tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8643709743820117222024-03-12T22:32:23.566-06:00Popsicles on the PorchMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-28260958187504005992011-06-15T12:52:00.006-06:002011-06-15T14:22:43.666-06:00What are we saying to our daughters.....<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0U8-mitRhQG2PfXYZzUfqoSoKkGPYgboSC-JnZQYbbZqLK4D3fNrq20IEuTr_HTwJxoFE-iHkaLosOqGuCARwHEvDlz3c3sRRcbCMKtqAdJ3D30b6NQxer-flTZQqOLRSVfShe3cJVp9/s1600/little+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0U8-mitRhQG2PfXYZzUfqoSoKkGPYgboSC-JnZQYbbZqLK4D3fNrq20IEuTr_HTwJxoFE-iHkaLosOqGuCARwHEvDlz3c3sRRcbCMKtqAdJ3D30b6NQxer-flTZQqOLRSVfShe3cJVp9/s320/little+girl.jpg" width="232" /></a>I overheard the girls talking with one another the other day….one tells the other, “you know, little girls don’t have hair underneath their arms. Mommies do, so they need to shave because girls aren’t suppose to have hair on their arms.”</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Ooohh…that’s gross!”~the other chimes in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Interesting that this conversation also took place the same week that another asked me why I shave my legs and curiously asked me if she could one day shave her legs too. “Sure, one day” I replied. That answer seemed to satisfy her curiosity, so we left it at that.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Innocent questions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, after reading <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/09/human-barbie-boob-job-voucher_n_873705.html">this</a> shocking and disturbing article it got me thinking about the messages we might unknowingly send to our captivated little girls who are watching mommy and forming their own ideas about what a woman's body "should" look like.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My first thought after reading this article was, “are you kidding me! A boob job is one thing, but giving a gift certificate for a FUTURE boob job to a 7 year old who hasn’t even hit puberty…absurd!!! What is she thinking?” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While it’s so easy to judge this mom, as I thought about what must have been going through her mind, I had a shift of emotions. I went from outrage to anger to sadness. This poor mom must have a very low view of self, so much so that she is passing on her own insecurities to a daughter who hasn’t even lived long enough to develop yet. It’s really sad when you think about it. <br />
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While most of us might find this mother's actions very disturbing, it did get me thinking about the negative self images we all carry in one form or another and how we may be<u> </u><i><u>unconsciously</u></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>passing those on to our girls….something to really think about.<br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-64612673576695833392011-06-10T09:10:00.001-06:002011-06-10T09:11:43.656-06:00Date Night (4 Kids Later)As our family grows, date night looks a little different these days. We're learning how to be a little more intentional and creative in order to get a little more "quality time"... our primary love language. <br />
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</div><div>We've learned this works best when we let the kids in on our plans and explain to them that mommy and daddy are going to have a "date night" at home together. Initially, there used to be protesting, but now the girls really seem to get excited about daddy taking mommy on a date -- even if it is just to the living room! While the boys have no clue of what's going on, Tim really does such a wonderful job of explaining how important it is for mommy and daddy to have some grown up time together. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So here's what it may look like.......The kids are all bathed, have eaten and are all tucked in bed by 8:00pm. The girls are able to stay up a little later and love to camp out in their room together. We help them have their own movie experience complete with popcorn and candy providing they stay in their room while mommy and daddy have their date. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V4JxVspW1ASzyidPjm0h4x-juKPynsFHmj0mPSC0YROf3_5sgHcQKujDjwwwy-tzWHyf-tliXUaVhlVClxD7rsEDrph7zLa25zvkw2soab_v1xJbGnr_iy3PCbgjLVl-gOScHpYrusBS/s1600/backporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V4JxVspW1ASzyidPjm0h4x-juKPynsFHmj0mPSC0YROf3_5sgHcQKujDjwwwy-tzWHyf-tliXUaVhlVClxD7rsEDrph7zLa25zvkw2soab_v1xJbGnr_iy3PCbgjLVl-gOScHpYrusBS/s320/backporch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>On occasion, Tim fires up the grill and we have a low lit dinner on the porch followed by a movie we've been wanting to see. </div><div><br />
</div><div>We haven't gotten into the whole Netflix thing yet, but I am a little curious about it, so if you use it, what has your experience been? </div><div><br />
</div><div>The other night we watched Country Strong with Gwyneth Paltrow and Garret Hedlund. I was a little reluctant to watch it, but you can't really go wrong with Gwyneth Paltrow....she's such a great actress. </div><div><br />
</div><div>While the movie did not disappoint, what I loved most was the movie soundtrack. Gwyneth did a great job and I absolutely loved Garret's deep piercing voice. I'd never really heard of Leighton Meester either, but am slowly becoming a fan. ; ) </div><div><div><br />
</div><div>Needless to say, the Country Strong Soundtrack is on repeat around the Barosh home these days. Here is my favorite, <b>"Timing is Everything"</b> followed closely by "<b>Give in to Me"</b>.</div><div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Give in to Me"</b></div><div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>What are some creative ideas you and your spouse have come up with for dating? </b></i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-45210604955131090492011-04-27T08:30:00.002-06:002011-04-27T08:42:20.899-06:00Pruned to Bloom<div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT4ewXvhrxmiPTg4zZ6TLsApOLS-H2-D2AFZDF5Mq6vq2bS0IjYoXNBisKX5YyYFQBryY-rJuCGIIN0fNRJcGbqJuBn-TVD0nRWoNx9NqYNH8XK8Xz02Fls7YbfWflH5exERxbwhRrvmb/s1600/pruning-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT4ewXvhrxmiPTg4zZ6TLsApOLS-H2-D2AFZDF5Mq6vq2bS0IjYoXNBisKX5YyYFQBryY-rJuCGIIN0fNRJcGbqJuBn-TVD0nRWoNx9NqYNH8XK8Xz02Fls7YbfWflH5exERxbwhRrvmb/s400/pruning-300x225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Have you ever experienced a season of pruning? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Scripture often uses an earthly example to explain a spiritual principle.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 15:1-2).”</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">I came across this tender and thought provoking story by Bunny Wilson that really captures the beauty and importance of pruning in the Christian life. </span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>Once upon a time, there was an old grape branch; </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>it had been growing in the vineyard for a long time. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>One day a new branch was planted in the next row. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>The younger branch grew, developed more branches, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>and bore fruit. </i></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Taking courage one hot summer day,the young branch </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>looked up at the old branch and said in its squeaky voice, </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“It must be great to have people travel from miles </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>around just to taste the sweetness of your fruit.” </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The old branch nodded. </b></i></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333;"></span></b></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Feeling encouraged, the young branch continued, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“I have been talking with the other branches in the garden, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>and they say yours is the sweetest fruit.” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The old branch smiled. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“When I grow up, I want to be just like you! </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>How can I have sweet fruit like yours? </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>I’ll do anything you say.” </b></i></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333;"></span></b></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>As the old branch looked down at the young branch, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>he remembered the day when, as a young branch himself, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>he had asked an old branch the same question. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>In his baritone voice, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>he gave the young branch the same answer he had received earlier: </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Be willing.”</b></i></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The young branch mused in frustration, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Be willing? </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>I tell him I’ll do whatever it takes to have sweet fruit, and all he can say is </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Be willing?" </b></i></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Then he turned to another branch and </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>began carrying on what he felt like was meaningful conversation. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b></b></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Each day there was constant chatter in the vineyard </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>as the branches shared the latest gossip </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>and wasted the hours away by comparing the sweetness of their fruit. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The young branch knew there was no other place he’d rather live. </b></i></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333;"></span></b></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>One cool autumn morning, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>the young branch was awakened by the sound of the </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>old brown, weathered gate opening.</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>As he looked at the end of the row, in stepped the gardener. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Normally when the gardener came to visit, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>the vines would clap their leaves together and shout in delight.</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>But something unusual was taking place that day. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>A hush swept over the garden. </b></i></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The young branch glanced over at the old branch, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>who didn’t seem to be disturbed;</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>so the young branch directed his attention back to the end of the row. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The gardener stopped by the first branch in the row; </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>the young branch was sure he had come to compliment his friend on her fine growth. But watching intently, </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>he saw the gardener bend on one knee, </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>reach into his back pocket, pull out what looked like sharp scissors,</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b> and move toward his friend. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Instinctively the branch at the end of the row pulled her leaves back, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>and the young branch heard her plead, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“No, no, why are you doing this to me?</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b> Haven’t I been sweet? Didn’t I bring honor to the garden? </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Please, please, don’t do this to me!” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Before the young branch could blink, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>his friend lay on the ground except for the nub. </b></i></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333;"></span></b></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The young branch turned to the old branch and asked in a low, fearful voice, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“What’s happening? </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Why did the gardener do that?” </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The old branch did not respond. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The young branch strained to understand and then blurted out, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Oh I get it! We thought the gardener liked that branch, but he really didn’t like her.” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The old branch responded, “No, that’s not true. </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>In fact, what you just saw the gardener do proves he loves that branch.” </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Oh. I knew that. Let me try again. </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>We thought that branch’s fruit was sweet, </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>but it really wasn’t sweet.” </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“That branch’s fruit was sweet.”</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b></b></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Okay, okay; I know the real reason. </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>That branch did something wrong, </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>so the gardener is punishing her; </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>he’s just not telling us why.” </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333;"></span></b></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The old branch answered, </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“That branch is not being punished. </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Listen carefully—your friend is being pruned. </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Not because she was trying to do things wrong,</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>but because she was trying to do things right. </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Not because her fruit was sweet, </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>but because the gardener wants it to be even sweeter.” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“But that doesn’t seem fair!” </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>protested the young branch. </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Just look at her. She’s been cut down to the nub. </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Now all the people who come to taste </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>the sweetness of her fruit </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>will laugh and judge the branch.” </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Only those outside the garden who don’t understand </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>will laugh and judge the branch.” </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b></b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Only those outside the garden who don’t understand? </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>That branch didn’t understand! </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Did you hear her say, ‘Why are you doing this to me?’” </b></i></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333;"></span></b></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The old branch was quiet for a long time and then responded slowly,</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Unfortunately, what you are saying is true. </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>It’s one thing when people outside the garden don’t understand, </b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>but when those inside the garden—especially the ones being pruned—don’t understand, it causes a lot of confusion, disappointment, and pain. </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Those branches down at the end of the row will have to listen to your friend murmur and complain until she blooms again.” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The young branch proclaimed, “Well, you don’t have to worry about being pruned. You have the sweetest fruit in the garden!” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“I want to be pruned.” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“You what? </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>It must hurt, and you’re going to look funny.” </b></i></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #333333;"></span></b></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>The old branch chuckled and replied, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“I must admit it’s quite uncomfortable. </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>You see, my young friend, I know I look good to you,</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>but I have a fungus growing on my underside that no one can see. </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>If it remains, it will diminish the quality and quantity of my fruit. </b></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>No, when the gardener comes to prune me, I won’t pull my leaves back. </b></i></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>I’ll lift </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>myself high in the air to make his job easier.” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Trembling, the young branch responded, “I don’t understand.” </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b></b></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>With compassion, the old branch replied, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Did you see that branch the gardener just tore off and threw over the fence? </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>It didn’t belong in this garden at all and will be burned in the fire.” </b></i></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Wow!” exclaimed the young branch. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b></b></i></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“When the gardener comes to prune you, remember that the gardener only prunes the branches that belong to him, which makes it an honor. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>He doesn’t prune you because you’re trying to do things wrong, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>but because you’re trying to do things right. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>It’s not because you’re not sweet, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>but because he wants you to be sweeter. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>And always remember, my young friend, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>the very fact that you’re being pruned means you will bloom again.” </b></i></span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span> </span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Just then the gardener stopped by the old branch, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>and the young branch saw the old branch raise his leaves high in the air. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>He heard a snip, and the old branch lay on the ground except for the nub. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Then the gardener turned to the young branch. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>His leaves were shaking, and tears rolled down his side, </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>but with every ounce of strength he raised his leaves high in the air. </b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>He looked up into the gardener’s face and said,</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>“Kind and gentle gardener, I’m willing.”</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">While not always pleasant, pruning is essential in growing a vineyard. In fact, every year up to 90% of the vine is cut away! </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"> "A wise gardener knows that pruning positively affects the <b><u>quantity</u> </b>and <b><u>quality</u></b> of the fruit produced.</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">"</span></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">According to Bunny Wilson, we usually find ourselves in one of three places:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">1. We have just been pruned</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">2. We are growing back after pruning</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">3. We are in full bloom</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Where do you find yourself in the pruning process? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">If you're in a season of pruning,be encouraged that in the midst of our struggles, there is one who can identify with us.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">But He was pierced for our transgressions,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">He was crushed for our iniquities, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">and by his wounds we are healed. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Isaiah 53:5 </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Like the young branch, may we too raise our branches high and willingly submit ourselves into the hand's of our kind and gentle Gardener. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></div><div align="justify" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div><div align="justify" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span></div><div align="justify" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-45541313931142457242011-04-06T14:15:00.001-06:002011-04-06T14:16:59.847-06:00Laying Down The Rails<img alt="Laying Down the Rails: A Charlotte Mason Habits Handbook" class="product-photo" height="285" src="http://cdn9.simplycharlottemason.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/laying-down-rails.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; color: #545454; display: inline; float: left; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; height: 285px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -35px; margin-right: 30px; margin-top: 0px; width: 233px;" title="Laying Down the Rails: A Charlotte Mason Habits Handbook" width="233" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic; font-size: 14pt;">F</span><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;">or those of you who know me, you know that I love to read! I am a researcher at heart. This is a favorite on my bookshelf. I find myself from time to time coming back to this wonderful reference book by Charlotte Mason, called Laying Down The Rails. If you've never heard about Charlotte Mason you can learn more about her <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/basics/started/whowascm/">here</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;">Charlotte emphasized the importance of character building and habit training and likened it to laying down rails on which our children's lives could run smoothly. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;">This book is chalked full of so many wonderful nuggets and quotes. Here is one of my favorite quotes:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><i>"The Mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days."</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;">Smooth and easy days! Isn't that something we all want? Yet, the implication here is that without the hard work of training, discipline, and etc...our days will be anything but smooth and easy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;">If you'd like to learn more about habit and character training this book is a must have for sure! Habits are divided into 5 easy to reference sections along with practical suggestions and how to's in the following areas:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic;">Decency and Propriety Habits</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic;">Mental Habits</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic;">Physical Habits </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic;">Moral Habits</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic;">Religious Habits</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><i>“Just as it is on the whole easier for the locomotive to pursue its way on the rails than to take a disastrous run off them, so it is easier for the child to follow lines of habit carefully laid down than to run off these lines at his peril. It follows that this business of laying down lines towards the unexplored country of the child’s future is a very serious and responsible one for the parent. It rests with him to consider well the tracks over which the child should travel with profit and pleasure; and along these tracks, to lay down lines so invitingly smooth and easy that the little traveler is going upon them at full speed without stopping to consider whether or not he chooses to go that way”~Charlotte Mason</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic;">You can find Laying Down the Rails <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/books/laying-down-rails-charlotte-mason-habits/">here</a>. For more Charlotte Mason Stuff, be sure to check out<a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/"> www.simplycharlotte.com</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: AppleGothic; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mel</span></span></i></b></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-7695811443848005882011-03-25T08:31:00.003-06:002011-03-25T09:08:01.881-06:00Portrait of A Foolish Woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xW8U94JHAsE8cr0rngIdIbmvgwgx6tkJLBIAWR5t-630KWvRc_7lqHEaq5MR8Y8rakt7RLUU-fT-dgC9mPszQW33HAn3xGd3pxPeN_CiOI6wLDidnP3Zo7x8hwGOgdS0l0hyphenhyphenaInZUmt2/s1600/BiblicalBWomanhoodEinTtheOHomeKf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xW8U94JHAsE8cr0rngIdIbmvgwgx6tkJLBIAWR5t-630KWvRc_7lqHEaq5MR8Y8rakt7RLUU-fT-dgC9mPszQW33HAn3xGd3pxPeN_CiOI6wLDidnP3Zo7x8hwGOgdS0l0hyphenhyphenaInZUmt2/s400/BiblicalBWomanhoodEinTtheOHomeKf.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>"She has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men." (Proverbs 7:26)<br />
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The portrait of a foolish woman is painted in great detail in proverbs 7. Most presume the foolish woman presented here is the adulterous or promiscuous woman. We skip over this passage assuming it doesn't really speak to us.<br />
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However, as I was reading through this chapter I was surprised at how this verse relates to so many of us; not just the adulterous woman.<br />
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I love how God breathes a fresh word into old and familiar passages!<br />
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As was highlighted in chapter 5 of Biblical Womanhood in The Home,"although we may not be physically adulterous or promiscuous, most of us have unwittingly adopted some of the characteristics that ultimately could lead to the ruin and downfall of the men around us."<br />
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Nancy DeMoss goes on to say:<br />
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"The Foolish woman can be an instrument of casting down many men. She may do so by means of sexual seduction (as the woman in proverbs 7), OR she may do so subtly, by means of discouragement, spiritual pride or intimidation."<br />
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Wow! What a sobering truth that "I could be the instrument of any man's undoing, no matter how strong he might be! Even men who are spiritually mature can be brought down, controlled, wounded, and destroyed--by a foolish woman." <br />
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As I reflect on my relationship with Tim and my role as a pastor's wife, the weight of this can be very challenging at times. There isn't a "rule book" given to Pastor's wives to know how to fulfill your pastor's wife duties, yet there is an unspoken one that exists. It can be difficult living in the tension of people's expectations of you and what the Bible calls us to.<br />
<br />
As I think about the call God has on my husband's life as a pastor, I realize the huge part I play as his helpmate. It's sobering to think that I could intentionally or unintentionally "cast down" the mighty man God is creating and calling him to be. Not to mention, the effect I could have on his ministry and the calling he has been given. Wow! Talk about accountability! I can choose to be his cheerleader or the anchor that "cast him down." Ultimately, it is my choice and one that I will have to give an account for.<br />
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Questions I often have to ask myself are: How do I build him up? How do I honor and respect him as the spiritual leader of our home? How do I honor him <b>in front</b> of others and behind closed doors? How am I at cheering him on and praying with and for him?<br />
<br />
You may not be a pastor's wife, but you too are called to be your husband's helpmate. How are you honoring him, cheering him on and praying that God uses him in a mighty way? As you imagine yourself before the Lord one day, would you be considered a wise woman or a foolish woman?<br />
<br />
I shudder at the thought of having to give an account for being a woman who "cast down" her husband.<br />
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Challenging read Ladies!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-59832167665087227682011-03-23T11:06:00.001-06:002011-03-23T12:05:05.601-06:00"Remember the Alamo!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdruKyumJ6uRM95w5rB8_-1-v4VsjwmjN1KiyJOK3FmWabLaLqHG14tLeHZiTjC1U-znADHIJW7MqH93Klx3KVD45bs3lsoQr54lRUeaqlLLfIxXwudb7EReAxE_uCMnE5tDDlb9lOjaG/s1600/Alamo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdruKyumJ6uRM95w5rB8_-1-v4VsjwmjN1KiyJOK3FmWabLaLqHG14tLeHZiTjC1U-znADHIJW7MqH93Klx3KVD45bs3lsoQr54lRUeaqlLLfIxXwudb7EReAxE_uCMnE5tDDlb9lOjaG/s640/Alamo-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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March 2nd was Texas Independence Day! Knowing we had a trip planned to San Antonio I decided to capitalize on both and strayed a little from our normal curriculum to do a study of Texas history!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids had fun learning about The Texas Lone Star Flag, our state bird, and flower!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAi-RisJZgwKKzZEkJRsrAykQBNxnBRp3GFhN4msvShgpottVuoGQ7hOGRcPuaAn5GpRR_yvfSeVKuU87DE8el0n26InEqWN96As3LAApLC4KFd7QAgV7LqIio0htYHP1f7uQUpwZKLSy/s1600/Lone+Star+Flag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAi-RisJZgwKKzZEkJRsrAykQBNxnBRp3GFhN4msvShgpottVuoGQ7hOGRcPuaAn5GpRR_yvfSeVKuU87DE8el0n26InEqWN96As3LAApLC4KFd7QAgV7LqIio0htYHP1f7uQUpwZKLSy/s320/Lone+Star+Flag.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We also checked out some great books from the library and had fun</div><div style="text-align: center;"> learning about heros like Davy Crockett! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnVXTjkuiKR580ysfEj4rCUvOE_OqZitl8Z56d4sYpJlr7KLIKC0Me1CMlVktIuj-olMg5qgURCC2yzAiGnnxPmGJc3NsffHCzGo2Ty-tEJ4zRvOGQc8A1jWRUfte4jy68UJoARN0Z6W4/s1600/Library+Books+on+Tx.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnVXTjkuiKR580ysfEj4rCUvOE_OqZitl8Z56d4sYpJlr7KLIKC0Me1CMlVktIuj-olMg5qgURCC2yzAiGnnxPmGJc3NsffHCzGo2Ty-tEJ4zRvOGQc8A1jWRUfte4jy68UJoARN0Z6W4/s320/Library+Books+on+Tx.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The girls really enjoyed learning about the Alamo, but there is nothing like seeing the real thing in person! Isa was especially ecstatic when she spotted Old Betsy, Crockett's rifle on display. I of course enjoyed seeing them ooh and ahh as they connected the events we had been learning about.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4orYt0hqmIvA36d0O4OWFcIw3WrPwLRbujCAgE8zrFGTDcLojuM_Mqq_HcUQtOr2zuXdtlf1O3IuaHp2ncHJp2R05IxIJMG6zsA1xHI8PN4ZHna9oqbgotr6QLpqDd4R9AuGspgGbFpu/s1600/Alamo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4orYt0hqmIvA36d0O4OWFcIw3WrPwLRbujCAgE8zrFGTDcLojuM_Mqq_HcUQtOr2zuXdtlf1O3IuaHp2ncHJp2R05IxIJMG6zsA1xHI8PN4ZHna9oqbgotr6QLpqDd4R9AuGspgGbFpu/s320/Alamo-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here are the girls having fun shooting their own pics with their cameras!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4g0ypS3hZ8AZ5FEVsfYjJWMJ6bG49Z7BIjxRvOsPwTwR0MiltcvFRhZf0FxP48Hs6bPS6TB4wSxLXSokZAJ7FjYvTdA_WS65CmHyOfH6LRAMvji4zFFL1K6QzWSDdlWrJQDU4SLilcGI/s1600/Alamo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4g0ypS3hZ8AZ5FEVsfYjJWMJ6bG49Z7BIjxRvOsPwTwR0MiltcvFRhZf0FxP48Hs6bPS6TB4wSxLXSokZAJ7FjYvTdA_WS65CmHyOfH6LRAMvji4zFFL1K6QzWSDdlWrJQDU4SLilcGI/s320/Alamo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-19826740936463033022011-03-16T10:18:00.016-06:002011-03-16T22:12:44.399-06:00<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvOlJXQGwmIvFUtLzM30X3d9ito_3MMi-nHg7WR0n2uDrL2S3JQc88pnVqsbZ1z_aNr0YZf2TdBxnmqk8yf0pbscV7AvpG1spnGRuSSv1dLzt2OnXzRfZLVI2s_Tf0t6h-dP0G5Y3qotR/s640/CC_Website.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How we Found Classical Conversations:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever known you were “supposed” to do something, but were scared to take that next step? Isn’t it amazing how fear and doubt can creep in and keep you from all the good things God has in store for you on the other side? All the “what ifs” seem to flood your mind i.e. “what if I mess up, what if I can’t do it, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what if</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what if</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> what if</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!!! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s a battle for your mind and heart! A test! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What will you choose? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you choose to stay put because it’s safer, it’s easier, more comfortable, it makes the most sense, and etc…. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In every major season of my life, there has always been a battle for my mind and heart. This is where I found myself yet again when I felt the call to homeschool. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Even though I was convinced of the educational and spiritual advantages to homeschooling</span> <a href="http://popsiclesontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/03/who-me-homeschool.html">(see previous post)</a>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was still afraid to let go</span>. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he thought of swimming against the culture (even Christian) was really scary. But, just because something is the “norm,” doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the right thing. Public education was not right for our family because God had distinctly moved in our hearts and called us to be a homeschooling family. Therefore, it would have been wrong for my family to go public. <o:p></o:p>We would have been deliberately disobeying the word God had given to <i>us</i>.</span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, as the new school year was approaching, I started doubting the word God had spoken to our hearts. The "what ifs" flooded my mind. I recognized this battle for my heart and mind unfolding before me as I had been there many times before. Yet, despite my fear and lack of faith, God still met me. I love His patience with us! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He knew I needed a little push out there and that’s just what He did!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How God Continued to confirm His word in our hearts</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My family was in the middle of a big move. If you’ve ever experienced a move with little ones in tow (including a newborn), then you know just how difficult it can be. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not wanting to put my 5yr old in kindergarten, just to uproot her in a few short months, I knew it was time to take that leap of faith. God was pushing me out there and using our move to do so! I finally had the courage to step out in faith. Besides, I thought, "how bad could I mess up kindergarten?!!" ; ) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little did I know that selling our house in such a tough market would take 10 long grueling months. I say grueling because my husband had to commute every day 1.5hrs each way for 10 months! We’re talking almost 1 full year!! It was brutal; especially having such small children and a newborn in the mix. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the challenges of moving, we had a very successful first year homeschooling. My kindergartner learned how to read in just four short months, was writing well, and really loving learning in general. I couldn’t have asked for a better year!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My <a href="http://www.facebook.com/timbarosh">husband</a> was very impressed with the results of our first year homeschooling and encouraged me to try another year. He wanted to see what another year would look like now that our move was behind us. I was curious too, but still a little nervous. Fear started to creep back into my heart. Kindergarten was one thing, but how far would we take this? I began doubting the word God had put in my heart, yet again. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sidenote:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you ever feel like an Israelite? They were a bunch of whining babies always forgetting God’s miracles? Always grumbling about all the whys and hows?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i> Oh wait….that sounds like me! <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fear of the unknown had crept back in. I was just so scared to have the education of my children rest solely in my hands. I know that sounds terrible, but I am a product of the public system, it’s all I’ve ever known. Yet, the reality is, there are other ways. We do have other viable options. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, going against the grain was causing me to have to “unlearn” a few things. Not only was I learning how to homeschool, juggling the storms of fear, but then the infamous “what about socialization?” question crept in. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know this is the first question that most people ask in opposition to homeschooling, but honestly that had always been the furthest from my mind. My children are highly social, boisterous and competitive little beings that aren’t afraid of meeting new people, and love to talk your ear off </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if given the chance</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">! With our involvement in church and other extra-curricular activities and friends we hoped to make in our new neighborhood, I knew my kids would have plenty of opportunities in time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, the “in time” part was the problem. My children had left behind all of their old friends. Developing relationships takes time. It's hard to make friends in a new place and takes even more intentionality when you homeschool. I wanted my kids to jump in and feel connected so badly, I rationalized that it would be much “easier” and “better” for them to go to the local public school. However, in my heart, I knew I was wrong. God had been directing my steps and now I was faced with a whole new bunch of “what ifs!” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fear brings doubt. It causes you to question God and exalt your own strength instead of His. It blinds you from the truth and keeps you from doing what you know God has called you to do. (Can we say disobedience!) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was SCARED!!! Summer was coming to an end and the new school year was starting. I needed answers and I needed them fast! I began pouring my heart out to God and begging him to confirm the word He had given me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day, I received an e-mail from a friend, whom I hadn't spoken with in quite some time. She e-mailed me out of the blue just to tell me about a new program that her family had started. She said she thought I might be interested and gave me the website for <a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/">Classical Conversations</a> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CC). After reading through the information, I knew this was exactly what I had been praying for! I couldn’t believe it! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it hit me. I was slowly connecting the dots that another trusted family friend had once mentioned CC to us about a year prior to this unexpected e-mail. God had planted that seed back then through another friend, and a year later had redirected me back to CC .</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I read through the material it seemed like God put before me </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">everything</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I had been looking for. It was first and foremost Christ centered, economical, and not only was there an opportunity for families to connect socially, but there was a strong sense of accountability and a challenging academics program with a biblical worldview. This is what I had been looking for!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew God was speaking. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And wouldn't you know the very next day after receiving that e-mail, I had plans to attend my first homeschooling convention. It was there, that I had the opportunity to speak with a CC director to learn more about the program. Afterwards, I felt a sense of peace and joy. I knew God was speaking and working on my behalf!</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With tears in my eyes, I turned to leave and was surprised when I looked up and saw two familiar faces coming my way. It was a couple I had known and worked with several years before. I hadn’t talked with them in years, much less did I know they were a homeschooling family. God had brought familiar faces and a safe place to share my heart. I shared with them what God had been doing and how scared and unsure I was to take the next step. After listening, they encouraged my heart and the new adventure God was leading me on. It was another sense of peace that God was giving me. Some might call all of this coincidence, but I know better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God speaks when we take time to seek and listen! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22pt; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #08131f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #08131f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">unto you. </span></span></i><i><span style="color: #08131f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 7:7</span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has been our first year in CC and though our community is still forming, my girls have learned so much! I am overjoyed to be a part of their learning process and so thrilled to be a part of their “light bulb” moments. Sure we have tough days, but anything worthwhile is never easy! We hope to kick off the upcoming school year with committed families and can't wait to see what God has in store for us on this great adventure we call homeschooling! ; )</span><o:p></o:p></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-28857318629069223472011-03-14T11:41:00.006-06:002011-03-14T22:06:30.189-06:00"So I need 13 more birthdays until....."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since our big girl's birthday is a few months away she has been thinking through things she wants for her birthday and "future" birthdays. Oh goodness! The other day while we were playing at the park she randomly articulated her request for a....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='520' height='466' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyr8mMOKkpmxBbla9MF_-ysyrNIB0tl_3XNx5k5WG5KNj_Atko989D_vaX35lf3fnWCtj9pttBGytDRm0MH-w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While her math is a little off, I'm thinking 18 sounds good to me! Tim thought it would be a good idea to capture it on video just in case she should ever need help remembering how many birthdays she has left to go! : )</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-79966339356610474362011-03-09T23:29:00.007-06:002011-03-12T17:12:55.791-06:00Who Me? Homeschool??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI1dawpACRqNPo0pP-HTX8qFxBu1hvIlmQkN9KhRYqfW8Ep_ByduMhdaIgHEiC3ZXe8I_cEqPceoXkDlmvzWVx27c-ERwtTMeYOL8fVHewxttSP3FmTXXliahD4Ge4X0GjJVixp1-wgMn/s1600/kidshomeschool_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI1dawpACRqNPo0pP-HTX8qFxBu1hvIlmQkN9KhRYqfW8Ep_ByduMhdaIgHEiC3ZXe8I_cEqPceoXkDlmvzWVx27c-ERwtTMeYOL8fVHewxttSP3FmTXXliahD4Ge4X0GjJVixp1-wgMn/s640/kidshomeschool_final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never thought in a million years that we’d be a homeschooling family, let alone that I’d be a Director for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/">this</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> awesome program! I wanted to share my journey on how God led us to this exciting adventure and hope that it encourages those who may be considering homeschooling too!</span></span><br />
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It was NEVER on my radar to home-school. N-E-V-E-R!!! I was the typical person who thought homeschooling was weird. Besides, I thought, “what qualifies me to be a teacher?” Sure, I have a degree, but being a certified teacher is a entirely different story.<br />
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So, how did homeschooling get on my radar? Simply put... </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God broke my heart.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
As my oldest child began reaching the school age years, something in me just wanted more! I don’t know why, other than God just put that desire in me. So, I decided to do a little research. I consumed just about every homeschooling book I could, I read blogs, went to conferences and picked the brain of many homeschooling mothers. The more I learned, the more God began to challenge every preconceived notion I had about homeschooling. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through my research, it was easy to see the educational and siritual benefits to homeschooling, but there were still a few hang-ups I had. The first I have already mentioned above and that is...</span></span><br />
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1. What qualifies me to be a teacher and educator for my child?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the second was…..</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. How would Homeschooling allow us to Live on Mission? How could we effectively share our lives and tell people about Jesus if our children were not in a “public” setting?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my husband and I began to ask God these questions, it became very clear for us where He was leading our family.</span></span><br />
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</span> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. What qualifies me to be a teacher and educator for my children?</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To my surprise, this question was rather easy for me to work through. Becoming a mom has made me more in tune with the "others" in my life. As moms, God has given us the ability to know what is best for our children. From the moment I knew I had conceived, I have been making decisions for my children and providing for all of their spiritual, emotional and physical needs. So, I guess it was a natural progression for me to begin thinking about their intellectual needs as well. Why couldn't I take care of their intellectual needs too? Their well being in "every" area of life is </span><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my</span></b></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> responsibility. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am convinced that no one is going to care for and love my children more than me. No one will care more about their success and their well being than their own mother. Plain and simple. Aside from God, I am and will always be their biggest fan! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, I AM</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> qualified. I certainly do realize my own limitations, but you better believe if there was a subject I couldn’t teach, I would do everything in my power to get them the help, class, teacher, and etc…they need just as I would anything else. That being said, I am also realizing the importance of being a lifetime learner and staying ahead of my pupils. This excites me! I have the opportunity to take advantage of things that I was just too busy or uninterested in before. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also discovering how far homeschooling has come and the amazing community of families that resource and network together. Not to mention, God led us to a national homeschooling group whose founder, <a href="http://1smartmama.blogspot.com/">Leigh Bortins</a> was an aerospace engineer! She is passionate about equipping parents all over the country on how to be home educators, but more on that in a later post. ; ) </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of this, coupled with a faith that God prepares those who are called, helps me to have faith in knowing He will prepare me for the tasks ahead, just as He always has.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> How would Homeschooling allow us to</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living on Mission</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband and I try to actively live our lives on mission. Sharing our lives, building relationships and hopefully building bridges back to the local church. We love to “fish” and want to share this same conviction and passion with our children.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living on mission is something we are VERY passionate about, but how would homeschooling allow us to live out this conviction? In the beginning, I had a hard time reconciling how we could effectively live on mission if we were not allowing our children to be among those who are lost and don’t know Jesus. </span></span><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living on mission is not defined by a specific place, but rather how we live each and every moment of our lives. We live on mission with our families, our friends, at gymnastics, at baseball practice, at the gym, at the check out line, in the parking lot, taking a walk around the neighborhood just so you can meet your neighbors, being keenly aware of the lost and hurting right around you and then responding to their needs, and etc…It’s not about a specific setting like a school. It is your lifestyle! I want to teach my children to have this “other” centered lifestyle everyday regardless of where they are. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim and I firmly believe and see our children as little disciples in training. Just as an athlete trains everyday for a race, our children are also in training. An athlete has no idea what it’s like to compete until he actually gets out there and does it. With that being said, he doesn’t jump out onto the field without training before the big day. No, he must first spend time practicing, drilling, exercising, studying, and etc... </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My kids are learning about Jesus. They are disciples in training. They are learning “about” Jesus but they don’t “know”, “know”, “know” Him just yet. They have head knowledge about God, but haven’t yet had the heart experience. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They need both. Without this, how can I expect them to properly take a stand against sin when it presents itself? How can I send them to a battlefield when they haven’t fully learned how to put on the full armor of God yet? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They need to have a proper knowledge and understanding that God is who He says He is. As they begin to experience this truth for themselves, they will learn how to recognize His voice, see Him at work around them and discover His unique plan for their lives. When they have truly experienced this, they will have the strength and more importantly the desire, to live out their faith in a world that blatantly sets itself up against the knowledge of God.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m not saying they will always make the right choices. While that might be my hope, I am not that naïve. As I began wrestling with God through these tough questions what convicted my heart the most is the process of building. Building a strong foundation takes time and it’s hard to build when outside influences are pulling for their attention all day, every day. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am I sheltering? No, I don’t believe that sheltering is the answer, rather it is being cautious and cognizant of the fallen world we live in. Matthew 10:16 says, “See I am sending you like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the way </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/home.html">Dr.Voddie Baucham</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> articulates this thought, “Our children will engage the culture. The only question is, will they do so as lambs going off to slaughter, or will they be sheep among wolves who are wise as serpents and innocent as doves?" (Matthew 10:16)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not a post to convince you to homeschool, although I hope it may have encouraged those who may be considering it. If you are indeed considering it, but still scared to let go, my encouragement to you would be to visit with other homeschooling moms, sit in on their homeschooling days, and keep reading anything and everything you can about homeschooling. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most importantly pray! And keep praying until God gives you peace one way or another. I wouldn’t say homeschooling is for everyone, but I do believe it should be seriously considered, researched and prayed about by everyone! ; )</span></span><br />
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Whoever said walking with Jesus was dull and boring!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Loving the journey!</span></span><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mel</span></i></b></span></span></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-17446164659859920342011-02-08T09:54:00.001-06:002011-02-08T10:13:00.970-06:00What's Your Definition of Success?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnopSxNg5GNAJhJXKALl0hR5KKh-eUypGEQzcXl9TuPAJBQOgBXnzafoNAnjlZ6uBQxbRKOtOgNu9-StvprIv50fso1HkM2Mi2KN2Zyz0pkMoP_Vgw15vPC6MGuxA19Az5VZvqH4n4DxnE/s1600/Busy-Mom-and-Housewife.jpg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnopSxNg5GNAJhJXKALl0hR5KKh-eUypGEQzcXl9TuPAJBQOgBXnzafoNAnjlZ6uBQxbRKOtOgNu9-StvprIv50fso1HkM2Mi2KN2Zyz0pkMoP_Vgw15vPC6MGuxA19Az5VZvqH4n4DxnE/s320/Busy-Mom-and-Housewife.jpg2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is your typical stereotype of being a stay-at-home-mom? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The above photo pretty much summed up mine.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Over the years, I have met many women who knew from the start that they wanted to stay at home full time. Their dream was simply to be a wife and mother. I remember meeting some of these gals back in college and thinking to myself, “If that’s all you want to do, then <b>why are you here</b>? Seriously, why are you wasting your money…or worse, <b>your parents money.</b>” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just didn’t get it. If I’m being real, my honest thoughts were, “man, what a waste of time, talent and money.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There was something in me that just wanted “<b>more.</b>” I guess if I’m real honest, I had a lot of the world in me that simply did not esteem the stay-at-home-mom. My pride made me believe that I had more “ambition, more drive.” I had more to offer than changing diapers, wiping snotty noses and being a full time maid. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, after the birth of my second child, God really began challenging my heart to use my time and the gifts that “He” gave me to better serve the members of my own family; to give them my focused attention…not just my leftovers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That’s such a strong word, but in </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>my</b></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> </b>story, it’s the truth. My attention, my heart was divided. </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wanted to give 100% of myself as a mom and 100% of myself to my work. I wanted to offer the best of "me" in both worlds. How is that even possible? The math just doesn't add up. </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Scripture says, "you cannot serve two masters." (Matthew 6:24). I know many might not agree and would simply assume it's just a matter of prioritizing and balancing. I know because I fed myself that same lie for years. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But inevitably, one will make a choice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Matthew 6:24 goes on to say... “Either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Sadly, in our culture today, we are all too willing to lay our families down on the altar of our success, egos, pride, greed and all of the <b>STUFF</b> we think we need...you name it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I felt God stirring my heart to stay home, I even began rationalizing the work I was doing. Not only did I LOVE my job, but I was involved in ministry. How could that be a bad thing…right? Why would He ask me to give that up? It seemed like a God thing to me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">when we begin to put "every" area of our life underneath the complete authority of scripture, God has a way of really shaking things up! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is where I have been in the last several years concerning my work outside of the home and my family. He's really been shaking my world, my ideals, and etc....</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In each season of my Journey, be it a student, a new bride, a new mom, a servant in God's Kingdom, and now a stay-at-home-mom and homeschooler, God continues to whisper to my heart one simple question... <b><i>"Melanie, what is your definition of success?"</i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And just when I think I'm there, another season of life causes me to dig deeper and another layer of my heart is peeled back, exposing my sin and beckoning me into deeper waters. And again, another whisper...."Melanie, what's your definition of success, where are your affections?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As hard as it was to let go of a job that I absolutely loved, it was the best decision for my family. God has reconfirmed that over and over again. However, making this decision didn’t come without sacrifice. We had to learn to live on a tighter budget and fight the “me” mentality of bigger, better, more. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s not always comfortable and I might not have all the cute home décor I want or all the clothes and shoes my heart desires. However, as I keep my eyes on the “bigger picture,” I am able to live with a kingdom perspective and keep Him in view in </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">all </span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the grand scheme of things, the time we have with our children is so short. The seasons in your life will come and go. Right now is the season for me to be at home. How long you ask? I don’t know. But, I know when I step back and look at the bigger picture, this season of my life will be a blip, a moment (God willing) when compared to the rest of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">James 4:14 says it like this...</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 21pt; margin-bottom: 14pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #08131f;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’m am learning to stop living in the tomorrow and to seize the blessings right here before me. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today is the day! </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God has burned this reality in my heart and has given me such a passion and a vision for my home and family. I want to seize every opportunity I have with them to influence them and teach them to know, love and obey God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I know many are not as fortunate to be able to stay home, particularly single parents. If you are a single parent, know that God has not forgotten about you and is first and foremost faithful and able to meet all of your needs. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We all have different stories. God knows your story and will give you the strength to meet the demands for each season of your journey as you seek and call upon him. For others, maybe </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">your story is like mine. My question for you would be one I asked myself….what are you chasing? What is your definition of success? Are you fighting the bigger, better more mentality? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.americanconsumernews.com/2008/05/cant-raise-the-family-on-one-income-stop-wasting-money.html">Here</a> is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">an interesting article I found online. It's worth the read! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today, my definition and worth in life is not defined by the position I have, the number of zeros on my paycheck or the title I hold. While great for my ego they did nothing for my soul.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am not saying</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> that one that has these things cannot love God. I am simply sharing </span><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">my </span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">story and how God peeled back the layers of </span><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">my</span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> heart to help me see </span><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">my </span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">deepest desires. At the root of it all was a heart that believed I was not really anything until I had achieved all the things above. When in reality, I am everything in my maker’s eyes. So, much so that he sent His only son to die for me.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I cared about making a name for myself and let’s face it, I desired the esteem that comes with those things. When in reality, I bare the name of my heavenly father, a daughter of the King who calls me His beloved and is preparing a place for me. I’m already royalty and it is </span><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His</span></b></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> name I want to esteem and proclaim! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I filter every season, every opportunity, every decision in light of scripture, my perspective has been challenged, sharpened and redefined.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">D</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">arrel Billups said, "The greatest danger in life is to succeed at things that do not matter."</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How about you, what are the things you are succeeding at? And do they matter? </span></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-65101074007686022542011-02-01T17:33:00.014-06:002011-02-03T09:51:13.035-06:00Fighting the Me Mentality...(It's not about me continued)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEJ4xaallKGyAOITWr_YkP4lzuWNUokzbhLVZcaiL290eIdXW1aV2ptYUIECRgV49GvthJCS5R6yXr7TaZTb08yQBB8cd1iJdgQqNe9Dpn6LL5uBMne4zRMp-Xlz7tx6vFhgoPnqgYybe/s1600/mirror_image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEJ4xaallKGyAOITWr_YkP4lzuWNUokzbhLVZcaiL290eIdXW1aV2ptYUIECRgV49GvthJCS5R6yXr7TaZTb08yQBB8cd1iJdgQqNe9Dpn6LL5uBMne4zRMp-Xlz7tx6vFhgoPnqgYybe/s400/mirror_image.png" width="235" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember the words to that good ol' MJ song,</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"I'm starting with the man in the mirror, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I'm asking him to change his ways,"</i></span><br />
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</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wonder how often we really do this? It's so easy to point out the sin in others, but rarely do we like to hold the mirror up to ourselves. All too often we make excuses. We expect others to change, but rarely do we want to do the work to produce change in our own hearts, in our own lives.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, this is what God has been doing in my heart. It is here, being a mother that I am learning to fight the "me" mentality. It</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">’s not about me! Whether you’re a mom to four or one, being a mom is about selflessness...plain and simple.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many times I would rather be _________, or can't wait until he/she is __________, or I'm just plain exhausted from the demands of the day and ready for the kiddos to get in bed, so that I can have my "me" time. </span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ahhh...."me" time! Doesn't that sound so good?</i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes, especially towards the end of the day, "me" time just won't get here fast enough. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanting and needing a "me" time is not all together a bad thing. There are definitely times when one needs to recharge and I am thankful that I have a wonderful husband that supports me in this way, so that I can offer my best. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, there are other times when I need to stop and ask myself the hard questions. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Why are you rushing through bed time? Was that tone really necessary? Am I expecting too much of my kids? Did I have fun and did I enjoy my kiddos today? </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, this is where I've been...learning how to balance and at other times how to fight the "me" monster. It's a daily fight. B</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eing a mom, continually exposes my sin, my "me" centeredness and continually challenges me to lay down my rights, my wants in order to better serve my family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Voddie Baucham, a pastor and theologian defines love as “an act of the will accompanied by emotion that leads to action on behalf of its object..”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s an act of the will to lay down <u>your </u>rights, <u>your </u>time and <u>your</u> dreams in order to serve those whom God has entrusted to your care.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I reflect upon this, I am reminded of a book Tim and I read early on in our marriage called Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. The whole premise was about what if God designed marriage not to make us happy, but to make us holy; to expose our sin and draw us closer to Himself. I see that same picture here as I relate to my children. What if God is using motherhood as the setting by which he exposes my sin and draws me closer to himself? </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe God is using this season of my life and how I relate to my children and husband as a mirror to expose my sin and draw me closer to Him, so that He can reflect his beauty to others! The biggest “others” being my children and husband! </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 139: 13-16 </b>says....</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>your works are wonderful, I know that full well. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.</i></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">My children and the way they are wired is not by accident. God designed them with a unique set of wirings and giftings. It was no accident that He gave them to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">me</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> to shepherd. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i></i></span></div><i></i><br />
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<i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i></i></span></div><i></i><br />
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<i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">And what if....just WHAT IF...He created them that way and divinely entrusted them to us not only for the ultimate purpose of bringing glory to Him, but also to work out sin in our own lives!</span></span></div></div></i></div></i><br />
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<i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></i></div></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">God is using my children and the "way He created them" to grow and stretch me! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i></i></span></div><i></i><br />
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<i><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">When disobedient issues come up or I find myself consumed with those "I would rather be______ or I can't wait until_______ ," moments, I know there is a "me" battle raging within my heart. It is here that God is drawing me to Himself and helping me to grow in patience, selflessness, serving others, perseverance, grace, self control, and etc…</span></span></div></div></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">It is in these times that God really shows me where my heart and/or my thinking needs a "God-shift." My prayers are now “Lord, what do you desire to teach ME through this and how can I best instruct my child</span>? <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #333333;">Please, change <b>ME</b>!</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #333333;">Through the awesome and challenging path of motherhood, I am realizing more and more the truth of <b>Colossians 3:3 </b></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="color: #333333;">For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;">I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> need Him and am dependent upon Him to help me be the mother and wife He created me to be. This job is too huge and so much is at stake, but the rewards are ETERNAL! Who would have thought that such an unassuming role like being a mom could be the place for such Kingdom impact. But then again, He did use a carpenter to accomplish His redemptive plan for the whole world! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">What if God is using you and your role as a wife and mother...your season at home...your season homeschooling...your season of _________ as the setting by which he exposes your sin and draws you closer to Himself! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
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</span></i></span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-24709699923343968022011-01-19T09:31:00.001-06:002011-01-19T09:31:52.881-06:00IT"S ALL ABOUT ME???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKy0NFdDbQrmqZSgV2vOn8d6PwAtmd7lCVaCFOnuMxyHsKAbm_jvWMSctLwJE_M6xJBbc6-K0Wj6-2sQ68f-gmqd9zIfd7J2IavYMu7_0LvGjT2w9KXBOfVRJrD8coaKtXD_IM-Vtsh2-/s1600/mecc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKy0NFdDbQrmqZSgV2vOn8d6PwAtmd7lCVaCFOnuMxyHsKAbm_jvWMSctLwJE_M6xJBbc6-K0Wj6-2sQ68f-gmqd9zIfd7J2IavYMu7_0LvGjT2w9KXBOfVRJrD8coaKtXD_IM-Vtsh2-/s640/mecc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Tim and I first got married, we had the typical American dreams and hopes of having a nice home, car, and family; two kids to be exact, one boy and one girl each. Looking back now, this “I’ll take 2” special order kind of request seems so silly (selfish is probably a better word)! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess this was the perfect little world I had imagined for myself. However, what I came to discover is that I wanted the blessing of having children without those little blessings interfering too much with</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> plans, </span></span><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my</span></span></b></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hopes, </span></span><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my</span></span></b></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ambitions, and </span></span><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my</span></span></b></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ideals for achieving success.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was, well how should I put it...all about </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ME! ME!! ME!!!</span></span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yikes! That stings.</span></span><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Tim and I dreamed together about what our future family would like, here were some of the questions that ran through my mind as I pictured my perfect happy family......</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How will having children affect our pocket book? This is a practical question. Afterall, college isn't getting any cheaper. </span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We won’t be able to just get up and go? Guess we’ll have to kiss those trips to Europe goodbye!</span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My biggest concern…what affect will a family have on my job/career? How can I manage and juggle both? </span></span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s taken a while for God to help me see the murky waters of my heart and how it was really all about me. Funny, how it’s so easy to see the junk in others, yet so hard to see it in ourselves. I didn’t realize it at the time and l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">et's face it, probably would have just convinced myself that all my ambitions would benefit my future family. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yea, that's it! No, really....I was doing it all for my family! How can that be selfish...right?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> What I've come to better understand is that at the root of it all....it was all about </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ME</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!!</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a firm believer in setting goals, don't get me wrong however, as a Christ "follower" how was I actually </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"following"</span></u></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> God? Proverbs 16:9 puts it this way....</span></span><br />
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9</span></span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I take a step back, I realize now that I was unintentionally boxing God in to fit "my" preconceived notions of the perfect family. I wanted Him to fit into </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> plans and on </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">terms. Unbeknownst to me, I had bought the lie that said I could "have it all" and that all I had to do was aim high and work harder. The question is...at whose expense? At what cost? All you have to do is look around at the family in today's culture to figure that out. Divorce plagues our society and children suffer greatly. All in the name of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ME</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Johnathan Edwards, one of America's greatest Theologians writes about our passions that move us to action. The following passage really resonated with me and the innerwork God has been doing in me. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nature of human beings is to be inactive unless influenced by some affecftion: love or hatred, desire, hope, fear, etc.. These affections are the "springs of action," the things that set us moving in our lives, that move us to engage in activities. When we look at the world we see that people are exceedingly busy. It is their affections that keep them busy. If we were to take away their affections, the world would be motionless and dead; there would be no such thing as activity. It is the affection we call covetousness that moves a person to seek worldly profits; it is the affection we call ambition that moves a person to pursue worldly glory; it is the affection we call lust that moves a person to pursue sensual delights. Just as worldly affections are the spring of worldly actions, so the religious affections are the spring of religious actions.</span></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "me" centered mentality is what ultimately drove me; </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the desire to achieve and to be known</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It resulted in my poor view of family and clouded me from really embracing the beauty of my role as mother to my children and wife to my husband. As God continues to put to death the "me" centered corners of my heart, He is faithful in teaching me that His ways are not my ways. As I reflect on where my affections are it causes me to remain open to what God has for me instead of what I have for myself.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> no longer view family as a weight I have to balance and juggle as I create a place for</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> myself </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in this world. Rather, God has birthed in me such a passion for my family/home. I want to model for my children a woman who is unashamed of working in her home. A woman who is not willing to sacrifice her family on the altar of her ego or desire to have bigger, better, more. A woman who weighs every opportunity (even ministry opportunities) in light of </span><u><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">how it will affect her family and ultimately how it will bring glory to Jesus</span></i></u><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a woman who is discovering that my gifts are not dormant simply because I'm at home, but rather God is using and even sharpening these gifts right here among the members of my own family. Futhermore, the lessons learned here will be the tools I need for the seasons yet to come. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I learn to </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"follow"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Jesus and submit EVERY area of my life to Him, I am discovering more and more the beauty of Jesus' words in Matthew 16:25</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, </span></span></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but whoever loses his life for me will find it.</span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what about you...have you found your life?</span></span></i></span></span></span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The road of my life looks different....and I love it! Two kids are now four kids! I think of all the blessings I would have forfeited had I settled for the "Ill take two, that will do" mentality and all I can say is thank you Jesus. Thank you for opening my eyes and softening my heart and challenging this stubborn and prideful woman. Help me to care more about making your name great in my life instead of my own. May that be what </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">truly </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drives me!</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my next few posts, I will continue to reflect upon where my affections are as it relates to my decision to stay at home full time and my commitment to homeschool...things I thought I'd NEVER do! My oh my has my definition of success been challenged! </span></span></i></span></div></span></span></span></span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-58291174095406821972010-12-20T19:54:00.001-06:002010-12-21T09:33:05.553-06:00Who Would have Thought?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLptqNL0pXSJr5sWrLA5XD2Q2O7BR5KmiVB4UgZzyRP9t2XNTgX68wNoKieuhy-buX90UipC-u5IckKe2jYNUIy1o3CA9Q-hOyPBhaCnZrLOMKYs6icT6AquSr3DU_9YBLw-JMwrUBQmPP/s1600/rearviewmirror1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLptqNL0pXSJr5sWrLA5XD2Q2O7BR5KmiVB4UgZzyRP9t2XNTgX68wNoKieuhy-buX90UipC-u5IckKe2jYNUIy1o3CA9Q-hOyPBhaCnZrLOMKYs6icT6AquSr3DU_9YBLw-JMwrUBQmPP/s320/rearviewmirror1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever have those times when you look back on your life and think…man, how did I get here? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I look back over the years</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, I am discovering that many things I said I would NEVER do, somehow God has led me to do those very things! </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few things I never thought or said I’d NEVER do!</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· Work in the ministry</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have more than 2 children</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be a stay at home mom</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homeschool</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marry a minister</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Guess you never say never! ; ) </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing looks like what I had envisioned and I’m loving it! Who would have ever thought I’d have 4 kids, be a stay at home mom and now a homeschooling director!! Not me that’s for sure! </span></span><br />
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I am so thankful that God knows the plans He has for me. Plans that are far better than any I could have laid out for myself.</span></span><br />
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In fact, I know for sure, if left up to me I would have made a complete mess out of things. In my next few posts, I want to take some time to reflect on what God has been working out in my heart and talk about the things that have me smiling and saying… “Who Would Have Thought?” :) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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For now, here is an incredible video of one of my favorite speakers and local Houston area Pastor, Voddie Baucham reciting a very thought provoking poem entitled, “Put The Baby In The Beemer.” Though I’ve never owned a Beemer and never really aspired to, the message behind it articulates with such veracity the “it’s all about me mentality” that plagues our culture. As I reflect, I see a woman who was once willing to place my family on the altar of my ego in order to satisfy those deepest desires that not even I knew were there. That is, until God got a hold of my heart and helped me to better understand the precious gift of family that he’s given me and most importantly the value of my role in my home.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-55130774034757193742010-11-30T17:55:00.003-06:002010-12-01T22:55:54.033-06:00A Family Tradition....Celebrating Advent!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5upFdZCz-wSAd8hP1t4PSg2WZvXEkl2fWVYBLQLzzHUP-YAuFCdleOrL4o7MhzMr6284lur-cllXds4zjJQd3gPlC4Bi4CoTO8VHRfhDJ-J9Rhg_rbZj6vUlc940AwhuBx51hks2Pnpvp/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5upFdZCz-wSAd8hP1t4PSg2WZvXEkl2fWVYBLQLzzHUP-YAuFCdleOrL4o7MhzMr6284lur-cllXds4zjJQd3gPlC4Bi4CoTO8VHRfhDJ-J9Rhg_rbZj6vUlc940AwhuBx51hks2Pnpvp/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We're celebrating advent! The Jesse Tree is a family tradition we do every year, but this year we're tweaking it just a little. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Since we've already made our Jesse Ornaments from previous years, this year we'll wrap them up and place them underneath the tree. Each night one kid will get to unwrap the ornament followed by that night's scripture reading and devotional and hang it on the tree. Maybe the kids will even get to put on a little skit and act out the story for us. ; ) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To find out more about the Jesse Tree read more </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://popsiclesontheporch.blogspot.com/2007/12/celebrating-advent.html">HERE.</a></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-88108249804878396532010-11-29T16:13:00.003-06:002010-11-29T17:04:59.036-06:00I DID IT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc5yV_sYESP-G0-g9hyphenhyphenEliT8pjDrgfRxwQHpFoYqbclOuZbIdf1EaZ_m6z4d9QAhbfNwIrHut5e5fO2-SWtrtQJQB4701gTO4Iklnufky6_V184RqnSXu9ByvxKSHlq5kjwz68_h5ovg-/s1600/ChoreChart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc5yV_sYESP-G0-g9hyphenhyphenEliT8pjDrgfRxwQHpFoYqbclOuZbIdf1EaZ_m6z4d9QAhbfNwIrHut5e5fO2-SWtrtQJQB4701gTO4Iklnufky6_V184RqnSXu9ByvxKSHlq5kjwz68_h5ovg-/s640/ChoreChart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I attended my first homeschooling convention this past summer. You know the one, the "mother of all conventions" held in the Woodlands every summer. If you've never been or if you ever get the chance, I'd highly recommend it. You've got to go at least once! There are so many wonderful educational materials, resources, and informative seminars for just about any homeschooling parent. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you're a veteran homeschooler who needs fresh ideas or just a beginner like me, there is something there for everyone. Heck, even f you're not a homeschooling parent, just thumbing through all of the delicious books and educational resources is enough for me. I'm not just talking about curriculum, but books, games, manipulatives, school supplies, and etc.... </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I must warn you...a newbie like myself is sure to get lost in the sea of booths in the exhibit hall. I absolutely loved it! I just wished I had the budget to buy everything I had my eye on!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the practical side, here was something I picked up that has really come in handy. ...the<a href="http://www.ididitproductions.com/"> I Did My Chores</a> Chart! We've been using it for the last few months and the girls love it! Not only are they learning responsibility but they're also learning the rewards of hard work. </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how it works:</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chore cards are color coded to reflect the time of the day and assigned morning, noon, and night. When a chore is completed, they immediately place it in the "I did it box!" At the end of the day, they receive a token for each card in the box. Tokens are then redeemable for rewards previously established. For example, 5 tokens could be redeemable for a piece of candy, 8 tokens for a free dessert, 15 tokens for extended bed time....you name it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, the other side of this thing is that tokens can also be taken away. My girls have felt the sting of this and hate withdrawing money from their piggy bank to give to mommy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since our first grader is learning how to count money, we've altered the system a bit. Instead of collecting tokens they are earning small change: a nickel per card earned. The girls love to cash in their money for rewards like camping out in the living room and watching a movie or a trip to the dollar store. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far, we've had great success! I am most impressed that my four year old makes her bed<b><u> first thing</u></b> in the morning without fail! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She even walked into my room one <i>afternoon, </i>took one look at my bed and exclaimed, "Mommy, I think we need to get you a chore chart too!" Ouch! : )</span><br />
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</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-39980289082462712032010-11-12T23:37:00.000-06:002010-11-12T23:37:31.896-06:00Pink is the color, Barbie is the theme and Potterybarn has been our Inspiration<div class="MsoNormal">Since Tim has had off this week, we’ve been busy around the house tackling various projects. </div><div class="MsoNormal">With that in mind, I have been wanting to cover the girls' bedroom window, but just wasn't sure yet about what to do -- until I came across a pair of tulle curtains a friend had given us a while back. Surprisingly, they resurfaced this week while we were cleaning out the garage...imagine that! Since they didn't fit over the bedroom window, we got a little creative and decided to use them to frame the dressing area of the girls bedroom closet. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I still have to paint, but doesn't it look cute. I love that we were finally able to put these to use. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">After hanging, I realized how simple the stitch looked and decided to make another set of tulle curtains for the bedroom window. Being such a beginner sewer, I was a little intimidated about sewing tulle, but was amazingly surprised at how easy it was! Nothing like a little inspiration to get you going (and a little encouragement from your sister who of course can make just about anything!). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So, here is the tulle valance I made for the girls bedroom window. It has a zebra print border and pink jewels. Very girlie for my two girly girls. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, onto the tulle bedskirt modeled after the ones in Potterybarn. This <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/elizabeth-tulle-bed-skirt/?pkey=e%7CTulle%2BBedskirt%7C2%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerc">bedskirt </a>sells for $150.00 for a twin size bed. Five yards of tulle for the above cost me $6.00 at Hobby Lobby. You do the math! ; ) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-70402188631552714762010-11-03T21:18:00.006-06:002010-11-11T12:11:04.886-06:00Costume Fun 2010After all my smack about not having enough time to sew costumes for the girls, I ended up caving in when I couldn't find Isabella's costume anywhere. It seems Word Girl was a pretty popular costume for her size, not to mention shipping would have cost me a fortune!<br />
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</div><div>After researching a little on the internet, I got some great tips from other mommys on how to put the outfit together without breaking the bank. I dug around a little bit and realized we had an Incredibles costume from last year that we could reuse as Word Girl's red leotard. My only issue would be covering up the black sleeves, ankles, trunks and Incredible emblem on the front of the chest. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's where the mommy tips came in handy!</div><div><br />
</div><div>For Word Girl's shield, I used red and yellow foam craft paper from the craft store. Tim helped me draw the shield (because I am so not an artist) and star. I then simply cut these out and stuck them over the Incredibles emblem. </div><div><br />
</div><div>For the headpiece I cut out a piece of red stretch fabric and hot glued it to a head band. Then i simply added velcro to the bottom side of the head piece to attach underneath her chin. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The belt was an old stretch glitter belt that I use to have from one of my many years in dance and drill team. I simply cut out a yellow and brown circle from the same foam paper and stuck it onto the belt. To give extra security I added a few stitches.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div>The sleeves were the easiest of all. I used red felt which helped bring out the darker red Word Girl uses around her wrists. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I also had to make red trunks to go over the black trunks on the Incredibles costume. This was the hardest part for me. I had no clue what to do and didn't want to mess up the costume as I'm sure the boys will be into in just a few short years. Not to mention, it was very late and I was really sleepy. I ended up playing around with the red fabric (used on the head piece) and came up with something to simply get us by for the evening. </div><div><br />
</div><div>My favorite tip was making Word Girl's red boots. We used a pair of long red socks to be worn over her tennis shoes and we had an instant pair of red boots! Of course, by the end of the night we had to throw the socks away, but replacing those is a piece of cake should we ever decide we need them again. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Two late nights sewing until 4 am and here is the final product...<br />
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</div><div>She absolutely loved it and was super grateful which ended up making the bags I am now sporting underneath my eyes all worth it! </div><div><br />
</div><div>And if you noticed above, she's holding Captain Huggy, Word Girl's sidekick! (Isabella just had to have him! ) This was a last minute project Sunday morning right before we headed to church. It literally took about 5 minutes.<br />
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We borrowed a blue T-shirt from Cash and put it on his monkey (the extra one that is only for emergencies). I used some scrap yellow fabric from Word Girl's cape to make his belt and simply tied this around his waste. I cut circles out from the foam paper and hot glued it to the yellow belt. I cut out a yellow lightening bolt also from the foam paper and glued it to the front of his chest. For his head piece, I used the scrap red fabric that we used on Word Girl's head piece and tied it around his head. I tucked the knot into the collar of the blue shirt. (I told you this was a last minute thing!) Then I cut out slits for his ears to stick out and there you have it....Mr Huggy!</div><div><br />
</div><div>The other 3 dressed up as characters from the Cat in the Hat. I got the idea when I walked into a consignment shop to inquire about selling some items and spotted a Thing One and Thing Two Costume! I couldn't resist. After that, I hyped up the idea to Elianna on being the Cat and the Hat. She was sold after I mentioned painting her face and wearing red lip stick!</div><div><br />
</div><div>So here is Elianna as The Cat in the Hat! (I purchased the hat, bow and gloves and sewed her tail on).</div><div><br />
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</div><div>And we can't forget about Thing One and Thing Two...<br />
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</div><div>Thing One refused to wear his blue hair and was unsure about what to do most of the evening, but he loved getting pushed around in his wagon and eating candy!<br />
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</div><div>The cutest and happiest Thing Two I ever did see! He fought his brother for candy the whole night!</div><div><br />
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</div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-31339684962455756442010-10-29T10:28:00.014-06:002010-11-03T22:04:57.141-06:00Mr. Potato Head PumpkinsWhile shopping one weekend at Wal-mart I came across these!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and our porch looks great too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-22467657182523915602010-10-18T08:14:00.020-06:002010-10-18T09:42:58.201-06:00What Every Mom Needs To Know After a Bad Day…<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">...from one of my favorite fellow Mommy Bloggers Kat at <a href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/">Inspired to Action</a></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/10/what-every-mom-needs-to-know-after-a-bad-day.html/rain" rel="attachment wp-att-10716" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #941a16; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10716" height="332" src="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/rain.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.699219); background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; clear: both; display: block; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" title="rain" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtrah/4975489432/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #941a16; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Photo Credit</a></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A few months ago I had one of those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days that all moms have every once in awhile.</strong><br />
Sometimes every two or three times in awhile.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">After finally putting the kids to bed, with a <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">deep sigh felt through the ages</strong>, I buried my head in my husband’s chest and in true <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Anne of Green Gables fashion</strong>, I proceeded to pour out my frustration and deep despair at what a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day it was and what a terrible, horrible, no good,<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">very bad mom I was.</strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">I mentally calculated the future therapy bill my kids would require after our rotten day.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Finally, in an expression of true blogger angst, I said, <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“…and what the WORLD am I doing writing a blog about motherhood?!!!</strong> I’m a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad mom!!”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">But I’m not dramatic. <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Obviously</strong>.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Yet my wonderfully patient, wise husband gently replied, <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Sweetie, it’s not about the mom you were today. It’s about the mom you’re FIGHTING to be. And you? You’re FIGHTING to be a great mom…”</strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">His words of comfort silenced me.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Friends, we all have bad days.</strong> Sometimes we have bad weeks. Maybe you’ve had bad years. But those are the past. We can learn from them, but they DO NOT define us.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Our mistakes are part of our journey. They are NOT our definition.</strong><br />
In light of the magnificent purpose to which we have been called, we cannot waste time nurturing our regrets. They require too much of us.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">We can learn from our bad days, our mistakes and then we must lay them down, leave them behind and<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">fight on</strong>.</div><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; font: normal normal normal 20px/1.5em Georgia, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="fancybox" href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Screen-shot-2010-03-30-at-1.48.28-PM.png" rel="fancybox" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #941a16; font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Screen shot 2010-03-30 at 1.48.28 PM"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="168" src="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Screen-shot-2010-03-30-at-1.48.28-PM-216x300.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.699219); background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; display: inline; float: left; font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 24px; margin-top: 4px; max-width: 640px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="Screen shot 2010-03-30 at 1.48.28 PM" width="121" /></a></h3><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal normal 15px/1.5em Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kat blogs at </em><a href="http://www.inspiredtoaction.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #941a16; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Inspired To Action</em></a><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, a site dedicated to helping moms develop the habits and skills they need to effectively manage their homes and raise children who are prepared to change the world. Kat and her husband Jimmy live the great state of Texas and have 3 children ages 7, 5 and 2. Kat loves music, running, technology, Jesus and Tex-Mex food. Not necessarily in that order.</em></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div></span></div></span></span></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-10507568979016350992010-10-13T09:38:00.001-06:002010-10-13T10:06:28.572-06:00Have you decided what your going to be for Halloween?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQHImx3nMa8YVb87Rd8D0OrOuox2E3kcvIwv7D-MQKfTUluOcr0lQhqsVvrDu_1lheRLB8l5lyT-eWp8Cbmn_DqhI_8gWXklKquWrAWgU37Uq-f4NA_XzEno7VRlAgJt_Ck4h60Q6G3wT/s1600/4130852505_a335b036cd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQHImx3nMa8YVb87Rd8D0OrOuox2E3kcvIwv7D-MQKfTUluOcr0lQhqsVvrDu_1lheRLB8l5lyT-eWp8Cbmn_DqhI_8gWXklKquWrAWgU37Uq-f4NA_XzEno7VRlAgJt_Ck4h60Q6G3wT/s400/4130852505_a335b036cd_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowboy CASH From Last Year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>That is the question around our house lately. Three down and one to go! Whohoo! Believe it or not, I am actually off to a better start than last year. Elijah Ray was born a few weeks before Halloween, so mama had a lot of other things on her mind, not to mention we were in the middle of a huge move! <br />
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So, this year we're making better timing and I think we finally nailed down what big sister is going to be! Yea!! This is a huge accomplishment for mommy as my eldest has the habit of changing her mind from week to week. Anyone else have this challenge? It can be really tough and oh so frustrating; especially as we get closer to Halloween.<br />
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Since I was growing weary of asking every day,"have you decided what your going to be for halloween?" I decided to help her along by laying out a time frame for her. If she didn't have a costume picked out by that designated time, mommy would have to choose for her. Not so much fun for a big independent 6yr old. So, with a little nudge and a "you're a big girl who I know can choose her own costume"encouragement, voila!! That really seemed to do the job! <br />
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Now that I have half the battle tackled, we're on to getting our costumes. Decisions, decisions!! I am so tempted to make my own costumes; especially when I see something and think, "I could totally make that myself!" However, as much as I'd love to break out the sewing machine, the reality is I just don't have time. Between our home projects, homeschooling and life in general with 4 kiddos, there's just not enough time in the day. Urrgghh! So, even though it painfully kills me to purchase the girls costumes, I think I'm opting for sanity. Good thing hubby likes this choice too. When I asked him tonight if I should attempt to sew some of our costume items, he just looked at me and said, "Come on babe, really?!!" Nuff said! Hope he's still singing that tune when we need his wallet! ; )<br />
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With that in mind, as I was looking for our costumes on line I came across <a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/">this</a> website full of creative ideas for frugal halloween costumes. So, for all you bargain savvy moms you may find this link helpful!<br />
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<b>Here were a few of my favorites:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/frugal-holidays/costumes/jelly-beans.shtml">A Bag of Jelly Beans</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/frugal-holidays/costumes/dog-food.shtml">A Bag of Dog Food</a>--hilarious!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/frugal-holidays/costumes/toothpaste-tube.shtm">Toothpaste</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/frugal-holidays/costumes/clock.shtml">A Clock</a>-little work but very creative.<br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/frugal-holidays/costumes/gumball-machine.shtml">Gumball Machine</a>-could also use the clear sinch bags like the Jelly Beans above.<br />
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<i>Unleash your creativity!</i><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mel</span></i></span></b>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-58538598215829937942010-08-24T08:59:00.001-06:002010-08-24T09:02:26.379-06:00Why Don't Friends with Kids have Time?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wow! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My husband sent me the article below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No doubt he knew I'd get a kick out it as you will too I'm sure; especially those of you who are stay at home moms! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love the editor’s response to a lady who wrote in basically wanting to know what in the heck stay at home moms do all day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">You know, because our jobs are sooooo easy! </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">Yeah right! </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwu8_6PYHVlAJB2dajM-EJhq9O8-t-13Zc7gPLPjpin2NcosNSIcgsW3L5wEKDl4vfa2QuxCjP-dr4speIYv4qEWKW91CQ3iZLMnIFTLVqhp6gEyY6OaxNmXtTypYOpHXuA2MPQah1jN2/s1600/Article;+Why+don%27t+friends+with+kids+have+time%3F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwu8_6PYHVlAJB2dajM-EJhq9O8-t-13Zc7gPLPjpin2NcosNSIcgsW3L5wEKDl4vfa2QuxCjP-dr4speIYv4qEWKW91CQ3iZLMnIFTLVqhp6gEyY6OaxNmXtTypYOpHXuA2MPQah1jN2/s640/Article;+Why+don%27t+friends+with+kids+have+time%3F.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I love the line about "needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15!" </div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't that the truth!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm feeling this all too well these days as we unpack, remodel, and decorate our new home. </div><div style="text-align: center;">How does one do this with 4 little ones all under the age of 6?!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for shedding some light Carolyn! </div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-3116175592385483202010-08-16T16:35:00.005-06:002010-08-17T00:11:59.454-06:00Attitude...it's your choice! :)Last week was a pretty crazy week and if you follow Tim's FB updates, you'll recall for some unexplicable reason our Mac decided not to boot up one morning. That was a real bummer! To top the week off and make things even sweeter, to our surprise we discovered a pipe had broken in the attic in the girls bathroom, and oh yes there was sheet rock damage!<br />
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As we worked to get things squared away with the insurance company, overall things seemed to be looking good and best of all their was minimal damage done to our pocket book. Definitely a blessing! Hopeful to start a new week with this behind us, we came home from church yesterday afternoon and discovered yet ANOTHER pipe had broken in the attic; this time over our hallway near the garage. Ugghh. <br />
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In Phillipians 4:6 Paul exhorts us, <em>"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, <u>with thanksgiving</u>, present your request to God. <u>And the peace</u> of God which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."</em><br />
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So, despite the circumstances, I'm choosing to have a positive attitude and thankful heart. Thankful that a friend happened to come over that evening (the night the first pipe busted) and was able to help us, thankful for another friend that works with insurance companies was able to advice us on what to do, thankful we were able to minimize the damage, thankful that Opa was here to help when the second pipe busted, thankful for insurance, etc.... <br />
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Amazingly, as I began to write these out I discovered there really was so much to be thankful for. It's a shift in attitude, a matter of perspective! Oh and did I mention that before we walked through the door and discovered the 2nd broken pipe, we had just gotten off the phone with Apple. They had called to let us know that our laptop would be ready later this week and the best part...it was FREE!! <br />
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Paul says, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation....phillipians 4:12 This is something God has been definitely been working in us this past year in so many different ways. As I reflect on how God has been at work in our hearts and his provision over our family, I am so thankful for the ways He is choosing to work the spirit of contentment in our hearts. I am thankful for his mercy over our family as I realize many others like Paul, face hunger,sickness, death, and etc....As I reflect on other families who have lost a loved one and have watched God be their peace and strength through their pain it simply amazes me. I cannot fathom the cross they have had to bear. It is humbling to witness the way God has worked in and through you. If you have experienced such tragedy know that I am praying for you now.<br />
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As Paul focused on God rather than His circumstances, he developed an attitude of thankfulness and as a result experienced the peace of God. <br />
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So, In the midst of life's unexpectant surprises our attitude is everything. I found the poem below especially fitting this Monday morning! It's a great reminder that perspective is everything and as my husband so gently reminds me, <strong>"Your attitude is your choice!"</strong> So, despite this less than desirable gaping hole I am staring at in my ceiling, I choose to remain JOYFUL and THANKFUL before the Lord today!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">A little old lady went to the mirror one morning and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head. </div><div style="text-align: center;">As she looked into the mirror, she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." </div><div style="text-align: center;">That's exactly what she did. And, she had a great day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The next morning, at the mirror once again, the little old lady noticed that she only had two hairs on her head.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking herself right in the eye, she said, "Today, I think I'll part my hair down the middle." That's exactly what she did. And, she had a great day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The next day, as the little old lady looked into the mirror, there was only one hair on her head. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She looked at that one lonely hair and said, "Today I think I'll wear my hair in a pony tail."</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's exactly what she did. And she had a great day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The following morning the little old lady looked into the mirror and there wasn't a single hair on her head. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Her eyes lit up, and she said, "Yeah! I don't have to fix my hair today!" </div><div style="text-align: center;">~Dennis and Wendy Mannering</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong>"Your attitude is your choice!" </strong></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-29030353567693469522010-08-13T10:39:00.009-06:002010-08-13T12:04:07.248-06:00Friendship for Grown-Ups<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Whelchel/121979173204"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504935288808234642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboma8wHVLD_9XKexr79MyivEyGULs7lh-dDlNEMg8HXGyHOF3qvqxNR-TybWlqMWPSR9p_kcSTX9zme1W5MysudG8Un4EE6mx9PfteFGMKeEriDGOZrLRsjJY0aYzU8LtB7DnrVoFl3pi/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" /></a>I am a huge <a href="http://www.lisawhelchel.com/">Lisa Whelchel</a> fan and have read just about every book she’s ever written. One of my new favorites is her latest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Friendship-Grown-Ups-Missed-Learned-Along/dp/1400202779">Friendship for Grown Ups. </a>In this book, Lisa explores the challenges of friendship; particularly women friendships.<br /><br />Let’s face it…friendships can be challenging! Lisa speaks from her heart as she relays her own story of how God tore down the wall she had so carefully constructed around her heart in order to prevent people from getting too close; thereby exposing her own neediness and vulnerability.<br /><br /><em>“Vulnerability, trust and grace is not always easy to cultivate or maintain but isn’t that what we all want? To be seen, in all our glory, for better or worse, the good, the bad and the ugly and still be embraced? If only these kind of friendships were easy to find.”</em><br /><br />As she begins the journey of discovering “real” friendship, the very thing she fears is that which God uses to chisel away at her heart. It is through the pain of broken trust and betrayal that God teaches her how to be real, needy and vulnerable in order to truly be a “real” friend…the kind of friend we all need.<br /><br />I have not met many women in my Christian life who I can honestly say know the good, bad and ugly of Mel…and still embrace me. Perhaps they haven’t felt the same of me either. That really makes me sad. Don't get me wrong...I have some great friends that I love dearly and I know they care for me as well.<br /><br />As I chewed on the quote above, there are only two women that come to mind, who have seen me and know the good, bad and the ugly of Mel. One was once my boss, and is now mentor and very dear, dear friend whom I will forever be grateful for. Sure, we have rubbed each other the wrong way before, but we <em>know </em>each other. She knows the Mel God created, has grace for the Mel that’s still in process and chooses to see ahead to the Mel God is creating me to be. That’s real friendship! That’s real grace!<br /><br />The other is a girl I knew back in high school. Man, could we have some heated discussions, but our love and respect for one another went deeper. We might not have always seen eye to eye, but no matter what, there was a sisterly love for one another. Even today, though we might have different viewpoints, we can still respect one another despite our different perspectives and love one another through them. The best part is that though the years go by, we can pick up a conversation like it was just yesterday. She knows me. She knows the Mel God created and respects the Mel I desire to be. That’s real friendship!<br /><br /><strong><u>Here is what I am wrestling with:</u></strong> Isn’t the church (not "<strong><u>A</u></strong> church" but "<strong><u>THE</u></strong> church" in general) the place where we should be experiencing more of these grace filled friendships and unconditional love? I just don’t understand how we can be the body of Christ and yet have so very <strong><u>little grace</u></strong> for God’s people. The very people in which God himself dwells! When I think about it like that, it just blows my mind and makes me cry out to God to help me show his child, my sister in the faith, more grace and love.<br /><br />I am processing through all of this, but one thing I have discovered about myself in regards to friendship is that I tend to be an all or nothing kind of gal. There isn’t anything I don’t commit myself to without giving it my all. This is just the way God made me. The same goes with friendship. I am a loyal friend, which means there isn’t ANYTHING I wouldn’t do for you if I can; especially for a close friend.<br /><br />Yet, what I have come to discover about myself, and this book only helped to further highlight, is that at times I can unintentionally expect the same things of my friends in return. The result is hurt feelings when expectations are not met. One of the biggest things my husband is holding me accountable to is not to infer the intentions or actions of other people. For example, I might say, <strong>“I can’t believe she said _______, I would have never said that to her”</strong> or <strong>“I can’t believe she didn’t _________ I would have done that for her.”</strong> Time and time again, my hubby will fire back with, <strong>“but she’s not YOU!!!”</strong> He says, “she is not going to do and say things just like you would. If it bothers you that much, ask her what she meant when she said, _______ but don’t infer. It leads you to a bad place.” Blah, Blah, Blah. The truth is, <strong>he’s right</strong> and <strong>I know it.</strong><br /><br />In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Friendship-Grown-Ups-Missed-Learned-Along/dp/1400202779">Friendship for Grown Ups</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/lisawhelchel">Lisa Whelchel</a> refers to this as helium balloons. Before you let the little balloon you’ve imagined float away, pop it by exposing it. Bring it to the light. Tell your friend, “I could be overly sensitive, but was I reading you the right way when you said __________?” Don’t just sweep it under the rug or worse yet, write someone off! I have been guilty of the latter. So needless to say, I have found so many nuggets of truth in this little 178 page book.<br /><br />One of my favorite quotes that I have sadly found to be true is when she writes about our fear of being needy. Check this out:<br /><br /><em>“What has conditioned so many of us to be afraid to ask for help when we need it? Or to reach out for a touch when we are lonely? Or to forgo sharing a happy success for fear of sounding prideful? Why do we choose the safety of space in even the closest of friendships?"<br /></em><br />As I reflected on this question (and have been guilty at some point of one or all of them), it really just blows my mind. I’m wondering… “Are we living in fear and lead by pride.” <strong>Fear</strong> and <strong>Pride</strong>…two painful enemies of the Christian life.<br /><br /><em>Afraid to ask for help</em>….<strong>why?</strong> Because we won’t appear to have it all together; we won’t be the perfect mom who knows how to raise the perfect kids? Maybe it’s simply because we don’t want to bother already busy people and become a burden to them….we’re tough, self sufficient we can handle it…right?<br /><br /><em>Reach out when we’re lonely</em>….<strong>why??</strong> Isn’t that what the body of Christ is for??<br /><br /><em>Forgo sharing a happy success for fear of sounding prideful</em>…<strong>why???</strong> aren’t we called to rejoice with others?<br /><br /><em>Are we living in fear and lead by pride?<br /></em><br />Henry Cloud writes…. <em>“God made us to need Him and each other. We need God. We need his word. We need each other. The apostle John wrote, “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to <strong><u>visit you</u></strong> and <strong><u>talk with you face to face</u></strong>, so that our joy may be complete.”</em> 2 John 12. Friendships require vulnerability, grace and action. You can’t build a friendship off of self sufficiency. You must reach out to others and ask for help. Neither can you build a friendship if you never make time for others and concern yourself with their needs. We need community, we need each other. God knew that. That’s why he blessed us with the church body. So, why do we push this precious gift away?<br /><br />These are just a few things I’m pondering lately and wrestling with in my heart. This was the first book I’ve read that spoke honestly and directly regarding these sensitive and almost taboo matters.<br /><br />If you want a good book you can curl up with and hang out with a girl who’s keeping it real, check out Lisa’s book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Friendship-Grown-Ups-Missed-Learned-Along/dp/1400202779">Friendships for Grown Ups.</a> I laughed, cried and cried some more as she relays the bitter sweetness of friendships and gives practical insight on how to choose and cultivate <strong>“safe”</strong> friendships filled with grace, so we His people, can truly reflect his love to one another.<br /><br /><br />If you’ve ever experienced the pain of friendship or would simply like to know how to be a better friend, this book is a must read.<br /><div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-11370231673187331502010-08-03T13:53:00.003-06:002010-08-13T17:01:08.324-06:00It's been a while...<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; "><img src="webkit-fake-url://70674E9D-7F49-4C04-B058-EE27636B6507/photo.php.jpg" alt="photo.php.jpg" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; "></span>Hey Friends and Family! We’re back! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Life has definitely brought about a lot of surprises and changes including a new addition to the family, homeschooling, a new job, church, and new home. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Though this transition has been LONG and challenging, it has also been such a blessing as we have seen God at work in so many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After 10.5 long months of home showings, we’re finally on the other side. Whew!! It’s time now to get settled in and figure out our new normal…whatever that looks like! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Though we have most of the inside boxes tackled, we still have a mountain of boxes to sift through in the garage as this is the place where everything got dumped! <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m choosing to look at the brighter side--we’re finally able to “move about the cabin!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No more bumping into boxes! Yea!! That’s not to say I still don’t hear someone yelling out, “mom, where is ________?” However, that’s more because mommy’s still trying to figure out the best places for everything to “live”—as my eldest would say. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It feels like we are moving at a snails pace (and we are),but hey with four little ones to attend to, this has been a major accomplishment for us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As much as I’ve wanted to get everything in order as quickly as possible, there are 4 little people who need their mommy and daddy. Life still goes on. Laundry still needs to be done, dishes washed, bodies bathed, dinners made, drinks to fill, babies to nap, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>etc….So, needless to say, this is yet another way God is teaching me how to be flexible; a theme that has been reoccurring for the past 2.5 years of my life (Thanks Dale Carnegie)! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I reflected a bit on this, I couldn’t help but think of my kiddos who have been alongside us during one of the most challenging seasons of our married lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They have without a doubt been a living-breathing example of what it means to be flexible. What an encouragement they have been to me as I have watched them let go of the only home they’ve ever known. Not once have they complained. This is no stretch of the imagination. In fact, even though my 2yr old is unable to fully communicate, the first night in our new home when I announced that it was bed time, he picked up his monkey, looked at me and said, “alright mom” and then went straight to his new room!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I couldn’t believe it! What a blessing that was as we were so physically and emotionally spent and desperately in need of some rest. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s funny, I kept waiting, trying to be ready with an encouraging word to offer or to wipe a teary eyed face. That’s not to say they don’t love and miss all their amazing little friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They simply said their goodbyes and trusted Mom and Dad’s word that there would be new friends to make and a new home that Jesus was bringing us to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Wouldn’t life be so much easier if we came to our heavenly Father as simply and as orderly as that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No tantrums, no looking back, just moving forward and trusting that God is doing a new thing, even if we don’t have all the why’s and how’s answered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Time and time again, Isaiah 43: 18-19 has been an encouraging verse through challenging seasons in my life. And even now, as we continue to trust and let go I have found it especially encouraging in this season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>See , I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. </i>Isaiah 43: 18-19.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">That’s not to say out with the old and in with the new. Please don’t hear that. Like our kiddos, we too will carry these friendships in our hearts forever. You have been in our homes, eaten dinner with us, brought meals over, watched our kids,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>went on double dates together, celebrated births and walked with us in challenging seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You have been a blessing to us in so many ways and we are so thankful for the time we had together. We treasure the friends we’ve had to say goodbye to and know that no matter where God plants us, God has and will always bind our hearts together through Christ Jesus.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yet, as we embrace what God is doing in this new season (challenges and all) we are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>experiencing the joy of seeing God’s provision and seeing how he has been at work even though we couldn’t see or understand it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No matter how uncomfortable it is, there is a freedom that comes in knowing you’re in the middle of God’s will that gives you the hope and strength to persevere. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even though we’re not through it all, we have not only seen the way he has provided for us physically (ask me about how we found our house), but he’s also been plowing through the muddy fields of our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While not always pleasant, it is here God can shape, mold and refine us. Don’t know what all that looks like yet, but I have hope in what’s yet to come! <span style="font-family:Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Genesis 50:20-21 ….., but God intended it for Good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <!--EndFragment-->Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864370974382011722.post-60289726293531519502008-12-18T11:51:00.007-06:002008-12-18T12:02:22.242-06:00Reindeer Candy Cane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptR8Ft6iISOVUBWP9eCWSANYenzKUF99qJmzbwNpTosrqOImiMmn4WjOiQngNqNbYJytmBXQLIbya5SEA1ESV615LqTVMjPlRvyVua1Bd19UbueHh_lYVJCvy-kGCYzhtAonwhjT-7xGC/s1600-h/candy_cane_reindeer.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptR8Ft6iISOVUBWP9eCWSANYenzKUF99qJmzbwNpTosrqOImiMmn4WjOiQngNqNbYJytmBXQLIbya5SEA1ESV615LqTVMjPlRvyVua1Bd19UbueHh_lYVJCvy-kGCYzhtAonwhjT-7xGC/s400/candy_cane_reindeer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281189955443200354" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Did you know the first Candy Cane was originally used as a Pacifier to soothe crying babies?</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Later, a German Choirmaster decided to bend the sugar sticks into the shape of a shepherd’s staff and each tot was handed one as they entered the cathedral during the Christmas pageant in hopes of keeping them quite.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Hundreds of years later, a candy maker from </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Indiana</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> decided to improve on the idea by tying the treats in with the real meaning of Christmas. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The legend of the Candy Cane is just one of many stories in the <a href="http://popsiclesontheporch.blogspot.com/2007/12/celebrating-advent.html">ADVENTure of Chirstmas by Lisa Whechel</a>.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It is chalk full of fun crafts, stories, and etc…to help children find Jesus in many of our Holiday Traditions. </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> So, we’ve been making these fun little Reindeer Candy Canes for our friends on our street!</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> As I was sharing the story with the girls I pointed out that the red stripes remind us about the blood of Jesus and how he died on the cross for us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I thought this would be easy for them to understand especially since they love singing the song, “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.”</span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> However, I didn’t realize that Isabella had taken this so literally.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So when Elianna started screaming that the peppermint was burning her mouth Isabella told me, </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">“Mom, get it out of her mouth!</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It’s the blood!</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The blood is burning her!! She doesn’t like the blood…get it out!!”</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> Awwh…from the mouth of babes! Too funny! </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I got a big kick out of it and couldn’t help but wonder what God must think of all of this?!! </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">**The pic above is one I pulled from the internet. I will update later with our pics</span>!</span></p>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08718753185326541164noreply@blogger.com1