www.homeschoolblogger.com/earthenvessel/

This is a really great article and one we should all stop and remember the next time we hesitate to share a prayer request with our prayer warrior friends!!!

I Hate to Burden You
Renee Swope

“Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the
Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people.” Ephesians 6:18 (CEV)

Devotion:
Although my email was intended to be a prayer request, it started out more
like an apology. I needed my friends to pray, but I was hesitant to ask them
I didn't want my request to be a burden. After all, the group of friends I
was sending the email to already had so many burdens of their own: illness,
job loss, death, stress, relationship strains, overloaded schedules, etc.

I wondered if my need rated high enough on the urgency “Richter” scale? Was
it bad enough to ask for prayer or should I wait to see how things turned
out?

The first sentence in my email went something like this: "I hate to add to
your list of burdens, but I need prayer for JJ."

My husband had signs of a health problem and was having tests done that week
I didn’t know whether it was going to be anything serious in the end. I
just knew that I didn’t want to walk through it in fear, in denial, nor in
my own strength. I didn’t want to go through it alone either. I wanted my
man to have as much spiritual protection as possible. I wanted those doctors
to be anointed in prayer, and I knew if my girlfriends were praying, it’d be
all right!

Within fifteen minutes after I hit “send” my friends who were on their
computers started telling me they were praying. Not only did they pray, they
thanked me for sharing what was going on and for letting them be there for
me. One friend shared how someone she knew had been through a similar
situation. Another asked questions and made some great suggestions. Then
another cracked a funny joke that made me laugh, which I really needed to
do!

The night before we went to the hospital, I got an email from my friend Amy
saying, "I've been lifting prayers heavenward for your family since your
last email. Know that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Let us
know as soon as you hear results. We're all in this with you, friend."

As I read her last sentence, it was as though I could feel the softness of
her hands gently squeeze my shoulders and hear her voice saying, "We're all
in this with you, friend."

What if I had not shared our need with my friends? I would’ve missed out on
the comfort of having them “with me” and the peace that came as a result of
their prayers.
They would’ve missed out on the opportunity to be the “Body of Christ” by
guarding our hearts and minds with God’s promises and the power of prayer.
They also would have missed the joy of celebrating medical tests that went
really well, peace that surpassed our understanding and recovery that was
quick. Even as we wait for the test results, their prayers and God’s peace
remain as our constant companions.

I am so glad I didn’t listen to those thoughts that made me feel like my
request was a burden.

God is teaching me much about prayer. For someone who hates to impose on
others, I need to be reminded that asking for prayer isn't about putting
burdens on my friends. It's about letting them walk by my side down a path
that I was never intended to walk alone. In return, they let me do the same.

Lord, thank You for never seeing my prayers as a burden. Please teach me
more about the power and the purpose of prayer in my life and in my
friendships. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Renee Swope’s blog for the rest of the story, and for more ways to
connect with God and your girlfriends through prayer.

A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer, by Cheri Fuller

Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer by Tara Furman

Application Steps:
Ask God what friend He wants you to pray for this week, and who He wants you
to ask to pray for you as well. If you don’t have someone (or if you want
to have more than one), visit Renee’s blog where she’s connecting women
through prayer – sharing requests and praying for each other - for the next
few weeks.

Reflections:
Is it hard for you to share prayer requests with others? Why or why not?

Power Verses:
Psalm 68:19, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our
burdens.” (NIV)

Philemon 1:4, “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,
because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the
saints.” (NIV)

Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
(NIV)

© 2008 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31. org 

Reprinted with permission

www.homeschoolblogger.com/earthenvessel/

There is a Special Ed teacher who is one of the crew leaders at our VBS. Has gotten Teacher of the year at least once. She is a really neat lady, I have known her for a few years now. I was taking T to the bathroom this morning and we walked past her and her crew. She stuck her hand out and gave T a High Five, called him by name and asked him how he was doing. I asked her, "Do you know him???" She said, "Oh, yeah, he was in my Kindergarden class this last year."

 

A bit later in the day, one of the little girls in our group told me that T showed her his middle finger. I tried to explain to him that we don't do that. He went into a meltdown telling me over and over that he didn't show anyone his middle finger. I couldn't get him to calm down again so I took him to Mr. Dean one of our Leadership. Mr. Dean talked to him for a little while and then brought him back to me. He said, "if T needs to come talk to me again, I told him to let you know. Please, let me know if we need to move him to another crew." I said, "As a matter of fact....he was in Ms. Carol's K class this past year and she knows him." So we switched him to Ms. Carol's crew, took Knight #2 from her crew and put him with me. (I didn't want to add another child to Ms. Carol's crew).

 

When I talked to Ms. Carol a bit later, she told me that she had T look in her eyes and asked, "T, what happens when your momma gets upset with you?" "Oh, I don't like THAT!" he said. Ms. Carol said, "Then you just pretend I'm your momma."  She brought him over to talk to me because he just HAD to tell Ms. Dee what a good boy he was being. I guess later in the day he was asking if he could go back to be with Ms. Dee (probably because he got away with more when with me). Ms. Carol said, "Nope!" So now I get to still love on T when I see him, but I don't have to be responsible for him.  And Knight #2 made a new best friend with one of the little boys in my crew!
 

As I sit here at Deerhunter's desk, not-so-patiently waiting on hold for a lovely helpful government employee  to pick up the phone so I can let them know that once again they sent me an intent to levy..because I missed a payment, but their computer says I did send it.....gotta love efficiency..first recording said 15 minutes...we'll see..I've checked facebook and all my friends' blogs, and now will write this as I wait...

   God has burdened me lately in the area of our eating. About 2 years ago Deerhunter and I lost a combined 50 or 60 pounds using Atkins/low carb. Although we do think about starches and sugars differently, we have had a hard time sticking to it. We've gained some of the weight back. My kids are not eating enough healthy foods, and as a woman in her 30's I am struggling in the area of hormones. all those factors put together have been a matter of concern, and God has laid it on my heart to make some pretty drastic changes. Here are our goals:

-reduce the amount of refined sugar in our diets

-increase the quantity and quality of fruits and vegetables (going organic when possible)

-reduce and possibly eliminate hormones and antibiotics in dairy and meats

-increase whole grains and fiber

This is our second week. I think I will blog weekly on our experiences as to help those of you who are considering similar changes, or who have helpful input.

WEEK ONE-

I came up with a plan of attack. I wanted to immediately change the things we eat the most of.  So as we begin making changes, I will continue to have us eat what is in our freezers and pantry. I don't want to waste OR hit our pocketbook so hard that we get discouraged right off. I decided that my weekly mainstays will change..hormone free dairy, whole grain bread...and not buy other things without reading labels first, steering clear of fructose, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, phosphates, and anything else I can't pronounce, and as condiments or other thigns run out, replace them with healthier options. DH and I had a date night at Whole Foods, just to see what's out there, learn some things, and get sticker shock.

(yeahh! the hold is over..I'll get back to you guys in a minute!..she put me back on hold! ughhh!)

Also we had J's birthday party this week. I wanted to keep the kids aware of the changes we were making, but also reassure them that special occasions are an exception. I am not at a point in my life where I can do the all homemade treats, so I just did J's party well, plenty of sweets, a really cute construction truck cake made using all different sorts of candies. That brings us to week 2!

WEEK 2

The thing I've noticed this week so far is that shopping takes more time, $, and thought. I have to go to 2 grocery stores now (Walmart and Publix), I may have to go more frequently because of using more fresh produce. And because of having to read labels, I have to either go to the store with 1 or no children versus the 3. Deerhunter is going to check out the farmer's market downtown this afternoon to see what is available, organic or otherwise, since he has a recent infatuation with his new gadget, the juicer. My pantry is starting to clear out, as well as my fridge.

(okay, so the wonderful government employee said they are no longer going to levy my belongings, but has left me confused as to whether I am behind or ahead on my payments...can anyone say 'flat tax please??!!!')

So there it is, in the midst of wrapping my brain around the upcoming school year, I've got this project going...I'm beginning to hear from friends that that is how I operate..it's never just one thing, and it's never simple...it's just me, being who God created me to be!..and sometimes driving myself and the people around me crazy, dizzy, or both....

I'm giggling as I'm sure that title made a few eyebrows raise of people who know we unschool.  I mean really, what unschooler prepares for back to school?  Well, I'm not really, but since I'm always looking for great information, I figured I'd share.

Homeschool Reviews  is an online resource where many homeschoolers have posted their thoughts on the different curriculums that they have used.  Since I'm always looking, I found the personal experiences very useful.

Green Box on the top of my sidebar   This little green box is a simple and wonderful way to search through HSB and find posts about things you are interested in. 

What have we been doing?  This Summer has been filled with game play:  Dwarf Fortress , Pirates of the Carribean , Runescape, Funorb, and the current favorite, World of Warcraft.  Along with these online games, there's been lots of books read, stories told, and costumes made.  The thing that always jumps out at me whenever we start a new game or project is that my youngest graps the manual and reads it through.  That might not sound impressive till you realize that the manuals are usually at least 358 pages long!  Some are four times that size, and many have dedicated web pages just to explain all the rules, abilities, and strategies of game play. 

This skill might not seem all that important but take a look at Dwarf Fortress.  That game is mind boggling.  My spouse and I were just discussing it, and he was saying that it takes a computer programmer type brain to be able to play it.  On Wiki they state,"It has a very steep learning curve, partly due to its ASCII graphics, but also due to the fact that it is one of the most complex games ever released."  Their slogan is "Losing is fun."  This game is near impossible to win and you better just accept that before playing otherwise you won't enjoy the game.

 I've found my son researching all types of things.  How mines really work, the textile industry, economics, interest rates, glass blowing,.... the list is long for he researches everything that he is curious about and that's a non-ending curiosity.  I love unschooling!

I have a new link for you and it is free and it is a brand new song! Our worship leader Trent Smith who is incredibly gifted of the Lord has uploaded a new song on our churches website which is available for download for all of you who have those fancy song players on your blogs. If you dont have a fancy song player you can still listen to it on the website.

So for your listening pleasure and to spur you on to make a difference in your generation and as homeschool moms in the generation to come, Come and listen and be blessed... HERE

Oh and the background singers... that is our church, we ROCK!

Because of Jesus, Bobbie

This past weekend was so awesome. First we attended Camp Dwight. It is a family camp that our friends put on in Tumalo Oregon. If you can attend next year you should not miss it. The speakers were incredible and the fellowship with like minded families was such a blessing. I really cannot express how much of a blessing this time was to our families. There were over 400 people...probably half or more being children. Most camped out in tents or RVs but some stayed in hotels or just drove back and forth from home if they lived close enough. There was a talent night Saturday night with talent that glorified Jesus. It inspired me to give my children the tools they need to use the gifts they've been given for the glory of God. During the day there was lots of fun stuff to do...water slides, swimin in the creek, trampolines and the zip line.

 That's my little guy way up there! (with a harness, of course)

We were exhausted but it was worth it.

Then we came home for a few sweet hours of sleep and got up early to go blueberry picking with some very dear friends. It was hot and hard work...but we all came out of it with a booty of berries that should last the year. The owner of the farm gave us a discounted price for all our effort (5 adults came picking with 10 children under the age of 6!)

So now we are home..well for a short time. Tomorrow my Dad is going to take my older three for a few days to his home. This is the first time they will be away from us for more than a few hours. They will have a  blast...Joe and I on the other hand, may not make it. We will leave on Sunday to go get them and spend a little time with my Dad and his wife. Then...we want to do something fun in the Portland area to celebrate our 7th anniversary!

Life is busy and we are luvin it.

Brief Synopsis (with no spoilers...I promise!):  The setting is the distant future, and Earth has been abandoned by all human life due to the overabundance of trash build-up over the years.  It hints that the Buy-N-Large (think Wal-mart on steroids) corporation is to blame.  Wall-E, a garbage collecting robot and the last of his kind, and his pet cockroach are all the personality left on our desolate planet.  Wall-E continues to do what he is programed to do, with occasional sidetracks as he's fascinated with all of our left-over trinkets and gadgets and has built up quite a collection of odds and ends.  He has everything from an old VCR player and homemade tapes to silverware to a strapless bra (which he has no idea of the function, by the way).  Life for Wall-E seems fairly lonely and mundane until the arrival of Eve, a recon robot sent from the massive space ship (think cruise ship in space) where all the overweight, lazy humans have been for hundreds of years.  She's sent to see if life is sustainable once again on Earth.  In the meantime she meets Wall-E before she indeed does find a sign of life.  Her attraction to the quirky little robot doesn't stop her from her mission however, and she is soon heading back to the mother ship with her info....but lonely Wall-E hitches a ride, and that's where all the fun begins!

Why We Went to See It:  It's a Pixar movie.  Period.

Why You Might  Want to See It:  It's a Pixar movie.  Period.  And it's better than Ratatouille, which I didn't like near as well as most Pixars.  Pixar has the best writers on the planet.  They are simply amazing.

Why You Might Not Want to See It:  If you have very small children they might be bored at the beginning because there's little dialogue, and the plot is built through Wall-E's actions and quirky personality only.  That is absolutely the only reason I can think of.  Of course you don't have to see it in the theater.

Will You Die if You Don't See It?:  Eventually, yes.  If you boycot this film, I'd say you have approximately one year to live....so plenty of time for the dvd.

A Good Substitute:  Well, if you haven't seen other Pixar movies, go rent them all.  Other than that, there isn't one.  Go see this.