In ‘Other’ Words: Revisiting Past Quotes

This is an In Other Words repost from January 17, 2006
I had scheduled this to go up early Tuesday morning,
but must’ve not actually clicked the “publish” button.
So it is going up late Tuesday night . . . you are still welcome to join in

“Let us learn to discern whether the words spoken against us or against God or against the truth are merely for the wind – spoken not from the soul, but from the sore.  If they are for the wind, let us wait in silence and not reprove.  Restoring the soul, not reproving the sore, is the aim of our love.”
By John Piper in “A Godward Life

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he old childhood saying,sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me” certainly is not true. I am sure many of us remember things that still sting from our childhoods or in recent years that crushed to the depths of our hearts.  And, I know I have been guilty of saying things that bitterly stung, if not immediately, soon afterwards, wished I could take back.

For a good 18 months after our son’s death, not only did I not deal well with relationships, especially with my husband, but other relationships suffered as well.  Friends and family alike were at a loss with what to do and/or say, and words were said that hurt.  Words that came from deep wounds, not truth from the soul.   Protective gear was on, and the words bounced back and forth quicker than at a volleyball tournament.  Time . . . and restoring the soul was certainly needed for healing words to take root, rather than the hurtful words blowing in the wind.

This week’s quote came from John Piper’s book, “A Godward Life“.  I almost used the first paragraph from the chapter the quote came from for today’s quote:

“When in grief and pain and despair, people often say things they would not otherwise say.  They paint reality with darker strokes than they will paint it tomorrow, when the sun comes up.  They sing in minor keys and talk as though that were the only music.  They see only clouds and speak as if there were no sky.”

When hurtful words are said from a discouraged, distraught one, the first instinct may be to correct, or give Scripture verses, rather than listening to the hurting heart spill out.  The truth may be known, and how “all things work together for good to them that love God”, yet, it’s just probably not the right time to quote that when the soul needs healing.  Job understood this:

“How painful are honest words!  But what does your argument prove?  Do you intend to reprove my words, when the words of one in despair belong to the wind?” Job 6:25, 26

For this week’s In Other Words, we are sharing a favorite PAST In ‘Other’ Words post OR favorite quote.  Share yours ~ either on your blog and  share link in comments or just share your favorite in the comment section if you do not wish to blog about it.

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In ‘Other’ Words ~ What’s Your Favorite Quote?

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he hostess for tomorrow is not able to participate because of illness and since my daughter is marrying at the end of this week (YIKES!) instead of filling in or finding someone to do so, I thought a change would be good!  
So, for In Other Words this week, join in by sharing either your favorite quote . . . maybe why it’s your favorite (can be a Bible verse or something that has had special meaning through the years) OR . . . repost a past In ‘Other’ Words that was special to you.  Keep it simple!  :)
And I am going to try to do a repost, hopefully,  and you can link up with me tomorrow!

Please join in!

Want to learn more about “In Other Words” ~ what it’s all about, how it works, how it originated? Click here!

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Information Article: Dial-Up Internet

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f you live or work in a rural area like us, you may find, like us, the options for internet service quite limited.   We are continually checking to see if there is something new we can hook up with and have faster service.  With kids in college and taking on-line classes and with various business things we need to do, we need to be able to have multiple access points to the internet and it needs to be quick.

Unfortunately, many of us in the rural area are many times still stuck with dial-up internet.  Thankfully, dial-up has changed over the years and it can be quicker, some providing a high speed accelerator that does speed up dial-up internet service.  For us having a home business, our biggest concern is cost – do we have a second line that is dedicated for internet or do we chance missing calls if we are on-line using dial up.  However, there is the option now for those that have call-waiting to be alerted while on-line to put the caller on-hold and for us to be able to disconnect and catch the call.

When we first signed up for dial-up service we were in a contract which obligated for us to be with them for so many years.  This sure makes it difficult as various services upgrade and we can find a better deal.  Some companies now offer their service with no obligation of a contract, which, personally, I think is the best way to go, if possible.  Hopefully, in time, dsl will also be offered in our area, but for now, we are thankful for what we do have!

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Puppy Jail?

Ohhh, the timing of this question . . . . “MY” dog has been in BIG trouble this week. He is a “MokiePoo” - (Yorkie, Maltese and Poodle mix), about nine months old.  He’s chewed a few things, like my son’s expensive ear buds on Christmas Day, but overall has not been too bad as long as he has his toys to chew . . .  until this past week.  He chewed up TWO pairs of my flip flops . . . one a favorite pair I loved with cute beads on it.  I was not happy.  I wanted to send him to puppy jail.  

And, thankfully, he did not get any shoes for the wedding (yet).

So, yes . . . if I could make my puppy understand one thing, is don’t chew my shoes (or anyone elses either!).  

I’m trying to be more conscience about just kicking off my shoes.

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Information Article: New Jersey Solar Panels

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y husband has had an interest in solar panels for quite some time, starting before Y2K . . . remember that?!?! And we got pulled in, hook, line and sinker!  And my husband bought about five or six solar panels and that was the beginning.  He still works with them . . . having them charge batteries through an inverter that then can be used for various thing around the house.  He had it run our pellet stove for awhile during the winter.  We have a solar panel company in our county, but it’s not done well as far as business.  If only people would understand how this can be used to help personally . . . like lowering our electric bills!

In doing some reading, I have found that there are New Jersey solar panels being made by Arosa Energy.   There are mainly two different ways solar energy can be used.  One main way is through photovoltaic systems (PV) which takes in the sun’s rays through modules such as solar panels, and using a converter transfers it to our type of electrical current through the house.  To get enough energy does depend on how much sun the panels receive.   The neat thing about it is that most people find that for residential PV systems, it can pay for itself in so many years, and there’s the incentive of  large rebates from federal and state which sure makes it worth investigating!

The other type that NJ solar power also features is solar thermal systems which uses the sun to heat water, such as for pools or keeping tanks of water warm.  I remember my parents using the solar pool blankets on our pool twenty-five plus years ago and it’s come so far since!  I can only imagine the electricity it can save such has not having to keep heat a pool during the cool summer evenings if the heat can be held in.

Arosa Energy sounds like an interesting company to look into and learn a lot from.

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Holding on to Time and Memories

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n less than two weeks our first daughter will be getting married.

These past few days she’s been packing up a lot of her things.  It brought tears to my eyes when I saw numerous boxes stacked in the hall outside her bedroom, with a stuffed animal on the top.  Two of our boys moved out awhile ago, but it was different.  They were gone a lot already.  And, there’s just a little bit more with protecting and guiding a daughter.  And her fiance has spent a lot of time here with our family, like our son spent a lot of time with his now wife’s family during their dating time.  And soon, it will change, and she will be gone . . . and five months later her twin sister too.  It’s a bittersweet time.  It’s what we brought them up for  - this goal to first have a love for God, and then find a godly husband and really, so much more could have happened and more wayward ways than the drama and stresses we’ve endured the last few months as we’ve gotten to these last days before the wedding.  My heart is thrilled for her, but kinda sad too.

That lump was in my throat too when we dropped the wedding invitations off at the post office a month ago.  I remember when my husband and I did this . . . how can it be so soon that we are now doing this with our daughters?  We’ve been looking through pictures, and it just does not seem like over twenty years ago that I had these beautiful twin girls and now they have engagement rings on their fingers and one with a wedding dress in her closet and the other about to order one.  The time has slipped away too quickly and time seems more fragile . . .and precious.

So you might not finding me writing as much in the next couple of weeks.  We have special memories awaiting and to hold on to, a bit longer and new ones to look forward to unfolding.


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Park Memories

No, we don’t have a favorite park, but I think some of the best memories with my kids has been the simpleness of going to a park and just watching them have fun and running about.  We’ve done it a few times “park hopping” and spend some time at one, and then visit another one or two.  They love this!  And to bring a picnic to a park is even better and really costs no extra money!

This past Mother’s Day we went for a walk with several of our kids and I found it to be a delightful, relaxing time.  They loved discovering treasures along the way, talking of past memories along the way, including where our older kids and dad went hunting and got a deer!  So though we don’t have a favorite park, I am thankful when we make the time to be a kid with our kids and enjoy the outdoors, fun and play!

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In ‘Other’ Words: Tuesday’s New Quote! JOIN US!

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uesday will you please join us in sharing on the quote below for our weekly, In Other Words. Each week a new quote is given here, onWriting Canvas, along with who will be hosting that week’s In ‘Other’ Words.

This week’s IOW will be hosted at Karen’s blog,  In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus. Below is her chosen quote.  Think about it ~ write about it ~ and then visit Karen’s blog on Tuesday and join with the others on writing on this quote.

“ The Christian who has stopped repenting has stopped growing.
Repentance is the tear in the eye of faith.” 

Moody

Please join in!

Want to learn more about “In Other Words” ~ what it’s all about, how it works, how it originated? Click here!

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AND THE WINNER IS . . . .

 The giveaway for this 
Glass Locket
has ENDED!
Below in the
COMMENTS
#4 was chosen!
Thank you to ALL who have entered!

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I’ve been thinking about a . . . tattoo . . .

If tattoos only lasted for one year,
would you want one?

I may shock a few readers (even family/friends!).  I’ve seriously thought of getting a small tattoo.  I like finger tattoos and thought of getting something possibly in memory of my two children in heaven.  I’ve seen a floral one I really like, but I think I’d do it up further on my finger so I can still wear a ring.  

And, I absolutely love this cross ring tattoo.  My son Matthew wore a cross ring, and I’d just like a permanent reminder of what God paid for me on that cross.  But, I’ve not done it, yet.  I suppose, if I could get a temporary one for a year, that would be good, in case I did not like it.  

And then I really like this foot tattoo, but I cannot see me doing this.  I’ve ugly feet . . . not that, that matters, but it says: 

 ”Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

 I know feet tattoos are the worst for pain.  :(  So, I’ve spilled it . . . we shall see if I ever get the guts to do it.  Maybe a special “old” feeling birthday!  :)

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Five Minute Friday: IDENTITY

IDENTITY 

start . . . 

As a kid growing up I questioned my  identity.
Who did I look like?  If I had siblings, did I look like any of them?
Did my mom or dad have dark eyes like mine?
Why would a mother give up her child?

When my first child was born,
I felt like my identity was developing.
I held the first being that was blood related to me.
Some told me he looked like me.
Shortly later I met my birth parents.
I looked the most like my dad,
and even more like a younger sister.

But my childhood  identity was really with the parents who
brought me up – through the good and bad.

My identity now is so many things.
I’m a wife, married almost 28 years.
I’m a mom to a dozen children.
I’m a mom-in-law two one daughter,
and soon, two sons.
I’m a mom to two children in heaven.
I’m a writer, blogger, book reviewer.

But this all really is not my lasting  identity.

I am a child of a King.
I am called His Beloved,
I am valued by Him.
My name is permanently written in His book,
never to be crossed out -
never to be rejected.
Never to be disowned.
I am loved.
I am chosen.
He calls me by name- I am His.

An an ambassador in the Kingdom of Heaven.

I am
 called,
loved by God the Father
and kept safe by Jesus Christ.

This is my true identity.

finish . . .

Don’t miss my Mother’s Day giveaway . . . 
a personalized birthstone glass locket.

Joining Gypsy Mama and her Five Minute Friday.

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Wanting to LOVE THE MOMENT IN VIRGINIA BEACH!

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e are on the countdown to our first daughter’s wedding, just a few weeks away, and then we will begin planning the next daughter’s wedding for the fall!  Several have told us we will need a vacation after all this, and I totally agree!  I think, WE will need a honeymoon!  And, I’ve got the perfect place picked out!   Oh how I would Love the Moment in VIRGINIA BEACH!  Want to dream with me?

In pouring over the various webpages and pictures, it just seems like a glimpse of heaven!  It will be easy to get away and find our own little special spot,  with over 4,000 acres of parks and national refuges and 194 navigable kilometers of waterways!  We could take a boat tour to watch the dolphins along the Virginia Beach.  That sure would be an enchanting first for me!

I can only imagine getting a break from cooking for a week!  I am use to cooking for at least 8 at each meal. What a delight it would be to be served and no clean-up or or arguing over who is going to do the dishes!  There’s a wonderful Coastal Food Tours of Virginia guide which is a great resource for finding food tours and culinary events.  One thing that caught my attention would be ideal with a romantic walk on the boardwalk.  There is a Virginia Beach Boardwalk Food Tour where we can learn the history and culture of the area while enjoying local cuisine, fresh caught seafood from the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay including the award winning Chesapeake Oyster stew, fresh baked breads and hand made desserts!  And if you know us, I’m sure we’d find some little café and enjoy a latte or two! We’d have to take a few more walks to wear off all we’ve sampled!

After being there for a few days, I am sure we will miss the kids and some of the noise, especially when we see other families together and then, we’d just have to plan another trip with the kids!  As a homeschool mom, I can see the education moments as we Love the Moment in VIRGINIA BEACH!  We’d have to visit the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center along with the First Landing State Park which is the state’s most visited state park and has boating, swimming, nature and history programs, 19 miles of trails, biking, camping and of course, LOTS of sandcastle building!

Virginia Beach sounds like such a delightful place to visit . . .
and for a second honeymoon!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the
SocialMoms and Virginia Beach blogging program.
For more information on how you can participate, click here.

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Mother’s Day Giveaway!! Birthstone gLocket Necklace!

This giveaway has ended . . .
the 4th numbered comment was the winner!

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am truly excited to share this with my readers, especially, just in time for Mother’s Day!  I have been given the privilege to introduce you to gLockets - glass lockets that can tell your unique story!  These gLockets easily open to put in birthstones or other special treasures.  What excites me about this, is, with a dozen children, it’s just about impossible to find a mother’s ring or necklace to include a birthstone to represent each of my children without costing a fortune!  I will be getting mine, hopefully, by the end of this week, and I can show it off to you all!

There’s so many ideas with these gLockets.  First, there is a choice of either a curved heart (1 1/8″ tall x 1 1/8″ wide x 3/16″ thick) or a circle shaped (1 3/16″ diameter; 3/16″ thick) and comes with a 16″ chain. I love the idea of having each of my children’s birthstones in it, including my missed ones in heaven.  But I can imagine this being ideal for a couple just marrying – having their anniversary stone in it, along with each of the couple’s birthstones and then when babies come along, adding their birthstone in.  Or, what a great gift this would make for the first time mom finding out she is pregnant and giving her just the necklace and adding the birthstone later.  It would make a nice purity necklace too – the heart shaped charm with mom and dad’s birthstones in it until she is married!

And as the website suggests, it does not just have to be for charms.  It would be nice for baby’s first haircut or some other special little keepsake.  Again, my heart goes out to moms who have lost a child – and having a special keepsake just for that – be it the birthstones or locks of hair.

And, I am especially excited to give one away on my blog!  No, you won’t get it in time for Mother’s Day, but you can let the special mom in your life know on Mother’s Day and can get it shortly afterwards.  Entering is starting now, and will end at 10 pm EST, Saturday, May 12th when one comment/person will be randomly selected to a locket of their choice!  So hurry!  Here’s the entering details:

Just leave your name in the comment section, along with which locket you’d choose and how you’d make it uniquely yours and you are entered! That’s all you have to do! But . . .  if you want more chances for entry, for each of the following, leave an additional comment for each one (do not put it all in one comment – it will only be counted once!)

  • Write about this giveaway on YOUR blog with a link back to this post! (http://wp.me/p97XK-3VM) Leave a comment here with the link to your post.
  • Tweet about it by copying and pasting the red portion:
    #MothersDay Birthstone Necklace Giveaway! Glass lockets tell your unique story!  See http://wp.me/p97XK-3VM for details about @glockets
    (Be sure to leave a comment here with the direct link to your tweet)
  • “LIKE” gLockets on Facebook
  • Share on your Facebook wall:
    I’ve entered for a Mother’s Day Birthstone Necklace Giveaway at http://wp.me/p97XK-3VM from @glockets
  • Pin” the locket picture above on Pinterest  (in your comment let me know your Pinterest link/name)
This giveaway is only open to those in the United States.
And, if you do not want to wait until Mother’s Day, DON’T!  You can get 20% off your order, just by entering the word “MOM“  for the coupon code during check out. 

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Information Article: Round Rock Steam Cleaning

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pring is finally in the air, and one thing so many households do is major house cleaning – getting rid of the clutter from the winter and cleaning things out good.  Cupboards and closets are emptied; under beds cleaned out and clothes are sorted through.  Windows are sparkling without finger prints and dog nose slobber! But the final thing that needs to be thoroughly cleaned and freshened up is the carpet and furniture.  Without round rock steam cleaning done, the home really is not clean.

When looking for the right company to do this for you, make sure they know what is the best method for the type of carpet you have and also the right treatments for the soil and stains you may have. Ask if they do spot testing on your carpet or furniture in a hidden place to make sure the color does not change or fade. Be sure to point out the stains you are concerned about and check afterwards to see if it indeed has been removed to your full satisfaction.

Once the cleaning is complete it may be worth seriously considering carpet protector especially in high-traffic areas.  This helps keep the carpet fresh longer and when you vacuum more dry soil will come up easier.

Spring is air and your carpet wants to feel fresh too!

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In ‘Other’ Words: HOPE

“ Once you were alienated from God
and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body
through death to present you holy in His sight,
without blemish and free from accusation—
if you continue in your faith,
established and firm,
and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. ”

Colossians 1:21-23a (NIV)

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here’s so many precious words that spill over to me today in these verses.  

Once” – past tense, no longer alienated.  It means despite my failures, He won’t disown me.  I am still His.  Isn’t that a lot of hope, just in those first few words of this verse?  

Holy” – without blemish – in Jesus’ sight.  That is hard to wrap my mind around.  Even with the struggles, stresses, and sins that still catch me, I will be brought before God, without blemish and free from accusation.  This is big for me, because I can struggle so much to “be right” and feel so misunderstood, and yet, for eternities perspective, if I could learn to let go of things more . . . it does not really matter so often . . .God knows and HE is enough!  And because of this, I am I am firmly established with Him.  I cannot be yanked away from Him.  The ties won’t be broken!

And when I question, wonder where I am . . . where He is . . . I am reminded by that still small voice, to not move from the hope held out in the gospel.  There’s always hope.

Today IOW is hosted at Miriam Pauline’sMonologue. Above is her chosen quote.  Think about it ~ write about it ~ and then visit Miriam’s blog and join with the others on writing on this quote.
ALSO . . . please don’t miss the personalized birthstone glass locket giveaway for Mother’s Day.  It’s beautiful keepsake!

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