AKA homeschool mom

~News Flash~ We moved!

2012-01-14T17:48:00.000-05:00

*News Flash*!!!

We have moved to www.AKAhomeschoolmom.com

I took a leap of faith...

Photo credit:Strangezoo.com

With a bit of trepidation...

Photo by Tracy Watson

And bunches of encouragement and know how from my big brother.....

Looking for a friend to jump over there with!...


Photo credit: Blipblog.net

And hoping everyone will jump on over too!

Photo credit: mitchieville.com

Come on over! Would love to see you there!

If you would like to receive my blog posts tucked into your email, jump on over and click on the link to subscribe!

Patches of Light

2012-01-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

It is P week...

There was pomegranates, pickles, pierogies, pizza, peas, peanut butter, and pancakes.

Here she is
Painting Pooh

and Making Play-doh

in pajamas (For Pajama Day)

There was even time for...
Paperdolls, paper airplanes, pet rocks

And Modern Day Princesses (from Big sisters)

The pandemonium of Popping Corn....

pure happiness.

And
the magic
Patches of light we glimpse for an instant before it moves on and is gone.

It is amazing what the light illuminates. It is a paragon. Flawless to a momma.

Just for a second, time stands still.

"For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light." Psalm 36:9

Thankful for The Light.

Saying Goodbye to 2011.... A Year in Pictures

2011-12-30T13:20:00.000-05:00

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot." Michael Altshuler

Love that dog!


My Big Brother the Sky Diver


Handmade flowers for residents of The Little Flower

The Linus Project

Love cookies

Williamsburg, VA with friends

Our Easter snake found while hunting eggs

Homeschool experiments

New life

No Complaints

Rising Above

Meeting Ann Voskamp

Summer flooding

Library volunteer

Biology

Picture Study

Gavel Club

Ellie's masterpiece

CHRISTmas bells

YMCA Dance Team Talent Show

He is the man!

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day." Edith L. Pierce

Shalom 2012!

My Favorite Things...

2011-12-27T22:13:00.001-05:00

Inspired by Robin at Pensieve...

Sung to the tune of My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music...

(I got carried away and added two extra verses)
If you know me, personally, you know these really are my favorite things :)

My Favorite Things...

♪ Soft fuzzy socks and a hot cup of tea
children decorating the Christmas tree
Fridays with friends and the laughter it brings
These are a few of my favorite things.♫

♪ Books for a deal at 25 cents
Blankets and sheets to build forts and tents
A day of yard sales and the treasures it brings
These are a few of my favorite things.♫

♪ Drinking Coke icees and time at the beach
Homemade ice-cream, blackberry and peach
Tic tacs and chocolate and birds in the Spring,
These are a few of my favorite things!♫

♪ The scent of a baby and warm skin hugs
Flying the girls on my feet on the rug
Blessed to stay home with kids under my wings
These are a few of my favorite things!♫

♪ Snuggling close for our school read a louds
On our backs looking up at the clouds
Salvation Army and the bells that they ring
These are a few of my favorite things!♫

♪ When I stumble, when there’s bad news
When I'm feeling sad.
I simply remember all of God’s gifts
And then I don’t feel so bad. ♫

Okay, now it is your turn! You have at least one verse in you :)

CHRISTmas bells....

2011-12-17T06:51:00.000-05:00

Some people hide their eyes and look down when they slip money in the red bucket, like they don't want to be noticed.
Some nod and tell you they will get you on the way out, and they do.
Some cheerfully smile and return your Merry Christmas with an even merrier one.
Some avoid eye contact all together and make a wide arc to get into the store's door. These are the ones who seem sad to me. It isn't that they don't give, it is their expressions.
We smile anyway.

The children have the most fun of all.

My girls have always loved to fold the money or plunk the coins one by one into the small hole in the red kettle. Gabrielle tried to get her eyeball into the hole to see the money.

One year, it was freezing, we bought a hot chocolate for a bell ringer who shivered in front of a Wal-mart. It was bitter cold meets icy wind. We brought it back for him and he paid us with a big smile.

This year it was nearly 70 degrees!

With no bells last year, we thought we had hit the jackpot!
.... 3 bells and 2 aprons! We even got the bells in rhythm.
.....And shortly discovered that hand bell ringers, we are not.
But we sure can make some noise!
We had a blast.

Consider the bell ringers this CHRISTmas! Consider Salvation Army too :)

Psalm 41

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

¹ Blessed is he who considers the poor;
         The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
² The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive,
         And he will be blessed on the earth;
         You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.

How a pair of shoes can change your life.

2011-11-19T11:40:00.000-05:00

Field trip to Samaritan's Feet...

We learned how one young man made a difference. And that, being only one, we can make a difference too.

Manny never had a pair of shoes until he was 9 years old and never slept in a bed until he came to the U.S. Samaritan's Feet began with an idea and shoes he collected in a garage. Nearly 3 million children have been blessed with shoes and have heard the gospel because of him. Nationally and internationally.

Ibrahim

Impoverished children have their feet washed before they are given their new shoes.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:3-5

And they hear the gospel.

How beautiful upon the mountains
      Are the feet of him who brings good news,
      Who proclaims peace,
      Who brings glad tidings of good things,
      Who proclaims salvation,
      Who says to Zion,
   “ Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

Hope from head to toe.

We unpacked boxes and processed shoes. Our fingers touched a gazillion shoes today. I thought of the men, women, and children whose lives would be affected by the shoes my hands held.
It was an honor to participate.
I took for granted the shoes I carelessly pulled on this morning. I didn't even 'see' the selection and choice I picked from. I take for granted so many things.

Imagine not having a pair of shoes.
I. mean. really. imagine.
Think barefoot. Go barefoot.
It is good for the kids to imagine too.

The Goal:
10 million pairs of shoes on the feet of 10 million children in the next 10 years -

"...nearly 1,000,000 die each year as a result of foot-borne illnesses that may be preventable by simple protection – shoes."

Get involved. Start a shoe drive of your own. Go barefoot and feel the difference. Donate money required to ship shoes. Buy a pair of shoes. Go on a mission trip. Volunteer.

How can we impact our community?

Pause music at top right.

Decorating with Joy and Goodness

2011-11-10T01:09:00.000-05:00

Butthe fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23

I am fortunate to review a product from DaySpring which is a Christian division of Hallmark. Their products are inspiringly (is that a word?) awesome!   It was a pleasant surprise when this mango wood pedestal arrived in a huge box. Pictures can be deceiving. My children love it as much as I do.

This has been an impactful year for thankfulness. My Gratitude journal has changed my perspective and opened my eyes wide. I am more grateful for the ordinary.   The ordinary I never really noticed as a gift before.

I think that is why I liked this pedastal so much.    It is a simple reminder of thankful living.

I love the quote: "To live with joy is to see God's goodness."

Cause and effect.
As we put our focus on God's goodness, joy results.

This pedastal would make an awesome serving piece for parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, as a centerpiece for your table, or a gift. It would look lovely with bath supplies, Easter eggs, fruit, a poinsettia, or ornaments in it as well. With simple lines and the message, it really is an beautiful piece of art.

How do you decorate simply?

Check out Dayspring's on-line catalog yourself and see if you would be interested in the give-a-way below.

GIVEAWAY: One blessed reader of AKA Homeschool mom will win a $20 coupon code to Dayspring. {Gift code does not apply to shipping charges, there is a $20 minimum purchase, and code will expire May 31, 2012.}

Here’s how you can enter to win!
To Enter {Up to 4 Entries}:

{1} Leave a comment.
{2} Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you did.
{3} Share a link to this post on Facebook, then come back and leave a comment.
{4} Sign Up for FREE email updates. Leave a comment and let me know you are a subscriber.

*Leave a separate comment for each entry. Also, be sure to leave a way for me to get a hold of you, either linking to your blog or with an email. A winner will randomly be chosen on November 18th at noon.

Details and Disclosure: Giveaway will end at 12pm EST on Friday November 18, 2011. Winner will be selected at random.

*I received a sample product in exchange for honestly reviewing this product, however, all reviews and opinions are mine and are not influenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Check out Inspired Deals this month over at (in)courage.)

Love Notes.

2011-11-04T20:10:00.038-04:00

I have been finding little love notes around my house recently.

A printed off list of Free Compliments hangs on the door to our office/schoolroom. My middle daughter gave me this one.

Who doesn't want to be like a big hug?

Here is a love note a beau sent to my maternal grandmother over 50 years ago. I found it in a box of old postcards. It struck me so, when I first read it, that I kept it and have it taped on the bottom of my computer screen.

It reads:
"I think it is alarming
that a gal so charming
Doesn't get a flower every hour
It's appalling
I know I have fallen"
Love Ken

My oldest left this little note recently after I drove her to a pet sitting job for the week:

It reads: Love you Mom. Thank you for taking me to do the cats.

It really meant a lot to me. Sometimes I don't think she notices how I go out of my way...
Now, with another pet sitting job this week, I am more than willing to bless her again ♡

And then a note from my thoughtful husband. He has been leaving me lots of little love notes around the house. They are all appreciated. This one is my absolute favorite.

We usually pray as a family every morning before he leaves for work and before we start school. One morning I missed as we had an early orthodontist appointment.

To know he prayed for me when I wasn't there is worth more than silver and gold. ✞

And just to let you in on a little secret.... When he prays for me, I think he is hot!

"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives." C.S. Lewis

I have noticed other love notes this year...

There are always some here, I just have to pause and notice.
Love made tangible. Permanently etched it my mind.
From a Heavenly Father who loves me more than I know.
It is a mystery to me.

Can you think of a love note you found recently?

Here are some for YOU...

Father's Love Letter: My Child ~
You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Heavenly Father

Phantom of The Organ

2011-10-28T17:29:00.000-04:00

Adventure Group Field Trip: Phantom of The Organ-
Free!!!

It was a unique experience with music from two huge pipe organs, an mini orchestra, multimedia video & special effects, vocalists, a cello solo, saxophone instrumental, costumes and more. Its purpose is to teach and rekindle the appeal of the 'King of Instruments', also known as the pipe organ. This free showing was designed for children and youth. There is also an evening show that is longer, benefits the Charlotte Concerts educational outreach, and is also free.

Before the show started...

The music was powerful. Composers included Andrew Lloyd Weber and John Williams, both of which we are studying this year.
We encountered featured selections from Star Wars, Lion King, Harry Potter, Pink Panther

Wicked,

and our favorite, Phantom of the Opera.

After the show, we met some of the performers, and Stephen Distad and Rob Frazier, both who played the two pipe organs. Mr. Distad, who originated these concerts, started playing the pipe organ at age 13. He spoke with our group,

played for our group,

and even let some willing participants play on the pipe organ.

Here Jessica is playing "Music of The Night, from Phantom of The Opera (that she taught herself).
It was an awesome outstanding experience.
(This isn't your grandma's piano!)

Even Neecie took a turn.

There are approximately 6000 pipes in this church. The smaller pipes produce the higher pitch tones and the larger pipes produce the lower, deeper, more powerful tones. There were pipes in the back and front of the sanctuary. Mr. Distad played both separately, so we could hear the difference.

(You can just recognize the pipes on either side of this stained glass window, below.)

There are also numerous ways to play with 'keys' on the floor of the organ as well as all kinds of computer technology and memory functions. He even showed us how he can play with his feet.

If you ever get the opportunity to go, I highly recommend it.

For more information: Click Phantom of The Organ

Adventure Group with Rob Frazier and Stephen Distad

Photo Credit: All photos taken by Neecie Herndon
Thank you, Lisa, for hosting!

Balloonfest Field-trip

2011-10-26T17:55:00.000-04:00

Adventure Group field-trip...
The pictures do not do the day justice. You just cannot see what we saw in our peripheral vision. Think panoramic. And, oh, the colors!!!

We learned about balloon materials, lingo, competitions; how they are executed, and safety procedures.

All balloon baskets are hand made wicker; lightweight and flexible. They range from $15,000 (used) to about $50,000 or more. The balloon material is extremely durable and is the same type Harry uses in skydiving. The skirt (at the bottom of the balloon) is flame retardant.

At 14 years old, one can start flying in training. At 15 years old you can be a solo pilot (once you obtain your balloon pilots license).

Heat rises.

In a matter of minutes, dozens and dozens of balloons went up, up and away.

Frequent indecision.... ("There he is, no wait, turn there, no left, no right......where did he go?")

Silly balloons.

We are grateful for the day and thankful for friends. It was an awesome FREE event!

""May you fly so high and so well that God joins you in laughter and sets you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth."

The Thanksgiving Chair

2011-10-21T09:53:00.000-04:00

Come on in, have a seat. Will you accept the invitation? It is a request to be present.

(Pause blog music at top right)

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV) 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Food for thought: It's more than the food.

2011-10-06T22:51:00.000-04:00

"And wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart." Psalm 104:15

I was going to title this post, "It isn't about the food."

But it is.

I didn't always make meals for people. And honestly, I don't do it enough. In Miami, where I grew up, there are no memories of getting a meal or preparing a meal for neighbors. Bringing meals when tragedy strikes was not something I had heard of until my Sunday School class brought a meal to me when my mom died in 1999. I was 30 years old.

Humbled by this small token of help, I will never forget the feeling that came over me when my Sunday School friend brought the food in and set it on my counter. I was in puddles.

"Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:5

It was then the decision to do this for others was born. It is such a practical way to help someone when bad days come. And they do come. Especially when you feel you can't do anything that seems tangible. It also blesses those times of celebration such a a baby being born; when cooking is the last thing you feel like doing.

But I have found that it isn't always about the food. When my husband was diagnosed with MS, and I was still trying to wrap my brain around the whole thing, meals from friends and their selfless sacrifice behind them really got me through. The food was great, I mean, food always tastes better when you don't actually make it yourself. But it was more.

I didn't realize what a private person I was or how hard it was for me to accept help. I didn't recognize my pride or even that it was pride. I have always been independent, taking care of myself since 13, working at 14, and taking care of my mom who was sick for many years.

Somehow I thought by accepting meals, I was admitting I couldn't handle things. Now I know that refusing the blessing is refusing The Blesser. It is He who works through dear friends and angels.

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

It is more than the food.

I remember what a girlfriend of mine once told me, "A meal brought to you on a good day is a lifesaver". And it is true.
Two years ago a close friend brought a meal to me on my birthday. It was one of the nicest, most personal birthday presents I have ever received. I will never forget it.

10 years ago, I started personalizing my meals with scripture. I use all recyclable, disposable containers or containers I do not need to get back. Once the size is determined, I write scriptures on aluminum foil with various colored sharpie markers including what it is, instructions for heating (if any) and wrap the food with it.

I put 'bread of life' verses on packages of bread and twist the words on the handle of milk jugs filled with sweet tea or homemade lemonade sincerely trying to personalize the scripture with the reason I am bringing the meal.

This can range from death, healing, long term illness, moving, encouragement, divorce, unemployment, financial crisis, miscarriage, surgery, birth of a baby, adoption, etc... or for no reason at all. I pray for each family as I make the meal and often get my kids involved either with the cooking or the delivering.

"If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday." Isaiah 58:10

I don't make as many meals as I would like to or as often as the inspiration comes, but I try. The blessing is two -fold. The recipient who knows the value of sacrificed time and can taste it.
And the giver who is blessed in the giving.

Some tips on making meals for others (discovered by experience and from blessings from friends):

Determine if there are food allergies or food preferences, especially with the kids.
Use containers the family can keep. The Dollar Store usually sells inexpensive aluminum cookware. Always have it on hand so you do not have to go get some when you need it.
Make double of what you are preparing so you will have enough to feed your own family.
Bring paper products for the family to use.
Ask a mutual friend or friends to make part of the meal(s) with you.
Brownies alone or just an entree is appreciated.
Consider bringing breakfast such as a casserole or lunch items.
If you have no time to cook, bring a bag full groceries such as ready to eat/easy to prepare foods.
Include snacks for kids and Dollar Tree 'things to do' if family is doing a lot of time waiting in a hospital or to use for a big brother or sister.
Organize a list of friends and use free on line tools to help such as Care Calendar or Take Them a Meal to do the work for you. Online tools can do more than help with scheduling meals. They can also allow you to schedule services such as housework, errands, or childcare and can also help with maps, driving directions, and email reminders.

"The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season." Psalm 145:15

What is your favorite tip for making meals for others?

TV Station Fieldtrip

2011-10-03T16:50:00.000-04:00

When the TV Station was suggested as a potential field trip, I knew I wanted to go. I think I was more excited than the kids. After several near misses with previous vacation plans and cancellations due to The Tsunami, we were all set to go.

Master Control looked like something from Star Trek. He is looking at various stations presenting this morning show. They are all playing with a little bit of delay. Fascinating to watch.

We were able to observe a real 'Live' on-air TV set. And held our breath trying to be sooo quiet. Even my 5 yo was soundless. It was the first time I ever heard my eldest daughter say that 'this' was something she wanted to do.

Haven't you always wanted to see a Green Room?

Never pass up an opportunity to be silly. You can't tell but we were laughing our heads offs. Well, maybe you can, these are our heads :)

This took skill. They say he never loses his cool or comes off point no matter what.

Check out the selection of ties for on- air wear. For some reason, I was so tickled by this. It is such a 'man' thing to do!

We even got to sit in the helicopter!

Now...... wouldn't you like to see us every evening on Storm Center?

~~Lucky~~ Blessed kids.....

Photo By Neecie Herndon

~~Awesome~~ Blessed moms.....

Thankful for the opportunity.

PS Thanks to, Jim, our incredible tour guide.

Beach Jewels

2011-09-26T08:35:00.000-04:00

It has been 4 years since we had a family vacation..... with Daddy.

We discovered treasures around every corner.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:34

God’s jewelry... accessories that adorn precious grains of sand in numbers only He can count....

A big beautiful orb bedazzling a new crimson sky and glamorizing the earth...

God's creatures....

Porpoises gracefully embellish the ocean and flirt with the pier.

Crabs decorating the tidal pools...

And the birds. Oh how delightful they are!

Funny, little things, They like to watch the sunrise too and share lunch....

Made in His image, we love to adorn the earth too...

with help from Memaw...

Sand Sculptures only captured in photographs and our memories as the tide races in and waves carry them off and erase the beach as if they never were. They are made even more special in their brevity.

As we load it all back up and haul it all home, tired and weary,
in a good way,
I think about my jewels.
A Mama's jewels, entrusted by Him.

He must really adore me to trust me so.

“Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.” (NIV).

Thank you, William and Marilyn for blessing our family!

"The best day of my whole entire life."

2011-08-30T21:08:00.000-04:00

Beach trips can do that. Each day seems better than the last. The gift of time is priceless.

Grateful journal entries #1117-#1137

Feathers in their hair..

Hermit crabs to watch...

Rolling around in an old fashioned skating rink...

to familiar songs on 45's...

And the sweet old couple that was around when Hurricane Hazel came to town in 1954.

Long walks towards sunrises...

Sneak peeks at sunsets...

And an audience to watch with...

Time to...

for a new high schooler, a new jr. high schooler, and a new kindergartner...

Relaxing in a spa on the beach....

Splashing about....

Cracking up...

Bringing 'being silly' to an art form.

As we waited for Hurricane Irene,

the waves crashed bigger

and the wind's breath louder, stealing words.

Boards went up...

And messages in bottles sent...

But the one thing that made it "the best day of my whole entire life",
according to my 5 year old,
was riding the waves...

Photo by Tracy W.

Little surfer, little one, made my heart come all undone. Do you love me, do you surfer girl?

The Beach Boys

Getting organized~ Give-a-way ~

2011-08-28T17:25:00.000-04:00

"But all things should be done decently and in order." 1 Corinthians 14:40 (ESV)

Isn't this a great book cover?!?!?!

GIVEAWAY: One blessed reader of AKA Homeschool mom will win a copy of Glynnis Whitwer's book, I Used to Be So Organized: Help for Reclaiming Order and Peace

In battling clutter, I am determined. But I have not arrived. Glynnis's book gives much insight in how to do this practically. It is presented in a way that makes it an easy read. Get your highlighter ready!

This is what her website says about the book,

"Glynnis' newest book, I Used to Be So Organized addresses the frustrations many women feel when they can't handle their lives. They know, deep in their hearts, they should be able to manage things. After all, they used to be organized...ten or twenty years ago. By now, life seems to hand them on distraction and challenge after another. Combining spiritual encouragement and practical application I Used to Be So Organized presents a balanced approach to finding order and peace for today's overwhelmed woman. This book contains 23 chapters, each short enough for a busy woman to read during a lunch break. Every aspect of life come together in this one easy-to-read guide."

As a homeschooler, I find this frustration even more acute. School is everywhere, projects are everywhere, and our life is everywhere. This book presents excellent tips and strategies to streamlining your life while taking care of your family.

Here are some of my tips for staying organized...

Have a painting party with your friends. Serve pizza and provide supplies. Ask your friends to help. This is a great way to fellowship and get to know your girlfriends. It really does make painting fun. Painting really isn't difficult and it makes everything look clean. Talk to someone at Home Depot or email me! I find it therapeutic! I have found top quality paint at Wal-Mart that is inexpensive compared with the bigger chains and they can match it to any color you want.
Move 'school' to another space as you work on different rooms. Ask kids to help.
One of the best pieces of advice I got from a realtor when selling our home was to get everything off my kitchen counters. Toaster, blender, etc... goes in cabinets. We didn't use them every day anyway. It looked so good, I now keep all appliances in cabinets.
Get rid of knick knacks you do not love to dust.
Have a yard sale. Get kids involved. Let them keep the $ from the stuff they sell. Have them take everything off the shelves, toy boxes etc... before organizing them back. Holding an object in your hand before deciding if you really want to put it back on a shelf is more helpful then just rummaging by hand through your belongings to see if you really want them. You can't really 'see' it that way. Take ALL your clothing off your rack before putting it back on the rack. Set aside a pile to try on. Keep nothing out of guilt and trust God to provide in the future what you will need.
Have kids do this in their closets and discuss why they didn't put certain items back on their rack. I have learned a lot about what my kids like doing this and saved money in buying their clothes. One child didn't like red and it didn't matter how much I bought of it, she wouldn't wear it. Another was sensitive to certain fabrics, etc...
Organize closets first. Group sheet sets and towel sets together. Look at the rest and decide if you really need/want it. Organize junk drawers when you talk on the phone. I have cleaned out all kinds of things when talking to a girl friend.
Rearrange furniture so there is more floor space.

What is your best organization tip for your time or your stuff?

Here’s how you can enter to win!
To Enter {Up to 4 Entries}:

{1} Leave a comment.
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Thanks for stopping by!

Girlfriends

2011-08-11T13:50:00.000-04:00

August 5th marked our 4th annual Adventure Group Mom's Weekend at the Beach. I escaped with 4 amazing women {names have been changed to protect the ~~guilty~~ innocent} ☺.....

Pep, who is so full of energy, she pulsates; the Princess, who is reinventing herself and her life; Pollyanna, who believes the best of everything and everyone; a Practical Planner, who is the queen of details; and me.

Rain drops drizzled on the windshield as we pulled in and noticed the welcome sign.
Sigh. {Good sigh.} Pollyanna thinks of everything!

Although we hoped for good weather, no one really minded. We had made it; arranged child care, transportation, and actually left our homes (a feat in and of itself). Left for a time to relax, refresh, rejuvenate, and unwind. No one to clean up or cook for except each other. It is like being purposely unplugged.

Coming here stops the electricity of our lives; phones ~~(well, all but one of us :)~~, computers, laundry, etc.. for a spell. It is like a hiccup once a year. Catching a breath in the craziness of who we are, homeschooling, and life. The timing made perfect as school is about to start.

The rain allowed time for thrift store shopping. You really get to know about your girlfriends when you do that. The thrill of the hunt made for an entertaining morning. It deepens relationships the more we spend time together without interruptions from kids. We laughed ourselves to tears.
Over the years, we have prayed for and encouraged each other. I value these women. We sharpen each other.

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

And then the sun came out...
I can't remember the last time I read a novel cover to cover, uninterrupted. Lounging on the beach and listening to the surf was calming....... Harmonizing my breath to its coming in and going out.

Inhale. Exhale.

Not having to watch ever so closely to little ones near the waters edge was freeing. I could just close my eyes....

We played in the waves and heard the whitecaps and foam utter, "SSSSShhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". It's like the sea was in on it too, this rhythm of slowing down.

We walked and talked, the pier the prize.

And then, just as quickly as it came, the weekend was over.

Saying goodbye to the sand, surf, and sisters was hard! We were tired (a good tired) and made the 4 hour trek back to our families, responsibilities, and things to do lists.

Absence made my heart grow fonder.
I departed for home with renewed strength, a fresh perspective and an improved attitude of, "Bring it on!"

NEECIE (and Jeannine)!

Thank you!

"You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that."
Charlotte, "Charlotte's Web" - E. B. White

✝

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble....... Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

To infinity and beyond....

2011-07-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

Okay, well maybe not infinity.....  but 237 days ago, 1000 might as well

have been infinity.  It was daunting, attempting to write down 1000

of God's gifts.  But like rolling away a film on my eyes, I discovered His

gifts are freely given all the time.  It has changed my entire perception

of how to pay attention.

In teaching a class about discontent for our Keepers

at Home group,  Ann's book generated the foundation for the instruction

in contentedness.

Daring tweens and teens to begin their own gratitude journals and

instructing them in how to acknowledge the small and seemingly

insignificant is catching on.  It is like paying forward the blessings.

God gives good gifts.

Noticing changes everything.  Moments are affected.

It all begins with Simple Praises.

Thank you Ann for inspiring me to open my eyes, unclench my

hands, and wake up my heart.

I am blessed.

#1000-#1009

Ann Voskamp's book

A double rainbow

Butterflies

Blossoms

Basil (can you smell it?)

Ruth, The Most Beautiful Woman I Know

Her story

Rolling in clothes all warm and fresh out of the dryer

Meeting Ann and thanking her in person.  (What a great way

to start the next 1000)

Now, on to infinity!

"In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive

than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. "

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Rising Above

2011-07-18T23:23:00.000-04:00

The name Ruth comes from the Hebrew origin and means: Companion; friend; vision of beauty. I must have intuitively known this when I wrote The Most Beautiful Woman I Know, a year ago, last summer. She is a vision of beauty. Not by the world's standards, but His. More than ten disfiguring surgeries have carved out a diamond in the rough as Michelangelo carved masterpieces out of stone.

This cruel, unrelenting cancer keeps coming back. This time it is untreatable. Her sister, Susan, wrote on Caringbridge, "It’s very sobering to stop fighting the tumors and just treat the pain. Many have prayed for a miracle of healing. While that would be a welcomed circumstance, Ruth continues to ask, 'Which is the greater miracle? ...temporary physical healing or God's gift of peace that surpasses understanding, working in and through us by changing hearts, and ultimately bringing glory to Himself?'”

Sunday morning Ruth and Susan sang, My Lips Will Praise You. (pause music at top right)

Chorus
My lips will praise You
For You are holy
My voice will ever rise
Before Your throne
My heart will love You
For You are lovely
And You have called me
To become Your own

I held my breath as she poured out her praises. My eyes burned and I thought my heart would burst. My children watched and heard her lips praising God, all while knowing (but not really) what she has endured these last 12 years and what has been taken from her. We see the evidence of God's love and witness his sovereignty. And what a beautiful example of adoration.

"I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." Psalm 146.2

Authentic courage. Inspired awe. This is how she has lived. How I long to be more like my dear friend.

She has taught me how to find joy in the rain, praise in the pain, and faith to move mountains. I see her Rise Above her circumstances and find solace in her story.

I cannot truly imagine the dark places she has moved through..... is moving through. Yet she offers thanks because God still chooses to use her. She is a living example of shining a light in dark places. It is humbling to see this kind of beauty in a day when vanity and what the world deems beautiful is so often glorified. And her response is to glorify Him. Despite everything.

How fitting one of the closings hymns this Sunday was,

Blessed Assurance (pause music at top right)

Refrain:
 This is my story, this is my song, 
 praising my Savior all the day long; 
 this is my story, this is my song, 
 praising my Savior all the day long.

And this is her story.

The brochure , of her testimony, reveals a Phoenix rising from the ashes.

Rising above.

"We must learn to regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Ruth is currently embracing life and pursuing speaking opportunities to make Him known with the time she has left. If you would like to know more about this amazing woman and Bright Hope Ministries, in donating, or to hear her words pierce your heart...you can contact her here.

She is available for speaking engagements for women's groups, retreats, conferences, schools (assemblies/classrooms), churches, youth groups, luncheons, homeschool groups, etc...

Twelve years of extensive medical bills have, as you can well imagine, become a burden to Ruth and her family, hindering her ability to do all she desires. Donations are greatly appreciated. If you are interested in donating to her ministry, click here at Bright Hope Ministries (address is at bottom) or make checks out to Bright Hope Ministries, mailed to the address below.

If you are interested in blessing the Moran family with a personal gift to help with medical expenses, please make check out to Ruth Moran and mail to:
Ruth Moran
230 Sunset Lake Road
Stanfield, NC 28163
May God bless you as you prayerfully consider.

My heart is heavy as I write this.

Please pray for my dear friend, her husband, her two boys,

and her family.

Brown's Floor Covering on You Tube!

2011-07-04T14:44:00.000-04:00

Our First You Tube video!
(Pause music at top right)

Brown's Floor Covering
http://www.brownsfloorcoverings.com
704-596-0900

Brown’s Floor Covering is our locally owned family business that has been serving Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas since 1975. We can meet your flooring needs of carpet, hardwood, laminate, and tile for residential, commercial, and faith based institutions.

We understand what it means to value honesty, reliability, and integrity in a business. As a result, we have a high percentage of repeat customers and referrals. As a 25 year veteran in the floor covering industry, starting out as an installer, Richard Brown knows this business from the inside out.

Our mission statement is : “Quality products from knowledgeable people at reasonable prices.”

Most all of our advertising comes from word of mouth and referrals. We thank you for your business and for your recommendations.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,..." Ecclesiastes 9:10

No Complaints

2011-06-20T23:33:00.000-04:00

"Do all things without complaining and disputing," Philippians 2:14 (NKJV)

It is a natural human response. I mean, when a surfboard rips through waves and hits you square on the forehead (narrowly missing your nine year old and other little ones in the water), causes a 3/4 inch gash and 4 stitches just above your eye. This, all on your first day on the beach........

Wouldn't you complain? Maybe just a little?

I admit, I would have been a bit bitter.

We quickly piled gear, towels, boogie boards, frightened children, and SAND into our minivans barely making the time to pull off dripping wet, sticky, sandy bathing suits before rushing to the Medical Center. My friend was cracking jokes as we hurriedly grabbed something dry to put on. The first joke I remember was something about wearing a red shirt to match the blood (you had to be there). I was amazed. Her laughter was contagious.

In the Doctor's office, while the Doctor pulled stitches, his tweezers dropped the thread and he said, "Oops." She had a field day with that one. After all that isn't something you want to hear your doctor say as he is stitching up your face. I know that doctor got a kick out of her, and maybe he saw a little bit of Jesus too.

(We homeschool and I had to document all of this.)

After

Don't get me wrong. It was no day at the beach. (Pun intended.) She couldn't get in the ocean for the remainder of the trip, she had discomfort, her eye turned black (and blue, red, and yellow; not necessarily in that order) and it was awkward sleeping. But her mention of the results of the accident (which were few), were a statement of fact, not a complaint. She didn't let it stop her from seeing the good in everything.

My friend's attitude was a great object lesson for my kids. They were truly amazed at her disposition. It was an even greater one for me. It changed my perspective. I want to be more like her when I grow up.

She is beautiful...stitches and all.

Laughter really is the best medicine.

Complaining accomplishes nothing.
There is no gratitude in a complaint.

Complaining shows unbelief in knowing, “...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28

Nearing 1,000:

#964. No Complaints.

The front row

2011-06-05T23:36:00.000-04:00

We sat in the front row at church this morning. It wasn't by choice. We aren't 'back row Baptists' or anything, we just usually stay around the middle; to the left, actually.

But this morning we ~~had~~ were blessed to sit up front. There was a combined worship service to vote on a new pastor, it was Graduation Sunday, and it was packed. So we looked around and no other seats were available. It felt like we were sitting in someone else's seat.

Interestingly, though, as I sat down on the front row and started looking around, the flowers seemed just a bit more vibrant up close. They were beautiful; goldish yellow calla lilies purposely placed on a black cloth. After a few moments, I could see the black and gold theme for graduation and the effort someone took to put it together. I don't think I would have noticed or appreciated that if we hadn't sat in the front row.

Even the lights seemed brighter, the speakers more clear, and the whole service...well, more intense. Granted, there was excitement in the air as we anticipated hearing the man who is to become our new, dearly searched for pastor. It is like a new beginning in our church, a new chapter, and we had a front row seat.

As the graduates of 2011 walked down the aisle, a picture show revealed their progression from babies to young adults to graduates. Our youth pastor spoke to them, quoted scripture, and got choked up..... which got me choked up. And from the front row, I could see his tears glistening as he hastily wiped them away.

I started thinking about my own 'graduates'. Now, because we homeschool, the experience is a bit different from traditionally public or private schooled kids.

However, my eighth grader has just 'graduated' from 'middle school' and will be in 'high school' this fall.

(It seems like it was just yesterday I was kissing her 'bee-owies'.)

My 5th grader has just 'graduated' from 'grammar school' and will be going into 'middle school'.

(She is my snuggler and just barely fits in my lap now.)

And my littlest just 'graduated' from 'pre-school' and will start 'Kindergarten' this September.

(Honestly, I just gave birth to her....she can't be nearly five already...)

We even had a Homeschool Award Ceremony last month.

Time is going by at warp speed. There are so many things I still want to share with my girls, things I want to tell them and show them, do with them, and teach them.

"“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NKJV)

So many things I am still learning too.

I can only imagine how those mommas felt watching their own ~~babies~~ children in the same pictures I watched up on that screen.

As a homeschool mom, I have a front row seat. And time is going by quickly. Too quickly.

I don't want to miss a thing.

And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Today, I am grateful for the front row.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house...

2011-05-10T21:46:00.000-04:00

I love this Wood Carved wall hanging from Dayspring ! DaySpring is a Christian division of Hallmark. Their products are awesome!

This carved Ichthus symbol of Christian faith is made from beautiful mango wood.

"Ichthys consists of five letters from the Greek alphabet: I-ch-th-y-s. When these five letters are used as initials for five words, we obtain this Christian Declaration: Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter. This is an acrostic for 'Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.'"

Holding it in my hands I realized that the picture online truly does not do it justice. It is very sturdy, somewhat heavy, with quality intricate carvings. It is solid. To be honest, I thought it looked small on DaySprings website until I actually held it. (Product Details: Size: 20" x 14"; Weighs approximately 6 lbs.; Brackets on back allow for hanging vertically or horizontally...for this month only it is on sale for $29.99)

It is beautiful.

I traced my fingers over the fish....

Due to persecution of early Christians, by Romans and Jews, it became dangerous to be a Christian. This symbol was a safe way to connect to fellow believers. I hope believers, and non-believers, will have a secure feeling in my home too. There is a saying, "Out of sight, out of mind." I want my kids to see reminders of faith all over our home.

My husband's 'trophy' fish are proudly displayed on our den's walls. And although, to be honest, I haven't always ~~loved~~ appreciated his contribution of decor into this room, this piece does go nicely with the fish theme.....

"Come after me and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17

GIVEAWAY: One blessed reader of AKA Homeschool mom will win a $20 Gift Card to Dayspring. {Gift code does not apply to shipping charges and will expire August 31, 2011.}

Here’s how you can enter to win!
To Enter {Up to 4 Entries}:

{1} Leave a comment.
{2} Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you did.
{3} Share a link to this post on Facebook, then come back and leave a comment.
{4} Sign Up for FREE email updates. Leave a comment and let me know you are a subscriber.

*Leave a separate comment for each entry. Also, be sure to leave a way for me to get a hold of you, either linking to your blog or with an email. I will randomly choose the winner on May 31st.

This month, two of DaySpring’s beautiful wood carved wall hangings are on sale. Ask, Seek & Knock is only $17.99, and the Ichthys hanging is just $29.99. In addition, an ornate metal collection featuring a cross is on sale. You can get the pressed tin cross for $7.79, the cross serving tray for $17.99, the cross napkin holder for $11.99, the cross trivet for $6.59 and a set of coasters for $11.99. For more information go to DaySpring Online Store.

Details and Disclosure: Giveaway will end at 3pm EST on Friday May 31, 2011 and will expire August 31st. Winner will be selected at random. You will have 48 hours to respond to claim your prize.

I received a sample product in exchange for honestly reviewing this product, however, all reviews and opinions are mine and are not influenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

(This scripture is the theme for the Inspired Deals this month over at (in)courage.)

Thanks for visiting! Have a Super Ultra Mega Awesome Day!

Motherless

2011-05-08T22:21:00.000-04:00

My mom, Sheila, at about the same age I am now.

She was sick at my wedding, unable to be there for the birth of my first daughter, and passed away two days after we conceived our second baby girl.   She missed so many of the highlights of my life.

It is, however, the small seemingly unimportant memories that I cherish.   I am purposing myself to make these kinds of memories with my girls.

Simply, I miss her and the miracles, milestones, and even mistakes we can no longer share.   I do feel blessed to have had her as long as I did. It will be 13 years this July since she died.

There are so many unanswered questions.....

Did I have growing pains when I was little? I remember my big brother did. And all three of my girls have had them. Did I?

She used to sing in a silly Italian voice, bold and inviting, every time she would make chicken catcciatore. Her voice and the smell of chicken and garlic would draw me to the kitchen from the back of the house and makes me smile just to think about it. How was I to know that recipe was in her head and not in the dozens of recipes I went through after she died? I have tried and tried to make it like she did. But it isn't the same. That recipe went to the grave with her.

And so many other, personal, meaningful questions will forever be unanswered.

Sometimes when I get an extraordinary deal at a yard sale, there is a small part of me that wants to tell her about it somehow...even now. I imagine her silently cheering me on. We reveled together yard- saling before she got so sick. Now, my oldest daughter shares my excitement.

I have the most unbelievable friends in the world but they can't take the place of a mom. They have, however, made an impressive attempt at filling that hole. It was my mother-in-law that made my veil, helped with the wedding, and decorated our first home with curtains. And it is my aunt who has replaced my mom when I need to talk or need encouragement. I hope they know how much it has meant to me over the years and still does.

This post is to remember the mom who sang, told me she loved me everyday, and was my biggest cheerleader; For all the moms who read this experiencing loss; For The Most Beautiful Mother I Know; And to honor all the Godly women who make remarkable attempts at filling these 'holes' for other women.

"He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces;..." Isaiah 25:8

Consider yourself hugged if you are missing your momma today too.
{{HUGS}}

"The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give. "
- David 0. McKay

The Migrant Worker

2011-04-09T00:56:00.000-04:00

Photo credit

I haven't been able to get this picture off of my mind. I am captivated. We are almost finished with a year long American History picture study and this week we happened upon

The Migrant Worker.....

This large picture was up in our house all week, but it wasn't until after the picture study that I even noticed the small baby in her arms.

Dorothea Lange's account:

"I saw and approached the hungry and desperate mother, as if drawn by a magnet. I do not remember how I explained my presence or my camera to her, but I do remember she asked me no questions. I made five exposures, working closer and closer from the same direction. I did not ask her name or her history. She told me her age, that she was thirty-two. She said that they had been living on frozen vegetables from the surrounding fields, and birds that the children killed. She had just sold the tires from her car to buy food. There she sat in that lean- to tent with her children huddled around her, and seemed to know that my pictures might help her, and so she helped me. There was a sort of equality about it." (From: Popular Photography, Feb. 1960).

The caption on Shorpy reads
"Destitute pea pickers living in tent in migrant camp. Mother of seven children. Age thirty-two." Nipomo, California. February 1936. Photograph by Dorothea Lange.
"The anonymous subject of this famous Depression-era portrait known as "Migrant Mother" came forward in the late 1970s and was revealed to be Florence Owens Thompson (click for interview). She died in 1983."

We are learning about this time of The Depression, the dust bowl, unemployment, and real, authentic poverty. Ms Lange helped shock America into seeing the horrors of it; people couldn't believe that this was really happening in the prosperous U.S.

I keep looking into her eyes, her anxious hand up at her mouth, and wonder what she was thinking.

I am grateful I don't have to think those thoughts.

Memorization & 10 Chocolate Morsels

2011-04-06T00:43:00.000-04:00

Memorizing has become an integral part of our homeschool. It is even on our schedule. When we first started learning scripture, my two little girls (4 and 2 at the time) and I would make a train, being silly, dancing and singing to scripture on Cd's as we paraded through the house.

“... dance like nobody's watching, ...” Mark Twain

The girls still remember scriptures that we memorized this way. It was tucked in their hearts.

Now that they are older, we discuss how His word can be applied to our lives. It makes it real.

We memorize a line or sentence daily and commit to memorizing it for a week. It literally takes about five minutes total every day for the four of us to recite it; ten minutes tops as the recitations get a bit longer. (And that includes counting out chocolates too. ☺)

The motivator and the reward is chocolate. The friendly competition of knowing that their sisters can 'do it' helps. But the true reward is that they will keep God's words in their hearts and on their tongues. Even they can see this as they remember scripture from years ago.

I give 10 chocolate morsels for saying it correctly. You don't get the chocolate until you DO say it correctly. Every week we add on another verse or line and every day during that week, we learn just that one line adding it on to what we have already memorized. You have to say it ALL correctly to get the chocolate. Sometimes this can be a couple hundred words. Even mom must say it correctly! It isn't a bribe. They do look forward to the chocolate..... And it does make it fun.

At the beginning of the year, we committed The Beatitudes to memory.

Even the four year old did it!

She knew it all by heart (although she didn't do as well when she was being recorded). And the beauty of it is that it doesn't have to be perfect. Here is just a part of it as we were not finished learning it in it's entirety at the time of the recording... (pause music at top right to hear)

Now we are in the midst of tackling Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and are almost through. I think another 6 weeks should do it.

Here is my middle daughter reciting almost all of it...(pause music at top right to hear)

I believe our success comes from doing a little bit each day and layering upon what we have already committed to memory. It is the old cliche.....How do you eat an elephant?

One. bite. at. a. time.

This has been a ten year journey. Some of the scriptures we have learned, off the top of my head, include Proverbs 31, Psalm 1, The 10 commandments, and numerous others. We also have learned poetry. Several times I have picked verses from Our Keepers At Home Club. The girls earn pins at the end of the school year for Bible memory.

10 chocolate morsels and a little consistency is all it takes.

If we can do this, I mean, if even a four year old can do it, then anyone can. Won't you join us?

Psalm 119:11-16 (NLT)

¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart,
      that I might not sin against you.
¹² I praise you, O Lord;
      teach me your decrees.
¹³ I have recited aloud
      all the regulations you have given us.
¹⁴ I have rejoiced in your laws
      as much as in riches.
¹⁵ I will study your commandments
      and reflect on your ways.
¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees
      and not forget your word.

A story in six words.

2011-04-01T16:26:00.000-04:00

"She mentioned her marriage was over."

Keeping my fingers crossed that I will win the free scholarship to She Speaks this July!

"I saved his whole entire life!"

2011-03-25T10:14:00.000-04:00

"I saved his whole entire life!"
That is what she told the vet and anyone else who would listen.

I have never heard a better story narration from my four year old!

It started when she scrambled into the house yelling that Romeo (our dog) had an animal in his mouth and it was "squeaking".

We rescued the lil' feller from the dog but he was hurt pretty bad. He had a bad gash on it's rear and was so covered in fleas that I thought it was red ants at first. We found the fallen squirrels nest late in the day. Actually dad did. Evidently the high winds of the last couple days had blown it out.

The vet confirmed they had already had 3 baby squirrels brought there in just the last 2 days.

I hated to break it to her that the squirrel would have to be put to sleep. 'Putting to sleep' is such a kind way to say it. And she did save it from intolerable suffering. He was so cute and frail. About a month old the Doctor guessed. Still on milk.

I don't think she really understood what it meant. She asked if he would "sometimes come awake".
She was hoping we would get to keep him.

Bless his thumpin' gizzard. And hers.

Got Yokes?

2011-03-16T00:20:00.000-04:00

I had only seen them in pictures. To see a yoke between two oxen close-up really stirred me.

They were stuck and they accepted it, I think. At least they didn't struggle. I feel that way sometimes. But I still struggle. I mean, a yoke, even self imposed, doesn't feel natural. We need to be careful of what we accept.

Sometimes, you can get used to carrying 'it' all by yourself. I started carrying ~~yokes~~ burdens when I was 12 years old. I had to grow up quick. Although unintentional, people let me down.

This translated later in my life to " I 'have' to do it all on my own because everyone disappoints. " (My big brother pointed this out to me the last time I saw him.) Many times I won't even give anyone the chance. I still do that. I don't mean to. At least not consciously.

A yoke figuratively

is a symbol of slavery;

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves.And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect." Leviticus 26:13 (ESV)

or a burden;

"For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken ason the day of Midian." Isaiah 9:4 (ESV)

or bondage to sin

"My transgressions were boundinto a yoke;
by his hand they were fastened together;
they were set upon my neck;...." Lamentations 1:14 (ESV)

When you see that the oxen cannot turn away from each other and are bound together, it is a great illustration of this. They want to turn away but they can't. They are immobilized. I sometimes feel like that under my worries, overwhelming 'to-do' lists, family members health problems, and on and on....

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

In experiencing my friends separation from her husband and seeing the stress, sorrow, and strain of being unequally yoked with someone, the pictures make this scripture clearer.

It IS a burden. These yokes we choose, craft and create.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

Yoke here means service. It would seem that Jesus is the master and we are the servants with the lighter yoke. But I recently read that farmers would put a trained older oxen with a younger inexperienced oxen so that the younger one would learn from the older wiser one just by walking with him.

Visualizing Jesus being the wise farmer and being right by our side taking the brunt and majority of the burden makes me see this in a new light. He tells us to 'learn from Him'. He is walking with us!

What a beautiful visual for weary me.

yoke defined n.

1. A crossbar with two U-shaped pieces that encircle the necks of a pair of oxen or other draft animals working together.

2. A frame designed to be carried across a person's shoulders with equal loads suspended from each end.

3. Something that connects or joins together; a bond or tie.

When things are overwhelming and I cannot possibly do it on my own, (and even when I think I can), I must remember what Jesus said...

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:30 (ESV)

What are you carrying by yourself?

21 things I want my daughters to know...

2011-02-25T20:10:00.001-05:00

When my father died 13 years ago of a massive heart attack at the age of 64, I searched that house (all the way to Miami) for an entire year looking for some kind of sign, a letter, or advice somewhere, anywhere, from him. I never found anything.

I am purposing not to make that mistake with my girls. I try to live these prayers out with my kids but not always so successfully. [Sigh.]

But just in case I am gone before my time, I want them to know I am praying and thinking about their future. And I want them to be aware of it too...in writing. What I would give to have known this at 13.

This is part of a letter I wrote to my eldest daughter. She is going to be in high school next year and I am searching desperately for lost time. It has gone by at mock speed. The idea for the letter and much of the thoughts included in it came from Paul Tripp's book, Age Of Opportunity and notes I took from it. It was such an eye opener! I highly recommend it.

I want to use this crazy short time that my daughter has left as a teenager as an opportunity to grow and stretch her. And me.

So , without further ado, these are 21 things I want for my daughters:

To my oldest:

It is my prayer...

1- That you would pursue God personally and have a hunger for Him and His word. That you would want to learn about Him on your own and spend your own personal time doing it.  God’s word protects us.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
Matthew 5:6

2- That you would "instinctively seek out those who have a heart for God" (Paul Tripp, p121). That you would have a heart to pursue fellowship with others who desire Him as well.

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14

3- That you would have a "heartfelt, internalized fear of God" (Paul Tripp p 118). This is a healthy fear of reverence and awe. That you would seek to please Him.

“‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28

"If a person fears God, she will be submissive to authorities that God has placed in her life" (Paul Tripp, p119)
Healthy, humble submission; not as a bad thing, but a good thing.

  4-That you would do what you are supposed to do "not because someone is watching you or out of fear of consequences, but ultimately because of a deep worshipful love and reverence for God." (Paul Tripp p 119)

"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught."
-J. C. Watts

5- That you would enjoy worship. It doesn’t always have to look like Sunday morning. Mopping the floor or working on Algebra can be an act of worship if you are doing it as if you were doing it for Him.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Colossians 3:23

6- That you would apply your faith to the everyday situations of life calling upon the Holy Spirit for help and wisdom from God. This can be as simple as praying for the right words to speak to a friend to asking for help in dealing with anger. Being an adult and “knowing” the Bible is different from using it in everyday life. You are so blessed to have this knowledge and awareness now.

"Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually." 1 Chronicles 16:11

7- That you would “pray without ceasing” 1 Thesolonians 5:17. Figure out what qualities you want in a husband and start praying for him now. Even now, I pray your future husband is growing up in the knowledge and blessings of God. Pray for your future and ask God to help you as you make career decisions while in high school during the next few years. Also, pray as you go through ordinary days.  

8- That you would seek out help from me and your dad. That you would always feel that you could come and tell us anything that is on your heart. Now and when you are older. I will always be here for you. I love you unconditionally.

"Listen, my son [daughter], to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." Proverbs 1:8-9

9- That you would welcome and be grateful for the resources God has placed in your life and focus on these things rather than on what you may lack. You won’t really realize this fully until you are out in the world and see how blessed we are when compared with others. Do the best you can with what you are given.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

10- That you would "not excuse, defend, argue, or shift blame when [your] wrong (sin) is pointed out" to you. (Paul Tripp, p.122) That you would know we are trying to train you and not criticize or belittle. And that we make mistakes.

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, "
Philippians 2:14

11- That you would become sensitive to where you are "susceptible to temptation and realize that [this] knowledge will help you take protective measures against it. " (Paul Tripp, p.123) Being aware is everything.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

12- What we do, our actions and behaviors, expresses the thoughts and desires of our heart. Always try to respond to others in a way that pleases God. Make every effort to respond instead of react to others. Don't assume people are against you.

"The core of our struggle is not the struggle with evil outside of us but with the evil within [ourselves]. " (Paul Tripp, p143)

13- I want you to be able to recognize idols in our culture. You can do this when you watch movies and listen to the lyrics in music you enjoy. We often do this together...interpreting world views of others.

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen." Romans 1:25

"We live in a culture that exercises its influences on every area of [our] lives" and we need to live in such a way that it points us and others to God. We all need to learn how to "interact with the world without becoming enslaved to its idols" or what it thinks is important. (Paul Tripp, p158)
Be careful what you set your eyes on. The latest trends aren’t lasting. I admire the way you have set yourself apart from things.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

14-That you would be teachable. It is okay not to know everything. It is okay to ask for help.

“A servant of the Lord must not argue. Instead, he must be kind to everyone, teachable, willing to suffer wrong,”

2 Timothy 2:24

Find someone who you respect and is doing what you want to be doing and model them.

15- That you would seek God’s wisdom in everyday trials and every decision you make albeit big or small.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6

16- That you would seek God’s will for your life. Pray to know your strengths and weaknesses. This will help in deciding what you are passionate about and where God wants you. You are incredibly talented and I cannot wait to see how God uses you. The safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17

17- That you would have a heart for what is right and just and that you would be charitable to others. I am very proud of the work you have done at The Little Flower Nursing Home. I know the residents do too. God sees this. Let your sisters know and see your charitableness. It will teach them (and others) too.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38

18- That you would be intentional and purposeful in all things. Spread joy in life. Recognize that life is made up of small moments. Be aware and present in every moment. God is the extraordinary in the ordinary. See him in the little things and notice how these moments are all gifts and grace.

"What we pay attention to is how we spend our lives." Ann Voskamp

Forever is composed of nows. ~Emily Dickinson

19- That you would always rely on God’s strength and never give up or quit in the face of trouble or strife. I do not know God’s plans for you but I do not want you to be discouraged in this life. No matter what happens; sickness, death, whatever happens. Christians are not insulated from pain. You will have pain in this life. I am still learning the power in trusting a bigger picture I cannot see. Trust the unfolding drama of God's plan in your life.

"He [she] will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 143:8

20- That you would love. Your family, your friends, your neighbor, the poor... God. That you would truly understand how long, how wide and how deep His love really is.

"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:6-7

21-Above all, I want you to have a heart for God. Christians are anything but “normal” in our world. A heart for God is a sincere desire to know and honor Him. "Not like the pharisees who performed duties and were only interested in temporary benefits and the praise of others." (Paul Tripp) True Godliness flows out from our hearts and mouths and produces good fruit in our lives. This is seen in our behaviors, attitudes, activities and relationships.

"To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances;  To seek him, the greatest adventure;  To find him, the greatest human achievement."  St. Augustine

I love you.
Mom

P.S. God has no grandchildren...only children.

Honor and Johnny Lingo’s Eight-Cow Wife

2011-01-03T17:48:00.000-05:00

I have been focusing on honor in my house this past year. However, {sigh} sometimes I am not so honoring of the people I love the most. I am resolving to do better in 2011.

I found this story recently and thought it spoke volumes about how we should treat each other and how our expectations influence what we receive from others.

Honor is like giving each other a gift. I am convinced of its importance in our home. And teaching "Honor adds a deeper dimension to relationships." Joanne Miller

---noun

1. honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor.

2. a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one's family.

3. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor.

5. high public esteem; fame; glory: He has earned his position of honor.

---verb

13. to hold in honor or high respect; revere: to honor one's parents.

14. to treat with honor.

15. to confer honor or distinction upon

"Respect focuses on behavior, doing the appropriate thing, whereas honor comes from the heart." Joanne Miller

Imagine if we truly treated each other with honor. Perhaps we would all sit up a little straighter.
And sparkle.
And even be a bit more beautiful.

Johnny Lingo’s Eight-Cow Wife
by Patricia McGerr
Condensed from Woman’s Day, November 1965
Reader’s Digest pp. 138-141, February 1988

When I sailed to Kiniwata, an island in the Pacific, I took along a notebook. After I got back it was filled with descriptions of flora and fauna, native customs and costumes. But the only note that still interests me is the one that says: “Johnny Lingo gave eight cows to Sarita’s father.” And I don’t need to have it in writing. I’m reminded of it every time I see a woman belittling her husband or a wife withering under her husband’s scorn. I want to say to them, “You should know why Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for his wife.”

Johnny Lingo wasn’t exactly his name. But that’s what Shenkin, the manager of the guest house on Kiniwata called him. Shenkin was from Chicago and had a habit of Americanizing the names of the islanders. But Johnny was mentioned by many people in many connections. If I wanted to spend a few days on the neighboring island of Nurabandi, Johnny Lingo could put me up. If I wanted to fish, he could show me where the biting was best. If it was pearls I sought, he would bring me the best buys. The people of Kiniwata all spoke highly of Johnny Lingo. Yet when they spoke they smiled, and the smiles were slightly mocking.

“Get Johnny Lingo to help you find what you want and let him do the bargaining,” advised Shenkin. “Johnny knows how to make a deal.”

“Johnny Lingo!” A boy seated nearby hooted the name and rocked with laughter.

“What goes on?” I demanded. “Everybody tells me to get in touch with Johnny Lingo and then breaks up. Let me in on the Joke.”

“Oh the people love to laugh,” Shenkin said, shrugging. “Johnny’s the brightest, the strongest young man in the islands. And for his age, the richest.”

“But if he’s all you say, what is there to laugh about?”

“Only one thing. Five months ago, at fall festival, Johnny came to Kiniwata and found himself a wife. He paid her father eight cows!”

I knew enough about island customs to be impressed. Two or three cows would buy a fair-to-middling wife, four of five a highly satisfactory one.

“Good Lord!” I said, “Eight cows! She must have beauty that takes your breath away.”

“She’s not ugly,” he conceded, and smiled a little. “But the kindest could only call Sarita plain. Sam Karoo, her father, was afraid she’d be left on his hands.”

“But then he got eight cows for her? Isn’t that extraordinary?”

“Never been paid before.”

“Yet you call Johnny’s wife plain?”

“I said it would be kindness to call her plain. She was skinny. She walked with her shoulders hunched and her head ducked. She was scared of her own shadow.”

“Well, I said, “I guess there’s no accounting for love.”

“True enough,” agreed the man. “And that’s why the villagers grin when they talk about Johnny. They get special satisfaction from the fact that the sharpest trader in the islands was bested by dull old Sam Karoo.”

“But how?”

“No one knows and everyone wonders. All the cousins were urging Sam to ask for three cows and hold for two until he was sure Johnny’d pay only one. Then Johnny came to Sam Karoo and said ‘Father of Sarita, I offer eight cows for your daughter.’”

“Eight cows,” I murmured. “I’d like to meet this Johnny Lingo.”

I wanted fish. I wanted pearls. So the next afternoon I beached my boat at Nurabandi. And I noticed as I asked directions to Johnny’s house that his name brought no sly smile to the lips of his fellow Nurabandians. And when I met the slim, serious young man, when he welcomed me with grace to his home, I was glad that from his own people he had respect unmingled with mockery. We sat in his house and talked. Then he asked “You come here from Kiniwata?”

“Yes.”

“They speak of me on that island?”

“They say there’s nothing I might want that you can’t help me get.”

He smiled gently. “My wife is from Kiniwata.”

“Yes, I know.”

“They speak of her.”

“A little.”

“What do they say.”

“Why, just….” The question caught me off balance. “They told me you were married at festival time.”

“Nothing more?” The curve of his eyebrows told me he knew there had to be more.

“They also say the marriage settlement was eight cows.” I paused. “They wonder why.”

“They ask that?” His eyes lighted with pleasure. “Everyone in Kiniwata knows about the eight cows?”

I nodded.

“And in Nurabandi everyone knows it too.” His chest expanded with satisfaction. “Always and forever, when they speak of marriage settlements, it will be remembered that Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for Sarita.”

So that’s the answer, I thought: vanity.

And then I saw her. I watched her enter the room to place flowers on the table. She stood a moment to smile at the young man beside me. Then she went swiftly out again. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. The lift of her shoulders, the tilt of her chin, the sparkle of here eyes all spelled a pride to which no one could deny her the right.

I turned back to Johnny Lingo and found him looking at me. “You admire her?” he murmured.

“She…she’s glorious. But she’s not Sarita from Kiniwata,” I said.

“There’s only one Sarita. Perhaps she does not look the way they say she looked in Kiniwata.”

“She doesn’t. I heard she was homely. They all make fun of you because you let yourself be cheated by Sam Karoo.”

“You think eight cows were too many?” A smile slid over his lips.

“No. But how can she be so different?”

“Do you ever think,” he asked, “what it must mean to a woman to know that her husband has settled on the lowest price for which she can be bought? An then later, when the women talk, the boast of what their husbands paid for them. One says four cows, another maybe six. How does she feel, the woman who was sold for one or two? This could not happen to my Sarita.”

“Then you did this just to make your wife happy?”

“I wanted Sarita to be happy, yes. But I wanted more than that. You say she is different. This is true. Many things can change a woman. Things happen inside, things happen outside. But the thing that matters most is what she thinks of herself. In Kiniwata, Sarita believed she was worth nothing. Now she knows she is worth more than any other woman in the islands.”

“Then you wanted–”

“I wanted to marry Sarita. I loved her and no other woman.”

“But–” I was close to understanding.

“But,” he finished softly, “I wanted an eight-cow wife.”

"In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives."

1 Peter 3:7

"Honor your father and mother--which is the first commandment with a promise--" Ephesians 6:2

"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." Proverbs 31:25

Kettles aren't just for cooking

2010-12-28T09:48:00.002-05:00

Recently, I was given the opportunity to be a bell ringer through our church, and thought it would be a neat experience for my kids.

Isn't it funny how we end up being the ones blessed?

It only took an hour or so of our time. It was no great feat. It wasn't a huge inconvenience. We had fun.

And it was an interesting experience. They managers of the Wal-Mart couldn't find the bells.

How can you be a bell ringer without bells?

So we bought some bells, strung them on a necklace, and made our own. (Incidentally, the necklace was a bell necklace that belongs to my four year old and had been left in my car.)

Jessica strung them on one by one.

Did I mention it was freezing cold!?!

Between all of us we made enough bell ringing noise to attract attention to our kettle. And hopefully made a difference.

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

Years ago, when my mom was still alive and not doing well health wise or financially, the Salvation Army sent her a check for an obscure amount of money. It was something like $27.42. I will never forget that. I was struck by how much it meant to my mom. Ever since then I have always donated to the bell ringers at Christmas.

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9

The Salvation Army bell ringers have been around a long time, beginning with the desire to help feed the poor and destitute during Christmas. Click here for the Red Kettle History.

The history of the Salvation Army began in 1852 and has been making a difference ever since. It started with one man, William Booth, and his wife.

"Booth was reading a printer's proof of the 1878 annual report when he noticed the statement "The Christian Mission is a volunteer army." Crossing out the words "volunteer army," he penned in "Salvation Army."..."

"...he attracted followers who were dedicated to fight for the souls of men and women."

Isn't that what we are called to do? Isn't that The Great Commission?

Soon after volunteering, I heard a piece on NPR about being a virtual bell ringer. So I signed up.

I decided to do it in honor of my mom.

Click here to donate, sign up, join my team, or just to check it out...... Even just a dollar.

"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10

Because it will change lives.

Thank you for considering. And blessings to you and your family this Christmas and New Years!

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35

My big brother

2010-12-14T10:09:00.002-05:00

My big brother is extraordinary.

I realized just how much this Thanksgiving.

Both of our parents died within a year of each other. They were young, just in their 60's. It has been over 11 years since mom died.
I never thought of our relationship as close until they passed. Most of our growing up was done apart; he with one parent and I, the other. Divorce tore us in two.

We are much closer now. Death does that I guess. We had to learn to depend on each other. I can honestly say that I need him now. He and my aunt are all I have left of my family.

I remember when our dad died and he and I experienced the year of going through our dad's things, the unexpected death, as an opportunity to learn and grow closer instead of seeing it as a hardship. I learned a lot about life that year.

Starting out homeschooling 10 years ago, Harry supported me when most everyone else didn't. I think he is my biggest fan. He is the reason I started blogging in the first place and he even encouraged me to become a pen pal. He stretches me.

Encouragement is a powerful force in this world of ours. You never know the difference you can make in someone's life.

"You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins." Jim Stovall

He believes in me. Really.

There aren't many people I can say that about.

I admire him as only a little sister can. However, Harry is very accomplished in his own right; his skydiving career stretches over 20 years, an amazing aerial videographer , photographer and sports announcer, he helped found several organizations dedicated to jumping; performed a lead role in the play, Arsenic and Old Lace, a student of communication, and of course; a writer and blogger. He even wrote the forward to a base jumping book.

And he has cool hair :)

But what happened this Thanksgiving is what really makes him a hero. My daughter was chewing food long after dinner. My littlest (four year old) had apparently made cud of her chicken. She tripped over something in our rec room (we later found a gash on the back of her arm) and screamed. I knew that it was a really hurtful scream and I ran into the room and was holding her asking if she was alright. She never exhaled from her scream, screwed up her face, and became limp and unconscious in my arms. There was only a second that went by as I yelled to my oldest to call 911. Literally 3 seconds tops. There was no time to even peruse all the CPR instruction and classes I have taken. And Harry swooped her up, gave her the Heimlich and literally saved her life. Right in front of my eyes. I am still not over it.

He never hesitated.

"Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero's heart." Frederick Jezegou

He has always been a risk taker. We are about as different as two siblings can get. I am the safe one; shooting for two weeks paid vacation a year, a rung on the corporate ladder and a white picket fence. At least right out of college. Now I am content and most grateful to stay home with my kids. I am boring in comparison.

Harry is different. On the other extreme, his life is measured in the risks he takes and the adventures he makes and all the people he meets. He was crossing the country right out of college. He is the kind of guy who finds sea manatees off the beaten path while tourists go to the 'tourist traps' to see them in tanks. He is the one who says 'wait' when everyone else says go. He follows the beat of a different drummer.

He is a modern day Thoreau.

"Be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you...Explore the private sea, the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean of one's being." Henry David Thoreau

I worry about him and pray constantly. I don't really want to hear he jumped a dozen times a day from a perfectly good airplane. Where will he be on Christmas Day? I choke up just thinking about it.

(Now, if I can just find him a good Christian girl...:)

When he is on his deathbed (although I can't imagine that) he won't have the regrets most people have. "I wish I would have....." His whole life has been a bucket list. He has crossed the country more times than I know and has traveled abroad as well.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

We are blessed to see him once a year, if we are lucky.
Usually in the fall. My girls always start looking for him when the leaves change colors.

This visit was different. It is a new start. And he came as a brother, Unkle, and professional.

We haven't had a family portrait since before our littlest came on the scene four years ago. It has been six years. She looks at our old family portrait hanging on the wall in our den and asks pitifully, "Where am I, momma?"

He captured our family in pictures.

There are advantages to having a photographer as a brother. The girls learned and helped with a real photo shoot. We all learned. He is quite talented and so absorbed in the moment, I don't think he knew I took his picture.

It has been many years since we spent Thanksgiving together. And it was wonderful. I am thankful for him.

The girls think he hung the moon..... He is a pretty cool uncle. Loves playing video games and held his own at chess with a 10 and 13 year old.. Even passed the Toxic Waste candy test.

(He is gonna kill me for this picture.)

I am very proud of him.

Before he left, he had a heart to heart talk with the two oldest, packed up, and then was gone.

I hated seeing him go. I love him to the moon.

We are all going to miss him....

..............But I can't wait to hear about his next adventure.

Be safe big brother.

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Blessings in disguise

2010-12-01T07:01:00.002-05:00

Can being broken be a blessing?

photo by

I initially found this story of the Lost Horse in my new favorite book, Sabbath. He entitles it as, The Story of the Taoist Farmer. I am finding , however, that it is an ancient tale known throughout the world.

In Japan,
Ningen banji saiou ga uma means, 'Inscrutable are the ways of Heaven. An evil may sometimes turn out a blessing in disguise.'

It's literal meaning is: 'All human affairs are like Saiou's horse.'
It comes from this old Chinese folktale:

photo by Neecie Herndon

A man who lived on the northern frontier of China was skilled in interpreting events. One day, for no reason, his horse ran away to the nomads across the border. Everyone tried to console him, but his father said, "What makes you so sure this isn't a blessing?" Some months later his horse returned, bringing a splendid nomad stallion. Everyone congratulated him, but his father said, "What makes you so sure this isn't a disaster?" Their household was richer by a fine horse, which his son loved to ride. One day he fell and broke his hip. Everyone tried to console him, but his father said, "What makes you so sure this isn't a blessing?"

A year later the nomads came in force across the border, and every able-bodied man took his bow and went into battle. The Chinese frontiersmen lost nine of every ten men. Only because the son was lame did the father and son survive to take care of each other. Truly, blessing turns to disaster, and disaster to blessing: the changes have no end, nor can the mystery be fathomed.
(Huai Han, Tzu, early Han 2nd Dynasty B.C.)

I am finding that this is so true in our own lives.

On a small scale.....Not being able to do something I wanted to do opened up an opportunity for something else even better.

On a larger scale.....The tree that fell on our home provided us with a new heat pump at little cost.

On a huge scale.....My husband's diagnosis has brought us all closer to God.

I would never before have been grateful for these things. And although hindsight is always 20/20, I am pondering about making quick judgments on 'bad' things that happen or trials I find myself in when I base it only on what I can immediately see, reason, or perceive.

As I write, my aunt faces discouragement after four botched hip surgeries for a hip replacement that was supposed to improve the quality of her life. She faces not being able to walk without aids, or do what she used to be able to do, constant pain, and another surgery. One last chance. Where is the blessing?
As I hold her while she sobs, I wonder. And I think about the son who fell and broke his hip.

Our church offered a class on The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis this fall.

"The story takes the form of a series of letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, a junior tempter named Wormwood, so as to advise him on methods of securing the damnation of a British man, known only as "the Patient". In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis provides a series of lessons in the importance of taking a deliberate role in living out Christian faith by portraying a typical human life, with all its temptations and failings, as seen from devils' viewpoints." (Wikipedia)

The instructor introduced The Law of Undulation which states that humans have spiritual peaks and valleys that we go though during our lives.

un·du·la·tion n.

1. A regular rising and falling or movement to alternating sides; movement in waves.

Screwtape mentions it in Letter 8 when telling his nephew Wormwood that 'the patient' may not be falling away from his faith but that it may be the natural part of the life of faith.....
Thus the law of undulation.

The life of faith? Hmmmm.....

Screwtape writes about God, ("our Enemy" is referring to God; remember this is a demon talking)

"Now it may surprise you to learn that in His efforts to get permanent possession of a soul, He relies on the trough even more than on the peaks; some of His special favourites have gone through longer and deeper troughs than anyone else…It is during such trough periods, much more than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the sort of creature He wants it to be. Hence the prayer offered in the state of dryness are those which please Him best…Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy’s will, looks round on a universe from which every trace of Him has vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys."
C.S. Lewis "The Screwtape Letters"

The trick is to remember the peaks when you are in the valleys. And to know that the valleys will soon give way to the peaks. And to trust.

Just being aware of this is so huge..... So you don't get stuck.

My girls and I are almost finished memorizing The Beatitudes together.
There is nothing quite so breathtaking as hearing your 4 year old recite scripture that is being imprinted upon her heart.

Matthew 5:2-12
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Wayne Muller in Sabbath,

"He said blessed are. Not "they will one day be blessed, " but they are blessed right now. The poor are blessed, even in their poverty. Those who mourn are blessed, even in their grief. The meek, the merciful, even those who are persecuted--blessed, blessed, blessed. Not later. Not when their trials are over. Not when they are fixed. Right here, right now. There is a blessing for you here, now, in this very moment."

I am finding that I am considering blessings and trials differently now....
And my aunt's hip? I can't wait to see how God plans to bless her through this.
I think the key lies in the looking, waiting, and expecting.

James 1:2-4

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

My prayer for you...

Numbers 6:24-26
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Continuing Simple Praises.....
#325- Finding the story of the Lost Horse
#326- Learning about the Law of Undulation
#327- C.S. Lewis
#328- Being able to hold Sandy on Thanksgiving
#329- being broken
#330- the life of faith

The letters...

2010-11-08T06:40:00.001-05:00

My brother suggested I write her last summer. It was in July of 2009 that I wrote the first of many.

He thought it would be good for the kids to write her too. I never thought it would end up being such a personal thing, for me. I didn't even know her.

This picture is not an honest portrayal. She is very beautiful and my sketch just doesn't capture her beauty or her glow. She shines like a light, in the picture I have of her, and I imagine her lighting up a room when she walks into it. I can feel the 'light' in her words whispered on lined paper.

Getting to know her this past year has been such a blessing to me..... Meeting through messages.
I didn't always know what to write. It seemed awkward at first. I had so many questions.

Soon, I just began writing..... My thoughts, my feelings, my hopes, my fears and she began to write hers too. I asked her about her day; when she rises, her schedule, and when she sleeps. It helped me to visualize where she is during the day and I can pray for her as I think about her and what she may be doing. She works very hard, physically. And she gets tired too, just like me. Prison isn't exactly as I had imagined.

I love receiving her long, handwritten letters. When they come, I selfishly try to find a place away from everyone and everything so I can read her words and soak up the scripture she writes. Funny how she always seem to have the right verse I need at that moment.

This was one of my favorite letters. She let me see inside so much of her thoughts and feelings.....her world.
I still can only imagine what a day in her life is like...
...even though I have glimpses from all the letters of the past 16 months.

This is her 3rd year of a 7 year sentence.

This writing journey changed my perspective on freedom and forgiveness.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Gandhi

Just going outside and breathing deeply is appreciated more.

I asked her once what she missed. She misses many things. Important things.
But one small thing that stuck with me, seemingly insignificant, was her mentioning missing being able to open a refrigerator and getting seconds of orange juice..... I don't think I have ever been grateful for that before.
Until now.

Knowing her impels me to be grateful for abundance where I had previously perceived lack. It encourages my collection of simple praises.

She is a talented artist and frequently sketches along the envelopes or makes bookmarks that we use everyday. My girls and I adore these illustrations. I love Jeremiah.....

I treasure reading about her hopes and dreams for the future. But what is most meaningful is reading how she prospers day by day, how she is healing, what she is learning about herself, her accomplishments, and sometimes..... just how she gets through the day.

It takes a week or more to write her. There is an art to writing letters by hand that I have missed in our techno world of blogs, emails, and facebook. I steal snatches of time here and there
and when I can.

My pen pal has become a believer in the truest sense of the word and can see the adversary for what
he
is.
She fights discouragement and uses it to encourage others. She encourages me. If only we all did that.

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. " Philippians 4:11-13

Funny, our sermon this past Sunday was about Paul being in prison and how our circumstances, no matter what they are, work for the good of those who love Him.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. " Romans 8:28

I wonder about my own circumstances...
I am here for a reason..... In this place.
In the middle of this muddle, managing my messes, precisely where God has planted me.
So are you. And our influence is broader than we know.

She mentions that they are not allowed to hug each other or even hold hands during prayer.
So they touch their shoes instead.

Imagine that.
I think that is beautiful.
It makes me look at my feet differently.

Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel

¹²Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Simple Praises...continued... #187-#193
my pen pal
reading in quiet
the letters
being encouraged
seconds on orange juice
Jeremiah bookmarks
feet

If you are interested in writing to and inquiring about my friend's testimony, please contact me.

Color Therapy

2010-11-02T23:05:00.001-04:00

We drink in the colors of Autumn while the girls earn a Keepers at Home hiking pin.
And I pursue my Simple Praises... for the healing therapy that only nature can give. I sure did need this.

#133- Inhaling...Breathing deeply

#134- Spatterings and flashes of pigments, tints and hues in a wild abandon

#135- Winding paths

#136- The way the sun hits the trees and leaves in splashes of color

#137- How you can see something so beautiful in between railings of a rusty old bridge...

#138- A beaver dam

#139- purples, pinks, and blues...

#140- the fragrance of the trail in Autumn

I Chronicles 29:11

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you ore exalted as head over all.

#141- lingering

#142- a burst of intense orange

#143- majestic displays

Psalm 66:4

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.

#144- little fellers....

#145- unrestrained daisies...just when I thought all the flowers were gone...

#146- #151- priceless treasures...

#152-#155- and precious friends.....

Photo by Jessica

#156- Exhaling :)

Simple Praises

2010-10-08T19:48:00.010-04:00

It started when my husband was diagnosed. My best friends provided for me to go to a ladies retreat. I think it saved my life. The speaker, Rachel Carmen, said "Write down all the 'Plagues of Your Life' that God has carried you through." And so I did. I wrote everyone of them down. The big ones.

I was so taken aback after following through with the exercise that I purposed myself to begin a gratitude journal right then and there. That was five years ago and I haven't stopped.

I didn't call it a Gratitude Journal. The title on the first beat up spiral notebook says 'Blessings' on it. But that is what it is. As I look through them now, I can see a difference in my thinking then and my thinking now. I realize that the things (or persons) I am most thankful for were repeated over the years. And they were usually big things...at least of that moment or that day.

I never numbered them and never thought to until I read about Ann's gratitude journal. I have no regrets and know that these journals saved me many days. Some days I struggled to be grateful..... Funny how it becomes easier as you do it.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What I am learning this year is that it isn't always the 'big' things that produce gratefulness in me.

Mostly it is the small things in the day that I value so much when the day as a whole seems so ordinary. After learning about the gratitude community, I realized that I too want to recognize daily the small endless blessings from God, intentionally. Those things that you can miss if you are not looking for them. And really, they are already there, waiting to be noticed. And really it is the small things that make up the big things.

"The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you."

Robert Louis Stevenson

I also want to teach this attitude of gratefulness to my girls so that they will see it too. I can't imagine what a different person I would be if I had known then what I know now...and also, I want to pay it forward somehow.

"What we pay attention to is how we spend our lives." Ann Voskamp

I decided to start a fresh. For several reasons. I see the power it gives me in my life. Just to recognize these small simple tokens and expressions of love.

It transforms your thinking when you are constantly looking for His gifts and purposing yourself to look up and out.... particularly when things aren't always going as I plan or wish... It makes you look at everything differently. Like having your eyes widened. Or like having a film peeled off your eyes. It helps you to see things more clearly. To see Him more clearly.

When I started rummaging through my closet looking for these old blessing journals, I found a pretty celestial decorated journal that was my mom's. I had bought it for her before she died. It was never used. I didn't even know I had it. It was like it was waiting for me, after all these years, to find.

So I begin my journey. This time, more refined.......I cannot wait to discover what I will learn from it....and I can't wait until I get to a 1,000!

Thank you Lord for.....

1-- the smells of little girls
2-- sleep and the slow rise from sleep to wake
3-- a good friend to run with and
4-- burning lungs
5-- Finding George MacDonald

"The careless soul receives the Father's gifts as if it were a way things had of dropping into his hand... yet he is ever complaining, as if someone were accountable for the problems which meet him at every turn. For the good that comes to him, he gives no thanks - who is there to thank? At the disappointments that befall him he grumbles - there must be someone to blame!"

George MacDonald

6-- breathing deeply
7-- the Most Beautiful Woman I Know
8-- the opportunity to serve dinner in a homeless shelter
and
9-- seeing humbleness and awkwardness in my girl's faces when they too served
and
10-- even Gabrielle, at four, who exclaimed a little too loudly, "You mean they don't have houses?!?!!"

"How rich is anyone who can simply see human faces."

Corrie Ten Boom

11-- our old worn out vehicles that still run
12-- My new book I am reading, Sabbath

"Who is it that can make muddy water clear? asks the Tao Te Ching. But if allowed to remain still, it will gradually become clear itself." Wayne Muller Sabbath

13-- Memorizing the Beatitudes with my girls... and learning.....

Wayne Muller Sabbath

14-- Bubbles...

15-- Winnie The Pooh...

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called. ~A.A. Milne

Wanna come too?

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands.

2010-09-17T17:30:00.005-04:00

She picked a really good book from the library this week.

I am amazed at how so many things I have encountered and observed this last week, month, and the last of summer worked together and pointed in the same direction as the week unfolded.
And it all was revealed through this song.

The book came with a cd and I played it, opened the book, and snuggled up tightly to her 4 year old frame. We sit under a map of the world in a sea of blue.

The woman on the cd sang the words and it felt like my heart started beating softer and slower so I could hear better as I listened to her simple words. Words I remember singing a long time ago.
I wonder if her little heart hears what I hear. The morning light streams in softly through the window as we listen and sing.

He's got the whole world in His hands,

He's got the whole world in His hands.

I have been keeping up with bloggers this week who went to Guatemala and were transformed by genuine poverty and authentic love. They helped transform me too through their eyes and their words. Words like these enable you to see God in everything.

"He's got the whole world....in his hands"

They helped me see that He holds the broken hearted in His hands. I read Ann's words and I think I actually stopped breathing for several moments. I read it out loud to my 13 and 10 year old girls and we unraveled it together.
My oldest had to continue reading as I couldn't see the story through the blur of tears or read the words as my throat constricted. You know how you feel when you can't swallow (but you must), when your throat tightens and burns. I think my daughter stopped breathing too, for a moment. It was the moms that got me.
The whole world.....

He holds those who ask God to "Come By Here". As I listened to his song looking at the pictures of Guatemala, seeing such deprivation through their picture window camera and comprehending (or trying to) their words that detailed the experience, it became my own experience. I wonder just how many other people went to Guatemala like I did this week.

The song reminded me of the song "Kum Ba Yah". I sang this to all 3 of my girls when they were babies. It wasn't until my youngest was born that I researched it a little and discovered that "Kum Ba Yah" is an African-American spiritual song from the 1930's that means "Come By Here."

My girls would quiet and welcome...
"Someone's crying Lord, Kum Ba Yah (Come By Here)... Someone's praying Lord, Kum Ba Yah (Come By Here)... Someone's singing, Lord, Kum Ba Yah (Come By Here) ...Oh Lord, Kum Ba Yah"
It is like singing a prayer.

Even though I know it wasn't the same as being there in Guatemala, in some small way, I went too.
And I did see that He's really got the whole world in His hands even though it can be difficult to see His big picture in what appears abandoned and dejected. I am turned inside out knowing that I can get that from mere words and pictures.

Honest poverty where there isn't anything but prayer.

Seeing Mommys (like me) holding together their nests with only walls of tin and and not much else. And here I sit with so much. I never thought of myself as wealthy before.

I am so thankful.

I went through my daughters' clothes the other day to see what they need for the fall and felt almost guilty for such abundance. Most of it is used, hand me downs from sisters or bought at a yard sale; but it is royal compared to what hangs from knots on rigged clothes lines in these pictures.....

She sings,
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands.

It isn't very often I see this. I caught them reading together Monday. Sisters. Their legs entwined and relaxed. Teaching, reading, experiencing..... Loving. (How can I bottle this up and share it with them when they bicker?) I can almost see His fingers cuddling them. They want for nothing right now. Can they see that? How can I show that to them? ...With a million kisses? ...By counting raindrops, books, warm blankies, and everyday ordinary blessings?
...By pointing them to Him and by showing them other people who point up?

How blessed we are.

He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got the sun and the rain in His hands,

I have seen the son in the rain thanks to The Most Beautiful Woman I Know.

News of more unrelenting cancer this month disheartens me.

"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 112:7

My soul has been pierced and penetrated by her testimony again and again ..... His words through her. My perspective has been forever changed. My heart will never be the same.

I still see her in His hands.... although not always the bigger picture..... because I am so blind, busy and oblivious most of the time and because I just don't understand why.
Seeing her suffering tears my heart right out. But glimpses of His face in hers heals it. I just need to look. Doesn't He command us to look? .....Lord, open my eyes.....

"Always be joyful." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I am taking a class on The Screwtape Letters at my church. "The story takes the form of a series of letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, a junior tempter named Wormwood, so as to advise him on methods of securing the damnation of a British man, known only as "the Patient". In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis provides a series of lessons in the importance of taking a deliberate role in living out Christian faith by portraying a typical human life, with all its temptations and failings, as seen from devils' viewpoints." (Wikipedia)

The adversary distracts us in the ordinary and the common. He uses the busyness of cleaning the house or being hungry or seeing the same things every day, day in and day out... dulling our senses.
I see how the the many distractions of a mother's life can deaden us to be shallow and not to go deep and look for Him. Sometimes I feel accomplished just to get through the day.....

Screwtape told Wormwood to distract his Patient. I found it profound that it wasn't a huge matter that took 'the Patient' away from thinking about God..... It was a hunger pain. It was trivial and ordinary. Wow.

The instructor is excellent and spoke about God's '2 Words' tonight;
Scripture
and
Nature
and how Scripture is the spectacles we use to see. That God gave us scriptures to view all He created so we can see Him. All of creation points to Him.

"For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly^." John Calvin

She sings...
He's got the moon and the stars in His hands...

As I said goodbye to summer these last few weeks, I tried to capture the heavens, the moon He holds, with my camera. I couldn't do it justice.

He's got the oceans and the seas in His hands,

I saw Him, this summer, in the pounding surf,
the dancing waves,

in the broken shells, and in the unity of friends.
I could smell Him in the salty air and feel His breath in the breeze on my back and the wind in my face.

He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands.....
I remember this verse from my childhood.
Just this week, I called my dear friend about an unrelated matter and she excitedly told me that she had just got the call. I could hear the joy in her voice.
They were finally going to be foster parents. That a baby was ready to be picked up at the hospital and she was scrambling to find everything the little guy would need. My heart burst for her. It has been 4 years of waiting.
And He wasn't late. He was right on time.
Regardless of how long this little boy can stay or the tears he will bring; both joyful and heartbreaking, I know He was saving him for this family. It isn't random. Again I see His handiwork, His designs.

He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got you and me in His hands,

(This was my favorite picture in the book)
Me? Me.
Why is it so easy to see it for others and not ourselves?
I should behave like He does have me in His hands, so that others will see me pointing. So that my children will see me pointing. So that I won't give Him my worries in the morning when we meet and then take them back from Him at night when I can't sleep;
So that I can aim and steer and zero in on Him. So That my faith would grow so big.....

He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got everybody here in His hands,

He's got everybody there in His hands,

We finished reading Peace Child by Don Richardson today. We read how primitive cannibals In the 20th century were shown Christ. It was disturbing and beautiful; Shown through words..... And legends.
"Peace Child's name comes from a tradition in Papua New Guinea, where, to make peace, warring tribes would exchange a child. The children would grow up with the others' tribe and in the future, when conflict threatened again, the 'Peace Child' from each tribe was sent to negotiate." www.peacechild.org
We learned how everyone is looking for the 'Peace Child'.
We learned that God can be seen holding Papua New Guinea and Guatemala in His hands.

Funny how the week was wrapped up in these simple words, this simple song. I feel it in the joy of the baby finally arriving in my friends tirelessly waiting arms, and the sorrow and pain in my dear friend fighting cancer. I see it in the pictures of poverty in its purest form, I see it in the restless beach and in asking God to 'Come by Here',

I know it when I see the Extraordinary in the ordinary.

He's got everybody everywhere in His hands,

He's got the whole world in His hands.

~Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~

...to be continued...

"B" is for Beautiful

2010-09-08T22:34:00.002-04:00

Our Preschool adventures.....
B is for....

...Butterflies

and Being Blind

and Bubbles

B is for Bounty

and Baskets

and Beach

B is for Baking Outside...

.......... and beans, breakfast, beef jerky, biscuits, bacon, bread, and brownies. Mmmmmmmm....

B is for Beautiful.

Saying goodbye to summer

2010-08-31T06:37:00.006-04:00

None of us wanted it to end.

....Sandy toes-es and sunburned noses....

Active days in the wind and sand and sun passed quickly.
Captivated by the water, the kids would sometimes go too deep or drift too far. We would reign them in and look after each other.

It was satisfying to watch energetic kids challenge unyielding waves and sometimes getting in and braving them together. It is exhilarating. When the waves pummel you to the sandy bottom and you fight to come to the surface, you humbly realize how mortal you really are....and how vulnerable.

In the early mornings, I carved time alone to pray and reflect on God's blessings and how fleeting are the days of summer and the days of 'mommy'. I indulge in the alone-ness. The new sun spills on the water and sand like the slow dribble of syrup.

Running focused me even when my lungs were burning.

I would deliberately run along the edge of the moving water and watch as it chased me..... daring to touch my feet. It cleared my mind and then
I would stop,
breathe deeply,
pray
and be still.

Psalm 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am God.."

The pier was the prize.
Concerns at home seemed so far away except for the ones I keep tucked in my heart that go with me wherever I go.
I send them out, and up.

I wondered in amazement how God could bless such a mess.

On the last morning, I softly woke Abigail (so as not to wake her sisters) and shared my quiet paradise with her. I think she got it.

We walked zig zag patterns in the sand
sifting through the assortment of shells

and examined, decided and chose the ones to keep... all for different reasons.

We talked.
I listened.
I don't often have her all to myself.

The splendid-ness of being thankful, really thankful, for good friends, family, and precious health. And thankful for the opportunity to share it together. (Thank you, Sarah.)

"Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God..."

Psalm 50:14

At night, we pause to listen and appreciate the symphony of the ocean, the laughter of kids playing on a dark beach and really study the design of the heavens. My camera just can't capture it. But I try.

It is good to stop. Especially with moms on a similar journey.
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1
We are all trying to wrap our heads around raising teenagers

and babies growing up.

We struggle. We appreciate. We say goodbye to summer together without even realizing it.

It is gratifying to talk about current events with women while our children play together. I find value in it and don't get much time for that being a mom. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.

We make memories with hand prints in plaster decorated with God's abundant jewelry box of shells
and go skating in an old fashioned skating rink with wood floors and open windows.

We discover turtle nests.

And mermaid tails....

We eat with our fingers.
We watch dolphins playing near the shore. They were having a marvelous time frolicking in the waves. Even they were delighting in the moment..... Sea World can't compare.

I found this poem in a small used book I bought for a nickel in a quaint post office underneath the skating rink.

"Exhaust the little moment.

Soon it dies.

And be it gash or gold

It will not come again in this
identical disguise."

Gwendolyn Brooks

I delight in summer memories of silly bands,

drizzle drop castles,

sunburns, sticky chins and the 'carefree-ness' of summer.
Just stopping and being aware is everything.

Saying goodbye is hard.

Gabrielle draws an 'a' in the sand with a broken shell.

The first letter of the alphabet,
The first letter of our pre-school adventure together (my 3rd)
and our new school year....
a new beginning.

It made me think that we are always starting again.....

on new adventures.

Monday we will plunge into school and say hello to pre- algebra and American History and try to find a balance, stride, and a rhythm... All while trying to avoid the craziness of it all.
But just for an instant, it is nice to be still. In the dizzying time warp of life that goes by way too fast. If you don't pause, you will miss it.

I don't want to miss a thing.

So, "Farewell summer". We are going to miss you, but we will forge on. Time hasn't stopped...
just dwindled and dawdled a bit.

228 miles between us and home.
We were weary on the long drive,
But not disheartened.

We all missed Daddy and Romeo.

And then...

"Hello!!!"

We were missed too. :)

It is good to be home.

"Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:7

Don't blink.

2010-08-11T16:39:00.000-04:00

Or you'll miss it.

It isn't about the tea. But it is.

The giggles shared with a friend, pinkies in the air, sugar and cream, being four.........

......the memories.......

Little girls won't last long.

Neither do these small sprinkles of time.

......and little girls will soon grow up and have their own sprinkles.

I don't want to miss a thing.

Tea Parties are for Little Girls.....

"Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 18:10

Picture Study with Photography

2010-07-29T22:52:00.006-04:00

“We cannot measure the influence that one artist or another has on the child’s sense of beauty, upon his power of seeing, as in a picture, the common sight of life..."

---Charlotte Mason

These are picture studies of Mary Cassatt and Norman Rockwell from 2007 and 2010 respectively. Of all the picture studies we have done, photography has been the most fun. It seems to cement the image in our minds. Both Jessica and Abigail came up with their own props and had very little advice from me other than positioning. We all really had to study the paintings. And then I had to get out of the way and just start taking pictures. :)

2007

Mary Cassatt (1882) Susan on a Balcony Holding a Dog

Mary Cassatt (1878) Little Girl in a Blue Armchair

Mary Cassatt (1902) Young Mother Sewing

Mary Cassatt (1886) Girl Arranging Her Hair

Mary Cassatt (1902) Margot in Blue

Mary Cassatt (1880) Woman Reading in a Garden

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for men." Colossians 3:23

2010

Norman Rockwell (1954) Girl in the Mirror

Norman Rockwell (1947) The Babysitter

Norman Rockwell (1953) Girl with Black Eye

Norman Rockwell Losing The Game

Not all art is conducive to this kind of picture study but look for the opportunity. My girls will never forget doing these.

"If mothers could learn to do for themselves what they do for their children when these are overdone, we should have happier households. Let the mother go out to play! If she would have the courage to let everything go when life becomes too tense, and just take a day, or half a day, out in the fields, or with a favourite book, or in a picture gallery looking long and well at just two or three pictures, or in bed, without the children, life would go on far more happily for both children and parents. The mother would then be able to hold herself in "wise passiveness’ and would not fret her children by continual interference even of hand or eye - she would let them be."

---Charlotte Mason

Oh! If she were only talking about me!.....

Summer is for building

2010-07-05T08:17:00.001-04:00

Our new window left some unused wood in the yard.

I painted..... and watched through the window when I heard the hammering.

Concentration and pure happiness....

They really did a fine job. They worked all day.

Summer is for building.....

.......tree houses and relationships.

Drawing Up Battle Plans

2010-07-01T08:06:00.003-04:00

I never have been very good at waiting. I can be impatient, I talk fast, and I multi- task....or try to. Hurrying has become a bad habit. As I am growing older,
I am learning some things about this, though. It has really been on my heart lately.

Two years ago, I read the devotion of " An Unhurried Life " by Glynnis Whitwer and printed it out so I would see it every morning during my devotions.

Since then I have tried to make a conscious habit of even chewing slower.

I have gotten better at not rushing over the last couple of years. I have had to purpose myself. I am learning to move slower and stop to appreciate more.

Great things often take time.

The most important truth I got out of that devotion two years ago is this:
Jesus was busy but He was never said to be in a hurry.

And it has stuck with me. He still accomplished much and He refused to be rushed. He made time for people.
I see some moms rushing from one activity to the next and know I have been there as well.

I am finding truth in the quote, "Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."

I am also trying to not allow others to stress me or hurry me either.

The key word is allow.

Just last week I was dealing with our local county government in trying to secure a building permit online for 2 days.

To say I was frustrated was an understatement.

I spoke with 8 different people who all had 8 different answers.
One of them decided I had a problem and advised that I would need to "hurry down to the office ASAP" because I would need to get there before "the ONLY man who could possibly help me left" or else I wouldn't be able to get a permit that day.

(I needed it that day)

It gave me less than 30 minutes.

In the past, I would have rushed, speeded (is that a word?), and probably yelled at my kids in an effort to hurry out the door. In effect, teaching them to rush. (I have a lot of un-teaching to do.)

But this time I chanted my mantra in my head.

"Jesus was busy but he was never in a hurry."
I decided to trust. We went down to the office at a casual pace.
After all of that, there wasn't even a problem at all and no need to rush.

I was so proud of myself! Mainly because I usually do not see the 'crisis' until I am in the middle of it.

As a homeschooler, there are so many fantastic things to do with my kids, so many socializing opportunities (yes, we have had to cut down our 'socializing'; sorta blows the whole 'homeschooler's don't get enough socialization theory'), so many awesome classes, invitations, performances, learning events; some offered during the day when we are supposed to be doing school. They are attractive because things aren't as crowded, they are often cheaper, and there isn't usually traffic. But leaving in the morning makes our school time rushed.

It is hard to discern sometimes what is best for our kids. So many good things to pick from. It is like a banquet sometimes. What to choose? It all looks good.

But God knows.
"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." Jeremiah 29:11

He also promises ...
"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4.

My dear Aunt Sandy mailed me a small booklet entitled "Tyranny of the Urgent" written by Charles Hummel. (She often acts as God's messenger to me.) It is excellent and I suggest reading it yourself.

When he originally wrote this essay in 1967; email, the internet, chat rooms, blogs, face book, twitter, iphone, ipad and the countless other time suckers weren't even around. It makes what he said even more applicable to our lives.

There are several points worth mentioning that Mr. Hummel speaks of that I found to be especially good: (all quotes come from his essay unless otherwise noted)

Even though Jesus had a short life of 33 years, he still finished what God had for Him to do. John 17:4 (NIV) "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." "... His life was never feverish; He had time for people. He could spend hours talking to one person, such as the Samaritan women at the well. His life showed a wonderful balance, a sense of timing." He resisted the urgent and did the important.
We need to acknowledge our need of God as our instructor and supplier. "When we fail to wait prayerfully for God’s guidance and strength we are saying, with our actions, if not our lips, that we do not need Him."
"The need itself is not the call; the call must come from the God who knows our limitations." and our strengths. (my words) Psalm 103:13,14 (NIV) "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust."
"...resist the temptation to accept an engagement when the invitation first comes over the telephone." Ask and give yourself a day or two of prayer for guidance before you commit.
When praying, list things you need to complete each day in their priority, keeping in mind previous commitments. Pray for direction. Like a general drawing up a battle plan for the battlefield; "he doesn't postpone basic decisions until the firing starts."
We are to wait patiently for God's instructions and do this by discerning His will by a consistent life of daily prayer. Listen. In order to be an effective server, we must prayerfully wait on God to impress on us His truths concerning ourselves and what He wants us to complete. Mr. Hummel likens it to a time out in a game; a time to stop, regroup, catch your breath, and make a new strategy. "He will free us from the tyranny of the urgent, free us to do the important, which is the will of God."
Don't have such a rigid schedule against the clock that you cannot allow an interruption or an unexpected call that God may have put in your day.
"It isn't God who loads us until we bend or crack with an ulcer, nervous breakdown, heart attack, or stroke. These come from our inner compulsions coupled with the pressure of circumstances." Matthew 11:30 (NIV) "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

It isn't that I never move fast anymore. I am defintely expiditious.
I get a lot accomplished during my days.
We went to Washington, DC recently, and we fit a lot in!    Homeschooling 3 girls, or trying to get us all ready to go somewhere sometimes involves a bit of hustling. :)
It is just that my perspective has changed. I am not as stressed.

I have not 'arrived' but am making a concerted effort.
And I know the direction I want to go.   I still give my day to God and then snatch it back sometimes. But I am more aware.

Even managers in the business world use these words of wisdom to effectively lead and not manage by crisis. Aren't we really managers of our homes, children, and schools?

Life is too short not to stop and smell the sunflowers!

Here is to learning to pray about our Battle Plans.

The Most Beautiful Woman I Know.....

2010-06-17T10:35:00.006-04:00

Photo by Susan Enjaian Wood

I first saw Ruth at church,
on Easter.
She was singing "Power of The Cross".
She sang beautifully.
When she was finished, everyone in the church stood up and
applauded. And her response was to point her finger up toward
heaven.

I will never forget that.

I saw some slight disfigurement on her face but barely noticed. I knew I wanted to meet her.
I really believe God purposed that in my heart.
I introduced myself in the hall on the way to Sunday School
class. I was new. I felt a little awkward.

She was so nice. She told me about the rare cancer she had and
that she had to have part of her jaw removed. There was
something about her, I couldn't put my finger on it.

Joy?

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ
Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

She gave me a brochure of her testimony, "Finding Hope Through Suffering." I couldn't wait to read it.

In Sunday school class that Easter morning, the teacher asked for prayer for Ruth (I realized it was the woman I had just met).
The cancer had come back. Oh no.

I tried to listen to the Sunday School teacher but was drawn to the brochure again and again. Wow. She had joy. I saw it.
How?

Would I?

My circumstances seemed so utterly unimportant. Sunday School seemed so utterly unimportant. My perspective changed.

Wow.

I thought about her for days.

Getting to know her, I asked if she would speak to our Hunger & Thirst prayer group and she agreed.

Ruth told us her whole story. She spoke of the horrifying details. She told of the pain (physical, mental, and spiritual), the hurts, the fear, the sacrifices.

I still saw beauty.

She played the song, "Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me

We all sat in silence and listened. In awe.

She ate through a tube in her tummy that night. It was humbling.

We laughed. We cried.

Some of the hurts the women brought to the meeting included; a husband with MS, alcoholism, a death in the family, financial troubles, a recent miscarriage, and more.

She told us that all of our hurts were just as valid as before she came. That they were no less significant despite her sufferings.
Although impossible to conceive, we believed her.
She was right.

When she left, we were all changed.

She just gets more and more beautiful the more I know her.

Then just last year, she felt a lump in her temple and the cancer was back. Again. With a vengeance. Her surgery was more intrusive. More painful. More scarring.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks
at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at
the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Funny thing, the first time I saw her just after coming back from her surgery & recovery was in the graveyard at our church.

On Easter.

Her husband wheeled her there as the Easter Sunrise Service had just started. I thought she was even more beautiful in her bravery.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

Later, at another prayer meeting, some friends and I asked if she would speak to our homeschool group with her talk that she directed towards students. She did.

(3 Photos by Neecie Herndon)

It was Powerful.

What an awesome thing for children to see someone who constantly points UP.
My kids see love. And they give it back. Gabrielle rushes to hug her every time they meet. Even she sees it. And she is only 3. Abigail painted her nails once and loved on her. But Abigail was the one who was blessed.

It is life changing.

Ruth could be the woman next door. She is just an average mom. She has the same hopes, dreams, and fears we do. Just like you or me ...
....but really....
... she is becoming more like Him. I can see Him in her.

Fighting (a verb) cancer for 11 years. A homeschool mama in the midst of the craziness. Two beautiful boys full of strength and love and fear for their mom. An Amazing husband, the kind you don't often see.

She is incredible.

Photo by Cassy Mirich

Photo by Susan Enjaian Wood

Ruth's sense of humor puts you at ease, throws you off balance, blows your mind, cheers your soul, and refreshes your spirit.
Just knowing her is a blessing. She is a kindred spirit.

Constantly pointing up.
Giving God glory in her suffering.
That we would all be so wise.

My beautiful friend.

I want to be like her when I grow up...........the most beautiful woman.

Photo by Neecie Herndon

"Let your beauty not be external – the braiding of hair and
wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes – but the inner person
of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil
spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."
1Peter 3:3-4

If you would like to know more about this amazing woman and Bright Hope Ministries or to hear her words pierce your heart...
Contact Ruth Moran at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ruthmoran
She is available for speaking engagements for women's groups, retreats, conferences, schools (assemblies/classrooms), churches, youth groups, luncheons, homeschool groups, etc... Donations accepted and appreciated.
Also, please pray for Ruth and her family.

AKA homeschool mom

~*News Flash*~ We moved!

Patches of Light

Saying Goodbye to 2011.... A Year in Pictures

My Favorite Things...

CHRISTmas bells....

Psalm 41

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

How a pair of shoes can change your life.

Decorating with Joy and Goodness

Love Notes.

Phantom of The Organ

Balloonfest Field-trip

The Thanksgiving Chair

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV) 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Food for thought: It's more than the food.

TV Station Fieldtrip

Beach Jewels

"The best day of my whole entire life."

Getting organized~ Give-a-way ~

Girlfriends

To infinity and beyond....

Rising Above

Blessed Assurance (pause music at top right)

Brown's Floor Covering on You Tube!

No Complaints

The front row

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house...

Motherless

The Migrant Worker

Memorization & 10 Chocolate Morsels

“... dance like nobody's watching, ...” Mark Twain

Psalm 119:11-16 (NLT)

A story in six words.

"I saved his whole entire life!"

Got Yokes?

21 things I want my daughters to know...

Honor and Johnny Lingo’s Eight-Cow Wife

Definition of hon·or

Kettles aren't just for cooking

My big brother

Blessings in disguise

James 1:2-4

The letters...

Funny, our sermon this past Sunday was about Paul being in prison and how our circumstances, no matter what they are, work for the good of those who love Him.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. " Romans 8:28

Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel

Color Therapy

Simple Praises

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands.

"B" is for Beautiful

Saying goodbye to summer

Don't blink.

Picture Study with Photography

Summer is for building

Drawing Up Battle Plans

The Most Beautiful Woman I Know.....

~News Flash~ We moved!