Friends and Fellowship

God always knows who to send to me right when I need them. I have been feeling like my life has been spinning out of control. I have kept my foot secured on God's Word but everything else has been going nuts. The boys fighting, tension between hubby and I, the house never staying straightened, the van is a mess, laundry is in piles everywhere, both clean and dirty! Every where I look whether personal, physical or spiritual I have felt a little out of sorts.

My prayers have become "OH Lord please! Help! Father please!" That is it. Nothing more then some pleading. I'm not 100% sure what I have been pleading for. I guess it has been for the "chaos" to stop.

So my precious Father brought some people into my week that really have touched my heart.

Friend number one: Tina
She listened ... she shared ... she understood ... she prays

Friend number two: Bree
She listened ... she encouraged ... she understood ... she prays

Friend number three: Lori
She listened ... she told me about the monks ... she understood ... she prays

Friend number four: Lynae
She listened ... she confirmed what God said ... she understood ... she prays

Friend number five: Sarah
She listened ... she flipped it around to show me the other side ... she understood ... she prays

God is so faithful! He brought peace in the form of dear friends. I woke up today with literally a different outlook. I am so humbled by my friends' love and godliness. I can feel the Spirit of the Lord moving now. I know my Father is in control. He loves me and I am safe. My eyes refuse to hold the tears now. My heart is overwhelmed by God's ways.

Friends and Fellowship are so important. We were not meant to walk this thing out alone. I encourage you to call your buddy and check in. Offer hope, blessings and Christ's love. My friends had no idea I needed it but God knew! Is God bringing someone to your heart now ... give them a call.

Get to know you a little.

I have done some things to my blog here. I'm not brave enough to fool with my homeschool blog. :)

Scroll the left hand columns ... I have a poll and a place where we all can chat.

I'm trying it all out to see if I like it. :)

A little time with an old friend

So, it is no secret that I hadn't been reading God's Word like I should. Like everything in my life I have had to become disciplined with it again. I know, I know that is sad.

I have been spending about a good, solid 15 minutes reading the Bible every day. What a wonderful blessing. Why did I ever stop? Of course I have my list of reasons why but there truly is no excuse. It's not like I went blind for goodness sake!

Today God spoke to me about something. We were in Psalms together. I was reading Psalms 18 and came upon verse 25 - 26 "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd."

I think if you were to think about it you will find this statement that I am about to make true. People who do wrong things think that everyone does wrong things. For instance, people who smoke pot think that at the very least everyone has tried it. People who cheat on their taxes believe that everyone cheats at some point in life, some way. On the flip side of that, people who are always kind find it hard to believe that someone could be cruel. We base people on our self and others. I'm sure you have heard that our relationship with our earthly father has a direct result on our relationship with our Heavenly Father. For an example, if our dad was a mean man then we have a hard time believing that God will not be mean.

This scripture in Psalms sums it up for me. God shows Himself to be what we see Him as. Now, don't miss understand me. God is not crooked, He does not lie, He is mighty. Regardless of what we see, He is Truth. Where I am coming from is this ... Is there an area in your life where you view God in contrary to His word? Is there a place in your heart where you believe He can't do something? Have you come to a place where you would bet the farm on Him in all areas but this one? Is there an area where you have been so hurt, so let down, so disappointed that you are not even willing to let God have it for fear He will do the same?

Where in your life does the picture of God in your heart not add up to scripture?
Think about it, pray about it. You may not have any area where you are struggling with God's character. Glory to God! But some of you might be ...

So I say this ... If you can't see God for who He is ... move. :)

A grateful heart

I know that I have been MIA a bit. I have been busy with God and my family. :)

Sunday was my Beloved's birthday. It was a wonderful day. We went to church and heard an awesome Word. Then we went to Applebee's, truly 'eatin' good in the neighborhood'. After that we just headed home to watch the race. Which Bo's driver actually had a great car but blew an engine with like 15 laps to go. All was not lost, his second driver won the race. We didn't have any big thing like cake but we did head out to 7-11 for Slurpees and ice cream. :) It was a very nice, relaxing day. Bo had a good day.

The boys started football this week. Man, is that exciting! It is a whole different world. I love it! For the first week they are doing conditioning. It's two and a half hours worth of intense conditioning. The boys LOVE it! They are really doing well. All the coaches are high fiven' and saying 'good job', 'atta boy', 'were you watchin' him?'. Makes my mama heart swell! There are about 175 kids there. Let me tell you they all came to play some ball. Even the 5 year olds are serious. Which is just too cute to even talk about! All the teams are tackle and this upcoming week they start hitting. My boys are beyond excited about. This is such a dream come true for them. All three of them have football in common. They know all about the sport. Come actual football season you can't get away from stats, coaches, teams, owners, players, free agents, draft orders, college recruits, college averages, college players grade average ... the list goes on and on. ESPN is always on in the fall and the boys are running to the computer when they first get up to see if anything has posted on NFL.com over night! LOL Just like NASCAR, it's in their blood. We truly are a bunch of good ole boys and girl rednecks! LOL

I am so grateful to God. I was sitting at the field last night, watching the boys run through the drills. Each one was at a different station. I was over come by my thankfulness to our Lord. He has given all of us our dreams.

My all time dream was/is to be in a family that loved and cherished me. To be in a family that wanted me around and needed me. I wanted the husband, kids, minivan, spaghetti night dinners, the less then perfect living room, and even the piles of laundry and dishes. I wanted to belong, to be accepted, to be cherished. I have that and a whole lot more!

Bo's dream is the same basically. He wanted to be loved. He wanted to belong, to be protected, not in a physical sense. To have someone stand up for him and support him. Someone to see the best in him and see his potential. He wanted children who looked up to him. He wanted/needed unconditional, pure love. He's got that and a whole lot more!

Now since my kids, to the Glory of Christ, are being raised in a God-fearing home where we are forever before His throne on our faces, they do not have all that 'emotional' stuff. :) Their dreams are this ... have their own rooms and to play football! To God's glory ... they have that and a whole lot more!

Do you notice the theme of our dreams? We have our dreams and a whole lot more!
What about you? I encourage you to take this weekend and look around. Sure there will be somethings you can say aren't your dreams but look at the bigger picture. God loves you and He is always showering you with a wonderful gift. You just might have to look for it. Ask God to help you see His hand in things. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised.

Romans 11:29 (NIV)
For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. (emphasis mine)

I think someone needed to read that today! GLORY!

Coming Back

I have been so far away from God's Word lately. I haven't even attended church regularly. There is truly no excuse for any of it. I have been hearing God's gentle voice calling me back. He has said things like "What you have built up will only carry you so far my love." and "Each day you are loosing your footing, The Evil One is watching your steps." Today I woke up just before 6. Yes, it is hard to believe. I decided to take advantage of that. I made coffee, ate breakfast, straighten up and headed out to my front porch. I sat there with my coffee cup and Bible. I asked for forgiveness in regards to neglecting my most important relationship. Then I asked God to prepare me for Him. I knew He might rebuke me. I didn't want to be prepared with a bunch of meaningless reasons for my absence. We had wonderful quiet time together. There was no sense of frustration on His part. We picked up right where we had left off. Isn't that comforting? Like when you haven't talked to a good friend in awhile and finally that phone call comes in and you walk away feeling as if no time had passed. That is how it was today.

I feel as though God is calling me to do some things. I am taking advantage of the "lazy days of summer". I'm going to spend the next 5 or so weeks and really dive in. I want to make sure that I do not go where He has not gone. I don't want any of these things to be about me or my desires but to glorify Him. I'm asking for your prayers. I need wisdom. Is this me or Him? I need things to line up and for me to have the patience to wait. Some of the stuff He is talking to me about may take a while, like years. I don't want to rush Him.

I have come to some major opposition recently. The house, finances, and Dad dieing are just the tips of the iceberg. I truly believe that Satan knows what God has planned and he wants to discredit all of it. He wants me to believe that the things I hold in secret, my dreams, will be mocked. The Enemy wants me to believe that God would never use me. That God would never trust me to handle these things. The Enemy wants me to be so sidetracked that I miss what God is saying and doing. He, the Enemy, wants me to be shaken in a personal way. I do know this ... if there is some shaken to happen then let it begin! God will shake me to remove the things that would hinder me. Things that are stopping me from doing His will. Only the things that remain are of God and will not be shaken! Hebrews 12:27.

Oh Baby! We got a whole lot of shaken going on! :) All to God's GLORY!

Quiet times

I am finishing up some MUCH needed quiet time. Grandma took the boys for the night and Bo was (and still is) out of town. I have the house all to myself! Since 8 o'clock last night! I wasn't sure what I was going to do other then be so happy. :) I took the boys to the library yesterday so I had a fresh new book. I had a list of recorded shows on the DVR list. I had some chocolate and I had plenty of coffee.

All I did last night was veg. I watched T.V., ate my candy and drank my coffee. I was very quiet. I didn't cry, I didn't agonize over undone chores, I didn't even read my book. I sat there with my remote and fell in and out of sleep.

It was glorious! I have not had a quiet, by myself, night in I think forever! Or so it feels. God knew exactly what I needed. I needed to do my own thing for a little while. I needed to only concern myself with myself. That is exactly what I did.

Soon I will be picking up my boys. Soon Bo will be coming home. Which is good because I think the race is about to start. :) I feel re-energized. I feel ready to take on the rest of July. I feel like I have recovered from the craziness of it all. Oh, I think I forgot to mention that Bo's younger brother was in town. He came the Monday we got back from Florida. There was no rest for weary.

God also gave me beautiful weather! No humidity. I was able to open my windows and feel the cool breeze. I love open windows. I love hearing the sounds of the neighborhood. I love to smell fresh air.

I didn't spend any real time in God's word or in prayer but God did bless my quiet time. I felt Him here with me. He gave me much rest. He always does. He loves me and He shows it all the time!

Gettin' into trouble :)

No, no, it's okay. I started selling AVON a few weeks ago. Truly Bo and I are my best customers! I have all intention to do something with AVON unlike Tupperware that I sold 10 years ago. :) I am getting back in the swing of things. I totally ditched it while on vacation and my dad. I'm excited to jump back in. July is my month for that and August is my month for getting ready for school to start. Hey, if you are interested in AVON let me know. I even have my own website. :) Which is great for those of you who are out of town (my town). I'll have to email you privately. :) You can go to my homeschool blog to email me. Just click on the 'email me' link on the right hand column. For whatever reason I can't do one on this site.

I caught a fish THIS big!

At least that is what I feel about the experiences I have had in 10 days!

Okay, here we go!

We were able to fly out to CA on the 4th of July to visit my best friend Tina. She had no idea we were coming. Her husband told her that he had to run to the store for something but actually he was meeting us up the road so we could follow him back. She was standing outside with her neighbors getting the grill ready! Her mouth dropped open when she saw us drive up behind Joe. I just about jumped out of our moving vehicle! It was wonderful. I ran across the road and held on so tight! I kept telling her "All week! We are staying all week!" It was amazing.

We had so much fun in California. We hung out, played in the pool, went to Sea World, played games, talked, talked and talked! It was so wonderful and very much needed. Tina has been away from Virginia since October of 99. I have only seen her 3 times in almost 8 years and each time it was her coming back here. So this was so neat. Sunday we were able to go out, just the two of us. Joe and Bo kept the kids and we headed to Starbucks. There is a lake that sits behind this particular one. We took our coffees, sat on a bench and talked. I think we covered everything under the sun.

Now, during this time ...

On Saturday we were at Sea World. My phone died and we ended up getting separated from Tina and her family. So we did our thing until we were soaking wet and very cold. CA has no humidity ... at least not VA humidity. We decided to head back to the hotel and catch up with them later.

On Sunday we got up and went to church. Tina's church. The anointing of the Lord is upon them. There were two words spoken that day and both applied to me! I knew instantly in my spirit that God was talking to me. It was so wonderful.

After the service the pastor said that there were free books out on the table in the lobby. I couldn't believe my ears. God is always giving me books! Books that I have just in casual conversation with Him have mentioned that I wanted. He is so cool! So I was able to pick up Stormie Omartian's books, Power of a Praying Wife and Power of a Praying Parent! How cool is that?!

That afternoon Bo and Joe went out to lunch together. They went to a popular biker joint. While they were out I took the boys back to the hotel so that we all could rest a bit. I decided to check my voicemail just to see if there were any messages. There were two. Both from my mom. She was crying and very upset. I instantly prayed that she would be covered by God's grace and love. I called her back and couldn't reach her. So a few minutes later she called me back.

She told me that on Saturday evening ... My house caught on fire! Yes, you read that right. Here she had put a bag of paper out on the back porch. She smoked her cigarette and went back in the house. About an hour and a half later my neighbor was pounding on the door. The back of our house was on fire. God was so good. Only external damage was done. She was able to put it out. The fire department checked the house and put a tarp over the damaged part.

I just couldn't believe it. I never once got upset. I prayed and prayed but I never said a harsh thing to her or anyone. God has seen to it that it will only be around 500 bucks to fix. He is amazing.

Now on Monday morning we decided to go to Laguna Beach. Hang out in the Pacific Ocean for awhile. On the way there I received a phone call from my sister Mickie. She said that our dad only had about 24-48 hours to live. Really, the 48 hours was pushing it. I couldn't believe it. I knew he was dying but I honestly thought there was more time. I started to kick myself for being in CA.

I immediately handed it all over to our Lord. I told Him that I had no opinion about being there or not. I recognized just how in control God is in all of our lives. We made some phone calls and were able to get a flight out early Tuesday morning. We were going to have to fly to VA and drive down because no flights were going to Florida until Thursday.

Monday evening we checked our bank to see what money we had in our personal account. Well, come to find out the IRS levied our account! They took out a little over 300 dollars. It just kept coming. Praise the Lord Bo has talked with them since. All is well. They refunded the money. It was total error on their part!

I called Annabelle about 5:30 Tuesday morning (west coast time) before our flight left. She said that Dad passed at 3:20 (east coast time) Tuesday morning. I was so sorry for her. Of course she was so sorry for me. I told her that I would get down there as soon as I could.

Well, the flight from CA to GA was good. When we got to GA however we, because of weather, had to wait 4 hours! By the time we were about to take off I did start crying. I just couldn't believe it all. We weren't just stuck at the airport ... we were stuck on the plane! I said to Bo "What could possibly happen next? Am I going to just spontaneously com bust?!" After that little outburst I was able to calm down. Shortly after that our plane took off. Glory!

We got home late Tuesday night. So we took Wednesday getting things together. Bo had to take care of some things for our business. We knew that the funeral would be Friday. Wednesday night we headed out to Florida.

The time with my family was wonderful. We really celebrated my dad's life. I saw people I hadn't seen in years. We just hung out, talked and laughed. It was really nice to share memories. All of my sisters came but my brother, Billy, did not. He felt that we should wait a few weeks before we had the funeral. Please pray for him. Keep him covered. My oldest sister's son was in a car accident the day Dad died. She was so upset because she's mama and wasn't there. He is okay. His name is Tommy, well, Tom now that he is 18. :) He suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his arms but other then that, he was good. Glory! Needless to say her family were not able to come.

So Saturday morning we left Florida. We arrived late that night. It feels soooo good to be home. There truly is no place like home while on this side of glory!

As far as my dad's salvation ... Annabelle told me that before my dad passed he talked privately with the Hospice minister. She said that after that conversation he was a different person. She said that you could see it in his eyes. She said that his face was so bright. My two sisters that were there agreed. He hadn't been talking much because he was so weak. A few years back he had an laryngectomy. Now though, he was smiling and telling her that he was going to be alright. He "now sees the type of man I was but that now things were different." He told her that she would be okay and us kids would be fine. She told him she was proud of his fighting the various cancers and proud to be his wife. He told her that he was tired and needed to go. She said that three times he opened his eyes and held out his hand towards the ceiling. On the 3rd time he opened his eyes, held up his hand and shook his head yes. With that he closed his eyes and simply stopped breathing.

Needless to say I have had one crazy July. Hopefully the rest of July will be nice and quiet.

I hope that this post made sense. :) Have a great week everyone! Much love and thanks for all the prayers!

Hello everyone! I know it has been so long since I have posted. Trust me, it is not because God is not talking to me!

So much has happened in such a short time. I'll post about it ALL when I get a chance. I will say this ... my dad did pass away early Tuesday morning. We are headed down tonight to Florida. Please pray for travel mercies. It looks like we will be hitting rain the whole way down. :(

Also pray that Bo and I can represent Christ to my family. I'm praying for peace, love, healing, kindness, joy, you name it I'm praying for it!

Thanks everyone!

Check out my girlfriend's blog.

I wanted to update those of y'all who didn't know ...
My homeschool blog is up and running. Check it out when you get a chance.

the picture He's painting

Being in God's Word

This week I slacked off reading the Bible. Boy, can I tell!

That is all behind me now. Today I got back into His glorious Word. It's amazing all this new stuff I am learning. It's not stuff that is a great big revelation but it I'm learning more about the people. Like I always thought Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister. But he didn't lie. She is his half sister. His father's daughter. Now, that stuff does not bother me because God and I came to terms with that a few years back. :) But if you told me you married your half sibling ... that would creep me out. We live in a different culture ... we have more people of non-relation to marry ... you get my point. :)

We really cannot forsake our time with Him. Trust me, I'm telling myself this more then you!

Oh Father, make me thirst for You and Your Word. May I never be satisfied with my day unless I have spent time with You. Lord, how can you direct my paths if I am not talking to You? Sweet Lord, I truly want to treasure our time together. Help me to always put You first. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Peace

Peace has been an aching in my heart lately. I know that it is a direct result of some heart issues in my home.

I found this post today. I encourage you to read it. It's a bit long but oh so worth it. In fact I am going to read it again!

Hanging out

I am so excited about summer. We've stopped school, at least officially. We have planned some great things to do. Our days are going to be filled with fun in the sun. I joined the summer reading program at our library. I can win some great prizes. Every week they are giving away gift cards to Barnes and Nobles, Starbucks, Red Lobster and some other places that I cannot remember. The grand prize in August is an iPod! Wouldn't that be nice?

Anyway, in all my planning I can hear the Lord saying, "Don't forget about me, don't forget about us (our relationship)". How could I, right? Easily!

I realized that this week is our first official week off school. We have been staying up late and sleeping in. What does that mean? No quiet time with God. Yes, it is sad and true, I haven't read His word at all this week. So why am I writing this post now instead of diving into the Bible? Because I felt I should confess that to y'all and to Him.

Just a few days out of the gate and I have already fell down. But this minute is a new minute. I am choosing God. We can have all the fun of summer but I need to put Him first. There should not be a break from our time together.

How about you? Have you eased into the lazy days of summer and forgotten your relationship with Him? Or are you going strong, diving deep into His Word? How's the prayer life? Are you still taking time to lay it all before Him or are you just sending up flares?

Oh precious Father, let us not forget You this summer. Let us still find rest in Your mighty hand. You are the most important relationship in our life. Without you all the BBQs, swimming and lounging around are just meaningless. Praise You Lord for this season of rest. I ask that You continue to minister to us. As the summer moves on may we see more of You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bugs

I'm working out the bugs in my new homeschool blog. :)

I think I got it all done. It's different from this blog so I'm learning all over again the way to post, how to view the blog and other things like that. :)

I'm excited about it.

Well, just wanted to let y'all know that I did get it up and running. Although I can't figure out how to spell check. So y'all might see how horrible I truly am at spelling. :(

Yes to another blog

So, The Lord and Bo said yes to another blog! I even have a name picked out. I'm not revealing what it is because it may be taken already. :)

I will be getting it up and running tonight.

Stay tuned ...

:)

some proud moments

Well, first let me just say that Matthew has read 8 books in a week! LOL Mind you they are not novels but nonetheless they are some great books. Mostly on ocean life. He has agreed to wait on going to Barnes & Noble until his brothers are a bit caught up. Or least over the weekend because we had to finish our CATs today.

So, another proud moment. David has had no interest in reading this year. Every program has frustrated him to no ends. So I dropped it. I just focused on the other stuff.

So, last night David decided that he didn't want anyone to read to him. He was gonna read. And he is! He struggles over a lot of the words but he is determined to do it. Each page he is getting better.

It's funny, because I had just a few months ago, resolved myself to the fact that I would take more of an Waldorf approach with the boys. Now look at them!

Even Ryan, who at most times cannot tell a p from a q or a b from a d and who could care less about writing left to right has decided that he too would like to read. He found a book that has very little words in it. He memorized the words and will not stop 'reading' it to every one.

My boys are so sweet. God is so faithful. Once I truly laid it all down at His feet ... He has just been so faithful!

Just so proud

I am just so proud of Matthew. I just have to brag a bit. Yesterday I told him about Barnes and Nobles summer reading program. It's really neat. After reading 8 books he will be able to pick from a list, one free book. He will have the opportunity to get 2 free books this summer. Not only that but he will be entered to win a free autographed book. It's one of Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House books. We only have a few more to read and then we would have read all 37 books. So I thought he would be thrilled.

He wasn't. I could tell all he was thinking was "I'm going to have to read all summer!"

So tonight, after he was in bed for about 1/2 hour, he comes downstairs. He has a book in his hand. I wasn't quick to say "Get back to bed." and praise God I wasn't because he hands the book to me. Then proceeds to get the B&N paper and a pen. He writes the info needed and I sign it.

I was so excited. He chose to read a book tonight for the summer reading program.

Then he came back downstairs with another book!

So, my heart is melting. All my worries are gone. All my prayers are being answered. Matthew even told me tonight that he enjoys reading!

It's amazing when you give things to God. I resolved the fact that I am who I am and I teach the way I teach. All apart of His plan. Glory!

Just had to share :)

Shem, Ham, and Japheth

Well I found out today that Ham is the youngest of the brothers. :)

In Chapter 9 verse 20 Noah got a little carried away with the wine from his vineyard. He fell asleep naked in his tent. Well, Ham walked in and saw him. So he told his brothers about it. They walked in backwards with a garment over their shoulders and covered him up. Then ...
Genesis 9:24 "When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him" (emphasis mine). He then cursed Ham's son Canaan. Which I don't think is fair but that goes on the list of 'Who am I?' Boy, embarrassment is rough.

So, I now know that Ham is Noah's youngest boy. This is exciting.

CAT

Well, the California Achievement Tests came in today. We will do them tomorrow and if need be I might do one of the boys Friday.

I am amazed at God's peace. Last year I was a wreck. Very nervous and concerned. It was our first year taking the tests. We had, for the first two years, an umbrella school that I reported to. Now this year I feel almost like an old pro. Praise God!

David looked over his test and asked if we could do his tonight. I said no. :) I'll teach that boy yet to procrastinate! No, no, I'm teasing. I try not to do 'school' at night because that is when we hang out with Dad. Plus we have a leadership meeting/dinner tonight at church. So, we just couldn't. Tomorrow will be here soon enough. :)

This year of school has really stretched me. I give all the glory to God. He is raising me well.

Front to Back

The Lord has been telling me for a few months that I should read the Bible cover to cover. In all the years of reading His Word, I have never done that. I skip around, read where I want or where I feel He is telling me. God has never disappointed me when He told me which book to read. So when He started sharing with me that He'd like me to read front to back I said O.K. Did you catch that it has been a few months?

I tend to procrastinate.

Yesterday I realized that I was being disobedient. After telling Him I was sorry I decided to read. I printed out a cool little "read the Bible in a year" schedule. Not that I am thinking I have to do it in a year. Maybe I will be done sooner ... who knows. But I love lists that I can check off! I have another one that is in my day planner but Bo and I are using that to keep track of the reading we are doing together. So, with my cool schedule, Bible, highlighter and pen I started to read. I asked God to show me things afresh. I have read all about creation for years, we even covered it in science. So I didn't want to hurry over His word because "I know it". I was pleasantly surprised at what He showed me.

In the first chapter of Genesis I realized something. Now mind you I know this but it really spoke to me yesterday. God is of order. Everything He created was in order. He didn't create the land before there was night and day. He didn't create animals before there was food for them. It really spoke to me about how my days should look. In order, not chaotic and all over the place. Actually this spoke to my schooling.

Next what struck me was how God defined 'Day'. At the end of creating something the Word says "And there was evening, and there was morning-the first day" or second or third, etc. That made me think of Sabbath. Friday night starts Sabbath. So, here is my thought ... when I go to sleep I am not recovering from the day but getting ready for the day.

The next place that really spoke to me was God's tenderness. In Chapter 3, after the sin when God made them leave Eden He did something so tender. He clothed them. He was upset and heart broken. He even discussed it with Jesus and The Holy Spirit (vs 22) but in vs 21 He made them clothes. It just spoke to me about God's mercy, His tenderness, His love.

Are you ready for the first generational curse? This about blew my socks off when I realized it. In Chapter 3:17-19 God tells Adam that the ground will be cursed. Adam will painfully toil the land and it will bear thorns and thistles. Right? Now move to Chapter 4:11-12. God tells Cain that the land will not produce crops for him. Whew! A sinful heritage starting with Adam passed down to Cain.

Now let's look at what I found in Chapter 5! I'm just so excited. :) Chapter 5 lists everyone from Adam to Noah. What struck me was how God gives an account but says only one walked with God! What in the world? Here is Adam who was the first man. He got to name all the creatures. He walked in the garden with God and in chapter 5 there is no mention of their relationship. Nor that of Seth's or any descendant until Enoch. Not Cain's Enoch, another Enoch. Now, Enoch walked with God after his son Methuselah was born. Enoch was 65 years old and walked with God for 300 years. Enoch never died but at 365 years old God "took him away."vs 24. He was the first one God took up. Amazing.

The next thing that caught my attention is with Noah. Each man has mention of one son and at what age he was when that son was born. Then scriptures say he lives a certain amount of years afterwards and has many sons and daughters. But with Noah it says in verse 32 "After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth." Now this is just me thinking ... Is it possible that they were triplets? Think about, it didn't say at 500 he had Shem and at 503 he had Ham, etc. I'm not one to read into scripture but I thought that would be something neat. :) My mom said that I should check out the wording in regards to Jacob and Esau since we know they are twins. I'll let y'all know what I discover.

Reading Scripture is so wonderful! I will keep y'all updated on my adventures in His Word!

If you only have time to read two blogs

Please make this blog one that you read today!

Be encouraged!

A new blog

No, no, I am not getting rid of this blog. :) I love it way to much. Isn't that sad? I don't understand how people can go weeks without blogging. I know that I am not the only one who loves her blog! Anyway ...

I am thinking though of having another blog. One that is totally focused on Homeschooling. This blog, The Potter's Clay, is so much about my day to day walk with Christ. Of course Homeschooling is very much apart of it and I do write here about it. I was thinking, tho, that I could have one just for HS. One where I posted things like curricula, my learning, field trips, new discoveries and those A-HA moments that I will have. Not to mention all the stuff the boys will be doing! LOL

So, I am in the process of asking God if it would be alright. I tend to be a bit consumed by this one. I was telling my girlfriend the other day that I can be right in the middle of a situation and think "oh, I gotta write about this!" Of course I don't because I usually forget or God reminds me that I haven't fully grasped what He was saying. So I need to meditate on it a bit more.

I also haven't talked to Bo about it. I honestly don't think he would mind. I actually only thought of it last night. He has been hanging out with Dad this weekend. They went to a bike rally. He rode one of his dad's bikes. I can't wait until he gets one. I'm looking for a helmet now and biker boots. Gotta have them. Tennis shoes are not cool or safe :) The boys need those things too.

Date night will never be the same! Woo Hoo!

One more thing ... I am also praying about a name for the homeschool blog. Any ideas?

Rain

We haven't had rain here in about a week. You can tell because people are getting cranky with the heat, there are more bugs flying around and the lawns are turning brown.

I was looking at the brown lawn at my mom's house. I then thought about our lawn. It, too, is turning brown. That thought brought me to my neighbor. He is so careful with his lawn. He cuts it faithfully. He waters it nightly. His lawn is turning brown. Mind you it's not as brown as mine but nevertheless, it's starting to turn.

I thought to myself, "Boy we just need a good rain.".

My heart thought of life. How often do we need a good spiritual rain? No matter how much we try man made things to sooth our soul, it all comes down to this ... our soul thirsts for God.

Psalms 143:6 "I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like parched land. Selah"

We cannot water our own souls. There is nothing on this earth that man has created that can quench our thirst. Only God, the Father, Jesus Christ our Lord and the Comforter, The Holy Spirit can satisfy our souls.

Do you need a little rain today?

Precious Heavenly Father, we come to you dry and weary. Father fill us up with the Holy Spirit. Quench our thirsts Father. Let us be a well watered garden Lord. Bearing up good fruit in and out of season. Oh Father, may our roots go deep into your Word, into your Kingdom. Lord from this day forward may we never take for granted a good rain. Father fall on us! Father drench us in your power. May it soak us to the very being of who we are. Praise you Jesus! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

This is such a wonderful post ...

I just had to share. Check it out over at the Cafe.

Be prepared to have your little heart stings tugged, especially if you are a mama.

Awesome Show

I have been watching this awesome show on PBS. It's called History Detectives. I highly recommend it. It is just a great show. Very educational ... for us, the adults! :) Because you know as well as I do that now you are in a season to want to know this stuff! LOL Although my boys enjoy it as well. I also saw on the PBS website, http://www.pbs.org/, that they have History Detective Kids. I think I will check that out for the boys.

Anyway, just thought I would share.

Oh yeah, Lori, they have a detective game you can play! ;)

Freeing

I can not even tell you how I have been chasing my tail with homeschooling. It's been just nuts and silly. But to God's glory all that has changed!

Background:

The first few years of homeschooling we did great. Why? Because they were so little? Perhaps. I think it had more to do with the fact that I had fun with them. We played games more. We made up stories more. We did more arts and crafts. I was relaxed. I didn't concern myself with the fact that we were studying animals instead of the earth. I didn't mind if my boys were ahead in math but behind in reading. I felt we were where we were suppose to be ... my soul was at ease.

Then third grade hit. I panicked. I looked at everyone else, where their kids were at and thought I came up short. Clearly this reflects on me not my boys. I became consumed with what they didn't know and forgot what they did. I became overwhelmed with where we fell in the world's standards and totally forgot where we were on the Kingdom's schedule.

I spent most of this school year on my face. I asked everyone I came across to pray for me. They did and I am forever grateful.

I spent hours on the phone with two wonderful and amazing girlfriends, not to mention the emails! These two gals were my sanity in times of trouble! Thank you.

I always knew that I was an electic homeschooling. Basic meaning is that I draw from all the styles to find my unique way of teaching. The boys respond so well to that. But even with the electic approach I found it hard to 'sit and do school'. We had our pretty notebooks, workbooks, textbooks, games, fresh pencils, living books, you name it. I just couldn't get it together enough to sit and take a chunk out of our day. It reflected too. The boys were having a hard time with patience. My discernment told me that it was from not being trained to sit and do the work. That there was too much free time in our day. Free time that became fight time while I was off doing my thing. I quickly repented of my selfishness. I also confessed to God that I ran because I didn't know what to do. I felt defeated. I felt like a failure. I knew that God called us to homeschool even before Matthew was born. So what was my problem now?

During all this God was so kind and patient. God revealed to my husband that my heart wasn't in it. I knew this was true the minute it came out of his mouth. Truth convicted me. I prayed for God to renew my heart. School had become difficult because I was bored. I was bored because I only focused on the negative. I only focused on the negative because I took my eyes off of what God called me to do. That was the change ... right there!

I stopped asking God to fix it. I started asking Him to train me. Teach me how to teach them. "Heal me Lord, heal my heart of worry and show me my steps.". Things started clicking in new ways. I realized that all through out the year, He was showing me that we are an unschooling family. Between articles and real life I began to see it in our lives. For instance, Matthew learned fractions this year not because it was next in the math book but because there was an opportunity for him to learn it. Bo had a major contract to write up. He had to measure out blue prints for an appartment building. Matthew helped him in the evenings. That is just one example.

This weekend God really ministered to me. It was at our church Saturday night. We had a guess speaker, Dr. Lee. He was so funny and so annointed. Backing out of the driveway I told Bo that I was going to the alter if there was a call. I said that "Unless it is for salvation I am going!" Well, let me tell you, He had an alter call and it wasn't for salvation! While I waited for him to come and pray over me I prayed to God. I remember saying to Him "touch me, just touch me. Lord, I am tired and drained." I also prayed for my son's healing, my father's salvation, my marriage and school. I realized that Bo was standing next to me as Dr. Lee approached. Dr. Lee put his hand on my forehead and began praying. I don't remember the exact words but it had something to do with the Holy Spirit making Himself known to me in a new way. I just wept. Then he placed his other hand on Bo and prayed over us as a couple (we had our Life Group Leader name tags on). He took his hand off my head and put both on Bo but quickly put his hand back on my head. He said this "God sees your humble heart. He has heard your secret prayer and He is answering." I almost jumped into the air! My spirit knew it to be true. Then he placed both hands back on Bo and prayed something I couldn't hear. The next thing I know Bo is laying on the ground. Our boys were with us. My youngest didn't understand why Daddy fell. I simply said that sometimes when the Holy Spirit falls upon you in such power your body falls down. Then later Bo explained to us what Dr. Lee said and did. He said that Dr. Lee put one hand on Bo's stomach and asked the Holy Spirit to come deep inside his spirit and life. Bo said that he legs just gave out. Bo had never been slain in the Spirit before. Bo said that he felt the reason some people fall is because God wants to minister straight to the spirit of the person with out physical distractions.

That was it ... the turning point for me. I woke up Monday morning with no plan for school. We just did it. It was so perfect. None of the boys complained. We just kept going with school. No one rushed to turn the TV back on. There wasn't any fighting. The house stayed straightened up. The mood in our home was relaxing and calm.

My spirit feels so free. I can feel His presence here with us. My heart rejoices!

Check it out

I just wanted to remind y'all about the "Where I surf" section. I add things from time to time. I surf a lot of great blogs but not all make it here right away. Simply because I want to get a feel of the writer and the message before I encourage anyone to read it. So, check out the side bar every once in awhile :)

Encouraging Post

I just wanted to share this post from Beth Moore (Thanks Lori).

Be blessed y'all (that means you too, Laura) and enjoy!

Flowers in My Garden

Today was a great, relaxing day. Bo had off because of the rain so we made a day of it. We ran some errands and had lunch. While out we decided to hit the Home Depot to get some stuff for our new house. We bought some high traffic grass seed, some turf builder with crab grass blocker stuff (you can see that it's clearly my expertise!) and we got FLOWERS! We also bought some stuff to help with my garden, some weed blocker thing you put in the garden (again, my area! lol). I bought some bulbs to plant now for summer and then we got some annuals. Pretty pink, white and my favorite purple! Each boy picked out one annual that was 'his'. We are going to do a stone hedge for the garden. We have already picked it out but since we had the van Bo will go back tomorrow to actually buy it. He'll bring his pick-up truck. I'm so happy. This is just wonderful. It will give our house such great curb appeal. I'm a bit nervous because this is the first time I have ever gardened, if that is even the word. :) But I figure this ... some flowers may die. It's a part of life. I'm okay with that. :) I can't wait to plant some tulips but I have to wait until fall. Oh and I love mums too, those are fall flowers too. It looks like we will have some color through out the year. That is wonderful. We are also talking about doing something around our mailbox. Well, I just wanted to share about my new upcoming garden. I'm so excited!

Update on my Dad

I called my Dad today. No one answered the phone. I left a message letting everyone know that I love each one very much. I then called my sister's cell. I know that they are moving sometime this month. I thought maybe they had already moved in but she updated me on the house. They have about two more weeks. Just waiting on the some septic stuff and a couple more inspections. I'm happy for them.

Our conversation turned to Dad and Annabelle. Mickie said that Annabelle is not doing well. She walks around in a zombie mode. Annabelle is not eating much and not sleeping well. Annabelle wakes up, eats a little bit and then is off to the hospital until she comes home around 10 at night. Her doctor prescribe her a very low dose anti-depressant but she won't take it. Mick has tried to convince to take them but she refuses. Mick is also concerned because Annabelle refuses to get anything in order. My Dad's will is not finished. The house is in both their names. Annabelle hasn't notified Dad's disability office or Social Security office. It could take up to a year before Annabelle would start receiving benefits once Dad passes. She refuses to get the paperwork started. I understand why. It would be so unbelievably hard to deal with. One of the many things I learned from my aunt's death is that it is really hard to prove someone is dead. You would think a death certificate would be proof enough. It's not. The main reason it was difficult with my aunt was she had no will. So although I know it's pain beyond belief ... It still is so necessary.

Okay, now as far as my Dad goes ...
He was going in for his treatments. Of course when he got home he was a wreck. He couldn't keep anything down. On Tuesday of last week, May 8th, he went in for a treatment and vomited right afterwards. This alarmed the doctors. So they kept him over night. He continued to vomit and have a really hard time. After some tests they found out that he has two blood infections, cancer in his pelvis and cancer in his lower spine. Mick doesn't think he will come home. As far as I know they are still giving him the treatments per Dad's request.

Mickie told me that Dad did get my letter. She said that Annabelle read it to him because he is too weak. Remember my vision?! Anyway, she said that Annabelle cried while she read it. When she was finished she sobbed. Mickie then left the room so that Dad and Annabelle could talk. She doesn't know what my Dad said, if anything.

There is where we are. Bo and I are planning to go at the end of August. We are, however, on stand-by. God is in control.

Please continue to pray for everything. Please keep them all lifted up!
Thank You Mighty Prayer Warriors!!

So Good!

I have just finished my second book by Lori Wick. Her books are so good.

You know you are involved way to much in the characters when you pray for them! Yes, yes I did. Something happened in the story line. It shocked me. Later yesterday morning I said to God "Lord please make everything come out alright for Jackie and Clay." I then realized what I said! I apologized to the Lord for praying for people in a fictional book! I'm sure He was quite amused with me.

Needless to say I read like 8 chapters yesterday alone, just trying to find out what happens. I was not disappointed!

God has really given me back my love of reading. I did loose it for a long time. My dreams of writing are back. My dreams of ministering to people are back. God and I are in a sweet place. I am humbled and overjoyed by our relationship. He has made me glad ... O He has made me glad.

Back to the book. I HIGHLY recommend any book by Lori Wick. I have only read two. One was a standalone and one is the first book in a series. She has 7 series and a number of standalone ... 32 books in all.

I'm off to the library to get another book!

My heart aches ...

My heart aches just thinking about God's heart right now. What I'm about to share will rip at your very souls. At least I hope it does.

Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort (Way of the Master) challenged two atheists on Nightline on ABC. You can watch the show at 1p.m. online tomorrow, Wednesday. It will also be aired on television that night at 11:30p.m. However, it was a 90 minute meeting and Nightline will only show 30 minutes because that is the allotted time for the show.

Here is the link http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3148940&page=1.

Anyway, what grieves my heart is this ... The two atheists started "Blasphemy Challenge". Basically they, Brian and Kelly, ask people to send them video denying The Holy Spirit. They said and I quote "We wanted to do it in such a way where we stripped the power from religious institutions that instill fear in people," says Brian. "And we did that by blaspheming the Holy Spirit, by showing that we are not scared of this unforgivable sin."

Oh my ... Oh my ...

I can't even put into words what I am feeling. I have not gone to see the website they set up. I am almost afraid my ears would catch on fire! I can only imagine what our Father is feeling right now. How He must ache with sorrow. He sent Jesus, His only begotten Son to die for them, all of them, all of us, and they mock HIM! They laugh and scorn Him. Just like they did thousands of years ago. And yet He longs for them to know Him. To call upon the name of the Lord. To repent and acknowledge His is Lord ... before it is too late. Perhaps it may be. God does clearly say that is the unforgivable sin. Matthew 12:31

I can't believe the nerve of this honestly. I know God warned us that this stuff would be happening the closer we approach Christ's return. I know that things are being set into place but it still hurts. It still stings my heart and brings tears to my eyes.

I can't help but tell the precious Trinity how much I love them today.

I understand the psalmist when he wonders "How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!" Psalm 74:10-11. I can't stay there too long because God's ways are not mine. His ways are always right and true.

All I can do is grieve with Him ... love Him ... share Him ... live for Him ...
and resolve the fact that this is just the beginning.

Online picture album

Well, I think I am getting there! My cell phone provider allows me to have a free picture and blog website thru them. I tried posting some pictures but I would receive 'error' majority of the time. But this morning ... every picture I have sent has gone thru. Yeah!

I must stop after about 5 pictures because I have to do some lessons. :) I asked God this morning to help me prioritize my day. He spoke to my heart this:

1. Lessons

2. Laundry

3. Hair cuts for the boys

4. Life Group

So I am staying on task. While the boys were eating breakfast, I started laundry. When I came down stairs I noticed that they were playing so nice with Ryan's new (for his B-day) Lego toys. So I am giving them an hour. During this hour I am sending pictures and blogging. :) At 11 we are hitting the books.

Boy has God been talking to me this weekend! I'll have to tell you about that later.

So, my whole point to this particular post is ... if you want to see some pictures let me know!

I'll send you an invite.

Have a great Monday! We'll talk later.

Letter to my Dad

During my quiet time, in the morning I might add (wink wink to Laura and Bree), God put on my heart to write my Dad a letter. So I did. I had no idea what to really say. My heart was just over flowing with the fact that he doesn't know Jesus. Not only doesn't he know Him but my Dad flat out denies His existence.

In my letter I shared my desire for him to know The Savior. To understand his separation from God. I explained sin, repentance and forgiveness. I can't really tell you much more then that. While writing the letter I had a vision of Annabelle reading it to him. My dad can read but in the vision she is reading to him and she becomes saved! Then while writing I had another vision of my sister finding the letter on the kitchen and table and she gets saved too!

I don't know the exact plans our Father has but I am confident that He wants all us to know Him, I mean really know Him.

I didn't hesitate, I mailed it out. I haven't heard anything, nor have I called. Some of it is because I am a big CHICKEN. The other part is that this is our relationship ... I call or write every so often and he does the same.

I pray that this resonates with him. I am also praying that God sends someone to him to water the seed. Someone that is there to answer questions and pray.

Well, that is about it so far. Maybe the next post about my Dad will have some rejoicing in it!

Here is where I am right now ...

• Working on my meek and quiet spirit.

A dear girlfriend of mine let me borrow her book title Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell. Whew! Do I need a meek and quiet spirit in EVERYTHING! I'm learning, I'm learning. Something that struck out that keeps coming back to me is this: Psalm 5:3 "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Then Teri said "Do you? Do I? Or do we only take the time to shoot up flare prayers during each crisis that occurs throughout the day? Is this truly laying our requests before God, or is it asking Him to be a firefighter for us?" Ouch! That still stings.

• My temple.

We have joined back up at the YMCA. Today I had an appointment with the FitLinxx person. He set me up on the machines and we talked about cardio and classes. I am ready! We had the Y membership for about 2 1/2 years but I wasn't ready mentally. Neither was Bo. After much prayer and tired of being 'this way' we rejoined. God blessed us so much. We went in on the 30th of April, not thinking anything. It was the last day to join without a joining fee! So that was awesome. I am very excited to do this.

• My kids' behavior

We are working on character issues a lot these past two weeks. They are not bad, defiant, disrespectful kids but there were some things I saw that I didn't like. I repented for letting things slid. I'm bad about that, not the repenting but the slid thing. :) Anyway, God has really shown me ways to teach and train that are reaching their little hearts. He truly is the best teacher. God has also given me the confidence and patience to train them. I am no longer frustrated by the behaviors but am able to see the root and deal with it accordingly. God has shown me that I tended to think the root was one thing but never asked God or them what was truly going on. Now I ask both them and God. It's amazing, now that I am asking God to direct the correction I'm finding that somethings truly can be resolved with a good talk and hug. It reminds me of how God, our Father, is with us. It's a very sweet relationship.

• Dealing with my consequences

My girlfriend and I had a very frank conversation about this the other day. I was sharing how I wish that Bo didn't, at times, view me as the angry, spiteful person I once was. He doesn't always but I do see a guard go up from time to time. It hurts, deeply. She said that God has revealed to her that sometimes we have to sit with our consequences for awhile. Again OUCH! This is my consequence for being mean spirited, hurtful, angry, judgemental, you name it, gal. I wont give you any reasons for it. They would just be excuses. No matter how 'legit', it doesn't matter. Although I have truly repented and am on the other side of the mountain ... I did hurt him. I need to be patient and kind. I need to realize that there is a consequence to my behavior whether old or new, whether I have asked for forgiveness or not. I have no right to push my husband into forgiving or trusting me ... that is between him and God. I must do what I have been called to do. Which is to respect him, submit to him, be his helpmate ... just to name a few. :)

Well, that is where I am right now on my journey with Christ. I'm sure there are little things we are working on but those are on the forefront of my heart and mind. God is so good!

My Dad

After many years of battling various cancers and other medical issues it has come down to this ... My dad was told yesterday that he has one year left, give or take a few months.

I'm O.K. I truly am. My faith in Jesus has secured me. I know that this is all part of having these 'tents'. I have also prepared myself and my boys over the years that Grandpa in Florida may die before we would want him to.

My only pain in my heart is that he doesn't know Jesus. He doesn't even accept that there is a God much less a Saviour that died on a cross and rose again. I sit here with a lump in my throat because I know where he will spend eternity if he doesn't call upon the name of the Lord. My heart also aches because I know that in all this he has had unnecessary fears. Fears that the perfect love of Christ would have drove out.

My mind turns to my family. My extended family. Please pray for (it's a list :) ):
1. My Dad's Salvation
2. My Step-mom Annabelle ... everything
3. My sister Mickie and her family ... they live there.
4. My sister Tammy and her family ... they live far away like us.
5. My brother Billy ... He and my dad have never made peace
6. My sister Sandy ... they haven't made peace either, that I know of.
7. My Aunt Helen and Uncle Randy. They are 81 and 82 yrs old. She is my dad's oldest sister. When my dad passes, she will be the last living of 4 kids. She is the oldest, my dad is the baby.
8. My mom ... I don't know but it can't because easy when the father of your child is dieing. Even if you've been divorced for 27 years. I am my mom's only child.
9. My boys ... they have been to my aunt's funeral (mom's sister) but they didn't know her. Being that it's Grandpa in Florida ... might be hard on them.
10. Me ... I tend to be very black and white. I tend to view things very spiritually. I don't want to offend anyone but I do what to stay true to who I am and the personality God gave me. However, I want to have the compassion for those left behind. The ones searching for answers. I want to gently point them to Christ. Pray that I am slow to speak and say ALL things in love.
11. Miracle ... God could completely heal him. I always choose that belief over any doctor report.

Thank you for partnering with me. My heart's desire is to see my dad saved. To know that he found Him! I also pray that this all brings my extended family to Christ. A deeper love for Christ. I believe that until my dad takes his last breath it's up to me to stand in the gap. Thank you for standing with me.

I will update y'all from time to time as I learn things. Most likely more prayer requests will be posted. Thank you for your faithfulness.

My Women's Group

I am just so blessed to be apart of an amazing women's group. We had a meeting last night. My heart is overwhelmed with joy. It was such a refreshing evening. I actually woke up this morning feeling that I could truly handle what may come at me. The boys and I woke up early too which I think is good. I feel like I have enough time to do what I want and need to do.

The meeting last night really encourage me to dig into the Word. It reaffirmed the fact that I do have to keep my feet planted on the Rock. I totally understand what Paul is saying when he tells us not to forsake our coming together for fellowship. Having women to fellowship with and our home church to fellowship with is like touching the hem of His garment to me.

Enjoy your weekend. Fellowship well with others!

Library

We went to the library today. We spent about 2 hours, it was great. The boys took turns on the computer playing games while I sat and read some small books to the other boys.

Our major book selection was on Big Cats like tigers, leopards, ocelots, etc. Then we got some books on dogs because Grandma was interested in the different breeds. Then each boy picked out two books of their own choice. I also got a book! :) I'm a bit tired of reading parenting and/or homeschool books. I tried ready one book that I found in a box in my garage but it's very worldly. I'm just not getting into it. So I hit "Christian fiction" on the library search page. I decided on the book White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick.

It's a cute story, at least to me, why I picked this book. After we were done in the kids section we moved into the fiction section. I was looking for one of the three books I had settled on. Matthew came up and asked how I looked for the books I wanted. So basically I showed him the Dewey Decimal system. He actually found it first! I bet this book is going to be awesome. :)

Well, I wanted to share about our day.

David is doing MUCH better with math and his new glasses. Glory!

This whole reading thing has really touched something in Matthew. He was real careful in his selections of 'his' books. It was sweet watching him.

Ryan is going steady with his stuff. He is really enjoying the reading time. He has been in first grade math since the end of February which just tickles him. He is going to be 6 soon. I can't believe how he is changing.

Tonight during dinner we played Clue DVD. Bo made dinner AND he won! This day has been great!

Today is Thursday. We have been doing the school work that God wants us to do. It has been amazing! Simply amazing. We are reading on average 7 chapters a day. In two days we finished one book. I think the gals at the library think I am a new hire!

It is just funny to me how I have changed in the last few months. I went from knowing that I should be going to the library for our stuff to going every other day. What is great too is that you can put stuff on hold online and they call you to let you know they have it!! That's great for when I am surfing the web and find a book I'd like to look at. I hit the library web page and order it. It's wonderful. I can't believe I have went this long without doing that kind of stuff.

I know why it has taken me this long. God needed to clean out my heart and mind. I had to learn how to show love, how to receive love, how to be calm and relax. How not to live in anger. I had to learn how to not return to anger. All that came from the forgiveness of God, the healing of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Glory!

Yesterday the boys spent the afternoon with my mom. I went grocery shopping and decided to get started on that huge load of laundry. The house was quiet. As I folded the clothes I began to pray for each of my children. I asked God to protect them and bless them. To show Himself mighty to them. I asked that He would help me in directing them in life. I prayed that I would show them an accurate picture of who He is. Who they are in Him. Then I prayed about school. I thanked God for this amazing opportunity I have to school them at home. I thanked Him for being kind and gentle to me as I discern His will for our days. Then my mind turned to what we should be doing during the day. Like maybe I should add some grammar worksheets. Or maybe science and history, we haven't done that in awhile, or maybe ...
Then a quiet voice said "ssshhhh" I stopped folding and just stood there. I didn't hear Him speak in my ears but in my spirit. He continued with "All I have asked you to do this week is read to them and math." My heart sunk. Here I was going to go again, chasing my tail. Spinning my wheels because I just couldn't be content in doing what was working for a whole week! Just five days. I quickly repented. The Lord and I agreed that on Sunday when I sat down to map out the next week that He and He alone would plan it out. I'll write it down though. :)

I have had so much consistent peace about our school week. Even though I had my little jump ahead moment I know that if I do what I have been called to do God will do the rest. He has to, He has to. After all they are His mighty warriors and joint heirs with Christ.

I have a verse that I hold close to me at all times. It's one that really spoke to me a number of years ago. Since then I am often reminded of it.

Don't laugh, here it is:
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

That one got to my very core. It is so visually gross, isn't it? God has used that verse time and time to remind me not to behave like I used too. Not to go back to my old ways. To stop before I repeat my foolishness, before I eat my vomit. Now you see how gross that is!

I recently read where Peter recites the Proverb. Please read 2 Peter 2:22.

Anyway, my whole reason for writing is this; Bo was reading Proverbs 26 because I had been talking about that verse. He read the whole thing to me. There was one verse that stuck out to us. First because of how it was written. Bo felt there should be an and instead of or. But who are we to mess with God's word. Anyway, thinking back on that verse that he read I had a revelation about my boys particular behavior. I wanted to share it with you.

Here is the behavior. One brother does something to the other and the offended brother does it right back. The story I get is "He started it" or "He is always doing it to me". Lately it's been things like if Matthew asks Ryan to do something like move over Ryan makes faces at him. So Matthew makes faces back usually more dramatic and in anger. Just foolishness that I have been trying to drive out of them. Just this morning it happened. After I handled the situation I quietly said to God "Lord please give me a fresh scripture." Then He reminded of Proverbs 26:4-5 "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. (emphasis is mine, that's the or that to Bo should be and or even a because). So that is my word to pass onto the boys. I think this will become our 'family' scripture until they have it deep in their spirits (which will make the behavior stop).

I love when God gives me a fresh word. It's like a delicate, delicious piece of chocolate for my spirit!

Virginia Tech is a special school to our family. Even though we, my husband and I, never attended Tech. We didn't go to any college but that is besides the point. :)

Why do we love Tech so much? First it started with the BEST football team ever! Then it graduated (no pun intended) to the school because of the school's attitude. We are proud to call ourselves Hookie fans. This massacre is just our point. The students and faculty WANT to stay with each other.

Our hearts are grieved by what has happened. Sadden but not shocked. Please keep everyone, the school and our nation, in prayer. My discernment is telling me that this will not be the last.

We are living in wicked times. Lets use this to show God's grace and mercy. Now is not the time for all the Monday Morning Quarter Backs! Yes, we can learn from this in regards to notification perhaps but we move into a dangerous position when we start to judge. Lets be careful to express our 'thoughts' with others. I don't want the debate over how and when to notify people to over shadow the sinfulness and evil of the world. Lets be mindful to guide people to our Saviour. Another words, stay away from the bandwagons that are driving by! Lets be radical Christians who show God's love in all things. Not Christians who sit in judgement of all things.

Today was great. Despite the fact that my oldest boy has an ear infection and my middle boy broke down in the middle of math! Just minor details, really.

I did what I said I was going to do. I read to the boys. We read three chapters of a great book today. Then we moved onto math. The problem with math was that they were all doing it at once. My middle one needs to have full attention and quietness. Especially since his headaches started. Which he now wears glasses but we have lost them already. :( Basically though that just means I haven't looked for them. The other two did their math while Daddy took over the math lesson. So, I know better for tomorrow. Plus we won't have a doctor appointment in the middle of the day things should run a little smoother.

Today was great though. The boys didn't fight. We laughed through out the day and had a good time. It was so windy today that hubby stayed home, so that was nice. Even though Matthew has an ear infection it was his 9 year old check up, perfect timing. Which, all is well. His hearing is great, eyes are 20/20 and growing great.

I'm actually excited about tomorrow! Even though I have an enormous pile of laundry to deal with ...

Oh, and the boys and I came up with some chores for them. See, I usually just ask them to do stuff and they do it. But I think I would like to have a schedule of things. So we talked about that today. They were so excited about it! I was shocked. Each one had ideas. It was fun. So, now it is up to me to make sure we stick to it! God has truly blessed me with some great boys. They are so eager to work and do what is right. I'm the mess, the slacker! But God is going to help me with that. GLORY!

It's almost time to test the boys for the school year. I think that this may just be the first year that I am not anxious. In March I started, like most homeschooling moms, thinking about next year. Those thoughts brought up all the failures of this year. "We should be here", or "He should be doing this", and my favorite, "I don't think I should be doing this (homeschool), I'm not even doing it right!" While I was thinking about it all God did provide me with some great curriculum for next year. It basically fell into my lap. That's how we (God and I) work. He gives me the idea and then is very faithful to make sure I do not loose heart. So I now have next years bulk curriculum. Isn't that wonderful? Do you know what my great idea was? It was to start it this year! HA-HA! Why not?! In all my excitement I just couldn't help it. But things happened. Our family became sick. David had a bunch of doctor visits and tests. Heck, even Bo went to the doctor. So our homeschooling was life lesson oriented that week. "Okay, okay next week Lord. This will be so wonderful. You are awesome God! Thanks for the curriculum and peace of mind!" Then I looked at my schedule. "That's right! Spring break! We have our friends' little boy for the week while they are visiting their daughter. That is going to be so fun for my boys!" So, I didn't teach this week. There went another week of not doing my cool curriculum. Meanwhile God has had my precious friends post on their blogs all about homeschooling and children. He has been talking to me about this being His will (homeschool) for us, these are His boys, while I was thinking about my cool new curriculum that's meant for next year. Not only that but our direction of interests have gone to King Arthur, Merlin, Tiepolo and Aristotle. So, today while I was thanking God for such a beautiful week. Thanking Him for a wonderful afternoon of sunshine I heard Him say "Read to them, snuggle up with them, find books from the library that tinkle their imagination." A wave of peace came over me. "Yes, Lord ... You are so right." Looking back over the last 3 or 4 months He has been drawing my attention to the fact that He wants me to read to them more. He wants me to lay down my desire to do my thing and spend time with them reading. Reading scripture, reading novels, reading poetry, reading silly 4 chapter books. He just wants me to READ TO THEM! So, that is what I am going to do. I am going to read to them. I am beyond thankful that we serve a Mighty God who wants to have fellowship with us. He truly is my best friend!

BTW ... check out my girl friend Lisa's blog. She has become a special cyber sista to me. You'll find it in my special stash on the right. Click on Coffee and a View. Please read the blog she highlights in her entry. That is an awesome post too.

My school year will end like this ... However my Lord wants it to! Then come August I will think of next year. Yes, August! I heard all you homeschool mamas gasp. :)

So well said

Over to the right is a list of websites that I visit very often ... at least once a day some times more. I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that my laundry is never done? Oh well.

Today my girlfriend posted an entry on her blog. It was written so well. I encourage you to read it. Click on the Muddy Pause link. It will take you to it.

Enjoy! :)

God restores my soul

I was so drained this week. So spiritually drained! God restored my soul.

Thursday night I was like a dog chasing my tail. Just spinning and spinning. I heard the Holy Spirit say to me that I needed to talk to my Father. My heavenly Father. See, I was dealing with a medical issue with my middle boy. He had a eye doctor appointment on Wednesday and a MRI on Thursday. Trying to figure out why there is swelling in the nerves of his brain. For a while now I have been "super spiritual". Total faith and trust in the Lord. Not believing that there would be a tumor. Not believing that the doctors would need to do a spinal tap. I was the 'rock' at least in my own mind. But come Thursday evening I was shot. The whole family has been sick with the flu. All the doctor visits, homeschooling, keeping up on the house, loving on my sick family, I had neglected my quiet time with the Lord. Honestly, I didn't want to spend quiet time with Him because I might come undone. Basically God said to me that I was being 'super spiritual' with Him. I never admitted to Him that I was scared. That I was worried. The most I said to Him about it was "Lord, you will give us the strength to do whatever we need to do." Which is right and good but honestly I wanted to say "Lord, NO NO NO! No tumor, You said you will heal him of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia! Why now a complication?!"
So Thursday evening came. Everyone went to bed and I watched Life Today with Beth Moore. It comes on Wednesdays. Gotta love DVR. Anyway, she was reading John 20. She came to verse 9. "They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead." (emphasis mine) She went on to say that God cannot lie. If He said He is going to do it then He is going to do it. My heart jumped. Then she took us to Luke 24:44b "Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms" (emphasis mine) Again my heart jumped. I was so encouraged. God was telling me that He is going to do what He said. He will heal David. God told me when he was three that this was David's testimony. God was going to miraculously heal David when he was old enough to understand it. My spirit was overwhelmed and over joyed. I started singing songs to God. I flipped through the Bible. The Holy Spirit directed me to Psalm 110:4a "The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind" When my eyes fell on that I shouted GLORY!

God restored my soul that night. I truly did cast my cares upon Him. His burden is light and His yoke is easy.

Side note ... I got a call on Friday from one of the doctors involved. He said that the MRI looks great. That it's the medicine, not the disease or tumor, causing the swelling. GLORY!

Pictures

Well, my girlfriend of like ... 15 years ... said that she didn't like my blog because there were no pictures. HA-HA Fa Fa, I'm teasing. She did say though, that she wanted to see pictures.

I'm thinking about it. What I think I am going to do is create a private blog through my cell phone provider. I can upload pics and invite y'all to see them.

I just don't feel comfortable on here ... yet. This blog is open to everyone because hubby and I feel that it should be. So for that reason I don't want my kids on here. I will let everyone know when that private blog is up and running.

STAY TUNED ...

I can smell the fruit

Every now and then I can smell the fruit. You know, the fruit of raising great kids.

The flu has hit our family. It was bound to happen. Glory to God it has only lasted 2 to 3 days per person. It started with my middle, David. Then it went to Ryan, our youngest. Followed by Matthew, our oldest and then it turned on my husband. Of course as each one moans in agony, coughs in my face, smears snot on my clothes (Bo hasn't done the snot one), I look up to God and pray "Lord, please, You know I can't get sick. Please keep me covered in health."

I have been doing fine. Glory! This evening though, I became a little tired. Around 7:30 I dozed on the couch. That's all I remember until 8:15. The boys woke me up to inform me that they were going to go to bed early. I was a bit dazed and confused. When I fell asleep the windows were open and the sun was shining. Now it was dark. I asked Matthew what was going on. He said "Oh, nothing Mom. Dad is asleep upstairs. Ryan gave him his blanket because Daddy wasn't covered and we couldn't find yours. I got everyone their three scopes of ice cream and now we are tired. Oh and David closed all the windows and shut the blinds."

I just blinked at him. Everything they did was perfect. They had locked up the house. Had their ice cream after dinner/before bed. They even made sure their sick daddy was taken care of.

I am blessed. They are wonderful boys. All three have a servants heart. I keep stopping my writing to express to Jesus how blessed I feel. He has given me an amazing family.

A time has come

Well here is the deal. I am a huge Law & Order fan. I have been for 17 years. All the spin offs I have watched. When the producers decided that there would be the original along with SVU (Special Victims Unit) and CI (Criminal Intent) I was excited. Every time change, every day change, I was there. I kept up with it all.

But ...
A time has come ...
I may have to say ...
GOODBYE ...
to at least the SVU Law & Order.

Yes, I know if I say goodbye to one that I should say goodbye to all. After all they are written, directed and produced by the same people. But I'm taking baby steps here.

My decision has come because of the content of the story lines. They have had (recently) two shows where a 'devout pastor' has murdered someone because of 1. religious beliefs (meaning someone was attacking God's character) and 2. he was gay and didn't want his secret out.

I totally understand that they pull the latest national headlines and use them. However, I only remember one pastor's fall from grace recently and he didn't murder anyone. His 'secret' did get out and the church showed him love and grace. But I can't remember if he was gay or not. Well, that is besides the point.

Looking back over the last few years I have watched my beloved show rip apart Christianity. Made a mockery of what I believe in. It's been subtle but it's there. Yes, they usually portray the extremist but they make it out that we all act like that. They mention how we preach grace but have no tolerance for homosexuals or people who think different from us.

When the show has on a Muslim issue they tip toe around it. It's usually something isolated within the family structure. They are quick to point out that this is not the whole religion's attitude. They say things like "poor Islam's, their (extremist) people are ruining their religion and creating fear among everyone". But with Christianity it is a whole other story! They rarely quote the Koran to the extremist but Scripture is pulled out and dropped in left field.

So, I am going to write the show, really I am. I'm going to explain why I must stop watching SVU after 7 1/2 years. They should be made aware that there are Christians out there that are not going to take it anymore!

I pray I have inspired you guys. I think we have to stop entertaining things that put down our Savior and our faith. If we can no longer pray at sporting events then we as Christians need to stop going to them. One of the major reasons why I love NASCAR so much is that they have not taken God out of the sport. They have a local pastor at each track pray over everyone. From the drivers to the crowds. It's on TV and not edited. Good for them! Also, if we find out that our favorite store supports things that we don't, as much as it hurts, we need to stop shopping there. God will bless us here and in Heaven. It is better to be faithful then to save money! I promise you that.

So, this is where I am in my walk with my King. I love Him too much for Him to be made fun of. I wouldn't listen if someone was ignorant to Bo. I won't stand for it when it comes to my Father either.

We had a lot of fun

We had a lot of fun at the beach. It was great to get away and play all day, with no guilt! You know how it is ... you play all day with your kids but that causes the laundry to pile up or the dishes pile up. There is the guilt. But here, there was no guilt. We played air hockey, we shot pool and we laughed! We had a great time. It was really nice getting away with our friends.

Going to the Beach

Today we are heading out to the beach. I'm so excited. I'm looking forward to the rest from the every day stuff. A couple that are in our life group won a week's stay at a beach house! We are staying from tonight to Friday night. Two days and two nights of the ocean. How wonderful. I know that I am going to walk away from this weekend vowing to visit the beach more this year. Which really is so easy because I live only about 25 minutes away! I just get stuck in my daily life. I become trapped with the ins and outs of my day that I forget to enjoy my day. I forget that with every load of laundry I am serving my family. With every wiped up spill I am sowing seeds into my little ones. With every pillow fight I am showing them excitement. With every smile, every hug, every laugh I am showing them that I am pleased with them.

I have this excited feeling in my spirit that I am going to walk away from this mini-vacation with some clarity, some understanding. To what I don't know. I know that I have been praying for some things like a scripture for my homeschool. One that speaks to just me and my kids. Perhaps He will talk to me about the women's group. Perhaps the life group that my husband and I lead. Perhaps my marriage. Perhaps my daily routine. Or perhaps, just maybe, He will talk to me about our relationship. Maybe He will lavish me with His love. Maybe off in the distance ... maybe in the middle of the wind blowing, I will hear His voice saying "You are a precious jewel to me. I love you."

I do know that we are going to relax and have fun. We are bringing some good board games, beach toys and of course our footballs! Yes, we have more then one football. :)

Well, I better finish getting us ready. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Good Day Sunshine

Today was a very good day.

Today was a good for my soul day.

Today I took the boys to the park. It was about 80*. Then we came home and they played with their neighborhood friend. They also bought, with their own money, some ice cream from the Ice Cream Truck. Of course they have informed me that they are now broke. :) Last weekend they bought a toy and today's ice cream has wiped them out. I understand that!

I love sunshine. I love fresh air. I'm so thankful that it is spring. Fall will always be my first love but spring is special too. Of course winter is great because of my birthday! Poor summer ... oh wait ... my hubby and my best friend's birthday is in the summer. Okay, summer is wonderful too. :)

Right now my husband is on his way home. My kids are in the living room singing some silly song. I'm writing to you. It reminds me of a song from the 90s by Arrested Development. The song is a remake of Every Day People. The lyric that is playing over in my mind is:
"The day was going great and my soul is at ease"

It is an overwhelming calm feeling to have your soul at ease.

There is something on my heart though. But I am keeping that at God's feet. He loves this little person more then anything and I know that God is moving. The Holy Spirit is ministering to everyone involved. IF you think about it, please lift this up. God knows who I am talking about. :)

Enjoy your day!

What a meeting!

Last night we had such an amazing meeting. So many treasures were shared. It was a blessing.

Only 4 of us came. It was funny because it was the 4 that I always viewed as the core group. So it was no surprise to me that after we had great fellowship we got down to business. Let me just say that the fellowship was awesome. We laughed and (almost) cried. Not to mention the food! YUMMY!

So here is what we have decided about our group. We are not really a Titus 2 group. Another words, we are not going to pair up women and do a mentoring, one on one, thing. We are, however, going to have women of all ages in the group. We all do learn from one another. We will use a book as our tool and the Holy Spirit as our guide.

The book we have chosen is "A Women After God's Own Heart." by Elizabeth George.

The new name of our group is "Seasons of the Married Woman."

I'm over joyed! I know that there are hungry gals out there. I know that we have things we are dealing with. *Note to Laura, I did not say issues* I know that some of us are in need of some healing! I know that God is going to be moving in our lives! Glory!

Well, I better get going. I need to research the price of the workbooks. :)

Not so good my friend.

Well, today is one of those days. One of those 'not so good my friend' days.
Here is the thing. I'm O.K.. In my spirit (with God) and with myself I am at peace. However Satan has placed some cards on the table that have made me stutter. That's okay. My soul is at peace. What more could I ask for?

Despite some of the attacks I have received today I have schooled my kids, cleaned up my house and laundry. Not only did I manage to wash and dry the laundry, I have also folded it! Since I don't put my kids clothes away I don't have to worry about squeezing that into my day. That's their responsibility. :)

Why today might you ask? Because today is our second Titus 2 meeting. :) My wonderful, compassionate, beautiful and encouraging friend (she is my opposite) and I lead a Titus 2 group. I call it T2. Tonight we have planned to discuss love. Agape and phileo love. I have no idea yet what I am going to talk about. I do know that I am bringing the worship music and most importantly the coffee creamers!

Be encouraged today! God (AGAPE) loves YOU! and me :)

I think I may have a twin

I frequent Lisa Whelchel's website a lot. I always check her 'coffee talk' section. It's her weekly blog. This week she has on there her favorite blogs.
That's where I think I may have found a twin. No, not Lisa. It's BooMama! Check out BooMama's blog link. You'll find it in the "where I surf" section of my blog. Click on "My kinda girl".
Her view of things is so funny and so close to my heart. I have really enjoyed her posts.
Well, that's it. I just wanted to share!
Enjoy your day!

What an answer

My pastor said in a sermon a few weeks ago that God still talks to us in dreams. I totally know that. However, I hardly ever dream. When I do dream it's about weird, off the wall stuff that I forget 15 minutes after waking up. Don't get me wrong, I have had dreams from the Lord but usually The Book of Revelation stuff. Not ones where He is speaking to me about my life. So, with that in mind, I doubt my weird dreams are coming from the Lord. He would remind me of them. He would put in my spirit a feeling of research. Because that is what I do. I research and read scripture.

So there is the back drop to what I am going to tell you.

I woke up this morning to a dream. Immediately I knew that this dream was different. I came downstairs, got a cup of coffee (that I had programed last night!), and went to the computer to check email. Half way through my emails I realized that I had not said even 'Hello' to God. I took my hands off the keyboard, told Him I was sorry, and thanked Him for this day. Then my dream came flooding back to me. I sat there and remembered everything about it. Again, so unusual.

Before bed last night I prayed for my boys. Just them. I prayed for their relationship with each other. I prayed for their relationship with their Savior. I prayed in my tongue and in the Spirit. It was only about 15 minutes but I said what I needed to say. God knows my heart.

So while sleeping this is what I dreamed ...
I'm at a hospital. I'm with a girl who is about my age. She is there for the same reason I am. We are both called into the same room. There are two nurses. They ask us to put on the hospital gowns and lay down. We both do. Then they come back in and get us ready to receive in vitro fertilization. The one nurse performs it on my friend and everything is great. My nurse can't perform it on me. It won't take. She tries to inject something into my back. That doesn't help. I start crying quietly. She tells me and my husband, who is now in the room, that I can't get pregnant. She says I have to wait. I have to wait for a little while before we can do this procedure again. I'm heartbroken. My husband is heart broken. We leave the hospital and go home.

Then I woke up. Now, first off I know that some of that dream is flawed from a medical prospective. But the message is not lost. We wanted a baby, couldn't have a baby despite medical advances and we would have to wait.

Now here I am on the computer. I've just thanked God for this day when I realize I have to use the bathroom. As I'm finishing up I see our book titled 'Inside the Mysteries of the Bible, New Perspectives on Ancient Truths.' I picked it up and thumbed through it. My thumb stopped when I saw this picture with one word in the middle. The picture is of the dandelion weed (at least I think that is the flower). When it is white and the seeds are blowing around. In the middle of the page is the word ... UNEXPECTING.

Does that give you chills? Whew! It got my attention right in the middle of my spirit! I knew right then that God was going to reveal my dream to me. That page was about the stories of Sarah, Rebecca, Hannah and Elizabeth. It was about being barren. The story talked about how we, in today's age, have so many options if we cannot conceive but in the Old Testament there were no options but prayer. The article talked about how having children was a sign of God's favor. Not having children was a sign of His displeasure. That I knew and understood. Then came this one sentence. It struck my heart so deeply. Women of the Bible like Sarah, Rebecca, Hannah, and Elizabeth sought help through prayer--and then waited for their miracle.

Whoa! I believe in my heart that God was talking to me about my prayers last night. I prayed to Him about my boys. All my ideas are good and I need to continue doing what I am called to do but I'm going to have to wait on the Lord to see anything birthed. Isn't that amazing?! I was blown away.

The book went on to show where in the Bible where these precious women's prayers were answered. Little did I know that He had one more thing for me. Basal thermometer? Laparoscopes? All the tools of modern medicine might not have helped these women. But God heard their pleas -- and answered.

GLORY! My heart is so encouraged.

Be blessed today! God hears your heart!