The Simple Woman's Daybook #99

Outside my window...I can hear cicadas, crickets and tree frogs. LOVE it! Also, there is a 1999 Ford Windstar for sale in my front yard. Anyone interested? ANYONE???? ;)

I am thinking...that this evening's family discussion about pop culture and its influence on us went very well even if it didn't make everyone super happy.

I am thankful for...my husband's lead in making decisions for our family that will lead us toward Christ.

I am wearing...gray yoga pants and an OSU t-shirt.

 
I am remembering...when real life meant more and media meant less.

I am creating...lesson plans and new strategies. FUN!

I am going...to have another productive day tomorrow just like today (same level of productivity, different activities). 

I am reading...school books and web resources.

I am hoping...to feel ready for the first day of school.

On my mind...how to structure our school days better so that we learn the most important things and study the subjects that God desires for this school year.

From the learning rooms... same as last week. Planning and vision therapy.

Noticing that...while I am experiencing loneliness that I didn't realize had been there for a long time, I am, at the same time, blessed with old friendships that can now grow deeper because of proximity. 

From the kitchen...homemade mac and cheese and green beans.

Around the house...I spent the entire day planning for the school year. Tomorrow, laundry, grocery shopping and library reserves are on my to-do list. How is it that skipping one day of laundry washing makes me feel behind?

One of my favorite things...researching and planning school, discussing it with my husband and implementing his ideas, teaching my children, starting a new school year. What? Oh, right. ONE thing. Heehee.

Praying for...refreshment as I get to spend some time alone with Eric this weekend.

A verse for you... "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

 

A lyric or two...

 

The touch of His hand will let me know,

He takes me in and lets me go.

If not for love, who would believe?

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in you and me.

We're lifted up by angels,

Higher than the world.

Strong enough to leave it,

Bound to learn the secrets,

Angels never heard.

Close enough to heaven,

Far above the rain,

Darkness cannot reach us,

Let the angels teach us,

That only love remains.

We're lifted up by angels.

 

 

 

 

A few plans for this week... planning for school, organizing school supplies and books, supply shopping, packing the kids for a camping retreat, getting the house ready for the school year (i.e. spic-and-span so mama can focus on school 100% next week) and celebrating my mom's birthday.

If you enjoy dwelling on the simple things in life and want to participate in this, CLICK HERE to read all about it and join us! Leave me a comment so I know to check out your blog to see your post!

Loneliness in the Journey

I am so glad for the break that is being provided to me because I committed to writing this post for Intentional Journey. I need the break right now. I'm in the midst of the chaos that is school planning for our upcoming school year. For the past few summers, I have started planning earlier, toward the beginning of August, used a boxed curriculum and had friends who were a year ahead of me in said boxed curriculum (great resource). This year, I have none of those things in place since Eric and I decided the boxed curriculum wasn't working for our kids anymore, and, because June and July were such busy months for our family, we took it easy for most of August. I don't regret that. I needed it. Eric needed it (technically, he only took it easy on the weekends and evenings). My kids needed it. All of these things have, however, caused school planning to be a little more chaotic and stressful than usual, which is totally fine, but this break to write is so appreciated.

I get so many questions about homeschooling. 1. "Why do you do homeschool?" 2."Will you do this forever?" or, one of my least favorites, "When will you put them into school?" 3. "Do you get a tax break for curriculum?" 4. "Does the school district provide curriculum?" or "What curriculum do you use?" 5. "What about socialization (my true least favorite)?"

So, in short...1. God called us to it. 2. Yes. Forever and ever, and they won't go to school until college if they should so choose. 3. Ha!!! NO. 4. No. We use a variety of different resources for curriculum, and, while a few are free via the internet, most of them come out of our pocket. 5. What about it??? Have you met my kids?

I think that too many people look at us as if we are weird, counter-cultural Christians that they just can't relate to, or they disagree with our calling to the extent that the harshness of their judgment prevents them from forming a true relationship with us. In some cases we have even lost relationships with friends due to this calling from the Lord. Sometimes, this trail that we blaze is lonely. As much as I hear some homeschoolers scoff at the many questions  our public and private schooling peers ask of us, I welcome them because it is my hope that it means that someone wants to know not just about this journey, but also about me, what I do and the things that are closest to my heart. I am that homeschooling mom. The lonely one. The one who sometimes really needs someone to swim to her island rather than always having to row her boat against the tide to get to them. So, please, ask your questions. I will answer them as well as I can.

While this journey has lonely seasons, I am grateful for it. God has done and continues to do incredible things for our family through our homeschool. Because of our obedience in choosing different curriculum this year, the Lord has allowed our Bible study and devotional time to come together like never before. I'm so excited about what we're going to be doing with our kids this year! This is the most important part of our child training, the part that I wish more Christian parents would do whether or not they homeschool. 

This year, we'll continue our family study of Our 24 Family WaysSimply Charlotte Mason. I believe this is exactly what the Lord has for us right now, and He is going to transform our family through it! Instead of Eric teaching one thing during our daily family worship time while I teach something completely different in the morning, the Lord directed us to coordinate the two things. It may sound simple and almost unimportant to have these two times of our day be cohesive, but I was pretty much married to the boxed curriculum the past few years, so this is a big deal for us! in the evening while incorporating the Bible memory work into our morning devotional that I do with the kids at the start of our school day. We're also using this fantastic idea for a scripture memorization box that I found at

We believe that the Lord can only do the great things He desires to do through us if we walk in faith and obedience, and homeschooling is part of that. The choice we are making is not whether to homeschool or not. The choice is obedience to the Lord.

More than anything, we want the glory of God to shine in our lives. Our family has not arrived at this, but we are working toward it. These steps of obedience and these reminders from God that He is directing our footsteps, take us closer and closer to that light permeating our individual lives, our family and our home. It is worth a little loneliness to experience that. It is worth a little loneliness to know that the most important relationship in our lives is in order because we are obeying Him. 

That said, if you have a homeschooling family in your church, I challenge you to befriend them. Reach out. They may really need your friendship. It may open your mind to another point-of-view that will challenge you. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone will likely be a blessing to you and to the family. The Lord designed us for relationships. We need you more than you realize.

I guess I should wrap this up and get back to lesson planning. This little vulnerable window will likely be followed up with others in the future on my personal blog. My newest goal is to be open about our homeschooling journey rather than trying to explain it away or to try to fit in with everyone else. This is my journey. Our journey. And we have bumps in our road. Even so...we love this journey. I could never have imagined this blessing. I am...grateful.

Broken

As a rule, I generally choose not to air my dirty laundry on the internet, so to speak, but I am at the point with a situation that has come up that I just need to write about it. I need to get it all out, and this is how I do it. I've written in my private journal, I've prayed, I've read the Word and I've talked to people I love and trust about this. It's still kind of haunting me even after all that. Part of me hesitates to post this because I don't want the person who caused this hurt in our hearts to believe she has more power over us than she does(she doesn't), but, when it comes down to it, I need to write for the pure catharsis of the writing process.

A little over a week ago, words were said to us that should never have been said. My children heard the words. My children witnessed the most disgusting behavior from someone they thought to be above such behavior. Things were said directly to our kids that no one should ever say to a child. Our kids heard things that were said to me like, "I wish you had never met Eric," and "Lukas, I survived a divorce, and you will too." Can you imagine what was going through my kids' heads after hearing those two things and putting them together? Yeah. It wasn't good. Lukas sobbed for over an hour. I've never seen him like that. The next day when we were praying for this person, Ava was aghast when we mentioned that the person didn't believe she had done anything wrong and wasn't planning to apologize for her behavior. When a 7 year old says something like, "WHAT? She broke everyone's heart!!!" you know that things didn't go down well. Our kids are crushed. Completely.

Just to clear things up since the word "divorce" was part of this person's tactics. We are fine. We don't even know why she said it. The entire situation was unsolicited and unexpected and completely came out of nowhere because this person felt like lambasting us, mostly me, with hurtful words. Unfortunately, she learned the hard way that when you expect a person to choose between you and someone else, and the someone else isn't asking them to choose, you are probably not the one who will be chosen.

I wish this was all that had happened, but the person actually grew violent, something that very few people know she has struggled with her entire life. Her violence was not toward the kids or toward me, thank goodness, and she was stopped by her husband, but it happened. My kids saw it. Their opinion of this person will never be the same. They are hurting because of her words and actions, and, since one of her issues with me is that I spend too much time talking to my kids, it is unlikely that she will take the time and care needed to mend the relationship between herself and our kids. Eric is deeply wounded, and I am also crushed by the things this person believes to be true.

What I have learned is that, no matter how hard you try, if someone has cast judgment upon you, it is not always within your power to change their opinion. In this case, the opinion was formed before the person had even taken the time to truly know me, which is sad because we could have been such close confidants. What hurts the most for me personally is that I had come to believe that this person actually saw me for who I really am, not who she believed me to be 13 years ago, but I was wrong, which makes me believe that I'll never be able to trust her again. I know that all of us have faults, and I am definitely no exception to this fact, but to know that someone has passionately held onto issues against you for over a decade because of them? Wow. It hurts. To know that so much of what she thought wasn't even based on truth but that she had convinced herself that it was makes it even harder. Why would anyone not try harder to see the truth in someone rather than cast harsh judgments and cause a rift? What it comes down to is that it was easier for her to believe false things about me than to see the truth.

My heart is just broken, not just for myself or Eric or the kids, but for this person. She will never know the loving atmosphere that is found in some relationships because she has spent her life pushing the most important people in her life away while only cultivating relationships with people who she never let see her true self. How sad is that? She doesn't like herself enough to let others really know her, and that makes me so sad for her.

I don't believe this situation is going to improve any time soon or that the person is going to apologize. I have yet to hear this person offer a legitimate apology for any major infraction she has committed in the almost 15 years that I have known her. I will hope that she is listening to the Spirit's voice since she is a believer and that, maybe, she will come to a place where she seeks forgiveness. Have I forgiven her? Absolutely. Unfortunately, forgiveness doesn't require us to have a relationship with someone. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts, and, in this instance, Eric and I have two little hearts to guard as well. I wish it hadn't come to this, but it has. It breaks my heart knowing that it has come to this.

Though we didn't have any idea this was going to happen or do anything to cause it, we have done our part to bring restitution to the extent that we are able. Our consciences are clear as we have both met with the Lord and spoken with our accountability partners, though our hearts are aching. I just want it to go away. I want to believe this person actually cared for me the way I wanted her to, the way I believed that she did. It's hard to feel like someone who you trusted, loved and cared for so deeply never really felt the same way about you.

Please be praying for our family. The Lord has been answering prayers for us since this happened, so we know that He is here for us. I think this whole situation served as a catalyst to remind us of who is truly important in our lives and how we need to treat those most important people. We came home that night and spent the next three days in blissful, quality family time, relaxing and enjoying each other and our community. It was just what we needed. God is faithful, is He not? I know that He can take situations like this and turn them around. I'm praying that He does exactly that.

Oops...a Prayer Request

I'm posting from Eric's iPad. This is one of those very little things that makes me smile. It doesn't take much to make me happy, does it? I guess that can't really be a bad thing.

This will be a super short post, but I wanted to ask the blogosphere to pray about something I did that was not so smart. I bought math curriculum for Lukas on eBay. That part isn't bad. The problem is that even though I had changed my eBay address several times, it didn't get changed in the most important place, which means they shipped it to our old address. The tracking information hasn't been updated in over a week, so I suspect that it is sitting at the post office. I don't know if they'll forward it or return it to the sender. I've already emailed the sender to tell her what happened, and she is willing to ship it again. Of course, while I suspect this person to be honest and kind, who really knows? There are so many reasons to pray about this.

First, the best case scenario is that the package is forwarded ASAP. Second, if it isn't frwarded, pray that the seller is honest and ships it to us right away (once we pay for shipping again). Third, we are starting school on September 7th, so we need it here before then no matter what happens. If none of this works out, we cannot afford to purchase it again. Please join us in praying!!! I'll keep you posted!

The Simple Woman's Daybook #98

Outside my window...is me. I'm sitting on my front porch enjoying the warmth of summer while my sweet daughter tries to climb a tree using 25 year old jump ropes.

I am thinking...about boundaries and how proper ones can make your heart ache a little.

I am thankful for...my husband who is striving to be like Jesus.

I am wearing...yellow t-shirt and old, navy capris.

 
I am remembering...the look on her face when she said all those things that she would never have thought if she really cared to know.

I am creating...lesson plans!!!

I am going...to get so much done between now and our first day of school (if I write it down, maybe it will actually get accomplished). 

I am reading...Above Rubies articles that reaffirm my mission in life.

I am hoping...for the hearts of those I love most to heal.

On my mind...judgment. For some people, it is easier to hold onto their judgment of you than it is to really get to know you and to find out who you really are. It's sad.

From the learning rooms... planning, planning, planning! And vision therapy.

Noticing that...negative situations can often be the catalyst we need to create a positive outcome. 

From the kitchen...chicken and shallots, garlic roasted potatoes and yellow squash.

Around the house...laundry, pedicures, baking and time with each kid all to myself. Lukas yesterday and Ava today.

One of my favorite things...small town life.

Praying for...the math curriculum I bought on ebay to arrive ASAP. I changed my ebay address FOUR times, and it still went to our old address somehow. PLEASE pray with us about this!!!

A verse for you..."But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." II Thessalonians 3:3
 

A few plans for this week... lots of cleaning, organizing and planning.

If you enjoy dwelling on the simple things in life and want to participate in this, CLICK HERE to read all about it and join us! Leave me a comment so I know to check out your blog to see your post!

A Perfect Weekend

I have been sitting here staring at the screen trying to decide how to begin this post. Last week was a tough week for us. Some issues arose that left us feeling like we needed rest and relaxation more than ever. The Lord knew what our family needed this weekend more than anything, and He provided accordingly. We have had the most blissful, fun-filled weekend together. It is as if God looked down upon us and knew we needed this blessing. Of course that's what He did! I went to bed smiling last night, and tonight, I shall do the same.

Two things were going on this weekend. Coshocton's Canal Days Festival was on the courthouse square (can someone explain to me why this doesn't happen in Roscoe anymore?), and Roscoe Village was having Coshocton Appreciation Days and allowing all county residents free admission to their tour. Yep. Free events. You know we were there!

We started our Saturday with a phone call from my parents asking us to meet them for breakfast. That was a nice way to begin our day! I'm so glad that living here allows for more opportunities like that.  Living in my hometown rocks. Seriously. It. Rocks.

We headed to Roscoe Village, a restored canal town, and got our free tickets for the Living History tour. I seriously had no idea what was inside the visitor's center since I think, as a teenager, I didn't really appreciate it as much as I do now. Fellow Coshoctonians who have moved away and only visit, check it out. My kids very much enjoyed the hands-on crafts, dress-up clothes and toys as well as the exhibit hall downstairs. Ava made a quilt square, Lukas painted a wooden top and both kids got to dip candles (all complimentary for Coshocton residents for the weekend only).

The only downside to our adventure was that we didn't realize how much time we needed in order to do the entire tour and see the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum. We only planned to stay until 4 because the Canal Days parade began at 5, so we decided to get through as much as we could without rushing and to return Sunday afternoon instead of worrying about getting it all done at once.

The tour was well done. The kids got to see a blacksmith making hot dog roasters and a weaver making rag rugs for special orders (I had no idea they made such things on order in Roscoe!!!). They also learned about 19th century printing, medicine, broom making, schooling and, of course, the canal itself. 

As I mentioned, Canal Days was also this weekend. We didn't go to most of the festival during the day, but we headed to the parade in the evening. It was fantastic. They really stepped things up for the bicentennial celebration. The floats were well done. The parade lasted over an hour. We very much enjoyed it!

After running home for a quick dinner, we returned to the courthouse square in time to hear the Texas Tenors perform. They were apparently on America's Got Talent, but we've never really watched that show, so we weren't familiar with them. I expected a mediocre concert. I mean, it was free to attend, so I didn't want to get my hopes up too much.

Their first number was an old country-western song. It wasn't bad, but it didn't really impress me either. Their second number? O Sole O Mio. Done perfectly. PERFECTLY. My jaw dropped. My eyes bugged out. I was stunned. Eric laughed at me. It was AMAZING. They did an incredible rendition of Danny Boy with inspirational lyrics included, and my sweet little girl asked her daddy to dance with her during it. Watching my husband dance with our little girl in the twilight on the court square will be forever remembered as one of my favorite moments ever.  Adding to the effect was her southern belle gown that was bouncing back and forth as she danced. It was...unforgettable.

The Texas Tenors also did an arrangement of You Raise Me Up similar to the Selah arrangement but with pipes not unlike Josh Groban's. Wow. Sitting under the stars, listening to the cicadas singing along with great music, enjoying small town life, running into old friends...it was a perfect evening. PERFECT. Blessings from Jesus were everywhere.

After what could not be described as anything less than a difficult and challenging week, this weekend would have to be described as blessed, peaceful, joy-filled and beautiful. I could probably come up with a few more adjectives, but you might stop reading while you rolled your eyes.

I am loving living here. I was never one of those people who wanted to get out of my home town. I loved living here. I loved having roots that ran the depth of several generations. I always loved coming back and visiting. Now? I just love living here. I enjoy the slower pace of life. I enjoy being closer to my parents and running into uncles and cousins at at the grocery store. God is amazing, isn't He? Who knew that bringing me home could be one of my life's greatest blessings?

The Simple Woman's Daybook #97

Outside my window...the cicadas are chirping.

I am thinking...about how God's plan works perfectly even when we don't know how.

I am thankful for...cooler weather and the chance to enjoy the last few weeks of summer break.

I am wearing...tan t-shirt and navy shorts that I've had since I was 14. They're PJ shorts now. ;)

 
I am remembering...catching frogs at the campground pond when I was 8.

I am creating...plans for a structured and organized school year during which much learning occurs.

I am going...to Columbus twice this week. 

I am reading...Colossians.

I am hoping...that Lukas is fever-free in the morning.

On my mind...remembering that the world too often sneaks into the minds of Christ-like people.

From the learning rooms... Civil War studies and vision therapy.

Noticing that...Ava has a servant heart. 

From the kitchen...whole wheat pasta with ground turkey, onion, mushrooms, green pepper, garlic, fennel seed and a little EVOO.

Around the house...the windows are open and the air conditioner is OFF.

One of my favorite things...days like today with open windows, chirping cicadas, cool mornings and warm afternoons.

Praying for...God to provide for all our bills to be paid and for the remainder of curriculum that we need (science, Bible, history just to start our school year).

A verse for you...For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14
 

A few plans for this week... starting Lukas' vision therapy tomorrow (hopefully, if he's feeling better), spending Thursday night with Eric's folks, an eye appointment for me and taking advantage of Roscoe Village's Coshocton appreciation days this weekend. Oh! And the Canal Days parade. Can't wait!

If you enjoy dwelling on the simple things in life and want to participate in this, CLICK HERE to read all about it and join us! Leave me a comment so I know to check out your blog to see your post!

Civil War Encampment

I believe I have mentioned once or twice that Lukas asked to study the Civil War for school. I have to tell you, he couldn't have asked to study anything more appropriate at this point. The timing is perfect with the county where we live coordinating our bicentennial celebration with Civil War events and activities since it is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War's commencement. We attended our second Civil War event yesterday, and it was incredible. I have always wanted to go to a Civil War encampment, and I knew they held one here in Coshocton for the past few years (maybe longer. I don't really know), but this year, we made it a priority to go since Lukas was asking to learn about it. I am so glad that we did!

If you are not a lover of history, this is the way to learn about the Civil War. I am a lover of history, so I ate it up, of course, but I can't imagine a better way to make history come to life than to go to an event such as this one. The people who participate are experts on the Civil War, and they are anxious and willing to share their knowledge with you. The kids were able to learn so much yesterday, and I had a great time learning a few things too.

At the beginning of our day at the camp, we stopped by the blacksmith. Neither of our kids had ever been to a blacksmith's shop, and none of us had ever seen a portable blacksmith! Ava was completely enthralled. We sat and watched and asked questions for 10 or 15 minutes, and then Ava asked to go back again, so I sat with her for another 10 minutes while Eric and Lukas went off to something else. 

After that, we weaved in and out of a few tents learning about the lives of soldiers and what they did all day each day(Euchre, anyone?). The kids got to lift a musket and learned that the bayonet was actually used rarely as a weapon. As one soldier told us, "Once it got stuck in someone, it was just stuck, and so was your musket." Good point. The bayonet did have lots of other uses, however, such as this one:

At 11, we knew there was going to be a ladies tea. My understanding was that we would be able to observe the ladies who were in Civil War period dress taking tea. Ava and I were quite surprised to discover that we were actually invited to participate! My girl loves tea parties, and this was like the ultimate tea party with fancy tea sandwiches, tea cookies, scones with Devonshire cream and, of course, tea. If I had known in advance that we could attend, she would have been dolled up in her southern belle gown. The Bicentennial Committee sponsored the tea, and they did an amazing job!

In the afternoon, we picnicked by the battle field (Not that Ava and I needed much to eat) and then watched the battle. One of the encampment participants explained how things usually went during a typical battle, which was interesting. The kids thought the cannons smelled awful, but they were pretty fascinated by the whole thing. The only downside? The Confederates won!

We meandered through the rest of the camp, saw a leg being amputated, learned about Civil War era toys and games, talked to some ladies about artillery and one particular cannon and headed out for the day. We were there for five hours. Next year, we just might have to attend the Civil War ball if they do it again. Wouldn't that be a blast? Maybe you don't think so, but, as I told my best friend via text, I'm a history nerd. I love it. 

As we were driving down the hill from the encampment, the kids immediately began discussing their plans to play Civil War when we got home. Lukas donned a ball cap that he thought most resembled the shape of a Civil War soldier's hat, and Ava wore her southern belle costume. Lukas grabbed a toy pistol as well. They were all set and even got their cousins to play along. I think we will be able to recover from this past year of history not going so well. If they're playing Civil War, I guess the history bug might have bitten them a little. Here's hoping!

Family Fun Times

We have been busy with good things the past few days. The first half of this week was very laid-back and relaxing. The second half has been filled with fun! On Wednesday, I took Ava for her own, personal photo shoot. I don't really care for the photos that the dance studio has done each year with those funky borders and things on them. I want to see my kid in the photo, you know? She doesn't need embellishment, especially ugly embellishment. So, we skipped the dance photo session at the studio and opted to do them ourselves. Here are a couple of my favorite shots:

On Thursday, we headed to my Mom's house since my niece and nephews were here for a visit. I got to visit a little while with my sister before she headed to her in-laws for a couple days leaving two of her kiddos behind. It was a short visit, but I am glad for any time we get together! I love getting to snuggle and love on her kiddos.

Last night, we headed to spend the evening with friends, Roy and Erma, on their Amish farm. My folks went with us as well, and Dad had arranged for Lukas, my nephew, Zack, and Roy's boys to camp for the night. We all had a hot dog roast followed by homemade maple ice cream (hand cranked by all 8 of the kids) and then sat around the fire chatting while the kids exhausted themselves on pony cart rides, bicycles and anything else they came up with (I wish I had snagged a photo of one of the boys pulling the pony cart in absence of the pony).

Today, we picked-up Lukas and headed to Dublin for the annual AFLAC family picnic/carnival. The kids had a blast! There were several inflatables, face painting, balloon creations, super-sized Jenga and Kerplunk games, corn hole, volleyball and several things that I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention. It was tons of fun! Both kids enjoyed the Extreme Air ride (if you can call it a ride. More than an inflatable, but not really a ride since they had to do most of the work???). Ava seriously went on it TEN times. After her 9th time(not in a row. She did other things in between), the guy made her take a break. I sort of couldn't blame him. There weren't any other children in line, but there is such a thing as over-kill. She took a break and then went back once more before we left. They kept her on it for a very long time that time since no one was waiting, which she loved.

Tomorrow, we are planning more free family fun. I'll be sure to post again to tell you all about it!

The Simple Woman's Daybook #96

Outside my window...is my porch where I spent my quiet time this morning. Yay for cooler temps (You know it's a hot summer when a high of 85 is considered to be "cooler).

I am thinking...about the difference between the words "if" and "when" in the Bible .

 
I am thankful for...the flexible schedule that homeschooling allows us. No formal school time until after Labor Day for us!

I am wearing...gray, capri-length yoga pants with an aqua tank.

 
I am remembering...vacations to all sorts of fantastic places.

I am creating...opportunities to make summer memories.

I am going...to walk in obedience. 

I am reading...Everyday with Rachael Ray's September issue.

 
I am hoping...that something gives very soon.

On my mind...relieving stress while honoring God's will.

From the learning rooms... trips to parks and playgrounds and a Civil War encampment.

Noticing that...slowing down is sometimes the best thing you can do. 

 
From the kitchen...Sandra Lee's tortilla casserole and homemade 100% whole wheat flax and seed bread (No, I'm not serving these two things together).

Around the house...I hear the sounds of children playing, and I love it.

One of my favorite things...spending days at home with my children.

 
Praying for...the relationship my children have with each other.

 

A few plans for this week... playing with the kids, a visit with my niece and nephews, hot dog roast, Aflac family picnic and carnival and Civil War encampment.

If you enjoy dwelling on the simple things in life and want to participate in this, CLICK HERE to read all about it and join us! Leave me a comment so I know to check out your blog to see your post!

5 Days

What I learned in 5 days...

• My house is very, very quiet when there are no children in it. Eerily quiet. Empty. Like something is missing. Something is missing. 2 somethings. Or someones.
• Eric and I should not wait so long to have extended time alone together again. 13 months is too long.
• 5 days spent at home with only your spouse makes you think extensively about the future and what it will be like some day to have an empty nest.
• 5 days spent at home with only your spouse feels like the beginning of your marriage, when it was just you two against the world, when you were free to do whatever you wanted whenever you wanted. So you do whatever you want whenever you want and you realize, you could get used to it. But? You don't want to. Yet.
• Because I am, through and through, a mom and homemaker even when my children are gone, productivity must be a part of every single day unless someone tells me to STOP! Thank you Eric for an afternoon of scrapbooking.
• Mopping the entire 900ish square feet of the downstairs of our house on day 1 of 5 days without the children results in clean floors for 5 whole days. And clean feet.
• There is a delicate balance between desperately missing my children and desperately enjoying the fleeting minutes alone with my husband.
• My children missed me. Terribly. Their response when they saw us (and when they saw me mid-week) assures me of this. I. Love. Hugs. And kisses. And snuggles.
• Picnics at the park are much better when you don't have any time constraints.
• You can get burger baskets for so cheap at Steak and Stein on Tuesday that you don't have to feel guilty about not making the meal at home. You couldn't make the same meal for that price.
• 5 days goes very, very slowly and very, very quickly at the same time. An oxymoron? Most assuredly not, and completely so.

The Influence of Mothering

Mothering is a deeply complicated subject these days, isn't it? I have written posts recently that have gotten me into a little trouble even though my motives were pure (but only because people read between the lines and found things that weren't there). Even so, I'm going to attempt another post on this topic, a topic that should be so simple and sweet but is utterly complex and too often controversial these days.


Everyone has their own idea about the things that mothering concerns these days. Few subscribe to a June Clever-esque concept of motherhood, fewer care to be grain grinding, goat milking, garden growing hippie chicks, and even fewer subscribe to a truly Biblical model of motherhood. Wouldn't it have been fantastic if God just spelled it out for us in intricate detail that left no room for error? He kind of does. Check out Titus 2 if you're interested in learning about Biblical womanhood as the Lord defines it for us. I don't live to perfection, but I do try to live by this passage of scripture.


That is not really what I want to talk about in this post. It definitely applies to what is on my mind, but it was more or less a free bit of info for your benefit. What I really want to talk about is how women define their worth. It breaks my heart when I hear one who is called "Mama" say that they aren't doing enough to serve the church or community, that they don't "feel" like their life brings enough to the table, that they need to be "doing more" so that they are truly having an effect on the lives of those within their circle of influence.


Um. What??? Mothering is enough. I don't care if you work outside the home or if you don't. Mothering is enough. Mothering provides you with an opportunity to influence not just a few lives, but the lives of future generations in a way that no one else could. The opportunity a mother has is unmatched. Your children, your grandchildren, your great, great great grandchildren will all be influenced by you. Why isn't this enough for the modern woman? 100 years ago, women wouldn't even have given such an ungodly thought the time of day because they were taught to care for their husbands, children and homes in a way that brought glory to God. They were taught that these tasks themselves brought glory to God!!!


The work you do outside your home at a job, church, or community organization pales in comparison to the work you do in your home. If you don't feel like you are valuable, then I dare say you are defining yourself by the wrong standard. The world has unfortunately influenced the church, and that same world may tell you that it is okay to feel like you need more to feel like you are being used, but it just isn't true. You are looking for your value in all the wrong places (did that line just bring up an old love song for you? Totally accidental).


If you are seeking outside opportunities to serve or influence others, I challenge you to look inward. Your children don't need you to be busy. The Father gave them to you so that you could be their greatest influencer. Take it seriously. They'll be gone some day, and then you'll have plenty of time to influence your church, community and co-workers.


You, Mother, are doing God's work when you are choosing to serve at home. Mothering is a noble calling, and we should never look at our lives as if we are not doing enough because we remember those other talents and gifts we have. This is your season to mother. Do it with passion. Do it with grace, hope, diligence, fortitude and honor. When you are through and you are surrounded by healthy, Christ-like adults, your children will rise up and call you blessed!

The Simple Woman's Daybook #95

Outside my window...I'm watching the sun sparkle through the leaves of a tree.

I am thinking...about the Lord's perfect plan for each of us and how no one can understand it more than we can ourselves even if someone else thinks they may know better.

 
I am thankful for...the Lord's leading us to a new church family.

I am wearing...black skort with an aqua tank.

 
I am remembering...spending summer weeks with my grandparents.

I am creating...opportunities to fill my family's minds with scripture all over the house.

I am going...to enjoy the freshly mopped first floor of our house for 5 days. 

I am reading...my mom's recipes from her main collection of favorites.

 
I am hoping...that our family has many opportunities to make the most of the rest of this summer.

On my mind...serving those I love better.

From the learning rooms... the importance of family, vacation Bible school with Grandma.

Noticing that...Ava is desiring greater independence and Lukas is becoming more confident when away from us for extended stays elsewhere. 

 
From the kitchen...leftover roast beef, potatoes and cabbage.

Around the house...shiny floors coming soon.

One of my favorite things...the original woodwork in my house.

 
Praying for...a peaceful week.

A lyric or two...

You are holy (You are holy)
You are mighty (You are mighty)
You are worthy (You are worthy)
Worthy of praise (Worthy of praise)
And I will follow (I will follow)
I will listen (I will listen)
I will love you (I will love you)
All of my days (All of my days)

(Guys)
I will sing to
And worship
The King who is worthy
I will love Him, adore Him
And I will bow down before Him
I will sing to and worship the King who is worthy
I will love Him, adore him
I will bow down before Him

(Girls)
He is Lord of Lords
He is King of Kings
He is mighty God
Lord of everything

He's Emmanuel
He's the great "I AM"
He's my Prince of Peace
Who is the Lamb

He's the living God
He's my saving grace
He will reign forever
He is ancient of days

He's the Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End
He's my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and friend

(Both:)
Your my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for you.
 

A few plans for this week... the kids are away, but Lukas still has an eye appointment on Wednesday, and I'm having lunch with a friend on Thursday.

If you enjoy dwelling on the simple things in life and want to participate in this, CLICK HERE to read all about it and join us! Leave me a comment so I know to check out your blog to see your post!