When I held my first baby in my arms, I never dreamed how hard parenting him would be. I never imagined the pain he would put us through. I never dreamed how deeply I would love him.
Sigh.
Two-steps forward, then two steps backwards.
I'm learning that I'm not alone. There are many hurting parents. God's desk must be inundated with requests for wayward children. Oh God...hurry and help us all.
The bottom line is: my son needs to turn his life over to his maker. Only then, will he make progress.
I pray daily for this.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Firestorms
The area where we live is safe. But today our blue sky slowly began to turn colors. In the morning we saw grey and orange streaks in the distance toward the fire areas. Our local mountains are not on fire. But their purple peaks gradually disappeared into a smoky haze and they became dark grew shadows. It was almost 100 degrees in our area today.
The school where I work canceled P.E classes so the children would not inhale the bad air.
Four hundred homes are destroyed in the Lake Arrowhead area, where we like to ride our motorcycles. The last couple of riding posts are in that area.
I continue to pray for the fire fighters and for the people who have lost their homes. I'm sad that our forests are burning up. Each year California's wild fires are increasing. People blame it on global warming. I'm not sure what the answer is, but we haven't had much rain the last few years, so everything is incredibly dry.
Some of our larger pine trees can withstand forest fires, but they cannot survive these flames.
In a way, this pulls everyone together, and people become more sensitive to one another's needs. I don't like these fires, but in some ways...difficult circumstances bring out the best in people.
(The Dead Sea Scroll post is below.)
The school where I work canceled P.E classes so the children would not inhale the bad air.
Four hundred homes are destroyed in the Lake Arrowhead area, where we like to ride our motorcycles. The last couple of riding posts are in that area.
I continue to pray for the fire fighters and for the people who have lost their homes. I'm sad that our forests are burning up. Each year California's wild fires are increasing. People blame it on global warming. I'm not sure what the answer is, but we haven't had much rain the last few years, so everything is incredibly dry.
Some of our larger pine trees can withstand forest fires, but they cannot survive these flames.
In a way, this pulls everyone together, and people become more sensitive to one another's needs. I don't like these fires, but in some ways...difficult circumstances bring out the best in people.
(The Dead Sea Scroll post is below.)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Dead Sea Scrolls Day
There are 12 to 15 fires burning in Southern California. But fortunately the area where we live is fine. Keep the firefighters and people in threatened areas in your prayers.
It was 80 degrees with clear blue skies in San Diego on Saturday, the day Carole and I went to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. After seeing the scrolls, we left the area Saturday afternoon and traveled north toward home. Apparently some fires broke out the next day affecting some of the areas we drove through.
So how were the Dead Sea Scrolls? Amazing!
There were no parking places left at the San Diego Museum of Natural History at 10:15 a.m. I had to park waaaaaay down the street. Do you see the plane in the picture?
After passing through an outdoor security check point, we were able to enter the museum. Notice the black "Dead Sea Scrolls" sign on the left.
The first room held large breathtaking photographs of Israel. portraying beautiful shorelines, rugged deserts, miles of fertile fields, canyons, and wheat colored hills strewn with oak trees...in fact it looked a lot like Southern California. And it looked BIG. I always think of Israel as tiny, but not anymore. I mean...even the Dead Sea (which looks like a drop of water on the map) was gigantic!
This picture (above) was intriguing.
The Dead Sea Scrolls were in a cool dimly lit room. They were under glass. Actually framed in small glass frames (that they traveled in). These small frames were placed into large 4 feet by 4 feet glass tables--one table for each scroll. But the display only consisted of fragments. There were no complete scrolls. I suppose it would be hard to display, for instance, the entire scroll of Isaiah. It would take several rooms to do that!
Here is a list of some of the scrolls we saw. I am using the old dating method because its easier to understand. But the exhibit used the designations BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era)
Paleo-Leviticus (comprised of the last six chapters of Leviticus) 1—50 A.D.
Deuteronomy (3:14-28 and 5:1—6:1 and part of chapter 8) 125—75 B.C.
Isaiah (5:15-28) 75—1 B.C.
2 Samuel (various parts) 50—1 B.C.
Zephaniah 3:9—Haggai 1:2--They believe this scroll fragment is part of a complete scroll of the twelve minor prophets. 150—125 B.C.
Genesis (7:10—8:13) 50—1 B.C. Includes excerpts from the flood.
Psalms had the biggest most readable fragments. When I stepped over to see it, I was surprised that my eyes misted over. Psalms has meant so much to so many 'pilgrims'. A sign on the wall notated that the book of Psalms has been passed down with incredible accuracy. As I looked at the first century A.D. Hebrew writing, I thanked God for his gift of the discovery of these scrolls. He knew these would be an encouragement to us—knowing that our old testament scriptures are the same today as they were 2000 years ago.
The scrolls were much smaller than I had imagined. They were only about 7 or 8 inches from top to bottom. The writing was very small. One of the visitors looking over my shoulder mentioned that animal skin can shrink over the years. All of the scrolls were parchment (animal skin) except for one papyrus scroll, a linen scroll, and a copper scroll (letters etched into copper). This is the first time the copper scroll had ever been displayed. The Copper scroll is non-Biblical and cites some 64 locations where over 100 tons of gold, silver, scrolls and priestly items were supposedly hidden. (25—75 A.D.)
We weren't allowed to take pictures. In order to keep the scrolls from deteriorating, the scrolls can only be exhibited for 3 months. They just removed the scrolls that were exhibited during the summer, and put in different ones for the months of October, November, December. The room must be cool and the light must be dim. The animal skin has yellowed and darkened, making it hard to see the black writing. But the text is still clearly legible.
It was hard to leave. I just wanted to stand in their presence a little longer. But Carole was freezing cold, and I was tired. I didn't mention that they let TOO MANY people into the exhibit at one time and it took a lot of patience to wade your way up to a glass table to see a scroll. Before we left I quickly turned and threaded my way back to the Psalms scroll, squeezed through some people and stared at it one more time, etching the moment into my memory.
Then Carole and I stepped out into the warm sunshine. We snagged a security guard to take our photo.
There's Carole (left) and myself (right) happily thawing out.
It was 80 degrees with clear blue skies in San Diego on Saturday, the day Carole and I went to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. After seeing the scrolls, we left the area Saturday afternoon and traveled north toward home. Apparently some fires broke out the next day affecting some of the areas we drove through.
So how were the Dead Sea Scrolls? Amazing!
There were no parking places left at the San Diego Museum of Natural History at 10:15 a.m. I had to park waaaaaay down the street. Do you see the plane in the picture?
After passing through an outdoor security check point, we were able to enter the museum. Notice the black "Dead Sea Scrolls" sign on the left.
The first room held large breathtaking photographs of Israel. portraying beautiful shorelines, rugged deserts, miles of fertile fields, canyons, and wheat colored hills strewn with oak trees...in fact it looked a lot like Southern California. And it looked BIG. I always think of Israel as tiny, but not anymore. I mean...even the Dead Sea (which looks like a drop of water on the map) was gigantic!
This picture (above) was intriguing.
The Dead Sea Scrolls were in a cool dimly lit room. They were under glass. Actually framed in small glass frames (that they traveled in). These small frames were placed into large 4 feet by 4 feet glass tables--one table for each scroll. But the display only consisted of fragments. There were no complete scrolls. I suppose it would be hard to display, for instance, the entire scroll of Isaiah. It would take several rooms to do that!
Here is a list of some of the scrolls we saw. I am using the old dating method because its easier to understand. But the exhibit used the designations BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era)
Paleo-Leviticus (comprised of the last six chapters of Leviticus) 1—50 A.D.
Deuteronomy (3:14-28 and 5:1—6:1 and part of chapter 8) 125—75 B.C.
Isaiah (5:15-28) 75—1 B.C.
2 Samuel (various parts) 50—1 B.C.
Zephaniah 3:9—Haggai 1:2--They believe this scroll fragment is part of a complete scroll of the twelve minor prophets. 150—125 B.C.
Genesis (7:10—8:13) 50—1 B.C. Includes excerpts from the flood.
Psalms had the biggest most readable fragments. When I stepped over to see it, I was surprised that my eyes misted over. Psalms has meant so much to so many 'pilgrims'. A sign on the wall notated that the book of Psalms has been passed down with incredible accuracy. As I looked at the first century A.D. Hebrew writing, I thanked God for his gift of the discovery of these scrolls. He knew these would be an encouragement to us—knowing that our old testament scriptures are the same today as they were 2000 years ago.
The scrolls were much smaller than I had imagined. They were only about 7 or 8 inches from top to bottom. The writing was very small. One of the visitors looking over my shoulder mentioned that animal skin can shrink over the years. All of the scrolls were parchment (animal skin) except for one papyrus scroll, a linen scroll, and a copper scroll (letters etched into copper). This is the first time the copper scroll had ever been displayed. The Copper scroll is non-Biblical and cites some 64 locations where over 100 tons of gold, silver, scrolls and priestly items were supposedly hidden. (25—75 A.D.)
We weren't allowed to take pictures. In order to keep the scrolls from deteriorating, the scrolls can only be exhibited for 3 months. They just removed the scrolls that were exhibited during the summer, and put in different ones for the months of October, November, December. The room must be cool and the light must be dim. The animal skin has yellowed and darkened, making it hard to see the black writing. But the text is still clearly legible.
It was hard to leave. I just wanted to stand in their presence a little longer. But Carole was freezing cold, and I was tired. I didn't mention that they let TOO MANY people into the exhibit at one time and it took a lot of patience to wade your way up to a glass table to see a scroll. Before we left I quickly turned and threaded my way back to the Psalms scroll, squeezed through some people and stared at it one more time, etching the moment into my memory.
Then Carole and I stepped out into the warm sunshine. We snagged a security guard to take our photo.
There's Carole (left) and myself (right) happily thawing out.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sharon Lynne News
The Home Front
My youngest, recently bought a game system with his own money. He won't let the oldest play unless the oldest treats him with respect. They've been squabbling all week. It's interesting to watch. I've never seen the older one submit to the younger one. (and I'm seeing it.)
We are purchasing some property in another state, and it hasn't been easy. We are closing this week or next...emails, notaries, lenders, interest rates, escrow, insurance, taxes, etc., etc. has been keeping our minds busy.
I'm still reading the Bible to my family at dinner.
Neighbors
I wave to my neighbor Ben when I see him. He is gone a lot. This is good—as I think he must have a regular job.
Yesterday, very early in the morning I crossed paths with another neighbor. He doesn't speak English very well. I said, "Have a nice day." He smiled wide. The next morning as I was climbing into my car I heard his voice coming over the wall, "Have a nice day."
A couple of days ago I went to a store to buy a belt. Outside an old homeless woman was eating out of trash can. How can I buy a belt when someone else can't even buy food? I bought her a meal...and told her God cared about her. This is not something I normally do...but God is showing me what he would do. (and I did buy the belt)
My Job
Working with children is always rewarding!
My Writing
Can't seem to get myself motivated to re-write 2 articles that I need to send out. Daily life is too strenuous on my brain at the moment.
Adventure
I'm going to see the Dead Sea Scrolls on Saturday! I'm picking up a girlfriend and drivng to San Diego. I'll bring my camera and tell you all about it! Here is a link to an article I wrote: Dead Sea Scrolls
My youngest, recently bought a game system with his own money. He won't let the oldest play unless the oldest treats him with respect. They've been squabbling all week. It's interesting to watch. I've never seen the older one submit to the younger one. (and I'm seeing it.)
We are purchasing some property in another state, and it hasn't been easy. We are closing this week or next...emails, notaries, lenders, interest rates, escrow, insurance, taxes, etc., etc. has been keeping our minds busy.
I'm still reading the Bible to my family at dinner.
Neighbors
I wave to my neighbor Ben when I see him. He is gone a lot. This is good—as I think he must have a regular job.
Yesterday, very early in the morning I crossed paths with another neighbor. He doesn't speak English very well. I said, "Have a nice day." He smiled wide. The next morning as I was climbing into my car I heard his voice coming over the wall, "Have a nice day."
A couple of days ago I went to a store to buy a belt. Outside an old homeless woman was eating out of trash can. How can I buy a belt when someone else can't even buy food? I bought her a meal...and told her God cared about her. This is not something I normally do...but God is showing me what he would do. (and I did buy the belt)
My Job
Working with children is always rewarding!
My Writing
Can't seem to get myself motivated to re-write 2 articles that I need to send out. Daily life is too strenuous on my brain at the moment.
Adventure
I'm going to see the Dead Sea Scrolls on Saturday! I'm picking up a girlfriend and drivng to San Diego. I'll bring my camera and tell you all about it! Here is a link to an article I wrote: Dead Sea Scrolls
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Still Hanging On
My vegetable garden looks a little haggard, but it's still hanging on.
I have yellow peppers.
And various types of red peppers.
These are too hot...so I just let them decorate the bush.
These are good!
Tomatoes are still dangling.
Oh! What's this!
An article sitting in the pumpkin plant.
It's a peek at my article "What Would Jesus Do on Halloween?" that will be coming out on October 28th, 2007 in a magazine called LIVE.
I will post the article soon—after October 28th!
Hope you are all doing well out there...still enjoying the change of season and living ONE DAY AT A TIME! (I've found that makes things easier.)
I have yellow peppers.
And various types of red peppers.
These are too hot...so I just let them decorate the bush.
These are good!
Tomatoes are still dangling.
Oh! What's this!
An article sitting in the pumpkin plant.
It's a peek at my article "What Would Jesus Do on Halloween?" that will be coming out on October 28th, 2007 in a magazine called LIVE.
I will post the article soon—after October 28th!
Hope you are all doing well out there...still enjoying the change of season and living ONE DAY AT A TIME! (I've found that makes things easier.)
Saturday, October 6, 2007
The Best Kind of Food
My husband is composing music tonight. Later he will come in and watch some tv to relax.
My youngest son is watching tv already, and my oldest son is on the computer.
I'm reading blogs and then I'm going to browse through some children's books.
I'm thinking...I should be reading God's Word. For some reason it always gets put off.
Why do I put off the most important thing I could be doing?
And what about my children? Every day they are bombarded by the world's voice...and the world's opinions through tv, computer, I.pods, and etc. Do they hear God's voice?
What to do?
So I took a small step. I put an open Bible on the kitchen table.
A few things happened. Just small things. When I'm home for lunch, I find myself reading a few verses. Then, at dinner, after a prayer of thanks for the food, I read a few verses to the family.
I tell the family it's their spiritual food.
We haven't had any earth shattering conversations or conversions, and often the verses get derailed by interruptions. "Hey! He just took the biggest piece of cheese bread!" But I'm hoping seeds are being planted.
Sometimes I read just one proverb. Or three verses in Matthew.
And on some nights, it just doesn't work. Like tonight, my husband was unusually talkative about his day. I thought it best to let him talk. The Bible doesn't have to be forced. It will still be here tomorrow.
Now the Word of God is powerful...sharper than a two-edged sword. So I won't doubt.
I'll try not to be discouraged when the interruptions hit. The Word of God will do its work. It will seep into their lives.
...just as the media has.
But now, they have a sword to fight with. And a way to measure the opinions of the world. A contrast.
I pray they will begin to read God's Word on their own.
Psalm 119: 165 "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Anniversary Ride
On September 29th, 2007, the day of our 28th wedding anniversary, my husband asked, "How 'bout going riding tomorrow...just the two of us."
I needed a change of scenery and being alone with my husband sounded like a fun thing. So we left the boys at home and went out.
Well...this was a pretty long steep hill. The picture doesn't reflect the slant of it. I kept thinking..."I'm almost at the top! I'm almost at the top!" But the top never came.
You can see the trail winding up in the background. I was climbing and climbing, and trying to avoid slipping into periodic long deep ruts here and there in the road. Suddenly I didn't make one of the turns and my bike rolled over a log and fell. Since this ground was tilted, and my bike weighs 225 pounds--my husband was not thrilled. Fortunately another guy came up the hill and helped him pull the bike out. I hiked up the rest of the hill on foot.
At the top we sat down on a log and rested. It was hot--about 88 degrees. (Hot for climbing hills in that outfit!)
Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy.
But I do love the outdoors. Yet I think I would rather meander along a nice dirt road through beautiful countryside. But when you ride with a man, the chances are...that you won't meander. Try..just try...going riding with a man and NOT climbing a hill...bouncing over rocks...zooming around burms and spinning doughnuts.
Actually we had a pretty good time all in all. We rode 50 miles through the mountains! No more crashes the rest of the day (Oh...He did take me out to a nice dinner the night before!)
I needed a change of scenery and being alone with my husband sounded like a fun thing. So we left the boys at home and went out.
Well...this was a pretty long steep hill. The picture doesn't reflect the slant of it. I kept thinking..."I'm almost at the top! I'm almost at the top!" But the top never came.
You can see the trail winding up in the background. I was climbing and climbing, and trying to avoid slipping into periodic long deep ruts here and there in the road. Suddenly I didn't make one of the turns and my bike rolled over a log and fell. Since this ground was tilted, and my bike weighs 225 pounds--my husband was not thrilled. Fortunately another guy came up the hill and helped him pull the bike out. I hiked up the rest of the hill on foot.
At the top we sat down on a log and rested. It was hot--about 88 degrees. (Hot for climbing hills in that outfit!)
Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy.
But I do love the outdoors. Yet I think I would rather meander along a nice dirt road through beautiful countryside. But when you ride with a man, the chances are...that you won't meander. Try..just try...going riding with a man and NOT climbing a hill...bouncing over rocks...zooming around burms and spinning doughnuts.
Actually we had a pretty good time all in all. We rode 50 miles through the mountains! No more crashes the rest of the day (Oh...He did take me out to a nice dinner the night before!)
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