Giving our all

I've been thinking quite a bit lately about the opportunities we give or don't give our children. Society says we ought to have them running from here to there, involved in sports, music lesson and anything else they might show a vague, passing interest in. If we fail to do so, we are not giving them the advantages they need to succeed.

Unfortunately, I've bought into a bit of that thinking and allowed myself to feel guilty. Times are tight and there is no room in the budget for violin lessons for our six year old, or gymnastics lessons, or many other things they could be doing. Would they enjoy them? Yes. Are they going to be held back in what the Lord has for them if they don't have that opportunity? No. If the activity is one that is imperative for the path God has for their life, then He will provide the means.

I was thinking about Susanna Wesley and the impact she made on her children, despite many difficulties in her life. The mother of 19 children, several of whom died young, Susanna determined to change the world by starting at home. She didn't do it through offering her children music lessons, or sending them to fine schools. Instead, she gave what she had - her time. Here's an excerpt from a letter written to her husband during a year he had deserted the family.

I am a woman, but I am also the mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it lies upon you, yet in your long absence I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my charge as a talent committed to me under a trust. I am not a man nor a minister, yet as a mother and a mistress I felt I ought to do more than I had yet done. I resolved to begin with my own children; in which I observe, the following method: I take such a proportion of time as I can spare every night to discourse with each child apart. On Monday I talk with Molly, on Tuesday with Hetty, Wednesday with Nancy, Thursday with Jacky, Friday with Patty, Saturday with Charles.

Despite meager circumstances, she determined to give her children the best - her time. I can do that. What will it cost me? Everything -dying to myself and giving up my time for my children. Is it worth it? You bet.

As you probably know, two of Suzanna's sons went on to found the Methodist church. She did not set out to impact the world, but through her children she spoke volumes.

“…although she never preached a sermon or published a book or founded a church, is known as the Mother of Methodism. Why? Because two of her sons, John Wesley and Charles Wesley, as children consciously or unconsciously will, applied the example and teachings and circumstances of their home life.” (Pellowe)

I may not be able to give them much, but I can give them all I have.

Chew on this - the scary truth

God creates it.

Man complicates it.
Then the government gets involved.

Now that's the scary truth!

Chew on this

I always prefer to believe the best of everyone -
it saves so much trouble.

~ Rudyard Kipling ~

Monte Cristo Sandwich - it doesn't get any better than this!

On our trip to Disneyland, Patti and I snuck away from the clan to have lunch among the fireflies at the Blue Bayou Cafe. It was hands down my favorite part of the trip. The food and the company were comforting and familiar.

After we returned home, Patti did some research and found the recipes to my two favorite dishes - the Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich and Pirates Gumbo. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

Here's the recipe for the Monte Cristo - THE best sandwich in the world...of course eating it with one of your favorite people in the world makes it taste better too. Miss you Patti.

Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich

Batter
1 1/2 Cups - All-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 Teaspoon - Salt
1 Tablespoon - Baking powder
1 1/3 cups - Water
1 - Egg

Sift flour, salt and baking powder together.

Add water to beaten egg, then add to flour mixture and mix well. Set aside.

Sandwich
1 Ounce - Sliced white meat of turkey
1 Ounce - Sliced Swiss cheese
1 Ounce - Sliced ham2 Slices - Egg Bread

Make a sandwich using turkey first, then Swiss cheese, and then ham.

Cut sandwich into quarters using toothpicks to hold sandwich together.

Dip sandwich in egg batter and fry in 360 degrees canola oil until golden brown.

Remove toothpicks and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Serve with raspberry jelly presented as a dipping sauce.

Right of passage

Yesterday marked a huge step for our family...OK, maybe it was a bigger step in my mind than in reality, but I think it bordered on a Hallmark moment. I wonder if they make a card for such an occasion?

Our oldest son started youth group at church.

How is that possible? Honestly. I remember the moment he was born - and the subsequent 37 hours prior as he was attempting to be born - as if it were yesterday. Before I knew it, he was starting Kindergarten. Again, I remember that moment vividly. Now this. Funny how certain moments seem to be burned into our memories. I pray I never forget.

This milestone is yet another reminder that he won't be with us forever. Lord, help me to cherish each moment as he grows to be the young man you created him to be.

Comfort zones and faith

A comfort zone. Each of us has one. Take a minute to make your comfort zone a real space. Four walls, a window or two and a door. Some are larger than others. Some are a bit newer than others, but we all have one.

Maybe you're just moving into yours. The boxes are still being unpacked and you're just settling in. As you look around, you begin to think you're going to like it there. You are in control of what happens in your new little space. You can control the temperature, who comes in and out and what the rules are going to be.

Maybe you've been in your comfort zone for awhile now. Yours is completely decorated. Everything is arranged just the way you like it. You are certainly in control of what goes on. Nothing happens there without your approval.

Or maybe you've been living in your comfort zone for so long you can't remember anything else. You can't ever remember NOT living there. The thought of leaving scares you to death. Nope. You are just fine where you are. No need to venture beyond those four walls.

Where ever we are in our comfort zones, we have something in common. Faith does not live there. Faith lives just over the threshold. It's only when we take that first step of faith outside of what we are clinging to that we will be able to walk fully in His perfect will for our lives. Many of us are not willing to risk it, so we stay tucked inside, content to stay the same.

Oftentimes we can't see what is outside our controlled little spaces and that scares us. One thing we do know is that we will not be able to control things just on the other side of that door. We will be forced into situations that may bring an uncertain outcome. We must trust or we will fail. That is the very definition of FAITH.

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. Hebrews 11:1

Walking by faith is not a cake walk, but a constant journey of trust. A journey that leads us to unknown places and causes us to do things we never thought possible. The awesome aspect of this journey is that the Lord is already there waiting, just over the threshold of our comfort zones. Just as He responded to Peter when Peter wanted to jump out of the boat during a storm, He says, "Come." Talk about getting out of your comfort zone!

He is saying the same thing to you and I - "Come! Step out of your comfortable place into all I have for you. I know it may be scary. I know there may be huge storms and giant mountains to climb, but I am with you, leading and guiding every step of the way. Just wait until you see the beauty that awaits you!"

Where are you today? Are you hiding behind the familiar, or are you jumping out of the boat into an awesome future the Lord has for you?

Parade magazine and homeschooling

All of us who homeschool are familiar with the California Supreme Courts' recent decision against homeschooling. Due to appeals and massive public outcries, the case will be heard again in the next month and could affect homeschool laws across the nation. I am sure the Court will come to it's senses and realize that parents do indeed have a constitutional right to homeschool their children.

On the liberal NEA lovin' side of things, Parade magazine is currently running an on-line article and poll on the subject. Here's a quote from their blatantly left review.

“If upheld, the California ruling will send shock waves nationwide,” says Richard Kahlenberg, the author of a number of books on education. He says the case “pits those who believe parental rights are paramount against those who place a premium on well-educated citizens.”

Apparently those of us who believe parental rights are important are not also capable of believing in the importance of well-educated citizens. Excuse me? Why do you think we give up our lives to educate our children at home? Because we believe without a doubt that we are doing what is in the best interest of our children. Parental rights and well-educated children are not in opposition to one another, but rather two sides of the same coin. We are exercising our rights as parents to choose and as a result will turn out citizens fully capable of not only handling the next generation, but doing a far better job than is currently being done.

Parade's on-line poll asks, "Should parents need teaching credentials to homeschool their kids?" The results? An overwhelming 96% said no! If you haven't yet, take a minute to vote and allow your voice to be heard. We must continue to send messages to the naysayers of homeschooling that we are not uneducated, lazy people who can't read above a third grade level ourselves and could never hope to give our kids a "good" education without the proper training or more importantly government involvement.

Give me a break!

Been there, done that and got the shirt to prove it

Yep, I'm buying the 'I hate Drea' shirt.

Oh. My. Goodness. I made it through just over half the hour long class before I was fairly certain death was imminent. I don't even remember driving home.

I honestly did not know women could have abs like her...seriously...they are amazing. At one point she said something about how we all wanted to get rid of belly fat. She assured us that half our belly fat would disappear if we stood up straight, sucked in our gut, shoulders back and chest out.

Good posture? That's my problem? Uh, no...four kids, that's my problem. Picture those words coming out of the mouth of someone who is ALL muscle. Probably the fattest thing on her was her earlobes. Sheesh!

I want her abs. Guess I need to stop complaining and start working harder. It's just so much more fun to whine.

And I'm still buying the shirt.

We're here to PUMP YOU UP!

I've been working out three times a week since the middle of April. OK, you have to know me to realize that is a seriously BIG deal! I have never stuck with any workout plan for any length of time. What's the difference? My awesome friend Lindsay is the teacher. Not only is she an amazing instructor, but she is a huge encouragement. She even picks me up at 5:00 a.m.! Now that is true friendship!

Lindsay called this morning to let me know her sister had gone into labor. Very exciting stuff. As she was hanging up the phone she said, "Oh, by the way, make sure you go to class tonight...Drea is teaching!" I felt the color drain from my face and my hands involuntarily began to shake. I have never taken one of Drea's classes...could be because of the shirts she had made up that say, "I HATE Drea!" I believe she takes pride in causing pain. I must say I am afraid...very afraid. I would venture to guess Drea would take that as a compliment. I can assure you, it's not meant to be.

I'm writing this to let you know that if you don't hear from me for awhile you should probably be concerned.