Sparkling fun on the 4th and igniting a fire from a smoldering stick!

I snapped this picture after the end of a wonderful day filled with fun, food and sparklers!  What is the 4th of July if it doesn't include some sparklers???  I just love this very casual photo of the adults as we were in the process of helping the kids with their sparklers.  

Zeke, Lia and Ellie (with some help from dad) managed to sparkle.  Anna, however, was just not interested in getting that close to those flaming sticks! 

She was quite content to stay by Aunt Susie's side, far away from the smoke and sparks!  

I can't help but think about all of my growing up years that always included Lake Maud on the 4th of July.  As a matter of fact, I don't remember a July 4th anywhere else until I was out of high school!  There was always a parade of boats (not very impressive, but we still always watched).  And there was also some kind of fireworks.  Many years the older kids would take the show out to a raft anchored off shore and light the "big" ones out there.  I was telling Ken that I always had some of my own firecrackers and sparklers and snakes.  I was trying to remember just how young I was when I actually shot off my own firecrackers and I think I was pretty young - like 3rd or 4th grade.  My dad would buy me "pink lady" firecrackers that were about a half inch long.  They were not very powerful and mostly made a small pop when the exploded.  But it was still a very big deal to have my OWN and my very own "punk".  Talking about that with Ken and the kids was really interesting.  I actually had to look up punk to find out exactly what it was.  My explanation was a long chunky stick that you would light off of a match and then it would stay lit for a long time.  It had enough "power" to light off firecrackers without lighting a match each time.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered this definition on the internet..... "Punk - a smoldering stick, usually made of a thin piece of banboo that is covered with manure and wood shavings".  WOW!  I had no idea that manure was involved, and I can't tell you how many times I actually held that stick of punk in my mouth (not the lit end, but still.... UGH) in order to light those firecrackers!  

After I got home last night, I was thinking about punk.  Isn't it interesting how something that is not really burning can actually light off a BIG BANG?  I remember my brother and cousins lighting off cherry bombs that were big, loud and scary!  And they were lit with a punk.  All you had to do was just blow a tiny bit on the end of the punk and it would glow red.  If there was no red, the punk was burned out.   What a great Spiritual application this is!  Sometimes when I look around at the "world" it looks pretty dark out there. Even when you look around at the churches and at people who say they are Christians.  Not much light and not much fire happening.   I am convinced that there are many who, like punk, are just sort of smoldering.  Not really on fire.  But they are just waiting for that "wind of the Spirit" to hit and light that fire!  I've felt like that so many times times.  Kind of cold and dry and not feeling like I am really being the LIGHT in the dark world.  But the good news is that it only takes that little spark - the smoldering stick and wind - to get a fire going!  

This reminded me of the old camp song "Pass It On"

It only takes a spark to get a fire going

And soon all those around will warm up in it's glowing.

That's how it is with God's love

Once you’ve experienced it, you spread His love to everyone

You want to pass it on

What a wondrous time is spring, when all the trees are budding

The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming

That’s how it is with God’s love

Once you’ve experienced it, you want to sing

“It’s fresh like spring”; you want to pass it on

I wish for you my friend, this happiness that I’ve found

You can depend on Him, it matters not where you’re bound

I’ll shout it from the mountain top – PRAISE GOD

I want the world to know; the Lord of love has come to me

I want to pass it on

It all comes back to God's love.  That wonderful love that keeps us smoldering, even in those dry times.  Even when we feel just as dark as the world around us. With just a little wisp of the Holy Spirit wind, we can become those wonderful bright fires that can light up our dark world!  There is so much hope and joy in this.  I don't know about you, but I have a new wonderful feeling and I am humming...... I want to pass it on!

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that your love is big and powerful and able to be passed on - even by just a little spark.  Holy Spirit will you blow over all of us and touch our smoldering spirits with a new wind of the love of Jesus.  Help us to want to show the world more of the wonder of Jesus.  Amen

Spending time that matters!

 

On Monday night Gwen and I spent the evening painting together!  Not painting walls.....actually doing art.  I had spent so much time painting with the kids (actually watching the kids paint) during the time that Gwen and Tim were away, so it was fitting that Gwen and I made plans to do some painting together.  As you all know, time is a valuable commodity.  Anyone with a family knows that an evening away from the kids is something to celebrate.  This special night was, in fact, a very delayed birthday present for Gwen.  The time together was wonderful.  Anytime that Gwen and I have a chance to actually sit and talk without the kids around is wonderful.  Add to that, the chance to try something very much outside of our comfort zone!  This was at the end of the evening.......

If you look closely you can see the painting that we actually did.  It was called Zen Mountain and Gwen thought it looked easy to paint.  Well, it was far from easy.  Gwen was worried about the branches of the tree and I feared the leaves.  Gwen's tree turned out great.....my leaves, not so much.  But it was such an enjoyable evening.  In the end, we were both satisfied with our paintings.  

It was one of those times that I was thankful for a long drive home as I was just basking in the evening.  As I was thinking about the painting, I realized that it was exactly something that I had been hearing from Jesus.  That tree was a splash of color against a grey/black background.  That is exactly what we are called to be.  A splash of the light of Jesus in the darkness of the world.  Even though my painting was in the back seat, I was remembering what I had painted.  Suddenly I was remembering some very important lessons I had heard from the Lord over the years.  Not only is that tree the splash of color in this painting, that tree is growing out of a large rock!  It is obviously rooted deeply in that rock!  Could there be a more clear Biblical application.  Jesus is the rock that we must be planted on.  Our roots have to go deep on that solid ground if we are going to be able to stand the storms of this life.  When our roots are secure.... when we are drinking from the stream of living water that is at the center of that rock,  WE are secure.  And we are a beautiful blast of color and joy in the darkness and despair that is all around us.  

Isn't it great how Jesus will use everything that we do to remind us that He is active in every aspect of our life?  Even when we plan an evening out to do something like this, there is a lesson in it!  It makes me feel secure knowing that even when I don't think about it, Jesus is aware of my plans!  I am so thankful that Jesus is my rock and I can bloom without thinking about it, because of HIM!   

Yes, painting is fun.  Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna certainly showed me how wonderful it can be during our time together.  I confess that I never painted at all during that time.  I was focused on keeping the kids painting exactly where they were supposed to be painting!  Alas, this was a mistake.  I most likely would have really enjoyed painting with them.  So the next time I have the chance, I will be picking up the paint brush.  I am very thankful for my Zen Mountain painting.  Every time I look at that painting on my wall, I will see Jesus and the wonderful light, life and joy that He brings into me!

Jesus, thank you for wonderful times together with Gwen.  Holy Spirit, thank you for showing me a wonderful lesson through this painting.  Help me to remember that no matter how dark it seems all around me, as long as my roots are on the Rock - Jesus will shine his light out into the world.  Amen

When you feel like you are under the weight of the world............

Here is yet another picture from my time with my grandkids!  That week seems like it happened a long time ago, but in reality it was just a bit over a week ago.  As I have been back in my "real" life, I have been digesting and meditating on everything I heard from the Lord during my time away.  And when you add all the stuff I have been doing in the last week or so, well..... it is heavy!   I just loved Anna in the slide while the older kids were on top of the slide.  I was glad that that slide protected Anna from the weight that was just over her head.

Over the last several months I have been hearing a song that has really spoken to me and when I was thinking about this picture, it came to my mind.  It is called Diamonds by Hawk Nelson.  It is worth listening to, just click on the link!  Here are the lyrics....

"Diamonds"

Here and now I'm in the fire, 

In above my head

Oh, oh, oh oh, oh, oh

Being held under the pressure, 

Don't know what'll be left

Oh, oh, oh oh, oh, oh

But it's here in the ashes

I'm finding treasure

He's making diamonds, diamonds

Making diamonds out of dust

He is refining in his timing 

He's making diamonds out of us

I'll surrender to the power

Of being crushed by love

Oh, oh, oh oh, oh, oh

Till the beauty that was hidden

Isn't covered up

Oh, oh, oh oh, oh, oh

Oh it's not what I hoped for

It's something much better

He's making diamonds, diamonds

Making diamonds out of dust

He is refining in his timing 

He's making diamonds out of us

Oh the joy of the lord

It will be my strength

When the pressure is on

He's making diamonds

Oh the joy of the lord

It will be my strength

When the pressure is on

He's making diamonds

Oh the joy of the lord

It will be my strength

When the pressure is on

He's making, he's making 

He's making diamonds, diamonds

Making us rise up from the dust

He is refining in his timing 

He's making diamonds out of dust

Making diamonds out of us

I won't be afraid to shine

I won't be afraid to shine

I won't be afraid to shine

Cause he's making diamonds out of dust

Making diamonds out of us 

I particularly love the two verses that I have highlighted.  It is the joy of the Lord that carries us during those times of such great pressure.  And if we can only remember that when there is that pressure,  Jesus is refining us.  With His joy we can rise up and shine like those diamonds.  When I looked at the picture of the kids and that tunnel slide, I was thinking about how great it would be if we could see Jesus as that solid tunnel of protection around us.  Then, when the pressures of this world do weigh us down, we can remember exactly what is happening.  He is refining us and it is all in His timing.  The purpose is not to crush us, but rather to clarify and make us so beautiful in His image.  That was his plan and purpose from the very beginning.  He took dust and created Adam in His own image - making something so amazing out of ordinary dust.  What diamonds we are!  All so beautiful.... all with different facets and all of us just sparkle in the light of Jesus!  The very best part of God's amazing incredible plan is that when we are filled with the Spirit and Jesus is the center of our life, it is HIS very light that shines forth from within us.  And when that light shines, everything around is changed.  We don't have to DO anything.  His wonderful light just shines forth.  WOW!  That sure puts a different perspective on the pressures and weights of this world.  

So, when things get heavy and you think you just can't go on, just find the joy of the Lord.  And remind yourself that Jesus is refining and make you into one beautiful diamond! 

Jesus, thank you for this reminder of your great plan and purpose.  Holy Spirit, help us to see the really big picture and to see ourselves as your beautiful creations - diamonds!  Amen

Painting a new picture......a new way!

One of the special presents that Gwen left for the kids, were these really amazing "paint" sticks.  They are actually solid tempra paints in a push up tube.  They work sort of like markers, but they look like paint on the paper.  And they dry quickly!  Needless to say, Anna loved them.  So did all the other kids!  During the week, we did lots of painting.  Finger painting, water color painting, special paint brush paints, paint stick paints, these dry paint sticks, and face paints....I'm sure that I am forgetting some.  These kids love to paint!

It is interesting watching a two year old paint.  They start with blank paper and then make a total "mess" and when they are done, they are so proud of their painting!  They don't think that they have to paint a certain way.  They just put color on the page.  It is a delightful thing to watch.

I've been thinking about how many times I force myself to "color inside the lines" or only worse yet, I don't even pick up that paint brush because I am afraid of what others think.  This fear of man is sometimes just so powerful.  Fear is an interesting thing.  Even when you know that you don't need to FEAR, sometimes it still changes how you act.  There is so much fear on the internet these days.  It is everywhere.  People are fearful of terrorists.  They are afraid about what is happening to our country.  They are afraid to speak....to be judged as intolerant.  Yet, those who are judging are often the ones who are being intolerant of those with conservative beliefs.  I can't tell you how often I hesitate to post one of these blog posts because I am suddenly hit with fear about what people might think and/or say about the views I have expressed.  Isn't that silly?  I don't really know most of you that read this blog...you live all over the world.  Yet, I know that if you have been drawn to read these posts, there is a reason.  And I am determined to share whatever Jesus gives me to share and to trust that the Holy Spirit will bring these words to whoever needs to read them. But I also want to be clear that it is not always easy.

So my encouragement to you today is to color those pictures.  Don't worry so much about what other people will think about you or your painting.  Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and take those sometimes difficult steps to walk out your life picture whatever that looks like.  All through out scripture we are told.....do not be afraid or .....do not fear....  Now more than ever we just need to press on and not give in to fear.  Fear is from the enemy and not from God.  I don't think there is any more important message that I can give than that.  The devil is the author and instigator of fear and terror.   God is love and peace and joy.   There you go.  That is my thought for today!  

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that fear does not come from you.  Holy Spirit help us all to have the courage and boldness to go and to say and to paint all the pictures that you give to us.  Protect us from the overwhelming fear that surrounds us in the world today.  Jesus, help us to show the world who you are through our lives.  Let there be love and peace and joy in our hearts today.  Amen

Sometimes you just need to be alone..to turn a frown upside down!

 On the second day I was with the grandkids, the "big girls" got to go on a playdate with their BFF's!  While this was a welcome break for me, as well as very fun for Lia and Ellie, Zeke was not very happy that he didn't get to go anywhere.  It is really tough being the little brother sometimes.  Anna really didn't even notice that Lia and Ellie were gone.  But Zeke really wanted some kind of special treat or to go someplace very fun.  I had no intention of leaving the house, so I had to come up with something to turn this little boys frown into a smile.  So I created this amazing fort out of the coffee table, the sectional sofa and lots and lots of blankets!  Zeke thought this was so much fun.  He told me that he needed some "alone time" and he took some toys into his fort, took his Kindle and closed the "door" that he had created.

Anna was napping during the building of this fort and I was a bit afraid that she would just pull down all of the blankets when she got up.  Thankfully she wasn't that interested in what Zeke was doing inside the fort and I could easily distract her with these............

She loves stickers and they seem to end up everywhere.  But it was enough to keep the fort intact so that Lia and Ellie could see it when they returned after supper.  Zeke was a happy camper when Lia and Ellie were impressed with his fort and he got to take them on a tour before bedtime. A happy end to the day for everyone!

Anna has this most amazing way of saying her prayers before bed.  After lots of books (I can now recite by heart, several of her favorites that we read over and over and over and over), singing Jesus Loves Me, and hugs and kisses, I would ask if she wanted to pray or if she wanted me to pray.  She always throws herself down on her knees with her hands folded and her face on the ground and very quietly you can hear her "praying" but you can't understand the words.  Then, after a few minutes she says AMEN! and her prayers are done!   I am sure that something very real is taking place between her and Jesus during this special time.  This was a most holy moment of my day, when I knew that Jesus was very present with us.  She has her alone time with Jesus.....no blankets necessary!

I was thinking about that fort after all the kids were in bed.  I can't tell you how many times I would have liked to just have a great big blanket fort to shut out all of the cares of the world,  To have a place to run and hide from responsibilities and junk that are swirling around in the world.   And then, to top it all off, a sunny sticker to cover up anything that doesn't look happy.  Around 5 minutes into my "musing" about this, Jesus reminded me that HE is that blanket that covers us and protects us from the darkness of the world.  And any time we feel that we need that place to "be alone" we just have to run into worship and Jesus is there waiting to cover us and surround us with his peace and his love.  Yes, it is a perfect place for some "alone time".  

I needed these reminders so very much.  I don't know about you, but with all the stuff going on out there in the world, it seems so overwhelming.  I am tired of the political garbage.  I am tired of the debate over bathroom usage.  I am tired of hearing about guns and terrorists.  It was actually a blessing to be to busy to read/watch/hear much news.  And I think I will build myself a blanket fort in the wrap around arms of Jesus and then throw myself on the floor and bow my head and whisper my thoughts to Jesus. I sure that his presence and peace will be just the "sticker" I need to end my day.  Won't you join me today?  Let's all be children together!

And Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 18:3  

Jesus, thank you for meeting me right where I was during this time with the kids.  Thank you for your great love and faithful presence that brings us close to you.  Holy Spirit, help us all to run to Jesus like little children and be open to share our deepest thoughts in whispers only you can hear.  Thank you for Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna and all the ways you are working in them!  Amen

A different kind of mission trip...............

You might have noticed that I have been silent for the last week or so.  The reason is that I have been on a different kind of mission trip.  I spent these days being with Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna while Gwen and Tim traveled with the youth from their church on a mission trip.  It was quite a week for me.  It has been a long time since I spent this many days taking care of kids, all on my own.  As a matter of fact, I have NEVER taken care of four kids for an entire week.  I came away from this week not only knowing the kids better, but also learning some new things about myself, about life and about Jesus.  I will be blogging about these things in the next few weeks.  Honestly I am still trying to digest all that I learned!  And I am resting!  Those four kids did keep me on my toes and going for the entire week.  I loved every minute of it!  Okay, with total truth telling, I did not like the 20 minutes or so when Anna threw some temper tantrums (very typical for a 2 year old) when mommy and daddy did not come home when she wanted them.  No, I did not like the pitiful screaming and crying and kicking and the running away from me and feeling so totally helpless to do anything to help Anna feel better.  Aside from those few minutes, I just loved my time with these little sweeties.  Just before Gwen and Tim got home last night, Anna climbed up on my lap, gave me big hugs and cuddles.  I told her I was going to be leaving to go home as soon as her mommy and daddy got home.  She grabbed my face and said "No Grama, no home!"  What a sweet little one she is.

I confess, I was quite jealous to see Gwen and Tim go off on this trip.  I have been on several trips and these have always been life changing for me.  When you leave your home and step out of your comfort zone, Jesus always shows up.  Some of the most powerful points of direction and correction have come from these trips.  I also know the warfare that can accompany these trips, so I felt on "prayer alert" for this mission team.  Somewhere around the fourth hour I was with the kids, I realized how much I needed prayer support for my "mission" trip.  I am so thankful that I could call on my small group to stand with me during this week with the kids.  By the end of the first day, I knew that this was probably the most important mission trip I had ever been on.  Keeping Gwen and Tim's house running and the kids happy and safe, while covering them in prayer, was exactly what Jesus wanted me to be doing.  I felt His presence every day and in so many ways.  Having four children is not easy!  There is a lot of laundry. LOTS of laundry.   There are hungry mouths waiting to eat (and have snacks).  There are so many things that these small hands just can not do by themselves.   I was so thankful that Gwen and Tim have done an amazing job of fostering independence in their kids.  But the cupboards are just to high to reach the bowls.  The milk is to full to pour.  Well, you get the idea.  On the first evening, after all the kids were tucked into bed, I opened up my journal to write a few sentences.  As I sat there with pen in hand, just thanking Jesus for the day, praying for Gwen and Tim and their team, one thought appeared on my paper..... THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MISSION FIELD!   Family - children - home..... this is the mission field that matters most to Jesus.  The seeds that are being sown into these children will be watered and grow deep roots.  And the world will be impacted by them.  The thing about this "family" mission trip is that it requires perseverance.  It is a day after day, week after week, twenty four-seven trip.  There are messes and sickness and yes, temper tantrums.  But then there are those wonderful cuddles and hugs.  Those sweet goodnight prayers.  And the smiles and laughter.  What we all have to do is REALIZE that family IS a MISSION!  We should approach family like we do a mission trip.  We should ask for prayer from those close to us.  Every day should begin asking Jesus for direction for the specific activities for the family.  And we should make the most of every opportunity that presents itself to shower the love of Jesus over those around us.

Most importantly, we need to support all of these young families.  The dads are working so many hours, just to provide. And most dads are doing their share of caring for the children and home also.  Many of the moms work outside of the home and then have the children and all their activities on top of that.  This season of the BIG mission trip is seemingly endless and so very heavy.  Most people have heard the quote "It takes a village to raise a child".  I think I would like to change that a little bit and say "It takes the support of the WHOLE body of Christ to carry out the MISSION of the family".

After trying to fill the very large shoes of Gwen and Tim, I am thankful and happy to return to just being Grandma Lyn.  On the first day of filling in, I gained a new perspective about mission trips. It was a privilege and honor to be trusted with these wonderful children.   It was just the start of an amazing different kind of mission trip!

Jesus, thank you for speaking to us and showing us exactly what we need.  Thank you for children and family and time out of our comfort zones.  Holy Spirit, help us all to be more aware of those around us who are in the thick of raising children.  Jesus thank you for your plan that included families.  Thank you especially for children and grandchildren.  Amen

Another celebration......anniversary!

With Ken away this weekend, I had plenty of time to start looking through all of my scrapbook albums.  This was the first album I picked up.  Thursday was Gwen and Tim's 15th Wedding Anniversary.  It just does not seem possible that this was 15 years ago!

It was such an amazing day.  Didn't she look just amazing?  And quite honestly, I don't think she looks much older now, in spite of four kids and 15 years!  Or Tim either! And I just had to include this picture since I had just posted the picture of my own going away......

I'm not sure that going through old photos is a good way to spend an entire day.  It left me feeling a bit nostalgic and also kind of discouraged.  I thought this was interesting since DISCOURAGEMENT  has been the word swirling around for the last week.  I have seen post after post about praying against the spirit of discouragement that seems to be everywhere right now.  We prayed about this at my small group this week.   Last night I heard an amazing teaching from Dr. Lance Wallnau on this exact subject.  His message was summed up in one sentence... "Let your expectations be on the Lord!".  We tend to get discouraged when we are looking for something from a source that is NOT the Lord.  If we want affirmation or encouragement or even just someone to be with, if we look anywhere but the Lord, we will be disappointed or discouraged.  Lance said that he had been reading Psalm 62 when he came to this thought.  Here is Psalm 62 from The Passion Translation.....

I stand silently to listen for the One I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me.  For God alone has become my Savior.  He alone is my Safe Place; His wrap-around presence always protects me.  For he is my Champion Defender; there's no risk of failure with God.  So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?  But look at these who want me dead, Shouting their vicious threats at me!  The moment they discover my weakness they all begin plotting to take me down.  Liars, hypocrites, with nothing good to say.  All of their energies are spent on moving me from this exalted place. I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the One I love; waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me.  Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me.  For he alone is my Safe Place, His wrap-around presence always protects me.  As my Champion Defender; there's no risk of failure with God!  So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?  God's glory is all around me!  His wrap-around presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, My Hero and my life-giving strength.  Join me, everyone!  Trust only in God every moment!  Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him.  Believe me when I tell you - he will help you!  Before God, all the people of the earth, high or low, are like smoke that disappears, like a vapor that quickly vanishes away.  Compared to God they're nothing but vanity, nothing at all!  The wealth of the world is nothing to God.  So if your wealth increases, don't be boastful or put your trust in your money.  And don't you think for a moment that you can get away with stealing, by overcharging others, just to get more for yourself!  God said to me once and for all, all the strength and power you need flows from me!  And again I heard it clearly said, "All the love you need is found in me!"  And the Almighty said, "The greater your passion for more- the greater reward I will give you!"

Meditate on that and you will see the direction to just rely on the Lord.  In doing that, we will not worry.  Or be disappointed.  Or discouraged.  So I think I will spend some time musing about this Psalm.  Once again I am so thankful for The Passion Translation!  And I am thankful for scrapbooking and preserving photos that allow us to remember and reflect.  

Jesus, thank you for memories that help us to put our life into perspective.  Thank you for the reminder to trust only in you, Lord.  Holy Spirit, free us from the spirit of discouragement and disappointment and help us to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Thank you for time to read, pray and reflect on all of your great promises.  Amen