I'm speaking on Saturday. I'm over the moon excited and happy and nervous and proud and scared and honored. If you would like to come there are still tickets available.
I'm also under attack. The evil one isn't excited about my message and my dependence on God. I'm not happy about the attack and I anticipated that it would come. Doesn't that just stink? On one hand I'm happy that the enemy considers me worthy of attack, yet I was not looking forward to it happening. It does help me though stand firm and pray even harder. I work on patience more and look harder to find even more blessings from my Father. I love Him.
Would you be willing to pray for me tomorrow as I take the afternoon off to prepare? My sweet mama is going to babysit so that I can have uninterrupted time. Also would you pray for me on Saturday as I speak? Pray not only for me that I may follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, but also for the women that are attending that we may all be blessed. May the angels keep the evil spirits out of the gym!!! May the Holy Spirit stir hearts. May we see Jesus in new and wonderful ways. May we enjoy being the women of God that He wants us to be.
Thanks.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Oh boy!
My Garrison.
My big footed Garrison.
My "I'll still curl up with you once in awhile" Garrison.
My "you are really to heavy to be sitting on my lap" Garrison.
Seven going on ten some days and five other days. What is up with that? Sweet. Considerate. Smart. Quick to get discouraged. Quick to encourage his mama. Never met a carb he didn't like. Runs and walks with his feet turned in just like his Uncle Koe. Ready to move into size 8 clothing. Has a giggle that makes me happy every time I hear it. Favorite Bible Story is the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Loves school and his teacher.
I took the ducks to the my new favorite thrift center on Saturday and they were each able to pick something (I originally typed someone! Imagine that!) out for less than a dollar. He chose this large red heartugly stuffed thing (which went directly into the washing machine on hot!). Garrison named it Lover and has been carrying it around and cuddling with it when it suits his fancy. Lover! We went to the dentist this morning and he wanted to take it. "Mom, Can I take my Lover with me to the dentist?" Wow is it hard to hold back a smile--and I didn't. He decided against it after he walked outside and Lover got some snow on him? her? it. Phew! I got out of that one.
For the record: Garrison has no new cavities--after eight last time. Noel has no cavities after having no cavities last time. Woo-Hoo! Hopefully our new rinsing and flossing regimen has been working. Hopefully in six months when we go again, Lover will be in someone's else's house and have a new name as well.
My big footed Garrison.
My "I'll still curl up with you once in awhile" Garrison.
My "you are really to heavy to be sitting on my lap" Garrison.
Seven going on ten some days and five other days. What is up with that? Sweet. Considerate. Smart. Quick to get discouraged. Quick to encourage his mama. Never met a carb he didn't like. Runs and walks with his feet turned in just like his Uncle Koe. Ready to move into size 8 clothing. Has a giggle that makes me happy every time I hear it. Favorite Bible Story is the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Loves school and his teacher.
I took the ducks to the my new favorite thrift center on Saturday and they were each able to pick something (I originally typed someone! Imagine that!) out for less than a dollar. He chose this large red heart
For the record: Garrison has no new cavities--after eight last time. Noel has no cavities after having no cavities last time. Woo-Hoo! Hopefully our new rinsing and flossing regimen has been working. Hopefully in six months when we go again, Lover will be in someone's else's house and have a new name as well.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
More Meijer teachings
They came up behind me in line at Meijer yesterday. I had gone in the morning with the three oldest ducks to pick out valentines for school (there are lots to choose from and we are done!). I also wanted to take advantage of some special Saturday sales. . . and I was out of Diet Mountain Dew. Let's just disclose all.
So they came behind me and I greeted them. "Hi! Hi Mr. _________" I was quickly corrected as they hugged me that I was not to address them as Mr. and Mrs., but rather by their first names. We chatted about my sweet grandma, my folks, and my kids.
See, these are good people. Good folks. Kind. They are also a part of my story. They are Graafschap people. I grew up at Graafschap Church. It was the place where I went to Sunday School, where I sang in the junior choir, where I explored the depths of the basement while my parents talked for way to long after church, where I went to Young Peoples (youth group to today's crowd), where I studied the catechism. I never had either one of these people as Sunday school teachers. Neither one of them were my youth group leaders. Our families didn't hang out with each other. They didn't babysit me not did I babysit for their kids. YET, they are a part of my story. They committed to praying for me when I was baptized. They smiled at me and encouraged me. They tithed so that the church was heated and we had a youth group leader. We worshiped the Lord together and when I would see them on return visits from college or Miami or Chicago, they would welcome me warmly and ask how I was.
Now we were visiting in the check-out line at Meijer while I asked Simon to get up off the the floor as he was searching for treasures to show Garrison. Noel wanted gum. I discovered that they read my blog and she asked that I not use her name on my blog. I said I wouldn't. :)
I left with a smile on my face as I walked through the parking lot with my ducks following behind. When he had hugged me he had also kissed my cheek. Noel had many questions about this which left me giggling. I also smiled because I was thankful for these people and the several hundred more who are a part of my story--my connection to Jesus. It made me realize that I need to be that to the kids at my church. I will be a part of their story through my work in the nursery. I will be a part of their story when I donate snacks with a willing spirit. I will be a part of their story by praying for them, by tithing, by smiling and being interested in who they are.
Someday perhaps, in thirty years or so, I'll run into Olivia or Austin or Alli or Emma or Nate or Julius or Chloe or Ben in Meijer (let's face it--Meijer ain't going away!). I pray I can remember them, give them a hug and smile, ask the to call me Shanda, and get an update on what God is doing in their lives. I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God.
So they came behind me and I greeted them. "Hi! Hi Mr. _________" I was quickly corrected as they hugged me that I was not to address them as Mr. and Mrs., but rather by their first names. We chatted about my sweet grandma, my folks, and my kids.
See, these are good people. Good folks. Kind. They are also a part of my story. They are Graafschap people. I grew up at Graafschap Church. It was the place where I went to Sunday School, where I sang in the junior choir, where I explored the depths of the basement while my parents talked for way to long after church, where I went to Young Peoples (youth group to today's crowd), where I studied the catechism. I never had either one of these people as Sunday school teachers. Neither one of them were my youth group leaders. Our families didn't hang out with each other. They didn't babysit me not did I babysit for their kids. YET, they are a part of my story. They committed to praying for me when I was baptized. They smiled at me and encouraged me. They tithed so that the church was heated and we had a youth group leader. We worshiped the Lord together and when I would see them on return visits from college or Miami or Chicago, they would welcome me warmly and ask how I was.
Now we were visiting in the check-out line at Meijer while I asked Simon to get up off the the floor as he was searching for treasures to show Garrison. Noel wanted gum. I discovered that they read my blog and she asked that I not use her name on my blog. I said I wouldn't. :)
I left with a smile on my face as I walked through the parking lot with my ducks following behind. When he had hugged me he had also kissed my cheek. Noel had many questions about this which left me giggling. I also smiled because I was thankful for these people and the several hundred more who are a part of my story--my connection to Jesus. It made me realize that I need to be that to the kids at my church. I will be a part of their story through my work in the nursery. I will be a part of their story when I donate snacks with a willing spirit. I will be a part of their story by praying for them, by tithing, by smiling and being interested in who they are.
Someday perhaps, in thirty years or so, I'll run into Olivia or Austin or Alli or Emma or Nate or Julius or Chloe or Ben in Meijer (let's face it--Meijer ain't going away!). I pray I can remember them, give them a hug and smile, ask the to call me Shanda, and get an update on what God is doing in their lives. I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Middle of the night
2:26 a.m.
I've decided to get up rather than lay in bed for the next hour and a half. I know I'm going to be up anyway. I've checked on the littles who roused me. Garrison and I cuddled in his bed for a few moments. Bad dreams stink.
I don't have one thought or event to blog about---rather so many thoughts running through my head. Are you interested in that? Then read on. It'll be processing for me. :)
Bible Study was a blessing today. The ladies in my group gave me new things to think about. Psalm 19:5 talks about God's glory being like a champion ready to run the race. Amanda in my group brought up that she sometimes doesn't face her life like that. Some days are plodding along. . . just get through it. How would my day be different if I viewed my race. . . my life. . . as a champion ready to run? On another note, David showed "God's Kindness" to Mephibosheth. God's Kindness. I wonder how much of my kindness is God's Kindness? What are my motives? I want to talk about it with my family at dinner tomorrow night and perhaps we need to make that one of our goals every day--to show God's Kindness. I speak at the beginning of Bible Study and this morning I made mention of Penny tooting. Afterwards I wondered if this was appropriate--talking about tooting in public. I think my mom may have to weigh in on this as she was there. I was talking about how God is just so personal with us. This morning Penny picked up my Bible to bring it to me and as she was picking it up she tooted because the Bible is so heavy. It struck me that God has given us so much! He could have given us much less scripture, yet He chose to give us tons! He wanted us to know so much about Him.
I heard myself on the radio again--and I smiled. I did. On Monday I was interviewed with Troy West at the JQ studios and it aired that afternoon. I thought I sounded obnoxious. My voice certainly isn't what I thought it should sound like. :) Then tonight the kids and I heard the ad that began to run. After the interview I had recorded a little blurb. Simon, Noel and I giggled as they heard my name and voice. I'm very excited to do this speech. I do need to spend some time on it. It has been in the works for so long. . . I need to make sure that it is all put together. I don't want February 2 to sneak up on me. For the record, I'm speaking at a women's breakfast for I-61 ministries. The title of my blah blah is God's Band-aids. I'm going to jump off of Isaiah 61:1 where He promises to "bind up the brokenhearted". This whole process of feeling the Holy Spirit and and putting this speech together has been so great. I'm so honored and excited I can hardly stand it. If you are in the area and want to come, it is an open event.
Simon was tested this afternoon for attention difficulties. What a great afternoon! Learning stuff about your child really gets me jazzed. I was so proud to sit by him and be his mom--he is an amazing kid. He asked me on the way home about what would happen if Gary and I died. Would he be sent back to the orphanage? It was with great joy I could announce that no, he indeed would not! I'm thankful that he decided to ask. With Bible Study in the morning and three hours of meeting/testing--I was whipped tonight! Mental energy can take it out of ya.
So that is the stuff rolling around in my head. There are lots of things to pray about and celebrate and ponder and learn from and do something about! I'm sure your life is the same. Enjoy your day and may you be as excited as a champion who is about to run a race!
I've decided to get up rather than lay in bed for the next hour and a half. I know I'm going to be up anyway. I've checked on the littles who roused me. Garrison and I cuddled in his bed for a few moments. Bad dreams stink.
I don't have one thought or event to blog about---rather so many thoughts running through my head. Are you interested in that? Then read on. It'll be processing for me. :)
Bible Study was a blessing today. The ladies in my group gave me new things to think about. Psalm 19:5 talks about God's glory being like a champion ready to run the race. Amanda in my group brought up that she sometimes doesn't face her life like that. Some days are plodding along. . . just get through it. How would my day be different if I viewed my race. . . my life. . . as a champion ready to run? On another note, David showed "God's Kindness" to Mephibosheth. God's Kindness. I wonder how much of my kindness is God's Kindness? What are my motives? I want to talk about it with my family at dinner tomorrow night and perhaps we need to make that one of our goals every day--to show God's Kindness. I speak at the beginning of Bible Study and this morning I made mention of Penny tooting. Afterwards I wondered if this was appropriate--talking about tooting in public. I think my mom may have to weigh in on this as she was there. I was talking about how God is just so personal with us. This morning Penny picked up my Bible to bring it to me and as she was picking it up she tooted because the Bible is so heavy. It struck me that God has given us so much! He could have given us much less scripture, yet He chose to give us tons! He wanted us to know so much about Him.
I heard myself on the radio again--and I smiled. I did. On Monday I was interviewed with Troy West at the JQ studios and it aired that afternoon. I thought I sounded obnoxious. My voice certainly isn't what I thought it should sound like. :) Then tonight the kids and I heard the ad that began to run. After the interview I had recorded a little blurb. Simon, Noel and I giggled as they heard my name and voice. I'm very excited to do this speech. I do need to spend some time on it. It has been in the works for so long. . . I need to make sure that it is all put together. I don't want February 2 to sneak up on me. For the record, I'm speaking at a women's breakfast for I-61 ministries. The title of my blah blah is God's Band-aids. I'm going to jump off of Isaiah 61:1 where He promises to "bind up the brokenhearted". This whole process of feeling the Holy Spirit and and putting this speech together has been so great. I'm so honored and excited I can hardly stand it. If you are in the area and want to come, it is an open event.
Simon was tested this afternoon for attention difficulties. What a great afternoon! Learning stuff about your child really gets me jazzed. I was so proud to sit by him and be his mom--he is an amazing kid. He asked me on the way home about what would happen if Gary and I died. Would he be sent back to the orphanage? It was with great joy I could announce that no, he indeed would not! I'm thankful that he decided to ask. With Bible Study in the morning and three hours of meeting/testing--I was whipped tonight! Mental energy can take it out of ya.
So that is the stuff rolling around in my head. There are lots of things to pray about and celebrate and ponder and learn from and do something about! I'm sure your life is the same. Enjoy your day and may you be as excited as a champion who is about to run a race!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Memory Lane
Sometimes it is so wonderful to walk down memory lane. I ventured into the depths of the long storage on Friday on a search for my college Bible. I wasn't sure when I made the switch, so I wasn't sure what box it would be in. College? Miami? Camp Roger? I found it and found another Bible as well. . . one that I must have switched to in the late 90's it seems.
I wanted to dig out one of my old Bibles because of the speech I'm working on. One of the things I want to talk about is the importance of using your Bible, of writing in it. God's Word is so great and writing in your Bible is like having a conversation with God.
I sat in my chair on Friday night and lovingly turned the pages of my old Bibles. I read through the many notes that were tucked in between the pages. It was amazing to read encouragement from friends. My journey left me reflecting on several things.
1. God has certainly been faithful. There were some issues that I had written about in the pages that seem so insignificant now. Things that were so very huge are now. . . almost forgettable. As I read a few notes I remembered friendships of long ago that no longer exist now. My good friend Ryan from Camp Roger gave me several notes and I remember really treasuring his friendship. I haven't seen him in years. YET, God was faithful to put him in my life when I needed a friend like him. I loved reading verses that God used during certain periods of my life. So awesome!
2. It grieved me to see pieces of my life that were missing. I love the Lord and have always walked with Him, yet it became very evident to me that there were chunks of my life where I didn't open my Bible much. No underlining with dates. No notes from folks. Why wasn't I turning to God? Why was I choosing to not open my Bible and interact with my Father? I can't answer those questions. I just want to make sure it doesn't happen again.
3. Written letters are pretty cool. In both Bibles there were notes from family members and friends, my mom in particular. When I first moved to Miami I loved it, but struggled with being away from home. I found many notes of encouragement from my mom (and such a sweet one from my brother Ryan: Hey Shanda. I'm in eighth grade.). She wrote to me about what she was doing. She told me things about church folks "Chris and Becky got married this week-end." and shared with me how work was going. "Work is going better for me. I'm finally catching unto all the Microsoft things so I feel more confident about what I have to do." There is even a paragraph in a letter talking about how she will be speaking at a retreat and she is trusting that God will give her what she needs to say. WOW! That is exactly what I'm going through. These letters are time capsules and remind me of how I was loved and taken care of. . . even from far away.
I stood and looked at my tubs taking up space. . . holding so many memories. I struggle with what to do with these. Will I ever go through all of them again? Will my kids care about my time in Miami? Why was keeping my grade books so important to me? I love memories and have a hard time throwing something away that will trigger a memory, yet. . . it is taking up space. Thoughts to keep on pondering I guess. Perhaps when Gary and I downsize someday I'll need to get rid of these tubs. Right now my staff shirts from Camp Roger, my class schedules from Calvin, the copy of my first pay stub from my first real teaching job, my photo album from Turkey, and every program from all the plays I directed are safe and sound.
I wanted to dig out one of my old Bibles because of the speech I'm working on. One of the things I want to talk about is the importance of using your Bible, of writing in it. God's Word is so great and writing in your Bible is like having a conversation with God.
I sat in my chair on Friday night and lovingly turned the pages of my old Bibles. I read through the many notes that were tucked in between the pages. It was amazing to read encouragement from friends. My journey left me reflecting on several things.
1. God has certainly been faithful. There were some issues that I had written about in the pages that seem so insignificant now. Things that were so very huge are now. . . almost forgettable. As I read a few notes I remembered friendships of long ago that no longer exist now. My good friend Ryan from Camp Roger gave me several notes and I remember really treasuring his friendship. I haven't seen him in years. YET, God was faithful to put him in my life when I needed a friend like him. I loved reading verses that God used during certain periods of my life. So awesome!
2. It grieved me to see pieces of my life that were missing. I love the Lord and have always walked with Him, yet it became very evident to me that there were chunks of my life where I didn't open my Bible much. No underlining with dates. No notes from folks. Why wasn't I turning to God? Why was I choosing to not open my Bible and interact with my Father? I can't answer those questions. I just want to make sure it doesn't happen again.
3. Written letters are pretty cool. In both Bibles there were notes from family members and friends, my mom in particular. When I first moved to Miami I loved it, but struggled with being away from home. I found many notes of encouragement from my mom (and such a sweet one from my brother Ryan: Hey Shanda. I'm in eighth grade.). She wrote to me about what she was doing. She told me things about church folks "Chris and Becky got married this week-end." and shared with me how work was going. "Work is going better for me. I'm finally catching unto all the Microsoft things so I feel more confident about what I have to do." There is even a paragraph in a letter talking about how she will be speaking at a retreat and she is trusting that God will give her what she needs to say. WOW! That is exactly what I'm going through. These letters are time capsules and remind me of how I was loved and taken care of. . . even from far away.
I stood and looked at my tubs taking up space. . . holding so many memories. I struggle with what to do with these. Will I ever go through all of them again? Will my kids care about my time in Miami? Why was keeping my grade books so important to me? I love memories and have a hard time throwing something away that will trigger a memory, yet. . . it is taking up space. Thoughts to keep on pondering I guess. Perhaps when Gary and I downsize someday I'll need to get rid of these tubs. Right now my staff shirts from Camp Roger, my class schedules from Calvin, the copy of my first pay stub from my first real teaching job, my photo album from Turkey, and every program from all the plays I directed are safe and sound.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Pancakes
Hi all
I'm constantly trying to get my kids to eat a bit of protein at breakfast. I know that I feel better when I eat some and I know that not everyone is like me. . .but since my kids are kinda like me. . .perhaps they do better at school and just feel less hungry when they eat some protein in the morning.
So I came across a recipe for Cottage Cheese pancakes. Sounds kinda. . . different. Every one of my older ducks commented "ewh" when they heard. BUT they all loved them! Not only do these have cottage cheese in them, but a ridiculous number of eggs. Eggs + cottage cheese= a huge amount of protein! These will be a regular Thursday morning breakfast (everyone has PE on Thursdays!). They are crepelike and very thin. Plus, they were made in my blender so I could just pour them on my griddle. (I may try to throw in some baking powder next time for a bit of rise. . . but I'm not a great baker and don't understand all the science--plus if the kids like them they why mess!)
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
1 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 T. canola oil
3 eggs
2 T. sugar
1/8 t. salt
1. In a blender combine ingredients. Blend until smooth. Thin slightly with water if necessary.
2. Pre-heat griddle pan on medium. Coat with cooking spray. Pour batter onto pan. (Makes about 8 pancakes) Cook until bubbles appear. Flip and cook until golden.
Found in dash newspaper insert
I'm constantly trying to get my kids to eat a bit of protein at breakfast. I know that I feel better when I eat some and I know that not everyone is like me. . .but since my kids are kinda like me. . .perhaps they do better at school and just feel less hungry when they eat some protein in the morning.
So I came across a recipe for Cottage Cheese pancakes. Sounds kinda. . . different. Every one of my older ducks commented "ewh" when they heard. BUT they all loved them! Not only do these have cottage cheese in them, but a ridiculous number of eggs. Eggs + cottage cheese= a huge amount of protein! These will be a regular Thursday morning breakfast (everyone has PE on Thursdays!). They are crepelike and very thin. Plus, they were made in my blender so I could just pour them on my griddle. (I may try to throw in some baking powder next time for a bit of rise. . . but I'm not a great baker and don't understand all the science--plus if the kids like them they why mess!)
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
1 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 T. canola oil
3 eggs
2 T. sugar
1/8 t. salt
1. In a blender combine ingredients. Blend until smooth. Thin slightly with water if necessary.
2. Pre-heat griddle pan on medium. Coat with cooking spray. Pour batter onto pan. (Makes about 8 pancakes) Cook until bubbles appear. Flip and cook until golden.
Found in dash newspaper insert
Monday, January 7, 2013
Protection
I'm wrestling with facebook. It won't let my last name be "S".
I've created a new facebook page for my future speaking engagements. I want folks I meet to be friends with me on facebook. I want to make connections. I'm just not sure how to go about doing this. . . making myself a professional. I know it will happen (getting friend requests) because it did while I was working for a month on air at the radio station. Folks wanted to be friends with me and I had no clue who they were! I want to encourage friendships via facebook. . . but until we are really friends. . .
Advice?
I've created a new facebook page for my future speaking engagements. I want folks I meet to be friends with me on facebook. I want to make connections. I'm just not sure how to go about doing this. . . making myself a professional. I know it will happen (getting friend requests) because it did while I was working for a month on air at the radio station. Folks wanted to be friends with me and I had no clue who they were! I want to encourage friendships via facebook. . . but until we are really friends. . .
Advice?
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