May. 4, 2008
Changes in Life
It's been over a year since I last blogged. Someone from my homeschool group mentioned that she came across my blog. It's one of those moments when you cringe and wonder, 'what did she read?' I wish I wasn't so exposed. I decided that I needed to see what she read so I'm back for a momentary update.
It's been a very busy year to say the least. I have had many guests, but that is normal. What keeps me busy besides being a wife and mother, is working and going to University. I decided to send the kids off into the world and get an education myself. We all love school and wouldn't miss it for the world.
I'm studying accounting. I know how it sounds (boring) but I am really enjoying my work as treasurer at the church we attend and I also am the accountant at a small Bible College so the knowledge is put to use very quickly.
My husband and kids walked the 8.4km marathon "Around the Bays" again. Rick is loving his work and the boys are happy at school. They love their Sunday School and sports activities too. It's amazing how we fit it all in. They are getting so tall. I think they're going to tower over my 5'3" stature in a very short time.
I should be writing an essay right now but I'm procrastinating. It's about ethics.
I heard a great message on Friday night (Elena Hood from Tauranga, NZ) about stress. I realized that my life is very full and I don't give myself much time to just relax and detox from the exhausting job I have. My knitting group is a wonderful relief from the pressures of life. The problem is I love my work so much that it's hard to recognize the signs of exhaustion sometimes. The message about stress reminded me to stop and dream a while. Think about my friends and family and pause to be thankful for all that God has blessed me with.
It's been a very busy year to say the least. I have had many guests, but that is normal. What keeps me busy besides being a wife and mother, is working and going to University. I decided to send the kids off into the world and get an education myself. We all love school and wouldn't miss it for the world.
I'm studying accounting. I know how it sounds (boring) but I am really enjoying my work as treasurer at the church we attend and I also am the accountant at a small Bible College so the knowledge is put to use very quickly.
My husband and kids walked the 8.4km marathon "Around the Bays" again. Rick is loving his work and the boys are happy at school. They love their Sunday School and sports activities too. It's amazing how we fit it all in. They are getting so tall. I think they're going to tower over my 5'3" stature in a very short time.
I should be writing an essay right now but I'm procrastinating. It's about ethics.
I heard a great message on Friday night (Elena Hood from Tauranga, NZ) about stress. I realized that my life is very full and I don't give myself much time to just relax and detox from the exhausting job I have. My knitting group is a wonderful relief from the pressures of life. The problem is I love my work so much that it's hard to recognize the signs of exhaustion sometimes. The message about stress reminded me to stop and dream a while. Think about my friends and family and pause to be thankful for all that God has blessed me with.
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Mar. 18, 2007
A Quick Hello
Life is so busy sometimes. I love life but sometimes I wish I could do nothing for a whole day. I have two minutes before I have to leave to pick up my husband from the train station. He ran/walked a marathon today. I'm so proud of him for doing it. 8.4 km. around the Bays of Auckland.
I'm getting ready to move again; to a warmer, more economical house. Fall is setting in. As we changed the clocks today, I thought of my family and friends getting ready for Spring. Seasons are great, aren't they? I think I need the cold weather for a while. Like a flower that needs to die before it can come back refreshed and beautiful in the Spring. I need to have a rest this winter.
I'm getting ready to move again; to a warmer, more economical house. Fall is setting in. As we changed the clocks today, I thought of my family and friends getting ready for Spring. Seasons are great, aren't they? I think I need the cold weather for a while. Like a flower that needs to die before it can come back refreshed and beautiful in the Spring. I need to have a rest this winter.
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Feb. 17, 2007
Making up for lost time!
We went to two church services last Sunday and again this Sunday. I wanted to go to the church where I work (Pentacostal) and my husband wanted to go to the Presbyterian church which is close by our home. The kids wanted to go to the Chapel. What a mess! The services were all good. No complaints. I do prefer the music at the Presbyterian but being the "leader" that I am, I know what I believe and I don't believe in baptizing babies. They had a baby baptism last week. It was more like a dedication, but still, it was contrary to scripture.
The service at the Pentacostal church was on being salt with saltiness. I'm challenged to be responsible for my own spiritual growth. I'm challenged to spend time in the garden, like the Lord when He went to pray with to the Father. I'm going to do this. Meditation is good.
The Lord is good. Tonight, as I was filling a pot to boil for spaghetti, the tap ran dry. I ran out to the shed and tested the tap and looked at the pump (we're on tank water - rain water) and I thought "no way, we're out of water." The ironic thing is that we live in a valley where the rain is horrendous. We live near the water catchment for the whole of Auckland is. How could we be out of water? We have one shower a day. The kids less. We wash clothes but don't water the garden. It's unbelievable. We get so much rain here. It's going to cost a couple hundred dollars to get water trucked in. The landlords are going to check the drain pipes to see if there is a blockage. I just have to laugh, and thank the Lord for enough water for the spaghetti! The kids are horrified to have to haul water from the creek. They are so spoiled.
Be thankful for water.
The service at the Pentacostal church was on being salt with saltiness. I'm challenged to be responsible for my own spiritual growth. I'm challenged to spend time in the garden, like the Lord when He went to pray with to the Father. I'm going to do this. Meditation is good.
The Lord is good. Tonight, as I was filling a pot to boil for spaghetti, the tap ran dry. I ran out to the shed and tested the tap and looked at the pump (we're on tank water - rain water) and I thought "no way, we're out of water." The ironic thing is that we live in a valley where the rain is horrendous. We live near the water catchment for the whole of Auckland is. How could we be out of water? We have one shower a day. The kids less. We wash clothes but don't water the garden. It's unbelievable. We get so much rain here. It's going to cost a couple hundred dollars to get water trucked in. The landlords are going to check the drain pipes to see if there is a blockage. I just have to laugh, and thank the Lord for enough water for the spaghetti! The kids are horrified to have to haul water from the creek. They are so spoiled.
Be thankful for water.
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Feb. 17, 2007
20 things about myself
1. I dislike blogging.
2. I compromised my homeschool by working part time.
3. I do this by bringing my kids to work with me and working from home.
4. I do bookkeeping which has given me a new sense of purpose and I love it!
5. I wish I had more children 5 years ago. Now, I feel too old and this will be a regret I will carry with me as long as I live. I know there are women in their 40's still having children (and I'm not there yet) but my husband is 10 years my senior. He's just not into it anymore!
6. I love homeschooling but I secretly wish they could go to school now. Just once a week would be nice.
7. I have a sweet tooth. I made chocolate cake for my family last night and forgot the sugar! What a disaster that was, so I poured kirsch over it and made hot custard and poured that over it, then covered it with strawberries and kiwi fruit, whip cream and chocolate sauce. They still tasted the baking soda! Ha!
8. My brother makes me laugh. I forget to laugh sometimes.
9. I was born in New Zealand (where I live) but I belong in Canada where I grew up. I thought I was special being born in a sub-tropical place like NZ, but now that I've lived here, I get more points for being Canadian! Ha!
10. I love to knit but I get bored with most projects I start so I rip them out and try something else. I do finish projects but they usually take a year! Knitted socks are my latest thing and I finish them in weeks. Lace knitting is my current challenge but I've not mastered it yet.
11. I'm not usually organized but when I get busy, I whip myself into shape.
12. The NZ Ministry of Education did not send me my Certificate of Exemption. They said I needed to read the application form again and fill it in properly. Ie. they need to know which school my children are registered at. I filled the application form in correctly AND one for each student as they requested. The answer they didn't like is that I put "Homeschool" in the blank where it asked what school they were registered in. My children have never gone to school. They also politely reminded me that the children must be in a school pending my acceptance letter. I feel very angry about their narrow-minded take on my application. They should photocopy my 6 page covering letter outlining my Broad Curriculum Areas so they can file one with each child's application and Detailed Outline of each child's education plan. I'm very mad at them right now. I could spit.
13. I went to a leadership conference today. Apparently, I'm a leader. I fit the category leader rather than "minister."
14. I'm healthy and thankful for my good health.
15. My husband wants me to run/ walk a marathon with him. Ha! Not a chance. I don't like exercise. I do go to the gym once in a while or the pool when I feel the urge but generally speaking, I don't exercise.
16. I still love hymns. They sometimes make me weep. I miss "sings" at the McKillops.
17. I play the violin with my son. He's better than me but we have fun together.
18. I love my kids and my husband of 11 years.
19. I enjoy a good novel once in a while but it consumes me when I get into it.
20. I indulge in a coffee and cake when I'm out by myself. It's sneaky but I do it because there is no one to judge me.
2. I compromised my homeschool by working part time.
3. I do this by bringing my kids to work with me and working from home.
4. I do bookkeeping which has given me a new sense of purpose and I love it!
5. I wish I had more children 5 years ago. Now, I feel too old and this will be a regret I will carry with me as long as I live. I know there are women in their 40's still having children (and I'm not there yet) but my husband is 10 years my senior. He's just not into it anymore!
6. I love homeschooling but I secretly wish they could go to school now. Just once a week would be nice.
7. I have a sweet tooth. I made chocolate cake for my family last night and forgot the sugar! What a disaster that was, so I poured kirsch over it and made hot custard and poured that over it, then covered it with strawberries and kiwi fruit, whip cream and chocolate sauce. They still tasted the baking soda! Ha!
8. My brother makes me laugh. I forget to laugh sometimes.
9. I was born in New Zealand (where I live) but I belong in Canada where I grew up. I thought I was special being born in a sub-tropical place like NZ, but now that I've lived here, I get more points for being Canadian! Ha!
10. I love to knit but I get bored with most projects I start so I rip them out and try something else. I do finish projects but they usually take a year! Knitted socks are my latest thing and I finish them in weeks. Lace knitting is my current challenge but I've not mastered it yet.
11. I'm not usually organized but when I get busy, I whip myself into shape.
12. The NZ Ministry of Education did not send me my Certificate of Exemption. They said I needed to read the application form again and fill it in properly. Ie. they need to know which school my children are registered at. I filled the application form in correctly AND one for each student as they requested. The answer they didn't like is that I put "Homeschool" in the blank where it asked what school they were registered in. My children have never gone to school. They also politely reminded me that the children must be in a school pending my acceptance letter. I feel very angry about their narrow-minded take on my application. They should photocopy my 6 page covering letter outlining my Broad Curriculum Areas so they can file one with each child's application and Detailed Outline of each child's education plan. I'm very mad at them right now. I could spit.
13. I went to a leadership conference today. Apparently, I'm a leader. I fit the category leader rather than "minister."
14. I'm healthy and thankful for my good health.
15. My husband wants me to run/ walk a marathon with him. Ha! Not a chance. I don't like exercise. I do go to the gym once in a while or the pool when I feel the urge but generally speaking, I don't exercise.
16. I still love hymns. They sometimes make me weep. I miss "sings" at the McKillops.
17. I play the violin with my son. He's better than me but we have fun together.
18. I love my kids and my husband of 11 years.
19. I enjoy a good novel once in a while but it consumes me when I get into it.
20. I indulge in a coffee and cake when I'm out by myself. It's sneaky but I do it because there is no one to judge me.
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Jan. 7, 2007
A new year is so refreshing!
This is Sunday, January 7. I'm on NZ time but I haven't worked out how to change the date on my blog. Today, we went to a local Presbyterian church in Clevedon. My husband asked if we could go and contrary to my wanting to resist, I agreed. It was an amazing Sunday. More than I could have expected or asked for. The pastor was Canadian! It was a real answer to prayer. I felt so refreshed and alive. There was beautiful music and worship and even quiet time to pray. We sang hymns and read the Word aloud together, and even prayed the Word together. It was different and I think that was what made it so refreshing.
I've been working on my exemption from enrolment for the NZ government. I'm determined to get it done before the school year starts. Since my children are NZ citizens we are required to file for an exemption, so I thought it would be good to obey the law of the land. I've been organizing my resources and making lesson plans and it keeps getting bigger and bigger and more complex. I don't know how I'm going to get it all done, to be honest. It just seems so much to accomplish in one year. I'm trying to integrate some of the studies and yet it still seems like more than I can get my head around. Sometimes I think it would be so much easier to send them to school. Why do we torcher ourselves?! My boys want nothing to do with a public school so I'm going to press on and put my faith in my heavenly Father that He will go before me and lead me because I feel so blindfolded at this moment. It's "in the basket," as my sister would say... the "too hard basket"!
Thanks for your messages and prayers. Thank you, Lord, for blessing of a new year and for each one of my friends in Port Alice, Christina Lake, Tauranga, Vancouver, Abbotsford and Calgary. Thank you for the blessings they've bestowed on me, for their encouragement and love. Amen.
I've been working on my exemption from enrolment for the NZ government. I'm determined to get it done before the school year starts. Since my children are NZ citizens we are required to file for an exemption, so I thought it would be good to obey the law of the land. I've been organizing my resources and making lesson plans and it keeps getting bigger and bigger and more complex. I don't know how I'm going to get it all done, to be honest. It just seems so much to accomplish in one year. I'm trying to integrate some of the studies and yet it still seems like more than I can get my head around. Sometimes I think it would be so much easier to send them to school. Why do we torcher ourselves?! My boys want nothing to do with a public school so I'm going to press on and put my faith in my heavenly Father that He will go before me and lead me because I feel so blindfolded at this moment. It's "in the basket," as my sister would say... the "too hard basket"!
Thanks for your messages and prayers. Thank you, Lord, for blessing of a new year and for each one of my friends in Port Alice, Christina Lake, Tauranga, Vancouver, Abbotsford and Calgary. Thank you for the blessings they've bestowed on me, for their encouragement and love. Amen.
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Dec. 31, 2006
Happy New Year!
What a blessing to start a new year with friends. We are enjoying the visit of Abigail and Joseph who moved to NZ from England one year ago. They are expecting their first baby in February so everyone is very excited about the little bump Abby is carrying around with her. We also have Paul Hardy with us, one of the boys friends from Tauranga.
It is sunny and warm today, January 1st. It's a great day for a sleep in and late breaky. I will have to catch up the last 2 months of activity as we have been blessed by another visit from Rick's parents over Christmas and have so much to share.
We spent the month of December with them mostly in Clevedon and Auckland. They were content to hang around the local area rather than travelling like last year. It was good for me because I had to work but Rick took 2 weeks of holidays. One week was spent in Pauanui again. We went to Hot Water beach where you take a shovel and dig down about half a meter to find hot water on your feet. I mean boiling hot water created by guysers under the ground. It's incredible. People dig big pools in the sand to sit in. I'll have to post pictures. Such fun. The kids went surfing and Doris and I sat on the beach and totally relaxed in the sun. This was boxing day, Rick's birthday.
Well, I must go for now. Breakfast and guests... Blessing to you, my friends. Marilyn
It is sunny and warm today, January 1st. It's a great day for a sleep in and late breaky. I will have to catch up the last 2 months of activity as we have been blessed by another visit from Rick's parents over Christmas and have so much to share.
We spent the month of December with them mostly in Clevedon and Auckland. They were content to hang around the local area rather than travelling like last year. It was good for me because I had to work but Rick took 2 weeks of holidays. One week was spent in Pauanui again. We went to Hot Water beach where you take a shovel and dig down about half a meter to find hot water on your feet. I mean boiling hot water created by guysers under the ground. It's incredible. People dig big pools in the sand to sit in. I'll have to post pictures. Such fun. The kids went surfing and Doris and I sat on the beach and totally relaxed in the sun. This was boxing day, Rick's birthday.
Well, I must go for now. Breakfast and guests... Blessing to you, my friends. Marilyn
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Nov. 2, 2006
Working Girl
Hello again,
It's been a month since my last entry. I've been hard at work doing bookkeeping and getting ready for my mom to visit. Work has been more of a challenge just finding the time to work and be a mom, a wife, a chauffeur, etc... I've been really enjoying the challenge of thinking in a new way. I love the job and love learning. I'm not sure how I have managed to keep up but thanks to mom coming, I've had a break from homeschooling. She's been great; she's a natural teacher.
I really enjoyed having mom over. It rained most of the time, but we definitely made the most of the dry hours in the day. We planted a vegie garden, and weeded. We visited friends, went to Tauranga, Orewa and all over South Auckland. She even helped with an inventory count on the 31st! We tried to get some stitching, knitting, and quiet time in but making meals and doing laundry took precedence over all that. Today, she went to Australia for 2 weeks. I will miss her but she's coming back for 6 more days before going back to Canada.
It's been a month since my last entry. I've been hard at work doing bookkeeping and getting ready for my mom to visit. Work has been more of a challenge just finding the time to work and be a mom, a wife, a chauffeur, etc... I've been really enjoying the challenge of thinking in a new way. I love the job and love learning. I'm not sure how I have managed to keep up but thanks to mom coming, I've had a break from homeschooling. She's been great; she's a natural teacher.
I really enjoyed having mom over. It rained most of the time, but we definitely made the most of the dry hours in the day. We planted a vegie garden, and weeded. We visited friends, went to Tauranga, Orewa and all over South Auckland. She even helped with an inventory count on the 31st! We tried to get some stitching, knitting, and quiet time in but making meals and doing laundry took precedence over all that. Today, she went to Australia for 2 weeks. I will miss her but she's coming back for 6 more days before going back to Canada.
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Sep. 30, 2006
God's many blessings!
Where do I begin? I had a very busy month. I don't know if I can recap without looking at my calendar. Well, I have to admit, that I love to be busy. It's so much better than wallowing in self pity! Ha! I think that I'm good at relaxing and appreciating the quiet times after the hectic busyness of family, school, work, visitors, etc.
On the 13th of Sept. the kids and I joined other homeschoolers in the area to sing and play instruments to the elderly in a resthome. This was Ben's first time playing his violin in front of strangers. We sang hymns and the old folks said it was the best!
On the weekend of the 15th, we went to a resort town called Pauanui, where the hospital (Rick's work) staff society own a house for everyone's use (at a nominal cost). It is so sought after, they have to have a lottery for holidays. Rick managed to get it for the weekend when someone cancelled. It was a special weekend for us all, especially given that the weather has really warmed up. We played at the beach, sat in coffee shops (The Chocolate Pretzel was my favorite), and browsed through kitchen and clothing stores. We drove to the golf course and went through "open houses" that we couldn't afford, walked and walked around the village for hours, and painted, knitted, and read books back at the house. It was such a nice weekend. Oh, and then we drove for 5 hours around the Coromandel which was the very long way home. (The Coromandel is a peninsula off the East coast of Auckland). Pauanui was only 1.5 hrs away from home.
On the 18th, we went to Precept Ministries Workshop/Bible study. It was mainly an introduction to Inductive Bible Study which I have already been to. I thought it might be good for Rick to go to but we both enjoyed it. It's good to meet new people and there were teenage homeschoolers there too. It was great.
On the 19th, my dad arrived but I didn't see much of him. We met him at the mall for a few hours, then he came to pick up the kids to take them to Russell, in the Bay of Islands where Dad's brother lives. It was a nice quiet weekend for Rick and I. Then Dad brought them home on Sunday and stayed for dinner. He came to NZ to escort his friend back home. His friend was visiting him in Canada and had a massive heart attack while he was there. So Dad had to stay with him to take him to doctor's appointments etc. Too bad for us, not to have Dad stay with us.
That same Sunday that Dad came for dinner, we had our friends' kids come from Tauranga. They stayed with us for a week while their mom was in England. This was a fantastic week. I was mother to 5 kids (one 2.5 y/o little boy, one 6 y/o girl, three boys 8, 9, and 10). We did the beach, the wave pool, the petting zoo, the park and had a blast all week. It turned out that I also had to start my new job at the church that week, so I had a babysitter come for 2 half days.
The church, where I am now doing accounting, is really exciting. There is so much going on. We don't actually attend this AOG but it's really neat to see all the people in action. What a beehive of activity!
The sewing has slowed to a halt but the owner has asked me to help him set up his books. I put him onto Rick!
Well, that sums up my busy life over the past 2 weeks. I could have started back in August but that would have taken me too long to get through. (Roger came to visit in August, we went to an ice cream factory, had Nick's birthday, and went to Tauranga again for a visit...) I'll try to keep up from now on.
Overall, we're enjoying life in New Zealand once again. I'm so thrilled to have a job that I can take the kids to. I can also work from home and keep my own hours. It's the kind of job every homeschool mom needs! I have learned MYOB accounting software, and I now use Microsoft Outlook to keep track of my tasks. I keep lists in categories; homeschool, personal finances, work, Girls' Rally (oh yeah, we're doing a play for a Sunday service in October. Pharaoh, Pharaoh.), and our home life.
Blessings,
Marilyn
On the 13th of Sept. the kids and I joined other homeschoolers in the area to sing and play instruments to the elderly in a resthome. This was Ben's first time playing his violin in front of strangers. We sang hymns and the old folks said it was the best!
On the weekend of the 15th, we went to a resort town called Pauanui, where the hospital (Rick's work) staff society own a house for everyone's use (at a nominal cost). It is so sought after, they have to have a lottery for holidays. Rick managed to get it for the weekend when someone cancelled. It was a special weekend for us all, especially given that the weather has really warmed up. We played at the beach, sat in coffee shops (The Chocolate Pretzel was my favorite), and browsed through kitchen and clothing stores. We drove to the golf course and went through "open houses" that we couldn't afford, walked and walked around the village for hours, and painted, knitted, and read books back at the house. It was such a nice weekend. Oh, and then we drove for 5 hours around the Coromandel which was the very long way home. (The Coromandel is a peninsula off the East coast of Auckland). Pauanui was only 1.5 hrs away from home.
On the 18th, we went to Precept Ministries Workshop/Bible study. It was mainly an introduction to Inductive Bible Study which I have already been to. I thought it might be good for Rick to go to but we both enjoyed it. It's good to meet new people and there were teenage homeschoolers there too. It was great.
On the 19th, my dad arrived but I didn't see much of him. We met him at the mall for a few hours, then he came to pick up the kids to take them to Russell, in the Bay of Islands where Dad's brother lives. It was a nice quiet weekend for Rick and I. Then Dad brought them home on Sunday and stayed for dinner. He came to NZ to escort his friend back home. His friend was visiting him in Canada and had a massive heart attack while he was there. So Dad had to stay with him to take him to doctor's appointments etc. Too bad for us, not to have Dad stay with us.
That same Sunday that Dad came for dinner, we had our friends' kids come from Tauranga. They stayed with us for a week while their mom was in England. This was a fantastic week. I was mother to 5 kids (one 2.5 y/o little boy, one 6 y/o girl, three boys 8, 9, and 10). We did the beach, the wave pool, the petting zoo, the park and had a blast all week. It turned out that I also had to start my new job at the church that week, so I had a babysitter come for 2 half days.
The church, where I am now doing accounting, is really exciting. There is so much going on. We don't actually attend this AOG but it's really neat to see all the people in action. What a beehive of activity!
The sewing has slowed to a halt but the owner has asked me to help him set up his books. I put him onto Rick!
Well, that sums up my busy life over the past 2 weeks. I could have started back in August but that would have taken me too long to get through. (Roger came to visit in August, we went to an ice cream factory, had Nick's birthday, and went to Tauranga again for a visit...) I'll try to keep up from now on.
Overall, we're enjoying life in New Zealand once again. I'm so thrilled to have a job that I can take the kids to. I can also work from home and keep my own hours. It's the kind of job every homeschool mom needs! I have learned MYOB accounting software, and I now use Microsoft Outlook to keep track of my tasks. I keep lists in categories; homeschool, personal finances, work, Girls' Rally (oh yeah, we're doing a play for a Sunday service in October. Pharaoh, Pharaoh.), and our home life.
Blessings,
Marilyn
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Aug. 6, 2006
A new job
We had a wonderful time in Omokoroa with our friends. I didn't try to see everyone as the kids just wanted to play in the backyard sandbox. They built a fire and ate their dinner out there. What fun!
One of the conversations my friend and I got into was about confession and penance. She's Catholic, I'm a Christian. It was a futile discussion because I don't believe in the basic premise of the Catholic church structure, with priests, etc. and I don't see the need for penance? Salvation is by grace alone. Forgiveness of sin is through Christ alone. Nothing we do can help or make ammends for our sin. Yes, we need to confess our sin... but... "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Yes, we need to confess, yes we need to be sorry for our sins. It has brought my attention to the study of confession and the priesthood of all believers. Any comments on this subject would be welcome.
I have just had an answer to prayer with regards to a job. I had applied for several part time jobs that I didn't really want but my husband urged me to apply. With only two children, I have a bit of time on my hands but I didn't want to work outside of the home. The Lord brought the perfect job for me and it wasn't in the papers or on any website!! I met this man at a local craft marketplace where we got talking about his business. I offered my talents and he took my number! I'm now sewing for a cottage industry garment manufacturer, in my own home, in my own time! The owner of the company delivered an industrial machine to my home and bags of work for me to do. I'm so pleased! The product is a super fine merino wool jacket for women. It's sold primarily in tourist shops around the country. I'm so thankful. Now to discipline myself to sit down at the machine for hours on end!!
Must get to work!
One of the conversations my friend and I got into was about confession and penance. She's Catholic, I'm a Christian. It was a futile discussion because I don't believe in the basic premise of the Catholic church structure, with priests, etc. and I don't see the need for penance? Salvation is by grace alone. Forgiveness of sin is through Christ alone. Nothing we do can help or make ammends for our sin. Yes, we need to confess our sin... but... "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Yes, we need to confess, yes we need to be sorry for our sins. It has brought my attention to the study of confession and the priesthood of all believers. Any comments on this subject would be welcome.
I have just had an answer to prayer with regards to a job. I had applied for several part time jobs that I didn't really want but my husband urged me to apply. With only two children, I have a bit of time on my hands but I didn't want to work outside of the home. The Lord brought the perfect job for me and it wasn't in the papers or on any website!! I met this man at a local craft marketplace where we got talking about his business. I offered my talents and he took my number! I'm now sewing for a cottage industry garment manufacturer, in my own home, in my own time! The owner of the company delivered an industrial machine to my home and bags of work for me to do. I'm so pleased! The product is a super fine merino wool jacket for women. It's sold primarily in tourist shops around the country. I'm so thankful. Now to discipline myself to sit down at the machine for hours on end!!
Must get to work!
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Jul. 29, 2006
Friends and Family
Oops! It's been almost 2 weeks since I posted. I have been feeling a bit better emotionally/ spiritually. It's interesting how friends play such an important part of life. We had friends from Whangarei (3 hrs north) down for the weekend (last weekend). We celebrated Christmas-in-July together without gifts. It was such a fun time, cooking a turkey with all the trimmings. We even put up a bough at the front door and the fake Christmas tree with lights. The children played Christmas carol on their instruments. The weekend was sunny and warm (about 17 deg) so we had breakfast out on the patio. The idea was to have something to look forward to in the middle of winter. It worked! The children loved it and the boys/men went fishing while Abigail and I went shopping. It's amazing how much more fun shopping is with a girlfriend (and without two little boys to stand in the way of Crabtree and Evelyn). We have several malls here in Auckland, but none of them are anything like Guildford in Surrey. Our friends are pregnant with their first child. So exciting!! We planned a baby quilt and went maternity shopping as Abigail is anticipating a hot summer in her 3rd trimester.
This week has been encouraging as 2 women have reached out to me. I realized that to gain a friend, that person must first need a friend. And if one is too busy to be available for a new friend, one may miss out on the gift of that friendship. Both these women sent me a simple email which told me that they were thinking of me. It meant so much. The Lord knows how much I need relationships to keep me going. I met Karen for breakfast at the farmer's market before church this morning. It was a lovely way to get to know each other without children around to pull on me, pointing at their watches. We talked about getting to know our husbands, moving to NZ (she's American) and living life in NZ. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks this country is a little behind the times. (Propane heaters in the living room is just not healthy!)
Tomorrow, I'm planning to take the boys back to Omokoroa to see friends (a 2 hr drive south). We'll stay the night and visit with all our buddies. Can't wait.
Other good news: My mom has booked her ticket to visit my sister and I. She is coming for a month in total, split between here and Australia. October 23 -November 23! Yay!!!! Praise the Lord!
This week has been encouraging as 2 women have reached out to me. I realized that to gain a friend, that person must first need a friend. And if one is too busy to be available for a new friend, one may miss out on the gift of that friendship. Both these women sent me a simple email which told me that they were thinking of me. It meant so much. The Lord knows how much I need relationships to keep me going. I met Karen for breakfast at the farmer's market before church this morning. It was a lovely way to get to know each other without children around to pull on me, pointing at their watches. We talked about getting to know our husbands, moving to NZ (she's American) and living life in NZ. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks this country is a little behind the times. (Propane heaters in the living room is just not healthy!)
Tomorrow, I'm planning to take the boys back to Omokoroa to see friends (a 2 hr drive south). We'll stay the night and visit with all our buddies. Can't wait.
Other good news: My mom has booked her ticket to visit my sister and I. She is coming for a month in total, split between here and Australia. October 23 -November 23! Yay!!!! Praise the Lord!
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Jul. 17, 2006
Girls' Rally
Today is Tuesday, Girls' Rally day! New Zealand is back at school after 2 weeks of holidays so we're back at Rally. We're planning a big Birthday Bash for all the girls. It's a way to celebrate all their birthdays at once. I'm really excited about it. I've baked a cake and bought loot bag surprises. Now I just have to find tracks to put in them. We mailed out invitations and are hoping to get some girls back that haven't been for a while. Praying for a good turnout.
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Jul. 9, 2006
The Way They Learn
Just read an interesting book that I bought at the homeschool conference in Matamata. It was written by Cynthia Tobias, called The Way They Learn. It's a simple read. It's about "how to discover and teach to your child's strengths." I bought it with the notion that I needed help with teaching my younger son. I thought, "If only I could understand his learning style, I would be able to teach him better." Interestingly enough, he is just like me!! How did I not notice this? He doesn't study best at a desk. For all my school years, I did all my reports on my bed. Well, Nicholas is just like me in that he could care less about facts that don't relate to him NOW! I remember hating History for that simple reason. I'm also amazed to discover what frustrates my children. I read parts of this book aloud to my husband so we could discuss these issues and he showed me how Benjamin (my oldest child - aged 10) would get frustrated when I didn't start school at nine am. This is because Ben is just like his Dad and likes structure and deadlines and needs to gather all the facts (the more the better) and needs lots of time to finish his projects. He gets frustrated when he doesn't finish. I think about the two castles that each of them received for a gift. Those Usborne paper ones that you cut out and glue together. Benjamin finished it in two days. He actually finished it! Nick's is still half done. Just like me! "I'll get to it one day"
Well, I'm having a good day. Happy to be me. Happy to be homeschooling. Happy to be in NZ despite the winter. Lots of time to knit by the fire!
Well, I'm having a good day. Happy to be me. Happy to be homeschooling. Happy to be in NZ despite the winter. Lots of time to knit by the fire!
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Jul. 6, 2006
The Winter Blues
I definitely have them... the winter blues. It's so nice to return to my blog and find encouragement from people who care. Thankyou for your prayers and support. I cried when I saw so many people responded to my blog. I never expected it and am overwhelmed by such love and concern.
It was a good day today when a woman called me this morning, out of the blue, and invited me for coffee. I jumped at the chance to visit with someone. She is my sister's friend's sister (my sister lives in Australia). This woman just lives up the road and has two young children. I desperately need a friend. She invited another woman over too so now I have two friends. We went through the "wow, you homeschool" conversation. It's so hard to fit in with people who just don't get it and people who "cherish" their time without their children. The other woman's 2 year old was at creche (daycare) while she brought her two older girls with her??? I don't understand that? It's very common in NZ to send your children to playschool at 2!!!
Anyway, I got another call this morning from one of the women from my church. She is one of a very few who have young children and she told me that they're moving away. UGH! I really wanted to get to know her.
Well, I'm going to have to "choose my mood," which is what I've been trying to teach my children. My son, Nicholas, is constantly reminding me to be cheerful as Proverbs 15:15 says "A cheerful heart has a continual feast."
It was a good day today when a woman called me this morning, out of the blue, and invited me for coffee. I jumped at the chance to visit with someone. She is my sister's friend's sister (my sister lives in Australia). This woman just lives up the road and has two young children. I desperately need a friend. She invited another woman over too so now I have two friends. We went through the "wow, you homeschool" conversation. It's so hard to fit in with people who just don't get it and people who "cherish" their time without their children. The other woman's 2 year old was at creche (daycare) while she brought her two older girls with her??? I don't understand that? It's very common in NZ to send your children to playschool at 2!!!
Anyway, I got another call this morning from one of the women from my church. She is one of a very few who have young children and she told me that they're moving away. UGH! I really wanted to get to know her.
Well, I'm going to have to "choose my mood," which is what I've been trying to teach my children. My son, Nicholas, is constantly reminding me to be cheerful as Proverbs 15:15 says "A cheerful heart has a continual feast."
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Jun. 21, 2006
Trying to stay positive
I have that mixed up feeling when you keep telling yourself to "stay positive" and "don't get depressed". It's a time when I'm excited about so much and downcast at the same time. Tomorrow, I'm going on the annual HEART retreat for Homeschool moms. Looking forward to spending the weekend with my friend and meeting others who love being home with their children. At the same time, I would rather be at home with my children!
I'm enjoying the new life in the cold house in Auckland. At least that's what I keep telling myself. We got a new woodstove on the weekend but have to struggle with lighting it. Wet wood creates a smoky smell in the house. Drying clothes by the fire means smoky-smelling clothes and it doesn't actually heat the house, just the living room. What's the point!? We have to spend $400 on wood as we had ordered 2 cubic meters of wet wood and now have to order another 2 of dry wood. The irony of it is the name on the woodstove is Bronte. I feel like we are living in the 1800's with the Bronte sisters. At least that's when I think they lived?!
I have 2 dryers. One that came with the house (rental) and one that was given to us. Neither of them are working so it takes 2 days to dry the clothes on the clothes horse. It's raining constantly with short periods of sun so I don't bother hanging the clothes out. It's just like camping.
I call my mom every day. It's so good to hear her voice. I just wish she could come over for tea. I miss her so much. I also miss the nephews and neices. I almost feel like tossing it in and saying "time to go home". I'm not home here.
My dear friend is in hospital again. It's hard to be so far from friends and not be able to comfort them when they are suffering. I wish sometimes we had just come for a holiday and left it at that!!!
I'm reading a book called The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. It's wonderful and inspiring and thought provoking and comforting. I had not heard of her before and now everyone speaks of her. She came to NZ and spoke to the homeschoolers. Too bad I missed it. Better get dinner ready. TTFN
I'm enjoying the new life in the cold house in Auckland. At least that's what I keep telling myself. We got a new woodstove on the weekend but have to struggle with lighting it. Wet wood creates a smoky smell in the house. Drying clothes by the fire means smoky-smelling clothes and it doesn't actually heat the house, just the living room. What's the point!? We have to spend $400 on wood as we had ordered 2 cubic meters of wet wood and now have to order another 2 of dry wood. The irony of it is the name on the woodstove is Bronte. I feel like we are living in the 1800's with the Bronte sisters. At least that's when I think they lived?!
I have 2 dryers. One that came with the house (rental) and one that was given to us. Neither of them are working so it takes 2 days to dry the clothes on the clothes horse. It's raining constantly with short periods of sun so I don't bother hanging the clothes out. It's just like camping.
I call my mom every day. It's so good to hear her voice. I just wish she could come over for tea. I miss her so much. I also miss the nephews and neices. I almost feel like tossing it in and saying "time to go home". I'm not home here.
My dear friend is in hospital again. It's hard to be so far from friends and not be able to comfort them when they are suffering. I wish sometimes we had just come for a holiday and left it at that!!!
I'm reading a book called The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. It's wonderful and inspiring and thought provoking and comforting. I had not heard of her before and now everyone speaks of her. She came to NZ and spoke to the homeschoolers. Too bad I missed it. Better get dinner ready. TTFN
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Jun. 10, 2006
Settling into a new church
It's Sunday evening and we've enjoyed another Lord's Day with fellow believers. It's interesting how we evaluate a new church, comparing it with the old ones and slotting it into a new hole in our journey. It's hard to sum up this new church, it's got elements of the past (tradition and roots being similar to my past) but also a flavour of its own. I get a sense that there is discouragement and disappointment prevailing. There is perhaps even a slight lack of cohersion. As we get to know some of the folk, this feeling is confirmed. Comments like "lack of communication" lead us to this conclusion. I am not easily discouraged by this, but feel that God has led us here for a reason. I definitely jump in with two feet anyway. I want to help out wherever possible and want to get involved but I'm trying to ease in slowly and prayerfully so that I don't step on toes or upset anyone.
The first place I feel of service is in the children's work. Girls' Rally is a wonderful work and reaches about 20 families. I've enjoyed the craft time and mother and daughter night especially. This was wonderful because I could connect with other women. I'm starting to fit in which feels good.
The message today was very poignant for me. The missionary who spoke mentioned "living in the community". He described living in Mozambique and building his "hut" like the other homes and getting the locals to help build it. We have often commented that if we could build a house, we would build a Canadian house with insulation, double glazed windows, and central heating; NOT like these New Zealand houses. They're terribly cold! This message was from Philipians 4. It was about becoming a prosperous church. Building one another up, being content (v11) and having concern for the church and community (v16), giving and receiving, being salt and light etc. It was an excellent message.
He reminded me that our deeds are a reflection of God's love. He also pointed out how Protestantism has emphasized being saved by grace as opposed to earning our salvation through good deeds. It's unfortunate that we sometimes miss the giving and receiving of God's love when we stop doing good deeds. I admit to laziness and have had to pull up my socks. I miss my Catholic friend who was constantly blessing me with her generosity and love. She is saved by grace but knows something of the blessing of giving. I've never felt so in need until now, having moved away from her. I really miss that friend.
I don't know how to end this but I'm in need of a friend to bless and be blessed. Lord, please grant me this friend and help me find my place in this new church where you have placed us. I want to be salt and light to the women and families. I want to encourage those who need encouragement and give to those who are in need. Amen
The first place I feel of service is in the children's work. Girls' Rally is a wonderful work and reaches about 20 families. I've enjoyed the craft time and mother and daughter night especially. This was wonderful because I could connect with other women. I'm starting to fit in which feels good.
The message today was very poignant for me. The missionary who spoke mentioned "living in the community". He described living in Mozambique and building his "hut" like the other homes and getting the locals to help build it. We have often commented that if we could build a house, we would build a Canadian house with insulation, double glazed windows, and central heating; NOT like these New Zealand houses. They're terribly cold! This message was from Philipians 4. It was about becoming a prosperous church. Building one another up, being content (v11) and having concern for the church and community (v16), giving and receiving, being salt and light etc. It was an excellent message.
He reminded me that our deeds are a reflection of God's love. He also pointed out how Protestantism has emphasized being saved by grace as opposed to earning our salvation through good deeds. It's unfortunate that we sometimes miss the giving and receiving of God's love when we stop doing good deeds. I admit to laziness and have had to pull up my socks. I miss my Catholic friend who was constantly blessing me with her generosity and love. She is saved by grace but knows something of the blessing of giving. I've never felt so in need until now, having moved away from her. I really miss that friend.
I don't know how to end this but I'm in need of a friend to bless and be blessed. Lord, please grant me this friend and help me find my place in this new church where you have placed us. I want to be salt and light to the women and families. I want to encourage those who need encouragement and give to those who are in need. Amen
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May. 14, 2006
A new home
I'm all settled into the new place. It's been a little over a month since we got here and we're loving it. It's quieter but giving us more time to get schoolwork done. My friend, Fran, came with her children for a visit. It was so good to have them over. I have had company but there's nothing quite like a girlfriend to cheer you. We've learned so many things together and sharing how God's working in our lives is an amazing bond.
I'm enjoying the old "villa" but it is bitterly cold at the moment. The house temp is usually 16 or 17 degrees C. I wake up and ponder doing school from my warm bed!! I have a heating pad on my mattress so it's extra hard to get out of bed in the morning. I still got up this morning to make my husband's lunch but jumped right back in and stayed there until 8:30am!
We've been reading lots of books lately because the television is trash and we don't want to let our kids see the homosexuality in the commercials let alone the sitcoms. It's just awful. I can honestly say that a book is much more enjoyable and I'm not much of a reader! We took away the playstation last week for some behaviour and the kids are reading more too. I'm so pleased. I don't ever want to bring it out again!! I'm sounding a little self righteous, but if anyone out there is even thinking about getting rid of the awful playstation, I'm so glad I at least put it in the closet. Next step is the garbage! Pray for me!
We are enjoying our new church. It's wonderful feeling a part of a family, or should I say THE family. The struggle now is finding friends close to home. We're going to join the Manukau Homeschool support group. I've met a few moms who belong and they seemed very lovely. One had 5 kids and one 4. I'm going to the homeschooling retreat in June. I can't wait to meet all those wonderful moms of 8, 10, and 12 kids!!! I've been on such a journey this past year with regards to growing our family. But I'll save that for another entry.
I'm enjoying the old "villa" but it is bitterly cold at the moment. The house temp is usually 16 or 17 degrees C. I wake up and ponder doing school from my warm bed!! I have a heating pad on my mattress so it's extra hard to get out of bed in the morning. I still got up this morning to make my husband's lunch but jumped right back in and stayed there until 8:30am!
We've been reading lots of books lately because the television is trash and we don't want to let our kids see the homosexuality in the commercials let alone the sitcoms. It's just awful. I can honestly say that a book is much more enjoyable and I'm not much of a reader! We took away the playstation last week for some behaviour and the kids are reading more too. I'm so pleased. I don't ever want to bring it out again!! I'm sounding a little self righteous, but if anyone out there is even thinking about getting rid of the awful playstation, I'm so glad I at least put it in the closet. Next step is the garbage! Pray for me!
We are enjoying our new church. It's wonderful feeling a part of a family, or should I say THE family. The struggle now is finding friends close to home. We're going to join the Manukau Homeschool support group. I've met a few moms who belong and they seemed very lovely. One had 5 kids and one 4. I'm going to the homeschooling retreat in June. I can't wait to meet all those wonderful moms of 8, 10, and 12 kids!!! I've been on such a journey this past year with regards to growing our family. But I'll save that for another entry.
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Mar. 13, 2006
Things are falling into place
I am pleased to say that things are falling into place now with the decision to move to Auckland. Even my dad commented that it looks like "it was meant to be" and that's something for my Dad to say. I want my life to reflect God's hand and although I make mistakes and wonder why I do some things, I know that God is teaching me. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are all in training to be obedient.
One of my lessons this past week was to not control my husband or influence him to go "my way". This was very hard, but I prayed and asked the Lord to guide him and show him, and even though I didn't like the decision he made, I had to trust God that He was in control. Twice when my husband had made the decision to take the job, I interfered, which, I think, is one of the reasons for the ups and downs I faced these past two weeks. My friends have been such a blessing to me over the past few days, and God has used them too... giving me verses, hugs, prayer, and my ladies' Bible study group...well, that is another story! A new person joined us and we all had to share a bit about ourselves to introduce ourselves to her. My heart was pounding as I heard each one talk about the many moves in their lives. I knew that I had to tell them that I was moving. I've done it so many times before, but it still hurts to leave. They were all so wonderful, encouraging me to start a Bible study where we were moving to, and telling me they would visit because it's only 2 hrs away.
Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to be patient and obedient in what seems like the most difficult situations. When the pressure is on, you are there. When I feel such loss, you fill the emptiness, and when I think that I couldn't possibly make more friends in a new town, you show me that your family is constantly growing. There is always room in your Kingdom, so my heart must have room for more friends too. I cannot limit you, Oh God. Your love never fails.
Be with my friends today, the sick, the homeschool moms, and my elderly friends at Acacia Park, and fill them with your love today. Ease their hurts both physical and emotional. In Jesus name, Amen.
One of my lessons this past week was to not control my husband or influence him to go "my way". This was very hard, but I prayed and asked the Lord to guide him and show him, and even though I didn't like the decision he made, I had to trust God that He was in control. Twice when my husband had made the decision to take the job, I interfered, which, I think, is one of the reasons for the ups and downs I faced these past two weeks. My friends have been such a blessing to me over the past few days, and God has used them too... giving me verses, hugs, prayer, and my ladies' Bible study group...well, that is another story! A new person joined us and we all had to share a bit about ourselves to introduce ourselves to her. My heart was pounding as I heard each one talk about the many moves in their lives. I knew that I had to tell them that I was moving. I've done it so many times before, but it still hurts to leave. They were all so wonderful, encouraging me to start a Bible study where we were moving to, and telling me they would visit because it's only 2 hrs away.
Thank you, Lord, for teaching me to be patient and obedient in what seems like the most difficult situations. When the pressure is on, you are there. When I feel such loss, you fill the emptiness, and when I think that I couldn't possibly make more friends in a new town, you show me that your family is constantly growing. There is always room in your Kingdom, so my heart must have room for more friends too. I cannot limit you, Oh God. Your love never fails.
Be with my friends today, the sick, the homeschool moms, and my elderly friends at Acacia Park, and fill them with your love today. Ease their hurts both physical and emotional. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Mar. 7, 2006
Extremely confused and unsettled!
I hate to admit defeat but I am giving up; throwing up my hands and saying whatever you want Lord. I really don't know why God sends us spinning just when we thought everything was going smoothly? The job that my husband turned down has come back to bite him! They have made a new offer and he is considering it.
Today, I felt like my head was going to explode with pressure and it finally did when my friend dropped by to visit. I fell apart. I don't know what is going to happen in the next 3 days but we have until Friday to decide if we want to accept the job in Auckland after all. Decisions, decisions??? My husband wants the job and always has wanted the job, but we thought the increase in pay was an answer to prayer and we are now wondering why this is all happening? We are praying and reading. Today I started reading about Abraham and about how he moved to Canaan. Why do I keep reading about moving?!
Anyway, not much schooling is happening around here, just daily math, journal, the odd spelling test, and lots and lots of reading!! I need to get some consistency in my routine. I'm starting a Kay Arthur Bible study with my kids on Abraham. I'm really excited about the method of study. Colouring the WHO blue and underlining the WHAT, double underlining, circling, boxing, etc. It's neat for the kids and helps us to understand the text. We look for the pronouns and key words and phrases. It's a great method.
Today, I felt like my head was going to explode with pressure and it finally did when my friend dropped by to visit. I fell apart. I don't know what is going to happen in the next 3 days but we have until Friday to decide if we want to accept the job in Auckland after all. Decisions, decisions??? My husband wants the job and always has wanted the job, but we thought the increase in pay was an answer to prayer and we are now wondering why this is all happening? We are praying and reading. Today I started reading about Abraham and about how he moved to Canaan. Why do I keep reading about moving?!
Anyway, not much schooling is happening around here, just daily math, journal, the odd spelling test, and lots and lots of reading!! I need to get some consistency in my routine. I'm starting a Kay Arthur Bible study with my kids on Abraham. I'm really excited about the method of study. Colouring the WHO blue and underlining the WHAT, double underlining, circling, boxing, etc. It's neat for the kids and helps us to understand the text. We look for the pronouns and key words and phrases. It's a great method.
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Mar. 1, 2006
God is so amazing!!!
I am so amazed at how God works things out! My husband turned down the job offer. We are staying put!! We are so happy to not be moving and so amazed at how everything worked out to remain here in Omokoroa. Thank you to those who have been praying and supporting us. God knew our needs and made it very clear that we are meant to be here.
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Feb. 27, 2006
Got the job!
Hi again. Thanks for the comments to my anxious thoughts. My husband just texted me on my mobile phone to say that he got the job in Auckland, NZ. I have mixed feelings about this but I'm sure I'll get through it - again! God may have brought me here to heal from some church issues that I was struggling with at the beginning of the year? I do feel stronger and more eager to go out in the vineyard than ever before. Now I need to pray for the neighbourhood, the church, etc. where God wants us to be.
I am thankful that today just moments after I heard about the job offer, my boys' friend told them that he was moving to Auckland. God knows just how to comfort us when we need it the most! I was feeling so bad for the kids because they have such good friends. The other thing that gave me comfort was that my closest friend here, (the one that just started homeschooling) told me that her husband also applied for a job out of town.
The best part about moving to Auckland would be that my husband wouldn't have to commute so far to work. His time home with the family will be longer and that's worth it all!
I am thankful that today just moments after I heard about the job offer, my boys' friend told them that he was moving to Auckland. God knows just how to comfort us when we need it the most! I was feeling so bad for the kids because they have such good friends. The other thing that gave me comfort was that my closest friend here, (the one that just started homeschooling) told me that her husband also applied for a job out of town.
The best part about moving to Auckland would be that my husband wouldn't have to commute so far to work. His time home with the family will be longer and that's worth it all!