It's been a while since I posted, but I had to share a story about a recent home school field trip my boys and I took.

Last week, our local L.E.A.H. group took a trip to a field campus that teaches participants what life was like during the 1800's.  Our group learned how to track animals by following their tracks and droppings.  It was a lot of fun taking our hike through the woods, and exploring all the wonderful things God has created.  Next, we learned some orienteering.  We had a great time learning how to use a compass, and work through a course using our new found skills.  Our final experience of the day was to do homestead cooking.

All was going well as the children helped combine the ingredients to make gingerbread in the old woodstove.  As the bread was put in the stove to cook, our group leader showed us how to clean and prepare lamb's wool for spinning.  Everyone was having a wonderful time.

While the guide was demonstrating how to use the spinning wheel, we heard a loud "bang!", as if someone had dropped a bowling ball.  I thought (as did the others) that a child had knocked something off a table.  After a moment, we heard another "BANG!", at which point I was searching the floor for the dropped object.  Soon after, we heard a crackling sound, at which point the floor caved in under us!

There was panic and pandemonium, and moms were racing to pull their children to safety.  It's amazing how many thoughts can run through your mind in a moment's time.  "Will we fall 2 feet or 20?  Is someone going to die?  Don't let the children touch the woodstove!  Is the whole building coming down?"  It was all a blur, but God was in control, protecting us.

After the dust settled, and I found my children, I was amazed at what I came to realize had happened.  First, the floor only fell about 3 feet, but the bookcases had caved in on us, dropping heavy pottery, and almost knocked the woodstove into the pit (which would have caused a house fire).  As I was tending to a young lady who had burned her hand on the stove, there was so much more going on in the house.

My oldest son (10) had grabbed his younger brother (7) to keep him from falling into the open fireplace.  Another mother grabbed my oldest, her son grabbed her, and his friend grabbed him, forming a human chain.  None of these children were over the age of 13, yet, their first response was to help each other!  Instead of running for their lives, they were concerned with the safety and welfare of those around them.

It will forever be etched into my memory that these young boys behaved like brave men.  I praise God for the brotherhood and character these children have been taught.  I believe it has, in large part, something to do with the fact that they are home, and being trained up in the way they should go.  It is a rarity to see others show such selflessness in this self-serving, self-preserving world we live in.  I am sure that their actions were a testimony to those running the facility and program.

By the way, would pray for one mother who is having difficulty dealing with the incident?  Her two daughters were most affected by this situation.  One burned her hand on the woodstove, and the other had been pinned under one of the bookcases for a few minutes.  Neither was seriously injured, but the emotional trauma goes a little deeper.

Praise God, it could have been worse.  The woodstove was one plank away from falling into the hole.  It had twisted and turned, but it was like God's hand just held it in place.  

May we all hug our loved ones a little tighter, and appreciate every day we are given with them.   

Despite the heat, I was determined to make some home-made blueberry muffins tonight.  Am I glad I did!  They were SO good, and everyone but my youngest liked them (the youngest just doesn't like blueberries).  There is just a feeling of satisfaction that comes when you know you have made something healthy for your family, and that they all enjoy it! (most of them, anyway)  Tonight, they couldn't wait to help make the muffins.  When I announced I would be baking them, I was greeted with, "Can we help?!?!?!?"  Yes!

What pleased me even more was the desire my children had to help me today.  You see, just a few days ago, we made some zucchini bread.  I asked the boys if they wanted to help.  They couldn't wait to crack the eggs!  Then they took turns holding the blender, and stirring the mix.  I could hear 'ewwww', 'yuck', 'this is gross' coming from their little lips as they mixed the zucchini into the bowl.  They just 'knew' they wouldn't like it!

Well, you should have seen the look of surprise on their faces when they actually TASTED the fruits of their labor!  They couldn't get enough of it!  In fact, I sent some with my dh to work, and sent an extra piece for his co-worker.  Neither one could wait for the next day's lunch.    Yes, it was very rewarding to know I had brought such pleasure to those I care about.

What was more exciting to me is what happened today.  I had to do some shopping, and had a LOT of items to carry into the house.  As soon as I got home, the boys got right to work helping to unload the car.  I didn't even have to ask!  Now THAT is rewarding!  I was so proud of those little buggers!  I know, I know... I sound like I am gushing... well.... I am!  I have just seen such growth in them, and I know it's because they are home... where they belong.... They see and participate in the work that must be done, and have a real appreciation for all that they have.

Isn't that how it is when we deal with those around us?  Sometimes we find ourselves saying, 'ewww', 'yuck', 'this is gross'!  Sometimes we just don't see how it could possibly work out well... how there could be 'sweetness' in the end result.  It reminds me of what God said about Moses in Hebrews 11:25, "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt:  for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward."  It may look like a mushy, yucky mess to us, but the best is yet to come.... the reward!   

It's a chilly, rainy day here in New York.  Quite chilly for August, actually.  To be honest, I am kind of enjoying it.  In fact, I was able to start a small fire in the woodstove this morning to take the chill out of the air.  There's something so peaceful... so relaxing... about a rainy, chilly day (especially with a fire in the woodstove).

I don't know about you, but for me, a rainy day is a time to sit back and enjoy all that God has given me.  I thank him for a roof over my head, for the warmth of a blanket, a nice cup of tea... for the sounds of my children playing quietly together... true tranquility.  It almost forces you to just slow down, take it easy, take a breath.... sigh....

I feel wrapped in God's love today.  It's like a child who has cuddled up on his mother's lap, nuzzled his head in the crook of her neck, and fallen to sleep.  So cozy, so welcoming, so at peace.

Maybe your day is nothing like this.  Maybe you have children running the halls, laughing, screaming, playing... Still, I hope that you can find at least a few moments to sit, be still, and take it all in.  This is living!  I wouldn't trade it for anything!

God bless you and yours today!

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

If there is one thing I can take away from growing up with my step-father, it is to have a servant's heart.  This is something I have been trying to instill in my own children.  In today's society, everyone is just so consumed with doing what is best for "me".  I am horrified by the selfish, unruly, angry, disobedient children I see all around me, on the news, in the movies, etc.  This is in a severe contrast to what God says in his word in Philippians 2:4, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

More than academia, more than 'self-esteem', more than making sure my children play on every possible sports team, I want to nuture a sincere spirit of servanthood.  If Christ could give up his 'rights' for me, then we can give up our 'rights' for others.  May we model this example for our children, and for those around us.  Amen!