Jul. 18, 2008 - Beach Bound

You know the saying, "Every cloud has a silver lining"?  Well this has definately been a cloud-y season around here...and now finally I see the sun peeking through and revealing a silver lining!  The silver lining in this case is a free beach trip for me and my girls!  A more appropriate phrase might be, "Every shell has a silver lining"!

A friend called and asked if we would be able (on such short notice) to pack some bags and drive to Destin for a week to stay FOR FREE in another friend's beach condo!  OMG!  Give me five minutes to pack!  I am so ready for a change of scenery... and totally believe this is a gift from God!  He is so good, and so knows what I need.

So my friend and I are looking forward to late night talks and beach time, and our girls are great friends, so everyone is excited.  Also, I have never been to Destin and am excited to see what all the fuss is about!  We leave tomorrow morning and will return Friday  ~  just in time to welcome my boy home from his Europe trip.

I am more excited to see him than going to the beach!  I have missed him so much and cannot wait to hear all about his adventures!

So, we are beach bound...I gotta go pack.  Please pray against shark attacks!  Thanks!

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Jul. 15, 2008 - under a cloud

I'll say it again.......I do not know how people live in this world without Jesus!   It seems that everyone I know has been under a black cloud lately.  I personally feel like every day there is some new traumatic thing to process.  I want to cry out, "UNCLE!"   I have been dealing with a lot lately, most of which I cannot share.  I am sad. I am grieving. Yet I realize that my suffering is dwarfed by the suffering of many others. For the first time in my life I can honestly say that I am longing for heaven.  I-am-ready-to-be- done-here-thank-you-very-much!

The saddest thing today was watching my friend bury her (22 weeks old) premature baby.  The tiny white coffin was almost too much to take.  So sweet, so sad, so unbelievable.  I truly do believe that that precious baby is in heaven, but those words are only slightly comforting for a first time momma whose arms are empty.  There really aren't any words. Time and prayer will eventually dull their pain. Please lift up a prayer for Stephanie and Chris as they grieve the loss of their dear little Brody.

The Bible tells us that in the days ahead we will have trouble. But, thankfully, God promises to not allow more than we can bear.  I'm clinging to that. 

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Jun. 25, 2008 - Groaning

I truly do not understand how people exist in this world without God.... without Jesus.... and the Holy Spirit ....and His Holy Word .  Sometimes life is just so stinkin' hard!  Relationships are hard! I don't know what I would do if I didn't have the love of my perfect savior to rescue me over and over again.

Today I learned AGAIN that love really does "cover a multitude of sins", and that "a kind word turns away wrath".   I was also reminded that  "a friend loves at all times."  This stuff is true!   It is beautiful!   It is still hard!  

I find myself being more anxious for my place in heaven...but until then I am so thankful to have Jesus to help me stumble through this world!

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Jun. 25, 2008 - Sincerity vs. Friendliness

In regard to male/female relationships growing up,  I often heard that I was to be careful not to "send mixed signals" to boys.  That it is wrong to "lead someone on" or "string them along".  I wholeheartedly agree with these statements and have even discussed them with my teenaged son, but have you noticed that as adults we do that very thing with friendships? Maybe a better word is aquaintances.

I understand that the goal is to be friendly.  Kind.  But, I wouldn't like to count how many times I've been told, " Oh, I love you,friend....Let's get together sometime",  or some other similar sentiment only to realize later that it is *never* going to happen.  This leaves me wondering....when did it become approriate to lie; to lead each other on and to send mixed signals in any relationship?

I say keep your flattery, friendliness and empty words!  I want honest relationships!  Can I get an amen?

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Jun. 20, 2008 - DRG

I am supposed to be packing for our trip to Doe River Gorge tomorrow, but I'm bloggin' like a mad woman instead!  This is my third post tonight!  I have alot going on in my little brain and it just feels good to get some of my thoughts out.

I've been a totally depresssed toad for a few days now, but after watching videos of my kids when they were younger I am anxious and excited to spend the day with them tomorrow at DRG. Does anyone else watch old home movies of their kids and cry? URG!  I am such a sap!  I sit there, awe struck, with tears rolling down my cheeks!  They are absolutely the cutest, smartest, most wonderful children in the world!  I know, I'm probably biased!  You think YOUR kids are the best, don't you? 

So, now I plan to take the video camera with us to capture more memories to cry over when I'm old(er). 

In case you're wondering.....DRG is a camp in Elizabethton, TN. They host youth group type camping adventures, as well as  Mother/Daughter weekends and Father/Son weekends.  We are going for a one day Family Quest, where we will be  swimming in the lake, riding the zip line, jumping off the blob etc....  I say  "we"...I mean  "they".  "I" do not do adventure..."I" will be relaxing lakeside and possibly catching tadpoles with my little cutie.

Okay, I really do have to go pack the cooler now !

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Jun. 20, 2008 - Jesus knows

Crucified and laid behind a stone

 You lived to die ~ rejected and alone

Like a rose trampled on the ground

You took the fall

And thought of me

 Above all

It's inevitable that as humans we hurt each other.  Even unintentionally sometimes.  This week I was  hurt by some friends, unintentionally I'm sure, but hurt just the same.  As I have nursed my wounded feelings and replayed the whole scenario over and over and over again, I have been reminded that we have a savior that knows what it feels like to be rejected.  Jesus was laughed at, called names, spit upon and killed by an angry hate-filled crowd of people that He came to heal and save. I can't imagine what that must've been like for Him.  The pain I have felt from rejection in my own life ~ so dark and terrible~ yet  NOTHING compared to what Jesus endured.  Thank You, Lord, for being my friend.  You will never reject me.  In that I can take comfort! 

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Jun. 20, 2008 - My Sheep Hear My Voice

The kids and I have been doing a fun thing for our devotion time the past couple of weeks.   We have been spending time reading through a Psalm and a Proverb each day, discussing them, and then spending some quiet time drawing what most stood out from the passage.  It has been so interesting to see what the kids come up with!  The other day, Lil was drawing Prov. 1:10-19 which says, in part, "I will keep my feet from the path of sinners."  Instead of drawing what was suggested in the text, she went off on this great theological tangent of a drawing which showed a crooked path (empty) and a straight and narrow path stamped with footprints.  At the top of each path was a animal (I couldn't decipher what animals they were supposed to be), so I asked her about them, and she responded, "Those are the sheep and the goats that the Bible talks about....one day Jesus will seperate the sheep from the goats.....the sheep stay on the straight path and the goats are the ones on the crooked path."  Oh!  *How* old are you?

You could use this approach with any drawing notebook, but we have enjoyed these guides by the Notgrass company.  Draw to Learn the Psalms and Draw to Learn the book of Proverbs. www.notgrass.com

I have also been reading a book called Growing Up Christian that has been very thought provoking.  It delves into the blessings and dangers of growing up as a "church kid".  I think that some of the chapters will make for good discussions with the two older kiddos.  The author makes the observation that many times "church kids" are unamazed by God's grace because they have never known a time without it.  He also proposes that we as parents should not assume that our kids have a relationship with Christ just because we do, or because they go to church and know all the right answers in Sunday School. He warns that the lure of the world is very attractive to even "church kids" and that we need to be on guard.  It has been a very interesting read, and one that  has convicted me that I need to be purposefully praying for my kids! 

I had a meeting with a woman just days ago who shared with me that her son has rejected Christianity.  Her sweet, good, homeschooled boy has grown up and decided that it is all hogwash!   My mother's heart was breaking for her as she asked me to pray for him when I think of it!  I have prayed for him several times, and will continue to pray for my own kids, too, that they will not stray far.  Oh Lord, I want my kids to be your sheep!  BAAAAA!

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Jun. 13, 2008 - Just touching base

Well, I wish I had something wonderfully exciting or inspiring to write about, but truthfully I do not.  I have been feeling unusually quiet these days.  There is alot going on that I *could* ramble about, but honestly I just don't have any desire to do so.  Weird, huh? I'm verbally lazy. I have been lurking a bit catching up on bloggy friends, but I haven't even been leaving many comments!  I've noticed that many others have also taken a break from blogging.  Just feeling quiet.... reflective..... thoughtful.... I guess.

I had hoped that the summer would be relaxing and care free which has not panned out so far.  We have had a bazillion doctor, ortho, and dentist appointments... URG!!!  We have started taking piano lessons again (which is working out great...praise the Lord!) and Davis is preparing for his trip to Europe (in 16 days!!!) So, they have not been the lazy days of summer I had envisioned, but it's all good stuff.  Maybe now that all the appointments are out of the way we can relax by the pool.

So, just thought I'd touch base and say "Hi".  I'll be back when I'm chatty again.  Happy summer! 

*edit 5 minutes later*  Wow, I'm feeling chattier already!!!   Maybe I just needed to get going!?  Okay, a neat thing happened today! The kiddos and I have been doing a mini-unit study on the government and the election process, which has been very fun, and today we were discussing the three branches of government and what the functions are of each branch.  So, right after discussing the Legislative Branch (Senate and Congress), who do you think came a 'knockin' at the door?  Representative Stacey Campfield that's who!  The kids were very excited...and I think he's a very handsome Irish looking fellow.  I also liked his flyer...I agree with many of his positions on issues like preventing eminent domain abuse, opposing tolls roads, and protecting human life (at any stage). I think I'll vote for him!  Lily asked me to vote once for her, too, since she's not old enough to vote for herself!  So there you have it!

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May. 15, 2008 - educational gaps

As homeschooling moms we often worry about  gaps in our children's/student's education.  I have recently discovered a HUGE gap in my own understanding of history. 

I am somewhat of a history buff and love to read about Ancient Civilizations and Early American/Colonial History,  however,  I've never been especially interested in Modern History...until now. 

I've been reading a book about a missionary woman who was in Papau New Guinea when It was taken over by the Japenese military during WWII.  It is an interesting story, except for the fact that I had no stinking idea what was going on!  What does Papua New Guinea have to do with WWII?  Wasn't Hitler at war with the rest of Europe?  How do the Japenese fit in with all this?  Where is New Guinea anyway?  Why are there so many Europeans there...isn't it part of the Asian islands?  Huh?  Good grief!!

All of my questions began to drown out the story for me because I simply did not understand how it all fit together.  I decided to put the book away and begin a mini-unit study I titled, "WWII ~ What the heck was it all about? Who exactly was involved?...and Where is New Guinea, anyway?" 

I'm happy to report that with the help of  maps, globes, atlases and The Story of the World vol.4,  I now understand!!!!  It all makes sense!  What a relief!  I can finish my book now... and I can relax;  If  my kids do have gaps in their education at graduation time, they can always fill them in later!

Sigh! Here's to lifelong learning!

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Apr. 30, 2008 - Healing Hearts..."Deeper Still" retreats

Hello.  Who else feels like they are running 100 miles per hour?  Wowsa!  May is as bad as December!  Anyway, I don't have time to write much ~ but I did want to check in to say hello and ask for your prayers for this upcoming weekend May 2-4.  We are having our Healing Hearts retreat in the beautiful Smokey Mountains.  We have ten ladies coming( YEAH!)  and we are very excited to see what the Lord has planned for them.

I think I've posted about this before, but in case your wondering...Healing Hearts is a post-abortion ministry that I'm involved with.  We have two weekend retreats a year.  The team is made up of 14 women (some post-abortive, some not) who are passionate about helping hurting women enter  "Deeper Still"  into healing from the guilt, shame, and hidden secrets that bind them.   It is always a  beautiful, tender weekend and we all leave there changed.

I don't have time to elaborate more right now, but if you are interested or want to know more about a Healing Hearts retreat, feel free to email me!  We are also looking for prayer partners to pray for us during the weekend.  If you'd like to be involved in that way, email me and I will send you a document explaining the retreat in detail and how you can pray specifically.

Thanks bloggy friends!  

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Apr. 16, 2008 - Counting down

Let the countdown begin! 

If you visit my blog regularly, you have no doubt suffered through my whining about how hard our first year of high school at home has been.  Well, it has been!  Usually we do school throughout the summer.  We read a lot, do projects unit studies, etc.. some of the wondeful things that get squeezed out during the school year. I really like that approach because it takes some of the pressure off during the "school year", frees us up to take days off to play, go on field trips, and it helps us to actually complete things that wouldn't otherwise get finished (due to our 4 day at home schedule).... eh-hem....and my loosey goosey-nes.

Well, this year I am literally counting the days until we finish!  There will be no academics this summer at the Corley abode!  No sirree!  I am D-O-N-E!  Well, mentally I'm D-O-N-E...  in reality we have to complete 22 days of Bible, 6 days of Health, 3 more weeks of Co-op classes (which will end Alg1, Comp/Lit and Phy.Sci.)  Oh, Glory Halleluiah!  I see a light at the end of the tunnel!

So, these are the things I plan to do this summer instead of homeschooling my children:

Read... alot!  (BTW...Have you read The Shack?  Wow! That' s a whole other post!)

Excersize...not becuae it thrills me, just because I need to.

Listen to and practice with the vocal training program I bought months ago.

De-junk and organize my library/school room... URG!

De-junk and organize all my closets...double URG!

Do some fun literatue units with 'Lil, and continue to teach her to read...we just won't call it school.

Take a pottery class for fresh inspiration.

Sleep-in, and laze around the pool!

Are you counting down?  What are your summer plans?

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Apr. 5, 2008 - Name Dropping

It's been a lovely week! The weather has been gorgeous, and the flowers and trees are all abloom!  I have so appreciated just feeling like my old self again. I'm sure God lets us wallow in misery every once in awhile, just so we can appreciate how wonderful ordinary, normal life really is.  Anyway, after those first few "normal" days, in the beginning of the week, I had a couple of super-duper extraordinary days.  I've been blessed to have exciting, inspiring meetings with people living with purpose.

Thursday night I attended a fundraising banquet for a local Crisis Pregnancy Center.  The ministry I am involved with (Healing Hearts) is sponsored by them, so I went to show my support.  My very dear friend shared her testimony to the room of almost 500 people, and I was so proud of her, I could've burst!  She was terrified, but she did it anyway!  YEAH! The keynote speaker was an amazing African American woman named Star Parker.  She had an incredible story to tell and is a very inspiring conservative Christian woman who is passionate and articulate and seemingly fearless. Visit her website to find all sorts of info on her organization and even a video of her personal testimony. www.urbancure.org

Saturday morning, Davis and I attended one of our People to People orientation meetings where we met and spoke with Congressman Duncan.  I was very impressed by him.  He was a very nice, soft spoken, thoughtful, and straighforward man.  I totally expected a "slick" politician, but he seemed completely sincere. He posed for pictures with the kids and gave each one a "lucky penny" souvenir. Neat, huh? 

Then as if  that wasn't enough hob nobbing, Saturday night my husband and I attended a house concert.  Have you ever been to a house concert?  I never had.  Apparently, it's a common thing in some circles. Anyway, It was very fun.  Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn are a lovely married couple with three beautiful children. They are aslo incredibly gifted songwriters and musicians.  So, they played for our group of about 40 at a friend's home.  No amps, no microphones, no fuss no muss...just them and their guitars and unbelievable talent.  They played, talked, shared and ate with us..... just like the were a part of the gang!  If you like folk music you'll love them.  Very smart, deep and sometimes funny lyrics (especially Andy's songs....he is more of what I would call a folk story song writer, Jill's music is more serious and spiritual) and wonderful music. Check them out!  www.jillphillips.com  www.andygullahorn.com

So, today was normal again.  No famous people, no fancy banquet, just me and the kids...running errands, decoding words, walking the dog, folding laundry.........it's all good!

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Apr. 2, 2008 - Complete nonsense..... and a great book chapter

Be warned!  This post is going to be a bullet type blathering of whatever pops into my mind.  I just don't have it in me to try to form transitions or connections.  There will be no flow, no point,  just random thoughts spewing forth!

* *Today was yet another day of weirdness.  URG!   BUT, Glory be to God.... there is a blue sky, flowers blooming, sunshine, and lots of fluffy clouds today - or we might have been in real trouble!  My poor children have been off  entertaining themselves with chores, school, and play,  basically just trying to stay away from me until I turn back into the mother the know and love.  I did manage to make lunch, take the dog for a walk , and do a puzzle with Lily.  I found it frustrating that a 100 piece puzzle suited for ages 6 and up was actually difficult for me!  I'm not a highly visual person and puzzles are not my really my cup of tea, but CHEEZ WHIZ  I'm 40...not 6...!   It was a hard puzzle!   So, that's it.  I'm done.  No more productive pursuits today. I'm just gonna sit around and wait for American Idol to come on!

**I've made two new recipes from my recently purchased cookbook.  Red Potato and Green Pea Salad and Shrimp and Edamame Rotini.  Yummy , huh? Both were tasty and healthy...a bit high in the carb dept., but  low fat and high in protein. I used a higher fiber Rotini and small Red potatoes which helps(not as starchy as regular potatoes).

**Now that I've impressed you with my thoughtfulness regarding food, let me confess that today I have been totally comforting myself with food.  Nasty-not-my-new-lifestyle-junk food.  Already today I have had a Mc Donald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese, a handful of Funyuns, a handful of Whoppers, a handful of Ginger Snaps and a Ho-Ho!  I know, it's astounding! Please don't tell my dietician!  She'd croak!  (I feel a bit queasy from it all, too!)

**I've been reading a good little book called When Homeschooling Gets Tough by Diana Johnson and Chapter 7 really spoke to me.  It is titled "Dealing With Difficult Children".  I must confess that I really do not have difficult children, my kids have always been pretty easy. But, this year Davis has struggled a bit adjusting to his first year of High School it has been hard for me.  It has been a challenging time to consider what I really believe about my parenting, his character, and about letting God work in his life.  Here are a few lines from that chapter:

.......When our children are young, we find we can supress most difficult outward behavior. The need for our approval is a powerful force in their lives.  So much of their world revolves around parents and family. However, even young ones can be hardheaded in their rebellion.  We can admonish and instruct them, gently encouraging a heart change.  Despite our valiant efforts, we cannot force their sinful hearts to repent.  It is the work of the Holy Sporit to soften the heart......

....As our children get older, imposing outward obedience becomes harder. Inward obedience remains the province of God.  Our teens are thinking thoughts they do not always share with us. Classes, activities, and part time jobs thrust them into the world without our presence.......

.....As faithful, loving parents we do not shirk the battle, but do our best to confront sin every time it rears its ugly head.  In moments of weakness when the battle rages and our energies are low, we may ask ourselves, Why this battle? We homeschool to avoid all this.  We search for answers. We feel an array of uncomfortable emotions.  We are dissappointed in our children's choices.....

...Hardest of all, we can feel like failures - despite all our faithfull efforts.  After all, we think really dedicated homeschoolers don't have these problems.  Perhaps I didn't read the right books.  Perhaps I didn't say the right words. Perhaps I was not wise enough in my discipline.  Perhaps I expected too much.  Perhaps I've been too much of a pushover.  Perhaps we can "perhaps" ourselves to death! 

WOW!  Anyone else relating to this?  

Anyone eating anything good out there?

Anyone else excited about American Idol? 

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Mar. 31, 2008 - coming out of the dark

Even as I sit here typing, the strange fog that hangs over my brain is apparent.  This is the dark-foggy state I've been in for several days now.  It all started with what I think are allergies.  I took some over the counter Allergy/Cold medicine one night before bed and had a major allergic reation to it!  So, with my extreme case of red hot hives, I plodded off to the doctor where they shot me up full of steroids.  So, here I am, a week later, still suffering from allergies, and somewhat *insane* due to the steroid pack I'm on. URG!  I have begun to wean off of them, so I'm very hopeful that I will be feeling normal in a day or two. It has been an excersize in remembering to focus on what is true and not just feelings. Emotions are a funny, funny thing!  Word of advice:  think carefully before agreeing to take steroids for a case of hives! Sheesh! 

Speaking of emotions, I'm still trying to decide on classes for next school year.  How about a vote?  If you were me, and you had already purchased a complete Spanish program for next year, would you go ahead and use it, or would you sign your kid up for a Latin class that you wouldn't have to teach. I love the idea of Latin, but as romantic as I feel toward it, I don't want to teach it.  I could teach Spanish and I already have the stuff, so that makes the most sense, right? I did think about doing both...one at home..one at co-op, but that would probably be overkill.... cost ...and... time and effort.  Thoughts?  Votes?  Frankly, I am feeling so overwhelmed I might just put them all in school next year and take afternoon naps....and maybe a pottery class! ( I'm not really considering that, it's just those crazy emotions rearing up! )

Okay, this is our line up for grade 10 next year:

Comp/Lit

World History

Algebra2

Music (applied)

Bible

Spanish or Latin

Art

...........................................for a total of 6 credits!

Loo Loo's Seventh Grade will look like this:

Study Skills

Creative Writing

World Geography/History

Earth and Space Science

Math 7

Bible

And, for the little one (2nd grade):

Math, Reading, Phonics, Lapbooks, Units, and misc. fun stuff...MY kinda schoolwork!

In other news, I had an hour to kill today while the big kids were at co-op and little bit had dance class, so I aimlessly wandered the bookstore.  I ended up with yet another low fat cookbook!  I had no buisness buying another cookbook, but I do so need new inspiration!  And I do love cookbooks!  Tonight after the kids are in bed I'm going to pour over it and make a list of all the yummy ingredients I must shop for!  Eat!  Now, that's something I can do in any frame of mind!

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Mar. 15, 2008 - Living in the moment...not!

Well, it's that time of the year when I start strategizing and agonizing about what to do in school next year.  It's kind of crazy, because by April I am actually putting more energy into what we should do next year than I am spending on teaching school this year. So much for living in the moment.

It's time to register for co-op classes..that's what does it to me!  I was trying to stick to my "4-Year High School Plan Worksheet", but I just can't do it.  I've made more erase marks on that paper than I care to admit.  I talked to my very wonderful-special-long lost friend the other day and she had all sorts of encouraging advice for me, so I'm actually a lot more excited about next year than I am about finishing this year.  I don't like this year.  Yuck!  Ninth grade stinks.  I thought so when I was in ninth grade and I still think so!

Anyhoo, my kiddos have testing this upcoming week.  They actually like testing.  They are all so social I think they'd like anything that gets them out of the house and with other people.  If you read this in time... please pray for them, they are all a bit sick.  I'd hate to have to postpone their testing due to illness.  I say let's get it over with!

In other non-school related news...today we had Lily's 7th birthday party!!!!  Five of her little friends met us at the gymnastics studio and had a ball.  Man, forget about the elliptical machine... jumping on a trampoline is a great workout!  Lil had a great celebration! I gave her an early bath and plopped her in bed so she can fight off the bug that is trying to get her.  Brother and sister are already down for the count!  I've decided we are all staying home from church tommorrow to make sure we are well rested....oh, yeah, and to avoid spreading MORE of our nasty germs around town.

Have a restful, blessed Palm Sunday!

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Mar. 11, 2008 - Egads!

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Mar. 11, 2008 - Yet another gigantic photo....URGG!!!!!

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Mar. 10, 2008 - My attempt at posting a photo.....uh, how do I make it fit?

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Mar. 7, 2008 - Bunko and Duct tape

We are in a new season.  Our kids have social lives. Places to go, people to see. Tonight is a very busy for our children.  Lily has plans to attend the Popcorn Theater at church for a showing of Toy Story,  Davis and his friend are going to a free concert across the street , and Caroline (after we pick her up from dance) is going to a Middle School Bunko night at church.........we, the grown ups are spending the rest of our night driving around dropping off and picking everyone up!     I actually am looking forward to it.  I have a new worship CD I want to listen to!

I'm not sure exactly what Bunko is, but it is some sort of a game.  To make the game night more interesting the kids are suppose wear Duct Tape fashions.  I am basically lazy, so I suggested that we make a headband and a neck tie....or something easy like that.  But instead my industrious, creative children designed and constructed a beautiful silver and blue duct tape dress!  It should be interesting to see what other fashions have been created with adhesive!

 *Update 

WOW! The competion was fierce!  Although Caroline's duct tape dress was totally impressive, hers was not the only awe inspiring outfit.  One of the young leaders had constructed an entire suit  out of shiny "chrome" duct tape. There were super heroes, a kitty cat, and even a rainbow girl whose dress was rainbow colored tape and hula hoops!  I was glad that my kids didn't listen to me...it would have been lame to have showed up with only a neck tie and a headband!  I'm still not sure what Bunko is...or what it has to do with duct tape...but, it was a fun time nonetheless.

Lily liked Toy Story.  She had not seen it before.  She has been calling the mean boy "Sin" instead of Sid.  She often confuses names.  This blunder is fitting, huh?

Davis and his friend had fun at he concert, although they said it was too loud and too long.  I sure am glad I passed on that one.  If they thought it was too loud and too long, I definately would've felt that.

As for us, in between drop offs and pick ups, we did manage to eat Mexican at our favorite place and listen to my new CD.  It's a new season. 

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Feb. 28, 2008 - It's the Simple Things

I've been thinking today of all the simple things in life that make me happy.  Silly things like:

Watching my little dog try to carry a bone twice his size up onto the couch, dropping it repeatedly, but never giving up.

Listening to my little one sing praise songs from the top of her voice and bottom of her soul while she cleans her room.

Doing impersonations of famous people and/or singers...basically making fun of people, but not in a mean spirited way.

Practicing our fake British accents...kind of goes along with the above mentioned impersonations.

Reading my book in the bath tub.

Singing out loud while alone in my car...very rare and very precious.

Reading blogs that make me laugh.

Cooking a new recipe and having everyone actually like it.

Watching my middle daughter dance...breathtaking!

Listening to my son play guitar and sing songs he's written himself.

Getting a shoulder rub from my husband...OH Yeah!

Getting muddy while throwing pots.

Snuggle time by night light.

How about you?  What simple things make you happy?

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Feb. 25, 2008 - Wicked

Our 15th wedding anniversary was New Year's Eve.  To celebrate, my sweet husband surprised me with a trip to NYC.  You can read all about it in a previous post.  Anyway, while we were there we unknowingly stumbled into Times Square Church.  We had just come out of the Gershwin Theatre where we saw the hit musical Wicked ( a funny prequel story about the relationship the between Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the North from the Wizard of OZ). So, we were wandering around in the rain, trying to figure out where we should go eat, when we heard worship music coming from what looked like a movie theatre.  We went in and found ourselves in a beautiful gold and white theatre, packed with people from every imaginable ethnic background all gathered to worship and have their Sunday night service.  We stayed and loved it!  The feeling in the room was warm; we really were packed in there tightly, but everyone I came into contact with seemed so kind and welcoming.  It was a sort of refuge from the cold, busy city bustling outside.

That worship service was one of the highlights of our trip to NYC.  I loved seeing all those different "kinds" of people worshipping Jesus.  It makes me wonder if that's what heaven will look like. People from every tribe and every nation worshipping together. (Rev.7:9,10)

Anyway, when I started telling friends about our trip, I was shocked to  hear over and over again comments like, "Oh Yeah, that's David Wilkerson's church." Or, " Yeah, that pastor who wrote The Cross and the Switchblade started that church."  It seems that most people read this book in High School. Who? What?  Huh?  Apparently, due to my misspent youth, I had missed out on yet another classic book and a story of redemption!

So, now I am reading this old classic book  The Cross and the Switchblade written by David Wilkerson, founder of NYC's Times Square Church, which tells about his life and his call to ministry from the mountains of Pennsylvania to the streets of NYC.  It tells of how God miraculously guided him to young teens who were involved in horrible gangs.  These kids were drug addicts, murderers and seemingly hopeless, but God used this pastor (and others) to reach  their hard hearts and change them.  Many of them.  The story focuses on one kid in particular, named Nicky Cruz, who was one of the toughest, meanest gang members around, and how God touched him and changed him forever.  It is powerful!  Nicky Cruz wrote an autobiography, too, called Run, Baby, Run!  It is on my nightstand waiting to be read.

So, friends, if you are like me and somehow missed these stories, I recommend them.  It is very inspiring to read of how God speaks, and moves His people to love and minister to the lost and the truly wicked.  Not green - pretend - Land of Oz wicked - but really wicked people that do terrible things! It is sometimes easy to forget that God loves them, too.

*Update: Tuesday Feb.26

Well, I finished the book this morning.  It was very interesting to read in the last part of the book how the Lord guided and protected these missionaries as they tried to reach these violent and lost kids.  I was scared and apalled just reading some of these stories, I can't imagine being in the midst of it all!

The author is from a pentecostal background, and although the Church in Times Square and his Teen Challenge ministry are considered non-denominational, the pentecostal theology is very evident throughout the last chapters of the book. 

Very interesting.  Food for thought.   

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Feb. 14, 2008 - My sneaky valentine

Sarah over at smallworld is hosting a love story contest.  I won't be eligible to win, because AGAIN, I have not posted pictures (and I missed the deadline, and my story surely won't be as great as some of the other's I've read this week!) Anyhoo, although I'm not typically a mushy, romantic, valentine-loving gal, I thought it might be fun to share my story. It has definately been fun reading other's stories! Some made me laugh out loud!!!

Our love story began as a set up! 

THE TRAP:

It was March 1992, and I was healing from a "broken" heart.  I had joined a health club to keep my mind off of my sadness, and to keep myself from making those pathetic phone calls that humiliate you and make you want to unplug the telephone. So, every night after work I'd head for a work out.  The fitness trainers who worked there were all young (and gorgeous) and it was a fun distraction getting to know them.  Tim was an especially  tall, hunky ex-football player type who quickly became a friend.  He started coming to the salon where I worked to get his haircut, and after a few trims, I started to wonder if something romantic might be brewing.  Then one day Tim invited  me to a party.

I got gussied up, excitedly went to the party.... and then Tim completely ignored me!  "HUH?  Why the heck did he invite me here?", I wondered.  It was all very strange!  Well, I mingled and met some nice folks, played Jenga and did Jell-o shooters (ah! foolish youth!). One of the nicest people I met was a guy named Dennis....Tim's good friend.  He was very attentive and interested in me.  He was very polite and gentleman like.  He had on cowboy boots and had a soft southern accent. He offered to refill my drinks, he asked great questions, he opened doors...he even gave me a shoulder rub when a migraine started to creep up the back of my head.  

So, after a couple of hours at the party, Dennis asked  for an official date.  We went out a few evenings later and had a wonderful time.  We ate dinner and listened to a local folk band perform. We discovered a mutual love of music, and a mutual desire for family and stability. My previously "broken" heart was  patched and ready for true love. Neither of us were interested in a long drawn out relationship that may or may not work out.  We were both at a place where we wanted to settle down and be commmited "for better or worse". 

We saw each other almost every day after that.  I could not believe how compatible we were!  He was so easy to be with and made me feel so special!   About a month into our relationship, Dennis let me in on a secret.....  He had asked Tim to invite me to that party!  Ah ha!  Apparently, I had been spotted on several occasions at the gym. Dennis thought I was cute, and I seemed nice, so he asked Tim to set us up.  Now it made all sense!  I did feel a tiny bit like a fly caught in a spider's web, but I chose to ignore that feeling because it was all working out so nicely!

THE WEDDING:

We were married on New Year's Eve,  just  nine months later!  Neither of us cared about the whole traditional wedding thing.  We decided to just have our immediate family join us for a casual wedding at Dennis' condo.  I wore a winter white wool suit and had my hair up in a french twist with big puffy bangs teased high.  Dennis wore a dark green suit . 

We had a roaring fire in the fireplace, our Christmas tree lit, and lots of candles and poinsettias.  We were not Christians back then, so the ceremony was somewhat secular. The "minister" was a paid-by-the-hour guy we found in the yellow pages. He had already performed several weddings that day, so, by the time he made it to us, he seemed to have had several toasts under his belt. Our wedding video is hilarious! We were all roasting due to the lovely roaring fire; it was unfortunately about 70 degrees that day!  Dennis' brother zoomed in on the preacher man at one point and asked, "Haven't I seen you on America's Most Wanted?"

NOW:

So, here we are 15 years, three kids, and a dog later. I'm no longer a young, hip, hairdresser. I'm a christian, stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. He is a sucessful buisness man, a great husband and daddy, and a worship leader. 

I am very thankful for my sneaky husband!  I believe that he is the perfect guy for me!  I truly believe that God hand picked him for me, because I don't think I could've picked so well by myself. We have both grown and changed tremdously since 1992. But amazingly, we have grown in a way that has complimented and encouraged each other.  It is amazing to me that we can be so different than who we were, but still like and love each other so much.  I thank God for that, too!   

 Happy Valentine's Day to all you mushy romantics out there!  I hope you had a lovely day!

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Feb. 9, 2008 - A time for everything

There is a time for everything , and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.  Eccl. 3:1,2

Today has been a very hard day for us.  Our beloved piano teacher and friend lost her fight with cancer in the wee hours of the night.  I called this morning to check on her, and to see if we were going wedding dress shopping for her daughter as planned, when her husband told me the terrible news.  My sweet little girls have been so sad all day.  It is really hard to lose someone you love, but it is even harder to watch your children grieve like this for the first time.  Lina is the first person they have loved deeply that has passed away, and it is very hard to explain to a six year old and 11 year old that dying is part of life.

I have been blessed by the maturity that they seem to have, though.  They've said wonderful things like: "Well, now she won't ever be sick again"; and "Now she can eat whatever she wants"; and "She's probably playing the piano for Jesus."  So sweet!

I am so thankful for the years we had with our dear friend.  I am also so thankful that we knew she was terminal.  It really gave us the opportunity to speak the words we wanted to say before she was gone.  The girls even choreographed a beautiful dance and performed it for her last Thursday.  It made all of us weep and it was such a special shared moment.  That was the last time we saw her.  I have been reminding the girls of that today, and reminding them that the last few weeks have been a gift to all of us.  Many people lose the ones they love unexpectantly; with much unsaid or undone.  We had the chance to make the most of the last few weeks. However, it is interesting that no matter how prepared you *think* you are,  it is still  shocking to hear the words that tell of death.  Please pray for my girls, and for Lina's family, as we come to mind.  

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Feb. 7, 2008 - Snow Dogs and Flamingos....Is it Winter or Summer?

I've been considering our recent CRAZY weather here in East Tennessee. I was also thinking today how CRAZY it is that while simultaneously studying Sled dogs and preparing for our Iditarod project, we also had  our first fund raising event, last Sunday, using pink flamingos!  "How can a person have racing snow dogs- in the Arctic *and*  pink- tropical punch looking- flamingos on the brain at the same time?",  I lamented to myself.  But then I looked at the thermometer and tried to focus on the red line as it shot up and down between 40 degrees and 70 degrees and then back down to 40 again.  AH!  No wonder!  Weather confusion!

SO, is it winter?........Lily and I have been learning about Snow Dogs and the Iditarod Trail for a couple of weeks.  We are making a lovely lapbook, and today we picked the mushers we will root for when The Last Great Race begins.  Did you get the new issue of The Old Schoolhouse magazine? Lots of great info on the subject in there!  YIPPEE!  I love it when that happens! (you know, when you are studying something and then viole' your study becomes easier/richer because of some unexpected blessing) So now we have joined an e-club and will follow the Iditarod race along with a bunch of cyber race fans.  We were dissappointed to learn that author Gary Paulsen has now withdrawn.  Hike! Mush! Haw!

Or is it summer?......   Well, you might think so by the 70 degree temp. of late, *and * the fact that we have been sticking pink plastic flamingos in the front yards of perfectly innocent people, shamlessly trying to get them to give us money for my son's Europe trip.  I know, it's pathetic!  I told him I thought it was a weird idea,  but he assured me that it would be fun, funny and profitable.  Drat!  He was right!  I was very surprised when he, his Dad, and his buddies came home about 4 hours later with a whopping $300.00! 

So, since the East Tennesseans clearly love pink flamingos, we got the bright idea that we should do it again (tonight) in a different neighborhood.  We packed up our tacky little tropical birds and headed over to a friend's neighborhood. About a half hour and $30.00 later, Davis got a phone call from an angry woman exclaiming, "Come get this piece of  c-r-a-p out of my yard before I throw it into the trash!" OOPS!  URG!  So, I guess I was right after all!  It was a weird idea!  It appears that the first batch of friendly, generous folks were in an especially good mood due to the fact that it was Super Bowl Sunday.  Kids these days just won't listen.  I blame it on the weather!

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Jan. 17, 2008 - The inside scoop

Now, I realize that I'm a strange bird, but I was thinking that if any of you are at *all* like me, you'd appreciate a little inside info on the "artists" and songs featured on our CD,  Waterfront .  Maybe I'm just a Nosey Nellie, but I always love  concerts where the "performer" tells the stories and meaning behind the songs. I use the words artist and performer for lack of  better words...they would not call themselves either, I'm sure.  Anyway, here are a few tidbits :

1. What I Bring - Dennis Corley    This is a songette that Den wrote to introduce the reason for this album.  It talks about the value of worship songs not being about preferences (style) of music, or even skill, as much as the hearts behind them. One line says, "An awkward finger painting brings a loving Father joy."  The Lord loves our offerings.  Even if our "paintings" are not considered beautiful by others, a clean heart that is seeking to give good gifts is pleasing to the Father.

2.  Two Rivers - Bob Mader   This song was written by Bob for our church's anniversary a few years back.  "Two rivers flow together and become one, spirit and truth to worship the Son, I come to the river to wash away my pride, I come to the river so deep and so wide."

3.  Falling - Dustin Sauder   Dustin now lives in Nashville and is in the band By the Tree.   I love the songs he wrote. He is a very talented guitar player. His songs are young and hip (like him).   

4.  Shine - Patrick Powers  Patrick is a close pal of ours.  This is one of my very favorite songs on the album.  I love, love, love the lyrics, and Patrick's warm voice.  He is also a very talented guitarist.  Favorite lines in the song: "Come search my heart, wash every guilty stain, I lay every idol down and lift up my wandering eyes to you.....Come take my hand, Lord lead me deeper still, into the light of your glory Lord, into the fiullness of your truth.

5. Come Take your Throne - Michael Merritt  This song has a sort of "rock-a-billy" sound to it.  Michael came to our church a few years ago and served as our worship pastor.  He has now resigned from that position, but still attends.  He was a sucessful songwriter in Nashville for years, and has a couple of his own albums out.  His most well known song is I Will Exalt, which was recorded several times...I think by Sonic Flood and Sierra. Do you know it? 

6. Let your Kingdom Come - Dennis Corley  Another song by my most excellent husband....this song was written for a series our pastor taught on the Kingdom of God.  I sang back up vocals (melody) along with my friend Marisha... and Patrick ( both of them sang harmonies).  This was the first time I had recorded anything....I was scared to death! 

7.  In the Days Ahead - Kay Smith  Kay is a friend and a fellow Healing Hearts team member.  This song talks about trusting in God even in the hard times/troubles. "He will never let you go."  I love her warm, country voice and her folk-y style.

8. Lord Here We Stand- Dave Stridde  A pretty song!  Dave used to lead worship, but is taking a break.  He wrote this song a couple of years ago, and it has become a favorite of many.  Anne Pharr sings along with Dave in this recording. Anne is a lovely lady who co-leads a worship service on Sunday. She has become a great source of encouragement to me over the last several weeks.  She has an amazing,strong voice.

9.  Crimson Love - Stephen Benner and Clay Hamby  These guys are so neat!  Both Clay and Stephen are young, college aged kids who are passionate about Jesus.  They paired up and wrote some very unique and heartfelt songs together.  Clay leads the youth in worship on Sunday and Wednesday nights, and Stephen does misc. things as an intern, as well as play bass on a Sunday morning worship team.

10.  Desire - Dustin Sauder  I already wrote about Dustin...this is a fun song. Very catchy, and fun to sing along with, especially toward the end where it really builds.

11.  Mystery Love - Kay Smith   This song is so pretty ...it reminds me of Both Sides Now by Judy Collins.  "Worthy is the La-a-a-amb"...you'll be singing it in no time!

12. Something About the Thunder - Stephen Benner and Clay Hamby  I already wrote about these guys.  Did I say that I hoped to arrange a marriage between Clay and one of my daughters?  This is my kids' favorite song on the CD....besides their Dad's, of course.

13. You Told me to Ask - Patrick Powers  Another beautiful song 

So, there you have it!  I hope that makes you more excited to listen to these songs. For your own copy, you can email me or log onto www.cdbaby.com

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