Oh how I've missed this...

I haven't blogged in forever, but I haven't forgotten about it. Nearly every day I have a line of thinking that strikes me as something I'd love to share here. I've mostly lacked a computer from which to share it (had another drive crash in June). Thanks to a great sale at Best Buy, I have a new laptop, and thanks to my dad, a new desktop too. So my excuses are gone and I need to carve out the time to sort through my thoughts and dust off my writing. I realize that my blogging is not really for you, my readers, although I appreciate your being here, and your words of encouragement are valuable in ways you will never fathom... but really I write for myself.

So many times I am struggling, imperfect, lonely, despondent, and feeling like all I do is tread water. Going back to my journals ans seeing where I was before and far my Lord has brought me can be such an encouragement to me. So here I am. I'm going to attempt to write out my thoughts here on a regular basis again. I've updated the look of my blog and hope you enjoy it. If you find any view-ability issues, please comment!

I'm not sure what kinds of content I will be including here just yet, but there are a few things you can count on:

• Scripture, I'm studying in several places right now and need a place to record my discoveries and thoughts. 
• School reviews. We are back in the midst of our homeschool year and have discovered so many fun things I can't wait to share with you.
• Thoughts on Life. My thought-life has been a roller-coaster lately, especially when it comes to marriage and friendships. As I work through some weighty issues I will share what I can without violating any trust. Just know that whatever is shared here is just a ripple on the surface of a deep, murky, and fast moving river. Somedays I feel like I'm rowing along and enjoying the river for the sights and recreation, and sometimes I'm just drowning in a whirlpool. 
• Rural life. Get ready for LOTS of pictures, recipes, fun farmy thoughts. 

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Short Term Missions: Guatemala 1997

Should a teen, or family, or anyone go on a short term mission?  Wouldn't the cost of the travel be better spent in a large donation to a mission that is already doing the work?

These are questions I've heard and wrestled with. I can't speak for anyone but my own experience. Last week, after the Armstrong family left our home, I took a  moment and read my journal from my one and only missions trip. I was 17. Feel free to do the math. It was a long time ago.

I remember when I was getting ready to go to Guatemala, I only chose to go because it was the opportunity that came up. We knew a family that served there frequently. They said they needed someone to fly down with a water purifier system checked in their baggage. My friend and I decided to go together. We wouldn't be alone that way.

We raised the support, and bought the tickets. When the other family brought the water purifier to my house, I remember their daughter asked me why I had Central America on my heart. I'm sure I gave her a very spiritual sounding answer.

Truthfully, in my mind I was thinking, "because this was a cheap and easy opportunity to do this missions trip my mom wanted me to do before I graduated."

Ugh. When I read my first journal entries I feel sick. Probably the same way God describes it:

"‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked." -Rev. 3:15-17

I thought the orphans where were the poor, naked, the blind. But actually, it was me.

My mom was awesome. She packed me a journal, and asked that I please write in it every night. She wrote me a letter for nearly every day of my trip, and tucked them, sealed and dated, into the front pocket of the journal. It became my lifeline:

May 30th, 1997: Got here about 4:30pm yesterday. Guatemala is nothing like what I'd expected... Sarah and I were SO TIRED we were in bed by 8pm.... Today for lunch we had "I have no idea what's in it soup"

I was staying with a family of 11 (12 by the time I left) who were the directors of an orphanage outside of Guatemala City. Not an institution, but a place where abandoned and often abused children are assigned to houseparents and live in large family units. Those families were AMAZING in the sacrificial love they shared for those children. Half of the children in the director's family were also adopted.

May 31st.  Went with the director to the city to pick up the new baby [who had been abandoned]. They don't have carseats, so I rode along to hold the baby. His real name is very long and I can't pronounce it, so I call him Charlie.

June 1, Sarah will be staying at the orphanage, and I at the director's house. I must admit I'm a bit disappointed though. I thought the while idea of this trip was being together, not 1.5 hours apart...

My grumbling went on for half a page, about the mosquitoes, the food, the lack of sleep since the new baby was in my room... I was a self-centered mess. The typical American teen actually. And I got sick, a lot. And I had hormonal issues. And I was homesick, and the phones didn't work well. I had to pay to get an email at a cafe. And I was such a grouchy mess that the director actually offered to fly me home (just to be rid of me). It was that bad. Those poor people! I am ashamed of myself when I look back.

As the time goes on I write about loneliness. About the only English speaking people in my environment being gone all the time, and me taking care of the children alone, with the housekeeper. I did laundry and bathed all the kids each day. I took the bigger kids to lessons on the public bus, where I was a foot taller than everyone. I wrote about looking forward to Sarah coming up on the weekends (since Sundays were my "day off") so we could eat out and go shopping together. I wrote about nighttime bottles with Charlie, and burning myself while sterilizing his bottles, and I even started keeping a count of my mosquito bites in my journal. (In hindsight they were probably bed bugs, eek!) Still nothing but complaining.

The second weekend I was there I attended a wedding at my host family's church. It ran late and caused me to miss out on my lunch plans/shopping, but I didn't seem to mind. My perspective shift had begun. I began seeing people as relationships, not projects, and situations as opportunities, not sacrifices.

June 8,  The evening service at [the orphanage] was fun. We're starting to make friends here. I met this cute little boy named Henry who speaks English. He is so funny! He has a gift of facial expression and a sense of humor to match. 

June 9th, Today I was happy. I can't explain it, but God sent me His joy and contentment. 

June 11th, [I found out] there are people who want to adopt Charlie, but that it will take at least 2 years for him to just get through the legal system. The Holy Spirit was heavy on my heart for Charlie and I agreed to sponsor him until he gets a home.... I've learned so much, I love you Charlie! 

June 12th was a the halfway point. I began to write about how I was SO glad the director family could utilize me to get a bit of a break while I was there. There was just so much work to do and they were so very worn out, physically and emotionally. In my journal I see that this is the point where I stopped complaining, and started praising. Is this the same Laura?

From that point on in my journal, my only complaints were about a group of kids from Michigan who came on a group mission trip to "help" and they ate like kings and queens while the other staff went without. I had packed the children's lunches, I knew they often shared a single slice of bologna between two sandwiches. These missions trip kids were rowdy and ungrateful and I referred to them as "the gringos" . I no longed identified myself with them. Never-mind that I had been them just 2 weeks before.

I grew so lonely for someone who understood where I was (heart-wise), but my friend was still not posted anywhere near me. In the night times, when I was up with Charlie, I felt the most lost and alone, as the rain beat down on our tin roof. It was then that I realized that I wasn't alone after all. I clung to the words of the Psalms:

Psalm 139
1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and [b]when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.

June 13th, I'm so glad no one can take Him [Christ] away!

June 16th, When I first got here I was counting the days until I could go home. Now I wonder if I could stay longer. There's SO much I was want to do!

The next two weeks are a log of laundry, diapers, chores, and baths. The work was no less, and I continued to be sick for weeks after returning home, losing 20 lbs in all. But my tone in my journal changed. I was feeling comfortable with getting around in this country. Thankful for meals of hot dogs or half-a-slice of bologna sandwiches. I began taking detailed notes about the individual children and their needs and personalities.

They weren't just some people, some place... they were my heart and soul. I LOVED them. I loved serving them. When it was time to pack I found I was missing a couple pairs of socks, and found them on the little boys' feet. :) I was part of their family too.By the time I left Mr. Director was joking he wished I would "marriage with" one of his sons. It was a tearful parting for all of us. I was just sure I'd be back soon.

I'm certain of it, I'm the one who benefited the most from that trip. David Armstrong, a missionary friend of ours called it: "being stripped of our perspective." How true that is. I had to lose my familiar view of the world to gain a fresh one. The one where the world doesn't revolve around me, and God has a purpose and plan for everything.

The last of the "pre-sent" notes from my mom, June 26th, 1997
"You are probably really busy today. Is today sort of bittersweet? Hard to leave; anxious to come home? Wel, I probably didn't sleep well last night because I am excited to get you back - and a little worried about you and Sarah getting through customs by yourselves.
What did you think? Was this worth doing? Would you recommend this type of trip to other teens you know? I'll love to hear your thoughts.
James 2:14-20 'In as much as you have done it unto the least of these... you have done it unto me.'
Hug those babies for me one last time, O.K.? I will be praying for you all the way home. I love you, Laura.
-Mom

I'm so glad my parents required this of me. This week our church commissioned a young high school senior to go to Haiti for a short term trip. I hugged her and told her I'd be praying. She has no idea what her Father wants to show her there. But I think I might know. A new perspective on life.

For more about how you can become involved in short term missions, visit Mission Data International. 

-Laura

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

But as for me, I shall sing.

Psalm 59:16
But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress.

Linked:




©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Short Term Missions

Today we had the opportunity to host some of my favorite kind of people.

Missionaries.

What makes a person a missionary?

A missionary is someone sent by Jesus Christ just as He was sent by God. The great controlling factor is not the needs of people, but the command of Jesus. The source of our inspiration in our service for God is behind us, not ahead of us. The tendency today is to put the inspiration out in front— to sweep everything together in front of us and make it conform to our definition of success. But in the New Testament the inspiration is put behind us, and is the Lord Jesus Himself. The goal is to be true to Him— to carry out His plans. -Chambers

David and Mary Armstrong have known my parents since college. So I've been praying for them as missionaries since I was a little girl. I remember thinking that missionaries were always people who lived far out in the bush and reached new people groups (like the Wycliffe Bible Translators in the book Seed Sowers... must read!). David and Mary did that kind of work too. I remember them being in the mountains of Guatemala. In fact, just today, Mrs. Armstrong was sitting at my table telling my sweet young Wyatt stories about that time, and the adventures they had there.

Now they have a new adventure. As co-founder and executive director of MDAT: Mission Data International, David Armstrong is now equipping believers to carry out the plans of Christ, by helping them find the perfect missions opportunities.

Our vision is that every believer desiring growth in mission involvement would obtain the practical assistance necessary to realize significant, life long involvement in the Great Commission.

The work they do is SO very important. By connecting others with missions opportunities, they are opening doors to lives being changed. Not just the lives of those who are served, but especially of those who GO. I shared with them how life changing my high school missions trip was for me, all those years ago.

to be continued...


©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Review: Seed Sowers: Gospel Planting Adventures (book)

I was thrilled to be able to review the book: Seed Sowers: Gospel Planting Adventures. It is available for purchase for $12.50 at Grace & Truth Books. The stories are appropriate for all ages; my children (ages 5-12), and my sister (age 20-ish), my husband, and I all enjoyed it thoroughly.

A little background on this author:

Gwen Toliver is a fellow TOS Review Crew member and homeschooling mom of 8 (ages 1 to 15!), and I had already admired her blog and family. But I had no idea of the depth of her writing talent until I received this book. Giving her talents for God's glory, this book was a true work of love for the ministry which their family is wholeheartedly involved in at Wycliffe Associates since 2010. For more about Gwen, her husband, John, and how she became involved in this project, please see the video linked at the end of this review. It is well worth your time.

About the book:
Following a wonderful foreword by Gracia Burnham, Gwen launches into 21 different stories as told to her by different missionaries she met through Wycliffe Bible Translators. Each story is told from the perspective of the missionary she interviewed, and includes colorful details and moment by moment retelling so that you feel as though you are going through it with them. The stories are varied from Bible translation process to medical drama, from harrowing near-death escapes to heart-wrenching conversions. She includes stories from:

• Rose Dobson
• Jimmy Wroughton, Jr.
• Dorothy Shaler
• Elizabeth Danielson
• Betty Snell
• Bob Longacre
• Bob and Jo Ann Conrad
• George Cowan
• Marj Liedtke
• Harriet Fields
• Glenn and Emily Stairs
• Lynn Landweer
• Jim and Gloria Wroughton
• Don and Helen Johnson
• Vi Reimer Stewart
• Eddy and Eva Riggle
• Marianna Slocum and Florence Gerdel
• Roger and Suzanne Doriot
• Gene and Dottie Minor
• Karl and Joice Franklin



Harriet Fields and Hattie Kneeland worked to translate
Scripture for the Matses of Peru

• Bruce and Jan Benson

While you may not recognize all of these names, they are precious heroes to our family now! God mightily used these people to bring His Word to the ends of the earth, and their stories are worth hearing again and again. Some of these stories may be familiar to you, such as Don and Helen Johnson's perspective on the tragic loss of 5 missionaries to the Auca Indians of Ecuador. Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian became part of history on January 8, 1956, when they were killed upon making first contact with the Auca people. I grew up hearing their names and stories, and I personally knew some of Nate Saint's family. I knew the rest of the story, how God used their families to bring the Gospel to the Auca, and how the love of God can triumph over even the deepest wounds. This book shared with me 20 more stories such as this, less known, but just as amazing... how God is working all around the globe so that His name would be known.


How we used it:
We read this book aloud as a family, one or more chapters each night at bedtime. Often I would finish a chapter and the children would clamor "One more! One more!" So we averaged two or three chapters a night. The chapters were not too long, easy to read, and even included pronunciation guides for the complicated names of places, tribes, and rivers. At the end of each chapter was an "Author's Note" telling the rest of the story, such as when each translation was completed, where those missionaries are today, and other important details. We really enjoyed this and felt like we were a part of their ministry! The added photos on the book blog helped flesh out each story, as well as a wonderful audio clip there about the "whistling man."

After finishing reading this book as a family, my oldest children snatched it up to re-read it. My youngest began requesting the chapters by name for bedtime stories. "Mom, lets read 'Don't Lose Your Head!'" (the story of Rose Dobson). I plan on buying this book as a gift for other families, as it is that enjoyable.

Bottom Line:
I can't recommend this book enough. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't love to read it. I think it is appropriately priced and a worthwhile investment to any family library. Gwen has an amazing gift for story-telling and you will be riveted to these pages. We were impressed with the way God moved in these lives, and how He orchestrated these events to reach the ends of the Earth.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

My daughter, Emma, wanted me to share her opinion:

"After reading this book, I was inspired to want to be a missionary. I think this book will inspire many people to do missionary work!" 

Click here to read The Crew Post about this amazing book, or click the banner below:


©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

*Prices and links are accurate at the time this is published, and are subject to change

Well Fed

1 Corinthians 3:1-2a

"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it."

1 Peter 2:1-3
"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious."





Linked:

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Blessed Sunday

Wishing you and your family all the blessings that come from knowing Him, and his resurrection.

Matthew 28:1-8

1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

©2012-2013 Loving and Learning on the High Plains. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.homeschoolhighplains.blogspot.com

Make your own Gospel Valentine

This year the kids are making valentines to deliver to two different nursing homes. I am super thankful that my kids love on these people! We visit the nursing home where my grandma lives once a week or more. It's amazing to see how much love these folks have to share with the kids and how patient they are with them. Truly, there is no greater gift we can give than the Gospel.

I recently saw a post on Pinterest showing a bulletin board showing the word "Valentine" in John 3:16. But we noticed it was a shortened version of the verse, so we made a new one... whole verse included, for the front of our valentines. Feel free to print these up for your own valentines! Because nothing says "Love" like the gift of eternal life!

Here's the link to the document, so you can print your own!

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, 
that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

30 Days of Thankfulness in November - Pt. 4

sculpture of two elk fighting, at Cabelas Store in Sidney

Still Counting with Ann: Gifts #394-432
Be sure to head over to her site to get your free Christmas Gift: The Jesse Tree Journey!

November 22 (continued):

• Mother-in-Love cooked for us all.
• Bringing lots of desserts to share
• Seeing Great Grandma at the hospital for a nice LONG visit.
• Seeing an aunt, uncle, and cousins we hadn't seen in a while!
• Naps after lunch

November 23:

• No black Friday Shopping, BLISS!
• Getting to read the kids one of my favorite books: Ransom of Red Chief
• Enjoying the leftover's of my Mother-in-Love's great cooking
• Seeing lots more family: Aunt Judy and some cousins!
• Spending the whole day with my hubby and kids
• Getting to spend the afternoon with Great Grandma at the hospital
• Getting to do my morning run around the lake

November 24:

• Seeing Uncle Marlin, for whom we'd been praying (you can pray too!) about health concerns.
• Lunch with Great Grandma at the hospital, as well as with Aunt Mary
• Received word that my great aunt, Elsie Lee, had graduated to Glory. Bittersweet moments.
• Some family pictures, with a few goofy poses
• A safe drive home and a spectacular sunset!

November 25:

• An 80th birthday celebration with the church, LOTS of good food!
• At the nursing home, a 100th birthday party for my grandma's neighbor.
• Spending the afternoon at the Heritage Chapel with Grandma Bettie

November 26:

• The kids had dentist appointments: I'm so thankful for dental insurance!
• In anticipation of seeing the dentist, and because of the x-rays showing no roots, they lost a record 3 Leggott teeth that day, all pulled themselves! (Tyler lost 2, Emma lost 1)
• Going for my morning run, even though I didn't feel like it. Never felt like quitting so badly. But I didn't!

November 27:

• Being able to go to an appointment with my grandma, while Ben kept the kids.
• Caramel Cappuccino
• Grace, even with a sick boy
• Being able to make something beautiful with my sewing machine
• Arranging flowers for Aunt Elsie Lee's funeral, even though the sick ones means I can't go.

November 28:

• A friend had her baby!
• Stay home snuggles with the sick boy
• Pedialyte
• Grace from church friends, as they hold together the details at AWANA

November 29th:

• Boy seemingly feeling better
• Morning run, weighed in *down* 6 lbs!
• Getting to puppy-sit.
• Made some candy wreaths for the Farmer's Market

November 30th

• Hubby gets to go goose hunting, and got one!
• Farm fresh eggs for breakfast each morning.
• Kids who are getting better and more independent with their chores

...and of course, Wyatt is thankful it is DECEMBER tomorrow! He is SOOOO looking forward to Christmas. All of the other kids have really adopted the worldview of Christmas being the time for giving, for blessing, for worship. Wyatt is enamored with Santa, getting, me, me, me... This will be the year to bring him along in learning. As it is with ABC's and counting to 100, so it will be with selfless thinking, wonder and worship... Praising God for the opportunity to disciple my children! Praying for Grace...

_________________

Linked with:

Veteran's Day: Thanksgiving comes early

"I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot." -Gary Hart

This week I had the honor of spending Veteran's Day with my favorite veteran: my Dad. He and mom were here from Pennsylvania for a short visit, and it was an honor to sit with him in church on Veteran's Day.

Growing up, I always was aware of his time spent in Vietnam, and was always proud to honor him for serving. I remember his funny stories about the water there being so thick you couldn't see your hand pass behind a drinking class, or that the first thing he did after mom picked him up from the airport was eat an entire head of cabbage. I treasure the quiet somber moments when I went with him to visit the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C.

The Veterans I know are varied: a mom from our MOPS group; my brother who served in Afghanistan; my Dad, who was in Vietnam a whole year at the beginning of his married life; my brother-in-law who served in Desert Storm; my grandpa (now gone) who had flown in WWII; and so many more...

Including my cousin's husband, who deployed this week... Nick, whose son, Owen, was born only 10 days ago.  Thank you Nick!

I think what makes Veteran's Day such a wonderful day is it is a time to turn to those beside us and say "Thank You!"

• Thank you for giving up kisses and honeymoons
• Thank you for giving up special first moments like babies rolling over and cutting teeth
• Thank you for giving up comforts like air-conditioning, fresh produce, clean water, and SAFETY
• Thank you for giving it up for a time, so we don't have to, forever.
• Thank you to God for bringing them home safely!

I think what makes it such a happy day is that we can tell them that in person! Unlike Memorial Day (the day we remember those lost in battle), this is the day we honor those veterans living among us. And may we not forget to thank their families who also sacrificed those precious moments with their loved ones. Take a moment and say a prayer for my cousin, Christina, as she begins this year of waiting... with her two little boys in her arms. And a thank you to those who support the troops and their families, such as our friends, the Scotts, serving in Germany with Cadence International.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -Elmer Davis

Firsts, Lasts, and Always...

As a scrapbooker, I have always celebrated firsts. First haircut, first bath, first smile. I have pictures, stories and pockets full of memories. They are all stuffed into books and overburden my bookcases in the living room. I remember the excitement of each first, they are easy to recognize, as my kids do things they never had done before. So easy to document, celebrate, and remember. 5 years ago I first held my little baby boy, Wyatt. and I will never forget those first moments of sweetness.

Last fall I attended Women of Faith in Denver, and I heard Karen Kingsbury read her new book, Let Me Hold You Longer.


When she was done, there wasn't a dry eye in that room filled of thousands of women... as we all missed our kids and grieved our yesterdays. I think the only book that made me cry more was "I'll Love You Forever."

So today is a last... the last time I'll have a 4 year old. Tomorrow is a first: first day of my "baby's" fifth year... but I'm not crying, because I choose not to dwell on yesterday OR tomorrow. I'm here, now, in the best time of my life. Sure, there are things to look forward to: life at the end of the budget, the feeling of a clean kitchen after all the hard cleaning is done, a time when we will leave suffering behind and spend eternity in the GLORY of the Father... But when it comes to my kids, today is the best day. I'm in no hurry. THIS is my favorite stage, and it always will be. In five years, when they are *gasp* 16, 15, 11 and 10... I will still say the same. " THIS is the best it's ever been, and I love where we are right now."

I am so thankful for my kids, and for their sweet bed time prayers tonight. At no prompting of my own, they each thanked God for giving them 5 years of Wyatt's life. And Wyatt thanked God for all the great mail he's been getting. (thank you friends for flooding our mailbox and making his birthday wish come true!) Yes, this is a great day, and so will be tomorrow when we look through his baby book and remember his firsts, his lasts, and then we will celebrate the day. And he will get more mail and say something funny, I'm sure. And he will even love this 'Mater' cake the kids helped me make tonight.

Social Networking and Family Ties

Ok, I'll admit, I'm going to brag a little here. My 85 year young grandma has a facebook. She has had one for about 6 years. She lives in a nursing home and deals with a Parkinson's like disease... and yet she has a computer in her room and recently "liked" the rock band her favorite nursing-home-staffer plays in on the side, and has now "friended" half of the band. That's one hip grandma. :)

I used to think facebook was a waste of time... that social networking was just that: social. Just a way for people to hob-nob and waste time chatting online. Don't get me wrong, it can be all that, but it can be more!

Via facebook I am able to share geneological information with long lost cousins and find pictures of my great-great grandparents I didn't even know existed. Try tagging everyone who is a decendent of this person in the black and white sod house photo. Cool. No log in for ancestry.com needed. On facebook our homeschool group can plan events and instantly know who is or isn't available and adjust accordningly BEFORE the newsletter hits the presses. Another great part, aside from events and photo sharing, is the customizable format. I only hear from or share with those I choose. My life is not open to the WHOLE WORLD as it would be on myspace or twitter.... or even this blog.

But here is where I think facebook and this digital age has changed our lives. I think the whole thing had slowly integrated into my life until I had a realization yesterday morning:

I was sitting in the hospital with my grandma, who was recovering from an illness, and we were typing an update for our private family group on fb, so they would know she would be discharged that afternoon. The lady who was sharing grandma's hospital room was equally as old and her smarthpone was going off every 30 seconds with well wishes from friends, and she was using voice texting to keep her son overseas updated on her care... and it hit me.

Grandma's tears of joy at reading all the love on her facebook wall didn't cost us a thing. No flowers needed to fill that tiny hospital room; we have LOVE, instantly communicated with words and pictures, concern and prayers being lifted at a moment's notice. We live in an age where it is impossible to not know, to not care.  Whether it's for a cancer battle or an uprising in Egypt. And we can be up todate with it all, in the time it takes to make one phone call. (unless you get sucked in to a game app, which would be your fault that you didn't block it... )

So many call this technology a loss of privacy, or a waste of time. I say only if you let it. But I could see a couple of old ladies perked up by knowing that so many loved and cared and shared... and I know it matters. Just as any tool that comes our way can eat your life if you let it, or it can free you up to be more effective: in how you plan, care, share, and enjoy life.

Now, my computer time is up, and I'm going outside... :) And later I'm going to visit my grandma, in person.

Why my Mom is the most successful woman I know.

Mom,

Prov 31:10-31 

A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.

You are priceless!

Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.

From the moment you met Dad, you have been a jewel in his crown (pardon the King pun). With your faithful witness you introduced him to Christ, and then you quietly supported his lead of our family. You have shown me how a wife should behave. 

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.

The countless baby blankets you've made, or the kuspuk's you've sewn. There's no end to your talent!

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.

With frozen delights from Glenwood's, or a special deal from Leah Martin. You know how to provide for your family, and make eating on a budget fun!

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.

You did plenty before dawn... besides getting us on our way, well fed and on time. What about the times you were watching the sunrise after delivering a sweet baby (two of mine came before the crack of dawn!) ? Your hands are a blessing to many a mom.

She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

<3 My favorite skill that I learned from you. ;)

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

Even now with your new job, I am SO proud of you! Even more proud, that you set aside your "career" to focus solely on the task of discipling your children for over 30 years!

She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

You work circles around me, and your energy is astounding. You persevered through 27 years of homeschooling. There was no hurry or disdain, you knew it was worth your diligent effort.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.

Faithful to teach us cooking, canning, and more.

She's quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.

Your servant heart has changed me forever. This did not come naturally to me, but watching you... it has become a way of life. Serving and loving others. 

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Hours at the sewing machine, or crocheting penguin hats. :)

Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.

Especially the ones in Adamstown. ;) With your encouragement and support, our Dad is a respected man, in church and community.

She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Your ingenuity is astounding!

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.

Your view of life, tact, grace, and optimism have colored my world. I pray inherit your poise.


She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.

You taught us about busy hands: making light work and staying out of trouble.

Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you've outclassed them all!"


Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!


Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Christ in you has made you more beautiful every day. My husband has told me that he hopes I age like my mother. I pray I will also live in the fear of God, for which you are to be admired and praised.

Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

You deserve so much more than words, but here they are. I love you, Mom, Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Laura

This Mother's Day week, I want to join with 1,000 other women blessing our mothers, and in joining our voices to reach out to mothers in Haiti. I know this will be a blessing to my mother, since she has been in the world of maternity care for over 20 years now. Will you join the 1,000 Moms Project?

In the Garden

In the Garden 

Words & Music: C. Aus­tin Miles, March 1912

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

Pruning - painful, but with purpose

overgrown grapes

When we bought this farm we discovered new things every day. As we mowed down the high weeds we discovered a crop of scrap metal in every hedgerow, a gift to us and the recycling yard where we cashed it in. :) Piles of old windows that became garden cold frames. And to my great joy, a grape-vine, overgrown and neglected. The first year we picked a few grapes and marveled at it. The next year we picked even less, and I knew it was time I gave it more attention than I had previously. When a brush fire killed half of it, I almost gave up... but last spring, I decided I needed to figure out how to nurture this lovely thing.

budding in abundance, spring 2011

I worried that, in pruning, I'd cut off to much; give up a part I really wanted. I felt unskilled and unprepared for the process. Thanks to a handy gardening book, I had a diagram. So one day in the early spring, before the leaf buds began to burst, I went to work. Carefully removing all the dead vines, then the "sucker" vines, and soon training what was left to fill in the empty places the fire had left. I truly hoped that it would just produce what it had before the fire, to repair the damage.


I wonder if that is how I am with my Christian walk. Am I only trying to be as productive as I've always been, using my faith to repair the holes in my soul, not expecting more than to be "fixed." Not looking beyond... to what is "fruitful."

Spring 2011 - Pruned

When I was done the vine looked barren, but lovely all tied up. Trained in a way I could see room for growth. Then the hot humid summer came. And the grapes set on. And on. And on! The abundance was awesome. Instead of reeling from the pruning, the vine bore heavily; unencumbered by the extra growth, it put all it's energy into fruit. We proceeded to have our best crop ever, and put up lots of grape jellies.

The pruning I dreaded, was the salvation of the harvest. When I see God pruning an area of my life, I often focus on the loss, and rearrange my vines to cover the gap. Do I not see how He was removing the excess weight so I can focus my energy where He wants me? Laying aside the myriad of desires and dreams that are mere distractions, so I can follow the few strong branches I'm trimmed to. To bear fruit on them heavily...

Do you ever think a vine mourns the loss of branches? I would say from the celebration of fruit, that the answer is "no."

2012 Spring Buds

John 15:1-8 “I am the real vine, my Father is the vine-dresser. He removes any of my branches which are not bearing fruit and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit to increase its yield. Now, you have already been pruned by my words. You must go on growing in me and I will grow in you. For just as the branch cannot bear any fruit unless it shares the life of the vine, so you can produce nothing unless you go on growing in me. I am the vine itself, you are the branches. It is the man who shares my life and whose life I share who proves fruitful. For the plain fact is that apart from me you can do nothing at all. The man who does not share my life is like a branch that is broken off and withers away. He becomes just like the dry sticks that men pick up and use for the firewood. But if you live your life in me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like and it will come true for you. This is how my Father will be glorified—in your becoming fruitful and being my disciples.

_____________
Related Posts:
2011 Garden Overview 
2011 Cucumbers
2011 Spring Garden: Lettuce, Spinach, Onions, and Peas
2011 Green Beans

Also shared at:


_____________
Counting my blessings:
#94 Pruning
#95 a Master Gardener who knows what's best
#96 painful experiences given purpose
#97 opportunities to be fruitful, to be found faithful
#98 abundance
#99 new spring budding, hope for future harvests
#100 new perspective
#101 a friend's new baby, and the reminder of the beautiful gift of motherhood.
#102 Him being enough, when I'm not
#103 how my cup can be dumped out, empty and bone-dry, and then over refilled to over-flowing the next moment.

Grief and Great Love

This weekend was a funeral for a young man, taken too soon. I did not know him personally, but I did know his mother. It was amazing to be there to witness in the first person, the Body of Christ, pouring out love on the family that had lost. There was a need for food for the luncheon, and there was worry about the large number of mourners. Would there be enough? The call went out, and the messages came in... a fruit tray from a young mother, a plate of cookies from an elderly woman, strangers and friends, more and more... Soon the church kitchen was loaded down, refrigerators overflowing, counter-tops covered.

In the sanctuary a enormous number of young people shared and cried, and were comforted by the Word.

1 Thes. 4:13-14;18
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus... so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words."

And in the kitchen, the food was being set out, and the women were praying. Praying for comfort and peace, praying for understanding, praying for the presence of the Lord to descend upon hearts crying out to Him. Looking on, all I could think was, this is the Body. We minister to one another with food, with a silent hug, with the Word, with prayers of supplication, and of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for the young souls that heard the Word there, and responded to the call of Salvation.

1 Thes. 5:9-11 "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."

When we lost our baby, still in the womb, 7 years ago... I remember the grief, so overwhelming, and the desire to have my child in my arms. Crying out to God to give back what was lost. It was then I realized how great his love for me. He had lost a Son too. But it was willingly, with an open hand, not the tightly clenched fingers that I had. Willingly He gave His life for mine, a ransom. How great a love is this?

Rom 5:6-8 "And we can see that it was while we were powerless to help ourselves that Christ died for sinful men. In human experience it is a rare thing for one man to give his life for another, even if the latter be a good man, though there have been a few who have had the courage to do it. Yet the proof of God’s amazing love is this: that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us."

 ___________________________________


How Deep The Father's Love For Us

Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Thank you Ann, for this verse, that fit so well with my thoughts today: 

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” ~ Romans 8:17

Giving thanks, and counting:
#73 new babies born today
#74 God's sovereign plans
#75 beautiful weather
#76 smell of lovely blossoms
#77 snuggles from a little boy
#78 gifts from a neighbor
#79 singing off key with the kids
#80 hubby able to work so hard for us
#81 hand-me-downs (or as Mayda says "handy-downs")

Salvation, the best gift a parent can share with their child.

I was reflecting on the special event of last month, January 9th, 2012, Wyatt accepted Christ as his Savior. It has been my privilege to be there when each of my children has accepted Christ. It is a wonder to see the spark that ignites as the realization of Scriptural truths catches their hearts, and they are driven to seek reconciliation with their Creator.

I always wonder that such a simple conversation, often at their bedside, can have a life-altering affect. But though I may wonder, it never lasts long. In each case the child has come to me in the following days with perplexing spiritual questions and observations, which can only be answered with Scripture. I see that a hunger has been awakened! My job as their mother has shifted from bringing them to understand the Law of God, and letting it be their "schoolmaster" to show their need for Christ's redemption... but to their gardener, helping to sow and water the seed of Truth in their hearts, and nurture their spiritual growth. To help them weed out the old nature of sin, and run the race before them.

Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.
Deut. 6:6-9

Now I can say that I know that ALL of my children can be certain of their eternal home - Who said you can't take your treasure with you? Pour in the scripture! It is God's Word that makes the soil of their hearts ready, and it is His promise that it will not come back void. It is a blessing to have been with each of them in that moment when the "spark" dawns. Each time, the conversation goes a little like this one with Mayda:

(excerpt from my old Blog )


Feb 22, 2010
These are the moments...
... when being a mom is the best job in the world.

Mayda asked Jesus to be her Lord and Saviour tonight. :)

Today on our way home from a vet appointment, Emma announced from the back seat of the car that she had helped Mayda pray to ask Jesus into her heart. I thanked Emma for her evangelism and explained to her that there is more involved than saying a special prayer, and that truly it must come from the heart. This perplexed her but I think she's getting it. She had read her CEF (Child Evengelism Fellowship) storybook to Mayda and in the back was a simple prayer and she had gotten Mayda to repeat it back to her.  Not exactly a heart response...

So tonight I asked Mayda to join me in the rocking chair and talk about Jesus. She brought the book and showed me the prayer she had prayed. I asked her if she knew she was a sinner.

"What's sin?"

I explained sin is breaking God's laws, such as lying, etc. And we recited James 2:10 that tells us breaking one of God's laws is like breaking them all. I asked her if she had ever sinned.

"No, I've never sinned" :)

So reminded her of a lie she had told only about an hour before, and the light came on and her eyes narrowed.

"Oh"

Did you know God wants us to be perfect, or we can't be in heaven with Him? Are you perfect?

"Yes"

Really?

"um no"

me neither. Well if we can't get to heaven, where DO we go? Then we delved into a super simple explanation of what hell is, and that it is real. Her eyes were big as saucers.

"I don't want to go there!" Tears welling up.

Me neither, and God doesn't want you to either. He loved you so much that He made a plan. His Son, Jesus, was perfect, so perfect that He had no sin, no sin to pay for. If I died and went to hell I'd be paying for my own sin, but Jesus had none. So he offers to take your sin and pay for it. I had her hold out her hands and we transferred the imaginary burden of her sin from on hand to the other, onto Jesus, and then I explained that he took the punishment for her sin. What does the Bible say that is? "For the wages of sin is death" Romans 3:23 So then we talked about Jesus' death and how He did it for us, and that after He died, He went down into hell to conquer sin and death. By now she's sobbing for her Dear Jesus.

Do you know what happens next?

*sniff* "No! What?"

He rose up from the dead, and came back to life. He walked and talked and then went up to heaven to be with God. He was able to take the sin of the world, because He was God, and then come back to life. When he went to heaven He gave us His Holy Spirit to live in those who invite Him in, so He can be in our hearts.

She was so exhuberant it was as if Easter had happened all over again right there in our living room.

Do you want Him to take your sin, so you can be perfect, and send His Holy Spirit into your heart?

"Yes! I do want to!"

So we prayed a simple prayer, and cried together. When she was done she said, "Oh, I feel better!" with a big letting-it-all-go kind of sigh.

Then she told Emma: "I sinned and... theres this bad part, a place called hell, it's dark! But then I asked Jesus in my heart, and He washed it all clean! and I can be with God!"

----

Bear with me as I write it all out, but I want her to remember... especially the tears, and the joy. You see, I was only four when I met Jesus, on such simple terms as these. Sitting on my bed with my mom... I can remember the light coming in my bedroom window. I don't remember a lot else about it. When I was 12 I rededicated my life to Him, and I remember a big change that day. It's the first I knew really what the peace of the Holy Spirit was all about. Even at 12 I knew the burden of my own sin, especially the hidden ones that plagued my heart... But then the Light broke through and... "Oh, I feel better!"

“Come now, and let us reason together,”

Says the Lord,

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

They shall be as white as snow;

Though they are red like crimson,

They shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18