We have started family game night. Although we spend a great deal of time together, it isn't generally structured around fun and since the kids have SO many fabulous games that we never really play with, we agreed that Friday evenings would be dedicated to this cause. Noah is thrilled because I told them they could invite friends, or we could invite family. Keely is indifferent, mostly because she is at that awkward age where she feels more comfortable with ladies older than her, but can't really call them friends because they're more like mentors. Friends her age have different priorities.
Anyway, I was thinking once Samuel started Kindergarten we could center family game night around the alphabet. Week one, we could prepare a meal with foods starting with A: Andouille sausage, asparagus, avacadoes, applesause, Alaskan king crab. We could watch Aladdin or play Apples to Apples, or read "And to Think that I saw It on Mulberry Street" by Dr. Suess.
Friday nights...bored...wanna join us? The kids would be thrilled. Bring a game. Bring a food. Or don't bring anything. We'll have fun!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Even more Momentos
As if you wanted to hear more about my childhood, but here is more. I found another book mom had saved, "Penny's School Years." My preschool friend was Joshua Boisvert. I wonder what happened to him. Not sure I even remember him, although that might be the boy that lived behind our house and him I do remember. Seems most often I had male friends.
Nursery school cost 65DG a month and was in Brunssum Netherlands, with Mrs. McNally. Kindergarten was at Afcent Annex, also in Brunssum Holland, with Miss O'Grady. I was 4 years old and nine months when I began kindergarten. I rode bus #5 and was picked up at 0830. I remember this. I remember my first ride on the school bus and my Dad waving good-bye with a huge grin on my face, sort of like the huge grin I get when mom's want to give up in labor because I know this means they are on the verge of birth. Mom kept my bus pass from this year and my address was Rothkranslaan 30, Wieuwenhagen. Can't imagine I ever learned that! I won a colouring contest that year, drawing a picture of my family. I also have a list of all my classmates. Wow.
First grade I entered Brownies, Troop 28 with Lynda Hinkle. I remember this too. The day I was suppose to attend Brownies for the first time I had on a beautiful skirt. However, a boy on the play ground splashed me and the school made me change into these awful pink pants. I was too embarrassed to ride the bus to Brownies and be seen in those pants, so just went home and my mom drove me over after I changed. I was late. I also remember that we were served brownies for a snack and thought is was quite funny.
Second grade was my first year in the United States, in school. Mrs. Hilgenhold at Lincoln and then Mrs. Lipp at Kyger. Mrs. Lipp did not like me and I wet my pants that year, too afraid to go to the bathroom. At the end of the year she said I was a very poor student, but was passing me anyway because I had only attended half the year there. I remember my mother called her a bad name, but can't remember why. That was definitely not my mom's character, but she made sure my sister didn't have to get her. Ironically, her son became a good friend of mine in my early thirties. I have a class picture from this year as well, and at the bottom wrote "Christina the Hotshot" and "Michail the dinosaur drawer." I can't say I remember either of these kids.
Funny.
Nursery school cost 65DG a month and was in Brunssum Netherlands, with Mrs. McNally. Kindergarten was at Afcent Annex, also in Brunssum Holland, with Miss O'Grady. I was 4 years old and nine months when I began kindergarten. I rode bus #5 and was picked up at 0830. I remember this. I remember my first ride on the school bus and my Dad waving good-bye with a huge grin on my face, sort of like the huge grin I get when mom's want to give up in labor because I know this means they are on the verge of birth. Mom kept my bus pass from this year and my address was Rothkranslaan 30, Wieuwenhagen. Can't imagine I ever learned that! I won a colouring contest that year, drawing a picture of my family. I also have a list of all my classmates. Wow.
First grade I entered Brownies, Troop 28 with Lynda Hinkle. I remember this too. The day I was suppose to attend Brownies for the first time I had on a beautiful skirt. However, a boy on the play ground splashed me and the school made me change into these awful pink pants. I was too embarrassed to ride the bus to Brownies and be seen in those pants, so just went home and my mom drove me over after I changed. I was late. I also remember that we were served brownies for a snack and thought is was quite funny.
Second grade was my first year in the United States, in school. Mrs. Hilgenhold at Lincoln and then Mrs. Lipp at Kyger. Mrs. Lipp did not like me and I wet my pants that year, too afraid to go to the bathroom. At the end of the year she said I was a very poor student, but was passing me anyway because I had only attended half the year there. I remember my mother called her a bad name, but can't remember why. That was definitely not my mom's character, but she made sure my sister didn't have to get her. Ironically, her son became a good friend of mine in my early thirties. I have a class picture from this year as well, and at the bottom wrote "Christina the Hotshot" and "Michail the dinosaur drawer." I can't say I remember either of these kids.
Funny.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Old Momentos
My sister brought over some old papers my mother had saved from my elementary and high school years, mostly report cards. It is a validating reminder of why I am an optimist. I was a horrible student and not because of lack of desire or effort. Rather, I had a unique learning style and the institute didn't cater to my needs. Praise the Lord I found my way at the age of nineteen, in a smaller academic setting, among a group of energetic students all starting from ground zero and not one willing to leave another classmate behind. I learned to excel for no other reason than because I finally believed I could. Like the bee, once I decided to fly, I did in spite of all evidence demonstrating that I hadn't any ability.
For those with struggling students, I'll reassure you with some facts regarding my academic history. I graduated in the lower half of my high school class and was admitted in a probationary status to Purdue University.
Middle School. 1988. I took a music class, PE, social studies, band, math, English, science, composition, health and home economics. While I always did well in band (nearly every semester was an A), I received a C+ in music. This is evidence of how the teacher and the environment changed my ability to excel.
In high school, my band teacher Mr Blessing, chose favorites. I was not one of them. I had a difficult life and he had no compassion for my struggles. I became his target of cruelty when I challenged his favorite flute player for first chair. Even though I would occasionally receive better scores on chair testing, he refused to put me in the top position. Then I sealed my fate when I dated two promising students. He despised the fact that I was a distraction to their talent. While I had a deep love for band, attended every single event, required or not, Mr. Blessing eventually grew sick of me enough by our senior year that he pulled me into the hallway, screamed the most belittling and hateful words at me which revoked any joy I had ever experienced in band, and didn't stop even after I was bawling in tears. He expelled me from any further participation, including Puppettes (my other love, the dancing squad). This was honestly the greatest hate I had ever experienced anyone have for me outside of my own family and to be frank, the one and only person I seem unable to forgive. I pray about this frequently and can't seem to understand either his intense bitterness for a child desperate for a teacher's praise, or why my own heart seems to hold this hate when I have forgiven so many others who have committed much more heinous acts in my life.
This was true of US History in high school as well. My teacher was rude, Mr. Rucker. I remember him sharing that his ancestors were in the KKK and his grandfather stuck a pitch fork through the side of a cow. He also split the class into groups for a particular assignment and choose two other girls and myself to be in the "big nose" group. It wasn't as if he was running out of similar traits to identify a group. We were the first group chosen.
Junior Year, I took Advanced Biology, US History, French, Etymology and Academic English. I received one A and one C+, and otherwise all Bs. This was probably my best year, as I remember dating a very encouraging young man and otherwise, was surrounded by very enjoyable friends and teachers.
Sixth grade at Kyger Elementary was not a good year and I am honestly rather surprised I passed to the next level. Overwhelmingly, I received a C in nearly every subject at every term, although I did have the occasional D and even a U in library. Remember the card catalog? Apparently, I didn't do so well. I did have Bs and As in conduct. The only areas I was given marks for good effort was in band and physical education. Overall my effort was poor. My teacher this year, Mrs. Brewer, was exceptionally mean and had great distaste for me.
Fifth grade, nearly all Ds. It seems my teacher thought I wasted a lot of time, talked at the wrong time and had careless work.
Fourth grade was a little better with B's and Cs, but it appears the end of the year always challenged me. I am sure it was pure exhaustion and lack of motivation. Mrs. Smith was my favorite teacher. She was very elegant and genuinely sweet. I am not sure she ever spoke a word to me, but I did like her.
I began school in Holland. My father was in the Army and we were stationed overseas. My first grade teacher's name was M Grevstad and I attended the Afcent International School. I missed sixteen days of school that year and can't remember any particular illness or reason I would have been absent. My teacher felt I needed improvement in listening comprehension, listening for meaning, following instructions, completing my assignments, using my time wisely, working independently, assuming responsibility and self-control. I improved somewhat over the year, but this was an on-going struggle my entire school career.
What I found interesting is the notes attached to this particular report card. It appears my teacher felt I was not reading the books I brought home, nor being read to, although I do have memories of my father reading to me as a child. Dr. Seuss was always my favorite because he really struggled with not becoming tongue tied. "Penny works very neatly but her effort is not always consistent. She rarely completes assignments in the allotted time, making it difficult for her to keep up with her group."
I think my favorite comment is this one: "In the class group Penny presents herself as a very quiet, frequently inattentive child. Very often, she seems 'off in her own world." For this reason, it is often difficult to evaluate what Penny's knowledge or understanding of a particular concept is particularly if it is something evaluated by verbal communication."
While I improved that year, my teacher commented, "It is often difficult for her to work independently without interrupting others or being interrupted herself, however. Penny shows a very good ability artistically. She has created a number of pieces of work which have indicated this." This is another irony from my childhood years. I was always really good in art. I really enjoyed it as well, but I think more than anything it was a skill that allowed me to be active, to use my imagination and the skills taught were new each lesson. Art differed from history and math because it didn't require that you build upon earlier skills. If I had a bad day or week in math or history, I was completely lost and couldn't recover until an entire new subject was introduced.
Notes from kindergarten also state, "Inconsistent effort from home." Interesting.
An interesting note beyond academics, five students from my high school class filed a lawsuit to include prayer at graduation ceremonies. The suit drew statewide attention and the media for our ceremony. If I remember correctly, the compromise was that any prayer had to be student-led, not from the teaching staff. No student however made an effort to pray with or for our class, but it seems afterwards there was a group of students that prayed together which we were all welcomed to join. I did not join. Church was still very unfamiliar to me at that point.
While I was in high school, addresses changed from PO Boxes to rural addresses to assist fireman in finding homes in an emergency.
"Blue Chips," a hollywood movie featuring Nick Nolte was filmed in my high school. Fun.
Anyway, I hold out hope for all those lost causes. I was one on many levels and have defied gravity.
For those with struggling students, I'll reassure you with some facts regarding my academic history. I graduated in the lower half of my high school class and was admitted in a probationary status to Purdue University.
Middle School. 1988. I took a music class, PE, social studies, band, math, English, science, composition, health and home economics. While I always did well in band (nearly every semester was an A), I received a C+ in music. This is evidence of how the teacher and the environment changed my ability to excel.
In high school, my band teacher Mr Blessing, chose favorites. I was not one of them. I had a difficult life and he had no compassion for my struggles. I became his target of cruelty when I challenged his favorite flute player for first chair. Even though I would occasionally receive better scores on chair testing, he refused to put me in the top position. Then I sealed my fate when I dated two promising students. He despised the fact that I was a distraction to their talent. While I had a deep love for band, attended every single event, required or not, Mr. Blessing eventually grew sick of me enough by our senior year that he pulled me into the hallway, screamed the most belittling and hateful words at me which revoked any joy I had ever experienced in band, and didn't stop even after I was bawling in tears. He expelled me from any further participation, including Puppettes (my other love, the dancing squad). This was honestly the greatest hate I had ever experienced anyone have for me outside of my own family and to be frank, the one and only person I seem unable to forgive. I pray about this frequently and can't seem to understand either his intense bitterness for a child desperate for a teacher's praise, or why my own heart seems to hold this hate when I have forgiven so many others who have committed much more heinous acts in my life.
This was true of US History in high school as well. My teacher was rude, Mr. Rucker. I remember him sharing that his ancestors were in the KKK and his grandfather stuck a pitch fork through the side of a cow. He also split the class into groups for a particular assignment and choose two other girls and myself to be in the "big nose" group. It wasn't as if he was running out of similar traits to identify a group. We were the first group chosen.
Junior Year, I took Advanced Biology, US History, French, Etymology and Academic English. I received one A and one C+, and otherwise all Bs. This was probably my best year, as I remember dating a very encouraging young man and otherwise, was surrounded by very enjoyable friends and teachers.
Sixth grade at Kyger Elementary was not a good year and I am honestly rather surprised I passed to the next level. Overwhelmingly, I received a C in nearly every subject at every term, although I did have the occasional D and even a U in library. Remember the card catalog? Apparently, I didn't do so well. I did have Bs and As in conduct. The only areas I was given marks for good effort was in band and physical education. Overall my effort was poor. My teacher this year, Mrs. Brewer, was exceptionally mean and had great distaste for me.
Fifth grade, nearly all Ds. It seems my teacher thought I wasted a lot of time, talked at the wrong time and had careless work.
Fourth grade was a little better with B's and Cs, but it appears the end of the year always challenged me. I am sure it was pure exhaustion and lack of motivation. Mrs. Smith was my favorite teacher. She was very elegant and genuinely sweet. I am not sure she ever spoke a word to me, but I did like her.
I began school in Holland. My father was in the Army and we were stationed overseas. My first grade teacher's name was M Grevstad and I attended the Afcent International School. I missed sixteen days of school that year and can't remember any particular illness or reason I would have been absent. My teacher felt I needed improvement in listening comprehension, listening for meaning, following instructions, completing my assignments, using my time wisely, working independently, assuming responsibility and self-control. I improved somewhat over the year, but this was an on-going struggle my entire school career.
What I found interesting is the notes attached to this particular report card. It appears my teacher felt I was not reading the books I brought home, nor being read to, although I do have memories of my father reading to me as a child. Dr. Seuss was always my favorite because he really struggled with not becoming tongue tied. "Penny works very neatly but her effort is not always consistent. She rarely completes assignments in the allotted time, making it difficult for her to keep up with her group."
I think my favorite comment is this one: "In the class group Penny presents herself as a very quiet, frequently inattentive child. Very often, she seems 'off in her own world." For this reason, it is often difficult to evaluate what Penny's knowledge or understanding of a particular concept is particularly if it is something evaluated by verbal communication."
While I improved that year, my teacher commented, "It is often difficult for her to work independently without interrupting others or being interrupted herself, however. Penny shows a very good ability artistically. She has created a number of pieces of work which have indicated this." This is another irony from my childhood years. I was always really good in art. I really enjoyed it as well, but I think more than anything it was a skill that allowed me to be active, to use my imagination and the skills taught were new each lesson. Art differed from history and math because it didn't require that you build upon earlier skills. If I had a bad day or week in math or history, I was completely lost and couldn't recover until an entire new subject was introduced.
Notes from kindergarten also state, "Inconsistent effort from home." Interesting.
An interesting note beyond academics, five students from my high school class filed a lawsuit to include prayer at graduation ceremonies. The suit drew statewide attention and the media for our ceremony. If I remember correctly, the compromise was that any prayer had to be student-led, not from the teaching staff. No student however made an effort to pray with or for our class, but it seems afterwards there was a group of students that prayed together which we were all welcomed to join. I did not join. Church was still very unfamiliar to me at that point.
While I was in high school, addresses changed from PO Boxes to rural addresses to assist fireman in finding homes in an emergency.
"Blue Chips," a hollywood movie featuring Nick Nolte was filmed in my high school. Fun.
Anyway, I hold out hope for all those lost causes. I was one on many levels and have defied gravity.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
My Son & His Dog
Noah is very much like me as a child. Huge imagination. Likes to be funny. Jokester. Ornery.
Late last night, Noah remembered to feed his rooster (we're down to one, as the other one froze). He was out there quite a while, but often has to get the frozen block of water out of the canister and get warm water for the chicken so I gave him a little more grace. I was starting to worry though. After all, it was dark and freezing. Not long after my initial worry, JuneBug began crying and not just a whine either, but a fearful cry. She was running back and forth from the back door to Keely and I.
Keely looked outside and noticed Noah face down in the snow. She called his name and we were both questioning the scenario. "Noah?"
On one hand he's a jokester and this might be funny. However, he's also a bit of a wimp and argues when I ask him to walk to the van, let alone lie down face first in the snow. The later rationale won over and I panicked. I screamed his name twice, as I prepared to resuscitate my son.
He appreciated the panic in my voice and came up laughing. JuneBug was kissing all over him and he thanked her for being such a good dog. "Do you know how long I laid there before you finally looked! If it wasn't for you, JuneBug, I would have froze trying to trick mom!"
Nut. My kids remind me everyday the torture I put my mother through.
Late last night, Noah remembered to feed his rooster (we're down to one, as the other one froze). He was out there quite a while, but often has to get the frozen block of water out of the canister and get warm water for the chicken so I gave him a little more grace. I was starting to worry though. After all, it was dark and freezing. Not long after my initial worry, JuneBug began crying and not just a whine either, but a fearful cry. She was running back and forth from the back door to Keely and I.
Keely looked outside and noticed Noah face down in the snow. She called his name and we were both questioning the scenario. "Noah?"
On one hand he's a jokester and this might be funny. However, he's also a bit of a wimp and argues when I ask him to walk to the van, let alone lie down face first in the snow. The later rationale won over and I panicked. I screamed his name twice, as I prepared to resuscitate my son.
He appreciated the panic in my voice and came up laughing. JuneBug was kissing all over him and he thanked her for being such a good dog. "Do you know how long I laid there before you finally looked! If it wasn't for you, JuneBug, I would have froze trying to trick mom!"
Nut. My kids remind me everyday the torture I put my mother through.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Midwifery without Fear
I have had some particularly challenging times in my life. I've come to appreciate faith as a spiritual gift that each believer is not equally gifted. I have witnessed sisters in Christ, great beacons of light, crumble in fear of man. As a homebirth midwife, one must get their eyes off their own weaknesses and inabilities and focus on God's provisions. The world will hate you.
II Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
A snare is a trap. It's something that holds you and stops you in your tracks. It prevents you from moving freely and being able to make forward progress. It's not God that brings a snare; it's the fear of man that brings the snare.
Homebirth midwives often feel like the men of Israel facing Goliath. They focus on Goliath and his imposing stature. They can't see past the obstacle in front of them, albeit a formidable obstacle. The successful midwife faces him like David. They don't flee in fear. They rely on God's strength and ability.
God's message throughout the Word is, "Fear not." When Mary was presented by the angel, she had questions. Her questions were answered because she wasn't afraid to ask. Her focus was fixed on God and His Word. Rather than allowing fear and her own concerns to dictate the situation, Mary sought answers and trusted God.
The Lord can deliver us out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear... II Timothy states he has saved us from fear through power, love and a sound mind. The Holy Spirit gives us power. With His power we can expect His super abundant blessings. Love is the antidote for fear. Love is the light in darkness.
In addition to His love and power, God has given us a sound mind. We gain victory in believing God's Word and then disciplining our minds to carry it out. God gave us the ability to choose the thoughts we think. We can choose to think and believe God's Word in each challenging situation. As we do, we eliminate fear.
A sound mind means to be sober-minded, controlling negative thoughts with self-restraint. A sound mind demonstrates good judgment and wisdom. Disciplined thinking. Our lives are determined by what we think. Our lives are determined by what we believe. Since all believing starts with thinking, we want to discipline our sound minds to think of ourselves as God sees us.
We must not float along in our mind, day-dreaming or fantasizing freely. There is a duty to be a disciplined thinker. The power to determine what you will not think about is a valuable aid in resisting temptation. Do not allow mental, moral, or spiritual deterioration. Have knowledge of yourself. Know where you are and redirect yourself. I have often asked God, "remove these thoughts from my head." He has done so immediately, every single time.
The key is to run from these thoughts. Don't dwell. Keeping our minds on God allows us to enjoy His perfect peace. What we think on we will manifest. We cannot rise above what we think.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
II Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
A snare is a trap. It's something that holds you and stops you in your tracks. It prevents you from moving freely and being able to make forward progress. It's not God that brings a snare; it's the fear of man that brings the snare.
Homebirth midwives often feel like the men of Israel facing Goliath. They focus on Goliath and his imposing stature. They can't see past the obstacle in front of them, albeit a formidable obstacle. The successful midwife faces him like David. They don't flee in fear. They rely on God's strength and ability.
God's message throughout the Word is, "Fear not." When Mary was presented by the angel, she had questions. Her questions were answered because she wasn't afraid to ask. Her focus was fixed on God and His Word. Rather than allowing fear and her own concerns to dictate the situation, Mary sought answers and trusted God.
The Lord can deliver us out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear... II Timothy states he has saved us from fear through power, love and a sound mind. The Holy Spirit gives us power. With His power we can expect His super abundant blessings. Love is the antidote for fear. Love is the light in darkness.
In addition to His love and power, God has given us a sound mind. We gain victory in believing God's Word and then disciplining our minds to carry it out. God gave us the ability to choose the thoughts we think. We can choose to think and believe God's Word in each challenging situation. As we do, we eliminate fear.
A sound mind means to be sober-minded, controlling negative thoughts with self-restraint. A sound mind demonstrates good judgment and wisdom. Disciplined thinking. Our lives are determined by what we think. Our lives are determined by what we believe. Since all believing starts with thinking, we want to discipline our sound minds to think of ourselves as God sees us.
We must not float along in our mind, day-dreaming or fantasizing freely. There is a duty to be a disciplined thinker. The power to determine what you will not think about is a valuable aid in resisting temptation. Do not allow mental, moral, or spiritual deterioration. Have knowledge of yourself. Know where you are and redirect yourself. I have often asked God, "remove these thoughts from my head." He has done so immediately, every single time.
The key is to run from these thoughts. Don't dwell. Keeping our minds on God allows us to enjoy His perfect peace. What we think on we will manifest. We cannot rise above what we think.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Nutritive Cleanse
Clients are often asking me about detox. Is it safe? Do I recommend it? I do. Yet, I have failed to do it myself.
I suspect cleansing is a health maintenance step one should do rather regularly, a few times a year. Our diets are quite dangerous actually, full of calories with little nutrients and fiber, while high in sweeteners. These quickly digested foods flood the bloodstream, causing insulin levels to soar.
High levels of insulin are associated with increased inflammation. Recent research indicates that inflammation is at the root cause of all chronic diseases, including depression. Excess blood sugar and insulin surges eventually lead to chronic problems like diabetes and cardiovascular damage. Hypertension, kidney damage, weak and brittle vessels and veins, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and basic aging result from inflammation.
One noticeable symptom of excessive insulin and high blood sugar is abdominal obesity. Hello? Do I need a big red arrow over my head? Clearly I am at risk for cardiac disease, cholesterol imbalance, cancer, and gallstones.
I am loosing a vicious cycle. I crave simple carbohydrates because they enter my blood quickly. Then, a surplus of insulin is produced which causes more hunger. In response to hunger, I eat more. Overeating causes more body fat to accumulate and it activates more insulin. This merry-go-round of insulin spikes leaves me tired, hungry, and without focus.
I've been reading a book, Lick the Sugar Habit. Great Book. I'll share more later.
For now, I am committing to a 5-day cleansing diet starting after the holidays. I realize the holidays are full of temptations to overeat all the wrong foods, but I suppose our health has more to do with what we eat from New Year's to Thanksgiving, then Thanksgiving to New Year's. I don't want to disappointment self early on, so January seems the most appropriate time. After the holidays, Keely and I will start training again as well.
Young Living has a 5-day Nutritive Cleanse and nutritional maintenance program specifically designed to balance the extremes of modern diets. The program has been academically researched and has proven success.
RESTORE BALANCE
Cleansing diets are high in fiber which produces viscosity. Fiber swells with the addition of water to provide bulk, absorbing and removing toxins from the intestines. Some cleanses wipe out the gut flora, but Young Living has a unique blend of fiber that not only produces more viscosity, but also contains a mixture of prebiotic fiber that nurtures beneficial microflora like lactobacillus and bifido bacteria while decreasing pathogenic bacteria.
Important to be aware of however: a sudden increase in fiber can cause a minor amount of gas and bloating. This is primarily because most Americans don't eat enough fiber and this increased load is a shock to their bodies. Young Living provides an enzyme pack that aids in digestion and minimizes bloating.
Interested in joining me in this adventure? Give me an e-mail and I can send you further information. I'll place the order January 9th.
I suspect cleansing is a health maintenance step one should do rather regularly, a few times a year. Our diets are quite dangerous actually, full of calories with little nutrients and fiber, while high in sweeteners. These quickly digested foods flood the bloodstream, causing insulin levels to soar.
High levels of insulin are associated with increased inflammation. Recent research indicates that inflammation is at the root cause of all chronic diseases, including depression. Excess blood sugar and insulin surges eventually lead to chronic problems like diabetes and cardiovascular damage. Hypertension, kidney damage, weak and brittle vessels and veins, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and basic aging result from inflammation.
One noticeable symptom of excessive insulin and high blood sugar is abdominal obesity. Hello? Do I need a big red arrow over my head? Clearly I am at risk for cardiac disease, cholesterol imbalance, cancer, and gallstones.
I am loosing a vicious cycle. I crave simple carbohydrates because they enter my blood quickly. Then, a surplus of insulin is produced which causes more hunger. In response to hunger, I eat more. Overeating causes more body fat to accumulate and it activates more insulin. This merry-go-round of insulin spikes leaves me tired, hungry, and without focus.
I've been reading a book, Lick the Sugar Habit. Great Book. I'll share more later.
For now, I am committing to a 5-day cleansing diet starting after the holidays. I realize the holidays are full of temptations to overeat all the wrong foods, but I suppose our health has more to do with what we eat from New Year's to Thanksgiving, then Thanksgiving to New Year's. I don't want to disappointment self early on, so January seems the most appropriate time. After the holidays, Keely and I will start training again as well.
Young Living has a 5-day Nutritive Cleanse and nutritional maintenance program specifically designed to balance the extremes of modern diets. The program has been academically researched and has proven success.
RESTORE BALANCE
Cleansing diets are high in fiber which produces viscosity. Fiber swells with the addition of water to provide bulk, absorbing and removing toxins from the intestines. Some cleanses wipe out the gut flora, but Young Living has a unique blend of fiber that not only produces more viscosity, but also contains a mixture of prebiotic fiber that nurtures beneficial microflora like lactobacillus and bifido bacteria while decreasing pathogenic bacteria.
Important to be aware of however: a sudden increase in fiber can cause a minor amount of gas and bloating. This is primarily because most Americans don't eat enough fiber and this increased load is a shock to their bodies. Young Living provides an enzyme pack that aids in digestion and minimizes bloating.
Interested in joining me in this adventure? Give me an e-mail and I can send you further information. I'll place the order January 9th.
Thieves
I still have much to share about aromatherapy and essential oils. However, with my new head cold I thought I would start by introducing Thieves, a very popular essential oil blend by Young Living Oils.
Young Living's Thieves essential oil blend was created based on the historical account of four thieves in France who protected themselves from the Black Plague with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing victims of the killer disease. When captured, they were offered a lighter sentence in exchange for their secret recipe. Young Living's proprietary Thieves oil blend includes clove, cinnamon bark, rosemary, lemon, and Eucalyptus radiate and has been specially blended to offer the same kind of defense. Thieves has been university tested and found to be highly effective against airborne bacteria.
I'll be dropping a few drops in my diffuser and praying for a quick healing.
Young Living's Thieves essential oil blend was created based on the historical account of four thieves in France who protected themselves from the Black Plague with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing victims of the killer disease. When captured, they were offered a lighter sentence in exchange for their secret recipe. Young Living's proprietary Thieves oil blend includes clove, cinnamon bark, rosemary, lemon, and Eucalyptus radiate and has been specially blended to offer the same kind of defense. Thieves has been university tested and found to be highly effective against airborne bacteria.
I'll be dropping a few drops in my diffuser and praying for a quick healing.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Swiffer & the Shark
The kitchen is my least favorite room to clean, but it is my favorite room to enjoy once it's completely clean. I think the primary reasons are because the floor is ceramic tiling and not a smooth variety, so are exceptionally hard to clean. Wiping the cabinets clean is even more daunting, and the laundry is always spilling into the kitchen from the laundry room, which might be the greatest battle of the entire kitchen to conquer.
The Lord convicted me last week however, in the midst of a whine that I can never keep up and always seem to have loads and loads to clean, fold and put away. Our family is so incredibly blessed with the chore of never-ending laundry because it means we have a plentiful wardrobe. When I was growing up, my mother struggled to provide us clothing for us. Goodwill didn't hold nearly the good deals as it does today.
My children have no memory of being without or just making do. I was reminded too that because we discovered a fabulous laundry soap recipe, we are only paying a penny a load (besides water and electricity cost) and Mike seems to rather enjoy making the soap.
The floor is another story and the real reason I am writing this particular post. We had bought the sweeper Swiffer and the mop. The sweeper won't stay charged long enough to sweep even half my kitchen and yes, we've tried every method for ensuring a proper charge. It's going back to the store. I am hoping it is in fact defective, because the idea is grand and I'd be thrilled to have a working vacuum sweeper for the kitchen and wood stairs. The mop isn't horrible. It is easy to manipulate and does an fairly good job of cleaning the floor, but we were recently told that a new steam mop, the Shark, is "the new and greatest thing" for mopping ceramic tile. Mike and I went to Wal-Mart that evening and purchased one.
I like it. I am not in love, but I have mopped my kitchen three times this week, so I suppose I might be falling in love. I suspect part of the issue is that my floors were really bad and with each mopping are looking better and better. The head on the mop is cloth so you can stick it in the washer and switch it out with a second one. This fact alone I am grateful for as it seems with each new convenience, comes more disposable product to pack into the nearest landfill.
The steam released from the mop is rather satisfying as well. I also enjoy that the floor is almost immediately dry under your feet. This is a huge bonus with the number of children and animals in our house, each persistent in being beneath my heels while I clean. What I wonder now is, can I use a cleaning product in the Shark rather than plain water? Would this help in the cleaning process or is the steamed water enough? Not having another chemical cleaner is also very exciting.
The kids and I cleaned the pantry today too. Urgghh... we found three brand new containers of salt, three chocolate ice cream toppings, three peanut butter jars, and numerous other identical boxes all partially used. We are slowly transitioning into using glass canisters in our pantry, so we can more easily see our supply. This is handy too when we buy from the co-ops in bulk (again less packaging and better overall product to put into our bodies).
We've been organizing a bit here and there the past few weeks and currently I am up-loading all my music to iTunes. I have definitely fallen in love with Apple. The Nurse Midwives in the practice have each gotten an iPad and iPhones and can't imagine how I worked without them. HP seems to become more frustrating each day, now that I know what the garden looks like from the other side.
Organizing the boy's closet is on my list, although we've already gone through their summer/winter clothes. I am concerned about keeping Noah's clothes because I doubt my other two boys will be as slim as he is and if I keep his clothes, then they may never get worn and I'll have wasted opportunity to give them to someone that could use them. I haven't a clue who has a boy as slim as Noah though.
Anyway, I love this old house and it makes mothering, being a wife and overall homemaking incredibly enjoyable. I love it just as it is, but slowly we are working to make it more homey for us. We have switched out some lightening that had some frayed wires, and Lowe's has impressed me with their selection that really does honor the old character of this home. I still need to find a light for the back stairway, the dining room and the boy's room. The chandelier in our bedroom is off center and I'd love to have someone move that. Yes, I am OCD enough that it bothers me to wake up and see my off center chandelier. The bathroom cosmetic remodel is on the agenda in the next few years. I really like subway tiles and think I might do that or bead-boarding. Not sure yet. I want something welcoming, comfortable, and easy to clean. I can't thank the Lord enough for providing us this home and my sweet little family. Lord, I also appreciate the Shark.
The Lord convicted me last week however, in the midst of a whine that I can never keep up and always seem to have loads and loads to clean, fold and put away. Our family is so incredibly blessed with the chore of never-ending laundry because it means we have a plentiful wardrobe. When I was growing up, my mother struggled to provide us clothing for us. Goodwill didn't hold nearly the good deals as it does today.
My children have no memory of being without or just making do. I was reminded too that because we discovered a fabulous laundry soap recipe, we are only paying a penny a load (besides water and electricity cost) and Mike seems to rather enjoy making the soap.
The floor is another story and the real reason I am writing this particular post. We had bought the sweeper Swiffer and the mop. The sweeper won't stay charged long enough to sweep even half my kitchen and yes, we've tried every method for ensuring a proper charge. It's going back to the store. I am hoping it is in fact defective, because the idea is grand and I'd be thrilled to have a working vacuum sweeper for the kitchen and wood stairs. The mop isn't horrible. It is easy to manipulate and does an fairly good job of cleaning the floor, but we were recently told that a new steam mop, the Shark, is "the new and greatest thing" for mopping ceramic tile. Mike and I went to Wal-Mart that evening and purchased one.
I like it. I am not in love, but I have mopped my kitchen three times this week, so I suppose I might be falling in love. I suspect part of the issue is that my floors were really bad and with each mopping are looking better and better. The head on the mop is cloth so you can stick it in the washer and switch it out with a second one. This fact alone I am grateful for as it seems with each new convenience, comes more disposable product to pack into the nearest landfill.
The steam released from the mop is rather satisfying as well. I also enjoy that the floor is almost immediately dry under your feet. This is a huge bonus with the number of children and animals in our house, each persistent in being beneath my heels while I clean. What I wonder now is, can I use a cleaning product in the Shark rather than plain water? Would this help in the cleaning process or is the steamed water enough? Not having another chemical cleaner is also very exciting.
The kids and I cleaned the pantry today too. Urgghh... we found three brand new containers of salt, three chocolate ice cream toppings, three peanut butter jars, and numerous other identical boxes all partially used. We are slowly transitioning into using glass canisters in our pantry, so we can more easily see our supply. This is handy too when we buy from the co-ops in bulk (again less packaging and better overall product to put into our bodies).
We've been organizing a bit here and there the past few weeks and currently I am up-loading all my music to iTunes. I have definitely fallen in love with Apple. The Nurse Midwives in the practice have each gotten an iPad and iPhones and can't imagine how I worked without them. HP seems to become more frustrating each day, now that I know what the garden looks like from the other side.
Organizing the boy's closet is on my list, although we've already gone through their summer/winter clothes. I am concerned about keeping Noah's clothes because I doubt my other two boys will be as slim as he is and if I keep his clothes, then they may never get worn and I'll have wasted opportunity to give them to someone that could use them. I haven't a clue who has a boy as slim as Noah though.
Anyway, I love this old house and it makes mothering, being a wife and overall homemaking incredibly enjoyable. I love it just as it is, but slowly we are working to make it more homey for us. We have switched out some lightening that had some frayed wires, and Lowe's has impressed me with their selection that really does honor the old character of this home. I still need to find a light for the back stairway, the dining room and the boy's room. The chandelier in our bedroom is off center and I'd love to have someone move that. Yes, I am OCD enough that it bothers me to wake up and see my off center chandelier. The bathroom cosmetic remodel is on the agenda in the next few years. I really like subway tiles and think I might do that or bead-boarding. Not sure yet. I want something welcoming, comfortable, and easy to clean. I can't thank the Lord enough for providing us this home and my sweet little family. Lord, I also appreciate the Shark.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Waiting for a Parade
Samuel wanted to marry me for quite a long time, but always had some very thoughtful and heart-breaking story on why he couldn't buy me a ring. This past summer however, as the parade came through town for the Turning Leaves Festival, he found me a little plastic ring. He was over-joyed and I wore it often for him.
A few days ago we were working in the laundry room and he yelled, "Mom!" as he pointed behind me, reaching for something. Unfortunately, I stepped back to turn around and see what he was after and stepped directly on the little plastic ring, it having just fallen out of my blue jeans in the laundry pile. His gift laid broken in several pieces on the floor. We both just gasped and then Samuel said to me, "Now we're not married anymore, Mom."
"I am so sorry, Samuel. I am so sorry."
He said, "Don't worry. I'll get you another one the next time the parade comes."
A few days ago we were working in the laundry room and he yelled, "Mom!" as he pointed behind me, reaching for something. Unfortunately, I stepped back to turn around and see what he was after and stepped directly on the little plastic ring, it having just fallen out of my blue jeans in the laundry pile. His gift laid broken in several pieces on the floor. We both just gasped and then Samuel said to me, "Now we're not married anymore, Mom."
"I am so sorry, Samuel. I am so sorry."
He said, "Don't worry. I'll get you another one the next time the parade comes."
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Another Menu
It seems we rarely stick to the actual meals assigned to each particular day, so I am inclined to just write a few meals down with their shopping list, but I am determined to fall into a somewhat predictable schedule so again, I am going to offer a somewhat structured menu starting with tomorrow.
Wednesday (working in the office)- chicken soup with grilled cheese
Thursday (working in the office)- Baked potatoes
Friday (working in the office)- fend for yourself!
Saturday - Corn on the cob, keilbasa, and shrimp.
Sunday - Steak tips with peppered mushroom gravy
Did you realize that a medium-sized spud has only 110 calories, is naturally fat free, high in vitamin C and packs more potassium than a banana?
Monday (working in the office)- ham and beans with cornbread.
Tuesday - Loaded potato soup with banana bread
Wednesday (working in the office)- Turkey meatballs and vegetable soup with brown rice
Thursday (working in the office)- Cheesesteak pockets
Friday - Chicken cordon bleu
Saturday - baked potatoes with Bible study group.
Sunday - Chicken pot pie
Wednesday (working in the office)- chicken soup with grilled cheese
Thursday (working in the office)- Baked potatoes
Friday (working in the office)- fend for yourself!
Saturday - Corn on the cob, keilbasa, and shrimp.
Sunday - Steak tips with peppered mushroom gravy
Did you realize that a medium-sized spud has only 110 calories, is naturally fat free, high in vitamin C and packs more potassium than a banana?
Monday (working in the office)- ham and beans with cornbread.
Tuesday - Loaded potato soup with banana bread
Wednesday (working in the office)- Turkey meatballs and vegetable soup with brown rice
Thursday (working in the office)- Cheesesteak pockets
Friday - Chicken cordon bleu
Saturday - baked potatoes with Bible study group.
Sunday - Chicken pot pie
Lane Up-dates
Samuel is such a funny kid. He says, "Mom, you're my feety-pies." He still has his Mohawk and absolutely loves it. A few weeks ago he put a wad of gum on his crown so he could look like Jimmy Newtron. He really did and was so proud, so I left it for two days before I cut it out. Unfit mother.
Noah is growing taller finally. Not sure puberty will hit him for a few more years though. He still has a few baby teeth! I am grateful though. Seems Keely swapped her Huggies for a Luna pad before I had even settled into driving a family van. It's amazing how fast children grow, and how quick parents grow old.
Noah has me laughing several times a day. He is the jokester in the house and has my humor completely, while poor Keely completely lacks a sense of humor. She was sterilizing instruments for me in the office and not wanting to spell Grave's speculum wrong on the package, she brought it in for clarification, Noah says, "Sheesh..Keely. Speculum is a first grade word!" Only the child of a midwife would say such a thing.
Simon is precious and adored by everyone. His seizures have become more frequent again and he's starting to pronate a bit, but I am refusing to have fear. He says "Baby" now each time he sees an animal, which is quite often since we have a petting zoo in the back-yard. We were in the kitchen the other day and the goat climbed the stairs and was knocking on the back door with her tail, hoping to come in and join the family. It is rather odd that our society decides big dogs are appropriate for living inside, but goats must stay outside, particularly when I wonder if maybe the goats are smarter.
Sunday after church we had an audience on the front sidewalk and women parked in a car parked in our ally pointing at our front porch. Mike asked if they were looking for someone and then realized, Secret our goat, had gotten out of the back-yard and was standing on the front porch railing eating our bushes. Hilarious. Thorntown really wasn't prepared for us.
The entire family went to the local dentist. They all go religiously every six months and Mike always has perfect teeth, as do the kids. He flosses everyday and uses Listerine. He deserves good teeth. I always have twelve cavities or more, often need a root canal or a crown of some sort. I don't floss often, and am not woman enough for Listerine. Six years ago, I finally found a kind dentist, spent nearly $1,000 on one side of mouth and failed to return for the second side for no particular good reason. I was ready to hear the worst at the visit, and had scheduled two follow-up visits to fill the plethora of cavities I was well aware needed attention. You wouldn't believe the shock when I walked out needing only one filling. What?
One other time in my life I skipped going to the dentist for many years and the same situation occurred. I had neglected to get fillings taken care of and then years later they weren't even evident in my mouth. The dentist at that time said my previous dentist was filling spots that weren't entirely cavities and was weakening the enamel on my teeth. It seems I tend to choose those highly interventive dentists because I can easily walk out with ten cavities after just having had them filled six months previously. I left this dentist's office very grateful, and darn certain I wouldn't return for several more years. Mike thought I needed another opinion. Why would I go searching for worse news?!
Did I mention the boys got hit by a car? Scary day. Not fair for any woman without even a grey hair on her head to experience the crap that I have endured. I'll spare the gory details, the paramedics, the police, the screaming mother running through my house searching for the boy's parents, me running into the crowd without shoes or a bra on, and I'll spare the intense arguments that ensued within our family after the ordeal. They are fine now. Samuel is a bit terrified to cross the street and while Noah originally thought he was the worst brother in the world, he's back to arguing with him, so all is well. They may never ride a bike again though and yes, I was the horrible mother that screams at her nearly dead children at the scene of the accident for not having their helmets on. I hate that about myself and I hate that I so enjoy the lazy days when I don't shower and wear my robe most of the day. That will certainly guarantee an accident that I'll have to respond to, in all my glory.
We spent time at my sister's this year for Thanksgiving. While I absolutely love cooking and hosting family dinners, it was so nice to have no worries or preparations this year. The food was phenomenal and it was nice to come back home to a clean house. Christmas will be celebrated here, so we'll have to get the menu planned.
Noah is growing taller finally. Not sure puberty will hit him for a few more years though. He still has a few baby teeth! I am grateful though. Seems Keely swapped her Huggies for a Luna pad before I had even settled into driving a family van. It's amazing how fast children grow, and how quick parents grow old.
Noah has me laughing several times a day. He is the jokester in the house and has my humor completely, while poor Keely completely lacks a sense of humor. She was sterilizing instruments for me in the office and not wanting to spell Grave's speculum wrong on the package, she brought it in for clarification, Noah says, "Sheesh..Keely. Speculum is a first grade word!" Only the child of a midwife would say such a thing.
Simon is precious and adored by everyone. His seizures have become more frequent again and he's starting to pronate a bit, but I am refusing to have fear. He says "Baby" now each time he sees an animal, which is quite often since we have a petting zoo in the back-yard. We were in the kitchen the other day and the goat climbed the stairs and was knocking on the back door with her tail, hoping to come in and join the family. It is rather odd that our society decides big dogs are appropriate for living inside, but goats must stay outside, particularly when I wonder if maybe the goats are smarter.
Sunday after church we had an audience on the front sidewalk and women parked in a car parked in our ally pointing at our front porch. Mike asked if they were looking for someone and then realized, Secret our goat, had gotten out of the back-yard and was standing on the front porch railing eating our bushes. Hilarious. Thorntown really wasn't prepared for us.
The entire family went to the local dentist. They all go religiously every six months and Mike always has perfect teeth, as do the kids. He flosses everyday and uses Listerine. He deserves good teeth. I always have twelve cavities or more, often need a root canal or a crown of some sort. I don't floss often, and am not woman enough for Listerine. Six years ago, I finally found a kind dentist, spent nearly $1,000 on one side of mouth and failed to return for the second side for no particular good reason. I was ready to hear the worst at the visit, and had scheduled two follow-up visits to fill the plethora of cavities I was well aware needed attention. You wouldn't believe the shock when I walked out needing only one filling. What?
One other time in my life I skipped going to the dentist for many years and the same situation occurred. I had neglected to get fillings taken care of and then years later they weren't even evident in my mouth. The dentist at that time said my previous dentist was filling spots that weren't entirely cavities and was weakening the enamel on my teeth. It seems I tend to choose those highly interventive dentists because I can easily walk out with ten cavities after just having had them filled six months previously. I left this dentist's office very grateful, and darn certain I wouldn't return for several more years. Mike thought I needed another opinion. Why would I go searching for worse news?!
Did I mention the boys got hit by a car? Scary day. Not fair for any woman without even a grey hair on her head to experience the crap that I have endured. I'll spare the gory details, the paramedics, the police, the screaming mother running through my house searching for the boy's parents, me running into the crowd without shoes or a bra on, and I'll spare the intense arguments that ensued within our family after the ordeal. They are fine now. Samuel is a bit terrified to cross the street and while Noah originally thought he was the worst brother in the world, he's back to arguing with him, so all is well. They may never ride a bike again though and yes, I was the horrible mother that screams at her nearly dead children at the scene of the accident for not having their helmets on. I hate that about myself and I hate that I so enjoy the lazy days when I don't shower and wear my robe most of the day. That will certainly guarantee an accident that I'll have to respond to, in all my glory.
We spent time at my sister's this year for Thanksgiving. While I absolutely love cooking and hosting family dinners, it was so nice to have no worries or preparations this year. The food was phenomenal and it was nice to come back home to a clean house. Christmas will be celebrated here, so we'll have to get the menu planned.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Next Week's Menu
The kids and I bought a swiffer sweeper vac and a swiffer mop. We are almost as thrilled as when we bought the Dyson. I'll keep you up-dated on our love affair as we become more familiar. The Dyson hasn't failed us yet.
Monday - Lasagna (crock-pot) with garlic bread
Tuesday - Turkey Paninni Melts; Beef, Mushroom and Onion Tart
Wednesday - Mandarin Orange Chicken Lettus Wraps; Bacon Ranch and Chicken Mac and Cheese
Thursday - Turkey breast, Dried Beef Cheese Ball, Bread Pudding
Friday - Pineapple Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice
Saturday - Turkey Spaghetti Pie
Sunday - Pizza Casserole
We have watched videos on candle-making and soap-making this evening as well, and can't wait to get Christmas gifts made!!
Monday - Lasagna (crock-pot) with garlic bread
Tuesday - Turkey Paninni Melts; Beef, Mushroom and Onion Tart
Wednesday - Mandarin Orange Chicken Lettus Wraps; Bacon Ranch and Chicken Mac and Cheese
Thursday - Turkey breast, Dried Beef Cheese Ball, Bread Pudding
Friday - Pineapple Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice
Saturday - Turkey Spaghetti Pie
Sunday - Pizza Casserole
We have watched videos on candle-making and soap-making this evening as well, and can't wait to get Christmas gifts made!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Catching Up
I have absolutely no time to blog but that seems like the best time to dump some thoughts and then tackle the day. The last few months have been rather over-whelming, in many ways, mostly good. Our practice has more than doubled in clientele since Holly has joined us. We are now averaging between seven and twelve births a month and it seems to be increasing even from there. June already has several booked.
Our clients as well, are increasingly more high risk and require a great deal more time and management. Holly is a complete God-send. She is exceptionally kind and compassionate, yet has no fear of confrontation. She is intelligent and holds high esteem for evidence-based care and appropriately rationalizing her decisions. I genuinely could not have molded a more perfect midwifery partner and have spent much time imaging God crafting her for this practice. It is quite amazing to think that when I opened the practice, the Lord placed Holly in midwifery school. Preparing us both, equipping us for this very day.
Holly has a desire for post-graduate studies as well, which just thrills me. We have both committed to returning for our PhDs and I believe I'll apply first at Vanderbilt. She's already been excepted to the Michigan program and plans to develop a program for teaching sensitive female exams.
Holly isn't at all intimidated by this profession, and I can see us both making a real impact with regards to the future of homebirth. She challenges me, which I find so very exciting and inspiring! I pray the Lord continues to build our relationship, balances our demands and guards us against fatigue. I also pray our husbands are built up by our professional demands and I can find comfort again in being off-call, so I can really be with my family.
More to come... my trip to the dentist, salty friends, lots of adorable kid pictures, plans for writing my first book, Bible study...
Our clients as well, are increasingly more high risk and require a great deal more time and management. Holly is a complete God-send. She is exceptionally kind and compassionate, yet has no fear of confrontation. She is intelligent and holds high esteem for evidence-based care and appropriately rationalizing her decisions. I genuinely could not have molded a more perfect midwifery partner and have spent much time imaging God crafting her for this practice. It is quite amazing to think that when I opened the practice, the Lord placed Holly in midwifery school. Preparing us both, equipping us for this very day.
Holly has a desire for post-graduate studies as well, which just thrills me. We have both committed to returning for our PhDs and I believe I'll apply first at Vanderbilt. She's already been excepted to the Michigan program and plans to develop a program for teaching sensitive female exams.
Holly isn't at all intimidated by this profession, and I can see us both making a real impact with regards to the future of homebirth. She challenges me, which I find so very exciting and inspiring! I pray the Lord continues to build our relationship, balances our demands and guards us against fatigue. I also pray our husbands are built up by our professional demands and I can find comfort again in being off-call, so I can really be with my family.
More to come... my trip to the dentist, salty friends, lots of adorable kid pictures, plans for writing my first book, Bible study...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Seven Feasts
Several years ago I stumbled upon a book (can't find the exact title now, must have loaned out the book) that inspired me to learn more, and learn to honor the seven feasts of Israel, even giving more appreciation to honoring the Sabbath. Believers in Christ are not responsible to keep these feasts, of course, but a knowledge of them greatly enhances their faith. The Lord kept every one of them without fail, even celebrating Passover on His last earthly night.
Passover
The festival year begins with Passover, to be held at the beginning of spring. Leviticus 23 gives us a date for the Passover, but as I understand, the Lord's calendar is lunar based on the phases of the moon rather than the earth's revolutions around the sun. Each month starts with a new moon, reaching a full moon in the midst of the twenty-eight day cycle. Therefore, Passover always falls on a full moon - the first full moon of spring. The approximate twenty-eight day lunar cycle is harmonious throughout nature; the tides of the seas rise and fall with the moon and even the menstrual cycle seems to obey this particular time cycle. The moon makes for a better calendar because it changes every night. Those accustomed to a lunar calendar can estimate on a clear night what day of the month it was. Of course, the sun does not change daily. Interestingly, God potentially preferred the moon for calendar dating since the sun, and its magnificence, was often idolized and was inevitably the leading form of paganism. Hebrew literature demonstrates that God's intention was that day began at sundown, or moonrise. "And the evening and the morning were the first day..." Genesis 1:5
The almond tree blooms at the end of winter with the most noticeable flowing of white flowers. Even if one cannot read, they can appreciate the blooms and with the next full moon, celebrate the Passover. All the other feasts are numbered from that given point.
The Passover is the feast of salvation. On this day, because of the blood of the lamb the Hebrew nation was delivered from bondage. The blood of the lamb delivers from slavery - the Jew from Egypt, the Christian from sin. It is no mere coincidence then that our Lord was sacrificed on the Passover. At the meal, the Lord stated, "This is My blood of the New Testament shed for many for remission of sin" (Matthew 26:27). John the Baptist clearly marked out the person of Jesus Christ as a blood sacrifice when he stated, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Christian celebrates the Passover by participating in the sacrifice of the Lord. The Jew marked his house with the blood of the lamb, adn today the Christian marks his house - his body - with the blood of Christ. The Angel of Death will pass over each Christian as surely as he passed over each Israelite in Egypt.
The seven feasts illustrate a principle in the Lord's prophetic plan. Some have been fulfilled. Some are prophesied to be fulfilled. The Passover represents our salvation. We don't keep the feast in remembrance of the exodus from Egypt per se, but because the Lord instructed us to "Do this in remembrance of Me."
Unleavened Bread
The second feast begins on the next night (Lev. 23:6). God told the Jews to eat only the pure unleavened bread during the week following Passover. Leaven in the Bible symbolized sin and evil. Unleavened bread, eaten over a period of time (seven days), symbolized a holy walk, as with the Lord. Read Paul's comments regarding the feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread in 1 Cor 5:7-8.
The Unleavened bread in the New Testament is of course the body of our Lord. He is described as the bread of life. God performed this exact ceremony with the burial of Jesus, our precious piece of unleavened bread, and more importantly, He performed it on the exact day of the feast. Once again, the required feast was fulfilled in a remarkable and unmistakable way.
Christ's body was buried in time for the scheduled feast.
First Fruits
The third feast is held on the Sunday following Unleavened Bread. We have come to call this feast, Easter. It is said that the name was given after the Babylonian goddess, Ishtar, the pagan goddess of fertility. The objects of Easter, the rabbit, the egg, new costumes, are all objects of fertility. By not using the term "First Fruits" we miss a very important Biblical truth: "first" implies a second, a third, and so on, and that is the real meaning of the feast. We do not just celebrate the resurrection of the Lord on First Fruits, but also the resurrection of the entire Chruch. "Every man in his own order." 1 Cor 15:23
The real celebration of this feast, is that we, ordinary mortal sinners will experience this resurrection! We are all numbered and Jesus Christ is number one; He was the First Fruits - the first man permanently resurrected. There will be a magnificent harvest later on.
First Fruits was the last of the feasts that the Lord was seen personally fulfilling on earth.
Fifty days after the First Fruits, the fourth feast, Pentecost
Pentecost occurs on Sunday again. Quite a few directions are given which show God's careful planning for the future: a greater harvest of souls (Acts 1:3) than what was presented at First Fruits with the deliverance of the Holy Spirit. Christ was crucified on Passover, buried on Unleavened Bread, raised on First Fruits, and had sent the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. We remain workers in the field until the great harvest marked by the next feast.
Trumpets
God seemed to enjoy hearing the trumpets blown. He used them when Joshua conquered Jericho. He also specified their use in the Year of Jubilee. God even instructed Moses about trumpets on Mt. Sinai, in regard to our fifth feast. (Lev 23:24)
There is a great span of time here. The first three feasts were all within the first month (April). Pentecost was at the early part of summer (May or June). Now we are in the seventh month, in September and the trumpet unquestionably represents the Rapture of the Church. It was the signal for the field workers to come into the Temple. The Jews and Arabs would work side by side in the fields. At the sound of the trumpet the Jew would leave immediately for worship, even if there were more crops to bring in. The Arab, having different beliefs, would keep working. Thus the Lord stated, "Where there are two working in a field, I'll take one and leave the other."
Trumpets and Rapture: 1 Thess. 4:16-17 & 1 Cor 15:51-52. The triumph of mighty Joshua at Jericho is a type of the Rapture of the Church. There, the people shouted and blew on trumpets, and the walls fell down, and each man "ascended up" into the city. Beautiful Jericho, with it's flower gardens and citrus fruits, is a gorgeous oasis in a very arid wilderness. It was the place where God chose to take His people into their Promised Land. It was their first sight of anything but hopeless desert for some forty years. Likewise, with the Christians, our glimpse of heaven, at the Rapture, will represent the end of a long journey for each of us through the wilderness. The entire story of the exodus - the story of Passover, our first feast - illustrates the salvation of the believer. First, there was the blood of the lamb, which delivered him from death, then the trip through the Red Sea - baptism, then the wandering in the wilderness - this life on earth, and finally , Jericho - heaven, when the trumpets sound. There is a very close comparison between the verses, Joshua 6:5 and 1 Thes 4:16-17. If the Israelites could believe that their exalted group of men, women, and children could cross the Jordan and assault mighty Jericho, with its huge walls, and somehow take the city, then the Christian can equally believe that he can rise off the earth and meet the Lord in the air.
The Church will be taken out of the world, and God will move on to the difficult fulfillment of the next and most sacred of Jewish feasts.
Atonement
The Jew either lived or died. This was the day of confession. This was the day the High Priest of Israel entered the fearsome Holy of Holies, where God Himself dwelt (Lev 16). Twenty-four hours of confession. All day. All night. Confession. This is the one feast which is not fulfilled by the Church, because the Church owes no atonement. The Church is not innocent of course, but it is exonerated.
Tabernacles
Each year on Tabernacles, the fifteenth day of the seventh month, or the seventh full moon of the year, devout Jews build little shelters outside their houses, and worship in them. Tabernacles represents the Lord's shelter in the world to come. This seventh feast, commemorated faithfully by Jesus (John 7), is the one feast that we are assured will be an important part of kingdom worship. The Lord will establish His tabernacle in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 37:26-27), and all the world will come every year to appear before the King and worship Him. How perfect a conclusion to each festival year in the schedule of the feasts!
Passover
The festival year begins with Passover, to be held at the beginning of spring. Leviticus 23 gives us a date for the Passover, but as I understand, the Lord's calendar is lunar based on the phases of the moon rather than the earth's revolutions around the sun. Each month starts with a new moon, reaching a full moon in the midst of the twenty-eight day cycle. Therefore, Passover always falls on a full moon - the first full moon of spring. The approximate twenty-eight day lunar cycle is harmonious throughout nature; the tides of the seas rise and fall with the moon and even the menstrual cycle seems to obey this particular time cycle. The moon makes for a better calendar because it changes every night. Those accustomed to a lunar calendar can estimate on a clear night what day of the month it was. Of course, the sun does not change daily. Interestingly, God potentially preferred the moon for calendar dating since the sun, and its magnificence, was often idolized and was inevitably the leading form of paganism. Hebrew literature demonstrates that God's intention was that day began at sundown, or moonrise. "And the evening and the morning were the first day..." Genesis 1:5
The almond tree blooms at the end of winter with the most noticeable flowing of white flowers. Even if one cannot read, they can appreciate the blooms and with the next full moon, celebrate the Passover. All the other feasts are numbered from that given point.
The Passover is the feast of salvation. On this day, because of the blood of the lamb the Hebrew nation was delivered from bondage. The blood of the lamb delivers from slavery - the Jew from Egypt, the Christian from sin. It is no mere coincidence then that our Lord was sacrificed on the Passover. At the meal, the Lord stated, "This is My blood of the New Testament shed for many for remission of sin" (Matthew 26:27). John the Baptist clearly marked out the person of Jesus Christ as a blood sacrifice when he stated, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Christian celebrates the Passover by participating in the sacrifice of the Lord. The Jew marked his house with the blood of the lamb, adn today the Christian marks his house - his body - with the blood of Christ. The Angel of Death will pass over each Christian as surely as he passed over each Israelite in Egypt.
The seven feasts illustrate a principle in the Lord's prophetic plan. Some have been fulfilled. Some are prophesied to be fulfilled. The Passover represents our salvation. We don't keep the feast in remembrance of the exodus from Egypt per se, but because the Lord instructed us to "Do this in remembrance of Me."
Unleavened Bread
The second feast begins on the next night (Lev. 23:6). God told the Jews to eat only the pure unleavened bread during the week following Passover. Leaven in the Bible symbolized sin and evil. Unleavened bread, eaten over a period of time (seven days), symbolized a holy walk, as with the Lord. Read Paul's comments regarding the feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread in 1 Cor 5:7-8.
The Unleavened bread in the New Testament is of course the body of our Lord. He is described as the bread of life. God performed this exact ceremony with the burial of Jesus, our precious piece of unleavened bread, and more importantly, He performed it on the exact day of the feast. Once again, the required feast was fulfilled in a remarkable and unmistakable way.
Christ's body was buried in time for the scheduled feast.
First Fruits
The third feast is held on the Sunday following Unleavened Bread. We have come to call this feast, Easter. It is said that the name was given after the Babylonian goddess, Ishtar, the pagan goddess of fertility. The objects of Easter, the rabbit, the egg, new costumes, are all objects of fertility. By not using the term "First Fruits" we miss a very important Biblical truth: "first" implies a second, a third, and so on, and that is the real meaning of the feast. We do not just celebrate the resurrection of the Lord on First Fruits, but also the resurrection of the entire Chruch. "Every man in his own order." 1 Cor 15:23
The real celebration of this feast, is that we, ordinary mortal sinners will experience this resurrection! We are all numbered and Jesus Christ is number one; He was the First Fruits - the first man permanently resurrected. There will be a magnificent harvest later on.
First Fruits was the last of the feasts that the Lord was seen personally fulfilling on earth.
Fifty days after the First Fruits, the fourth feast, Pentecost
Pentecost occurs on Sunday again. Quite a few directions are given which show God's careful planning for the future: a greater harvest of souls (Acts 1:3) than what was presented at First Fruits with the deliverance of the Holy Spirit. Christ was crucified on Passover, buried on Unleavened Bread, raised on First Fruits, and had sent the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. We remain workers in the field until the great harvest marked by the next feast.
Trumpets
God seemed to enjoy hearing the trumpets blown. He used them when Joshua conquered Jericho. He also specified their use in the Year of Jubilee. God even instructed Moses about trumpets on Mt. Sinai, in regard to our fifth feast. (Lev 23:24)
There is a great span of time here. The first three feasts were all within the first month (April). Pentecost was at the early part of summer (May or June). Now we are in the seventh month, in September and the trumpet unquestionably represents the Rapture of the Church. It was the signal for the field workers to come into the Temple. The Jews and Arabs would work side by side in the fields. At the sound of the trumpet the Jew would leave immediately for worship, even if there were more crops to bring in. The Arab, having different beliefs, would keep working. Thus the Lord stated, "Where there are two working in a field, I'll take one and leave the other."
Trumpets and Rapture: 1 Thess. 4:16-17 & 1 Cor 15:51-52. The triumph of mighty Joshua at Jericho is a type of the Rapture of the Church. There, the people shouted and blew on trumpets, and the walls fell down, and each man "ascended up" into the city. Beautiful Jericho, with it's flower gardens and citrus fruits, is a gorgeous oasis in a very arid wilderness. It was the place where God chose to take His people into their Promised Land. It was their first sight of anything but hopeless desert for some forty years. Likewise, with the Christians, our glimpse of heaven, at the Rapture, will represent the end of a long journey for each of us through the wilderness. The entire story of the exodus - the story of Passover, our first feast - illustrates the salvation of the believer. First, there was the blood of the lamb, which delivered him from death, then the trip through the Red Sea - baptism, then the wandering in the wilderness - this life on earth, and finally , Jericho - heaven, when the trumpets sound. There is a very close comparison between the verses, Joshua 6:5 and 1 Thes 4:16-17. If the Israelites could believe that their exalted group of men, women, and children could cross the Jordan and assault mighty Jericho, with its huge walls, and somehow take the city, then the Christian can equally believe that he can rise off the earth and meet the Lord in the air.
The Church will be taken out of the world, and God will move on to the difficult fulfillment of the next and most sacred of Jewish feasts.
Atonement
The Jew either lived or died. This was the day of confession. This was the day the High Priest of Israel entered the fearsome Holy of Holies, where God Himself dwelt (Lev 16). Twenty-four hours of confession. All day. All night. Confession. This is the one feast which is not fulfilled by the Church, because the Church owes no atonement. The Church is not innocent of course, but it is exonerated.
Tabernacles
Each year on Tabernacles, the fifteenth day of the seventh month, or the seventh full moon of the year, devout Jews build little shelters outside their houses, and worship in them. Tabernacles represents the Lord's shelter in the world to come. This seventh feast, commemorated faithfully by Jesus (John 7), is the one feast that we are assured will be an important part of kingdom worship. The Lord will establish His tabernacle in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 37:26-27), and all the world will come every year to appear before the King and worship Him. How perfect a conclusion to each festival year in the schedule of the feasts!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Invitation Only
If you made it here, then you realize I went private. Urgh.
The funny thing is, now I have to admit that I might have an audience! No worries. I really don't have anything to hide. What I don't want is to stress about offending or having my words used against me. Read away, as long as you understand that this is a selfish endeavor. I blog for me and later, so my kids can understand me a bit better. Do comment. Just don''t be mean. Please. I like a good controversy. I like to be challenged. I even love to be convicted. I am a bit too sensitive for my own good though.
I am happy to invite anyone you know that I've left out or someone you think might be interested in following my insanity! And thank-you, each of you, for being so encouraging!!
The funny thing is, now I have to admit that I might have an audience! No worries. I really don't have anything to hide. What I don't want is to stress about offending or having my words used against me. Read away, as long as you understand that this is a selfish endeavor. I blog for me and later, so my kids can understand me a bit better. Do comment. Just don''t be mean. Please. I like a good controversy. I like to be challenged. I even love to be convicted. I am a bit too sensitive for my own good though.
I am happy to invite anyone you know that I've left out or someone you think might be interested in following my insanity! And thank-you, each of you, for being so encouraging!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Going Private
I am considering going private on this blog. (I think I can do that, right?)
I started blogging simply because I wanted to get my kids pictures displayed with my thoughts, and I had absolutely no time to scrapbook. My piles of mementos were becoming rather overwhelming and blogging cured that anxiety.
Then I liked the sort of journal I could create for all my many passions, my own personal notebook. I didn't expect anyone I knew would read it (a little naive to the world of blogging), so I was very sincere and made myself exceptionally vulnerable.
At some point, I realized people were dropping by, even clients. I tried to ignore the audience as I wrote, reminding myself that I am a person of face value and if I offend you in my blog, then potentially I am not the midwife for you. An occasional comment would come. Those were fun. I continued to type into oblivion.
Along the way, I did in fact offend people and received a few hostile comments. Most always it was a post someone assumed was directed solely at them but instead the post referenced a combination of events that the reader assumed they alone were completely responsible for. I had great remorse for not taking the time to be more detail-minded while writing to avoid offending, but the fact of the matter is that I knew what I meant. The post was for my own relief and I hadn't the need to dwell on the details. It was the epiphany I wanted to document.
Most recently I was reminded once again how taking the personal connection out of communicating can create such a disconnect that we can make monsters of ourselves. An Indiana mother recently lost her son, apparently due to a hypoplastic left heart, but because he was circumcised and died at some point following the procedure, a group of intact advocates used her story to preach their platform. As I understand, the women received hate mail on her own blog, pointing a finger at her for causing her precious child's death. I can empathize with an absolute broken heart.
As well, another fabulous blogger shared that she was annoyed by music widgets that popped up automatically when visiting various blogs. She felt it was a bit inconsiderate of bloggers to require the reader to listen to their chosen music and pointed out various reasons a widget such as this was particularly inconvenient for the reader.
I commented. I found the post funny, only because I have such widget. I love it. Her post reminded me that blogging, to me, is personal. I do it for me. I do it without any concern for my audience. I don't blog to share a message. I don't blog to attract an audience. However, I don't care if you stop by.
Unfortunately when I later stopped back in to read the on-going comments, I was offended. Greatly. She questioned the appropriateness of my music (and she would be correct to some degree) and my sincerity in stating I was genuine. Once again, the issue stirred in my head for days. I realized that knowing this very kind hearted woman, she must have been offended by my comment to respond as she did. Thinking back on my attempt to light-heartedly demonstrate that while many blogs are designed for an audience, complete with advertisements and facebook buttons, mine is more personal.
If you stop by my house, you are likely to find music playing. My dogs will be running through the house. You may even smell essential oils in the air. This is my house and how I like it. If I invite you over for dinner, I'll be mindful of your preferences. The same is true of my blog.
Most awkward, is that I've realized area midwives who apparently feel there is too much competition, have taken to using the events of my son's death as I've shared them here to equate poor judgement on my behalf as a midwife. Potential clients have Googled my name and found my blog among the higher ratings; therefore, reading to their heart's content and determining without further introduction if I am an experienced enough midwife for their birth.
Spitefully, clients with outstanding debt receiving persistent invoices from me that don't want to follow through on their end of the bargain, follow my blog and leave their own flavorful comments. I can't help but dwell on the injustice of these scenarios and while logically I know that these are Satan's attacks, my heart takes a bit more coaxing to find peace.
I am once again facing the consequences of my nativity. The truth is, not everyone has such good intentions. These situations simply aren't worth the joy I find in blogging. And it's no wonder I become even more anti-social as I age...
I started blogging simply because I wanted to get my kids pictures displayed with my thoughts, and I had absolutely no time to scrapbook. My piles of mementos were becoming rather overwhelming and blogging cured that anxiety.
Then I liked the sort of journal I could create for all my many passions, my own personal notebook. I didn't expect anyone I knew would read it (a little naive to the world of blogging), so I was very sincere and made myself exceptionally vulnerable.
At some point, I realized people were dropping by, even clients. I tried to ignore the audience as I wrote, reminding myself that I am a person of face value and if I offend you in my blog, then potentially I am not the midwife for you. An occasional comment would come. Those were fun. I continued to type into oblivion.
Along the way, I did in fact offend people and received a few hostile comments. Most always it was a post someone assumed was directed solely at them but instead the post referenced a combination of events that the reader assumed they alone were completely responsible for. I had great remorse for not taking the time to be more detail-minded while writing to avoid offending, but the fact of the matter is that I knew what I meant. The post was for my own relief and I hadn't the need to dwell on the details. It was the epiphany I wanted to document.
Most recently I was reminded once again how taking the personal connection out of communicating can create such a disconnect that we can make monsters of ourselves. An Indiana mother recently lost her son, apparently due to a hypoplastic left heart, but because he was circumcised and died at some point following the procedure, a group of intact advocates used her story to preach their platform. As I understand, the women received hate mail on her own blog, pointing a finger at her for causing her precious child's death. I can empathize with an absolute broken heart.
As well, another fabulous blogger shared that she was annoyed by music widgets that popped up automatically when visiting various blogs. She felt it was a bit inconsiderate of bloggers to require the reader to listen to their chosen music and pointed out various reasons a widget such as this was particularly inconvenient for the reader.
I commented. I found the post funny, only because I have such widget. I love it. Her post reminded me that blogging, to me, is personal. I do it for me. I do it without any concern for my audience. I don't blog to share a message. I don't blog to attract an audience. However, I don't care if you stop by.
Unfortunately when I later stopped back in to read the on-going comments, I was offended. Greatly. She questioned the appropriateness of my music (and she would be correct to some degree) and my sincerity in stating I was genuine. Once again, the issue stirred in my head for days. I realized that knowing this very kind hearted woman, she must have been offended by my comment to respond as she did. Thinking back on my attempt to light-heartedly demonstrate that while many blogs are designed for an audience, complete with advertisements and facebook buttons, mine is more personal.
If you stop by my house, you are likely to find music playing. My dogs will be running through the house. You may even smell essential oils in the air. This is my house and how I like it. If I invite you over for dinner, I'll be mindful of your preferences. The same is true of my blog.
Most awkward, is that I've realized area midwives who apparently feel there is too much competition, have taken to using the events of my son's death as I've shared them here to equate poor judgement on my behalf as a midwife. Potential clients have Googled my name and found my blog among the higher ratings; therefore, reading to their heart's content and determining without further introduction if I am an experienced enough midwife for their birth.
Spitefully, clients with outstanding debt receiving persistent invoices from me that don't want to follow through on their end of the bargain, follow my blog and leave their own flavorful comments. I can't help but dwell on the injustice of these scenarios and while logically I know that these are Satan's attacks, my heart takes a bit more coaxing to find peace.
I am once again facing the consequences of my nativity. The truth is, not everyone has such good intentions. These situations simply aren't worth the joy I find in blogging. And it's no wonder I become even more anti-social as I age...
Friday, October 1, 2010
Essential Oils
This past weekend the kids and I traveled to Chicago so I could attend an aromatherapy intensive. You can visit www.RaindropTraining.com for further information on the courses I attended, but briefly I attended an aromatherapy course, Vita Flex, Raindrop therapy, Emotional Release and Essential Oils of the Bible.
The weekend was rather intriguing, in many ways, and I am sure I'll share a great deal of my thoughts as time goes by, but for now, I stick with sharing some interesting information from my chemistry class. Keep reading...it might intrigue you too!
The first full day of my workshop discussed essential oil chemistry. I'll admit the weekend was an extreme challenge for me in that while I do feel as if God is leading me to learn more about His oils, just like midwifery there is great temptation in the field to create idols of the tools with which we work and those with which we feel have greater gift than our self. The profession overall has a large New Age influence and is often perceived as witchcraft, which sometimes is valid. Other times however, it evolves because modern Christians have put our Lord into a box. He has been limited to The Comforter, or Our Father, or The Counselor. He manifests Himself as all of these and more... most easily forgotten, Our Great Physician.
The Lord grew my faith through the study of human lactation and later, midwifery. Now I am finding Him in healing oils. Psalm 19, "The heaves are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork." Our Lord isn't only about the grandeur of galaxies and the infinite scale of the cosmos, but He is also experienced in the infinitesimally small. Molecules do in fact, proclaim His handiwork.
Vibratory medicine. Heard of it? Geophysics or theoretical seismology. New term? Wave phenomena. If we better understand how and why essential oils work, we can apply and use them better and more effectively. "And since your belief has something to do with how well oils perform, perhaps a little science will increase the level of your faith," states Stuart, the author of The Chemistry of Essential Oils: Made Simple.
To be completely frank, I have a medical background and want to know if there is science to support the practice of aromatherapy. The Lord seems to be teaching me that healing, particularly with essential oils is intuitive and spiritual, a gift acquired by one's receptivity to the Divine.
God is the source of all knowledge and makes this available to us, to increase our intuitive gifts without limit. Healing arts of antiquity were closely allied with religion in cultures throughout the world. The same is true of our first scientists. They sought to discover truth and in their research, their relationship with God was never far from their consciousness. This speaks also of my own spiritual walk. When asked what motivated his life-long devotion to science and mathematics, Albert Einstein replied, "I want to know God's thoughts." Our God is an eternal, omnipresent God whose thoughts are the objects of scientific research.
Another fabulous quote of my favorite Albert Einstein, "I maintain that a cosmic religious feeling is the strongest and noblest motive for scientific research... In this materialistic age of ours, serious scientific workers are among the only profoundly religious people." True science brings us closer to our creator.
Throughout my midwifery career and as well during this weekend intensive, people ask, "Why is it that science doesn't support what we know by faith to be true?" I found myself rather defensive this weekend. True science and true religion should never be in conflict. They both seek the same end-the delineation of and the alliance with truth. Science does support our faith. It is man that rejects truth and even our own evidence.
There was a time in history when scientists seeking truth had to separate themselves from the institutions that controlled public religious practice. Centuries ago, when sincerely devout, God-loving men began, in their honesty, to discover aspects of the universe contrary to prevailing religious dogma, the ecclesiastical authorities who benefited from maintaining those dogmas declared them heretics. Midwives? Does this sound familiar?
Scientists and midwives with "powers to heal" were imprisoned. Others were tortured or killed in the name of God. Thus, to save their own lives, scientists who hungered for a more complete understanding of creation than was offered by formal religion had to seek means to develop science in a way that did not offend church leaders. Christian midwives, do you identify?
What developed was a philosophy of separation between church and science. The church kept to "spiritual" matters and science kept to "material" matters. Religion was for the sanctuary and science was for the laboratory. Birth moved to the hospital. As a result, today we have materialistic science and secular medicine, both of which claim no relationship to God in their practice. At the same time, we have religion that does not know how to incorporate science into its theology and has lost its healing ministry. Both are manifestations of the one God whose omnipresence and omniscience permeate everything from atoms to galaxies, from the tiniest creatures, to you and me.
Job 12:8 NIV... "speak to the earth, and it will teach you"
NLT... "speak to the earth, and it will instruct you"
NASB... "or speak to the earth, and let it teach you;"
There is so much information regarding speaking to plants in our ancestral history that is hard to accept. Inspired men speaking to plants, altering their DNA, creating new species. Can't God inspire us to do just that? Why is this so hard to comprehend? Can you imagine being so receptive to the divine truth that we could alter life for the benefit of all humankind?
Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" and then the qualifier in James 4:3-4, "You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly..." The Lord doesn't simply pour into us. We must seek Him. We must give the Holy Spirit our ear.
Just like John in Revelation, scientists are attempting to articulate God's creation. They chip away, reverently, patiently, and humbly... providing us evidence to illustrate what our minds can not otherwise fathom. If science and religion could reunite in the proper way, the path to truth is certain. Religion makes science relevant. And science, in its proper role, makes religion honest.
Paul admonishes in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, "Prove all things," both science and in spirit.
The weekend was rather intriguing, in many ways, and I am sure I'll share a great deal of my thoughts as time goes by, but for now, I stick with sharing some interesting information from my chemistry class. Keep reading...it might intrigue you too!
The first full day of my workshop discussed essential oil chemistry. I'll admit the weekend was an extreme challenge for me in that while I do feel as if God is leading me to learn more about His oils, just like midwifery there is great temptation in the field to create idols of the tools with which we work and those with which we feel have greater gift than our self. The profession overall has a large New Age influence and is often perceived as witchcraft, which sometimes is valid. Other times however, it evolves because modern Christians have put our Lord into a box. He has been limited to The Comforter, or Our Father, or The Counselor. He manifests Himself as all of these and more... most easily forgotten, Our Great Physician.
The Lord grew my faith through the study of human lactation and later, midwifery. Now I am finding Him in healing oils. Psalm 19, "The heaves are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork." Our Lord isn't only about the grandeur of galaxies and the infinite scale of the cosmos, but He is also experienced in the infinitesimally small. Molecules do in fact, proclaim His handiwork.
Vibratory medicine. Heard of it? Geophysics or theoretical seismology. New term? Wave phenomena. If we better understand how and why essential oils work, we can apply and use them better and more effectively. "And since your belief has something to do with how well oils perform, perhaps a little science will increase the level of your faith," states Stuart, the author of The Chemistry of Essential Oils: Made Simple.
To be completely frank, I have a medical background and want to know if there is science to support the practice of aromatherapy. The Lord seems to be teaching me that healing, particularly with essential oils is intuitive and spiritual, a gift acquired by one's receptivity to the Divine.
God is the source of all knowledge and makes this available to us, to increase our intuitive gifts without limit. Healing arts of antiquity were closely allied with religion in cultures throughout the world. The same is true of our first scientists. They sought to discover truth and in their research, their relationship with God was never far from their consciousness. This speaks also of my own spiritual walk. When asked what motivated his life-long devotion to science and mathematics, Albert Einstein replied, "I want to know God's thoughts." Our God is an eternal, omnipresent God whose thoughts are the objects of scientific research.
Another fabulous quote of my favorite Albert Einstein, "I maintain that a cosmic religious feeling is the strongest and noblest motive for scientific research... In this materialistic age of ours, serious scientific workers are among the only profoundly religious people." True science brings us closer to our creator.
Throughout my midwifery career and as well during this weekend intensive, people ask, "Why is it that science doesn't support what we know by faith to be true?" I found myself rather defensive this weekend. True science and true religion should never be in conflict. They both seek the same end-the delineation of and the alliance with truth. Science does support our faith. It is man that rejects truth and even our own evidence.
There was a time in history when scientists seeking truth had to separate themselves from the institutions that controlled public religious practice. Centuries ago, when sincerely devout, God-loving men began, in their honesty, to discover aspects of the universe contrary to prevailing religious dogma, the ecclesiastical authorities who benefited from maintaining those dogmas declared them heretics. Midwives? Does this sound familiar?
Scientists and midwives with "powers to heal" were imprisoned. Others were tortured or killed in the name of God. Thus, to save their own lives, scientists who hungered for a more complete understanding of creation than was offered by formal religion had to seek means to develop science in a way that did not offend church leaders. Christian midwives, do you identify?
What developed was a philosophy of separation between church and science. The church kept to "spiritual" matters and science kept to "material" matters. Religion was for the sanctuary and science was for the laboratory. Birth moved to the hospital. As a result, today we have materialistic science and secular medicine, both of which claim no relationship to God in their practice. At the same time, we have religion that does not know how to incorporate science into its theology and has lost its healing ministry. Both are manifestations of the one God whose omnipresence and omniscience permeate everything from atoms to galaxies, from the tiniest creatures, to you and me.
Job 12:8 NIV... "speak to the earth, and it will teach you"
NLT... "speak to the earth, and it will instruct you"
NASB... "or speak to the earth, and let it teach you;"
There is so much information regarding speaking to plants in our ancestral history that is hard to accept. Inspired men speaking to plants, altering their DNA, creating new species. Can't God inspire us to do just that? Why is this so hard to comprehend? Can you imagine being so receptive to the divine truth that we could alter life for the benefit of all humankind?
Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" and then the qualifier in James 4:3-4, "You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly..." The Lord doesn't simply pour into us. We must seek Him. We must give the Holy Spirit our ear.
Just like John in Revelation, scientists are attempting to articulate God's creation. They chip away, reverently, patiently, and humbly... providing us evidence to illustrate what our minds can not otherwise fathom. If science and religion could reunite in the proper way, the path to truth is certain. Religion makes science relevant. And science, in its proper role, makes religion honest.
Paul admonishes in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, "Prove all things," both science and in spirit.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Revelation
My study this week is on the letters John wrote the seven churches. I am still working through the homework, but I've already had lots of personal revelation.
The Lord won't make us listen to Him. We must be ready to hear Him. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." This passage also teaches me that we must overcome to receive His promise and that just as we began in a garden, we too will end in one.
Reading the letter to Ephesus I am reminded of the genuine nature of God. He commends them for their hard work and perseverance, even their discernment, then brings to light their faults. Many years ago I did a study on depression and realized Cain's reaction to the Lord's punishment was very similar to how someone who is suffering from depression would react - they have no concept of reality. Satan works this way. He works in generality. He is big and wide, while the Holy Spirit is specific with his convictions. When the Holy Spirit convicts us we hear, "Stop Gossiping, Exercise, Love your Husband."
A previous commenter had posted about the hypocrisy of the church. I am not sure any church-goer would disagree. Christians can let their fire slip from their hands. They didn't realize it happened, but at some point their focus was no longer on their first love. Others are angry. They are ticked. They continue attending and working in the church because it is their routine, they want salvation, but serving the Lord isn't their heart's desire. Others are simply too busy. If Satan can't make you mean, he sure can make you too busy.
Another reminder, every virtue carries within itself the seeds of destruction. This has been a repeating trend in my life. An example might be discernment. The desire to exclude all impostors can create a climate of suspicion in which love within the believing community could no longer exist. This policing turns us into Pharisees. You simply can not love God and despise his people. Another example might be having great talent so that you do not have to impose yourself to God. Leaning only on yourself. I've really had to tame my virtues to be of use to God.
The Lord won't make us listen to Him. We must be ready to hear Him. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." This passage also teaches me that we must overcome to receive His promise and that just as we began in a garden, we too will end in one.
Reading the letter to Ephesus I am reminded of the genuine nature of God. He commends them for their hard work and perseverance, even their discernment, then brings to light their faults. Many years ago I did a study on depression and realized Cain's reaction to the Lord's punishment was very similar to how someone who is suffering from depression would react - they have no concept of reality. Satan works this way. He works in generality. He is big and wide, while the Holy Spirit is specific with his convictions. When the Holy Spirit convicts us we hear, "Stop Gossiping, Exercise, Love your Husband."
A previous commenter had posted about the hypocrisy of the church. I am not sure any church-goer would disagree. Christians can let their fire slip from their hands. They didn't realize it happened, but at some point their focus was no longer on their first love. Others are angry. They are ticked. They continue attending and working in the church because it is their routine, they want salvation, but serving the Lord isn't their heart's desire. Others are simply too busy. If Satan can't make you mean, he sure can make you too busy.
Another reminder, every virtue carries within itself the seeds of destruction. This has been a repeating trend in my life. An example might be discernment. The desire to exclude all impostors can create a climate of suspicion in which love within the believing community could no longer exist. This policing turns us into Pharisees. You simply can not love God and despise his people. Another example might be having great talent so that you do not have to impose yourself to God. Leaning only on yourself. I've really had to tame my virtues to be of use to God.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Undergoing so I can Overcome
I'll admit that since I've had awareness of God's existence, I have prayed for Him to allow me to glorify Him. Use ME! As a child, I thought He would allow me to grow up to be Super Woman. As a young adult, I was prayerful I would become a suffering missionary. In my third decade, I have come to realize that all my trials and tribulations have been the answers to my prayers. How can I become a conqueror for God, if I have nothing to conquer? I can not overcome, if I don't undergo! The Lord's will is for me to stand on top. I sense the Holy Spirit's presence during Lyric's anniversary dates and He whispers to me, "You Won!"
What I am now working to wrap my brain around is that it is our human nature to think, I've paid my dues. I am good to go. Life shouldn't be so tough from here on out. However, if I remain in the will of God, I'll have more mountains to stand on top of, to conquer for Christ, which also means I'll have to undergo more trials.
Does that mean, as a close friend of mine once spoke to me, that I bring these trials on myself? No one really is given a life like Job. Well, I guess I can respond, "I hope so." I hope I live a life that allows the Lord to trust in me, to trust that I am genuine in my faith, and that I'll be obedient particularly when it is hard. I hope that when I face trials, I can praise Him and persevere with great endurance. I do prayerfully seek His glory, just please Lord, don't kill me...yet.
What I am now working to wrap my brain around is that it is our human nature to think, I've paid my dues. I am good to go. Life shouldn't be so tough from here on out. However, if I remain in the will of God, I'll have more mountains to stand on top of, to conquer for Christ, which also means I'll have to undergo more trials.
Does that mean, as a close friend of mine once spoke to me, that I bring these trials on myself? No one really is given a life like Job. Well, I guess I can respond, "I hope so." I hope I live a life that allows the Lord to trust in me, to trust that I am genuine in my faith, and that I'll be obedient particularly when it is hard. I hope that when I face trials, I can praise Him and persevere with great endurance. I do prayerfully seek His glory, just please Lord, don't kill me...yet.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Revelation
I am thrilled that I am getting comments from some serious intellects! Love it! There are a few I'll have to come back to...vaccinations...female circumcision...and my previous Revelation post, so stay tuned. I wanted to share a bit more however, of what the Lord has revealed to me through studying Revelation.
I identify with John. I spent many years pleading to be of use to God only instead to be left wondering why I was so isolated. I questioned why the persecution I had faced hadn't killed me? Why did I have to continue in this world, like the energizer bunny, if he wasn't going to use me or take me home and relieve me of my misery? I knew in every dust particle of my being that I had a calling and I was eager to obey. Why did I feel so useless and broken? I was so incredibly homesick, stuck on my own island of Patmos.
He never left me like an orphan. He was there with me, held me as His child. I felt His presence throughout, but I wanted desperately to bring Him glory, desperately. I felt so completely useless and lonely in this world that I became so heavenly focused, that I was no earthly good. What I needed to focus my mind on is living a life that attracts revelation, even in the simple things. What I hadn't realized is that I was walking from tribulation to kingdom bliss and in the meantime needed to apply some patience.
One of my previous commentators discussed having a relationship with Christ and not depending on fellowship within the church, which often time is far from righteousness. Amen, sister! The Lord is found in worship and in the spirit and just like Christ, we need to seek Him when no one is looking. Christ was seeking God while everyone else was falling asleep! I think an important point to is that our Lord is a Lord of relationships. Times are going to get tough for Christians. I don't think it is entirely wise to disconnect. The community will turn against us and being separated from the church might isolate us more than God intended. There are many reasons people, even Godly people, avoid church but most often these are "rib issues" and not salvation issues. They don't represent issues in the spine of our faith. Jesus Christ cares deeply about the church.
My cause of separating myself from those that frequent the more typical brick-and-mortar church is because my ministry is still misunderstood or ignored by those that congregate there. The church we were "raised within," as well as the church we are currently members rejects all that the Lord has put in my heart. I feel a bit beaten and torn down. As a mother as well, I am often judged as a working professional who has selfishly applied her attention outside the home, rather than a family who has recognized their mission and stepped out in faith. If I were doing the same work in another country, we would be praised by our brothers and sisters. To attempt to make churches aware of their blind spot right here in my own backyard is a bit too John the Baptist, I suppose, for many churches comfort. The Lord is giving me just enough light so I know my next step; however, I have on my heart a great deal of reconciliation in my future. Part of that is letting go of bitterness that has separated me from communion.
I have learned too that walking in the spirit is a decision. It is quite easy to walk in the flesh. In fact, I think we default to walking in our sinful ways. Through my grief there were many times that I felt so desperate that insanity knocked on my door. The Holy Spirit was aggressive with me and would quickly direct me to have the Lord clear my mind, to stand up and to walk...anywhere, but away from falling over the edge. It is rather amazing to come up from your knees and realize how great the Lord is, great enough to deliver me from such darkness and where I've been, the depth of that darkness, trust me, that takes a rather enormous God.
I've shared on my blog before some of my "God Moments" and while those are precious, validating and so incredibly encouraging, I am realizing as I read Revelation that I haven't had near the reverence for them as I should. There are those times we meet God daily, times that we are awed by His greatness, moments of transfiguration, revelations of His suffering, and sights of glorification...but did I ever grasp how truly HOLY it is for God to go out of HIS WAY to REVEAL HIMSELF TO ME!?!
This week in our mid-week Bible study our leader shared a smidgen of his testimony, most of which I missed as I tended to children, but I believe he shared an up-bringing within the church and a loving family. Every other member had been saved as an adult, which as a very humble man seemed to maybe intimidate him a bit. I found his perspective very enlightening because he said his faith never had a transforming moment; he couldn't identify the moment his ground was shaken in realization that Christ consumed his heart.
He also shared that he found "Adult Christians" often dove into the Bible seeking truth and understanding after their heart caught fire for the Lord, but his own learning was more of immersion through the church teachings. He sort of questioned if he had the Biblical knowledge to lead our group. Can he whip out reference scriptures as maybe an "adult Christian" might? The irony is that had I known his background before having such thought-provoking conversations, I potentially never would have considered gathering together for study. What would I have to offer a sister or brother that began their walk decades before myself? It's intimidating to share my own testimony and to reveal a background of great unHoliness, which I still continue to battle daily. I don't want to humiliate myself.
Christians are at risk of becoming too loyal with their doctrine that they talk them self right out of a new revelation. There's a lot of Bible and maybe the beauty in God gifting some of His children with faith later in life, is that they challenge those with life-long conceptions? Not one of us have enough wisdom and knowledge to assume we will not be altered by studying the Word. On the other hand, I would argue that "Adult Christians" can sometimes dig into the scripture so diligently that they are almost unweaving the rainbow. They fail to just behold the beauty of the Word. Maybe I need to be humiliated and maybe he's in for some perspective! Maybe he will cause me to just be still and breathe.
This is getting lengthy, but I can't help but share a new vision I have of the Lord as John describes him in Revelation 1:12-18. His voice like the sound of rushing waters -- and not a peaceful trickle of water, but like standing behind a forceful gorging waterfall. I have no doubt this sound would cause each of us to quickly cover our ears and gasp at the consuming rush. Out of His mouth came a double-edged sword -- what does that mean? Does that mean that the Lord doesn't have to call legends of angels, flood the earth, bring fire to the land, or torment to end all humankind, but that just as He said, "Let there be light" and there was light, he can say Drop Dead and it will be done? No joke. He is that great. We will loose the power to disobey, each and everyone of us.
Though Christ is highly exalted, He still leans down and touches me. He is The I Am.
I identify with John. I spent many years pleading to be of use to God only instead to be left wondering why I was so isolated. I questioned why the persecution I had faced hadn't killed me? Why did I have to continue in this world, like the energizer bunny, if he wasn't going to use me or take me home and relieve me of my misery? I knew in every dust particle of my being that I had a calling and I was eager to obey. Why did I feel so useless and broken? I was so incredibly homesick, stuck on my own island of Patmos.
He never left me like an orphan. He was there with me, held me as His child. I felt His presence throughout, but I wanted desperately to bring Him glory, desperately. I felt so completely useless and lonely in this world that I became so heavenly focused, that I was no earthly good. What I needed to focus my mind on is living a life that attracts revelation, even in the simple things. What I hadn't realized is that I was walking from tribulation to kingdom bliss and in the meantime needed to apply some patience.
One of my previous commentators discussed having a relationship with Christ and not depending on fellowship within the church, which often time is far from righteousness. Amen, sister! The Lord is found in worship and in the spirit and just like Christ, we need to seek Him when no one is looking. Christ was seeking God while everyone else was falling asleep! I think an important point to is that our Lord is a Lord of relationships. Times are going to get tough for Christians. I don't think it is entirely wise to disconnect. The community will turn against us and being separated from the church might isolate us more than God intended. There are many reasons people, even Godly people, avoid church but most often these are "rib issues" and not salvation issues. They don't represent issues in the spine of our faith. Jesus Christ cares deeply about the church.
My cause of separating myself from those that frequent the more typical brick-and-mortar church is because my ministry is still misunderstood or ignored by those that congregate there. The church we were "raised within," as well as the church we are currently members rejects all that the Lord has put in my heart. I feel a bit beaten and torn down. As a mother as well, I am often judged as a working professional who has selfishly applied her attention outside the home, rather than a family who has recognized their mission and stepped out in faith. If I were doing the same work in another country, we would be praised by our brothers and sisters. To attempt to make churches aware of their blind spot right here in my own backyard is a bit too John the Baptist, I suppose, for many churches comfort. The Lord is giving me just enough light so I know my next step; however, I have on my heart a great deal of reconciliation in my future. Part of that is letting go of bitterness that has separated me from communion.
I have learned too that walking in the spirit is a decision. It is quite easy to walk in the flesh. In fact, I think we default to walking in our sinful ways. Through my grief there were many times that I felt so desperate that insanity knocked on my door. The Holy Spirit was aggressive with me and would quickly direct me to have the Lord clear my mind, to stand up and to walk...anywhere, but away from falling over the edge. It is rather amazing to come up from your knees and realize how great the Lord is, great enough to deliver me from such darkness and where I've been, the depth of that darkness, trust me, that takes a rather enormous God.
I've shared on my blog before some of my "God Moments" and while those are precious, validating and so incredibly encouraging, I am realizing as I read Revelation that I haven't had near the reverence for them as I should. There are those times we meet God daily, times that we are awed by His greatness, moments of transfiguration, revelations of His suffering, and sights of glorification...but did I ever grasp how truly HOLY it is for God to go out of HIS WAY to REVEAL HIMSELF TO ME!?!
This week in our mid-week Bible study our leader shared a smidgen of his testimony, most of which I missed as I tended to children, but I believe he shared an up-bringing within the church and a loving family. Every other member had been saved as an adult, which as a very humble man seemed to maybe intimidate him a bit. I found his perspective very enlightening because he said his faith never had a transforming moment; he couldn't identify the moment his ground was shaken in realization that Christ consumed his heart.
He also shared that he found "Adult Christians" often dove into the Bible seeking truth and understanding after their heart caught fire for the Lord, but his own learning was more of immersion through the church teachings. He sort of questioned if he had the Biblical knowledge to lead our group. Can he whip out reference scriptures as maybe an "adult Christian" might? The irony is that had I known his background before having such thought-provoking conversations, I potentially never would have considered gathering together for study. What would I have to offer a sister or brother that began their walk decades before myself? It's intimidating to share my own testimony and to reveal a background of great unHoliness, which I still continue to battle daily. I don't want to humiliate myself.
Christians are at risk of becoming too loyal with their doctrine that they talk them self right out of a new revelation. There's a lot of Bible and maybe the beauty in God gifting some of His children with faith later in life, is that they challenge those with life-long conceptions? Not one of us have enough wisdom and knowledge to assume we will not be altered by studying the Word. On the other hand, I would argue that "Adult Christians" can sometimes dig into the scripture so diligently that they are almost unweaving the rainbow. They fail to just behold the beauty of the Word. Maybe I need to be humiliated and maybe he's in for some perspective! Maybe he will cause me to just be still and breathe.
This is getting lengthy, but I can't help but share a new vision I have of the Lord as John describes him in Revelation 1:12-18. His voice like the sound of rushing waters -- and not a peaceful trickle of water, but like standing behind a forceful gorging waterfall. I have no doubt this sound would cause each of us to quickly cover our ears and gasp at the consuming rush. Out of His mouth came a double-edged sword -- what does that mean? Does that mean that the Lord doesn't have to call legends of angels, flood the earth, bring fire to the land, or torment to end all humankind, but that just as He said, "Let there be light" and there was light, he can say Drop Dead and it will be done? No joke. He is that great. We will loose the power to disobey, each and everyone of us.
Though Christ is highly exalted, He still leans down and touches me. He is The I Am.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Buddies
Noah wanted to celebrate his birthday at the Indianapolis Museum of Art with his best friends - Cory, Josh and Samuel. Both of these friends (we're keeping Samuel) have had plans over the last year to move and each time it is mentioned, Noah gasps in anxiety that he may loose the ability to hang out with them at a moment's notice. I was grateful that they were available for his birthday party and of course, for his sake, hope they have a long future together as friends.
There were lots of photographers at the IMA with families. I hadn't realized before what a perfect backdrop the gardens are for family pictures. I also hadn't realized there were bike trails and the Lilly home to tour, and lots of other exciting opportunities that could keep the family busy for an entire weekend.
I had planned to take a picnic lunch with a bucket of chicken legs, but just like gardening brings on labor contractions in my clientele, so do the kid's birthday parties. Mike had to take over and the chicken legs were scraped for video games.
Definitely, this will be a trip we make again very soon.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Maverick Triathlon
The anticipation of the race. She really does enjoy this. By the time she wakes me up in the morning she has already packed herself, ate breakfast, and checked her list to be sure hasn't forgotten anything like her helmet or directions to the race. I never would have thought Keely would genuinely enjoy competing.
Below is Keely just entering the water and waiting for the officials to give her the go.
She swam freestyle the first twenty-five meters and back again, but then did back stroke the entire rest of the race. She refused any of my direction to flip back over, but at least she got farther away from the lane divider which kept slowing her down.
Speedy transition -- even though you're freezing!!! Go girl, Go!!!
Below is Keely just entering the water and waiting for the officials to give her the go.
She swam freestyle the first twenty-five meters and back again, but then did back stroke the entire rest of the race. She refused any of my direction to flip back over, but at least she got farther away from the lane divider which kept slowing her down.
I think she lost some time at the end of each leg because she was worried she'd hit the edge about five meters before she even reached the wall.
Speedy transition -- even though you're freezing!!! Go girl, Go!!!
Maverick Triathlon
One of the Lafayette High Schools sponsored a triathlon as a fundraiser for their swim team. That was creative thinking! Most of the participants had never competed in a triathlon before, which even for a naive spectator was a bit funny to see. Transitions looked like recess as some of the racers chatted with their friends in the audience, stopped to chug an entire bottle of Gatorade, sit and catch their breath...clearly unaware they were still on the clock. Still everyone gave it their all and impressed me greatly.
This is Keely just starting the bike leg after finishing her 300 meter swim. It was really cold again and she was sopping wet. I don't have any pictures of her on the actual bike leg, which was thirteen miles, but here she is below returning. Even though she walked, she was one of the very fast in transitions.
Here she is starting her run and while she said this was one thing she wanted to correct, not starting in a walk, when I tried to encourage her she gave me a nasty little look. I think her body is in shock during these transitions and we really need to train more here.
As you can see, they wrote everyone's age on the back of their calves. While I was a bit surprised to see that it was nice to see that there were a large portion of older adults.
Here she is running to the finish line. The run was 5 miles which is two miles longer than the last race and two miles longer than she has ever ran in her life. I was shocked to see her that soon!
Crossing the finish line with a bit of a smile even! Not sure if you notice the little dixie cup in her hand. She was given a little cup of water in the bike transition and I offered to take it from her when she started the run but she still had water in it and wanted to keep it. She said she didn't want to just throw it down so she carried it the entire five miles! It gave her a bit of a distraction anyway.
Good job Keely!! Her final times was ten minutes faster than the previous race. They didn't catch all her times, but her swim time was 7:38:22. They didn't catch her first transition or entry onto the bike for some reason, so I don't have a good number on that, but her run time was 40 minutes. That's about an 8 minute mile. Not too shabby. Her overall time was 1:47:01.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Revelation
I always wanted to save studying Revelation (which is not plural, there is only one Revelation) for when I was a smarter Christian. I knew understanding the other books in the Bible would bring great revelation to the last book. However, it just so happened the Lord seemed it was perfect timing and I'll admit, I am one to do things backwards.
I realize I am in over my head, so I'd love your comments, but this far I have learned that the Book of Revelation was treated almost immediately - if not immediately - as scripture. The book was meant to be read aloud. The authors not only chose the words to convey meanings they intended, but also chose words whose sounds effectively communicated these meanings. John 12:49
The Lord not only sent the message of Revelation, but He signified it. He drew a picture, a figurative representation, of what we can not picture with what we can. This is similar to parables of Christ's teaching. The symbols in Revelation is so we can picture what we can otherwise not fathom.
The seven churches of Asia - seven is perfect. There is significance in seven churches. This might represent seven types of churches that represent the church as a whole. The message was passed from the Lord, to Christ, to His Angel to John, to the seven churches.
The seven spirits before the throne - are they seven angels? I suspect they are the seven attributes of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 11:2
We are a direct result of our belief system. What do we believe in that vry dark place, when we are all alone?
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of Kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14
I realize I am in over my head, so I'd love your comments, but this far I have learned that the Book of Revelation was treated almost immediately - if not immediately - as scripture. The book was meant to be read aloud. The authors not only chose the words to convey meanings they intended, but also chose words whose sounds effectively communicated these meanings. John 12:49
The Lord not only sent the message of Revelation, but He signified it. He drew a picture, a figurative representation, of what we can not picture with what we can. This is similar to parables of Christ's teaching. The symbols in Revelation is so we can picture what we can otherwise not fathom.
The seven churches of Asia - seven is perfect. There is significance in seven churches. This might represent seven types of churches that represent the church as a whole. The message was passed from the Lord, to Christ, to His Angel to John, to the seven churches.
The seven spirits before the throne - are they seven angels? I suspect they are the seven attributes of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 11:2
We are a direct result of our belief system. What do we believe in that vry dark place, when we are all alone?
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of Kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Six Years
September 5th marks six years of missing Lyric. The Lord continues to wrap His arms around us, reminding us He still remembers. I think this year I've had a bit of revelation as to part of why we had to suffer.
I think we all have an Exodus in our life and mine was Lyric's birth and death. Loosing my son allowed me to escape my Egypt. My life now is evidence that God has been good to me and that I am loved. What more can anyone ask of their life, that they can say the Lord has been faithful? This journey has been a painful one, but I see more everyday how the Lord has been glorified.
I also realize that the Lord has answered my greatest prayer, that my mother would find healing from the guilt she has harbored for so long. I believed her salvation would bring that peace, but I understand now that while my personality is really hard for her to bear, it wasn't entirely me that she rejected. It was what I reminded her of. She needed relief. She needed to escape me for true healing. Lyric's death provided that for both of us. I was freed from the rejection and she was freed from her guilt. We'll find healing and the Lord, the Great Comforter, will bring reconciliation in His perfect timing.
Coming through the persecution has also been quite revealing to me. Psychological persecution is rather intense and I think also one of Satan's most powerful weapons. I was taught well through our grief that we are alone in Christ and that the world will turn their back on you. They will judge you and call you stupid. I still, prayerfully, have no regrets with our decisions and to be frank, I think birthing Lyric at home was still the most obedient walk I have ever offered the Lord. It's painful, but now as I face what might also be a dose of psychological persecution as a homebirth midwife, I can't help but find great peace. It is sort of validation that I am on the right path...still.
Where am I headed this next year? I am searching my heart. I am ready to find joy in the Lord, peace, forgiveness, renewed strength. I have been blessed with contentment for the first time in my life. I have been freed. I am praying the Lord will bring me back into fellowship within His church.
I think we all have an Exodus in our life and mine was Lyric's birth and death. Loosing my son allowed me to escape my Egypt. My life now is evidence that God has been good to me and that I am loved. What more can anyone ask of their life, that they can say the Lord has been faithful? This journey has been a painful one, but I see more everyday how the Lord has been glorified.
I also realize that the Lord has answered my greatest prayer, that my mother would find healing from the guilt she has harbored for so long. I believed her salvation would bring that peace, but I understand now that while my personality is really hard for her to bear, it wasn't entirely me that she rejected. It was what I reminded her of. She needed relief. She needed to escape me for true healing. Lyric's death provided that for both of us. I was freed from the rejection and she was freed from her guilt. We'll find healing and the Lord, the Great Comforter, will bring reconciliation in His perfect timing.
Coming through the persecution has also been quite revealing to me. Psychological persecution is rather intense and I think also one of Satan's most powerful weapons. I was taught well through our grief that we are alone in Christ and that the world will turn their back on you. They will judge you and call you stupid. I still, prayerfully, have no regrets with our decisions and to be frank, I think birthing Lyric at home was still the most obedient walk I have ever offered the Lord. It's painful, but now as I face what might also be a dose of psychological persecution as a homebirth midwife, I can't help but find great peace. It is sort of validation that I am on the right path...still.
Where am I headed this next year? I am searching my heart. I am ready to find joy in the Lord, peace, forgiveness, renewed strength. I have been blessed with contentment for the first time in my life. I have been freed. I am praying the Lord will bring me back into fellowship within His church.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I want a Bob stroller. Keep you eye out for a really cheap one for me!! I simply won't be able to keep up the regimen without a way to take the kids with me.
Running Update
Noah and I went to town to find some running shoes. I was lucky and was told I have a rather natural walk. Ha! Keely pronates and Noah has a high arch that needs fairly good support. He also has wide feet so we had to order him shoes. They'll be in next week, but we've all decided to train together and I think Keely has talked my sister and her two girls into joining us! Fun!
We also searched several stores and finally found some bras that we liked, although they completely broke the budget. I never would have imaged that bras would cost more than running shoes, or even the long-time desired iPOD that I still can't afford.
Noah and I did go walking tonight. Well, clarify, he rode his new ripstick and I walked. My running inspiration, Dana, reminded me tonight to take baby steps. The program she has started me on essentially begins at being able to run 3 miles which made me fret for a brief moment, but then she reminded me of the page she had already tabbed for me - the building up to three miles stage. It seems so incredibly slow, walking thirty minutes just three times a week. The key is not to get injured through preparing your bones and muscles. I was a bit too eager this evening and did run a block-and-a-half just to see if I can make my body run, and in fact, I was pleased. The shoes were comfortable. The bra proved it could hold its own. However, my knees couldn't bear the weight after the first minute.
This is just how a woman with no children feels when she babysits her friends three and six year old. I can never be a mother!! She didn't get the practice and maturing with the baby however. You don't start with the three year old. You grow up to it! Baby steps.
Week One is 2/3's done. Fun!!
We also searched several stores and finally found some bras that we liked, although they completely broke the budget. I never would have imaged that bras would cost more than running shoes, or even the long-time desired iPOD that I still can't afford.
Noah and I did go walking tonight. Well, clarify, he rode his new ripstick and I walked. My running inspiration, Dana, reminded me tonight to take baby steps. The program she has started me on essentially begins at being able to run 3 miles which made me fret for a brief moment, but then she reminded me of the page she had already tabbed for me - the building up to three miles stage. It seems so incredibly slow, walking thirty minutes just three times a week. The key is not to get injured through preparing your bones and muscles. I was a bit too eager this evening and did run a block-and-a-half just to see if I can make my body run, and in fact, I was pleased. The shoes were comfortable. The bra proved it could hold its own. However, my knees couldn't bear the weight after the first minute.
This is just how a woman with no children feels when she babysits her friends three and six year old. I can never be a mother!! She didn't get the practice and maturing with the baby however. You don't start with the three year old. You grow up to it! Baby steps.
Week One is 2/3's done. Fun!!
Go Girl - The Pictures
This is somewhat hard to see, but the gals swam straight out into the water to a large buoy and then turned right and swam what I guess was a straight 300 meters and I am sure they weren't able to touch and then another right around a buoy and back to shore. I didn't see a single woman back-stroke and I watched until the last lady came to shore. Most everyone swam free-style the entire way, very few moments of breast-stroke, although a large number of women did freestyle with their face out of the water.
Those blue pads I first thought were for runners to lay upon for massages afterwards, showing just how new I am to triathlon racing. They are actually for recording times between legs. Each runner has some sort of timing device on their ankle that is activated by these mats. I imagine the course was rather enjoyable as it was quite beautiful in the park. (This man with the hat on directing women towards either the bike or running leg has the skinnest legs I've seen in a long time!!)
This was at the onset of running and I believe there were water stations all along the way. Nice. Only two or three women walked here, which increased the intimidation factor for me. Later was when I realized it was the very beginning.
Here is the finish line. The winner for the individual race was Cate Kelley, age 23, finishing with a total time of 0:59:27.2. She had a 10:05 swim (ranked 27) and a 1:06 transition (19), with 0:27:02.3 bike leg (ranked 6 with average mph 22.2) and a transition of 01:08.0 (12th), and a run time of 0:20:04.4 (ranked 4th with a pace of 06:41.5). Wowzers! The next runner up finished at 1:02:05.8 and was 40 years old, with the third place runner a minute behind at age 39.
The slowest of the entire individual race was at only 2:37:21.6. That is intimidating. She did her swim at 20:47.2, a rather slow transition at 5:34.6, and her bike at 1:09:06 (8.7mph) and transition at 2:35.9, with a run time of 59:18.0. I'd be happy with that.
Last note, this man, I pray attends my first triathlon. Clearly he was a high school cheerleader. He rooted for every single woman, no joke. EVERY SINGLE woman. He would yell, "You're doing fabulous, 234! She's gaining on you, 291! Excellent run, 473! Good stride, 465!" It didn't matter how packed in those women would get, he wouldn't miss a single runner. We first saw him at the end of the swim leg and I assumed he knew a club of women, then I soon realized he was just a fabulous triathlon supporter. He was present the entire way, rooting each and every racer. Sure put a smile on my face. He'd be a great obstetrician!
Last note, this man, I pray attends my first triathlon. Clearly he was a high school cheerleader. He rooted for every single woman, no joke. EVERY SINGLE woman. He would yell, "You're doing fabulous, 234! She's gaining on you, 291! Excellent run, 473! Good stride, 465!" It didn't matter how packed in those women would get, he wouldn't miss a single runner. We first saw him at the end of the swim leg and I assumed he knew a club of women, then I soon realized he was just a fabulous triathlon supporter. He was present the entire way, rooting each and every racer. Sure put a smile on my face. He'd be a great obstetrician!Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Samuel's Mohawk
Last time the kids went to see Kyle, Samuel asked for a mohawk. He wanted to look like Puck on Glee. When he got out of the chair, he was more than thrilled and he was absolutely confident everyone loved his mohawk as much as he did.
I am not sure if Mike was in love with the mohawk, but after seeing Samuel's excitment, who can't love it. After coming back home the first day, I made lunch for the kids. Samuel snuck into my office and whispered, "I can't eat that lunch. It's nasty. It has white stuff on it." I explained that it was melted cheese and he said, "Yeah. My mohawk won't let me eat that stuff."
His mohawk has been to blame for a few things, but mostly his improved behavior. I'll be honest. Samuel's in love with his mohawk and he is a much more behaved child. His self-esteem must have improved some, which I am thrilled about. Yes, I've watched other parents gasp that I would shave a mohawk on my child's head, but Samuel has been oblivious to those remarks. He is still floating on cloud mohawk, so we're keeping it.
I am still adjusting to having a child with a mohawk look up at me while nursing. Maybe I can convince him that his mohawk doesn't need that anymore?
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