Monday, July 25, 2011

Multitude Monday

Here are some of the things I was thankful for this week:
1324.  A slower paced week
1325.  Time to read (The Hiding Place, Homeschool SuperMom...Not!)
1326.  Time to blog

1328.  Learning how to grill!
1329.  Hosting a BBQ lunch and swim playdate here

1330.  Air conditioning!!!

1331.  12 Years of Marriage
1332.  Celebrating with a wonderful dinner out
1333.  Time and space to talk with T
1334.  My dad offering to babysit for our anniversary dinner when he heard we were having trouble finding a sitter (his first time babysitting for more than a quick errand!)

1335.  A Saturday spent reading, puttering, napping and watching HGTV

You can read why I got started counting the gifts here.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Praying the Psalms- Psalm 79

Jenny is on a journey of praying her way through the Psalms.  I was fortunate enough to join at the start.  Each weekend, we pray through one psalm and post our prayer and/or meditations on that psalm as the Lord leads. Check out her journey and join us in Praying the Psalms.

"Why should the nations say, 
   “Where is their God?” 
Before our eyes, make known among the nations 
   that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. 
May the groans of the prisoners come before you; 
   by the strength of your arm 
   preserve those condemned to die."  Psalm 79: 10-11
I just finished reading The Hiding Place.  It was a difficult book to read but not only for the obvious reasons.  It was a difficult book to read for me mainly because of how it challenged my faith at every turn.  How would I have responded when the Gestapo came in the middle of the night and carted us all off to prison?  As I watched my precious, elderly father treated like an animal?  As I watched my sister slowly wither away and die in a Nazi concentration camp?  As I lived for years in conditions that we would not allow animals to experience?  And the questions in my mind continued.    


It's one thing to understand the answers to these questions intellectually.  It's another thing to walk in them, to live them out in suffering, to wait in hope for His deliverance, to trust Him at all times, to thank Him in all circumstances.  I pray that I would respond to the kind of inhumane circumstances the ten Boom family withstood with the same kind of steadfast faith.  I am certain that I would also cry out with the Psalmist for His mercy, His judgement, His vengence to come quickly.  I'm thankful that both responses are acceptable in His sight.


Father, thank You for causing me to see more clearly what it looks like to endure inconceivable suffering with faith and grace.  For challenging my weak faith.  For reminding me how I need to pray now, in times of peace and calm in my life, for a faith that can endure hardship, suffering and pain for in this world we will have these things.  At that same time, Lord, I ask for Your covering over my family and loved ones.  Keep us from unnecessary suffering.  Be close to us in times of distress.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Friday, July 22, 2011

A Gift from His Heart

*Forgive me if you subscribe to both of my blogs, you will see this post twice today.  I wrote it for my new homeschooling blog but I realized it was appropriate to post here, too, as the content is mostly about how God is speaking to me in this season.*

As our book club was drawing to a close last Saturday morning, my sweet friend handed me a book entitled Homeschool Supermom...NOT!  When Grace Meets Homeschooling by Susan Kemmerer.  She said it was a gift (along with an iPhone arm band thingy I wanted for the Couch to 5 K madness she has gotten me wrapped up in, but that's another post entirely.)  I thought it was such a kind gesture- don't you love it when you get a tangible blessing reminding you that someone is thinking of you?

Thursday afternoon, as the kids swam away the afternoon, I sat on our back patio and read Chapter 1 of Homeschool Supermom.  And I quickly realized that the book was not just a gift from my friend's heart to mine but one that was also straight from His heart!  Right from those first few pages, I could see that God was going to use this book to speak to me about several different thoughts/concerns I've been mulling over as of late.

Let me back up to Wednesday and explain.  Wednesday was a bad day here.  A terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  I'll spare you the details but by lunchtime I had yelled so much my voice was hoarse and the kids were wide eyed with alarm.  By bedtime, I was ready to join in with the chorus of tears from my overtired kids.  Late Wednesday night, lying awake in bed while the rest of the family slumbered, all I could think was "what was I thinking?  How can I homeschool these children?  Is it too late to call the school and get them signed up for next year?  But what about all the money we've spent on homeschool materials?"  Sleep was slow in coming, needless to say.

Today I read this in Homeschool Supermom:
"If you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, ashamed, and burnt out, keep this in mind: putting your kids back in school or hiring a maid might make life easier- for a time- but it will not ultimately make you happier or more righteous before God, nor will it accomplish the changes in your life and family that you really desire... Only a heart focused on Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross on our behalf will ever experience true, lasting joy- even when the house is a wreck and school remains undone."
That encouragement was like water to a dry soul.  And there was plenty more encouragement and wisdom sprinkled throughout the short chapter. 

And speaking of my dry soul, that leads me to the next reason I love this book already.  Each chapter ends with questions to ponder and scriptures on which to meditate.  Since summer began, bringing with it a new routine, my morning prayer/scripture time has become less regular and somewhat stale.  Now I'm planning on using this feature of Homeschool Supermom in my morning Quiet Time and I am already feel excited about it again!

The last wonderful nugget I took away from Chapter 1 was actually a confirmation of concepts  God has been teaching me lately.  Remember that book club I mentioned at the start of this post?  We had been reading and discussing Authentic Relationships: Discover the Lost Art of One Anothering by Wayne Jacobsen and Clay Jacobsen.  One of the themes we discussed was how to be genuine, authentic, transparent in friendships- to allow people to see beyond the image into our real selves.  A favorite quote from this book:
"Our fear of letting people see beyond the image we want to project denies us the friendships for which we hunger."  Authentic Relationships
 And from Homeschool Supermom:
"...behind closed doors, there lurks a secret.  There's another side we seldom let anyone see. It's our messy homes and messy lives being worked out in the messy process of sanctification.  It's called 'our humanity.'"
I was reminded this afternoon, that I want to be genuine and real.  So many sweet friends have encouraged me already in this homeschool journey- sharing how they wish they could do it and how wonderful they think I am for doing this thing called homeschooling.  But the truth is, I am not all that wonderful.  I am not a Supermom by any stretch of the imagination.  Exhibit A- Wednesday at my house.  I'm simply a mom who feels led to give this homeschooling thing a try- willing to offer up my weaknesses as well as my gifts to God and see what He makes of it all.  If we continue on this homeschool journey after a year, it will be only by His grace.  If our journey ends after one year at home, that too then will be only by His grace. 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Praying the Psalms- Psalm 78

Jenny is on a journey of praying her way through the Psalms.  I was fortunate enough to join at the start.  Each weekend, we pray through one psalm and post our prayer and/or meditations on that psalm as the Lord leads. Check out her journey and join us in Praying the Psalms.


Psalm 78
"He remembered that they were but flesh, 
   a passing breeze that does not return."  Psalm 78: 39
Lord, thank You for Your mercy.  I am but flesh.  For all my intentions and plans, I have dry seasons in my walk with You.  In my daily existence, I sin against You and others.  My Spirit is willing but my flesh in weak.  And You remember this.  You respond to my shortcomings and sin with love, grace, forgiveness.  Your steadfast love and faithfulness is unchanging.  It never runs dry.  Thank You for who You are.  In Jesus' name, amen.



Monday, July 18, 2011

Multitude Monday

Here are some of the things I was thankful for this week:
1308.  Coffee with a friend
1309.  Listening to one another's joys and struggles
1310.  Working together to present an opportunity to the church

1311.  Movies with friends from church- Cars 2
1312.  Pool playdate with church friends
1313.  BBQ and softball game with church friends
1314.  How the summer affords us so many opportunities to fellowship with church friends :)

1315.  Planning for Book Club (we read and discussed Authentic Relationships)
1316.  A fruitful discussion at Book Club
1317.  The many authentic relationships He has blessed me with
1318.  The desire to be more intentional, creative and bold in lightening others' load

1319.  Beach playdate with friends who moved to another state

1320.  Celebrating my niece's 4th birthday with a Glamour Princess party for the girls...
1321.  And a pool playdate with the boys

1322.  Attending what's become a yearly BBQ with friends from school- fun for the kids and the grown ups

1323.  Seeing a row of empty boxes when I look at this week's calendar :) 

You can read why I got started counting the gifts here.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Linky Love

Well, since it seems that an original post here is evading me these days, I thought I'd share some wonderful links from the past few months I've been meaning to tell you about:


A Prescription for Tired Moms: a beautiful post on a topic I've had to learn much about and be intentional about following through on.


Always Second Guessing: my bloggy friend Trisha makes a great case for knowing WHY we do what we do and holding confidently to it!


Parenting- Boys Fighting:  a well thought out and clearly articulated perspective on this touchy subject from a Christian dad.  Forwarded this one to my hubby.


In All Circumstances:  I could relate to every last word of this post from my dear friend, Andrea.


On Tolerance, Intolerance and Absolute Truth:  The title says it all!


Winning in Purple:  Dawn knows how to craft beautiful stories and this one about her family's experience of repentance and redemption was no exception.


Fight For Joy:  If you've ever asked "Where is the joy in this?" or even "Where is God in this?"

Monday, July 11, 2011

Multitude Monday

Here are some of the things I was thankful for this week:
1287.  A relaxed Fourth of July at home 
1288.  The freedoms we enjoy in this country
1289.  The men and women who gave their lives for our freedom
1290.  The eternal freedom I have in Jesus

1291.  Setting up the room for homeschool
1292.  Organizing books and materials
1293.  Finishing the curriculum ordering
1294.  Advice from a friend on little things I can do now that will make the school year run more smoothly

1295.  A fun week of morning basketball camp for the boys and dance camp for our daughter
1296.  Hosting friends from school for a pool playdate
1297.  Meeting friends from church at a county pool
1298.  Joining friends at their home for a pool playdate
1299.  Cheering Daddy on at a church softball league game with friends
1300.  Recognizing that we need to slow down and spread out the fun a little

1301.  Kids sleeping over at my parents
1302.  Giving T and I time to do some much need yard work and house cleaning
1303.  And the chance to go on a date

1304.  Hosting friends after church for a BBQ
1305.  Sweet fellowship for the parents
1306.  Budding new friendships for the kids
1307.  The quick and easy cleanup outdoor entertaining provides  

You can read why I got started counting the gifts here.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Praying the Psalms- Psalm 77

Jenny is on a journey of praying her way through the Psalms.  I was fortunate enough to join at the start.  Each weekend, we pray through one psalm and post our prayer and/or meditations on that psalm as the Lord leads. Check out her journey and join us in Praying the Psalms.


Psalm 77
"Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: 
   the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; 
   yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 
I will meditate on all your works 
   and consider all your mighty deeds."  Psalm 77: 10-12
Yes, we can lament and grieve when we are confused, broken-hearted and feeling alone.   In the verses above, He also gives us the cure for this suffering.  So I keep counting and praying that I will remember the deeds of the Lord in times of pain and in doing so, allow Him to heal my heart.


Father, thank You for this psalm and for all Your instruction this week on how to navigate painful experiences and come out the other side of them stronger and firmly in Your hand.  I ask that You would cement these truths in my mind and bring them to remembrance by Your Spirit when I need them.  In Jesus; name, amen.


Friday, July 8, 2011

Praying the Psalms- Psalm 76

Jenny is on a journey of praying her way through the Psalms.  I was fortunate enough to join at the start.  Each weekend, we pray through one psalm and post our prayer and/or meditations on that psalm as the Lord leads. Check out her journey and join us in Praying the Psalms.

*Catching up on my Praying the Psalms meditations today.*

"From heaven you pronounced judgment, 
   and the land feared and was quiet— 
when you, O God, rose up to judge, 
   to save all the afflicted of the land. 
                         Selah

Surely your wrath against men brings you praise, 
   and the survivors of your wrath are restrained."  Ps 76: 8-10
Sometimes it takes His judgment to quiet us; His wrath to make us see His power.  Too often we rail against Him and His way; not even aware that we need Him to save us.  


As I read this psalm this morning I was reminded of an incident with my daughter at the pool a few days ago.  It was her first time riding on an inner tube on a lazy river. We were going to take this gentle ride together on a double tube.  We got into the shallow water and walked out with the tube into a crowd of people at the start of the ride.  As I lifted her on to the inner tube, she began to flail and squirm in panic.  I almost dropped her in the water several times as I struggled to get her safely in the tube and out of the large crowd and flow of the river.  The only choice I had was to be rough with her both in tone of voice and in physically getting her into the tube.  If she had continued to squirm and fight me, she was likely going to slip through the tube and under the water.  It was out of my love for her and concern for her well being that I reacted this way.


How often do I flail in panic at the circumstances of my own life?  But aren't they designed for my good out of His love and concern for me?  When the storm gets too big to fight any longer, that's when I am quieted- and saved.  And I am learning to bring Him praise for everything He allows.


Father, I pray that You would help me to remember that even Your judgment and wrath are for my good- to quiet me, to save me from myself, to teach me how to glorify You in all things and at all times.  Thank You for Your precious Word and for how You speak to me personally through it.  In Jesus' name, amen.



Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Praying the Psalms- Psalm 75

Jenny is on a journey of praying her way through the Psalms.  I was fortunate enough to join at the start.  Each weekend, we pray through one psalm and post our prayer and/or meditations on that psalm as the Lord leads. Check out her journey and join us in Praying the Psalms.


*I am a little behind so I hope to post my meditations on Psalm 75 and 76 this week to catch up.*


Psalm 75
   "We give thanks to you, O God, 
   we give thanks, for your Name is near; 
   men tell of your wonderful deeds."  Psalm 75: 1
Just about eighteen months ago, I made a decision to start counting His graces and give thanks for His daily gifts.  It's been a wonderful journey.  I've learned to slow down and see how He is working in my life- sometimes straining my eyes to see His daily graces and other times, not being able to write them down fast enough.  Throughout the journey, though, I've wondered (maybe even worried a bit) about how I might respond in a devastating circumstance.  Would I respond with the hard hallelujah as Ann calls it?  Would I give thanks in the midst of pain and suffering, simply because I know His Name is near?  


I do not know the answers to these questions.  However, I do know this- in the process of counting His gifts, I am training my heart to recognize His hand more readily and filling my mind with a command that weaves its way through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation- "give thanks to the Lord."  And so I trust that when trials come, this training will bear fruit, His Spirit will remind of the Truth and I will turn it all back to praise.


Father, I pray that You would continue to help me see Your graces in my life.  Help me to remember to give You thanks in all circumstances.  And when the trials of life rise up to swallow me, give me the strength to offer You that hard hallelujah.  Thank You, Lord, for this day and for all the opportunities before me as a mother, wife and friend.  Thank You for your love, mercy and faithfulness.  Go before me this day, I pray, in Jesus' name, amen.


Monday, July 4, 2011

Multitude Monday

Here are some of the things I was thankful for this week:
1273.  Starting Couch to 5 K
1274.  My oldest deciding he wants to "train" with me
1275.  Great behavior and attitudes from the all the kids at the track 3 times a week
1276.  Running with friends and family

1277.  Finishing up my last week as church secretary
1278.  So many kind comments from friends at church
1279.  Finishing up my PTO commitment at school

1280.  Our first international night at church
1281.  Our children agreeing to make a presentation
1282.  Yummy food from all over the world

1283.  A week at the beach with lots of family
1284.  Perfect weather every day
1285.  My sister's large beach house and yard with room for all 15 of us
1286.  Seven little cousins enjoying one another all week

You can read why I got started counting the gifts here.

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