The Hare playing as . . . THE Resolution

This is actually Kyle...I am not that brave.

You might be thinking of it.  You may already what yours is.  A very popular term this time of year.  I don't like it.  Never really have.  Why?  First, A Resolution tends to be...unrealistic.  Second, they often fail and  surmount to guilt and failure.  Yet, mostly, because I don't particularly care to "be good" all of a sudden.  But more than a typical resolution. . . I'd prefer to plan life style... or life style changes.  It's more consistent.  And for myself...who tends to have a hard time focusing...I need consistency.   Doing it like the tortoise...just keeping at it.  Resolutions seem to end up like the hare...over energetic to start..and fizzling out..losing the Goal.

So perhaps you say resolution, but I will prefer to call it goal setting.  Goals are important and without them we can unintentionally drift through life with out accomplishing what we intend to.  For the past few years Kyle and I have sat down to do this goal setting in January.  It's been a learning process, we don't do it perfectly.  However it does give us a good ...sort of...map for our shared goals and direction for our family.

Some of the things we focus on:

Planning Date nights

Family nights

One on one time with the kids

Books to read

Budget

Home Improvement (realistic ones..I might add)

To really make it more of a reality for us we try our best to plan out these things in increments:

Daily goals

Weekly goals

Monthly and Yearly

This was a part of one of our 2012 goals

As we come to that time again to sit down and look at 2012, and plan for 2013, I know we won't have achieved last years goals perfectly; yet I do know we have moved forward and made progress on things that are important.  I am particularly looking forward to a tool ...recently learned about... that will be a help in planning.  In the past, planning consisted of one piece of paper, one pen.  Which is good, but this year we will try something different.  Personal Vitality Plan  This link will take you to a detailed goal setting plan.  You can easily change it to make it uniquely yours.  If you'd like more of an audio explanation you can find it Here.

If you have never done any yearly goal setting I'd encourage you to start!  In a year you'll be glad you did.  Not to say you will achieve everything perfectly but you will get to your destination eventually if your path is guided toward it!

Focus

A bit of beauty from earlier today.

Of the many things clamoring for our attention this time of year...one of the little things that gave me new perspective this year...the weather.  Here's how it goes:  Lost in the hustle and bustle.  Buying gifts.   Oh .. did I forget someone?  Where are we going on Christmas?  Are we going to make so and so upset if we cant' make it there?  Decorating.  Cookies.   Last minute shopping.  Wrapping.  Trying to get that one last thing on Amazon...oh drag, will that get here in time?  

Sorry to say I think we all have been here.   Maybe even every year.  Purpose...where is that.  

Back to yesterday as I "shoveled" Lake O'Brien, formerly known as our driveway.  Thick, slushy rain/snow.  Maybe rain rain/snow -more like.  It brought me to a thought.  While we are so busy, perhaps complaining, perhaps worrying for all the "stuff" to get done.  Wishing for the perfect Christmas.  Family: please get along.  Gifts: yep got them all.  25th: please be a white one!!  Last year wasn't...not sure about the year before, probably no.   Jesus.  What?  Did I forget to do my Christmas reading?? 

Jesus. 

The only reason.

The only true gift.

Can we schedule a time for that?  Jesus.  Well I'll fit Him in...service..yep at service...

The only reason for the celebration.

Why is it so hard to focus.

For the past few years, I have realized...slowly-that I need to slow down this time of year and Focus.  Less gifts..and let me say less is still plenty.  But I don't want my kids or myself or my husband to keep missing it.  Lost in the pile of wonderful gifts and beautiful wrapping paper on Christmas morning ...is it all worth what we might be forgetting?  Why do I care about all these goofy things-like is it going to be a white one..when the one who controls the weather Himself Is the focus.  His gift. The greatest gift...that with out, not one of us could have hope.  The King sent his son...as a baby..the God-man to save us from a debt that we couldn't pay.  I am so thankful.  

In my human nature my focus is on all the wrong things, yes it looks like it just might be a beautiful white Christmas, but I pray that my heart will focus on the other beauty.  God's gift.  Jesus.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Ending in Balance

Everyone’s a critic (myself included here). . . and I find it humorous.  Why?  Well. . .when is the last time you chose something - Really chose.  Not talking about a flavor of ice cream.  Not the place you chose to spend your day.  Think bigger.  Something more defining. . .

Such as:

How tall you are?

What you look like.

Your birthplace.

Your language - born language that is.

When is the last time you made your heart beat?

Or, how about the (simple) task of keeping yourself alive by remembering to breathe?... 24/7?

Interesting- these are pretty important things -right? Yet, what choice did you have in anyone of them?

There you have it, give that train a little more track and you will find we truly control so very little.  Generally this thought makes us feel uncomfortable.  But stay with me here a minute.   There are some things we do and they are very important and define who we are.

Two of perhaps the most important examples, our words (controlled often by opinions), and our attitudes.  And so we try to sway and try to “move” others by our opinions.  Cause our opinions are right, right?

We really get so caught up in “who we are,” our convictions, beliefs. . .strongly held beliefs, what we believe to be true about others.  What others should do in their life.

While advice is wonderful, wisdom ~ powerful, understanding ~ essential.  How do your daily attitudes, thoughts, opinions line up with the word...the truth.  Because if we speak truth to those around us, shouldn’t our very words (of advice) be always pointing back to the words and principles of the Bible.  The one - 100% truth we have in this world.  Encouraging that.  Like the “Iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another,” spoken about in Proverbs.

I don’t know about you, but my own thoughts - my very mind can get wrapped up and tangled in so many directions of thought that if you could see it - it may very well look like a ball of yarn in the paws of a kitten.

But there is one way to untangle.  And that is Truth.  I need to measure my thoughts . .my “advice,” up to God’s word.

It will Strengthen and allow my thoughts -  my words -  my actions to revolve on The foundation. This is where I need to stand,  before I start to think my thoughts or speak my words.

And so...words, attitudes, and all these little daily decisions in life, by and large are “who we are.”  In a place where we truly have little control - focus on what we can.  In the stead of getting lost and overwhelmed by all that we do not.

Cherishing Tradition

Close knit families are rare to find.  Sad, but true.  I'm not even speaking of extended family...just nuclear.  All under one roof.  And so comes the importance of traditions.   They bring people together in a way that -you see each other's heart(s)- the true nature of who they are.  The special  unique way each of us are created.

I've been learning the importance of tradition.  We as a family  naturally have some.  But I never was intentional about creating them.  As I move forward I will become more intentional, because tradition bring a closeness that bonds us together.   Jokes..that are just family jokes.   "Inside jokes."  Also a knittedness..if that were a word...that unfortunately is so rare today.

On this adventure of looking for new traditions, we began with an old one and added something to make it extra special.  We had our yearly trip to the pumpkin farm.  Nice long day outdoors, petting animals...falling in love with some.  Taking photos . . . that never quite do justice to the beauty our eyes take in.  Tired and hungry toward the end of the day.  We decided to embark on a small adventure...trying something new.  Masala, aka..chai latte.  Oh and an aside as I learned how to make this I also learned to never say chai tea...cause it's the same as saying "tea tea"  haha...and that's just goofy.

It's so Simple!

Masala Chai

6 cups water

2 cinnamon sticks

2-3 star anise

3-4 thin slices ginger

10 cardamom pods smashed

2-4T sucanat

6 tea bags-black tea  or loose if you have it!

About 2 cups milk...to taste..or you can tell by color

This recipe makes enough for 6.

In a pot put about 6 cups water.  Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger (fresh!), cardamom.  The pods are much better than the powder...peel to use the inner part (they will need to be ground up).  Bring these to a simmer.  Add sucanat to sweeten to your liking. After it simmers a few minutes, add tea and remove after 2 minutes.  Bring the heat down then add milk.  Adjust the spices as you like...for the flavor you enjoy the most.

So in the years to come it will be evenings with chai to warm us up after a day at the pumpkin farm.

A New way to Study

This past weekend brought my daughter and I, along with a couple friends and my Aunt to Indianapolis where we attended the True Woman '12 conference.  It was an exciting weekend filled with learning new things!  We greatly enjoyed our time.  I love to learn.  I love ideas.  So this was very good.  

A portion I'd like to share was a message called the 5 P's of Bible study.  Honestly, going into this, one I can say is I didn't think it would be a big deal.  Just another talk.  Nothing special.  Was I wrong!  

Don't know about you but many days I find morning devotional time a difficult thing.  While I've become more committed to this being a habit, there are days that you never know what you'll get.  Someone wakes up early.  Having a tired-can't-keep-my-eyes-open--morning.  Waking up late.  Having my mind on what's next. . . instead of what I'm reading.  The list could continue.  So, on top of all that, I really wanted to read through the whole Bible.  So this message came in the middle of me "plowing" through the chapters.  But with each day. . .not feeling like I got much out of it.  By the middle of the day I could scarcely remember what I read.

The plan:

1. Position yourself to hear from God.

2. Pore over the passage and paraphrase the major points. Look for the who, what, when, where, and why of the verse.

3. Pull out the spiritual principles.  What is God teaching? What is He revealing about Himself?

4. Pose the question.  Form a personally directed question from each of the spiritual principles.

5. Plan obedience and pin down a date.  God speaks to be obeyed—not just to hear Himself talk.

Going a little Deeper...

#1 Position - Simply find a quiet place, where you can let your thoughts flow.  Okay.  If ya have kids.  Maybe not "simply," but either way--you can do it!!

#2 Pour - pour over a passage of just 2 verses!  Really just two this can be 10 minutes. . or a 1/2 hour or more.  This message was given by Priscilla Shrier. . she mentioned it taking her 2 years to get through the book of John.  And that it was worth it! & Paraphrase - Just do exactly that, paraphrase the major points.  Only to be careful not to paraphrase "what you got out of the passage," and be careful to only paraphrase what is actually there in the text.  

#3 Pull - Pull out the spiritual principles. Ask yourself: Is there a correction?  Character trait (of God, or of person)? What does this teach me about God?  Who He is/or who He isn't.  What does God do?  What does He not do?

#4 Pose - Turn the spiritual principle into a personal question.  Like do I believe God is as faithful as...?  Does God actually care about...?

#5 Plan - Plan to obey what you learn.  Even pinning down a date.  Hey we do it for everything else.  All of us "calendar consultants."  

Also, Choose a whole book of the Bible, so to avoid pulling things out of context.  Priscilla mentioned it could be dangerous to randomly pick from here one day and somewhere else the next.  Taking in the whole context is necessary for true learning.

This week I have been working on these "5 P's."  I feel excited to learn in such a new and unique way.  As long as I remain steadfast and pin down this method, I believe scripture will sink a whole lot deeper.  Here is a link to Listen to the whole message: The 5 P's of Bible Study

Tay & Me in Indianapolis:)

1st Day of School, and Years to Go

School!  School, Exciting, new, busy, busy, fun-and did I mention . . busy.  Another year has come.  We commence.  Last week Monday to be exact.  Trying something new: scheduling.  Doing something old: traditions (for the 1st day).  It's all very exciting.  

Bits and pieces of our first day.  This is how we begin.  As a tradition the kids "walk" to school on this day.  The walk consists of going out the back door and around the house to enter and be greeted at the front door.  Always with smiles and giggles.  Excitement.   Then the yearly photo on the porch.  This is un-excapable!  Next, introductions to new books, and getting to the studies of the day.   More fun and leisurely for a school day.

Now over the years I have learned to plan for this day.  We did a bit of preliminary work, in order that our day go a bit smoother.  It worked well!  There was more time to introduce materials.  This day was fun, as well as "accomplished."  We ended on time.  The house was clean.  Dinner ready to go~huge bonus.  The day ended and I had that sense that all was well and good.

All of this wonderful-truly.  But as my whole purpose for writing and sharing different ideas and events, is that while from the outside thing may seem wonderful, there is always a bigger story.  A story I like to call -reality.  So, fast forward one week, to "Week 2, Day 1."  Ouch!  An overwhelming day.  Challenging.  High stress.  The day -taking too long.  We ended late. What a difference from day one when things felt so wonderful!

  The days of feeling "accomplished" really are few.  But that's okay.  I know why I'm doing this.  And have a little note on my desk for reminders:  

To Influence my Children's Lives

To Instill Biblical Values

To Share Meaningful Experiences

Once I read a list of "Reasons to Homeschool," and these were a few of the ideas that stood out to me.

  This is a decision we have made for our family.

 On the tough days I find it critical to remind my self of why.  We live in an ADD culture.  ( I don't say this in any way to demean that condition.)  I truly believe this.  I see it in my self (too much).  We begin something, and when something - better, more exciting, or even more convenient comes along - we so easily throw our convictions out the window.  

Do you know it took W. Wilberforce 20 years of bringing up the issue of slave trade before there was any sign of significant movement on it?  Not to mention almost his entire lifetime of relentlessly pursuing the end of slavery to finally see laws in England change.  I'm not sure that we have this steadfast spirit in our culture today.  This relentless pursuit of our convictions.  I've seen my own self falter.  Others falter.  Let's instead look to positive examples of the past, all the times that a man or woman stood up.  The road isn't easy.  You may not see immediate impact.  But in the end the results are clear, if only we choose to be steadfast.  By God's grace, I pray that I will be.

The road might be long - We cannot see everything ahead - But it's beautiful.

While You Were Busy. . .

Have you ever wondered What was going on while you were busy?  Think about all the non-direct time you are with your children.  Doing the dishes.  Laundry.  Making dinner.  Shopping.  Preparing lessons.  You name it. 

Hey--your kids are doing something!

In this ever intriguing age of internet technology. . . have you ever left your phone unattended?  How about allowing a bit of time on the computer.  Well now here is you chance to have just a small glimpse into what precisely you are missing out on.

Video #1  You will find Kaleb.  What is he up to.  Story: Kaleb and I visited this lovely little shop my sister spends a bit of her time working at.  Our first visit.  New job for her.  Anyway, while my sister and I are enjoying our time talking and looking about the store. . .Kaleb. . .has my phone.  I had no idea he took this video until after.  He showed us.  I hope you find it as silly as I do!

Kaleb in a Boutique

Video #2  Here is Logan.  This one -with permission to play on "Photo Booth," while I was. . .as I recall, organizing and filing the desk.  In a different room.  My job took me about an hour or so.  Logan recorded a number of  videos of himself.  Here is a sample.

Logan in Thermal Camera

A little too much fun these guys were up to.  I love "sneaking" up on my kids when they don't know I'm there.  Their games and stories are so much better - when you are not looking!!!

Love imagination.

Getting Ready for School

The school year approaches quickly, and so planning, calendars, and also Day 1.  Although some ambitious souls have started already!

Each  year I like to sit down and plan the school year on paper - before we begin.  Each year I do an online search for a blank “school year” calendar.  And have the same problem.  They are hard to find. Well a good-current- blank- one is for sure.  Excitedly, this year I found a great one for 2012-2013 and turns out a good web site in general. 2012-2013 School Year Calendar

So far in looking over this site, I've found a great deal of good information as well as great printables.  (Don't think that is an official word yet, but I'm using it.)  One of my favorites is this one, Logical Fallacy Poster and for us this is perfect timing as Taylor this year has a great book called the The Fallacy Detective, it teaches them to spot and understand errors in reasoning.  Fun.  Valuable.  And necessary.

Perhaps you have also had similar experience as I have had with my boys in remembering liquid measurements.  This sheet helps them visualize it.  Pints in a Gallon Sheet

Here you will find a list of free study charts and worksheets.  More Printables!

This is a great resource, and solves many of the same challenges I have had in teaching.  We are excited to  soon begin our year of learning!

Broken

From afar come greetings to you.  Ah, broken--no not an emotional breakdown, not a loss of heart; actually literally broken.  My (new) phone.. broken, my new, new phone.. broken; computer..broken, tablet --which an aside here, they don’t work well, we tried to use it as a holdover, but it worked terribly!  Then one morning the car wouldn’t go, but so very thankful, just for a day.  Basically communication in general-nul.  All at the same time!  Imagine- having to only communicate face to face.  Haha.  Well if I do have any friends left now I will know they are real ‘cause they will forgive me for my poor communication as my ‘devices’ were incapacitated. Sweet Frustration.

And here, I begin to think.  The way that you might when these things happen.  Putting general thoughts of frustration and annoyance aside.  What could be a more perfect time to evaluate how I spend my time?  How much time spent on electronic devices,  especially on the computer.  The internet is so unique. . . what other time in all of history could you have so much information at your fingertips?  I really like information, love learning new things, so enjoy finding out all the “whys” and “whats.”  And all that POwer at my fingertips I can control the ....haha jk.  But I can control my time and my actions.  My choices.  So I evaluate this.  How much time could I spend?  Hours?  Sure. Maybe easily.  But I’m not going to.  Besides reading on the screen makes my eyes go fuzzy.  As this next school year quickly approaches and time becomes more valuable (if that’s possible) I’m going to create a new goal.  To this: my personal time on the computer, including, email, FB, checking out recipes, etc.  will be 5-7 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening.  This I think is reasonable for me.  Do-able as well. Certain days perhaps a bit different when doing particular orders online, but those are not often or daily.

Time is valuable.  Perhaps I would not have thought to assess this, if things did not -break.   When things do break, it’s good to take a break.  In using time intentionally, it always leads to a few great things.  More focus on time with my kids.  Time outside.  Time spent with my husband.  All the  things that I will Never look back to say, “Wow, I spent too much time _________.”

Two quick Summer Recipes:

Chicken Scampi

For summer I like to make chicken scampi.  It is a nice and light pasta dish.  I boil 3 chicken breasts and shred.  Make some angel hair pasta, mix in my favorite Scampi seasoning then the chicken.  Steam some broccoli and serve on the side and it is a family favorite.

BLR  (Bacon Lettuce Rice)

Another one, this is a family recipe that I grew up with.  Cook some bacon and crumble it.  Make some rice.  When finished mix the bacon into the rice with some lettuce.  I know it sounds really weird and it might be, a little.  :)  But this was something that my mom made in the summer for us growing up.

Thank you Sarah!


If you have a moment please Send in your favorites. 

Fresh Summer Recipes

What could be better then a quick & refreshing summertime dinner?  Somehow during the summer when we are supposed to relax and enjoy the breeze or the hot scorching sun, it can easily become a busier time of year. This got me to thinking: A collection of fairly short, yet good recipes could be a solution to having the relaxing summer evening to just enjoy.

Here's the plan, hopefully it will work!  I'd like to share two of my favorite yet quick summerstyle recipes; however, also would like to ask if you would participate by adding one of yours!   Either posting it in the comment box below (not sure if it will fit) or emailing it to me  then, I would love to post it!

Here is my First~ Love this one. It is quick, but good.  It makes a large amount . .so depending on your family size it could be two meals.

Bombolina Baked Chicken

Toss 1lb. prepared Rigatoni in a large bowl with 3 cups tomato, 1 cup mushroom (if you like them), 2tsp. garlic, 1/2 cup parsley, salt & pepper.

Add 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese Stir. Place it in one 11x15 or two 8x8 baking dish(es).  Place cooked (browned) chicken on top of the pasta.  Pour Newman's Own Bombolina Sauce over the chicken and pasta.  Top with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.  Cover with foil and bake @ 350F for 35 minutes.  Done!

Now this next one is not a recipe I found . .or even figured out on my own.  Feeling a bit like I'm cheating.  It's from a friend.  However~it's Sooo goooood!  While yes... it is a salad... in my house it is a Dinner.  Everyone loves it.  And let me tell you salad in our house is not considered a dinner.  (With the exception of me and my daughter-we happily eat salad anytime!)

Italian Spinach Salad

In a large bowl toss spinach (a large bag), a pint or two of grape tomatoes, a full package (or bunch) of basil leaves (whole or torn in half). Then add a package of mozzarella balls; toss it all together then add a reduced balsamic vinaigrette (it's worth getting a good one), and you will want to have this done before you assemble the salad.  So quick, so delicious!

Enjoy!  And please take a moment to share a quick summer dinner!!

What’s the Point?

Ever have a Day…that you were actually busy all day long yet it dra a a ged and by the end of the day - you really just feel like you did absolutely Nothing?   It’s like this sort of brain-frozen mode.  You know what needs to be done.  It’s just not exactly your favorite thing to do.  Brain off.  Tasks begin.  Feeling lethargic.  Light headed when you get up <too fast> to take a much needed water-break.  

Or how about the week that feels like it flew by way to fast - but somehow also felt ~slow.  Huh. . .how 

does that work?

Well there you have some of my feelings as I attempt accomplish organizing the finished school year,  as well as putting together the next school year.   Usually I don’t mind paper and book work like this…however.. many  hours of it...not my favorite thing.  And again, I feel like I'm not doing anything.  Considering  that, now add the 'catch up' for my neglected - home schooled -lived in - house, it’s really not feeling like summer break-yet-.  And I seem no less busy. . .possibly even more busy.

Not trying to make this into a complaining session here so. . . My point?  (don't worry it's coming.)  Seems I have a hundred things to do.   My mind going in that many directions.  Yes, I can multi-task, and yet even at that your brain can only handle so much.

Then I (randomly) hear someone utter these words, “I love teaching.”  Oh, boy.  Don’t I?? Is that not what what my current work/organizing is all for?  Not just school teaching, but even just being - a - parent - teaching.  As well, not only if you have children - aren’t we all teachers in one way or another, possibly kids or perhaps a co-worker, maybe you’re a mentor (with -or- without knowing!).  Teaching Is fun.

But here is my fairy tale version:  I pull out a lovely book.  Kids eyes light up.  Each comes prancing over and sits still --for the whoooole story.  Hands folded in laps.  When the book/lesson is done, each eagerly raises hand simply because they want to “in there own words,”  recite every detail of what they just learned.  And they perfectly answer each question they are given.  To top it off they each make a collage or do and experiment perfectly depicting the content of what they just learned. 

Ok, so that’s a stretch (by a lot), but on the same token - it may be the perfection we seek.  Overall just as a very simple reminder:  Teaching Is Fun!  Think about it for a bit, whatever kind of teaching you do.  For me it’s my kids and it’s sad that I need to remind myself how much fun it is to teach-and how adventurous -to learn.

What does the worker gain from his toil?

I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom

what  God has done from beginning to end.

I know that there is nothing better for men then to be happy and do good while they live.

That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-- this is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

Our 1st day of school this past year...feels so long ago!

Gets feet dirty outside, comes in to do school inside

New Experiments & Old Traditions

A birthday in our family passed this week. . . always an exciting event!!  Somehow creativity is always required.  This time it involved a 'simple' request. . . for an Angel Food Cake.  Then there is me--who has never made one. . and yet to stubborn to go buy one. . .unless I really, really have to (which would require trying until out of time!).  So, I made my attempt.  First attempt - just used a regular old recipe from my trustee ol' Betty Crocker Cookbook.  With simple changes that I tend to make.   Consequently, I will tell you -It doesn't work with whole wheat and sucanat.  Well- kind of- but . .it's not pretty.

Second try...used  sucanat for just 1/2 of the required sugar, the rest was powdered and then a bit of white. Then I also used regular flour.  Not the healthiest, but it worked!  Of course the sucanat gives it the rather brown hue, so it's not fully traditional & white here.  Albeit - good.

Angel Food Cake - Second try,  ya don't want to see the 1st!

 Aside from picking desserts- isn't it fun to see what family traditions develop?  Sometimes not even realizing as <something> becomes a tradition.  For Birthdays~I just feel that it's the perfect time (and it comes naturally) to reflect on the growth of my kiddos.  One of my favorite traditions is this one:

  Each year we (Kyle & I) write a birthday "letter" to each of the kids.  Not one they will open though.  We write about their accomplishments that year, their personalities.  Likes.  Dislikes.  Their goofy little quirks.  Then, at the end - parenting advice for the age they are at;  we plan to give them these cards when they are grown.  Either when they are adults--or -and I like this one better- when they have a child the age they were for a particular "letter."  

Our Birthday Boy!

Sweet Betrayal

A sort of heart break I never new existed.  You give all you have. . .and all you don’t.  You never knew there could be such trials - out of your own little ones.  At one time in diapers, and ever since you do everything for them.  Everything.  And once in a while you might get out for something you personally enjoy.

 I guess it was my naivety not knowing that sooner or later that as my children get older they will grow into adult personalities.  With that - attitudes, strong ones, as strong or stronger than adults have.   Of course in that they need guidance.  A friend of mine said it in a wise way:  From infant to 9 or ten years we are taking care of mainly physical needs, food, clothing, playing and the like. But somewhere around 9 years and older. . .now it is time to take care of their emotional needs.  They are many.  We need to guide them through that.

Learning about the art of betrayal from your own child is a painful lesson.  And there are many routes it can be accomplished.  Attitudes. Words . . or lack of.  Lies. Body language.  They deny what you pour into them each day.  And it hurts.  <Perhaps I could say it angers. . .and..maybe, at first--until you realize the true emotion is somewhere along the lines of hurt, or fear (maybe fear that you are not “doing it right’)>.
If you have ever felt fully betrayed,  The deep cut. The confusion of -why-…by your son or daughter can I just say:

It is a blessing.

Why?  I realized this as I was thinking over things trying to sort out events in my head.  Being betrayed by your child…different than by a friend or even a spouse. . .a child, Your child.
Wow, could this be a glimpse even if a small glimpse, into the love God has for us.  “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  -Romans 5:8.  We have betrayed Him, time and time again, through our sin.  And there it lays out flat for God to see, and he pours out his forgiveness and love even though our betrayals have caused Him pain, have “cut Him.”  He loves.  He forgives.  And then like an extra dose of grace continues his work as a potter.  Then you begin to understand the vastness of His grace.

There is so much to learn about our relationship with God, when we relate it to our relationships with our children.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, 

For his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

I pray that my grace for my children will be renewed each morning!

A Slate wiped clean.

 

A Seeking Heart

A woman’s ministry…why so complex, why so misguided--maybe it’s not.

What can I do for God’s kingdom?  There has to be something Great. Something Significant.  Some way. . . if only I was paying attention . .or something.  God can use my life--right, but how?  Often in church they speak about -service- about letting God use your life.  Being great by serving and such.  Where do I belong in this?  What area can I be used and be effective.  What can I possibly do anyway to show others His love and goodness.  I only have time for so much.  Much of my time is spent teaching at home.  Taking care of my family. House, etc. When will this “Exiting” time come when my life can be used for the good of the kingdom of God?

And this question had me for a long time.

Then it hit me.  My ministry IS in my home.  It is my husband.  My children.  My home.  ..and that is O.K.  And it Is important.  I can be effective.  It's enough for this season of my life.  I don’t have to go out and to “great” things...no need to establish a non profit, be a super mom who cooks cleans And makes a million selling strollers on the internet.  To write books or to. . .you know something “Big.”   Sure big things are fun.  But that might disrupt my focus anyway.

On Revive Our Hearts this week they are on a great series of motherhood...if you get a chance, try to listen to one or a few.  I think you will be thoroughly encouraged!  Click Here To Listen!  You can listen to today's or any past shows.

Have a Lovely Mother's Day!!

A Rare Occasion

A few weeks ago our family had the wonderful delight of going on a vacation.  For us it is a rare event.  But what a lot of fun!  Really I was hoping to pick my One favorite photo.  Conclusion: not exactly possible.  So these are a few of my favorites.

Sweet Logy

Love this, Tay is too Cute

A few Parkour moves for the guys...just hangin' out...haha, I know..I know, but i like my jokes:)

Who knew jumping around and acting like boys could have an official name anyway?

A little washed out...me playing with camera settings.

Love the light.

Getting ready for the waves.

Sunrise 

Boys with their Daddy

I actually was There

So Calm

A little part of our surprise vacation for the kids.  They were shocked.  We did tell them we'd take them to Disney (which was jst part of the trip) at some point.     But we didn't let them know we were going until the morning we left.  One of them said, "I really just can't trust anyone right now."  Too funny.  It was a long time coming and we were glad to be able to take them!

Essene...

Sounds pretty-hey?  It's bread.  Not sure (yet) though if it is good bread.  Mostly cause I have, this far been unsuccessful in making it properly.
Here's the deal--about 10 years ago when i first learned of this bread being one of the two "said" healthiest breads.  The other being sprouted grain-Ezekiel bread.  I searched for both..only found one.  But always in the back of my mind ~ Essene.  Recently I found out why.  It seems to be an ancient bread, one of the unleavened breads.  Not necessarily grocery store--sit in the warehouse a few months--sit on the store shelf a few weeks, type of bread.  And here it is:

Oh..wait a minute..that is me leaving it soak, well. . just a bit too long.  It sprouted!! Hmm. . maybe I will have to throw some wheat in my garden this year.  And to be honest, so far two attempts for me..the third-well hopefully will be a charm.
Why try a third time?  If made properly it is actually considered a raw bread -when cooked at 180F or lower.  Lots of benefits there.  Despite my failures at it (only soak in full water overnight..not the whole 3 days) it is quite simple.  It just sits on the counter and you rinse it a few times each day until it's ready.  Also using wheat berries in stead of ground flour, you have the option of pulling out little grasshopper parts that you find.  Do you really think they are doing it at the flour mill?  No wait, factory!  Grasshoppers like wheat:).
To make Essene:
Two cups wheat berries cover in water over night. Over the next three days keep well drained and rinse three times daily.  When you see a small white sprout about the size of the wheat grain it is ready.  Throw it in the food processor, form in a pan and throw it in the oven @180F for 6-8hours.  Or: Here are two recipes, the first does a good explanation to not rot the berries -like I did- the second looks like more fun.  Recipe A Recipe B

So I will be trying again.  I'll have to share if it goes well.