A Little About Me

A little item has been floating around on facebook lately. It's called "25 Random Things About Me". I have enjoyed reading them and finding out little known things about my facebook friends. I posted some "random things" about myself, but found it was hard to do! Well, it was hard to post any interesting ones off the top of my head.
I gave it some more thought, and decided to give it a second try here. I hope you don't mind. If you have a blog and decide to do the same, please let me know!

1. I have had three root canals all because of having fillings which got too close to the nerves of my teeth.
2. My endodontist in Austin (a doctor who does root canals all day, every day) was so nice that I sent him a thank you note!
3. I have had so much work done to the teeth mentioned above, that I know their numbers, and a few other facts about dentistry in general. (They were #19,#30, and #31. C'mon, you were curious about it, right? No? oh.)
4. I can only wear earrings with solid gold posts. I am allergic to the "hypoallergenic" kind. However, I can wear them for brief intervals with no ill effects.
5. My husband and I moved 950 miles away when I was seven months pregnant with my first child.
6. The doctor who delivered my first child was Iranian. This means I could not understand him when he spoke to me.
7. I change my sheets every Friday. So, now you know not to come by that day. I'm busy. =)
8. I love to organize closets and cabinets! I just re-organized my pantry this week! It was a blast!
9. I have an Uncle who was paralyzed over 30 years ago, yet this has not kept him from farming the entire time. He also has a great sense of humor!
10. I never met my paternal Grandfather. He died when my Dad was 21 years old, before he married my Mom.
11. My Dad never got over the death of his father. I can see why now.
12. My Mom would stay up very late talking and listening to me when I was teenager, even though she had to get up at 4:30AM every day to go teach school. She never complained. I appreciate that so much more now that I'm a mom!
13. I became an Aunt at age 11. My brother and his wife had my nephew, Levi. I adored him! I was always a willing babysitter! :)
14. My brother was the principal of my Christian school when I was in 4th - 6th grade.
15. I used to get in trouble for calling my brother by his first name while I was at school. To remedy this, I called him "Bro. Kevin" at home. Till he told me to quit. There's just no pleasing some people! (Just kidding! Don't panic, I love my brother!)
16. I get very disappointed when I log in to blogger and there are NO COMMENTS. It is such a bummer.
17. My husband has a wonderful sense of humor! Look who he married! :)
18. Both of my grandfathers were orphaned very young, but still managed to grow up to be successful and raise wonderful children.
19. I was the first woman to be published in the devotional booklet "Baptist Bread". My article appeared Dec. 28, 2008.
20. My husband and I went out to eat at Red Lobster for his birthday in 2002. He ate lobster for the first time that night. That date ended up costing us $600. We spent the remainder of the evening in the ER because he found out he was allergic to lobster! He went into anaphylactic shock. Needless to say, we didn't go out to eat again for a long time!
21. Some of the best lady friends I have, I met in Lawrence, Kansas. It was a hard time in my life, yet the Lord sweetened it so much by placing these ladies in my life.
22. I love the smell of a new Bible!
23. One of my close friends (we met at youth camp when we were 15) is leaving with her family to go to Brazil on March 31! Who would have ever thought I'd be privileged to be close friends with a missionary!
24. My doctor here told me to call him at home and check in with him after my most recent appointment. Three cheers for small town America! :)
25. I homeschool my children, but I believe I am learning far more than they!

He Cares about the Small Stuff

We recently had a threat of ice in our area as a winter storm passed through. They even called for a little snow. Well, neither happened. I am thankful the ice didn't make an appearance, because we've lived through one horrible ice storm and that was plenty! We were hoping to see at least some icicles or a snow flurry or two! Snow is very uncommon in our neck of the woods. The meteorologists often tell us that there is a chance for snow, but a warm front usually comes up from the south and intercepts it with a blast of warm air!

While we didn't get snow or ice, we did get something. Something beautiful! We got a good, hard frost! The Lord laced our beautiful pine trees with frilly, fancy frost! (Sorry for all of the alliteration...I couldn't resist! ;) I quickly grabbed my camera and headed out to capture the memory!

The view from my dining room windows. When I opened my blinds, I gasped! It was so beautiful!

The railing of our deck is laced with beautiful crystals! Isn't God amazing? He is so meticulous!

A beautiful pine tree hovering over our deck. I just love it!

As I see the detail in each little ice crystal, I'm reminded that the Lord cares about details, the "small stuff". If he takes the time to see that each ice crystal is intricately formed and diverse, then He certainly cares about the details of my little life.

I appreciate this gentle reminder from my Heavenly Father. He reminded me that even during this time of "construction" in my life, I can trust Him with the end result. He works in His own timing, using His own methods, but the final result is always beautiful!

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Longfellow and a Lesson

I love to read. I love classic literature the most, I suppose. I enjoy reading books by authors like Twain, Bronte, Montgomery, and Dickens. I also enjoy classic poetry. My daughter is memorizing the following poem by Longfellow. I get misty eyed almost every time we recite it. I know it's silly. I cry pretty easily. I don't mind though. My tears show my sincerity, my tender heart, and my love to my children. I wanted to share this most touching poem with you. I hope you love it as much as I do!

The Children's Hour

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Between the dark and the daylight,

When the night is beginning to lower,

Comes a pause in the day's occupations,

That is known as the children's hour.

I hear in the chamber above me

The patter of little feet,

The sound of a door that is opened,

And voices soft and sweet.

From my study I see in the lamplight,

Descending the broad hall stair,

Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,

And Edith with golden hair.

A whisper, and then a silence,

Yet I know by their merry eyes

They are plotting and planning together

To take me by surprise,

A sudden rush from the stairway

A sudden raid from the hall!

By three doors left unguarded

They enter my castle wall!

They climb up into my turret,

O'er the arms and back of my chair;

If I try to escape, they surround me;

They seem to be everywhere.

They almost devour me with kisses,

Their arms about me entwine,

Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen

In his Mouse-tower on the Rhine!

Do you think, O blue-eyed banditti,

Because you have scaled the wall,

Such an old mustache as I am

Is not a match for you all?

I have you fast in my fortress,

And will not let you depart,

But put you down into the dungeon

In the round-tower of my heart.

And there will I keep you forever,

Yes, forever and a day,

Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,

And moulder in dust away.

Longfellow captures the fleeting moments of childhood so appropriately. I am reminded how precious each and every day is with my children.
I am thoroughly enjoying the years that my children are small. I know something that my dear wee ones do not yet understand. I know that these years pass all too swiftly. This poem illustrates the biblical principle found in James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

I want to laugh with children more. I want to listen to them more and tickle them more! I want to read to them under a blanket more; I want to praise them more.

It seems like only yesterday I was "pouncing" on my own Dad after he arrived home from work. It was only yesterday that we had another of our many "wrestling (tickling) matches". Wasn't it just yesterday that he repaired my bike for me; and he read to me from the Big Book of Presidents? (Yes, we both loved history!) Wasn't it yesterday that he told me he loved me, before he left for work? No? It sure seems like yesterday. But now he is in Heaven, waiting for me. Those memories are just that, memories. Never to be lived again. Let's not waste our time! It's our most precious commodity.

My goals today:
Read to Leslie and Laci.
Rock Laci and sing to her.
Talk to Lauren about things that might be bothering her. Pray with her about her friends.
Not get frustrated with my poor, sweet ADD son during school! :0)

Simple Woman's Daybook #6

FOR TODAY...January 26, 2009

Outside My Window...It is dark. The clouds are blocking what little of the sun that has risen this morning.

I am thinking...about the ice that may be coming our way tomorrow.

I am thankful for...the fact that I am off of my prescription medication for my shoulder!

From the learning rooms...plans are ready for a new week in school. We will be writing book reports and continuing our State notebook in fourth grade. In first grade will be continuing in phonics, reading, and arithmetic as usual. We are needing to finish some art projects in both grades.

From the kitchen...I am planning the menu for this week as well as a grocery list.

I am wearing...denim culottes, a salmon colored shirt, and my athletic shoes. (I just finished my kickboxing workout.)

I am creating...computer graphics for my WebTech University Paint Shop Pro 201 class. I finish it up this week!! :)

I am going...to actually go grocery shopping myself this week! I had planned to go last week, but my shoulder hurt so badly at the end of the day, that I couldn't go. My wonderful husband was able to do it for me. What a blessing!

I am reading...my Bible and finishing up two other books.

I am hoping...to be able to do some blogging this week!

I am hearing...the heater running and my own typing.

Around the house...is so very clean!!!! My husband and children pitched in this past weekend and we got the house looking spotless! My laundry is caught up and most of the clutter is removed. I used last Monday as a day off of school and cleaned out some closets and reorganized some cabinets. It feels so good!

One of my favorite things...writing.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Finishing my PSP 201 class, cooking, homeschooling, blogging, finding out if we have a homeschool co-op in this area.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...my husband and his friend from Mattoon, Illinois, Thomas Butler.

Terry has been blessed to have many friends and Thomas would probably be the best. They have known each other since childhood and have remained close ever since. He has been there for Terry and me in our darkest days. He is a true friend. He and his family came to us the weekend of New Year's! It was such a blessing to see him, his wife, and his two girls. I hope to be blogging about it this week.

Special thanks to the hostess of the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Close the Door and Lock It

In my husband's Wednesday evening sermon, he made a statement in passing that I needed. It wasn't the actual topic of his message, but it really hit home with me.
The statement he made was "We need to forget the past. We need to close the door to the past and lock it, and never open it again." That is so true! Many of our problems could be resolved if we could close the door of the past and lock it!
My husband and I had some very bumpy first years of marriage. We were both young and dumb(we'd never been married before! :0) Thankfully, I've forgotten most of the details. They weren't big issues, but I remember making them big issues! I could keep re-living it, but what good would that do? People have offended me over the years. If I don't close the door to those memories and lock it, I will never be able to completely forgive and move forward. I have been hurt -stabbed in the back- by some people, but it's time to forget it! Our family suffered a terrible wound two years ago. It has been the most painful thing that has happened to me. I need to forgive and even be thankful for it.
I realize that I cannot forgive someone who doesn't ask for it, but I can have the forgiveness in my heart, ready to go, should they come to receive it. If they never come, well, the forgiveness will still be there.
I am doing my best to work through the past hurts. As Satan brings them to mind, I am placing them in the "room" and I'm closing the door and locking it. If I don't, then bitterness will take a firm hold in the soil of my heart. If that happens, I will be in terrible trouble spiritually.
I am the kind of person who DOES NOT need to be reminded that my children are growing up quickly. I DO NOT need to be told that I will miss these days. I am thoroughly enjoying my small children. Every time I have a fleeting thought that "I wish they would grow up!" The Lord reminds me that they are and fast! I have to stop myself from grieving over the fact that I have one child raised halfway to adulthood! I cried on my sweet Lauren's ninth birthday! The realization that she was halfway to eighteen hit me hard. I sometimes browse through old photos and weep over the fact that my older children's baby days are past. Yet, I did my best as a mother then, and I'm trying to continue doing my best today. I am a stay at home Mom. I was there for their first step, their first words, their smiles, their fevers, and yes, their first tantrums! I've been there for it all. Why do I look back and grieve? I think I know why. I believe it is because if I'm trapped in the past, I am helpless for the present. I can't enjoy today if I am re-living 2001! I must place those happy memories in the "room" and close the door. I don't need to lock this door, but I need to keep it shut. (I'm speaking for my own personality here. I'm the kind of person that can't reminisce too long or I get very sad!)
On my eleventh anniversary a few weeks ago, my husband and I had the privilege of having some friends from Illinois over to our home. The man is my husband's best friend from childhood. He was a groomsman in our wedding. We watched the wedding video and I spent the evening on the brink of tears! It had been eleven years, but it felt like eleven lifetimes! My Dad was in the video, looking a little downhearted to see his youngest leave the nest, but still cutting up and laughing! He is Heaven now. Terry's Grandfather and one Grandmother were decked out in their finest clothing for our wedding, and they, too, are in Heaven. His cousin was walking in the video, but he is now in a wheelchair. My photographer was walking and working in the video, but four years after that, he committed suicide! So many things have changed! Oh yes, it was a wonderful day in my life, but you see, I get sad thinking about how things have changed. I must be careful. I must look forward to what the Lord has in store for me today, for He has only the best planned for me.
I feel that I'm in a spiritual construction zone right now! He's got out His equipment and He's working to improve my infrastructure! I am looking forward to seeing the progress. Thank you for letting me journal my thoughts here. I believe it helps me to see His work more clearly if I write it down. I apologize for boring you with it all! But, you know I try to keep it real here.
How about you? Is the Lord wanting to do some renovating or remodeling on you this year? As long as we're breathing, there are improvements that can be made in all of us.

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Adaptability = Flexibility

I am amazed at how the Lord uses each and every thing in my life - whether great or small - to mold and shape me. I am usually looking for Him in the "great" things of life. I look for Him during the loss of a loved one or during financial reversal. I beg Him to show Himself strong during those times; to reveal the lesson I'm needing to learn so I can move on out of that trial.

The small things, however, are a different story. A child with a cold, one bill that is late, a vehicle with a flat tire or a dead battery. These things don't seem as powerful as the the more serious kinds of trials. In fact, they aren't that serious! Most children recover from a cold! Most people have been late on one bill without losing their houses! Flat tire? Dead battery? Big deal.

I began 2009 feeling parched and dry spiritually. I knew I needed the Lord to do a work in my heart. There was some bitterness taking root; there was some selfishness clinging to me like a sticky vine. There were harsh, unhappy words springing forth from the lips I once guarded so carefully. I tried to rid myself of it, but alas, I have not the strength on my own.

I asked the Lord to forgive me, to help me, to change me. I knew He would do the job.
Oh, no, I haven't "arrived"! I'm writing this while still very much in the midst of "construction." But, it's coming. Slowly, I'm learning. Steadily, I'm adapting.

I asked the Lord to help me to be more flexible. I often go headlong into a school day with four children and let my husband fend for himself. Yes! It's true! You can gasp in disbelief, it won't offend me at all! I've asked the Lord to help me be more selfless, and yes, He's working on that, too!

Most of you know that I have somehow injured my shoulder and that we've dealt with much sickness lately. These are not life altering problems, at least, not yet. My shoulder is healing. My children are well. But I am looking for the Lord. I am seeking His help; His divine guidance during this time.

He's teaching me to adapt. I am having to do many things with just one arm! I am cooking, folding laundry, cleaning, teaching, and diaper changing with one arm. I am left handed, or so I thought, but I'm finding that I normally do many things right handed! I am also finding out that I can do most of those same things left handed also! I didn't realize how I had adapted to the right handed world that I live in! I didn't notice until this injury. I didn't appreciate it until I had spoken with other lefties and heard their surprise at how many things I do right handed!

I'm learning that my Father has other areas in which He would like me to be more adaptable. Things like helping my husband, agreeing happily when the plans have changed, responding with a sweet tone of voice to clamoring children, etc. If I can adapt to being right handed, when my brain would rather be left handed, then I most certainly can adapt in my heart and mind to be what Jesus wants me to be.

He helped me to adapt physically, so He will have to help me adapt spiritually. It can be done, through Him! My prayers are being answered. The Lord is indeed teaching me to be flexible! Adaptability, after all, is a synonym for flexibility.

The children's song says "He's still workin' on me, to make me what I ought to be..." and that is still true for me today. I'm so thankful that He hasn't given up on me!

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6

Simple Woman's Daybook #5

FOR TODAY... January 19, 2009

Outside my window...cloudy skies loom above, but that means neither rain nor snow, as Arkansas winters are often very drab. The temperature will be dropping steadily today. The weather will be cool most of the week. I am beginning to wonder if winter has bypassed us altogether, or if it merely making a late appearance this year.

I am thinking...about Psalm 51.

I am thankful for...my Saviour Who is so very patient with me!

From the learning rooms...we are beginning Arkansas state history this week in fourth grade! I am excited about this. I love my state and am eager to re-learn its history. I took it in 8th grade, which was, uh-hem, just a few years ago. ;)

From the kitchen...Taco Soup, Chili, and perhaps some cookies this week!

I am wearing...a red long sleeve shirt, brown corduroy skirt, and my New Balance tennis shoes from my walk.

I am creating...lesson plans, my menu and grocery list.

I am going...to venture to the store this week, the first time since my shoulder injury.

I am reading...my Bible, and the book Teachers of Good Things by Francie Taylor

I am hoping...to be able to get some housework done today.

I am learning...to be more selfless and flexible.

I am hearing...my precious baby laughing and babbling. If only I had an interpreter for most of it! :)

Around the house...everything needs a good cleaning! Being injured has really hampered my housework routine. I may even take a day off of school to get things back in order.

One of my favorite things...eating buttery popcorn!

A few plans for the rest of the week: To accomplish the mundane tasks that have piled up. To spend some quality time with my children reading, playing, and laughing. To continue in my 31 Days of Proverbs 31. To work on not stressing when life's pressures increase.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Two precious girls enjoying their Christmas present! I am thankful for the three girls God has given me to raise to be godly women. The Lord truly has a sense of humor as I am not a seamstress or a great cook or an expert on womanhood, yet He gave me three girls! He knew what He was doing, however. These girls drive me to my knees as I seek His help in teaching and training them. It is quite clear that on my own, I simply cannot do it!

Special thanks to the hostess of the Simple Woman's Daybook.