I am a Christian wife of one man who loves the Lord. A Worship Leader. I am a homeschooling mother of two. I am a piece of clay, a branch, and a sheep in need of a Shepherd.
I have to share this incredible link provided by Apologia Science's Facebook page. I took about a 2 minute look at these snowflake designs, and found the joy welling up in me. Our God is an awesome God and Creator. I am in awe of Him this morning.
Here are some drawings of the varying types of snowflakes. Notice the symmetry. Can you see the order?
You can even make your own snowflakes. Follow this linkfor a child-friendly project.
I've never thought about making a snowflake fossil, and in fact, didn't know you could do such a thing. If I lived somewhere besides Phoenix, Arizona, I think I just might try. I see a science field trip up to Flagstaff coming on! Oh, but the cold....brrrrr!!!! If it's falling out your front door right now, you might want to review this project link, and go for it!
Here's a quote by Rene Descarte (1635), philosopher and mathmetician:
"These were little plates of ice, very flat, very polished, very transparent, about the thickness of a sheet of rather thick paper...but so perfectly formed in hexagons, and of which the six sides were so straight, and the six angles so equal, that it is impossible for men to make anything so exact."
The One who gave Descarte life and breath says:
"He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'" Job 37:6
Again, in Romans 1:19-21, it says:
" since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
We can only be in awe of a loving Creator and Savior who made it, made us, and made a way for us to know Him. He loves what and who He made.
My blogging has been rather infrequent due to....time, I suppose. What a year we've had and yes, my blogging is evidence of the demand in other arenas.
I have a question for you non-homeschooling readers: Should I combine my blogs, my family blog and homeschooling blog? As you know from the sidebar you can click on the link and read about our homeschooling adventures. (Yep, it's an adventure. Had one this morning that I'm still recovering from.) I've been posting somewhat on homeschooling but - zero - commenters. I know our purpose is to simply post for our own use, but it would be nice to know if anyone is benefiting. (Or, does that really matter?)
If I combine them, will that bug that non-homeschooler in you? I know, it's my blog, but still....just want to be thoughtful to the readers. Hoping to get some direction from one of your answers.
The homeschooling reader may have some thoughts as well. I'd like to hear from anyone on this.
"Mom, where should I hide the Pecan Pie?" Bethany asks. Mom chuckles. "That is a very good question," I reply. Hearing his sister's wonderings Daniel contributes what is sure to be a brilliant idea. "I know! We can hide it in MY room!" Over ruled. Was he serious?
See, about three years ago perhaps what was possibly the world's most delicious Pecan pies ever baked was resting comfortably on my counter. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving Day, and company was coming! Sure, I bought it at Costco. Sure, it was not home-made, but to this very day we've searched high and low for a pie that compared, and we've yet to find it. You can imagine my dismay when I saw what appeared to be a missing piece of pie, my Pecan Pie: blessed and highly favored! However, it was no mirage, it was true; someone had eaten a piece of the Pecan. My Pecan pie-loving husband had stumbled upon a gold mine! He was guilty as charged, and was happy about it! Hence,the critical question of the evening was asked, "Mom, where should I hide the Pecan Pie?"
Twas the night before Thanksgiving, 2010:
I'll never forget the sound of our combined laughter as we walked out of the store after I'd pulled the mysteryitem that had attached itself to the inside of my jacket sleeve ; my scotch-brite scrubber! It was an uninvited guest to be sure. The shock and the look on my face must've been something. Add in the laughter from the onlooking mother whose cart had intersected with mine in my exit and multiply it by the laughter of three tired people who are crazy about each other, and you have the beginning of a memory none of you will soon forget.
What memories are being made at your house this year? What will you carry from this year to your memory book to open again next Thanksgiving? Ever noticed how memories seem to take on an almost golden hue as the years pass? Whether it's a missing piece of tomorrow's pie, or a forest green scotch-brite scrubber that's attached itself to your clothing, laugh! Chalk up the memories! Make the tired nights a joy to recall. Recount God's goodness. Remember His faithfulness. As you circle about your table this year, and in the years to come, never stop giving thanks. Yes, we will be talking about the missing piece of Pecan pie for years to come. And next year we'll add one from this year's grocery shopping trip for Thanksgiving dinner. Give thanks. Your blessings and mine are more than we deserve.
Young and old alike will be pleasantly entertained and blessed to listen to an old-fashioned Radio Show highlighting the true history of Thanksgiving. The program is called, "The Path of Praise." It is filled with historically accurate stories, music just for Thanksgiving, and the like.
Please take a moment to go to this wonderful site. This download is free for your enjoyment. (You'll also find they have many more free radio stories to download!)
Now more than ever we must know and give thanks for the Godly heritage of our country.
With our cooler Phoenix temperatures today, we took a hankering for some Tomato Soup to go with our cheese sandwiches....."if I have some," I added.
We're Campbell's Tomato Soup fans at our house, but today was the day there was none in the pantry. Here's my remedy, or my recipe, I should say. That said, I would like a link to your favorite tomato soup recipe. Happy tasting!
1 sm can Tomato Paste 1 1/2 C. Water 1 can diced Tomatoes 3 personal size cans of V-8 juice A dash of garlic salt
First of all: It pays to know someone. For example, if you're having electrical problems with the running lights on your pop-up camper, turn directly to your left...provided you're in the car, and if you're as fortunate as I am, you'll be staring straight into the eyes of someone who's really good at electrical stuff. Like my honey. Plus, he's pretty cute with one of those miner head lamps on. It pays to know someone.
Second: Keep atleast one square pizza in your freezer for quick dinners. While Mr. Fix-it is hard at it you can be the indoor hero by whipping up a quick dinner while the children watch a movie (a youngsters heart bandaid when they're disappointed by the delay). Keep atleast one square pizza in your freezer.
Third: Have a daughter who wants to follow in her mamma's footsteps by being a great assistant. When Danny is in peril, I jump into action and get whatever he needs lickity split. So goes Bethany. She is now MY special assistant. Have a daughter who wants to follow in her mamma's footsteps by being a great assistant.
Last: Document. Find the chord to upload those photos when you return, cause they're sure to be winners. Document.
Finally, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you!
Daniel bumps into a beautiful painting twice today while getting up from the school table. When am I ever going to get those pictures hung? And where am I going to put that one? My favorite picture is propped up against the wall next to his chair. It's a painting given to me by an artist friend of mine who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She painted it during a worship session I was leading at a conference two years ago, and it's beautiful.
Exasperated after the second time he exclaims, "Mom, could you p l e a s e move this Oil on Canvas???" He's exasperated. I'm undone. (Hooray, our art class is sticking! He knew what to call it.) Oh, the humor of understanding art; the beauty of homeschooling.
I am posting this song in every place I have available to me: It is a Life Song. I have a handful that fall in that particular category, but this one sums it up as well as any. Blessings, fellow traveler and friend in Christ. May we sing this together as we go along the way.
Every now and then I'm blessed with a more up close and personal glimpse of my children: their loves, desires, and their dreams. Welcome to my house, and the end of another day.
I open daughter's sketch book to find drawings, her efforts at writing in Arabic (to the best of her memory), and my favorite: her and her brother's future plans. Daniel has scrapped his plans to be an astronaut in order that he can become a carpenter and help his sister build their own farm houses.So here goes, her spelling and all.
What would we like to be:
Bethany. Meninite farmer. Daniel. Mininite farmer and Carpender.
Where would we like to live:
Bethany. Wyoming Daniel. Wyoming
Wish List:
Electric stove and oven. Goats. Cows. Donkeys and mules. Horses. A Camel. Sheep. Pigs. Guiny Pigs Chickens Rabits. Dogs. Cat. Geece. Ducks. Water basin. Big wooden tub. 99 acres of land. Little wooden tub. A barn. Two log houses A hunting licence. Wooden fences. Fishing licence. Chicken coop. A nice lake Two under ground pools. 2 bikes. A carpender shop. Thick woods. A garden. 2 farms. A pine tree place. 12 adopted children (This one is my favorite.) A T.V.-no cable. A Telaphone.
I wouldn't change this list for anything. I wouldn't edit the spelling for anything. And I wouldn't trade my Heavenly Father's calling as Mother and Mentor for anything in the world.
One of my favorite Facebook pages is Training Children with Grace & Truth, the Facebook page of Grace and Truth Books. Throughout the day they post quotes from Godly men and women both past and present. As a reader, I am almost always heavily impacted by the weight of wisdom each quote holds. Today Vance Havner is quoted in saying:
"No man or woman ever had a nobler challenge or a higher privilege than to bring up a child for God, and whenever we slight that privilege or neglect that ministry for anything else, we live to mourn it in heartache and grief."
Convicted and tugged upon, I replied:
When I think of the "willfully" missed moments and opportunity with my children, it does cause me grief. Noble challenges and privilege are often coupled with seeming inconvenience; the inconvenience of dying to self to seize a teachable moment or to see discipline through to its desired effect. I thank the Lord for the grace to begin again with corrected vision.
The honest part of my reply is where I indicate the willfulness of my choices to disregard the opportunity and challenge to raise up a particular man or woman of God secretly disguised in a small person's body. Facebook, Google News, Emails, and Curriculum searches galore have often taken precedence over my own "created in His image" flesh and blood children. In Chapter 19:13, the Psalmist writes: "Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and I shall be innocent {and} clear of great transgression."
This version uses the word, presumptuous, while others use the word, willful. Here's what Forerunner Commentarysays about presumptuous:
The word presumption does not quite mean in Hebrew what it does in English. In English, it simply means "to assume," to take a matter upon oneself without considering all the factors and doing it. However, in the Old Testament, it carries the idea of acting arrogantly—of rebellion. In fact, it means to do something with audacity or to be headstrong. It refers to those who overstep their bounds or dare to act in a disobedient manner. A willfulness is implied in the word that is not contained in English, making it much more forceful.
In other words, a person who sins presumptuously is fully aware of what he is doing; he is fully educated and not in ignorance either of what he is doing or the potential cost of doing it, and he deliberately sets his mind to do it. It is an act of rebellion, an audacious setting one's will, despite all he knows, to go ahead and do it anyway.
I know I am not the only one "out there" who makes this same confession. While some may not have been walking with Christ during those child-rearing years, that is not my particular situation. I know the Lord, and I have learned His ways over the years. I can say there truly are times when I willfully, knowingly, and dare I say, rebelliously, have ignored a moment that may not come my way again: that moment to teach, disciple and mentor an observing and pliable piece of clay who lies within my grasp and sphere of influence.
What's in your earthen vessel? I challenge you (and me) to reach into your vessel, sieze the teachable moment and expose the treasure of wisdom from within. Make it easy to grasp for the one who would behold it, child or peer. Wrap it with mercy and tie it with grace and enduring love. Tell it to your children, and your children's children. Let one generation tell of His works to another. Don't skip out on or shortchange the next generation. We are now more desperate than ever for truth, wisdom, and a faithful wound. Repent with me, and rise up to finish the race laid out before us.
Here's a gluten-free recipe that looks fabulous! Check out this Carrot/Pineapple Salad at Hearts In Training. I'll be trying this salad for sure! It also looks like it could be tweeked to include a few extra things. For starters, I'm thinking of adding raisins. Thank you, Loni.
One of the joys of homeschooling is also one of the greatest responsibilities; raising our children in the love, joy, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. I humbly admit that one of the things I seem to set aside, to attend to what I call our Core Subjects, is Bible.
Even though I have a subject header in my planner for Bible, it is more than a subject. For a Christian, the Bible and our living relationship with Jesus Christ is our foundation. By neglecting Bible I am teaching my children, indirectly, that it's "words on a page", and not The Living Word. As I said, I'm inadvertantly doing so. Does this neglect support my core value of raising my Children in the Lord? No. Rather than bend and yield family values to the pressure of the clock that is in sight, I remind myself that God's word, and having a living relationship with Jesus Christ, IS by far, the most important thing I can teach my children.
So, by God's grace, our school day began at 10:15, and I have to say that we had a most wonderful time recalling the story of Joseph. The passages in Genesis 37 & Genesis 45 provided the backdrop of a great lesson on forgiveness. God gave me a wonderful example of demonstrating forgiveness and unforgiveness. We had an empty laundry basket (a modern day miracle) which the kids had fun lifting up, up,up, and over their heads. Then, we piled in Danny's work bag - a nice, cube-shaped monstrosity, and a few other items such as a Windex bottle and a Star Wars light saber. Some items (offenses) were small, and some were HUGE. When they picked up the laundry basket, well, there was no more up, up, UP, because they couldn't carry it. I explained that God didn't design us to carry those offenses. Their faces lit up as they enjoyed their own understanding of the object lesson.
Then we had an activity where we drew a picture of a cross, wrote in our sins that we remembered, and then we colored over them nice and DARK so that they couldn't be seen, just as Jesus covered OUR sins on the cross. Then next to the cross, we drew a heart, and wrote something in it that we needed to forgive someone for, and then also colored over it with a dark color . That demonstrated our forgiveness of that person as Christ in God has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32). What a wonderful time we had. And now on to Math & Language Arts.
Whether or not we were homeschooling, a growing understanding of God's word & having a living relationship with Jesus Christ is more important than anything else we could attend to. How often do we allow the clock to dictate our priorities, rather than a God who made us for relationship with Him. In summary: guilty, but redeemed. Missing the mark, but continually refocusing my vision.
Before you read further, allow me to caution those with weak stomachs. The pictures are graphic. They're personal. They're plum pathetic. That said, it took me 30 minutes to upload the photos from my phone, so I'd appreciate atleast a glance.
These pictures could be mistaken for aerial photos of a tornado, but ladies, they merely reflect the contents of my purse. You're not going to believe what was in there, and I promise, there is a good explanation for the dogfood. So, here's my list:
9 tubes of lipstick/lipgloss (That's the pathetic part!)
1 tube of concealer
1 brow pencil
1 lip liner
1 Tube of Mascara
1 compact
1 hand lotion
1 body spray
1 pocketpac Antibacterial Hand Gel
3 cross necklaces (gifts for me and the children)
1 pair of earrings
1 broken necklace
1 miniature can of V8 Juice
1 small flashlight
1 highlighter
2 pencils
5 empty communion cups (we like to use these to simulate the sounds of a visit to your local chiropracter!)
1 CD
1 box of toothpicks
1 set of Danny's missing keys (sorry, honey!)
1 lense from a broken pair of sunglasses
4 perfectly fine pair of sunglasses
Probably 15 or so crumpled receipts
Dental floss (not used yet)
Dogfood (we try to keep healthy snacks around)
and of course, a tube of ibuprophen.
Can you believe it? (I promise it's not usually this bad!)
The dogfood made a memorable impression when it exposed itself during a recent check out at a local Barnes and Noble location. Call it: camping, selling a home, homeschooling, etc. Call it an emergency. Does the President know about this?
I wish you could be in my house right now. Detective Bethany and Detective Daniel are hard at work on their first official case. There's whispering, secret meetings in the hallway near the pantry. Case: To find the source of the clattering of pans we heard while homeschooling this afternoon.
So, how does one become a detective in the Great Detective Agency? Well, you have to have a case first. Then, you have to have a sister who is very very curious, or someone who is curious, and that someone may be YOU! Do you have a notebook? You know, a place where you record your classified, whispered information? You have to have one. And, if you do not, then perhaps that other curious someone will make one for you. What a lucky fella that Detective Daniel is!
Make sure you write the name of your agency at the top of your paper. And here's how that conversation went: "Bethany, how do you spell detective?" They talk, he writes. Detective D did his dead level best, and at that Bethany says in her nicest tone (that is almost all of them, by the way), "No offense, but your handwriting is not very neat!" Daniel aptly replies, "No matter how you say it, that can be offensive!" So, it is agreed that Detective B will record the title in Caps, I might add, at the top of the page.
So there's a rustling of denim on the tile floor, "And how do you spell cabinet?", quiet in the house, the sound of pencils listing things on paper, notebooks scooting, and the investigation continues. Will they find the source of that noise, "How do you spell fridge?" (at this point I can't help correcting that one word!).
May I please stop the hand of time here and now? I am loving this moment.
It's been awhile since I've posted: Camera batteries that need charging, a house on the market and keeping it clean while lived in, making up for lost school days, and then of course sleeping, eating, and breathing!
There's always time to browse a website or two, and of course, I love browsing Homeschooling websites. A grammar curriculum I am intrigued by happened to post this list of funnies, and so, I pass them on to you. Enjoy, be blessed, and let us remain prayerful for one another. Much love!
KATHY
JUST FOR FUN
The English language is full of ambiguities that can lend themselves to humorous interpretations. What follows are a number of questions with some clever twists. Enjoy.
If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?
Can an atheist get insurance against acts of God?
If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done?
What was the best thing before sliced bread?
Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
If a turtle lacks a shell, is it homeless or naked?
Would a fly without wings be called a walk?
What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?
Where do forest rangers go to get away from it all?
If a parsley farmer is sued, do they garnish his wages?
Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?
How is it possible to have a civil war?
Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machine?
If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry?
If you're looking for a wonderful worship album, try to put your hands on Kathryn Scott's I Belong. The title song was co-written with her mother which I see as a wonderful tribute to a Godly heritage.
To my joy, I had the honor of writing a worship chorus with Bethany when she was about five. I'll never forget the day when she said, "Mom, play something so I can sing." And as she begun to sing a beautiful melody and lyrics came. Tune in again for those sweet lyrics! : )
Tonight, I attended, along with my two children, a benefit concert of Praise and Giving for Sojourner Center. Sojourner Center is an organization which reaches out to help victims of domestic violence.I took my two children because their Daddy was gone flying, and this was one of those times they had to go with me. It was held at our church, and in support of Sojourner Center and my worship leading friends who were at the helm, I knew we were to attend.
It dawned on me as we were waiting for the event to begin, that I had never talked to the children about the difficult topic of domestic violence. For some it's not a topic, it's a lifestyle. Lord, how can I say this? How can I explain this to bring understanding yet diffuse fear? I love how God makes room for Himself in a child's heart. When He fills that place in them, the enemy cannot. Tonight, over the course of about an hour, my Heavenly Father did a beautiful job of keeping the heart and mind of my children filled with His presence. Daniel sat on my knee as we clapped and bounced to the music. Bethany's mind had begun to think about my explanation ("It's when someone in the house is dangerous to others they live with." "What do you mean, Mom?" "I mean, they might want to physically hurt someone in their home." "Oh." she said.)
We stayed for an hour, but with tomorrow coming soon, and the night growing late, we left. As we pulled out of the parking lot, Bethany said, "I have never been so thankful for my family." "What?" I asked, as I wanted to inquire further. She then repeated it. I had to ask what prompted this statement. Then she said, " I am so thankful for my Mom and Dad, and that I was not born into a dangerous family." If I could somehow find words to describe the sound of her voice; the gratitude and the portion of sorrow gracefully mixed together, you might be able to get just a taste of what I received. Her deepest thanks quietly spoken punctuated by her deeper understanding of the world she has been born into. " God sure has been good to us." she said with relief.
I would've loved to have never mentioned this horrible plight to her. I would've loved to have had her mind free from ever having to understand why we were there. I have to say that tonight after we came home a bit of fear did show up in her heart, so I expect I have more work to do, more to pray with and over, and to help her sing a song of thanksgiving and victory to her Lord. To fill the air with sounds of praise and shouts of joy even, for what Jesus has done on the cross.(I've even wondered about my choice to take them....it just never dawned on me, so Lord, help us with this.) I'll explain to her again that Jesus can be a shelter even for those who don't know how to call on His name, especially a helpless child. This is but one of many topics that requires His wisdom. Praying now in advance for His help and His hedge and tower about my children as they learn the truth of a wayward world.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Daniel Edward Wright with his Grandaddy, Hugh Edward Wright: about 5 years ago, now.
I am fascinated how the Lord speaks. With the kids in bed at 8:30 I was anticipating some computer time, cleaning time, curriculum time, and then precious sleep. It was interesting because Daniel could NOT get to sleep. A few different times I heard him up, and I would have him get back in bed.
In my own mind I thought, "O.K., If he's up one more time then he's going to have to stay home from Park Day tomorrow (No! Not the coveted, longed for, sought after, Park Day!). Park Day is our weekly pilgrimmage to a local park where the children enjoy Homeschool P.E., and with tomorrows' special treat being Sno-Cones, there was to be NO missing Park Day! I felt discipline was needed: enough was enough. But, was I willing to endure the tears I knew would come?
Deeper still, past my mind and in my spirit, I felt as though I heard the Lord say, " He needs something. Something is wrong. Something is on his heart, and if he gets up one more time, you're to go to him and ask, and pray with him." It's interesting how quiet the Lord's voice can be. It's as if I had to tune the dial past my own thinking and tune in to Him to hear His heart for our son, Daniel.
Then I hear a thud. Alright Lord, up I go to inquire and to pray. So, into Daniel's room I went to discover a boy desperately trying to pretend to be asleep. Quickly exposed in his efforts, I then pulled out his desk chair and sat down and began to ask him what is on his heart. His eyes filled with tears, his voice quivered, and the deep and tender feelings of a 7 year old boy began to pour out: the childhood missing of a Grandaddy who recently passed away. He simply missed someone who had been such a big part of his life. How could I have almost missed that?
How could I have almost missed hearing the Lord who wanted me to hear what He already knew of: the hurting heart of his creation. It was so close. It almost happened. Yes, Daniel would've slept eventually, but it would've been a missed opportunity for me as his mother. Yes, we are conduits. We're the ones that remind our children when those all important moments come, that Father in Heaven is ready, He knows, and He cares. I did what I needed to do: I prayed with Daniel right then.
Jesus, I am sure and certain that you care about Daniel's heart that misses his Grandaddy. Minister to this little brown-headed fella who might be drifting off just about now. Thank you for the nudge to attend to Daniel's heart tonight. Amen.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
To all the Moms that come by A Field Lily, Happy Mother's Day.
This is God's love song to you this very morning. Remember, Jesus is talking to the Father right now about you. You are His beloved daughter, and He has given you everything you need to live and to flourish. Flourish in His courts, a planting of His fruitful vine. You carry about the very fragrance of the Lord. He has placed His Holy Spirit in You. He loves you. Forever, and ever, and ever!
On this, the National Day of Prayer, we're called to come before the Living God with repentant hearts in a plea for mercy upon our Nation. Oh God, have mercy upon us.
We pray for our leaders on every level, both Godless and God fearing. Oh God, have mercy upon us.
We pray for churches that they would be filled with the fiery truth of Your unchanging Word. Oh God, have mercy upon us.
We pray that our homes would be known by our unwillingness as Christians to live an uncompromising life. Oh God, have mercy upon us.
We pray that our children would receive the unquenchable legacy of faith that is theirs, by trusting in Christ, that they would run to receive the prize. Oh God, have mercy upon us.
May we lift up our hearts in a cry for those outside of our borders who have yet to see Christ, the hope of Glory. May He be high and lifted up. Oh God, have mercy upon us.
With this being the prayer the Lord has put upon my heart, I conclude by asking you to read this blog post by Mick Antanaitis, Missions Pastor from Belmont Church, in Nasvhille, TN. He is currently ministering in Northern Iraq. His most recent post gripped my heart, and brought my thoughts and prayers to an even more focused point. Please pray for those outside of our borders who are raising up the banner for Christ in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances. Oh God, have mercy upon us.
Ever made Refrigerator Soup? That's when you take a bit of this and that and this and some of that and make it taste....like a meal! : ) Well, this is one of those posts except my camera battery needs charging, so no pictures. Here goes:
Random thought: "If the bloggers I read don't stop writing such interesting posts for me to read I'm NEVER going to get this post done!"
I preface this next piece by saying that we talk about politics in our house. We also talk about that we're to pray for those in authority over us. So with that in mind, I cautiously tell you this one:
While driving to Field Hockey today we pass a commercial van for a security company. It says on the van, "Our business is to protect YOUR business." Daniel replies after reading it, "Well, if your business is to protect OUR business, then get Obama out of here!!!"
Ahem. I had to take a deep breath. And I laughed. Sorry, but I did. Then I remembered our role of teaching them to pray for their leaders. Tomorrow is National Day of Prayer. Gonna do it.
My heart stopper for the day:
While out in the garage working on a project, Daniel calls from inside the car before he and Danny head off to run an errand, "Hey Mom, Look at me." I look. With his big grin in tow he says, "I just love you!"
A favorite Mom moment:
Today I had the pleasure of watching my little blonde 10-year old pogo stick 78 bounces before she had to stop. Then, she and Daniel, on their respective teams, went out and played the best field hockey they could come up with.
I love seeing life grow. I love seeing His created ones showing just a smidget of His love for experiences that bring them joy - children pushing their physical bodies to achieve a desired goal. God put that in them, and I KNOW it brings Him even more joy than it does me.
I just had to make a note of all of this. This is His day, and I want to remember what's a part of it. This great day in the midst of worldwide, national, state and local prayer needs. Thank you, Lord, for giving us times like this that bring peace, laughter, joy, and comfort. We need you every single hour.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
This is a video from a friend's facebook page. I think it's powerful and worth the watching time required. What a sweet Father in Heaven we have who does not leave us as we were found. Not for a day!
Tonight, God displays His glory at sunset: The Palo Verde just beyond our fence.
The Northern Mockingbird gives the signal with a song. It's night time. The water is running to supply the evening baths. The cool air pushes its way into our home a bit more intentionally. The bath music is on, practically its own genre at our house. This day is over. Through the unexpected events of this day our God has kept us, and literally, held us up. The dust has settled, and now, I'm taking on no more responsibility except to be His daughter.
Lord, please sing your song over me. What would be Your night time song, Lord? What would you sing? Your nearness is my good. You have shown me I need not fear anything. I cling to Your great heart. Somehow I sense you could roar over injustices done to us, and that You surely are as a Lion. Your comfort is my quiet and certain song for this hour. You are fierce for us, my Lord. This I am sure of.
This is the prayer the Lord gave me for the Worship Team. I thought I would share it with you because I believe the Lord has great & glorious things prepared when we come together, things that will blow our minds and reset our expectations. (It could come so quietly, like a soft rain. Or, it may come as a torrent.)
"Father, may our hearts be ready to soar on the wings of your powerful Holy Spirit. May we be free of encumberances and distraction. May our minds and hearts be filled with pure and flowing love for You. We anticipate our expression of that love in our own worship, & our worship leadership with our beloved congregation. Bring the lost, restore the prodigal in our time together. In Jesus name, AMEN!"
Do you have expectations of the Saviour of the World? One of the things I most expect and am certain of is His faithfulness to His local church, His beautifully restored Bride. Just being in His presence is a gift, an amazing gift. While this is a daily thing for us, gathering together-fully forgiven as we are- He plans to be Lord among us. I look for that...His Lordship, and I look for it any way He wants to display it.
Begins this day in our home: an early call for coffee. Coffee in hand. Soul at rest as the son in the house descends into my quiet place. Now, with joy and smiles, we agree it is time to make the grocery run for cinnamon rolls and hot apple cider. He and I, off we go together.
Appetites settled, visits with best friends over coffee, a few games of air hockey under foot, and the cupboard cleaning venture begins. Daddy feels rested and heads upstairs for Legos. Then it starts: talk of Taking Daddy Down! The outdoor game of wrestling, some screaming, & lots of laughs as Daddy is Mr. Tough Guy for a little miss and a little mister. There is NO taking Daddy down! But they try and squeal as they do so.
The inspiration of the fresh corn on the cob I found at the store rises in my mind. The hamburgers go in the frying pan (my Mom's style), the cooking, the smells. Who cares about the emptied cupboards all over the counter, the clutter, the mess. The joy is more fragrant and appealing and more consuming than my need to fix any mess I may have made. For all this is happening while our blessings are trying to take Daddy down.
"Complaint Free Friday is upon us once again. If you MUST complain, write it down and send it to me attached to a Bass Pro Shops, Home Depot, IKEA or Williams-Sonoma gift card."
One of my Nashville friends posted this on his facebook status this morning, and it brought out the chuckle in me. I thought it was pretty clever.
Monday and Tuesday of this week I led worship at an Associational Meeting for Pastors & Church Staff. The Lord was so faithful to His girl, Kathy, because He loves His sheep and those who shepherd them. He wants to feed us well, and that He did.
A wonderful couple came and shared in an amazing "tag-team" fashion on the topic of Marriage. They are licensed marriage therapists filled with the Lord and a love for His people. This week, my goal is to post my notes in bits and pieces. Here's the first installment:
Marriage is a re-enactment of the Gospel, and the strategy of Satan is to keep us from the cross. Instead of running to the cross we'll often choose to re-name our sin because death is painful. Renaming our sin, i.e., "I'm just wired this way!" excusing the sin of anger, for example, is safer and less painful than dying. But in marriage and in holiness and oneness before the Lord, freedom is better than safe. The cross brings freedom to a Godly marriage. We want the freedom that Christ paid for at the cross on our behalf.
Hebrews 12:2 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Anything that keeps us from reaching the cross together needs to go.
I am posting here the same piece I wrote for our Worship Team Blog. It's more than a piece, it's my passion. By way of conversation, I found myself propelled upon my stump. So, I'm trying desperately to come OFF of the stump, but not sure I want to. Even if I do, it's temporary, because praising God in Heaven is FOREVER, and it's about HIM!!! Here 'tis:
"When does worship matter? Consider the following scripture in Revelation:
"Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." - Revelation 4:8 (NIV)
On earth as it is in Heaven, right? Okay, let's start with this one scripture alone that is written about a perfect place we know to be Heaven, the presence of the living God where Jesus Himself is sitting at the right hand of the Father. THEY NEVER STOP SAYING....not singing, not shouting, not humming or contemplating, SAYING! Hey folks, in Heaven they never stop saying Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty. Why? Because He alone is worthy of praise. God is so Mighty, and so highly exalted that His worth is constantly spoken of.
Now about the singing, dancing and shouting....it's happening. Think on this:
" Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
15 The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." .....from Zephaniah 3.
I believe Heaven is a very busy, vibrant, & holy place. It's all of those things because it was made to be so. A little bit of reading in almost any spot in the Bible gives way to the understanding that living for Jesus is active and happening, and it's intended to be that way here, on earth, as it is in Heaven. What a wonderful thought. What a wonderful truth. (Okay....I misspoke....this is not brief....it comes from the core of my being!)
If you lived on a deserted island, no Albertsons, no Blockbuster, No Starbucks (is there such an island?), and you lifted up a holy praise to our God, if you never stopped saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty", would it matter? Yes. Would it matter only if someone heard you? No. Would it matter only if you were really good at it, called, so to speak? I hope you already know the answer. Of course not, Now, would it have significance? Still yet, does it make a difference? The answer is a yes, yes, yes! If you whisper His name and no one hears, it matters. It has significance. If you were mute and could only trace His name in the sand would it matter? Yes! Because you're doing what He made you to do.
Worship is beyond a calling, it's a mandate! And it's for ALL of us. Sing it, read it, hum it, trace it in the sand, but He is worthy, and MUST be praised by us, or guess what. There's a rock with your name on it, or my name on it, and it's going to cry out aloud because He must be praised. It's His day, not ours. It's His glory alone, not ours. It doesn't matter if ANYONE sees you, but it DOES MATTER. Are you catching my point? Don't get caught in the trap that it doesn't matter. THAT is the enemies snare set up for the likes of you, and of me. Let's not fall in that! Hey, Worship always matters.
A total aside here: I believe God gave us songs & song writers because He knows that some need help expressing His worth. We're not all called to write. For the writer, it's in them to write, they can't NOT write a song of praise. God put it in them to seek and find that one word that will say it, that chord that will touch them and others in new ways. But, music isn't the only way to worship Him.
BUT, IF IT WAS....that oughta be okay too (an official rabbit trail!).
Worshippers, your part in ministry matters because someone, you specifically, that HE created for His purposes is doing what He designed you to do, from a pure heart, of course. Do it, it matters. Punch the buttons & turn the knobs, sing out O singer, write O writer, display those lyrics.....do it all for His glory alone. IT MATTERS AT ALL TIMES because it's about our blessed redeemer, Jesus Christ.
"Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." - Revelation 4:8 (NIV)
When I came home from our homeschool Park Day today, my heart was weary. Very weary. The needs are astounding. One Mom has had both her Dad and her Father in Law pass away in the last 4 months and is heartbroken. One mother's husband may be terminally ill. One mother is suffering a crisis in marriage; a huge crisis beyond belief. After hearing of those needs and praying with one of the Moms in particular, I came home and settled into my own afternoon routine. My plan for the day: to plan.
With two out of the norm Worship events coming up, my own hands feel quite full. Selecting the right songs, wanting to hear the Lord, and then throw my unfamiliararity with powerpoint into the mix, and you'll find me on the floor in a pool of tears - your basic self pity. Of course I am exaggerating to make my point. I was yanked back from pity into reality when I reached into my desk drawer to find a piece of paper, just anything, something to write down the name of a song that had come to mind that I didn't want to forget. An envelope: no,not that one. It looked too new. Then my hand drew out a card, one I had purchased about 2 years ago when a friends Father had passed away. Now, who was that for? Was I sure it was her? Now, I really am not sure. Why didn't I send it then? Unfortunately, this is not an isolated example. I have drawers full of unsent cards for Birthdays, well-wishes of various kinds, sympathy and the like. I allowed the thoughts of love, care, and joy to go unspoken. Life, my own, became its usual distraction. The card never made it to its intended destination, and the opportunity to reach out in Jesus name was left undone.
Lord, today, make me different. Shake me from my own complacency to live sacrificially for others. A stamp, words of love, and a trip to the post office hardly qualifies as sacrifice, but let me take the time to do what it takes to be You to someone, in word or in deed. Thank you for grace. Help me to sufficiently express Your love to those around me, and please meet those very present needs of those around me. Amen.
I love to watch the children and see what they choose to do in their free time. And what about me? Since you asked, here's the list so far:
Play The Adventures of Star Wars as it could happen in the back yard (Bethany and Daniel), Read almost anything and everything like....a book on the history of hymns titled, Then Sings My Soul (Bethany). Then you could also get out the hymns CD and locate the hymn you're reading about andtake a listen (Bethany). Go to the storage shed with Daddy (Daniel). Cook up a Portabella Mushroom (in margarine, seasoned with Mrs. Dash) and serve it up as a snack for your sweetie! (Kathy), whine at the door (the dog), celebrate school being completed by a stint on Blogger (Kathy), stop by Quik Trip to add to the good day - will probably purchase a slurpie! (Danny & Daniel), Give thanks for crockpots (Kathy). Sing and dance with joy over your beloved creation (God!). Say Amen to all of this, and subsequently, give thanks for your own blessings (You!).
Ever notice how God manages to slip in some funny stuff into what we had hoped would have a more majestic tone? A slightly more regal influence? Take a peak into our morning service today at Covenant of Grace. I recently posted this remark on a thread of other comments about a typo in our lyrics this morning. What happened? Who dunnit? I dunno! I didn't SEE any typos. I was too overtaken by this:
I wrote, "What's the difference between using a pipe organ setting and a jazz organ setting? Well, it depends. If it's "Christ Arose" as I played it this morning, then He arose to a jazz organ instead of pipes. I just played and sang as loud as I could and hoped no one would notice! The organ sounded like that one on the radio program "Unshackled." 3 minutes of misery. The middle of that anthem is NOT the time to change the setting to pipes, trust me. : ) Oh yes. Christ arose, and whew am I glad!!! : )"
Me and Organs just don't get along. Now, I can play one if I must, and I've "must"ed on several occasions. It's typical that I would select a pipe organ setting for Christ Arose, one of my favorite Easter hymns. And I did. Of course I was so thrilled that the first three selections of our morning worship did indeed utilize an organ setting on our keyboard. Oh hooray. I could just use the same setting on all three. Life was wonderful right then and there! (Christ Arose-Pipe Organ. But Chris Tomlin's Happy Day and John Egan's I Am Free. Please, no pipes. Not for those. That would require a jazz organ sound. ) So I double check my settings before worship begins, and I collect my purse to store in the prayer room during worship.
By any chance did the look on my face match that horrible feeling in my gut when I heard the first blare of jazz organ? A Hammond B3 sound on Christ Arose??? NO!!! But yes. And why not? Why not make the Worship leader sweat for a few bars. One of the cool things about the hymns is that we play 'em like they're written. Three rapid verses later I brought that train to a stop. Unlike a contemporary worship song where we may linger for a good 6 to 8 minutes. I can say I hastened the ending for my own sanity. Thought process: Sing loud, play loud, sing faster, hurry up band, this song with the jazz organ but needs pipe organ setting must end!!! Soon!
Oh, the humor. Oh, the overriding joy that shadowed that dim moment. What a wonderful, wonderful day we had in the Lord. Wonderful worship, wonderful word from Romans 8, wonderful fellowship at our home afterwards. Oh Lord, You are wonderful. You do all things well. You bring humor and balance in at just the right time. I forgot about my error quickly, I trusted you, I thanked you, I worshipped You, I loved having You in the middle of everything I got to do today. Don't ever go away, and You already said you never would. I love that about You, Lord!
May I also add for the reader this small error was like an itsy bitsy drop of temporary, personal embarassment. The rest of the day: nothing short of glorious! Okay, I feel better now!
Today, it is well with my soul. In the process of my inch by inch, it's a cinch cleaning, the Lord brought the nearly silent, gentle rain of His presence. It was so quiet it almost slipped by unnoticed, yet was so clear I was able to hear it above the sound of pots and pans and garbage cans.
I admit, however, that I fear my flesh, and I should. I fear the busy days and hectic times ahead might trample the quiet of His peace. I fear that my unwillingness to die to myself might quench the blessing of obedience. I feel I am to move quietly through these days to be able to hear and listen and move as He says move. Wow, I'm still learning and expect to be His student until I see His face. (Even then, I am expecting continual revelation and awe.)
Yesterday, our Pastor brought a powerful message about doors, both open and closed. About seasons. May I step with Him through both door and season. I am keenly aware that He is at work. Obedience to His leadership brings His blessing, and that is what I'm after.
Calling all blogging friends, HELP! I feel totally disorganized in just about every area of life! I cannot seem to get on top of it all.
I still am not totally unpacked (put in it's place kind) from our Georgia trip. I feel and AM behind in planning for Easter Worship, (I'm not feeling a TON of direction from the Lord in this area...what's that all about?) School has been out of kilter for weeks now (yes, we homeschool) due to a few weeks in Georgia, company here, and the like, I have two out of town worship events this month tucked in after Easter (what was I thinking???), my music needs to be filed and sorted and tossed, I am not being the encouraging wife I need to be, perhaps not the attentive mother I need to be, and I'm not sure how to climb this mountain of Life that is looming about me. Get the picture? I feel overwhelmed.
I know that in the morning my perspective will be different as it usually is at the start of the day. But the fact of the matter is, this post pretty much tells it like it is. I'm not scratching or digging for encouragement as much as I am saying, I feel buried: please pray. Really, I am asking the Lord for the why's behind the what's, and the how's to change it. Mostly, the how's to change it. I either need to go on a life diet or get a bigger plate. Does one exist?
The Father's Love is a website dedicated to sending a love letter from God based on paraphrased Bible passages to people of many nations, tribes, and tongues. This morning I viewed text in Hindi and Hebrew.
This is the shorter 6 minute version of 3 videos available. My favorite part: this video text can be displayed in 88 languages. Please enjoy the English translation I am showing here. (There is also a 10 minute text or instrumental version available)
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. Psalms 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
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
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
Danny's Dad has made the journey, and now he is fully at home, fully alive in Heaven. Oh the mixture of sorrow, joy that makes no sense in the natural. Peace and grace for those now who are without sleep tonight, and wondering how God will deliver them, but knowing He will. My wise husband sensing God's timing was near exceeded the thoughts of the experienced, but really and truly, only God knew.
After I rose from my earlier post of worship (for me and the Lord), I knew this was the time. It was if He said, "It is finished." And it is...oh, to hear the sound in Heaven, to see as he now sees; fully, fully alive.
Jesus, we love you. Our Daddy, Ed, is and always has been more yours than ours. Thank you for his grace-filled life. Thank you for Heaven. Thank you for Salvation. Thank you for over ruling what made no sense to the wise of the day....you came anyway, and gave everything. Thank you all over again.
Why church membership? Is it scriptural, Biblical? Wow, how in the world am I going to answer that question! Why am I even asking? (Facebook, of course!)
Let me preface ALL of this by saying, I hate it when Christians bash Christians, when Christians put down the body of Christ. I can't stand it. It a l m o s t makes me angry. I'm not coming down on my close friend who takes the non-commital stance, but I am coming down on the implications.
If there was no local church, where would we deposit our gifts, and I'm not speaking monitarily either. Where would we be stirred? Where would we stir others up? What about accountability, both personally and theologically? What about intercession for someone you've been walking with for a long time? What about committing to a local body like you have your own marriage: for better or for worse? Or worser still! (Time to smile, folks.) We know the scriptures about not forsaking the assemblying of ourselves together, we know about each one coming with a hymn, a song, a word, etc.
What about the benefits of finding a group of people with like minds and vision and passion. Not everyone belongs where I attend. Not everyone has a passion for the nations in such an in your face kind of way as Covenant of Grace. (I wouldn't change it a bit!) It's inconvenient, it's a sacrifice, but it's the beautiful body and bride of Christ ministering to each other, to the Lord, and it truly is beautiful!
The scripture talks about the body being fittly joined together by that which every joint supplies. So when someone avoids coming through the door because they don't want to be trapped, the place you may have committed to is missing out, 'cause God made you to be a blessing. Second, YOU'RE missing out. God has blessings that will come your way through a local fellowship of mutual love and commitment. I see it as a way to mobilize the body. Every church has a DNA, and you should be a part of one that matches YOUR DNA.
Sign a paper? Maybe not necessary. But I have a testimony on that, and I am personally convinced that if you WANT to align with a church who asks that you do "sign", and you don't do it, and you want to still minister under their convering? I can personally say you will never be released to do so completely until you "sign." Throw me out, call me a heretic, but I am telling you this was my own experience. It simply didn't work. The beautiful part was when I did officially join I continued to minister, and subsequently experienced a greater release than I ever had before in my area of ministry. Once I honored their policy and came in the front door, so to speak, it was just a greater place of blessing and favor.
It's also a way to systematically and regularly support those Pastors etc., who are called, and many of them trained, to teach God's Word as their sole occupation. It allows a church to plan, cast a vision, know their sheep, and walk that vision out with like minded individuals. I could write for days on this topic, but lest it take a tone other than complete love, I shall not do so.
The above being said, while I am all about Church membership, I'm mostly all about Christ. In these days and times should the church have to go in hiding, I'm loving Jesus all the way, documents or no documents! I know that HE is the point of our existence, and giving Him glory at every turn remains our purpose. Perhaps this post is just for me to state my position, and perhaps it resonates with you, or, makes you hoppin' mad! (I sure hope not.) I love you all, and I'll look forward to hearing back, either way.
I have not included any scripture passages in this post, but can do so by way of comments if someone wishes to have those listed.
We have had a wonderful day today. It began with a celebration of our best friend's, Mary Lee's, birthday. Coffee, Bagels, Carrot Cake, and in that order I must add. Add in a quick garage sale run: new prize, Bethany's kite.
Then, after sending Danny off to Atlanta for time with his Daddy, we contemplated, briefly contemplated, yard work. Somehow it was pushed back, shoved, no, quite frankly ignored in lieu of a hike with our neighbors.
Up the large, large, rough and stony hill, a.k.a.
"mountain"
(to the every day desert dweller,) switchback after switchback, and hill after rocky hilly,.....huff puff, mountain!.... we went, and then descended. Length of course: 4 miles. Time to complete: 3 hrs. One tumble and several pitstops later, we arrived back at the parking lot to our CAR!!!! We almost kissed it!
We then proceeded IMMEDIATELY to Sonic for slushies and cherry limeades. Finished those just in time to walk in the door for a young man's haircut. But wait, there's more!
Then, we spontaneously invited a few friends out to Deer Valley Airport Restaurant in honor of Mary Lee's birthday. There were 11 of us, and a fun time was had by absolutely everyone. On the way home Daniel said, "I love Mary Lee."....and he meant it. I told him, "We all do!"
Did I mention I was able to capture a shot of my two favorite hikers on one of their pitstops today?
Check out this amazing video! I found it while looking for some teaching videos.
Kseniya Simonova is a Ukrainian artist who just won Ukraine's version of "America's Got Talent." She uses a giant light box, dramatic music, imagination and "sand painting" skills to interpret Germany's invasion and occupation of Ukraine during WWII. I am touched by the artistry.
"Mom, can you guess what my favorite mammal is?" "I know what my favorite mammal is," says Daniel. As I am busy perusing a website featuring a book on mammals my son has this conversation with his sister and I. It was a thinking outloud kind of a conversation. Then the announcement: "You're my favorite mammal", he says to me with his sweet and irresistable grin. Wow. My son's favorite mammal! And why not!
Once again, the beauty of homeschooling, as they say. I have just been crowned from my head down to my heart as my son's favorite mammal. I think I'll congratulate myself! So, here's to science, and to my son's understanding of the value of God-breathed human life, and not just any life, but of his favorite mammal, his mother.
March is Missions Month at Covenant of Grace Christian Fellowship! We'll be doing this song. I especially love the scriptures, pictures, and the quotes throughout. I hope you're blessed, and may our heart burn bright with a missions flame.
Reshk, frishk, shuskkk, lushk, sheshkk, dushkk, dushkk. "THIS! NOW THIS IS A PLANET BLASTER!!! he says. More frushk, sheshkk, dushka, sheshk. "Now, you don't want to mess with THAT! It will explode!!!" Lego builders thinking, building, announcing, as the colorful pegged blocks go scooting across the wooden table making sounds that defy all sense of phonics. Bass-voiced Daddy eeks out Be Thou My Vision in squeaky pitched hum. "Achoo!" Beautiful blonde reads and sneezes simultaneously, thereby displaying her future career as a mother in multitasking. This is the sound on the other side of the wall behind me. This is the sound of a Family Night. Click, click, click, go Momma's fingers across the keys as the sights that go with the sounds, though not visible to her, fuel her flame. The flame of joy and love that glimmers and grows in the night, this night. Gotta go now. Gotta go see! : ) I just can't stand not seeing it!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I follow Apologiaon Facebook where they recently posted this fascinating link. This is what happens to water when it lands in more water. Apologia is the publisher of a well-loved Homeschool Science Curriculum.
I am still pondering the spiritual application.
Definition: coalesce - To come together so as to form one whole; unite (from Latin coalescere com- 'together' + alescere 'to grow up') "When it coalesces waves are generated...."
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Field Lily has been doing the following:
Enjoying a 6-week break from leading worship, traveling to and from Georgia realizing enroute that all school books were left at home resting happily in the garage, enjoyed Georgia rain and snow, ate more Southern cooking than I care to shake a stick at while I was there, taught my 7 year old niece while I was there, yes I homeschooled her for an hour. We had a wonderful time! After our return, we had house guests for the next 3-4 days, we resumed our weekly park-day adventures, hugged numerous friends, enjoyed a night of Chocolate Fondue with 16 homeschooling Moms, still slept good last night, loved the time with the Lord this morning in worship and in the word, ate fish for lunch today, napped this afternoon, planned school lessons this evening, chatted on facebook, thought about what the Lord is teaching me as all of this was being done, realized I hadn't written a post in 3 weeks. Asking the Lord about that. Realizing how much I am enjoying being a part of a prayer blog, realizing how little of the Lord's goodness I deserve, and thankful for all I've received.
Grammar issues, punctuation, spelling, run on sentences? Probably. Love you all? Absolutely! Which is more important? I'm smiling as I think of the answer.
This is Grandaddy to Bethany and Daniel. We are flying to see him, and the rest of our Georgia family, tomorrow afternoon.
This picture was taken when our son was two. As the weeks pass with Grandaddy's cancer, the memories we have like this one are becoming all the more special. We hold tightly to those times, and continue to trust our living and loving God for the next moment, for Grandaddy, and for all of us.
Hi there my son! I have to say I love how you're memorizing scripture! Daddy has us on a Phillipians 4 challenge. The other day you went in to use the restroom, and I could hear you practicing your scripture. Yesterday morning in your Bible time in your room, you were memorizing the word then too. Guess what, God's Word is going to plant a big tree in you. You're a Psalm 1 boy to become a Psalm 1 man. I am praying that in. My heart and soul says, "YES, he is the Lord's ." Daniel, you belong to Jesus, you're His.
I write periodically in a private journal called, "My Son", and "Princess Papers", both are online blog journals for our son and daughter respectively. Here is my most recent post for my son which I feel I have permission from the Lord to share. When someone writes a post like this one, one of the responses is to rejoice with the Mother and Father who are believing for God's best for their children. The other response, or even additional response, is to add our prayers to the prayers and voice of that Mother and Father, in this case, Danny and I. Even now, I lift up a prayer for each reader with children - that those offspring would be a righteous generation, a light in a dark place, His very own prized posessions. Lord, help us to pray sincerely for one another as we raise our children in You, for Your purposes and Your glory alone. Amen
Whether I attend a wedding as a witness to their vow before the Lord, or a baby dedication, I have a sense that I am to continue to pray for what I have just seen. I believe we are to be mindful of our role in prayer in the lives of children and married couples around us.
I have to share this amazing story. This morning, a dear friend left a status on Facebook saying, "Something HAS to give." and that was all she stated. (Obviously any names are left out of this story.) Then, directly above it, the very next status update above hers, another friend of mine (via facebook/blog world only) had left what was her scripture for the day, and this is what it said:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." – Matthew 11:28-30
I couldn't believe it! There was God's Word, literally, RIGHT OVER my friend's cry for help. I was so excited to literally cut and paste the Word of God as a reply to her status, and simply state that I felt that was God's word for her today. The one who posted the "help" status, and the one who posted the scripture do not know each other, they just happen to be on my friends list. Just happenstance, right? No way. As I wrote privately to my friend who posted the scripture, God's word trumps our circumstances, cleans the lenses of our glasses, and unpacks our heavy load-the one He never designed us to carry. In fact, I believe He designed us NOT to be able to carry it so that we would buckle under its weight and call out to Him. Just like our nerves shriek at varying levels when our physical body is in pain, He designed our spirit to cry out to Him for help under weight that isn't His idea! HIS grace IS sufficient. He truly IS a PRESENT HELP in time of need.
