A Child's Nativity

While we always decorate the interior of our home for Christmas, we have rarely done much to decorate the outdoor portion. In contrast, our neighborhood boosts the usage of our local utilities by atleast a kazillion dollars during the latter part of November and December.

In their desire to get in on the festivities my sweet children made their own miniature outdoor nativity set tonight. (Mary Lee at Into the Abyss has posted photos on her blog) It's very "handmade" and ordinary, nothing flashy at all in a neighborhood full of incredible lights and decorations. It sits on the ground barely visable. If you didn't know it was there you'd miss it. Sound familiar ? The people, including Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and wisemen are all shaped like crosses as that's how construction paper arms work. Here's my honest unredeemed thought process. I was a little embarassed because it looked so childish, it was unpolished, and I wanted something not "like" the neighbors, but I did have something more appealing in mind, certainly something bigger. I have so much to learn in motherhood. Fortunately I knew better than to say something like that to Bethany and Daniel, and held my thoughts to myself.

There was a lesson in this for me....again. I realized there was something to all of this. Jesus: His ordinary and almost unnoticeable birth, His humble beginnings, His cross, the dying daily we are called to embrace as Christians. Missed by many because of His lowly origin. I wonder, am I the only one who needs to learn this lesson? While I do desire beauty, and love to see all of the bright lights and lavish decorations we enjoy in this season of His birth, may I desire the humble King most of all. May I be willing to embrace what He embraced: a cross. May I not resist humility. Though I am a homeschooling mother, I am being heart-schooled through the innocent examples of my own children. With each word I've written I have been taught. I can't wait to see that beautiful nativity in the morning with my heart-eyes on.

Thanksgiving

In his commentary on writing this beautiful piece titled, "Thanksgiving" George Winston states that he had "the Miles City, Billings, MT area in mind"...which is by the way, where I was raised. I thank the Lord for my roots, where I began, where He put what He had for me, piece by piece, into my life. He is still doing so to this today, and for that and much much more I give Him thanks!

While I've Been Dawdling

Dawdling? Maybe that's a bit untrue. Let's say....delaying the inevitable finish of school. I confess, I've had a wonderful time re-doing the looks of Field Notes, our homeschooling blog. I've been adding some great pictures the world has yet to see, so I hope you'll take a peek and allow yourself a little chuckle!

While I have been busy giving myself a blog makeover, the children have been busy, busy, busy, composing songs. Bethany is the choir director (the marching, dancing kind,)and Daniel is the aspiring song writer/composer in residence. The best part has been the heartfelt titles Daniel has ascribed to his compositions: "Oh, How Beautiful Is My Mother", "A Sister's Love for Her Brother", "A Brother's Love for His Sister", "A Father's Love for His Son", and the list appears to be going on. Should I stop this happy train, or keep going? "Hey, is that a hawk?", said the Choir Director. False alarm. For a moment I thought my dream was ending!

How the Day Ended

Clever son has conversation with tired Mom. "Mom, can you lay down with me for a while?" The usual "yes" is a "no" as Mom explains she's tired and has had a really long day! Clever son (who knows the answer already but is just trying to get in the last word) says, "What's a Day?" Tired, but also clever Mom says, "Uh, it's like a thousand years!" : ) Selah!

We do a lot of talking around our house which is one of my favorite parts of homeschooling...and just plain living!I love to talk especially with my children. They're so much fun. This was my last conversation of the day with Daniel. The conversation occured at the end of one of our busier weeks and weekends.

In My Backyard

Picture this! Right now there's a big grown-up man, otherwise known as Daddy, with a 7-year old boy on his shoulders, swaying around the yard, doing a pretend stumble, and causing the boy to scream with delight. Unleash the joy, let loose with love, and let the memories begin again! "As today's moment becomes tomorrow's memory we thank You O Lord, our Salvation, the giver of every good and perfect gift"

Spring In My Heart

This template scene reminds me of a place to which I would be drawn. If it existed in my own yard, the swing would be near by, I would most certainly have the flowers growing over the wall, and I would make sure to not be too busy to notice a butterfly or a hummingbird or two. So, picture me outside, coffee nearby, and a quail or two sneaking behind me as I write, read, think, and pray. THIS would be the spot for a Field Lily like me. I'm trying it out for awhile if you don't mind. {smiles are accepted!}

Before the Throne of God Above

Thankful for this great love of the Father.

For Fun, Try This!

For a stroll back into modern history, check out this link. I found it though The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Freebies page (a great magazine for the homeschooler in you!)

If you want to know what the price of gas was when you were born, what songs were popular, how much a car cost that same year, click here. The dMarie Time Capsule is a clever way to obtain info on your birthday, someone elses, or just a "this day in history" search. It includes the headlines for the week as well as snipits of political information. I was shocked at the average annual income the year I was born. Hats off to the Moms and Dads who ran the family budgets that year! My, how times have changed.

Quote of the Day at Our House

Youngest said of his growing love for soccer, and his increasing desire to practice: "I'm not quitting until I'm a professional soccer player!" Two days into being seven years of age has come with a fresh outlook on fun! I love it! (Pssst....he scored a goal in soccer today!) Thank you Lord for all of this. This is some of the fun in being a mother!

He just hollered from the back yard, "And Mommy, I know that will be a long time from now."

Newton On The Creator

I found these gems while studying up on tomorrow's science lesson; such gems being the following quotes from the great mind of Sir Isaac Newton:

‘I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by men who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.’

‘This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent Being. … This Being governs all things, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord over all; and on account of his dominion he is wont to be called “Lord God” παντοκρατωρ [pantokratòr], or “Universal Ruler”. … The Supreme God is a Being eternal, infinite, absolutely perfect.’2

...and this most timely quote:

‘Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise physician gives because we need them; and the proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires. Let us trust his skill and thank him for the prescription."

As a Mother and a Teacher my view of God is contantly expanded. Be magnified, O Lord. Be magnified in our hearts, our eyes and minds.