This year has been a huge rollercoaster for my family. My husband was given a great opportunity with the company that the previous company so we made a drastic move to Atlanta, GA. A week after arriving my youngest turned one year old, and he started walking. We moved from a state that required no notice of homeschooling to a state that not only requires notice but also a monthly attendance record. We left behind our friends, our family and life as we know it.
Today, 5 months later we are looking to buy our first house here. We have joined a new church that is probably 50 times larger than the one we left behind. We are actively involved with AWANA, baseball, ballet and Playball. We have been more structured in our daily homeschool routine to fit the state requirements and we have also joined a homeschool group that does monthly field trips.
Life is chaotic and yet somehow perfect all at the same time.
We have found that our marriage is stronger, our family is tighter and our love for one another is fused. We have seen all of our weaknesses through this and have rejoiced in one another's strengths.
I would have to say that the one thing we are still missing in this picture are friends. We have met acquaintances but have not found those friends you can call on a whim and chat, or friends that you know you can count on in thick and thin. We have not found a person that just clicked.
We know God sent us here for a reason. We know and trust he has a plan for us. We are truly blessed by His Grace and overwhelmed by His Love. It is by His strength alone that we survived the first 5 months. :)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Easter or Resurrection Day?
So the last few weeks everyone is gearing up for Easter or Resurrection Day. But what do you call it? I have been bombarded with emails, post cards, facebook posts and the like all of which giving their argument for one or the other. This makes me ponder if it really matter what I call it as I have four children that I am teaching daily the ways of the Lord. Am I doing them a dis-service by not labeling it correctly?
I have done the research and know where the origins of the "easter" celebration came from. I also know that the Christians used these pagan ritual days to mask their own church services so they could worship the Lord of Lords without persecution.
I see both sides of the coin and I see merit in both.
After discussing it with my husband we came to the conclusion that we are raising children to love the Lord our God with all their heart, soul and mind. We have seen fruit from our oldest two in their attempt to follow the Lord. We have also seen them face many persecutions from other children for making the right choice. As such we are going to focus on what Easter is all about for a Christian. We are not going to mince over words and rituals that would further the persecution. Thus setting them up to not be able to be the light to our neighborhood as they would be outcasts.
We do not believe in the Easter Bunny but we do hunt eggs and afterward we go through the Resurrection story finding the empty one last for the empty tomb. Our children will not feel they are missing "greener grasses" and long to not have that which they do not, we hope.
That being said, I pray that those who celebrate a traditional Easter or those who celebrate a Resurrection Day can see and appreciate one another. For as long as we are celebrating a Savior who died on the cross and rose again three days later we are celebrating the same thing. No matter how we choose to steep our traditions.
I have done the research and know where the origins of the "easter" celebration came from. I also know that the Christians used these pagan ritual days to mask their own church services so they could worship the Lord of Lords without persecution.
I see both sides of the coin and I see merit in both.
After discussing it with my husband we came to the conclusion that we are raising children to love the Lord our God with all their heart, soul and mind. We have seen fruit from our oldest two in their attempt to follow the Lord. We have also seen them face many persecutions from other children for making the right choice. As such we are going to focus on what Easter is all about for a Christian. We are not going to mince over words and rituals that would further the persecution. Thus setting them up to not be able to be the light to our neighborhood as they would be outcasts.
We do not believe in the Easter Bunny but we do hunt eggs and afterward we go through the Resurrection story finding the empty one last for the empty tomb. Our children will not feel they are missing "greener grasses" and long to not have that which they do not, we hope.
That being said, I pray that those who celebrate a traditional Easter or those who celebrate a Resurrection Day can see and appreciate one another. For as long as we are celebrating a Savior who died on the cross and rose again three days later we are celebrating the same thing. No matter how we choose to steep our traditions.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Ache
My heart is aching. I just read a discussion on facebook that a group of old friends were involved. I am shocked and amazed at how people who grew up being told the truth and profess it to be true can so vehemently oppose it now. I have been watching the last few months as a couple, man and wife, that I grew up with completely turn their backs on God and are now trying to bring others with them.
I have on the other hand watched as friends who were luke warm in their faith as teens flourish in their adulthood into servants of Christ. It is this that has brought these two worlds together and has made my heart ache today.
I saw a post by an old friend informing of a decision a well know cancer organization had made to support a well known abortion supporter I upon reading it was so proud of that friend for being bold enough to post it. Then I started reading the posts in reply to the original. Several of the comments were by people I did not know and therefore was just sad for a few and very impressed by others.
However, one post caught my eye. It was from the couple whom I have ached for the past month because I've seen that they have allowed their hurt by other "Christians" to turn them the opposite directions and they therefore label themselves "free thinkers". In his post he says that Christians are self righteous hypocrites because they choose to oppose abortion and yet not adopt the many children in foster care. Really, so my status as a Christian is based on whether I have the money to adopt children?!? not on whether I choose something because it is done in obedience to the Word of God.
I was saddened by the fact that his only defense to his anger toward this post was that he felt Christians had abandoned the defenseless fatherless child. Stating that we stereotyped this business by one persons (the ceo of the company) decision to support another company. However he stereotyped an entire group of people by the decisions of a few. Yes, I agree many Christians don't see the orphan as their responsibility. However to blame the whole for a few is the same thing he is arguing in the defense.
I have not yet figured out what or how or if I should to respond to him. It is the first time in a long time I have actually wanted to get into a debate. However, I don't yet feel I should. My prayer is now more fervent for my old friends and a new prayer for the wisdom and words to say at the appropriate time are added.
I have on the other hand watched as friends who were luke warm in their faith as teens flourish in their adulthood into servants of Christ. It is this that has brought these two worlds together and has made my heart ache today.
I saw a post by an old friend informing of a decision a well know cancer organization had made to support a well known abortion supporter I upon reading it was so proud of that friend for being bold enough to post it. Then I started reading the posts in reply to the original. Several of the comments were by people I did not know and therefore was just sad for a few and very impressed by others.
However, one post caught my eye. It was from the couple whom I have ached for the past month because I've seen that they have allowed their hurt by other "Christians" to turn them the opposite directions and they therefore label themselves "free thinkers". In his post he says that Christians are self righteous hypocrites because they choose to oppose abortion and yet not adopt the many children in foster care. Really, so my status as a Christian is based on whether I have the money to adopt children?!? not on whether I choose something because it is done in obedience to the Word of God.
I was saddened by the fact that his only defense to his anger toward this post was that he felt Christians had abandoned the defenseless fatherless child. Stating that we stereotyped this business by one persons (the ceo of the company) decision to support another company. However he stereotyped an entire group of people by the decisions of a few. Yes, I agree many Christians don't see the orphan as their responsibility. However to blame the whole for a few is the same thing he is arguing in the defense.
I have not yet figured out what or how or if I should to respond to him. It is the first time in a long time I have actually wanted to get into a debate. However, I don't yet feel I should. My prayer is now more fervent for my old friends and a new prayer for the wisdom and words to say at the appropriate time are added.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Learning From My Children
So today I took the four kids to McDonald's for our end of the month "Pat on the Back" for a job well done. We all got chicken nuggets, fries and a soda. We laughed together as we ate our meal and watched other kids playing. The highlight of our trip, for my kids, is getting to play in the playground for an hour. Today there were lots of kids in the playground as it is Spring Break here in Cobb County and its also rainy today so many many parents have brought their restless children out to the fast food joints. (Chik Fil A was full)
I sat back and watched my children play and was so proud of them as I watched them put others first and readily forgive the pushes and proding of other children. One child that was there was particularly bad at the pushing, proding and attempts at biting, which made these instances almost overwhelming. He was there with his teenage babysitter who seemed to be at her witts end.
One of my kids noticed this boy was trying to bite his brother and quickly swooped in. He first moved his brother away from the boy, then he turned to the boy and told him very point blank, "You need Jesus, do you know who He is?" The little boy said "NO, and I don't need anybody!" My son not missing a beat began to go through the gospel with this little boy.
I watched amazed at the knowledge that my son had gathered and was using so well. I was convicted to the core as I sat and pondered how long it had been since I shared Christ with a stranger. I'm always worried about what they would think of me and not that their very eternal soul is at risk. I also have the same knowlege my son does but honestly can't remember when I used it last other than sharing it with my children. My son had no quams sharing with this little boy. He just saw a boy in need of a Savior and a forgiveness he had not yet experienced. I immediately had to pray that the Lord would give me the courage that my son was now showing in sharing His Love with strangers.
The little boy did not accept the invitation to accept Christ as his Savior. But my son was proud of himself that he had done what Christ had asked him to do. When I asked why he started sharing the Love of Jesus with him he simply answered "Because God told me too."
If only we as adults would share the Love of Jesus with all who are in need. Those who are hurting, those who are lost, without the fear that Satan has placed in our hearts. Imagine what our world would be like if we obeyed when God said to share.
I sat back and watched my children play and was so proud of them as I watched them put others first and readily forgive the pushes and proding of other children. One child that was there was particularly bad at the pushing, proding and attempts at biting, which made these instances almost overwhelming. He was there with his teenage babysitter who seemed to be at her witts end.
One of my kids noticed this boy was trying to bite his brother and quickly swooped in. He first moved his brother away from the boy, then he turned to the boy and told him very point blank, "You need Jesus, do you know who He is?" The little boy said "NO, and I don't need anybody!" My son not missing a beat began to go through the gospel with this little boy.
I watched amazed at the knowledge that my son had gathered and was using so well. I was convicted to the core as I sat and pondered how long it had been since I shared Christ with a stranger. I'm always worried about what they would think of me and not that their very eternal soul is at risk. I also have the same knowlege my son does but honestly can't remember when I used it last other than sharing it with my children. My son had no quams sharing with this little boy. He just saw a boy in need of a Savior and a forgiveness he had not yet experienced. I immediately had to pray that the Lord would give me the courage that my son was now showing in sharing His Love with strangers.
The little boy did not accept the invitation to accept Christ as his Savior. But my son was proud of himself that he had done what Christ had asked him to do. When I asked why he started sharing the Love of Jesus with him he simply answered "Because God told me too."
If only we as adults would share the Love of Jesus with all who are in need. Those who are hurting, those who are lost, without the fear that Satan has placed in our hearts. Imagine what our world would be like if we obeyed when God said to share.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Chores
I've been struggling with getting my kids to do their chores. I don't know why.. It is one of my most "favorite" activities. So, I've been looking for ideas to spice up our chore life. For the last few years I have used a card/slot system in which there were cards hung on a peg board and as they finished the card they got to put that card in the slot at the bottom. This worked well for a long time. But I guess as with everything it gets old at some point.
I've read many many many blogs and several books that touch on this subject of chores. Chores being something that has to be done for the betterment of the family. We are not including cleaning our rooms, brushing our teeth and things that must be done for each person each day. More of the weekly cleaning type chores. ie: sweeping the front and back porch, sweeping the stairs, cleaning the playroom (thoroughly) washing the bathroom mirror, washing hand rails etc. Today we tried making a list of chores for each person (age appropriate of coarse) and color coding them to match that person. Then we folded and put all of these in a bowl and let the kids draw out their next chore.
This worked great. The kids were so excited to try something new. The chores hadn't changed just our approach. I also told them that one chore for each of them was marked with a star. That chore when it was picked they could bring to me. When they brought it to me they were given then option to earn money for that chore or they could have my help doing the chore. Ya, know not one kid picked my help... Oh, well.
Each chore had to be checked by me when they were done before they could pick a new one. And you know they had finished all their chores in less than half an hour where it had been taking us close to two hours before. I'm very excited at our change.
I'd love to hear if any of ya'll have chore ideas you use in your home. Please share them with us!
I've read many many many blogs and several books that touch on this subject of chores. Chores being something that has to be done for the betterment of the family. We are not including cleaning our rooms, brushing our teeth and things that must be done for each person each day. More of the weekly cleaning type chores. ie: sweeping the front and back porch, sweeping the stairs, cleaning the playroom (thoroughly) washing the bathroom mirror, washing hand rails etc. Today we tried making a list of chores for each person (age appropriate of coarse) and color coding them to match that person. Then we folded and put all of these in a bowl and let the kids draw out their next chore.
This worked great. The kids were so excited to try something new. The chores hadn't changed just our approach. I also told them that one chore for each of them was marked with a star. That chore when it was picked they could bring to me. When they brought it to me they were given then option to earn money for that chore or they could have my help doing the chore. Ya, know not one kid picked my help... Oh, well.
Each chore had to be checked by me when they were done before they could pick a new one. And you know they had finished all their chores in less than half an hour where it had been taking us close to two hours before. I'm very excited at our change.
I'd love to hear if any of ya'll have chore ideas you use in your home. Please share them with us!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lessons in life
Yesterday it snowed in MO. As soon as I told my kids they said, "mom, why did we move here? We want to be where it snowed". I also had a small tinge of sadness and regret come over me as I love snow! But as a mom who wants to support her husband and all he does for us, sucked it up and told them that we moved here to enjoy so much more.
We can enjoy the snow through pictures while everyone there is wishing they could be here where it was 72 degrees by 11 a.m. We can go sit on our back porch and draw a beautiful tree in full bloom in the second week of March. We can learn about the "thumping" rituals of woodpeckers who are native here and experience it firsthand as one has decided our fireplace chimney is the perfect home. (and since it is against the law to move, touch or otherwise disrupt these birds..we will get to study this nice family of birds for a while) I put on a face of excitement and joy but inside was feeling slight bitterness and alot of sadness.
But funny thing... Lord is showing me that I need to be an example to my kids. They are taking cues from me. If I am crabby and cranky guess what so are they. Therefore I need to be excited about Spring coming earlier than I expect or wanted. I need to be thrilled at the prospects of learning new things about our surroundings. I want to be an encouragement to my children. I don't want them to remember their move to Atlanta as a drudgery and a let down. I want them to be happy for Daddy as he is in a job he loves.
So as we explore our new surroundings we are finding what plants grow well here, what animals are prevalent. And we are making a list of all the neat places that we will get to visit over the next year that we otherwise would not have gotten to see. :) I am now excited that we get to share this time together and explore a whole new world in this Life that the Lord has graciously granted.
We can enjoy the snow through pictures while everyone there is wishing they could be here where it was 72 degrees by 11 a.m. We can go sit on our back porch and draw a beautiful tree in full bloom in the second week of March. We can learn about the "thumping" rituals of woodpeckers who are native here and experience it firsthand as one has decided our fireplace chimney is the perfect home. (and since it is against the law to move, touch or otherwise disrupt these birds..we will get to study this nice family of birds for a while) I put on a face of excitement and joy but inside was feeling slight bitterness and alot of sadness.
But funny thing... Lord is showing me that I need to be an example to my kids. They are taking cues from me. If I am crabby and cranky guess what so are they. Therefore I need to be excited about Spring coming earlier than I expect or wanted. I need to be thrilled at the prospects of learning new things about our surroundings. I want to be an encouragement to my children. I don't want them to remember their move to Atlanta as a drudgery and a let down. I want them to be happy for Daddy as he is in a job he loves.
So as we explore our new surroundings we are finding what plants grow well here, what animals are prevalent. And we are making a list of all the neat places that we will get to visit over the next year that we otherwise would not have gotten to see. :) I am now excited that we get to share this time together and explore a whole new world in this Life that the Lord has graciously granted.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Use of Books
I am a huge sucker for books. I love books. Kid books, adult fiction, how to's, it doesn't matter. I love books. To prove this I have hundreds of books all over my house. I have books on shelves, on coffee tables, in coffee tables, in boxes, on the floor of my bed room, stacked on tables way too high.
If that is not enough, I love to go to the library and find new books to read. I really love to go to book fairs, book sales, garage sales with books. I just can't get enough books.
Recently I have found myself reading books about being organized, a good homemaker, a good wife etc. These have inspired me to be "super mom". Then when I go to sleep I dream of all these great things I'm going to do, like wake up before my kids and clean the kitchen, get a load of laundry in and actually cook breakfast instead of pour a bowl of cereal. However, when morning comes this does not happen. I find I give the kids their first task of the morning while I'm still lying in bed. As they finish their morning chores I'm just crawling out of bed and fumbling into the kitchen to pour a bowl of cereal as I am not motivated enough yet to make that nice yummy breakfast I was so motivated to do the night before.
Two conclusions I've drawn from this. A) I'm not a morning person. I have grand ideas and intentions in the evening but come morning that all has faded all into oblivion. B) I'm lazy. Yup that's right, I've come to the conclusion that I am lazy. I have not set my mind to something well enough to actually do it.
It is all fine and good to read these great books and be super excited to implement some of the ideas found in these great books but unless I'm willing to actually get off my duff and do them it is no good continuing to peruse the book stores, library and my own stash if I don't make myself actually do something about it. I am just wasting time reading about what I should be doing. Hopefully, I will set my mind to actually being a little less lazy very soon!
If that is not enough, I love to go to the library and find new books to read. I really love to go to book fairs, book sales, garage sales with books. I just can't get enough books.
Recently I have found myself reading books about being organized, a good homemaker, a good wife etc. These have inspired me to be "super mom". Then when I go to sleep I dream of all these great things I'm going to do, like wake up before my kids and clean the kitchen, get a load of laundry in and actually cook breakfast instead of pour a bowl of cereal. However, when morning comes this does not happen. I find I give the kids their first task of the morning while I'm still lying in bed. As they finish their morning chores I'm just crawling out of bed and fumbling into the kitchen to pour a bowl of cereal as I am not motivated enough yet to make that nice yummy breakfast I was so motivated to do the night before.
Two conclusions I've drawn from this. A) I'm not a morning person. I have grand ideas and intentions in the evening but come morning that all has faded all into oblivion. B) I'm lazy. Yup that's right, I've come to the conclusion that I am lazy. I have not set my mind to something well enough to actually do it.
It is all fine and good to read these great books and be super excited to implement some of the ideas found in these great books but unless I'm willing to actually get off my duff and do them it is no good continuing to peruse the book stores, library and my own stash if I don't make myself actually do something about it. I am just wasting time reading about what I should be doing. Hopefully, I will set my mind to actually being a little less lazy very soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)