Find out what Noah said... about mom's bad breath, over at "Laced With Grace" today;) (Mabe I should cut back on coffee? Nah. Don't think so! 
Sorry for the re-post-messed up when I posted ... this should be better viewing;)
Punkin' Pickin'....
Hmmmm and a party, with friends.....
Busy, busy weekend;)
ps I tried to avoid being in the pics... due to looking like a cat with thyroid prblems, doubling up on steroids....FAT. Alas, I was forced into one pic. I have started a diet today. (yes, again) fyi. yuk.
RSS subscribers... sorry for the re-posts.. The "interesting" characters in the text below- are problems with copy-cut pasting a word doc into blogger... if annyone knows how to fix or avoid- I'd greatly appreciate the help--- I promise- it's ROUGH.. but not THAT rough! ;) Seems to be an issue with just the punctuation, btw;) Please do not copy without permission: See copyright info at sidebar;) Update on book project..... well- 96 pages in- I can tell you this--- printing 96 pages takes more than an hour. My printer is squeaking like a mouse with cramps. I may need a new printer before this project is complete. The 96 pages are very rough, and the printing is so that I can better organize and edit- (just easier for me to "see" the hardcopy- verses the doc file;) so a little bit to share: Excerpt from Book Project- Missional Mom
What is a “Missional Mom”?
In the middle of the night, the missionary closed her eyes in silent prayer. “Oh Jesus, I need your help.” Since responding to the call to missions, her nights had become times of struggle, tears and exhaustion. The natives were most needy at night. It was also at night, that the missionary was most tired.
All day long, she fed the hungry, clothed the naked and bound up both broken bodies, and the broken hearted. Over time, she had gained the natives’ trust, and they requested her judgment, in their social squabbles. In meeting the needs of those she ministered to, she cleaned, she cooked and she served. She also spent time in working to support her ministry financially. It was exhausting, and exhilarating at the same time. Boring and adventurous.
“Oh Jesus, I need your help”
The same prayer was on her lips the day she discovered God’s call on her life, to join the mission field. There had been a rare, visible sign, that day. One that had made clear to her, what He was planning for her.
A visible “blue double line”, sign. Blue double lines, in the tiny window of her home pregnancy test. “Oh Jesus, I need your help” She prayed then, too.
I know, because the missionary, is me. Those blue lines were one of the most concrete messages God, has ever given me. It was my “Clear Blue Easy” calling into the mission field of mothering. Since that day, it has been an adventure that has been just as dangerous, thrilling and sometimes as mind numbingly boring, as any other mission field.
I am a wife of 18 years. I am a Mom to 3 boys, 17, 14 and (surprise) 4. I am a neighbor, and a friend. I am a missionary. I’ve clothed little naked children, I’ve fed hungry stomaches. (Sometimes, I’ve wondered if my teenagers have some kind of strange mission field parasite, that causes never ending hunger! These boys can EAT!) I’ve been the judge over countless “native counsels” where wisdom was required. “Who’s turn is it on the computer?” is a common one, at this point. I’ve had to learn their changing cultures, from Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer, to online gaming and internet safety. I’ve grown in my skill with their languages and needs. “What up, Dawg?” sounds ridiculous when it comes from a mom of teens mouth, fyi.
I’ve been supportive of my husband, through struggles and job changes, sickness and health. I’ve tried to make sure there is (at least occasionally) time for sex, in a marriage crammed with responsibilities. All along I’ve prayed the same prayer “Oh Jesus, help me.”
There are languages and cultures I’ve had to learn to understand and respect, like the world of Dora the Explorer, and online gaming, The culture of a business man, and the language of a marketing executive. I have learned the socio-cultural ritual of deer hunting. I have learned to live with and love my native neighbors, whether they are Muslim, Hindi or cranky yard gestapo members. There is no doubt, that I am a missionary. Right here in my home.
If you’re reading this, I say with confidence, so are you. Regardless of how you came into mothering, whether conventionally, through marriage and pregnancy, finding your “Clear Blue Easy” double “calling” line, like I did, or through single parenting or step parenting or adoption, you are called.
A Missional Mom’s primary mission, is to (ad) minister the love and grace of Christ, through modeling and loving her family and friends in the way that Christ loved her. She does this through meeting their needs, effectively teaching the truth and sharing the comfort that He has given her.
This News story, broke my heart. Partly because it was just sad, and partly because I think it happens every single day..... you can read my post for today , on the topic of Freedom in Christ, over at "Laced With Grace" . It's the devotional blog, that I also write for.
Name Game MeMe
1. Your rockstar name (pet & current street name): Sami Bluesprings
2. Your movie star name (grandfather / grandmother on your mom's side & your favorite candy): Gloria Chocolate
3. Your "Fly Guy / Girl" name (first initial of last name, first three letters of your middle name): S Lyn
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal): Purple Penguin
5.YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born): Lynn Livonia
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name and first 3 letters of the town you grew up in.) Soltrmawes
7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, favorite drink): The Purple Latte
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of both your grandfathers): Robert Nicholas
9. FUTURISTIC NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite shoes) Chanel Heels
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother/father's middle name) Lynn James
If you'd like to play- consider yourself tagged.
A hard days work... but not alone.
A bit closer to the cuteness:
Mommy was "working" too....... making progress on the "Print of the Wave Stole" First corner conquered..... edging not so scary;)
I've been writing. (well today- I finally came up with something after a few days of NOTHING.) My Speaking on Wednesday? - went well;) Plenty of Potty talk;) Tried to post my outline... but apparently copy/ cut/ paste from a word .doc ends up looking pretty strange in Blogger! This arrived at our house today.... if it doesn't work... we're switching to newspaper on the floor and a swat to the nose for accidents... kidding... kidding... mostly;) Hmmmm There is a urial in my bathroom.....that's interesting. I'm listening to: Chris Tomlin's book: "The Way I was Made" Highly recommend. Although- I have to keep editing out the parts where he's talking about the best time to deal with these issues is NOW while you're in COLLEGE.... ummm I suppose I haven't finished college, so I COULD be included in that group--- but then, I'm not GOING either... so I'm just OLD. That's fine, still applies- just editing him in my head;) I'm knitting the border on my Print O the Wave Stole...... having trouble figuring out the corner thing... whatever- will just keep going. Here are the verses God and I are discussing, at the moment: (from the book mentioned above) Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.
If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 138
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.
May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 8
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
What amazes me about these verses... is not what God thinks of US, but THAT He does at all.
Lord- I see in your word- not how you think of me, but that You think of me at all. It speaks of YOUR gentleness and loving nature... not of my worthiness, but of your tender love- I love you Lord- amen
In the morning, I'll be speaking on an interesting topic at a local Mothers group....interesting because I feel like a LOSER when it comes to this topic......PottyTraining! You can read my post at "Laced in Grace" to find out more... Thought I'd post my outline;) Dirty Jobs: Mom Edition
Fresh Air…. For the Not so Fresh Season of Potty Training
Tracey Solomon, MOPS Intl. Council Coordinator
soltrcy@aol.com
website: http://nottinbutknittin.blogspot.com/
Potty relay race- timed fill and dump- Chocolate prize
Pride and the Potty:
Potty training is not a competition. We lose- when we compare and compete.
Potty Readiness:
Stand, sit and otherwise reach the potty un-aided.
Shows interest in using the potty
Dry during naps or over night
Recognize when wet- or messy
Recognizing the urge
Who’s Training whom?
Cooperative effort…learning each child.
Watching and taking the cues
Motivating with what works, may vary from child to child
Modeling: “Mommy, can I watch?”
Potty Training Supplies:
Pull ups
training pants/ plastic pants
Underwear-
Potty Seat- or stool- (assure fit, comfort and ease of cleaning)
Urine Gone, paper towels or other cleaning supplies
Newspaper ;) (kidding)
The Preliminaries:
Check for readiness
“Modeling and Discussion”- Books videos etc.
“Catching them going” (quick wins)
The switch… potty pants
The Dirty Job:
Potty Placement- access access access
Private poopers vs Audience performers
Practice, practice, practice- cleaning up is half the fun.
The re-do
Wait a week or two- and try again.
Common Regression Causes:
New baby regression, moving, death, divorce, job status, care giver change…etc.
Special Problems:
See the primary care giver, if:
A child suddenly stops using the potty without major changes to environment
Constipation or pain upon defecating
Pain during urination-
Night time wetness-
Discipline:
Whether verbal or physical, is entirely counter productive, and can be very damaging. Positive reinforcement, is both healthier and more effective.
Tips and tricks:
Ready Aim shoot: The Cheerio method for boys.
Underwear AKA: Creative use of favorite character guilt;)
The timer: set it, so you won’t forget it;)
Bribery- (short term goals and long term ones) The bucket, M & M’s
Books and movies
“bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father” Colossians 1:10b-12 a
Resources:
Toddler Urinal: Target.com and amazon.com
Parenting books:
Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro (Paperback) by Teri Crane
Potty Training 1-2-3: What Works, How it Works, Why it Works by Gary Ezzo, Anne Marie Ezzo
Pottywise for Toddlers: A Developmental Readiness Approach to Potty Training by Gary Ezzo, Robert Bucknam
Toilet Training: A Practical Guide to Daytime and Nighttime Training by Vicki Lansky
Keys to Toilet Training (Barron's Parenting Keys) by Meg Zweiback
Kid friendly books/ DVDS:
I Gotta Go!: A Must-Have for Every Stage of Potty Training (2003)
Koko Bear's New Potty: A Practical Parenting Read-Together Book (Lansky, Vicki. Practical Parenting Read-Together Book.) (Paperback)
Once Upon a Potty Gift Bundle- (anatomically correct- be warned)
Potty Elmo
Potty Training Readiness Quiz: http://pediatrics.about.com/od/pottytraining/l/bl_potty_rdy.htm
Is your child...
at least 18 months old?
in a stable and fairly predictable routine, and not experiencing a big change in his life or usual routine, like the arrival of a new baby, change in daycare, or family move?
staying dry for at least two hours at a time during the day?
staying dry after naps?
having regular bowel movements at about the same time each day?
able to follow simple instructions?
generally cooperative and not in a very negative phase where he says 'no' to everything?
able to say (or sign) simple one-word expressions, like 'poop' and 'potty'?
uncomfortable in dirty diapers?
asking to use the potty?
able to sit down quitely for 4-5 minutes at a time?
telling you when he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement?
showing you, either with his facial expressions or his posture, that he is about to urinate or have a bowel movement?
able to walk to the bathroom?
able to help take off his diaper and undress himself?
asking to wear underwear instead of diapers?
happy to please his parents?
proud when he does something that pleases you?
trying to imitate what other children or family members are doing, especially using the potty?
Secret Pal 9:
List your favorite:
Actor - none really
Actress - sandra bullock
Animal - children
Band - third day
Book - jane eyre
Bubble Bath - lavender
Candy - dark chocolate
Color -jewel tones... depends on mood: Purple red fuschia
Drink- coffee
Flower - roses lavender pansy's
Food - pasta/ bread
Lip Balm - burts bees shimmer- bronze
Lotion - crabtree and evelyn- lavender
Movie - none really...
Place- venice italy
Song - hmmmmm depends on my mood
TV Show - myth busters survivorman (we're a discovery channel family;)
Yarn- Malabrigo- knit picks panache, KSH
Vacation Spot - the beach- any beach;)
Dear Lord, Jesus-
I pray for the people of New York. First I pray for those who are involved in the plane crash and the building that it hit. I pray for the fire-fighters who are working to rescue those who are trapped. God bring your protection and presense. I pray for those who are seeing or witnessing this- who have already experienced the plane hitting on 911... I can't imagine the fear and suffering this would bring. Bring your comfort, God and your peace.
Lord- I pray that you would be present in comfort and love to each one- in Jesus Name amen.
Today, I'm thinking.
(don't be so surprised;)
Here is what I'm thinking about:
Ravi Zacharias' "Let My People Think" Podcast
A 6 part Leadership seminar on "Worship"
It is excellent.
Why the spinning pics?
'Cause I've been spinning and listening and thinking.... my spinning is improving. The roving is hand dyed.... I bought ages ago. It's not very soft.... but the colors are great. (ocean/water colors)
Anyway- hopefully I'll spend the afternoon writing.
Also still knitting away... knee deep in my "Print o the Waves wrap" on repeat 32 of 34. I was etting excited... like "I'm almost there" until I found out it's the edging that that takes forever. Disappointed because I started this in July. (among a number of oher things- many that I actually DID finish!)
more pics tomorrow;)
"Laced With Grace" Opens today!!!!!!
“Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Savior
I know for sure all of my days are held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plans
You gently called me into Your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life
Through Your eyes
I’m captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart. I know You’re calling me to yourself
Teach me, Lord. I pray
Take me, mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the potter’s hand
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the potter’s hand”
~ Darlene Zschech “The Potter’s Hand”
There is also big news over at Missional Mom.....
I was a closet karaoke queen, long before karaoke was ever invented.
It started in elementary school. Where we started to sing in unison. BORING....... unison singing was just plain boring. I wanted to make music, not noise with a bunch of little kids. (Somehow I missed that I was a noisy little kid...) But I practiced. I screeched and sang in my bedroom, seriously intent on being noticed above the unison fray. (Maybe we all did the same thing... maybe thats exactly why we were so very BAD!)
I wasn't discovered, but I didn't give up. I got older- and moved my "studio" to the basement.
I spent (way too many) long hours in there, in the unfinished basement, or our ranch house. FYI- basements have great natural concrete sound bouncing reverb, especially if your singing sounds like an injured animal.) I belted out "Helen Reddy" tunes. (Delta Dawn was a favorite)
(my mom's 8 tracks- she had quite a collection... mostly pmsy sounding 70's woman music- well that and Johnny Mathis- LOTS of Johnny Mathis)
Until the 80's, when I got my first WALK MAN. Thats when I started singing my own
tunes.... Cyndi Lauper had nothin on me, I'll tell you! (And yes- everyone sounds great if you are
wearing headphones- and can't hear yourself;) I was sure I would be "discovered".
I am so glad that those hours and hours spent singing and dancing my heart out- took place below ground level! I'm sure the neighbors were unknowingly relieved, too.
I dreamed of singing onstage. I had no idea how bad I was.
My (pathetic) singing, eventually escaped the basement. I joined, (yes, I really did) CHOIR. My dreams of solo singing went un-fulfilled. (I was more of a "mostly"on key, but not really great tone quality, kind of girl. I did sing one solo song in a concert.... but that was enough for all of us;)
I could read music, I could hold a part, but solo singer? I was not. (and never will be;)
I learned the joy and necessity of harmony.
WOW. What a difference. Even my small pathetic voice- could be a part of a great sounding harmony.
In a nutshell.... harmony is when a number of people are singing the same song, while at the same time, they are each singing individual, and often times different, notes. The music blends to create one "harmonious" sound. Much richer and more beautiful than the unison music we'd done in elementary school, or the basement re-verb I experimented with so often.
Harmony.
As a Christian, I think I've sometimes confused God's desire for us to live in harmony, with as though- in order to be singing the same song, we must be singing in unison.
The same note at the same time. As though living in harmony should be some kind of lock step russian soldier march...
1 Peter 3:8-9
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
What if God understands harmony? What if God isn't calling us to live in unison, but in harmony with each other? Now- don't get me wrong- we absolutely must be singing the same song.
The Gospel of the one and only way to heaven, the Risen Christ.
That's the song. No negotiating there. But, what if there are a number of different notes that are to be played? At the same time? Creating a harmony of faith.
There are lots of issues that divide and separate Christians. I wonder what would happen if we spent more time working on harmonies. Instead of practicing for our solos.
Maybe the world would hear our song, and respond, to the beauty of God's orchestration, if we learned to hold our own notes- without overtaking the notes of others.
Sure- there will be clinkers along the way. Notes that need to be refined- retuned, or removed, because they are not singing the same song. They strike a discord.
But- I gotta believe- the same God who created the universe, with all it's diversity and varied beauty, sun and shadow, texture and sound, would he really prefer a unison chant? Or a Harmonious song?
I don't have the answers to where the lines are- I don't write the music- I just do my best to hold my note.... But- I know who does...
Let's pray....
Dear lord- I pray for your wisdom, I pray for your Spirit, to fill us with an understanding of what are dischordant notes, and what are notes of the same song- sung in harmony. I pay that the Body of Christ would love each other- and learn to sing in harmony- each one holding the part you've given them, while blending with the notes of others- I pray that we would be wise as serpents and gentle as doves... that we would know where to draw lines and where to respect differences- I love you Lord- amen.
Something I heard, has had me thinking about this----
Imago Dei Podcast--- Symmetrical Expression Of Christ-
A great podcast to listen too--- you don't need an ipod.... just listen on your computer;) click the link to hear;)
Laced With Grace.
A few days back- I posted that God was both completing an area of ministry- (The CWO Team Blog, which will be missed by all) and opening a few new chapters, In my life.
I'm thrilled to announce that Iris has answered God's call to create a Devotional Team Blog, called "Laced With Grace". SHe's asked me to be a part- and I look forward to posting there in Tusedays!
There are a number of team members, and this blog will offer a unique voice of encouragement to anyone who wanders by, via the internet. Please stop by for a "look-see"! And- please pray as team member prepare their hearts and share what God shows, through their writing.
More later;)
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
natural fibers--- not into novelty stuff.... pretty varied. OUtside of felting- I don't like itchy or squeaky stuff....(not huge on cotton unless its a blend, and don't really like acrylic)
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Pretty needles rolls;) love them
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? A few years....Intermediate to intermediate advanced.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? yep but it's ridiculous stuff for my husband to buy, mostly... (which he won't;)
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) Vanilla, chocolate, and roses...
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? CHOCOLATE.... DARK.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Spin. Yep- never thought I would.. but addicitons suck you in- i suppose.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Varied- mostly christian newer stuff though;) have an ipod, and not afraid to use it.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Yellow. and orange is pretty close behind it.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? 2 cats a dog- (AKA Bad Dog Sami- the Beagle) Married- 3 sons- 17, 14 and 4;)
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? scarves, wraps, mittens- NO PONCHOS. They make me look like a pregnant woman with an arrow pointing to my butt.. no tthe look I'm going for.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Lace is prob #1 then quick to finish stuff... like cabling thought i'm new to it;)
13. What are you knitting right now? Eunny Jangs Print o' the Wave Stole--- unless I rip it out in a hormonal outrage beore i hit send.
Also misc. socks and starting christmas knitting.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? yep
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? right needles for the right job;)
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? yep;)
17. How old is your oldest UFO? My oldest son- nearly 17. Oh you mean knitting? Oh probably 1 year or less....
18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas/tied with Easter
19. Is there anything that you collect? besides yarn? longaberger baskets... clutter;)
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I subscribe to spin-off. I usually like somethng in Interweave knits- but don't get it at home....
Blue Sky Alpaca DPNs;) US size 1 and 2
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? To finish what I start? Color work.. probably;)
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? i wear a 6 1/2 or 7 ;)
23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 8/31
