tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327992942024-03-06T23:41:10.220-08:00theschramfamtheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-24956752710846288542008-04-10T21:04:00.000-07:002008-04-10T21:20:31.595-07:00United we StandHere I've just copied and pasted my devotions from this morning... they seemed like something I'd write on here anyway - just thought this passage was especially timely. Also, The verses are just my paraphrasing of the actual scripture (in case someone wanted to call me on that...)<br /><br />Hebrews 12 : 1-17<br /><br />1-3) Now, as we stand back and see the many who have gone before us – they cheer and encourage us on. We've got to move forward – leaving the "stuff" behind. Don't just walk, gain speed and don't give up! Rid yourself of the garbage you've been carrying. Focus your eyes on Jesus, He's the one who blazed this trail and has arrived at His destination. Look at the way He moved and the way He's moving. Knowing the beauty and reward of your goal, eternity with your Father, don't you see that it is worth whatever you endure here on earth? Now, Christ sits at the right hand of God, and offers you that same glory. When you lose heart, return again to the basics... the message... the gospel – and you can't help but regain momentum, energy and strength!<br /><br />4-11) We are in a violent war with sin. There are others who have suffered far worse than you, think of the punishment that Jesus endured – the blood shed, the torture... and PLEASE put your "trials" in perspective! Have you forgotten how good parents love and discipline their children? - or that God is YOUR FATHER?<br /><br />Do not avoid the discipline of Father God, but do not let it destroy you either.<br />The children He loves, he disciplines – the one He hugs, He also makes right.<br /><br />God disciplines you; which is why we must not abandon the way. He's teaching us how He wants us to be. It's the natural way of a family, so stop fighting it! You know there are parents who don't understand that discipline is love – and that is irresponsible. You wouldn't wish that YOUR Heavenly Father was irresponsible, would you? Don't get me wrong, discipline is NOT easy, fun, or even easily understood – it feels unnatural, but in the end, you will be rewarded for your conforming to His way. Those who learn the lessons, find themselves in maturity with Christ.<br /><br />12-13) Stop sitting around, twiddling your thumbs. Stop trying to make it your own way. Move the obstacles out of the way, look out for things that could trip others up. Look out for each other – be helpful. And ready, set.. GO! RUN!!<br /><br />14-17) Work hard at making peace with each other and with God. Without it, you will not get a peek at God. Ensure that everyone receives the free blessings of God. Tune your vision to see the goat-heads of bitterness. You know how those weeds take over the yard in no time... deflating tires, ruining shoes, causing bloody injury. Be alert for those who follow in the steps of Esau – those who are willing to give up eternity for a moment of satisfaction. You remember that Esau was later sorry for his decision, but by then it was too late. (no matter how "sorry" he was).<br /><br />I think this passage is very relevant to the climate we've been in recently. The BS of church-family-life, has GOT to get back on track. And I don't believe that the answer is digging through the junk... who hurt who... what hurt what... why we think we're right or why we think others are wrong... that's not the point at ALL. The point is making peace. Moving forward, running the race. We need to love each other in a way that disregards the stuff. I don't think for a moment that there haven't been real trials... I do think we've responded incorrectly. We're laying on the floor kicking and screaming... while God in his patience and wisdom stands by ... "are you done?". I am done. I am ready to move forward. I am ready to leave all of that stuff behind – the "right to be right", the thinking it's ok to "treat others like I have been treated"... or the inability to have compassion for things I don't understand. It's not about any of that. It's about Christ – our eternal life, only available through him... the punishment he took on, that I more than deserve myself. The miracle of my salvation, and the life I am entitled to through Christ alone. So, I choose life – and I choose to move forward. Not even a word about all the stuff... just moving forward. No analyzing, no digging it up, no "i need to say this one more thing..." nothing.<br />Who's with me??theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-2109723846683500492008-03-25T21:21:00.000-07:002008-03-25T22:03:50.246-07:00How do you celebrate?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.google.com/theschrams/R-aywIftjAI/AAAAAAAABHI/07rsAweXXA0/DSCF2476.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh4.google.com/theschrams/R-aywIftjAI/AAAAAAAABHI/07rsAweXXA0/DSCF2476.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />About a month ago we were praying for our friends' neighborhood - and found ourselves discussing what we could do to bless them for Easter. The whole process and action made me rethink (again), what it means to be LIVING here on Earth, with an unearthly mission. If we are seeing the world through perspectives which have originated in Christ - it seems to me that it's not too difficult to "think outside the box". I mean, who better to show us the way of "outside" thinking, than the one who came to Earth to blow the religious minded know-it-alls out of the water? So, I guess it shouldn't surprise me, but it did - that something as simple as serving breakfast, and hiding eggs, would show Christ's love in such a big way.<br /><br />We knew we wanted to do 3 things - love people, feed people and give kids some big fun! And we accomplished those 3 things - and more importantly, I believe that God totally went before us and when people arrived - they were eager to make relationships with us, and hungry for a different level of community. It was really cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.google.com/theschrams/R-au34ftiuI/AAAAAAAABEo/SlLLzwHnaIU/DSCF2458.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh3.google.com/theschrams/R-au34ftiuI/AAAAAAAABEo/SlLLzwHnaIU/DSCF2458.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />About 2 weeks before Easter, we were ironing out some details, but weren't sure how many people to plan for. We prayed for a number - Aaron heard "19" and Tommy heard "20" - And we think there were 40 (so yeah, God is even that faithful, to let us know how to plan!!). We planned for 60 because there were about 20 of us in our group... yes, seriously! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.google.com/theschrams/R-awtIfti4I/AAAAAAAABGA/yCkP_z_HIVQ/DSCF2468.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh4.google.com/theschrams/R-awtIfti4I/AAAAAAAABGA/yCkP_z_HIVQ/DSCF2468.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />We all gave what we could give physically- time, money, stuff out of our own cupboards, anything. We passed out flyers about a week in advance - inviting people to an Easter Party, with free breakfast and an egg hunt - and people came! They even came early... it was so great. We were making sausage and pancakes as fast as we could - and the people were coming! The kids in our group, hid about 500 eggs in an empty lot ... and the kids came to find them! It was really great! I don't think there were any of us that didn't make a real connection with someone there that morning - either because we have kids the same age, or just took the time to sit and talk to them... or whatever it was (Jesus). We talked about community, and loving each other, and family ... not your everyday conversations with "strangers". So, just like I said, obviously God had gone before us to soften hearts and make these conversations so easy. Which is the part we couldn't have done - we prayed that we would bless people, and I believe we did that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.google.com/theschrams/R-axoYfti8I/AAAAAAAABGk/zD-XqmmQxDo/DSCF2472.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh5.google.com/theschrams/R-axoYfti8I/AAAAAAAABGk/zD-XqmmQxDo/DSCF2472.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So, what part of this was "outside" the box? Mostly, I think seeing a need and seeing an opportunity to bless others as a priority in place of all the other "things" we usually do on Easter, which are pretty self-serving, traditional, and at times the truth of the day seems to get lost in the shuffle. Instead - we took this opportunity to celebrate that Jesus is alive - by BEING alive! - By showing others that there's hope. By our kids getting a sweet opportunity to "share Jesus' love" (a direct quote from a 4 year old in our life group).<br /><br />When thinking about this opportunity today - I began to sing a VERY old song, I grew up singing in church (and I can hear my Great-Grandmother's alto voice in my head when I sang it today)... <br />In blessing, we are blessed<br />In loving, we are loved<br />In giving we receive<br />Everything from God above<br /><br />It's the doing of the word<br />Not just the hearing of it<br />That makes it a reality<br /><br />That's what living in the Kingdom<br />Is all about<br />For people like you and me...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.google.com/theschrams/R-axR4fti7I/AAAAAAAABGc/CdoLHQ7uKIM/DSCF2471.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh3.google.com/theschrams/R-axR4fti7I/AAAAAAAABGc/CdoLHQ7uKIM/DSCF2471.JPG.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a>theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-77140729296270158472008-03-15T21:33:00.000-07:002008-03-15T22:21:43.383-07:00Justice - you've been served!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Jury_box_cropped.jpg/800px-Jury_box_cropped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Jury_box_cropped.jpg/800px-Jury_box_cropped.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Among the millions of other things we have going on right now, I was summoned to jury duty a couple weeks ago. I could write an entire entry on why the jury selection process is weird and inconvenient, but that's really not the point I'd like to make.<br /><br />I had forgotten to call earlier in the evening, and by the time I remembered it was 11pm - I didn't think I would be called in, but indeed, I was. So, I rose, bright and early and drove with all the morning commuters to our county courthouse. We were assembled in a room which reminded me instantly of one of my many high school classrooms at Meridian High - a window or two, strange dark brick walls - fluorescent lighting - hideous carpet - you get the picture. I think there were about 45 of us in the room, "breakfast" was served and we watched a rather humorous video about how important this civic right is and why it's important that we participate, and what is going to happen for the next hour or so.<br /><br />At this point, we were told that there would be a jury trial soon, and were escorted into the courtroom. We filed in - and awaiting direction from the judge regarding the nature of this case and how they were going to select a jury. He stated the case and who was involved, and the charges and they started calling numbers of jurors for "selection". I think they narrowed it down to about 25 (which included me), and then down to 13 (which also included me).<br /><br />At this point, I was like "huh?! I have 3 kids at home, with a husband who's supposed to be sleeping right now... I don't have time for this!!!" - but there's really nothing to be done. We were escorted to the jury deliberation room, and told to relax for a while - they would call us back to the courtroom when the trial was about to start.<br /><br />We filed back into the courtroom, and were told a lot more details of the charges against this defendant. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. And honestly, I was like,"oh, this is gonna be a cinch!. The whole time I kept thinking... just listen before you make up your mind... just listen...<br /><br />The prosecution laid out their case - and it seemed pretty cut and dry. The guy was pulled over on unrelated charges, and when searching his vehicle, they found a small bag with residue of a controlled substance (meth) and a digital scale in the glove compartment (which they instantly assumed was for weighing drugs).<br /><br />After hearing the prosecution's case, we took a lunch break - I sorted out the childcare situation, and headed back to court.<br /><br />The defense argued that the defendant had no idea that baggie was in the car, or what it had contained - and that he used the digital scale for another purpose entirely. His story was that he had gone fishing the day before, and had taken 3 "friends" with him - and when the cop asked him what the baggie was he thought it was a fishing lure bag. He had a very convincing story about what he uses the digital scale for - including a mathematical equation he uses for weighing, and then using water displacement, and determining what type of rocks he finds in the desert.<br /><br />Now, we know that his story had holes, and that he could have been in possession of the meth, and been using the scales for weighing drugs... we know that. BUT there was reasonable doubt... the prosecution failed to prove that he knew what was in the bag, or that he had intent to use it... or had used it ... or that he had actually used the scales for an illegal purpose.<br /><br />So, in the end, when we went back to the jury deliberation room, we went around the table and every single juror voted not guilty on both counts. Yes, we discussed the holes in the prosecution and the defense, but in the end, we had to come back with a not guilty verdict.<br /><br />It was really interesting being a part of the judicial process - and it gave me new trust in the system. I absolutely believe that justice was served in this case. Was the defendant a drug user? - yes, they had even found marijuana in his car!! - But he admitted to the possession of that. Was the defendant being pulled over on an arrest warrant? yes - totally unrelated to this issue. Was the defendant lucky that the detectives failed to test his scale for drug residue? - yes. Do I think the defendant knew what was in the bag? I really don't know, and it really doesn't matter.<br /><br />In the end, there simply wasn't enough evidence, and we can all sleep easily knowing that he's not in jail on possession charges of someone else's drugs.<br /><br />I was really struck with how much grace there is in the justice we served in that court. And I am hoping that I live that way outside the court. That I know all the facts before making my verdict. That I may "think" I know it all, but that's just NOT good enough. I have to know beyond a reasonable doubt before making my verdict. And you know what? I think the majority of the time, we don't have that - and we're going to have to overflow with grace, and not pass our judgement on others. It's really God's business anyway - not ours. We can rest easy in that! Knowing that He DOES know all the facts beyond any reasonable doubt, and he is able to judge with perfection. <br /><br />It's also so encouraging to know that OUR defense is Jesus ... and you know he's not one of those "weasel-y defense attorneys" - he was willing to take on our punishment, so that we wouldn't have to - and willing to plead our case with God ... even when we're the ones that look awfully guilty. The charges against us are full of holes, we're not bound to them. When God comes back with his verdict of "not guilty", we are able to walk out of the courtroom with our head held high, because the charges are not only dropped... they're erased! So, instead of being introduced as "suspected unrighteous" - we're introduced as "Child of God!". Pretty cool huh?!<br /><br />I sincerely hope that the defendant walked out of court with his head held high. And if they were his drugs and he was weighing drugs on that scale - then, I hope that he takes this as a second chance. And if they weren't his, and he wasn't weighing drugs - then "phew!" what a relief!theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-43864907825892127812008-02-22T10:10:00.000-08:002008-02-22T10:49:06.521-08:00Let's Get Together... yeah yeah yeah...I've been thinking a lot about community lately. As we were getting ready for cell group the other night, the word just kept running through my mind. And I was sort of like "yeah, duh.... this is why we do cell group"... but I think it's bigger than that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a.movies.com/images/movies/p/parenttrap_1961.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://a.movies.com/images/movies/p/parenttrap_1961.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This morning this song has been going through my head - and no, I'm not crazy... I just happened to watch the original Disney Classic... Parent Trap ... like a million times when I was growing up. There's a part toward the end where the twins sing this song:<br />Let's get together... yeah yeah yeah<br />Think of all that we could share<br />Let's get together, everyday<br />Everyway and everywhere<br />And though we haven't got a lot<br />We could be sharing all we've got<br />Together!<br /><br />So, here it is: Some of my friends and I have been reading New Testament letters from Paul to various churches, and one of his overriding themes is getting along with other believers, and being united in purpose.<br />A lot of times, we find our own agenda - become obsessed with some other pursuit and step on, over and around all other family members who find themselves in our way. Unfortunately, that's not the way we're supposed to move forward. We need each other. We need the gifts our other family members have, and we need more than one perspective on things. We need the love and support that comes from living in community with others. <br /><br />You may be called to feed the poor, or seek out the lost, pour yourself out for the "least of these" - all are completely true (we're all called to these pursuits) - but in seeking those opportunities, or finding them all around you - you cannot separate from the body.<br /><br />Supporting each other in love and prayer is part of being a part of the family - and allowing people in on your visions, ministry opportunities and goals is also part of being a family. One with out the other is lopsided, and unhealthy.<br /><br />Obviously, this isn't and hasn't been an easy thing for centuries, the way Paul talks to those New Testament churches, you'd think they really struggled with just "getting along"... and I think that's not really that far off from where we are.<br /><br />Community is the relational, physical way we can participate in this sometimes complex concept of "the body of Christ". We cannot stand alone - we were never called to. We're attached to each other, so we might as well join forces and actually move toward the same goal. If one eye is looking east and the other west... how does the knee know where to go?<br /><br />So, here's to community! Gather your family close to you - unite in purpose. Without a united front, we are weak and open for attack.<br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-70172801988801332592008-02-20T14:35:00.000-08:002008-12-12T21:50:28.537-08:00Old FaithfulnessI've really been lazy about blogging lately, partly because I have 3 kids running around, and partly because my wrist has been sore. As I type that I realize that I have really left this blog untouched since November or so? So, here's some quick catching up, so we can get on to big things!<br />The first week of December I participated in a holiday market at Flying M Coffeegarage, and had a great time, made some friends and came home with some extra cash.<br />Week 2 in December, I had a minor "growth" removed from my forearm, and walked out of the office with 3 stitches and a bandage.<br />Week 3 - loads of Christmas shopping and a Christmas tree!!<br />Week 4 - Peter's 2nd birthday! Hooray!! so much fun, especially when your kids are old enough to REALLY enjoy it.<br />Peter got an array of dinosaurs, trucks and snakes, so he was ecstatic! We ate blue frosted sugar cookie stars and had a blast!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfBSQD0BowOT-aHgsQVJ06-WkMJt6symuArWaGTOD5d_E3oIaoCiRSbeYmaK9Pha4g6GTrNNVl90fkWmExN6u86VLsjzb-7PRM2IWKGqf7Qs7qtig4dK7FTWB2BaWzfX_iFQf7Q/s1600-h/DSCF2294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfBSQD0BowOT-aHgsQVJ06-WkMJt6symuArWaGTOD5d_E3oIaoCiRSbeYmaK9Pha4g6GTrNNVl90fkWmExN6u86VLsjzb-7PRM2IWKGqf7Qs7qtig4dK7FTWB2BaWzfX_iFQf7Q/s320/DSCF2294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169218611407234962" /></a><br />At the end of that week, I got a call from my dermatologist asking me to come in to discuss my pathology results from the biopsy they had taken from my arm. Right away, my stomach sank - they'd never asked me to come in to discuss that sort of thing before - so why now? I asked if it could wait until after Christmas - and they said "no"... they wanted to talk to me within the hour. So, I packed up the kids and Dave left work and met me there. We all sat in this little exam room, wondering what the heck the Dr. needed to talk to me about so urgently.<br />He apologized profusely about having to talk to us, and for talking to us before Christmas, but felt like we should know what was going on.... *hearts beating....*<br />He said that he had sent my pathology out for it's third opinion, because the first two pathologists had disagreed rather strongly about the results. The first pathologist was certain the biopsy was malignant melanoma... and rather deep, which is super dangerous (apparently). He said with this type of melanoma, and how deep it is, we would need to operate soon, and take a large amount of flesh and probably result in a skin graft. After which, we would start searching the rest of my body for signs that it had spread, starting with my lymph nodes etc. He said the second pathologist was certain that it was not melanoma, but a lesion called spitz nevus (a completely benign lesion, that looks like melanoma). He apologized for giving us this news and kept saying things like "you're so young...." and "I'm so sorry to give you this news". Needless to say, we left his office in a daze. What is going on? This is serious?! And he said we wouldn't hear back on the third pathologist until after Christmas, so we're thinking, "this should be an interesting holiday, with that hanging in the back of our minds". <br />At the same time, Dave had a conversation with a boss at work, and had been asked if he was interested in a 1st shift position (Mon-Fri 8-5). Of course, he said "yes"... we've been praying about that for years. <br />That night, our pastor and elders came to our home, anointed me with oil, and we prayed for healing, and peace. When someone gives you news like that it's nearly impossible to not think about what could happen... and the fear associated with all that was overwhelming.<br />We continued on our routine the next day, trying to not think about what was going on... and staying busy enough to just ignore it. We got a call that evening that the third pathologist concluded that it was NOT melanoma, but the second diagnosis, "spitz nevus". Phew. what a relief. The weird part was that we were still in a daze. We had been hit with some really serious stuff, and it had completely rearranged our life, and what was and wasn't important, in 24 hours... really great. God is so good.<br /><br />The next week was Christmas, and it was SO much fun. My parents and my brother and sister-in-law and their baby joined us for all the festivities, and it was really great. Great food, fun, and the kids had SO much fun with all the stuff. It was great seeing them enjoying all the fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.google.com/theschrams/R7-HsXtEJ9I/AAAAAAAAAw8/_akBgsvEySw/DSCF2307.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh5.google.com/theschrams/R7-HsXtEJ9I/AAAAAAAAAw8/_akBgsvEySw/DSCF2307.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />New Year's came bringing David's parents to town for a quick visit. We didn't really "ring in the new year", but it was fun - nonetheless.<br /><br />On January 9th Dave went back on night shift... the beginning of a four month rotation. He got up for work that day and we decided to go for a drive, so he would wake up, we were on our way to a store so we could walk around, and we put the girls in the car. We came back in to get Peter , and when Dave went back out - Gracie was sitting in the car, covered with blood... huh?! Yeah, apparently there is some very sharp hardware underneath the middle seats, and she managed to smack her forehead on that. She got four stitches, and was quite the trooper.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.google.com/theschrams/R7-HzntEJ-I/AAAAAAAAAxE/AlzMWuVchKQ/DSCF2344.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh6.google.com/theschrams/R7-HzntEJ-I/AAAAAAAAAxE/AlzMWuVchKQ/DSCF2344.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Dave interviewed for the 1st shift position the next week, and said it was the most relaxed he's ever been in an interview, and most he's ever "sold himself"... he said he talked a LOT in the interview (which is good). It was a panel interview with 4 potential bosses, and had the potential of being nerve-wracking. <br /><br />In the end, he was the only one who even interviewed for this position, and was offered the job last week (he obviously accepted).<br /><br />Feb 6 I had follow-up surgery on my arm. As the lesion ended up being benign and called "spitz nevus", the standard procedure is to excise the area around the original lesion - no skin graft was needed, but they did give me a gnarly looking wound, and 24 stitches!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.google.com/theschrams/R7-H_3tEKAI/AAAAAAAAAxU/ci2hPRenoQ0/DSCF2384.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh3.google.com/theschrams/R7-H_3tEKAI/AAAAAAAAAxU/ci2hPRenoQ0/DSCF2384.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The day David found out he got the job, his Mercedes decided to quit working... an obvious distraction... ended up sort of forcing us to shop around for another vehicle. I was very specific with how much I wanted to pay for one.. so we were looking at a load of used cars. Then we ended up at Bronco Motors (who we've bought our last 2 cars through), and they had a sweet deal on a brand new last year's model Hyundai Accent for 8k... so you can't beat a price like that, on a new car. 35MPG and takes regular unleaded (unlike the Mercedes). So, now Dave has a reliable car to drive to work and back, which is much more efficient, and that's great since he'll be driving out there 5 days a week now.<br /><br />I got my stitches out yesterday, and all looks good. No more stitches - which makes it so much more bearable. Now, I'm just doing some stretching and keeping my wrist moving, as it became quite stiff and tight, with such a tight wound.<br /><br />God is good. Life is good. We are good. Dave's job, which we've been praying about for YEARS, is finally coming to the end of him working shifts. He ends up with a promotion and a day job. I don't have cancer!!<br /><br />Through all those night shifts, and day shifts, and run around at his job, he's finally got the position he really wants, and will be great at. Day shift will be SO great for our family. We keep laughing about how odd it will be for him to be home so early, and how rested he'll be. Dave has been faithful to this job, mostly because he had no choice... he persevered because we had no other options, and now? Yeah, god really blessed us with this perfect job. He has always been really faithful to us. It would have been so easy to let the night shift come between us or mess with our family dynamic... instead - I think, wow, God... you did the impossible!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.google.com/theschrams/R7-H6XtEJ_I/AAAAAAAAAxM/24217eos4DI/DSCF2347.JPG?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh5.google.com/theschrams/R7-H6XtEJ_I/AAAAAAAAAxM/24217eos4DI/DSCF2347.JPG?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />More to come... Ella and Gracie have birthdays coming up soon!theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-86292188914510591472007-11-23T12:53:00.000-08:002008-12-12T21:50:28.631-08:00Let's Go!!The holidays have arrived, and that brings the good and bad out in our communities.<br />We just spent a beautiful day of Thanksgiving, reflecting on the wonderful ways God has blessed us - and then comes Black Friday - the most disgusting of consumerist days. On the late news Thanksgiving night, the title below a report actually read "Black Friday Eve" ? What?! Anyway, it was a special report about the rioting outside the local mall, as tens of thousands of people were waiting in sub-freezing temperatures to be the first inside to commence the shopping. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong here, if you were there or if you participated in Black Friday shopping, there's no condemnation there. The thing that gets me a bit fiery is realizing that Americans have become blind - not only to what Christmas is actually about, but blind to the world around us. <br /><br />By focusing on the "obligatory" gift-giving, we've completely lost focus on what Jesus was born into this world to accomplish. Jesus spent a lot of time acting on the words He spoke - He recognized the errors of the time and a lot of those are the same today. If you believe something, you act like you believe it. <br /><br />If you truly believe that Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birth, how can we justify the commercialism and false generosity it's become? I'm not saying "don't buy gifts", I'm not even saying "don't play Santa Claus", an I'm certainly not saying "do not have any fun... Christmas is serious". What I am suggesting is that we do something meaningful this time around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfynjiqtmWH_-CNIjKwYUL6uGGQDqAO4Uku45G92KYQN-DJ4ZoqPE4iI1RG3KZcNBlYW6MYbOWhcWCurOHe5ZuOuqWHJ8nhANz7Morl6GdVtF5VR0HBBMQ8lpFl9qNlk90XFLHQ/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfynjiqtmWH_-CNIjKwYUL6uGGQDqAO4Uku45G92KYQN-DJ4ZoqPE4iI1RG3KZcNBlYW6MYbOWhcWCurOHe5ZuOuqWHJ8nhANz7Morl6GdVtF5VR0HBBMQ8lpFl9qNlk90XFLHQ/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136153637336747282" /></a><br /><br />I've challenged our small group and now I'm challenging you. Pray about what they have to give - I won't guide you here, God knows what you have and what you can give. Pray with your spouse and come to an agreement about what that gift will be. Then pray and see what you're supposed to do with it, and who you can bless. It might be a sacrifice of time, finances, energy ... but the person God leads you to will be blessed. This shouldn't take away, but enhance your traditional family Christmas. <br /><br />The only direction I will give is this: Give your gift.. in person. Reach out to someone and give to them. Try to avoid a charitable organization this time around (not because they're bad, but because that's not the point of this exercise). Give generously and spread the love of Jesus! And if you would, I'd love to hear all the stories of blessing your neighborhood or community.<br /><br />Finally - Jesus spoke candidly with His followers concerning our action here on earth... Matthew 25<br />" I was hungry and you fed me,<br />I was thirsty and you gave me drink,<br />I was homeless and you gave me a room,<br />I was shivering and you gave me clothes,<br />I was sick and you stopped to visit,<br />I was in prison and you came to me.<br />...<br />I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of those things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me!"<br /><br />Let's stop "believing, but being inactive" and start putting our faith in action!theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-3626937659185740352007-10-12T11:51:00.000-07:002008-12-12T21:50:28.854-08:00See-through...I know it's been a LONG time since my last post. Our hard-drive failed the last week of August, and we've been trying to rebuild our digital lives since then. I think we've cut about 6 teeth and traveled to North Idaho, along with a million other things.<br /><br />In September, I felt like the energy that was gaining in the summer, had lost it's momentum - not sure why, it just did. There were some really tired, low, burnt-out feelings, and I think I just lost focus on what's really going on here.<br /><br />Recently I had a picture of those "visible" people ...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVyT9G_x8mBjAVqYkdEiJjwiZhoN793-78AIoIuKfWAtMJfVrjg9-dgycDjhc2cLKks0skmbjPRGnOKjG9pOamijhyphenhyphenPsPCTRS6V2AL5zXyD4sjOtFvNqM2imGwXrL8rq9OaQ3Wg/s1600-h/30702-28G.eps.JPG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVyT9G_x8mBjAVqYkdEiJjwiZhoN793-78AIoIuKfWAtMJfVrjg9-dgycDjhc2cLKks0skmbjPRGnOKjG9pOamijhyphenhyphenPsPCTRS6V2AL5zXyD4sjOtFvNqM2imGwXrL8rq9OaQ3Wg/s320/30702-28G.eps.JPG.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120525521068093570" /></a><br />you know, the ones from 9th grade science class? You can see the organs, and skeletal structures, etc. through their transparent skin? <br /><br />Well, I've been feeling like that is the way we should be living. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing, so bear with me, as I flounder through this one.<br /><br />Hebrews 4:12-13(NKJV) ~ <br />"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thought and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."<br /><br />I guess what I'm saying, is that we try to cover up who we really are, in order to "appear" like better people, or Christians, etc. <br /><br />But, God can, not only see right through our disguises and words, see our thoughts and our hearts. <br />Now, this isn't a challenge to cover all those things up because "God can see what my heart is..." , but I think it's a challenge to live with your heart and mind being transparent. If you have things in order in there, you've nothing to worry about. (I don't know anyone who has it all together). We're all sinners and we all fall short...<br />But, if you have tumors in your heart, and destructive thoughts in your mind - this is a lot more difficult task - it's also a greatly liberating one. <br />Being open and honest with the things of your heart , as confession, or otherwise, will bring freedom.<br />God wants nothing more than for you to be who you were created to be.<br />So, let's take it all off! :)<br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-17238320168247779212007-08-24T19:07:00.000-07:002008-12-12T21:50:29.062-08:00Rewind<<<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GWPhFgKHYZf4uBEooVhRPkyoYhGDc3AvdJqcSGBmkTeNElWKGMw9GJsSxgmySW84KaJP9qdewESngzKnPQH17sreEAEzx0ha7VaXy1NC0kYONNGxBuVXmntuyQViuTacCjVhzQ/s1600-h/83-55QuadraChain(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GWPhFgKHYZf4uBEooVhRPkyoYhGDc3AvdJqcSGBmkTeNElWKGMw9GJsSxgmySW84KaJP9qdewESngzKnPQH17sreEAEzx0ha7VaXy1NC0kYONNGxBuVXmntuyQViuTacCjVhzQ/s320/83-55QuadraChain(1).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102463509487356258" /></a><br />About 3 years ago, our church went through a season we refer to as "Staking You Claim". During this time we were asked to create images of our spiritual claims of freedom. I've been reminded of something I wrote during that time, and am finding current relevance in the imagery - the following is what I wrote in 2004:<br /><br />The worship started with a feeling of great expectation. I could feel the presence of God coming through the instruments, and all I wanted to do was bow down in awe. My body was frozen. A cold sweat covered me. My heart began to beat in a<br />trembling rhythm, could the people around me feel the conflict welling up inside me?<br /><br />In the same moment of fear and conflict, my fleshly vision was clouded over with a very distinct spiritual picture. I am inside a wooden, stained, crudely crafted box, I can see through a key hole and I can feel the weight of the lid. I am certain that this<br />box has been locked for years, because I know this is the reason I cannot move to bow, shout, run, dance, lift my hands, lift my heart in worship. I had seen this picture before, and always from inside of the box. I had assumed that there were chains<br />around the box, as well as a large lock holding the chains. I had come to accept this position, as I had no idea who held the key to the lock.<br /><br />This morning was different. I could see the box from another vantage point. This time, I could see the box through God's eyes - His loving voice saying, I didn't put a lock on that box . Look what's stopping you from bowing. He was right, there was<br />no lock - no chains. There were stones piled loosely atop the lid of the box. Each stone engraved with another lie I had come to know as reality. They read: Unimportant, Show-off, Uncoordinated, Ridiculous, Inappropriate, Unattractive,<br />Undignified, Simple, Disrespectful. Some of these stones had been inherited, some had been placed with ugly words, some with unapproving eyes, and some because of my own insecurities.<br /><br />God's spirit swelled inside me - my body was overcome with confidence. I closed my eyes and took one step forward - <span style="font-style:italic;">I stood up inside my box</span> - then another -<span style="font-style:italic;"> I pressed against the lid and felt the stones shake</span> - I only had to move five feet. Each step more freeing than the last. Each time I pressed against the lid, a stone fell to the ground. As the stone labeled Inappropriate tumbled, I arrived at my destination, I knelt down, then laid flat on the floor, with my face in the carpet. As I did this, I began to sob. What a simple task that I had denied myself all these years. Beside me the box sat empty for the first time in my life.<br /><br />I felt the blessings of God raining down on me as I lay there in tears. Since that experience, God has given me many more opportunities to defy those lies. I have discarded the box. Although, I still have lingering fears, each time I come against<br />them in physical way (bowing, clapping, shouting, raising my hands) I am blessed in wonderful ways.<br /><br />There is one stone left that I have made into jewelry. This stone says Uncoordinated. I have been wearing it around my neck since I have been outside my box. This stone discourages me from dancing and moving. Each time I feel the<br />urge to dance, a cold sweat comes over me and I am frozen. I will no longer feed that lie, I will bury that stone!<br />Like a child I will dance in His presence!<br /><br />So, that was then... I can honestly say I do not know where that "uncoordinated" jewel was lost, but it's been gone for a while now! (that in itself is a miracle). What's going on now that feels like I'm revisiting this image? Well, I've found that there have been times recently where I've thought I was being held-back from some things... like I wasn't "allowed" do function in certain ways, or "released" to do certain types of ministry... well - those are lies! I know right now with certain clarity that the enemy would love nothing more than having me voluntarily step back into that box of bondage and lies, have a new list of excuses why I cannot do the things that God has for me. Well, guess what? I'm not going back in that box. The constraints that I have thought existed, do not. Knowing that, I will not be held back, I will run forward, as a flagbearer of truth and grace!<br /><br />On another note... I recognized recently, that although the box was unlocked, I had to physically move in order to live in that freedom. Sometimes our healing requires action on our part. So... what's your box?<br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-24863772304328119462007-08-05T13:14:00.000-07:002007-08-05T14:26:24.335-07:00Wake Up!!!So, maybe there have been a LOT of distractions this last month, but I've found myself this week with that feeling of urgency again. Perhaps, in all the distraction we lost a bit of momentum, and I want to start gaining speed again... I'm ready.<br /><br />God brought a passage in Ephesians to mind, and after reading it, I really felt like it woke me up. Like, it slapped me right across the face... "wake up!!!!", it wasn't even one of those nice mommy "good morning" songs... it was like one of those "you are late for school, get the heck out of bed!!! what are you waiting for?" - sorts of wake up calls. No time to shower, or finding clean clothes, not even breakfast - just get in the car and go!<br /><br />I think The Message paraphrase version is a bit more raw and conveys what I'm thinking a bit better - Ephesians 5: 11-17 :<br /><br />"Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busy work, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.<br />Wake up from your sleep,<br />Climb out of your coffin;<br />Christ will show you the light!<br />So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!<br />Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants."<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I don't think this passage is saying that we are supposed to abandon all chores and tasks that don't have eternal consequences - we should still be cleaning our houses and bathing the children, etc. <br /><br />What I do think this is saying is that we have been called out as Children of God to be different, separate, holy - and that means a priority shift in ways that maybe we hadn't explored before. I think, if we're willing and ready, God will show us what's going on in His Kingdom, and we can be a part of it - we can change the world... we can actively participate, instead of living Christian lives that look more like "theological historians". <br /><br />In order to live that way, there must be action! - We have to actually engage ... move forward... and Wake Up, open our eyes and be ready to run. So, just like that - there will be change... otherwise what's the point? Some things are about to give... and we're about to take off running!<br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-40403646031451357472007-07-12T08:36:00.000-07:002008-12-12T21:50:29.217-08:00FroggerYes, it's been a while since I posted. Not because there's nothing going on, but because I haven't had enough clarity, to write what is happening around here. I've got to say, I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around this stuff.<br /><br />After deciding that it's time for a change, with our schedules and priorities a few major things went down. 1) David was hit with the worst infections he's ever had. Sinusitis, tonsilitis, conjunctivitis + an ear infection and a form of dermatitis. 2) His employer decided to lay off about 1000 people and created more stress than we can remember.<br /><br />The "2 months on nightshift" flu, hit him - really hard. I don't ever remember him being that sick. I believe that this is the sort of thing that happens when you put your body through this kind of stress - and confirms to me that there MUST be a change.<br /><br />His job is secure (which I'm not sure was a great thing this time around), and things seem to be chilling out at his job, for now - which doesn't mean that we aren't scrambling to get him out of there.<br /><br />I'm not complaining - I feel like the stress and sickness and whirlwind of the last month, has confirmed that something must change. So, that part is good. Trusting that God will take care of all the details that we can't is another thing. I do know that God is faithful, and He is good - His love endures forever... what I struggle with is all the details. Why? Has he ever left us hanging before? No. I just feel like this new phase of our lives is going to look a lot different than the last, and I would love to have a preview, but that's not really how God is operating this time around.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLB9LY45rXCHRmgGPpgPuRRwcNmWh-tDGxOCUiVNHL9Xzb1xYCyP2hLJPkluK9nVC87tA31yIlXZAPgE0rJAa2xfqM8ZBx-VscTI0RV8vRJk5vL1XAO2oXNPw3fKaB-1Xn_EZ0bA/s1600-h/A5200_Frogger.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLB9LY45rXCHRmgGPpgPuRRwcNmWh-tDGxOCUiVNHL9Xzb1xYCyP2hLJPkluK9nVC87tA31yIlXZAPgE0rJAa2xfqM8ZBx-VscTI0RV8vRJk5vL1XAO2oXNPw3fKaB-1Xn_EZ0bA/s320/A5200_Frogger.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086339760646534978" /></a><br /><br />Here's a new picture God gave me of our current situation...<br />Remember the Atari game Frogger? *Insert Frogger theme here* - The Frogger game concept was this: You need to get a frog across to the other side of the street and river, while avoiding catastrophic dangers such as traffic, snakes, water, alligators, and the all important timer. With your Atari joystick in hand, you controlled the frog - and timing was key. I feel like right now, more than before, we are being called to be in-tune with how God wants us to move. It will be subtle, we're gonna have to listen for His voice, over all the distractions - "Jump ... wait... wait...ok, jump now... again.... again... wait... don't look at that giant truck coming toward you ... ok jump ... jump ... don't pay attention to the alligator... just keep your eyes over here with me... good... wait... jump, jump jump!" Once on the other side of the highway and river, we will be able to look back and see all the things God had in place to get us there, and it will be SO great. On this side of things, each leap seems like we're stepping out into nothing - we know that is where faith comes in... the good kind of sweaty, scary faith! It's SO stinkin' exciting! <br /><br />My Great Grandmother, Naydeen Taylor, told stories of when her husband would come home from the mine and say something like "guess what happened at work today?" and she'd reply "you lost your job?!" (with a grin, and excitement) -<br />"wouldn't it be great to see what God would do?".<br /><br />So, at this point, my prayer is, "bring it on, Lord - we're ready for our next move, we know that you are good and faithful, and we're ready to see what you have for us!"<br /><br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-24147592770311306462007-06-21T11:53:00.001-07:002008-12-12T21:50:29.478-08:00Pick up your shield!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwTUEoinscs3BXZ5uK6DjSBuncIzboqBCQboHFuemxgjunkpQFohb7eHZ53UZO9Bvy49y0i_kVY40n34Lpi663JDfIA0vjoeq0La1yptQcaBmurMclLzCSi0dc6jry5xf98O_0w/s1600-h/CelticTarge2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwTUEoinscs3BXZ5uK6DjSBuncIzboqBCQboHFuemxgjunkpQFohb7eHZ53UZO9Bvy49y0i_kVY40n34Lpi663JDfIA0vjoeq0La1yptQcaBmurMclLzCSi0dc6jry5xf98O_0w/s320/CelticTarge2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078593228024340850" /></a><br />Wow, the winds of change are blowing. (Did you feel it Kristin?) We've sensed for a while that the winds were about to shift directions, and they really have. It wasn't even subtle - it was like all the weathervanes were pointing west and then a gust of wind blew through and now they're all pointing east.<br />I don't know about you, but a lot of "stuff" has gone down in the last week or so - big things, little things and really extraordinary things.<br />David's search for a new job has really begun. Resume complete - applications submitted, and the search continues. In the middle of all that - there's a big change. I guess it's a priority shift and a recognition of our place in what God's doing around here. I can't imagine him searching for a job at any other time - and he is finally a BSU grad, so his degree will make pursuing a job that much easier. <br />As for what God is doing, well - he's shaking things up. Not in a little way. In a really big way. (so, Cassidy, you might want to get ready to 'sing opera'!) From the things I've been reading, God is calling things out all over the country. Things that need to be repented and ways that need to change - right now! My sis-in-law just wrote to me and said that they had a similar wind change at their youth camp last week. She said the alter was surrounded with young people repenting and releasing deep dark sins that they had been bound to. That there was so much freedom gained in one week. <br />The stuff in my head is so big, I'm having trouble tying it all together, but here are a few words that have been spoken that I think are really relevant.<br /><br />*Kristin's vision of gathering tulips - and realizing that the harvest season is short*<br />*Erica's dream of the storm gathering, the flood waters rising - and the people standing around talking about how they should plan for it, instead of moving to higher ground.*<br />*My picture of the tsunami - the turning on a heel and running fast, warning all who will listen*<br />* Carly's picture of someone choking, and standing up to help them - then getting distracted before she reaches them*<br />*a picture of blueprints of the church - and realizing that somewhere in our history the blueprint was misinterpreted, so we've built the church over and over again, but part of it is out of spec. Now after all these years of church, we have recognized that error and are afraid to fix it because it's going to be really messy. It will take some major demolition to get to that error and fix it - but it's GOT to be done*<br /><br />Some kind of conclusion? No, not this time - this is just the beginning of some really big things. Let's say this is the launch pad. I say, gather your weapons, and don't forget your shield - 'cause it's time for taking this next ridge! Anybody with me?<br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-63999532571909424602007-06-14T17:50:00.001-07:002008-12-12T21:50:29.712-08:00Feel the Burn?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE3Ex1L7ZEw6yL0c7iqF4QDz4cXs7GIFfvWy1hWE97wpxpW8JjFxiGCvO0B3H2vh8IG2xE8cfLCkoKAQSs8UH4nC97wSSG4_4KEsb34Ul0mxpdyUZhixi9OkAiG8IT7mpmHYkcg/s1600-h/scorpionblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE3Ex1L7ZEw6yL0c7iqF4QDz4cXs7GIFfvWy1hWE97wpxpW8JjFxiGCvO0B3H2vh8IG2xE8cfLCkoKAQSs8UH4nC97wSSG4_4KEsb34Ul0mxpdyUZhixi9OkAiG8IT7mpmHYkcg/s320/scorpionblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5076087333650456930" /></a><br />I am feeling stretched... it's getting painful. I think something's got to give. There's a time for perseverence and a time to change things up. At this point, I really don't know what the answer is. Do we persevere ... again... some more? Do we just accept things the way they are? - I doubt it. I guess it's just time for some real deep pressing in. Asking, pleading - "God, where do You want us, and what do You want us to do? We are Yours! Do with us as You wish!" I know that He will supply the wisdom we need.<br />James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."<br />What's this all about?<br />Life. Well, yeah... life - but more specifically, "are we supposed to be here right now, still?"<br />I mean, David's night shift, well, it sucks. I don't know what it's really accomplishing other than making him tired and upsetting the balance of his "real" life. Seriously, your quality hours should not be spent at work, right? Well, when you are working 12 hour shifts - through the night, and have a family, etc. you end up spending your only "awake" hours at work - far away from your family and home.<br />The solution? We don't know. The shifts are the nature of his job, at his company. There's really no way around it. I mean, when he's on day shift, it all seems pretty peachy, but then come the 4 months of night shift and it always gets to the point where it is painful again.<br />With any other job at any other company, if he felt like this, we would just move on - get another job somewhere else, across town - but his job is such that "any other company" is not across town, it's in a different state. Or any number of different states.<br />Then that brings up a delicate question - are we supposed to be somewhere else? It is painful to even think of moving from here. We love it here - and we love our group of friends. Then again, whether we're comfortable with something or not is not the "answer" to whether we're supposed to be doing something or not.<br />So here we are.<br />Asking for direction. Knowing that God will give it to us liberally, because he is an abundantly good God.<br />Bring it on, Jesus. We are ready to hear your way - if that's here, then give us more strength, more wisdom with how to deal with this stuff... or give David favor where he works, so that he can do something different there. We know something has to change, so Lord - I pray that you will orchestrate that change. Open our eyes to the "big picture" of what's going on - and don't let us miss out on what You're doing! Give us patience and strength... and David rest.theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-37740062171622721322007-05-31T07:25:00.000-07:002008-12-12T21:50:30.265-08:00Hang Ten!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQZyd3hGefdFRH1VH0PsnVpMJZVOgLFdfjHmD65yotpj2M4xiB0xhrctfrMfm3qeSI64beOv5cEKKhZrTUiYvcZ1CH6caliygHdjaO7962aWUUD8WIKZUOiiS6mmStVhgNNgHXQ/s1600-h/800px-Waves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQZyd3hGefdFRH1VH0PsnVpMJZVOgLFdfjHmD65yotpj2M4xiB0xhrctfrMfm3qeSI64beOv5cEKKhZrTUiYvcZ1CH6caliygHdjaO7962aWUUD8WIKZUOiiS6mmStVhgNNgHXQ/s320/800px-Waves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070731033874319794" /></a><br />For about 6 months Kristin has opened her home for an hour a week for some super-concentrated interceding for our community. During those meetings we've prayed, wept, rejoiced, pleaded and laid on the floor while God poured out visions and prophecies. Last week, we really felt like we made some big strides in recognizing and acknowledging errors in our (the church, both global and local) ways.<br />I saw a picture of a tsunami. The first thing that happens isn't the flooding, it's the receding of the tide. With a tsunami, the water recedes so far out to sea, and some are actually drawn to that receding... almost as a curiosity, not recognizing that the tides will turn instantly and they will drown. There's another group - those who recognize the receding tide for the danger that it is, they run. They run, as fast and hard, inland as they can - they scream and shout and alert anyone else who will listen. These are the people who live through the tsunami - and are able to bring others to safety as well.<br />This picture of desperation and urgency, is one that has really been sticking with me. We cannot walk out to the lowest tide, and stand around talking about how low the tide is, "wow, what a dry season", "church has been bla bla bla" etc. We've got to move - move fast, and tell as many people as possible that they too can be safe, on higher ground. Lord, give us the tools to speak your truth! Allow us to see the errors of our ways, and turn on our heel - walk away from those deadly things, and bring others with us!<br /><br />*Update 6-7-07* - This week, this picture has been continuing in my head... over and over I see the same picture, but it's been sort of slow-motion on a very important part. As we recognize the danger, we turn - we turn on our heel. This "turning" to me is the exact definition of repentance. Repentance isn't just the recognition that there is danger in our actions, it is the changing part - the part where we turn and run from the thing that is causing us to fail. Wow, could this be any more timely? Have you been to thecall.com ? Well, K is participating in this fast, which is about repenting for the sexual immorality in our nation and it's destructive path - it's impact on our world and the church. Do you think, maybe, this is part of the turning? I do. I think that there are other sins we need to call out, but this is definitely one of them - and perhaps one of the most destructive and parasitic. So, thecall fast/walk, etc. take place on 7-7-07 and we are being asked to fast and pray along with them - if you're interested, or feel the pull in that direction, I encourage you to do the same. I know there will be other sins revealed, and we are going to need to step up to the plate and call them out!<br />Father, make us ready for when your tide turns - give us the courage to break off these errors and sins that are holding us in the sticky mud... help us to see the things that are holding us back from running.theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-19754824319467945022007-05-11T15:55:00.000-07:002008-12-12T21:50:30.541-08:00What are you waiting for?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSXnSadaDBYbJvffg1Q1h5li62_J7w-DIPGyoMu-bVyT4eW_FzsMmiI_IdSCvHS_-w-hSQqIXgdTsLeUVL1R8riOqWn0A9-JUp7awtv2AfT8ZmnObHOW6YAVk15AsW-fjvJLg5Q/s1600-h/cocobolo-250h.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSXnSadaDBYbJvffg1Q1h5li62_J7w-DIPGyoMu-bVyT4eW_FzsMmiI_IdSCvHS_-w-hSQqIXgdTsLeUVL1R8riOqWn0A9-JUp7awtv2AfT8ZmnObHOW6YAVk15AsW-fjvJLg5Q/s320/cocobolo-250h.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5063440699326700738" /></a><br />This week I have had this phrase going through my head "What are you waiting for?". I know this isn't just for me, so I'll let you in on a secret... you can't sit around and wait for all your ducks to be in a row! Think about how many times you've said something like "When I [insert excuse here] - then I will [insert ministry here]." <br />Excuses sound something like this: When I: "finish this training" "find a spouse" "have kids" "am financially stable" "sell my house" "buy a house" "clean my house" "have a perfect marriage" "feel better" "am healed" "have more time" , etc. <br />Ministries sound something like this: I will: "feed the hungry" "preach the gospel" "give financial support to missions" "become a missionary" "serve my local church" "reach out to my neighbors" "exercise my spiritual giftings" ...<br /><br />All those "excuses" are valid - they fill up our lives. They can be fulfilled, but let's just say that they don't. Let's say you are broke for the next 50 years - does that mean that you aren't meant to support missions? no. If you are only "kinda" healed, and still have more ailments, waiting in queue to be healed too. What if you are never fully healed here on earth - does that mean that you can't move forward and preach the gospel? no. Now, I believe wholeheartedly that we are called to pray that all those things happen. We can be healed, we can have a healthy marriage, we can be financially stable, we can sell our homes, etc. but we cannot afford to wait around for our "stuff" to be taken care of before we move forward in the things we know we have been called to do. See, if God has called you to something, he already knows your imperfections, and called you to it anyway.<br /><br />I was thinking of one of those Ironman races - you know the ones that last FOREVER? Swimming, biking and running? And people train for years for one race. Even people in seemingly great shape, barely crawl across the finishline. Then you'll see that one guy - that lost his leg in some horrible incident - and he's in this race with a prosthetic leg! And he's finishing it! Why? Because he wasn't going to let something like "not having both legs" stop him from the goal that was set before him.<br /><br />So, here's my point that deserves some pondering... What are YOU waiting for? I say, do it! Now is the time! Silence the excuses and make your God-given goal your priority. Let's see what happens!!theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-13627987381646306172007-04-28T14:22:00.000-07:002008-12-12T21:50:30.719-08:00Live, damnit, live!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzL9AD1tLsIHfUDnuYs9vxWk6ZVVvgmQYTCt6a7VB9fshLKfashmKliJ-URpSclkIPGYlnKWiCrSX7TOuUPax5JtLnT8-evQNDFdzWmq8eHUOW9VFw1g_CANoJyocZr0f076VpA/s1600-h/arm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzL9AD1tLsIHfUDnuYs9vxWk6ZVVvgmQYTCt6a7VB9fshLKfashmKliJ-URpSclkIPGYlnKWiCrSX7TOuUPax5JtLnT8-evQNDFdzWmq8eHUOW9VFw1g_CANoJyocZr0f076VpA/s320/arm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058595104338451634" /></a><br />For a few months now, I've been feeling like I needed to be prepared to "speak life". I was drawn to a chapter in Ezekiel, where he was called to prophesy to dry bones. He stands before a valley of bones and prophesies that they will once again be attached to tendons, flesh and skin - and that God would breathe life into them. Then he is called to prophesy to the wind to breathe life into the bones. When the bones come alive, they stand united as a large army. These bones are a picture of Israel's dead hope, and separation from God.<br />Ezekiel 37:14 " I will put my Spirit in you and you will live..."<br />As I've prayed about my place in all this, I've come to a startling realization that we are surrounded by "dead people". People who have yet to know Christ, and people who know who He is, but are walking around like zombies, thinking they are alive, but have yet to experience God's living breath. There are a million different ways this scenario can be played out, but I think there are people and places who need an infusion of God's breath every single day. Some of them are as simple as a friend who needs an encouraging word reminding them that they are loved, more deeply today, by God, than by any other at any other moment in time. Others will be "touch and go", and the situation will be desperate, there won't be time for intimidation - I will have to be ready and willing to speak the truth of God's living Spirit.<br />I'm reminded of tv moments where someone is not breathing, the situation is dire - the Dr. becomes angry (partly because they are afraid the person may be lost, and partly because they have done all they know to do) - Resuscitation begins, and as the Dr. pounds on the patient's chest, he screams "live! Damnit, live!". Appropriate or not, this is the desperation I'm feeling. A burden for those who are in "critical condition" whether they recognize it or not.<br />" So, I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them."<br /> ..."This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live."Ezekiel 37:7-9theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-44405433483993536882007-04-11T13:22:00.000-07:002008-12-12T21:50:31.113-08:00Now Is The Time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI_0jz9QwQ5TP4QlU2KJqthYqg4czlit4xSjLnNCrIgTrvSOiO2xVVl-1xz11EaWcojdWlGjZIsprMqyipA0Pdv6kIJqD7to7qgpmc68zNGWOFowlmBk7oc48kTtpBI1N9d7QHA/s1600-h/DSCF1479.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI_0jz9QwQ5TP4QlU2KJqthYqg4czlit4xSjLnNCrIgTrvSOiO2xVVl-1xz11EaWcojdWlGjZIsprMqyipA0Pdv6kIJqD7to7qgpmc68zNGWOFowlmBk7oc48kTtpBI1N9d7QHA/s320/DSCF1479.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052273789840768306" /></a><br />This last month went by so fast! From Ella's birth to Grace's 3rd birthday then Easter - where did the time go? Whenever you have a baby, older people will say "it goes by so fast" - and you smile and nod, as if you were really listening. But it really does.<br /><br />Time is moving forward whether we're ready for it or not, and I find myself caught up in the daily "stuff" way too often. I am sitting around wondering, pondering, questioning what chore I need to do next, instead of looking at the big picture of life.<br />Whether my kids eat PB&J or T-Bone steak, in the long run it's most important that they know and follow Christ - and are a part of a family where trusting God and following His lead are our top priority.<br /><br />This is a song we've been singing at church - I think it conveys my thoughts a lot more clearly:<br /><br />The winds are blowing through again, so we must follow.<br />A people daring to believe, we can change tomorrow,<br />And be the miracle of light and we won't give up the fight.<br /><br />Now is the time for us to shine<br />Shine with the face of Christ Divine.<br />No compromise, for all of heaven cries,<br />Now is the time.<br /><br />The river's running through again rejuvenating,<br />For everything you touch you change,<br />And we've all been changing.<br />We're a city on a hill<br />Tell the world you're shining still<br />Tell this world you always will<br /><br />Now is the time..<br /><br />Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, King of Lights<br />Jesus, Jesus, raise a church that's shining bright<br /><br />I want to follow but what does it mean,<br />To live in this world and keep everything clean.<br />Nothing I own here is ever my own,<br />When I live in the mercy and blessing you've shown.<br />I lay down my rights; see the world through your eyes,<br />And fight for the hungry who pay for our lives<br />I want to have you in all of my world<br />So, Jesus, consume me, flow through me, cos now is the time...<br /><br />Written by Delirious?/Matt Redman c2005 Curious? Music/UKtheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-64879036532140443062007-03-22T18:02:00.000-07:002008-12-12T21:50:31.304-08:00No Surrendering!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzppNqgeuLzSiE1_QZ-TKUoB2MtvPnNbSdo_kOAlo_ujwT6I2eyzHaYg-b2OPpi4wVW73BMh3WV9sd5PlYZ84KgyjAfRBRAvjUjZtrtFhd4JZs7___pvGOgyeO9TpL0C3IZNUsQ/s1600-h/DSCF1368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzppNqgeuLzSiE1_QZ-TKUoB2MtvPnNbSdo_kOAlo_ujwT6I2eyzHaYg-b2OPpi4wVW73BMh3WV9sd5PlYZ84KgyjAfRBRAvjUjZtrtFhd4JZs7___pvGOgyeO9TpL0C3IZNUsQ/s320/DSCF1368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044919889447580914" /></a><br />Ella's first 2 weeks have been great. She is really calm and peaceful. She eats like a champ, and sleeps like the rest of the Schram family - so we'll keep her! The other kids had a rough couple of weeks, but today they're seeming a lot more like "normal". <br />Grace's 3rd birthday is on Monday and she is SO excited about her getting "3" and chocolate cake, and Grandma and Grandpa are coming. I think she's said that a couple dozen times already today.<br />Adding another baby to the mix really did bring an incredible amount of joy to our home - but in the middle of last week, both David and I were sleep-deprived and really feeling grumpy. And in the few moments where it was just me and the 3 kids, it got pretty chaotic, so I was starting to really wonder if I could do this all day with just me and the kids. The disharmony only lasted for a couple days, but I definitely do not want it to be welcome here.<br />At church we've had a different sort of battle cry lately - "I will not surrender my joy!" I definitely feel like we had to fight for it recently, but it is here. Joy in perfect measure for the 5 of us.<br />David went back to work this week, and so far - I've managed without him. It was really great to have him here the last 2 weeks, although I know he had to go back to work. I'm so thankful that he has a job where he can afford to be with us when we need him.theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-83748104026544107992007-03-09T18:55:00.000-08:002008-12-12T21:50:31.582-08:00Ella Joy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8YNi9cyKie0Jt_7jcy4qW2xV_v9Z0aalDMz6Vi8NXAdLJ7SbzoVziEymvpMrgMxPnGlbgfqVjv2D10SVIPa8DkwwtvzIr87FM-2wm486R6XvthWnE3GjpsYE0Md8JXOAc7JKhg/s1600-h/DSCF1361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8YNi9cyKie0Jt_7jcy4qW2xV_v9Z0aalDMz6Vi8NXAdLJ7SbzoVziEymvpMrgMxPnGlbgfqVjv2D10SVIPa8DkwwtvzIr87FM-2wm486R6XvthWnE3GjpsYE0Md8JXOAc7JKhg/s320/DSCF1361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040124605194129730" /></a><br />I'm not entirely sure if it was the "buffalo chicken chili" or the Cornerstone prayer meeting - or maybe she was just ready to be born. Whatever it was, I went into labor at midnight Wednesday night. I knew it was the real deal, but I also knew it wasn't time to go running to the hospital. So, I paced, rested, did some last minute chores, bounced on the exercise ball, anything I could think of to move things along. I knew David would be waking up soon to go to work, and I could tell him to call-in instead - and hopefully the kids could sleep a bit longer before we had to make our trip to the hospital. I couldn't have asked for better timing for any of it. By the time I was having a lot of trouble with my contractions, the kids were waking up, and we were getting them ready to go. We dropped them off at Kristin's around 7am, and made our way in the "morning commute traffic" to St. Luke's. I had a couple more monster contractions on the way - and one in the parking of the hospital, so I knew things were moving along. Within 1 hour of being admitted, I had already been moved to a delivery room, had an epidural and had my water broken. Around 10:45am, Ella was born. 7lbs, 2oz - 18inches, beautiful and very petite. This was by far the most pleasant birth experience we've had, and we are so thankful for that. Ella and I stayed the night at St. Luke's and David and the big kids stayed at home. Gracie is a proud sister, but I think we'll have to keep an eye on her, cause she thinks she needs to "hold baby Ella" a lot. Peter wasn't too sure what to think of the whole thing. He mostly doesn't understand why mommy can't hold him all the time. But he has been very gentle with her, and likes to touch her soft hair, and cheeks.<br />We're happy to be home and resting, and so so happy to add more joy to our little family.<br />Ella means fearless - and I believe it will be prophetic for her. Lord, bless her with fearless faith, boldness in word and deed , and abundant joy!theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-35925687757366050632007-02-16T16:54:00.000-08:002008-12-12T21:50:31.857-08:00Long time ... no typing.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vSu0nTePoTX4wSmIaeLKab0FZZBPDQ2vqcT0ocuRHFo2CFhyGkQ2GwtQ5mWbEUEzsmOYMc6iXBT7FmjdvJZE7CGs1XuI19xHyiti8qH2MTdVV1ymEGlfFMBuKQbUgJY5jclLqA/s1600-h/petesroom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vSu0nTePoTX4wSmIaeLKab0FZZBPDQ2vqcT0ocuRHFo2CFhyGkQ2GwtQ5mWbEUEzsmOYMc6iXBT7FmjdvJZE7CGs1XuI19xHyiti8qH2MTdVV1ymEGlfFMBuKQbUgJY5jclLqA/s320/petesroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032306393228396434" border="0" /></a><br />So, it's apparently been months since the last time I sat down and typed a "blog" entry. Why? (you may be asking?) Because... there were holidays, and projects galore... and 2 kids under 3 (one of which has been potty-training for what seems like eternity). That's enough excuses right? Don't get me wrong it hasn't all been busy or hectic, but for the most part, anytime I've had any energy, I've been taking full advantage of it with projects around the house, and when I haven't had energy, I've been taking full advantage of that and laying down napping and such.<br />We've had a very eventful start to 2007, and it's been really great to get so many projects done in so little time. After Christmas David only had to work 1 week of nights, and then he did the ol' switcheroo to "day shift". Which has been SO great - and I can't begin to describe how much I love day schedule.<br />David got some new power tools for Christmas and has definitely used them around here. He set to work on projects that I had even forgotten were on the "list of projects". And we're nearly done painting every corner of our house. Each wall and item, and piece of furniture makes me really like our "old" house.<br />With another baby on the way, we decided to utilize the other bedroom in this house, and make a small "boy" bedroom in the basement. That room had previously been used as a guest room/sewing room/storage room, so it mostly just needed to be cleaned out and "updated" to a room fit for Peter. That project is finally complete and Peter has been sleeping in there this week - who knew having the kids in separate rooms would allow them to sleep-in every morning? What a nice change of pace. Gracie is now sleeping in a "big girl bed" (her silly grandpa's old twin bed) and she's very proud of that accomplishment.<br />In days of immense energy I would do as much as humanly possible - painting, sewing, cleaning, etc. and the house is definitely coming along. I've lost my "sewing room", but that's been ok too - I've adapted a "portable sewing" routine, and am able to get my stuff out and put it away with ease at this point. I'm hoping to continue with the Nampa Farmer's Market this season, although, I will take a much more relaxed approach this year. I enjoyed it so much last year, and would really like to keep those connections with our rapidly growing community.<br />Now we're in the last few weeks of patiently waiting for our new bundle of joy - and for once, I'm not feeling too stressed out about the idea of having 3 kids under 3 years old. I'm looking forward to what this spring has to offer.<br />All of this just to say, we're still here, just too busy to sit down very often. That is changing pretty rapidly as I get closer to my due date, I'm having to sit and rest a lot more than I'd like to admit. Check back soon for new baby photos and intriguing stories of giving birth:)<br /><br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-1163347887739214602006-11-12T07:56:00.000-08:002006-11-12T12:12:06.546-08:00The good the bad and the ugly<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/1600/DSCF1172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/320/DSCF1172.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />October was a very busy month, and I had no time to sit down and write an entry. From working at the farmer's market one last time, to having an incredibly sick family - I'm just glad it's November.<br />This trimester of pregnancy has been so nice, I've had so much more energy and have been able to get a lot accomplished around here. I decided to do one more farmer's market before the end of the season. So, I packed up all my gear and headed down there on a very cold Saturday morning - just to freeze my toes off mostly. I only had one sale (which has been my luck the last few times I've attended). In the end, it was a good season, I definitely can't complain about my sales and I had a lot of fun doing something out of the house. Now, I'm working on knitting hats and scarves and getting a few other items ready for a Holiday Market at the Flying M Coffeegarage on November 30 (4-10pm). It should be a lot of fun, especially cause some of my good friends are also having "booths" there, and we'll all be selling our wares together for the first time. It's supposed to all be "functional art" - and that basically means, "cool stuff you can't find anywhere else, made my local artisans". So, I hope to see you there.<br />We found out this month that we're having another girl. When we went in for the ultrasound, neither David or I had any real expectations of what sex the baby was, and weren't really leaning any direction on what we wanted it to be, but when we saw her on the big screen for the first time, it was love at first sight. How could we be disappointed with another beautiful baby girl?<br />We celebrated David's birthday on October 22nd (a couple days late). We had an Oktoberfest birthday party, complete with Jagerschnitzel, Krautkapfen, Rotkraut, and Currywurst. It was a blast, we ate for hours with our friends and ended the evening with everyone's favorite german dessert... German Chocolate Cake? <br />Gracie was very very disappointed that she missed out on daddy's party, because she helped make the cake, and had been practicing "Alley Birthday Daddy" for a week. So, we made him another cake later that week, just so he could blow out candles after we sang "Alley Birthday Daddy". <br />Gracie got strep throat that same week, and kept complaining that her "mouth hurt" - so, we started her on amoxicillin, and she'd been on it a few days, and then she woke up one morning completely covered with red spots. I was in mild panic mode, because I don't really remember what chicken pox looks like, and my Gracie was looking really frightful. I called the Dr. and for once, she saw Gracie right away. She instantly calmed my fears of chicken pox and said it was most likely a viral rash, caused by a strange reaction between childhood mononucleosis and amoxicillin. oy! - So, we just had to wait out the rash , it got so much worse before it got better, but the good part was that Gracie never even noticed it. No itching, no complaining, no nothing... it was just the visual shock of seeing her little body covered in spots.<br />During these 2 weeks of strep/mono Peter got a case of croupe, due to a bad cold. He had a hard time sleeping, ran fevers, coughed til he choked and mostly just wanted to be held all the time. I caught his cold and was absolutely miserable for a few days as well. In the middle of that he decided to pop 4 teeth out of his gums. 2 molars and 2 front teeth (no wonder he was so crabby).<br />By the end of those weeks, we were all better and Peter and Grace have recovered nicely. Thanks for your prayers, thoughts, encouragement and food.<br />For my birthday we went to the Boise Zoo (now called ZOOBOISE... which I find too ridiculous to speak) - Gracie has been there one other time, but she really enjoyed it this time. The monkeys were very vocal and swinging all over the place, the birds were out singing, the cats were pacing and the tortoise was grunting. We had such a great time, and the kids were happy to be out of the house and seeing a bunch of animals they've only seen in books or on tv.<br />By the end of the month Gracie was really worried that no one had been singing Happy Birthday Gracie yet, and we have been assuring her that her birthday will come in a while... after Peter's and the new baby is born - she doesn't really get it, so we've just been singing the song with her in the car all the time.<br />Now on to really important things:<br />On the day before my birthday I was participating in prayer time at church, and God really hit be hard with an abundance of joy. I think I laughed for about a half hour. It was really good and really painful - when God wants you to be full of joy, he doesn't just make you laugh, he FILLS you with joy... I am usually a person that resists that sort of thing, so it was more like God forcing joy into me.... which was so good. After laughing for a long time, completely uncontrollably, and feeling like my sides were going to burst - he just blew over me with peace. As I laid on the floor (for who knows how long), without moving a muscle and just basking in his presence, he started to pour visions into me. I'll share one with you, that I found to be especially encouraging.<br />I saw myself being water baptised, and as I was dunked under the water, the arms (that usually bring you out of the water after a second or two) held me under the water until I drowned. As I lay under the water, dead another arm reached in and helped me out of the water, alive again, and I held in my hand a really big bell. I just took off running through Nampa with this big bell and I was ringing it above my head, running all around town.<br />There is way too much in this picture to get into here, but I have found a great amount of excitement and strength in it. <br />The next day, we got an email from our friends at PAZ (Brazilian missionaries) and they are in the states for a while and wondered if they could call us and talk sometime. This brought up a lot of questions for David and I - a lot of confusion. What do we say? What do we do? What are our plans? What are God's plans? How do we know what God has for us?<br />In the end - we came back to the conclusion that there is a lot of ministry that needs to be done here in Nampa, and if we aren't actively participating in that here and now - what makes us think we could participate in that in Brazil?<br />God is so good, and so loving. He's given us far above anything we could ask or think - and we are actively anticipating whatever it is we get to do here in Nampa for the building up of His Kingdom.theschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-1159638170996522272006-09-30T10:12:00.000-07:002006-09-30T10:42:51.006-07:00Clean up - clean up, Everybody Clean up!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/1600/DSCF1141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/320/DSCF1141.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Part I of operation "get the house in order" has been accomplished. The yard sale, while not entirely successful, got all the junk out of our house and into the backyard. Then, the committee that runs Cornerstone Art Gallery announced they were having a garage sale to raise funds for the gallery, so I donated everything that didn't sell. Now, we're pretty close to junk-free. Hooray!<br />Now we just have a few huge items, that we're going to be taking for sale at a consignment shop one at a time... the rolltop desk, the kitchen table and a sofa (if you're in the market for any of these, please let me know, I may be able to cut you a deal).<br />Now, on to Part II - organization and decoration :) - I'm very excited that we've picked colors for pretty much every room/hallway in the house, and are beginning total transformation of our home. The beige/off-white, that covers our entire house, is so drab, and boring, and completely uninspiring. On the organization front, we're a few steps away from having all the storage issues taken care of, but I think that everything is at least out of our way, and out of sight right now.<br />As for the family - David is is actively searching for ways for his job to be day shift only - whatever that takes really. With a family, friends and a church family, it's pretty difficult to work night shift half of the year, every year. Not to mention, the physical, emotional and spiritual ramifications of sleeping during the day and working during the night. Please pray that David will be able to just transfer to another position at Micron, and make what he's making or more.<br />Gracie has been on an artistic journey this week. Either coloring, drawing or painting with watercolors - all week long. I mean, she would even put her food aside and ask for colors. She gets so lost in her "colors", that she forgets about everything else. Luckily, for me, when she's coloring, she's nearly silent, and doesn't move from her position for hours. <br />Peter on the other hand, cannot be contained. Last night, I left the kitchen for 30 seconds, and Gracie starts yelling, "Mommy!!!, Peter!!!" - I walk in there, and he's sitting on the table (he crawled up there from his booster), he sat there with a huge grin on his face. He will eat for an entire hour, peas, carrots, cereal, water - and then if someone else eats in front of him, he cries until he gets more! - From everything I have read, toddlers stomachs are only the size of their fist, but he eats enough to fill both of my fists, maybe both of David's and Gracie's. And he's just on the move all the time - climbing, crawling, biting, playing - what a difference from Gracie at that age.<br />I'm feeling a lot more energy these days, and for the first time in months, I'm feeling creative again - so, I have a few projects in the works, and am really excited about doing some "fun" stuff again.<br />The fall weather is supposed to start sometime next week, and we can't wait. It will be so great to wear sweatshirts again. Not to mention our birthdays are coming up... then the holidays, and pretty soon, it will be the end of David's night shift for this year.<br /><br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-1158294721099022252006-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:002006-09-14T21:32:01.183-07:00Picky Eater<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/1600/DSCF1118.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/320/DSCF1118.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />So, after a week or so of unruly behavior - I think we finally figured out what Peter has been SO grumpy about. He does not want to be a baby anymore. He wants to climb, get into trouble, eat bugs and eat "big kid" food. Today alone, he ate a whole waffle, a bowl of applesauce, and a bowl of macaroni and cheese! (not to mention the dozen animal crackers, cheerios and other finger foods)<br />It has been an eventful week since family camp. We all came back feeling "sick" - I had stomach cramps, and so did Dave and Gracie. We ended the week with Gracie and I hugging toilets, etc. In the meantime, Dave started night shift (for the next 4 months). As usual, when night shift comes along, the family schedule of events has really changed. I'm hoping to stay on a more strict schedule so as to ward off insanity and also, so that the kids and I will stay healthy and happy. So, this week was our trial run, and we're doing good so far.<br />For the last 3 months we've been planning a yard sale, and the day is finally approaching. Like always, cleaning out all the "stuff you don't know why you have in your house" is very therapeutic. It's pretty amazing how much stuff you accumulate in such a short amount of time - and all the stuff you actually put in a box and move to the next house, and then never use. I'm just really looking forward to reducing the clutter in our home, and getting things super-sleek-organized around here. Hopefully if there's less stuff in our home to collect dust, it will be easier to keep clean and organized - and with another kid on the way, I need all the help I can get.<br /><br /><br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-1156787146980367812006-08-28T10:31:00.000-07:002006-08-29T18:33:37.536-07:00CDA or bust...<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/1600/DSCF1081.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/320/DSCF1081.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />We just spent four days on Lake Coeur d' Alene at the Schram family float house. We encountered a lot of "firsts" with Gracie and Peter. Peter's first dip in a pool and lake plus his first ride in a swing, Gracie's first boat ride, first dip in the lake and her first time shooting a water gun at daddy.<br />We got to visit all the grandmas.... Carey, Nanny, Trilby and Rose and "silly Grampa" a.k.a. Mark. It never matters how long our stay is in North Idaho, it always ends up being a whirlwind tour. <br />It's an absolutely beautiful spot, and the lake is definitely a relaxing place, but it still seems like we barely got there before having to leave again. The kids did great on both 7 hour trips to and from Coeur d' Alene and they got along great with cousins Hailey and Madison, and doggy "Sassy".<br />My only "goal" was to take at least one nap while we were there, and on the last day, I actually accomplished that one! I think it was for almost 2 hours, so that's like a world record with 2 kids running/rolling around.<br />Dave got to golf a course on the NIC campus, and I think we ate chocolate chip cookies every night, so overall I'd rate this vacation an A.<br />We've been home a few days and are now gearing up for Cornerstone Family Camp this weekend. We'll be leaving Friday and will return on Monday. Family Camp has never failed to deliver long lasting memories and huge spiritual breakthroughs, so I'm ready for a weekend-long soak!!<br />Usually, around this part of a blog entry, I find some poignant thought or "deeper" idea, so that you know that I'm "on the level" - but this week, I'm just thinking "bring it on God"! I'm ready for whatever God has in store for us. I know when we found out I was pregnant again, our "missionary" plans came to a stand-still, for the time being, but I know that God wasn't just speaking to us for a season, and now being silent. I know that there are specific reasons why we are here, in Nampa, at Cornerstone, and in our neighborhood - so maybe those reasons will be revealed to us this weekend. Seek , knock, ask - right? <br />Bring it on, God! - Where are you leading us?<br /><br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-1155757163385629302006-08-16T12:35:00.000-07:002006-08-16T12:39:23.400-07:00My Great Grandpa - Evert Roberts 1913-2006<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/1600/f%20grace%20and%20the%20greatgreats.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7349/3590/320/f%20grace%20and%20the%20greatgreats.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Wow - I’m not sure where to start. I know for certain that my great grandfather, lived a full and joyful life. I know that he is finally with Jesus, and loving every minute of it! I keep remembering what my husband and I referred to as “grandpa’s arkansas laugh” - the one where he’d be nearly in tears, totally uninhibited and laughing with eyes closed tight, and mouth, wide open (I’m sure he even slapped his knee when he laughed like this). I’m sure that when Grandpa’s earthly vessel was no longer able to breathe, that his spirit went to meet Jesus in the heavens, and when he met up with that “great cloud of witnesses”, he broke down into his “arkansas laugh”. To come face to face with his maker and be enveloped in an embrace of love like he’s never known, and that he had longed for his entire life. I miss him, definitely - but I know that he is in the exact place he preached about for years.<br /><br />I have some favorite memories I’d love to share with you - things that make me smile, and maybe shed a tear or two. <br /><br />My grandfather was an extremely proud man, this was sometimes referred to as “stubborn”, but in most instances it was a joy. I am grandpa’s first Great granddaughter, and he was so proud of his family. Whenever we’d go to lunch, or dinner or come across anyone that didn’t know us, he’d make sure to introduce us, and emphasize that I was his GREAT grandaughter. I also have had the pleasure of giving him his first and only great great grandchildren, and he was endlessly proud to introduce Grace and Peter. (Not many people have great greats). * The picture above is of Grandpa and Grandma holding Grace, she is about 1 day old and we were on our way home from the hospital. We stopped by to introduce her to her great grandparents. Grandpa cried and laughed and cried some more.<br /><br />He used to always say that we should eat dessert first, so there’d be room for it. And I think it actually hurt his feelings if we were “too full” for a dish of ice cream after lunch. He took so much pleasure in “treating” his family to dinner, and would always say “now, you kids, get whatever you want!”.<br /><br />Grandpa was always so interested in what was going on in the kingdom of God. And I remember after our church camp a couple years ago, Grandpa wanted to hear all about it. David and I told him the story of the Holy Spirit falling so heavily on us at camp, that we had laughed and rolled on the floor for hours on end. I wasn’t sure how Grandpa would respond to this story - but he just sat there weeping. When he was finally able to speak, he told us how wonderful it was that God was moving like that. Then he told us the story of the Spirit falling on him when he was 14 years old at a revival tent meeting and how he felt the call of God so strongly on his life from that moment.<br /><br />I loved my grandpa so much! and I loved watching him love other people, he was a kind, wise and compassionate man. I’m so proud of my spiritual inheritance in the Kingdom of God. The memories I have , of the countless lunches at Applebee’s or Elmer’s and the joy of each of those visits are memories not to be forgotten.<br /><br />The last time I saw Grandpa at the nursing home, he was pretty sad - and a lot frustrated. We asked if we could pray with him, and he just began to cry. We prayed with him, and he prayed and blessed us - I’m so thankful for those precious moments spent with him. I know he appreciated our visits, and always asked us to come back again.<br /><br />Thank you Lord, for Grandpa’s life and legacy! Here’s a song that I keep thinking of when I think of Grandpa. If you’re family with the “old days” of MGT, there used to be a prayer time before the Sunday evening services, and usually it was just about silent... but Grandpa would begin to sing (if you know him, you know he didn’t have a beautiful voice), but he would begin to sing , “Glory, Glory! Hallelujah - Hallelujah! Glory, Glory!”<br />Thanks grandpa!<br /><br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32799294.post-1155756908790173942006-08-16T12:34:00.000-07:002006-08-16T12:35:08.793-07:00I had an appointment with my Dr. today. She isn’t completely sure how far along I am. Somewhere between 8 and 12 weeks. I must admit, both numbers seem like I’m pretty far along - especially since we haven’t known for that long. So, I have to go back on Monday for an ultrasound with a specialist, so she can determine my due date. <br />We got to see the little baby “bump” - and see the chambers of the heart beating and everything, so that was really exciting. Knowing that all this “gagging” and sleeping has been for an actual reason is comforting somehow.<br />David and I have been talking about the crazy shift our lives have taken in the last 2 weeks. And at times have even questioned whether we were on the right track or even really hearing God for the last few months. On Monday during small group, David shared that with the group, and we had the most wonderful encouraging words and confirmations about where we are and what we had been planning. Brian Portteus reminded us that even though we didn’t follow-through with selling our home and David quitting his job, that our willingness to give all those things up was counted as a sacrifice - and that we had blessed God by putting it all on the line for Him. (Brian, you have no idea how much your words blessed us!) - I was reminded of Abraham and Isaac (because David’s lil sis Kristina reminded me) - Abraham, had to walk all the way up to the alter with his son, but if he hadn’t taken a knife with him, it wouldn’t have been the sacrifice God had asked for. Even though, God provided another sacrifice, Abraham had the faith to walk up there with his own son - and that’s the sacrifice God asked for - even though it’s not the life He ended up taking. <br />So, as we enter another journey of pregnancy (did I mention that our Dr. thought it was really humorous that she was seeing us so soon after Peter??) - I just want to thank God for his favor on our lives. For blessing us with so much joy and such calm and content children. For filling our home with laughter and with love. And for giving us the desires of our hearts, even when we don’t expect it. He is good, and His love endures forever!!<br /><br />jenntheschramfamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107524096890624314noreply@blogger.com0