Monday 29 September 2008
The Pursuit of Happyness
One of my favourite films, a truly inspirational story of character and determination. Much more than a story of survival, this film opens our eyes to the wider world, reminds us to be thankful for the little things and to never give up, whatever life may throw at us. Just make sure you keep the tissues handy!!
A Spoonful of Sugar
I am a great fan of kids' movies and Mary Poppins is a classic. Refreshing and inspiring, it challenges me to enjoy my children while they are young and to find the fun in everything I do! However, I am daily searching for that spoonful of sugar that 'makes the job a game'! For those of you who live in the real world you will know that it is not always as easy as it first appears! Oh, to click my fingers and find the toys march themselves back into the box, or the clothes fold themselves neatly into drawers. It is the stuff that dreams are made of! But God, in his superior wisdom, did not design us to live that way! He designed us to work.
God did not , however, intend our work, or lives, to be mundane, monotonous or mind numbing! Jesus came that we might have the best life, one that is exciting, fun & full of adventure!!! It is a gift of God that we are content and find satisfaction in whatever we do! So often, however, we fail to experience the dynamic, fulfilling life that God wants us to know. Instead as fast as the wash basket is emptied, it is overflowing again, and the newly ironed clothes return again to the bedroom's crumpled heap!!!! A familiar & often demoralising tale! I am aware that I am attempting the impossible and in reality I can no more complete the household chores set before me, than catch the wind! I am not superwoman, and I can not do everything.
And then I am reminded of the verse in Phillippians "I can do all things through him who gives me strength". With all my human limitations God can enable me to be successful. The task of mother, wife, housekeeper, cleaner, cook, chauffeur, the list is endless,.....is a continual challenge, but God does not want me to try to achieve it alone. God designed me to be in relationship with him & part of his family! Only if I follow his ways, being full of the Holy Spirit and part of his body, can I expect to be successful! So, I must learn to be full of the Spirit every minute of every day. With his help, working with his power, and not by myself, I can do all things and will know contentment in everything I do.
Check it out in the Bible...
Ecclesiastes 5:18
John 10:10
Phillippians 4:11-13
God did not , however, intend our work, or lives, to be mundane, monotonous or mind numbing! Jesus came that we might have the best life, one that is exciting, fun & full of adventure!!! It is a gift of God that we are content and find satisfaction in whatever we do! So often, however, we fail to experience the dynamic, fulfilling life that God wants us to know. Instead as fast as the wash basket is emptied, it is overflowing again, and the newly ironed clothes return again to the bedroom's crumpled heap!!!! A familiar & often demoralising tale! I am aware that I am attempting the impossible and in reality I can no more complete the household chores set before me, than catch the wind! I am not superwoman, and I can not do everything.
And then I am reminded of the verse in Phillippians "I can do all things through him who gives me strength". With all my human limitations God can enable me to be successful. The task of mother, wife, housekeeper, cleaner, cook, chauffeur, the list is endless,.....is a continual challenge, but God does not want me to try to achieve it alone. God designed me to be in relationship with him & part of his family! Only if I follow his ways, being full of the Holy Spirit and part of his body, can I expect to be successful! So, I must learn to be full of the Spirit every minute of every day. With his help, working with his power, and not by myself, I can do all things and will know contentment in everything I do.
Check it out in the Bible...
Ecclesiastes 5:18
John 10:10
Phillippians 4:11-13
Thursday 25 September 2008
Words, words, words...
One of my greatest desires is to have a household that is full of peace, harmony & grace. I am not simply an idealist, this is what God wants for me too! God is able and with him all things are possible! I must remember however that it is my responsibility work with the Spirit, for he has the keys that will make my life a success! One of these keys is my words!
Words are powerful, they have the power to create or to destroy, to build or to tear down. It is my responsibility, with God, to build my house. But as the Bible says...
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1
Of course, I do not want to be a woman who carelessly tears down the very thing she is trying to build. So, I am learning to take greater care in how I speak to others, especially my own family, and even moreso in moments of pressure! To demonstrate gentleness, patience and kindness in the words I use. Proverbs is full of great wisdom about wise words, here are just a few to think on.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs 31:26
We all live in the real world, and at some time or another have to deal with conflict of some sort! When we find ourselves in these situations, with our children, husbands, parents, it would do us good to remember these verses! I tried this out this week, and not surprisingly I found...it worked! As I chose to be more gentle, kind and patient with my children they behaved so much better and our household became more peaceful, at least 2 out of the 5 school mornings!!!!! :)
Whatever our natural tendency, if we ask God to help us by his Spirit, we can become fruitful, demonstrating his patience, kindness & gentleness. Why would I choose to live in my own weakness and lack when God can give me all I need to build a great and happy family?!
Dont be condemned. If you ask, Jesus will forgive you, wipe your slate clean & fill you with his Spirit so you can have a brand new successful life!
Words are powerful, they have the power to create or to destroy, to build or to tear down. It is my responsibility, with God, to build my house. But as the Bible says...
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1
Of course, I do not want to be a woman who carelessly tears down the very thing she is trying to build. So, I am learning to take greater care in how I speak to others, especially my own family, and even moreso in moments of pressure! To demonstrate gentleness, patience and kindness in the words I use. Proverbs is full of great wisdom about wise words, here are just a few to think on.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs 31:26
We all live in the real world, and at some time or another have to deal with conflict of some sort! When we find ourselves in these situations, with our children, husbands, parents, it would do us good to remember these verses! I tried this out this week, and not surprisingly I found...it worked! As I chose to be more gentle, kind and patient with my children they behaved so much better and our household became more peaceful, at least 2 out of the 5 school mornings!!!!! :)
Whatever our natural tendency, if we ask God to help us by his Spirit, we can become fruitful, demonstrating his patience, kindness & gentleness. Why would I choose to live in my own weakness and lack when God can give me all I need to build a great and happy family?!
Dont be condemned. If you ask, Jesus will forgive you, wipe your slate clean & fill you with his Spirit so you can have a brand new successful life!
Tuesday 23 September 2008
10 year anniversary!
This year was our 10th wedding anniversary. However, with four kids in tow and babysitters out of the country, we decided to plump for fun rather than romance for our anniversary celebrations! So, indulging a brief reckless moment we bought a 'Merlin' pass, convincing ourselves that, as there were 10 different places to visit, it would make a perfect 10th anniversary gift! So far we have enjoyed a wonderful time celebrating our 10 years together and are looking forward to more adventures that lie ahead!
We are very thankful for what God has done in our marriage, as things have not always been harmonious, but God has turned things around. Had you asked me a few years ago I would never believed he could! I can't put my finger on exactly what has changed, but, with the help of our lovely church family, God has changed us both, transformed our situation and we are now very happily married. God has done a miracle for us! Our marriage is not perfect yet, but it keeps getting better!
God is a miracle worker! Whatever you are facing today, however impossible it may seem, God is able! Jesus is in the business of changing lives, marriages, whole families. With him all things are possible! Give your life to him & do things his way. He has great plans for you, and me, & wants us to be blessed, that means HAPPY!!!!!!!!!
We are very thankful for what God has done in our marriage, as things have not always been harmonious, but God has turned things around. Had you asked me a few years ago I would never believed he could! I can't put my finger on exactly what has changed, but, with the help of our lovely church family, God has changed us both, transformed our situation and we are now very happily married. God has done a miracle for us! Our marriage is not perfect yet, but it keeps getting better!
God is a miracle worker! Whatever you are facing today, however impossible it may seem, God is able! Jesus is in the business of changing lives, marriages, whole families. With him all things are possible! Give your life to him & do things his way. He has great plans for you, and me, & wants us to be blessed, that means HAPPY!!!!!!!!!
Deans' Removals...enquire within
The Deans' family business is now to expand into furniture removal. Increasingly more competent with her crawling and pulling herself to standing, their littlest Lottie Ella is moving into a new realm of exploration. Lifting furniture! It seems she has a bit of a flair for the business and is currently demonstrating a strength beyond her years! She has been found over the last week lifting chairs, tables, the ironing board and even the hoover. Who knows what will be next? Any customers wishing to utilise her services please contact us without delay...before we all go completely bonkers!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday 18 September 2008
School days: learning on the run!
Got up early this morning, well earlier than normal! Si is away at the moment and I thought my early rising might help the morning to run smoothly. Unfortunately in spite of all my efforts at 8.50 we had still not left the house!!! I am reassured that I will not always have to nag the children to put on their shoes, brush their teeth, find their reading books, or TURN OFF THE COMPUTER!, but this season can at times seem unending! Apparently, before long we will be entering the season "GET OUT OF BED", however, as the mother of 4 small children whose morning regularly begins around 6am, and who has been woken for the last few weeks by a violent kicking in the back, this prospect does not seem so bad! Having tried unsuccessfully to be patient we finally achieved the school run, and breathing a sigh of relief, I walked home enjoying the calm after the storm!
Then, spotting a close friend I did the familiar playground 'splurge', reiterating every fault and weakness my kids had displayed that morning in my desire is to be 'open' and 'real' and not pretend everything was just fine. A problem shared is a problem halved!!! Or so they say? However, I am not convinced that my approach is always constructive! Essentially my desire like any good parent is to have a happy, harmonious family and conflicts like this morning's do not help achieve my goal. But God wants to teach me to be a peacemaker in my home, and I am learning, albeit painfully slowly! God is on my case, and all I need to do is take a moment to listen!
On my return home I picked up my Bible &, reading Proverbs 17:9, was pulled up sharply! This is what it said,
"Disregarding another person's faults preserves love: telling about them separates close friends"
The Bible is neither dull or boring, nor irrelevant, it is God's word, living and active and is full of practical help and hope, enabling me to live a life of SUCCESS! God wants me to love my children, with all of their faults and weaknesses, just as he loves me! In turn I must learn not to draw attention to their weaknesses, but to overlook their faults and be full of mercy toward them, not treating them as they deserve but demonstrating unconditional love! If I tell of their faults to others I risk alienating myself from them. Instead I should speak about their strengths and God's plan for their lives, and as we grow together in his love we will be not just mum and daughter, or mum and son, but will be and remain close friends.
Then, spotting a close friend I did the familiar playground 'splurge', reiterating every fault and weakness my kids had displayed that morning in my desire is to be 'open' and 'real' and not pretend everything was just fine. A problem shared is a problem halved!!! Or so they say? However, I am not convinced that my approach is always constructive! Essentially my desire like any good parent is to have a happy, harmonious family and conflicts like this morning's do not help achieve my goal. But God wants to teach me to be a peacemaker in my home, and I am learning, albeit painfully slowly! God is on my case, and all I need to do is take a moment to listen!
On my return home I picked up my Bible &, reading Proverbs 17:9, was pulled up sharply! This is what it said,
"Disregarding another person's faults preserves love: telling about them separates close friends"
The Bible is neither dull or boring, nor irrelevant, it is God's word, living and active and is full of practical help and hope, enabling me to live a life of SUCCESS! God wants me to love my children, with all of their faults and weaknesses, just as he loves me! In turn I must learn not to draw attention to their weaknesses, but to overlook their faults and be full of mercy toward them, not treating them as they deserve but demonstrating unconditional love! If I tell of their faults to others I risk alienating myself from them. Instead I should speak about their strengths and God's plan for their lives, and as we grow together in his love we will be not just mum and daughter, or mum and son, but will be and remain close friends.
Monday 15 September 2008
Chocolate Challenge!
Having given birth nearly 9 months ago I sense it is now time to stop playing the baby card. "Nine months on, nine months off", or so they say. And although I can see my feet again I still have some way to go before I consider myself to be back to my former glory!!!! My weakness, or at least one of them, is chocolate, a stumbling block familiar to many of us, but I am also a great fan of curry, wine, seafood, in fact I am not really discerning at all. I like food! And, as a northern lass, the larger the portion the better!!! I am in my element in the 'Eat as much as you like' buffet, where I am always surprised how little some of my more 'feminine' friends eat before they claim to be 'fit to burst'. Faced with the challenge, I could just keep on going!!! Food is good! It is a gift of God, given to sustain us and for us to ENJOY!!!! As Ecclesiastes says, "Eat your food and drink your wine, its alright with God". And so obediently, and to the best of my ability, I do just that!
But I am learning that God wants me to be FREE! Not to be controlled by anything or anyone, but only by Jesus. "For he who the Son sets free is free indeed!" I am, unlike the popular phrase, NOT what I eat! I am a child of God, chosen by him, for his purposes. I am beautiful, and my beauty comes from within, not from outward adornment, a new hair cut (though my recent was very nice!) or a perfect figure (chance would be a fine thing!), but from God's love inside me, and his light shining out!
God is jealous for my affection and he wants to be number one in my life! Food is great, it should be enjoyed and appreciated but it should not control me! Only Jesus should be my master! The Bible tells me that "God has not given me a spirit of fear (or timidity), but of power, love and SELF DISCIPLINE!" That means that even though I don't always feel it, I have the power to say no to the things which do me harm and yes to the things that do me good. I don't have to ask for discipline, I already have it!!!!
And so the things that do me good, to name but a few. To spend time with God, to listen to his voice, to read his word (the Bible) and be changed by Jesus every day, to be more like him. To spend time in prayer, talking with God and listening to him. And to meet with others. God did not design us to be alone, it is not good! We need to be part of his family, where we can help one another, love one another and grow together. Sometimes I neglect these things and find myself overcome with other things that life throws at me (tidying, cleaning, cooking, taxiing, disciplining...you probably have your own list!) The result is often...stress, worry, boredom, depression...we stop enjoying life!!!
Today, after settling the children, I decided to open a bar of chocolate and have a glass of wine whilst trying to settle my littlest who has decided that its time to start serious teething and develop a stinking cold at the same time!!!! Wine and chocolate, I decided, would be a pefect remedy for the sleep deprivation! Unfortunately in the split second after opening the wrapper I made a small, but serious, error. I threw away the chocolate instead of the wrapper!!!! Thankfully it was only one piece and I realised my folly before any more was lost! Immediately I was reminded that sometimes in the business of life we, in turn, throw out the things that are most valuable and 'tasty', and keep the rubbish instead! Let us not take that crazy option, and never forget the value of spending time with Jesus, reading his word, finding him in prayer and meeting with people who help us to grow in him! God wants us to find satisfaction in him alone, despite the slimming yoghurts claims of "lasting satisfaction", nothing else will satisfy, nothing else compares to knowing him!
And so, my plan is to spend the next few weeks and months putting these principles into action. To be disciplined, be full of Jesus, instead of chocolate, and in the business of life not throw out the things that really satisfy in place of rubbish! Feel free to join me, keep me accountable and watch this space...
But I am learning that God wants me to be FREE! Not to be controlled by anything or anyone, but only by Jesus. "For he who the Son sets free is free indeed!" I am, unlike the popular phrase, NOT what I eat! I am a child of God, chosen by him, for his purposes. I am beautiful, and my beauty comes from within, not from outward adornment, a new hair cut (though my recent was very nice!) or a perfect figure (chance would be a fine thing!), but from God's love inside me, and his light shining out!
God is jealous for my affection and he wants to be number one in my life! Food is great, it should be enjoyed and appreciated but it should not control me! Only Jesus should be my master! The Bible tells me that "God has not given me a spirit of fear (or timidity), but of power, love and SELF DISCIPLINE!" That means that even though I don't always feel it, I have the power to say no to the things which do me harm and yes to the things that do me good. I don't have to ask for discipline, I already have it!!!!
And so the things that do me good, to name but a few. To spend time with God, to listen to his voice, to read his word (the Bible) and be changed by Jesus every day, to be more like him. To spend time in prayer, talking with God and listening to him. And to meet with others. God did not design us to be alone, it is not good! We need to be part of his family, where we can help one another, love one another and grow together. Sometimes I neglect these things and find myself overcome with other things that life throws at me (tidying, cleaning, cooking, taxiing, disciplining...you probably have your own list!) The result is often...stress, worry, boredom, depression...we stop enjoying life!!!
Today, after settling the children, I decided to open a bar of chocolate and have a glass of wine whilst trying to settle my littlest who has decided that its time to start serious teething and develop a stinking cold at the same time!!!! Wine and chocolate, I decided, would be a pefect remedy for the sleep deprivation! Unfortunately in the split second after opening the wrapper I made a small, but serious, error. I threw away the chocolate instead of the wrapper!!!! Thankfully it was only one piece and I realised my folly before any more was lost! Immediately I was reminded that sometimes in the business of life we, in turn, throw out the things that are most valuable and 'tasty', and keep the rubbish instead! Let us not take that crazy option, and never forget the value of spending time with Jesus, reading his word, finding him in prayer and meeting with people who help us to grow in him! God wants us to find satisfaction in him alone, despite the slimming yoghurts claims of "lasting satisfaction", nothing else will satisfy, nothing else compares to knowing him!
And so, my plan is to spend the next few weeks and months putting these principles into action. To be disciplined, be full of Jesus, instead of chocolate, and in the business of life not throw out the things that really satisfy in place of rubbish! Feel free to join me, keep me accountable and watch this space...
Wednesday 10 September 2008
Family Frolics!
Well, so far this week our littlest Lottie Ella decided it was time to start crawling. The hours of my painstakingly crawling alongside her, and demonstrating the techniques, have finally paid off! Her crawling is disappointing slow, according to Levi, who you can imagine, is expecting a high speed chase! And in my opinion rather without style as she drags one leg behind rather like an injured pirate! But, she is crawling nevertheless.
Having reached this stage I discover that even though we have been through this process 3 times before I suddenly need to rechildproof my house, watching out for the hazards of which until now I was oblivious! The crawling baby is indeed a challenge to those who were blessed with only two eyes!
Whilst contemplating this just the other day and doing my usual social networking, yes I was fiddling on facebook!, I heard a large crash! Rushing to the other room I found my exploring 8 month old lying flat on her back with the coffee table on top of her! Not a tear in sight, but a rather confused expression, that this previously harmless object should suddenly develop a mind of its own and forge an attack! My immediate reaction....well you can guess, the joy of the Lord overtook me and, finding its strength, I rushed to rescued the trapped victim!!!!!!
Second interesting incident....my 7 year old son had been given a box of maltesers as a thankyou for sharing his prized possessions, his most treasured playstation games with his best buddy!!!!! Sitting on the floor with the malteser box open and the playstation whirring he disappeared into playstation heaven totally unawares of the gatecrasher sitting next to him! Whilst pottering in the kitchen I suddenly become aware that all is quiet, usually a worrying sign for a house that is known for its dynamics!!! Upon investigation I find my 8 month old daughter covered in chocolate!!!! Unlike the other three she has not reached our one year milestone. Carelessly I forgot to take a picture....feeling a mock up brewing!!!!!!! More Dean Family frolics to come. Watch this space.....
Having reached this stage I discover that even though we have been through this process 3 times before I suddenly need to rechildproof my house, watching out for the hazards of which until now I was oblivious! The crawling baby is indeed a challenge to those who were blessed with only two eyes!
Whilst contemplating this just the other day and doing my usual social networking, yes I was fiddling on facebook!, I heard a large crash! Rushing to the other room I found my exploring 8 month old lying flat on her back with the coffee table on top of her! Not a tear in sight, but a rather confused expression, that this previously harmless object should suddenly develop a mind of its own and forge an attack! My immediate reaction....well you can guess, the joy of the Lord overtook me and, finding its strength, I rushed to rescued the trapped victim!!!!!!
Second interesting incident....my 7 year old son had been given a box of maltesers as a thankyou for sharing his prized possessions, his most treasured playstation games with his best buddy!!!!! Sitting on the floor with the malteser box open and the playstation whirring he disappeared into playstation heaven totally unawares of the gatecrasher sitting next to him! Whilst pottering in the kitchen I suddenly become aware that all is quiet, usually a worrying sign for a house that is known for its dynamics!!! Upon investigation I find my 8 month old daughter covered in chocolate!!!! Unlike the other three she has not reached our one year milestone. Carelessly I forgot to take a picture....feeling a mock up brewing!!!!!!! More Dean Family frolics to come. Watch this space.....
Monday 8 September 2008
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