For the Love of Home

When the whole house is affected by sickness, things are run differently.  When the ones who are in charge of taking care of the majority of the clean up are sick, that means Mom has lots more to do.  When one who carries most of the pet responsibilities is out of town for 2 weeks, while the other 2 are sick, Mom has lots more to do, and a very busy time!

I must confess, I have delegated much of the household chores to my kids.  Let me rephrase that, "I have delegated most of the household chores to the young adults in the household."  It is something they are responsible to do regardless because "that's what adults do".  If they lived on their own, they'd be responsible for doing things regardless anyway.  When they were sick, they took Motrin, Acetaminophin, Naproxen, (Not all at the same time) or whatever else they could find to help feel better.  When they started feeling better, they took care of their basic responsibilities.  When they started not feeling well again and dogs needed let out, walked, fed/watered, or the cat cared for, I took care of that along with my own responsibilities.  The walking of the dog was when whomever felt well enough to do so since I'm under Dr's orders not to walk "for now."

I have slathered myself with Essential Oils to keep the sickness away from me because I don't like being sick and I'm going to have surgery on my knee this Tuesday.  (Since I've written this on Sunday and scheduled this to be posted on Tuesday, you'll probably read this after I've been through surgery and home already.)  I would love to be able to make sure it gets done Tuesday.  If it doesn't get done, it gets pushed off until I am better.  I'm tired of not being able to walk around the block, for exercise or for pleasure.  I love to walk, be out in God's creation and pray as I walk.  This is where I use to walk in Pennsylvania~

This lovely road curved to the right and went on and on.  I poured out my heart to the Lord on this road.  It felt good to walk, pray, and let the tears fall as I gave everything over to God.  I always came home feeling much better about whatever was bothering me.  The kids and I loved to take bikes down, walk, roller blade or canoe along this road.  My Mr. G and I use to walk meandering down this road just holding hands.  Occasionally, he took the kids inner tubing or canoeing down the river that runs by this road.  If we could find a lovely country road much like this one that runs along a lovely river here in Georgia to replace this, or something similar, I would love it!  

I've always loved being outside in God's creation.  I've had dreams of going back to South Dakota, Wyoming, and the Rocky Mountains to hike and maybe ride horses again.  I find myself longing for the west.  I do have family out west, so I know I can go see them any time.  I just yearn for the open fields, wide open skies, trees, and wild flowers.  Horseback riding cannot happen right now until I loose more weight (hence the reason this surgery is so important--so I can get to walking again and loosing more weight!).  I need to get the disc in my back checked before I do that type of activity anyway (it ruptured in 2002).  The kneeling in the garden or flower bed has ceased, for now.  The kneeling by my bed has ceased for now too.  It has been replaced with being seated, for now while I talk with my Lord numerous times in a 24 hour period.  

I'm just trying to keep myself well.

Additionally, a week and a half after my surgery, we're going to be blessed with a new puppy.  For 15 years I've prayed for a Golden Retriever puppy.  I've wanted one even longer, at least since I was a young girl.   I remember many friends who have had dogs and I love the breed.  I remember just simply starting to pray about the time my kids were little just to have a good friendly breed for my kids.  In the mean time, we trained the dogs we did have to be good friendly dogs.

I absolutely love God's timing with all of this.  My Dr tells me that after the surgery, the only physical therapy I'll need is to just walk.  Go figure!  So, after I get through surgery, I'll begin simply by just walking around my house for the first 2 days.  I'll try outside in the driveway first, then venture around on the road, building up to being able to walk more, a few feet/steps at a time.  Then when we have our new puppy, she'll walk with me as a type of therapy.  I'll need to walk, she'll need to walk, so it's a win-win situation.  God is awesome!  He's worked all this out wonderfully! 

While I am recovering, much of my daily responsibilities will be tweaked a little.  I know that my kids will pick up much of what I do, with a couple exceptions.  My hubby will pick up the other stuff with things specifically just for me to do.  I know I'll be doing more knitting and crocheting with a wee bit of sewing thrown in as well.  But, that's all good.  I love my home, taking care of everyone in it, loving on everyone and all the furry family too, no matter if I'm laid up or not.  When I am forced to sit more, it helps me to be able to be available to talk with my young folks.  They are around the living room more and they're talking with each other more.

Home...what a blessing! 

Summer Before Summer Time and Open Invitation

The past few weeks we have been enjoying temperatures in the upper 80's to mid/upper 90's.  I'm told this continues well in to September.

I know this sounds very difficult to many, but for us these temperatures are lovely.  Some days when we walk outside it is humid, but not so oppressively humid as we had experienced in Pennsylvania.  Even on the hottest, most humid days here, it doesn't last long.

Everyone's gardens are well established; their yards are manicured; they are adjusting their schedules to get their yard work done super early in the mornings.  Then there are those of us from Pennsylvania who, although we've adjusted our schedules too, continue to struggle getting the young folks to understand getting their yard work done early is the best thing they can do for themselves.  I have to laugh though.  In Pennsylvania we always did yard work after 10AM due to allergies.  Here it done long before 10AM because the temperatures could be 85+ degrees by then.  They are learning and they are understanding more of the "why" now after a couple days of needing to finish a project.

This is our house last August, before we moved.  It looks a little different now with things trimmed and the grass mowed.

The swimming pool has been open and (giving us fits) being used daily.  The previous owners were not able to care for the pool and after getting the water tested we've found that it has Mustard Algae in it.  We are having a difficult time getting it cleaned off the side walls due to the toughness of this particular algae.  We've done everything suggested and continue to do everything suggested,but the algae doesn't go away.  I'm not sure what the solution is, but I'm not going to worry about it because that's my husband's department.  I don't know much about pools.  I go out and skim every other day for half an hour before I swim.  I'll do whatever is asked of me other than that, but I have no experience or understanding of pool care.  My Mr. G has worked in this area about 23 years ago, so this is his arena.  My area is inside the house.  

You can't see it in this picture, but the deep end has a lot of mustard algae.

Looking to the south on historic state route 41

My husband is a shutter bug.  He loves taking pictures of clouds and weather formations as they come across the land.  He's done this for years.  When he hears of some awesome storms rolling in, he heads out with the camera as you can see in the above picture.  :)  Now he has me doing it!  LOL

I walked out of a W*lmart neighborhood store and found this!

The Lord met me at the door with this beautiful sky when I walked out of the store.  I stopped and took the picture while everyone around me looked at me funny.  It's ok.  I enjoy stopping and taking pictures of the beauty God blesses me with.

As we continue our new lives here in Georgia, the learning curve is still there, still steep at times, but still there.  We are adjusting, adapting, improvising, overcoming obstacles and making changes as needed.  The Lord has been so very good to us.  We've had some obstacles that has caused us to question whether or not we're supposed to be here, but the Lord has brought us reminders many times over that "Yes!" we're supposed to be here, right where He's brought us.  We greatly miss our Pennsylvania friends, church family, work friends and the area and life we knew.  We are working currently to make a place for guests to stay when they come this direction, even just for over night.  We're only a mile off the interstate, so it's very easy to get to our house.  Those of you who are traveling south are more than welcome to stop by for dinner, over night, or just stop and stretch your legs and visit for a bit.  We have lots of room!

God Bless,

Little Weeds

The newly established flower bed as seen from the front porch.  I have Shasta Daisies, Lavendar, Hybiscus, Irises, and some other small flowers that I can't remember their names, but they're perennials.

This wonderful new flower bed has given me fits with the little weeds that have popped up over time.  I know that with more mulch and pulling weeds more often, this flower bed would do much better.

Isn't that always the way it is with our own lives as well?  Give us more "quality" food and pull the "little weeds" and we'll grow exponentially.  I don't know about you, but my "Miracle Grow" comes in the spiritual form.  In the past 2 weeks, I've had the awesome pleasure to worship in Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA as well as First Baptist Church of Clarion, PA.  Both places were filled with spiritual food beyond anything one would begin to hope or desire.

But what about the daily "weeds" that spring up?  I love to garden.  I love to compare any portion of life to gardening because it really hits home and many people can understand the meaning of what you're trying to say when comparing it to gardening.  I love that Jesus made many word pictures for those he taught in the Bible with gardening symbols.  One of my personal favorites is in John 15.

John 15:1-9

(1)  "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

(2)  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

(3)  Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

(4)  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

(5)  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

(6)  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

(7)  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

(8)  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

(9)  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

I love how the Lord directs us to remain in His love just like the branch is remaining in the vine.  What about the "little weeds?"  

The little weeds, much like the ones you see in my picture above are sin.  Sinful thoughts, deeds, words, against our bodies, our husbands, our children, parents, anyone really, are what those little weeds represent.  Much like "little foxes" spoiling the vinyard.

 Song of Solomon 2:15

  "Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom."

Although the little foxes are full of mischief and want to eat all the good luscious fruits off the vine, we can compare little foxes that spoil the vinyard to weeds as well.  When a vinyard hasn't been tended to, it gets spoiled with wild and sour grapes.  

Proverbs 6:6-11

(6)  Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

(7)  Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,

(8)  she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.

(9)  How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?

(10)  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

(11)  and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Once again, the Lord uses not just gardening, but also the example of an ant in how to work hard without being told in the appropriate season for the work given.  So should each of us work in each season as the Lord has given us to prepare for our families' needs, weeding out the "little weeds" as we go along.

How do we weed out the sin in our lives? 

When a weed takes root, it is much easier to remove when it is little.  If we allow the weed to get larger, the roots will have taken hold and are much more difficult to remove and once visibly removed, the roots could grow back.  

Keeping ourselves 24/7 in the word of God, worshiping always, praying on our knees always--ignoring the needs of our family is not what we are called to be doing.  In my own opinion, we need to be taking our walk and relationship with the Lord much further, talking of God's goodness, having a thankful heart and mind throughout our daily lives, while giving, working, and learning and growing together with other family members.  It is important to share with one another, to talk and encourage one another and at times, help one another to remove the little weeds of sin by willingly being accountable to one another with our own weaknesses.  

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul 

and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be 

on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk 

of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when

 you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, 

and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the 

doorposts of your house and on your gates." 

(Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

I think this is the key, "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when  you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."  as well as "and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes."  It is imperative for us as "weeders of the garden" to be deliberate in our lives, gain a vision for what our lives would be like if we continue diligently weeding, then think of what it would like if we did NOT diligently weed with consistency and deliberateness.  I shudder to think what my life would be without deliberate consistency.  Most days I fall and fail with some weeds, but the next day they are right there staring me in the face, needing attention with that same deliberate consistency.

How about you?  How do you handle those weeds?

God Bless,

Finding Peace and Joy in the Finality of God's "No"

For 15 years I begged God for more children.  I asked Him to perform miracles of the most personal kind so that I would be able to bear more children.  I pleaded with my husband to get a reversal.  We'd lay in bed at night with his shoulder soaked with my tears when he'd hold me after telling me "No."  I walked by mirror after mirror each day during my daily work and silently pray for the Lord to fill my tummy with a dear sweet babe.

Years and years would go by and my prayers continued, but eventually there was a point when they changed to something like, "Oh Lord, how I would love for You to fill my tummy with the movings of a babe."  "Oh Lord, fill my tummy with a babe, please."

...please...

Then my prayers themselves changed.

October 8, 2012

Although I am grading papers here, I remember this time vividly because it was the time when I changed my prayers to pleading for the eternal life of my husband.  I had been praying for my husband all along, but things with him got so very difficult. It was a terrible time.

Once he left for work, I sat in my chair and cried and prayed every day.  Some days I went upstairs to our bedroom and lay prostrate on the floor and weep, sobbing and praying for the eternal life of my husband.  I was a single parent.  I was alone.  We not only were unequally yolked, I was carrying the yolk of the burden of the entire house alone.  I not only wanted his companionship, but a willing partnership, but at that time in our lives, he was not able to give that.  He succumbed to the increased stress and pressure at work.  Instead of finding the peace and respite at home, he looked at his responsibilities at home as added stress and buried himself in the numerous video games to lose himself.

It was during this time that my prayers for more babies changed.  I told God that He could use me, take my own life if need be to get through to my husband.  My appeals for help and time were not getting through to him.  Only God could deal with him.

I gave up the desire for more children for the eternal life of my husband.

Once I did, God worked wonderfully in the life of my husband.  Through a series of events, my husband gave his life to Christ on December 30, 2012.

January 9, 2013

While things haven't been "peaches and cream" since then, like cheese and wine, 

things get better with age. 

I began noticing problems with my menstruation not long after this.  After about a year, I noticed things lengthening each month and things changed in appearance.  I felt myself identifying with the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment.  I went to get blood tests done every 6 months to keep track of my A1C and fasting blood sugars, cholesterol, triglycerides and iron.  While everything seemed fine, the Dr noticed my iron levels were lower than normal.  She suggested an iron supplement, but I requested being able to increase the iron through my diet instead.  I have other problems with regard to iron supplements, so she reluctantly agreed.  After 6 months of increasing the iron rich foods, my iron levels were even lower. Something else was wrong.

During this time I felt God working on my heart to let go.  I felt myself drawn to foster kids, orphans and family groups of children who have been left mother and fatherless.  Their beautiful faces spoke to my heart and continue to do so.  Every picture I prayed over, every child so very precious needing a home and I wish it were mine.  I spoke to God about how I knew His word talked of taking care of widows and orphans and that He would place the orphan in a family.   I asked God to give my husband a love and a heart for orphans--family groups especially--so that we could partner with God and care for His children, the orphans.  My heart already is one that would welcome a family group of any size to our home.  

I have eagerly soaked up every adoption story with such interest and much like a sponge to glean information about anything we may eventually encounter.  It doesn't matter if it were an international or local adoption I was reading about.  I have been enraptured by their story.

So with all of this heart preparation on my behalf, with diminished energy, tiredness, and simply unable to function after a very busy day--to be the pendulum that while it didn't make me depressed, but just desiring to care of my family.

October 18, 2014

It was approximately this time that I realized after 6 months of keeping my family Dr "in the loop," I decided to talk with her about the bleeding more at length.  She made the suggestion that I make an appointment with an OB/Gyn.  While telling my husband about my appointment, I mentioned that I thought a hysterectomy was probably in my future.  He agreed and said I was probably right.

To my dismay, after an ultrasound and finding out the results, the surgery was scheduled almost a month and a half away.  I just wanted to get it over with.  The week after Christmas would have been wonderful timing for me, but it wasn't in God's plan.  I decided to get to work on the house at that time, but that wasn't in God's plan either.  I don't know if you can see in the picture above, but I'm very tired.  Being tired, maintaining the very basics of every day life, doing just what needed to be done was all I could do.  Plus shortly after Christmas another thing slowed us down--everyone came down with fevers, coughs, runny noses, losing our voices and just sleeping.  When my daughter got well enough, I started training her on extra stuff--specifically mine--to prepare for when I was out of commission.  

Monday came and I was so very ready to not be tired any more.  I was ready for surgery.  God prepared me for this, to say good bye to my baby carrying years, but to say hello to what comes next.

When I came out of recovery, I was famished!  I had not eaten since the day before at breakfast.  They brought me ice chips straight from heaven.  The breathing tube they put down my throat made my throat so sore!  I came home by 5PM!  My hubby went back to town to get some things from the store for me and my daughter had already prepared meatballs for us.  I was still so hungry, so I asked my hubby to bring me a big cheeseburger.   I was famished!  I felt energized though!  I felt the difference in my body.  I felt sore, yes, but I felt good!  

February 7, 2015

So this week, after my surgery, my husband has truly been my hero, ironing out so many issues I've had with our imperfect cherubs, while I happily sit this out, resting.  I'm praising God for answering my prayer to reclaim the years the locusts have taken.  There is more time, but it's coming along.  God is good.  I'm feeling better each day.  I am looking forward to our move with greater peace.  Getting taxes done is the next on the "to do" list.  We have some wonderful money saving plans for our move that my husband has shared with me that are absolutely genius!  I am so thankful and that brings me peace and joy.  God has answered my prayers in such a different way than I ever thought, just by saying, "No."  

Love & God Bless,

When I Can Work

I have grandiose plans to declutter, paint and pack away bunches of books, decorations and just generally get much more organized than I am now after Christmas.  My own grandiose plans have come to a roadblock of sorts.  I have entered pre-menopause and my menses are changing, lengthening up to 14 days causing a drastic lowering of my iron levels.  When that happens, nothing can stop me from taking a nap, out of sheer exhaustion.  I can sit in my chair to rest from my work and in 5 minutes be sleeping.

I have increased iron rich foods to be best of my ability.  I cannot, however, ingest sardines or organ meat.  I have been in contact with my doctor as well as an OB/GYN to pursue the next step which right now is an ultrasound.  We need to find out if there are any fibroid tumors growing inside my uterus or any abnormalities.  If there are, then we'll likely go in for a hysterectomy.  If there are no abnormalities, I'll likely go in for an ablation.  In the mean time, I do what is needful, then rest.  I need to accept this season of my life for what it is--a chance to grow the response of my kids, growing them to understand what it means to be an adult--to take the responsibility for getting things done without being asked; to step up and just get things done.

As my dear friend, Cheryl at copperswife.com says, we must "hold our plans loosely."  And so, as I release the expectations I have for myself, the plans I have for my time after Christmas is over, and simply rest, I know that I can rest in the knowledge that this is His plan for me just for now.

God Bless,

Beautifully Productive Busy Days

Watching my young folks rock climb at Seneca Point....while holding my water bottle...can't forget that!  LOL

Thursday began with making breakfast for the family.  A breakfast of Momma's "everything" scrambled eggs is always yummy.  Well received is another story since a couple folks have a sensitivity to eggs.  I give them the option of trying them or not.  If they feel like it for that morning, that's great.  If not, they won't hurt my feelings.  I don't make that type of breakfast very often.  Usually we have yogurt, egg rolls, or cottage cheese for breakfast with an occasional weekly oatmeal thrown in for good measure.

At the breakfast table we read the daily chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the date which moved rather nicely to our Civics lesson in God and Government.  We discussed and looked up scripture which supported the sovereignty of God.

After kitchen clean up was finished, the oldest got on to his schoolwork on the computer while the other two registered and began their Civil Air Patrol training online.

I started working on lunch which was hamburgers and a black bean, mexican diced tomato, olive and purple onion type of salsa.  Everyone but me had sandwich rounds for their "bun."  I didn't have a bun because I'm working very diligently to eradicate wheat from my diet (more on that later...ask me about it some time and I'll be glad to share).

After lunch was put away, we had to scoot out the door to take HJ, our daughter, to a Young Ladies' Book Club that was formed by one of the lovely young ladies in our home school group.  They are reading one classic a month and coming together to "report" on the chapters they were assigned.  It's usually 3 chapters, so the work isn't all that much.  They'll be having a sleep over and watching the movies that correspond to the books they've read and discussing the differences between the books and movies.  I love the opportunity for her to do this type of thing with these young ladies.

While HJ was at her Book Club, the young men and I went to the bank, then to Aldi's to get our snacks, produce, and some cheese.  They're going to a friend's house for an overnight stay and they're taking snacks to share.

Once those errands were completed, my wonderful chauffeur drove us back to pick up HJ.  We waited for about 45 minutes for her because we were done with our errands quickly.  During that time the young men read their Civil Air Patrol chapter on Leadership while I knitted on this head band.  We had an interesting discussion about Country Music, whether many are ballads, poetry or both; vs Christian Music and that  Momma no longer listens to Country/Pop/Rock Music because of the immoral messages those music types portray.  Because we're getting to an age with our young folks where they are beginning to challenge our reasons for doing things, we give more explanations for things, and we welcome those challenges.  When we discuss how things use to be when we were young, we are able to share our story of God's grace in our lives; how we're convicted to make changes and find peace when we do; because we're choosing to live a life that fills our days with listening to music that fills our ears and hearts with the love and grace of God.  That explanation was not only true for both my husband and I, but also so simply accepted that the challenge became simple acceptance.  What a blessing!

After HJ was finished, we went to Good Will to see if we could find some PT (Physical Training) shorts for the young folks for CAP.  There were no shorts suitable for them there, but HJ and I were able to find some clothes for ourselves. :0)  I found 2 nice long sleeved shirts, a corduroy skirt and a denim skirt.  It has been so very long since I've been able to find anything at Good Will that I just quit trying.  Then they rearranged their clothing racks by size and I can now find clothes!  It's amazing!  LOL

On those days when we're in town, waiting for the next thing to happen, we're trying to fill the time in between.  We decided to go have McChicken sandwiches for dinner.  I paid for all the sandwiches, while the kids paid for their own fries and/or drinks.  As hoped, having the young folks pay for their own stuff has caused them to become more careful about how they spend their money.  What a wonderful "natural" beneficial effect of giving them more responsibility for purchasing their own things!  None of them purchased french fries, but bought their own desired drinks.  Why didn't they buy fries?  They're weighing the benefits of having their drink of choice vs a smaller drink and french fries.  They're learning the value of the dollar!  Woohoo!  This is just one small way they're learning.  They are buying a portion of their own clothes and a few things for CAP and making them do this is causing them to rethink how they spend their money.  What a blessing!

While we ate our dinner, we discussed the rest of the month's activities, watched the news and talked.  Once we were finished, it was time for choir practice.  This week we had more people for choir which was such a blessing!  I love it when everyone is at choir practice.  It brings everything together and sounds so very beautiful!  I am praying for more gentlemen to join the choir so that my young men will not be alone singing their bass parts.  I know there are at least 3 more men, but honestly, we could use more.

The laughter and fun experienced when singing in the choir is spirit filled and exciting to my soul.  I know I say this often, but perhaps not often enough, I am so blessed!  God has placed me in this church with these brothers and sisters in Christ to serve Him, and serve I will, with every fiber of my being.  I've loved singing in the choir for so many years, it is hard to count.  I sang in 6th grade choir in Rapid City, SD with 1500 kids and I was hooked!  Every possible opportunity I've had since that time, I've tried to sing in a choir, regardless of public school, youth group, or church.  I'd love for my own children to experience the thrill of singing songs to God at the top of your lungs with many others who have the same love for God.  The experience is absolutely awesome!  I'm sure we've been so close to heaven's marvelous chorus on numerous occasions!

The exhilarating thrill coursing through my spirit stays with me for a very long time after practice, on the way home and well in to the evening.

What a God-blessed time of fellowship and singing praises to Him to round out a busy day!

Praise God!

In Him,

Peace and Quiet

After a long, busy, rainy, frustrating day, I'm in my bed next to my sleepy hubby.  I have the radio playing our favorite station   (click the link and listen) and all is quiet.  

The dishes have been done, for the most part--except the hot casserole dish still on the stove.  It can wait until tomorrow.  The stove, counters and table have been wiped and the clean dishes put away.  These are the children's chores each meal time.  It continues in a seemingly never ending round.  One would figure that since it is predictable, there wouldn't be much fuss.  It's expected, so what's the big deal?  Well, amazingly it is a big deal.  I hear things like, "Why am I always the first one everyone looks at when it's time to get the kitchen chores done?"  To which I usually reply, "Because everything hinges on whether or not the clean dishes are put away."  They are finding that their jobs are integral to the greater running of the household.  Everyone is important.  

Most of the time there is peace, some teasing, laughter and play.  Other times there are melt downs where Mom or Dad have to step in and nip attitudes in the bud.  I'm sure, dear readers, things are much the same in your homes.  

More recently, however, our home has taken on a challenging time where one of our children is showing increasingly more depression, anxiety, rigidity, judgement on everyone around them and the world, stoicism, loosing track of time, staring off in to space for a time instead of doing school work, disappearing to the basement to just sit and mull over the ills of the world and the list continues.  

These idiosyncrasies have only surfaced more since my husband was saved in December.  We are dumbfounded and lost at times.  This truly has thrown us and our other two children in to a tailspin wondering where the other child gets these "off the wall" hurtful thoughts in response to the harmless banter between them, or something this child has mulled over from 2+ years ago.  Forgiveness is a foreign concept, mercy and grace as well.

This young person has been counseling with our pastor, but we've become keenly aware that we need to take said child's treatment to another level.  (No judgement please)  We need a diagnosis so we know how to better help this young person.  

If we come to your mind, would you please shoot a couple prayers up on our behalf?  We've had an impression that something like this was there all along, but the incidents now are too frequent to shake them off as coincidence any longer.  

Needless to say, sitting here in my bed listening to praise music is just the kind of peace that this tired Momma needs for the sake of quieting my soul.  Today has been busy and stressful.  Tomorrow looks to be the same, but in a different way.  

With all of this we continually praise the Lord!

He gives us more than "WE" can handle 

just so we can lean in to Him MORE!  

New Schedules

Ephesians 5:15-16 

So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise,  

(16)  making the best use of your time because the times are evil.

Today the whole family is looking at their schedule and use of time to make the best use of their own time.  We're hoping to instill self motivation and accountability.

Home School Discipline

I don't have all the answers.  I don't have every experience for every possible child.  I do have experience based on my own children.  Do I have frustrations?  Of course!  Do my kids have weaknesses?  Yes!  I have weaknesses as well.

One of the biggest things I struggle with right now is when to hand over accountability for work done or not done to them?  I am so very certain that this is the time of my children's lives where they show not only how much they know, but blatantly show their weaknesses as well as MY flaws.

I love my kids deeply.  I so need to step back and let them reap the benefits or detriments of their life's choices whether it is a good use of their time or not.

It comes right down to--obedience to me as a parent, respecting my position as authority in their lives, and whether or not they're going to respond to my assignments for them.  If their choice is to disobey and disrespect me, then there needs to be consequences in place that would help them realize they need to obey and respect me in my God given role as their parent.

Ephesians 6:1-3  

Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do.  

(2)  "Respect your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise added:  

(3)  "so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land."

This means every child, not just mine, who needs to be obedient and respectful to their own parents.

This is what every parent struggles with at some point in time or another.  It doesn't matter what the circumstance or the situation, if the child is disobeying or disrespectful [however you decide that in your own home], it needs to be handled swiftly.

Proverbs 19:18  

"Discipline your children while they are young enough to learn. 

If you don't, you are helping them destroy themselves."  (ISV)

Mr. G's Classroom

This is a very picture heavy post, so please forgive me.  

This morning was the perfect weather to go to the hunting range with all of our young hunters.  Everyone, except me, shot the guns.  I just shot the camera.  LOL  

This is Mr. G's classroom.

I took this picture seconds before she shot and her shoulder just might be bruised from this one.  Mr. G told her at this point that she needed to change her stance, but she didn't realize how she was standing.  I took the camera over so she could see what he meant.

Then she did this.  Her shoulder felt MUCH better after changing her stance.

Collecting the targets (Sorry...things are out of order since I had to change the camera's batteries.)

Walking back from putting up the targets.

Handsome Mr. G sporting his yearly full beard for the season, although it was balmy warm 67 degrees out this morning.

I just love Pennsylvania.  Everything is beautiful!  

You know that verse, "train up a child in the way they should go?"  Well, ever since they were little, everywhere we went we would tell them to follow Daddy.  Now, it just comes naturally.

Don't worry, although she's a hunter now, she's still as sweet as pie. :0)  I cannot wait to hear stories of her gutting her own deer. :0)

The youngest hunter.  Heaven help us if all 4 of them get their deer this year.  I'll be calling ya all to see if you need any venison because my freezers will be packed!