'Cause that's how we roll

On the day after Easter, we have a tradition that my eldest daughter started when she was four.

We grab our eggs and call them all Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great push....I mean, fall

all the kings horses and all the kings men

couldn't put Humpty together again

Happy Egg Smashing!

I Am Not a Jane Austen Addict

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

***Please read the following with an British accent***

I did not watch a romantic period movie while my husband was gone this weekend. I would not do that. A woman's duty is to watch well to the ways of her household and I would not let things go awry while the master of the house is gone.

I most certainly did not go on to youtube.com and find yet another Jane Austen film to watch. Actions of that kind show a weakness of character and a wavering constitution. I am the soul of discretion and act accordingly.

I would not clap my hands with giddy excitement as I would encounter yet another wonderful dance scene. Acting in such a way is quite childish and would reflect badly on my upbringing. I never bring dishonour on my mother's good name and her hard work, despite what others may say.

And I certainly would not stay up late at night to watch how things turn out, despite the fact that when I started I realized it was a four hour saga and knew it would take until dawn to finish. I am a wise young woman who knows that I have duties to perform in the morning and therefore would not be found staying up late regaling myself with stories involving matters of the heart. It is simply not to borne on one like myself.

And yet, while I may have, at one time, thought myself to be rather attached to the idea of watching the dance scene over again, I let that idea pass. It simply would not do to have me show such a feebleness of character as to indulge in something so ridiculous. I never do anything ridiculous.

I would never do something as ridiculous as to post the dance number, here and now, for the world to see in the hopes that you, too, would join me in my selfish indulgence. I would never do that. I have too high of a regard for you. I would never do anything to injure you.

Never!

Well....A thousand pardons, but I must share. (I hope this does not show a fickleness of character?)

Christ is Risen!

Christ is Risen Indeed!

Happy Easter Everyone!

What did you do with your family for Easter?

We celebrate Good Friday with a lavish breakfast and remember Christ's lavish love for us.

On Saturday night we go to the cross that we put up. For the last three weeks, we have had a huge painted cross on our wall. As the days go by, any sin, attitude or concern that comes up, we put it onto the cross. Then on Saturday night, we read each one out loud and commit them to him.

On Sunday morning, my kids woke up to see all their sins, worries and fears turned into hearts with the words "Forgiven", "It is Finished,", etc. written on the hearts. We are forgiven! It is finished!

Then they do an egg hunt for plastic easter eggs. When they open them, there are notes filled with blessings and scriptures and words about how unique they are.

And then we go looking for the basket...and we are blessed with all sorts of spring toys and joys. Bubbles fill the house, stickers are played with and bracelets are made.

Then we put on www.ihop.org and spend time in worship as we get ready for church.

We're ready to rejoice with friends and family that Christ is Risen!

Christ is risen indeed!

A Judas Kiss

A repost from the past.

I was thinking about Judas yesterday and about this post. I'll conclude at the bottom and share what I've learned.

**

Today I have been thinking a lot about Luke 6:30-31 "Give to everyone who asks, and if somebody takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Sometimes I want revenge.

Sometimes I want to kick people in the head.

Sometimes I wish God had said that rather to be kind to someone who's hurt you (because it will be like heaping hot ashes on their head) sometimes I wish He gave me permission to actually put hot ashes on their head.

But I know His word and that's what I want to live by. It says to forgive.

I will forgive.

Will I trust them again? Probably not. Absolutely not. I'm choosing to forgive right now, even though I really want to hate and curse and swear and say the words, "You are dead to me."
Betrayal is a funny thing.
Sometimes betrayal comes out of nowhere. Jesus at least knew what was coming-He knew Judas would betray Him. And that's kind of baffling to me: because if I had a choice of whether knowing I was about to be betrayed or just have a betrayal happen by surprise, I'd choose neither. Jesus knew ahead of time that He would be betrayed by Judas and yet He still loved him, still had dinner with him, still had compassion on him.
Today I want to be like Jesus, because if I was left to myself-I'd hang my Judas.

Dear Jesus,
Help me to love those who hurt me. Help me to remember that the precious things that belong to me can never truly be stolen away. Help me to choose love. Help me to look them in the eyes again without hate.
I choose to forgive them and their selfish actions. Repair the damage they've done to my heart. Restore in me a right heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
I bless them Lord. I pray that You would prosper them and cause them to flourish with what was once mine. I pray that it would be a continual source of joy for them.
I trust You to redeem me. I trust You to be faithful to me. You are awesome God and there is no one like You. Thank You for loving me.
Amen.

**

Conclusion-two years later.

When this event happened, I was beyond angry. Seething, really.

But since I wrote this post and forgave them for their betrayal, I haven't thought about it much. A few times over the past two years but not a whole lot.

Yesterday, I was talking to my kids about Judas and how He betrayed Christ. I thought about Christ's immense love or us. Jesus knew from the start who would betray Him, and yet He still walked with Judas and loved him and invited him to be a part of His life.

To willingly welcome and love someone who would hurt you. To have that attitude right from the start of their relationship. An attitude that said, "You may hurt me, but it won't stop me from loving you."

Baffling.

Wondrous.

Radical

love.

Prayers for a Better Life: Garments of Praise

This mountain of clothes came to me slowly over time.

First, they arrived from a Greyhound bus from my older sister. She was passing down all the special clothes her girls wore.

Then my sister-in-law sent suitcases full of little girl clothes with family members. She was passing down all the special clothes her girls wore.

Surrounded by such abundant love, it was a year and a half before I had to purchase my first article of clothing for my daughter.

And the clothes kept arriving.

Because kids grow and they need special clothes that are filled with love.

These garments have been held close as I thanked the One who takes care of all my needs.

These garments have been washed and made clean reminding me of how God does that with my heart.

These garments have heard every prayer I've murmured over my babies, every supplication for their health, every whispered promise of trust for their future.

And today these garments were once again prayed over.

Garments of Praise, they are.

Garments filled with thankfulness for being so blessed and so loved. To have clothes and more importantly, to have someone to put into these clothes.

As I said "Amen," I wondered about the young mothers at the pregnancy crisis center who would be getting them.

Would there daughters take their first steps in the purple outfit or the soft pink jumper?

Would they gather their child in their arms and pause and give thanks that they had made the decision to keep their child?

Would these clothes once again become garments of praise for someone else?

I pray so.

The survey in which I cleverly link myself...moohahahaha!

Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? Yep!

How do you flush the toilet in public? How interesting that we are starting off with something so intimate. Ok, well....Listen when push comes to shove, I will use my foot to flush. If it's a really gross gas station bathroom. But generally, I will use a piece of toilet paper or my elbow to push the handle in the event that I'm not at a self-flushing toilet. I've used my hands, too. I'm not ashamed to admit that.

Name one thing you don't want to run out of? Vinegar. My chief household cleaning ingredient.

What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? I have been told numerous times that I look like Reese Witherspoon. I think Charlie Chaplin. But see for yourself and tell me what you think?

What is your favorite pizza topping? Pepperoni. Crispy pepperoni.

Do you crack your knuckles? Ugh, no.

What are your super powers? Well, I have several, as I've indicated here and here, because truly my real super power is collecting embarrassing moments...it may not save anyone's life, but I think we all can agree that funny is funny.

Peppermint or spearmint? Peppermint

Where are your car keys? Where they always are.

Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? Anyone who wants to participate

What's your most annoying habit? Interrupting people to finish their sentences for them. Grrr...sigh! Or being socially awkward like last time.

Where did you last go on vacation? I don't remember. No, for real, I don't.

What is your best physical feature?My smile

What CD is closest to you right now? Berenstein Bears Learn to Share

What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? Fruit, vegetables and sweet chicken chili sauce

What color are your bed sheets? Today they are green

Would you rather be a fish or a bird? I answer that here

Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive? I don't. Brace yourself, I don't own one and don't want to own one. I am dragging my heels on this as long as I can.

What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower? Depends if my toddler comes in, then it's, "Somebody get your brother! Somebody get your son! Somebody take this little guy away before I come undone!

If you could go back or forward in time,where would you go? Wow! What options! I love so many time periods in history. Ok, top three...Resurrection Sunday,the Day of Pentecost, and my childhood trip to Florida

What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie? Really, this is a question? How random.Um, I liked Regarding Henry best because his character changed so much.

What CD is in your stereo? Light of the Morning

What CD will be in your stereo in a few minutes? Nothing. Silence is my favourite song right now.

How many kids do you plan on having? Three. But we're open to adoption down the road.

If you could kiss anyone who would it be? Excuse me, while I go find my husband

What do you do when no one is watching? Dance, blog or eat some chocolate--sometimes all at once

If they made a movie about your life, what actor/actress would be you? Probably this woman as this character.

Coffee or Tea? Tea. Celestial Seasonings or Bengal Spice.

Favorite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert? hahaha! It's been a while since I've seen anyone in concert. Hmmm, this guy was great.

Have you ever been in love? Yes, still am. His name is Jeep.

Do you talk to yourself? Why do you think I blog??? It merely disguises my dialogue to look as though I am talking to others.

Your turn!

1.Make a comment on one old post of mine

2. Link up and take this quiz on your blog and use it to feature old posts.

3. Include the spiel (at the bottom of this post) to invite new friends to join in!

Redeemed Diva is hosting a Past Posts blog survey. Join us as we recall some of our blog highlights through our random answers to life's probing questions! Click here to link up!

Flashback Friday: What's the secret code word?

On Friday nights after school we would cross the field and head over to my Grandma's house. We would eat her fresh baked bread, watch Sesame Street on channel nine and we would play the game Password to while away the hours waiting for my Aunt Edie to come home from work.

Aunt Edie is the funnest aunt around. Our family developed the moniker of 'Ed' for her and we all love to say, "Hey Ed!" At first it started because we were small and thought that it was funny calling my Aunt a man's name. After awhile, it became our family's codename for her.

Aunt Edie is so much fun. And everyone loves her.

Everyone.

Everyone knows how to have a good laugh with my aunt. So as a result, we kept the name 'Ed' for her. We wanted to have something special, something all to ourselves...because let's face it:Only adorable nieces and nephews can get away with calling you a man's name.

It was our password.

A word that said, "Everyone else may love you, but we love you best."

It's a lot better than Open Sesame, don't ya think?

Cry Me a River to the Tune of Kumbaya

The first women's meeting I ever went to should have been entitled, "Kumbaya, my Lord."

I was nineteen and, of course, I knew everything.

It was my time to become one of the "women".

I was really excited about attending. I dressed up and did my hair and got ready to mix it up with the ladies. I made my first dessert...ever! (Yes, I was one of those nineteen year olds who knew everything...except how to cook).

And when I got there all the ladies turned out to be women in there 30's,40's and older.

I reasoned with myself that it was ok to be the youngest because, after all, I did know everything and maybe I could help these women out.

I spied one lady in her early thirties. She was running the sound board...off in the far corner. I scrambled next to her.

"Can I hang out with you back here?"

She gave me a pitying look. "You got dragged here, didn't you?"

I bit my lip. "Not exactly. I was just told that I was expected to be here. My deciding to come feels like I had some say in it."

She smiled and shrugged. "Well, at least the food will be good."

"It's dessert only, I thought."

Which, as I thought, was a waste of time for women in the their thirties and up to have a dessert only party since it will only invoke a conversation full of salacious oohing and ahhing over recipes and then the inevitable 'moment on the lips, lifetime on the hips' conversation.

Even though I knew this, I still made a cherry cream cheese/ heavy cream/ whipped cream/ enough cream to make your hips disappear completely kind of cake.

Which, as I came to understand, is what you do as a woman. You make incredible food, fill your face and then say you shouldn't have.

One could almost start saying "Fiddledeedee" as well, but I think that stopped sometime during the early 1900's.

Anyway, we came, we saw the food, we inhaled it and moved on.

Then came the sharing time.

Or as I liked to call it, 'the pull out your fingernails and pluck your eyelashes for fun' time.

As the first woman shared her story, I was thinking, "That's great, lady. I'm glad that happened to you....25 years ago. But what is God doing today?"

And then another lady started. "Well, it all started in 1978..."

That was twenty years ago!

I quickly did the math as I counted up the thirty women in the room.

30 women times 15 minutes of prattling on about things you all know about each other...I quickly realized that I was going to be here until my mid-thirties.

I didn't understand why a women's meeting was just everyone sitting around, sharing what God had done but no transparency as to what God was doing.

Why weren't we praying?

Why weren't we making a plan to help someone who needed it?

Why were sitting around just telling our troubles and filling our faces?

I know what you're thinking.

You're thinking, "This is the part where Diva learns that sometimes women just need to talk it out no matter how cyclical it sounds. This is when God shows up and bursts that prideful bubble that doesn't have an ear to hear or a heart to understand. This is where I need to grab some Kleenex because we're about to be dosed with a big load of Truth."

Well, in the words of my nineteen year old self, "Uh, you'd be wrong."

None of that happened.

In fact, after that one event, I have reluctantly gone to three other women events.

So I find that God's sense of humour is tickling me that my first speaking event is going to be at...

you guessed it...

a women's conference.

Somehow, there seems to be a ring of humble pie in here.

A cherry cream cheese/ heavy cream/ whipped cream/ enough cream to make your pride disappear completely kind of pie.

I'll let you know how it tastes.

The pants are in the wash and so is my heart

I've been inspired by this post here.

When you want to whine that you don't have enough money to go on a family trip this year, remember that someone else is wishing they had a family to do anything with.

When you want to feel self-pity because you have to rock your teething baby to sleep and you are tired, remember that someone can't sleep because there's no baby to rock any more.

When you want to scream over losing an important piece of paper because of someone else, remember that there are children who can't scream for the innocence that is repeatedly lost at the hands of others.

Today while I was in church I was struck by the fact that I was being moody over little frustrations in my life. Little things that go unresolved...that picture frame still isn't up, the recycling that I forgot to take out, the little guy's diaper contents squished into my clean pants requiring a last minute change of clothes.

Then I looked to my right.

There was a lady holding a new baby girl. This lady buried her first daughter at the age of two. She was choking on a rubber ball that they had a hold of but couldn't dislodged. She died the next day taking her little laugh and sparkle with her.

On my left was our new friend who has came from Africa. We asked him to sit with us today. Was it only last month that we were so happy that he had located his wife whom he hadn't seen in three years. As a result of custom in his culture, his wife's parents had taken his son and wife away from him because they no longer approved of his marriage. And after three years of searching he found them last month.

Was it only last week that he phoned us crying to say that his four year old son had just died of malaria and that he would never see his son's eyes sparkle or hear his laugh again?

On my right and on my left are two people who have known great sorrow.

And yet...they smile as we sing about the cross.

As we sing of the hope we have through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The picture frame is still not hung.

The recycling sits where it is.

The pants are in the wash.

And I am humbled on my knees.

In prayer.

In earnest for the sorrows that my brothers and sisters carry and marvelling at the sufficiency of God's grace.

A bee in my bonnet, and a crow in my craw

This post works best if we all imagine we are living in the late 1880's. A time when women would get together to sew quilt patches and exchange recipes. We're all sitting in a circle and the matronly gossipy old bitty says, "I keep everything. I don't get rid of anything."

The young, willowy just-come-of-age woman of the group says, "Oh, surely you don't mean that. You can't keep everything you've ever owned."

The ladies all exchange glances about the group.

"Oh, but I do. It seems to me that you might one day need something from one gadget or another."

"For shame," mutters the farmer's wife whose warm smile disappears as she says it.

"I beg your pardon?" says the old bitty looking over the edge of her glasses.

The farmer's wife puts down her sewing, squares her shoulders as she prepares to speak her mind. "I said, 'For shame.' "

Some of the ladies arch their eyebrows as others fidget with their needles.

"For heaven's sake, why do you think that?"

"Because you are not helping anybody but yourself by having all of that junk filling up your home."

A low murmur starts in the group, as the old bitty shifts in her chair, raising her chin with a challenge in her look.

"I wouldn't expect a farmer's wife to understand or to appreciate what is called valuable compared to," and she took a moment to give her a withering look as she pronounced the word, "junk."

A middle aged woman with greying hair clucked her tongue and sent a knowing look to the young mother who was knitting furiously as a result of the growing animosity.

The farmer's wife had dealt with stubborn bulls before and wasn't one to be moved by looks. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "Well, if it is truly valuable let the world know by holding it as a treasure in your home. And if it is not, then help someone else with it."

A few heads bobbed up and down in silent agreement.

The old bitty's jaw opened to speak and then closed, her mouth in a firm line. She finally settled back while muttering, "Well, I never..." and grumbling, "folks always needing charity..."

The group continued in silence for a while until the tea kettle whistled calling for a change in conversation.

Moral of the Story:

You don't need to keep your garage, basement and two extra closets filled with all that junk. Yes, I said it: Junk.

If it's really valuable, prove it. Display it, wear it, frame it, enjoy it. But don't hide it in an attic under three boxes and a wad of newspaper.

And the rest of the stuff: give it away. Stop being so selfish and holding onto this stuff.

How many immigrants coming to Canada could use your old dresser that is holding papers from 1986 and the clothes you promised you would fit into again?

How many young couples start out with nothing and could use your old coffee table that you are saving for that summer sunny day when you finally getting around to the well-intended DIY project?

How many not-for-profit organizations, new ministries or care groups need some furniture to just to get things going?

And all those old clothes that have been in your closets since the 90's--get rid of them!

You aren't ever going to use them.

If there is one thing I learned from my grandmother's death (and I learned a lot but this is one is a gem). No child loves to spend four weeks going through old newspapers that can't be donated to museums. Nobody loves to spend hours packing up the myriad of grocery bags you just had to keep because who knows when a food shortage could happen.

I love you Grandma, but for heaven's sakes, nobody needed the box of rusty nails you hung onto.

Hello people, we live in North America. Every Salvation Army has a shirt you can buy for 2 bucks to be your much needed painting shirt. Throw the 90's clothing away.

So...here and now. This is my position on hoarding and holding onto everything you own because one day you might need it:

Stop being selfish.

What? Did that get your knickers in a knot?