Fabulous Fall!

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come

Longing just to bring
something that's of worth
That will bless your heart

I'll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required

You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve

Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required

You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
It's all about you

It's all about you, Jesus

T2CHK Ezine is Ready!!

The
T2CHK Fall/Winter Ezine is up and read for download!! It is packed full and in it you will find such things as:

Devotional: The Lord is My Portion
Pastor Appreciation Month: October
Fall Reflections
Preparing Your House for the Winter
Homeschool Curriculum Review: Mystery of History
Bread Making 101
Homemade Tortillas
Best Sewing Tips
…and more!

Go on over to Titus 2 Christian Homekeepers and check it out!

Celebrating the Last Blooms and Fruits...

"Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength,,

who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.

Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.

You care for the land and water it; you enrich is abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.

The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing."

Psalm 65:4-13

Lovin' the Library

The kids and I have been really enjoying the library lately. This year, it just seems to work with our schedule to get there. I have even been returning my books on time! WOW! ;) We have been supplementing our school books as well as getting some school books there.

In our state, funding for the library increasing when people take out more books and decreases when you take out less. Since many homeschoolers frequent the library, our library has figured out that if they buy books that our popular with homeschoolers, then traffic will definitely pick up!

We are currently studying Medieval History. When we arrived at the time of St. Patrick I found this beautiful picture book telling of his life. There are no four leaf clovers or leprechauns in this book! It is his *real* life and is full of gorgeous illustrations! I find that even though my kids are older, it is still fun to read picture books from time to time and to enjoy the lovely artwork in them!


Since we were waiting for "Leif the Lucky" to be returned so we could start our next Upper Grammar Lit. assignment, I decided to let my youngers spend their extra time reading "The Minstrel in the Tower". Each day they read a chapter and then give a short written narration. It's another great book.


Today I picked this book up for Tyler. Robin and I read this years ago and loved it. There is pirate violence in the story, so this is one to preread before you decide to let your own teen read it.


Fall is such a great time to start to slow down and spend time reading good books. Winter will soon be upon us and then the reading and quiet hobbies really kick off! I love wandering around the house and seeing everyone engrossed in a good book!

Maybe We'll All Stop and Smell the Roses

Economic hardships are everywhere. So many people are really struggling. It seems there are lots of people on our prayer list that are looking for jobs. The country is on edge after the recent "bail-out" decision. I fight fear when I think about the fact that our government has bought the lie that more debt is necessary for a *stronger* economy.

I certainly don't have all the answers. But, as I think of all of us tighten our belts and our budgets, I wonder if maybe...

If maybe we'll spend more time at home playing board games and popping popcorn...


...maybe more time taking walks...talking...


Perhaps we'll spend more time praying and seeking God...more time helping each other...


Perhaps we'll invite friends over to eat supper with us and sit by our campfire and roast marshmellows because we can't afford to meet them at a noisy restaurant...


When we can't afford packaged foods, maybe we'll make our own soups with leftovers and our own soup stock and fill the house with delicious aromas...


Maybe we'll be okay after all...maybe we'll be better than okay...

Rachel's New Favorite Book

Hello, readers!
I just read what I call it the best book ever written! It's about a girl named Lily who in this book is learning about real God-like beauty. If you want to find out more about this, it might be on www.zonderkids.com, but I'm not sure. It was written in 2000, so its an old book! If you want to see at least a little bit of it, here's a paragraph from the book: "What do you mean, a club?" Reni asked. "Like some kind of secret sorority or something?" "Aren't those against the rules?" Suzy said. "Would you guys just listen?" Lily said. Three heads nodded. "Okay-I say we should form a group. Let's call it a group. A girl's only group-absolutely no boys allowed." "I like that part," Reni said, frowning toward the basketball court. "And no mean girls, either," Lily added. "Like Ashely?" "Or Chelsea?" "Like anybody who hurts people's feelings," Lily clarified. "Right now I think it should be just the four of us." "why us?" Asked Zooey. Lily gave her a long look and then nodded at the basketball hoop. "I get it," Reni said." We're the ones Shad and those guys pick on." "Right," Lily said. Well, I'll have to check if the book series is still out. In the meantime, bye! P.S: This was typed by Rachel Twombly. Yes,mom let me type this!!!

P.S.S. Here is one of mom's favorite parts. :)
"And then she began to pray. 'Father,' she began, 'we have one of your little ones here who has forgotten how much you love her. Will you please reassure her? Will you fill her with your love and your forgiveness? Will you help her to see past her shame and her guilt and run to you with open arms again? Will you hold her on your lap and let her know that she's beautiful-inside and out-because you made her? Please, kiss away the fear that makes her want to hide under the covers. Bring her out into the light again, Lord, where she can see you everywhere she goes. In the name of Jesus, we pray.'"
"Lily didn't hear the 'amen.' She was crying too hard."

Answering a Couple of Questions...

Family Love



I have been asked a couple of questions and I thought I would answer them here:

Lyndsay asked if we are using Tapestry of Grace Year 2. Yes, we are. However we are taking our time. My husband suggested that we make it our goal to get through half of the curriculum so that we might soak it all in and that is what we are doing. If we go further great but if not that's great too! I have been homeschooling for 10 years formally and I can tell you I have rushed way too much!

Robin asked if I borrow the books from the library. To be honest, I hate relying on the library. BUT this year it is a necessity. So, I bought the Teacher's Manual first. Then I looked to see what I could get from my library. Then I decided what I would purchase.

Some years, I have only bought books I wanted to keep and used the library for the rest. Right now, we have a book on hold that we are waiting for. Someone got to it before me! :) So we are reading a book of my choosing while we wait. I do love the convenience of having every book on the shelf but when I can't do that, the library works too...if I am patient! :)

Right now we are on Week 3 of our curriculum but have been schooling for 5 weeks.

Narrations

Right now I have Rachel and Christian reading "The Ministrel in the Tower" by Gloria Skurzynski. I have asked them to read a chapter and then write a short paragraph decribing what they have read. Today Rachel's (she's 10) especially delighted me so I thought I would share it here:

"Kidnapped! Our heroes, Roger and Alice, STILL trying to get to Bordeaux, run into a huge, century-old tower. Yet apparently, out of the blue, two men (not the fanciest at all) kidnap them and turn them into servants. How will they escape? Find out in the next chapter!"

Of course I am not at all objective, but I thought this was so cute! Perhaps she'll write those exerpts on the jackets of books...find out in HER next chapter...LOL!

Homeschooling Week 2

Two weeks down, 30 to go!! HAHA!! Our second week of homeschooling brought more of a rhythym and comfortable schedule. I would say our brains are back in the swing of things. :)

Tyler:
Geometry leaves me constantly saying: "Did I ever learn this?" I had a 99% in Geometry...why don't I remember it? Well, there is no time like the present to learn. Tyler had his first Geometry test AND his first Chemistry test this week. Thank you Steve Demme of Mathusee for teaching us Algebra 1 so well that we were able to breeze through MOST of Chemistry's Module 1. Actually we only had one glitch. Thankfully, I have a REALLY smart husband who was able to explain the mystifying equation and set our world to rights again!

We are all plodding through Medieval History and learning lots of interesting facts we didn't know before. It is fun to watch Europe "take shape" as warring tribes shuffle lands and dominance between them. We've talked alot about why we study history and what types of lessons we learn from it. We applied it to discussions concerning the fall of the Roman Empire. What similarities are there between Rome's decline and America's present state? Are we in danger of overtaxing the middle class into extinction? Are we still selling our products to other countries? How many items in the house came from other countries? As we study history are we determined to repeat the mistakes of the past or learn from them?

Christian had a fun time this week because we did some geography work with labeling maps and also started his timeline. He loves both! He's a real history buff! He remembers all those things I have taught him and reminds me of all the lost facts! I learn so much from him...things I taught him!! Ironic, eh?

Here is one thing Christian does NOT favor...spelling!!! We read about a man, I think he was a Goth, who became a Christian and purposed to write his language into his own people's language so he could translate the Bible in that language. "See?" I said, "If you had been the first to write OUR language YOU could have decided how everything is spelled!" We had a good chuckle out of that.

Here is one little idea if you are homeschooling and have a child who also struggles with spelling. I wanted to find a way to help Christian focus on those pesky words that defy phonics rules. So, we came up with a "Rulebreaker" Book. Whenever he comes across a word that is not spelled as it sounds or in line with phonics rules, he writes it in this book. He loves this book and loves to dramatical pretend to be the "Word Police"! He records these "spelling infractions" in his book with glee! Voila! I got him to focus on these words painlessly! :) Here he is as the "Word Police" ready to write in his "Rebel and Rule Breaking Words" book!


Rachel is taking a fun class through our homeschooling group. It is centered on the American Girl Series. They are focused on the "Felicity" books. She is having such a great time. I never have to remind her to do her homework. She reads those books quickly and with a smile and completes the answers to the questions. Last week they did some needlepoint and it is being made into a pillow. Once she's done, I'll post a picture!

I love this time of year. Something magical happens when we start school...everyone starts reading for fun when they shunned books in the summer (except for bedtime reading). Everyone is deep into quiet projects. I love it! I'll have to share some of those projects soon. :)

Taking our history at a slower pace, we have gotten to add some books. Here a are a couple we have added:

I am reading "Genghis Khan and the Mongol Horde" by Harold Lamb as a read aloud to Christian. It takes place about 400 years later than what we are studying now but by the time we are done we'll be at that point or further I am sure!


This book, "You Wouldn't Want to be a Medieval Knight! Armor You'd Rather Not Wear" by MacDonald and Antram, is just plain humorous fun! It is a whole series covering different Ancient to Medieval times. This one is no exception! It is just so funny you never outgrow it. We are reading a few pages each morning to wake us up and get us started on a happy note!


We're in deep now and ready for Week 3. Hey all you homeschoolers, how is your year going?

The Homekeepers Journal

You can find the official Christian Homekeeper and author of the Homekeepers Journal at www.ChristianHomekeeper.com


A pretentious, showy life is an empty life;
a plain and simple life is a full life
Proverbs 13:7 MSG

One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
ESV

Have you ever met those who brag about all their money or those who love to portray martyred poor? I've probably been both at one time or another. "A showy life is an empty life..." Too true! I have often told my children, "Secure people do not need ot brag! If you have to brag about it, you're not too confident in it."

Money may not make a man, but it sure shows his priorities. You could learn more about my priorities by where I spend my money than just about anything else. The path to the simple life is always a path to obeying God. There is no complication like the complications that sin brings. Having godly priorities in how I spend my money can only bring peace and rest and that is simpicity!

When my husband and I were first married, we had very little money. I was still in Bible College and he was working framing artwork. One day, the Dean of Students pulled me aside and told me that if I did not update my immunizations that I would have to leave school. This was a Maine State law. Well, we had no money. We prayed and called a clinic and they told me that the immunization I needed cost $16.00. We did not have $16.00. By God's provision, the next day a check came in the mail...it was a late wedding present of $30.00!!! Now I could get my immunization! I made the appointment.

Treats were few back then so we considered going out and getting a pizza on our way to the clinic. Surely we could get a pizza for the remaining $14.00! Guilt set in...since we had so little money we shouldn't waste the $14.00 going out to eat. So, we ate what we had in our own kitchen and went to my appointment. When we got there we found out that yes, the immunization was $16.00 but there was an additional $12.00 fee for the office visit itself! So, if we would have bought that pizza we would have been back to square one with me risking being kicked out of college!!

Such a small example but the lesson has followed me throughout life. If I misuse God's provisions my life becomes complicated! If I am not content with what I have then in my desire to fulfill my wishes, I buy the very thing I wish not to have...problems!

And finally, if I need to brag about whatever I do or don't have, then this is a signal of insecurity, of not being content with where I am in life. I don't need to impress others. I just need to walk the path laid out for me from God. THAT is simplicity!

In the Swing...

One thing I love about our Homeschooling Days is that built within them is time at home, time to get a little restless. Sound crazy? Well that restlessness can drive a person to creativity. In our home no one admits to boredom because that means mom gives you chores! I don't solve boredom for them by creating an activity(unless it is chores...snicker). Instead I let boredom do it's work, creating in them the motivation to entertain themselves. Today Christian spent time making a movie by drawing pictures and putting them in front of a VCR camera and providing sound effects (I know, I must get pics!). Later he and Rachel had a giggling good time acting out a little drama comedy. Rachel even put together a costume for her character! Here she is in the above picture!

We are knee deep in Medeival History and Literature with
Tapestry of Grace. I can tell I am going to really love this year. We started our Literature by talking about the times from which the literature was born. You see, the culture of the day was an "everybody believes in God" sort of culture. So, in much of the Literature, there is a backdrop of believing in one God. It gives a nod to Christianity but is far from a reliable source on what the Bible teaches. This is going to be so good for the children (me too, of course)! They will learn the lesson not to believe everything you read and how to discern truth.

The best counterfeit has an element of truth to it. It is vital to our Christian faith to develop discernment and to "test the spirits. This year we will spend lots of time comparing a certain literary works against the Bible.

Already, in the first week, my younger children have been reading "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table." Christian asked me, "Why would a magician be telling a King that God is angry with him for anything?" He knows God doesn't want us practicing magic and picked up on the inconsistency there.

Then Tyler read "The Dream of the Road." It led to a great discussion on how people would worship the cross of Jesus and not the Savior ON the cross. Yep, this is GOOD STUFF!!

It always takes me a little time to get my head in the game and be thankful again that I homeschool. But really, I am so thankful I do and I love the chance to really know what my kids are learning and to direct it and have all that time to mentor them. It's all good!! :)

We are taking the year slower too and will only do the first 18 weeks of the 32 week curriculum. I was hesitant to do this. But my husband looked at the curriculum and shared with me that he thought it would be best so the kids would have the chance to dig deep and really learn. The "check every box and do it to the schedule" person in me had a hard time with it but now that we have started I really think it is right and best. I feels good to really have the time to do the timelines, the mapping, the accountability questions, etc.

So...we've dug in! It's all good!!

Homekeeper's Journal~Renewing My Strength

The Homekeeper's Journal is provided by Sylvia Britton at The Christian Homekeeper. Sylvia writes a weekly devotional and those participating respond on their own blogs. Be sure to go on over and check out her blog!

Renew My Strength, Lord

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isa. 30:31

1) Write about a time when you waited for something from God.

It seems like there is always an opportunity to be waiting on God. We have waited to hear what God would say and how he would lead toward or away from ministry opportunities, a move of our family, a loved one to be saved, a need to be met. God is always faithful though, and always answers. Our job is to be submissive and accepting of His answer whether it be yes, no, or wait! Sounds easy...sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't...either time it is sooo necessary. "In acceptance lieth peace." Amy Carmichael

2) Are there times when you feel weary? In light of the scripture today, what are you going to do with your weariness in the future?

I read Wardeh's response to these just now and like her, I feel like I am always weary. Life runs awfully fast for me. I mostly get weary from homeschooling to be honest. The steady, ubiquitous presence of planning, teaching and correcting take much of my energy. So this is my biggest area in life where I need to lean daily on the Lord.

3) Is there something, some area of life, where you need God to renew your strength?

Yep, homeschooling...oh, and trying to keep a "clean enough for company" house with enough clean laundry for everyone to be able to put on clean clothes at the beginning of the day! Oh and keeping up with time in the Word and prayer daily too!

First Day of School~I'm Divin' In!!

"Dive"
Steven Curtis Chapman

The long awaited rains
Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground
And carved their way to where
The wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rain
I have been carried here to where the river flows, yeah
My heart is racing and my knees are weak
As I walk to the edge
I know there is no turning back
Once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush, I hear a voice
That's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith
So here I go

Chorus
I'm divin' in, I'm goin' deep
In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush, lost in the flow
In over my head I want to go
The river's deep, the river's wide
The river's water is alive
So sink or swim, I'm divin' in

There is a supernatural power
In this mighty river's flow
It can bring the dead to life
And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing
Worth living and worth dying for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power
Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away
Into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand
We'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go

Chorus
I'm divin' in, I'm goin' deep
In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush, lost in the flow
In over my head I want to go
The river's deep, the river's wide
The river's water is alive
So sink or swim, I'm divin' in

So sink or swim, I'm diving in
So sink or swim, I'm diving in
So sink or swim, I'm diving in

Curriculum, Curriculum...

Before I even share my curriculum choices, I am going to share a couple of pics from our vacation. They are here to remind me to never neglect the hands on, eyes on learning of everyday life!


On our recent vacation we got to view a "Maine rarity" daily! There were so many loons on this pond. Instead of the occasional 2 loons you might catch together we would see groups of loons every morning. One day we counted 13 of them all together. Oh, I was wishing for a zoom lens on my camera to capture it better!

Another rarity...a crawfish, a crayfish?? I never knew we had those here in Maine!

Okay, here goes...

Tyler: Sophomore Year of High School
Writing/Research Skills:Class at my church taught by a friend.
Careers Class: Offered by my homeschool group and taught by a woman from a local Community College staff.
History:Tapestry of Grace, Redesigned, Year 2
Literature:Also TOG Year 2
Geometry:Mathusee with assistance for our Math Tutor/Youth Pastor on "Homework Help Night!"
Chemistry:Apologia, also with the same above assistance with the Algebra portion.
Bible: The Bible!, Combination of Greek (Hey Andrew! Teach Me Some Greek), "Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations", Biblical Theology (Theology book by Dr. Enns)
Music:Guitar lessons with worship leader from church.
Art: Google product (Sketch Up) for learning Architecture.

Full Credit Courses: History, Literature, Geometry, Writing and Research Skills
Bonus Credit and a Half Course: Chemistry with full labs
Half Credit Courses: Bible, Art, Music, Career

Christian and Rachel (6th and 5th grades)
Science:Combination of local monthly class taught by Naturalist, and Apologia Elementary (Botany)
History:Rachel will take an American Girl course taught by Homeschool group mom, then join Christian for TOG Year 2 Redesigned Upper Grammar.
Math:Mathusee Zeta for Christian, Epsilon for Rachel
Literature: TOG Year 2 Redesigned Upper Grammar
Language Arts:Alpha Omega, Classical Roots Vocab., Sequential Spelling
Art:Book on Drawing Anime
Music:Drum lessons on DVD, Piano lessons for Rachel
Bible:The Bible!, Greek (same as Tyler) and "Learning about God from A-Z"
Foreign Language: Rachel asked to learn French so she is doing "French in 10 min. Per Day."

Daring...

Have you ever seen Homeschool Planning as a daring, extreme sport?! Um...yeah well...I do! Sometimes I feel like I am walking a tightrope without a safety net! After all, what if I do it *wrong* or *mess it up* or worse, mess *them* up? Homeschool planning might not be an extreme sport but it sure is a step of faith and a walk of faith!

Within that step of faith you have to dare to be different, like this pink phlox that decide to invade the white I originally planted!! LOL!!


You have to dare to stand alone, again like this stubborn pink phlox that invaded my oregano...what is it about pink phlox anyway?? (I didn't plant it but I sure do love it!)


I have been thinking about this school year coming up. I am seeking to nail down the plans today. The first thing I have to do is pray, pray, pray!

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Prov. 19:21

Why all this? Well, this year I am feeling led to change it up a bit!

Tyler is a Sophomore in High School this year. Next year we are planning on him taking some college courses. So, my biggest priority with him has to be making sure he is ready for college level studies. For us that means emphasizing research skills, critical analysis, and shoring up math skills. Some of his courses will have to be a bit more "fluffy" if you know what I mean, to make room for what is really important! This year it will be vital that I don't let myself be ruled by a certain curriculum's provided schedule. That's not easy for me; I love to check off those boxes!! LOL! But I'll have help...he is enrolled in a writing class through someone in my church, a careers class through my homeschool group, and will be attending a "help with homework" program led by our Youth Pastor (who tutors in Math...yee-hah!).

For Christian in Rachel, in 6th and 5th grades, I really want to be a bit more interest driven and hands on than I was last year. Having the perspective of Tyler's journey, I know my tendency is to push, push, push! I need to emphasize the basics and bring life and fun to the rest. Solomon was so right, "The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one Shepherd. Be warned my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." Eccle. 12:11-12

So, I am praying and planning today. I'll prayerfully plan it, but also pray the Lord's plans will prevail over mine! Who knows? I may plan something (white phlox), but God will do his own planning (pink phlox)! I hope no one is too surprised or disturbed when I hang a sign over my plans that says, "Subject to Change!"

Simple Pleasures~A Wordless Shout-Out!

The Homekeeper's Journal

See "The Homekeeper's Journal" at The Christian Homekeeper

(The Homekeeper's Journal is a new feature I am adding to my blog. Hopefully you I will have it up each Monday. Basically Sylvia, over at The Christian Homekeeper will be writing devotional. She has writing prompts at the end so that I and others can respond. So, each Monday you will see my response to the topic here)

The Laying Down of My Life

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:24-25

What one thing can I lay down, one thing that will cost me something to lay it down and serve God?

I lay my life down each time I choose God's will over my own. I can build my own kingdom here on earth as my focus in life or I can build God's Kingdom, I can "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Mt. 6:33). I am the single seed in John 12:24. If I choose to lay down my life to God, God can use me to produce many seeds.

In my own life God has asked me to lay down my plans and desires and homeschool my children. I have to admit there are many days I would rather knit or quilt or garden or do many things. They are good things, all of them. But I have to give up the good things for the best thing. Homeschooling means laying down my time and lots of money too!! Obeying God is the best thing though and I have been blessed as I have followed.

Recently God called me to be the Children's Ministry Coordinator at my church. I have to confess that when I said "yes" to this ministry I told my pastor, "I can do this job but I cannot recruit workers. I am not good at that." I had fears about looking people in the eye and asking them if they thought God would want them to serve in our Children's Ministries. Quite frankly I was afraid of looking stupid, or being rejected by all the "no's". Well, God really convicted me that I was saying "no" to part of the job He had asked me to do and it was because I was not trusting Him. He showed me how to recruit by showing me Mt. 9:37. Now I know to "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (And by the way, God has been faithful to me every time to provide the people we need for our ministries!!)

Is my time being spent wisely, spiritually?

I spend lots of time serving but I need to spend more time sitting quietly with God, reading His Word and praying to Him. I need to never put off that time but to give my first fruits to Him. Seeking needs to precede serving in my day!

Do I dread laying down my life? Why? What am I afraid of? Is my fear legitimate or is there scripture that assures me of God’s love and care for me when I obey Him?

In general I have to say "no", I am not afraid. When I am, God convicts me right away with the same words, "Trust Me".

There have been times in my life...early on in my marriage we thought that God might be leading us to the jungles as missionaries. I wasn't afraid of the people, I was afraid of things like snakes and spiders and wild animals! LOL!! But I was willing to go, trusting that God would give me the grace when I got there.

These days, evangelism sometimes scares me. If someone starts a conversation then I am all there. But it is hard for me to start that conversation or to knock on that door. I suppose it is wrapped up in liking to be liked or a fear of rejection. Here is one verse that applies:

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please me, I would not be a servant of Christ." Gal. 1:10

Home Again...

For the last two weeks we have been away, renting a cottage on Square Pond in Acton, Maine. It felt good to get away from our normal routines. :)

The weather was rough. It was cold and rainy most of the time with lots of thunder showers but that did mean that I got to take lots of pictures of rainbows and ominous clouds! The kid didn't mind the weather too much; their dad was an equally good sport. They swam and canoed and fished the time away! On a really horrible day we saw a movie or went for an ice cream or played board games. It's all good when you are on vacation!

Here is some fun on the dock:


Tyler and Christian in the paddle boat:


Christian and Rachel:


Here are some *weather pics!*




You'll see more pictures in the coming days...I suppose whether you like it or not! LOL!