Mayflowers

I love it when the mayflowers are out. We walk through the woods gasping, "Oh! There's some more!" Spring really is here.

Conflict

I have debated today about what to write about. Should I write of the continuing education course that I took this weekend on low back pain in order to maintain my occupational therapy license? How about the horrible traffic that reminded me again of one of the reasons that I am happy to live in a rural setting? Then there was the 10ish year old boy with a sweatshirt jacket on, hood up, standing over his bike, who bluntly asked me as I was leaving a store, "Are you Amish?" and "Do you try to live a simple life?" I don't get as flustered by such questions anymore.

I settled on the energetic conversation that my husband and I had with another couple on Saturday. What began as an apparent deep difference in theological stances, ended as a realization of a misunderstanding from 2+ years ago. We actually are on the same page and view things quite similarly. Ah, what a blessing! It has been amazing to me to ponder this conversation and realize again how people can be looking at the same principle and view it from such different angles. It is ripe for misunderstanding, but if discussed respectfully, the discussion can be immensely valuable.

Of course conflict does not always resolve itself as this one did. Over the years, there have been many instances in which our decisions and views have not been popular and have been misunderstood. We have been accused, labeled and ridiculed. For one such as me that grew up cringing at the hint of conflict, it has not been the most comfortable thing to take the stances that we have. Yet, I will have to say that it has strengthened me beyond what I ever thought possible. No longer does it work to explain our decisions as, "Just because." We have studied, prayed, sought counsel and prayed some more. We don't have to have an opinion on each and every topic out there, but the ones that we do, we have done some homework. So, when someone comes with a different perspective, we have something to add to the conversation. At other times, the Holy Spirit's still, small voice has prompted us to not speak.

My view of conflict has changed over the years. I now try to see it as a positive exercise. You see, if my husband and I truly love the Lord more than being "right", we will want Truth more than anything else. As we are challenged on something, it causes us to draw closer to Him, study the Word more, talk to each other and PRAY. In this way, the challenges or accusations, as they may be, will either strengthen us in our convictions or change us more to His glory. Either way, it's good.

This is not to say that I never get a knot in my stomach, but I will say that the conversation that we had this weekend was one of my favorite moments of the entire weekend. I was thrilled that we could converse about apparent opposite viewpoints respectfully and learn about each other. I felt like we all grew a bit during the process.

Inevitably, there are times when it is best to simply agree to disagree. Being at peace in such as instance in a gift in and of itself.

I am learning to rest in Him more and more during times of conflict, trusting in Him and not the wisdom of this world. To hide under the shadow of His wings... there's no better place to be.

Ps 63:7

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy
wings will I rejoice.

KJV

Away from computer

I was hoping to have time to write before we will be out and about for a few days, but you know how it goes. :) See you next week!

Blessings!

Celebrating Easter

I have fond memories of Easter while growing up and can now appreciate even more the efforts of our Lutheran congregation leadership to make Easter a meaningful time. As part of the youth group, I participated in the Easter play, which were short dramas done in segments on Wednesday evenings during Lent.

Good Friday was a very solemn time. The service was in the early afternoon. This was when in small towns such as ours, businesses still closed down from 12:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon so anyone who wanted to could attend the Good Friday church service of their choice. Windows were covered, the alter and lectern were covered in black. If I remember correctly, the large cross on the wall behind the alter was also covered in black or had a black cloth draped over it. The sanctuary was bare of anything extra. Everyone was quiet and the songs were slow and mournful. After the service, no one was ushered out. Everyone got up and left the service when they wanted to and without a word to those around them. Even in the fellowship hall, any talk was limited and in hushed tones.

I remember having a sinking feeling in my stomach on Saturday, which must have been a small taste of what the disciples felt after Christ died. What now? Emptiness.

Then Sunday morning! Easter lilies were everywhere. The church was bright and members of the church that could play brass instruments (trumpet, trombone, french horn, etc) joined the choir in a very enthusiastic and majestic joint effort of "Christ the Lord is risen today, Ha-le-lu-iah!!!" My heart still skips a beat thinking about it.

Of course there are other parts to my memories like participating in the kitchen as part of the youth crew that served Easter breakfast. Every year we tried to figure out a way to have scrambled eggs in big roasters and keep them from turning green. I don't think it every happened. It just added to the memories.

These days we have started our own traditions. Not that it is better or worse then memories of years past. Just different.

We have made this for two years now. I don't even know what to call it exactly.

Here my children are forming the rice krispie "cake" into a "hill" on a large serving plate. I've been told that some people make a chocolate cake and bake it in a bowl instead.

Form a small tomb on one side of the hill and mix green food coloring with coconut for grass.

I made frosting and colored 1/2 green and the other half I mixed in some cocoa powder to make it brown. We then frosted the tomb half of the hill and the corresponding rest of the plate with green frosting and the other half with the brown. The green side then gets the green coconut for grass and cake decoration candies for flowers.

Our crosses are made of popsicle sticks and we made the path to the crosses with brownie crumbs. You could also use chocolate chips or something else too.

The stone over the tomb opening is supposed to be a cookie, but since I didn't have one for the event, I printed off a picture of a boulder from MS Word's clipart and laminated it.

Sunday morning Keith and I got up at 5:30 AM, "rolled" the stone away and woke up the children. With squinting eyes, they looked at the empty tomb as we explained the Jesus was not there. He had risen from the dead!

We got ready for 6:30 AM sunrise service at church. After the service, we got into vehicles to go Easter caroling. The recipients of such caroling absolutely love it and we all had a wonderful time. Then we returned to the church for Easter breakfast.

After going home, we went on a bike ride and then made a big meal. Then naptime and being invited over with friends for a campfire picnic supper with singing and fellowship...

As long as the joy and awe of Jesus dying on the cross and being raised from the dead as the final sacrifice and completed payment for our sins in proclaimed, Easter can be celebrated a variety of different ways. May Christ be glorified!

Worship

Last night we went on our first bike ride of the season. Using a bike trailer, co-pilot (a bike "extension" with an extra wheel and seat for a "junior" rider) and a bike with training wheels (yes, we're back to that) we were able to pedal with our brood the 1/2 mile or so to the beaver dam.

Those beavers are hard at it again this year as evidenced by strategically placed branches across the only breach in their barricade. We didn't see them this day as our children's constant chatter warned them as a blaring siren to stay hidden, but as my husband and children returned, I lingered and kept thinking that I saw the water move from a beaver that was anxious to get back to the work ahead.

The effects of the dam are amazing. Water is rising up tree trunks and may soon die from being submerged. Many people become quite disgusted with this creature for the damage they cause and every once in awhile a minor explosion can be heard as the beaver's masterpiece is destroyed.

Even though I can understand why it must be done, destroying a beaver dam is sad to me. The beavers are simply doing what they were created to do...and in so doing, are worshipping God.

Ps 66:4
All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. KJV

How can the earth worship other than doing what it was created to do? It lives, breathes, nurtures, and grows. When you see a small tree desperately trying to grow in the midst of a rock, it demonstrates the persistence at which God's creation strains to live, to worship.

In a similar way, we too worship God when we do what we were created to do. At this point in time, one of the things I was created to do is serve my family. Each meal that is made, each dress that is sewn, each diaper that is changed, each floor that is scrubbed, and each book that is read, if done with the right attitude, is an act of worship to my Creator.

Using this definition, Christ lived a life of complete worship. He did what He was sent to earth to do each and every moment. On this day, "Good Friday", we especially remember the the willing obedience, the ultimate sacrifice and act of love...the pinnacle act of worship to the Father.

As my husband sat on the couch this morning with a child on each side, he read from Arthur S. Maxwell's children's Bible the events that happened on the day of Christ's crucifixion. With tears, he explained that though the criminals hanging on either side of Christ were reaping the consequences for their sin, Jesus had done nothing wrong. What love for us! It was a precious moment.

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood:
Sealed my pardon with His blood;
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

verse 2 of: "Hallelujah! What a Saviour!" written by Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876

This thing called parenting

Addendum: As I completed writing this, my 15 month-old toppled the stacked recycling bins over onto himself. Imagine broken jars and strewn...everything else. Praise the Lord he's not hurt, just startled. Then, my two older lovely children decided to make lemonade and while pouring it, the entire pitcher was dumped on the floor and into large drawers under the counter. I was keenly aware that it was an opportunity for me to put into practice that which I have written.

There is an excellent discussion following a very well written post over at Choosing Home about parenting and child training. I know only bits and pieces of the Pearl's teachings and so I cannot intelligently enter the disussion. I do know some families that have been especially blessed by what the Pearl's have had to say. I am gleaning much from those who are voicing opinions about parenting and disciplining styles and convictions.

When I would ask people about child training techniques as a new mother (I still feel very new at this thing called parenting!), some would simply say, "PRAY!" Inside I was thinking, "Yeah, I KNOW I need to pray, but where is the 3-step process? Where is the manual that I can follow?" I am realizing more and more that they were exactly right and I'm growing to appreciate the individuality of my children who don't fit into a 3-step mold.

The other thing that I am appreciating in the discussion is the emphasis by Ann, who wrote the post, and subsequent commenters, on the importance of loving on your children, making sure that they know that they are an integral part of the family, and that they are fun to be around. I recently read a snipet of some advice online about parenting and one phrase spoke to me in which I will paraphrase as: Laughing with your children is an important and vital step toward closeness and bonding with them. I want to laugh with them more.

Ann wrote a week or so ago on "Whatcha Looking For?" She quoted Proverbs 11:27

"If you search for good, you will find favor, but if you search for evil, it will find you!"

If we look for ways that our children or others are irritating or disobeying us, our responses to them will be harsh and unloving. If we look at them as God's precious children, we will encourage and gently guide them. I pray that I look for good in my children. Yes, there are times to discipline, but disciplining will have much more effect in the context of love and acceptance.

Yesterday was a beautiful day here. My children and I took a bit of time to sit next to the pond/swamp and listen to the frogs. I relished that moment with them and I think they liked it too.

I'm going to go laugh and play with them now...

Fire drills and eternity

Recently we learned about fire safety. After getting new fire detectors that detect different kinds of fires (i.e. smoldering fires and hot, flaming fires), putting a fire extinguisher in the master bedroom as well as the kitchen, and getting carbon monoxide detectors, we thought we had better practice getting out of the house. We were shown how important real-life fire drill practice is during a presentation we attended.

Last evening we had the children lay down in their beds as though they were sleeping, sounded the fire alarm with the test button and had them unlatch their windows and escape. We had set up a meeting place for everyone outside. We also practiced running out the front door if the fire was in the garage for example. Of course they wanted to keep practicing the window escape over and over. We had to put a stop to the drills after five times or so, but I think that they got the idea. Now we need to practice surprise fire drills...

Here is my son going out his window. That black fur is the dog who had to get in on the action.

Here they are running to the meeting area outside.

I pray that we don't ever need to escape our home because of a fire, but if we do, I'm glad we've practiced how to get out.

Even though a physical fire would be horrible to experience, it is absolutely nothing compared to the spiritual fire of eternal judgment. I pray much for the salvation of my children's souls. May they come to realize the sinful nature within them that needs a Savior. May they be willing to believe and repent. I pray that they will have hearts that are soft toward the Lord, a desire to serve Him with their whole hearts no matter what the cost, and a steadfastness of unwavering devotion to the One who died for them. May the fire of the Holy Spirit burn brightly within giving wisdom, perseverance and enthusiasm to walk out their Faith with integrity and consistency.

And then this verse:

Heb 12:28-29
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be
moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.KJV

Lord, may the fire of Your spirit consume us, molding us into Your image. We are not our own. We were bought with the precious blood of Jesus. What can we do but serve You?

Spring is here and a calendar to prove it

The last two days have been wonderfully pleasant outside and the children in our household are absolutely loving it. They must have gotten gardening genes because yesterday I found them cultivating the driveway and planting dogfood seeds.

We are getting ready to build some raised-bed gardens. We have almost all the building materials now and will start on it as soon has we have a chance. Seeds are ordered and I can hardly wait to eat fresh raw peas, lettuce and green beans. Not to mention *real* tomatoes.

Here is a calendar that I made as part of our homeschool activities. I started it last fall. I was frustrated with how most calendars have only five rows requiring doubling up on the bottom row for some months. Is that confusing for new calendar readers or what? It seems to me that it's just a way for calendar makers to save a penny. Anyway, I decided to make my own version and this is what I came up with. After making the initial board with grid lines and days of the week, I brought it in to have it laminated. I also laminated the numbers and used poster tape (non-permanent) to hold them on for the month.

The moveable border is a small piece of black vinal with stencil plastic on the back for reinforcement. Just a little Exacto knife work is all. Then I got some poster puddy to hold it in place. The children enjoy moving it onto the next day each morning.

Here are my other month labels along with some decorations that we have made for various months. Some months we don't get anything else put up, but then again, there's always next year! Those interesting "people" under the February hearts are part of the multitude of angels that proclaimed the Christ's birth during December. I tell you what, the children had a ball decorating the paper and doily angels with glitter glue and cotton ball hair! I hope to make some umbrellas and raindrops for this month.

In the meantime, we are enjoying the singing birds, the sunshine and mud (uh, the children are).

When you don't know what to do

I will always remember something that Elisabeth Elliot said in one of her devotionals. She was relating a circumstance in her life in which she was unable to do anything about a certain situation. She said that she felt like Paul and Silas when they were in prison, chained to the wall of their cell. She said, "When you don't know what to do, pray and sing!"

I have thought of this often and have put it into practice many times.

This is one of the songs that I sing during those times.

For those of you that like to read the words...

Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

public domain

Bits and Pieces

Well, I finished reading an excellent book today. I don't read novels often because I get so engrossed with them that I can hardly do anything else. When my husband called yesterday and I told him that I started this book he said, "So are we going to have supper tonight?" Thank goodness for pre-made meals in the freezer... Needless to say, being a reading maniac for two days doesn't leave time for blogging.

My 15 month old, more affectionately called "Whirlwind" has been hard at it. We've talked off and on about getting a bigger dining room table, but it's times like these when I'm thankful for our folding chairs. They are getting folded often as he is able to climb up the chairs and onto the table in 5 seconds flat. All of a sudden I look over to see him sitting on the table with this grin and then he giggles.

We just recieved our 9 volume set of Little House on the Prairie books along with the "Prairie Primer". It is a homeschool curriculum that goes along with the books, unit study wise. Yes, my children are young and we probably will only do a small portion of what is included in the books, but they simply LOVE having me read to them and we wanted to incorporate some books that have chapters so that they get the idea that all books aren't finished in one sitting. This is something that we can do a few times in their homeschooling years and do more of the activities as they are able.

A good friend just stopped in, so I'll cut this short.

Hope you are having a blessed day!

Not a very comforting thought...

My son was just sitting on the couch and then jumped up and gleefully exclaimed, "I just found a marshmallow!!"

Yep.

Praying for the children

My mother's heart aches when I read of these children and tears flow freely. God's loving hand of mercy has purposes beyond our understanding, but we trust...and pray.

Gracie

Update taken from Gracie's website on Thursday, March 23:

While her mommy and daddy were holding her, Gracie peacefully passed into the Lord's presence at 12 PM today.

Our love and prayers are with the family.

This is taken from Biblical Womanhood's blog. Gracie is three month old, beautiful, baby girl, who needs our prayers right now. Here is an excerpt with a direct link to website for Gracie.

Little Gracie Hopkins is the firstborn baby of some very good friends of ours. She was born with a very serious heart condition and has been battling for her life this week, on life support, after her second corrective surgery. The doctors had hoped that she was well enough to be able to take her off of the life support today, but she was not. On Thursday they will be taking her off of the life support for the last time. Please pray that the Lord would heal her little heart and that it will be able to pump on it's own. Please also pray for her parents as they go through this agonizing time.
For further details and updates (and pictures of Gracie) you can visit http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=graciehopkins

Emily
Here is the latest update on Emily who has cancer and may be undergoing another surgery to remove a tumor that is wrapped around her vocal cords.

Candace Joy
Candace has been in the hospital for a month now fighting for her life after a flesh-eating bacterial began invading her body. She has been through 14 surgeries at this point. Here is her website with updates.

Rebekah
Rebekah is a 3 year old girl who has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. Read more of the walk that this family is going through here.

As I pray for these precious ones, I invite my children to join me. This is another opportunity for me to help my children see beyond themselves and to the needs of others.

There are so many children that are going through much. To think of all the children whom we will never hear about! But God does. He knows and lovingly cares for each one as only the Father can. In prayer and trust in Him, we lay these children at His feet.

Working into this slowly

We've decided that one of the activities that we will do as a family is camping. So, in light of that, we are proud new owners of the above pictured tent. Because erecting this tent was new to us, we decided it would be best to do a dry run of how to set it up. One of the first things my husband said when looking at the box picture and the tent with pieces was, "Is this really what they expect us to do with this?" I thought we were in for real trouble. Let's just say that it was a test in patience, especially with three VERY excited children running around and squealing. Of course after it's up, you think, "Now that wasn't too bad afterall" and we are conviced that each time we set it up, it will become easier and we will be able to incorporate the help of our very eager tent-errectors-in-training.

Our daughter didn't waste a moment in getting her sleeping bag and setting up her spot as soon as we gave the OK. We were able to fit in a queen blow-up mattress for honey and I, two sleeping bags and a Pack-n-Play for the youngest. It was full in there, but not horribly so.

After family devotions by flashlight, we tried to get everyone settled in. Yeah right. They were all pretty wound up. I had had a good nap that afternoon, so I wasn't nearly as tired as my hubby, who fell asleep almost immediately. I laid there trying to stay really still and quiet. Then the 15 month-old decided to stand up in his crib and make noises. Finally, Keith looked over at him and said, "Ssshhhh!" I could hardly believe it, but he just laid back down and was quiet. Now even though I had been trying to stay still before, I was really trying to be quiet now. I kept thinking, "Don't move an inch. If I pretend that my head doesn't itch, maybe it will go away. Don't mess with a miracle!"

Next, my daughter sits up and is looking out the door of the tent. I finally asked her what she was doing and she said, "I see the moon outside." So even though it may have seemed funny to me to be camping in a tent inside the house, I guess she was getting a taste of what it will be like to camp outside. In fact, camping outside is a whole new concept to them. When we first told them that we were going to start camping, they were SO excited. Then when we mentioned that we would be setting the tent up outside when it was warmer, they looked at us with the most puzzled expression and said, "Outside??" Of course, then the excitement level went up a few notches.

My son and daughter had to get up and get this or that, use the bathroom, or whatever a couple times. I just let them go. They were having too much fun. This got my mind wandering a bit to the times when I went camping with my family growing up and the awful feeling of having to go to the bathroom after everyone was in bed. I can remember having to wake someone up, get shoes and coat on over my pajamas, and walk the two miles (it felt like) to the biffy. I then started wondering if this camping idea was a good one. Anyway, my son comes back from one of his escapes from the tent with his sunglasses on. Poor thing, the moonlight was just to bright for him.

Eventually we all fell asleep. Sometime this summer we will be falling asleep to the sound of crickets, scurrying chipmunks and croaking frogs. This time it was to the sound of a fan (it was roasting in there!, the dishwasher and the trickle of water flowing through the pump of the fish aquarium.

On That Day

Lord, I ache for more of You. But do I ache enough? Do I ache enough to be who You want me to be...with my whole heart? Am I willing to change, to sacrifice...to die to myself so that You can envelop my entire being?

In the end, it's just You and me.

When it comes to my salvation, it doesn't matter if I have a godly husband or not. It doesn't matter the quality of the church I attend or the friends have. It doesn't really matter on That Day whether I looked good on the outside and did many acts of service. Even the heathen do that.

No one else can stand in proxy for me regarding the eternal destination of my soul. No one else can do it for me. It's intensely personal.

You know my heart, Lord.

Some may say that I'm doing great on this road called Christianity. Some may say that I have work to do, but I'm on the right road. Some say that I've missed it all together and am horribly deceived.

What others think won't even cross my mind on That Day. And it shouldn't matter today. It's only what You think that matters at all.

I want to please You, honor You and serve You with a heart of worship, in everything that I do, whether it be changing diapers, washing clothes or making a meal for someone that's hurting.

When I stand before You Lord, I want to hear You say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Not for any crowns, but simply because I want to please You. I want to live totally for You. When I do that, everything else will be prioritized according to Your perfect understanding, will, and wisdom. Everything will be done in the light of You.

It's You and me, Lord. I can't do it in my own strength. I need Your Indwelling Spirit. I need You to walk with me. Please hold my hand.

Prepare to run

That snow and ice is hanging suspended past the gutters at least 12" and there's a ton of weight just waiting to slide off the roof. One of the projects for this summer is putting up thingamabobs on the roof to prevent this from happening next winter.

Current shop exiting procedure:
1. Open door cautiously, looking up.
2. Slam door shut and immediately plaster yourself against exterior wall while waiting for impending snow/ice avalanche. (you see, we want all that snow to come down as it's a bit dangerous)
3. If nothing comes down and you hear nothing resembling a herd of elephants running past, RUN!!

Yesterday the children and I went to a baby shower for a soon-to-be new mommy. It was a lot of fun. Of course the small children all crowded around her to see all the new baby gifts as she opened them. We had to resort to "taking turns" to hand her the next present!

I found a pattern for making our "cake" gift here. My daughter and I had so much fun making it. The layers are made with recieving blankets that I made from fleece material. The white "flowers" are booties. Fill in with teethers, ribbon, netting flowers and voila!

This idea could be used for wedding gifts too. Maybe using towels or something. Just let the creative juices run.

Rom 12:15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
KJV

Yesterday's storm, today's beauty

Here is a picture of the snowstorm we had yesterday afternoon/evening. Of course it's hard to see the big snowflakes coming down, but believe me, they were. Also, true to form for pictures, the snowpile doesn't look very big, but it is. It's in the lowest part of the yard and with everything white, it blends in, but we figure it's about 12' high, 8' deep and 45-50' long. The children LOVE it. Now there is even more snow to add to the pile.


Here is my attempt at taking a picture out my open window, with the flash on, when the snow was REALLY coming down.


And here is how it looked the this morning before the bright, warm sun melted it all off the branches. It was gorgeous. Everything was white and clean looking. As a friend of mine said one time when she looked at a huge, perfectly shaped oak tree, "Good job, God!" Couldn't have said it better.

Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
KJV

The question of fulfillment

I just received notification of an upcoming 10 year reunion for my college graduating class. Ten years, has it been that long? After graduating as an occupational therapist, I worked at a rehabilitation center. It was a challenging and exciting career. I met wonderful people that were working at getting their lives back after a spinal cord injury, or helping young adults with spina bifida prepare for living "on their own" for the first time. I was part of a team that set up augmentative communication devices (computers that talk) for those with Lou Gehrig's Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) who had lost their ability to speak during the downward spiral of this incurable disease. I loved my job. Before I was married, I went down to part-time and when we moved "up north" I worked as an on-call therapist at a local hospital.

Now, God has blessed us with three children. I'm not currently working outside the home. Linda Hirshman claims that I am just another example of how the feminist movement has failed. In fact, I am threat to society according to her.

I wouldn't say that I don't miss therapy work at times. In so many ways it would be easier to drop my children off at day care and "have a break" as the advice goes. But, is that what God wants for our family? Is that God's highest for me, personally, at this point in time? If I run off to work so that I can "get away", "talk to adults for awhile", and "challenge my brain", I am side stepping the character that God is working to instill within me. What about the steadfastness and consistency that I need to learn? What about the anger and frustration that needs to be dealt with? What about being willing to be the part of the body of Christ that is content with not being in the spotlight and learning to be humble? What of learning to be a true, died-to-self servant...learning to be like Christ? Can God get to these character qualities through means other than being a stay-at-home mother? Yes. Has God asked me to stay at home to help shave off the sharp edges in my character and teach me some very valuable lessons that would be much harder to learn if I was working outside the home? Absolutely. Is God blessing me abundantly with a sense of fulfillment for this venture? Oh, yes!

Elisabeth Elliot challenges this idea that women are more fulfilled in the business world.

"It's interesting to note a growing swell of disillusionment among women of the world. They're beginning to discover that the "fulfillment" they had sought in the business or professional world hasn't proved to be all that fulfilling. For many of them it's more like a sucked-out lemon.

Not long ago on the "Today Show" Jane Pauley hosted a TV special on working women. She's one herself, and I have a hunch she was wondering if other women had any unconfessed misgivings about the joys of a career. Is a career really stimulating? Is it really more "creative" than mothering or homemaking? Is it satisfying? Is it fun? Has it brought the fulfillment it promised? Her show was not a parade of happy faces. Women actually looked straight into the cameras and admitted they'd been had. They were willing to change their whole life-style, make sacrifices, do whatever was necessary, to get out of the work world. Several hard-driving executive types said they were going home to take care of their children. One newspaper columnist described the results of the new forms of child rearing as 'emotional carnage.'"

There's no more fulfilling thing than seeing the child that you have sacrificed for, trained, and prayed for day in and day out start to "get it" or to get an uninitiated hug and "I love you". Why is it that so many now-grown children whose mother's did not work outside the home have such fond memories of their mothers just always being there? Doing what God calls us to do isn't always glamorous. We hear about the worth and value of the person that does the behind-the-scenes work. Are we willing to fill that role, or deep down do we want some attention and pats on the back (oh, and we'll just make sure to acknowlege and thank those behind-the-scene people)?

Following a special vacation to honor her mother-in-law and celebrate her life, Ann paints a picture of what made her 70-some years was so special. It was not the showy, see-me-now experiences. It was her consistent servant heart toward her family, full of humble, lived-out examples of placing God first. Here Ann describes their days with them and her introspective thoughts:

"The gentle sway of Mom and Dad’s days lulled me into a peace. Early morning found us in the lanai serving Mom and Dad fried eggs and bacon as the sun’s flooding glow burned off the drifting fog. After cleaning up breakfast, I'd hang out the laundry in the lingering mist before the high tide of heat rushed in. Mom would then call us for squeezed orange juice in the sunroom, to watch with her for painted buntings and egrets. Every gathering at the table opened with bowed heads and concluded with a reading of His Word…and the quiet savoring of Him.

Where were the mountain top experiences of Mom’s life? Could the simple beauty of her routines and rhythms orchestrate a life of such glorious melody? ...
...Mom’s answer lay unassumingly on her counter: lists scrawled in her Dutch handwriting. Do the Next Thing. One task at a time. Day after Day. Notebooks full of years of lists: polish Sunday shoes, write letters to the grandchildren, deliver meals to shut-ins, tend to mending pile, fold and put away laundry. Faithfully doing the little things, taking His grace to just do today, the adding up of a life."

Being faithful to the call of being a stay-at-home mother, that's what I want.

Do the next thing. One task at a time. Day after day.

Yes.

Then, in the comment section of this post, Ann wrote:

"During the gala for my parents in laws 50th in Florida, each of the 8 couples celebrating the milestone (they live in a seniors community) were interviewed, sort of a panoramic overview of each couple’s life—and one realizes what REALLY matters when you are 70yrs old plus. It all comes down to the quality of relationships: with your Lord, with your spouse, and with your kids. THAT’s IT. One of the couples were ultra-wealthy (given away millions in charity and had founded nationally known tourist attractions and had been recognized by the CDN government for involvement with community-minded organizations–again, I didn’t know who they were!)…and sitting up there all you were wanted to hear about was if they really loved each other and what about their kids. The rest just DID NOT matter. An eye-opening experience." (emphasis mine)

So why am I home instead of in the workforce? God called me to be home. He's shaving off sharp corners. He's holding my hand as I grow in relationship with Him, with my husband, with my children.

It is demanding.
It is challenging and painful at times.
It is brain warping.
It's life changing.
It's fulfilling.
It's where I need to be.
And, in my heart of hearts, it's where I really want to be.

Tea for what ails ya

A lady from one of the email lists that subscribe to sent around this recipe a couple months ago. I have made it a few times now for friends and it has gotten rave reviews each time, adults and children alike. It's perfect for when you feel the beginnings of some bug coming on, when you want a relaxing time with a book and a mug, or if you're just feeling "blah".

Enjoy!

Warming Winter Tea with Immune Boost

4 cups water
3 slices fresh ginger, cut to the thickness of a quarter* (warming, immune enhancer)
1-1 inch piece of licorice root (antiviral, antibacterial, fights depression)
1-1/2 inch piece cinnamon stick (warming, digestive support, useful for diabetes)
1 tbsp. organic orange rind** (sweet)
1 tbsp dried parsley (digestive aid)
1 tsp dried lemon balm***(relaxing, aromatic)
1 clove (warming, digestive aid)

1. In pot, bring water to a boil. Romve from heat and add remaining ingredients. I got one of those tea thingies that's in the shape of a screen ball that opens in half to put the tea ingredients in and then clasps shut. If you have a choice, I'd recommend the large size so you can double this recipe or add other ingredients or your choosing.

2. Steep for 5-15 minutes. Strain and drink 2x/day. Stir in a bit of honey to your taste.

Makes 4 cups.

from "The Great American Detox Cookbook" by Alex Jamieson (Rodale Press, 2005)

*Fresh is the key here. I tried using the dried ginger that you would put in ginger snaps...doesn't work.

**I actually got a few organic oranges, washed them well, grated the rinds and then froze it for multiple uses. Enjoy the oranges while your at it :-)

***I ended up getting the essential oil "Melissa". It smells like citronella, which doesn't sound appealing, but I just stuck a toothpick into the jar and then stirred the toothpick in the tea water. A whole drop was too overwhelming. If it was mosquito season, it may help ward them off. Always worth a try... I've also tried just using lemon peel and that works fine.

The garlic press

I found the trick to quickly and easily cleaning the garlic press:

CLEAN IT RIGHT AWAY AFTER USING IT

Brilliant wouldn't you say??