1. disposable diapers
2. my mom and grandmother
3. yesterday's beatiful, warm weather
4. dog kennels so I don't worry about Sadie when we travel
5. that I don't have to fly this weekend!
Probably won't post again till we get back. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
5 Things I am Thankful for Today
1. the internet (makes shopping and information gathering so much easier)
2. a reliable vehicle
3. clothing (packing makes you realize how much you have)
4. the funds to make this trip
5. extended family and friends
2. a reliable vehicle
3. clothing (packing makes you realize how much you have)
4. the funds to make this trip
5. extended family and friends
Monday, November 19, 2007
James 1-2
In addition to my bible reading this morning, I am also doing an indepth Bible study of the book of James. This was begun with my Sunday School class, but since we are in limbo about where we will be attending in the future, I decided that I would finish it myself. Today I just looked at the background of the book (using Halley's Bible Handbook) and read chapters 1 and 2.
The verses that really spoke to me (actually they hit me over the head, repeatedly!) were James 1:22-25, James 2:10-11, 14:26
The theme of these verses can be summed up by James 1:22-25
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves, for if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was, but whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therin, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."
The part of the passage in chapter 2 is discussing how faith without works is dead.
On this past Sunday, Doug reminded us that people are watching what we are doing, not necessarily what we are saying (we also discussed this in sunday school). How do my actions measure up? I know that I tend to talk the talk.....I know all the "right" things to say, but are my actions those of a mature Christian? Are the things that I say and profess reflected in my daily life? How about in my though life? Do my thoughts line up with the things that I say are true?
I think that as a Christian I have fallen very short in this area of my life. Like I said, I have attended church all my life. I know what I am "supposed to say". I have the right words and I fear that in certain situations I have the proper actions. But what about in my day to day life? I know that I don't always read my Bible every day (although I know that I should). I don't always speak with love to everyone I see (my children must be included in that everyone, no matter how irritated I am at them). I let laziness rule my day sometimes (even though I know that slothfullness is a sin). My heart isn't always into being a "keeper at home" (that is my mandate from God!). I let fear rule my life sometimes (fear isn't from God). That is just the beginning! What about the way that I treat those that aren't "loveable"? Or those that I disagree with? I know that my behavior is probably deplorable in the eyes of the Lord.
So that is my challenge as I live my life today....and the rest of the week. I am going to pray before I speak/act/think and ask God to guide my ways. I pray that what the world sees of me will glorify God.
The verses that really spoke to me (actually they hit me over the head, repeatedly!) were James 1:22-25, James 2:10-11, 14:26
The theme of these verses can be summed up by James 1:22-25
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves, for if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was, but whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therin, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."
The part of the passage in chapter 2 is discussing how faith without works is dead.
On this past Sunday, Doug reminded us that people are watching what we are doing, not necessarily what we are saying (we also discussed this in sunday school). How do my actions measure up? I know that I tend to talk the talk.....I know all the "right" things to say, but are my actions those of a mature Christian? Are the things that I say and profess reflected in my daily life? How about in my though life? Do my thoughts line up with the things that I say are true?
I think that as a Christian I have fallen very short in this area of my life. Like I said, I have attended church all my life. I know what I am "supposed to say". I have the right words and I fear that in certain situations I have the proper actions. But what about in my day to day life? I know that I don't always read my Bible every day (although I know that I should). I don't always speak with love to everyone I see (my children must be included in that everyone, no matter how irritated I am at them). I let laziness rule my day sometimes (even though I know that slothfullness is a sin). My heart isn't always into being a "keeper at home" (that is my mandate from God!). I let fear rule my life sometimes (fear isn't from God). That is just the beginning! What about the way that I treat those that aren't "loveable"? Or those that I disagree with? I know that my behavior is probably deplorable in the eyes of the Lord.
So that is my challenge as I live my life today....and the rest of the week. I am going to pray before I speak/act/think and ask God to guide my ways. I pray that what the world sees of me will glorify God.
Psalms 1-9
Since the baby was born I have been very apprehensive about some things. I tend to suffer from post-partum depression. Thankfully this time around it wasn't as severe as previous times. However I am still very anxious about the baby, especially his health. I have become like a Nazi about people being in his presence.....even my other children. I, myself, and Greg have cold so that doesn't make my anxiety any better. I am just positive that Baby Norman is going to fall ill and require a hospital stay....or worse. I know in my heart that this fear isn't from the Lord. I began praying every day for his health whenever these thoughts would overwhelm me. Today I started reading the Psalms, looking for verses that would encourage and comfort me.
Psalm 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 5:11
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Psalm 9:10
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
I am going to continue to read through the Psalms and post here when I find verses that encourage me. I hope that someone else will find encouragement in them as well.
Blessings,
Carie
Psalm 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 5:11
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Psalm 9:10
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
I am going to continue to read through the Psalms and post here when I find verses that encourage me. I hope that someone else will find encouragement in them as well.
Blessings,
Carie
5 Things I am Thankful for Today
1. a washer and dryer that WORK (even if the dryer is on its last leg)
2. boys that help with the housework
3. my baby sleeping on the couch
4. my little dog Sadie that loves me unconditionally
5. cool fall weather
2. boys that help with the housework
3. my baby sleeping on the couch
4. my little dog Sadie that loves me unconditionally
5. cool fall weather
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Happenings Around Here
I am typing this while holding a sweet cuddly baby. He is swaddled up in a flannel blanket. I am so glad that I made these blankets last spring for him. They are flannel on one side and cotton on the other. Really cute and warm. Baby Norman likes to be snug when he is sleeping so they come in very handy.
Baby Norman is a wonderful baby and we have all enjoyed getting to know him. He stays awake for longer periods now; babbling and cooing. The boys love to hold, sing and talk to him. They are great big brothers.
My husband Norman (we haven't figured out a good way to distinguish between the two!) has another couple of weeks off work. We (especially ME) are very grateful for his paternity time. He has been such a blessing to me during my recovery and it was wonderful for him and baby to have some time to get to know each other. Since we didn't have that time with the other 2 we realize how very blessed we are.
Due to some changes at our church the boys and I are now looking for a new church to attend. I hate "church shopping" so you must realize how difficult this decision was for me. We have several options that don't require going somewhere totally unknown.....but still......I fear change. I honestly feel that this is what God is calling us to do so I am going. I just don't like the unknown. We will be slowly feeling the whole situation out and see what we think would be best. Norman was going to talk to the boys today about different options and their feelings about them to see where they stand. They always talk better to him than me.....maybe because my emotions tend to get in the way. We have only been at this church for about 3 years......I was hoping to not have to change again so soon.
On a more cheerful note, we will be making our annual "pilgrimage" to visit Norman's family this Thanksgiving holiday. I am looking forward to a change in scenery :)
We are studying James (today chapter 4) in Sunday School class and the last verse in that chapter said something to the effect of "if you know what you should do and you don't do it, then you are sinning". That really hit home with me. I know that there are many things in my life that I SHOULD be doing......actions and activities that I KNOW should be part of my daily life......my inaction is a SIN. It isn't simply I didn't do it.....I choose not to do it. And that is sin. I hope to examine some of those areas of my life in the next few weeks.
Since Thanksgiving is upon us I am going to post some things that I am thankful for. I should do this more often. I have so very much to be thankful for.
1. healthy children
2. loving, hardworking husband
3. our home and the things in it
4. my husbands job that provides for us
5. my health and the ability to care for my family
For the rest of the week I will try to post more things that I am thankful for. I encourage you to think about what God has blessed you with and thank Him for those things! God is Good all the time!!!!!
Baby Norman is a wonderful baby and we have all enjoyed getting to know him. He stays awake for longer periods now; babbling and cooing. The boys love to hold, sing and talk to him. They are great big brothers.
My husband Norman (we haven't figured out a good way to distinguish between the two!) has another couple of weeks off work. We (especially ME) are very grateful for his paternity time. He has been such a blessing to me during my recovery and it was wonderful for him and baby to have some time to get to know each other. Since we didn't have that time with the other 2 we realize how very blessed we are.
Due to some changes at our church the boys and I are now looking for a new church to attend. I hate "church shopping" so you must realize how difficult this decision was for me. We have several options that don't require going somewhere totally unknown.....but still......I fear change. I honestly feel that this is what God is calling us to do so I am going. I just don't like the unknown. We will be slowly feeling the whole situation out and see what we think would be best. Norman was going to talk to the boys today about different options and their feelings about them to see where they stand. They always talk better to him than me.....maybe because my emotions tend to get in the way. We have only been at this church for about 3 years......I was hoping to not have to change again so soon.
On a more cheerful note, we will be making our annual "pilgrimage" to visit Norman's family this Thanksgiving holiday. I am looking forward to a change in scenery :)
We are studying James (today chapter 4) in Sunday School class and the last verse in that chapter said something to the effect of "if you know what you should do and you don't do it, then you are sinning". That really hit home with me. I know that there are many things in my life that I SHOULD be doing......actions and activities that I KNOW should be part of my daily life......my inaction is a SIN. It isn't simply I didn't do it.....I choose not to do it. And that is sin. I hope to examine some of those areas of my life in the next few weeks.
Since Thanksgiving is upon us I am going to post some things that I am thankful for. I should do this more often. I have so very much to be thankful for.
1. healthy children
2. loving, hardworking husband
3. our home and the things in it
4. my husbands job that provides for us
5. my health and the ability to care for my family
For the rest of the week I will try to post more things that I am thankful for. I encourage you to think about what God has blessed you with and thank Him for those things! God is Good all the time!!!!!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Norman Matthew
Just a quick post to let everyone know that Norman Matthew was born on Oct. 30, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. He weighed 7lbs 15ozs and is 20 inches long. Delivery was relatively quick.........the doctor almost didn't make it to catch him!!!! I have some recovery issues, but otherwise we are home and doing good!
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