Flowers

I know it's pretty gloomy this week and getting colder by the day but I've been dreaming about flowers. Last week a consultant from Campbells came by and is now working on a landscaping plan for us. I like to think I already have a green thumb and don't need that much help. But I am excited to see what sort of plants they suggest and what combos work well.

I've been reading random articles and blogs about flowers and here's some that have caught my eye and I hope to have in my gardens some day.

From The Martha Blog

tulip flowers - I love tulips! The new color they bring in the first days of spring is so refreshing!

Arum lillies - I currently have calla lilies that I plant each year. They're so beautiful, I just wish they lasted longer.

Since Annie ID'd this plant for me I've now been able to share and enjoy it with more enthusiasm - but now that I know that it's not an Aussie native, it's coming out of the backyard native garden soon.

Leschenaultia biloba or Blue Leschenaultia - I'm a big fan of blue and purple flowers. The color just pops!

Kalanchoe 'Quicksilver'

shade-loving azalea

cat's cradle

zinnia

A little something else from the Martha Blog just for Heather...

So clearly I started this post another week because this week is less gloomy but still cold!

Our plan from Campbell's finally came and it looks like I'll have to wait until spring to see any of it in my yard. But there are 3 big things that I'm really excited to get - TREES! We're looking at Red Oaks and a Prairie Willow Tree. This willow is better suited for dryer areas. And since we don't have a puddle in our backyard that's what they recommended. I have always wanted a willow tree at my house. I've always thought willows are so beautiful and romantic. :)
I'll be posting more house and landscaping pictures and thought throughout the winter as we make decisions and purchases and as I yearn for Spring.

Censored?

How does TV censorship affect us?
Here's an article on it that sparked my thoughts...

The who-cares test: The Supreme Court focuses on broadcast decency just when Washington may be losing interest by Rebecca Cusey

Sometimes I wonder if this is not for our benefit. It seems like things that should be censored aren't being censored. The words that are used on evening TV that's supposed to be family friendly are questionable. But the innuendos are what's really bad! But I also worry about particular thoughts or people being censored because the government or broadcaster just doesn't agree with them. I don't think we're hear yet but I believe that Christian's will definitely be censored some day. We should be thankful for the freedom we still have.

As a Christian how should this affect me?
Obviously, I think I should be responsible for censoring myself and what I allow into my mind.
Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
This is easier said than done a lot of the time. I am amazed when I notice it how much the world affects my thoughts and attitudes. Even though I try to live a godly life, it's hard to be in and not of the world. It's hard to live here and not be influenced in some way by this world I live in. This is why we don't do alone! :)

Political Musing

So in light of recent days, I have some things to say. Of course you all know I have opinions about everything but politics is something I try not to get too worked up about. But I have a few issues this year and a few positives to share in the aftermath.

Why is there hate in politics??? The campaigns were especially brutal this year. Or maybe it just felt that way because I paid attention. Journalists (and I use that loosely because I think they're so biased that there should be another term for them) from the New York Times and other big newspapers and TV stations really seemed to hate Sarah Palin. Examples of bias and hate if your interested to read:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/opinion/13sat1.html?em
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/us/politics/14palin.html?em
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/opinion/14rich.html?em
And there are many Slate articles and others that will write a decent article but it's peppered with "she scares me to death" and "he's so old and creepy" in parenthesis. And celebs were saying that they don't want to be Americans anymore if Palin is in the White House. I would have loved to see them move out. :) I have no problem with people feeling strongly about the issues but when it comes down to hating a specific person, I think that's too far!

The other side of the aisle was just as bad. I'm sure you heard the claims or read the emails and articles making personal attacks on Obama. And even though you never officially heard it, I think the race card was being thrown around too. Racism should never be encouraged for gain. examples: the horrible rumors and racism spread by the Republican party.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/7688
http://www.2sistersfromtheright.com/writings/Rich_Carroll/jihadcandidate.html
And Fox News (which I happen to enjoy watching most of the time) has a few shows where the hosts were outright rude! If you watch Fox you know I'm talking about Hannity. He's the type of conservative that makes us all look stupid sometimes. I have to say I prefer O'Reilly over him and I've had my issues with Bill's style too.
Now I'm not saying I'm the authority or have done all the research to prove all of these claims right or wrong, I'm just saying they sound far fetched. If I'm going to give Sarah Palin the benefit of the the doubt that claims about her are made up, I owe Obama the same.

This has also brought up some thought provoking issues for me...
Some final thoughts from John Piper. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGjGbZNyIBY . Response to this Piper interview...http://theologica.blogspot.com/2008/11/piper-politics-and-abortion-few.html . More from Piper...Why a Woman Shouldn't Run for Vice President, but Wise People May Still Vote for Her

More from Piper, clarifying his Sarah Palin comments http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1474_why_a_woman_shouldnt_run_for_vice_president_but_wise_people_may_still_vote_for_her/ . Women's role in politics is an issue that I will be thinking about. I've never thought about it that in depth before because it hasn't been an issue.

One thing I have enjoyed about the campaign coverage is Saturday Night LIVE! Hilarious! Sure, I noticed it was slightly biased towards Obama but not outright. And they made fun of both sides. It was just easier to make fun of the Republicans cause they said some silly things under pressure. Example: The Rap on Palin . I laughed so hard!

Now the elections is over and I feel reflective, apprehensive and curious about our new president. These verses are my rock in the midst of my worry:

Excerpt from a blog I'll link further down but verses I am thinking on... And surely politics is included in "all things." God removes kings; God sets up kings (Dan. 2:21). God does all that he pleases (Ps. 115:3), and he "works all things according to the counsel of his will" (Eph. 1:11). Even though a king (or a president) appears to be the most powerful person in the land, "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will" (Prov. 21:1). Amen and amen.

2Chron 20:6 says "O LORD God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?

Psalm 47 says
Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
2 For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.
3 He will subdue the peoples under us, And the nations under our feet.
4 He will choose our inheritance for us, The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah
5 God has gone up with a shout, The LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7 For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.
8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.
9 The princes of the people have gathered together, The people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.

Daniel 2 says "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."

I am resting in the power of God's sovereignty. I know He is on His throne and so I don't have to worry. This is His plan for His purposes even though I may not understand! I've read a few articles that have really impressed me. The tone of thoughtfulness and graciousness towards our new president that they didn't vote for is amazing to me. I'm sure there are people spewing hate out there but I haven't been reading that yet. Check out these articles...
this whole website is amazing and all the posts have been very gracious and thought provoking http://theologica.blogspot.com/ . This wraps up my thoughts from reading at this blog spot = pray, there is no time to lose! I also enjoyed

The Possibilities of President ObamaIn historic victory, he reaches out to the loyal opposition. By Andrew C. McCarthy (linked here - http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YWQ5ZDU3MDM4ZTAxNTQ4NDkzY2NiYTAwYTc2ZmVjMmY=) I love his closing paragraph: For the moment, however, let’s accept defeat with the same purposeful grace President Obama exhibited in victory. And as power once again shifts peacefully from one hand to the next, from one party to the other, let’s remember how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation in human history.

My worries about the next 4 years (maybe 8) are calling me to prayer. And I hope your concerns (or joys) take you to the throne of grace as well.

P.S. vote independent! :)

House Dreams

I have design dreams for our house and I know many of them will take years to become a reality. So for now they're just dreams.

I love wall art like you see in these pictures. We have a long narrow room in the basement that I hope to break into a couple different spaces. I think wall art is an awesome, creative way to do. I'd rather not just paint a line on the wall. I hope our basement will be a fun space. We'll use it for TV watching and lounging and someday for kid's toys and the office. Even though it's a walk-out basement, I still don't want it to feel dark or unused. These designs were featured by desire to inspire. Wallter carries some really fun shapes that are available through 2Modern.

I would also like a new a desk with dividing shelves like they have from IKEA. Justin found this one. And I really like the concept!

We've also been furniture shopping! We looked at a few different places here and in Omaha with little success. But I kept thinking of this cute set we found at Slumberland. It's not the style I had pictured but I love it. The more I think about it in our house, the more I think it's the one. And the subtle pattern that you can't see in the picture is so cool. I love texture so it really appeals to me. Now the challenge is to find the right coffee table and side tables. But this is a challenge I can enjoy!!

Here's one house dream that has come true...

My beautiful rug! We ordered this rug from Pottery Barn. We decided a rug was worth splurging on a little. And I couldn't find one that I like more than this one. I couldn't even find another one I really liked. So this rug is the first step in decorating our new (it still feels new to me) home. And now that we have the rug, I can start nailing down paint colors. I hope we have time to paint before Christmas!

Hope

Today's verse reminded me where to put my hope and where to find joy.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again. Psalm 42:11, NLT.

This really hit home as I consider the death of a friend's father. I don't understand how you grieve without the comfort of the Father. And this verse was encouraging on a daily level as a reminder to praise Him even when the days feel long.

Ghouls on the Run!

I ran a 5k on Sunday! It was called Ghouls on the Run for the Girls on the Run program. We ran with a whole bunch of upper elementary girls and their families and coaches. I think it's great that they have this program in their schools to encourage exercise.
Sorry there will be no pictures because, we didn't want the pressure. Some of us (Heather) get nervous at these events. So the goal was to view this as just another practice run.
Heather, my mom and I started out together but it didn't last long. It was so windy! Thankfully they changed the course so we didn't have to run across the dam Holmes Lake. But we still had to run across the bridge and I thought I was going to blow away! Even though I walked some, I really happy that I finished. I think Heather ran the whole thing and Mom ran most of it. Great job girls! We'll have to do some more races next summer.
Next time we schedule a race, I plan on practicing a lot more. I was so sore earlier in the week. I could barely walk down stairs and I walked like a little old lady. Sadly, this shows what bad shape my thigh muscles are in. Oh well, I have a whole winter of Pilates to fix that! :) I didn't start running regularly until this spring and it did drop off a little mid summer but I am so happy that I started. Now that I know I can finish these races, I'm excited for spring so I can start running again with the hopes of doing better on next year's races. So if you feel that you're not really a runner, try it! You might be surprised.

2 Timothy 1:7

I get a verse of the day sent to me and this was today's verse. Here are three different versions and I found they each bring more meaning to the verse.


NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

NIV For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

NASB For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

AMPLIFIED For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.


Being a NKJV-er, I had always heard this verse with the words "of a sound mind". But hearing it with the words "discipline" or "self-control" is so much stronger and impacts me more. Discipline and Self-Control are things I have to work towards having instead of something God just gives me. I realize that it says that God gives us these things but clearly I have to use them.
So just wanted to share my thought illumination from God for today!