Just after I hit publish on the previous post, I stumbled across this video and lyrics. What a beautiful expression of the heart of an adolescent's Mama.
"All the clichés about how fast kids grow are true.
I woke up this morning eye to eye with you.
The love songs and adages couldn't explain the hope
Of all you're becoming, body and soul.
Your heart goes out,
I can hear your song.
Your signal is getting stronger
Your signal is getting strong.
There's no cliché when I hear your song.
Your signal is getting stronger.
Your signal is getting strong.
Many clichés about living this life are true.
The path is worn, but for us it's new.
There's no way to know it without discovering.
We are marking our missteps with mercy.
Your heart goes out,
I can hear your song.
Your signal is getting stronger.
Your signal is getting strong.
There's no cliché when I hear your song
Your signal is getting stronger.
Your signal is getting strong.
It's all been said, but don't be afraid to throw back your head and sing anyway.
Your heart goes out I can hear your song.
Your signal is getting stronger.
Your signal is getting strong.
There's no cliché when I hear your song.
Your signal is getting stronger.
Your signal is getting strong.
All the clichés about how much I love you are true.
As big as the sky and up to the moon
A million zillion
Infinity plus one."
-Signal by Sara Groves (from the album Floodplain)
Showing posts with label Video Goodness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Video Goodness. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Thursday, October 31, 2013
This is the Good Stuff
Tonight I had a moment
when I stopped, breathed deeply and realized
as colored leaves were slowly swirling down from the trees,
the temperature was perfect
and all three kids were having a great time.
These are the days.
Memories are being made.
Friendships with neighbors are deepening their roots through shared experiences.
Little red cheeks are stuffed with candy as they giggle and pant.
The costumes don't matter.
The moment really does.
This is the good stuff.
And for those of you that have been reading long enough to remember "The Shark that Ate My Pride," you will appreciate that K has kept her Halloween track record going strong!
Parenthood is an amazing ride. :)
Friday, October 04, 2013
One Thing
My husband's intro into the world of live musical entertainment was through the wholesome Amy Grant when he was a young teen. Because I am a little saucier, my first concert was an ear-splitting arena full of tween fans of Tiffany and New Kids on the Block. Our trio experienced their first concert this week that seemed to be a bridging of the gap--Kristian Stanfill and the Passion Tour. It was a very loud arena full of trendy college kids and worship music.
Because it was a school night, we did not get to stay for the entire concert--but I hope I never forget the experience of incredible praise & worship with our children piled in our laps. We left early but our finale was an amazing rendition of "One Thing Remains."
Having been in a season of simplicity, motivated by efforts to just boil things down, the idea of 'one thing' resonated with me.
I realized years ago while working on my testimony that while childhoods are absolutely vital, foundational years most adults end up summarizing them in a mere phrase. "I grew up in a ___________ home..." or "My parents taught me ________________."
Forget the checklists and the volumes of parenting wisdom. If there were just ONE THING that my children leave our home knowing fully what would I want that to be?
And the words of this song spoke:
Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.
On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains
In death, in life, I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love
Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.
And that's it. It sounds overly simplistic I suppose, but really, what if only one thing remained in the hearts and minds of the folks we are called to launch into the world...wouldn't that be it? His (and our) unconditional love?
What would lives look like that rested in that one truth?
And so, in my off key voice (that was cracking a little from my choked back tears) I sang it in their little ears.
And it reminded me a lot of the journey of parenting. I am not the best vocalist, but I have a message for them--and it is the MESSAGE, not this weary messenger that is what it is all about.
Because it was a school night, we did not get to stay for the entire concert--but I hope I never forget the experience of incredible praise & worship with our children piled in our laps. We left early but our finale was an amazing rendition of "One Thing Remains."
Having been in a season of simplicity, motivated by efforts to just boil things down, the idea of 'one thing' resonated with me.
I realized years ago while working on my testimony that while childhoods are absolutely vital, foundational years most adults end up summarizing them in a mere phrase. "I grew up in a ___________ home..." or "My parents taught me ________________."
Forget the checklists and the volumes of parenting wisdom. If there were just ONE THING that my children leave our home knowing fully what would I want that to be?
And the words of this song spoke:
Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.
On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains
In death, in life, I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love
Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.
And that's it. It sounds overly simplistic I suppose, but really, what if only one thing remained in the hearts and minds of the folks we are called to launch into the world...wouldn't that be it? His (and our) unconditional love?
What would lives look like that rested in that one truth?
And so, in my off key voice (that was cracking a little from my choked back tears) I sang it in their little ears.
And it reminded me a lot of the journey of parenting. I am not the best vocalist, but I have a message for them--and it is the MESSAGE, not this weary messenger that is what it is all about.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
When You've Forgotten the Words
Our family spent this weekend in North Georgia at Young Life's camp Sharptop Cove for a committee leadership retreat. The camp speaker, Shelly Sadler, encouraged us all with her talks about faith, outreach and the character of God, but the video clip she showed this morning really touched me. (It is apparently 7 years old but I'd never seen it.)
When the singer begins to struggle I cringed. Haven't we all been there? For me, it has mercifully not been while singing a solo in front of a televised crowd, but there are other moments that can seem to feel as horrifying and heavy. At work. In my home. In relationships. Moments where I have simply blow it.
Sometimes we get off track, are overwhelmed and metaphorically forget the words. And how powerful a ministry when someone comes along side us...to prove to us that we are not alone and to help us remember.
Mo Cheeks is not a vocalist, but he was a wonderful friend to Natalie Gilbert that day. With his hand on her shoulder, his kindness and leadership not only calmed her down enough to regroup, but led to the whole crowd joining in. What an example for us all in the seemingly smaller moments of our lives.
Serving and reaching out to others is one of the key components of the Christian life. I loved this reminder that our words and our presence are often our greatest assets in meaningful contact with others.
I was challenged in the course of my ordinary days to look for those who need to be reminded they aren't alone and who need a little help remembering the Words.
When the singer begins to struggle I cringed. Haven't we all been there? For me, it has mercifully not been while singing a solo in front of a televised crowd, but there are other moments that can seem to feel as horrifying and heavy. At work. In my home. In relationships. Moments where I have simply blow it.
Sometimes we get off track, are overwhelmed and metaphorically forget the words. And how powerful a ministry when someone comes along side us...to prove to us that we are not alone and to help us remember.
Mo Cheeks is not a vocalist, but he was a wonderful friend to Natalie Gilbert that day. With his hand on her shoulder, his kindness and leadership not only calmed her down enough to regroup, but led to the whole crowd joining in. What an example for us all in the seemingly smaller moments of our lives.
Serving and reaching out to others is one of the key components of the Christian life. I loved this reminder that our words and our presence are often our greatest assets in meaningful contact with others.
I was challenged in the course of my ordinary days to look for those who need to be reminded they aren't alone and who need a little help remembering the Words.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Parenting with Authenticity
I have a lot to write about...but honestly, none of it holds a candle to two posts I've read this week by Emily Freeman. (Her titles are directed at daughters, but the advice is incredible whether you parent boys or girls...and for those who mentor/lead youth.)
When I read the first post, One Thing Your Daughter Doesn't Need You to Say, I cringed uncomfortably, then nodded and felt a bit conflicted. I was one of those good girls she describes, raised to believe that I needed to be a leader and example. While I believe the heart of this (not being a stumbling block) is true, in my immaturity it was frequently works based and Pharisaical. Wild kids in my high school called my clique 'the Cross Posse' and we liked it.
As I aged, the need to always have it together and be a good example became exhausting. I felt trapped by my image and it led to some hypocrisy. My outside behavior didn't always match my inside heart condition. My closest friends got a far different version of me than the world at large. While I still struggle with some of these residual issues, I have found that the depth of my ability to minister to others has improved dramatically as I have become willing to live more authentically. I am still not planning to air my dirty laundry for all the world to see and hear, but in relationship I am working on stripping off the image in favor of what's true.
(For more on this, I recommend this TedTalk about vulnerability from Dr. Brene' Brown.)
I am learning with my young children that they can (already) smell a rat. When I blow it they know it whether I confess/apologize or not. Humbling myself to admit my own struggles with fear, self control, impatience, etc is received beautifully by my children. I am not a fan of glorifying sin, but owning it seems to do far more FOR my credibility than pretending to have it all together. Hopefully, they are getting glimpses of sanctification through my stumbles--and growing up with a model of 'real' faith being worked out--albeit quite sloppily at times!
Which leads to Emily's follow up post today, 12 Things Your Daughter Needs You to Say. I frequently roll my eyes at checklist approaches to life--but this one is chock full of simple, yet profound truth. Hope, humility, love--a beautiful framework for family life!
I am brought back to the reminder that we aren't raising children to worship us...we are called to point them in the direction of the only One worthy of their worship. The single greatest way to do this seems to be to keep it real in our own faith. It takes courage and humility...but in the end, living authentically is far more powerful (and simple) than simply keeping up appearances.
When I read the first post, One Thing Your Daughter Doesn't Need You to Say, I cringed uncomfortably, then nodded and felt a bit conflicted. I was one of those good girls she describes, raised to believe that I needed to be a leader and example. While I believe the heart of this (not being a stumbling block) is true, in my immaturity it was frequently works based and Pharisaical. Wild kids in my high school called my clique 'the Cross Posse' and we liked it.
As I aged, the need to always have it together and be a good example became exhausting. I felt trapped by my image and it led to some hypocrisy. My outside behavior didn't always match my inside heart condition. My closest friends got a far different version of me than the world at large. While I still struggle with some of these residual issues, I have found that the depth of my ability to minister to others has improved dramatically as I have become willing to live more authentically. I am still not planning to air my dirty laundry for all the world to see and hear, but in relationship I am working on stripping off the image in favor of what's true.
(For more on this, I recommend this TedTalk about vulnerability from Dr. Brene' Brown.)
I am learning with my young children that they can (already) smell a rat. When I blow it they know it whether I confess/apologize or not. Humbling myself to admit my own struggles with fear, self control, impatience, etc is received beautifully by my children. I am not a fan of glorifying sin, but owning it seems to do far more FOR my credibility than pretending to have it all together. Hopefully, they are getting glimpses of sanctification through my stumbles--and growing up with a model of 'real' faith being worked out--albeit quite sloppily at times!
Which leads to Emily's follow up post today, 12 Things Your Daughter Needs You to Say. I frequently roll my eyes at checklist approaches to life--but this one is chock full of simple, yet profound truth. Hope, humility, love--a beautiful framework for family life!
I am brought back to the reminder that we aren't raising children to worship us...we are called to point them in the direction of the only One worthy of their worship. The single greatest way to do this seems to be to keep it real in our own faith. It takes courage and humility...but in the end, living authentically is far more powerful (and simple) than simply keeping up appearances.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Our Little Preacher
All three of our children are avid readers, but reading the Bible for pleasure has not ever been on their 8 year old radar. Like many adults, they prefer books about the Bible that break it down, illustrate it, cull through to the 'main stories,' highlight the takeaway points and make Scripture easier to read.
To encourage them to read actual Scripture, my Mother-in-law, Carol, offered to pay our trio $5 for each book of the Bible they read. As I mentioned in my recent post about allowances, neither K nor P are particularly motivated by money. But R is a completely different story. He has earned $25 to spend at the school book fair in the last 48 hours.
To make sure they are reading for comprehension not just for the monetary reward, I added another requirement--a brief video synopsis I can send to Carol.
I cannot tell you how it has blessed my heart to see R so eager to sit in the kitchen each morning and read the Word--but his video reports have been the real treat. I shoot them on my phone in one take with no coaching or rehearsal..so there is plenty of stumbling and rabbit trails, but, oh, the sweetness!
Here's yesterday morning's report on Jude. (Because like any good little capitalist, he is reading the shortest books first. :)
His exegesis is far from perfect, but not bad for an 8 year old on the fly.
And I am not the only one enjoying them. A friend of mine teased she is now using them as her quiet time. :)
To encourage them to read actual Scripture, my Mother-in-law, Carol, offered to pay our trio $5 for each book of the Bible they read. As I mentioned in my recent post about allowances, neither K nor P are particularly motivated by money. But R is a completely different story. He has earned $25 to spend at the school book fair in the last 48 hours.
To make sure they are reading for comprehension not just for the monetary reward, I added another requirement--a brief video synopsis I can send to Carol.
I cannot tell you how it has blessed my heart to see R so eager to sit in the kitchen each morning and read the Word--but his video reports have been the real treat. I shoot them on my phone in one take with no coaching or rehearsal..so there is plenty of stumbling and rabbit trails, but, oh, the sweetness!
Here's yesterday morning's report on Jude. (Because like any good little capitalist, he is reading the shortest books first. :)
His exegesis is far from perfect, but not bad for an 8 year old on the fly.
And I am not the only one enjoying them. A friend of mine teased she is now using them as her quiet time. :)
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Real Beauty
I have long been a fan of the Dove Real beauty campaign videos, but when I viewed the latest release today I cried.
Near the end when the woman observes how her negative perception made her seem closed off, I winced with the truth of that statement. When wrapped up in our own insecurities we become too focused on ourselves to be open to the people and the world around us.
I continued to nod in agreement with her point regarding the impact our perception of ourselves has on our choices, our families and others around us. My heart was challenged to take that thought and expand it to more than just personal appearance--but life in general. If I view life as a gift to be savored rather than a project to be constantly evaluating and improving, I find myself buoyant with gratefulness rather than stuck in a funk.
We strive to grow, learn and blossom...but life will never be perfect on this side of Heaven.
"...women...spend a lot of time analyzing and trying to fix the things that aren't quite right and we should spend more time appreciating the things we do like."
It is, afterall, a choice. So, today, let's choose joy. Let's pause to observe the things about our husbands, children, station in life that are beautiful rather than perseverating on the parts of our life that are not.
In being grateful rather than critical, I bet we will find there is a lot we have forgotten in the fog on our overanalaysis.
You AND your life are more beautiful than you think.
Near the end when the woman observes how her negative perception made her seem closed off, I winced with the truth of that statement. When wrapped up in our own insecurities we become too focused on ourselves to be open to the people and the world around us.
I continued to nod in agreement with her point regarding the impact our perception of ourselves has on our choices, our families and others around us. My heart was challenged to take that thought and expand it to more than just personal appearance--but life in general. If I view life as a gift to be savored rather than a project to be constantly evaluating and improving, I find myself buoyant with gratefulness rather than stuck in a funk.
We strive to grow, learn and blossom...but life will never be perfect on this side of Heaven.
"...women...spend a lot of time analyzing and trying to fix the things that aren't quite right and we should spend more time appreciating the things we do like."
It is, afterall, a choice. So, today, let's choose joy. Let's pause to observe the things about our husbands, children, station in life that are beautiful rather than perseverating on the parts of our life that are not.
In being grateful rather than critical, I bet we will find there is a lot we have forgotten in the fog on our overanalaysis.
You AND your life are more beautiful than you think.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Clinging
I had a rich conversation with a long distance friend this morning via a 'coffee phone date.' We lamented the rash of divorces and separations in our communities. We questioned if it is in fact as epidemic as it feels or if we were simply getting older and reaching the age (40ish) when marriages either make it or they don't.
Our conversation was based on generalizations, not case by case dissection, but we discussed the stress and strain of young children and the havoc it can wreak on a marriage. Children are indeed a precious gift...but they are a typhoon that royally rock the boats of even the most steadfast couples.
I started thinking about what people do in trying circumstances--when storms rage all around, most instinctively seek shelter and/or cling to lifelines. Even as we take marital vows we pledge to leave our mother and father and cleave to one another.
But what happens when we cling to something else in the inevitable storms of life? What if our shelter/identity comes not in Christ, but in our career? Or we depend on a substance to empower us and develop secret means of coping rather than engaging in community where we can be real about our struggles? Our affections and attentions are devoted solely to our offspring not our spouse? We can't wait for a girls night to escape from our husbands instead of date nights to escape with him? We are more filled up outside our homes than we are within?
What are you clinging to?
In many of the relationships I am mourning it seems that the most trying days of early childhood are over. Parents are emerging from their storm shelters and rather than finding themselves bonded from the trial, they are exhausted strangers. In many cases they have either left each other emotionally or have hurt each other deeply. They have fought each other instead of joining forces against their trials. Serious damage has been done. One or both are ready for a fresh start.
And I keep wondering what young couples need to hear to keep from getting to this place.
This will of course be an oversimplification of many complex issues, but tonight in my heart it boils down to this. Find shelter in your God and your spouse. Come what may cling to one another. "A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Do not allow yourself to be deceived into thinking that clinging to anything or anyone else will work. It is a recipe for disaster.
Clinging does not guarantee that the journey will be easy. Life is hard. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. I couldn't help but laugh to myself remembering the viral kid president video: "Two roads diverged in the woods and I took the road less traveled... AND IT HURT MAN!! Really bad. Rocks! Thorns! Glass! Not cool, Robert Frost!"
This is why God gave us helpmates--to bear the load. To fight as a team against the troubles of this world--NOT against each other.
Grab hold. Cling. Don't let go!
Then when the storms pass (notice it was plural) and you crawl out of your shelter, there will be a shared sense of overcoming. A true hard fought victory. A rainbow of promises kept.
*I just feel led to acknowledge that this is so much easier to write about than to accomplish. It is complicated by involving two sinful people in a broken world. I have so much passion for marriage because I hate the pain that the brokenness of these bonds continues to cause in the lives of folks I care about. I pray my heart's intent is accomplished here...encouragement not judgment.
Our conversation was based on generalizations, not case by case dissection, but we discussed the stress and strain of young children and the havoc it can wreak on a marriage. Children are indeed a precious gift...but they are a typhoon that royally rock the boats of even the most steadfast couples.
I started thinking about what people do in trying circumstances--when storms rage all around, most instinctively seek shelter and/or cling to lifelines. Even as we take marital vows we pledge to leave our mother and father and cleave to one another.
But what happens when we cling to something else in the inevitable storms of life? What if our shelter/identity comes not in Christ, but in our career? Or we depend on a substance to empower us and develop secret means of coping rather than engaging in community where we can be real about our struggles? Our affections and attentions are devoted solely to our offspring not our spouse? We can't wait for a girls night to escape from our husbands instead of date nights to escape with him? We are more filled up outside our homes than we are within?
What are you clinging to?
In many of the relationships I am mourning it seems that the most trying days of early childhood are over. Parents are emerging from their storm shelters and rather than finding themselves bonded from the trial, they are exhausted strangers. In many cases they have either left each other emotionally or have hurt each other deeply. They have fought each other instead of joining forces against their trials. Serious damage has been done. One or both are ready for a fresh start.
And I keep wondering what young couples need to hear to keep from getting to this place.
This will of course be an oversimplification of many complex issues, but tonight in my heart it boils down to this. Find shelter in your God and your spouse. Come what may cling to one another. "A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Do not allow yourself to be deceived into thinking that clinging to anything or anyone else will work. It is a recipe for disaster.
Clinging does not guarantee that the journey will be easy. Life is hard. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. I couldn't help but laugh to myself remembering the viral kid president video: "Two roads diverged in the woods and I took the road less traveled... AND IT HURT MAN!! Really bad. Rocks! Thorns! Glass! Not cool, Robert Frost!"
This is why God gave us helpmates--to bear the load. To fight as a team against the troubles of this world--NOT against each other.
Grab hold. Cling. Don't let go!
Then when the storms pass (notice it was plural) and you crawl out of your shelter, there will be a shared sense of overcoming. A true hard fought victory. A rainbow of promises kept.
*I just feel led to acknowledge that this is so much easier to write about than to accomplish. It is complicated by involving two sinful people in a broken world. I have so much passion for marriage because I hate the pain that the brokenness of these bonds continues to cause in the lives of folks I care about. I pray my heart's intent is accomplished here...encouragement not judgment.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Storms
It has been an adrenaline fueled day here in Georgia.
I dropped my children off for school this morning with an awareness that our area was under a tornado watch. Rather than worry & fret, I tried to go about life as close to usual as possible. When we switched from tornado watch to warning I was downtown in a coffee shop with a dear friend.
In the midst of sharing our hearts about circumstantial storms in our lives, sirens alerted us to the presence of a physical storm bearing down on our area. With no radio or television in the shop, we turned to our phones for updates on how things were progressing. As I scanned my news feed it was filled with updates of where people were taking cover. Many were home, but some were in the gym, at doctors' offices, in school, even at Walmart--just doing life when suddenly the storm hit. Most lamented how they were either relieved or stressed by whether or not they had their family members with them.
I rejoiced that I was not home alone in my dark basement, but was instead in a seemingly safe place with friends who were much braver about severe weather than I am. It was a vivid reminder of how different a storm can feel depending on the company you are keeping in the midst of it. Even though I wished desperately I was with my family, I loved hearing my children recount their tales of the hour plus they spent in the 'safe place' at school. I thanked God for their trustworthy teachers.
Throughout the afternoon as I watched the Atlanta news I heard repeated requests that parents NOT try to come and get their children from their schools. The announcers reminded parents that safety plans were in place and had been rehearsed. It was time to trust the plan.
Because I am a metaphor loving gal, I couldn't resist drawing the inevitable comparison to the way we feel during the storms of life.
We were warned for at least 36 hours that severe storms were coming, but it still doesn't prepare you for the impact when they hit. In our fear and panic, we want to rush in and take action rather than trusting the Plan...especially when it comes to those we treasure.
People in nearby communities were hit hard, but our town was spared serious damage. We were left with a very flooded backyard...but there are far worse things. Especially when you have a little redneck in you. ;-)
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The storm was quite frightening, but the aftermath was pretty enjoyable!
We can't always find obvious ways to rejoice in the storm,
but I hope we try make the most of our circumstances as often as possible.
I dropped my children off for school this morning with an awareness that our area was under a tornado watch. Rather than worry & fret, I tried to go about life as close to usual as possible. When we switched from tornado watch to warning I was downtown in a coffee shop with a dear friend.
In the midst of sharing our hearts about circumstantial storms in our lives, sirens alerted us to the presence of a physical storm bearing down on our area. With no radio or television in the shop, we turned to our phones for updates on how things were progressing. As I scanned my news feed it was filled with updates of where people were taking cover. Many were home, but some were in the gym, at doctors' offices, in school, even at Walmart--just doing life when suddenly the storm hit. Most lamented how they were either relieved or stressed by whether or not they had their family members with them.
I rejoiced that I was not home alone in my dark basement, but was instead in a seemingly safe place with friends who were much braver about severe weather than I am. It was a vivid reminder of how different a storm can feel depending on the company you are keeping in the midst of it. Even though I wished desperately I was with my family, I loved hearing my children recount their tales of the hour plus they spent in the 'safe place' at school. I thanked God for their trustworthy teachers.
Throughout the afternoon as I watched the Atlanta news I heard repeated requests that parents NOT try to come and get their children from their schools. The announcers reminded parents that safety plans were in place and had been rehearsed. It was time to trust the plan.
Because I am a metaphor loving gal, I couldn't resist drawing the inevitable comparison to the way we feel during the storms of life.
We were warned for at least 36 hours that severe storms were coming, but it still doesn't prepare you for the impact when they hit. In our fear and panic, we want to rush in and take action rather than trusting the Plan...especially when it comes to those we treasure.
People in nearby communities were hit hard, but our town was spared serious damage. We were left with a very flooded backyard...but there are far worse things. Especially when you have a little redneck in you. ;-)
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The storm was quite frightening, but the aftermath was pretty enjoyable!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Christmas Story Videos for Kids
I have been homebound for a couple of days with sick boys. Nothing like "strep-ping" the halls! In the midst of our cuddle time and missed church, I was thrilled to come across these videos of the Christmas story from Sally Lloyd-Jones. My children & I are huge fans of her books.
Passing along for others to enjoy!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Pause
On this rainy day as I prepare my home & heart, THIS post from Ann Voskamp (and the accompanying video from Igniter Video) were a powerful reminder--not only for Advent, but for life in general.
It is fitting that this came to my attention after a weekend of recitals for K & P.
As P strummed his guitar and K played her piano it became apparent that reading notes is only part of the song...it is the tempo and rhythm that round out the true beauty of a piece.
In music and in life, it really is the pauses that make all the difference, isn't it?
Will we march through this month with our lists, our baking, our parties and traditions at lightening speed to make sure we simply 'get it all done' or will be take intentional pauses?
Pauses to listen,
Pauses to love,
Pauses to notice the people in our life,
Pauses to drink it all in
I am reminded today that the pauses will make all the difference in our life songs. It is a lesson not only for Advent, but for the whole year through.
It is fitting that this came to my attention after a weekend of recitals for K & P.
In music and in life, it really is the pauses that make all the difference, isn't it?
Will we march through this month with our lists, our baking, our parties and traditions at lightening speed to make sure we simply 'get it all done' or will be take intentional pauses?
Pauses to listen,
Pauses to love,
Pauses to notice the people in our life,
Pauses to drink it all in
I am reminded today that the pauses will make all the difference in our life songs. It is a lesson not only for Advent, but for the whole year through.
Friday, December 07, 2012
Friday Fun with Little St Nick
Because our Christmas celebration is not complete without pulling this oldie out of the vault.
My little man, R, was very serious about Little St.Nick when he was 5 years old...
If you don't have time for the whole thing, you must go to 1:14 for "Wun, Wun Weindeer..." You're welcome. :-)
My little man, R, was very serious about Little St.Nick when he was 5 years old...
If you don't have time for the whole thing, you must go to 1:14 for "Wun, Wun Weindeer..." You're welcome. :-)
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Why Remember?
I remember leaving work to join the long lines at the American Red Cross where people flocked to give blood. I am sure we were picturing maimed, injured survivors who would be requiring surgery. We were so naive about the complete destruction that would leave far more widows and orphans than wounded.
That weekend I went away to the beach to celebrate my friend Laurie's bachelorette. We watched coverage for hours in our pajamas as family members held up homemade posters in search of their 'missing' loved ones. All those faces...where had they gone? Surely that had not just been wiped from the face of the Earth with one cruel attack?
In retrospect, that naivete was protection of sorts, because on this day 11 years later, when I sat with my laptop on the floor of my living room and watched a video compilation of the live events unfolding, I could not contain my emotions.
On 9/11/01 I was shocked and saddened. Today I was heartbroken and terrorized. As twitter and facebook have been littered all day with the words "I remember," I found myself asking why remember? Can't we just keep moving forward? It is painful to look back. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we deliberately walk back down memory lane to the places of such hurt?
The answer came in a quote most recognize. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -George Santayana
But what, really, do we need to remember from such tragedy? Fear? Vengeance? Despair? I would rather not dwell on such negativity. I don't want those lost lives to be in vain. I want us to learn, as a people, how to be better. There are many other lessons, of course, but this afternoon I am stuck on a few of the more positive ones.
1- Life is but a vapor. Live each day to the fullest, striving to do well with what you have been entrusted. Tragedy strikes when you least expect it...even on gorgeous blue sky mornings in September. Don't let that terrify you, let it motivate you. Love well. Be grateful. Don't take anything for granted.
2- We must learn to love not just those 'like us,' but all we share this planet with--even when we don't see eye to eye. Sometimes our neighbors are dead wrong. Sometimes I am. The smoldering sites where hate-propelled planes crashed are striking visual reminders of the destruction that happens when people draw lines in the sand and hatred & evil are left unchecked.
Even today lives are wrecked by our blind ambitions and selfish pursuits. I don't know about you, but most of the sin that permeates my life gets out of control when I stop thinking about its implications on other people.
It usually doesn't look like terrorists on planes. Our soul's Enemy is far sneakier than that. Gossip, affairs, lying, angry/hurtful reactions, greed, substance abuse, good ole fashioned selfishness...those things topple families, careers, relationships, reputations & lives in the same way those fuel-propulsed airliners took down the twin towers.
We must lean in to the love of our Father. We must say NO to the need to serve ourselves and feed our prides at all costs. There is always a cost. God does not hate us and want us to be miserable. He is FOR us. His precepts are for His glory AND for our protection.
3- It is tempting to be overwhelmed by the evil in the world--but that is giving it more power. Let's not just remember the devastation and the loss of that day. Let's be moved to action by the selfless response of so many. Let's be bold and brave in our love for fellow man.
I love the perspective offered by the late Mr. Rogers of preschool television fame:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Mr. (Fred) Rogers
May we allow the Lord to use us to be those helpers...the salt, light & love of this world. This world is not our home forever, but it is for now. May we represent the Lord well in the places he has put us.
9/11/01 was a tragic day. The devastation and ripple effects seem unconscionable, even after years of reflection. It hurts to go back, but doing so honors those we lost and allows us to learn from their legacy. Let's take the lessons from that day with us into the future.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
One More Video Post
Here are a few of the precious young female faces of Chitipey. They continue to be amazed by seeing themselves on camera, so yesterday after painting faces I scanned the crowd with my phone on video and the image turned where they could see themselves.
The next two videos are responses from P & K on the water filter distribution:
The next two videos are responses from P & K on the water filter distribution:
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Let There Be Light
Christmas 2011 - Let There Be Light from North Point Media on Vimeo.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1: 1-4 TNIV
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.Isaiah 9:2, 6-8 NIV
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Little St. Nick
This is recycled from the vault, but I watched it again this morning and it made me smile. R (aged 5)
Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Blessings
I was listening to a sermon this afternoon about the times when we find God to be uncooperative with the plans/hopes we have for our life. It was a wonderfully sobering reminder that our circumstances are not the yardstick by which we should gauge His care for us.
He sacrificed His only Son to save us from an eternity of suffering---any other blessing after that is gravy. And, frankly, my comfort is not the primary goal of God. The Enemy can so easily lead us to a place where we question everything we have seen, known, felt and believed about God's Sovereign, grace-filled goodness as a result of being uncomfortable for a season.
As we approach this week of giving thanks, I am challenged to rejoice in and be grateful for the non-traditional things...the hard times, the seasons of little, the circumstances where God has told me No...or seemed to tell me nothing at all. It is a lot harder to do isn't it?
As the sermon concluded, a soloist performed the song Blessings by Laura Story. With a lump in my throat I tried to really take in the lyrics:
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
Courtesy of lyricshall.com
My life (like many, I suppose) is a bittersweet mixture of extreme gratefulness and deep sadness. I am so very blessed. And yet, my heart physically aches about several situations involving people I love. It defies logic some days that I can simultaneously be so heartsick and so hopeful. It is ONLY possible because I really believe God is who He says He is--even when I don't understand the whys and hows.
"My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name." Matt Redman
He sacrificed His only Son to save us from an eternity of suffering---any other blessing after that is gravy. And, frankly, my comfort is not the primary goal of God. The Enemy can so easily lead us to a place where we question everything we have seen, known, felt and believed about God's Sovereign, grace-filled goodness as a result of being uncomfortable for a season.
As we approach this week of giving thanks, I am challenged to rejoice in and be grateful for the non-traditional things...the hard times, the seasons of little, the circumstances where God has told me No...or seemed to tell me nothing at all. It is a lot harder to do isn't it?
As the sermon concluded, a soloist performed the song Blessings by Laura Story. With a lump in my throat I tried to really take in the lyrics:
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
Courtesy of lyricshall.com
My life (like many, I suppose) is a bittersweet mixture of extreme gratefulness and deep sadness. I am so very blessed. And yet, my heart physically aches about several situations involving people I love. It defies logic some days that I can simultaneously be so heartsick and so hopeful. It is ONLY possible because I really believe God is who He says He is--even when I don't understand the whys and hows.
"My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name." Matt Redman
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Beautiful Outlaw
Beautiful Outlaw OFFICIAL TRAILER from Ransomed Heart on Vimeo.
Anybody read this? What did you think?
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