A FIELD LILY

Sorry in Advance

2012-02-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

I'm apologizing in advance for this: http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/10/40-crock-pot-slow-cooker-dessert-candy.html

Where you can try out some slow-cooker desserts like this!

Pictured is the Butterscotch Cake. Hello!!!

Under the Table and Dreaming is a website I enjoy perusing and looking about at their bursts of creativity. I hope you'll enjoy it as well.

Where Will You Spend the Night Next

2012-02-11T10:14:00.001-08:00

Bethany and Daniel, I love listening to you play. Bethany, you drag out your animals of all sizes, and Daniel, you move your Lego men and your control station into Bethany's room, and then the dialogue (or monologue) begins. It's complete with accents, international travel, and high drama! I love listening to you play. The first night you spent the night in the Czech Republic. Of course, you also traveled to Serbia, and your children complained about having to eat smoked salmon again, not to mention the fact that none of you speak German! The part I also like is that you know how to make Daniel laugh, and every now and then you both laugh it out together. I wonder where you will spend the night next!!!

Europe and Norway

2012-02-07T10:51:00.001-08:00

Our homeschooling adventures "around the world" find us in Europe. While in Europe we'll study Norway, France, and Germany.

Today, we're reviewing the physical and politcal maps of Europe. We've colored the flag of Norway and are listening to Peer Gynt. Peer Gynt is a play whose music is composed by Edvard Grieg(15 June 1843 – 4 September 1907), Norway's most famous composer. Here's the link we're currently listing to, and by which we also are eating our lunch!

You should take a listen! I think you'll hear some familiar music.

Marked for Life

2012-01-31T20:41:00.001-08:00

"Marked for life." I turned and met the glance that went with the words I had just heard from behind.These were the exact words of an older gentleman in a restaurant today as he and his wife waited for a friend. Bethany and I were standing side by side waiting for the restroom to open up and he'd spoken as an observer. I was somewhat taken aback by what he said. What he was trying to say was that there was no question that, the way he saw it, we resembled one another closely, and that she was, as a result, "marked for life."

"Marked for life." I heard so much more than those words. Truth be told, I believe he saw more than what he said. There is something about Bethany that is pure and clear and full and ready! She is totally alive, and in her is a destiny that is not yet known, but certain! She is so lovely. She is so FUN! She brings sunshine to our home and our hearts. She is an amazing and devoted friend. Small children are drawn to her. She makes everyone feel special. She's talented and brimming with potential that has yet to be tapped. Best of all, she's unaware of much of this. She would not even describe herself in such complimentary ways.

As a mother who prays steadfastly for her daughter, this man spoke words of high impact. Bethany, you are marked for life. You will live, you are alive and living in Christ because His name is on your heart, and His presence fills you up so full that His essence flows from you. You are indeed, marked for life. Christ has a plan for you, a destiny, His name is on you, He's after you, He prays for you. You will be like a well-watered garden whose waters do not fail (See Isaiah 58:11). You ARE marked for life because of Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The strangers words will be mulled over in my spirit for days to come as I consider what it means to be marked for life. I will be thinking and considering, exactly, how do I measure up to these words? Is Christ's presence so evident in me that someone would see me and say I was "marked"? Owned? Possessed by another and not living only for myself? I think I will be wrestling with this. Whose mark is on me? Is it indeed the mark of Christ, Himself?

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:19-20 KJV

"And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place." 2 Corinthians 2:14

These are a handful of verses that have come to my mind as I think about what it was in Bethany, besides her resemblance to me, that this gentleman saw. This picture was taken the same day as this story took place.

God Says....

2012-01-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

I am aiming to cooperate with God: Co-with AND operate-function. To co-operate, or function together with God, I must first know what He thinks, be in agreement, and then act accordingly. I found this picture on facebook that I think captures a part of what it means to co-operate with God. Did I mention this means dying to self?

Galations 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Praying Through

2011-12-29T07:26:00.001-08:00

As the year draws to a close and the new begins, I have several things I am praying for and praying through. First, the biggies:

1. How can I be a better Mom?

2. How can I be a better Wife?

3. How can I be a better Worship Leader?

4. How can I be a better Homeschool Group Director?

These are the topics that I often view first as they are my "places of influence." These areas require most of my time, thought, and energy during any given day or week.

Then there are the matters that are more private, I'm less likely to share with others. I suppose we could call it the fine print. Questions like these are roaming through my heart and mind, and they're questions I really want answers to, such as: Should I still be leading worship, am I to focus solely and only on teaching my children, Why do I struggle with the bed bug of procrastination that bites me over and over again, and all of the other questions I have, the nitty-gritty "wonderings" that seem to nip at my heals that just keep ....nipping. And, by the way, this is only a sampling of the questions that turn to prayers as I go about my way.

Father in Heaven, Maker and Knower of my days, I ask that Your purposes be fulfilled in my life. I see even now how many of my wonderings fade more easily as my heart and eyes are fixed upon You. While I have these over-arching questions, and yes, even the fine-print ones, I pray I will love You more and love You most. Let that prayer be my beginning point. Thank you Lord that you are a Father who cares and who concerns Himself with the things that also matter to me. Father, if there is anything in me that will accomplish Your purposes, leave it there and sharpen it. If there's anything I'm doing or anything in me that prohibits Your Kingdom purposes and ways, then please remove those things. Make the vision clear, O Lord, for this next year. Make it clear and plain to me, who at times is hard of sight and hearing.

Something New

2011-10-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

This is not just a picture of a Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar. It's God's reply to a young boy who said to me the morning of our adventure, "I never see anything beautiful. You always are the one who sees the beautiful things."

Off we went, our family of four, on a hike up the creek. It was the tail-end of an annual 5 day camping trip to our favorite spot. I had packed two PBJ sandwiches, two turkey sandwiches, and apples. Danny grabbed a bag of chips on the way out of the camper. We found a sitting spot and lunched. We watched a slew of ants haul off one very large potato chip. During our resting and sliding off of slippery rocks time, Daniel found this little fella who will one day become a swallowtail butterfly. Can you believe this little critter?

We were fascinated by him , truly. When he was still, you could see something pulsing through a vein that went down the center of his body. He moved so quietly and undeterred. When we wanted to investigate his belly we took a stick and touched him. He grabbed onto the stick and tucked his head inside his body. His beautiful blue markings made it look like he had eyes over all his body. When he began to relax and was ready to continue his journey, his head popped out again. The color in this photo we found on the internet is more orange than the one we saw. Ours had a more rusty color. The reason we don't have a picture is because of my history with water and technology. The two have become one a number of times, and it's never been a positive thing! So, because I have yet to invest in a waterproof cover, we have to make do. But, trust me, this is the fella we spotted.

Lord, thank you for displaying something none of us had ever seen before. It was so easy for you to do. Thank you for showing us your beautiful creation. Thank you for doing this wonder for my son.

Love IT!

2011-08-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

What I'm really trying to say is that I like THIS: My Father's World guidebook that came with our geography study called,"Exploring Countries and Cultures."
This handy, dandy little guidebook serves the purpose of both guide AND planner. While ECC is a cultural geography program it schedules in and includes the following subjects: Bible, Geography, and Science. It also has recommendations for Language Arts & Read Alouds. The part I r e a l l y like is where it leaves a blank space for Math, Spelling, English, Reading, Foreign Language, etc. Enter: my planner for this year! What I do is take the rectangular blank, draw a diagonal line across it, and then fill in what my family is using for those subjects. I have two children, so this method works well for me.

In MFW guidebooks, each day is its own column. At the beginning of the week I fill in the lesson numbers with brief descriptions for the subjects that are not already assigned by My Father's World. I also write the number of the school day we're doing for the week. So, for this week, the days are numbered 16 through 20. When each subject is completed, I whip out my handy-dandy yellow highlighter and highlight items as they are completed. It feels so good at the end of the day to see all of the yellow marks on my planner/guidebook. I also keep a little notebook and write down assignments from Geography that may need to be carried over to the next day or week.

Why is this so exciting to me? Well, it's like this. I know I am not the most organized cubby on the shelf, but I am enjoying watching the Lord help me improve. It's fun to make progress! Ultimately, we all benefit.

Note: The frequent use of the word "handy-dandy" is a mark of how much I LOVE one of my homeschooling tools. Truly, a sign of affection!

2011-07-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

When I tucked Daniel in tonight he said he was sad. "What are you sad about, honey?" "I'm sad about Uncle Gus," he stated. My brother, Daniel's Uncle Gus, died when he was 28 years old. He was a young Montana rancher with a wife and a son. He was pure hard work, and tender hearted toward the Lord. Daniel would've loved him. So, as I rubbed son's back, we talked quietly. He'd ask the questions, and I'd provide the best answers I knew. We agreed that it would be so nice to see Uncle Gus in Heaven.

So, the prayers began. Being the momma that I am, I prayed quiet, but I prayed long. I am a momma afterall, and there's much to pray about. There's a little boy, nearly nine now, who needs blessing, who needs instruction, who needs to know that his Mother and Father will always pray for Him.

The breathing became quieter on the pillow next to her, and she was honored, once again, with the privilege of ushering her son into a night's rest at the sound of his mother's voice as she prayed, prayed to a Father of her own, giving thanks, and trusting Him for her own son's future. Unknown to her, but very well known to Him. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.

The Ministry of Worship

2011-07-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

In my search for a really good recording of "All That Thrills My Soul Is Jesus", I came across this song. This couple ministered to me, and I just had to share it with you.

By the way, while I'm typing this, God's thunder is resounding outside.I'm loving it!!!

Homeschooling & Daily Living on Vacation?

2011-05-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

We're heading out in a matter of days now to Georgia to visit Danny's family. Whenever we travel, I always pack more clothes than I need, more books than I could read in a life time, and take along more food than any sensible person should snack on during normal travel. This particular trip is unique because we'll be gone for almost 6 weeks. This is an official experiment to see if we'd like to do this annually. Danny is a pilot, so he'll commute in and out of Atlanta. HELP!!! Somebody. Anybody?

I decided to put together a daily plan for the children. Nothing like a clear set of guidelines to live by. Remember, the lines are our friends! Here's hoping for a plan for them and sanity for me. Each child will have a laminated card that looks like this:

MY DAILY PLAN

MORNING TIME
READ MY BIBLE
· MAKE MY BED
· BRUSH MY TEETH
· COMB/BRUSH HAIR
· PUT AWAY PAJAMAS
· PUT ON CLEAN CLOTHES
· PUT DIRTY CLOTHES IN CLOTHES BAG
· PICK UP TOYS & BOOKS

THROUGH THE DAY
· USE MY GOOD MANNERS & PLAY HABITS
· SHARE
· COMPLIMENT & ENCOURAGE
· PRAY
· OFFER TO HELP AROUND THE HOUSE
· SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL MEALS & ALL FAVORS

SCHOOL WORK
· GEORGIA HISTORY
· MATH
· LANGUAGE ARTS PAGE
· COPY WORK/VACATION JOURNAL

EVENING
· DAILY BATH & HYGIENE (TEETH/HAIR ETC.)
· BATHROOM IS CLEANED UP
· REASONABLE BEDTIME
· READING QUIET TIME

Mark set a little too high? Perhaps, but I don't think I can handle that much time away with zero structure. We'll be staying with family members, and knowing their lifestyles and ways vary from what may be our normal, this could go from being an apple to an elephant; one clearly being easier to eat than the other! Even as our plans for this initial trip are being re-shaped daily (another post for another time) I suspect even this plan will reshape itself as we go along. I wonder if the children will go for this???

Beautiful Georgia

2011-05-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Georgia. You were made by the Father in Heaven. God has plans for you. This is the verse we pray for you: " He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, and it's leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. " Psalm 1:3

Here is the State Song: "Georgia on My Mind." Other facts are listed below the video.

Other facts about Georgia:

State Bird: Brown Thrasher
State Tree: Live Oak
State Flower: Cherokee Rose
State Vegetable: Vidalia Onion
State Wildflower: Azalea

When Danny and I got married, I had live Azalea bushes brought in as our only plants. I wanted pure white flowers. They were blooming during April. Until today, I did not know that the Azalea was Georgia's state wildflower. Danny is from Georgia! This is another sweet confirmation from my Father that Danny is the only Georgia boy for me!

Silly Songs with Momma

2011-05-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

" Bathmat, Jelly Dollars!!! Dollars!!! Bathmat Jelly Dollars!!!! Jelly Dollars, Jelly, Jelly, Dollars." Bathmat Jelly Dollars!!!" And so it went. We sang with our best opera voices. Will you remember this? Why did we make this silly song? All of this just to remember my grocery list! What a friend you are to keep me entertained with all of this fun! I love you, my son.

This is tonight's entry from "My Son..." , the private blog I have set up as my online journal for Daniel. I have one for Bethany called, "The PrincessPapers." I thought tonight's entry from "My Son..." would be fun to share. We needed 3 things from Walmart so we made up this silly song. Dollars? No, they cannot be purchased at Wallyworld, but you can ask for dollar bills in change so that said children's allowances can be paid in
$1's.

Georgia History Week of 5/9/11

2011-05-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

This week in Exploring Georgia we plan to cover lessons #4 through #7. We'll be learning about the Symbols of Georgia (did you know that Georgia has had 5 state flags?), the location, size, and weather of Georgia, and the land and waters of Georgia.

Our projects this week are: a salt-dough map of the state of Georgia. There are a few different methods for making salt dough maps, and since this project will be the first I've made, I decided I would check out a few different resources on the how-to's of salt dough map making. Some suggest letting the dough dry before painting. In this video they take another approach.
The video teaches you to roll out the dough and then put the map on top and cut out the dough accordingly. I like that approach better than putting the dough on the map and spreading it out.

Here is a blogpost from Teacups in the Garden on another method. I like the way she teaches labeling the map.

The other project we'll tackle is charting the weather for the various portions of the state of Georgia. Just this week, Bethany's Saxon Math lesson was on graphing, so this will be the perfect project to reinforce a useful skill.

I am enjoying Notgrass Company's Exploring Georgia. Their lessons are practical, doable, and Biblical. What a wonderful introduction to a state that holds so much of the Wright Family's history.

Exploring Georgia

2011-05-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today we begin our study of the state of Georgia, called Exploring Georgia, by Notgrass Company. Exploring Georgia is a state study comprised of 75 lessons that include a Teacher's Manual and a spiral-bound Student Notebook. The notebooks are page after page of matching, coloring pages, map excercises, places for copywork, writing excercises about all things Georgia! See, we're headed to Georgia for about a month toward the end of May, and I couldn't think of anything more fun than finding a curriculum to help us make the most of our time there.

The beauty of homeschooling is that nothing has to be wasted.It reminds me of being a Christian in that Christ intends and desires to teach us through all of our experiences.

Today's lesson was essentially the reading of a long list of words describing Georgia: its features, landmarks, well-known businesses and people, and the like. The children are taking their knowledge and putting it to work doing a word search. I love word searches. THEY love word searches. There's something about looking for these specific words that will help them remember some of the facts about Georgia.

Our scripture for the day is Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lords, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it."

This week we'll finish: Lesson 2 "The People of Georgia" (Genesis 1:27) and Lesson 3 "Meet Four Georgia Families" (Psalm 68:6).

The Beauty of a List

2011-04-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Lists. Lists are mental bookshelves. Lists give one a sense of accomplishment. Lists are filing cabinets. Lists are my friend! I began the day making a list of homeschooling projects that need to be completed for this year. Here is what is on that list:

Complete our Science Notebooks from our Chemistry Co-Op
Compile our 2010-2011 Portfolios
Finish that one last meeting for our Chemistry Co-Op

Mind you, this is but a partial list, but it was motivating and mentally helpful for me to put down what I know needs finishing at this point.

Then I started on a second list. It is a combo of family things/homeschooling items that we accomplished this last year. I like this list better because it's longer. In the context of a relocation that occured over the summer and into the fall, it helps me feel that our year was not a total loss. (I have a homeschooling planner that I keep as well that I frequently look back on for the same reason. It's easy to feel like things are just half-done, and that can be so discouraging.) Looking at the full part of the glass is a lot more fun, and it takes the punch out the enemy as the Lord reminds me: "Kathy, this has been a good year. You've done well." I want my Heavenly Father's approval more than anything, and these are some of the things He's reminded me of:

Field Trips to the following:

Tandy Leather Factor
Capitol Museum in Phoenix
Herpetological Society
Play: "Prince and the Pauper"
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Ostrich Farm

We began using our local library on a regular basis.

Bethany took two co-op classes through a local co-op: History of Arizona, and Intro. to Literature: Chronicles of Narnia. This was really good for her. Instruction from others is a good thing, and she met some children that were not in our Homeschooling group.

Roller Skating Lessons:
We live a 1/2 mile from a really good roller rink. I signed us up for roller skating lessons, and the children are loving it. They even learned how to skate backwards!

Here are some more things we did that are significant for various reasons:

We planted a garden.

Bethany taught herself how to weave.

The children participated in a Soccer League & a Field Hockey League.

We had a science co-op with another family in our homeschooling group. Chemistry is fun!

We went to a play, "Robin Hood," as a family. We talked about how live performances are more fun and challenging to the actors.

We went on our annual family camping trip with Mary Lee: nothing like really good traditions

We added in a great Art curriclum this year.

We participated in our homeschooling group's art show with our own projects.

Bethany went to a sleep over. She also had a friend spend the night recently.

Bethany taught herself how to roller blade.

Big friends and Little friends: our much larger yard and more centrally located home added to our desire and ability to host big and little people for fun times throughout the year. Socialization in homeschooling: the least of our problems!

Ordered our Exploring Georgia curriculum to help us enjoy and make the most of our extended stay in the Atlanta area this summer. On your mark, adventure set, go!
This list is far from exhaustive but marks a few things we've done and are doing. It really has been a good year!

Happy Resurrection Sunday

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

I love combining worship and art. I'm so glad that death couldn't keep Him.

Lord, give to me a bigger view of You, the Victor over sin, death, and the grave. May I follow that Christ, being You, with eternity in sight. I want to run to win.

Sneak Peek

2011-04-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

I feel like the richest woman in the world. Not only do I get to be a wife, mom, and teacher (Yes, I'm a homeschooling fanatic!), but I also have the privilege of being a worship leader. I can say that God has had His hand on me from day one,through every carefree and happy childhood day and every trial and triumph of adult life, its obstacles and seeming impossibilities. There is simply NO WAY I could do anything, anything, without His favor and life in me. Weeks such as this prove that over and over again.

I thought I'd provide a link to the Worship Team Blog for Covenant of Grace, my home fellowship. In case you want a small peek into a part of my next few days, you'll get a pretty good idea of what's happening. When you get there, click on the link to Easter 2011. Then....
S C R O L L D O W N to the videos and listen to all of them or atleast the first one, Stay Amazed.

If you don't feel like following the link, and that's cool, then listen here.

On Bethany's 11th Birthday

2011-04-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

My little lovely, age 11. Lovely's little brother with a glimmer in his eyes.

Bethany's decided her smile looks pretty this way. I agree. Daniel looks like he's up to something. I agree.

This is after we went to Denny's for Bethany's birthday lunch. Bethany is thinking that she enjoys being eleven. Daniel's thinking about dessert!

Danny and I are so blessed.

Really???

2011-04-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Really?

Organizing Organization

2011-03-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

I love organizing. I love organization. Knowing that, think it not odd that I would be drawn to this. Just Mommies, a website for Moms and Moms to be, has a page dedicated to helping in the area of organization, and in fact, you can print off month by month, a plan to help with the daily, weekly, and monthly/seasonal needs of a home. Here is the planner page for the month of APRIL. Now, wanting organization and keeping organization are two different things. I so admire of those for whom this is not overwhelming. It simply comes naturally to them. I desire it, but follow-through dogs me day in and day out. Sometimes I don't know where to start. When that happens I make a list, and onto the planner or sticky note it goes.

Just Mommies plan doesn't have to be done item by item, but it atleast provides a structure I think I can live with for the long haul. So, to the printer I'm going. This can be printed and posted, or printed and 3-hole punched and put in a binder. Since I like office supplies, I think I'll 3-hole punch it.Or, you can always save it on your favorites bar and bring it up at the beginning of the day for your "assignment." Even if only 50% of the items on the calendar are completed, atleast 50% are done! If you're curious, need extra help like me, or just want to pass this on to someone else, then have at it.

Praying for the World

2011-03-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had an idea that we would take a country, lay hands on that country name on the globe, and pray for them. We finally remembered to do that today. My country was Venezuela, Daniel chose Columbia (right next to Venezuela), and Bethany chose China. She said her strategy is to go from the biggest to the smallest country. So, China it is.

It was really a special time. We didn't pray long, and we mainly prayed for the saved and the lost of the country. That is the most important thing to pray about for anyone. We also prayed for provision for the people, we prayed against corruption, we prayed that they would see the One True God, and we also prayed for "the faithful", as Daniel put it.

We love the world the Lord made, and I am confident He has heard our prayers. I look forward to the day when Jesus Christ shows us the results!
This is how we began our time with the Lord today.

Sweet Jesus

2011-03-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

A song for the weary, a song for the thankful. A song for both. Lord, may today be Your day in a true and pure way. We desire to bring undivided hearts to Your sanctuary. We surrender. You know best.

Tug of War

2011-03-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

There's a little tug of war that goes on in me almost non-stop. One moment I'm tugged like this, "You can do it. That work book on planets is really interesting. Just pick it up, divide the number of lessons out at two per week, and just begin. The children will like it. It's okay if it's not in the curriculum you bought this year. Use what you have." Then the other side gives it a yank, "You've wasted so much time. Start fresh in the Fall. Maybe you'll really know what you want to do by then. Maybe you'll have it all mapped out. Maybe you'll have it all together." Yielding to that particular side I can tell you that maybe will never come, and then more time gets wasted because I didn't pick up that book and just get after it.

Then there's the whole topic of purchased, but un-used or partially used curriculum. I wonder how long I could go and actually use what I have; no, not the stuff that really won't work, but the ones I've started and haven't finished. Then to add to the dilemma, I do more curriculum research and find another kind of curriculum or approach to lesson plans (which has happened in the last 48 hours) that I love. Impressive, huh.

Part of this can be explained by my new found love for learning. I am enjoying exploring what is out there. I am so thrilled that we have this great opportunity and calling to homeschool. Danny and I have even joked that someday I may just do something in the world of homeschooling consulting once my own are grown. But what about the balance? There has to be a balance found between the time spent "looking" and researching, and really getting down to the nitty-gritty, hard-core part of teaching. The greatest satisfaction is sure to come by applying consistency and commitment to teaching. I can trust God for the results.

Lord, help me to seek your face as wife and mother, instructor and mentor. I love this beautiful world of homeschooling. I love the many ways learning happens. I love the varied approaches of Classical, Charlotte Mason, Eclectic, and the like. Please teach and instruct me, your student Kathy, in how I can be a better manager of the many resources at my fingertips here in my own home. I also ask that You help me redeem any hours that I have wasted. You blessed me with two precious jewels, and I want nothing more than to please You.

How To Home School Today | The 16 Greatest Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make

2011-03-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best articles I've seen on homeschooling, so I'm passing it on. I'll be printing this one out and putting it in my binder ASAP!

How To Home School Today | The 16 Greatest Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make

Menu Minuet

2011-03-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

You'll notice I didn't say Monday Menu Minuet Moment!

Wednesday:
Tuna Casserole

Thursday:
Tacos

Friday:
Breakfast for Dinner: Pancakes & Sausage

Saturday:
The thrill of the grill: Steak & Potatoes

Sunday:
Chicken Enchiladas

Monday:
Taco Salad

Tuesday:
Chili Dogs

And that wraps it up for Menu Minuet.

My New Do!

2011-03-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

It's here. It's a techno up-do! I am so thrilled with the results of my new blog header from Simply Yours. Their service was amazing, and the results are equally so! Thank you, Hilary!

The Unveiling

2011-03-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to this:

I'm always on the look for the freebie blogger templates of which there are many. I decided to go for it and pay for it, but not too much. I'm looking at it like a fresh coat of paint! I should get my download code in about 48 hours. Can't wait. Can you say, "Experiment. Hope it works." I trust it will.

For your own fresh coat of paint, go here.

Great Defender

2011-03-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Feeling vulnerable or unprotected? No more, my friend. You have Christ if indeed you do know Him. Romans 8:31 says, "If God be for us, then who can be against us." This is the same God who "works all things together for our good, to those that love Him, and are called according to His purpose." I find it wonderful that Romans 8:31 is tagged onto the passage we are all so familiar with in Romans 8:28. Be encouraged, strengthed, and at rest in the sovereign hand of the Father.

Leann's beautiful music here.

2011-03-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

I am going to make a list for you to read. What is on this list are the victories I have had so far today. I love how Jesus takes a day that Satan wants to use to overwhelm and discourage us, and He turns it into a victory day.

1. We had school.

While we're not quite done, we're doing it. We're doing it! Am I rejoicing? Yes, because I know that this is our calling and the enemy of my soul has been trying to intercept God's plan with his, and we're not falling for it.

2. I made the menu for the rest of the day.

What? You mean you don't have your menu planned for the MONTH? Yep, I do not have the menu planned for the month. No I don't, and I was overwhelmed by even that. One of the lines in the song of my mind was, "Let me....overwhelm you!...." Remember the song, ""Let Me Entertain You"....same tune, just different words.

3. I got to speak the word, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" over my son while he was doing school.

He is an excellent reader, speller by nature, but cannot stand getting a handle on the dictionary. His English assignment was dictionary work. I said that word over him and by the time I was done he was laughing! : ) I loved it.

4. I got to pray for my husband over the phone.

I saved this one for last because it's where my victory came in. I was able to pray over him and bless him by blessing the choices he's made for our family eventhough he feels most of them have failed. No, I choose to bless. I'm not being an ostrich, but I am simply blessing Him as being created by God with the mind of Christ. When I prayed for him (not for myself) is when I began to have the release into the victories of the day that the Lord already had planned.

I am practically embarassed to even list these things that I've struggled with today. I can live with that. Maybe someone else can relate to this. I'm just thrilled to get to experience God's strength even in doing the simplest and most ordinary of tasks. To God be the glory.

A Favorite Childhood Memory

2011-03-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

Today I told my children about one of my favorite childhood memories. In fact, I tried to demonstrate it.

My Dad is an identical twin to an identical red-headed fella who looked....just like him. Having a twin for a Dad was cool, but at times it was confusing. When they both had on their sunglasses, well, it was any man's guess on who was who. Or any child's guess!

The twins, as they were called by some, were both gifted athletes, and played college-level sports. I'm sure they had their favorite sports, but in my view there was nothing they couldn't conquer. They both excelled in football. Their love for the sport continued off the field and beyond their college days.

One of the things I remember so well was, after an evening meal it was not uncommon for my Dad and my Uncle to run down the lane of our house, across the highway, into another pasture area (we lived on a ranch about 10 miles from town, and my Uncle lived on the property as well), and all the while they were running they would be passing the football back and forth, back and forth, talking the whole time, running the whole time. Wow, their stamina! I don't recall anything that was ever said, but I remember trying to tag along as far as our feet would carry us for as long as possible. I even remember trying this on dry-crusted over mud/dirt with no shoes! This was their time. I'm not sure how often it happened, but I can say it left a permenant record in the joy of my childhood memory bank. So, today, I made my effort to instill the memory and the skill into my children out in our backyard.

Out we went, football in hand, and I demonstrated. I wonder if Dad and Uncle Don had lots of holes to dodge then like I did today? 'Course, that's what backyards are for; digging, running, kicking soccer balls, making memories. The children loved it. They have a fascination with Danny's and my childhood, and it was fun to dust off one of the many highlights of my own and give it a whirl. They plan on practicing! I'll have to check in with our Grandkids someday, (yes....out there, waaaay out there) and see if it took!

Making a Difference

2011-02-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

It made a difference when I said, "Yes," to my son's request to peel a potato when I really felt like saying no. It made a difference when I kissed him on top of the head and said, "Thank you for being my blessing today." It made a difference when I sang along to the Children's Hymn CD while he and I worked side by side. It is making a difference when I have my daughter agree to do a very thorough cleaning of our bathroom weekly for the month of March to pay for the hamster bedding we had to purchase today. She is paying for it by her labor. I don't want to give her everything. She appreciates it more when she works for it. Not only that, but she wants to pay me with her work. I want to reinforce her God-given conscience.

Every now and then the Lord turns my face and my heart toward a "mother moment in action" and reminds me that it is making an eternal difference. Whether I'm building or reinforcing, the smallest to the most significant action as a mother makes a difference. How do you see your daily tasks?

You Desire

2011-02-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

We pray and sing over our children each night. Still. While I doubt that the nubby now much slimmer from being loved Teddy Bear will not be at Daniel's side when he is a more grown young man, I hope I'll be somewhere in the vicinity at night, still singing and praying over my son. My daughter too. The scriptures we pray and the songs we sing over them are the same each night. What isn't the same is the prayer I pray over them. Because it's our routine, though, it is easy to go into autopilot, even in prayer. But tonight I began to contemplate my own mortality, silently of course, as I was by Daniel's side ready to pray. Interesting is that it changed the way I prayed. It brought a clearer focus in my praying, and I prayed something like this:

Lord, You desire than Daniel would love you with all his heart, soul, mind, and
strength. You desire that he would not lean on his own understanding, but that in all his ways he would acknowledge you and you will direct his paths. You desire that he would walk in wisdom. You would desire that he would be a man of prayer. You would desire that he would love Your Word.
I'm sure there were more "You desire's", and then I added:

What You desire for him is Your best. This is not a list of don'ts and
cant's but Your very best that You have in
mind.

As a mother who will not live forever in a mortal body I know the day will come when I will part with this earthy life and enter into eternity with Christ. I don't want to pray in auto pilot mode over my children. I want to hear the present word on His heart. And then I want to pray just that.

For the Love of Reading

2011-02-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

Danny and I feel so blessed in that our children are readers. They devour books. They typically will take a book with them wherever we happen to go in case they have a few spare moments. We have always preferred to buy our books as the children will read them over and over again. Multiple times. We have also included reading aloud as part of our family time on a regular basis. Our criteria: must be excellent and enjoyable for the whole family. Our love for reading has always reflected itself in our curriculum choices. We prefer the literature-rich selctions we find in Beautiful Feet Publishers, our favorite history curriculum, as well as the collection of books offered by Sonlight Publishing, another great curriculum choice.

Recently, we've begun to frequent our local library. Bethany is taking a literature class that requires her to write a report each month, and so off to the library we've gone to see what we could find. Not only have we found what we needed, but we've found some things that we wanted. We recently discovered the Freddy book series, by Walter Brooks. These great books are just fun and funny to read. The Freddy book series consists of 26 books that are centered around talking animals with the main star being Freddy, the pig. Freddy is the consumate pig-he does it all: he oversleeps, overeats, and overreacts. Mr. Brooks wrote his series over the course of about thirty years, from 1927-1958, at which point they were then published. Daniel may be the greatest Freddy fan the library has seen in years!

Bethany is interested in the American Girl series, although tonight she checked out Book One of the Elsie Dinsmore series. We love the Elsie stories, and have two volumes of the Elsie books on Audio CD. She and Daniel both have read the entire Narnia series a number of times. She also loves biographies and books about other countries. Danny and I often wonder what the Lord is going to do with the love that she has for His wide-world.

Tonight, I checked out "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch." This book was a winner of the 1956 Newberry Medal. It's included in many History curriculums I've looked at since we've been homeschooling, so I can't wait to dig in.

There's something satisfying about going to the library. I don't begrudge those who neglect the gift of a good book; I admit, a nice heavy dose of HGTV would do my soul some good every now and then. Somehow, though, I grieve almost when I think about the missed opportunity that can be found only in books; imagining characters, their accents, imagining where they may have lived, what life was like in their era. And then there's the vocabulary of those early times. Oh, there's so much to discover!

As I write, the house is almost completely silent. Other than the sound of the kitty's crunch crunch at her food bowl, you'll hear the swoosh of the turning of another page as two of the cutest faces in the world are stuck behind their book of choice. And so goes the end of another day for our homeschooling family.

Rod and Staff Comfort

2011-02-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

On my list for the homeschooler with preschoolers: THIS from Rod and Staff Publishers. A set of 4 books from Rod and Staff Books, for only $9.00, looks like one of the sweetest introductions to official learning I've seen in a long time. Capturing the lightbulb moments shouldn't be missed and won't be with Rod and Staff's thoughtful curriculum. Because I know where Rod and Staff is heading with their instruction methods, because they are a tried and true Publisher of Christian Curriculum, because I wish I had a little one to bless with their methods, I don't hesitate to recommend this set of books. Take a peak. I'd love about a dozen more little people so I could take a running start at the preschool years again. Curriculum doesn't have to be expensive to be good. This is written proof!

Rear-View Mirror

2011-02-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

"One day this week when I was having a horrible no good very bad day (Monday) Bethany wanted to read me Proverbs 31. I passed. Daniel wanted to read me Lamentations. I almost took him up on it!"

So, walk with me. With my hopes set higher than you can imagine I began the week in school. We dove headlong into math. However, right behind the math book was the transluscent mile-high will of a 10 year-old girl in response to the reality that she would not, after all, get to spend the entire morning, stretched out in comfort of her own bed with the Princess and the Pea mile-high mattress, reading. My very own offspring! The apple that didn't fall far from her father's tree (and I chuckle, of course!). A daughter with an iron-clad will. While I know it will serve her well throughout her life, it IS a force to be reckoned with, and wreck, we did! (Why is it that some days resistance feels like failure? What a tricky disguise!)

After I took my heap of a body and threw it on my bed and boo-hooed (not proud of it, but it's true), I called my sweet heart, the one who just'd traveled cross-country to Georgia to paint, vacuum, fix windows, and work with sheet rock on a rental. Oh, and I'll spare the details but suffice it to say, he was overjoyed. Not really. "How hard can it be?" he asked. Worse than hard. Try near impossible. With my head in my hands, truly, and in tears but able to text friends for prayer, wisdom came knocking at the bedroom door. "Mom, we didn't start our day in the Word and in prayer." Oh. She's done it again. I can't tell you how many times I've been flattened by the wisdom of these innocent children of mine. Lord, don't you know how humbling this is? Again? I righted my ship and went out to the living room, except that now it's ME in a bit of a sulk. My children go for their Bibles. I have mine, and we proceed to Scene 2: (see my quote at the top of the page.)

Tonight, when I was replying to Gina, of Journaling Gina, I kind of replayed the scene from Monday in my mind's eye. Gina was writing about Proverbs 31, and I couldn't help but recall the lack of desire I had to read that passage. Bethany had suggested it as a way to get us back on course. I just wasn't up for it. Oh, there are times when the Word is almost like rocks in my shoe, or fingers on the chalkboard of my own weak soul, or...the faithful wounds of truth spoken from my own child, perhaps. I am learning. Ever learning. I am humbled. I look back in the rear-view mirror of this week now, and I am thankful that Christ has not left me to myself. His mercies are new every morning. He sees me as what I'll become though He sees right through who I am in my worst of moments. Proverbs 31? In His time. In His time.

2011-02-04T08:18:00.001-08:00

This morning, about ten minutes before 9:00, my son, still in early morning slumber called out to me from his bed, "Mom, would you please play the piano?" "Yes," I said. I had signed up for a prayer time from nine until ten this morning for our church's monthly day of 24 hour prayer- a first Thursday of the month assignment. Knowing that time was coming, I sat down at the piano and begin to sing something that began while I was taking a shower. "Let everything that has breath-praise the Lord, praise the Lord..." and it continued, and I played and played and played.

Then Daniel came to me and said, "Mom, it is impossible for anyone to do what you do." The voice of my Lord was coming through my child in that moment. Each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. My song to the Lord is Christ expressing Himself through me in a way that no one else can. Or should. A seemingly silent snowflake falls. A song is lifted up to Heaven. Each one is unique and carries the thumbprint of it's Creator. Let everything, everything....that has breath praise the Lord.

Happy Saxon Math Teacher

2011-01-26T21:59:00.000-08:00

A happy math teacher may seem to be an oxymoron to all of the unhappy math teachers out there. Math not being my strong point, I was, for a long time, just struggling with being a math teacher, happy or not. The happy adjective has been added to my job description because I am/we are realizing the fruit of a faith-choice in our math curriculum. We're using Saxon Math specifically Math 5/4 for Bethany, our 5th grader. Most know about Saxon's grade designations. Math 5/4 is for the average fourth grader or a 5th grader needing remediation.

I sat down today and made a list of how many different math curriculums we've used for Bethany. Between figuring out one that she could learn from and one that I could teach, it took awhile to find a good fit. Even after we found Saxon it still took awhile. She had gotten a bit spoiled from Horizons colorful approach to its workbooks. (Our son is happily using Horizons, I might add.) The problem I have with Horizons is that it doesn't really teach the why's of math. It teaches the how's. But if math doesn't come naturally to you....all the more reason to know the why's. It doesn't come naturally to Bethany, but interestingly, she says it's her favorite subject. The fun part of that is that she knows she will need math in farming, and truth be told, that's her present motivation. My Dad is a farmer/rancher, and so I find her love for math downright charming.

Saxon is not only giving Bethany a good foundation in math (early geometry and algebra) by teaching the hows and whys of math, it is also teaching her how to learn. It's teaching her to exhaust all avenues for understanding the concept before asking the teacher. In every question of the mixed practice section is a number that refers the student back to the lesson or lessons where the concept used was introduced. Bethany looks at the number, for example, lesson #21, turns back to that lesson to understand the problem that involves the terms perpendicular, right angles, intersecting, etc. When she came to me today, she had already on her own taken that important step of trying to read and research what she had already learned about the concept.

Another plus to Saxon is something I consider an important transition in education, a.k.a. a necessary evil, and that is, you don't work out of a workbook. All of the math problems are to be written out on paper (graph paper is best), and you have to show your work. Try explaining that to someone who knows the answer and doesn't think you should have to show your work. High school math requires it of you, so the student benefits by starting now! It's been an important tool in understanding accuracy in writing, transcribing problems etc. In summary, nothing but benefits in choosing Saxon math.

I am so thrilled to see these steps of maturity in Bethany's study skills and learning habits. Thanking the Lord for how He has led us in this triumphant procession across miles and miles of other math curriculum pages. Progress. Satisfaction. Foundation strengthening. Saxon. Peace at last for a math teacher in the works!

Stone Soup Cleaning 101

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Stone soup. You know the story. The soldiers come into town hungry and tired. They ask for something to eat, but no one has anything. So the soldiers find a big pot, add some stones and water, and it begins to boil. They wait. One by one, the town peasants bring onions, then potatoes, carrots, and you can see where this is going. Eventually their hunger is satisfied. I LOVED the story of stone soup when I was growing up. I could just see it, and, I think I could smell it too!

It all began on Saturday morning when I spotted my bargain bag of 3lb/$1 oranges. They were looking slightly shriveled as they lay in their netted bag, a bit dimpled. While on the official hunt for the official fruit bowl (which I find), I discover its contents to be a handful of much older clementines, two sweet potatoes, and one still nice and firm red onion. Knowing that my onions and potatoes are supposed to go in my orchard basket in the pantry, I open the pantry door. I spot my orchard basket, pull it out, and proceed to empty it of one bad onion, dried onion peel, a handful of Ritz crackers (cracker, anyone?), and oh, I think a twisty-tie or two. Now, not only is this becoming personal, (I just wanted to put away my oranges!), I conclude that this haphazard method of organization (oxymoron!) isn't doing anyone any favors. I can do better. And so begins the clean. One clean shelf begets another clean shelf, and that clean shelf begets another, and then another, and the next thing I know, contents of honey containers are combined, all snacks are happily packed away in the official snack box, and I could go on and on.

There's just something about things being in their place. We are a busy family in our own way. Though we don't have as many outside activities as most families, we have a lot going on that can contribute to a much needed dose of stone soup cleaning: homeschooling, worship leading, homeschool support group leadership, fun with friends, more fun with friends, Danny's ever-changing flight schedule, the mandatory doctor's appointments: it can get disorderly p r e t t y fast around here. Today just seemed to be the day to do something about it, and I couldn't be happier with the results. And to think this story began because I wanted to put away a bag of oranges!

Socks Blessed Off

2011-01-15T10:33:00.001-08:00

"Dear Jesus,

Thank you for this food, thank you for my Mommy, thank you that she's homeschooling me, thank you that she is a Christian, thank you that she's raising me in the Lord, thank you for this food, and help Daddy to get back safe from work when he has to go, and thank you for this food. In Jesus name, Amen."

Brunch-time prayer of Thanksgiving by son as he and his sister play toys in her room. I love the heavy emphasis on being thankful for the food! Brunch was served atop a cardboard box table while they played. My own personal socks have been blessed right off. Blessing one: this prayer. Blessing two: having a family to serve. Blessing three: knowing it will count for eternity. At this rate, my socks may not go back on for some time. I would love to hear about your top three for today!

Making Curriculum Work for You

2011-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm posting a link from Chris at Wierd, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. This is one of the most clear-cut pieces on How to use your curriculum, and not let your curriculum use you that I've read in a while.

It's almost nine in the morning, I'm still in my jammies, and we haven't started our homeschooling yet. Yesterday, Bethany and I cracked the first book at 7 in the morning. Today, it will probably be 9 a.m. Hubby had to get up at 3:30 to fly, and honestly, I feel like I used to feel when the children were infants and I was doing that middle of the night feeding, and attempting to function, and....I'm sure you know the feeling. So, as I sit in my red and white striped jammies and a cup of very good coffee in hand, I am at rest in my homeschooling mama's heart. A Saxon math book awaits, and behind it First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind, and shall we not forget as well, Apologia Biblical Worldview Curriculum. And about that copywork! On the heels of reading this inspiring post, I'll enjoy X'ing out every other math problem, and doing a 20 minute language lesson instead of a 30 minute lesson. I plan on starting with the fun "experiements" that are in our Bible Curriculum today. (You wouldn't believe how quiet it is in my house right now!) Now, click on the link and hop on board a really inspiring article. I'm due for a coffee warm-up!

Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers: Making Curriculum Work for You

Where Most People Don't Go On Vacation

2011-01-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

Bethany had always said she wanted to live in the Antarctic. She's doing a project on Antarctica for her literature class (we haven't made the connection yet, but we think the teacher knows what she's doing. This is for one of two co-op classes she's taking). This video is one of the things I came across while looking for some informative websites. Watch this:

It's not uncommon for children to want to be a policeman, no, a fireman, wait, a Doctor, and ...well, you get the idea. In our house it revolves around moving, and where they want to live. Antarctica was tops on Bethany's list, then it became Pennsylvania where she would be an Amish person. Once we explained how difficult it was to break in to their tight knit communities, she decided to strike out on her own and move to Wyoming. Some would say that's like Antarctica. Now that Israel is at the top of her list, Antarctica makes a nice safe project for her to write about.

Favorite quote : "Difficulties are just things to overcome." from Sir Ernest Shackleton, the English Explorer of Irish descent who became fascinated with the South Pole. He made several expeditions in an attempt to cross the Continent of Antarctica. Although he did not accomplish that goal in particular, the story of his attempts are nothing short of inspirational. This is a short clip featuring a documentary called Endurance. I hope to watch it in its entirety someday.

TubeHome.com Video from everywhere!

Favorite thought: I probably won't have to travel to Antarctica to visit my future grandchildren.

Thought Provoking

2011-01-06T16:09:00.001-08:00

I just returned from attending the Memorial Service of a very special friend's Father. My friend, Kristi, blogs here. (This is Kristi on the right, with her papa, and her other sister to the left.)

I have to tell you that Kristi and I met at a local Mall. We were total strangers about 6 years ago when we went with our children to the mall that neither of us frequented. While taking a respite in the play area with our respective children, we met (by divine appointment), and became instant friends, so much so that we shuttled our children up the elevator to the food court(she only had two at the time, but now has four blessings!), and had lunch together. The best part about meeting Kristi was not just meeting a new friend, but meeting a sister in the Lord.

Over these last few years we've gotten together many many times with our families, shared meals, been to their family get-togethers, and have become just that, family. They always were so quick to include us in birthday parties for their children, and in fact, hosted my own surprise party when I turned forty-five. So, today, it was not a hard decision to make in deciding to travel an hour and 1/2 north to honor the life and memory of Larry William Price. He went home to be with Jesus on Christmas Eve.

Today, I learned a lot. I learned a lot about Mr. Price, and I learned more about my dear friend, Kristi.I learned that the apple truly does not fall far from the tree. Five minutes of reading Kristi's blog will reveal wit and humor that apparently has come right down the pipeline, atleast as far up as her Dad anyway. As a young man, Larry once feined being blind, cane, sunglasses and all, in order to get in free to a movie, a drive in, with friends. Pretty funny. Pretty clever. After all, he shouldn't have to pay if he can't see. On a different side, I also learned that Kristi's mother and father invited a family of six to live with them when Kristi and her sister were small. This was a family in between homes, (they worked for a rescue mission) and needed a place to stay. The Price family embraced them and welcomed them just like Kristi and her family did with us. I realized that Kristi's gift of welcoming was modeled by her mother and father. One of the most profound moments to me was when his childhood friend, an individual who confessed with his own words that he was not a person of faith, shared with us this: what and who everyone was saying Larry was in their lives; lover of God, lover of family, faithful to his wife, faithful to his church, honest, hard-working, humble,was who he was when those people were not around. When the walls were down, his friend testified, Larry was the same. There was no difference. There was no double standard, no hypocricy. I cannot think of a summary any better than that of what our lives ought to be to the world around us. My prayer is now that this man would come to know the Saviour of his soul. I hope it will come soon for him.

Mr. Price was a well-respected Nuclear Engineer. He was the first to receive a degree in Nuclear Engineering from Arizona State University. He was at the top in his field, in his faith, and in his family. Today he is with the Lord. Today, I love his daughter even more. I'm going to spend quite a bit more time thinking about everything I saw and heard today.

Today's Grace

2011-01-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today I am giving myself the grace to clean and tidy up. We've all been a little punky with colds lately, and things are not where they need to be. I have the next two weeks of lesson plans in the planner, but today, it waits. (Note: Generally I don't discard school plans to clean unless things are in such disarry that I can't function.) Tonight, the Homeschool Leadership meeting is at our house, and will be for the remainder of the semester. Danny and I are co-directors with another couple, the McAffees. Since we moved end of September, our fall meetings were at their house. Now it's our turn. (Oh, to erase all doubt, this is a picture from the computer. Couldn't find a recent "clean" picture of our house....)

A couple of years ago I heard the phrase that as homemakers, our goal is "to bless and not impress." I have adopted that for myself. I can get pretty pushy and bossy when I am under pressure, and my gentle spirit can bark out the orders with the best of 'em. Time becomes like a hammer when I have a deadline, and the closer I get to the deadline, the harder I hammer. I have three eye-witnesses. Oh, four. Yes Lord, you know it all! Great, so you bless the guests by having things in order, but you karate chop your family to accomplish it. Not so good. So, while I have grace to clean, and I am convinced I do, I need the Holy Spirit to follow me around like a dust mop and make sure I'm not scattering seeds of discord in the process.

God, thank you for the grace to clean. I am leaning on You and trusting
that You will coach the pushy Mom in me to become more like you. Oh, this is
your way of cleaning and transforming me? I get it!

Beginning Again

2011-01-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a wide selection of Through the Bible reading plans, check out this website. I actually have one that I printed out from last year that I will continue to use. No, I didn't make it through the Bible last year. Fortunately, God's mercies are new, truly they are, every day. With that in mind, perhaps I'll begin again in my efforts.

One of the things I wanted was a place to click off my reading online so I could see my progress. To the tune of $14 I can do this, but....must I? I think I'll settle for the paper version.

The website I have provided the link to has some AMAZING Bible reading plans, perhaps the most variety I've seen. I especially liked that they had one for new Christians. So please go and check it out. Someone will be encouraged and strengthened because of your efforts.

2011-01-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts about Homeschooling is my own renewed love for learning. I have a new found love for History, Science, and dare I say Math. I already loved Language Arts and anything related to that topic. (Deep inside is a frustrated journalist, architect and geologist, all areas that have interested me over the years.) We also include the Bible. When I look at the list of all the subjects I am interested in there is not a one that is not somehow addressed in the Bible. Yes, even journalism. Enter: Apologia Biblical Worldview Curriculum, Volume 1. This is our Bible curriculum.

For a number of years I would buy a really good Bible Story book, and that met our needs. I am seeing with Daniel that he still has a great need to go over those again. I want them to know the hallmark/anchor stories of God's word. They'll recall them over the years at different times just as I have done. However, Bethany's needs are changing somewhat, so I began to look for a good Bibilical Worldview curriculum. I think I've found it. Two weeks into volume one and my own life is being challenged.

We've been studying how to build our lives upon the rock, and conversely, what to do if we want to build our lives upon the sand. Thank you, but NO, to that. I have "sand moments" as I'll call them, and I much prefer the rock. Romans 12:2 is one the feature verses for the beginning of our study. The more I think about it, the more I like it and want to let it be my mirror verse for the year, the one I stare into to see how it's going, so to speak.

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

As we were working our way through this together I had my own little lightbulb moment. I began to think about the difference between being conformed and being transformed. Conformed is a shaping that comes from an external source, either through something or someone, that we allow. It could be an outside pressure or perhaps a worldly mindset that we've embraced. Transformed, though it may have external components, begins in the interior of the heart and mind. It is a work of God. I cannot transform myself. I can allow myself to be conformed, pressured and shaped, by others and other influences, but only God can bring real transformation.

This year I am praying for transformation. Transformation for myself, our finances, my health and how I take care of my body. I can see how every area of my life is due for an overhaul. A transformation. A work of God. I can see how this verse is like a lifeguard for my heart.

Has God given you anything for this next year? Oh I have more to share, but this is long enough probably. Father in Heaven, have Your way in our lives this year. Help us to surrender all that we are and desire to Your will. Thank you for another year. May we bring glory to Your great name.

Let It Snow!

2010-12-16T07:25:00.001-08:00

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 link for 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.

Reader Thoughts Requested

2010-12-14T11:18:00.001-08:00

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.

Thanksgiving Memories are Being Made Here

2010-11-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

"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 mystery item 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.

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to All

2010-11-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

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.

Giving thanks to God,

Kathy

My 5-Minute Tomato Soup Recipe

2010-11-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

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

Serves: 1 hungry Mom and her two children!

What I've Learned On My Vacation and We Haven't Even Left Town Yet

2010-11-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

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!

Remember Whose You Are!

2010-10-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

You are His!

The humor of Understanding Art

2010-10-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Everything

2010-09-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

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.

I Just Have To

2010-09-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

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.

An Honest Reply

2010-08-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

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 Commentary says 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.

This Looks Yummy!

2010-06-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

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.

First Things First

2010-06-28T12:16:00.001-07:00

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.

Don't Ever Link to This Post!

2010-06-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

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?

The Great Detective Agency

2010-06-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Fun Stuff!

2010-06-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

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?

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

On Worship: Kathryn Scott

2010-05-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

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! : )

About Tonight

2010-05-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-05-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-05-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

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!

This National Day of Prayer

2010-05-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

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.

A Few of my Favorite Random Things

2010-05-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

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!

A Song in Our House

2010-04-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Praying Even Now

2010-04-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Humbly His,
Kathy

Slowing Down to Make a Mess plus Taking Daddy Down

2010-04-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

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.

An Astonishingly Clever Idea!

2010-04-16T08:15:00.001-07:00

"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.

Notes About Unity, Part 1

2010-04-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

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.

When Does Worship Matter

2010-04-10T22:53:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends,

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)

Unexpressed Love

2010-04-09T17:56:00.001-07:00

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.

Our Free Time

2010-04-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

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 and take 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!).

The Therapy of a Post, & One of the Songs We Lifted High!

2010-04-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-29T20:31:00.001-07:00

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.

No Pictures Included!

2010-03-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

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?

Love Languages

2010-03-25T10:21:00.001-07:00

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

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Home: Ed's Loving Welcome

2010-03-15T23:58:00.001-07:00

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.

Songs for Tonight

2010-03-15T23:08:00.000-07:00

I listened to these songs and more before bed tonight. This is my way of drawing nearer to the Lord right now.

Why Church Membership

2010-03-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Family Fun, Family Exhaustion!

2010-03-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

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?

Art to Teach History

2010-03-10T08:05:00.001-08:00

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.

My Favorite Mammal

2010-03-09T11:11:00.001-08:00

"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.

Mission's Flame

2010-03-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

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.

Onomatopoeia

2010-03-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

I follow Apologia on 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...."

2010-02-21T22:16:00.001-08:00

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.

Grandaddy

2010-02-01T22:31:00.001-08:00

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.

Watering Trees

2010-01-30T19:47:00.000-08:00

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.

About Face(book)

2010-01-26T07:57:00.001-08:00

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.

About the Heart

2010-01-25T18:17:00.001-08:00

My heart has been massaged: my heart, the part of me that can feel weary at the end of a long, mothering & everything else kind of day, the part of me that needs to sit and breathe, to receive the ministry of the Lord. So here's how it happened:

Step One: A grateful daughter get's Heaven's eyes for her mother and proceeds to tell her that she looks really young, not just once, but many times. Then she adds that her mother looks like a teenager. (At that point I turn slightly to see what she may be wanting, but she insists it's the truth!)

Step Two: A loving son gets out the rolling pin, a lego-toy with nubby wheels, and with his hands in motion proceeds to give his mother a backrub to beat ALL backrubs.

My response: I laid my head on the desk where I am now sitting, and simply received. Ah, life and peace. From Jesus to me, all because of His great love.

I told the children that they are often the heart and hands of the Lord here in our home, and then ultimately-out there in the world where they will one day be entering into the land and territories He's given them to possess. I pray their children will add to them as they(mine) have added to me. I am blessed. I am refreshed.

How to Receive an Award

2010-01-23T07:20:00.001-08:00

Rule #1: Graciously
Rule #2: Joyfully
Rule#3 Quickly
Rule#4 By Faith

My joy cometh in the morning moment for today was kicked off by the thoughtfulness of my blogging friend, Susan, at Penless Writer. Susan blessed me, perfectly timed I should say, with the 3rd Annual Angel Award in commemoration of her Third Anniversary in Blogging, which is how WE met. Though our meeting has yet to happen in person, it has happened in the spirit for sure. Any opportunity you have to visit Susan's blog will be a blessing. I remember my husband Danny used to say, "You should go by and visit Susan's blog. I think you would really like her!" How right, how very right he was!

By the way, there are really no rules (that I know of) for receiving blog awards, but if you need a method, I thought these were four good ways to do so. I especially liked #4, because Bloggers who hand out awards, especially our friends in the Lord, have the eyes of the Lord for the recipients of their awards. Personally, I have been walking through a bit of a valley over the last few weeks, and I needed Susan's reminder of how the Lord sees me. Susan, thank you so very much. I am very honored. Happy Anniversary!

The Name Game

2010-01-22T18:04:00.000-08:00

I saw this at Susan's (who saw it elsewhere!) and thought it would be fun. Let me know if you decide to do this, and I'll come by and see what you came up with.

All of your different names. Try it with your name!

YOUR REAL NAME: Katherine Lucille Wright
YOUR GANGSTA NAME(first 3 letters of real name plus - izzle): Katizzle
YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color and favorite animal): Yellow Cat
YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (MIDDLE NAME, AND CURRENT STREET): Lucille Donald
STAR WARS NAME (The first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of Mom's maiden name): Wrikaman
YOUR SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Orange Coffee
YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME (Mother's middle name and fathers middlename): Ann Charles
YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets): Black Sparkley Dora (Just couldn't bring myself to choose our Dog's name-"Lady")

Thanks for the fun Susan!

The Missing Link!

2010-01-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

There's a sad, missing link in bloggy world today: followers photos appear to be MIA. I have checked everything, and they're simply not there. Part of the joy of blogging is seeing the faces that make this so much fun every time I pull up my blog. SO.....I'll wait, and hopefully Blogger will get this figured out. I checked my sweetie's blog, and his follower photos are missing also. Anyone else out there having this same problem?

Our Church Family

2010-01-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 56:7 "Even those I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."

Dearest blogging friends, I would like to tell you a bit about where my family and I fellowship each week. Our church is called Covenant of Grace Christian Fellowship. I have the privilege of leading worship for this wonderful multi-generational, multi-national group of believers each week. Better than anything (yes, better than leading worship) is the joy of rubbing elbows with people that I may not even understand 50% of what they say because they're new to America by way of Myanmar or Africa. May I tell you that they challenge ME in worship! From the platform I am able to observe their fervency in worship, their love for the Lord, their willingness to attend and serve diligently week after week after week because they're simply thankful, truly thankful. Thankful for freedom, thankful for opportunity, thankful for life itself.

During the last two weeks two of our families that are new to America have been hit by a cars, one of them as a pedestrian. They're "o.k." physically speaking, hospitalized, but they're alive and we thank the Lord for that. Please join me in praying for God's fullest purpose and destiny to be fulfilled in their lives. They have come for a reason. Their love for the Lord shines like a beacon. I am enclosing a note from one of our Pastors so that there could be names to attach to this request.

"Hi everyone, Please pray for Kee Ha (Burmese man in our church). He was hit by a car last night while riding to minister to some of our Burmese young people. He's in St. Josephs. Len and Moses are there now. I believe he is ok, will update. Also remember Awee Livingstone still recovering from broken bones in an accident."

Let us join together in faithful, fervent prayer. God is greater than the most overwhelming need any of us may be aware of!

How To Add Buttons

2010-01-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

I'm techno-slow, but with persistance I've finally learned how to add buttons! This was my resource. Blogging Basics 101 coached me through adding my favorite buttons. You'll be seeing more of these little guys popping up all over my bloggy garment in the near future.