Help! ... Look Up

I don't know how many of you are like me right now, but I could use a little help!  Help in getting through these last few weeks of lessons.  I'm sure there are more than a few of us homeschool moms in the same boat.  Maybe some of you are finished already.  That's great!  And to you -- I stick my tongue out at you.  Just kidding.  I am a little jealous though.  But here at the Wade School for Boys (haha, sounds like a correctional institution doesn't it?), we still need to finish up, and I'm trying my best to finish strong.  Or at least finish!  :-)

It's just so hard to focus when the weather is so nice.  And then there's the rush to get to all the cool places before school lets out and it gets crowded.  Anyone with me on this?!  Don't get me wrong, I like people, just not crowds of people!  Anyway, where was I?  See how easily distracted I am?   Oh, yes.  Help.  Lots of it, please.  

I've marked my boys books to where they need to be in order to close out this school year.  Now they are working away to get to that point as fast as they can.  I'm just trying to keep myself focused so I can encourage them in their work.  I think it may be harder for me than for them!  

As some of us struggle through these last few days and weeks, let's try to look up for our help.  I love Psalm 121 and those first two verses tell us where to look for help.  I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help.  My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  

If it's your desire to finish up strong, and get 2011-2012 behind you - cry out to the Lord.  He hears.  He'll help.

Heart Work

No amount of effort will make our kids godly.  That is the work of the Holy Spirit and our daily dependence on Him.  - Sally Clarkson

A friend and homeschool support group leader shared that with our group after hearing Mrs. Clarkson speak.  I read the quote and the first thought that came to mind is, "how freeing!  The burden is off of me and on the Holy Spirit."

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:30  

There is still much work to be done in training our children in the ways of the Lord, but our focus needs to be on Jesus.  Faithfully walking with the Lord and sharing that walk, and God's truth, with our kids.  But the Heart work is His.  Not mine.

He is Risen

Why seek ye the living among the dead? from Luke 24:5


And then the two men in shining garments, continuing on, say something like - "He is not here, but is risen.  Just like He said. Don't you remember?"  

I'm sure the women who made their way to the tomb that morning were not going simply to fulfill the rituals of burial but were also seeking some sort of comfort in being near the body of Jesus.  Comfort from life's disappointment, a tragedy, an injustice.  A loss of hope.    

I wonder how many times I seek comfort, encouragement and fulfillment among the dead things of this world?  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  1John 2:16  I don't really have to wonder, I know it's far too often.  

Why don't I remember?  Lord, help my unbelief.

His word is packed with promises, but they are only found in Him.  I know they are true, I've seen his promises at work in my own life and those around me.  Time and time again he does just what he says he'll do. 

Jesus, you told them you would rise again.  You kept your word.  Thank you, Jesus, for not being in that tomb when those women came.  

Espresso for Your Spirit

Book Review:  Espresso for Your Spirit, Hope and Humor for Pooped Out Parents by Pam Vredevelt

I really expected "Espresso for Your Spirit" be mostly fluff.  Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this book.

The short chapters are just the right size to give busy moms a little shot of encouragement, like a shot of espresso puts a little pep in your step.  The author shares personal stories of trial and triumphs while in the trenches of child rearing.  This is not a step by step, be a better parent handbook.  It is basically just one mom sharing her stories and wisdom with the rest of us.  I loved that about this book.  I found I was able to easily relate to the author.  She often left me with something to ponder or just the thought of, "oh yeah, I've been there;" it was nice to know someone else had too.

One particular area this book impacted me in was noticing God in the little everyday things.  It is so easy to think God only cares about the "big stuff."  Not so!  He is at work and uses those seemingly unimportant moments to make himself known to us.  I just need to pay closer attention.        

The chapters are followed by alternating sections of "A Taste of  Hope" and "A Sip of Humor."  The sections featuring hope are filled with scriptures or meaningful quotes.  The humor portions are mostly short, funny stories or a few jokes to bring a little smile to your face.   I particularly loved the quotes.

This would be a nice book to read with a friend or small group.  It includes a section of "Koffee Klatch Questions" at the end of the book.  Two questions go with each chapter's reading to spur on conversation regarding the topic presented in the chapter.  It's a nice addition to the book.

I was almost guilty of "judging a book by its cover."  I passed this book up a couple of times because I thought it was one of those "gift" books, which I don't usually care for.  The cover design and title give it that "feel" when you first look at it.  However, that is not the case.  This is a "for real" book with wonderful encouragement.  Grab your cup of coffee and enjoy!  

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

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Here's the Plan, Stan

What's the plan?

Uh, to actually get a plan.

Right now, I'm reading Feminine Appeal, Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney.  This was part of my morning's reading:

"Proverbs 22:3 advises, "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."  Planning is a method of "hiding" ourselves and our families from trouble.  Yet so often we "go on" with our lives without stopping to plan.  As a result we reap the same consequences over and over again."


So, yes, getting a plan is the plan!

Last week I mentioned my need for developing my skills in the kitchen.  Most of the problem is due to the fact that I simply don't have a plan.  I don't sit down and make a menu for the week.  I don't have a list when I go shopping.  Whatever happens, just happens to happen!  

Well, I have a plan, I think.

Shani recommended Saving Dinner by Leanne Ely.  I was able to download a copy to my handy-dandy Nook and read through it.  It is mostly recipes and shopping lists organized a week at a time, with tips and tricks thrown in as well.  Looks great.  Today I picked a week and made my adjustments, printed it out, and did my shopping.  We'll see how it goes.   My goal, whether I use the book or not, is to have a menu plan and shopping list for each week.

I know the book and the lists aren't magic or anything.  It's really going to take me putting forth the effort to make the changes that need to be made in order to do good for my family, and to glorify God in my role as keeper of my home.

Count it All Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  James 1:2-4

"She's the only one I know who smiles while she's in labor." This was spoken a few days ago about a sweet lady who was about to give birth to her fourth little girl.  The verses above came to mind.


It's really a beautiful scene if you picture it.  A mother laboring to deliver another little miracle into the world, all the while smiling and praying, letting her body do what God created it to do.  It's painful and hard, but she smiles in anticipation of the end result.  She relaxes so as not to tense up even more preventing her body from doing its work.  The more she yields to the contractions, the tightening and the stretching, and, yes, even the pain, the faster her body might finish its work of delivering the baby.  Fighting the natural process might prolong her laboring.  

In the end the baby joins the family and rejoicing begins.  For mom, the pain lingers for a bit, but soon will be forgotten.  A few scars may remain, but they only bring back memories of God's blessing.   

For years I struggled to understand the above scripture verses.  I'm not sure when I finally came to an understanding, but that sweet picture of a smiling mother in labor helped to illustrate its meaning for me.  

God sometimes uses trying circumstances and trials to do his work in us, further conforming us to His image.  How do we meet those challenges?  Do we cry, "foul," or "injustice," thinking this shouldn't be happening to me; or do we say, "Father, do your work in me," in anticipation of the end result? 

  

  

A Virtuous Example

I have a hard time choosing favorites when it comes to Bible verses, books of the Bible or men & women of the Bible.  I would have to say that the book of Ruth is really high up there.  I may even say it's my favorite (for now!) and I'm really encouraged by Ruth's testimony of love, obedience and hard work.  I'll not retell the story of Ruth here.  If you're not familiar with it, I encourage you to read it straight from the source.  The book of Ruth is only four chapters long.   Be blessed!

No doubt the Lord God is the hero of the Bible, and we should focus not so much on the people of the Bible, but rather on who God is and how he deals with those people.  We are called to be like Jesus (who is God) not like Bible characters (...be conformed to the image of his Son.  Romans 8:29).  However, I do believe they are there for an example and to be an encouragement to us.      

I love the following passage from Ruth.  

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16-17

I also love what Boaz said to Ruth. 

And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.  Ruth 3:10-11

Embracing the Seasons

I'm not a fan of summer.  The best thing about summer is when it's over.  Despite my great dislike of summer, I choose to embrace certain aspects of the season.  I enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, and  the excessive rest and relaxation that comes from being able to sleep in most summer mornings and even the warm, I'm mean HOT, sun shining on me after being in the COLD a/c.  And Snow Cones!  Yes, snow cones are great in summer! 

Okay, so maybe I don't loathe summer as much as I thought.  But you know what?  It's a choice.  I made the choice to alter my attitude and embrace the best of summer.  If I didn't I would waste the entire season feeling miserable.

And so it is with motherhood.  Certainly those sleepless nights, days of spills, messes and meltdowns (don't forget the meltdowns!) are less than likable.  But still, during those early years there are cuddles, hugs and kisses, bedtime stories and other lovables and likables to embrace.  I even learned to cherish middle of the night feedings.  Praying and singing softly in my littles ones ears are fond memories.  So, yes, you can even embrace the more difficult aspects of the seasons of motherhood.     

If I had one piece of advice to pass on to young mothers (besides PRAY!) it would be to embrace each season of motherhood with all that you have.  Particularly those early years.  Do your best to "redeem" those less than likable times, turn them into irreplaceable memories.  Unlike our yearly seasons that come and go and come back again for a lifetime, most of us only get one shot at these seasons of motherhood.  Don't waste it feeling miserable.  Choose to embrace it - choose joy!

How about you, what advice do you pass on to young mothers?  Or perhaps you are in another season of motherhood.  What challenges are you doing your best to embrace?