In Celebration Mode

Today marked the official last day of school for us. Everyone is pretty excited around here! We have had a number of celebrations around here to mark the accomplishments of our first school year here. Although the transition hasn't always been easy, it has been good.

God is good and what He does is good.
from Psalm 119:68.

As the summer festivities continue, may you enjoy a wonderful day tomorrow as you celebrate Canada Day with family and friends.

Just Sign Here

Trying to be a responsible parent this morning, I gave my kids a three minute warning till our departure time for school and added in - "Did you grab a snack? Is there anything I need to sign for today?"
It was after the second question that one of my children said, "oh, yah...can you sign this?"
I said, "sure, just bring it here."

Seconds later the child brought it to me and as I glanced over the form gave an incredulous look! It was entitled, "Talking about Changes Interview."

On the form were 7 questions about growing up and puberty.

By now we were down to two minutes.

I said, "Sweetie, we can't cover this now. These are good questions and I would love time with you on this"

...after a bit more discussion we settled by making a date and time for this discussion.

This definitely isn't our first discussion on the matter and won't our last either. We work at being open about these topics taking and making opportunities to talk through them. I pray often for the kids to be surrounded by people they trust so that there are others they can talk to that love them and speak godly words into their lives in a loving way.

Even if I struggle for the courage myself, I don't believe it benefits our kids to be scared of or to ignore "growing up" topics. The Book study group we are a part of right now is going through "The Reason For God." We all have doubts and issues we struggle with in life and the author, Timothy Keller argues that;

Believers should acknowledge and wrestle with doubts - not only their own but their friends' and neighbours'. It is no longer sufficient to hold beliefs just because you inherited them. Only if you struggle long and hard with objections to your faith will you be able to provide grounds for your beliefs to skeptics, including yourself, that are plausible rather than ridiculous or offensive.

What does this have to do with addressing issues of sexuality with ones child you ask? For starters I think about the impact of media on these issues. Our culture fosters an ideal image, it teaches using feminine powers for personal gain, sexuality is portrayed as a casual fling rather than a God given gift for a lifelong commitment. In these issues alone I believe there are doubts and fears and beliefs to be wrestled with not only for our children but for us as well - issues such as what we believe about ourselves, about God's design for marriage, about making the choice to following God resolutely (See *Psalm 119:9, 30, 36, 59 and so many others!). If we are to sympathize with our children and young adults and friends at church and in our neighbourhood as well as our own personal situations we would be wise to take time to struggle through these issues, to find God's way in them and strive to grow in stronger faith in God through them.

I am definitely no expert on this and am thankful for authors such as Vicky Courtney and Dr. Kevin Leman who speak into these issues with godly advice. I do know however, that as inept as I feel about parenting, God has called me to it. I want to be faithful.

*Psalm 119: 9, 30, 36, 59 (NIV)
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to Your Word.

I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on Your Laws.

Turn my heart toward Your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.

I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to Your Statutes.

"I Want to be Grown Up!"

Tonight Dave and I were with another couple. The kids had already been tucked into bed. While we were talking my son came up and found a spot in the hallway where he could quietly motion for me to come to him. I quickly got up. I was curious about the glow on his face as I knew he had a loose tooth and thought maybe it was out. When I was very close and leaning in he showed me his mouth and his extremely wriggly tooth and said, "it wants to come out!" I said, "tonight?" "Yes, my tooth is saying, 'I want to be grown up!"
I took him to the bathroom so we could have some space. He wasn't sure what to do next so I asked if he wanted me to try. Just an aside here, the girls NEVER would have let me do that.
So we both wriggled and twisted. It didn't quite seem ready to do the grown up thing yet. I asked several times, "are you sure tonight's the night?" With a big smile, he assured me he would not go to bed until it was out!
He was determined and glowing and so excited for the grown up tooth to make its way in.

As parents we are finding there are many aspects to growing up. Some are very painful and bring us to our knees and others are cause for great celebration. Although we have experienced both this week I am very happy to end my day in celebration. In one situation we are working through it with tears and prayer, learning as much as we can in the midst of a difficult experience and with the other it is a glowing celebration.

Song for the Season?

I think one of the great mental benefits of running is that is allows for one to clear their head and to think through issues. I don't always bring my IPOD with me but happened to today. I was listening to the group Mercy Me. The song "Crazy" came up. It spoke to me on runs a couple years ago and continues to today. Our daily walk with God is filled with so many choices and so many thoughts.

Psalm 119:33
Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.

Here are the lyrics.

Why I would I spend my life longing for the day that it would end..
Why would I spend my time pointing to another man..
Isn't that crazy

How can I find hope in dying, with promises unseen..
How can I learn your way is better
In everything I'm taught to be..
Isn't that crazy

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who's calling out to me..
And even though the world may think
I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy
To choose this world over eternity

And if I boast let me boast
Of filthy rags made clean
And if I glory let me glory
In my Savior's suffering
Isn't that crazy

And as I live this daily life
I trust you for everything
And I will only take a step
When I feel You leading me
Isn't that crazy

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who is calling out to me..
And even though the world my think
I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy
To choose this world over eternity

Call me crazy
You can call me crazy
Call me crazy

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who is calling out to me..
And even though the world may think that
I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy, It would be crazy, It would be crazy
To choose this world over eternity

Isn't That crazy..
Call me crazy
You can call me crazy
Call me crazy

You Know Somthing is on Your Mind When...

My son (who is 6 years old) has been wearing a lot of green around the house lately, not in an envy sort of way, literal green. He and Dave have been cheering for the Boston Celtics (basketball) during the season and now especially throughout playoffs. Dave bought him a Celtics jersey this spring in hopes that his son would become a fan just like he is a fan. I too jumped on board and found him a vintage Boston Celtics t-shirt. Between Alexander's complete devotion to Dave and absolute infatuation with clothing of the sort - it worked. He is a fan.

Last night we had a book club meeting at our house. Alexander was watching the game downstairs while we were meeting upstairs. For the first few minutes of the game he came up every time Boston scored. Enough of us were distracted by the thought of missing the game that we had to ask him to just inform us of when the Lakers got ahead. So throughout the evening we would hear an excited 6 year old cheer every time Boston scored. It brought a smile to my face every time! I even ran down once to kiss his sweet face and hear his take on the game.

At half time I had to turn the TV off and tuck him into bed. He fell asleep with the jersey beside his bed, ready to put it on first thing in the morning should they win.

This morning, REALLY early - 5:44am - our son ran to our room and in that I-can't-control-the-volume-of-my-voice asked, "Dad, did the Celtics win??" We all shared a moment of disappointment and pulled him into our bed to sleep it off.

I love that. I have been studying Psalm 119 and this love and joy Alexander has for his Dad is an example to me of the way the Psalmist truly needs God's love; believes and is delighted with God.

Our son LOVES his Dad. He studies his behaviours, He makes cards for him at school all the time with the cutest poems and drawings. He speaks fondly of his Dad and knows for a fact that his Dad loves him. Dad's interests are his interests. He wakes up in the middle of the night remembering things that are important to him.

The Psalmist finds this complete delight in God. He meditates on God's word and it is life! Read Psalm 119: 55 and 62.
In the night I remember your name, O Lord,and I will keep your law.

At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

When we read phrases like these in these verses and throughout Psalm 119 we see how much time the psalmist invests in God's Word. He remembers, he clings to, he meditates on, he finds comfort in it. When he wakes up at night or can't fall asleep at night his thoughts are on God; on giving Him praise. These verses are among stanzas filled with affliction and the Psalmist is refusing vain imaginations and choosing to remembering God and to give Him thanks.

Two favourite passages of mine that I say to fight my tendency to worry are from Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:6-7.

My prayer is that you would delight in God. That when you wake up at night you would remember the Words and Testimonies of God. That when fear threatens you at night, you would replace that with the Word of God, letting that wash over you and bring you peace and confidence.

Anyone with Tween Girls?

I was so excited this morning to come across a Mother-Daughter Bible study for Mom's with Tween age daughters - ages 8 to 12. The study is happening this summer and although they are starting it soon online one can do it at their own pace and refer to the study online when or if wanted.

The author is Vicki Courtney. I have read her book, "Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter." I highly recommend it. This study is brand new and goes through the entire book of Proverbs in a magabook format - part magazine, part book.

I have ordered the book and will be doing the study this summer with my 9 year old and my almost 11 year old girls.

Here is the link in case you are interested in doing the study as well. I'd love to know if you are doing it with your daughter(s). Send me a note or respond here on the blog.

http://vickicourtney.com/bookstore/item_25/Between-God-Me.htm

Also thought I should add the link to her online study site in case you would like to sign in and take part with the larger online world. Follow this link.

http://vickicourtney.com/2010/06/between-a-journey-through-proverbs-week-1/#comments

The Best Broccoli You've Ever Tasted

I haven't posted a recipe for awhile. I have come across a few good ones but one stands out as being AMAZING! One of the reviews for the recipe was that "it is better than biting into a steak!" Now for a man to be quoted on that is quite a feat for a chef. So with out further adieu...

Preheat the oven to 425.

Line cookie sheet with foil and spray with non stick cooking spray.

Take 4 to 5 pounds of broccoli (two large bunches), cut into florets (but relatively big ones.) Dry them thoroughly.

Toss with broccoli with olive oil, kosher salt and pepper. Add 4 garlic cloves that are peeled and sliced and toss them in too. Put on prepared cookie sheet.

Roast in the oven 20 - 25 minutes, until crisp-tender and the tips of some of the florets are browned.

When its done zest a lemon over the broccoli, squeeze the lemon juice over the broccoli, add grated Parmesan cheese. This is quite an amazing combination of flavours.

There is also the option of adding some basil and toasted pine nuts. I did not do that.

Enjoy.

Three cheers!

I'm not always the most fun friend to have on facebook because I don't have really great one-liners and am pretty self conscious about trying a status update. My profile is mostly pictures and me commenting on other peoples status updates.

Today I came across a great status that made me smile. Part of what she said was that she was thankful for friends who allowed her freedom to not have it all together - "three cheers for life's messes."

I really appreciate it when people are honest, when they are able to laugh at themselves and learn from themselves.

I don't want to be one of those people who takes themselves too seriously. Just say, for example that I was one of those people fumbling with the door of the white van wondering why the key lock wasn't working...I would want to be able to laugh when I realized that the reason the door didn't open was because it wasn't my van!

On a more serious note, striving to be blameless as in Psalm 119:1 doesn't mean one is perfect or has to look like they are perfect. That is, as Paul would say in Phil 3:6, legalistic righteousness.

We will make mistakes as we go throughout our days, years and lifetime but God has come to complete in us that what we cannot do on our own.

It is fully God's purpose that we are blameless. It isn't a gift for just one or two exemplary people. He has called us to hope for a life with Him and desires that we all reach that goal. He knows that perfection in our sense of the word is not possible. If it were we wouldn't need Jesus to reconcile, and the Holy Spirit to live in us. We wouldn't need Christ to present us to God upon completion. Quite plainly, we wouldn't need God.
Maybe our efforts to become blameless is the process by which God knows that we want to be His possession; that we truly desire the inheritance He has for us.
Because we believe to the very core of our being that God has created us and Jesus has saved us from ourselves, Christ will keep us strong as we choose to trust God with our lives and live as forgiven people. He will fill us with His love, with knowledge, with insight so that we are able to use the wills He has given us and therefore make the “best” decisions, constantly understanding more fully what it means to be a follower of Christ, never taking our eyes off the prize, never being distracted or diverted (message) therefore resulting in glory to God.

Wow, that is my prayer.

So as we muddle through our days, not having it all together let's remember God's grace and power and huddle in for three cheers for life's messes.