I love the story of Nehemiah.  It never ceases to encourage and inspire me. Yet, at this point in the year, somehow, even with the "end" in sight, I find myself battling with discouragement. I'm sure all the SNOW still on the ground doesn't help my state of mind, or yours either for that matter.  However, I seem to be especially vulnerable to the attacks of individuals around me.  It could be the criticism of how I handled a rehearsal, a criticism of my skills, a criticism of mothering or how I run my household, or even a criticism of my choices in homeschooling.  Why am I more vulnerable at one time over another time.

Although I'm still in the midst of this "vulnerability", I think the answer is probably very simple.  Sometimes it is hard to separate the fact that even when I WANT to do things to honor and glorify God, I still hope that those around me will be pleased with the results, with me, and with my methodology and choices.  I want them to UNDERSTAND me, accept me, flaws and all.  It is even more discouraging when the criticism becomes mean and personal or even worse comes from a brother or sister in Christ.  Yet, there are times those criticisms bounce off like they should and there are other times when the arrows pierce all the way to the heart. 

Here are a few things that I think will help me get back on track, I hope they will help you too!

1.  My focus must constantly be maintained on Christ alone!  He is the ONLY one who will NOT disappoint or disillusion me.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

2.  I need to take care of myself and realize when I need some rest and not feel consumed by deadlines, the expectations of others, or even the expectations that I have of myself.

3.  When feeling discouraged and disillusioned, instead of first trying to find an earthly friend to talk with, I should run straight into the arms of my heavenly Father who holds me securely in the palm of his hand.

Wow....just reminding myself of this makes me feel at least a bit more hopeful.  I hope you find your "hope"  in Christ alone today and everyday!

Faith and Courage,

Lori

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This past weekend I experienced quite a wakeup call.  Literally! 

I got up early on Saturday morning because it was going to be a full day of family and of course, production rehearsals.  When I opened my email to double check on some things, I found myself face to face with a situation that I was literally flabberghasted by.  I guess it was one of those times when you come face to face with a different worldview, a different belief foundation than your own and it affects what you are doing, your relationships and even your approach to communication.

Bottom line, I was faced with a situation in which people that I was working with (not MAFA) wanted to make a decision based on emotion and expediency.  However, the decision that they wished to make was not theirs to make number one, and number two it was not based on principle. 

A meeting was held to discuss the situation and the pending decision.  It was interesting to watch how an argument based on principle was something that others found difficult to argue against.  However, it was also obvious that a decision based on principle as opposed to one based on emotion and expediency was a new paradigm for some of the people present.  It almost seemed that to make a decision based on principle was a totally new concept for some of them. 

Unfortunately, the world is full of people who are easily tossed to and fro on every wave of doctrine, emotion and situation.  Although it was challenging to take a stand, I was reminded once again, that to operate on principle, Biblical principles, is a strong testimony and a consistent testimony to those around us.  Sometimes in the past, I have found myself easily "tossed about" when I allow my emotions, or specific situations to cloud my judgement and discernment rather than operating on principle.  I pray that I will continue to try and ground myself in God and in His word so that I will stand firm on HIS principles and HIS priorities.

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Sometimes I absolutely LOATHE the internet, email and all that comes with technology.  It seems so invasive at times.  Yet, there are other times, like today when I just can't get enough of it.  There is something exciting about being able to have the world at your fingertips especially when it comes to homeschooling......

We are in the middle of studying Ancient Rome and I have been able to instantaneously download lapbook projects, unit studies and much more using the internet.  It's a good thing too...since we are receiving a second foot of snow in the past four days making going to get anything pretty much an impossibility. 

Despite the snow, spring fever has set in with all of us so I needed to change up our approach to studying just a bit in order to keep our interest level high enough to continue.  Today, in one of the unit studies I downloaded we have been visiting websites that take us through Roman architecture and on virtual tours of Rome.  Since we leave for Rome on a "Field Trip" with Master's Academy in less than two weeks, the subject has become even more exciting.

I thought I would pass some of these links on to you just in case you are approaching your study of history by specific time periods.

Building Big:  Shapes Lab    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/shapes.html

Roman Open Air Museum  http://www.villa-rustica.de/tour/toure.html

Tour of Rome Monuments:  http://www.virtualrome.com/rome/monuments/index.html

Oh....and by the way.....be sure to check out the book review section on the site www.theendinmind.net  You will see it listed on the right hand column.  This will take you to a link where I am listing all the books I have used and loved over the years in our homeschooling using a time period and arts related approach.  I haven't reviewed them all yet, but I have at least gotten them all "rated".  

You may be asking, what in the WORLD does THIS blog have to do with "beginning with the end in mind".  Well, when it comes to educating and training our children, books, websites and so much more can all help us in our journey.....but then, that's fodder for another blog on another day.

For those of you enjoying spring weather, think of us out here with four feet of snow on the ground and be sure to send us a comment now and then.

Faith and Courage,

Lori Lane 

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It’s funny in which areas I find it easy to be flexible and areas in which I can find it VERY challenging to be flexible.  There have been times when I have felt great satisfaction at my ability to flex and yet other times when I feel that if I have to flex or bend anymore I will absolutely break into a million pieces.  In analyzing those more “challenging” times, I have to admit that the “more challenging” areas are areas in which I really to control the outcome.  How foolish of me to think that I can ultimately control any outcome!  Sure, I need to plan, schedule, pray and work, but ultimately, the outcome of anything and everything I do is in God’s control.

This morning I was talking with a dear friend of mine and as we talked I was reminded once again of how much we push ourselves even beyond acceptable limits so that we can stay ahead of the game.  Then, one morning, or more likely, late one night, we begin to realize we have been out of sync and out of balance for too long.  Why?  Because we are pushing ourselves more than anyone else would EVER push us and because we cannot accept our limitations of time and energy.  SO, what do we do when the “to do” list is so long that there is no way humanly possible to get it all done.  The key word in that phrase is humanly possible.  If God has given us specific priorities as women, are we confident that He can do all that we need him to do above ALL that we ask or think?  Are we confident that God will work in and through us and our limitations to bring HIM the ultimate glory for the solutions and outcomes of our “to do” lists?

As my friend and I talked about all that was weighing on our hearts and minds this morning, I began to realize that same passage in Proverbs 3:5-6.  “Leaning NOT on our own understanding”, isn’t just about making decisions, it is about relying on GOD for the wisdom on what to do when, and what to flex on and leave until later, or what to delegate to others.  God does not reward us for “leaning on our own understanding” or on our own abilities.  He wants us to stay focused on our priorities, on our God-given desires for the right end result with our marriages, our families, and our ministries.  That being said, if something needs to “wait” until a more appropriate time so that we can stay focused on our God-given responsibilities and priorities, then GOD will take care of the outcome of our decision to stay true to HIS principles. 

Wow!  That’s so much easier said than done.  ESPECIALLY, when the to do list is just another name for people waiting on us for answers, direction, progress and much more.  With people’s expectations and demands lurking behind our “to do“ list, being flexible can be very challenging.  Even harder, is the fear that often lurks behind our motivation to stay ahead of the game.  What if parts of our lives or our ministries  fall apart or are delayed as a result of our not being able to keep up?  The responsibility we feel for these areas is very real.  Although it is good and necessary to feel that responsibility, who are we kidding to think that things will fall apart if we have to flex with some deadlines or expectations?  Let’s be real!  God doesn’t need any of us.  IF something is important enough to God that it has to be done right now, and it isn’t something that HE has enabled us with time and energy to do WHILE taking care of our families, then HE can and HE WILL find another way to fulfill HIS purpose. 

IF we can keep that in mind, some of the pressure and frantic fear we feel will subside.  Remember the story of Jesus in the boat with the disciples!  The disciples were caught in a storm and the boat was filling with water FAST!   The disciples were frantic with fear and even frustrated with Jesus for SLEEPING in the boat.  What were Jesus words:  “Peace, BE STILL”.  Obviously, Jesus was talking to the storm but I have a feeling that his words were also directed to the disciples.  Jesus had control of that storm, the wind, the waves AND the boat the entire time. 

The last few days I’ve had a very uneasy and almost nervous feeling.  John kept asking me if I was worried about something and of course, I couldn’t figure out what was bothering me.  It has been a very busy two months and I KNEW I was feeling the effect of that busyness.  However, it was more than that.  I was trying to control my time, my energy, my relationships ALL BY MYSELF once again.  When will I ever learn.  I can’t be everything to everyone!  I can’t do everything at once.  I have to flex…I have to have patience with myself…but more importantly, once I prioritize, I MUST leave the outcome with God himself and trust that if I’m doing what I can do within HIS priorities, that HE WILL INDEED take care of the rest.  My “to do” list has not gotten any smaller today, but I am going to take some things off my plate in order to get a “grip” on some other areas.

For example:

                Jordan and John have both been sick over the past couple of weeks.  John is still sick and Jordan is still not up to par.  Jared and I have been traveling on our lovely field trip to Boston.  Put all of that together, and despite the fact that I have all my plans for our home school planned out for the rest of the year, everyone is at loose ends regarding being able to focus.  Solution:  TIME FOR SPRING BREAK!  

                The minute I decided to let the boys have some “break” time which would allow me some time to rest and restructure after this period of travel, I felt some relief.  Yes…school will ultimately get done…but it can’t be done while I’m feeling at “loose ends”.   The boys are happy, I’m happy and when MAMA is happy…dad is happy as well…even if he does have a fever.

                I’ve had a ton of meetings that I’m supposed to be having the past week or so.  In looking at them, they were ALL important and even seemed urgent.  However, I also knew that I did not have the brainpower because of my traveling to focus on the subjects at hand and make those meetings worthwhile.  Thus, I notified everyone that I was delaying the meetings.  Guess what!  NO ONE got mad at me.  In some cases, they had been feeling the same way I had and were relieved that we had a little more time to get our thoughts and notes together.

                I’m directing the community theater’s spring musical and we are NOT on schedule as far as I’m concerned!  I’ve been feeling stress and frustration on every level!  WHY?  I haven’t had time or at least taken the time to really focus and get organized on this production.  I’ve been allowing myself to be tossed “to and fro”.  Solution:  set aside some time to lay out a plan…and then work the plan!  RESULT:  I’m still concerned…..but more peaceful…if that makes sense!   

Faith and Courage,

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   After two rather serious blogs, I think perhaps it is time for something a little more light hearted and I have just the topic:  a field trip to Boston.  This experience is one of the reasons why I just love homeschooling so much.  I know that it is probably not for everyone, but I have to admit that the flexibility and the individual time that it affords me with my children gives me such joy and such pleasure.  This past week,  I was scheduled to visit the NH Master's Academy and to do a parent workshop while there.  Since I was flying into Boston, we used this opportunity for  Jared and I to take a "field trip" to Boston.

  We flew into Boston on Thursday night, stayed in a hotel and then bright and early Friday morning we got up, got on the train and went to downtown Boston and started to walk the Freedom Trail.  If you have never done this, it is so much fun.  Along the way you visit the Massachusetts State House, (old and new), Paul Revere's house, the Old North Church, burial and memorial sites for signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.  I don't think you have to be a history nut to enjoy the thrill of walking on the same streets and visiting the same buildings as individuals like John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere and many others.  It was truly a thrill to visit all these places.

   However, the best part was being with Jared alone, just the two of us.  We visited, talked about the places and people we were visiting and of course had studied before our trip.  We laughed, watched movies in the hotel, got grossed out by greasy Pizza and giggled at each other as we made wisecracks throughout the trip.  It was one of those "savor the moment, cherish the child" times.  Jared had just turned 10 the day before we left on the trip so this was partly a birthday present for him and he savored every moment.  That's one of the most precious things about him. He has the ability to live in the moment and savor and squeeze every bit of joy and enjoyment out of every situation he encounters.  

    The evening after we did the ENTIRE FREEDOM TRAIL in one day, Jared narrated back to me his version of our day's activities and we began working on a photo and keepsake album that will commemorate our time together in New England.  It was amazing at how many details he remembered about the places we visited and the people we had studied.  This was "Living History" at its best I'm sure!  But educational value aside, the best part of the trip was just  "being" mom and son, one on one and learning from my child the value of  "savoring the moment" and cherishing the individual and the relationships that are TRULY gifts from God. 

Faith and Courage,

Lori 

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              I know that I probably have a slightly biased paradigm from which to discuss this topic, but I’m also the mother of four boys who have been involved in sports and outdoor activities from a very young age.  So, I believe I can look at this from two different perspectives.  I also know that I write and speak about making wise choices for ourselves, our children and our family overall.  With that in mind, I’m STILL going to write about this topic with the assumption that my readers can and will likewise strive to make wise choices.  My purpose in discussing this topic is to make us think about what we value, why we value it, and whether or not we are consistent with the way our values play out.

                So, are you curious as to what my topic is for this blog?  Well, let’s begin with a story!  As many of you know, we moved to Colorado about two years ago.  One great thing about home schooling in Colorado is the fact that home schoolers can choose to participate in any class, sports team or other extra-curricular activity at their local public school.  Sounds fair to me, since I pay the same taxes as everyone else.   This was one of the things that excited us the most about this move since Jordan is a great baseball player.  We had wondered what type of team he would be able to participate with on a high school level if we had stayed in Georgia since rec teams kind of disintegrate in high school and the public schools in Georgia do not allow home schoolers to participate in anything with the local public school.

                Baseball season has just begun here in the snowy Rocky Mountains.  Because the basketball team is still using the gym in the afternoons until the end of their season, AND because there is still about a foot of snow on the ground even in town, the baseball team has to practice in the gymnasium.  The ONLY time that is available is early in the morning.  So, starting on February 19^th, Jordan has had to be down in Buena Vista at six o’clock in the morning every weekday morning.  They practice from six until seven-forty-five a.m.  Then, on top of that, they also practice on Saturdays.  However, this past Saturday they all met at the baseball FIELD at seven a.m. to shovel the snow off the field.  Obviously, you can’t plow the field without it tearing up the playing surfaces, so they had to shovel it into big piles and then this week some big equipment will come and remove the piles.  They shoveled snow for five solid hours.  This schedule will continue until basketball season is over and the snow quits falling every other day.  Then, their practices will move to the afternoons and the weekend schedule will continue.  Of course, like all high school teams, we will be traveling all over the state of Colorado and over snowy mountain passes in order to get to games for Jordan to play with the team and for us to enjoy watching him.

                WHY do we do this with almost no thought to the inconvenience we are facing……because we LOVE baseball and because we LOVE to watch Jordan play.  He is so driven and focused out there on the field and behind the plate that is thrilling to watch him continue to develop his skills while getting great physical exercise, learning self-discipline and perseverance, and making new friends and being a testimony to those around him.  We value what he will receive from his experience playing baseball so we are willing to be inconvenienced and to make the sacrifices necessary for him to have this opportunity.

                Now…here is where I will probably ruffle some feathers.  I began thinking about what we are happily and willingly doing for Jordan to play baseball and of course, I had to bring it back to families, students and their involvement with the arts.  I’m going to assume you understand how I feel about all of us making wise choices about our family and our involvement with activities outside the home.  I’ve been outspoken on that topic for years and I haven’t changed my position on that at all.  I’m also going to assume that you realize that we who are involved in leadership at Master’s Academy try to be as “reasonable” as possible with the cost of involvement in the program and in what we require of our parents and students.  However, let’s also assume that we say we value the arts and we value all that our children can gain from their involvement in the arts.  Why then, do we complain when we have to drive across town, pay for something extra, put in some volunteer time, rearrange our lives for short periods of time, etc? 

                If I were to tell parents involved in a musical or dramatic production that the ONLY time we could get rehearsal space was at 6 a.m. in the morning due to another production practicing in the afternoon, I believe that I would receive more than several dozen emails explaining how unreasonable I was being.  I would be told that I was expecting too much of a commitment on the part of the cast and crew.  In other words, I probably would be strung up and quartered for expecting people to commit and understand the situation.  Why would there be such a difference between their reaction over an arts related commitment and a sports related commitment?

                Of course, I know not everyone is as committed to playing baseball or other sports as we might be.  However, I think the percentage of parents that would be willing to “go the distance” for sports involvement, or even the expectations put on them by some other outside commitment would be much higher than the percentage of those willing to “go the distance” for their child’s involvement in the arts.  Yet, per proven statistics, one out of every three students in the country will end up working in an arts related field and six percent of our gross nation product is produced by the arts.  That’s on top of all the statistics of how involvement and instruction in the arts raises IQ and test scores, how they teach character qualities, and how they aide in the college admissions process.   Perhaps I’m wrong and there really isn’t a discrepancy between the two “factions” I’m talking about, but truthfully, I doubt it.  After years of working in the arts in several different settings, I have found this scenario play itself out time and time again.  Yes, YOU may be an exception…but then again, you may NOT be if you take a REAL look at how your values REALLY play out.

                So what is my point?  Let me ask you some questions that will help you see my point!  What do you want from your child’s involvement in the arts?  What do you gain and what does your child gain from their involvement in the arts?  Why can’t we focus on the “end results” of that involvement and flex with the commitments and the demands that the involvement places on us and our children if we truly WANT those end results?  Why can’t we keep “the end in mind” when it comes to this area of involvement just as easy as we can with other more “common” areas of involvement?  This is even more true and more important when we truly realize the importance and value that GOD himself places on the arts.  If you have never studied God’s view of creativity and the arts, I encourage you to do so.  It is a fascinating and very eye-opening study.

                 Am I scolding the wonderful and committed parents that I see around the country who have their children involved in the arts.   Not necessarily!  Many, even most of them, understand the commitment that is required especially at higher levels of instruction for students AND for parents.  However, I have to admit that I have seen some students AND parents involved in higher levels of instruction, or in extra drama or choral groups who end up participating more out of a social responsibility or opportunity, out of peer pressure, or some other reason that has very little to do with the end result for which our staff and our teachers work so hard to attain with each child each and every week.  Of course, I’m talking about artistic excellence, but I’m also talking about helping to develop character qualities like brotherly kindness, diligence, perseverance, esteeming others more than themselves and more.    

            God places a value on the arts….we should as well!  Let’s focus on God’s desired end result, on the desired end result we feel like God has given us for our families as a whole and for our individual students in general.  Let’s focus on what we TRULY value and make our lives, our commitments AND our attitudes line up with what we truly value or perhaps what we SHOULD value.

                Faith and Courage,

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I don't know of any other time in history when the arts and the media have had a stronger influence people of all ages than they do today.  It has always been true that the arts influence history and of course, history influences the arts, however, during this day and age, that influence is so strong and so powerful it is hard to avoid its affects on our lives.  Think for a moment about how much the political campaigning strategy has changed just in the past ten years.  Today politicians aren't just using television and print ads, phone calls and mass mailings, but they have also begun to use You-tube, email, websites, mini-movies and more.  It's not just the politicians though,  it's everyone and everything.  We are bombarded by media and the arts in some form or fashion almost EVERYWHERE we go.

I'm reading a book by Michael D. O'Brien entitled "A Landscape With Dragons".  Listen to how he describes our world today.  "If I had to choose an image to sum up our times, I would not choose from among the usual ones, such as the Nuclear Age, the Technological Society, the Age of Anxiety, the Computer Generation, the Affluent Society, or the Space Era.  I would call it the Age of Noise.  In the entire history of mankind, there has never been such a continuous battering of the human brain.  The ever present background throb of machinery, the roar of traffic, the high-pitched buzz of fluorescent lights and computers, Musak in elevators and supermarkets, herds of joggers wearing Walkmans, a gaggle of talk shows.  A world drowning in chatter!  Words, words, words!  A thousand voices competing for our attention every day:  the communications media, junk mail, candidates for political office, telephone solicitations, and so on and so on...the long, sustained roar (and sometimes screech) of our century.  Exterior noise and interior noise.  The clamor of our anxieties and our skirmishes with the seven deadly sins and a host of lesser evils.  The endless inner debates we conduct against real or imagined enemies, and the sweet, rotten allure of the soap operas of the fallen imagination....."

Many of you know that I've been traveling quite a bit this past five or six weeks.  It has been a blessing and a reminder to me that there are many mothers and fathers out there who take their responsibility of raising their children to be light in a dark world very seriously.  I'm so burdened about our responsibility to raise children that are educated, spiritually discerning, culturally literate servants of God's kingdom.  We can't JUST do academics...we must include academics, the arts, and more all wrapped up and intertwined with God's worldview of each and every subject we study and each and every area of the lives that we live.

Obviously, because the media and the arts have such a strong influence on today's culture and society, and because God has called me to work with students in the area of the arts and to train and help parents to do the same thing, I'm very focused on what we can do to prepare our children to make a difference in the media and the arts.  Today in my RSS feed file I found an article that was featured in a blog called Christians and the Arts.  I'm including the link for you below.  You MUST read this article.  I would love to hear your feedback on the information and content that it presents.  

In the meantime, "Do not be weary in well-doing, for in due time, you will reap if you faint not."  That's what I am repeating to myself as I've been traveling and talking with parents about the child's overall homeschooling experience and their experience and training in the arts in particular.  God has called us to raise up the next generation in a way that will make a difference in this world.  That is done by inspiring them through our knowledge of God and by our becoming more like Christ. If we raise children who KNOW GOD and are growing more like Christ, their lives cannot help but be effective and productive....no matter what area in which God has them serve Him.

Enjoy this article!      http://opinionjournal.com/la/?id=110010352

Faith and Courage, 

Lori Lane

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      I woke up this morning to fresh snow on top of the already 2.5-3 feet we have around the house.  It is beautiful and so peaceful. Peace?  That's something I need right now......Peace!   After being sick since Wednesday night, not sleeping well, traveling and staying in strange beds, and facing some challenging scenarios, peace seems to be something that I haven't felt in a few days. 

It's not that I don't feel that "peace that passeth all understanding" because I do.  There is definitely an underlying peace.  But, to be honest, I feel a bit restless.  I've been dealing with a myriad of situations and circumstances that seem to be on my mind almost all of the time!  So, when I try to sleep at night, even when I sleep, I'm dreaming about solutions, possibilities and of course challenges. 

     This morning, when I got up, I actually woke up before everyone else.  I went downstairs, made my coffee, got my cup of "adrenaline" and sat down in my chair to watch the snow fall.  I wasn't even thinking about anything in particular when a phrase, a SINGLE phrase,  ran through my mind...."Lean NOT on your own understanding".  Obviously, this phrase comes from a familiar set of verses, Proverbs 3:5 and 6.  But the fact that it was that one phrase that went through my mind, made me really stop and think and of course, meditate on the entire passage.

     Proverbs 3:5-6 seems to be a passage that many people glibly rattle off at various "appropriate" times.  Usually the emphasis is on the first phrase.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart".  If you were to ask me right now, if I am trusting in the Lord in these situations and decisions I am facing, I would answer emphatically yes.  I am resting constantly in the fact that God is sovereign and in control of all circumstances and outcomes that I'm currently dealing with.  HOWEVER, I also realized this morning that it is a HUGE possibility, perhaps PROBABILITY, that I'm also leaning on my own understanding and perhaps looking to the understanding of others as well.  

    Scripture does say that in the "multitude of counselors there is safety", and I do always try to seek out godly counsel. Perhaps though, I've been putting too much emphasis and/or pressure on " figuring things our from a purely logical standpoint, from a human understanding viewpoint, instead of waiting on God to direct my path and the paths of all of those around me.

    There is a balance between our responsibility, the "working it out" portion of our walk, and the other side of things, which is trusting and knowing that God knows the beginning from the end and is always working together to bring about our good and His glory.  So, since I have really done all that I can do to find solutions for various situations and challenges that I'm currently facing, perhaps now is the time, to focus more on the fact that I can't LEAN on my own understanding, but instead should focus on God directing the paths and making the crooked ways straight.

     At this point, God is the only one who really has the "end in mind" and I'm going to rest in that fact!

Faith and Courage,

Lori

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"Nine Ways To Live Creatively"

By Lise Richards

Creativity – according to Webster’s it means having the ability or power to create; characterized by originality and expressiveness; imaginative. Ok that sounds great, wouldn’t we all like to be more creative every day? Sometimes the hardest part to trying something new is the first step. Here are nine inspired steps to help you start living a creative way of life:

Be willing to try something new.

When was the last time you stepped out of your everyday routine and did something totally different? Taking a dance class, going to a concert to experience something different than what you normally listen to on the radio, or even picking up a pencil and sketching the trees in your own backyard is creative action. Creative thinking and creative action start with a new decision about how you’re going to spend your time.

Create something with your own hands on a regular basis.

There are plenty of opportunities to express your creative side. Even mundane tasks like setting the table allow you to try something new. For example, instead of buying new napkin holders, my daughter and I made our own out of some extra wire and brightly colored beads. They turned out awesome. We were both so proud of them and they are treasured pieces we will use for years.

Express yourself through visual, performing arts, or creative writing, music, or dance.

You can turn off the television and do some creative journaling every evening instead of tuning in and shutting down. Create a play with the kids. Try lip synching to a new video on television. Take turns creating a different ending to a familiar fairy tale. Use your imagination.

Make creativity a habit.

If you already dabble in creativity, make it a habit by scheduling time on your calendar for it. You’re more likely to live creatively if you actively write down your intentions. You don’t even have to sign up for a formal class. Try it for 30 minutes every week and increase the time spent on these activities from there.

Display something in your home and office that you made yourself.

Your surroundings reflect your ideas. What better way to inspire more creativity, charm, and character than to include objects that you have made? Hand-made objects give you more to talk about, more vivid memories, and provide richer experiences overall than buying something similar. Over time it is also a visual reminder of how far you’ve come since your first started creating.

Visit creative spaces

Museums, art shows, gallery exhibits, theatre, performances these places remind us of our own innate creative abilities. Plus they’re fun to visit.

Take time to find new inspiration

Inspiration can be found in a variety of different places. Ask people you’ve known for years what creative stuff they do – you may be pleasantly surprised. Research within your own family. I bet you’ll find someone in your family that is artistic and can be a source of inspiration for you.

Ask Questions

Stay involved with other creative people. Inspire others with questions about their progress in their own endeavors. Something they say to you could provide you with an idea that moves you in a new direction.

Provide a creative outlet for someone that is new to the idea of living creatively

Just when you’ve figured out some new ways to live creatively, share your knowledge. Give the information away to someone who is totally new to the ideas. They will undoubtedly have a twist on your information that allows you to learn something new and keep growing.

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This article is courtesy of www.centerofcreativity.com . You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact. Lise Richards is an Artistic Lifestylist, and owner of the Creativity Center, Inc., a creative arts education center and gallery. Her Aspiring Artist Program helps people develop their art and market it to a diverse audience. Visit the Creativity Center online at www.centerofcreativity.com .

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                I can’t believe that it’s been a week since I wrote!  Time just flies by!  This weekend I had the opportunity to sit through the auditions for the upcoming HCFAA production of The King and I.  I’m so excited to be able to direct this production but I have to tell you that “beginning with the end in mind” took on a new and emphasized meaning.   

                Before ever going into auditions, a director has to decide the “vision” of the production, the ways in which she wants the characters portrayed and the look that she wants each character to have.  Then, she must also consider how each character must look and act in relationship to each other.  It’s like a puzzle that must be put together a piece at a time always remembering what the puzzle is supposed to look like when it is all put together.  The person cast as Anna is dependent on who can be cast as The King, Lady Thiang, Tuptim and many more.  Then, of course, who is cast as the king is dependent on who is cast as Anna, Kralahome, the king’s son, and the list goes on.

                Doesn’t that sound just a bit familiar?  Doesn’t it seem like the decision we make for one child affects all our other children?  When we make a decision about our involvement in one area, doesn’t it affect how we are involved elsewhere?  Life is like a building being built with single blocks and each block’s placement is dependent on the placement of the blocks that came before them.  No wonder we feel a bit nervous about our decisions sometimes.  What is important to remember is that there are two guiding principles that help us pick the best blocks for our foundation and for each pillar (area) of our life. 

                I can’t begin to tell you how much freedom and how much RELIEF have come to me since really starting to put these principles into practice.  I know it sounds like I’m beating a dead horse because I mention them all the time.  But hey, let’s think about it a minute! If every decision we made centered on the priorities of knowing God and becoming more like him, wouldn’t that make our paths a little more clear?  Wouldn’t that make the direction we choose more specific?  Wouldn’t that make our actions be taken with more purpose and confidence?

                No! It doesn’t always make it more comfortable!  At least it doesn’t make it more comfortable when we are dealing with people who only see outside actions and appearances.  Sometimes I get really frustrated because even when I know I am making the decision that God would have me make, I still have this nagging need to explain myself and my decisions to other people.  This is especially true with fellow Christians.  Maybe I’m just paranoid, but when I’m not able to attend a church function, or when I have to say no to some additional involvement at church, I feel like I have to explain why for fear of being thought of poorly. I don’t want to feel that way and most of the time I don’t even struggle with it.  However, every once in a while there seems to be a certain personality type that says something to me in a way that makes me feel like they are assuming the worst of me and judging my decisions and my actions.

                Yet, when I am in the same situation with non-Christians and I have to say no to involvement with an activity or organization based on my priorities within my home, the same priorities that I use when deciding on church involvement, the non-Christians seem to understand and accept my position without question.  Could it be that we as Christians allow ourselves to get caught up with appearances and feel like we have to work in order to prove something to others?  I’m certainly not saying that we should not have fruit in our lives, but does that fruit have to be something that is on display for others to affirm us.

                I guess that’s why I’ve been focusing so much on the priorities of knowing God and becoming more like Him over the past few years.  In doing so, it has made the path a bit easier to walk even when it feels like those around me may be judging my decisions, my motives, my actions, my involvement in some things and my non-involvement in others.  To be quite honest, when all is said and done, it won’t really matter what others thought about my decisions and my life.  What WILL matter is what GOD thinks about my decisions and the way I lived my life!  He will be the one that I answer to…and I want so much for Him to say to me….”Well done.”  I want him to be pleased with the way that I chose to seek after Him, the way I grew in Christ-likeness and the way that those to priorities affected the way I lived my life, loved my husband, raised my children, ran my home, ministered to others and used the gifts and abilities that God has given me to bring glory to Himself.      

                This is a good thing for me to remember going into this weekend!  I’m speaking at a mother’s conference.  Although I’ve spoken in lots of different settings for lots of different groups, this will be the first time I’ve spoken in a conference setting just for mothers.  It’s good to be reminded that it’s not about me…It’s about helping others to know Him and to become more like Him.  So many mothers can be set free from so much guilt and confusion just by focusing on those priorities.  Thus, I can’t be worried about “me”….but must focus on the job and the message that I feel God wants me to share and leave the outcome with Him.

                May God give each of us the faith and courage to focus on Him and letting the outcome of that priority speak for itself!

                Faith and Courage,

                Lori        

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I've spent some time thinking about that lately and I've done some "people watching" as well.  We went up to the ski resort last week and on one of the days that the boys and John were skiing, I uncharacteristically decided to stay in the lodge and just sit and crochet while they were braving the elements.  I think I learned alot about myself  that day by watching others. 

The people who seemed to be the most content, the most at peace and the most joyous seemed to be "embracing the moment" and did not appear to be distracted by other things.  The people who seemed impatient, unhappy, and definitely without joy were those that seemed to be trying to straddle or do too many things at once.  In other words, while trying to communicate with someone face to face, they were also trying to communicate with someone via cell phone.  While trying to get their children's ski clothes on and get them ready to go, they were also trying to gobble down a sandwich at the same time.

I couldn't help but think about those times when I feel impatient and without joy.  Do you know what I realized?  Many times when I am robbed of my joy, it is because I'm distracted from the moment at hand.  While homeschooling my children, I try and organize my incoming email...and thus, lose the joy of the moment in my homeschooling.  While trying to drive, I'm putting on my makeup and getting impatient with the drivers around me.  While on a date with my husband, I'm distracted by all I didn't get done in my home that day. OR, even when trying to commune with my Lord or worship Him, I begin making mental "to-do" lists in my mind and lose the joy of fellowship with my maker. Sometimes, I give my joy away to distractions around me instead of focusing on the "here and now".  Strange thing to be saying at the beginning of the year right?....especially when everyone is talking about planning ahead, getting organized...and even "beginning with the end in mind"......

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Like many of you, I usually spend the last few days of the year, thinking back over the past year.  I take joy in what went right, what I improved on, the memories that were created and the growth that was experienced.  I'm sure that you also, like me, make lists of things that you want to improve on for the coming year.

This year has been a bit different.  My house has been full of comings and goings and family and friends since it seems like right after Thanksgiving.  Living in a small home, this type of commotion can make some quiet time of contemplating and planning rather challenging.  Thus, this year, the days between Christmas and New Year's did not afford me much time to "think".  I LOVE all the hustle and bustle of the holidays...but somehow, when I woke up the past few mornings I was longing for some time to just BE quiet and think.  Without it, I have been feeling a bit at loose ends and unprepared to face the coming year and all that it will require of me.

Today.....I woke up a bit tired, sore and even grumpy from all the skiing and sugar of the past few weeks...so I begged off of going up to the slopes with everyone else and instead, I have spent the day in a very, VERY quiet house.   It's just been me, the dog and the cat hanging out inside today and I must admit that it has left me feeling refreshed. 

There is something calming about being able to sit and look at the coming year, to pray about priorities, schedules, relationships and so much more.  To get my head wrapped around at least the first few months of the coming year helps me plan so much more efficiently and helps me rearrange schedules, projects, goals, deadlines, etc., into a format that mirrors what I feel is most important.

The first thing I did today was to go through my calendar for January through March and block out the times when I KNEW we needed to be together as a family.  You know......blocking out evenings when NO ONE WAS GOING TO GO ANYWHERE NO MATTER WHAT. ..and we were going to have dinner together...and read together.  (We are ready to start "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" now.)  ...and of course play RUMMY and SKI together.  Then, I tried to put in those events when I knew that our famiy needed to attend in order to support one another in our various pursuits.......and so on, and so on.

There is something about putting first things first.   You know...before we know it, New Year's EVE 2008 will be here....and  want to be sure that I started 2008 with the "end in mind".  I know that none of us wants to get to the end of this next year, much less the end of our lives and feel like life just rushed past us and that none of what happened was ever done on or WITH purpose.  Now...that is saying something for someone like me that likes to have some spontanaeity to her life.  However, I think by planning SOME things..we allow for spontanaeity in other things. 

So...today, I didn't get to the decorations that still need to be taken down....or the laundry, or the files that need to be organized or....etc.etc....but I did get my brain and my priorities organized....and I can't tell you what a burden that is off of my mind.  There is still much to do.....but somehow, knowing what my desired end result is....helps take the "pressure" off......and helps simplify my choices and my life going into a new year.

Faith and Courage!

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I know that I talk alot about having first things first and "beginning with the end in mind"....and I must say that I'm continually amazed at how having God's two supreme priorities in mind simplifies my decisions and makes my attitude toward various situations more positive.

I'm directing a community theater production right now.  We decided to do Broadway junior production to allow students in our area to have a taste of musical theater that they don't often get in schools due to the cut back in fine arts education funding.  It has been so much fun!  I must admit, that with opening night less than 24 hours away, I DO have butterflies but I THINK it is more excitement and anticipation than anything else.

One thing I've noticed is that my attitude toward this whole process is different than it used to be...AND different than many of those around me.  Now, don't get me wrong....I also know that I'm a bit further down the road in this type of thing than others....but still...I think that the difference is something to be discussed.

When under stress......I find myself much more able to relax in God's sovereignty than in past years.  I also know that the schedule, although busy, has not felt "pushed" and I think that is because our whole family is involved and we all know that this is a type of community outreach and ministry......and that this is what we do.  In other words, this activity fits into our overall picture of 'beginning with the end in mind'.

One other thing I'm noticing...is that I am much slower to snap at people and kids than in previous years.  Part of the reason for that is due to the fact that over the years, I'm learning that "it's not about me."  What a relief to know that and to realize it enough to have it affect my outlook and approach to things.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect....but I can tell that I'm growing in this area. 

Here's another thing!  It's funny how people look at children.  Many look at them as "subjects" to conform to outward standards.....many assume the worst from children and teens.....many talk down to them.....many don't season their comments with the sandwich method.  (you know....a compliment...followed by something to work on...followed by another compliment)  I think it is important to end conversations with students on a positive note......just like we would want to be addressed.  We don't want to ONLY hear what we do wrong...we also want to know what we do right.....however, so many adults seem to focus on the negative aspects of children.  I think it is important...if not IMPERATIVE to look for the best in students....and not to focus on the worst....address it yes...but not make it the only topic of conversation between adults and children....my goodness, how depressing and defeating that would be to students if they are only addressed when they are doing something wrong!

The children I'm working with now...to be honest with you.......are more of a pleasure to work with than many adults I've known.  With kids, at least what you see is what you get.......and there are no hidden agendas or motives.  That can't always be said of adults can it?  At least not the adults that I know.......sometimes the behavior of children is to be preferred to that of adults...if you know what I mean.   Yes of course, we have a few cast members that are a bit of a handful.......and yes, I do get weary dealing with the same ones who hae behavioral issues at every rehearsal...but I also get great satisfaction in encouraging them to improve in these areas and seeing improvement over the course of the production process. What an opportunity adults have to input into student's lives by helping them to grow in various areas by adult encouragement vs. adult lectures and scoldings.

I'm so excited to see it all come together tomorrow night...and I think from now on....I will be the only one addressing the kids and giving notes....because I want to set the mood and control the atmosphere.  I don't mean to sound selfish or haughty...I just know what type of experience I want these kids to have.....and it's important to me...and I believe it is important to God as well.

I'm hoping that tomorrow night...during their "focus" time that many of them will join together in small groups to pray for the performance.  This is not a christian organization...but I know there are some christian students involved...so I hope that they will step to the plate and pray together.

Well, that's enough for tonight.  Sometime I want to write an article on getting kids on your side......vs. the common method of just preaching to kids......but them never hearing what you are saying.   But right now isn't the time.

Gotta get some rest tonight if I can even sleep.  I'll post more after opening night!

Lori

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I’ve been blessed.  BUT, I didn’t always think so.  It seems that from the time I was born I was always put in situations where people challenged me to determine the end result that I wanted BEFORE I ever started a project or made a decision.  Have I always put that principle into practice?  Of course not!  I’m human…..and sometimes I do get the cart before the horse.  Nevertheless, I DO know that following that principle has kept me from some very serious negative choices along the way.

Let me give you an example.  Back when my older two boys were starting high school, a conversation about girls came up which eventually covered how their father and I met and married each other.  Simultaneously during the conversation, I was going through some old boxes of mementos and came across an old journal I had from my middle and high school years.  Of course, the boys wanted to look at it and when they opened it they found a list that I had made years ago….a list of “required” character traits of the man I would want to marry.  (I have to admit that I did include a few physical and personality traits as well J )  As the boys read through them, my son John Michael looked up from reading and said, “This list describes Dad”.  Exactly!  I couldn’t have said it better.

Keeping the picture of my future husband that I had developed in my mind over the course of my life up until that point kept me from making some very BAD decisions along life’s path.  That list began when I was just a girl of four and I lay in my bed at night listening to my dad berate and hit my mother.  I can remember praying and crying that God would give me a husband that was very different from my father and that I would have a loving and peaceful home when I got married.  Sometimes knowing what you want as your end result starts with knowing what you DON’T want as your end result.

I’m very blessed that God heard the prayers of a 4 year old little girl and that he brought others into my life along the way that demonstrated to me characteristics that I would want in a husband.  There was the man I call my “surrogate” father….Mr. Dan Janke.  He knew that my homelife was tumultuous and he took the time to have me play for his ministry in the junior church of our congregation.  As we traveled back and forth to church each Sunday, he would talk to me about guys……who I was dating….what to watch out for…and in his own home life, I saw him demonstrate unconditional love to his wife and to his children.  There was my band and choir director….a man who knew what he believed and was willing to make decisions that others probably misunderstood but that allowed him to be true to his convictions and to his family.  There was my grandfather….a man whose entire community respected and admired him and who affirmed me in following a path that other’s might not understand.  The list goes on….but I’m sure you get the picture.  From each husband, father, and family that I observed I took away what I liked and admired and longed for……and also things that I didn’t like and wouldn’t want as part of my future family.

You could use many illustrations to demonstrate the principle of “beginning with the end in mind”.  Maybe the one I used above just does not resonate with you…..so let’s use a couple more illustrations to help you get a picture of this principle firmly embedded in your mind.  What about a gardener?  Now that I live in the west where everything doesn’t just grow on command as it did in the Atlanta area, I’ve watched gardeners in our area spend countless hours researching, reading, going through seed catalogs, preparing soil in the fall etc. etc. etc.  They spend all this time preparing before they EVER put a seed into the ground.  Why….because they know that just planting seeds will not produce the type of vegetable or flower garden that they want.  They have a definite picture in their mind of what they want their spring garden to look like and because that picture is so vivid and specific, they are willing to put in the time and planning to make that garden a reality.

There aren’t many seamstresses out there that can just make a dress that fits themselves or someone else without taking measurements, making adjustments to a pattern and carefully following the instructions in making a garment.  Yes, they could immediately cut a piece of material into bodices, sleeves, etc…..but if those pieces aren’t planned and measured then the seamstress will not get the end result that she wants:  a beautiful, well fitted garment.

I dare say that many of us, when first married, left much to be desired in the cooking department.  It’s a wonder that my poor husband didn’t starve during those first couple of years.  I really didn’t know how to make a real meat and potatoes meal.  Poor John….he suffered through the strangest combination of casserole ingredients and various pasta meals until I’m shocked he didn’t just give up on me.  Do you know what helped me in that area?  It sounds corny I’m sure!  But looking at pictures of meals in various magazines.  It gave me a visual of what a real meal looked like.  (Sounds crazy….I know…but remember, I grew up in a housefull of girls for the most part…we didn’t DO meat and potatoes).  When I could visualize what I wanted our dinners to look like and taste like then I had a starting place on how to plan my grocery shopping, my food preparation and how I set our table.  Simplistic?  I don’t think so…..because when I visit around and talk to women….this is still an area where many women struggle.  (www.menus4moms.com)

Jumping right into things before thinking about the end result of our decision, our involvement, our words, etc., seems to be a common characteristic among people in general.  Act now….Think later!  I always end up regretting following that mantra.  I have a wise friend who has taught me to say the opposite in the form of the following saying:  When you say yes to one thing…you are saying NO to another.  These ideas and principles of thinking before acting and beginning with the end in mind, are principles that can be applied to every area of our lives.

I don’t know about you!  But when I come to the end of my life, I want to look back and say that I lived my life on purpose….God’s purpose…..and that’s where we must begin.  

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Wow....what a great first day of homeschooling!  Sometimes you start a year..and you feel like you have to fake your way through the first few days trying to get into a rhythm.  I did do ALOT of planning for this year...but last night, the night before our first day, I just didn't feel ready.  It all seems so overwhelming sometimes.

This is my 14th year of homeschooling.  Seems like a long time...and it SURELY seems like I should feel like an expert......but that is NOT the case.  Instead, I just feel like someone who keeps trying to do the right thing by each child...and who keeps seeking God's face for wisdom and discernment in our homeschooling journey.  Last night I had to pray for energy and perseverance as well......because to be honest, I felt tired....14 years of homeschooling and only nine more to go.  Sheesh!

However, TODAY was incredible.  I keep wondering what the difference was...and you know what...I think it was ME.  I mean..instead of demanding self-discipline and attentiveness from the kids...I demanded it from myself.  I quit multi-tasking and gave them and our school time, undivided attention.  I didn't look at email, I didn't read another book, I didn't answer the phone......I just was with them....wholeheartedly.

I also was more demanding on myself as far as an overall schedule.  Now, if you know me...I LIKE, no I LOVE flexibility...but there is also comfort from knowing when things happen and what you can expect.  So today, and for the next three weeks..we have decided that we are going to "be generals" when it comes to our schedule.  In other words, chores are done by a certain time, breakfast, lunch and dinner happen at approximately the same time each day...and the boys can count on me to be with them for certain subjects at certain times during the day.

Sounds like I'm oversimplifying things I know...but it really made a huge, HUGE difference.  I mean, I felt like I was "put together" if you know what I mean.  AND, I think the boys really enjoyed it.

Now, the question is..can I stay consistent at this.  I'm praying for the determination and energy to do so.  I certainly like the results of this...and I know John did too.  We don't want to be slaves to a schedule..but yet, we want the comfort of knowing when things will get done.

Another thing we switched to...is instead of doing ALL the household cleaning on one day.....there is one main household chore EACH day for each person...that way, we are never overwhelmed...and that way the house stays consistently picked up...just not on one or two days of the week.  Again, sounds like a simple thing.....but I think it is going to make a HUGE difference. 

We have so many outside and animal related chores now...that I think this will work better..AND between John and I...we are going to be the ones always handling the kitchen.  The boys have put in their time...and now, there are other things that they need to do.  PLUS, with them NOT doing the kitchen..I feel more in control of that space...and believe me, with all men in the house, I NEED to feel in control of the kitchen.

Well, that's it for now.  Simple things.........make keeping it real easier I guess!

Lori

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