Wordless Wednesday ~ Modeling those new dresses from Gammie, the ones she bought after shopping with the girls via Skype

Walk with Him Wednesday ~ Divine Dress Code

For three weeks, Ann has challenged the Walk with Him Wednesday participaters to write on the the practice of habits...

Last week, I considered at the habit of dressing. I find this funny play on words amusingly interesting, for "habit" not only means a behavior so frequently repeated, achieving automaticity and requiring very little conscious thought, but also refers to a uniform, usually associated with a specific profession (i.e. a nun's habit). I hear habit used most often in conversation negatively: I bite my nails; I've tried repeatedly with only limited success to break this behavior pattern.

Colossians 3.12-14 describes a desirable habit: joyfully choosing to abide by a divine dress code... regularly clothing ourselves with a uniform that cries out "This woman's life is characterized by the presence of Jesus!" I can't begin to imagine all of the daily differences if every day, I automatically dressed according  to His heavenly standard.

But wait a minute! How many of us actually "unconsciously" get dressed each day, with little thought or consideration of the day's plans and upcoming activities? It does happen occasionally, but when I do, I often find myself unprepared or not properly arrayed for a particular situation. Perhaps it is better to think of clothing ourselves as one of those habits which we unconsciously assume will happen each day, but which clearly demands the habit of thinking about what we need to wear and whether it is appropriate for what we think that day will hold. In other words, without even thinking about it, each day I automatically go through a decision making process where I deliberately and thoughtfully choose my attire choice.

This is certainly NOT the first time the Lord has brought me to these verses; in fact, He repeatedly redirects me to this passage time and time again (see this Bible study from 2007 or this blog post from 5 days ago) - I must be a slow learner... 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

When I first taught these verses, I took the items of clothing most Nigerien women wear every single day and matched them up with the specific virtues listed in these verses: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, authentic forgiveness, and love. 

Undergarments, chemise (or shirt), pagne (or length of material wrapped around like a skirt), head covering, sandals, shawl or scarf, and jewelry - what most women would "put on" each day before leaving her courtyard... we matched each virtue to a corresponding item of clothing  women generally "put on" before leaving their homes. Even now, nearly 5 years after I first taught that study, women in the church will occasionally make a remark about remembering or forgetting to "wear" one of those spiritual virtues.

And I sometimes think back to that study when I'm getting dressed here... African style. Since I don't just wear the local styles of clothing, however... and my kids don't wear them most of the time, I figured I might as well think through this dressing habit again, with the physical stuff I "put on" ... and in that sense, make it more relevant to myself. (A really good reminder that often we teachers prepare lessons we think others need, forgetting how badly we need to make application of those very principles ourselves!)

It's September now... the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year, as far as I'm concerned. That's partly because I LOVE autumn-appropriate clothing. So, that's what I'll use as I pick clothing items to correspond to those spiritual virtues listed in Colossians 3. One of the things about this particular strategy... it is best if personally determined, because each virtue has its own unique challenges for each individual prayerfully seeking to live them out.


First, I'll choose undergarments to represent humility. I tend to be full of pride and self-importance, thinking far more highly of myself that I should. Thus, it is imperative that the first thing I do each day is confess that very natural, normal and self-centered way for me to act before the Lord and ask Him to help me stay humble. "Let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ Jesus... Who emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant..." When humility is that first layer, the very first thing I "put on" as I start my day and closest to my skin, then everything that happens throughout the day must pass through that layer that says I am intent on this purpose: to "do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard [others] as more important" than myself.

Then, I'd pull out a turtleneck to represent compassion. Compassion means I'm not only willing, but I choose to suffer together with another. In other words, when someone hurts, I allow myself hurt right along with them and for them. To hurt with someone means I need to see things how they see it and understand where they are standing. Compassion sees right and wrong, but doesn't judge or condemn, instead offering grace, mercy and the hope and encouragement to consider an alternate path. That turtleneck covers my heart, because if I want to be compassionate, I have to allow my heart to see and feel.

Next comes a good ole' pair of jeans, which I'm choosing to represent kindness. Jeans are casual and don't need to be pretentious. They are work clothes, and kindness sees a need, determines how to help, rolls up the sleeves and pitches in. Kindness treats others like I hope they'd treat me under similar circumstances. Kindness serves in useful and practical ways. And just like a favorite pair of jeans, kindness puts others at ease and allows others to feel comfortable around me. 

On a crisp autumn day, the subsequent article of clothing I'd put on would be a soft, thick and warm pair of socks; those can remind me of genuine forgiveness. They protect my feet from blisters when and where my shoes rub, insulate my toes from cold as I pad around in the house on cool basement floors, and when I'm out in the more frigid weather, prevent frostbite. Socks are closely linked to my favorite pair of hiking boots. It is those boots that come into direct contact most with the dirt and muck of the world - and I need long-suffering patience to interact in this world without letting negative attitudes and hateful feelings towards those who disagree, cross my path or hurt me or those I love. Forgiveness then comes into play when patience has been insufficient; some insult or pain has penetrated and then needs to be dealt with before bitterness or callousness settles in.

Then it is time to put on a thick sweater, soft comfy sweatshirt or an oversize button up plaid flannel - which directs my mind towards the virtue of love. Christ's love must cover all and should be one of, if not the first, things others notice about me. The Bible teaches me that others will know I am a Jesus-follower by God's love actively shown working in and through me - first shown to brothers and sisters in the faith and then extended to others all around me as the Lord brings opportunity. The example of Christ confirms that God's love, manifested in His own, is what changes hearts and changes this world. "For God so loved the world, He sent..." are words so well known and oft repeated that it is easy to ignore the impact they should make every single time I hear or read them.

The very last thing I do before I head out to face the world is find a clip or hair band to gather my hair back from my face and put on my glasses so I can then accurately see and perceive the world around me. This makes me think of gentleness, which is, for me perhaps, the most challenging component of this divine dress code. Gentleness is not usually a most pragmatic response. And often, I treat others abruptly or harshly simply because I did not see... all caught up in my priorities, I forget to look, I don't notice and then react matter-of-factly or even distantly instead of thoughtfully, gently, carefully responding to others and/or situations taking place around me. Gentleness implies a soft, sweet response that  only becomes possible if and when I look at and actually perceive others the way God sees them...

Now... if I only made this dress code a priority instead of quickly throwing on whatever I grabbed first and running out the door with little consideration or forethought. It is my prayer... but of course, that means I'll probably be challenged pretty quickly in these areas, right?

What articles of clothing would you choose to correspond with God's divine

dress code, that would help you to think 

about clothing yourself with these seven virtues

each day as you prepare to represent Jesus to a watching world?

Five Minute Friday ~ Change

"It’s the fastest, funnest, free write on the web - Five Minute Friday!

Where a beautiful crowd spends five minutes all writing on the same topic and then sharing ‘em over here.

Now, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on..."

Change…

I remember so clearly traipsing down the stairs, thinking I was dressed to kill and lookin' pretty chic... and hopin' I wouldn't make eye contact with Mom? 'Cause I knew if I did, I'd be plodding back up those stairs and trudging down the hallway, probably slightly  slamming (if I really did, I'd be back downstairs, practicing it again while demonstrating the "right" attitude) the door, sequestered until I removed some make-up, changed my clothes, "did something normal" with my hair or some combination of all three. I was usually rolling my eyes and muttering as I trudged.

Now? Years have gone by and how the times have changed!

Now I'm the one with teenage daughters (and a niece on loan for a year). 

Now I'm the one frequently wishing,

sometimes suggesting,
 and occasionally?

Matter-of-factly mandating

that they return to their room and change something about their appearance - before they'll be allowed to leave the house. I'm sure they're sure that I'm just an old fuddy-duddy with no clue about fashion... that I'm over-protective and worrying about ridiculous things... that I'm micro-managing and not letting them learn what it means to be a young woman... that I'm mean because I have the power to do so.



Yes, it's my turn now. I've got teenagers roaming around my house and they may not understand now, but times will change again and way-too-soon that someday will become their now...

But this all started me to thinking ~

Recently, God's brought be back to some verses He had me camped on for many months a few years back:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-16)

I wonder how often my Lord looks at me as I ready myself to head out the door for another day and wishes, "If she'd only remove that critical spirit and clothe herself with gentleness instead."

Many days I hear His Spirit whisper, quietly suggesting deep within my heart right after I few off the handle and yelled at my girl because once again she can't find her shoes, "Dear, you've slipped patience on wrong-side out. Let's adjust that quick-temperedness... Turn it right-side out so that you are wrapped in patience."

Why must He still regularly remind me, "I love you, my child, with an everlasting love. You've forgotten to clothe yourself with my love, and you are ready to turn the key in that ignition.." before He mandates, "Go back and change out of that tacky, immodest and cheap sentiment. You've got my love hanging in your closet. Why won't you wear that?"

Lord, keep changing me until each day I happily traipse before You, modeling how I've clothed myself in the beautiful, infinitely expensive garments You've bought for me.

(Please note... this was a 9-10 Minute Friday... OOPS!)

Walk with Him Wednesday ~ What are YOU Wearing Today?

For the next few weeks, Ann has challenged the Walk with Him Wednesday participaters to write on the the practice of habits... and when I first read that, this - one of the very first Bible studies I taught to the ladies at our Harobanda church - immediately popped into mind. And when I say pop, I don't mean it in a cliché-ish sort of  way. Instead, picture kernels of popcorn in an air popper that blow around and around until all of the sudden they explode and transform from a hard kernel into a fluffy, air-filled burst of "corn-y" goodness, especially when dressed up a bit with salt and butter...

That Bible study was on Colossians 3:12 - 14.

According to dictionary.com, a habit is:

1. an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary.
2. customary practice or use.
3. a particular practice, custom, or usage.
4. a dominant or regular disposition or tendency; prevailing character or quality.
5. addiction, especially to narcotics
6. mental character or disposition.
7. characteristic bodily or physical condition.
8. the characteristic form, aspect, mode of growth, etc., of an organism.
9. the characteristic crystalline form of a mineral.
10. garb of a particular rank, profession, religious order, etc.
11. the attire worn by a rider of a saddle horse.

Now, read the verses referenced above:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

So... what about those words  "pops" so dramatically?

Three words - "clothe" and "put on."

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

In other words... "GET DRESSED!"

What could be more habit-ish than getting dressed? Everyone I know gets up in the morning and changes into something s/he considers acceptable to wear out in public. I don't know anyone who regularly spends every day in his/her jammies or undergarments only.

God gives us a dress code! And what are we supposed to wear?

compassion

kindness

gentleness

patience (or long-suffering-ness)

forgiveness

love

This attire proclaims: "This gal? She's a Jesus-follower."

As women, we generally care about what we wear; we devote significant time and attention to how we clothe ourselves when we go out (especially if we are out on a date with our guy, going to church, or attending some sort of important function, etc.) Just as we pay much attention to our physical clothing and our physical appearance when we are out in public, God directs us to make spiritual "clothing" a top priority.

Want to see an interesting truth about the command to "clothe yourself?"

In the original Greek, it implies this context: In the beginning, just like an infant, we need someone to first clothe us; as we grow, it is something we learn to do ourselves. First we need help physically/mechanically. Then we need help learning how to match individual items together in a pleasing combinations. Finally, we need help selecting what is appropriate for differing occasions. I wonder if Paul, when he wrote these words, also thought of that same progression?

I wonder how my relationship with the Lord might grow if each day I specifically asked - and then allowed - Him to clothe me with compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and above all, love? I wonder how my relationships with others might improve if I spent as much time and attention each morning on preparing to exhibit Christ through these qualities as I do arranging my actual physical appearance?

Initial judgments and first impressions form, often based on that first view. In that first view, what we immediately notice is how someone is dressed... sometimes even before we can distinctly see facial features or clearly hear words.

What if these were the first and most lasting "clothing" people noticed about me?

compassion

kindness

gentleness

patience (or long-suffering-ness)

forgiveness

love

(Edited from the archives,

original post 21 June 2007)

5 Minute Friday ~ Open

I remember a few years back, a conversation with a younger friend where I shared that God had been teaching me much about holding those I love with an open hand, trying not to saddle them with the burden of my expectations. I realize now, a few years after the fact, that I'm still just an infant in my understanding of what that brand of bighandedness relationships is all about.

My initial understanding was a comprehension I struggled and fought long and hard against before finally conceding defeat to its truth. I wanted to grab tight ahold of those I loved, wrapping my arms around them, pulling them as close to me as I could and holding on for all I'm worth. Sounds loyal and devoted - but it also sounds suffocating.

I grasp that truth with my mind? Why hasn't it become any easier to put into practice?

Why? I find I still fight long and hard against practically living this truth. I forget and grasp and cling desperately (metaphorically speaking) to my husband, my children, my closest friends with fist tightly clenched...  and I know better. Generousity with time, money and possessions seems so uncomplicated when I compare that to liberal openhandedness with the people who matter most to me.

The funny thing? Often the hardest one to trust when it comes to those I love is the the One Who is most trustworthy. I think that must be where expectations come into play. I have to offer those relationships back to God with an open hand... without expectations for what God might do, how He might lead, in the future... Those precious earthly bonds must be submitted to His sovereignty and divine rule.

So I'm still a sometimes "open-handed-wannabe."

I wonder if someday clothing myself in that type of generosity and openness will ever become a habit?

"Don't look back when you reach the new shore,
Don't forget what you're leaving me for,
Don't forget when you're missing me so,
Love must never hold,
Never hold tight but let go."

(from the song "Send me a song," performed by Celtic Woman)

They always say...

...when you are watching little ones,

you should start to worry if they are out of your sight and all of the sudden,

it gets really quiet.

Well, she was out of my sight...

She was giggling, laughing and playing - I could hear her right outside my window...

I wasn't worried...

Maybe I should have been?

Nah!

After all, what's tons a little dirt

(although I am still scrubbing to try and remove it... that may be a hopeless cause)

especially when it brings a smile of delight THAT big! 

~she looked around and she said,~

"...I've got the whole house to myself... and I DON'T like it!"

Today was the first day of school and we had excited and nervous childen up at the crack of dawn, before the alarm clocks. I need to point out, however, that our teenager was not one of those early risers! This was true, even though a few of those early risers had been up several times during the night with the cough that never ends, even once it has been "treated" (i.e. whooping cough). They couldn't sleep because they were wondering when they could start dressing in their uniforms. It is hard to believe that we have 7 of them actually leaving for school on some days (Elsie Mae goes twice a week to a K3 program.).

"First Day of School" shots require the panorama feature for our crew!

At first, Mary Michelle though all the excitement around the house this morning was great. She crawled from person to person, giggling and laughing, even bringing the brush to me and plopping down in front of me like she wanted me to fix her hair, too.

However, as I started to walk away with the rest of the gang, the silence, according to Tim, became overwhelming and she decided to fill it with weeping, wailing and many tears as she searched the house for someone OTHER than her daddy. She obviously adores her older siblings and is going to be a little bit lost on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Jonathan and Elsie Mae only go for half days, so at 11:30, Tim, Mary Michelle and I walked over to the school, stopping by the office to drop off the lunches that I'd not gotten packed in time for the rest of the gang to take with them (because part of what I'd planned to put in their lunch - sliced cucumbers - were liquidy mush in the crisper drawer of the fridge no longer edible necessitating a quick trip to the grocery store first). The munchkin squad seemed to have a great time today. Elsie Mae informed us that school is the most fun of anything!

And how did Mary Michelle spend her morning? Very clingy as she tried to eat helped me fill out additional paperwork needed by the school, as well as trying out green beans and rice for the first time -my green splattered jeans and white shirt will attest to that (I'm not sure what she liked more - the taste or the watching it fly out of her mouth as she blew raspberries). It will be fun to hear how the day goes for the rest of the crew... and to watch Rebekah's first volleyball game as well as Bren's second soccer game. What a day, the first day of school, 2009!

We also noticed the first leaves

beginning to drop and flutter...

Fall is just around the corner!

Backyard Portraits by Gampy ~ "Anna"

Have you ever thought it funny... the history of a particular item of clothing? I bought this dress for Rebekah, before Jonathan was born and we came home for our last furlough as an "Easter dress." Rebekah wore it for that Easter and a few times since, but she's never liked it. Anna, on the other hand, loves it and chooses to wear it all the time... I never figured I was really buying it for her... after all, she wasn't even 4 years at the time! But now, when I look at this dress - it is SO Anna... and she looks so sweet wearing it!

(ball).C.A.P. C.I.T.A.T.I.O.N.S!

“It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, and certainly not desirable, as one's hat keeps blowing off.”

~Woody Allen~

“One thing they never tell you about child raising is that for the rest of your life, at the drop of a hat, you are expected to know your child's name and how old he or she is.”

~Erma Bombeck~

“If... man's faults were written on his forehead, he would draw his hat over his eyes.”

~Thomas Grey~

“If a [girl] rebels against high-heeled shoes, she should take care to do it in a very smart hat.”

~George Bernard Shaw~

“I wish I could stand on a busy street corner, hat in hand, and beg people to throw me all their wasted hours”

~Bernard Berenson~

“Don't hang your hat higher than you can reach”

~Belizean Proverb~

“I carry my own church about under my own hat, said I. 'Bricks and mortar won't make a staircase to heaven. I believe with your Master that the human heart is the best temple.' ”

~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.~

~ School Picture Day ~

Guess which ones are our kids... and is it too obvious that their mother wasn't around to help pick out their clothes or do their hair?

Days of Knights and Damsels

Next week is our week of "summer vacation." Tim is taking a week off work, there are lots of little house projects we want to take care of, time to play games with the kids, and just for fun, we are also doing a "Medieval Studies" unit. We started with the intro yesterday. The big girls read all about how knights and damsels dressed - and then created costumes for Victoria, Jonathan and Elsie Mae. I was so disappointed when I found out that the batteries in the camera were dead (AGAIN!) for when the big girls introduced me to Robin Hood and Maid Marian... WOW! Were they cute!

This is the book we are using to get a lot of our ideas and information from, although we have a couple of other resources, too. And Tim is excited, too - since we are using medieval recipes for all of our meals this coming week - means a diet more based on meat and potatoes than we typically have, to he's sure he's in for a treat.

Some of the foods we are plannig to eat: French Toast, Stew served in a Trencher, Meat Pies, Cabbage Stew and Dumplings, Mead, Marzipan, Curds and Whey, Apple Tarts, Curd Tarts and Real Gingerbread. We are even going to make our own butter! I've had to come up with some creative substitutions for some of the recipes, but I think things will actually work and then, much to my surprise, I was actually able to find everything when I went grocery shopping this morning. Of course, the big girls will be heavily implicated in all meal preparations. I need to get some batteries so we can share some pictures. We also hope to construct a miniature castle that they can use to play with puppets they'll also be making.

Preparing for this unit of study has been lots of fun - I've learned lots of interesting things I'd never heard before - we'll be sure to be sharing some of those tibits with you throughout the week, too!

TIDBIT #1

Did you know that the following sayings all came from the Middle Ages?

1. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
2. One shears the sheep, the other the pig.
3. He casts roses before swine.
4. He's an ear-blower.
5. The world turns on her thumb.
6. It's a hoe without a handle.
7. He sits in his own light.
8. The pigs run loose in the corn.
9. He kills 2 flies with one blow.
10. She takes the hen's egg and leaves the goose's.

It will be interesting to hear what the kids think these different proverbs mean - I'm sure we'll get some funny responses!

VICTORIA'S SECR&T ?????

We celebrated Victoria's birthday yesterday - and this was the gift her daddy picked up for her before we left the States to return to Niger. She is always FREEZING when she first comes out of the shower, no matter how hot it is, so he thought these (see below) would help her...

*

*

*

*

*

We think she's really cute, but...

... she's NOT!

- Which, by the way, is quite OK by us! -

TRYING out those Squeaky New Birthday Shoes

(After the video of Elsie Mae plays, at least on our browser, a menu pops up that allows you to link directly to other YouTube videos with similar descriptors. We've not yet figured out how to remove that option - if you know how, please inform us - but not having any idea of the content, only watch videos at your own risk!)

The first time wearing new shoes

is always a bit TRYING.

Imagine TRYING to walk,

for the very first time ever,

wearing any kind of shoes...

She actually did pretty well!

So in this video,

we have one of Elsie Mae's

first TRIES

...to walk in her birthday shoes...

...but she is a bit distracted...

'Cause these shoes are "squeaky" shoes!

If you TRY -

you can hear the squeak

with every step she takes!

We celebrated Elsie Mae's first birthday at a favorite family restaurant with friends. We love the brochettes and fries, Elsie Mae loves the fries, and she had a great time playing with this box of tissues. She's a mostly easy to play child - give her a roll of toilet paper or a box of tissues, and she can contentedly entertain herself for quite some time!

She sure is

a cute little squeaker!