Hosted by Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer .
We love quesadillas at our house. I usually butter the tortillas, sandwich the meat and cheese between, and grill them in a skillet like a grilled cheese sandwich. This time I tried something different. I lightly buttered 5 tortillas and placed them on 2 cookie sheets. Sprinkled the chicken and cheese on top. Topped them with another lightly buttered tortilla (buttered sides out, just as though I were going to cook them in a skillet). Then I baked them at 450 for a few minutes until they were toasty brown. They tasted much better and crispier, and it was so much faster than standing over the stove for each one. Plus they were all done and hot at the same time. Then I quartered them with a pizza cutter and served with sour cream, salsa, and gaucamole. Mmmmm, yummy!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Love
This week I gave my sweet 5-year-old daughter a gift of love. I told her "You can watch a movie and I am going to clean your room for you."
Of course she was delighted. So I put Sarah down for her nap and Elizabeth and Silas on the couch with a movie.
Then I gutted her room.
Literally.
I left her bed, dresser, and nightstand. I left the clothes and shoes that she absolutely has to have, four baby dolls, her nicest dress-up clothes, and half a dozen items in her toy box. I stashed her favorite things on the top shelf of her closet--her tea set, dollhouse furniture, and a few other things. I also discovered that I have a weakness for baby dolls; I couldn't bring myself to get rid of those! So they joined the other items on the top shelf. Then I hauled out a desk, a book case full of books (for relocation), and four big trash bags of toys, clothes, and trash, and a box of books.
She was so excited. And just as I thought, she didn't miss anything I took out (since I kept the few items that she actually plays with most).
This is my child who is high-strung, easily overstimulated and overwhelmed. Every day we were on her case about her messy room, and last week she spent the entire day cleaning it up. When I went in the next day and it looked just like it had before the cleanup, I knew I had to take drastic measures. It just did not seem fair to her that she had so much in her room that she was constantly stressed and overwhelmed trying to keep it clean.
She's so proud of her neat, new, uncluttered space. She could hardly wait to show her Daddy that night. We were able to move Sarah's crib into her room (now that it is not so full of little choke-able toys and general baby hazards) and this morning she was busy tidying up and making both beds.
I was a little concerned that is was heartless to take virtually everything out of her room, but I'm so glad I did, and so is she. In fact, when Silas saw her room he wanted his room cleaned out too. Last night Billy made a big haul, and now we have a much happier boy.
We sacrificed some material items in exchange for a whole lot of peace. It was a good lesson to me. I think I see more decluttering in my future!
Of course she was delighted. So I put Sarah down for her nap and Elizabeth and Silas on the couch with a movie.
Then I gutted her room.
Literally.
I left her bed, dresser, and nightstand. I left the clothes and shoes that she absolutely has to have, four baby dolls, her nicest dress-up clothes, and half a dozen items in her toy box. I stashed her favorite things on the top shelf of her closet--her tea set, dollhouse furniture, and a few other things. I also discovered that I have a weakness for baby dolls; I couldn't bring myself to get rid of those! So they joined the other items on the top shelf. Then I hauled out a desk, a book case full of books (for relocation), and four big trash bags of toys, clothes, and trash, and a box of books.
She was so excited. And just as I thought, she didn't miss anything I took out (since I kept the few items that she actually plays with most).
This is my child who is high-strung, easily overstimulated and overwhelmed. Every day we were on her case about her messy room, and last week she spent the entire day cleaning it up. When I went in the next day and it looked just like it had before the cleanup, I knew I had to take drastic measures. It just did not seem fair to her that she had so much in her room that she was constantly stressed and overwhelmed trying to keep it clean.
She's so proud of her neat, new, uncluttered space. She could hardly wait to show her Daddy that night. We were able to move Sarah's crib into her room (now that it is not so full of little choke-able toys and general baby hazards) and this morning she was busy tidying up and making both beds.
I was a little concerned that is was heartless to take virtually everything out of her room, but I'm so glad I did, and so is she. In fact, when Silas saw her room he wanted his room cleaned out too. Last night Billy made a big haul, and now we have a much happier boy.
We sacrificed some material items in exchange for a whole lot of peace. It was a good lesson to me. I think I see more decluttering in my future!
Three Lovely Links
Storybook Woods , a beautiful blog
Small Meadow Press , all sorts of gorgeous paper goodies
and
The Bower Small Meadow Press blog
Oooooo...Aaaaahhhh...
Small Meadow Press , all sorts of gorgeous paper goodies
and
The Bower Small Meadow Press blog
Oooooo...Aaaaahhhh...
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Family Update
I haven’t written a formal family update in awhile, so here goes.
Billy spent last week in New Orleans doing his last Doctoral workshop with NOBTS. We missed him and he missed us. He said it was desolate beyond belief. There is a Church’s Chicken open across the street from the seminary, and other than that you have to drive 30 minutes before you find a place to eat or shop. That has to be an unbelievable feeling in a city known for culture and food. There’s no more Bakery with incredible shrimp po’boys or Italian Pie that delivered a large pizza, the best I’ve ever had, for $10. Of course everything else is gone too. The seminary is one of the few places in that part of town that has electricity, and only about every twentieth house is occupied. The seminary hotel was open, but there were no televisions or internet access. Fortunately we could stay in touch by cell phone. Billy is working now to finish his doctoral project, so that will be a consuming endeavor over the next months. I’m so proud of him and all his hard work!
While he was gone, I spent the week decluttering and cleaning. There was so much I wanted to get done that didn’t happen, but I still made good progress. I usually don’t cook much when Billy isn’t home, so we ate a lot of cereal and sandwiches and spent the extra time working on the house.
Elizabeth’s last t-ball game is tonight, and I’m a little relieved that it’s over. She enjoys it so much and we all have fun watching her play and getting to know other people in our community, but it’s hard to be gone so many evenings each week. Elizabeth has been working hard in school to finish up her kindergarten year. She’s progressing well in her reading and math, and she loves science. We got her a book of simple experiments that we’ll be using this summer and next school year, and she is always wanting to know about plants and animals. I’m getting ready to order first grade curriculum which will be quite a bit more intensive than this year, but I’m looking forward to it. We’ll be out for the summer in a week, but we are going to work on reading and writing through the summer. She has met most of the goals I set for her, but there are a few things I’d like her to improve on a little more before we start first grade. The main thing is that I’d like for her to be more comfortable with reading, which I know will come with more practice and lots of reading aloud.
Silas’s new favorite hero is Walker, Texas Ranger. He called Billy on the phone the other day and said, “Hi Dad, this is Walker.” That was fine until he tried to roundhouse kick his baby sister. Then we had to talk about only kicking bad guys—pretend ones. No problem for Silas. He just picked up his gun and said, “I’m Trivette.” He is such a fun and cuddly three year old. He is always wanting to sit in my lap, give hugs and kisses, and snuggle. I’m always saying to the kids, “Hi, my lovin’ baby.” This morning he greeted both his sisters with “Hi, Lovin’.”
Sarah has gone from being a baby to being a toddler in just a few weeks. She is climbing, saying words, feeding herself, and generally communicating in ways she wasn’t capable of just a short time ago. He hair is getting long enough that I have to keep it in a barrette to keep it out of her eyes, and I’m already going to have to go through my hand-me-downs again because she’s outgrowing all her baby clothes. She is a snuggler too, and such a Daddy’s girl. The other day she was jabbering for Billy, “Dada! Dada!” I said, “Daddy is at work. Did Daddy go bye-bye?” She chirped, “Yes!” Not sure if she knew what I meant, I said, “Bye bye Daddy.” She stuck her little lip out and said, “Wuuuuhhhh!” her famous complaining sound. When I asked, “Do you want to see Daddy? Do you love your Daddy?” She broke into a big smile and nodded her head yes. Awwwww…Too adorable! She is also obsessed with putting things inside things right now. Cabinets, cups, shoes, nothing is safe. I have to be careful to keep important items like keys and cell phone out of her reach or they might disappear inside something not to be found for years!
Other than that, we have been busy doing normal things at church and home. You know, the things that are wonderful but neverending. That’s all folks!
Billy spent last week in New Orleans doing his last Doctoral workshop with NOBTS. We missed him and he missed us. He said it was desolate beyond belief. There is a Church’s Chicken open across the street from the seminary, and other than that you have to drive 30 minutes before you find a place to eat or shop. That has to be an unbelievable feeling in a city known for culture and food. There’s no more Bakery with incredible shrimp po’boys or Italian Pie that delivered a large pizza, the best I’ve ever had, for $10. Of course everything else is gone too. The seminary is one of the few places in that part of town that has electricity, and only about every twentieth house is occupied. The seminary hotel was open, but there were no televisions or internet access. Fortunately we could stay in touch by cell phone. Billy is working now to finish his doctoral project, so that will be a consuming endeavor over the next months. I’m so proud of him and all his hard work!
While he was gone, I spent the week decluttering and cleaning. There was so much I wanted to get done that didn’t happen, but I still made good progress. I usually don’t cook much when Billy isn’t home, so we ate a lot of cereal and sandwiches and spent the extra time working on the house.
Elizabeth’s last t-ball game is tonight, and I’m a little relieved that it’s over. She enjoys it so much and we all have fun watching her play and getting to know other people in our community, but it’s hard to be gone so many evenings each week. Elizabeth has been working hard in school to finish up her kindergarten year. She’s progressing well in her reading and math, and she loves science. We got her a book of simple experiments that we’ll be using this summer and next school year, and she is always wanting to know about plants and animals. I’m getting ready to order first grade curriculum which will be quite a bit more intensive than this year, but I’m looking forward to it. We’ll be out for the summer in a week, but we are going to work on reading and writing through the summer. She has met most of the goals I set for her, but there are a few things I’d like her to improve on a little more before we start first grade. The main thing is that I’d like for her to be more comfortable with reading, which I know will come with more practice and lots of reading aloud.
Silas’s new favorite hero is Walker, Texas Ranger. He called Billy on the phone the other day and said, “Hi Dad, this is Walker.” That was fine until he tried to roundhouse kick his baby sister. Then we had to talk about only kicking bad guys—pretend ones. No problem for Silas. He just picked up his gun and said, “I’m Trivette.” He is such a fun and cuddly three year old. He is always wanting to sit in my lap, give hugs and kisses, and snuggle. I’m always saying to the kids, “Hi, my lovin’ baby.” This morning he greeted both his sisters with “Hi, Lovin’.”
Sarah has gone from being a baby to being a toddler in just a few weeks. She is climbing, saying words, feeding herself, and generally communicating in ways she wasn’t capable of just a short time ago. He hair is getting long enough that I have to keep it in a barrette to keep it out of her eyes, and I’m already going to have to go through my hand-me-downs again because she’s outgrowing all her baby clothes. She is a snuggler too, and such a Daddy’s girl. The other day she was jabbering for Billy, “Dada! Dada!” I said, “Daddy is at work. Did Daddy go bye-bye?” She chirped, “Yes!” Not sure if she knew what I meant, I said, “Bye bye Daddy.” She stuck her little lip out and said, “Wuuuuhhhh!” her famous complaining sound. When I asked, “Do you want to see Daddy? Do you love your Daddy?” She broke into a big smile and nodded her head yes. Awwwww…Too adorable! She is also obsessed with putting things inside things right now. Cabinets, cups, shoes, nothing is safe. I have to be careful to keep important items like keys and cell phone out of her reach or they might disappear inside something not to be found for years!
Other than that, we have been busy doing normal things at church and home. You know, the things that are wonderful but neverending. That’s all folks!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Since I'm Fashion Challenged
Would you rather read something by a Christian, as stay-at-home mom, or a frugal fashionista? How about all three?
My Ideal Pet
Well, it's a good thing because this is what I have. Two of them in fact.
| Your Ideal Pet is a Big Dog |
 You're both energetic, affectionate, and a bit goofy. And neither of you seem to mind very slobbery kisses! |
Works for Me Wednesday
Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer hosts Works for Me Wednesdays, which sounded like a good idea for blog fodder...As well as a way to get great tips from other frugal homemaker types like myself.
I can't really take credit for this one myself, because I got it from Flylady...but it's a tip I love. I have only 2 sets of sheets for each bed in the house (actually this is by default, but I don't need any more till these wear out). After I wash them, I fold them very flat and slip them between the matress and box springs. When I'm ready to put them on, voila! There they are. It has sure saved time I used to spend hunting through piles of sheets in the linens chest for the right ones...And not being able to remember which sheets went on which bed...Trying them only to find that I was putting queen sheets on the king bed...And so on. Saves time and space.
Now maybe someone can tell me how to copy the cute little icon that's supposed to go at the top of this post. :)
I can't really take credit for this one myself, because I got it from Flylady...but it's a tip I love. I have only 2 sets of sheets for each bed in the house (actually this is by default, but I don't need any more till these wear out). After I wash them, I fold them very flat and slip them between the matress and box springs. When I'm ready to put them on, voila! There they are. It has sure saved time I used to spend hunting through piles of sheets in the linens chest for the right ones...And not being able to remember which sheets went on which bed...Trying them only to find that I was putting queen sheets on the king bed...And so on. Saves time and space.
Now maybe someone can tell me how to copy the cute little icon that's supposed to go at the top of this post. :)
Monday, May 22, 2006
Calling all Kinfolks!
If you are related to me and have a blog that you still update, and I haven't left a comment recently, please leave me one here. I have lost some of your links and even a google search isn't turning you up! *S* I want to keep up with everybody...
Squash
Summer squash was Elizabeth's first solid food. I cooked it and mashed it up with a fork and fed her with a teaspoon. She has always liked squash, and watching it grow in our garden has made her really enjoy eating it. The other day she and Silas helped me pick 4 small yellow squashes, the first from our garden this year. I fixed them our favorite way and we ate every bite. Here's how:
Saute an onion in a tablespoon of butter. Add thinly sliced squash and a can of rotel tomatoes. Add a little water if necessary, and simmer on low heat until squash is tender. Drain off any excess liquid and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over all. Mmmmmmm, yummy!
Saute an onion in a tablespoon of butter. Add thinly sliced squash and a can of rotel tomatoes. Add a little water if necessary, and simmer on low heat until squash is tender. Drain off any excess liquid and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over all. Mmmmmmm, yummy!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Fully Engaged
I find that my kids get into lots less mischief when I keep them busy. They play outside much of the day, in our big shady back yard where I can watch them from the kitchen or living room. They rarely get into trouble as long as they are running around, swinging, and riding their spring horse or cozy coupe. When they come inside it’s a different story, and their mischief-making is even more pronounced when I’m on the phone or the computer. Kids seem to have “preoccupation radar” and they can tell when my mind is busy with other things. Now my kids are sweethearts, don’t get me wrong, but when they know I’m not looking they will get into fun forbidden items (mom’s moisturizer, furniture polish, and spray starch are a few from this week). One of them will come running, “Silas pushed me!” “Elizabeth hit me!” and I have no idea exactly what happened. Or they disobey and each denies their involvement and blames the other. It’s human nature, and they are as likely to do it as any child.
I’ve found that I can let this happen and deal with it the best I can after the fact…When my moisturizer is all over the outside windows, when the carpet is well-starched, when one of them is crying and hurt and the other denies that they shoved and I have to try to sort it out. And this happens sometimes.
But by far the most peaceful way to mother has been to learn how to be a fully engaged mom. When I get too busy and preoccupied to notice what they are up to, it’s usually because I am selfishly insisting on “me time”. I think that as moms we need to have time to ourselves, but we also need to embrace our mothering role and be “all there” as much as possible when our kids are “all there”! I’m learning—slowly—to find my personal time when they are down for naps or before they get up in the morning. Do I do it perfectly? No way! (In fact, right now they are dancing to the stereo in the living room and I’m hoping everything stays as happy as it is right now.)
The best way I’ve discovered to do this is to keep my kids with me--in the same room--pretty much all the time (except when they are outside). I try to involve them as much as I can in what I’m doing. They help me put laundry in the dryer, empty the dishwasher, make a salad, and vacuum. They are learning vital skills and we enjoy each others’ company. And most importantly I can stop that mischievous behavior before it gets started in many cases. It’s a lot easier to say, “Silas, put the sharpie away,” than to have to discipline later for sharpie on the furniture. It’s more fun for him and me! Sometimes I think we can help our kids not get into bad habits by just dealing with them promptly and never really letting them get started. That’s not to say that their fallen nature won’t rear its ugly head at times, but even when it does, we can handle it before it gets out of control if they are with us. (I have to say that I didn't come up with this on my own. Wise mamas from many different places have shared the same general idea, and I've just benefited from it.)
I’ve been tempted to whine about having three tiny ones and no time for me. Then I have to remember a few things. One is that God says they are blessings. They are not just blessings when it is convenient or when they are big enough not to need me so much. They are blessings, period, human beings made in the image of God, and pretty darn cute too! I wouldn’t trade their smiles and snuggles—as well as their tears and dirty diapers—for anything in the world. I also have to realize that while they are gifts from God, I have chosen to receive those gifts. So in a sense having three small ones is my choice. I can gripe about the blessings I’ve chosen to receive, or I can embrace this role of mothering little ones. Third, I have to realize that we are all benefiting from being together. They are learning, and they are there for me to hug, kiss, pick up, talk to, and serve. We’ll be closer and more connected for chopping the salad or folding laundry together. I'm also more available to sit down and read a book to them, or drink a cup of tea, or play basketball or push them on the swing, when they don't have to hunt me down.
When I do, I have to consciously remind myself to be fully engaged. When they are all three underfoot, this means that I'm both answering questions and chatting with them about the details of their little-kid lives, and giving almost constant instruction. “Sarah, don’t touch, that’s hot. Silas, will you put the spoons on the table for me? Elizabeth, please put the breakable glass down.” On it goes. They are little, after all. I have to use an eagle eye and not let my mind wander to my next craft project or blog entry. At first, it’s mentally and physically exhausting, but that gets better with time. And when I realize how much better I know my little ones and how much happier they are when they feel productive and stay out of trouble, it’s all worth it.
I’ve found that I can let this happen and deal with it the best I can after the fact…When my moisturizer is all over the outside windows, when the carpet is well-starched, when one of them is crying and hurt and the other denies that they shoved and I have to try to sort it out. And this happens sometimes.
But by far the most peaceful way to mother has been to learn how to be a fully engaged mom. When I get too busy and preoccupied to notice what they are up to, it’s usually because I am selfishly insisting on “me time”. I think that as moms we need to have time to ourselves, but we also need to embrace our mothering role and be “all there” as much as possible when our kids are “all there”! I’m learning—slowly—to find my personal time when they are down for naps or before they get up in the morning. Do I do it perfectly? No way! (In fact, right now they are dancing to the stereo in the living room and I’m hoping everything stays as happy as it is right now.)
The best way I’ve discovered to do this is to keep my kids with me--in the same room--pretty much all the time (except when they are outside). I try to involve them as much as I can in what I’m doing. They help me put laundry in the dryer, empty the dishwasher, make a salad, and vacuum. They are learning vital skills and we enjoy each others’ company. And most importantly I can stop that mischievous behavior before it gets started in many cases. It’s a lot easier to say, “Silas, put the sharpie away,” than to have to discipline later for sharpie on the furniture. It’s more fun for him and me! Sometimes I think we can help our kids not get into bad habits by just dealing with them promptly and never really letting them get started. That’s not to say that their fallen nature won’t rear its ugly head at times, but even when it does, we can handle it before it gets out of control if they are with us. (I have to say that I didn't come up with this on my own. Wise mamas from many different places have shared the same general idea, and I've just benefited from it.)
I’ve been tempted to whine about having three tiny ones and no time for me. Then I have to remember a few things. One is that God says they are blessings. They are not just blessings when it is convenient or when they are big enough not to need me so much. They are blessings, period, human beings made in the image of God, and pretty darn cute too! I wouldn’t trade their smiles and snuggles—as well as their tears and dirty diapers—for anything in the world. I also have to realize that while they are gifts from God, I have chosen to receive those gifts. So in a sense having three small ones is my choice. I can gripe about the blessings I’ve chosen to receive, or I can embrace this role of mothering little ones. Third, I have to realize that we are all benefiting from being together. They are learning, and they are there for me to hug, kiss, pick up, talk to, and serve. We’ll be closer and more connected for chopping the salad or folding laundry together. I'm also more available to sit down and read a book to them, or drink a cup of tea, or play basketball or push them on the swing, when they don't have to hunt me down.
When I do, I have to consciously remind myself to be fully engaged. When they are all three underfoot, this means that I'm both answering questions and chatting with them about the details of their little-kid lives, and giving almost constant instruction. “Sarah, don’t touch, that’s hot. Silas, will you put the spoons on the table for me? Elizabeth, please put the breakable glass down.” On it goes. They are little, after all. I have to use an eagle eye and not let my mind wander to my next craft project or blog entry. At first, it’s mentally and physically exhausting, but that gets better with time. And when I realize how much better I know my little ones and how much happier they are when they feel productive and stay out of trouble, it’s all worth it.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Common Grace
"By common grace, I understand, basically, that all people, by virtue of having been created in the image of God and living in God's reality, are capable of thinking, behaving, and speaking beautifully, rightly, and truthfully outside of a salvific context...While no, non-Christians don't live under the saving love of Jesus Christ crucified, resurrected, and ascended, they do live under the general, or common, love of God for his creatures. We are not, pervasive depravity granted, as bad as we could be, and even to imply that non-Christians aren't capable of speaking or behaving truly is a slap in the face of both non-Christians and their creator. As Calvin writes in his Institutes (2.2.15): 'If we regard the Spirit of God as the sole fountain of truty, we shall neither reject the truth itself, nor despise it wherever it shall appear, unless we wish to dishonor the Spirit of God. For by holding the gifts of the Spirit in slight esteem, we contemn and reproach the Spirit himself.'"
Jeremy Huggins in Critique issue #2 2006.
Jeremy Huggins in Critique issue #2 2006.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Living in Victory
God has changed my life--not just at salvation, but in so many ways since then. He has enabled me to overcome insecurities and fears, wrong attitudes and perspectives, he's taken my feet out of the mud and put them on a rock. I guess that's why it troubles me when Christians have a "this is just the way I am" attitude. God can help us to live an abundant, overcoming, victorious, beautiful life! This bit from Debra's archives blessed my heart. I tried to link to the post, but I couldn't figure out how, so I hope it's OK to put it all here. Just be sure you check out her whole blog. It's an inspration.
"That's Just the Way I Am"
Oh my... You will never hear me say the words, "That's just the way I am."
But I used to say them all the time. I was even a little proud to say them.
God would come along and say (through the Bible, people, books, songs, Life situations and my heart), "I can free you from that depression, you know."
And I would reply, "Oh, that's just the way I am."
Other times He'd say, "If you'll listen to Me, I can free you from the way you tend to bite Tom's head off and worry about Naomi."
And yes, I'd say, "But that's the way I've always been. You can't change that, can you?"
He'd try over and over... "I can help you not complain so much.... or be offended at church people... or think things must always go your way or else they're wrong."
Yeah, again... "But Lord, that's just the way I am."
But now, oh my.... I'd almost rather die than say, "That's just the way I am."
It took me 30 years (I am so slow sometimes) to discover that "That's just the way I am," is like smacking a helping hand...
...it's like slamming a door...
...not believing in miracles or truth...
...labeling myself as unchangeable...
...pressing my fingers, hard, against God's mouth...hushing Him...
...telling Him, "You can't help me!"...
...and giving-up and going back home to darkness.
It's like blacking-out and burning this Bible promise, "He whom the Son has set free is free, indeed."
Free indeed... The inside, outside, upside-down kind of freedom.
Free indeed... It exists. It is real.
And for me, it began when I stopped saying and stopped believing, "That's just the way I am."
***
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ... II Corinthians 5:17
"That's Just the Way I Am"
Oh my... You will never hear me say the words, "That's just the way I am."
But I used to say them all the time. I was even a little proud to say them.
God would come along and say (through the Bible, people, books, songs, Life situations and my heart), "I can free you from that depression, you know."
And I would reply, "Oh, that's just the way I am."
Other times He'd say, "If you'll listen to Me, I can free you from the way you tend to bite Tom's head off and worry about Naomi."
And yes, I'd say, "But that's the way I've always been. You can't change that, can you?"
He'd try over and over... "I can help you not complain so much.... or be offended at church people... or think things must always go your way or else they're wrong."
Yeah, again... "But Lord, that's just the way I am."
But now, oh my.... I'd almost rather die than say, "That's just the way I am."
It took me 30 years (I am so slow sometimes) to discover that "That's just the way I am," is like smacking a helping hand...
...it's like slamming a door...
...not believing in miracles or truth...
...labeling myself as unchangeable...
...pressing my fingers, hard, against God's mouth...hushing Him...
...telling Him, "You can't help me!"...
...and giving-up and going back home to darkness.
It's like blacking-out and burning this Bible promise, "He whom the Son has set free is free, indeed."
Free indeed... The inside, outside, upside-down kind of freedom.
Free indeed... It exists. It is real.
And for me, it began when I stopped saying and stopped believing, "That's just the way I am."
***
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ... II Corinthians 5:17
Gladys Taber
For those who love all things home, you should try reading Glady Taber's books. And for those who are already fans, check out this web site. (It appears to still be under construction).
First Grade
Elizabeth will be entering first grade in our home school this fall. I've been poring over curriculum choices and discussing them with Billy, and I'll be putting in orders soon. Tenniel had a First Grade Curriculum Review since her daughter has just finished first grade. It was very helpful to me since her curriculum choices are similar, and in some cases identical, to those we have decided to use. Just as helpful were her thoughts on loving to learn vs. enjoying all aspects of school. Tenn's blog is one of my favorites. I always come away inspired in my role as a mother and home schooler. If you have a child going into first grade, I'm sure her notes will be helpful to you as well. If you don't, you'll enjoy her blog anyway!
Roy Rogers Riders Rules
1. Be neat and clean
2. Be courteous and polite
3. Always obey your parents
4. Protect the weak and help them
5. Be brave but never take chances
6. Study hard and learn all you can
7. Be kind to animals and take care of them
8. Eat all your food and never waste any
9. Love God and go to Sunday School
10. Always respect our flag and our country
2. Be courteous and polite
3. Always obey your parents
4. Protect the weak and help them
5. Be brave but never take chances
6. Study hard and learn all you can
7. Be kind to animals and take care of them
8. Eat all your food and never waste any
9. Love God and go to Sunday School
10. Always respect our flag and our country
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Happy Birthday Sarah!
It's Sarah's first birthday. One year ago today I went in for my doctor's appointment the day after my due date to find that I was already dialated 5 cm. I went to the hospital, sat around and read magazines while I waited for things to get going, and after only 2 hours of real labor, Sarah was delivered by a team of awesome nurses. She came so quickly that the doctor didn't show up till about 20 minutes after her birth. I spent the rest of the afternoon snuggling my sweet new baby and visiting with friends and family who dropped by. I told Billy that it felt like I had hardly done anything that day. I was prepared for 18 hours of labor like I'd had with Elizabeth, or 9 hours like I'd had with Silas. A two hour birth I'd only dreamed about!
Sarah was and is our sweet, easygoing, happy little joy. She loves to cuddle and snuggle and she looks for Billy first thing each morning. Her day isn't started right until she's hugged her Daddy. She loves to play with Silas and Elizabeth, and she copies everything they do--singing, dancing, talking on the phone. When anyone cries, she runs to pat, hug, and comfort them. She loves to play outside and she bounces up and down when she hears anyone say "Go". She understands a lot and says a few words--Mama, Dada, Sih-sih (Sister) and Bubba, hot, bite please, up, dat for "that". She also says a lot of words that she obviously understands but we don't. She started walking at 10 months and now almost runs. Her hair is long enough for bows and barrettes, but so fine that they usually slide right out. I'm sure there are lots more things I should write about her, and I wish each of our friends and family who read this could see her. She's a doll, and we can't imagine life without her. Happy birthday Baby Girl!
Sarah was and is our sweet, easygoing, happy little joy. She loves to cuddle and snuggle and she looks for Billy first thing each morning. Her day isn't started right until she's hugged her Daddy. She loves to play with Silas and Elizabeth, and she copies everything they do--singing, dancing, talking on the phone. When anyone cries, she runs to pat, hug, and comfort them. She loves to play outside and she bounces up and down when she hears anyone say "Go". She understands a lot and says a few words--Mama, Dada, Sih-sih (Sister) and Bubba, hot, bite please, up, dat for "that". She also says a lot of words that she obviously understands but we don't. She started walking at 10 months and now almost runs. Her hair is long enough for bows and barrettes, but so fine that they usually slide right out. I'm sure there are lots more things I should write about her, and I wish each of our friends and family who read this could see her. She's a doll, and we can't imagine life without her. Happy birthday Baby Girl!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Crazy Week
If you've been waiting for a letter, phone call, or email from me, please don't give up. This week has not exactly gone as planned. The chaos culminated yesterday in quite a few hours spent at the doctor stitching up a gash in Elizabeth's head. She fell backward in a chair and ended up with a 1 inch long, pretty deep wound. She now has 5 stitches, and God blessed us with a lady doctor who took great care to only remove a few hairs so Elizabeth wouldn't have a bald spot in her long blonde hair. Elizabeth is fine and we're grateful that it wasn't worse. However that, along with other things this week, has put me behind. If I'm not able to be online through the weekend, don't give up on me. Hopefully next week will be better! Now I'm going to turn off my computer for the day so I don't succomb to it's siren song and spend my morning on the web instead of in the laundry room. *G*
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Farmgirl
You can, they say, take the girl out of the country. But you can’t take the country out of the girl. It’s true.
This morning I hoed our city garden. It’s small, but at least we have one this year. Last spring Billy was still too ill and I was too pregnant to even consider a vegetable patch, much to Elizabeth’s disappointment. So this year Billy tilled the sunny spot at the upper edge of our hilltop yard, and he and the older kids took a trip to Paul’s Feed and Seed for plants—tomatoes, squash, melons, and a few other things. They planted them and I took pictures. Now a few little blades of grass have begun to sprout up around our tender plants, and it’s my turn. I hoed between the rows and between the plants. It didn’t take long. Like I said, our garden is small. But it was just the activity this displaced homesteader needed.
I have a beautiful life. God has led so clearly each step of the way, and I’ve never had a doubt I’m in His will and that this spot is where He has me. Which is a good thing, because I really miss my old way of life. Tears come to my eyes sometimes when I realize that, at least right now, my children won’t wake up early on a chilly morning to go see the wobbly new calf born in the night or gather warm brown eggs from under cranky hens or sit on the front porch and watch the sunset or ride horses in the pasture. Sure they can do those things when they visit their grandparents, and I’m grateful for that, but it’s not the same as having them available to us daily.
Without any suggestion from me at all, the kids say, “We wish we could live in the country. We wish we were farmers. We want a horse.” Right now that’s simply not an option. In fact, it’s a little absurd to even consider, since we can’t even keep up with our yard. (I have a hard time moving to the outdoors when indoors still needs so much attention.) But I look down the road and dream. Maybe…someday…
We live in one of the most serene old neighborhoods I’ve ever seen. I’m fortunate and thankful. But I hope that one day I’ll see a little more space between me and my nearest neighbor, a couple acres with a big garden, fruit trees, and a few hens to scratch around in the dirt. A milk goat or two would be nice. It may never happen. And if it doesn’t, that’s OK. I believe with all my heart that God is not limited to the country. After all, the early church began and exploded in large cities, and one day we’ll live in the New Jerusalem. If God keeps me in the city forever, I’ll accept it with joy, knowing that He predestines our places of residence. But still there’s the tug of love and longing for what I knew first.
I’m at peace with whatever God decides. Whether for a short time or forever, there are many things to love about the city. And whether for a short time or forever, we can be city farmers. As I gain momentum and conquer my home, I can move to the yard and help keep it orderly. I can help with our little garden and plant flowers and herbs. I can share with my neighbors and feed my family from the bounty we grow in our little patch of earth. I can picnic with my babies under the giant oaks and listen to the wind in the branches. God is good, whether in city or country. That’s what this farm girl will never forget.
P.S. I have to add that I wrote this a couple weeks ago after I had weeded the garden. Right now it is all full of grass again. I think my farmgirl self needs to spend another morning with the hoe, don't you?
This morning I hoed our city garden. It’s small, but at least we have one this year. Last spring Billy was still too ill and I was too pregnant to even consider a vegetable patch, much to Elizabeth’s disappointment. So this year Billy tilled the sunny spot at the upper edge of our hilltop yard, and he and the older kids took a trip to Paul’s Feed and Seed for plants—tomatoes, squash, melons, and a few other things. They planted them and I took pictures. Now a few little blades of grass have begun to sprout up around our tender plants, and it’s my turn. I hoed between the rows and between the plants. It didn’t take long. Like I said, our garden is small. But it was just the activity this displaced homesteader needed.
I have a beautiful life. God has led so clearly each step of the way, and I’ve never had a doubt I’m in His will and that this spot is where He has me. Which is a good thing, because I really miss my old way of life. Tears come to my eyes sometimes when I realize that, at least right now, my children won’t wake up early on a chilly morning to go see the wobbly new calf born in the night or gather warm brown eggs from under cranky hens or sit on the front porch and watch the sunset or ride horses in the pasture. Sure they can do those things when they visit their grandparents, and I’m grateful for that, but it’s not the same as having them available to us daily.
Without any suggestion from me at all, the kids say, “We wish we could live in the country. We wish we were farmers. We want a horse.” Right now that’s simply not an option. In fact, it’s a little absurd to even consider, since we can’t even keep up with our yard. (I have a hard time moving to the outdoors when indoors still needs so much attention.) But I look down the road and dream. Maybe…someday…
We live in one of the most serene old neighborhoods I’ve ever seen. I’m fortunate and thankful. But I hope that one day I’ll see a little more space between me and my nearest neighbor, a couple acres with a big garden, fruit trees, and a few hens to scratch around in the dirt. A milk goat or two would be nice. It may never happen. And if it doesn’t, that’s OK. I believe with all my heart that God is not limited to the country. After all, the early church began and exploded in large cities, and one day we’ll live in the New Jerusalem. If God keeps me in the city forever, I’ll accept it with joy, knowing that He predestines our places of residence. But still there’s the tug of love and longing for what I knew first.
I’m at peace with whatever God decides. Whether for a short time or forever, there are many things to love about the city. And whether for a short time or forever, we can be city farmers. As I gain momentum and conquer my home, I can move to the yard and help keep it orderly. I can help with our little garden and plant flowers and herbs. I can share with my neighbors and feed my family from the bounty we grow in our little patch of earth. I can picnic with my babies under the giant oaks and listen to the wind in the branches. God is good, whether in city or country. That’s what this farm girl will never forget.
P.S. I have to add that I wrote this a couple weeks ago after I had weeded the garden. Right now it is all full of grass again. I think my farmgirl self needs to spend another morning with the hoe, don't you?
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Check 'Em Out
OK, so I am going through a homemaking blog phase. I found these this week and added them to my sidebar. They are delicious!
As I See it Now
Homeliving Helper
As I See it Now
Homeliving Helper
Hospitality
This week while roaming around on homemaking blogs, I found a link to this wonderful article by Edith Schaeffer. (Sorry, don't remember where I ran across it so I can't give credit where credit's due.)
My mom is one of my greatest inspirations in the area of hospitality. She freely admits that in her younger years she was, in her own words, inflexible. We rarely had guests, and if we did, she had to know a month in advance, know when they were arriving and when they were leaving and in the meantime she got totally stressed out.
In the small Charismatic church (that was before our Baptist days, *L*) we attended at the time, someone spoke a prophecy over her that one day people would love to come to her house. Now I know personal prophecy is up for debate in Christian circles, but we nevertheless found it amusing because having a home where people came often was among her worst nightmares. This was hardly the “word from God” she wanted to hear.
Fast forward a few years and she had no choice but to learn to be flexible. We moved to Texas, and in the first year we were there, we had eleven batches of overnight company, some staying as long as a week. We were so busy just transitioning from one bunch of company to the next, we didn’t have time to plan or freeze up or get stressed out. We were flying by the seat of our pants. That broke the no-company cycle. We discovered the joy of offering hospitality and had company often after that.
By the time my parents bought the farm where they live now, we never knew who might be at a meal or spending the night at any given time. It was a far cry from the days when having a neighbor for supper meant weeks of preparation. Mama, my sisters and I got used to cooking huge amounts for twenty or more people, sometimes on short notice and always on a limited budget. Saturday became bean day. A big pot of beans simmered on the stove every weekend, and if you were a Saturday friend—well, you ate a lot of beans with us! One night we spontaneously put friends up for the night in our tiny home when their car broke down. We fed and sometimes had overnight my brothers’ friends, guys from the local Teen Challenge ranch, the contractors who remodeled our house, an enormous group who helped us paint, a Christian who smuggled Bibles into China, pastors and evangelists, pen pals whom we’d never before met, and anybody else who happened to be around at mealtime or who needed a place to stay. It was fun! It was an adventure! We were more blessed by our guests than they were blessed by us. Hospitality became our joy.
Now my mom is one of the most hospitable people I know. People do indeed love to come to her house because she and my whole family make them feel so welcome. I’m proud of how far she came and how willing she was for God to change her in this area. It’s an example to me.
As a pastor’s family, one of the requirements for ministry is that we are hospitable. Billy and I have had quite a bit of company over our six years of marriage, but I want to get to the point that we can have company, even spontaneously, any time the Lord leads. Flylady’s word CHAOS makes me laugh—it stands for “Can’t Have Anybody Over Syndrome”. Don’t we too often find ourselves there? I know I do. Sometimes disorganization is unavoidable. Sometimes it comes from lack of discipline. And sometimes we find ourselves in a mess (literally) and it just takes awhile to get back on our feet. In any case, reaching a point where we can offer hospitality freely is a worthy goal. There are several reasons this is important to me. One is, as I mentioned before, it’s a requirement for ministry and a commandment to all Christians. Second, it’s a joy to serve the Body of Christ and minister to the world by serving them as guests. Third, Billy and I want our kids to grow up around people of God who will inspire them to greatness in their own lives, and in an environment where they see that sharing the Gospel through hospitality is a way of life.
Sometimes having company is a pain. Sometimes it’s stressful and things don’t go as planned. Sometimes it’s humbling when the house isn’t as perfect as I’d like or the food doesn’t turn out as I hoped. But it’s nevertheless a joy, a command, and a way to reach the world from our own doorstep. I think we underestimate the power of extending refreshment to others, welcoming them into our lives, and taking time out of our busy lives to serve them and give them encouragement. Long ago, before I was married, I prayed, “Lord when I have my own home, let my home have a ministry of healing.” I didn’t mean physical healing. I meant that the desire of my heart was that my home would be a place where people could come to find balm for their hurting souls. I thank Him that He’s answered that prayer, and today I renew my commitment to have a home of hope and healing to share with others.
My mom is one of my greatest inspirations in the area of hospitality. She freely admits that in her younger years she was, in her own words, inflexible. We rarely had guests, and if we did, she had to know a month in advance, know when they were arriving and when they were leaving and in the meantime she got totally stressed out.
In the small Charismatic church (that was before our Baptist days, *L*) we attended at the time, someone spoke a prophecy over her that one day people would love to come to her house. Now I know personal prophecy is up for debate in Christian circles, but we nevertheless found it amusing because having a home where people came often was among her worst nightmares. This was hardly the “word from God” she wanted to hear.
Fast forward a few years and she had no choice but to learn to be flexible. We moved to Texas, and in the first year we were there, we had eleven batches of overnight company, some staying as long as a week. We were so busy just transitioning from one bunch of company to the next, we didn’t have time to plan or freeze up or get stressed out. We were flying by the seat of our pants. That broke the no-company cycle. We discovered the joy of offering hospitality and had company often after that.
By the time my parents bought the farm where they live now, we never knew who might be at a meal or spending the night at any given time. It was a far cry from the days when having a neighbor for supper meant weeks of preparation. Mama, my sisters and I got used to cooking huge amounts for twenty or more people, sometimes on short notice and always on a limited budget. Saturday became bean day. A big pot of beans simmered on the stove every weekend, and if you were a Saturday friend—well, you ate a lot of beans with us! One night we spontaneously put friends up for the night in our tiny home when their car broke down. We fed and sometimes had overnight my brothers’ friends, guys from the local Teen Challenge ranch, the contractors who remodeled our house, an enormous group who helped us paint, a Christian who smuggled Bibles into China, pastors and evangelists, pen pals whom we’d never before met, and anybody else who happened to be around at mealtime or who needed a place to stay. It was fun! It was an adventure! We were more blessed by our guests than they were blessed by us. Hospitality became our joy.
Now my mom is one of the most hospitable people I know. People do indeed love to come to her house because she and my whole family make them feel so welcome. I’m proud of how far she came and how willing she was for God to change her in this area. It’s an example to me.
As a pastor’s family, one of the requirements for ministry is that we are hospitable. Billy and I have had quite a bit of company over our six years of marriage, but I want to get to the point that we can have company, even spontaneously, any time the Lord leads. Flylady’s word CHAOS makes me laugh—it stands for “Can’t Have Anybody Over Syndrome”. Don’t we too often find ourselves there? I know I do. Sometimes disorganization is unavoidable. Sometimes it comes from lack of discipline. And sometimes we find ourselves in a mess (literally) and it just takes awhile to get back on our feet. In any case, reaching a point where we can offer hospitality freely is a worthy goal. There are several reasons this is important to me. One is, as I mentioned before, it’s a requirement for ministry and a commandment to all Christians. Second, it’s a joy to serve the Body of Christ and minister to the world by serving them as guests. Third, Billy and I want our kids to grow up around people of God who will inspire them to greatness in their own lives, and in an environment where they see that sharing the Gospel through hospitality is a way of life.
Sometimes having company is a pain. Sometimes it’s stressful and things don’t go as planned. Sometimes it’s humbling when the house isn’t as perfect as I’d like or the food doesn’t turn out as I hoped. But it’s nevertheless a joy, a command, and a way to reach the world from our own doorstep. I think we underestimate the power of extending refreshment to others, welcoming them into our lives, and taking time out of our busy lives to serve them and give them encouragement. Long ago, before I was married, I prayed, “Lord when I have my own home, let my home have a ministry of healing.” I didn’t mean physical healing. I meant that the desire of my heart was that my home would be a place where people could come to find balm for their hurting souls. I thank Him that He’s answered that prayer, and today I renew my commitment to have a home of hope and healing to share with others.
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