Aren’t road trips grand?

I am back from a few days away with friends. I had a great time of reflection. My journal, my heart and my mind are full.

While away, I had a few wonderful ideas of how to more deeply communicate the kingdom of God to our kids. I will be thinking those things through and if you are good and very polite I may post them here:-)

I am also preparing to leave for a few days to go to Wisconsin and visit a blogging friend in person for the first time. We have developed a wonderful friendship through each other’s blogs, face book, emails and phone calls. Now, we will get to do it real time in person.

Life is good and the weather is feelin’ fine.

Yeah right! Are you kidding me?

A teenager in our church just invited us to her sweet 16 party. The invitation reads and I quote, “kickin’ it old school for a 80’s themed sweet 16 party”.

Seriously, I am old, and now there is proof that defies my beauty and good looks:-) Thankfully for me, I hear that 50 is the new 30. I lived the 80’s through elementary and junior high and the beginning of High school. I saw bubbles skirts, leggings, parachute pants and ray bans galore, and now, I think I am seeing them all again.

So for all of you out there who lived the 80’s for real, this one is for you! You know it had to be a great song if Jessica and Brittany remade oversexed covers of the classic. (Tongue firmly planted in cheek on that one! I worn you, don’t you tube these covers…no I said not to, Oh man I warned you!) Seriously, so many current artists have covered this that they must be rolling in royalties.

Peace to all those who wore jellies, bubble skirts and leggings the first time around, Congrats, you are old just like me:-)

(Happy Sweet 16 Savannah! Life moves fast. Enjoy every minute!)

Okay - now I am calling you out for REAL people! I have had so many private emails and face-book contacts from you people out there, who don’t like to comment. I know, I know, it seems a bit scary, leaving your voice out there for others to see and hear. I understand, but trust me you will get over it:-) A few months back, I took the Google analytics and map off of my blog. I didn’t want to care how many read my blog from day to day. So now, I have no idea who comes around these parts.

There is something I have learned over the past 18 months or so that I have been blogging on my own. Something amazing happens when you join a conversation, leavening your tracks, speaking your mind. I learn every day as I process through my thoughts and journey here in my little virtual space. I promise I don’t bite, and others will learn along with us as we have a little online convo.

I will say, that some of my previous lurkers are now some of my dearest friends….well because I left a comment on their blog or they left one on mine:-) One thoughtful Momma tagged me for a meme and stopped being a lurker. Props to this new blogging diva. She will become a regular read of mine.

So here is the deal, I will continue to share a little bit of my life from day to day - and maybe you will start sharing some of yours with me!

The whole world can be divided into those who write and those who do not write.
-Soren Kierkegaard

Think about it!

Peace to all lurkers today!

Richard Foster talks about a practice the Quakers use called “passing the peace”. The idea being, that you willingly and publicly verbalize what you love about someone as a way of edifying and encouraging that person along in their journey. It makes sense to tell a person while they are still living, all that you love about them instead of waiting for their eulogy when they die.

At times, in our little gathering of Christ followers, we practice this discipline. We go around the room and encourage each other with loving and encouraging words. Every time, this simple practice does more for me in the way of deep, inner healing, and a re-centering who I am in Christ and what he is doing in and through me, then almost anything else. You should practice it with a friend. Go for a walk and “pass the peace”. It is a transforming practice.

So today, I am going to “pass the peace” to a dear friend of mine. I grew up with only a brother and never had the experience of having a birth sister, so she is as close to a sister as it gets for me. We do not use the term “best friends” because it is a little high school. I work on not having any co-dependent relationships and feel that all of my girl friends are lovely and helpful and deeply special to me in different ways, each having a role to play in my life.

We met when we were just 21 and newly married in our sending church in Gainesville. This year we both turned 34, so there has been a lot of water under our collective bridges. We’ve grown up in the kingdom together in many ways. We’ve prayed for each other and learned about the dynamic ministry of the Holy Spirit together, praying and ministering side by side for who ever God put in our path. We’ve seen people get healed and delivered together, we’ve lead worship together, we’ve traveled together, built businesses together, learned to be Mothers together, learned to be stronger and better wives to our amazing husbands together, actively praying for and calling out the things we see God doing in each others lives all along the way. Our friendship has been built in the trenches, and maybe that it why it has endured the test of time, strain distance etc. I wish for all of you to have as loyal and honest and encouraging friend in your life as I have in her.

So today dear friend, I want to honor who you are as a mother a wife and a friend. You love your girls and your husband so gently and deeply. God has given you everything that you need to lead and teach your girls who they are meant to be. I respect how you are able to wait for God to move, in the lives of those around you, never pushing always putting others above yourself. I am challenged by your generosity and hope to one day be as generous as you are. Your gifts of administration and organization are spectacular and I learn something new from you most days of the week. Thank you for your loyalty and your honesty to me. Thank you for being willing to say hard things to me with love and respect, thank you for laughing at my absurdity and gently nudging me back into the realm of balance. I am better for knowing you.

So this year, continue to follow Jesus into the unknown, keep asking, seeking and knocking, share your little pearls of wisdom with me, as God reveals them to you and never loose sight of the fact that in Him, you are seen as royalty.

So now you know why I wanted to take your pictures the other night:-) With my heartfelt love and respect,

Amber

Today I had a ton of fun taking some pictures of friends and their out of town family. When you are shooting this many people, you have to keep it fun and moving fast. Not to mention, the rain was eminent, so I was a shooting fool, yelling out orders like a drill Sargent.

This is one of my favorites. I love the composition and my favorite part is the little yellow flower. Isn’t it sweet?:-)

Wow look at those clouds, the rain was running us down for sure.

I love this little interaction between the Daddy and his boys. So sweet.

Thanks Cathy!  The kids are counting by 2’s up a storm. When we grow out of it, I will pass it along as well. 

OK - so I have been hearing about it forever. 

Anyone else out there a face-book junkie?  I am not sure if I am so down with it but I am slowly looking at it.  You know, knew things tend to take me some time to get my head around. I am still trying to figure it out so give me some pointers people!

No, I am not dead…I have been sewing, and cleaning and generally getting some projects done that I am unable to get done without an extra set of hands.  My dear parents-in-law are here and, as always, they are such a big help. 

Let’s just say that I am not dumpster diving anytime soon, but I am making do with what I have, and not spending money on things I don’t need.  Making due with what you have is an art form, just ask Edith Schaeffer. Recently, I have become the proud owner of several friends and families gently used cast offs.  I was given several adorable pairs of curtains that were too short for our home, and a grocery bag full of upholstery grade fabric.  With a little quick stitching all the curtains work now and have a custom look.  It has been my goal this year to decorate and organize our home without spending any money.  Necessity breeds invention, and creativity.  So here are the first set of embellished curtains in our dear little girls room.  Martha Stewart…eat your heart out!

This is a little fuzzy but you get the overall affect. 

Here is a close up of the band I put at the bottom.

I am keeping it real for my Peeps Monday! 

• Well, it is 11:38 and my kids are still in their pj’s.   I realized the time when they started saying they were hungry.  I was about to say, you just ate breakfast, but realized it has been hours since then.
• They have played together all morning.  They have been so amiable and peaceful I just couldn’t switch gears this morning.
• I have a ton of dishes in the sink, and clothes to fold and put away.
• The kids rooms are  a mess and their beds are not made.
• I don’t have any presents wrapped and still have a few to finish.
• My kids had hot homemade cocoa for breakfast and have been eating corn chips all morning.  I didn’t even make the cocoa.  It was left over from last nights church Christmas party. 
• There is a small toy store located under our sofa.  Things have been lost for so long under there I am considering wrapping them up and giving them to the kids on Christmas morning.
• I have the strangest desire to eat all manner of junk food today.
• and I haven’t exercised in weeks.
• As I type this, my youngest is literally drinking honey form the sticky jar left on the counter from breakfast.

The weather is nice and crisp and cool today, so now, I am leaving the house a wreck, and we are packing up to go play today. There you have it people!  That is about as real as it gets.

Our dear missionary friends from Peru gave us a hand made creche last year.  We will be staying with them for the month of February as we teach, train and serve God’s people in Peru. Please pray for us.

They found it up high in the Andes by Lake Titicaca in a city called Puno.  Yesterday the children asked why “baby Jesus” was in a little canoe.  I got to tell them how the people who live there lash reeds together to create floating islands.  The weather is hard and cold and the altitude is very hard on their bodies.  Imagine living in a cold wet environment your whole life.  Be thankful for what you have today and where you live.  There are people all over the world who live a very hard life.

So Grace tagged me for a meme that takes you back in time.  So for your reading enjoyment and my own personal ammusment here you go!

10 years ago: Mike and I would of been married 2.5 years.  We were “plugged” in to our church and praying for God’s direction in our lives.  At that point we were just a year fresh out of college and wanting to go on the “mission field”.  No one would take us.  It still puzzles us.  We then began considering “church planting” as we knew it then and the rest is histroy. We often say now that ether way we would of ended up at the same place pragmatically and philosophically with all things having to do with the “Church”.  It has been a fun 10 years to say the least.

20 years ago: I was right in the middle of middle school hell.  What else do you say about that .  It is the beginning of the teenage gauntlet that leaves most limping for many years to come. I hated school starting in the 4th grade and never pulled out until my junior year in college.  I went from super board to super “over” all the relational drama that left me unbable to think about learning. 

30 years ago: I was waiting for my baby brother to be born, going to montessori preschool and generally climbing every tree in site.  I still remember when I swong the garden house over a ficus tree limb in our front yard.  I was swinging back and forth on the hose from limb to limb.  In my youthful vigor I forgot to grab both lengths of the hose and came crashing down on the roots of a ficus tree and landed on my ankle.  A three year old and “bed rest” is not a good combo.

And there you have it, the best that I can remember it. Thanks Grace for asking me to play along.

Our kids that is.  We just completed yet another road trip to Oriental North Carolina (12 hour trip) for our friends wedding.  Mike and I were interested to see how our kids would do and were considering it a good dry run for when we are off to Peru in Feb.

They ate well, slept well, were fairly flexible and obedient.  Yesterday we drove the entire 12 hours straight through in order to get home in time for Mike to be at work this am.  I was dreading that part but they all handled it well.  The last 30 minutes resembled this but other then that it was good. 

Oriental is a sweet  little fishing town on the coast.  I think there is only one stop light in the whole town.  It had a nice slow pace about it.  On the way home we asked our kids what their favorite part of the trip.  Our oldest said the driving. Yes I know that is a bit strange.  Our daughter said the party after the wedding.  With a  Pinata and sparklers to see the bride and groom off, it was every kids dream.

Out littlest said, the ferry boat.  We got to ride a car ferry several times. He loves boats and the water so that was the highlight for him.  That is our grey van right up front.

For Mike and I it was deepening of relationship. We were able to take one of the teenagers who went to Peru with us along for the ride so those connections were deepened and also being with our Peruvian missionary friends strengthened those bonds too.  The change in weather was nice but unfortunately we didn’t see any leaves turning.  Our kids did find some good nature finds but we will have to go again when the leaves are in all the glory.

For us Florida folk, snow and leaves changing is a pretty big deal.

Peace to all~

We don’t get to see the leaves change, but we are going to North Carolina for a dear friends wedding and hope to catch the change. To celebrate I made sweet potato pancakes.  We are also off to Sea World for a week of fun and education.  I will be posting pictures of our time there throughout the week.

 So part of my whole process is letting my artistic side get back into the game.  Like I have said before I have been a little out of whack these past few years, so I am getting back into painting, experimenting with photography and learning how to build this dang word press website if it kills me. (Trust me it is a creative process too!)  So I am participating in a weekly photo hunt.  I have wanted to learn how to work with digital photography and I  am the type of person who does well with a tangible thing to shoot for.   All you Northerners, go run through the leaves for us!

Peace to all!

1. Weekly scheduled times of silence and solitude.  Lately I have found that if I don’t get this, I get all out of whack and take it  out on my family.  Serious bad deal all the way around.  Willard and other theologians have said this is one of the most important spiritual disciplines for western Christians because  of the frantic pace of our lifestyle.  In my humble opinion I tend to agree.

2. Daily scheduled time to work on me.  Whether it is working out, reading or painting, if I don’t get this I start getting resentful.  This is not a good deal ether. Charlotte Mason called this “Mother Culture”.  How can a mom stay balanced and offer her best to her family when she is strung out and never gets ant time just for her?  

3. Discipline to think of what the other person is saying and not what I want to say. The first two disciplines help me to relax and “center down” as the Quakers used to say. This allows me to actually get “outside” myself when I am with other people.  Have you ever thought about how many times you interrupt someone when they are talking before they are through. (Think of the little people in your home too!)

Make a choice today, to be right where you are and not three steps ahead.  Let people finish their own sentences and don’t think of how you will answer them before they are through speaking. Go “pencil in” some time just for you to work on you and then practice being still and silent.   You will be amazed at what you might hear!

This piece is inspired by Mommy Zabs group writing project.

For the linky love here are the other entries for your reading pleasure:-)

I had a quick update to our “intense play date” this weekend.  I figured out why they are so intense and competitive (in a sweet and enduring way).  The Mother and Father are Ukrainian and used to be competitive ballroom dancers for years before their son was born.  They stopped when they had him and now they are beginning to train again.  You don’t hear that everyday, now I get it. I pray our family is a blessing to them.  Me thinks we will be having them to dinner next week to see what God is up to.

The reason I asked about the cleaning thing on the previous post was because after we all played together, the boy “asked” (more like demanded) that we clean up his room and then left us to do the work.  It was awkward to say the least. The Mom apologized and said he has to keep his room clean for the cleaning woman to clean every Friday. (Taking clean to a whole new level I guess.) I never think to ask people to help clean up after they have been over to play so I was wondering what others did.  

for our extended church family in Peru.  I am posting an email we recieved early this am.  Mike and I heard of reports of the earthquake in Lima and have been praying for the church as well as those who have so little and are now left with nothing.  This world is so fragile.  It is only the hope of Jesus that sustains us in any country that we live in.  You can visit their blogs found in my blog roll under “Peruvian Posse” for any possible updates.  Here is an article that will help fill in some more detail for you.

Good Morning~
As many of you may know by the news this morning, a massive earthquake struck Peru last night. As more information comes in this morning, it seems that the damage is very severe and many people, already very poor, have been left homeless. 
Arequipa faired well, though we felt the quake quite strongly here as well.  We are fine and none of us had any damage to our homes.  We are considering how we might help our friends in Chincha and surrounding areas and hoping to hear from friends in Lima this morning.  We’ll keep you posted as we know more.
Below is an email Lee sent out this morning- 
Please pray with us for the people of this country…
 

Good morning friends,

I assume that most of you have heard about the massive earthquake that hit Peru on Wednesday evening.  First, just wanted to write and let all know that we are all o.k. here in Arequipa, though we did feel the quake.  A little before 7 PM Michael, Dori and I, were in my home when we noticed the back door rattling and the walls swaying back and forth.  This wave-like motion is different from the usual earthquakes down here that tend to be short and jolting.  The quake lasted close to a minute.

After finally getting through on the phone to the Styron’s (they have a television and saw pictures of Lima and people in the streets), we began hearing reports that the quake was a very large one, and that the epicenter was only forty miles from Chincha Alta - the town were I first served the Church here in Peru.  I then began trying to reach a number of our friends there, but the phone lines were full.  I also tried contacting missionary friends in Lima without any success. 

Mike Styron and I were already planning to arrive in Chincha Alta on Thursday, August 30 to begin a three-day ministry conference at the invitation of a couple pastors and local congregations there.  I have many, many friends (those who know the Lord and others that don’t) in Chincha, and would ask that, as you are able, you would seperate some time during your day to intercede to the Lord on behalf of His people here in Peru, that they might receive consolation from Jesus, and be a source of consolation for others, and for this nation that has suffered so much and needs to know the healing touch of Our God.

More to come…

–Lee

I spoke awhile back about me learning how to have Sabbath in the midst of child training , homeschooling, house tending etc. etc. etc.  Finding daily quiet in my life for my own “souls formation.” This has been a process of learning something new.  I will say it has been very revealing.  I don’t presume to have this all together or even, that what God is leading me into is right for you in your current situation.  People who “know all the right answers and have it all together”, wear me out.  So you wont get that here, just an honest look at what I am now doing and how it is freeing me up and slowing me down. Firstly, let me start by saying that I see what I am doing in our home and with our children as my job or business.  Have no fear, I do not think of it that clinically. It is just one way for me to block things out in my mind.  I have the type of personality that really gives my all to the task at hand.  In business, you track and chart everything so as to improve your overall objective. So I am also, tracking and charting myself in this arena as well.  It is simply a way for me to have more information about what is exactly going on in any given day and where we can make slight changes to improve or be more free.  Read on because that statement will make since in a moment.

The first thing I addressed was the need for some “me” time without anyone else around.  Just me, my thoughts and God.  I realized in our family dynamic, I needed to wake early in the morning in order to carve that space out. Now I wake before the family at 5 to be exact. That means that my bedtime is pretty firm at 10 as well.  You may think that sounds intense or harsh, but the space it creates for my soul is crucial to doing well in every area of my life.  I now see this.  It is a good thing.

The second thing I addressed was my house work.  In order for me to think straight, I need to have an environment that is peaceful and non chaotic.  Three kids is chaos enough:-)  So I have gone to work on coming up with a system to better handle the chores of our home.  I affectionately call it the zone system.  I basically have found a rhythm of doing a small amount of laundry and deep cleaning 4-5 days a week.  It has taken all of the stress out of the upkeep.  It allows me to give around 30 minutes a day of my best to cleaning and then leaving everything else go until another day.  Teaching and training the children in daily household upkeep is part of our formation as a family who “stays home” together.

 The third thing I have addressed was my own personal “up keep”.  Working out has been the one “negotiable” spot in my life.  It always got pushed to the side in lieu of everyone else needs. It is no longer negotiable.  I have to work out 5-6 days a week, just for me.  Charlotte Mason refers to it as “mother culture”.  I call it just plain smart.  A cranky, out of shape, overwhelmed Mommy is no good for anyone especially herself.  This is where I see the daily consistency bear fruit over a long period of time.  It is an outward symbol of inner workings. 

These three things in combination open up the space in my life to just be.  Because I have already determined in my mind, when and how I will be faithful to daily tasks, I am open to hearing, being, moving etc. etc in line with what God is doing at any given moment.  This opens up the space for me to home school without stress or pressure on myself.  There isn’t anything else I should be doing.  I am not guilty or resentful because I haven’t taken care of me.  I am free.  This is where you will hear me say over and over.  FREEDOM WITHIN STRUCTURE!

So what does it look like you may ask?  Tune in tomorrow to see how it pragmatically works out in my life.

Our oldest is six as of and hour ago.  Where has the time gone?  I was a bit melancholy yesterday thinking “It’s 1/3 of the way over all ready.”  Mike chuckled at me.  My Mom said “It’s never over honey”.  But you know what I mean. 

 As I have been praying with God over our children, little glimmers of His handy work peek out at me.  Like watching  a seed sprout.  Jackson is a passionate and determined (slightly perfectionist) thinker.   He observes things for long periods of time and then jumps in with gusto, He loves to “experiment”.  My prayer is that he will always  ask healthy questions and that he will continue to love learning like he does now. 

I’ve spoken in other posts about how important is is to us to name our children with meaning.  Jackson’s name means “Yahweh is gracious”.  After 2 years of trying to get pregnant and a miscarriage before Jackson, I was unsure I would ever have kids. Looking back now, it was all about timing.

His middle name is Caleb. The meaning of the name is faithful, intrepid, and victorious — a great description of the Old Testament Caleb, who was one of only two ancient Israelites (Joshua was the other) who set out with Moses from Egypt to finally enter the promised land.

So today, sweet boy, Mommy and Daddy pray many blessings over you.  May you be a blessing to the world with your God given, curiosity, passion and thoughtfulness.  Grace and Peace to you dear one. 

The other night I went out with some women from our church. We were discussing our favorite movies.  I love small independent films that have a deep story. 

I think I will check out this one with my Blockbuster coupon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVcdo24gaiE

The past few months our family has been blessed in amazing ways.  We needed a second car and through someones generosity we were given one.  Last week someone bought me a few hundred dollars of much needed clothing and this week someone else purchased our entire families tickets to Peru.  (We are spending the month of Feb. ‘08′ there doing some training for church pastors etc.)

As I was meditating on that fact last night I realized how hard it is for me to receive things in spite of my need.  It has been an interesting week for me  addressing my pride.  I feel like I am seeing things in a new light.  I tend to rely on myself to “get things done” instead of resting in God and his timing.  It is a horrible habit that I am being forced to address.  Isn’t it lovely when God brings you to the mirror and gently  says, “Let’s look at this together.”.

I am repenting of relying on myself and trying to get comfortable with relaying on God and His working through others to meet our needs.  It is humbling to receive gifts when you know you don’t deserve them and that it is only God’s grace and Mercy that provides them.

We had new friends over the other night.  Wonderful, wise followers of Jesus.  They have successfully raise three boys in their thirties.  I called the wife the other day with a question.  I said “Knowing what you know now, after raising 3 children, what did you do right and what would you do different?”

 You know how hind-site is always 20/20. I really wanted to know what their experience has taught them.  They had some wonderful words of wisdom.  They were VERY encouraging.  I want to be like that in everything I do.

Firstly, they said to make sure that in the teen years, get them out of this country on a short term missions trip.  That is very important to their overall formation.  Especially when it comes to them having to work out their own faith apart from you as their parent.

They did home school for many years in the early years and then sent them to a traditional high school.  In retrospect, they wished they would of stepped in a bit more in some relational issues.  It is  a thin line of giving them the independence to deal with things on their own, and also take over when they weren’t quit old enough to  handle it on their own.

And the most important things was, their house was “the house” to be at for all the kids in the neighborhood.  They were raising kids during the ‘latch key” generation.  So most of their kids peers had 2 working parents.  So they were their neighborhoods stabilizing force.  Simple home made cookies and strong house rules for the “neighborhood” to abide by endeared them to their kids peers. 

Through this they were able to develop strong relationship with their boys and constantly show them the light of Jesus in the midst of everyday life.  It was a very encouraging story.  It makes me think about relationship and how it is the fabric of life.  For me homeschooling is more about the “being, knowing and training” our kids then it is about teaching them.  It makes me wonder about today’s culture that hops around and moves so much.  Isn’t it good for our kids to develop deep meaningful relationships too?  Isn’t good for us as parents to lead them by example of that?  Call me crazy but I think it is the most important thing to model to them.  Especially in a culture that values individualism so much.

 Their children live life outside of the box because they were raised that way.  I pray that for our kids too. I pray our children will know the value of being connected to a group of God’s people in deep and meaningful ways.  That what we have together is so special.  It doesn’t happen overnight and it isn’t always found but it is a treasure that is worth digging for. 

Hi all,

I am testing some new plug ins and different colors etc.  Which do you like better, pink or blue?

I will be back to some serious writing tomorrow. My mind can only think about a few things at a time and this is one whole “new” thing for me.

Do me a favor and try something new today!

Peace to all~

Well, we all know that there are three to six degrees of separation between everyone.  I thought I would post this here and see if any of you all know someone who might want this!

 We have been holding 2 properties for a year now and it is rough sledding!  Please pray with us that God sells this property and that we will continue to wait on him.  Over the years we have had friends go through this and every time I would think, “How are they handling that? It would kill me!”  Well, I have news for you.  It has killed  me, in  a GREAT way.  I am back in a place of total reliance on God for everything in my life.

Maybe we wax and wain in this area depending on the circumstance in our life. It is a shame but true of human nature.  I have seen God move in amazing and unexpected ways over the years and after seeing such things, I always stand back and am shocked!  Why?  God always comes through in the least expected or predicted ways. 

 In the midst of “financial straits” I know we are right were God wants us to be.  Isn’t it interesting?  Tell me your stories.  Encourage me in how God has moved in amazing ways in your life.  Everyone loves a good story!  Post it in the comments or in your blog!

Peace to you~

Emerging Grace gave me a great comment on my Eureka~I’ve got it post.  She has also created tons of beautiful posters that hit the nail on the head.  If you haven’t seen them yet, they are worth a visit.

Ok -people.  I said in December of ‘06″ that I wanted to be more proficient with technology and not rely on my dear technologically advanced hubby.Well you know what… be careful what you set your mind to.  I am up to my ears in plug ins and the going for “hosting my own blog” route.    I feel like I can speak a whole new language….kind of.  But I have a plan for where I am going and I need to host my own space.  What have I gotten myself into?All I can say is pray for me:-) A little emotional support from the peanut gallery would be much appreciated!

The July Mama Blogga Group Writing Project has ended with 28 exceptional entries! Feel free to click on the links below to read other bloggers giving their mamas a little sugar.  This was a great process for me.  I suggest you process through this yourself.  You’ve got one life and you don’t want to wait until your mom is gone before you think this through.

Peace ya’ll

• No Market For Used Teenagers by Robin
• Thank you Mom! by Michelle Buck
• July MamaBlogga Writing Group - Thanks Mom! by Jennifer Hitchcock
• Thanks Mom! by Mama Zen
• To my mom by Deb
• If She Were Alive Today by Mommy Zabs
• Danke Rot Koph by Kymberlyn
• Will she ever say it? by Lisa
• Thanks, Mom. by Kulia
• Thanks, Mom! by Laura Spencer
• Thanks Mom - Group Writing Project by Amber
• Dear Mother…Thanks Mother! by Corey
• Thank you, mom by Lynnae
• My Mother, My Mentor, My Friend by Jill
• GWP - Thanks mum. by Amanda Regan
• Thank you Mother by Donetta
• I wanted to say thanks by Summer
• Thanks to my Mommy by Southerngirlmusings
• Group Writing Project - July by Jenn
• Blue Denim by bellevelma
• Thanks, Mommy! by Stacey @ Look, Mom, Look!
• Naming the Mother by Daisy
• I’m turning into my mother… by Summer
• I learned by example by Heather Erbe
• Making Memories with Your Kids—Be Crazy, Unpredictable by Karen (Pediascribe)
• There’s Loving and Then There’s Liking by Dawn
• Thank You Mom in Law by Julie
• Right from wrong by Jordan (MamaBlogga)

Here is the nature blog as promised.  I think it is going to be a fun addition to our homeschooling rythm.  Jackson would love a comment or two, so Grandparents, please chime in:-)

I have been in a process of asking God to reveal our children to me.  Not what I want to see or what I think I see, but what He created.  I want to understand what He sees so I can partner with Him on it.  A little insight or glimpse of their calling.  Little by little He shows me things that stun me.  I am aware of the privilege of parenting them.  I’m humbled by the responsibility.  I am deeply thankful that God is using our children to shape and mold us as people as much as he is using us to shape them.   So it with this understanding that I will be working on crafting our “why home school” statement this week.  I will also be working on a series of posts on finding Sabbath rest in the midst of the daily grind.  Good things for me to ponder on this week.

So for those of you interested, the party was great! You can see for yourself! (Thanks to all in our local community who helped).  We took about 200 bucks and threw a “shin-dig”.  I met a new neighbor who just moved here to help plant a church. I also met a family form Peru.  My boys wore their Inca cola shirts and we meet Peruvians all over the place.  It is our calling card. They had all sorts of cool stories of how they are working towards helping Peru and the local Peruvian community. 

People were so thankful for the party.  The church planter actually asked me “Why did you do this?”  I was like “DUH” isn’t this what God’s people are supposed to do?  Be in the neighborhood, seeing what God is up to?  But I just said  “It’s what we do!”  Everyone couldn’t wait for the next one.  One family wanted us to put up a community bulletin board so we can stay more connected.  Another family suggested we have a little meeting to make sure our builders don’t leave the property without fixing everything that needs to be fixed.  Another neighborhood said “This is what makes a house a home.”

Overall good times.  Many baby relational seeds were sown and Mike and I look forward to seeing what God does through them.  So here is a challenge to  you.  Take some money.  Maybe your monthly tithe and do an experiment.  Take that money and plan a party and invite your neighbors and then invite your church community and see what God is up to.  You never know what you will find and others may just follow your lead.

Many of you have asked about our community bbq tomorrow.  So I wanted to give you all the “digs”.   Firstly, Mike and I had a “spirited debate” about the manner in which information should be broadcast in our community.  I wanted to have 4 signs made (that can be reused) similar to the  garage sale signs that you see that I would put at all of the entrances to our development.  I thought, “Oh we could just throw a quick webpage together describing the party and that we would love to see everyone there.”  To me that would of been the easiest for me, but it was too programmatic for Mike. He wanted the kids and I to pass out invitations to all of our neighbors.  Have it be more relational.  It would be like “oh yeah your the family we always see at the pool, or we bought lemonade from your son type thing”.  So being the submissive wife I am, I agreed to do it his way:-) So last night we made invitations and the kids and I rode our bikes around the neighborhood.  The kids were excitedly knocking on doors, chasing down people as they got in and out of cars  and telling anyone who would listen, “Come to our neighborhood party.”  Mike was right.  It was more relational that way.  At least for the first one, although I do think the sign thing would work after we have a few. And yes, for the record, I did get “Oh you are the family we always see around the pool”. and “We bought lemonade form your son” and “We’ve been hearing about this and are so excited” and “oh we were hoping you were still going to do this!” Shocking if you ask me.  They have heard about it?  I did speak to a few people I saw at the pool through out the week about the party.  I did try to focus on “connectors” in the community.  I did want the word of mouth thing to work in our favor….there are a lot of houses here.  Almost everyone that opened the door to us said…”Thank you so much. I’ve been thinking I should do something like this but I just never have.”  Hmmmm.  I wonder how many people think about connecting with others and then just don’t?  So Mike and I are taking it seriously the  whole “Jesus becoming flesh and blood and moving into the neighborhood” thingy.  

 More thoughts from…..Death By Suburb.  I know, I know, I can’t help it. 

Mending is the key image for  embracing the Sabbath in the suburbs, letting us “experience the depths of Jesus Christ,” as the classic work by Jeanne Guyon puts it.  The trick for the lover of God is to learn how to become better at mending ones life, making small adjustments on a regular basis to avoid the speed and clutter of modern living.

Mending is a verb.  An ongoing action that is consistent and small.  Mending is a thing that reverses the affects of the fast paced business of suburban life.  It is a bridge that leads you to the thicker life.  The deeper life of Jesus Christ.  It is obedience in the small mundane things.  

Now this may seem bizarre to some, but for me right now, home schooling is mending my life.  Our family rhythm is decidedly slow.  There is no rush.  There is no fire to put out, no hill to conquer.  Just deepening of roots and building of relationships.  This is my Sabbath YEAR!  It is a lovely, yummy, comforting thing.  God is moving deeply in the quiet.  Maybe hovering is a better word.  Yes….I think hovering describes it well.

Find the Quiet today!

I am ALWAYS finding myself stuck on Lindafay’s home school blog Higher up and Further In.  It is very comforting to read through her many years of home schooling experience for tips, ideas etc.  I have been slowly reworking my blogs organization.  It is becoming my home school dashboard.  Thoughts, wonderings, resources and other inspiring people to read found in my blog roll.  Jackson is on it as much as I am tooling through the resources.  He LOVES THIS! My hope is that one day this site would be an encouragement to a brand new home schooling mama who is excited and nervous and wondering if she can ever pull this off.  And then voila, she will find this blog and she will say to herself, “Oh my goodness if SHE could do it I will have no problem!”  So keep watching the links come in.  (I hope you find them as helpful and inspiring as I do) I will soon begin adding book reviews and the kids and I will be starting a nature blog here soon.  Their sketches are still scribble and I want them to have a place to see what they are recording.  I taught Jackson how to use the digital camera and he routinely goes out and snaps shots of local wildlife.  Mostly flowers and trees.  Yesterday we went to a little park called “Peanut Island”.  During the summer we go every Monday night with my parents in their boat.  We saw a spotted manta ray with a 5 foot wing span and 2 mini hermit crabs walking along.  I wished we had our camera.  So now we wont leave home without it.     Speaking of blogging…I wish other really experienced homeschoolers I know (not to mention any names, Chenoa Styron and Carolyn Hanson) would start a blog like Lindafay’s so more newbie’s can bask in their wisdom.  It is such a gift.  I am thankful for their encouraging words along the way.  Anyway….no pressure, I was just thinking how cool it would be if I could scroll through their brain and not bug them all the time with calls and emails.

Mommy Zabs has tagged me for a web surfing MeMe! So here goes another MeMe! I think it must be MeMe week   Have you ever heard the saying, show me your 5 closest friends and I will show you who you are. Maybe the same is true of blogs.

Do rest, every Sabbath. 

Don’t run around like a chicken with your head cutt off.  Even if it seems like fun activites. 

I am really resonating with Death By Suburb - David Goetz’s comments on the Sabbath rest.

“This is a realm of time where the goal is not to have but to be, not to own but to give, not to control but to share, not to subdue but to be in accord.”  He quotes Heschel as saying “spiritual life begins to decay when we fail to sense the grandeur of what is eternal in time.”  Sabbath is “eternity in disguise”.  It’s a day not for furthering our opportunities and those of our kids but to liberate ourselves from the pursuit of such things.  He points out that this is a space, where all of Gods people, regardless of economic position enter as equals.  Able to feast on eternity one consistent day a week without a care in the world.

This is my space right now.  Slowly, steadily working with God on the small space of soil in my heart that has to do with time.  It is as if there is enough time in the world for things to “get done”, and yet such a small sliver of time to really purchase those things worth working hard for.  Namely relationship.

Mike and I are really thinking about all of this in regards to our home schooling decision.  We really want our children to grow up in a slow, easy, expectant of amazing things, joy of life type of way.  A deep since of wonder. Not shuffling around from play date to over done birthday party.  We are not even pursuing organized sports for them. Maybe one day, but not now.  Mike and Jackson did T-ball last year.  Mike had the opportunity to coach, and it was a way for them to be together, but we knew no one on the team.  Jackson was mildly interested, and the other kids and I stayed home because it was too much for them.  Not a way we want to use our time again, any time soon.   Even home schooling is a relaxed, gentle rhythm.  You only have to read a few lines of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy to begin to unwind and dig in. 

Deep roots come from deep rest.  Deep rest is a choice.  It is a discipline regardless of the debt, or the schedule, or the lists.  It is a decision to stop one day a week and really reorient yourself around the kingdom of God.  In His kingdom there isn’t a care in the world.  The joy is knowing God and being known  by Him.

So get off the computer.  unplug the phone, go into your room shut the door and be quiet, with the one who made you.  With no need, or question to be answered.  Just listen, and make room for his inner workings.  I promise you will feel much better when you do.

This is from my friend Betsy. I thought it would be a way for some of my readers to get to know me.  If you read this and feel the need, then consider yourself tagged.  Let me know in the comment section so I can get to know you too:-)Simply cut and paste these questions onto your blog, answer them and then find other blogs to tag! It’s fun and easy and something a little different!You can only answer each question with ONE word. I did use some hyphenated words, so maybe I cheated a little.  Give me a break it is early!
1. Where is your cell phone? Charging
2. Relationship? Married
3. Your hair? short
4. Work? Home
5. Your sister? none
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? None
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream car? paid-off
10. The room you’re in? Foyer
11. Your shoes? None
12. Your fears? little
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? wise
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Leah
15. What are you not good at? golf
16. Muffin? none
17. One of your wish list items? family-travel
18. Where you grew up? Florida
19. Last thing you did? slept
20. What are you wearing? clothes
21. What aren’t you wearing? Make-up
22. Your pet? none
23. Your computer? HP
24. Your life? fun
25. Your mood? Good
26. Missing? Nothing
27. What are you thinking about right now? Family
28. Your car? Mini-van
29. Your kitchen? Clean!!!
30. Your summer? Relaxed
31. Your favorite color? ALL!!!!!!
32. Last time you laughed? Thursday

33. Last time you cried? unsure
34. School? UofFlorida
35. Love? Mike

Tag - You’re it!

Today, I got to pretend I was a Mom of 5 who were 5 and under. It really wasn’t bad at all.   I do so much better with out all the birthing, and nursing and sleeplessness etc. etc.  That and I have a rhythm down and I am not trying to figure out the whole “how to be a mom thing”.  So that has some to do with it.

I am off to Gainesville to have  a week with my girlfriend from college.  She and I knew each other before husbands and kids and our friendship has survived and thrived with the addition of both.  Bonus is her van can fit all 6 car seats without a problem!  

Pray for my drive tomorrow.  4 hours is a hike by myself, but I am timing it over nap time.  Hopefully that will take some of the bite out of it.

I wanted to leave you all with one quote form Death by Suburb before I go.

“Mature Christian faith discerns God behind all the circumstances in life that conceal God - from the mundane to the tragic.”

He quotes Bonheoffer (One of my favorite Christian theologians)

“It is good to learn early that suffering and God are not contradiction but rather a unity, for the idea that God himself is suffering is one that has always been one of the most convincing teachings of Christianity.  I think God is nearer to suffering than to happiness, and to find God in this way gives peace and rest and a  strong and courageous heart.”

Peace to all! 

The Following is a conversation between our 6 and 4 year olds! (enjoy)