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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

How Can I Keep From Singing?

Woke up feeling awful this morning, but had to press on because today is moving day.  Although there are still a few more things to get finished, I must take a break to post some thoughts.

Taking the rubbish out early - the sky was my favorite grey, I began to feel a bit better.  Amazing what a few negative ions can do for the spirits.  That, and prayers for improved health.  As I watched the sun rise from dark grey to rosy pink to firey orange to what is now vibrant yellow my heart can't help but sing.  Oh, how I will miss the view of the sunrise!

I stepped outside a few minutes ago to take a deep breath of the morning and was reminded of the verse that says if we don't praise God, even the rocks will cry out.  Today I shared my praise with the color of the sunrise, the wind in the trees, the song of the Tui and the calm waves on the harbor.

This brings to mind two of my favorite songs...the first from Enya (How Can I Keep From Singing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cBM7HZ4lG0
and the second from the Gaither Vocal Band (The Glorious Impossible)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3EdX8-heAc

Sure wish I knew how to add them so they will play as you read this, but that is a new skill to learn on another day.  :)

The sun is now up and shining, children are awake and moving about, my headache is completely gone.  Things here at the "Holiday House" are about to be wrapped up.  I have been writing a few lines and doing a few things, writing, doing...

Today, I could not procrastinate in giving God praise.  Why?  Simply because He is Worthy!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Back to the Basics

Simplicity, that is what I need this coming week...mornings with my Savior, routines with my children and the daily requirements for my business to grow.  All of this while packing, cleaning and shifting house in the next three days.

Due to the demands of freelance work, we were unable to spend our usual Sunday afternoon with The Artistic Pixel Man.  This threw us all a bit off kilter but we did manage to have a quiet afternoon. 

I must admit that I have been a bit lax in the area of goals, organization and movement lately.  Time to get the nose back to the grindstone and stop lazing around.

Here's to a new week.  Thank You Lord, for a fresh start!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Thinking on What?

The root of bitterness had been slowly growing unseen in the dirt, but he decided to break daylight and get a look above ground.  What he saw was a heart that did not extend the warm welcome he longed for.  Oh, he tried to wind his tendrils in amongst the thoughts and feelings of her soul, but the choice was made to not give a mile after an inch was asked for.

"Of course you are loved," he taunted, "but not by that one!"  Actions speak louder than words, it is true.
But to look only on the here and now and give up on hope would mean giving up on the One who told her to wait...giving in to humanity and up on faith in things not yet seen.


"Of course I am loved," she said, "by The One who loved me so much that He sent down His Son."
This fact makes a difference in how life is lived, she's thankful not bitter, with love now to give.



Thursday, March 25, 2010

Stuff

Today is a packing day.  I have slowly been weeding things out of my own stash of stuff - clothes not worn, things not used, etc - and giving great thought to the idea of simplistic living.  We are moving into a smaller space for a few months so this brings my focus to any space saving ideas I can find.  It will be interesting to note as the days go by, how going from big house to cozy den affects our attitude.

Someday I would like to live in a house that has a hand powered kitchen.  The only challenge would be in making toast and blending juices/nut mixtures.

This brings me to the question of: What else do I absolutely need to use that pulls from the power lines?
  • computer and printer
  • cd player/radio/tv - cds and tv can be replaced by listening/watching on exclusively on the computer
  • oven and stove
  • sewing machine and iron - although we recently saw a machine that was powered by hand crank
  • washing machine and dryer - hanging clothes to dry is a much used option at our house
  • battery charger - for kids' hand held video game, portable cd player and our cameras
Hmm.  Less than many, more than most.  I am very blessed.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Simple Parenting

Today I experienced a wonderful moment of joy in spending family time together, and received a knowing smile from The Artistic Pixel Man as I mentioned to Miss A that all kids have parents that make a big deal out of their kids growing taller and growing up.  Her parents are no different, although we may be a bit abnormally normal.  We are her parents and we love her.

A simple joy.  The daughter, the mother, the father, the brother...together.  In the sunshine, sharing a smile.

We must return optimism to our parenting. 
To focus on the joys, not the hassles...
~ Fred G. Gosman

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Sharing the Self Talk

As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision. ~ Helen Keller

I have had the opportunity twice this week to realize how very thankful I am that I home school my children.  For me, it is a blessing to be with my children the majority of 24/7/365.  Although I do look forward to them spreading their wings so I can watch them soar, I am content in my time with them now as I watch them blossom and grow.

I think everyone needs to know when they are a joy to be around, so this week I told my children just that.  I am proud to be their mom, I love being with them, and I am blessed to be their teacher at home.  (maybe not those exact words, but they got my jist, and I shared my self talk with them.)

Maybe that is what got Mr. E wondering aloud about the age when he should start educating his own children, or what time they should go to bed, or what age he will be when he is out of the house and making his own decisions.  I wonder what else he would like to ask? 

Focus on FUN!

Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it, spend time with your families.  ~ Colin Powell

This week, Friday was "Fun Day".  We celebrated by visiting the police station so that I could get my fingerprints taken for paperwork.  The officer then did both of the kids for fun.  I told them that should they ever become delinquents, they would already know what the inside of a police station looked like.  He got a kick out of that, and said that the delinquents get their finger prints done digitally as it is so much easier, especially for those that don't particularly care to participate in the process.  Mr. E assured me that he had no plans to become a delinquent!  :)

After another short errand, we hopped on the #10 bus and rode to the Wellington Zoo.  This month they are offering half price admissions on Fridays, so we had to take advantage of the savings.  It was such a wonderful visit that I would have gladly paid full price.  We ate our lunch while observing the Sun bears, 



and just happened upon the Giraffes at snack time - where we got to feed them special tree leaves by hand!  Their muzzle is not quite as soft as a horse, but just being able to look one in the eye and feel its breath was a once in a life time experience for me.


Miss A loved the Sun bears (as did I) and Mr. E enjoyed the Meerkats best of all.  We all liked the geckos - they have sticky pads on their feet, and enjoyed a rest in the shade as we watched the zoo vets taking x-rays of some feisty possums.

The one thing that struck me over and over during our visit to the zoo is that the God who made me created all of these amazing animals! I saw jewel toned colors and geometric patterns in the feathers of birds, familiar faces in the Tamarin monkeys, and the variety of His inspiration in every single creature in the zoo.  Nothing can match the creativity and majesty of God.  Yes, God cares for His creatures...but isn't it great to know that God loves us best of all?

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Incredible, what happens when the focus is fun.  Perhaps I won't wait so long until next time!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A Full Heart

Today I am thankful for
  • a husband who is a good provider.
  • a place to go when this lease is up
  • half-price entry at the zoo tomorrow
  • safety in the storm last Friday
  • hugs from my children every day
  • notes and greetings from friends
  • a helpful bus driver today with the patience of Job
  • God's Word.  It is active and living!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

This is the Life!

Ah, once again The Artistic Pixel Man treated me to a day of not having to do dishes.  I'm afraid I threw a change of plans at him early in the day, but he handled it like a pro.  A friend picked the kids and I up early this morning to go to the Sunday Market down at the waterfront, where I picked up a tasty looking lamb roast.  Brought it back to the apt. where we stuck it in the crock pot for today's dinner.  T.A.P.M. makes a great gravy, which we had over the meat and veggies, and also bread that came from the market.

We had made plans earlier in the week to eat lunch out and then go hiking, but because of my change of menu, we had dinner and a movie at home instead.  So, hopefully we can hike the Mt. Vic trail next weekend.

Upon getting the veggies back to the house, I had the wonderful surprise of seeing another friend - who is actually my landlord.  She was up to photo the outside of the house and was just leaving, but she stayed for a chat, and to pick up something I needed to give her.  I must say that God has brought into my life so many people who are a joy to be with.  I hope that I am one of those kind in return.



Here is to Simplicity...the joy of being with family and friends, near and far away.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

It's My Birthday!

It's my birthday, and this one thing I believe...I am loved by family and friends! Especially my children.

I woke up this morning to be held hostage in my room while Miss A and Mr E made my breakfast and decorated the kitchen.  Much thought was put into the decorating because the colors of the lettering matched the streamers hanging from the door, and the 2 flower arrangements were beautifully symmetrical.  I was told that they encountered 4 or 5 bugs during the preparations and that Mr E "smashed one with his shoe!"  (I did hear that particular bit of commotion and was wondering if they would lift the ban on me coming into the kitchen so I could get the grasshopper for them.  I was happy to hear them work it out as I think this means I am off bug duty since they can now catch/kill their own bugs!)

Hugs abounded today, and someone even mentioned a birthday spanking.  Thankfully, we are in New Zealand and spanking is against the law here.  Whew!  Lucky for me!

What did I learn in the past year?  I have many areas of life that need improvement.  I  have many friends and family who love me anyways.  My faith is in God, who never fails, and always forgives - no matter how many times I mess up. 

"Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift!"

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Acknowledgements

This week is  celebratory week and I am oh so thankful for so many people.  I would like to take a moment in my corner of the cyber-world to say "Thank You" to those who are walking on this journey along side of me.

To the ladies at Table 6, thank you for welcoming me into the circle.  I am honored to be a part of your lives through Mosaic.

To my friends and ABF family from HBC, thank you for your prayers and patience as I grow in your garden.  I may be blooming far away, but my roots are still with you.  I thank God upon every remembrance of you!

To my NSA family, thank you for your contagious enthusiasm.  What an honor to serve with you!

To Tamera and the QE Gals, I miss you.  Save me some chocolate cake!   ;) 

To my mom, thank you for always believing in me.  I cherish your wisdom and strength.

To my dear sister and bro-in law, thank you for your courage.  I am proud of you both.

To the "Tenacious Twosome" words can't say it, but I will try...thank you for the "Bull Dog" approach you use to make sure I am focusing on God's Truth.

To Adelaide, thank you for walking this journey as a sister and friend.  Hope sends her love! 

To Gigi and Poppie, thank you for taking care of things, and for the great gift that your son is to me!

Sam, Dan, Daniel, Jim and others, thank you for loving my kids along with your own.

To my children, thank you for the joy that you bring to my life.  May I be a worthy example for you to follow in your own lives.

Last, and most importantly, I would like to thank The Artistic Pixel Man.  Because of your focus and hard work I am able to do what I do.  I am thankful for your creative spirit, and courage to bring us along on your adventure.  Mahalo Nui Loa.

Be Careful What You Write About

...Just after writing about regrets, I realize a major potential regret in my life.  Big.  A doozey, because of my own procrastination.  The Regret of a Lifetime.  So now, as I wait to see how bad this will be, I need to concentrate on something positive.

Remember folks, as Katherine Lee always says, "A set back is a set up for a come back!"  So, how do I turn this one around??  As per the Communication Continuum from ILiveTheSource, I need to ask some clarifying questions and then move into action.

Now, on to something worthy for this Wednesday!  I did check on the item of last week's procrastination (which brought me to today's regretful realization) and so I do feel good about checking that off.  I now have more things on my "to do" list in that category.  After dinner I hope to tackle the other area of this month's procrastination: curtain lining.  I want to get these finished by Friday, so will be in 5th gear from now until then.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Being Reminded Why

"Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only for wallowing in." 

~ Katherine Mansfield 1888-1923, born in Wellington, New Zealand

This quote came to me in a timely manner today.  Earlier today I had spoken to a friend regarding moving my business forward here in New Zealand, and was regretting the time it too me to speak up and get moving. 
With this in mind, I tenaciously move forward!  No turning back for me. 


As Katherine Lee from ILiveTheSource says so very often, "A set back is only a set up for a come back!"  I am thankful that she so willingly shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.  I am so thankful that I am part of her class this year, and that I am catching her enthusiasm too!  Katherine, if by chance you are reading this...here's a big hug and smile for you!     :)

Should today's label be changed to thankful instead of tenacious?  No.  I need the tenacity right now and I am holding on by my teeth!  I say let's let today be both, for at the moment I can't be tenacious without the"why".  And I am oh, so thankful for my "why" today.



"No reserves.  No retreats.  No regrets."  
~ William Borden

An Impromptu Thought

Last Friday as the kids and I were leaving Climbing Club we passed what looked like a large magnetic white cube covered with hundreds of little magnetic words.  Wellington is celebrating writers and readers this month, so we took a moment to participate.  Of course I had to give myself a little challenge, so I picked up a bunch of words that were face down on the ground and made my sentence.  The first word I picked up was "vision".  How appropriate for this year.  I suddenly felt inspired and full of strength.  One little word.  Six black letters on a little white tile with a magnet on the back.  One little word that can reach so very far!

"The wind is like a gift that visioned her life with joy."



Sunday, March 7, 2010

Another Restful Day

If this pattern keeps going, I might have to say that I am getting spoilt!  The Artistic Pixel Man again made dinner for us - this time it was his "I've Never Made Chili That Isn't Spicy Before!", and it received raving reviews from the kids.  Plus, there was enough to land us some leftovers!  heheh.

I also got to take a nap - again!  Yes.  I could get used to this Sunday afternoon routine.  ;)

So, today is a Simplistic Sunday.  Simply put, I choose to think on truth this week, do the daily things and conquer at least one item of procrastination.  A tall order?  Perhaps.  But if I keep my focus upwards and not inwards, I will make it...for sure!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Truth or Lies

Wow.  What a title.  What a thought.  What are we believing?

This hits me hard today as I see the devastating effects of what happens when people believe lies.  Yes, in my life I have been guilty of it, and have also felt the effects of what happens when someone close to me believes them. 

If I have learned anything in the past forty years it is that the lies are so very easy to believe.  We are told by the world, "Go ahead, you deserve to be happy.  Do what feels good!" And if we don't give careful thought to the consequences, they will be just as bad as the lies themselves.

I know this is a controversial topic, but I'm the author of this here blog and if you don't care to read my thoughts on this particular topic, come back tomorrow.  : )

Enough about lies.  What are the truths that I am believing right now?
  • God honors obedience
  • Obedience is hard
  • When I ask, God is more than happy to help me do what is right
  • Disobedience brings hard consequences
  • These consequences will hurt more than just myself
  • God is who He says He is and He does what He says He will do!
That is the bottom line.  Enough said.  Friend, Reader...what do you believe??
 

Friday, March 5, 2010

Falling Up

This was meant to be posted yesterday, but in trying to stick to my somewhat rigid bedtime schedule, I opted to hit the pillow instead of the keyboard.  So, two posts for today. 

Amazing what a little focus can do.  It seems to bring clarity and purpose.

I have now started writing my "to do" list, and it brings satisfaction just knowing that things are written down so I can look at that list and not have to rely on my [sometimes shoddy] memory.

So often we go through our lives doing the daily things and feeling like nothing is getting finished because we are in a whirlwind of busy-ness.  I hope to stop long enough each evening to give a moment of purposeful thought to the things that will come on the morrow, collect my thoughts and make my plan.

Things I am currently focused on:
  • Scripture Memory
  • The Life of David
  • Praying for Many Friends and Loved Ones
  • Teaching my Children
  • Growing my Business
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1


Thursday, March 4, 2010

What a Day!

Having taken the topic for Wednesdays to heart, I am ashamed to admit that once again I have procrastinated on something that really needs to get done.  I even procrastinated the writing of the procrastination!

On to other things!

Today is Thankful Thursday, and what a day it has been!  I woke up in time to see the sun coming over the eastern hills and the day only grew better from there.  My time in the Word this morning was first rate, and God brought to mind many dear friends to pray for.  I also received word that someone I met recently has made a decision to have a personal relationship with Christ.  I am so thankful today for Salvation.  Not just mine, but that of those whose hearts are being softened even now.

I am thankful for Debbi Bryson http://www.biblebusstop.com/ speaking at today's Mosaic Group.  I had been praying for her last week, that her words would be straight from God.  That prayer was answered.  Also at the meeting this morning I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting again, a young woman who the kids and I met at a bus stop many months ago.  I saw her Bible and asked where she attended church.  It just so happened that it was the same one that I had been procrastinating about visiting.  So, the next week we went to her church, http://www.thestreet.org.nz/ and it is now our church too!  Amazing to see her again.

So many other things to be thankful for, but life is calling and I must close for now.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Tuesday Post Script

I have just learned that March is National Nutrition Month.  This is wonderful news as I am hoping to detail  my journey to health and wellness on Tenacious Tuesdays, but could not think of a word beginning with the letter "T" to title the day.  (If anyone has a suggestion, I would be glad to give it consideration.)

Here is a link to the American Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org/ and I think this is a wonderful place to get started, especially for the daily recommended allowances for each age group, but do not totally agree with the promotion or need for animal products in the diet.  This, I believe is tied to promoting the dairy and meat industries and is a can of worms to be kept closed until further notice.

Please note that this is a personal preference.  I have noticed improvement in the health of myself and my children when we keep animal products to a minimum in our diets, and this is what works best for us.  We do have the occasional meal that includes meat for the protein - as opposed to legumes, nuts, whole grains or seeds, and cheese and yogurt are still heavily used - although I have switched to cheese made with vegetable rennet, with no complaints.  Rice milk is our drink of choice other than water, and I have found that it works well in cooking and baking.

So...all this to introduce National Nutrition Month.  By March 31st, may we all be closer to our goals!

Today's Title is a Study in Contrast

Perhaps "Tenacious Tuesdays" is not the correct title for this day.  I am hoping for this blog to be something of an encouragement, but tenacious means "holding fast; stubborn; obstinate".  These things, at the moment seem more negative to me, as in "I am holding tenaciously to old habits." ...yes, they are without a doubt, very deeply ingrained.

However, if I were to say that "I choose to be tenacious in my pursuit of building new habits." I would be speaking proactively and sharing my goal of improvement.  So, what will it be?  Proactive gets my vote, and in so doing, chips away at the corner of the tenacious habit of clinging to the negative.  I feel like Joan of Arc in her armor, sword held high, ready to reclaim the home land.  Oh dear, I feel a soap box moment coming on...

Let me close today with this quote from Joel A. Barker (as attributed on brainyquote.com):  

"Vision without action is merely a dream.  Action without vision just passes the time.  Vision with action can change the world."