Long As I Got King Jesus

While I was at my parents' over Thanksgiving, I overheard my crazy brother-in-law singing a improvised version of this song while he was working on the bedhead hair of one of their sons. "Long As I Got Queen Darla - Don't Need Nobody Else," he sang robustly. I hadn't heard this song for years, so I decided to google it. Those of you who know me well, know that this is not normally "my" kind of music, but it's a lot of fun for a change. I like the first video for me; the second one is for my kids and the kid in me. Enjoy!!

O Lord, I do repent.

Yesterday, as I was waiting for an eye doctor's appointment, I was looking through a hymnal that I had grabbed from the car. I found this one especially convicting and wanted to share it…

 

Because I knew not when my life was good,

And when there was a light upon my path,

But turned my soul perversely to the dark,

O Lord, I do repent.

 

Because I held upon my selfish road,

And left my brother wounded by the way,

And called ambition duty, and pressed on,

O Lord, I do repent.

 

Because I spent the strength Thou gavest me

In struggle which Thou never didst ordain

And have imperfect life to offer Thee,

O Lord, I do repent.

 

Because I was impatient, would not wait,

And thrust my willful hand across Thy threads,

And marred the pattern drawn out for my life,

O Lord, I do repent.

 

Amen.

 

By Sarah Williams, 1868.

 

Guilty especially of verses 2, 3, and 4…and I'm thankful for God's grace…

Moving Tips

I have a friend who is a Military Chaplain's wife. She has two children, one a newborn. She is in the moving process. Mark and I moved a lot early in our marriage when we were missionaries and I learned some things about moving the hard way! I wrote these notes for my friend, but I'm putting them on my blog in the hope that they can be helpful to others as well…

1. Pray - I'm serious! Whenever I start a job that is overwhelming, I ask for God's help… that He would give me creative ideas; that my friends would help with meals, packing, or watching the kids; and that the kids will behave, take naps, etc.
   
2. Pack your suitcases like you are going on a trip that will last for a month or so - Pack clothes, toiletries, Easter clothes or decorations, anything you think you will need (don't go crazy here!) for the next month or so. This could include putting in some extra clothes in case the weather changes - t-shirts, if it might be warm, jackets or coats, etc. Make sure you include medicines that your family uses on a regular basis.
   
3. Pack a few things for the kids - A special blanket, a couple of sheets for the Pack-n-Play, a few favorite toys, sippy cups, bottles, baby spoons, etc.
   
4. Pack up your office/library in a briefcase - Include the most important documents or bills, and the books you use most often. For me, it's the Bible and a "what-to- do-if-my-kids are-sick-book" like Where There Is No Doctor or Baby and Child Care (published by Focus on the Family.)
   
5. Pack a kitchen box or suitcase - Put in the things that you need most – a skillet and spatula, a pan, a bowl with lid (so you can cook in the microwave,) a small bowl or two, cups, a couple of plates, a can opener, a toaster, a knife, a few dishtowels, cleaning rags, salt, pepper, etc. - whatever you need or want.
   
6. Pack a bedroom/linen box - 2 pillows, a mattress protector, a set of sheets, and a blanket. Include a towel or so for each person, and a few washcloths.
   

I would take these boxes or suitcases with you in your car instead of shipping them in a moving truck, etc. Most of these things will be the last things that you pack, because you use them regularly. If you will do what I have suggested, you will end up with a compact version of your household - the things that you really need at once to live when you arrive.

I highly recommend this method since you have a baby. This way, you will have the basics immediately and then you can unpack the rest as you have time and energy.

My Love and God's Blessings to you,

Teresa