom in the kitchen. I remember one of my first meals I cooked on my own was meat loaf. Surely I made mashed potatoes and green beans to go along with it but, all I remember from this particular cooking adventure was the meat loaf. I had misread Mom's recipe. The recipe called for two teaspoons of salt. I added two tablespoons. Well I am sure you can imagine how awful it was! My dear sweet dad ate it anyway and said it was good. My mom has a similar story involving salt and a lemon meringue pie that my dad lovingly tasted and ate as well during their courtship. He is still alive and kicking, having survived two novice chefs!

My hope is that our children will enjoy meal time, and remember it as a time we spent together as a family, may that make every meal we share indeed sweet!

Dear God,

May our children learn how to live in community serving each other within the loving confines of our family so that they will be prepared to go out into the world to serve You by serving others. May they have happy cooking adventures knowing the end product served in love, is sweet no matter the taste! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Thank you, God, for loving me.

Thank you for my family.

Help me to learn more each day

To be kind at work and play.

Amen.

Open My Eyes That I May See

We got a new machine to check patients vision for the Department of Transportation physicals at work. Nurses get very excited about new equipment so we took turns practicing our vision checks on each other. My vision it seems is less than perfect. Thankfully it is good enough to pass for driving, using both eyes, but just barely. It seems I will need to visit an ophthalmologist. Nurses do not like being patients because we think we can take care of it ourselves. I am glad my buddies were there because I know the next time I work, they will ask did I go, and therefore hold me accountable in my care of myself.



We all need people to hold us accountable. It helps us keep on the track we know we should, but it might be easier to get off. My mom has a walking buddy and they agree to meet each morning to walk for their health. Not only is it more fun for them to walk together it also makes them stick with their goals.





My husband has a good buddy at work, who also goes to church with us. I know if he ever struggled in our vows of marriage or any other moral issue his friend would hold him accountable. Just the fact that his good buddy is there would be enough to remind Mr P. to seek the less travelled path, instead of the wide road.





Dear God,


You created us to worship and praise You. You also made us to fellowship with others. I am thankful today for the many people who hold me accountable, for my spiritual growth, my marriage, my family and for my health. May I also be accountable most importantly to You as I am Yours and strive to stay on the path You planned for me. In Jesus Name, Amen.



Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Romans 14:12 "So then, each of us will give and account of himself to God"

Hebrews 4:13 "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Are You Ready For Some Football!

This Saturday was our opening day for Upwards flag football! We had to be there early as it was also team picture day. We were all a bit grouchy, and had not been, oh so nice to each other, as we departed for the ball fields.

After pictures we settled down for my youngest son's game. They handed out this weeks devotional as we entered the fields and now I had a chance to read it. It was titled, "Trash Talking". The bible verse was Ephesians 4:29 "No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear."

Immediately I thought about how I had talked to my family throughout the morning, especially to Mr P. Rotten talk was coming from my mouth -and to those I love so much. Paul tells us in Ephesians that no unwholesome talk should come out of our mouths to anyone.

I thought about how I will smile and talk kindly to friends, acquaintances and even strangers while leaving my worst attitudes and talk for my family. Thankfully they love and forgive me but they do deserve so much better.

Right there on the ball field, before the game I silently prayed for forgiveness and for a more compassionate heart towards the many needs that my family members will have during the course of this day. Our day immediately improved as we watched my youngest son's first ever football game. Initially he looked somewhat confused as to what to do but he did make a great catch and attempt at a touchdown! He will be learning this season how to work together with others towards a common goal. He will learn how to be a part of a team!

My oldest son's game was exciting as the boys know more about the game. Amazingly they all looked to me, to be so big! He caught a long pass and almost made a touchdown!

I graciously took a grumpy, hot little sister to a shady area missing some of the game, but caring for all the needs of the Patterson's. Later we escaped the heat to celebrate at the Snow shack for snow cones.


Go Chiefs! Go Jets! Go Upwards!

On A Mountain Top

"I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the rivers and all the daffodils"

This is a camp song I learned as a kid I will have to sing it for you sometime as you probably will not know the tune!

Edie, a fellow blogger asks this random question: (Click on her name to view others answer to this question.)

What element of creation makes you most want to worship the LORD?

Most of my mountain top experiences with the Lord have occurred, well on top of a mountain. I think that's why I like to get to the top so fast. I marvel at the view, and how can I keep from praising God when I see such spectacular scenes! The amazing beauty and majesty of our earth creates the perfect worship area- I can see how even the rocks will cry out!

About twelve years ago Mr P and I were newly weds, we'd only been married for five months. We had our first disagreement. We debated this dissension the entire way up Greybeard mountain (about 2 hours). Once we reached the summit, we marveled at the view from the top. Then we prayed. I mean really prayed for our marriage and this journey we were attempting together. We realized that in order for this to work we needed God there with us each step of the way, as alone we were sure to sink. Then we made up, right there on top of the mountain. We were at peace and content with each other the whole way down, and since that time we've had a heightened understanding of our commitment to each other.

It is amazing to me that our Lord created huge mountains like the Tetons and also created the intricate lacy wings of a dragonfly.

All things bright and beautiful, All things great and all things small, all things wise and wonderful, God our Father created them all! (See I am breaking out into song again!)

Dear God,

We have every reason to praise you at every moment and in every place we encounter. I do thank you for the many facets of Your creation that inspire us to be in continual awe of You. May we continue to bring You glory in all that we say and do. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 121:1 "I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come form? My help comes from the lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Psalm 36:6a "Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep."

Psalm 72:3 "The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness."

Psalm 98:8 "Let the rivers clap their hands let the mountains sing together for joy."

Amos 4:13 "He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the high places of the earth--the Lord God Almighty is his name."

Matthew 14:23 "After he had dismissed them, he (Jesus) went up on a mountainside by himself to pray."

The B-I-B-L-E, Yes That's The Book For Me!

At a Christian Life conference one summer a very dynamic preacher had us do this exercise every day before he began the scripture reading. He'd have us stand up, hold up our Bible, and say:

This is my Bible.

It is the Word of God.

It is called the sword of the Spirit.

And it is my spiritual weapon.

I am who it says I am.

I have what it says I have.

I can do what it says I can do.

Devil!

I am armed and should be considered dangerous.

As I operate according to the Word of God.

My mind is alert.

My heart is receptive.

I will never be the same again


Yesterday this came to mind as our speaker at BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) talked about the Bible. She shared all of the things the Bible is to her: battery charger- to recharge each day in God's word; energizer- to keep her going; flash light- to light her path; tranquillizer- to calm her down; warm blanket- to feel comforted and surrounded by God's love. She also shared God's word can also be a sword -to conflict us of things in our lives that need not be there and that can be painful, like a stab with a sword. She shared these examples:

God wants us to be slow to anger. I am quick to get angry.

He wants us to forgive 77 times. Giving forgiveness to those who hurt us can be hard.

God wants us to be humble and I like to toot my own horn.

He longs for us to shine like the stars in the universe by our good attitudes while I argue and complain.

Truthes like these can hurt as we realize we need to change.

I had always thought of the Bible as a sword in battle with the Devil himself. I hoped I'd know the Word well enough to quote it as Jesus did after spending 40 days out in the wilderness and then was tempted by Satan. He used the Word of God and won a battle against evil.


I never thought about using "the sword" against the evil that is inside me.


My boys have a book called Will, God's Mighty Warrior by Sheila Walsh. Inside the book Will's dad says, "The battles you fight with God's armor can be in your heart, Will."


I am battling the devil with the sword of the Spirit, God's Word. Only the battle field isn't only out there in the world, it is also in my heart.

Dear God,

I thank you for Your Word which You have given us so that we may learn about Your character, Your love for us and how You want us to live. As I walk with You daily in Your word may I become transformed into the servant You desire me to be. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

James 1:19-20 "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires"

James 14:6 "As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil."

Philippians 2:14- "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like the stars in the universe.

Matthew 18:21-22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times."

United in Prayer

Today may we all spend a part of our day, devoted to prayer. I especially want to pray for the families and friends of those who lost their lives seven years ago today. I also want to pray for the many men and women who are protecting our country right now, preventing another such attack. May they be comforted by the Lord's presence and feel surrounded by His love.






May we all put aside our differences and unite as Americans today as we lift up our brothers and sisters in prayer.


The White House Commission the National Moment of Remembrance
Compiled by a Navy Chaplain 2002



Almighty God,

The past year will be indelibly inscribed in our memories.


We looked with horror on the terrorist attacks of last September 11th.But we looked with honor on acts of courage by ordinary people who sacrificed themselves to prevent further death and destruction.


We shed our tears in a common bond of grief for those we loved and lost.We journeyed through a dark valley, but your light has led us to a place of hope.You have turned our grief into determination. We are resolved to do what is good, and right, and just.


Help us to remember what it means to be Americans—a people endowed with abundant blessings. Help us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy and inspire us to stand with courage, united as one Nation in the midst of any adversity.


Lord, hear this prayer for our Nation. Amen.



Matthew 5:9 "Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children."






Psalms 29:11 "The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with Peace."

The Lord Looks At The Heart

Today was my youngest official first day of preschool. She did great! She stepped out of the car, into the arms of her teacher, and walked right into the school. Meanwhile as I am driving away, my tears started flowing. Only during a phone conversation with a dear friend did I feel together enough to get on with the day! Thankfully I'd made plans with a friend for the morning---head to the gym for a run, then off to the coffee shop for a chat! My daughter and I survived the day! She had a great time and I did too.

Years ago when my daughter was still itty bitty CK gave me a book, Just Mom and Me Having Tea.



I decided on our preschool days we'd have a tea party lunch and read a sweet devotion together!









P&J's on my grandmother's china, what could be better!

She was delighted that I put the apple juice in the creamer pitcher so it would be easy for her to serve the "tea".



Our devotion talked about how we are special to God. During creation everything God made was..... "good." After making mankind God said it was..... "very good." The devotional story compared it to a lunch that was....good and then with a chocolate chip cookie saved for the end..... "very good." In our case, well my daughter's, it was a gummy worm for dessert that was.... very good!



As we focused on God's love for us, we answered questions about what things we like about ourselves, what we are good at doing, and how can we show our thanks to God for our bodies and our talents. I thought about my own self image; how I see myself directly affects how my daughter may in turn see herself.



If I constantly fret over outward beauty with many products, time, and negative comments on my outward appearance, she may begin to do the same. If I were to eat unhealthy and try all the latest diet crazes, she may begin to wonder if her body is adequate at her current size. She will be bombarded with these worldly attitudes enough without me adding to it. It is important for me to show her beauty that is eternal. Beauty that is important to God and not to man. Man looks at the outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart.



Dear God,

I thank you for the blessing You have entrusted to me, in the life of my precious daughter. She truly is Yours and You have made her perfect....perfect for the plans You have set for her. Help me to be a good example, by focusing on eternal beauty instead of outward appearances. This will be hard for me Lord, as I struggle with what people think of me. May I remember what is truly important.... What You think. May I glorify You and lead my children to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."


Genesis 1:31 "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."


1 Samuel 16:7b "Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."



1 Peter 3:3-4 "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

Sew Sew Sew, Kiss My Toe!

Cub Scout meetings are starting up again and the boys, Daddy included, all needed their uniforms to be in order. I am not talented with a needle, in fact even sewing buttons could present a challenge for me! I was determined to sew the pack number onto my husbands shirt. This probably would take the normal wife only minutes to complete. It took me two hours start to finish. I am confident I can beat that time next go round-hopefully not any time soon!

I went through the Bear cub book to see the requirements needed for my oldest to get his bear badge. There are a lot of neat things for us to do together as a family! I am looking forward to cooking with him, going to historical sites, camping, planning a fire escape and executing a drill, exploring household plumbing, building models, weather vanes, bird houses, rockets, back yard golf course, and he needs to know how to sew on a button! I giggled at that one! We are going to do it.......together!

Don't worry I did not make Mr P kiss my toe!

Marvelous Monday News

Update on a previous post/prayer request. A Prayer for my husband. http://thepatterson5.blogspot.com/2008/08/prayer-for-my-husband.html

He got the job! Same office, head of his section! He does get to "move" to an cubicle with a window view and bigger work space! He has worked so hard for several years hoping for this move. I am very proud and excited for our whole family in his transition! Of course we had to celebrate!

Thank you all for your prayers!

Does a Praying Mantis Pray?

We discovered a visitor on our front poach! My youngest found him on the way back from the bus stop one morning. We hoped he would stay around so when the boys returned home we could show them!

Thankfully he did stay around. My middle child asked, "Is he really praying?" My oldest chimed right in to say, "If it is, it's probably praying for bugs to eat!"

We enjoyed showing our new "friend" to some of our neighboring buddies. He stuck around for two days and hopefully has found a more "buggy" place to be!

He got me thinking about prayer. His arms always seem folded in a prayerful manner, hence the name "praying" mantis.

God tells us to be prayerful in everything. To bring everything to Him in prayer.

EVERYTHING.

He promises that when we bring our concerns to Him in prayer He will give us peace, and guard our hearts and minds.

God in His mercy and goodness, has given us the Holy Spirit, so in our weakness, when we may not know what to pray for the Spirit is already interceding on our behalf. This is a huge comfort to me as often times I do not know what would be best, but I trust in the One who does.

Keep praying!

Dear God,

Thank you for the many reminders of your amazing love and creativity You have made in nature for us to discover and enjoy. May we bring all of our praises, confessions of sins, concerns, and requests to You praying for Your Will in our lives as You have great plans for us! In Jesus Name, Amen.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26).

Ring the Bell...Time For School!

Today we went to my youngest preschool for orientation. She was so excited to go she hardly ate any of her breakfast. Before I was completely ready she was headed for the van saying, "I love you, Mom! I'll miss you!"

We arrived early and took a few pictures in front of the school. We soon were welcomed in and she found her class, the green frogs, and her cubby. While going through the line to turn in forms, and check emergency numbers she hugged tightly to my leg. The director whispered to one of the teachers to take note of the children hugging legs, to be prepared for extra love on Tuesday, when they actually start.

During the parent orientation the children went to their classes for a play time. My little girl went right in with her teacher. When I returned she was sitting with the teacher and another little girl reading a book.

She went to play on the playground with some of the children while I met a few moms. She did not join into play but stood off a ways to watch. She was not hugging my leg as she was upon arrival! Eventually she did play closer to the other children, but did not join in their games. She's getting there! (In my head I am singing the Mary Tyler Moore song "You're going to make it after all!")

Before we left we rang the bell. I think this was her favorite part! She said she liked school and was excited to come back. I told her I could not wait to call Daddy to tell him and she said, "No I want to tell Daddy!"

All in all a good orientation day! Thanks for your encouraging word and prayers!

Supporting the Arts

Artistically, I have never received accolades but I have enjoyed the pursuit during my life time! Growing up I took nine years of dance lessons. In my adult life these lessons have not been a needed skill but I can still do a double step, triple step and shuffle ball change-where are those old tap shoes of mine? I played the clarinet and marched in the band during high school. Even though I was last chair, I still enjoyed the effort! In college I took a sculpting class, thinking I'd be great, but the instructor said my piece did not flow. Oh well, it was fun and I learned to have an appreciation for the finer arts!

It did not really matter to me that I wasn't the best, or even all that good at these things. I just found enjoyment in the doing, no matter the looks or sounds of the end result.

My mom, who is a respected retired educator of children, has told me of my children's artwork, that it is the process of their work, "the doing," that is important, not always the looks of the finished product. In "the doing," their creativity grows and their imaginations take flight.

My boys are beginner musicians. They are slowly learning to play the guitar, and the piano. There is a great feeling of pride for them when Mr Hughes, their instructor gives them a "good job!" He can always tell the weeks they have really practiced, and they get that feeling of accomplishment when they have played a song well.

These arts in our lives are beautiful, entertaining, and who knows may bless others one day; in the community, or in my children's homes, when they grow up to have families of their own. I hope they can use these talents and abilities they have been given or have learned to bless others! I know I can get a giggle out of all of the other Patterson's when I break into a tap dance number from yesteryear! A joy to behold I am sure!

Dear God,

Today I am thankful for the many ways you have given us to express ourselves and to express our love for You. The arts in our lives enrich our days and bless us in so many ways. May we bring glory to you in all of our artistic endevors. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 95: 1-3O "Come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. "

A Four Leafed Clover

Today while out in my back yard I found a four leaf clover! I have never found one before and I came by it completely by accident. I was talking on the phone about my anxiety over my youngest first day of preschool next week with a dear friend. I was standing in a patch of clover, looked down and there it was!


In Irish tradition the Three-leaf Clover represents the Holy Trinity: one leaf for the Father, one for the Son and one for the Holy Spirit. When a Shamrock is found with the fourth leaf, it represents God's Grace. I have been pondering God's grace all afternoon.

What does God's grace mean to me?

Grace is getting what I do not deserve.

God offers us a unmerited gift of grace through the death of His Son Jesus Christ. It was my sin that the Son of God died for. He knew me and of my sin even then. Jesus death is my salvation because I accept it. I must daily "die" to myself, by confessing and repenting of my sin, only then can I live for Christ.

I am in need of a Savior. I can do nothing on my own. God's grace has given me everything I have. I do not deserve these good things, but by God's grace they are here.

Grace- getting what I do not deserve

Isn't it Amazing!

Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

John 15:5 b "apart from me you can do nothing."

Sometimes to make this verse more personal I will read it like this:

John 3:16 For God so loved me that He gave his one and only Son, that when I believe in Him I shall not perish but have eternal life.

An Irish wish for a friend....my wish for you!

A Wish for a Friend
Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

First Day Of School Cake

It is back to school day! When my boys were younger they were absolutely crazy about school buses. They'd stand by the window to watch them come by and pick up the "big kids". They could not wait to go to school. Now my boys both go to school and my youngest is excited for her school days. Every year since my oldest started Kindergarten I have made a school bus cake for the night after the first day. I read about the idea in Family Fun magazine, http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50194efinder/display?id=50194

We are never able to eat the whole cake so this year I made individual cakes, thanks to a "Joy"-ful friend who made smaller cakes last year. She used small pound cakes.

I often wonder if children remember fondly the silly little things I do to celebrate special days. Today I smiled as they discussed the fact that we were sure to have school bus cake tomorrow night!

September 2007



September 2006

We put sparklers on the cake, which added a dramatic effect, however it leaves ash on the cake.

September 2005 I could not find a cake picture but with my youngest only three months old I may have been too sleep deprived to record "the cake" picture! Here is my oldest first day of school.

I hope you have, or have had, a wonderful first day of school whether it is at home, public or private, may your days be blessed and full of the knowledge that God needs your children to learn to complete the purposes He has planned!

Philippians 1:6 "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.