MiPa's Monologue

February Goals

2012-02-02T09:23:00.000Z

In January I said: 1. Memorize James 1:22-25 about 50% 2. Begin Daniel study not yet 3. Finish Snug as a Bug afghan for Tree at 90% complete 4. Start art lessons for Jewel and Flower started stitching lessons instead 5. Close out 2011 files and set up 2012 files 2011 closed, but not moved until taxes complete 6. Explore ministry opportunity to begin teaching again in process

Keeping Peace in the Midst of Change

2012-01-31T17:48:00.000Z

“True peace comes from embracing what is, not from ceaseless striving to change everything around me to make my life more safe, secure, comfortable.”~ Dan Meadows in the Mosaic Bible We had been in the UK for two years. Our work visa was due to expire. No one could get any confirmation that we would get an extension. I had a newborn. And I knew in my heart that we were not going to be going

Marriage Monday...Celebrating Women

2012-01-16T09:39:00.001Z

Today's Marriage Monday is to learn more about the participants as women! Go here to get the prompts and join along. I am the honoured mom of three (still hard to type that). I want time to write! I have great memories of all the places we have been.I wish I could see the Northern Lights, someday.I hate bureaucracy. I miss girlfriends who live in other countries.I fear something happening to

In Other Words--Why my Mind needs Transforming

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000Z

”Without the renewed mind, we will distort the Scriptures to avoid their radical commands for self-denial, and love, and purity, and supreme satisfaction in Christ alone.” ~ John Piper ~ This morning I gave Jewel a couple of chores that I wanted her to complete before we started school. She promptly passed the chores on to Flower, who set off to do them muttering under her breath the

January 2012 Goals

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000Z

January Goals: 1. Memorize James 1:22-25 2. Begin Daniel study 3. Finish Snug as a Bug afghan for Tree 4. Start art lessons for Jewel and Flower 5. Close out 2011 files and set up 2012 files 6. Explore ministry opportunity to begin teaching again

Reflections on 2011 and Looking to 2012

2011-12-31T11:52:00.000Z

Another year is coming to an end, and with it comes the inevitable reflections. Did I accomplish all I wanted to accomplish? Am I content with my actions? Where did I fail? What can I do about that? In what ways did God use me last year? Am I closer to Him today than I was on this date in 2010? My words for 2011 were Ponder and Treasure. I have enjoyed the journey they led. I have found

Reading Plans

2011-12-31T11:39:00.001Z

I always plan to do more reading, but with kids I find that more and more difficult. However, the classics draw me in and make me wish I had time to read. My friend Vee posted about a Reading the Classics challenge, and I took the bait. It allows for "reading" using audio books and I should be able to do that whilst nursing if nothing else. So without further adieu... at Sarah Reads Too

In Other Words---Mission

2011-12-27T00:01:00.000Z

“It’s not so much that God has a mission for his church in the world as that God has a church for His Mission in the world.”Christopher J.H. WrightThe Mission of God "I wonder what God's will is for my life?" It's a question that we often ask. Especially as we near a year's end, we begin to think about the things that we feel we should be doing or that we dream of doing. We put a lot of

Hosting In Other Words

2011-12-25T17:11:00.000Z

I am hosting In Other Words on Tuesday. The quote I have chosen is: “It’s not so much that God has a mission for his church in the world as that God has a church for His Mission in the world.” Christopher J.H. Wright The Mission of God Please join me on Tuesday to reflect on the church and mission. Praying you are having a joyful Christmas Day!

Introducing

2011-12-14T11:52:00.001Z

"Tree" born 26 Nov 2011 8 pounds 2 ounces of pure love We've been enjoying a visit from the grandparents and treasuring these early baby days. He had his two week check today and has gained back the little weight he lost and then some. We are settling well and will return to regular blogging in the New Year. Check back with me on 27 December as I host In Other Words. Until then,

In Other Words--Showing that I'm Thankful

2011-11-22T08:49:00.001Z

“Let us remember that, as much as has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.” Theodore Roosevelt As I've watched news coverage over the last few weeks, I have thought a lot about personal and community stewardship. I have no desire to make this a political blog so my comments will be brief,

November Goals

2011-11-03T11:30:00.000Z

In October I set the following goals: 1. Complete 4 blocks on the baby's afghan (big cross stitch project)--only 2 complete 2. Clear out coat closet and clean any coats that need to be freshened up for winter--yes 3. Unpack baby clothes that were saved, and make list of needed updates--yes 4. Get and set up cot in nursery--yes 5. Get half of Christmas shopping completed--yes it is early,

In Other Words---No Complacency Allowed

2011-10-04T08:43:00.001+01:00

Welcome to "In Other Words"! I pray that in the words of one of the participating writers you will find something to encourage you and to challenge you. If you are able, I'd love for you to link to your own post regarding this quote--perhaps you are the one with the encouraging words! I wonder if I am the only one who argues with Scripture God whilst I have my quiet time? I sincerely hope

October Goals

2011-10-02T00:01:00.000+01:00

In September I set goals as: 1. Finish prepping for school start at the end of September--done and started school 2 weeks ago 2. Complete 4 blocks on big cross stitch project--only completed 1 1/2 :-( 3. Complete 2 Bride's Tree ornaments--nope 4. Post at least 2 blog entries per week--no 5. Complete project to put old financial records on dvd and shred records--over 3/4 finished, should

Hosting In Other Words

2011-10-01T09:00:00.001+01:00

I have the honour of hosting "In Other Words" on Tuesday. Please join me as we discuss the following John Stott quote: “ We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior.” by John Stott

Marriage Monday---Pondering New Life, Treasuring Children

2011-09-26T09:57:00.000+01:00

It's Marriage Monday! I'm so glad that autumn is here and we are writing on marriage again. My apologies that I missed the first one earlier this month. The topic was communication--and obviously I'm doing a great job communicating right now. This month's topic is children. Last time we spoke of children here at MM, I wrote on our choice to home educate. Today, I'm going to veer off the

Going Places (again)

2011-09-08T08:58:00.000+01:00

This is a re-post of a contest entry I wrote in June 2008. The sentiments are just as true today. Yesterday, this dear niece phoned me as she had a short layover in Ireland. She was on her way to her first deployment and just wanted to touch base. Praying for you sweetheart. Know that we are so proud of you. It seems like just yesterday we were helping your mom and dad protect you from the

In Other Words--Can I Be Defeated?

2011-09-06T09:28:00.000+01:00

I am easily embarrassed in social settings. I constantly worry about saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, and not appearing to have it all together. Some years ago a friend challenged me that this type of worry is really a sense of pride. She said that it is prideful to think that others care that much about what we are saying and doing that they are watching that closely. She

September Goals

2011-09-04T17:35:00.001+01:00

In August I set goals as: 1. Write an update post for April-July and then write 2-3 blog posts a week--finally posted an update, not successful on 2-3 per week 2. Finish getting school things ready for Sept-Oct--about halfway there 3. Download pictures off the camera in order to accomplish #1--yes 4. Complete 2 Bride's Tree ornaments--no 5. Complete 4 blocks on big cross stitch project--

My Garden

2011-08-26T09:00:00.001+01:00

One of the great joys at our new Irish house is the amazing garden. For someone who has the brownest of fingers (or thumbs depending on what country the saying comes from), a beautiful garden is a wondrous thing. Thought I'd give a quick tour.

An Very Delayed Update (photo heavy)

2011-08-25T19:34:00.000+01:00

So what have we been doing the last six months? Making some dreams come true at Disneyland Paris: And then exploring Paris as well.... Packing, saying good-byes and seeing a little more of the English countryside. Jewel went to her first weekend away with the church. She showed all the boys (but one) who was the best at archery! Made the girls proud. (of course she didn't have any

In Other Words: Using My Own Voice

2011-08-09T11:00:00.000+01:00

Welcome to In Other Words! I pray today in the words of one of the participating blogs you will find a note of encouragement. “Don’t sing with a borrowed voice. The one he gave you is the one he wants to hear.” by Jennifer Rothschild via Twitter 17 Nov 2010