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New Year Same Jesus

Hi Girls,

It's New Years Eve! I like new beginnings. I'm sure you won't be surprised but I already have January [OK, I'll admit it...February too] filled out in my new Franklin planner & my electronic planner. (I never feel secure until my life is logged ahead of time electronically & on good old fashioned paper.) I even have my daily Bible reading plan logged into my computer so that I can check it off each day...good grief. But, I am writing to tell you that there is hope for me yet!

I have been looking at my scheduled life and kind of dreading the routine. Normally having all my ducks in a row fills me with peace, a sense of accomplishment (pride?) and a false sense of security. This year I am so anxious for God to show me His glory. I am back to that bold, forward, audacious Moses...and the relationship he had with God. I don't think my planner holds that for me. Moses had a REAL LIVE RELATIONSHIP with his creator. Moses didn't have a Franklin planner or an electronic check list for his time with God. He was the leader of over 1 million people and all the making of a nation and yet he managed to have his priorities right.

I am the Mom of a household, the facilitator of a home school, the keeper of several other's homes, the coordinator of VBS, the helper of GA's, the trainer @ BSF yada, yada, yada. But my Jesus is going to be the same awesome, miraculous Savior He was in 2008 and I don't want to miss a second with Him. Am I getting in my own way?

In Exodus ch. 34 God tells us a lot about Himself, He is Jealous. Wow, my Creator wants all of me. And, He won't stand for the idols I place in front of Him. Not a new concept as I have dealt with a lot of revealed idols (Yes, Amber I am talking about you) in the past. I have just never seen my reliance upon MY self & organization etc. as an idol.

So, as I begin a new year with the same Jesus I am praying that I will not be the same Leslie. Watch out girls I may become a radical woman of God and become a bit spontaneous! Oh no, ...my heart rate just went up and I am in a cold sweat. God has a big work to do here!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

More of my favorite things

I am watching TV and 2 things have struck me. 1. The Santa who killed 9 people who knew his ex wife and 2. a line from the movie THE FAMILY MAN where Jack says "we can finally have a life that people envy and his wife Kate says, "we already do". He was talking about a fancy house, money, a prestigious job etc. and she was talking about their kids and the love of a family.

I am grateful for my family and for a simple & quiet Christmas.

I am grateful for the frozen trees and bushes that are sparkly and white and gorgeous.

I am grateful for seeing so many friends and family members today while out shopping.

I am grateful for a beautiful Christmas eve service at church.

I am grateful that my family watched the Nativity Movie with me last night and didn't laugh at me for sobbing at all the same parts I do EVERY time I watch it.

I am grateful for my mother in law teaching me to cross country ski on the canal bank yesterday.

I am grateful none of us got hurt while sledding Carmichal hill yesterday...except my stomach hurt from laughing.

I am grateful for Jesus and the opportunity to celebrate His birth in so many special ways this year.

I am grateful for my warm & soft bed and the man & dog beside me...I think I will go to sleep and dream of more things to be thankful for. Ever wake up with a song of praise on your lips? I have and I hope I do tomorrow. Good night good friends;0)

Show Me Your Glory

I am blogging under at least 6 inches of snow and it's still coming down. Even my kids, who love the white stuff and pray for it to fall, are now ready for it to stop snowing...I think they are tired of shoveling. As I was out shoveling and sweeping this evening I was enchanted with the difference in size, shape, color etc. of the individual flakes. Being a bit of a crow, I love anything sparkly, and tonight's snow looked like glitter. In my reading re: the life of Moses he asked God to see His glory. Can you believe it...the audacity of mere mortal man asking to see God? I think this mere mortal needs to be more bold and ask God to reveal Himself to me more. Snow ~ cold, wet, messy, dangerous, inconvenient, fun, entertaining, beautiful, breathtaking....IS GOD SHOWING US HIS GLORY. Only He could make each individual flake (I am talking about the snow not us...tee, hee, hee :]) different and cover the earth and make it look pure. I say look pure because we know that underneath is still oil on the drive way, doggie do in the grass, dirt etc. Only God can bring purity to the other flakes (us) too.

LORD, cleanse me and make me white as snow. Not just to look pure and white on the outside but an inner cleansing through repentance and brokenness. Otherwise, why did your Son come to take on human flesh and die for me? Emmanuel, God be with us....we so need you.

Christmas Memories from Leslie

A little Christmas time questionnaire...Thanks Jill ~ I'm going to play too.

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I am a Hot Chocolate girl too, ever try it with red hots in it?

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa's helper (AKA - me!) loves loves loves to wrap gifts! I just spent all day Saturday wrapping for my mom...probably not the best use of my time but I had fun.

When do you put your decorations up? They go up the day after Thanksgiving and down New Years day...YES, I truly am that anal retentive.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? I am making Spiral Ham this year and cannot wait!!! (Sorry to offend your Jewishness, Jill.)

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I think I am getting old, I don't remember.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Sometimes.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? When the kids were younger we had a teddy bear tree. Now we have Tommy's Nutcracker collection on and around the tree with red & white lights. The kids also choose their favorite ornaments from the 10,000 "special" ones in the box.

Snow. Love it or dread it? Call me crazy, I love it.

Can you ice skate? No, and I don't like to be cold except when sledding which I love!

What is your favorite holiday dessert? Honestly I spend so much time baking holiday desserts that I don't really want to eat them...which ends up being good for my waistline. I do have an addiction to really good sugar cookies however.

Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Good question and my very spiritual friends said they enjoy giving. I do too, especially the planning part. But, I really like getting gifts too...now you know how shallow I am (or is that no secret?)

What is your favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night BTW, the new Barlow Girl Christmas CD is FABULOUS!!!

Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck? Yum! But only the actual mint ones not all the other crazy flavors the world has decided to make them

Do you attend an annual Christmas party? No. But I too am looking forward to Jills. ;0)

Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's? If we are going somewhere I like any excuse to dress up and wear pretty shoes (I know, shocking!) But Christmas day is ALL COMFY ALL DAY.

Do you own a Santa hat. Yes, we went to Disneyland in December a few years ago and I got a Minnie Mouse Christmas hat. Let me tell you, I am a vision.

Who do you normally spend Christmas with? We stay home Christmas day but spend a lot of time with various family members before and after. Someone always ends up at our house on Christmas day for games & leftovers etc.

How fun was this! Merry Christmas everyone!

These are a few of my favorite things...I think

I'm back!!! Sorry it's been so long. I've been saturating myself with Christmas music and counting my blessings so here is a combo of things that I am choosing to be thankful for:

These are a few of my favorite things!
Piano recitals...bcuz they mean we have music in our home
Feeding demanding pets...bcuz it means they are healthy & we have their love
Not having time to bake this week...bcuz it means I bought & am eating Oreos
Having an almost too full work schedule...bcuz it means I have people who need me
Spending the weekend running kids to and fro...bcuz it means they have many friends & fun opportunities
Getting hammered by God about my idols and selfishness...bcuz it means He hasn't given up on a wretch like me
Having to make choices re: social & family engagements...bcuz it means we have wonderful people in our lives
Having to stretch a Christmas budget...bcuz it means that we have money to spend on others at all
Having only 24 hours in a day...bcuz if I had more I would be sure to fill them!
Feeling bad about being lazy and not walking the dog...bcuz it means I have a healthy body that could walk if I wanted to
Gaining 7 pounds this year...cuz it caused me to get my cholesterol & my thyroid checked and they are OK
Children who occasionally bicker...cuz it means they spend enough time together to take each other for granted
Wednesday nights...bcuz it means coffee with my girlfriends!

And one I am truly grateful for: the opportunity to spend 2 nights at the Enzian Inn in Leavenworth this past weekend. It was our Christmas present this year instead of gifts and it was amazing. I will have my honey help me post some pictures on my next post.

Questions & An Invite

Ok, here it is Monday and I am still uninspired! So, I am going to post some questions for you to answer so that I can stimulate my brain and get to know my blogger sisters better. My answers will be in green.

1. Which fruit of the Spirit do you find the most difficult to achieve (even though we have them all available to us)? Self control

2. Share a scripture which is important to you because it got you through something, helped make a decision, etc. Mine are obscure: 1 Timothy 2:15 when I got serious with Jesus and made Him Lord of my life because we were wanting to begin a family. "But women will be saved through child bearing - IF - they continue in faith, love and HOLINESS with PROPRIETY" (emphasis mine) and Psalm 4:5 when I felt called to BSF Leadership and couldn't see a way to meet the commitment. "Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD."

3. Have you ever wished for a different name? If so, what? nope

4. What household chore do you like the least? I only ask this because instead of mopping the kitchen floor like I should be I am blogging;)

5. Which of your personality traits showed up in one of your kids and occasionally makes you crazy? When Kayla's mouth wont stop going

6. If you could meet one "bad girl" of the Bible who would it be and why? The woman caught in sin and brought before Jesus. I would like to know what her life looked like after and how she felt. Unless she really was Mary Magdellen and of course we know that she is the mother of Jesus' child...JUST KIDDING! I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE THE GARBAGE SOME PEOPLE THINK UP.

7. What is your favorite form of exercise? I don't enjoy any forms of exercise except bending my elbow to put chocolate or potato chips into my mouth...but I walk for my dog and because I know that I need it.

Which brings me to the invitation. Would anyone like to meet me at the Badger Mountain trail head and climb it Sat morning? Weather permitting I will probably go around 10am...I can do cold but not super windy or rainy. It is a challenging but really neat walk and takes about an hour. Bring the kids & dogs, they would love it and I promise to keep my viscous kinid on a short leash. She loves to go up...I think she channels her inner mountain dog. The trail head is up in the West cliff housing development...on the hill behind Bethel church. There is a nice park and bathrooms etc. The trail is very nicely cut and maintained and the view is awe inspiring.

Have a fabulous Monday!

Nothin' new

Hey everyone. It is Saturday night, my kids are both gone, and I have nothing better to do than blog and figure out my meals for the next week. SAD. Actually, I love it. My honey and I have spent some real quality time together the past few days: planning a Christmas get away for the family, going to a 1 year old great niece's birthday party, having lunch @ Sonics, watching movies and hanging out. Oh yeah, we've fit all that in in-between shuttling Kayla to and fro her many social engagements all weekend. That kid is going to kill me....good thing gas prices are way down. Her social secretary (me) needs a social secretary. I am really grateful for the many wonderful people in her life and the opportunities for fellowship. I still am trying to figure out how shooting at each other with air soft guns is a Youth "fellowship"...but she had a great time. Dylan about blew her thumb off, but oh well.

I really don't have any great thoughts or recipe ideas. I'll blog again on Monday...it is bound to be a more productive day than today! Love Mondays.

I am trying to redo my blog layout but cannot find anything else with shoes. Anyone have any ideas other than pyzam for blog layouts? BTW, I fell off the wagon and bought 2 pairs of shoes last week (1 for me, 1 for Kayla) BUT THEY WERE SO CUTE...AND ONLY $8 EACH AT KOHLS. Her's are slip on tennis shoes and mine are leopard print flats. I am so bad. I need to stay out of KOHLS. It is a dangerous place for me.

Love ya!

Boys & Girls....Yikes!

Just got off the phone with my good friend Lori where we had one of our "round and round the mulberry bush" conversations. One of us will bring up a topic of a biblical principle, parenting, godly womanhood, marriage etc. and we'll talk until we've come away more confused than ever. I cannot tell you how many times we said, "what does that look like?" We were on the subject of boys/girls, dating, courtship, flirting, giving your heart away. We weren't even on the subject of sex. Eeewww. Anyway, we didn't come up with any answers to our questions BUT we do share a heart to want what is God's best for our children, agree that prayer is the answer and that the more conversation the better.

I got off the phone and began a dialog w/ my 13 year old about the subject and we got talking about boundaries. She reminded me of their youth camp verse: The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:6 What a great verse...isn't that what we want for our kids? For our marriages? For ourselves?

I also found many great websites:

• 5 Lessons on Courtship @ www.goodmorals.org/farris.htm
• Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood @ www.cbmw.org
• Courtship principles @ billgothard.com/bill/teaching/courtship

I feel better now. I know I have a few years (or maybe days with the rate my kids seem to grow) but I want to do this right. I didn't have a good example of relationships, I didn't have boundaries set for me, and I was a teenage dater! I cannot tell you how many times I "gave my heart away"...didn't serve me well into adulthood.

My job is to live in the boundary lines God has set for me and pray, pray, pray!

God and men

Who knew that playing the role of Satan in a drama could affect one's life for the good. I am seeing so many changes in my husband:

1. He has his clothes laid out for church the night before...I can tell he is looking forward to going
instead of figuring out how to get out of it.

2. He has rearranged his schedule & commitments to spend many hours @ church being part
of a ministry with very little complaints. I've been sitting around waiting for him at church
which I find kind of funny.

3. He keeps telling me and anyone who will listen about Mark Hall's (Casting Crowns) testimony
that he sees as he waits each night. I know that he relates to his struggles with being able to
focus and memorize etc. So cool that he is sharing, and that like Mark Hall he is doing some
thing that he HAS to give God the praise for because he knows it isn't him.

4. He has been specifically prayed over by a large group of people and been involved in many
group prayers and has seen God answer those specific prayers.

5. He is part of something that the Lord is blessing and getting to see lives changed.

(OK, now I'm boo hooing....if you only knew how long I've wanted this for him)

6. He was obedient to God's call and I know he will never be the same.

I could go on and on....

Girlfriends, now is when I need you. He has gotten really sick with a sinus infection & maybe bronchitis. SATAN YOU ARE A PUNK. I wonder if he is counting the cost of the late nights and time commitment. Please pray him through this. Satan likes nothing more than to defeat us after a spiritual high. I know we've all been there...but this may be the first true test of this kind for my honey. We'll all pray, I'll give lots of love and chicken soup and onion rings from Sonics, and let God be glorified!

The other man in my life (the little man) came home from Bible Study Fellowship Monday night in tears because he feels like God is talking to him & wants him to do something. That can be such an overwhelming thing. He went to his sister about it before I got home, which I find very sweet. We talked long into the night and I am excited for Tommy and to see what God reveals to him. I encouraged him to be like little Samuel and say, "Here I am God, speak to me." I look forward to seeing what God reveals to him through his study of the Word, interactions with other people and prayer...all those ways we hear Him.

Thanks for listening. I am a weepy, overwhelmed, honored, privileged daughter of Christ and trying to live life with an attitude of gratitude.

I am so grateful for my blogging buddies. And I am praying for you also as many of your families are involved in JH, many of you even sleep with the enemy like me.

I am a sleeping giant

I received an email from a friend challenging moms (esp. stay at home moms) to have a voice in our country. Specifically, a voice where it counts...with God. We are challenged to fast & pray for 21 days (beginning Oct 15th) up to election day. My interest was piqued and I began to ask God what I would fast from...anyone who knows me well knows it won't be food! Some dear and honest friends told me it shouldn't be coffee lest others would suffer. I believe it is to be sugar.

More importantly than the fast will be the committment to pray. Something I said last night @ coffee is ringing in my ears (coming back to haunt me you might say). I said, "for me, prayer is like exercise, I do it because I know I am supposed to." Don't get me wrong, I pray. I talk to God a lot, I pray with others, I pray in groups, I pray with my kids, I pray.

But I do not pray.

I am not sure how to explain the difference but I crave time alone with God that makes a difference in my life. I want to stay on my knees until I am transformed, my mind matches God's and I am ready to take on the tasks He gives me. I am ready to not go about my day in my own strength. This is one of the toughest issues I face as a daughter of the King. Although I desire it so much I do not do it. I don't really know what the stumbling block is but I am willing to bet that as I ask Jesus to show me what it is He will reveal that it is sin.

That's where I am at today...and so grateful that God cares enough about me to want to have a real relationship with me that transforms and produces fruit. Please ask me how it is going and therefore hold me accountable.

Good Intentions & bonding @ Barlow Girl

Good Monday! First, my good intentions: I was studying Moses again last week and the confusing verses 4:24-26 where the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him because he had neglected to circumcise his son and his wife Zipporah did it for him. My mind, with the help of the Holy Spirit, made a leap to all of my good intentions and how they don't amount to a hill of beans for God if I never act upon them. As I walk Amber I have been walking by two houses that have new families in them. Each time I go by them I think, I should take some cookies and welcome them to the neighborhood....simple enough but never got done. So, Saturday I got God off my back, did some baking, headed out into the wind and met these two new families. Was it God's idea & timing? Yes, because they were both home & I felt infinitely better after I had done it. Whatever the result, the obedience on my part (finally) is what mattered. What is it I am always trying to teach my kids? Oh, yeah, first time obedience!

Second, the Barlow Girl Concert. Kayla & I saw them several years ago @ a Rebecca St. James concert and loved them. We now have all of their cds and looked so forward to seeing them in concert again. Despite paying $16 too much for our tickets because I went through TICKETMASTER at Fred Meyer (some lessons are learned the expensive way) and standing for 4 hours on top of an ice rink we had a fabulous time. They have stayed true to their message of purity, no dating, modesty and honoring God with your life. I am so happy to have these sisters as a role model for my girl...and God gave me the desire of my heart and let me run into their dad and tell him how proud of his girls I am and how much I appreciate their message. God gave Kayla the desire of her heart and she got her t-shirt signed and got to have her picture taken with the Alyssa, Becca, & Lauren. It was such a God glorifying evening and tons of fun. I was one of the cool moms in the mosh pit. We were 1 person away from the stage. Good memories with my girl!

Thank you Jesus for Christian artists who are faithful to you and to Your message. Thank you for using them, their example and their music to encourage & challenge us. Kayla bought a guitar pick necklace that says "don't conform, be transformed". One of the key verses for their tour is 1 Peter 2:9 You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. God is AWESOME!

And yes, it is Monday again and I am disgustingly happy & cheerful! Hope you are too!

I love Mondays!

Warning!!!! Very cheerful blogger ahead!!!:0)

Good morning all. I love new beginnings and today is not only a beautiful fall day but a Monday also (big smile on my face). I have always loved Mondays and they have always been my most productive day of the week. Kayla was born on a Monday but apparently Tommy didn't get the memo b'cuz although he was due on a Monday he was induced on Tues.

I have gotten into the habit of cleaning the downstairs kitchen on Monday and the City of Richland has gotten on board and changed our garbage day to Tues which makes Monday a terrific time to clean out the fridge each week. I am also planning the meals on Monday and now I will post them here as well as a new favorite recipe we tried last night.

Happy Monday ladies! Don't hate me because I'm weird;0}

Sun: chicken puffs, corn, green beans, couscous
Mon: baked beef stew, biscuits, fruit salad, peanut butter cup baskets
Tues: left overs
Weds: dinner @ church
Thurs: vegetable soup, hamburgers on the grill w/English muffin buns
Fri: pork roast, mashed potatoes, green beans
Sat: BBQ pork sandwiches

We tried and loved Chicken Puffs:

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
3 TBSP chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 pkg. cream cheese
6 TBSP butter
3 cans refrigerated crescent rolls

Cook chicken, onions & garlic until soft. Add butter & cream cheese until mixed. Roll crescent rolls out in rectangles (3 cans will give you 12) and put a spoonful of chicken mix in middle. Fold corners up to make a "ball". Bake on a baking sheet @ 325 until golden brown.

Every one in the family liked these and they were fun to make. You could use canned chicken if you are short on time.

Another quick & easy chicken favorite is chicken pot pie made with a ready made refrigerated pie crust, a can of cream of mushroom (or cream of chicken) soup, a can of veg all, a can of green beans, a can of diced potatoes, and canned chicken. It wears out the can opener but it is quick. My kids love this even with all the veggies in it.

Hugs to all of you!
Leslie

Sounds like a good book

I was reading blogs on Jill's list and found a book mentioned on GIRL TALK. It is regarding worldliness and their review asked many of the same questions I ask myself all the time. I am going to order it and can get free shipping if anyone else wants one too. It is called Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World. Amazon.com has it for $9.78 and any order over $25 is free shipping. I am intriqued and wondering if you struggle with "the seduction of this fallen world" like I do.

Talk to me ladies.

Notes to friends

Happy Birthday Jill!

Goodbye and God be with you Lori!

Goodbye and enjoy your trip w/your hubby...you deserve it, Tricia!

Welcome back online Ginger!

To the rest of you who are having a normal weekend like me - Hello!

Love to all of you on this fun, rainy Saturday!:0)

A Jochabed Wanna Be

I've been studying Moses and his mom this past week [Exodus 2:1-10]. What a mom. She saw something special about him (don't we all)...she risked her life and the lives of her entire family to hide & protect him...she planned and prepared (she was an original Martha Stewart in making that basket)...her daughter obeyed her...she trusted her Almighty God...and she LET HER BABY GO. Just like when Abraham sacrificed Isaac I can go along up to the point of the raised knife coming down or Jochebed taking her hands off of the basket then I find myself balking. We don't know how much she knew ABOUT the God of Israel, after 400 years in polytheistic Egypt I'm not sure how much of the oral history had been handed down, but obviously she obviously KNEW her God. He Himself gave her her faith as a gift and when she acted upon it He rewarded her faith by giving her her hearts desire. Lots & lots of lessons in this for me....someone who hangs out in the safe middle ground. The Pharaohs in Egypt during this time are not named but so far 4 courageous women are: the midwives who dared disobey Pharaoh's order to kill newborn Hebrew boys, Shiphrah & Puah; Jochebed the faithful mother & Miriam the sister who is a very quick thinker and so bold.

Thank You LORD for women in Your Word to look up to. Thank You for Your faithfulness to them and me. Who are the courageous, faithful, powerful women of my generation LORD? I am afraid the church has become so like the world I may not recognize them. As a matter of fact...when we meet You & all things are made new will I even recognize myself?

A Jochabed wanna be

A Jochabed wanna be

Menu Planning

Hi all! Due to all of your fabulous blogs about your menu plans & with the help of a great link from Kim (allrecipes.com) I have just successfully completed 2 weeks of great meals. I sat down & planned, shopped carefully & thoughtfully & am very pleased with the results. So, here is my new plan for the next 2 weeks.

Sun 9/14 slow cooker pineapple pork roast, buttered noodles, steamed veggies
Mon 9/15 pork roast hoagies, oven baked potatoes
Tues 9/16 chicken-n-dumplings w/biscuits
Weds 9/17 dinner @ church
Thurs 9/18 baked beef stew, applesauce, rolls
Fri 9/19 left overs or pizza
Sat 9/20 Blizzard Bean soup & corn bread
Sun 9/21 beef & bean burritos, corn, fruit
Mon 9/22 left overs
Tues 9/23 Cheezy baked ravioli, green beans, salad, rolls
Weds 9/24 dinner @ church
Thurs 9/25 Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, steamed veggies
Fri 9/26 left overs or pizza
Sat 9/27 Teryaki chicken, cous cous, corn
Sun 9/28 grilled hamburgers, potatoes, fruit

New sweet things to try: 1) twice baked sweet potatoes
2) peanut butter Brownies

Happy cooking for your families also. Remember that love & sanctuary are in the details but no one in my family will feel very loved if I am being a freak and trying to make these complicated gourmet meals. I tried to make things that a) my family will enjoy b) won't make me crazy. I tried to set aside pride & perfection...funny how that creeps in even in cooking dinner...and show you what a couple of weeks of really good meals looks like in my kitchen. I am not a great cook but can follow a recipe decently.

Love ya,
Leslie

My Tree & Me

We have a beautiful blue spruce tree in our front yard and it is sick. So are numerous other evergreen trees & bushes on our neighborhood loop. I was elected by my family (obviously I must be the one who has time!!! Arghhh) to find out WHY and WHAT to do. I called my "life line", Karen, who teaches my kids all things Science. She of course had many answers off the top of her head (who knows enough Science to be able to answer random tree questions?...she is amazing!) She referred me to the WSU extention office & tomorrow I bring in a sample because "it could be one of 12 different things!".

I have been very frustrated with myself because I do not seem to move beyond being Caught in the Middle with God (see Casting Crowns Alter & the Door CD)...for example: deep water faith in the shallow end/fearless warrior behind a picket fence/reckless abandon wrapped in common sense/choosing between the God I want and the God who is etc. I really identify with that song.

The Lord spoke to me yesterday as I was dealing with the tree about besetting sins and compromise. Like my tree, I can be spiritually sick and it could be one of many things. I need to go to the expert, identify the problem through prayer, remedy it through confession, and protect against a reoccurence. I imagine our tree was sick long before it began to show signs. I am really good at suiting up & showing up and not letting people see that I am struggling spiritually. I can have brown spots and dead branches long before the illness or crises that bring it all out into the open. Like the evergreens in our neighborhood, illness spreads. When you aren't right with God, even if you think you are the only one who knows, pretty soon you look around and your relationships with others isn't right either. That's God's way of getting our attention. Unfortunately, I am much more aware of the status of my relationships with others than with Him.

As I seek to save my tree, I am grateful for the One who saved me. I am grateful that He is the expert and the One who knows when I need pruning, strong medicine, more life giving water or just more time basking in His light.

I want to be a real tree brown spots, cobwebs, weak branches and all NOT a perfect, healthy, plastic tree. Your assignment Ladies is to help me "keep it real"!

A few weeks ago I had brunch with these lovely ladies. One is my mother in law and the other 4 are ladies I clean house for and they have all been friends for a long time. God has brought us together through circumstances only He could create and He has blessed our friendship. I am constantly amazed at how much He loves me and brings people into my life. Who knew that I could find so much love, purpose, & joy scrubbing toilets for other people? Last winter the Lord placed it on my heart to have a ladies luncheon in honor of Jane who was turning 89. I was hesitant to follow through because I didn't want anyone to feel like it was inappropriate since I work for them etc. God kept on me so I invited everyone. They were all thrilled and I made it a very fancy affair. I had so much fun doing it that it felt funny to receive compliments and thank yous. The lunch was such a big hit they decided we needed to do it more often eveb though I assured them my intention was not for them to feel like they have to socialize with me. We've met 4 times now at someones house or a restaurant. My mom has even joined us when she could.

I have a group of ladies who love me & are an amazing support system. They are tons of fun and we have to be careful when I am working to not talk too much or I wont get anything done! They are wonderful to my kids also. Two of them even came to our Vacation Bible School family night to support me...I cannot tell you how moved I was.

So now you know...I hang out with girlfriends who are in their 60's, 70's and almost 90's! Our next big adventure is to go to High Tea at a local Tea Shop in Oct. We are all shopping for fancy hats to wear!

One of these ladies gave me the greatest compliment I've ever received when she told me, "I see the love of the Lord in you." Oh thank you Jesus for showing up and shining through even me.

A Quickie

I need to BLOG! I have all these running thoughts in my mind but very little time to actually compose them. I will (in the very near future) give some time to my blog and tell you about my brunch w/some special ladies in my life and my weekend with family over Labor Day.

Right now I am focused on goals.

I am walking again and Amber (my dog & excercise accountability partner) has set us a goal of 100 miles by Thanksgiving. She has been noticing a little roll around her middle and she isn't the only one if you know what I mean.

Bible Study with the kids. We have been starting school @ 7:30am and beginning next Tues will begin with our study of Moses. I need to have a rigid walking schedule & be done by 7:20am @ the latest so we have time EVERY day to do our Bible Study together. Mondays we have Spanish @ 8am & Tues & Thurs Kayla has to be @ Science by 8am. Can't wait to get back into the habit & cosistency of DAILY Bible Study TOGETHER.

All things food: I am committed to eating healthier, shopping smarter, cooking better & more varied meals and helping Amber lose her little roll :0) by eating a lot less sugar & bread.

Being a better listener...and not just when I am interested. ie: When Tommy is explaining his newest LEGO creation ~ in depth. When my honey needs to vent from a frustrating day @ work. When Kayla just wants to ramble. etc.

Not spending $$$. I am in the process of switching colors & decor in my downstairs kitchen...
because it needs it? No, because I want to. So, I am trying to do it slowly and only buy things I will really need and not just replace things because I think they "don't go anymore".

BTW ~ I am officially in shoe rehab and am trying to not buy a single pair of shoes until Spring!

Ok - I feel better now. I can go on and be productive. It is Wednesday, you know what that means....living for Starbucks and my girlfriends! See you soon.

Hugs!

Jill reminded me that I didn't tell you when my birthday is. Nope, I wasn't hatched out of an egg either ~ I came into this world screaming on May 15, 1968. Nothing has been the same for my brother (4 years older) since. :O)

I know you weren't all hatched from eggs!

Hello wonderful friends. I don't believe in New Years Resolutions but do believe in change. One thing the Lord has laid on my heart is to be more deliberately personal in my relationships. That sounds scary, huh? Being slightly type A I can get so "task focused" & preoccupied that I am not taking time to be relational. I would like to begin by simply knowing & acknowledging birthdays. I know you all have them...I just don't know when they are. You don't have to include the year if you don't want to but remember I am 40 now so nothing fazes me.

For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret,

and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

I just want to celebrate when you were formed with you! As for the changing and growing isn't it encouraging to know:

Being confident of this very thing:

He who began a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6

Hello everyone! Tomorrow is the first day of the Oleson school year. I have a 9th grader & a 5th - 6th grader. I love back to school and have been in my school room arranging books, sharpening pencils and watching the clock tick~for weeks. I am ready for tomorrow. My kids however are not nearly as excited. I wish you could've seen the look on Kayla's face when I told her there will be no internet until school is completed for the day....priceless. I bet that shows up on her blog. I love homeschooling and getting to make choices in curriculum [thank you so much to the many friends who so patiently listen to me talk out my decisions and lovingly advise me] and partner with my children in their education. Each year gets more and more fun.

Tomorrow morning I am going to put on my denim jumper (Ha, Ha), pray hard, make a special breakfast, and hit the classroom. It's time for another adventure in schooling to begin.:0)

Please pray for those I love

Hi everyone! I am having so much fun with this blogspot it isn't funny. How come no one told me to blog before....just kidding! I can hear the "Arrgghhhs" from here. I am trying to figure out how to post prayer requests in a certain spot on my blog template but until then I wanted to ask you for 2 specific prayers. My cousin Jimmy (early 30s...kids 16, 10, 8mo. & his 2nd wife has left him) has terminal cancer and is "tired of people wanting to talk to me about my soul". He is not a believer and yet without excuse. Please pray for a softened heart. My mom claims to be a believer but neither Kayla or I who have witnessed to her a lot believe it. We just have never had a peace about it and there is no fruit. She occassionaly talks about "handing things over to a higher power" and that doesn't sound like someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus to me. Anyway, she is going through a lot right now with her step-daughter (really horrible stuff that I may blog about in the future), my grandma & her husband who are in assisted living, her sister who is a recent widow, and her husbands brother who is in his last stages of cancer. Life stinks bad right now and I don't know how to help or encourage her. LORD Jesus I thank you for the privilege of coming before your throne and for the support of sisters in Christ. We truly are ONE in the bond of love.

I would love to lift up you and those you love also...please feel free to leave me requests any time.

She went there!

Good morning blogging buddies. Can you believe the nerve of some people. I was reading a devotion this morning and Anne Grahm Lotz asked two very intrusive and uncomfortable questions.
1. RE: Genesis 4:16 & Cain having to leave the presence of God because he wouldn't
confess & be cleansed and therefore experiencing the consequence through many
generations. "What sin in your life - if left unchecked - will ravage the life
of your children?"

2. RE: Revelation 5:13 & the praise of Jesus by EVERYONE @ the end of the age.
"So, who is praising Christ because you are?"

There goes God getting into my business again. OUCH. I have been enjoying camping in Psalm 19 this week...so full of the glory of God and His Word. And I do truly pray vs. 14 (see top of blog) often, but now it looks like I need to go back to the wheel and submit to the hands of the Potter today because those questions were show stoppers for me. Pray for me :)

Not What I Thought It Would Be

Do you ever "pre-blog" in your mind? I had a Weds morning blog all planned called "The Word & The World" because Tuesday AM was going to be spent at a Bible Study Fellowship Leader's Workshop and my PM was going to be spent at the fair. I knew that the workshop would include training and time in the Word (we are studying the life of Moses this year!!!) and I assumed that my time at the fair would be all about the world and I was kind-of dreading it. My kiddos wanted to enter some projects this year so we filled out the forms and then they procrastinated on actually putting their projects together. Daddy saved the day at the last minute (Sat.) and I took them Sun afternoon to turn them in. So....we had to go and see if they won a ribbon right? We had plans with our neighbor to go and practice our Spanish by naming all the farm animals etc. I was pleasantly surprised with the weather, the lack of crowds & clean fair grounds (note to self: Tues afternoon is an excellent time to go to the fair),we ran into a ton of home school families, had lots of hugs and fun, enjoyed our day with our neighbor very much AND both kids won blue ribbons (you'll have to ask them about their projects). So, I've learned to not pre-judge and pre-blog and to expect God to surprise me with joy!!! Not bad for only Weds.

So, I read Kim's blog and now I need to go plan some gourmet meals because I feel horribly inferior...I didn't see hot dogs or mac-n-cheese anywhere on her list.

Love ya girl friends!!!

Yuk! and my pet snake

Hi everyone, it is a sunny Saturday and I am sick in bed. Like Jill, my husband shared his summer cold and I am feeling really crummy. All I can think about in my usual type A personality is my busy schedule next week....who cares! So anyway, I wanted to tell you about my pet snake. When we moved from our previous house in a much more rural neighborhood I never dreamed we would be moving to the snake capital of the world (as you get to know me you'll discover my propensity to exaggerate A LOT). But honestly we have seen several snakes in and around our yard every summer. I am really grossed out by any snake and can't even look at pictures of them...but apparently seeing them all the time breeds familiarity. The other night we came home late from family reunion in Moses Lake and a bull snake was stretched almost clear across our driveway. I slammed on the brakes, waking everyone else in the car up, and just stared at it. Then I drove around it and calmly parked the car. Very mature of me I thought. We are pretty sure it's the same guy (telling the sex of a snake is beyond me and too horrible to imagine) who traipsed across our driveway, through our fence, through the grass, through the other fence and into the garden on the canal like he owned the place. We have since seen him again in the driveway so we decided he is our pet and named him Gopher in hopes that he will eat some. I have struck up a deal with him...he can hang out in our driveway as long as 1. he doesn't park himself between me & my car and 2. I never see a bunny sized bump in his belly. He is welcome to enjoy a buffet of mice, gophers & rattlesnakes (yes we have those too, in fact my neighbor is pretty sure she has a nest of baby rattlers under her back deck-yuk!) but my wonderful, beloved cottontail bunnies are off limits! That is the story of my pet snake. I will post some other time about the coyotes that we see all the time and I am convinced are just biding their time until they can eat my dog. I really need more to do!

Thanks for listening! I am not a very good sick person so my family is avoiding me and I'm lonely.

Hugs to you all!
Leslie

A Lurker No More

Hi Girl Friends! I am officially a blogger now. Like my name? So spiritual. Not that I succumbed to peer pressure but I wanted to get into the fun and since Lori hasn't blogged in over 5 weeks I thought I'd better fill in the gap! Since you guys have gotten me excited about blogging and Kayla began hers, I keep these running blogs in my mind and now I can write them down, send them out into cyberspace and even if no one ever reads them it's all good!!!

Love all of you and look forward to being part of the popular crowd. I just spell checked my blog...is that uncool?