Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Aching Void

Dr. Lillian Yeomans said, “God delights in his children stepping out over the aching void with nothing underneath their feet but the Word of God.”
Have you ever thought about that statement - the aching void?
The Word of God is like a hot bath with Calgon (or in my case Bath & Body Works Sleep Lavender Vanilla) that soothes sore aching muscles and enables one to rest in His promises.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Tis The Season




As a young adult I remember seeing “A Christmas Story” for the first time and learning about the infamous Red Rider BB Gun. I got married and we were blessed 2 years later with our daughter.  Then along came 3 bouncing baby boys.  I had declared a “no gun or weapons” policy for our home.  Lego Duplos were fine.  And then one day the Duplos took the form of guns!  I was outnumbered and came to the realization that boys are BOYS!  They like to pretend to conquer and hunt, etc…. It seems that it is hard wired in them!  Can anyone relate?

We have a Christmas Catalog from Vision Forum, and guess what?  There are initials of various children next to knives, guns, and bows!  As well as a certain initial next to doll items (whew! I am so glad I have a daughter to relate to.)  I have to say that I am impressed with the quality of the items we have so far from Vision Forum.  The boys grandparents bought them wooden play guns from VF 2 years ago and they have had lots of play.  Now son number 1 wants a REAL Vision Forum BB Gun!!!!  (Some things never change.) Hmmmm.  I will need to get him and the rest of us goggles to protect our eyes!   Vision Forum also has a great number of Christian books for all ages, definitely more my speed!

Let the Holiday fun begin and the joyful celebration of God's goodness and overwhelming love for us, even with boys who prefer playing with guns!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

It's That Time of Year Again

Thanksgiving is days away....and we still are unsure of what our plans are.  We were blessed with a turkey that is happily thawing out in our extra refrigerator in anticipation of being joyfully consumed. (An IEW writing instructor would be pleased with those strong verbs and -ly descriptors.  I am learning so much this year - thank you Institute for Excellence in Writing!) 

In less than 2 weeks my 8 year old turns 9.  His wish is for a Lego Death Star set.  It has been on his "list" for almost 2 years.  Have you seen this set?  It is truly incredible boasting 3,803 pieces and includes 24 mini-figures, possibly his favorite part.  Ahhh, the power of Legos.  When we were in baby mode, our friends had 5 young boys and Legos, lots of them, everywhere.  When they came and visited us they each bought a set and they were spread throughout our home diligently working on them.  I can still see them.  Now I understand.  It is my wish that our two families can someday get together and their boys, now young men, can see our boys who are about the same age they were when we first got married...

In approximately 3 weeks my daughter turns 12and I am hoping to do something really mom-daughter special for this girl who is blossoming into a beautiful young lady right before our eyes.

Then, Christmas.....Thank you Father for sending us your Son.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Most Important Things to Know

The most important things to know:


1.  God is love.
       1 John 4:7

2.  God loves YOU.
     1 John 4:19

3.  Because God loves you so much He gave you the ULTIMATE GIFT.
     John 3:16
 
4.  His gift to you (should you receive Him) changes EVERYTHING!
       John 5:24     Galatians 3:13,14     2 Peter 1:2-4

Monday, September 26, 2011

Thoughts for Today

Proverbs 3:16 Amplified Bible

 1MY SON, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;    2For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you.
    3Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart.
    4So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man.
    5Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
    6In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.


Jesus gave us 2 commandments - Love God and love others......which is made possible as we get a revelation of God's love for us.  Selah

Thursday, September 22, 2011

TODAY

Today
I am learning to trust You day by day.
I don't have to ponder tomorrow, You just ask for today.
You paid for my yesterday, the failures and mistakes
giving me a brand new start, today.
You are all I need today, bringing me peace and joy,
my Savior, Provider, Teacher....
whatever the need is today, You are there to fill it.
Because of You, today is a beautiful day.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

school

So, we are into our second week of homeschooling and it is going decently well.  Before last week it dawned on me that I hadn't actually homeschooled (been the primary teacher) since my daughter was in kindergarten and now I was getting ready to teach a k, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grader.  I had some fleeting thought of panic!  God has been so faithful.  He graces us for the task/privilege of teaching our children.  And, it is not all up to us - Isa 54:13 - what a relief!

This is what we are studying so far:
Bible - our daily Bible chapter in the New Testament and other Bible study curriculum.
Math - Horizons Math K, Teaching Textbooks 5, 6, 7
Lang Arts - Institute For Excellence In Writing, Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons, Handwriting Without Tears, Essentials of the English Language
History - Mystery of History II and Veritas Press Online History (free trial! - the kids ask for it!)
Science - Apologia Young Explorers Series Exploring Creation With Anatomy & Physiology
Various Readers

It's a start!

Home Educating Family Publishing

Home Educating Family Publishing

is having a contest for Artfully Yours art curriculum.  Check it out!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

beautful morning

Sipping coffee with Bible in hand (on lap really) and those words whispered to my soul...beautiful morning.  What about it is beautiful?  Not the weather.  It is going to be another hot one here in the Ozarks.
It is beautiful because He is here. with me. His love and presence surrounding me.
It is beautiful because I am getting to walk out His plan for today - at home with my children.  A gift from Him answering the desire of a mother's heart.
It is beautiful because I choose to reflect on His goodness and call to remembrance the many ways He has brought provision recently and in times past.  He is always faithful.
It is beautiful because His faithfulness continues and His mercies are new every morning.  And, His grace is sufficient for today.

This is His day.  I rejoice in it. In Him.  And watch as He makes EVERYTHING beautiful in its time.
Even mistakes, mishaps, and mis-steps.....He is able to transform into something beautiful.  His love for you and His mercy is just that good!

Have a beautiful day.

lisa










Tuesday, August 30, 2011

waiting for perfect

There are so many times that I have thought to "blog", to share my heart, but haven't because I don't have the perfect words or right graphics. (This blog, at the moment, is truly boring!) But then I realize, if I don't start right where I am, in all my imperfection, then how can I expect to improve.

How many missed opportunities will there be if I don't move into action until it is "perfect."

So, here's to imperfection, fresh starts, and heavenly mercies!

p.s. I am glad the Lord is helping me see this, because school officially starts next Tuesday, and I am not "perfectly" prepared; but His grace is made perfect in my weakness. That makes me smile!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Camp

My 2 sons are at camp this week. The house is quieter and I miss them and their noise! I dropped off mail at the camp (it is only 5 minutes away from our house!) for them and thanked the camp director for all that they are doing for the kids and for making sure that the boys got to be in the same cabin (they normally do not do that). She then mentioned that there was a camper that got really homesick last night and his brother was great with him. A camp counselor ended up taking him on a walk and talking with him. (I am quite sure that camper was Patrick!) I am so pleased with William's love and compassion for his brother and Patrick's courage to stick it out and try something new. I am also glad that camp is so close! :-)
There. I finally posted something! (Thanks in part to an (In)Courage tweet today "Future authors start out as bloggers.")

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

today

Yesterday was a whopper.....Basking in His love and goodness in the morning alone and then later with a dear friend, and long distance with a loved one....then tears flowing on and off all day.....hormones????.....draining!.....ahhh.....but made it through the day, and His love never changed...one bit.

Today is a snow day. I am determined not to waste it or get side-tracked by the change of our normal scheduled. In the Kitchen He whispered to me, "Be content, you are right where I want you." selah with a smile and a cup of coffee.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

God answers me when I call

I whisper a question to the Lord.....releasing the wonder to Him, and He answers me.....
It is happened over and over again the past few weeks. He is amazing...loving...merciful...

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Oh how I love Him

Does your heart ever feel so full that it might burst? Full of temporary sorrow? (Saying good-bye to max 11 months ago) It was hard to take deep breaths. I had a choice. Plunge or rather allow myself to sink into despair....OR...grasp the hand of God and allow (yes allow - He is a gentleman) Him to lift me up and into His arms. To lean my entire self on Him. To trust His love and goodness - towards me. To enter a deeper relationship with Him. That is where I am today.

Now my heart is full with Him - ready to burst forth with His goodness. To love others. To help others. To help others walk through the valley - not staying there - finding themselves stronger on the other side. Ready to Live. LIVE for Him.