In my room sitting next to my bed is a hope chest. Hope chests are traditionally used for a girl before she is married, to collect things in, for when she has her own home. However, my hope chest is not dishes, or towels, or anything for my home. My hope chest is now a box full of memories I have kept while building my home. I got this idea from my Mom. I remember as a young girl being curious as to what was in it. Some times the curiosity got the best of me, and when she was away at work I would sneak in it. There in that box was all kinds of little things my brother and I had made for her that she considered "keepers", or letters from my Dad when they were dating, or maybe in it was something I didn't recognize, but she would know exactly when and where it came from. So, as a Mom myself now, I have my own memories, right there next to my bed.
Over the years I have saved many things from each of my kids, a lot of my friends, and special things from my family. More then likely, I have things that would suprise people. A little lady bug I got at a gift shop 6 years ago when I went to the coast w/ some of the Armor Bearer girls. A napkin or brochure from a trip I went on. To some, like I mentioned before, it wouldn't mean anything. But, for me, I can tell you time and place, and very likely what I was feeling at the moment. Anyone who has kids knows that you can't save everything. If we did, it would get crazy! All of the pictures they draw you in class or the crafts they make...you wouldn't be able to keep up. Then suddenly they give you something, and you immediately know that it is a "keeper".
I wonder if God has a Memory Box. The times when He looks at us going through life, and maybe we do something or say something and He jots it down and puts it away for us to see someday. Wouldn't it be awesome to see! I think so. What about you? Do you have a hope chest or memory box? I hope so, I think everyone should. Maybe that's the sentimental side of me.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
A Wise Woman Builds Her House
My 7 year old son Timothy came to me a few months ago, and said he knew what he wanted to do when he grew up. Curiously, I asked him what? He stated very matter of factly that he wanted to build buildings. Knowing how my son's mind works, I thought he very well could! So we talked briefly about what kind of buildings he would like to build and how among many things, he would need to learn how to read a blueprint and how to build a strong foundation. It is afterall, the most important part!
Over the last few days I have been pondering on what people in general will sometimes try to build on. However, I'm not talking about buildings, I'm talking about their lives. They could be built on money, fame, relationships, good intentions, tragedy, etc. Only to find out that it is like sinking sand. It doesn't stand.
Then I began thinking about a Scripture in Proverbs 14:1 that says, "The wise woman builds her home, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands." What does that mean? As a woman, I have been given the responsibility to build my house on a strong foundation. I also am responsible for looking at the blueprint of what my home should look like. By trying to ignore this, or pass it off to someone else, I am automatically tearing it down... with my own hands.
So what makes a strong foundation, and what blueprint should I use? The Bible says that Jesus Christ is our rock, our foundation. Anything that is built without Him is again, like sinking sand. Storms will come to every house at one point - maybe through finances, stress in relationships, tragedy, etc. - and you will find that a home can not stand on those without Christ. Our blueprint is the Word of God, the Bible. In it is what our marriages, our children, our "homes" should look like. And guess what? We, as women have a huge role in that! It is a responsibility and it is a priviledge.
Are you a builder?
Proverbs 14:1
Matthew 6:46 - 49
Over the last few days I have been pondering on what people in general will sometimes try to build on. However, I'm not talking about buildings, I'm talking about their lives. They could be built on money, fame, relationships, good intentions, tragedy, etc. Only to find out that it is like sinking sand. It doesn't stand.
Then I began thinking about a Scripture in Proverbs 14:1 that says, "The wise woman builds her home, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands." What does that mean? As a woman, I have been given the responsibility to build my house on a strong foundation. I also am responsible for looking at the blueprint of what my home should look like. By trying to ignore this, or pass it off to someone else, I am automatically tearing it down... with my own hands.
So what makes a strong foundation, and what blueprint should I use? The Bible says that Jesus Christ is our rock, our foundation. Anything that is built without Him is again, like sinking sand. Storms will come to every house at one point - maybe through finances, stress in relationships, tragedy, etc. - and you will find that a home can not stand on those without Christ. Our blueprint is the Word of God, the Bible. In it is what our marriages, our children, our "homes" should look like. And guess what? We, as women have a huge role in that! It is a responsibility and it is a priviledge.
Are you a builder?
Proverbs 14:1
Matthew 6:46 - 49
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Suicide Amongst Youth
In this mornings paper I saw an obituary, and immediately the name stood out to me. the reason being, is because he was the father of one of my brother's best friends growing up.
I was probably 10 or 11 years old, and Greg was about 6 years older. He would come over all the time and hang out with my brother. They would pick on me, and I would complain, but then come back for more... Sounds familiar...Greg seemed larger then life. He seemed to always be smiling. They were friends for a year or so, and then started getting into trouble. Small things at first, like harassing animals, and then bigger things like vandalizing the schools. I was young enough to where I didn't quite get everything that was going on, but just knew the cops were coming over a lot. This went on for awhile - Greg was no longer allowed to come to our house, nor was brother allowed to go to his.
One evening, we got a call. Greg had gone into his room with a shotgun, and committed suicide. He only lived a couple of blocks down the street, and it was devastating. For his family, for my brother, for my parents, and everyone who was involved. For me, it was hard to imagine that this boy who at one point seemed so happy was now not here. What happened? When did things change for him?
His mother died a few years later, and his Dad apparently remarried. In reading his obituary this morning, it appeared as though he had committed his life to the Lord, and became very involved in his church. I was glad to hear that.
I have learned that you can not look at someone on the outside and be able to tell everything that's going on inside. We can be good at masking, can't we. I have also learned we have an answer. When you come to the Lord, it doesn't mean you won't ever have problems. It means you have an answer to those problems.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans of good and not evil. Plans to give you a hope and a future.
Some Statistics:
In 2006, it was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 33,300 deaths. The overall rate was 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. An estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.
In 2006, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.
Children ages 10 to 14 — 1.3 per 100,000
Adolescents ages 15 to 19 — 8.2 per 100,000
Young adults ages 20 to 24 — 12.5 per 100,000
I am so thankful to be part of a church that loves the children and youth! From the time they are in the womb we are speaking life into them. Our Children's Ministry is called "History Makers", because we put a purpose in their heart, and truly believe they can make history now, and not have to wait until they're older. Our Youth is dedicated to purity and training young men and women to be passionate about the kingdom of God, and fulfilling God's will and purposes in their life everyday.
I was probably 10 or 11 years old, and Greg was about 6 years older. He would come over all the time and hang out with my brother. They would pick on me, and I would complain, but then come back for more... Sounds familiar...Greg seemed larger then life. He seemed to always be smiling. They were friends for a year or so, and then started getting into trouble. Small things at first, like harassing animals, and then bigger things like vandalizing the schools. I was young enough to where I didn't quite get everything that was going on, but just knew the cops were coming over a lot. This went on for awhile - Greg was no longer allowed to come to our house, nor was brother allowed to go to his.
One evening, we got a call. Greg had gone into his room with a shotgun, and committed suicide. He only lived a couple of blocks down the street, and it was devastating. For his family, for my brother, for my parents, and everyone who was involved. For me, it was hard to imagine that this boy who at one point seemed so happy was now not here. What happened? When did things change for him?
His mother died a few years later, and his Dad apparently remarried. In reading his obituary this morning, it appeared as though he had committed his life to the Lord, and became very involved in his church. I was glad to hear that.
I have learned that you can not look at someone on the outside and be able to tell everything that's going on inside. We can be good at masking, can't we. I have also learned we have an answer. When you come to the Lord, it doesn't mean you won't ever have problems. It means you have an answer to those problems.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans of good and not evil. Plans to give you a hope and a future.
Some Statistics:
In 2006, it was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 33,300 deaths. The overall rate was 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. An estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.
In 2006, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.
Children ages 10 to 14 — 1.3 per 100,000
Adolescents ages 15 to 19 — 8.2 per 100,000
Young adults ages 20 to 24 — 12.5 per 100,000
I am so thankful to be part of a church that loves the children and youth! From the time they are in the womb we are speaking life into them. Our Children's Ministry is called "History Makers", because we put a purpose in their heart, and truly believe they can make history now, and not have to wait until they're older. Our Youth is dedicated to purity and training young men and women to be passionate about the kingdom of God, and fulfilling God's will and purposes in their life everyday.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Traditions
Have you ever been doing something and all of a sudden something happens and it immediately takes you back to a memory you have? It might be something somebody says, a movie, a song, or maybe a smell. Yesterday when we were driving past the Harbor in Brookings and to the hotel, the smell of the salty sea air and the sights around me threw me back in time to all the times we have been here with our kids on the 4th of July. Everywhere I looked, I thought of them. In the gift shop across from the hotel, Timothy is known as the Webkinz kid because he kept going in and buying Webkinz cards with his spending money. At the hotel, I looked at the pool and thought about how every one of my kids learned how to swim there. Even looking down on the beach or being in the hotel room, I thought about all the memories we've created. Why? It's a tradition.
When the kids were younger I hated coming. It was so much work packing porta cribs, swings, and everything else that came with the toddler age. We have a large extended family, and at the time no one else had kids. At times I would feel isolated because they would all want to do things that weren't kid friendly - like snorkling down the Chetco or golfing. Every year Sean and I would end up in a fight because I would get so frustrated. I didn't realize at the time, we were building memories for the kids -traditions - that would be so cherished.
I think there will be things that family's do as traditions that are intentional. We all have those fun little things, that we hope our children will carry on when they have a family of their own. I also think there will be things that we have no idea will become traditions, until one day we look back and think of all the memories that have been created.
Some of the Eisma Family traditions:
- 4th of July in Brookings
- Family Camp at Lake of the Woods
- Picincs at Medford Oaks
- Christmas morning at Grammy and Grandad's house
- Getting each child a new ornament at Christmas
- Having 2 Thanksgiving Dinners :)
Feel free to share some of yours!
When the kids were younger I hated coming. It was so much work packing porta cribs, swings, and everything else that came with the toddler age. We have a large extended family, and at the time no one else had kids. At times I would feel isolated because they would all want to do things that weren't kid friendly - like snorkling down the Chetco or golfing. Every year Sean and I would end up in a fight because I would get so frustrated. I didn't realize at the time, we were building memories for the kids -traditions - that would be so cherished.
I think there will be things that family's do as traditions that are intentional. We all have those fun little things, that we hope our children will carry on when they have a family of their own. I also think there will be things that we have no idea will become traditions, until one day we look back and think of all the memories that have been created.
Some of the Eisma Family traditions:
- 4th of July in Brookings
- Family Camp at Lake of the Woods
- Picincs at Medford Oaks
- Christmas morning at Grammy and Grandad's house
- Getting each child a new ornament at Christmas
- Having 2 Thanksgiving Dinners :)
Feel free to share some of yours!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Space Invader
Yesterday was an amazing day because not only was it Mother's Day, but it was also my 36th Birthday. So, needless to say, I woke up in a great mood (like I do every morning...not) and was ready to spend the day with my family and friends. While we were at church, I had a lot of people come up to me to wish me a happy day, and then worship started.
There are times during worship when I get distracted, and then there are other times when I am totally in it. Yesterday, I was totally in it. Now something strange happens to me when I close my eyes, especially if I'm not hanging on to anything. I tend to get off balance, so there have been times I am at church and find myself really in prayer or worship, and when I open my eyes I have turned completely around and am facing the wrong way! So yesterday we are there, and I had my eyes closed and my hands raised, and I am really in worship, when all of a sudden my husband leans over and whispers to me, "Honey, your hands are right in my face." We both started laughing because I have done this before. One time I was in Louisiana with Pastor Natalie and the same thing happened. We were right next to eachother and I keep noticing out of the corner of my eye that she is moving forward. In my head I am thinking, "Wow God is really touching her!" Though that was true, her continuing to move was because I kept touching her! Once again, I kept shoving my hands and arms right in her face. Needless to say, I have been nicknamed "The Space Invader".
We all know "space invaders". It might be during worship or it might be those people who insist on standing 3 inches from your face when they are talking to you, and it doesn't matter if you scoot back because they'll just scoot closer.
I have found with God, that He isn't always a space invader. Don't get me wrong, there are times when He is, and I'm glad.... but that's not what I am talking about. I am talking about how sometimes He'll let you know He's there, but He won't force Himself on you. He didn't make us all robots, that were forced to love Him, forced to pray, or forced to worship Him. He gave us all that choice. Yet, He drops hints doesn't He. Those times when you hear the still small voice, saying, "I love you, I want to spend time with you, I sent my Son to die for you, you are mine." Sometimes we have to trust that God is doing that with those we love also. He is a gentleman, and though He will scoot close to you, He won't always be that space invader...
At least not until you give Him permission :)
There are times during worship when I get distracted, and then there are other times when I am totally in it. Yesterday, I was totally in it. Now something strange happens to me when I close my eyes, especially if I'm not hanging on to anything. I tend to get off balance, so there have been times I am at church and find myself really in prayer or worship, and when I open my eyes I have turned completely around and am facing the wrong way! So yesterday we are there, and I had my eyes closed and my hands raised, and I am really in worship, when all of a sudden my husband leans over and whispers to me, "Honey, your hands are right in my face." We both started laughing because I have done this before. One time I was in Louisiana with Pastor Natalie and the same thing happened. We were right next to eachother and I keep noticing out of the corner of my eye that she is moving forward. In my head I am thinking, "Wow God is really touching her!" Though that was true, her continuing to move was because I kept touching her! Once again, I kept shoving my hands and arms right in her face. Needless to say, I have been nicknamed "The Space Invader".
We all know "space invaders". It might be during worship or it might be those people who insist on standing 3 inches from your face when they are talking to you, and it doesn't matter if you scoot back because they'll just scoot closer.
I have found with God, that He isn't always a space invader. Don't get me wrong, there are times when He is, and I'm glad.... but that's not what I am talking about. I am talking about how sometimes He'll let you know He's there, but He won't force Himself on you. He didn't make us all robots, that were forced to love Him, forced to pray, or forced to worship Him. He gave us all that choice. Yet, He drops hints doesn't He. Those times when you hear the still small voice, saying, "I love you, I want to spend time with you, I sent my Son to die for you, you are mine." Sometimes we have to trust that God is doing that with those we love also. He is a gentleman, and though He will scoot close to you, He won't always be that space invader...
At least not until you give Him permission :)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
What is your name?
When I was in the 4th grade I remember being on the play ground with my friends at school, and I was wearing, what I thought, was the coolest sweatshirt. I thought it was cool because, on the back of it, it said "Kritter", my nick name. Thinking back now, I wonder where the heck "Kritter" came from :) None the less, at the same time there was a new cereal that came out called "Crispy Critters" and the commercial had a catchy jingle to it - so all was good!
When I was in the 9th grade, one of the movies I was totally in to at the time, had a character named "Starr". So, I informed everybody at school, (no wonder I wasn't popular!) that my name was now Starr. It went over for about a week, until someone called my house and asked for Starr, and my Dad got really mad. I wondered what his problem was, and he told me. He said, "you're Mom and I picked out your name, because we love the name Krista". I didn't realize, that I had hurt his feelings.
Did you know that God has given you a name? Sometimes we go through life, and we're always trying to change it. I thought the name Krista was boring, because I didn't know anybody else who had it. The same way, God has given each of us a unique name.
Maybe, you don't really know the name that God has given you. You know what the world has called you. Before I was saved, I can tell you what the world called me. Krista, the partyer - Krista, the flirt - Krista, the insecure girl - Krista, the liar... But when I came to the Lord, I found out who I really was. Now, I am Krista, the beloved - Krista, the redeemed - Krista, the blessed!
What is you name? When you begin to find out who you really are in Christ, you will never want to change it!
When I was in the 9th grade, one of the movies I was totally in to at the time, had a character named "Starr". So, I informed everybody at school, (no wonder I wasn't popular!) that my name was now Starr. It went over for about a week, until someone called my house and asked for Starr, and my Dad got really mad. I wondered what his problem was, and he told me. He said, "you're Mom and I picked out your name, because we love the name Krista". I didn't realize, that I had hurt his feelings.
Did you know that God has given you a name? Sometimes we go through life, and we're always trying to change it. I thought the name Krista was boring, because I didn't know anybody else who had it. The same way, God has given each of us a unique name.
Maybe, you don't really know the name that God has given you. You know what the world has called you. Before I was saved, I can tell you what the world called me. Krista, the partyer - Krista, the flirt - Krista, the insecure girl - Krista, the liar... But when I came to the Lord, I found out who I really was. Now, I am Krista, the beloved - Krista, the redeemed - Krista, the blessed!
What is you name? When you begin to find out who you really are in Christ, you will never want to change it!
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