Psalms 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Exciting things--

Exciting things......

*finding a Sunday school class where we feel like we already belong
*feeling at peace about our church home
*planning for our Disney World trip
*snow on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom
*getting a reservation for the Sci-Fi Dine In
*having only one more day of school after we return from our vacation
*having a husband who's more in tune to my heart now than ever in our marriage before
*my birthday coming up is more exciting these days than dreadful
*traveling to see Mama and Daddy-- even for a short visit
*finding a new game to play online-- my happy place :0)
*new friends..... old friends.... and ones like me who prefer a child-like heart :0)

Following the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit and me.... well, we're connected. He tends to wake me up in the night for me to pray for people and He brings me to my knees clear out of the blue in the middle of the day. I thought He spoke to everyone that way--- but, apparently He doesn't. Maybe it's just discernment??? I don't know. But, what I do know is that that relationship with my Lord is just as real as I'm sitting here sharing this with you.

We've been searching for a church home again. It was a walk of obedience for me because I was very much in love with our other church home and my heart was very content teaching 4 year old's about Jesus. My sweet husband, though, was feeling a longing in his heart for more and so our journey began. I left my little ones.... the desire of my heart.... to follow my husband and I'm so thankful that I did. I don't take heart pulls by the Holy Spirit lightly at all. I tend to take them more seriously than most--- which is maybe why I remain sensitive to His nudges and His direction. Through this time I've watched Tony grow closer to the Lord and I've watched his love for the Savior grow and deepen. What a gift it has been to follow his lead. It's something I had prayed for for over 12 years....

So, now our journey had lead us back around full circle to GBC where Tony first met the Lord. He fell in love with Him there. They're without a pastor right now because of some of the same issues that actually took us away from there just over three years ago. Since they don't have a head pastor right now they've lined up guest speakers from now through Christmas and this was a perfect opportunity for us to come and be filled with teaching, see old friends, observe the body of the church and see where their hearts are now, and to kind of test the waters of GBC again, honestly.

Yesterday was the first day of a Revival there at the church. They're calling it "Echo". Ken Freeman is speaking 4 nights this week. We went yesterday morning and again last night. We experienced the Lord's Supper like never before. It lasted almost 2 hours and was an incredibly moving time. The church, the body, was (mostly) in full worship mode. Tony and I watched as Ken called all of the deacons and church leaders to the front to kneel and pray. Then, the most amazing thing-- he asked the YOUTH to come, lay hands on them, and pray for them ALOUD. Talk about the Lord moving in a place.... wow. What a blessing it was to see that happen. I watched some of those men in their 60's, 70's, and 80's get up wiping their eyes.... Praise God!

As I was leaving the service my heart got one of those pulls from the Spirit and I'm sure now that He's leading us back to GBC. We're supposed to be a part of the youth leadership in some way..... something I never suspected. I've always cherished teaching the little ones-- I call them my "favorite". But, now.... there's no doubt that this body of youth at GBC is needing and searching for adult leaders to come along side of them and to build this church back to where it was more than 3 years ago. I wanted to be sitting with them last night-- THEY had hands raised high and tears flowing in worship. THEY are the ones who fasted before the Revival this week. THEY are the ones that their particular age group fills an entire floor section of the sanctuary. And, THEY are the ones who need adults and families to come along side them and say, "Yes-- what your heart is telling you is right and I'm here with you all the way."

I can honestly say that obedience to the King is all that I want in my life and through all of those years of prayers He proved faithful to me. The blessings abound. Pray for us that our hearts remain sensitive to the Spirit. Pray that we will find the specific place that God wants us to serve. Our hearts long only for Him and the Kingdom. Praise Him. He is worthy!

Treasure Shopping on Trash Day--

Well, I just hit a jackpot. :0) I love trash days..... lol. I know, I'm an oddball, but it's just the coolest thing ever to drive by and see a chair or a piece of furniture, or a pile of "stuff" that looks like it would be fun to dig through.

Today's loot:
*Ralph Lauren twin size dust ruffle (might keep it and cut it up to re-size for my bed)
*a twin size wicker headboard
*short wire fencing with smooth edges to go around the lower section of our fence in
the back yard to keep my crazy dogs home
*2 nice wooden bed rails
*4 huge wrapped pieces of foam core (I'll just in a kitchen project I had in mind already)
*2 shoe racks (JUST shopped for these last weekend-- around $18 each)
*pre-lit Christmas star for outside (made out of brown grapevine wreath stuff)
*2 window grill thingys-- one of them in a really pretty diamond design (tudor house)

Loot from other trips in weeks and years past......
*chest of drawers (9 drawers)
*ball and claw foot coffee table with HEAVY beveled glass top
*copper and iron planter box (stand) for outside
*HUGE English pine side board with shelving
*English pine bookshelf
*2 TV armoirs (wood)
*upholstered swivel rocker
*full-sized leather couch with recliners on each end
*Tony found a dryer for our laundry room :0)
*ETC>>>>>>

That's all I can think of right now off the top of my head. I hate missing trash day...... lol. There's nothing more fun than finding free "treasure" on the side of the road!

How Sweet It Is.....

How sweet it is to have friends who love you for you--- just the way you are. I'm so very thankful for the blessings God has given me. I'm more aware of them with each and every day. He has blessed me with a husband who loves the Lord. He has blessed me with healthy children and sweet relationships with them. He has blessed me with a hunger for His Word and His direction. I'm aware of His presence everywhere I go-- and with everything that I do.
Thank you, Lord, that you are everywhere. Thank you, Lord, that you are big enough..... Thank you, Lord, that you are MY KING. :0)

SMARTS ;0)

Okay, so I'm really proud that both of my children seem to be pretty intelligent. They both excel in their school work and both seem to have areas of giftedness...... EXCEPT when it comes to common sense. Please somebody tell me that their smarts will develop along the way as they continue to grow. I'm getting concerned that they'll be brilliant goobers! lol..... Book sense-- yep. Common sense..... ummmm.... not displayed as often as I think it should be! When you pour something with food or liquid from a bowl is it not common knowledge to check to see if it's spilled over the edge before you put it down? That just happens to be the latest episode in my memory banks-- most of the others I have fortunately forgotten. :0)

My some days......

Some day I would love to have a booth in an antique store-- full of "treasures".

Some day I would would like to buy a really old house, fix it up, and live in it (or sell it :0). I fondly refer to this idea as "nesting".

Some day I would like to teach preschoolers again.

Some day I would like to live in a small town again.

Some day I would like to live out in the country, so that I could have all the puppies, kitties, and pets that I want.

Some day I would like my own flower and vegetable gardens.

Some day I would like to have a screened porch so I can sit comfortably outside at night and hear the rain.

Some day I would like to sing with the church worship team on stage.

Some day I hope to not be homesick anymore.

Some days I wish I could adopt a baby. I'm not ready for this time in my life to end. I long for children to be all around me. I love to be on their eye level-- hugging, loving, teaching, and singing.

These "some day" dreams are difficult for me. They're in my heart..... but, after all they're all about ME. They all begin with "I". And isn't the "all about Me" life exactly the opposite of living for the Lord??? My heart feels peace when I remember and think about how God loves me right where I am. After all.... how could I ask for more than the abundance of blessings that I've already been given?

Now, if I can just figure out how to not let these dreams of "some days" (that I feel may never come) make me sad.... Turning 40 this year is not coming easy for me.

my mother's words today--

If you don't know Christ.... this is as good as it gets.
You die one of two ways..... forgiven or unforgiven.

putting all the pieces together--

New friends, old friends, new opportunities, opportunities that keep coming back..... Life just keeps on going whether we want it to or not.  I'm so aware of God all around me every minute of every day.  I know that I really am never alone.  It's a pretty peaceful feeling--- I know He has all the answers.  The "life" part of it all is in my waiting and watching His plan all unfold.  The pieces come from some known places, but many more unexpected ones.

A song that seems to be my story these days is one by Cindy Morgan-- "How Could I Ask for More"....  ;0)

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more

Katie Bug :0)

It's looking like God is steering us towards keeping Katie Bug at home for high school.  (Woo hoo!!!)   Several things have lead me to this conclusion.  He has lead us to a tutor (or two ;0)  to help us continue and pursue her writing interests.  We've also been happy with our home-schooler's school, Veritas Classical School, which can take us all the way through 12th grade.  In addition to that a few new friends/mentors have been revealed to come along side with her interests in horses and nature adventures.  These answers have all come with prayer and they've come one after another--- in His order and His perfect timing.

When I take a step back and look at how He's blessed our family with these homeschooling years there's no question that we've been walking in obedience.  My philosophy of education has not changed at all, so why would we change a thing---  And my faith???  It has changed a lot.  It has grown much, much stronger..... :0)

Scouting as a Family

Wow.... tonight was our family's last official cub scout family camp out.  I didn't realize it until it we were all eating dinner tonight at the pack meeting.  Since Hayes is a Weebelos 2 this year that means that he will "bridge over" to BOY Scouts in the spring.  When they're in Boy Scouts it's no longer a family event with camping, etc.  The boys do everything themselves .  I hate I didn't realize it.  Katie and I went to the pack meeting tonight, ate dinner with everybody, watched a movie outside with them.... then, she and I came home.  It's a pretty muggy night--  no breeze--  mosquitoes EVERYWHERE--  It would not have been the "perfect" weather for it..... but, it was our last one-- our last opportunity.  So, I'm sad that this stage of our scouting adventure is over, but I'm happy that Hayes and Tony love Scouts.  Since Tony is still his den leader again this year we'll still get to participate in lots of things.  Just sort of a sad thing.... and I didn't see it coming.  Our Scouting as a family days are coming to an end.... :0(

thought of the moment....

I think there should be a scripture somewhere that says, "Children, do not exasperate your parents."  ;0)  Of course this day of tension all goes back to MY fault---  letting the kids stay up too late last night, which meant sleeping later than planned, and then finally--- the "doom" of the day--- getting school started too late in the morning.  If I would just get them to bed at a reasonable time, then I'd get to bed at a reasonable time.  If I got them up at a "good" time, then their school would get started and done at a "good" time.  If their school was done by a "good" time, then our afternoon would be much more pleasant......  and the children then wouldn't put me at my wit's end at all..... Conclusion --- It's not all their fault that I'm ready to pull my hair out.... The more I procrastinate the more THEY procrastinate. 
Lesson for today--- Note to self---  Get the kids to bed by 9:30!!!  ;0) 

Vacation for a Super Hero

Our trip to Six Flags was fantastic. One of the first things we noticed was all the references to super heroes. Well, of course we wanted to be heroes, too! So, we did what any reasonable person would do-- we played the squirt-the-water-onto-the-target game to win our capes! lol.... :0) Tony chose a Superman cape, I chose a PINK super cape, Katie chose a black Batman cape, and Hayes chose a Batman cape in purple (his favorite color). ;0) From the moment our capes were on our backs we were heroes. We had a ball with them. We even got to fly with our capes on (on the swings)!!!! ;0) I wish we had pictures of that one..... lol. I'm sure that was quite a sight to see.... an entire family of "heroes" flying through the air on the swings....

Hayes sobbed for nearly every roller coaster that first day..... DREADING how "terrible" it was going to be. Within a few seconds of EVERY ride... EVERY time.... he was giggling and laughing all the way. Why it took him almost an entire day of this-- I don't know. But, by the time our Six Flags adventures were over he had ridden nearly every single roller coaster in the entire park-- including riding them sometimes over and over-- AND on the front row! The only one we didn't LET him ride was the Tony Hawk ride. He begged us to let him ride this thing! It went up and down like a regular coaster, but it also spun around the entire time with no way to lock it into place. Ummmmmm..... I don't think so....

We enjoyed a Jeremy Camp concert, enjoyed the pleasant temperatures, low crowds, and gentle rains. The rains kept the lines down to very short or to no line at all. The hotel was right across the street from the park, so we just took a shuttle back and forth as we needed. It's a definite do-over vacation for us...... We had a ball!!!

Oh, and if you see me with my pink cape on.... just smile and wave at me. It means I'm in my happy place and that you should refer to me as Polkadot Pink.....(my name in Virtual Magic Kingdom-- my all-time favorite online game....lol). I always wanted to be the real "Super Pink".... if just for a day. So, I just might be seen wearing it around from time to time..... :0)

I'd like to be skinny for just a little bit of my life--- this side of Heaven :0)

The kids and I have discovered a great way to exercise together. We live not too far from a park that has a walking trail around it. There's no side of it hidden from the other--- it's very open with trees lining the edges--- a very nice park. :0) To keep our "P.E. class" time a little more interesting Hayes rides my bike TO the park while Katie and I ride in the car behind him. When Katie and I arrive we check our watches and begin our laps alternating between a fast-paced walk and a jog. After Hayes has ridden the trail on the bike for 3 or 4 laps he gets off and gives Katie a turn. Our goal is to do at least 20 minutes each time-- of course working up to more time each "class". ;0) When our work-out is complete it's Katie's turn to ride the bike home and Hayes and I ride home in the car. It's a routine that is working really great for us!!!

I've finally gotten the kids to understand that since I am their mother for goodness sakes... that they should both be able to run circles around me. So, we've agreed that their goal for each of them to out-walk me and out-jog me.... :0) Over-all health is our MAIN goal here... BUT... I really would like to be skinny for just a little bit of my life--- this side of Heaven..... :0)

Vacation coming up-- :0)

We didn't take a summer vacation this year, so we're going to Six Flags in St.Louis!!! There's nothing quite like a natural high from going REALLY fast, being scared to death, screaming, and laughing all at the same time..... :0) Woo hoo!!!!!

Going to be looking into other things to do while we're there--- We know about the Arch.... and I believe they have a great zoo. Anything else that's a "must-do" while we're there??? What about the train station??? Oh, and I think we'll stop at Lambert's for some "throwed rolls" along the way, too..... ;0)

school decisions.... ;0)

We're already thinking about school for next year with the kiddos. Every year we pray for direction about what to do. There are sooo many classes available to homeschoolers that we've not been short on new experiences. We've been going through a homeschooler's school for these last two years-- Veritas Classical Christian School. It's a school where homeschoolers go for their main curriculum for one day, come home with assignments for the next week, then go back the following week for class again. It's been a great way to hit those harder subjects with my 8th grader. She goes an additional day each week for her physical science and algebra. :0)

So, now with high school on the horizon the decision is whether to try public school or stick with our homeschooler's school for 9-12th grades. When I go back to the reasons why we homeschooled in the first place it's VERY easy to see that this homeschool life style has been nothing but a tremendous blessing for our family every step of the way. Ninth grade should be no different, I suppose..... It's working great for us now... it's worked every year up to now....

Praying for clear direction.... and some days I have to say regular school seems exciting-- But, in the big picture.... isn't it all about raising them up for the Kingdom?? Isn't it all about raising them up to be who He created them to be--- and to not follow the crowd?? I honestly don't want them to blend in with the rest of the world.... I don't want them to look like everybody else. I want them to shine for the King.....

The answer will come-- Not really looking for an answer from anybody. This is just sharing what my heart, my soul, and my mind are talking about these days. :0)