Covenant Marriage By Gary Chapman

If you look along the left side bar, under the topic of "Marriage" you will find the book Covenant Marriage by Gary Chapman.  A few years ago I purposed to read a couple books a year in each category you see on the left for a couple reasons.  Firstly, admittedly, I don't know everything.  I am one of the biggest sinners on the face of the earth who is in need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ my Lord.  I need Him daily.  I can't do for myself what only He can do for me, so why not accept it and rest in that knowledge.



I had grown up in a traditional worldview mentality of marriage where if it is broke, just throw it away and try again.  People were looking out for themselves and not communicating with one another.  There were lots of hurt feelings, selfish accusations, and willingness to throw love away and move on to the next one.  Although it wasn't spoken, many of my relatives--grandparents during WW2, to my aunt who had many children-each with different fathers, to my own parents who between the 2 of them have been married 5 times.  Myself, I've been married twice.  With all the hurt and manipulation of my first marriage, I knew when I got married again that I wanted it to be for life.

I wanted marriage to last, but how when I didn't have the examples of what that looked like?  Where do I look?  There was only one problem--Where do I start and what is it called?  When I started looking around, in the past 17+ years, I'd found all kinds of books on 5 Love Languages, Venus and Mars, being a Powerful Praying Wife, Courtship, Respect and Love and the list continued.  While I had read all of those books, I just did not know or understand what it was that I had been seeking.  I was looking for something that was higher and greater than the traditional worldview of marriage--something more connecting, and spiritual.

When I started reading Covenant Marriage, I figured I would read a little bit each night and be done with it in a couple of weeks.  That was not the case.  There were times when I was just upset with my husband, not fully wanting to read, in a bad mood, had a stressful day and the excuses continued.  It wasn't until the past couple of weeks that life pretty much forced me to take a book with me to these appointments that I had to wait for an incredible amount of time for them to be completed, so I brought my books and my knitting.  I knitted until my carpal tunnel issues bothered me and stopped to read.  I found myself needing more with every chapter I read.  I was soaking up not just communication, but how I have not been so aware about myself before trying to communicate how I was feeling or what my own needs were.  This caused quite a few misunderstandings which could have been circumvented if I had just taken the time to read that book sooner.  Regardless, it was time to get moving on it.

Now I am on chapter 10 and I fully anticipate being completely through it by the end of this month, if not sooner.  I will update when I finish.  I promise.

Have you read this book?  Please share your thoughts on it!

God Bless,

What's Up?

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I've blogged!  I've certainly been busy and just plain filling my time with lots of lovely things to do.

We've had a couple birthdays--my sweet daughter's and mine.

She's decided she likes her hair red, so we dyed her hair last Sunday.

She loves it! :)

As for me, I've been reading and reading and reading when I get a free moment.  I finished Dave Ramsey's EntreLeadership book, I'm working on two more books for Sunday School and Wednesday night Bible Study, then in my free time, I'm re-reading Dating vs Courtship.  I am super excitedly waiting to be able to buy Trim Healthy Mama because I've heard so many good reviews/reports about it.  

I continue to look at curriculum and make note of things that I need to purchase and/or change about a few things in our home schooling.  That's one of the things I love about home schooling is the flexibility to stop where you are, switch gears, and go another direction.  Well, we're there now with our oldest son.  We need to do some rethinking, nothing major, but a different direction nonetheless.

We began our year at our home school group, called "Co-op".  For those of you who are not familiar with it, we meet twice a month.  Every parent volunteers to either teach or help in the variety of classes offered each year.  Every parent is placed on a "team" to help with the various extra duties that need to be tended to--like setting up and tearing down after our group has been at the church we meet at, communications team (newsletter--which I write...hence much of the reason I haven't blogged in a while), support team (much like nurturing the group through prayer and sending cards to those who need it, among other things), events team (field trips and performance night), academic team (standardized testing, academic fair and more), and I know there is more, but I can't remember.  Anyway...I get to teach the 8th grade Physical Science Lab which is based on the Apologia Physical Science curriculum.  I also get the privilege to help in the Kindergarten/First Grade Literature class.  I absolutely adore this age, so this is right up my alley!  Over all, with all the activity, by the end of the day I'm exhausted.  The kids on the other hand are needing some quiet time to process their day.  They're not exhausted like Mom, but they need some "down time" nonetheless.  This last Monday Mr. G had off work and had an absolutely TO DIE FOR scent wafting out to the driveway when we came home!  He made us a wonderful delectable pork roast with all the trimmings for dinner while we were gone.  He's definitely a keeper!

I have also finished the pieces to a Bolero I've been working on for my daughter.  I have to wash and block them, then sew them together and knit the edge ruffle.  I probably won't get to it until Monday since Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle A are coming for a couple of days over the weekend.  I'm not sure how long they will be here, but I'm hoping they'll be able to stay for a bit.  

I guess that's about it for now.  I'll leave you with this lovely picture of my daughter's beautiful flowers she grew from seed.  

I won't be canning any more for this season.  The deer decimated our garden, so my youngest decided to take the sickle to it.  Here are the culprits~

They brought all of their friends one evening!  We had 7 of them in the back yard!

Guess who is having lofty thoughts of building a nice fence next Spring?

Beginning our 12th Year of Home School

The beginning of our school year is in full swing.  We started our book work on Monday August the 5th with very light school and very low expectations.  I gave them only 2 days worth of school, but months ago we were planning to go camping and we've had to wait to see what new schedule my husband was getting since his promotion.  I just kept the original plan of 2 days of school in place and had them work at their own paces to get their feet whet for school this year.  Now that we have 2 full weeks of school under our belts, we're well on our way.

I've counted days for school since July 1st, however.  We've done tons of things that are education related like field trips, work, drama, VBS, consumer math, hospitality, among a host of other things.  Our "book work" began in August.  How can I "get away" with starting to count days on July 1st?  We live a lifestyle of learning every day.  Each thing we do establishes a learning opportunity.  Even though every day can be different, it is still bringing us learning experiences.

I have a Senior, a Sophomore and an 8th grader this year.  I have very little to help them with daily because they're independent learners now.  I check their work to see what they're having problems with, explain and teach when necessary with the older 2.  With my youngest I have a bit more to do, but it is decreasing with each passing year.

As much as I enjoy not having as much teaching time, it leaves me with time to sit on the front porch with my hubby talking, enjoying our coffee and doing our Bible study together.  It is such a blessed time for me to spend time with my husband studying the Bible together.

I didn't take "first day of school" pictures at all.  I use to do that, but it has fallen by the wayside this year.  I think it is just because our first day of school came and went without fanfare.  However, I do have a picture that I took with my phone of the 3 children together not too far from July 1st, at a wedding at the end of June.  =0)

From left to right:  JL(14), HJ(15), & Daniel(18)

My husband tells me that once our children turn 18, we can address them online by their first names.  Daniel just turned 18 on August 19th.  We took pictures when we woke him up, but I don't think he was ready to wake up.  LOL 

Needless to say, he and Mr. G continue to look for just the right car for him.  Of course it has to pass Mr. G's expectations.  Once he gets a car, he'll take his behind the wheel exam a second time.  He took it with our Suburban and when he parallel parked, the front driver's side corner was sticking our 6" too far and forgot to turn his blinker on once, so the tester failed him. :0(   Now, we wait until Daddy can find a car for him. =0)

This school year began with a rotating schedule for my husband.  Now that he's been promoted, he has regular predictable days off each week.  I've adjusted our school schedule to accommodate Daddy's days off so each of us can rest, have fun, and work together on a variety of things.  Since this is Daddy's 2nd week in his new position, it has left my kids a little out of sorts.  While we usually take Sundays off, rarely have we taken 2 days off in a row on a regular basis.  They were looking around and at times, wandering around wondering what they could do with themselves.  LOL

As time moves along here in the next week, we'll probably increase the amount of canning that we're doing with the tomatoes ripening.  We count canning time as school too.  I just remove their computer school work from the day so it doesn't "pile up" on them.  Young folks learning how to can the produce from the garden is important, so we integrate that in to our days in the late summer.

A life style of learning is something that has allowed us to not be encumbered by limiting our learning to just school times, but has expanded our learning to all parts of our lives.  Just this morning I left the weather loop on the computer for the kids to see when they came past.  Daniel found a map of water temperatures when upon closer inspection, they discovered where water currents are due to those currents being a different color.  

Life is full of learning experiences.  It encompasses each of our daily lives.  What a wonderful blessing, if we recognize those potential learning opportunities and embrace them with thankfulness.

July Fourth-Two-Thousand-Thirteen

I'm finding myself a bit melancholy lately.  I guess it probably doesn't help much that an upper level "Low" has stationed itself above us and is keeping the area cloudy with lots of rain and thunderstorms.

My work continues inside regardless of the weather, but when my work is done inside and it is raining outside, I've been looking on Google maps in preparation for our vacation next year.

I've looked at how to get to Dinosaur Park in Rapid City, SD so that my family can see what I use to see as a child from Skyline Drive while we enjoy a picnic lunch.  I love watching their faces when they see lovely and glorious things!

I've looked up a variety of campgrounds and I find myself faced with a difficult decision of which one to stay at for however many days for this stop or that stop.  I'll need to do the majority of the research, then present my findings to Mr. G to see what he'd like to do.  Here are a few that I've found:

Lake Park Campground--Located 30 minutes from Sturgis and 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore.

Days End Campground--Located in Sturgis.

Whistler Gulch Campground--Located in Deadwood.

Sleepy Hollow Campground--Located in Wall, SD.

I know he'd like to visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.  I'd like to see it as well since my great uncle Al was one of the founders since he use to live in Sturgis.  =0)

I'd love to take the family to Lead & Deadwood, SD to see where Black Hills Gold is mined.  My mother use to work in the gold mines when I was 8 years old, so it has a bit of historical significance for me.

Of course Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park would be visited. =0)

Why all these preparations now?

Every time I'm around a pine tree the scent of the Black Hills comes flooding back to my memories.  The west is calling me greatly.  The search on Google maps has brought me blue skies and glorious scenery of the west.  The memories of God's magnificent beauty and the experiences there--both good and bad--come flooding back to me.  I want to replace the bad with new memories, and I want to share those things with my beloved husband and my wonderful children.  I feel as if my time is running out with my kids at home and it is time to hasten the trip.

Does this seem unreasonable?  I don't think so.  Things like this are very attainable, if prepared for ahead of time and as many details worked out as possible, right down to the miles driven daily and planning how many times you'll go out to eat, adding 10-20% for tips.  Additionally, what foods you'll pack in the cooler, bottles of spring water to bring, right down to which rest stop you'll be at when you eat your sandwiches or salads.

I need to plan very well for this trip, for the sake of my husband, for the sake of my children, for my own sanity, right down to where and when we'll do our laundry.  Why so meticulous?

In the planning, there is peace.

Graduation

Although I do not have a graduate this year, I will have one next year.  This year, however, as a "Junior Mom", it is our privilege to serve the graduating seniors and their families for the graduation reception.  This is our first year of ever being a part of or taking part in graduation.  I don't know the schedule of events during the ceremony because I've never been to a graduation.  All that said, I'm greatly relying on a dear lady from our home school group whose son is graduating this year.  She's given me tips, hints and suggestions from her experience last year to help.  What a blessing!

With all of this graduation reception preparation, it is thrusting my mind and thoughts, whether I like it or not--on the inevitability of my oldest son's graduation next year.  I didn't want to think about it just yet, although we've worked toward that goal for years.  Right now I feel as if I'm in the thick of the school days' lessons up to my eyeballs to just keep things moving along.  How can it be that in just one year I will have a graduate myself?

It is a bittersweet realization.  It seems so very close, but yet so very far away still.  But, in the blink of an eye, it will be done.   Then he will be off to college for his first year.  Then it will be my daughter's turn, and my youngest.  I'm thankful for this time with my children.  What a blessing from God!  In the same token, with each step, the bittersweetness fills me.

I remember when...


Now the thoughts, preparations, and plans for the next season of our lives not just begin--but continue with greater clarity of mind, knowing the target for our arrows is for the glory of God.

As of Late...

Proverbs 1:2-9  

"To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,  (3)  to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;  (4)  to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth--  (5)  Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,  (6)  to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.  (7)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.  (8)  Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,  (9)  for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck."

I love to learn. My learning since college has taken such unforeseen twists and turns and I've ended up teaching knitting and crocheting to some young ladies the past 2 years.  What a lovely time I've had!  

Job 28:28  

And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"

I've learned so very much in college, but honestly, I've learned more useful true to life skills by studying books, reading articles, and watching videos to learn what I wanted to know.   I enjoyed college, but I truly was "forced" in to taking classes with professors I did not like.  When the only professor available is that "one" professor, and you want to graduate at a certain time, you have to do what you have to do.  I took the class and received a B by just barely getting by, but only because I had to.  No, I did not work to the best of my ability, I shamefully admit.  However, the way around dealing with professors who do not have one's own interest at heart is to attempt something else.

I've found that self directed education is a wonderful tool.  If you've seen the book list along the left side of my blog, you'll see that there is a huge list of books with a variety of topics ranging from gardening to education and marriage to spiritual growth.  On my life's path, these are topics that have come to my attention that I need to study.  It is only with conviction of heart and soul that I currently study the topics along the side.  Once things become needful, it's time to gain knowledge and understanding. 

Proverbs 3:5-6  

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  (6)  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

I've looked in to returning to college to finish my degree.  I've gathered my transcripts, searched out reciprocal teaching laws for the state certifications, searched out costs of colleges in Georgia, Liberty University for online courses as well as a local University.  I've prayed and sought out counsel from my dear husband.  Now I'm letting it be for a while.  If the Lord so desires for me to finish my degree, then He will make it abundantly clear, providing for the way.  If not, then I will take that as a closed door and that the Lord has something else in store for me.  

Plans for my husband's retirement are in full swing and finishing my degree is but a small part, if the Lord so desires.  If it isn't His will, then he will open a door to go a different direction.  It's always His way of doing things, I've found.  His way always turns out to be the best way.  The hardest part is the waiting.

In reading the most recent Above Rubies Magazine, I found an article titled "Success Without College" that looked intriguing.  There is a book recommendation called Chucking College by Melanie Ellison.  I'm getting ready to read the excerpt and discuss it's merits with my hubby.  I haven't read the whole article yet, but I will read it this evening.  If you've read it already, please feel free to post your thoughts in the comments! 

Books! Books!!!! BOOKS!!!!!!!

How I love reading books!  No, I don't mean a Kindle or a Nook nor an ebook. 

This is one of MANY bookshelves we have currently.  Some need replaced....well, I should say most of them need replaced.  They've been extremely loved and well worn. 

This is generally what my side tables look like where I sit.  I always have papers to grade, calendars to write stuff down in and books with tons of research to do.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  My job is the most wonderful job in the world--Wife, Mother, Teacher, Home Keeper, Child of God.  It is a job that I love with all my heart and soul.  Why would I not want to learn about things that would help those I love, things I love to do and a God I love to serve?  :)  Love makes you do things you wouldn't think of doing one year and the next year, you find yourself eye brow deep in researching something for the greater benefit of someone you love.