Need your time...

I need your time. Our family is in need of your prayers right now, and for an unknowable amount of time. Pray for my Sohl son's healing... and patience for my Sohlmate and I... and provision... and protection... and for healing for our family.. and whatever else God knows we need, since He knows better than I what I need.

The next few days are family time, as the previous few have been. But check back, and prayerfully I'll have an update that reflects the power of the sharing of your time. Thanks for your prayers. I love you all.

I was watching...

Larry King Live today, and saw Bill Maher. He was discussing his new movie, and talking about how his views on religion. Click here to watch the video...

Some of what he said scared me as a Christian; not because he's not a believer, but because I wouldn't know how to respond to Bill were I to meet him. Thankfully God was calling me hard core to quiet time today so He could counsel me on a few ways to respond.

The portion that I saw included Maher's comments that he couldn't follow a God who gave dominion over living things to humans (who are biblically stated as flawed sinners), and the idea that since God's all-powerful, He should simply rid the world of evil. He also remarked that Rick Warren was spouting knowledge of heaven that was impossible to know, and that while Rick Warren is more progressive than most (referring at this point to his eco-friendly policies), he's still just a guy who doesn't know the answers.

I don't know about you, but these were morally confusing for me. If I'm confronted with these issues directly, how do I respond?? How do I reply?

He showed me several things. First, on the idea that we have dominion over all living things. Yes, He did give us dominion, and requires us to be Christ-like in our ways. Second, God created us in His loving image, and encourages us to be loving towards others.

With the idea of evil, it was a slippery slope. I found some great resources at the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry site, where the author says something God confirmed in one of the versions of the Bible I have: we don't know. Some of us have no clue, since we've never asked for His insight; some are beginnning to understand; some understand more than others but can't relate that information to others because others aren't ready for it.

The author also responded that it's also possible that He did "fix" the problem of evil. He sent Jesus to die for our sins; and since He's given us free will, He allows us to choose to accept Him.

Overall, it seems that aruging with an atheist is like trying to convince someone who doesn't believe that there is a sky, that the sky is blue. Not pointless, just an endless discussion if either you're like me and don't completely understand His word; or the person with whom you're talking refuses to admit that there is a God in the first place, or that His word is infallible.

Sohl son's view...

I showed my Sohl son the blog, and he loved it! I asked if he wanted to write one, and here's what he wanted you to know...

I like to swim. I like to play with Tell-man. I like to play with D-tiny. It's getting 8 o'clock. It's 10 o'clock still. The clock is turning. Happy birthday! I love juice. I love bubble words with colors. I love oranges. I love Cadiz. I love soda when I get bigger. I like sodery store... it means that you have juices in there.

I love everybody. I love God. Jesus. Do-dad. J-do. Tell-man. Li-do. Do-mom. KT. K-field. You guys still like me instead of Chef likes me. Chef likes me. I like to go to the beach. I like to ride my surfboard. I like my chairs. I like my friend Sha-do. I love to drink lemon juice. I like to tie up my fingers. I like my bikes. I like to play. I like to ride my bike. When I get all dirty I get in the house. I want to drink spinny juice. I don't like fire. I want to see if there's a letter for me. I like to go on the patio. I spill water on the floor.

I like to play kitty game at school. I like to play puppet show. I like to play whole game. And I love to wake up. Hide and seek. Play in the patio. I like to play with J-do's tire.

I love Mommy and Daddy.

The end.

Woosah... #2

Woosah...

It's a woosah-kinda day. Not familiar with that post? Check it out. Today's that kind of day.

I've got to find those mini-blessings He's hidden. Oh it's a task now. It's vital; someone's going to an extended quiet time around here if I don't.

I know they're in there somewhere... mixed in with the other stuff. Gross stuff. As I remarked to a friend recently, that artistic mess of poo that occurs regularly. The one in which I seem to be entrenched. The giant toy mess... the crumbs and muck that cover my freshly mopped floor... the constant screams of a nearly two-year-old girl... the defiant tone of a nearly five-year-old boy... train whistles and bells... broken things and feelings... mounds of laundry in various stages of completion... feelings unexpressed... flowers that wilt as they wait for hands to plant them... heartburn... the disaster area that is my patio... words left unsaid... sheets that go another day without a wash... cards unsent... exhaustion... packages left unsealed... the baby swing a new source of entertainment for the older kids... Woosah. Gritting my teeth, I sigh... "Oh baby, woosah."

And then as I sit here and think of things that are on my list of annoyances, I can't help but roll my eyes. At myself. When I get outside myself, and outside the fact that I'm tired and easily escalated - pregnant and still me, really - I see that these things are blatant blessings that many only dream of.

God thank you that I can say woosah... thank you that I'm saying woosah now for those who don't have the motley blessing that is children. Thank you for the provisions... the love... the silliness and the craziness that ensues because of Your love. Woosah for those who don't yet share it... and woosah for those who share it, and don't currently appreciate it. Thank you for turning my view, my focus, my attitude to reflect Your love.

Fuimos a Ronda...

We went to Ronda, and it was very, very beautiful, with magnificent views and breathtaking scenery.

Fuimos a Ronda, y Ronda fue muy, muy hermoso, con vistas magníficas y paisaje conmovedor.


Booked your tickets yet? This area of Spain is about two hours away and has many, many great hotels. Join us!