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August 30, 2008
Stand in the gap
(Originally published by Nattie on February 7, 2004)
I need you to stand in the gap with me for a dear friend. Dana lost a friend in an accident yesterday. She is grieving. Her family is grieving. Her church family is grieving. They all need our prayers today. Let's cover them with prayers. Please stand in the gap for them as they go through this horrible time.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 05:19 PM | Comments (1)
August 29, 2008
Judge not
(Originally published by Nattie on February 6, 2004)
Judge not lest you be judged.
Judge not lest you be judged.
Judge not lest you be judged.
Judge not lest you be judged.
Judge not lest you be judged.
Judge not lest you be judged.
I'm hoping if I keep repeating this I'll remember it...
Judge not lest you be judged.
*repeat*
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:48 AM | Comments (1)
August 28, 2008
Thinking out loud
(Originally published by Nattie on February 6, 2004)
This is probably one of those moments when I should keep my mouth shut, but is friendship a bad thing? Good edifying friendship. Not toxic friendship. Just wondering. *walks away scratching head*
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:32 AM | Comments (0)
August 27, 2008
Blown away
(Originally published by Nattie on February 6, 2004)
My friend Jojo blogged about me. Well, she blogged about all of us, a group of moms brought together by God. I know he did because they have blessed me in so many ways—not just with friendship, but with shared wisdom, understanding and teaching. They make me yearn to grow more as a woman of God.
But her comment about me blew me away. I'm not putting this here to pat my back. I think God is trying to teach me something.
Here is what she said:
Natalie (isn't she just the most beautiful woman ever?... I so love this picture of her. I want that shirt, by the way.)Natalie has softened me. Anyone who's known me for long knows that I can be quick to anger and cutting in words.
She may not know it, but Nattie has been my role model for softening my tongue and my heart over the past few years. Most of the time, i fall COMPLETELY short of my goal. But her example is always there.
She is kind and sweet, loving and encouraging. She is so very beautiful, don't you think?
Firstly, I'm not beautiful. Okay, I had to say that. I know I'm beautiful in God's eyes, but some days I look in the mirror and just say, "Bleech!"
Secondly, I'm the role model for softening someone's tongue? Yikes! It is like Clay Aiken saying, "if I'm the sexy role model look out!" LOL! If Jojo only knew the things I want to say and don't.
Recently I've failed so badly in this area. Some of my friends' beliefs have been attacked and I attacked the attacker. I even cussed. Yikes! I never cuss.
I do try to temper my words. My mom is my role model. She is the perfect peacemaker. She would never have attacked someone verbally. She would have gone and fiercely hugged the one being attacked and taken care of them.
One of my goals in life is not to say or do anything that I wouldn't feel comfortable doing in front of my grandparents. They were the most Godly people I knew.
That's not saying I don't say or do the wrong thing, sometimes. A lot! But if I face a crossroads and manage to hold my tongue beyond the heat of the moment, I ask, "What would Grandma or Grandmother Do?" Should I get a spiffy WWGD bracelet? LOL!
I also have a couple of verses that are life verses for me. Ones that at different times I've placed all around my house, car, work, etc...
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.—Ephesians 4:29Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.—Psalm 34:13
By no means am I saying that I even come close to biting my tongue often enough. I'm honored that someone would think I was a role model for a softened tongue, but I'm still thinking surely there is someone better?! Someone who doesn't cuss people out at times. Someone who doesn't yell at their children? Someone who isn't best friends with sarcasm...Somone who doesn't have to die to self daily if not minute by minute.
I don't know what I'm trying to say. Except I'm humbled. Thank you...and gosh darn it, there is so much I want to say, but can't. ;-)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:35 AM | Comments (0)
August 26, 2008
I need to remember this
(Originally published by Nattie on February 5, 2004)
I will be handling your troubles today. I do not need your help. Go and have a nice day.
Signed, God.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:32 AM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2008
My hubby is going to faint
(Originally published by Nattie on February 5, 2004)
Four bags of trash later (and I'm talking big bags) I have—
~ A clean downstairs closet
~ A clean upstairs bathroom
~ A decluttered bedroom
~ A decluttered window seat
~ A decluttered computer desk
I also did dishes, laundry and vacuumed all the corners and cracks in the kitchen and living room.
I'm wiped out. As soon as "Friends" is over I'm fixing a hot bath and some hot cocoa with marshmellows. That and Alice's Tulips will end a long hard yet gratifying day. I can almost forget that sleet and freezing rain are falling outside.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2008
Do you ever wonder...
(Originally published by Nattie on February 5, 2004)
why you wake up grouchy? I had a long day the day before, but I did get a full night's sleep. I had no little ones waking me up in the middle of the night for sheet changes. I did toss and turn some, but that is normal.
I woke up once and had to go to the bathroom, but went right back to sleep. I'd actually had a nice quiet time the night before. So why did I wake up grouchy?
Everywhere I looked I saw clutter. Not nice cozy clutter, but junky clutter. I tripped over toys and had to dig through clean laundry to find clothes to wear.
I had to put those clothes on and trudge out into the icy cold with two rambunctious children. Children who didn't see my goal of going directly to the car, but wanted to wander along the icy way.
I finally figured out that I'm just having a winter funk. I'm like a grizzly bear that has awakened from its midwinter nap to find its cave overrun with stuff.
I know having too much stuff shouldn't be something to complain about, but there is something to be said for simplicity and not being tied to material things. I also want to tramp through the snowy woods alone. Not the icy woods that we have right now. I want soft crunchy snow. Not snow that has melted and refrozen to turn my driveway and sidewalk into a skating rink.
Complain. Complain. Complain. I can't do anything about the ice, but I can do something about the cabin walls pressing in on me.
I turned on some inspirational music. I started with my downstairs closet. It is a big deep closet that runs the length of our stairs. It is wonderful for storage but horrible for just stuffing things in and forgetting about them. I draggged everything out, tossed some things, reboxed others and have now found a nook for our Christmas decorations that have been sitting in the living room for more than a month.
I also got my window seat cleaned off. It is similar to my desk as a clutter catcher. Mail, library books, board games—you name it. It is there.
I'm feeling a little bit better. Not quite so discontented. I've rested and I think I'm going to tackle another area soon.
I do have to say I am glad to be inside on a day like this. I just looked out the window and it is starting to snow. The wind is blowing and it doesn't look at all inviting. I guess if I can't have my snowy inviting woods, I can have my little cabin. So I will make my cabin in the snow as cozy as possible. I don't want this to be the winter of my discontent.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 03:50 PM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2008
This is just funny...
(Originally published by Nattie on February 4, 2004)
Which Silver Screen Siren are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:20 AM | Comments (0)
August 21, 2008
Pilgrim's Progress
(Originally published by Nattie on February 3, 2004)
I've never read Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. It is on my list to read this year, but when I was in elementary school my church did a version of Pilgrim's Progress and of course I've read Little Women. They talk about the book in there too. So I'm familiar with the basic story line.
When I think of the book, I imagine Christian with that heavy load on his back journeying along through the Valley of Despair. Today in a small part I felt the joy he felt when he was able to drop that burden. When he realized that he wasn't alone and he didn't have to carry it anymore.
When I first heard the doctor diagnose Anna with a heart murmur, my heart dropped. It felt like a lead anvil dropping from the top of a skyscraper to the pit of my stomach. Gradually through prayer and trust, that anvil lightened. Every once in a while it would jiggle around to remind me that it was there. That anvil of worry and dread.
In part I just pushed it out of my mind. I decided that worry wasn't going to add one more day to my baby's life so that was that. In part I rested on Psalm 91. Just the reference alone gives me peace. The words are ingrained on my heart.
When we went back to the doctor last week and he heard the murmur again, the anvil made itself known again. It did not want to be ignored.
I had carried it around, often forgetting it was there. It had become part and parcel of my being. I didn't realize how heavy it was until I heard the ultrasound technician's magical words after she performed the echo: "This isn't official, but I wouldn't go home and worry."
Suddenly I felt a lightness in my being and I felt perfect peace.
There are verses I can share. If you are familiar with your Bible you know them, but I am typing in the dark.
My children are having a pajama party with their dad. They've spread a large sleeping bag on the floor and now they are all snoring. I'm trying not to disturb them, but I wanted to write something no matter how inadequate it is to share that we don't need to carry that stinkin' anvil around. I could have gotten rid of it sooner, but God is faithful; He took care of it. He would have taken care of it even if the news had been negative. I can rest in perfect peace on that.
Good night, all. Sweet dreams.
Love,
Another Wandering Pilgrim
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:26 AM | Comments (2)
August 20, 2008
FINALLY!
(Originally published by Nattie on February 3, 2004)
The doctor's office called today. Finally! Anna's renaly ultrasound came back fine. PTL! Now if I can just get her to pee in a cup for her follow up urine screen. :-)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:24 AM | Comments (0)
August 19, 2008
Trying not to whine...
(Originally published by Nattie on February 3, 2004)
but my sidewalk and driveway were a thick sheet of ice this morning. It was seriously like skating to the car. I would have stayed inside if I could have. I had to take Jonathan to speech therapy and I had to go to the store for my new eating plan. The roads were okay though. I took the day kind of easy after that. Skating to and from my front door was enough stress.
I had a book to read because I have to watch the movie tonight and return it to the library tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day. Anna has her Echocardiogram. I don't think I'm worried. Maybe. Maybe not.
Wes took the day off work and is going with me. Jonathan is still going to school and we are having someone else pick him up.
I feel like I need to blog about more important things. That my blogs are so superficial and totally self involved. I guess I'm a little self involved. *sigh* I'll worry about that later.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:29 AM | Comments (0)
August 18, 2008
I spy
(Originally published by Nattie on February 2, 2004)
I spy with my little eye...two children playing "I SPY."
The kids were playing outside. At one point I couldn't see them, but I could hear them. This is what I heard...
Anna: I spy wit' my widdle eye...ah...someting grassy and uh...muddy. Jonathan: The Grass!
Wes and I quietly tiptoe over to the door and continue to listen.
Jonathan: Okay, my turn. I spy with my widdle eye something round *see him drawing a circle in the air* and red. Anna: A sign!
I tiptoe back to my desk and get the camera. I take a picture and continue to listen.
Anna: My turn. I spy wit' my widdle eye someting bwue and shiny. Jonathan: A truck! My turn...
Mommy: I spy with my little eye a small slice of parental heaven—two children playing nicely together.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:38 AM | Comments (0)
August 16, 2008
Give thanks
(Originally published by Nattie on January 31, 2004)
Well, I said I wouldn't come back till I was Natalie York again. I don't know if I am. I'm still very cranky. I'm not sure why. I'll examine that later, but I will do something I've been wanting to do.
Some friends gently reminded me it is important to be thankful. Angie and Leann had posts last week about thankfulness and joy. Then there was a "Mother's Hour" email about a thankful heart. So here goes...
- It is warmer. In fact it has been in the 30s the past two days. :-) Positively balmy compared to before.
- Even if it is nine degrees below zero, I have a roof over my head.
- The roof doesn't leak.
- I should never be cold because I'm well padded. ;-)
- My husband thinks I'm sexy despite the extra padding.
- My husband thinks volumpsious Catherine Zeta-Jones is better looking than twiggy Rene Zelleweger.
- My husband likes Emme's body better than Jennifer Aniston's.
- I almost believe him.
- God's mercies are new every morning.
- My children forgive me if I lose my temper when they don't pick up their toys the first time I tell them to.
- I live within walking distance of my church.
- God is faithful even when I'm not.
- I have too many books to read (or maybe not enough hours in the day).
- I have some of the best friends in the whole world.
- If you ask my daughter how she got so cute she'll say, "Cuz of my mommy." And I didn't pay her to say that. :-)
- My son can't go to sleep until I tuck him in, read him a book, and then pray for God to bless his dreams.
- As much as I'm confused about becoming a member of my church, I'm glad that I have the religious freedom to have the option to join.
- My hubby and I are going to see "The Passion of Christ" together. It is a church activity.
- I don't have to go to a laundromat to do my laundry.
- I have a dishwasher.
- The new "American Idol" season started last month.
- I got new facial mousterizer today.
- We have health insurance that helps with doctors visits and medications.
- I have a semi-sound mind (no comments from the peanut gallery).
- Music--particularly Mercy Me and Amy Grant.
- Librarians who know me by name.
- Librarians who know my children's names.
- A soccer coach who took the time to talk to me about why he didn't play Jonathan much in last Saturday's game even though I wasn't really worried about it.
- An almost 30-year-old New Testament given to me by Spring Street Wesleyan Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, when I was in nursery school that my daughter has now inherited.
- God's Grace.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
(Daddy's Note: Hubby changed his mind about "The Passion of the Christ," so I got to go, instead.)
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 03:50 PM | Comments (0)
August 15, 2008
Hurricane Prayers
(Originally published by Nattie on August 31, 2004)
My friend, Dana, needs some hurricane sized prayers. Hurricane Francis is heading right towards them and she has just recovered from Hurricane Charley.
Update 6pm:
The verses I am praying for Dana and Jamie and any one else in the storm's path...
- The disciples went and woke him saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."—Luke 8:24-25
- He stilled the storms to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.—Psalm 107:29
- So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? ...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.—
Hebrews 13:6 and 8- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.—Psalm 23- When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.—Isaiah 43:2-3a
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:36 AM | Comments (1)
August 14, 2008
Just call me...
(Originally published by Nattie on January 30, 2004)
..."Cranky Crankerson." Yup, I've changed my name. Why am I cranky?
- I had to get up early on a Saturday morning.
- It was 9 degrees below zero on said Saturday morning.
- It felt like 20 below zero on said Saturday morning because of the wind chill.
- I warmed up the car for over 15 minutes and it still didn't thaw out.
- I think I got frostbite on my butt from sitting on a cold car seat.
- It took half an hour to get myself and the Squirmy Twins bundled up.
- The oldest Squirmy Twin stuck his gloved hand in a snow bank and then complained loud and long about how cold his hand was.
- The oldest Squirmy Twin who, by the way, said he wanted to play soccer, sat on the sidelines the majority of the game because that was more fun. When he was in the game he spun around in circles oblivious to the goals of the game.
- After tackling and rebundling the oldest Squirmy Twin when the game was over, he then whined because he wanted to play soccer.
- The youngest Squirmy Twin fell on the ice outside the gym because her brother wanted her to hold his doggy that he had to bring with him and I told him no. It was his doggy. He needed to take care of it.
- So the youngest is crying because her butt is cold and sore now.
- The oldest is crying because I'm making him tow the line and he now only has one hand to form the snowball that I told him not to make.
- When we get home I tell them to go straight to the house. No detours in the snow. Not when it is this cold.
- Guess who doesn't listen but goes tramping through a snow bank?
- Guess who cries because mommy is upset that he didn't follow the rules?
- I'm congested.
- My husband is at work and I have to deal with this alone.
- The clincher and what makes all of the above a big deal when it normally wouldn't be - I have a headache! Not just a little headache, but a I'm-going-to-be-a-migraine headache if you don't slow down and lay down soon.
- I have a ton of things to do and I don't have time for a headache.
- dishes (I had to wash dishes to fix breakfast—so that was another reason I was cranky)
- laundry (it mated again in the night. I had it all folded yesterday now there is at least three more loads to do.)
- vacuum (I haven't vacuumed in over a week because my vacuum is out of commission. I sucked up a crayon and can't get it unstuck. BTW, hubby was home all last week and I asked him every day to look at said vacuum. He said he would look at it later. It is later. He hasn't looked at it!)
- clean the bathrooms (they are cruddy—again)
- take some headache medicine
- sip my Diet Coke
- lie down on the couch
- and pray that I can keep my temper in control
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:27 AM | Comments (0)
August 13, 2008
Friday Fancies
(Originally published by Nattie on January 30, 2004)
- One thing I know..five degrees below zero (F) with a 20-below wind chill is too friggin' cold.
- Other than that it has been a busy Friday. I woke up and fixed breakfast for the kids, took Jonathan to preschool, finished a library book, folded six days worth of laundry, picked Jonathan up from preschool, took the kids to the library, fixed lunch, took the kids with me to the store, took Anna to the doctor, visited with the great-grands, got gas, fixed dinner and am now sitting mindlessly surfing the net. I have dishes to do, but I'm zonked. I'm still coughing and wheezing, but I think it is getting better.
- Jonathan's teacher sent a note home in his school folder saying, "Jonathan has been doing great in class! We love having him!"
- I also need to work on helping him learn our phone number and I taught him how to spell his name wrong. Well, when I taught him his letters I was starting with the upper case. I hadn't gotten to lowercase yet. So he spells his name "JONATHAN" instead of "Jonathan." One more thing to work on.
- Anna picked out a suprising book at the library. I think I have a little bookworm on my hands. This is not a three-year-old's book, but she wanted it and when I said I would read it to her if she wanted she said, "No, I read it myself."
- We have one full-serve (for no extra cost) gas station in town. I felt so sorry for the attendant. It is bitterly cold and he was doing a booming business. I wished I had something I could give him. I considered digging out a pop tart from my groceries as a tip. :-)
- I took Anna to the doctor today to recheck her heart murmur. She still has it. He said that it was louder. *sigh* So he wants her to have an echocardiogram. I found some good links for info on heart murmurs here and here. I know worrying is futile, but it comes naturally. So we are waiting to hear when the echo is scheduled. Wes is taking the day off work because we'll have to drive to the big city to have it done at the children's hospital.
- I have to get up too early tomorrow. It is too cold to be out at 8:30 in the morning. But Jonathan has soccer. I need to remember snacks and drinks this time.
- Everytime I ask the kids to pick up their toys they become lethargic and act as if their limbs don't work. Do you think this could be a virus? Pickuptoyitis? It sounds deadly. One just started writhing in pain and the other is crying. ;-)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:48 AM | Comments (0)
August 12, 2008
I just have to say...
(Originally published by Nattie on January 29, 2004)
it must have been the cold medicine that made me share such *intimate* details yesterday. I'm still blushing. And for the record, it wasn't hubbies fault. I was really tired. It was one of those times when I should have just said I had a headache. ;-)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)
August 11, 2008
Thursday Thoughts
(Originally published by Nattie on January 28, 2004)
My cold has turned to that wet phlegmy cough that won't break up. Yesterday I had the sexy Kathleen Turner sultry voice. Today I've got the ex-smoker-on-oxygen voice.
I've been blogrolling and found lots of great blog ideas that I want to do. Too many to put in one entry and I can't decide which one to do, so instead I'm going to pull an old idea out of the hat. Stacey and Heather both did this one a while back -
~ I never wanted to be a cheerleader.
~ I can't do a cartwheel.
~ Everyone in high school thought I was a goody two shoes, teacher's pet and/or nerd.
~ I helped my high school football team pass English by "editing" their term papers.
~ I had my first kiss when I was 15. It was so gross I waited till I was 17 to try again.
~ I've had a "crush" on the same guy since I was in second grade. He still melts my butter, but I'm not telling you who he is. I am married now, after all.
~ When I broke up with my "boyfriend" in preschool he got mad and chased me into the girls' bathroom and threw blocks under the stall door. Needless to say I did not take him back.
~ I had my first real boyfriend in the summer between seventh and eighth grade. His name was Julio. He brought me roses. We never kissed, but we held hands. Ah, romance.
~ People think I'm a snob, but I'm really really really shy. Really.
~ I once fell asleep during sex (don't tell my husband I said that, but it's true).
~ I made my dad teach me to write my name when I was four.
~ I always color between the lines.
~ I can't step on a crack without worrying that I'll break my mother's back.
~ I never dated anyone I went to school with (well, there was one guy but he had graduated already).
~ I am really boring. :-)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:59 AM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2008
getting a lot done
(Originally published by Nattie on January 29, 2004)
I'm getting a lot done computer-wise today. The kids have "locked" themselves in the closet all morning with a flashlight. They are having an adventure. They are occupied and I can relax. I need to do housework, but I'm not there 100% yet and don't want to start wheezing like I did yesterday when I over did it a bit.
Well, the natives are demanding lunch...in the closet. If they are still enjoying the closet after lunch my book blog is my next computer goal. I'll let you know if I do. :-)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)
August 08, 2008
Men vs women math conundrum
(Originally published by Nattie on January 28, 2004)
One BOGO sale at Payless
plus One "buy one clearance item, get the second item for .01" sale at Fashion Bug
plus two books bought at Waldenbooks equals One mad hubby.
One BOGO sale at Payless euqaling two pairs of tennis shoes for only $30
plus One "buy one clearance item, get the second item for .01" sale at Fashion Bug equaling two pairs of shorts, one jacket and one peasant top for only $28
plus two books I had to have at Waldenbooks equaling $22
equals One happy bargain shopper! (I mean come on; that is only $80 for eight things!)
So who is right?
Probably the hubby. I think he is still a little stressed about the cost of the camera (even though THAT was his idea. I swear I did not twist his arm).
And we just had to buy a new vacuum because our old one broke.
And I have bought quite a few used books on amazon, ebay and half.com.
But I don't gold every weekend, either.
I guess this is a "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus moment." LOL So...I solemly swear to not go near BOGO sales, Amazon or Ebay...*gasp*. Oh, I can't do it. I solemnly swear to try to tame my shopping demons. How about that? I might need a bargain shopper exorcism. Where does one go to buy that? :-)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:29 AM | Comments (0)
August 07, 2008
Wednesday Wonderings
(Originally published by Nattie on January 27, 2004)
~ I'm feeling a little bit better. I can't say my brain is working well. Oy! Do I blame it on the cold? Mommy-brain? or the blonde roots?
~ School is closed today. Which is good. I kept Jonathan out of speech therapy yesterday because of a cough. He still has it today and it is soooo cold out. The big snow drifts don't help either.
~ What I really want to talk about is something that has been on my mind. I'm just going to spew it out. It may have merit. It may just be boloney. I'll let you be the judge.
Last week I got a letter from my pastor inviting me to take a member class to learn more about the church and possibly become a member. On one hand I feel it is time to put down some church roots. I have been attending this church for seven years now. I'm not the most faithful attendee, but I like this church. On the other hand I am skeptical of church membership. I'll explain why. Maybe if you get an idea of my church background you'll understand.
- From birth to age five I attended a Wesleyan church with my family. I have vague memories of children's church and still have the small Bible they gave me for graduating from the nursery to the children's program. I remember our minister playing the trumpet. Trumpet playing and Wesleyan churches will forever be tied together in my memory.
- My formative years were spent in a Nazarene church. We attended there from the time I was five to about 13. Why did we change? Well, we moved across country and this was the church my mom liked. We got heavily involved. I attended VBS, Pioneer Girls, etc. Meanwhile, I was attending a Baptist school. This is when I started to get a bad taste in my mouth about splitting denominational hairs.
My best friend and I had a disagreement over some doctrinal issue between the two denominations. I don't remember what it was now, but it was a big deal to us at nine years of age.
We went to our principal and she said (words I will always remember), "Do you believe you will both go to heaven?"
Bingo! Those other little things didn't matter. We both believed that Jesus died to save us from our sins and we'd asked him into our hearts. That was all that mattered. - In Junior High I was sent to a non-denominational school but the church that backed it was Reformed Church of America. A lot of my friends went to the RCA church. It is a big-named church in California, and I'm not going to badmouth it here. So I asked my mom if we could go there. She still attends this church.
I left that church when a group of us in the high school youth group wanted to hold an independent Bible study and we were discouraged from doing it. We met off the church campus and did it anyway. But that really upset me. I can understand that they might not want us misunderstanding the Bible. But they didn't offer to help us. They just wanted us to go to their church functions which weren't feeding us what we needed. Everything was feel good. No sin was discussed. It just didn't sit right with me. - So in high school I found The Vineyard. A friend who had gone to the RCA church changed to the Vineyard. I really learned a lot there. The Vineyard was started in the '60s and '70s by a group of people from the "Jesus Movement" which was huge in California among the hippies. This church was very charismatic which was a huge change for me. I really discovered what worshiping God could and should be there. But they also believed that everyone should speak in tongues. That didn't line up with the Bible for me. Some will speak in tongues. Some will interpret, and so on. Each person has their own spiritual gifts. Not everyone is the same.
- * My senior year of high school I attended another Wesleyan church with my dad. He was raised Wesleyan and was comfortable there. I still attended the Vineyard occasionally for deep indepth Bible studies and awesome worship services.
- Then I found what I will call the perfect church in my mind—Calvary Chapel. They were less charismatic in their worship, yet they still worshiped God whole-heartedly. They were very sound in their Biblical teaching. I loved it.
- Then I strayed from my faith. I had prayed the Sinner's Prayer when I was six and I believe that I tried to be a Christian all that time, but something hadn't clicked for me. I was trying too hard to be a Christian instead of letting God become the Lord of my life.
- When I moved to Indiana I wanted to try again. I was going to find a home church and I was going to make Christianity work for me (shakes head). I attended a Wesleyan church where the pastor was the same one from my childhood. It was nice, but just not there for me.
- Then I found the Nazarene church I attend now. It felt like home. I was pretty comfortable with their doctrine. I missed the worship and deep study of Calvary Chapel, but this was a pretty good second. The people were nice which is what has kept me there. It was at this church that I rededicated my life to Christ and where I say my joureny really began.
- While I go to church, I don't expect them to give me all of my Bible learning. Sometimes I study on my own. Sometimes the studies are guided ones like Elizabeth George or Beth Moore, but I independently study the word.
- What bothers me about becoming a member is the old philosophy of so many churches that you aren't a Christian unless you are a member. I'm not saying my church is that way, but I totally don't buy that theory. Parking in a garage doesn't make you a car. Neither does going to church or being a member make you a Christian. I'm an independent Christian. I do think fellowship with other Christians is important, but part of my problem growing up is that I was trying to be a Christian like my friends. I was trying to fit the cookie-cutter mold. I also believe accountability is important.
- So I am wavering. I want to become a member of this church for the right reasons, not the wrong. I don't want it to be thought that I'm a better person because I'm a member of a church. I want it to be known that I am becoming a member because I support this church and its mission which is the Great Comission. *sigh* I think I'm making it too difficult.
I'll attend the class. I'll talk to my pastor about any doctrine that I think is bunk. Like why do different denominations have to have their own name for things? Why does one have to call it "sanctification" while another calls it "being indwelled by the Holy Spirit"? That stuff ticks me off.
I will never believe one denomination is better than the other. To me the defining thing is "Will we all get to heaven?" Do they believe in the death and resurrection of Christ?
Anyway...I've spewed and if you are still reading this. Good for you. So over the next six weeks you might hear me rant about those little word that denominations split hairs over. Grrr. I will say one time and one time only—growing your hair long will not get you into heaven, wearing suits on Sunday will not get you to heaven, being a perfect cookie-cutter Christian won't get you to heaven. Okay, I think I got that out of my system...for now. :-)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:33 AM | Comments (1)
August 06, 2008
why can't I blog...
(Originally published by Nattie on January 26, 2004)
when I can't breathe through my nose? Well, there is a direct correlation between my IQ and breathing with my mouth open. I don't know why, but I can't think if I can't breathe through my nose and walk around with my mouth open all the time. I'm thankful that it is winter and there aren't any flies. Otherwise I'd be eating a high-fiber diet. ;-) Yes, I'm still sick. Still can't breathe properly. Still wishing I could pop this congestion the way you can pop a balloon. Still wishing it was socially acceptable to walk around with a Kleenex stuffed up your nose to catch the drainage...
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:02 AM | Comments (0)
August 05, 2008
As my kids would say
(Originally published by Nattie on January 24, 2004)
"I sick!" My husband gave me his sick germs. I'm congested. My throat is on fire. I keep coughing. Yuck! I don't like the sickies. Won't be online much until I can breathe through my nose.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)
August 04, 2008
Saturday this and that
(Originally published by Nattie on January 23, 2004)
~ The funeral was sad yesterday. I didn't know what to say. What can you say to a mother who lost her 14-year-old son? A son that she became pregnant with at 17 and raised for all of her adult life. So hard to know. I just hugged them and told them I was praying for them. I am.
~ The kids seem to be better. Wes returned to work today (Finally!). They are all still a little congested, but no more fever.
~ Jonathan had his first soccer game today. They have an indoor league at our church in the gym. He seemed to have a good time. He whined quite a bit which is usual until he gets used to the situation. His team won 7 to 3. :o) Go Blue! Go #47!
~ Anna's friend - Dylan. He is about her age and he wanted to play with her so badly. His brother was playing on Jonathan's team. At one point I got a picture of Dylan with his arm around Anna. She wasn't too sure about it. Good girl. It is okay to say no. ;o) She wanted to play soccer so badly. I told her we would get her a pink soccer ball and she could practice so she'd be ready to play next year. The girls were the best players. The boys just wanted to chase each other.
~ So Jonathan, Anna and I are going to work on some skills this week. Like stopping the ball and directing it without using your hands! I know very little about soccer so this could be interesting.
~ We are expecting five inches of snow tonight. The kids will be happy. Anna got new snow boots for Christmas and hasn't been able to wear them. Now I need to find her mittens and stocking cap. I don't know where they are?!
~ Snow is pretty, but I hate driving in it.
~ I read a good article today on How To Have A Literate Home. Most of it is common sense, but I enjoyed reading some of their ideas.
~ I did one of those silly surveys :
Fill in your ABCs
- Age:
30 - Boyfriend/Girlfriend:
Married for six years in April. We'll have been "together" for seven years in April. - Chores you hate:
All of them, especially cleaning the bathroom, dishes and laundry. - Dad's Name:
Geoff - Essential everyday item:
Diet Coke - Favorite actor/actress:
Umm...Audrey Hepburn and Orlando Bloom - Gold or Silver:
Silver - Hometown:
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana - Instruments you play:
Piano, although I haven't played regularly since 8th grade. - Job:
Peace keeper, janitor, mommy, helpmeet, or CEO of my home - Kids:
Three—Two rambunctious fun loving kids and my hubby. ;-) - Living arrangement:
two-bedroom apartment with two adults and two children. - Mom's name:
Mary - Number of siblings you have:
one stepsister - Overnight hospital stays:
Six—Tonsils when I was four or five, a C-section for each kid, and three stays at a "stress" center. - Phobia:
Abibliophobia—The morbid fear of running out of reading material. HouseWorkaphobia—The fear that all you'll ever do for the rest of your life is clean. - Quote you like:
I collect quotes so I have many, but one of my recent faves is - "Just the knowledge that a good book is waiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier."—Kathleen Norris - Ride:
A Plymouth Acclaim and a Chevy S-10 - Shows you like:
American Idol, Friends, King of Queens, Everybody Loves Raymond, I Love Lucy, The District, Matlock, Law & Order - Time you wake up:
I get out of bed around 7ish, but my mind doesn't wake up till around 10. - Unique habit:
I can pick things up with my toes, especially legos or other small toys in my way when my hands are full. - Vegetable you refuse to eat:
Brussels Sprouts - Worst habit:
Bad attitude - Xrays you've had:
Too many to count—multiple ankle injuries, chest xrays for work physicals, dental xrays... - Yummy foods you make:
Sausage, Green Bean and Potato stuff - Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius I guess.
~ Have a great day. If church is snowed out I might be online tomorrow. I'm thinking about blogging on my thoughts on "organized" religion. Hopefully I'll have it up in the next few days.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
August 02, 2008
On my heart and mind
(Originally published by Nattie on January 23, 2004)
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory,
what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus,
or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence,
or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah,
will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagineI can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine
Copyright Mercy Me—performed by Mercy Me and Amy Grant
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 04:30 PM | Comments (2)
August 01, 2008
say a little prayer today
(Originally published by Nattie on January 22, 2004)
I'm getting ready to drive three hours one way to Cody's funeral. It is bitter cold. Only five degrees this morning although it is to warm up to the 20s. Then we are expecting snow. Hubby and the kiddos are staying home sick. Pray for traveling mercies and that my hubby can handle two sick little ones.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:55 AM | Comments (0)