A Great Reminder or "Read This If You're Missing Someone"

This year felt Christmasy as soon as Thanksgiving was over.  Hubby put lights out front, we've been on track with baking, shopping, parties and such.

However, about a week ago, I told Hubby that the one thing I wanted for Christmas I couldn't have - I wanted a visit from Mom and Dad for Christmas.  My best remembered Christmases as an adult were the ones Mom and Dad (and then Dad after Mom was gone) came to visit.

I've dwelt on that this week even to the point of being quite a Grinch to my family.

So, yesterday I visited them. My sister and I took silk poinsettias to the cemetery for the vases on Mom and Dad's headstone.  We didn't linger there.  I've never felt it necessary since they aren't there.  I know others spend time at the graves of loved ones and that's fine.  Everyone grieves differently.

As I was posting our Christmas letter, I was rereading December blog posts of mine and I came across the one I wrote the Christmas after Dad died. It's called "A Different Christmas" (click link to read) and in it I wrote "Emmanuel, God is with me."  Boy am I thankful I wrote that because it's a good reminder to me today!  The post also has a link to something Emily Freeman wrote "For when everything is different".  Grief is always hard, but especially hard at holidays so I hope both these posts will be helpful to someone.

So, my parents won't be visiting this Christmas.  But, on the first Christmas, Jesus did more than visit. He came to be with us and He's never left!  Yet, at the same time, he left to prepare a place.  A place where because of the plan He set in motion several thousand years ago - Mom and Dad (and other loved ones) will be able to spend Christmas together again.

What We've Been Up to Lately

Seriously?  It's been close to two months since I've attempted any kind of blog post.  What happened?  One word - SCHOOL.  I started the year with 27 first graders.  Our new teacher was added two weeks ago and I'm just now starting to come up for air.  This isn't in chronological order, but here is what we've been up to in addition to school...

Selfie in front of the Will Rogers Birthplace

A kind passerby took a family pic of us with the lake in the background.  If I hadn't already printed Christmas cards, I may have used this.

L and I watched Hubby and M taxi and taxi and taxi some more.  I got a little nervous.

They lifted off just before the trees and I was thankful that L was with me and not adding weight to the plane!

Hubby's first day of classes for traditional campus, not online.

M's first day of 10th grade.  Don't have one of L. because he wasn't cooperative and it would have been in football practice gear anyway.

M has had some preaching opportunities - this was the first in the sanctuary on a Sunday night.  We're so proud of his growth and excitement to keep following what God has for him!

I was looking in to the son, but I'm pretty sure L. is in this photo some place.  We've been enjoying going to Jr. High football games home and away.  L. is doing a great job too!  His last game he caught a pass for a two point conversion, got an interception and made a couple of great block/tackles.

I love my nephew!  We enjoyed our weekend visit  for my niece's 2nd birthday.  I didn't do a good job with pictures of her (they must be on the boys' phones).  You can tell by M's legs that he is ready to relax!

Both the boys knee boarded - L managed this 360. It was a very relaxing and fun few hours - just what I needed! 

I'm glad that I am posting these pictures.  They've helped me realize that even though the beginning of this school year was absolutely dreadful, we've had some really nice times too.  God has provided help, grace, guidance, peace and exactly what we've needed.

This Could Really Be Three Different Posts

If you have come to my blog looking for our Christmas letter, please click on the picture in the sidebar just to the left!

We have had a crazy three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas...

L got sick within an hour of returning from Albuquerque (think 10 hour car trip).  I am so thankful it wasn't in the car this time! M was only sick once in the wee hours of Monday morning and managed to drag him himself to school for 3rd-7th hours. The rest of the week was somewhat normal.

On Tuesday of the next week, Hubby decided he would have his wisdom teeth taken out the next day (the next opportunity would be while family was visiting and it really needed to be done since they were starting to cause some problems.)  Tomorrow?  Well, we're normally not that spontaneous, but ok.  Thursday, M had a doctor's appt. and Aunt came to the rescue because Hubby was still quite dizzy from anesthesia so she drove.  Before the three of them returned it started icing so what would have normally taken them 20 minutes to get home turned into two hours.  And we were out of school Friday. And Monday. And Tuesday.

Hubby's parents arrived Wednesday (did I mention Hubby went on a business trip Tuesday - Thursday of this week?) and his brother and fam arrived Thursday.  Brother graduated Saturday morning and we had Christmas Saturday night.

From Hubby's Trip

Brother with mortarboard, Hubby in other regalia - he sat with faculty

Everybody was gone by Monday and Tuesday Hubby started saying he didn't feel so well. (Thank goodness I had already planned to have a sub for Wednesday morning for M's other dr's appt.).  Back up just a sec - in the midst of these three weeks I had my second official observation at school and evaluation.  I also had terrible shipping woes (a friend said I should blog it) - I ordered my grandmother's present and right when I hit "submit" I realized that I hadn't put her address in.  I called right away (and waited a long time to actually talk to someone) and got that fixed.  Phew!! While all our family was visiting I got a box delivered.  I guess I didn't make that same discovery when ordering my sister-in-law's present!!  And I had been so excited to get free shipping!!!  Too bad it was free shipping to me and we still had to get it to Colorado!!!!!!!

The nice people who have our last name and live around the corner with the same house number and street number (I kid you not - everything is the same except we live on "Place" and they live on "Avenue".  Well, our first names are different, but I guess Fed Ex doesn't take that into account) called us to let us know they had our box from Omaha Steaks.  I'm sure they were returning the favor for me delivering their box of fruit to them two years ago.

Hubby's brother (not the one who was just here, but the one CO) called to say his box from his Mom had arrived and all our presents were in it.  "Our" box with his family's presents in it is scheduled to arrive today.  See I'm not the only one in the family who does this kind of thing.

Back to Hubby not feeling well.  Wednesday afternoon, he tested positive for flu.  He did not go out of the house from then until this morning for church.  Even then, we quickly made our way to the balcony so not to expose people to any lurking flu germs.  M was in the Christmas choir so I'm glad he felt like being there.

The whole reason I actually started a new blog post was this picture.

I took it before I talked to the good friend who suggested I write about the shipping hilarity.  We had a bit of an ice storm this weekend.  Just bit - no power outages (for us) and no slick roads - just beautiful crystals on elevated surfaces.  I was amazed when I saw that the ice formed on these leaves blown to the side instead of dripping down.

Amazing.  We got a Christmas letter from a friend who said their year had been one of contentment.  My heart was so warmed to hear that because this friend has been through some difficult years.  The craziness of my three weeks pales in comparison to her (and many of your) difficulties.  My heart was also "checked" - this craziness was definitely only ordinary life.  Am I content in the craziness of ordinary life?

Amazing? Content?  I think I'm on to something for a Word for 2013.  And this verse....normally I see people quote it during difficult times, but I think it is applicable always. Even in the ordinary.  I think our Amazing God does this and as it is happening, we can have great contentment.

Zephaniah 3:17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Ranger Lakes Family Getaway

(I know this post is mostly pics. Please bear with me.) About a month ago, we met Hubby's Mom, Brother and Family at his other Brother and Family's home outside Denver.  After some preparation (but not much - Bro 1 and Sis had outdone themselves getting ready for this trip), a dozen of us made our way to our camping destination. (This picture is missing Mom and Bro who were in "town" getting supplies and Another Sis (Pink) and Babe. Well, me too - the photographer.)

 

We camped at Ranger Lakes and spent quite a bit of time there fishing.  Even though at times it felt like all it did was rain, we really did have nice breaks to get outdoors. Pink, Babe, M and I went for a short hike on the last day. A squirrel pelted us with acorns!  I really had wanted to see a moose - there was evidence at the campsite and on trails.  We had to settle for just hearing them.  My disappointment didn't last long.  How could it, with all this gorgeous scenery?

A "real" Christmas Tree

I know it doesn't look like it by the picture, but L. caught lots of fish.  I love this candid picture below.  It doesn't get much better than fishing in the mountains with all your cousins!  I do hope they do something like this together when they are adults.

Hubby loves to fish and loves his family!  This was a much needed reprieve for him (well, everyone).

I didn't actually get a fishing license.  I was completely content though sitting here, watching my family, taking pictures, thinking and just being.

Babe celebrated her first birthday on our trip!  It was tricky getting this part done around rain and napping!  We gave her a Little People van.  I have bought so many vehicles for my sons and nephews, it just seemed fitting that she have a pink one.  Later in the day we were all excited to see an amazing birthday gift given by God...a triple rainbow! (Sorry no picture here.)  We had seen doubles before, but never a triple.  Since our elevation was so high, the bow seemed like it was RIGHT THERE in our campsite! We could see end to end of the first one - even sent the littles out to find the pot of gold!  Ok, I know that's silly.  We truly marveled at God's promise of the rainbow and our Wonderful Creator Who still makes and keeps promises. How wonderful for a 1st birthday and for our family to share!

All that fish we caught has to be cooked, right?  This picture shows fried-the night before was grilled.

M & L are really growing up quickly!

Can we go back next weekend?  I prefer the mountains over the beach any day, but I'm glad my family can enjoy both in one year.  I love being together!  I love my family!

7 Things I Learned in June

Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.   

Anthony J. D'Angelo 

Emily, at Chatting at the Sky, has invited us to share what we have learned during the month of June.  So here goes (I just love random ramblings!!)

7 Things I Learned In June

1.  I love summer!  I rarely say this.  I've never been that fond of summer - I'm more of a fan of fall.  This summer though, it hasn't really been that hot (yet).  We've gone places, but we've been home a lot too and I've enjoyed the ordinariness of doing things around the house.  I've enjoyed doing a lot of nothing and only what I want.  I've also enjoyed cooking (some).  PT (Prior to Teaching) I spent a lot of time menu planning, preparing and cooking.  During the school year, that just doesn't fly!

One of my family's favorites is this sausage and broccoli bake.  It's a Weight Watcher recipe, but I un-WW it because I don't use turkey sausage.  I think when I figured out the points it wasn't that different and I really can't stand food that tries to act like other food (i.e turkey acting like sausage or worse, beef!)

2.  My kids really are too old for some things.  I've seen this coming for a while now.  It became more apparent when I took my oldest, M (age 14) and a friend to a creek with friends to swim, jump off the falls and picnic.  The falls weren't as high as fourteen year old boys (at least mine) would like.  I had a lot of fun anyway! And no, I never jumped. Said boys did accompany me to the Dayspring Outlet in Siloam Springs right after the creek time.  So THAT is impressive!

3.  There is something (good) to be said of children getting older.  I learned that dead animals of any kind make me squeal (I already knew I would jump on the couch for live mice, etc.).  When the dog brought a bunny in (I'm sure she found the bunny unresponsive and after unsuccessfully attempting mouth to mouth was bringing it to see if we could help.) it was really nice insisting my fourteen year old son handle it (his Dad was gone at Scout camp) since it was after all, his duty.

4.  I learned that I stay up waaaay too late when Hubby is gone.  I already knew I slept with the bathroom light on if he's not home, but 2 am is way too late for me to stay up (I'm one who requires sufficient beauty rest!) reading.  Once I do turn the light off I sleep horribly too.

5.  June was conference time!  I went to a four day one and an afternoon one so I learned many new classroom ideas - way too many to write about.  I'll just mention a couple - I learned that Dr. Seuss books contain a high amount of Dolch words.  So having a student read a book to you is way more exciting than reading a list of words!!  I also learned to take existing games (Twister, Jenga, Candyland) and make them in to sight word (or letters for early years) practice games.

I can't wait to figure out which grade I'm teaching so I can start working on some games!!

6.  I finally found a study at church that works for me to attend!  I've been going to Beth Moore's lecture series "The Law of Love".  It's so beautiful to see the fulfillment of the law in Christ (I love to see the fulfillment of Jewish customs in Christ too).  Our Promised Land is Christ Himself.  Every part of my listening guide is covered in my writing and each time I reread it to try to write something down I've learned, I just get overwhelmed that I couldn't possibly write everything down!!

7.  I also learned every time L. and I get a chance to go eat together we usually choose barbecue!  He doesn't like Chic-fil-a and I don't like sushi, so that's what we agree on.  Also, M. doesn't usually choose it because he doesn't like to SMELL like barbecue when we leave!  L. and I were in "the city" doing errands a couple of weeks ago and we ended up at an old favorite and last night when it was just the two of us for dinner, a different BBQ place was our choice.

Thanks, Emily, for the encouragement to write.

I'm looking ahead to July - Beach vacation and to August - I will kick getting ready for school into high gear!

I Couldn't Say It Better

When I finally got around to actually asking God for a word for this year, I felt him say "Hope".  Guess what He said to my sister?

Yes, the same word!  She actually blogged about it.  Twice!  I'm just giving you the links because she said it well.  Please go there!

http://requirements-edwina.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-new-year.html

http://requirements-edwina.blogspot.com/2012/12/hope.html

Hope is patience with the lamp lit.
- Tertullian (c. 160 – c. 225 AD prolific Christian author) 

Exactly What I Needed

Our lives have been "off" lately.  By off, I mean we have been adjusting.  Adjusting to Aunt having leukemia - hospital stays and other needs plus our own emotions.  Adjusting to me working again full time.  The actual act isn't that big of an adjustment.  I've done it before and the boys are semi-self-sufficient, so that part's good.  The adjustment comes from my timing - new standards, new evaluation system, new programs and my new emotions as I deal with all these new things.

We've managed.  Hubby has been amazingly supportive and God has carried us.  A while back I walked up to my sink and glanced up and saw this:

Very simple. Exactly what I needed.  I'm very thankful to Dayspring for providing this Day Brightener for me.  I love Peanuts and this perpetual calendar and the family organizing calendar have been wonderful additions to my kitchen.

If you look closely, you can tell I need to add more of our family info. to our calendar for it to actually work the best (but I think I'm in denial).  However, the point I want to make here is: shortly after I hung it on the fridge (magnetic strip with a pocket - the best kind of calendar ever!), my 8th grade son, wrote on his spaces when he had papers due at school. On. His. Own.  That's what I call effective!

There's some kind of disclaimer that I'm supposed to include, but honestly, I can't find it and the last three reviews I checked didn't have it (I thought it would be soooo easy just to copy!).  It seems too stressful for me to find the exact wording, but the jest is that I received these products free from Dayspring in return for my honest review.  My opinions are true and entirely my own.

If you need smiles in your day, a little organization or are looking for great Christmas gifts, check out the Peanuts calendar at Dayspring.  Look for other things too.  They always have GREAT deals!

What Am I Thinking?

Since I've been working online I haven't blogged as much.  Oh, how I miss it!  Someone mentioned to me yesterday about her writing, and today two blogs that I read gave me a springboard to writing.  One is Emily Freeman at Chatting at the Sky.  She asked "What have you been thinking about lately?"

I think about interviewing, waiting, what I will do if I don't get the job and what I will do if I get it.  I think about finishing soccer and what will be different.  I think about making summer plans, coordinating calendars for shared plans, and plans to pay for all the plans.  I think about mowing (because there's so much to do!), the boys mowing for money to pay for their plans, and the Scout Garage Sale.  I'm even thinking about far off hopes.

So, I am thinking about hope.  I've said and I've heard others say "I don't know how someone who doesn't have Jesus makes it through *blank* (you fill in the blank)."  I still can't answer this question and don't think it's possible because I think that hope without Jesus is empty.

I looked on my Kindle and I have four books with "hope" in the title:  "The Colors of Hope, Scary Hope, Secret Hope, and Saving Hope".  Speaking of Scary Hope, Emily Freeman (same one) blogged last week about this - I downloaded and read it over the weekend.  I've never highlighted on my Kindle so much before!

Monday when I walked in the park a daddy was helping his daughter across the creek in, carefully helping her land on each stepping stone.  I quietly watched as I walked J. the dog by.  The daddy guided his girl to each rock, lovingly telling her when to jump and encouraging her.  There's no way the girl could have done it on her own without ending up drenched.  I watched closer as I noticed that even though the girl was courageously moving forward it was actually her daddy who lifted and placed her forward on each rock with his strength.  And I thought,

Isn't that just like God?  When there's no way I can do it on my own.  When my hope wavers.  When my strength is gone.  When well, always.  He guides.  He encourages.  He gives courage to go forward.  He lifts.  He places me with His strength.

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  Romans 8:24 - 26

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

L's Favorite Book Character

I totally forgot that Tuesday was the State writing test until after I got to work myself.  I was thankful that L had a good breakfast and spent time praying for him.  When I picked him up after school he informed me that he got in bed too late and didn't have a good breakfast.  What??!!!  Problem corrected for day two of writing.

Now L, hasn't been one to always bring papers home from school in a timely manner.  This morning I saw L's practice writing response and the booklet giving details about the test.  Maybe if I had seen that last week.....

Anyway, I read his writing and it was quite the "proud Mother moment".  I'm including his essay here.  I left most of the misspellings because I wanted it be real (5th grade real) except that I only spelled Moses and Israel the way he did once.

             My favorite book character would be Mosses.  Moses is in the Bible in the OLD Testimate.  He was a follower of God.

            When Moses was a baby he was about to be killed (because all male babies were to be killed) and his mother wrapped him in cloth and put him in a basket.  She put him in the Nile river and let him off because she didn’t want him to be killed.  He was found in a river crying, right in front of a palace, and was taken care of.

            The Bible doesn’t really describe Moses, but he is in a few Bible stories.  In one he is a baby in another he is a lot older.  I imagine him as having a white beard and bald.  I also think of him as having a walking stick and being a good leader.

            He is in a lot more Bible stories but my favorite story is when he went and free the people of Isreal. God told him to go to Israel and talk to the king and make him free God’s people.  When Moses first went the Bible says he was scared but God helped him.  Moses talked to the king but the king didn’t let the people go.  The king repeatly said no on letting the people go.  God grew angry each time and sent plagues.  On the last plague God sent a plague that the Wholy Ghost would kill the first born son of that family if you didn’t put blood on your door frame.  The king’s son died that night because he didn’t obey God’s commands.  The king let Moses take the people, but he regretted it and went after Moses.  Moses made sure that every body was saved.

            I like Moses because he is a follower of God and a good leader.  He is my favorite Bible character because he is very courageous and fun to learn about.

A Different Christmas

Two Christmases ago was different, we celebrated early with Oklahoma family and went to Albuquerque.  It was the first time all four cousins were together on Christmas.  Last Christmas was different, we celebrated early again and this time took Aunt with us to Albuquerque.

This year is really different.  It is the first year that both Mom and Dad aren't with us.  I don't remember the grief being this heavy the Christmas after Mom died.  But for the past two weeks, I haven't wanted to do anything Christmasy - or anything for that matter.  Do you know the feeling when just putting a load of clothes in the washer takes all the energy you've got?  Last Sunday at church God overwhelmed me with the sermon and reminded me that Christmas was all about Him coming to be with me. 

Emmanuel - God is with me and my spirit lifted some and some joy returned.  This week I've gotten emails from family that have reminded me..Emmanuel - God is with me and my spirit lifted some and some joy returned.  On Wednesday, I took a walk in the park letting the cold air numb my cheeks.  I have missed the walks that I don't take when I sub regularly.  My walks are where my heart prays and my soul breathes.  I came home just as the sky was starting to turn purple with the sun setting and I was reminded that Emmanuel - God is with me and my spirit lifted some and some joy returned.

Another day this week, I read this in a post at inCourage "Every year Emmanuel means something different. Life peels back more layers and we’re left standing raw until they heal. But God coming down to this gritty, dusty, land of the dying makes every difference in our hope for living. He is with us. He is in us. He is here."  The full post was called "When Everything is Different" and was very fitting to me.  I linked it for you to read if this Christmas is different for you.

Each year God speaks to me a new word (one of His names) that He is going to be for me in the coming year. (I know He is always all of His names, this is just a particularly meaningful one for the year).  2011 was Grace.  Normally, I know the name part way through January.  Could it be that this is the name already for 2012?  Emmanuel.  I think so - God is Emmanuel not only during the Christmas season, but always.

So, I think I'm ready now.  Yes, it will still be different, but I'm ready now to celebrate and enjoy and watch my children enjoy. 

Blame It On the Rain

Though I leave my purse at the frozen yogurt place, though I run over a dead skunk on the way home and can't park the car in the garage because of the smell, though the earth keeps shaking, though the roof is leaking (again) and we need to call a repairman, though my car now smells like wet skunk, yet I am thankful for the rain. I am thankful for a car to drive, money to buy frozen yogurt and someone to share it with, and for our home. I will rejoice in the Lord, my covenant maker and keeper. I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakuk 3:16-18

God is a Preparing God

Do you ever get a “no” when you want a “yes”? Do you ever not understand? That has happened to me recently, but I’m happy to say that God is a preparing God. I knew that before of course. Hubby and I have said that for years. Whenever something difficult is going to happen (unbeknownst to us of course) God prepares us through His Word, impression, words of others, whatever He chooses. The preparation helps give clarity, comfort, and guidance. He does the same for good things too!

These are the things that have been everywhere I look:
On Bethany Hamilton’s facebook page – she posted the other day something about when a wave knocks you down, are you going to let God bring you back to the surface?

The devotional this morning in This Day with the Master by Dennis Kinlaw: “God will never let you get into a situation in which he is not in perfect control. When you find yourself in circumstances that seem to be full of chaos and confusion, look to Christ. If you belong to him, you will find him there in perfect control of your situation.”

From Chocolate Diaries, the book I am in process of reviewing for Blogging for Books (see sidebar). “But I had caught a glimpse of a potent truth. Sometimes you lose things and you grieve. You think the things you lost are gone forever, and in some cases they really are. But sometimes things that are lost can be found again.”

Over the weekend Hubby was offered two more classes (financial provision).

This was on Ann Voskamp’s blog:” He had told her what he lived — the real weather forecast for the weekend: When Christ is seen in the clouds, there is contentment — but when Christ is missed in the sun, there are storms even in the clearest skies. So she stood there with him at the kitchen sink, rinsing off the potato pot, waiting for what they both knew was coming– a steady rain of somehow grace…”

And finally, (but I’m sure there were many more) this morning on my fb homepage from incourage was Isaiah 43:19 “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun."

The Word God gave me at the beginning of 2011 was “Grace”. Is this what it was for? What is the new thing? I’m certainly open and expectant for it. Leaning in to Him…

The Meaning of Love

I was browsing through an issue of Real Simple and read about their essay contest to answer “When did you first understand the meaning of love?”. Although I’m not in to writing for their contest, I thought it would make a good blog post for me.

God’s love has been evident to me from an early age and consistently since then. I am thankful that I don’t ever recall a time where I felt unloved. Awkward and not fitting in during growing up years, yes, but never unloved. Also, it was during most difficult parts of my life that I felt especially loved and cared for by my Heavenly Father.

I have also felt loved by my earthly family. Maybe even when I didn’t understand it with my head as “love”, I did with my heart. My mom always tucked me in at night and woke me up each morning. She had breakfast for me and either took me to school or watched for the bus if the roads were bad. She helped me study and quizzed me on almost every test I had in high school. Dad spelled love “t-i-m-e”. On Saturdays I was his shadow for whatever errands and projects he had going. My sister (Aunt) helped take care of me, she taught me to read in the grocery store, she carried my bag of stuff when we went to the cellar in the middle of the night and she looked out for me in a million ways. Sundays were my favorite day at home. Every Sunday the same thing – Aunt and I went to church, when we got home Mom had made my favorite dinner – cube steak and Velveeta shells mac n cheese, then we’d hang out in the living room where Dad was watching TV. We’d read the Sunday paper and nap in the afternoon. A snack in the evening and Heehaw or The Wonderful World of Disney rounded out the day.

The love of my life – Hubby – helps me understand a bit more about the meaning of love every single day! He always inspires me, is hardworking, seeks to be redemptive in all relationships, and is self-sacrificing. He made my day, week, month, year – the other day when were on an errand together he declared “I get to go to Home Depot with my best friend”. Our boys, M & L, are a precious blessing to us. I understand love more as I care for them, as we spend time together and with every sweet gesture of their love.

I John 4:11-12, The Message: My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!

I think I was 8 in this picture.

I'm curious, does your family take pictures in front of the fireplace?

Our New Mountains

On the way home from small group tonight, Hubby and I thought the clouds looked like mountain ranges. We marveled at them the whole way to the church to pick up L. and Hubby snapped these pictures...

The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy. Psalm 97:5-6; 98:8

Good Friday

Hubby returned yesterday evening from being gone a night for work. I had semi-made plans for the boys to be with Aunt and Hubby and I to go out Friday evening. I appreciate Hubby taking the spiritual lead for our home and saying that we were going to go to a Good Friday service instead. There just happened to be one at a church near our home.

Didn't know it going, but it turned out to be a drama. Have "known" this and read about it for years, but seeing it portrayed in a drama made it so much more "real" and meaningful - Jesus came for ALL people. Rich, poor, thieves, guards, those in authority, everyone! The worst part about the whole evening was the drama ended with Jesus being put in the tomb..... Of course what did I expect?

I love hearing M & L's insight and questions about the play and about Easter this year. We're experiencing it on a new level --they're too old for using the Resurrection eggs. Sigh.... M. has been reading about Passion week at the urging of his youth pastor. Yay! Youth Pastor!

When we walked out of church it was a sauna! We could see the air, it was so thick. I told Hubby that if his Dad were with us, he would be gasping for breath! I think if we're going to get stuck with humidity, we should at least get the beach to go along with it! However, the weather pattern was worth it. This was the sky

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1

Daybook - March Number Two

Outside my window… it’s not as cold as it looks – the grey skies make it appear much colder than the 64degrees that it is. From my window I can see one of the “evil” trees that is responsible for my allergies.

I am thankful for… accomplishing some of the things I wanted to during break, abilities and provision, when my children are responsible and a little allergy relief.

I am wearing… jeans, Relay for Life tshirt, green sweatshirt, Smithsonian hat. I’m waiting to shower after the bike ride.

Some plans for the rest of the week… working on some of Dad’s stuff more, picking up all the cookie dough M. sold, weather unit at school, oh yeah, and a dentist appt.

I am hoping … to get to school early Mon. morning to finish some tidying up and planning, to finish the week strong w/WW instead of binging and that M. has a good campout next weekend (his first with the new troop).

On my mind… summer plans

Hearing…. the washer and J. snoring.

I am praying for…….a friend whose brother passed away suddenly.

Pondering…"Listen earnestly to anything [your children] want to tell you, no matter what. If you don't listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won't tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has always been big stuff." ~Catherine M. Wallace

From the kitchen…..spaghetti, broccoli, and garlic bread Fri. night. I have plans for pork loin on Tuesday, but other than that, I really need to get busy planning!

Around the house… we still have a puzzle on the dining room table! Pink and fam had better come quickly and help finish it so we have a place to eat dinner when everyone is here!

One of my favorite things… my rocking chair-it is newly fixed. Hubby surprised me with it under the tree the Christmas before M. was born. My Dad went with him to get it.

From my picture journal…

This blanket was my Dad's. About the time he got the most ill, it had disappeared at the VA. Everyone on his unit was looking for it. Another Cowboys blanket was located and put in his room, but finally one of the aides moved it. She was adamant that it wasn't the right one and they'd keep looking. I was so disappointed because I knew how important it was to M. that he have Grandpa's blanket. I even blamed myself for not taking it sooner for safe keeping. I prayed about the situation each time I was in Dad's room and other times. After Dad passed we didn't go for his things right away because of all the snow. Finally, Hubby went and got the box. When I opened it, there was the right Cowboys blanket! Thank you God for caring about little things that mean so much to us.

To view more daybooks visit Simple Woman's Daybook.

Plain Wisdom - A Book Review

Plain Wisdom is a collection of life insights by Cindy Woodsmall, a novelist, and Miriam Flaud, an Old Order Amish woman. All of the insights are grouped in seven categories: The Rhythm of Life; Timeless Beginnings; Challenges Great and Small; Laughter in Odd Places; Beauty, Ashes, and Things Between; In His Hands; and The Shape of Tomorrow. Each category starts with a glimpse into the Amish way of life that Woodsmall has gleaned by her friendship with Fluad and each chapter includes Scripture. Speaking of friendship, Plain Wisdom made me long to spend time with my best friend who lives in another state.

Both authors do an excellent job with transparency and both come at topics from different perspectives. Still, commonalities we share as women are evident despite cultural differences. Many family recipes from Flaud are shared. Of particular interest to me was “Amish Friendship Bread”. Before we had children, I kept the starters and bread going for several months. I’m looking forward to starting this again and was even given the idea of baking all the bread to give out to friends instead of passing along starters. Although, slowing down and enjoying simple things in life such as baking may be what is needed for many of us!

Honestly, when I selected this book, I thought I had chosen a fiction book because I recognized Woodsmall as a fiction writer whose characters and plots are usually Amish. When the book arrived, I was pleasantly surprised! As a full-time working Mom of two tweens, fiction is difficult for me to read because of time (and sometimes preference). This book can be read in small spurts or all the way through and even has a discussion guide if you’d like to read with a group or a friend.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Amish, those whose hearts are stirred by friendship, someone wanting a light refreshing read and those who need to be reminded of how much God cares for and works in every area of our lives.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

**Please go to the Blogging for Books site to rank my review: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/5362/bmc:1/bc:21/rank:6/month:all/year:all

Time

It's been three weeks now that I paused in my blog to allow more time with God and family. I don't think the time was as monumental as I expected, but I have experienced some fruit. While Hubby and M. were away for one weekend I helped (mostly did myself) L. clean out his closet and drawers. I bought a couple of packages of hangers when I was out and then had to call Aunt to bring more! We also enjoyed laying in bed reading and sometimes L. drawing.

Hubby and I are enjoying "Love Dare". It's the book that our small group chose. It's interesting...in the movie Fireproof - Love Dare is done for a marriage that is on the the brink of ending. The book is written in a way that it's applicable to only one partner completing the dare even without support of the other spouse. However, since the book is based on I Corinthians 13 it is sweetening an already good (I don't like using that word) marriage. I am also focusing more on the meaning of love (kind, patient, etc.) in all my relationships. I haven't always been perfect in practicing this though. Both boys being injured during this time has challenged me in some ways.

Even though I have had all this "time", I'm still behind in my yearly Bible reading plan. I know I have several blog friends out there who are reading it in 90 days, but I've never even done the year so I thought I'd start here. I've tried before, but always laid it down by the end of Jan. - I found what worked for me....start mid January (and catch up) and use NIV instead of the Message or a different version. Without the long drawn out (and perhaps boring) version - my one year Bible arrived in the mail on the day we learned of my Dad's cancer diagnosis and it's what I read out of to Dad while I sat with him before he passed. It's a treasure to me in many ways.

I also learned that I missed writing. Blogging is a great outlet for me. It's my family journal - I remember what's happened in activities and my thoughts by going back and rereading my blog. So now, it's Spring Break (glorious time for a teacher) and I have a whole week to write. I am so excited about doing my Daybook this weekend and Counting my Blessings on Tuesday. I've also got plans for a blurb on Weight Watchers and a book review of "Plain Wisdom" -- a book that will be released March 15! Stay tuned.

M. exceded his cookie selling goal. Hope our small group is willing to eat cookies for a while since I bought so many tubs!

Dad

"Buck" (My Dad)

June 9, 1933 - February 1, 2011

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Psalm 28:6-9

Heaven is for Real

We bought my uncle the book, Heaven is For Real, for his Christmas present. We've never done this before, but Hubby had started reading it before he brought it home. A couple of nights later I found Hubby asleep on the couch with the book across him. I very quietly and gently removed the book from Hubby and then sat in front of the fireplace and read it from cover to cover. Yes, after Hubby finished it we did give it to my uncle.

Since then, Aunt and my friend, J. have gotten copies and read it. Our own copy came from Hubby's parents a few days ago - M. and L. want to read it. Aunt blogged about it at Requirements today. Check it out or the book website, if you'd like.

Sometimes, when people describe near death experiences, there is always a hint of doubt in my mind at some things. However, I know this family to be a solid Christian family and very Biblically based. I sat by the author in a college class. An aunt and an uncle of Colton (the boy in the book) were in Hubby's and my wedding. Heaven is for Real is wonderfully written and just amazing!

I am one who has lost two babies to ectopic pregnancy & miscarriage, I was with my Mom when she gasped for her last breath and now am standing at the same threshold with my Dad. When I read the book about a month ago, it tremendously touched my heart and ministered to me. I plan to read it again soon.

One thing that stands out in Colton's description of Heaven is that "Jesus really loves children". If you love children, have lost a child, or your heart is longing for Heaven, your true home, I recommend reading this book.