At The Feet

New Blog

2009-03-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Once again, too much time has passed without a post. I'm in the process of having a new blog designed and will be switching everything over to it as soon as it's ready. Can't wait to share it with you! Check back often and spread the word.

Today, we are praying for our vehicle. Climbed in the car to come home (from down the road) and it wouldn't start. The more strange part is that it's making lots of weird noises and lights flash sporadically. We're sure it's electrical, but of course, this wasn't in the budget. We're trying pay off the little debt we have and get to a point where we can have some go-to savings. God is our provider! Jehovah-jireh!

Impromptu Repurposing

2009-03-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

Last weekend brought warm sunshine, inspiring a "let's work outside" spirit. After some basic clean-up and looking around the yard, I spied this old crate once used to hold firewood. We grabbed some paint (received for free) and slapped it on. Going for a natural weathered look, caution was not our concern. This "grove" of trees has been calling me to make it more of a sanctuary. Just imagine the trees in all their splendor and some beautiful homemade cushions to top our new bench. And with the fabric yet to be chosen, there will be lots of fun there!

Check back over the summer to hopefully see great progress. I have lots of ideas to make this a place of refreshing with inspiration from Mary Jane's Outpost. Check it out and share your outdoor projects!

Odds and Ends

2009-02-18T22:30:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post for so long that I have a lots of odds and ends to share!

Kids being occupied. Does your dinner table ever look like this? Ugghh.

Wyatt receiving his first promotion in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.

Sweet Girl finishing up a project.

Rewards of a busy, blessed day. First batch of dried apples in my new dehydrator, and first time making lemon curd (mmmmm, mmmm). We also made Italian Wedding Soup for dinner and an angelfood cake from scratch with whipped cream and strawberries. Gotta love those days where you feel like you actually accomplished being a housewife. I love this role and thank God for giving it to me.

P.S. Don't you just love my old-fashioned sparkly countertop?! I have actually grown fond of it except for the fact that it stains easily.

Shelving It

2009-02-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

I'd been keeping an eye out for a shelf to go in our dining room. A quaint store in our neighboring town had one before Christmas that I liked. Of course, it was gone when I went back after the holidays. But it was perfectly fine because in it's place was this beautiful shelf! It's actually put together from an old door. It even has a hook-latch up under the shelf. It reminds me of the latch on our old family cabin's screen door. Of course, the picture isn't great, but I hope you get teh idea of it's charm. The color wasn't exactly what I'd had in mind, but I'll just make it work.

Unfortunately, I didn't measure anything before I bought it so it doesn't fit where I had originally planned. It's a bit crammed in the corner instead of in the limelight like I'd hoped, but I love it just the same. I hope to find more great charming additions for our home to share with you! The unfortunate thing is that thrift and antique stores in this corner of the U.S. seem to know that they are "hot" items so there isn't much thrift involved. My acquisitions will probably be far between.

Unwanted Wishes

2009-01-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

The other day was one of those days where I found myself wishing it would be over soon. Nothing seemed to go right, the kids were, well, being kids, the dogs were crazier than usual, etc. Fortunately, I came to my senses. How often do we talk about how quickly time goes by and how soon our kids will be out of the house. And here I was wishing one of those days away? The better thing is to take the time to fix my attitude and focus, filling my heart with thanksgiving. Oh, how I pray this is a lesson well learned as I'm sure those unwanted wishes will creep in again.

Blind Faith

2009-01-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

Trying to pass the time while Dad was away, we headed to a local area attraction. Who can pass up the awesome wonder of a huge waterfall?! Though there was a bit of fog at our home when we left, we were filled with hope. Less than 10 miles away from our destination, the fog broke and perfectly clear blue skies were revealed. But lo, waterfalls love fog and couldn't let it go.

So as we stood there, looking at this white wall, I assured the kids that there truly was a waterfall out there....I saw it when I was a kid! There were signs that assured them I was telling the truth. The sound was unmistakable, the ground rumbled, and the spray kissed our faces (either that or it was just the fog).

Isn't that just how our relationship is with God sometimes? Our faith tells us that He's there, but we don't feel like it. But that's why it's faith. That's why we get to know Him through His word. It's the foundation that we stand on. So just as I didn't panic when I couldn't see the waterfall because I'd seen it before and the evidence was there, so it is with God. I've seen Him before and the evidence is still there.

Then time will pass and we'll see His handi-work again, proving what our faith already knew. Now, I can't wait to go back to show the kids that glorious sight!

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Friends and Skating

2009-01-10T21:14:00.000-08:00

Friday was filled with fun and friends. The kids and I are certainly getting hooked on ice skating. But it's even more fun when you have great friends along. All the kids range from 9 to 13. It's amazing how each family is different. There are several sets of kids that are the same ages, but you sure can't tell by looking! It's pure joy to see such a large group of kids playing and laughing together. And oh, how it touches a mother's heart to see them help the sweet little ones who took nasty tumbles.

It was such a blessed day that even a three hour ride home in ugly traffic with three kids and two dogs couldn't steal the joy away.

Mommies and Chicks

2009-01-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

Having fun browsing tonight and wanted to share a couple of new and fun blogs I've found!

The Farm Chicks
Vintage Mommy

Sounds of Peace

2009-01-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

The house is quiet, all are in bed. Snow on the ground, now melting away. Nothing to be heard but the pitter, patter, ping of rain drops on the roof. Blessed moment, peaceful sounds.

Revelation in Resolutions

2009-01-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

I'll try to keep this short, but I had to record a sort of revelation that I've had in the notion of resolutions. It kind of came about while talking with a dear friend. Thank you, Donna!

As believers in Christ, we are His. He bought us at a price, our lives are no longer ours. So ultimately, resolutions are not ours to make....they are His. Jesus knows what needs to be resolved in us. When we seek Him, surrender ourselves to Him, we will hear Him and He will lead us to those things that He desires to resolve. This is how much He loves us and knows us.

As an example, in my previous post I indicated that Jesus has resolved that our family needs to work on having grace in our speech. He knows that this is an area that hinders us and often separates us from Him. Because we are willing to hear the beautiful voice of our Savior, He is able to reveal these things to us. Oh, how I hope this makes sense. It was just one of those lightbulb moments for me! So, Lord Jesus, resolve away! My life is Yours!

A very freeing revelation, indeed.

A Little Salt with that Grace?

2009-01-01T01:45:00.000-08:00

Resolutions. There are a million resolutions I could make. All of them centered around being a better person. Thinking a little deeper about some of those reveals to me that at the heart of it all, I want to be more like Jesus. Any resolution I make outside of Him and His strength will fail anyway. So it seems that I'll save a lot of heartache by narrowing it down to just Him. But, I really don't even like to say that I "resolve" to be more like Him. It's so weighty and lofty. It doesn't seem to fit with His words of comfort to let Him bear our burdens.

The bottom line is that I want more of Him. To embrace more of Him, fills me with more of Him.

I do know one thing that my Savior has already shared with me. He so gently and lovingly whispered to me: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Col. 4:6). This is His work for our family this year. What a privilege to know that my King knows us so well and takes the time to help us be more like Him. So over the next year, this verse and many related to it, will be gone over and over. There will, no doubt, be plenty of opportunities to practice also! I have some ideas for how to help us remember these words while decorating our home as well. I'll keep you posted....it may take me a while. They are only ideas, after all.

Praying this new year brings you deeper into His love,

White as Snow

2008-12-27T22:50:00.000-08:00

The rain came down and washed the snow away. It's amazing how quickly it goes. But I was struck with how thankful I am that the blood which makes me whiter than the snow cannot be washed away. The landscape turns from pristinely white to mottled browns and greens, but as for me, I've gone from lifeless drab to snowy white.

Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat,
I wait, blessèd Lord, at Thy crucified feet.
By faith, for my cleansing, I see Thy blood flow,
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
James L. Nicholson,

.....Love, Jesus

2008-12-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Beloved,

I so look forward to this time with you each year. The years seem to go by faster and faster.

I've been thinking about words quite a bit recently. That may sound strange, but I think you'll understand as I explain. See, words are important to me....My words have been recorded for you, I am the Word, the way by which you find me. By My word, grace came down to a lowly stable that you may receive a gift not earned or deserved, but my demostration of love toward you.

My hope is that you too will think about the importance of words. It is by words that you come to me, through your prayers. Words express your thoughts and feelings. Oh, how I hope you will take time to find Me in My words this new year.

But something very delicate and dear to me are also effected by words; the hearts of My children that I hold in My hands. I see the other side of words, the side that many can't see, not with human eyes, the way words penetrate to the core of the hearts I hold so close to Me.

I know you have a desire to please me and be with me. And as I want to be with you, I want to be with others also. You have the great privilege of being able to carry Me to all those around you. Thorugh you, I can touch the hearts of many. So remember this: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one."

All My love poured out on you,

Jesus

Welcome a New Blog Sister

2008-12-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

One of my dearest friends has now joined the blog world. I'm sure you will enjoy getting to know her family. Her quick wit and warm charm will surely touch your heart. She has been such a faithful friend over the years and now I'm so happy to share her with the world. So head over soon to meet Lisa @ Saner Moments.

Fellowshaking?

2008-12-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

It's fun to create new words by combining two to make it shorter. Can you guess the one in the title? It's what you get when you spend a day of fellowshipping and baking with your sister! I think I'll have to work on that one.

After several hours of mixing, talking, snacking, sampling, rolling, dipping and baking, we could see the fruits of our labors: peanut butter balls, candy cane cookies, and Russian tea cakes. Yummy! Though we'll each do more on our own, it gets us a huge head start.

Most every year we stick to this tradition. Last year, we weren't able to do it and we all, kids included, missed it immensely. Our other sister often joins us, but not this year. She's not much for baking, but cleaning! Can't beat that, can you? A sister that comes just to visit and clean up behind you?! We are blessed! You can see why she's so dearly missed when she can't make it. :)

Now I can't speak on my sister's behalf, but I'm partial to the fellowship over the baking.....and I do like to bake. The spirit of giving lights the fire under this festive day, but truth be told, most of it's given to all the wrong places. Ahhhh, a great day leads to good sleep.

Out on the Town

2008-12-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

Though I'm not the greatest photographer, they're still the best looking kids out on the town tonight. A dear friend treated them to a local church production of "A Christmas Carol". They were so excited to get dudded up and even ironed their own clothes! I love seeing how their styles are shaping and I must say that so far I'm very pleased.

They've just arrived home (shortly after 11:00 p.m.) and are bouncing off the walls with excitement. What a blessing. Time to scurry them off to bed and then myself.

2008-12-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

As a child, I would be so excited to rediscover all those ornaments that had been tucked away for so many months. Each one had some special story or memory waiting to come to life again.

The kids have received lots of ornaments over the years, but this year I realized I didn'tever hear their stories. They are always excited to get them out and they have favorites, but I wanted to hear their stoires. Sometimes you just have to get the ball rolling. Amazing how a simple question can let the flood gates of memories open.

Boy 1: A glass santa ornament given by our sweet old neighbor lady (a.k.a. The Cookie Lady). We were returning something to her that we had borrowed when she surprised the kids with the ornament. We have moved away from her now, but we will always have precious memories of her love and kindness.

Boy 2: The "ZuZu Ornament". Every year, we enjoy watching "It's a Wonderful Life" together as a family. A couple years ago, we were able to meet "ZuZu" at a local Christmas fair. She had all sorts of memorabilia from the movie. After much consideration, we chose "ZuZu's Petals", a picture of her and Jimmy Stewart on her bed with the petals. If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Girl 1: A frosted glass ballerina. I knew immediately why. It was a gift from someone who came into our lives with great hope, but now only faded memories of what could have been linger in this little girl's heart. Tears were shared and arms embraced. Bonds were strengthened and walls came down.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year.

The Clock Turns Back

2008-12-09T00:05:00.001-08:00

The usual hustle and bustle of the day was joined by stuffy, gunky noses, sore throats and the like. We've been incredibly blessed by our Lord the last few years in avoiding major illnesses. I'm grateful that even now, thus far, it isn't unbearable. We'll see what the morning brings as they all slumber now.

Though it's been awhile, it didn't take long to get into the nurse-for-a-day rhythm. Drink this juice, take this vitamin C, drink this tea, lay down and rest, etc. It brings such a sense of mommyness, a break from the regular routine, a chance to nurse a little more than nurture. At their ages, I'll take these moments because for a short time the world stops spinning and it's like they are babes in your arms again. Those sweet faces with big doe eyes look at you and say, "Mommy, I need you. Make it better." Yep. You can keep on spinning world, but today the clock's turning back in my home. Tomorrow will come soon enough when they think they don't need me to "make it better".

Lights So Bright

2008-12-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

I love white Christmas lights. I'd string them through every inch of my house, but I think I'll wait to do that when I become an old cat lady with 18 cats running around and sharing tuna fish with them. It's all about self-control, right?

Tonight, losing myself in the twinkling lights on the tree, I was filled with warmth and joy. Have you ever noticed that? How the beauty of lights can have that affect on us? Have you ever wondered why? Plain and simple, it's Jesus.

John 1:4-9 "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world."

Even for those who have yet found the way to let Him shine in them. He's there, waiting to be ignited in each of us.

Early Evening Delight

2008-11-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

Two warm drinks: $7
One Mint Brownie: $2
Christmas background music: $0
Cozy atmosphere: Free
One-on-one time with hubby: Priceless.

Our aim is to set this time aside weekly. Do we always make it? No. Do we cherish it when we do? You betcha. Deep conversation every time? No. Case in point, tonight we talked about Christmas gifts for the kids. Did we make headway? I don't think so. Guess we'll have to do it again. Too bad.

Simple Pleasures = Big Smiles

2008-11-25T22:45:00.000-08:00

It's the simple things that most often make us smile and I've had my fair share of them recently.

A rareity happened here the other night.....the house to myself (okay, plus two dogs and a cat). A nearly perfect "alone" evening was planned. The fire was roaring, bible study materials positioned near the chair in front of the fire, but a Peppermint Mocha Twist from Starbuck's was missing. Off I went to complete the scene. Have you seen a Peppermint Mocha Twist in a mug (no lid, please)? I can't help but giggle every time I see it. It's piled high with peppermint whipped cream and shaved choclate sprinkled on top. Return home, nestle into chair, bible in lap, classical music in the background........ahhhhh, bliss.

After a few hours, the family arrives, low and behold, they've brought me a treat! One taste and I'm hooked! It's pepperminty, a little bit chocolatey....It's Christmas in a Cup! You must go to your local DQ and get this blizzard. If I had the authority, I would guarantee a smile or you get your money back.

Yesterday was packed with things to do in preparation for Thanksgiving. Tired and head pounding in the afternoon, I had put off the idea of baking anything for our women's bible study that evening. But I just couldn't stand it. At the last minute, I turned to my trusty EDF (Everyday Foods Magazine) and found a quick recipe. Choclate Gingerbread Bars. Seemed like an odd combination, but I'm here to tell you, it's heavenly, batter or bars.

So see, it's the simple things. Things that make me feel like a kid again. Things that scream, "Joy"! May you find your simple things that bring big smiles.

Magnified

2008-11-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, the kids and I made a trip to my grandmother's house. I've recently committed myself to visiting with her at least once a month (she's about an hour away). When you're 96 years old, you just don't know how many days are left. I don't want to regret not spending that time with her. Plus, can you imagine the wealth of knowledge she has?! There aren't many kids in this world that can say they sat down and had chats with their 96 year old great-grandmother. And these aren't trips to a sad, lonely nursing home. This amazing woman still lives on her own, drives (though very limited, thankfully), sews, cooks, bakes, entertains, etc. Her mind is incredibly clear and can engage in great conversation. Tomorrow, she will have a full day of lefse making/training with my sister and niece(uff-da, for those of you non-Norwegians, it is a delectable flatbread made from potatoes! Yum Yum).

I truly am amazed by this woman. She has a great desire to live to be 100 and she's sooooo close. She has blessed so many people in her life time that I pray the Lord will bless her in return with this request. I could go on and on about her accomplishments, but the bottom-line is that the Lord has truly been magnified through her. Thank you, Grandma, for being such an inspiration!

And while Grandma magnifies the Lord, others of us chose to magnify ourselves. See for yourself! Ahhh, the fun we have at Grandma's. Good thing she wasn't in the room because I'm quite sure her hearing aids would have been making all kinds of screeching noises as we laughed in hysterics.

Bless the Little Children

2008-11-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

Time goes by and our kids grow up. Somewhere in there may be days filled with frustration, angst, and exasperation, but just a few, right?

Yesterday, I had the special treat of slipping back in time about 5 years. My son found our old camcorder with a tape in it. We've had some bumps in the road of parenting. Most of us have, but some are bigger than others. But to go back and see the sweetness and innocence of young children spawned renewed strength in hope and perseverance for our purpose in parenting. Whatever the road ahead has for us, we know a firm foundation has been laid. We continue on in our efforts to train them up, holding fast to the promise of the Word that when they are old, they shall not depart from it. Knees worn-out along the way are an added necessity!

Bless the little children for they remind us of days gone by and the hope of tomorrow.

Riding on the Clouds

2008-11-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

As much as I try to deny it, I am much more a night owl than early bird. I'm sure that each affords it blessings and curses, but last night brought a bounty of blessing.

It was somewhere around midnight. Finally heading to bed after having some post-church wind-down time. Okay, I'll confess, a repeat of Jon & Kate Plus 8 in Hawaii kept me up! I love that family. Anyway, Little Miss Sadie Retriever had to go outside. I opened the slider for her to slip out only to be welcomed by the most invitingly warm breeze that sweetly sweep me up in its peace. Up on the edge of the hill, I could see small trees and bushes just ever-so-gently swaying with the breeze. The sky was nearly clear with just a few low, fluffy clouds and stars twinkling in the distance. The evidence of my Creator was swirling about me. I would have been happy to stand there all night. The clouds were moving by quickly, so low that I could have grabbed one and gone for a ride. Awestruck, I thought about getting Tom out of bed, but I knew he needed his rest. In complete peace and wonderment the thought came to me, "Lord, are you coming on those clouds tonight to get us?" Words cannot express the sheer excitement yet total peace that enveloped me.

As I got into bed, I opened the curtain so that I could see the sky as I lay there. Jesus obviously didn't come last night, but I wouldn't pass on the opportunity to have my spirit refreshed in such a tangible way. What joy in knowing that He is coming back and it may be SOON! Jesus Himself may not have been riding on those clouds last night, but His Spirit certainly touched my mine.

My Thoughts, Her Words

2008-11-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Like many of you, thoughts and emotions have been swirling around in my head since our elections this week. While I take time to sort it out before I post anything, head over to The Preacher's Wife to read her post titled, "It's What We Do With Disappointment". She's honest with a fresh perspective, and gets us back on track. Enjoy and I'll talk to you soon!