Writing for sanity's sake http://andi.mikeal.org Random, insane rantings posterous.com Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:47:30 -0800 Yes!!!! My life illustrated!! http://andi.mikeal.org/yes-my-life-illustrated http://andi.mikeal.org/yes-my-life-illustrated
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:46:16 -0800 Untitled http://andi.mikeal.org/43254617 http://andi.mikeal.org/43254617
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:55:04 -0800 A Brynnerism http://andi.mikeal.org/a-brynnerism http://andi.mikeal.org/a-brynnerism After discovering she could balance a fork on her finger asked "Mommy, do you think I should join the circus?"

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:35:26 -0800 Continued from below... http://andi.mikeal.org/continued-from-below http://andi.mikeal.org/continued-from-below The top 2 are our Fairy Terrarium. We've been adding to it for quite awhile; all kinds of tiny, hidden surprises. Notice the white horse, what fairytale is complete without one?!
Next is an herb mixture planted in my grandmother's antique glassware.
I love planting in unexpected containers!

Photo Image 0image
See the full gallery on Posterous

Our Lego Circus Elephant. Thanks so much Caleb for loaning us the pattern book!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:24:58 -0800 A few of my favorite things http://andi.mikeal.org/a-few-of-my-favorite-things http://andi.mikeal.org/a-few-of-my-favorite-things Yesterday was a down day so I needed to express some creativity.

Photo Image 0image
See the full gallery on Posterous

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:24:20 -0800 Oops! Here's the link http://andi.mikeal.org/oops-heres-the-link http://andi.mikeal.org/oops-heres-the-link Four Creative Calendars
http://www.coolhunting.com/design/creative-calendars.php

(Sent from Flipboard)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:21:49 -0800 Dot to Date Calendar http://andi.mikeal.org/dot-to-date-calendar http://andi.mikeal.org/dot-to-date-calendar
Moms, check this out! I'm seriously consideing buying this for my artsy kiddos; the fact that they forget charting activities for days on end will help with the self- control practice it will take to only connect one dot a day, and share this privilege with sisters. Then let their art selves loose as they design and decorate the finished product. I think we'll use the month following to study/research the  completed featured monument.  Hmmm... I'm talking myself into this. BTW I ordered a knitting pattern from France last night using PayPal and there was no problem with Euro-to-USD conversion, and the conversion rate is almost equal at the moment. 
Anyway, at least check this article out.  Cool ideas ( more than just this one calendar).
 
Dan Usiskin Dot to Date Calendar
http://www.danusiskin.com/latest%20copy/buy_latest_copy.html

(Sent from Flipboard)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:21:26 -0800 This tops the creative furniture 'makeovers" I've seen! http://andi.mikeal.org/this-tops-the-creative-furniture-makeovers-iv http://andi.mikeal.org/this-tops-the-creative-furniture-makeovers-iv http://giggleberrycreations.blogspot.com/2009/11/millas-kitchen-handmade-by-papa-grandma.html

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:55:14 -0800 Encouraging Mom Sites http://andi.mikeal.org/encouraging-mom-sites http://andi.mikeal.org/encouraging-mom-sites > Lately I've been trying to decide whether or not to ask other moms what their typical day might look like. I need ideas and, hopefully, comfort that I'm not as much of a failure of a mom as I feel. The flip side is that I walk a tightrope moment-by-moment with what may trigger my depression. > > God knew my needs and provided a couple of websites that really helped me see what my day actually looks like and why I get to bedtime I'm so tired and frustrated at not seeing that I've done anything ( other than keep my girls alive). > > Here they are, if anyone else needs a boost, too. > http://peeinpeace.com/2010/08/12/free-time/
> > Aaand I can't find the other site but will post it when I do. > > P.S. I'm as far from even a decent blogger as possible but I'll occasionally post, probably will mostly be helpful sites to pass along.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:08:19 -0700 Tweet by mabelhood from Twitterrific http://andi.mikeal.org/tweet-by-mabelhood-from-twitterrific http://andi.mikeal.org/tweet-by-mabelhood-from-twitterrific RT @NoFlashCards: Let your kids play with their food, they might just
learn something . http://fb.me/tMv48Vvp

http://twitter.com/mabelhood/status/22803938191


Sent from my iPad

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:25:22 -0700 Helen http://andi.mikeal.org/helen http://andi.mikeal.org/helen Can't wait to see this movie!!! Finally a movie that seems to really get severe, chronic depression. It always helps me to have a visual to help explain to others what my life is like, often despite my meds.

Sent from my iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Fri, 21 May 2010 03:58:00 -0700 Clinging to God's Promises http://andi.mikeal.org/clinging-to-gods-promisesarchive-march-consid http://andi.mikeal.org/clinging-to-gods-promisesarchive-march-consid

I Peter 5:7 cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Psalm 42:5-6a Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Jeremiah 29:11 “…For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…”

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Matthew 28:20b And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

And perhaps my favorite one of all…

Zephaniah 3:17  The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

via shawnanigans.net

coming soon...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 17 May 2010 19:56:59 -0700 Gen. 47 http://andi.mikeal.org/gen-47-0 http://andi.mikeal.org/gen-47-0 Gen. 47

Joseph was placed in Egypt for a reason but he was a careful planner.
V. 13-15. No food in land. 3-5 yrs. of cash for food. Joseph saw the
people, they were demoralized and empty and worn. Joseph cared for
them. He was faithful with the resources and knowledge God had given
him.

Joseph was a calculated preserver.
He's found a way to prosper his boss and still provide for the people.
He preserved their lives.
His goal was to provide. He showed true mercy, it was costly for the
people but that was necessary to hold them responsible of setting the
correct priorities and taking responsibilities.
The view of "Riches are bad, poverty is good" isn't correct. It's how
we use riches and the motives of our heart in gaining and having it.
It's easy to get distracted by the shiny things of the world.
The distinction between necessity and idolatry is paper-thin. Where
God gives resources they must be used to further His Kingdom and
ministry. You're either building His kingdom or destroying yourself.

We are called to live in the service of our King with all He's given.
He's promised to provide for us, to put bread on the table.

Joseph was conscious of the need and a consistent provider.
V 23-25 Joseph provided for their immediate need and also had the
foresight to prepare a way for them to care for themselves and to
further even more Pharaoh's kingdom.
Joseph got what God intends for us to get. Whatever we do we need to
serve other people and work for the good of God.
The typical way of the land in those days that 50-60% of the produce
of the land went to the owner. Joseph was being merciful by allowing
them to keep 80% and only give Pharaoh 20%. This was such a favorable
law that 400 yrs. later Moses recorded that it was still in effect.

Our goal, our directives, no matter where we are is for the service of
the King. This is not our home. These are not our belongings. They are
our Lord's.
Christians work for more than money, they work the glory of God. We
are to work diligently for an honest wage and be righteous with all
our resources.


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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 17 May 2010 19:56:45 -0700 Gen. 46 http://andi.mikeal.org/gen-46 http://andi.mikeal.org/gen-46 Gen. 46

Where do we get our sufficiency ? Where do we find the strength to
make it thru all the difficulties of life?
There's nothing in ourselves that makes us ok. General wisdom tells
us that if we're okay with ourselves, if were bettering ourselves than
we're doing the good thing. We "saved" ourselves from a lesser life.
We are surrounded by things that rob us of satisfaction in Christ.

It's difficult to lean into the future, to see our life as Pilgrim
days. Faith to sight and prayer to praise. That's what awaits those
who rest in Christ for salvation.

Some of us feel sabotaged by the past. It's easy to think God has
forgotten you. God's promise is that He doesn't forget, He keeps His
promises through Jesus.
The settled conviction that the promises of God are true yesterday,
today, and forever: the definition of contentment.

Jacob's covenant allegiance:

When we're paralyzed by the present and past our tendency is to turn
inward. we must remember that God keeps His promises, they often start
slowly but eventually pick up speed. When we see a list of names in
Scripture we are actually seeing the goodness and promise and
faithfulness and preservation of God from generation to generation.
Yes , there are those that were liars, thieves, etc. that were weeded
out; God kept His covenant by judging them He continues to draw and
provide for His people.
V.8 God is faithful to the 3 generations, and all 70 people that were
of his household walking into Egypt. He kept His promise to Jacob.
They would walk out of Egypt in the millions.
The ultimate sense of our provision and safety is found only in Christ.

Some people will go to great lengths to find spiritual
peace/enlightenment. (Marathon monk). But no one ever gets to God on
their own effort.

Gods covenant assurance:

Joesph
God extends His Promises and peace to us and thru us.


Sent from my iPad

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 17 May 2010 19:56:32 -0700 Gen. 45 http://andi.mikeal.org/gen-45 http://andi.mikeal.org/gen-45 Gen. 45

Revenge. We think if we get revenge we've won. But no one got even.
When we get hurt we want to hurt another. But Scripture says do not
return evil for evil, but instead return good. Vengeance belongs only
in the hands of God. Joseph left it to God.
But, how do we begin to reconcile ? To take the Gospel seriously is to
take reconciliation seriously; forgiving one another. As far as it
depends on you live peacefully with all in your life. Forgive freely.
Reconcile truly. When you're reconciled truly you're free to live
freely in Christ.

Am I to forgive someone who is unrepentant ? Yes. The Bible reminds
that we are not to be inslaved to the bitterness of one who does evil
to us but intrust them to God. The working of the heart is God's
realm.

Who should forgive first? Both. Matt. 6:18. Luke 17. The offender and
the offended. The goal of forgiveness is forgiveness! Forgive freely.
When you've done the hurting you want the other person to forgive you
and to initiate it. When you're sinned against you feel intitled to
the other person initiating it immediately. Reconciliation happens
when both parties come together under God in unselfishness and
humility.

Announcement V.3- Joseph commits to relationship rather than
retaliation. ("I am Joseph"). This applies even to drive-thru servers,
people in traffic, cashiers... No revenge! Even with tone of voice or
horn!

Acceptance V.4- Brothers standing far off, one didn't get too near
to royalty.Joseph says "draw near to me". He initiated the
relationship. Don't blame yourself, God meant it for good. He didn't
say what they did was right, yet reconcialition came because a greater
love took over. Because Joseph was reconciled to God he could be
reconciled to his brothers. Grace written all over these pages. Ends
up big love fest.

Our standing before God is because Jesus says "come near". We may
not always understand His working but we can trust Him.
The very thing we are unable to provide for ourselves, justification,
God provides for us thru Christ's sacrifice.

Agenda. V.9 -"that we may go down to Canaan". He (Joseph) supplies for
his family. Reunited a family that had been fractured for many years.
He gave to them what they were unable to to do for themselves. See the
illustration again of what God has done for us!

Commit yourself to live beyond self interest. It's hard work and comes
with bumps

Commit to keep short accounts.

Commit to be at peace as far as God will allow. There are
relationships that will never be the same again even after forgiveness
has taken place but you can be at peace with them. Die to yourself.

Give the hurts of the past and present over to God.

Trust Him first, only, and extensively.

The grass is greener where one waters it.

Sent from my iPad

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 03 May 2010 18:17:41 -0700 So it begins http://andi.mikeal.org/so-it-begins-51 http://andi.mikeal.org/so-it-begins-51 This evening marks the beginning of easier bath time, great fun for my
kiddos, and bits of time for me to put up my feet and knit. Yes, the
swimming pool has been inflated. Our first week of upper 80's-90's
convinced us to welcome in the season of water play. Oh, and if you're
wondering about the easier bath part, when it's hot enough to swim
then it's hot enough to get lathered up and rinsed from the hose.

Also, I'm elated that my abundant basil plants which froze in all the
snow and freezing temps this winter reseeded and are now very popping
up healthily scattered over my garden. Yahoo! So I'm transplanting to
other containers, potting for gifts, and generally having a blast.

I'm sitting under the fan, watching girls thru the back door,
listening to Jack Johnson and about to knit. Glory!
And they're just going to have to put up with leftovers for dinner.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 03 May 2010 08:51:05 -0700 Sunday's sermon http://andi.mikeal.org/sundays-sermon-0 http://andi.mikeal.org/sundays-sermon-0 Gen. 45

Revenge. We think if we get revenge we've won. But no one got even.
When we get hurt we want to hurt another. But Scripture says do not
return evil for evil, but instead return good. Vengeance belongs only
in the hands of God. Joseph left it to God.
But, how do we begin to reconcile ? To take the Gospel seriously is to
take reconciliation seriously; forgiving one another. As far as it
depends on you live peacefully with all in your life. Forgive freely.
Reconcile truly. When you're reconciled truly you're free to live
freely in Christ.

Am I to forgive someone who is unrepentant ? Yes. The Bible reminds
that we are not to be inslaved to the bitterness of one who does evil
to us but intrust them to God. The working of the heart is God's
realm.

Who should forgive first? Both. Matt. 6:18. Luke 17. The offender and
the offended. The goal of forgiveness is forgiveness! Forgive freely.
When you've done the hurting you want the other person to forgive you
and to initiate it. When you're sinned against you feel intitled to
the other person initiating it immediately. Reconciliation happens
when both parties come together under God in unselfishness and
humility.

Announcement V.3- Joseph commits to relationship rather than
retaliation. ("I am Joseph"). This applies even to drive-thru servers,
people in traffic, cashiers... No revenge! Even with tone of voice or
horn!

Acceptance V.4- Brothers standing far off, one didn't get too near
to royalty.Joseph says "draw near to me". He initiated the
relationship. Don't blame yourself, God meant it for good. He didn't
say what they did was right, yet reconcialition came because a greater
love took over. Because Joseph was reconciled to God he could be
reconciled to his brothers. Grace written all over these pages. Ends
up big love fest.

Our standing before God is because Jesus says "come near". We may
not always understand His working but we can trust Him.
The very thing we are unable to provide for ourselves, justification,
God provides for us thru Christ's sacrifice.

Agenda. V.9 -"that we may go down to Canaan". He (Joseph) supplies for
his family. Reunited a family that had been fractured for many years.
He gave to them what they were unable to to do for themselves. See the
illustration again of what God has done for us!

Commit yourself to live beyond self interest. It's hard work and comes
with bumps

Commit to keep short accounts.

Commit to be at peace as far as God will allow. There are
relationships that will never be the same again even after forgiveness
has taken place but you can be at peace with them. Die to yourself.

Give the hurts of the past and present over to God.

Trust Him first, only, and extensively.

The grass is greener where one waters it.

Sent from my iPad

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 03 May 2010 08:29:58 -0700 Remember Wooly Willy? Now he's an App, too. http://andi.mikeal.org/remember-wooly-willy-now-hes-an-app-too http://andi.mikeal.org/remember-wooly-willy-now-hes-an-app-too
Photo

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Mon, 03 May 2010 08:29:43 -0700 My mornings work http://andi.mikeal.org/my-mornings-work-0 http://andi.mikeal.org/my-mornings-work-0 Assembled the girls picnic table (yes, it's headed outside). Lily is playing Wooly Willy on my Mother's Day gift from my dear hubby. An iPad!!!!!!!!

Photo

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal Sat, 01 May 2010 14:54:31 -0700 GFF does it again http://andi.mikeal.org/gff-does-it-again http://andi.mikeal.org/gff-does-it-again Another giveaway from Gluten Free Frenzy. This time for one of my favorite product lines - Pamela's Products. Hopefully I'll win and sample some new products our store doesn't carry before I start ordering in bulk from Amazon.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/33524/100_3593.JPG http://posterous.com/users/10GQO8fC5pL Andrea Mikeal Andrea Andrea Mikeal