So Excited!

I tried a few months ago to start reading to the girls (or just Melia) from the Magician's Nephew (one of the books of Narnia, technically the one CS Lewis says is first...) but she really didn't get into it. I think we maybe did three chapters? Not much, so I didn't force it.

This last week, we started again into The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Three times we have done two chapters in one sitting, and a couple other singles. She is seeming to enjoy it, asking questions and such. Kiera, well, she sits quiet with us, playing or snacking, which is plenty for me to ask at this point.

But the best part is that tonight, on the way home from Gramps' house, at almost 9 pm (late for them!) Melia requested that we read from our story tonight when we got home! I could not possibly refuse, but of course did only one chapter :-) I was just so thrilled that she remembered and wanted to read more!

Another plus is that I was hoping to be able to do this while nursing so the girls don't feel "ignored" or be frustrated that the baby gets more attention. Thank you Lord!

Hermeneutics

I've been pondering this post for a long time- It is difficult to put faith into words sometimes! After a request to more fully explain what to take literally and not, we enrolled in a Hermeneutics class. I gleaned a great deal from the class, but have been unsure of how to verbalize it. I think sharing notes is the easiest way to explain it? We'll see.

Hermeneutics refers to your method of interpreting the Bible.
I don't know what I'm classified as- when I read things about "literalist," they are terribly limiting by their own definitions and assumptions- This may just be the different authors or what, but I would say that their perspectives definitely skew their opinions!

However, I do agree with these statements regarding Bible study:
* God means what He says, and says what He means.
* The Bible is an integrated whole: Every detail is there by design.
* Nothing is trivial: All things are for our learning.
* God is His own interpreter. (Not such and such teacher, or translation, or denomination!)

I also have been long vexed by the arguments for the different translations, as they all have their pros/cons, but obviously, none is perfect. Some are better than others, *most* all can be used to bring someone to faith, but for study purposes, it's better to get as close to original as possible, right? The conclusion I believe I was given is that no matter what "translation" I am using, none of them are the direct word of God. The Words of Scripture are God's own- in the original languages. (That's why I look up what the Greek definition is, not Websters!)
This is why I find it so exciting that I do not have to know Hebrew or Greek to be able to find out what God was originally saying; we live in an age where research is open to all, and thanks to computers, I don't have to have a personal library to do it. (Not to say I shouldn't be building one, but you know...) Example: blueletterbible.com with just a click you can access lexicons, translations, concordances.... It's amazing!

A few other notes:

All Scripture is given by inspiration [Godbreathed]
of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
I like this expansion....
“All Scripture is . . . profitable” in four ways: for
doctrine—that’s what’s right; for reproof—that’s
what’s not right; for correction—that’s how to get
right; and for instruction in righteousness—that’s
how to stay right.

*What about figures of speech?
There are over 200 different types of figures of speech in Scripture- No, we don't take them literally, as they are not meant to be. But they are more than worthy of study and consideration; the deeper meanings are such a treasure! Often, they can be used to help interpret a different scripture because of the correlating figures of speech... it's a treasure hunt!

Pitfalls to be aware of regarding bible study:
1. Analysis Paralysis: Data lacking relevance- This is a spiritual study, not intellectual only.
2. Textual Doubts: Founded in "scholarship" or arrogant skepticism?
3. Relying on Church History: Set aside your traditional teaching and read the Word!
4. Not "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth"
5. Distinguish between Israel and the Church: the Lord deals with Israel and the church mutually exclusively; their origin, mission, and destiny are each unique.
6. The Hazards of Presuppositions: Examine the texts for yourself- sometimes we are taught theories that are more simplistic than accurate. Line them up Biblically and make your own decision.
7. Lacking the Whole Counsel of God: the entire Word is the final test, don't let single contexts drag you down without comparing them to what the whole context says.

Preconditions to Study:
* Are you saved? Essential prerequisite.
* Prayer! Always! Be under the tutorship of the Author!
* Obedience. Be pre-commited and surrendered, not in a rebellious frame of mind.

A love of the Bible requires knowing your Bible; Knowing your Bible leads to a deeper love of Him.

Why would I say this method of interpretation is correct? I find freedom in making God responsible for what I believe because of what He has inspired instead of having myself be responsible to decide what in the Bible is truth and what isn't.

Why would I say I'm right in my understanding or learning? Other than the obvious written Truths, such as the Gospel, I wouldn't, not for sure. This is a lifelong journey! But you know those little bites of wonder that the Spirit shares with you? Those I will cling to with certainty, until the Spirit or the Word tells me differently. There is no greater high than having Him give me a treasure, and that alone will keep me on my journey. They may sometimes be far and few between, but the Word has lots to keep me busy! :-) It's probably a good thing, because some lessons take years to fully grasp and apply in obedience- that is definitely a personal experience! It's hard to "put off the old... and put on the new" but it is a blessing to obey!

And a further note: I don't agree with everything that one person teaches. Oftentimes I have this persistent thought to reconsider and examine something myself which makes me not immediately agree; than later as I research it, there is a deeper lesson or a different perspective that I need to consider, either for or against. The Word needs to be our prioritized reference, not man.

I hope this encourages most of you! I find that it helps me to be able to reiterate what I have learned, and this was certainly an exercise! And feel free to agree to disagree- with me! Not with Him! ;-) Your comments and questions are welcome, as there was tons of info and examples I did not include in the interests of brevity. (I know...what brevity?!!)

Our New Neighborhood Critter

For about two weeks, our cat food had been getting tipped over and spilled on our deck, every night. I assumed it was our completely annoying neighbor MinPin wanna-be, so Gabe was ready with his paintball gun to take him out- when and if we caught him.

But New Years Eve, we were up and heard a crash on the porch. We had placed our leaky cast iron teapot on top of the food bucket; this was the noise. Gabe jumped and grabbed his gun, only to open the door and shout, "IT'S a RACCOON!" I made it to the door in time to see "something" run around the corner of the house. Gabe said that he did definitely hit it, so he probably won't be back.

But he was. Every night, like clockwork. One night, we arrived home especially late (after 11pm) in separate cars. Gabe pulled in first, as I had stopped to get the mail. When I pulled in and got out, he asked if I had seen it. Nope- I had missed him again. Bummer. I really wanted to see it!

I had my hopes up for Monday night, as when Gabe is working when I get off, I go get the girls and normally don't get home until at least after 10:30, more like 11. But, I picked up the mail, pulled in slowly, walked sneaky-like to the front porch, and....

didn't spook anything out of anywhere....

However, I finished doing my Genesis copy for the night, and peaked out the window as a last chance before heading to bed, and he had just arrived! I watched him pull the bucket over, move the pot out of the way, turn the bucket towards himself with one paw (we're talking five gal bucket here!) and start in on his nightly treat.... Then I thought, I wonder if I can get some pictures through the window.... grabbed (quietly) the camera, and shot. Total flashback from the window. And he saw me. He moved to the stairs, and we proceeded to have a little showdown- but he never left, and I took several pictures, flash off w/ manual focus. Now, I just don't have the mental capacity for remembering ISO and all that stuff... so be gracious, but here are two that I did get. First one is during our showdown through the window....

and second is after I left him alone to his meal. :-)

He came Tuesday night during the storm, and the next night the food was tipped over but not opened, and now he has not come for two nights. Maybe he only comes when there is lots of snow.... At least now Leo feels it is safe enough to come home...

Just Too Good Not to Share...Albies!

Ok, so I really wasn't going to take pictures of all this stuff I am buying, because it will probably look the same--- but I just finished my second trip, and it even suprised me at how little OOP we spent!

All this- a savings of $47 and pennies- Out of pocket $5.15! I only used coupons I printed online, plus the double coupon in-ad at Albies. What a blessing, especially for food that can still be here after baby comes, so provision for future needs! Thank you Lord!

Question for Fellow Couponers...

What is the best way that you have found to store and take with you your load of coupons? I am still using the envelope system- I have them basically sorted, but still end up spending quite a bit of time in-store sorting and finding the ones I want.

I am wondering if anyone has tried the baseball-card sorting, or anything similar. I especially would like to get them out of my purse, but easy/big enough that I won't lose them either.

Thanks!!!

Albertsons- Another $15/30 week

I have completely taken the holidays off from any large amount of bargain shopping, but over the last two days, with a little toddler help, we got my expired coupons expunged from the stash (Some from OCT!) and caught up with the clipping.

And this came in handy, as Albies started another pretty good deal for the "Get $15 off your next order when you spend $30 on selected items." Boy, they aren't kidding by selected items! Like "only the one in the picture!" selected! But I still have plenty of coupons to do several trips, and lots of decent items like Progresso soups, cereals, yogurt for good prices after coupons and 1/2 off in the way of $ back.

Also, pay attention in the ad: They have two "Double Manufacture Coupons x3" coupons- you can only use one per transaction, but this netted me an extra $3 off my total! Note: Albie's brand cheese, eggs, and butter are good deals with the in ad coupons.

Hope this helps some of you stretch His money He's entrusted to us! Happy Couponing!

What a Night!

Wow, if you have heard about the crazy weather we had last night in Wenatchee, you know it was pretty wild. I had no idea how wild until Gabe came home this morning and started rattling off stats to me... like "we hit a record high at 9pm last night of 60*, winds of 98 mph on Wenatchee Heights, and oh, yea, by the way, all the snow is gone..." Which really made my morning. I am one of those few people who enjoy the snow and appreciate it while it is here. (I say few because most of the conversations you hear in winter are from those who can't wait for the snow to go away, while I wish for more...) What I hate in the winter is mud and slush. And that's what we have this morning! Especially since our house is in a low spot, we get lots of standing water where we park our cars, and our walkway turns to slush-city.

Anyway, back to my night. Gabe calls a little after 8, I had the girls in bed and I was doing some Bible copying (which I am still LOVING, other than Genesis is REALLY long!), slowing down for bed. He warns me that some of the power in E. Wen. had gone down, and to call him on our cells (if they work) if we lose power and he will come home and set up batteries to run the pellet stove. (Alas, heat- still dependent upon power to work...) So I get a little nervous... set up some candles and lighters so I know exactly where everything is if it does go dark. (Flashlights? No idea...) Head to bed around 9:15.

At 10:30 I am absolutely fuming- our house numbers aren't screwed down all the way, and they just happen to be "swinging in the rain," making lovely loud dinging noises everytime they hit the house, keeping me awake. I am ready to call Gabe and ask him to come home and screw those in, because I am sure that I can't reach them to finish screwing them in or yank them off if I did try. But, controlling myself, I get up, get dressed, find a screwdriver (electric even!) and head outside. Thank goodness I could reach them, and with enough frustration and force, screwed them in enough that they at least didn't swing. Funny thing is that Gabe was suprised I was able to when I told him this morning! (That's what emotionally angry prego people are capable of!)

But after experiencing just what was going on outside, when I came back into bed, I spent probably 20 minutes praying because I was so anxious about the storm and what I would be able to accomplish at home- alone, overnight, powerless, and pregnant. However -His peace passes all understanding. I did have to take a melatonin to get to sleep (too much going on, too much noise), but slept good all night. I knew that it rained all night, and that we always had power when I woke up, but it was a good night's sleep compared to normal.

And this morning? Guess what I saw outside? A rainbow. Like God's special reminder to me that He is my Protector, and I need not worry. I am in His hand always. He is sooo good and His special blessings are precious. Amen.

This Morning's Sound Bite

Mommy: Melia, do you think baby brother will look like daddy?
Melia: Hmmmhmmm.
Mommy: Do you think baby brother will have whiskers?
Melia: (giggling) No!
Mommy: Do you think baby brother will have brown hair?
Melia: mmmmmm.....
Mommy: Will brother have hair like you and Kiera?
Melia: NO! Only girls have hair like that!

How Un-Musical am I???

Remember how I love Christmas music on KLove? And how I mentioned Trans-Siberian Orchestra?

Well, I heard this song on KLOVE in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and LOVED it from the first time- Christmas Canon Rock. And I thought- literally, this was my thought-- "Hey! I didn't know that the wedding song was a Christmas song! How cool is that!"

And then..... two days ago, Gabe showed me this funny video, Pachelbel Bedtime. Then I learned that... well, whatever. You know. I don't. And he called me a dork. I won't deny it.

I don't know music. I did take a classical music section of Humanities in college. But apparently Pachelbel wasn't in there. I remember Bach though, and a few others. Woohoo.

But I do know what I like. I like music that gives me goosebumps!

Busy New Year- Or Quiet? Both?

I feel like I'm all messed up with days and weeks, and dates. I think just the rush around of Christmas and New Years in the same week does that to me, then plus I didn't work on my normal days, and Gabe being on and off on different days, and I've got one scrambled calendar.

But we did have a grand New Years gathering at our house, last minute style :-)

Our friends Dan and Lindsey came over with their 3, and Tasha with her daughter and niece, and Mark and Annie. So total, 7 children, +3 in utero, plus us "grown-ups!" I know I just had a nice time, visiting and socializing and sharing our time together. The kids were in bed at a decent hour :-) and Mark and Annie kept me up to celebrate the New Year. (I wasn't planning on staying up, but with good company it's much easier!) We also made a fascinating discovery that I hope to catch pictures of and share with you later.... There's a new critter in the neighborhood....

On New Year's day, we played together out in the snow, tried to make a snowman, ending up with a little one on the porch. Gabe worked in the shop trying to organize to make room for his newest acquisition, a waste oil burner (heater for the shop). I got started painting with my latest color, Chocolate cupcake, for the front interior wall of the family room. I must say, I was quite in the mood for chocolate cake when I was done, but I'm not sure if it had anything to do with the paint :-) After I get the main corner put back together, I will share pictures so you can ooohh and ahhhh and yuck over my weird choices. But I think I will like it alot- it adds another dimension to a supposed-to-be more "formal" gathering room, which is not formal at all. It's more like our dumping ground!

In the midst of all this, I'm trying to become an expert at losing at Memory to a 2 year old. It is not easy. She thinks they all should match- but it's building my patience! And at Bingo, Kiera almost always beats Melia- just the luck of the draw, as we play four-in-a-row followed by blackout, but it is pretty funny. I think maybe I should get some more games for them, because we play several games of just these two each day- which I find exhausting :-) And for Animal Scramble? Kiera is a little too rough- she breaks the little animals off their stands when she tags them w/ the giraffe, so we get about one game, then I have to hot glue some little guy back on for the next day's abuse.... Fun stuff :-)