Resolve and Relevance (Daniel 1-6)

**I just completed Beth Moore’s Daniel study with a women’s group at church. It was an unbelievable study. I learned so much! I have been reviewing my book almost daily, trying to digest all this information. It changed how I want to live my life and I don’t ever want to forget! I could no way share everything on here (and I am sure you wouldn’t want me too)! The study is broken up into two 6 week sections, each one able to stand on its own. I decided to share something from each section that I feel had the most impact on me, as of right now. Concepts from this book keep hitting me afresh every time I revisit them, but for now, this is what is the biggest to me. I also decided for length reasons I would put it into two separate posts. Daniel 7-12 will be coming.**

I have never felt a passion to live in consistent integrity as what I felt after doing these 6 weeks of study. As I looked at Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, my view on integrity changed quite a bit. I realized more than ever what we were here for and what I needed to be doing. The timing of this study was unbelievable and so God. We were facing a family decision as I began Daniel. I never stopped to think once that God would use this to answer our questions, but He did with resounding clearness. The answer stunned both Shawn and I. Not only was it not the answer we desired…it was one that we had determined was not an option. Isn’t that just like God? My life is a whole list of things that I said I would never do. I may share the details later, but for now I am just going to concentrate on the parts of the Daniel study that brought us here.

Two words that are still ringing in my ears from these 6 weeks are resolve and relevance. Daniel 1:8 says, “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself…” Beth reminds us over and over…

“We too will lose our identity and integrity without resolve… Godliness is never accidental, neither is victory coincidental. Both stem from up from daily resolve. The secret is consistency. The lifeblood of integrity is becoming the same person no matter where we are – no matter who is around… Daniel resisted Babylon’s poisonous charms on purpose. So must we… We will live lives of integrity on purpose or we will not do it at all.”

I don’t have to give into every whim I feel or every pleasure I desire. I don’t have to eat from the world’s table. I can practice restraint. I can live with integrity. Even when no one else is watching…is it then God pays the most attention?

I was challenged by her words, “They (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) became culturally relevant without becoming spiritually irrelevant. Against all odds, they retained a God-centered worldview so that ultimately the world could view their God.” Amazing. Oh, that I would learn the same! Beth says,

“God’s desire is not for us to turn our churches and Christian gatherings into hideouts from the world. Rather, they’re meant to be places where we become equipped and fortified to minister out in the world. God desires for us to be light-bearers in this dark culture and to be highly effective fruit bearers for the glory of His Name. Can we be culturally relevant for the cause of Christ without becoming spiritually irrelevant? Can we serve the world in the name of Christ without becoming a servant to the world? Can we live in this excessive, self-absorbed culture without becoming corrupted by it?”

Daniel is proof that it can be done, but it won’t be done on accident. And we don’t have to segregate ourselves to do it. We were placed in the time line, in this culture for a purpose. We have a job to do. We have been called to influence. I have often said I in a bubble…my world is my home and my church. God is popping my bubble. Lord, I welcome the popping...

Always the encourager, Beth reminds us, “God isn’t looking for perfection. He is looking for purity of heart, our authentic desire to do His will and give Him the glory.” This next quote sums up what I learned better than any other,

“The world can’t help noticing a life that seems to work. Our lives can become flesh and blood felt boards of the great and glorious paradox. Life is found by losing it for the sake of Christ. A vessel is filled by pouring out. The key to receiving is giving. The key to living is dying to self. The greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all. God has been right all along. His upside down path is the only way to true contentment and satisfaction.”

I kneel in surrender and pray with Beth, “May God stir my remembrance with deep conviction should I forget.” Amen.

Connor and the Trash

As I was taking pictures of Chloe in her highchair, I guess my middle child felt a little left out. He ran over to the trash can and excitedly said, "Mommy, take a picture of me and the trash!" So I did...

Eight Months

Chloe turned eight months today! I can't believe how fast this year is going. She will be one before I know it...I am trying not to be sad. I have thoroughly enjoyed her! I love changing her diapers...yes, just LOVE it! I love feeding her, love holding her, love taking care of her every need. Maybe because I have older children, I have seemed to appreciate this stage more this time around? I don't know...but I really have. I love that she doesn't ask twenty questions as to why she has to have her diaper changed right now. I love that there is no whining at bedtime. I love that she doesn't complain when I feed her carrots and potatoes AGAIN. I love that my presence in her room causes her to smile rather hide what she is doing. With that said, I know all that is coming...and yes, I am trying not to be sad. Each stage holds it own good and bad...and is fun in its own way. I can't stop her from growing so I might as well accept it and enjoy it.

For her "birthday" Daddy put together her highchair. We trashed Connor's because, well, it was trashed. I was so excited when we found this one a couple of months ago in the Target clearance section (I am addicted to the end aisle - red sticker section!) for $17!! We have been using the Bumbo to spoon feed her and it has worked well. However, she has recently graduated into feeding herself little snacks and so the highchair finally made its appearance. She really likes it! She will sit in there for hours...I am NOT kidding! It is her new favorite hangout!

The Day Finally Came

After a good two months of toothache, the day finally arrived for my oral surgery. I went in at 11:30 this morning and was home by 1:30 this afternoon. I went from feeling no pain, to quite a bit of pain as the numbness wore off, and then back to doing well again - thanks to some strong but great meds. If this doesn't make complete sense, please forgive me. I am happy to report that I was out the whole time and therefore, only had one opportunity to freak...well, maybe two...

Freak Number 1. When the nurse called my name to go to the back. I looked at Shawn as if to say, "Do I really have to go?" He took my hand and squeezed it and said that it would be OK. I believed him and went.

Freak Number 2. When it came time to do the IV...HATE those things with a passion! The first time I ever had one, I was in the hospital due to dehydration (pregnant and puking) and the nurse had three, painful, failed attempts before my blessed MIL (labor and delivery nurse) finally was able to get in - on the first try, I might add. Ever since then, the thought of an IV makes me cringe...or on this occasion cry. The doctor did this one and apologized as he saw the tears forming. He assured me it would be quick and it was. It was actually close to painless. I praised God for that and closed my eyes and went to sleep.

Now, I am home and hoping that with each day I will be feeling lots better. I am thankful to finally have that tooth out of my head. Shawn has been taking great care of me...and all the kids. He is gone now fetching me sweet potato casserole from Boston Market...oh, yum! I haven't ate yet, but that has to go over great.

Thank you to everyone praying "brave" prayers over me. I didn't run and I didn't need a towel...praise God!

Hadassah

Shawn’s 18 hour work day yesterday gave me some quiet evening hours (not that HE is the loud one!) to finish my book. I have been so close to the end for a week now, that it was killing me. Every time I found time to read it, I was just too exhausted to focus. Last night, I was equally tired, but knew how little I sleep when my husband isn't home, so I grabbed a blanket and curled up on the couch determined to finish it...and that is exactly what I did. It was every bit of amazing!

The book is “Hadassah”, a Christian fiction novel based on the book of the Bible, "Esther", and also inspired the recent movie, “One Night with the King". I watched the movie, loved it and couldn’t wait to jump into the book. I must say, I am thankful I watched the movie first and then read the book. The movie dulls in comparison and I not sure I would have left as impressed if I had first read the story.

The glimpse it gives into the head of Esther and the fresh detail that is added to the well- known Bible story is fascinating. I was continually left amazed that a man wrote this book! He has insight into a woman’s head that I didn’t know was possible for one of the opposite sex! I admire his courage to go there.

This book is so much more than a novel! I learned a ton about the history that lead up to the book of Esther and was able to match up so many things with scripture. I was very impressed with the research that must have gone into this project. It starts out strong and never once weakens. It is full of phrases worth underlining and principles that can easily be applied to every day life. I was thrilled with God’s faithfulness, admired Esther’s courage and resolve, and amazed at how the story came around full circle in so many different ways. Truly, "the Most High God who always, even when He is silent, watches over His own." I can not help but smile.

I wish I could write more, but I am really hoping that if you haven’t read it, you will. I don’t want to spoil it for you. Even if you are familiar with the book of the Bible, I guarantee it will be a page turner! I am thoroughly engrossed in the story of Esther now! I even found myself digging out the Veggie Tales, “Esther, the Girl Who Became Queen” and can’t wait for Beth Moore’s “Esther” Bible study!!!

Angela's Photography

One of my dearest friends, Angela, has started her own business doing portrait photography. She has always done a great job but I was super impressed with these photos. She is still trying to get maternity experience (not that it looks like she needs it!) but is offering a great discount to next few pregnant people she photographs. She also works with mothers, babies, children, families and couples. She specializes in natural light photography. If you are interested and around the Orlando area, email me and I will pass along your info to her. In the meantime, check these out!

Hopefully soon, she will be able to make it up here to photograph our family. I can't wait to post those pics!

Good luck with this, Ang! I think you will do great!

Auntie's Bicki's Room

Auntie Bicki (you know who you are)! :)

Did you know that you have your own room down here in Florida? We were visiting Grandma and Grandpa today and Summer was back in the guest room. Grandma called to her, "Where are you?" and she answered, "Auntie Bicki's room!"

It is funny that Grandma and Grandpa have had quite a bit of company lately but to Summer that is YOUR room! :) I think it is time you come sleep in it! :)

We ALL miss you!!!

Picture Day!

These are the ones we picked...out of over a hundred! It was NOT easy! We ended up with more pictures than we know what to do with, so feel free to "order" and I will be happy to send them out to any of you! They were taken at Portrait Innovations. Highly recommend them! They do a great job and you have your pictures in 20 minutes or less!

Happy Father's Day!

Our day today was a HUGE improvement on yesterday. Yesterday Shawn took Summer on a date...they went to see "Surf's Up" and both had a great time. However, Shawn got called to work on their way to lunch. He had to come home and go right to work...and work...and work. He finally was able to stop at 1:00 AM. Sunday morning. Not a great start to Father's Day.

This morning we all got up and went to church and then treated Daddy to his favorite lunch...wings! He got a new X-box game, 2 shirts (one from each of the older kids) and this cookie cake...
We all squeezed in naps and then went to have the kids pictures taken, after many reschedules. Our original appointment was around Mother's Day but due to sickness, work, and other things we FINALLY made it on Father's Day. :) They turned out great and I will post them next! Hope everyone (even you Mom's!) had a Happy Father's Day!!!

What Next?

My dear, 4 year-old daughter has floored me lately with the her new vocabulary. I must admit, I am not thrilled about it. If it were September I would be blaming these things on kindergarten. But it is June and she has been home with me constantly, aside from church activities. I must also let you know that we have talked about the "questionable" words and helped her find a more appropriate word to replace them. So far each of them have only been one time occurances...so far. Some of them I know, sadly are in my own vocabulary. They didn't seem so bad until I heard them come out of a 4 year-old mouth.

Last week, Grandma was here visiting and Connor was dancing for her when Summer questioned, "What the heck is he doing?" Grandma wasn't sure she heard right so she asked Summer what she said...she repeated it.

I believe it was the next day, I asked Summer to clean up her mess from the living room. She carried all her things back into her room. She returned to find one last thing that she forgot to put away, to which she exclaims, "Oh, snap!" (THAT one, I know for sure she did not hear in this house!)

I was getting ready for Bible study of all things and Summer was play talking on the phone in the next room when I hear, "Don't screw with me." My jaw still hasn't went back into place.

Tonight, I had a "Chick Night" at church so Shawn took the kids to McDonald's for dinner. Summer has been wanting to see the movie "Surf's Up" and apparently that is the new toy in the Happy Meals. She was showing it to me and said, "When I opened the bag and saw it, I freaked out!"

All these things in a little over a week! Please, someone tell me that this happens to them too!! If she is saying all these things now...what is going to happen when she starts school? I am afraid...very afraid!

Pray for the Peace

“As he [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over
it.” Luke 19:41

My heart hurts at the mental picture of my Savior hunched over weeping for the city that is His. Jerusalem, truly the whole nation of Israel, rests closer to His heart than we can realize. Today they are at war again. Oh, I feel just a small sting of Christ’s pain as He wept, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace…” (Luke 19:42). I picture tears flowing undisturbed down His strong cheekbones. Was it for His pain that He wept or the tribulation that was coming for His beloved country? She would prostrate herself before idols that would crush her and drink from cups of those that would attempt to destroy her. She would be confined to prison camps and forced out of her land. She would be taken advantage of, persecuted, and bruised but He would see to it she would not be destroyed. He had established a covenant with her and He would do what He promised.

The tears are still coming, now flowing freely into the palms of His rugged, powerful hands. He can already see the scars that will be put there. He can feel the weight of rejection from His bride, although yet, they sing His praises. He knew full well the price it would take to save her and also the time and pain that would come before she would accept it as paid.

Oh, Israel, “what would bring you peace…?” Their Prince of Peace would be beaten and hung upon an old cross not much later. Yet, two thousand years have passed and they are still searching for Him. How much longer before He will be found by them? My heart hurts at all the pain yet to come to this nation, dearly loved by God. They have tarried through insurmountable odds, overcome unimaginable obstacles and come out only the stronger for it. Surely, God’s hand has not left them. But, Oh, Lord, I ask You, how long before You come to reclaim your borrowed and used bride? Before You take home what You long ago bought and paid for?

After a time of mourning, Jesus must have looked far ahead in time to quiet His soul. He must have straightened up, put His shoulders back and held His head high once again. The pain He was feeling at Israel’s departure would be trifling to what would surge through His heart at the sight of her upon His return. Evidence of the seduction and the abuse she encountered would be displayed openly before the world. But He would be back for her and this time she would recognize Who He is. Her tears of repentance will mix with His of forgiveness and all the hurt will be drowned. He will pick up His broken bride whom He had been carrying for years unrecognized, and take her home. His covenant will be fulfilled and despite it all, Israel will live…and finally find peace.

Please, let’s pray for the peace of Israel. How can we love God and not love what He loves? He is coming back to that very land…He will set foot once again on the Mount of Olives. Oh, words fail me…I can’t wait to see Him!

The Day is Not Over Yet

Actually it is just beginning. However, my kids have been up for almost a whole hour and a half and we haven't had any fighting. No screaming...they have been pretty quiet. Always one to point out the good and not just the bad, I said to them, "Boy, you guys are being good today." Summer looks up at me unfazed by my compliment and quickly replies, "The day is not over yet."

Well, at least I can't say I wasn't warned.

Just one more...

and then I really am off to bed!

This picture is SO Connor - I had to share! He can make me cry and then have me laughing with the next breath. He is very determined, sometimes quite naughty, but loads of fun and every bit of sweet! His endless energy leaves me exhausted and his sound affects never stop, but neither do his smiles, giggles and hugs. Oh, I just love this kid!

Bedtime Band

I am super tired so this will be super short. :) Chloe is starting to be able to interact with the other kids and it is so much fun. Right before bed last night they formed this band. Chloe on keyboard, Summer singing and Connor was the dancer. It was pretty cute!

Water Fun!

This weekend was HOT! At one point our car thermostat read 114 degrees...not that I think that was right, but you get the point. The summer weather came upon us fast.

Shawn worked all day Saturday so the kids and I went over to Mom and Dad's and ended up at Brian and Karen's most of the afternoon swimming. Chloe had her first pool experience and loved it. Brian pulled out some of the coolest bumper boats and the kids drove them around the pool. We couldn't get Connor out of it! He even wanted to bring it home...not sure what bathtub he planned to use that in! Summer and Kayla had a great time together - like always. We are going to have to go over and do that again...maybe when Daddy can come.

Oh! And we got to celebrate Grandma's birthday with her a day early. According to Summer she turned 7! Grandpa just turned 15 back in April - just in case you didn't know! :) Happy Birthday, Grandma!!

On Sunday, after naps, we all went over to our friends, Chris and Tara's for some more water fun! They just bought a really neat sprinkler for the kids to play in. I must say, they had great fun there too!! We grilled out (it was SO yummy!) and sat outside and chatted while the kids (and Chris) :) played and played. (Check out the picture below... I really don't know who had more fun!) We went home just in time for bed. It was the perfect way to spend the hot, summer weekend.

Still Growing...

This seventh month for Chloe has been a big one! She is sitting up great now and looking like such a big girl doing it! She started clapping just a couple days ago! I love it! Those tiny hands...oh, it is just too adorable and so much fun!

The other day, Summer was already sleeping and Chloe was suppose to be sleeping when I walked in their room to find her smiling and sitting straight up in her crib. Her mobile was on, which seems to have the opposite effect on her instead of its intended purpose. I assumed Summer had turned it on (as she likes to do) before falling asleep so I walked over to a squealing, clapping Chloe and pushed the big button on the mobile to turn it off. She smiles, and reaches over and turns it back on!!! I couldn't believe it! She is getting too big for her britches already!

She used to be such a sweet, quiet girl, but lately has become very spunky! She screeches and screams and keeps up vocally with her brother and sister. Oh boy! I know this is only the beginning...

The Princess and Her Castle

Summer has spent her sick days crafting one thing after another! She has continued her embroidery work, painted several light catchers to decorate our windows and her latest project was this wooden castle. She laid in bed and worked on it for a couple hours and was so proud of how it turned out. I must admit I think she did a great job too! She was so excited she wanted everyone to see her work...so here it is...

I'm Still Here...

It is a very good thing that you are reading this right now and can't hear me. Unfortunately, the sickness didn't end with Connor. Summer got hit hard Sunday night and me shortly after. Right now, I barely have a voice but am on the mend.

From Wednesday night on of last week, my late night hours were spent helping get ready for VBS, which kicked off in a big way Sunday morning. By Sunday night, I was not feeling like myself at all, but chalked it up to being tired. On the way home from church, Summer was in tears the whole way. She said her ear hurt and when I took her out of the car, realized she was burning up. So, Monday morning was spent at the doctor and the afternoon was spent in bed. By then I realized I also had the sick bug. By yesterday, Summer was doing amazingly better, while I struggled to make it through the day. She was so disappointed that we missed another day of VBS but we are hoping on making it back there tonight. I don't know how much teaching I will be doing with my voice like this, but at least Summer will be able to go to her class.

Also, at the end of last week, my camera batteries died. I had pictures I wanted to get on here but they were stuck on the camera until I finally got to the store last night to get batteries. If you scroll down to last weeks posts there will be some new pictures added to old posts and some new posts and pictures coming soon!

Gripped By His Greatness

Last week, I finished reading “Gripped by the Greatness of God” by James McDonald. I wanted to keep with what I started and write on here what I learned from this book…if I can find the words. I have been struggling with getting it on paper for awhile now – God is so big! I have been persistent in writing it because all too often, I read a great book, think “Oh, that changed my life” and throw it on my bookshelf and never look at it again. This is giving me a good way, not only to reinforce it but an easy way to revisit it in the future. Believe it or not, this really is my shorten version! It isn’t even a long book but it has huge concepts that I am still trying to get my mind around. Don’t worry if you can’t make it through my whole post…it is more for my benefit that I have included it on here.

The book gives a detailed study of six chapters in the book of Isaiah, each deal with a different, but very big characteristic of God. In the first chapter we are ushered into His throne room through Isaiah 6 and given just a glimpse of His holiness. James takes you phrase by phrase through the inconceivable scene. Isaiah is so overcome by the sight of this holy God, he can’t even bring himself to look any higher than the train of His garment before going on to talk about the angels. And in describing the angels, Isaiah again goes back to the holiness of God. “And one called out to another… ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’” (v.3). So many words could have been used here, “but,” James says, “God, in a mystery we could guess at but never comprehend chose that the words spoken continuously before His throne would be of His holiness.” Like Isaiah, with this fresh gaze upon God’s holiness, I felt “ruined”. “Be holy because I am holy.” What a high mountain to climb…if THAT is God, than I am less than nothing and that commandment is completely unattainable. Thankfully, the scene then goes to a loving picture of our forgiving and merciful God, who makes atonement for our sin. James ends the chapter on holiness with a prayer that I have made my own: “Oh, God, I want to see You reigning, not just upon Your throne but in my heart, in my life, in my home, and in my relationships. Pursue me with a desire to be like You that I cannot outrun.”

In the second chapter, we focus on Isaiah 40 and we turn and look back at the His handiwork, the Earth. James list several scientific facts (which I heard quite a bit lately, but still can’t get my head around enough to repeat) about HOW small we are. It all serves to boggle your mind at just HOW big God is. And it works…more than I can comprehend, bigger than I see. But not only did He create all this…He sustains it. Just the same, He created me and sustains me. I fall to my knees, yet again. How can I NOT trust Him? Look at all He created with merely words. Surely, He can take care of me. You would think I would have learned this by now… He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He is capable of meeting my needs.

Chapter three lead us to another great mountain, the one of God’s sovereignty. Not only can I not climb to the top of this mountain, I can not even see the top! It is so beyond me! I had a hard time with this chapter (Isaiah 45). I lingered here for a couple weeks, determined not to move on until I got it. I never did. But God is still sovereign whether I get it or not. My accepting or rejecting it changes nothing; He works things according to His will regardless. I have to hold on to what I do know: He is good and He does all things well!

The next chapter takes us on a tour of what God is doing in the world and what He is doing IN us (Isaiah 55). We look again at His marvelous creation, His gift of forgiveness, which is for everyone and the humble truth that it is free. I was encouraged by the great work of God’s Word. I love God’s Word…I love studying it and I love sharing it. James says, “Be faithful to sow the truth of His Word, and He promises (v. 11) that it will not return without succeeding in the purpose for which He sent it forth.” This chapter reminded me once again of God’s faithfulness and made it me want to be faithful back.

The fifth chapter looks at our worship of God. I had high hopes of a “feel good” chapter. Worship is one of my favorite things. Certainly I had this one figured out, right? Not even close. I was humbled at how much I had to learn in an area I thought I excelled. This is an extremely painful chapter for me as I realized through Isaiah 58 that God sometimes holds me at arms length during worship. James writing stings:

“What if you kneel to pray but on the inside you refuse to yield…How about
sitting in church with you Bible open but your heart closed…How do you think
God feels when we casually take the Communion bread and cup? Our minds
wander to trivia and fail to seriously scour the hearts Christ died to cleanse?
Those are times when God ignores our worship.”

But James is also quick to remind us, “Far from condemnation, Isaiah invites us to joyful transformation.” He goes on to give the attitudes of our heart, where God ignites our worship. When we are focused on the freedom of Christ, when we convey the compassion of Christ then God is in our midst. I realized more through this chapter than ever before that true worship of God is being like His Son, who though He is God became a servant. I pray to God that He will keep me from being satisfied with anything less.

The final chapter was worth waiting for. It shows through Isaiah 43 (LOVE this chapter!) that by studying Who God is, we find who we are. He writes, “My value is not in who I am but in whose I am.” All that we have learned about Who God is, relates to who we are in Him. It was a great, final chapter to a great book.

I closed this book freshly gripped by His greatness, stunned by His holiness, astonished by His sovereignty and left completely amazed at Who He is. God owns the universe, fashioned it all with spoken word and still holds it all together with His hands. How great He is!! He is out of this world BIG, yet closer than your skin! Amazing God!!!