When the Wind Blows...the Mighty Rushing Wind

Just 48 hours ago, Oklahoma residents never would have guessed that their homes would be blown away by a devastating tornado. Just 48 hours ago, they were sitting at work, attending school, working their jobs, changing diapers...doing what we do...LIFE.

And then the wind blew. Not just a little. It was scary. It was dangerous. It was uncertain. It was horrifying for school children, grandparents, grown men and stay at home moms. It took the last breaths  of 24 (at latest count) and injured over 200.

So today Americans do what they know how to do. They put aside differences and out of the core of our humanity, we help. We send manpower, food, water, gloves, toilet paper. We give money and resources and time and talents and we try to make it better. And we do...sort of.

But in these moments of deep and dark despair, when we can't really make things better...we can't restore homes, we can't bring children back to life....we can't rebuild lives. What can we do that will last longer and speak deeper to a people who are desperate to make sense of it all?

I don't know.

I don't.

What I do know is that there's only one thing that's ever brought true, lasting comfort to me and that's Jesus. His presence, His Spirit, consoling my spirit. His presence can sweep over a room and calm a troubled mind. It can convict a criminal on the cross and yes, it can rush over a city in Oklahoma and speak peace in every ear. Maybe what Oklahoma needs...what we all need... is that mighty rushing wind...that is so different than the tornado winds of May 20, 2013. The rushing wind that builds up, unites, gives peace and comfort and hope and promise of new life.

That's what I pray for Oklahoma...that the mighty rushing wind would come over your state tonight, that comfort and peace would sustain you as you search through rubble and treasures and trash and devastation. May His presence reign over you.

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Reading, Writing, Arithmetic

Over the last six months I've poured over homeschool curriculum, wanting to make the best choices for the kind of learners my kids are. What I've learned is that if you want to homeschool, there's a curriculum for you! It's overwhelming and a little daunting, but in the end, I feel like we've made some good choices for our 2013-2014 school year.

Tucker and Savannah will both be using Kay Arthur's Inductive Bible Study Series for Children. We will be doing six, six week workbooks. Check them out HERE.

They will also be doing US and World Geography using Youth with a Mission (YWAM) curriculum.
You can take a look at their WEBSITE . They also have hundreds of biographies of Christian historical figures and religious heroes. It's an impressive collection. Both kids will be reading missionary biographies from this site.

Savannah will be using Alpha and Omega's Horizons Math again. We have found that this is a challenging curriculum and although I strongly considered changing to Math U See, I decided to keep her in something familiar.

Tucker will also be using Horizon's Math. He's done ABeka since PreK and I think this will be a pretty good transition for him.

For Language Arts, Savannah will be using Alpha and Omega's LifePACs. Of all the decisions I've made this is the one I'm most apprehensive about...so, I only ordered the first 4, to get us to Christmas and if it's not a good fit, I won't feel too guilty, since they aren't that expensive.

Tucker will be doing the Horizons Penmanship, which will introduce cursive during the second half of the year. He will also be doing the Horizons Reading and Phonics program, along with the phonics special sounds he has learned through his years doing ABeka.

I'm still searching for a science curriculum. The kids want to study Oceanography, so I'm looking for something along those lines, with a Biblical worldview. Suggestions? Leave a comment, please!

Along with the missionary biographies, Savannah will be reading the 10 book, Reel Kid's Adventure Series . These are books about young people who take the gospel to the ends of the earth. On their adventures Savannah will learn about people groups, geography and a broader worldview. She will also read Anne of Green Gables, The Brian Series by Gary Paulsen and anything else she can get her hands on! Tucker will be reading the TIME LIFE Children's Adventure books, The Happy Hollisters (yes, we are kickin' it old school) and the Ready Freddy series.

 We're planning on doing some cooking, library trips, field trips with friends, art and maybe some sort of cooking or baking class - plus keep up with piano and taekwondo.

Now, deep breath and enjoy the summer!

Sunday's Reading

Here are a few articles/videos I stumbled on this past week that you might enjoy as you observe your Sabbath rest today:

12 Things Your Daughter Needs to Hear You Say

One thing Your Daughter Never Needs to Hear You Say

Clear the Stage

Truths to Hang on to when You're Barely Hanging on

Piano Guys

Weekend Wrap

It's been 48 hours since I became a domestic engineer again and I am happy to report that you can not only see the top of the kitchen table, you can also find things in the pantry, open cabinet doors without first checking your last will and testament and your feet don't stick to the floor as you walk across the kitchen and dining room. Yes, I've been cleaning, organizing and decluttering and it's taken me two days to get the kitchen and dining room under control. 

But I don't care. I'm not stressed about it. In fact, dare I say it, it was almost enjoyable. The kids chipped in and helped wipe down baseboards and doors, haul out trash, organize the pots and pans and other kid-friendlier chores. We've swept and mopped and rearranged. All in all...job well done!

And just in case you're worried that we might be all work and no play...

Tucker tickled my toes while we enjoyed some time in the backyard sun.

Lucas and Tucker with 7th degree black belt Master
at their  taekwondo testing Friday.

Savannah breaking her boards to earn her blue belt.

The First Day....of the rest of my life

I've been dreaming of the day that I would be staying home as a full time wife and mom. And the time is now. After working in some form or fashion for the last 20 years (10 of them as a mom), I am  overwhelmed and in awe that God has heard my cry to stay home with my kids and concentrate on that calling in my life. To say this road has been an easy one to pass would be a lie. We've counted the cost of becoming a one income family and decided it is totally worth it. I've wondered if I will be going crazy sometime in the middle of our homeschooling year next November or December and have determined, that I'm sure somewhere along the way, I'll end up sending a SOS flare up to the sky. But..in all the unknowns and costs and fears, one thing is certain, I have watched my God direct us each step of the way, and I know that same God will take care of all the incidentals the rest of the way.

In September of last year, I started teaching a Wednesday Night small group of ladies at my church. We did a book studying using Priscilla Shirer's Resolution for Women. We were bopping along quite nicely until I was preparing for week five. I was sitting in my chair in the front living room and remember exactly the feeling that came over me, when I read this:

5. A Resolution To Devote My Best to God’s Priorities For Me

I will seek to devote the best of myself, my time, and my talents to the primary roles the Lord has entrusted to me in this phase of my life.

And it hit me. Like bricks falling off a truck or a football player being tackled....either way...it was rough. I had been burning the proverbial candle at both ends of the stick. I was trying to juggle all the mom stuff, wife stuff, church stuff, school teacher stuff, friend stuff and I was tired, sick, run down and felt myself becoming irritated with things that used to bring me great joy. I definitely wasn't giving my best to any of the God-given priorities in my life. I was giving my best to things that I chose for myself and the priorities that God had given me were suffering. And I knew it. 

Over Christmas break I had planned to overhaul my house, thinking that if I could just get a handle on things that I could put this gnawing feeling behind me and refocus with a fresh start. But instead I ended up with the flu and bronchitis and was wiped out. I hadn't felt good in months, the Dr. looked at me and said, "rest". 

But I didn't want to rest, I wanted to work in my house and cook meals and do all the things that I never had time to do because of the other things I was juggling. But I went to bed for a few days, and as I laid there I knew what I needed to do. And in the back of my mind, it's what I have desired for years and years but for one reason or another couldn't/wouldn't do. I needed to quit my job and stay home and give my best to my husband, our kids and our church. Because, that's what God has called me to for this phase of my life. 

I will never have a 10 and 7 year old again. Tucker and Savannah are growing up and the time will be gone before I know it. God gave me a preacher husband and for as long as I can remember we've been better together in ministry than separate so I want to serve with him as much as I can. I want to aim to be the Proverbs 31 woman whose home is in order, children are in order and whose husband can depend on her. 

It amazes me that God has allowed everything to work out beautifully. His favor....undeserved...at work once again. 

I'm thankful for my years teaching and in other professions along the way. I'm happy that I had the privilege to teach for three years at our church/school. But now it's time to put that energy into my own family and see where that takes us!  Today truly is the first day of the rest of my life!

The Favor

I'm notorious for under-emphasizing the favor of God on my life. I think if we're honest, most of us are that way. I know I would certainly complain less and throw fewer pity parties if I would just think about how God's favor, His grace and His blessings are all around me.

Now before you think I am going all Pollyanna/Mary Poppins on you, let me assure you...I'm very aware of struggles, hurts, grief. But it seems like we can spend an enormous part of our lives wrapped up in "ME" that we miss the God stuff that happens.

Recently, God's been showing off. We've needed a new(er) car for about a year now. One of ours had 182,000 miles and the other 120,000 and neither has been exceptionally road worthy lately. We had saved some money for a down payment, knew we could get something for our trade in (albeit a small amount of something) and just figured we would buy a midsized car or a small SUV...but what we really needed was something that we could fit at least 6 passengers in. Well, lo and behold what landed in our laps was a two year old large SUV with bells and whistles and more stuff than I've ever seen....and did I mention we got way more than our trade in should have brought in...and that the price was exactly where we were comfortable. And it's beautiful...truly. In fact...so much so that I caught myself apologizing...almost embarrassed by the blessing. (Wouldn't the enemy just LOVE that?)

And did I mention, as we were pulling off the lot, I was crying. Bruce looked over at me ...bewildered ('cause that's how I like to keep him :) and said, "What?" I just shook my head and said, "I just can't believe how good God is to us...over and over and over." See, HIS favor gives us things we don't always ask for...like safety features, and electric and USB plugs, and heated AND cooled seats and other stuff that I don't really NEED but sure are nice to have. His favor gives us extras....extra features on a car, extra patience when dealing with children, extra grace when we mess up, extra money at the end of the month. His favor is unlimited and undeserved.

So the next time I'm tempted to dwell on myself and my disappointments, I'm going to work a little harder to remember HIS favor, HIS blessings, HIS extras that make knowing HIM the biggest blessing of all and I'm going to remind myself that the only one who gets the glory when I don't acknowledge the favor of God is the enemy...and seriously...what woman of God wants that?

Tomorrow...I will talk a bit more on this...like I said, He's been showing off.

A Thank You Note

Thanks...

Thanks for answering my prayer to be a mother, for opening my womb when doctors said the opposite.

Thanks for all the moments of complete joy you give me through my children and for the moments that you bring me to my knees because of their flaws, my flaws and the disastrous combination those flaws bring.

Thank you for the quiet moments, snuggling, reading, watching, learning...and for the loud roar of laughter, cheers, games and excitement.

For the tiny moments you let me peak into what you're doing in their lives...their souls...thank you.

For the many things you've taught me through them...thank you.

For fevers and chills and bumps and bruises. Thank you.

For nights spent waiting up, nursing a sick stomach, sharing heart to hearts. Thank you.

Because in these moments you've met with me. You've given me a glimpse into Your heart for your children. You've parented me...taught me, guided me, shepherded my heart. And all those things I've needed so I could be more like you. Thank you..thank you..thank you.

Because without you...your hand of grace guiding me, this task would overtake me. And while, daily, I feel overwhelmed, inadequate, messy and challenged, you've got this parenting job down and I'm learning that is all that really matters...me knowing the master parent.

Thank. You.

Really...Thank. You. This daughter thanks you.

Amen