Before the Utah trip came up, I was pretty neutral on the LDS church. I have been in a few settings where the speaker has made fun (basically) of them for not drinking caffeine, saying some do some don't, and other ridiculous things like that, that didn't give me any inkling of what the problem was with their beliefs.
Also, I have an LDS uncle who we only saw on major holidays. He wouldn't eat food that anyone else had brought, leading me to think it was part of his religious beliefs. Only as I was older did I find out he inspected kitchens for a living, then it made more sense.
All that being said, I sat on the couch yesterday and listened with great interest to this conversation. I found out that they don't believe in the trinity, that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three in one. I see where the guy is coming from, because it is confusing, but I believe we all have 3 parts, just like God, but His 3 parts can act independently of each other.
They also believe that baptism is such a command that one cannot enter heaven without it. If one dies without being baptized, someone who is still living can do it for them. My question is... if WE are so commanded, how will someone else doing it make up for our lacking? If someone robs a bank in my name because I need money, will I go to jail? Maybe not the best example, but still... I just found that to be lacking in a lot of areas.
They did seem to agree with us that believing in Jesus is the first step, but then went on to say that without works you will not get to heaven. We believe that your faith alone should produce works, and if there are no works, there probably wasn't the faith to begin with.
So, there are a lot of differences between us. We are thinking of maybe moving to Utah if we don't get another place to go right after graduation. I think it would be interesting to be amongst them and find out more of what they are all about.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
the home stretch
So here we are, the day before the love of my life returns home. Can I just say this: FINALLY!!! Longest. five. days. ever. And tomorrow is not even here yet... I have a feeling that I will be rushing around tomorrow trying to finish things up, though.
We just got back a few minutes ago from the park. We went with some new friends and had a blast getting to know them and playing with them. I wasn't sure if they would be coming in or not so my morning was spent rushing around cleaning. I got my kitchen scrubbed bright and shiny and the kids bathroom cleaned out. The living room is mostly done, too. My main thing is once again laundry so maybe this evening I'll do that when its cooler.
Anyway, so, as happy as I am that my husband was able to go and learn things and have fun... I want him back here with me.
We just got back a few minutes ago from the park. We went with some new friends and had a blast getting to know them and playing with them. I wasn't sure if they would be coming in or not so my morning was spent rushing around cleaning. I got my kitchen scrubbed bright and shiny and the kids bathroom cleaned out. The living room is mostly done, too. My main thing is once again laundry so maybe this evening I'll do that when its cooler.
Anyway, so, as happy as I am that my husband was able to go and learn things and have fun... I want him back here with me.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Eeeek
This morning, church was really good. We've been talking about what our pastor calls "body life" in Ephesians. Today he said that wearing what the Bible calls the full armor of God, and yet doing nothing, is like a football team in full gear just standing around in the locker room. I got a little convicted from that. I know I should do more to reach people but my timidness about approaching people and my "like" of being "liked" gets in the way a lot. Not to mention my inability to explain things. (which you know because you read my blog haha)
So, now the question is, since I've opened myself up to these opportunities to be used by God, what is going to happen next.
Nothing, you say??? Oh, you think I'm crazy, well, keep reading, my friend.
I could make this an hours worth of reading, but, instead, I'll give you the short version.
Since we have moved to CA, everything has been a learning experience. Yes, everything, all situations, you name it, there was a lesson in there somewhere... The latest of my learning has been my reaction to things I don't like. I have involuntary facial expressions that say it all even if I manage to keep quiet, which is unusual. After having a few outbursts in one week, all brought on by uncomfortable situations that I found to be unnecessary, I realized that the way I come across might not be sooo... let's say, future pastor's wife behavior. So I prayed about, asked for some forgiveness from people, and decided to make better concious decisions and therefore have being quiet and submissive be my eventual natural behavior. Still with me? Okay, so now we get into the testing part.
Right away, this stuff happens. I'm not one of those "God must hate me because..." people. I do know that I have a lot of needed growth and when I'm ready to get busy it comes full force. So, that night at work, I went to cosmetics where someone I don't like at all was. I figured he had found some make up in his department and was putting it back. No such luck. We both had carts of stuff that went on every aisle. In all honesty, I didn't want to find myself on the same aisle as him, much less work in the same department. My stomach started hurting and I felt my face getting all screwy, but, remembering my goal, I managed to think happy thoughts and force my face to be neutral.
I don't want to make this a blog about people I don't care for, so I'll include this different incident: Another night at work, I went to an aisle that had a huge cart of hairbows to be put away. I had an earache and the whole side of my face felt like it was on fire. The guy in the aisle next to me had his radio blasting (it seemed, anyway) I had started with the cart and he came ot the same aisle, which is not allowed, and started with the boxes. He is new, and seems nice, and I was so afraid of being rude and giving dirty looks simply because I didn't feel good, so I said a prayer, got a smile on my face, and said "did you want to do this aisle?" and he said yes, so I just turned around and left. i have to be honest that it boggles my mind why he had to do that specific aisle, but maybe he was told to do it. Anyway, i didn't let myself dwell on it and moved on. And i managed to keep myself under control.
So, here we go. Another prayer said, another series of events to come. I've had my mind set on the temporary, bring on the eternal.
So, now the question is, since I've opened myself up to these opportunities to be used by God, what is going to happen next.
Nothing, you say??? Oh, you think I'm crazy, well, keep reading, my friend.
I could make this an hours worth of reading, but, instead, I'll give you the short version.
Since we have moved to CA, everything has been a learning experience. Yes, everything, all situations, you name it, there was a lesson in there somewhere... The latest of my learning has been my reaction to things I don't like. I have involuntary facial expressions that say it all even if I manage to keep quiet, which is unusual. After having a few outbursts in one week, all brought on by uncomfortable situations that I found to be unnecessary, I realized that the way I come across might not be sooo... let's say, future pastor's wife behavior. So I prayed about, asked for some forgiveness from people, and decided to make better concious decisions and therefore have being quiet and submissive be my eventual natural behavior. Still with me? Okay, so now we get into the testing part.
Right away, this stuff happens. I'm not one of those "God must hate me because..." people. I do know that I have a lot of needed growth and when I'm ready to get busy it comes full force. So, that night at work, I went to cosmetics where someone I don't like at all was. I figured he had found some make up in his department and was putting it back. No such luck. We both had carts of stuff that went on every aisle. In all honesty, I didn't want to find myself on the same aisle as him, much less work in the same department. My stomach started hurting and I felt my face getting all screwy, but, remembering my goal, I managed to think happy thoughts and force my face to be neutral.
I don't want to make this a blog about people I don't care for, so I'll include this different incident: Another night at work, I went to an aisle that had a huge cart of hairbows to be put away. I had an earache and the whole side of my face felt like it was on fire. The guy in the aisle next to me had his radio blasting (it seemed, anyway) I had started with the cart and he came ot the same aisle, which is not allowed, and started with the boxes. He is new, and seems nice, and I was so afraid of being rude and giving dirty looks simply because I didn't feel good, so I said a prayer, got a smile on my face, and said "did you want to do this aisle?" and he said yes, so I just turned around and left. i have to be honest that it boggles my mind why he had to do that specific aisle, but maybe he was told to do it. Anyway, i didn't let myself dwell on it and moved on. And i managed to keep myself under control.
So, here we go. Another prayer said, another series of events to come. I've had my mind set on the temporary, bring on the eternal.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
real people doing real things
One phrase I heard often as a child was "just wait until you have kids!" Well, now that I'm the proud mom of four, wow. Talk about a reality check.
I usually find my kiddos to be pretty entertaining. I still think of them as the babies that they were, so to see them now developing their minds and gaining their own opinions and personalities, its really really neat.
Just now, I was helping them clean their room. I recently painted over "the great red (crayon) spot" that was behind the door as well as Mycah's bubble numbers and Sage's random "poses dekkerashon" (decoration) After painting, I rearranged the beds in their room, which uncovered a huge mess... so, knowing they would never do it themselves, I decided to help.
Talk about stressful!
I have to say, I kind of understand why they have problems cleaning. I get overwhelmed very easily and if weren't for my mom constantly telling me to "just start somewhere" when I was little, it is unlikely I would ever get anything done. I have found them to be the same way so that is why we break their job up for them, telling them to just pick up stuffed animals, or shoes, etc.
Anyway, they insisted that my being there meant there was a lot more help, which is another way of saying they would be happy to sit back and let me do all the work!
I cannot tell you how many times I say something to them and can hear my parents saying the same thing to me in my head. Its really crazy.
All that to say that I'm really thankful for this week I get to spend with them. I was a stay at home mom while they were little, but I went back to work when Mycah was 4 and Jake was 1. My overnight job makes it hard to spend the time I want to with them. So far we have just had movie night and garage sales but I also want to go to the lake and let them play and maybe go to the mall and do the carousel again.
And, if Shaun is reading this before he gets back... I bought them a kitchen set. So now you have plenty of time to get used to the idea haha
I usually find my kiddos to be pretty entertaining. I still think of them as the babies that they were, so to see them now developing their minds and gaining their own opinions and personalities, its really really neat.
Just now, I was helping them clean their room. I recently painted over "the great red (crayon) spot" that was behind the door as well as Mycah's bubble numbers and Sage's random "poses dekkerashon" (decoration) After painting, I rearranged the beds in their room, which uncovered a huge mess... so, knowing they would never do it themselves, I decided to help.
Talk about stressful!
I have to say, I kind of understand why they have problems cleaning. I get overwhelmed very easily and if weren't for my mom constantly telling me to "just start somewhere" when I was little, it is unlikely I would ever get anything done. I have found them to be the same way so that is why we break their job up for them, telling them to just pick up stuffed animals, or shoes, etc.
Anyway, they insisted that my being there meant there was a lot more help, which is another way of saying they would be happy to sit back and let me do all the work!
I cannot tell you how many times I say something to them and can hear my parents saying the same thing to me in my head. Its really crazy.
All that to say that I'm really thankful for this week I get to spend with them. I was a stay at home mom while they were little, but I went back to work when Mycah was 4 and Jake was 1. My overnight job makes it hard to spend the time I want to with them. So far we have just had movie night and garage sales but I also want to go to the lake and let them play and maybe go to the mall and do the carousel again.
And, if Shaun is reading this before he gets back... I bought them a kitchen set. So now you have plenty of time to get used to the idea haha
Friday, July 23, 2010
and it came to pass...
Don't get me wrong... there are a lot of times I don't know what I'd do without my children. They help out a lot, straightening up, keeping the K occupied, making life interesting... the list goes on.
However.... today they are driving me crazy. And no relief will come until Tuesday. Between K not taking a nap and Jake screeching at Sage and Mycah, I can feel my brain cells being depleted. I have a friend coming over tonight and my house is a wreck. In addition to all the clothes that need to be put away, lil K decided to take a pack of chopped up ham and spread it over the living room.
Let's focus on the positive here: I did get their room all ready to go for tonight. Got rid of the fresh paint smell, got the beds rearranged, got the tv plugged back in. Also, all of Dr Harris' messages are uploaded. 41 total, about 10 minutes each, yeah, that was the better part of my day yesterday. It's done, though, and now I can focus on this mess and these children. Maybe mandatory quiet time is in order for a little while today!
However.... today they are driving me crazy. And no relief will come until Tuesday. Between K not taking a nap and Jake screeching at Sage and Mycah, I can feel my brain cells being depleted. I have a friend coming over tonight and my house is a wreck. In addition to all the clothes that need to be put away, lil K decided to take a pack of chopped up ham and spread it over the living room.
Let's focus on the positive here: I did get their room all ready to go for tonight. Got rid of the fresh paint smell, got the beds rearranged, got the tv plugged back in. Also, all of Dr Harris' messages are uploaded. 41 total, about 10 minutes each, yeah, that was the better part of my day yesterday. It's done, though, and now I can focus on this mess and these children. Maybe mandatory quiet time is in order for a little while today!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Summertime
I know for most people, summer is drawing to a close, but for me, since I'm homeschooling my kiddos this year, I like to think my summer is going to last until it gets cold again.
I was recently given a bike by one of my dearest friends, so one of my goals of my extended summer is to teach the little ones how to ride a bike. Since we live on the second floor of an apartment building, I have to honestly say that teaching them has not been on my mind much at all.
I remember my sister and I riding our bikes up and down the street, around the block, sometimes around 2 blocks, all through the yard and driveway, at the beach, and the list goes on and on. I'm sure my hubby can tell you the same stories, however, as apartment bound adults (so far) our children have not had those opportunities.
So, today it begins, the living room will be cleared out and the one bike with training wheels will be brought inside, and so begins the fun.
I was recently given a bike by one of my dearest friends, so one of my goals of my extended summer is to teach the little ones how to ride a bike. Since we live on the second floor of an apartment building, I have to honestly say that teaching them has not been on my mind much at all.
I remember my sister and I riding our bikes up and down the street, around the block, sometimes around 2 blocks, all through the yard and driveway, at the beach, and the list goes on and on. I'm sure my hubby can tell you the same stories, however, as apartment bound adults (so far) our children have not had those opportunities.
So, today it begins, the living room will be cleared out and the one bike with training wheels will be brought inside, and so begins the fun.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
back by popular demand
So, where to begin? Okay... First, I'm able to blog because my precious little one year old decided to take a nap today. We take advantage of these times around here. She is the busiest little person all. day. long.
Monday was my birthday. The big 2-9. I think the 20's have gone by faster than any decade so far. I got married when I was 19, so I'll have to say my 4 kiddos were my greatest accomplishments of the decade.
I started my big day off by working, came home, took a couple-hour nap, then Shaun went to work and came home with a wonderful strawberry cheesecake and some gifts: a book he had been wanting to get me, and the movie The Time Travellers Wife, which was actually not to bad.
Oh, and the Saturday before, I went to margaritas with my dear friend, then to old navy to spend some birthday money :) My favorite part of all the celebrating was Tuesday night (I also had to work Monday) when Shaun and I watched Wolverine together. Supposedly, the kids were asleep, but Super K assumed she missed the "We're watching a movie!" memo and was in my lap for most of it, eating my popcorn and being a wild girl, like usual :)
Monday was my birthday. The big 2-9. I think the 20's have gone by faster than any decade so far. I got married when I was 19, so I'll have to say my 4 kiddos were my greatest accomplishments of the decade.
I started my big day off by working, came home, took a couple-hour nap, then Shaun went to work and came home with a wonderful strawberry cheesecake and some gifts: a book he had been wanting to get me, and the movie The Time Travellers Wife, which was actually not to bad.
Oh, and the Saturday before, I went to margaritas with my dear friend, then to old navy to spend some birthday money :) My favorite part of all the celebrating was Tuesday night (I also had to work Monday) when Shaun and I watched Wolverine together. Supposedly, the kids were asleep, but Super K assumed she missed the "We're watching a movie!" memo and was in my lap for most of it, eating my popcorn and being a wild girl, like usual :)
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