Here's the latest info on Esther. Tomorrow, June 28th, is the absolute last day to sign up for the study. Member books will be ordered on Tuesday. The cost is $14.95, payable to LIFEhouse. Below is the link to the individual video sessions for the study. Audio is available as well. Downloads may be paid for with a debit or credit card. Once the member books are in, I will set a start date. I'm getting excited, and I hope you are too.
If anyone needs help in learning about blogging, I will be at the picnic tomorrow. Let me know if you need assistance.
http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?N=411+4294946229&CID=OC-RB-Women-Bible-Studies-558x100-20090612&nru=1
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Answers For The Journey
When pondering something theological, it doesn't hurt to talk to your pastor. I talked to mine yesterday. He was such a good sport and put my mind at ease. Pastor Evan told me to remember a time when I experienced a wonderful worship time with the Lord, totally focused on Him. Was I wondering about anything else at that time? Nope, just enjoying Jesus. Multiply that by 1000 and you've got heaven. Sweet!
At first it really bothered me that I was even wondering about these things. I've been a Christian for almost 17 years; shouldn't I have this stuff figured out? Then I realized just how boring that would be. When I became a follower of Jesus Christ, my journey was just beginning. It will not be complete until I get to heaven. How awesome that God continues to show Himself to me in new and amazing ways! I don't need to feel strange about asking my Father a question. He delights in showing me the answer. Sweet!
At first it really bothered me that I was even wondering about these things. I've been a Christian for almost 17 years; shouldn't I have this stuff figured out? Then I realized just how boring that would be. When I became a follower of Jesus Christ, my journey was just beginning. It will not be complete until I get to heaven. How awesome that God continues to show Himself to me in new and amazing ways! I don't need to feel strange about asking my Father a question. He delights in showing me the answer. Sweet!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Some Theological Pondering
I said in my last post that there are things I will probably never understand this side of heaven. (Check out the post below this one for what led to that thinking.) While I agree with that statement, it got me thinking. Once I see Jesus face to face, will I even care about all the things that puzzle me here on earth? Will I remember the struggles that led to the questions, or does Christ take that bad memory away? Will we have the opportunity to sit down and have a one-on-one chat with Jesus? How awesome would that be! Will we be so taken with being in His very presence that we will be unable to speak? I know that heaven will be absolutely glorious, beyond anything I can imagine. I just find myself pondering all these things. Thanks for reading my rambling. Anybody else ever had these kind of questions? Please tell me I'm not the only one!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Closure Is A Beautiful Thing
It all started when Abby had to complete a family timeline for school. I realized at that point that I would like to know more about my past for both myself and my kids. Through completing some research on http://www.ancestry.com/ I was able to find my aunt's email address. With hope and trembling, I sent off that first email. We have been emailing back and forth for about a month. She has been extremely helpful and willing to answer all of my questions. Yesterday I got a package filled with old photos and papers in the mail. Thank you Aunt Wendy! I was able to call her last night and we had a really good conversation. The first of many, I hope. While there are things that I will probably never understand this side of heaven, I am at peace with my past and see God in all of it. Closure is a beautiful thing.
Aunt Wendy and her husband, Doug, are Christians. Being able to share this experience with them and view it through the lens of our faith has been awesome. As it turns out, The Cookie Mom has an aunt who loves to bake too. I hope to gather some family recipes in the future.
Thank you Dad and Mom for loving me even when I was difficult to love. I am the person I am today because of how you raised me. I love you very much!
Aunt Wendy and her husband, Doug, are Christians. Being able to share this experience with them and view it through the lens of our faith has been awesome. As it turns out, The Cookie Mom has an aunt who loves to bake too. I hope to gather some family recipes in the future.
Thank you Dad and Mom for loving me even when I was difficult to love. I am the person I am today because of how you raised me. I love you very much!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
First Soccer Game of the Season
I was the lone Carlson on the sidelines last night. Abby and Matt had their first soccer game of the season; and Rick is their coach. They faced a tough opponent, and the game did not end in their favor, but I am a happy momma. Both Abby and Matt played hard and didn't give up. Hopefully, I'll be able to post some pictures later today. I need Rick's help with that. As much as I'm learning about blogging and computers, downloading pictures is utter confusion to me.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Esther Study 101
Okay, Ladies. Here's the info on the Esther study I have so far. I hope to start at the beginning of July. There is still time to sign up, so let's encourage each other to not neglect Bible study this summer. We will be completing Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore. http://www.emedialink.com/view_video.php?viewkey=28e61124e13181db7774&page=&viewtype=&category= The cost of the member book is $14.95. Make sure you are signed up by next Sunday, so that a member book is ordered for you. Instead of getting together to view a DVD session, you will be responsible for downloading the video or audio session for each week. The cost for that is $4.99/video or $3.99/audio. I will set up a day of the week that we will meet via this blog to discuss the previous week's homework and get ready for the next. At the conclusion of the study we will have a get-together, location TBA.
I realize this more expense than usual, but we will be doing this study from the comfort of our own homes. Once you have downloaded the audio or video, it's yours to keep. Many a time, I have wanted to go back and review a Beth Moore session, and now I'll be able to. Thanks for taking this Bible study journey with me. I think we are going to have a blast!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Summertime Advice
I didn't write the following article, but I love the advice given in it. These are things that I need to work on. I've known it in the back of my mind for a while, but seeing it in print made everything clear.
Saved By the Bell
A Summer to Remember
Sharon Lovejoy AutryThe final bell rang. The kids screamed for joy. Mom sits in the carpool line wondering, "What in the world are we going to do all summer?!" Maybe as summer has begun, you've found yourself resentful and angry because your children constantly "interrupt" your schedule. If that's how you're feeling, you're normal.But, wait. We wanted these kids, right? Are they really interruptions or blessings in disguise? How can we move from simply surviving the summer to making it a summer to remember?Here are a few ideas to get you out of the summer survival rut:1. Realize they won't be this way forever. What is it about your kids that you won't have in two years? If you are a parent of:
Preschoolers: Look at their hands and notice how tiny they are. Enjoy that.
Elementary children: When you're away from home, call them. Their voices sound small on the phone. That always reminds me to enjoy their innocence rather than expecting them to act like little grown-ups.
Tweens: Laugh at and enjoy their giggles (usually girls) and the fascination they have with being gross (usually boys)! Hopefully that won't last forever!
Teens: Even if they are driving you crazy, make your home the safe place. I still remember the fun place our parents created at home. It was our refuge. Let kids feel safe in your home by cutting down on the criticism and looking for ways to build them up. Mom and Dad's secret was a ping-pong table. We spent hours there. 2. Say "no" with a smile. It makes you and your child feel better. They know you have some regret at having to say no. You are on their team.3. Play music. Anger and music don't usually dance. Movie soundtracks, praise songs, music from my teen years or even classical stations. I rarely find myself upset with my kids when we have music playing in the background.4. Go outside. Sometimes taking a walk or bike ride with the kids can do wonders to change everyone's perspective.5. Things aren't always as they seem. Remember that the way you are seeing things at this moment is probably not how it will look in a couple of hours. Frustrations can build and dissolve quickly when you have kids.6. Offer them 30 minutes of your time. After they have helped pick up around the house let them pick what the two of you will do together and watch their eyes light up! For older kids, offer them the day off after helping for an hour.7. Ask your kids what they think is fun. You might be surprised to find that their idea of fun often doesn't cost any money. My sister was amazed to find that her 7-year-old son's idea of "fun" was playing tag in the front yard with dad, mom and his little sister.8. Slow down. Successful parenting doesn't mean you have your children involved in every possible extra-curricular activity. Successful parenting means you are there for them. If you've been running all year, it takes "practice" to enjoy staying home. Don't give up. Turn off the computer, TV, cell phone, etc. and read or play games (no matter what the age of your children).9. Pray. When you are at your wit's end, ask God to help you remember what to do with your kids. On our own, it's hard to enjoy the moments because "life happens." But God has a way of giving us perspective that will slow us down and help us see our families the way He sees them: with love and compassion.The next time you blow your top or realize you're just surviving your kids instead of enjoying their clumsy feet, silliness, or their constant desire to talk on the phone, stop and think, "one day I'll miss this!" The funny thing is, tomorrow we'll be longing for today. If we choose to think like that long enough, the kids won't be the only ones sad to hear the school bell ring this fall.Sharon (Lovejoy) Autry, a mom of 3, co-authored Mom and Loving It, Finding Contentment in REAL Life with her sister, Laurie (Lovejoy) Hilliard, mom of 4. http://www.momandlovingit.org/
Saved By the Bell
A Summer to Remember
Sharon Lovejoy AutryThe final bell rang. The kids screamed for joy. Mom sits in the carpool line wondering, "What in the world are we going to do all summer?!" Maybe as summer has begun, you've found yourself resentful and angry because your children constantly "interrupt" your schedule. If that's how you're feeling, you're normal.But, wait. We wanted these kids, right? Are they really interruptions or blessings in disguise? How can we move from simply surviving the summer to making it a summer to remember?Here are a few ideas to get you out of the summer survival rut:1. Realize they won't be this way forever. What is it about your kids that you won't have in two years? If you are a parent of:
Preschoolers: Look at their hands and notice how tiny they are. Enjoy that.
Elementary children: When you're away from home, call them. Their voices sound small on the phone. That always reminds me to enjoy their innocence rather than expecting them to act like little grown-ups.
Tweens: Laugh at and enjoy their giggles (usually girls) and the fascination they have with being gross (usually boys)! Hopefully that won't last forever!
Teens: Even if they are driving you crazy, make your home the safe place. I still remember the fun place our parents created at home. It was our refuge. Let kids feel safe in your home by cutting down on the criticism and looking for ways to build them up. Mom and Dad's secret was a ping-pong table. We spent hours there. 2. Say "no" with a smile. It makes you and your child feel better. They know you have some regret at having to say no. You are on their team.3. Play music. Anger and music don't usually dance. Movie soundtracks, praise songs, music from my teen years or even classical stations. I rarely find myself upset with my kids when we have music playing in the background.4. Go outside. Sometimes taking a walk or bike ride with the kids can do wonders to change everyone's perspective.5. Things aren't always as they seem. Remember that the way you are seeing things at this moment is probably not how it will look in a couple of hours. Frustrations can build and dissolve quickly when you have kids.6. Offer them 30 minutes of your time. After they have helped pick up around the house let them pick what the two of you will do together and watch their eyes light up! For older kids, offer them the day off after helping for an hour.7. Ask your kids what they think is fun. You might be surprised to find that their idea of fun often doesn't cost any money. My sister was amazed to find that her 7-year-old son's idea of "fun" was playing tag in the front yard with dad, mom and his little sister.8. Slow down. Successful parenting doesn't mean you have your children involved in every possible extra-curricular activity. Successful parenting means you are there for them. If you've been running all year, it takes "practice" to enjoy staying home. Don't give up. Turn off the computer, TV, cell phone, etc. and read or play games (no matter what the age of your children).9. Pray. When you are at your wit's end, ask God to help you remember what to do with your kids. On our own, it's hard to enjoy the moments because "life happens." But God has a way of giving us perspective that will slow us down and help us see our families the way He sees them: with love and compassion.The next time you blow your top or realize you're just surviving your kids instead of enjoying their clumsy feet, silliness, or their constant desire to talk on the phone, stop and think, "one day I'll miss this!" The funny thing is, tomorrow we'll be longing for today. If we choose to think like that long enough, the kids won't be the only ones sad to hear the school bell ring this fall.Sharon (Lovejoy) Autry, a mom of 3, co-authored Mom and Loving It, Finding Contentment in REAL Life with her sister, Laurie (Lovejoy) Hilliard, mom of 4. http://www.momandlovingit.org/
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Self-Discipline?
Lysa TerKeurst has been discussing how she is winning the battle with food on her blog. (http://lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com) It's a very thought provoking read. I know I need to let go of the caffeine, and the junk food. But I like it. Self-discipline where are you? Realizing there is a problem is a good start. Now to take it to the next level. Help!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Little Bit of Everything
We had a totally unexpected, but very welcome, visit from some old friends last night. It was nice to be able to touch base after so long. Mark and Sheri, we missed you guys! Thanks for stopping by.
No babysitting today. That means a Mom, Abby, Matt day. My children have energy to spare. They are headed to The Ridge later today, and are just a tad bit excited. I hope to be able to spend some one-on-one time with them before Paya comes to pick them up.
Matt had been asking to spend some time on the computer yesterday. When I told him he could he told me he loved me and gave me a bunch of little kisses on the cheek. I told him that was sweet. Matt said, "Mom, I'm always gonna give you kisses like that, even when I'm all grown up." Lord, help me to embrace this season of parenting, while keeping an eye on the next.
I'm getting ready to facilitate a Beth Moore Bible study on Esther using this very blog. It won't start until the beginning of July, but I am ready for it to begin now. I learn so much from doing these. Miss Beth most definitely has a gift.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading all my randomness.
No babysitting today. That means a Mom, Abby, Matt day. My children have energy to spare. They are headed to The Ridge later today, and are just a tad bit excited. I hope to be able to spend some one-on-one time with them before Paya comes to pick them up.
Matt had been asking to spend some time on the computer yesterday. When I told him he could he told me he loved me and gave me a bunch of little kisses on the cheek. I told him that was sweet. Matt said, "Mom, I'm always gonna give you kisses like that, even when I'm all grown up." Lord, help me to embrace this season of parenting, while keeping an eye on the next.
I'm getting ready to facilitate a Beth Moore Bible study on Esther using this very blog. It won't start until the beginning of July, but I am ready for it to begin now. I learn so much from doing these. Miss Beth most definitely has a gift.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading all my randomness.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
What's Your Favorite Cookie?
Being that the title of my blog is "The Cookie Mom" I thought it would be fun to ask what your favorite cookie is. Do you have a favorite? Do you have a memory of making or decorating cookies that you would like to share? I love choc-oat-chip myself. How about you? What's your favorite?
Once Upon A Time
Once upon a time there was a mom who wanted a place to post all the neat, and sometimes profound things her children said. Thus begins my journey into blogland. I hope you have as much fun reading this blog as I had creating it.
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