Thankful

• This week I am thankful for a house full of cousins. My girls are having a blast spending time with family that we only get to see every few years.
• I am thankful that we are not moving or trying to sell a house.
• So very thankful that we are all under one roof (accept for sweet pea).
• Praising God that we are on the waiting list for Sweet Pea.
• Thankful and grateful for how God provided the funds we needed to send in our dossier. Knowing that God will provide in His perfect timing for the rest.
• Thankful that my family is healthy.
• I am in awe of how gracious God has been to me and my family.
• Thankful for God's word, for the ability to study it and how it changes my life.
• Thankful that God forgives...for all the times I have sinned, in so many ways, and failed.
• Thankful for Christ - the one who paid it all.

Happy Thanksgiving !!!!!!!!!!

May you spend the holiday focused on God and His blessings and His perfect ways.

Do we really need TV everywhere???

Warning...this one may not be for little eyes and ears.

Have you noticed (or is it just me) that TV is everywhere? It seems like I can't walk into a waiting room or a office or a restaurant without a TV playing. I mean do we really need a TV at a Burger King? Has everyone else noticed this? It used to be you would go to the doctor and look at the fish tank and read the Highlights and instead there is a TV on and some show you are being exposed to (like it or not). Now you get to watch and listen to what ever is playing.

We try to avoid it as much as we can. I have found that it helps to place my kids with their backs facing the TV but even then when the volume is turned up, it is hard to ignore. This morning we had to sit in 2 doctors offices (getting our adoption physicals done) and I was horrified of the story that was being played. Typical morning news show had a woman on who was going into details about her sexual relationship with her father. UGH. The story was really disturbing and I kept trying to have my kids keep their noses in their books. I even had them step outside for a moment to call Daddy on the cell phone (mainly as a distraction). Then the next story was how to talk to your kids about sex. Again...a little more details than I was comfortable with.

Maybe I should have asked to turn down the volume. As you can imagine, we have pretty conservative values on TV, but these were just news shows (sometimes those are the worst). I would rather not have my kids listen to a story about murder and mutilating human beings. If it freaks me out, I am sure it will give them nightmares too.

Now I know...bring books and headsets with music to distract the little ones. Lesson learned.

"What's a PEW?"

That is what Tristen asked me tonight as I was reading aloud to the girls. "What's a pew?" We recently started a new book, Ginger Pye, and the second chapter was about the kids dusting pews in the church building. It never crossed my mind that in just a short generation churches have changed that much. I hadn't realized that my kids haven't really been part of a traditional looking or feeling church (or at least they can't remember one). But if you stop and think about it, church these days is not what it was just 10 years ago. Now this idea that my child doesn't know that a pew is actually a church bench that you sit on during a service doesn't mean that we aren't a church going family. It says nothing for the truth that she comes from a strong, conservative Christian family. Not to mention that her grandfather is a pastor and her parents are Bible college graduates. What is says is that most churches we have visited in the last few years have turned away from the traditional looking church. Pews, stained glass, choir loft, hymnal, little spot for the communion cup or a kneeling bench are gone. As I explained it and kept reading, I found it hard to fully accept this concept. My kids probably won't ever think of church in that traditional way and likely that image will fade quickly away in just a few years.


Now don't get me wrong, I fully understand that church is truly the body of Christ, not the building that holds the gathering. But part of me is a little sad to see the common reference point disappear. When I am reading about these kids cleaning the church pews I can picture it in my head, but I am not sure that in generations to come, that will be an familiar image for them. I wonder if they see video monitors and folding chairs and a drum set up on the stage instead of a pulpit. I am pretty sure my kids don't picture a pulpit when they picture a church in their minds, because Tristen also asked what that was.

Catching my breath -

I have been running around trying to get oodles of things packed into each and every day. This is not how I normally roll. I am a homebody by nature. I love to be in my own nest, enjoying my space and my family. And yet, every day has been full of appointments and meetings and errands and needful. Trying to squeeze school in between all of it. Playing catch up on dentist appointments and remainders of moving.

Surprisingly one of my desires and goals is to SIMPLIFY my life and only fill it with things that are worthy. I am working on that. Trying to be selective of activities and events, yet it ALL looks so fun and interesting. I am praying for wisdom and discernment to make good choices. Knowing that every need does not constitute a call for me to respond. And embracing the truth that I don't have to be involved in EVERYTHING. Resisting the normal urge to participate.

So...we will skip heading to the store and library this afternoon. We will spend time in God's word as a family. Make a new recipe together (yummy dessert) and eat dinner around the table.

Replenishing Moments

I love routine. I am a creature of habit. I find comfort in it. I think most people do. And this is how I start my mornings. I used to start with a cup of coffee, but I gave that up during lent, and I never started it again. Now my day starts and ends the same way. A cup of tea. In the mornings it is green tea and in the evenings, I savor my sleepy time tea. I even have favorite mugs. I like tea in a light colored cup so I can see how strong it is. The only bummer is it begins to stain the cup.

I think it is important to find the little things in life that replenish you. Things that lift your spirits, make your day a little more happy. In short...replenish you. I have come to find out, the cup of tea I have each morning does replenish me. I often have it while I read my bible, check email, glance at the day's agenda. I do enjoy this time.

So, what replenishes you? Maybe a replenishing moment each day, or maybe something less frequent. I do love that word "replenish" - it just fills me up to think about it.

My little helpers

There are times that I don't even realize what helpers my kids are. They are almost always with me and they so quickly jump in and help in ways that seem so natural to me, but are unusual in so many ways. Tonight we had some friends over for dinner and I was preparing all the taco fixings while the girls entertained our friend's kids. I noticed that they are often right by my side getting things out or serving drinks or finding ways to serve. There are times, like tonight, they serve me by helping out with the younger ones. These little boys were entertained by Tally and Tissy in the bonus room with coloring, playing with cars, games and videos. The girls act like little baby sitters and keep these busy little guys happy and safe so the parents can visit and enjoy the adult conversation.

What I noticed is how their absence was noticed in the kitchen. They are like my right hand girls. They know how to load and unload the dishwasher. They are learning to be observant of what needs to be done when we are hosting friends. They tidy the table when they are finished eating and clean up the plates. They are such a blessing to me in so many ways and it just struck me tonight what a treat it is to have them around. Often doing these things without being asked.

I often hear Tally ask if there is anything she can do to help. Or if there is a job that Tissy can do. They are such helpers around the house and a blessing in so many ways. They have really embraced the idea of being part of a "stick together family" and work as a team. They often ask if I need help with something before they go and play. The other day they voluntarily turned off the TV to help unload and put away the groceries while I visited with my mom. Again...blessing me and others with their actions.

I am so grateful that God has blessed me with such thoughtful girls. Ones that bless me and others with their actions and attitudes. In no means am I trying to act prideful but noting their actions, but just acknowledging their help and the blessing that it is. I understand that it is God's grace that they are who they are. I just missed them tonight in the kitchen and realized that they were helping with the little ones instead.

count it ALL joy

I am going to count it all joy today. Even though I don't want to. Even though everything feels icky inside. As I process through the weekends events and relationship encounters. I am going to consider it all joy. Because I know that the testing of my faith produces endurance. And more than anything, I desire to glorify God in everything. In how I respond in EVERY situation.

So I am clinging to the truth of His word...I am focusing on what is...

true
honorable
right
pure
lovely
good reputation
anything excellent
anything worthy of praise


I will dwell on these things.

I've shared before -

- how important studying God's Word is in my life. I have found what works for me is to study along with the online lessons over at Precepts for Life (HERE). I may not be able to get my studies done every day but there is a few weeks of archive lessons on the Light Source site (HERE) so I can catch up when I have time. I just finished up the study in the book of Isaiah and it was fantastic. It did take me almost 9 months to finish it (I got a little distracted with moving and all). I am also finishing up the recent study in Philippians - Count it all Joy. I am trying hard to squeeze in the study on God's Glory (it has been amazing). I want to catch up because I would like to do the Daniel study next.

There are some days I do really well with studying my lesson first before I watch the video of Kay Arthur online. And other days, I only have time to listen to the online lesson. Either way, I have my Bible out and I am digging into God's Word.

My ultimate desire is to live a life that pleases God. To know His truths. To live in a way that points others to Him. To obey the statutes that are found in the Bible.

I was scrolling through my recent posts, just wondering what someone might see if they stopped by for a visit. I am sure that my passions are obvious. I love my kids. I am committed to my husband. I thrive on organization. I am grateful for God's Earth and I desire to care for it. If there is any way to be thrifty, I will find it. Homeschooling my kids is a top priority of my day. I am a tree hugger, composting, recycling kind of gal. I enjoy being creative and making life fun. I am determined to find the positive side of life.

All of those are part of who I am. BUT, my ultimate purpose in my life is to live for God's glory. And above all else, that is my goal. To hear, well done. To demonstrate to those around me (especially my kids) that I strive to have the attitude of Christ. And to encourage others to do the same. It isn't easy...and I make a lot of mistakes. But that is my biggest passion, living in a way that pleases God.

What are the chores you HATE ???

You know...as the mom most of the chores fall to you and I am sure that there are chores you don't care for (there, that sounds nicer than HATE). And there might be some chores that you LOVE, ones that replenish you.


For me, I dread putting laundry away - but I love to hang laundry out on the line. I love to feel the fresh air when I am out hanging the wash, I love how the clothes get a tiny bit stiff. I don't like how they pile up and there are so many categories with putting them away (dish towels, bath towels...). Even though the kids are responsible for their own, it takes a little encouraging to get the job done.



I don't mind cooking - but putting the groceries away isn't my favorite. I like creating a meal that my family likes (I really like when Chuck oohs and aahs at my food). I like coming up with a meal with no recipe or making up my own. I like finding healthy foods for my family and introducing them to new foods. But I don't enjoy putting the groceries away. By the time I am home from the store, I have "moved" that food enough (from the shelf to the cart, from the cart to the belt, from there to the bag, then the bag into the car, then at home bring the bag in and now I have to put it all away).



I like to organize all my closets and spaces - but keeping them maintained is a bummer. I like the challenge of finding the right containers and sorting and organizing. I like tossing out old things that we don't need anymore. I like the accomplishment of getting a space all tidy. But somehow keeping it maintained isn't easy or my favorite. Too much work, not a big pay off. Just being lazy is what it really is.

(Does anyone see a pattern here?)



So, what are the chores that you hate and to keep it positive, share some ones you love and why. Maybe something you love will inspire me. =)

Once a child leaves childhood,
they can never return.








So, why do we push our kids to grow up so fast?

I kind of wonder what I would do with my day if I didn't homeschool my kids

I think I might go out for coffee or tea with friends.

I would get a pedicure more than once a year.

I know I would work out at a gym and be really fit.

It would be fun to stroll through antique stores.

Or maybe join a Bible Study.

I would even consider going back to school.

It would be neat to volunteer somewhere.

I am sure I would have a fantastic garden.

My house would be cleaner.

I can even imagine working for a paycheck. =)







But...I know I would be thinking about all that I would be missing out on if I didn't homeschool.

somewhere...someone...

... is celebrating a birthday.
... is losing their job.
... is going to Disney for the first time.
... is moving across the country.
... is having a baby.
... is hearing terrible news from their doctor.
... is reuniting with a loved one.
... is getting a contract on a house.
... is catching a flight.
... is getting their referral.
... is being denied.
... is beginning homeschooling.
... is registering their child for kindergarten.
... is spending their last few dollars on groceries.
... is getting a new job.
... is finishing a book.
... is beginning a new life in Christ.
... is learning to read.
... is closing on a house.
... is getting a new car.
... is getting married today.
... is bringing home a new pet.
... is getting deployed today.
... is coming home.
... is preparing to graduate.
... is losing a loved one.
... is getting in a car accident.

When you think about it. Somewhere...a life is being changed...either good or bad. When you think about it, we have no idea what that person next to us in line at the grocery store is going through. It is good reminder to give grace to others. We don't always know what the day will hold for us. Some things that we plan and prepare for...and other things that we don't. Around our home these were the early morning conversations. Somewhere...someone...is...

I truly have NOTHING to write about

My life seems incredibly boring right now. I can't write about letterboxing (our bag is packed away and I have no idea what box it is in). I can't share a recipe (I am not cooking - unless you call heating up some frozen dish cooking). We are not enjoying the great outdoors (it is too cold to venture out there - I know...we are wimps). We aren't making any lapbooks (don't know where our supplies are). So what else is there to blog about?

I did finally get a calendar this week. Is that blog worthy? I realized I needed to put down a date to get my hair done (let's just say it is looking scary, but at least I didn't cut it myself ~~~click HERE for that story if you haven't read it yet~~~it's a hoot). So, as I was saying, I needed to put a few dates on the calendar and it dawned on me, I have no calendar for 2009. I mean, I could just jot them on post-its and stick them on the cupboard, but I felt as though I needed a calendar. I need some kind of a record of my life this year. Am I the only one who saves old calendars?

So, off I go to the local Target to get a calendar. And silly me...there are none. It is February already and the calendars are sold out. So, I find a weekly planner and decide that maybe that is better for this year. Rather than hanging the calendar on the wall, I will use a planner book. Long story short...I got one at Target for $18 and then I ran next door to the Book Store and found out they were clearancing theirs out for $3 each. I got a cute one and now I must take back the Target one.

All this to say...am I twisted or what? I went back through January and jotted down the things that we did during that month. Just so I could see that we had some sort of activities going on. Not sure why I did it. But it did make me feel a bit better. Kind of like we have a life. =) And if you are wondering...I do add items to my "to do list" after the list is made of things I have already accomplished. So I can then go and cross them off. And I am sure I am NOT the only who does this.

Blessings

I am just finishing up a series of studies in the book of Isaiah (HERE) and I have been so blessed by the truths of God's word. The last few lessons have gently reminded me that there are blessings in our enemies and blessings in our illnesses. As I was going through this study, I couldn't help but think that there are blessings in difficult times too. When we are struggling, in any way, it is a chance for us to turn to God. When those times challenge our faith it shows us who we are trusting in. Where our comfort is. Those hard times drive us to the Almighty God. God has His perfect purpose for our circumstances. It is not to divide us or weaken us, but to strengthen us. To make us more of who He wants us to be. To allow us to respond in EVERYTHING with a Christ-like attitude. Ultimately to refine us.

I am just loving how God is always working. Loving His blessings. No matter how they come.

blessed

If you only knew how hard it is for me to post something real and honest like yesterday's post. It is hard for me to show any kind of struggle and I always run the risk of someone trying to be helpful with their words but end up come across as uncaring.

Oh how I was so blessed by your friendship both on the blog here and on FB. Blessed by friends praying for me, encouraging me, reaching out in comforting friendship. I love how I can be encouraged by virtual strangers. By some of you that I have never even met, but because you took the time to write an uplifting note, you were part of the blessing. You were used in such a powerful way to come along side me and lift me up. Handing me that cup of water as I am finishing up the marathon just trying to put one foot in front of the other. I am so grateful for you all. Thank you so much.

Truth be told, as I got started in my studies yesterday in my Precepts Bible lesson (still studying Isaiah), I was so blessed by the Word. Blessed by the truths that I find comfort in. Blessed as I study this book on prophecy, I find comfort for my daily life. Finding joy in God's faithfulness and hope that only He can give.

In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15

Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are those who long (wait) for Him. Isaiah 30:18

*************************************************************

On a different note, even though we sold our home we are still praying for several friends that are still trying to sell a home in a difficult market. Let me know if I can continue to pray for you in this way...just leave me a comment.

New Years Musings

It is the time of year to think through last years events and focus on the next new year. I have said many times that 2008 was a hard year, but a good year. Though many of the year was full of trials and transitions, it was also full of being refined by God. Less of me and more of Him.

A few things that come to mind...just last January, I joined a local Precepts Bible Study group. I believe that group and that study was one of the main reasons that we were in our last town. It was the tool that God used in my life to completely draw me into the Bible at such a deep level. I will forever be changed by that pivotal event.

Chuck changing jobs. Was also a huge transition in our life. Leaving the previous job and becoming part of an organization that works in the Christian industry. That has been a goal of Chuck's for years and to see God open the doors in that direction was a blessing. It is so neat to see Chuck fit so well in his environment.

I just realized that we lived without Chuck home for most of last year. God demonstrated His faithfulness in SO many ways as our family took that leap of faith to follow His lead. Like I said, it wasn't easy, but it was just the right amount of stretching that we needed to become a stronger family.

We have been so blessed in so many ways. God has been so faithful, and His timing so perfect. As I look to 2009, I find that God is tugging at my heart to be used by Him even more. To serve where He leads. I desire to be faithful in studying His word daily. I want to respond in every situation graciously and in a way that is a positive testimony to those I come in contact with.

So...in a nut shell those are my "resolutions". If you can call them that. More like goals or things to strive for. Hopefully with our life a little less consumed with moving (that is, once we get settled) I desire to celebrate the holidays with purpose. And, I wouldn't mind learning more about canning in my "spare" time.

(just for fun...last years resolution is HERE)

encouraging quote

I heard this really neat quote today that I wanted to share.

Life is to look better behind you than in front of you ~
Because it has your footprint.

Now if that doesn't inspire you, I am not sure what will.

The Gatekeeper

This post has been on my heart for awhile and I wanted to share some thoughts about gatekeeping. I just read a friends blog that prompted me to write this post now. With another move in our future, I fully understand the trials of being new in a town. New to a church, homeschool group, neighborhood, group of friends, school...what ever it may be. Just new. The concept of a gatekeeper is to be the one when someone new comes into a group and to meet them at the gate. Let them in. Take them under your wing and introduce them around. Help them find new stores, doctors and friends. Show them the ropes. Take them under your wing and do what you can to make their transition smooth. Include them in parties. Ask to meet for coffee or lunch after school or church. Bring them a meal when they are moving in or offer to help. They may have no one else to lean on. In a sense, make room on your "friend plate" for someone new.

If you look around there are new people everywhere. All looking for that friendly face in the crowd to make them feel welcome. We all remember how it feels to be new. Even if you have been in the same town for years, can't you at least imagine the feeling. Loneliness. Isolated. Unfamiliar. You, then, are the perfect gatekeeper. Step out of your comfort zone and reach out to that new person. You don't have to be their best friend, or even hit it off great. Just meet them at the door and introduce them to someone. Carve time out of your busy schedule and be willing to be used. To serve someone else.

It seems our busy society doesn't lend itself to reaching out. Soccer practice, working out at the Y, running to the bank, getting the books back to the library...you understand. But let me encourage you to have eyes to see how you can be a gatekeeper in your circle. Encourage your kids to do the same. Just imagine what a blessing it will be to another family.

Just reach out and open the gate.

Memory Lane

I saw this on Christine's blog and thought it would be a fun little post. Feel free to tag yourself and join me in this memory lane exercise.

15 years ago I was a young bride. Just finished my first year of marriage to Chuck who I had met in college. We were living in NJ at the shore and I was trying to figure out where my place was in this world. I was working at the mall in retail and missing everything familiar. It was a big transition to adjust to life in a new state and try to find friends. It was a time that God used to draw me closer to Chuck as my best friend.

10 years ago I was living in CA and was recovering from my c-section and trying to adjust to motherhood for the first time. After years of waiting for a child, I was so grateful to have this season of life begin. Absolutely loving this little Tally that God had blessed me with.

5 years ago I was trying to decide if homeschooling was right for our family. Now a Mommy of 2 girls who are just 18 months apart. Deeply involved in our church and loving our ministry there. Praying that God would open the right doors for our family and Chuck's job. Loving this stage of life...

3 years ago I was trying to adjust again to life in a new state. Struggling with not finding a church that was a good fit for our family. Trying to figure out how to keep my family healthy. Just beginning milling my own wheat for making bread and serving my family healthy food. Also trying to find my grove in the homeschooling world.

1 year ago I was packing our home up and moving again. After months of 4 hours of commuting for Chuck, we finally were able to move closer to his job that had relocated. Honestly, not spending enough time in God's word (life was too busy with packing and moving). Desiring to do what's right and teaching that to my kids.

Today I am living in a different state as my husband (4 hours was nothing compared to 700 miles for commuting). Longing to have our family together under one roof. Loving homeschooling my girls and teaching them what is right and how to learn about God in His word. Daily in the Bible myself and soaking up every truth I read, and encouraging others to do the same. Waiting on a contract so we can move, yet again. And praying that God will allow our family to adopt if it is in His will.

Tomorrow I am going to teach my kids, read God's word and be grateful for the stage of life that I am in. Focusing on the blessings, on what I have and not on what I don't. Continue to simplify my life and spend time on what counts.

simply stated

I found this tonight in Tally's night time devotional book that she does. It says just how I feel tonight too. Simply waiting on God to answer.