Progress = Change

That little graphic was created quite a few years ago.  It was an idea about what we envisioned for our home school journey with our kids.  A solid bridge into their future.

I can identify my best moment of our home school journey...

teaching my kids to read.

They love to read and are rarely without a book or two (or more!) in progress.  It used to make my mother upset that we allowed our children to read at the dinner table.  I loved it then and still do - yes even as young adults they read at the table during dinner fairly often.

Now we've come to the end of our (at home) home education journey.  It has absolutely been a success for our family!

Jess has graduated high school and is a full-fledged undergraduate student at Franklin Pierce University with a dual major, in the honors program and officially advanced class standing due to all the college work she completed during high school
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In September, Ben will begin his advanced college work at Nashua Community College for the remainder of his high school years.  Most likely he'll be finishing or fairly close to finishing an associates degree by the time he graduates high school.

Also new this summer is Ben going away to work at Camp Spofford for the next couple of months. My mama-heart is trying to sort out the varying emotions around this adventure but mostly I'm thankful that God has given him this opportunity and excited to see how he will grow this summer. We all prayed desperately for this door to open for him and several men in our church stepped up to offer recommendations and encouragement along the way.   He will come home just before his college classes begin - literally - as in two days before they start!

Other relationships in our lives are also changing.  Unexplained distance and estrangement has grown in formerly close relationships.  Physical distance is about to become a reality with some of our closest friends as they are embarking on a life-changing move to a different part of the country.
However God has brought a wealth of new relationships and opportunities for new friendships within our church family and we are tremendously thankful for the gift.  Monadnock Congregational Church is a wonderful place and I'm so grateful we challenged our presuppositions about the name on the sign.  It is now very clear that a name/label attached to something doesn't always mean what we think it does.  This church is sound in belief, has a Pastor who is bold in proclaiming the truth of the Jesus Christ, and has a congregation made up of genuine people who are trying to live honest, Christ-like lives by God's grace in a broken world.  We are all sinners, we fail, we stumble, we blow it big time even.  But there is Jesus and therefore there is grace and forgiveness... restoration and on-going sanctification.

As for me... I'm praying about what God is going to have me do next.
I don't think I'm having a mid-life crisis or anything... there is no desire for a sports car or crazy adventure.  More a quiet waiting to see what's next in the journey.  I've been dabbling in some new sewing ventures and finding things I love and things I don't.  Made a little bit of money for some things, helped some people with a few different things and continue to learn new skills and techniques.  I'm also considering the possibility (though a remote one) of a job outside home someplace.  If God opens a certain type of door, I will walk through thankfully.  If not, I shall continue along doing what He puts before me as opportunities.

Blessings on the journey~

Right now ... (a thankfulness post)

Right now I am thankful for the truth of scripture in our lives.  God's word doesn't change and His truth endures forever!

Hand-made sign that now hangs in our living room.
I bought this years ago in support of a mission trip - scripture supporting the spread of Jesus.

Right now I am thankful for the quiet sounds of chickens pecking around outside and 2/3 of our cats watching them from the window by my desk.

Saffron (Orange) and Gypsy (Black)

Right now I am thankful for Steve's job that provides for our family and allows him to work from home two days each week.  Also for the jobs the kids have that give them spending money, hard work that teaches them things and builds their muscles as well.

Right now I am thankful for ....

• my washer/dryer and the ability to do laundry daily if needed.
• clean, running water and electricity that are reliable
• air conditioning in summer and heat in winter
• my gardens and the ability to grow things - both to eat and just to be pretty
• my family and that we laugh together
• ice cream
• always having projects to work on and the ability to do so
• friends who share my life
• our Pastor and his family that are becoming dear friends
• our church that is growing us in many ways
• vehicles that work reliably and are safe
• grown children that come to visit fairly often
• teens that are respectful, responsible, smart, fun young adults
• pets that add love and fur to our lives
• every good gift that God bestows

Right now I am thankful that I know beyond all doubt that I serve a Savior who loves me and will never leave me.  That God is Sovereign King over all things and holds our future secure in spite of the changing winds of this life.  

Right now I am thankful... and that is a very good thing indeed!

Blessings on the journey~

Thankful again

Photo has nothing to do with the post - I just love that Piper and Fender are buddies

It is January 15th, which means it is payday at our house.  Steve gets paid monthly and we are a single income family.  We have lived this way for 16 years.
Amazing?  Perhaps ... but I like to think not really.  More I recognize that we have the blessings we have because God has poured them out for our family.  Not because we deserve it...no... far from it!

We fully acknowledge that every good gift comes from the One and only God who loves us beyond comprehension - enough that He sent His only Son to die for us.  Because we acknowledge and accept that gift of grace, we know full well that every other gift is from Him as well.
Which makes payday every month a really tangible time to remember and be thankful.  God's math works when it makes no sense for it to work.

Most people will tell you that it is impossible in this day and age to live on one income.  I disagree strongly and can point you to multiple families I know that do and have made it work.  Does it mean you have to make choices?  Of course!  But we all make tons of choices every day.  Does it sometimes mean sacrifice?  Probably, but I think that depends on your definitions and falls again into choices.

Would I ever make different choices that would have meant I had kept my full-time job after J was born?  Not likely.  The benefits of being home...raising and educating these young people... increasing my own skills and knowledge in the process... can never compare to just a paycheck.  No new car or vacation would be worth the sacrifice of the relationships I have with my children.

Every month when the paycheck is deposited and we have the blessing of giving back to God and can pay all the bills and have enough left over to buy groceries & gas and whatnot until the next paycheck.... I am thankful again and again.
Never do I want to take for granted the gifts He pours out for us.

Blessings on the journey~

Falling Down and Up

When was the last time you fell down?

I mean really fell down - as in skinned hands & knees, limping home with tears in the corners of your eyes.  Were you 6 or 7 and pushed your bike home sniffling and thinking angry thoughts at the two-wheeled death trap that had caused your pain...vowing to never-ever ride again? At least not until well after mom had tortured you with some soap & water and maybe antiseptic spray and a few bandages. Remember those times?

I fell down yesterday.... and at my age and current level of non-fitness, it was a spectacularly UN-graceful fall that resulted in not only the aforementioned skinned hands & knees but a lovely cut right across the bridge of my nose.  Yes - I managed a face-plant into the pavement!  Now that takes some talent when all you are doing is walking the dog. Seriously....who falls down and hurts themselves like that walking the dog on a nice, faux-spring day?
Answer:  Me.
Well... I'm sure that other people manage some pretty dandy injuries doing some other non-dramatic things as well, but I'm considering that I may have a unique talent in this area.  I don't hurt myself often, (and I don't consider myself klutzy at all), but when I do hurt myself... they tend to be pretty awful and painful injuries doing mundane and normal things.  At Christmas this year I threw my back out while tying the lace on my slipper.  Several years ago I sliced my finger open  - with my wedding ring - while I was simply closing a storm door.  Can't say that I don't have my talents.

As for the "up" part?  That was afterwards...
When I fell, I was out with Piper alone and we were about a half-mile or so from home.  So I dusted myself off best I could - not realizing that the bridge of my nose was bleeding (I just knew my face hurt & a nasty headache had begun) - and we headed back home...slowly... limping a little... and yes, there were a few tears in the corners of my eyes and I was almost tempted to think angry thoughts at the dog for tripping me.  But as we made our way along ... there was a warm breeze, the sun was glorious and the sky....oh the sky!  The most gorgeous blue!
All of a sudden I felt a smile... really... it was pretty funny.  I'm almost 42... I was walking the dog on a nice day.... and I face-plant on the side of the road?  Seriously?   You can laugh...  It is really pretty ridiculous!

Before I fell, I'd been thinking about a new book study I'm going to be starting in a week.  It's something that I've felt that God wants me to do for quite a while and when the opportunity was offered, I said yes.  Willingly, but with lots of insecurity. 
As I walked... I was thanking God for the gifts of the day and then I started thinking a bit about the study, then I started to worry about how I was not equipped to lead this particular group of women.  Really... I bet lots of these women have forgotten more about scripture than I will ever know.  They've served God for years (here and abroad), finished college, are smart, talented, gifted & accomplished and they have some style! What am I thinking that I'm going to offer them?
And then -  WHAM!  I fell.  Concentration shattered - focus shift onto my immediate pain & minor embarrassment (a total stranger saw me fall). 
But as I was going home....the sky and sunshine... gifts from the God who loves me so much.  I could be thankful to God for those gifts even with my skinned hands/knees and aching face.
Why?  Because they were there... and I chose to see them as gifts. 

And the study?  It isn't about me!  I don't HAVE to be equipped!  Okay... maybe that doesn't make sense. But this verse popped into my head while I was washing blood off my nose...
2 Corinthians 12:9   But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

People, you don't get much weaker feeling than lying on your face on the side of the road. 
This study group opportunity is one that God has given me... He has a reason and He knows all about me. He must have a plan.  And because I said 'yes' to doing this.... He will use me  - somehow... perhaps in spite of myself.  Only because the deepest desire of my heart is to be useful for His purposes and to bring Him glory.... and I said 'yes'.  Stepping really far outside my comfort zone to do something that makes my throat tight but my heart leap with anticipation of joy.  I am so excited to see what is going to happen in the coming weeks!  God is going to do .... stuff!  And He is letting me be part of it!
I am so thankful to see this gift... and am looking forward to counting all the ones to come.

Blessings on the journey~

(Walk carefully!)

Late November Morning

It is late November here in NH... a time that should not allow for sitting on the deck swing in your bathrobe in the morning.  Yes... I was doing that this morning.
The kids are not awake yet (more perks of homeschooling!) and I'd gone outside with Piper and just sat for a bit.

Marveling that I could be outside without freezing or being bundled in blankets over my fleece bathrobe. Thankful for warmth.
I looked at the gray clouds rolling across the sky behind the trees - mostly bare of leaves now. Thankful for vision.
Listening to the sounds of the river rushing madly over the falls behind our home. Thankful for hearing.
Watching a neighbor meander down the road with his dog.  Thankful for our home in a good neighborhood.
Seeing a bird flutter to rest on another naked tree (you can barely see him in the center).  Thankful for the creation as a gift.

Pausing to thank God that my children are still upstairs sleeping as the sound of a school bus roared along the road.  Thankful for homeschooling.
Anticipating a day of learning as I look forward to a quilting class this afternoon.  Thankful for Steve thinking it's a worthwhile pursuit of my time and this opportunity.
Seeking clarity from the Lord for concerns that weigh heavy this morning.  Thankful to be able to bring all things to His throne.
Thanking Him for being my Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is Peace), Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is There), and Jehovah Jireh (the Lord shall Provide).

I am most blessed - even in the hard things.

Blessings on the journey~

 

Being brave - out of my comfort zone - to link up on Emily's 'tuesday's unwrapped'

Waiting for Change & Contentment

I wait all year for scenes like this...
Fall is my favorite season.  I love the cool nights with the warmish days, the vibrant and glorious colors, the baking, the sweaters & jeans, the Deerfield Fair day with family & friends... everything.
So now we are into August and summer seems to have flown by, yet I am ready for the next thing.  J and I are pretty well ready to start school, though B refuses to consider it until after his birthday (and really who can blame him?).
Of course change is often very messy.  Such as several days of upheaval, noise, and sawdust to have a new floor put in - but it's OH so pretty!

Very worth it...don't you think?

Life and it's many changes can be hard.  Exciting. Frustrating. Nerve-wracking. Difficult. And I usually like to say I don't like change... unless it is my idea.
Yet it feels like so much in life is waiting for the next thing, the next stage, the next project to be done. 
Am I content? 
I'm reading a devotional book about contentment right now.  It's a marvelous reminder that contentment comes when I am focused on Christ and His purposes for my life.  When I hand over the reins to the One with the true plan and best ideas for my life (which is NOT me by the way!).  I find when I practice this discipline in my day-to-day life, there is less frustration and less waiting.
When I truly try to live the life each day that God allows.  The one with His priorities instead of my 'to-do' lists.  The one with people and service and love and grace flowing through and swirling around.  The days with music and smiles and sometimes tears as well.
I. am. content.
That is not all to say that life is all butterflies and rainbows and little birds singing in the tree outside my window.  In actuality the birds outside the window at 4:30 am are really dreadfully annoying, and the dog hair is threatening to take over the downstairs, the dishes and laundry always need doing, etc.  But this is all part of the music of our lives here.  It's real.  A dear friend once said it is job security. :-)
My only true security is in Christ and leaning into Him for strength and grace for each day.... even the really tough days... that is contentment.  And for this and so much more... I am thankful.