viluisen pesä

Changes

2012-02-17T02:40:00.000-08:00

I'm excited for all the changes our family is going through. My husband got a good job (thank you Lord!) and I started my own photography business. There's a lot more work for me now which means Viluisen pesä might quiet down a bit. I'm still choosing to be a stay-at-home mom and I will take photography gigs (weddings & other family events, family portraits etc.) only on weekends and evenings when my husband is home from work. We will see how this will work out. There's a lot for me to learn when it comes to running a business but I am confident in this knowing this was the right step to take.

Noah Was a Cool Man!

2012-01-13T14:58:00.000-08:00

Did you ever realize that Noah built his ark for a hundred years? God spoke to Noah, gave him a job, and explained it to him. Noah agreed to do what God asked and started working. God was probably quiet all those years. Noah had three sons during that time, and they grew up watching their dad build a big boat on dry land, started to help when they were big enough, and stood by their father's side while others mocked. They married godly women who did not care about the mocking either. I wonder if Noah had difficult times with himself while building the ark. I wonder if he ever doubted.

I am glad God limited the years of man, because I do not know if I could handle waiting for the Lord for a hundred years. I have received promises from God, and while waiting for their fulfillment, I have even started to doubt if it was really God speaking to me, or if I just made it up! How could I even call myself a believer if I ever second-guessed God's words! He has shown me many times that He always keeps his promises, without exception.

Dear friend, if you are holding a promise you have received from the Lord, keep holding on to it. If you have not received any promises, open your Bible and read. It is full of them, for you and for me! Then grow closer to Jesus as you wait for those promises.

Jesus is one of the promises that God has already fulfilled. He came, taught, died, rose from the dead, ascended to Heaven, and will return. That's the promise I am holding on to. People call us crazy, but I ask them, "In what or in whom do you put your trust? Is it enough? Are you sure? Are you free?"

Nothing to Say

2012-01-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

God knows what is in my heart and that's enough.

. . .Feet Fitted with the Readiness that Comes from the Gospel of Peace. Ephesians 6:15

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Listening to *this* (and looking online where to find her album to buy) and admiring *her* doodling. The story behind Rhema. . . words can't even begin to describe. She is such a blessing to thousands of people. Her voice and her character are something I didn't even know exists.

Now What's that Sound?. . .

2012-01-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

. . .I think it is the sound of my patience growing.

I did not decide to be negative or positive today. I decided only to take the day as it is, and today it is like this:

I wear my noise reducing earmuffs. Sally screams her lungs out in the bedroom as my husband is trying to put her down for her nap. I have already tried it. Jonah has been waiting for three hours for our mother-son Bible study. "I just have to lay Sally down first" has been my answer for these long hours. He has more things piling up on his mommy-do list. Some small Legos are firmly stuck together. "Mommy, can you help?"

"Yes, as soon as Sally is asleep."

"Can you teach me how to make a real painting with watercolors?"

"Yes, as soon as your sister falls asleep."

"Mommy, can I have another cup of cocoa? You've said I can have two cups per day when I'm sick."

"Yes, you can have a cup of cocoa, as soon as Sally is asleep." T comes home from the art supply store. I had called him thirty minutes earlier and asked if he can check if they have black fabric markers. "Yes, honey," he replied and hung up. I was excited to look in his bag when he got back home. No fabric markers. Did they not have them? "I forgot to ask as soon as I hung up the phone."

Jonah is now getting upset over the delayed cocoa. A four-year-old can only wait for so long. It is now the fourth hour that I am putting him off. Sally gets quieter in the bedroom. Jonah picks up his guitar, strums, and Sally gets a second wind, screaming. The thousand previous times I had told Jonah that musical instruments are off-limits while someone is taking a nap, or attempting to, were clearly not enough. He makes an irritating whiney noise when I once more explain the rules and put the guitar away. He drinks his cocoa and comes to sit on my lap as I type and nods off. I am sick, too, and all this would be easier to handle if I didn't have muscle aches, a dizzy head, and a terrible cough that makes me throw up and nearly pass out.

The day is almost gone and I have reached none of my goals. I guess that I can forget about that much needed shower and that second cup of coffee. I am afraid to make a move in any direction, since it is finally quiet. If I boil water, turn a page, or flush the toilet, someone will start screaming again.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture to read more about this.

Am I wise? Am I wise in my own mind or in the eyes of God? What is wisdom? These are questions I have been asking myself in the past couple of days.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:13-18

Kuka on viisas ja ymmärtäväinen teidän joukossanne? Tuokoon hän näkyviin tekonsa hyvällä vaelluksellaan viisauden sävyisyydessä. Mutta jos teillä on katkera kiivaus ja riitaisuus sydämessänne, niin älkää kerskatko älkääkä valhetelko totuutta vastaan. Tämä ei ole se viisaus, joka ylhäältä tulee, vaan se on maallista, sielullista, riivaajien viisautta. Sillä missä kiivaus ja riitaisuus on, siellä on epäjärjestys ja kaikkinainen paha meno. Mutta ylhäältä tuleva viisaus on ensiksikin puhdas, sitten rauhaisa, lempeä, taipuisa, täynnä laupeutta ja hyviä hedelmiä, se ei epäile, ei teeskentele. Vanhurskauden hedelmä kylvetään rauhassa rauhan tekijöille.

Jaakobin kirje 3:13-18

Happy Birthday, Jesus

2011-12-23T02:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the tinsel and lights and the presents are nicebut the real gift is You.
Happy Birthday JesusI'm so glad it's Christmasall the carols and bellsmake the holiday swelland it's all about YouHappy Birthday JesusJesus I love You!

I don't know who wrote that song but it sure is wonderful. We have been practicing it, but aren't quite done yet. (I think we will make a youtube video of the recording and I will share it here). Meanwhile, you can admire this little girl sing it.

At Peace

2011-12-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas! How excited I am this year! I chose not to stress about anything, but making the deadline to mail all the gifts and cards did raise my blood pressure a little bit. Once that was done, I have been at peace. We are all having a tough cold and it is eating up all of the energy I might have had, but that's just fine. We have been relaxing, doing little crafts (more of that at Learning at Home), blowing our noses and coughing.

I have one Bible verse stuck in my head, along with some songs in Finnish,* and I want to share it with you:

It is better to trust in the LORD
Than to put confidence in man. Psalms 118:8

On parempi luottaa Herraan,
kuin turvata ihmisiin. Psalmit 118:8

Tämä olen saanut kokea todeksi, Jumala on uskollinen.

*Valtaa mun sydämein Jeesus, sinua palvelemaan
niin että kokonaan sulle, elää mä tahtoisin vaan...

Treats

2011-12-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

Pre-Christmas Thoughts

2011-12-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

Kaupassa seimiasetelmat ja muut Jeesuksesta muistuttavat joulukoristeet oli pantu alahyllylle. Ei niitä sieltä edes löydä tai saa ellei ole pieni ja notkea. Joulupukkeja ja tonttuja kyllä riittää. Ja niitä muumeja! Minä hain valkoisia jouluvaloja (niitä oikeita valoja, ei LED!) ja pari Twixiä paketointipuuhiin.

Olen viimeaikoina miettinyt sitä, miten ihmisillä on mennyt ihminen ja Jumala sekaisin. Täällä me pöystäillään ja ollaan niin olevinamme, vaikkei mitään olla, ja kuitenkin rakkaita Jumalalle! On hyvä käsittää oma pienuus, mutta myös oma arvo. Ja Jumala ei kunniaansa jaa.

Ihan ääneen nauroin, kun luin uutisen hiljattain Puolassa tapahtuneesta lentokoneen pakkolaskusta ilman laskutelineitä. "Ihmiset itkivät ja rukoilivat" oli artikkelin otsikko. Lopussa kiittivät onneaan, kun ei kukaan vahingoittunut! Sitä onneako he rukoilivat? Vai Jumalaa, joka muistuu aina vaikeana aikana mieleen? Taitava lentäjä on saanut valtavasti ihailua ja suosiota, kun "pelasti" matkustajien hengen.

"Keneenkä siis te vertaatte Jumalan, ja minkä muotoiseksi te hänet teette? Jumalankuvanko? - Sen valaa valaja, ja kultaseppä kullalla päällystää, sepittää sille hopeaketjut. Kenellä ei ole varaa sellaiseen antimeen, se valitsee puun, joka ei lahoa, hakee taitavan tekijän pystyttämään jumalankuvan, joka ei horju. Ettekö te tiedä, ettekö kuule, eikö teille ole alusta asti ilmoitettu, ettekö ole maan perustuksista vaaria ottaneet? Hän istuu korkealla maanpiirin päällä, kuin heinäsirkkoja ovat sen asukkaat; hän levittää taivaan niinkuin harson, pingoittaa sen niinkuin teltan asuttavaksi. Hän tekee ruhtinaat olemattomiksi, saattaa maan tuomarit tyhjän veroisiksi. Tuskin he ovat istutetut, tuskin kylvetyt, tuskin on heidän vartensa juurtunut maahan, niin hän puhaltaa heihin, ja he kuivettuvat; myrsky vie heidät kuin oljenkorret. " Jesaja 40:18-24

Aika kovia sanoja. Minä iloitsen niistä.

***

I was thinking of how to translate my text today and this sums it up:
I love white twinkle lights. The real ones, not the new, popular LED-lights. They hurt my eyes and aren't homey.

Read Isaiah 40.

A Thankful Heart Is a Happy Heart

2011-11-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

My husband and I hosted a Thanksgiving dinner today for the first time. Everything turned out fine, even the turkey that I prepared. I am very thankful for this day and everything else.

The framed picture was a free printable from here.

Almost Winter, But Not Quite

2011-11-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

For the first time in years, I'm excited about Christmas.

Since I learned to knit, I can't stop.

My husband put snow tires under our car today with Sally on his back, napping. The streets have been slippery for a week, but we are still waiting for real snow to come.

***

P.S. I restarted this blog Learning at Home. It is for all the things I do with my children. Go check it out.

Toward the Light

2011-11-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

2011-11-13T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Days Are Getting Darker

2011-11-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

A Good Find

2011-11-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

This is not an advertisement. It's a friendly hint to those who, like me, are fixated on something like. . .

. . . pens (and other office supplies). I know all about them. I often rode my bike to the book store after school to look at and try different pens, and I would by one or two at a time. In, You've Got Mail, Tom Hanks' character says: "Don't you love New York in the Fall? Makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." That's how I feel. (Except I know nothing about New York.)

Being left-handed I've always had an extra challenge finding good writing pens (my hand drags over the ink and messes it up) and over the years I've learned which pens are bad for me and which ones I can still use if the surface is absorptive enough.

Some weeks ago I found JetPens.com, and I'm glad I did! I found a long lost blueberry gel ink pen, the same kind I had when I was in high school. I also found a new favorite: a black writing gel ink pen. The fabric marker set was also very good! I will be using it a lot, making owls and customized gifts like T-shirts.

Those Field Notes notebooks I got were nice. Small enough to fit just about anywhere and they have blank pages so that I can draw on them. I carry a notebook with me all of the time and I use a lot of highlighters and other colors, since my memory is visual and I find things by remembering the color and font etc. These highlighters are delicate enough for my thin Bible pages, too.

So this was my early Christmas gift from myself . . . and maybe for my birthday, too.

Interesting Light

2011-11-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

. . . and how it changed within minutes.

Wait

2011-11-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly recovering from the mild traumas I got from the knitting class in elementary school. I got together with our church's knitting ladies and had them re-teach me. I'll tell you it was a lot more pleasant experience this time around since my own motivation was behind the learning process!

Our neighbors hung up their Christmas lights.

***

It's hard to be still, yet that is the only thing I would like to do.

"Submission to God's divine will is the softest pillow on which to rest." (Streams in the Desert, November 4th)

Pumpkins

2011-11-02T02:06:00.000-07:00

I lost my helper once we cut the first pumpkin open. He couldn't deal with 'the smell'.

7 Reasons why Christians should celebrate Halloween.

Goodbye, My Friend

2011-10-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Tipsu two years ago

He's gone now.

Goodbye. . .

This picture was taken by Jonah

Tipsu was eighteen and a half. I was there when he was born and spent most of his life by his side. I'm glad he's not hurting anymore but I sure miss him, we all do.

2011-10-25T01:49:00.000-07:00

Oh, give Your servant patience to be still,

And bear Your will;

Courage to venture wholly on Your arm

That will not harm;

The wisdom that will never let me stray

Out of my way;

The love that, now afflicting, yet knows best

When I should rest.

-From Streams in the Desert, October 24

Soft Blocks

2011-10-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

Got My Tears Back

2011-10-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

I stopped crying after we lost our second baby. I tried to get tough and swallow my tears so that Jonah (then 2 years old) wouldn't have to deal with me crying all the time. . . I don't know if it was good or bad, but that's how I managed. After a while, nothing moved me anymore--until now. Just today I noticed how I get all teary-eyed over things like a beautiful pink sky and fall leaves. I cry when I listen to touching songs, read the news. . . I cry over everything. Just like before. Now I can even cry after our child who went to Heaven. And the tears won't stop.

About Homeschooling Part I

2011-10-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

The idea of homeschooling has been growing on me for about six years now. At first I thought it sounded great, but I was sure it couldn't happen in Finland. I started my research over a year ago and found that it is actually possible here, just not common. My husband and I have been listing pros and cons, and have come to the conclusion that if it is financially possible, we will most definitely do it. That way we can have flexible bilingual education for both of our kids and we will be free to switch countries anytime.

Jonah is a very observational individual and has shown early potential to learn. For example, on his three-year checkup the nurse was surprised that Jonah knew his colors, numbers, letters, remembered his own age, as well as others', and so on. I've been encouraging, but not pushing the learning process. In Finland you go to kindergarten at the age of six. Public schools don't teach reading until formal studies begin at age seven. When I first visited the States, I was stunned how a five-year-old had math homework from preschool, and I thought that was too tough. I wanted to teach my kids somewhere in the middle; to go at their own pace, to focus on things in which they are currently interested, to encourage them, and to respond to their cues of willingness to learn.

For example, Jonah has always been interested in cars. When he was two years old, his grandma bought a new car, and we started to talk about "Grandma's new Toyota." He then wanted to learn the brands of other cars, and so he did. We had a card game with photos of cars, and with his grandpa Jonah learned to recognize different kinds of cars and their logos. That's before he started to learn letters and numbers. Now he can read, if he wants to. He doesn't do it much for fun, but if he really wants to know what something says, he reads it.

Homeschool pros (for us):

High teacher to student ratio
Less infections
Expert English teacher
Bible teaching
Better field trips
Short commute*
Location flexible
Better project continuity
Students learn more

Homeschool cons:

Teacher has no master's degree in education
Lose out on the world's best public school system
No expert Swedish teacher
Little street credibility taught
Opportunity cost of no full-time job

* Studying in bed after waking up, when the house is too cold and the only warm place is under the covers

Mark 10:14

2011-10-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

Näitä nyt tulee, mutta niin tulee niitä vauvojaki. Siis muille, ei meille.

***
My head is full of thoughts, nights full of dreams and I'm constantly longing for a moment of silence. I can't seem to get there! One of these days, my head will explode.

2011-10-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

Pure joy.

***

I've been shedding tears over *this*. I just learned about Chris Medina and his fiancee Juliana Ramos today after someone posted this video on Facebook. What a beautiful story! (Lots of articles can be found on Google, I didn't link one here because I can't find one that would sum it up.)

Projects

2011-10-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

I never seem to reach my goal of getting organized. I keep thinking that once I'm done with all of the projects I have, then it will be easier to sort things out. . . but the projects never end.

Today I had a photoshoot for a one-year-old and his family. I still haven't taken my daughter's 1st birthday pictures, even though she is 13,5 months already. My husband hasn't found work yet, and I've been playing with the idea of going official with my photography--to start a business for real. Finland isn't a nice country for small businesses, though, and this needs to be carefully thought through. . . and prayed about. God knows best.

33 minutes not wasted

2011-10-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

Israel On My Mind

2011-10-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

"Siihen aikaan minä tuon teidät takaisin -- siihen aikaan, jona minä teidät kokoan. Sillä minä teen teidät mainehikkaiksi ja ylistetyiksi kaikissa maan kansoissa, kun minä käännän teidän kohtalonne teidän silmäinne nähden; sanoo Herra." Sef. 3:20

"At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD." Zeph. 3:20

Fall Colors

2011-10-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

Since I already had the sewing machine and fabric spread out on the kitchen table, I made some more stuff. I hope little Hunter and Siiri will enjoy their owls <3. Both H & S are quite new people, born at the end of the Summer, but in different parts of the world.

I'm not a big fan of following directions (…), but I desperately looked for some before cutting up and ruining this expensive elephant fabric (I usually use only recycled fabric). Here is where I found some simple instructions for making a good Fall and Spring hat. I made it reversible, using green and yellow patterns. Jonah decided that today is a yellow day.

Christmas Calendar

2011-10-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Tämä nyt ei varsinaisesti ole mikään käsityöblogi, mutta tätä joulukalenteria on mietitty jo niin monta vuotta, että sen valmistumista pitää vähän hehkuttaa! Tarkoituksena on ollut tehdä joulukalenteri, johon voi laittaa itsevalitsemia pikkutavaroita. Suklaan syönti joka päivä kuukauden verran ei tunnu mitenkään houkuttavalta idealta 4-vuotiaalle, ja ne Disneyn tarra ym. kalenterit lähinnä ällöttää. En myöskään tykkää tontuista tai joulupukeista, ja ne ovat usein aiheena valmisjoulukalentereissa.

Aloitin kalenterin teon kesällä, eikä se ollut mitenkään liian aikaisin. Pari päivää muistaakseni meni numeroiden leikkaamisessa ja ompelemisessa. Pari kuukautta meni... siis vaan meni. Eilen kaivoin työn kopan pohjalta ja päätin tehdä valmiiksi (tottakai viimeistelyt puuttuu edelleen, ja varmaan aika kauan) ettei vaan jäisi marraskuun viimeiselle päivälle ompelemiset. Poika istui välillä sylissä eväittensä kanssa, tyttö konttasi pöydän alle painamaan poljinta jne, mutta innokkaasta avusta huolimatta sain kalenterin tehtyä! Aika sekamelska sitä oli ommella, isoa kangasta ja montaa lappua, mutta kaikki meni niinkuin pitikin. Ikeasta ostettu (halpa!) pellava oli tosi helppoa ommeltavaa. En mittaillut mitään, vaan summissa leikkasin kaikki palat, ja tarkoitus olikin että taskut ovat erikokoisia.

Tässä valmis kalenteri päivänvalossa:

2011-10-04T16:37:00.000-07:00

A Gentle Whisper

2011-10-03T02:32:00.000-07:00

(pictures from Laura's little boy's room)

"In order to grow in grace, we must spend a great deal of time in quiet solitude." Andrew Bonar

Come with me by yourselves and rest awhile,

I know you're weary of the stress and throng,

Wipe from your brow the sweat and dust of toil,

And in My quiet strength again be strong.

Come now aside from all the world holds dear,

For fellowship the world has never known,

Alone with Me, and with My Father here,

With Me and with My Father, not alone.

Come, tell Me all that you have said and done,

Your victories and failures, hopes and fears.

I know how hardened hearts are wooed and won;

My choicest wreaths are always wet with tears.

Come now and rest; the journey is too great,

And you will faint beside the way and sink;

The bread of life is here for you to eat,

And here for you the wine of love to drink.

Then from fellowship with your Lord return,

And work till daylight softens into even:

Those brief hours are not lost in which you learn

More of your Master and His rest in Heaven.

(Streams in the Desert, October 2)

:)

2011-10-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

Tuommosen sain Mirjalta. Kiitos! En paljon näistä ymmärrä, mutta vastaillaan nyt noihin kolmeen kysymykseen;

1. Lempiväri - armeijan vihreä on yks lemppareista.
2. Lempiruoka - vaihtuu aina. Tällä hetkellä mieheni tekemät herkulliset voileivät.
3. Minne haluaisit matkustaa? - AZ, USA ystävien luo, WA, USA sukuloimaan.

Ja sitten tämä piti laittaa eteenpäin kolmelle. Olkaatten hyvät Maisa, Laura sekä Joola.

Cute Overload

2011-09-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Finding a Place of Solitude

2011-09-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

This song caught me today.
"Find a place of solitude, and I'll speak to you
As you pray to me
Don't you know I'm waiting here, waiting for you to
read and hear my words" (Kutless - Run)

A New Mushroom Game

2011-09-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tämä vaan on paras! Jos haluat oman, täältä saa tilata.

A Moment

2011-09-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

"So I think I'll stay caught up in silent prayer, cause I believe in silence" (To Listen: Blindside - Silence)

Notes

2011-09-22T14:04:00.001-07:00

Fabuland Legos

2011-09-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

My heart pounded as I dug through these old Legos. "I REMEMBER THIS! AND THIS! AND THIS!" I am excited that Jonah has graduated from Duplos to small Legos. I'm forever thankful to my mom for keeping these treasures safe and sound, all these years. . . Now it's time for a new life for them with a second generation.

Luota vaan

2011-09-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

Toinen laulu, joka pyörii mielessä; Juha Tapion 'Luota vaan'. Sen voit kuunnella täällä.

"Luota vaan työsi täyttäjään / meidän tiemme hän tuntee ja kipumme ymmärtää / ja valonsa löytää salatuimpaan pimeään / Luota vaan / hän äänesi kuulee / luota vaan / meidät tuntee Hän kokonaan / luota vaan / siihen lempeään tuuleen / ja niin saa se sua kannattaa"

None Of Us Is Perfect

2011-09-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Tänään nousi mieleen Jukka Salmisen laulu:

“Vaikka tuuli ulvoo ulkona, on lämmin sisällä,

hyvältä näin tuntuu tämä pieni elämä.

Vaikka virheitä mä teen, niin huomaan: tekee toisetkin.

Anteeksi ne saadaan, Kristus huolii sittenkin.”

...ja se kiteyttääkin monet ajatukset yhteen nippuun.

Ikuisuus on helppo saada hetkeen mahtumaan

2011-09-03T04:30:00.000-07:00

On jännä huomata, miten kaikki nämä sanat kuulee niin eritavalla kuin kymmenen vuotta sitten. Tarkoittaako se, että on kasvanut aikuiseksi? Silti kaikki ne vanhat tunnot, joita näihin lauluihin kätkeytyy, tulvii takaisin tuttujen melodioitten kautta. Mieleen putkahtaa hajuja, makuja, värejä, tunnelmia ja tunnetiloja menneestä, eletystä.

Siivoan ja pesen pyykkiä Apulantaa kuunnellen. Apulanta oli vuosia ykkössuosikkini. Eikä sitä ole kieltäminen - hyvää musiikkia heillä on yhä. Itselleni se oli jollain tapaa tarpeellista, kuunnella ja vetää omat johtopäätökseni elämästä. Jollain tapaa oman teini-iän ahdistus on kuitenkin kiteytettynä näihin lauluihin. Nyt en enää vello niissä. Toisaalta näihin albumeihin, lauluihin paneutuminen tuo esiin rukousvastauksen. Ne tuovat selkeästi mieleen sen piinan, missä elin, mistä en koskaan kuvitellutkaan pääseväni pois. Nyt olen siitä vapaa! Sain sittenkin normaalin elämän. Sain sittenkin vierelleni jonkun, jonka kanssa jakaa elämä. Sain möys tulla äidiksi. Toisaalta välillä sitä joutuu olemaan silmätikkuna kaikessa tässä "normaaliudessa". Avioliitto ja ehjä perhe ei ole tänä päivänä normaalia ja mitä ennen pidettiin tavanomaisena, saa nykyään pitkän katseen suunnasta jos toisesta. Meitä pidetään tekopyhänä ennen kuin kukaan on edes vaivautunut tutustumaan.

***

Listening to the music I listened to ten years ago. I hear it a lot differently now, but it still brings up the same feelings, smells, colors and tastes.

Never laugh at a teen-ager. They are just people trying to figure out who they are.

Two Questions

2011-08-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

1. What to cook with these?
2. Where to find that cool (Danish or Swedish) blog where I saw faces like this on vegetables?

2011-08-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for a loft bed to buy or to build if I can find cheap materials, and I found an idea that might be easy to adapt for our space. If you have any ideas to throw at me, please do. I'm constantly looking for ways to save space in our small home.

A Photo Shoot

2011-08-24T14:49:00.001-07:00

Self Improvement

2011-08-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

The blueberries (bilberries) were almost all gone (got a mug full). The lingonberries were not quite ripe. Jonah and I had a very nice walk in the woods. I lost my sense of smell eleven months ago, and it has been slowly coming back. I could even smell the mushrooms today.

I've been going through some lovely blogs lately and I've gathered a great deal of inspiration of things to do with my kids and things to do to make my house look nice--with what I have. Too often I find myself thinking "if only I had more money," or "if only I had a bigger house." For a while now I've been trying to be happy with what I have. It's such a cliche, I know. But it is a tough lesson to learn! God has also been a wonderful provider to us. In the last few months I have found a lot of things we need for little money.

Exploring

2011-08-23T01:51:00.000-07:00

1. Tim 4:4-5

2011-08-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

(Photos from three years ago)

What's Up?

2011-08-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

There are lots of readers everyday, yet no one says anything. So you who are reading this, please leave a comment to say 'Hi' and what it is that you follow this blog for. It would be nice to hear from you :)

Valkoinen Puu

2011-08-13T03:25:00.000-07:00

Valkoinen Puu, tutustumisen arvoinen paikka.

My husband read this article in the newspaper, looked at me and said "Finnish-American couple, small kids, Christian, artists... sound familiar?" It was an article of a couple who recently opened their cafe/art shop nearby. We went to check it out and loved it. They've done very well! It was nice to visit a cafe with such a strong American touch to it--that's what the superficial me has been missing while living in Finland. Both their coffee and food was excellent. Here's a link to The White Tree.

Note To Self

2011-08-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

You have more than you asked for.
*sigh, smile, tear, pillow head*

Not My Scene

2011-08-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

I hate it when I have to explain myself. It would be so nice just to be able to do things, or not do them. Or to do them differently from anybody else. Without explaining. There are so many activities that *everybody* seems to be into, and I just think to myself this is not my scene.

nostan käteni ilmaan, ja siihen ne jää / antaudun eessä tän kaiken / haluton oon enää esittämään että etenisin kovin taiten / mihin tahansa katson, mihin kääntyy mun pää / siellä on sama vääryyden valta / ...ei kai huutoni nousiskaan korkeimaan tähteen / tyydyn siis kuiskaamaan / mistä muualta löytäisin elämän lähteen / siks luonasi vaan / jos olla saan (juha tapio - luonasi vaan)

Ristiriitojen maailma

2011-08-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

Käytiin neuvolassa. Tällä kertaa ei haukuttu, kun pikkuneitikin oli kerännyt tarpeeksi painoa. Tätejä ihan hirvitti aiemmin, kun vauva meinasi käyriltä tippua.

Istuin odotushuoneessa ja naureskelin itsekseni ristiriidalle, joka neuvolassa vallitsi. Seinät täynnä "anna lapselle raitis lapsuus"-julisteita ja radiossa soi Hyvästi selvä päivä ja muita kännäämistä ylistäviä kappaleita. Hei haloo.

Tämä maailma on ristiriitoja täynnä. Järkevästä on tehty typerää, typerästä järkevää. Oikeasta väärää, väärästä oikeaa sekä mustasta valkoista, ja valkoisesta mustaa. Voit väittää vastaan mutta sydämessäsi tiedät, että se on totta. Tämä maailma on sairas.

Ei kukaan näytä enää miettivän, mikä on lapsille sopivaa ja mikä ei. Naapurin kolmevuotias tuli leikkiessään pihamaalla vastaan hoiperrellen, kehui, että oli juonut liikaa kaljaa.

Barbapapat loppukesän metsäretkellä

2011-08-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Idea Tiinalta, jonka blogia luen kuin askartelulehteä. :)

Ei vielä niin huonosti

2011-08-07T02:32:00.000-07:00

"Mutta totisesti, meidän sairautemme hän kantoi, meidän kipumme hän sälytti päällensä. Me pidimme häntä rangaistuna, Jumalan lyömänä ja vaivaamana, mutta hän on haavoitettu meidän rikkomustemme tähden, runneltu meidän pahain tekojemme tähden. Rangaistus oli hänen päällänsä, että meillä rauha olisi, ja hänen haavainsa kautta me olemme paratut. Me vaelsimme kaikki eksyksissä niinkuin lampaat, kukin meistä poikkesi omalle tielleen. Mutta Herra heitti hänen päällensä kaikki meidän syntivelkamme." Jesaja 53:4-6

***

Monilla ihmisillä menee liian hyvin tarvitakseen Jumalaa. "Ei asiat vielä niin huonosti ole, että tarttis rukoilla", moni ajattelee. Jeesuksen sovitustyö ei ole heille tarpeellinen, koska ei heillä niin suuria syntejä ole, mitä tarvitsis anteeksi pyytää ja saada. Luojan näkökulmasta asia on kuitenkin ihan toisenlainen. Kaikki on kirkkautta ja anteeksiantoa vailla, ja taivaaseen mennään vain ja ainoastaan Jeesuksen sovitustyön kautta.

Kukaan meistä ei tiedä elinpäiviemme määrää. Kun kuolon hetki koittaa, pystytkö itseesi luottamalla (nykypäivän trendi) lunastamaan taivaspaikan? Et.

Älä odota, että on liian myöhäistä. Älä odota niin epätoivoista tilannetta, että olisit vihdoin valmis nöyrtymään Jumalan edessä. Sen päivän tulemisesta et voi olla varma, mutta siitä voit olla varma, että tänään, tässä ja nyt, Jeesus kuulee sinua jos käännyt hänen puoleensa. Jeesus on kaiken jo maksanut, sinun tehtäväsi on vain vastaanottaa pelastus.

A Customized Recipe

2011-08-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

Easy on the sugar, use whole grain flour and throw in some sun flower seeds---everybody loves them.

Tag-Rag

2011-08-06T03:40:00.000-07:00

Making Gifts

2011-08-06T03:25:00.000-07:00

When you're invited to a party but you're out of money and have lots of fabric in the closet, the only choice left for a gift is to sew one. In fact, this is the way I've been doing it for a while now. Baby gifts, kids birthday gifts, housewarming gifts and cards are all handmade. I think shopping would also be much more stressful than crafting.

Ajankuva

2011-08-05T03:10:00.000-07:00

So Lovely

2011-07-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

I love to watch children play together. As a mother, it is especially nice to see my own child interact with the world.

Black And Yellow

2011-07-06T05:33:00.000-07:00

Free to turn away - say goodbye / Free to walk away - and deny / The gift waiting for you / Whispers a still small voice / It's your choice - you're Free - Free to do what you want to / Choose your own destiny / Free to do what you want to / Free to open up - and believe / Free to simply ask - and receive / There's no better time than now / You've got the right to choose... Stryper - Free.

I Wonder

2011-07-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's funny when you stop to think how your life has turned out. It seems like yesterday when I was in Elementary School but on the other hand it feels it's been forever. It's interesting to see which people are still around and what everyone has become. For some I would have hoped for a different life--a better one. There are things I wish I had known back then, maybe I could have made a difference?

If I had known how much someone hurt, could I have helped? Maybe I should take my chance now, seeing who is still hurting, and help before it's too late. What if I fail?

Here's a song very dear to me and that is currently in my thoughts a lot: DC Talk - What If I Stumble

2011-06-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Four Years Ago

2011-06-20T00:50:00.000-07:00

The world was introduced to my son and my son was introduced to the world. I've never learned as much as I have learned during the past four years. I've been given a gift to be able to look at life through someone else's eyes like I never have before.

2011-06-12T08:15:00.001-07:00

"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." 1.Cor 3:7

Stars

2011-06-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

"...they look up to the stars and wonder where You might be
they look up
without realizing they're standing in the palm of Your hand..."
(Blindside - Silence)

Wit's End Corner

2011-05-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

"They were at their wits' end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress." Psalm 107:27-28

Are you standing at “Wits' End Corner,”
Christian, with troubled brow?
Are you thinking of what is before you,
And all you are bearing now?
Does all the world seem against you,
And you in the battle alone?
Remember--at "Wits' End Corner"
Is just where God’s power is shown.

Are you standing at “Wits' End Corner,”
Blinded with wearying pain,
Feeling you cannot endure it,
You cannot bear the strain.
Bruised through the constant suffering,
Dizzy, and dazed, and numb?
Remember--at "Wits' End Corner"
Is where Jesus loves to come.

Are you standing at “Wits' End Corner”?
Your work before you spread,
All lying begun, unfinished,
And pressing on heart and head.
Longing for strength to do it,
Stretching out trembling hands?
Remember--at “Wits' End Corner”
The Burden-Bearer stands.

Are you standing at “Wits' End Corner”?
Yearning for those you love,
Longing and praying and watching,
Pleading their cause above?
Trying to lead them to Jesus
Wondering if you’ve been true.
He whispers at “Wits' End Corner”
“I’ll win them as I won you.”

Are you standing at “Wits' End Corner”?
Then you’re just in the very spot.
To learn the wondrous resources
Of Him who fails you not:
No doubt to a brighter pathway
Your footsteps will soon be moved
But only at "Wits' End Corner"
Is the "God who is able" proved.
Antoinette Wilson

I ran into this poem in a book called "Streams in the Desert" and it was a perfect hit. Just what I needed today.

Owls

2011-05-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

"Rauhassa minä käyn levolle ja nukun, sillä sinä, Herra, yksin annat minun turvassa asua." Ps. 4:9

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." Ps 4:8

A Simple Recipe

2011-05-15T05:01:00.001-07:00

Guess who gets the big spoon...

John 4:13

2011-05-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

"Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13,14)

***

Innostuin ompelemaan pöllöjä Tiinan inspiroimana. Ei ehkä ihan samaa tasoa, kun en ole mikään ompelija, mutta kiva niitä on väkerrellä.

Omin voimin nyt näin pääse en eteenpäin...

2011-05-10T04:02:00.000-07:00

...pidä minusta kiinni, kunnes kasvosi nään.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Phil. 1:21)

2011-04-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

Jonah (almost 4 yrs) drew a picture of David Wilkerson after hearing about his death. The spots on his face are 'bandaids', he is wearing his glasses and underneath the head is 'his dying heart'. The circle around him is there 'to protect'.

Monday and Friends

2011-04-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Uuden alku

2011-04-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

Olemme asuneet Suomessa perheenä nyt kaksi ja puoli vuotta. Miehen suomen kielen opinnot alkavat olla lopuillaan ja nyt ruvetaan jännittämään, löytyykö töitä... (Lue: nyt hän alkaa aktiivisesti niitä etsimään. Nyt, kun hallitsee kieltä jonkin verran). Tästähän voisi vaikka stressata. Mutta toisaalta odotan kuin pikkulapsi joulua, sillä en voi tietää mitä sieltä paketista löytyy! Uskon että se ovi, joka avautuu, on ollut meitä varten odottamassa, ja että kaikki askeleemme ovat tiedossa Hänellä, joka antaa ja pois ottaa.

Vau, minähän kirjoitan kuin mikäkin hihhuli! Mutta hihhuli saan ollakin, koska en tiedä mitään parempaa kuin se turva ja pelastus, joka minulla Jeesuksessa on. Tämä maailma on niin synkkä, etten ymmärrä, kuinka kukaan jaksaa siinä edes vaeltaa ilman täysvarmaa turvaa.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

Pitkäperjantai

2011-04-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Häntä pilkattiin viimeiseen asti. "Astukoon hän, Kristus, Israelin kuningas, nyt alas ristiltä, että me näkisimme ja uskoisimme." (Mark. 15:29)
"Että me näkisimme ja uskoisimme"!? Saman kuulen vielä tänäänkin monen suusta. Et sinä uskoisi vaikka näkisit. Monet ovat saaneet nähdä ihmeitä, innostuneet, uskoneet, ja innostuksen ja tunneryöpyn hälvetessä unohtaneet.

Oletko joskus joutunut seuraamaan sivusta, kun syytön saa kärsiä? Jeesus, joka oli puhdas synnistä, vei koko maailman synnit ristille. Hän kärsi, että sinä saisit elää. Sinun vuoksesi. Hän lunasti sinulle paikan taivaassa. Saat sen omaksesi, jos hyväksyt hänen sovitustyönsä ja otat hänet koko elämäsi Herraksi, keskipisteeksi.

"Ihan kiva tuo pääsiäisen sanoma, mutta kun en ymmärrä siitä mitään", sanovat jotkut. Juttele Jumalalle, pyydä ymmärrystä, pyydä synnit anteeksi, ja pääset sisälle elämään. Hän antaa kaiken ymmärryksen mitä tarvitset. Ei raamattua kukaan täysin voi ymmärtää. Mutta tärkein on se, että sinun kuin minunkin synnit ovat sovitettu Golgatalla Kristuksen veren kautta. Ja tuossa veressä on elämä! Kiitos Jeesus siitä, mitä teit puolestani. Tämän suurempaa rakkautta ei ole.

"Niin Jeesus taas huusi suurella äänellä ja antoi henkensä. Ja katso, temppelin esirippu repesi kahtia ylhäältä alas asti, ja maa järisi, ja kalliot halkesivat, ja haudat aukenivat, ja monta nukkuneiden pyhien ruumista nousi ylös. Ja he lähtivät haudoistaan ja tulivat hänen ylösnousemisensa jälkeen pyhään kaupunkiin ja ilmestyivät monelle. Mutta kun sadanpäämies ja ne, jotka hänen kanssaan vartioitsivat Jeesusta, näkivät maanjäristyksen ja mitä muuta tapahtui, peljästyivät he suuresti ja sanoivat: >>Totisesti tämä oli Jumalan Poika>>." (Matt. 27:50-54)

Two Homes

2011-04-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

Yet, sometimes I don't feel at home here at all. I long for my permanent home.

"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:2-4

The Election

2011-04-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

...is over. Let's see if Finland will change in the next four years. There most definitely are things that need change over here.

Precious

2011-04-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

"Silmiisi katson ja koukussa oon,

huoleni jälleen unohtukoon!

Voi, kuinka tahtoisin muistaa sen:

Hetkeksi vain sinut syliini sain,

lapsi rukousten."

(Pekka Simojoki--Tyttö onnellinen)

Tipsu

2011-04-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

He's turning 18 soon. He sheds, drools, meows loudly and is annoying. But he's a family member and I love him. He likes to sleep in sinks and in the sauna. Mom tells me he doesn't even get out of there (like he used to) when they turn the heat on and start throwing water on the sauna stove. He doesn't seem to smell very well anymore. After eating for 30 seconds he forgets what he was doing and starts asking for food. Then you have to get on your hands and knees and pretend to eat his food to get him back to it. Sometimes he wakes my mom up in the middle of the night because he's lonely. He just wants her to sit in the kitchen and watch him eat.

Seven Things, part 7

2011-04-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

#7 Sometimes I miss our old home in USA. Most of the time I don't. This creates a mixed feelings syndrome I suffer from.

Seven Things, part 6

2011-04-11T01:05:00.000-07:00

#6 My make-up bag gets smaller every year, I'm not refilling it, and I'm quite happy. I have slowly become OK with my appearance.

Play-Doh Saturday

2011-04-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Something Fun

2011-04-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Seven Things, part 5

2011-04-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

#5 I hate shopping.

This has nothing to do with these pictures. They are just to show that spring has arrived. Welcome, light.

Seven Things, part 4

2011-04-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Molly, a cat we had to give away 3 years ago. She has a good home now.

#4 I'm a cat person, but owning a cat would be too stressful.

Seven Things, part 3

2011-04-03T04:23:00.000-07:00

A sign I once found next to a bridge.

#3 Growing up, for a long time I wanted to kill myself. (It seems like a cliche thing to say today, but I believe there are still young people out there who want to live). There was always something that made me push my decision.

I knew about Hope.

At some point, I didn't want to kill myself anymore, but I still hoped I would die soon.

I found Hope.

Now I don't want to die anymore, either. I live in the promise* I have from my Creator.

* "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4)

"ja hän on pyyhkivä pois kaikki kyyneleet heidän silmistänsä, eikä kuolemaa ole enää oleva, eikä murhetta eikä parkua eikä kipua ole enää oleva, sillä kaikki entinen on mennyt." (Ilm. 21:4)

Seven Things, part 2

2011-04-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

#2 I've always been late for everything. For years I've been trying to break the habit, and now I'm much better at getting places on time.

Seven Things, part 1

2011-04-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

(Sorry Finn for taking so long with this. I will post one thing at a time, since this takes some thought. )

#1 I usually feel uncomfortable in skirts and dresses. I prefer jeans and flannel pajama bottoms.

Random

2011-04-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

Jostain syystä tämä kuva muistuttaa mua Japanista. Se on kuitenkin otettu USA:n länsirannikolla.

Paljon tekemistä. Loppumattomattomalta tuntuva projekti, valokuvien järjestely sekä tietokoneella että albumeihin, vaivaa. Parin vuoden kuvat teettämättä. Tarvitsisin askarteluhuoneen.

Meillä on tehty ruokaremonttia. Keittiö on täyttynyt pähkinöistä, siemenistä, vihanneksista ja hedelmistä.

Vaikka aurinko ei paista, nautin keväästä. Hiekkalaatikkokausi naapureiden kanssa avattu. Yritän keskittyä tähän hetkeen, enkä liihotella kesäsuunnitelmissa.

Iltaisin ennen nukkumaanmenoa pää tuntuu räjähtävän ajatuksista. Ajatusten juna (eng. "train of tought") kulkee niin hurjaa vauhtia että vaikka yrittäisin kirjoittaa ne ylös, ei edes nopea kymmensormijärjestelmäni pysyisi perässä. Joskus olisi kiva olla vaan. Miettimättä.

Osallistuin eilen muutamaan eri kilpailuun, joissa voi voittaa iPhonen.

Särjettyä ruokoa Hän ei muserra

2011-03-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Nurse . . . The System

2011-03-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

The nurse sounded surprised when I told her my baby still wakes up more than once a night. I had not counted, but I knew it was more than once or twice. Last night I tried to count with beads, but I don't know if I remembered to do that every time she woke up. The result I got was four.

The nurse also suggested I give Sally meat. No, I'm not going to. Not for a while. Why? She is seven months old. "What is it in meat that a baby needs?" I asked. She changed the subject.

My baby is healthy and she is growing. Why is it that every check-up has to be like going to court? If you run out of milk during the first months, they make sure you feel guilty about it. If you keep breast-feeding past the baby's first birthday, they make sure to look at you like you are some kind of a freak. I suppose it says to do that in their book.

Smile.

1. Peter 2:1-3

2011-03-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

"Pankaa siis pois kaikki pahuus, kaikki vilppi, teeskentely, kateus ja kaikki panettelu. Janotkaa niin kuin vastasyntyneet lapset sanan väärentämätöntä maitoa, jotta sen avulla kasvaisitte pelastukseen, jos kerran olette maistaneet, että Herra on hyvä." 1. Piet. 2:1-3

Humiliated

2011-03-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

I knew something would come up. Something always does, after I pray for God to pull me closer to him. So close that I could hear his heartbeat. I prayed that God would show me where I've gone wrong, and that he would help me fix it.

I caught myself in arrogance. I tried to ignore it and said, "I thought I've always been so humble!"
"Yes," God said. "And that is what has made you so arrogant".

Now, I didn't think to myself, "I'm better than everyone else." No, not in those words. But my "humility" had become so great in my mind that I started watching other people who in my opinion were thinking highly of themselves. I fell in my own trap.

It's wonderful to see flaws in myself, because then I realize my need for God's mercy again. I stay reminded of what Jesus did for me. I get to come back to the cross.

Thank you, Jesus. Let's move forward, hand-in-hand.

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (Romans 12:3)

Muistoja

2011-03-28T01:11:00.000-07:00

Ja lisäksi jotain aivan ihanaa. Kannattaa kuunnella. Sydän aivan pakahtuu, kun tällaista saa kuulla.

After Bad Night, a Good Morning

2011-03-24T03:21:00.000-07:00

"Äiti, sä oot niin hyvä äiti!" sain kuulla aamupäivällä. Hyvästi, paha olo! Tänään onkin ihan kiva päivä, vaikka yöllä sai herätä tunnin välein. Milloin syöttämään vauvaa, milloin rauhoittelemaan häntä tunnistamattomasta itkusta, milloin vaihtamaan lakanoita. (Tänä iltana en anna pojan juoda litraa vettä ennen nukkumaanmenoa...)

"...Mutta Daavid rohkaisi mielensä Herrassa, Jumalassansa." (1. Sam. 30:6)
Näin teen minäkin! (Aiheeseen liittyvä saarna tästä)

***

"Mom, you are such a good mom!" Said Jonah this noon and gave me a hug. The shadow of the restless last night is now gone. Maybe today will be a good one after all.

"...But David found strength in the LORD his God." (1. Sam. 30:6)

After doubting and trying to figure it out on his own, David finally found his way back to God's plan. This encourages me today.

Potut pottuina

2011-03-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Wake Up, You Sleeper!

2011-03-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Yksi lempi- ja pelatuimmista peleistä meillä. Kiitos Joola.

"Sillä kansa nousee kansaa vastaan ja valtakunta valtakuntaa vastaan, ja nälänhätää ja maanjäristyksiä tulee monin paikoin." (Matt. 24:7)

Jeesus sanoi tämän pari tuhatta vuotta sitten. Hänen sanansa tunteville tämän päivän tapahtumat eivät siis ole yllättäviä. Jeesus jatkaa:

"Mutta kaikki tämä on synnytystuskien alkua. Silloin teidät annetaan vaivaan, ja teitä tapetaan, ja te joudutte kaikkien kansojen vihattaviksi minun nimeni tähden. Ja silloin monet lankeavat pois, ja he antavat toisensa alttiiksi ja vihaavat toinen toistaan. Ja monta väärää profeettaa nousee, ja he eksyttävät monia. Ja sentähden, että laittomuus pääsee valtaan, kylmenee useimpien rakkaus. Mutta joka vahvana pysyy loppuun asti, se pelastuu." (Matt. 24:8-13)

Wau. Ei siis mitään helppoja aikoja tiedossa Jeesukseen uskovilla. Jos sinä olet Kristuksen seuraaja, rohkaisen sinua riippumaan Hänessä kiinni, rakentamaan varmalle kalliolle Jumalan sanan varaan, että sinä kestäisit loppuun saakka, sillä muuta nimeä meille ei ole annettu, jossa meidän on pelastuminen, kuin Jeesus Kristus. "Valvokaa", hän sanoi meille. Valvotaan.

Jos sinä et ole Jeesuksen seuraaja, haluan kertoa sinulle, että sinulla on vielä mahdollisuus. Elämme aikoja, jolloin kaikki horjuu. Vain Jumalan sana pysyy.

Jeesuksen todellisuuden kokeneena en saata ymmärtää, miten Suomen kansa, joka kerran sai armon Jumalan silmissä, on nyt valmis heittämään kaiken pois samalla hapuillen jos jonkinlaista henkistä kokemusta. Ihmisiä lappaa milloin missäkin idän maassa haalimassa itselleen puujumalia ja mitä feng shuita nyt onkaan. Mitä sinä etsit? Mikset voi antaa Kaikkivaltiaan Jumalan käsiin pientä elämääsi? Et sinä voi elämääsi hallita! Katso nyt Japania! Näyttääkö tilanne ihmiskäsin hallittavalta? Herää, Suomi, vielä kun voit!

A Better Day Tomorrow

2011-03-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hän huutaa. Hän hymyilee ja nauraa. Hän kirkuu. Nukahtaa. Nukkuu kymmenen minuuttia. Herää huutamaan. Minä olen poikki, samoin mies. Poika on mummolassa.
(Kuvat eivät liity tähän mitenkään--meillähän ei kukaan askartele mitään, kun neiti on pahalla tuulella. Se tuuli tulee ja menee kenenkään siitä mitään ymmärtämättä.)

***

She screams, then smiles. Laughs, then cries. Falls asleep. Sleeps for ten minutes. Wakes up to scream again. Is this only because she's a girl and moody? She's making us exhausted. The house is a mess, I can't clean while listening to the screaming. We're getting a new bookshelf next week and I was supposed to get everything ready for it and wax the floor. But. . . I sit here blogging with little Sally on my lap. She nurses, then bites. Smiles. Screams.