Contentment

Our house could really use some work! We need new windows, the trim needs painting, there is a leak in our roof...oh boy! I could go on and I bet you have a list of woes in your home too! As I consider my home I stop myself from just listing the bad and am more inclined to list everything that I am thankful for about it! So here it goes...

⚫Every window is in tact!
⚫The doors open and close!
⚫We all have a bed and our own space for our belongings.
⚫The gas and electricity are on and functional!
⚫I have food to eat.
⚫There are large beautiful trees growing all around our home.
⚫It is cool on a hot day and warm on a long winters night!
⚫We have clean clothes to wear each day.
⚫We have clean bedding with plenty of blankets and pillows.
⚫I can cook in the house or out on the grill.
⚫There is plenty of space to play, work or just relax

I could go on and on just like I could when I was thinking about everything wrong with our home. I had to change my focus and then I started going on a more positive track! I don't know about you but that was much more enjoyable then a list of woes!

As I studied the Word recently in my notes section it said that contentment is not given as a gift from God but rather He teaches contentment as I allow Him to be ruler of my life. Contentment does not just happen it is learned, as I trust His authority and plan for my life I can accept the way I look, the means He has given us to live within, the family I have, the struggles that have happened, the jobs we have, and yes even our living arrangements.

It went on to talk about stagnation - standing still, not flowing, bad smelling and foul from no movement, sluggish.  If there are areas in my life that dissatisfy and within God's leading they can be changed then I should pursue God's leading! I should never act as God's people in the Old Testament who ventured out to the Promised Land which was a journey that should have NOT lasted 40 years! Their complaining kept them from the very blessing that God wanted to give them.  So, take the dissatisfaction to God and see if He challenges me to do something, being content in the meantime as I work toward His goals.  There is a balance between "I have learned to be content" and "I can do all things through Christ" (Philippians 4:11, 13)

I must trust that God has given me everything I need for this moment in time! I need to be content knowing that is the ultimate acceptance of Christ's leading in my life.

Being mom

I have been mothering for almost 21 years and I have to admit, it has not gotten any easier. I still struggle with doubts and wondering if I am doing okay. I can look back at things I have done that may not have been the best mothering choice. For instance the time I told Kelsey I was taking a pencil sharpener to the police to be fingerprinted. She swore up and down that she had nothing to do with the broken crayon in the sharpener that I had told her not to put crayons in. Oh, and she was still the only child....hmmmm! She cried and begged me not to go to the police. Yes, it is pretty funny now but it was very upsetting to her then.

Another moment of brilliance was putting a tv in the girls room. It may work for some families but I just couldn't stand waking up at 5:00 in the morning, or other hours of the night, to the sound of cartoons blaring.

How about getting after a little one that keeps coming in my room during the night because her tummy hurts and then she throws up all over her older sisters stuff.  Really, I thought she was just being a pickle. I didn't know she was really sick! Well, I got to clean puke when I would have rather been sleeping, but that is what moms do.

We nurse until we feel like we are just a giant boob, we help a little girl pee by the side of the road because we forgot to have her go potty before we left, we hurry to the school when our little one (a freshmen in high school) won't come out of the bathroom, and we go without so many things so our kiddos can have their needs and wants met.

I wouldn't' t have it any other way! It is not always easy but being a mom is one of the best things that I have been blessed with. I have learned to relax...a lot! It really will be okay. I have learned that a child's way of cleaning does need coaching and guidance but the job they did is better than it was before they started...usually! They are learning and someday I am sure I will enjoy spending time in their homes that they keep just fine.

Now I rarely ever fold laundry or empty the dishwasher because this is part of the girls daily chores. The clothes are sometimes crumpled or the socks don't match but someday, before I know it, I will be back to doing it all. So, for now I am thankful for the ups and downs and the joys of having four wonderful girls. I pray the girls will give me grace and realize that I did the best that I knew to do.

I may even organize my silverware drawer but for now...I'll take it just like it is!

Fish Hatchery

Today marked another homeschool year coming to an end. The day started foggy and a little cooler than expected for an outdoor field trip to the fish hatchery.  As we walked around the grounds the cool breeze felt so good and the scenery was just beautiful.  The kids got to see the holding tanks for fish eggs, and all of the tanks the fish move through until they are ready to be moved to their new home. It only takes about 2 to 3 weeks and the fish are ready for their big move. We also enjoyed feeding the fish at the holding ponds.







 I think the favorite by far was the tadpole tank. The girls could have spent hours at that one tank. There were tadpoles of every size.  It can take up to 2 years for the metamorphosis to take place. God's creation is just amazing! Two weeks and fish are ready for the big lake but two years and many tadpoles are still growing and changing!











When our time came to an end we made our way over to the Rainbow park for a picnic lunch and some great time playing with friends.  I especially enjoy these times because I get to visit with some wonderful ladies.  Some special friendships have developed and spending time catching up is always uplifting to me.  However, I think sometimes I may talk to much at these gatherings. I guess I am making up for all the time I spend around the kids...all day...every day!

It is hard to believe that we have completed our 6th year of homeschooling. I cannot even begin to share with you the ups and downs in this journey so far but as each day ends I know deep down in my heart that the Lord blesses our persistence and perseverance. The ultimate goal is for our children to grow into young women that love the Lord with all of their hearts, soul, mind and strength. Goals are a vision or plan for the future and there are steps to take to reach those goals.  Just like the fish eggs that start out in a small cylinder move to larger tanks as they grow, so are my daughters starting out in my care with my daily guidance.  Eventually they will move to the outside pond just as the fish do.  The fish that have grown strong will continue in the lake and that is our goal with our daughters in their life pursuits that they will move ahead, standing firm and not falling away from the path.  The steps are important...small steps along their path with their direction coming from our amazing creator, the Lord God Almighty!


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Time

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything. Obviously I have not made the time for my  blog in the last several months. I could list out probably by week everything that has deserved my time and attention but that could become painful! Let's just say  I am thankful to have this time tonight to sit and reflect on the past few months.

 I had a day recently that I messaged a good friend asking for prayer because my attitude was in the mud! I was trampling dirty tracks all over my home and was ready to start throwing mud balls at anyone who entered my space. I was feeling messy and life was covering me with a stench that was becoming unbearable...even to myself!

This precious friend took time from her busy schedule and had us over for dinner and then just her and I had lunch a few days later. She made the time for me and that helped me to clear away all that mess. There were no profound revelations about what I should do differently or some promise from God that I was missing. She cared for me, listened to me and let me be transparent to the point of washing all those dirty tracks away!

So, next time you want to get or do something for someone remember that the best thing could very well be your time...simple...yes, but so often just not done.

More of God's love

The separation of two people that love each other is a time that is long, dark and lonely.  This is just how it was in the Old Testament.  The Lord desired closeness with those He loved and they continually turned away from Him and created a vast separation.  There became a veil that kept people from the presence of God.  God could not and would not let that separation continue so He provided the way for us to be in His presence. 

The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell us about that way.  The Lord Jesus was born and lived a sinless life on earth and then took ALL sin upon Himself on the cross.  He was crucified as the sacrifice to cover each of us.  Matthew 27:51 says "Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split"

Wow!  The veil was torn all the way from the top to the bottom, nothing can no longer separate us from His love! That is super exciting and makes me want to do all I can to be closer to Him and share that love with others who have not heard the good news or maybe they are not experiencing it in their lives. 

Those two separated lovers have a goal to be with each other once again. There also is a goal for God's love...eternity.  He wants to be with us forever! 1 John 4:16 says "And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.  God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him."

Our Motivation of Love

The Bookmobile came to our house today!  We are so lucky as homeschoolers in a very small town to have the Bookmobile come right to our house each month.  I always pick about 30 books for my mother-in-law, who can read a book a day.  I then usually pick a bunch of easy readers and books that will go with up coming holidays or themes that are being studied but today I was drawn to the adult non-fiction section and came across the book: Experiencing God Day by Day - The Devotional by Henry and Richard Blackaby.  I thought that it might be a book I would like to read over the next month.  I put it in the crate of books to be checked out.

This evening I sat down with the book and turned to the devotional designated for January 22nd and I was just blown away.  It is just amazing to me that I have been focusing on love...specifically God's love and the title for today's devotion is "Our Motivation of Love"  Shut up!!!  Are you kidding me...no God would not kid me.  So with that said here is that devotional:

Our Motivation of Love

"O righteous Father!  The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.  And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:25-26

You do not "organize" the kingdom of God, you "agonize" the kingdom of God.  You cannot be close to God without being affected by His love.  The heavenly Father loved His Son with an eternal love.  Everything in the heart and life of the Father was released to His Son.  As the Father expressed His love for a broken and sinful world, this passion was manifested through the life of His Son.  The Father initiated His plan to save mankind, and out of a heart of devotion, the Son accepted the assignment that took Him to the cross.

As Jesus walked among people, the Father's love filled His Son.  Jesus recognized that no ordinary love could motivate Him to go to the cross.  No human love could keep Him perfectly obedient to His Father throughout His life.  Only His Father's love was powerful enough to compel Him to commit His life to the saving purpose of His Father.

Jesus prayed that God would place this same love in His disciples.  He knew that no other motivation would be sufficient for the assignments God had for them.  God's answer was to place His Son in them.  It is impossible for a Christian to be filled with this measure of love and not to be on mission with God.

You will be incapable of ministering to everyone God sends you unless you have His love.  You cannot forgive others or go the extra mile with others or sacrifice for others unless you have first been filled with the boundless love of God.  Seek to know the Father and His immeasurable love, then allow His Son to love others through you!


Oh Lord, take me on this journey...you are my motivation of love!

Elements of God's Love

We have all read the famous passage of scripture about love...1 Corinthians 13~ Love is....but there is so much more covered in the scriptures about love.  Some of the elements of God's love that I have come across are:

God's Love is:

• Indestructible~ Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Oh that each of us could just grasp this about God's love for us.  His love IS there and nothing can change that! Of all the circumstances I could go through and endure, even death can not/will not separate me from my Lord!
• Compassionate~ Isaiah 49:15-16 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb?  Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands..." A mother is so devoted to her little ones and imagine that our Lord is even more devoted to us.  The baby cries and I am quick to care for his needs.  In the same way, my God has provided all that I need!
• Constant~ Jeremiah 31:3 "The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you." I have people in my life who always let me down and make me feel unloved but God's love is everlasting and He draws me to Himself.  After I have been so disappointed I sit quietly and ask my Father to wrap His arms around me and just come over me and be near me.  I am never disappointed...He is happy that I have asked for His closeness and I always feel Him!

 With that and the weekend that I just had...I will gladly go and sit quietly in the presence of my Lord.  I need His love for I know that it is indestructible, compassionate and constant!

Mosaics shine!

I recently went to a women's conference that moved me like no other conference I have ever been to.  The speaker, Jana Spicka said, "Intimacy with God is the greatest weapon against...____________."  She filled in the blank but I have left it empty because if we focus on being close to God we can put anything in that blank and it is covered.

She also shared a wonderful object lesson with us.  She had a pretty vase...very lovely to hold flowers or whatever.  She put the vase in a pillowcase and smashed it with a hammer.  That lovely vase was now in pieces... broken sharp pieces, like our life that looks so great from the outside but sometimes we are broken.  We have things that have happened in our lives that make us feel like we are not a whole thing worth anything.  Our broken pieces have sharp edges that hurt those around us and causes us even more pain. The Lord can collect those pieces and carefully put the pieces together even more beautiful than ever.  Jana then showed a mosaic vase...stunning.  But then she lit a candle inside of it and the glow through all of the pieces was just breath taking.  When we let God put all of those pieces together, polish the edges and let Him live inside...He shines so bright and beautifully. 

I had a dream several nights after the conference and it was about the candle.  The candle was inside that first vase but the only light seen was coming from the top of the vase because it was opaque.  As soon as the Lord was allowed to touch the broken pieces of the vase it became transparent.  The pieces were put together with a gentle hand...however sometimes it was hard because the pieces fit together so tightly.  His gentle hand continued until everything was in place and  the candle lit. The glow no longer just came from the top but every broken piece was magnificent and shone with His glory. 

Every pain, hurt, sin...whatever we want to call it can be given to His gentle hand and He will put it together in a way that we could have never imagined.  As I am typing this the song"We Are" by Kari Jobe just came on and she is singing "we are the light of the world...we gotta let the light shine!"  Wow, God I'll take that!!!!

We all have a story and by sharing for real with each other we share that light and His glory.  Don't be afraid of what was broken and what others may think, as my favorite verse reminds me..."He is before all things and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17 (NIV) Every broken part is in Your hands Lord and you hold them together in a beautiful mosaic that shines with Your glory!

My love story with My Lord continues and I look forward to tomorrow!

Love

There are 30 days until Valentine's Day.  I am not a fan of Valentine's Day...never have been and never will be.  I see it as a day conjured up to make us spend money trying to make a point or send a message that we really should be working on every day...I love you!

Love~as defined by the 1931 Webster's dictionary is a noun.  It is a strong feeling of affection, especially to one of the opposite sex; courtship; devoted affection for or attachment to; parental care; a sweetheart.  There is also a verb tense which is to regard with strong affection; feel devotion toward; delight in.

Feel devotion toward and delight in...oh I believe that is so what each of us longs for.  Someone to take notice of us, delight in us and be a devoted witness to our life.  


 In the same way, our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ longs for us! He wants our devotion.  He is already fully devoted to us.  John 3:16 so clearly shows that love. "For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."

Love is more than a noun...more than a good feeling.  It is an action of devotion.  For the next 30 days I am challenging myself and anyone else to explore this love and devotion for Christ.  We say we love Him but is there an action of devotion at other times than when we are at church?  I will be digging into scriptures about love and probing my heart to see what moves me to love being a daily action for others and my Father who calls me his cherished daughter.

I am back!

Well...I am back and it is already 2013! The last two months took it out of me! I crawled into myself and just made it through the holidays.  Nothing extraordinary happened to cause this but anniversaries of the passing of loved ones and Daryl' s job loss, my dad being ill, and some inner conflicts kept me away.

I am not sure my words would have been anything encouraging, up lifting or able to bring an glory to God...so I was quiet. Sometimes that is the best thing to do. Hard to do...yes! Necessary...yes!

I just spent the day with the Lord and was reminded that I need to stop and hear His voice over all of the noise around me. Deliberately ask God to show up and then don't be surprised when He does! Ask for faith to see Him and not miss out on His presence.

So as the new year flies into action I start with this verse. "You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance." Psalm 65:11.

Blessings from my heart to yours!

Prayers

I am not going to share a story or about my life today.  I am just going to ask for everyone to join in prayers for the people in the path of Sandy.  May the Lord bless them and keep them.  May the Lord give them peace and protection.

Pumpkin Goo!

What a wonderful Friday night we had.  It started with the girls blowing bubbles in the sink while I fixed dinner.  We had my favorite, breakfast for dinner!  French toast and bacon hit the spot at the end of this busy week!  After cleaning up dinner, we started pumpkin carving!  The pumpkin Emily picked was not ripe and I have never had such a hard time cutting through a pumpkin.  Since it was so hard to cut through Emily decided to use the drill and make polka dots all over it.  We started out in the house but after a few holes and pumpkin goo shooting all over the dining room...we took it outside.  Erin had fun running the pumpkin goo through her hands!

After picking pumpkin goo from my hair, we got the pumpkin seeds ready for roasting. I love to eat them and can't imagine throwing the seeds away.  I know so many people that do.  If you are unsure how to roast them, it is so easy!  Here is what I do:

Roasted pumpkin seeds
Wash the seeds in cold water and drain well.  Mix 2 tbsp. vegetable oil and 1 tsp. salt in the bowl with about 3 cups of the pumpkin seeds.  Line a cookies sheet with foil and dump the seeds on the cookie sheet.  Spread them out and put them in a 300 degree oven.  It takes about an hour to get them a nice golden brown.  Be sure to stir them often during that time to ensure that they all brown evenly.  When they are cool they will keep nicely in an air tight container for a week.  Honestly...we have never had them in our house that long but I am sure they would still be good! Enjoy.

I hope you will roast your pumpkin seeds this year and maybe try using a drill on that pumpkin.  It was great fun to watch pumpkin goo fly all over the place! 

the dreaded checkup

I made an appointment for a general check up...physical...umm I am not even sure what you call it or what will be checked.   I had a hysterectomy like 5 years ago and haven't been back for a thorough check up since.  I have been in for kidney stones but other than that I kind of avoid the doctor. I feel like a car being put on the lift and not knowing if there is a problem.  They always seem to find something that needs fixing and I just don't want that to happen to me.  I don't know if anyone else can relate to this but I don't know if I could handle something else happening at this point so I avoid it.  Probably not the best example or even the best thing to do for myself.  So, in a few days I head to the doctor and I am praying for a clean bill of health!

In the back of my mind I worry though because, my mom had a heart attack almost 2 years ago and she was only 62 at the time.  She didn't have a blocked artery or valve problem but her heart was failing.  She ended up needing a pace maker and defibrilator to keep her heart going.  It has been a tough road for her and she is now having problems with some of her other organ systems but she is thankful for each day.  That is one reason that I have decided that I better have a check up.  I have never had a mammogram and I think that by 42 I should have had one already, but there again I am not really sure. 

My dad had a heart attack less than a year ago and it was discovered that he had two blocked arteries.  He has also had skin cancer issues for years and copd.  It has been hard watching my parents age and by not going to the doctor it enables me to avoid my own aging.

I am not sure what questions to ask or if I even scheduled the appointment right.  I hope that I said the right things so that insurance is billed correctly. I know with kids you're supposed to schedule it as a well child visit for some insurance plans.  Oh well, no matter what I am going to have a checkup and make sure that everything is good.  If you haven't been taking care of yourself or putting yourself low on the list of priorities it is time to make a change...today!  We are valuable to our families so we should treat ourselves that way!

We are not in Kansas anymore!

It was a nice trip to Kansas to see my dad and step mom but oh the weekend went by so fast! I am getting more comfortable with driving to my dad's house since Daryl stays home with the dogs and his mom.  I used to get really nervous but not so much anymore.  We left before 8 a.m. on Friday, which is a great time for 5 females...I would say!  We stopped at one rest area, had lunch in Hays, KS...our usual stop for Subway and topped off the fuel and then on to Andover.  I think we had to make one more stop before our arrival but we did really good on time. 

We met my dad and step mom, Judy at Spangle's for dinner.  The girls love that place!  The fun 50's decor, loud music and the life size statue of Elvis make for a good time.  It was burgers, fries and slushies for everyone!  The girls sat in one booth and I sat with my dad and Judy in a booth next to them.  A police officer came in for dinner and was watching my girls.  They have so much fun together and get silly and giggly.  He stopped me on my way out and told me that I really had my hands full with those 4 girls.  I just had to giggle....yes I do, but I love every minute of it!

We headed back to the hotel for an evening of swimming.  I just watched and took plenty of pictures and videos.  My head was hurting and my ears had a full plugged kind of feeling.  I was just ready for bed. We had a 2 queen bed suite, so the little girls got the fold out sofa, Kels and Kaitlin shared a bed and I got my own queen bed...all to myself!  I sprawled diagonally across the bed the entire night and used all 4 pillows!  It was pure joy! :)  On Saturday morning we headed to the nearest Super Cuts for hair cuts!  Everyone got hair cuts or all trimmed up.  We met up with my dad and Judy and headed out for a little shopping and lunch.  After that we went back to their house for the afternoon.  It was such a beautiful day!  The colors of fall were all around but it was a warm day.  We ended the day with Chinese food, Chinese donuts, good fortunes and more swimming. 

Our trip came to end Sunday mid morning as my dad and Judy headed for church and we hit the road for home.  We usually go to church with them but Daryl was at home working on the bathroom so I wanted to get back in case he needed my help before Monday morning.  I was glad to get home and got busy cleaning the layer of construction dust that was covering the house! :)

At home to school

The girls have completed about 50 days of school so far.  So, I take time to sit back and evaluate how things are going; I am yet again realizing that I am the one that needs to do some work.  I get behind on checking assignments, posting grades and following up on things.  I now feel like I have the okay to start beating myself up but why should I feel I have the right to do that?  Is it because I am comparing myself to another mom or some idea of what I think the homeschool mom should look like.  Teaching three different levels, running the house and taking care of little ones is a lot to tackle each day.

This is our sixth year homeschooling and I still feel like I am learning so much.  I don't know that I will ever feel like I have this mastered.  I think when I feel that way it will be time to do something else.  Everyday, week, month and year has been different.  We do have a routine that we follow each day but it is very relaxed and go with the flow.  It has not always been that way though.

I remember the first year, how excited we all were.  I got the curriculum delivered and sat down over several nights and had the entire school year planned and written in the planner.  Well that plan lasted all of about 6 weeks.  I ended up having surgery (hysterectomy) and just did not feel like doing any school work for awhile so the eraser had to work overtime in the planner.  We have had sick parents to care for and ultimately lay to rest.  An unexpected death of a nephew that is the same age as my oldest daughter. We have dealt with daddy losing his job and deciding to go back to school himself. I have had kidney stones and both of my parents have had heart attacks. This has all happened in those first 5 years.   All of these things happen in others lives also, but as a homeschooling family I am thankful and blessed to have the time to spend with getting through each thing together as slowly as needed.

I have learned to plan one week at a time because we just never know what lies ahead.  Are my girls learning all that they need to know?  I believe so.  We have math drills, phonics lessons, science experiments and standardized testing too. But, they are learning that family is important, taking care of others is vital and being thankful for all that we do have and can accomplish in a day should not be taken for granted.  I love homeschooling and I am so thankful to have this opportunity with my family! I am not saying that families in the public schools don't do these same things but for me it has just been such a great experience!

Road trip!

We are getting ready to hit the road!!! Friday can not get here soon enough for the girls. This excitement is brewing because we are making our October trip to see Grandma and Grandpa. The girls are already planning their outfits and what they will do during the drive.  We always stop at Michael's to get a project or craft supplies so that the girls have plenty to do while we are at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  We found a 40% off coupon which is even better! Part of our afternoon was spent looking through the ad.  We don't have a Michael's close to us so this is an awesome stop to make each trip.  

We are even more excited because Kelsey gets to come home and make this trip with us.  It is a girls weekend because Daryl will stay home and take care of the house and dogs.  He is a good man and I so appreciate that he helps to make my trips to see my dad happen.  It is so important for me to go see my dad when I can and I am just so thankful to be getting ready to make this trip!

We will also be making a stop at a beauty shop so the girls can get haircuts.  Both Kelsey and Kaitlin have hair that is half way down their backs so it will be interesting to see what they decide to do with their hair.  I just hope there are no tears by the choices that are made.  I will post some before and after pictures.  

I am sure we will be swimming in the hotel pool and making a trip over to Dillon's.  We just love walking through that huge "grocery" store, getting fruit leathers and maybe even a new bottle of nail polish.  I know...we have super exciting plans and you are sooo jealous!  It's okay and I can not wait!

Look out Kansas the Eggers girls are heading your way!

Leaves of thankfulness

The leaves are brightly colored and falling to the ground.  I love this time of year.  I think I have said that before.  I wanted to decorate in some way with fall leaves so here is what I have come up with.
This year we are covering the windows in our dining room with construction paper leaves.  The leaves have carefully written on each of them something that the kids are thankful for.  Last year we made a chain out of Christmas scrapbook paper with something they were thankful for on each link.  The chain was started shortly before Thanksgiving and was added on to until Christmas.  It was fun to watch the chain get longer with things that the kids are thankful for.   I am not big on decorating for Halloween so the fall leaves on the window is perfect!

I cut out some leaf patterns and gathered a variety of colors of construction paper.  I put those items along with scissors, pencils, markers, and a roll of scotch tape in a basket.  The kids can add leaves to the windows any time they would like.  It is fun to give them an idea and let them take off with it.

What are you thankful for?  I am thankful for my family and the time that I have with each of them.  I am thankful for my husband and the love and laughter we share.  I am thankful for my home and it's warmth and comfort.  I am thankful for the provision that my God has provided.  He knows the needs and has provided for us each and every day!  I am thankful for this and so much more.  It is only October but I just can't wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful!

The Spider

I had to be brave tonight with one of my girls and as I am terrified on the inside my little girl watches to see what I do.  It may be silly but all of this was over a "huge" spider that was in her bed.  She came running out, her heart was pounding and she was ready to cry.  The spider ran across the bed and hid somewhere in the covers.  I armed myself with a big flip flop and headed in.

I slowly peeled back each layer of bedding, hoping that it wouldn't come running up onto my hand.  It was not under the covers so I slowly picked up each pillow.  Five, six, seven...oh my goodness how many pillows are on this bed?  No wonder the spider likes it here!  Finally all of the pillows were off of the bed and still no spider.  Now I have pick up one by one the dozen or so bookmobile books that are covering the bed.  Still no spider...what!!! My poor little girl with tears welling up in her announces that she will not be able to sleep in her bed until that spider is found.  All that is left on the bed are a few tissues.  Really,  I have to pick them up? This is now the only place it can be and if it is not here I will be relieved but my poor little girl will not be, and sleeping in that bed will not be happening. I so don't want to see that spider but I also want to see it so I can just get this over with...ugh!  I lift the first tissue...no spider.  The second one...still nothing!  This does not look good!  I pick up the third one and...ahhhh there it is!!!! I whacked it over and over until I was sure it wouldn't run away and hide.  Oh sweet relief, I held myself together, found the spider and took care of it. 

I know for some of you that sounds so silly but spiders are just so horrid to me.  I try really hard to maintain myself around them though because I saw the greatest fear I have ever seen over a little spider.  This time...I am sorry little spider but I won!!!!

Time Management in the Homeschool

I have heard it said and have even said of other women that they are gifted in time management.  But is it really a gift? Isn't it really a skill that can be worked on and developed over time.  Some do acquire the skill quicker but no matter how fast it is mastered, it is one of the skills that every woman works on and is also a very helpful skill. 

Time management is so much more that just accomplishing a to do list or having the appearance of being busy all of the time.  Time management is finding God and putting everything else in line after Him, choosing the direction you are headed and moving forward toward it.  There isn't a formula because for each family the direction and the steps to get there are different.  For example, some children thrive getting up early and getting their work done, others need that sleep and will function much better starting later in the morning.  Having a schedule is not good or bad in itself, but what works for your family is truly what matters.  If having a schedule becomes the focus and you lose the ability to be flexible and available for what God would call you to do, then maybe there is to much schedule.  If however you never get anything done, maybe some scheduling could be beneficial. 

Some things to ask as you think about your time management are:

1.  How do you fit chores into your day?  Not only chores for the kids but also mom's chores.  Does mom try to do everything while everyone is waiting on her to get things done?  Does the house always have to be perfect or is it allowed to feel lived in?  When do the children start participating in the upkeep and operations of the household?  They may not do things perfectly but their contribution will be a blessing to you and they will learn so much in the process.

2.  How do you get things done with interruptions like the phone, discipline, the baby, oh it's time to fix lunch...already?  I answer the phone if I have time, otherwise it goes to voice mail and I promise I will call you back.  Don't take it personally but sometimes I must stay on task, since I am trying to teach my children that very thing, I need to be a good example.

3.  Do you use a schedule, to do list, general routine, lesson plans or something else? Everyone has their opinion of what is best but try them out and you decide what works best for you.

4.  How do you get it all done and still keep your sanity?  Really...is that possible? It is not always easy but it is possible! The things you don't get done today will keep until tomorrow...I promise, the laundry will still be there!

5.  How do you have time to do anything else besides school work? Make the time so you can be the woman God wants you to be.  Invest in someone else other than your children and God will bless that relationship.

I would encourage you to get up and get dressed each morning because it will help you feel like there is something to accomplish within that day.  You are ready to participate in the day!  Remember to relax...it's okay!

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 

Beth Moore

I attended a Beth Moore simulcast in September at a local church and as always Beth brought a good word that touched my soul.  I tried once again to take notes but I get so caught up in watching her and listening to her that I forget to write.  I will share some of my notes, although they were very brief, but first I must share about my love for this wonderful woman.  

The first experience I had with Beth was a study about the Psalms of ascent, probably about 6 years ago.  As the study was coming to the end I felt sad that I was no longer going to have this connection with Beth, my new found friend.  My heart was heavy as I searched for her online...I needed to connect with her.  And then there it was in big bold letters  "Would you like to have Beth Moore in your church?"  Are you kidding me?  Of course, I want Beth Moore in my church...sign me up!  I started investigating and they were going to have a simulcast available for churches to purchase participation in.  I ran to my pastor's office for approval to have Beth Moore "come" to our church.  The church has since participated in five Beth Moore simulcasts and I am blessed every time.  We are in the Northeast corner of Colorado, a bunch of small towns, so attending a large ladies event is usually several hours away.  That does not always work for us mom's that have little ones at home or if the budget is tight, so I was super excited to participate in these simulcasts.  We even got the Lifeway Christian Bookstore from Centennial, CO to come and set up a store in the foyer. 

Getting ready to worship with Travis at the 2009

 Simulcast

Lfeway Christian Bookstore is open for business             

 
 I know that I have never personally met or spoken with Beth Moore but during the planning of the simulcast she would host webcasts for the coordinators, and during these webcasts she would do a brief study, share about the simulcast and pray.  It was like I was sitting at my dining room table with her.  As I sat this year at the simulcast as just a spectator...I realized how much I missed being a part of the craziness of planning the simulcast and sitting at my dining room table with Beth. 

Beth started the day with Psalm 68:11 "The Lord gave the word; Great was the company of those who proclaimed it."

She continued with the main scripture coming from 2 Kings 4:1-37.  She compared the two women in this selection as being one woman in need and the other who appeared to have everything but had a deep need.  She gave 7 points but of course I only 6 of them.  So if you read this and have the one I am missing, please share!

1.  Personal desperation can jar us out of second hand stories.
2.  God didn't call us to live "fine", he called us to faith!
3.  Fear is the crippler of a walking, talking miracle.
4.  Faith trusts that every call to forsake is a call to also take. We forsake sin and take forgiveness.
5.  Faith faces the fact that there is no formula.
6.  Faith rests it case on the resurrection of the dead. Jesus is Alive!
7. ???

I have other scriptures and notes splattered throughout my pages of notes but those were the main bullets.  The main thing that got me was #5. Faith faces the fact that there is no formula.  I can not read the right number of pages from the Bible, pray the right prayer and behave in the right way for God to work.  He is in control and He will work regardless or even in spite of me.  If I think I can figure out how to do things to control Him, I am mistaken. Wow...reality check!  Give the control back to God and follow His lead.

This is what I posted on facebook right after the simulcast. "We are not called to be "fine", we are called to faith! A faith that will stir the core of our being and cause us to not allow fear to cripple us but to take courage! Beth Moore always has a good word from the Lord to share! Now what will we do with that word on Monday?"

 Beth Moore has a blog at blog.lproof.org if you would like to meet her or follow her.  I am happy to have Beth back in my life and look forward to all that the Lord has to share through her.  God is working on me and I am thankful that I am the project right now.