Vow

It's amazing how when reading the Word of God, the seemingly useless information in there can sometimes be the most important and life changing words.

That is how I feel about Acts 18:18.

Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.

Ok...so what? It seems like just factual information about where Paul is leaving, where he is going, and getting a new haircut. right?

Come to find out there is alot to be said about this.

precursor: I learned most of this from a Beth Moore Study and through looking up stuff in commentaries.

Ok, lets start by discussing where Paul just was. Cornith. And before that (according to chapter 17 of Acts) he was in Athens. Corinth was a place where many insults were hurled at him and he was persecuted. Athens was a place where everyone was "up on the new teachings." People were very open-minded...but not in a good way. They were open to things that were not of God.

Don't know if I explained Athens and Corinth very well or even in enough detail, but the point is that they were both places that were going to be difficult for Paul to preach in...and also probably a little tempting for Paul.

Lets move on to the part that talks about him going through a mid-life crisis and wanting a new hair style....kidding! Anyway, the verse states that he shaved his head marking the end of a vow. Now, scripture does not actually say what vow Paul had taken. So I don't want to say this is 100% for sure information. But it can be assumed that he had taken the Nazarite Vow. This vow (which you can read about in Numbers 6:1-27) was voluntarily made by those who desired to separate themselves unto the Lord for a determined season. And during this time there were 3 main restrictions. One of them being that "no razor may be used on their head."

It can be assumed that Paul knew full well before he went to Cornith and Athens that he would be entering places in which could potentially distract him from the God he loved and preached about. Therefore, this might be the reason for taking the vow in the first place.

NOW...those useless words mean something. How cool is that...that a man would be prepared ahead of time to be devoted to the Lord. That he did even something kind of extreme to remind himself of the vow he had taken. I mean a look in the mirror or a stroke through his long locks would help him remember who he is called to be and who he serves. Also, when others saw his long hair, it also was obvious who he served.

Like I said, it isn't certain if that is actually the vow that Paul had taken. But even if it isn't, there is something to be said about this Nazarite Vow. No...I'm not saying grow your hair out. I'm saying do obvious and practical things to devote yourselves to God. When you are boldly sharing Christ with those around you or serving those in need, it will be obvious that you are devoted to God. When you are doing practical things like setting an alarm on your cell phone to read the Bible, or posting scripture all over your home, or having an accountability partner, you are bound to remember the God that you are vowing to be devoted to.

Thank you Lord, that your Word can mold us and shape us today. I want to vow to be separated and devoted to You!

struggling

I've been struggling lately with blogging! There have been quite a few times lately that I have started a new post just to erase and start over 3 or 4 times...then I just give up and quit. And when I DO blog and actually post it...I think, "well, that was boring!" But its frustrating, because there has been lots going on and lots I've been feeling. So I feel like I have lots to say! So why am I having such a hard time getting it out in words?

So I really have no idea where this post is about to go...or if it will make sense or possibly be misunderstood...or if it will even interest anyone! But here I go...

I've been having weird emotions about my kids lately. I'm so very back and forth. One minute I am almost in tears because they are growing so fast. Colin is almost 4! I find myself babying him alot because I feel like he is slipping from my fingertips and Im trying to squeeze in as much hugs, kisses, and holding as I can before he's too old for that. Same with Carley. The first year of her life is already halfway over! I think Im emotional about it because Im not for sure if there will be any more baby notelpats after this. There might be, but in case there is not I want to soak in every bit of this that I can.

However, there are also moments that I really desire to do something without my kids. *Gasp* I know there are some mom's who would really think less of mom's that desire time away from there kid's. But I promise I love my kids....a whole stinkin lot! But I also love my husband a whole stinkin lot and would love to do something with him that is not a youth event where tons of teenagers are around. So I struggle with desiring to be away and also feeling a little guilty for wanting to be away from them.

Then I also struggle with getting childcare for my kids. There are quite a few people that have offered to keep my kids...and I totally trust them and would not worry about my kids being with them. But Im bad about planning in advance. I wait until the day of to want to ask someone and then I end up not asking at all cause Im afraid they already have plans or if they do say yes Im afraid they are really not wanting too. I know that is the enemy's lies. When Colin was a baby we took him to this daycare for a few months that was not that great. I could tell the ladies hated there job and didnt want to be there. There is nothing worse than leaving your kid with someone who doesnt want to keep him. I guess I fear that happening again. And it wont....I mean these people have even offered already! I just need to plan in advance...and ask!

Then I get frustrated that my amount of leftover time and energy (and money even) does not match up with the things I want to do! I want to work out at a gym, sew and do crafts, read books, go see my families on the weekends, etc. and none of those things are happening for me! I also get a little sad because I'm afraid that I am hurting some of my friends/familys feelings for not giving them enough time.

The "working mom of 2" life is hard.

Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining. I love my life SO much and have so much to be grateful for! I am thankful for my job during tough economic times. And I am grateful for my kids...and I'm not complaining about money...we have enough! I guess thats another reason why I have struggled with blogging. Every time I try to write, I feel like it sounds like I am complaining. So I apologize if that's what it sounds like.

So, thats what has been on my mind/heart lately. Loving my family, and loving my husband, and loving my friends and family. Even loving a little time to myself. But not feeling like there is enough of me to give to all of those things that I love. But I know most people feel that way, right?

Things I love...

1. I love how snow has the ability to force the world to stop its busy-ness and rest and enjoy the most important things in life. Loving this day off to spend with my kids. Just wish Jeff was home to enjoy it with us. But we had a great night at home last night as church got canceled. Enjoyed watching Jeff and Colin play in the snow.

2. I love craftiness. I have been looking at random blogs and have gotten SO many ideas of things I want to make. Most of which involve my sewing machine. Here is my to-do list of crafts. In no particular order.

• re-purposed furniture into play kitchen for Carley for next Christmas (idea from Taylor)
• sew an apron and matching pot holders to go with above kitchen.
• more throw pillows for my couches and my bed.
• curtains for my kitchen.
• a play cape for Colin.
• a valentines onesie and a first birthday onesie for Carley.

I just think creating something myself is WAY more fun/meaningful than buying it already made...and also more affordable.

3. I love that Carley has started reaching up her arms to me when she wants to be held. SO stinkin sweet. Love that girl.

4. I love that Colin loves to read his Childrens Bible at night. I love that he asks questions about God. My favorite one was "Mommy, does God have a car or a truck?"

5. I love different shades of green. Green makes me smile.

6. I love reading the Word. Good stuff. I do have a hard time, because the only time of my day that works for me to read is after the kids go to bed. Can't do it in the morning, cause they both wake up when I do. Even if I get up earlier, they hear me and wake up. Anyway, doing it that late at night is hard because I find myself fighting sleep. But I think its great that God can still speak to me even with heavy eyelids. I love that he is faithful to meet me and I am striving to meet him daily with his Word.

7. I love that my husband is so smart. And when I come across something that I don't understand in the Word...he clarifies. Love that man!

8. I love Spring and Summer weather. That is my nice way of saying that I am ready for this winter crap to be over. Hate being cold!

9. I love my parents and my in-laws. Wish we all lived closer.

10. Oooh! And I love that my mother-in-law found my bible and journal that I thought was gone forever! I cannot WAIT to get it back.

The Year in Review

The Year in Review...again.

1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?

ummm....i can't say "gave birth"...but I CAN say I gave birth to a girl!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

i will write the same thing i wrote last year. i don't usually make resolutions. i don't think they are bad, but i don't think resolutions should be reserved for just the new year. i am more likely to keep a resolution if God has convicted me of something rather than doing a traditional resolution just because.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

well...myself!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

no

5. What countries did you visit?

none...wish I could! But Jeff went to Greece!

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

energy!

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June 30 - Carley was born!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I picked up playing the piano again. I don't think I will EVER forget how to play the piano, but when you are not playing regularly you get "fumble fingers." I started playing for our services this year at church and I have enjoyed it and gotten rid of the "fumble fingers." haha.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I feel like the end of last school year (that 2nd semester...Jan-June) I was pretty lazy at work. I was getting more and more pregnant and my mind was everywhere but at work. Those kids did not deserve for me to not be a better teacher for them.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

just more IBS stuff! lol.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Jeff's new truck...we like it.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Jeff graduated and with lots of honors! I am so proud of how he persevered and SO glad it is over!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

i guess my some of my students. they are REALLY good kids that just have big needs and so they just act out. Their behavior doesnt appall me, but i do get frustrated and sad that no matter how hard I try I will never be able to fix their problems.

14.Where did most of your money go?

mortgage and childcare and paying off my car.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

having baby #2 and God's word!

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

"Movements" by Rend Collective

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier
ii. thinner or fatter? thinner - only because I was prego last year...now I'm not! haha
iii. richer or poorer? same

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

spent more one on one time with some youth from church

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

worrying about what others think.

20. Did you fall in love in 2010?

i always love Jeff and Colin more and more every day. And I got to fall in love with a sweet little girl. She has added a whole new dynamic to this family and I love her!

21. What was your favorite TV program?

I really don't watch much TV anymore...but I guess still The Office!

22.. What was the best book you read?

I finished "To Live is Christ" and now I am starting "Radical." Good Stuff!

23. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Rend Collective Experiment!!!

24. What did you want and get?

a sewing machine

25.What did you want and NOT get?

a shed for the backyard...I actually said this last year! haha.

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

I suddenly became interested in Harry Potter. I took Jeff to see the newest one over Thanksgiving break for a date (thinking I would honestly fall asleep) but then it got me interested. So over the past month we have been watching all the movies. I just got caught up yesterday! So now I am going to start reading it!

27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 27. I don't think we really did anything. Probably just went out to eat.

28 What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

digging into the word. I have a new found love for scripture and memorizing it. It has been so rewarding as it keeps me connected with God. However, I didn't really start doing that hard core until about September. Wish I had started it earlier!

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

ummm...I think I should go on "What Not to Wear." I just am not good at putting outfits together! Its not that I am not willing to wear certain fashionable clothes. I will wear just about anything! I just need someone to shop for me and tell me what to wear everyday! haha.

30. What kept you sane?

3 things.

1) the Bible

2) cleaning/organizing...for some reason, when my house is clean I just feel calmer.

3) spending time with Jeff and the kids.

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

ummm...I really don't know!

32. What political issue stirred you the most?

again...I don't know!

33. Who did you miss?

my sister

34.. Who was the best new person you met?

Carley Erin Stapleton! Such a sweet heart. I cant wait to see what kind of little girl she will grow up to be!

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:

Live simply and give generously. We have again had to shift around our budget since we added a new baby to the picture. When we do that we really are forced to evaluate what is necessary and what is not. Also, we have given away more money and things than we ever have before this past year. Its humbling to do so. And at the same time, God has always proven himself faithful to provide!

36. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I will not fight You
Take me past the line that my heart draws
I will not fight You
Take me beyond the laziness of my thoughts
I will not fight
Lead me further than I've gone before
I will not fight You
I'm abandoned to Your call

(another Rend Collective song)

37. The best thing you discovered this year?

Harry Potter

38. The best thing you lost?

I could cry just talking about it...but sometime during the packing/traveling between here and Arlington for Thanksgiving, I lost my Bible and journal. I know most of you are thinking "just get a new one!" and I have done that. But its just not the same. I had stuff written in that Bible and journal that was good stuff. I was quite attached to them! lol

39. What are you glad to leave behind from 2010?

although being pregnant is worth it and even fun, I am glad to leave it behind. There was so much that i missed out on at church (especially during the summer months...like camps and mission trips) and that made me sad. So I will be glad this year to be able to participate in all of that stuff!

40. What are you looking forward to in 2011?

Jeff and I are going to Chicago in March for the Simply Youth Ministry conference. We are both SO excited to go and spend some time together with just us! And we are excited to learn.

Christmas Survey!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper and ribbons/bows

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial....and definitely pre-lit!

3. When do you put up the tree? As soon as we get back from Arlington for Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Jan 1st or 2nd

5. Do you like eggnog? havent had it before

6. Favorite gift received as a child? hmmm....a bike...that actually got stolen like 5 days later.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Jeff's dad

8. Easiest person to buy for? my mom and jeff's mom. Just give them some things with pics of the kids on it!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes. I have almost all of the Willow Tree nativity set and it is my FAVORITE part of decorating for Christmas!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? ummm...I guess it was Christmasy corningwear. It was nice, but at that point in my life I wasn't married and never cooked.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf and The Polar Express

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? just whenever I get a chance.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? this is random, but this is a staple in my family...Clam Dip!

16. Lights on the tree (colored or clear)? White!

17. Favorite Christmas song? I have 3. Silent Night, Welcome to Our World, and I Celebrate the Day

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph

20. Angel, star or ribbon on top of tree? ribbon on our big tree. Star on the kids little tree.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Eve with my family, Day with Jeff's family. We will do presents with the kids a few days before Christmas...like before we go to Arlington.

22. Favorite children's Christmas song? Santa Claus is coming to town

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Traveling with small children

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and gold. But I think I want to change next year to Red and Silver.

25. Turkey or ham on Christmas day? both!

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? To be with my family! And I'd love to not have to wash the dishes for one day. :)

27. Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa? No.

28. Age you discovered who Santa was? I don't really remember. It had to be pretty young, because I don't ever remember believing in him!

29. Eggnog, hot chocolate, or apple cider? apple cider

30. Traditional colors (red and green) or other colors? Traditional

31. Do you have any Christmas decorations on your roof? no

32. How does Santa get into your house? Chimney or magic key? key

33. Do you prefer gifts or gift cards? both are great!

34. Favorite children's Christmas Cartoon? not really a cartoon, but The Muppet Christmas Carol

stopping

So I think I'm going to stop the 30 day writing prompts...some of the topics are great and I have the list saved for days that I don't know what to write about. But some of the topics are very...dramatic...like "write about someone who treated you like poop." Also, some of them are kind of repetitive. So, like I said...I'm moving on and will go back to the list if need be.

Also, I imagine my writing will slow down quite a bit since Im going back to work after vacation.

Im very excited about Christmas! Got the tree up, wreath up, lights on the house are in the process! My 2 projects now for this week are 1)make a little gingerbread themed tree for Colin and Carley's room. 2)Stockings! Making new ones since Carley is in the picture now. Pics to come!

Day 6

Day 6: Something I hope I never have to do.

Gonna keep this short and sweet and un-deep. :)

I hope I never have to move to a place that is always cold. I would be so angry because I HATE cold weather!

The End.