Looking At The Heart...

The past several weeks I have spent multitudes of seconds, minutes and hours reading, searching, praying, evaluating...it's that time of year again...time to choose curriculum for our upcoming school year. What to choose... What to use... What has worked... What has failed... What are the learning styles... What are the interests... What would captivate and stir a love for learning in the heart of our greatest investments... What is God-honoring... What goes against what we believe and hold fast to... SO MANY CHOICES...


Although I know I haven't "schooled" nearly as long as some, the past sixteen years have been filled with successes and failures, good days and bad days, achievements and losses. This past year more than any other before, I see where the Lord has changed my perception and view of what "school" should look like and for that I am thankful as are our girls. Although I do take into great consideration the academic side when considering curriculum, more than ever before I am looking at the heart of those I am teaching. More than ever before I want to choose something that awakens the uniqueness that God has created within those hearts. More than ever before I want to choose something that brings depth and drive to those passions that lie within. I want to feed the heart and soul of our girls as well as the mind. For the first time, I've laid aside what we "should use" and have trusted the Lord to guide me in choosing "what fits"! It's been fun! It's been exciting! And as usual, our 16 year-old as well as our 10 year-old can't wait until the UPS truck pulls up with the box of treasures that we will open day-after-day over the next nine months! The box of treasures that will fill our days with learning and knowledge. The box of treasures that will enhance the desires that our Creator so tenderly placed within the hearts of our two greatest investments!

In saying all of that, I wanted to share a reading that I have read and reread and plan to copy, laminate and hang in our school area this year. An awesome reminder of why we do what we do...

To Be Educated

If I learn my ABC's,
can read 600 words per minute,
and can write with perfect penmanship,
but have not been shown how to communicate
with the Designer of all language,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech
and persuade you with my stunning logic,
but have not been instructed in God's Wisdom,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke
and can discuss their writings with keen insight,
but have not read the greatest of all books-
The Bible-
and have no knowledge of it's personal importance,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I have memorized addition facts,
multiplication tables,
and chemical formulas,
but have never been disciplined to keep God's Word
in my heart,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can explain the law of gravity and
Einstein's theory of relativity,
but have never been instructed in the unchangeable
laws of the One Who orders our universe,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can classify animals by their family, genus, and species,
and can write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award,
but have not been introduced to the Maker's purpose for all creation,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can recite the Gettysburg Address and
the Preamble to the Constitution,
but have not been informed of the Hand of God
in the history of our country,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments,
and can write music that moves men to tears,
but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the Universe
and worship Him,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I run cross-country races,
star in basketball and do 100 push ups without stopping,
but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do God's will,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I can identify a Picasso,
describe the style of a da Vinci,
and even paint a portrait that earns an A+,
but have not learned that all harmony and
beauty comes from a relationship with God,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I graduate with a perfect 4.0 and
am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship,
but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing for me,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

If I become a good citizen,
voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right,
but have not been told of the sinfulness of man
and his hopelessness without Christ,
I HAVE NOT BEEN EDUCATED.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it,
and come to know Him,
Whom to know is Life Eternal;

And glorify God by fulfilling His purpose for me,
THEN,
I HAVE BEEN EDUCATED!
~Carolyn Caines~

"Thus saith the LORD,
'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
neither let the mighty man glory in his might,
let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth in this,
that he understandeth and knoweth ME."
Jeremiah 9:23-24

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy or vain deceit,
after the tradition of men,
after the rudiments of the world,
and not after Christ."
Colossians 2:8

"...Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth."
2 Timothy 3:7

Lesser Rules...

Excuse the bare hip but...
Can you locate two persons in this bed???
How does one sleep in this manner???
If the hip is in that location what is the protrusion directly above it???
What would be the reason to leave one half of the bed unoccupied???
The bottom half none-the-less...

A picture of two precious girls who LOVE to slumber together during the summer months of lesser rules and more freedom for fun!!!

This mom is smiling at the memories made...
and the fact that they love being close to each other!!!

Celebrating Life...

July is a month of birthdays for our family which equals lots of fun get togethers and more than usual food intake, and since my sister and her family as well as my dad and mom live only about 45 minutes from us, it's easy to plan something last minute and still make it work!

After watching some short home video clips Saturday afternoon I see very much where the Lord has done a mighty work in my life when it comes to celebrations such as these! When our girls were little I can remember having "grand affairs" when it came to their birthdays...choosing a "theme", having specific decorations that matched, baking and designing two or more theme cakes, serving lots and lots of food and inviting 40+ people. Those were fun times and alot of great memories were made in the process but as has been the tutelage of the Lord these past five years, I've learned to SIMPLIFY in unimaginable ways!!! I remember very vividly the stress of the making those celebrations a reality...cleaning, cooking, baking, preparing... In the end, I was a grouchy wife and momma who inevitably used the repeated words, "You're gonna have to wait a minute! Can you not see that I am busy!?! I have too much to get done to attend to that! Blah, blah, blah!" Who was I having the party for anyway???? Wow has God changed my heart and my view of things...making the complex simple! I am very grateful for the transforming work He has done on my heart! :o) After all, it's not about an extravagant gathering, it's about celebrating life!

This summer Bri started the month off turning '18' on the 8th!
(Fun cupcakes with ice cream!)

The next week MaKayla turned '16' on the 14th!
(Buttermilk brownies w/homemade ice cream!)

The week following my sister Marci turned '42' on the 22nd!
(Ice cream dessert...her favorite!)

And to end the month Kyle celebrated # '39' on the 29th!
(Brownies...he got into them well before we sang!?!)

I've learned that the elaborateness of the time together most certainly doesn't reflect the depth of the love that I have for these that God has blessed me with. I've learned that a last minute, "Hey, I think we are going to throw some burgers on the grill, do a little swimming and celebrate a life," works just as well with alot less stress than invitations sent out a month in advance, over-the-budget money spent on food and rat racing preparations. I've learned that the fewer in number the more quality time spent. I've learned that self-promotion is a sin and doing things with even a hint of intent to impress others glorifies self rather than Christ. I've learned that the time I would spend on getting everything done for the big event, I would rather invest in the personal life of the one I am celebrating!

It's been a month of celebrating life and I am deeply grateful for yet another year to hold these that I love so much close to my heart! I'm grateful that I still have them to squeeze tight, be warmed by their smiles and touched by their presence day in and day out! I'm grateful that I can still hear their voices in my ear first thing of a morning or at the push of a button! I love to love them and I'm honored that they love me in return!

I'm celebrating life!

Discipline...

The days of summer are quickly fleeting by and although I am one who greatly enjoys the season of fall, I reluctantly acknowledge that these hot humid days will soon be gone. The singing of the locusts reminds me that as reluctant as I may choose to be, the seasons will change...


I praise the Lord for how He has orchestrated each day of our summer break (Mallary would have a hard time confirming that we've actually had a "break" since we've done some sort of school (math and reading) each day). For the most part we have been diligent to stay on somewhat of a schedule which is a reality that is so fruitful for our family. In years past we have "good intentions" of a "summer schedule" but within the first few weeks ditch routine as to "enjoy summer to its fullest". In doing so, much disorder, laziness, frustration and discontentment result.

As the days, weeks and months of summer seem to be closing in on us, Kyle and I recognize a few areas where we have lacked determined discipline...our eating, our finances, our bedtimes, our morning time of communion with theLord. We haven't been completely frivolous in these areas however we can tell that by how we feel physically our food choices and portions haven't been wise. We can tell by our checking account/savings plan that the amount of money to be "tucked back" hasn't come to fruition. We can tell by the way we react when the alarm clock goes off each morning that we didn't get to bed when we should have. We can tell that by pushing the snooze and lingering a little longer in bed that our day begins rushed, frazzled and unfocused.

Don't get me wrong, it's always good to relax a little and let the boundaries stretch however letting them exceed limitlessly isn't profitable...physically or spiritually. It seems as though when we allow those boundaries to exceed, we loose focus and then find ourselves in a place where there is no vision. It reminds me of a ship out to sea and how quickly we can lose our way when there is no map or the map we have grasped, we have thrown overboard. We end up in a place with no sense of direction and Satan attempts to cloud our minds with hopelessness and defeat.

I'm so thankful this day that I am loved by a God of grace who says, "Return unto Me and I will set your feet back on the path I have chosen for you!"

Discipline is good...really good! It's back to a life of balanced meals, a bridled budget, determined bedtimes and bright eyes at 5:00 a.m.! The gut will feel better, the savings will grow, the energy will return and the day will begin with purpose! :o)

Be very careful, then, how you live-
not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity,
because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish,
but understand what the Lord's will is.

Ephesians 5:15~16

Chronic...

I'm finding more and more that life is an adventure. Day in and day out the Lord orchestrates circumstances and situations in order to teach us, grow us and draw us ever closer unto Himself. I've been reminded over the past few weeks that I can either resist (rebel) the instruction that my Creator desires to impart upon me or I can let go, trust without restrain and gain insight and wisdom in the journey. Many times the circumstances and situations are painful, uncomfortable and scary yet in it all and through it all, my Saviour faithfully retains control. Hallelujah!!!

As I spent time with the Lord this morning, I found such refreshment, comfort and assurance in the quietness yet realness of His presence. I found myself so thankful for His friendship, His fellowship, His touch... I sat and relished in the blessing and richness of the fact that this One who created me also loves me beyond measure and calls me friend... I am humbled...

I continue to read through the book of Jeremiah and the words that I read this morning spoke volumes to me.

This is what the Lord says about this people:
"They greatly love to wander;
they do not restrain their feet.
So the Lord does not accept them;
He will now remember their wickedness
and punish them for their sins."

Then the Lord said to me,
"Do not pray for the well-being of this people.
Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry;
though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague."

Jeremiah 14:10~12

I retrieved our commentary from the shelf in order to find some clarity in several verses that I read but the way that the writer expounded on the above portion of scripture really jumped off of the page at me... "chronic sinfulness".

Our family is very aware of what anything "chronic" is as Kyle dealt with, suffered from and battled Ulcerative Colitis for many years. Something "chronic" means it doesn't go away...it might diminish somewhat for a time yet it always returns...more vigorous and destructive than when it left the time before. It not only affects us as individuals but those we are closest to as well. It drains us, depletes us and causes us to be weak. The only way to alleviate what is "chronic" is to remove it so that healing can be manifested. Such as the case with Kyle... Two years ago this past April, he had his entire sigmoid colon removed. Despite the pain, difficulty and trial of that experience, the journey was well worth it given the fact that his health has never been better (and most importantly, we grew spiritually to immeasurable depths). Even still, the consequences of that ravishing disease have left their mark.

As I reflected and compared "chronic sinfulness" with "chronic disease" they amazingly mirror each other. The only way to alleviate "chronic sinfulness" is to admit that it is present and then surrender the reality of it over to God so that He can remove it. What freedom and healing results when we humbly relinquish our lives over to His control and allow Him to "remove" that which is chronically slipping us up and keeping us from being the righteousness of Him.

The more I thought, pondered and prayed, the Lord compelled me to acknowledge those "chronic" things in my life...

*negativity (attitude of doom and gloom)
*selfishness (self-absorbed/focused)
*self-pity (victim mentality)
*criticism (knit-picking people or situations)
*laziness (lack of discipline and pro activity)
*idolatry (extending the bulk of my time and attention to things)
*idleness (wasting time on things/activities that keep me busy but get me no-where)

No doubt my list will grow, however these were immediate areas that He brought to my attention. Areas that need immediate determined repentance... Areas that need immediate discipline... Areas that need immediate eradication...

Therefore this is what the Lord says:

"If you repent, I will restore you
that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless,
words,
you will be my spokesman.
Let this people turn to you,
but you must not turn to them.
I will make you a wall to this people,
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
to rescue and save you,"
declares the Lord.
"I will save you from the hands of the wicked
and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."

Jeremiah 15:19~21

I desire to be restored...
I desire to serve...
I desire to utter worthy words...
I desire to be a spokesman...
I desire to be a fortified wall...
I desire for the Lord to be with me...
I desire to be rescued...
I desire to be saved...
I desire to be redeemed...

I desire to be free from "chronic sinfulness",
so that I can be healed!


A wound that once looked like this...


now looks like this...


A man that took on this appearance
of ailment, weakness and disease...

now radiates a vibrant life of health and
strength!!!

No matter our "chronic" state,
the Lord alone
is our Healer, Rescuer, Redeemer
and Saviour!

Thankful Thursday...

For great is the Lord,
and greatly to be praised:

1 Chronicles 16:25

Busy...Busy...Busy...

Family Reunion at our house this weekend equals:

Busy...

Busy...

Busy...

Doing this...

And this...

Clean windows and curtains...

MaKayla's clean bedroom...


Mallary's clean bedroom...


Kyle and Mendi's clean bedroom...



Clean floors...

Clean ceiling fans...


Clean living room windows and curtains...

Clean kitchen...



Clean breezeway...


Clean patio...


Can someone explain to me why it just won't stay this way???

It feels so good to have deep cleaning done but the thought that in a very short time it will all need to be repeated...
As I've gone about my week and the tasks therein, the Lord has been speaking to my heart that just as in cleaning my physical home takes much time and work, so equally does my spiritual home...my spirit. He reminded me that if I would be more diligent in keeping things done (physically and spiritually) when they need it, instead of ignoring, disregarding and overlooking it, the effort and energy required would be much less. The dust wouldn't be an inch thick, the windows wouldn't be quite so foggy and the sins wouldn't be in such multitude. It's been a busy, busy, busy week but such a fruitful one as well. After all, one day before I realize it, the physical things will all pass away and what is left in my spirit is simply all that will matter.

Whatever you do,
work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord,
not for men,
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23~24

A Divine Union...

Our Julie is now married...

To wonderful Brian!

We love you and pray God's richest blessings
upon your divine union!

Our Lord is faithful!
Our Lord is good!

A Different Kind of Freedom...

No doubt, I am deeply grateful for the freedom we enjoy by living in the United States of America. At the same time I am even more grateful for a different kind of freedom...freedom in Christ.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then,
and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1

Commentary: (Stand fast)Stay where you are, Paul asserts, because of the benefit of being free from law and the flesh as a way of salvation and the fullness of blessing by grace. (free)Deliverance from the curse that the law pronounces on the sinner who has been striving unsuccessfully to achieve his own righteousness, but who has now embraced Christ and the salvation granted to him by grace. (entangled again)Better translated "to be burdened by," "to be oppressed by," or "to be subject to," because of its connection with a yoke. (yoke of slavery)Yoke refers to the apparatus used to control a domesticated animal. The Jews referred to the "yoke of the law" as a good thing, the essence of true religion. Paul argued that for those who pursued it as a way of salvation, the law was a yoke of slavery.

As Kyle and I sat out under the big oak tree in our yard this morning enjoying the beauty of the day, we relished in the greatness of our God. We discussed the richness the reality of grace brings into our lives. We recollected the damaging/dangerous places that we, by choice, have been and to what point our Lord has brought us. Not in and of ourselves but all because of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. A sacrifice that gifts us with the most glorious freedom we could ever imagine...a different kind of freedom. A freedom that lavishes joy, peace, strength, power, guidance, contentment, hope... There simply is no other form of freedom like it. A freedom that is an outcome of a man who chose to live what we live, walk where we walk and be tempted as we are tempted, yet He did it flawless, blameless, faultless...perfect!!! Not just any man but a man that we call Saviour, Redeemer, Shepherd and Friend.

So, this 4th of July, we give thanks, honor and reverence for a different kind of freedom...freedom that is found in Christ.

How Do I Love Thee...

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways...


The music you write...
The music you sing...


The uniqueness of your style...


The alarms you leave on my phone,
reminding me of your love...


The notes you leave,
reminding us of your prayers...


The diligence & commitment of your work
which equals provision for our family...


The "sweet treats" that are just ours...


The time you take to read,
enriching your walk with your Creator...


The clothes you leave strewn on our floor...
A reminder of your presence...


Each day as I go about my tasks,
there are little reminders of the invaluable reality of your life.
Each of these reminders cause me to briefly stop
and thank God for the man you are...
for the man He created you to be...
for the man you are transforming into...
Each time my gaze falls onto a "reminder of you",
my heart is filled with warmth
and
my spirit is filled with joy!

Thank you for sharing the past 21 years with me!
Two in courtship/dating...
19 in marriage...

You are the greatest gift God ever could have given me.

I am grateful for the ways in which He has knit us together...

I am grateful for the grace He has given...

Your life is a treasure...

I am the humble recipient...

Kyle~
Thank you for who you are...
Thank you for all you are...
You are my man...
I adore you!