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Archive for June, 2007

Hopelessly Devoted

Tuesday, June 5th, 2007

Try this: tell your spouse, "To prove my total devotion to you, I am committing to getting up 15 minutes early everyday and just focusing on you." It may happen. It may not. Life can get hectic. See how devoted your spouse now believes you are?

"Having devotions" for most Christians, it seems, has become synonymous with "setting aside a few minutes" to pray and read the Bible. I hesitate to say, "If we committed to our marriages in the same way they wouldn't be in very good shape," because sadly, many aren't and for that very reason.

I love newlyweds. They are embarrassingly devoted. They are ooey and gooey and so "in to" each other. They actually enjoy one another. Because of all the conversation going on, they have a lot of secrets that pass lovingly between them. They sit at Village Inn talking, really talking, glad to be together and saddened by the married couples all around them who read their books and newspapers without even looking at one another and speak only to ask for the salt.

My son Rocky got married in September. Watching Jovan preparing to marry him reminded me of earlier times in my love for Jesus Christ - when I looked for Him everywhere. I wanted to hear His words, be in His Presence. His opinion mattered most. To actually be like Him was a goal to attain. A bride's whole world is in bringing joy to the one she loves. "I am my beloved's and He is mine…"

Early one morning a couple of weeks ago, I read something very simple and gentle that stopped me in my tracks. It was one of those light bulb moments. But the day wore on. It slipped from my mind (short circuit). Surfing late-night TV, I suddenly heard the author of what I'd read quoting his own book – the exact words. I am pretty sure God was trying to make sure I really heard this:

"It occurred to me one day that though I often worry

about whether or not I sense the presence of God,

I give little thought to whether God senses the presence

of me."

Philip Yancy in Prayer - Does it Make Any Difference?

What sweet invitation. I was somehow thinking that the pursuit of His Presence was elusive at times. Why, I wondered, am I so aware of Your Presence sometimes and at other times I am wondering where You are? Maybe because while I was desiring to be in that place of peace and joy, I wasn't really "there." Maybe it has been me missing from those uncomfortable void times?

Yesterday I noticed that everytime I interrupted Dave for absolutely nothing important, just something I wanted to say, he stopped what he was doing and looked at me and engaged. There have been times when he hasn't, when he has kept his eyes on his computer and said "Uh-huh…" and though we were in the same room, he wasn't really with me. That's how it can be. I am just as guilty. But Dave immediately hearing me, looking toward me – that careful attention melts my heart towards him.

I am certain that my presence toward God will do the same.

Be blessed in all your comings and goings today. I think God is looking for you. Jeanie

NOTE TO SELF: "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him…" Ps. 25.14 Move in close and listen for His secrets.

Posted in JESUS, Lover of My Soul, Mi Familia, Stuff I Actually Think | 8 Comments »

What was I thinking? Dinosaur Cake!

Sunday, June 3rd, 2007

The cake was a challenge. I can bake an ok cake – usually. But this one needed some actual structure. Eeks. (See Dave feigning concern, left)

After the 3rd head had fallen off and I was out of cake and had Stormie quickly whipping up a batch of Rice Krispie Treats to fill in (and by the way – if I had it to do over, the main body would be cake, all limbs would be Rice Krispie treats), I cried to Stormie, "What was I thinking? Why did I think I could do this?"

She quickly answered, "I'll tell you why – Ace of Cakes! That's why."

It's true. I am an Ace of Cakes junkie, that's the main guy, Duff, on the left (see http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_db ) It is my favorite Food Network show (and by the way, I know one of the Food Network's fabulous cameramen and the next time he gets to shoot Duff and the incredible cake-making team, he's going to get me an autograph written in white chocolate…right, Greg?). Anyway – these TV people are cake makers extraordinaire. They create huge towering buildings and fire trucks and dinosaurs – all out of cake. If something doesn't work out, they scrape it off into the trash. I have to admit I was kinda wanting that experience and I ended up getting it. The first time or two, it felt somewhat wasteful, but by the time I got that last new head and neck on and decorated – scooping off the junk into the trash felt good. It felt very Ace, or maybe Deuce of Cakes.

If Stormie had not been there, I think I'd have crumbled in despair – much like the cake-head kept doing. But we did it – we got it there – 3 cakes mixes, 4 batches of buttercream, chocolate chip toenails and white almond bark tinted some weird color for those pointy things on its back – later… and Gavin loved it and everyone wished that I had done it in Rice Krispies. Geez, people, you have no idea!

Blessings, Jeanie

NOTE TO SELF: I think now I could master one of those Barbie-dolls-in-ball-gowns cakes from the early 70's…perhaps a teddy bear, or maybe even Michaelangelo's, David?

pictured: Gavin's dinosaur cake

Posted in Celebrations & Festive Events, Stuff I Actually Think | 9 Comments »

Amy Jo and the Word of God

Friday, June 1st, 2007

Guest blogger, Amy Jo Becker:

"I have been reading your blog lately about the Word of God… All my life I have been memorizing Scripture, and at one point I thought about writing a course of study on HOW to memorize Scripture. I just believe it is SO important. I especially like songs that are directly pulled from Scripture–and there are so many–from Psalms to hymns to children's music to my goofy "Country Collection" of the Scripture Memory Songs series. Lately I have been listening to the Psalms over and over (I have the whole NIV on CD, so I can just play it while I get ready for work in the mornings) and it is amazing how much we memorize simply by rote!

Another thing I've been thinking about lately is the importance of not only memorizing, but simply just dwelling on Scripture. Matt. 12:34 "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Whoa, huh? Yeah. I want not only what comes out of my mouth, but what forms the basis of my worldviews to be righteous. Refreshing. Wise."

NOTE FROM JEANIE: On www.biblegateway.com you can listen to the whole Bible (New International Version) on Real Audio or Flash Player. I highly recommend clicking on Psalm 119. It is about 17 or 18 minutes long and some of the most awesome prayer language you'll ever hear. After the first 4 or 5 times I listened, I definitely started picking up some sentences just like Amy Jo says. For the rest, I just personalize it and pray it for myself with the Word of God "prompting" me.

Posted in JESUS, Lover of My Soul, Stuff I Actually Think | No Comments »

Gavin is Four!

Friday, June 1st, 2007

Gavin-you silly, delightful boy. I cannot believe I was once trepidatious about becoming a "Grandma!" It is true what they say: Grandchildren are your reward for not killing your own children. I won! I hit the jackpot!

As I write this – you're innocently asleep in your bed and have no idea of the 3-D dinosaur cake I am preparing for your party and how its' head just fell off. You won't even wonder why my hands are dyed green when I arrive. You, being you, will just be excited about the cake and tell me it is wonderful because you are my little encourager. You're my red-headed fella and one of the most energetic human beings I have ever known. You're the double-sworded Leonardo who has explained more to me about "Turtle Power" than I ever wanted to know. You are my delight!