Wednesday night means activities at church for our family. I love children's choir, dinner and bible study, but none of these are my favorite part of the evening. My favorite part is taking home three middle schoolers after youth group.
Of course, one of them is mine. The other two live on my way home so it is not problem to drop them off. I love how excited they are from their youth group experience. I love listening to them giggle, suggest games to download on their phones, and converse. It is loud, silly, fun and just downright awesome.
Tonight's new game to be talked about and tried was Duck or Llama. It had them howling. Check it out. It sounds completely stupid but they were having a blast playing it.
It is also fun to get to be part of conversations with these kids. They are great kids who know how to politely have a conversation with an adult. I love getting to know them a bit better every week. It's impossible not to be in a good mood with these three in the car.
Meredith and Kathryn, thank you for the privilege of spending time with your kids. Please know it truly is one of my favorite parts of my week.
Jenn
Showing posts with label our faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label our faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Worshipping with Kids
If you saw us Sunday in worship you would think my children had never been to a worship service. Actually two were very well behaved. The two sitting with Michael. He never seems to get the worship troublemakers. Hmm, maybe I'm the problem and not the children. I'll have to think about that...
During the sermon, I was trying to take notes. I started this discipline sometime last year. I found that it helps me stay present and focused during the sermon and helps being able to remember that thing that spoke to me. If I don't write it down, when I think about it later, I can never remember what caught my attention. Charlotte and Ruby were on either side of me. One was leaning on me and the other was trying to hold down my writing hand. It was frustrating but not horrible.
When we went up to form our circle for communion, I had a girl on each side of me. That was perfect. Ruby decided she didn't like standing next to a stranger and moved on the other side of me. That made Charlotte mad because now she could not stand next to me. This led to lots of dirty looks and sighing on Charlotte's part.
During a prayer in the communion liturgy, Charlotte decided she needed to stretch. Not a little stretch. She had her arms stretched way over her head and her back arched and was twisting from side to side. When I told her to stop she acted like I was insane for having a problem with the stretching. More ugly looks and sighing ensued.
I leaned over to Charlotte after communion and told her that I loved her. She loudly whispered, "Your breath stinks!" Wow thanks sweetheart. I'm glad you feel loved enough to share that with everyone we are worshipping with.
When it was time for us all to join hands so we could say the Lord's Prayer. Ruby did not want to hold Charlotte's hand. After giving her the choice of holding her sister's hand or moving back to my other side and holding the hand of a gentleman she did not know, she acquiesced. Of course then Charlotte decided she needed to hold Ruby's hand in a vice grip. That lead to Ruby complaining and squirming. More intervention by me and they settled down again. Halfway through the prayer, I realized Ruby was licking my arm!
I apologize to all who were around us. We try very hard to teach our children manners and how to act in church. I try to remind myself that this is how they learn. But some days, it sure is embarrassing and a lot of work!
Jenn
During the sermon, I was trying to take notes. I started this discipline sometime last year. I found that it helps me stay present and focused during the sermon and helps being able to remember that thing that spoke to me. If I don't write it down, when I think about it later, I can never remember what caught my attention. Charlotte and Ruby were on either side of me. One was leaning on me and the other was trying to hold down my writing hand. It was frustrating but not horrible.
When we went up to form our circle for communion, I had a girl on each side of me. That was perfect. Ruby decided she didn't like standing next to a stranger and moved on the other side of me. That made Charlotte mad because now she could not stand next to me. This led to lots of dirty looks and sighing on Charlotte's part.
During a prayer in the communion liturgy, Charlotte decided she needed to stretch. Not a little stretch. She had her arms stretched way over her head and her back arched and was twisting from side to side. When I told her to stop she acted like I was insane for having a problem with the stretching. More ugly looks and sighing ensued.
I leaned over to Charlotte after communion and told her that I loved her. She loudly whispered, "Your breath stinks!" Wow thanks sweetheart. I'm glad you feel loved enough to share that with everyone we are worshipping with.
When it was time for us all to join hands so we could say the Lord's Prayer. Ruby did not want to hold Charlotte's hand. After giving her the choice of holding her sister's hand or moving back to my other side and holding the hand of a gentleman she did not know, she acquiesced. Of course then Charlotte decided she needed to hold Ruby's hand in a vice grip. That lead to Ruby complaining and squirming. More intervention by me and they settled down again. Halfway through the prayer, I realized Ruby was licking my arm!
I apologize to all who were around us. We try very hard to teach our children manners and how to act in church. I try to remind myself that this is how they learn. But some days, it sure is embarrassing and a lot of work!
Jenn
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Spring Break
This year we were blessed to go on another adventure with the Weatherbys. This is our third year to spend spring break with their family. Everyone gets along so well, it makes for great trips no matter where we go.
Due to the generosity of a family from church we ended up on a ranch in Alpine, Texas. For those of you know familiar with Texas geography, Alpine is in West Texas. It is a small, quirky town complete with a university (Sol Ross State). Rehm was adamant that there was know way there was a university there as it was too small and in the middle of nowhere.
While we were there we hiked on the ranch, feed the ranch horses, went to Big Bend and Teralingua, went to the McDonald Observatory, went to Marfa, went to Alpine, played games, read books, had a church service, watched javelina search for food, washed dishes by hand, cooked, had picnics, relaxed and had a great time.
Animals we saw included, dear, javelina, jack rabbits, rabbits, road runners, wild turkeys, raccons, horses, cows, and Odie and Paris, the ranch dogs. It feels like I'm forgetting some, but that's the best I can do.
Here are pictures from SMC (Sunday Morning Church). This is a tradition our kids came up with completely on their own and always a highlight of our spring break trip. Each year it seems to have a new addition to the service. New this year was a baptism (of American Girl dolls, and everyone else remembering their baptism), a bulletin, and a time of confession.
More to come about the rest of spring break later.
Jenn
Due to the generosity of a family from church we ended up on a ranch in Alpine, Texas. For those of you know familiar with Texas geography, Alpine is in West Texas. It is a small, quirky town complete with a university (Sol Ross State). Rehm was adamant that there was know way there was a university there as it was too small and in the middle of nowhere.
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| Alpine is in the distance between the two mountains |
While we were there we hiked on the ranch, feed the ranch horses, went to Big Bend and Teralingua, went to the McDonald Observatory, went to Marfa, went to Alpine, played games, read books, had a church service, watched javelina search for food, washed dishes by hand, cooked, had picnics, relaxed and had a great time.
Animals we saw included, dear, javelina, jack rabbits, rabbits, road runners, wild turkeys, raccons, horses, cows, and Odie and Paris, the ranch dogs. It feels like I'm forgetting some, but that's the best I can do.
Here are pictures from SMC (Sunday Morning Church). This is a tradition our kids came up with completely on their own and always a highlight of our spring break trip. Each year it seems to have a new addition to the service. New this year was a baptism (of American Girl dolls, and everyone else remembering their baptism), a bulletin, and a time of confession.
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| The Bulletin - each one was hand printed |
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| Charlie giving part of his sermon |
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| Eliza Claire reading scripture |
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| Ruby and Kennedy walking their girls through the congregation to introduce them while we sang Jesus Loves Me. |
More to come about the rest of spring break later.
Jenn
Monday, February 03, 2014
Seeing the face of God
Our family attended church yesterday, like we do most Sundays. We worshipped as a family at the 8:15 service, again, like usual. I left in tears. Not bad tears. Tears of wonder. Tears of love. Tears of compassion. Tears of empathy.
Yesterday the wonderful gentleman playing the piano touched my heart. He is battling serious illness. This was to be his last Sunday to play for this service. His health is not good. Despite his health, and barely being able to sit at the piano, he played beautifully as always.
I was moved to tears, watching and listening to him play. I was witnessing what true sacrificial service looked like. I was also witnessing what pure worshipping of God looks like.
I thought of how easy it can be to skip church because of other commitments, being tired, having a cold, etc. I thought about how easy it is to be in the service but not be mentally present. I thought about all the ways I fall short of serving my God and worshiping Him.
I was brought to tears by the beauty of seeing such pure devotion and witness. I'm brought to tears as I write this and every time I think about worship yesterday. I am so very blessed that I got to be present for such an amazing and selfless gift.
Thank you Vince and Jan. I know it was not easy to be there yesterday but you were both an amazing blessing to me and I'm sure many, many others.
Jenn
Yesterday the wonderful gentleman playing the piano touched my heart. He is battling serious illness. This was to be his last Sunday to play for this service. His health is not good. Despite his health, and barely being able to sit at the piano, he played beautifully as always.
I was moved to tears, watching and listening to him play. I was witnessing what true sacrificial service looked like. I was also witnessing what pure worshipping of God looks like.
I thought of how easy it can be to skip church because of other commitments, being tired, having a cold, etc. I thought about how easy it is to be in the service but not be mentally present. I thought about all the ways I fall short of serving my God and worshiping Him.
I was brought to tears by the beauty of seeing such pure devotion and witness. I'm brought to tears as I write this and every time I think about worship yesterday. I am so very blessed that I got to be present for such an amazing and selfless gift.
Thank you Vince and Jan. I know it was not easy to be there yesterday but you were both an amazing blessing to me and I'm sure many, many others.
Jenn
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Bingo
We had lunch with the grandparents today. Bingo was the pre-lunch entertainment.
Everyone was enthralled. You would have thought they were playing for prizes or money. They weren't.
I love continuing my family's Sunday family lunch tradition. I think it is good for all three generations involved.
When we left it was raining. This is how my kids reacted.
In other happenings today, I was very proud of Charlotte. She helped Michael lead worship at the 8:15 service. Getting up in front of 60 or more people can be daunting. Charlotte read the call to worship and the prayer of adoration. These are not easy things to read when you are ten and have a learning disability. She totally rocked it.
Eliza Claire came through the house practicing her zombie walk. According to her the key to an authentic zombie walk is dragging your right foot. Dragging your left foot is a dead give away that you are a zombie imposter.
The girls spent the entire afternoon running around outside with the neighborhood kids. I love that Texas winters typically allow for lots of outdoor time. I guess it partially makes up for the six months of the year that being outside is unbearable.
Jenn- Posted from my iPhone
Everyone was enthralled. You would have thought they were playing for prizes or money. They weren't.
I love continuing my family's Sunday family lunch tradition. I think it is good for all three generations involved.
When we left it was raining. This is how my kids reacted.
In other happenings today, I was very proud of Charlotte. She helped Michael lead worship at the 8:15 service. Getting up in front of 60 or more people can be daunting. Charlotte read the call to worship and the prayer of adoration. These are not easy things to read when you are ten and have a learning disability. She totally rocked it.
Eliza Claire came through the house practicing her zombie walk. According to her the key to an authentic zombie walk is dragging your right foot. Dragging your left foot is a dead give away that you are a zombie imposter.
The girls spent the entire afternoon running around outside with the neighborhood kids. I love that Texas winters typically allow for lots of outdoor time. I guess it partially makes up for the six months of the year that being outside is unbearable.
Jenn- Posted from my iPhone
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Parenting on Display
Let me set the scene for you. Wednesdays are a very busy day. The girls come home from school and have an hour to have snack and get homework done before we leave for choir. We pick Rehm up from school and arrive at church, 30 minutes away, about 10 minutes late for choir. Following choir we have church dinner and then Bible Study for me and mid-week programming for the kids. It is a busy day. There is no good way to do it. And no way to skip it because all four kids love choir and their respective programming.
Today, when we were leaving the house I had to insist that Ruby bring a coat. Not, wear it, just bring it. She didn't want to but I knew she would need it before we got home as the lows are in the upper 20s this week. She was not happy. We get to choir and all the kids hop out of the car. Ruby left her coat in the car. I wasn't surprised since she didn't want to bring it with her in the first place.
When I picked Ruby up from choir the first thing she asked is, "where's my coat?" I asked if she brought it to choir. She said she didn't. I replied, "well, that means it is in the car." She lost it! According to her I was supposed to have known she wanted me to bring it in, even though she did not ask me to. Then she insisted that we go immediately to the car to get it.
Of course, if I had brought the coat in we could have just as easily had a fit because I was supposed to know she wanted it left in the car. You just never know what Ruby will be personally offended by at any given moment.
I had four hungry kids and food on the table waiting for all of them. I explained that it wasn't a choice to get the coat right then but I would be happy to walk with her to get it after dinner.
She proceeded to cry, yell and generally be mad at me. By this time we were in the fellowship hall filled with other diners. She started hitting me with a stuffed bunny she had with her just to make sure I really understood how upset she was with me. I took the bunny away. Of course, that made her madder. She refused to eat. She yelled while hiding under my chair. She decided to eat a little bit but didn't like the way it was plated. And on, and on, and on.
All this time, we are sitting at a table with my Mother and Father in law and surrounded by many people. My parenting was very much on display. It was embarrassing and I felt like everyone in the room was staring at me and judging my fitness as a parent. I know my perception and reality were not in sync. But there is nothing like a misbehaving kid to make you feel like the whole world is judging you.
I remained firm in my expectations and weathered the Wrath of Ruby. Finally, she had earned the privilege of having her bunny back and had met the requirements for me to walk her to the car for her coat. She berated me on the way to the car for not being able to read her mind and know she wanted me to bring her coat. I explained that we had had a miscommunication but she was not excepting any responsibility for the fiasco that had transpired.
Once we retrieved the coat we had about two minutes of happy, tranquil Ruby. Then I said something, I don't even remember what, that got her started again.
At this point she was upset that I was going to Bible Study. She told me I did too much and I needed to quit something so I would be home more nights. I explained that my Bible Study takes place while she is at What-A-Wednesday. It didn't matter. I needed to quit something!
We get back in the building and she insists that I have to take her bunny to Bible Study with me. Yes, the bunny that she got mad at me for taking away from her a half an hour earlier. Now she could only survive the evening if it went with me.
We went to the restroom before taking her to class. In the restroom, she informed me that I needed to stop embarrassing her! All I had done all evening was embarrass her.
I was very happy to drop her off at her class and told her teachers that I hope her behavior was much better for them than it had been for me. Of course, she was an angel for them and her happy sunny self when we picked her up.
Parenting this child sure is a tiring, full-time job. She is worth every minute of it. And, deep down I would not change her one tiny bit. She is perfect and she is Ruby.
All my classmates loved that bunny joined us for study tonight.
Jenn
Today, when we were leaving the house I had to insist that Ruby bring a coat. Not, wear it, just bring it. She didn't want to but I knew she would need it before we got home as the lows are in the upper 20s this week. She was not happy. We get to choir and all the kids hop out of the car. Ruby left her coat in the car. I wasn't surprised since she didn't want to bring it with her in the first place.
When I picked Ruby up from choir the first thing she asked is, "where's my coat?" I asked if she brought it to choir. She said she didn't. I replied, "well, that means it is in the car." She lost it! According to her I was supposed to have known she wanted me to bring it in, even though she did not ask me to. Then she insisted that we go immediately to the car to get it.
Of course, if I had brought the coat in we could have just as easily had a fit because I was supposed to know she wanted it left in the car. You just never know what Ruby will be personally offended by at any given moment.
I had four hungry kids and food on the table waiting for all of them. I explained that it wasn't a choice to get the coat right then but I would be happy to walk with her to get it after dinner.
She proceeded to cry, yell and generally be mad at me. By this time we were in the fellowship hall filled with other diners. She started hitting me with a stuffed bunny she had with her just to make sure I really understood how upset she was with me. I took the bunny away. Of course, that made her madder. She refused to eat. She yelled while hiding under my chair. She decided to eat a little bit but didn't like the way it was plated. And on, and on, and on.
All this time, we are sitting at a table with my Mother and Father in law and surrounded by many people. My parenting was very much on display. It was embarrassing and I felt like everyone in the room was staring at me and judging my fitness as a parent. I know my perception and reality were not in sync. But there is nothing like a misbehaving kid to make you feel like the whole world is judging you.
I remained firm in my expectations and weathered the Wrath of Ruby. Finally, she had earned the privilege of having her bunny back and had met the requirements for me to walk her to the car for her coat. She berated me on the way to the car for not being able to read her mind and know she wanted me to bring her coat. I explained that we had had a miscommunication but she was not excepting any responsibility for the fiasco that had transpired.
Once we retrieved the coat we had about two minutes of happy, tranquil Ruby. Then I said something, I don't even remember what, that got her started again.
At this point she was upset that I was going to Bible Study. She told me I did too much and I needed to quit something so I would be home more nights. I explained that my Bible Study takes place while she is at What-A-Wednesday. It didn't matter. I needed to quit something!
We get back in the building and she insists that I have to take her bunny to Bible Study with me. Yes, the bunny that she got mad at me for taking away from her a half an hour earlier. Now she could only survive the evening if it went with me.
We went to the restroom before taking her to class. In the restroom, she informed me that I needed to stop embarrassing her! All I had done all evening was embarrass her.
I was very happy to drop her off at her class and told her teachers that I hope her behavior was much better for them than it had been for me. Of course, she was an angel for them and her happy sunny self when we picked her up.
Parenting this child sure is a tiring, full-time job. She is worth every minute of it. And, deep down I would not change her one tiny bit. She is perfect and she is Ruby.
All my classmates loved that bunny joined us for study tonight.
Jenn
Monday, January 14, 2013
A Sweet Moment Ruined
Yesterday I had a very sweet moment in church. Ruby was sitting on my lap and Charlotte was leaning against me. We were all three snuggled close together listening to the choir.
Unfortunately the moment was ruined for me when I thought, "I hope neither girl has lice!" I got past it and went back to enjoying the moment.
Our last, knock on wood, experience with the frustrating, nasty, little creatures was about a year ago. I still find myself frequently checking hair and having thoughts like yesterday. It is amazing just how traumatic the experience is.
Jenn- Posted from my iPhone
Unfortunately the moment was ruined for me when I thought, "I hope neither girl has lice!" I got past it and went back to enjoying the moment.
Our last, knock on wood, experience with the frustrating, nasty, little creatures was about a year ago. I still find myself frequently checking hair and having thoughts like yesterday. It is amazing just how traumatic the experience is.
Jenn- Posted from my iPhone
Friday, April 13, 2012
Spring Break Trip: The Worship Service
Sunday Morning the kids announced we needed to have worship. They decided to organize a complete service. They planned an order of worship complete with music, prayer of adoration, prayer of confession, Bible readings, sermon and communion.
Of course we had not been planning to do this in advance and did not really have proper communion elements. We had to improvise a bit and use tortillas and lemonade.
Each child had a special part they contributed to the service and they really did organize and execute the entire service on their own.
It was really sweet and really moving. I'm thrilled that our children truly do have their own relationship with God and their own faith.
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| Lael doing a reading |
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| Rehm delivering his sermon on Creation. The subject was chosen because the ocean and its awesomeness were created by God. |
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| Ruby did not want to have a part in the service. Not surprising as she does not like to be in front of a group of people. |
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| The Communion Table |
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| Eliza Claire helping serve Communion |
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Why Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and Romans?
These are the four books that made my mental list for needing further investigation while completing the Bible in 90 Days.
Job
After suffering incomprehensible loss when my son, Sam, died at birth, Job's suffering spoke to me.
Ecclesiastes
My interest in Ecclesiastes also relates to the loss of Sam. There have definitely been times in the last 12 years where I've wondered if he died because of some wrongdoing of mine from my past. Some people find Ecclesiastes demotivating due to its "good and bad happen to everyone regardless of their deeds, it is just how life works" theme. I found it refreshing and reassuring. I want to read it more slowly and see if I still find it refreshing and what else I might learn.
Proverbs
I've always thought of myself as a pretty practical person. Proverbs is right up my alley. Very straight forward and simple. But Proverbs is not a book to be read in two days, which is what I did on the B90 plan. There are too many pieces of advice to be absorbed in that short of a period. I want to savor Proverbs, slowly.
Romans
In my quick read of Romans, it stuck out as being the Christianity 101 manual. I want to look at this book in real depth. I think it has a lot to teach me. I want to see what I can learn if I truly study this book.
I don't know when or how I will investigate these further. But I'm sure I'll figure something out soon. What I do know from completing The Bible in 90 Days is that I need to come up with a plan and a timeline and stick to it.
Jenn
Job
After suffering incomprehensible loss when my son, Sam, died at birth, Job's suffering spoke to me.
Ecclesiastes
My interest in Ecclesiastes also relates to the loss of Sam. There have definitely been times in the last 12 years where I've wondered if he died because of some wrongdoing of mine from my past. Some people find Ecclesiastes demotivating due to its "good and bad happen to everyone regardless of their deeds, it is just how life works" theme. I found it refreshing and reassuring. I want to read it more slowly and see if I still find it refreshing and what else I might learn.
Proverbs
I've always thought of myself as a pretty practical person. Proverbs is right up my alley. Very straight forward and simple. But Proverbs is not a book to be read in two days, which is what I did on the B90 plan. There are too many pieces of advice to be absorbed in that short of a period. I want to savor Proverbs, slowly.
Romans
In my quick read of Romans, it stuck out as being the Christianity 101 manual. I want to look at this book in real depth. I think it has a lot to teach me. I want to see what I can learn if I truly study this book.
I don't know when or how I will investigate these further. But I'm sure I'll figure something out soon. What I do know from completing The Bible in 90 Days is that I need to come up with a plan and a timeline and stick to it.
Jenn
Saturday, August 06, 2011
The Bible in 90 Days: Two Months Down Less than One to Go
The last few weeks have been spent reading the Major and Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. Assuming I finish my reading today, I will finally be in the New Testament. Yes, I've been reading for 68 days and am just now starting the New Testament.
While reading the Prophets I have had a hard time deciding how they relate to me and my life as a Christian. I have found a few things that really stood out to me.
God gave the Isrealites many, many chances to change their ways before taking action to get their attention and punish/correct them. A Veggie Tales song immediately comes to mind - God is a God of second chances, second chances... But they kept rejecting Him, over, and over, and over, again.
We have all dealt with rejection at some point in our lives. It is a very hurtful experience. Can you imagine what it is like to be God and have people continually and constantly reject Him, when all He wants is to have a relationship with us? It is amazing that He keeps trying and He continues to be faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to Him.
I have had many times when reading the Old Testament that I haven't liked the punishing God depicted there. I have finally realized that it is because I know that I will and do mess up and I don't want to think about possibly being corrected myself. But as a parent, I know that children learn from correction and while it isn't pleasant for anyone involved, it is a necessary part of learning.
God has a plan for our lives. If we follow that plan getting from Point A to Point B is usually a much smoother experience than when we decide we know best and do our own thing. I believe we still get to Point B, where God wants us to be, but the path is just much more difficult as we have to learn along the way what God was so willing to show us.
I found it interesting that the people whose faith was noticed by others were not people who were trying to impose their beliefs on others. I'm thinking about Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, aka Belteshazzar Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. I never knew that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had different names. I find it interesting that they are know by their Babylonian names not their Hebrew names, yet Daniel is the opposite.
Daniel kept praying to God even when the law said he couldn't. He didn't go around telling everyone the law was wrong. Daniel just kept on living the way God told him. Did he get in trouble? Yes. But in the end because of his quiet, steady faith in the power of God, un-believers (King Darius) witnessed and recognized the power, greatness and sovereignty of God.
This same theme was seen again with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They refused to go against God's laws for them, were willing to endure the consequences of that refusal, and confident in God's protection of them. They did not go around telling everyone else how to live, or that what the were doing was wrong. They just did what God told them to do and let their example speak for itself. When God rewarded their faith and unyielding belief in Him, unbelievers were awed by the power and greatness of God.
I think it is such an important lesson for us to remember. How we live our day to day lives matters so much more than anything we can say. It is the true test of our faith and what those around us really notice. To bring others to Christ, we don't have to even mention His name. We have to live a authentic life for Him.
Are you reading the Bible in 90 Days? What is standing out to you?
Jenn
While reading the Prophets I have had a hard time deciding how they relate to me and my life as a Christian. I have found a few things that really stood out to me.
God gave the Isrealites many, many chances to change their ways before taking action to get their attention and punish/correct them. A Veggie Tales song immediately comes to mind - God is a God of second chances, second chances... But they kept rejecting Him, over, and over, and over, again.
We have all dealt with rejection at some point in our lives. It is a very hurtful experience. Can you imagine what it is like to be God and have people continually and constantly reject Him, when all He wants is to have a relationship with us? It is amazing that He keeps trying and He continues to be faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to Him.
I have had many times when reading the Old Testament that I haven't liked the punishing God depicted there. I have finally realized that it is because I know that I will and do mess up and I don't want to think about possibly being corrected myself. But as a parent, I know that children learn from correction and while it isn't pleasant for anyone involved, it is a necessary part of learning.
God has a plan for our lives. If we follow that plan getting from Point A to Point B is usually a much smoother experience than when we decide we know best and do our own thing. I believe we still get to Point B, where God wants us to be, but the path is just much more difficult as we have to learn along the way what God was so willing to show us.
I found it interesting that the people whose faith was noticed by others were not people who were trying to impose their beliefs on others. I'm thinking about Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, aka Belteshazzar Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. I never knew that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had different names. I find it interesting that they are know by their Babylonian names not their Hebrew names, yet Daniel is the opposite.
Daniel kept praying to God even when the law said he couldn't. He didn't go around telling everyone the law was wrong. Daniel just kept on living the way God told him. Did he get in trouble? Yes. But in the end because of his quiet, steady faith in the power of God, un-believers (King Darius) witnessed and recognized the power, greatness and sovereignty of God.
This same theme was seen again with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They refused to go against God's laws for them, were willing to endure the consequences of that refusal, and confident in God's protection of them. They did not go around telling everyone else how to live, or that what the were doing was wrong. They just did what God told them to do and let their example speak for itself. When God rewarded their faith and unyielding belief in Him, unbelievers were awed by the power and greatness of God.
I think it is such an important lesson for us to remember. How we live our day to day lives matters so much more than anything we can say. It is the true test of our faith and what those around us really notice. To bring others to Christ, we don't have to even mention His name. We have to live a authentic life for Him.
Are you reading the Bible in 90 Days? What is standing out to you?
Jenn
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Sharing My Faith
In blogging about reading The Bible in 90 Days, I realize I have a hard time sharing my faith, especially in such a public way. I had a really hard time hitting publish on my last post on the subject. Why? Fear that I would offend or alienate someone.
I know we are not all going to agree on all topics, and especially not on religion. I was taught that politics and religion were personal topics and not ones that we necessarily discussed in passing conversation.
It is easy to discuss religion with my church friends. We are all starting from a common place. It is harder to put my beliefs out for the masses. Yeah, I know only a handful of people read Mayhem Mania, but still its out there for anyone to see. Kind of the equivalent of wearing a "Christian and Proud" T-shirt or something.
I've seen alienating religion, I want no part of it. I've also seen, "pat yourself on the back for showing up" religion, I want no part of it, either. So where does that leave me? Somewhere in the middle, where we are called to strive to be the best Christians we can be, to search for God's will in our lives, and continue to grow in our relationship with God.
I believe that God is real. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is my savior. I believe without Him I am nothing. I believe that God has a purpose for my life. I believe He is involved in my life daily. I believe that God is merciful and full of grace. I believe that we all mess up. We are not perfect. We are not deserving of God. But He chooses us, anyway. Loves us, anyway. Protects us, anyway. As long as we ask Him to do so. Just because I believe these things does not mean I assume everyone else believes as I do.
If our beleifs differ, I'm not going to try to change your mind. I'm not going to tell you your wrong. I'm not going to bring up my beliefs in every conversation we have. I'm not going to defriend you on Facebook.
I am going to talk about how God works in my life when it naturally comes up in conversation. I am going to pray for you when things aren't going your way. I am going to happily debate religious topics with you if you are interested. I am going to admit I don't have all the answers. I am going to continue to blog about my faith.
My beliefs are my own. If you don't share them, that is your personal choice. I'm OK with that. I hope that my faith in God will not keep you from reading Mayhem Mania or hanging out with me in real life. But if it does, I'll be OK with that, too.
Jenn
I know we are not all going to agree on all topics, and especially not on religion. I was taught that politics and religion were personal topics and not ones that we necessarily discussed in passing conversation.
It is easy to discuss religion with my church friends. We are all starting from a common place. It is harder to put my beliefs out for the masses. Yeah, I know only a handful of people read Mayhem Mania, but still its out there for anyone to see. Kind of the equivalent of wearing a "Christian and Proud" T-shirt or something.
I've seen alienating religion, I want no part of it. I've also seen, "pat yourself on the back for showing up" religion, I want no part of it, either. So where does that leave me? Somewhere in the middle, where we are called to strive to be the best Christians we can be, to search for God's will in our lives, and continue to grow in our relationship with God.
I believe that God is real. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is my savior. I believe without Him I am nothing. I believe that God has a purpose for my life. I believe He is involved in my life daily. I believe that God is merciful and full of grace. I believe that we all mess up. We are not perfect. We are not deserving of God. But He chooses us, anyway. Loves us, anyway. Protects us, anyway. As long as we ask Him to do so. Just because I believe these things does not mean I assume everyone else believes as I do.
If our beleifs differ, I'm not going to try to change your mind. I'm not going to tell you your wrong. I'm not going to bring up my beliefs in every conversation we have. I'm not going to defriend you on Facebook.
I am going to talk about how God works in my life when it naturally comes up in conversation. I am going to pray for you when things aren't going your way. I am going to happily debate religious topics with you if you are interested. I am going to admit I don't have all the answers. I am going to continue to blog about my faith.
My beliefs are my own. If you don't share them, that is your personal choice. I'm OK with that. I hope that my faith in God will not keep you from reading Mayhem Mania or hanging out with me in real life. But if it does, I'll be OK with that, too.
Jenn
Sunday, July 03, 2011
The Bible in 90 Days: One Month Down, Two to Go
I've been doing The Bible in 90 Days plan for 36 days and am currently on day 34. It is a good thing I started two days before the rest of the church or I would be behind and stressed out. As it is, Rehm's two week bout with pneumonia only cost me two days of reading, so I'm not behind.
The last week or so has been spent learning about the kings of Israel and Judah. For the most part, they have not followed God's laws. And the ones who have, have not done so completely. The thing that repeats over and over is God telling them to not worship the gods of the other people living around them. Time and again the kings start setting up alters to other gods. Even the good kings don't seem to ever completely wipe out the alters dedicated to the others. They might spruce up the temple and knock down some idols but they don't completely get rid of it all.
The stories of the kings are repeated at least twice. At least I've read them twice so far. I suspect I will be reading about some of them in more detail at least once more. I have to assume that these stories are important since they are repeated. So what am I supposed to take from this?
What are my worldly idols? What are the things in my life that take me away from my relationship with God? What am I doing to remove those things from my life? These are not fun questions. Honestly, I haven't spent the time I should dwelling on them. I think, I'm afraid I won't like all of the answers if I really look.
The other thing that I have been wrestling with since starting The Bible in 90 Days is how do Christians live differently than non-Christians without being cliquish, condescending, judgmental, and off-putting to others?
God repeatedly tells the Israelites that they are supposed to live differently than the people around them. They are to follow the laws God gave them. They are not supposed to take on the values and gods of the nations living around them. He also tells them to welcome others in as long as they are following His laws.
How does this look today? How do you respectfully live as a Christian? How do you live your faith to the fullest while not alienating those who do not share your beliefs? What does that look like? How do we do that as a church or as an individual?
So far, reading the Bible in 90 days seems to be generating more questions than answers. I guess it is a good thing I've only read 38% so far. I'm hoping for a lot of answers in the other 62%.
Jenn
The last week or so has been spent learning about the kings of Israel and Judah. For the most part, they have not followed God's laws. And the ones who have, have not done so completely. The thing that repeats over and over is God telling them to not worship the gods of the other people living around them. Time and again the kings start setting up alters to other gods. Even the good kings don't seem to ever completely wipe out the alters dedicated to the others. They might spruce up the temple and knock down some idols but they don't completely get rid of it all.
The stories of the kings are repeated at least twice. At least I've read them twice so far. I suspect I will be reading about some of them in more detail at least once more. I have to assume that these stories are important since they are repeated. So what am I supposed to take from this?
What are my worldly idols? What are the things in my life that take me away from my relationship with God? What am I doing to remove those things from my life? These are not fun questions. Honestly, I haven't spent the time I should dwelling on them. I think, I'm afraid I won't like all of the answers if I really look.
The other thing that I have been wrestling with since starting The Bible in 90 Days is how do Christians live differently than non-Christians without being cliquish, condescending, judgmental, and off-putting to others?
God repeatedly tells the Israelites that they are supposed to live differently than the people around them. They are to follow the laws God gave them. They are not supposed to take on the values and gods of the nations living around them. He also tells them to welcome others in as long as they are following His laws.
How does this look today? How do you respectfully live as a Christian? How do you live your faith to the fullest while not alienating those who do not share your beliefs? What does that look like? How do we do that as a church or as an individual?
So far, reading the Bible in 90 days seems to be generating more questions than answers. I guess it is a good thing I've only read 38% so far. I'm hoping for a lot of answers in the other 62%.
Jenn
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Bible in 90 Days: Two Weeks In
It has been a little over two weeks since I started reading The Bible in 90 Days. I am so glad I took this challenge. It has been an amazing experience so far.
I have had more discussions with more people about the Bible in the last two weeks than I can count. It is so refreshing to have these conversations with my husband, my son, my friends, and fellow church goers. It feels like everyone is talking about the Bible and we are all talking about the same parts. It is great.
I have found that I have no time to read anything other than my Bible reading each day. I'm an avid reader and on some level I am really missing my mindless, for entertainment only reading. But, I am really enjoying reading all the bits and pieces that get left out between the Bible stories you learn in Sunday School.
Rehm and I were talking about how tedious it was to read about the building of the Tabernacle. I was telling him it was one of my favorite studies in Elementary Sunday School. Of course, that was back in the days of flannel boards which I loved anyway. Apparently kids today think flannel boards are boring. These kids, they just don't know what they are missing. A well told flannel board story is awesome.
I loved watching my Sunday School teacher slowly build each layer of the Tabernacle. I was completely amazed. I didn't feel that way reading about it. It was pretty tedious, but it did bring back the fond childhood memories for me. Of course, in Elementary Sunday School we didn't talk about the logistics of actually moving about the wilderness for many, many years with this humongous tent building. It never occurred to me then to wonder how it got moved. But you know what? Now I know the answer to that question! How cool is that?
I have finished through Deuteronomy. While I have enjoyed the reading, some of it has been pretty tedious. There are many things that I don't identify with (the constant gore of the sacrifices, the harshness of God when wrong is done, the complete obliteration of nations). It is hard to comprehend and reconcile with. But I know every word was written so that I would know my God better and deeper and so that I would fully appreciate the gift of Jesus Christ.
I am glad to be taking this journey and glad to have so many around me along for the ride.
Jenn
I have had more discussions with more people about the Bible in the last two weeks than I can count. It is so refreshing to have these conversations with my husband, my son, my friends, and fellow church goers. It feels like everyone is talking about the Bible and we are all talking about the same parts. It is great.
I have found that I have no time to read anything other than my Bible reading each day. I'm an avid reader and on some level I am really missing my mindless, for entertainment only reading. But, I am really enjoying reading all the bits and pieces that get left out between the Bible stories you learn in Sunday School.
Rehm and I were talking about how tedious it was to read about the building of the Tabernacle. I was telling him it was one of my favorite studies in Elementary Sunday School. Of course, that was back in the days of flannel boards which I loved anyway. Apparently kids today think flannel boards are boring. These kids, they just don't know what they are missing. A well told flannel board story is awesome.
I loved watching my Sunday School teacher slowly build each layer of the Tabernacle. I was completely amazed. I didn't feel that way reading about it. It was pretty tedious, but it did bring back the fond childhood memories for me. Of course, in Elementary Sunday School we didn't talk about the logistics of actually moving about the wilderness for many, many years with this humongous tent building. It never occurred to me then to wonder how it got moved. But you know what? Now I know the answer to that question! How cool is that?
I have finished through Deuteronomy. While I have enjoyed the reading, some of it has been pretty tedious. There are many things that I don't identify with (the constant gore of the sacrifices, the harshness of God when wrong is done, the complete obliteration of nations). It is hard to comprehend and reconcile with. But I know every word was written so that I would know my God better and deeper and so that I would fully appreciate the gift of Jesus Christ.
I am glad to be taking this journey and glad to have so many around me along for the ride.
Jenn
Thursday, June 09, 2011
The Bible in 90 Days: Why I deciced to participate
Today's post is brought to you by a guest blogger, The Grinch himself. Everyone please welcome Rehm to Mayhem Mania.
Well about 3 weeks ago I found out my church was going to read the Bible in 90 days. Having never read the whole thing I thought this was a wonderful chance to do so. I am excited because I would get to do something I've never done. I liked that lots of other people would be doing it. Then I would have lots of people to discuss it with.
I was also a bit scared because there was a lot of reading. I was afraid I might not have enough time to do it all sometimes. I have lots of other activities planned for the summer.
The majority of the first 11 days have been good. The good parts were when there was lots of action happening, like creation, the Ark...There were a couple of days that have been hard. When it starts talking about the building of the Tabernacle, the alter for the Tabernacle, and all of the sacrifices it is really hard to continue on because it makes you tired and sleepy.
I hope that I get though the whole thing. This is an amazing program. I like how it is a short time period so I don't have to remember to do it everyday for a whole year. It is quicker so I can make connections between the Old and New Testaments and different books.
Wish me luck,
Rehm
Well about 3 weeks ago I found out my church was going to read the Bible in 90 days. Having never read the whole thing I thought this was a wonderful chance to do so. I am excited because I would get to do something I've never done. I liked that lots of other people would be doing it. Then I would have lots of people to discuss it with.
I was also a bit scared because there was a lot of reading. I was afraid I might not have enough time to do it all sometimes. I have lots of other activities planned for the summer.
The majority of the first 11 days have been good. The good parts were when there was lots of action happening, like creation, the Ark...There were a couple of days that have been hard. When it starts talking about the building of the Tabernacle, the alter for the Tabernacle, and all of the sacrifices it is really hard to continue on because it makes you tired and sleepy.
I hope that I get though the whole thing. This is an amazing program. I like how it is a short time period so I don't have to remember to do it everyday for a whole year. It is quicker so I can make connections between the Old and New Testaments and different books.
Wish me luck,
Rehm
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Reading the Bible in 90 Days? Seriously?
Over 350 people from our church are participating in The Bible in 90 Days program this summer. When it was first announced I thought "no way!" How in the world would I read the entire Bible in 90 days? Over the summer no less, with four kids to occupy.
I've made an effort in the last year to get out of my comfort zone and push myself physically and emotional. I've also made it a priority to understand who I am and what I am capable of and stopped beating myself up about not doing everything. In this year of self discovery, I've determined that I am very much the tortoise and not the hare.
I can't do things in a fast and furious manner. Especially when starting a new habit. If I do, I burn out in a week or two and then feel like a failure when I don't stick to the new regimen. I have found that I do better to make small goals and build on them.
For example, I started doing the Couch to 5K program in mid-March. The first day I almost talked myself out of doing it because I truly didn't believe I could do it. But I realized I would definitely fail, if I didn't try and trying alone was a success in and of itself. I should have completed the program as of this week. I'm not quite halfway. Do I feel like I have failed? Nope, because I have tried something new and stuck with it for nine weeks. Will I ever complete the program and run a 5K? Probably, but if I don't, I have still been successful. I've tried something way outside my comfort zone and given it my best effort. I'm slow, but I'm doing it in a way that works for me and who I am.
My personal motto this year has become, "I am tortoise hear me...plod." Yep, boring and down right anti-climatic, but completely and totally who I am. Progress, no matter how slow, change, no matter how small, are my successes.
How does someone who has embraced taking the slow and steady approach to the world end up committing to read the Bible in 90 days? I don't really know. My first response to my Bible Study group was, "I'm the tortoise not the hare and this is totally the hare's approach. I'm scared!"
I am scared. I am a tortoise. I am a slow reader. I don't do well with big change. This is a big change, requiring about 45 minutes of reading every day for 90 days! I've never read the Bible all the way through. I've read chunks but never the whole thing. I've failed at so many projects that required me to jump in with both feet and do something different.
I'm also very excited. I'm out of my comfort zone and I've learned this year that is a good place for me to be. I am growing and stretching and challenging myself by attempting something I don't feel capable of doing. I feel empowered by trying something new and by testing myself.
I'm four days in to the reading. I've completed Genesis. All the stories were familiar but this is the first time in my life I've read every last single word in Genesis and I did it in 4 days!
Will I complete this journey in 90 days? I intend to. Will I be a better person for doing this? Yes! I will have accomplished something that I didn't think I was capable of and I know God will stretch me spiritually through this process as well. I am excited. I am the tortoise but for the next 86 days I will be impersonating the hare.
Wish me luck and say a prayer for my endurance. I'm sure I'll be posting more about it as the summer progresses.
Jenn
PS. I'll be posting on Facebook everyday when I complete my reading. This is my way of being accountable during the process.
I've made an effort in the last year to get out of my comfort zone and push myself physically and emotional. I've also made it a priority to understand who I am and what I am capable of and stopped beating myself up about not doing everything. In this year of self discovery, I've determined that I am very much the tortoise and not the hare.
I can't do things in a fast and furious manner. Especially when starting a new habit. If I do, I burn out in a week or two and then feel like a failure when I don't stick to the new regimen. I have found that I do better to make small goals and build on them.
For example, I started doing the Couch to 5K program in mid-March. The first day I almost talked myself out of doing it because I truly didn't believe I could do it. But I realized I would definitely fail, if I didn't try and trying alone was a success in and of itself. I should have completed the program as of this week. I'm not quite halfway. Do I feel like I have failed? Nope, because I have tried something new and stuck with it for nine weeks. Will I ever complete the program and run a 5K? Probably, but if I don't, I have still been successful. I've tried something way outside my comfort zone and given it my best effort. I'm slow, but I'm doing it in a way that works for me and who I am.
My personal motto this year has become, "I am tortoise hear me...plod." Yep, boring and down right anti-climatic, but completely and totally who I am. Progress, no matter how slow, change, no matter how small, are my successes. How does someone who has embraced taking the slow and steady approach to the world end up committing to read the Bible in 90 days? I don't really know. My first response to my Bible Study group was, "I'm the tortoise not the hare and this is totally the hare's approach. I'm scared!"
I am scared. I am a tortoise. I am a slow reader. I don't do well with big change. This is a big change, requiring about 45 minutes of reading every day for 90 days! I've never read the Bible all the way through. I've read chunks but never the whole thing. I've failed at so many projects that required me to jump in with both feet and do something different.
I'm also very excited. I'm out of my comfort zone and I've learned this year that is a good place for me to be. I am growing and stretching and challenging myself by attempting something I don't feel capable of doing. I feel empowered by trying something new and by testing myself.
I'm four days in to the reading. I've completed Genesis. All the stories were familiar but this is the first time in my life I've read every last single word in Genesis and I did it in 4 days!
Will I complete this journey in 90 days? I intend to. Will I be a better person for doing this? Yes! I will have accomplished something that I didn't think I was capable of and I know God will stretch me spiritually through this process as well. I am excited. I am the tortoise but for the next 86 days I will be impersonating the hare.
Wish me luck and say a prayer for my endurance. I'm sure I'll be posting more about it as the summer progresses.
Jenn
PS. I'll be posting on Facebook everyday when I complete my reading. This is my way of being accountable during the process.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
One of the many reasons going to church is beneficial
Sibling bonding time.
And, just so you know, this was actually taken at a meeting following church, not during services. I do have a few picture taking boundaries.
Jenn - Posted from my iPhone
And, just so you know, this was actually taken at a meeting following church, not during services. I do have a few picture taking boundaries.
Jenn - Posted from my iPhone
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Things said during the Children's Sermon
The children's sermon was always my favorite part of worship until my kids got old enough to participate. I always thought the children were so adorable and precocious. It is amazing how your perspective changes when it is your child up there and you have no clue what might come out of their mouths. It doesn't help my anxiety during the children's sermon that all four of my children are very comfortable at our church (a good thing) and very comfortable sharing in a large group (also a good thing) and very opinionated (mostly a good thing).
The service we normally attend does not have a children's sermon, but this past Sunday we went to a different service that did have a children's sermon. All four Maniacs went up to participate.
The topic this week was the permanence of God. The Director of Children's Ministry started off asking what everyone got for Christmas and writing those things on a white board. Given the amount of time and effort that Santa put into finding a Ladybug monster truck for Ruby I was glad it made the list of "things the kids got for Christmas two months ago and still remember." Of course, after listing all the stuff for a couple of minutes the leader then erased it all and talked about how that all those things are just stuff and won't last. Then she asked what kinds of things they wanted for their birthday. The list included things like bikes, new toys, ponies, a pool, a trampoline, etc. She then asked, "Will this stuff stay around forever?" and started erasing the list. At that point, Charlotte piped up with "Well, the pool might!"
The Director finished the sermon by talking about how Jesus was the only thing that lasted forever and that He could not be erased (complete with Jesus written permanent marker for illustration). I'm glad now when my kids see a dry erase marker they will think "stuff" and when they see a sharpie they will think "Jesus."
We dodged the embarrassing your parents by what you said during the children's sermon bullet this week. Unfortunately, there is always next week and knowing the Maniacs we won't always dodge it.
Jenn
The service we normally attend does not have a children's sermon, but this past Sunday we went to a different service that did have a children's sermon. All four Maniacs went up to participate.
The topic this week was the permanence of God. The Director of Children's Ministry started off asking what everyone got for Christmas and writing those things on a white board. Given the amount of time and effort that Santa put into finding a Ladybug monster truck for Ruby I was glad it made the list of "things the kids got for Christmas two months ago and still remember." Of course, after listing all the stuff for a couple of minutes the leader then erased it all and talked about how that all those things are just stuff and won't last. Then she asked what kinds of things they wanted for their birthday. The list included things like bikes, new toys, ponies, a pool, a trampoline, etc. She then asked, "Will this stuff stay around forever?" and started erasing the list. At that point, Charlotte piped up with "Well, the pool might!"
The Director finished the sermon by talking about how Jesus was the only thing that lasted forever and that He could not be erased (complete with Jesus written permanent marker for illustration). I'm glad now when my kids see a dry erase marker they will think "stuff" and when they see a sharpie they will think "Jesus."
We dodged the embarrassing your parents by what you said during the children's sermon bullet this week. Unfortunately, there is always next week and knowing the Maniacs we won't always dodge it.
Jenn
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Communion
I love when we all go to worship together. Sometimes it is difficult because, well, the kids are wiggly and loud and bored and in general need quite a bit of their parents attention to make it through the service with out being a huge disruption to those around them. Of course, that means their parents don't always leave worship knowing what the sermon was about. I know many believe that children should not be part of worship until they are older and can sit still longer and read.
Obviously, our family takes a different approach. We believe that learning to sit through a service at a young age helps make church a lifelong habit. Our children start learning parts of the service (the Lord's Prayer, the Doxology, the Glori Patri, etc) very young (we start around 3) so that they can participate. We specifically chose the service at our church that is the shortest - 45 minutes and the most casual though not contemporary. The service we attend offers communion weekly instead of once a month like the rest of our services.
Communion is another place our family seems to deviate from the norm. Our Book of Order states that it is at the parents discretion when their children are ready for communion. For us, we have interpreted that to be when our child, on an age appropriate level, can explain why we take communion and understand that it is not just a snack. Our kids have started taking communion around the age of three or four.
The age they start communion is something that I often wonder if we have made the right choice about. We get funny looks with some frequency when the littles take communion. Every time that happens I think, "is this the right thing to be doing?" Don't get me wrong, we have lots of positive feedback on our family's approach to religion and lots of fellow worshipers who make a point to seek out my children each week to tell them how happy they are to see them. Sometimes, I think, we just surprise people by how young we start them.
This past Sunday, I had my answer. For this service all of the congregants form a circle and serve communion to each other. Preceding me in the circle were Michael, then Eliza Claire, then Rehm, and then me. Ruby and Charlotte were on the other side of Michael with Grandma. Eliza Claire was very serious when receiving communion. Then she took the bread from her dad and turned to her brother and in her very serious, very solemn, little Eliza Claire voice, held out the bread and said, "Rehm, this is the body of Christ broken for you." I had tears in my eyes. Then Rehm turned to serve communion to me. Again it was powerful - to have my nine year old son share intimately in my faith and worship experience.
This is exactly what I want my children to be learning. This is exactly the faith I want them to display. This is the community I want them to be part of. This is exactly where I want them to belong. She may not completely understand communion, but she does know that Jesus loves her and gave his life for her as well as a four year old can know that.
I honestly can not tell you what the sermon was about - I was distracted shushing the children but I can not put into words how powerful of a worship experience I had and how much I look forward to repeating it regularly in the future.
Jenn
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thanks, Go Fish!
Today we were listening to Go Fish Kickin' It Old School in the van while running errands. The song This Is My Father's World came on. At the beginning of the song there is talking, honestly I've not listened to the talking too closely as the kids are usually all talking and I can't hear it all. It sounds like news audio from after 911 and other catastrophes and a child saying the Lord's Prayer. Rehm made the statement, "Mom, why did God make all those bad things happen?"
I got the privilege to take 10 minutes to share part of my faith and my beliefs about God with all four of my kids. Partially because Go Fish sparked the question in Rehm and partly because I had a captive audience. We talked about things like free will and omniscience and omnipotent and how they all work together.
I explained that while God knew those bad things would happen and he is powerful enough to change them that he gives us free will. That He wants us to choose Him and to choose good. We also talked about how sometimes there are good things that come out of bad things. And how those good things don't make the bad things OK but allow us to find hope and peace.
This is a conversation we would not have had today had it we had not been listening to Go Fish. Once again, I say thank you for the great music and the great discussions (the discussion I'm referring to is about halfway down the post).
Jenn
PS. I love this new CD. It is mostly remakes of good old hymns. I had a conversation with a homeless man today after he chuckled watching me grooving to I'll Fly Away. And those of you who know me, know I'm not the type to be grooving to anything. I have yet to hear a Go Fish CD that our family didn't love. And no, they are not paying me or giving me free CDs to say it.
I got the privilege to take 10 minutes to share part of my faith and my beliefs about God with all four of my kids. Partially because Go Fish sparked the question in Rehm and partly because I had a captive audience. We talked about things like free will and omniscience and omnipotent and how they all work together.
I explained that while God knew those bad things would happen and he is powerful enough to change them that he gives us free will. That He wants us to choose Him and to choose good. We also talked about how sometimes there are good things that come out of bad things. And how those good things don't make the bad things OK but allow us to find hope and peace.
This is a conversation we would not have had today had it we had not been listening to Go Fish. Once again, I say thank you for the great music and the great discussions (the discussion I'm referring to is about halfway down the post).
Jenn
PS. I love this new CD. It is mostly remakes of good old hymns. I had a conversation with a homeless man today after he chuckled watching me grooving to I'll Fly Away. And those of you who know me, know I'm not the type to be grooving to anything. I have yet to hear a Go Fish CD that our family didn't love. And no, they are not paying me or giving me free CDs to say it.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
A question you really shouldn't ask your children
Tonight at dinner I was reading the kids a story out of the Dinner Time Bible by Dr. Mary Manz Simon. A couple of friends recommended this Bible to me and my family loves it. It is great for all four of them. They all participate with the questions and it normally sparks some really good conversation. We started a tradition that whoever is sitting in seat number six gets to pick the prayer for the day. Each evening they talk about who gets to sit in that seat because they look forward to the privilege of picking our prayer so much.This week Michael has been out of town and dinner time has not been quite normal, meaning I haven't sat down to eat with them but have instead been doing things in the kitchen while they eat. Monday night in the middle of dinner, one of them said, "Mom, where is the Dinner Time Bible? We have to read it!" If that isn't a great recommendation for this Bible I don't know what is.
This Bible has two pages of dinner prayers to pick from at the front of the book. It has some facts about each story and kind of a warm up paragraph, then it has the story followed by questions for the kids and a prayer with blanks for them to fill in.
Anyway back to tonight. We were reading the story of Joseph's brothers coming to Egypt to get food and discovering Joseph. At the end the question section tonight said:
"An adjective is a word that describes someone or something. Words like smart, short and happy are examples of adjectives. In this Bible story, Joseph was described as hard working, honest, and trustworthy. How would you describe the person who is reading with you now? What words describe you?"
Of course I was just reading along with no idea where this was going and was halfway through the sentence "How would you describe the person who is reading with you now?" when I realized what it said and that they were all going to describe me! I had absolutely no idea what any of them were going to say. I was expecting the worst. I was pleasantly surprised. Rehm's answer: nice. Charlotte's answer: nice, beautiful, smart, loving. Eliza Claire: smart. Ruby: big girl! And yes, Ruby's response cracked me up.Much better than the responses I expected. Guess which girl I'll be extra nice to tomorrow...
I do highly recommend this book. It has been a great addition to our dinner time routine. We have had some really good discussions thanks to this book and obviously the kids like it since they are asking us to read it.
Jenn
PS This book is available through Scholastic. Mine actually came from a book fair at a local public elementary school.
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