becoming unleashed

What is holding you back?
This is a great series we're covering Sundays at Rolling Hills Community Church, called Unleashed. Today's sermon was about becoming unleashed from mediocrity and apathy to live with passion. Listen or watch past sermons from the series archives.

Expectations and Truth

The following was written by a new blog friend, Kelly, Paradise Found, and is shared with permission. Her words are a beautiful reminder of the breadth of God's love for us and to keep our focus on His truth amidst the ups and downs of everyday life. The Scripture she uses, I first came across this morning on another friend's blog description, Lindsay,The Button Fam, and so I have had the worship song "Mighty to Save" in my head all day. I added a music playlist to my blog in the sidebar, so you can check out the song and worship with me.

These are the things I can expect on any given day:
1. I will feel tired when I wake up
2. My husband and little man Matthew will make me coffee.
3. My kids will fight.
4. Not everyone will meet my expectations.
5. I will not accomplish all I feel I need to during the day.
6. I will feel love and frustration for my dear children.
7. I will feel angry at myself for the way I let my flesh respond to my kids sometimes.
8. I will worry about finances.
9. I will have laundry to fold.
10. There will be mess and mess and mess to clean up.

This is the truth I can hang my hat on:
"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

God is with me! He is strong and mighty! He takes delight in me! He quiets the chaos in my head with his love! He rejoices over me and sings over me! What will be my focus today? The expectations or the truth?

To Timbuktu

"From here to Timbuktu" is a figure of speech that describes an incredibly long journey. But, deep in Africa’s Sahara Desert, in the country of Mali, there really is a city called Timbuktu. The people there are predominantly Muslim. Earlier this year, Operation Christmas Child went all the way to Timbuktu to deliver gift-filled shoe boxes to thousands of children who had never received a Christmas gift.

Watch the video and read the story here, then learn more about how you can give a shoebox gift to share God's love with other children this Christmas: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/micro_timbuktu.asp

Here is an excerpt from the story:

"Even in the 21st century, the name Timbuktu still evokes a sense of legend, mystery, danger, and edge-of-the-world isolation. You don’t have to be able to find it on a map to use it as a figure of speech, as in “from here to Timbuktu,” meaning an endless journey. Many people think it is a mythical place like Atlantis or Shangri-La.

Timbuktu, though, really exists—and is really remote. Located in the country of Mali in the dead center of West Africa, Timbuktu once was the capital of a vast empire. Today, shrouded in the encroaching sands of the Sahara, it survives as an impoverished little city with a poetic name, a proud history, and a legacy as the cultural capital of Islam in Africa.

Just a few weeks before the celebration of Mohammad’s birthday, over 3,000 children in Timbuktu had a unique opportunity to discover the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ—thanks to an unprecedented journey by Operation Christmas Child.

Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has delivered 54 million shoe box gifts to girls and boys in over 130 countries in almost every corner of the earth. This year, though, was the first time that our Operation Christmas Child project has literally reached all the way to Timbuktu."



“The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. … They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God” (Isaiah 35:1, 2b, NKJV).

Blogger Friend School Assignment #6--"Precious Past"

age 3 months

I was born with club feet, so I am seen here with my first cast. My feet were straightened remarkably well and had no problems all my days of playing sports through school.

age 2 years

I love this little 'vintage' jumper and have always wished Mom would have kept it for me!

John 3:16 is also the verse that I most recall from childhood, as well. When I was 5, I accepted Jesus into my heart, and I'm told I said, "Jesus is tickling my tummy!"

Again, when I was 8, I accepted the Lord into my life because I just wanted to do it again to feel sure. This time I was old enough to really remember how good it felt to be changed. That night, I opened my Bible up, randomly turned to II Corinthians 5:17, and was fascinated to read a verse that spoke of how I was feeling at that moment. "If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, behold, he is made new!" I truly felt excited to be a new creation in Christ. I felt new, clean, and good. God has been so faithful to me throughout my life, and I will continue to follow Him.

Spiritual Sunday

At Church today...

Sermon Notes from morning services (9 & 11 am):

• Pastor Bill--(*Philippians 2) Seeking to find faults in others is a natural inclination because in doing so we make ourselves feel better. But, we cannot be one in Christ if we are only thinking of ourselves and doing what uplifts us. We preserve unity by being humble and selfless. A mindset of humility produces a life that is genuinely concerned for others above ourselves.

Children's Ministry Kick-Off Event (1-3 pm):

• Prayer requests were taken for each department of the ministry.
• Pastor Gary--God is living in us, so we are sent to finish His work--to be His hands and feet so that others will see Him. Let His Spirit radiate from our face, and in actions and words to each child/parent. We have much power to work with because it is His power at work in us.
• Pastor Jeff--Teach the elementary age that they are special/unique, but that they are a part of a body of Christ--that it isn't all about them, but what they do affects others within the body, as we strive to move them on towards maturity in their faith as they grow (one of the five principles we are to rally around as a team of small group leaders in teaching Jessica's age group this year--1. prayer 2. Bible 3. worship 4. evangelism 5. church).
• Introduced new curriculum--2*52 Basics

RHCC Reader Board:
"A critical spirit spreads like poison ivy."
Thoughts on Worship:
The past couple weeks we have had really powerful worship times leading into the morning service, or at least it was to me. I don't know if the new level of energy I felt was collective, or if it was God moving in me these particular weeks. Growing up Baptist, I am quite unaccustomed to 'losing myself' during music, don't feel comfortable with the raising hands thing or even clapping for the most part, and in the past, in general, I didn't even always get the hype of worship. I also could admit to times of thinking more about when we would get to sit down because my feet were hurting 2-3 songs in, as opposed to being swept away by the goodness and the glory of God.
Well, in the past weeks, I have been 'losing myself' in worship time--I mean, I would quite literally, forget about myself. I didn't think about slipping off my impractical shoes because they hurt my feet, if I liked what I was wearing, who was in the rows around me, or monitoring my singing to ensure it was on key and in a tone that no one could pick up. I just sang out as loud as I could, and I caught myself doing this without thinking about it, to my own surprise. The time flew by as I was captivated by the music and the wonder of praising God and lifting my voice to him. I got lumps in my throat and tears in my eyes, and as I tried to continue to sing out the praises, a couple of times I had to mentally abstain from processing the lyrics I was singing , because as I would put my whole heart into thinking and feeling passion for God, it would overtake me and the tears would sting and prick the backs of my eyes and cause that lump to grow in my throat again.
This was not an entirely new phenemonon for me in worship time, but it has been an all too rare occasion, and this was a whole new degree of emotion than I've ever felt before. It was a cathartic experience that left me nearly breathless and in wonder of our GREAT, GREAT God! I pray that I will truly experience God in worship times like this again, because in losing myself, I am focusing fully on Him. This kind of worship is, as one song shouted out, "For the glo--ry of the ri--sen King!"

Patriot Day--September 11th

In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. --Psalm 25:2-3

Well, it is now past midnight on Tuesday, September 11th (at least I'm still considering it Tuesday night, that is), but I really wanted to take time, even after a long, busy day, to write a few patriotic comments for Patriot Day.

We all remember where we were when we heard the news. Some of us didn't need to be told, as we were watching as the broadcast began. I remember I was awakened by a phone call from my husband who was already at work (we're Pacific Time), and he told me I had to get up and turn on the TV. I remember him saying something like, "This is a big deal!", and something about Pearl Harbor. I remember feeling shaken up and a gloom settled over me, as my toddler woke up and snuggled into my crowded lap where I sat on the couch in front of the television. I was nearly eight months pregnant and preparing to deliver our son a few short weeks. "What kind of world am I bringing this child into?" I thought. Is this the start of 'wars and rumors of wars'? Is the world winding down to its final days? Is my son going to grow up in a world of war, and have to fight for his freedoms? Is there going to be any freedoms left by that time? So many unanswerable questions came to mind then.

"Great is Thy faithfulness, Oh God My Father. There is no darkness or turning with Him. Thy changest not, Thy compassions they fail not. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."

I sing that now, as I sit and blog. I love old hymns.

Did you know September 11th is called Patriot Day? I like this name for it. Everyone says, "Let us never forget...", and this is good. I hope we teach our children not the tragedy, so much as the triumph that comes out of tragedy. The pariotism we saw following that fateful day was beyond anything this generation has ever experienced in our history. I loved that American flags were sold out and on back order. Are we still flying those flags? Are we still supporting the war on terror?...or did we already forget?

"Today our nation remembers -- we remember a sad and terrible day, September the 11th, 2001. We remember lives lost. We remember the heroic deeds. We remember the compassion and the decency of our fellow citizens on that terrible day.
Also today is a day of prayer. We pray for the husbands and wives and moms and dads and sons and daughters and loved ones of those who still grieve and hurt. We pray for strength and wisdom. We thank God for the many blessings of this nation, and we ask His blessings on those who especially hurt today."
President George W. Bush

I received an amazing powerpoint slideshow via email (and passed it on to most everyone in our address book--which I don't usually do, but this one was fascinating). It was said to be photos that did not come out for years, and they were supposedly taken by military because they were taken in the air, as the towers collapsed, and after all aircraft had been ordered down.
I viewed this slideshow with my children and it opened up great discussion with them of the events of that day. We talked about Patriot Day today, and how it is now a day to remember what happened on September 11th not because it was something good to celebrate, but because it is good to remember for it shows how our country perservered such a tragedy to become stronger than we were. We are all PATRIOTS--those who stand for our country in good times and bad, and will fight for the freedoms we have.

Blogger Friend School Assignment #1: "Meme Style"

I began blogging this past March after reading the blogs of family/friends who were new bloggers. It looked fun, and I love to write, scrapbook, etc., so I was drawn to try it out and became hooked. Blogging has been a fun and inspiring incorporation of some of my favorite things. I try to blog several times each week. I am looking forward to the opportunity for routine again after a very busy summer. I should be blogging more regularly again soon.

A dream place I would blog if given the chance would be on top of a mountain in the Wallowas, which is a place I was at this summer during our vacation. I would like to be there by myself, sitting in the sunshine and quiet, and be able to forget about passing time, schedules, and things to do. I would love to have a whole day just to blog and read blogs.

As it is, I usually blog late at night when everyone else is in bed and the house is quiet, but sometimes I blog during breaks in the day. My favorite drinks are lightly sweetened ice tea, sparkling water and juices, and iced white mocha espresso. My favorite dessert is really rich chocolate cheesecake--I bought this cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory last Valentine's Day. I haven't had it since, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about it.

I can't choose a favorite book, but I love books--I love just having books--just knowing a book is there to read even if I can't get to it. I never read just one book at a time--it is always several at once. I often start in the middle, or even at the end, of a book and skip around, but that is only after reading the front/back covers, inside flaps, preface, table of contents, credits, etc. I explore the book, get a feel for it, skim the contents, and then settle in eventually.

A scripture that has been an inspiration to me is James 3:13-18, which says, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes form wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

"Thankful Thursday" # 1

It is time to begin another day of themes--it is always good to be thankful. Being thankful changes your outlook on life--and I don't mean just thinking your thankful--being thankful is different. It is taking time to really acknowledge what you have in life that is good, and then letting this knowledge of God's blessings change your heart, attitudes, and actions. It is about choosing to let go of what is wrong--to not acknowledge what isn't so good in life for a time, so that only peace and praise exist in your heart.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8

I am thankful for (a lot) but...for today, hmmm...I am thankful, in particular, that I have no cavities following today's dentist appointment, that it was my favorite weather today (sunny and upper 70's), that I am feeling so excited about homeschool planning lately, as well as homemaking this week, for fun in the sun with my children, that Jac got to go on a Willamette speedboat ride today as part of his day at work (he got to enjoy the sun and have fun, too), and, finally, that Jac and I have been so kind and respectful to each other this week. I love the way that feels--when we just really connect and click--I see his eyes sparkle, we smile at each other, my heart fills up...yes, I'm most thankful for that this week.

Training Loving Hearts Award

You will soon see the "Training Loving Hearts Award" graphic on my blog, and you will be able to check out the site that issues the award for yourself. This award has been created to honor those families who are committed to 'Training Loving Hearts' in their children.

Committment Pledge:
We are a Christian family desiring to raise our children with the primary focus of Training their Hearts!

"I have no greater joy, than to hear my children walk in truth..." III John 1:4

"Train up the child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart form it." Proverbs 22:6

"Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!" Deuteronomy 5:29

Planet Earth

Jac, our resident 'Planet Earth' photographer, captured this breathtaking scene of Mt. Hood on his recent flight to Brazil. Unfortunately, it was dark (both ways) flying over the Amazon Rainforest.

"I lift my eyes up to the mountains--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1,2

Happy Earth Day, 2007!

Did you know that if the earth's land were divided up equally among all of its inhabitants, we would each own 4 acres? What are you doing to preserve your part of the planet; to leave behind a place that is healthy and of some value to the next generation?

Never really thought I'd be saying that...as a conservative Christian, I guess I just usually, and probably without really thinking, distance myself from secular, humanistic agendas, and I am turned off by those who seem to 'worship' nature instead of Creator. Besides, our treasure is supposed to be in heaven, right? However, going along with our last series of teaching at church, I have been putting more thought into secular and global issues because it is exactly that closed-mindedness, of Christians like myself, which turns off so many who need to know our Savior.

Have you seen the "ground-breaking 11-part series, Planet Earth, that was 5 years in the making, 2,000 days of filming, 204 locations..."? We have been watching it on Discovery for the past few weeks. It really is amazing and has affected me...I have been seeing the world around me differently because of these amazing photographers. They captured such dramatic, mostly never-before-seen (or filmed) nature events. I couldn't believe how many things from nature I had never seen or even heard of before!...Jim heard that this project had no limitations of the budget, but only the assignment to succeed in making the best documentary on the Planet!

On another documentary I saw this weedend, "Green, the new Red, White, and Blue", there were other interesting facts--mostly ones that made you really stop and evaluate how you can save energy and reduce waste. Now, this has always been something I felt was important. I have always done the an environmental unit in the classrooms I've taught, which included a fun recycling project. The object of this project was simply to make something useful out of what we would normally throw away. The kids loved this project and it got them thinking creatively about new uses for things.

The idea to take away here is that this world exceeds anything man could ever fully understand, and every awesome aspect of nature speaks to the amazing God who made it all. The Bible even speaks of how all of nature praises Him (Psalm 148). And, yes, this God put man here to "fill the earth and subdue" it (Genesis 1:28), but He also wants us to take care of it out of respect for Him who made it.

"You made him ruler over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet." Psalm 8:6

God is Good

The following is a good reminder for us to remember God is in control in times of trouble, even though we do not understand it all. This is written by Bill Perkins, of Million Mighty Men ministry.

"Today I'm asking, "Why would someone kill 32 people, most of them kids, at Virginia Tech? (I can't write the words without seeing the bloody image of a victim being carried out on of a building). Behind that question lingers a harder question: Why would God allow such a terrible thing to happen?

If a friend who's hurting asks you that question the best answer is no answer. Just silence and a hug, a tear, and a prayer.

Of course, hundreds of books have been written which attempt to answer the question: Why does God allow suffering? While no answer removes the pain of a loss, I've found that with understanding comes comfort and hope. I've discovered in the Bible a number of truths:

First, life is difficult and God is good. Just as an artist uses black paint to make shadows, without which a painting would have no contrast, so God uses hardship in our lives. In Romans 8:28 Paul declares that God uses "all" things for the good of those who love him.

Second, God allows us to suffer to enable us to comfort others. The person who has been wrapped in the blanket of God's comfort is best able to offer it to a hurting friend. A parent who has grieved the loss of a child is best able to offer comfort to another grieving parent. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Third, God allows us to suffer to show us our weakness so we can rely on his strength. Paul said he suffered so that, "we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:9).

Fourth, while my losses may confound and anger me, God knows what he's doing. Job freely challenged the goodness and wisdom of God after the loss of his family, wealth and health. After God had addressed his questions, Job said, "I spoke of things I did not understand. Things too wonderful for me to know" (Job 41:3).

Fifth, while God created man with the potential to do evil, God is not responsible for evil and suffering. We are. The choice to sin and walk away from God brought with it many consequences--including suffering and death.

I know that when I hurt the most, while the pain lingered, the assurance that God is up to something good gave me strength. I think the psalmist said it best: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . .
'Be still, and know that I am God'" (Psalm 46:1-2, 10). "

Steadfast at Home

Here is the site description from New Harvest Homestead , an email newsletter. This purpose statement supports what I value based on how I was raised, my parents were raised, and on down the line. There is more to the country life than one might think.
"The word "homestead" tends to evoke an image of pioneers living off of the land. However, we have come to embrace the literal meaning of the word which, simply put, means to be "steadfast at home". We want to encourage and assist Christians in rediscovering the practical skills and home arts which were once commonplace in our culture, but have been all but lost to the last couple of generations. We especially want to encourage women who want to give the majority of their time and energy to their families and homes, in contrast to a culture where women are constantly on the go. The rewards of the homestead or home-centered lifestyle are manifold. Life becomes quieter and less complicated. There is a great joy and satisfaction in working with our own two hands to provide for our family's needs. Most importantly, the more we interact with God's creation, the better we get to know the Creator Himself."

"But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need."
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12