New Year's Eve Prayer Box

I really thought that this was a beautiful idea! I am going to try to implement this with my family this year.

Jill Novak has many wonderful ideas. You can check out here blog here. I am going to include here what she shares about the Prayer Box:

We have some fun traditions that we celebrate on New Year's Eve. We usually buy all kinds of finger foods and make a holiday smorgasbord like my mother prepared every Christmas Eve when I was a child. After we eat, we gather in the living room to act out a play. This is really fun because we run around the house looking for the right props and costumes that we need. All of this is done at the last minute, but the memories of our spontaneous plays are precious.

Later in the evening, we roll up the living room rug and haul out the old Magnavox record player (it’s the only thing that plays 78’s). We dance to all kinds of celebratory music: square dances, John Philip Sousa marches, the Best of Dixieland Band, the original Sons of the Pioneers, and whatever else tickles our fancy.

Finally around 11:00p.m., I bring out a special prayer box wrapped in gold paper and tied with a simple bow. We all settle down with pen and paper and write out our prayers for the following year. After we’re done writing, we place our prayers in the box, to be left unopened until the following New Year’s Eve. Then we read the prayers that we wrote on the previous New Year’s Eve. It’s a very moving time as we see how faithfully God has answered our requests. It's amazing to see His hand and how He fulfils the desires of our hearts. No, He doesn't answer every prayer in the way we think He will, but we have seen Him answer the majority of them in ways that are always better.

Every year we stand in awe of how the Lord has arranged circumstances or delivered somebody from a habit they were trying to break. It’s also interesting to see how we parents have to work with The Lord to make some of our children’s prayers come true (I know what Anna’s are because I write her prayers down).

If you're looking for a way to teach your children about the power of prayer, and a way to impress upon them how personal and loving their heavenly Father is, I encourage you to start the New Year’s Eve prayer box tradition. It really takes the burden off of having expectations and goals that we have to fulfill for the New Year and puts them in the heavenly court where God can work miracles. It just takes a little faith to wait on Him. But remember, the prayers cannot be read for a whole year… and you’re not allowed to peek!

Fixed That Link

Sorry,
I think that I added a dead link to the last post, but it is fixed now! Enjoy!

There's been a lot of talk lately about having a regular tea time each day. I can't quite handle that, but the idea does appeal to me since I am a "people person" and enjoy just visiting and sharing with friends and family.

Anyway, I found this wonderful post with an astounding number of ideas for a special "teatime" and thought that I ought to share it. You can find it here if you are interested!

Blessings,
Robin

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!

I hope the Lord showers you all with the beautiful blessing of His presence because that is the best present of all!

Love, Robin

Tarragon Chicken & Thrifty Fun

Here's a little recipe that I thought looked easy and yummy! Enjoy!

Tarragon Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 3/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium high heat. Add chicken breast and cook; turning once, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes a side. Remove and set aside.

Add wine to the pan. Bring to a boil, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan with a wooded spoon. Stir in mustard, tarragon, salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in cream and boil until mixture thickens slightly about 3 minutes.

Return chicken to skillet; turn in sauce to coat, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until chicken is tender. Remove chicken to a serving dish, and spoon sauce over all the chicken.

Source: A friend, Maureen

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

I got it from a website called Thrifty Fun. Check it out for a million tips on saving money

If My Happiness Depends on the Conduct of Others, I Will Never Be Happy

I guess my title really says it all, but my husband and I have been reflecting on this statement for quite a while now.

Needless to say, we are not there.

People will continue to behave in irritating, irrational, hurtful or just plain thoughtless ways.

When I become irritated, irrational, hurt or just plain astonished by this behavior what I am beginning to see is that the places in my heart that I thought had been transformed by the Holy Spirit are really just chinked and patched with self-righteousness.

So when those chinked and patched places have stress placed on them holes begin to appear and I am left bleeding and astounded and surprised...

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

"Whatever is lovely...think on these things."

"...sharing in His sufferings..."

How quickly I forget!

I am not a china doll to be wrapped in cotton batting and handled carefully.

I am an empty, cracked vessel to be used and spent by the Lord.

Please transform me, Lord, so that this bad patch job will truly be replaced with You.

Then it may hurt, (You were hurt), but joy will abound!

Once In a Lifetime Soup

Hello Everyone,
Just thought I would share my idea for Once in a Lifetime Soup. I don't really enjoy a leftover day. It is more fun to use different bits from leftovers in the frig to make a creative soup that has no real recipe.

I usually start with some broth, add my leftovers (bits of meat, vegetables, rice or other grain, beans) and then add something fresh to the pot. Perhaps some fresh chopped spinach or frozen peas or corn. One of my husband's favorites is sweet potato!

Then comes the creative part! I add unusual, but handy spices to the mix. I have added cinnamon, cloves, curry, cayenne, ginger, creole seasoning, and even coconut!

When I serve this, I always tell my family that they are getting a "once in a lifetime" soup that can never be repeated. They love it! It has really made eating ordinary leftovers into an adventure.
Hope you can use this!

Blessings,
Robin

A Time to Die

This was written by my wonderful, expressive, sixteen year old, Adam.




Chester went where all guinea pigs go, this afternoon.

He took his squeaks with him, too.

His perky ways and outspoken complaints used to fill the halls as we rushed to fulfill his desires. Soft brown fur accompanied his strong will. Able to endure the harshest rides in the car, able to look straight into the face of our dog, Millie, and still voice his opinions in a high-pitched manner, Chester exceeded all the small, furry creatures that ever dwelled with us (especially the rabbits).

He would squeak when he wished for water. I would take the bottle to fill it, and he would squeak louder, as if it were an emergency. I would clean his cage, letting him loose in the back yard, and as he tasted the sweetness of freedom, he would elude all captors by dashing into the thorny rose bushes, as we would helplessly give up the chase, not daring to fare the thorns.

He was prestigiously stout, ever eating. A sight for all to see— which proves that we will miss our little, brown friend. We loved our little Chester.

Vivé le la cobaye! (French)
Long live the guinea pig!

We really will miss you, Chester!

I Gave Myself

It was Christmas, and the Liberian Christans had been asked this year, instead of receiving gifts, to help carry the gospel to others. As in many mission fields, they brought , not money, but produce. Presently, the great plates were piled high with offerings of rice, cocoa, bananas, palm nuts, pineapple, and cassava.

There was a moment's pause . . .

Slowly a twelve-year-old boy walked forward and solemnly placed his feet in one of the plates.

Afterward, when the missionary questioned him, the boy said, "We are very poor. I did not have anything else to give . . . so I gave myself."

This is from Ann Dunagan's blog.

I thought it was wonderful. Don't you want to be just like that little boy? I do, but I've got a long way to go...

Free Curriculum

Another Merry CHRISTmas to you!

Do you want your children to be more Missions-Minded? I do!

This is a full year unit study for multiple ages written by a wonderful homeschool mom of seven, Ann Dunagan. When you see this, you will be sooooo excited!

On Giving

You know, I was just reading a little article on giving.

The author wondered what it would be like to have enough money to give gifts to others and whether or not they would find themselves wanting a pat on the back for having done so.

Hmmmmmm

You know, we all have enough to give gifts to others.

They don't have to be physical gifts.

They can be gifts of time or actions or prayer.

Do we want a proverbial pat on the back for those? Do we have to tell everyone how we spend out time or what we did for someone or what we have been praying about?

If we have to have recognition for organizing the Christmas play or the Sunday School party don't we already know the answer to this question?

Giving a gift has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with the heart.

Help me, help us, Lord, to give like You!

How Inept Can I Get? or How Much Compassion Do I Give?

I sent messages to a couple of people about how to improve my blog and to be honest, I can't even begin to understand what they are telling me!

I had no idea of my lack of knowledge!

How embarrassing!

Have I ranted enough?

You know, it makes me think of the Lord. And it makes me think of those without Christ...

How many times do I find myself in utter disbelief at the actions of the world? How many times have a shared a biblical principle with someone and been surprised at that "deer in the headlight" look?

How many times have I had that look?

Lord, forgive me when I forget that You have seen that look a thousand times on your disciples faces.

On my face...

From Strength to Strength

Is the Lord's timing wonderful or what?

My fibromyalgia has been flaring up and making simple things hard and sometimes all I want to do is cry.

On Sunday, my email devotional by Charles Spurgeon was timely and incredibly true. I think I will just post his words for you.

“They go from strength to strength.”
Psalm 84:7

They go from strength to strength. There are various renderings of
these words, but all of them contain the idea of progress.

Our own good translation of the authorized version is enough for us
this morning. “They go from strength to strength.” That is, they grow
stronger and stronger. Usually, if we are walking, we go from
strength to weakness; we start fresh and in good order for our
journey, but by-and-by the road is rough, and the sun is hot, we sit
down by the wayside, and then again painfully pursue our weary way.
But the Christian pilgrim having obtained fresh supplies of grace, is
as vigorous after years of toilsome travel and struggle as when he
first set out. He may not be quite so elate and buoyant, nor perhaps
quite so hot and hasty in his zeal as he once was, but he is much
stronger in all that constitutes real power, and travels, if more
slowly, far more surely. Some gray-haired veterans have been as firm
in their grasp of truth, and as zealous in diffusing it, as they were
in their younger days; but, alas, it must be confessed it is often
otherwise, for the love of many waxes cold and iniquity abounds, but
this is their own sin and not the fault of the promise which still
holds good: “The youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men
shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall
run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Fretful
spirits sit down and trouble themselves about the future. “Alas!” say
they, “we go from affliction to affliction.” Very true, O thou of
little faith, but then thou goest from strength to strength also.
Thou shalt never find a bundle of affliction which has not bound up
in the midst of it sufficient grace. God will give the strength of
ripe manhood with the burden allotted to full-grown shoulders.

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."

Thank you Mister Spurgeon for speaking across many years to me for this moment in time.

Another Amazing Freebie!

Check out this blog whether you homeschool or not. All these books are free to download. They are all in the public domain!

Merry Christmas!

First the Work, Then the Show

"Let's watch a show, Mama."

"Let's unload the washing machine and get the dryer going, Lydia."

"Okay, first the work, then the show!"

"Yes, first the work, then the show!"

Wow, I just realized something. I want my life here on earth to be the "show". No, this life is about my transformation, my becoming more and more like Jesus everyday.

That takes work!

That is painful!

Oftentimes, I don't respond to the work of transformation as easily as Lydia responded to my command of working and then playing. As a matter of fact, I like the idea of heaven right now, here, on earth!

That isn't the way my Lord plans things. He is doing a work in me. One painful change after another, but...

then comes the show!

My Name is Cinderella

She has dark hair, Cinderella is traditionally blonde.

She can't carry a tune. Cinderella sings like an angel.

She can't thread a needle. Cinderella can design her own ball gown.

She trips over glass slippers which are too big. Cinderella's slipper fits "just right".

But, when our beautiful, four-year-old, South Korean charmer was asked her name last night she replied confidently,

"Cinderella!"

She whirls around the house in a cloud of cheap netting and ascetate and anyone with vision can see that she is dancing at the ball, more beautiful than all.

Don't you want to be Cinderella?

Don't you want "Prince Charming" to tell you that you are the loveliest girl he's ever seen?

He will.

I can't wait for Lydia to know "Prince Charming", otherwise known as the Lord Jesus. It will be so exciting for her to know that he has been just waiting to put the glass slipper on her beautiful little foot and claim her as his bride.

Thank you Lord that no one, nothing can stop you. Not even the ugly stepmother can interfere with your plans for Lydia. I feel so grateful today for getting to play a small part in your wonderful purposes.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Restoration House

Town Mouse, Country Mouse

I don't believe that I have shared here how my life goes each week. I'm not just the town mouse or just the country mouse. I am both. At the same the time.

Each week, my husband, three of my four children (one in college), our dog, our guinea pig and usually a guest travel from our town home to our "little house in the woods" in east Texas.

During half of the week, I keep up with our three parents who all have health issues, have church in our home, homeschool our children and assist two others who have just begun the homeschool journey (and it is a journey!) and have a wonderful cathartic healing lunch (counseling session lol) with my dear friend. Check out her blog here.

I then pack (as few belongings as possible) and travel with everyone to the prettiest little place in Texas. Of course, that's just my opinion!!!

What are we doing down there, you might ask?

Well, for the first couple of years, all we have done is build, build, build. We first built a little house that actually looks like a barn. Then my husband acquire some logs from a cabin built in the 1800s and we restored it and have created what we call Restoration House.

We hope that the Lord will use it to restore lives, to allow people to hear His voice, to "be still and know that He is God".

Sometimes, this town mouse/country mouse gets tired of living in two places, but for now I know that this is His will for us. I'm looking forward to see what He will do if only we are willing.

Let me know if restoration is what you are looking for...

Jan Brett

I'm sure everyone out there knows about the wonderful work Jan Brett does writing children's books, but I wondered how many of you ladies know about her lovely and useful website?

Use this link to get a bundle of goodies for all kinds of things.

janbrett.com

You won't be sorry you did!

Here I Go...

I am attempting to put an image in my blog. Sure enough, you say, that is nothing, but for me...





Wow! I actually did it! The sky's is limit...

Freebies

Everyone seems to have a freebie on their website or blog these days. I love a freebie, don't you? Of course, I want to be thought of as a serious blogger...thought provoking, insightful, etc. BUT, things are getting ugly out there and I for one am looking for a bargain. Anyway, silliness aside, I thought that from time to time when I found something free, I would post it for whomever might like to peruse it.

Today, I found some free e-books on various topics from Creative Homemaker that you might enjoy!

http://www.creativehomemaking.com/

When you sign up for their newsletter they send you a page of free downloadable e-books. There are many articles that are free to read and even some to purchase, but I found many useful pieces of information.

Happy Bargain Hunting!

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins An Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn't it great to know who is really in control?

I wish I could take credit for making this list, but unfortunately, I cannot even give credit where credit is due. If anyone reads this and knows who wrote it, let me know so that I can thank them.

I know that I am a little late to write about the recent election, but, perhaps, waiting is a good thing sometimes?

Thank you Lord, for reminding me that by You "all things are held together"!

A Different Christmas

This year we will be doing things a little differently than usual. Our son will be getting married next June to a lovely girl whom we love very much. We all have so much family in the area that my husband thought it would be good to start a new Christmas tradition to help with the myriad places that they will have to visit next year.

We had our family Thanksgiving at our house on Tuesday evening and on Thursday with Bill's family and will have our Christmas with our children tomorrow!

It has been a little hectic getting presents early and preparing for two feasts, but all in all, I believe it is actually stripping away some of the burden of the season already. We have a little house out here in east Texas. I didn't drag all the boxes of decorations from the city house. I did bring a few Christmas movies and the fixing to make Chex Mix. ;)

It is so quiet out here. The rain is falling and the morning is so peaceful. I have all day to get ready for our celebration tomorrow.

Isn't it funny how we imagine that something is going to be so difficult and it turns into such a beautiful blessing? I don't believe I have ever felt rest coming over me the day before Christmas before.

It feels wonderful...

Isn't It Wonderful To Have Friends

I am continually amazed at how the Lord puts people together and how He literally glues us to each other.

I cannot understand how He completely meshes me with someone and the passing of time has no bearing on the depth of that friendship.

My sweet sister in the Lord has just undergone a terrible trial with her dear husband. He was found to have a return of cancer. I had not heard from her for a very long time, but when she needed me, she did not hesitate to call. She was not worried that too much time had past or that it would be embarrassing to call just when she had a need. And, of course, it was as though I had just talked to her yesterday!

The story ends well. During exploratory surgery, the doctor was able to get the entire tumor. My friend's husband will not even need radiation!

The Lord is holding all things together! Call that friend you haven't shared with in a long time. It won't matter to her if much time has past. She will just be glad to hear your voice!

A Brand New Revelation

Will I ever get it right? I had the most amazing revelation that, of course, I've always known. I know that sounds silly, but it's true.

I don't have to worry or concern myself with things that are not my concern. I was wondering why my husband was not letting me help him with some things that I really don't have enough information to help with and he was apologizing for not meeting my expectations and suddenly, I realized that he didn't need my help in that area.

Am I his helpmeet? Yes. Could I do as good a job in this particular area? Probably, but if I do my job, he can do his.

It may sound simplistic, but when I have meals prepared, keep the house in order, have the clothes clean and put away, he doesn't have to concern himself with those things and, in turn, he can take care of the things that are not immediately in my realm.

Yes, I have a realm. I am not the maid. I am the handmaiden. The handmaiden of my Lord, Jesus. He has taught me to be a servant. Does this mean that I haven't the ability to rule in the workaday world? No. I have many abilities: music, art, sewing, teaching, hospitality. But, Jesus was a servant and I want to be like Jesus.

I told you I had a revelation today and I did. To be honest, I am worn out today. I have been poured like a drink offering, but I feel content and confident that I have truly been in His will today. I hope that you have too!

Getting It Right

I haven't posted in a long time now. Sharing ourselves is so revealing that I dread having anyone read about my failures, trials and ridiculous situations in which I find myself. If you were with me face to face, I wouldn't hesitate to 'tell all', but sometimes, in writing, it is so difficult to express my meaning. You can't see my eyes, hear my voice or read my body language and so I might be misunderstood or laughed at or ridiculed for the things shared.

Am I the only one who feels this way?

On a lighter note, my precious little daughter is finally beginning to express herself. She's beginning to tell everyone in the house what she wants or needs. Hmmmm, I am happy about her new vocabulary, aren't I?

It's funny how we think that we have arrived about certain issues. I sometimes am amazed at the confidence that many writers share about their parenting skills. Everyone seems to have the exact formula or method that will work for anyone if followed exactly as they 'lay it out'. I myself have been certain in the past that I knew precisely what was needed in someone elses' household. For instance, with Lydia being a 'late in life' addition to our home, I thought that my husband and I would just automatically avoid all the past pitfalls and arrogant mistakes we made when parenting our older three (there is a ten year space between our third and fourth). She is just 4 and I already have regrets. I am more relaxed this time. It is easier to see how unimportant some issues were that seemed paramount at the time, but I still can't get it 'right' yet.

When will I 'seek first His kingdom and His righteousness' so that all these things will be added unto me and mine? When will I begin to glorify Him and enjoy Him and be anxious for nothing. It is wonderful to know where to get all the 'right' answers. If I could only walk them out....

Something to Brag About

Old topic, nothing new.

My oldest is graduating from high school this year. Oh dear, now all of you will know that I am not young and svelte! Anything, but! Nevertheless, my son is one of these rare, mature young men ready to race after life with both hands open. Completely fearless, he trusts that God will take care of all his needs. And of course, he is right.

Why then, do I feel afraid? Not that the Lord won't do what He has promised, but that it might not look like I want it to look. It might not be flashy enough for all the other parents who know us. It might even look pretty ordinary.

What is so wrong with a regular life? Why are we always wanting to create an allusion? If he wants to go to an ordinary college, take a wife and have children where is the crime?

He's an intelligent young man with all doors open, but he wants to lead a quiet life, work with his hands and give back to others. How do you brag about that?

You don't. That's the point.

I went to a graduation ceremony last night for some of his peers. Judging by what was said, all of the graduates have shining, pristine futures ahead of them. But one brave mother got up in front of the crowd and shared the truth about her son.

"He worked hard, but he struggled," she said. The road to graduation has been hard.

Not difficult. Hard.

Then she said something wonderful. "He takes me for ice cream, his treat!"

Now, that is something to brag about.

Of All the Things to Get Rid Of

Wow! I went to a used book sale last night and found some of the most wonderful things. Of course, I am thrilled, but I began to look at the other side of the question. Why were these books discarded? Oh, I know, perhaps they came from estate sales or garage sales or perhaps the person has no need of this particular book any longer.

Really?

This book sale was comprised of relatively young people with children who had perhaps outgrown these books. Who am I to judge if someone wants to get rid of a piece of history or something that perhaps their own children might want to use with their future children? Yes, yes, we can't store everything, but...

Sometimes we forget in the moment that there will be more moments...future moments. I guess what I'm trying to say is that when we so easily discard those treasures from the past I believe we oftentimes discard our entire experience. Especially as women. We think that a chapter has closed on our lives and it has, but the things that we have learned, perhaps even from those no longer needed books will be needed. They are needed right now, by someone.

Even when we have finished that chapter or book in our lives we will still need to read and re-read it again. So will each generation following us.

Our Audacity

It continually amazes me how we can so easily forget while blogging or speaking into cyberspace that real people, people who can be offended, hurt, confused or verbally maimed by our writing are online, reading our blog.

Flesh and blood people, people we know, those that we love and care deeply about are reading.

What is writing about? Is it to simply air our grievances, vent our rage, express our opinion or is it something more? Words can cut with the intention to heal or to hurt. Words can educate with the intent to lift up or to criticize.

I am not gifted at writing by any means, but I value writing because I am an avid reader. I read everything, yes, including that proverbial cereal box. I simply cannot help myself. However, as a reader, I know that I am seeking solace, not condemnation, education, not sarcasm about my obvious ignorance, and genuine sincerity that I can relate to, not hidden hypocrisy that makes me feel as though only the favored live Godly problem-free lives.

Let us be so careful when we put "pen to paper" so to speak. Frail people with real needs may be reading.

Just my thoughts.

He's Always On Time

I am usually on time. I can get to an appointment without too much scramble, but I certainly have days when nothing goes right and I am frustrated or even embarrassed by my lateness or forgetfulness. I was so blown away by the Lord yesterday. Change is coming to our family. We are opening our home for church in April. This is exciting, but change can be scary to others. Perhaps they don't understand what you feel the Lord is calling you to or perhaps having a vision outside the box just doesn't compute. Perhaps you, too, have experienced this reaction when you began to tell people that you were going to homeschool. I know I did. Anyway, when the pressure is on, sometimes I second guess my decision and begin to wonder if I really heard from the Lord. Yesterday, I got a devotional from a newletter group that I subscribe to and was totally amazed. The jist of the devotion was that sometimes, even if we have heard rightly from God, it will be questioned, judged, and even condemned by others. God is still on the throne. He is still in control. He will never leave or forsake us. He wants our ultimate best. Reading that devotion was wonderful. He is always on time!

I'm So Thankful

I know that everyone goes through times of testing, times of teaching, times of temptations. Why am I so surprised when they come to me? Perhaps in my secret heart of hearts I just don't expect to go through the things that everyone goes through. My life is so blessed (wonderful marriage, children trying to follow the Lord, God's financial provision, etc.) that sometimes it must seem to others that I live a charmed life. But, when the pain of fibromyalgia gets me down or my wonderful little girl struggles to communicate with others and I see the confusion on their faces, I realize that God is using dfferent things in each of our lives to shape us into His image, into the likeness of Christ and I am awed. Life is truly good. I am truly thankful.

When Everything Seems Too Hard

My father-in-law died on December 28. We had no assurance of salvation. This has been so difficult for us, but even more difficult for our children. Someone said the most amazing thing to us:
God has him in His hands. God is completely fair.

She's right. God does all things well. He never gets it wrong.
We are thankful.

Just When You Think You Have That Conquered

I lost my patience last night with my ds who struggles with an auditory and language processing issue. Worst of all, he was trying to read the Bible with me and understand truths that even many adults struggle with as well. I found myself just wanting the reading session to be over. I thought that I had finally reached a point where the Lord had given me the grace to deal with this. I suddenly realized that I was still far from the target. Oh, I kept my cool on the outside, but the sin is the same. How hurt he would have been if he could have seen my heart last night.
Oddly enough, he lost his patience with his three year old sister today. She was trying to do things for herself and had spilled milk and left the water nozzle on our water purifier running while attempting to get her own water. I found plenty of patience for her and was able to help him see that she was trying her best.
Perhaps the Lord was trying to help me see how infinitely patient He is with us all. We try our best, but sometimes we spill our milk, so to speak, and we just can't clean it up without help.

The Sandwich Generation

I am beginning to realize truly what it means to be a part of the "sandwich generation". For those of you who have not heard of this before, it means that you are "sandwiched" between your aging parents and your children that are still at home. My husband and I are now beginning to watch our parents die while trying to nurture three teenagers and a three-year-old. I got a call from my mother sharing about my father's fragile heart and under-functioning remaining kidney and, of course, I am terribly saddened by this news. We live around the block, so to speak, from my parents, and minutes from my husband's. It has been so wonderful for our children to have their grandparents be able to participate in their schooling and in their growing up and that will soon come to an end. I suddenly realized that the baton is being passed. I will soon be responsible to nurture the next generation and that is a beautiful, yet frightening proposition. I am so grateful to the Lord. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I guess we are never really ready for that passing of the baton. I could never actively choose to grasp it in my hand and begin to run. Thank you, Lord, for making that kind of decision for me...

Has Anyone Seen My Purse?

Yes, I am the proverbial loser of the purse, keys, important pieces of paper, even after having read countless books about organization and home management. But, wonder of wonders, my children and my wonderful husband, and most importantly, my Lord, all still love me. They even help me search for my purse! I love to make useful things that my family can use, but what I really enjoy is good conversation with my loved ones just sharing what the Lord says about us personally and about His incredible creation, man. I am especially excited to read what others are sharing, because that is how I learn best, by listening to wiser women than myself. It will be wonderful to get to know some of you through this fascinating journey called homeschooling. Thank you for sharing with me.