Covered in Dust?

Our small group has been using Rob Bells DVDs called Nooma (The name NOOMA comes from a phonetic spelling of the Greek word pneuma (πνευμα) meaning 'wind,' 'spirit,' or 'breath.') each week. They are great life applicable, spiritual teachings, that produce meaningful discussion.

Last night, we watched the one entitled, "Dust" (#8). It was so impacting to me, that I have not been able to stop thinking about it! I dreamed it, and then woke up with it on my heart again.

I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but I do want to share a tidbit from it, that has me thinking deeply about where I am in this time in my life.

The tradition/culture in the days of Jesus, were that the Rabbi's would choose their followers/disciples from the best of the best (of the best) boy scholars. Those young boys would leave their families, synagogues, towns, to follow the Rabbi. As they would leave home, they would be admonished like this....."May you be covered in the dust of your Rabbi".
What was meant by this, was, "may you follow so closely to your Rabbi, that you are covered in the dust he stirs up, as he walks down the road. "

Jesus went to pick his disciples, and did not choose the best of the best....he chose the "nobodies" to follow him. He showed us by doing that, that His way, or gospel, is for everyone!
So, that also means that they did not go begging to be chosen...they were busy working in their trades, with no hope that they would ever be good enough. But Jesus handpicked those he believed would be able to follow him, and teach his gospel.

So, as a disciple of my Rabbi, Jesus....am I covered with the His dust?? That is what I have been mulling over since last night. I must admit that I am convicted!

I don't always act like Him....

Weekend Fun with Family!

Brittney begging Addison to let her out :)

Bridgette and Nikki getting ready to run

Brooklyn

Brittney... all tuckered out!

Nikki... the monkey!

Emme and Nikki

Ready, set, go!

Marc and Alex playing a game

Addison watching his Daddy

How can I pray for you?

"How can I pray for you, right now, Sheila?"

In a matter of four days, I had three people ask me that question! And all three of them prayed at that very moment with me...for me! I can't begin to tell you how it affected me!

Haven't we all had someone say to us...."Well, I will be praying for you about that!" and then walk away?
Haven't we all said that to a lot of people?
I can answer "yes" to both questions.

It is easy to say, "I will be praying for you!" But that doesn't hold me accountable to truly pray for that person. It is a response for when I don't know what else to say. I really do want to show that I care, and I really do want to pray for them, in the quiet and the comfort of my own private place. I really want you to think I am "real"...but I am still a little bit afraid to be "real"!

The first time it happened last week.....I was sitting across the table from our Women's Ministries Leader, Rachel. We were talking about just that....ministry. After our discussion, she said to me, "Sheila, how can I pray for you right now?" I was a tad bit flabbergasted, but recovered, and shared something very heavy on my heart. She stopped, bowed her head, and began to pray for me. As I sat there with tears flowing....I immediately felt a bond with this sister in Christ. She showed me right there, that my burden was her burden, and she was willing to take it to Jesus for me!

Then three days later, our Church Ministries Pastor, Lynn, emailed me about something she and I had discussed on Sunday. She later called me, and said that she felt led to ask me how she could pray for me. I was starting to think that there must be a conspiracy :)
As I shared with Lynn, she also started to pray with me over the phone about my burden.

The the next day, our Small Group Coach, Destini, called to go over the schedule for small groups....and toward the end of our visit, she said, "Sheila, is there anything that I can pray for with you?"
(There was something definitely going on ????)
I once again, told her that I had something HUGE on my heart, and she started praying!

I was so humbled, that these three ladies, who are quickly becoming my friends, would take the time pray for me!
I felt challenged to do likewise for others, and sad that the next day, I passed up a perfect opportunity.

This weekend, I spent some time asking God to help me be so alert, so tuned in to the needs around me. I may have a chance to make a genuine difference in someone's life!

It is all about becoming "real"!

1000 Gifts

I am joining a community of believers in making a list: A List of A Thousand Gifts, starting with #1 and ending with #1000.

As I arise to a new dawn each day, I am keenly aware that I have been blessed with more gifts than I deserve...not gifts that I want, but gifts that I have! Not always gifts that come in large boxes, but small packages scattered throughout my days. Small moments of time that become big encounters with God!
Those times when I feel most connected to my Creator, are not to be ignored or go unmentioned. When He sends me a message that He loves me, it brings Him delight that I noticed!

As each moment translates into a day, I will dictate each gift onto the blank pages of my journal---just as they happen, as they arrive, as they are unwrapped---His infinite graces that become part of each day, stir my heart to respond with praise!

I have chosen to officially start my list, tomorrow morning. I am a one of those "official-start-kind-of-girl".
I will say that I am full of anticipation! What will it be! I will keep a running list on my sidebar. Feel free to read...then maybe you will be encouraged to start your own list!

Step #3: The Donor Cell Test Kit Is In The Mail

I over-nighted the package containing my buccal cells (cells derived from the inner cheek lining) to Minnesota today, so now we wait.
For how long....at least 2-10 weeks. At some point I will either receive a letter saying, "thanks, but you are not a match", or a phone call saying, "you are a match".

Either way....God is in it!

Step #2...The Donor Cell Test Kit Has Arrived!

Tonight, FedEx dropped this off to me. So, on Monday morning, I have to swab the inside of my mouth/cheeks, and then overnight the package back to the NBMR.

I sat and held the envelope in my hands tonight and without warning started to cry. I know that I am sometimes too emotional and that I cry easily!! Maybe I am?

I started to think of this man laying in a hospital, very ill. His family is surrounding him, praying and hoping that somebody out there, will be a match! For him, it means that this is a matter of life and death! They are most likely begging God for a miracle!

Do I have the right kind of bone marrow? I don't know?
But to think that I may be possibly carrying around, deep in my bones, life saving marrow...has given me a new perspective!

I have spent the last two days praying for this man....and wondering....who is he?/where does he live?/how many children does he have?/what is his name?
If I am to be his donor...it will be at least a year before I know anything else about him!

I've been tagged!

My List

I was tagged by Jamie Taylor

What I was doing 10 years ago:

The year was 1998. I was raising two children. I was probably teaching one (4 year old) her ABC's/123's, and chasing the other one (1 year old) around the house, saying "No, Alex, don't touch that!!"- for the 50th time that day!

Five things on my to do list today:

1. Clean my house

2. Make a dessert for Grandma Seward's Party tomorrow

3. Do some bookwork

4. Get Duane packed to go to Men's Retreat tonight.

5. Spend an evening out with friends!

Snacks that I enjoy:

1. yogurt

2. cheese and crackers

3. tortilla chips and salsa

What would I do if I were a billionaire:

1. Call Duane and tell him he could retire!

2. Pay off our home mortgage

3. Pay someone's medical debt...I know who!

4. Buy Ash and Nikki horses (ranch), and Alex a dirt bike (track)

5. Go on a family adventure around America and the rest of the world. A REALLY BIG Field Trip!

6. Fund college for 3 children....and whomever else might need it!

7. Follow my dream to be a nurse and an author...just for the fun of it!

This was harder than I thought it would be! I think about all the "things" that I would want to have....but more important than that, is how I would use the money to change the lives of others. Of course I would use it to help as many people as I could!

Three of my bad habits:

1. Lack of exercise

2. Cherry Pepsi...I have about got it kicked though!

3. Getting down on myself!

Places I have lived:

1. Nampa, ID.

2. Milan, IL.

3. Rock Island, IL.

4. Silvis, IL.

5. Milan, IL.

6. Greenleaf, ID

7. Caldwell, ID

8. Nampa, ID.

.....one big giant circle!

Jobs I have had:

1. Babysitter..last time I actually counted, I had babysat over 73 kids!

2. Dishwasher/Food Service for Mercy Medical Center...you dig some old guy's false teeth out of his leftover pureed green beans, and see if you like it!!

3. Obstetrics Unit Secretary for Mercy Medical Center...#1 favorite job of all time!

4. Nanny for Dr. Sladich...my second favorite job!

5. School/Church Secretary....my least favorite job!

6. Keeper of our Home, Wife to Duane, the love of my life, Mother to 3 amazing children...where I find myself the most fulfilled and blessed!

Five people I want to know more about:

1. Julie French

2. Julie Moyer

3. Trisha Dodd

4. Jenny McCall

5. Amy Lane

I won't quit being your friend if you choose not to do this!

First in 16 years!!

Sixteen years ago, my brother, Aaron and I went to a Bone Marrow Drive for a little boy in Nampa who was fighting Leukemia. We gave a blood specimen that day, and were put on the National Bone Marrow Registry.

In sixteen years, Aaron has gotten called up a few times, but ultimately wasn't a close enough match.
For the first time in all these years, I got the call this morning!

Out of the 6 HLA markers, I match 5. So now, I will go through the process to see if I am the best match. Most likely I am one of several that is being checked for this one patient.
The patient is a man who has Leukemia.

I have to say that I have a feeling of anticipation! Who knows if I will be a good enough match to be able to donate my bone marrow, but I pray that out of those of us being tested, one of us can help this man! He is fighting a very scary disease, and is depending on a total stranger to give him another chance at life!

We have been in his shoes with my cousin, Michael. We know how it feels to wait, hoping and praying that someone will match and then be willing to donate. A very special person was willing to donate bone marrow for Michael three times!

The next step is for me to go through another test tomorrow, and then I will just wait to see what happens.

If you are not a donor, please consider being one! You might give someone a chance to live!

Deep-Dish Cornbread Pizza

This is one of the dinners that comes out of my kitchen at least once a month, and my kids love it! Duane and I have a system for when I try a new recipe...I ask him if it is a keeper, and if he thinks it is, it goes in my recipe cabinet. Duane will try anything, and has a great taste for good food!
He announced after I made this dish the first time, that it was definitely a keeper!!

I usually serve it with a tossed green salad.


Deep-Dish Cornbread Pizza

Crust:
1 box of Jiffy Cornbread Mix
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (fresh is best...canned will do)

Topping:

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup of mushrooms, sliced
1 jar (26 oz.) Pasta sauce
1/2 tsp. oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound of sausage or ground beef...cooked and cooled.
1 cup olives, sliced
1/2 lb. shredded cheese....I like to use the Italian blend, but any kind works!

1)Heat the oven to 375. Grease a 9 X 13 pan. Prepare crust: mix egg and milk into the dry cornbread mix. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Spread batter into the bottom of the pan.

2) Saut'e onion, mushrooms and garlic in the olive oil, until onion is translucent. Add pasta sauce, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook about 5 min. stirring over med. heat.

3) Place half of the meat over the cornbread crust, pour the sauce over the meat, and then add the remaining meat. Top with sliced olives.

4) Bake for 15 min. then top with cheese and bake for 10 min. longer.

Enjoy!

(The pizza in the picture is missing the olives. I had forgotten to stock them in my pantry that week!)

Our Small Group

Last night, in honor of our friends, Ryan and Sarah Foster, we had a party!
A Big Party! With 25 people, 50 pieces of fried chicken, and 40 lbs. of baked potatoes with all the fixin's, three different desserts, and three pots of coffee...we did it big! Yes, we, or should I say, the Tilford's, had lots of taters left!

Ryan and Sarah, are currently serving with "Extreme Nazarene" in Pilar, Argentina. Before moving there 10 months ago, they were our small group leaders (very good ones).
When they left, Duane and I stepped into that role.
The Foster's are here in Idaho for a couple of weeks, and it was a joy to spend an evening catching up with them.
They have two precious boys, Isaiah and Landon.
Isaiah even treated us to a song that he knows in Spanish...it was adorable!

We love our small group! They have become some of the most special people in our world! To be able to share life, burdens, learn more about Jesus, and pray with one another is....priceless!
We miss Ryan and Sarah, but we are thrilled with the way that God is using them in Argentina!!

Isaiah & Landon

Sarah and her boys

Levi and Tamara---in their brand new spectacles!

The three amigos...Josh, Joey and Alex

Nikki and Sarinna
Katie with her new glasses!

The girl section...Rache'l, Ashley and Brittney

The guys...Duane, Ryan, Josh, John and Dennis

I regretfully didn't get one single picture of the Moms. I had intentions of getting us together for one, but we moms tend to be scattered...taking kids potty, getting kids a drink, telling kids to be quiet.....I will try to get one next time! For those of you who don't know us all....the women in the group.... Tina, Vicki, Rose, Sarah and I...are shall I say, stunning! :) You are just going to have to take my word for it!

The Cool-Whip Coaster Story

This week on Facebook, Talisha and I have been going back and forth at each other....all in fun!
Talisha and I are sister-in-laws, having married into a family consisting of four boys!!! We learned very early on that in order to survive amongst this group of crazy people, you have to become one of them!

Here is the story:
(Remember that this is strictly all in fun. No one was offended or hurt):

Talisha "snooped" in on a conversation I was having with her sister, Talena, and let us both know that she was listening in. So, Talena told her to quit being paranoid.
I reminded Talena that when some people start into their "elderly stage of life", they become very paranoid.
So, to get Talisha off our backs, I told her to go busy herself, and make coasters out of yarn and cool-whip lids. Isn't that what elderly women do sometimes (no offense to the elderly)...make crafts out of plastic remnants??

Well that started a flood of comments and turned into a week-long topic on Facebook, involving many friends and family!

It was funny!

So then....last night, we were hanging out at Aaron and Cher's with Marc and Talisha. Talisha's parents, Steve and Sharon were there as well.
Something was said about all the comments about the Cool-Whip Coasters, and what should Talisha pull out of her purse.....You are not going to believe this!!!!


That crazy woman made an honest-to-goodness Cool-Whip Coaster for me!!! Isn't that great!!!

I will end all of this fun by saying, I am so grateful for my sister-in-law, Talisha!!! I have been blessed with THE BEST sisters (forget the in-law) ever!!!!
I married into the Taylor family, seven years before Talisha, Steph and Jamie. I knew a day was coming, when my three brother-in-laws would go find their brides, and I prayed about it! I had heard horror stories about sister-in-laws....so I prayed for these girls before I ever knew them!
I am delighted to say, that God answered my prayers. We have a blast together!!


Look...it is a perfect fit for my coffee cup!!!

Consistency, thou art a virtue!

con·sis·tent

1. In agreement; compatible: The testimony was consistent with the known facts.
2. Being in agreement with itself; coherent and uniform: a consistent pattern of behavior.
3. Reliable; steady: demonstrated a consistent ability to impress the critics.
4. Mathematics Having at least one common solution, as of two or more equations or inequalities.
5. Holding true as a group; not contradictory: a consistent set of statements.

Above is the definition to one of the aspects of parenting that I find THE most difficult! Being consistent!

When I entered into the role as a mother, I had no idea just how challenging I would find this. I had been around many kids and had strong opinions on how kids should be raised, but I had not encountered this on a personal level. I wasn't aware that consistency and discipline were related, let alone first cousins!!
It didn't take long for me to figure it out.
Have I mastered the art of parenting.......Gracious, NO!

But I have learned that Consistency is now one of my best friends.

I have learned that I must first be consistent in every area of my daily life. If I am to expect it in my children, I must be their first model. I haven't always done a very good job, but I am trying.

When it comes to discipline (teaching/training), I now find consistency to be my greatest tool. My kids figured out very early that if they tried hard enough, and pushed enough buttons, that I would give in. I figured out, that I had to stay the course (no matter how exhausting), if I wanted my kids to obey, and obey every time.

We have all seen the kids, who are wailing in the store for something they think they must have! And we have all seen the moms, who in desperation and frustration, give in, and buy whatever the child is wanting.
I am not as quick to judge as I once was, because I know how it feels when a child is doing something that embarrass me. I, way too many times have acted out of embarrassment, then out of what I knew was right.

I have been around moms who say "Stop that, or you will have to go to time-out!" And their little darling turns around and does it again, because he knows mommy is not going to follow-through!
I have been that mommy! And then I am blubbering to Duane about how I am so weary of not being listened too. And as I am blubbering, it hits me...why should they listen? I am not going to do what I said I would, so they can do whatever they want. To them I was just a "clanging cymbal"!

Being consistent is hard, hard work, but I am convinced it is worth every minute of effort. My children are not perfect, but they haven't embarrassed me in public, in a very long time!
Ashley wrote to me in our journal this week, that she was thankful that she had a mom who cared about her behavior. (that was worth millions in my book!!!)

My focus as our children get older, is teaching consistent behavior in doing a chore, in schoolwork, in personal hygiene, in being a public citizen, in their relationship with Jesus.....
I commit to doing my very best in training them, and pray that it sinks in!

A lady, whom I admire very much, told me just this week, that she used to pray that her three children would grow into healthy, happy adults, who loved God with all their hearts, and would take good care of their families. She is now seeing the fruits of her labor and prayers!!
It was an encouragement to me. Someday, I will be there, looking back, and thankful that I made this investment!

Top Ten for Tuesday

"My Ten Favorite Phrases"

1. "I love you!"
2. "Will you marry me?!"
3. "It's a girl!! (twice)"
4. "It's a boy!!"
5. "Your special to me too, Mommy!"
6. "I made reservations for dinner!"
7. "That is another 50% off!"
8. "Have you lost more weight?!"
9. "Your children are so well behaved!"

And my all time favorite thing I heard someone say to me:

10. "Even though he is banged up really bad, he is alive!" (after Duane and John's accident in '04)

Here, There, and Everywhere!

This has been a busy weekend for our family. It wasn't anything too unusual for us, just life!
Duane was up early Saturday morning for a Men's Breakfast at church that he makes a monthly priority.
Mid-morning, he took the kids to the new property to work while I stayed home and cleaned house. Since the introduction to our family chore program, the children have been helping me with house work during the week, but at least once a week, it needs Mom's touch, if you know what I mean.

We attended a wedding for Duane's cousin, Sara Black, who is now married to Blake Carrow. It was a beautiful wedding! Best Wishes to them for a long, wonderful life!

We ended the night, going out to dinner with special friends, Marvin and Jolene Johnston for Jolene's birthday! It is always fun to be with them, and as long as Marvin has coffee in his cup, the funny stories and wisdom are bountiful!
We love and deeply appreciate the Johnston's, and the fact that they will hang out with us "youngsters", invest themselves in our lives, and show unconditional support. It means more then they will ever know!
Jolene has become on of my dearest friends! She is old enough (although she is not old!!) to be my mother, but she is such an encouragement to me! She is one of the most tender, compassionate, merciful people I know! She is an shining example of a grace-filled woman, wife, and mother to me, and I look to her example often!
Happy Birthday, Jolene!!!

We had to be up with the roosters this morning, to get to church early.
Nikki and Alex had a program at church, and they had to preform in both services.
In Anchor Bay, using the Veggie Tale's movie, "The Pirate's Who Don't Do Anything", they have been learning that even at their ages, they can still be hero's and make a difference in their world. They are learning about making good choices, and doing the right thing no matter what!
Duane and I watched the kids on stage twice, enjoyed fellowship with friends, and several cups of coffee in between services.Nikki, and Alex (can you see the bald head in the back...that really is Alex!) From where we were, that is the best I could do.

We enjoyed lunch with our friends, Robb and Julie French (and family), and then all five of us, Taylor's, took a long, long Sunday afternoon nap!

We spent this evening at Marc and Talisha's with Duane's family, and Talisha's parents, the Addison's. It is always good to have them in Idaho, and are grateful that we can be with them! They are awesome people!

For once in a very long time, I feel rested, and ready to conquer the week ahead.
To all of my blog readers, I pray that you feel God at work in your life this week. He loves you!

Choosing Hope!
Sheila

Choosing Hope!

I have a heart full of praise this morning...and I must share it!

I have been fighting despair....again! It comes on my so quickly, and then takes days, weeks, months...to leave. My humanness drains my joy!
I have many things that I am praying about! Some are huge, some are smaller, but they are all very important to me!
It seems that for awhile now, I have been looking at the big picture...which is dangerous! I am a girl that does better taking life one day at a time. So, for me to look five years down the road, and to start fretting about what I have to face, or who will be our President, or how much gas will cost....oh my!

So, this last Monday, while laying in bed, sick, I was reading Jeremiah 29:11. That verse is such a reminder that God has my life in his plan...which brings me hope!
I decided to read the entire chapter. I have not ever paid close attention to the other verses in Jeremiah 29. When I got to verses 13 -14, I was speechless!

On Tuesday night, in our small group, we watched "Luggage" (Nooma DVD's/Robb Bell), and I was reminded that God wants desperately to walk with me. He wants to take what I am dragging around and set me free! He wants to take my despair and transform it into hope!

So, I choose hope!

Jeremiah 29:11-14
"...I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."

P.S. For those of you who have not seen "Luggage". I HIGHLY recommend that you do! You can get them at a Christian bookstore. It is #7 in the Nooma DVD series. Every one of the DVDs is really good, but Luggage is the best so far....at least we think so!

Biq Questions!

As I was tucking Alex in last night, he looked at me with tears getting ready to spill over, and said, "Mom, why do some people have to be mean?"

For those of you who are parents...doesn't it just feel like someone took a knife and chopped your heart into pieces when you see your child hurt?! There are times when I think, "Oh, child, this is minor compared to the what is to come!" But then I see how big it is to them at that moment.

For a little background: Alex was getting shaggy, so yesterday, I buzzed his hair off! Uncle Aaron introduced him to this marine way of living last summer, and Alex really liked it.
He wasn't real sure about it yesterday, and when I finally got to the bottom of it, he said that he didn't like it when his sisters wanted to rub his newly shaved head. So after I told him that I wouldn't let them touch his head, he was all for the buzz!

So, back to the big question, "Mom, why do some people have to be mean?". I asked him why he was wondering that, and he told me that he had gotten teased by a couple of his friends at Caravan's about his hair.

So for awhile I sat on the side of his bed, and we talked about why people say or do things that hurt us. I reminded him that we all have hurt others by our words, actions...and that it needs to be a lesson learned. We talked about how words can be more hurtful than actions are.
Then Duane walked in and we both gave Alex some advise about how to handle being teased. No, we didn't encourage him to beat anyone up. We did tell him that he could come back with, "Well, if your head was as perfect as mine, you would buzz your hair off too!"

We prayed...he prayed, thanking God for his mom and dad. We hugged him, told him he was the handsome-est boy on the planet, and walked out.

Oh, I hate it when my kids get teased! I know that it is inevitable! So my prayer is that when someone is mean to them, they will know exactly how Jesus feels about them, and learn to handle the meanness with Christ's love and kindness.

The facts are:

1. Parenting is hard work
2. People can be mean
3. Children can be meaner
4. Life is tough
5. God is faithful............whew!
   

Successful!

I just read the update, and Tricia Lawrenson made it through her Double Lung Transplant! She was in surgery for almost nine hours.

Please keep this family in your prayers today.

Go to Nate's blog, and scroll down to the most recent pictures he has of of their baby, Gwyneth. They are priceless!

Tricia gets new lungs!!!!

Tricia Lawrenson is getting her new lungs tonight!!
She is being prepped for surgery as we speak, and the family is gathering from all different directions!
Please join me in praying for Nate, Tricia and family as they prepare for this life-changing surgery!

Nikki's debut into photography!

Monday night was Alex's team party. I was sick unto death, and so Duane and Nikki went to the party with Alex. I hated to miss it, because the parents played against the kids. I am not athletic, but I had Alex convinced that he should fear my skill!

Nikki ended up capturing the event for me. I thought she did a good job!