Baby News: Our Family is Growing (Again)!!

Hello there, Ladies!



I am so honored to share with you all the blessing God has given to our family. He has allowed life to grace my womb again, and I am still in awe of a Mighty God.



I am in the fourth month and the various challenges of morning sickness have passed. I have a bit more energy and am hoping to get back to posting here more often. For some reason, blogging and morning sickness don't work well together for me. So, that is why I my posts have been a bit sparse the last few months.



At any rate, God has been good to us and has brought us a mighty long way. . . undeserved mercy and grace. He is awesome. My family and I feel grateful and blessed beyond words. My husband and children all think the baby is a girl.  I, on the other hand, have no "motherly intuition" either way, which makes me think they're right. Of course, we will all be happy either way, as we are simply blessed to be in this situation again.



To God be the glory!

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First Hair Cut

Traditionally, boys receive their first hair cuts on their first birthdays in our family.



But not this baby boy. My husband could take it no longer. Today, we said good-bye to the Afro at just 9 months old.

Baby JD did not mind at all. He wasn't afraid and actually wanted to help hold the clippers. (No pics of this hilarious moment, because somehow I was tricked into holding the baby still while Daddy just clipped and cut away.)



Well, Daddy's thrilled, baby could care less, and Mommy is the only one with a little tug at her heart. :) They grow up so quickly!

Both boys with a fresh hair cut.

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Receiving Correction

Just a simple thought. . . .



Today, I was showing my daughter a better way to clean the bathroom sink. She's 7 folks and sometimes details elude her! (smile) So, I called her downstairs to show her the stains in the sink that had been left behind after she "cleaned"it. I showed her how to spray the cleaner, and showed her which side of the sponge was best to use. I cleaned the sink and showed her the job from start to finish. (Not the first time we'd been over this, but sometimes part of training is saying things over and over again.)

She looked at me, smiled and said, "Thanks for the information, Mommy!" And then bounced her way back upstairs. It made me smile because I was thankful in that moment for a child who was willing to receive instruction and correction. Thankful for a child who did not take the correction as something "bad" and was quite okay with it. I thanked God that I was able to correct her in a way that she could receive it. I had "proud parent" written all over my face. . .



. . . Until I realized that there was much more for me to consider in this brief encounter. God is a far better Parent than I ever could be. He always knows what's best; He always gets it right. Why then is my attitude toward God not more like my daughter's when it's my turn to be corrected? Why don't I respond more often like she did--"Thank you God, for that correction!" with a smile on my face? Because, trust and believe, there certainly are things God has had to tell me over and over and over again before I get it right.



God's correction, His instruction, His direction always comes from a pure place of Love.

Dear God, when you correct me, help me to have my daughter's attitude.

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Music Mondays: "Nobody But Jesus"

The words to this song just minister to my soul and have helped me through a few tough days. Jesus is the One! I hope you'll scroll down and follow along with the words and be blessed by this song.



Who was the One, when I didn't know my name?
Before I was born He loved me just the same.
Who was the One who took me by the hand,
And kept me from all danger the way a Father can?

Who was the One to lead me along the way,
When I didn't know the path for me to take?



{Nobody but Jesus! Nobody but Jesus! Nobody but Jesus! Nobody but Jesus! Jesus is the One!}



Who was the One to place the sun so high,
And hang the stars in space to decorate the sky?
Oh, who was the One to die on Calvary,
With nails in His hands and nails in His feet?

Who took the sting from death and victory from the grave,
Then went on back to Heaven and He's gonna return one day?

{Nobody but Jesus! Nobody but Jesus! Nobody but Jesus! Nobody but Jesus! Jesus is the One!}

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It's Been A While

Hello out there in the blogosphere!! It's been a while since I've written, so here's a bit of an update.



The "No Idle Bread" family and I have been busy tying up summer's loose ends.



My children swam every week, twice a week this summer and they are doing SO very well. I'm so glad they are gaining such a valuable life skill. We will pick swimming back up in September, but will enjoy a few weeks off.



Our Chelmont Academy Summer Schedule went well! We had school 2-3 times a week, really focusing on Reading and Math, with bits of Ancient History sprinkled in. We will take the upcoming week off before we resume our regular homeschooling schedule.



My children got to cross many things off of their Summer Bucket List, including: eating watermelon, camping at Grandparent's, ice cream, getting soaked with the hose, playing in the rain, making popsicles and ice cream, roller skating, chasing butterflies, and going to the movies. Since summer is not officially over yet, I'm hoping that we'll get to cross off a few more things.



This coming week, I will go to the store to stock up on paper, pencils and other school supplies. The public schools will begin tomorrow, so I'm hoping that I've avoided the major crowds. I'll also be piecing together a schedule of sorts (in pencil, of course!) for the way our days will flow, now that we have an official kindergartner in our school! I've been poring over our curriculum materials and I am praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance in directing my children. (I'll post our curriculum choices soon!)



We've weathered a few storms in our lives this summer, both literally and spiritually. But this Truth still remains: God's Grace is greater than ANY problem I'll ever face. He has been so faithful to me and to my family. . .I can never repay Him for what He's done for me. So grateful.



Happy End-of-the-summer to you all!

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Salt

photo credit

On Sunday, my pastor preached from Mark 9:42-50 and the message of that sermon is so relevant. . .but isn't that the way of God's Word, always relevant??

Here are some notes I took away from the sermon:



Salt is preservation, it's applied to meat to keep it from spoiling.

So, if we are to be salt in the earth, salt in this world, salt in our culture, then we, as the Body of Christ, are charged with preserving the morals in our culture, keeping it from decay. . .

How well are we doing that?

As the salt of the earth, are we adding the flavor of the Gospel in our circles of association?

Are we preserving our culture, keeping it from moral decay?

Are we participating in things that will lead others astray--the thinking is, if holy men and women are doing "it" (whatever it may be), then it must be okay, right?

Don't you know that we are being watched? Don't you know that we are being looked to for seasoning, preservation, salt?

If the way we live our lives as Christians, as believers, doesn't reflect the character of God, then what good are we? What is salt good for if it loses it flavor? If hardly anything about they way we live sets us apart from the ways of the world, then how can we season those around us? How can we help to preserve them?

No matter what is popular, what is cool, what the latest thing is, who our favorite political candidate is, what everyone else is doing. . . no matter what, we are called to be salt first, our allegiance is to Him, our lives are for Him...Him and Him alone.



". . .but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy."

-1Peter 1:15-16

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Busyness and a Birthday

In my life the past couple of weeks…

There seemed to be a lot of busyness. Just regular errands, grocery shopping, doctor's appointments, helping my husband in the yard, laundry, etc. It seems like we were trying to get things back on track after having lost power for so long. We finally got someone to come out and cut down our tree that was damaged during the storm. The great thing about it was that the tree company shredded the tree and gave us all of the wood chips from it. My husband was thrilled about that because that saved us a good chunk of change that would have been spent on buying mulch. The pile of wood chips was HUGE!

We all pitched in to help my husband lay the mulch around the various bushes and trees in our front and back yards. After that there was still enough left over for a friend of ours to load up the back of his pick-up truck so he could use it in his yard. After that, there was still enough for my father-in-law to take 3 loads in my husband's pick-up truck to use at his mother's house. After that, there is still enough left over that my husband's friend wants to come back for another load. We are thankful for the way God has blessed us to give and share.



We also planted a new tree in place of the old one. We planted a Crepe Myrtle that will blossom pink.

In our homeschool this week…

We are progressing well considering many of the interruptions over the past few weeks. My oldest daughter is resuming Latin, which is fun. She is also taking flute lessons and she is super excited about that. My younger daughter is eager to begin reading Peter Pan. We listened to it on CD earlier in the year, but she wants to read it herself. My son is having a ball! What I am pleased about is his increased interest to read on his own. We are also beginning to memorize the books of the Bible.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

1. If it works for you and your family, stick with it!

2. Consider joining online groups for homeschooling, such as Yahoo Groups. I joined one for a group in my area so I could know about local homeschool events and resources. I also joined another for Biblioplan, which we used for Ancient History. It's great because I can ask the authors questions about the materials before I make a purchase.

I am inspired by…

My children, who have learned at an early age how to swim. This is big for me, someone who is not a strong swimmer and who did not learn until adulthood. My son is still learning how to do rhythmic breathing, but he has no fear of the water. My girls just blow me away. Both of them are now able to swim the length of the pool, freestyle and backstroke, without assistance, in deep water!!!  I don't think they realize how much they are teaching their Mama about swimming and conquering fears. I am so glad that they have a life-saving skill.

My favorite thing from a week ago was…

My son turned 5!!!!!! His only request: a dark blue birthday cake! LOL So we certainly obliged. Did Mama make a cake from scratch? Nope, not this year! My husband picked out a dark blue cake that even had the Avenger's superheroes on it!

The Avengers decoration actually lights up!

Now my son plays with it all the time.









My sweet boy, JR. . .











being goofy. . .











and really silly! LOL











This is one of the shirts my parents sent him for his birthday.

He ran upstairs to change into it, and asked me to take a picture.

This is the pose he struck! Funny!

What’s working/not working for us…

We do bible study at breakfast, before school starts. We've been using a book called The Wonder Devotional Book 1, that our church gave to my girls upon accepting Christ and being baptized. It's good because it covers meaty topics which is great for the girls' developing faith, but it is given in bite-sized pieces so that my son is not totally lost. (I don't know why I'm using food metaphors, but you know what I mean!) Anyway, what isn't working is that as soon as I begin to read from the book, the baby starts babbling. Loudly. And it is hilarious! So, we're working on that!

Things I’m working on…

Still finalizing my curriculum for the upcoming school year. I have most things squared away, just trying to find the best deals so the budget remains under control

I’m reading…

The Resurrection of Nat Turner by Sharon Ewell Foster

It is not an easy topic, the subject of slavery in our country. But it is one that must be told, in truth, in the Light of God's Word. Ms. Foster does that quite well; so far so good.

I’m cooking…

I made deep dish pizza for lunch today, using my cast iron skillet. Yummy!

I’m grateful for…

Prayer with my husband.

I’m praying for…

The people of Colorado.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." -Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)

This particular translation of this verse really struck a chord with me.

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From My Dad to Me

My dad left this note for me on my Facebook page. Now normally, one would say that writing a note by hand implies that the person took extra time and care to send a heartfelt message. I mostly agree with that, but for my Dad, the opposite is true. He's not the most savvy person when it comes to computers, and he types with his index fingers only (lol!). Writing a note and dropping it in the mail would have been much easier for him. So, this note on Facebook means the world to me!



"Today I sit and reflect. When you were just a little girl, less than two years old, you got out of your bed in the middle of the night, came into our bed room, put your little hand on my face and gently shook me until I responded. With those beautiful brown eyes looking at me you said, "Daddy are you happy?" I replied, "Yes, Stacie, I am happy." You then said, "I am happy too." With that being said, you turned and went back to your room and to sleep.That was over 31 years ago and you still make me happy. I am so proud of you. . . . my little girl, his wife, and their mother. Truly a Proverbs 31 wife. Love Dad"



Isn't that sweet?! I told my dad that my eyes immediately became "allergic" to the computer screen--in other words, I teared right up. I'm so blessed to have a dad that continues to affirm and support me.

My dad is wonderful.

A "throwback" picture of my dad and my

daughters when they were 2 yrs. and 5 mos.

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Thunderstorms = No Electricity

In my life this week…

We were without electricity from Fri. 6/29 until Wed. 7/5. A major thunderstorm with hurricane speed winds paid our region a visit on Friday. We live in a neighborhood with lots of mature trees and those trees knocked down utility poles and power lines all throughout our city and state. Restaurants and stores were closed, traffic signals were out, hotels (that were up and running) were completely booked. And to top it off, we haven't had a day under 95 degrees in about 2 weeks. It was stressful in many, many ways. The tree in the front yard suffered some damage and we had a few stray limbs in the back yard. Considering the magnitude of the storm, we are so blessed. I am so thankful that my family is well and my home isn't damaged. God is so good.

Pictures of the fallen tree limb in my front yard:

The lighter green leaves you see in the center, at the top

are actually from my neighbor's tree.

Our tree looks a bit weird because it is so thin at the top.



This lamp post is about 15 feet away

from the trunk of the tree. This branch

is pretty big.

In our homeschool this week…

Well, not much schooling going on this week. We managed to squeeze in a few math worksheets and some reading. . .lots of reading, actually.



I am inspired by…

Crochet patterns! I receive various crochet patterns by email from Lion Brand Yarn and I've found some neat things on Pinterest, too. They are inspiring me to begin a crochet project. I usually do my crocheting during the cooler months, but I for some reason, I'm ready to grab a hook and some yarn and go at it!! Here are some pretty pieces I'd like to try:



I'm hoping I have enough yarn on hand

to get started on this now.



This is really pretty.

This seems perfect for the fall.

This is actually a crochet/knit combo.

I can't knit well, but one day I'll tackle it!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week was tough, but my in-laws came through for us. They only lost power for about 24 hours, so we were able to stay in their home while our power was out. It was such a blessing because it has been so hot and it was hard to keep everyone cool, especially the baby. It was great because it helped my children through a tough time, especially my son. Thunderstorms and no electricity don't just "bother him" but they really scare him. So the distraction of being at Grand-Dad and Grand-Ma's house was just what he needed.



My least favorite thing this week was…

Getting rid of most of the food in my refrigerator and freezer. It was such a painful process to see so much wasted. I'm sad about it because I keep wondering what I could have done differently to keep more. But with the temps soaring to about 100 degrees each day, the food spoiled so quickly. Husband is in the process of trying to get a stationary generator installed so that we don't waste this much food again.



Questions/thoughts I have…

Wondering about the next school year. I'm still piecing together my curriculum choices. I'm also wondering about ways to help implement a bit of independence in our school days...I'm not sure. I've heard of people doing "work boxes" and having everything laid out for the school year ahead of time. That way, the child is able to just grab all assignments for the day and work through them. Our schedule just doesn't flow that way. Any thoughts?





Things I’m working on…

I'm working on thinning out last year's school work (except for the really important things), and filing it way with our homeschool review forms. All you homeschool moms out there: How much school work do you keep each year? How do you file it all away? Do you file it away at all?



I’m reading…

The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part One: The Witnesses by Sharon Ewell Foster. I signed up for the summer reading program at library, right along with my children! Sharon Ewell Foster is one of my favorite Christian, historical fiction authors.



I’m cooking…

Nothing much. Heating up left overs from when we ate out this week. We tried to purchase "family style" meals this week rather than "fast food" so that it would last us longer.

The inside of my empty freezer. :(

I’m grateful for…

My life, health, strength, my family and my home. . .and for electricity.



I’m praying for…

Those still suffering from the storm, my great-uncle who's in the hospital.



A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

A pretty song.

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Tell Them

Are we always honest with our children? I mean do we really tell them truth, particularly about ourselves? Do we tell them about the sin in our lives--what God has cleansed us of, the struggles He delivered us from, the things we are still working with?



I remember when my oldest daughter was about 12 months old, she noticed something "strange" on my leg. Not knowing what it was, but knowing it was different, she would run her little fingers along the edges. At about 18 months old, she'd say, "Flower, Mommy, flower on your leg." I'd tell her that she was right, it was a flower and then she'd look on her own leg, wondering where her flower was. I would tell her that the flower on my leg was a "no-no." And she would repeat, "no-no!"



As time went on and the older she got, the more complex conversations and questions we had about that "flower", which is actually a tattoo of a purple rose.** And the same thing happened with my next daughter, and then with my oldest son, and I'm sure it will happen again with my youngest son. They all have asked (and in my son's case, continue to ask) about that flower: Mommy, who did that to you? Why did you let someone write on you? What did your parents think? Are you sorry you did that? You mean it won't ever come off? Maybe you can erase it. Mommy, maybe you should put a Band-Aid on it. . .



I've made decisions in my life that were not altogether lovely, some of them just downright sinful. But if I close that off from my children, by pretending it didn't happen, then I run the risk of inaccurately portraying myself as "perfect" or "without sin." If I present myself to my children as one who is always right, I can make myself unapproachable for the times when they fail. It is so important to show my children that Mommy is forgiven, meaning I have done some things the wrong way, against God's way, but I have repented and am a living example of God's Grace and Mercy. If I am open and honest and have the difficult conversations about when I'm wrong, I notice that my children are more open and honest when they are wrong.



So, I've explained and shared with my children my faults along the way, as things have come up in life. Not to encourage them to be sinful, but rather to let them know that I am not perfect and I can identify with them during times when they are wrong and need discipline, forgiveness, grace. God disciplines those He loves. . . and I can tell you, I am loved! (Hebrews 12:5-7)



So, I say, tell them. Let us not lie to our children by misrepresenting ourselves. May we present the truth about ourselves (in age appropriate ways, of course!) so that our children are able to know the power of God, that He heals, that He delivers, that He sets free, that He is available to us all, if only we come to Him.

**I know there may not be a consensus on whether getting a tattoo is sinful or not. For me, the Holy Spirit convicted my heart about it. I knew that my body is to be a living sacrifice to God, a temple where the Holy Spirit is to dwell, and that I should not defile it. (Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Growing up, I always took these Scriptures to mean: "Don't have premarital s*x and say no to drugs!" I was in a VBS class one year and the topic of tattoos came up. The Holy Spirit had me think on this: Consider your physical place of worship. What if someone "defiled" the church building by spray painting graphics and images all over the outside of the church building? No matter how "cute" the images are, I would feel there was a lack of respect for the house of God; it would be offensive. That clicked with me in terms of what I had done by getting a tattoo.

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11 Years: His and Hers Umbrellas

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Eleven years ago today, I married the man God had for me, my gift, my love. I am so blessed to be called his wife.



Over the years, there has been so much God has taught us and shown us through our relationship with each other as husband and wife:

His love, His grace, His mercy, respect, honor, prayer, leading, submission, family life, holding steady, firmly planting, growth, responsibility, getting back up, dreaming, trying again, smiles, laughter, belief, lifting up, letting go, charity, protection, time spent, sharing, togetherness, unity, raising children, love, listening, whispers at night, sacrificing willingly, forgiveness, thanksgiving, new life, comfort. . .

I am so unbelievably grateful to God for His many blessings by way of marriage, so thankful for a husband who is honest and true.

Yesterday, my husband and I were talking about Biblical marriage, the relationships between Christ and the church, husband and wife--the ways in which marriage should be reflective, mirroring Christ's example--no confusion, but the understanding of each one's part in the complete equation. He grabbed a pencil and drew an image for me, one he'd seen circling the Internet. I found it online:

Photo credit and great article on marriage

He went on to explain, from a husband's point of view, the topics of leadership and submission. He told me: "Stacie, although you submit to me, I'm supposed to cover you. Because if I don't, the next in line is Jesus and I have to answer to Him. If I'm not protecting you and the kids, if I let people "throw rocks" and attack you guys, then I'm not doing what I'm supposed to. If you don't follow my leadership, I'm still responsible for you. So, it isn't so much, "Oh, she gets to submit to me because I'm the leader!" but rather, if my house is not in order, I have to answer to Jesus, because He holds me accountable. I'm your covering, under Jesus."

Talk about a wife's heart melting in admiration, in love, and in appreciation because I am loved by him. . . and I am loved by Him.

Happy #11, Husband!

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Frugal: Foundations and Future

Okay, let's get something straight right off the bat, my husband is WAAAAYYYYY better at handling the finances than I am. Budgeting was an unknown word until I met him. I was just glad to be able to meet monthly bills--life seemed great!! He, on the other hand, had more vision, more forward thinking. "Stacie," sweet Husband says to me, "we should work on paying our bills off, not just meeting the monthly payments. We also want to save up and budget what we will spend." Say what?!?!?!



I must say that 11 years ago, at the beginning of our marriage, that did NOT sit well with me at all, considering the financial hardships I encountered as a young girl. After all my childhood experiences, life was good in my book if you could pay your bills on time and then go and buy whatever you wanted with the money left over. At any rate, I did not fully submit to the vision, the purpose, the cause, my husband's wishes. . .whatever you want to call it. I didn't "get it" and I fought. . .HARD.



Now, I didn't make any "crazy" purchases, I didn't go get into any debt, I didn't go and buy something without my husband's approval. But in my heart--I was so not on board!! I didn't spend my money wisely all the time and I learned many, many tough lessons.



Fast forward through many tears, through the Lord growing me up, through the Lord opening my eyes to understand my husband's vision, through my husband's words, his example, his teaching me. . .fast forward and I'm beginning to see God's hand in it all.



If I had not learned to live modestly when we were a 2-income household, how much harder it would be when I stopped working to stay at home. If I had not learned to live modestly when it was just my husband and me, how much harder it would have been to raise 4 children on one income. Why did I fight so much? Sometimes I wish I could rewind and do it again.



But God is so good and kind and gracious. He's shown me what obedience to Him, by submitting to my husband, can do. The Lord has shown me how to trust in Him when He gives my husband a vision that I don't understand. The Lord is showing me the legacy that will be left to our children: one that says spending lavishly does NOT denote love or one's worth; one that says from the heart is better than any pricey gift there ever is; one that says earthly treasures can never measure up to the eternal treasure that awaits us.



God has given me strength and resolve to resist temptation to spend outside of our means and I am so pleased to be able to honor my husband in this way. {I don't think I could have uttered even half of this sentence years ago!!}



I apologize for the rambling of thoughts. This was just on my heart!





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A New Heart

My day had been full . . . .piano, math, reading, orthodontist appointment, cranky-eared baby, sleepy baby, lunch time, grammar, art, and cleaning and so forth.



I thought I handled it all well.



Then, the dog killed a mole in the back yard, the other dog made a mess in the laundry room. So my afternoon was taking care of the mole situation, dog baths, cleaning floors, gathering trash, rushing to prepare Husband's after work snack (Yes, I spoil him!), getting the baby's applesauce and peas together before he starts to cry, and by the time the spoonful of baby peas went splat on my kitchen rug, I was a wee bit stressed.



So, I let out a very aggravated sigh, groan, grunt. . .some kind of noise that meant FRUSTRATED! I complained, "Mommy is having a tough time this afternoon!"



Immediately, my 4 year old son comes rushing in the kitchen as I wiped peas out of the rug. He said, "Here Mommy, I have a new heart for you. Here you go!" And he places my "new heart" on my chest. He said, "Take this new heart Mommy, then your heart won't be sad anymore." In that moment, I recalled the Scripture, (and read it since it was right above my head, hanging up in my kitchen!), "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me." -Psalm 51:10



Mmm, seems like Mommy needs to read that verse a little more often! :o) None of my tasks were "end of the world" situations and I had allowed them to get the better of me.



So, I thanked my sweet boy for my "new haert." And I thanked my Heavenly Father for the funny ways in which He works on me through my children. God is always standing there, offering a new heart in exchange for the old one; if only we would just receive it.



I thanked Him for my new heart's attitude, a right spirit. I collected myself, took a deep breath, chuckled at my son, and started afresh . . .

A little bit of "Change My Heart, O God"

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Conversations . . .

Whenever I am out and about with my children, the conversation begins. . .



So, is school out today?

Wow, you sure do have your hands full, don't you?

I bet you have a lot of "help," from your older kids, huh?

So, you homeschool????????



The question people really want to ask me is, Are you crazy?



Ladies, I have to say, I was just not prepared for this constant, on-going, reiteration of explaining myself and my situation to random people. I was just not prepared.



In this, our first year of homeschooling, God also graciously expanded our family. So, it seems like all at once, we became a homeschooling family of 4 children.



It is as though people can accept one or the other, but not both. It would be okay if I had 4 children, but only if I sent them to school. Or, it would be okay if I homeschooled, but with only 1 or 2 children. So to be with all 4 of my kids everyday shocks the socks off of many people, namely other women, many of them are also mothers . . .



Baby JD has had a grumpy ear, so I took him to the pediatrician. I've known the medical assistant since my oldest was 18 months old. And each time the Lord has given us more children, the more and more bewildered she becomes with our family. For the past few years though, one or both of my daughters were in public school, so when I came in, usually everyone wasn't with  me. But now, the gang's altogether again, plus new baby. I guess she reached her breaking point and so the conversation began.



Hands on her hips, skepticism in her eyes: "Will you ever let them go to school? I bet it's hard to homeschool 4 kids. Look at her," she says to a coworker, "she has 4 AND she homeschools. Do you want more? You just had them so close together. You can't even go out for a quick trip to the store, because you have to take everyone with you. None of your children can really stay at home by themselves. . ." These were just some of the things she said, in front of my children, of course.



So I replied with a question of my own: "Since they are my children, why wouldn't I want to be with them?" She was at a loss for words. I asked again, "Why wouldn't I want to be with my own children?" Again, a blank stare. (Thank You, Holy Spirit, because in that moment, His Grace fell down to usher in peace, because that was NOT what I was going to offer her. Thank You, Holy Spirit.)



Moving on, this time in God's Grace, I asked her to think about some things, from a different perspective. Why is it in our society we look so poorly upon the children God has blessed us with? Why is it that we have them, but can't wait to rid ourselves of them, looking at them as being so burdensome? I explained to her, that often times, we have to change our perspectives.



If I'm not wanting to be with my own kids for any length of time because they are "getting on my nerves," then perhaps it is me (the parent) that needs some readjusting. After all, children cannot give what they have not been taught (a quote from a friend of mine!). If I am not working with my gifts (teaching, training, discipline, etc.), then their behaviors will show it.



Gone are the days when I can be out of the house in 5 minutes and jump in my car to run an errand. I have accepted that it's going to take at the very least 15 minutes just to get everyone into the van, to run an errand that would have only take me 5 minutes if I was alone. I'm okay with that. I've welcomed that. I know that, so there's no need to be stressed about it. It's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.



I explained that I will willingly receive however many children God gives me, because when you receive a gift, you say thank You, not turn it away. I explained that God opened our eyes to another way of educating our children, one where we are free to teach and promote our family's faith-based values. . .we're Christians, yes. I explained how homeschooling coincides with our daily living. . . it's part of life.



I explained, again; reiterated, again; answered questions, again. By the end of our conversation, her hands were off of her hips, there was a smile on her face, there was wonder in her eyes, because I don't think she'd ever heard that perspective before. . . .God's Grace.



I am praying that through this conversation, she would want to know more about the God who gives Grace to the strange lady who homeschools her 4 children and has the  nerve to bring all 4 of them to a doctor's appointment. I pray that God would help me to be kind, less defensive, not so frustrated with all of the questions, because if I can answer in a way that has brought Honor to His Name, and curiosity about His character, then I've done well. . .



So, baby JD ended up needing to be seen by an otolaryngologist (special ear/nose/throat doctor) and I had to take him directly down to the 2nd floor for that appointment. And guess what? The conversation began again. . ."My goodness, you have 4 children, huh?"



:o) God's Grace is sufficient!

My children on

Mother's Day 2012

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Marriage

My heart is SO disappointed by what our President has declared, stating that as an extension of his Christian faith, he believes that same-sex marriage should be accepted.



I believe as Christians, we must be EXTREMELY careful what we say, especially when we attach Christ to it. Also, I believe as Christians, we must proclaim the message of God with boldness and be unashamed. . .so here goes:



According to my faith as a Christian, and the Truth found in the Word of God, the Bible, I believe that Holy Matrimony (Marriage) is ordained by God, created for one man and one woman. {Gen. 2:22-25, Matt. 19:4-6, Mark 10:6-9, Lev. 18:22, Lev. 20:13, Rom. 1:24-27}

Yes, I have sinned and I'm sure I'll sin again (thank God for His Grace and Redemption, because I need it!). But just because I have sinned doesn't mean that I cannot, or should not, proclaim the Truth found in God's Word.



This is not a political message. This is not a social message. This is not a message to gain popularity. This is not a trendy message. This is not a hate message. What it is, is a message of Love. I cannot Love when I don't tell the Truth.


"Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." -Proverbs 27:5, 6

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Mother's Day At Any Time??

{This is a post from last year, but it's timely. And, since I still struggle with this, I thought I should repost it.}

So, I know it's the middle of July and Mother's Day was officially months ago. But, I've been on a bit of a journey between then and now, and there's something I want to share.



When May comes around, I see all of the sweet commercials showing how husbands and children surprise mom with a wonderful gift of appreciation. In the grocery stores, there's an abundance of roses, balloons, and candy, just perfect for mom. The card aisle becomes devoted to mom, making her cry tears of joy because of the love her family has for her.



As a result, I begin to wonder: what will my Husband get me? Will my children create something sweet? Have they all planned some big surprise? Is it a fresh-cut bouquet of my favorite flowers? Dinner out to some fancy restaurant? Maybe it's going to be a fabulous breakfast in bed? What about one of those necklaces--you know the ones with the gemstones representing each one of my children? What will it be?!?!



Horrible, I know, but I think you get the picture. . .I probably could go on and on. In our society, we are saturated with this message: "Because I am a mother, I am supposed to receive special recognition by way of material things. Things, things, these things are what should bring me honor. . ." And there I sit, glued to commercials, flipping through magazines, embracing a message that not only do I deserve these things, I should also drop "hints" all over the place on the best ways to honor me.



Mmmm. . . .let's go to the Word. . .

She watches over the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

“ Many daughters have done well,

But you excel them all.”

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:27-30

If you are familiar with the "Proverbs 31 Woman," then you know there are many wonderful, noble, and excellent things that she does for her household. The way she manages her time and makes provisions with what she has; how she cares for her household; and the way she brings honor to her husband, all to the glory of God. With all that she does to care for her home and those she loves, not once does this passage mention that she deserves to be rewarded with gifts and material things to reflect her worth.



How is this beautiful woman, the very epitome of Biblical womanhood, just how is she "rewarded"?



With the fruit of praise from the lips of her husband and children.

They simply tell her what she's worth . . .

In the days and weeks after Mother's Day, the Holy Spirit really impressed this upon my heart. In talking with my Husband about it, his thoughts were that he can honor me at any time as wife and mother, so why the pressure to do it only one day out of the year, in a certain way, with certain "things" and unspoken expectations?



So, I walk away thinking, Lord, when does my family honor me? What are their words of praise? When do they tell me what I'm worth to them? All the while I'm asking these questions, still holding on to the societal expectation of things, because things mean I'm a good mother, right? Isn't what I do year-round supposed to be summed up and reflected on Mother's day, by way of all the things I get?



The Holy Spirit urges me: stay in My Word, continue to care for your family and home, serve Me when you serve them, and most importantly pay attention--don't be dismissive. I'm like, pay attention? What am I missing? So, I've tried to quiet myself as I go about my days, still wondering and trying to pay closer attention. . .



I begin to notice things, that really aren't out of the ordinary, but shed so much light: My son randomly says, Mommy, can I give you a kiss? I love you! My daughter tells me, Mommy I just want to hang around you today. My oldest daughter watches me as I do the laundry and asks me to write down some tips so she can wash clothes the way I do. My husband says, babe, dinner was good, what did you put in it . . . Mom, we love you. . . Stacie, thanks for making that appointment for me. . .Mommy is like our nurse, she always makes us feel better when we're sick . . .Honey, I'm glad you've been working with the kids on "this and that". . .



These words, these little tidbits here and there. . . it is the praise of their lips!! They honor me more than I've given them credit for. . .they've already told me and continue to tell me what I am worth to them. Just pay attention, Stacie!



I am humbled, and also horrified at how I dismissed their words, their awesome, precious praise, in exchange for wanting things. . .things that don't measure up to their expressions of what I am worth, their love and appreciation for me. May God forgive me.



It has certainly been a journey. And though my flesh may still struggle, I am over joyed at the possibilities that come from a new way to think about my worth as a mom and wife. Their unprompted, un-asked for, non-hint dropping, precious praise is what I must treasure in my heart.



My family is teaching me that any day (or moment) can be Mother's Day.



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Words For Baby 4

I don't know your name, but I think of you, wonder about you.



Today at lunch, I started singing, "He's got the whole world in His hands, He's got the whole world in His hands. . ." Your brother and sisters joined in.



I had your baby brother in my arms.

I looked at him and sang, "He's got the little, bitty babies in His hands. . ." and by the time I sang those words again, all I could think of was you...the little, bitty baby I never held in my hands.

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Most times when I think of you, I have to fight the tears away. Many times, I lose the battle.

But this time, singing about you being in His hands--there was a sense of peace.



I always knew that, but today, peace instead of pain, confirmation instead of confusion. (Thank You, Father.)






Rest comfortably in His hands, baby.





Love,


Mommy

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What About the Children?

As wipe crumbs from my kitchen table, I am reminded of my children, my little olive plants that sit around my table. I am reminded of how precious they are. I don't mean precious in a "aren't they cute?!" kind of way, but precious as in sacred, extremely special, not to be taken lightly, a serious responsibility. It has occurred to me that so often we under-value children. . .their worth, what effects them, our influences on them, what they learn from us, what they "pick up" along the way. We are their examples, their teachers, whether we want to be or not. Whether we want to accept it or not, we are teaching them something, good and bad.



There is a not-so-good situation going on within our extended family. It concerns a family member and so I will keep the details private at this point. But it effects the children of our extended family. Not only them, but my own children, no matter how much my husband and I try to shield our children from this situation, it still has some effect, simply because we are family.



It bothers me because the "situation" is recurrent, not a "one and done," but again and again. I've had to remain daily in prayer. . .not to judge, not be hypocritical, not to criticize, not to condemn. I am struggling with this. And I cry out to God, "What about the children??? Do they not see beyond themselves to realize what the children will go through? The questions the children will ask? The brokenness they will feel? This is real, God, so real." I find myself recalling the Scriptures about a Christian household, the dynamics of family life, why the husband is covering and leader, why the wife submits and keeps order, why children are a blessing, the ministry that God calls husband and wife to as parents. . .do they not see this?!?!!?



Then the sweet Holy Spirit (thank You, Lord) steps in to remind me: "Stacie, you are not perfect. Stacie, there was a time when you were misinformed. Stacie, you have matured over the YEARS to BEGIN to understand what I want from you with your family life. Stacie, you have failed, repeatedly with some things, yet My grace remains for you--why not for 'them'? Stacie, pray for this situation, don't just be merely frustrated. Stacie, listen to your husband and use this as a teaching moment for your children, not as a moment to be judgmental. Stacie, pray without ceasing. Stacie, I'm trying to use you as an example in this situation. Stacie, you still are in need of my love, forgiveness, grace. . . ."



So, I'm praying, for the adults, for the children, for the "situation," for God to work it out for good. I'm praying that God would season my tongue and that I can be used for His glory, not my own. I pray that I would forgive and not be angry. I pray for myself as much as I pray for "them" because we all need His grace.



Lord, teach us to care for Your children in a way that is pleasing to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.






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He is Lord . . .

He is Lord, He is Lord!

He is risen from the dead and He is Lord!

Every knee shall bow; every tongue confess,

That Jesus Christ is Lord!!!!!!

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Good Friday Troubling

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Holy Week.



We had a lovely celebration on Sunday, Palm Sunday. . .Hosanna!!!

Save, Lord Jesus, save!



Each day, we read and recounted Jesus' last week before the Crucifixion. . . remembering the One, the only One worthy. . .the Lamb.



The closer we get to Friday, the more anxious I become. My Granny would say, "Chile, your spirit is troubled!"

Why this troubling, moving me to tears, my children's faces perplexed as we read?



It is over the Broken Body, the Precious Blood shed. He did it for me, the one who is filthy, dirty, unholy. It is as though my soul aches as I try to comprehend the Love He has for me. . .there is no greater Love.



I try to wrap my mind around His agony, being separated from the Father, taking upon Himself all the evil, sinful things of this world, feeling each and every blow, every ounce of pain and humiliation. . .I try and I can't fully comprehend.



But what I do grasp brings me to tears. . .and I am conflicted.

I'm angry at Judas. . .how dare you betray my Lord? But am I also thankful for Judas because then the Scripture was fufilled.

I'm sorrowful for the beatings and the wounds and the pain. But I'm so thankful for the healing, for by His stripes we are healed.

My heart aches for Him, thinking about the awful suffering and death, but I'm glad? Because, as my daughter pointed out, "Mommy, I'm thankful that Jesus stayed on the cross and He didn't come down!" I'm glad that He stayed, He stayed right there, because I need a Saviour.



But, oh! When He declared His work was done, when He gave up His last breath, when the temple veil was torn in two pieces from top to bottom, therein lies my Hope! He is the Way to the Father, He has granted me access, forgiveness, eternal life, and my soul just about bursts open. . .



. . .thanking Him for what He's done, thanking Him that He saw it through to completion, thanking Him that He was the pefect Sacrifice, thanking Him for saving my soul, thanking Him that He rose. . .



But I can't forget what He went through to get me where I am--healed, forgiven, sealed.

Good Friday troubling.








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