Covering a transgression

My family and I are very blessed to attend a church with a very wise pastor. My pastor is younger than I - but wiser than a lot of older Christians I have known. He and his wife show a lot of love, knowledge and wisdom in their faith. It seems as though God has used this ministry to speak directly to me nearly every service. Whether it is encouraging or something that I need to hear in order to shape up my behavior and attitude... there is always something that speaks to me.

Yesterday, however, I tried to deny that my heart was being dealt with. I want to be angry. I want to be mad. I want to tell the whole world how someone has wronged me. Especially since I know that I've been lied about. I want to set the record straight.

"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love, but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." Proverbs 17:9

I heard almost nothing that was said after this verse was read and then explained. Why should I cover the situation? Why should I hide it from others? Why should I not show the proof - point by point - how they have lied? I was on the receiving end of backstabbing, badmouthing, lies and quite frankly someone trying to steal from me. Don't I have the right to "out" this person?

Maybe.

We can list every reason under the sun why we should not show grace and mercy. Yet it wouldn't make it right to withhold it.

As difficult as it is for me. As much as it is something I have to fight moment by moment to keep myself from exposing the situation... Proverbs 17:9 is exactly the path I need to follow in this particular matter.

They need love. Their transgression is covered. I'm sure I'll fight the temptation to return to it and lift the lid. Showing them grace, mercy and love is better for them... and me.

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Everything is breaking but everything is a blessing.

Ever experience a time when it seems that everything is breaking. Nothing goes as planned and that makes it more difficult for you to accomplish anything?

The past few months has been just that for me. Well, a lot of things have broken.
No, this isn't a "woe is me" post.

My car has had several issues the past few months. I'm currently without a vehicle.

The refrigerator isn't keeping a cool temperature and food is spoiling if not consumed right away.

My daughter broke her window a few weeks ago.

The vacuum was spraying dust and dirt everywhere.

Several faucets have been dripping. One, almost a constant stream now. The other had to be entirely shut off.

The carpet cleaner just pours water everywhere.

The dryer takes two cycles to dry clothes.

The basement toilet was leaking water everywhere.


At a moment when something goes wrong... that entire list from above hits me. I get frustrated and honestly I get a little angry. Why does everything seem to be falling apart!

A few seconds pass and I remember how truly blessed I am. Nothing from the above list is a tragedy. It can all be fixed in due time.

I have my health. My family is healthy. We have a roof, food and clothing. Not a minimal amount of food. More clothes than we need. A house where each of us can have our own space and the kids are making wonderful memories.

I'm even blessed in the list of broken things above.


::My car has had several issues the past few months. I'm currently without a vehicle.

This has been a wonderful car. I purchased a used vehicle that was made well and taken care of. Only recently have a handful of things needed to be repaired. I would say that's a blessing for a vehicle that is 16 years old and with almost a quarter of a million miles.

::The refrigerator isn't keeping a cool temperature and food is spoiling if not consumed right away.

When we purchased our home, we didn't have the added expense of buying new appliances. This refrigerator came with the home. If we now need to get a new one and it is giving us some warning before it goes out completely... I appreciate that!

::My daughter broke her window a few weeks ago.

Her window is only cracked. It isn't dangerous. It's only "not pretty". Wind and rain are still being kept out. This is fine for now. I'm grateful that she didn't shatter the window and injure herself.

::The vacuum was spraying dust and dirt everywhere.

When I complained about the vacuum, my husband reminded me that it was a well made vacuum with great reviews. I looked up some information. I took the vacuum apart. I cleaned it thoroughly. Works like new!

::Several faucets have been dripping. One, almost a constant stream now. The other had to be entirely shut off.

This isn't detrimental. The faucet that needed to be shut off is outside. No big deal. The kitchen faucet will be fixed shortly and we've been given a water filter to add to it once it is repaired!

::The carpet cleaner just pours water everywhere.

I can simply not use it right now. My carpets aren't disgusting... but I could always rent one if it became a necessity.

::The dryer takes two cycles to dry clothes.

I may need to clean the air vent leading to the outside. It is most likely an issue as simple as that.

::The basement toilet was leaking water everywhere.

We were able to shut the water off to that bathroom while my husband repaired the issue with the pipes leading to the toilet. Problem is now solved and it isn't like that was our only bathroom.


Though we can't always understand the mountains and issues in the lives of others - it is likely that most of us aren't really dealing with anything devastating. It could happen at any moment. But as for now, enjoy the small problems before they turn into the problems we wish we had.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

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Give me your hand, and I will help you

"Give me your hand, and I will help you."

Dan's voice was loving yet firm. He stretched his hand out toward Joseph and urged him to take hold. Joseph's tiny hand lifted and began to slip into his father's.

Crossing the small creek that crossed the trail we had been hiking for an hour was an easy task for Dan. A couple steps and he would clear it with ease. As for Joseph, a four year old boy, it was made more difficult by slippery and unstable rocks. Taking hold of his father's hand would assure his crossing the creek and doing so without soaking his feet.

Before Dan could grasp Joseph's little hand, Joseph pulled away and splashed through on his own. Running ahead, Joseph eventually tripped and fell.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

We spend our childhood resisting the need to lean on our parents and follow their lead - in much the same way that we resist leaning on the Lord and allowing Him to direct our path.

If life continues down an easily traveled road, we are very unlikely to feel as though we need Him in any way. When employment is going well, our health seems fine and relationships are strong - we seem to be enough. We feel or begin to feel that we are fully capable of handling life.

Photo Credit: VisualPhotos.com

Joseph crossed that little creek without the help of his father. If he had taken the time to rely on the strength and firm foundation provided by Dan - he most likely would not have increased in speed and eventually tripped. Yet, he was on his own... doing fine... why not go faster and faster? He had inevitably took on more than he was capable of handling. When he found himself on his knees, he turned to his father. He needed help, direction and comfort.

I am continuously amazed by my children. Amazed by how their natural behaviors and instincts teach me about my own relationship and walk with the Lord. They remind me that when I am beginning to feel strong and independent, I am only steps away from falling to my knees and begging His help, guidance and blessings.

Dan did make his way to Joseph, helped him up and guided him on.  

"Because thou hast been my help,
therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 

My soul followeth hard after thee:
thy right hand upholdeth me."

Psalm 63:6 -7

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The radio that broke my back

The past two Sunday's, our pastor has made the statement that - discouragement is the best tool used against us. I think I struggle with it daily.

Today topped my discouragement sundae.

Even through all of my efforts and planning, today just refused to go how I had wanted it.

I scheduled extra school work for yesterday and Monday to make up for the fact that I wanted to take the kids on a field trip to Kings Island today. Not as much was finished yesterday as I had wanted. Monday will be busier than I had hoped.

A late start out the door and children who seemingly refused to get a long put us behind on arriving when I had to be at Kings Island. My loud annoying muffler made the drive - annoying. The chugging my car now does - that was pleasant as well.

I'm learning daily that yes, an EGR valve is important to your vehicle. Praying I can get it taken care of before it leaves us stranded.

Most trips to Kings Island are a lot of fun. I wish I could blame it on the full moon - but the kids wanted nothing to do with cooperating, getting along and not whining. "Stop whining" in my loudest whisper, was my most used phrase of the day.

Arguing over who had the privilege of deciding which ride would be next enveloped my two sweet children.

The unpleasant attitudes and dashing of my hopes for a wonderful day with my kids was more than I could take after a week of:

Receiving the "you do have school every day, right"? As if my homeschooling methods needed to be brought into question.

Others who have judged my schedule or time management because it doesn't align with theirs.

...and honestly, the list goes on. It has not been the best of weeks.

What was suppose to be a memory making day with my children seemed to go down hill and bring this week to a proper close.

After only being at the amusement park for about 5 hours, it began to rain.

I knew there was a chance of it, but really wanted my field trip with the kids.

I rushed the kids to the car where I remembered that this had happened when I unplugged the giant converter that allows me to charge my phone through the cigarette lighter.

Yes, my car is that old. None of the neat plugins for your iPods or cell phones. I need a converter to power my phone.

And guess what. My phone was dead.

Fantastic!

I tried to see if I could put all the pieces back in their place so that we would have somewhat of a charged phone for the drive home.

No luck.

The kids arguing in the back and pouring their drinks on the floor.... lovely.

I managed to hold back a few tears and huffs that started developing.

I started the car and headed out of the parking lot. At least I could listen to the encouraging Christian radio stations I have programed into the radio.

That apparently died along with the lighter. Great! I could really have used uplifting music or sermons. I pushed back the tears and the knot in my throat.

So chug chug we go down the road... and the rain begins to pour so hard I can't see.

So do the tears.

I pretty much filled the hour and a half ride home with crying.

Before the phone had died, I managed to text Dan and tell him about my rough day.

When we arrived home... he had this waiting for me.

I think I'm pretty good at fighting discouragement most days. Days like this are rare for me. Everything building up and becoming more than I can carry at the moment.


Even now, I'm almost crying - because really some of today's issues won't disappear overnight. Hopefully I'll be better rested and strengthened for them tomorrow.

I don't write this for sympathy sake...

My life is blessed. I know that.

However, we all have rough days and as I reminded my friend when she seemed to consider removing a post where she talks about having a rough day - it's encouraging to know we aren't alone.

We all reach some moment where the pressure has built and we need to cry, we need to say it... we need a hug. Or maybe some very delicious ice cream.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose."

~ Romans 8:28

I know I've said it before - but it is a great reminder. We are told that all things will work together for good. We are not told that all things will be good.
















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Veggie Tales: The Little Drummer Boy

I received a copy of Veggie Tales: The Little Drummer Boy to review with the kiddos.  I am always amazed at the fantastic job they do relaying stories into entertaining and educational videos.  Never boring, never dull! 

In this Veggie-version of a holiday classic, Junior Asparagus stars as The Little Drummer Boy, a lonely child who finds the true meaning of Christmas when he stumbles upon the birth of the baby Jesus.  A story of generosity, hope, and love, this timeless tale will warm the hearts of children everywhere!
Featuring the song "The Little Drummer Boy" with Dove and Grammy award winning artists BeBe and CeCe Winans! Also includes the new SIlly Song "The 8 Polish Foods of Christmas!" 

Bonus Features:

• "Little Drummer Boy" Music Video
• Behind the Music of "The Little Drummer Boy"
• Visit a Drum Factory with Junior!
• Family Activity- Make Your Own Drum
• Singalong Songs
• Interactive Book Preview: "Christmas is Finally Here"
• 5.1 Surround Sound
• English and Spanish Subtitles

Another great addition to your video library!






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Veggie Tales: Princess and the Pop Star

It's a royal switcheroo! Princess Poppyseed’s life on her family’s farm is far from the glamorous world of her favorite pop singer Vanna Banana. While Princess milks the cows and dreams of a life on stage, Vanna has her own dreams of a life far from the hectic pace of stardom that leaves her feeling alone and lonely. On a chance meeting at a playground, Vanna and Princess cross paths and realize they look almost exactly alike, which leads to the crazy notion that maybe they could switch lives! In a flash, the girls’ secret plan is launched and Princess is whisked to her new life as a pop star while Vanna gets to live her dream of a life away from the pressure of fame! As Princess tries to live up to the demands of being a diva and Vanna learns how to milk the cows, things don’t go as smoothly as they would like! As each girl realizes the life they longed for doesn’t fulfill all their dreams, they learn that the life God gave them is the one for which they were uniquely and lovingly designed.

We always enjoy watching Veggie Tales in our home, I think this probably the kids favorite so far!  Savannah loves to sing as she's busy around the house or playing outside... I think she especially loved the similarity in the Vanna Banana's name compared to hers.

What a great way to relay the message to your kids that the grass may see greener on the other side of the fence... but everyone has their own difficulties to overcome.

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VeggieTales Review

I was delighted to have the opportunity, along with my children, to review the newly released 'Twas The Night Before Easter and HOSANNA CD.  I have been a fan of these adorable characters since I first heard their song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything".

It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade is hunting for a way to help others. She cooks up a plan to save the old theater with a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit to perform “Up With Bunnies.” Now there’s only one thing missing – the star of the show! When word spreads that singing sensation Cassie Cassava (Melinda Doolittle) is arriving to perform in her hometown church’s Easter service, Marlee schemes to steal the starlet for her own pageant! But when things go haywire, will it be curtains for Marlee’s dreams – or will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about?






“Eggs-tra” Bonus Features:

Audio Commentary
“The Hopperena” Silly Songs Sing-Along
Behind the voice of “Cassie” with Melinda Doolittle
Larry’s backstage pass to “VeggieTales Live!”
“Easter Cards” Interactive Matching Game

Big Idea Entertainment, the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands, announced their release of their first new Easter holiday DVD in seven years, VeggieTales®: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter, on March 5 and March 8, 2011 in Christian and general market stores respectively. This brand new DVD features plenty of fun music as well as a new character—Cassie Cassava—voiced by American Idol top finalist Melinda Doolittle. Other memorable family-friendly content includes silly songs, interviews and a backstage pass feature with Larry the Cucumber on the “VeggieTales Live!” tour. ‘Twas The Night Before Easter examines the importance of helping others and serving those in need while exploring the real meaning of Easter based on Mark 10:45.

I've really enjoyed watching this video numerous times with my children... a few of the jokes were over their heads but appealing to the parents in the room. 

The Hosanna! CD includes ten all new easy-to-sing worship favorites made popular by some of today’s top worship artists – sung by beloved VeggieTales characters and kids just for kids! Amy Grant sings the title track, “Hosanna,” and lead vocalist Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, lends his voice on “Who Am I.”




The songs on the CD are:

1. Your Grace is Enough
2. Everlasting Love
3. Hosanna
4. Our God
5. Just Wanna Say
6. Mighty to Save
7. Amazing Grace
8. Who Am I
9. Perfect Love
10. Your Name

The kiddos have a lot of fun popping this CD in while singing and dancing through the house.  Their own little versions of songs that mommy loves to listen to in the car.  I think it makes them feel grown up!

VeggieTales 'Twas The Night Before Easter and VeggieTales Hosanna! Today's Top Worship Songs For Kids! was provided by Big Idea for review purposes.

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