tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53793361863972216032024-02-18T21:37:03.184-08:00Keep Moving ForwardHere I record my transient journey through this world as Christian, wife, mother and lover of classical education. Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-85618703395609943482014-02-04T19:43:00.000-08:002014-02-04T19:43:11.805-08:00Snowglancing out the window, i am dismayed to notice three barefoot children dashing through the snow, in whose wake thrashed a large English Mastiff. they continue around the house and enter in at the rear, with loud chattering and laughter. this daily occurrence is the result of the oldest child being chased by the younger, who desire one more chapter of The Magician's Nephew.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-76315479744538933092011-01-15T03:57:00.000-08:002014-02-04T19:41:14.569-08:00CallusedHard, stubborn callous;<br />
How you cover the tender spots.<br />
With your condemned skin.<br />
<br />
How you need to be soaked;<br />
How you need to be scraped away,<br />
Diligently, <br />
.............every day.<br />
<br />
Or you become like snow the day after -<br />
Hard packed and unbudgeable,<br />
To all but the sharpest blade.<br />
<br />
Yet the stubborn snow disappears,<br />
With a soft stroke of encouragement,<br />
When attended to swiftly.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-8681559982178327062010-12-29T17:24:00.000-08:002013-06-17T10:01:12.281-07:00Look at Me and Love MeJonathan docked his little body at the island, his wiggles briefly anchored. <br/><br/>And as he munched on apple snack he briefly realized, <br/><br/>that body being satisfied was not enough.<br/><br/>And this thoughtful young man, looked up at busy mother, and<br/><br/>Thinking this to be his need, he commanded clearly and astutely:<br/><br/>"Mom, look at me and love me!"<br/><br/>And how this mother's heart was arrested! So like a knife, cutting through the fog. And He was there too, burning a message into my heart.<br/><br/><br/>He said "look at me and love me"<br/>Dimple flashing out in need.<br/>His bottom docked at island and<br/>Wiggles briefly anchored.<br/><br/>And apple ceased to crunch,<br/>Small head cocked to the side.<br/>Silence, then commanding words:<br/>"Mom, look at me and love me!"<br/><br/>Arrested was I,<br/>With such desire,<br/>Openly displayed<br/>...And my busy hands were stayed.<br/><br/>To administer love.<br/><br/>And two twinkling crow's feet were<br/>Thrown back to gaze at delighted 4-year-old countenance,<br/>So like a flower turning to face the sun.<br/><br/>And to think. His marvelous attention is arrested in like manner.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-10180854129110903272010-12-29T03:17:00.000-08:002013-06-17T10:01:12.270-07:00The PuzzleDropping off the edge of the world<br/>It all came into focus.<br/>Like a smooth talker<br/>Convincing me that the pieces would fall into place.<br/><br/>And they did, for awhile.<br/><br/>Then the hunt began,<br/>And stamped colors jumped out at me<br/>Like so many presents.<br/><br/>I brought them home.<br/>And they made beautiful pictures for me.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-78673942339865141022010-12-14T22:34:00.000-08:002013-06-17T10:01:12.279-07:00The Ghost of Christmas PresentI met you that Christmas when he and I were new<br/>And heart hungered only for you.<br/>When sun slipped under, eye would not go too<br/>And heart watched restlessly for you.<br/><br/>And when you tapped him on the shoulder<br/>He lost all sense of breath;<br/>The rhythm of it lost, in wonder.<br/><br/>Then the rain began to fall.<br/><br/>And you saved it in a bottle,<br/>And there was no time...<br/>As heart gazed, <br/>And imprinted<br/><br/>Your. exquisite. presence.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-17140220896255292692010-12-10T02:08:00.000-08:002013-06-17T10:01:12.272-07:00The Invisible RockThe substance of it remarked to my heart,<br/><em>There's another rock, over yonder.</em><br/>It's shape eluded and all precluded,<br/>As heart dropped into the dark.<br/><br/>And stumbled through a craven view,<br/>Until a pebble did find.<br/><br/>And heart rolled<br/>This perfectly round circle of true,<br/>In the dark...<br/><br/>And knew<br/>That yonder lay<br/><br/>An invisible rock.<br/><br/><br/><center><a href="http://canvaschild.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm6mBY9ByjviOXdpTFcM5dDW1hbwBrYVmfNR7B-Yv7uyjFjwVuYhBNGb7xXyWDMDdVngvBD_eaQUHizlC5vsr2RsdxqYCS7LSZGWwuL78m5MDPMeKT3-I_acLeCrzduMxEKDZtJqZe0I/s1600/blog+button.jpg" /></a></center>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-63463303054262032002010-12-05T00:59:00.000-08:002013-06-17T10:01:12.276-07:00Undone by TreesI think this fool will always view<br/>A tree with eyes anew.<br/><br/>...thanks to this poem. And this is one reason I love poetry! The right poem paints a vivid picture of His "invisible things", and I gasp!<br/><br/><blockquote>Trees<br/>by Joyce Kilmer<br/><br/>I think that I shall never see<br/>A poem lovely as a tree.<br/><br/>A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed<br/>against the Earth's sweet flowing breast;<br/><br/>A tree that looks at God all day<br/>And lifts her leafy arms to pray;<br/><br/>A tree that may in summer wear<br/>A nest of robins in her hair;<br/><br/>Upon whose bosom snow has lain;<br/>Who intimately lives with rain.<br/><br/>Poems are made by fools like me,<br/>But only God can make a tree.</blockquote>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-9874335829504992702010-12-03T07:41:00.000-08:002013-06-17T10:01:12.283-07:00Silly Songs and RaspberriesThis morning was glorious! My cup was overflowing, and merry streams trickled out on children encased in silly songs and raspberries. We rowed right through morning to-do's and floated into the schoolroom, where peace was displaced, momentarily.<br/><br/>"Does Mommy love you?" I asked, after love was administered.<br/><br/>"No!" Came vehemently, with furrowed brow, and then,<br/><br/>"Yes," and his eyes found mine and he hugged me, tied tight with the strings of silly songs and raspberries...Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-17792581267868699492010-12-01T03:58:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.736-07:00StuffingLast night I went to bed expectantly, only to be awakened at midnight by a husband who was traumatized with leaking pipes and storage stuffing. <br/><br/>"I want that storage area cleaned up tomorrow." His words echoed, perhaps a catalyst for the nightmares which assailed during the wee hours. The layers of decorations, crafts, unsorted videos, and various odds and ends was a recipe for frustration, and though inwardly daunted at this task, I clung to our family motto with tenacity. <br/><br/><em>Keep. Moving. Forward.</em><br/><br/>In the midst of school, chores, cleaning and meals, I managed to carve out nearly two hours to sort, stack, stash and chuck all the stuff that hadn't been dealt with at the proper time. And I'm happy to report a navigable, and workable area. Yet how unnecessary has been all of this frustration? All of this stuff, just stuffed into our storage area, with mild thoughts of finding time to "deal" with it later...until one day it becomes a major stumbling block in a time of trouble. Hmmm.<br/><br/>I'm one of those people who will tell you I'm fine when sometimes I'm not, because I think, <em>I've got it sorted</em>, when really, it's been stuffed away. But lately I've realized that an emotional release is really necessary. In fact, if it builds up for a long time, it can become quite, well, "stinky". Emotions were not meant to be encased and set on the counter to ferment like my sourdough or kefir. Especially negative emotions. <br/><br/>"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." Ephesians 4:31<br/><br/>Surely these will rot the fastest, if left to fester, like a grudge to be nursed. The word nurse means to care for in a way as to provide growth and development. How perspective illuminates! To coddle such a creature as this? Yet the human heart so often chooses the bitter way, as negative emotions are shoved to the back, where they are tasted best. With my children, I like to pretend the bad emotions are something malleable, and squash them into a ball which we then "put away" from us. What freedom!<br/><br/>But, hey, what about the positive emotions? Joy, love, and so on. Shout it out, right? How many times have I lacked the velocity to express loving and encouraging thoughts to others? Somehow the spark of His glory that comes with these thoughts is lost when they are saved for later. They don't fester, they fizzle. I remember many times sitting in church, thinking, wow, that was an amazing teaching. I should really go and tell this brother how he exhorted my heart. And the rarity of such a thing has suddenly struck me! Surely such a light will be stifled under the bowl of procrastination.<br/> <br/>The Psalmist seems to always have an exhortation containing the word "shout". <em>Let them shout for joy...shout unto God with the voice of triumph....let thy saints shout for joy.</em> And when was the last time I shouted? Probably when practicing Taekwondo with the children this morning. <em>Ki-hap!</em> So maybe I'll try something new tomorrow....when we kneel in our little circle, I will stop shushing everyone, and instead encourage shouting! (In praise and thanksgiving of course :-))<br/><br/>Much better to shout than to stuff. Ah, the release! Many times it is tempting to bring the "stuff" to bear on husband, coming home with his own pressures still lingering. Yet we all know <em>that's</em> not a good idea! So instead, I've got to re-roll an old groove. You know the one....where we take those little odds and ends straight to His transporter, and exchange them for peace, before they fall on some unsuspecting innocent!<br/><br/>I tried to write a beautiful poem, but this rap is all that came out [wry grin]...I guess there is always next week ;-).<br/><br/><br/><em>Stuff it in stuff it down stuff it all around,<br/>And one day stuffing topples you to the ground.<br/>When expected least, <br/>This rotten beast,<br/>Locks eyes with the skies<br/>Of a hovering yeast.<br/><br/>Sort it now sort it then sort this burden out,<br/>Bring it to Him, with a great big shout,<br/>When an ounce it weighs,<br/>Before an egg it lays,<br/>And cracks out with a sprout<br/>Spreading rank malaise.<br/><br/>Take it up, take it over, take it upon,<br/>This wrap of His, He would have us to don,<br/>Having been made meet,<br/>We sit at his feet,<br/>No pain, no strain,<br/>The rest is O So Sweet!</em><br/><br/><blockquote> Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. <em>Matthew 11:28-30</em></blockquote><br/><br/><br/><center><a href="http://canvaschild.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm6mBY9ByjviOXdpTFcM5dDW1hbwBrYVmfNR7B-Yv7uyjFjwVuYhBNGb7xXyWDMDdVngvBD_eaQUHizlC5vsr2RsdxqYCS7LSZGWwuL78m5MDPMeKT3-I_acLeCrzduMxEKDZtJqZe0I/s1600/blog+button.jpg" /></a></center>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-40427412421360132932010-11-26T15:08:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.773-07:00tree arti really wanted to write a poem today. about a Thanksgiving tree. but when we tried to string the lights we discovered small branches on the bottom and big ones on top and i barreled into the present with a stomp, as branches flew out of the tree onto floor order. <br/><br/>abandoned by all but two stalwart tree artists, I guided the branches into a mathematically perfect tree and stretched out each arm ready to receive. then i giggled and thought perhaps the tree should have been left as it was, decorated to be a robot or some such thing. maybe next year. <br/><br/>then the little and the not-so-little hands placed the ornaments and this is where I must <em>find my place to come in, in harmony</em>, as <a href="http://www.thoreaubredbaby.com/2010/11/names-we-carry.html">keLi</a> so beautifully exhorted. sometimes my heart despairs about the things that I do that have not meaning. like I want my tree to be ALIVE! and just like the substance of things unseen is the most precious thing, the things placed in these reaching arms can be precious, because it is precious to him.<br/><br/><a href="http://danielle.tippy.name/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/OrnamentPic.jpg"><img src="http://danielle.tippy.name/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/OrnamentPic-1024x682.jpg" alt="" title="OrnamentPic" width="640" height="426" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-372" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://danielle.tippy.name/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/JonnyBekaCocoTree.jpg"><img src="http://danielle.tippy.name/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/JonnyBekaCocoTree-1024x682.jpg" alt="" title="JonnyBekaCocoTree" width="640" height="426" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-369" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://danielle.tippy.name/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/CocoTree.jpg"><img src="http://danielle.tippy.name/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/CocoTree-682x1024.jpg" alt="" title="CocoTree" width="640" height="960" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-375" /></a>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-86749995737960892492010-11-24T15:54:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.821-07:00Turkeys, Stuffing, and ImmersionWe drove down Lincoln Drive on the way to Taekwondo. What met our eyes brought disappointment to me, and excitement to the kids. Lighted wreaths and candles illuminated the drab drive, while darkening my brows. <br/><br/>Was Thanksgiving to be ignored once again? Were we to travel at light speed from fabulous fall to Christmas with nary a turkey to gobble in between?<br/><br/>My daughter rescued me when she pointed out the blown-up turkey in a yard up ahead. He was large, round, colorful, and cartoonish, but O, how my eyes lingered there! As his brown body smiled and swayed in chubby contentment, I was infected, and my peevish concerns evaporated. At least for that moment.<br/><br/>On Monday I made the decision. Store-bought stuffing was not an option for me this year. (Nourishing decisions have become easier to make over the years.) So I began the familiar process of making bread, with one inconvenient addition: I mixed 15 cups of the flour into five cups of warmed buttermilk, and left it to soak for twelve hours. Yesterday morning, the final three cups of flour were combined with the yeast, honey, water, oil & salt and then carefully mixed in with the soaking dough. Really, it was just a matter of retraining; the soaking of the flour is only slightly more time-consuming than my prior routine.<br/><br/>But why? Why go to all the trouble of soaking the flour? Well, according to my research, there is something called phytic acid which is found in the hulls of nuts, seeds, and grains. Phytic acid is the principle form of storage for phosphorous. There are two problems with phytic acid. The first is that important minerals, like calcium and magnesium, adhere to phytic acid, and when they do so, they become insoluble and unable to be absorbed in the intestines. The second problem is that phytic acid is itself unable to be absorbed due to our lack of an enzyme called phytase.<br/><br/>This is where the soak comes in. When nuts, seeds and grains are soaked, the phytic acid is broken down, and the minerals are once more bioavailable. When they are soaked in an acidic medium, such as buttermilk, kefir or yogurt, the breakdown is much more effective. To rephrase: soaking removes the binding power of phytic acid (aka the anti-nutrient), which would suck away life-giving minerals necessary for all body-functions.<br/><br/>My need hit me then, square between the eyes. I needed a good soak. And certainly not in buttermilk. Songs began to flit through my mind...<br/><br/>"It's beginning to ra-ai-ain, hear the voice of the Father..." and <br/><br/>"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, like the fra-grance after the ra-ai-ain...".<br/><br/>Just as the minerals needed for all body functions were bound in the phytic acid, the peace, needed to guard my mind in Christ Jesus, was bound in the peevish acid of unthankfulness. And surely there is only one <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206:4-7&version=KJV">solution</a>.<br/><br/>Suddenly <a href="http://mamahooper.blogspot.com/2010/11/heavy-laden.html">Elise's Heavy Laden</a> tree took on new meaning for me. There is a poem stirring here....the applause is almost deafening!<br/><br/>But first, the soak.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-57341309983144946172010-11-22T15:27:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.790-07:00A Better ResurrectionMost of my kids have "The Caterpillar" by Christina G. Rosetti memorized. How surprised I was to find this poem from the very same author, in a poetry devotional a few years back. It touched a chord in me, as I had been in the desert for quite some time, and the tears spilled freely. <br/><br/>Truly, I'm still there. And my heart still cries out with Christina.<br/><br/><blockquote>A BETTER RESURRECTION<br/><br/>by: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)<br/><br/>I have no wit, no words, no tears;<br/>My heart within me like a stone<br/>Is numb'd too much for hopes or fears;<br/>Look right, look left, I dwell alone;<br/>I lift mine eyes, but dimm'd with grief<br/>No everlasting hills I see;<br/>My life is in the falling leaf:<br/>O Jesus, quicken me.<br/> <br/>My life is like a faded leaf,<br/>My harvest dwindled to a husk:<br/>Truly my life is void and brief<br/>And tedious in the barren dusk;<br/>My life is like a frozen thing,<br/>No bud nor greenness can I see:<br/>Yet rise it shall--the sap of Spring;<br/>O Jesus, rise in me.<br/> <br/>My life is like a broken bowl,<br/>A broken bowl that cannot hold<br/>One drop of water for my soul<br/>Or cordial in the searching cold;<br/>Cast in the fire the perish'd thing;<br/>Melt and remould it, till it be<br/>A royal cup for Him, my King:<br/>O Jesus, drink of me.</blockquote>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-46628226065778207172010-11-21T12:40:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.777-07:00Death HopedThis morning I awoke to the crack of a rifle. And, rolling right along, I noticed the thump of the dogs tail, more subdued than usual, and how she peed with alacrity. And the trees! When had the masses of orange-brown delight turned into dead sticks stretching, reaching to reclaim their former glory? And this was the backdrop for my crisp Romaine, attached to the hope of fresh salad next to yesterday's turkey. <br/><br/>Fall has always been my favorite season, because of the stunning colors; the beauty. It is enough to shake the introspection right out of this branch. I <em>have</em> to see! To live outside of myself. Emily Dickinson writes "because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me." For some reason her mind and the mind of Dylan Thomas are intertwined for me right now. It is as though this awesome beauty is one last 'hurrah'! Or a burning against the dying; a refusal to go gently "into that good night."<br/><br/>My children have skeletons hanging downstairs on the bulletin board. It's part of our homeschool project to make the human body out of paper. So far, my four-year-old is the biggest fan. He simply adores cutting and pasting and putting stuff together. Typical, eh? Well, we've moved on and begun creating the digestive system, starting with the face. And without fail, each child decided to put their face on their skeleton. They look rather comical, hanging there. My oldest daughter drew hair around her face before she cut it out, and it looks a little eerie to see it resting against the clavicle. And what is time? Surely it is slipping through our fingers. But it is not lost.<br/><br/>The leaf who falls like rain upon the wind<br/>Has left a bud that winter can't rescind<br/>The flower withers, falling from the sun<br/>Yet sinks or scatters...newness is begun<br/><br/>The creature left with nothing to exhale<br/>Installed another; death cannot prevail<br/>In deep, or nest, in grass or in the womb<br/>Unfolding from the shadows of the tomb.<br/><br/>The patterns from His hand they always tell<br/>Of who us through the cycle will impel<br/>The threads allotted treasures to be sought<br/>Wonder life to brimming will be fraught!<br/><br/>Until the soul of man would gasp in awe<br/>To realize that death has lost her claw<br/>Seeing her from on the other side<br/>Even though with her you still abide.<br/><br/><center><a href="http://canvaschild.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm6mBY9ByjviOXdpTFcM5dDW1hbwBrYVmfNR7B-Yv7uyjFjwVuYhBNGb7xXyWDMDdVngvBD_eaQUHizlC5vsr2RsdxqYCS7LSZGWwuL78m5MDPMeKT3-I_acLeCrzduMxEKDZtJqZe0I/s1600/blog+button.jpg" /></a></center>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-1891848771763591992010-11-20T15:29:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.738-07:00SeeingI just made cookie dough. To eat. I said to my husband: "I am sure that the reason I am not dead is because I ate cookie dough so much growing up." Perhaps you understand my reasoning - I scoff at salmonella! Because so much of life is "touch not, taste not, handle not." <em>Here, we'll take it. We'll eliminate the risks, so that you can live in safety.</em><br/><br/>But they didn't tell us the truth. There is a reason that God has chosen to let the tares grow up with the wheat. Kill the tares, kill the wheat. Mow down the just with the unjust. And so, need I say? We like it raw. Milk. Eggs. Sometimes meat.<br/><br/>Once we visited a public pool nearby. The sound of whistles greeted us as we approached, and continued to agitate throughout our stay. At one point I was standing in the wrong place. I remained unaware despite the whistles blowing around my ears. Their very constancy rendered them null and void, as they shreaked through me transparently. After this I began to say "no" less often to my kids.<br/><br/>Change is hard and ruts are deep, but miracles do happen. I want<br/><br/>To roll and give<br/>And jostle and spill<br/>Ignoring bygone cups unfilled<br/><br/>To turn and hear<br/>And smile ... attend<br/>Evading grooves long penned<br/><br/>And when laughter tips the scales<br/>In the wholeness of reality<br/>Then they will surely know<br/>i am free.<br/><br/>....Only because He has made me so. One of my favorite movies is Luther. And for some reason, I am thinking of this line, which always jumps out at me: "All my life, I have seen a world that hates evil more than it loves good." O, the <em>WAY</em> we see! And Paul says, "Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." Speak to me. Change the <em>WAY</em> I see.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-56101122252718695622010-10-22T01:50:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:59:57.786-07:00JabberwashyNOTE: Are you familiar with <a href="http://www.jabberwocky.com/carroll/jabber/jabberwocky.html"><em>Jabberwocky</em>, by Lewis Carroll</a>? If so, and if you've ever been assailed with laundry woes, then hopefully you will find this parody entertaining. I had a blast writing it! And if you've the time to think, there is a lot of hidden meaning here.<br/><br/><br/><blockquote>Twas Thursday, and the piles of clothes<br/>Did lie and slow her in the way.<br/>All flimsy were they, yet the droves;<br/>Assailed her weakly, with dismay.<br/><br/>"Beware the smelly habits daughter!<br/>The sloth would bite and try to snatch!<br/>Beware the drub-grub bird and shun...<br/>The furious dander-patch!"<br/><br/>She took her basket in her hand:<br/>Long time the attirome foe she brought --<br/>Then rested she by the frum-bum tree<br/>And sat awhile in ought.<br/><br/>And as in tuffwish ought she stewed,<br/>The styles arose, and without frame,<br/>Came drifting through neuralgy wood,<br/>And doubled as they came...<br/><br/>One-two! One-two! And queue and queue!<br/>The wash machete went swish and shwack!<br/>She left the dread, and with ahead,<br/>She went triumphing back.<br/><br/>"And hast thou slain the Jabberwash?<br/>Come to me arms audacious girl!<br/>O virtuous day! Woo-hoo! Hooray!"<br/>She giggled with a twirl.<br/><br/>Twas Thursday, and the piles of clothes<br/>Did lie and slow her in the way.<br/>All flimsy were they, yet the droves;<br/>Assailed her weekly, with dismay.</blockquote>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-14780119995576057452010-08-08T11:56:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:59:57.731-07:00The Coconut DreamIt came true last week. Just before the trial of sickness began in earnest. And no, this is not about our new dog. Believe me, this smells much better!<br/><br/>I had been dreaming of going to Global Foods ever since I purchased <a href="http://www.aboverubies.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=563&Itemid=400099">Serene Allison's <em>Rejuvenate Your Life: Recipes for Energy</em></a>. I'd read here and there about young coconuts; especially in regard to making kefir from the water of young coconuts. But I'd not heard about the delectable, creamy, scoopable flesh of the young coconut until reading Serene's recipe book. And about the myriad of <a href="http://holistic-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/health_benefits_of_coconut_water">health benefits</a> associated with coconut water. There were other things I wanted from Global Foods, like Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a tin (so as not to be rancid), and tahini, but the coconuts were my main motivator.<br/><br/>So we drove for an hour and fifteen minutes on Monday to get to this marvelous market. It was truly a smorgasbord of many foreign and unusual foods. As you walk in the door, you pass a large chocolate section with all of the quality chocolate you would find at a regular grocery store, plus all of the foreign chocolate you can imagine! I lingered here as long as I dared with five children in tow. <br/><br/>Next we perused the produce section, which was huge! I asked the produce-man where to find young coconuts, and he directed me to the third table down. I am ashamed to admit that I still couldn't find the coconuts! The annoyed man had to show me personally, because I didn't know what a young coconut looked like. It isn't brown, hairy or round, which are all adjectives I associate with the word "coconut". The young coconut is actually <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.superfoodsuk.co.uk/admin/actions/album_large/img_91.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.superfoodsuk.co.uk/products_details.php%3Fprod_id%3D91&usg=__jk5TUt_3QZPRqx2lP3KaRl5kK00=&h=254&w=380&sz=63&hl=en&start=31&tbnid=SgLgvnNYhQNd5M:&tbnh=144&tbnw=201&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpicture%2Byoung%2Bcoconut%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D885%26tbs%3Disch:10,636&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=389&vpy=254&dur=3068&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=115&ty=127&ei=t5heTMXzF4H7lwfJxeiZCA&oei=mpheTNigNMKBlAe3zY2jCQ&esq=6&page=2&ndsp=34&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:31&biw=1280&bih=885">green</a>, but for the market it has been carved, and so it is an <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.live-green-smoothie-diet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/young_coconut.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.live-green-smoothie-diet.com/2010/01/young-coconut-smoothie-with-fresh-orange-clementine-and-goji-berries/&h=327&w=350&sz=15&tbnid=moTgMIkusdtDQM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=120&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dyoung%2Bcoconut%2Bpicture&usg=__RDL1zxWhRgmDjZOB9p_2vCWdA3o=&sa=X&ei=PhVfTKuhHISglAfk6OWrCA&ved=0CB0Q9QEwAA">off-white color</a>. It is shaped like a rounded pyramid house, and covered with plastic wrap. I put five of them in the cart. They were $1.89 apiece and $1.00 for the older, semi-moldy ones. I "hurried" through the rest of the store, with only a slight detour at what I've dubbed "the wall of coffee". Each aisle was labeled with countries, and it was hard to find what I wanted when I had to locate personnel for each item on my list! Laborously, I located the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (first cold press) in a tin, tahini, and Nori sheets. The store apparently did not carry Nama Shoyu (a natural soy sauce). The bulk nuts were reasonably priced and I picked up some walnuts and cashews to make crispy nuts. We hurried home, with yours truly dreaming of the Coconut Cream shake I was going to make with my young coconuts.<br/><br/>Well, it was that night when Rebekah (my eight-year-old) began to be sick with some sort of stomach virus. My coconuts stayed in the fridge, forgotten, as I began to care for her and juggle school, new puppy and nursing her back to health. When she continued to lose fluids for 2 days, I immediately thought of the young coconuts. I already knew that the coconut was very good for you, but as I began to <a href="http://www.vegparadise.com/highestperch58.html">investigate</a>, I was truly amazed at the astonishing properties of the young coconut. The water inside the coconut is the most sterile available from a natural source. It is actually used as a blood plasma substitude in third world countries, known as the Coconut IV, because it's makeup is nearly identical to our blood plasma. It is full of minerals and the most natural electrolyte beverage available (much better than Gatorade). So naturally, I wanted to rehydrate my sick daughter with this wonderful beverage.<br/><br/>But first, I had to get the water out. Fortunately, Serene Allison's book had instructions for opening the coconut in a non-frustrating manner. First, I sawed off the top of the coconut with a good, serrated knife. The sawn-off part resembled a spinnable toy top. Then I was rescued by my over-protective husband from a flimsy knife, as I stabbed a hole in the newly flattened top of the young coconut. I wiggled the knife around until I had a sizable hole, and then poured off the coconut water. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of water I obtained from one coconut. It was surely more than 2 cups. <br/><br/>The next part required a bit of strength and again a good, solid, sharp knife. I turned the coconut on it's side and carved a circle, the size of which a spoon can enter to scoop out the tender coconut flesh from inside the coconut. My 'circle' was really more of a triangle. I first scooped the flesh from the bottom, using just enough force to scrape the white flesh and not too much of the darker rind underneath. Then, I turned the spoon over and scooped from the top, removing the flesh from the upper third of the inside of the coconut. I scooped it all out into a bowl and removed any larger portions of the rind still attached to the flesh. The coconut flesh was moist and slightly sweet with a subtle, tropical flavor. Nathan and I both loved the coconut water also, as it has a sweet, mild flavor which does not scream "coconut!"<br/><br/>Well, imagine my surprise when my daughter, whose sense of smell had been elevated to super-sensory, was apalled at the coconut water! She truly did not like it all. I am happy to report that I forced her to drink some on that first day, and she was able to hold it down for quite a while, so I'm sure that it was helpful to her rehydration, but I was truly disappointed to encounter reluctance in the face of such a gift! However, I've not given up hope. I think that she may change her mind in the face of some of the delicious smoothies coming her way.<br/><br/>So far we've made 2 coconut smoothies. The first was Coconut Cream, from Serene Allison's book. It was truly a delight, containing the coconut flesh, water, vanilla, maple syrup. The second was my own concoction, with coconut flesh, kefir, lime juice, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mmmmm-Mmmm! It was a delight! I was motivated by the much-loved muppet song chorus line: "put de lime in de coconut, and drink 'em both up."<br/><br/>The coconut dream, it seems, has only just begun. I just found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPvhxeg_PUA">three</a> <a href="http://www.bodyecology.com/coconutkefir.php">more</a> <a href="http://www.living-foods.com/articles/youngcoconuts.html">ways</a> to open a young coconut, and I've got 3 more in the fridge ;-). I'll keep you posted.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-31034546069564922972010-08-03T14:45:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:59:57.753-07:00The Smell of DogMy ear was familiar,<br/>But my nose a stranger -<br/>Until our newest member came.<br/><br/>In the water she went,<br/>And bubbles abound,<br/>But woe is me - she smells the same!<br/><br/><br/>I write in response to my recognition of the smell of Coco. Truly I had been unfamiliar with this odor until our little (for now) English Mastiff came home from vacation with us. She is a delight in every way. We've already trained her to potty outside and she is cute as can be. However, if it looks like a dog, and it sounds like a dog, and it acts like a dog, then it is very likely that it <em>smells</em> like a dog ;-). Recognition brings delight :-).<br/>[caption id="attachment_250" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="The newest member of our family."]<a href="http://danielle.tippy.name/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_2068-1.jpg"><img src="http://danielle.tippy.name/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_2068-1.jpg" alt="" title="Coco" width="350" height="262" class="size-full wp-image-250" /></a>[/caption]Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-79568005949873561862009-04-05T14:06:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:59:57.811-07:00Stumbling Blocks (or Should I say, Beams?)I was meditating recently on the scripture about the mote and the beam. It occurred to me that the one who is supposed to take the beam out of his eye so that he could see to remove the mote from his brother's eye may have a bigger problem on his hands. The brother with the mote can see clearly enough to be majorly distracted by the beam, and he may not want to listen to the owner thereof.<br/><br/>Like all Christian parents, I desire to bring my children up in the instruction and admonition of the Lord. Realistically, this is not always the reality. Why is this so? Often because of beams. Beams cause a huge stumbling block because they are so distracting! What do I mean by beams? Let me explain with the following true story:<br/><br/>My son David yelled at Jonathan when he tried to take the blocks David was playing with. Johnny immediately looked at David and said "no!". I could see that he knew David shouldn't be yelling at him. It occurred to me that suddenly Johnny was unable to be instructed because he was confronted with David's raised voice. I put my hands gently on David's face (Proverbs 15:1) and let him know what I had observed. David then began to deal gently with Jonathan and peace looked like a possibility ;-).<br/><br/>In this example, Jonathan was unable to receive David's communication to stop taking his blocks because he tripped over the beam of the raised voice.<br/><br/>Time and time again in our house I observe this principle. And I can see that one of two things are needed. The beam either needs to be removed, or the observer of the beam needs to be distracted from the beam. There is one cure-all which never fails. The distraction of love and gentleness feeds the hungry heart with fuel to lay aside beams and to love the crippled beam-people who abide on every corner of our globe.<br/><br/>A wise preacher (I think it may have been Paul Washer) once said that the proud or insecure person will not open up to anyone but the gentle. Jesus, who is "gentle and humble in heart", is ultimately the solution to all of our heart woes, as He makes us new creatures who are part of His marvelous Body. However, we have a huge role to play with each other. As we display His heart to one another, we spur one another on toward a beamless society (let me dream, okay?).<br/><br/>I have told my husband again and again, "You have so much power!" All you have to do is say one gentle word to me when I am a porcupine. And all the pointy beams disappear. But what happens instead so often? We stay away from the crippled beam-people. We think "what's gotten into them?" We isolate them or give them the cold-shoulder.<br/><br/>Does this mean that we are not personally responsible to overcome our own emotional difficulties? O contrare! We are to "take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ". But being personally responsible does not negate our responsibility to help each other. When I tell my kids they are responsible for their actions, I mean it. Yet I will do eveything in my power to help them toward that goal. Allowing them the freedom to fail, while influencing them to make right choices is so critical.<br/><br/>My point is this: It is easier to insert the love of Christ into a situation when you are not "in the thick of it". I'm talking to the mommies here - especially me. Often we instead insert the stern law again and again, which may bring us into an understanding of our guilt, but it has no power to influence right decisions. The law helps us to recognize our sin, but the love of Christ motivates us to be overcomers. To love the beam-people, instead of bopping them, or crying out "beam me up Lord!". :-).Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-53553382857288935832009-03-26T16:27:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:59:57.783-07:00Groovy Garlic Green BeansThese beans are a mainstay in our house. And this summer we are likely to have them even more often. Believe me, I am not complaining :-). Nathan has poles and plans to make teepees which are connected together in a triangle. Apparently the rattlesnake beans we purchased will grow all summer long and need to be picked 3 times a week. He tells me the beans are supposed to grow across the top and they will hang down so we can pick them from on high! :-)<br/><br/><u>Groovy Garlic Green Beans</u><br/><br/>16 oz. french cut green beans (or the equivalent amount of fresh)<br/>1/3 cup olive oil<br/>10 cloves garlic, pressed<br/>1 pinch red pepper flakes (we have a spoon labeled 'pinch'; I think it's around 1/8 tsp. Use more if you like it hot!)<br/>salt to taste<br/><br/>Place beans in a large skillet. Add all ingredients (sometimes I hold back half of the cloves until the last 10 minutes or so of cooking). Cook on low until beans are cooked down and tender, stirring frequently. It helps to cook the first 5 minutes or so with a lid on, to get it nice and hot (esp. if frozen). Then, when it is sizzling nicely, cook it like a stir fry until all the flavors are blended, the water is steamed out (if frozen), and the beans are nice and tender. Enjoy!Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-52045417627569263082009-03-14T16:26:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:59:57.781-07:00Xylitol - Is it Really the Miracle Sweetener?When I faltered in my attempt to avoid sugar in my diet, I considered using xylitol instead, whose myriad of health benefits range from fighting tooth decay and reducing ear infections to losing weight and overcoming depression. As I searched for the least expensive xylitol on the market, I scanned multiple sites to learn that much xylitol is made from corn. The last few years we have made efforts to avoid GMO produce, so I was curious: Was xylitol produced from GMO corn? If so, did it's GMO-ness come through in the xylitol?<br/><br/>As I continued to search, I came across a <a href="http://www.globalsweet.com/">product</a> that was not produced from corn. Global Sweet Xylitol is made from birch trees. I found that I could purchase a 55 lb. bag of Global Sweet Xylitol for $217.50. But I had questions. I asked the nice lady on the phone exactly how they produced their xylitol. She directed me <a href="http://www.truth-about-birch-xylitol.com/">here.</a> Long story short, my questions remained unanswered. I began to wonder, exactly how is the same product produced from birch trees and corn? And that caused me to wonder, exactly how<em> is </em>xylitol made? And why is it so expensive? My research has by no means been exhaustive, but <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/022986.html">Rami Nagel seems to have found some answers</a>, and shortened my search for cheap xylitol. Go to the article yourself, or read it below:<br/><blockquote>(NaturalNews) Consuming 1.4 ounces of Xylitol per day will cause diarrhea in many subjects according to a study conducted in 1977. On Xylitol.org the page sates, "In the amounts needed to prevent tooth decay (less than 15 grams per day), xylitol is safe for everyone." 15 grams of xylitol is about 0.5 ounces. What about doses over 15 grams?<br/><br/><strong>What is Xylitol?</strong><br/><br/>Xylitol is a 5-carbon sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables and produced in small amounts by the human body. Xylitol is also found in things like hardwood. Keep in mind that the xylitol in chewing gum is not necessarily the same thing as xylitol in fruits or vegetables because it has to be treated and processed in order to extract the sugar crystals from the fruit or vegetable. This is akin to the differences between synthetic vitamins and naturally occurring vitamins in foods. They are not the same thing.<br/><br/><strong>How is Xylitol Made?</strong><br/><br/>A search of patents online explains one process for making xylitol, tell me if this sounds healthy? You begin with some source material containing xylan. One commonly used source is corn imported from China.<br/><br/>1. First the xylan needs to be broken down in a process called acid hydrolyzing. The results of this process leave us with xylose and acetic acid. The process of hydrogenation is carried out at higher pressures and temperatures ranging from 158 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Hydrogenation needs a catalyst, so a substance called Raney nickel can be used which is a powdered nickel-aluminium alloy.<br/><br/>2. The acetic acid needs to be removed as the material safety data sheet describes it as, "Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive, permeator), of eye contact (corrosive)."<br/><br/>3. Then the hydrolyzing acid and organic residues must be removed, this is done by heating the mixture and evaporating it.<br/><br/>4. The resulting syrup, now free of acetic acid, hydrolyzing acid, nick-aluminum and other residues.<br/><br/>5. The syrup is crystallized by stirring ethanol into it.<br/><br/>6. The crystalline xylitol is now separated in a centrifuge from the ethanol and from the sorbitol remaining in solution.<br/><br/>7. Viola, you have xylitol.<br/><br/><strong>Health Claims</strong><br/><br/>It is obvious to me, as it might be to you, that xylitol, in addition to killing bacteria, will probably kill just about anything. This clearly explains why it is only recommended to be used in small doses. Yet if you go to a health food store, you will see larger sized bags of xylitol on the shelf, promoting its many health uses.<br/><br/><strong>Health Concerns</strong><br/><br/>In lab tests, xylitol will kill a rat 50% of the time in a dosage of 16.5 grams of xylitol for every 1000 grams of rat. Medium rats weigh 100-120 grams, or say .25 pounds. That means, to kill a 100 gram rat, you need only to get the rat to consume, 1.65 grams of xylitol.<br/><br/>A typical xylitol piece of gum contains .7 – 1 gram of xylitol. About half the amount needed to kill a rat. I read of a study stating that humans consumed up to 400 grams of xylitol per day without any ill health effects. I find that hard to believe that such a study is accurate in comparison to the lab tests done as indicated on the material safety data sheets. If 1.65 grams can kill a rat, consuming 400 grams would be highly toxic to humans.<br/><br/>A more detailed look gives cause for even more concern, there seems to be no long term safety data about the long term health effects of regularly consuming xylitol. The data sheets state:<br/><br/>"Epidemiology: No information found<br/><br/>Teratogenicity: No information found<br/><br/>Reproductive Effects: No information found<br/><br/>Mutagenicity: No information found<br/><br/>Neurotoxicity: No information found"<br/><br/>Critics will claim that lethal doses on material data sheets are not conclusive proof. But I must ask this question, has xylitol been proven conclusively to be safe or effective?<br/><br/><strong>What About Cavity Fighting Power?</strong><br/><br/>Let's assume you don't mind your liver being poisoned or the diarrhea side effects that are possible from xylitol gum or mints, because you want to fight the cavities. While one would assume that there is a huge body of evidence showing that xylitol prevents cavities, an article published in 2006 in the Journal of the American Dental Association volume 137, states, "Some studies claimed that xylitol-sweetened gum had an anticariogenic effect, though these claims need further study." This basically says that any evidence that xylitol sweetened gums stops cavities is not conclusive and requires further study.<br/><br/><strong>Conclusions About Xylitol</strong><br/><br/>Xylitol is a processed sugar. After being hydrogenated and having toxic chemicals added to xylan from corn or other plant material, and then removed, you get xylitol. For anyone who wants to be healthy, the first thing that is pretty much unanimous about any diet or protocol to restore your health, is that you need to avoid processed sugars. While there is a variety of opinions on what foods to eat in replacement of processed sugar, it is blatantly clear that processed sugars, like xylitol, are extremely harmful to humans. Perhaps, xylitol has special uses in special cases; as a regular part of your diet, it is clearly a poor idea.<br/><br/>Xylitol might inhibit bacteria growth, but so does white sugar. Xylitol's dirty little secret is that even in moderate doses of larger than 15 grams, which is approximately 3 teaspoons, xylitol's own promotional material says it is not safe for everyone to use. Children being smaller and less developed than adults, will obviously be much more sensitive to xylitol's effects.<br/><br/>The way to prevent and control cavities is not with a processed sugar chewing gum or mint, but rather with a good diet. A good diet that is capable of preventing cavities is generally low in sugar, and high in absorbable vitamins and minerals, particularly fat-soluble vitamins in foods like avocado, coconut, the germ of wheat, raw/unpasteurized milk, pastured organ meats, and sea foods.<br/><br/>If you want healthy teeth and gums, you need to avoid processed sugar's like xylitol. Avoiding other processed foods like processed sugar, white flour and other foods not made from freshly ground grains, cheap low quality vegetable oils, soft drinks and artificial flavors and preservatives, soy milk, pasteurized milk, and other non-organic, non-wholesome foods will help increase your immunity to cavities.<br/><br/>I have found that there is no short cut to good wholesome whole foods for health.<br/><br/>Is xylitol safe or effective? The answer is clear.</blockquote><br/><a href="http://www.cheeseslave.com/2008/10/01/agave-nectar-and-xylitol-good-or-bad/">Cheeseslave</a> posts some interesting information about Agave sweetener also. Apparently it is processed and high in fructose. Sigh. I'm agreeing with Rami here. There is no substitute for natural foods. I'm going to renew my efforts to eat less sugar, and forget all about my "turkish delight". :-).Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-59889912594638299702009-03-08T06:38:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:59:57.792-07:00Avacado Dip/Dressing - Finally One That is Good for Me!I experimented with various avacado dressing recipes online, and came up with this one, which is truly delightful!<br/><br/>2 avocados<br/>4 cloves garlic, pressed<br/>1/4 c. water<br/>1 tbsp. olive oil<br/>1/4 cup sour cream<br/>1/4 cup chopped, fresh dill (or 1 1/3 tbsp. dried - but I haven't tried this)<br/>1 packet of Stevia sweetener (I used Stevia in the Raw)<br/>1/4 cup lemon juice<br/>salt to taste<br/><br/>Cut avacados in half around the pit. Discard pit. Carve out avacado meat with a thin spoon. Mash with potato masher until creamed well. Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir well, and enjoy! Nathan says that it tastes like a party dip. We tried it with chips and it was marvelous! Perhaps I will add more water to make it more pourable for a dressing.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-31181536458541204622008-05-26T16:22:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:59:57.755-07:00The Miracle of ChangeIn my scant years, I have experienced both the true delight of change and the discouragement of staying the same. As I look into the mirror of scripture, it is apparent that God desires for His children to be like Him. Yet too often, I walk away from him and see a face in the mirror which resists change. I hold onto who I was. I steer myself into the patterns of the years; choosing to forget what I look like.<br/><br/>In reality, when God looks at me, He sees Jesus Christ, if I am truly in Christ. This is true regardless of my appearance. But when the passage of my life brings about a representation which does not resemble Him more and more, I believe it grieves the Spirit of the Lord. In the same way that a parent would be grieved by a child who was not learning to be upright in his character.<br/>In my past there have been three times of obvious growth. Each time I have grown in my relationship with the Lord, and I believe this is of primary importance. But I have learned something about myself. I am guarded. I am afraid of gossip. I don't trust people easily. My parents had no friends, and so there were no relationships modeled for me. I find them mysterious and difficult.<br/><br/>I think this is why I am struggling now with my parenting and my growth in the Lord. I don't know how to have relationships. I often choose not to try. And this is so messed up because I feel such a deep need for relationships! The people in my life may want to get closer, but I am afraid. Afraid that they won't like me or accept me. I feel worthless because my parents didn't love me enough to have a relationship with me when I was growing up. And it's my turn now. I believe God wants me to overcome this hurdle of woundedness and self-absorbsion in order to build up my kids and model good relationships for them. Like it or not Danielle, you need people, and they need you.<br/>So how does the miracle of change relate to relationships anyway? I don't know exactly, but I guess it has to do with openness. God's forgiveness flows through the door of an open heart. His power of change comes through the same door. If I am closing the door to relationships, I am closing the door on the Lord's power for change. Somehow it all works together.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-7833858359187548822008-03-03T10:03:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.807-07:00Hearts, Like Doors...<em>Will open with ease, to very very little keys. And don't forget that two of these are thank you sir, and if you please.</em><br/><br/>My children know this poem by heart, and likely yours do too if you're using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Language-Lessons-Well-Trained-Mind/dp/0971412979/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203642820&sr=1-4"><em>Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind</em></a> as part of your home school curriculum. I am always amazed at their ability to memorize things. They memorize new poems and songs, states & countries, the periodic table. And without even trying, they memorize ways of speaking and expressions and all the attitudes that mom and dad exude. Yep. All of them. Good and bad. Consider the exhortations of this poem.<br/><br/>"Thank you sir". Thankfulness is certainly the most important attitude for any mother to have. Consider it's absence.... and know that you are not the only one for whom complaints will rush to fill that empty space. Thankfulness fits the space more nicely, and I believe that it is truly a key. A key to the hearts around you and, more importantly, a key to the heart of God. Scripture teaches us that we are to both be thankful and do everything without complaining. I believe that the one precedes the other. Giving thanks fills up the space and complaining suddenly doesn't even make sense.<br/><br/>My husband recently quoted Tolstoy on happy homes. He said "<span class="body"><em>All happy families resemble one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way</em>.</span> " I submit to you that thankfulness is certainly a key to the happy family. And I agree that there are many ways to be unhappy, because there are so many things which will rush to fill the void of thankfulness. For example... anger, blame, greed. You get the picture. Thankfulness brings the heart into alignment with God, because your members have ceased to lust and your mind has reached for peace. "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." Col. 3:15<br/><br/>The second key is <em>if you please</em>. A focus on positive interaction seems to be the exhortation. Consider the opposite. Negative, unpleasant relationships. Fighting over toys. Combative, warring attitudes. Nothing will make a heart slam closed more quickly than ceasing to be pleasant. Anger, allowed to continue on, is the root of unforgiveness. And as the scripture teaches clearly, God doesn't forgive us if we do not forgive each other (Matthew 6:14-15).<br/><br/>I like to look at it this way. Each heart has a door. When that door is opened, forgiveness (the oil of relationships) flows easily to and from people and the Lord. When that door closes, the forgiveness of others can not come through. That means the forgiveness of other people and the forgiveness of God, though they may continue to flow, are effectively blocked out of our lives. Is God choosing to cut off the flow of grace into our lives? No, but when we move away from His fountain, and instead drink from bitter waters, we are not immune to their effects.<br/><br/>Recently this became so evident as I was dealing with one of my children. This particular child was not responsive to my instruction not to jump on the furniture. He was disciplined appropriately and I requested that he ask me for forgiveness also. At his frown, I told him not to ask if he didn't mean it, because he wouldn't be able to receive it if the door of his heart was closed. Thus was the track for this train of thought laid.<br/><br/>This whole truth is also apparent when dealing with greed. A child may hold onto a toy, or some candy, completely oblivious to the joy that awaits his open hands. A young Christian may hold onto money, thereby missing out on the blessing of God's response. Truly He will throw open the gates of blessing and pour them out upon us. But not if we've got closed hands and hearts.<br/><br/>This truth is becoming more all-encompassing with each moment. But I can't help but think also of attitudes. The one that comes to mind is woundedness. I remember myself as a young wife. I would often hold onto wrong attitudes, like withdrawing in anger, removing affection, averting my eyes from my beloved. I would turn my back and feed these wicked feelings.<br/><br/>I am so thankful that God showed me years ago how damaging such attitudes are. Truly there is nothing like woundedness to close a heart fast. The trick is, to begin to let God unlock your heart, because, truth-to-tell, there will not always be someone with skin on who is willing to unlock that door.<br/><br/>There is a stuffed lamb on my dresser. I adore him because of his posture. He sits on his behind, with his paws out and his head tilted back in adoration. Whenever I look at him, I am reminded of the most important attitudes that God desires for me to have: my eyes looking up to my father in expectation, my hands open and extended for the giving and receiving of more than just forgiveness, and my lips ready with thanksgiving and good will.<br/><br/>For truly,<br/><br/><em>Hearts, like doors, will open with ease<br/>To very, very little keys<br/>And don't forget that two of these<br/>Are thank you sir, and if you please.</em>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-70647328941869894022008-01-10T09:18:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.801-07:00Kiss Me Soundly!<p>I had to share a journal entry I found yesterday. I read it to the kids and they died laughing! It is dated August 12th, 2002. We lived in Iowa at the time.</p><br/><blockquote><p><em>I sat on the bed and pulled Nathan to me and said, "now - kiss me soundly!" He proceeded to kiss me, making as much noise as he could. I said, "that wasn't quite right, let's try again." To which he replied, "that was as much sound as I could muster!" We both dissolved at the hilarity of our "romantic" life. It was good to be married.</em></p><br/></blockquote><p><!--41f00ef84c66e28084c9d47f54ad0883--></p><p></p><p></p><p><!--f1fb4db47533df17454375cacbacb1f7--><br/></p><!--6606353ffa61032b2491f116ad68d80b-->Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379336186397221603.post-81049574640281802902007-12-07T14:44:00.000-08:002013-06-17T09:59:57.814-07:00Do Not Give Up Meeting Together<p>I had an epiphany recently. As we were sitting together on Sunday night, with our new church small group. We shared a meal together. We praised the Lord in song. We partook of the Word, and of the Lord's supper. But mostly, at least for me, it was about being together, in the Body of Christ. Lingering in His presence, as we sought the fellowship of the beloved.</p><p>As I came reluctantly away from the meeting, a scripture whispered in my ear. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is..." (Hebrews 10:25a). I found myself wondering if this is what the Lord was referring to. This time of fellowship in a smaller, more intimate group, perhaps? As opposed to the modern church service? It is easy in many churches to slip in and out again without truly connecting with the Body of Christ. Surely this kind of disjointed "body" cannot function correctly. His blood must flow freely through His body and each member be cleansed continually by the flow. His muscles must be used in a coordinated fashion in order for Him to be effectively ministering to the world around Him. His members must be near Him to become like Him, for surely we become like those we are with, as "we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Cor. 3:18).</p><p>I think many Christians fall into the trap of believing that drawing near to the Lord is experienced alone. And certainly it is that, when we are communing with Him in our prayer closet, and seeking his guidance throughout the day. But it is so much more! We are exhorted to continue meeting together, to encourage one another, to confess our sins one to another, to a unity of the faith, to pray for one another, to sharpen one another, to love one another and serve one another. All of us together, striving toward the same goal. To be more like Jesus, from glory... to glory!</p><p>And what about being with others who may not have it all "together"? I remember thinking on multiple occasions that I really wanted to spend some one-on-one time with a Godly family. A family who had gotten some things that I was struggling with. But whenever I encountered such a family, I was always paralyzed by fear. Fear that they wouldn't want to be with my family because we were certainly not "together" in so many ways.</p><p>And then I went through my "together" stage. When I thought things were going pretty well. The kids were pretty well behaved and, well, maybe we should just hang around others who were "good" also. After all, we wouldn't want any negative influence to rub off on us. Perhaps you hear the sarcasm in my voice.</p><p>Being with Jesus means being with people. Especially people who don't have it all "together". And when you are seeking after the heart of Jesus, pressing in to be near to him, that means you are, like Him, surrounded often by people (self included) who miss the mark. It's not about us. It's about Him.</p><p>I am certain that I would not be experiencing this had we not been searching for a new church. A wise preacher once said "go where people are getting saved". Well, our fourth church out, we came to an out-of-the-way, hard-to-find church to see <a href="http://www.doesgodexist.org/AboutClayton/AboutClayton.html">John Clayton</a>, who happened to be speaking at this church. We had just finished a 17-week series called "Does God Exist" by John Clayton in our home school, and we found a card on the bulletin board at Panera which advertised the very same series. We went out of curiosity, to see what kind of church would promote his teaching, which is not mainstream in regard to science and Christianity. It turned out that John Clayton himself was there and we met him in person! It was very exciting. We decided to visit the church also, hear the preaching and I went to the ladies Bible study. Everything lined up, and we have never been to a more "alive" church. There are tons of young people serving God, several ministries to disadvantaged families and people really want to know each other and hang out and fellowship. It is very precious to be a part of.</p><p>So, anyway, I am now eagerly pressing in to the Body of Christ. I am hungry for fellowship and looking forward to each occasion where I can be with these people. I feel like a huge missing element in my life has been filled in, and it is glorious! Thank You Lord!</p><p></p><p></p><p><!--78a91a2c3e2ae8cc8f42debaa58ed7c7--></p><p></p><p></p><p><!--8cb9a4ed4bc8cca1d15e2a0b059ea22b--></p><p></p><p></p><p><!--7d01bae648cb0154f913529347dafd10--><br/></p><!--bbbcb2c8b10241962b02e58aeebddfcd-->Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633562290378473694noreply@blogger.com0