Borrowed Words, But Good

I stumbled across this blog the other day. In it, a mom shared some tidbits of lessons she had been challenged with as a homeschool mother of five kids. This list challenged me as well so I asked if I could share it.

As a Christian stay-at-home mom who homeschools (boy, that is too long of a title), my roles get muddied sometimes. Am I teacher, mentor, mom, friend, chauffeur, cook, referee, maid, individual – or is it miraculously a combination of all? This list of reminders helped to focus me. Don't read it to be discouraged if you are having a bad day (as I had yesterday). However, read it to be encouraged that God has given you an awesome job as a mother and possibly teacher. Most definitely you have the job of discipler whether your children are with you all day or not. Some say that being a mom is the hardest job in the world. It may be, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. With God's help I have the opportunity to disciple and invest in at least the lives of the four children in my home so that they in turn can impact their world as well.

Be encouraged today!

*Everything we say either blesses or curses our children. (Isn't that convicting?)

*Harshness changes the focus of correction. With positive correction, a child thinks, "I'm in trouble because I did something wrong." With negative correction, a child thinks, "I'm in trouble because I upset Dad/Mom."

*As a parent, it is important to win every battle with your child or you lose your credibility and authority as a parent. Keeping that in mind, choose your battles wisely. Do not make things that don't really matter into a battle.

*Older kids have a mission field right in their own home: their younger siblings!

*A difficult child's character flaws are just more obvious than a compliant child's... not necessarily more numerous.

*No parent can see the future, but you must plan for it.

*We have faith to begin... we need to have faith to the end.

Thankful Thursday - Random

Here are a few things coming from my heart. Although the day is dreary and cold, and spring is still hiding, I am thankful for the little things that God chooses to send my way.

• My little one asked God to save her from her sins this week. She is a child of God.
  
• Saturday was warm enough to get some pansies planted in pots. There is a little bit of color now on my porch.
  
• I get to go away for the weekend with my family to the lake house.
  
• My kids figured out some personal conflicts on their own.
  
• My hubby found this cool Bible study to do together with the kids.
  
• I was treated with a Starbuck's mocha latte last night.
  
• God woke me up this morning to spend some time with Him.
  
• God answers my prayers.
  

For more thankful hearts visit Lynn's site. She will be hosting Thankful Thursdays for this month.

All Kinds of Kids

God has blessed me with four kids. I have the privilege of enjoying them and the various abilities that God has given them. I joke that having four kids as different as night and day keeps parenting both challenging and interesting.

Today I stopped in at Staples to order some color copies of artwork that my second oldest daughter has done. I have to say – she is really good. Now I know I sound biased, but really, she is. Her older sister is an athlete, and her brother is quite the student and athlete as well. My little one is still figuring out life as a five-year old. They all present so much to the combination of personalities we call a family. My princess can see the beauty in most anything. She can sit for hours and work on project. Her creativity is revealed in scrapping, sewing, painting, drawing and most any other craft.

Focus on the Family's children's magazine, Clubhouse, is offering an art contest. My princess chose two of her favorite pieces at the present and will send them in. Who knows – maybe you will see her artwork published soon. Here are a few of some other pieces that she has done.

I am amazed at how God's creativity is so evident in each one of us. We express so many different talents. My princess has the ability to share her art. I am excited to watch how God will take that and use it for His purpose.

A Good Read

Hop over to this site to be encouraged and challenged. This school is my alma mater and I am very proud of its accomplishments. More than that, I am thankful for the strong Biblical foundation I received on which my convictions and worldview have been built. Christian education is a strong, viable option to public education today. I am thankful for the sacrifice my parents made to make Christian education the place for me to learn and grow.

A Changed Heart

The day began as many others in our busy family. By 8:15, however, it had deteriorated to whining, complaining and attitudes at every corner and in every sentence. I braced myself for the apparent day ahead.

The big kids had their assignments and were now working quietly, with only minimal frustration and stalling my little guy worked on a US puzzle on the floor, and my little one climbed into my lap to read.

We worked on some phonics, and then we pulled out the Awana book to work on some verses that we needed to catch up on. The verses and Bible stories centered on Christ's death, resurrection, and joy that resulted in the disciples' lives. Our conversation proceeded naturally. Why did Christ have to die? Who did he die for? How can one get to heaven? These conversations were nothing unusual. My little one knew all the right answers, yet I knew in my heart that she had never made a personal heart decision.

This morning was different. What if you don't go to heaven – then what? Fear is not a tactic that I use regularly. Heaven is a wonderful place that I cannot even imagine let alone put into words. God is there and it is perfect. However, if you do not accept God's precious gift of salvation He provided through His son's death, there is a dreadful alternative – hell. Maybe it is politically (religiously) incorrect to say that, but it is the truth. My little one was prepared to hear it today. She was not scared, but the realization of being separated from God spurred her thinking.

Sitting on my lap, she snuggled close and asked if she could pray right then. She prayed and asked Jesus to forgive her of her sins and asked Him to be her Savior. It was a child-like faith. Oh to have such simple faith. God didn't make the plan difficult. We don't have to DO anything, but thank Him for doing it ALL.

My little one professed her new found faith on the phone to Daddy, Grandma, and Nana. What a joy to hear her share so simply what God had done for her.

She is God's child that He has chosen to bless me with. I am excited to watch how He will use her. She will fail. She will make mistakes. She will goof up. God, though, will never let go of her.

I am so thankful for God's answer to prayer in my family. I have prayed since my children were very little that He would save them and that I would have the tremendous privilege of leading them to that decision. God has chosen to answer that prayer for each of my children. My role as a Mom is huge in their life. I consider it a challenge, responsibility and privilege to disciple these four precious people that God has put into my home. I am awed and humbled. God help me!

Welcome to God's family, precious little one.

Thankful Thursday - Freedom

For more thankful hearts visit Lynn's site. She will be hosting Thankful for this month.

She set the challenge to post on the freedom that God has provided in many ways. At first, the word freedom stirs emotions of political and religious freedom which I enjoy in the US. These freedoms, though not to be taken lightly, cannot compare to the freedom that God provides when I place myself into His hands. I do not suffer oppression as a Christian and am not persecuted for my faith. However, Satan would like to keep me in bondage in other areas that may not be seen by others: fear, insecurity, doubt, discouragement. My Savior came to set me from all that. Satan no longer has any power. God's Word states that we have divine power to destroy strongholds and anything that sets itself up against God. Wow! That power is the dynamite in our lives that allows us to be free.

I am thankful that God has chosen me and keeps me. He has set me free from both the penalty and power of sin. I am thankful that when I mess up, he gently reminds me who is in charge and that he has already taken care of things if I just let him. He has given me the freedom to live.

God Works

Be encouraged. God is still working today. I spent this past weekend watching just that.

God showed me Himself in a fresh way which is what I was asking Him to do. I felt the prayers of many as I placed myself in a potentially uncomfortable environment.

During a weekend retreat, we ladies were challenged to have a quiet time with our Lord. I ventured back to the silence of my room, opened my Bible and was wowed. Isaiah 43 jumped off the page. I realize that the audience is Isaiah and the transfer is not direct, however, these verses time and again prove God's power and position as the only true God who has authority over all. That all included my life today.

Our family is changing where we worship and that has made some unhappy. We however, are convinced with God's leading over the past year. Verse 19 refers to a new thing the God was going to do in Isaiah's life. God is going to do a new thing in our lives as well. God wants me to watch Him do it. He states to Isaiah, "Do you not perceive it?"

I am excited to watch God work in my life, in my kids' lives, and in the lives of the new people that He will bring into my path. He showed me again that even though things can get uncomfortable and downright frustrating, unnerving and angering, He is always there working out everything for His glory if I let Him.

Thankful Thursday

God is good no matter what. He has chosen to bless my family in innumerable ways. However, sometimes life gets uncomfortable and I don't know how He tolerates my whining. I am so thankful for a gracious God whose compassion is renewed for me each day. I am thankful for His direction and His peace when I submit to His leading.

Having two sick kids this week has made me thankful for some different things: accommodating pediatricians, good insurance, available medicine, and a homeschooling schedule that is more flexible.

On a fun note, I am thankful that I get to go outlet shopping BY MYSELF (ie: no kids!) this weekend. I do think that my hubby is biting his tongue and praying that there is not much there to catch my eye. Honestly, I don't shop very much. My deals are usually at garage sales (which I eagerly anticipate). This weekend I have the opportunity to join close to 100 other ladies at a retreat. The resort just happens to be close to the outlets.

I am thankful in advance for what God is going to teach me.

For more thankful hearts visit Lynn's site. She will be hosting Thankful for this month.

Surrender

Driving to my daughter's science class at 7:30 in the morning does not usually provide much interesting conversation. I usually play praise music to get us started in the right direction. This morning the title song from PCD's "Let the Worshippers Arise" CD played on my iPod. I guess my little one was actually listening to the lyrics. From the back seat she raised the question, "What does it mean to surrender, Mom." What a loaded question from an almost five-year old.

Surrender is basically giving up, letting go, and not keeping hold of the control we so badly desire. In the song it refers to surrendering our all and surrendering to the King. I like control, honestly. This week my life has been a little out of my control. My anxiety level has risen and it does not feel good. I pondered my little one's words and simply responded. My easy definition, however, echoed in my mind all day.

What does it mean today to surrender (give up and give over control) all to my King? Some things I want to do are supported by some very good reasoning, or at least I think so. However, am I doing them to prove my point, to keep my upper hand, to not give into what God really wants me to do? God has challenged me today that I need to surrender to what He wants me to do. I am not sure I am up for that. None the less it makes no difference what I think. Complete surrender is God's will for my life.

I often wonder how much of Christ my kids see in me. Am I a control freak when it comes to doing God's will? LORD, help me to surrender to your perfect will for my life even when it is uncomfortable. Help me to see you and feel you holding my hand when giving up control is scary. Thank you that whatever you ask me to do you have already been there and you already know the outcome. Increase my faith in you.

Warm Weather Blessings

This weekend proved to be a glimpse of spring. Seventy degrees does wonders for the soul and for kids who have been cooped up way too long. Tonight my hubby brought out the fire pit and we enjoyed a hot dog roast – normally a fall activity, but why not enjoy a March campfire.

After dinner, the kids cleared the table albeit reluctantly, and my sweetie and I got to sit by the fire and just talk – no computer, no phones, no TV's. Can I say, I love my hubby and thoroughly enjoy talking with him.

God has allowed a few obstacles in our life recently for us to climb. I am thankful that He will carry us through anything that comes our way. I am thankful for a husband who seeks God and leads our family in a Godly fashion.

I am looking forward to spring for many reasons: new growth forms, we can eat outside (until the bugs shoo us back in), school ends, flowers are in bloom. Until then, I am thankful for a preview of warmer weather to enjoy.

Life has been challenging this year but has also provided many opportunities to grow and see God in a fresh way. Spring is a good reminder of new starts and fresh beginnings.

Gone Before it Starts

My daughter and I just completed the application for her to be a staff assistant at a Christian camp not too far from our home. She has sought God as to where He would have her serve this year and He directed her to work at NLI. New Life Island impacted my life as a child and continues to challenge my kids' hearts.

Working through the calendar for the summer, we realized that she will be gone almost the entire time. We will have the weekends, but the rest of the week will be spent at camp. I realize that this is a good stepping stone in maturity – a safe place to venture out with the security of home not far away, but I have to say I will miss her tremendously.

I am excited for her and for what God is going to teach her. She will meet new friends, have numerous opportunities to serve on a daily basis, and have the privilege of being fed spiritually herself from the featured speakers during her time at camp.

I have a feeling this will be a summer unlike any other. I have mixed emotions. Life goes on and my roles change. I am trusting God to continue to give me opportunities to impact my daughter's life even though she will spend less time in my home this summer.

I realize that I have been preparing my daughter to serve and grow towards maturity since she was very little. I know this is a little step compared to the major ones to come, but I am thankful that she is choosing wisely and that I am a part of her life to help her grow to be the woman of God that He desires.

Flowers in Winter

Today I was blessed by a little surprise created by the little hands of my little one. She somehow sneaked her gift into my drawer and waited for me to discover it. Her thoughtfulness blessed me and brought a smile to my heart and face. I thank God for her and trust that He will teach me how better to bless others in the little ways.

Thankful Thursday

Pizza for lunch

Blue skies and sunshine

Music

God's gift of wisdom and perspective

Encouragement of friends

Adult conversation

Promise of spring

For more thankful hearts visit Lynn's site. She will be hosting Thankful for this month.

Always Learning

I joined my dad and mom in a visit with my Pop-pop today. Life amazes me as there is always something to learn.

Before I left, my oldest reminded me that all would be fine at home while I was gone for the day. "You're doing the right thing, Mom." I guess she's learning too. She's watching.

The ride wasn't too long, but it was precious uninterrupted time sharing with my dad. I learned more about him and his family. Nothing earth shattering, but precious to learn none the less: what his favorite piece is in "Victory at Sea", that he spent a year at Rutgers grad school before transferring to Montclair, that he never really knew his grandparents, that he questioned God's leading (but never stopped doing what he ultimately knew God had called him to do.)

When I got home, I learned that I need to spend an extra day on the algebra chapter that my oldest has been working on.

Seriously, if I took as much care about learning for myself as I do my kids, I can only imagine what God could teach me in life.

Psalm 27:11 "Teach me your way, O LORD and lead me on a level path . . ."

 

Pop-pop

In a few words: loving, hardworking, God-serving, musical, faithful.

This man, my Pop-pop, has seen life in its good times and bad. Today is one of those not so good times. A few short months ago, God chose to take my Pop-pop's honey home to heaven. Pop-pop has been lonely and sad. I cannot even imagine the void after so many years of togetherness. Today my Pop-pop is in the hospital. There are not many answers. His mind is alert, but his body is worn and tired. I honestly wonder how long God will keep him here before calling him home, and that makes me sad.

I have many special memories of Pop-pop: his great smile, his welcoming hug or hand shake, his strong voice. Sometimes as a child I would spend a week during the summer at their house. I remember him putting up a make-shift sprinkler (the hose attached to the clothes line) so that I could cool off on a hot day.

Pop-pop knows how to talk to his Savior. We joked and peeked as his prayers at the table went on. Inside my heart, though, I was amazed at his passion for his Lord. Even when his eyesight went bad, he still spent time in the Word using a magnifier to see the words.

I had the blessing of hearing his talent in music. He sang and played many instruments – all without being able to read music well. I think God placed music in Pop's heart and he couldn't help but share it. Even at Nana's funeral, my Pop-pop stood there in the midst of sadness and sang with his heart, "How Great Thou Art". Only a man who loves his God could sing like that.

Pop-pop loved Nana and loves his girls. No life is devoid of challenges, but they worked through them. Sometimes life takes a lot of work. Relationships take work. Work is hard.

I am thankful for Pop-pop. He is a testimony of faithfulness to his family and to his Savior. I am sad to see him hurt and will be sad to say good-bye for the last time. My family and I are blessed to enjoy such a blessing and be privileged with the heritage he will leave.

Pull Back

Can snow be a blessing? Today it is.

We have not enjoyed too much of the white stuff this winter, but God chose to send it today.

Our family has been going through many changes over the past few months. Our calendar continues to be rather full. I had already chosen to pull back the reins of our schedule and make today's school a little more relaxed – free reading, story writing, games, and time for working on their Awana Grand Prix cars for Saturday.

Then the snow came.

Before 9:00 three of the kids were making angels, sledding, and building what fort they could in the powdery snow. (My oldest was able to sleep in and try to kill some of the cold germs wreaking havoc in her body lately.) Playing and working together is always a good thing. The cold temperatures, however, forced the little ones inside before too long.

I sit here watching the snow continue to fall amazed at my Creator God. He controls every gust of wind, every snowflake. I am honestly ready for spring and warmer weather and truly complained to Him yesterday as the first flakes accumulated on my yard. Thank you God for listening to me and choosing to do your perfect will in spite of me.

Thank you God for snow days. Thank you for days to pull back, relax, think, and enjoy what you have given me. Help me ,Lord, to enjoy my kids today and show them a little balance in life.