These are the days...

... to remember...  I know the weather is really yucky, with the wind howling, rain pelting the house, cold... but it was a wonderful day!  We stayed home all day (sometimes it's refreshing when the kidlets are not feeling well) and took a leisurely stroll through our to-do list from breakfast and family devotions with warmed spiced cider, to schoolwork and resting/reading time (for the ill child), to housework and chores, watching a movie together, reading together, dinner, showers, one-on-one playtime, together playtime, prayers and bed...  It's days like today when the weather is so very unpleasant that I am reminded of just how very blessed our family is.  I'm so thankful for God's amazing provision, for who am I to deserve all that He's given me?  I'm such a 'pit-dwelling sinner' (as Beth Moore would say), how is it that He cares so for me? 

Humbly and Graciously Yours,

W

Thunder Dog

I remember it so vividly, just as if it were yesterday... I was sitting on our couch looking at our precious eight and a half month old son playing on the area rug in our livingroom wondering what we were going to do that day.  Then I did something I NEVER ever did before... I turned on the television to the NBC morning show with Matt Lauer and Katie Couric.  The camera shot was looking out their studio window at the twin towers in the background when a plane crashed into the North Tower.  The commentary of the anchors was shock and disbelief...actually I thought it was a commercial for another lame end-of-the-world type of movie.  What was next rocked me to my core when a short time later the second plane struck the South Tower.  It has been ten years since our country experienced the most horrific terrorist attack in its history.  Thousands of people died, many heroes risked and gave their lives for the saving of many more.

"Thunder Dog; The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero" by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory is a touching and insightful first-hand account into the tragedy of 9/11.  But more than that, this book gives an in-depth portrait of what life is like for a blind person and the relationship he developed with each of his guide dogs... not just any blind person, but one who courageously and boldly faced each challenge and conquered it... from riding his bike through his neighborhood (much to the dismay of his neighbors), to driving a car, to maneuvering his way through Manhattan to the Twin Towers for work every day.  Yes, you read this right- when Michael was a boy his parents let him ride his bike- without their constant supervision- crossed streets and all.  His is a truly amazing story of how he developed his other senses, even learning to use echolocation. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone, though sometimes the details are a bit tedious, it's a great book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Myths of the Homeschooled

I was going through some papers earlier today and happened across this list I entitled Myths of the Homeschooled (which I may or may not have posted here in the past).  Anyway, it made me laugh.  I am such the extreme people pleaser, and as such I have struggled all through our homeschooling years with trying to not place unfair (not to mention unrealistic) expectations upon myself and our boys.  Here are some of those expectations:

1.  As a Christian homeschooler, my children will always speak, act, and work with the same diligence, peace, and patience that Jesus did.
2.  My children will love every moment of their school lessons and always ask to do more,
3.  My children, after their schoolwork is completed, always are excited to get to their chores and do them in perfect harmony,
4.  My homeschooled children always get along, never argue or disagree and work together on everything without incident
5.  I am always energetic and excited for every day of school,
6.  My hair is always well groomed/perfect, makeup done and I'm dressed up every day,
7.  My house is always spotlessly clean, neat and tidy with everything in its place,
8.  My children always beg to be helpful, always want to spend time with our family and never desire to play with anyone else,
9.  I am always the joyful, patient Proverbs 31 woman God created me to be,
10.  My children are always well-behaved in public, never speak out of turn, and demonstrate their intelligence in every public outing...

Okay, well, let's get back to the real world here...  My children are just that... children.  And they will act like children.  My house is typically messy until Saturday (or for a few weeks after a week-long camping trip), and I sometimes love to just hang out in a baggy, worn out t-shirt & jeans.  (And yes, I throw my hair in a very unkempt ponytail and wear no makeup!)  Our boys argue frequently, and aren't afraid to just be themselves when in public (though I admit it would be nice if they'd just stand there and not move if I'm busy with something sometimes).  We all love homeschooling, however, we do get tired and worn out and all have days when we'd love to be doing just about anything other than another math lesson.  Over the years, the Lord has grown me through many of those expectations (though He's still working on some), and I've learned to let go of it all and rely upon Him to guard my heart and guide my days...    

Responsibility...

One of the things that is most frustrating to me as a parent is the lack of self-generated initiative in my children... I mean really, that shoe you just tripped over?  Yes, that one- PICK IT UP!  It really struck me a couple of weeks ago when I was frantically trying to get the house in some semblance of order before our camping trip just how far down the wrong path I'd gone. 

My dh was in the livingroom working on some things for our trip as I came in and began picking up the boys' legos and various other toys laying all over the floor.  "Why are you the one picking up their things?" he asked ever so gently, yet with a slight air of reproof.  "Because it's just easier and much faster if I do it myself.  Because if I tell them to come and do it, they're going to freak out... so I'm just going to do it to get it done!"  

Seriously??!?!?!?!  I think I was the victim of Invasion of the Body Snatchers!  I would never say something so ridiculous in all my life!  I've never been the person to take the easy road, or to go out of my way to make sure I am comfortable- in fact, I tend to go out of my way to keep things just a little bit difficult.  I'd become my own worst nightmare!  Something MUST be done about this treachery!  Here's where we are currently:

Every year we pray through and come up w/ annual goals for our boys (and me too) and just how we're going to shepherd them in those areas.  Guess where we're starting?   Responsibility!  I broke it down into four areas I want the boys to work on (and me too):

1.  Responsbility to our Lord (which covers pretty much everything else)
2.  Responsibility to our Family (chores)
3.  Responsibility to their Work (school)
4  Responsibility to their Self (hygiene & possessions)

I'm still in the phase of seeking out Scripture applicable (there are a lot of Scriptures on diligence v. laziness) to the situation and our point/reward system.  (Another area I said I'd never explore, but the Lord rewards us for our obedience, so we're going with that.)  My prayer through it all is that new and good habits will be formed in my children (and me too), that their hearts and minds would be touched and inspired...

When paper towels are a luxury...

I was looking around our blessed home the other day... at all the wonderful blessings the Lord has provided.  What caught my attention was our role of paper towels, which I had just told one of the boys to grab one to clean up a spill.  It occurred to me that not too many years ago paper towels, paper plates, paper napkins, facial tissue, plastic baggies and the like were all luxury items in this blessed household.  I reminisced about that era when my husband had lost his job and was working at whatever odd job he could find to provide for his family.  We had $35 per week for groceries- and that included diapers, baby food, etc.  All through that season, God proved faithful to provide for our needs- food, shelter, clothing, heat, and our faith in Him and who He is grew by leaps and bounds.  I wouldn't trade that season of life for anything, although it was so difficult at times.  Well, as time passed, my husband was found a job that has provided everything we 'need' and many things we 'want' as well... I still remember that first shopping trip when I felt the freedom to purchase a roll of paper towels just because it would be handy to have them.  I'm sure that other shoppers thought I was weird as I pulled them off the shelf with a goofy grin on my face (I mean, really, they were $0.75).  It has been a few years since that day, and we are still so very blessed at the Lord's provision of our want's as well as our needs, but as I look around it is always the paper towels that give me the most satisfaction and remembrance of God's mighty blessing...

Praise the LORD.

I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established for ever and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
~  Psalm 111

Prayer for Today... and maybe every day...

My prayer for today, and maybe every day hereafter...
Oh, my LORD, my God... would that my heart may thoroughly enjoy You... would that I may not give in to my selfish fits of passion, but grow each day in Your amazing and abundant grace, mercy and love... to live out my days in complete devotion and worship to You, O my God, would be my greatest joy;  that I could be useful to You, to love Your people- Your children- as I ought and bring them joy and encouragement... yet how much like a baby I am, Father, in giving in to my many insecurities, fears, hurts, all of which do You no honor or glory.
Oh LORD how You reign, robed in majesty, Your throne is established from of old, You are from everlasting..  Thank You, O my God, for who You are!  Mightier than the thunder of many waters;  Mightier than the waves of the sea, You, O LORD on high are Mighty!
How I long for more of You, to know You more deeply... How I long to be rid of this wretched sin that is so ugly in Your sight... remove it from me, Sovereign Lord, that I may have a pure heart before You...  I love You, Abba.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Dry Spell...

It seems as if I've hit a bit of a dry spell in writing- both here and in my personal journal (not that I've ever been totally faithful in posting a ton here).  It's not that my heart isn't full of lots of stuff to write about- it's completely full and my mental meanderings are plenty, the Lord just hasn't provided me the words to give voice to all that is there.  I surely wish He would, I just know it would be a liberating experience to be able to get it all out.  Let's see.... there would be random musings on Family Camp 2011;  thoughts, fears, hopes, etc. for Fulton Homeschool 2011-2012;  on parenting;  on marriage;  on waking up at 3:47a.m. and NOT being able to go back to sleep!;  on 'Stepping Heavenward';  my recent physical limitations in working out;  and oh so much more. 

So, we start school in 2 1/2 weeks!  Our school room is not anywhere near ready-weriously, we still have to get the boys' new desks and chairs put together not to mention this year's school books put in place.  YIKES!  But, first things first we're having a wonderful yard sale this weekend and then I'm free!

Hopefully the Lord will soon give me the words to put to all that is in my heart SOON!